4th of July

Happy 4th of July folks! Although it doesn't seem like the 4th today with all that has been going on around us, I've decided I'm going to make the best of it. I'm digging out all my red, whites & blues around the house, hanging flags everywhere & will make it as festive as if I'm having a party. I will go to shoprite, pick up a few things, make salads, pies & frozen drinks & party like it really is…. the 4th of July!

I'll have 5 grandchildren for a sleepover by 4:30.....I'll make firefly cages out of plastic mayo jars, take them out on the boat to our island to watch fireworks from 8 different locations, let them swim under a full moon & float on tubes. We'll let off wish / sky lanterns & what we have left of some old fireworks.

The mess will STILL be here tomorrow. I'll work on it more then. Today, it's time to celebrate being an AMERICAN! To celebrate our FREEDOM, FREEDOM of CHOICE to come & go as we please & the FREEDOM to make our own DESICIONS. I have been to many countries that we may never see in this lifetime ever come to know any of this.

AMERICA

FREEDOM

FREEDOM OF CHOICE

INDEPENDENCE

Don't ever take for granted any of these things. As rough as it can be now a days, we still have it better than most countries. Visit a 3rd world country sometime & you will come back with an entirely new perspective. Oh, & make sure you take your children for they know no better than for what they only know. They think the world owes them. Let them get the visual of what it's really like out there.

Happy 4th of July my friends!

Celebrate Your / Our Independence!!

PEACE, LOVE & HAPPINESS!!!!

Thank You!

I want to thank all of you for coming out to my presentation on "The Magic of Churchill" & the polar bears at the Noyes Museum. If anyone has any additional questions on the polar bears or their environment, please don't hesitate to send me an email. If I don't know the answer, I will certainly find out for you! I hope I have accomplished my goal in taking you to the north with me and sharing in my passion of the wildlife that exists there.

Food for thought...If we all would lower our thermostats by just 2 degrees, we would lessen our carbon footprint on our earth and help to save the polar bears by doing so.

Thanks again!

Much Peace, Love & Happiness!

Back in the states...

I've come to find I've learned more about Churchill than I ever thought I would. Although, I believe I can never learn enough.
Churchill is an incredible place. Alot of controversy was heard about what is happening there. As I had mentioned in previous posts, I had taken the VIA Canada train to Churchill as there aren't any roads that lead there. There is flight service, but weighing out the cost between the flight & the train, well, obviously, the train was the way to go for me. As many of you know, I get to the places I do because of the way I travel. I don't always have all the luxuries many other people do when they travel, but, for me, it's all about the experiences I have along the way. Besides that, I have no problem roughing it!
I met many fascinating people on the 2 day train ride to Churchill. There was a group called "The Great Bear Foundation", there were biologist, documentary film makers, naturalists, people whom embarked on a journey to the Churchill Research Center, photographers, a forester, people who have made it their lives ambition to see as much of the world as possible, the young, the old & all ages in between. ( this is only some of the people I met!)
The train does not travel at very fast speeds because of permafrost doing damage to the tracks. They are in constant need of maintenance. I got to bare witness to this as we passed a train wreck along the way.
We traveled through the Boreal Forest being made up of Birch, Popular, White & Black Spruce trees. It was beautiful!

On the day I rented my old Ford pick up truck, I traveled to the end of the road to The Research Center. (after I was chased by a bear down the road in reverse) It wasn't what I though it would be, but, an amazing place just the same. This image is of a missile launch that remains there from when the military did their research there.

 Global warming is very real. The North is one of the places that will give you much insight as to what is happening globally. The Hudson Bay has not froze yet, there hasn't been much snow, it's been warmer than usual & the polar bears are starving. There are predictions that the polar bears may be extinct within 4 to 5 years if things continue the way they are going.

The bears need the ice to freeze so as to get to their main food staple, the ringed seals.
There is an area called the dump where grain has been dumped & buried & alot of the bears go there for this grain. The grain ferments, the bears dig it up, eat it & then become drunk from ingesting it. It is not healthy for them.

As cute as these bears look, they are extremely dangerous. They can run 35 mph, humans can not. They can turn over a vehicle, destroy a wall to get into a house & after they are dropped off by helicopter between 200 to 500 miles away, can find their way back within 5 days. They are smart animals. (Although, most all animals are smarter than most humans give them credit for) Never underestimate them.

