Does heaven exist? Scotland’s Cairngorm National Park may be it!

Does heaven exist? Scotland’s Cairngorm National Park may be it!

February 25, 2022 Pat Ogle-Collins , , , No comments

A miracle of nature can be used to describe Scotland’s Cairngorm National Park. This park covering 6% of the entire size of Scotland, is home to dotterels, red deer, eagles, otter, salmon, rabbits and many other wildlife beauties that thrive in the lochs, rivers, beaches, mountains and forests all found within the park. Yet many travelers don’t know much about this wonderful area of Scotland. So how has such a huge place have stayed under the radar for so long?

Designated a national park in 2003, Cairngorm National Park stretches 62 miles wide from east to west and 42 miles long from north to south. It is the largest national park in the UK, with the Cairngorms Mountain range being one of its most famous features. The park is full of awe-inspiring sights that will thrill your adventurous soul as you connect with nature and explore the vast landscapes that unfold for days or weeks, depending on how you are traveling.

Cast your line into the river with local fishermen, hike awe-inspiring mountains and try all kinds of water sports as you explore this remarkable landscape. Or, in winter, you get to ski the slopes in one of the most amazing settings imaginable. Getting around the park is easy with good roads and train services linking the main towns and villages.

As well as being a natural wonderland, the park also has man-made sights that are interesting to visit. Balmoral Castle, the second home of the Queen and the royal family and close by, you can find more stunning castles like Dunnottar, Blair and Crathes. Also nearby is where the famous Braemar Games are held, the most famous

Highland games on Scotland’s calendar. The annual event attracts thousands, including royalty who love to watch the kilted athletes compete for titles in the hammer throw, caber toss and tug of war and enjoy the traditional music, dance and festivities. That autumn event is quite a contrast to what the Cairngorms is like in winter.

The sub-arctic environment of Cairngorms during the coldest time of the year is considered vital to the survival of many endangered plants, birds and animals. A herd of 150 reindeer, osprey and many other fascinating creatures co-exist in the stunning Cairngorms. The reindeer are quite tame and with a guided tour, you can get close to these grand animals. In other areas of the park, you can go skiing and stay at a resort. Even if you are not skiing, there are plenty of attractions including shops, restaurants and cafes to explore between long countryside walks.

Highlights of Cairngorm National Park

  • Arriving at Tomintoul, the highest village in the Scottish Highlands, to taste quality single malt scotch and maybe spot some endangered species like black grouse, crested tit, Scottish wildcat and red squirrels
  • Exploring The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore
  • Meeting the locals which can be easy to do since nearly 20,000 people live inside the national park
  • Pony trekking in the village of Newtonmore
  • Photographing The Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s last private army, at Blair Castle
  • Learning about this history from times gone by like the prehistoric, Celtic and Pictish eras

Roaming around quaint villages, sampling whiskey at distilleries, eating haggis with neeps and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes served separately) at authentic Scottish pubs and hearing stories of ancient battles and legends are experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. A tour can be a great way to see the national park since there are so many attractions to cover and the landscape can be harsh and challenging for the inexperienced explorer. A guide will also share a wealth of knowledge that will enhance your time in the Cairngorms.

There seems to be something truly special about the Cairngorm National Park, which explains why so many visitors return again and again. If you are interested in nature, history and culture, you will quickly join the Cairngorms fan club after a vacation in this incredible part of Scotland. Ready to walk on the wild side?  Call me about a trip to Scotland for your next trip.

Pat Ogle-CollinsDoes heaven exist? Scotland’s Cairngorm National Park may be it!
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The train befitting its namesake explorer!

The train befitting its namesake explorer!

February 18, 2022 Pat Ogle-Collins , , , No comments

Visiting the new Seven Wonders of the World is a life-changing adventure, so don’t settle for a mundane travel experience. Step aboard the Hiram Bingham Train and immerse yourself in Peruvian culture and world-class dining from the opulence of this first-class railway. From the moment you set foot on the Rio Sagrado Station in Cusco to your arrival at Machu Picchu, the Hiram Bingham surrounds you in luxury. Your ticket aboard this one-of-a-kind train includes a three-course meal, locally produced wine, and plenty of authentic Peruvian culture.

