I'm Just Train Loco

I just love train journeys and the Grand Canyon Railway, originating in Williams, Arizona, offered a great opportunity to indulge my passion.

When I was in America's Southwest in 2009, I made sure I reserved 3 trips with my internet bookings. The Verde Canyon, Arizona, through desert country, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad, Colorado, through mountains, and the Grand Canyon Railway, Arizona, to that famous canyon. All very different trips.

Some journeys are about the train itself, others are about the country travelled through, or about the destination. The Grand Canyon Railway is more about the destination than the countryside en route. However, what happens on the train during its journey is quite memorable.


Before boarding the train, there's a bit of a cowboy shootout in an outdoor theatre. The characters board the train with the passengers and the comedy carries on during the journey. Our conductor was a very talented and funny woman who kept us entertained with stories about the scenery and the railway. On the way back from the canyon, we were even entertained by guitar playing cowboys.

The main attraction really is the time spent at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon (engine pictured below). If you plan it properly you can go on some of the walks to the scenic spots and then catch the free buses to the lookouts. Just make sure that you're back in time to catch the train because it's a long and expensive process to return to Williams if you miss the train. We were well and truly warned!

Having modern carriages meant that the large glass windows couldn't be opened and so reflections marred many of the photos I took during the journey. However, it's still one of the great scenic railways that you must go on.

Check out the product below if you're into train journeys.

Fran's Backpack - 30th January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, 2nd (Regional Hiking Series) [Paperback] for $11.53.

Two beautiful national parks worth exploring and you get even more out of them with an excellent guide.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
Thoroughly updated and revised, this guide covers fifty-six hikes in the two featured parks as well as the surrounding areas--Cedar Breaks National Monument, the Markagunt high country, and the Paunsaugunt area.

From the Back Cover
For more than twenty-five years, FalconGuide® has set the standard for outdoor recreation guidebooks. Written by top outdoors experts and enthusiasts, each guide invites you to experience the endless adventure and rugged beauty of the great outdoors.
Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks features fifty-nine of the finest trails in southwestern Utah-from day hikes to backcountry treks. With this comprehensive guide, veteran hikers Erik Molvar and Tamara Martin provide all the information you need about two of Utah's most prized parks-as well as Cedar Breaks National Monument, the Markagunt Plateau, and the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

Look inside to find:
Hikes suited for every ability
Accurate directions to the trailhead
Comprehensive trail descriptions, trail maps, and route profiles
Difficulty ratings, recommended hiking seasons, and park contacts
Invaluable trip-planning information, including a checklist of essential
equipment and supplies

Awesome Alaskan Sunset Stirs the Soul

Sunsets in Alaska are awesome (as is just about everything else about the place). However, this one was at the end of a superb day for me.

In the morning I left Anchorage and headed down to Trail Lake and Moose Pass to do some refresher float plane flying. I'd gained a float plane rating in Seattle years ago and wanted to try some more float flying in a mountainous region that had lakes, rivers, glaciers and ice fields.

Spectacular is an understatement for the scenery. The flying wasn't bad either. You can see some of the photos on my main website www.franwest.com.

Just a wonderful day with the long drive back to Anchorage accompanied by a setting sun.

The sunset seemed to seep into my soul and remind me just how fortunate I've been to live my dreams of travel, flying and photography.

Enjoy the photo.

Fran's Backpack - 28th January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is a magazine Outdoor Photographer (1-year auto-renewal) for $10.98.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
The editorial emphasis of this magazine is on the practical use of the cameras in the field. It looks at the modern photographic world by encouraging photography as part of a lifestyle. It motivates readers to make use of equipment and their talents in conjunction with recreational activities. In addition, its articles intend to inspire readers to seek new equipment, try new techniques and travel to new destinations.

Fran's Backpack - 26th January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is Digital Landscape Photography [Paperback]
for $16.47.

