Puffin!

 

My next travel adventure will be to head out to photograph these little cuties. Where's the best place to look for them?

   

 

I've been wearing the blue wig to the basketball playoff games. Looks like it brought us a little luck....  Onward to the Finals!   Go Thunder!

DAY 10

Where in the world is MapmakerJenny?


SAN JOSE - DALLAS - OKC

DAY 9

Where in the world is MapmakerJenny?



ALAJUELA

Paos Volcano National Park

The summit area of Poas Volcano is covered with ash and has little vegetation. Explosions still occur regularly, and the activity like the steam, is often caused by the interaction of the lava with the water. While the water in the lake may seem inviting, it is extremely acidic and can be as hot as 185 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is definitely not for swimming. There is mild activity occurring frequently, and 39 eruptions have been recorded since 1828. In 1989, high gaseous emissions caused the part to shut down temporarily, but usually the eruptions are of steam and muddy water, giving Poas the distinction of being the world"s biggest geyser. There is an animal that is unique as well. It is the Poas yellow-green squirrel, and it is only found here in the part. Aside from this 79 species of birds live here, like hummingbirds and the resplendent Quetzal





La Paz Waterfall Gardens

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is a privately owned and managed ecological attraction that opened in the fall of 2000. The construction of the Hiking Trails, Butterfly Observatory and Reception began in July of 1998 and was mostly complete by the fall of 2000. Since opening we have continually added new and interesting exhibits to enhance the quality of your visit. Please Enjoy.

Our Mission Statement is to preserve and protect the natural environment of the area for the education, entertainment, and enjoyment of all ages of people. Our strategy combines environmentally conscious design with maximum educational impact to the visitor.

The Park comprises 70 acres (28 hectares) of land including approximately 40 acres of cloud and rainforest and 30 acres (12 hectares) of pastureland cut by a previous owner. The forest area is currently protected under Private Wildlife Refuge Status and we are in the process of reforesting the unoccupied pastureland. We are also an active member of the Costa Rican Network of Private Nature Reserves, the Green Stamp Program, the Blue Flag Program and the Environmental Services Payment Program.

Coffee Tasting

•Doka offers 7 different export types; all same quality only difference is roasting times
•Contrary to popular belief the lighter the roast the more caffeine remains in the bean; Dark roasts have less caffeine
•One cup of coffee has an average of 1.5% caffeine; Black tea has 2%; Cocoa 4%; Coca cola 5%
•90% of Doka coffee is exported and sold to Starbucks (unroasted)
•10% remains in Costa Rica
•Ticos drink the inferior harvested beans but improve the flavor by adding caramelized sugar (torrefaccion) in the roasting process
•Most other brands of coffee are actually mixes of beans from various plantations which have different soils and climates and therefore produces variable quality

DAY 8

Where in the world is MapmakerJenny?

ARENAL

The Hanging Bridges

The hanging bridge circuit includes both bridges and trails. The bridges overlook a dense canopy – allowing visitors to peer directly into the upper reaches of the forest – and have fantastic views of the Arenal Volcano in the background. Trails connect the bridges and run through primary rainforest. Along these, visitors can get a closer look at the insects, reptiles, birds, flowers, plants and trees that call this forest home. Walking at a slow pace, the complete circuit will take most people about two hours to complete.




The Sky Cam Tour

The slow paced Sky Tram gondolas will provide a smooth ride through the rain forest, with endless views along the way, so you can appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you on your way to the top. Once at the at the observation deck, you will be able to enjoy the most magnificent views of the volcano&s south face for as long as you desire.

From the there, you will have two options for returning to the base. The first option is to ride back down the same way you came up, on the Sky Tram. On the ride you will be able to notice how the vegetation varies as the altitude changes once again.

The opther and more exciting options is that you can zip your way to the bottom along the fast moving canopy tour zip lines, the best option for those seeking a rush of adrenaline.

DAY 7

Where in the world is MapmakerJenny?

ARENAL

Tabacon

There are several mineral baths in the Arenal area, but Tabacon is the only one that is not pumped to create pools. Tabacon has a mineral river heated by the volcano to nearly 100 degrees. The river has been divided into a number of separate pools and waterfalls where guests can wander and soak in beautifully landscaped hot pools.

