Peter S Kucma Photography

Bay of Islands, New Zealand North of Auckland, along the narrow Northland peninsula, lies the Shady “cathedral” of some of the worlds larges trees. Some as tall as 170 feet and 1200 years old. Too bad we missed them. We did visit two towns out of the 150 islands in the Bay. We tendered into the port of Paihia, shunning the town shuttle we walked 1.5 miles along a bayfront boardwalk to the city center....

2023 Fall Adventure: 12/13/2023 Bay of Islands, New Zealand North of Auckland, along the narrow Northland peninsula, lies the Shady “cathedral” of some of the worlds larges trees. Some as tall as 170 feet and 1200 years old. Too …

Auckland, New Zealand Having visited Auckland in the early 90’s it was interesting to see the changes in the skyline. One of New Zealand’s fastest growing commercial hub the skyline is covered with new buildings with several more being constructed. We opted for our own walking tour of the city and walk we did – over 5 miles – and forgetting how hilly the city is....

2023 Fall Adventure: 12/12/2023 Auckland, New Zealand Having visited Auckland in the early 90’s it was interesting to see the changes in the skyline. One of New Zealand’s fastest growing commercial hub the skyline is covered with…

Tauranga, New Zealand Tauranga is the largest and most populated port in the Bay of Plenty region. This is an appropriate name due to the abundant beaches, rolling white water, mineral hot springs and even kiwi orchards. We passed on excursions offered by Cunard and decided to hike around Mount Maunganui and its beautiful water views (except we did it in the rain) , walk along the towns main beach and wandering through The Strand – the towns shopping and dining district....

2023 Fall Adventure: 12/11/2023 Tauranga, New Zealand Tauranga is the largest and most populated port in the Bay of Plenty region. This is an appropriate name due to the abundant beaches, rolling white water, mineral hot springs …

Wellington New Zealand Perched in the hills surrounding a sparkling bay, Wellington’s beautiful setting and the crispy weather is akin to that of San Francisco. Charming Edwardian architecture complements an impressive and contemporary skyline of concrete and glass. Hidden laneways are full of street art and there is a sculpture walk along the waterfront. New Zealand’s capital has a reputation for being wet and windy on a regular basis....

2023 Fall Adventure: 12/9 & 10/2023 Wellington New Zealand Perched in the hills surrounding a sparkling bay, Wellington’s beautiful setting and the crispy weather is akin to that of San Francisco. Charming Edwardian architecture comp…

Dunedin New Zealand Dunedin is the second largest city on New Zealand’s South Island and principal of the Otago region. Its population boomed during 1865, with a steady stream of new settler arriving in search of gold. Surrounded by dramatic hills and the foot of a long, picturesque harbor. Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the southern hemisphere....

2023 Fall Adventure: 12/8/2023 Dunedin New Zealand Dunedin is the second largest city on New Zealand’s South Island and principal of the Otago region. Its population boomed during 1865, with a steady stream of new settler arrivi…

Two sea days ahead of us before sailing through the fjords and sounds of Fiordlands National Park then onto Dunedin, NZ. Leaving Melbourne, we passed easterly between the Furneaux Group of Islands and Tasmania. The gap between the islands is called the Banks Strait and forms the lower section of the Bass Strait which separates Tasmania from the Australian mainland....

2023 Fall Adventure: 12/4/2023 to 12/7/2023 Two sea days ahead of us before sailing through the fjords and sounds of Fiordlands National Park then onto Dunedin, NZ. Leaving Melbourne, we passed easterly between the Furneaux Group of Islands …

December 2nd was a sea day heading south easterly passing various capes lining this section of the coastlines of the states of South Australia and Victoria. Particularly prominent along this coastline is Cape Nelson. Situated in southwest Victoria there is a large lighthouse which was constructed in 1885 and forms part of a state park. Fortunately, we were sailing close to the coastline since a medical emergency happened on board and a helicopter rescue was necessitated....

2023 Fall Adventure: 12/2/2023 to 12/3/2023 December 2nd was a sea day heading south easterly passing various capes lining this section of the coastlines of the states of South Australia and Victoria. Particularly prominent along this coastl…

Today we begin a 3-day sail to Adelaide, Australia. Leaving Freemantle, we headed on a southerly course before altering to the south east and around Cape Leeuwin then towards the Great Australian Bight. The cape is one of the three “Great Capes” of the continents boarding the Southern Ocean. The others being Africa’s Cape of Good Hope and South America’s Cape Horn....

