As trip leader for one of the Texas Ski Council Clubs (Club St. Bernard, San Antonio), who recently toured the islands with Active Adventures and our wonderful naturalist, Pablo V., we found it to be even more fun and interesting than expected (and we had some high expectations!). With several us being 70 or over and most of us in our 60s, we challenged ourselves to snorkel cold ocean waters and climb Sierra Negra - and we did it - tired but glad to have done it. Pablo V's passion for his job of educating us about the island plants, animals, and geology was contagious. We agreed that it inspires us to see the natural world wherever we are with more awe and appreciation. I commend Active Adventures for the personal touch in everything we did for seven days, including the "home-cooked" food by staff and family, which made it even more personal. Even though they lead groups routinely, never once did I feel like "just another tourist " - ho hum; Actives' staff seemed to truly enjoy sharing this amazing environment with us. Thank you, Paul, Pablo, Nick, Jim, Crystal and everyone involved!

| January 1970