tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45220178170560429612023-11-29T04:26:32.755-08:00Herb's BlogMy Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-85053464532583908712017-12-18T13:49:00.000-08:002018-02-21T08:09:15.333-08:00San Francisco December 2017Our 2-night getaway in San Francisco to enjoy the ambiance of the city during the Christmas Hoildays. Below are a few favorites and the rest of the pictures can be found on <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/ss3oI0l9os3ThNAB3" target="_blank">Google Photos</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3u7qItK2bvsUIwjtTBscUeUD9jUXudOTF2marBoAco-rJ4sOrALjt8XEVTeqPlRiPpb6ZKayB3VaQkXg4sqLZhYbSA6evvigSX3XllkHEuj5faQb5MBDwSwukHKkVVXUzXpsz1GPLIk/s1600/IMG_7370.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3u7qItK2bvsUIwjtTBscUeUD9jUXudOTF2marBoAco-rJ4sOrALjt8XEVTeqPlRiPpb6ZKayB3VaQkXg4sqLZhYbSA6evvigSX3XllkHEuj5faQb5MBDwSwukHKkVVXUzXpsz1GPLIk/s800/IMG_7370.JPG" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJACAJDoWuhkUhxCZCG4xnRZb1zhwBCa5NJd3UiERq6eVu2GNHqFchfTg3zYQOXOIQsENWRL85cQOJwz4uzagPtik8dvL7fbLR6ZcFDFppDES1wSPFdxZ3UC7xe5LRYLyjZ1Gqds8rZI/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJACAJDoWuhkUhxCZCG4xnRZb1zhwBCa5NJd3UiERq6eVu2GNHqFchfTg3zYQOXOIQsENWRL85cQOJwz4uzagPtik8dvL7fbLR6ZcFDFppDES1wSPFdxZ3UC7xe5LRYLyjZ1Gqds8rZI/s800/IMG_0063.JPG" width="800" height="543" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1085" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufLYWEuZvi7RAMtUSNcxa4RRp3BIAxXUdtGI2o3Riw1nCCstD0Uv_-dBaXalXJOtI2UnQ8PoOxsw10MCXp0wJRM-SSjvHbuq1jVvIeRYR31V0FVfmAO7zQClgnLWgLL_XU8ToH29xPcw/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufLYWEuZvi7RAMtUSNcxa4RRp3BIAxXUdtGI2o3Riw1nCCstD0Uv_-dBaXalXJOtI2UnQ8PoOxsw10MCXp0wJRM-SSjvHbuq1jVvIeRYR31V0FVfmAO7zQClgnLWgLL_XU8ToH29xPcw/s800/IMG_0135.JPG" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1201" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcuBwCjDYovgID1aFiIoL2qGMUelbzmWLU4y428lG_AoBe4mtqgMdCce1qM4_rAByraxg5m6moaSyQ20mrYYhlWBvR0WMNUHRuL-0_u8NKoz2tbZkUhxWzfj5_6FhWqraRFRDZ136G3c/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcuBwCjDYovgID1aFiIoL2qGMUelbzmWLU4y428lG_AoBe4mtqgMdCce1qM4_rAByraxg5m6moaSyQ20mrYYhlWBvR0WMNUHRuL-0_u8NKoz2tbZkUhxWzfj5_6FhWqraRFRDZ136G3c/s800/IMG_0142.JPG" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFHRnNC4Ic0WFWOwmSxLsKOg-FRRmK_14mp0okMdAYNHbzNWX0NvMs53yOjzLaVFNLOuFB_TJo5e5yJFD1wSV3nBNFJIKUMEvv_a3h3czXrDh-tscDyuC4BYj_bhs3GCUCFmGHQnwL8s/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFHRnNC4Ic0WFWOwmSxLsKOg-FRRmK_14mp0okMdAYNHbzNWX0NvMs53yOjzLaVFNLOuFB_TJo5e5yJFD1wSV3nBNFJIKUMEvv_a3h3czXrDh-tscDyuC4BYj_bhs3GCUCFmGHQnwL8s/s800/IMG_0143.JPG" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1199" /></a>My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-70997381949557148012017-07-28T13:11:00.000-07:002018-02-21T08:15:39.078-08:00Grand Canyon Dory Trip July 2017In July 2017, seven of us from Sacramento joined 9 others from throughout the States in the Grand Canyon National Park for a one week trip which consisted of six days in dories on the Colorado River, departing from Lee's Ferry and ending at Phantom Ranch, and a one day hike out of the canyon bottom to the South Rim, a distance of 9.7 miles with a one mile ascend. Our flotilla was comprised of 4 dories, each carrying 4 passengers and a boatman, followed by 3 large rafts carrying all the equipment and supplies for 16 guess and a crew of 9. Any apprehensions we may have harbored for the countless whitewater rapids along the river with names like Roaring 20's and House Rock, quickly turned into barrels of rocking rowing fun, scenic wander, water fights to ease the heat, and awesome land excursions; along with outstanding oarsmanship, guidance, attention and meals by the crew throughout our week of camping. I highly recommend dory trips down the Colorado River with OARS. Below are a few favorites and the rest of the pictures can be found on <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/AHk9LoCzIOygVOIr1" target="_blank">Google Photos</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mxnJ_sAsDNuk4JMamum60ObBeVS52FhLoFXQYCjyTPwzzKWYbsvexdRBx24lUD7mImpBduEnGg19zq_JrYT9tpRcHjOK-sGNmRDxsirJjiEl98q7FNaKcS9o5fHFmmeZNKN6uDOOMhM/s1600/FullSizeRender+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mxnJ_sAsDNuk4JMamum60ObBeVS52FhLoFXQYCjyTPwzzKWYbsvexdRBx24lUD7mImpBduEnGg19zq_JrYT9tpRcHjOK-sGNmRDxsirJjiEl98q7FNaKcS9o5fHFmmeZNKN6uDOOMhM/s800/FullSizeRender+20.jpg" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2SsLUgazOglLNu83p8QSpQ25NdmlCs9uXXqm3UyFFPPME2TAFvhS_oH7mgENPCw5cA67zOl3qRnP_L-LnPg8Qm6rZS4CwLnVfF_HAzYs3XYlCWKlQ-d_hu6LtsfsP706QjqJF6Do3V0/s1600/FullSizeRender+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2SsLUgazOglLNu83p8QSpQ25NdmlCs9uXXqm3UyFFPPME2TAFvhS_oH7mgENPCw5cA67zOl3qRnP_L-LnPg8Qm6rZS4CwLnVfF_HAzYs3XYlCWKlQ-d_hu6LtsfsP706QjqJF6Do3V0/s800/FullSizeRender+12.jpg" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3cqEaWwZcvVIRBjkQrIg4yDCWxT192L967d4awuUzeho0KiQ-fqzUW0L2AkCte4mFUcVXdtVRshJDf-2ddZYB-Bldb4DvEPJQvAmIAnGncrqUsGk6QHjMgWY5zrJKlVXoJK07kqqiG4/s1600/FullSizeRender+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3cqEaWwZcvVIRBjkQrIg4yDCWxT192L967d4awuUzeho0KiQ-fqzUW0L2AkCte4mFUcVXdtVRshJDf-2ddZYB-Bldb4DvEPJQvAmIAnGncrqUsGk6QHjMgWY5zrJKlVXoJK07kqqiG4/s800/FullSizeRender+22.jpg" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHn7wRImCYs34ViFubCNQ3fHqDw6kaqqzpRP_m5jz9xYKps6kaNWQUqjS2VcWja2QJ_h0pUerODRds4WC204ARO52PxgMamFbE2TcPVnwfqnmak2jnRGmfz4RJnkp9A6VoZBwO6HZAiYM/s1600/FullSizeRender+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHn7wRImCYs34ViFubCNQ3fHqDw6kaqqzpRP_m5jz9xYKps6kaNWQUqjS2VcWja2QJ_h0pUerODRds4WC204ARO52PxgMamFbE2TcPVnwfqnmak2jnRGmfz4RJnkp9A6VoZBwO6HZAiYM/s800/FullSizeRender+8.jpg" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWY4zqDfX8JlRLE_lH-fFRlzQUxNepYdKtlNnl0Kst50pyDgHBUH-WsU0JqzAQdP_8WBYCvw_Wo1Dlb4AxCujqHZpFfD1G998z4za8AuU5fu_3QsjZCRATe3FjdkccFYWMEFsjjsb8WA/s1600/IMG_4442_stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWY4zqDfX8JlRLE_lH-fFRlzQUxNepYdKtlNnl0Kst50pyDgHBUH-WsU0JqzAQdP_8WBYCvw_Wo1Dlb4AxCujqHZpFfD1G998z4za8AuU5fu_3QsjZCRATe3FjdkccFYWMEFsjjsb8WA/s800/IMG_4442_stitch.jpg" width="800" height="354" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="707" /></a>
My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-9401244337318362102017-02-06T13:08:00.000-08:002018-02-20T17:04:40.073-08:00San Diego Early 2017Spending time south in San Diego during the new year to avoid the cold weather at home. This time we rented a condominium with a window view overlooking Mission Bay and its ever changing light. Below are a few favorites and the rest of the pictures can be found on <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/tjBl9spqi8veNLep2" target="_blank">Google Photos</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcuIhe5nUFpADRyt2yz2vJcXIo9ScR-kFnTwOP3ym8dj_2oF0oWwufpsmvo5n64odoFQ4rE4sqYTsfedZezICiWHKPbP1OFBzSuEfJbKMcLJiUFfm_s6kFobQ3haWOOcVQctQIbkN25Y/s1600/IMG_4030.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcuIhe5nUFpADRyt2yz2vJcXIo9ScR-kFnTwOP3ym8dj_2oF0oWwufpsmvo5n64odoFQ4rE4sqYTsfedZezICiWHKPbP1OFBzSuEfJbKMcLJiUFfm_s6kFobQ3haWOOcVQctQIbkN25Y/s800/IMG_4030.JPG" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1201" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Vq0OMTjVuJEnRxADEKmjLvRTh9sRZmoDhteRVwhwCALS8Age598yMJY3eD65RsYTzLjAa_cdRcr-q_yIxkdzwMbMLYJbfEDV1MH91orC8SRSphTUiuKMO4Fi8di5u8v5tYfYs4MIznc/s1600/IMG_8396.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Vq0OMTjVuJEnRxADEKmjLvRTh9sRZmoDhteRVwhwCALS8Age598yMJY3eD65RsYTzLjAa_cdRcr-q_yIxkdzwMbMLYJbfEDV1MH91orC8SRSphTUiuKMO4Fi8di5u8v5tYfYs4MIznc/s800/IMG_8396.JPG" width="800" height="383" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="764" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWJ5N10p1PJ0m_pEURlrH9JHnDSgQUXK9Ew7i6w5SVgbtCqljfdR7KdjtG85H19Wl9U52N1Iql4oT2fH5GhATVDw7Ire_bTbESNLByzyDvoK_I7hga0NsiwCYywi0RkBjZOwdiDzhhog/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWJ5N10p1PJ0m_pEURlrH9JHnDSgQUXK9Ew7i6w5SVgbtCqljfdR7KdjtG85H19Wl9U52N1Iql4oT2fH5GhATVDw7Ire_bTbESNLByzyDvoK_I7hga0NsiwCYywi0RkBjZOwdiDzhhog/s800/IMG_4012.JPG" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1201" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7UvABSTXU21IRIlgUY9b3O9-hmtFrIhoJQoTCmyjQAa4GdW3Lmq8rTPlcCeDloOYX-0A5WrMBtdAbLlxMdABqUGXC9qVKE9GlF321g5L6iW06sNSXO7SGskJDIcmOfQKg7F014BOK0I/s1600/55855776_Unknown.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7UvABSTXU21IRIlgUY9b3O9-hmtFrIhoJQoTCmyjQAa4GdW3Lmq8rTPlcCeDloOYX-0A5WrMBtdAbLlxMdABqUGXC9qVKE9GlF321g5L6iW06sNSXO7SGskJDIcmOfQKg7F014BOK0I/s800/55855776_Unknown.JPG" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZ_4jdBNNqX0wIo2DMTaaDiyNJ4SD8n0Nn-2yYzqVb4hFccwOAOxZ6mEifYqBpJY3xcVkB5YQbthFXVHjDj4wH9HXc5BRFhaLsJSwwyD4QW75zu7XneOkXsoiCToN8vwvI6i83s-Fo3Y/s1600/IMG_1315.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZ_4jdBNNqX0wIo2DMTaaDiyNJ4SD8n0Nn-2yYzqVb4hFccwOAOxZ6mEifYqBpJY3xcVkB5YQbthFXVHjDj4wH9HXc5BRFhaLsJSwwyD4QW75zu7XneOkXsoiCToN8vwvI6i83s-Fo3Y/s800/IMG_1315.JPG" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1196" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72HIX2m7MIMOi77rbIgPk28hPtq8DG6IEvlHt35ETSySCIDfCKIl5ZdGHt_ezMQlgoxQrUevLryDHw3H3_FT3-e8UDS27WxBQKVX6JoGNawLxc-qC-VsW8jhYcoHcwcqU8sVJ1I0v6k4/s1600/IMG_8539.