January 19, 2025

VALPARAISO, CHILE 

Sunday January 12th we pulled into Valparaiso, Chile for 2 days. This town is known for its vibrant street art, which is everywhere and truly mask some of the depression seen through out the downtown. Nine of us set off on a walking tour of the highlights. The town is built into the side of the hills looking down over the harbor. Teenagers Lucia and Alionia were the perfect models to highlight the artwork for me, it also kept it fresh for them. 

Snack of Chocolate covered Strawberries. Yummy!

Praying for an Eagles wild card win later in the day!

 Plaza Sotomayor had the Memorail for fallen soldiers and several government buildings & local crafters & artist.

Street Artist at work!

More street art!

Piano stairs - this one stop we spent alot of time trying to capture the best shot. By time Scott did his version we had 5 directors! LOL!

By Patricia Patrick February 15, 2026
We got up at 6:45am to get to National Park Forts Walk trail in the hope of seeing koalas . Prior walkers mark trails with tree branches pointing in the direction of their sighting and we were luck enough to see 3 markers in our first hour of hiking. It is so stinking hot and humid the success we had made it bearable. The koala population on the island started with 20 brought over in 1930, to escape fur hunters. Today, the island boast 800 to 1000, and they are so cute and drowsy. They need 20 hours of sleep a day! The early morning is when they are the most active.
By Patricia Patrick February 14, 2026
Just off the coast of Townsville, Australia is a special little island (that used to be part of mainland, hundreds of thousands years ago). The island was formed by molten granite that was pushed to the earth's surface with volcanic force.Over time the volcanic overlay weathered away leaving an extraordinary landscape of rounded domes and boulders, many as big as a house and spectcularly perched. Over Seventy Percent of the center of the Island is a National Park. There is lots of wildlife here too - koalas, rock wallabies, snakes & birds.
By Patricia Patrick February 14, 2026
This is my third time in CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA and I really enjoy how walkable, clean and charming it is. The waterfront esplanade and lagoon area is a nice walk day or night. We had 2 nights here in the waterfront Shangri La Marina Hotel while waiting for the Ship to arrive and then 2 additional days in Port.