Cruse Andino’s Andean crossing is an ever-changing example of nature at its finest. Turning a day of transit into a spectacular adventure, Cruce Andino transported us over the Andes mountains, from San Carlos de Bariloche to Puerto Varas. As we travelled from Argentina to Chile we sailed across three lakes, drove through a rainforest, viewed …
Boats
Volvo Ocean Race Around the World – Auckland Stopover
Auckland knows how to throw a party, and I could feel the excitement in the air as I approached. The City of Sails is perfectly situated for a stopover of Volvo Ocean Race Around the World. Auckland has been a host for nearly all of the races since it’s inception in 1973. A gruelling test …
Enjoy the Christchurch Botanic Gardens by Punting on the Avon
A gentle breeze wafted the fragrant aroma of azaleas our way and drew us into the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. We walked through, on our way to our real adventure, punting on the Avon River. Normally, an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, today the tranquil gardens are also an escape from the …
Oslo in One Day: Ski Jump, Sculptures, Vikings Ships
Attempting to see the highlights of Oslo in one day, we disembarked our cruise ship in the capital of Norway. This is not the optimal way to see this beautiful city. However, for us, it was our only option as it is the final port of our cruise through the majestic Norwegian Fjords before we …
Polynesian Outrigger Canoes Close Up: Auckland Maritime Museum
It was only 1,000 years ago that New Zealand was discovered by Kupe, according to Maori legend. Kupe sailed to Aotearoa (New Zealand) from Hawaiki, the traditional homeland of the Maori people. While no one today knows the exact location of Hawaiki, it is believed to be somewhere in Polynesia. What we do know is …
Flying Boats Race at Manly Beach in New Zealand
They call them “flying boats” and the first of these arrived in New Zealand only six months ago. This class of WASZPs are small, single-man sailing vessels each with two foils attached to its underside. These lift the hull out of the water allowing it to “fly” at twice the speed of the wind. This …
Cruising on the Swan River to Artistic Fremantle, Australia
Black swans dot the banks and give the Swan River her name according to the commentary on board the hour-long Captain Cook cruise from Perth to Fremantle in Western Australia (WA). It was a late spring day with a light breeze. The river sailing was smooth and the commentary identified key sights like the Royal …
Waka Taua (War Canoes) at Waitangi Treaty Grounds in New Zealand
Walking towards the waka house, we listened as our guide brilliantly narrated New Zealand’s history. While many say it was discovered by Dutchman Abel Tasman in 1642, the reality is that the Maori people had arrived 650 years earlier. With only 1000 years of history, New Zealand is one of the world’s youngest nations. Our guide told a version of the story I …
Highlights of Chicago in a Day
Chicago is one of my favorite cities to visit, as well as being my city of birth. Loaded with fascinating things to see and do, it is impossible to see all the highlights of Chicago in a day. Unfortunately, that was all we had, so we made some hard choices. Dividing the city geographically, we …
Chicago Architecture: Best Seen from the River
While Chicago hasn’t been my home for over 30 years, Chicago architecture still fascinates me. Considered the birthplace of the American skyscraper, Chicago’s eclectic architecture can best be enjoyed from the river. We chose a Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. Even before we pulled away from the dock, our …
A Sunken Ship in Okoromai Bay – Postcards of New Zealand
As the tide goes out, this sunken ship becomes visible at the opening of Okoromai Bay into the Hauraki Gulf. Mussels, oysters, and other sea life have made this sunken ship their home. Most days only a small fraction of the bow and the boiler can be seen above the water line. However, twice each …
Auckland Boat Show: Both on and off the Water
I never thought it would happen. Yesterday I fell in love with a catamaran at the Auckland Boat Show. Sleek, sexy and welcoming, she is large enough to live aboard, yet her rigging is compact enough to allow her to sail single handed. Best of all, I can see 360 degrees from the helm. At …
Yacht Racing in the City of Sails: Auckland New Zealand
Yacht racing and Auckland seem to go together. New Zealand’s largest city, it is nicknamed the “City of Sails” and looking out to sea on any summer day, it is easy to see why. Of course, my preferred view is from the water, my preferred crew position is operating the main. A few of my …
Riverhead Tavern, Red Boats, and a Relaxing Afternoon
Off the beaten path, an afternoon at Riverhead Tavern is about the journey, as much as the destination. Rather than driving, we began our adventure in Auckland by boarding the Red Boats for a 90-minute leisurely cruise on a river system I had yet to explore. Cruising on the calm waters of the upper Waitemata …
Discover New Zealand’s Nautical History at Auckland’s Maritime Museum
Being an island, New Zealand has a long nautical history. From the arrival of the first Polynesian people through today, much of New Zealand life revolves around the sea, especially here in Auckland where it is said that one in four people have a boat. It is no surprise that Auckland’s nickname is the City …
