https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/98128acb-a66f-4ceb-bb5b-2d44e7261856/2023-05-13_17-51-13_642+Large.jpg https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202211londonparis daily 0.75 2023-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b8905a66-4495-4bc4-b6e4-198e6426cf98/2022-11-13_03-19-40_703.jpg 2022-11-londonparis 1. The Northern Lights during the flight to our layover in Iceland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/16a60011-3719-493e-8e2e-d7f6ebf5cb38/Picture1.jpg 2022-11-londonparis 2. Our London apartment was in a residential neighborhood, behind the orange door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/af5257b2-4382-455b-a516-4cbe176abc14/2022-11-17_10-15-19_456.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 3. Behind the orange door - welcome to Tanner Studios! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/60c5d940-247e-43f2-9d85-fe377e75bfc3/2022-11-14_14-17-52_399.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 4. The view from our bedroom window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/748c78ff-be50-4b63-b83b-c49f56e3edc4/2022-11-17_10-06-23_684.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 5. Rick had some trouble sleeping in London, and we suspect the decorating in our apartment may have played a role. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/558c6dcd-79c1-4e04-8e02-8d6ea4adbe43/2022-11-13_19-29-16_536.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 6. The pub where we had our first dinner in London, after a long day of travel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9680812a-280d-4e8c-a8c3-9e1cf7888120/2022-11-13_18-30-34_700.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 7. Sunday roast, a British tradition. mmm, mmm good... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/85ffd320-561a-4872-b580-570c5192197f/2022-11-13_19-12-30_102.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 8. Tower Bridge, which was only several blocks from our apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/be56e20e-202d-4d18-a5c6-5dd6c290ffc0/2022-11-13_19-14-02_475.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 9. A view of the 95-story Shard from Tower Bridge. The Shard was looming in the background during much of our time in London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/452981af-b37a-41f0-bf26-41535fdfdaad/2022-11-13_19-22-32_147.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 10. The lack of sleep during our flight, combined with a beer, eventually made things a little loopy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/13c550cb-3d0f-4906-a120-24e68139edd7/2022-11-14_10-00-16_474.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 11. Julie at the south side of London Bridge, which has not fallen down yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e3b7bff0-7282-4d75-a1c2-89bafc0da57a/2022-11-14_10-42-16_697.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 12. The British Museum, opened in 1759. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c32cfb95-8363-402e-828b-378fa5b93a34/2022-11-14_11-22-22_527.jpg 2022-11-londonparis 13. Lots of cool antiquities at the Museum, including this modest gold collar from ancient Egypt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bf6bcd6e-c5f3-417f-ad1f-1cd4bff167b1/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-25%2520at%25207.08.20%2520AM-3eef8ad.png 2022-11-londonparis 14. The Holy Thorn Reliquary, from 1400, which purportedly contains a thorn from the Crown of Thorns worn by Christ. Hmmm... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4270a5b5-4361-45fa-b9d2-bc2a8d1e698e/2022-11-14_11-45-09_038.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 15. The bust of Rameses the Great, another of the many artifacts pilfered from Egypt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/55e70a94-bcaf-41ff-bd20-82a84cf750ca/2022-11-14_13-13-05_961.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 16. The British Library, which showcases great works from its literary, scientific, music, art, and sacred texts collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/11847427-bdec-415e-b97e-9d2d4fc7cec7/2022-11-14_12-43-00_700-e280589.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 17. A little ditty that Mozart composed in 1789. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9408c466-8936-40d3-9a96-e6ff706d06be/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-25%2520at%25207.16.54%2520AM.png 2022-11-londonparis 18. The lyrics to "In My Life," which John Lennon wrote on the back of a birthday card that he gave to his son Julian, and then promptly took back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aea47fda-9903-4ba5-92ae-f0b421f329e0/2022-11-14_18-07-07_912.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 19. Riding the tube (subway) in London is always an adventure. (By the way, this is an escalator to the trains, not the tube itself!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4de32c9f-c862-4872-9783-802293aff8ff/2022-11-14_10-17-29_868.jpg 2022-11-londonparis 20. See what we mean? An iconic London tube sight warns of danger - in the infamous and mysterious gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1b3bcef1-97f8-406c-b77a-455f675d0eb6/2022-11-14_18-36-07_244.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 21. Outside the ABBA Voyage Arena, where we saw ABBA perform all their hits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fa9295b1-3402-4f7e-98db-197b711c79a9/2022-11-14_18-45-16_490.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 22. Imbibing before the “really big shew.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bd2bce3c-a58f-4bd6-821c-50639274eabc/2022-11-14_19-41-39_045.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 23. Pretty cool atmosphere inside the arena. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b7c92b0c-a866-4cf1-bbc3-e2638bb08184/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-25%2520at%25207.24.49%2520AM-a4e46d7.png 2022-11-londonparis 24. ABBA 3D holograms onstage -- it seemed very real and was an experience straight from the future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e33ae1b1-c542-4ddf-bfee-58895000cf9d/2022-11-15_12-20-36_563.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 25. The Imperial War Museum, focusing on WWl, WWII, and the Holocaust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c11591d4-8746-480e-a74f-6a9380a594ec/2022-11-15_13-12-13_547.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 26. This toy makes life in the WWI trenches seem like child's play. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7ed79c65-0cb8-42e6-8d03-302fc3b1d25f/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-25%2520at%25207.27.09%2520AM.png 2022-11-londonparis 27. It was anything but, though… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/daca8a27-9eba-4a8c-a31a-6da3bea45b8f/2022-11-15_13-26-27_698.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 28. The King of England was so grateful for American soldiers participating in the war that he prepared this letter, which was delivered to each soldier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2ef5db07-77ca-40ae-9487-cf3d5926e9f1/2022-11-15_16-50-40_023.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 29. Borough Market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aae95644-218a-48c7-89bf-c6008085478e/2022-11-15_17-00-51_224.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 30. We bought Xmas pudding from this bloke, which tasted a lot like fruitcake - the pudding, not the bloke. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c23ef5ca-e97e-4d48-aaba-3678de95912d/2022-11-15_16-04-37_046.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 31. The Shard, looming up close and personal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a605f5ab-dd41-4797-990c-c0e20f7e9c56/2022-11-16_19-49-24_524.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 32. Prosecco, anyone? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/98201019-cf98-4452-9866-3b6726195717/2022-11-16_19-57-03_085.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 33. Rick enjoying Prosecco, while the bartender seemingly gives photographer Julie the evil eye. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/983bc284-f647-435c-b952-9bf8b2ec70c6/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-28%2520at%252012.51.07%2520PM.png 2022-11-londonparis 34. Tower of London, with the Shard looming in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dede0fa3-af6f-4022-b71e-c2003e7411d8/2022-11-16_10-48-49_261.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 35. The Churchill War Rooms, a secret bunker used during WWII, right in the middle of London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2bce3f88-0551-4d7c-8256-9d410c52c0b2/2022-11-16_10-59-26_293.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 36. There were nearly 500 people working with Churchill to kick some Nazi ass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f3c664a4-3d5a-487f-b22a-84da48d75bee/2022-11-16_11-52-34_589.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 37. One of the primary war rooms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c9a6ea82-35e3-48b2-ab70-db395976daf6/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-28%2520at%252012.51.55%2520PM.png 2022-11-londonparis 38. Big Ben! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c4672062-ae7f-424f-aaf0-a4fc9657883f/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-25%2520at%25207.34.38%2520AM.png 2022-11-londonparis 39. A helpful swan points the way to Kensington Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/84733f17-13b2-4eeb-9ccc-a7bfd89e56d1/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-25%2520at%25207.35.24%2520AM-0200fbc.png 2022-11-londonparis 40. Kensington Palace, where eighteen families with royal blood currently live, courtesy of the British people's pocketbooks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7592cf45-5fbd-428b-8680-6e89ed047169/2022-11-16_13-58-16_446.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 41. A grand staircase inside the palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/483b0c99-5406-45b6-ac55-74848466a3d8/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-28%2520at%252012.55.26%2520PM.png 2022-11-londonparis 42. The Jewel Room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4824ead3-cb74-49f5-a867-e97c51c0ca8f/2022-11-16_14-04-22_154.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 43. There's elegant decorating throughout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/afa6dcb2-b9e0-434c-af7d-87f3692a374e/2022-11-16_14-02-39_165.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 44. Rick does one of his famous ballroom dancer impersonations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7096e428-c1b8-42b3-9087-657f33373895/2022-11-16_14-52-40_129.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 45. One of the royals landed at the palace, just as we concluded our visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aa58f1b9-fbde-4204-9a93-f23cff96434d/2022-11-16_18-36-14_661.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 46. Spending time at the London Beer Factory, which is along the Bermondsey Beer Mile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6ab29114-74f0-4366-a6d1-9f951d782066/2022-11-17_10-52-17_396.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 47. St. Pancras Station, as we wait to travel to France under the English Channel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0bd8f6b9-5e7e-4fef-8237-17a1ea1bfdd5/2022-11-17_13-17-08_328.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 48. Julie outside our Eurostar car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/74c57494-41f6-4e00-9e7d-6d289a656077/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-28%2520at%25201.01.59%2520PM.png 2022-11-londonparis 49. That bugger really went fast - that's about 165 mph! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b61a92cf-4e0b-4be3-8f42-6515bb65398c/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-28%2520at%25201.02.52%2520PM.png 2022-11-londonparis 50. Traveling near the speed of light, our bodies took on strange, ghostly forms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ff4a4f88-9650-4399-b046-5bea4e9849b1/2022-11-17_15-56-36_986.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 51. Bienvenue a Paris! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/56652092-f6f8-45df-96f5-7d82f24d3711/2022-11-20_14-25-12_793.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 52. Our Paris apartment was on the 4th floor of this building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f7ea4c20-a075-47ba-ae80-7e1d37a637c5/2022-11-22_09-24-13_159.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 53. It was a cozy two-bedroom, with a really cozy kitchen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/00c0f00c-d026-46b0-9d53-6ae995fad580/2022-11-17_18-34-27_688.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 54. The view out our windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6e9ce431-6523-476d-b503-75acd5a3b6bc/2022-11-17_19-07-17_133.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 55. Sampling the just-released 2022 Beaujolais Nouveau at a cafe along Rue Rivoli, which was only a block from our apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/96f7b8bc-80ba-47e3-bf05-9d33583b598c/2022-11-17_18-45-31_385.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 56. Rue Rivoli during a lull in auto traffic, but the bike (velo) traffic was coming on strong. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b473b07a-d20c-4383-9ac7-da70fb844f9a/2022-11-18_21-06-30_331.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 57. The Hotel de Ville (former city hall), just across the street from our Beaujolais Nouveau tasting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8684450d-a1db-49e3-a60e-0725c51f6072/2022-11-18_12-12-32_756.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 58. Enjoying a walk along the Seine River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2c9f374a-d9c8-4c20-8fa6-d33eaa595ce4/2022-11-18_13-19-02_530.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 59. Inside the Conciergerie, a former palace dating back to the 1300's, that became a prison during the French Revolution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/97ee6bcd-2101-4bce-b6e8-03afe2928030/2022-11-18_12-28-08_323.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 60. Cool art exhibit there, with everything made from sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/53aa70ff-6991-436d-9af6-d2071ce678cc/2022-11-18_13-12-09_865.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 61. Marie "Let 'em eat cake" Antoinette, spent some time in a cell in this area before she lost her head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e2060bbb-a6c7-45be-97f3-b4b70b029748/2022-11-18_13-32-42_457.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 62. Inside Sainte-Chapelle, a royal chapel adjacent to the Conciergerie, which was built from 1238 to 1248. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/677301c8-e664-45c6-be8a-6db9bded07ef/2022-11-18_13-34-00_505.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 63. Amazing stained glass on all the walls of the chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2efb8a2c-d47d-4d25-811f-06f24cf2c877/2022-11-18_13-52-26_578.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 64. Norte Dame de Paris - severely damaged by fire in April 2019. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6decd620-4745-420c-a1f1-9b8127c42e4d/2022-11-18_14-02-33_730.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 65. The Notre Dame reconstruction work is a significant undertaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/697167c4-39c1-4d58-ac71-6b2b456844b7/2022-11-18_14-53-40_039.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 66. Berthillon - a place for some tres bonne, very expensive ice cream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5bae09c8-9b2e-42f9-8685-71046e4690de/2022-11-18_14-29-04_479.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 67. Yummy! (That's make-your-own hot chocolate on the trays to the right.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6c7d4210-3f43-406a-9560-5831e951a642/2022-11-19_10-51-40_551.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 68. A big red door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/578e48b7-de6b-4274-a4cd-76d7b8794636/2022-11-18_15-08-04_858.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 69. A VERY BIG red door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bef8da4e-e24c-4535-8f5a-5536fbf9c4c4/2022-11-18_18-04-07_801.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 70. Bercy Village -- now a mall, but back in the day, for over a century, it was the largest wine market in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/608f0d77-592e-45a0-a363-0f88ca87801f/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-25%2520at%25207.59.51%2520AM-13ec8fb.png 2022-11-londonparis 71. We had some unusual, but tasty, savory crepes for dinner at Bercy Village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fca78648-b9b1-4374-9c26-9e2a8f77f944/2022-11-18_19-44-23_397.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 72. Then we headed back to the Paris Marais neighborhood to relax with some drinks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5220568f-74b9-417f-89cd-5d5a9f462865/2022-11-18_20-39-08_663.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 73. A mixed drink in a beaker - now there's a new one for you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3183230c-b0fb-43d3-bb8e-e9283ceeeb6f/2022-11-19_11-10-54_509.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 74. At the Marché des Enfants Rouges, a charming urban food market where Julie enjoyed a sweet crepe for breakfast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c1ad6d9f-015e-4622-9801-49478822d2fc/2022-11-19_11-37-22_673.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 75. Strolling through Paris, with a quick stop to check-out an information kiosk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e091fc4a-23b5-4764-ac62-727250fd8ba8/2022-11-19_13-34-49_991.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 76. The Musee de l'Orangerie, a Monet-centric art museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b915afe8-130b-4e33-a003-ddcd3b127a20/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-25%2520at%25209.48.39%2520AM.png 2022-11-londonparis 77. Some of Monet's water Lilies in the type of relaxed, quiet, open setting in which he wanted them displayed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dbc55340-6f27-4d46-90fd-f22eb3b132af/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-25%2520at%25209.45.55%2520AM.png 2022-11-londonparis 78. But also room for a Renoir. Remember when art museums generally prohibited photography? The museums are no match for the world of cell phones... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/28238d00-f7ec-4aef-bba5-6f699eded20d/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-25%2520at%25209.44.02%2520AM.jpg 2022-11-londonparis 79. The Eiffel Tower, along with some other vertical objects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/66b46d2b-32b5-4920-9f88-d20ab8ba6a0e/2022-11-19_12-15-43_563.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 80. The Ferris Wheel at the site of the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, and we were there for 2022's opening day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8b196e0a-ccd6-4a7a-b52f-1ad209d580e9/2022-11-19_13-52-11_926.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 81. It was fun exploring a Paris holiday market combined with a carnival. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/598c2f36-9826-4258-8886-c6071d8d04bf/2022-11-19_13-53-37_290.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 82. Quite the grill for cooking bratwursts and other sausages! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5e50f9aa-f70e-4c74-872b-467f7ccfb07d/2022-11-19_13-50-02_927.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 83. A larger-than-life German Christmas pyramid candle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/49706f19-5210-4e4c-8205-bafbf665e475/2022-11-19_13-54-50_530.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 84. Raclette cheese melters! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c9646811-5f6d-4000-ad41-73b2a7c49d1d/2022-11-19_14-13-19_165.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 85. Rick on the Roue de Paris 200-foot-tall Ferris Wheel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/509eec3a-f5cd-41f2-ae56-27041e4cbf09/2022-11-19_14-18-19_533.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 86. Our ride on the Wheel provided great views of Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3de17e9d-a3be-46e3-93e5-6326d47fdd9f/2022-11-19_14-18-38_398.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 87. We were lucky to have dry weather for riding the Wheel, as it had been raining some in Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a64d99c7-5f86-409c-834a-780ec21f73cf/2022-11-20_11-16-32_867.