2023 Fall Adventure – 11/28/2023 to 12/1/2023 Today we begin a 3-day sail to Adelaide, Australia. Leaving Freemantle, we headed on a southerly course before altering to the south east and around Cape Leeuwin then towards the Great Australian B…

3 Days at sea – Leaving Bali we headed south and west towards Freemantle sailing through the Timor Sea and into the Indian Ocean. On our second day at sea, we passed just east of the Northwest Cape, a peninsula situated in the northwest of Western Australia. The area was first visited by western explores of the Dutch East India Company in 1618....

2023 Fall Adventure – 11/24-27/2023 3 Days at sea – Leaving Bali we headed south and west towards Freemantle sailing through the Timor Sea and into the Indian Ocean. On our second day at sea, we passed just east of the Northwest Cape…

November 22: At Sea (traveling southeast through the Java Sea towards Bali); Pool, Sun, Entertainment and oh yes excellent dining. November 23 – Happy Thanksgiving: Arrived at Pot Benoa, Bali, Indonesia which has a very shallow and small harbor, we were required to anchor at sea and tender into port. Tender was a catamaran holding 250 passengers. Bali is a mixture of white sand and black sand beached, rice terraces and thousands of stone-carved temples....

2023 Fall Adventure – 11/22-23/2023 November 22: At Sea (traveling southeast through the Java Sea towards Bali); Pool, Sun, Entertainment and oh yes excellent dining. November 23 – Happy Thanksgiving:  Arrived at Pot Benoa, Bali…

November 20 was a sea day (travelling southeast through the Java Sea towards Jakarta) which gave us the opportunity to check out the ship’s amenities including travel lectures, bridge, sun on our private top deck of the ship and evening show. November 21 - Jakarta We boarded a full day excursion which took us to see an overview of Jakarta (heavy traffic, slums and smog) not my favorite city in this world....

2023 Fall Adventure – 11/20-21/2023 November 20 was a sea day (travelling southeast through the Java Sea towards Jakarta) which gave us the opportunity to check out the ship’s amenities including travel lectures, bridge, sun on our p…

Singapore -- Gardens by the Bay: Set in the heart of Singapore’s downtown, Gardens by the Bay is home to adiverse collection of over 1.5 million plants that hail from every continentexcept Antarctica. The Flower Dome: You are awed by the Flower Dome’s beautyand its sheer size — this cavernous, cooled conservatory holds the GuinnessWorld Record for the largest glass greenhouse!...

2023 Fall Adventure 11/17/2023 Singapore — Gardens by the Bay: Set in the heart of Singapore’s downtown, Gardens by the Bay is home to adiverse collection of over 1.5 million plants that hail from every continentexcept Ant…

Singapore -- Chinatown Morning stroll through the streets and pathways of Chinatown and stopping to see Sri Mariamman Temple covered with vividly painted Hindu dieties. BTW we lost the 15th crossing the international date line. While walking we noticed that we weren't the only ones looking around. Continuing our tour, we headed to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (supposably contains one of Buddhas sacred teeth – shown only twice a year -- not today - BTW it is stored in a chest made of 930 pounds of gold)....

2023 Fall Adventure 11/16/2023 Singapore — Chinatown Morning stroll through the streets and pathways of Chinatown and stopping to see Sri Mariamman Temple covered with vividly painted Hindu dieties. BTW we lost the 15th cr…

Correction: Since it is about 2 am here in Japan I've been up for about 17 hours I am brain dead - so here are the Pearl Harbor pictures I left off the previous days post. Exploring Oahu's Southeast Coast: We drove along the coast road and enjoyed the ocean and beach views on our way to Halona Blowhole and a hike to see the Makapuu Lighthouse - a 2 mile hike to the eastern most tip of Oahu - great views of the coast, lighthouse and rabbit island....

2023 Fall Adventure 11/13/2023 & 11/14/2023 Correction: Since it is about 2 am here in Japan I’ve been up for about 17 hours I am brain dead – so here are the Pearl Harbor pictures I left off the previous days post. Exploring Oah…

Exploring Honolulu. We spent the morning touring the historic district around the Iolani Palace -Kamehameha Statue, Superior Court, Kawaiahao Church, a stroll to the waterfront to see the Aloha Tower. Continuing around the Palace: Washington Palace, Father Damien, Liliuokalani, Hawaiian Mission Houses and the Aloha Tower Mid morning we headed to the Kuan Yin Temple and the Foster Botanical Gardens…...

