Godwits Galore at the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, New Zealand

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Godwits Galore at the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, New Zealand

bar-tailed godwits, Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, north island, new zealand

On the next leg of our trip, between Auckland and our next lodgings in Rotorua, Bob and I planned a stop at the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre.  Its reputation as being home to thousands of shorebirds made it a must-see destination, and we were keen to add some new birds to our life list.  The area did not disappoint.  Thousands of Bar-tailed Godwits had returned to spend summer on New Zealand’s North Island. Read more

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A Melanistic Eastern Garter Snake at Long Point in Ontario

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A Melanistic Eastern Garter Snake at Long Point in Ontario

melanistic eastern garter snake, crown marsh, long point, ontario

After several hours of bird watching at Long Point Bird Observatory in Ontario, Bob and I decided to check out another location, Crown Marsh, before heading off for dinner.  A lengthy walk there on Long Point Trail 6 had us coming across this substantial Melanistic Eastern Garter Snake. Read more

Among the Magnificent Frigatebirds on Mexico’s Isla Isabel

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Among the Magnificent Frigatebirds on Mexico’s Isla Isabel

the Sun rising above the horizon on the Pacific Ocean off San Blas, Mexico

Bob and I could hardly wait to land at Isla Isabel.  We were promised Blue-footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds with no fear of humans.  Referred to as “North America’s Galapagos”, Isla Isabel lies about 43 miles northwest of San Blas on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Read more

Driving the Ring of Kerry in Ireland

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killarney lakes, killarney national park, ireland

When Bob and I set off from Killarney to drive the famed Ring of Kerry route, technically, we had already seen a section of it the previous afternoon when we arrived there in Killarney National Park.  Thankfully, glorious sunshine had provided us with spectacular views of the Killarney Lakes. Read more

Traveling Down Memory Lane – Notre Dame Cathedral, the symbol of Paris

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notre dame cathedral, paris, france

Our tour of the French countryside provided respite from our first few days in the bustling urban environment of Paris, but soon enough, it was back to the City of Light before returning to Canada.  I won’t say that we saved the best for last, but our final sightseeing did include a visit to famous Notre Dame Cathedral, an evening spent at Moulin Rouge, and a romantic boat cruise on the Seine River. Read more

Traveling Down Memory Lane – Charmed by Tintagel on the Coast of Cornwall

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street scene, tintagel, cornwall, england

It was a damp and dreary afternoon when Bob, our son and I arrived in Tintagel, but our despair was fleeting.  Lush plantings along main street soon put smiles on our faces.  Gardens held back by drystone walls were overflowing with flowers and bursting with rich colour.  What a welcome sight! Read more

Our Unforgettable Zulu Experience at Shakaland in South Africa

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sign for shakaland, kwazulu-natal, south africa

Bob and I arrived at Shakaland in South Africa around noon after driving from Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.  We were delayed several times with various animal sightings that had us stopping for photographs. Read more

A Bird’s Eye View at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges

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A Bird’s Eye View at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges

dawn over mistico arenal hanging bridges park, la fortuna, costa rica

Bob and I wasted no time when in Costa Rica.  For the morning of our second day, we had booked a guided bird tour at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.  At 5:30 a.m., a bus picked us up at Hotel Kokoro, and as it navigated the steep, sinuous road to the pavilion, the sun was just beginning to wedge its way between the deep shadows of the mountains and the dark night sky. Read more

The Cinque Terre Grape Harvest by Monorail Amazed Us

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The Cinque Terre Grape Harvest by Monorail Amazed Us

cogwheel railway, cinque terre, italy

As Bob and I motored our way through Cinque Terre, we marveled at the vast mountainsides transformed into arable terraces filled with vineyards.  It was hard to comprehend how grapes harvested at the bottom of the slopes could be transported up to the top until we came upon a grower operating a monorail train for just that purpose. Read more

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