by Debbee | Jun 16, 2020 | Ecuador, Travel
When I left you in Galapagos Islands Cruise: Nature Wonderland, we had just finished a second full day of snorkeling, and both wet and dry foot landings. Today, we continue the Galapagos vacation, exploring more islands, bays, and beaches.
But, as incredible as it was to see the various volcanic landscapes and lava formations, it was the close encounters with wildlife that made the Galapagos vacation such a marvelous adventure.
There were countless species of birds and marine life, including; pelicans, crabs, sharks, rays, iguanas, lizards, fur seals, and sea lions.
Today, I’m sharing some of the amazing creatures we saw from the panga motorized raft, kayak, and while either on foot or snorkeling. I was hard-pressed to narrow down my photographs to just this sampling!
Continue the virtual Galapagos vacation with me, and you’ll get to see close-ups of famous indigenous species like the giant tortoise and blue-footed booby.
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by Debbee | May 30, 2020 | Ecuador, Travel
While being mostly homebound, one of my projects has been to go through and organize past vacation photos. I’ve finally just finished editing hundreds of pictures taken during an amazing Galapagos Islands cruise.
The five-day cruise was the grand finale of a three-week, bucket list trip to South America. We started in Peru, first Touring Lima and the Sacred Valley, and it’s Ingenious Inca Legacy. My dream-come-true was Exploring Magnificent Machu Picchu.
Although I had been looking forward to the Galapagos Islands cruise, it far exceeded my expectations. It felt like being a part of a National Geographic or Jacques Cousteau documentary!
Lying six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, the volcanic islands of the Galapagos are famous for a wealth of unique plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. It is also one of the few places without an indigenous population.Today, the source of Darwin’s theory of evolution remains a priceless living laboratory.
Travel with me to a part of the planet that is as God created it. A pristine world where a Galapagos Islands cruise is like traveling back in time. A reminder of the beauty in this world. Nature perseveres and so will we.
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by Debbee | Apr 15, 2020 | Greece, Travel
Easter is in the rearview mirror and I’m feeling a bit blue over the prospect of weeks or months more in virtual lockdown at home. So, today I’m clicking my heels together and returning to spectacular Santorini.
It’s the final of six travel log installments of a dream vacation in Greece and Turkey.
Our odyssey began in Amazing Ancient Athens, with a side trip to Delphi Home of the Oracle. Then, we embarked on a 10-day small ship cruise that included visits to Nafplio, Mykonos, Ephesus, and Patmos.
Santorini, or Thira, is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. It is the remnant of a devastating volcanic eruption that took place about 3,600 years ago. A popular theory is that the clataclisplic event was the source of Plato’s tale of Atlantis.
Popular as a cruise ship and travel destination, Santorini attracts thongs of tourists and honeymooners who navigate the narrow, crowded streets of its two principal towns — Fira and Oia. Picturesque whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches overlook the sea; clinging to cliffs high above the huge underwater caldera.
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by Debbee | Mar 18, 2020 | Colorado, Travel
Last week I shared a recap of our Terrific Telluride, Colorado Ski Vacation. Today, I’m taking you from the snow covered slopes and mountain views, to a stroll through the historic valley town loaded with wonderful foodie options.
While we are all cooped up inside, wouldn’t it be nice to take a virtual trip as a little distraction?
Plus, visiting old Telluride is a little like time traveling back to the 1800s, when the charming town was a prosperous community during the silver and gold mining boom. It’s like an architectural time capsule.
Main street is incredible wide, with original buildings from the period that include a hotel, banks and government edifices. Many businesses, shops, restaurants and bars are in buildings with Old Western style facades. Surrounding streets include Victorian era homes and cottages; like the rental property we stayed in.
Unfortunately, it was gray, cold and blustery on the day we spent exploring old Telluride. By far the worst weather of our entire vacation. Temperatures were only in the single digits, with gusty blasts of wind. However, it was the best day not to be on the slopes. We were fortunate it fell on our already planned off-day of skiing. So, after enjoying a leisurely morning with a big cooked breakfast, the four of us bundled up and braved the weather.
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by Debbee | Mar 11, 2020 | Colorado, Travel
It’s been nearly two weeks since we returned from a wonderful, weeklong ski vacation in gorgeous Telluride, Colorado. 
What a great trip! Visiting Telluride during the winter season offers world class skiing, off mountain adventures, and a charming town with a vibrant apres ski dining and entertainment scene.
Boasting 300 days of sunshine a year, Telluride has mountain terrain for all levels, and no long ski lift lines. There’s a free gondola with multiple stops to easily traverse the mountain; taking skiers and visitors to and from the historic valley town and alpine Mountain Village.
Telluride is also a repeat winner of the coveted Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Ski Resort in North America.
One awesome alpine experience and two great towns is Telluride’s “special sauce;” making it a wonderful ski vacation destination. Come take a virtual trip with me to enjoy gorgeous mountain scenery and terrain.
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by Debbee | Feb 12, 2020 | Greece
Well, we finally got the first really big snowfall of the year. Not so bad really — about three inches overnight and another couple today. But, it’s really windy and cold. So, I’m back to working on pictures from our fabulous Greek vacation. Today, I’m revisiting Patmos, a small island in the Aegean Sea.
Patmos is a beautiful, somewhat secluded Greek Island with no airport. It’s tranquility and pristine beaches, makes it attractive to the rich and famous from all around the world.
Although reachable by ferry, few cruise ships anchor here — they’re just too big. And, the island simply can’t absorb the influx of thousands of visitors. During our visit, the masted Windstar was the only ship in the harbor.
Even though somewhat difficult to reach, Patmos is an important Christian pilgrimage destination. According to the Bible, John the Apostle had visions of the end of the world while in exile there. Those prophecies are detailed in the New Testament’s Book of Revelations.
And, talk about scary stuff and finding one’s religion! I’ll also share our experience of sheltering overnight in Patmos, during a rare, hurricane-like storm in the Mediterranean.
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