I'm always learning with my photography so any help I can get from books, magazines or videos is gratefully received. The main advantage with a digital camera is if you don't like a photo just delete it.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
Photographing landscape with a film camera is different than with a digital camera. There are several books on the market that cover landscape photography but few of them are specifically for the digital photographer. This book is what you are looking for!

Digital Landscape Photography covers:
* equipment such as accessories and lenses
* exposure from shutter speed and other common mistakes
* shooting
* light and its importance
* composing your perfect photo
* printing
* and a special section on specific subjects such as waterfalls and sunrises

Digital Landscape Photography, written by experts that have been shooting outdoors for decades, is a fresh look at current ways to shoot landscapes by making the most of digital format.

* the only photo book on landscape photography in a landscape format * both beautifully illustrated and instructive at the same time * Authors are well known photographers in the field: Pictures have been published in National Wildlife, Sierra, Natural History, Outdoor Photographer, and many other major publications

From the Back Cover
Digital Landscape Photography offers a fresh look at shooting landscapes by making the most of the digital format.

*Showcases beautiful landscape photographs *Offers pros and cons of different equipment choices *Includes special sections on waterfalls, snowy landscapes and panoramas *Teaches how to work with the natural surroundings and the weather conditions to capture exquisite images in the field

This book provides professional insight on everything the digital landscape photographer needs--from equipment and exposure to light and composition with a bonus section on special subjects such as sunrises and autumn color. Chapters on composition, high dynamic range images, and techniques for capturing high quality images make this the most complete reference you will need on field techniques for landscape photography.

Fran's Backpack - 24th January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is an Akubra Packable Hat for $119.00.

I now have my second Akubra hat in thirty years and thoroughly recommend the product. I would still have my original Akubra if I hadn't had an accident while trekking in Patagonia last year.

My original Akubra had a forehead strap but the second one has a leather strap to secure under the chin in windy conditions. The packable hat is a great idea and can be alternated with a baseball cap to suit the day.

Click on the ad for more information.

"Akubra hats are an Australian icon that have shaded the heads of ranchers and working Aussies since 1874. Now being managed by the fourth generation, Akubra hats are the Australian cultural equivalent of America's Stetson. This Traveller model felt Akubra hat is designed to be packed and unpacked. The unique brim design has a memory insert that brings it right back to shape. Made from Pliofelt, Akubra's new pliable pure fur felt, the crown is 4 3⁄8" high and the brim is 3" for great sun protection. Ornamental band has a brass buckle and the inside hatband is fabric, allowing it to be folded and packed. Packable felt Akubra hat in fawn. 100% Pliofelt. Imported from Australia. Sizes: 6¾, 6 7/8, 7, 7 1/8, 7¼, 7 3/8, 7½, 7 5/8." Amazon.com.

When is a Hat not a Hat? When it's a Bucket

When travelling, it's good to be very sun smart and wear a hat to protect the face and neck. My choice is an Akubra hat, being an Aussie. Our beautiful sunshine does have a sting to it though, so it pays to be protected, particularly in the Outback. Here's my first Akubra on Tasmania's Overland Track (it's in the DVD too).

As a photographer, there's an added bonus. I take the hat off and hold it over the camera to get rid of sun glare when taking photos - very versatile.

It's versatile in other ways too. In the Outback, sometimes stockmen fill the hat with water and let their horses drink from it.


As long as the water's not kept too long in the hat and it's given a chance to dry out, the hat will be OK. I'm so glad I remembered that fact.

Last year I took my trusty hat with me on the Torres del Paine trek in Chile, South America. It shielded me from the sun and the rain and everything was going smoothly until we had almost reached the refugio (refuge/hostel) at Grey Lake. A few of us started feeling a bit queazy and then ended up being sick in the bushes (oh, that felt better, for a while only though). We'd probably caught an airborne tummy bug.

By the time we arrived at the refugio and sorted out our upstairs rooms and bunks we started feeling sick again. The guide gave us each a big black plastic garbage bag but I never managed to use mine.