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 88. Back in the rain, posing for a unique mirror shot on the Sunday morning streets of Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/449f05b6-17d3-466f-ad8b-272aa27c23d8/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-25%2520at%25209.59.53%2520AM.png 2022-11-londonparis 89. The large stores in Paris go all out with their Christmas decorations. This is Dior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/48827e47-51f2-496f-b51b-83808870da9a/2022-11-20_12-21-19_290.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 90. The Palais Garnier, a 1,979-seat opera house constructed in 1875. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/022717bf-751c-4390-a316-c404d8ea456c/2022-11-20_11-46-26_961.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 91. The opera house is an amazingly ornate building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/be771640-d268-4a38-a8e8-cdec7f28a5aa/2022-11-20_11-49-34_661.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 92. The theater itself - photos weren't allowed there, but who's that stopping? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4d8e9ade-8c21-473b-ae4d-2ce57a30e982/2022-11-20_12-08-18_145.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 93. The Gen-Zer's were in full force, striking all sorts of modeling poses for their Instagrams, so we decided to have some fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/49190298-79bf-4104-b566-651596406107/2022-11-20_12-08-54_893.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 94. Bravo! Encore! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4753d6d5-f745-4e9e-aaba-fb203e3eba2c/2022-11-20_11-58-48_792.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 95. The ostentatious and rather gaudy reception area for intermission breaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b6a4267c-1d2d-402b-a2ee-cea38f6364d0/2022-11-20_12-56-48_807.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 96. Julie to the rescue with hot chocolate at the Lindt Shop Paris, which was a welcome respite from the rain and cold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6c81f6c0-08f5-4367-a0d3-c894f9a00be9/2022-11-20_13-46-43_812.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 97. The Galleries Lafayette, a century-old department store, that really knows how to do Christmas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/77a9f750-5d83-4cd9-8b31-da750aa48c84/2022-11-20_13-15-19_423.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 98. Still outside the Galleries Lafayette. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/74597a0e-9c5b-475c-82a8-3716ba752564/2022-11-20_13-37-27_134.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 99. The Galleries' bold and ostentatious (word of the day?) Christmas tree, below the store's steel-frame art nouveau glass dome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2c757bcf-2167-419b-a4fc-b86a0197787a/2022-11-20_13-37-35_505.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 100. An Instagram-worthy selfie, if ever there was one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/77b99319-0875-4a4c-8eef-06dd2cc08dec/2022-11-20_13-39-51_104.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 101. Let's have another look at that crazy, ostentatious tree! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/15f976a1-57e0-4ee3-9289-90b7bdc531ed/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-11-25%2520at%25209.57.29%2520AM.png 2022-11-londonparis 102. The Paris department stores have Xmas window displays with decks so the petite ones can get a look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/651fc9e4-c66c-4806-96b2-87bab37ac95b/2022-11-20_19-15-41_442.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 103. We were on the Champs-Elysees when the city turned on the Christmas lights for the start of the 2022 shopping season. The Arc de Triomphe is in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/00c15da8-a04e-409e-a78b-7caa1ef4229b/2022-11-20_19-52-37_338.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 104. A view of the Champs from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e071a828-be25-4491-b541-7a0cbf00509a/2022-11-20_19-47-48_119.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 105. The Eiffel Tower was also in fine form. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/61bdaa05-d5df-4853-a574-45740d5d52b1/2022-11-20_19-58-21_622.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 106. The staircase for descending the Arch. There was another staircase for going up that was just as dizzying! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c56c5bcf-173b-43ae-8b13-209185e137b7/2022-11-21_03-41-29_061.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 107. We spent our last day in Paris at Disneyland, only a thirty-minute train ride from the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b41116f8-517f-4c10-b5db-9cfde9b5a537/2022-11-21_15-00-37_902.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 108. Unfortunately, the rain had returned with a vengeance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/36d13a6a-2d1c-4f54-9d7f-bd6828f65ab2/2022-11-21_05-07-02_020.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 109. And the crowds were unexpectedly large for November. We waited over thirty minutes for a rather lame Pinocchio ride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e0575e37-bc62-4b7a-a4ad-e0d52b313ddf/2022-11-21_14-59-24_707.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 110. Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty Castle). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/58f2c913-b72c-427e-88c1-4bb8ffa37dfe/2022-11-21_14-55-56_113.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 111. Phantom Manor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8d27d275-47b5-49a7-9786-293a67dbc5ff/2022-11-21_14-45-35_788.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 112. Inside Phantom Manor. Spooky, but fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c8c1d1a9-f40b-486a-bf16-d4a653435512/2022-11-21_14-10-52_865.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 113. Perhaps the best news of the day? We only waited ten minutes to ride the merry-go-round! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7fa935fd-0f40-4b62-8ee2-7fb62dbc3cf3/2022-11-22_02-38-45_207.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 114. Taking the RER train to the airport for our trip back home. Rick had a cold, so he tried to be a good citizen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fcd8a217-dcae-4e72-b155-70f6ea2ebf49/2022-11-22_12-11-14_176.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 115. Look at all the ice on the approach to er, um ... Iceland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6583077c-b547-404b-93d0-cec50fe9b4f9/2022-11-22_09-22-23_057.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 116. We had to take a very crowded bus from the terminal to our plane headed for the USA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b2181c0c-9ff2-4dc1-bd9c-b41194037e07/2022-11-22_09-45-12_617.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 117. Comfortably situated for the seven-hour flight from Reykjavik to Denver. As you may have noticed, Rick’s mask didn't make it this far. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dfe8762c-530c-467c-9202-84fa845a98ee/2022-11-22_12-19-25_891.jpeg 2022-11-londonparis 118. Julie snapped a fantastic shot of Greenland, about an hour or so into our flight. Fortunately, Denver was not covered with as much snow when we got back home. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/photo-index daily 0.75 2026-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/e73a5617-f0bd-4975-a0d5-ee10f710a48e/imgg-demo-9pgfX337.png Photo Index https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/667f41cd-7703-4f11-bfee-22d4756246e0/imgg-demo-nRrNzbfO.png Photo Index https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/41b5da29-36b8-41ef-afac-df12a8396101/imgg-demo-C59XbaOt.png Photo Index https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/945b27c1-3af4-4ced-997e-080d95a45d3f/imgg-demo-EpGLe4Je.png Photo Index https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/298625e8-e929-48ae-aff0-ee48c5881f64/Photo+Index+Background.jpeg Photo Index https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/about daily 0.75 2026-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c82156fd-23a0-4876-b4f0-b84760ac3690/2023-02-25_17-28-48_436+Large.jpeg https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202209nycboston daily 0.75 2023-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1e3231b6-847b-47a4-b036-2cc569418f76/2022-09-23_18-51-09_554.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 1. We traveled to NYC for Emily's and Cory's wedding, but more on that later! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/daa1e895-bc67-4781-9543-12f799064605/2022-09-21_19-09-13_712.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 2. First stop - dinner at Ellen's new Brooklyn apartment, which is quite snazzy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9c094225-26c1-4ad7-a467-688df740181f/2022-09-21_20-24-18_840.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 3. Delicious pizza dinner with family and friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7f24de76-5a6f-44c9-929b-927d712f12b2/2022-09-21_20-30-28_423.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 4. Mary and Julie on the elevator to the rooftop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6880d9d3-bd5d-4e8d-b250-59a30b1f3e1b/2022-09-21_20-39-47_365.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 5. Ellen's apartment has amazing rooftop views of Manhattan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/19b880b9-7f95-4098-90d2-481185546805/2022-09-21_20-43-25_885.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 6. Addie and Mary on the rooftop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/69174e50-6c6f-42a6-ac55-cca2aedeab49/2022-09-21_20-38-20_983.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 7. Nice shot of Ellen and Rick! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/db8a8290-5965-49b0-bea3-faffe3a6cede/2022-09-22_08-29-45_217.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 8. Manhattan buildings with One World Trade Center in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f01177cd-fddb-40be-b174-c4e986d54cad/2022-09-22_10-48-18_519.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 9. One World Trade Center reflecting pool (the soldier/cop is there because President Biden visited the area later). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9232b8e3-6c2c-4552-9e58-f04ceca375e8/2022-09-22_08-43-53_637.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 10. One World Trade Center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c6524d10-0c9b-4577-a37a-5f0742484457/2022-09-22_09-40-35_828.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 11. Julie riding to the top of One World Trade Center, the 7th tallest building in the world, at 1,776 feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/24c9a65a-3072-4f91-b001-a813b8810ba2/2022-09-22_11-28-24_006.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 12. View from the top as a storm blows in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d29f5ac5-4997-4783-b003-8505b1d247d1/2022-09-22_11-27-33_808.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 13. Another view from up high. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c6a08cbb-d89b-43a6-9520-2b623cabd070/2022-09-22_08-41-57_666.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 14. Second reflecting pool, with the Oculus Transportation Hub "wings" in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/10799235-1a27-4b23-8498-084461782021/2022-09-22_11-45-45_438%2520Large.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 15. Inside the Oculus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a5a3c7e3-977d-4697-b527-a426117f560d/2022-09-22_11-50-27_711%2520Large%25202.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 16. Rick in the main hall of the Oculus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7069da5d-0ee6-404f-9c27-f368fd353313/2022-09-22_20-45-52_468.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 17. Kalindi and Anne at the evening's pre-wedding party. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dff54f6b-0d46-4eda-bffb-fb3ac602853d/2022-09-22_21-10-28_520.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 18. Julie and Addie enjoying the pre-wedding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/59a895db-71e3-4e80-80ce-9d444cfee88a/2022-09-23_08-16-24_170.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 19. We took the train to New Jersey to visit State Number 46 for Rick. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8448b7ce-79cc-496d-a3ce-142cee932cfe/2022-09-23_08-44-25_776.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 20. Julie in NJ with the NYC skyline behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d2bf9237-eb37-4eb7-ba28-cdba6267677e/interior-national-memorial-museum-wtc-foundat.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 21. 9/11 Memorial and Museum -- this is the symbolic “Last Column” and the slurry wall that kept the Hudson River away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/51061c03-1cd4-4932-9c77-71c21e3ec6c5/2022-09-23_13-07-48_619%2520Large.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 22. Wreckage of the TV antenna tower mast from the top of one of the towers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9a3773d3-75b0-40a6-b741-b045b56f2c6a/ss-140515-9-11-museum-02.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 23. “Survivors’ Stairs” -- an escape route used by many people on 9/11. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a2438fc4-86b5-4784-ab52-0e841d13c84c/2022-09-23_17-49-15_571-e454ab1.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 24. On to happier things, it's wedding time - Dan and Rick study the dinner seating chart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a37924ec-a8f6-4845-9209-ad564955a9e8/2022-09-23_18-35-41_381.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 25. Attendants Will and Ellen walking up the aisle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3cf7ba89-31f2-4da3-b3c3-d5e5bddcb236/2022-09-23_18-37-31_728.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 26. Proud Parents Jim and Kristy with the beautiful bride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8d52286b-4f69-4633-9599-cdbfbf47765b/2022-09-23_18-53-35_902.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 27. Emily and Cory after their vows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b887ccb2-0357-473b-a36c-febe642ece45/2022-09-23_19-05-40_358.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 28. The Happy Couple surrounded by aunts, uncles, and a dad. L-R Mary, Paul, Matt, Emily, Cory, Jim, Dan, Julie, Andy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/814979f1-45b1-4332-98f7-bb3dc461eb95/2022-09-23_18-18-33_065.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 29. Jason and Julie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7c7f636d-467d-4925-b780-26fd1254d949/2022-09-23_17-50-16_363%2520Large.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 30. Chris and Dan. Dan was the wedding officiant, and did an excellent job. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/416109f1-1af6-4b43-9ddb-e58a196abc3d/2022-09-23_18-17-43_852.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 31. Julie and Queen Jane of Jane-istan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/10c97759-216d-43e1-aac6-21a1a5ea8122/2022-09-23_19-40-31_215.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 32. Kalindi, Ellen, and Jane. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/77d1771d-eb12-4700-9a3d-d9c31bae0f98/2022-09-23_21-55-35_190.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 33. Rick and Kelsey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/75a1971e-8022-4846-b1ba-a6226e8bd554/2022-09-23_23-28-59_324.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 34. Father-of-the-Bride Jim can finally relax. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1588afa8-f792-4bfc-ac61-7ba5350ab3bc/2022-09-23_20-01-00_634.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 35. Cool artsy shot from the wedding venue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bd8f4f4f-0bcb-4a0f-bff0-1b5ff0b97486/2022-09-23_21-42-21_582.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 36. Emily's good friend Robert entertains with his toast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2e190985-4b2d-4fbd-a949-d79850fbee99/2022-09-23_23-01-34_122.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 37. Jane, Julie, and Jason. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/203d12ff-fdea-4b5f-b36c-1966166bc0a6/2022-09-23_22-12-28_467%25202.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 38. Addie, Emily, and Kelsey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e10cf10f-8558-45e2-98ca-dc6924b3fcb3/2022-09-23_23-18-55_955%2520Large.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 39. Andy, Jane, and Jason. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aa30b2c2-4970-4aa8-878b-9c387e612f37/2022-09-23_22-12-40_258%25202.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 40. Beaming Bride Emily with Aunt Mary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/def37c19-29d5-48c5-a002-2aa08030be44/2022-09-24_11-38-53_326.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 41. A visit to Coney Island for Nathan's Hot Dogs - a great hangover cure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/421933dc-620d-4c84-ac7f-d3c8a6e3b0f4/2022-09-24_11-51-08_349.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 42. Yum... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/932f4f4f-b098-4c7b-bc54-63beb9a6a1e5/2022-09-24_12-13-05_122.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 43. Coney Island Wonder Wheel, built in 1920. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1221f48f-c399-40d3-8304-c0f80f49d3ab/2022-09-24_12-14-43_917.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 44. On the famous Boardwalk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a4535ea4-0964-4712-baa6-5dcd8f5892cb/2022-09-24_13-00-35_179.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 45. Coney Island Parachute Jump, built in 1939. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5e105af7-175a-42be-be8f-2273f8f4e136/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-10-05%2520at%25205.24.48%2520PM.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 46. Pano of the Coney Island expanse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b1d43693-28b9-4b64-aa34-75f42d91aecb/2022-09-24_13-44-29_150.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 47. Rick enjoys blue raspberry licorice laces (one of his favorites!) on the train ride back to the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/25708ccb-09f7-4027-b367-30ba486b3db3/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-10-05%2520at%25205.27.15%2520PM.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 48. Waiting for a harbor tour. L-R Anne, Paul, Kalindi, Matt, Chris, Dan, Jim, and Kristy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/82c57225-9e63-4f52-81bd-4d91af5eed1e/2022-09-24_15-08-20_040.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 49. Brooklyn Bridge from the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b750101d-8270-4215-8fba-7a20090bb112/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-10-05%2520at%25205.29.43%2520PM.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 50. Statue of Liberty, purportedly welcoming immigrants to the great melting pot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/402c9762-14da-4059-8a3c-746a755a0566/Screen%2520Shot%25202022-10-05%2520at%25205.26.18%2520PM.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 51. Manhattan, with One World Trade Center in the background and a large invading alien in the foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0dbf7cf1-1d13-4889-85cf-235acb4802f4/2022-09-25_11-21-05_698.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 52. Riding the FlixBus to Boston. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aa767bd5-e094-491e-b868-ba0416a7c21c/2022-09-25_12-23-31_286.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 53. We stopped in Connecticut along the way, allowing Rick to check-off State Number 47. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/74e90a02-a807-489e-8486-08e75a950987/2022-09-27_16-34-43_269.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 54. Our very narrow hotel in Boston. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/de663146-fcf5-4ef6-b8aa-1e9b4ce729f7/2022-09-26_07-56-26_179.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 55. Julie's ready to walk The Freedom Trail to see all of Boston's history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/91d403d6-83fd-471d-9d9a-697042b31eb3/2022-09-26_10-27-22_350.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 55. The Massachusetts State House. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2c9ab04e-8873-4aea-9d8b-f1b51cbbd75f/2022-09-27_18-25-04_342.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 57. The State House even has a special entrance for hookers (well, generalists, at least). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b9112e12-9d4c-45f1-9c51-3f4dd8963a3b/2022-09-26_08-29-44_356.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 58. Park Street Church with a skyscraper behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/294f8a6e-542c-45ec-9871-bab8940a5fe8/2022-09-26_11-03-30_711%2520Large.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 59. The Old Corner Bookstore, which now has the honor of housing a Chipotle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/46ea6d0e-672b-484d-bd81-66273255c47a/2022-09-26_09-15-34_005.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 60. The Old South Meeting House, engulfed by the modern world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5b6943a3-63ba-458b-91cd-44ef1d3498a4/2022-09-26_10-51-59_423.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 61. Paul Revere's house, smack dab in the middle of Boston's Little Italy neighborhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/97b24603-d052-40a9-bf9a-52dd97c4c00e/2022-09-26_13-09-28_447.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 62. The Old North Church, where Paul Revere began his midnight ride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2f14191a-c568-4ad2-b9a2-c7299193cdf6/2022-09-26_11-36-09_405.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 63. The USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides"), the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, launched in 1797. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ddbc6414-0bc9-4fe1-a889-8f94152e3bde/2022-09-26_11-47-43_474.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 64. Bunker Hill Monument, where Julie proudly proclaims to anyone who will listen that we conquered The Freedom Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a67fbff5-0c7c-4069-8e76-60f50edc54ea/2022-09-26_16-01-33_963.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 65. The very moving Boston Holocaust Memorial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ecf0c4bd-1719-44a1-811a-f534e4ee11e8/2022-09-26_17-59-18_434.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 66. Truer words have never been spoken - quite apropos in today's times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a240712a-18d1-43b7-9395-cfad8569b705/2022-09-26_16-19-40_997.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 67. Julie relaxing for dinner after The Great Freedom Trail march. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/80ea1fe6-93d3-44f1-8cf1-0a1a1f58b60a/2022-09-27_12-45-53_024.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 68. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4871ec94-2db3-46d4-a6e9-c90f952f2b26/2022-09-27_11-04-31_791%2520Large.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 69. Rick inside the very interesting library. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/883d6339-4a5d-4173-be7b-1e1368361257/2022-09-27_12-04-03_608.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 70. Inside the library's beautiful atrium, overlooking the bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f1cea4de-6c6b-4529-a9c1-8c4d1549bb31/2022-09-27_10-38-49_172.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 71. Julie and a new friend, outside the library. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/946b6af5-88b9-475d-8ca9-c5b7c58ad841/2022-09-27_14-51-00_474.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 72. Enjoying scrumptious food and drink on the mean streets of Little Italy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/23e0a4e9-b2f8-4ad1-b810-df90a0c3f4c8/2022-09-27_18-03-24_490.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 73. Where everybody knows your name. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b350e9b3-84ed-4185-ad86-154826086aee/2022-09-27_16-12-35_474.jpeg 2022-09-nycboston 74. Boston's famous "Make Way for Ducklings" statues attract kids and adults alike. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202208scotland daily 0.75 2023-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ce8e94c5-da59-4355-8925-a778da0e5c5b/2022-08-02_18-35-39_370%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 1. Going abroad after more than two years trapped in the US. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6c85e754-1294-4eef-9d57-b9482afcd9a2/2022-08-03_03-18-41_850%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 2. Unfortunately, waiting goes hand-in-hand with international travel... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ff9cd743-f47d-4977-b73f-8ef089966a69/2022-08-04_19-10-09_933%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 3. Our first day in Inverness greets us with a rainbow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/557aeded-5db7-4f2b-b089-7bb9904369e5/2022-08-04_03-46-29_683%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 4. Visiting downtown Inverness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/420f3b09-ea88-4ee8-884d-a776130d9bdf/2022-08-04_11-32-30_552%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 5. Having gelato to celebrate our return to Europe! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1703ecc8-2e2b-48ae-b964-42fe1e1575c6/2022-08-04_05-42-33_989%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 6. Our less-than-trusty Vauxhall rental car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e52687f9-242e-4155-b0bb-5a326a054d74/2022-08-04_14-22-29_626%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 7. Visiting the annual Black Isle Show. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e37047bf-91d5-4ccd-be4a-1a7de4511ebf/2022-08-04_05-57-17_231%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 8. Experiencing Highlands agricultural life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fd85df66-fb2d-4cd5-894b-fbcd27489336/2022-08-04_13-23-38_424%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 9. The lab-coated officials take their judging responsibilities very seriously. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/91da66fa-c8cb-42ed-939b-6bd3a3cf1c88/2022-08-04_06-17-57_518%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 10. Julie tries to understand Scottish mooing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673027628874-AQZ6O9UMLZ4NARABLFZ9/2022-08-04_13-41-27_578%252520Large.jpg 2022-08-scotland 11. The Scots love their sheep-shearing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9024c982-c7e9-4e59-bb36-83fb91dc2f47/2022-08-05_06-18-33_490%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 12. Back to Inverness for the evening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b6c49318-8a38-4bd6-91e8-9aa9a574dabf/2022-08-05_19-42-13_721%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 13. Beers in an Inverness pub to end the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d2bbd55f-84e3-4063-9f81-018b9409458c/2022-08-05_09-36-52_012%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 14. Inverness castle in the distance (it was closed for maintenance and repairs during our visit). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3e43290c-a2fd-40d5-ba09-9ca1641f9571/2022-08-05_09-53-20_059%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 15. Rick with Allison of Inverness Bike Tours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/702829bc-807a-43c3-8142-209af0dbcac9/2022-08-05_05-10-00_734%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 16. On the Inverness Waterways Tour, which was quite enjoyable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8de0d4d6-c72a-40e2-a360-9d91d953f422/2022-08-05_10-38-49_057%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 17. Along the River Ness among the Ness Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bca43ec8-0dff-4278-bc57-f62f51541beb/2022-08-05_11-28-55_283%2520Large-0001.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 18. One of the Muirtown Locks (not lochs!) that make boat travel to Loch Ness possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e88eaa59-d28c-4aa2-867a-e5b34273581f/2022-08-05_11-45-30_570%2520Large-0001.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 19. Low tide in the Merkinch Nature Reserve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5ba0ffcd-660a-41b1-aa9a-752623075f5e/2022-08-05_02-30-59_995%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 20. What the what?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/565438f2-346f-4ca6-a1aa-89ba0cb39029/2022-08-06_01-56-32_055%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 21. Poundland - the UK's version of a Dollar Store! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bf613528-d341-4253-ae33-69e510c4f657/2022-08-06_03-22-20_364%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 22. On the shores of Loch Ness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f7ee9a8b-618c-4da7-b360-0964c978be0c/2022-08-06_05-37-47_769%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 23. Urquhart Castle ruins on the Loch Ness shore. The castle was built about a 1,000 years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4c6e1476-d272-468c-889c-d6f85552fc1b/2022-08-06_12-05-57_770%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 24. At the castle gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8c745cd5-bf86-45a7-a7e2-b86e6be77972/2022-08-06_05-22-26_337%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 25. The 13th century castle tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9d782258-800d-4a7c-bd65-67a004e93ebd/2022-08-06_05-11-50_589%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 26. Climbing the tower on a 20th century staircase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a23b35e9-d5de-4a67-ac11-aaaf5e658a7d/2022-08-06_05-09-23_933%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 27. A rather eerie place - with or without the Loch Ness monster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5f251a57-c554-49d6-a4a2-419410edcd22/2022-08-06_12-22-39_050%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 28. No sign of Nessie in the loch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/145a9ea5-2bdf-410d-9a78-a6faa0dba2ac/2022-08-06_12-34-00_856%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 29. Remnants of the castle grounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2793cbdf-33bd-48d3-b7a9-d139c7ff94b9/2022-08-06_12-19-28_822%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 30. Momentarily sheltered from the dank Scottish chill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2a1dd657-fc72-4a6e-88a8-1f1c0e0bb7f6/2022-08-06_06-58-53_931%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 31. A typical Scottish highway with a car in the distance headed in our direction - not stressful at all! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a830a815-37b2-45f3-b188-b6acbfac8171/2022-08-06_14-24-44_220%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 32. At the Straphpeffer Highland Games gathering. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0415ae51-cc6f-4f40-98f5-847518a79af1/2022-08-06_07-17-57_446%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 33. There were bike races on the grass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0e77be09-c97b-49c8-93ac-d7cbaa5a6aec/2022-08-06_14-22-42_563%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 34. And there was the hammer throw - an event involving throwing something like a shot put on a rope. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5c77e2e6-ae3a-4a59-98db-74126be2de5f/2022-08-06_15-16-36_859%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 35. And they tossed the caber! The goal seems to be to launch it onto its opposite end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1dfa20ca-f6e6-42c4-a119-4d6dee8d71c9/2022-08-06_15-16-38_492%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 36. On-track for a successful toss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6f10cbbe-dd40-41de-902e-5bfb3d89ad2c/2022-08-06_15-16-39_068%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 37. Quite the impressive feat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9daa887e-8024-4f9e-88ad-de93686a011f/2022-08-07_09-32-55_515%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 38. Next day and we're on the road to another castle about an hour north of Inverness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1672874409070-2O01036TRZKN8PNQROOM/2022-08-07_11-56-21_463%252520Large.jpg 2022-08-scotland 39. Dunrobin Castle, with 189 rooms, occupied since the 1300's. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a16caf5d-84f6-4ea6-87a5-89cfc06da6fc/2022-08-07_11-54-59_943%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 40. A pretty darn impressive place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e7ca7c8e-f409-4136-89ad-18851c0c7fc2/2022-08-07_10-58-54_596%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 41. A humongous billiards table to match the ego of the castle's owner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b441684f-6905-4fcb-a244-7140e9fe1730/2022-08-08_04-05-00_780%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 42. Looks too pretty to sleep in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1a071e6e-a0be-4524-b10c-8575fc47ebb9/2022-08-07_11-05-10_306%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 43. A cozy room for lounging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a6d767dc-5c3c-45c9-9118-80fd4cb77944/2022-08-07_10-55-40_599%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 44. The gardens were huge and spectacular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/28c030ce-825d-4cd4-8e73-7c2a28b6c5ec/2022-08-07_11-52-20_284%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 45. Walking down to the gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/84fd4cb8-e70d-4be0-8b79-e41397d60511/2022-08-07_11-23-44_204%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 46. Definitely the largest rhubarb plants we ever saw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4c5607d8-78a2-4089-9603-e47d3bf4755b/2022-08-07_11-29-58_457%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 47. Dunrobin looks even more impressive from below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/01ae2efb-7535-4968-b242-19e78edade50/2022-08-07_11-37-16_095%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 48. A seemingly endless supply of gardens and more gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/50ff248a-71c8-4969-81a2-50787c20cf73/2022-08-07_11-42-37_578%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 49. Is that blue sky making its way into the picture? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/31efb230-e07b-4570-b948-e34c7816925d/2022-08-07_12-42-24_652%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 50. Traditional Scottish Sunday roast at the Golspie Inn - yummy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1672943333266-6NBL0KL0B7C54H2FHJQ0/2022-08-07_13-38-51_166%252520Large.jpg 2022-08-scotland 51. Making our way back to Inverness, taking care to avoid smooshing any otters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/559a5dc4-4258-4219-98cc-3a088e61e046/2022-08-07_14-37-24_917%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 52. Low tide at a loch or a firth or some other body of water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4ba223a1-c1ba-41fe-a8f0-6ebd242daa9c/2022-08-08_01-52-43_082%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 53. Laundry day at a memorable Inverness laundromat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b27a77ed-66c8-4b07-853b-522fa2e46c61/2022-08-08_02-22-19_021%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 54. Inverness Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ed4a87f7-5217-4439-b6c3-39a2c84ea97a/2022-08-08_02-25-05_566%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 55. Inside the cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/db33b94b-6d37-4d24-a7a6-26d7627bd349/2022-08-08_09-57-22_974%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 56. Grocery shopping at the local Tesco - Toad in the Hole, anyone? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d85b6aee-2dbe-4088-bfe4-8fb896feb287/2022-08-08_09-45-48_124%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 57. Or maybe you'd enjoy some haggis crisps? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cc0f195d-7066-4d8f-88b0-154e3a86e61e/2022-08-08_10-53-47_989%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 58. Castle Cawdor, with a 600-year history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6e7cf35b-b779-4797-8e9c-65de4e9b7baa/2022-08-08_04-17-38_605%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 59. Close-up of one of the castle's beautiful tapestries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/556e41e1-ddd7-424c-ab34-f5cb6282abd9/2022-08-08_11-44-58_576%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 60. Lunch in the castle courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1affc799-6532-4f28-84c7-05612cdbd271/2022-08-08_05-28-00_297%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 61. The castle's gardens were particularly beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1672944779003-YKGKH7VHXD56H0YOY0PX/2022-08-08_12-16-38_234%252520Large.jpg 2022-08-scotland 62. Awe-inspiring, sublime, and regal! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/97e662f7-b5fb-482e-b166-e5b433752f07/2022-08-08_12-22-54_874%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 63. Seems like a pretty sweet place to live! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ef0f3db7-0b36-461c-a80c-e1a548d89a00/2022-08-08_13-03-44_834%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 64. Clava Cairns, 4,000 year-old ruins for housing the dead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f091a5a1-aaa8-4170-8ac0-38c4820ea19e/2022-08-08_13-07-30_950%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 65. Can you spot the toad in the hole? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5b72be5c-7b3f-46f0-a10a-90957b1f3998/2022-08-08_06-15-12_514%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 66. Julie inside one of the tombs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/86370c51-c02a-4fa3-be7c-df5edfa7b585/2022-08-08_13-08-06_241%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 67. All smiles amongst the dead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7e173fb7-31c3-4926-9ea9-6f97f7bd8398/2022-08-08_06-57-37_552%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 68. Culloden Battlefield, where the 1775 Jacobite Uprising came to a tragic end for the Scots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7d1ac71e-57a6-463d-b8d9-397536c294b4/2022-08-08_13-34-28_100%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 69. Our last night in Inverness gives way to a night on the town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6160d9bb-b00c-4e19-b99c-311cdd90a216/2022-08-08_18-33-21_021%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 70. Beers, mac and cheese, and chips (fries) at the Castle Tavern. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6998f145-09db-41f4-8f6a-43a1b81fbc58/2022-08-08_19-39-29_108%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 71. More beers at the Gunsmiths Bar, with our new friend who's jamming to some classic rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e73fa41d-3000-442c-b1a6-4c94fc71655d/2022-08-08_20-25-28_929%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 72. It was easy to make new friends in Inverness, although it wasn't always easy to understand them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b422e0ae-aa23-412c-8ff0-1ae8925d1a3d/2022-08-09_04-10-39_917%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 73. Driving to the Isle of Skye, along a route where the sheep outnumber the cars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1672946939622-JPPWQ18Q1DW5PYYMM0R1/2022-08-09_02-49-47_250%252520Large.jpg 2022-08-scotland 74. Beautiful scenery along the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7ea3bfab-5979-436e-ba32-496124212dfc/2022-08-09_02-44-35_066%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 75. Beautiful, but desolate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5fbadd65-68c6-47b4-be33-7a002addd12d/2022-08-09_02-21-16_207%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 76. Driving in the middle of nowhere, we stumbled upon a bakery with delicious treats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4970b95b-3b69-4167-a899-d350dbbbb69c/2022-08-09_09-49-09_853%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 77. There were waterfalls everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8da124b0-95f2-4ea3-870e-97b36577797f/2022-08-09_03-28-30_960%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 78. Ellean Donna Castle - most photographed castle in all of bonnie Scotland - in an appropriately eerie setting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/65c8a555-dd5b-4bfb-b4dc-00fabbadc3d9/2022-08-09_04-16-53_342%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 79. One of our first views of the Skye scenery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/70d22d14-62a1-4afc-9105-f32796419a32/2022-08-09_04-28-38_883%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 80. Julie came face-to-face with a Scottish Highlands coo (cow). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a5af5a04-ee76-4d69-a1f1-42211d3afed5/2022-08-09_05-08-10_171%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 81. Making our way to Dun Beag Broch, a 2,500-year-old stone tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2128867b-135a-4726-a0d0-9dc5446044dc/2022-08-09_05-10-45_407%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 82. Don Beag Broch, which we suspect means brick tower in the middle of nowhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3b982c17-5465-4014-826e-34ae34750fa0/2022-08-09_05-12-38_506%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 83. Leaving Dun Beag for hopefully drier climes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e91aa6b9-1b2e-4ff8-934e-afaf038c4cb4/2022-08-09_07-41-28_046%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 84. We found some sun at Dunvegan Castle! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b027b635-07ea-49ba-952f-abdb511e5ac0/2022-08-09_07-59-48_409%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 85. Dunvegan Castle is the only Highland fortress to have been continuously occupied by the same family for 800 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/34f5c731-2e44-4fd3-8c10-492eb6d6ea88/2022-08-09_07-59-58_000%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 86. The castle contains work from ten building periods from the 1200’s to 1850. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5f097050-b968-4b7b-aea8-7aefd2c9c283/2022-08-09_07-47-11_320%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 87. Home to an amazing buffet piece. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aa99376c-bd78-4778-be28-02ea78202f62/2022-08-09_07-50-37_840%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 88. Also home to this portrait of a rather homely woman, proving that money can't buy everything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9a79a098-8790-4770-aa91-a1f9690036a4/2022-08-09_08-14-51_017%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 89. Once again, another castle with beautiful gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1672970676890-SNO0JXEK73RT66KK99HY/2022-08-09_08-24-59_455%252520Large.jpg 2022-08-scotland 90. Beauty everywhere on the castle grounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/05f57ef4-5604-45a9-b51f-7276e00ef820/2022-08-09_08-39-45_770%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 91. More beauty! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/72cc3b47-8df7-4821-a111-8def8cfc3748/2022-08-09_08-22-30_495%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 92. We really enjoyed strolling around the gardens. Does that officially make us old? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/43ac148c-ec8c-45d0-b3ea-614b2d25bda4/2022-08-09_09-16-51_715%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 93. Lunch, Scottish style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673023467447-JRPQNO8I3EXJLIMQ7IXL/2022-08-09_09-44-33_330%252520Large.jpg 2022-08-scotland 94. We planned to take a quick 10-mile drive to see a cool lighthouse... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5c208e14-d63d-4d30-b1bf-558fa7ea9f24/2022-08-09_10-14-41_630%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 95. But miles and miles of one-lane roads and high season traffic made it virtually impossible! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673023598526-IMH0LL128R3ZYZPWR145/2022-08-10_02-26-50_062%252520Large.jpg 2022-08-scotland 96. Living in that area must be incredibly trying at times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bfed004d-909c-49c0-8624-4f80206b63e5/2022-08-09_10-28-16_166%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 97. Perhaps the amazing scenery compensates for the narrow roads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b496c507-fe9a-4af1-8628-e483ad8fafc4/2022-08-09_17-35-54_046%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 98. Pretty sweet spot to go fishing, eh? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/62f81a25-4a0c-4b99-9fe7-90905822ba24/2022-08-10_03-10-05_169%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 99. Our last day on Skye started with a 4 km hike to visit the Old Man of Storr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f3fafc45-aeb0-42b1-a450-788c86e33a7a/2022-08-10_10-07-28_311%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 100. The wind was so strong that it was difficult to stand - seriously! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3803842c-8a2c-419a-9bfa-02eacd2d50cd/2022-08-10_03-15-38_242%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 101. Standing on the rock steps was even tricky at times - seriously tricky! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2f423e02-27f3-4ea9-bdde-f8f2de3ea8e5/2022-08-10_10-39-30_437%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 102. And the fog limited the views. So why were all these crazy people, including the Traveling Packards, hiking there? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/66e3a82d-eefd-477b-be9e-9f295b9bfc67/2022-08-10_10-27-54_374%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 103. It must have been for the fantastic views - see the "Old Man" who's supposedly right behind us? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b393ee74-9002-4bba-9a31-d96f7b36016f/2022-08-10_06-55-04_446%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 104. Fortunately, the skies were clearing closer to the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e2cf7408-68ec-4ac7-93d7-a8aac6980eae/2022-08-10_05-05-34_269%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 105. Mealt Falls - 55 meters high. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/af8df39c-92c6-48d5-bd75-b0995caf1e91/2022-08-10_12-13-53_604%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 106. While the views improved, the single lane roads continued to present challenges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/36d7bcb0-728d-4a24-b061-2caf9c2efd79/2022-08-10_04-59-27_025%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 107. The gorgeous Isle of Skye coastline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/eee03e09-b20b-4901-8489-46bf71b0d480/2022-08-10_11-58-07_108%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 108. How about one another look? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673031517122-8KVQ7MLNR21K9DIM8BX0/2022-08-10_12-45-32_100%25252520Large.jpg 2022-08-scotland 109. Colorful sight in Portree, the island's largest village, with 2,300 people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fda2fcd2-ca60-4f71-ac79-7678629683c3/2022-08-10_15-55-51_960%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 110. One last look at the Highlands scenery as we return to Inverness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/00176bd5-e7bd-45f3-889d-a5445b26f414/2022-08-10_16-23-20_594%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 111. Rogie Falls, where we were hoping to see leaping salmon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/197eca92-33c1-453c-b260-4a37d1dec15b/2022-08-10_16-28-24_162%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 112. We didn't see any salmon, but the hunt was still fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8cf65382-2ef9-4e3a-a8bb-96b669a7932d/2022-08-10_18-20-38_794%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 113. Our last meal in Scotland - Cullen Skink (hearty fish soup) and Steak Pie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/caae8427-60a9-4370-b035-31f9445c11a6/2022-08-10_13-01-36_238%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 114. Boarding the night train for our trip to London, where we would fly back to the States. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2bdf918e-6e61-4cae-b511-d56e0c3081ad/2022-08-10_13-12-52_563%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 115. The wee night train cabin - close quarters, but a great place for a good night's sleep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673026160358-F7031JMBMJXUVLVCDLXU/2022-08-11_00-52-25_254%252520Large.jpg 2022-08-scotland 116. In London so we could take another train to Heathrow Airport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/43e2327d-b4c7-4e9e-9648-2a4b29ec750b/2022-08-11_03-06-31_397%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 117. London was suffering from record heat, and it was pretty darn hot on the train to Heathrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/82dbec01-1006-472b-93f3-3e36f20372e1/2022-08-11_03-10-38_778%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 118. The heat does strange things to people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1f4d142d-d538-49a1-8f97-bddb3fbd688a/2022-08-11_15-03-37_447%2520Large.jpeg 2022-08-scotland 119. Settled in for the long flight home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673030586781-ZOY2FNX5Z7DQAQ5IYPVT/2022-08-11_15-03-26_376%252520Large.jpg 2022-08-scotland 120. Our route to Denver. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202202kauai daily 0.75 2023-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7f4d9eba-74bf-4b26-99f2-1373bf766ff7/2022-02-09_10-50-53_849.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 1. Ready to board our flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673059612375-M3AP32YE4L0MGRZBGOR0/2022-02-09_15-36-42_969.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 2. Halfway there – only 1,698 miles to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673059690173-4ML76J06G6CKEF6852HV/2022-02-09_15-37-20_403.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 3. Time to binge watch some TV shows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673059805657-S2FXJNBHJ86DYCNLBZD0/2022-02-09_20-22-31_593.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 4. Our oceanfront condo with some pretty sweet views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673062241566-9MLE4LCN52842OZ8IFLJ/2022-02-09_21-30-24_345.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 5. Beautiful sunset shortly after we arrived to the condo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9cdd27d8-ed4d-4f7c-905a-a64b7a17c7ca/2022-02-10_07-52-25_927.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 6. Whale-watching during breakfast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/78137553-2085-4d00-be32-bf47f11f07dc/2022-02-10_11-44-51_585.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 7. Beautiful woman with a beautiful flower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e3df10dc-65d0-419f-96d4-01277041e6d3/2022-02-10_12-48-48_708.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 8. Hiking to a cave that we never found. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3c24c8c1-a844-46a1-8c9c-32fbbea0f40b/2022-02-10_16-15-39_008.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 9. We did find the Spouting Horn Blowhole, though. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673298378125-K3E7I0W40QFTGNTHT7MX/2022-02-10_21-19-15_367.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 10. Another lovely sunset. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673061660585-ASKMCQ9HTHNR3EWNCA6H/2022-02-10_21-30-55_157.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 11. There was a lot of wedding photography near the condo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1d8f915b-afd2-42e5-bbd3-b40ca5d27475/2022-02-11_08-10-12_533.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 12. Wailua Falls – hard to reach by car, and even harder to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1589847734709-V24FMDXQJHL7KMBJF1BS/20140301_Trade-151_0124-copy.jpg 2022-02-Kauai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/37a3c26e-dd25-43a0-ab52-6ef6e267a18f/2022-02-11_10-07-10_223.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 13. Kilauea Lighthouse, constructed in 1913. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ae588155-a12b-4aee-8c3f-fcba892b57d5/2022-02-11_12-05-32_983.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 14. Gnarly roots, dude. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bea627e4-217c-4098-b631-a279b0b649eb/2022-02-11_12-10-09_039.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 15. Warning! Danger! Beware! The start of the Kalalau Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f0b61b5c-c432-4aa9-b511-099d488d2ce7/2022-02-11_15-18-57_994.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 16. Hiking the Kalalau Trail to the Napali Coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1d3a92fa-f2b4-4091-9ff7-8146e6687cc7/2022-02-11_15-38-33_352.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 17. The Napali Coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673298438830-XFCMUB2AJ5D8SFIJ3BR1/jppp.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 18. Relaxing with an amazing view of the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/914fa57a-12be-4f76-8245-80eea3efd4d0/2022-02-11_15-41-36_987.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 19. A red-crested cardinal joined us for a while. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f1b9305e-d4e1-4040-88c6-8c48094e73a5/2022-02-11_12-58-08_008.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 20. It’s a jungle out there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1589847734411-SZUK9WILA1UPRU4TZVGR/AroHa_02.jpg 2022-02-Kauai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d309f840-55a4-4215-9b88-d0f8f2c433c9/2022-02-12_07-50-06_657.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 21. What a way to start the next day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1589847734145-FZ3C1ZE7VTH98K87BOZO/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg 2022-02-Kauai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673059983479-84D4GXDVRYEDGU5ZL9MA/2022-02-12_08-36-40_276.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 22. Driving to Lihue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1589847733865-FY4RV6HGFBQ8ZYU4ZHLH/Aro+Ha_0010.jpg 2022-02-Kauai https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673060138542-6TGI02AX2PTJ4EOLOI74/2022-02-12_08-39-19_573.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 23. Eucalyptus trees lining Paipu Road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673060271222-I1QYZ9XKEWYLGI8XZHAT/plane.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 24. Sightseeing by plane this morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e82843db-d980-4a45-9d0f-2f31459b84ab/2022-02-12_12-19-14_784.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 25. “Ladies and Gentlemen, your co-pilot today is Rick Packard.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/26a98f47-29ba-42bf-8414-f28f8d3a74ef/2022-02-12_09-21-19_222.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 26. Tight space for the co-pilot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b77e24a1-4766-436a-8659-f48b70038b07/2022-02-12_09-30-59_623.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 27. A view of the Kauai coastline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d6d29c49-5cf4-49fc-8b85-015a47d16780/2022-02-12_09-44-28_700.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 28. Lush green on top of the old lava flows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/26dc0e69-f522-486e-89c1-8affc29ebabd/2022-02-12_09-45-00_759.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 29. Waimea Canyon in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/acff7b9d-0b52-40dc-bcdb-64228fe89032/2022-02-12_09-53-37_379.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 30. Peaking over to the Napali Coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/08d0e23c-f6b4-4486-b265-30bec799d8f3/hawaii.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 31. Can’t get enough of that lush green. We don’t see much of that in Colorado! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/55ed4e32-7c1b-4bcf-bb21-356210095282/2022-02-12_10-12-09_520.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 32. Somewhere up there in the clouds is the wettest spot on Earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fe4fe604-ddc3-46c0-8c8d-00dc6a4bbddb/2022-02-12_13-17-27_024.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 33. Birds-eye view of Wailua Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0365fc0f-02e9-410b-82c3-8031537aa547/2022-02-12_10-21-46_086.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 34. Coming in for our landing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8dee08bf-fa3e-4126-9315-f219952e2e48/2022-02-12_18-07-45_022.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 35. Julie welcoming our friend Randy Stefan to Kauai. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/360989fb-7ac8-458f-a3e9-515be8db1d6b/2022-02-12_18-28-12_734.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 36. Randy with wife, partner, and confidant Kathy Hodgkins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f770574f-e3b3-4fe6-b95f-0a20b3dc79b5/2022-02-12_21-18-34_783.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 37. Watching the seaside action from the condo balcony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673060452673-ZXGHELOHC2EXOAUF2DMY/2022-02-12_21-18-53_067.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 38. And the action was a turtle right in front of the condo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8650d200-9625-457c-bdf5-84aef6e712a0/2022-02-12_19-05-06_110.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 39. Another sunset … sigh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0a97b08b-00d2-45b5-864e-f20966b9c2e1/2022-02-15_09-25-21_606.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 40. Visiting a nearby beach to start another day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9e386280-2771-48a3-9fce-1dae2417cc14/2022-02-13_09-05-53_474.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 41. Randy seems to have found something? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/818063ad-dc5a-4850-8738-ec79befae257/2022-02-13_09-11-04_973.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 42. The turtle that came ashore to say “hi” to Kathy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673297613218-LL4CH12OFOX6YYEJ5C3O/2022-02-15_11-32-13_748.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 43. Relaxation … aaaahhhh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b37cf44b-7510-4ba6-958d-9139db5f8d36/2022-02-13_13-49-32_181.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 44. Onboard a ship for whale-watching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6e612994-4e55-4d32-8c13-bc3ffbd34740/2022-02-13_13-55-09_207.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 45. Kathy and Randy are ready to spot whales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7ddab61a-8cd0-43bf-876f-41b41a80ae0d/2022-02-13_14-10-24_489.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 46. Hiding below deck to avoid barf-itis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/416530b5-fc0f-4c26-8ef7-4d14c0aa0320/2022-02-13_14-22-53_075.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 47. Amazingly blue water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fe606cc0-671e-4d73-990f-fc6c95bf216e/2022-02-13_15-21-23_125.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 48. Having fun in the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/19182c69-79cf-44c2-809c-77c31a66ed1d/2022-02-13_14-57-25_348.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 49. Not much action today, but we did see a whale's back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673060616458-U08CVAC882VSGCGZ3JYS/2022-02-13_16-22-28_348.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 50. Time for a nap at the condo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1fb4095c-60f1-4603-aea8-4d1f617b613d/2022-02-13_18-32-37_727.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 51. Having fun with the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f08c2d2c-55ce-43ac-96f9-49c44868441d/2022-02-14_08-51-42_764.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 52. Waimea Canyon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/62131efc-3f72-49bc-a1df-c4a4e6066eb9/2022-02-14_08-52-30_224.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 53. Lost in the tall grass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/afce2b50-30de-4472-9258-9b7599133b2c/2022-02-14_09-20-31_457.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 54. Another shot of Waimea Canyon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6b5bca0d-819b-4e04-992d-f17bcf188a6e/2022-02-14_12-59-03_672.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 55. Treacherous hiking in the Canyon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e034ca83-4e1a-4a7a-a1a0-3832fa6f6811/2022-02-14_10-18-06_426.