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.

Petersburg, Alaska

Ron NiebruggeAlaska, Photos, Travel Leave a Comment

This was from my trip to Southeast at the end of summer as I scouted for next summer’s Inside Passage Whale and landscape photo tour.

The rock formation off in the distance is Devils Thumb.  One of the chapters in Jon Krakauer’s book Eiger Dreams: Ventures Among Men and Mountains was about his solo climb of this peak back in the 70’s.  When I was there, I couldn’t help thinking about that adventure – trying to picture a guy who actually used curtain rods as protection from a fall into a crevasse as he hiked / climbed to the base of the rock – crazy!.  Like all of Krakauer’s adventure books – the compilation of short stories in Eiger Dreams is fascinating reading.

Janine has our website completely updated with new sections for sections for Southeast Alaska and the Tongass National Forest, along with updates to some popular sections including our gallery of bear photos and whale photos.