Capturing the Moment

  I've always had a soft spot for trains, ever since taking a train from Savannah to New York as a kid with my family. There is something quite romantic about them. So I was quite excited for this next leg of our Scandinavia trip. We planned to travel from Oslo to the western fjord lands by scenic train. It involved two trains, first Oslo to Myrdal, then Myrdal to Flam. We started in the hub of Oslo Central Station, but quickly made it out past the suburbs into the rolling farmlands. That was pretty, but it soon became quite beautiful as we headed up into the snowy mountains, past waterfalls, lakes, and even a glacier, barely visible through the low clouds. At Myrdal we switched trains, just as the rain really started to come down. Little did we know that this train ride would be a slow motion cinematic experience with massive waterfalls, huge valleys, and incredible scenery. We made a stop at one waterfall, where they let everyone get off the train to get a better look. We heard t...

Me and Dirk ready for adventure   There are only two real ways to get around Southeast Alaska; a boat or a float plane. Boats here range in size from tiny fishing charters to jet boats screaming up shallow inlets to some of the most massive cruise ships on Earth. But float planes on the other hand are pretty much all tiny and not for the faint of heart. Due to a last minute guest cancellation, my buddy Dirk and I were able to score a ride in one of the smallest float planes that offers scenic tours. Huge Icebergs below   The tight quarters inside our amphibious ride could hand a pilot and passenger up front, with 2 more passengers in the back. The company is Pacific Wings and their pilots provide great commentary along the way. I found the windows were much better to photography out of since they weren't as curved and reflection filled as scenic helicopters I've been in. We were all excited to have a beautiful, clear day for this impromptu adventure. I made sure ...

  A bonus of flying with Emirates Airline from Seattle to Dubai on a 14 hour leg to our final destination of South Africa is a rare chance to look out of the window down upon the frozen landscape surrounding the North Pole. On such a long flight the shortest distance is to fly up and over the globe instead of around. I was lucky enough to think about this just in time to check out of one of the windows to see the frozen coastline rapidly approaching. Snow capped mountains provided relief with massive glaciers in between. I could even spot giant ice bergs drifting through the water around the land. It was an otherworldly landscape that few will ever see. Even with all the people on our flight I don't think anyone saw except the pilots. Its a shame that there is no announcement for a sight so rare.   I tried to take a picture of the map on the seatback screen although the glare from outside made it quite difficult. If you look closely you can see our path leaving Seattle and...

Makapu'u Tidepools Getting sprayed Overlook from to top of Diamond Head Crater Out on the edge of the research pier Scenes from around the island. I have been touring Phoebe around, showing her some of the best that Oahu has to offer. We've had great snorkels, hikes to secret tide pools, and beautiful vistas.

     A romantic view of nighttime Honolulu from the Tantalus overlook.