Francisquito's Travel Blog

Visiting Grace and Charlotte in Japan

2010-07-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

Seems like we just got back from the Grand Canyon (see May 8 post below) and we were on a plane to Okinawa, Japan!

Grace gave Kerryquito and me lots of attention.. helped us get around quite nicely.

We saw lots of nice sights and played in the ocean.

Thanks, Charlotte and Grace for a great time!

Photo Boot Camp in the Grand Canyon!

2010-05-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

Another great trip with Ralph Lee Hopkins! Up before the crack of dawn, and working late into the night. I learned so much! See more pictures here: http://website-by-design.com/grand

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands

2009-12-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

Kerryquito and I were honored to join Pam and Howdy on their trip to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands!We helped navigate the crossing of the Drake Passage.

This ship cabin is really comfortable!

In Antarctica - what a magical place - we realized that we are ready to adopt a little one ... a little penguin, that is.

Pengiquito was waiting for us on South Georgia and here we are in the Tusset Grass on the Falkland Islands. A trip to remember!

Here is a little tribute to Ralph Lee Hopkins, the pro photographer on the trip!

Ode to Ralph

There once was a young man named Ralph.
With Lindblad, he sails 60 degree south.
He can make a fur seal yawn,
Just like it was a pawn.
Now we wonder if he can even make it laugh!

“Opportunities for great photos abound!
Keep it simple, don’t clutter the background.”
He’ll pilot you in zodiacs,
To see penguins and kodiaks.
Missed the shot? He’ll take you back around.

On the ship intercom, he spoke with urgency.
Some might think it would cause an insurgency.
“There are icebergs in sight,
And the light is just right,
What we have here is a photo emergency!”

“How to take better pictures?” students ask.
He does not have to ponder the task.
“To get pictures that are aces,
Simply go to better places.”
That is why traveling with Ralph is such a blast!

See a lot more pictures by Pam and Howdy here.

Saved from the box!

2009-02-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

It was a sunny January day in Fruitilla, my home town in Chile, when Pamela picked me out of the box at the local crafts shop. I knew it was the start of something great when I landed in the view pocket of her backpack.

We joined a group of people on the adventure of a lifetime! This is me enjoying the view from Orsono Volcano - there is a ski resort up here!

Then we went for a hike in the forest - great view here, too!

The next day we headed south by van, ferry and support boat to start a sea kayak expedition in the fjords south of Puerto Montt! I never imagined that the outdoors could be so beautiful!

Turns out Pamela is married to Howdy, but they still let me sleep in the tent with them. Camping is so fun! There are so many stars in the Chilean sky. Love that Southern Cross.

Sea kayaking in the Chilean Fiords! Gotta love it!

They asked me to help fix dinner on the mothership. A finger puppet's job is never done!

Evenings after dinner we often enjoyed a great campfire - thanks to Dave from Texas!

I even helped to drive the mothership when the pilot got tired. He was a great guy!

But, alas, all this excitement and adventure still can't erase the memory of my sweet Kerryquito (I carry her picture, above). She is still back in the box at Friutilla. I have decided that I will send for her so she can join me on the next adventure!