%%USERNAME%%    %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
 |   A Journal to impart knowledge and facts |
|
July 22, 2015 I'm going to start today to record on a daily basis whatever happens to strike my fancy. So, it is a very cool breezy day. I just posted 5 short book reviews to The Monthly Reading Challenge. I'm suppose to put away some winter wood today from the woodpile outside but I'm playing hookey from work to write so starting this blog will get done. I'm having a daily fight with a flock of English Sparrows that are trying to take over my barn. They are making a terrible mess so they have to go. I have destroyed several nests so far they don't leave but they get out of the barn when I am around. I'm just starting the fight so I guess I don't know how far I have to go to discourage them. I'm trying not to spread myself to thin on WDC because I find so many things that are interesting here and I am trying to work on a new story. I really enjoy sitting at my desk with a cup of tea and reading blogs on WDC. |
| August 31, This is going to be a long day so please be sure to have your luggage packed because it is being shipped to the airport by courier. We're off for our tour at 8:00am Most of you know my addiction is coffee. I couldn't go to South America without checking out a coffee plantation. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294074-d11451920-Colombian_... Savor the world-famous coffee of Colombia, and learn about how it’s grown and made, on this 6-hour day trip to an authentic coffee plantation outside Bogotá. Head to the town of Fusagasugá, site of the Hacienda Coloma Coffee Plantation, with your guide, where you’ll get a first-hand look at the coffee-making process, sample the latest roasts and learn about the history of coffee. Your coffee tour also includes roundtrip transportation from your Bogotá hotel, lunch and all entrance fees. Juan Valdez, eat your heart out. Caffeine lovers everywhere are sure to enjoy this insider visit to an authentic Colombian coffee plantation, offering the perfect opportunity to sample the local brews while learning about the drink’s origins and creation.   Quote:“As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?” ― Cassandra Clare, City of Ashes reference: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/coffee Coffee plantations and farms are being encouraged to expand. The Colombian Government is pushing them to tourism. Colombians do not as a rule drink a lot of coffee so coffee shops are popping up in the country in different cities. They are introducing a mild coffee to the citizens. They government hopes to bring up a coffee culture in the country. They are training coffee tasters to help expand the nature of this coffee culture. Growing and processing the coffee is a long process. Mules and donkeys are used on the farms and plantations because the terrain is so rough. The Aribica Beans are picked when they are fat and deep red in color. Then, the beans are processed in fermentation tubs which remove and outer shell. They are sun-dried, cleaned and roasted to get to the finished product. Other types of produce are also grown on these plantations. Bananas, avocados, and cacao for chocolate can also be found as an exported product. Personally, I was more enthused with the Hot Chocolate but, I know a lot of people like coffee and this tour was an exceptional tour to be on. When we returned to the 4 seasons I took a shower, grabbed my carry on bag, and headed for the Bogota International Airport to catch a flight to Miami. I had a connecting flight to Cleveland where I met my ride home. I will miss South America it is a beautiful, friendly place. ![Merit Badge in Blog Camping
[Click For More Info]
Thank you for joining us on an adventure in South America!](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Blog_Camping-1788309_13.gif)  |
 }August 30, 2017 We're flying to Bogota, Bolivia We'll be here today and the 31st. We have flights late on the 31st back to Miami https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294074-d301960-Reviews-Four_Seasons_Ho... We're going out in style this month. The Four Seasons Bogota is an outstanding hotel! Excellent staff that is very helpful, pleasant, and professional. The hotel rooms are luxurious with extremely comfortable beds and furniture. The food was delicious. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294074-d11451914-Bogota_Cit... We have the 8 hour option today. Discover the best of Bogotá’s tourist attractions, covering its most famous neighborhoods, museums and sights on this tour with optional 5-hour or 8-hour itineraries. Explore the cobblestoned streets of the La Candelaria neighborhood, see the city’s historic district and La Catedral Primera (Prime Cathedra), view gold artifacts at the famed Museo de Oro and take a cable car to the famous Mount Monserrate. Your trip also includes a guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees and lunch. et a taste for the best the Colombian capital has to offer on this city tour that’s chock-full of history, culture and stunning sights. Whether you’re interested in colonial architecture, history, art or simply looking for great views, this tour is sure to delight. Your day begins with pickup at 8:30am from your Bogotá hotel and heads first to the atmospheric neighborhood of La Candelaria. This historic neighborhood, bursting with colorful facades, ornate ironwork and