The vomiting came on so suddenly that the first thing I grabbed was my Akubra, turned it upside down and used it as a bucket. When I felt a bit better I gingerly crept down the stairs to the bathroom and tipped the contents of the hat in the toilet, thoroughly rinsed it out and dried it as best I could.

I dragged myself up the stairs and lay down on the bunk again. The guide kindly brought us some rice tea to settle the stomach but that didn't last long. Once more I made a grab for my still damp hat and used it as my felt bucket. (I don't know about you but writing about this is making me feel a bit queazy)

I did the same as before and emptied my hat in the bathroom down stairs and fortunately the vomiting stopped. The anti-gastro pills worked wonders - never leave home without them. (There's more to the tale but believe me you don't want to read about it)

So, the moral of this story is
(a) no matter how hygienic you are the bugs are still going to get you and
(b) on your bucket list make sure you have an Akubra hat which can double as a bucket!

P.S. I did wear it the rest of the trip but because the hat was wet for too long (and smelt a bit) I've had to buy another Akubra.

Fran's Backpack - 22nd January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is The Great American Wilderness: Touring America's National Parks [Kindle Edition] for $9.99.

Click on the ad for more information.

Describes 53 parks in depth, giving advice on planning your time - vital when it comes to setting priorities. Invaluable. -- Physician's Travel & Meeting Guide

Product Description

Maps are shown for every park. The print edition is 506 pages.

This is a straight-talking author who reminds me of a smart, blunt friend... no pussyfooting around. -- The Armchair Traveler, Daily Herald

Although it does not include every site administered by the NPS, this book is very thorough in its treatment of the 50 parks it covers. The author also describes 13 suggested driving trips of five to 12 days each, incorporating nearby attractions. Includes detailed information on accommodations/campgrounds, activities available in each park, handy tips and tidbits, maps and photos. A great travel reference book! -- Amazon customer

Touring America's national parks has become a passtime for me. I've been from Acadia to the North Cascades to the Grand Canyon and this book is an excellent reference. With an emphasis on travelling via automobile, it also has several suggested hiking trips in each park as well as other points of interest. They say that most people never get more than 100 feet from their cars in parks. Well, this is the book to help get you there, and point out the best routes outside of your car. It covers more territory than anyone could possibly see in a lifetime...but it's sure fun to try. -- Amazon customer

This text provides a practical guide to the great American national parks, how to avoid the crowds, walking tours, facilities and how to get there. This edition has been expanded to include 49 parks, information on accommodation and dining, camping and tours. Parks detailed in this third edition include Acadia, Badlands, Capital Reef, Crater Lake, Everglades, Devils Tower, Grand Canyon, Hawaii Volcanoes, Mammoth Cave, Mt Rushmore, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, Denali, Hells Canyon, Saguaro, White Sands and Dinosaur.

Unlike other guides, this explains in detail how to tour the parks: how much time to allow, how to avoid the crowds, what each place is really like, what you can safely skip and what you must not miss. It offers advice on planning if you have only a few hours, or if you have a few days to explore.

Complete directions on getting to and from the parks are included, as well as how to get around once you're there, whether you want to tour independently or prefer to join a group excursion. It also profiles places to stay and eat in and near each park, with options to suit all budgets. Maps show each park's features, along with all surrounding access routes.

Are you wondering when to visit? The author tells all about the climate and the crowds (or lack of them) in all seasons and recommends the ideal times to explore our nation's treasures.

A unique section, Suggested Trips, contains customized itineraries, describing ways to combine visits to one or more parks with tours of nearby attractions. These routes are designed to last from four to 10 days and include complete directions and recommended places to stay each night.

Overcome Fear with Focus

During a recent trip to Arizona, in America's Southwest, I visited the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

On the trail to Bright Angel Point I came across two couples. I couldn't help but hear their conversation as I passed them and continued along the path.