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72HIX2m7MIMOi77rbIgPk28hPtq8DG6IEvlHt35ETSySCIDfCKIl5ZdGHt_ezMQlgoxQrUevLryDHw3H3_FT3-e8UDS27WxBQKVX6JoGNawLxc-qC-VsW8jhYcoHcwcqU8sVJ1I0v6k4/s800/IMG_8539.JPG" width="800" height="600" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-24125813306319333302016-11-07T10:39:00.000-08:002018-02-21T08:12:18.432-08:00Hawaii in Fall 2016 Fall Kay and I decided to spend a month in Waikiki during the the fall of 2016, staying in a one bedroom condominium on the 31st floor overlooking the Ali Wai Canal, a place we rented once before. Our place was a long city block from the beach where there was some decent snorkeling; and we could easily walk around the Ali Wai Canal, or around Diamond Head for some exercise. I also brought my foldable bike, a Bike Friday, which enabled me to explore most of the neighborhoods along the mountains from the Pali Highway to Kokohead. Our location gave me quick access to quiet neighborhoods away from the busy hustle and bustle of Waikiki, and from there I could easily cycle into the mountains or toward Kokohead to explore areas frequented by more locals than tourist. Staying active during our visit was important due to all the dine outs. Although we did eat in, one of the great things about visiting Hawaii is the food, a melting pot of Asian cuisines along with traditional local favorites, both old and new. Kay did her research generating a list of restaurants to try, some fine dining but mostly hole-in-the-walls. Including the restaurants we discovered while out and about, and recommendations from friends; there was more places than our days in paradise allowed. Staying active was important for our health and weight! Friends Dennis and Deb, whose daughter and husband recently moved to Waikiki, were also visiting the islands during part of our stay. Below are pictures from our trip which include visits to the Hawaii State Art Museum, Iolani Palace, and Mu Ryang Sa Buddhist Temple, as well as hikes to Manoa Falls, Diamond Head, and Waimea Valley. Below are a few favorites and the rest of the pictures can be found on <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/aRAjwjk9Aj8gs2qr6" target="_blank">Google Photos</a>.<br /><br />
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<br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-65143845297231398612016-09-01T17:18:00.000-07:002018-02-20T10:42:41.338-08:00Cycle Touring in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Summer 2016During late summer of 2016, Peter and I did a road trip to Rapid City, South Dakota to participate in a one week fully supported bike tour with 60 riders organized by the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA), in the Black Hills just west of the city. We were part of a subgroup of ten riders from California. Departing from home, our round trip odyssey took us through nine states: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon. In total, during nearly three weeks of travel, we drove just over 4,000 miles and rode our bicycles 262 miles with over 16,000 feet of elevation gain. We visited; by vehicle, bike, and foot; the Great Basin NP, Arches NP, Montrose, Rocky Mountains NP, Deadwood, Wind Cave NP, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore NM, Badlands NP, Spearfish Canyon, Devils Tower NM, Little Bighorn Battlefield NM, the Beartooth Basin, Yellowstone NP, Bozeman, Missoula, Flathead Lake, and Steen Mountains of southeast Oregon. My thanks to the hospitality of Kurt and Cheri in Montrose, and Bill and Kathy at Flathead Lake for our much needed rest days. The ACA team lead by Kelley did an OUTSTANDING job running the bike tour and Ann's cooking was beyond my expectations. I highly recommend supported bike tours operated by ACA. Below are few pictures and here's a link to all the pictures on <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/UjPDbV7VwzEq3ErH9" target="_blank">Google Photos</a> including our road trip.<br /><br />
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My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-86211760006953827932016-07-25T16:25:00.000-07:002018-02-20T07:45:54.204-08:00Spending Time with my Bro, July 2016Spending time with my eldest brother and his wife at Mammoth Lakes in the eastern Sierras. While there, we rode the tram to the top of Mammoth Mountain, visited Mono Lake and Bodie State Park, and hiked the Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls. Lots of nice dining options in Mammoth Lakes; our favorite was the gourmet dining at Skadi. Below are a few favorites and the rest of the pictures can be found on <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/u1w782MU4AMQL6pX9" target="_blank">Google Photos</a>.<br /><br />
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My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-10526532798484263712016-06-12T08:18:00.000-07:002018-02-18T17:19:38.441-08:00Oregon Bike Tour 2016On Memorial Weekend, nine of us left California for an 8-day vehicle supported bike tour in western Oregon beginning in Sutherlin, just north of Roseburg, with a counter clockwise loop north around Eugene, to the coast from Newport to Winchester Bay, and back to Sutherlin. Many thanks to Stew who organized this trip which included vehicle support, bike transport, hotels, route maps, and all the essential road food and water. The route was outstanding, along mostly rural and quiet countryside roads, and the group was fun, congenial, positive and all enthusiastic riders. Below are few favorite pictures. Uses the link below, bottom lower right, to see the all the pictures in Picasa. Cheers.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/nYq5DvmIQECRgkW42"><img height="613" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZTy-tZKPK9LsjRoLZC3eA__WUvsJWe5xURNG-ddcdASUtXgTM5AAh8vGvy2nMTGQYpIE_yOugSQhtl_48UZpM9Cww4RghumTugXZKr5xsSCfDMubOBUeJeIq6E4xN7RkZv6-lhzbVEQ/s800/IMG_6865.JPG" width="800" /></a>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/9sjDAo1noWTkxP1J9">Oregon Bike Tour 2016</a></td></tr>
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My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-18423737608213596072016-04-25T17:09:00.000-07:002018-02-20T07:44:58.208-08:00Washington DC in the Spring of '16This was Kay's first trip to Washington DC and my third visit, but we covered more ground on this trip than my previous visits combined. It was my first time touring the US Capitol, Library of Congress, Kennedy Center, and the National Cathedral. We were also very fortunate to be able to witness the reenactment of a Revolutionary battlefield at Mount Vernon, all thanks to Kay's research and planning. Our spring trip came with some spring showers and cooler overcast weather, but nothing that could hinder our activities as we went about by foot and subway. Just keep those umbrellas handy! Our only sunny afternoon became quite uncomfortably warm so we were glad when the clouds returned. The region has seen a lot of redevelopment since my first visit in the early eighties, so there was much to explore and a must-see for every American. Below are a few pictures from the trip. Below are a few favorites and the rest of the pictures can be found on <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/hBz7Z5jUQCfZBqPB7" target="_blank">Google Photos</a>.<br /><br />
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My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-29678248490874548292016-03-19T23:41:00.001-07:002016-03-20T04:13:48.407-07:00FijiAfter Auckland, we flew to Fiji staying at the Sofitel Resort and Spa in Port Denarau near the city of Nadi for three nights before heading home. After 26 active days, Kay and I decided to spend most of our time poolside, especially since it was too hot and humid to do much else. My only outing was a thirty minute boat trip to a snorkeling spot out on the coral reef breakers. Overall, our entire tour gave us a wonderful quick overview of Australia and New Zealand. If there's ever a future trip back, it would be on our own so that we could explore in more depth and at a slower pace. Below are some pictures from Fiji.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25623948670/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1558/25623948670_35b29e32ae_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='348' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our ocean front <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25291825974/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1647/25291825974_cda3b6ba74_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The resort had a grand pool.