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Bend National Park2026-07-11T01:18:28+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2025/07/06/the-rio-grand-valley/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/big_bend_rio_grand2.jpgbig_bend_rio_grand2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/santa_ana_nwr.jpgsanta_ana_NWR2026-07-11T01:17:38+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2025/06/29/the-sky-islands-of-the-the-southwest/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sia-biomes.jpgSIA-biomes2026-07-11T01:17:02+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2025/03/27/alsace-region/2026-07-11T01:16:21+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2025/03/26/strausburg/2026-07-11T01:15:53+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2025/03/25/mussels-in-brussels/2026-07-11T01:15:20+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2025/03/23/dinat-and-antwerp/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/din_8.jpgdin_82026-07-11T01:14:57+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2025/03/22/bruges/2026-07-11T01:14:32+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2025/02/22/lisbon/2026-07-11T01:13:55+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2025/02/20/dresden/2026-07-11T01:13:25+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2025/02/18/prague/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/prague_11.jpgprague_11https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/p1480014.jpgP1480014https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/prague_9.jpgprague_9https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/prague_8.jpgprague_8https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/prague_3-1.jpgprague_32026-07-11T01:12:58+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2024/07/06/mammoth-and-the-devils-postpile/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1470642.jpgP1470642https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1470656.jpgP1470656https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1470661.jpgP1470661https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1160273-1.jpgP1160273https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1160273.jpgP1160273https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1160278.jpgP1160278The Devil's Postpilehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1160206.jpgP1160206https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1160233.jpgEmperald_LakeEmerald Lake2026-07-11T01:12:22+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2024/06/13/a-pacific-northwest-road-trip/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1150810.jpgP1150810https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1150688.jpgP1150688https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1150667.jpgP1150667https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1150516-1.jpgP1150516 (1)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1150627.jpgP1150627Malahauer National Wildlife Refugehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1150443.jpgP1150443https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1150337.jpgP1150337https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1150279.jpgP1150279https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1150253.jpgP1150253https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/p1150030.jpgP11500302026-07-11T01:11:21+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2023/07/31/driving-across-the-usa-part-8/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/driving3.jpgdriving3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/driving21.jpgdriving2Box Canyonhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/chi_desert1.jpgchi_desert1Chihuahuan Desert Driving2026-07-11T01:10:48+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2023/07/22/driving-across-the-usa-part-7/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/bayou1.jpgbayou1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/bayou2.jpgbayou2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/bayou31.jpgbayou3(1)2026-07-11T01:10:01+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2023/07/19/driving-across-the-usa-part-6/2026-07-11T01:09:25+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2023/07/12/driving-across-the-usa-part-5/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/buzzard_swamp1.jpgbuzzard_swamp12026-07-11T01:08:54+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2023/07/04/driving-across-the-usa-part-4/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/plains1.jpgplains1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/plains4.jpgplains4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/plains2.jpgplains2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/plains3.jpgplains32026-07-11T01:08:15+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2023/06/30/driving-across-the-usa-part-3/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/rockymountain2.jpgrockymountain2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/rockymountain3.jpgrockymountain3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/black_canyon2.jpgblack_canyon2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pioneer1.jpgpioneer12026-07-11T01:07:46+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2023/06/17/driving-across-the-usa-part-2/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/driving1.jpgdriving1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pioneer3.jpgpioneer3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pioneer2.jpgpioneer2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/grand_teston2.jpggrand_teston2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/grand_teton1.jpggrand_teton1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/grand_teton3.jpggrand_teton3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/grand_teton4.jpggrand_teton4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/yellowstone2.jpgyellowstone2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/yellowstone4.jpgyellowstone4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/yellowstone5.jpgyellowstone52026-07-11T01:07:00+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2023/06/14/driving-across-the-usa/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pioneer5.jpgpioneer5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pioneer4.jpgpioneer4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pioneer6.jpgpioneer6Red Rocks Lakes Montanahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/centential_valley1.jpgcentential_valley1Centennial Valleyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/great_basin7.jpggreat_basin7I was lucky enough to find a good spot for the night!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/great_basin6.jpggreat_basin6Poole Trail Great Basin National Parkhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/great_basin5.jpggreat_basin5TA small meadow on the baker trail.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/great_basin3.jpggreat_basin3Shoe Tree US Route 50https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/great_basin1.jpggreat_basin1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/great_basin4.jpggreat_basin42026-07-11T01:05:54+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2022/07/31/crater-lake/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_northcoast_2-1.jpgpn_northcoast_2Alyssa evades law enforcement. We all walked away without harm from this experience.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_cl_2.jpgpn_cl_2Pumice Point Overlook allowed for a perfect reflection of the sky.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_cl_1.jpgpn_cl_1A view from the Watchman Tower down to Wizard Islandhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/p1410710.jpgP14107102026-07-11T01:05:22+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2022/07/23/mt-rainier/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rainier_151-1.jpgpn_rainier_15Kylie v Chipmunk staring contest. It lasted about 2 minutes. Kylie came out on top.  The chipmunk is in the lower left.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_raininer_12-1.jpgpn_raininer_12Even in July, snow covered the trail.  Sharleen traverses a trail with a 300 foot slide.  I was so proud of her overcoming her fear. https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rainier_14-1.jpgpn_rainier_14Mt. Rainier from Sunset Camp  https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rainier_13-1.jpgpn_rainier_13At 6000 feet of elevation, the trees become smaller and in some cases more colorful. https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rainier_11-1.jpgpn_rainier_11Emmons Glacier.  Like Carbon Glacier, the terminus and melt zone is covered with rockhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rainier_10-1.jpgpn_rainier_10Mt. Rainier from Bourroughs Mountain Trail.  From Burroughs mountain frying pan glacier and the intermediate glacier can also be seen. https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rainier_9-1.jpgpn_rainier_9A view from frozen lake.   Although hard to capture with a camera, there are many layers of depth.  Down, trail, down, meadow, down, forest, and down again. From Rainer Mt Hood to the south was visible and Mt Baker along the Canadian border was visible.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rainier_8-1.jpgpn_rainier_8The trail to Carbon Glacier was washed out, consequently, we were redirected across this half mile wash.  The rocks were loose and the river crossing here were quite sketchy.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rainier_7-1.jpgpn_rainier_7Carbon Glacier. https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rainier_6-1.jpgpn_rainier_6Chenuis Falls was beautiful, the campsites nearby were all but destroyed with no plan to fix them up.  2026-07-11T01:04:26+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2022/07/20/seattle/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_seattle_8-1.jpgpn_seattle_8Art, beauty, and disgust are in the eye of the beholderhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_seattle_6-1.jpgpn_seattle_6Pipes were decorated along with the wallhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_seattle_5-1.jpgpn_seattle_5Kylie and Alyssa find the Gum Wall mesmerizinghttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_seattle_4-1.jpgpn_seattle_4Beecher's Handmade Cheesehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_seattle_3-1.jpgpn_seattle_3The Crab Shackhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_seattle_2-1.jpgpn_seattle_2The platform does rotate and Kylie and Alyssa wanted to see how long they'd last.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_seattle_1-1.jpgpn_seattle_1Here we are looking down!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/image_67508481-1.jpgimage_67508481 (1)Seattle - USA2026-07-11T01:03:35+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2022/07/08/northern-cascades-national-park/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_nc_1.jpgpn_nc_1Avalanche Cabin.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_nc_8.jpgpn_nc_8At other times the trail looked like this, a dirt path in a sea of moss.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_nc_5.jpgpn_nc_5Another spot beyond Coho camp, just before Fisher Camp. The trail goes through here.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_nc_4.jpgpn_nc_4Beyond Coho Camp the trail became massively overgrown.  I saw no boot tracks in the dirt and snow.  I was the first to come through here this season.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_nc_2.jpgpn_nc_2The trail along Fisher Creekhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_nc_3.jpgpn_nc_3Typical avalanche damagehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_nc_6.jpgpn_nc_6glimpse of Douglas glacierhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_nc_7.jpgpn_nc_72026-07-11T01:02:10+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2022/07/05/ross-lake-national-recreation-area/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rl_recreation13-1.jpgpn_rl_recreation13Ross Lake from Desolation Peak. The trailhead is at the vanishing point at the far end of the lake ~25 miles away.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rl_recreation15-1.jpgpn_rl_recreation15Diablo Lake from Thunder Knobhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rl_recreation14-1.jpgpn_rl_recreation14A view into the Pasaytan Wilderness from Desolation Peak.  https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rl_recreation12-1.jpgpn_rl_Recreation12Nohokomeen Glacierhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rl_recreation11-1-1.jpgpn_rl_recreation11A deer watch me pitch my tenthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rl_recreation10-1.jpgpn_rl_recreation10Spring flowers were out in force.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rl_recreation9-1.jpgpn_rl_recreation9Even though swollen, a log provided a path over the river.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rl_recreation8-1.jpgpn_rl_recreation8So much green on this trail!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rl_recreation7-1.jpgpn_rl_recreation7Lake Ann covered in ice and fog.  Haunting hermit thrush calls filled the air.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/pn_rl_recreation6-1.jpgpn_rl_recreation6It's always hard to capture traverses, but I snapped a shot of these two hikers to help give an idea of enormity of all that was around.2026-07-11T01:01:14+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2022/06/30/the-northern-edges-of-the-olympic-peninsula/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_northcoast_14-1.jpgpn_northcoast_14An Elwa River Tributaryhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_northcoast_9-1.jpgpn_northcoast_9Along the trail are various cabins.  This particular cabin was build by Hume in the 1920s for a lawyer who was renown for his fishing prowess. There were also cabins belong to Cougar Mike, Hume, and a few others.   The park keeps these cabins in place, reminders of past lives who shunned society to live in the wild.  They also give some small indication of the difficulty people had living in far from society. The inside of these cabins were bare.  Sleeping quarters were in a loft most likely for security.   Cougar Mike's cabin had a sink with a P trap, which I thought was odd.  Some cabins had windows with glass.  It made wonder how in the early 1900s these folks transported such items from society, which at the time was over 50 miles away.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_northcoast_13-1.jpgpn_northcoast_13https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_northcoast_12-1.jpgpn_northcoast_12https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_northcoast_111-1.jpgpn_northcoast_11Big Leaf Maple Grovehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_northcoast_8-1.jpgpn_northcoast_8The Trail is through here. I'm standing on a downed tree to take this picture, most of these plants grow over my head.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_northcoast_7-1.jpgpn_northcoast_7https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_northcoast_15-1.jpgpn_northcoast_15https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_northcoast_3-1.jpgpn_northcoast_3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_northcoast_1-1.jpgpn_northcoast_1Sol Duc Falls2026-07-11T01:00:09+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2022/06/20/the-olympic-peninsula-coast/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_coast_flattery2-1.jpgpn_coast_flattery2Birds of a different type.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_coast_flattery3-1.jpgpn_coast_flattery3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_coast_ozette1-1.jpgpn_coast_ozette1A view South from sandy point (If you look closely on the left of this picture you'll see two people walking on the beach to give you a scale as to how large this beach actually is).https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_coast_ozette2-1.jpgpn_coast_ozette2A view North from sandy pointhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_coast_lapush-2.jpgpn_coast_lapushLa Push Baby!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_coast_forks-1.jpgpn_coast_forksAlyssa and Kylie enter Twilight Central in Forkshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_coast_treeoflife2-1.jpgpn_coast_treeoflife2The worlds largest Red Cedarhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_coast_tree_of_life-1.jpgpn_coast_tree_of_LifeLike the tree of life we all persisthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/p1410421.jpgP1410421Cape Flattery - USA2026-07-11T00:59:26+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2022/06/19/hoh-river-valley/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_hohvalley_t13-1.jpgpn_hohvalley_t13Mt. Olympus is on the right.  https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_hohvalley_t11-1.jpgpn_hohvalley_t11It looks easy, but snow depth was nearly 3-9 feet.  There were boot tracks, but the last ascent was rather steephttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_hohvalley_t10-1.jpgpn_hohvalley_t10Climbing down this with gear was fun.  It took me a while to wander around in the wilderness to find the trail on the other side.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_hohvalley_t12-1.jpgpn_hohvalley_t12The ice axe is more for effect/precaution....I could have made it without it.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_hohvalley_t9-1.jpgpn_hohvalley_t9For most of of the trail hikers are at low altitude, then the trail ascends abruptly and grants views like this. https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_hohvalley_t8-1.jpgpn_hohvalley_t8Snow Melt from Glacier Meadowshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_hohvalley_t7-1.jpgpn_hohvalley_t7Hoh River Tributaryhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_hohvalley_t6-1.jpgpn_hohvalley_t6This moss creates a symbiotic relationship with the tree, helping protect it from parasitic beetles.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_hohvalley_t5-2.jpgpn_hohvalley_t5More nurse logs fostering the next generation.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_hohvalley_t4-1.jpgpn_hohvalley_t4Regularly, snow-melt swollen streams eroded the banks causing trees to fall - conveniently making bridges2026-07-11T00:58:11+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2022/06/15/the-quinault-rainforest/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_quinault_largest_tree-1.jpgpn_quinault_largest_treehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_quinault_maple_loop_1-1.jpgpn_quinault_maple_loop_1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_quinault_maple_loop_3-1.jpgpn_quinault_maple_loop_3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_quinault_maple_loop_2-2.jpgpn_quinault_maple_loop_2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_quinault_enchanted_valley_v8-1.jpgpn_quinault_enchanted_valley_v8The stock gate remains with a sign saying please close. Even the ranger I asked could not explain why it was still necessary.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_quinault_enchanted_valley_v5-1.jpgpn_quinault_enchanted_valley_v5Just North of the chalet is this beautiful meadow with streaming waterfalls behind it.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_quinault_enchanted_valley_v4-1.jpgpn_quinault_enchanted_valley_v4The Chalet originally built in 1931 and restored in 1984, is now deemed structurally unsound and merely holds park service supplies.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_quinault_enchanted_valley_v9-1.jpgpn_quinault_enchanted_valley_v9https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_quinault_enchanted_valley_v3-1.jpgpn_quinault_enchanted_valley_v3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pn_quinault_enchanted_valley_v1-1.jpgpn_quinault_enchanted_valley_v12026-07-11T00:57:31+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2022/02/24/channel-islands-national-park/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/channel_islands3.jpgchannel_islands3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/channel_islands4.jpgchannel_islands4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/channel_islands_2.jpgchannel_islands_2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/channel_islands1.jpgchannel_islands1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/channel_islands5.jpgchannel_Islands5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/p1340085.jpgP1340085Santa Cruz Island - USA2026-07-11T00:28:57+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2021/08/06/the-oregon-outback/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/eastern_oregon_hotsprings1-1.jpgEastern_Oregon_HotspringsThere are many types of crazy. Getting into hot springs in 100 degree weather is just one type.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/eastern_oregon_dustdevil1-1.jpgEastern_Oregon_DustDevilA dust devil sweeps across the desert.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/eastern_oregon_hartmountain21.jpgEastern_Oregon_HartMountain2Surprising wildflowers!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/eastern_oregon_hotsprings21-1.jpgEastern_Oregon_Hotsprings2A view over the oasishttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/eastern_oregon_hartmountain1-1.jpgEastern_Oregon_HartMountainHart Mountain.2026-07-11T00:23:59+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2021/07/09/californias-pacific-northwest/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pac_northwest_7.jpgpac_northwest_7The hike and drive to Fern Canyon takes you through dense biomasshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pac_northwest_5.jpgpac_northwest_5Fern Canyonhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pac_northwest_6.jpgpac_northwest_6Fern Canyonhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pac_northwest_4.jpgpac_northwest_4A view from the Trinidad Head, 5 miles south of Patrick's Pointhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pac_northwest_12.jpgpac_northwest_12Boy Scout Trail - Kylie explores ANOTHER fallen treehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pac_northwest_11.jpgpac_northwest_11Boy Scout Trail - Kylie explores a fallen treehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pac_northwest_10.jpgpac_northwest_10Boy Scout Trail - Sharleen and Kylie walk among giants.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pac_northwest_8.jpgpac_northwest_8Boy Scout Trail - Kylie and Sharleen pose on top of nurse tree. A nurse tree is a dead tree that gives life to many other organisms. Red Huckleberry line the top of this nurse tree.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pac_northwest_9.jpgpac_northwest_9Boy Scout Trail - Jedediah Smith State Parkhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/pac_northwest_3.jpgpac_northwest_3Drury Chaney Trail - Avenue of the Giants. An interesting tidbit about this image. This old-growth redwood was logged nearly a century ago. The carved holes were foot holes for loggers to use a two handed hand saw to cut the tree.2026-07-11T00:23:17+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2021/06/26/the-pinnacles-national-park/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ca_pinnacles3.jpgca_pinnacles3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ca_pinnacles2.jpgca_pinnacles2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ca_pinnacles1.jpgca_pinnacles12026-07-11T00:22:10+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2021/05/23/the-farallon-islands/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/p1240236.jpgP1240236Farallon Islands - USA2026-07-10T23:33:49+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/04/10/by-the-numbers/2026-07-10T23:32:06+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/03/16/rio-jardim-botanico/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_botantical_garden.jpgr_botantical_gardenRio Jardin2026-07-10T23:31:03+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/03/21/done/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/end.jpgend2026-07-10T23:24:18+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/03/16/parque-natural-municipal-da-catacumba/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_catacumbra4.jpgr_catacumbra4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_catacumbra3.jpgr_catacumbra3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_catacumbra1.jpgr_catacumbra12026-07-10T23:22:32+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/03/14/exploring-copacabana/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_copacabana6.jpgr_copacabana6https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_copacabana5.jpgr_copacabana5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_copacabana4.jpgr_copacabana4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_copacabana3.jpgr_copacabana3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_copacabana2.jpgr_copacabana2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_copacabana1.jpgr_copacabana12026-07-10T23:13:37+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/03/13/rio/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_corvacaod_10.jpgr_corvacaod_10https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_corvacaod_8.jpgr_corvacaod_8https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_corvacaod_7.jpgr_corvacaod_7https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_corvacaod_6.jpgr_corvacaod_6https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_corvacaod_5.jpgr_corvacaod_5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_corvacaod_4.jpgr_corvacaod_4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_corvacaod_3.jpgr_corvacaod_3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_corvacaod_2.jpgr_corvacaod_2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/r_corvacado_1.jpgr_corvacado_12026-07-10T23:13:01+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/03/08/reflections-on-southern-africa/2026-07-10T23:12:18+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/03/05/the-cradle-of-humankind/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cradle9.jpgcradle9Human family tree: Credit: evolutionevidence.orghttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cradle_4.jpgcradle_4Alyssa walks under the fossil remains of our ancestors.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cradle_3.jpgcradle_3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cradle_1.jpgcradle_1“Human populations appear to be different in terms of color, body size, limb proportion, hair texture, and other physical attributes.  Beneath the surface, we are all virtually identical.  There is no genetic boundary for race.  WE ARE ALL ONE SPECIES"https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cradle_2.jpgcradle_2Kylie listens to information about the dodo bird - an early poster species for extinctionhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cradle_5.jpgcradle_5Fossils remains of our ancestors2026-07-10T23:11:12+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/03/03/kruger-national-park/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/kruger_1.jpgkruger_1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/kruger_2.jpgkruger_2Feels like being in the Lion King movie.  