SOLO TRAVEL Archives | TRAVELS WITH TAM

I am Enjoying my 15 minutes of Fame Talking About What I Love!

October 19, 2017 By Tam Warner 6 Comments

I am Enjoying my 15 minutes of Fame Talking About What I Love!

I have been enjoying my time in the sun, and in front of the camera, on the microphone, not to mention several reviews and articles that have been written and published! Publishing my first book, ALL FISH FACES: Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish, has put me in the spotlight. Talking about solo travel, citizen science, diving, and promoting ocean conservation has been amazingly fun! We all enjoy talking about the things that we are knowledgeable about, or that we are passionate about, don’t we? At least, I do! (check out my author page for full listing of events, appearances and articles!)

all fish faces, book, new book, scuba, ocean conservation — With Bryan Boes of CBS 19 Tyler!

On October 9 I had the pleasure of going to Tyler Texas to be interviewed by Bryan Boes, of CBS19 Tyler. He was very enthusiastic about the ocean and curious about diving and the changes I have seen under the water line in the last 30 years. I told him he needed come scuba diving with me! He’s welcome to pop on down to Cozumel where I can show him some very cool fish!

all fish faces, book, new book, scuba, ocean conservation, good morning texas, big blend radio — Mom and Daughter team on Big Blend Radio and TV!

On October 13 I spent 30 minutes visiting with Lisa and Nancy on Big Blend Radio and TV Magazine! They were fun and also curious about my perspective on solo travel, my citizen science trips, and my fun book! They are very active in promoting our National Parks and keeping them safe from business interests and political maneuverings. We talked about our apex predators, both on land and in the sea. They need protection, and Nancy and Lisa, a mother daughter team, are among those seeking protection for them. That was a fun 30 minutes! They publish a wonderful magazine called Parks and Travel.

On October 16 I was so excited to be on Good Morning Texas on WFAA Channel 8 with Jane McGarry! We had a great time chatting and laughing, and her questions were direct and to the point. Both of the tv shows highlighted video of my dives, and pictures of my book. It has been a thrill, I can tell you that!

Stay tuned for more appearances!

October 21, 2017 Live on Rudy Maxa’s World with the Careys 930a CST

November 4, 2017 KTALKmedia 630p CST

November 5, 2017 Book Signing at The Mat Yoga Studio Signing at 3p and 430p, at 330p take a yoga class! There are two classes, one for adults and one for kids! Be sure and sign up for your space! 18484 Preston Road, Suite 201, Dallas, TX 75252 (972) 497-YOGA (9642) info@thematyogastudio.com

You may enjoy http://tamtravels.wpengine.com/4-of-the-most-amazing-reasons-i-go-on-citizen-science-trips/

Digital Nomads Interviewed Me about Travel, Citizen Science, and my book ALL FISH FACES!

October 6, 2017 By Tam Warner 10 Comments

I had a great time with @RickySheety of Digital Nomads! They have several interviews with digital nomads and travelers, so be sure and check them out on YouTube!

Have You Ever Been to a Grape Stomp? Amazing fun!

August 22, 2017 By Tam Warner 8 Comments

The last Grape Stomp Event at Fall Creek Vineyards is on Saturday, August 26! Make plans and go!

grape stomp, Fall Creek Vineyards, hill country, texas hill country — Entryway to the charming Driftwood Vineyard location of Fall Creek Vineyards!

I grew up with one image in my mind when it came to Grape Stomps at Winery Harvests: I Love Lucy, going deeper and deeper into her barrel of grapes! Also, there is a video out there of a woman in a super small barrel/bowl who fell off of a platform while stomping, and you don’t want to do that, do you? Don’t worry, there is a perfectly safe way to do a grape stomp…go to the Hill Country of Texas and enjoy the Grape Stomp at Fall Creek Vineyards in Tow, Texas, west of Austin! I was thrilled to be invited to the Grape Stomp Events at Fall Creek Vineyards. First, luncheon with celebrity chef, Jay Hunter, from the Horseshoe Bay Resort, then stomping grapes, followed by a fabulous wine tasting with Sergio Cuadra, the Director of Winemaking!

Driving to Fall Creek Vineyards from Dallas, I decided to take the scenic route instead of the horrible rush of I-35. From Dallas I took 67 to 281, and drove down to Johnson City (hometown of President Lyndon Baines Johnson), then to Driftwood, Texas, where Fall Creek Vineyards has a lovely, small vineyard of young grapes with a beautiful tasting room and a bed and breakfast. The vineyard is directly across from the entrance to the famous Salt Lick BBQ! I enjoyed exploring the vineyard, and spending a comfortable and quiet night. The next morning I drove to Tow, Texas, to the main Vineyard of Fall Creek. Tow is northwest of Marble Falls, and is in the real Texas Hill Country! I loved the drive, it was so beautiful.

