YD does Galapagos - 30.09.07-13.10.07 (Yes, you did read that right!!!)

[ahar]

You lucky lucky lot!

Originally Posted by Gizmo

Lou, would appreciate some details on that Inca trail when you get a mo, could you email it across..... Thanks

Be careful when finding a company to book the Inca trail with - generally all of the operators run the same service but the cheaper ones tend to screw the porters that they use and pay them terrible wages. Also, make sure you book with plenty of notice as there are a limited number of permits available.

We went with http://www.sastravelperu.com/index.html - a bit more expensive but they treat their staff well.

Also, if you have some time in Cusco make sure that you visit the ruins around Cusco before going to Machu Pichu otherwise you may be a little disappointed. And, if you have time at Machu Pichu, climb WannaPichu (the peak in the backgound of the photos). It's a bit of a hike but you get a great view at the top.

After hiking the trail, spend a night in Aguas Calientes (the town next to Machi Pichu) - the hot water baths are just what the doctor ordered after the hard hike!

[Lou]

Can't green you just yet, but thankyou very much for that. I was having a lok at the travel guides in WHSmiths yesterday and they prett much said the same stuff about the guides - they recommended paying about $200 or so for the trip as the companies that continue to charge that when prices have been beaten down as low as $50 tend to be the ones who pay their staff well.

Certainly intend on padding out the trip as long as possible in the Andes area - it has been a long held ambition and I don't want to rush it!

Cheers again

Lou

[Justin Owen]

Trying not to get jealous and upset about not being able to go on this trip...

by reminding myself that i'm going to Cocos in 2007...

[Lou]

Originally Posted by Justin Owen

Trying not to get jealous and upset about not being able to go on this trip...

by reminding myself that i'm going to Cocos in 2007...

I was waiting for that - saw your post on David A's thread as we were thinking about it and it did mean I didn't feel so silly putting a deposit down on a holiday 23 months away!

When in 2007 are you there? And have you worked out your flight route yet - is that similar in pain to the Galapagos flight requirements?

Lou

[Justin Owen]

trip is being run by our LDS, we're going in september 2007, which is apparently quite wet & rainy but is good for the big fish (or they're just trying to make us feel better about going when its rainy!?) flights aren't booked yet, but we have a cunning plan to fly via spain direct....

[Lou]

Ahhh, same as us then. Yes, it could be damp, but in the 'Gos is seems like it is the cross over season from the dry to the wet (but good for big fish ), so fingers crossed.

We have been looking at Iberia, and KLM as alternatives to changing in the US. A balancing act between flight times and luggage allowances!

[Diving Dude]

As l've said privately l was number 16 who just couldn't commit at the moment. l've got to let the dust settle with the 'High Dudess' over the YBOD before l mention this gig.
l know DrStevil will be dissapointed if l don't come, even if there's 100s of sharks about he'll miss them all

l'm hoping that this space will still be available after xmas, when l can approach HD for approval.

The YBOD cost me a new Discovery so gawd knows what this'll cost me.

OK this may seem a bit whimpy but l am the boss in my house

luckily Sue doesn't read YD.....??

[Kev W]

Dud you are a tart I have a good mind to take the last place out of spite.

[davepazzer]

Why did I get married on 7th August 1982?
Maybe because I did'nt Dive then.
Not only have I had to bail out of a Trip to Cocos in Sept 2007, now I see another trip I would have loved to go on also a short time after my 25th.
Life is just not that fair!

[SCUBA Chick]

:Bump:

List of the team has now been updated as Fredrik and Lena have decided that they can't join us

So, roll up, roll up...spaces still available on the trip of a lifetime...

Maybe luck is going to be on your side Howard

Kathy