VETS Adventure Series Visits Rwanda

     In July 2018, twenty Adventurers (veterinarians + family members) visited Rwanda to track and observe the Mountain Gorillas.  The VETS Adventure Travelers flew from across the USA into Kigali- the capital city of Rwanda. From there, we were shuttled (2 1/2 hour drive) by Primate Safaris to the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge in Volcanoes National Park.

     The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is lovely. The rooms were excellent with comfortable beds and nice bathrooms.  Each room had a magnificent view of the Volcanoes National Park. The food was amazing and there were plenty of outstanding African wines to enjoy with dinner.

     The Sabyinyo Staff was friendly and helpful. The parking lot is at the base of the facility and it was a little bit of an uphill walk to the lodge-- at 9,000 feet-- so those of us not acclimated to the high altitude were quickly winded and appreciated that the Staff would carry our bags and backpacks for us!

Here's the view out our window at Sabyinyo

There are about 170 gorillas in the park. They are social animals that live in groups generally composed of a dominant male and up to five or more females and their young. Each gorilla group is continually foraging for food.  Their food consists mainly of leaves, buds, tubers and wild celery.

Trackers went out in front of our group to locate the gorillas and our Guides communicated with the Trackers to lead us right to the gorillas. Well, there actually was some hiking through the jungle (~9,000 ft above sea level) before we actually got to see the gorillas!

Once we arrived at the gorilla group, we were allowed one hour of 'viewing time.'In this video, you can see the gorillas tumbling around like a couple of unruly kittens.

We had the opportunity to "track and trek" a different group of gorillas on the second day.   

Every gorilla family is different, just like every human family.  Our second group of gorillas has a dominant silverback and a subordinate silverback. Here is the subordinate in deep thought . . .

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This young 'blackback' gave us some excitement when he jumped out of the brush and chased another juvenile along our path. We always tried to maintain a 7 meter distance from the gorillas, but they didn't always follow that rule!  After his game of 'tag' with the other gorilla, he decided to sit down along our trail and strike a pose.

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The trek to find the gorillas ranged from about one hour in the jungle up to 3 hours (plus drive time.)  Once we found the gorillas, there is a one hour limit on the visitation.  Though we were sorry to see our hour come to an end, we understood that the gorillas had important things like foraging and playing to do and we bid them 'farewell' with smiles on our faces.

The VETS Adventurers at the conclusion of our second Gorilla Trek!

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For more information about the veterinary-related trips and continuing education that we offer, go to eduvets.com!  

Kaua’i, the garden isle

Kaua’I is the wettest of the Hawaiian Islands and is in the form of circle.   

The Island can be divided into four areas using a clock face and time to define each area. The North shore goes from about eleven to one o’clock and is green, wet and beautiful. It starts around the town of Kilauea and the Kilauea Lighthouse National Wildlife Refuge.  Lots of birds, maybe monk seals and if your timing is right you’ll see some whales.  As you travel counterclockwise from one o’clock towards eleven o’clock on the Island you’ll find: gorgeous farm land and wildlife refuges, many growing taro; the elegant Princeville Resort area; then one or two one-lane bridges as you enter Hanalei bay and the quaint town of Hanalei; then many more one-lane bridges as you head to the end of the road at the “wet cave” and a beach campground.  The road stops at the north end of the Na Pali Coast.

The second area, the East end, goes from about one o’clock to four o’clock and includes the towns of (from North toward South) Moloaa, Kapaa, Wailua and Hanamaulu.  Opaekaa Falls, Wailua Falls and the very beautiful Wailua River are major landmarks in this area.  The East End also hosts many public beaches with lifeguards and lots of surfers.  Old coconut groves make this area unique on the Island, and an older shopping center currently undergoing renewal, called the Coconut Marketplace, sits in the middle of the coconut grove area between Wailua & Kapaa.   

The South End effectively starts at about four o’clock at Lihue, the largest town on the Island and the location of the airport, and ends about eight o’clock around the town of Kekaha.  From Lihue you’ll travel south through the towns of Puhi, Koloa, Poipu, Lawai, Kalaheo, Ele Ele (with Port Allen), Hanapepe and Waimea before reaching Kekaha.  The best snorkeling and sailing on the Island is along this region.  Lihue has a major shopping center with a Macy’s, food stores, as well as other mainland retailers.

