Antarctica!

Ron NiebruggePhotos, Travel 20 Comments

I’m back from an awesome trip to Antarctica!  Well not back, but in the Atlanta Airport – it takes four days of travel to return from the frozen continent when you include the two days crossing the Drake.

It was a great trip, we lucked out on the weather and were able to visit many locations that no one else had been able to land at for days if not weeks.  We got well below the Antarctic Circle and had two easy crossing of the famous Drake Passage.  I’m definitely tired – the days were often very long and my head is still spinning with images of couscous penguins approaching and showing all kinds of fun behavior.

Gotts say is is cool and strange to have gone almost 3 weeks without seeing the internet, a TV, newspaper or even driving a vehicle.  It will be interesting to see what I missed if anything.  News of the pending financial cliff and NFL playoffs became trivial once I was so discounted.  I apologize in advance for typos and poor English – I’m typing this very quickly after being up most the night.

Newport Beach Fun Zone

Ron NiebruggeCalifornia, Photos, Travel Leave a Comment

Fireworks over the Newport Beach Fun Zone for the start of the annual Christmas Boat Parade.

There were some incredibly decorated boats for this popular tradition.  There were news reports that some boats would be appearing without any lights in protest of recent increases in dock fees from the City of Newport Beach.  Fortunately, I didn’t see any as I’m not so sure that would have gone over very well with the general public.  Rich people upset with an increase in fees for parking their fancy yachts isn’t exactly the kind of cause that will rally the masses!

Newport Beach

Ron NiebruggeOrange County, Photos, Travel 2 Comments

Well after a busy week I finally have a chance to do an update.  This was last night in Newport Beach, California.

Our travels to Arizona went well.  The next day we drove to Anza-Borrego where we encountered a pretty good rain storm – the area really needed it!  We have now moved on to Newport Beach and I’ll be here for the next week and a half or so.  Unfortunately, this isn’t my new boat, although I would be thrilled with the little skiff at the stern!

Goodbye Winter, Hello Summer

Ron NiebruggeAlaska, Chugach, Photos, Travel 12 Comments

A frozen waterfall, Chugach National Forest, Alaska.

Excited to be taking off this afternoon – after 2.5 days of flying and driving we should be in Southern California, first Anza-Borrgeo, then over to the coast.  I have been in Alaska for 7 months straight – the longest stretch in over 10 years!  Over the next 10 months, we have a lot of travel planned.  As much as I have enjoyed my time in my home state, I also enjoy traveling and I’m getting excited to be hitting the road!

What I’m really excited about is where I’m going after we spend a couple of weeks in California – Antarctica!  It is going to be strange to go from our short days, to the long, Alaska summer like days down South.  I am really looking forward to seeing this amazing continent, should be a trip of a lifetime!

As you might guess, posting might be a bit spotty over the next week.