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Julie Shipman Photography in Baja, Cabo, Los Barriles, Mexico and Park City, Utah – Park City Photographer

Julie Shipman Photography in Baja, Cabo, Los Barriles, Mexico and Park City, Utah - Park City Photographer

Action Sports Photographer, Portrait Photography, Travel Photography, Senior Portraits, Family Portraits, Salt Lake City & Park City, Utah

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family vacation

A Blissful Day with Elephants

June 11, 2018 by Julie Shipman

In February, 2018, I spent a remarkable day at the Elephant Nature Park outside of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. I was immensely impressed with the facility, its mission and the many volunteers. Our personal guide, Nick, was exceptional and ensured our day was one we’d never forget.

We opted for the semi-private day tour called Care for Elephants. There were only four of us so it felt like a very personal experience.  We started the day by preparing some treats and feeding the elephants. When you have food in your hand, you are their very best friend! The smiles on my face are about as big as they get!

Enjoy some images of these beautiful girls!

We started our trek with them by walking along the river. We kept bananas in our bag so they didn’t let us get too far ahead!

These two ladies loved Bo! Two at once bombarding him with some love!

Sorry girls! NO MORE NANAS!

Let’s hike!

They love to throw dirt on themselves. It keeps them cool and keeps the bugs away!

Stopping to grab some bananas off the tree.

The bristles on their tales are unique.  No two are quite the same so it works as an identifier too.

We reached the top where we are stopping for lunch and a rest. Great views of the park too!

The ladies are foraging a bit…

Ready to hike back down for bath time.

This gal found a great rock upon which to scratch her rear end!!

Bath time: And we got to put on our stylish ‘get wet’ outfits!

And, next over the the base camp of the Elephant Nature Park…

This old lady is remarkable… it was our honor to meet her!

“Mae Jan Peng, the elephant with a flower in her ear… Like many elephants, Mae Jan Peng has a hole in her ear due to her past life of exploitation. Knowing that this hole should now never be used for the purpose it was intended, e.g. a mahout putting a bull hook or finger through the hole in order to control Mae Jan Peng, her mahout Patee has turned a negative into a positive. By placing a flower into this hole, Patee offers Mae Jan Peng a splash of colour and beauty. Just a little labor of love… Although Mae Jan Peng may not even notice, the message is clear to those who meet her and her best friend Patee.”

The Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center. It is not their goal to breed elephants or even to release them back into the wild. That is not an option for these elephants because most of them were born into captivity and could not survive in the limited wild areas in Thailand where elephants roam free. These elephants were owned and used for profit, mostly for the following: logging, trekking or some kind of circus act/entertainment in the cities. All were abused at some level as elephants are not meant for any of these purposes. It is complicated to rescue these animals because for many locals, it is their way of life and their sole income. So the park also has the mission to help these local individuals and families find other ways to survive. In addition they have hired the mahouts (elephant ‘trainers’) to take care of the elephants in a compassionate way at the park so they are also employed gainfully. Their work too is amazing.

Below are some photos of elephants as they came into the facility and the excellent medical care they are provided. Some of the elephants I met had been injured in the following ways: stepping on land mines from earlier wars, being injured during logging accidents, chained up for so long they couldn’t walk or being hit by cars in the cities… extremely sad.

This girl’s leg will be forever disabled but she is now taken care of and healthy!

Here is one under current care for an injured leg.

And, on a happier note, here the rescued elephants are enjoying their new home. Notice there are several youngsters. While the park does not breed elephants, some come in pregnant and of course their babies are welcomed. Elephants have such a long gestation period that it is very difficult (and takes a long time) to find out they are pregnant.

Love this lady! She likes to stand over the sprinkler and fill her trunk with water! Happy!

The Elephant Nature Park also recognizes the need for care and rehabilitation of many species. They provide a sanctuary for many locals…

And, on the subject of dogs, unfortunately they are also the subject of intense abuse. The ENP works tirelessly to rescue dogs from natural disaster, puppy mills, abuse and the abhorrent food trade.

