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Arctic Circle Adventure
What
a great experience... seeing the northern lights, dog sledding,
world championship ice carving festival and traveling on the
most dangerous road in the world. Seeing the northern lights
(Aurora Borealis) is amazing... I should say "FANTASTIC".
Then seeing the master ice carvers form images out of a block
of ice,
is remarkable.
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Photos and Full Story
Croatia
A Must See Destination
Just
returned from the hottest destination in all of Europe. Croatia
has the most beautiful waterfalls (Plitvicka and Krka) and
walled cities (Dubrovnik, Split, and Havar) in all of Europe.
I recommend staying at least 10 days with day trips out of
Dubrovonik and Split. I have all the information for you,
if you inquire.
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Photos and Full Story
Kidepo
Game Park in Northern Uganda
Animals by the hundreds are found in this isolated part
of Africa. Kidepo borders the Sudan. Flying into the park
is your best alternative, otherwise the drive from Kampala
would be over 26 hours by very marginal roads. I can best
describe this park by saying it;s like flying into Jurassic
Park.
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Photos and Full Story
Cuba,
Land of Beauty
Cuba is like going back into time.
Cobble stone streets, horses pulling buggies and of course,
classical cars.
The scenery is absolutely amazing. Cuba is so beautiful with
many unusual landformations. The people are truly amazing
with their love for music and friendliness toward visitors.
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Photos and Full Story
The
Serengeti "Big Cats"
Gorilla
Trek Africa has expanded its itineraries into Tanzania.
The Serengeti has amazing "big cats" and its wildebeest
crossing of the Mara River. You
can expect long drives, long days, but the reward is worth
all the effort. Seeing "big cats" in their natural
habitat and the river crossing of wildebeest is what every
photographer dream.
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Photos and Full Story
Baja
Adventure that included "touching" the Grey Whales
Everyone
would love to “touch” a whale, so let’s go to Baja, California.
Traveling south from San Diego (approximately 700 miles),
you will reach two lagoons famous for the migration and birth
place of the Gray Whale. I highly recommend going the first
weeks in March to see the young baby whales.
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Photos and Full Story
Chimps
of Uganda
If
you are looking to find chimpanzees, better go to Kibale N.P.
Uganda. They are so interesting to see. The sounds are deafening,
but that is their purpose. The park guides will certainly
locate them for you. Gorilla Trek Africa was the company I
used several times, and NEVER disappointed. Please click on
link to find out more about the company.
View
Photos
Learn more at Gorilla
Trek Africa.
NORTHERN
SPAIN -CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
I witnessed many pilgrims doing the Camino seeking spiritual
growth and demanding physical endurance. A person must walk
at least 60 miles to receive a certificate, and others walk
the total Camino 520 miles. Capturing
beautiful countrysides, small villages, and beautiful old churches
were just some of my many highlights. I loved staying in the
old towns and capturing the peacefulness and charm of the old
medieval towns. I
highly recommend traveling in early May. It is a beautiful time
of the year. This would be before the crowds and the weather
turns hot.
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Photos
SAFARI
IN RWANDA
My recent
safari to Rwanda and Uganda
was extremely special. The main goal was to see the gorillas
and be really close to them. My dream was answered. Our group
was within 10 feet, or maybe even a little closer. This particular
group had a family of 15 to 16. One of the females had a baby
about 3 months old. In addition to seeing the gorillas, I witnessed
the unbelievable scene of “ tree climbing lions “. I must admit,
my guide Roger, was determined to find those lions in Ishasha
N.P. I can’t express in worlds how great Gorilla Trek Africa
is as a company. They only use the very best vehicles, and treat
their clients special. Never did I have to request something
they didn’t provide. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting
“Five Star” treatment. View
Photos
BROOKS
FALLS, ALASKA
This is the "Home" of the grizzly bears. I was
so fortunate to capture these beautiful and "hungry"
bears in action. Brooks Falls is no easy place to visit and
hopefully see bears up close. To get there, you probably would
fly from King Salmon, and spend the day at this “unbelievable"
place.I was able to spend 4 days at this location. I would describe
it as 'Jurassic park", but with bears instead of dinosaurs.
These photos were taken while the salmon were heading upstream
toward their spawning grounds. The salmon must eventually leap
over the falls to their spawning grounds.
Good Luck to the salmon, not many make it, and the bears certainly
have large feast daily. Best time to go is middle of July.
View
Photos
SAFARI
IN UGANDA
I recently was on a 10 day safari
in Uganda and had the opportunity to photograph
the Silverback Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, and many other
primates. I traveled with Africa Adventure Safari (www.tours-rwanda.com.)
and this is truly a 5 star company without the high price.
This made my 4th safari to Africa, and probably the best one.
Being only 20 feet from one of the most endangered species
on earth was really a thrill. Queen Elizabeth National Park
is world famous for its large amount of Hippos. You will see
many different animals and birds on this boat that floats
near these animals. The gorilla permits are very difficult
to secure, and a person must apply for one at least 6 months
in advance. I have become Africa Adventure Safari USA office
contact person. Please enjoy these photos I took on my most
recent trip to Uganda. View
Photos
ANTARCTICA
Surviving
the Drake Passage means "good fortune" for a successful
trip. Antarctica has it all: mountains, icebergs, marine life
and of course penguins. The summer season means about 24 hours
of daylight. Our ship, the Polar Star is a renown icebreaker.
