Welcome to Australia!

Wow. Getting to Australia was both the longest individual flight, along with the longest connecting flights I've experienced yet.  16+ hours gate to gate trans-Pacific flight time from Los Angeles to Melbourne on the east coast followed 90 minutes of connecting time later by a five-hour cross-continent flight to Perth on the west coast. 21 hours in the air.  We left on Saturday night from LA, crossed the international dateline somewhere past Hawaii, and landed on Monday morning around sunrise in Melbourne, only to then fly into the early afternoon to Perth. The flights were comfortable and enjoyable for how long they were, but a bit exhausting as well.  This afternoon our smaller group (we assembled at LAX) is meeting up with the larger group attending this conference and heading over to check in to our hotel.  Then we've been the afternoon and evening off to explore and/or relax and refresh as we see fit until the conference actually begins tomorrow morning.  With so little free time, I'm not going to just hang out at the pool or bar like some of my groupmates are...I'm off to do some exploring! 

 

 

 

 

 

My visit to Rottnest Island wasn't as long as I may have wanted due to our arrival in Perth and ferry schedules, but it was worth it to visit! It's a great day-destination when visiting Western Australia, and Perth. There's so much to do to stay active or relax, from tons of water activities, tours, hiking, biking, birding, and more! Plus it's home to the world's friendliest mammal, the Quokka.

After Rottnest, I went to Cottlesloe Beach and joined many dozens of locals gathered to simply enjoy the sunset. Picnics and lawn chairs and blankets were spread out everywhere on the surrounding hills, as families and small children played in the water or on the sand building sandcastles. It was a great first-day introduction to this beautiful side of the country!

 

 

Glaciers & Whale Watching

Today we arrived in Juneau. Whales were spotted off the sides of the ship this morning long before we arrived, and it was spectacular to watch one fully breach. Breaching is a typical part of the mating ritual, per the naturalist on board, and not commonly seen in Alaska (usually in Hawaii where the humpbacks migrate to each October). It may have been a calf learning what he needs to do once he starts his own mating rituals soon. Calves are born about 12 feet long weighing in at about 2,000 lbs and zero body fat, but then start to add upwards of 100lbs per day throughout their first year.

Upon arrival in port, I went out on a fun excursion that included both a visit to Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching. There I learned that every single humpback has a unique diagram within their skin on the bottom side of their tail...it's their "fingerprint" if you will. Researchers at NOAA here in Juneau photograph the whales and are able to track them that way, vs. tagging them or other methods. And while it isn't exactly known how long they all live, the average life expectancy is about 50 years. Females have one calf at a time, and usually have another calf every two to three years, and will continue to give birth for almost their entire life. Calves learn everything they need to survive within their first year of life, and are then essentially " on their own" from that point on, even though they tend to travel in pods.

Here are few pictures from each part of that fun-filled and informative afternoon.

Featured Foto Friday - Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort

These fantastic hammocks await you at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort, underneath some remarkable century-old oak trees.  They provide a perfect way to relax, either individually or with that special someone at your side.  

Where in the World Wednesdays - Destinations to Explore Before Leaving This Life

In honor of the Summer Games, today we take a look at another destination within the United Kingdom.  This time it’s the Scottish home of the British Royal Family – the Balmoral estate.  

In the shadows of Lochnagar, set amongst the spectacular scenery of Royal Deeside, the Balmoral Estate which covers about 20,000 hectares (just over 50,000 acres) acres of heather clad hills, ancient Caledonian woodland.  The estate itself goes back to late 1300’s when King Robert II of Scotland had a hunting lodge there.  The first permanent house was constructed in 1390, and additions and expansions were made to what eventually became a castle through the ensuing years, and caught the attention of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1847 while they were on holiday in the nearby Ardverikie by Loch Laggan.