interesting buildings, is perfect for photographers and architecture-lovers. From there, proceed with your guide to the Plaza de Bolívar (Bolívar Plaza) to take in some of the city’s most famous historic structures surrounding the square, including La Catedral Primera and the Capitolio Nacional (National Capitol). Then head over to the Museo de Botero, where you’ll see 100+ pieces of artwork by Colombian artist Francisco Botero, along with paintings from numerous other artists from around the world. Depending on whether you’ve selected the 5-hour or 8-hour tour option, your day will also include the following: 5-hour tour:In addition to all of the sights mentioned above, this tour will make a stop at Bogotá’s incredible Museo de Oro, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Pre-Columbian gold objects. Finish your tour with a visit by cable car to the sky-high environs of Mount Monserrate, a peaceful religious pilgrimage site set in the mountains above Bogotá. Take in breathtaking views and grab a few photos before heading down the mountain for a drop-off back at your hotel. Dinner and dancing at the hotel. There are 2 restaurants on site and a fun bar with music. Let's practice our latin dancing. 8-hour tour:Experience the best of Bogotá’s attractions on this 8-hour sightseeing trip, which includes all of the visits in the 5-hour option above plus an authentic Colombian lunch, a look at Quinta de Bolívar (home of the famous Simon Bolívar) and stops in additional city neighborhoods. Proceed the northern edge of the city to see the capital’s financial district, along with the Parque 93 area and its slick International Center. Finish your Bogotá exploration with a stop in the neighborhood of Usaqén, another colonial gem that is now populated by countless bars and restaurants. Conclude your tour with drop-off back at your Bogotá hotel. Quote: "The alleged infraction occurred on Saturday when locals reported that uniformed Venezuelan troops crossed the border in the La Guajira province and set upon a group of indigenous people." From an article written by Stephen Gill august 29, 2017 https://colombiareports.com/colombia-venezuela-tension-escalates-weekend-border-... A Book for Today: Following My Thumb by Gabriel Morris We have returned to a country that borders Venezuela. Bogota is located on a High Plateau 3000 feet upward in the Andes Mountains. There are 15 million people living in the city. It is referred to as Bogota Savanna or as Bogota D.C. Bogota is considered the third highest city in South America. La Candelaria Plaza is the old town part of the city. We see original churches from the founding of the city. The oldest La Catedra Primera was finished in 1567. In the plaza were hundreds of pigeons. Merchants laid out their wares on blankets in the cobbled streets. I took a ride on a llama. I couldn't resist. All through old town are amazing murals. In the evenings street musicians serenade the public. Artists are everywhere in the city. The rectangular National capitol building houses both congressional congress branches. There are two murals in the building painted by Santiago Martinez Delgado. The office of the countries President is also here. The building is located on the Plaza Bolivar. Again, this plaza also held many pigeons. Other historic buildings are near this plaza. The Supreme Court of Justices and the constitutional court are here. I saw a vendor with huge Guava fruit displayed. I did not taste it yet but I wonder if it tastes like Avocado or Watermelon. No wonder the hotel is so lush it is 4 Seasons Bogota Hotel and Spa. Look, there are TV's in the lounge area of my room. I need one of there lounge chairs in my home. I wonder what is on TV in Bogota. I have not stopped long enough to watch T.V. during this trip. I cannot decide for sure but I think the best places we have stayed, for me, were the Belmont Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Piccu or La Cason De La Rondo in Ecuador. Bogota is huge. I saw an aerial view on T.V. It sits like a nest in the mountain and spreads out into the early morning mists. |
| August 29 Rise and shine ladies we have an early flight to Quito, Ecuador https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294308-d2512354-Reviews-La_Casona_de_l... Guess what ladies and gents, we’re going on a tour and then to a cooking school together. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294308-d11450811-Quito_Culi... How about some nightlife, time to shake those booties again. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g6589668-d10792134-Reviews-El_Tast... Quote:"Ecuadorian slang is a unique blend of Spanish, Kichwa (the nation’s indigenous language) and foreign loan words." By Maureen Stimola This Quote is from a blog http://www.fluentu.com/blog/spanish/ecuadorian-slang/ The whole article is really a fun read. Old Town Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito is famous for its scenic churches, famous artists and artwork, and wonderful museums. It is situated on the lower part of an Andeas Mountain. In 2017 it was listed as number 3 place to retire in the world because of it's affordability, climate, and healthcare. The La Cason De La Ronda is truly a wonderful place to stay. It is so homey. The Scenic lounges beckon the residents to restful living. I don't care much for cooking. The tour was refreshingly interesting. We started off in a market and I love shopping for fresh food so, this moved the tour forward with lots of information about foods available locally. Learning how the local city dwellers live and about their culture is a pretty good way to understand the problems they face as a society. One of the places on the food tour was a real home so the cooking aspect was special. I opted out of the Tasting Room. I cannot abide beer as a beverage. I went back to the Boutique and spent some time resting and talking with other visitors in the lounge among the hanging plants. ![Merit Badge in Blogging
