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Showing posts from 2023

2023: A Year in Review

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    2023: A year in review     It has been another wild and wonderful year. The highlights were too many to count but I'll do my best here. I watched my three wonderful kids hit tons of little person milestones, from Catalina and Fisher learning to ride bikes, to Catalina starting kindergarten, to Fisher finally being able to stand in the deep end of the kids pool, to Dela becoming a walking, talking little kid. The family spent three months in Maui, during which Heidi and I officially tied the knot, getting married on a secret little beach surrounded by friends and family. I had a busy year with work as well, running expeditions onboard the Safari Explorer with UnCruise in Hawaii and Alaska throughout the year. I also had the chance to go down to the Galapagos as a guests ambassador during May for a weeklong trip. And I added another wonderful Africa safari to my list in October.     My Hawaii trips with UnCruise this year have just been a blast. The itinerary is the best it has e

Early Season Snow here in Stowe, Vermont

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  So far it has been a pretty stellar snow season here in Stowe, Vermont. We got a good six inches one day, and I have been snowboarding ever since. The beautiful thing about an early winter snow, is that the crowds are not yet at the mountain. So it can be just you and a lot of fresh powder. I've been trying to document some of these days. These selfies look pretty similar, until you really look at the backdrop. I tried to capture all different areas over the course of a couple of weeks. The rest of the month doesn't look too good in terms of snowfall, but I'm hoping that it'll be a good February when I am back from Hawaii. View from on top of the quad at Stowe Mountain Resort. The view on my way our of the neighborhood. Spending some time on the mountain with my oldest. Everyone was just pumped to be on the mountain, scoring some fresh powder this day. Susie and I had runs all to ourselves. Sunshine after the snowfall. Where are the crowds? This sign says, 'Warnin

Cool views from my impromptu flight to meet guests: Maui to Molokai

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  There's something magical about exploring the Hawaiian Islands from the air, and my recent adventure with Mokulele Airlines from Maui to Molokai was nothing short of extraordinary. Buckle up and join me as we embark on a scenic flight aboard a small 10-seater plane, capturing breathtaking views of the North Shore of Maui, the historic Halawa Valley, the haunting remnants of the leper colony at Kalaupapa, and the awe-inspiring sea cliffs of Molokai. Our journey began with the rhythmic crashing of big waves along the North Shore of Maui. The vibrant blue hues of the Pacific Ocean served as a perfect prelude to the adventure that awaited us. Mokulele Airlines specializes in providing intimate flying experiences, and this flight promised to be a visual feast for the senses. As we approached Molokai, the excitement reached a crescendo as we found ourselves almost level with the famed 3000ft sea cliffs on the north side of the island. Waterfalls cascaded over the cliff edges, creating

Maui Coral Gardens Snorkel

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Another fun snorkel here on Maui as we eagerly await the arrival of our first guests onboard the Safari Explorer. Check out this beautiful spot known as Coral Gardens.

A Day Snorkeling in Maui, Hawaii

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 My friend Moser got us the hookup with a Molokini Wild Side trip on my old boat, the Ocean Explorer. Aaron was the captain, Matt and Daniel were the naturalist. We caught some nice weather as the kona winds shifted to North, giving us a chance for a four snorkel day. We went to reefs end, backwall, Secrets at the southernmost tip of the island, and then to Coral Gardens. Not a bad day. Even learned a few new spots myself.     This is some of the GoPro footage I took set to some relaxing music. Enjoy!

Masai Mara National Reserve: Best Place to see the Big 5 in Kenya

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   "Africa's Big 5: More Than Just a Safari Snapshot!" Hey fellow adventurers! Ready to embark on a wild journey through the heart of Africa? Well, pack your binoculars and sense of humor because we're about to dive into the fabulous world of Africa's Big 5! Imagine the sun painting the vast expanse of the Masai Mara in warm hues as your safari vehicle bounces along the rugged terrain. The air is charged with anticipation, and your heart beats in sync with the rhythm of the African landscape. Suddenly, as if the savannah has orchestrated a grand symphony, the regal lion saunters into view, its golden mane catching the sunlight. You're not just a spectator; you're a witness to the royal procession of the Big 5. The mighty elephant family parades gracefully, their monumental presence etching an indelible image in your mind. Buffaloes graze nonchalantly, seemingly unaware of the awe they inspire. The elusive leopard, a phantom in the golden grass, adds an air