The Chill Factor in New England

The chill factor was big in New England last night, wind whipped snow bore through the layers of clothing. I haven’t been subjected to such Arctic blasts in a long time. Not even in January on a dogsled trip above the Arctic Circle in Finland or a winter trip up the Norwegian coast. It brough back memories of the times I lived on Lake Monamonack in New Hampshire during the college days. I do remember we once actually had ice forming in the bathroom. In all I connected with the fridgid bite, a reminder that NE has its wild side and not just tourist country stores and high speed chairlifts. Under layers NE remains.

A Snowy Night in Portland Maine and Bull Feeney's

I admit it isn’t for everyone but a snowy night in Portland Maine suits me just fine. Portland has always been a NE city that I love. Walking to dinner through the Old Port area was fantastic, the lights glowed and glaze from the cobblestone street perfect. Soon a sign blowing in the wind attracted me, Lobsters like Guiness, was the wording. I peeked inside the old stone building at the pub style bar and the jovial going ons. Bull Feeney’s seemed just right, busy and warm, nodding faces and good cheer, a hit. My table on the second floor was the perfect place to enjoy my lamb chili and soft red wine. I felt as if I was in Belfast or Dublin and it felt good. My waiter mentioned that Feeney’s has the best selection of single malt Scotch in Maine, a perfect ending to a perfect winter night in Portland.

National Geo and Patagonia Picture

I happened to come upon a beta trial of National Geo picture site on facebook tonight featuring Patagonia and its animals. It catptured me while finishing the last paragraph of an article on the Sepic Region of PNG, if you need a break check it out, worth it.

Living in a Strange Museum

I happened to run into Phyllis McCabe this weekend, another photographer with several books out. She brought up a dinner at the house she came to last Feb. and asked what new treasures I dragged back. I immediately told her about the new penis gourds bought in Papua, New Guinea and several bystanders giggled. Phyllis immediately told them that that I might just have one of the most unusual collections of strange stuff from around the world in NY.

I doubt that but I thought about stuff that I have brought home, the penis gourds are a great new addition but some memorable treasures include a cricket casket from China, the Berber rug made from natural dyes in Fez and huge clay statues from Peru. This old farmhouse from 1845 seems to be made for things that aren’t found everywhere; the old pine floors demand it. Yet at the same time it is a comfortable place, the fireplace and old farm table have their own demands, Chance’s friends always called it the museum. I call it home.

Peter Guttman's Eye, an Apple App

Outstanding photographer and good friend Peter Guttman has a very cool app out on Apple for itouch and phones. It is called Beautiful Planet and will take you to some amazing shots by Peter shot on all seven continents and in 160 countries. Peter is an author, adventurer and above all captures magic with his cameras. I have had the pleasure of his company in Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania and Russia. Seeing the world through his lens $2.99, a bargain!

San Juan Marriott, Great Move

It is no secret that I am a fan of the San Juan Marriott, I have been twice and both times loved it. They also did one of the most inventive PR programs for Christmas this year. It is a bit late to post this but if they can come up with this imagine what they can do when you stay there!

San Juan, PUERTO RICO – December 15, 2009 – With the holiday spirit in the air and jingle bells ringing, the San Juan Marriott Resort wishes consumers Feliz Navidad with a Christmas Twitter scavenger hunt.
Beginning Monday, December 21, @SanJuanMarriott will tweet a holiday item at 10:00 am EST each of the five days leading up to Christmas. The first day of the search, the first follower who replies to @SanJuanMarriott with a picture (via TwitPic, Tweetphoto or otherwise) of the item will receive a complimentary 3 day / 2 night stay at the San Juan Marriott Resort in Puerto Rico. The second day of the scavenger hunt (December 22), the second person to find the item and submit a photo will receive the 3 day / 2 night stay prize, the third day will be the third person, and so on.
Additionally, anyone who tweets all five pictures of the requested scavenger hunt items (one per day) will receive a free room upgrade on their next visit to the San Juan Marriott Resort – valid throughout 2010.
“We wanted a unique way to celebrate the holidays so we decided to put a new-age twist on an old concept,” says Julian Treadwell-Cable, Director of Marketing. “Scavenger hunts are fun and interactive, and with Twitter the whole world can join in on the search. We’ve selected some great items and can’t wait to see the pictures submitted.”
While it may not be lords a-leaping, swans a-swimming or a partridge in a pear tree, the hunt for the specific holiday items is sure to keep consumers on their toes. Between snowball fights, last minute shopping and hot chocolate around the fireplace, the San Juan Marriott Resort invites Twitter users to participate in this epic hunt and possibly even bring home an early Christmas present — three free days in a tropical paradise.