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 56. One last shot of Waimea Canyon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aea9b883-8030-4a16-ae90-8bc1a4e8b2df/2022-02-14_10-20-16_393.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 57. Taking in the views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b98fc7f4-1795-4e1e-b091-16d616b3028a/2022-02-14_11-14-05_624.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 58. A glimpse of the Napali Coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/40c76a2c-8477-44b7-8455-cc5affa5a45c/Screen+Shot+2023-01-06+at+6.52.55+PM.png 2022-02-Kauai 59. A larger glimpse of the Coast. Lots of tourist choppers were flying into this valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/66833960-7b49-4e80-94b0-b2fe02902b30/2022-02-14_13-11-05_075.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 60. What’s better than smoked meat for lunch? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673060787672-VZNTJXEFD1EFHNFJ5N71/2022-02-15_13-51-29_925.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 61. Relaxing after another fun day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673060938582-IM5D5SCBBDOL5O9W6FM5/2022-02-15_17-59-32_001.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 62. Portrait time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673061101362-VONDM13IRGY3NO2JJXPX/2022-02-15_18-00-23_022.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 63. More portrait time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e1ae9f3c-d2a7-419d-b2c1-e106183222db/2022-02-16_11-11-40_196.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 64. Ready to kayak the Wailua River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/065fa2ac-2cd3-4cf4-bab6-88d43a7db12c/2022-02-16_11-33-04_324.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 65. The Packards paddle in unison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c594d90d-db58-49aa-a88a-71ea42925d11/2022-02-16_11-53-13_435.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 66. Kathy and Randy let the current do the work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673061268642-YVCLWWG57QSN476DP2G6/pair.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 67. Starting the hike to the “Secret Falls.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cb172b80-e411-499d-ac77-bc42e820a8dc/rr.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 68. Planks were a welcome sight after traipsing through the mud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/91afc5d7-dee7-4cd6-98a4-ea536933c68c/2022-02-16_13-04-58_887.jpeg 2022-02-Kauai 69. The not-so-secret falls. There were tons of people there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1405c7b1-83f1-406a-a15e-97356904b876/Screen+Shot+2023-01-06+at+7.13.24+PM+Large.jpeg 2022-02-Kauai 70. Randy ventures to the falls under the supervision of a local rooster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d38bc2c6-7800-4f4c-bb8f-cfde3cb1c840/2022-02-16_10-14-03_175.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 71. Secret Falls portrait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c147249e-44d9-40e8-af52-8267e339ef77/2022-02-16_10-19-03_929.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 72. Another Secret Falls portrait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/40c2b446-148e-478f-89e7-9a9ef864f931/2022-02-16_10-33-11_699.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 73. Making our way back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a458bd8f-b81b-482d-83ac-f1a5d5549ada/2022-02-16_10-37-55_961.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 74. Lots of rock and water crossings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b4f92999-83be-41d4-bd70-5b31f4aa3d83/2022-02-16_11-16-58_441.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 75. Randy unsuccessfully hides behind some bamboo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ccf9d5b6-8697-4381-8fa9-159e5aae651c/2022-02-16_19-48-05_533.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 76. Julie and her nephew David, who lives on Kauai. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673061433353-BN4IR8NS9XGO6ZB1EYXV/2022-02-16_20-27-58_587.jpg 2022-02-Kauai 77. Parting shot, as we toast to a fun vacation. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202109yosemitedeathvalley daily 0.75 2024-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3dec3ec2-4813-4166-9590-9a926555d88e/website.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 01. The Fresno Airport welcomes us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dd00d750-1ff4-4035-b3ab-859ebe601e8e/2021-09-12_19-58-59_211.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 2. Yosemite National Park – Half-Dome at sunset. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5c4c0ae7-6282-41c3-b1a6-dfb46d2757ad/2021-09-13_07-58-37_715.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 3. Yosemite Valley, shortly after sunrise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3238d4cf-562a-4b49-b4b6-5cf7b7f1beb0/2021-09-13_09-23-58_028.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 4. Hiking to Sentinel Dome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/05f1c490-285f-4fa3-a2ce-d363cca6c49d/2021-09-13_10-39-20_989.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 5. Rick pauses after scaling half the dome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/489f0402-4b92-410b-8bd6-589fbb7ef8c1/2021-09-13_09-39-51_317.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 6. Julie embarks on the upward journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2dd67ca6-7127-436d-b90a-c2fd9f77610f/2021-09-13_10-58-06_794.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 7. Beautiful spot for lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bd739a73-fdb7-4263-8290-f6c56a45db98/2021-09-13_09-50-32_951.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 8. The approaching ominous smoke from the Sequoia National Park Fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ee65eb88-7132-4beb-aeb4-debdae83da8c/2021-09-13_10-18-17_757.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 9. Happy hikers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aca62da7-cdd2-4cd3-a307-8aaf7396c656/2021-09-13_10-14-43_716.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 10. Time for a yoga pose? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4ef7aed6-f276-4517-a8a8-56c086e7d0c2/2021-09-13_09-52-23_567.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 11. The views were spectacular from Sentinel Dome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/afd0905a-b2b2-466a-b19d-d14f452b4d80/2021-09-13_11-13-13_775-0001.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 12. A view of Half-Dome from Sentinel Dome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f6b49b68-e327-4dee-93e4-9b2e0f28d957/2021-09-13_10-39-10_873.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 13. A scraggly, dead, creepy-looking tree – run away! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dcb1c888-664d-4675-9a8b-88d64e1b9104/bear.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 14. We saw a bear! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/74d66840-34b0-4ed4-b74b-c6e61fd584a3/2021-09-14_09-30-41_982.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 15. On the way to Vernal Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5f2862ed-6dd8-4bfa-ae53-a1361ed3eee7/2021-09-14_08-43-41_932.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 16. Julie feels sassy today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f99136be-2a55-42f8-8532-1d41f991104a/2021-09-14_09-13-41_531.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 17. The valley below Vernal Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3adca198-c047-4bec-9324-e1d34eb736a9/2021-09-14_09-56-21_614-0001.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 18. Trump forgot to maintain the trails while he played President. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6d928ba7-01d7-453c-a8ae-b089dd0e7c59/2021-09-14_10-28-26_738-0001.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 19. Vernal Falls was a dud due to the drought, but this was still another amazing lunch spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b8623fd9-0bcc-44ef-b985-74351453f1c9/2021-09-14_10-27-48_602.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 20. Such a nice view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673293762508-G37YXN1C5K510R7QQI61/2021-09-14_11-52-22_304.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 21. An artsy-fartsy sunglasses photo of Half-Dome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0ec63e86-70c7-4a67-b2fc-4f6eeeebcc28/2021-09-13_16-06-39_832.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 22. El Capitan. This hunk of granite is 3,000 feet from base to summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b31c4cf2-139d-4684-8274-e283e679d6c0/2021-09-15_07-22-44_231.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 23. Awake for sunrise. There were a lot of very early mornings on this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8d48cec1-1edf-456b-976b-e7902465e405/2021-09-15_07-23-04_949.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 24. There were lots of early risers today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a935fd14-29b5-4c5f-98ac-2d4c7627f855/2021-09-15_09-20-24_114.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 25. A cross-section of a giant Sequoia at Mariposa Grove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dc7c8a16-c490-4a56-8a21-b1d0320e4100/2021-09-15_10-21-11_125.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 26. Demonstrating the width of a tree trunk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c1bc95d9-49dc-428d-a149-6f7c01a79ee1/2021-09-15_09-21-36_859.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 27. That’s a tall tree. The sequoias are on average 160-280 feet tall with a diameter of 20-26 feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3dbac542-0618-4b01-a0e6-cd66a19af41c/2021-09-15_09-26-58_260.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 28. The Bachelor and Three Graces. These trees are a couple thousand years old! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/91a3d000-c725-4690-8c5d-1ebcd68781d0/blob-0014.png 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 29. The 2,500-year-old Grizzly Giant. It’s the 25th largest tree in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/176f8939-1fc2-412f-90a5-40489c2d4284/2021-09-15_09-58-27_066.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 30. Another amazing lunch spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/eb35eccc-b225-4e9d-b680-7ada38c0285b/2021-09-15_10-52-05_529.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 31. The trees are gargantuan. The photos can’t do them justice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/77c9d2fe-9330-4d58-982b-27833da975ec/2021-09-15_12-32-27_863.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 32. Mid-afternoon view of Yosemite Valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ed064e19-79f1-4566-b2b2-d64fde14be2f/2021-09-16_08-32-02_693.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 33. Next day – on the way to Tioga Road, bright and early. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/022996b7-3718-4ef3-9411-aef1be7c5567/2021-09-16_09-16-05_957.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 34. Ready to explore the Toulumne Grove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3dfc3afa-77ab-48b1-bd53-247672430376/2021-09-16_08-19-57_256.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 35. We were awestruck by the huge trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f9576b81-76bc-4c09-b5aa-89d383a053e3/2021-09-16_09-44-47_966.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 36. Imagine a tree like this in your backyard! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/018c3fb7-ef28-4e07-84b5-61b15a4ba9ba/2021-09-16_08-45-19_246.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 37. Julie likes reading the ancient graffiti. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b52201f8-d9a3-46e1-876a-5aa9ff0f24b9/2021-09-16_09-45-52_848.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 38. Yes, vandalism is nothing new. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/77a7910e-f5d9-4099-93c6-fe8c24c3a212/2021-09-16_09-28-56_047.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 39. "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d5cf2b64-2c05-40dd-9c04-b8ef7738c751/2021-09-16_08-31-11_660.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 40. It’s a long way to the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6831577f-ca81-4c62-931c-bcc9eabea500/2021-09-16_09-48-30_157.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 41. Looming large. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9224fe92-fc55-47bc-baef-68ad04ff0c6f/2021-09-16_09-38-04_584.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 42. Look at the size of those roots! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2f3db9db-9248-46ae-969b-b586e65b6afc/2021-09-16_10-06-21_623.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 43. A view of Half-Dome from Tioga Road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/446acdab-e6ca-47f9-984c-a7de580c2c99/2021-09-16_10-16-29_237.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 44. Julie attempts to see climbers on Half-Dome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/988850e1-9ce5-4583-84fc-c6605fb84403/2021-09-16_10-17-33_856.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 45. Tranquil scene along Tioga Road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e009215d-c7fc-4b3f-9203-950c1065e5f0/2021-09-16_14-12-13_974.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 46. On the way to Death Valley, we stopped at the WWII Manzanar concentration camp for Japanese Americans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/909eaf1b-68c0-4cba-94a7-ecdac68c37cb/2021-09-16_15-19-48_944.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 47. Nice digs in the middle of a desert … geesh… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d8796612-3379-42eb-b048-a0770bee78f2/2021-09-16_16-11-02_563.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 48. We’re on a road to nowhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9acffbdc-8fe6-40ed-bff6-3c10d9d0dd8c/2021-09-16_15-57-00_936.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 49. The smoke from the fire at the Sequoia National Forest was thick. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/800b24ad-af56-4277-8bb4-8bac4fd647bf/2021-09-16_18-19-08_925.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 50. The smoke provided a filtered view of the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/84f7e395-e643-422a-a173-317926b7f244/2021-09-16_19-24-58_358.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 51. Our patio at The Ranch at Death Valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8ce15c18-a0b7-4422-a3ff-c3b099e7a33c/2021-09-17_06-34-26_041.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 52. Waiting for sunrise at Zabriske Point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/231763af-5492-4663-a149-b47641be28d9/2021-09-17_06-53-34_806.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 53. Exhibiting incredible patience after arriving at the Point 45-minutes before sunrise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4227b788-aca0-451d-bef5-e860b3042384/blob-0006.png 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 54. Such pretty colors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/91fddf28-4cd1-4678-90f7-67034543bd43/blob-0007.png 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 55. Oooohhhh… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b61fc795-367d-44e8-8c4c-9141aa39f7f7/blob-0019.png 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 56. Aaaahhh… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/51d9c94e-2138-4d66-bc2a-90d17ad0fbcd/2021-09-17_07-06-25_073.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 57. Every year, there are stupid people who ignore the warning and end up dead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/114944a0-4768-4412-8be5-54a0344a20d0/2021-09-17_07-11-53_805.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 58. Hiking the Badlands Trail from Zabriske Point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a3dbab20-0b04-4460-b665-7afdc49bce2d/2021-09-17_07-40-42_312.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 59. Still on the Badlands Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e7b62707-f11e-4b2b-bc12-e0cfc95fa707/2021-09-17_07-21-59_530.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 60. Uh-oh, the sun is starting to come on strong. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e92b3c23-2515-4d68-ad9f-aeb7d12f149f/2021-09-17_07-20-18_099.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 61. Sandy shadow art. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/46a7f14e-9238-4328-b012-4bf0537030bd/2021-09-17_08-00-12_438.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 62. Queen of the hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/12af78ae-55fa-4f28-83e7-0a2f2868113e/2021-09-17_08-52-51_271.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 63. Below sea level at Badwater Basin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b2c5d096-7d9b-41b2-9bfa-ce8fb622e45d/2021-09-17_08-55-48_270.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 64. Lots of salty bad water available from time-to-time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/76c881b4-2232-40c7-a20d-ed154c28e469/2021-09-17_09-16-58_436.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 65. The Devi’s Golf Course, so named because only the devil could play golf on such rough links. Raise your hand if you knew Satan golfs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/475f89a1-ef45-410f-a104-5e4b44afb69d/blob-0012.png 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 66. A view of Artists Palette from the safety of our air-conditioned car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e8cac623-4754-4f15-b6a4-28128c046018/blob-0013.png 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 67. More Artists Palette. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673293927726-UU766S6N64YN8KSHSFIW/2021-09-19_08-33-40_760.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 68. Our pool at the Ranch – we visited often. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/21a071c2-9a2f-488e-9571-3d4e1881c09f/2021-09-17_17-53-13_803.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 69. Strolling around the Ranch at Death Valley... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/46d7cb9a-16a7-4f9b-a08d-79f742e43651/2021-09-17_18-46-03_199.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 70. …where the temperature was plenty hot at 6pm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/61b92b37-507a-42b3-b138-5d32e2638506/2021-09-18_07-17-44_992.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 71. It was a chilly morning waiting for the sunrise at Dante’s View. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9a488300-43a9-46ff-bafe-29815d34cfd0/2021-09-18_07-26-47_253.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 72. It was pouring rain out there, but it never made it to the ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2483a8c1-6163-413a-8d43-8030c4c5c5d3/2021-09-18_07-43-13_321.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 73. Happy to see the sun and warm-up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673294118350-3PYZ6RN9VOGCQRJY2HGG/2021-09-18_07-42-18_608.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 74. Neither photos nor words can do it justice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a03ce9a6-81d1-4b92-8b18-e82e6c26f746/2021-09-18_07-45-14_289.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 75. Death Valley in the early morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/99cdc795-0aa2-4126-b755-89e7527565c8/2021-09-18_07-56-10_989.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 76. Home of the world’s most dangerous toilet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2513e3fb-707c-4558-b982-58d990aa84d9/2021-09-18_08-30-35_279.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 77. A pretty morning in the Valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c7d19270-8bc3-4daf-a26e-9119a8d9fbc1/2021-09-18_08-39-15_214.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 78. Hiking the Golden Canyon Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/756d466b-e354-4dae-976c-c78ade7fa905/2021-09-18_08-48-37_170.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 79. Golden Canyon Trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aa1b1365-ac0a-43bd-a9df-0504b2d55937/2021-09-18_09-07-46_988.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 80. Our goal was the Red Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1fade7c7-af03-479a-a39e-e45e15ccb2e6/2021-09-18_09-12-58_800.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 81. Getting up close and personal with the Red Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7ebea0b6-2c16-425b-a688-fdfd637a5945/2021-09-18_09-17-06_048.