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Posts by Fran Maitland

Final Swim. A cracker- Fran in the Galapagos

All good things come to an end. Well I guess that’s true as SwimTrek finishes today. Would it be the sensational last day we hope for? You betcha! Everyone was very chatty on the walk to the port. Last day brings an extra energy even though some have picked up coughs and colds! Into the water...

Day 5 Tintoreras- Fran in the Galapagos

This morning it was hot as we headed to Tintoreras, a bay made up of lava channels and home to assorted wildlife. Predominantly the iguana. The water here is yet another shade of blue. More a beautiful emerald colour. We got off the boat and walked along the rough path, lead by Fernando. We saw...

Day 4: Isola Isabela- Fran in the Galapagos

Tortuga is the remains of a collapsed volcano. It’s shaped like a horse shoe. The water was delicious. Perfect temperature. Nice little current and plenty to see along the way – both above and below the water. Frigate birds, sea lions, masses of fish, and of course marine iguanas. And of course...

Day 3 : Isola Isabela- Fran in the Galapagos

Breakfast was a 7am at Deli Cafe next door to our hotel. Better than yesterday’s at LoLo Cafe. A good coffee is a definite when we have a long day planned. Then it was luggage downstairs ready for the trip across to Isola Isabela our next stay. The swimming group are bonding and it’s fun and...

Day 2: A Glorious Galapagos- Fran in the Galapagos

When you have a big day ahead it’s a good idea not to miss breakfast. So at 7am we headed to LoLo (the cafe next to our hotel) for the standard swimmers breakfast. Eggs, bread, juice and coffee. By 8 am we were on the bus for the 30 min ride across the island to board our boats. There are two...

First day in paradise- Fran in the Galapagos

Our plane flight was short. An hour and half. The view on arrival was promising. Blue and calm Let the Trek begin! We were met by the Swim Trek guides, Kelly and Marlys, and settled into the airport outdoor seating area to await some fellow swimmers. The temperature is warm and slightly humid but...

The Last Stretch - Fran in Montenegro. Part 4.

Another lovely breakfast and we set off in a bus. Not our usual boat. We arrived at the Lake Skader and set off in a new boat. Big and well shaded we enjoyed the trip through what looked like mangroves with lily pads until we reached a small island - a former prison. That's where we set off...

Happy Endings - Fran in Montenegro. Part 3.

We all love a day with a Happy Ending and today was no exception. It started well with pancakes for breakfast (and there were some very creative toppings) and continued on throughout the day. Before leaving we had a ‘do it yourself’ lunch, where everyone made their own wrap. Some became every...

Slick swimming - Fran in Montenegro. Part 2.

Breakfast was again a feast, especially the Montenegran style donuts. Our host was very pleased with the glowing comments and has promised pancakes tomorrow! Lucky we're swimming. Down to the boat and Captain Pietro welcomed us on board and off we went to the little island we swam to...

Let the Swim Begin - Fran in Montenegro. Part 1.

Flying in over Dubovnik was magical, creating excitement for the start of our swim trek holiday in Montenegro. Waiting for 2 1/2 hrs in Dubovnik wasn't quite so exciting! We had coffee, read and played 'I Spy' trying to spot fellow Swim Trekkers waiting for the transfer. I spotted...