Part 2…Kruger National Park photos…Most turbulent flights in the world…

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We spotted this Goliath Heron at the Sunset Dam: This enormous heron stands 1.5 meters tall and has a robust, dagger-like bill. The immature has rustier upperwings than the adult. Its flight is ponderous and labored. Goliath Heron inhabits large rivers, marshes, estuaries, and mangroves, hunting for large fish and other animals, stabbing them with an open bill. It has a distinct, barking “kowoork” call that can be heard from up to 2 km away. Purple Heron has similar plumage, but Goliath Heron is twice the size, has a much larger bill, and has a rufous (not blackish) top of the head. 
The photo wasn’t clear enough to determine this type of bird.

With concerns about flying after several recent crashes worldwide, travelers are more reticent about flying than ever. Educating oneself with statistics about flying can quickly allay some of those fears. Also, as in today’s article, knowing the more high-risk areas, airline ratings, and turbulence-prone flight patterns can put one’s mind at ease when making travel plans.

Small rapids as we drove across the bridge at the Sabie River.

On the other hand, a vacation or holiday is just that—a time to relax and unwind. If you are a terrified flyer, researching your intended route may put your mind at ease. Of course, turbulence can be a factor on any flight route or at any time. Remember that it’s a rarity for a crash or injury during even the worst turbulence. Keeping one’s seat belt on at all times reduces such risks.

Another view of the rapids at the Sabie River at Lower Sabie.
A Cape buffalo lying in the grass on the bank of the Sabie River.

From this article:

“These Are the Most Turbulent Flight Routes in the World—and No. 1 Flies Through Air Notoriously Called ‘Mountain Wave’

By Evie Carrick
Published on March 5, 2025
  • A turbulence tracking company mined data to identify the most turbulent flights in the world.
  • The most turbulent flight is a one-hour journey from Mendoza, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile.
  • The route passes over the Andes mountain.

A few jolts and bumps during a flight are expected, but specific routes have more than their fair share of stomach-dropping turbulence. A study from turbulence tracking company Turbli, reviewed turbulence forecast data from NOAA and the UK Met Office, to identify the most unstable flight routes in the world.

As always, I perused the offerings at the extraordinary gift shop, the best we’ve seen anywhere in the world. I didn’t buy a thing but it was fun to look around.

At No. 1 is the flight between Mendoza, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile, which has an eddy dissipation rate (EDR)—EDR is a turbulence intensity measurement of 24.684. That’s a full 4 EDR more than the second most turbulent flight route in the world: the flight between Cordoba, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile.

Another view of the shop.
The Mugg and Bean restaurant at Lower Sabie. We didn’t stop to eat due to our diets.
Starlings are often seen at the Mugg & Bean restaurant. They are prolific scavengers.

Turbulence is most often the result of weather or geographical features. The latter is most certainly the cause of the turbulence between Mendoza’s El Plumerillo International Airport (MDZ) and Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL). The one-hour flight passes directly over the Andes mountain range, which forces air to rise, creating waves and currents that lead to turbulence in the sky. The effect mountains have on the air above them even has an ominous nickname: “mountain wave.”

The sausage tree, scientifically known as Kigelia Africana, is a notable tree species native to tropical Africa, including South Africa. It is known for its large, sausage-shaped fruits and showy, dark red, trumpet-shaped flowers.
“Sausages” that fell from the tree to the ground

Interestingly enough, the top four most turbulent flights originate in Argentina.

A Cape buffalo on the bank of the Sabie River.

Coming in at No. 5 is the flight passing over the Himalayas between Kathmandu, Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and Lhasa, China’s Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA).