Three of the people were trying to comfort the fourth person, Paul, and cajole him to keep on going to the lookout. But Paul was petrified of heights and was reluctant to move.

Minding my own business wasn't an option because I knew just how crippling fear can be. So, I went back to the group and told Paul that I was a pilot who doesn't like heights and I could understand how he felt.

However, when I fly I'm strapped in with my seat belt, I'm safe and secure in the cockpit, and I'm concentrating on flying the aircraft. All those things help dissipate the fear of heights because I'm focusing on something other than my fear.

Trekking in Nepal was at times quite nerve racking because sometimes the paths were only two feet wide (the width of two feet, not twenty-four inches) with a drop down the mountain slope on one side. Not good for a person who doesn't like heights.

The only thing to do was to keep on going and focus on the path ahead and make sure that I didn't put a foot wrong.

The trail to Bright Angel Point was nowhere near as narrow as the path in Nepal, but the drop down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon was still significant. I told Paul to focus on the path rather than focus on his fear of heights.

I then left the group and walked the rest of the way to Bright Angel Point. In a while, the four turned up at the view point with Paul looking quite pale. However, he had made it.

Later on, when I was checking out of my cabin and heading across to my car, Paul saw me and came over and thanked me. He told me that what I had said to him had actually helped.

If Paul had let his fear take control then he would have missed out on one of the world's great natural wonders.

So, two great tips for how to pilot your life (personal or business) are:

If you see that someone needs help and can benefit from your experiences and knowledge, go ahead and help.
One day it might be your turn to be on the receiving end.

Learn to overcome fear with focus.
Why let your fears stop you from enjoying some of life's wonderful experiences. Focus on something positive not the fear.

Two of my presentation topics are:

Follow your dreams (at any age)
How to pilot your life and navigate your way to success

This article is taken from my "Pilot Your Life" newsletter #2. Full colour versions of the newsletter are available by emailing me at fran@franwest.com.

Fran's Backpack - 20th January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is Hiking Grand Canyon National Park, 2nd [Kindle Edition] for $9.59.

I've visited both the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon National Park and walked some of the trails. To really enjoy the park, you need to spend time hiking. With this kindle edition you can put it on the kindle reader and keep it handy in the backpack.

This comprehensive guide features detailed descriptions all of the park's developed trails, which number fifteen hikes on the South Rim and thirteen hikes on the North Rim.

From the Back Cover
For more than twenty-five years, FalconGuide® has set the standard for outdoor recreation guidebooks. Written by top outdoors experts and enthusiasts, each guide invites you to experience the endless adventure and rugged beauty of the great outdoors.

Hiking Grand Canyon National Park provides firsthand descriptions and detailed maps for all the developed trails in the Park. Veteran hiker and guidebook author Ron Adkison recommends his favorite routes, from easy day hikes suitable for novices and children to extended backpack trips for intrepid wilderness travelers. He also provides tips on safety, hiking with children, access, and services, as well as indispensable information about backcountry regulations, permits, and water sources.

Look inside to find:
Accurate directions to the trailheads
GPS-compatible maps
Difficulty ratings, trail contacts, fees/permits, best hiking seasons,
and much more

Click on the ad for even more information.

I'm Just a Total Wreck!

The Port Adelaide Ships' Graveyards, near Adelaide, South Australia, are the setting for a good adventure on the water.

There are five abandonment sites within the Port Adelaide area but the largest is at Garden Island, in the North Arm of the Port River, with other sites located at Jervois Basin, Mutton Cove, Broad Creek and Angas Inlet.

I've been exploring around the Garden Island area twice. Once in my nephew's boat and another time in a kayaking group (kayaking enables people to go into the mangroves but the mosquitoes can be very annoying).


There are heaps of vessel remains in the area and their maritime history covers more than a century. One thing that makes this area unique is the fact that these shipwrecks are accessible to people on the top of the water, not just divers.

