The plan was to spend a couple of days in Chicago exploring which is technically what happened, but it’s the other things that also happened which make this story worth telling. Amazingly we somehow drove into Chicago hitting no traffic whatsoever, which gave us more time to grumble about the number of tolls you are forced to pay … Continue reading A Christmas Miracle
Living and Nothing Else
As I pulled up to the beach and looked out at the water I was overcome by the feeling of disappointment. I had a plan. I was going to swim for exercise in the calm morning waters but apparently, Mother Nature didn’t get the memo. The wind was whipping and the waves were crashing one … Continue reading Living and Nothing Else
Traveler Truths
As I've been preparing to hop over another ocean (this time headed for Paris, France) I was reminded of this older post that I put out and thought it was worth a share once again. Au Revoir! I was recently reminded of a travel story from when I was down in Patagonia several … Continue reading Traveler Truths
The Love Child
My return travel from the South Island of New Zealand to the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. was about to begin. With roughly 1 billion hours of travel time ahead of me I needed a bit of mental preparation beforehand, rightfully so, this was going to be a long trek. I prepared by spending the … Continue reading The Love Child
The Airport
There is no better place on the planet to watch the ultimate culture convergence than at the airport. Where else does just about everything seem normal? As you frantically pull your luggage from the car at curbside, hustle past the long-huggers and breeze through the double doors toward the check-in counter you already begin to … Continue reading The Airport
A Worthwhile Endeavor
Today I went for a hike with my 2-year old munchkin strapped to my back. I lumbered along steadily climbing up in elevation for 4 miles without resting until I reached our destination. Parents out there understand that when you're hiking with a munchkin it’s easier to keep moving than it is to stop and … Continue reading A Worthwhile Endeavor
World’s End, Patagonia Part: 2
The morning following our 22-mile (35km) day of hiking we awoke to a gentle tapping on our tent, which meant rain. That sound immediately deflated my ambition and I think that Ian and I both strongly considered just having a down day. A day filled with lounging in the tent playing cards and reading books … Continue reading World’s End, Patagonia Part: 2
World’s End, Patagonia Part 1:
When it comes to getting married I’m the type of person who'd rather not spend a ton of money on a ring or the wedding itself for a few reasons, which I will list for you here: Although I appreciate the concept of jewelry, I myself don’t live a lifestyle that is conducive to wearing … Continue reading World’s End, Patagonia Part 1:
Traveler Truths
I was recently reminded of a travel story from when I was down in Patagonia several years ago. It’s one of those classic traveler memories that are funny after the fact but in the moment there was absolutely nothing funny about it. I’ve always acknowledged this reality about traveling in my own mind but it … Continue reading Traveler Truths
Taking the long way to Rocky Mountain NP
Since we were based out of Colorado for the summer my mom and her long time friend came to visit us from Michigan via train. They had big plans to squeeze as much in as they could while visiting so as soon as they arrived we got busy. First we headed south from … Continue reading Taking the long way to Rocky Mountain NP