Galleries

Polar Bears_Oct-08 : During a family visit to Montreal, I made a short (2 days) side trip to Churchill, Manitoba, on the shores of Hudson Bay. This is the best place in the world to see Polar Bears, during the period from late October through November. That is because the polar bears congregate near the shore, waiting for Hudson Bay to freeze over. Once that happens they leave for the ice, where they find their food: ringed seals. The viewing is done from huge special vehicles called "tundra buggy". This is the only safe way, because the bears have eaten essentially nothing for the past 5 months, so they are very dangerous. They actively hunt humans and often come very close to the vehicles. Also, if you are lucky you can see mothers with cubs. I did.

Polar Bears_Oct-08

During a family visit to Montreal, I made a short (2 days) side trip ...

Updated: Nov 11, 2008 6:06pm BST

Australia_Aug-08_Part1_Darwin & Kakadu : This gallery covers the first part of my trip to the North part of Australia. One day in Darwin. Then, a trip with World Expeditions to Kakadu National Park. Kakadu is a world heritage site, both for scenery and wildlife, as well as for cultural significance (aboriginal paintings).

Australia_Aug-08_Part1_Darwin & Kakadu

This gallery covers the first part of my trip to the North part of Au ...

Updated: Sep 09, 2008 7:54am BST

Australia_Aug-08_Part2_ Kakadu & GBR : The Kakadu trip concluded with a full day canoe trip on the Katherine River (actually outside Kakadu Park), and then back through the park to Darwin. I added two full days of snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. There, in addition to the marvellous underwater sights, I saw humpback whales.

Australia_Aug-08_Part2_ Kakadu & GBR

The Kakadu trip concluded with a full day canoe trip on the Katherine ...

Updated: Sep 12, 2008 7:17pm BST

The Pantanal_Brazil_July-08 : After Argentina, I went on my own to Brazil, to the remote Pantanal. Strictly a nature trip.

The Pantanal_Brazil_July-08

After Argentina, I went on my own to Brazil, to the remote Pantanal. ...

Updated: Aug 30, 2008 7:21am BST

Iguazu Falls_Argentina_July-08 : Iguazu Falls are hands down the most beautiful falls in the world. The falls are huge, with very varied topography. If you can walk a few miles, you can see one incredible view after another. There is also some interesting fauna . Here is a sampling of the multitude of photos I took at this amazing place (Argentina side only). The photos speak for themselves.

Iguazu Falls_Argentina_July-08

Iguazu Falls are hands down the most beautiful falls in the world. Th ...

Updated: Aug 22, 2008 12:54am BST

Zion Ntl Park hikes_June 2008 : Three days of hiking in Zion National Park with my brother Leslie. Zion is stunningly beautiful and the visit is "green". Cars are not allowed and free buses take you everywhere. Consequently, the road is largely empty available for easy strolls. But it is the spectacular hikes that one must not miss. We did two short but beautiful trails of the Emerald Pool Loop and Hidden canyon. The much longer Angel's Landing was one of a kind, and finally a portion of the Virgin River Narrows, where you hike in water most of the time. For those interested, an excellent description of all the trails can be found on the following website: http://www.zionnational-park.com/hiking-zion-national-park.htm (Don't miss the link to "hiking continued" at the bottom of the table on the first page).

Zion Ntl Park hikes_June 2008

Three days of hiking in Zion National Park with my brother Leslie. Zi ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2009 6:40am BST

Palau again_March-08 : We went back to Palau to snorkel and kayak. Palau is a paradise for both. When you snorkel from the kayak you can see areas and coral that cannot be visited by boats - hidden marine lakes and amazing reefs in shallow bays. On boat snorkeling trips you often have a long trip, but you go through the magical Rock Islands and can see some spectacular reefs like the fabled Ngemelis wall which we visited twice.

Palau again_March-08

We went back to Palau to snorkel and kayak. Palau is a paradise for bo ...

Updated: Aug 29, 2008 8:20am BST

Nicaragua_Feb-08_Part1 : Nicaragua is the lesser known gem of Central America. This was actually our second trip there. On this trip, the first 10 days part was a family trip, based in Granada and (for three days) in Leon. We explored the many natural and cultural attractions of western Nicaragua, plus continued our Spanish lessons with our teacher and friend Gabriel. The Granada area offers a lot of possibilities in interesting and beautiful day trips. The two main natural attractions are the many volcanoes (active and dormant), and the many "lagunas" , which are fresh water lakes inside extinct volcanic craters.