Here is the full rundown of the most turbulent flight routes in the world in 2024:
  1. Mendoza (MDZ) – Santiago (SCL)
    EDR: 24.684
  2. Cordoba (COR) – Santiago (SCL)
    EDR: 20.214
  3. Mendoza (MDZ) – Salta (SLA)
    EDR: 19.825
  4. Mendoza (MDZ) – San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC)
    EDR: 19.252
  5. Kathmandu (KTM) – Lhasa (LXA)
    EDR: 18.817
  6. Chengdu (CTU) – Lhasa (LXA)
    EDR: 18.644
  7. Santa Cruz (VVI) – Santiago (SCL)
    EDR: 18.598
  8. Kathmandu (KTM) – Paro (PBH)
    EDR: 18.563
  9. Chengdu (CTU) – Xining (XNN)
    EDR: 18.482
  10. San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC) – Santiago (SCL)
    EDR: 18.475″

Soon, we are leaving to go see Kathy and Don at their house on the river.It will be wonderful to ee them after almost three years!

Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, March 12, 2015:
It’s exciting to see many more flowers blooming in Kauai as spring nears. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Nervous about flying?…What are the most turbulent flights worldwide, outside the US?…

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Kauai is truly the “garden island” with its lush greenery.

Factors like weather patterns, jet streams, and geographic features such as mountains or large bodies of water typically cause turbulence on flights. While turbulence can happen anywhere, some regions outside the U.S. are particularly known for it due to their unique atmospheric and geographic conditions. Here’s a list of some of the most turbulent areas globally:

1. Himalayan Region (Asia)

  • Why it’s turbulent: The towering peaks of the Himalayas create intense wind patterns and strong updrafts. The jet stream often passes over this area, adding to the instability.
  • Notable routes: Flights over or near Nepal, Bhutan, or northern India often encounter significant turbulence.

2. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

  • Why it’s turbulent: This area, located near the equator, is where trade winds from both hemispheres meet, creating significant convective activity and thunderstorms.
  • Notable routes: Flights over Central Africa, the Indian Ocean, and parts of Southeast Asia.

3. Andes Mountain Range (South America)

  • Why it’s turbulent: The Andes create wind patterns that can lead to mountain waves and severe turbulence.
  • Notable routes: Flights over Peru, Chile, and Argentina.

4. North Atlantic Ocean

  • Why it’s turbulent: This region is notorious for strong jet streams and rapidly changing weather patterns, especially during winter.
  • Notable routes: Transatlantic flights between North America and Europe.

5. South China Sea

  • Why it’s turbulent: The combination of tropical storms, typhoons, and shifting weather patterns can create rough conditions.
  • Notable routes: Flights over Southeast Asia, particularly routes between China, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

6. Tasman Sea (Between Australia and New Zealand)

  • Why it’s turbulent: This area is subject to strong westerly winds and frequent weather disturbances.
  • Notable routes: Flights between Australia and New Zealand.

7. Alps (Europe)

  • Why it’s turbulent: Similar to other mountainous regions, the Alps create turbulent air currents due to their high altitude and proximity to jet streams.
  • Notable routes: Flights over Central Europe, especially near Switzerland, Austria, and Italy.

8. Caribbean

  • Why it’s turbulent: This region is prone to tropical storms, hurricanes, and trade wind-driven turbulence.
  • Notable routes: Flights between islands or from the Caribbean to Central and South America.

Tips for Flying in Turbulent Regions:

  • Choose morning flights: Turbulence is often milder earlier in the day.
  • Sit over the wings: This is the most stable part of the plane.
  • Follow instructions: Always fasten your seatbelt when advised.

These regions may have rough patches, but commercial aircraft and pilots are trained to handle turbulence, ensuring passenger safety.

Over the years of international travel, we’ve experienced countless instances of wild turbulence. We stayed buckled into our seats and were fine in each case.

Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, January 15, 2015:

View of the beautiful grounds at the hotel where we stayed in Hilo on our way to Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Nervous about flying?…Most turbulent flights in the US…

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The scenery on the Big Island, Hawaii, never ceased to amaze us.

As the California wildfires continue, my sister Julie, who lives in Brentwood, waits for another evacuation notice. The first notice took her and her roommate to a friend’s home, and they were able to return days later. However, they could be evacuating again with more high winds predicted for today and tomorrow.