Unlike most of the other castles and residences that are official state-owned properties that they Royal Family uses and enjoys, Balmoral Estate is a privately owned residence.  It was purchased by Queen Victoria (Queen Elizabeth II’s great-grandmother) in 1848, and has been the Scottish home for the Royal Family ever since. Upon her death is was passed to her son King George V, who passed it to his son King Edward VIII, and following his abdication, it was purchased by his brother King George VI who succeeded Edward.  Elizabeth II received the Estate after her father’s death in 1952. 

Over the past 150 years with careful stewardship by the Royal Family and their estate management staff, the estate has preserved the wildlife, scenery and architecture which is available for all generations to enjoy.  During the spring and early summer months when the Royal Family is in not residence, the grounds, gardens and exhibitions are open to the public on a daily basis.

Balmoral is a wonderful venue for a day out and during the open season you will find lots of activities to participate in.  Activities such as guided walks and tours, luxury land rover safaris, plus the annual Balmoral Road Races and the St. James’ Place Foundation Half Marathon.  A featured favorite are the “Running the Highlands” training weekends – covering fitness training, running, flexibility, sports massage, nutrition, pilates, and running form and technique.  Additionally, salmon fishing is available on the River Dee, and the estate hosts car enthusiasts who gather for car rallies and exhibitions on the grounds.   Select areas of the grounds are available for private parties and events, including wedding receptions. 

Balmoral is a working estate mostly 1,000 feet above sea level, though there are seven Munros or mountains over 3,000 feet.  Throughout the estate deer stalking, grouse shooting, forestry, and farming are the main land uses. The estate provides an important recreational benefit to members of the visiting public and a range of user groups – and even provides accommodations that can be rented in a variety of cottages and lodges from 5 to 13 guests.  Pets are welcome but must be controlled at all times. 

For more information about how you might be able to experience the splendors of Balmoral, or other remarkable destinations throughout the Scottish highlands contact me at 317.776.1733 or via my website. 

A Birthday Spent on the Savannah

Today is Disneyland's 57th Birthday, and I'm spending it on the savannah... well, at least overlooking Disney's savannah in Florida.  We're staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village.  We have a Sunset Savannah view room, and the view truly is spectacular.

The animals are so peaceful and enjoyable to watch.  Many are simply gorgeous.  We have been enraptured by them throughout the afternoon today.  We've enjoyed watching the various creatures that inhabit the resort's various savannahs.  We haven't taken pictures of each variety yet, but here are just a couple that we have documented so far on this trip. 

This is not our first stay at Animal Kingdom - rather it's our third as a family.  Plus I've stayed here an additional three or four times while on business.  It's a terrific place to stay.  I just love the neighbors!  If you have ever considered staying here before but haven't done it... I would definitely encourage you to do so.  And if it hasn't even crossed your mind before... you really should consider it.  There are many wonderful resorts here at Walt Disney World - but Animal Kingdom Lodge really is one of the coolest!  

The savannahs that were created, along with the animals that roam freely, coupled with the amazing attention to detail and architectural stylings certainly help transport guests away mentally from Florida.  You really can forget that you are in the middle of the Sunshine State.  

As I stood on the balcony this afternoon, and alternately sat on the zebra-backed chair, I remembered that across the nation, a magical little place was celebrating another anniversary. Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom turned 57.  Another year has passed since Walt first stood in Town Square making his dedication speech - filled with wonderful memories for the nearly millions of guests who passed through its' gates in the past 12 months and new experiences awaiting those who will enter in the months to come.  

I sat on that balcony today, and thought about the memories that I was helping to shape and create for my children and wife as we enjoy our vacation this week, and remembered that it was the father, who all those years ago while watching his daughters have fun on the merry-go-round at Griffith Park, thought, there should be a place where parents and children could have fun together.  Walt may not have been able to build his park while his daughters were still young, but he sure was able to enjoy that magical little park with his daughter's children.  And then as parents and their children came in droves to visit the park throughout the 1950s and 1960's, his dream expanded eastward, and Walt Disney World was born in 1971.  As time has passed - newer and more expansive concepts have become reality, and the Disney parks and resorts have become destinations unto themselves - where millions of parents and their children - and even grandparents, parents, and children can have fun together.  