2023 Fall Adventure 11/12/2023 Exploring Honolulu. We spent the morning touring the historic district around the Iolani Palace -Kamehameha Statue, Superior Court, Kawaiahao Church, a stroll to the waterfront to see the Aloha Tow…

Flight to Honolulu - after too many hours on an airplane we arrived at the Sheraton Waikiki our home for the next 3 days. After check in we wandered the Saturday craft market along Kalākaua Ave. and finished just in time to see the beautiful Hawaiian sunset. This is just the start of an adventure that will last almost six weeks.

2023 Fall Adventure – 11/11/23 Flight to Honolulu – after too many hours on an airplane we arrived at the Sheraton Waikiki our home for the next 3 days. After check in we wandered the Saturday craft market along Kalākaua A…

Travels in early September took us north for stops in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maine for visits with family, friends, college buddies and a Celebration of Life. A short week in Massachusetts brough me to Hyannis, Marthas Vineyard, and Fenway Park. Beach time in Hyannis Marths Vineyard Fenway Park Sunrise at Portland Head Light Back in Florida - time for some exercise - first a day hikes at Carl Duval Moore State Forest and Park is located in Putnam County....

Early Fall 2023 Travels Travels in early September took us north for stops in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maine for visits with family, friends, college buddies and a Celebration of Life. A short week in Massachusetts …

Several weeks ago, I planned this trip not anticipating the heavy rains that Florida has been experiencing. Well, I decided to go anyway. I had some early luck getting breaks in the rain or just sprinkles - but as the trip went on the weather got worse. On the 10th I started out at Indian Lake State Forest Hiking on the Bear-N-Oak Trail a 1.4-mile loop circling Indian Lake, a major karst (dissolving bedrock caused sinkhole) feature in the Ocala Limestone and through mossy live oaks....

July 10th, 11th 2023 – State Forest Hiking Several weeks ago, I planned this trip not anticipating the heavy rains that Florida has been experiencing. Well, I decided to go anyway. I had some early luck getting breaks in the rain or just sp…

A Saturday morning road trip back to Silver Springs SP - the last time I went the trails were closed by a prescribed burn. I hiked the River Trail (1.3 miles) and the Swap Trail (1.9 miles) along with some time spent at the Silver River Museum. The unusual sighting was two monkeys running off the trail - never thought I would see these guys outside of a zoo in Florida.

June 3, 2023 – Silver Springs SP (very unusual sighting) A Saturday morning road trip back to Silver Springs SP – the last time I went the trails were closed by a prescribed burn. I hiked the River Trail (1.3 miles) and the Swap Trail (1.9 miles) a…

Booked this week at a timeshare back in January - little did I know I would be in no shape for a week of golf. It turned out to be a very enjoyable week - great dining and wonderful non-golf activities. Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach Located in the Broadway at the Beach complex. The most noteworthy exhibit here is Dangerous Reef, a huge 340-foot underwater tunnel where you move on a glidepath through a 750,000-gallon tank surrounded by sharks, tarpons, sea turtles and green moray eels....

April 22-28, 2023 – Myrtle Beach SC Booked this week at a timeshare back in January – little did I know I would be in no shape for a week of golf. It turned out to be a very enjoyable week – great dining and wonderful non…

Orlando Wetlands Park (OWP) is a man-mad wetland designed to treat reclaimed water and provide a wildlife habitat. The park is in Christmas FL. OWP has nineteen miles of berm built to create eighteen wetland cells. The wetland system provides habitat for over two hundred bird species, otters, foxes, deer, turtles, snakes, and alligators.

Orlando Wetlands Park — 4/10/2023 Orlando Wetlands Park (OWP) is a man-mad wetland designed to treat reclaimed water and provide a wildlife habitat. The park is in Christmas FL. OWP has nineteen miles of berm built to create eighte…

On our final day in South America - since our flight would not leave until 7:00 pm - we decided to hike to Fort Duque de Caxias. It was a great morning workout - about a two and a half mile out and back walk along Copacabana beach then an eighteen story climb around the mountain & up to the fort. If all goes well, we will be back home by noon tomorrow. Sent from my iPhone

Patagonia and Iguazu Falls Adventure – Day 17 On our final day in South America – since our flight would not leave until 7:00 pm – we decided to hike to Fort Duque de Caxias. It was a great morning workout – about a two and a…

Our day in Rio de Janeiro started with a cog railway ride to the Summit of Corcovado Hill. Here at 2400 feet above the city stands the 125-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer. The Christ statue stands over the entire city and is designated one of the seven "New Wonders of the World". From the peak we could see sweeping views of the city and beaches....

