Picasa Web Albums - Graham James

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Wildlife - Orangutans

Ook! Which needs no explanation for Terry Pratchett's Discworld fans. In my view, orangutans are the most interesting, photogenic and adorable of the great apes. And that's part of their problem - the youngsters are taken for the pet trade, and their mothers are often killed in the process. Add to that the removal of their habitat, and they are rapidly going extinct in the wild. What a great shame, but that's progress (human) for you. There are various charities helping them, just use your favourite search engine to find them. The first group of photos were shot at the Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre. The second group of photos (labelled TMBO....) were shot at the Semilok Orangutan Rehabiitation Centre near Sandakan in Sabah, Malysian Borneo, which we visited in March 2013. If you are lucky, you will be able to see a number of young orangutans at the feeding platform, or even more amazingly, up close and personal on a walkway to it.

Mar 3, 2013

Photos: 90

Travel 2013 - Malaysian Borneo

This album contains photographs of our trip to Malaysian Borneo in March 2013. The trip was organised and planned through Anne at Claremont Travel and the tour was run by Chameleon Worldwide. We flew into Kuching via Kuala Lumpur. Our itinerary gave us two days in Kuching, two in Mulu , a night in Kota Kinablu before we did the trek up Mount Kinabalu. We returned to Kota Kinablua to rest our weary legs for a night before moving onto the Danum Valley (and into the then no-go zone due to a terrorist skirmish) for two nights and then on to the Kinabatangan River. We then had one night at Sepilok before we had three nights on the island of Lankayan. A quick return to Sepilok for another visit to the Orangutan Sanctuary before the long journey home. A pretty hectic 20 day trip, but worth all the effort. If you like this sort of holiday, I'd thoroughly recommend you go. I doubt my photos have done it justice. For photos of the Orangutans at Se

Mar 3, 2013

Photos: 138

The Harrier Collection

This album contains photographs of my 1/48th scale Harrier models that I have built from the Airfix, Revell, Monogram and Hasegawa kits that are available for this aircraft. Some aircraft have additional / replacement components and / or third party decal sheets. All are brushed painted, mainly using acrylics. I returned to the hobby in 2010 after a long absence and am a member of West Middlesex Scale Model Club and the IPMS(UK) Harrier SIG (Special Interest Group). They are shown in build order.

Jan 26, 2013

Photos: 135

Aircraft - The Red Arrows - a tribute

My personal tribute to Flt Lt Jon Egging (Red 4) and the rest of the Red Arrows team. Thanks to you all for the wonderful memories and its great to see you back on the display circuit in 2012.

Aug 19, 2012

Photos: 60

Aircraft - Sywell Airshow

A selection of photographs taken at the Sywell Jubilee Airshow on 19 August 2012.

Aug 19, 2012

Photos: 65

Aircraft - Old Warden Airshows

Photographs taken at the Shuttleworth Collection airshows (2011 and 2012) at Old Warden, Bedfordshire

Aug 18, 2012

Photos: 123

Wildlife - The Hawk Conservancy Trust

This album contains photos of the birds at the Hawk Conservancy in Hampshire. They are a conservation charity and visitor centre that has for many years worked in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and the research of birds of prey. Set in 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, there are over 150 birds of prey on view. Here are some that I have been able to capture on silicon!

Jul 10, 2012

Photos: 59

Aircraft - Harrier T52 (G-VTOL) Walkaround

This album contains a walkaround reference set of photos for the Harrier T52, G-VTOL. This particular aircraft is on display at the Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey. You have the opportunity to sit in the front cockpit and get walkaround shots such as these (if you ask nicely). This aircraft has a fascinating history and its worth a visti to the museum to see it. If you are a modeller interested in the Harrier, come and join the IPMS(UK) HARRIER Special Interest Group (harriersig.org.uk).

Jul 10, 2012

Photos: 100

Travel 2012 - Tour Mont Blanc

This album contains photos of Explore Worldwide's "Tour Mont Blanc" trek which we completed in June/July 2012. Starting in Les Houches in the Chamonix valley, we hit the TMB trail heading north (i.e. clockwise), completing the circuit of the Mont Blanc massif 9 days later, having visited Switzerland and Italy before returning to France. Each day offers something different to see and any thoughts of tiredness are soon dismised by the knoweldge that a good meal and a comfortable bed awaits at the end of the day. And a beer or bottle of wine of course for some folks! Thanks to Simon and Olly (our trek guides) and our fellow trekkers for making this an enjoyable meander through some glorious Alpine scenery. I've tried to give you a feel for the scenery throughout the trek, but some sections are limited due to the inclement weather. I hope what I have shown has done the trek justice and encourages you to give it a try yourself. Thanks again to Simon for updates for the captions.

