Nature 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 10:06am PST

Zion Ntl Park hikes_June-08 : 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-08

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

Updated: Jan 02, 2009 10:40pm PST

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 12:16pm PST

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 12:43pm PST

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 24, 2006 6:07pm PST

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 12:26am PST