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25924524935/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1599/25924524935_53335ee66f_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25803766562/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1664/25803766562_b208c708ae_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The only way to beat the heat is in the polo<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25295824223/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1607/25295824223_1dafeefaa7_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25803910612/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1566/25803910612_e7c72a32ca_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25291978174/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1540/25291978174_3c63342d7c_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Nights are a great time to sit out by the beach listening to the waves and feeling the breeze.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25898774896/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1569/25898774896_561ee977e8_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Port Denarau<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25829732561/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1462/25829732561_e01e2abd88_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />How hot and humid was it? Condensation on my lens below.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25924830115/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1597/25924830115_952bbbb9c8_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25292132134/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1516/25292132134_8181d4aedd_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The gang in Fiji<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25300150423/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1477/25300150423_3b72fae562_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-56058678788491336852016-03-13T22:41:00.001-07:002016-03-15T18:51:47.733-07:00AucklandWe only had two nights in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, so we had to make the most of it. Although very metropolitan, I liked Auckland due to its smaller size, about one and half million people, hilly terrain and great active waterfront. Like other major cities we've visited on this tour, there is a strong Asian presence which means lots of Asian cuisine. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25148469114/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1716/25148469114_f8c115f882_b.jpg' border='0' width='620' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Robert, Glen, and Barbara bounce down the hillside inside an "ogle"<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25778967515/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1564/25778967515_25c96f0fc0_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='542' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />For "Lord of the Ring" fans, North Island is the land of the Hobbits where fans can visit the shire<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25149501444/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1548/25149501444_0543967e70_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Approaching Auckland along the harbor <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25152342143/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1609/25152342143_020df0ca32_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Visiting the Auckland's Sky Deck, tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25657964782/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1680/25657964782_cd18b59b5e_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='364' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />From the Sky Deck<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25148494834/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1452/25148494834_69694abf29_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25779077355/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1490/25779077355_cff97cac39_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Sky Deck Tower is a great landmark when walking the city. You always know where you are.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25752988926/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1713/25752988926_40ce8f3873_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ferry Building and Terminal <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25152467203/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1677/25152467203_dda120fb74_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Auckland at night<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25779095005/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1710/25779095005_41719e7945_b.jpg' border='0' width='539' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25152543623/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1631/25152543623_8c63a8e128_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25658181872/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1550/25658181872_f66da05026_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25478500650/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1474/25478500650_0fccd4c692_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25753129036/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1692/25753129036_77059d1825_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We hired a tandem on our free day and rode the northern suburbs across the harbor<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25779233555/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1643/25779233555_4f741db7a0_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25148875154/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1587/25148875154_9d5b0bb519_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25658351322/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1539/25658351322_a1d1b798e2_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='411' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />City view from harbor<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25148887494/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1712/25148887494_c9b5fb1563_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />City view from Devonport<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25753280026/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1506/25753280026_3635a00fe9_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25779381245/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1565/25779381245_cce0e79e4e_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-7857015865640912702016-03-13T12:17:00.001-07:002016-03-17T11:23:57.763-07:00RotoruaFlying from the South Island to Rotorua on the North Island along the Southern Alps. Two pictures from our turbo propeller airplane.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25736839286/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1481/25736839286_268e83ea50_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='763' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25462217870/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1680/25462217870_a4b463d912_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />New Zealand's volcanic origins was clearly visible during our visit of the Whakarewarewa Maori village.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25667838011/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1450/25667838011_a0ff8071be_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A guided tour of the living Maori village.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25462227470/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1491/25462227470_f6bbd344de_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Dinner is ready by the time they get home for the day<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25641962442/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1593/25641962442_93c73ac4f8_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25736916716/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1455/25736916716_93e54f9fd9_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Bathing pools; way too hot for me<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25667917881/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1532/25667917881_efe6361349_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Around the village <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25136409853/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1692/25136409853_7e308c5e98_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25667931681/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1603/25667931681_b6ee75e590_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Carving illustrates the standard greeting of the Maori people<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25736948336/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1488/25736948336_94c7ccd0f4_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Looks like Yellowstone <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25132633564/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1618/25132633564_9bfebbf73e_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Visiting a Kiwi park where are they trying to save the Kiwi bird. Eggs are removed from the wild, away from predators, and hatched in the safety of the sanctuary. When the chicks have grown in size enough to protect themselves, they are returned. Note the size of the egg.