Travel

On the Path of Lewis & Clark

Lewis and Clark along Clearwater River

Pulley system over the Lochsa River

28th Aug – Lewiston to Missoula, I am following Lewis and Clark as they emerged from the Bitterroot Mountains and, with the help of the Nez Perce, built canoes and followed Clearwater River to the Columbia and the Pacific. Today, I steer my Honda down the winding 2000′ Lewiston Grade to meet the Clearwater River and drive north into the Nez Perce Reservation. The Clearwater is indeed clear, sometimes calm and deep, other times rippling rapids among rocks and shallows. Its expanse ranges from 30 to more than 100 feet; numerous small bridges and even the occasional pulley system spans its waters. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Exploring Highway 395 North

Emigrant Trail Monument - Truckee CA

24 Aug – I drove to Truckee via Sacramento, a drive of lies and bad memory: lies that “it’s a dry heat” and forgetting how unpleasant 101 degrees can be. I was thrilled to see $3.51 a gallon gas, which goes to show how I have adapted, being sooooo relieved the price is less than $4. Dull drive until I got above Auburn where I began to see trees and temperatures dropping as I climbed to Donner Pass and Truckee. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Penguincation Part 3

Summer Solstice at Esperanza Station, Antarctic

Summer Solstice and the southernmost point of our trip at 63˚23’ S & 57˚00’ W. It’s a day of thick fog as we crawl through seas amid icebergs to our first landing at Brown Bluff on the Antarctic Continent. Like ghost ships, bergs and bits are obscured by fog. Our second landing is at Argentina’s Esperanza Station, its buildings bright orange against a backdrop of ragged mountains and glaciers, and year-round home to several families. Today it is 470, sunny and clear. However, strong guide wires anchoring the buildings against high winds, the deep snow on the ground, and the presence of penguins remind me this is a harsh and isolated life for its inhabitants. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Penguincation Part 2

John James at Sir Shackleton's grave.

Grytviken is the capital of South Georgia. In its Whalers’ Cemetery is Sir Ernest Shackleton, who died here in 1922 and was buried on a hill facing South, the direction that dominated his entire adult life. We gather for a champagne toast to this explorer extraordinaire. Having read several books on Shackleton, and his unfortunate rival Robert Falcon Scott, I am in awe of their achievements. Joining in our toast is fellow-shipmate Mr. John James, son of Physicist Reginald James, one of Shackleton’s men on the ill-fated Endurance expedition of 1914-1916. In the days ahead, we will hear a lecture by Mr. James about his father’s experience and visit the scene of his survival. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Nautica Captain fends off Pirates

While sailing the Nautica down the West African coast, our Captain Jurica Brajčić spoke to passengers about pirates and the attack made on the Nautica in 2008. Here is his story:

        Captain Jurica Brajčić             Fotograf: Feđa Klarić / Cropix

There were around two dozen passengers today who were on the ship when pirates attacked in 2008. Pirates target vessels traveling 14 kph (9mph) or less and have low clearance to water. Ships are captured for ransom but in West Africa it is oilrigs and ships in ports that are targeted. (more…)

By Pat, ago