Phote courtesy of Belmond/Genivs Loci.  Why travel by ordinary train thru beautiful countryside when you can enjoy the experience of an extraordinary journey on the Hiram Bingham.

When you arrive, a concierge greets you, dressed in a blue and gold uniform to match the train’s aesthetic. I recommend slowly enjoying the sparkling wine they hand you; it’s locally sourced and said to be delicious. The interior of the Hiram Bingham is adorned in polished wood and glistening brass, meant to invoke the decor from the 1920s. The seats and curtains are upholstered in velvet, giving the train a rich warmth.

Photo courtesy Belmond/Adrian Houston;  The Hiram Bingham’s staff make yourjourney memorable.

Your three-hour trip takes you through the Andes Mountains and the Urubamba Valley, locally known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The train runs alongside and crosses over the Urubamba River, which is crystal clear with icy mountain runoff and helps to nourish the valley. As you wind through the Peruvian countryside, rolling mountains and local villages are dotted throughout, many containing traditional stone and adobo homes. There are two dining cars and an observation car with an open

deck where you can take in the scenery and smell the fresh air. I highly recommend spending some time on the open deck observation car, taking in the smells and seeing the views up close and personal.

When it’s time to eat, head to one of the dining cars and get ready for a local taste sensation. All the ingredients used in your meal are traditional to the region, and many are locally sourced. An example menu of your three-course meal includes an appetizer of smoked trout with a Peruvian corn tamale. The main dish features Peruvian beef with fresh vegetables and local wine, and for a delicious finish, you’ll receive corn cheesecake with cloud forest coffee. Wine and non-premium beverages

Photo courtesy of Belmond/Matt Hind.  Atmosphere befitting the magnificence of the destination are hallmarks of the Hiram Bingham.

come with your ticket purchase, so you can continue to enjoy their full-bodied flavors throughout your journey.

After you’ve eaten, I recommend heading back to the observation deck where live music features the Peruvian Cajon, a box-shaped percussion instrument. In Peru, it’s common to see traditional musical styles merged with modern instruments like guitars, creating a sound unique to the region.

Photo courtesy of Belmond/Matt Hind.  Musicians ensure you experience local culture during your journey.

Many passengers say the music onboard is one of the highlights of their trip! It’s not uncommon for a dance party to emerge, so make sure you wear your dancing shoes on the train and bring those walking shoes for later.

Discovering the new Seven Wonders of the World is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Your trip doesn’t start once you get there; it begins aboard the Hiram Bingham Train. Surround yourself in luxury while eating locally sourced cuisine, admiring the

impeccable decor, and dancing to traditional live music unlike anywhere else on earth. For a travel experience worthy of the destination, I highly recommend traveling aboard the Hiram Bingham Train; you’ll be glad you did!

Ready for this journey like no other to a place like no other?  Give me a call today!

Pat Ogle-CollinsThe train befitting its namesake explorer!
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A synthesis of Aboriginal culture and nature make Australia’s Kakadu National Park a treasure!

A synthesis of Aboriginal culture and nature make Australia’s Kakadu National Park a treasure!

February 11, 2022 Pat Ogle-Collins , , , No comments

When you think of Australia, places like Sydney, Melbourne, or the Gold Coast most likely come to mind. However, this great country is home to one of the most impressive national parks in the world – Kakadu! Located in the Northern Territory, this unbelievable natural wonder is home to some of the best landscapes in the country, and is the perfect stop for keen travelers looking to immerse themselves in Australia’s rich environment.

But why stop at Kakadu? Is it for the beautiful natural scenery? The incredible local culture? Or just to see

Jim Jim Falls drops over 650 feet making it Kakadu’s highest waterfall.

some cool wildlife? Let’s take a closer look at Australia’s Jewel of the North, and why you should add it to your travel itinerary!

Situated 104 miles east of Darwin, Kakadu National Park is a sprawling collection of diverse landscapes covering over 7,464 square miles of ground. While Australia’s north is famous for its hot weather and red deserts, Kakadu has everything from lush oasis waterholes and waterfalls to scorching winds and spinifex-filled sandy deserts.

A cruise thru the Yellow Water wetlands sunset cruise provides one of the most popular activities in Kakadu, so book in advance.