Jun 27, 2012

Photos: 155

Aircraft - Harrier T8 Walkaround

This album contains a walkaround reference set of photos for the Harrier T8. This particular aircraft, ZB604, is now preserved at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset. The photos were shot during the 2012 International Air Day. As it is an exhibit, it may not be a 100% accurate view of how it appeared during its service life. it was originally built as a T4N and then converted. If you are a modeller interested in the Harrier, come and join the IPMS(UK) HARRIER Special Interest Group (harriersig.org.uk).

Jun 23, 2012

Photos: 60

Aircraft - Harrier T4 Walkaround

This album contains a walkaround reference set of photos for the Harrier T4. This particular aircraft, XW934, is now preserved at FAST (Farnborough Air Sciences Trust) museum in Farnborough, Hampshire. Ignore the colours, colour schemes and markings as they may not necessarily fully reflect the aircraft's service life. An element of old age and general wear and tear is clearly evident in some areas. If you are a modeller interested in the Harrier, come and join the IPMS(UK) HARRIER Special Interest Group (harriersig.org.uk).

Apr 24, 2012

Photos: 55

Aircraft - Harrier Cockpit Walkarounds

This album contains a reference set of photos for a few Harrier cockpits I have been lucky enough to access. And for those of you that have been in one, "walkaround" is clearly the wrong description. There's probably not much here for the modeller, but interesting none-the-less to see the development from the first generation to the second generation of Harriers. I currently have examples of T4, GR7 / GR9 and T12. I hope to be able to add a GR3 and T52 in due course, but I doubt a Sea Harrier will be included. If you are a modeller interested in the Harrier, come and join the IPMS(UK) HARRIER Special Interest Group (harriersig.org.uk).

Apr 14, 2012

Photos: 34

Aircraft - Harrier GR9 Walkaround

This album contains a walkaround reference set of photos for the Harrier GR9. Multiple aircraft have been used and please note some of the aircraft are museum exhibits under artificial lighting and/or flash has been used, thus colour integrity has been compromised. Similarly, some wide angle shots have been used in confined spaces, sp perspectives will look slightly odd. Apart form that, they should help detailed modelling! My Harrier GR7, Harrier T12 and Harrier Pylons / Weapons walkarounds will also be useful to view for references of this variant. If you are a modeller interested in the Harrier, come and join the IPMS(UK) HARRIER Special Interest Group (harriersig.org.uk).

Apr 1, 2012

Photos: 187

Aircraft - Harrier GR7 GR9 T12 Pylons and Weapons Walkaround

This album contains a walkaround reference set of photos for the pylons and weapons of the Harrier GR5, GR7, GR9, T10 and T12. Note not all weapons are carried by all variants. My Harrier GR7, Harrier GR9 and Harrier T12 walkarounds will also be useful to view for references shots of the aircraft themselves. If you are a modeller interested in the Harrier, come and join the IPMS(UK) HARRIER Special Interest Group (harriersig.org.uk).

Apr 1, 2012

Photos: 85

Aircraft - Harrier GR7 Walkaround

This album contains a walkaround reference set of photos for the Harrier GR7. This particular aircraft, ZD469, is the gate guardian at Wittering "The Home of the Harrier". She has aquired the nickname "Christine" (as in the Stephen King novel) becaue she has been subject to some bad luck, not least of which was coming off second best in a mortar attack at Kandahar airfield in Afghanistan. She never flew again and has had a fair amount of cosmetic surgery to get to this condition. My Harrier GR9, Harrier T12 and Harrier Weapons / Pylons walkarounds will also be useful to view for references of this variant. If you are a modeller interested in the Harrier, come and join the IPMS(UK) HARRIER Special Interest Group (harriersig.org.uk).

