15. April 2012 07:39 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments High Tea in Royal National Park 15. April 2012 07:39 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweethigh tea in royal national parkShareToday we went to High Tea in Audley in the Royal National Park 30 minutes drive from where we live. Kim had bought a 2 for 1 deal and decided to try it.Verdict was that is wasn't anything special and even with the special deal it was a bit over priced.Afterwards we decided to go rowing up through the creek.Aiden was very keen to get to play with the water which was difficult in the rowing boat (next time we will get a Canoe).Afterwards we let him play a bit on land before heading back.
8. April 2012 06:18 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bora Bora Island Scenery 8. April 2012 06:18 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetbora bora island sceneryShareThe island itself is a beautiful place. I took a lot of photos of the lagoon and the beauty of Bora Bora....so many that it would be too many to have in the previous Bora Bora post. With the risk of creating a post full of Blue photos...I had to separate them out to prevent the other posts from getting too big. Here they are...I will let them speak for themselves...
6. April 2012 06:19 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Snorkeling with Sharks and Stingrays 6. April 2012 06:19 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetsnorkeling with sharks and stingraysShareOne of the days at Bora Bora we went with a boat around the lagoon to go snorkeling and have lunch on one of the Motu's (Islands). Along the way we went snorkeling in spots where we also could see sharks and stingrays. Our first spot was a snorkeling spot with lots of coral and different fish. I Even saw a big fat murray eel. Kim also had a bit of a snorkel in the clear blue water even though the water was deep and there was a slight current. Aiden was facinated by the fish and wanted to join mummy in the water to say hello to the fish'ies... After this we went to a more shallow spot on the reef with lots of reef sharks. Yes, that is me in the water with 12 sharks circling around me (and no safety net in place).These sharks would come swimming towards me and then turn around within a meters reach. Click here to see a video I uploaded to Facebook with the Sharks getting close After lunch we stopped to feed the Stingrays in the lagoon. They are fairly harmless and I was feeding them dead fish. While doing so I was bitten by one of them that mistook the camera I was holding in my other hand as a fish.
5. April 2012 06:10 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Bora Bora 5. April 2012 06:10 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetbora boraShare Bora Bora is a beautiful island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Kim and I had promised eachother that we one day we will go there. It is about an hours flight from Tahiti and along the way you pass a number of other Polynesian islands and atolls. When we landed we were met by the stunning blue lagoon and the very characteristic mountain which is an old extinct volcano. Aiden especially was mesmerised by the view going on the boat from the airport to our hotel. On arrival we were met by traditional Tahitian music and someone blowing a seashell. And Aiden immidiately got into the mocktails. Our hotel was on the main island itself and we had a small hut facing the lagoon and had a beautiful view every morning waking up. Every morning we had breakfast overlooking the lagoon where Aiden would stuff his face with fruits, bread and youghurt. We spent a lot of time at the small beach close to the hotel just swimming in the clear water of the lagoon. The locals were out on the lagoon showing off their skills. Aiden loved the calm clear water and the beach...it was a pleasant 27-28 degrees. Every time he saw water he would point at it and shout BoBo (Water)...and insist on going swimming. One evening I did a couple of sunset portraits. Aiden again insisted on going in the water. I also went for a swim after we finished the photos, which was absolutely magical as the light was surreal and the water was absolutely calm. Across the lagoon from the hotel we had a little island (Motu) with beautiful place to go snorkeling. First I went in the water and notices a small reef shark circling around the corals...being kinda shy. I mentioned it to Kim and as soon as she also spotted it later in the day she rushed out of the water (A couple of days later she had a similar experience with a large stingray at the beach). It was hard to leave all this beauty behind
4. April 2012 04:09 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Flowers of French Polynesia 4. April 2012 04:09 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Tweetflowers of french polynesiaShareI took a lot of photos of flowers...enough to warrant a separate blog entry.. If you are not a flower person then just scroll down the page past these...lots of other good stuff there. Anyhow...I will let them speak for themselves...
