The Galápagos Hawk is endemic to the Galápagos Islands. Though there are some similar relatives on North and South American mainland, this species has traits entirely unique to this archipelago. In their maturity, the adult hawks are a dark blackish-grey, though in their youth they have a very different brown speckled appearance to assist with their camouflage until then reach an age where they can more easily fend for themselves. Near the top of the food chain in their division, they are an apex predator, eating anything that they can easily lift or tear apart with their powerful talons and beak. There is currently little concern for the extinction of this magnificent bird.

The giant tortoises of the Galápagos islands are one of the most important creatures found here, by means of man's understanding of the significant importance this archipelago holds. Not only is the name "Galápagos" derived from the spanish word galápago, meaning tortoise, these prehistoric looking animals were also a fundamental influence to Darwin's theory of evolution. Finding various species on 7 of the islands, there are distinct difference between each, which helped them adapt to the geographical differences of the islands. Even on the same island you may find low-land Tortoises with saddle shaped shells and long necks, compared to their high-land relatives who have larger shells and shorter necks. These harmless creatures were once hunted to the brink of extinction, but now with assistance from the Darwin Society, they have been bred back to sustainable populations and reintroduced into the islands in full abundance. 

Florianópolis is a spectacular city located just north of Argentina in southern Brazil. An ocean side city, it's layout is quite unique. It's a continental city which also has  several islands with it's inhabitants, just off the shore. One island in particular is attached to mainland with a narrow peninsula, and is one of the primary locations visitors will spend much of their time. This part of the city is made up in a large part from the scattered villages nestled in between hills and rainforest which compose much of the islands landscape. The state Santa Catarina is one of the greenest in Brazil, with many initiatives to keep Florianópolis along with other cities within it not only building green infrastructure, but protecting it's own natural resources as well. According to the United Nations, this city also has the highest Human Development Index (HDI) in Brazil.

Known well for it's surf, Florianópolis also has many other activities to do. From hiking to biking, to just exploring the towns, you are sure to not be short of anything fun to do while visiting.

One of my favorite pass-times when visiting Vancouver, is to walk along the exterior wall of Stanley Park right before sunset. It's a gorgeous walk with the water's edge to one side, and one of the world's largest rain forests in a city's interior to your other side. As you make your way along the path, you'll often find interesting pieces of art people have left the mark with: graffiti, soap stone carvings, paintings for sale, and in the case pictured above, rock towers which have been permanently installed using metal rods. 

It's a beautiful way to end your day. I'd highly suggest it to anyone with a spare evening in the city of Vancouver.

When visiting Indonesia, or more specifically the island of Java, it is recommended that you see at least one performance of the classical courtyard dances - Bedoyo, Srimpi and Petilan. Traditionally performed in a Pendopo (essentially a large open courtyard covered only by a typical Javanese peaked roof), these ancient dances date back as far as the 8th century AD. Originally performed for specifically for Royalty, there are often now performances found in both public and private Pendopos. The image above was taken in one of the main public Pendopos in central Yogyakarta, and was free for the public to attend. 

When travelling by ship to Antarctica from the southern tip of South America, you will undoubtedly make a few stops in the South Shetland islands along your journey. This is where you'll find slightly warmer climates, and with that, an abundance of penguins and seals, and sea birds. This shot was taken on Aitcho Island, one of the many rugged islands which make up the landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetlands. The landscapes are unparalleled to anything I've seen before. You can feel it in your soul that you're somewhere very special, which is unique and unlike anywhere else on earth. 

What will you find after a grueling week of climbing endless steps, hiking winding trails leading you up and down foothills through extreme climates, and reaching levels of altitude high above where the tree line stops? One of the most wondrous base camps, of course. Annapurna is a mountain range situated in the heart of Nepal, which has attracted avid hikers for decades, if not centuries. Though not conveniently marked, it is possible to navigate the trail to Annapurna's Base Camp (ABC) without a guide, though if you have any hesitation it may be best to hire one or at least get very well drawn out maps prior to your attempt... ahem.. speaking from experience, and having NOT done this. There are a number of towns and villages, mind you, through out the entire trail. Most of these towns have guest houses and restaurants (often two in the same), with more than friendly faces to welcome you. 

Ironically enough, after miraculously finding the base camp unguided, and without a map (or a clue) of how to really get there, a familiar statue stood a top the end of the trail, welcoming me to Base Camp. An Inukshuk is a landmark made of stone, often large enough to be seen on the edge of a horizon, which traditionally have been built by Inuit, and other Native Americans living in the Arctic regions. It is suspected that they were once used for Navigation, a marker for travel routes. I probably could have used many more of these along the hike, rather than just at the end destination. 

The feeling of accomplishment, mixed with the unparalleled view from the Rooftop of the world, however... worth every wrong turn, sprain, cramp, and  complaint I ever could have had, hundreds of times over. 

Honestly, what could be better than having a warm ocean breeze embracing your body and penetrating your soul, while gently rocking back and forth on a tire swing hung palm tree so perfectly shaped it was destined to carry you, as Koh Pangang's powdered-white sands whiski beneath your feet and the tropical sun sets in the west? Not a whole lot, in my humble opinion! 

One of the many relaxing moments which can be had on Koh Pangang, Thailand

What visit to Japan would be complete without a visit to see the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji? Nestled slightly off the beaten path of the Shinkansens, I did find it was not 'as' easy to get to directly as I would have expected. One of the best observation points is from the town of Fujikawaguchiko-machi (surrounded by the beautiful Lake Kawaguchi). From town you can take either a trail or a gondola up to the top of Mt. Kachi Kachi. From atop the mountain, you will have a breath-taking view of the world famous Mount Fuji, in all it's glory. This photo was taken in early March, when the Cherry Blossom trees were in full bloom, and snow still glistened from the peaks of the majestic mountain. The air is crisp at this time of year, and though it can be quite sunny, you may also risk heavy cloud cover which may obstruct your view of the mountain, along with bringing some spring showers as well. 

If ever venturing along the Gold Coast of Australia's eastern shores, you'll undoubtedly end up in a beautiful town known as Byron Bay. Here you'll find Australia's most Easterly Point, as first recorded by Captain Cook while he sailed past on the Endeavor in 1770. The city has a fair amount of nature and trails to explore. There is a light house atop a hill, easily accessible by paved hiking trails, where you can overlook the easterly point. If you wish to be a little more daring, you can climb out amongst the crashing waves and rocky shore line to the actual most Easterly point. Often you will find local fisherman casting off from these rocks. One was even kind enough to offer me one of his catch from the day!

*Disclaimer: Please be careful if climbing out amongst the rocks! Do so at your own risk and comfort level, preferably in the company of a friend. ;)