As you go south from Lihue to our headquarters hotel you’ll take the turn to the left toward Koloa Town and Poipu soon after going through Puhi.  Follow the signs to Poipu.    In this area you’ll also find Spouting Horn (a blow hole thrusting sea water into the air associated with wave action) along with local craft kiosks and many examples of the animal mascot of the Island, the chicken (with many roosters strutting their stuff).  The National Tropical Botanical Garden is also close to Spouting Horn.   Traveling west from Poipu you’ll find the towns of Kalaheo, Ele Ele with Port Allen (the major sailing and fishing port), Hanapepe, Waimea and the access road to Waimea Canyon State Park (the Grand Canyon of the South Pacific).

The West end goes from about 8 o’clock to 11:30 with road travel only to about nine o’clock (at Polihale State Park and Barking Sands Beach).  The Na Pali coast consumes the space between 9 and 11:30 and can only be seen is from a boat or the air.  Waimea Canyon is inland, is equally spectacular and well worth the drive. 

The world’s wettest spot is in the center of the Island, at Mt. Wai’ale’ale, with over 650 inches of rain per year.

Po’ipu hosts the Grand Hyatt Kaua’i, our headquarters hotel, and is about 30 minutes from Lihue (17 miles, the residents (and we) drive slow in Hawaii). The hotel has a great beach (Shipwreck Beach, is there a better name anywhere?), lovely grounds, adult-only and all age’s pools, a water slide (fun but not insane), a lazy river for floating, and a large salt-water lagoon with sand separated from the ocean for easy water sports.  It offers several restaurants, a great bar, superb views from all the rooms, tennis, golf and a huge spa.  I visited all the room styles offered and they are all spacious, well appointed and provide wonderful views (65% offer ocean views).  All guest rooms have private lanais, are 600 + square feet and have superior bedding.  Dining options in the hotel include the highly rated Tide Pools, Dondero’s Italian and a variety of more casual dinning options.

The Po’ipu area is evolving, with a new small shopping center hosting a variety of shops including about 10 eating establishments.  The older Po’ipu Shopping Village is still there but Roy’s restaurant has moved to the new location under a new name and offers a new menu.  The old Village still has a Starbucks, a Puka Dog and some other more casual restaurants plus a variety of shopping (as of our visit in March).  

At the new location (The Shops at Kukui’ula), just a few minutes by car from the hotel and maybe a mile beyond the older shopping village, you’ll find restaurants including:  Merriman’s Fish House; Tortilla Republic; The 1849 Eating House by Roy’s; Bubba Burgers; Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill; Merriman’s Gourmet Pizza and Burgers; Savage Shrimp; The Dolphin Restaurant, Fish Market & Lounge; Tortilla Republic Grill & Margarita Bar; and Lappert’s Ice Cream and Coffee.  There is also a market with farm to table organic foods and many shops and galleries.  This new shopping  area hosts a Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 6:00 pm with live music and beer and wine and a local music night Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

The Poipu Bay Golf Course is adjacent to the hotel and is one of the best on all the Islands. 

During our site visit in early March we sat on our lanai and watched many humpback whales swim by, blowing frequently, breeching occasionally.  They breed and calve here and spend much of the rest of the year in Alaskan waters.  Depending on when winter hits Alaska we could see them during the meeting.

Na Pali Adventures with Cap’n Andy

This amazing adventure involving the Na Pali coastline is a possible excursion options for your pleasure. 

o   A dinner sunset sail using a sail or motor boat

Cap’n Andy, our operator, has provided excursions for our meetings for many years and has been selected based on the quality of his people and equipment, safety, quality of food and overall value.

Bev and I think of the Na Pali Coast is one of the wonders of the world and something we enjoy revisiting time after time.  You never know what kind of wave action, wind and sky you’ll get and we’ve been out and had a great time in all kinds of conditions.

More often than not we’ve seen spinner dolphins on our way out or back, and usually have had dolphin pods running along the boats. Obviously their presence is beyond our control;  however our luck in the past has been exceptional.  It’s especially wonderful to see them jump and spin.  The prevailing opinion is this behavior helps rid them of external parasites, but as we look at them it just seems to be for plain fun.

The cave exploring in the raft is amazing.  How much you get to do depends on the sea conditions but it’s a real thrill to move in and out of those areas as the sea rises and falls.  Your captain will be very experienced and only attempt what is safe.

