Ralph Blumenthal/Jenni Blumenthal
The Galapagos Archipelago by Land and by Sea
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form
Last Revision July 2008
The following pages contain the application to lead an AMC Major Excursion. Please complete the form with as
much detail as possible, and attach additional sheets if necessary. Also include a detailed budget/costing sheet
that clearly shows all costs associated with your planned excursion. The trip proposal form and budget are due
two weeks prior to the MEC meeting in which it will be reviewed. Deadlines will be posted on the MEC leader
website (http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/) and sent to you on the MEC leader listserv well in advance of the
meeting. The MEC will not accept late proposals unless the chair is notified in advance with a compelling reason.
Incomplete applications will be returned to you and not reviewed until complete, so please make sure to fill in all
applicable sections.
The application was created in a Microsoft Word protected document. To fill in each section click on the check
box and/or on the grey text box and start typing. The boxes will automatically get larger as you fill in text. If you
find that you need a lot of space to explain a section, please say “see additional attachment” and attach a separate
page.
In addition, the following are helpful during the review process, but need only be submitted after your proposal is
accepted:


50 and 150 word notices for the AMC Outdoors and www.outdoors.org. Please see the current rules http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/listings/ and schedule for submitting notices for the AMC Outdoors.
Trip prospectus – without the application forms attached – in Microsoft Word or PDF format
Finally, we need to have on file at Joy Street, the following documents:



A completed confidential medical form for the leader and co-leader (after approval is given)
Copies of first aid and CPR certifications for leader and co-leader (before or after approval is given)
A completed application to be a co-leader if the co-leader is new (before proposal is submitted)
We will accept snail mail applications, but electronic forms are preferred. Please save and forward your
electronic document with the following naming convention:


Leader’s last name, trip destination, year of trip and what type of document it is (application, budget,
Outdoors listing or prospectus)
For example, Smith-New Zealand-2007-Application.doc or Smith-New Zealand-2007-Budget.xls
Applications should be sent electronically to the MEC Chair, Stacia Zukroff, at mecchair@amcboston.org and to
cyout@outdoors.org. They can be mailed to: Travel Programs Coordinator, 5 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108. If
you have any questions, please contact Stacia at: 781-648-5503 or mecchair@amcboston.org.
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 1 of 8
The Galapagos Archipelago by Land and by Sea
Ralph Blumenthal/Jenni Blumenthal
SUMMARY OF TRIP INFORMATION
The Galapagos Archipelago by Land and by Sea
Leader Ralph Blumenthal
Co-leader Jenni Blumenthal
The Galapagos and Ecuador
March 8-20, 2010
Total # of days 13
The specific dates can only be finalized
when we make a non-refundable
deposit to the boat in Feb./March 2009
Hiking
Downhill skiing
Kayaking
Title of trip
Leadership
Location(s)
Dates
Type of trip
check all that apply
Backpacking
Cultural
Road biking
Nordic ski
Mountain biking
Snorkeling
Other – please describe
Natural history and ecology
Max 17
Number of participants
(excluding leaders)
Advertised cost
Airfare range if not included
Do you wish to have your trip
listed online before it is
published in The Outdoors?
Smaller trips and leader
subsidization
Min 15
$ approx. 6,200Does it include airfare? Yes
No
6,600 depending on
the number of
participants.
$ 1,100-1,400 including the Quito to Galapagos flights
Yes
No If yes, please list the approximate month (max is one year in
advance of trip)
As soon as possible, i.e., November 1, 2008. This is more than one year in advance
but is essential because of deposit requirements.
Is this proposal for a small group trip – i.e., less than 14 participants and 2
leaders or 7 participants and 1 leader? Yes
No
If yes, why is a small group proposed?
If a participant fee increase of more than 15% is proposed, please explain
why?
LEADER AND CO-LEADER INFORMATION
Leader name
Leader address
Leader email
Leader phone
Wilderness first aid training
CPR training
Prior leading experience
Ralph Blumenthal
41 Stoney Brook Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
rblumenthal@comcast.net
Home 732-264-8482
Work
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: 11/08; will renew in November
CPR
BLS
Expiration: 12/08; will renew
Please list the last three longer (5+ day) trips you have led for the AMC including
destination, type of trip, dates and number of participants. Feel free to list additional
trips you have led, particularly if they demonstrate experience related to the trip you
are proposing.

