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Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands starred in a talk given by Ann Bartlett at St Mark's Hall, West Wickham on Thursday January 17.

The evening was part of the timetable of regular activities organised by members of Spring Park Social Club.

Miss Bartlett gave a two-part illustrated talk on the South American country and its famous islands.

The first part focused upon Ecuador, beginning with the capital Quito and a cable-car ride 13, 000 feet up the active Pichincha volcano to take in some spectacular views of the city.

One of the unexpected delights of the trip occurred during a visit to Papakuna private gardens, owned by an (unnamed) oil magnate, and described by Miss Bartlett as among the most beautiful gardens she had ever seen.

Out of the blue, the owner of the gardens invited the visitors to stay for lunch cooked for them by his wife.

The holiday also involved a stay at the Termas de Papallacta resort in the Ecuadorian highlands, which included the chance to enjoy the thermal springs on the banks of the Papallacta river.

After refreshments attention turned to the Galapagos Islands.

Arriving by air at the island of Baltra, the party were taken by inflatable dinghies ("pangas") to their boat, which took them on a four-day cruise of the islands.

The passengers were put ashore twice a day, having to negotiate rocky coastlines in the inflatable pangas and often having to wade.

Miss Bartlett spoke of the wide diversity of wildlife, which includes penguins, pelicans, sea lions, lava lizards and marine iguanas as well as ever-present frigate birds.

The trip also included a visit to San Cristobal giant tortoise breeding-centre, to learn of the conservation efforts and achievements on the islands.

For further information about Spring Park Social Club, please contact Peggy Spencer on 020 8777 7871.

7:59pm Sunday 27th January 2008

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