Nicaragua_Feb-08_Part1

Nicaragua is the lesser known gem of Central America. This was actual ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2008 7:21pm BST

Nicaragua_Feb-08_Part2 : First a trip to the NW of the country with my spanish teacher Gabriel. Then a trip by myself on the Rio San Juan (not all the way to the Carribean shore)

Nicaragua_Feb-08_Part2

First a trip to the NW of the country with my spanish teacher Gabriel. ...

Updated: Sep 09, 2008 7:50pm BST

Hawaii Big Island_Oct-2007 : During a seven day trip to the Big Island, Hawaii with my sister Cili, we snorkeled, kayaked and hiked. We saw beautiful underwater life as well as jumping spinner dolphins when at sea, and stunning volcanic and jungle scenery when on land. (Unfortunately there are no photos of the dolphins, but everything else is well documented in this galery)

Hawaii Big Island_Oct-2007

During a seven day trip to the Big Island, Hawaii with my sister Cili, ...

Updated: Jan 14, 2008 8:16pm BST

The amazing reefs of Wakatobi_May-2007 : There is a place called Wakatobi on a remote archipelago southwest of Sulawesi in Indonesia. The reefs there are pure magic, surpassing in beauty and variety anything that I have seen. These photos were taken during a 6 day period I spent there, snorkeling and freediving.

The amazing reefs of Wakatobi_May-2007

There is a place called Wakatobi on a remote archipelago southwest of ...

Updated: Apr 17, 2008 5:55am BST

CostaRica_Guanacaste_2007 : A short trip to Guanacasta, northern province of Costa Rica. Famous for its beaches (mostly surfing) and for wildlife. For us, the highlight of the trip was the howler monkeys. They came close more than once. Several good monkey pictures are posted here.

CostaRica_Guanacaste_2007

A short trip to Guanacasta, northern province of Costa Rica. Famous f ...

Updated: Apr 10, 2007 8:43pm BST

Panama_Darien jungle_2007 : A birding trip to the remote Darien Gap rainforest, to the ANCON field station Among many bids I saw 3 kind of macaws (but have good photos only of the Blue and Gold).

Panama_Darien jungle_2007

A birding trip to the remote Darien Gap rainforest, to the ANCON field ...

Updated: Mar 29, 2007 1:54am BST

Tallship_Brazil_2007 : After the Panama birding trip I flew on to Rio for a 1 week sailing trip on the tallship Tocorime. We sailed from Rio to the historic (world heritage) town of Paraty. The Tocorime is a two masted sailing ship, and yes I did sail it several times ( meaning I was at the helm). The scenery was stunning and we did several excellent hikes to waterfalls, and of course lots of swimming.

Tallship_Brazil_2007

After the Panama birding trip I flew on to Rio for a 1 week sailing t ...

Updated: Apr 18, 2007 7:59pm BST

Yunnan-China _2007-Part1 : A mainly cultural family trip to Yunnan province in SW China. Yunnan has beautiful scenery and is home to many of China's minorities. Our trip itinerary was Kunming, Xixiangbanna (the southernmost part of Yunnan, near the border with Laos and Burma) , and then Lijiang and Dali (near the Tibet border).

Yunnan-China _2007-Part1

A mainly cultural family trip to Yunnan province in SW China. Yunnan ...

Updated: Apr 13, 2007 2:57am BST

Yunnan_China_2007-Part2 : A mainly cultural family trip to Yunnan province in SW China. Yunnan has beautiful scenery and is home to many of China's minorities. Our trip itinerary was Kunming, Xixiangbanna (the southernmost part of Yunnan, near the border with Laos and Burma) , and then Lijiang and Dali (near the Tibet border).

Yunnan_China_2007-Part2

A mainly cultural family trip to Yunnan province in SW China. Yunnan ...

Updated: Apr 15, 2007 6:33am BST

Belize_Dec_2006 : Five days of kayaking and snorkeling on Glover's Reef.

Belize_Dec_2006

Five days of kayaking and snorkeling on Glover's Reef.

