Helping With The Grape Harvest In Tuscany

jean holds grapes at il colombaio di cencio vineyard, gaiole in chianti, itay

During our several night stay at Il Colombaio di Cencio Vineyard near Gaiole in Chianti, Italy, Bob and I enjoyed a leisurely pace where we set our own schedule.  The morning after a day trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Cinque Terre, we awoke to a subtle clangor emanating from the sleepy, sun-drenched vineyard.  Soon after, we found ourselves helping with the grape harvest in Tuscany. Read more

Green Kingfisher In The Mangrove Swamp At San Blas

Green Kingfisher male, mangrove swamp, san blas, nayarit, mexico, pic 2

Bob and I were so excited as we set off from the pier on our mangrove swamp tour.  With Chencho at the helm of our substantial launch, we were confident that many tropical birds would not allude detection.  One species that caught our eye on several occasions was a Green Kingfisher, seen here perching at the edge of the San Cristobal mangrove estuary. Read more

Our Birding Trip In the Mangrove Swamp near San Blas

In the depths of the mangrove swamp near San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico

In our quest to see and photograph as many different species of tropical birds as possible while visiting San Blas, one of the best locations in all of Mexico for birding, a boat tour into the mangrove swamps was a must-do activity for Bob and me.  And what could be more perfect than a languid birding boat trip through La Tovara National Park, a federally protected ecological preserve? Read more

Visiting the Spanish Steps in Rome

photograph of the Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy

The Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy

On the afternoon that Bob and I landed in Rome, Italy, we were in dire need of a stretch given the long hours of travel time from Toronto.  Our accommodation,   Hotel Manfredi,   was centrally located in the Old Quarter so The Spanish Steps were less than ten minutes by foot from the hotel lobby.  It seemed a likely destination given its close proximity. Read more

White Ibis At The Shrimp Ponds In San Blas

white ibis at shrimp ponds, san blas, mexico, pic 2

What great fun to set off exploring the vicinity around San Blas, Mexico, in search of wildlife.  The morning that Bob and I scoped out the shrimp ponds on the outskirts of this small fishing community, quite a variety of birds met our searching eyes, most of which we had never seen before.  Among those plying the water for something to eat was this impressive White Ibis. Read more

Among the beauty of Monument Valley

Monument Valley at sunset near northern Arizona and southern Utah, USA

After spending the early part of an afternoon at Mesa Verde National Park where we were enthralled with the Puebloan cliff dwellings, Bob and I made plans to arrive back at Monument Valley in time for the sunset.  Not a minute was wasted in order to achieve our goal.  The time was tight, but traffic was light, road construction closed up for the night, and our gas tank was full.  Monument Valley here we come! Read more

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