TRAVELS & ADVENTURES
We have just spent 2 days at sea navigating from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia Island in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. I'm starting to think that maybe I should accept the dry mouth you get from a scopolamine patch in return for less nausea. It is OK though. I've survived, and now it is time to take in one of the highlights of all my world travels, South Georgia Island.
We've left West Falkland and have traveled overnight on the Sea Explorer to Yorke Bay on East Falkland. This is only four miles northeast of Stanley, the capital city. Unlike yesterday when we had beautiful conditions while visiting East Falkland, the weather today is blustery with a sprinkle of rain. This is the South Atlantic Ocean with its unpredictable and evanescent weather patterns. I'm learning to suck it up and expect the unexpected!
It's my last afternoon in the Falkland Islands, and I'm cruising down the main drag in Stanley along the ocean. The temperature is cool, but not oppressive, and there is a slight drizzle in the air. This is enough to keep my camera in its bag. I will pull it out when I need it.
We have just spent 2 days at sea, going from Ushuaia, Argentina to the Falkland Islands. I'm not going to lie. Not having my sea legs on the first part of this trip has resulted in a persistent state of nausea that I would rather forget. Nevertheless, we've made it to the Falkland Islands, and I'm anxious to make my first landing.
After an arduous day and a half of travel, I've finally made it to Ushuai, Argentina. This is the southern tip of South America, the gateway to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. I've been planning this trip for 13 months, and now it is all coming together.
It's a crisp November morning in Papua New Guinea, the second largest island nation in the world. Cliff and I have flown to Tari near the center of this land mass in a 4-seat, single-blade propeller plane. Feeling quite lucky to be alive after having braved a field landing, we're told that we'll soon be making the acquaintance of the Huli Wigmen. Who are these natives, and where do their wigs come from? I guess we'll find out in short order!
It's October in Wyoming, and it will be snowing here soon. We're in Jackson Hole, one of my favorite ski areas in the country. I've been here several times in the winter and have been challenged by the incredible mogul skiing this resort offers. This time, however, my purpose is to explore the national parks with my family. With camera gear in tow, we hit the road and head to Grand Teton National Park. This should be fun!
When I planned my trip to Yellowstone, the first thing that popped into my mind was seeing Old Faithful. After doing my research, however, I soon discovered that this national park has a treasure trove of wildlife. There is an extensive variety of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians that exist within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Today we are going to get a feel for what is out there.
I've finally made it to Yellowstone National Park after seeing photos of the geysers, reading about them, watching videos and talking to people throughout the years. Today we're going to see firsthand how this unique part of the world is a manifestation of a hotspot below the earth's crust. Let's do it!
Cliff and I get off the plane in Madagascar after a 28-hour marathon from the USA. Bleary eyed, I'm thinking to myself, "How in the world did Cliff come up with this one?" The answer consists of one word: "lemurs."