Updated: Dec 25, 2006 2:07am BST

Peru_Lares Trek and Machu Picchu_Aug2006 : My third trip to Peru, this time with brother Leslie. We did a three day guided trek in the Andes near Cusco, followed by a three day visit to Machu Picchu. The Lares trek is a great alternative to the crowded Inca trail. We met no other tourists and had great opportunities to see not only the magnificent scenery, but also a lot of the Andean indegenous life. At Machu Picchu we climbed to the top of Wayna Picchu (the classic, impossible looking peak above the ruins) and also hiked up to Intipunku (the Gate of the Sun) where the Inca Trail enters Machu Picchu.

Peru_Lares Trek and Machu Picchu_Aug2006

My third trip to Peru, this time with brother Leslie. We did a three ...

Updated: Jan 08, 2008 6:38am BST

NaPali Coast by kayak_July 2006 : The NaPali coat of Kauai (Hawaii) is accessible only by trail or kayak (or boat or helicopter tour if you are lazy). It has been rated by National Geographic as number 2 in the 10 best adventures in the USA. By kayak it is done in one long day, 17 miles of paddling. It can be rough and dangerous even. I was lucky, had ideal condidtions and a strong partner for the double kayak, 17 year old John. We had an age difference of 50 years between us, but made a great team.

NaPali Coast by kayak_July 2006

The NaPali coat of Kauai (Hawaii) is accessible only by trail or kayak ...

Updated: Aug 04, 2006 8:26am BST

Costa Rica, Pacuaro River Rafting_Apr 2006 : A two day rafting trip, running class III and IV rapids, with overnight stay at a jungle lodge. Aventuras Naturales was the excellent company, with super guides. A few of the action photos were taken by myself using a waterproof digital camera. But most were taken by the Aventuras Naturales photographer who went along in a kayak.

Costa Rica, Pacuaro River Rafting_Apr 2006

A two day rafting trip, running class III and IV rapids, with overnigh ...

Updated: Jan 09, 2008 8:30pm BST

Costa Rica_the rest of the trip_Apr 2006 : From San Jose, by plane to Puerto Jimenez (on the OSA peninsula). Scarlet Macaws flying in and around the village. Took a hike and saw more birds, monkeys and strange bugs. Then 3 days at the nearby Playa Nicuesa ecolodge, with snorkrling, hiking, and kayaking and birdwatching.

Costa Rica_the rest of the trip_Apr 2006

From San Jose, by plane to Puerto Jimenez (on the OSA peninsula). Scar ...

Updated: Jan 09, 2008 8:43pm BST

Blue whales and more_Feb 2006 : Based in Loreto, Baja California, Mexico. I had an all inclusive package at Baja Outpost. In 5 days I saw blue whales, grey whales, humpbacks, orcas, and hundreds of dolphins. A few bird photos are also included.

Blue whales and more_Feb 2006

Based in Loreto, Baja California, Mexico. I had an all inclusive packa ...

Updated: Feb 23, 2006 7:59am BST

Angkor_Cambodia_ 2006 : Angkor, near the town of Siem Reap, is one of the wonders of the world, overwhelming in its grandeur. The main temple Angkor Wat is just one of the many sites. We spent 5 days which was not quite enough to see the most important sights. Both the architecture and the famous bas relieves (of which there are about one and a half miles length on Angor Wat and the Bayon temples alone) are extraordinary. The smaller temple complex of Banteay Srei is surely one of the finest works of art ever made by man. And there are many more.

Angkor_Cambodia_ 2006

Angkor, near the town of Siem Reap, is one of the wonders of the worl ...

Updated: Apr 29, 2007 1:42am BST

Laos_2006 :

Laos_2006

Updated: Apr 17, 2007 5:42am BST

Hiking in the Alps and at Italian Lakes_Sept-Oct 2005 : Hiking in the Alps with my sister Eva and my niece Ági. Chamonix - Kandersteg - Grindelwald - Lago Lugano - Lago Maggiore - Lago di Orta

Hiking in the Alps and at Italian Lakes_Sept-Oct 2005

Hiking in the Alps with my sister Eva and my niece Ági. Chamonix - Ka ...

Updated: Jul 19, 2007 3:11am BST

My underwater world 1 : My underwater photos from islands of the Carribean and from Bermuda

My underwater world 1

My underwater photos from islands of the Carribean and from Bermuda

Updated: Dec 16, 2005 7:02pm BST

My underwater world 2 : My underwater photos from Hawaii and other places in the Pacific

My underwater world 2

My underwater photos from Hawaii and other places in the Pacific

Updated: Dec 30, 2005 1:45am BST

My Underwater World 3 : My recent (2006) underwater photos from Guam, Palau and Belize (Glover's Reef)

My Underwater World 3

My recent (2006) underwater photos from Guam, Palau and Belize (Glover ...