On pride rock overlooking Western Kruger.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/kruger_3.jpgkruger_3Chobe - Botswana2026-07-10T23:10:15+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/03/01/driving-through-botswana/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/driving_31.jpgdriving_3The edge of the Khalari Deserthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/driving_8.jpgdriving_8Government housing built to get people out of the townships and shanty towns.  However; it remains unclear if Mandala's program will be a long term success or failure as many of those who received houses, sold it and returned to the townships.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/driving_6.jpgdriving_6Manda shouted: "This is your last chance to see a rhino".  This roadside game reserve, stocked with animals, was an attraction for people getting eats or gasoline.  Like Zimbabwe, South Africa has many game parks for trophy hunters.  While this particular park was not one of those, there were quite a few.  Francis told us that within a week of South Africa changing their hunting quota allowances, three rhinos were killed. (South Africa hunting quotas explained here)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/driving_5.jpgdriving_5Blyde River Canyon - One of the largest canyons in Africahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/driving_4.jpgdriving_4The Limpopo River at Martin's Drift border crossing.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/driving_11.jpgdriving_1Roadside elephanthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/driving_21.jpgdriving_2(1)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/overland_truck.jpgoverland_truckhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/driving_7.jpgdriving_7Johanesberg - South Africa2026-07-10T23:09:15+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/27/okavango-river-delta-botswana/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ov_delta11.jpgov_delta11On our sunrise trek through the delta regionhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ov_delta10.jpgov_delta10Sunrise on the Deltahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ov_delta9.jpgov_delta9Martin made sure we were well fed!  In most of our camps Marin cooked extra food.  All the extra went to the local staff.  He cooked a bucket of spaghetti that could have fed 25 people, but we were only 7.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ov_delta7.jpgov_delta7Enjoying the sunset in the middle of the bush with Alyssa.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ov_delta8.jpgov_delta8Every night termites effect repairs, this skull was placed here about 4 months ago by one of the guides.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ov_delta6.jpgov_delta6Some of these termite mounds were just downright massive!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ov_delta5.jpgov_delta5Jonah estimated that the carcass was a few months old.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ov_delta4.jpgov_delta4Alyssa cruises up a waterway.  "That was hard, I have a new appreciation for the work they do!"https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ov_delta31.jpgov_delta3Sharleen takes advantage of the breeze and shadehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ov_delta12.jpgov_delta12Our group makes its way through various waterways and lily covered ponds.2026-07-10T23:08:34+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/24/elephant-sands-botswana/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/elephant_sands3.jpgelephant_sands3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/elephant_sands6.jpgelephant_sands6The dreaded Devil's Thorn.  It even looks like a devil!  These pesky thorny seeds poked many holes in my feet.  How do elephants walk through these things with aplomb?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/elephant_sands2.jpgelephant_sands2This bull elephant walks by our tenthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/elephant_sands4.jpgelephant_sands4Those pyramid cement blocks each have an iron spike.  Together with the electric fence made me wonder who the wild animals were.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/elephant_sands1.jpgelephant_sands1Elephants prefer clean drinking water.  This one slurps away just 15 meters from our viewing platform.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/elephant_sands7.jpgelephant_sands7Elephant Sands - Botswana2026-07-10T23:07:53+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/23/chobe-national-park-botswana/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/chobe_2.jpgchobe_2That's right....just keep on walking....https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/chobe_5.jpgchobe_5It just walked on by.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/chobe_1.jpgchobe_1In our jeep safari ride in Chobehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/chobe_3.jpgchobe_3Kylie looks into the distancehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/chobe_4.jpgchobe_4Yup those are hippos in the background not the foreground2026-07-10T23:04:55+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/21/zambia/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/vic_falls9.jpgvic_falls9The volume of water, the thunder, and power of these falls was magnificent.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/vic_falls8.jpgvic_falls8Kylie and Sharleen descend into the devil's cataract gorge to see the Falls from a different angle.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/vic_falls7.jpgvic_falls7If you look really hard, you'll see some nutty people on the edge of the waterfall on the other side.  That was us the day before!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/livingstoneisland12.jpglivingstoneisland12We survived!  The small tree with the rope behind it in the back ground....that's where we were.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/vic_falls4.jpgvic_falls4Kylie squeak's out a smile while being terrified.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/vic_falls3.jpgvic_falls3Glamour girl not affected by being 2feet away from doom.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/vic_falls2.jpgvic_falls2Superwoman tempting fatehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/vic_falls1.jpgvic_falls1This was pretty scary!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/livingstoneisland9.jpglivingstoneisland9Kylie caught in the wash cycle.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/livingstoneisland7.jpglivingstoneisland7Wash cycle: Tumble2026-07-10T23:03:49+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/16/imire-a-reflection/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/imire_2.jpgimire_22026-07-10T23:02:01+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/13/imire-community/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/community_19.jpgcommunity_19https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/community_17.jpgcommunity_17Hilda explains about male and female roles in Shona culture.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/community_8.jpgcommunity_8Gift serves bread.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/community_16.jpgcommunity_16Part of the tradition in Shona culture is for the young to serve meals to the elders.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/community_21.jpgcommunity_21I had a go at it as well!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/community_15.jpgcommunity_15Alyssa's turn to plow the fieldhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/community_14.jpgcommunity_14Sharleen's turn to plow the field.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/community_13.jpgcommunity_13Many people in Zimbabwe carry items on their head.  Hilda showed us the secret and had us try.It was supposed to be work, but Alyssa was having too much fun!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/community_11.jpgcommunity_11https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/community_10.jpgcommunity_102026-07-10T22:57:58+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/12/imire-maintenance-and-repair/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/survival_skills_1.jpgsurvival_skills_1I can barely see them!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/repair_5.jpgrepair_5This was a newly dub waterhole for wildlife animals.  Planting trees around the perimeter would help reduce evaporation rates.  Rain would fill it over time.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/repair_4.jpgrepair_4We used the debarked poles to support newly planted trees.  Another group would come later to weave grass walls to protect the fledgling trees from the winter frost.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/repair_3.jpgrepair_3Debarking poleshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/repair_2.jpgrepair_2Kylie wields a machete helping trim branches of a support pole we'll use laterhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/repair_1.jpgrepair_1Alyssa reattaches a fence to a newly replaced fence pole2026-07-10T22:54:43+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/11/imire-ranger-patrols-and-conservation/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/animals_16.jpganimals_16Out forging lakeside.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/animals_15.jpganimals_15Mack munching on some trees.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/conservation8.jpgconservation8More mucking!  Elephants poop ALOT!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/conservation9.jpgconservation9Replenishing hayhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/conservation10.jpgconservation10https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/conservation7.jpgconservation7Seeing if Mack would shake handshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/conservation6.jpgconservation6Testing Mack to follow verbal commandshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/conservation4.jpgconservation4Cleaning feet and toes after standing in the stable at night.  After this Mack, the male elephant would be released to forage for the day.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/conservation1.jpgconservation1Nyasha tries to determine if Kylie is friend, foe, or food.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/conservation12.jpgconservation12Gift explains how to work with African honey bees safely.2026-07-10T22:53:25+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/10/zimbabwe/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/animals_5.jpganimals_5There were 14 or so giraffes in the park including some newborns.  This giraffe hammed it up for Kylie and Alyssa.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/animals_3.jpganimals_3The large male in the middle was rescued. The female on the left survived it’s mother getting poached. The baby and the adolescent on the right were born at IMIRE. With a 15 month gestation period, recovery from poaching and population depletion is a slow and expensive process.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/imire_1.jpgimire_1A view from camp.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/graphic_zimbabwe_hunting_map_fixed.jpggraphic_zimbabwe_hunting_map_FIXEDThis map shows the three types of land in Zimbabwe where trophy hunting generally occurs, all of which are regulated by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, or ZPWMA. National parks (state land) are in blue, Safari areas (private land) are in red and community-run hunting grounds (communal lands) are in orange. Hunting permits are only granted in national parks to deal with animals that are sick, injured, dangerous or destructive.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/wild-lion-graph-1408979351.pngwild-lion-graph-1408979351Source. Notice Zimbabwe in Green. The year seven spike corresponds to land reform. The downward trend is most likely due to a diminishing supply and not a diminishing demand. The numbers of wild lions is down all across Zimbabwe, even though the eco-system could support more (citation)2026-07-10T22:52:43+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/09/our-last-day-in-cairo/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_6.jpgpyramid_6Saleh shows Alyssa and Kylie how papyrus is soaked to remove all but 20% of the sugars.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_5.jpgpyramid_5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_15.jpgpyramid_15Inside the mosquehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_4.jpgpyramid_4This isn't actually the citadel, but a view from the citadel.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_81.jpgpyramid_8(1)Best swarma in cairo2026-07-10T22:52:11+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/08/getting-taken-for-a-ride/2026-07-10T22:51:35+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/07/pyramids/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_3.jpgpyramid_3All around the statue there are placard with factoids about his cartouche, his ceremonial outfit, and how the statue was righted.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_10.jpgpyramid_10This statue was discovered face down in a swampy area.  It remained there for years until people figured out how to upright the 82 ton statue.  Some good-old-ancient Egyptian know-how was missing.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_9.jpgpyramid_9In this hieroglyph we can see people pulling heavy objects using a sledge.  People would pour water on the surface to reduce friction.  A time before the wheel!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_12.jpgpyramid_12The entrance to the burial chamber of Djoser pyramid.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_2.jpgpyramid_2Djoser Pyramid.  The oldest in the world!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_7.jpgpyramid_7The angle of ascent of the pyramids were also important.  They gave the impression of ascending forever into the heavens.  Looking up, it is easy to believe that one could walk all the way into the realm of the gods.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_11.jpgpyramid_11Each block was huge!  They were moved one by one in a time before wheels.  Moreover, according to information at the museum, they were moved by people not animals.  An interesting piece here on how the stones were moved (Click Here)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_13.jpgpyramid_13The great Sphinx was part of the original entryway to the pyramid complex.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_14.jpgpyramid_14It took us nearly 2 hours to walk around two of the three pyramids.  They were HUGE!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pyramid_1.jpgpyramid_1A rare shot these days!  It was so crowded, I couldn't believe my luck to capture an image with almost no one in it.2026-07-10T22:50:40+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/05/temples-temples-temples/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/temple_colmemnon.jpgtemple_colmemnonFun fact: The Colossus on the left was found shattered on the ground.  Over 9600 separate pieces were labeled and put back together.  If Archaeologists could handle this, Humpty Dumpty would be child's play.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/tomb_2.jpgtomb_2A scene above the burial Chamberhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/temples_10.jpgtemples_10A colorful hieroglyphic scenehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/temple_hebo2.jpgtemple_hebo2Nearly all columns and entry ways would have these symbols the Ankh and Wejeb meaning long life and prosperityhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/temple_hebo1.jpgtemple_hebo1The interior court at Hebo Templehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/temple_hap1.jpgtemple_hap1Offerings to Unibishttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/temple_hap2.jpgtemple_hap2The tree depicted in hieroglyphs was excavated in front of the temple.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/temple_hap3.jpgtemple_hap3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/temple_hap4.jpgtemple_hap4The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsuthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/temple_karnack2.jpgtemple_karnack2Alyssa and Kylie walk through the Hypostyle hall.  With 134 massive columns build in 1250BC, this hall remains the largest hypostyle hall ever built.  And it is still around.2026-07-10T22:50:02+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/03/another-felucca-ride/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nile_12.jpgnile_12Leaving the felucca behindhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nile_10.jpgnile_10Sharing one last moment together on the feluccahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nile_8.jpgnile_8Sunset on the Nilehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nile_luxury_barge.jpgnile_luxury_bargeA luxury bargehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nile_14.jpgnile_14A common river boat cruise.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nile_11.jpgnile_11Steering was harder than it lookedhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nile_7.jpgnile_7Steering the feluccahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nile_9.jpgnile_9A wonderful meal with our Nubian Captain and his mates.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nile_4.jpgnile_4Time to clean up.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nile_5.jpgnile_5The girls earn their keep!2026-07-10T22:49:24+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/02/01/family-stay-aswan/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/aswan6.jpgaswan6The view from Maher's roof.  What would this skyline be like in another 17 years?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/aswan1.jpgaswan1Sharing time with Maher and his familyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/aswan5.jpgaswan5Alyssa: Ambassador of good will, shares the love.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/aswan4.jpgaswan4Sharleen inspects the unfinished obeliskhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/aswan3.jpgaswan3A view of the Kiosk of Trajan from our ferry.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/aswan2.jpgaswan2A view of the first pylons of Philae2026-07-10T22:48:27+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/31/the-egyptian-museum/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/egypt_museum2.jpgegypt_museum2Kylie looks at an elaborate coffinhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/egypt_museum4.jpgegypt_museum4Against many of the walls we found stacks of these.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/egypt_museum3.jpgegypt_museum3Alyssa writes notes and Kylie looks on, aghast, at the size of this Nile crocodile.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/egypt_museum7.jpgegypt_museum7Alyssa and Kylie reading the Book of the Dead to prepare for their parent's ultimate demise and journey through the underworld.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/egypt_museum6.jpgegypt_museum6Alabaster Canopic Jars used to hold the organs of the deceased.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/egypt_museum5.jpgegypt_museum5A treasure chest from the tomb of King Tut.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/egypt_museum1.jpgegypt_museum1THE Rosetta Stone2026-07-10T22:47:41+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/29/to-madaba/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dead_sea1.jpgdead_sea1The Dead Sea drops over one meter per year. Climate Change is real.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dead_sea5.jpgdead_sea5Hot springshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dead_sea6.jpgdead_sea6Sheep on the roadhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dead_sea4.jpgdead_sea4The Dead Seahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dead_sea3.jpgdead_sea3That’s not ice….its salt.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dead_sea2.jpgdead_sea2Salt Crystalshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/driving_2.jpgdriving_2Everyone was OK, but it sure made me glad I wasn’t driving.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/driving_1.jpgdriving_1Brrrrrr….Now that is cold!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/driving_3.jpgdriving_3Barren for hours!2026-07-10T22:46:56+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/27/wadi-rum/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wadi_rum4.jpgwadi_rum4Young boys enjoy some swing time on a day off from schoolhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wadi_rum7.jpgwadi_rum7The modern camp is blamed by Saleh for attracting government attention and increasing taxes in the area.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wadi_rum20.jpgwadi_rum20Kylie makes a friendhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wadi_rum29.jpgwadi_rum29The sunset against the sandstone provided marvelous coloringhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wadi_rum28.jpgwadi_rum28Our last sunset in Wadi Rum https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wadi_rum25.jpgwadi_rum25Using the sandstone to create hand painthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wadi_rum35.jpgwadi_rum35Different colored sandstone can be mixed with water to create coloring for make up or nails.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wadi_rum24.jpgwadi_rum24Small desert beautyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wadi_rum6.jpgwadi_rum6The view from a mountain spring shows how foreboding the desert is. A lone tree stands against the dryness of the desert. Up by the spring there are two fig trees that Atiq said produced the sweetest figs.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wadi_rum14.jpgwadi_rum14A 270 degree view. This might as well be Mars.2026-07-10T22:46:15+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/24/a-short-hike-in-petra/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_walk12.jpgpetra_walk12Ayesha playfully asked me if I needed a second wife.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_walk10.jpgpetra_walk10Being evacuated from the valley due to the rainstorm.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_walk9.jpgpetra_walk9A family’s chicken pen in what used to be a tomb honoring the dead. What will happen to our grave sites in 2000 years?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_walk11.jpgpetra_walk11Tomb or Camel stall?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_walk8.jpgpetra_walk8Most tombs were flat, barren, and showed signs of being used for livestock, habitation, or for a toilet. This was the only one I found that showed evidence of burials. There was no labeling and nothing to indicate whether this was the work of grave robbers or archaeologists testing bones of the dead.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_walk7.jpgpetra_walk7The garden temple. Around many corners I would run into temples or tombs like this. It was such a surprise. In ancient times, this was a valley garden. During rain, water guided by formed grooves, streamed down the walled and into a giant cistern in front of the temple.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_walk6.jpgpetra_walk6Tomb of the Roman Soliderhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_walk5.jpgpetra_walk5Eghab and I posing at the edge of cliff in howling wind.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_walk4.jpgpetra_walk4Eghab’s son, Mohammed, 2 donkeys and a dog in the background join me in the tent out of the hail. I’m as close as I can be to the fire.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_walk13.jpgpetra_walk13High Alter of Sacrifice. A vendor left their wares here from the day before…unattended with complete faith that no one will make off with their supplies. (Perhaps the vendor was sacrificing their trinkets).2026-07-10T22:44:29+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/21/jaresh/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jaresh_10.jpgjaresh_10The Arch of Hadrian, built to honor the visiting Roman Emperor Hadrian (Yup, the same emperor who built Hadrian’s Wall in Britannia.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jaresh_8.jpgjaresh_8Just like the pillars of the Artemis supported the temple of over the years, these three wonderful ladies are my pillars of strength.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jaresh_7.jpgjaresh_7The 12 Corinthian Style columns remain well preserved. Constructed near 150AD, how many buildings are that this ornate, that have lasted 1870 years? Most buildings in my neighborhood don’t look like this after 20 years of wear and tear without upkeep.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jaresh_6.jpgjaresh_6Hydraulic Stone Cutting Machine (this is a replica installed in 2006). However the replica was based upon remains found at Jerash which amazingly demonstrated knowledge of the hand crank. This technological innovation predates evidence of hand cranks in Europe and China by 10 centuries. (Citation)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jaresh_5.jpgjaresh_5The North theater was smaller, but more intricately styled. It also struck me that two theaters were required here. There must have been a sizable population.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jaresh_4.jpgjaresh_4In the South Theater Kylie counts 37.5 Kylie feet from the focal point to the cavea. She verified that it was 37.5 Kylie steps in 3 different directions.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jaresh_3.jpgjaresh_3The floors of the churches had amazing mosaic work. This particular church was Church of Cosmos and Damion. Many of the other churches had equally interesting designs. This had a rich mix of geometric patterns, animals, and Greek. Most of the churches were built in the 6th century during the Byzantine period of the city after the fall of the Roman Empire. One of the churches was built on top of a Synagogue.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jaresh_2.jpgjaresh_2Kylie goes off on her own to explore the Temple of Artemishttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jaresh_1.jpgjaresh_1An oval colonnaded plaza. Very uncommon in ancient times.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jaresh_theater1.jpgjaresh_theater1Jerash - Jordan2026-07-10T22:43:30+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/23/petra/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_22.jpgpetra_22https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_19.jpgpetra_19The Monastery. It received its name during the Byzantine era, when a crucifix was carved into the back of this temple and it was re purposed from ancient Nabataean temple, to Christian church.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_23.jpgpetra_23A view down a side canyon on the Al Deir trail. The blue skies provided a rich contrast to the sandstone coloring below. The Jordanian flag flies sporting a seven point star representing faith in one God, humanity, humility, national spirit, virtue, social justice, and aspiration. Jordan has been a pillar of peace in a dangerous neighborhood for a very long time.