My Next Big Adventure

Adventure

For a very long time I have wanted to go to New Zealand and Australia, but I’ve never quite made it.  Given the opportunity, I always felt like I should see both at the same time and not short change Continue reading My Next Big Adventure

My Thoughts about Maximizing Vacation Time

Chairs at Night

In 2012 I took my mom to Belize, my dogs and I took a road trip through Canada to Alaska, I spent a weekend in Portland, I thoroughly enjoyed a bucket list trip to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu, and Continue reading My Thoughts about Maximizing Vacation Time

Sunset in Denali National Park and Preserve

DNP - Sunset Reflecting on Mountain

Getting a sunset photo in summer (and even in the spring) could be challenging unless you want to stay up very, very late.  In the middle of the summer there would be a good chance of catching a sunset and Continue reading Sunset in Denali National Park and Preserve

2012 Week #22

Wrangell Narrows

When I decided to take and post photos every week this year, I intentionally didn’t set any rules.  I never said I’d only pick my best photos.  Instead I have focused on my favorites or even most interesting.  This week Continue reading 2012 Week #22

Grizzly Bears in Denali National Park and Preserve

DNP - Grizzly Sow and Cubs

Two of the hardest animals to spot in Denali National Park are grizzly bears and wolves.  During my trip I missed out on the wolves, but I did see a grizzly sow and her two cubs.  The little cubs were Continue reading Grizzly Bears in Denali National Park and Preserve

Hiking and Viewing at Flat Top in Anchorage, Alaska

Flat Top

Whenever I’m asked for places to see in Alaska (or more specifically Anchorage) Flat Top makes the cut.  The main viewing area can be accessed by car (driving directions below).  Depending on the weather Mount Susitna (Sleeping Lady) and Mt. McKinley Continue reading Hiking and Viewing at Flat Top in Anchorage, Alaska

Finally…I’ve Seen Orcas in the Wild

AMHS - Columbia - Orcas in Wrangell

I really, really, really wanted to see Orcas while I cruised through Canada and Alaska on the Alaska Marine Highway System.  And finally, today my wishes were answered while waiting for our boat to leave Wrangell, Alaska.  There were two Continue reading Finally…I’ve Seen Orcas in the Wild

Checking In From Ketchikan, Alaska

AMHS - Columbia - Finlayson Channel - View from back of Boat

We left Bellingham, Washington on Friday at 6:30 pm and finally arrived in our first port today (Sunday at 6:30 am).  My dogs couldn’t have been happier to walk on solid ground.  I’ll write another time about the experience of Continue reading Checking In From Ketchikan, Alaska

Preparing My Home for Vacation

My Front Porch

There are only a few days of work between now and when I board the ferry on Friday.  Finishing up the last few tasks at both work and home will keep me going full speeed between now and then. I’ve Continue reading Preparing My Home for Vacation

How Portland Made Me Rethink the Inca Trail

Washington Park Entrance Stairs

Last October I had my fifth knee surgery.  It all started in 2001 with a right knee Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction.  In 2003 the saga of my left knee started with another ACL reconstruction.  Since then I had a Continue reading How Portland Made Me Rethink the Inca Trail