My last day there, I woke up to about 6 to 8 inches of snow & I had another opportunity to go dog sledding, only on a real sled this time. It was amazing! We went on trails through the Boreal Forest, it was so quiet except for the sound of the sled & the paws of the dogs mushing along. It was beautiful!

I'm thankful to be home again, safely, in my bed & to have all the luxuries of home!
Thank you for your comments & following my blog! I will keep you posted as to when there will be a viewing of the images from this incredible adventure!

Churchill, Manitoba, Canada...Polar Bears and More!

I began my journey flying out of Philadelphia to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I stayed overnight there for 1 night & caught a train the next day at noon. The train ride to Churchill is 2 days. Needless to say, you make some friends along the way!

We stopped at several places, The Pas, Thompson, Gilliam, Dauphin, to pick up & drop off people whom were not all going the entire way, but this seems to be the best means of transport between these towns & or villages. We spent a few hours in Thompson & were able to get off the train & walk to town. (this image is from the depot in Thompson)

The train went through fields of golden grasses, the Boreal Forest & then the Tiaga.

Upon arriving in Churchill, I caught a taxi with a couple I had meant on the train that were staying at the Blue Sky Bed & Sled as well. www.http://blueskymush.com

We were greeted by Miranda, from Hong Kong & Carys, from Whales, two of the delightful volunteers that work here, & escorted to our rooms upstairs. Shortly there after, our host, Jenafor Azure, came home from errands & gave us information on the house, a map, & told us of our gifts from them to us! She then asked if I had wanted to go to the dog sledding area as they had a dog sledding tour at 1:00. I went with her to pick up the guest & then off to the dog sledding area. There I met Gerald, Jenafor's husband, our other host. I had scheduled a dog sledding adventure for the following day, but as it ended up, I was there so I joined in for the fun then. Gerald gave us information on dog sledding, how they called their demands & such & then we went out for an adventure of a lifetime! There hasn't been any snow to speak of, so Gerald took us out on a sled he has designed that runs on wheels. You really can't tell the difference! We went around a loop a couple of times & then back to the yard. It was amazing! After that I went to dinner with the other dog sledding guest. We ate, drank wine & had an evening of great conversation!

Next morning Gerald took me out for sunrise & then on to the grain dump.

There are alot of polar bears hang out there.

We drove around for parts of the day scouting for more bears, viewing the incredible landscape & eventually ended at the marina with the dogs for sunset.

Thursday was my scheduled day for my Tundra Buggy tour. A bus collected me at 8am & we then set off to the Tundra Buggy launch site. We seen 5 bears, including a mother with 2 cubs along the way.

The Tundra Buggy was filled with about 30 of us & is like a school bus / tank with approximatley 4 feet between the 2 rows of seating, has a heating element like a fireplace of sorts & a viewing deck on the back so we can go out & photograph from there.

We drove over the Tiaga & the Tundra & at times seems as if we would roll over, but these vechicles are specifically made for travel on this area.

We had seen polar bears & artic fox.

I rented an old ford pick up truck yesterday & went on my own for awhile. I then had made plans the night before to meet up with a friend, Jodi, from the train in town. She had let me know about a bear lift / drop that was going on at the bear jail at 1:00. These are bears that have repeated offenses in town, are jailed in "bear jail"for a short time, tagged & then air lifted to a safer area further up north.

We then traveled as far as the road would take us up to the Research Center. I had met a gentleman the night before at a culture talk that our hosts, Gerald & Jenafor had given at their tent where the dog sledding is held, & he had invited us to go along on a lecture that was about to begin of the missel launch area out there.

My time here has seem to have passed way to quickly. I have made some awesome new friends & Gerald & Jenafor have treated me like family they have not seen in along time. They could not have taken better care of me. I already have plans for my return in the summer to see the beluga whales.

Tonight I board the train again for another 2 days into Winnipeg. I'll stay for 1 night, then back to the airport for my return home.

If you ever get the itch to come north, come & see Gerald & Jenafor, you won't go wrong! Jenafor will make you an incredible breakfast to last you for the day & stear you in the right direction for all of what Churchill has to offer as it is not just all about polar bears here!