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_18.jpgpetra_18Some of the steps on the way to Al Deir. I didn’t count. Officials state it was 855 steps; however donkey drivers would tell tourists that it would take an hour to walk and there were over 900 steps or a 1000. “Only 20 minutes by donkey” I was surprised by how many tourists couldn’t be bothered with walking and wanted to used the donkeys. The “herder” would frequently click or whip the donkeys to keep them moving up the steps.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_21.jpgpetra_21Looking down at the Treasuryhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_17.jpgpetra_17Looking down at the Treasuryhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_16.jpgpetra_16Moving up and down the canyon was difficult. However, someone carved steps into the canyon wall to make it easier.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_15.jpgpetra_15Looking down at the Theater that was carved out of solid stone. Several tombs behind it were removed during this Theater’s construction. This Theater sat 8500 people.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_14.jpgpetra_14More nooks and crannies for the Kylie to hide inhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/petra_11.jpgpetra_11Frankincense from Yemen, Somalia, Qatar, and Ethiopia. Myrrh from Somalia. Saffron incense from Kashmir, and Amber from Eastern Africa.2026-07-10T22:42:14+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/20/amman/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/aman_5.jpgaman_5I couldn’t pass up the dates and apricots.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/aman_6.jpgaman_6I passed on these, but found them colorful and inviting!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/aman_4.jpgaman_4I purchased a mixed back of olive yummies for 1 dinar. They were sooooo salty! https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/roman_theater2.jpgroman_theater2It’s hard to believe, but this place sat over 6000 people. And those carved steps, at nearly 2000 years old have seen a lot of foot traffic.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/roman_theater1.jpgroman_theater1Sharleen and Kylie make their way up the steep steps of the Roman Theater.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/citadel_3.jpgcitadel_3The Citadel’s giant cistern.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/citadel_1.jpgcitadel_1It wasn’t quite a history book, but on the road learning looks different at the Citadel Archaeological Museum.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/citadel_2.jpgcitadel_2The temple of Heracles in the background.2026-07-10T22:41:29+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/16/burj-khalifa/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dubai_1.jpgdubai_1160 stories up (2176 feet), nearly 0.5 miles straight up.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dubai_2.jpgdubai_2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dubai_3.jpgdubai_3Too high up to identify people on the ground.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/7766f-file.pngfile2026-07-10T22:40:43+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/15/dulihel-and-rest/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dulikhel_3.jpgdulikhel_3It was worse in India, but here was pretty bad as well.  The gutters sported a foul putrescence that made me fearful of life and limb.  Fed by sewage, garbage, and any number of solvents, oils, and liquids from workshops along the highway thousands of this little streams of poison fed into the larger streams in the valley.  To make this picture even worse, you can see sedimentary layers of garbage from previous years.  If the gutters are cleaned, they are not cleaned very often.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dulikhel_2.jpgdulikhel_2The beauty of the mountains in the background juxtaposed with the human footprint in this area.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dulikhel_4.jpgdulikhel_4Suseti Yeti from the roof of our hotelhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dulikhel_1.jpgdulikhel_1Alms giving.  Here, no one knelt like in Laos or Thailand.2026-07-10T22:40:05+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/12/hiking-in-the-himalayas/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/himalaya_hike16.jpghimalaya_hike16Banepa.  It was either walk along the main highway with trucks and buses zooming by or walk along back roads like this.  It was a tough decision for a visitor....I can only imagine what it must be like to do this everyday.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/himalaya_hike15.jpghimalaya_hike15Even though going through these side streets seems "mystical", after six-seven hours of hiking and inhaling all sorts of soot, dust, and exhaust, we were ready for a break.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/himalaya_hike14.jpghimalaya_hike14The main road along the valley floor was less than fun.  We should have caught the bus.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/himalaya_hike13.jpghimalaya_hike13"Billy" became a good friend and walking companion.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/himalaya_hike12.jpghimalaya_hike12Surprise!  Bus service up these one lane mountain dirt roads.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/himalaya_hike11.jpghimalaya_hike11As we stepped out of the pine forest into the terraces, sights like these became more common.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/himalaya_hike10.jpghimalaya_hike10Not quite a yellow brick road, but we followed it just the same.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/himalaya_hike9.jpghimalaya_hike9I really enjoyed these rare momentshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/himalaya_hike8.jpghimalaya_hike8Trail found!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/himalaya_hike7.jpghimalaya_hike7Some of us were having more fun than we should have getting lost!2026-07-10T22:39:17+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/11/nagarkot/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nagarkot_8.jpgnagarkot_8A mud brick and stone house in Nagarkot A mix of old style building technology with a satellite connection to the modern world.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nagarkot_7.jpgnagarkot_7A woman returns from the forest with greens for her livestock.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nagarkot_6.jpgnagarkot_6Two men returning from the forest with fuel.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nagarkot_5.jpgnagarkot_5Kylie fishes in the abyss.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nagarkot_4.jpgnagarkot_4Housing was varied here in the steppes of Himalayas.  Some, like this one, here nothing more than corrugated metal lean-tos.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nagarkot_9.jpgnagarkot_9A typical view of the steppes in the Himalayas. Kilometers upon kilometers of stepped agriculture with houses and settlements visible through the haze.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nagarkot_3.jpgnagarkot_3A shepherd tending to his cow and two goats.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nagarkot_1.jpgnagarkot_1A goat herder watching their flockhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nagarkot_2.jpgnagarkot_2Panoramic Trail: A stunning view of the Lantang Mountains of the Himalayas2026-07-10T22:38:31+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/09/bhaktapur/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/baktapur_11.jpgbaktapur_11Rain fell on the day we walked around the city.  Normally in pottery square, hundreds of pottery items dry in the sun.  However, today just a few items sat drying under an awning.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/baktapur_10.jpgbaktapur_10The second main street in this city.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/baktapur_9.jpgbaktapur_9In Oakland or San Francisco this would be called an "urban garden".  However here they just use available space within the city to grow what they need.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/baktapur_8.jpgbaktapur_8Dattatray Templehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/baktapur_7.jpgbaktapur_7Dattatray squarehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/baktapur_6.jpgbaktapur_6One of many water wells.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/baktapur_5.jpgbaktapur_5Beans beans the magical fruit, the more you eat......https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/baktapur_4.jpgbaktapur_4One of two main streets in the town.  This one has be remade with fresh stone.  Most others were brick.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/baktapur_3.jpgbaktapur_3Repairs almost complete in Tuamadhi Squarehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/baktapur_2.jpgbaktapur_22026-07-10T22:37:50+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/08/nepal-transportation/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nepal_transportation7.jpgnepal_transportation7Our bus to Nagarkot was so crowed, people had to hang on outside the bus.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nepal_transportation5.jpgnepal_transportation5This was our spacious road to Nagarkot.  Plenty of room for two-way traffic.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nepal_transportation4.jpgnepal_transportation4Women and men both carried gigantic loads hugging their backs and strapped to their foreheads.  I remember how heavy the 55 kilo bags of rice were from Vietnam, and this man carries it around like a champ!  Their bags of supplies went on top of the bus while they rode on the bus.  Then their bags were tossed off and they would continue walking with these massive loads.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nepal_transportation3.jpgnepal_transportation3Inside our bus to Nagarkot before it got crowded.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nepal_transportation2.jpgnepal_transportation2Changing our second flat tire.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nepal_transportation1.jpgnepal_transportation1Rows of buses and trucks moving along a windy mountain road.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nepal_transportation6.jpgnepal_transportation6The view from our bus between Kathmandu and Suaraha.2026-07-10T22:37:22+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/07/chitwan-cycling-and-canoing/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_cycle6.jpgchitwan_cycle6During this time of the year, the water was 2-3 feet deep, at its deepest on this section of the river.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_cycle5.jpgchitwan_cycle5This was a common site in 20,000 lakes and along the canoe ride (both in buffer zones).  Many locals went into these area to gather wood and greens.  They frequently brought these greens back to their livestock, so the livestock would not have to forage close to the park, which would in turn bring apex predators out of the park.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_cycle4.jpgchitwan_cycle4We couldn't resist at least one campy shot!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_cycle3.jpgchitwan_cycle3Coming back in the afternoon with acres of mustard along each side of the roadhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_cycle2.jpgchitwan_cycle2The dirt road into the park.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_cycle1.jpgchitwan_cycle1Heading out through town at eight in the morninghttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_cycle1a.jpgchitwan_cycle1aChitwan - Nepal2026-07-10T22:36:33+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/05/chitwan-national-park-safari-o-rama/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_safai5.jpgchitwan_safai5https://drive.usercontent.google.com/download?id=1cAk7b5uFzQEcYroN1ewVuMABDd8p8T76https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_safai4.jpgchitwan_safai4Walking through the elephant grasshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_safai3.jpgchitwan_safai3Just a few meters away we saw this rhino grazing.  Although that is all we could see of it, I loved the sound of it grazing on the grass.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_safai2.jpgchitwan_safai2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_safai1.jpgchitwan_safai1Heading out on a rhino trail.  Jai told us this was rhino territory as we passed by munched plants and piles of rhino poop.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_safai6.jpgchitwan_safai6Our two guides Jai and Raju who kept us safe on the walking safari2026-07-10T22:35:48+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/05/walking-around-suara/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/suara_14.jpgSuara_14Another elephant returning from the park with some harvest.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/suara_13.jpgSuara_13This rhino ran to the other side of the river causing people to jump into a tree. It then returned to river to drink, pee, and eat river weed.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/suara_12.jpgSuara_12A elephant domestic workerhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/suara_111.jpgSuara_11This dog risking life and limb!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/suara_10.jpgSuara_10What does a 3000kg Indian Rhinoceros do in riverside restaurant?  Anything it wants.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/suara_5.jpgSuara_5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/suara_4.jpgSuara_4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/suara_3.jpgSuara_3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/suara_2.jpgSuara_2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/suara_1.jpgSuara_12026-07-10T22:35:10+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/05/nature-conservatory-trust/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_national_conservancy2.jpgchitwan_national_conservancy2The conservation triangle: Community, Park, and Nepal Armyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chitwan_national_conservancy1.jpgchitwan_national_conservancy1Meeting with Ram Kumar, officer in charge.2026-07-10T22:34:27+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2020/01/02/kathmandu/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/kathmandu4.jpgkathmandu4The shrine boasted views of the city through the haze.  As you can see monkeys and people alike enjoyed it.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/kathmandu3.jpgkathmandu3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/kathmandu2.jpgkathmandu2Even though it was a religious shrine, there was still plenty of tourist or religious paraphernalia to acquire.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/kathmandu7.jpgkathmandu7Narrow streets with predominant foot and cycle traffic was the hallmark of Thamal.  Also, there were many gear shops as Thamal was a common shopping destination for those people preparing for treks in the Himalayas.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/kathmandu6.jpgkathmandu6Not all buildings were like this, but there were quite a few with wooden window frames inlay into brick work.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/kathmandu5.jpgkathmandu5Internet cable rat's nest in Thamalhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/kathmandu1.jpgkathmandu1Kathmandu - Nepal2026-07-10T22:33:38+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/31/air-quality-in-india/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_air5.jpgindia_air5Inside a tandoori oven! This one had charcoal at the bottom. Others had a fire below the oven. Both emit a lot of carbon and particulate matter in to the air.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_air4.jpgindia_air4A fire on a cold day is commonplace on every block in every city we were in.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_air3.jpgindia_air3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_air2.jpgindia_air24pm in Delhi AQI>300 https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_air1.jpgIndia_Air12026-07-10T22:32:52+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/31/driving-through-india/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_transportation_a5.jpgindia_transportation_a5Dung bricks made by hand were drying everywhere roadsidehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/tuktuk_1.jpgtuktuk_1Crammed into a tuk-tuk made for two, we sped down the streets of Delhi.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/tuktuk_2.jpgtuktuk_2Here we are, with all our stuff crammed in into a tuk tuk on our way to our hotel. At least it had “Oh My God!” handles. Riding in these things was likes an amusement park ride….Kylie loved it!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_transportation13.jpgindia_transportation13Safety may be relative, but this gave me pause for thought. This tractor was hauling a trailer full of at least twenty people in the back. Nearly all of them were children. This may not be a problem on a rural road, but in the middle lane of a freeway with big rigs, stray livestock, and dense fog, really made us worry for these kids. “They could have at least closed the back” exclaimed Alyssa.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_transportation11.jpgindia_transportation11The family “truck”? Aside from carrying two passengers, this motorcycle carried supplies.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_transportation10.jpgindia_transportation10India was cold in the north. People just bundled up in blankets when driving their motorcycle. https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_transportation4.jpgindia_transportation4How old is this kid? Old enough to ride on the back of a motorcycle. While common throughout Asia, it made me wonder about the relative safety standards versus the practicality of transporting people around. https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_transportation5.jpgindia_transportation54th class seating, on the roof of the bus while going down the freeway.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_transportation1.jpgindia_transportation1And...camal traffichttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/india_transportation7.jpgindia_transportation7Many of the trucks and tractors were decorated. Tractors like this also had giant speakers blaring music. The drivers usually bundled up in blankets and rocking out to Rajasthani music.2026-07-10T22:30:51+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/30/agra-the-taj-mahal/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/agra_tat1.jpgagra_tat1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/agra_tat2.jpgagra_tat2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/taj_mahal6.jpgtaj_mahal6The geometry of these archways were amazing. I overheard a guide say these were giant pieces of marble and sandstone that were glued into place.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/taj_mahal5.jpgtaj_mahal5The Taj Mahal is not the only structure in the compound. There were two other temples and a museum.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/taj_mahal4.jpgtaj_mahal4The Taj Mahal is much larger than it seems.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/taj_mahal3.jpgtaj_mahal3The main gate to the Taj Mahal complex in and of itself is marvelous. Also, as you can see we were not the only visitors. It was crowded!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/taj_mahal2.jpgtaj_mahal2The Taj Mahalhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/agra3.jpgagra3A baby peers out from between two adults and an older sibling. It was being sheltered from the cold.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/agra2.jpgagra2Many precious and semi-precious jewels and stone were inlaid into the white marble. You can see the rubies, topaz, and garnets in this column.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/agra7.jpgagra72026-07-10T22:22:20+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/29/keoladeo-national-park/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/keoladeo_1.jpgkeoladeo_12026-07-10T22:18:28+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/29/ranthambore/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ranthambore7.jpgranthambore7Although this picture isn’t in Sawai, it captures what we saw there and throughout India. Stray cattle grazing wherever they could find a bite. In this case through rubbish piles eating flavored plastics paper.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ranthambore6.jpgranthambore6Stray pigs looking for tasty treats.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ranthambore4.jpgranthambore4In the afternoon the animals were restless.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ranthambore51.jpgranthambore5(1)A friendly Trepie.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ranthambore3.jpgranthambore3Kylie on the lookout!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ranthambore2.jpgranthambore2The lake is beautiful in Zone 3, Ranthambore fort is on the cliffs in the background.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ranthambore1.jpgranthambore1Ranthambore - India2026-07-10T22:17:39+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/27/jaipur/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/jaipur_gem1.jpgJaipur_gem1Gems were affixed to wax holders and ground on a spinning grind. Rubies, Emeralds, Topaz, and other precious and semi-precious stones all were processed the same.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/jaipur_city2.jpgJaipur_city2Another mix of old and new. Selling grains on large metal sheets while talking on a cell phone along a dirt path in the first “planned” city of Inida. Livestock looks on from the back. My preconceptions of modernity continued to be challenged on this trip.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/jaipur_city.jpgJaipur_cityRhesus Macaques perched along the city wall waited for opportunities to come down and snatch some food from unaware people. Monkeys in a city of millions?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/jaipur_wind.jpgJaipur_windThe back side of Hawa Mahalhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/jaipur_lake.jpgJaipur_lakeJawal Mahalhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/jaipur_amber7.jpgJaipur_Amber7A langur monkey looks down at the crowds below from a perch on a tower ledge.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/jaipur_amber4.jpgJaipur_Amber4Diwan-i-Khas: The place where the Mizra Raja Jai Singh met privately with other dignitaries or important guests. This was a “home improvement” added onto the palace in the mid 1600s.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/jaipur_amber2.jpgJaipur_Amber2The main entrance into the royal residences and kitchen.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/jaipur_amber3.jpgJaipur_Amber3Small turrets with sandstone carved windows like these decorated all sides of the fort.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/jaipur_amber1.jpgJaipur_Amber1The first view after entering the Amber Fort gate. Alyssa was amazed and impressed!2026-07-10T22:16:51+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/26/seeing-the-sights-in-new-dehli/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/delhi_sights6.jpgDelhi_sights6Stepping down into the step well of Dehli.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/delhi_sights5.jpgDelhi_sights5Nila Gumbad. People were unsure about who actually was buried here.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/delhi_sights4.jpgDelhi_sights4Light streaming through window of Barber’s tomb.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/delhi_sights3.jpgDelhi_sights3Emblematic of this architecture is the carved sandstone window. These windows were 2-4CM thick and showcased amazing designs.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/delhi_sights2.jpgDelhi_sights2Entering Humayun’s tombhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/delhi_sights1.jpgDelhi_sights1The view of Isa Khan’s tomb when viewed from the personal mosque.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/delhi_ghandi5.jpgDelhi_ghandi5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/delhi_ghandi4.jpgDelhi_ghandi4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/delhi_ghandi3.jpgDelhi_ghandi3All the stamps and images that use Ghandi from around the world. Are there any other individuals that have received this much recognition? I can’t think of any!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/delhi_ghandi2.jpgDelhi_ghandi2The clothes that Ghandi wore on the day of his assassination.2026-07-10T22:16:09+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/24/new-delhi-belly/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dehli_belly9.jpgdehli_belly9My curry sampler at Sona Cafe.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dehli_belly8.jpgdehli_belly8One of Cafe Sona’s chef’s preparing aloo paratha. A pinch of potato and spices are put in a piece of dough, rolled on the surface, then cooked on a hot plate.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dehli_belly2.jpgdehli_belly2Seating at Cafe Sona. Literally street food.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dehli_belly10.jpgdehli_belly10Sona Cafe’s kitchen during our evening meal. Now sporting their new menu sign.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dehli_belly1.jpgdehli_belly1Cafe Sona’s kitchen was in the alleyway. https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dehli_belly6.jpgdehli_belly6Kylie did not want to wait for the picture. She just dug right into the chicken biryani. (Just keep your hands and feet away from her mouth and you’ll be fine)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dehli_belly5.jpgdehli_belly5Sharleen had some chicken korma.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dehli_belly4.jpgdehli_belly4We stopped here too to have some tandoori naan. Hunks of dough are flattened then put inside a large urn heated from the bottom. As the metal cooks the dough, they reach in and grab it and wrap it in newspaper. So we got physical sustenance from the naan and mental sustenance from all the news!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dehli_belly7.jpgdehli_belly7We stopped here too for aloo paratha.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dehli_belly3.jpgdehli_belly3We couldn’t pass up these samosas! Notice the two men up top in their kitchen preparing food. In Old Dehli every nook and cranny is utilized.2026-07-10T22:10:47+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/22/leaving-the-maldives-behind/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_leaving5.jpgmaldives_leaving5Bunbaro Public Beachhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_leaving4.jpgmaldives_leaving4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_leaving2.jpgmaldives_leaving2Parley Bags are in the back behind the palm tree.  This is a sorting facility on Dhangethihttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_leaving3.jpgmaldives_leaving3A side-by-side comparison of what healthy versus bleached corral should look like.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_leaving1.jpgmaldives_leaving1An example of corral bleaching.  