You received Ceiba Nature Tours 2010 trips postcard showing some of the sights from places weve been. The back should read “Having a wonderful time, wish you were here!” because we did.

Our Ecuador and Galapagos trip started early morning March 2 - the adventure began. A mini-blizzard cancelled our flight and we scrambled to re-schedule making the first plane out that day. Next morning brings the truly awesome scenery of the Andes. What a difference a day makes. We encountered cloud cloaked mountains, waterfall after waterfall, gourmet cooking, and in a moment of dazzling sun the cock-of-the-rock!

Later onto incredible wildlife experiences in the Galapagos Islands. We celebrated a birthday, made new friends from Denmark and Maryland, Chuck received local sailor first-aid, learned what to do with our old wine bottles, almost swept from our walkway (providing much amusement to those still in the zodiac) - and were simply awed by one spectacular wildlife encounter after another with thousands of photos to prove it. That is Galapagos!

Where will your postcards come from next year. The first two trips are included in this mailing. Who doesn't want a break from the cold and dark of our winter. . Heading south into Central America provides ideal temperatures, lots of sun, flowers blooming everywhere, and spectacular tropical birds. We leave directly after the holidays.

Our Guatemala trip is a CNT first - partnering with long-time friend Matt Peters for a service project. From very humble beginnings (I know because I was there) Volunteer Peten is now the single most important social and economic activity for the community of San Andres. Best of all, Matt will serve as a co-leader for our entire trip. See www.volunteerpeten.com

In February we return to Costa Rica visiting classic locations - Tortuguero and Carara National Parks, Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, and La Selva. Beautiful lodges in each site will keep you comfortable after a day in the jungle!

Green Tourism. You see this phrase a lot now in travel literature. I recently presented a program on this topic at a sustainable living conference. Weve been doing it all along - finding more outstanding lodging and local operators on each scouting trip. This past September I traveled to Brazil to plan our pantanal, tour coming September 2010. More information on Brazil and Patagonia adventures will reach you after the holidays,but you are welcome to sign-up now.

Looking further ahead to June 2011 the ultimate wildlife experience - An African Safari. Botswana and Namibia. Due to the logistical magnitude of safari planning, arrangements will only be finalized and confirmed once our group of ten is assembled. This is not a fixed departure choose your week kind of trip. Skeleton Coast and the Great Namib Desert are often included in the most hauntingly beautiful places on earth, and Okavango Delta is certainly among the greatest wildlife spectacles. Our group in 2006 strongly agreed. Ask any of them. For now…

Hope you are well and looking forward to traveling with you in 2010,

Sincerely,

Linda M. Ingram
Ceiba Nature Tours