Day 5 of my confinement and our last full day on board the Flora. I was hoping I could convince the doctor to let me participate in today’s off ship adventure but she is a hard and fast rule follower, so no go. I get it. I had to make similar hard calls in my career.

Our last island to visit was Santa Cruz, where about 15,000 of the 33,000 residents of the Galapagos reside. It was to be the day to go to the Darwin Center and to see the giant tortoises. That’s the part I’m saddened about missing. But Patty has shared pictures and stories for me to relay here. And I’ve spent hours in my room watching documentaries about the Galapagos, so I’m pretty well informed!

On the bright side, Boris, the intrepid Maitre’D, who I’ve seen more of than anyone else on board aside from Patty, called to ask if I’d like to spend some time above deck for lunch! Woohoo! Apparently I was the only passenger remaining on board so they allowed me to go up to deck 7 and sit in one of the Glamping cabanas to enjoy lunch. I can’t begin to tell you how fabulous it felt to be out of the room and in a different part of the ship! It was odd being the only one there but I got to spend 2 1/2 hours just soaking in the island ambience. Ships and boats sailed by, including a large Greenpeace boat. Pelicans and frigates flew past. It was delightful.

All too soon Andres, the hotel manager, came to collect me as the other passengers were heading back. Sigh. But Patty, my wonderful traveling companion came by and brought souvenirs that she was able to pick out in town. My personal shopper! She sent pictures of items she thought I’d like so I could choose. What a sweetie!

And now, Miss Efficient here, with nothing else to occupy me, is all packed and ready to leave the ship in the morning. We fly back to Quito then on to Lima. So standby! The story will continue for another week.