Be prepared, the ride out and back in the raft isn’t the most comfortable on your back.  As you go over the waves it can be a bit pounding and you’re sitting on the sides of the raft more or less facing the center.  I found I needed to put my outside leg over the side and sit facing more forward to keep my back relatively happy.  If you have back issues I’d recommend the sunset sail (the easiest) or the snorkel (much easier than the raft).  The bigger boats can’t get into the caves like the raft, so the experience is different, but anything you do on the Na Pali coast will be a one-of-a-kind adventure you won’t ever forget. 

The snorkel areas depend a lot on weather and can be amazing or sometimes only just “wonderful”.  Exploring the reef is quite an experience and don’t be surprised if you see critters you don’t often see while snorkeling elsewhere.

If conditions allow the raft will land you on a beach (where an ancient 800 year old Hawaiian village once stood) and allow you to eat on land and then snorkel the nearby reef.

In all cases the late afternoon/setting sun on the Na Pali hills should provide AMAZING photo opportunities.  I put my camera in a plastic bag for much of the ride out and back, but when the light was right it was around my neck and getting a good workout.

No transfers from or to the hotel are provided for these tours, so you’ll need to leave early for check in.  The location is Ele Ele and they’ll transfer you to Port Allen to get on the boat.  This is at least 35 minute drive if you know where you’re going and add 15 minutes if you don’t.  Cap’n Andy’s is located in the building below the McDonald’s in Ele Ele. 

If we're very lucky you may find some whales while we’re there as well.  We hope so!

Thar she blows.. . 

Don Klingborg, DVM

Kauai ATV Waterfall Tour

A guided tour taking about four hours and covering 23 miles of back roads and trails through tunnels, forests and farm/range lands.  Includes visits to a waterfall along with beautiful landscapes where parts of Hollywood productions including Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Seven Days and Seven Nights, among others, were filmed.

Wear a swimsuit and water-friendly shoes/sandals, and bring a towel.  They’ll provide a freshly laundered shirt and riding shorts to absorb most of the dust and some of the mud.  You’ll also receive a helmet, goggles and a great bandana that can serve as a mask over your nose and mouth.  They have dressing rooms, toilets and lockers at the starting (and finishing) point.

Depending on weather you may experience splashing water, mud, dust, debris and other fun stuff.  I experienced a “mini” exposure while doing a site visit recently and made it through unscathed wearing one of their shirts over my clothes and camera.  If I were on the full trip I expect I would have come away considerably more dirty.

I don’t recommend taking expensive cameras on this trip – very bumpy and potentially very dusty, wet or muddy.  Their motto is “Do Something Dirty” and they mean it (in the nicest way).  Plenty of pretty things to photograph, but phone photo should meet your needs.

A deli lunch with a local snack and beverage will be provided and you’ll get some history, geography, geology and Hollywood information from the guides while on your journey.  You’ll have time to frolic in a freshwater mountain pool at the base of Mount Kahili before returning to the starting point at the old sugar mill.

They provide a variety of ATV’s.  The Mud Bunny is a single passenger vehicle (the driver) for those going solo.  The Mud Bug is for a driver and passenger, and the Ohana Bug is for a driver and 3 passengers.  There are two types of Mud Bugs available, the fancy and colorful model imported from China, and the plain utility models that are imported from Israel. 

My experience was in the Israeli model and it was a blast.  Noisy and a bit dusty, it handled the dirt roads and trails beautifully and was surprisingly comfortable.  Be forewarned, however, this in not recommended for people with bad backs or those concerned about keeping clean and tidy.  Should you be pregnant I strongly suggest a different excursion.

Transfers from and return to the hotel are included, and only about 10 minutes away so your time is spent playing rather than driving to and from the location.

Do Something Dirty!

Don Klingborg, DVM

Grand Hyatt Anara Spa -- VETS Attendees get a discount!

The Anara Spa is located adjacent to the fitness center, and offers all the amenities in its 45,000 sq. ft. 

 The fitness center is spacious with lots of equipment scattered among a few connected rooms.  Flat screen TV’s, the latest in cardio and strength-training equipment and available to hotel guests 24 hours a day.  They offer treadmills, cross trainers, upright and recumbent bikes, free weights, strength machines, stability balls, stretching mats, resistance tubing, jump ropes and weighted bars. 