[Click For More Info]
Congrats on winning 3rd Place in the May 2017 [Link To Item #30dbc] !](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/type-Blogging-2180.gif) |
August 28, 2017 I was glad to spend so much time at Cuzco. It brings up so many questions when I read that the walls and floor of Qoncancha once were covered in pure gold. I'm assuming the Spanish raided it and took all the gold. I would like to see it the way it was originally. There were so many sites and museums to see here. Cuzco was once the capital of the Inca Empire. The Spanish built a convent on top of the Temple of the Sun. The twelve angle stone. A stone that holds up a whole building? The square yard wall which has 3/4 of a stone circle and the pattern of a snake, puma, and condor impressed in the lawn. Another nearby site which impressed me was Moray. The Moray is the Inca laboratory. They experimented with plant horticulture. Moray is a tiered circular landscape of terraces. As you move from terrace to terrace the temperatures change. This allows plants to grow and reach maturity at different times. You can feel the temperature changes as you walk down ward into the Moray. Lima: August 28. We’re taking a bus to Lima. I hope you enjoy the scenery it’s supposed to be beautiful. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294316-d304504-Reviews-Sheraton_Lima_H... We’re taking in a museum this afternoon. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294316-d311651-Reviews-Museo_Larc... The restaurant seems to have mixed reviews, I hope we don’t have issues. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294316-d2314184-Reviews-Maras_Res... The bus ride to Lima was a scenic view of countryside. When we arrived at the hotel the lobby was crowded with people jostling to get checked in. They were just arriving for a convention. It is comfortable and the staff was very patient with everyone. Off to the museum (Museo Rafael Herrera Larco). What beautiful grounds. The roofs of outlaying buildings are growing red and purple flowers tangled with ferns. There is a flower museum on the grounds. This turned out to be my favorite part of the museum trip. There were massive amounts of jewelry on display in the main museum. It was made of jewels, silver and beaten gold. Many of the tribal displays had gold headdress and real gold decorations. Some of the statues were from excavations. They were often grossly sexual which reminded me of many of the pictures in an art expression class I took years ago. Then there were the bowls, and other types of jugs that showed Pumas, snakes and condors. On one piece of bowl I wondered why the man's face had such long tusks for teeth before I realized it was probably the pictorial of a large jungle cat.  The best part was definitely the walls of gorgeous hanging blossoms and ferns. Later at the restaurant I ordered fish. It was a very fine meal. The waitress was sober faced but wait staff may have been busy and tired because the place was packed. We sat and discussed the things we saw at the museum for awhile over coffee and tea. Back at the hotel I retired for a good nights rest. Two days left on our trip. Seems like we just started yesterday.  |
| August 27, We’re spending more time exploring ruins, we’re definitely getting out exercise before leaving Cusco. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294314-d6825394-Reviews-Peru_Inka... dinner is at our hotel, You can join everyone in the restaurant or have room service. Simon & Garfunkel A city in the valley below Machu Piccu is still being excavated. There is a theory that this city is the place that supplied all the needs of the spiritual city above it. After reading about the lower city I wondered if it was a slave city or a willing city because of spiritual belief? At Machu Piccu you can join a group that are climbing the stairs of death. This stairway climbs up Wanya Picchu, which is a small mountain that over looks the valley below. It is a stairway that is 600 years old and looks like it, in the videos. At the summit above you can see all of Machu Piccu and the valley below. Once you are up high you have entered the Pass of the condors. Now you are in the place where the flight and nesting area of condors is supreme. One brush of the eleven foot wingspan can push you to your doom. There are You tube videos, which allow you to watch this climb. If you are vertigo inclined you might just fall off your chair from watching one. Condors are on the endangered list. They only have a chick or two every other year. The large impressive birds weigh about 26 lbs. Their feet are designed to handle prey as large as a llama or a sheep. They are the object of prophecy: http://www.labyrinthina.com/prophecy-the-eagle-and-the-condor.html. The Inca shaman double as morticians. They participate in rituals that take place high in the Andeas mountains. A person who has died is delivered to the shaman who prays over the body and performs a ritualistic dismembering. Then a group of mourners and Priest deliver the flesh and bones to a high mountain where the condors wait. When the groups withdraw the condors feast. This lasts until the bones are clean. When the bones are clean, the condors withdraw and allow the priests return to claim the bones, which are then interred in a spot for the purpose. This is a ritual designed to signify the symbolic life and death cycle. It shows the submission of man that results in a renewing of the earth. Similar to the song in "The Lion King."  |