Located on the North side of Dhagurah.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_dhagurah5.jpgmaldives_dhagurah5A mountain of plastic bottles awaiting a future in woods on Digurahhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/chart1.jpegchart(1)2026-07-10T22:10:04+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/21/dhigurah-impressions/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_dhagurah4.jpgmaldives_dhagurah4At the lowest of tides, a sand bar joins Dhigurah with a private island to the South.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_dhagurah3.jpgmaldives_dhagurah3It’s not evident from the picture, but its pouring rainhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_dhagurah1.jpgmaldives_dhagurah1Our tuk tuk rode through the island rainforest. The path was just wide enough for the tuk tuk.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_dhagurah2.jpgmaldives_dhagurah2A picture at the southern tip of Dhagurah during last light.  Which means 3-4KM of trail through island rainforest.  A big rookie mistake!  I made it back, but I was nervous more than once on the way back.2026-07-10T22:09:09+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/21/whale-shark-watching/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_whaleshark1.jpgmaldives_whaleshark12026-07-10T22:07:51+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/18/a-discussion-with-shaf-dhangethi/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/sea_level_rise_1753_high.pngsea_level_rise_1753_highhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dhangethi_1.jpgdhangethi_1Shaf - vice secretary of Dhangethi2026-07-10T22:06:56+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/17/dhangethi-maldives/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dhangethi_5.jpgdhangethi_5Typical streets with houses sporting new stucco construction.  Many had meticulous gardens and potted plants in front.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dhangethi_3.jpgdhangethi_3Even in the rain, it was beautifulhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dhangethi_2.jpgdhangethi_2A=Ari Atoll DH=South Dhangethi=Island Namehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/dhangethi_4.jpgdhangethi_4Beaches, sand, shells, and swings....Kylie was in heaven!2026-07-10T22:06:05+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/14/maldives-food-5/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_food7.jpgmaldives_food7Locals making fish stew and soup.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_food5.jpgmaldives_food5Coconut with honeyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_food4.jpgmaldives_food4Learning how to make garam masala with Alongirhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_food3.jpgmaldives_food3Fish Curry in Dhangethi - Bangladesh Stylehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_food6.jpgmaldives_food6Garudhiya was a traditional Maldivian dish.  As one can imagine, they eat a lot of fish here.  Garudhiya was a salty-sweet fish soup.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_food9.jpgmaldives_food9A delicious tuna subhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_food8.jpgmaldives_food8Chicken sub and Kothu Roshihttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_food2.jpgmaldives_food2Vegetable Curry in Mahibadhoo- Sri Lankand Stylehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_food1.jpgmaldives_food1Vegetable fried rice with turmeric.2026-07-10T22:05:07+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/14/mahibadhoo-snorkling/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mahibadhoo_10.jpgmahibadhoo_10“What the heck is that down here” “I dunno flaps, I’ve never seen one of those!”https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mahibadhoo_11.jpgmahibadhoo_11Kylie holds a Spotted Linckia2026-07-10T22:04:03+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/13/maldives-a-first-impression/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mahibadhoo_7.jpgmahibadhoo_7On the Northeast corner of the island is the dump. Metals are sorted. Plastics and paper are burned. Wood is reused or used for fire. Compost mixed with plastics are dumped into the ocean.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mahibadhoo_6.jpgmahibadhoo_6Are the cement blocks helping?  Has this tree helped prevent erosion?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mahibadhoo_5.jpgmahibadhoo_5Dumping  cinder-blocks, tile, and cement from building demolition to help the shoreline.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mahibadhoo_4.jpgmahibadhoo_4Cement barricades on the strong current side of the water.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mahibadhoo_8.jpgmahibadhoo_8Will planting trees help, or just delay the inevitable?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mahibadhoo_3.jpgmahibadhoo_3The effects of erosion can be seen here.  Just 8 CM of sea level rise since 1993 does this.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mahibadhoo_1.jpgmahibadhoo_1Planting Trees to help erosionhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mahibadhoo_9.jpgmahibadhoo_9https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mahibadhoo_2.jpgmahibadhoo_2A well enjoyed coconut drink in the equatorial heat!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/maldives_1.jpgmaldives_1Maldives2026-07-10T22:03:05+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/10/an-aikido-surprise-in-singapore/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/aikido3.jpgaikido3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/aikido21.jpgaikido2(1)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/aikido11.jpgaikido1(1)2026-07-10T22:00:45+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/10/the-art-and-science-museum/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/art_science2.jpgart_science2The ArtScience Museum by my left shoulder.  The double helix bridge we had to cross by Sharleen's right shoulder.  The Marina Bay Sands Resort in the back ground.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/art_science1.jpgart_science1Singapore2026-07-10T21:58:33+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/09/gardens-by-the-bay/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gardens_8.jpggardens_8For a small fee, people can experience a virtual reality rainforest.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gardens_7.jpggardens_7Looking down from the top of the glass dome.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gardens_12.jpggardens_12Genius!  It reminded me a bit of the Exploratium's sustainability programhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gardens_11.jpggardens_11In the Gardens learning about soilhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gardens_9.jpggardens_9A White Christmas in Singapore?  Sure why not.  Climate change is coming.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gardens_10.jpggardens_10Kylie enjoyes the skyline 30 mters above the ground on the OCBC walkway.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gardens_6.jpggardens_6Venus flytraps are not the only carnivorous plant on display.  There were.....https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gardens_5.jpggardens_5One of the many orchids on display.  Of the 20,000 documented orchid species, over 50 varieties are on display in the Cloud Forest Dome.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gardens_4.jpggardens_4What a bunch of Hams!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/gardens_3.jpggardens_3One of the many beautiful and unique flowers in the Cloud Forest Dome.2026-07-10T21:57:45+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/08/singapore/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/botanical_4.jpgbotanical_4The boardwalks prevent people from trampling the roots of trees.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/botanical_3.jpgbotanical_3The once expansive rainforest has been reduced to 1.5 square kilometers in a public park.  This is all that's left.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/botanical_2.jpgbotanical_2Not a bad way to spend the holidays.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/botanical_1.jpgbotanical_1A group of young adults performed.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/food_2.jpgfood_2Barbecued Stingrayhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/food_1.jpgfood_1It's embarrassing to admit, but both of those platters were mine.2026-07-10T21:57:00+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/05/the-garbage-problem/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/trash_1.jpgtrash_1Even though there are dedicated individuals trying to pick trash throughout Thailand, The Thai government recognizes it has a problem.  The government has tried using incinerators-to-energy as a solution, but the waste they get is not sorted well enough which has led to Thailand importing sorted garbage rather than dealing with their own garbage (Click Here).https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/koh_jum12.jpgkoh_jum12Picking up plastic on Koh Jum's main beach.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/trash_2.jpgtrash_2In the forest while on a trail walk. Macaques were scavenging through the plastic and scattered once they heard me.2026-07-10T21:53:47+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/03/koh-jum/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/koh_jum11.jpgkoh_jum11Local travelhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/koh_jum10.jpgkoh_jum10The woman called this "Ba".    Alyssa and Sharleen loved it!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/koh_jum9.jpgkoh_jum9Everyone loved riding on the top of the long tail.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/koh_jum8.jpgkoh_jum8Kylie and Alyssa debate shell quality during an early morning jaunt.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/koh_jum7.jpgkoh_jum7Just another Koh Jum sunset.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/koh_jum6.jpgkoh_jum6Eating soup at sunset watching Kylie swing.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/koh_jum5.jpgkoh_jum5I’m not mentioning any names here, but someone was an eating machine devouring 3 plates.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/koh_jum4.jpgkoh_jum4A closer look at spider web that covered the path.  Nearly 2-3 feet. Covering from chest level and up.  The spider would have been right at face level.  If I had run into that, I guarantee I would not have survived!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/koh_jum3.jpgkoh_jum3I followed this trail off the road for about 200M then stopped when I saw the giant orb weaver at face level.  After running into several spider webs earlier I vowed to pay better attention to the path.  Do you see it?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/koh_jum2.jpgkoh_jum2There was a small trail to follow.  In this open area the mosquitoes weren't bad and the morning sun felt great.2026-07-10T21:53:03+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/12/01/koh-rok/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/th_koh_rook2.jpgth_koh_rook2Lunch is served....just lookout for those hungry hermit crabs all over the place!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/th_koh_rook3.jpgth_koh_rook3With Kylie being a more confident swimmer and getting used to how the snorkel and mask works, she was able to explore more on her own and had a blast!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/th_koh_rook1.jpgth_koh_rook1Our longtail boat transported us from Koh Mook to Koh Rok, then onto Koh Lanta2026-07-10T21:51:53+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/28/koh-mook-or-is-it-koh-muk/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_koh_mook1-1.jpgth_koh_mook1Sharleen and Alyssa work out their issues while canoeing.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_koh_mook3.jpgth_koh_mook3Photocredit: Alyssahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_koh_mook4.jpgth_koh_mook4Photocredit: Alyssahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_koh_mook5.jpgth_koh_mook5Photocredit Alyssahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_koh_mook11.jpgth_koh_mook11Kylie was up for paddling.  Half the time she paddled me around.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_koh_mook2.jpgth_koh_mook2Posing in the turquoise water of Sapphire beachhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_koh_mook9.jpgth_koh_mook9https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_koh_mook10.jpgth_koh_mook10Leaving after a second visit!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_koh_mook1.jpgth_koh_mook1Slipping through the cave to the secret beach.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_koh_mook8.jpgth_koh_mook8Yummy curried chicken!2026-07-10T21:49:25+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/25/khao-sok-national-park/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_khao111.jpgth_khao11This was a tight squeeze for me.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_khao5.jpgth_khao5Massive nests of ratan were around every corner.  https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_khao13.jpgth_khao13Floating bungalows on the lakehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_khao12.jpgth_khao12These three pinnacles are the symbol of the lake.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_khao3.jpgth_khao3Although I know a little about randomness and limestone erosion; however it didn't stop me from noticing this spooky combination of caves.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_khao8.jpgth_khao8Side trail options.  There were many of these.  I took this one for about 1 KM.  It took me past elephant dung, through thick underbrush, along the hillside.  For a fee you can pay a guide extra to spend 5 days bushwacking and camping here.  1 KM in was enough for me.  There was no visibility of the trail beyond the 5 meters ahead of where I walked.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_khao7.jpgth_khao7After crossing the bridge, there is a steep ascent and descent up the mountain side.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_khao61.jpgth_khao6(1)This bridge is the half way point of the San Yang Rot loop. Crossing the river means heading back to the visitor center. Going straight another 4KM through the dense foliage means going to Sip et Chan Waterfall.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_khao2.jpgth_khao2Skipping rocks along the banks of the river.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_khao1.jpgth_khao1Alyssa hikes along the western jeep track.  This road gave way to a narrow trail after 3KM.2026-07-10T21:47:52+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/22/2536/2026-07-10T21:46:19+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/20/ayutthaya/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_ayuth9.jpgth_ayuth9These stupas are newer.  The older ones (between the ones above) were gold-laden and sacked by the Burmese during the Siam-Burmese war.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_ayuth11.jpgth_ayuth11Just walking by some 500 year old architecture.  Nothing to see here. Move along.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_ayuth8.jpgth_ayuth8This showcases the brick walkways through this temple complex.  Most were similar.  Cleared, except for a few trees.  Peaceful.  Myna birds were louder than nearby traffic.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_ayuth7.jpgth_ayuth7Another Buddha.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_ayuth6.jpgth_ayuth6Buddha in "Calling Earth to Witness" pose in front of a Pranghttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_ayuth5.jpgth_ayuth5Usually, the Buddha statues were headless, but this Buddha statue lost it's body.  The sandstone body was lost to the ravages of time.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_ayuth10.jpgth_ayuth10Garuda ward off evil spiritshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_ayuth4.jpgth_ayuth4Kylie strolls down the brick walkway rocking her new dress!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_ayuth12.jpgth_ayuth12At Rachaburanahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/th_ayuth3.jpgth_ayuth3Reclining Robed Buddha2026-07-10T21:45:39+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/19/chom-thong/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/chom_thong3.jpgChom_Thong3Wat Khuang Paohttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/chom_thong1.jpgChom_Thong1Wat Phra That Sihttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/chom_thong2.jpgChom_Thong22026-07-10T21:44:55+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/18/chom-thong-and-doi-ithanon/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/di_1.jpgDI_1The symbol of Doi Ithanon Nation Park the same shape of the emblem used by USA National Parks.  The Arrowhead to honor the cultural legacy of Native Americans.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/di_5.jpgDI_5Wachirathan Fallshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/di_4.jpgDI_4The flora and fauna were amazing.  I particularly enjoyed this flower.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/di_7.jpgDI_7Exploring a very uncrowded jeep trail at kilometer 34.5.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/di_6.jpgDI_6This mossy cloud forest felt ancienthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/di_2.jpgDI_22026-07-10T21:44:19+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/16/finding-the-right-food-in-chiang-mai/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_food4.jpgcm_food4Alyssa's Favorite meal green curry noodle souphttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_food2.jpgcm_food2Row and rows of packaged snackshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_food1.jpgcm_food1A typical breakfast in the food court.  Pad See Ew and Khao Soihttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_food3.jpgcm_food3A great meal at INA house2026-07-10T21:43:28+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/14/chiang-mai-aikido/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_aikido2.jpgcm_aikido2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_aikido1.jpgcm_aikido12026-07-10T21:38:21+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/13/river-rafting-the-mae-taeng-river/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_river6.jpgcm_river6Getting back in was not always a graceful feat .... the girls just flopped and slipped around like fish out of water.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_river4.jpgcm_river4A sense of accomplishment after our first major rapid.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_river3.jpgcm_river3Kylie and Dad posing for a snap between rapidshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_river5.jpgcm_river5During the slow sections Alyssa and Kylie got to float down river.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_river2.jpgcm_river2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_elephant9.jpgcm_elephant9Together with the elephants in the Mae Taeng River.....we would raft by this very spot 2 hours later.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_elephant8.jpgcm_elephant8Sharleen pours water on this elephanthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_elephant7.jpgcm_elephant7Helping the elephants bathe.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_elephant2.jpgcm_elephant2"Eyelash Goals" - Alyssahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_elephant6.jpgcm_elephant6This young elephant's mahout let Kylie lead it for a ways...using sugar cane of course.2026-07-10T21:37:00+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/12/chiang-mai-yi-peng-festival/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_lantern8.jpgcm_lantern8The little we picked up after Yi Peng festivalhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_lantern1.jpgcm_lantern1The Goldfields release their lanternhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_lantern13.jpgcm_lantern13Getting ready to release.....https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_lantern5.jpgcm_lantern5The Goldfields hold their lantern while hot air collects.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_lantern11.jpgcm_lantern11It's better to place the lantern on the ground while hot air gathers.  Too many people would hold it up above their head and release it prematurely.  It would then float into the crowd and sometimes catch fire.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_lantern12.jpgcm_lantern12The teeming masses releasing their lanternshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_lantern10.jpgcm_lantern10This game was hilarious.  Mini live goldfish swam around.  People were given 3 nets made from rice paper.  You got to keep what you caught.  However the moment the rice paper touched the water it would dissolve.   Even though on its face, it seemed impossible,  adults and children alike lined to up to try the chances.  This boy sat stunned and stared at his broken net perplexed as to why it didn't last long enough to catch a fish.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_lantern9.jpgcm_lantern9A perfect Kylie-size jailhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_lantern7.jpgcm_lantern7On the major street everyone starts releasing lanterns.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_lantern3.jpgcm_lantern3Lanterns rising2026-07-10T21:36:02+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/07/naidoc-week-australia/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bundaberg_naidoc_week.jpgBundaberg_naidoc_weekA local demonstrates Torres Strait Islander dances to some modern music2026-07-10T21:34:10+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/11/loy-krathong-festival-in-chaing-mai/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_loykrathong14.jpgcm_loykrathong14A larger than life-sized Krathong stuck on the river.  Who cleans this up? Traditions continue to be strong motivation.  What happens when the tradition is unhealthy or damaging?  How can the environmental movement help start new traditions that are Earth friendly?  I think this remains a challenge for the movement.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_loykrathong13.jpgcm_loykrathong13Our family of Krathongs join others as they float down river.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_loykrathong9.jpgcm_loykrathong9Kylie places her incense into her Krathong exactly where she wants them.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_loykrathong8.jpgcm_loykrathong8Nan shows Alyssa how to fold the leaves.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_loykrathong6.jpgcm_loykrathong6This woman dance slowly and elegantly throwing gold-leaf glitter into the crowd.  Incidentally, the gold leaf glitter that hit me didn't come off for over two days.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_loykrathong7.jpgcm_loykrathong7Kylie counted twenty people carrying this float.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_loykrathong12.jpgcm_loykrathong12The biggest Durian we had ever seen!  It's too bad Lonnie left, she would have enjoyed this Durian estimated at 15kg (33 lbs of stink!)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_loykrathong5.jpgcm_loykrathong5I was particularly enchanted with how they made papaya salad.  In to a narrow wooden salad bowl they threw fresh chili pepper, half a lime, an unhusked shallot and garlic clove and mashed away with a pestle.  This vendor then added some sugar, then they tossed in green papaya, cucumber, a green bean, and tomato.   The result was delicioushttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_loykrathong4.jpgcm_loykrathong4Curry wasn't quite everywhere, but when we found it....it was delicious!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cm_loykrathong3.jpgcm_loykrathong3I didn't yak after drinking my Gac juice.  I found it delicious and should have bought more.2026-07-10T21:32:12+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/08/chiang-rai/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cr_1.jpgcr_1Local food court within the morning market.  Food was particularly good and fresh.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cr_7.jpgcr_7This cat looked more like an Asian Leopard Cat (Click Here).https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cr_6.jpgcr_6"I think this is the most beautiful cat I've ever seen!" - Alyssahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cr_4.jpgcr_4Towering Gold "Temples" also appeared in the complex.  This "Temple" was actually an art museum selling the artist's work.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cr_3.jpgcr_3Crossing the threshold of the profane and the gnashing of hands, visitors cross this bridge into enlightenment.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cr_2.jpgcr_2The White Templehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cr_5.jpgcr_5Up in the sky, its a bird, its a plane, its the winged monkeys of the Wizard of Oz in Thailand?2026-07-10T21:31:06+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/03/environmental-challenges-in-laos/2026-07-10T21:30:27+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/03/luang-prabang-laos/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/pnas.1720419115fig03.jpegpnas.1720419115fig03Credit: Link to study provided above.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_markets5.jpglp_markets5There were plenty of BBQ foods.  These however were rather like snacks than meals.  In Luang Prabang, we saw a mix of these "snack" barbecue places (like we had see throughout Asia) mixed in with buffet style meals.  For $2, you could fill your plate or get one of these skewers.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_markets4.jpglp_markets4Buildings and french bread were not the only legacy of the French in this former French colony.  Bakeries supplied a wide range of breads and yummies.  Also typical of nigh markets were narrow isles down side streets where people squeezed passed each other to look at the food stalls and acquire what their taste buds were craving.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_markets7.jpglp_markets7https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_markets2.jpglp_markets2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_markets1.jpglp_markets1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_markets6.jpglp_markets6Black sticky rice with coconut wrapped in a “to go” banana leaf!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_markets3.jpglp_markets3Morning noodle soup was a common and great way to start the day! 2026-07-10T21:28:18+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/05/a-slower-boat-to-the-thai-border-from-luang-prabang/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/enroute_9.jpgenroute_9Along the river we saw a monastery, two young monks weed wack the grounds.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/enroute_10.jpgenroute_10An abbot walks during a Tak Bat ceremony. With him is one senior student and a novice.