Travels with Tam

Emperor Penguins! Exploring Antarctica on the Lindblad NatGeo Explorer!

January 22, 2017 By Tam Warner 6 Comments

*A Continuation of a fabulous Antarctic Expedition with Lindblad Natgeo! Exploring Antarctica is a true privilege.

Annie, my travel buddy, in front of the Explorer, on the fast ice.

On our 3rd day, our 2nd on land, we actually had the thrill of seeing an Emperor Penguin! It is a very unusual sighting, because Emperors mate during the dead of winter (I think it may be safe to say that Emperor Penguins have the worst existence of any bird on earth) and this was Antarctic summer. There he or she was, hanging out with Adelie penguins on ice!

emperor, penguins, natgeo, lindblad, exploring antarctica — An Emperor Penguin hanging out!

There are Endless Reasons to Love Antarctica!!

January 18, 2017 By Tam Warner 6 Comments

Antarctica, icebergs, lindblad — We had blue skies and calm seas.

I never expected to fall in love with Antarctica. A cold, barren wasteland, freezing and forever gray, or so I thought. No, no, no. It is a beautiful place, filled with incredible creatures, stunning icebergs, and awe inspiring landscapes. Unbelievable vistas. I never imagined the scope of it…or the absolute cuteness of penguins. My travel buddy, Annie, says you can overdose on cuteness, and that is the truth when it comes to penguins! Traveling on Lindblad NatGeo Expeditions was an exciting experience, and I relished the knowledge the experts shared with us. Come along and take a look as we crossed the Drake Passage and the Antarctic Convergence.

Antarctica, lindblad, icebergs — The bow of the Lindblad Explorer.

And of course, there are penguins! Our first visit was to a colony of Gentoo Penguins. They are so cute!

Antarctica, icebergs, lindblad, penguins — Gentoo Penguins!

Antarctica, penguins, lindblad — Check out the scope! And this is our first day! A Minke Whale! They are endangered, but Japan insists on harvesting them in the Antarctic Southern Ocean.

Our daily report from Lindblad:

This morning we hope to visit Danco Island, a small island in the southern end of the scenic Errera Channel. It was charted during the Gerlache 1897-1899 expedition. It is named after a geophysicist who perished during that expedition. There is a chance to go ashore to see a small Gentoo penguin colony and a chance for a great hike overlooking the bay. In addition, depending upon the weather, we may also be able to offer Zodiac cruises and/or Kayaking.

As for the afternoon, our plans are to visit Neko Harbour. This location was named after the whale factory ship Neko which operated along the Antarctic Peninsula in 1911-12 and again in 1923-24. The landing spot is surrounded by Gentoo Penguins, Skuas, Snowy Sheathbills and Kelp Gulls. There is a great walk to a viewpoint above the landing beach, and a glacier near the landing site which you can walk toward, but please take caution in case it calves. The landing at Neko will be on the mainland of the Antarctic Peninsula.

How Would You Like to Spend a Day in Everglades National Park?

December 27, 2016 By Tam Warner 3 Comments

Recently I spent some time in Florida, and Hyatt kindly hosted me on an Everglades National Park tour with Everglades Excursions! I hadn’t seen the Everglades since I was a little girl, and I’d never been on an airboat, so it was quite the adventure! (I am so excited that I will be staying at the Park Hyatt in Buenos Aires in less than 10 days!!!)

I was greeted by our tour guide, Dave, in Naples. We drove to the Everglades from Naples and the roomy van was quite comfortable. Dave was a fount of knowledge…I would bet he knows as much about the Everglades as anyone. He has spent a great deal of his life and his time there. My understanding is that he came from up north and is a transplant, he is not a Florida Cracker. I had never heard that term used before, but it means pioneer settlers and their descendants in what is now the U.S. state of Florida. It is not a derogatory word, indeed it is the opposite, Florida Crackers are very proud of their heritage.

Everglades National Park, Everglades tour, Florida — Dave!

On our way, we stopped at a couple of locations to see baby gators and manatees. The baby gators were all over the creek bank, and mama was lying quietly in the water. We also saw manatees under the water.

When we arrived at the marina, we were greeted by a woman with a two foot long alligator in her arms. Normally, I would not do this, but I had never touched an alligator, crocodile, or cayman before, and I could not resist the chance to look into its eyes and feel its leathery, thick skin. Alligators carry a terrible, sometimes fatal, bacteria in their mouths, so when someone holds one they put a band around their mouth. I suppose I had always imagined they would feel slimy and rough, but I could not have been more wrong. She was a beautiful animal, and her skin felt like soft leather. She had bony plates on her back. It was absolutely fascinating to see an alligator close up. Of course, the most arresting feature was her eyes. I’m sure you’ve seen the reality shows about hunting alligators, and they have gone from endangered to being overrun. There is a hunting season every year to cull their numbers.

