May 2021 Circumbits

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May 032021
Flowers are blooming in Helen Jenkins’ prize winning garden in Wales. Helen is the UK Chapter President.

Moving Ahead

After many months of writing about the pandemic, we see a light at the end of the tunnel. As you will see in some of the items below, Circumnavigators are slowly returning to normal times. Many members are fully vaccinated and planning to take off to see more of the world. Best wishes to Circumnavigators who venture abroad.

Live from Naples

In April, the Naples Chapter held the first “live” event since Covid put the brakes on in-person Club events. It was a “hybrid” meeting with Circumnavigators attending either in person or by Zoom to hear a presentation on Iceland by Chapter historian Sophie Classen. Surprisingly, more than 60 members attended for cocktails, brunch and social interaction. Only ten members elected to use Zoom. It was great to get together.

Reminder – Annual Meeting

Gunther and Maria Winkler in Tikal, Guatamala.

The Annual Meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, May 19 at 5:00 pm (EDT). After the formal meeting, members and guests will be invited to watch a presentation by Photographer Gunther Winkler and his wife Maria (Naples Chapter). Great photos from around the world will be shown. A reminder Zoom link will be emailed closer to the meeting. We hope you can join us.

On the Road Again

Circumnavigators are beginning to travel internationally. If you have made a foreign trip, please let us know about it. It is important to share this information with members.

Hawaii

Although it is not technically international for Americans, Hawaii is a long distance away. Pacific Southwest President Virginia Foster and her husband Arthur Hammons visited the far-flung islands and are able to share the technical issues of traveling there. You can contact Virginia by getting her email address from Tracy at headquarters. Circumnavigator Ken Mink also visited Hawaii, hitting several of the islands.

Egypt

Melanie Peterson

The land of pyramids is turning out to be a popular destination for Circumnavigators. Several Club members have gone there and report that the pyramids, The Sphinx and other ancient sites are virtually empty of tourists, making for a delightful experience. Circumnavigator Melanie Peterson (Chicago Chapter) has recently visited Egypt, and Washington DC Chapter members Norman and Susan Dailey are in Aswan now and are attempting to get to Jordan. We will hear more from the Daileys next month.

Scuttlebutt

Two Circumnavigators and Order of Magellan honorees were in the news. The late astronaut Sally Ride will be honored on a coin. The U.S. Mint announced that late La Jolla resident and astronaut Sally Ride and late writer Maya Angelou will be the first two women honored on coins issued under the American Women Quarters Program.

“Sally would be so moved by this great honor,” said Tam O’Shaughnessy, Ride’s life partner and co-founder of Sally Ride Science at UC San Diego Extension. “It’s especially fitting that it comes during the 20th-anniversary celebration for Sally Ride Science. This tribute reflects Sally’s legacy not only as a trailblazing astronaut but also as a champion of diversity and inclusion in STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] fields.” Sally was a member of the Circumnavigators Pacific Southwest Chapter.

Sally Ride and Bertrand Piccard in the news.

Explorer and adventurer Bertrand Piccard was honored by the Circumnavigators after he circumnavigated in a balloon in 1999. Later he developed the Solar Impulse, a plane that could fly without a drop of fuel. His co-pilot on that circumnavigation, Andre Borschberg, was also awarded the Order of Magellan. Now Bertrand has announced that he has fulfilled his promise, made in 2019, to come up with 1000 solutions to improve the environment. He wrote a letter to his friend and Circumnavigator Helen Jenkins which said, “Feel free to spread the word about this #beyond1000solutions campaign. The video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yHfGj6lpVw explains our action in a simple and succinct way.”

Around the World with Albert

Legendary traveler and author Albert Podell wowed Circumnavigators with a fast-paced, witty travel presentation via Zoom. About 70 members and guests were treated to this fascinating travelog. 

Calling all Collectors

Is there something special that you collect from each place you visit? Let us know! You could be featured in our “Collectors Corner” column of an upcoming edition of The LOG. Past collections have included beer bottles, keys, mugs and masks. Email Katie Koontz at katherinenkoontz@gmail.com if interested.

The Last Shot

Brian Baum (Pacific Northwest Chapter) says always carry your camera because you never know when the right moment will happen. He reports: “On a damp afternoon in November, the clouds briefly parted and the setting sun created a rose-colored wash over the marble buildings in the Campo Dei Miracoli in Pisa. Within a few minutes the effect was gone.