| August 26, Yup I’m spending my 61st birthday with you in an airport waiting for the weather to clear so we can fly. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294318-d309716-Reviews-Belmond_Sanctua... Yes, we’re going to a Sanctuary Yes, it is very expensive but early in the morning we get to go directly to the Citadel. Plus the hotel treats you really well. They arranged the bus back down for us and made sure our suitcase was taken care of on both sides of the trip. It's a once in a lifetime experience so why not splurge if you can. Also, the meals and grounds (gardens) were wonderful and the pisco lesson was an excellent time. One other bonus -- we were able to hike Huayana Picchu (the 7am entrance) come back, shower and breakfast. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294318-d668949-Reviews-Machu_Picc... dinner is at our hotel, You can join everyone in the restaurant or have room service. Me, I'm going to have a piece of cake and a cup of coffee. The link above is Machu Piccu Decoded by ajvaughan3 the History channel. It is a documentary about Machu Piccu. Machu Piccu seems to have existed as a city for approximately 100 years. Archeological discovery of the site has been moving forward over many years. Machu Piccu is so isolated. Over the years, it has been considered a religious city, or a royal city. The stone built homes are built with clear cut stone. The stones are so well cut they require no mortar in the joints. The city has running water to the homes and pools of clear running water throughout it. Archeologist believe it was built by the Incas. Like some other South American ruins it seems to have been abandoned in extreme suddenness. Machu Piccu has some symbols built into the stone. It seems to have many temples. One depicts the sun. Another has a stone symbol of a giant condor built into the floor. However, the people did not leave behind carvings or writings that tell anything about the people who lived there or their customs. The Incas did use a string system of tying knots as a counting mechanism. What a wonderful place to live. Except for the bugs and insects of the jungles that like to eat and burrow into human flesh. I don't think I want to imbibe with Pisco. It sounds like an interesting drink made with lime or ice cream. When I went looking for the information about Pisco Lessons I found a 130 year old history of war between Peru and Chili. The war is over the boundary between the two countries. It extends into how to make a drink with Pisco. Each country has their own recipe and they are very different. I could spend a whole week or more just in the Belmont sanctuary Lodge. Not only is it beautiful but, the views are to great to describe accurately. I'm used to eating a large main meal at noon. So, I will retire to my balcony off my room and drink a cup of tea with some fruit and a little cheese. So, much walking and climbing today I will feel better if I don't eat a heavy meal. I will read for awhile before I shower and turn in. It is a beautiful place to rest without sleep.  |
| August 25 Rise and Shine Buttercups, we’re going to the Andes dress comfortably and bring warm clothes. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294072-d11764741-Tiwanaku_F... Tiwanaku is a ceremonial center constructed about 1,000 years ago. Not much is known about the pre-inca civilization but Tiwanaku is the greatest archeological pre- inca site in all South America and if you want to learn more about this culture, this is definitely the place to go. See the treasures in the museums in form of gold, ceramic and silver pieces and experience the mystic of the monoliths and volcanic stone- structures in the architectural site. The duration of this is approximately 8-hour starting at 8:30am with a pick up from your hotel and returning you back at 4pm. Once we pick you up, we'll drive for 2-hour approx. Our first stop will be a visit tot he Museums, then the Temple of Kalasasaya, the Gateway of the Sun and finally Akapana Pyramids and Monoliths. Please note that the weather in La Paz is very unpredictable, therefore we recommend you to prepare for a sunny day as well as a cold one. Bring sunscreen and warm clothes. • U.S and Canadian Citizens: Must bring a government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship (U.S birth certificate or naturalization certificate) or a passport for re-entry to the United States. Children, ages 18 and under only require a birth certificate. Non-U.S. Citizens: Either a Passport, I-94, Multiple Entry Visa or Resident Alien Card is required for re-entry to the United States • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund I read a book in July called "The Lost City of the Monkey god" by Douglas Preston. Although this was a archeology nonfiction story based in Honduras, it was the first I had ever heard of Pre Inca