Author Archives: rongatesphotography

The Pressure is Off…TIme to have fun. Part 2

Posted on September 21, 2015 by rongatesphotography

After lunch we headed back out on the river looking for giant river otters, some new birds and, or course, jaguar.  Toucan.  We seen a couple but I haven’t been able to get a great shot of it yet.  This … Continue reading →

Posted in Pantanal and Iguazu Falls | 2 Comments

No Pressure, Time to have fun. Part 1

Posted on September 21, 2015 by rongatesphotography

After breakfast at 6 we were on the river by 6:45.  Since we had been successful yesterday and saw two jaguars, we didn’t feel pressured to go in search of additional jaguar right off the bat.  We had given our … Continue reading →

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I’m sleeping good tonight….

Posted on September 20, 2015 by rongatesphotography

Today was my first day at Jaguar Camp run by Aiden Lara of Pantanal Nature.  After a five hour drive on a washboard road, our small group (three sisters: two nurses from Seattle and a younger sister, a neurologist from … Continue reading →

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First day in Brazil…and the trip here.

Posted on September 19, 2015 by rongatesphotography

I arrived in Cuiaba, (Kwee.a.ba) a little after midnight last night after more than 24 hours flying or sitting in airports.   Tomorrow morning my guide company will pick me up about 6:30 for about an hour and a half drive … Continue reading →

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Random Thoughts on Ecuador

Posted on April 2, 2013 by rongatesphotography

A few random thoughts on my trip.  First.  I was surprised by the number of single women traveling either by themselves or with another woman.  I saw more women with backpacks then I did single men.  Most of them were … Continue reading →

Posted in Ecuador/Galapagos | 6 Comments

Last day in Ecuador

Posted on March 26, 2013 by rongatesphotography

Every Monday at 11am is the changing of the guard at the Palacio de Gobierno, the presidential palace in the Plaza Grande in Quito.  I walked about half way from my hostel to the Plaza and, when I realized I … Continue reading →

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Quito, Ecuador

Posted on March 24, 2013 by rongatesphotography

I made my March Madness picks last Wednesday while in Mindo.  I might as well have made them in Spanish in the dark considering where I’m at in the family group standings as I write this Sunday afternoon.  Even Ashley … Continue reading →

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Mindo, Ecuador

Posted on March 22, 2013 by rongatesphotography

I arrived in Mindo on Monday afternoon.  In order to get to Mindo, which is two hours west of Quito, from Otavalo, you have two choices.  You can take the same bus back to Quito that you came to Otavalo … Continue reading →

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This Little Piggy Went to Market in Otavalo and Cotacachi

Posted on March 17, 2013 by rongatesphotography

It was a 35 minute flight from Cuenca to Quito.  It took two hours and $27 by cab from the airport to the north bus terminal in Quito.  From there it took two hours and $2.20 from Quito to Otavalo.  … Continue reading →

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Cuenca, Ecuador

Posted on March 15, 2013 by rongatesphotography

I’ve enjoyed my two full days here in Cuenca.  It has been listed as the most inexpensive place in the world to retire.  The thought crossed my mine when I read that but it crossed it pretty fast and was … Continue reading →

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