Types of Butterflies We Have Sighted Around The World

Types of Butterflies We Have Sighted Around The World

Giant Swallowtail butterflies on butterfly bush, toronto, ontario

Years ago, I planted a Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) in my front garden in the hopes of attracting butterflies to my property.  I never imagined that one day I would be seeing, not one, but two Giant Swallowtail Butterflies  cavorting amongst the branches of the plant. 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 Climb Up Huayna Picchu At Machu Picchu

An image of Bob and Jean standing above Machu Picchu in Urubamba Province, Peru.

 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 Jean sitting on the top of Huchuy Picchu at Machu Picchu, Urubamba Province, Peru.

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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Our Visit To The Floating Islands On Lake Titicaca

photograph of a Uros men building a new reed boat on a Uros floating island on Lake Titicaca in Peru, South America.

Uros village on a totora reed floating island on Lake Titicaca in Peru, South America

On our first morning in Puno, we found that the clouds were hanging low and grey; it was a cold world.  We had come prepared for this sort of weather, so our spirits were high as we walked towards Puno’s harbour on Lake Titicaca.   Cold weather is quite the norm in the Lake Titicaca area because  the cold winds that blow over the lake result in an average temperature, in the warm months of the year, of 10-14C, (50-57F).   Having warm clothing is a must. Read more

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