In the spa ancient healing traditions combine with island botanical essences to inspire lokahi—balance and harmony of body and spirit.  Massages, body treatments and facials are offered in elegantly appointed treatment rooms, each opening onto its own tropical garden.  Unwind in the dry sauna, steam showers, or relaxation room.  Swim in the lap pool, or soothe those gnarly muscles in the Jacuzzi.  Water, tea, fruit and nuts are freely available.  You may also order a light lunch from a menu.

 Following your treatment, shower in the secluded outdoor lava showers then enjoy a full compliment of toiletries, including sunscreen, body lotion, and deodorant.  There are blow driers and hairbrushes (each one sealed in plastic) as well as styling gel.  With any purchase of a spa treatment, you have full use of the spa for that day.

 I had a 50 minute massage followed by a 50 minute facial.  The masseuse and the esthetician were both very professional and experienced.  They graciously personalized their treatments to address my requests and the result was one contented wet noodle.

 Bev Klingborg

Koloa Zip Line

“Holy Zip!!”

This is a great course for both the novice and the experienced “zipper”. 

The equipment is excellent, the guides are well trained and they provide a very useful “ground school” at the starting point.  I appreciated the attention to safety, the excellent launching and landing platforms and the unique options to match your experience with your preferences.

The “Flyin’ Kaua’iian” harness allows you to be hands and feet free, comfortably suspended and “Flyin” like Superman.   Another option is the “Aerobatics” harness that allows you to “Fly” upside down, backwards, spinning, in a spread eagle and starfish, and maybe in some other positions?  “Tandem” allows you to “Fly” with your kids (7 years and older) which is a great way to introduce them (or have them introduce you) to zipping.  Some of these options require a $20 upgrade fee and you can decide at the ground school.

Novices will want to ask for the rigging with the handlebar pulleys, allowing them more control as they fly between platforms.

Offering fantastic views, the course includes eight lines and takes about 3.5 hours to complete.  It runs through Hawaiian forests and hillsides with lovely views of the ocean, forest, rivers, mountains and the largest fresh water reservoir on the Island.  It includes three of the longest lines on Kauai with “the whopper” being Waita – ½ mile in length. 

A snack including a tasty tidbit from Anahola Granola, plus juice and water.  Only 12 at a time to minimize waiting and maximize “Flyin’”.

Minimum age for kids is 7 years, and those from 7 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.  Weight limit is 270 lbs. max for solo zippers, 280 lb. combined weight for tandems.   You will have a couple of walks up the hill, each about 400 feet in length, and one is at a 45 degree angle, so low to moderate physical strength is required.  Those of you with heart conditions, bone/joint injuries or a bad back should seek out a different excursion.  Similarly, those of you who are pregnant are not allowed to participate. 

A shirt with sleeves is recommended (no tank tops).  Knee length or longer pants, bring a jacket just in case and sturdy CLOSED TOE shoes are required.  Sneakers and boots are great.  Sandals and Crocks or other slip-ons are not allowed.   You can bring a small backpack for personal items.  One bottle of water is supplied.  You’ll have great still and video photo opportunities, but be sure the camera is secured to your body as they are very difficult to find if they fall.

It’s only 10 minutes from the hotel and transfers are provide from the hotel and the return.

Whether you’re a novice or expert, I think this course has something for you to really enjoy.

Be your own version of a “Flyin’ Kaua’iian”!

Don Klingborg, DVM

Helicoptering over Kauai-- I'd do it again!

I am spectacularly afraid of helicopters. I don't think those machines follow any of the laws of physics and am even worried when they fly over my house. But my spouse asked to go on the helicopter ride, and explained that Kauai was so remote that it was really the only way to see much of the island.  Within minutes of getting airborne, I'd forgotten my fears and enjoyed the scenery.

Before long, we learned why Kauai often the backdrop for many Hollywood movies.  Here are the twin falls seen at the beginning of the Fantasy Island credits. Later we got a great look at the spectacular waterfall seen in Jurassic Park.

We followed the waterfalls to their source and saw the rivers that snaked their way through deep canyons.

Soon, our helicopter steered toward the ocean where we saw the breathtaking views of the Na Pali coastline.

Our helicopter ride over Kauai was an amazing once (or twice?) in a lifetime experience!