Do you have a good photo for The Last Shot? Please send to club@circumnavigators.org.

Luck to you!

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David A. Mink
International President
davidamink@me.com

April 2021 Circumbits

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Mar 302021
April 2021 Circumbits
The sun sets on another winter. Thanks to Circumnavigator Kristen Koontz (New York Metro) for this shot on NC’s Outer Banks.

Save the Date for Annual Meeting

Gunther and Maria Winkler in Tikal, Guatamala.

The Annual Meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, May 19 at 5:00 pm (EDT). Hopefully this will be the last time for a virtual meeting. All of the obligatory Club issues will be addressed. Only members can participate in this part of the meeting. After the formal meeting, members and guests will be invited to watch a presentation by Photographer Gunther Winkler and his wife Maria (Naples Chapter). Great photos from around the world will be shown. We hope you can join us. Log-in details will follow later. The election ballot for this year’s nominees will be sent via email so please be on the lookout.

Circumnavigator Trips?

For decades, the Club took trips every couple of years, including a circumnavigation for the 90th Anniversary in 1992. We are now considering returning to Club travel, and we would like to get a handle on the level of interest from our members, including some input on the type of trips. Shortly, you will be receiving a survey by Survey Monkey to get info. Thanks for participating.

Need Your Help

As the pandemic goes away (we hope!), the Club will be making some major moves to increase membership and enhance the enjoyment of being a Circumnavigator. We are looking for members who will volunteer to help us in some of these areas: Photography, Advertising, Financial/Accounting, and Internet/Website. Please email headquarters if you have expertise in any of these activities

Back on the Road

Circumnavigators are beginning to travel internationally. If you have made a foreign trip, please let us know about it. It is important to share this info with members. Circumnavigators Vinny & Fran Cucchiara (Naples Chapter) recently ventured to the Bahamas.

The Cucchiaras report, “It was an 11th hour decision to visit Nassau and check out the Baha Mar Resort. However, nothing is easy in the age of COVID travel. The Bahamian government has very strict rules about letting people in the Islands. They require all visitors to have a health visa showing they are symptom free of COVID. No health visa, no admission.”

They go on to report the tedious process of getting the health visa, required tests and timetables. More testing was required for returning to the U.S. Their conclusion: “The trip was fun but the paperwork was a little bothersome.”

The Last Shot

Circumnavigator Ann Swinford (Michigan Chapter) took this stunning shot of the aurora in Alaska. More of Ann’s photos of the aurora will be shown in the next issue of The LOG.

Do you have a good photo for The Last Shot? Please send to club@circumnavigators.org.

Luck to you!

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David A. Mink
International President
davidamink@me.com

February 2021 Circumbits

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Feb 012021

Welcome to February!

Even though the pandemic days can be challenging, time sure flies by. Seems like we just kicked off the new year with January Circumbits putting 2020 in the rear view mirror. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy and that those eligible are getting their vaccines. We feel better days are ahead.

Zoom Events

Circumnavigators are getting together via Zoom events with some interesting programs in the past month. All Zoom events are open to the general membership even when sponsored by a particular Chapter. We had 53 members join the New York Metro event recently with a great program on the remote areas of Russia by journalist Alec Luhn. Zoom events are posted on our site under upcoming events on the right side.

Scuttlebutt

Circumnavigators Have a New Book

PJ Heyliger (Desert Chapter) and Canadian Henri van Bentum have collaborated on their fifth Children’s book Three Mermaids’ Escapades, shown here. Henri wrote the story and PJ did the illustrations. The book is available on Amazon. Congratulations PJ and Henri.

Back on the Road

Circumnavigators are beginning to slowly return to international travel. Melody and Jon Dill (Naples Chapter) have just visited Egypt where they found the popular sites were almost empty, giving them great access to the wonders of the world. They report: “There could not be a better time for us. Weather is perfect, in the 60s and 70s. We’re guessing there were only 25 or 30 people on the 777 from JFK to London. Absolutely no one in line with us going through security at Heathrow. In Egypt, all hotels and ships are restricted to 50% capacity. At the Ritz Carlton, they were 12% capacity. On the sanctuary sun boat IV, there are 38 of us when normally there would be 80. Photos show the emptiness.
And, of course, the price is right. Abercrombie & Kent was 50% discount. We arrived a couple days early and had a Nile view room on club level for $180. Normally $400, $600?

