get down's photostream  

So, 2011 started in Sydney, ended in Bologna, and I flew 108,881 miles in between - my carbon footprint is getting slightly smaller and the frequent flyer miles still teeter around the million mark. Most of those were on the (admittedly comfortable and welcoming business class) treadmill, with no particularly memorable trips aside from long delays for sandstorms and the plane that was fixed with a hammer.

I've no idea what travels the year ahead will hold, but there's a good chance it'll involve more of my own piloting again this year in a rather different aircraft. And, while the world of long haul flying to exotic destinations has its attractions, I do miss being in the left hand seat, albeit PuT, for a bit of this in the South Island.

By helicopter. Unlike Australasian experiences it was dropped into its hole, safely, in moments.

Despite the clear skies and crisp weather, and being within the Arctic Circle at the peak of the eleven year solar cycle, we didn't see the Northern Lights in Tromso. We spent a lot of time staring at dark skies (and being blinded by the heard torches of others) and walked across crisp, fresh snow so it certainly wasn't a wasted trip. And you can never control the ions...