Our Planet

A Life Changing Trip to Kenya with Global Heart Journeys on July 9! Hurry and book!

June 3, 2017 By Tam Warner 4 Comments

A Life-Changing Trip to Kenya ~

While attending the most recent Women in Travel Summit, I was immediately drawn to, as well as fortunate, to spend time with my new friend Linda Higdon. Linda’s personal story opened my eyes to an opportunity that I never knew existed.

Just imagine traveling through East Africa’s cosmopolitan capital city of Nairobi, along the verdant slopes of Mt. Kenya and out to sweeping high deserts where you will personally meet remarkable women shaping change in contemporary Kenya.

Visit the women and children of rural villages, discover life-giving projects in urban slums and step into remote tribal communities. At night, return to lovely and comfortable accommodations to reflect upon the day’s adventures. This is not a mission trip, only a way to weave our two worlds together in a life altering experience.

Why did Linda create Global Heart Journeys?

A champion for global women, Linda Higdon is a performing artist, photographer visionary. Over the past 15 years, she has been “on the ground”, working, traveling, and building relationships with women who are igniting change in the developing world. She has a deep passion for introducing Americans to these extraordinary women leaders who have transformed her life and seeks to help others take a similar enriching journey.

In designing “A Women’s Journey to Kenya: Beauty in the Unexpected”, Linda combined her lifetime career in the creative arts with her work in Kenya. She is a classical pianist who has studied in Paris as well as a licensed ceramic artist whose work has appeared in galleries nationwide.

trip to Kenya — Half of our group from Austin

My visit to Austin ~

Craig and I were traveling to Austin, Texas for work and my Adventures of Empty Nesters explorations and ironically, Linda was traveling there as well to connect with a past Global Heart Journey traveler, Judy Simon.

Judy coordinated a small group of open minded women, curious to learn about her experiences with Linda and the tour in Kenya. We sat in a large circle, learned more details of the trip and shared heart-felt personal feelings, stories of our lives and what new types of adventures we were searching to find.

The overlying common theme from every single one of these intriguing midlife women was this:

We are all comfortable in our own skin
We are ready to utilize our personal gifts and talents to help someone else
We are searching to connect with global women through our common passion for family
We want to know intimate details about other cultures so different from our own
In midlife, we have nothing to prove, know who we are and have so much to offer
We are looking for a global heart journey, a life-changing adventure

We spoke candidly about the world today and how we as mothers, daughters and friends could embrace the idea of traveling to Kenya and explore the culture of other women.

Testimonial from Judy Simon:

One cannot help but be profoundly changed by this “Women’s Journey to Kenya” because you are in the middle of how the Kenyans live – they draw you in and then hide in your heart for the best travel souvenir you will find anywhere. There is no negotiation on this! Bring your heart, your openness, and your sense of adventure and you will not return the same person who left home. Is it safe? Physically – yes. Emotionally – travel at your own peril.

I am forever grateful to Linda Higdon and the many women of Kenya for waking me up.

I have been asked repeatedly if this was a mission trip or a fundraising event. I called it a women’s study group. We were there to learn from the amazing and strong Kenyan women whom I firmly believe if they ran the country, they would change the world.

Click here for a wonderful video testimonial ~

Tour Highlights:

Join the “Women’s Journey to Kenya” created for women who are looking for purpose in travel. In this 16-day adventure, you will spend a lot of time with Kenyan women and children, discovering life in the heart of villages, tea fields and cities. And each night you’ll retreat to 4-star luxury and delicious cuisine. Linda Higdon, your tour host, has worked in Kenya for 15 years so you’ll have special access to people and places not found on any tour. Feel completely safe and secure with your expert host and reputable drivers who are always there for you!

Delight in Kenya’s artistry, jewelry, music, and timeless traditions! Enjoy deep bonds with other travelers and the Kenyan women. See magnificent wildlife!

Check out more of Linda’s spectacular photographs. Each one tells a story that literally jumps off the page!

Have you been looking for an adventure of this caliber? Do you have questions? Would you like to join a group of curious, adventurous women with a desire to connect with other women in another country on the other side of the world?

More Details of the trip to Kenya ~

Check here for an itinerary and here to learn from FAQ’s and about your personal safety.

July Trip – Women’s Journey to Kenya July 9-24, 2017 The weather is great in July!

HURRY! THIS TRIP IS JULY 9!!!!

You can contact Linda Higdon at [email protected]

312-339-9037

Discover the website GlobalHeartJourneys.net

If the July dates are not just right for you, there is another trip scheduled for February of 2018. Ask Linda for the Adventures of Empty Nesters discount.

This is a sponsored post, but all opinions and sincere feelings are my own.