The Last Shot

Norman and Susan Dailey (Washington DC Chapter) spent a romantic Valentine’s day last year in Bali. It was their last trip before the pandemic. The dinner was at the Swept Away Restaurant in Ubud, Bali in Indonesia. They were on their fourth circumnavigation.

Do you have a good photo for The Last Shot? Please send to club@circumnavigators.org.

Luck to you!

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David A. Mink
International President
davidamink@me.com

January 2021 Circumbits

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Jan 042021

Cheers for 2021!…

It’s a nice feeling, at least psychologically, to put 2020 in the rearview mirror and head into a new year that promises to be brighter and safer. Remember the pandemic is still with us, so continue to take the necessary precautions. We all look forward to Circumnavigator events and getting back to our travels. Best wishes for our members, friends and families.

Congratulations Photographers

The 2020 Photo Contest set a record with more than 130 photos submitted, raising $1300 for the foundation. Thanks go to our professional judges who had to wade through numerous outstanding shots. All three said the judging was very difficult with so many great photos. The judges were professional photographers Roger Weatherburn Baker (Naples, FL), Mike Johnson (Estero, FL) and Richard Senti (Arizona). Members can review all of the 2020 photos by clicking the photo tab at the top of the website. Shown below are the top winners in each category.

Jorge Serpa (At large) took first place in Architecture with his shot Watcher of the Sky taken at the iconic Bahia Fort in Oman.
First place in Flora & Fauna goes to Gunther Winkler (Naples Chapter) for his shot Elephants at Kilimanjaro taken in Kenya.
Brian Baum (Pacific Northwest) took first place in Human Interest with Venetian Sparkle taken at the Venice Carnival.
Ann Swinford (Michigan Chapter) took First place in Landscape for Aurora taken in Alaska.

Happy 70th Anniversary, Al Morasso

No, not a wedding anniversary. Al celebrates his 70th year as a Circumnavigator, a record that will undoubtedly stand of a long time. Al was introduced to the Club and sponsored by his father who was a long-time Circumnavigator and Past President. Al followed in his footsteps and also served as Club President. Another Past President, Howard Matson, describes the event honoring Al:

The lines of communication were humming recently when a Zoom Cocktail Party for the Club’s current and past International Presidents was placed on the calendar.  In attendance were Executive Director Tracy Sancilio, Executive Director “emeritus” Helen Jost, International President David Mink, Second Vice President Brad Vogel, Foundation President Greg Rider, Past Presidents Bill Holm, Jeff Kelly, Howard Matson, Al Morasso and Peter Mosse, and New York Metro Program Chair, Jeffrey Peterson and his wife C. Eda Peterson. 

Besides the goal of a congenial get-together raising a glass of wine and reminiscing, was the “surprise” celebration of Past International President Al Morasso’s 70th anniversary of his membership application (November, 1950).  A Club historic record!  Al’s term was 2003 until 2006 and in another first, he became the first member to serve in the position once held by his father.  All Circumnavigators join in congratulating Al and our former first lady, Betty, who live in New Jersey – Good health to you,  Al. Luck to you!

House of Lords Dinner is on the Calendar

One of the top annual events for Circumnavigators is the holiday dinner party at the House of Lords, sponsored by the UK Chapter. Unfortunately, the 2020 dinner was canceled but UK Chapter President Helen Jenkins reports that the event has been scheduled for 2021. It will be held in London (of course) on December 9, 2021. Please contact Helen if you would like to attend. 

Scuttlebutt

Order of Magellan honoree Mark Kelly has been elected to the U.S. Senate to represent Arizona. Mark is the second Circumnavigator honoree and astronaut to serve in the Senate, following in the footsteps of John Glenn.

The Last Shot

Gunther Winkler (Naples Chapter) submitted this fantastic photo for the Photo Contest. The judges loved it but we decided the shot had already been highly recognized as the cover shot for a 2020 issue of The LOG. We thought members would enjoy seeing it again. Gunther took the shot of the wedding couple in Uzbekistan.

Do you have a good photo for The Last Shot? Please send to club@circumnavigators.org.

Luck to you!

