I wasn’t able to update my Panasonic Lumix GX-1 firmware at: www.panasonic.com/support. Tried their chat support but no success there either. Finally tried an internet search for my camera firmware update. Found the Japanese website: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index2.html.
That site worked fine.
Retiring my Fujifilm S-2 Pro DSLR
Can’t say enough good things about this camera ancient though it is. My first “real” dslr. When my D200 was stolen last year in Quito on my way to the Galapagos the S-2 Pro was the backup. While it was not as capable as the newer D200, it came through and captured some shots that I am proud to have made. It was on its way to be placed in the hands of my daughter and failed to start up when new batteries were loaded up. No blinky lights. No symbols on the LCD. The ghost was given up. I had to make this post to say, “Thank you for going with me and helping me to become a better photographer.” Please take a look at the Galapagos photos to see what a camera bought in October 2002 can do.
Thinking of Reno Balloon Races 2011
I was reviewing 2011 travels and couldn’t believe that I hadn’t posted anything from the Reno Balloon Races. First time for me to attend. Won’t be the last. Challenging lighting situations but great opportunities for unique shots. 
Galapagos Land Iguana
So many opportunities, on land and in the water, to capture great images. We were there eleven days. Much longer than most cruises but still only enough time to scratch the surface. Time enough to see that this is a special place.
Travel route Sacramento to Quito, Ecuado was via Denver then Houston. Time in route- seventeen hours. Overnight in Quito, then forty-five minute flight to Guayaquil on Ecuador’s coast, and then three plus hours flight to Baltra, one of the islands of the Galapagos- near the equator and close to nothing.