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

I awoke at 2:00am this Saturday morning & left for the Philadelphia airport at 3:20am. The airport was interesting, as usual. Getting through security has always been a problem, but since September 11th, it's more trying than ever. Canon has loaned me their 800mm lens & I think security thought I was looking for that long shot, never having a photograph in mind. I made it through to Denver in a little more than 4 hours with the next big hurtle being the smaller plane to Winnipeg. They weren't going to let me on the plane with all my equipment. They wanted me to check the suitcase with all my gear, the other held only the 800mm. I was guarding the 800 with my life so I couldn't let them take that, I would never want to let canon down. They even took me onto the plane I caused such a fuss to prove it to me that there was no way it was going to fit on that plane. They were right. I shed a few tears, still, that wasn't going to make it fit on the plane either. The man at security did say he would personally take my case & put it on board himself, but he couldn't account for it on the other end. At some point I was told I had to check in at another desk. When I went down there, I suddenly came up with the idea that I should take the backpack out of the suitcase, fill it with my other things, coat, scarf, pillow, a few chargers, flung it around on my back, held onto the 800 & gave them the suitcase. I pulled it off! Where there is a will, there is a way! Positive thoughts go a long way too!

Flying into Winnipeg, I seen a few miles of wind farms, surrounded by many food farms. I was also told by one of the locals on the plane that the government was looking to extend a road from Winnipeg to Churchill which would elimnate the need for the train. I would say be careful of all those changes. I think it would take away from what makes one so curious to want to be there in the first place.

In a little less than 2 hours & I was in Winnipeg. Going through customs was a breeze, especially now I know the answers they're looking for. Learned alot of those mistakes along the way!

I exchanged my currency at the airport, then I called the hotel shuttle & they were there within 5 minutes. There was a group of us all going to the same hotel. I asked if any of them were going to see the polar bears & all of them were. Only difference was that they were flying into Churchill in the morning & I'll be headed for the train station. Hugh difference in price & time traveling. They'll be there in 1 to 2 hours, it'll take me 2 days by train. As much as I would love to see Churchill by air, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to the train ride.

My room at the hotel is like a small condo & I feel like a princess being in it! I went down to the lounge, ordered dinner, & brought it back up to my room & watched a movie. Life is good! Tonight, I'll retire early, wake up early, have breakfast downstairs, then catch a cab across town to the train station & embark on the next part of my journey.

Till then my friends, stay well & be happy!

Back Home...

We're finally home again! Can I tell you how grateful we are?! As many of you may already know, Haiti has had a lot happen since we've been there. Now the people are battling cholera amongst all the other battles they must contend with on a daily basis.
We returned from Haiti on October 13th & we did the Batsto Country Living Show on the 17th, nice day, but not a good show for me. That's ok though, not every show is "my" show. We left the following day for Monroe, Virginia, (near Lynchburg) to collect my dog, Ashley, & debriefed for several days in the great care of Sue & John. Sue is an awesome cook! She made fresh bread for us on a daily basis, I had honey for my tea from her bees, & most everything there is all organic. We walked around Lynchburg one day, went to the apple orchids, hiked through the mountains every day, had a bonfire outside one evening & generally just relaxed. It was nice to just "be".
John has recently updated his phone to a Droid & it's amazing! We played with it throughout our stay, but what I loved the most about it was viewing the solar system above me & below! Very cool times we live in!
We came home late Thursday evening & left for the Pocono's on Friday, taking along with us our grandsons, Mason & Mark, & son, Steven & of course, Ashley.
Saturday we went to the little town of Jim Thorpe, not far from the house, & took the kids on their fall foliage train ride. The kids loved it! We have taken Mason several times, but this was Mark's 1st time. We then returned home, picked up Ashley, & took the boys hiking at Mudd Run. Quite the little hikers these boys have turned out to be! I was really impressed! There wasn't any whining!
Sunday, after cleaning up the house, we took the boys to the old train tunnel at Leigh Gorge State Park & then onto another hike. They couldn't get enough of hiking! It makes me so proud!! It was very different hiking at the park though. We haven't hiked there in years. Although it's a nice hike, there were lots of other people & the trail was very busy. There were also a lot of dogs so Ashley had to be kept on a leash. Something she's not used to when she's hiking. We usually hike like we camp....away from everyone & everything! Just free to be!
We arrived back home last night. I'm sick, fighting a nasty cold, flu or something, but this too shall pass. It's good to be here. The end of the week, I'll be in New York at the Photo Plus Photographers Convention at the Javits Center & then back to Virginia to take care of Sue & John's farm while they enjoy each others company in Greece for a couple of weeks.
Till next time, take care of yourselves & each other, everybody needs someone at some point!