You can get right amongst the wrecks but be safety conscious at the same time. Because of this ability to get up close in a boat or kayak, it's apparently the largest and most diverse shipwreck site in Australia that can be explored by people who aren't necessarily divers.

The added bonus, if you're lucky, is to have the Port River dolphins swimming beside you. Another recommended adventure in sensational South Australia!

Check out the Ships' Graveyards site.

Photos of the shipwrecks and other vessels on the water here appear in my DVD, "Maritime Mix".

Fran's Backpack - 18th January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is a Rick Steves Silk Money Belt, Natural for $11.58.

When I travel I always wear a money belt. I have a mixture of credit cards, money (notes), traveller's cheques, airline tickets and passport in it. I also have a piece of paper with credit card, passport and other necessary numbers on it.
Having most of your valuables in a money belt means you don't have to worry about a bag or purse being stolen, it gives more freedom.

When we were shooting the rapids on the way to the Pagsanjan Falls, Philippines, we got drenched and my passport in my old money belt was soaked as well. So, from then on, passport, traveller's cheques and anything else that's paper based now goes in a sealable plastic bag in the money belt.

Click on the ad for more information.

Positive Police Presence on Magnificent Mounts

At the Australian International 3 Day Equestrian Event held in Adelaide, South Australia, last year, I came across two mounted police officers.

They were supposed to be on patrol on the Cross Country day which was the Saturday.

However, their patrol was probably done at snail's pace, certainly not at a canter or a gallop. They would have been continually stopping to chat and allowing the public to pat their mounts.

Such is the reputation of our South Australian Mounted Police that people of all ages are drawn to them and their horses like a magnet.






The police "greys" are all geldings of German warmblood breeding. As well as carrying out their police duties, both riders and horses provide a positive side to policing. You only have to look at the smiles on the faces of both officers to see that they love their job. I have a sneaking suspicion that the horses love the attention too.

Here are a couple of websites for more information:
http://www.horsesinuniform.com/index.php?set_albumName=album04&name=gallery&include=view_album.php
and
http://www.police.sa.gov.au/sapol/about_us/structure/operations_support_service/special_tasks_rescue_group.jsp

The stables for the police horses are located near the old Adelaide Gaol, where my grandfather was a warder.

Just a word of warning. In some countries you have to be very careful when photographing police. Sometimes it isn't allowed and you can get yourself into trouble, particularly in some Asian, South American or African countries.

However, it doesn't just happen there. While I was waiting for my flight home to Australia in 2009, I was photographing traffic outside Los Angeles Airport Terminal. Some of the traffic included, by chance, police cars and motorcycles. I suddenly found myself being approached by a security guard. He wasn't very amused and asked why I was taking so many photos at the airport. I handed over my business card and promptly explained that it was all quite innocent and I had no ulterior motive other than to take photos for my "Getting Around" DVD for aged care and dementia patients.

So, having had that experience, I asked the mounted policewoman if it was OK to photograph them and post the photos on the internet. Not a problem!

What a great way to promote the police and South Australia with such a positive attitude. Go Greys!

Fran's Backpack - 16th January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is 1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. & Canada Before You Die [Paperback] for $13.57.

After six visits to North America I've still got hundreds of places to see before I die. My bucket list just keeps growing.

Click on the ad for more information.

Flyabout around Australia's Coast - Tacking Point Lighthouse, New South Wales

Lighthouses are a feature of the coastal landscape and Australia certainly has its share of life saving beacons which warn mariners of dangerous coast. Tacking Point Lighthouse, New South Wales, is one of them.

It's not far from Port Macquarie, north of Sydney, about 10 minutes by car or about one hour's walk.

Built in 1879, it's classed as a small navigational lighthouse so there's no huge tower.



The lighthouse is a heritage site and is classified by the National Trust of Australia (New South Wales).

As far as navigation goes, lighthouses are also good beacons for pilots (a bit similar to the huge white grain silos inland). They're clearly marked on the map and there's no question about position.

