Travel Adjustments Due to Family Priorities
With our two sons' weddings approaching in 2024, we needed to make some minor adjustments to our travel plans. However, we proceeded with our pre-scheduled trips to Uganda and Ethiopia in January. It was my first visit to Uganda, which we dubbed the "Primates Tour." I was accompanied by my good friend JRam. In Uganda, our itinerary focused on visiting several iconic national parks and wildlife conservancies in the western part of the country. Uganda is home to 13 of the more than 111 primate species found in mainland Africa. We arranged private safaris each day and participated in tracking golden monkeys and chimpanzees.
The highlight of the trip for me was witnessing firsthand the habituation efforts of mountain gorillas in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This process involves identifying, documenting, and actively socializing a gorilla troop over several years, eventually integrating them into the park's trekking activities. The revenue generated by these activities supports conservation efforts and educates a broader population of tourists on the importance of preserving the country’s wildlife legacy. Many African countries face serious challenges with species decline due to habitat loss, illegal poaching, and rapid changes to ecosystems caused by climate change.
From Uganda, we flew into Jinka, a city in southwestern Ethiopia near the Omo Valley. From there, we began our tour of the Omo Valley tribes, with scheduled visits to the Hamer, Dassanech, Karo, Arbore, Mursi, Banna, and Nyangatom tribes.
While living in Kingston, I developed a fascination with the Rideau Canal, a 202-kilometer waterway built along the Rideau River, with 46 locks allowing boats to travel between Lake Ontario and the Ottawa River. It was originally envisioned as part of a broader defense strategy for Canada. Construction of the canal began in 1826 and was completed in 1832. Today, the waterway and lock system are part of Canada's national heritage. In July, I planned to canoe the length of the Rideau Canal system, launching from the Kingston Boat Club on the Cataraqui River and paddling over seven days to Ottawa. Parks Canada allows paddlers to camp on the grounds of the lock stations for a modest fee.
We finished the travel year with a three-week expedition to Antarctica. In addition to crossing the Scotia Sea and the dreaded Drake Passage, we visited the South Sandwich Islands, South Georgia Island, and the Falkland Islands. With so many interesting places covered in 2024, I decided to increase this years offerings to 25.
Gamenight in the Morash household. Every so hopeful, Dad pulls out all the stops to show allegiance to his team - Toronto Maple Leafs. Hopeful, in his 92 year that the Leafs go all the way and win the Stanley Cup. Dartmoth, Nova Scotia. Oct 2024.
Addis Ababa landscape. From Entoto Natural Park, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Jan, 2024.
Elusive Shoebill Stork. Mabamba Swamp, Entebbe, Uganda June, 2024.
Hanging around, Chimpanzee Trekking. Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda. Jan 2024.
"Chimp concentration...", Image taken while tracking Chimpanzee's at the Chimpanzee Trekking Centre, Kibale Forest National Park. Jan 2024.
Batwa tribesman demonstrates camoflage and hunting techniques while taking in the Batwa Cultural Experience. After a short hike to their village, we learned about the forest’s original keepers. Rushaga Sector, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda. Jan, 2024.
After initial introductions via our expert guiding team, the silverback of the Bikingi Troop of mountain gorillas is very relaxed at our presence. The troop has mix of middle aged and young gorillas. Rushaga Sector, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Jan 2024.
Male lion taking a much need break from servicing his the many females of his pride. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Jan 2024.
Golden Monkey looks on as we move thru their habitat.Mgahinga National Park, Uganda. Jan 2024.
Hamar women pledging her undying loyalty to the male candidate (a relative) participating in the Bull Jumping rite of passage ceremony. Turmi, Southern Omo Valley, Ethiopia. Jan 2024.
Hamar elders decorate head dress caps, in advance of the Bull Jumping Ceremony. Turmi, Southern Omo Valley, Ethiopia. Jan 2024.
Arbore girl takes time from tending the families goats. Omorate, Southern Omo Valley, Ethiopia. Jan 2024.
Arbore elders take time from tending the families goats. Omorate, Southern Omo Valley, Ethiopia. Jan 2024.
Hamer mother and children.. Turmi, Southern Omo Valley, Ethiopia. Jan 2024.
Karo tribe member has colored pigment added to her short cropped hair. On the banks of the Omo River. Eastern prt of the Southern Omo Valley, Ethiopia. Jan 2024.
No one home at the Kilmarnock Lock Station, and therefore portaged over the roadway to a dock on the other side, Kilmarnock Locks, Ontario. July 2024.
Multi-level lock on Newboro Lake, on the Rideau Canal., July 2024.
Great Blue Heron casually makes it's way along the Rideau River. July 2024.
"Is it safe?...", Pack Ice in Charlotte Bay , Antarctica, Nov 2024.
Unforgiving natural elements with ever changing weather affords a magical opportunity for landscape photography., Half Moon Island, Antarctic Peninsula, Nov 2024.
King Penguins, Fortuna Bay, South Georgia Island, Nov 2024.
Antarctic Shags peer out over their nesting place., King Haakon Bay, South Georgia Island, Nov 2024.
Elephant Seal Family dispute., Elsehul Bay, South Georgia Island, Nov 2024.
Imperial Cormorant clears a rock outcrop before gliding into the nesting area, West Point Island, Falklands., Nov 2024.
Seasoned and timeworn hands masterfully shuffle the deck, with each card a testament to years gone by., Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Dec, 2024.