Certifiably Crazy, About Travel Anyway

I just pulled my latest certificate I have received out of my bag, this one stating that I had reached Cape Horn, the southern most point in the world. I guess Antarctica doesn’t count; still I did get a thrill landing on Cape Horn (Latitude 55º59' South and Longitude 68º13' West.) I looked at the walls of my office for space to tack it up, between pictures and past endeavors, there was no room. The last bit of space was taken by a photo by Max of sheep dogs in Italy.

I pondered the question for a bit as Pandora played folk music, should I take down the Arctic Circle crossing one given when I took the Hurtigruten boat, Finnmarken, one winter not long ago? Perhaps the one testifying my insanity, jumping from the Macau Tower, nope that one came with photos of a terrified Kent. I was momentarily grateful that certificates aren’t given for best beer drinker in Walloon or most Champagne drunk there. Perhaps certifiably a travel nut would cover it all, who issues that, be in touch!

Home Now

I am sitting in a small office/home space in up- state NY and songs are playing that I have taken to four corners of the world, two of them twice. The fireplace occasionally begs for attention, I bide my response. I got things to do, obligations, hate that! Missy Higgans plays and I stop, would Missy travel?

I’ve been on the roof and chopped wood, the expensive Patik Philippe watch left by my dad is still useless, the cheap Cerus works great, it is only time anyway, it is only downtime time measured. I am working with thick leather gloves or perhaps making work. I go to the local corner store for food; it seems as exotic as a lunch in Marrakech. I am home.

Flora Met In Patagonia

As I sorted through hundreds of pictures taken in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, I checked out some pictures I took of the incredible flora seen. The plants have just as much an impact on the amazing landscape at the end of the world where trees bend at the wishes of the wind. In fact more so than the fauna, they are attracted by the other f.

In some ways it is the perfect place to learn about the blend of flora and fauna, the quiet often interrupted by the thunder of ice walls falling from glaciers. The wind is constant and plays its part in the game. At night after dinner aboard Mare Australis I often gazed at the landscape passing by in rapture, a higher power indeed, in all ways Darwin or not…

Old Friends this Chirstmas

It takes a party at one of your oldest friends for Christmas to really catch up on all missed while winging around. Lights a blaze and the threat of massive snowfall coming your way, a house where many important celebrations and major downfalls have been dealt with, a haven, no a sanctuary. Stories about the past pop up and laughter fills the air, we were a wild bunch in the 70’s and 80’s.

I get to see a god son that is now a towering vigorous man, architect soon, the wine flows and laughter spills through out the house. Remember when, comes in endless circles, calming and names drop faster then apples in the Hudson Valley in November. We have few secrets and no inhibitions; we are at the Dillon’s and all is right. Hugs end the night as we leave, grateful for the chance to once again all share company that goes back a long way, we all lead different lives now. But tonight it is all about us and friendship; I’ll pack that in my bag next trip.

Creatures of Patagonia

While not as animal rich as the Galapagos Islands, Patagonia provided thrills and chills. Both marine and landlubbers alike kept me busy looking through the lens and pleasure filled the hours though the dolphins never hit the mark and I just enjoyed their dancing.

Just as thrilling were the creatures spotted while hiking Torres Del Paine such as the llama like the Guanacos and the Rheas (related to the ostrich) and above the Condors. Traces of the Puma were evident by bones left scattered, but they remained elusive. One thing for sure is the Southern Lapwings are the loudest birds you will ever hear, the squeaky wheel gets the oil!