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/enroute_5.jpgenroute_5Stranded. Passengers look on as our boat’s mechanic work on the broken engine. (After weeks of haze, I could not help but to admire the blue sky).https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/enroute_7.jpgenroute_7Onboarding and Off boarding boats at Pak Beng boat terminal. Boats pull up to the rocks and people hop on or off.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/enroute_8.jpgenroute_8Small villages like this dot the river. This particular village had no roads and relied completely on the river. Houses were made from wood and correlated metal.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/enroute_6.jpgenroute_6Elephant drinkshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/enroute_4.jpgenroute_4Water Buffalo cool themselves in the river.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/enroute_3.jpgenroute_3Elephants return to work after a bath.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/enroute_2.jpgenroute_2Man fishes in the early morning sunhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/enroute_1.jpgenroute_1Elephant drinks with mahount.2026-07-10T21:27:45+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/02/luang-prabang-a-buddhism-stronghold/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_buddhism5.jpglp_buddhism5Local people and tourists give a small portion of sticky rice to the monks in their receiving bucket.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_buddhism10.jpglp_buddhism10Shrine at the base of Mount Phousihttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_buddhism4.jpglp_buddhism4The central stupa built in the 1800s.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_buddhism3.jpglp_buddhism3Peace Buddha, with a meditative Buddha statue behind.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_buddhism8.jpglp_buddhism8Although many people climb the hill to get enlightenment and learn from the monks, Kylie and Alyssa were happy to play with kittens at the top (no doubt there to feed on the birds tourists release).https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_buddhism7.jpglp_buddhism7Monks with their book bags on their way to studieshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_buddhism6.jpglp_buddhism6Walking roadsidehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_buddhism9.jpglp_buddhism9Temple entrance in the Pau Ochttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_buddhism2.jpglp_buddhism2Most modern temples were red and gold, older ones had a stucco exterior.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_buddhism1.jpglp_buddhism1Most modern temples were red and gold, older ones had a stucco exterior.2026-07-10T21:27:11+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/11/01/exploring-around-luang-prabang/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_caves3.jpglp_caves3There are even more statues in the Upper Cave.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_caves2.jpglp_caves2There are a lot of Buddha Statues in here.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_caves1.jpglp_caves1Pak Ou Cave entrancehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_caves5.jpglp_caves5Work elephants north of Luang Prabanghttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_waterfall4.jpglp_waterfall4Alyssa made the plunge!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_waterfall2.jpglp_waterfall2The major fall drop for about 20 meters with calcium carbonate formations that looks like it has been a sculpted waterfall.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_waterfall1.jpglp_waterfall1Hey the water color matches my shirt!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_waterfall5.jpglp_waterfall5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lp_waterfall3.jpglp_waterfall3Kuang Si Waterfall - Laos2026-07-10T21:26:25+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/29/the-good-work-being-done-by-accb/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/angkor_accb1.jpgangkor_accb1Our guide shows us a bottle of confiscated wine with a cobra in it. There is an endangered water snake in the 2 liter bottle in front of her. A confiscated pangolin skin and peafowl feather in front of Kylie.2026-07-10T21:25:34+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/28/angkor-wat/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/angkor_candid5.jpgangkor_candid5Angkor Wat: “Who designed all this: Amazing”https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/angkor_eastmebon.jpgangkor_eastmebonEast Mebon, built in the same era as Pre Rup. Kylie explores the collapsed hallways and steps up to the main temple area.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/angkor_candid1.jpgangkor_candid1Banteay Kdei: Pausing for snapshots!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/angkor_takei1.jpgangkor_takei1Ta Nei largely unrestored and being taken over by nature’s forces.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/angkor_tasom1.jpgangkor_tasom1Ta Som Eastern Gate was in the process of being reclaimed by nature.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/angkor_reclaim2.jpgangkor_reclaim2Ta Prohm: Nature reclaiming propertyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/angkor_reclaim1.jpgangkor_reclaim1Ta Prohm: Nature reclaiming property https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/angkor_temple1.jpgangkor_temple1Prasat suor prat were a collection of 12 of these unrestored structures across from the Elephant Terrace in Angkor Thom. They still don’t know what purpose they served. According to the customs of Cambodia by Zhou Daguan, they were a method of dispute resolution (Click Here). However, a lone paragraph in his book from the 1300s is unsubstantiated by any other source.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/angkor_workers.jpgangkor_workersPhimeanakas: Many worker weed and clean Baphoun”s courtyard pool. No motorized equipment was used.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/angkor_window1.jpgangkor_window1Angkor Wat: Here I am walking through the large vaulted hallways. In the central level, the halls are filled with recovered statues and historical remnants. The carved sandstone pillars acted as shudders providing both shade and protection from the elements.2026-07-10T21:24:52+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/21/tuol-sleng-and-choeung-ek/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/th-2380765930.jpgth-2380765930The seven adult survivors of the S21 detention facility are above. Only two survivors are alive today: Chum Mey (far left) and Bou Meng (3rd from the right) Also(Photo-credit: United States Holocaust Museum.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_s5.jpgpenomh_s5Young children were beaten to death against this tree or at its foot. For years the base was stained with blood.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_s4.jpgpenomh_s4Each depression represents a mass grave with 50-400 souls. Some graves have buildings with information about the people who lay in the graves. However most looked like dips in the field.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_s3.jpgpenomh_s3A rectangular stupa containing the remains of hundreds of victims is the first stop when entering the Killing Fields.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_s2.jpgpenomh_s2Chum Mey, far left with white hair and gray shirt, describes some of his experiences to a group of tourists: “I don’t fault the guards, they were following orders.”https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_s6.jpgpenomh_s6Kylie types her remembrance and condolences at a computer terminal at the end of the exhibit. Behind her a docent cleans some glass encased skulls.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_s1.jpgpenomh_s1It was hard to tell what happened here by looking at this building from the outside.2026-07-10T21:24:09+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/20/around-penomh-penh/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_pehn8.jpgpenomh_Pehn8https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_pehn10.jpgpenomh_Pehn10Enjoying night market food!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_pehn5.jpgpenomh_Pehn5The art inside was amazing. This monk waits to receive inquires for services.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_pehn6.jpgpenomh_Pehn6The birth of Buddha. Taking his first steps. Wherever he stepped lotus flowers grew.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_pehn4.jpgpenomh_Pehn4Nice detailed stone work.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_pehn3.jpgpenomh_Pehn3Everything was gold color at the Golden Templehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_pehn2.jpgpenomh_Pehn2The national museum is a beautiful building in and of itself.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_pehn1.jpgpenomh_Pehn1The girls with Grandma visiting the national museumhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_pehn9.jpgpenomh_Pehn9This stupa on Wat Phnom was first built in the 1400s to house the ashes of her family.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/penomh_pehn7.jpgpenomh_Pehn7Lonnie made a visit to see the grandkids. We are cruising in the back of a tuk-tuk.2026-07-10T21:22:59+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/18/sea-level-rise/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_garbage21.jpgmekong_garbage2(1)A garbage dump river side.  What will happen to this garbage during floods or when sea level rises?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_garbage1.jpgmekong_garbage1Sharleen and I watched this meat vendor walk to the river with plastic bags on a large flat piece of metal.  She cleaned metal in the river and allowed the plastic to float off.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_aquaculture5.jpgmekong_aquaculture5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_aquaculture4.jpgmekong_aquaculture4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_aquaculture3.jpgmekong_aquaculture3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_aquaculture2.jpgmekong_aquaculture2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_aquaculture1.jpgmekong_aquaculture1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_trasu3.jpgmekong_trasu3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_trasu2.jpgmekong_trasu2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_trasu1.jpgmekong_trasu12026-07-10T21:22:10+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/17/the-mekong-delta/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_cantho18.jpgmekong_cantho18Like a walking banyan, the branches shoot out and form roots for further tree growth.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_cantho19.jpgmekong_cantho19Not quite Bay Area Backroads!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_cantho17.jpgmekong_cantho17https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_cantho16.jpgmekong_cantho16https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_cantho15.jpgmekong_cantho15https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_cantho141.jpgmekong_cantho14https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_cantho13.jpgmekong_cantho13https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_cantho11.jpgmekong_cantho11https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_cantho12.jpgmekong_cantho12https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/mekong_cantho10.jpgmekong_cantho102026-07-10T21:20:30+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/15/cu-chi-tunnels/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hcm_tunnel9.jpghcm_tunnel9A light artillery brigade from the Cu Chi Tunnel area poses for a picture.  This war was not just fought by young men and boys.  All types of Vietnamese people were drawn into armed conflict.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hcm_tunnel10.jpghcm_tunnel10Khoa answer's Kylie's question with sincerity and dignity.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hcm_tunnel8.jpghcm_tunnel8This replica shows how the Viet Cong frequently harvested and re-purposed scrap metal and gun powder in a tunnel bunker.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hcm_tunnel6.jpghcm_tunnel6Do you see the smoke rising from the underground kitchen?  This specially designed kitchen had 4-5 chambers that captured smoke, only releasing a small plume.  They cooked during the morning so it blended with the mist.  This made it difficult for foreign troops to identify where the tunnels were.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hcm_tunnel7.jpghcm_tunnel7Steamed cassava with sugar and ground peanuts was delicious for me as a tourist, but I can only imagine if this was a staple food in a war zone day-in and day-out.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hcm_tunnel5.jpghcm_tunnel5Sharleen squeezed through the opening and closes the door over her head....only to get lost in the tunnel maze below.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hcm_tunnel3.jpghcm_tunnel3Entrances to the tunnels were well camouflaged.  Do you see it?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hcm_tunnel4.jpghcm_tunnel4Kylie enters a remade entrance to some tunnels.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hcm_tunnel1.jpghcm_tunnel1Alyssa ponders a war skeleton: A battered Patton tank with bullet and blast holes.  What happened to the people inside?  How many people did this tank kill?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hcm_warrem2.jpghcm_warrem2An Ha Laquerware is a factory that produces goods made by the disabled that benefits the disabled.2026-07-10T21:19:20+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/14/the-war-remnants-museum/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hcm_warrem1.jpghcm_warrem1A display honoring the work and lives of photographers world wide who paid the ultimate price bringing the world facts about what was happening in Vietnam.2026-07-10T21:17:54+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/13/braving-traffic-in-vietnam/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hcm_traffic.jpghcm_trafficDriving from the Airport to our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.  At times it really felt like skiers on a slope or ice skaters in a rink....just with 9 million of them going at their own pace doing their own thing.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hue_traffic1-1.jpghue_traffic1Crossing this intersection in Hue was challenging even with a stoplight.2026-07-10T21:16:50+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/12/son-tra-preservation-of-a-national-treasure/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_greenviet3.jpgdanang_greenviet3Kim Kieu Luong is a resident expert at GreenViet's Education Centerhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_greenviet2.jpgdanang_greenviet2Kim Kieu shows Kylie and Alyssa how some Doucs are trapped.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_greenviet1.jpgdanang_greenviet1A view inside GreenViet's interactive education center2026-07-10T21:15:58+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/10/the-marble-mountain/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_night2.jpgdanang_night2The pedestrian walkway was full of families and friends spending time together.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_night1.jpgdanang_night1A delicious set of treats street side.  For the unfamiliar, many of the street side eateries sport tables that are shorter than Alyssa's knees and stools to sit on.  Service is fast and the food is tasty.  On this meal the girls had some delicious spring rolls that they rolled in rice paper with fresh vegetables and dipped in nuoc mam (fish sauce).  I had green mangoes with hot peppers.  On the way back the girls devoured a bowl of large snails.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_bnh1.jpgdanang_bnh1On our way up to Ba Na hills over lush rainforest. Ba Na Hills is on the mountaintop in the distance.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_bnh8.jpgdanang_bnh8Robot gongerhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_bnh9.jpgdanang_bnh9Posing with performers from a dance show.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_bnh6.jpgdanang_bnh6Alpine bobsled trackhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_bnh5.jpgdanang_bnh5In a 360 degree theaterhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_bnh4.jpgdanang_bnh4Monkey Girl tried her hands and feet at rock climbing.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_bnh2.jpgdanang_bnh2Alyssa and Kylie enjoying themselves on the Sky Drop.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/danang_bnh3.jpgdanang_bnh3It certainly wasn't dropzone!  But it was still scarier than it looked according to Kylie. (Whose piercing scream pealed the paint off walls and caused a rock climber to fall).2026-07-10T21:13:35+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/08/my-son-the-chams/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_my_son13.jpghoi_an_my_son13Posing in temple.  The lighter bricks are restoration work and the darker bricks are original.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_my_son10.jpghoi_an_my_son10Columns were not brick, but carved stone.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_my_son8.jpghoi_an_my_son8Inside a templehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_my_son7.jpghoi_an_my_son7On this alter, a mixture of honey, water, and milk would have been poured and collected for the king and for offerings.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_my_son14.jpghoi_an_my_son14Sanskrit writing on a Stela above a tombhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_my_son12.jpghoi_an_my_son12Temple with new and oldhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_my_son11.jpghoi_an_my_son11Original bricks behind, newly created bricks for restoration in front.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_my_son2.jpghoi_an_my_son2Amazing detail, but even more amazing is that these bricks have stayed together for 1800 years with no mortar and no upkeep.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_my_son3.jpghoi_an_my_son3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_my_son4.jpghoi_an_my_son42026-07-10T21:12:35+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/10/leaving-hoi-an/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_endthought5.jpghoi_an_endthought5More morning riverside garbage in Hoi Anhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_endthought4.jpghoi_an_endthought4Paper lanterns litter the river floor, creating sedimentary layers of sunken floating lantern wishes.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_endthought6.jpghoi_an_endthought6Empty styrofoam coolers, disposable plastic wraps, one time drink containers litter the waterway behind nightly souvenir carts.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_endthought2.jpghoi_an_endthought2A morning view of the Japanese bridge a symbol of Hoi An that appears on Vietnam's 20,000 Dong Note.  It was designed by the Japanese and built by the community in 1593 to literally and figuratively joint the Japanese and Chinese communities in Hoi An.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_endthought3.jpghoi_an_endthought3An early morning view of the street in the picture above over 30 years later.  The trees are all grown up preventing the same vantage point.  New paint, new doors, and new transportation.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_endthought1.jpghoi_an_endthought1Hoi An in the early 80s.  A view approaching the Japanese Bridge from the West.2026-07-10T21:11:14+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/09/backroad-biking-in-hoi-an/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cycle6.jpghoi_an_cycle6https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cycle2.jpghoi_an_cycle2Kylie swims at An Bang beach after a long bike ridehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cycle8.jpghoi_an_cycle8Fishing boats await at bamboo piershttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cycle7.jpghoi_an_cycle7Cycling through the paddy fieldshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cycle1.jpghoi_an_cycle1Trash burninghttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cycle4.jpghoi_an_cycle4Other houses with the same bamboo style.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cycle3.jpghoi_an_cycle3A yummy beveragehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cycle5.jpghoi_an_cycle5The cafe we stopped at.2026-07-10T21:10:08+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/07/hoi-an-a-vietnamese-cooking-class/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cook8.jpghoi_an_cook8Alyssa shows of her crispy and fresh spring rollshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cook7.jpghoi_an_cook7Kylie gets some advice on determining when and how to flip her Bun Xeo (rice flour pancake with herbs)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cook6.jpghoi_an_cook6Presentation is in the eye of the beholderhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cook5.jpghoi_an_cook5Kylie prepares and rolls her first crispy spring rollhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cook9.jpghoi_an_cook9With the help of our captain, Kylie fished for crabs.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cook45.jpghoi_an_cook45A ride up and down the water coconut isles in a basket boathttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cook35.jpghoi_an_cook35Fresh vegetables and herbs were plentifulhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cook2.jpghoi_an_cook2A mix of local fresh seafood.  It's not evident from the picture but the red fish by her left food were still flopping about and twitching.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_cook1.jpghoi_an_cook1There isn't one local butcher but many at the central market.2026-07-10T21:09:23+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/06/wandering-in-hoi-an/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_silk13.jpghoi_an_silk13https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_silk7.jpghoi_an_silk7https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_silk10.jpghoi_an_silk10https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_silk11.jpghoi_an_silk11https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_silk6.jpghoi_an_silk6Fine high quality silk on the left (3-5 cocoon threads). Low quality silk on the right (20-50 cocoon thread per strand).https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_silk5.jpghoi_an_silk5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_silk4.jpghoi_an_silk4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_silk3.jpghoi_an_silk3Worms are places on branched racks where they spin a cocoon.  There were two types of silk worms yellow and white.  White silkworm produced higher quality,https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_silk2.jpghoi_an_silk2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_silk1.jpghoi_an_silk12026-07-10T21:08:43+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/05/hoi-an-old-town/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_night7.jpghoi_an_night7Some yummy street food options! Some of the push carts sold whole octopuses and frogs, something we weren't used to seeing.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_night10.jpghoi_an_night10Rolled passion fruit ice creamhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_night5.jpghoi_an_night5This duet sings about the playing pieces for Bai Choihttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_night4.jpghoi_an_night4Kylie shows off her Bai Choi Paddlehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_night11.jpghoi_an_night11Lantern Boat Rideshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_night6.jpghoi_an_night6Lanterns for salehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_night3.jpghoi_an_night3Lanterns in Old Townhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_night2.jpghoi_an_night2Alyssa and Kylie wander amongst the lanterns in Old Townhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hoi_an_night8.jpghoi_an_night8Hoi An - Vietnam2026-07-10T21:06:54+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/04/bunk-beds-in-a-bus/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bunk_beds_bus.jpgbunk_beds_bus3 by 2 by 6 plus 5 by 2 =  46 passengers!2026-07-10T21:04:57+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/04/hue-moving-towards-a-sustainable-city/2026-07-10T21:03:49+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/10/03/hue/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hue16.jpgHue16Sharleen finds a delicious bowl of noodle with nuoc mam!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hue13.jpgHue13Hot Tofu with honey and ice (Dao Fu Fa)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hue12.jpgHue12https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hue11.jpgHue11Some of the pavilions in the pagoda temple had statues like this, while others had stela about the construction and dedication of the temple.  There were also ceremonial drums and bells.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hue_dragon_boat.jpghue_dragon_boathttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hue10.jpgHue10Chùa Thiên Mụ Pagoda as seen from our dragon boat.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hue6.jpghue6Alyssa walks through some newly crafted lanterns.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hue15.jpgHue15Throughout the Citadel there were ponds, gardens, and small abodes for court officials.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hue8.jpgHue8The gateway details were much more extravagant than what we saw in China from the similar time frame.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hue5.jpghue5Kylie looks at the dragon in the face.....fearless!2026-07-10T21:02:49+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/30/trang-an-it-wasnt-mist-or-fog/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_environement3.jpgtrang_an_environement3A close up inspection of a burn pilehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_environment4.jpgtrang_an_environment4Another burn pile roadside.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_environement2.jpgtrang_an_environement2Three burn piles in the evening.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_environement1.jpgtrang_an_environement1I know the giant sperm is distracting (It's really supposed to be a lotus blossom), but look to the horizon.  How far can you see?2026-07-10T21:01:38+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/29/exploring-the-trang-an-complex/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_walkingaround4.jpgtrang_an_walkingaround4Herding cattle to pasturehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_walkingaround1.jpgtrang_an_walkingaround1Six AM walking around the various roadshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_trungnham2.jpgtrang_an_trungnham2There was no sign saying we couldn't....so we did.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_trungnham1.jpgtrang_an_trungnham1By the time night rolled around, every tree in this grotto would fill with birds. https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_hualu5.jpgtrang_an_hualu5Ever the salesman trying to make a buck, this guy worked hard to get me on the beast.  