Capturing the Moment

  One of my favorite parts of the UnCruise itinerary here in the Hawaii is that every week we stop into the island of Molokai. I feel like this is the hidden gem of the islands. And with very little tourists on the island there isn't a huge demand for hotel rooms. This is good news for the only hotel on the island, the Hotel Molokai .    With no beach or real snorkeling out front, no breakfast offered, and the worst coffee ever in the in-room coffee makers, it still somehow emits enough charm to make it a pleasant stay.  I don't know if it lives up to the base room rate of $204, but there is a beautiful ocean out back that is lined by very photogenic palm trees. The restaurant has been redone and with new owners boasts a delicious menu (lunch/dinner only). Quite often there is local live music at the restaurant and I'm sure the pool is open from time to time, although I havn't seen it.   The rooms themselves give you a feeling like you are in some ski-ch...

  I spend a lot of time in airports since I travel quite a bit for my job. So I notice when airports go above and beyond to really break the monotony and anxiety of traveling. The best way I've seen this done is with an art installation at the Atlanta Airport that covers an entire terminal connecting corridor and transports the travelers into an airy forest world of nature. They do this by placing green overlapping cutouts on the ceiling that gives the impression you are looking up through the canopy of trees to sunlight above. Then every once in a while there is a break in the canopy where large screen have been built into the ceiling depicting a blue sky with wispy clouds and birds flying overhead. The sounds of the forest and birds especially complete the experience. I've actually seen people stop in their tracks and smile upon entering this space.   Recently on my way from Vermont to Hawaii I had a quick layover in Chicago's big airport, ORD, and was pleased to se...

   It is time to trade up the wool socks for the board shorts as I head back to the Hawaiian Islands to work on the Safari Explorer as Expedition Leader for UnCruise Adventures. Vermont has been a beautiful winter wonderland and I surprised myself with how used to the subfreezing temperatures I became. It is true what they say, 'there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.' Although there is something to be said about a work uniform that mainly consist of tshirts, board shorts, and sandals.   After a quick day layover in Maui with some welcomed water time surfing with Ben at Ho'okipa, it is on to the island of Molokai to meet the Safari Explorer. I'll lead the next four trips between the islands of Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island. Part of the excitement of being in these waters at this time of year is it is smack dab in the middle of the Humpback whale breeding season here. I even saw a few whales from the plane ride between islands. ...

 Waking up to fresh snow on the ground is a wonderful part of spending time in Vermont during the winter. This morning was one of those mornings. And while a roaring fire, steaming coffee, and holding a newborn are powerful lures to stay inside, the winter wonderland on the other side of the glass was calling. Plus Neka the puppy just loves going outside to race around in the snow.  So Heidi and I bundled up young Catalina and headed out on a snowy adventure. Neka and I did a little photo shoot to help capture the playful mood the snow brings out.

  One of the questions I get asked a lot about travel in Africa is what do the safari vehicles look like. And while there are several varieties I thought I would expand this post to cover even more of the typical styles of travel while on safari, from planes to trucks to traditional sailing dhows. Often when I tell people about pop up roofs and open safari vehicles it is hard for them to understand what I mean. They ask, "like a sunroof?", and "How can you have no doors when there are lions around?".  So here are pictures of both styles of safari vehicles and even one with a lion walking by, (it really does happen!)    Enjoying the pop top roof  I have seen safari vehicles big enough for 24 people and I've seen a range of sizes down to 4 passenger vehicles that the more exclusive lodges use. Some of the newer models have electrical outlets for your camera batteries and iPhones, while others with a more photography focus come with bean bags that you ...