I was rereading Audrey's postĀ about traveling in Japan, and it got me thinking about the wonderful experiences that I had living in Shizuoka and traveling around the country. I first moved to Japan as a participant on the JET Program and ended up staying for a little over six years. It's been over a decade... Continue Reading →
While dreaming of our Optimum Road Trip, we're still out on our walks and the trails in the neighborhood. While capturing this young Mallard family, this Red Finch had his eye on me only a few feet away. After his departure, we continued on to capture more neighborhood critters along the Haun Trail and the... Continue Reading →
When we first set out on our cross-country road trip in the summer of 2015, the cooler was full of sausages, cheese, eggs, condiments, meat, and I don't remember what else. After my morning fail with coffee, it was difficult to get the cooking going. Even after purchasing theĀ Coleman Bottle Top Propane Stove, I didn't... Continue Reading →
In June of 2015, I packed up all of my belongings and moved them into a storage unit in New York City for the summer. My dog, Kenobi, and I got into a rental car and started our trip out West. In preparation, I had mapped out all of the National Forests where we'd stay,... Continue Reading →
It's time. What seemed to be a catastrophe is really an opportunity. Time is now on my side to tackle not the Ultimate Road Trip, but the The Optimal U.S. National Parks Centennial Road Trip.Ā Yes, this one was created by Randal S. Olson, too and includes stops at 47 National Parks. Perfect! Again, he states... Continue Reading →
We did a lot of wandering around our neighborhood this weekend. We got to Lake of the Isles and to the Bass Lake Reserve. Yesterday, the most exciting photos are of a Great Blue Heron: He was just perching here watching me take photos of him. We moved a little closer, closer, and a bit... Continue Reading →
Thursday night, this fog filled the bay. I like fog--great ambiance. Does anyone else remember the old, black-and-white movies where foggy scenes embraced human communication wrapped in overcoats? There is something about fog.Ā Not all that good for taking a variety of picture, unfortunately. Perhaps if the sun had been cooperating . . . This... Continue Reading →
We were not up very early, but got a great start on the day's hiking. After filling up on breakfast, we prepared for the entire day out on trails. That means Kenobi was carrying a full back pack (Ruffwear Approach Full-Day Hiking Pack for Dogs, Orange Poppy (2017), Medium) with his water, treats, baggies, and... Continue Reading →
We left almost on time on WednesdayĀ just after noon and didn't face much traffic at all except for the two construction areas along 35W north. Even there, it wasn't bad--a single lane but not stopping. It was a gorgeous day for a road trip. Smooth and easy--from Minneapolis: 100 to 35W north to 61... Continue Reading →
Not just the Haun Trail, but our entire walk to the trail along the railroad tracks and back again is always pleasant. Today it took us over two hours to complete our loop. Birds filled the tress along the Greenway, but I couldn't see many--just heard them--and what a choir! I captured the Cardinal couple... Continue Reading →
On the Trails with Kenobi 