Mar 9, 2012

Photos: 126

Travel 2012 - Northern Lights (Finland)

This album contains photos of our trip to Finland in February / March 2012. We went with Activities Abroad on their "Nellim - Winter in the Wildnerness" package. Aside from the opportunity to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the evening, during the day you get the opportunity to try cross-country skiing, snow trekking, skiddo driving and a husky safari. You also get to meet a local reindeer herder and his reindeer and see how he does winter fishing on one of the many lakes in the area. The Northern Lights are what you really come here for and we lucky to see something on 4 nights out of 6. With clearer weather, we may have got 100%, who knows. A great experience, sadly one I was not able to capture in its full glory with the camera. For instance, I missed the white and mauve display, which is quite rare I'm told.

Feb 27, 2012

Photos: 103

Models - IPMS(UK) Harrier SIG - Kestrel Formation

This album contains photographs of the IPMS(UK Harrier Special Interest Group's Kestrel Formation display that was staged at the IPMS(UK) Small Model World 2011 exhibition in Telford, UK. Our display, using 1.48 scale models, recreated the final day's operational flying of the Harrier in UK service. 16 Harriers flew in the "kestrel" formation (another harrier acted as photoship) before landing and as one, shut down their pegasus engines for the very last time after flight. A sad and memorable moment. If you are a modeller interested in the Harrier, come and join the IPMS(UK) HARRIER Special Interest Group (http:\\http://harriersig.org.uk/).

Nov 15, 2011

Photos: 57

Aircraft - Great War Display Team

Photos of the Great War Display Team taken at the Shoreham Airshow in August 2011. More information about them can be found at http://www.greatwardisplayteam.co.uk

Aug 20, 2011

Photos: 52

Aircraft - Shoreham Airshow

A selection of photographs taken at the Royal Air Forces Association Airshow at Shoreham on Saturday 20th August, 2011.

Aug 20, 2011

Photos: 70

Travel 2011 - Costa Rica

This album contains photographs taken on our visit to Costa Rica in February 2011. We used Geodessy to put together a tour encompassing a variety of different habitats. We flew into Sab Jose, then visited the Poas Volcano, Doka Estate, Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, La Tirimbina Reserve, La Selva Reserve, Arenal and Cerro Chatto, Rincon de la Vieja, Monteverde, Santa Elena reserve and a few days on the beach at Montezuma before returning to San Jose. The album focuses on the wildlife (Fauna) and not the flora / landscape. All digital images.

Feb 6, 2011

Photos: 106

Aircraft - Joint Force Harrier Disbandment

This album contains photos of the last few days' flying of Joint Force Harrier (JFH) in December 2010. Prematurely retired (don't ask), the weather gods seemed to reflect the mood. A brief interlude or two of sunshine to bring a smile to our faces followed by 6 days of weather best described as dreek. Undaunted, JFH did their best and put on a fantastic show given the conditions, perfectly illustrating the adaptibility, capability and professionalism of JFH. It was a pleasure to be there and a privilege to have been invited onto the base by JFH - for those involved, many, many thanks. The display ended with the simultaneous shut down of 17 pegasus engines. A moving moment and there were few dry eyes on the base. And so ended 41 years of operations by the RAF and RN of the Harrier. Fortunately, the USMC and the Indian, Italian and Spanish Navies still see the sense in flying Harriers, shame we don't.

Dec 15, 2010

Photos: 104

Aircraft - Joint Force Harrier

This album contains a selection of photos of one of the most iconic aircraft of all time, the Harrier, and in particular the Harrier GR7, GR9 and T12 variants operated by Joint Force Harrier (JFH), a combined Royal Air Force and Royal Navy operation. The jump jet, as it is affectionately known, first entered operational service in 1969 and was withdrawn from the UK's armed services in December 2010 (see Aircraft - Harrier Disbandment album). The photos have been taken at Cottesmore mainly, with a few at Fairford, Yeovilton and on HMS Ark Royal. There's a combination of my personal favourites and some more general shot-of-record photos (for modelling references) in some occasional bad weather. Enjoy, as we may never see the likes of the Harrier ever again? If you are a modeller interested in the Harrier, come and join the IPMS(UK) HARRIER Special Interest Group (harriersig.org.uk).