Haiti ~ Home

We arrived safely back to into the USA on Wednesday evening! We can't begin to tell you how happy & grateful we are to live here! We appreciate so many things as we walk around our home. Turning on the facet & the water comes out, turning on a light switch & the light comes on, having a door to open to our home that we love so much, good food & being able to cook on a stove & then clean up after it with clean water in a sink, the shower...you actually come out feeling clean, television, well, that I'm sure I could live without, but it is a nice luxury, but that's what it is, a luxury. I get mail, it may not always be good, but, I have a mailbox & people can send me things! I'll be going to the food store today & I will love every minute of it! I'll be like a kid in a candy store! AND...security won't be waiting outside the door to take me to my guarded vechicle. I feel free, safe, the air is breathable. But, the best part of all is seeing my family again.
Steven came to pick us up at the airport. He took us to dinner at the Library in Turnersville on the way home. I couldn't get enough of him! It was so great to see him! Truth be told, I think he was really happy to see us too. Crista came yesterday morning with Mason & Myla & spent the better part of the day with us. I just can't begin to tell you how wonderful it was to see them as well. Myla came running across the house with her arms wide open towards me, I picked her up, spun her around as her legs flung through the air, she hugged me & kissed me! We danced, cooked breakfast, played games, did puzzels & read books together. Myla's vocabulary has increased to a point that I can now have conversations with her. It's amazing! Mason spent some alone time with his Mom for a bit, came back & worked on making electricty happen. He's such a smart child. Usually, when I tell him I love him, (mind you he's 9) he'll just reply with "what you said". Yesterday as he left, he said the words, "I love you", he turned, looked at me as he walked off the front porch with these eyes that really meant it. They missed us too. Now, I can't wait to see Mark.
There's a fire burning in the fireplace, fall leaves are changing & the air is crisp. It's a beautiful thing! I love this country! I love my family & friends & thanks for supporting me no matter what. You all know I'm crazy! Was it worth it.....yes. To see what we've seen & to have went through what we went through was definetley an eye opener. The images I have taken while there, well, that was worth it too. Would I go back....I don't know. There would have to be some serious discussion about that & reasoning behind it. Never say never.
Thanks to all of you who have kept up with us while away!
This weekend.....Batsto Country Living show on Sunday, Virginia on Monday till maybe Friday & the weekend in the Pocono's! We deserve it! After that, back to work. Can't be anything like Haiti though! It'll be a pleasure!

Haiti...The multi talented Ronnie AND Our Friday night!

The men only have one day off, so, this is "Friday Night". No big deal except being able to sleep in in the morning. The guys are stopping at the Food Giant on the way home again, so I'll make breakfast for anyone who is up for it.

Unfortunatley, the helicopter ride & mountain excursion seems to be cancelled at this moment. Colin, the pilot, has another flight scheduled as per his boss, so we got bumped. I guess you have to go where the money is. We're bummed, but, some things just aren't meant to be. I will let you know if anything changes though.

I went to the jobsite yesterday. Alot has changed! They're on the last phase of the market & are making good time. They won't be finished today as they had hoped, but like I said in an earlier post, stuff happens.

Yesterday, the guys errected more columns, connected beams inbetween, put up some roof trusses, unloaded the trailor, conferred with other officials, Ronnie began to plumb up the building....the list goes on & on, they are SO busy all day long! It only ends at 5:00 & then the arduous ride home begins. And if it rains, depending on what vechicle you're in, you could be detained a bit longer at the botton of the hill on the home stretch.

We're now looking at being home around mid week or so. Although, I don't know what happened weather wise down in Port Au Prince today, but, we had a intense rain storm pass through here. It rained so intensely, not for too long, but there was a lot of water!

I uploaded another album on facebook today, titled, "Haiti_jobsite_ October 8, 2010".

I will go again probably on Monday & Tueday too as this will be the end of the job & as important as the beginning

Looking forward to seeing my kids, grandkids, family, friends & my dog & of course all my many luxuries at home for I feel like such a rich person. I have so much when "All you really need is love"! (The other things just makes life so much more bearable, but they truly are luxuries.)

Oh, sidenote...it would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday today.

Haiti...A Brand New Day...