The last time we stayed at Animal Kingdom, we were here with my folks.  Some wonderful memories were made on that trip - even to the point that when I shared with my mother that we were returning to Kidani Village, my mother got a bit sad - because they weren't able to join us this time!  

During my youth in Southern California, I was able to make it to the park for a number of birthday celebrations, and have several commemorative buttons from those years in my collection.  But alas, as an adult, living in the Midwest, getting to Disneyland on its' actual birthday is a much harder thing to do.  But this is the first birthday that I've ever spent at the park's sister resort in Florida!  So it's a very fun first for me.  Celebrating Disneyland at Walt Disney World! Not being one to enjoy the usually brutal heat of summer in Florida - I have never once before been here for this auspicious occasion.  But this year, I'm here, and having a marvelous time - and of course remembering, that without Disneyland - Walt Disney World would not even exist. 

Walt sure knew what he was doing all those years ago.  So once again, I say Happy Birthday Disneyland!  Walt knew we all needed you.  

Until next time,

stopher's stuff

Vacation.  


Such a beautiful word it is.  No matter if means a cabin in the woods, a timeshare on the beach or a ship setting sail for the majestic splendors of the Inside Passage - rest and relaxation should be what drives you to take a vacation.


I have fond memories of vacations past when I was a child in Mammoth Lakes, California.  The eastern Sierra Nevada mountains are just so beautiful, so tranquil, and so majestic.  They have somewhat of an alpine feel to them, and are just so special in my heart.  That little slice of heaven - God's country as we called it - will always represent rest and relaxation to me.  


We would go every summer to the same places.  Some years when I was really small we would camp in a tent trailer or a tent, until my parents began to rent a little cabin in the woods from one of the three lodges in the area that provided housekeeping cabins.  My grandparents would come along as well, and we had such a good time together.  Fishing, hiking, horseback-riding, bike riding and so much more were all part of our regular routine on those jaunts into the woods.   Some summers we would go just once, others we would go twice - closer to both Memorial Day and again at Labor Day.  


Over time we switched from one lodge to another, and had our favorite cabin in each  lodge that we would always try to secure when making the next reservation.  My grandmother and mother would eagerly put aside money each week into the vacation fund, so that we could all have a great time together once more.  We didn't mind that there was no tv reception (except in the Olympic years, such as this year). We didn't mind that the town itself was small, and there were no large grocery stores, or movie houses.  We enjoyed being together as a family.  


As I grew older still, and became a teenager, my parents decided to purchase a townhouse there in town.  (Eventually they even sold the home I grew up in and relocated to that beautiful little town).  It was wonderful to be able to get away to our favorite destination even more often throughout the year, having our own vacation home right there.  Suddenly we were able to be there in all seasons.  I even took a group of friends for an extended weekend getaway to Mammoth during my Senior year of high school.  That was awesome!


But that whole being together thing - that's really what a vacation is all about, isn't it?  It's not so much the destination (sure that is a NICE part of it all), but really, a vacation is about spending time together with those you love.  And getting some rest, and relaxation while you're at it.  


As an adult, my lovely bride and I have had a variety of experiences with our children - including one time taking our kids to Mammoth Lakes, where my eldest caught his first fish.  Sometimes we've gone with their grandparents, other times not.  Many times we were invited along on trips with our parents, other times we asked them to come along.  But for us - since we relocated out of California and to the Midwest, not once, but twice - the majority of our "vacations" have been treks back home to visit family in California and the west.  We haven't always gone to the same place each summer, but we have enjoyed going places together with our kids.  Making memories, and spending time together.  It wasn't until we made the decision to join Disney Vacation Club (DVC), that we knew we would have a place to return to time and time again much as my parents did with that little cabin in the woods.  Going to Walt Disney World often is something we've enjoyed, so owning a little piece of the magic just made sense to us.   