Updated: Mar 16, 2007 10:48pm BST

Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park. Alaska_Sept 2005 : Starting in scenic Homer, Alaska. Then walks with grizzly bears

Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park. Alaska_Sept 2005

Starting in scenic Homer, Alaska. Then walks with grizzly bears

Updated: Apr 18, 2007 7:20am BST

Hallo Bay, Alaska. Fishing grizzly bear_Sept 2005 : A sequence of photos of a grizzly, fishing for salmon in the estuary

Hallo Bay, Alaska. Fishing grizzly bear_Sept 2005

A sequence of photos of a grizzly, fishing for salmon in the estuary

Updated: Dec 15, 2005 7:45am BST

Kenya Safari_June 2005 : Samburu Ntnl Park - Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara - Nairobi Ntnl Park

Kenya Safari_June 2005

Samburu Ntnl Park - Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara - Nairobi Ntnl Park

Updated: Apr 17, 2007 6:29am BST

Kayak Belize_March 2005 : Kayak, snorkel and birdwatch on remote Lighthouse Reef, Belize. The first 4 photos were taken on a birding river cruise on the mainland. The rest are all on Lighthouse Reef.

Kayak Belize_March 2005

Kayak, snorkel and birdwatch on remote Lighthouse Reef, Belize. The f ...

Updated: Apr 15, 2007 3:05am BST

Antarctica 1 _Dec 2004 : The last place on earth. With a Russian ship as base, daily landings and walks among penguins and other wildlife. And spectacular scenery.

Antarctica 1 _Dec 2004

The last place on earth. With a Russian ship as base, daily landings ...

Updated: Dec 22, 2005 10:25pm BST

Antarctica 2_Dec 2004 : Continuation of the trip. Includes landing on Deception Island, a dormant collapsed volcano.

Antarctica 2_Dec 2004

Continuation of the trip. Includes landing on Deception Island, a dor ...

Updated: Dec 22, 2005 10:01pm BST

Bhutan 1_Oct 2004_Thimpu Festival : Bhutan is a unique country. It is bound to change, but right now it is still pure. This first part has the arrival to Thimpu and two days of the Thimpu festival. An incredible spectacle for the huge Bhutanese audience. There were very few tourists present. After the festival we toured the town's surroundings and made two short hikes to nearby monasteries.

Bhutan 1_Oct 2004_Thimpu Festival

Bhutan is a unique country. It is bound to change, but right now it i ...

Updated: Sep 04, 2008 6:01am BST

Bhutan 2_Oct 2004 : A tour of western Bhutan.

Bhutan 2_Oct 2004

A tour of western Bhutan.

Updated: Jan 01, 2006 4:43am BST

Manu National Park, Peru_May 2004 : Start in Cusco. Then on to remote Manu to view birds, caymans, giant river otters and even the elusive jaguar.

Manu National Park, Peru_May 2004

Start in Cusco. Then on to remote Manu to view birds, caymans, giant r ...

Updated: Dec 25, 2005 8:25pm BST

Kerala, India_Feb 2004 : Kerala is very different from Northern India, and is one of my favorite parts of India. Its population is a mix of hindu, moslem, and christians religions, coexisting reasonably peacefully. The itinerary covered Kovalam and Trivandum (on the coast) -Houseboat on coastal waterways - Highlands (tea plantations) - Cochin(back on the coast) - Kovalam - Kanyakumari (southernmost tip of India, which is actually in Tamil Nadu state).

Kerala, India_Feb 2004

Kerala is very different from Northern India, and is one of my favorit ...

Updated: Aug 31, 2008 5:28am BST

Kayak Baja_Oct 2003 : Two different kayak trips in Baja California. The first 13 pics are from a 4 day kayak-camping on Isla Espiritu Santo (near La Paz), in Nov 2003. The rest are from a 3 day trip based at the Baja Outpost Hotel in Loreto. Kayaking and snorkeling at Loreto National Marine Park. Thanks to Ken the Vet for the underwater pics.

Kayak Baja_Oct 2003

Two different kayak trips in Baja California. The first 13 pics are f ...