civilizations. I like archeology. It tells us so much about ancient civilizations. The temple of kalasaya has been excavated and renewed. It looked like it had a giant sundial in the center of the building. I did not recognize the name Tiwanaku. I have heard the name Tiahuanaco. I wonder if it is something I read about Easter Island when I was reading a writing by some other archeologist years ago? Anyway, the site we visited was special. Even though at sometime in history there were looters still many amazing parts of the site remain. "A Gateway of the Sun" and a "Gateway of the Moon" and sundials in the temple show how involved they were with time and weather. Dated before the Incas this civilization was very evolved. It had running water, homes for families and well cared for gardens for feeding the public. What will our civilization look like in 1000 or 2000 years?   |
| August 24 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294072-d10623167-Reviews-Atix_Hotel-La... Lunch at: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294072-d11924875-Reviews-Berlusca... and then we’re going to an art museum, we haven’t been to one in a while remember no wandering off, it’s dangerous. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294072-d318835-Reviews-National_M... Bar life is limited but I did find a Hard Rock Café https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294072-d4079348-Reviews-Hard_Rock... Once again we find ourselves in a great hotel. From some rooms in the Atix you can look out across La Paz to the mountains beyond. Bolivia has no real access to the South Pacific Sea. They are presently in negotiations with Chili to gain an access. The Andes lay between La Paz and the ocean. However they have a Navy and that enterprising organization plays war games on the very large lake Titicaca outside of La Paz. The National Museum d' Art is in an 19th century mansion. The 126 year old mansion was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who created the Eiffel Tower. Quote:" Harboring a clear political tone, many of the museum’s paintings are based on famous figures such as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara as well as focusing on themes such as the conquest of the Incan empire and other Latin American invasions." From the museum I came aware of the fact that Bolivia has a indigineous president who has been in office for a decade. Bolivia is one of the world's poorest countries. The museum asked for passports to check identities as we entered. Although, it does not seem very dangerous. We are warned to keep important papers such as passports safe. It is not unknown for petty pickpockets or kidnapping by taxi drivers to occur. Reference: http://www.lapazlife.com/places/museum-of-contemporary-art-museo-de-arte-contemp... I was interested to see that you can take pictures for a fee off $3.00 US money in the museum. You can also buy art from the museum. I especially liked the paintings of indigenous life in the country. Much of the art was religious in nature. I purchased the bilingual catalog to help me learn about the culture and history portrayed in paintings. The signs and videos are all in Spanish. The museum has just completed a renovation recently. There are 10 museums where special parts of Bolivian culture in La Paz can be viewed. A 20 minute walk northeast from the Prado brings me to a textile museum. It displays the weaving industry of Bolivia. There is a souvenir shop where weavers sell their wares. I visited this museum. Here we see the real craft that is produced from Llama hair (mohair) and sheep's wool. Some of the designs are wonderful. They depict the life around the weavers. It is a question whether the Hard Rock Cafe is a member of the original franchise or not. Nevertheless, they serve up a great burger, when tourists are tired and hungry. We met other tourists there. Sandra Lyn, Lady Lyn of House Florent, Blue Moon and I were able to strike up conversations with tourists from Canada. Everyone had a good time. apondia#1781748 |
 Since there is no particular post yet for today I decided to trek out on my own and look at something I have been interested in about chili. I always wonder about indigenous people in areas that I am reading about. reference: https://ww.iwgia.org/regions/latin-america/chile So, I went looking for information about the tribes of chili. For one thing there is only one tribe Mapuche that is still basically a rural people. The others can be found in urban areas although they are still basically more poverty stricken that other residents of chili. Even though this is true their populations are rising within the country. One thing I learned about chili when looking at indigineous is the fact that Easter Island is a part of chili. One of the 9 tribes, the Rapa Nui lives on Easter Island. a Dutch explorer discovered Easter Island on Christian Easter Sunday, April 5, 1722. The local name in Polynesian of the Island is also Rapa Nui. Easter Island is considered the most remote Island of the earth. It is famous for its monolithic statues. Each statue weighs approximately 20 tons. the Statues are called Moai. Chili's present constitution does not give indigineous people rights that are up to international standards. Some, additions to their laws were passed in 2008 but are presently having a difficult time to process and achieve the intended success. While here I stayed in the Villa Nutila: It has a