To lead a major excursion you must have current CPR and WFA at the time of your trip (or AWFA for all backcountry
trips). If you do not have the required level of certification at the time you submit your proposal or it will expire before
the date of your trip, you will need to make arrangements to recertify in a timely manner.
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 2 of 8
Ralph Blumenthal/Jenni Blumenthal
The Galapagos Archipelago by Land and by Sea
Trip one
Trip two
Trip three
Other related trip experience
May 2008, Utah, 16 participants
February 2008, Cinnamon Bay, 25 participants
February 2007, Cinnamon Bay, 18 participants
Co-leader name
Jenni Blumenthal
Note: Jenni is an approved Co-Leader, has been actively participating in the planning
of the trip and will be going on the trip. However, because of the high cost of the trip
and the presence of a leader from O.A.R.S, the outfitter, from a financial perspective
this is being budgeted as a single leader trip. That is, only the Leader's expenses will
be covered by the participant fee and Jenni will pay the same fees as other participants.
41 Stoney Brook Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
rblumenthal@comcast.net
Home 732-264-8482
Work
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: 11/08; will renew in November
CPR
BLS
Expiration: 12/08; will renew
If you are a new co-leader you must submit an application to be a major excursions
leader or co-leader prior to submitting this application.
Co-leader address
Co-leader email
Co-leader phone
Wilderness first aid training*
CPR training*
Prior leading experience
Scouting
Have either of you led this trip
before or traveled to this
area?
Languages
Does either the co-leader or
leader speak the local
language?
Couples
Do the leader and co-leader
have a significant personal
relationship?
Private trips
Do either of you lead trips that
are private - not sponsored by
the AMC?
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below:
Executive summary
Please provide a brief
description of the trip and the
activities planned.
This custom trip includes 10 days in the unique Galapagos Archipelago and will be both
land- and sea-based and will be accompanied by experienced multi-lingual guides and
naturalists.
Co-leader: Yes
No
Leader: Yes
No
Not applicable:
Yes
No
If yes, please list who has agreed to be your back-up in case one or
both of you need to drop out. This is required for approval!
Merri Fox has agreed to be our backup
Yes
No
If yes, please note that you cannot advertise AMC and private trips
together unless there is a clear distinction between the two in any marketing
materials you send out.
LOGISTICAL DETAILS OF TRIP
Accommodations
Revised 7/15/2016
The trip begins with two nights in Quito, Ecuador which allows for potential flight or
baggage delays. From Quito there will be a full day tour to Otovalo and Cotacachi in the
countryside to observe weaving and leatherwork. The group then flies to the Galapagos
to embark on a 20 passenger yacht for a 5-day cruise of the islands with a Level III (top
level) multi-lingual naturalist. During these days we will visit 5-6 islands,with the actual
itinerary subject to change. Each day there will be two shore visits, plus snorkeling
opportunities in warm equatorial waters. This will be followed by a land-based
experience with stays on Isabella and Santa Cruz so as to have more time exploring other
locations. We can expect to see the uniqueness of the Galapagos including land and
marine iguanas, sea lions. many bird species including the flightless cormorant,
frigatebirds, various finch species, blue and red footed boobies, penguins, pelicans,
herons and albatross. We will also see the amazing variety of spring flora within the
Galapagos archipelago. One day will include a visit to an active volcano.
Three- and four-star hotels are planned for the land portion of the trip. The proposed
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 3 of 8
The Galapagos Archipelago by Land and by Sea
Ralph Blumenthal/Jenni Blumenthal
Please describe your plan for
accommodation(s)
Meals
Please describe your plan for
providing meals
Permits or permissions
Does the trip require special
permits or permissions?
(required on many U.S.
federal lands and national
parks)
boat, Coral II, is listed as a "first-class/luxury" ship with beds (not bunks) and private
baths.
Most meals are included on the land-based days and all meals during the cruise portion.