And now that's exactly what we're doing once more - going somewhere together with our kids, making memories and spending time together.  This week we're spending time at one of our favorite destinations, Walt Disney World.  But we aren't going in to the theme parks.  We're simply enjoying a couple of our DVC home resorts.  We're at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas for several nights, and then we'll move over to Disney's Saratoga Springs for some nights.  It's been a very busy year for us (we have teenagers!), and we really needed to capture this time together with them before life changes in a dramatic way in just two more years.  Yep, the oldest will be off to college soon, and we will never again have quite the same experiences together as we do now.  He'll have a life of his own, and mom and dad might not fit back in to his schedule for a few years or more.  And of course number two will follow suit about three years after the eldest does, and then we'll be down to a family of three at home.  Events that were SOOOOO far off in the future when the boys were toddlers are now very close to reality.  


So we stop the crazy busy-ness at home for a brief period and get away from it all.  We knew early this year that the summer of 2012 would be full and busy and crazy.  We saw that of the entire summer, there was really only one week-and-a-half period where we would ALL five of us be in the same house at the same time with no distractions, visitors or "things to do."  And we also knew that if we did not take the time as a family to get away from all of the myriad of possible temptations that might take one family member away (friends, activities, movies, etc, etc, etc) - so we knew the only way to stifle those temptations was by getting away from the temptations themselves.  By pausing and transplanting our family for the week-and-a-half we could actually slow down, pause and enjoy our time together.  


It'll be a week of nothing much.  Sleeping in.  Eating in and a little eating out.  Cards.  Video games.  Pool time.  Talking.  Board games.  A little exploration.  Laughing.  Perhaps the beach.  And other general silliness.  Time to pause and reflect on where we've been as a family, and yes, where we're headed.  Just spending time TOGETHER.  


It might not be in the still quiet of the mountains with babbling brooks nearby... but it will still be very nice, and very enjoyable.  And very much needed.  Memories are at stake you know.  Someday my kids will be the ones remembering back on their mom and dad making sure that we had this time together.  


Until next time,

Tuesday Trivia - Walt Disney World Horticulture

A big part of the "living backdrop" for the stories being told throughout each of the Disney Parks around the globe - horticulture, or landscaping - plays a tremendous role in the various stories that come to life in such places as Adventureland, Fantasyland and Frontierland.  When Walt Disney World was in the planning stages, one of the first things to be done was to establish a "tree farm."  Disney horticulturalists set aside a 145-acre farm beginning in 1967, where seeds and unrooted cuttings were brought in from destinations around the world, including such far-off locales as Australia and Africa.  Young trees were relocated from California, Texas and other states, as well as surrounding communities.  In doing so quickly, the horticultural team was able to assess which trees and plants not typically grown in Central Florida would or would not adapt to their new home, thereby aiding in the development of suitable "living backdrops" for such highly themed attractions as the "Jungle Cruise", "Tom Sawyer Island" and more.

Tuesday Trivia - Disneyland Horticulture

A big part of the "living backdrop" for the stories being told throughout each of the Disney Parks around the globe - horticulture, or landscaping - plays a tremendous role in the various stories that come to life in such places as Adventureland, Fantasyland and Frontierland.  When Disneyland was under construction in 1954, as Walt's dream was slowly rising from former orange groves in sleepy Anaheim, CA and becoming a reality - landscape architects began filling in the initial tropical jungles and pine forests of the themed lands.  They also had to dress Gay Nineties America with formal floral gardens, medieval countrysides and futuristic landscapes as well.  But the surrounding nurseries and landscape companies simply couldn't provide enough of what was needed, and as Hedda Hopper, noted Hollywood columnist of the day wrote, "Walt Disney depleted our nurseries from Santa Barbara to San Diego."  Not only did the Disney team procure needed plant items from the nurseries, but trees along the then-under construction I-5 freeway route were relocated to the Disneyland job-site as well.  Once in place, the Disney horticulturalists then had the task of providing massive doses of "TLC" in making the plant life look as if it had always been there.  