The stress and horror about this unimaginable situation for all the residents who’ve lost loved ones, their homes, and all of their belongings is hard to fathom. We send love and prayers to everyone impacted by this devastation.

It seems insignificant to discuss anything other than the devastation of these times, but life goes on for the rest of us, albeit with an added awareness of how fragile our lives are. Anything can happen at any time. Although we continue with our usual posts about our lives and travel, that doesn’t mean we are not continually thinking and praying for everyone involved, including the brave and relentless firefighters and first responders who sacrifice so much to help.

Today’s and tomorrow’s stories focus on air turbulence during fights, which appears more frequently in the news and videos than ever before. Is turbulence getting worse? I don’t assume so. However, with more people making videos during flights, posting comments online, and receiving increased exposure from the media, it seems so.

Below is a list of air turbulence that is most prevalent when flying over certain areas in the US, and tomorrow’s post will include details of air turbulence in flights outside the US. Please check back,

Turbulence on flights in the US can vary depending on weather patterns, geography, and the time of year. However, some regions and routes are notoriously more turbulent due to jet streams, mountain ranges, and seasonal weather systems. Here are the most turbulent areas and flights in the US:

1. Flights Over the Rocky Mountains

  • Why Turbulent: The Rockies cause significant atmospheric disturbances, particularly mountain wave turbulence. Winds flow over the mountains, creating air currents that can result in turbulence.
  • Notable Routes: Flights between Denver (DEN) and cities like Salt Lake City (SLC), Seattle (SEA), or San Francisco (SFO) often experience turbulence.

2. Northeastern Corridor

  • Why Turbulent: This area frequently encounters strong jet streams, especially during the winter. Nor’easters and storms can add to the instability.
  • Notable Routes: Flights between New York (JFK/LGA) and Boston (BOS), Washington D.C. (DCA/IAD), or Philadelphia (PHL).

3. Flights Over the Midwest

  • Why Turbulent: Thunderstorms are common in the Midwest during spring and summer, leading to convective turbulence. Tornado-prone areas can also experience atmospheric instability.
  • Notable Routes: Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Kansas City (MCI) or Minneapolis (MSP).

4. Southern US Flights

  • Why Turbulent: Warm, moist air over the Gulf of Mexico combines with seasonal storms, leading to turbulence. Hurricanes during the summer and fall add to this risk.
  • Notable Routes: Flights along the Gulf Coast, including Houston (IAH) to Miami (MIA).

5. West Coast Flights

  • Why Turbulent: Winds coming off the Pacific Ocean combined with the Sierra Nevada and coastal mountains create turbulence, especially in the Bay Area and Southern California.
  • Notable Routes: San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX) to Seattle (SEA) or Las Vegas (LAS).

6. Hawaiian Flights

  • Why Turbulent: Flights to and from Hawaii cross the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), where trade winds and storms can cause turbulence.
  • Notable Routes: Flights from the mainland US (LAX, SFO) to Honolulu (HNL).

7. Alaskan Routes

  • Why Turbulent: Mountainous terrain, strong winds, and storms in this region make flights to Alaska particularly bumpy.
  • Notable Routes: Anchorage (ANC) to Seattle (SEA) or Fairbanks (FAI).

Tips for Managing Turbulence

  • Seat Selection: Sitting over the wings (near the plane’s center of gravity) can reduce the sensation of turbulence.
  • Flight Timing: Morning flights typically experience less turbulence due to more stable air.
  • Preparation: Buckle up and stay informed about weather patterns before your flight.

Hopefully, your next flight will be turbulence-free. Most often, flying over the Atlantic Ocean, like we will in 46 days on March 1, results in a fair amount of turbulence. Oh dear.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, January 14, 2015:

Sunrise reflections are taken from what Tom called the “birdhouse” on the Big Island, where we had the family get-together. Click on the link to see our final expenses for that event here.