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David A. Mink
International President
davidamink@me.com

September 2020 Circumbits

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Aug 312020

Let’s Have Some Fun

We have had enough of the pandemic, cancelled trips, lockdowns and the like. It’s time to look on the bright side and find ways to have some fun while staying close to home. We are going to pass on a few recommendations and ask Circumnavigators to give us other good ideas for this forum. So here it goes—-This writer is strongly recommending a series on Netflix that should wow every Circumnavigator. It is “Somebody Feed Phil”. Phil visits cities around the world to sample their cuisine and culture. It is very informative and funny, too. Also, do you have Alexa? Everyday ask Alexa for “Geo Quiz” which is created by National Geographic. You’ll get six questions—different everyday—to test your knowledge of geography. Questions range from simple to difficult. Please send us your recommendations to share.

The Most & The Least

First VP Dan Peterson (Chicago) has passed on a link to a ranking of some of the highs and lows in world locations. It’s a fascinating look at our world.
Link to The Most & The Least (pdf)

We have our work to do

How are our students doing in geography? Watch this video. It’s only a small sample so we can assume (and hope) most students do a lot better.

Reminders

The Annual Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on October 14. Invitations and the ballot are in the mail to members. Also, if you have visited all seven continents and not received your certificate, please check to make sure you are listed as a qualifier. Go to the membership tab on this web site and check out qualifiers.

Scuttlebutt

Circumnavigator’s Book

Angela McLean (At Large, Kansas) has put out a book based on her travels, Around the World in 101 Photos. Angela made a nice tribute to the Circumnavigators Club in the acknowledgments. The book can be purchased on Amazon and a portion of the purchase price is going as a donation to the Circumnavigators Foundation. Congratulations and thank you, Angela.

It was a Zoom Party

New York Metro held a Virtual Cocktail Party which offered a fun social time along with guest speaker Eli Lewien, who shared stories from his travels around the world, including quarantine for two weeks in Sydney. Poor guy was only allowed three beers a day!

The Last Shot

After the storm comes a rainbow! Paul Buescher (Pacific NW) took this shot at the southern point of New Zealand’s South Island.

Do you have a good photo for The Last Shot? Please send to club@circumnavigators.org.

Luck to you!

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David A. Mink
International President
davidamink@me.com

August 2020 Circumbits

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Aug 032020

Welcome to August

The summer is winding down and it isn’t a season that will be very memorable for most Circumnavigators. No travel, no parties, no Chapter events, no sports and the list goes on. However, as we have been often told: “This too shall pass.” Meanwhile the Club has some news and questions for our members.

Our Annual meeting, postponed from its usual May date, has now been set for Wednesday, October 14 at 5:00 EDT. It will be a virtual event using Zoom technology. The meeting will cover the usual required agenda, followed by a short presentation: Tales and Traditions of the Circumnavigators Club. Members will receive an invitation with further details along with an election ballot for Club leadership positions.

The LOG Needs Your Help

Do you have a collection from your travels? Katie Koontz’s Collectors Corner is looking for a collection to feature. Also, we are looking for photos that depict the pandemic for the Photo Spread. Please send info on these matters to davidamink@me.com. You can send photos by attachment for consideration.

Scuttlebutt

Gulfstream is discontinuing production of its famed Gulfstream Five after decades of outstanding service. Circumnavigator Bradford Gary, Palm Beach Chapter, recalls circumnavigating on this plane in record time 30 years ago. He participated in this historic flight which circled the globe non-stop from the state of Georgia to New Jersey. He participated as an observer. The flight took 54 hours, a record that stood for many years.

When You Can’t Travel

Circumnavigator Ann Swinford, Michigan Chapter, isn’t used to not being on a trip. So she has been engaging in heavy duty gardening which has included a screen for her to rotate the numerous flags she has hauled home from all over the world.

The Last Shot

Norm and Susan Dailey (DC Chapter) completed their forth circumnavigation before the pandemic. In this photo, Norm is jumping on the Gate of Heaven in South East Bali. He reports, “Getting this shot requires you to put on a sarong and when it is your turn, a local photographer takes a photo with your own camera. The reflection is a special effect, accomplished by using a mirror directly under the lens.

Do you have a good photo for The Last Shot? Please send to club@circumnavigators.org.

Luck to you!

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David A. Mink
International President
davidamink@me.com

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