Itching to Travel?

The world is opening and waiting for visitors. Do you have a country in mind that you would like to experience? Two weeks ago, I attended a virtual travel seminar. 8 hours a day for 4 days I met with suppliers and watch keynote speakers talk about their areas of expertise. By the end of each day, I felt exhausted but excited about what I was learning and hearing. Almost all of South America is open and eager to show you what experiences they have to offer. Here are a couple of the highlights for you. 

                                                     NAPO Wildlife Center - Ecuador

The Napo Wildlife Centre is a luxury eco-lodge boasting an amazing location inside Yasuni National Park, the most biodiverse ecosystem on the planet, and a protected UNESCO biosphere site. In just one Yasuni hectare, one can find more species of organisms than in the entire European continent! The national park is home to a third of all Amazonian mammals, including a staggering 60% of all New World wild cats, 106 reptiles, and 610 species of bird; as well as more than 4000 species of plants. The concept and construction of the lodge are the brainchild of the Anangu Quichua community who now own 100% of the lodge, so all tour proceeds are re-invested into the community. It is universally recognised as a blueprint for community-based tourism projects. The Napo Wildlife Center lodge has been constructed in natural indigenous style, with luxury accommodation, ample social areas, and a 50 foot wildlife viewing tower.  

 

                                     Enchanted Expeditions - Ecuador and the Galapagos

Enchanted Expeditions is one of the pioneers of small boat cruises and tours to the Galapagos Islands and the mainland of Ecuador. Their founder, Judy Carvalhal, and her three partners have over 125 years of collective field experience as tour guides, conservationists and community tourism advocates in Ecuador. Their ready-made and custom tours are designed for active, curious and conservation-minded travellers who crave authenticity, and like to have genuine connections with people, communities and wildlife while travelling with a ‘small footprint’. They pride themselves on the personal attention they provide and their ability to tailor make tours to suit the needs of clients. Their trips highlight the four regions of Ecuador: Galapagos Islands, the Andean Highlands, the Amazonian basin and the Coastal region. Each one unique and special. They have built a reputation for excellent service; few can match their expertise and knowledge of all areas of Ecuador. These standards are reflected in their staff, their guides and their yachts. Enchanted Expeditions is the exclusive representative and owner of their yachts: the M/Y Beluga and the M/Y Cachalote Explorer. Moreover Enchanted Expeditions is the exclusive representative of the Enchanted Galapagos Lodge located on Santa Cruz Island in Galapagos.

Tasmania Devil Information

Tasmanian devil to be state’s first animal emblem.

THE Tasmanian devil has a new champion — the whole state of Tasmania.

Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Matthew Groom announced the marsupial would become Tasmania’s first animal emblem.

Mr Groom, who first raised the idea of an emblem in 2013, said public submissions had been considered and the devil had received overwhelming support.

“The Government is pleased to confirm that the Tasmanian devil has been officially declared the state’s animal emblem after being proclaimed by Her Excellency the Governor Kate Warner at a special Executive Council meeting held late last week,” Mr Groom said today.

“Declaring a formal animal emblem provides us with an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and promote our unique native fauna, particularly the Tasmanian devil.”

He said the devil was recognised as uniquely Tasmanian and having it as an emblem would promote the state and raise awareness of the devils’ challenges.

The facial tumour disease has slashed numbers, with predictions of extinction.

“Having being declared our animal emblem, the devil will now sit alongside our floral emblem, the Tasmanian blue gum, and our mineral emblem, crocoite.”

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary director Greg Irons said it was “awesome” news and well overdue.

“There’s no negative to this decision. We’ve been the only state without an animal emblem. I think if we want to be the clean, green Tasmania, enticing tourists with wilderness ... it’s crucial we have an emblem,” Mr Irons said.

“Not only is the devil known worldwide, for us to acknowledge its importance can only make us work harder to save them.

“A football team has its colours and logo, states are the same.”

Labor environment spokesman Craig Farrell said: “In Government, Labor invested a lot of time and money to help fight against the devastating facial tumour disease.



“The devil is a Tasmanian icon around the world and it is fitting for it to be recognised in this way.”

Thank you Karen Stotz from Tourism Tasmania for this great article.

APT and Holland American in Partnership

What a great new way to see two great countries.  Learn all about these.

Now, in partnership with Holland America Line, Australian Pacific Touring’s 23-day ‘South Pacific Cruisetour’ visits the best of Australia and New Zealand. Travelers get to see the vibrant cities of Auckland, Wellington and Sydney, enjoy a magical encounter with the wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef and spend 14 incredible days cruising the world’s most stunning coastlines in this memorable adventure. Accommodations are first-class both on land and sea, and guided touring is combined with the freedom to explore independently.
APT’s most popular ‘Fully Escorted South Pacific Vacations’ to Australia and New Zealand continue to fulfill the dream vacation experience. Guests will appreciate an opportunity to stay with a local family in New Zealand; cruises on Milford Sound, Sydney Harbor and the Great Barrier Reef; Maori and Aboriginal experiences; learning about flora and fauna, geological wonders and astronomy; have fun on TranzAlpine and Ghan train journeys; and enjoy featured lunches and dinners and all breakfasts. All this with the camaraderie of like-minded friends and travelers and the genuine enthusiasm of a regional professional tour director create a departure from the ordinary.
New is the ’20-day Australia by Private Plane’ tour featuring some of the most remote regions and beautiful attractions of Australia such as the Kimberley’s and Cape York while traveling in a small group of 34 on a privately chartered plane. From the landmarks of cosmopolitan Sydney to the aerial view of the vast Australian interior, and the visually stunning western coastline to the ancient rock art of the Bungle Bungle Range, every experience is one to treasure.