The time gets closer every day till we depart this place, but the horrors we've witnessed here may never abandon our minds. Even the stories the men come home with stick to my thoughts throughout the middle of my nights & days.
They told me of a young girl around 12, hair all matted & wearing nothing but a shirt walking the streets & it had appeared she had been out all night in the rain. I can't imagine her story. The one I have in my mind is not a pretty one.
The children finally began their schooling on this past Monday. They have not been to school since the earthquake. Some won't return because the parents haven't any money & they must pay, not only for the schooling, but they need clothes, shoes & school supplies. My grandson, Mason, had gathered many of our pencil collection, (God only knows how we ended up with so many in the first place) & sent them with me to give out to the children here. I gave them all out to the men on the job that have children. I wish I only had several thousand more.
And if you think our govenment is bad, you should visit a third world country. I've seen this too many times where the rich get richer & the poor, well, the goverment likes to beat them down every chance they get. They don't make it easy for a child to get an education. There is so much needed here. Education being the first thing that comes to my mind. The people's dream here is to one day come to America. If they made it a better place to live here, then why would one want to leave? The weather may be hot, but it's the Carribean....you think, sun, fun, beauty...they have hunted all the native wildlife here to extinction, the fish as well, the trees cut down, & water??? I've told you how they bath themselves.
This is what I would do....As much as it rains here, give them large barrels to retain the water in, (just think of your daily water use in one day) put them on stands high up so they could be gravity fed.....compost so that they could start a soil program to begin their own gardens, a food source to be better able to care for themselves, start a seed exchange & teach them when to gather seeds for future plantings....grow sustainable forests, trees or shrubery like euculyptus, bamboo, & what ever is indigenous to this area....a fish hatchery & replenish the sea...raise chickens, there sure is enough roosters CROWING from 2:00am on.....some cows, goats......and if they can't afford schooling for their children, some of the more educated parents could run a home schooling program where they could alternate their schedules so as they could continue working their jobs....teach them how to recycle, it would cut down on all this trash & let them earn a few dollars turning their trash into some other useful item. They could even make toys, shopping bags, birdhouses & such out of recycled materials to sell to tourist to make some sort of income....ok, what it all boils down to is EDUCATION. The Government has the money. We know they do. But instead, they live their corrupt little lives behind walls with barbed wire so no one can steal from them what they've stolen from the people. Alright, guess I'd better stop now...I am still in this country.
On another note....It seems Pat will not be keeping the part of his finger that was reattached while here after all. Pat, if you read this, please keep us updated with your progress. We're keeping you in our thoughts & prayers & of course wish you all the best.
The men think they are winding down with the Iron Market & the end seems to be in sight! They may be finished on Saturday, but don't hold me to that. Stuff happens. Sunday, we're going to go up in the helicopter in the morning & after that, Colin, the pilot, said he would take us up the mountain where the air is cool, there's an awesome lodge up there that has great food & the scenery is beautiful! We can't wait!
There is another facebook album with jobsite photos from the last time I was there. I am now offically caught up! Till tomorrow that is! I'll be going to the site the next couple of days so I can capture the finale! Of this phase anyway, which I think was the biggest part of it.
I'll be in touch when I can! Till then, stay well, take care of one another & Love, Love, Love!!!

Haiti images update...

I've added more images at the end of the "Haiti" album on facebook. Originally, I had planned on creating a separate album for each new upload, but, facebook was giving me issues with that. Maybe next time.

These are the airials from the helicopter ride.

Enjoy!

Oh, & thanks for all your mail, emails, & comments! They are really looked forward to & greatly appreciated!

Haiti Images.....

I have just posted 99 images on facebook for all of you to see. If your not already a "friend" just send me a friend request so I can add you to my list & you'll be able to view the album. Do a search for Holly Horner or Holly Horner Photography as I have 2 pages apparently & I have posted the albums on both. The Holly Horner one has editing, names & a little other information on some of the images. By the time I posted the album to the other page, I decided to just upload them & if I get the chance later I will label them. Right now, I want to work on more images for you all to see.

I'll be posting more as I edit....please be patient with me!

These images are from my first day at the jobsite.

I'll work on more today & do what I can, but tomorrow I go out to the jobsite again.

I don't bring my laptop there because I can't babysit it every moment of the day....I'm busy out taking pictures! The conex box is not kept locked. Although, we do keep a pretty good eye on it. We do have to monitor our water situtation for the guys. We can buy more, but, things are very expensive here & we try to count on what we have. We drink A LOT of water.

Hope to hear from some of you soon...