Nov 19, 2010

Photos: 168

Aircraft - Sea Harrier FA2 Walkaround

This album contains a walkaround reference set of photos for the Sea Harrier FA2. The aircraft, XZ499, ZH800 and ZH801 are located at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton, where you will also find an example of a Sea Harrier FRS1 and a Harrier GR9. A must-visit for Harrier fans, although the lighting for photographs in the museum itself is not especially good, sadly. The outdoor shots were taken during the Yeovilton 2012 Air Day. If you are a modeller interested in the Harrier, come and join the IPMS(UK) HARRIER Special Interest Group (harriersig.org.uk).

Oct 3, 2010

Photos: 132

Aircraft - Harrier T12 Walkaround

This album contains a walkaround reference set of photos for the Harrier T12 (also T10 applies). ZH657 is the main subject in 800 NAS markings when she was on display in the static park at the 2010 Yeovilton airshow. A few T-birds as they are known remain in the UK following the sale of the Harrier fleet, but not on public display that I'm aware. Much of the detail of the wings and fuselage is common to all second-generation Harriers, so please see the Harrier GR7, Harrier GR9 and Harrier Weapons / Pylons walkarounds as well. If you are a modeller interested in the Harrier, come and join the IPMS(UK) HARRIER Special Interest Group (harriersig.org.uk).

Jul 10, 2010

Photos: 60

Aircraft - Harrier GR3 Walkaround

This album contains a walkaround reference set of photos for the Harrier GR3. The three aircraft are long past their operational service dates, so ignore the colours, colour schemes and markings as they may not reflect their working life. An element of old age and general wear and tear is clearly evident in some areas. If you are a modeller interested in the Harrier, come and join the IPMS(UK) HARRIER Special Interest Group (http:\\http://harriersig.org.uk/).

Mar 17, 2010

Photos: 74

Aircraft - The Spitfire and Hurricane

A tribute to the Spitfire and Hurricane, who need no further introduction. Photos converted to black and white and taken at various airshows in 2009-2011.

Jul 18, 2009

Photos: 60

Aircraft - Typhoons at Conningsby and Cottesmore

RAF Typhoons photographed in July 2009 at their home base at Conningsby and some visitors to Cottesmore (Harrier base).

Jul 15, 2009

Photos: 44

Travel 2008 - Beneath Kanchenchunga Trek (Sikkim, India)

This album contains photographs taken on my holiday trip to Sikkim, India in October /November 2008. The Sikkim - Beneath Kangchenjunga Trek was run by KE Adventure Travel. Starting in Delhi, we flew then to Bagdogra in West Bengal and then on by bus to Darjeeling, Pelling and the start of our trek at Uttarey (not all in one day!). Our fourteen day trek takes us on to the Singalila Ridge - "the trek along this ridge is renowned as being one of the most scenically rewarding in the entire Himalaya" - and then across to the highpoint of the trip - the Goecha La at 4940m. We then return south to Yoksom, Kalimpong and the return flights from Bagdogra and Delhi. Thanks to Lucy Barker, who led the trip for KE, to my fellow trekkers for making this a trip to remember for a long time and last but not least, our local guides and trek crew who kept us safe and in good health throughout the whole trip. All digital images.

Oct 20, 2008

Photos: 72

Travel 2007 - The Laya Trek (Bhutan)

This album contains photographs taken on my holiday trip to Bhutan in September/October 2007. The Laya Trek & Thimphu Festival trek was run by KE Adventure Travel. Starting in Kathmandu, we flew then to Paro in Bhutan and on by bus to Thimphu for the festival. We then drive to our trek start point. 14 days later, we return to Thimphu for a celebration meal and then return home via Paro and Kathmandu. The Laya-Gasa Trek will take you 14 days. It cuts through a cross section of Bhutan landscape - farmland, pine and rhododentron forests, alpine pastures, barren high passes, and mountain rivers. There are superb mountains views including Chomolhari, Jitchu Drake and Tiger Mountain. Although you reach an altitude of 5,000m and spend 12 nights camping, this is not a particularly demanding trek. Sadly, we were not very lucky with the weather. All digital images.

Sep 21, 2007

Photos: 120

Travel 2006 - Chile / Easter Island

This gallery contains photographs taken on my holiday trip to Chile in November/December 2006. Our trip centered on a trek in the Atacama Desert with a planned ascent of the Licancabur Volcano and a short visit to Easter Island (otherwise known as Rapa Nui). At either end, and in the middle, we spent some time in the capital of Chile, Santiago. The Atacama Desert & Licancabur Volcano trek was run by KE Adventure Travel. The remainder of the trip was organised with the help of Austral Tours. All images digital.