Special equipment
Does the trip require special
equipment?
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of equipment and how you
will ensure that people know how to use it:
Participants may wish to bring along their own snorkeling equipment. Some may like to
have wet suits. Both snorkeling gear and wet suits will be available for rent.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of experience? Also describe
how you will ensure that the participant has this experience?
As a bunch of time will be in the water, swimming and snorkeling, participants should be
comfortable in open waters. The trip application will ask about their swimming and
snorkeling skills.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what you will do:
Special experience
Does the trip require special
skills on the part of the
participant?
Pre-trip activities
Do you plan to get your group
together before the trip for an
activity or social event?
Conservation, education and
recreation
How will this major excursion
meet the mission of the AMC?
www.outdoors.org/about/
mission.cfm
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what you will need to do to obtain them:
Park passes are required to enter the Galapagos National Park. The outfitter will make
arrangements to acquire these. Guides are required by the Galapagos Park regulations.
If no, please describe the process you went through to find out that they were not
required:
This is entirely a conservation and ecology education trip. The Galapagos Archipelago
is a World Natural Heritage Site and a World Biosphere Reserve. A trained O.A.R.S.
guide will accompany the group. The Coral II will have a Level 3 (top level) naturalist
on board and other licensed guides will join the group for all land-based activities.
Because of the Galápagos’ famed natural history and remarkable creatures, these remote
islands are revered the world over. The islands are a museum for evolutionary
adaptation. The excursion is planned so that participants can witness the diversity of its
unique vegetation and wildlife.
While on board the boat we plan to visit at least two sites per day (2-3 hours each) where
participants will explore on foot and by snorkel. Hikes and snorkeling excursions have
been planned during the land-based days of the itinerary as well.
TOUR OPERATOR AND GUIDE SERVICE INFORMATION
Will this trip require a tour
operator or guide service
during part, or the entire
trip?
Name of tour operator/guide
service
Tour operator website
Revised 7/15/2016
Yes
No
Please describe their services. If you are using a tour operator for the entire trip,
please describe why you will be using them rather than doing this trip on your own:
The Galapagos National Park requires the use of approved tour operators and has
innumerable and changing regulations about visits to the islands. O.A.R.S is recognized
as one of the best tour operators. O.A.R.S was the outfitter for the President's Society
trip to the Galapagos two years ago. Aaron Gorban participated in that trip and he
reports that O.A.R.S did an excellent job.
This is a custom trip that was created for AMC to our specifications with the highest
level of naturalists accompanying the group. Unlike most other trips to the Galapagos it
includes both land and sea-based portions. Moreover, we will be in the Galapagos for 10
days rather than the more typical 4-7.
O.A.R.S.
www.oars.com
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 4 of 8
The Galapagos Archipelago by Land and by Sea
Safety record
Please provide information
about their safety record.
Ralph Blumenthal/Jenni Blumenthal
The following response was provided by O.A.R.S.
"Safety First
"O.A.R.S. guides are experienced river runners and outdoor enthusiasts with a
commitment to enhancing your safety and the overall outdoor/wilderness experience. All
guides are qualified in CPR and First Aid. Many have earned Wilderness First
Responder, Swiftwater Rescue or EMT credentials and have pursued new challenges on
the diversity of rivers and outdoor adventures that is O.A.R.S.
"Our equipment – rafts, dories, kayaks, 4X4s and bikes – is maintained and routinely
checked. We supply premier products – PFDs (personal flotation devices), helmets
(where applicable), wetsuits and paddles – provided by proven suppliers.
"And we know the current and season-to-season conditions of all our routes, be they
rivers, trails, mountain bike single track or off-road switchbacks. Our safety record of
more than 40 years speaks for itself. So do the 450,000+ guests we’ve watched over.
"The above information is provided by our legal team and may not seem the most
appropriate for a Galapagos trip where one of the main elements of the trip is on a motor
yacht which is not owned or operated by O.A.R.S. All non O.A.R.S. services on your
custom Galapagos itinerary such as tours and transfers, local guides, accommodations
and the motor yacht are secured based on our previous business history or recommended
by trusted business associates."
Insurance
Do they have liability
insurance?