Hugs,

Holly

PS In this image of Billy with guys on his birthday is Ronnie, Lance, Richie, Mike & a new friend from the UN, Jim...he's actually from the states!!

Haiti Happy Birthday to Billy Day!!

Today is Billy's birthday! It worked out perfectly being the guys only day off this week. So far, we've celebrated in our room, making Billy & all the guys a nice breakfast. Not something they've had since they've been here. (I did the best I could with what we have to work with!) Right now, we're trying to set up a helicopter ride for this evening. I hope it works out as I had one the other day & it was freaking AWESOME!!! I met Collin, the pilot, here several days ago. A nice guy from Canada & works as a bush pilot there. He's been here since March & will work here for a full year. He had to go to the airpot for fuel & asked if I wanted to go for a ride.....what else would I say??!! It was only 8 minutes there & 8 minutes back, but, so FREAKIN COOL!!!!

On another note....we have one man down. Pat. He cut off part of his finger on Friday afternoon. He was rushed to a clinic along with Ronnie by his side. Shortly there after, the part of his finger that was severed off followed. The doctor there took very good care of him, reattached the finger, shot him in the butt several times with antibiotics & pain killers, & sent him on his way back here to the hotel. Everyone thought it be best if he returned home immediatley for care in the US. The clinic was clean & everything went as smooth as possible, BUT....well, you all get it. Ronnie & I dropped him off as the airport yesterday morning to fly back home.

We miss him terribly. Pat, if you're reading this, please know how much we miss you! We wish you a speedy recovery!!

With one man down, the others are taking up the slack quite well, but, not that it's easy. Thank God for the team that we have here. If all continues to go as well as it has, we should be outta here by maybe next weekend sometime, but, we'll see.

I went to the jobsite again yesterday, Saturday, & I can't believe how the job has progressed! Even though it has only been a few days since I've been there last, it amazes me how much these guys can accomplish in such a short amount of time. They literally work their butts off.

There are still language barriers between crane operators, guards, & guys they have put to work up in the air on the steel, but everyone works these issues out. If they don't, Ronnie comes along & will jump on a crane in a moments notice(!).

I have photographed the site from every angle, up in the air, on top on the steel, on top of the tractor trailors, on top of the conex boxes, & on top of the RX building next door. The surrounding area is so busy with people, it's amazing that many people can fit in the size of that area & still have large trucks pass by them. Blowing their horns nonstop, of course, but they do manage to dissappear somewhere past them.

There was a UN tank out there yesterday. There was something going on, but, by the time I got up onto the tractor trailer, the only thing I witnessed was when they let off the water gun once on someone & then moved on past us. They had all four corners covered from the top though, fully armed. When I zoomed in on them, they were once focused in on me, talking on their radio.

I don't stay in one place to long as to not be anyones target. I move around alot. I think I drive the guard crazy! He follows me around like a puppy sometimes!! But, hey....that's cool!

I know a whole lot more people on the job now, which is nice. I think for the most part, everyone is really nice. I noticed that a smile goes a long way. It's universal, everyone understands it, & it opens alot of doors.

There were about 300 bodies located near the jobsite yesterday too. So sad. There are said to still be approximatley 30,000 to 50,000 people still unrecovered

Before I came, I was in touch with a friend who said learn the language if you can, they even appreciate you trying. (thank you Michelle for hooking me up with Christine!) I learned a little french before I came & can tell you, the little I learned has gotten me far. Of course then people think you speak the langauge & go off on some conversation that I don't understand! Sometimes I can get by, other times I have to finally break down & say "english?"! I plan to continue my french lessons after I leave just in case I return. (or end up in France sometime, I hear the food is amazing!!!)

Well, we're not flying today, but we may on Saturday if the guys finish the job by the end of the week.

I'll be staying here tomorrow at the hotel & promise to post images somewhere. I may have to post them to facebook & I will create an album there & let you all know if I do & where to go.

I can only post 5 at a time on here & to go through my website, I still only have so much space. Facebook seems to be the best way to go at this point for all of you to see alot of them.

The guys returned from their adventure downtown with a cake for Billy! We all sang Happy Birthday & attempted to have cake. I say attempted because after 1 bite, we couldn't eat anymore! It tasted like sawdust! Not that I ever ate sawdust, but I imagine if I had, that's what it would taste like! It was terrible! We had a good laugh though! I'll try to make another cake this week in my electric frying pan. It says it can...?!

