Driving through the countryside a few days ago, Tom spotted this highly venomous Tiger snake crossing the road. Quickly turning around, as it raced off into vegetation, we were able to get this photo. For information on these scary snakes, please click here where its stated, "Most Australians know of tiger snakes and are aware of their fearsome reputation, though few people will ever encounter one." Leave it to us to encounter one after only 20 days in Tasmania! |
While at a resort in Kenya in October 2013, celebrating our one year anniversary of world travel, Tom agreed to participate in the reptile show. Click here for the full post. |
Don't get me wrong, Tom is not a snake enthusiast. But, encountering wildlife of many types is a highlight of our world travels and we treat each encounter with respect, curiosity and interest, although in this recent encounter and others shown here, with the utmost of caution.
Only slightly venomous, he held this snake in his hand without incident. |
Tom let this green snake slither up his arm. |
We've sailed on four ocean cruises and one river cruise (Mekong), finally circumventing the Australian continent on a 33 night back to back cruise (two separate cruises, one after another with us staying in the same cabin) ending up here in Tasmania, Australia after a short flight from Sydney. Wow!
This semi venomous snake paralyses its prey. If they bite a human, the area of the bite will feel numb for a few hours but poses no systemic risk. We were told to keep the head away from us while handling it. This is me holding it as Tom took the photo. |
This venomous snake, a Mozambique Splitting Cobra, dropped from the ceiling of the veranda in Marloth Park, South Africa, less than one meter from Tom's bare feet as we sat outdoors awaiting the day's "visitors." For more details, please click here. |
1. March 1, 2017 to March 13, 2017, depart Tasmania, head to Sydney, boarding a 12 night cruise to New Caledonia; Vanuatu; Fiji and then back to Sydney.
2. March 13, 2017 to April 22, 2017, stay in Manly (Sydney) for 40 nights in a vacation home.
3. April 22, 2017 to May 15, 2017, a 24 night cruise from Sydney to Seattle, Washington, visiting Hawaii along the way. Make our way by land from Seattle , Washington to Vancouver, British Columbia where we'll spend two nights awaiting another cruise. (Continued below).
A python on Tom's shoulder in Kenya. |
5. May 26, 2017, fly from Seattle, Washington to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Stay six weeks visiting family and friends.
6. July 7, 2017, fly from Minnesota to Nevada where we'll stay for three weeks visiting family. (Continued below).
7. August 1, 2017 to November 22, 2017, fly from Nevada to Costa Rica where we'll stay in a vacation home.
8. November 22, 2017, fly to Miami to spend one night in a hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
9. November 23, 2017 to December 8, 2017, board the cruise in Fort Lauderdale, Florida including visits to Grand Cayman Islands; full transit on the new Panama Canal; Manta, Equador; Lima, Peru; Pisco, Peru; Arica, Chile; and on to Santiago, Chili. (Continued below).
In early 2016, we visited Everybody's Theatre in Opunake, New Zealand when I shot this photo of Tom. Click here for details. |
This itinerary is expansive and exciting, each leg of the journey filling us with a sense of adventure and gratefulness for the opportunities to continue on this path, hopefully for many more birthdays to come.
While in Bali, this year, Tom dressed in traditional Hindu garb with the help of our household staff. Love that hat on him (and the beard!) which he's since shaved off. Click here for details. |
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Photo from one year ago today, December 23, 2015:
One year ago when I post a birthday letter to Tom, I posted this single photo of Tom which was taken in March, 2015 when we were in Princeville, Kauai playing bingo at the senior center. For Tom's birthday letter from last year, please click here. |
2 comments:
Happy Birthday Tom - you snake charmer !!
Tom says, "Thanks for the funny card you dropped off today while I was taking a birthday nap! Mighty thoughtful of you!" Luckily, the various snakes have been for photo taking only.
Thanks for being YOU, Terry! We appreciate everything you do for us. Merry Christmas to you and Fran!
Hugs,
Jess & Tom
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