Capturing the Moment

  As the first of the leaves started changing in Vermont and my excitement level rose Heidi reminded me that some years the autumn colors turn out to be duds. I quickly realized that this year would be the opposite of a dud. We traveled up Smuggler's Notch and were surrounded by some of the most beautiful fall foliage that I have ever seen. I tried to get so iconic Vermont images with the fall colors all around. I found old covered bridges, working farms, hidden rocky streams, and even the mountain town of Stowe to show off the Vermont charm.   Enojy these classic images of the Green Mountain State. I already find myself coming up with ideas for photos for next Fall!   But for now, with the first snows on the leafless tress in Vermont, it is time to head to warmer weather, different wildlife, and whales as we move into our new place in Maui!   www.daimarsphotos.com

  It has been a wild and wonderful African safari here in Kenya. We covered 8 different parks over our 2 week trip. Here is the track that we followed as we explored this wonderful country. Thanks to Chris, David, Becca, Deedee and Erica for being up to fly halfway around the world so I could share this incredible place with you. We couldn't have done it without our faithful drive James, putting some serious miles on our safari vehicle through all kinds of wild driving conditions.  We experienced the absolute best of what Kenya has to offer. We had close encounters with lions, charging elephants, wild dogs, birds of all colors and sizes, the great migration , carnage and the circle of life. There were hot air balloon rides, drinks around the campfire, baby warthogs, the Big 5, screaming monkeys, and waterhole overlooks. It was the trip of a lifetime. You can find all the post from this trip by searching keyword Kenya2018 in the search box on this site. If you are inspired to

On the Great Migration Endless lines of wildebeest    This was our last day on safari and we were spending it at one of the most exciting parks in East Africa. Known as the jewel of Kenya, the Masai Mara National Reserve is the continuation of the Serengeti plains of Tanzania. It is also the home to the Great Migration. Its a tough, croc eat wildebeest world  This migration of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and antelope plays out in one of the most exotic ecosystems on earth. Seemingly endless lines of some of Africa's most resilient animals follow the rain and green grass in a treacherous circular route. Along the way they must sustain themselves, fend off attacks from Africa's biggest predators, and give birth to fuel future generations of migrators.   To see this natural phenomena is a bucket list item that everyone should have but relatively few get to experience. You have to time your trip to Africa, visit the right part of the Mara or Serengeti, and

 Before we entered the gate of the famous Masai Mara reserve in Kenya we had already seen bathing zebra and a pack of banded mongoose doing their best meerkat impersonations. The group new that a big day lay before them as we had planned to stay the entire day in the reserve. We brought our lunch and our adventurous attitudes and before we knew it we were right in the thick of things.    The term 'mara' to the maasai people means spotted. And as we looked over the vast savannas of the Masai Mara we could understand what prompted the name of this place. Lone acacia trees spotted the plains like dark dots. Herds of elephants and smaller creatures ambled off in the distance. But before long something much closer caught our eye.   Numerous vultures perched in the low acacia trees brought us to the sight of our first kill. A female lion was guarding and mawing at a slain buffalo. She seemed pretty full but not yet willing to give the meal up for good. After about ten min

Bernard treating us right Our rooms at Mara Concord   Our last big stop on our whirlwind tour was the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. This park is the crown jewel of Kenya, and is their continuation of the Serengeti across the border in Tanzania. It is home to the Great Migration, the Big 5, and the warrior nomads known as the Massai. At the Tanzania/Kenya border   We are staying at the Mara Concord Game Lodge . It was a long trip here from our morning game drive in Lake Nakuru , and down one of the bumpier roads we had been on in Kenya....which is saying something. Luckily we had the audio book version of  Harry Potter Book 1 playing to help pass the time. Early on Erica said she wan't Harry to become a quidditch hero by the time we got there and he very nearly did. Everyone was very eager to get out of the vehicle once we finally arrived. We were greeted by the staff and the moist towel and fresh fruit juice. When we were shown to our rooms we realized tha