They have a map posted in the entry of the many great families who have adopted their dogs!

As you can see, dogs are welcome…

And, finally, wondering about the differences between Asian and African elephants as I was? I found this poster!

And, baby elephants? ~I saw this poster on the wall as well. Funny thing, I noticed this came from the Hogle Zoo! That’s my local zoo and where I spent many hours as a child. Glad they are working to help these gentle giants too.

If you’re in northern Thailand, consider a visit to the ENP or the many other sanctuaries. It’s worth it. A final thank you to Sangduen Lek Challert for devoting her life to creating a better world for elephants in Thailand, and elsewhere. “The ENP is the result of her inspiring vision. Lek is from a little known hill tribe called the Khamu. She has been fighting for the rights of the Asian elephant for decades. Lek has received several awards including the Hero of the Planet by the Ford Foundation and the Hero of Asia by Time Magazine. Here work has been featured in National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, the BBC and much more.

Thank you, Lek.

 

Filed Under: adventures, Chiang Mai, Conservation, Elephant Nature Park, Elephants, Nature Park, Thailand, travel, travel photography Tagged With: animal care, animal rescue, asian elephants, chasing atlas travel, chiang mai, conservation, elephant, elephant nature park, elephant project, elephant rescue, elephants, family vacation, nature park, photography, save elephant foundation, savetheelephants, thailand, travel, travel photographer

Children of Egypt

April 17, 2017 by Julie Shipman

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.    Martin Luther King, Jr.

My favorite thing to photograph is PEOPLE.  And my favorite people to photograph are CHILDREN.  When I travel, I try to take photos of people in their ‘native’ environment, whatever that may be. I always try to be respectful because I imagine it’s frustrating to be a tourist attraction for people who are just living their daily lives. However, this is often NOT the case with children. Usually, when I point my camera at kids, they smile! They light up. They come over and talk to me and sometimes they pose. A few of the Egyptian kids kept saying something to me… “Akhadh surati!”  My great guide, Sabr, told me that means “Take my photo!”  Or they would just say, “Sura!” or “Photo!”

Here’s what happened when I pointed my camera at these beautiful faces.

Love the fashion statement of these young women.

A note on the photo below. This little boy is sitting in front of a Christian home. We know this because of the decoration on the door. The floral-type cross is an indication of Christianity. In Luxor, you will find these doors interspersed in the neighborhoods. Muslims and Christians have lived side by side for centuries and in most areas, there is peace and friendship among neighbors of differing faiths.

These young women were walking home from school. They were typical giggling school girls with the young men looking on from behind. It felt like joy.

These young Egyptian tourists were visiting the Luxor Temple. For a group photo, the boys were posing as Pharaohs and the girls were Goddesses.

A beautiful young woman touring the Temple of Karnak…

Boys playing in the Nile.

A family bringing their sheep in… I loved the way the older woman is carrying the young girl’s shoe…

These young women touring the Pyramids at Giza. They just reminded me so much of any group of young women anywhere in 2017. They had sunglasses on their heads, pink purses, colorful cell phones, selfie sticks, fashionable clothing and lots of giggles.

My favorite photo of the bunch. I love the colors. I love this little girl. I watched her for several minutes. She was pretending to drive the tuk tuk, or adapted motorcycle. I remember spending hours on my dad’s motorbike in the yard pretending to drive it.  Good stuff.