A Quick Trip to Adelaide and KI

After a busy  week on the east coast of Australia, my daughter, Julie, and I arrived in Adelaide, our first stop before going over to Kangaroo Island for 2 nights.  After getting settled into our hotel room at the Sebel, we ventured out to Rundle Mall to visit all the shops and to get the feel of the city.  A taste of chocolate at the Haight Chocolate shop and a sample of Australia licorice at Darrell Lea was a great way to start our shopping trip.  I had been to Adelaide several times before, but I needed to introduce Julie to things that are available, and she found out exactly what Randle Mall had to offer.

After dinner, it was off to bed as we had an early start in the morning.  Yes, it was early for us as we had to get up at 5 am in order to check-out of our hotel room in Adelaide to catch the 7:05 am flight to Kangaroo Island.  Fortunately the Adelaide airport is easy to maneuver and we were at the gate in plenty of time to grab a cup of coffee before departing.  No time for breakkie, but certainly time for a coffee.

This was not my first visit to Kangaroo Island, but it certainly was my first to the Southern Ocean Lodge.  We had the fantastic opportunity to spend 2 nights and almost 2 full days on the Island being catered to by the staff at the Lodge.  Upon arrival on KI (as it is known by the locals), we were greeted at the airport by Jan and James, staff from the Lodge.  Being greeted on arrival was a great way to start the trip.  During the 45 minute drive to the Lodge, Jan provided insight into the flora and fauna of the Island, the animals, the history of the settlements and just what we could expect upon our arrival.  Nothing beats a private guide when wanting to learn about an area.

Little did we expect to get a fresh cooked to order breakfast, but that is exactly what we received on our arrival.  It was a wonderful way to start our 2 days.  We were offered a tour of the Lodge, which we took, the opportunity to do a short hike after lunch, which we declined,  or to just sit in the lounge in front of the floor to ceiling windows watching the waves crashing against the shore while we sipped fantastic KI wine.  Needless to say, after our week of rushing around, we choose the afternoon in the lounge relaxing, reading and enjoying the view.

 

That first evening, Julie decided to do a nocturnal tour to see the kangaroos, koalas and wallabies roaming freely in the area.  It was her first real adventure getting out in the bush with the animals.  At 

the Lodge, the staff had discovered an Echidna who was covered with ticks which they quickly went about removing.  Yes, an elusive Echidna – and too cute she is.

The next morning, after breakfast, five of us left on a tour with Rob from Exceptional Kangaroo Island.  I can’t praise Rob enough for the “exceptional” job he did taking us out to the Remarkable Rocks along 

with a visit to the lighthouse,  Cape du Couedic  which opened in 1909. The remains of a jetty, water tank and storeroom can be seen at Weir's Cove, a spectacular site, from where the building materials and other supplies were hauled by flying fox to the top of the cliffs.

Our final visit was to Admirals Arch and a view of the New Zealand fur seals diving, playing and sleeping on the rocks.  We had to stop and watch the baby seal who appeared to be watching us!

         

Julie and Sharon on a very windy day at the Arch!









Looking at - and looking back!

We finished the evening, after a fantastic meal with friends, the James’, from the Sydney area  and Marcus a writer from the UK,  stopping long enough to have a visit with Willa, the baby wallabie.  What a wonderful day.

It was difficult leaving Southern Ocean Lodge the next morning, but our 10:30 flight back to Adelaide was set. 

We reached our hotel by 11:30 am and met with Mary Anne Kennedy from A Taste of South Australia to explore the Central Market.  It was busy this Saturday morning, but equally interesting and made so by Mary Anne’s expert advice.  Mark Gleeson, from Central Market Tour, provided information on his market shops and what he does on his tours.  Mark is another expert providing guidance.  After lunch we were off to the South Australia Museum for an Aboriginal cultural tour conducted by Haydyn Bromley from Bookabee Tours.  What can I say about Haydyn except that he is magnificent and takes his role as an Aboriginal educator very seriously.  This was certainly a full day, so it was dinner and again, early to bed.

Sunday morning, our last one in Adelaide, we met Mary Anne Kennedy who took us to the Farmers Market where we sampled homemade rolls, flavored almonds and admired the many beautiful produce stalls that the market has to offer.  We hopped on the bus and headed to the Giles Fashion Market.   Gilles St.  Market is home to a colorful selection of stalls selling designer samples, young designers’ fashions, clearance stock, preloved fashion, shoes, jewellery and accessories.

The great vibe of the market is enhanced with live performances from great DJs and a delicious range of food and beverage stalls. No two markets are the same, with stallholders changing each month so you'll always find old favorites next to something new and exciting!

 Saying  good-bye to Adelaide we rushed to the airport for our 2:15 flight back to the States.