Category Archives: Environment

Driving Around the World Just Got a Bit Easier

Driving around the world just got a little bit easier, at least one of the roughest 110 kilometers did. A major segment of the Republic of the Congo’s National Highway 1 has recently been completed and the route from Pointe Noire to Dolisie is now actually deserving of the designation highway. Back in 2008, it […]

New Photos – Glacier Landing in Talkeetna, Alaska

There are few things in the world that you can do that require such little effort or your part to get such a huge return. A glacier landing gives you a sense of excitement that equals many of the most intense things out there, but to get this incredible feeling and experience, all you need to do is climb into a plane and put your faith in your pilot. As the plane takes off and heads toward the monstrous peaks, many times there are clouds lining

River Cave Adventure, Ian Anderson Style

Some of the most interesting things we’ve done recently have come completely out of nowhere. Such was the case when we entered Belmopan, Belize. Nothing at all was set up. We had some food in the back of the trucks, but it was getting late, and we had no place to sleep. Camping was an option, but there wasn’t any campsites in any of our guidebooks. Then we saw the sign, “Ian Anderson’s Cave Branch Adventure Company and Jungle Lodge.” We turned in to ask about camping and ended up being graciously accommodated with their bunkhouse and given a complimentary tubing tour the following day. Things were looking up.

Photo of the Week: Casa Cenote

During our stay in Tulum, our first destination in Mexico, we were fortunate enough to go scuba diving in two of the famed cenotes with Maya Diving. Here, in Casa Cenote, Bouey is doing some fine underwater filming. Nice work, Steve.

Photos of the Week: Arachnophobia

While in Belize we were hosted by Ian Anderson’s Cave Branch Adventure Co. & Jungle Lodge and participated in the “River of Caves” Cave Tubing where we met our new spider friend. Nels and I get up close and personal with what our guides, Edgar and Vida, referred to as an “eight foot spider.” While it looks rather scary it really only tickled a little. Although I think the spider took an unnatural liking to me.

Photo of the Week: Raging River

Nature was definitely a factor during our stay at Chilamate Rainforest Eco-Retreat in Costa Rica. It poured rain for consecutive days and the Sarapiqui River which borders the property rose to dangerous levels and slowly ate away at the river’s banks. At times whole trees and giant logs floated by showing the sheer force of the flood water. Also seen here is the questionable looking but reliable bridge we crossed in the trucks several times. Our photos do not do justice to the the power, danger, and effects of this raging river.

Rancho Margot

To date, one of our most recommended stays in Latin America is without a doubt, Rancho Margot. The ranch maintains nearly 400 acres tucked snuggly on the banks of the Rio Cano Negro as it flows into picture-perfect Lago Arenal. There is something for everyone at this family run ranch, be it adventure, relaxation, education or all three.

Living The Jungle Dream

“Welcome!” exclaimed owner, Davis, with a smile from ear to ear. He has many reasons to smile these days, for what started as a dream has now turned into reality. He and his wife, Meghan, are the proud owners of the Climante Rainforest Eco-Retreat in the Chilamate, Sarapiqui region of beautiful Costa Rica.

Photo of the Week: Tierra del Volcan

Here is Cotopaxi volcano, at 19,347ft the tallest volcano in the world, and the surrounding landscape of the Cotopaxi National Park, in Ecuador.

My favorite last day of the year…ever.

The real blog will come later today or tomorrow.  We are about to leave Banos on our way to our next stop here in Ecuador meeting with an NGO that helps to preserve the rainforest.  Since nothing is open here on New Years Day morning, I am sitting outside a cafe on the sidewalk using […]