Browse for “Fascinating Facts” to discover all you need to know before you go.  Why buy a guide book when you can read my blog for free?

Read more about the article Buen Provecho – Sunrise on the Osa Peninsula
Pacific Ocean Sunrise Costa Rica

Buen Provecho – Sunrise on the Osa Peninsula

The day started early at 5am with a beautiful sunrise - doubled by its reflection in the Pacific Ocean.  The first few minutes just before I wake up are usually like intermediate steps from light to shadow - my vision is dim and my mind not yet fully focussed.  This morning, I was woken by the loud shrieks of howler monkies and the din of a million cicadas, then soothed by the sound of the ocean as the sun rose over it.  It was the quickest move to sharp focus I can remember - the sunrise was absolutely spectacular - the outstanding highlight of this trip.

Continue ReadingBuen Provecho – Sunrise on the Osa Peninsula
Read more about the article Arenal Volcano National Park – En Armonía con la Madre Naturaleza
Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges Trail

Arenal Volcano National Park – En Armonía con la Madre Naturaleza

When you have had a shower outside in the rain and an open air bath on your balcony (safely concealed by the jungle!), it seems fairly pointless to wear an uncomfortable rain coat to go on a hike.  Skin is waterproof after all?  So today, I carried nothing except my camera and didn't let the rain bother me at all.  I was feeling rather  in harmony with Mother Nature (en Armenia con la Madre Naturaleza) and excited to explore Arenal Volcano National Park.

Continue ReadingArenal Volcano National Park – En Armonía con la Madre Naturaleza
Read more about the article Salut Manatus!
Three toed sloth (and baby!)

Salut Manatus!

Our base in the Tortugero National Park is the Manatus Lodge.  Access is via boat transfer only - and let's hope they keep it that way!  

Continue ReadingSalut Manatus!
Read more about the article Alajuela to Tortuguero
Local girl on a swing Tortugeuro National Park Costa Rica

Alajuela to Tortuguero

The transfer from Alajuela to Tortugero took all morning - but what a lovely way to spend it.  We drove past banana plantations, fields of papaya, coconuts and plantains learning a little about the beautiful country that is Costa Rica (Rich Coast) as we travelled.

Continue ReadingAlajuela to Tortuguero
Read more about the article Monkey Mia to Ningaloo Reef – A Scenic Flight over Shark Bay and a Thorny Devil!
Shark Bay Aviation Scenic Flight

Monkey Mia to Ningaloo Reef – A Scenic Flight over Shark Bay and a Thorny Devil!

We made an early start today on our journey from Monkey Mia to Ningaloo Reef so we could take a pre-booked early morning scenic flight with Shark Bay Aviation.  Their “bargain” flight is 40 minutes long and is a really great way to get a different perspective on this vast and largely inaccessible wilderness area.  You get superb views of the huge salt works, lagoons, Dirk Hartog Island, Steep Point (the most Westerly point of mainland Australia), sea clliffs and the wondrous crystal clear blue spectrum of the Indian Ocean.

Continue ReadingMonkey Mia to Ningaloo Reef – A Scenic Flight over Shark Bay and a Thorny Devil!
Read more about the article Esperance WA’s Best Beaches
Kangaroos on Lucky Bay - Cape le Grand National Park

Esperance WA’s Best Beaches

The road from Bremer Bay to Esperance (home of Australia's best beaches) was long - very long - and straight.  There were hardly any vehicles on it except the odd road train (shortish) which gave you a start as it rushed past.  The road took us through interesting sounding places like Jerramingup, Munillinup and Nindilibillup.  Up means "place of" around here - I wonder what these places we were passing through were places of ...?  They didn't have enough interest to make us stop long enough to find out.  We were keen to press on to Esperance and explore all those beautiful beaches.  It took us around 4 hours in total to get here.

Continue ReadingEsperance WA’s Best Beaches
Read more about the article Pemberton to Albany – It’s Time to Feel the Tingle and Walk the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk …
The Giant Tingle Tree

Pemberton to Albany – It’s Time to Feel the Tingle and Walk the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk …

It takes about 3 hours to drive straight from Pemberton to Albany, but we chose to break the journey at Walpole and visit the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk.  Walpole Visitor Centre gave us a very helpful map which helped us navigate our way there via the scenic route which gave good views of Walpole and the coast.

Continue ReadingPemberton to Albany – It’s Time to Feel the Tingle and Walk the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk …
Read more about the article d’Entrecasteaux National Park – Even Giants Grow Old
Salmon Bay Entrecasteaux National Park WA

d’Entrecasteaux National Park – Even Giants Grow Old

A short(ish) drive to the coast brought us to ​Salmon Bay in the d’Enrecasteaux National Park.  The view from the lookout is truly stunning.  From the headland, crystal clear deep blue water, rolling surf and miles of deserted, golden sand stretches out before your eyes, beckoning you to discover it at close hand. 

Continue Readingd’Entrecasteaux National Park – Even Giants Grow Old
Read more about the article Best Place to See Kangaroos in Western Australia – G’Day Skippy!
G'Day Skippy

Best Place to See Kangaroos in Western Australia – G’Day Skippy!

The road from Mandurah to Margaret River has one of the best places to see kangaroos in Western Australia - G'Day Skippy! Our journey south continued today via Dunsborough to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.  The road from the lighthouse to Ngilgi Cave passes close to the Petra Olive Oil Estate where a quick detour to Sheoak Drive rewards you with easy sightings of kangaroos.

Continue ReadingBest Place to See Kangaroos in Western Australia – G’Day Skippy!