3. April 2012 07:08 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Tahiti 3. April 2012 07:08 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments Perfect Moments Photography | A Rene Pallesen Journal Blog Portfolio Packages Contact About Home 21. February 2017 19:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Table Mountain 21. February 2017 19:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAfter Kruger we flew to Capetown.The first day we went to Table Mountain. The mountain is often coveShareAfter Kruger we flew to Capetown.The first day we went to Table Mountain. The mountain is often covered in clouds, and with a beautiful hot day we though we'd make the most of it and head up there when we had the opportunity.The queue getting up there with the cable car was massive, several hundred metres. We quickly learned that the queue for people who had pre-purchased tickets was shorter and also moved faster than the other queue. We quickly jumped across to the other queue and using my mobile I purchased tickets while we were still waiting.The view from up there is amazing and the top is actually a lot flatter than I though it would be. 20. February 2017 20:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Moholoholo car museum 20. February 2017 20:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAt one of the private game reserved the owner maintains a little car museum with some very cool carsShareAt one of the private game reserved the owner maintains a little car museum with some very cool cars.Especially this Ferrari 335S is interesting. If it is the real thing then it is one of only five ever made where the last one sold at an auction was sold for more that 30 million pounds. 20. February 2017 20:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Shangana Village 20. February 2017 20:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne evening at Hazyview we went to a local cultural village of the Shangana Tribe.First we went to tShareOne evening at Hazyview we went to a local cultural village of the Shangana Tribe.First we went to the village itself and were introduced to local food and customs. The local witch doctor showed us some of the local medicines they used for stomach pains etc.Afterwards we were entertained by local drumming and dancing in a large hut. Beforehand they had to warm up the drum skins to make them the right tune.But first we were greeted by the chief of the village.One of the dances was the boot dance which they danced in the mines of South Africa during the Apartheid.After the show we had a very traditional and yummy communal dinner as guest of the chief. 20. February 2017 19:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Hazyview Reptile park 20. February 2017 19:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne morning when it was raining at Hazyview we went to the local Reptile Park.They had a large displShareOne morning when it was raining at Hazyview we went to the local Reptile Park.They had a large display of snakes and other reptiles, and also some interesting talks such as about Poisonous snakes.One of the snakes they showed us was the African Puff Adder, which I remember as a really vicious snake from my days in Kenya. The snake handler certainly convinced me that it is not as aggressive as I thought by walking bare feet past it when it was all curled up really to attack. 19. February 2017 17:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Moholoholo wildlife rehabilitation 19. February 2017 17:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetTowards the northern end of Kruger there is a wildlife rehabilitation centre where injured animals aShareTowards the northern end of Kruger there is a wildlife rehabilitation centre where injured animals are cared for before returned to the wild.Some are unfortunately in a condition where they can never be returned and these are used for educating visitors on wildlife issues.The guide on our tour around the centre was truly amazing, very funny and very knowledgeable.Angry Lioness:Leopard:Cheetah:Chevel Cat:Lion:Lion with Snack:Painted Dogs:Hyena:Southern Ground Hornbill:Eagles:Voltures:Honey Badger: 18. February 2017 15:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Kruger National Park 18. February 2017 15:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetIn South Africa we did two days in the Kruger National Park.The first day we hired a private guide tShareIn South Africa we did two days in the Kruger National Park.The first day we hired a private guide to take us around in a 4WD and the second day we did a self drive.With the guide we were lucky enough to spot all the Big 5 (Elephants, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino). The advantage of a guide is that they are in constant radio communications with all the other cars and therefore can track the animals. On this day it was very hot and a lot of the animals were hiding in the bush and it seemed that we spotted all the animals and called it in to the other cars.Having the private guide was a massive advantage as we could spend the time as we wanted, so we didn't spend much time on say elephants, but we did spend 45 minutes stalking a lion hoping it would get too hot under a bush and get out into the clear.The second day we went it was raining and a lot more challenging, but we still spotted some that we didn't see the first day.Camera wise I knew it would be a challenge to get good photos with a normal lens and didn't have the budget or justification to spend on a fast long lens. Instead all the photos in this post were taken with my 80-200 f2.8 with a 2x teleconverter. I used my tripod as a monopod and the guide was great at moving the car into spots where I had a clear line of sight (another advantage of not having to consider other passengers).Here are the Big 5 we spotted.Leopard:Lion:Rhinos:Elephants:African Buffalos:And here are some of the others such as Zebras:Hyenas:Giraffes:Impalas:Kudu:Waterbucks:Wothhogs:Baboons:Monkeys:Guinea Fowl:African Fishing Eagles:Storks:Marabous:Turtles (These ones are predators):Weaver birds:Chameleons: 17. February 2017 16:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Panorama Route 17. February 2017 16:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOn the first day in northern South Africa we drove the Panorama route. This is a beautiful drive up ShareOn the first day in northern South Africa we drove the Panorama route. This is a beautiful drive up through the mountains and is full of scenic views of the Blyde River Canyon and waterfalls.The most famous place is Bourkes Potholes.And the PinacleBut everywhere is full of beautiful scenery 3. February 2017 08:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Zimbabwe - Flying out 3. February 2017 08:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetLeaving Zimbabwe we had the experience of the aircraft (an old B737) breaking down with engine problShareLeaving Zimbabwe we had the experience of the aircraft (an old B737) breaking down with engine problems prior to our departure. Although this is not uncommon, most international airports would have a team of aircraft mechanics along with spare parts to fix problems.Victoria Falls do not have all the same facilities due to the low volume of aircraft, so in our case the pilot and co-pilot stepped up and went out to fix the problem themselves. With just a two hour delay we were back underway.I doubt a pilot from a big international airline would step up and get his hands dirty or even have the skills to fix basic and common problems....credit go to bush pilots! 