Exploring Myself on Mare Australis in Patagonia

If I could suggest a mental health vacation, a trip via boat through the channels of Patagonia to Cape Horn would fit in. The endless panoramas of snow- capped peaks and glaciers interspaced with shore excursions a tonic to the soul. It did my soul good to shut out chaotic months of planes, trains and strains. The chance to intermingle with travelers from around the world provided plenty of human contact, but it was the moments filled with nature that did the trick. Did that penguin really smile at me?

The zipping onto shore via Zodiac was a twice day event, and the comrade wonderful, but the chance to wonder off at the end of the world best. When I first arrived in Punta Arenas to board I saw a Princess Cruise ship out in the harbor, it was huge! I was really gratified to see our little, but mighty Mare Australis dockside, no tenders needed to board. The size mattered because I wanted to feel as if I was an explorer, not a number, more importantly I wanted to explore myself, mission accomplished.

Shipping out and Shifting Changes

Today I leave Puerto Natales for a ship from Chile to Argentina rounding Cape Horn and making zodiac pit stops along the way. For four nights I will be at sea, no internet and plenty of time to read and write. I am looking forward to some down time, a chance to chill with just things at hand and no stimulants bombarding me.

I got a jump on chilling by walking PN early this morning, watching a place wake up is something I like doing. I ended up just sitting and watching the water directly in front of my hotel. The way the moving clouds changed the lighting was amazing. I thought no running back to the room for my camera but couldn’t resist. Same spot different look every few moments. I was amazed when I downloaded the pictures, a ten minute time capsule of subtle changes. I wonder what changes a four night cruise in Tierra del Fuego will bring?

Puerto Natales, My Home in the Very Deep South, Chile

My driver from Compa picked me up today from the airport in Punta Arenas after my three hour flight from Santiago. We then had a three hour drive up Ruta 9 to Puerto Natales through the Chilean Patagonia, amazing stuff! The landscape is huge, massive and incredible. The light bounces from pampas to snowcapped peaks and even small puddles have white caps. We stopped half way to an outpost for coffee, the owners face totally English, no it was Welsh. The Welsh settled here many years ago to raise sheep; they did well by the huge herds I saw. Also we passed ostriches, cattle and birds of strange types. They had a signpost outside with kilometers to every city in the world it seemed, a lot I have been to.

With Jorge’s limited English and my remedial Spanish I decided to pull out a phrase book and play a word game. I looked up the least used words in both languages and soon we were giggling like hens. Tomorrow we will have an English guide with us; games begin with guide in the middle.

I was dropped of in Puerto Natales and immediately loved this port town, a hippy, dreadlock and Gore-Tex haven for outdoor people. The waterside and mountains fill the frame of my hotel window and music spills from restaurants and shops. The hostels proliferate like rabbits and I walk with a camera constantly, leaving it home tonight!

Mid- Summer In Santiago, Chile

It was a long flight to Santiago, Chile last night due to a stop in Lima, but god what a great city to return to. It is a hot 80 degrees even though the Andes peaks are showing snow. The people are strolling and enjoying their summer, tonight dinner at an outdoor place located in the El Golf area. I hit the ground hard today and headed to the market and then walked the length of the city Centro. I fortunately knew the way from the last trip and am near the W, the only one in SA. Sometimes I cannot even remember my hotel room #, I have so many to take up mind GIG space, however I did have Santiago pegged. Taking an old Paul Theroux book to dinner but watching the people will no doubt be the main event.

LAN and Cruceros Australis, Down to Chile Again

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifIt was a very busy travel year, 2009, a close second to 2007. The last trip to an international destination is looking great, Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia. A few days in the Torres del Paine National Park, Chile and then boat from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia is the plan. On the way will explore glaciers, Cape Horn, and many stops at places along the way, two of which are the Straight of Magellan and Pia Fjord.

