The Wonders of Ark in the Park at Waitakere Ranges, New Zealand

ark in the park sign, waitakere ranges regional park, north island, new zealand

After leaving Muriwai and the Gannet colony, Bob and I planned to make a stop at Ark in the Park en route back to our lodgings. Ark in the Park is a conservation area of note in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park of Auckland. Situated in Cascade Kauri Park, it is where concerted efforts are being made to restore the ecology of the area to its natural state. Read more

Stepping Back In Time at the Irish National Heritage Park

a Crannog on a man-made island at Irish National Heritage Park, Ireland

The Irish National Heritage Park near Ferrycarig, County Wexford, Ireland, is an open-air museum that explores the world of Ireland’s cultural history in a beautiful natural setting.  As Bob and I traveled across Ireland, we were constantly reminded of its more recent past in the ruins and castles that we saw, but for an understanding of history dating back to prehistoric times, we had come to this 35-acre Park. Read more

Birding In Cerro de San Juan Ecological Reserve

the main entrance to Hotel Garza Canela in San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico

When staying at   Hotel Garza Canela,   a great birding base in San Blas, Mexico, we found the hotel staff and other birders quite willing to give helpful tips on where to go looking for birds.  One recommended area was Cerro de San Juan Ecological Reserve near Tepic.  A trip to this area required a 1 1/2 hour drive to get there. Read more

150 Stories – An Ode to Life in Ontario as Canada Celebrates its Sesquicentennial

an image of the book of 150 Stories to commemorate Canada's sesquicentennail

An initiative by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday resulted in this marvelous compilation of 150 stories that examine what it means to be Canadian living in Ontario.  Each story is paired with a relevant photograph. Read more

Traveling Down Memory Lane – Salisbury Cathedral in England

Salisbury Cathedral in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England

It was with notions of mystery and intrigue, memories of historical facts and a sense of spiritual respect that Bob, our son and I headed to Salisbury Cathedral.  After recently reading Sarum and Pillars of the Earth, we could hardly wait to set eyes upon this magnificent cathedral whose spire has dominated the Wiltshire skyline in rural England since 1320.  We were in awe! Read more

San Gimignano The Town “With A Thousand Towers”

Image of San Gimignano in Italy

San Gimignano is a well-preserved medieval hill town in the Italian province of Siena that is famous as the town “with a thousand towers”.  Dominating the horizon from its perch, San Gimignano creates an unforgettable skyline complete with its encircling stone walls and towers.  No wonder it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read more

Travelling down memory lane: Our Walking Tour of London

london bridge 100_4163

An image of Prince Albert Hall in London, England.

Arriving in London, England, after traveling all night had Bob, me and our son in need of a bit of down time before setting off to explore the city.  With lunch and a short nap under our belts, we felt rejuvenated and wanted to begin our walking tour of some of London’s many sights.   We began with a stroll through nearby Hyde Park to Kensington Gardens.  Read more

In the Footsteps of Vikings at L’Anse aux Meadows

An image of the Viking settlement re-created at l'anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada.

Recognized as the first location in North America visited and settled by Vikings from Greenland, l’Anse aux Meadows in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.  New research released in 2021 proves that Vikings were living at l’Anse aux Meadows as far back as 1021, a thousand years ago. Read more

1 5 6 7 8 9 25