La Fortune Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall (Spanish for "the fortune") is located in central Costa Rica, in the Alajuela Province. In Spanish, it is known as Catarata Fortuna. The waterfall drops about 70-75 meters and is located at the base of the dormant Chato volcano, about 5.5 km outside of the town of La Fortuna, near the Arenal Volcano.

DAY 6

Where in the world is MapmakerJenny?

ARENAL

Positioned within Costa Rica’s fertile northern lowlands, the Arenal Volcano is an unavoidable presence while traveling within this part of the country. It is tall, loud and flashy, and – as one of the world’s ten most active volcanoes – it emits lava and enormous ash columns on a regular basis. Arenal’s perfectly symmetrical shape makes it a sightseer’s dream, while its abundance of outdoor activities makes it an easy place to check things off your “must-do in Costa Rica” list.

As Arenal's ultimate travel resource, this site is dedicated to providing you with information about the Arenal Volcano and the surrounding area. It’s our hope that with the tools and services we offer, you’ll be able to plan a fun and memorable adventure to Costa Rica.

Hibiscus Maze (Madman's Maze)

Madman’s Maze a 80’ x 80’ hibiscus maze with enough twists and turns to make a sane person crazy.

DAY 5

Where in the world is MapmakerJenny?

MANUEL ANTONIO -

El Avion Restaurant
Set on the edge of Manuel Antonio's hillside with a great view of the ocean and surrounding forests, this restaurant is actually housed under some permanent tents and the starboard wing of a retired army transport plane, hence the name El Avión, which means "the Plane." This specific plane was actually shot down by the Sandinista army, leading to a scandal that uncovered illegal CIA supply missions to the Contra rebels in Nicaragua. Today you can enjoy a wide range of seafood and steaks as you take in the unique surroundings and glow of history. Inside the fuselage you'll also find a small bar.

DAY 4

Where in the world is MapmakerJenny?


MANUEL ANTONIO

Manuel Antonio contains a charming combination of rain forest, beaches and coral reefs. This beaches are the most beautiful in the country, lined with lush forest, and the snorkeling is excellent too. The forest is home for sloths, iguanas, the rare and adorable squirrel monkeys and millions of colorful little crabs. And the trail that winds around Punta Catedral affords some spectacular views. The park is easy to reach, south of the town of Quepos, and is near a good selection of hotels and restaurants.






Boca Bar Mogotes


Our new 80,000 gal adult pool also features a whirlpool spa, waterwall-falls, swim-up bar, and spectacular romantic ocean and jungle vistas. It has two 42 inches flat TVs (for contact with the real world – news-sports), and a deliciously light food menu. We develped Boca Bar Mogotes to accomodate the needs of our adult guests – yet another exotic get-a-away-from-it-all Si Como No experience. For guests over 18.






Si Como No

Si Como No Resort Spa & Wildlife Refuge is a central-Pacific coast resort in the jungle-covered hills just above Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s barefoot luxury with a pura vida vibe, perfect for families and couples who love the beach, tropical adventures, spa, pools, superb dinning and four-star accommodations.

This award-winning eco-design nature resort & spa offers its guest its own signature version of “barefoot luxury.” Panoramic views are yours to enjoy from beautiful balconies looking down from the most idyllic hilltop in the area.

Enjoy nearby beaches, Manuel Antonio National Park and the hotel’s private Wildlife Refuge and Butterfly Atrium, adjacent to the property. Renown for warm, friendly service, guests can choose from two excellent restaurants, guided nature and adventure tours plus shopping, fabulous nightlife and our own private cinema. And for Costa Rica weddings and honeymoons, this is where life memories are made, one tropical sunset at a time.

DAY 3

Where in the world is MapmakerJenny?