1. February 2017 15:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls 1. February 2017 15:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe main reason why we made the trip up to Zimbabwe was that our trip to South Africa would be our bShareThe main reason why we made the trip up to Zimbabwe was that our trip to South Africa would be our best opportunity to see and experience the Victoria Falls (and also give Kim and the boys to opportunity to visit another African country).It is an amazing sight as the entire area around the falls is completely flat. The Zambezi river is at the point of the fall over a kilometer wide and the entire river suddenly drops into this narrow gorge.The falls themselves are on the Zambian side of the border, and most of the lookouts are on the Zimbabwe side.The effect is that the water spray gets pushed several hundred meters into the air above the gorge and creates a perpetual plume of rain clouds and spray making it impossible to stay dry.This also meant that it was a challenge to keep my camera gear dry. I did bring a waterproof case for my camera, but after a few minutes a stopped using it because I couldn't mount the camera on a tripod at the same time. Instead I opted for covering the camera with a microfibre towel that somewhat helped, but otherwise I had to rely on the weather sealing on the Nikon camera and lenses.To make it easier to dry we had dressed the boys ourselves in rash and sports shirts. This dried very quickly after getting wet unlike cotton clothing. We did bring some disposable ponchos but only Kim used hers a little. 31. January 2017 13:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Zimbabwe - Big (Baobab) Tree 31. January 2017 13:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetJust outside Victoria Falls there is this Baobab tree that they keep showing to tourists (behind fenShareJust outside Victoria Falls there is this Baobab tree that they keep showing to tourists (behind fencing so tourists don't vandalise it). We were brought there on the way to the Boma restaurant because the other people in the bus wanted to see it.They all went Ooooh and Ahhh by seeing it, but I must say that it is neither big or beautiful as far as Baobab trees go...even the fig trees here in Australia are bigger (and better looking). << Older posts Newer posts >> Newer posts12...171819202122232425...9394Older posts SearchInclude comments in search Newsletter Get notified when a new post is published. 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21. February 2017 19:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Table Mountain 21. February 2017 19:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAfter Kruger we flew to Capetown.The first day we went to Table Mountain. The mountain is often coveShareAfter Kruger we flew to Capetown.The first day we went to Table Mountain. The mountain is often covered in clouds, and with a beautiful hot day we though we'd make the most of it and head up there when we had the opportunity.The queue getting up there with the cable car was massive, several hundred metres. We quickly learned that the queue for people who had pre-purchased tickets was shorter and also moved faster than the other queue. We quickly jumped across to the other queue and using my mobile I purchased tickets while we were still waiting.The view from up there is amazing and the top is actually a lot flatter than I though it would be.
20. February 2017 20:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Moholoholo car museum 20. February 2017 20:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetAt one of the private game reserved the owner maintains a little car museum with some very cool carsShareAt one of the private game reserved the owner maintains a little car museum with some very cool cars.Especially this Ferrari 335S is interesting. If it is the real thing then it is one of only five ever made where the last one sold at an auction was sold for more that 30 million pounds.
20. February 2017 20:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Shangana Village 20. February 2017 20:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne evening at Hazyview we went to a local cultural village of the Shangana Tribe.First we went to tShareOne evening at Hazyview we went to a local cultural village of the Shangana Tribe.First we went to the village itself and were introduced to local food and customs. The local witch doctor showed us some of the local medicines they used for stomach pains etc.Afterwards we were entertained by local drumming and dancing in a large hut. Beforehand they had to warm up the drum skins to make them the right tune.But first we were greeted by the chief of the village.One of the dances was the boot dance which they danced in the mines of South Africa during the Apartheid.After the show we had a very traditional and yummy communal dinner as guest of the chief.
20. February 2017 19:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Hazyview Reptile park 20. February 2017 19:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOne morning when it was raining at Hazyview we went to the local Reptile Park.They had a large displShareOne morning when it was raining at Hazyview we went to the local Reptile Park.They had a large display of snakes and other reptiles, and also some interesting talks such as about Poisonous snakes.One of the snakes they showed us was the African Puff Adder, which I remember as a really vicious snake from my days in Kenya. The snake handler certainly convinced me that it is not as aggressive as I thought by walking bare feet past it when it was all curled up really to attack.
