Drakensberg Mountains, Free State, South Africa

After work, one New Year's Eve, we were headed to meet friends for a night in the Drakensberg Mountains outside Harrismith, South Africa. During our drive I noticed a pond, in an empty field, full of large birds. As we got closer I saw they were flamingos! I wanted so badly to stop but it was getting late and I knew we would never find where we needed to be in the dark.

Lucky for me, on our way home the next day, the flamingos were still hanging out in the same spot. My husband pulled over and waited in the car while I jumped over a small fence and slowly walked out into the field. I crept slowly across the field and just as I was getting close they suddenly took flight. I must have startled them but without warning they took to the skies. It was spectacular! They circled around above me a few times and then flew off into the clouds...so glad we took the time to stop!

To see more of these amazing birds in flight check out my Instagram feed.

Sydney, NSW, Australia

I definitely have conflicting views about zoos and other wildlife centers, as it is often hard to tell which ones are dedicated to legitimate conservation efforts and which ones are not. However, with that being said, I still visit them on occasion because it is often the only opportunity to allow my young children to see certain indigenous wildlife when we are traveling. Regardless of a zoo's conservation reality, it affords me the perfect space to discuss conservation with my children and help them learn how important it is to protect the world's wildlife.

While in Sydney, Australia we visited Wildlife Sydney Zoo to show the kids all the strange and wonderful wildlife that can only be found in Australia. We had an opportunity to join an early small group tour, while the zoo was still closed, that finished with breakfast outside the koala area. Of course we were not allowed to touch the koalas but we were able to have a very close viewing opportunity and learn all about the research and conservation efforts to protect the koala population under threat.

To see more of these cute and cuddly koalas check out my Instagram feed.

Vilankulos, Mozambique, Africa

While in Vilankulos, Mozambique my daughter and I went to a local dive shop to do a refresher course. The dive shop overlooked the beach that was a launching point for the local dhow fishing boats. Throughout the morning and into the afternoon we watched the tide slowly recede leaving an incredible scenery of colorful boats with a beautiful blue striped background...it didn't look real and we couldn't take our eyes off of it.

To see more of this incredible beach check out my Instagram Feed.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

During a trip to iSimangaliso Wetland Park in South Africa we were lucky enough to have a frequent visitor to the area lead us to one of the most magical beaches we have ever been to. The beach was absolutely beautiful, completely empty and when the tide went out it revealed tidal rock pools that were like little warm bathtubs. Within many of the pools were some of the most beautiful sea shells I have ever been lucky enough to find and one of the larger pools had some great snorkeling...the kids were in heaven! What a find...although a bit of a challenge to get to!

To see more pictures of Mile 9 beach check out my Instagram Feed.