ALAJUELA


Zoo Ave

Dozens of scarlet macaws, reclusive owls, majestic raptors, several different species of toucans, and a host of brilliantly colored birds from Costa Rica and around the world make this one exciting place to visit. In total, over 115 species of birds are on display, including some 80 species found in Costa Rica. Bird-watching enthusiasts will be able to get a closer look at birds they might have seen in the wild. There are also large iguana, deer, tapir, ocelot, puma, and monkey exhibits -- and look out for the 3.6m (12-ft.) crocodile. Zoo Ave. houses only injured, donated, or confiscated animals. It takes about 2 hours to walk the paths and visit all the exhibits here.






The Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm is situated in the central valley town of La Guácima de Alajuela. La Guácima is about a 25 minute drive west of San José (from La Sabana park). The town is also located about 25 minutes southwest of Alajuela and the Juan Santamaría International Airport. The Butterfly Farm is located 500 meters south, 100 meters east, of the main entrance to Los Reyes Country Club. The farm's entrance is on the left hand side.

For over 20 years, since 1990, The Butterfly Farm has been offering in-depth 2-hour guided tours to the public. Depending on the weather, what's going on in the garden and the guide, every tour is unique and provides a broad perspective on butterflies, Nature and mankind's fascination wtih these extraordinary insects.

In 2009 the farm introduced the Gallery for Human Transformation. Drawing upon the understandings of the ancient Greeks and traditional cultures, the gallery synthysizes the symbolic and mythological meanings of the butterfly and, metaphorically, suggests man's need to complete his own metamorphosis.

DAY 2

Where in the World is Mapmaker Jenny?

SAN JOSE - ALAJUELA, COSTA RICA

One of the oldest democracies in the Americas, Costa Rica is also considered one of the most biologically diverse countries on earth. It covers only .03% of the world's surface (roughly the size of West Virginia) and yet has an astonishing 5% of the world's life forms. With a population of approximately three million people, Costa Rica is a country that enjoys immense diversity of climates and environmental regions.

Costa Rica, or "rich coast" in English, is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast. It is endowed with a virtual treasure trove of palm-fringed Caribbean beaches, steaming volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, forested mountains, dense rain forests, dramatic cloud forests, and rustic countryside. Its people pride themselves on peace and friendliness while the rich biodiversity lends opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

Set in a spectacular valley and surrounded by mountains, San José is Costa Rica’s capital city with a population of 325,000. It has both peaceful colonial-era neighborhoods and a hectic downtown. San José is home to numerous museums, theatres, cafes, and the Teatro Nacional, which hosts plays, operas, ballets, and the National Symphony Orchestra. San José offers good nightlife as well, with plenty of bars and places to catch live music.

DAY 1

Where in the world is Mapmaker Jenny?

Today I flew from Oklahoma City, OK to Dallas, TX.

The flight was just the way I like it... Uneventful.

Carol met me at the airport and we began the trip as we be both imagined, with some good ole Tex Mex dining.

Afterwards, we spent the evening going over what we both hope to get out of this photography tour.

As usual it involved lots of laughing.

Costa Rica 2011 Tour

Two Sisters and a Road Map

It's time once again for another adventure of Two Sisters and a Road Map.

This tour features a photography drive through Central Texas with my favorite shutterbuddy Carol N. from Dallas.

We'll be traveling by way of country backroads from the Big D to Rockdale.

The cameras are charged, tripods packed, and lots of memories are waiting to be made.

Stay tuned...

Day 5 - Island of Rousay

Wednesday on Rousay - Caz and I took the the ferry boat ride to the island of Rousay. Our sites included the Blackhammer Cairn, Taversoe Tuick, and the Midhowe Broch.

We enjoyed seal watching on the cliffs and relaxing until it was time to catch the ferry back to the Mainland of Orkney.

The Blackhammer Cairn is thought to date from around 3,000 BC, the structure is a typical stalled cairn, with an interior divided into seven compartments by pairs of upright stone slabs.

It was quite and experience to be standing in a tomb from so long ago. My mind would wander back in time trying to visualize what life would have been like for the Orcadians of this period.

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Taversoe Tuick Cairn is a chambered cairn built into the hillside on the south side of Rousay, overlooking Wyre Sound.
Dating from around 3,000 BC. This cairn is a two-story structure, with one chamber set on top of the other.

This was an interesting cairn with two entrances. I climbed around like a little kid and enjoyed every bit of it.

