The landings in South Georgia were epic. Filled with breathtaking scenery, from stunning rugged peaks, immense sweeping glaciers and ice walls to fields of tussock grass, dark pebbly beaches and water that was on occasion brilliant turquoise blue or steely grey. All filled with wildlife. It’s hard to believe if you have read the previous … More Seals of South Georgia
Across the river from the lodge the jungle sat on a narrow strip of land. Here there were more lodges hidden amongst the dense parts but also a village. Sandwiched between the river and the sandy beach, the village essentially had one narrow, main road. Not that there were any cars. Along both sides of … More The Place of the Turtles
Having arrived along the river and been faced with a wall of jungle, we were eager to explore. The trails around our lodge had given us a glimpse of the jungle world beyond but we wanted more, and the best way to do that in Tortuguero is by boat. So it was back onto a … More The Rainforest at Tortuguero
The long, narrow boat skims over the brown murky water of the river, sending white water rolling from its hull, creating a loud rushing sound. The boat has a solid roof and plastic sides that are rolled up, straps flapping in the wind. On both sides of the boat the wide brown water stretches away, … More Costa Rican Rainforest
‘Just seen this’ came the message, accompanied by a still photograph, a screenshot from a video, of some dry, shriveled up, brown plants in front of some generic green foliage and the water of the river behind, just the odd group of bubbles in the right-hand corner. Despite this rather nondescript photograph I knew exactly … More Morning mustelid moment
The sky was a brilliant blue with a patchy blanket of white cotton wool like clouds. The warm sun peaks through the gaps spilling warmth and sunlight onto the beach and ocean below. The sea is calm, gently lapping the sandy shore leaving ripples in the sand and puddles in its retreat. Along the beach … More Exploring rock pools
It’s just over 14 years and I can still remember the sensation of climbing into the treetops. A narrow rope bridge ascending upwards, up and over the forest below, a gentle incline at first, getting gradually steeper until it is almost vertical and like climbing a ladder. Emerging onto a platform 42 m up is … More Wild Barley Rewind: Jungle Observations
It was one of those winter days where soft light suffuses the air. The golden light from a sun still low in the sky despite the late hour of the morning, softened even further by hazy white clouds. Standing at the top of of a dune, spiky green grass poking up through the sand, I … More Christmas Seals
It was a pretty wet October. Grey rainclouds refused to budge, dropping their deluge day after day. Even when it was not raining, the clouds persisted, hiding the sun behind a curtain of grey. When it did break through it was for brief glimpses with swirling cloud quickly closing ranks again, like someone tugging curtains … More In search of shrooms
The world is full of magical creatures, from tiny beetles, bees and butterflies to magnificent whales and soaring birds. I grew up enamoured with whales and dolphins, and was introduced to the wonder of birds when I went to University and met Lee. As the years have passed I have been entranced by all our … More Wild Barley Rewind: Care of Magical Creatures