I convinced him that I'd break her back.  We settled for a candid shot together.  In the heat of midday he let his buffalo wallow in in the river to cool down.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_hualu4.jpgtrang_an_hualu4Riding a water buffalohttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_hualu2.jpgtrang_an_hualu2Ornate wood work was a hallmark of these temples.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_hualu1.jpgtrang_an_hualu1The gate to the Dragon Templehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_hualu3.jpgtrang_an_hualu3Another main gatehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_bichdong4.jpgtrang_an_bichdong4The view from the hidden temple2026-07-10T21:00:24+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/27/trang-an-complex/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_boat4.jpgtrang_an_boat4Exiting a cavehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_boat3.jpgtrang_an_boat3Entering a cavehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_boat2.jpgtrang_an_boat2A boat-side view of the grottoes and formationshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_boat1.jpgtrang_an_boat1People starting out on their boat ride.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/trang_an_boat5.jpgtrang_an_boat5Artifacts dating back to the Neolithic Period found at a single excavation site in Trang An2026-07-10T20:55:43+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/24/cat-ba/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cat_ba_lan_ha1.jpgcat_ba_lan_ha1There are over 1,600 of these island formations in Ha Long Bay, 367 in Lan Ha Bay alone.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cat_ba_fishing1.jpgcat_ba_fishing1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cat_ba_fishing2.jpgcat_ba_fishing2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cat_ba_fishing3.jpgcat_ba_fishing3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cat_ba_boat1.jpgcat_ba_boat1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cat_ba_kayak5.jpgcat_ba_kayak5Going through caves often revealed something wonderful on the other side.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cat_ba_kayak4.jpgcat_ba_kayak4"Look Dad, a bat!"https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cat_ba_kayak3.jpgcat_ba_kayak3Kylie paddling through Dark Cave.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cat_ba_kayak2.jpgcat_ba_kayak2She loved touching the water, the sides of the formations, the roofs of the caves.  Kylie going through Bright Cave.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cat_ba_kayak1.jpgcat_ba_kayak1Kylie loved this.2026-07-10T20:54:59+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/22/hanoi/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hanoi_5.jpghanoi_5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hanoi_10.jpghanoi_10These were serious pho pots ready for some serious pho-eating Goldfield girls!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hanoi_9.jpghanoi_9Note the larger than life egg rolls in the foreground. https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hanoi_12.jpghanoi_12Le Loi returning after gaining independence for Vietnamhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hanoi_11.jpghanoi_11The puppets were about knee high and would be controlled by bamboo poles from behind the stage curtain.  The puppets were about knee high.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hanoi_13.jpghanoi_13The stage of the theater is waist deep water.  On either side sat the orchestra and opera singers.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hanoi_7.jpghanoi_7Each of the stela ride on the backs of a giant tortoise.  Scholars used to rub the heads of the tortoises for luck before exams.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hanoi_6.jpghanoi_6Looking across the first courtyard of the Temple of Literature.  Scholars enrolled here spend their first time in this courtyard learning manners before they could advance to the next courtyard.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hanoi_8.jpghanoi_8In the ceremony room, rubbing the breast of the Phoenix also conferred luck.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hanoi_14.jpghanoi_14A giant soft shelled tortoise on display.2026-07-10T20:54:14+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/19/hmong-homestay-ta-van-vietnam/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ta_van1.jpgTa_Van1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ta_van15.jpgTa_Van15The Goldfield's help processing rice for a dayhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ta_van14.jpgTa_Van14Cho Cho's grandson looks at his dad processing ricehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ta_van16.jpgTa_Van16https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ta_van7.jpgTa_Van7Sharleen is captivated by Cho Cho's stories.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ta_van4.jpgTa_Van4Cho Cho's house is in the foreground, and the two houses in the background belong to her other two sons.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ta_van10.jpgTa_Van10Enjoying a meal with Cho Cho's family (Her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ta_van5.jpgTa_Van5Rat hunting in the terraceshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ta_van13.jpgTa_Van13You can know a beast by the size of their crap.  That was my size 13 shoe.  The pile was higher than my ankle.  I've seen cow pies before, but this buffalo kicks butt!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ta_van12.jpgTa_Van12This land owner was minding her buffalo.  Generally, everyone one was friendly and welcoming in the valley.2026-07-10T20:53:28+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/02/the-great-wall-hike/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/gw_18.jpggw_18https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/gw_lookingoutoverwall.jpggw_lookingoutoverwallAlyssa looks back over the road she’s traveled.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/gw_15.jpggw_15Alyssa make her way along the Great Wallhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/gw_14.jpggw_14https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/gw_13.jpggw_13The Great Wall extends into the horizon: Jinhsaling Sectionhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/gw_12.jpggw_12There were more steep ups and downs on this section to be sure. Can you spot Sharleen?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/great_wall_sunset.jpggreat_wall_SunsetSunrise on the Great Wallhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/gw_tents.jpggw_tentsSunrise on the Great Wallhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/gw_10.jpggw_10All vegetables were farm fresh, and yes, it was even better than it looks.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/gw_9.jpggw_9Abandoned house in the village of Touliang2026-07-10T20:52:45+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/09/sukau-river-homestay/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/homestay_food.jpghomestay_foodSimple, yet delicious EVERY time!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/homestay_eatingtogether.jpghomestay_eatingtogetherDining together with Maria's Familyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/homestay_fruit1.jpghomestay_fruit1Kylie can’t resist more langsat.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/homestay_fruit3.jpghomestay_fruit3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/homestay_fruit2.jpghomestay_fruit2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/homestay_prawn.jpghomestay_prawnSharleen appreciating Raman's catch!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/homestay_crayfish.jpghomestay_crayfishMaria shows us Raman’s catch for the day.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/homestay_fishing.jpghomestay_fishingAdan fishes from the jettyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/homestay_family1-1.jpghomestay_family1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/homestay_family2.jpghomestay_family22026-07-10T20:50:52+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/18/the-daintree/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/daintree_drive1.jpgdaintree_drive1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/daintree_icecream1.jpgdaintree_icecream1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/daintree_sunset.jpgdaintree_sunsethttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/daintree_done1.jpgdaintree_done1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/daintree_icecream3.jpgdaintree_icecream3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/daintree_icecream4.jpgdaintree_icecream4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/daintree_icecream_4.jpgdaintree_icecream_4Ice Cream on left and sorbet on the right -- All good!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/daintree_icecream2.jpgdaintree_icecream2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/daintree_boardwalkwalk2.jpgdaintree_boardwalkwalk2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/daintree_boardwalkwalk1.jpgdaintree_boardwalkwalk12026-07-10T20:49:02+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2012/12/29/tikal/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tikal_2.jpgtikal_2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tikal_3.jpgtikal_3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_2010.jpgIMG_2010Tikal - Guatemala2026-07-10T20:45:57+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/17/getting-around-in-china/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/china_gettingaround71.jpgchina_gettingaround7In the south there were miles of small plots, everyone growing something different. Some plots were subdivided so any given family didn’t have to grow an entire crop of the same type.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/china_gettingaround51.jpgchina_gettingaround5Just before the Qilin mountains in Gansu province, there were vast ranches with sheep and cattle.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/china_gettingaround31.jpgchina_gettingaround3In Hunnan province the terrain changed. It was very hilly, but there were many farms and villages in every nook and cranny.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/china_gettingaround11.jpgchina_gettingaround1This pastoral scene was common in central China. No sprawling wheat fields of Kansas or the cornrows of central valley. Just acres of small pieced together plots. All growing different things.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/china_gettingaround61.jpgchina_gettingaround6People wait to go through a secondary security check in Zhangye after the national ID/passport check and ticket check.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/china_gettingaround9-1.jpgchina_gettingaround9There are very few seats in the metro. Mainly standing room only. This was packed, with people squeezed against the doorwayhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/china_gettingaround81.jpgchina_gettingaround8In Kunming, people queued and were more respectful. However, not everyone made this train. After waiting 30 minutes in a security line, missing this metro would have been a major bummer.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/china_gettingaround9.jpgchina_gettingaround9Getting off the train in Guangzhou. With two little girls, this made me nervous. If we got separated, how would we find each other. It was just a little crowded.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/china_gettingaround41.jpgchina_gettingaround4Waiting in Langzhou to board a train. The massage chair fill up first, next the regular seats. After than standing room only.2026-07-10T20:42:44+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/17/building-building-building/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/grandma_with_qr1.jpggrandma_with_qr(1)Remember Mountain Grandma from Zhangjiajie? Even she had a QR code so people could buy peaches without cash – just a direct transfer from one account to another.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tourism_people_mover_queues_stone_forest.jpgTourism_People_Mover_Queues_Stone_ForestThe people mover station in the Stone Forest. Behind me another 50 meters of zig-zaging lines and shelter were under construction. Also, seven people mover stations along a loop road are also under construction.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/zhang_building1.jpgZhang_buildingThis was someone’s home. No more. In the back new 5 story complexes dot the suburban landscape of Zhangye. Notice the earthen brick and wood construction of the old domicilehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/residential_buildings.jpgResidential_BuildingsOver 20 15-story buildings being constructed simultaneously. This was a regular sight during every bus, train, and metro ride.2026-07-10T20:39:37+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/15/the-stone-forrest/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kuming_stoneforest2.jpgkuming_stoneforest2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kuming_stoneforest15.jpgkuming_stoneforest15Cliff Paintings in the Lizi Yuanqing Scenic Areahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kuming_stoneforest13.jpgkuming_stoneforest13Scenic view outside the Major Stone Forest area from the loop road. https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kuming_stoneforest14.jpgkuming_stoneforest14https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kuming_stoneforest17.jpgkuming_stoneforest17Scenic view outside the Major Stone Forest area from the loop road. https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kunming_stoneforest_23.jpgkunming_stoneforest_23https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kuming_stoneforest16.jpgkuming_stoneforest16Alyssa reflects at the Jaifeng poolhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kuming_stoneforest9.jpgkuming_stoneforest9The Deep Gorgehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kuming_stoneforest12.jpgkuming_stoneforest12Bushaoshan areahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kuming_stoneforest4-1.jpgkuming_stoneforest4Taking a break on some stone benches table.2026-07-10T20:37:30+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/14/western-hills-park-kunming/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/western_hills10.jpgwestern_hills10Alyssa needed bribing to dress up, but secretly, I think she liked it.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/western_hills9.jpgwestern_hills9Kylie loved spinning in her dress.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/western_hills8.jpgwestern_hills8Alyssa and Kylie tried on some traditional clothes. This came with a hefty bribe.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/western_hills7.jpgwestern_hills7Kyie told me this was the heaven ruler (wind, rain, sky)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/western_hills5.jpgwestern_hills5Nanji (Souther Sky) Palace: Build in the Ming Dynasty, the Nanji Palace has been redecorated for many times. The god of Longevity is enshrined in this palace. He is also called the Old Mens Star, the Old Man in the Southern Sky or the God in the Southern Sky. He is actually the Jiao and Kang in the seven lunar mansion of the Black Dragon Star in the east sky. “Jiao and Kang ranks the first among all the lunar mansions, so it is called Shou (longevity)”. The status of the God of Longevity have a long white beard and high and raised forehead, holding a can in his hand. This appearance indicates the longevity, prosperity and peace all around the world. He is respected as the God who is in charge of longevity in the tradition of not only Taoism but the folk. (Kyle told me that the recording told her that his head is so big because of all the knowledge he accumulated).https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/western_hills4.jpgwestern_hills4Ciyun Cave: Wu Laiqiong was a Taoist monk born in Xiayu Village. Between 1781 and 1785, he spent 14 years hammering at the hard rocks on the cliff at the southern part of the Sanquing Pavilion and he chiseled stone pavements and stone houses. After he dug the Phoenix Cave, he carved the Archway of “wonderful Scenery of Putuo”, and chiseled the grotto in the Ciyun cave, where he dug a house. The principal columns at the doorway, the barge of the mercy, the divine terrace, the censer and the divine figurines on the two walls riding on a dragon and tiger were all chiseled on the original rocks inside. The poem in the front of the censer carved in 1801 reads: Great talent is witnessed by the arduous work. At the steep cliff, a diving terrace was chiseled. Through the Buddhist caves were impossible to be airborne, Chisel after chisel will make it to the Dragon Gate.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/western_hills3.jpgwestern_hills3Kuixing (the God of Literature) in the middle of the stone carvings in the grottoes of the Sky-reaching Pavilion of the Dragon Gate carved the Wenchang (talented writer) Sculpture in the north, three divine statues for the Lord Guan (divine god of Guangong.) At the back of the grottoes is the fairy map of the blessed spot beyond seas of cloud with a floating cloud in the heavenly canopy, a red-crowned crane and the peach of immortality. Engraved within the niche above the eaves of the pavilion is a Nanji Xianweng (Immortal Old Man of the South Pole). Kuixing means one of the lunar mansions in ancient Chinese astrology, and also comes first in the western zodiac. In Taoism it is esteemed as the got of literature. The divine statue takes the shape of its Chinese word with a ghost-like head, one if the feet standing on the head of a turtle, and the other foot curls upwards at the back to rest on the grain measure. He holds a pen in his hand to tick the name of the scholars who pass the examination.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/western_hills1.jpgwestern_hills1The vista from atop of Western Hillshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/western_hills2.jpgwestern_hills2If you touch the marble ball on the roof the dragon gate and send your prayers upward, they are heard.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/western_hills6.jpgwestern_hills6Dianchi Lake with Kunming in the background2026-07-10T20:36:04+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/09/chengdu-and-pandamonium/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chengdu_p6.jpgchengdu_p6The computerized interactive Panda Discovery Center captivated Alyssa and Kyliehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chengdu_p7.jpgchengdu_p7Oh no, here come the crowdshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chengdu_p4.jpgchengdu_p4There was a long line to see this youngsterhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chengdu_p1.jpgchengdu_p1Giant pandas are also good climbers and sleep in treeshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chengdu_p3.jpgchengdu_p3With a low calorie diet, giant pandas sleep a lot.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chengdu_p5.jpgchengdu_p5A giant panda eating bamboohttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chengdu_rp2.jpgchengdu_rp2Red pandas are excellent climbershttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chengdu_rp1.jpgchengdu_rp1A red panda2026-07-10T20:26:03+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/06/zhangye/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/zhang_5.jpgzhang_5Even on a an overcast day the Danxia Landform (Zhangye National Park) was spectacular.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/zhang_3.jpgzhang_3Danxia Landform: It almost looks like a paintinghttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/zhang_2.jpgzhang_2Silk Road Formation, Zhangye National Park: Danxia Landformhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/zhang_1.jpgzhang_1Zhangye National Park: Danxia Landformhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/zhang_dafosi_2.jpgzhang_dafosi_2These doors reek of age. A fantastic Phoenix carving on one door.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/zhang_dafosi_1.jpgzhang_dafosi_1Entrance to Da Fo Sihttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/zhang_4-1.jpgzhang_4Zhangye - China2026-07-10T20:25:16+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/14/cui-hu-green-lake-park/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kunming_green_lake4.jpgkunming_green_lake4Alyssa and Kylie paddleboat around Green Lake.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kunming_green_lake2.jpgkunming_green_lake2Dense lotus crowded the East Gate entrance.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/kunming_green_lake3.jpgkunming_green_lake3Coi and Carp were happy to be fed2026-07-10T20:24:33+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/11/a-relaxing-day-in-chengdu/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chendu_culturepark2.jpgChendu_culturepark2Food, tea, and great conversation. It’s hard to get better than this.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chendu_culturepark1.jpgChendu_culturepark1The girls cross a bridge over a lotus filled lake.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chendu_culturepark3.jpgChendu_culturepark3Kylie devises a plan to smash Alyssa!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/chendu_culturepark4.jpgChendu_culturepark4Qintai Road2026-07-10T20:23:40+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/10/a-day-in-leshan/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/leeshan_b13.jpgLeeshan_b13A great quick performance of mask changing.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/leeshan_b14.jpgLeeshan_b14The split cauldron allowed us to get two different broths and keep one side vegan. I’m not sure who ate more, but Kylie kept going back for more skewers.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/leeshan_b9.jpgLeeshan_b9Piyu Templehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/leeshan_b6.jpgLeeshan_b69 Monks statues on either side. The best explanation I could get through translation were “Apostles of Buddha”.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/leeshan_b3.jpgLeeshan_b3Big Belly Monk along with other gilded figures…..who were these people?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/leeshan_b4.jpgLeeshan_b4In Lingyun Temple I wondered who this was. He certainty didn’t look like Buddha. Why was he being honored?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/leeshan_b5.jpgLeeshan_b5Ornate statues decorate the interior of Lingyun Templehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/leeshan_b12.jpgLeeshan_b12Kylie and Alyssa light incense at Lingyun Templehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/leeshan_b11.jpgLeeshan_b11We barely make the height of Da Fo’s sandal. In comparison, one toe is larger than ushttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/leeshan_b10.jpgLeeshan_b10At the bottom, you can burn incense and pray. The Leshan Giant Buddha (Da Fo)2026-07-10T20:21:28+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/09/03/the-forbidden-city/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/beijing_fobidden_city7.jpgbeijing_fobidden_city7Navigating our way through Fuxue Hutong along with daily traffic.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/beijing_fobidden_city6.jpgbeijing_fobidden_city6My final view of the palace wall, moat, and tower when leaving for our two kilometer walk back to the metro station.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/beijing_fobidden_city4.jpgbeijing_fobidden_city4The Mountain of Accumulated Excellencehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/beijing_fobidden_city3.jpgbeijing_fobidden_city3My best happy look in the Palace of Prolonged Happinesshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/beijing_fobidden_city2.jpgbeijing_fobidden_city2This is the Hall of Union: The Qing dynasty’s empress received homage here three times a year. The rest of the year this housed the 25 imperial seals. There is a water clock in the back right-hand side of the picture.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/beijing_fobidden_city1.jpgbeijing_fobidden_city1Each Hall along the entrance had a golden throne. This throne was in the Hall of Heavenly Purity.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/beijing_fobidden_city5.jpgbeijing_fobidden_city520 minutes after opening. We were among the first batches of people to enter. This is the courtyard in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.2026-07-10T20:19:17+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/30/temple-of-heaven-in-bejing/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/temple_h_6.jpgtemple_h_6https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/temple_h_5.jpgtemple_h_5Aside from the gods, the first 8 Qin Emperors, represented in each of these urns, also received burnt offerings.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/temple_h_4.jpgtemple_h_4The fire pit where offerings were burnthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/temple_h_3.jpgtemple_h_3Dragon Eyeshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/temple_h_2.jpgtemple_h_2The interior of the Temple of Heavenhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/temple_h_1.jpgtemple_h_1Temple of Heaven2026-07-10T20:16:30+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/30/zhangjiajie-a-wonderful-day/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_3_tianza_2.jpgwulingyuan_3_tianza_2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_3_golden_whip4.jpgwulingyuan_3_golden_whip4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_3_golden_whip3.jpgwulingyuan_3_golden_whip3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_3_golden_whip2.jpgwulingyuan_3_golden_whip2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_3_cable_2.jpgwulingyuan_3_cable_2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_3_cable_1.jpgwulingyuan_3_cable_1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_3_19.jpgwulingyuan_3_19Mountain Grandma sells peaches and cucumbers to tourists in need.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_3_15.jpgwulingyuan_3_15https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_3_20.jpgwulingyuan_3_20https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_3_18.jpgwulingyuan_3_182026-07-10T20:15:28+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/28/zhangjiajie-chinas-first-national-park/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_2_2.jpgwulingyuan_2_2Rainbow masses preparing a full assault on the parkhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_2_1.jpgwulingyuan_2_1A little fun in the rain!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_1_2.jpgwulingyuan_1_2Hermit carrying herbshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_1_1.jpgwulingyuan_1_1The Forefingerhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_map.jpgwulingyuan_maphttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_1_5.jpgwulingyuan_1_5The crowds were real!