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25136499503/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1480/25136499503_1c0ae1f993_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lake Rotorua near our hotel smells of sulphur<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25642135212/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1675/25642135212_645b9a1929_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Dinner with the Maori<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25136509513/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1531/25136509513_db8f7b6cd2_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='620' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The greeting: are you a friend or foe <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25737037686/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1681/25737037686_b7f1f40488_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-21444032828697246412016-03-10T20:46:00.001-08:002016-03-11T00:30:24.887-08:00QueenstownQueenstown, which attracts a younger demographics, is located along the shores of a clear pristine lake, Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by mountains and perfectly situated for year round outdoors activities. The list of activities is long and the energy in this small city is high. We spend fours nights in Queenstown. Below are pictures from our activities around Queenstown.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25663663286/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1717/25663663286_f969c4f94d_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Gondola ride to the top of Ben Lomond Mountain.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25597159781/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1675/25597159781_d3a9f90e4c_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Views from Ben Lomond<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25389110530/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1504/25389110530_38c0df80a4_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Views from Ben Lomond<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25664025606/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1636/25664025606_6539af0df3_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='345' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25689846875/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1550/25689846875_9ff550d9b1_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='551' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Birthplace of bungee jumping, the Kawarau Bridge.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25392518690/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1459/25392518690_119121f454_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lake tour on a 1912 steamer<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25571136522/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1656/25571136522_21f3cae452_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25689888515/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1697/25689888515_43e87acce3_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25389035330/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1684/25389035330_3c246290b7_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25571183722/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1464/25571183722_6bef4156b5_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Steamer tour includes dinner at Walter Peak <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25389043150/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1442/25389043150_250e4c40f7_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And sheep shearing demonstrations<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25059377944/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1633/25059377944_24d41fb761_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25597283891/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1462/25597283891_2bff006ee1_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Hike Queenstown Hill with Richard and Kurenai on our rest day, at 4.2 km and 500 meters.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25597285731/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1517/25597285731_d4f020625f_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='342' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />View from Queenstown Hill<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25389115520/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1544/25389115520_720edb9296_b.jpg' border='0' width='719' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Below are pictures around Queenstown <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25597288251/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1565/25597288251_27d0687361_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25063235993/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1447/25063235993_b0bb5603dc_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25663948526/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1466/25663948526_10a4da769a_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='514' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25663950886/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1668/25663950886_843b044ee3_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25690128915/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1692/25690128915_3477df2662_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-18799864231225956362016-03-10T20:24:00.001-08:002016-03-11T00:49:19.312-08:00Milford SoundFrom Queenstown, we also did a day long trip to Milford Sound, a fiord on the south west coast of South Island within Fiordland National Park, for boat tour and some spectacular scenery within the Southern Alps of South Island <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25570758692/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1537/25570758692_eaaceebbc8_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our day tour was interrupted by downed trees and rock slides after high winds and rain during the night and early morning. Above, our bus waits nearly two hours for the road to be cleared of downed trees.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25689477845/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1704/25689477845_23740af5ed_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Road to Milford Sound<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25663301136/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1562/25663301136_d6974f8f3a_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='551' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Touring Milford Sound <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25596798471/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1690/25596798471_26dc550449_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='510' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25388629250/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1628/25388629250_b6a3c0ba21_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25663374616/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1680/25663374616_2d53c9fc7d_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25059034344/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1520/25059034344_45018860ec_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25689564685/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1706/25689564685_a98455b65b_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Heavy rains overnight meant lots of waterfalls around the fiord.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25596941701/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1671/25596941701_32ce5da025_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25596944411/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1507/25596944411_0614f0fc8b_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25388771780/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1476/25388771780_db6a94839f_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25570922862/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1630/25570922862_4b7c2cec78_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Fur seals <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25062896843/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1644/25062896843_614c0bc974_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='475' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25570995312/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1537/25570995312_451b947dd3_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25663613006/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1534/25663613006_2ba34e7633_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The boat tour and scenery were spectacular!