Where in the World Wednesdays - Destinations to Explore Before Leaving this Life

Redwoods National & State Parks – California

Located along the northern coast of California, between the city of Eureka and the Oregon border, the Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) – comprised of Redwood National Park  and California's Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods state parks, the combined RNSP contain 133,000 acres and are located entirely within Del Norte and Humboldt Counties.  Together the four parks protect about 45% of all remaining old-growth coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). These trees are the tallest and one of the most massive tree species on Earth.

Found within the ecosystem of the RNSP, a number of threatened plant and animal species are preserved – species such as the Brown Pelican, Tidewater Goby, Bald Eagle, Chinook Salmon, Northern Spotted Owl, and Steller's Sea Lion.  In 1980 the park was designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations.  The National Park itself is located about 260 miles north of the city of San Francisco, and about 300 miles south of Portland, Oregon.

It has been estimated that old-growth redwood forest once covered nearly 2,000,000 acres of coastal northern California, but unfortunately through decades of unchecked logging throughout the latter 1800’s, more than 96% of all old-growth redwoods have been removed.  Nearly half of the redwoods that remain are found in Redwood National and State Parks. The parks protect 38,982 acres of old-growth forest.  While you might not yet have personally visited the natural wonders of the RNSP, more than likely you have encountered these majestic trees on tv or on film.  The RNSP has been the featured backdrop in many major motion pictures, including “Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi” where it played a major role as the forest home of those lovable Ewoks, who lived on the Forest Moon of Endor.  Additionally it was featured in films such as “Jurassic Park: The Lost World”, “Time of the Titans”, “Dinosaurs Alive!” and most recently in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

While the state parks have front country campsites that can be driven to, the federal sections of the park do not.  Hiking is the only way to reach back country campsites within the national park portion.  Front country campsites are found at Mill Creek campground in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park; in Jedediah Smith campground in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park;  in Elk Prairie campground and Gold Bluffs Beach campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.  Combined there are a total of 351 campsites available. Other than camping facilities, lodging is not directly available within the borders of the RNSP, but nearby communities to the south, north and east provide ample accommodations.

While the parks are more sedate than other national parks, RSNP does provide various recreational opportunities.  Back country camping is by permit only and is only allowed in designated sites, but access to the back country is highly regulated to prevent overuse. Therefore camping in the back country is limited to five consecutive nights, and 15 nights in any single year. As with any habitat that is home to bears, proper food storage is strongly enforced, and hikers and backpackers are required to take out any trash they generate.

With nearly 200 miles of hiking trails in the parks, park guests will find an abundance of up close and personal opportunities to discover these natural wonders.  But be forewarned, some temporary footbridges are removed during the rainy season since they would be destroyed by high streams. Throughout the year, trails are often wet and hikers need to be well prepared for rainy weather. Additionally, mountain biking and horseback riding are popular but only allowed on certain trails. Kayaking is popular along the seacoast and in the various rivers and streams, and both kayakers and canoeists frequently travel the Smith River, the longest remaining undammed river left in the state of California.  

Fishing is a favorite pastime in the parks and is best in the Klamath and Smith rivers.  Salmon and steelhead, a highly prized species of rainbow trout are common catches in the parks.  A California sport fishing license is required to fish any of the rivers and streams.  Hunting is not permitted anywhere in the parks, but is allowed in nearby National Forests.

The RNSP offers three different visitor centers where park guests can obtain general information, as well as guided nature walks.   For more information about the RNSP area, or to explore the possibility of creating your own vacation memories in or near this majestic playground in America’s portfolio of National Parks, don’t hesitate to visit my website, or call 855.776.1733.