Nov 21, 2006

Photos: 97

Travel 2006 - Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

This album contains photographs taken on our trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in June 2006. The focus of this holiday was the Galapagos Islands or ''The Enchanted Isles'' (Encantadas) as they are referred to by Herman Melville in his book of the same name. In addition to the tour, we spend a few nights in Quito, Ecuador's capital city and organised a day's excursion to Cotopaxi National Park. The holiday was arranged through Audley Travel and the cruise was run by Ecoventura in Ecuador. There's a lot of photos - but then there's a lot worth taking! All images digital.

Jun 3, 2006

Photos: 140

Wildlife - Snow Leopard

This album contains some long in the tooth (if you'll excuse the pun) of the Snow Leopards in Marwell Zoo back in 2006. I plan to get back their in the summer of 2012 and update this portfolio.

Apr 12, 2006

Photos: 14

Travel 2005 - Kangshung Face of Everest Trek (Tibet)

This album contains photographs taken on our trip to Tibet (China) in September / October 2005. This trek was organised and run by KE Adventure and is called the ''Kanshung Face of Everest'' trek. A few days are spent in Kathmandu, Nepal and the remainder in Tibet. Full details of the itinerary can be found at KE Adventure's website. Although you reach altitudes of 5,200m and spend 11 nights camping, this is not a demanding trek as the walking days are short and the paths easy to follow and walk. There is plenty of time for acclimitisation built into the schedule, with almost a week's sightseeing before you start camping and trekking. Lhasa is a particularly interesting place. The climax of the trek is a view of the Khangshung Face of Everest. Avoid takiing shots of any officials or official buildings. Do not take photos of the Dali Lama into Tibet. All images digital.

Sep 21, 2005

Photos: 126

Travel 2004 - Madagascar

This album contains photographs of Madagascar's people, flora and fauna taken on our trip to the island in September / October 2004. Madagascar is the world's 4th largest island - 1,000 miles (1,580km) by 350 miles (570km) and has an area of 227,760 square miles (590,000 sq km). ''Madagascar is like nowhere else on earth'' is an oft-quoted phrase. It has been separated from Africa for tens of millions of years, enabling its flora and fauna to evolve in splendid isolation from the rest of the world. Apart from the lemurs, the list of endemic species includes thousands of orchids and succulents, 300 frogs, 270 reptiles, 5 families of birds, 50 mammals and countless insects. The places you will visit are scattered far and wide, and internal flights are the quickest and easiest means of reaching them. If you are planning or thinking of going to Madagascar, then I would strongly encourage you to use a local tour operator. Images from scanned slides and some digital.

Sep 19, 2004

Photos: 75

Travel 2004 - Barcelona (Spain)

This album contains photographs taken on a 4 day visit to Barcelona in Spain during May 2004. Barcelona is probably one of the most well known cities in Europe and certainly one of the most visited. It probably has something for everyone, mixing old and new, traditional and modern, open space and narrow streets, serenity and night time energy. Staying in the heart of the city is not necessary - it's easy to travel around by bus, metro or your own two feet. You will get to see more that way as well. Images from scanned slides, with some digital.

May 21, 2004

Photos: 41

Travel 2004 - Sri Lanka

This album contains photographs taken on my holiday trip to Sri Lanka in February 2004. We only had 15 nights, including 4 at a beach resort, so we restricted ourselves to the standard tour which takes in the main highlights of the centre and south of the island. More time - for travel and the island’s recovery from terrorism - would allow us to explore more of the real Sri Lanka, as opposed to the tourist Sri Lanka. Our trip was put together with the help of Audley Travel and involved the use of a local driver/guide (his name was Janaka). Among the places we visited were: Anaradhapura; Mihintale; Dambulla; Sigiriya; Polonnaruwa; Pinnewala; Kandy; Nuwara Eliya; Horton Plains; Sinharaja; Bentota and Colombo. Scanned slides and digital images.

