Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Winners - world adventures........


...................a path less travelled



In October I will be adventuring to the other side of the world.  The little guessing game was fun and I thank those of you who gave it a shot.  Several of you came pretty close to naming four of the islands I will visit, one of you actually got all eight islands but requested not to be entered as a contestant - well done Betty.  Meanwhile, Emm guessed five islands and Vagabonde got seven - good work ladies.  I think you will all agree that both of them deserve a prize. 
  

Orion expedition ship.........image from their brochure

On October 24, Paula and will I depart Auckland, NZ after a long flight from Los Angeles.  We will be two of no more than 100 passengers, and 70 crew, aboard the Orion expedition ship for the Exploration of The Antipodes adventure. We will cruise for 15 days through the isolated, windswept, fragile sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia on what is called 'a privileged visit'.  These five island groups were honored with World Heritage status in 1998 - only 500 visitors are permitted annually.  Weather permitting, we'll be taken in zodiac boats to explore these remote islands, to photograph, and learn about, the flora and fauna - nature in all its raw beauty.

To read more about the cruise go HERE to watch the amazing video, also, if you're interested, the videos about the fabulous Orion ship itself, and other expeditions it takes to special places in the world.

The cruise will terminate in Hobart, Tasmania and from there we fly to Sydney for a couple of days, then on to Brisbane - visiting Paula's friends in both cities.  This will be my first time in Australia and New Zealand, two great countries I have longed to visit.  


So, Vagabonde and Emm, please e-mail (address on my Profile page) your mailing addresses so I can send you each a little memento.......when I return in November, hopefully none the worse for wear after such a wild adventure!
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17 comments:

  1. JennyJuly 12, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Are you sure Paula does not need another Granddaughter??

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  2. Come Away With MeJuly 12, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    Congratulations to Vagabond and Emm!

    Your upcoming adventure will be full of unusual photo opportunities and sounds like there may also be a bit of luxurious pampering aboard ship too. Good food, definitely!

    Now I'm going to click the link that you provided...

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  3. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsJuly 12, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    Congrats to the winners! It was a fun guessing game. Can I stow away in your baggage? It sounds like a fabulous time!
    xoxo
    Penny

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  4. HelenJuly 12, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    I have been blessed to travel through Australia and New Zealand ~~~ my favorite places in all the world. Mary, this trip sounds beyond incredible. I cannot wait for stories and photos.

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  5. Marilyn MillerJuly 12, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    What a wonderful opportunity. I certainly will look forward to hearing and seeing pictures all about this very special adventure. I have been to New Zealand and you will love it.

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  6. SarahJuly 12, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Congratulations ladies! Wow, what an exciting adventure you and Paula will have this fall. I admire your two world travelers. ~ Sarah

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  7. PondsideJuly 12, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    What an amazing opportunity - you visit the most interesting places! I will look forward to lots of posts about such a wonderful trip.

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  8. Pamela GordonJuly 12, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    Wow! What a trip that will be. I've never heard of such a thing but it will be so interesting and beautiful. Congrats to the winners of your quiz.

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  9. Dreaming WoodsJuly 12, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    you are such a traveler Mary. the cruise sounds wonderful. i can not wait to see photographs of this adventure of yours.

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  10. Latane BartonJuly 13, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Oh my goodness, what a trip that will be. Take lots of pictures and share them with us...

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  11. EmmJuly 13, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    So excited [waves to everyone]. I've never won anything before. Sent my address to Mary and then forgot to say anything here. Such a marvelous trip, can't wait to see and hear all about it.

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  12. JanetJuly 13, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    What a wonderful trip, I can't even imagine the beauty that you will see.
    Yes, I did get your e-mail, sorry I haven't been in touch. I thought about Bob's B'day early and meant to send him a card and then it was over and I still hadn't even bought the card. Please tell him I was thinking of him. How is Jasmin doing this summer?

    Thinking of all of you,
    Janet

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  13. GracieJuly 14, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    I'm already excited about all the beautiful photos you will post!

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  14. VagabondeJuly 15, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    I just opened my laptop and read your comment on my blog. I am away from home, near Nashville. My daughter had a baby boy two days ago, on 13th July, so we have been busy going to hospital and other things.

    Your trip sounds magnificent – the trip of a lifetime really. You will have to be the eyes for all your followers. I am delighted that I guessed your islands – they sound so exotic and far away. What a great opportunity for you to see unusual and rare wildlife and nature’s beauty.

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  15. *Ulrike*July 16, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    It sounds like you two are going to have one marvelous trip! Congrats to the winners!
    Take Care,
    Ulrike

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  16. LindaJuly 17, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    Wow, this looks amazing. I'd go if I could. I love both Australia and New Zealand. Take lots of photos.

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  17. JoJuly 18, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Fancy never having been to Australia in all your travels before! I live in a little Island off the South Coast of Australia which is very beautiful too. You should come and visit some time.

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I would enjoy reading your comment - thanks so much for stopping by.