Emergency response
Please describe the outfitters’
response plan in the case of an
emergency.
Liability? Yes
No
Maximum amt: $ 7 million per incident
Are they willing to list AMC as an
Yes
No
additional insured?
The following response was provided by O.A.R.S.:
"The Galapagos Islands are governed by the Galapagos National Park Authority. In the
case of an emergency, a call would immediately be made to the Park Authority. This is
mandatory. The call would give details about the nature of the emergency, location, the
number/age/condition of all people involved, when the emergency occurred, relevant
insurance information and medical history. The Park would initiate their emergency
response (911 equivalent).
"The O.A.R.S. tour guide would then immediately communicate with the O.A.R.S. head
office with the same information given to the Park Service. An O.A.R.S. manager is
available and on call 24 hours a day. The O.A.R.S. Manager would contact AMC and the
nominated emergency contact person whose name and phone number were provided on
the O.A.R.S. guest registration form. The tour guide would provide details on how
he/she can be contacted and indicate a time when they will call the office again with
updated information. They will also document all details of the emergency and the
details of medical services and evacuation.
"All O.A.R.S. guides carry an emergency procedures guide containing relevant local
phone numbers as well as the home and cell phone numbers for all O.A.R.S. Managers.
"If an emergency occurred outside of the National Park, the tour guide would call the
Ecuadorian equivalent of 911 for emergency services and the local authority. The next
call would be to the O.A.R.S. office and from there to AMC and the emergency contact
person."
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 5 of 8
Ralph Blumenthal/Jenni Blumenthal
The Galapagos Archipelago by Land and by Sea
RISK ASSESSMENT
Please assess the risks and hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it may affect your trip.
Devise a plan to prevent each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary. Please be very specific for each section
if applicable.
Trail conditions, river crossings, weather, wildlife (bears, snakes, etc.)
Climate/terrain
Potential hazards
Sun and heat, altitude during the Ecuador visits, rough footing
Response
Cautions will be given to all participants. We will advise on the use of sunscreen and
hats and the need to be hydrated. We will aclimitize in Quito and there will be no
strenuous activities at altitude. Participants will be advised to wear sturdy footwear.
Leaders will observe participants for any potential problems.
Political concerns, crime, language translation, terrorism
Foreign Country
Potential hazards
Spanish or other local dialects are spoken. Petty crime is sometimes a concern in Quito
Response
English speaking guides will accompany the group at all times. Participants will be
advised to take extra precautions with their belongings in Quito.
Road conditions, drivers, insurance
Transportation
Potential hazards
Local experts will be driving land vehicles and boats at all times.
Response
All are appropriately licensed and insured.
Level of fitness, screening concerns, experience with equipment or activity
Participants
Potential hazards
Heat exhaustion, seasickness, tropical diseases (Hepatitis B), swimming accidents;
intestinal disorders from food or water
Response
Health warnings will be given; dramamine will be available; Hep B shots will be
recommended, buddy system will be required during snorkel swims; bottled water will
be recommended as counseled by the outfitter
Conditions unique to this type of trip
Other
Potential hazards
Response
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Use as much detail as possible, and list any special
communications equipment you may need to ensure the safety of your participants. DO NOT LEAVE THIS SECTION
BLANK
We will rely on the local emergency contacts provided by the Park staff and the O.A.R.S.
Emergency communication
Phone contacts, language,
guide. The guides and naturalists that will be with us at all times speak English. Walkiedocumentation, distance from
talkies will be carried by the leaders. The AMC leaders will carry the Med&Evac
emergency services
Insurance contact info and participant's emergency contact and health information.
The following response was provided by O.A.R.S.:
"Your O.A.R.S. tour guide will have a satellite phone for the duration of your trip. There
will also be a radio on board the motor yacht in the Galapagos Islands.
"Distance/time to emergency servies:
Quito - immediate.
Cotopaxi - approximately 40 miles to Quito's emergency services.
Otavalo - immediate to local emergency services. Approximately 2 hours drive to Quito's
emergency services.
Galapagos Islands - 5 - 6 hours by boat from the furthest island on the Coral II itinerary
to Puerto Ayora."