lot of privacy and a pool. It was difficult to choose because all the Villas are beautiful. The island has become a tourist attraction with bike riding and of course sight seeing. Aug. 23---We have a very early day in the morning we’re flying to Santiago, Chile It’s a six-hour flight so when we arrive at the hotel. Yup I got a sweet deal at a 5 star hotel. You can have room service or in the restaurant, it’s up to you but the view is amazing.http://www.sancristobaltowersantiago.com/?EM=M8_TRIP_BL_WEBSITE_LC_206_LAD_ENG&a... Breakfast needs to be done by 9am we leave at 9:30 prompt-- Grab your sneakers and comfy clothes we’re going bike riding https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294305-d11472608-Santiago_B... we’re going out for dinner, it’s supposed to be the place to go in the old city https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294305-d3843350-Reviews-Peumayen_... Sweet dreams we have early flight to La Paz I returned to the San Cristobal Tower to continue the tour. The views of the city spreading away from the tower into the mist of the morning is splendid. The staff was so helpful when I ran in quickly to check in then join the bike tour at the last minute. Touring the city on bikes was also a special way to see the sights. Some of the city is so modern. Then there are some uphill climbs that show magnificent views of the mountains. Santiago is the riches city of Latin America. There is an extinct volcano (Santos Lucia) in the center of the city. A train goes up the mountain to San Christabel where there is a outdoor flea market, and a huge statue of Mary the mother of Jesus. In the center of the city we toured the Plaza D Armas which is the central plaza. The first church built in Latin America is there (it was so ornate with huge pictorial skylights). A Franciscan Monastery was next door. We also toured the Presidential palace. Street performers are everywhere in the city. There is also an abundance of very friendly stray dogs. Stray dogs are kept well fed but no one bothers to take them home. The markets have so much food in them. Some one at a market said the restaurants do not have the best cooking. I was aware of the mounted police in the central plaza who all wore bullet proof vests. The more modern buildings are very tall sky scrapers probably the Andes watchful influence. Another strenuous sight seeing day. ![Merit Badge in Just Because
[Click For More Info]
In validation of your comments on my blogs! *^*Smile*^*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Just_Because.gif) Happy Trails |
| Dress for work we're going to get dirty. I volunteered our services to help with the branding. Aug. 21 ---Day 2: Puerto Natales -- Balmaceda and Serrano -- Puerto Natales (B, L)After breakfast at your hotel, a full-day trip starts with an early morning cruise from Puerto Natales to Ultima Esperanza Fjord. The three-hour cruise takes you through stunning Patagonian scenery to the 1,000-year-old Balmaceda glacier, home to cormorants and sea lions. At the head of the fjord, disembark to take a short 80-minute walk through a forest to the foot of the Serrano Glacier, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and walls of ice. Stop for a late lunch at Estancia Perales, a traditional cattle ranch, on the return trip to Puerto Natales, where the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore on your own. Accommodation: your same hotel We were up early for the cruise. The sea air and chill from the cold water and air were invigorating. This was the cruise which showed us the small waterfalls along the shore pouring into the fjords. Phalacrocoracidae is a family of some 40 species of aquatic birds commonly known as cormorants and shags. Several different classifications of the family have been proposed recently, and the number of genera is disputed. Reference: Wikipedia The birds weight 5.5 to 11 lbs. Their wing span is approximately 3.5 feet. Other birds, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes will feast on the eggs and chicks if they get the chance. Cormorant fishing is a way humans have used the birds to fish. A snare is tied near the base of the birds long neck so it cannot swallow a fish. that it catches. Then the fisherman uses the bird to do his fishing for him. The species of cormorant used for fishing will vary depending on the place; china, Europe, or japan. I'm sure branding is going to be a rough day. Quote: "Don't brand livestock when their hair is damp or wet. A branding iron applied to wet hide loses its heat fast, scalding rather than burning the branded area. To apply a good brand, prevent the animals from moving as much as possible. This can be done by using a cattle squeeze or manually wrestling them to the ground." Applying Brands: Hot Iron Branding - Livestock Identification Service www.lis-alberta.com/brands/applying_iron.aspx There is also a method called Freeze Branding. A super cold branding iron is applied to the hide of the animal to leave a permanent mark. I guess I'm not to good at wrestling cattle to the ground. However, I can apply a branding iron o.k. I'm not good at roping cattle from a horse either. I was better achieving the 80-minute walk to the glacier to view the cold ice. I won't sit down at the end of today unless it is in a place where I won't have to get back up for awhile. Excellent lunch of beef burgers and veggies. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