Taking a Deep Breath for now, and for the Future

May 31, 2017 By Tam Warner 11 Comments

antarctica, earth, paris accord — Danco Bay, Antarctica. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current plays an important role in the climate of the earth. Learn about it! National Science Foundation.

I am publishing this again on Earth Day because the situation continues to worsen, we have withdrawn from the Paris Accord, and this administration continues to foul our enviornment. We have less than ten years to save ourselves and our grandchildren. This was first published in 2017.

I wrote parts of this for Earth Day this year, but with the possibility of the USA pulling out of the Paris Accord, I wanted to post it again. We cannot afford to let this happen, for many reasons.

Take a deep breath and consider this: our planet is in danger. Don’t get me wrong, the earth will continue no matter how much we abuse it, but humans will not. The planet is in danger of becoming inhospitable for humans and other life on earth. I am a person who believes in science, and in the scientific method. The scientific method has shown over and over again a causal relationship between human activity and global warming. Climate Change is not a hoax put forth by the Chinese, and anyone who believes that needs to do some research. Start by going to MIT Center for Global Change Center.

Why you will love Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country!

May 25, 2017 By Tam Warner 6 Comments

My husband and I have visited the Texas Hill Country a few times, and loved it. We plan to spend much more time in the area!

Ah, the longer we stayed on Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country, the more I liked it! Lakeway is a wealthy, small town with all the amenities, easy to get around in, and deer are sighted on every single drive in the neighborhood! Only an hour outside of Austin, Lakeway is a gem. At this point the lake is full, the sun is shining, and it is time to get down there!

texas hill country, lake travis, lakeway — The famous Oasis. You cannot go to Lake Travis without a meal there! This photo was taken during the drought! I can’t wait to see what it looks like full, like it is right now!

Where to stay? I recommend Lakeway Resort and Spa. My daughter had her bachelorette at the resort, and the young women absolutely loved it. They did not want to come home. I have yet to stay there, but it is certainly on my list. Lake Travis offers all kinds of lodging, but the Resort and Spa looks creme de la creme to me! Relaxing would be so nice, and kayaking and hiking would be perfect.

You know, the Texas Hill Country really does offer it all. Rustic, luxury, camping, ranching, whatever you are looking for, you will find it there. We have stayed on the lake, in Austin, and on a ranch. Loved every single stay and cannot wait to go back! I love all of the wildlife…and the not so wild life!

lake travis, lakeway, texas hill country — Lakes make doggies tired

A tired dog is a happy dog! This is Miss Lucy.

http://www.lakewayresortandspa.com/about.aspx — Luke On patrol. Hey, it’s a dog’s life!

While we were in Lakeway we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Hudson’s on the Bend. We absolutely loved the restaurant, it is rustically charming with an elegant flair in its decor. They grow their own herbs, indeed, herbs were growing on the roof! The excellent sauces are for sale in the restaurant store, and so are cooking classes held by the chefs. The food is tasty as well as tastefully presented. I had a Crab cake with corn, cheese and avocado….delicious! If you are visiting Lake Travis, you should give it a try, I highly recommend it. There is also an Italian Beef place here called Chitown, as in Chicago, SHY TOWN, great for lunch, especially if you are from Chicago like my husband is! I’ve never met someone from Chicago who did not love Italian Beef….Randy cannot go by an Italian Beef place without stopping for one. I, on the other hand, don’t eat meat, so they certainly do not tempt me.

We took our dogs to the lake, and you can imagine how much two Golden Retrievers enjoyed that! They were hilarious, and they could have stayed in the lake for hours. The more I think about our time in Lakeway, the more I want to go back! I’m headed there soon!

4 of the most Amazing Reasons I go on Citizen Science Trips

May 19, 2017 By Tam Warner 7 Comments

cabo pulmo, red travel, tam warner minton — Researching Whale Sharks in Mexico

I participate in Citizen Science trips because I am a big believer in giving back. When we receive a benefit, I believe we should provide a benefit in return somewhere, somehow. Scuba Diving is a passion for me, animals are a passion, and photography underwater is a passion. I love the ocean, the earth, and all of its creatures. The point is, I must give back to the ocean in some way since I enjoy the ocean in so many different ways. How do I give back? I go on Citizen Science trips, which means I participate in collecting data for scientists to use, and in doing so, I also help support their work. I’ve done trips with All Out Africa, Marine Megafauna Foundation, and REEF. Why do I do it? Here are 4 of my reasons.