Feb 16, 2004

Photos: 40

Travel 2003 - Patagonia

This album contains photographs taken on my holiday trip to Argentina and Chile in January 2003. It focuses on the visit to Los Glaciares National Park (Perito Moreno Glacier) and our circumnavigation of the Paine Massif in the Torres del Paine National Park. This was a group trek, run by Explore Worldwide. Although it suffered from a number of administrative hiccups, nothing can take away from the beauty and the splendour of the scenery, the friendliness of the people and the fact that Angela wants to go back! There's nothing to stop you doing this independently. The walking is fairly easy - there's one long day's trek that covers a mixture of terrain. There are no problems with altitude. Photographically, Patagonia will take your breath away - most likely due to the near constant high winds! Images from scanned slides and digital.

Jan 21, 2003

Photos: 28

Travel 2002 - The Cordillera Real Trek (Bolivia)

This album contains photographs taken on my trekking holiday trip in Bolivia during June 2002. The trip was organised by KE Adventure Travel. We flew to La Paz via Miami. After a few days in La Paz, we made our way to Lake Titicaca to visit two of the islands - Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna. Returning to the Altiplano, we journeyed on to Sorata - the last town and comfortable (well, almost) bed before the start of our 12 day trek of the Cordillera Real (The Royal Mountains). After a few more days in La Paz for rest, recuperation and of course shopping, we returned to the UK. A superb photographic experience. Absolutely stunning scenery (weather permitting of course). Images from scanned slides.

Jun 10, 2002

Photos: 40

Travel 2001 - The Annapurna Circuit (Nepal)

This album contains photographs taken on my holiday trip to Nepal in October 2001 where we walked the Annapurna Circuit. Although we went with an adventure holiday company, KE Adventure, the Annapurna Circuit can be done independently. It will take approximately 20 days to cover the route from Gorkha to Birethanti that we took, assuming no mishaps! The Annapurna Circuit is basically a horseshoe walk of around 215 miles that has at its centre the Annapurna Massif. It can be walked clockwise or anti-clockwise. The latter is generally regarded as the easier way as you have more time to acclimatise before the Thorong La pass (5,415m / 17599ft). You will need to be fit whichever way that you do it - there's over 13,500m of ascent in total. Age however is not a barrier - somewhere between 16 and 70 is okay! We were the youngest by 20 years and we've seen over the hill! Images from scanned slides.

Oct 23, 2001

Photos: 38

Travel 2001 - Egypt

This album contains photographs of our trip to Egypt in January 2001. This was essentially a standard package holiday to Egypt with some tailoring to suit our constraints on time and the desire to have a bit of relaxation on land rather than the Nile cruise boat. We flew into Cairo, did a quick tour of the Pyramids and the Sphinx. The following day we flew to Luxor to catch the boat to Aswan. We also visited Abu Simbel. Images from scanned slides.

Jan 19, 2001

Photos: 29

Travel 2000 - Churchill (Canada)

This album contains photographs taken on my holiday trip to Churchill, Canada in October 2000. Self-styled ''Polar Bear Capital of the World'', Churchill is the most easily accessible location in which to get close to the bears without extreme hardships - although it is a long way from the nearest McDonald's (as at October 2000), if this is a concern for you. A number of tour operators can create this holiday for you - they all use the local guiding companies and so it comes down to price and the added extras they may or may not throw in. You do have a bumpy and uncomfortable final flight to get into and out of Churchill so be prepared. You may also find 6 hours on a buggy a bit of a challenge if you like your creature comforts - a padded rear end certainly helps here. Images from scanned slides.

Oct 12, 2000

Photos: 23

Travel 2000 - Namibia

This album contains photographs taken on my holiday trip to Namibia in May / June 2000. This trip was done as an independent fly-drive, although we did pre-book all our accommodation beforehand through Sunvil Africa. We allowed ourselves 4 weeks so that we could stay a couple of nights nearly every place we stopped. Our itinerary was as follows: Fly into the capital Windhoek via Frankfurt. Drive south to Mariental. Continue to Keetmanshoop then Fish River Canyon. Head to Luderitz and backtracked east to Aus then north to Tok Tokkie Trails in Namib Naukluft Park. South again to Sinclair Guest House and then north to Kulala Lodge near Sossusvlei. North via Solitaire then west to Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Up to Cape Cross, then to Damaraland Camp. North east again to Etosha. Returning south to visit the Waterberg Plateau and then Okonjima, to see the people and cats at Africat. Last we visited Eningu Lodge before catching our flight home from Windhoek. Images from scanned slides.