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts. I love to get feedback. And, I encourage you to TRAVEL. Explore the world.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Cairo, Children, Egypt, Inspiration, Luxor, People, photography, Teenagers, travel, travel photography Tagged With: chasing atlas travel, children, egypt, egyptians, family vacation, giza, muslim, travel photographer

Explore the Croatian Islands by Boat & Bike

August 11, 2016 by Julie Shipman

I recently travelled through the Adriatic Sea — along the Dalmatian Coast — to explore the southern islands of Croatia by boat and bike. It’s a photographer’s dream!  Croatia has it all: friendly people, beautiful architecture, great food & wine, spectacular scenery with clear blue water, mountains, beaches, vineyards, and …boats, boats, and speedboats from Boat Rental in the Keys! If you are attracted to a seafaring culture, I would highly recommend visiting these islands along with the Greek Island Hopping -Hostelbay 2018 crew, if you do, you will experience their people and customs layered in centuries, or millennia, of significant historical events. Until then, please enjoy the journey with me through my photos!

I began my boat trip in Trogir, a beautiful harbor town just north of Split… with old narrow cobble-stoned streets, quaint shops and outstanding restaurants.

Trogir, Old Town
Trogir, Old Town
Trogir, the Harbor
Trogir, the Harbor

We embarked on our boat (seen above) and sailed off on our journey.  Our path took us from Trogir to Solta, Vis, Korcula, Hvar, Brac… and finished in Split.

One must always learn the ropes of safe boating in order to avoid boating accidents. Visit aceboater.com to take up their course on boating and get a boating license.

 

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We head to sea!
We head to sea!

Throughout history, the inhabitants of these islands have lived off an abundant amount of fish and other seafood. Boats are far more commonly owned than cars! The bright blue color of the water juxtaposed with the white buildings and red roofs are captivating.

Harbor town of Pucisca on Brac, famous for the world's highest quality white marble! It's found in the White House and the Vatican!
Harbor town of Pucisca on Brac, famous for much of the world’s highest quality white marble. It’s found in the White House and the Vatican!
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Heading home… quicker and easier than a car on Brac.
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The beautiful village of Masclinica on the island of Solta.
An evening sail.
An evening sail.
Town of Komiza on the tiny island of Vis. Vis was a militarized zone for centuries and only opened up to tourists in 1995.
Town of Komiza on the tiny island of Vis. Vis was a militarized zone for centuries and only opened up to tourists in 1995.

Blue Boat

Along the southern coast of the island of Korcula, known also for its old growth forests because Venice did not have access to the island ---controlled by the Republic of Dubrovnik-- to plunder the trees for its boat building industry during the Renaissance.
The water is stunningly blue along the southern coast of the island of Korcula, known also for its old growth forests. Venice did not have access to the island —controlled then by the Republic of Dubrovnik– to plunder the trees for its boat building industry during the Renaissance and after.
Borrow a kayak and explore the hidden coves.
Borrow a kayak and explore the hidden coves. Here is Chasing Atlas guide, Pau Sab, doing some R&D on the sea!

Find a table by the sea, or in a quaint village and load your plate with freshly caught fish!

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Nonno, an excellent restaurant along the harbor in Korcula. Incredible views and wonderful food! Try the great octopus salad, a local favorite.
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Nonno Restaurant, Korcula.

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Explore the streets of the villages… it’s like walking through time. Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo! Who knew?

Marco Polo was born in Korcula but died in Venice, where he is most associated. Visit his house!
Marco Polo was born in Korcula but died in Venice, after many decades of traveling the world. You can visit his house, now an interesting museum.
The hidden streets of Pucisca, Brac.
The hidden streets of Pucisca, Brac.
Sunset ride in Korcula, along the harbor by the old fortress walls.
Sunset ride in Korcula, along the harbor by the old fortress walls.
Beautiful art abounds throughout the islands.
Beautiful art abounds throughout the islands.
actually it is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. The viticulture in current Croatia existed hundreds of years before the rise of the Roman Empire.
Many people are not aware that fantastic wines come out of Croatia. It is actually one of the oldest wine regions in the world. The viticulture in current Croatia existed hundreds of years before the rise of the Roman Empire.  DNA analysis has revealed that the well-known Californian grape Zinfandel, is genetically equivalent to the major grape varietal on the islands, Crljenak Kastelanski, its ancestor!
Peeking at the sea through the buildings on Vis.
Spying the sea through the buildings on Vis.
Gorgeous flowers abound on the islands, here in the streets of the bustling tourist town of Hvar.
Gorgeous flowers are everywhere on the islands, here in the streets of the bustling tourist town of Hvar.
Hvar.
Hvar.
View of Hvar and the neighboring islands from the fortress. Best viewpoint in the islands and well-worth the hike up the hill!
View of Hvar and the neighboring islands from the fortress. Best viewpoint in the islands and well-worth the hike up the hill! Don’t miss it… the prison of the old fortress is creepy and fascinating. I highly recommend a visit.
Hvar, as seen from the fortress.
Hvar, as seen from the fortress.