The ship is the Mare Australis and the trip put together by Cruceros Australis, now in their twentieth year of operations. I am flying to Santiago on Lan Airlines, one of my favorite airlines and will get a bit of time in Santiago, loved it this Sept. All in all an ambitious schedule but anticipation is building as I pack.

Writing a Travel Blog

Social media, matters? I am amazed at just how much attention tweets and blog are getting these days in the travel industry. I have been blogging since 2004 and was dragged in by Max Hartshorne, his record on keeping GN current is pretty damn good. It was the slow beginning of what has turned out to be a love affair. While on the road I often cannot wait to get my thoughts of the day down. The chance to post a picture of something that caught my eye is to me a thrill. It is also an exercise, on days when not getting anything down on paper, it helps. I was recently asked by a new travel writer how to get your blog out there? For me anyway I got a lot of people to thank besides GN. Much of my traffic is generated by having links to my blog put up by other editors and writers. Having a link to your blog on Budget Travel’s site goes a long way to getting the word out. Speaking at travel events was also a way to get attention. After speaking at the New York Times Travel Show two years in a row, the numbers jumped. The number one way, keep writing them.

PNG Radio Segments on Travel Planners

I love doing radio segments and doing segments on Kevin and Sue McCarthy’s Travel Planners is always a fun experience. I did two today on Papua, New Guinea totaling 18 minutes, loved spreading the word about one amazing place. It is still swirling around in my mind. I listened to the segments before mine today on the Global American Broadcasting Satellite Network, where the show is nationally syndicated. My good buddy Max Hartshorne was on talking about his trip to New Zealand and regular Tom Parsons from Best Fares called in from Santiago Chile, I will be there on Tuesday. The show also airs on stations throughout the country.

Down to Strait of Magellen, Chile to Argentina

It is going to be a weekend of a massive amount of writing, want to get caught up before I head to Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego next week via the cruise by Cruceros Australis. A week from now I will be aboard the Mare Austrail sailing the Strait of Magellen and Beagle Channel, from Chile to Argentina. Zodiac boats will take me to glaciers and wildlife galore. I will also get a chance to get back to Santiago, last visited in Oct.

A Connection from Half Way Across the World

I’ve had trips cancelled on me but it is rare, in a reversal I have an upcoming trip that I was hoping could be pushed back. “Don’t Cry for me Argentina”, a trip from Chile around the Cape of Magellan to Argentina is a life dream for some. I am sure it will be amazing and I will fall in love in a big way. It has been a busy road for me this fall, from Chile to China, then onto Lithuania, Latvia ending in St. Petersburg. A few days later I was winging my way to Papua, New Guinea.

I am getting a bit off point here; my journeys are part of my work. I just wanted to let you all know how important any kind of connection with your life back home is, that email or FB message can lift me to the skies! I was once so against chat on FB, seemed to impersonal. I couldn’t have been more wrong! A perfect example is how one night at 3 A.M in Port Moresby, PNG I sat staring at my screen on FB just trying to feel connected. Suddenly the chat screen popped up and a close friend was, though half way across the world, there! I got to express my feelings about the road, the fatigue and loneliness I was going through. I learned a lot that night! The worst part of life on the road is easily cured by kind and soothing words, it matters.

T&L Covers St Croix

I was thrilled when I saw St. Croix get star treatment in Conde Nast, Traveler this month; however I have heard about the rising Phoenix many times. I have been going to STX since a young kid with tow head hair. My family enjoyed it so much that they bought property years ago. We still have a place there, though my sisters and I rarely go much, it is a rental. My last visit was a few years ago when we headed down with D&D Gogg for an overlapping ten days.

I love STX for reasons of its own, Hugo the hurricane destroyed much of it years ago. That has helped it from becoming the over done island found in the Antilles these days. As a fifteen year old I remember renting a dirt bike from Big Beard and hurtling down island roads. As a twenty something I chased good times through Christanstad with abandon. When I sit on the balcony overlooking Buck Island, I relive and revive; it has been a good life after all.

A Greek Feast