19. February 2017 17:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Moholoholo wildlife rehabilitation 19. February 2017 17:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetTowards the northern end of Kruger there is a wildlife rehabilitation centre where injured animals aShareTowards the northern end of Kruger there is a wildlife rehabilitation centre where injured animals are cared for before returned to the wild.Some are unfortunately in a condition where they can never be returned and these are used for educating visitors on wildlife issues.The guide on our tour around the centre was truly amazing, very funny and very knowledgeable.Angry Lioness:Leopard:Cheetah:Chevel Cat:Lion:Lion with Snack:Painted Dogs:Hyena:Southern Ground Hornbill:Eagles:Voltures:Honey Badger:
18. February 2017 15:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Kruger National Park 18. February 2017 15:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetIn South Africa we did two days in the Kruger National Park.The first day we hired a private guide tShareIn South Africa we did two days in the Kruger National Park.The first day we hired a private guide to take us around in a 4WD and the second day we did a self drive.With the guide we were lucky enough to spot all the Big 5 (Elephants, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino). The advantage of a guide is that they are in constant radio communications with all the other cars and therefore can track the animals. On this day it was very hot and a lot of the animals were hiding in the bush and it seemed that we spotted all the animals and called it in to the other cars.Having the private guide was a massive advantage as we could spend the time as we wanted, so we didn't spend much time on say elephants, but we did spend 45 minutes stalking a lion hoping it would get too hot under a bush and get out into the clear.The second day we went it was raining and a lot more challenging, but we still spotted some that we didn't see the first day.Camera wise I knew it would be a challenge to get good photos with a normal lens and didn't have the budget or justification to spend on a fast long lens. Instead all the photos in this post were taken with my 80-200 f2.8 with a 2x teleconverter. I used my tripod as a monopod and the guide was great at moving the car into spots where I had a clear line of sight (another advantage of not having to consider other passengers).Here are the Big 5 we spotted.Leopard:Lion:Rhinos:Elephants:African Buffalos:And here are some of the others such as Zebras:Hyenas:Giraffes:Impalas:Kudu:Waterbucks:Wothhogs:Baboons:Monkeys:Guinea Fowl:African Fishing Eagles:Storks:Marabous:Turtles (These ones are predators):Weaver birds:Chameleons:
17. February 2017 16:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments South Africa - Panorama Route 17. February 2017 16:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetOn the first day in northern South Africa we drove the Panorama route. This is a beautiful drive up ShareOn the first day in northern South Africa we drove the Panorama route. This is a beautiful drive up through the mountains and is full of scenic views of the Blyde River Canyon and waterfalls.The most famous place is Bourkes Potholes.And the PinacleBut everywhere is full of beautiful scenery
3. February 2017 08:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Zimbabwe - Flying out 3. February 2017 08:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetLeaving Zimbabwe we had the experience of the aircraft (an old B737) breaking down with engine problShareLeaving Zimbabwe we had the experience of the aircraft (an old B737) breaking down with engine problems prior to our departure. Although this is not uncommon, most international airports would have a team of aircraft mechanics along with spare parts to fix problems.Victoria Falls do not have all the same facilities due to the low volume of aircraft, so in our case the pilot and co-pilot stepped up and went out to fix the problem themselves. With just a two hour delay we were back underway.I doubt a pilot from a big international airline would step up and get his hands dirty or even have the skills to fix basic and common problems....credit go to bush pilots!
1. February 2017 15:02 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls 1. February 2017 15:02 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetThe main reason why we made the trip up to Zimbabwe was that our trip to South Africa would be our bShareThe main reason why we made the trip up to Zimbabwe was that our trip to South Africa would be our best opportunity to see and experience the Victoria Falls (and also give Kim and the boys to opportunity to visit another African country).It is an amazing sight as the entire area around the falls is completely flat. The Zambezi river is at the point of the fall over a kilometer wide and the entire river suddenly drops into this narrow gorge.The falls themselves are on the Zambian side of the border, and most of the lookouts are on the Zimbabwe side.The effect is that the water spray gets pushed several hundred meters into the air above the gorge and creates a perpetual plume of rain clouds and spray making it impossible to stay dry.This also meant that it was a challenge to keep my camera gear dry. I did bring a waterproof case for my camera, but after a few minutes a stopped using it because I couldn't mount the camera on a tripod at the same time. Instead I opted for covering the camera with a microfibre towel that somewhat helped, but otherwise I had to rely on the weather sealing on the Nikon camera and lenses.To make it easier to dry we had dressed the boys ourselves in rash and sports shirts. This dried very quickly after getting wet unlike cotton clothing. We did bring some disposable ponchos but only Kim used hers a little.
31. January 2017 13:01 by Rene Pallesen 0 Comments Zimbabwe - Big (Baobab) Tree 31. January 2017 13:01 by Rene Pallesen | 0 Comments TweetJust outside Victoria Falls there is this Baobab tree that they keep showing to tourists (behind fenShareJust outside Victoria Falls there is this Baobab tree that they keep showing to tourists (behind fencing so tourists don't vandalise it). We were brought there on the way to the Boma restaurant because the other people in the bus wanted to see it.They all went Ooooh and Ahhh by seeing it, but I must say that it is neither big or beautiful as far as Baobab trees go...even the fig trees here in Australia are bigger (and better looking).