OFF TO THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE AND HULDUFOLK.

 

As most of our trips usually start,  The Boys were dropped off at Puppy Camp. Yes they get very excited about Puppy Camp. Then we drove to Denver and stayed overnight as we typically fly out early. 



This trip we are on United getting miles rather than a nonstop IcelandAir flight. Surprised it was a bit cheaper. This flight goes from Denver to Newark and then to Keflavik. We were lucky and got an upgrade to first on the first leg, but not the long haul. Both flights were very very full and both were late. The type of aircraft from EWR to KEF was changed at the last minute, so new seats. 



Any how, we made it and even got just a little sleep. I did peak our the window and did not see any Aurora. 

 

 Troll Weather Arrival

Iceland Tap water is great no need to buy fancy water. 



Upon arrival, all went well through Immigration and Customs and straight to the Fly Bus, our transport into Reykjavik. The Fly Bus is a good form of transport to the general area of ones lodging. We had about a 3-4 block walk to our accommodations. This trip took a bit longer than normal and was almost three hours, normally it is just a couple. There was good bit of traffic and the transfer at the BSI (big bus stop) seemed longer than normal. Oh well no big deal we have all day.


Our bus stop is City Hall and we had a 3-4 block walk to the Treasure B&B. We did help a couple from up state NY find their hotel. 



We arrived and met our on duty host and learned our room was ready. We moved right in and repacked our bags for the day, and were off to get a hot dog and have a swim and  some things done in preparation for our stay. 



Our garden entrance to our room 

We like our room

First stop was Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for a hot dog, check. Next it was off to the Harpa (City theater etc venue) to procure tickets for a comedy show Saturday night, check. Then via bus to our favorite pool Laugardalslaug. A nice soak in the 40C salt water pool was nice as we kept wanting to fall asleep. 



 

After our swim, we did feel somewhat rejuvenated and stopped at  Pylsuvagninn Laugardal, yes for another hot dog. This stand just out side our favorite pool is one we really like. New on the menu are Crispy Jalapeños. Well yes I tried one and Lynn had a regular with everything. It was good but I will stick with regular with everything, the way to go. 



From there we took the bus back, stopping part way to shop for some staples at the Bonus Store. Here we picked up some food for our meals, and then got the bus to city center towards our B&B. The bus driver missed our stop and we had to do a bit of back tracking, it is all good. The back track allowed us to stop at the 10-11 store and get a bus pass and a large bottle of Appelsin (Iceland orange soda). 



Then back to the room where we are attempting to stay awake as I write this.   

Not much has been planned for this trip so it will unfold as it unfolds.

Old West Balloon Festival 2022

 OLD WEST BALLOON FESTIVAL 2022



Here we are in Gering Nebraska for the 2022 Old West Balloon Festival. My main goal is to photograph the Mass Ascensions on August 12th and 13th, as well as the night glow on August 13th. 

 

I volunteer to do this simply because I enjoy balloon events. That said if the balloon bug ever bites you there are balloon events all over the country and they are always looking for volunteers. If you volunteer as part of a balloon crew you might just get a ride. 



This event coincides with a national competition where about 50 balloons will be competing all week long on events which test their flying skills. 

Friday and Saturday the Mass Ascensions lift off from the Mitchell Airfield located just south of Mitchell Nebraska. The National competitors will launch from a site and fly into Mitchell Field for their competition on those two mornings.

 
I have been told there will be about 80 balloons total this year. I recognize many of them from Albuquerque as well as some pilots and crew members. One of the fun things about ballooning.

 

I would highly speculate next years event will be roughly the same time of year. 

For folks in Cheyenne, it is about 90 miles over here  and a very nice event. There are other things going on like a craft fair, Winner Dog races, corn hole tournament and more. 



One thing about this event is over the days of activities the launch and glow locations move all around Scotts Bluff County. 

Here is their website for more Information and next years planning.  https://theoldwestballoonfest.com/

I’ll post a few photos here and will have more on my web sites . 

Soggy Moose Travel 

http://soggymoosetravel.blogspot.com/

Soggy Moose Photography
https://soggymoosephoto.smugmug.com/

https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/11-scott-hughes
    



Yep I Found the Spirit of the Great Heart

 

 

This blog entry will be a summary and highlight our last few days at Kapama Reserve. I am going to ramble due to lack of sleep, so hang in there.

This was our second trip to South Africa and second time on the Adventures by Disney itinerary. It had been 10 years since our first trip and I must say this trip included some big surprises.

First a big tip of the hat to our guides who really made the trip. Marissa was the energizer bunny keeping it all moving along. Craig ( who was our guide on the first trip) held back some amazing surprises. I so much appreciated his personal sharing of South Africa, his country and experiences. To know the Country of South Africa, the history, the natural resources, the people and more, is greatly enhanced with Craig’s heartfelt sharing.

The biggest surprise for me was meeting Christo Brand. A South African former prison guard who was one of several that were responsible for guarding Nelson Mandela. I had read his book and name many times while studying for this trip. He posted the following on his Facebook Page.

“We were back at beautiful Boschendal yesterday with a group from America. My appearance was a total surprise to the guests. One of them is on his second visit and before this trip, he bought a copy of my book and read it. Unbeknown to him he then got to meet me and hear my story. He was overcome with emotion and told us we had no idea how much this experience meant to him. So rewarding when we get such amazing feedback.”


Our trip concluded with 6 amazing game drives at the Amazing Kapama River Lodge and game reserve. This property was great 10 years ago and now it shines with a facelift it received during COVID. I was able to recognize some of the old property and was greatly impressed with the new. 

The Rangers and Trackers did an amazing job in facilitating some great wildlife encounters. I will let my photos speak for their great work. They can be found via the links below:

Scott Hughes, Soggy Moose Photography

Sogggy Moose Photos




 

 


Off to Knysna

 

Garden Route Coast