I love to dive, so almost all of the citizen science I do is underwater. The ocean is in trouble, and so are many of its animals. As the ocean warms, coral bleaches and dies off, killing the foundation of life for many fish and animals the earth depends upon for sustenance. In order to know how a species is doing, data must be collected. That data involves Identification photography, noting the animal’s sex, noting any injuries, and watching the behavior of the animal. I love contributing to the body of knowledge about our ocean friends.
I am fascinated by animals. There is nothing more exciting to me than watching them, and when appropriate, interacting with them. Most of the time, you don’t want to interact or disturb their behavior, but every once in a while you get to look them in the eye, or blow bubbles with mantas or play with dolphins, and it is nothing short of magical!
I’m a geek. I love collecting data and loading it into data systems to produce results. Every time I submit an ID photo of an animal, I can’t wait to find out if it is a “new” animal (one never documented before), or if it has been encountered before, and where. When you report and encounter and upload data to Wildbook for Whalesharks (www.whaleshark.org) or Manta Matcher (www.mantamatcher.org) you receive updates if that animal is seen again. Almost every summer I go off the Yucatan to snorkel with WhaleSharks, and I always take ID photographs to upload. I receive many notifications every summer and fall that animals I have encountered have been encountered again. I like to look at the photos, and I feel a certain sense of accomplishment.
Probably the most important reason I go on these trips is, simply, the people. I have met the most wonderful, amazing people on citizen science trips. You are always hearing people talk about their “tribe”, well, this is my tribe. Sadly for me, I can’t do it as a profession, all year long. I’m an introvert, but I am a social introvert, I can hang out with people and enjoy myself. I loved teaching at the university and counseling high school students. No man is an island! What is exciting for me is to be able to spend time with people who share the same interests and passions. These trips draw intelligent, excited, animated people who share my love of the sea and my sense of contribution. I can interact with the scientists and learn about the animals and the ocean itself. I love the people (for the most part!) I meet on these trips, and I am still in touch with many of them. We share a bond through the experience of passion and participation.
An incredible group of wonderful, bright, enthusiastic women!

You will love this…somehow the two of us found out we share an ancestor who was hung as a witch in Salem!

With Bakari and Anton, crew members extraordinaire!

The last trip I took with Marine Megafauna’s Dr Andrea Marshall, Queen of Mantas, was an 11 day voyage in Raja Ampat, Indonesia on the luxury boutique liveaboard, The Arenui (not all trips are so luxurious, believe me!). It was a wonderful trip, and I enjoyed getting to know the other divers, who mostly were not there for the same reason I was, but who became very enthusiastic about taking Manta ID photographs. I believe no matter where they are diving, they will take ID photos of animals and send them to the databases for turtles, whales, dolphins, mola mola, and others. Inspiring others to take part in citizen science is also a contribution, and a way of giving back. You can do it too!

arenui, citizen science, manta ray, scuba, marine megafauna — My roomie, Andrea Queen of Mantas, and her one year old baby girl. (the baby was only on the boat 2 nights)

nui, citizen science, manta ray, scuba, marine megafauna — Jonny was my dive master, and an excellent one. Also a musician and singer!

One doesn’t have to dive to do citizen science!No matter where you are, there are opportunities to participate. There is National Geographic’s list, and there are projects closer to home. I live in Dallas, Texas and here is a program to document wildlife in urban areas in North Texas Wild. You can also go to www.citizensciencecenter.com. Citizen scientists are a boon to scientists because so much more data can be obtained. If you are interested, you can find an opportunity near you! I highly recommend it!

How to Perform Citizen Science with Manta Rays!

May 9, 2017 By Tam Warner 37 Comments

citizen science, diving, scuba, mantas, manta rays — **I never get tired of seeing and photographing mantas! Here I am at a Manta Cleaning Station!**

There are few things in this world I enjoy more than scuba diving, and when I can combine my love of the ocean and its creatures with performing citizen science, I feel like I am doing something to contribute in a positive way to help our environment. I love to travel with my friend, Dr Andrea Marshall, the co-founder of Marine Megafauna Foundation, and principal Manta Ray scientist for the foundation. She was the first person to do a PhD on Manta Rays, and identified two separate species. Her citizen science expeditions are called Ray of Hope, and the trips are always thrilling and informative. Andrea’s love and passion for Mantas is infectious, and I have absolutely caught her enthusiasm for the species.

My first introduction to Manta Rays was off the coast of Ft Lauderdale, Florida, when I was a little girl. They could be seen on the surface during the month of June. Nothing was known about these animals so we were called out of the water so the “devil fish” wouldn’t eat us. My dad always had binoculars with him, and he and I would take turns looking at them from the beach, and from our 5th story hotel room. They looked like they were flying in the water. Until Andrea Marshall (aka Queen of Mantas) began to study them for her PhD in Mozambique, very little was known about them. In a little more than a decade, much has been learned about Manta Rays, thanks to Andrea. She identified two species of Manta in 2008, and this was the first major species to have been discovered by a scientist in 50 years!

