Sensational Salzburg offers so many Scenic Spots

Sensational Salzburg offered so many scenic spots for the "Sound of Music".

When we visited this historic Austrian city many years ago, we just had to take a "Sound of Music" tour. The area is so picturesque with mountains and lakes and provided a wonderful backdrop for the movie. It was on the news fairly recently about the cast's 45th anniversary and this in turn reminded me of our time in Salzburg.

There are of course other things to see and do there, like exploring the Mozart connection, attending a performance of the Salzburg Marionette Theatre and enjoying the buildings, food and culture.

Visit Salzburg.

Awesome Alaska's Perfect Portage is a Gorgeous Glacier

Due to popular demand, here's another angle on Alaska's Portage Glacier. It's not that far from Anchorage for a day trip.

Once you reach the lake, which is surrounded by mountains draped with patches of snow, the Ptarmigan takes you right up to the glacier.

As you can see from the photo, the vessel is small but sturdy and as it approaches the glacier more and more people head for the top deck (even though it's quite breezy).

When the glacier calves, massive chunks of ice crash into the lake and become mini icebergs.

This fish tank on board, filled with glacier ice (and a rubber duckie), clearly illustrates the point that most of an iceberg is hidden below the surface of the water. So even in a lake, the vessel has to steer clear of these beautiful bits of glacier just in case.


By the way, the water in the tank was freezing too!

All in all, a good adventure to go on while in Alaska.

Cruising the Canyons, Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona

One of the many activities to do at Lake Powell, in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is to take a cruise around the lake and into the canyons.

Usually there are half day and full day cruises, with lunch provided on the full day ventures. On a hot day, if you choose to be on the top deck, drink plenty of water (provided) and take a hat and sunscreen. Just make sure that the hat ties on because someone on our cruise had to wave his hat goodbye as it blew off into the lake.

As you can see from the photo, the boat is right in the canyon.

Before we boarded for our cruise I was eyeing off the nice big boats moored at the jetty and was disappointed when we embarked on our smaller vessel.


However, as we proceeded through the canyons, I soon understood that a smaller vessel was more manoeuvrable. Even so, on one of the cruises, the boat was so close to the canyon wall that one of the loud speakers was smashed. The cruise captains were just so skilled, they were fantastic.

Red Sun on the Kangaroo Paw

A couple of my aerial photos of airstrips from my flight around Australia's coast are included in this book by Kevin Gomm.

Red Sun on the Kangaroo Paw is about Japanese air raids and submarine attacks on Western Australia during World War II.

For anyone wanting to purchase a copy(s) they can do so by correspondence to:

Helvetica Publishing
PO Box 2186
High Wycombe
Perth Western Australia
AUSTRALIA 6057
helveticapublishing@gmail.com
$40.00 incl. post & packaging.

I'm not an Ugly Duckling! Video Clip

Black swans are a feature on the River Torrens which runs through Adelaide, capital of South Australia.

There's a walk and cycle path which winds its way alongside the river and it's a favourite place for workers and tourists alike.

Just lovely to see the cygnet with the adult swan, very different in plumage.

Sheep grazing near Rawnsley Bluff, Flinders Ranges Video Clip

There's always something happening when you travel in Australia's Outback. Like here in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

Coming back from the Chace Range lookout we came across sheep grazing with the magnificent backdrop of Rawnsley Bluff.



Though not a brilliant day for photos, you can still capture magic moments if you keep your eyes peeled.

Flyabout to Rawnsley Park, Flinders Ranges Video Clip 2

Another clip of a plane taxiing along the runway after landing at Rawnsley Park, Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

The strip is good and is located within view of the dominating Rawnsley Bluff, part of the famous Wilpena Pound. Just watch out for eagles in the air when coming in to land.



Because there's plenty of accommodation, this is a great place for a fly-in.

Chace Range, Flinders Ranges, South Australia Video Clip

The Chace Range, Flinders Ranges, near Rawnsley Park Station, South Australia. Beautiful at dawn, even better at sunset with the pinks of the ranges more visible.

This clip is taken from the lookout which has a panoramic view of the Chace Range, Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena Pound. The road up the hill is quite steep, with rocks and wheel ruts, but definitely worth the effort.



Just one of the sights on Off the Beaten Track. For views of Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena Pound the best time is in the morning so there's no strong afternoon sunlight coming into the camera lens.

Pilot Soars in Disney World, Florida

For me as a pilot, Disney World offers so many flying attractions that I just had to try as many as I could. The Florida day was overcast to begin with but turned out to be this brilliant blue sky, a good day for flying.

I do love elephants and I particularly love elephants who fly, so Dumbo the flying elephant was a very good choice to start with.

The problem with Disney World is that there are so many little kids around that it makes it very hard for the big kids to get on the rides, especially when they don't bring a child with them. However, this was just one of the flying rides to be enjoyed by young and old.

My advice is to arrive early and head for the attractions that matter most to you. One day is just not enough though.

Disney World Vacation And Savings Travel Guide. Click Here!

Cattle Head for the Hills Video Clip

There's something idyllic about cattle wandering through paddocks and climbing hills.

These cattle are roaming on a property in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Spring is a beautiful time to visit Adelaide, and the surrounding hills, when it's generally greener and the wildflowers and blossoms are out.

Horsing around in the Outback Video Clip

There was plenty of wildlife around on Off the Beaten Track, in South Australia's Outback. Horses were also grazing in various places too, like here in the northern Flinders Ranges.

When travelling in the Bush you have to be careful of stock on the road because in some places there are no fences. Fortunately these horses were more interested in the grass than cars on the road.

Flyabout to Rawnsley Park, Flinders Ranges Video Clip

During "Sea, Sky and Sand: a flight around South Australia's coast and Outback" in 2002, I landed at Rawnsley Park, in the Flinders Ranges.

This time, during Off the Beaten Track, I was on the ground filming planes taking off and landing. Not quite as exciting as flying the plane myself but it did give the opportunity to enjoy the view of Rawnsley Bluff in the background.



Airstrips in the Outback can be a challenge and at this one pilots have to keep an eye out for eagles (not good to hit one in flight).

Travel tips Australia Click Here!

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