Like the rest of the Northern Territory, Kakadu experiences two seasons – the aptly-named Dry Season and Wet Season. While the park remains open year-round, the Wet Season sees it drenched in monsoonal rains between late November and April each year, and you’re likely to get caught in a downpour. On the flip side, the lakes and rivers will

be filled to capacity, and there is no better time to visit a gushing waterfall at full force.

While Kakadu isn’t the most accessible place to get to, it is definitely worth the effort! Each year, over 500,000 travelers from around the world flock to Kakadu to drink in the natural beauty of the UNESCO Heritage Listed Area.

Don’t you think it’s time you were one of them?

One of the best reasons to visit Kakadu is the intimidatingly beautiful scenery. Kakadu National Park is a land of extremes that quickly switches from vibrant to barren with the blink of an eye. Contained within its bounds are six different terrain types, each breathtaking in its own way. You’ll see everything from sprawling escarpments to floodplains and forests, and many of these environments are filled with unique plant life and natural features sure to make your jaw drop.

For those who love hiking to hidden oases, Kakadu is filled with waterfalls and rivers – perfect for cooling off during a hot, dry season day! Be careful, though – during the Wet Season, the falls and rivers become dangerously full, and are definitely not safe for swimming! So, if you want to see them during this time, consider a sightseeing flight that carries you over the entire park. After all, let’s face it – there’s nothing like a view from the above!

Maguk Gorge, formerly called Barramundi Gorge, provides a stunning place for a swim with its tropical surroundings, steep walks and waterfall.

The best part about Kakadu? You can choose your own adventure! Many tour companies offer fully immersive experiences that allow you deluxe lodges or glamping under the stars for several days. At the same time, other travelers prefer a single or half-day option that gives a taste of life in the park. Of course, you can also explore the park independently at any time of year, though you may miss out on some of the hidden gems only an experienced guide knows to point out.

One of Kakadu’s most visited sites, Ubirr is one of two Aboriginal rock art galleries in Kakadu.

Another great reason to visit Kakadu is the culture. Now, you might be thinking, “Culture? It’s a national park – isn’t there just plant and animal life?”

Think again!

Australian Aboriginal people are the oldest civilization on Earth and have constantly inhabited the Kakadu region for over 40,000 years. These hunter-gatherer people lived at one with the land, and their sustainable practices and nomadic lifestyle

made them perfect custodians of the ancient nation before European settlement. At Kakadu, many of the significant sites that Aborigines believe were created by their ancestors are scattered around the park, and still hold cultural importance to this day.

Aboriginal culture uses visual mediums and storytelling to pass down their history. In Kakadu, you can see some of the oldest rock art in the world across over 5,000 locations. From spectacular wall murals to smaller, detailed imagery, you’ll walk through caves and escarpments that tell tales stretching across millennia – how cool is that!

you really feel like getting involved in Aboriginal culture, try experiences that offer a chance to live and breathe Aboriginal practices, including experiences like sleeping under the stars, identifying ‘bush tucker’, and telling traditional stories through song and dance. For those who don’t feel like a full-blown cultural take-over, visiting the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is a great way to learn about some of the park’s history.

The Nawurlandja lookout offers great views of Burrungkuy (nourlangie rock.

When it comes to wildlife, Kakadu National Park is the showroom for unique flora and fauna! Australia has got some of the most diverse wildlife in the world, and Kakadu’s microenvironments are no different! Over 60 mammals and 117 reptile species call the park home and are one of the best reasons to visit for animal enthusiasts.

Everywhere you look, you’ll see another endemic species to marvel at. Travel along Jim Jim Creek to watch saltwater crocodiles float lazily by or keep an eye out for shy wallabies hiding from the midday sun. Larger animals like buffalo also frequent the floodplains, and you’ll see plenty grazing during the warmer daylight hours.

If birdwatching is more your thing, there are over 280 species of native birds that live within the bounds of Kakadu. Take a guidebook to Mamukala Wetlands, and watch out for species like sea eagles, egrets, and magpie geese as they soar through the air. Be warned – many of these species get extremely territorial during mating season, so steer clear of signposted nesting zones to avoid being swooped!

