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 of hiking TMB: Courmayeur to Elena, 14 miles, 5,000 feet elevation.
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 caused by hurricane Dora, spread the fire so fast, that it pretty much burned the old fishermen’s town to ashes. Realizing that all resources in Maui were needed to support the locals, we agreed that we should cancel our trip. However, still wanting some sun, we decided to go searching for island vibes in San Diego instead.
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.
A beautiful August evening in Redwood City, California. Hundreds of people, all dressed in white, gather in the parking lot of Canada College for a yearly tradition: le diner en blanc. This one is called “Picnic en blanc”. But it is the same thing, a worldwide event, that started in Paris decades ago. Thanks to Eilish, who managed to book 4 tables, we have 27 friends, gathering for Picnic-en-blanc: a night of friends, food and fun.
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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 is the time to visit Glacier. Below you can read more about our fantastic 3 days of glamping in Glacier National Park.
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 started coordinating schedules. Soon our next hiking trip is in the books: hiking the Wicklow Way.
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.
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 in going? I don’t hesitate and tell her I am in. I happen to have a free night and points with Marriott. With that settled, we need to decide where we want to go. After some thought, we agree we will go hiking around Eugene Oregon.
Oregon is also where the Willamette Valley is, famous for its Pinot wine, so it becomes our “hiking for wine” in Oregon long weekend.
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 ride along the Hudson River. I pass towns that sound familiar from books and movies, like Riverdale, Yonkers, and Tarrytown, and see Westpoint Military Academy across the river.
Rhona and Paul pick me up at the station and we drive through the quaint town of Beacon we arrive at the lake house just before 11. Celebrating the 4th of July at Orange Lake is about to begin. (more…)