Well, that's all for now. I'll let you all know tomorrow about where to find the pic's.

Keep in touch, stay safe, & Love, Love, Love.....

Haiti Arrival!

We have finally arrived in Haiti. The hotel, Ibo LeLe in Petionville, is beautiful & is probably the best hotel to stay at here. There is a pool, a restaurant, wireless service, & great view of Port Au Prince. The hotel staff is treating us very well & does a wonderful job with all the upkeep that this place requires.

Upon arrival at the Haiti Airport, we were escorted to a bus in which took us less than a mile to passport control. When finished with passport control you went directly into the baggage retreival area. It was EXTREMELY hot! Coming out of there, we were greeted by all sorts of luggage carriers begging to take care of our luggage for us to an outside area where pickups are permitted. A little frustrating, but, we managed. I did have to yell at them once because the 3 men began to fight. I told them I would have to separate them if they didn't stop. They laughed & did stop fighting. I don't want to tell you what we paid for this service. We always do seem to "live & learn" about the first day.

We were greeted by John, the owner of the company who put this incredible job together down here. He had a van waiting for us. When loaded, we drove straight to our hotel which was a ride not to be forgotten. We drove thru Port Au Prince where the earthquake in January shook their world here. The tent cities were everywhere along with other make shift housing. The people had their shops set up all along the streets where ever there was room alongside the ruins from buildings gone down & the heeps of trash that I don't imagine gets picked up too often, if ever, by the size of the mountains we witnessed.

The men woke up early around 4:30ish, met at the restaurant / bar that we hung out at last night for awhile at 5:30am to have breakfast, in which they were dissappointed because it didn't happen. It's the first day & there are inevidiblely always kinks to still work out. The trucks were on time though to take them to their jobsite, so that was good, and they left around 6am. It'll be a very long day for them.

The tempture hovers around 98f everyday here. There was a welcomed storm last night in the evening that cooled things down a little. We are located outside Port Au Prince on a mountain side & are up higher so it's a little cooler here than it is down there. I pray the men fare well today. I feel for them.

When we pulled up to our hotel, the parking lot was filled with UN & Red Cross vechicles. Last night I seen many workers come in after their day & today I will try to connect with them. I'd like to do some sort of service while here if even only for a couple days a week. I will also go to photograph the jobsite at least one day a week, if not 2, & then work on other projects that I brought along with me for the rest of the week.

The electric goes in & out here, not that that matters, & they still experience earthquakes / tremors, around 4 on the rictor scale. The last one was Friday evening.

I will keep in touch as often as I can.

Please leave comments, if the blog will allow it, I would love to hear from all of you as well! If you cannot leave a comment, please email me or facebook me as I will come up to this one certain place that I will be able to recieve them.

Ocean City Boarwalk Art Show

Next weekend will be The Ocean City Boardwalk Art Show, August 6th, 7th & 8th. Come on out & show your appreciation for the arts! I'll be between 9th & 10th, closer to 9th Street. Stop by & say hello :)

Africa in 17 Days!

17 more days till I leave for Africa. I can hardly wait! I've updated my shots, I only needed a polio booster as my shots were still current from the last trip to Africa 3 years ago & of course I am taking a supply of antibiotics, just in case, & malaria prevention medication.
I keep in touch with the other people I've met online that will be going as well & I look forward to meeting them in person. We will be connecting before the project begins as some of us will be there at least a day early.
With weekends off, I plan on utilizing my time in Africa as best as I can with exploring the surrounding area, going on game drives, photographing wildlife & taking in a culture village experience.
I have another blackberry with internet & email & hopefully, it will work this time as many of you may recall the issues I had the last time I was there.
The only other thing that would make this trip complete would be if I met with Jane Goodall herself while there!!

Adventure in Africa

On April 17th, 2010, I will be going back to Africa. I'll be staying in Brits on a white lion conservation reserve taking care of baby white lions, lions, cheetahs & other animals on the reserve.
I can't wait!
I'll be blogging while there, although, the internet is not the same as it is here. It actually takes longer than dial up. So, I'll do my best to keep up as often as possible.
I will be returning on May 5th, 2010.
I will be going alone. There will be someone picking me up from the airport, from there, I'll stay at a backpackers hostil till the following day when someone comes to collect me. We will do an orientation & then on to the reserve where I will be staying for the next 2 weeks.
My aim is to learn all that I can about the animals that I photograph, about conservation & any other useful information I can learn while there.