One thing I do regret about my flight around Australia's coast is that I didn't fly lower to photograph the lighthouses. So my photos really only capture the shape and colour of the coast rather than the actual lighthouses themselves. Hindsight is a wonderful thing!

Here's a bit more about the Tacking Point Lighthouse.

If you're interested in lighthouses, I came across this book on Amazon.com. Tacking Point Lighthouse is listed in the contents, so hopefully it's the Australian lighthouse that's depicted. Click on the ad if you want more information.

Fran's Backpack - 14th January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is a Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator
for $199.99.

This has use for marine and outdoor. Great for using when hiking, in a big city and also as a backup if hiring a car in a different city (not all hire cars have GPS units yet).

Click on the ad for more information.

Flyabout around Australia's Coast - Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory or "There are No Accidents"

Nhulunbuy (or Gove) in Arnhemland, Northern Territory, is one of the places I had to spend some time on the ground during my flight around Australia's coast.

The weather was extremely windy and not good for flying and successfully photographing. Sometimes it's better to stay on the ground and rest or do other things.

I caught up on writing my diary, did my laundry and a bit more planning and rescheduling.

I was also put in contact with a local military historian.

Apart from the tremendous hospitality (especially the meals at the canteen) from Nabalco (now Alcan Gove) this was a highlight of my stay.

According to a character in "Kung Fu Panda", "There are no accidents" and I believe this to be the case here. My father was stationed at Gove during the Second World War. He was in the Royal Australian Air Force in signals, not as pilot crew, and he never liked to talk much about his war time experiences.

Phil, the military historian, told me a little bit about Gove during the war and even showed me an old map. Everything has changed and the building where my father would have been stationed is now under the bauxite mine (the bright orange/yellow colour).

So, I had to do my flight around the coast of Australia to discover something about my own father. No accident indeed!

Check out Nhulunbuy http://www.theterritory.com.au/index.php?menuID=140

Australia's Coast from the Air DVD

Australia (incl. P&H) $27.50 Overseas (incl. P&H) $31.00

Fran's Backpack - 12th January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is Easy French Step-by-Step [Kindle Edition]
for $8.39.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in French and German (and Latin) so I love languages. I've spoken French in Canada, Europe and Asia and it's spoken in the Pacific, Africa and South America making it a good choice to learn for travelling. Even if you're not fluent in a language it does show the locals that you're making an effort and that counts for a lot.

Having a kindle reader means you can take heaps of language phrase books all for the weight of a reader. How good is that?

Click on the ad for more information.

Floods in Queensland and Northern New South Wales Just Devastating

The floods in Queensland and northern New South Wales are just devastating. One of the worst natural disasters Australia has had.

So far, 10 people have died with over 60 more unaccounted for and thousands have watched their homes flooded or swept away from them. One peak of the flood water is reportedly going to reach 19 metres. That's about 57 feet or 10 tall blokes standing on top of each other, totally mind boggling.

Australians are very quick to come to the aid of other Australians and people all around the world. Now Australians need some assistance.

Would you like to help?

On my flight around Australia's coast I received a lot of assistance and hospitality from Queenslanders. Now it's my turn to give back.

I've just finished production of my DVD, "Outback Adventure". You can see more details about it by clicking here. It costs AUD$25.00 plus postage & handling.

For every DVD that's sold via this web page, I'll donate 10% to the Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal.

Now it's up to you. Queensland and New South Wales are great travel destinations (amongst other things) but after this will take a long time to recover.

Outback Adventure DVD

Australia (incl. P&H) $27.50 Overseas (incl. P&H) $31.00

Disney World Fireworks Finish the Day with a Flourish

Disney World, Florida, deserves more than one day but that's all I had. However, I was there before the gates opened in the morning and I stayed till dark for the fireworks.

Saying that the Disney World fireworks are spectacular is an understatement. They are one of the highlights of the day though and shouldn't be missed.