I met Andrea when I was in Mozambique in 2012 volunteering in a program to photograph and identify Whale Sharks and to count reef fish. Since that time, I have traveled with Andrea to participate in citizen science in Ecuador, the Yucatan, Komodo National Park, and most recently, on this trip to Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Whenever I travel and have the opportunity to see Manta Rays, I photograph them and upload their photos to Manta Matcher, a global identification software to track Mantas and their movements all over the world.

I am fascinated by the ocean, and by everything that lives in it, but Mantas are the most thrilling animal for me. I will go just about anywhere to see them. Both species are large, an Alfredi’s wingspan average is about 3 or 3.5 meters (12 feet or so) while a Biostris (Giant) Manta’s wingspan can be up to 7 meters (over 20 feet!). In Raja Ampat, our research targets were both Alfredi and Biostris.

The particular dive site we went to is known only to a few people, so I will not name it here. I will say that it is a very pretty site, with stag corals and small cleaner fish. Blue spotted rays were also all over the site. One of the major activities of a Manta’s day is visiting a “cleaning station”, a spot where numerous reef cleaner fish live, waiting to eat the parasites, dead skin, bacteria, and other good stuff from large pelagic (deep ocean) animals. Cleaning is vital to a Manta’s health. By removing harmful detritus from the Manta, the reef fish get food, and the Manta is kept infection free (and wounds are picked clean, allowing them to heal.) Witnessing the cleaning station is a magical experience. The Manta slows down (Mantas always must swim or move through water, it can never rest), hovers over the “station” which is usually a coral head or rock, and the reef fish swoop in for the cleaning. They make several very slow passes over the reef, allowing the fish to do their work. Their mouths are a bit open to allow the fish into the mouth and gill plates (Mantas are filter feeders, eating krill and plankton, the smallest creatures on the planet), and the Manta unwinds its cephalic fins, allowing them to be picked clean as well. It is a ritualistic and beautiful process.

mantas, raja ampat, citizen science, scuba — **The cleaners wait for their customers in stag coral.**

What part do I play when I go on these trips? I get photo identifications of the animals. Manta Matcher takes these ID photos and matches them with others to see if the animal has been seen before, and where. Behavior is important to note, as is the physical condition of the ray. One of the mantas we saw on these dives was missing the tip of her wing. It looked like a clean cut, but I didn’t get a photo, though I did get film.

Also on this day, we snorkeled with the Mantas. ID shots are a goal when snorkeling, but watching behavior and just the sheer joy of being in the water with them are paramount. Manta Rays are gentle creatures, and are endangered. Indonesia in particular is being fierce regarding their protection. Their economic value far outweighs fishing them for their gill plates for Chinese medicine. Manta Rays are endangered, but not every country protects them. For instance, Mozambique has lost 90% of their population over the last twelve years, and that is beginning to be felt economically. Divers who went to Mozambique to see Mantas are now heading to Indonesia and the Maldives where they are more plentiful.

scuba, raja ampat, Manta Ray, citizen science — **So lovely to watch! We stayed in the water for hours.**

I hope you enjoyed a little citizen science trip with these magnificent creatures! I’m headed to the Yucatan to look for them soon, then off to the Revillagigedos Archipelago, where encounters are very special.

Win a Free Copy of my First Published Book on Amazon!

May 2, 2017 By Tam Warner 11 Comments

Fish Faces, Tam Warner Minton, ebook, ocean — **My first published book!**

My first published book on Amazon! Yes, I finally did it! I wrote a book on a subject near and dear to my heart, our intriguing fish friends in the ocean. FISH FACES, Photos and Fun Facts, is a photo book of common reef fish from all over the world. Children of all ages (that includes you!) will enjoy looking at these colorful and engaging fish, and learning a fun fact about each one. A paperback copy will soon be available as well.

As an amateur underwater photographer, scuba diver, and citizen scientist, I have seen the damage being wreaked on our ocean, and on our ocean friends. By learning about these gorgeous and fascinating fish species, it is my hope we can teach our children and grandchildren the value of the underwater world, and how necessary it is to protect our oceans. FISH FACES is the first book in the series, OCEAN FRIENDS. 10 percent of the profits will go to Marine Megafauna Foundation, a non profit dedicated to saving our ocean pelagics from extinction.

I am, of course, very excited about publishing my very first book, and to celebrate, I am giving away 3 free copies on Amazon! Please visit the GIVEAWAY on Amazon, and be sure to enter and share with your friends!

OUR PLANET

A Life-Changing Trip to Kenya ~

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