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wulingyuan_1_0.jpgwulingyuan_1_0Wulingyuan Entrance2026-07-10T20:14:34+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/27/getting-lost-in-fenghuang/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_explore6.jpgfenghuang_explore6https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_explore4.jpgfenghuang_explore4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_explore3.jpgfenghuang_explore3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_hike2.jpgfenghuang_hike2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_explore5.jpgfenghuang_explore5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_hike1.jpgfenghuang_hike12026-07-10T20:13:36+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/26/fenghuang-a-taste-of-ancient-river-life/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_waterwheel-1.jpgfenghuang_waterwheelhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_river_life6.jpgfenghuang_river_life6Grandpa fishing in the rainhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_river_life5.jpgfenghuang_river_life5Washing sweet potatoeshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_river_life4.jpgfenghuang_river_life4Man paws through shrimp trap, while using the river to cool watermelonhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_river_life3.jpgfenghuang_river_life3Woman crosses bridge with basket.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_river_life2.jpgfenghuang_river_life2Man takes water taxi upstream to avoid walkways.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_finding_guesthouse.jpgfenghuang_finding_guesthouseWandering up an ally to find our home for the next couple of nightshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_night.jpgfenghuang_nighthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_oblack_noodles.jpgfenghuang_oblack_noodleshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_food_candy.jpgfenghuang_food_candy2026-07-10T20:12:42+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/25/efficiency-in-the-water-closet/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fenghuang_bathroom.jpgfenghuang_bathroomFenghuang Water Closet2026-07-10T20:11:49+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/24/xin-hui-the-orange-peel/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/chanpi_tea5-1.jpgChanPi_tea5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/chanpi_tea2.jpgChanPi_tea2Orange Peel Jars towering everywhere!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/chanpi_tea3.jpgChanPi_tea3Dried mandarin orange stuffed with tea leaves.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/chanpi_tea1.jpgChanPi_tea1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/chanpi_tea4.jpgChanPi_tea42026-07-10T20:07:41+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/24/mun-lau/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mun_lau_good_bye.jpgMun_Lau_good_byeA hug good-byehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mun_lau_alter.jpgMun_Lau_alterThe central alter and ancestral roomhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mun_lau_ceilingart.jpgMun_lau_ceilingarthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/munlau_batgong.jpgmunlau_batgongBai Gong, Sharleen’s Great Grandfather.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mun_lau_mirror.jpgMun_lau_mirrorThe next generation looks into the mirror. The daughter now a mother thinks of her mother combing her hair long ago. Times were different. But both mothers wanted the world for their daughters.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mun_lau_calculator.jpgMun_lau_calculatorhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mun_lau_room1.jpgMun_Lau_room1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mun_lau_kitchen.jpgMun_lau_kitchenhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mun_lau_baby_carriage_basket.jpgMun_Lau_baby_carriage_baskethttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mun_lau_steamertrunks.jpgMun_Lau_steamertrunks2026-07-10T20:06:06+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/22/hong-kong-some-iconic-experiences/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hong_kong_victoria_peak11.jpghong_kong_victoria_Peak1(1)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hongkong_templestreet1.jpghongkong_templestreet1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hong_kong_victoria_peak5.jpghong_kong_victoria_Peak5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hong_kong_harbor_night.jpgHong_kong_Harbor_nighthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hong_kong_canton_street.jpghong_kong_canton_streethttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hong_kong_oldnew3.jpghong_kong_oldnew3Meat being delivered to the market. Note the mix of Styrofoam and non-plastic baskets.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hong_kong_oldnew2.jpghong_kong_oldnew2A local butcher chops meat and hangs it for display for prospective customers.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/honk_kong_oldnew1.jpghonk_kong_oldnew1Bamboo scaffolding and a bamboo scaffolding delivery truck all in one.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hong_kong_local.jpghong_kong_localBest food in the neighborhood for quality, price, and selection.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hong_kong_victoria_peak3.jpghong_kong_victoria_Peak3Hong Kong Harbor from Lungan road on Victoria Peak2026-07-10T20:04:59+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/23/xin-hui/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/xin_hui_bisan1.jpgXin_Hui_bisan1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/xin_hui_bisan4.jpgXin_Hui_bisan4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/xin_hui_bisan3.jpgXin_Hui_bisan3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/xin_hui_bisan2.jpgXin_Hui_bisan2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/xin_hui_family2.jpgXin_Hui_family2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/xin_hui_family1.jpgXin_Hui_family1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/xin_hui_dim_sum.jpgXin_Hui_Dim_SumDim Sum in Xin Huihttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/xin_hui_longestbridge.jpgXin_Hui_longestbridgeThe first part of the longest bridge in the world was no longer than the Bay Bridge in San Francisco. However after the immigration island, we were on the bridge for nearly an hour.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/xin_hui_family3.jpgXin_Hui_family3The family!2026-07-10T20:01:18+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/21/aikido-in-hong-kong/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/photo-1-1.jpgAikido2026-07-10T20:00:37+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/20/hong-kong-2/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hongkong_family2.jpghongkong_family2Stuffing ourselves again with Gugu!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hongkong_family1.jpghongkong_family1Gugu’s jackfruit treehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hong_kong_family.pnghong_kong_familyEating out with Gugu and her daughter Vivian2026-07-10T19:59:43+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/19/hong-kong/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hong_kong_victoria_peak2.jpghong_kong_victoria_Peak2Here we are at Victoria Peak with Hong Kong Harbor in the background.2026-07-10T19:59:13+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/19/bandar-seri-begawan-brunei-2/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/brunei_6.jpgbrunei_6https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/brunei_5.jpgbrunei_5Inside the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosquehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/brunei_4-1.jpgbrunei_4Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosquehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/brunei_7.jpgbrunei_7Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei2026-07-10T19:58:36+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/16/bandar-seri-begawan-brunei/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/brunei_8.jpgbrunei_8https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/brunei_3.jpgbrunei_3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/brunei_1.jpgbrunei_1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/brunei_2.jpgbrunei_22026-07-10T19:56:51+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/14/the-wind-and-clearwater-caves/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_clearwaterswim3.jpgMulu_clearwaterswim3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_clearwater_cave_swim.jpgMulu_clearwater_cave_swimhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_clear_watercave2-2.jpgMulu_clear_watercave2 (2)This captures just a fraction of the depth, scale, and majesty of Clearwater cave.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_clearwater_cave_entry.jpgMulu_clearwater_cave_entryAt the entrance to the Cave of the Windshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_cave_of_winds.jpgMulu_cave_of_windsAt the entrance to the Cave of the Windshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_blowdart3.jpgMulu_blowdart3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_blowdart2.jpgMulu_blowdart2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_blowdart1.jpgMulu_blowdart1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_longboat2.jpgMulu_longboat2Along the Melinau River, water is life.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_longboat_captain.jpgMulu_longboat_captainOur longboat captain on the left, and spotter on the right.2026-07-10T19:56:08+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/13/mulu-national-park-day-1/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_bats3.jpgMulu_bats3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_bats2.jpgMulu_bats2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_bats1.jpgMulu_bats1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_deercave2.jpgMulu_DeerCave2The Garden of Edenhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_deercave3.jpgMulu_DeerCave31.5 times the height of statue of liberty.   The Sarawak Chamber (above) is so large it could hold 40 Boeing 747s. It is, dare I say: Cavernous!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_deercave1.jpgMulu_DeerCave1Whose face can you see?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_deercave4.jpgMulu_DeerCave4Giant Ferns make for a prehistoric entrance lookhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_lang_cave2.jpgMulu_Lang_cave2Non-Glowing glow worms in the Lang Cavehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_lang_cave1.jpgMulu_Lang_Cave1Stalactite in the Lang Cavehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_deercave5.jpgMulu_DeerCave5At the entrance to the famed Deer Cave2026-07-10T19:55:13+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/12/mulu-national-park/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_deforestation.jpgMulu_DeforestationLarge scale deforestation on one side of the river, the other side is Mulu National Park.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_goodbye.jpgMulu_goodbyeGood-bye Muluhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_honesty_market.jpgMulu_honesty_markethttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_pakuvalley3.jpgMulu_pakuvalley3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_pakuvalley2.jpgMulu_pakuvalley2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_pakuvalley1.jpgMulu_pakuvalley1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_botanical_walk5.jpgMulu_botanical_walk5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_botanical_walk4.jpgMulu_botanical_walk4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_botanical_walk3.jpgMulu_botanical_walk3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mulu_botanical_walk.jpgMulu_botanical_walkA typical river through this Riverine Forest area.2026-07-10T19:54:13+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/10/sepilok-orangutan-rehabilitation-center/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sepilok_1.jpgSepilok_1This youngster stops for a bite to eat while playing on the jungle gym as all visiting onlookers are kept in their cage in the visitor viewing station.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sepilok_8.jpgSepilok_8Orangutan Nesthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sepilok_7.jpgSepilok_7https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sepilok_6.jpgSepilok_6https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sepilok_5.jpgSepilok_5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sepilok_4.jpgSepilok_4A throng of onlookers watch orangutans that came out of the forest to supplement their diet with food offered by the rehabilitation center.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sepilok_2.jpgSepilok_2This young male shows off his flexibility as he climbs away.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sepilok_3.jpgSepilok_3A young female orangutan eating breakfast2026-07-10T19:53:01+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/09/maria-a-malaysian-hero/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukao_bridge1.jpgsukao_bridge1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_bridge2.jpgsukau_bridge2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_plantingtree61.jpgsukau_plantingtree6(1)This was her first plot to replant. It is 10 years old and is considered a success as the animals have returned to this area of the river.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_plantingtree51.jpgsukau_plantingtree5(1)Maria’s younger brother Mus stopped by to trim the grass and to check on the planted tress. He works for the NGOs. This tree is one year old and was the first tree planted in this plot.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_plantingtree41.jpgsukau_plantingtree4(1)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_plantingtree31.jpgsukau_plantingtree3(1)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_plantingtree21.jpgsukau_plantingtree2(1)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_plantingtree11.jpgsukau_plantingtree1(1)Maria explains her passion for planting trees.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_hornbill1.jpgsukau_hornbill1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_hornbill2.jpgsukau_hornbill22026-07-10T19:36:04+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/09/borneos-environmental/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/borneo_deforestation.jpgborneo_deforestationDeforestation in Borneo (Infographic Credit: UN)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/suakau_roots.jpgsuakau_rootsSoil washed away over roots show how easily soil can be eroded even in a forested area. Without large amounts of foliage, even more gets washed away.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_riverbank2.jpgsukau_riverbank2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_riverbank1.jpgsukau_riverbank1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_deforestation.jpgsukau_deforestationEvery 16 years, palm plantations destroy their trees, compost them into the soil for six months, and then replant. Huge swaths of land go unused by animals or plants. The greenery on the horizon is more palm oil plantations.2026-07-10T19:35:37+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/08/hiking-in-borneos-jungles/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sepilok_hike.jpgSepilok_hikehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_hiking3.jpgSukau_Hiking3A tiger leechhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_hiking2.jpgSukau_Hiking2A walk through this rainforest, what could possibly go wrong? 2026-07-10T19:34:37+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/07/sukau-river-safari/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_river7.jpgSukau_river7https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_river8.jpgSukau_river8https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_river11.jpgSukau_river11Kylie enjoyed her breakfast despite being so tired.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_river5.jpgSukau_river5Breakfast on Ox-Bow Lake - a branch-off-shoot of the riverhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_river1.jpgSukau_river1A curious long tailed macaque jumped on our boathttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_river4.jpgSukau_river4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_river3.jpgSukau_river3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_river2.jpgSukau_river2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sukau_river6.jpgSukau_river62026-07-10T19:33:47+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/04/kuala-lumpur/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/kl_hindu_shrine.jpgKL_hindu_shrineSri Mahamariamman Templehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/kl_mmm_mochi.jpgKL_mmm_mochiMMMMMM, freshly made mochi rolled in peanut and sugar flakes.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/kl_displaced.jpgKL_displacedThe small community in this downtown district appears to be getting smaller as all the other buildings get taller.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/kl_infinity_pool3.jpgKL_infinity_pool3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/kl_infinite_pool1.jpgKL_Infinite_pool1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/kl_infinite_pool2.jpgKL_Infinite_pool2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/kl_night_food_court2.jpgKL_night_food_court2All space on the grills were utilized. Dippings from this mystery meat seasoned everything else on the grill. (I’m pretty sure it is not pork. At least I haven’t seen pigs that look like this.)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/kl_night_food_court.jpgKL_night_food_courtTables and food card extend into the street creating only a car-width path for people to move.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/kl_rules.jpgKL_rulesThe second to last rule was my favorite! Durian was so prevalent everywhere, the transportation system was a nice respite from its odor.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/kl_surprise_here.jpgKL_Surprise_hereSharleen was surprised to find that we're at the base of our hotel right in front of Nana's!2026-07-10T19:33:05+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/02/eating-out-in-yogiyarkarta/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/yogi_blengers.jpgYogi_blengersThis fast-food restaurant was fun to eat at and very crowded. There were usually about 10-15 Grab drivers (Like Uber eats), waiting for orders.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/yogi_satay.jpgYogi_satayThis was a surprisingly big operation. Mom handled the money and took orders. The middle son grilled the satay and ordered the other two sons around, making sure people got their right food. Grandpa cut the lamb and put it on satay sticks. Dad sat in front of the cauldron of boiling soup. Occasionally adding more liquid, onions, or meat. When done, he poured the entire batch into bowls that were distributed promptly by number 1 and number 3 son. He’d then start again.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/yogi_gudek.jpgYogi_gudekhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/yogi_gudek2.jpgYogi_gudek2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/yogi_foodtruck.jpgYogi_foodtruckBoth types of noodle, some vegetables, meat fixings, and some sauce….what more could you want in a mobile restaurant?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/yogi_satay2.jpgYogi_satay2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/yogi_satay3.jpgYogi_satay3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/yogi_machine_shop.jpgYogi_machine_shopDuring the day machine shop…At night the doors closed and a women grilled satay in front for sale.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/yogi_lumpia.jpgYogi_lumpia2026-07-10T19:32:26+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/08/01/prambanan-indonesia/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pramanan_releifs_external1.jpgpramanan_releifs_external1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pramanan_temple_restoration1.jpgpramanan_temple_restoration1Workers clean rocks by hand and mark them for reassembly into the temple.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pramanan_temple_restoration2.jpgpramanan_temple_restoration2Mostly rubble with some formed templeshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pramanan_design.jpgpramanan_designhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pramanan_releifs_external2.jpgpramanan_releifs_external2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pramanan_releifs_1.jpgpramanan_releifs_1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pramanan_temple1.jpgpramanan_temple1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pramanan_temple2.jpgpramanan_temple2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pramanan_temple3.jpgpramanan_temple3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pramanan_family.jpgpramanan_family2026-07-10T19:30:49+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/30/borobudur-indonesia/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bordabadur_relief1.jpgbordabadur_relief1The three rocks above the relief are clearly out of place and not part of the original temple.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bordabadur_leftovers.jpgbordabadur_leftoversOriginal Temple Leftovers can be seen in the museum on site.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bordabadur_budda2.jpgbordabadur_budda2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bordabadur_budda1.jpgbordabadur_budda1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bordabadur_relief2.jpgbordabadur_relief2A typical reliefhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bordabadur_budda6.jpgbordabadur_budda6https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bordabadur_stupa5.jpgbordabadur_stupa5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bordabadur_stupa4.jpgbordabadur_stupa4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bordabadur_stupa3.jpgbordabadur_stupa3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bordabadur_stupa2.jpgbordabadur_stupa22026-07-10T19:30:12+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/29/environmental-struggles-in-the-flores-islands/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_volunteers.jpgkomodo_volunteersVolunteers with DOC (Diver Operators Consortium), help survey and plant corralhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_nocorral.jpgkomodo_nocorralNot a lot of corral here.2026-07-10T19:29:18+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/27/komodo/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_rinca_ranger_jenny.jpgKomodo_rinca_ranger_jennyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_fish2.jpgkomodo_fish2Swimming in the school of fishhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_corral.jpgkomodo_corralIridescent purple coral on a green tophttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_divers.jpgkomodo_diversKylie finally had a positive snorkeling experience with big sister helping her all the way!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_rinca_exhausted_dragon.jpgKomodo_rinca_exhausted_dragonhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_rinca_family2.jpgkomodo_rinca_family2Notice, Kylie is doing much better now.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_rinca_poop.jpgKomodo_rinca_poopThe bones of what the dragon eats turns its poop white.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_rinca_panarama.jpgkomodo_rinca_panaramaArid, dry, hot. Just a few kilometers may have well been a marathon.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_rinca_dragon_in_forest.jpgkomodo_rinca_dragon_in_forestThis little one cruised by us. It’s belly was full, so the rangers said we didn’t need to worry.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_rinca_claws-1.jpgKomodo_rinca_clawsThese claws certainly caught Kylie’s attention. They looked this big to her.2026-07-10T19:28:28+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/26/palu-sabuyer-besar/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_volcano_erupting.jpgkomodo_volcano_eruptingThe local volcano providing some evening spectacularnesshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_pirate_island.jpgkomodo_pirate_islandOnly room for 20 pirates here.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_boat_to.jpgkomodo_boat_tohttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/komodo_plane.jpgkomodo_plane2026-07-10T19:27:47+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/25/bali-reflections/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_market3.jpgbali_market3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_market2.jpgbali_market2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_market1.jpgbali_market1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_reflections1.jpgBali_reflections1I wonder if this is healthy?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_reflections2.jpgBali_reflections2Therapy and self help takes all forms.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_prayer_offerings.jpgBali_prayer_offeringsDaily blessing offerings appearing on doorsteps before shops, homes, cars, and other places where incidents may happen.2026-07-10T19:26:57+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/24/galungan-festival/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_galungan7.jpgBali_galungan7Closed shops in Ubud Market for Galungan. Penjors decorate the street tops. Just yesterday at this time all the stalls were open and was crowded with people.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_galungan3.jpgBali_galungan3Saying prayers in Sayong House Temple on Galunganhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_galungan6.jpgBali_galungan6A boys group performing with a traditional Barong dancehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_galungan5.jpgBali_galungan5Everyone was dressed their best.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_galungan2.jpgBali_galungan2Our host with her children dressed in full Adat for Galuganhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_galungan4.jpgBali_galungan4Penjor Offeringhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_galungan1.jpgBali_galungan1A very decadent Penjor2026-07-10T19:26:08+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/23/the-beauty-of-bali/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_waterfall_cep1.jpgbali_waterfall_cep1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_waterfall_tim2.jpgbali_waterfall_tim2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_waterfall_tim3.jpgbali_waterfall_tim3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_waterfall_tim4.jpgbali_waterfall_tim4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_waterfall_cep2.jpgbali_waterfall_cep2Bali - Indonesia2026-07-10T19:25:29+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/22/how-the-rice-you-eat-gets-to-your-plate/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/rice_burning_cut-stalks.jpgrice_burning_cut stalkshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/rice_packaged_for_distribution.jpgrice_packaged_for_distributionhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/rice_process_dry.jpgrice_process_dryhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/rice_process_cut.jpgrice_process_cuthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/rice_growing_plant.jpgrice_growing_planthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/rice_process_newlyplantedpaddi.jpgrice_process_newlyplantedpaddihttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/rice_from_starter_fieldclumped-for-planting.jpgrice_from_starter_fieldclumped for planting.