Patagonia and Iguazu Falls Adventure – Day 16 Our day in Rio de Janeiro started with a cog railway ride to the Summit of Corcovado Hill. Here at 2400 feet above the city stands the 125-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer. The Christ statue stan…

Today we visited the Brazilian side of the falls walking along winding pathways viewing one of the New Natural Wonders of the World. Viewing from this side provides a clearer picture of the scope and breath of the falls. Iguazu consists of over 280 separate cataracts across a span of two- and one-half miles - wider the Victoria Falls and higher then Niagra Falls. After a full day at the falls, we flew to Rio de Janeiro arriving late in the evening.

Patagonia and Iguazu Falls Adventure – Day 15 Today we visited the Brazilian side of the falls walking along winding pathways viewing one of the New Natural Wonders of the World. Viewing from this side provides a clearer picture of the scope a…

Day 13 was an all-day travel day from Buenos Aires to the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls. Day 14 was our first full day at the falls. Upon arrival at Iguazu National Park, we boarded a train to take us to the central station where the three hiking trails (metal Boardwalks) converge. Our first trail was to Devils Throat named for the thundering waters that drop and spray unceasingly drenching both photographer and camera....

Patagonia and Iguazu Falls Adventure – Day 13/14 Day 13 was an all-day travel day from Buenos Aires to the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls.  Day 14 was our first full day at the falls. Upon arrival at Iguazu National Park, we boarded a train …

We got to sleep in today. We left at 10:00 for a full day Gaucho party at a typical Argentine estancia (ranch) about an hour and a half outside of the city. The Santa Susana ranch is working agricultural farm and breeds cattle and horses. Our activities were typical and atypical - a wagon ride, herding horses and a competition of riders racing to skewer a ring the size of your finger using a stick called a pistole at full gallop....

Patagonia and Iguazu Falls Adventure – Day 12 We got to sleep in today. We left at 10:00 for a full day Gaucho party at a typical Argentine estancia (ranch) about an hour and a half outside of the city. The Santa Susana ranch is working agricu…

We had an early morning start to discover the city's highlights on a tour that included the Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace), where we could see the balcony where Eva and Juan Peron made their speeches. The stunning metallic flower sculpture opened & closed throughout the day. The cathedral was where Francis presided before he was elected Pope....

Patagonia and Iguazu Falls Adventure – Day 11 We had an early morning start to discover the city’s highlights on a tour that included the Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace), where we could see …

Today is a travel day to "The Paris of South America" - Buenos Aires. We had one last morning in Patagonia before our flight, so we visited Reserva Laguna Nimez a bird sanctuary on the outskirts of El Calafate. Another blustery day with few birds visible - they must have been hiding from the wind. An almost 3-hour flight got us to Buenos Aires in early evening for an early Argentine dinner at 9:00 and quick walk around our hotel area to see some of the Friday nightlife.

Patagonia and Iguazu Falls Adventure – Day 10 Today is a travel day to “The Paris of South America” – Buenos Aires. We had one last morning in Patagonia before our flight, so we visited Reserva Laguna Nimez a bird sanctuary o…

Full day boat excursion to Glaciers NP. Our sail started along the North Arm of Largo Argentino to reach the Upsala Channel to see huge icebergs and the Upsala Glacier, south America's largest glacier. Then onto the Spegazzini Glacier, the highest of all glaciers in the national park. Now we have seen 4 of the 48 Patagonian glaciers. Back to our hotel for a quick walk around town and off to an 8 pm dinner.

Patagonia and Iguazu Falls Adventure – Day 9 Full day boat excursion to Glaciers NP. Our sail started along the North Arm of Largo Argentino to reach the Upsala Channel to see huge icebergs and the Upsala Glacier, south America’s larges…

Today's adventure was to the Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciers National Park. We were on the road incredibly early - early enough to see sunrise at our first viewpoint. The park is the largest ice cap outside of Antarctica and Greenland. The ice field contains the 3rd largest reserve of fresh water. The glaciers ice wall is over three miles wide and rises over 240 feet above the water's surface....

Patagonia and Iguazu Falls Adventure – Day 8 Today’s adventure was to the Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciers National Park. We were on the road incredibly early – early enough to see sunrise at our first viewpoint. The park is…