We went where only a few ships could go, and with our zodiac
boats we saw it all.
I
loved the "chicks" and watching their mothers build
nests and feed them. We saw plenty of whales, seals, and beautiful
glacier formations. If
you can withstand a few "rocky moments", the trip
is worth it. We encountered 27 foot swells for three days.
My
dream of being on seven continents and visiting 140 countries
has become a reality. I give thanks to God for being with
me on my "interesting" adventures and helping me
return safely to my home.
View
Photos
THE
ISLAND OF YAP
Have
you ever considered going "Back in Time"? Yap still
strives to maintain its'culture. I was fortunate to plan a
trip that would take me to Yap for Yap Day.
The traditions of these people still exist today. I witnessed
some out-
standing singing, dancing, and cultural activity. Almost all
the" locals" come out
to celebrate. You would be shocked to see the ladies bare-breasted.
Some
village chiefs forbid wearing any clothing over the breast.
The history of Yap and its' stone money is really amazing.
Every village
still recognizes the stone money's value and ownership and
pride is associated
with the stone money.
If you ever consider going to a place where less than 2,000
visitors arrive
annually, Yap just might be the place.
ISLAND OF PALAU
Palau
has to be the most beautiful island on this planet. Trust
me, I have been to many of the so called "most beautiful
islands". What makes Palau so beautiful is its' Rock
Islands, turquoise waters, and beautiful and unspoiled coral
reefs.
I selected 5 different kayak and snorkeling locations while
in Palau. Each location had a different appeal, with incredible
beauty. Oh by the way, the water temperature is
84 degrees and visibility could be over 30 to 40 feet. Using
a modest underwater camera, I was able to capture these unbelievable
underwater wonders.
If you ever consider going to Palau, contact me and I will
give you detailed information on tours and accommodations.
View
Photos
Cook
Islands
The
Cook Islands are no longer a mystery to me. The beauty of
these islands include more than its physical beauty, it would
also include the friendliness of its people. Air New Zealand
has a direct flight from LAX to Rarotonga, New Zealand every
Sunday evening.
Visualize
what Hawaii was 50 years ago, and that is what you find in
the Cook Islands. There are many activities that would keep
you busy for weeks. Some of these activities would be hiking,
snorkeling, windsurfing, riding scooters, and seeing nightly
island shows.
The
people of the Cook Islands are trying their best to preserve
their culture. You will find evidence of that in their schools,
churches, and traditional dances and singing.
July
and August are the winter months. I mean the temperature is
around 70 degrees. This is also the months of many celebrations.
I was fortunate to be in Rarotonga during Gospel Day. The
singing was outstanding.
Oh,
and don't miss the rugby matches usually held Saturday afternoon.
This is a "killer" sport. The locals come out to
support their teams. The action is as good as any football
game you would find in the states.
The
outer island of Atitutaki is the most beautiful in the world.
It has a coral reef that completely surrounds the island.
The most popular episode of the Survivor show was filmed on
this island. The " big time" kite surfers from New
Zealand just love the island for its calm waters and mighty
wind gust. This is the real paradise.
Any
questions or comments about this article please contact me.
ARCHIVE
ADVENTURES
Kingdom
of Bhutan…..Shangri-La
In March 2008 I was in this beautiful and peaceful country.
The people are noted for their friendliness and happiness
and I would certainly agree. I found Bhutan to be one of my
all time highlights of all the other countries I have visited.
Seeing
14th century monasteries that have never been damaged or vandalized
was amazing. This fourteen-day trip covers the majority of
Bhutan.
Once
again I went with Windhorse Tours and was completely satisfied.
Two years ago I took a trip to Base Camp Everest with Windhorse
and it also was amazing.
Climbing
up to "Tiger's Nest", watching Bhutan archery shooters hit
targets 100 yards away, and seeing sacred Buddhist ceremonies/dances
were only a few of my favorite memories. If
you ever need more information on Bhutan, please free to contact
me.
Click here to read my published article
Namibia
could be the "jewel" of Africa.
I recently did another safari, and would rate this one as
the best. Namibia has majestic sand dunes, plenty of game
animals, coastal scenery, and rock art. By seeing the highest
sand dunes in the world, it made me feel very fortunate to
photograph and climb them.
Elephants, giraffes, zebras, springboks and lions were seen
by the dozens. This is a country that has marginal rainfall,
but survives and flourishes. Namibia gained its' independence
less than seventeen years ago. It is evident that Namibia
believes in protecting its' animals and natural beauty.
The twenty-six hour flight was the only negative thing I could
find with this trip. I would highly recommend that you check
out this beautiful country. If you contact me, I could recommend
an excellent safari company, and the best time of the year
to visit Namibia.
Be sure to check out my travel show at Carlsbad Inn every
Wednesday night.
Until the next adventure, take care and good traveling.
Bill Williams
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