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25597106901/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1681/25597106901_5c926d7674_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On the road back to Queenstown during last daylight.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25689794185/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1457/25689794185_75c1da7699_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='589' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25663619816/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1652/25663619816_1577bb7b49_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25063063693/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1650/25063063693_394c33ab6b_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Cute Alpaca <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25389468720/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1608/25389468720_0ab499c4ce_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-34867323174115305262016-03-08T03:17:00.001-08:002016-03-08T03:32:59.770-08:00South Island DriveNew Zealand, the South Island; driving from Christchurch to Queenstown, from the east coast to the southwest, from the lowlands to the highlands, took all day with an evening arrival. Queenstown is a charming city, an outdoors play ground,set within the high mountains, the Southern Alps, along the shores of Lake Wakatipu.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25315288420/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1658/25315288420_7eafa2ce8b_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Southern Alps of the South Island <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25518219851/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1479/25518219851_2048b091dc_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24980404784/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1545/24980404784_77e99c1784_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25584780816/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1670/25584780816_a4587a53c1_b.jpg' border='0' width='639' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lake Tekapu<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25584782106/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1580/25584782106_f67745c983_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mount Cook is 3,754 meters <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25492535602/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1501/25492535602_2e747e81f0_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25585039756/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1641/25585039756_66e8e17834_b.jpg' border='0' width='623' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The ultimate destination wedding at Lake Pukaki<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25243617179/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1612/25243617179_fd1722cbe7_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25315560320/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1639/25315560320_2d506c0bf6_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lake view from Queenstown <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25315562460/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1572/25315562460_2ce8b356b1_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25315564870/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1558/25315564870_9dec14dffb_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25243626509/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1678/25243626509_6e9f551ae4_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-4493911734858049542016-03-06T21:15:00.001-08:002016-03-07T11:16:44.887-08:00Christchurch It was a quick stay in Christchurch, a one nighter, where the devastation from the 2011 earthquake is still evident, along with the massive rebuilding effort which is expected to take 15 years. Rising out of the rubbles, Christchurch will be better than ever with some much needed improvements. For a small city, art is alive and can be found everywhere. It was sad however, to see so much destruction and damage to its timeless historic buildings (and the loss lives). After a quick tour of the city, we spend an evening with a local host family. Our host family of five, with three young girls, was great fun and the home cooked meal was wonderful. Ever hear of a ginger pear tart; yum!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25458072122/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1562/25458072122_1c8402d881_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Memorial Chairs for the 185 people killed in the earthquake.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24946161884/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1444/24946161884_c2a651852b_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A new cathedral with a structure made from heavy cardboard tubes.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25483961621/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1627/25483961621_0b9f07a1ee_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The structural columns are heavy cardboard tubes.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25281051900/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1586/25281051900_affa569e75_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The debate regarding the damage historic cathedral continues.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25458097092/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1683/25458097092_f8c391e056_b.jpg' border='0' width='598' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Canterbury Museum grounds is a botanical garden<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24946207734/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1508/24946207734_c267d32725_b.jpg' border='0' width='598' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25484009731/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1549/25484009731_92d8c38600_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Below, destruction and reconstruction can be seen throughout the city core.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24950038203/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1607/24950038203_1cf4fea796_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24946224714/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1650/24946224714_03bace9d6f_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24950048823/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1451/24950048823_33fe028192_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-10584517458593842362016-03-06T08:14:00.001-08:002016-03-06T08:40:52.545-08:00Sydney by NightPictures of Sydney at night. Every Saturday night at 9:00, there are fireworks at Darling Harbor drawing large crowds, mostly visitors. Also some group pictures. There are 25 of us plus the guide traveling together through Australia and New Zealand.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25263090700/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1453/25263090700_7cb780b577_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />St. Mary's Cathedral <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24932010793/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1538/24932010793_c6ee2c09b6_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Westfield Tower<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25532595026/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1718/25532595026_f2beb87e33_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sydney Harbor Bridge <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25191184769/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1600/25191184769_0d95640a49_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='611' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25558758065/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1665/25558758065_827bef5a15_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Opera House <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25191327809/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1629/25191327809_b7d5d53190_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Crowd waiting for the fireworks <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25532753706/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1702/25532753706_9a37cf562e_b.jpg' border='0' width='689' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Eight minutes of fireworks <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25440350362/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1479/25440350362_c3fbb6b066_b.jpg' border='0' width='735' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25532788576/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1719/25532788576_f336debe11_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='657' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Darling Harbor <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25263345340/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1646/25263345340_f2bee51c28_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Hearts for Darling Harbor<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24928910724/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1634/24928910724_b11a671cf4_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25191885949/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1562/25191885949_7c1ebb42da_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The gang<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24928959194/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1494/24928959194_6886479e51_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-11287076007736403282016-03-06T01:57:00.001-08:002016-03-06T01:57:30.500-08:00Visiting Bondi BeachSydney is surrounded by beaches; of which, Bondi Beach is very popular.