Updated: Dec 30, 2005 1:13am BST

Turkey (Cappadocia)_Oct 2003 : Istambul, Cappadocia (with hiking), and the historic city of Bursa

Turkey (Cappadocia)_Oct 2003

Istambul, Cappadocia (with hiking), and the historic city of Bursa

Updated: Dec 23, 2005 12:57am BST

Brenta Dolomiti hiking_Sept 2003 : Six days of hiking (including easy Via Ferrata routes) in the Italian Dolomites. My brother Leslie and I did a 4 day, 3 nights loop in the Brenta section, staying in mountain huts. Our route included the spectacular section called Sentiero Orsi. This parallels the fabled Via di Bochette Alta route (which is a difficult Via Ferrata). The Orsi is easier, but equally spectacular.

Brenta Dolomiti hiking_Sept 2003

Six days of hiking (including easy Via Ferrata routes) in the Italian ...

Updated: Dec 24, 2005 7:48am BST

Whale touching in Laguna Ojo de Liebre, Mexico_Feb 2003 : Also known as Scammons Lagoon, is located at the town of Guerrero Negro, in Baja California. The photos speak for themselves. This is the only place in the world where you are practically guaranteed to touch the whales. We did and not just one, but two whales , and many times.

Whale touching in Laguna Ojo de Liebre, Mexico_Feb 2003

Also known as Scammons Lagoon, is located at the town of Guerrero Negr ...

Updated: Sep 12, 2008 6:35am BST

Sierra Nevada (CA) winter_Jan 2003 : Based at the Sierra Club's Clair Tappan Lodge, Xcountry ski, and snowshoe climb Castle peak

Sierra Nevada (CA) winter_Jan 2003

Based at the Sierra Club's Clair Tappan Lodge, Xcountry ski, and sno ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2005 2:17am BST

Mali, Africa_Feb 2002 : Timbuktu - Niger river boat trip - Mopti - Dogon Trek - Djenne

Mali, Africa_Feb 2002

Timbuktu - Niger river boat trip - Mopti - Dogon Trek - Djenne

Updated: Jul 22, 2007 6:40am BST

Durand Glacier Chalet, Canadian Rockies_Aug 2001 : Four days of hiking this remote area of the Canadian Rockies. But sleeping in comfortable beds and eating good food.

Durand Glacier Chalet, Canadian Rockies_Aug 2001

Four days of hiking this remote area of the Canadian Rockies. But slee ...

Updated: Dec 27, 2005 7:36pm BST

Canadian Rockies_Aug 2001 : Rafting, hiking and canoeing in BC and Alberta. Revelstoke - Yoho Park - Banff Park - Jasper Park - Valemount - Wells Grey Park. This trip followed the Durand Glacier Chalet stay.

Canadian Rockies_Aug 2001

Rafting, hiking and canoeing in BC and Alberta. Revelstoke - Yoho P ...

Updated: Dec 27, 2005 8:24pm BST

Hiking Mono Pass and Recesses_June2001 : From Rock Creek roadhead hike to mono Pass and into some of the Mono Recesses with my brother Les.

Hiking Mono Pass and Recesses_June2001

From Rock Creek roadhead hike to mono Pass and into some of the Mono R ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2006 9:50pm BST

Mt Whitney in one day_Aug 2000 : With friend Don Close, climbed Mt Whitney in one day. Starting at 5:45 AM at Whitney Portal we ascended by the "Mountaineer's Route", direct but non-technical. The top few hundred feet is class 4 and exposed. Total elevation change about 6000ft. Descended by the trail, arriving to our car by flashlight around 10:30 PM.

Mt Whitney in one day_Aug 2000

With friend Don Close, climbed Mt Whitney in one day. Starting at 5: ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2005 5:40am BST

Halfdome (Yosemite, CA) climbs : I have climbed Halfdome by the cables three times in the last 7 years. These photos are from all three occasions.

Halfdome (Yosemite, CA) climbs

I have climbed Halfdome by the cables three times in the last 7 years. ...

Updated: Dec 24, 2005 6:36am BST

When Old Tiger was Young Tiger : Photos from my younger days. 1964 Grand Canyon - 1970s Rock climbs in the Schvangungs (NY) -Climb of Banner Peak (CA) - Easy rock and ice climbs in Chamonix region with a friend - 1982 Diving at the Great Barrier Reef (with sharks).

When Old Tiger was Young Tiger

Photos from my younger days. 1964 Grand Canyon - 1970s Rock climbs ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2006 6:31am BST