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/rice_starter_field.jpgrice_starter_fieldhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/rice_tilling_by_machine.jpgrice_tilling_by_machinehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/rice_soaking_field.jpgrice_soaking_field2026-07-10T19:24:48+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/21/a-day-in-bali/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_jatiluwih_5.jpgBali_jatiluwih_5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_jatiluwih_2-1.jpgBali_jatiluwih_2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_jatiluwih_3.jpgBali_jatiluwih_3Posing with the Goddess of Rice: Nyi Pohaci Sanghyang Srihttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_jatiluwih_1.jpgBali_jatiluwih_1Near the beginning of our Rice Paddy trekhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_jatiluwih_4.jpgBali_jatiluwih_4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_taman_ayun1.jpgbali_taman_ayun1Traditional Masks representing Balinese mythological figureshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_taman_ayun3.jpgbali_taman_ayun3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_taman_ayun2.jpgbali_taman_ayun2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_taman_ayun4.jpgbali_taman_ayun4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_tanah_lot5.jpgbali_tanah_lot52026-07-10T19:23:40+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/21/bali-food/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/salak-fruit.jpgsalak-fruitSalaaca tasted like a tart version of durian less the smell all wrapped in a snake skin.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_mangosteen.jpgbali_mangosteenMangosteen is considered the queen of fuits. Very sweet and slightly tart. Each little wedge was a mouth party.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_food13.jpgbali_food13https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_food12.jpgbali_food12https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_food_11.jpgbali_food_11https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_food_8.jpgbali_food_8https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_food_7.jpgbali_food_7https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_food_6.jpgbali_food_6https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_food_5.jpgbali_food_5https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bali_food_4.jpgbali_food_42026-07-10T19:22:40+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/20/ubud-indonesia/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ubud_monkeyforest51.jpgubud_monkeyforest5(1)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ubud_monkeyforest6.jpgubud_monkeyforest6This is the one that gnawed on Kylie and then bit me.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ubud_monkeyforest1.jpgubud_monkeyforest1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ubud_monkeyforest9.jpgubud_monkeyforest9https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ubud_monkeyforest8.jpgubud_monkeyforest8https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ubud_monkeyforest10.jpgubud_monkeyforest10https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ubud_monkeyforest4.jpgubud_monkeyforest4https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ubud_monkeyforest3.jpgubud_monkeyforest3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ubud_monkeyforest2.jpgubud_monkeyforest2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ubud_palace1.jpgubud_palace1The Ubud Royal Family Palace2026-07-10T19:21:37+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/19/with-so-many-challenges-what-is-working/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cafnec.jpgCAFNEC2026-07-10T19:20:51+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/18/driving-in-australia/2026-07-10T19:20:15+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/17/kurunda/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/kuranda_barron_gorge.jpgkuranda_barron_gorgehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/kuranda_market3.jpgkuranda_market3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/kuranda_market2.jpgkuranda_market2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/kuranda_market.jpgkuranda_market2026-07-10T19:18:28+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/16/spectacled-flying-fox/2026-07-10T19:17:48+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/16/mossman-gorge/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mossman_rainforest2.jpgmossman_rainforest2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mossman_bigtree.jpgmossman_bigtreehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mossman_kylie_alyssa.jpgmossman_kylie_alyssahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mossman_sharleen_and_dan.jpgmossman_sharleen_and_danhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mossman_therainforest.jpgmossman_therainforesthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mossman_rainforest3.jpgmossman_rainforest3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mossman_roy.jpgmossman_royDan and Roy!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mossman_rockshelter.jpgmossman_rockshelterhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mossman_painting1.jpgmossman_painting1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/mossman_daintreenut.jpgmossman_daintreenut2026-07-10T19:17:00+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/14/cassowary-birds/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/wallaman_cassowary.jpgwallaman_cassowaryCape Tribulation - Australia2026-07-10T19:16:02+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/14/forrest-beach/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/forrest_beach_bottom_wallaman_falls.jpgforrest_beach_bottom_wallaman_fallshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/forrest_beach_holdinguprainbow.jpgforrest_beach_holdinguprainbowhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/forrest_beach_trail_up_a.jpgforrest_beach_trail_up_ahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/forrest_beach_wallaman_falls_trailup_k.jpgforrest_beach_wallaman_falls_trailup_khttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/forrest_beach_falls.jpgforrest_beach_fallsWallaman Fallshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/forrest_beach_wallaman_sign.jpgforrest_beach_wallaman_signThe family!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/forrest_beach_touch_the_rainbow.jpgforrest_beach_touch_the_rainbowWallaman Falls - Australia2026-07-10T19:13:51+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/12/whitsundays/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/arlie_beach_coral_colorful_small.jpgarlie_beach_coral_colorful_smallhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/arlie_beach_young_brain_coral_small.jpgarlie_beach_young_brain_coral_smallBrain Coralhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/arlie_beach_coral_feeding_small.jpgarlie_beach_coral_feeding_smallhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/arlie_beach_coral1_small.jpgarlie_beach_coral1_smallhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/arlie_beach_half_in_half_out.jpgarlie_beach_half_in_half_outHalf in - Half outhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/arlie_beach_coral_recovering_small.jpgarlie_beach_coral_recovering_smallSmall and sparsely populatedhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/arlie_beach_kylie_in_the_water.jpgarlie_beach_kylie_in_the_waterKylie Snorkelinghttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/whitsunday_family_small.jpgwhitsunday_family_smallWhitsunday - Australia2026-07-10T19:13:12+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/10/cooberrie-park-wildlife-sanctuary/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/koala1.jpgkoala1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/yeppon_cooberrie_koala_only.jpgyeppon_cooberrie_koala_onlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/yeppon_cooberrie_koala_group.jpgyeppon_cooberrie_koala_grouphttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/yeppon_cooberrie_emu.jpgyeppon_cooberrie_emuMy sensual walking attracted the attention of this handsome Emuhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/yeppon_cooberrie_emu_alyssa_dad.jpgyeppon_cooberrie_emu_alyssa_dadhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/yeppon_cooberrie_alyssa.jpgyeppon_cooberrie_alyssaAnd now Alyssa.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/yeppon_cooberrie_kylie.jpgyeppon_cooberrie_kylieKylie's turn at feeding.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/yeppon_cooberrie_sharleen.jpgyeppon_cooberrie_sharleenSharleen feeding a marsupial.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/yeppon_cooberrie_kylie_peafowl.jpgyeppon_cooberrie_kylie_peafowlYeppon - Australia2026-07-10T19:08:48+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/08/great-barrier-reef-lady-musgrove-island/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/musgrove_fishtank.jpgmusgrove_fishtankIn the fishtankhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/musgrove_alyssa_sharleen.jpgmusgrove_alyssa_sharleenSwimming togetherhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/musgrove_beach.jpgmusgrove_beachhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/musgrove_kylie_treasure.jpgmusgrove_kylie_treasurehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/musgrove_island.jpgmusgrove_islandhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/musgrove_boat_small.jpgmusgrove_boat_smallExcited to journey to Great Barrier Reef!2026-07-10T19:07:35+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2019/07/06/sydney/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/sydeny_trapped_in_a_bird_cage.jpgsydeny_trapped_in_a_bird_cagehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/sydney_together_at_last.jpgsydney_together_at_lasthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/sydney_why_so_special.jpgsydney_why_so_specialWhy is this building so special?https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/sydney_jumping_operahouse.jpgsydney_jumping_operahouseHooray we made it - Day 1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/sydney_bridge_opera_min.jpgsydney_bridge_opera_minSydney - Australia2026-07-10T18:34:30+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2018/11/30/eastern-sierra-owens-valley/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2_bristlecone.jpg2_bristleconehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1_bristlecone.jpg1_bristleconehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/3_horseshoemeadows.jpg3_horseshoemeadowshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2_horseshoemeadows.jpg2_horseshoemeadowshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1_horshoemeadows.jpg1_horshoemeadowshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1_monolake.jpg1_monolakeMono Lake's Tuffashttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1_owensvalley.jpg1_owensvalleyAlabama Hills in the fallhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1_manazanar.jpg1_manazanarA rock garden at Manzanarhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/P1080514__1546190436_66.134.245.155.jpgP1080514__1546190436_66.134.245.1552026-07-10T18:33:22+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/23/rip-rika/2026-07-10T18:22:07+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/21/john-muir-trail-i-finished-and-no-one-was-there/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/happy_isles-1.jpghappy_islesHappy Isleshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/vernal_falls-1.jpgvernal_fallsVernal Fallshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/half_dome-1.jpghalf_domeA Half Dome posehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/meadow_fire-1.jpgmeadow_fireMeadow Fire2026-07-10T18:21:28+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/20/john-muir-trail-almost-there/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cathedra_peak-1.jpgcathedra_peakCathedral Peakhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bucks_tuolomne_meadow-1.jpgbucks_tuolomne_meadow (1)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/lyllel_meadow_predawn-1.jpgLyell_meadow_predawnLyell Canyon2026-07-10T18:17:52+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/19/john-muir-trail-into-yosemite/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/lylle_canyon-1.jpgLylle_CanyonLyle Canyon2026-07-10T18:17:18+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/18/john-muir-trail-1000-island-lake-almost-home/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/basking_in_the_light_thousand_island_lake1-1.jpgbasking_in_the_light_thousand_island_lake(1) (1)Basking in the Light - 1000 island lakes2026-07-10T18:16:44+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/17/john-muir-trail-silver-pass-to-duck-lake-junction/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/best_burger_ever-1.jpgbest_burger_everhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/rainbow_falls_fire-1.jpgrainbow_falls_fireRainbow Falls Fire Recoveringhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/red_cones_mamoth-2.jpgred_cones_mamothRed Coneshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/duck_lake_junction_camp.jpgduck_lake_junction_campDuck Lake Junction Camphttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cold_hands_duck_lake_junction-1.jpgcold_hands_duck_lake_junction (1)Cold Hands near Duck Lakehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/purple_lake-1.jpgpurple_lakePurple Lake2026-07-10T18:16:19+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/15/john-muir-trail-from-here-to-there/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/silverpass_lookingsouth-11-1.jpgsilverpass_lookingsouthSilver Passhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/silvercreek_cascade-1.jpgsilvercreek_cascadeSilver Creek Cascadehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/seldonpass_lookingnorth2-1.jpgseldonpass_lookingnorth(2)Looking North from Seldon. Silver Pass is in the far upper left. Mid day 7/13/2017 - Mid Morning 7/15/20172026-07-10T18:15:39+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/13/john-muir-trail-muir-pass-to-seldon-pass/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/seldon_pass_best_nap_ever-1.jpgseldon_pass_best_nap_everNap on Seldon Passhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/seldon_pass_sallie_keyes_lakes-1.jpgseldon_pass_sallie_keyes_lakes (1)https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/seldon_pass_meadow-1.jpgseldon_pass_meadowhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/evolution_creek-1.jpgevolution_creekhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/stream_evolution_valley-1.jpgstream_evolution_valleyEvolution Valleyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/purple_flower-1.jpgpurple_flowerhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/muir_hut-1.jpgmuir_hutMuir Hut2026-07-10T18:14:43+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/11/john-muir-trail-what-is-up-with-all-this-up/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/starcamp_soup-1.jpgstarcamp_souphttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/star_camp-1.jpgstar_camphttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/monster_rock-1.jpgmonster_rockRock Monster - JMT2026-07-10T18:14:08+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/10/john-muir-trail-a-pass-to-be-reckoned-with/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/mather_lookingnorth-1.jpgmather_lookingnorthhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/mather_lookingsouth-1.jpgmather_lookingsouthhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/mather_ascent-1.jpgmather_ascent2026-07-10T18:13:41+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/09/john-muir-trail-near-death/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/minecreek2_benchlake-1.jpgminecreek2_benchlakehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/mine_creek_benchlake-1.jpgmine_creek_benchLake2026-07-10T18:13:15+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/08/john-muir-trail-the-first-third-only/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fin_dome-1.jpgfin_dome2026-07-10T18:11:53+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/07/john-muir-trail-rejuvenated/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bullfrog_lake-1.jpgbullfrog_lakeBull Frog Lake just west of Kersarge Pass - Gosh Darn this place is beautiful!2026-07-10T18:11:26+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/07/06/john-muir-trail-a-key-decision/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/forresterpass-1.jpgForresterPassForrester Pass 13,000 feet.2026-07-10T18:10:57+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2017/06/18/john-muir-trail-a-rough-start/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/whitney1300-1.jpgwhitney1300https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/starting_off_horseshoemeadows-1.jpgstarting_off_horseshoemeadows (1)2026-07-10T18:10:26+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2016/07/30/gentrification-in-costa-rica/2026-07-10T18:09:30+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2016/07/29/driving-in-costa-rica/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/driving_costa_rica.jpgdriving_costa_ricahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/driving2.jpgSflyProxyVersion 1;https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/mileagemap.jpgmileagemap2026-07-10T18:08:59+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2016/07/28/ostional/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ost_1.jpgSflyProxyVersion 1;SflyProxyVersion 1;https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ost_2.jpgSflyProxyVersion 1;https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ost_3.jpgSflyProxyVersion 1;https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ost_4.jpgSflyProxyVersion 1;SflyProxyVersion 1;https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ost_5.jpgSflyProxyVersion 1;SflyProxyVersion 1;https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ost7.jpgSflyProxyVersion 1;https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ost6.jpgost6Ostional - Costa Rica2026-07-10T18:08:12+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2016/07/27/saving-the-olive-ridley-sea-turtle/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/e_ping-pong-ball-eggs.jpge_ping-pong-ball-eggshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/d_volunteer-center1.jpgd_volunteer-centerhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/a_counting-eggs-during-night-patr.jpga_counting-eggs-during-night-patrhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/b_beach-is-littered-with-thousands-of-broken-she.jpgb_beach-is-littered-with-thousands-of-broken-shehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1.1484921788.witness-to-hundreds-of-turtles-laying-eggs.jpg1.1484921788.witness-to-hundreds-of-turtles-laying-eggsOstional - Costa Rica2026-07-10T18:07:23+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2016/07/25/monteverde-part-4/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/monteverde_hummingbird.jpgmonteverde_hummingbirdhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/monteverde_fig.jpgSflyProxyVersion 1;Climbing inside a fig tree.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/monteverde_viper.jpgSflyProxyVersion 1;https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/monteverde_glasswing.jpgmonteverde_glasswingMonteverde - Costa Rica2026-07-10T18:06:38+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2016/07/23/arenal/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cra_waterfall.jpgcrA_waterfallhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cra_abueloarenal.jpgcrA_abueloarenalhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cra_volacano1.jpgcrA_volacano1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cra_sunset.jpgcrA_sunsethttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dsc_8332-min.jpgDSC_8332-minArenal - Costa Rica2026-07-10T18:05:56+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2016/07/22/la-fortuna-2/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/la_fortuna1.jpgRafting on Rio Balsahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/la_fortuna4.jpgSflyProxyVersion 1;Rafting on Rio Balsahttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lafortuna_2.jpgRafting on Rio Balsa2026-07-10T18:05:24+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2016/07/20/a-cacao-farm-visit/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2_grinding_sugar_cane.jpg2_grinding_sugar_canehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/3_raw_cacao_is_sour.jpg3_raw_cacao_is_sourTart Cacao eaten by local monkies like this spread the seeds via poop.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/4_sundried_cacao_nut.jpg4_sundried_cacao_nuthttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/5_grinding_cacao_powder.jpg5_grinding_cacao_powderhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1_cacao_drying.jpg1_cacao_dryingLa Fortuna - Costa Rica2026-07-10T18:04:42+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2016/07/18/dominical/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dominical_gecko.jpgdominical_geckoGeeckos are your friends!2026-07-10T18:03:54+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2016/07/15/osa-peninsula-cabo-matapalo/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cr_osa_rio_carbonero1.jpgcr_osa_rio_carbonero1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cr_capuchin_family.jpgcr_capuchin_familyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cr_howler_monkey.jpgcr_howler_monkeyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cr_kayaking_mangroves.jpgcr_kayaking_mangroveshttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cr_osa_rio_carbonero2.jpgcr_osa_rio_carbonero2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cr_osa_walkingtour1.jpgcr_osa_walkingtour1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cr_squirrel_monkey.jpgcr_squirrel_monkeyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cr_spider_monkey.jpgcr_spider_monkeyhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dsc02157-min.jpgDSC02157-minCosta Rica2026-07-10T18:03:02+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2016/07/11/san-gerardo-de-dota-part-2/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/bird-quetzal.jpg.838x0_q80.jpgbird-quetzal.jpg.838x0_q802026-07-10T18:01:46+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2014/12/27/the-grand-canyon/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/grandcanyon_family.jpggrandcanyon_familyGrand Canyon - USA2026-07-10T17:59:51+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2014/07/25/a-brown-bear-encounter/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/grizzley_encounter.jpggrizzley_encounterhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/grizzly_bear_print.jpggrizzley4My size 13 next to a brown bear print.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/grizzly_nursing.jpggrizzley3Nursinghttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/grizzly_bears_in_background.jpggrizzley2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/grizzly_clam_shell_poop.jpggrizzly_clamshellIn with the clam out with the shell!https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/bear_with_reflection.jpgbear_with_reflectionLake Clark - Alaska2026-07-10T17:59:14+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2014/07/24/370/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/alaska_spawning_salmon.jpgalaska_salmon2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/alaska_salmon2.jpgalaska_salmonhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/alaska_moose.jpgalaska_moose2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/alaska_moose2.jpgalaska_moose2026-07-10T17:58:40+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2014/07/22/kenai-fjords-seward-alaska/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/alaska_fjords2.jpgkenai_fjordsA boat dwarfed by a glacier.https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/alaska_fjords-e1561295904846.jpgalaska_fjords2026-07-10T17:58:14+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2014/07/21/sea-otters/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/sea_otter1.jpgsea_otterA raft of otters in Prince William Sound 2014https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/sea_otter2-e1554607364681.jpgsea_otter22026-07-10T17:57:48+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2014/07/20/the-exit-glacier/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/exit_glacier_s2.pngexit_glacier_s2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/exit_glacier_s.jpgexit_glacier_shttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/exit_glacier3.jpgexit_glacier3Exit Glacier - Alaska2026-07-10T17:57:17+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2014/07/19/chugach-national-forest-and-whittier/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/alaska_whittier_tunnel.jpgalaska_whittier2026-07-10T17:56:18+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2014/07/17/whitehorse-a-dog-kennel-experience/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/whitehorse_kennel_2.jpgWhitehorse_kennel_3https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/whitehorse_kennel_3.jpgWhitehorse_kennel_2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/whitehorse_kennel.jpgWhitehorse_kennel_12026-07-10T17:55:45+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2014/07/16/yukon-the-golden-circle-road-trip/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/skagway.jpgskagwayhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/whitehorse_dan_fights_bear.jpgwhitehorse_bearhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/whitehorse_suspension_bridge.jpgwhitehorse_suspensionhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/whitehorse_dan_fights_beaver.jpgwhitehourse_beaver2https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/whitehorse_girls_v_beaver.jpgwhitehorse_beaverhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/yukon3.jpgyukonhttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/whitehorse_emerald_lake.jpgwhitehorse_emerald_Lakehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/yukon_black_bear.jpgyukon_blackbearMama and cub having lunch roadside.2026-07-10T17:54:32+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2014/07/14/haines-alaska/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/haines_fishing_k.jpgHaines_fishing2...and so does Kyliehttps://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/haines_fishing.jpghaines_fishing1Alyssa lands a fish.2026-07-10T17:53:50+00:00monthlyhttps://epikodyssey.com/2012/12/22/uxmal/https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/merida_1-1.jpgmerida_1https://epikodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/uxmel2.jpguxmel2Uxmal - 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