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25254344450/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1633/25254344450_d00cd43719_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24919438004/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1468/24919438004_d5f0d66fe4_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25182447859/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1457/25182447859_10e7dafe3c_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25254389300/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1563/25254389300_6f5e68f74b_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25523886486/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1569/25523886486_1b6aec6357_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='586' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-41670155986349552642016-03-05T20:57:00.001-08:002016-03-06T01:29:40.770-08:00Sydney by DaySydney is a great metropolitan city, the largest in Australia, with active harbors, lively urban scenes, beaches, the arts, food galore, music, and you name it. Although I did see cyclists riding the streets, it is not a bike friendly city like Melbourne. We arrived on a Friday and stayed through the weekend which included the annual "Mardi Gra" Parade with countless thousands of people, mostly the young, roaming the streets late into night. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25249380880/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1582/25249380880_9ef53880d0_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Harbor view from the south shore.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24918311963/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1644/24918311963_f430a8380f_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sydney Harbor features a cruise ship<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24914507864/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1691/24914507864_f4559e52e4_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sydney Harbor Street Markets<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25452318581/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1674/25452318581_12b3f09b43_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sydney Harbor Bridge<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24918371173/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1552/24918371173_05ae41d540_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='308' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Harbor view<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24914649044/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1615/24914649044_4036964f6e_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Downtown shopping<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25426644952/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1574/25426644952_c2152537ff_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='389' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25452453191/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1540/25452453191_cb65e37331_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='492' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Hyde Park with St. Mary's Cathedral in the background <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25253440700/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1611/25253440700_d28b9860f0_b.jpg' border='0' width='598' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There's a wedding in St. Mary's Cathedral<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25177678389/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1493/25177678389_9c1e5e23ba_b.jpg' border='0' width='625' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />In Hyde Park<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24918512323/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1471/24918512323_a86f09f04a_b.jpg' border='0' width='579' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There's shopping and more shopping in Sydney. Below are two highlight features of Queen Victoria Building<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25430940742/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1525/25430940742_f579de3938_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25523359446/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1448/25523359446_63d0c17258_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25548492305/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1679/25548492305_d8ee190a98_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Cycling the northside, Milsons Point. Sydney is not known for its great cycling.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25252887710/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1605/25252887710_50a7225ed8_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='467' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25180976069/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1516/25180976069_0e0d0c3a94_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25522382806/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1692/25522382806_8500686d44_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='594' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Above are harbor views from Milsons Point <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25455795121/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1716/25455795121_9a7e46c1a2_b.jpg' border='0' width='598' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Sydney Opera House<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25253448300/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1596/25253448300_1099cca548_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='352' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25456341401/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1665/25456341401_b9f34274c1_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25181554429/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1624/25181554429_3d549a52b5_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25456371331/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1471/25456371331_96385fb4d5_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='536' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Unfortunately, the main concert hall was closed due to rehearsals.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24918591364/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1695/24918591364_6aeeb14fd0_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-8001329020731464292016-03-03T00:31:00.001-08:002016-03-03T03:30:57.150-08:00Hanging in CairnsKay and I decided to hang in Cairns for a needed rest day while most of the others headed out to the mountains (rainforest) for a day tour. Cairns is tropical and humid like Hawaii, but the main attraction is the Great Barrier Reef, an hour plus off shore. Highlights of my day was some local birding and finding the Cairns Flying Foxes, aka Fruit Bats. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24833762614/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1661/24833762614_45e61d5587_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sunrise in Cairns <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25464334005/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1512/25464334005_6975eda7f2_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='598' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25345890722/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1695/25345890722_f6af2589cf_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There are plenty of shops and eateries in the downtown area.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25438191856/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1697/25438191856_bbffc75bd0_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Harbor views<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25345907522/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1565/25345907522_058d196488_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25346016602/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1573/25346016602_0a274b395d_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The beaches of Cairns are actually mudflats, not conducive for recreational actives, especially since there may be crocodiles. Below is a man made pool by the oceanfront.