I’d never previously heard of HipCamp, as I usually stick with either VRBO or AirBnB when I need a place to sleep while out on adventures. However, I was looking for something a bit more budget friendly in the Grand Canyon area, and stumbling upon the Grand Canyon Eco-retreat was a welcome surprise. The place…
Tag: a day in the life
Coming out of my shell at the 2023 Arizona Renaissance Festival
My love of the Arizona Renaissance Festival has blossomed over the years into a true romance. This year I went further into the cosplay than I ever had before, dressing up in a different costume every weekend. It brought me even more joy than I had hoped for, making 2023 the best RenFest yet. Read…
Sometimes, the old ways are the best ways…
I’ve made it through the first week of work for the New Year, 2023. I decide to purchase a Arizona State Parks annual pass, with the hope it will keep me motivated to pursue outdoor goals. I start by heading back to an old favorite of mine, Lost Dutchman State Park. Nothing to difficult for…
NYE at Mystic Hot Springs
The long wintry drive from Jackson, Wyoming to southern Utah was before me on the last day of 2022. Snow, rain, and the occasional moment of sun were all on display over the seven hour journey. When I get to Mystic Hot Springs, the rain starts to fall again, ever so lightly. My pioneer wagon…
Yellowstone in winter at the Old Faithful Lodge
I leave Salt Lake City and my family on a rainy morning. Christmas is over and the time has come for my next adventure. Through the rain and snow I go up north, finally arriving in Jackson Hole, Wyoming later that afternoon. I have one night here in downtown. It’s been a few years, but…
The wine country of Elgin, Tubac and other hidden gems
Piggy backing off a work trip in south Tucson, I stay for the weekend to go exploring. First up was a trip into the Tumacacori mountains for some hiking. Although it was the end of September the morning temperatures were cool in the higher elevations. The summer monsoons have the trails covered in overgrown weeds,…
My night in the Capital of the Highlands
Downtown Inverness is alive and buzzing with activity as I walk along the river. Throngs of folks are enjoying drinks and dinner outside, as it is a lovely, late summer evening. Wandering aimlessly I am, hoping to stumble upon a place that will accept a solo traveler looking for a quiet meal. Crossing bridges, admiring…
Finishing the Great Glen Way – the final stretch to Inverness
It was hard to fathom that my final day of walking in Scotland was here. My body has surprised me in every possible way…physically, mentally and spiritually. I am the best version of myself as I starting walking along the tarmac from Blackfold. I use my time to fondly remember the people with whom I’ve…
The Craiginonie & Boimacoon Woods
I pull out the hand drawn, makeshift map I was given and find my way through the Drumnadrochit streets to the secret walking path. A trail mostly used for dog walking or a quiet contemplation of life in general. It was just what I needed for this second to last day on the Great Glen…
Walking backwards from Blackfold
As I am enjoying a hearty Scottish breakfast of salmon and eggs, my hostess brings me a hand drawn map of Drumnadrochit. “Since you are such a fast walker, you may want to explore some of our village’s local woods after your walk today”. I was touched by such amazing hospitality, but it’s been like…
walking to Drumnadrochit
I did not want to leave the comfort I found at the Glenmoriston Hotel. Eating breakfast in the dining nook, watching the overcast clouds, I was at peace. After a full belly though, I ready myself for day six on the Great Glen Way as I prepare to walk to Drumnadrochit. Lucky have I been…
Taking the high route to Invermoriston
It was close to noon by the time I get off the boat at Loch Ness and back onto the Great Glen Way. This is the latest that I have ever started a hike, but I wasn’t nervous about reaching my destination on time. Today’s route was only 7 1/2 miles. It only takes a…