Looking for something outside of your comfort zone, but feel that visiting Uluru or snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef are overdone? Add Kakadu to your

Kakadu is home to over 280 species of birds, about 1/3 of all bird species in Australia.

itinerary! Whether you’re a seasoned traveler wanting a destination off the beaten path, or are reading about it for the first time, I can help you plan an adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime. Between cultural wonders and magnificent native wildlife, there is something here for everyone – contact me today, so I can plan a personalized trip that will change your life!

Pat Ogle-CollinsA synthesis of Aboriginal culture and nature make Australia’s Kakadu National Park a treasure!
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Big game from a totally different perspective!

Big game from a totally different perspective!

February 4, 2022 Pat Ogle-Collins , , , , No comments

When you visit Kenya and Tanzania you can be sure your trip will be full of excitement, from sightings of crocodile-infested rivers to herds of wildebeest rushing across the plains. You might also be excited to realize that you can see the amazing African sights from above as you float across the Masai Mara or Serengeti National Park in a hot air balloon safari.

Many people consider the Masai Mara National Reserve, bordering Tanzania and the Serengeti National Park, to be the best areas

The excitement of a hot air balloon safari is just another day on the plains for the wildlife.

in the world to see a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, cheetahs, zebra and wildebeest. Wildlife lovers can catch these natural wonders roaming the area anytime, but the best time is during the Great Migration, the yearlong circular route that millions of game traverse from the  southern Serengeti to the Masai Mara in search of greener pastures and a better environment as the seasons change.

The colorful glow of a hot air balloon increases the anticipation of the wonderful adventure to come.

A hot air balloon safari offers a unique perspective that complements the exhilarating land safaris that are part of your trip. Rising early, you will arrive at the balloon site before sunrise to prepare for a ride out of this world. As the burner roars, filling the huge air balloon with warm air, you will be given a safety briefing and information on how the morning will unfold. Make sure you visit the bathroom before taking off on your ride that normally takes in an hour of elevated safari gazing. Then you hop into the basket and slowly rise into the sky just as the sun

peeks over the horizon. As the light illuminates the landscape, you will get your first aerial glimpse of this vast land that is home to some of the wildest and most fascinating creatures Mother Nature has ever made.

For those scared of heights, you might find the security of the sturdy basket combined with the epic scenery enough to conquer your fears. The balloon ride feels gentle and smooth and moves with the air currents, giving a feeling of peace and wonder, unlike any other flying experience.  At the highest point, it’s like you are looking down on a vibrant map, able to admire patterns made by the rivers and trees adorning the landscape.

Then your experienced balloon pilot will turn down the burner, so you can float down to see a closer view of the animals in their natural environment. Images of birds soaring through the air, hyenas stalking prey, buffalo drinking from the riverside and giraffes flexing their long necks are some of the photos you might capture if you have your zoom lens ready. Seeing how the wildlife lives from a high vantage point give new insight into how much they rely on their natural instincts for survival.

A view from above means you see all the action.

A beautiful scene unfolds if other hot air balloons also ascend. Rising early to see the stunning Serengeti sunrise and witness the animals when they are most active before it gets too hot is a popular adventure that many describe as a highlight of their safari. Nothing compares to this majestic sky-high view of the lions basking in the sun and the hippos lumbering around in the warm waters. You also get to see secluded areas that are impossible to reach by vehicle.

While a hot air balloon safari adventure requires a very early start, the views of the sunrise and the wildlife make lifetime memories.

To make the most of your hot air balloon safari, make sure you get a good night’s sleep, so you are fully energized for the early morning start. Dress appropriately as it can be chilly before the sun comes up. Make sure you have your hat, glasses, camera and binoculars when you climb into the basket. Wear sunblock and have your batteries fully charged. Most of all, have your adventurous spirit prepared for an experience that “flies” by quickly. Before you know it, the hot air balloon pilot will be eyeing up the landing spot where your ride back to camp is parked and waiting.

Coming back down to earth is made easier with a champagne breakfast awaiting the ground. As you reflect on what you saw and felt as you flew across the African skies, you realize the day has only begun. Although it will be hard to beat the incredible hot air balloon safari, more adventures are on the agenda for another beautiful day in Africa.

Give me a call to talk about an African safari and including a hot air balloon safari and I will get to planning your trip of a lifetime faster than a cheetah dashing across the plains.

Pat Ogle-CollinsBig game from a totally different perspective!
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