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25346019942/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1640/25346019942_443c3baab3_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Finding the Flying Foxes (Fruit Bats) in the banyan trees in the downtown area.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25464468495/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1611/25464468495_ac3a1e8da9_b.jpg' border='0' width='558' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25371578981/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1670/25371578981_30baf62ed9_b.jpg' border='0' width='655' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />They are constantly cleaning themselves as they hang during the day. At night, they fly.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25346026172/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1631/25346026172_45c61b421a_b.jpg' border='0' width='717' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Cairns at night. This is where the tourists hang if they're not out on the reef.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24837849163/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1644/24837849163_bc021a997e_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25346138802/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1556/25346138802_5d7fb0c6e2_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25346143642/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1526/25346143642_991459f144_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-28270518633900365252016-03-02T02:28:00.001-08:002016-03-02T16:45:39.280-08:00Visiting the Great Barrier ReefI'll start by saying all the pictures in this post are not mine. They were taken from the Internet since I did not shoot any pictures during our time out on the Great Barrier Reef. Instead, I was in the water snorkeling all day except for a lunch break. I used these pictures from the Internet because I wanted to show something of our experience. Highlight of the day was an hour long guided snorkeling adventure beyond the barriers surrounding the platform. Great fun! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24805447904/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1648/24805447904_9a6e53d65c_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='533' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The ferry ride from Cairns to the platform out on the reef took one and a half hours.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25343079381/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1690/25343079381_c17b41a121_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='383' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Platform on the reef<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24805453234/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1478/24805453234_4065c18576_o.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Staging area and lunch dining room on the platform run by Reef Magic Cruises.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25436030305/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1561/25436030305_0e5c548382_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='531' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was as beautiful as these pictures which represents only a fraction of what I saw.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24809389943/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1530/24809389943_7afd03f0c9_o.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25317737772/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1598/25317737772_4dcfe0b436_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='531' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25343143761/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1613/25343143761_18b2990550_o.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='500' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24824021133/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1471/24824021133_b05040ec2b_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='534' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25343146101/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1656/25343146101_a9707ffcb1_o.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='532' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-25405651223857106192016-03-01T05:36:00.001-08:002016-03-02T14:09:53.759-08:00Kata Tjuta FormationsVisiting the Kata Tjuta rock formations and cultural center near Uluru before flying to Cairns for the Great Barrier Reefs. Pictures not allowed of indigenous people, sacred places, and the cultural center.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25314368471/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1703/25314368471_c7a940af61_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The Kata Tjuta Rock Formations<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25314380301/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1504/25314380301_c3e87472b5_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24780674603/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1572/24780674603_95a6e8d042_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Most of the tour group <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25407386475/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1618/25407386475_139d184665_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='796' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Look closely and you'll see the annoying flies. It can be much worst.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25111771580/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1598/25111771580_27cb7dc04b_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Short walk into the formation<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25289330102/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1564/25289330102_23af0b2f51_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Rock wall patterns<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25407643555/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1578/25407643555_8b01fd4bc2_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25112038780/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1461/25112038780_e25d2a339a_b.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25112049000/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1445/25112049000_1ff91a98f2_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Anja talks about the formation of the landscape.<br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-13649693332775756532016-02-29T05:05:00.001-08:002016-02-29T05:52:50.035-08:00Uluru, aka Ayers RockVisiting Uluru, 300 kilometers from Alice Springs, with stops along the way including a camel ride.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25079115400/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1598/25079115400_df1d6bace9_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='599' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our camel ride. There are 300,000 wild camels in Australia <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25256478372/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1491/25256478372_058fa6891c_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='637' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25281717811/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1709/25281717811_23cd6e436f_b.jpg' border='0' width='665' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wallaby<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25374770695/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1623/25374770695_f9a67cf104_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25256522732/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1573/25256522732_a4889e4c54_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='599' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Salt Flats <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25282058231/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1650/25282058231_a20b98a098_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Beware the local spiders at 2 inch plus<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25079525420/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1592/25079525420_f05ac1a536_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Flies are a problem near Uluru<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24744542144/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1530/24744542144_47bf755074_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='472' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24744562824/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1679/24744562824_8c76ee6c7d_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wonder light in late afternoon <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25375780095/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1500/25375780095_116027cd50_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25256938372/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1670/25256938372_6b110be8a9_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25007783799/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1561/25007783799_f943b7cb75_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wall