Next was a boat ride! The airboats are pretty cool…it looks like someone just stuck a big fan on a flat boat, and I suppose when you get right down to it, that is exactly what it is! Our Captain was experienced, and soon had us on the airboat and off into the Everglades.

The next time you are in southern Florida, I urge you to take a tour of the Everglades. It was absolutely fascinating! Our National Parks are absolute treasures, and we must protect them against exploitation of any kind. These habitats are invaluable.

Amazing, but It Snows in Naples Florida every Christmas Season!

December 22, 2016 By Tam Warner 7 Comments

it snows in naples florida, snow in naples, let it snow, naples — Let it snow!

Yes! It snows in Naples Florida every Christmas Season!

A few years ago I paid a visit to Naples, FL to see a friend of mine from Junior High! Juetta West has a fashion business http://www.juettawest.com/blog/tag/turnitonfitness/ and blog and at the time was in Naples, FL. Having spent so much time in Florida since I was a little girl, I realized I had never visited Naples. I decided to check it out and have a little reunion, and I’m so glad I did. Naples was beautiful, and I especially enjoyed the snow! It snows in Naples Florida every Thursday night in December and you can enjoy snow at 730p on 3rd St South! It is epic fun! If you are anywhere near Naples, you must make arrangements to spend a Thursday evening there in December! [Read more…] about Amazing, but It Snows in Naples Florida every Christmas Season!

AMAZING Monterey Bay, Sea Lions, and my Deep Love of the Ocean!

December 15, 2016 By Tam Warner 4 Comments

When traveling in Monterey Bay, California there are three things that you MUST do. Whale Watching, of course, is number one! Two is kayaking in the bay! Third is a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. On my October trip I went kayaking in the bay for the first time, and I cannot wait to do it again. I saw sea lions and otters, but sadly, no whales on kayak. Next time! Thank you to Monterey Bay Whale Watch for a wonderful trip!

Monterey Bay, deep love of ocean, ocean, sea lions — An incredible shot by Jodi Frediani of a White Sided Pacific Dolphin. There were many of them, all around our boat. We went with Monterey Bay Whale Watch. You can see incredible photos on their Facebook Page!

Monterey Bay, Travel California, Travels with Tam — Headed out of the harbour

The Top 3 National Parks in the U.S. and the Best Ways to See Them

December 3, 2016 By Tam Warner Leave a Comment

No trip to the United States is complete without visiting one of their stunning National Parks where nature is allowed to flourish for all to see. These are my three picks for the best, and how to get the most out of your trips there.

Yosemite, Yosemite National Park, one day in yosemite, 1 day in Yosemite — Tunnel View: Half Dome and the Falls at Yosemite National Park.

3. Yosemite
California’s Yosemite National Park is home to towering peaks, epic glaciers, and some of the tallest waterfalls in the world, as well as the famous giant sequoia trees. It offers a wide variety of trails and activities for every kind of traveller, and it’s great for group trips like those offered by Trek America Travel. The absolute best way to view it requires a bus or car trip, though; the view of the whole park from Glacier Point at sunset is truly breathtaking.

2. Glacier Bay
Alaska is unlike anywhere else in America, which is why it’s such a popular destination with tourists from all over the world. You can see these majestic glaciers from the comfort of a cruise ship or get the thrill of exploration by venturing out in a kayak to find hidden coves. Home to amazing wildlife like bears, humpback whales, wolves, and sea otters, as well as spruce-hemlock rainforests, you’ll want to get a tour led by a park ranger for the best experience. That said, you could also arrange to view the snow-capped mountains from the air for a view that can’t be beaten.

1. The Grand Canyon
Possibly America’s most iconic spot, this steep-walled canyon is home to rich wildlife, fascinating Native American culture, and millions of years of natural history. You don’t want to stop with the view from the top, though. There’s so much more to see if you venture inside, and even beginners can handle the Bright Angel Trail down into an oasis of cottonwood. The real treat, though, is white water rafting down the grand Colorado River and stopping to camp at one of the secluded campgrounds where adventurous travellers can rest beneath the stars. Keep your eyes peeled for elks and cougars, and take some time to appreciate the diverse plant life for the best experience.

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