Jun 11, 2000

Photos: 62

Travel 1999 - Celestial Mountains Tien Shan Trek

This album contains photographs of our trip to the Tien Shan (Celestial Mountains) in July 1999. This was a group trek, run by Explore Worldwide. We flew into Almaty via Istanbul. Following a day's preparation and sight-seeing in Almaty, we drove to the Charyn River Canyon and onto Kurmenty where we had a 3 day acclimatisation trek. A drive to Karkara via Issyk Kul Lake then set us up for the main trek (7 nights). This was a series of valley-pass-valley walks through some remote and spectacular scenery. At the end, we were flown by ageing ex Russian military helicopter to the South Inylchek Glacier Base Camp. This is the launch pad for climbs on Kan Tengri and Pik Pobeda (the highest peak in the Tien Shan). We returned to Karkara the same way and then by coach to Almaty. Images from scanned slides.

Jul 16, 1999

Photos: 49

Travel 1998 - Peru (+ Inca Trail trek)

This album contains photographs taken on my holiday trip to Peru in June / July 1998. Explore Worldwide operated the holiday called ''Peru Inca Trail'' and it took 22 days. Our itinerary went along these lines:- Fly into Lima via Columbia. Drive down the coast to Paracas, visiting the Ballestas Islands (birds and seals) and then onto Nazca. Fly over the Nazca Lines and visit the local cemetery. Drive on to Puerta Inca and then up into the hills to Arequipa. There's an early morning (3am start) visit to the Colca Canyon for the condors. Fly (not with the Condors!) to Juno and visit Uros and Taquile Islands on Lake Titicaca. Drive across the Altiplano to Cusco and see local sitesThere’s a final luxury drive before the trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Visit this site twice (afternoon and following morning) before return to Cusco by train. We then went on to do the "Amazon Lodge" extension - a two night stay in the jungle and two 5 hour boat journeys. Images from scanned slides.

Jun 28, 1998

Photos: 22

Travel 1997 - Switzerland

This album contains photographs of our trip to the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland during June 1997. The only Alpine region wholly within Switzerland, it is dominated by the so-called “Wall of the Oberland” and contains the world famous peaks of the Eiger, the Monch and Jungfrau. Based in Wengen, we were able to explore most of the region by walking, trains and cable cars in a series of day walks. We based ourselves in a hotel in Wengen, making day trips by train, cable car or on foot in the surrounding area. All of the trails are well-marked, easy to walk on and you are never far from a cafe or restaurant where you can get a cup of coffee and a pastry! In June the weather can be quite variable and early mornings were usually dominated by cloud. The sun can quickly burn this off, so sometimes it pays to get high and then wait for the mountains to appear in the cloud breaks (see the Eiger photo T15-047 for a classic example of this). Images from scanned slides.

Jun 6, 1997

Photos: 30

Travel 1997 - Antigua & BVI

This gallery contains photographs of our 2 week trip to Antigua and the British Virgin Islands in January 1997. On Antigua, we stayed at Hawksbill Bay on the west coast of the island. There are four beaches to choose from and others are a short taxi journey away. On the British Virgin Islands, we stayed at Long Bay Beach near the western tip of the main island of Tortola. A bit isolated, but you can get trips to other parts of the island. Images from scanned slides.

Jan 15, 1997

Photos: 23

Travel 1996 - Iceland

This album contains photographs of Iceland which we visited in June 1996. We circumnavigated the island using the coast roads, only venturing into the interior where 2WD vehicles could sensibly go. Well, that is not strictly true as I did follow one 4WD track - this 25 km short cut took us about two hours, but probably saved us £90 in additional hire charges. More importantly, Angela enjoyed walking in front of the car removing large stones and occasionally peering under the car to see if the exhaust box was still attached and the sump still contained oil. The summer season is short - mid June to August - however you do get 24 hours of daylight in June. This is great for travel and golf, but takes some getting used to when trying to sleep. Accommodation can be difficult to find in some places. Images from scanned slides.

