In January, six of us decided to hike the famous Tour de Mont Blanc trail in the Alpes. After research and discussions with Alpine Exploratory, our travel agent, we decided to only hike the northern section. Seven days, around seventy miles, from Courmayeur in Italy to Chamonix in France. July 30 was our first day…
We had booked a trip to Kaanapali, Maui, for Labor Day. I was looking forward to a couple of days beach, pool, dolphin trips, cocktails and good food. In summary, island living. On the morning of August 8, we heard the devastating news that a wildfire was threatening the town of Lahaina. The strong winds…
After a great trip to Oregon in 2022 for Juneteenth holiday, we decided to repeat it this year. With a new destination this time: Vancouver. We expanded it from Hiking for wine in Oregon. to a weekend of hiking and culinary adventures in Vancouver. Shannon waterfalls and Sea to the Sky trail Stawamus Chief…
Visit Glacier National Park Before It's Gone During last year's glamping trip to Sequoia National Park, we agree we want to make glamping a yearly event. So for this year's destination, we decide to go to Glacier National Park. As the predictions are that by 2030, there won't be any Glaciers, only mountain lakes, now…
The Wicklow Way During one of our regular hikes in California, we realize that several of us will be in Europe this summer. One of the hikes that we had on our list, was the Wicklow Way in Ireland. Spontaneously, we decide to try to do it while we are all in Europe and we…
I am visiting New York in July. It is hot and humid. On the first day, we brave the heat and walk in Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO. However, on Sunday, Andrea suggest we go to Governors Island to escape the heat of New York City. Fun Ways To Keep Cool …
A Hike To Remember I am in The Netherlands in May, when my friend Vanessa sends me a text. Do I have June 20 off? I tell her I don't but I can take it off. She has a credit for airline tickets and wants to go somewhere for the Juneteenth weekend. Am I interested…
Sunshine And Fun The Snyman's graciously invited me to spend the 4th of July with them at Rhona's brother Noel and sister-in-law Helena's house at Orange Lake, upstate New York. So on the morning of July 4, I board the train at Grand Central Station, destination Beacon. It is a beautiful 1 1/2 hour train…
How The Road To EBC Began Patagonia and Mount Kilimanjaro had been on my bucket list for years. On the contrary, Everest Base Camp was not something I had ever aspired to. And here I am, signed up with Ian Taylor Trekking. We will be trekking to the base camp of the highest Mountain in…
We had planned a reunion with friends from the Netherlands in Iceland in 2020, but COVID threw a wrench in that. So we decided we would make it happen for Thanksgiving 2021. During my last trip to Iceland in March 2015, we ended up in a full-blown snowstorm for 4 days. I was hoping for…