Emergency equipment
What sort of emergency first
aid or communication
equipment (satellite phone,
two-way radios) do you plan
to use, if any?
Revised 7/15/2016
The AMC Leader will have a first aid kit and a walkie-talkie.
The following response was provided by O.A.R.S.:
"Your O.A.R.S. tour guide will have a comprehensive first aid kit throughout the tour.
There will also be an additional major first aid kit on board the motor yacht in the
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 6 of 8
The Galapagos Archipelago by Land and by Sea
Ralph Blumenthal/Jenni Blumenthal
Galapagos Islands. Your O.A.R.S. guide will be qualified in CPR and first aid. We do
not currently know who your guide will be but it is most likely that he/she will also be a
Wilderness First Responder or have EMT credentials."
Evacuation
Please describe your plan for
evacuation from the
backcountry location if
applicable?
Medical care
Please describe the medical
care available in the area(s)
where you will be traveling
and list names and telephone
numbers for these facilities.
We will not be in the backcountry at any time. We will be near a vehicle or boat at all
times. If evacuation to the US is needed, the Med & Evac insurance will be contacted.
The following response was provided by O.A.R.S.:
"Ecuador
Quito is a large city with hospitals, surgeons, general practicioners,specialists, medical
laboratories, pharmacies and ambulance services.
Hospital Metropolitano.
Hospital Voz Andes.
Clínica Pichincha.
Novaclínica Santa Cecilia.
Clínica Pasteur.
Otovalo is approximately 2 hours drive from Quito and has a regional hospital, Hospital
San Luis de Otavalo.
Cotopaxi is approximately 40 miles from Quito.
Galapagos Islands
There is a small regional hospital at Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz."
COST AND BUDGET DETAILS
Foreign currencies
For int’l trips list each foreign
currency, the current $US
dollar exchange rate and what
contingencies you have if that
rate changes. If a tour
operator or agent is being
used, what currency is the
agent to be paid in?
Deposits
What deposits will be required
by airlines, hotels, tour
operators, etc., and when?
Refunds
What is the latest date you can
cancel and still receive a full
refund?
Participant deposit
What are the initial deposit
and your schedule of
payments?
Cancellation policy
What will your cancellation
Revised 7/15/2016
Strangely enough the local currency in both Ecuador and the Galapagos is the US dollar.
O.A.R.S. is physically located in California and will be paid in US dollars by credit card
or check, but any extra expenses either to them or for any restaurant patronized during
the trip will be in dollars.
O.A.R.S. has indicated that the boat will require a non-refundable deposit of $7,560 in
February or March of 2009 in order to reserve the boat for specific dates in March 2010.
Our plan is to not make this deposit until we have enough participants signed up so that
we know the trip is a go.
O.A.R.S. is continuing to negotiate these terms in attempts to make them less onerous.
February or March 2009
$2,000 deposit with the application. $2,000 by July 1, 2009, and the balance by October
15, 2009.
From the prospectus: “Cancellations should not raise the cost of the trip to others. If
you cancel, the cost of the air ticket if it has been issued will not be refunded. Economy
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 7 of 8
The Galapagos Archipelago by Land and by Sea
policy be for the participants?
Minimum numbers
Will you still run the trip if you
do not get the minimum
number?
Reference web links:
MEC Home Page:
Forms:
Deadlines:
E-Mail Addresses:
Club House:
MEC Chair:
Revised 7/15/2016
Ralph Blumenthal/Jenni Blumenthal
air tickets are generally non-refundable. Those canceling prior to February 1, 2009 will
receive a refund of the other amounts paid less a non-refundable deposit and processing
fee of $200. Cancellations after February 1 will result in a refund only to the extent that
a suitable replacement can be found. Such cancellations will be charged a nonrefundable deposit and processing fee of $200 plus any costs incurred in finding the
replacement. If a replacement can not be found the entire trip fee is forfeited. AMC
recommends that you get trip cancellation insurance and information about such
insurance will be provided to you."
Yes
No
If yes, please describe conditions:
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/application/
http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/listings
cyout@outdoors.org
mecchair@amcboston.org
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 8 of 8