On my many adventures to Papua New Guinea, it was so rewarding and wonderful to experience the “land within” this amazing island nation. PNG has always and continues to be an amazing place to experience marine life. However, the mountains and rivers are key to the people living in such a diverse country. The founder of Trans Niugini Tours, Bob Bates, is a pioneer and carries a lot of humility, kindness, and care. It’s where I learned about and connected with the vast numbers of tribes. As they say: Papua New Guinea is “A Million Different Journeys.”
Bob founded the company in 1976, thus his journey began. Karawari Lodge on the Sepik River; Ambua Lodge in the mountain region of Hela Province; Lake Murray in Western Province and within one of the largest fresh water territories and is one feeder to the mighty Fly River.
| Presentation of a print of Caroline Mytinger’s 1929 painting titled “Tauparaupi” for Lake Murray Lodge. Documentary film “Headhunt Revisited: With Brush, Canvas and Camera”
Guest and friend, Steve Fleischmann, upon our landing in the Western Province/Lake Murray. |
| In addition to all of this, Bob is one of the best pilots EVER. It’s time to celebrate an accomplishment he and friend, Baz, completed in September! The UFOs (United Flying Octogenarians). CONGRATULATIONS!!! I read this report with excitement, and here it is for your personal enjoyment and wow factor on the “Round the World” flight journal. Just click the link: https://www.pngtours.com/tours/bobnbaz.htm
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And speaking of Papua New Guinea, George and I are in the midst of organizing our trip back to see our wantoks (friends/family in Tok Pisin). Next June is the time, and do you know it will also be the 20th Anniversary of the original expedition to retrace Caroline Mytinger’s footsteps? Good grief, where did the time go? Yes, it took several years later before the film was completed, but I am so proud. We will be on board the M/V FeBrina from June 10 – 19th; at Walindi and Tufi Resort and in Port Moresby.
It will be a very happy moment to return to the Witu Islands while on FeBrina. And you think diving Michele’s Point will be a highlight?