At the luncheon, I met Susan Auler, one of the owners of Fall Creek, and she was absolutely delightful. Her warmth toward every visitor is a perfect example of Texas Hill Country hospitality! I was seated with fellow journalists, Ed and Glynnis, and we spent a lovely hour being treated to a two course luncheon. First, a beautiful salad, followed by the tastiest salmon dish I have ever had. Both dishes were beautifully plated. We enjoyed a lovely Fall Creek Vineyards Rose and a Merlot with lunch.

Jay Hunter and assistant show off their plated salads!

As wonderful as lunch was, I couldn’t wait to go and stomp on some grapes! Now, don’t worry, the grapes you stomp on do not go into the wine making. Two barrels were on a platform, full of grapes, and children and adults were thoroughly enjoying stomping! You can even buy a t-shirt to make your purple footprints on, showing that you stomped grapes at Fall Creek Vineyards.

Everyone was enjoying the events!

As fun as stomping was, I did have to hose off and head for the wine tasting with the Director of Winemaking, Sergio Cuadra. He showed us the vats where they “make” the wine, and we tasted out of the vats. The unfinished wines were almost creamy in color and consistency. The bouquet wasn’t yet strong, and the taste was a bit weak, but I actually enjoyed the unfinished product.

Next, we saw grapes that needed to be “pressed”. They are pressed three times a day, and I tried it, it is a little difficult!

What a day! I had so much fun, and met many people from all over Texas at the different events I attended. The luncheon and wine tasting require tickets, so be sure and get them here. I had no idea how much fun events at Fall Creek Vineyards could be! A band played, people had food, sodas, and seating available and brought their children, grandparents and dogs to the event. There are goodies for sale, especially fabulous Texas wine. I had a wonderful adventure and I urge you to head down to Tow on August 26! Enjoy!

hill country, wine, texas wine — You can shop!

My thanks to Fall Creek Vineyards for hosting me, you can be sure I will be back!

3 Reasons to Book a Solo Travel Getaway to the Virgin Islands

July 28, 2017 By Tam Warner 14 Comments

Feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind? Hour after hour of demands and deadlines, interrupted only by the buzz of technology notifications…. Sound familiar? How about….the Virgin Islands?

Solo Travel, Getaway, discount on travel, virgin islands, sonic — Beautiful Virgin Islands

It’s time to schedule a trip – with yourself.

Whether you’re approaching burnout or taking preventive measures to stave it off, it’s time to unplug from the rest of the world and re-learn how to enjoy your own company. And there’s no better place than the Virgin Islands, a treasure trove of sandy beaches and turquoise waters, where you can reap these healthful benefits:

Find out who you are

Make some time to figure out who you are and what you’ve become. Discover new interests, acquire new tastes, and log exciting new memories.

Travel Log:

-Explore new things to love: From exciting adventures like zip lining, kiteboarding, and night kayaking, to sampling local delicacies like callaloo, conch, and pates.

-Treat yourself to the ultimate journey of self-discovery – a custom, multi-island tour led by a local boat captain. Here’s your chance to uncover the best snorkeling spots, find the hottest island drink (ahem, Painkillers), and go on a quest to find the most tranquil, unspoiled island.

Solo Travel, Getaway, discount on travel, virgin islands — Cruzan Rum…try something new!

Time to unwind

Time alone gives you the chance to clear your mind, focus, recharge. The benefits? Increased productivity and creativity when you return home. Pulitzer prize–winning writer John Updike observes: “It is often in idle moments that real inspiration comes.”

Travel Log:

–Relax in St. John’s Cinnamon Bay, a pristine island oasis.

-Virgin Gorda, BVI is the ideal spot to get some refresh time.

Freedom to be flexible

Maybe you’re at everyone else’s mercy when you’re back home, but on this trip, you can do whatever you want. No schedule, no expectations. The choice is yours.

Travel Log:

-Head over to Maho Bay in St. John for superb snorkeling without the crowds. Turtle spottings are pretty much instantaneous in this locale!

And in your quest for bliss, take the words of Roy M. Goodman to heart: “Remember that happiness is a way of travel—not a destination.”

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The 3 Best Tourist Attractions in the Fabulous City of Buenos Aires

May 29, 2017 By Tam Warner 3 Comments

Buenos Aires was a fantastic surprise when I visited in January of 2017, and these are the 3 Best Tourist attractions in my opinion. I did not expect the incredible European architecture, the cosmopolitan city, and the diversity of its citizens. My friend Annie and I very wisely chose a great, private tour company, Maria Corbalon Bespoke Tours, and we absolutely saw the best of Buenos Aires. Here are three places you must visit in order to really experience Buenos Aires!

Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Recoleta Cemetery — A virgin lights a seven candlabra for Dorrego Ortiz Basauldo. This is one of the largest tableaux in the cemetery.

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!

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