Amsterdam a world of bikes, tulips, and windmills

bike parking lot in amsterdam, the netherlands

Central Station, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

After landing at Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands, Bob and I boarded a train for a 25-minute ride into Amsterdam.  At the downtown railway station, we inquired about catching a cab to our hotel but were told that it was located nearby.  And so, with bags in hand, we set off through the streets on our short walk!  We needed to stretch our legs in any case. Read more

A Visit To Historic Merrickville In Ontario

The historic village of Merrickville is situated on the scenic Rideau River, in Ontario, Canada.  It is a unique and vibrant Victorian village. Read more

Our Journey To Kekerten Island In Search of Bowhead Whales

campsite - kerkerten island - nunavut - canada

pangnirtung - Baffin Island - nunavut

In the early morning hours under a cold wet sky, we prepared to leave Pangnirtung by boat in search of Bowhead Whales off Kekerten Island in Cumberland Sound off Baffin Island. Read more

Our Search For Arctic Bowhead Whales In Nunavut

photograph of the hamlet of Pangnirtung on Baffin Island in Nunavut, Canada

photograph of a First Air Jet aircraft at the Ottawa Airport, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

My journey in search of Bowhead whales in the Canadian Arctic began in Ottawa, the capital of Canada.  There, I boarded a First Air jetliner headed for Iqaluit on Baffin Island. Read more

Giant Otters at Sandoval Lake in Peru

photograph of sunset at Lake Sandoval, Amazon Basin, Peru, South America.

Sandoval Lake, Tambopata National Reserve, Peru

Reveille at Sandoval Lake Lodge in the Tambopata National Reserve in Peru was very early with a pre-dawn wake-up call at 5:30 a.m.  Bob and I were told that the early start to the day enables guests to get out on the lake, observe the sunrise, soak up the solitude of the early-morning hours and hopefully spot some wildlife, most notably the Giant Otters. Read more

Our Muddy Trip To Sandoval Lake In The Amazon

Jean and Sonja stop for a quick break on muddy Amazon trail

There are few places on this planet where you can truly get close to nature.  One of those places is Sandoval Lake in the   Tambopata National Reserve   in the Amazon Basin, in Peru.

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Our Climb Up Huayna Picchu At Machu Picchu

 View of Huayna Picchu mountain at Machu Picchu, in Urubamba Province, Peru.

Over a quick breakfast in Agua Calientes, Bob and I debated whether or not to actually tackle climbing up Huayna Picchu Mountain, which sits overlooking Machu Picchu.  The hiking trail up this mountain follows another ancient Inca path with an ascent up steep stony pathways, through tunnels, and along sheer cliff edges that offer no protection for hikers.  We both decided that it would be an exhilarating and challenging trek, but I was unsure if I would have the courage.  I have to tell you that I am very afraid of heights. Read more

Visiting Machu Picchu, Our Long Time Dream

An image of foggy sky over Machu Picchu in Urubamba Province, Peru.

Bob and I managed to get aboard the first bus of the day from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu.  The 20-minute bus ride up the switchbacks of the dirt road had us clinging to our seats whenever we rounded the sharp corners.  The other option for getting to Machu Picchu is to hike up the mountain, but it is supposed to be a pretty long and very tough climb.  We preferred to use that time to explore the ruins at the top. Read more

Hiking the Inca Trail – Our Adventure of a Lifetime

Upper terrace at the Wiñay Wayna ruins on the Inca Trail in Peru, South America

Jean hiking with a group on the the Inca Trail in Peru, South America

When it was finally time to set foot on the Inca Trail, we were guided by an authorized trail guide and accompanied by two other hikers, guides in training.  Our adventure would be a one-day hike along the time-worn Inca Trail, headed for Machu Picchu.  Our excitement was palpable.

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