This trek combined agrarian culture and rugged wild beauty with the comfort of a bed and a hot meal at every stop. It is one of those places where you never know when you might find a chicken under the dining room table, have a child eat off your plate, or see a man carrying a grown woman in a basket supported by his forehead.
Rochester Gems for Every Season - Feed the Birds, a Living Art Hike, and Festivals
Rochester, New York has something for every season. These are a few local gems that aren’t a secret, but even if you have lived here for years you may not have experienced them all.
Iceland Highlights - The Best Waterfalls, Hikes, Canyons, and Other Sights
I keep getting asked What is the best? and What if you have to pick just one? While there are hard questions to answer, here is my best shot at it. If I was going to do this trip again and only go to the very best places these would be my picks.
Western Iceland - Exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Hiking Glymur
Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called mini Iceland for its mix of sights from all around the country. While it does condense a lot of Iceland into on spot, it also has many sights of its own that we you won’t find anywhere else.
Northern Iceland - Searching for Hot Springs and Exploring Volcanic Wonders
When I think of going north I tend to visualize snowcapped mountains. While I’m sure there are many in the north, the Ring Road takes you through the center of the north which presents fewer snowcapped mountains than the fjords, but plenty of volcanic activity.
Eastern Iceland - Admiring Basalt Columns, Ice, and Driving Through Fjords
It is hard to imagine anything on Route 1 being off the beaten path, but much of the East Fjords has that feel. This is an area with something new around every corner and plenty of surprises.
Southern Iceland - Waiting for Geysers, Exploring Secluded Waterfalls, Searching for Puffins, and Glacier Hiking
The lush greenery of the southern coast provided more stunning vistas at every turn with dozens of waterfalls cascading from the cliffs above. While this part of the country is known for hordes of tourists, and we did deal with some, we also found a few magical places to enjoy in peace.
California Bloom - Fire, rain, and flowers in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Malibu
A little over a year ago much of this area was ravaged by fire, but now the rains have come and life has returned full force in a dramatic way. While these areas are often baked brown, we had the privilege to witness the hills in green and golden splendor. Walking through the hills surrounded by wildflowers that were often taller than us and watching butterflies flit about was magical.
Vietnam - Ninh Binh - Mountains, rice paddies, rivers, and cycling
Stunning! This area was like Ha Long Bay on land, but without the pollution and a fraction of the tourists.
Hong Kong - Lion Rock Park Suicide Cliff Hike - Looking Down on the City in Solitude
It is exhilarating to be right on the edge, totally alone, with millions of people below you.