Paintings <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25282370461/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1599/25282370461_2175611f72_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Waiting for Sunset<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24744821934/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1475/24744821934_b801dd2f70_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Part of the gang<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25079846150/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1601/25079846150_24e63a7e92_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='599' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Sunset on Uluru<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24744866704/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1455/24744866704_4ec966ecb7_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-14453961435101387402016-02-28T14:06:00.001-08:002016-02-28T14:28:00.808-08:00Alice SpingsAlice Springs, a semi arid region, was over 100 degrees at mid afternoon. Imagine opening your oven door while baking; it's a dry heat. Visited the Royal Flying Doctors Museum and the School of Air (which used radio communications, now the Internet); two ways locals handled essential services (health care and education) for people living in the vast outbacks where long distances make conventional method unpractical. During the heat of the day, look in the shady areas under the shrubs and trees and you may see wild life.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25238688412/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1448/25238688412_124efba3cc_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24726346264/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1520/24726346264_c16d75eacd_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Downtown Alice Springs <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25330782556/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1708/25330782556_e274d0df62_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='599' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Local colors<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25238715182/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1719/25238715182_e3d749fa15_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='599' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Indigenous people can often be seen sitting in the shade.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25330797476/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1671/25330797476_31db0dc262_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Royal Flying Doctors <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24726411444/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1522/24726411444_c205b00aa3_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />School of Air<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25330851166/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1466/25330851166_02459a509b_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Don't want meet this on the road<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25238792272/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1504/25238792272_503d1c559e_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='599' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wallabies <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25263997271/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1550/25263997271_4e1571534a_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24726474774/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1624/24726474774_afabd43f60_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-34806715223710886012016-02-27T08:27:00.001-08:002016-02-27T09:50:12.449-08:00Final Pictures from Melbourne Some last pictures from Melbourne. With the tour group, our pace will be much quicker as we head for Alice Springs next. During our last days, we rented a tandem to ride the river bike path, met up with Kay's third cousin who took us to the Southbank Marketplace for brunch, and visited the Shrine of Remembrance along with other weekend activities.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25012083920/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1644/25012083920_6079b186f9_b.jpg' border='0' width='599' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25214589351/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1481/25214589351_c1423a4bb4_b.jpg' border='0' width='590' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25214645761/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1531/25214645761_30225e5a4c_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24677177044/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1548/24677177044_20b97d552e_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Having beer along the riverfront after the ride.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24677217764/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1606/24677217764_77a4180fb5_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25308012355/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1543/25308012355_11bc235525_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='653' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Entertainment at the Southbank Marketplace <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25308022735/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1487/25308022735_89e61d6822_b.jpg' border='0' width='734' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25012435020/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1479/25012435020_0430f1c685_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='605' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Shrine of Remembrance.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25013698520/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1479/25013698520_892fc4b669_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25281845816/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1667/25281845816_3c3486c9d7_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4522017817056042961.post-49857698301925287692016-02-26T04:03:00.001-08:002016-02-26T04:19:34.993-08:00The National Gallery of VictoriaFeatured artists at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne were Andy Warhol and Al Weiwei.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25154472572/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1660/25154472572_2b5674e790_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='599' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25154483332/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1494/25154483332_d77e02d0a8_b.jpg' border='0' width='599' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25246491276/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1485/25246491276_5fb060795a_b.jpg' border='0' width='638' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24646002973/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1563/24646002973_30e8f5eb02_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24905121749/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1563/24905121749_a54ff532e6_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='718' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24977208500/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1572/24977208500_44ab4ca40c_b.jpg' border='0' width='790' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24642188674/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1590/24642188674_9324f32937_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='619' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25246570996/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1689/25246570996_370b07bfaa_b.jpg' border='0' width='595' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/24977357010/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1600/24977357010_6b88b1f310_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25154725342/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1700/25154725342_eaa2cea4a6_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25246732976/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1518/25246732976_cbd1c93218_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='751' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25273022725/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1475/25273022725_5f2da1cebe_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='600' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/82019963@N00/25154784822/'><img src='https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1719/25154784822_180c77a532_b.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='572' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />My Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13346071185455953151noreply@blogger.com0