The weather was overcast to begin with but the skies cleared during the day and they remained so for the evening.

One big tip. Don't try and squeeze in that last ride for the day and then expect a good position for the fireworks show. Sort out during the day where would be a good position for your photographs, preferably where no-one can stand in front of you, and then go back to that spot early, in plenty of time for the fireworks.

As you can see from my photo, I could only manage the top part of the castle because I tried to squeeze in that last ride and just made it in time for the show but not a really good photo position. Learn from my experience.

Fran's Backpack - 10th January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is a Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology, for $189.00.

I've chosen this because it really does fit easily in a backpack and has the potential to store all sorts of useful information for your next travels. You'll need to have one of these because future items in the backpack will be kindle books. It's also been rated 5 star by over 7,000 buyers on Amazon.

Click on the ad for more information.

Murray Magic is Mesmerising

Australia's major river, the Murray, runs through three states - New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

It's the life blood of so many towns, enabling agriculture, horticulture and viticulture to thrive. Different eco systems along the river support a diversity of bird, animal and plant life.

But the river is widely used just for pleasure. There's something for everyone as the river weaves its magic. It draws people for water sports, boating, fishing, houseboating and of course paddle steaming.

The paddle steamers are a living piece of history bringing back memories of a bygone era, of hardship and of romance. Travelling along this river highway on a paddle steamer is an unforgettable experience. There's plenty of room to walk around on the decks while the boat's moving at a leisurely, relaxing pace. Getting up close to the local wildlife is a real treat with the only interruptions being the whooshing of the paddle wheel and the occasional tooting of the horn.

This paddle steamer, P.S. Marion, is based at the Mannum Dock Museum, South Australia. Check out the link http://www.psmarion.com/ It's also one of the stars of my "Maritime Mix" DVD and well worth a visit if you're touring out of Adelaide.

Fran's Backpack - 8th January 2011 (New Addition to the Blog)

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is a magazine, National Geographic, for $15.00.

This magazine probably started off my love of travel. It brought the world to me - different places and people and the photography is stunning. I highly recommend it as a magazine to inspire people to travel and be adventurous.

Click on the ad for more information.

Penguins' Poor Navigation Skills

In Australia, there are two main islands off the southern coast commonly referred to as KI - King Island and Kangaroo Island.

King Island, in Bass Strait, off the northwest coast of Tasmania, lies in the Roaring Forties and can be fairly windy at times. Many sailing ships and lives have been lost around the rocky coast due to the winds and inclement weather. However, the island still provides a welcome haven for a colony of Little Penguins near the small settlement of Grassy.

The other KI is Kangaroo Island, a bigger and more hilly island, off the southeast coast of South Australia, not that far from Adelaide, the capital. The main town on Kangaroo Island is Kingscote and Little Penguins also have a colony near there too.

Now, while I was on King Island, Angela, from the local fish & chip shop, took me to see the penguin rookery after dark. Penguins were everywhere and they didn't seem to have any fear of two mere humans, so we were able to sticky beak into their lives.

It was a great photo opportunity (being careful not to upset the little birds) and I'm positive that these two Little Penguins didn't quite know what was going on and seemed to be saying...

Mine's Bigger Than Yours! You're Not Wrong There!

This mining truck at Leigh Creek Coal Field, South Australia, definitely dwarfs my four wheel drive. Tends to make one feel rather small by comparison. However, there are women in the mining industry who drive these mammoth trucks, so size doesn't really matter when it comes to the driver.

During "Off the Beaten Track" earlier in September last year, we visited the coal field which supplies coal for the electricity plant in Port Augusta. This then supplies power to a lot of areas in South Australia.

I thought everywhere in the coal field would be black but obviously the coal doesn't necessarily lie right near the surface.

We only had time to look around the observation area but apparently if there are enough people, a tour can be booked to go through the coal field. Several photos from this short visit are included in the DVD, "Outback Adventure".

More photos of the coal field will be posted later.