This article about a nature-forward Portugal vacation is for you if: A solution to all the above is grounding in the trees, plants, rocks, and water -- or adopting a nature-forward philosophy to your travel. But don't worry, a nature-forward focus won't usurp your hopes and dreams to see the sites, learn about culture, and enjoy delectable food & drink. Instead, it … [Read more...] about How to take a nature forward vacation to Portugal
Europe
Wild Tory Island — the magic of remote Ireland
It’s a bone-chilling Irish morning and I awake to the dim energy of the sun trying to rise — injecting a pinkish hue into the end of my slumber. My 19th century bedroom chamber is dark and cold, but it’s time to get ready for my date with the Queen of Aran. I layer up for the journey ahead of me — two sets of long underwear, sweaters, hat, gloves, wool socks, puffy … [Read more...] about Wild Tory Island — the magic of remote Ireland
Winter’s light at Solstice
Light. This time of year the natural darkness seems to bring about inspiration guided by light. Cross cultural references are made about stars, lamp oil, and yule logs. Even the pre-Celtic people living ages ago in Ireland looked toward one intense ray of golden winter glow, entering a passage tomb deep within a neolithic cave -- so well engineered the stones … [Read more...] about Winter’s light at Solstice
Photos that make me yearn for the old sod — County Donegal, Ireland
Welcome to County Donegal, located in the wild Northwestern section of the Republic of Ireland. Half of my heritage hails from this part of the world, and I feel a strong sense of connection to this especially mystic region of the Emerald Isle. From North Atlantic surf crashing onto broad sandy beaches to the dramatic contrasts between tranquil lakes and lofty mountains, the … [Read more...] about Photos that make me yearn for the old sod — County Donegal, Ireland
Grindelwald, Switzerland: That time I tried to outsmart the Swiss
To view the photo essay associated with this winter getaway, check out Winter hiking in Grindelwald, Switzerland: a photo gallery. Spending the month of January in Seattle is good medicine for me to restart some routines that got lost along the way in 2019. I had a club membership but traveled so often I forgot the combination to my gym lock. Food and … [Read more...] about Grindelwald, Switzerland: That time I tried to outsmart the Swiss