Photo courtesy of Dennis Mammana

Total Solar Eclipse photographed near
Altai, China, August 1, 2008.
Photo courtesy of Andre Ashley

Photo courtesy of Chris Carpenter

Total Solar Eclipse photographed near
Altai, China, August 1, 2008.
Photo courtesy of Andre Ashley

Photo courtesy of Chris Carpenter

Total Solar Eclipse photographed in Novosibirsk, Russia, August 1, 2008.
Photo courtesy of Larry Marantz

Traveler's Corner

Quotes - from our travelers

China's Silk Road & Hunza Eclipse 2008
"Having taught for over 35 years, I can quickly spot a master teacher. Daniel (Trip leader Daniel Winkler), you certainly rank among the very best of them.

You have a special gift for blending your rich expertise of China, Tibet and Pakistan with a contagious passion and enjoyable boyish excitement. You've inspired, entertained, enlightened and engaged us ... all without the threat of a final exam! For the mind and spirit, that is by far the best homeopathic remedy.

You've impressed me as a true Renaissance man. No one will ever forget your encyclopedic knowledge of fungus and mushrooms ... or your wealth of information about the history, culture, religion, language and geopolitics of China and her neighbors ... as well as the ethnobotany, wildlife and geology of the surrounding countryside. Through your storytelling style of teaching, you have the ability to make the slow crawl of a distant glacier seem as exciting as the raging rapids of the Hunza River. It was a lesson in the true spirit of humanity as I watched your genuine interaction with people of every walk of life whom we met along the way ... be they village hosts, apricot farmers, custom inspectors or military escorts.

You've guided us through what seemed like 8,000 airports and check points ... all without the loss of luggage and people! You were always vigilant to the safety and well-being of each member in our group. But most importantly, you took 16 individuals, all strangers just three weeks ago, and bonded us into a family ... a community of adventurous nomads on a thrilling journey that will surely last us a lifetime.

What a ride! On behalf of my wife Nancy and me, it was truly a rewarding and awesome experience traveling with you." -

Alaska Aurora Borealis 2007
"I love the academic focus of Betchart trips."

"I really had a wonderful time on the expedition: it was great fun, the people were very interesting, and we finally got to see the aurora!"

"So much better than standard tours. We would not have gone without this level of scientific professional interpretation."

"Seeing the aurora, but really enjoyed all aspects, loved the musk ox!!!"

Turkey 2006
"Eclipse! Can't imagine it better!

"Because it was Betchart Expeditions Turkey, and an eclipse, all combined. Having Bob Nansen on the trip was an added bonus".

"I loved it. He (husband) was in "hog haven".

"I found it wonderful."

"We loved it".

"Other participants far exceeded my expectations. It was essentially a scientific expedition with knowledgeable spouses for the most part".