The locals here are witness to many occupations over the decades, and going further back to their ancestors, over the centuries… they are colorful and kind people.

Old man entertaining the crowd in Hvar.
Old man entertaining the crowd in Hvar.
Three Old Men; one sees this sight often!
Three Old Men; one sees this sight often!
A fisherman who came in empty handed today in Vis.
A fisherman who came in empty handed today in Vis.
And, yes, there are a few old ladies too. The youth? they go to school mostly in the cities on the mainland, ferrying over daily.
And, yes, there are a few old ladies too. The youth? they go to school mostly in the cities on the mainland, ferrying over daily.

And, the countryside… we cycled through it daily. It’s by far the best way to explore the quiet backroads, tiny villages,  fields of flowers and multiple vineyards.

Poppies and lavendar everywhere ~ Stunning!
Wild poppies and lavendar everywhere ~ Stunning!
Many small churches such as these dot the landscape.
Many small churches such as these dot the landscape.
One of the many hidden bays and beaches... this one on Korcula.
One of the many hidden bays and beaches… this one on Korcula.
Pay attention. While the cars are few and far between, you may see a boar or two!
Pay attention. While the cars are few and far between, you may see a boar or two! The roads are perfect for cyclists.
A beautiful place to take a rest and hydrate... Water or wine... your choice!
A beautiful place to take a rest and hydrate… Water or wine… your choice!
Just another quiet and beautiful long downhill to the sea... in this case, to the town of Komiza on Vis. (And, yes, you must do the climb to enjoy the ride down!)
Just another quiet and beautiful long downhill to the sea… in this case, to the town of Komiza on Vis. (And, yes, you must do the climb to enjoy the ride down!)
It really is this beautiful. My riding buddy and friend, Jill Murwin, who owns the travel company Chasing Atlas -- who provides these tours! She had to do her R&D!
It really is this beautiful. My riding buddy and friend, Jill Murwin, doing a little R&D checking out the roads and views on Korcula.

 

Day and night, by boat and by my new Bike Hint bike, it’s an outstanding adventure to explore the islands of Croatia. The experiential travel and adventure company, Chasing Atlas, can organize a customized large group (boat holds 18-22), small group or intimate trip there for you.  Contact Jill Murwin @ChasingAtlas to inquire ~  info@chasingatlas.com or www.chasingatlas.com.

Old Church in the harbor of the town of Vis, on the island of Vis.
Sunset at the Old Church in the harbor of the town of Vis, on the island of Vis.
And goodnight, from Vis.
And goodnight, from Vis.

Filed Under: adventures, Beach, Bike Tours, Croatia, Cycling, photography, Road Biking, sailing, Scenery, Sea, travel, travel photography, Vacation Tagged With: adriatic sea, adventure week in croatia, bike and boat, bike croatia, boat, boating, chasing atlas travel, croatia, croatian food, croatian photos, croatian vacation, cycle trip, cycling in croatia, dalmatian coast, family vacation, islands, photography in croatia, sailing, sailing the adriatic sea, seafood, travel, travel photographer

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Park City Photographer - Baja Photographer

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