The Island of Capri (KAH-pre)

Capri’s rise to fame is from the jet setting movie stars, royalty and ultra rich business families that have houses here. This “paradise of idleness” is surrounded by the bluest of seas; the dramatically beautiful, flower-covered Island of Capri has been enchanting visitors for centuries. Its breathtaking landscapes and beauty stretch from the rocky caves around the island to the edge of the horizon, and … Continue reading The Island of Capri (KAH-pre)

Holy Week in Sorrento

One of the most significant events of Easter in Sorrento are the processions. These performances take place between Thursday and Good Friday, and are certainly among the most In Sorrento, a series of events during Holy Week, that despite the strong religious character, are real symbols of tradition and folklore can charm even non-believers. The procession on Holy Thursday, is the Lady who seeks His … Continue reading Holy Week in Sorrento

Portuguese and Spanish port cities

The ship docked at four different ports: Funchal, Portugal; Cadiz, Malaga and Cartagena, Spain. All these were ancient Roman cities (Cadiz was 3,000 BC) they were a warren of narrow winding alleys connecting large plazas, people, housing, and history still available for us to experience today. Additionally, they are all fishing villages, and we were lucky enough to be at one on a Friday during … Continue reading Portuguese and Spanish port cities

The Journey Across the Ocean – March 16 – 31, 2015

Transatlantic cruises are one of the most sought after travel experiences. It is a “voyage” and not a cruise, since so many sea days are part of the itinerary. Think of it as mobile elegance between two continents – connecting the old world with the new, with a fitting air of grace, space and formality across the Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of distractions during … Continue reading The Journey Across the Ocean – March 16 – 31, 2015

Skiing – Colorado Revisited – January 5 – March 5, 2015

Skiing is good for the soul and the senses. It reeks havoc on the quads, your back, and other out of shape areas and it gives your face an unsightly raccoon look. It is all worth it. After 4 years of a continuous summer, our wish list included a ski bum holiday. Along, with the perfect ski house, unlimited passes, a hot tub, mountainside ski … Continue reading Skiing – Colorado Revisited – January 5 – March 5, 2015

October – December 2014 – The Southwest Migration

Over the last four years our RV life has focused on the western part of North America. The southwest, located between LAX and Denver, held many different ways to traverse the landscape with interesting places to visit no matter which way you turned. But, it is time to move to other parts of the country, and other airport/RV storage opportunities to consider, so this season … Continue reading October – December 2014 – The Southwest Migration

Hot Air at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta – October 5 – 11, 2014

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, held the first week in October, and a mere 10 hours from Grand Lake, makes a perfect stop. This year there were 548 balloon teams, including 106 special shape balloons, representing 22 countries. We love the fiesta, the color and the energy brings out your inner child. Day after day we rose before dawn (and we were lucky to get a … Continue reading Hot Air at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta – October 5 – 11, 2014

May – September 2014 – Shadowcliff – Grand Lake, CO

It’s been a long-lived love affair, this relationship between Shadowcliff and us.   It has been my home away from home, an extended family, the place where we volunteered and dreamed possibilities, the place we were married – a place that inspired our journey.The Executive Director (ED) approached us as part of a pilot program to separate the duties of running Shadowcliff into two pieces: the … Continue reading May – September 2014 – Shadowcliff – Grand Lake, CO

“Oh, the places you will go” – March 4, 2014

When it rains it pours, that’s what the weather was in Christchurch today, along with gale force winds. Our connection time in Auckland was a little over an hour. In light of Christchurchs weather, we went to the airport early and was able to depart on an earlier flight. Even with an earlier flight we were delayed out of Christchurch by an hour. Good thing … Continue reading “Oh, the places you will go” – March 4, 2014

Dunedin – Feb. 24 – 27, 2014

To sight a soaring Albatross is unforgettable – a spectacle touched with a dignity and majesty no other bird can excel; seeing the endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguins; and the Little Blue Penguin in their natural habitat; gave us reason to visit the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin City. The Royal Albatross Colony is the only mainland place in the world to view Northern Royal Albatross in their … Continue reading Dunedin – Feb. 24 – 27, 2014

Catlins

We drove from Te Anau to Owaka. This route, 8 hours including stops, took us through the most southern part of the South Island and up the south eastern coast and through Catlins Conservation and Forest Parks. The Catlins – the name that conjures up images of a corner of New Zealand untainted by the modern world – a place where time has stood still … Continue reading Catlins

Flying over NZ Fiordlands

David rented a Cessna 172 with a certified flight instructor from a Queenstown Aero Club. We flew over the NZ Fiordland National Park which included mountainous terrain, glaciers and lakes from Queenstown: Mount Aspiring; Mount Earnslaw; Milford Sound; Lake Te Anau; and return to Queenstown. The last photo in this post illustrates our flight path. The flight instructor worked the radios to obtain the required … Continue reading Flying over NZ Fiordlands

Queenstown

Just brilliant! We were in Queenstown 10 years ago, during our last visit to NZ, and remember it was the capital of adrenalin adventures. Being 10 years elder we were a little more conservative in choosing our adventures. A jet boat ride is an iconic activity on Queenstown’s lakes and rivers. The jet boat skims over the water very fast. We raced downstream for over … Continue reading Queenstown

Central Otago Rail Trail

New Zealand’s original great ride and opened to the public in 2000. In 2012 it became part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail. Developed for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, the Otago Central Rail Trail follows the former Otago Central branch railway line for 150 kilometres. The Rail Trail provides access to some truly spectacular scenery not seen from the highways including mountain ranges, hills … Continue reading Central Otago Rail Trail

Its all fun and games till someone gets hurt . . .

The Transportation and Toy Museum in Wanaka is said to have over 50,000 items and is described as a informal pandora box of surprises. They invite you to visit, explore and imagine. The museum has a collection of movie props from movies filmed here in New Zealand. The source of my problem. We found among the many Star Wars memorabilia a Star Wars Star Fighter … Continue reading Its all fun and games till someone gets hurt . . .

Driving to the west coast New Zealand, with stops

Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park Mankind have been floating their boats for hundreds of years. Mainly to get from point A to point B. But when “modern man” put boat travel into the realm of recreation, it was important to look good. Boats are a thing of beauty. We stumbled on the New Zealand Antique and Classic Boat Show at Nelson Lakes National Park … Continue reading Driving to the west coast New Zealand, with stops

Military War Re-Enactment

The day we visited the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was a national holiday, Waitangi Day. This day is celebrated every year on 6 February, and marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. In that year, representatives of the British Crown and over 500 Māori chiefs signed what is often considered to be New Zealand’s founding document. Outside the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre … Continue reading Military War Re-Enactment

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre – Blenheim

A highlight not to be missed in Blenheim is the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre houses a display like no other and you don’t have to be an aviation buff to enjoy it! Human stories from the Great War come to life in a theatrical treatment, which is both innovative and visually stunning. Captivating scenes depict the aircraft in context, some recreating … Continue reading Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre – Blenheim

Marlborough Wine and Food Festival

When do you attach a wine glass to lanyard and wear it around your neck? Answer: At the Annual Marlborough Wine and Food Festival. Blenheim is the heart of New Zealand’s Marlborough wine region. Imagine 60 tents for wineries, 12 restaurants with food pairings, 6 bands providing a continuous, live music atmosphere and one park. All of this is combined with a bus service to … Continue reading Marlborough Wine and Food Festival