Living in Seattle, it is hard to imagine covering 800 miles one way with nothing other than endless grass to see. Tons of tiny lakes, a few trees, but they were probably added by humans, as in the natural state it is treeless for the most part. Beautiful to see the vastness and emptiness, …
Outside of the modern city of Agrigento lies the Valley of the Temples, or Akragas, home to what are thought to be the finest Greek temples remaining outside of Greece itself. I was able to book into the Hotel Villa Athena right on the grounds of the archeological park. This hotel had its own …
I am starting my first trip after getting approved for Global Entry which includes TSA pre-check. We all agree that I am not a terrorist. I am so excited. So, I get to Chicago on United, pick up my bags and go off to American’s terminal to check in for the Rome flight. Went …
Continue reading “Celebrating my new status as a Global entry approved traveler”
In Australia? Well, yes, that is what they call this area. Maybe more like our Appalachian mountains, but some very rugged, remote areas with miles of highway above tree line. And wild roads getting up and over the passes. This area is not at all like the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney where the …
I had just two full days in Sydney after Tasmania,and had a tip from a friend to do the Giant Staircase up in the Blue Mountains. This low range of mountains is about 2 hours by train out of Sydney and is weird for a mountain range in that all of the developments are on the top, and all of the parks and wilderness are …
My second day at Cradle mountain was much better weather wise, so I headed off to Marion Peak, 1000′ feet above the lake. The final ascent and alternate descent involved chains to pull yourself up or work yourself down. For those of you that know me well, this was terrifying, but I actually did it. All to get …
Kata Tjuta is the other iconic rock formation about 30 miles from Uluru. It is actually a bit higher than Uluru in elevation, and has trails that cross over and between it. I set off early one day to do a 5 mile loop trail. Early was necessary as the trail closes at …
Continue reading “KATA TJUTA (WHERE DAN RISKS HIS LIFE, SORT OF)”
This is a national pastime for Australians with their caravans and such, and I wanted to experience it as well. I drove the 300 miles between Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock). It is hard to describe how empty central Australia is,(not as empty as Nullabor Plain was) but here are some facts and …
I have traveled all over the world, but I have never seen a place this close to perfection in the way it functions for it’s residents and it’s many tourists. We in America are so stuck on lowering taxes, seemingly at all costs. It is refreshing to visit a country where the people obviously pay significant …