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Midhow Broch was probably my favorite of all the sites in Orkney. Constructed and used some time between 200BC and 200AD, at first glance the Midhowe broch appears to have been built with defence in mind.

Standing on a promontory formed by two geos, the broch is protected on one side by the sea and on the landward side by a stone rampart and ditch. This massive rampart is built in an arc between the two geos and effectively cuts off access from the land.

Among the items uncovered were the remains of a bronze ladle and some shards of pottery - items that had a definite Roman origin. Because Orkney was well away from the areas of Roman control, they must either have been acquired as gifts or through trading or raiding excursions south.

Day 4 - Orkney Islands, Scotland

My Archaeology Tour Begins

If you are ever interested in an archaeology tour of the Orkney Islands I highly recommend Caz Mamwell with Orkney Archaeology Tours. My time with Caz was one to be remembered. She is highly knowledgeable in her field and leads a professional tour. I will definitely book again.

Caz picked me up at my hotel and we were off on our journey for the day.

Our first stop was The Bishop and Earl's Palaces, and an in-depth tour and of St. Magnus Cathedral. I would have never discovered everything on my own.

Day 3 - Kirkwall, Scotland

Feeling Great!

I woke up this morning feeling great. I slept well and adjusted to the time change. I now feel as if I am on Scotland time.

I took a taxi to the Orkney Museum and was able to see all the artifacts I've seen in the various archaeology books I've read over time. It's amazing how different they looked in real life.
Afterwards I toured the ruins of the Earl's Palace as well as the Bishop's Palace. I walked over the the St. Magnus Cemetery to take a few photos. I didn't stay long since that was scheduled to be the first day of my archaology tour with Caz Mamwell.

The highlight of my day was my visit to Ola Gorie Jewelry to see my friend Karoline. She looked as beautiful as I remembered her last year. We talked for a bit and then I purchased the Kells earrings I've had my eyes on for some time. We agreed to meet up later in the week.

Ola Gorie Jewelry shop. http://olagorieshop.com/

My dinner that night back at the Lynnfield was fantastic! The entire staff treated me like royalty.

Day 1 & 2 - OKC to Scotland

Leave OKC @ 10:25 AM (Saturday) - Arrive Houston @ 11:52 AM

Leave Houston @ 2:30PM - Arrive New York / Newark @ 7:31 PM

Leave New York @ 10:15PM -Arrive in Edinburgh @ 10:00 AM (Sunday)

Leave Edinburgh @ 5:50PM - Arrive in Kirkwall, Scotland @ 7:50PM

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Finally made it to the Orkney Islands!

Wow... it's been a long two days. I ate seafood in Newark and was sick during the entire flight to Edinburgh. It's not a good idea to eat big before an overseas trip.

When we arrived in Edinburgh our cousin Pat met us at the airport and took us to eat lunch in a small town outside of Edinburgh called Cotslin. Afterwards we drove over to Rosslyn Chapel. I was still feeling a bit puny and was not much company, nor interested in taking photos.

They drove me back to the airport and I boarded my flight to Orkney.

After I landed and walked outside of the small airport I soon remembered that Orkney is a place that is never in a hurry. I immediately felt myself winding down to slow motion. I waited about 20 minutes for a cab to come out and pick me up and drive me to the Lynnfield Hotel.

The Restaurant has a whisky theme to its décor, which is appropriate since the hotel is very close to Highland Park distillery.

It has been a very long two days.

Scotland 2009 ...35 Days and Counting!

It's been a rough past few months and I haven't had the time to catch up on Blogger until today. I really shouldn't work so hard... really.

When I checked my calendar this morning I realized we only have 35 days until our Scotland 2009 Tour. This indeed turned my focus around to much brighter thoughts.

The best part so far is that the trip is all inclusive and has been paid since December 2008. Otherwise, I would have been busy cancelling flights and hotel arrangement this week. My company filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday and my job situation is any one's guess at the moment. It's really troubling to witness the beating that our economy is taking right now, especially for all of us in the Energy Industry.

I'd say without a doubt that this is one vacation that is well deserved and much needed. So, onward we go!