Author Archives: Laurie

Why do We Care About Sustainable Tourism?

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Laurie

With their commitment to honoring their past, living lightly today and preserving the area for the future, Hacienda San Lucas is a wonderful example of how making a low impact on the environment can work to enhance the experience of visitors. Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Boutique Hotel, Culinary, Culinary, Honduras, Maya Ruins, Responsible travel, Sustainable Travel, Travel, Yoga, Yoga | Comments Off

It’s Time to Count Chimney Swifts!

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Laurie

This weekend, September 9th, 10th and 11th, is the 10th annual, continent-wide September “A SWIFT NIGHT OUT.” This is an event to get people out to count the Chimney Swifts at roost sites. Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard Wildlife, Birding | Tagged , | Comments Off

What Are You Doing in February?

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Laurie

For a birder with an interest in history, Belize is it; likewise for the amateur archeologist with an interest in nature. Continue reading →

Posted in Belize, Birding, Boutique Hotel, Maya Ruins, Travel | Comments Off

Grab a Guide and GO!

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Laurie

Having a guide on our trip was what made the trip not just fun but also amazing. He was so well matched to our group that he was speaking Texan by the end of our two weeks. His skill and knowledge of birds enabled us to see 170 species of birds while we traveled the great and huge state of Alaska. And we didn’t just see the birds, but learned their life histories, their plumage details, interesting facts about them. Continue reading →

Posted in Alaska, Birding, Responsible travel, Sustainable Travel, Travel, Uncategorized | Comments Off

It’s the People Who Make Travel Fun!

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Laurie

We went on to speak of ham radio operators (he has a license), what cloud layers we could expect to encounter during our flight and what level they were at, why Anchorage was the perfect size city to grow up in, and why it was cool to fly as an unaccompanied minor (“The flight attendants know my name, and I must admit that I like the extra attention”). Continue reading →

Posted in Alaska, Birding, Uncategorized | Comments Off

A Visit to Paradise

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Laurie

Share Have you ever considered a custom tour? In November of 2009 JB Journeys put together a custom trip for me and 7 of my favorite birding friends to Trinidad and Tobago. This was before I began my working relationship with … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Sustainable Travel, Uncategorized, Wine, Yoga | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Smartphone Etiquette Blunders

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Laurie

ShareI have been blogging for some time now about travel apps for your smartphones. While your smartphone can really enhance your life both at home and when you travel, there are some pitfalls to watch out for. I would be … Continue reading →

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Spring Migration Time!

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Laurie

Here in Austin, we get a fantastic mix of migrating birds – warblers, thrushes, catbirds, hawks and more. And now is the time to start looking for them. Recent reports of migrating birds in the Austin area have included Black-throated Green Warblers, Grey Catbirds, Swainson’s Hawks and Hooded Warblers. And some of our summer resident birds have arrived as well – notably Golden-cheeked Warblers and Black-capped Vireos. Continue reading →

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Blogging by Ear

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Laurie

ShareWhen I go out on a birding field trip, one of my most important senses is my ears. I listen to the conversation going on around me to create an image in my mind of who is talking. There’s a … Continue reading →

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Fit to Travel

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Laurie

ShareTo be prepared to have the best trip ever to Alaska this June, I started an exercise program LAST June. I decided that nothing was going to get in the way of me having a great time, and being as … Continue reading →

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