Jun 15, 1996

Photos: 28

Travel 1995 - New Zealand

This album contains photographs of our fly-drive trip to New Zealand in February 1995. We spent 4 weeks in New Zealand. Travelling independently, we simply hired a car, bought a map, and with the aid of a guide book, local recommendations and some pre-planned ideas of places to visit, drove around the country. Our path around North Island went something like this: Auckland - Whangarei - Bay of Islands - Cape Reinga - Kaitaia - Northland Park - Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua - Taupo - Turangi - Tongariro National Park - Wanganui - Palmerston North - Wellington. And on South Island: Picton - Nelson - Westport - Greymouth - Arthur’s Pass National Park - Franz Josef - Westland National Park - Haast - Mount Aspiring National Park - Wanaka - Queenstown - Fiordland National Park - Doubtful Sound - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Te Anau - Gore - Owaka - Dunedin - Oamaru - Mount Cook National Park - Lake Tekapo - Mt Somers - Christchurch - Kaikoura. Images from scanned slides.

Feb 8, 1995

Photos: 32

Travel 1994 - Portugal

This album contains photographs of our fly-drive holiday in Portugal in 1994. We flew into Porto, headed east and west to Braganca and then south through the heart of the country, finally arriving in Lisbon. Whilst I have the route traced on a map, I'm a bit hazy on the locations where I took photographs (tut, tut). Therefore some places may be misidentified - sorry. Beginning in Porto, we then visited Tui; Braga; Amarante; Vila Real; Chaves; Braganca; Mirandela; Guarda; Covilha; Castelo Branco; Castelo de Vide; Monforte; Abrantes; tornar; Batalha; Nazare; Obidos; Cabo Carvoeiro; Cabo da Roca and finally Lisbon. Images from scanned slides.

Jun 5, 1994

Photos: 26

Travel 1993 - Canada

This gallery contains photographs of our trip to the west coast of Canada in 1993. We flew into Vancouver and then made our way across to Calgary to visit the famous Calgary Stampede before returning home. Our route took us to Vancouver Island, Whistler, Wells Gray NP, Jasper NP, Lake Louise, Banff NP and the Hoodoos. Despite it being summer, we did not have the best of weather. I'm sure the scenery would have been even more impressive in the sunshine. The use of a hire car gave us the freedom to see what we wanted, along with the lack of pre-booked accommodation and much in the way of forward planning. In retrospect, we would not have changed anything. The Calgary Stampede is largely over-hyped, but the locals enjoy it - as evidenced by the almost total absence of people on the streets of Calgary before lunchtime on the day after the show ended. Images from scanned slides.

Jun 19, 1993

Photos: 31

Travel 1990 - Thailand

This album contains photographs of our short trip to Thailand in 1990. During the same holiday, we also visited Hong Kong, Macau and China. We spent a few days in Bangkok before moving north to Chang Mai and then on to the Beach Resort at Hua Hin. it was all "packaged" travel, so we had little choice in where we went and when. It would be better to have more freedom, particularly as the weather was very poor most of the time. Images from scanned slides.

Oct 10, 1990

Photos: 22

Travel 1990 - Hong Kong

This album contains photographs of our short trip to Hong Kong in 1990. (Hong Kong was still under British rule at the time). During the same holiday, we also visited Macau, China and Thailand. We spent 4 nights in Hong Kong, 1 in Macau and 2 in China, so this was very much a whistle-stop tour. Images from scanned slides.

Sep 29, 1990

Photos: 21

Travel 1989 - Seychelles & Mauritius

This album contains photographs of our 2 weeks in The Seychelles and Mauritius in October 1989, which followed on directly from our week in Kenya on safari. The theory was, whilst we're out here, we may as well see them. In The Seychelles we stayed at the Coral Strand hotel in Beau Vallon Bay on Mahe. In Mauritius we stayed at La Piroguenear the village of Flic en Flac on the west coast of the island and not far south of the capital, Port Louis. Images from scanned slides.

Oct 7, 1989

Photos: 20

Travel 1989 - Kenya

This album contains photographs of our 7 day safari in Kenya in 1989. Arriving in Nairobi in the early hours of the morning, we then drove down to the Masai Mara National Reserve only 3 hours later. After 2 days at the Mara, we headed back north to Lake Nakuru National Park, then Shaba National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve and finally Mount Kenya National Park. We returned to Nairobi to complete the trip - and get a dose of food poisoning! Exhausting but exhilarating - the safari that is! We then departed for the Seychelles and then Mauritius. Images from scanned slides

Sep 30, 1989

Photos: 27

Graham James
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