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 82. It would be easy to get lost and die out there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a4e62925-bc2b-4b62-b31c-d84006e31a35/2021-09-18_09-32-19_277.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 83. It was uncomfortably hot when we left the canyon (before 10am). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/543d2968-ce6c-419b-9dbc-cc9117c74251/2021-09-18_16-03-26_149.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 84. And it was another cooker at dinner-time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5670df14-8c35-4107-a95d-060af0942709/2021-09-18_17-05-11_450.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 85. This is what feeling roasted looks like. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673296608729-RT94YSBGNZX5X06JH8VW/2021-09-19_09-27-14_266.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 86. We stopped at Mesquite Dunes on our way out of the Valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1673294033473-RUQV6SXPDUUB8HU2CDR6/2021-09-19_09-25-47_288.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 87. It’s a popular spot for wedding photography. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bd0bf9fe-00a9-487a-bc02-d997dd0672fb/2021-09-19_13-10-44_987.jpg 2021-09-yosemitedeathvalley 88. The Tehachapi Loop – an engineering marvel from the 1800’s built to climb the mountain. Any train that is at least 3,800 feet long (56-60 box cars) passes over itself going around the loop. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/2023-02-newzealand daily 0.75 2023-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679416798497-RHXW88AOIJNTF0KAI7IV/2023-02-22_12-57-28_663%252525252BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 1. Forgot about NZ visas! Applied online at airport; Rick's didn't arrive. Julie lobbied hard; AA let him board... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679416894481-63OIMTQ9KHOPXXVLMAHW/2023-02-22_05-11-46_069%252BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 2. It was a 15-hour flight from Dallas, TX to Auckland, NZ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678224275090-LBTAS56Q3A9P1QF7L4ZX/Screen%2BShot%2B2023-03-07%2Bat%2B1.35.20%2BPM.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 3. Rick prayed for a NZ visa and legal alien status while he slept in-flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679416964758-Q829V8OC91EGAKCWVNER/Screen%252BShot%252B2023-03-07%252Bat%252B1.52.40%252BPM.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 4. Our planned route around northern NZ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e4b3eb3c-0082-4638-8db8-2e9d27b4372f/Screen+Shot+2023-03-07+at+1.44.54+PM.jpeg 2023-02-newzealand 5. Julie was first behind the wheel of our rental car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678225405756-6KHZ6MR7NW2CZ74W2YC2/2023-02-22_17-47-16_854%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 6. Our first night was in Hamilton, and we treated ourselves to roasted meat take-away for dinner – yum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678225665751-D91XSGX7R0UTUEP2010V/Screen%2BShot%2B2023-03-07%2Bat%2B2.44.18%2BPM%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 7. Next day, we stopped for snacks for the drive – so many interesting chip flavors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678226958204-CGOZVKSASK0GJEHV9L3G/Screen%2BShot%2B2023-03-07%2Bat%2B2.52.33%2BPM.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 8. A couple of weeks before our visit, a cyclone hit northern NZ, impacting many places we planned to visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678643346768-B8LDUWMQG203YCU9Y1Q8/2023-02-23_11-19-05_250%252BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 9. We saw many signs like this, and it was never a good sign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678643409200-UFH899G0D2P7EBC96FZK/2023-02-23_08-58-32_312%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 10. Mud slide ahead… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678379623760-31NUYX6YARK6098MIUG4/2023-02-23_13-32-29_580%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 11. On our way to Waitomo Caves. The scenery reminded us of the United Kingdom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679248111010-2J3604FFZLBQ84CRY78R/6D2A8329.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 12. Inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where the worms hang on the ceilings and glow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678379259786-U5RA33W5YJJWZWIJU0BP/2023-02-23_10-13-49_107%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 13. We saw the glowing worms by boat – here we are leaving the cave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a3c6a699-c451-4650-9272-b797c084e34a/2023-02-23_14-06-10_617+Large.jpeg 2023-02-newzealand 14. Did you know Kiwi Birds are endangered, nocturnal, and unable to fly? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678379922175-QCKXRES4A356NC2NC45T/2023-02-24_08-03-23_238%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 15. Giant Kiwi Bird - this one is not endangered, nor nocturnal, but it is indeed unable to fly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678641244684-8PTGDMLOY6FMZDEUPOEU/2023-02-23_14-14-15_058%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 16. On the way to Tawhai Falls in Tongariro National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678643046136-XFBT9VX4O1RH1UL5229J/2023-02-23_14-23-18_345%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 17. Getting in position for a great view of the falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678643472274-ZCWT2E6YR67AUFEYY4NR/2023-02-23_14-23-39_159%252BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 18. Tawhai Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678643577786-KFG9HS8Y0L3UL2NN3EZS/Screen%2BShot%2B2023-03-12%2Bat%2B11.18.30%2BAM.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 19. The view we had hoped to have of Mt. Tongariro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678643728804-FYIJHHPSHEI02MA76RCO/2023-02-23_14-42-27_771%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 20. The view we actually had of Mt. Tongariro... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678643866886-HYU1USELAQTGLE63P4CT/2023-02-24_08-02-28_867%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 21. Unable to take the chairlift up the mountain, we drowned our sorrows at Schnapps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678643999029-XCB4CUH0VPA5U9ZHX9ZH/2023-02-23_19-18-11_200%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 22. Relaxing at Schnapps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678644177841-L0IZX2QBJIQYY2OA9LHQ/2023-02-23_19-18-49_220%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 23. We had an improved view of Mt. Tongariro from the bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678668333694-Y0RVNF2W1GNESTUD0ZNQ/2023-02-24_06-56-53_446%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 24. Next day, the mountain was still in the clouds, so we drove up it to see what we could see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678668531774-UP9SIASKZMEF3FN9CUOH/2023-02-24_07-15-51_253%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 25. Above tree-line, as we ascended Mt. Tongariro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678668843474-HIHQKQI82ZSZWZW4CCSH/2023-02-24_07-18-39_542%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 26. Amazing views before we entered the clouds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678669094154-SZMBYPSRYDRQLOQ8A20K/2023-02-24_07-26-43_197%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 27. At the end of the road, but nowhere near the top. It was very windy and freezing cold up there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678806878667-6H8073D13NLX4BUHOL3F/2023-02-24_07-24-20_244%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 28. Lost in the clouds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678807324133-IKPDSAO788D9U9DJ3G8F/2023-02-24_07-34-46_100%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 29. The remnants of ancient lava flows reminded us of Hawaii. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678807670265-VM4EUYEWHHGKUCUA3Y6P/2023-02-24_07-51-43_032%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 30. A parting shot of Mt. Tongariro, as we headed north to Taupo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678808639135-QO3QZXHAO8ZXRJ6T7YPL/2023-02-24_11-16-22_443%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 31. Lake Taupo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679067140765-XEIBQDKHINE27LZVKMIW/2023-02-24_11-19-30_452%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 32. Rick - while ignoring the beautiful view behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678807945568-7K5T7FTWOH2M1T1C3AUA/2023-02-24_07-43-27_628%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 33. NZ plant life is incredibly diverse - even just growing wild along the highway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1678808213981-ZQNFNWY6AVKU51SFKUUB/2023-02-24_10-43-16_010%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 34. The cyclone unfortunately destroyed some of that plant life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679067366975-PXCB4Z01P0DXCUT8H4JY/Screen%2BShot%2B2023-03-17%2Bat%2B9.22.39%2BAM%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 35. We spent an afternoon at DeBretts Geothermal Spa in Taupo. Ahhhhh... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679067705965-83T4GHXYXYMOGHM009AL/2023-02-24_19-27-57_000%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 36. We'd scheduled a kayaking trip. Tour guide claimed this weather is ideal for kayaking. We cancelled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679079381282-4T9RV5ZVBX1BDPXZ43MC/2023-02-25_10-00-00_233%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 37. Instead, we visited the raging rapids leading to Huka Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679079572137-EVD03RKI2H2M7MLSUCOR/2023-02-25_10-19-17_206%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 38. Huka Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679080017430-DY70CG0GVJEBWI88FUAR/2023-02-25_10-52-13_798%252BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 39. At Taupo's Lava Glass Gallery, where we bought some cool glass and toured their Glass Sculpture Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679080230368-G9PE2DE3XZ4ZPWO038EU/2023-02-25_10-39-38_142%2BMedium.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 40. Giant glass orbs! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679080536144-LGWZI2NHQ2RGUB6H3UY8/2023-02-25_10-51-17_372%2BMedium.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 41. Giant glass flowers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679080896965-KY533M6IQ7GMB6KSDJML/2023-02-25_12-17-53_654%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 42. This comforting sign welcomed us to the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679155043462-PIQU8JG30JFCOWTJPE99/2023-02-25_12-13-02_165%252BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 43. Steam and the aroma of sulfur was rampant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679154900225-IF9Y9OMB17PVIHCZ01PM/2023-02-25_12-18-28_050%25252BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 44. And the colors were out of this world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679154823465-A6TGPDGZYNSRH8EVPFHA/2023-02-25_12-27-55_117%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 45. A very crazy and dangerous place! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679155358603-1ITMLT77BEJ29HKROSHI/2023-02-25_12-41-39_730%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 46. Julie appears to be visiting another planet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679155738311-OQWZLM1PSHGNVYLTBP5K/2023-02-25_12-39-52_640%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 47. No swimming allowed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679156107206-GGY80K8O9WPCAOEPH2KQ/2023-02-25_12-53-42_050%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 48. We ate a lot of tasty steak pies in NZ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679156479044-GW3WQMV6GI26JHCZSED0/2023-02-25_17-12-20_786%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 49. Ready to hike along the awesome elevated Redwoods Treewalk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679156939675-Z3A2OSR9LE1M2VE0G8QZ/2023-02-25_17-23-35_010%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 50. Walking among the redwoods was great fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679157435205-J5GED1VHDRXTXURP59G2/2023-02-25_17-28-48_436%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 51. All smiles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679244418088-SYPGWYLEHZPEX6T1X6AY/2023-02-25_17-34-21_301%252BMedium.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 52. So serene and peaceful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679244949270-E97OXL5UX4SDY9BI2BVW/2023-02-25_17-47-36_735%252BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 53. Good perspective showing the size of the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679245653984-KXX6Q3JVG8N8KTQOT2OW/2023-02-26_09-22-01_675%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 54. At the Te Puia Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679246027764-3KGAW3KSZVTIKJ4QM2H5/2023-02-26_09-31-29_286%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 55. Such amazing carvings! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679248297633-SQXGKQ9ZGGUABYU3YAY8/4-610x407%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 56. Saw Kiwi Birds at the Te Puia Kiwi Conservation Centre. Bigger than expected – size of a large cat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679248746093-DZUMOHEOTKHNKK3PRJSE/2023-02-26_10-16-53_062%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 57. The eerie geothermal area at Te Puia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/46af3a04-18fa-4255-be92-97b7bb703f6b/2023-02-26_10-18-51_869+Large.jpeg 2023-02-newzealand 58. Enjoying the steam and sulfur! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679249379082-53XBV2JUDI1ABDOV7KCR/2023-02-26_11-02-59_365%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 59. Pōhutu is the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere, reaching 100 feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679325707262-MOK1QEKUBVN6943NCC1U/2023-02-27_13-50-35_135%252BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 60. It was a longgg drive to Whitianga, with way too many curvy roads and obstacles along the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679326840253-EO1DDKGFDNIU5A0D1ORL/2023-02-27_19-06-30_198%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 61. The Pacific Ocean at Whitianga’s Buffalo Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679327452632-OYD5UDUNKGOC12ENCT18/2023-02-27_18-59-31_678%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 62. On the beach, which was across the street from our hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679328038066-OOV6N4JOR6XJ37GWCTFY/2023-02-27_19-14-02_613%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 63. Tons of seashells there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679328960957-Z1AE1VW1U3X3KFO0BN24/2023-02-28_08-05-58_682%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 64. Exploring Hot Water Beach, outside Whitianga. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679329613055-K0BTV2TJOVBQWZNX2M3U/2023-02-28_08-11-55_515%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 65. Geothermal water seeps up from the depths that, with some digging, makes natural hot tubs! Yeah, right... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679329963857-UE6NXJYO4GZWDXOXXOIX/2023-02-28_08-29-51_139%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 66. Julie worked with these friendly Brits to create a hot tub of sorts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679330318938-8I0T4XM3C9KESFWPHHES/2023-02-28_08-42-46_349%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 67. Angry waves coming from the east. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679330813977-6GMS3X66EWT8FW2HUSF7/2023-02-28_08-18-55_029%252BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 68. Very angry waves! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679337944459-HKIMUBER7GMNIHAJKKHJ/2023-03-01_10-26-59_843%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 69. On the much-too-narrow road back to Auckland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679340055477-I0AUU64E9DVU9L52S8K7/2023-03-01_11-28-40_684%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 70. The Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679349610993-A1LPJW1WBH2QKVWZQNMO/2023-03-01_11-13-09_117%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 71. Karangahake is the site of a former gold mine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679351311843-MH3GRBMAAJBDN8JPLCTN/2023-03-01_11-02-22_125%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 72. Artsy photo! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679351762363-HR9FPTXQRQINSQ8PU5QX/2023-03-01_11-16-08_293%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 73. Another artsy shot -- a developing fern frond, which is a popular NZ symbol. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679352225661-9WMCJIZ2V44IS4VIWSC6/2023-03-01_14-56-08_284%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 74. The view from our Auckland apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679352524489-4UQ1HN2OUR02FLN6MNRP/2023-03-01_14-32-51_813%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 75. Another shot from the apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679353165762-2RJUYRRHMGOL0VPF0L4K/2023-03-02_10-39-44_459%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 76. Harbor sunrise - perfect way to start the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679353530315-HYHG9M34L8LK81CTO5BB/2023-03-02_09-31-10_165%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 77. Another nice way to start the day. Guess which bagel is Rick’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7dddf9bf-23d7-4824-92ac-6ff46f061932/2023-03-02_12-00-02_491+Large.jpeg 2023-02-newzealand 78. Julie loved Best Ugly Bagels! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679411269256-8LR6RP7DNE4V9JOBRUBF/2023-03-02_09-56-15_065%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 79. Making our way to the Sky Tower. It’s the tallest free-standing structure in the southern hemisphere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679411568358-4XALBMADZORPK55PQ07A/2023-03-02_10-08-40_382%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 80. The view from the top of the tower, including our apartment building, left center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679411923429-CB82QMP0PP7XX2IBDO0K/2023-03-02_10-18-07_619%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 81. That’s Mt. Eden – the highest volcano in Auckland. No worries, it last erupted 15,000 years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679412242682-5BUAI6ZYS7SFWPPMBMCE/2023-03-02_10-34-03_809%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 82. Rick modeling an All Blacks uniform. What an odd name for a rugby team! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679414022812-SYNLUTCVOJLIWCUPV381/2023-03-01_23-04-48_594%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 83. Relaxing on the patio for our last night in NZ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679415331424-JHF0184MSGGJJF1JQN2S/2023-03-01_23-04-42_274%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 84. We watched this HUGE ship enter the harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679415962068-GSBII71CW0BSR88IHDY8/2023-03-02_00-53-53_649%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 85. Night-time in the harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679416452491-VAQ2GPRTAWYC18U612WS/2023-03-02_11-53-16_065%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 86. Morning walk before our flight home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679417275470-O9FZGFV4HQXT8XABD4EK/2023-03-03_06-10-31_061%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 87. The flight home was only 12 hours, due to prevailing winds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1679417479197-PZCGTU9OFLVIOKO95XTB/2023-03-03_06-12-09_575%2BLarge.jpg 2023-02-newzealand 88. It’s no fun when the vacation’s over. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/home daily 1.0 2026-03-29 https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202305-tetonyellowstone daily 0.75 2023-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685296845352-DGP0ZXX7D2G5FL4SZ7LP/abcd.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 1. We drove to Grand Teton from Denver – it rained much of the day, which made for slow-going. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4a4d11a8-5c14-4f35-898a-d839072589d0/2023-05-11_10-06-34_665+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 2. Nothing to see here, folks, please move along. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685065251530-PS6XDXRNN4ZXRON2CMUV/2023-05-11_13-34-04_484%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 3. Welcome to Wyoming, where some people love oil more than water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fa390626-7ae4-4849-a6b3-5db8916f980f/2023-05-11_14-50-53_747+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 4. Independence Rock - in the 1800’s, it was a well-known landmark on westbound emigrant trails. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3cfc65df-f377-4db0-8321-4052dfda0afb/2023-05-11_14-45-21_301+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 5. It was also a great spot for over 5,000 people to carve their names. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/599a1aec-0523-4771-ac20-0acf1bc43739/2023-05-11_18-13-53_137+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 6. Relaxing in Lander, Wyoming, after a long day of driving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685137347022-FES6PC7XI4PZ3JCDZ074/IMG_6659%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 7. Lots of snow as we crossed the mountains on our way to Jackson Hole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685137177339-TZH84WAR10RH686CVI3X/IMG_6700%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 8. The Grand Tetons, as we approach Jackson, Wyoming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685137799860-EE5T0M49S98GVM0MDWHX/IMG_6685%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 9. Part of a huge elk herd at the National Elk Refuge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685138025252-UR8U7PCWMEZ4JGWW4BBL/IMG_6724%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 10. Getting up-close and personal with the Grand Tetons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/564f5071-337e-40e6-a1bc-40c3b0b3e16e/IMG_6717+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 11. Really up-close and personal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685138294381-HMI548M6IKDWYXKZOS9F/2023-05-13_07-49-41_371%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 12. Unfortunately, someone forgot to clear the mountain snow, so our hiking options were limited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685138558756-HMGC8WEFII6QLI6XCBG3/IMG_6719%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 13. Even some of the paved paths in the park were un-shoveled. Tsk-tsk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2e0a8b5b-c3a4-4193-8901-fadf9219b9ee/2023-05-13_09-47-30_101+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 14. We took dozens of photos of mountains reflecting in water, but you only need to look at this and one other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685139183233-7M9CYBX4HXWDBYFDK487/2023-05-13_09-41-26_445%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 15. Rick seen snapping yet another reflecting photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/06cca803-c5c1-4dca-9752-e353aa4d0ac1/2023-05-13_09-46-23_286+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 16. Whoops! Does this selfie count as a reflecting photo? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/00f733ed-d953-47da-8d82-ed5df1aa65a6/IMG_6756+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 17. A great view of Grand Teton, the grandest Teton of them all at 13,775ft. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685139479178-UK02R5UHRSCT0RRGEECZ/2023-05-13_10-59-56_519%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 18. The Teton range with the Snake River in the foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685139850327-VDTEL6HKRLNFZFTP5J48/IMG_6703%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 19. We saw three moose on our trip – this was number two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685202112941-8UESJSGS80LLJITSQ9JC/IMG_6778%252BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 20. Bighorn sheep (well, specifically, bighorn sheep butts). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685140544944-O8DQF3I6C2Y9OIE9JXEW/IMG_6781%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 21. Baby bighorns – so cute! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685299116043-ECPMOTWU0LB9UX26NFTA/ndlgf.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 22. Homemaking tip – create spectacular garden arches with a little bit of glue and just a few antlers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685142192981-2C626Y6R87B08GJFLEZA/2023-05-13_18-07-01_979%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 23. Mirror photo in downtown Jackson – what were those two drinking?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685142527968-A40AKC7233DHDCMPPPSH/2023-05-13_18-59-22_455%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 24. Playing around with the only approachable bison in all of Jackson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685200750726-HWMRG8OFSEGLELVVY3Y7/2023-05-14_10-17-18_001%252BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 25. Our copycat of a classic Mormon Row photo that’s for sale all over Jackson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685201045981-L81YIU1G5VV9AJ19X0EO/IMG_6796%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 26. Another photo from Mormon Row, a great example of an early 1900s western farming community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685201333216-KWFUQSWT5WNYEDL8A4QF/IMG_6807%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 27. A prairie dog prepares to take a bow after serenading us with “Home on the Range.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685201950610-S61EF3X2QY9JG7KXPIOM/IMG_6817%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 28. Our third moose – we had an excellent view from a nearby bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685202314100-G5NCZBGT1FUWJBZ7XED7/IMG_6831%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 29. We took a dusk-time drive to try to spot a bear. No bear, but we saw another huge herd of elk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/367eaa8a-8509-40d3-9c7d-43428829d656/xyx.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 30. Ominous clouds as we headed back to Jackson, but we didn't see any rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685203401882-O56CI1UGBGKMNSLJI7Y5/2023-05-15_10-28-46_896%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 31. North end of Jackson Lake, as we leave Jackson Hole and make our way to Yellowstone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685300584242-YJUVX26Z2GYSD1L78NZ0/fl 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 32. Even more snow at Yellowstone than at Grand Teton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685298695675-GYFPRW3V86HYW5LQDGNS/sl 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 33. Lots more snow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685205452890-WFMILC0S8SWVQ0SGYPW1/Screen%252BShot%252B2023-05-25%252Bat%252B7.34.35%252BPM.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 34. Happy to see the tradition of feeding bears continues – whoops, that photo’s from another era! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685142084264-MECOR35BIW1756YRC399/2023-05-19_09-46-37_191%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 35. Alas, this is the only bear we saw during our travels… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685206335419-74ZIUMVQHL08K05CDRO0/2023-05-15_11-56-20_021%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 36. Hydrothermal primordial gunk oozes from the West Thumb shore into Lake Yellowstone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685206444352-HUHZUTIO5ABRU4DD7J9Q/IMG_6858%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 37. Yellowstone has over 10,000 thermal features and the world’s largest concentration of geysers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7b272e58-b61c-4d47-a0bb-24c7726921e4/Screen+Shot+2023-05-27+at+10.42.58+AM+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 38. Yellowstone is one of the most seismically active areas in the US, with about 2,000 earthquakes per year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/084b682c-0825-4b20-a32d-fba4718fa6c0/Screen+Shot+2023-05-27+at+9.48.57+AM+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 39. And Yellowstone is the caldera of a massive volcano – a great place to welcome 3 million visitors annually! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685207414962-KH72FW7WG5XCBDAYA4HE/2023-05-15_12-06-05_819%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 40. The intense blue color of some springs results when sunlight passes into their deep, clear hot waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685207705084-VWG2OQ4389X9095DVZJX/2023-05-15_13-16-28_064%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 41. Next stop, joining the large crowd of tourists waiting to see Old Faithful erupt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685208066668-F5OQLAT76YS9XQ0QO8EG/IMG_6864%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 42. Old Faithful erupts 20 times a day, predicted with a 90% confidence rate - the timing is on Twitter! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fbedd5b6-169b-42f7-af76-c8449b6a6b09/2023-05-15_14-26-58_945+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 43. Walking in a massive hydrothermal zone with no railing along the wooden walkway. Yikes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685214714768-6EXSCLOSUD0A9APZ81IH/Screenshot%2B2023-05-27%2Bat%2B1.02.14%2BPM%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 44. You know, the kid wouldn’t have wandered off the walkway if there had been a railing – just sayin’… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685215150355-7RV9DA2ZU6QSHZV7RMTI/2023-05-15_14-49-26_434%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 45. The hydrothermal colors were amazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685215462751-AEGWFY2MMUY6HKL2N8EW/2023-05-15_14-42-51_106%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 46. Even the browns, golds, and tans were out of this world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685215888642-DRKD30918J81X4M20T4M/2023-05-15_15-00-00_485%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 47. One of the walkways was very close to a seemingly never-ending geyser eruption – not fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9bbb6ceb-186c-4674-8bba-18d75fb24b24/2023-05-17_18-41-55_275+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 48. We spent 3 nights at Yellowstone’s Lake Hotel – “an elegant getaway reminiscent of the 1920s.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685216610003-YZXL8RFVNVPGX4YK9VRB/IMG_6872%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 49. Hiking to the Yellowstone River, near Hayden Valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685217568538-RDYIV3O18SEUJB9YCJF5/2023-05-15_15-01-29_190%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 50. The Sulphur Caldron – sounds like a Harry Potter book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685217767006-I8DC7QKAUYAIAHOHMQOU/IMG_6897%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 51. In Hayden Valley, Julie checks with some photographers to see where the bears are. No luck there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685218607475-VZJ2D86QZ3GZ5S5RA5VO/IMG_6915%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 52. The bison were plentiful, though. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685218841549-MF59GEB73Z8SX9PZH7CR/IMG_6879%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 53. Bison are such beautiful, majestic beasts. Glad our ancestors saved a few for us to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f5fe11f2-4587-4541-91ad-f7f61544128b/2023-05-16_12-06-43_944+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 54. The Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River, 109ft tall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685219453441-GLTTYXG7UOD3Z9OBKBXE/2023-05-16_09-56-11_678%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 55. At the “brink” of the Lower Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685219174328-TNWHCRQW3V0XJAKXUVT4/2023-05-16_09-51-34_828%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 56. It’s difficult to see the Lower Falls from the brink, but you can see the tremendous volume of water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685219776058-L51CIMY3K45QYZYBMT28/2023-05-16_09-51-38_854%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 57. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with Falls mist. The canyon is 24 miles long and up to 1,200ft deep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d832dfa0-b528-4f65-90f1-054c5d39a832/2023-05-16_10-28-31_571+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 58. Lower Falls from Inspiration Point. At 308ft tall, it's the second most photographed spot in Yellowstone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685221213567-JYRZS2QPCVMTV8E55JLM/2023-05-16_12-24-49_517%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 59. One more shot of Lower Falls, from Artist Point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685221587557-PVG7F8REYPN6DG0CGJK1/IMG_6900%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 60. Like the reflecting Tetons, we simply could not stop taking photos of bison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685221944899-MUCVFDLO28S7K8863JH5/2023-05-16_12-53-58_911%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 61. Yes, we did see this … from an appropriate distance… Yellowstone says that’s at least 25 yards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685222435846-C9TR6PULIHG4JQGXH2M4/IMG_6942%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 62. Everyone at Yellowstone decided to visit Grand Prismatic Spring at the same time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e3c59bd9-0bd5-47fd-b89e-c300262f8644/IMG_6932+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 63. Grand Prismatic Spring is pretty, pretty spectacular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685223116709-ADHRQJLLHF20MPS7PF4G/2023-05-17_09-36-39_846%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 64. Quite unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685223311149-1GEH04F0WIJWWNFFEQRE/IMG_6939%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 65. This too was at Grand Prismatic Spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685223409606-4R486W0Q6KIFDTW2GTA9/2023-05-17_09-42-37_324%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 66. A quick Grand Prismatic selfie before we move on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685223660104-8SNXJYV8C281F48Q1N6C/IMG_6949%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 67. Seeing a bluebird is a rare and special treat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685224491944-7JHLAEEPVQ5KLQ1OAILK/IMG_6963%252BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 68. Time for a bison parade! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685224628162-UY0CLNJ4RTLHXE6OV540/IMG_6964%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 69. They were not the least bit concerned about the traffic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685234083466-D29DXMZ6L0YRG3E7VGLL/2023-05-17_11-14-20_006%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 70. Gibbon Falls drops 84ft over a remnant of the caldera rim. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685234455566-6ZI57OJMWM55VAO7R5KG/IMG_6974%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 71. Fishing Bridge, built in 1937, was a popular place to fish because it’s a spawning area for cutthroat trout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685234793336-0UOMPC0IQ2PQFXMD129N/2023-05-17_18-26-12_732%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 72. Unwinding in the Lake Hotel’s Sunroom, with cocktails, piano music, and expansive views of the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685235402542-QPYSVVSYRZ4AQ79RRTQR/IMG_6978%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 73. Leaving the park the next day, we encountered this idyllic bison scene along Lake Yellowstone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685236160577-PBK5SUYA5JN6DA81U04J/IMG_6981%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 74. We also saw many reminders of the 2003 fire that destroyed 1,900 acres along the East Entrance Road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685235601814-TRBF7DLSZXH3DW8WVUUO/2023-05-18_10-14-22_599%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 75. Eagle Peak, highest point in Yellowstone at 11,358ft. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685236270239-23783PC5BTYBW3XK0KBI/2023-05-18_10-56-02_608%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 76. Driving to Cody, Wyoming along the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685236378299-XZTTO7EWNDILINYVV80U/2023-05-18_11-15-13_371%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 77. Another shot along the Scenic Byway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685236685970-RX2WJYN6L8ZTZIF2RZAD/IMG_7004%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 78. Guess what kind of bird these are. Give up? They're pelicans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685236555551-CP5V6J06IUKDZFMPN6BM/2023-05-18_12-06-52_201%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 79. At the Buffalo Bill Dam, 280ft down to the Shoshone River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685236818777-I9JUGX4EWKDR3LJ8ZAXU/2023-05-18_12-06-26_129%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 80. That’s a long and scary 280ft. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685237029581-9C4XIVH5KZ6A9NPRWOQW/2023-05-18_14-14-09_388%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 81. Outside the Buffalo Bill Center of the West – a great museum with a lot to take-in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/31caf11e-86d7-42ca-9623-178ab16a3c5b/1140-Heart-Mountain-Exterior.imgcache.rev.web.1392.800.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 82. After leaving Cody, we visited the WWII Heart Mountain "Relocation Center," a/k/a concentration camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685237228583-HDV7BMPE3PEWG3UBS9OD/2023-05-19_11-17-58_663%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 83. It’s not too difficult imagining a similar hysteria hitting the US today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685224365891-5E0VG8P0X4JK42PA8RWZ/2023-05-19_12-54-28_939%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 84. At Legend Rock Petroglyph Site, a world-renowned site, with carvings dating back to 10,000 B.C. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685224060825-UB3FHOQLEQ53JHM9D50E/2023-05-20_07-39-56_558%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 85. Driving through Wyoming’s Wind River Canyon for our last day on the road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1685224250221-AUJ83ZFH9NKAY94E6BQF/2023-05-20_07-51-22_179%2BLarge.jpg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 86. Pick a tunnel, any tunnel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ed8a8d2a-d2fd-48ea-bcb3-0d05492f5559/Screen+Shot+2023-05-27+at+7.36.17+PM+Large.jpeg 2023.05-tetonyellowstone 87. Always a satisfying sight for road-weary Colorado travelers. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/2024-01-belize daily 0.75 2024-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ec61df96-f7dc-410f-8a56-4b38cdcd8efb/01.jpg 2024.01-belize 1. Show of hands! Who knew where Belize is before you saw this map? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a11bd5b1-9ead-495c-8863-da45efc5e5de/03.jpg 2024.01-belize 2. We drove ourselves – including our traveling companion, nephew Jason – on this route across Belize. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1706905398508-LSD2ET7PTX4DN6EK1BDK/Screen%252BShot%252B2024-02-02%252Bat%252B10.16.30%252BAM.jpg 2024.01-belize 3. (L-R) Julie, Jason, and Rick on the road to our Airbnb in San Ignacio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cb30fec0-f6eb-4ca9-b427-af6a8bdad7b2/04.jpg 2024.01-belize 4. The Belizean highways are scattered with lots of speed bumps that make driving quite slow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/479a7718-613f-46cd-8bbe-d343c364cfda/05.jpg 2024.01-belize 5. We also encountered multiple police checkpoints - they usually waved us on without even looking in our car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/35866dee-b55d-4be4-b90e-183a1cf0ccae/07.jpg 2024.01-belize 6. Entering San Ignacio, after driving about 3 hours to cover 65 miles and visit a couple of grocery stores. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b10026d4-6548-48ce-834f-ff511e1692d9/08.jpg 2024.01-belize 7. Our Airbnb - Suzie’s Hilltop Villas! We had the left side of the duplex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/03afe431-4fa6-414a-980c-8394d12e81e7/09+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 8. We celebrated making it to Belize with a tasty meat platter from the Running W Restaurant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/100ebfa1-20c8-4d40-914c-aa3c66d7367d/10+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 9. On our way to some Mayan ruins, but first we had to cross a river on this ferry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/20de3867-a8f1-4b5b-ae0c-12572d42cfc2/11.jpg 2024.01-belize 10. Julie took a turn at propelling the ferry forward with this ultra-modern hand crank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0710ab5d-9514-4c05-89b4-ddde7dc6870f/12+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 11. In front of El Castillo, at the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins. At 130 ft, it’s the 2nd tallest structure in Belize. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b7baa18b-aa3b-417e-8fb2-04f43c498b77/13+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 12. Making the trek to the top of El Castillo. The heat and humidity made the climb a little challenging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/604c7ba6-e7c5-4403-a4d0-d77d30a42802/14+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 13. A side of El Castillo showing how a portion of the pyramid before it became a ruin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1c6f58e1-7848-4924-84ec-b47f17fe7bca/14.1+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 14. The three of us about half-way up, and running out of water quickly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f9a8a0e6-91f0-4dcc-93e6-cf1b0c45990d/15+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 15. Julie and Jason on the way to the top. Rick stayed behind because it was just too damn hot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8cc86af0-c903-451b-9eab-0df068d3961f/16+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 16. I spy Julie and Jason. Can you? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8dad79b0-dacb-4485-a148-dc614bf159d4/17+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 17. The view from the top. Guatemala, on the other side of that road, is about 2,000 ft from El Castillo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/00fea8d0-420d-43cf-b0d0-c2a66a70e4ed/18+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 18. Iguana Sighting! Did you know these buggers have a third eye of sorts on the tops of their heads? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/39ee9f03-397d-49f1-bcd6-c709e804a4cf/19+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 19. Nice view of the ruins site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a67ca028-faf6-4755-8544-5557b4338f19/20+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 20. Julie and Rick posing for one last view of El Castillo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ff93e028-e987-4e77-8347-9c898afa065a/22+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 21. After slogging thru heat/humidity, we needed refreshments before going on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d60553eb-5856-4457-9fd5-1bcb15ef43ce/23+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 22. The Cahal Pech ruins. The name means “Place of Ticks” in Mayan – must have been a fun place to live. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9f330ae5-3d5f-420e-9d8e-f916380c5632/24+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 23. Julie in one of the many Cahal Pech passageways, which were likely built for people to hide from the ticks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/19cd870e-cba4-40f9-a6bc-acc669423c40/25+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 24. One of the Cahal Pech plazas. The area reached a peak population of 10-15,000 people around 750 AD. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/214606f8-228b-435a-98cd-d2a2bb1eedfa/26+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 25. Cool, artsy shot as we bid adieu to the Place of Ticks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5e4b7098-0368-4d1d-a4d8-d63db838d80a/27.jpg 2024.01-belize 26. By mid-afternoon Rick was HOT, so he soaked in our pool, despite a water temperature just above freezing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1706905606322-KLRHGP1D3GKDK9RH1F5S/Screen%2BShot%2B2024-02-02%2Bat%2B10.48.21%2BAM.jpg 2024.01-belize 27. We enjoyed a tour at AJAW Chocolate. Here’s Jason smushing cacao beans into a bitter paste. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cf168ebc-a668-44ec-b6e4-2e58f690fa44/29.jpg 2024.01-belize 28. Patrick, our guide, driving us to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a super cool sacred Mayan site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a95bd3cf-f66a-4e9b-8f9d-94f1012ed9b8/31.1.jpg 2024.01-belize 29. We had to swim, wade, and walk about a mile to get to the cave entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/108b4cfa-cd01-4faa-aa2f-32291b969d3e/31.jpg 2024.01-belize 30. At the cave entrance. Cameras are no longer allowed in the cave, so we borrowed old photos from the www. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d36bdb51-360b-42d9-be28-a9454f2dbb7a/32.jpg 2024.01-belize 31. Wading in the cave’s river. The only light was the light from our helmets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4ea3c6e5-315e-445c-8ada-a265f8000ed4/33.jpg 2024.01-belize 32. Climbing one of the cave’s walls to another level. The butt-push is an oft-used climbing technique here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/861c47ec-d317-482c-b68b-ee8c9c9c32fb/35.5.jpg 2024.01-belize 33. The main chamber was huge, and we had to remove our shoes to protect the cave floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a6b6b372-7a68-4bb6-aafe-0e37424a2ea4/35.jpg 2024.01-belize 34. The Mayans spent time here making offerings to the gods. Around 700 AD, the offerings were food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cf137e92-2ee1-44cb-a5bb-1795a5fa4371/36.jpg 2024.01-belize 35. By 900 AD, they moved to human sacrifices, trying to end a drought they caused by cutting down all the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7c3688d2-77f9-447a-bf70-4c6bd87cbcbf/34.jpg 2024.01-belize 36. Leaving the spectacular main chamber. We were in the cave for about 4 hours, and hiked over 4 miles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ec2cfc52-3fdd-4e02-a00a-5de9eb4d9572/37.1+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 37. Yes, we all had to squeeze through this tight slot in order to leave the cave! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/104a4029-19d8-4f21-a70f-0d4456a8e166/37+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 38. A photo of us with Patrick to commemorate our amazing, memorable experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e462d85a-78cb-413e-83d1-c2337fbccd1c/38.jpg 2024.01-belize 39. Celebrating our spelunking adventure with another nice dinner at the Running W. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/59627ded-652c-4e7a-b9dd-40bf427d2c08/39+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 40. We went to the large San Ignacio Market during our last morning in the town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/43bd4de6-1869-4da8-87fd-a70be034f4ab/40.jpg 2024.01-belize 41. Machetes are quite popular in Belize. Here’s one being used to end the life of yet another coconut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6f2e6ed8-5607-4208-a432-43515d790e5b/41+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 42. Julie cooled down with some coconut water, which she thoroughly enjoyed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1c0277d6-dd9c-40bd-8f5e-cbdd30ac9dba/42+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 43. On the road to the coast and Placencia, where we had a stretch of like 30 miles without speed bumps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2a9e629e-c01d-446d-b757-7f53f71c232b/44.jpg 2024.01-belize 44. Watch out for tapirs on the highway! Nope, we didn’t see any. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/134f7b2b-ea67-4511-b260-82242c7398f5/45+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 45. And look-out for those crazy jaguars! Nope, didn’t see any of those either. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5d0fbe57-632f-4110-ba19-f42fa1dc3a7d/47+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 46. We made it to Placencia just in time for rush hour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/09705e3a-5552-4272-9e88-1bdbb5dcb647/48+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 47. Despite poor directions and signage, we eventually found our rental property. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/269be869-09f4-4995-8adc-d134b99b2849/49+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 48. Our rental was close to the beach, so “Beach Rules” were indeed necessary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4650115f-0983-4854-b7d5-9994c1c13446/50.jpg 2024.01-belize 49. It rained quite a lot on our first full day in Placencia, but we didn’t care because the Pack was in the playoffs! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9612f656-901a-47af-957a-20800899ca5e/51+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 50. Eager to tip some back and watch football at the Tipsy Tuna. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1706717836507-1SPORSBGOV1KYFDMDWHK/52.jpg 2024.01-belize 51. While the Packers lost, it was still fun watching the NFL in Central America. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1cac2f25-c5b9-4c87-8d4a-1303cab7bdb5/53.jpg 2024.01-belize 52. At a restaurant with some of the world’s slowest service; at least we had refreshments! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1a945888-a99b-415c-8d5c-03dd7d9f5608/54+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 53. Strolling along the beach, Julie picks up some fishing tips.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/975b2492-8cf3-4c71-9be2-8e64a7cd6bd4/Screen+Shot+2024-02-02+at+10.53.11+AM.png 2024.01-belize 54. ...while Jason spotted this sign. Sandy Cove BZ Tours does everything – except use punctuation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/172acc69-0d96-40bb-a2eb-5370de79ede3/56+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 55. In our backyard, wondering where we might find some sweet treats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/14a93c95-ae96-4bcc-a04c-45bbb33afce1/57+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 56. A short walk led us to some pretty yummy gelato. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2a2a0139-32fb-4585-ba0b-4ec44d4fee07/Screen+Shot+2024-02-02+at+11.01.20+AM.png 2024.01-belize 57. Julie and Jason went snorkeling here - Rick stayed behind, regretting what he ate for lunch the day before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/61119fa4-2a6e-45ae-826e-f4574b80e44d/60+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 58. Laughing Bird Caye is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/354fb6b6-ccfd-4811-a565-e59dbf3ed05c/64.4+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 59. The MBRS is 560 miles long, stretching from Yucatan, Mexico to the Honduras. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1706718337225-EVNI6XLX32WHEGJTSNWV/62.jpg 2024.01-belize 60. The MBRS is the second-largest coral reef in the world. Belize's coastline has 30% of the MBRS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c4094a57-fe87-4813-8adf-c64ae39e86ca/64.1.jpg 2024.01-belize 61. The MBRS has a plethora of bio-diversity. Here’s a sting ray, lurking on the ocean floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7e2b1b31-8ffa-46a8-95ab-a523cb691c2f/64.2.jpg 2024.01-belize 62. What’s this? A ferocious barracuda. Don’t get too close – these guys sometimes attack humans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3790b3d0-4a7f-454f-9077-e50578f83a57/Screen+Shot+2024-01-30+at+6.32.30+PM.png 2024.01-belize 63. Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a31936ad-21f4-4ae1-a6d6-aebf68f90a06/64.3.jpg 2024.01-belize 64. A rare living conch shell (mollusk inside)! Worldwide, there are only about 50,000 living conches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5d24572f-b9ce-41f5-8226-57299c641366/64.5.jpg 2024.01-belize 65. An artsy shot of Julie and guide Kyle coming up for air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/815c370d-b723-4cb4-b141-7a04b13a0632/Screen+Shot+2024-02-02+at+10.54.40+AM.png 2024.01-belize 66. Julie and Jason are all smiles after their big adventure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d885c144-bf30-41a0-a33b-9777c1eac527/65+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 67. Hermit crabs snacking on the beach. They’re really quite scary-looking, don’t you think? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/17c9073c-787e-4d0b-89bb-0aee8f74af23/66.jpg 2024.01-belize 68. Julie and Jason had dinner at this fun tropical place. Can you find the Packers license plate? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/84f9a543-5fce-4bbb-b185-b091ee076ebc/Screen+Shot+2024-02-02+at+11.05.55+AM.png 2024.01-belize 69. Jason gets big-eyed thinking about getting so close to that fearsome barracuda. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8ad16eb1-bcd0-45d1-9d96-72715c7ea10e/68+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 70. At the airport, prepared for a long, tiring day of air travel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c7c48cc6-e048-4e84-9111-ccb72c6e5cf9/69+Large.jpeg 2024.01-belize 71. Saying adios to Belize within the confines of its chaotic airport. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/2024-03-france daily 0.75 2026-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c3c85daf-b861-450c-b5a9-f7258976e01e/001.jpg 2024-03-france After 4,700 miles and 9 hours, we made it to London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774363068692-R1C4PRQC9IUD4HBY0G0O/002.jpg 2024-03-france 2. Waiting impatiently for London Heathrow to announce the gate for our Paris flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774363131871-R041ZQM28IN17EQ5JMY3/003.jpg 2024-03-france 3. Our Paris hotel, in the 15th Arrondissement, close to the Eiffel Tower and Seine River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/893f0594-b02e-4285-a8ec-fd6e91e74234/004.jpg 2024-03-france 4. First dinner in Paris, close to the hotel. Too tired from flying to walk any further. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774363186470-MK5PSC9C9B50MHAJDMXA/005.jpg 2024-03-france 5. Some tasty Italian was a great way to start off our visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d1bb9e18-b5f1-471c-bf96-19f6d13f2e06/006.jpeg 2024-03-france 6. Mirror selfie in our very tiny first room – Julie got us a bigger room for the rest of our stay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0bf56f9f-5a83-4448-aaa3-9fcb0a1ee8b6/007.jpg 2024-03-france 7. At the 2024 Olympics Welcome Center by the Eiffel Tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/eb0aa2d6-fecd-4ab4-a15a-9408a558a54b/008.jpeg 2024-03-france 8. A close-up of the “Leaning Tower” of Eiffel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3705a49a-0954-4200-902e-b67910271101/009.jpeg 2024-03-france 9. Interesting, artsy view of the Tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6a22fc14-b7c5-493e-8de1-f9b8d7ef9ac8/010.jpeg 2024-03-france 10. Making our way by train to the Montmartre area. This station was built in 1923. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5bd26547-dc43-42f0-af57-4e5e49cdaef2/011.jpeg 2024-03-france 11. But first, we stopped for Lindt hot chocolate, which is the best hot chocolate ever! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c693d6a0-ae9f-4d0d-a9cd-2e396922d4a0/012.jpeg 2024-03-france 12. The Olympia Theater, opened 1893. Famous French pop singer, Claude Francois, first headlined there in 1963. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/13aea7e5-7a96-47f9-8c79-7971a1b64e64/014.jpeg 2024-03-france 13. Walking up the 176 step spiral staircase of the Abbesses Metro Station, below Butte Montmartre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/32058755-ee72-43ab-8555-f69fd569054f/013.jpeg 2024-03-france 14. At the top, the Art Nouveau Abbesses Station entrance, built during the early 1900’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b3d82f8b-fefe-4426-87fc-16977db7cba5/016.jpeg 2024-03-france 15. The Butte Montmartre funicular was a welcome sight after climbing the Abbesses Station stairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4d5a5f1c-7079-429a-9144-c77e52397fb3/017.jpeg 2024-03-france 16. Rick resting on the Sacre Coeur Church stairs, sitting high atop Butte Montmartre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3cd0bf02-968d-4854-88b7-7dbf673f1072/018.jpg 2024-03-france 17. “Locks of Love” fastened to much of the fencing near the Sacre Coeur. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5afd03d2-039e-4e8f-8089-b982ffa1bf18/015.jpeg 2024-03-france 18. A school memorial to Jewish children, kidnapped and murdered by fascist Nazis during WWII. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1b107219-5d5a-4545-b5ba-171718b21c8a/019.jpeg 2024-03-france 19. Eating Croque Monsieurs, which are one of the most iconic French bistro dishes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/031e3d35-42d7-4d6c-9c4e-5db142f6eb9a/021.jpeg 2024-03-france 20. At dinner later, Rick is quite proud of himself for speaking French to order our drinks and food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/14bce136-7267-4748-ad7a-3371e7894a04/022.jpeg 2024-03-france 21. The Grande Arche, in the La Defense business district. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3c4da4b1-ba50-44f9-a03b-24f407afbe34/023.jpg 2024-03-france 22. The Grande Arche was inaugurated on France’s bicentennial, July 14, 1989. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/de578374-943f-4071-a322-9181e094bc2e/024.jpg 2024-03-france 23. Julie, striking a pose in front of the many unique La Defense structures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fb3121e1-1ad1-43b1-9350-f4d78a026a93/025.jpg 2024-03-france 24. Another view of La Defense. Can you see the Arc de Triomphe in the distance? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a84cec6f-1a09-41ff-9a9c-a6c346c2daa0/020.png 2024-03-france 25. Heading back to the city by Metro, accompanied by some very loud accordion music. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e6239c75-973b-4b43-9a1a-54042470a28d/027.jpg 2024-03-france 26. Another shot of the Eiffel Tower off in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9eb0f2f9-16ca-4dec-a10b-c3d89aeb50e0/026.jpg 2024-03-france 27. The Hotel National des Invalides, a veteran’s hospital and hospice, opened in 1674. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4ae85c0c-e9f0-4284-902c-db76aaf50153/028.jpeg 2024-03-france 28. As we look for a lunch spot, the Eiffel Tower seems to be everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/702ed761-0d15-4f00-b8e7-7cd1c1bb7e50/029.jpeg 2024-03-france 29. Rick was again proud for ordering food and drinks in French. We each had lemon almond tarte for dessert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/69c16299-dc0b-47b0-9db2-bbfd1bc766b8/030.jpeg 2024-03-france 30. The original Rodin’s “The Thinker.” There are 27 other known castings, many made after Rodin died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5617223c-74fd-4a97-808d-806483b8f2ff/031.jpeg 2024-03-france 31. Breakfast for our last day in Paris – pastries and quiche. What a way to start the day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/25bb00b7-67c7-4253-8276-9cd089c297c6/032.jpeg 2024-03-france 32. The bunker at the Museum of the Liberation. It was a French Resistance command post during WWII. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5b295f3b-df35-4690-992f-c1c9f24ce60f/033.jpeg 2024-03-france 33. The French Resistance had about 500,000 French citizens who fought the Nazi occupation with sabotage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/43f7622b-0c8e-4ed8-aff6-15c276168288/034.jpeg 2024-03-france 34. The Paris liberation was Aug. 25, 1944. The Nazis had killed 50,000 Allied troops in the 3 months before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8bcf75ed-2fba-482e-b931-736ca97bbc08/035.jpg 2024-03-france 35. Enjoying an afternoon break. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bf1fec0f-6706-42c6-b466-fa297c873317/036.jpeg 2024-03-france 36. Montparnasse Tower, at 59 stories tall, is the only skyscraper within the Paris city limits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5f489b67-0dc7-4b44-aac3-9fa1cb0841db/037.jpg 2024-03-france 37. What a view! The La Defense skyscrapers in the background are outside Paris city limits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1d1943fa-2819-4cb7-af2e-7752f1802067/038.jpg 2024-03-france 38. I spy the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral – can you find it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e41d8dff-4b92-4dff-9b33-fb174723c674/039.jpg 2024-03-france 39. Goofing-off at 690 feet in the air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bdfea9d4-91a5-4ed0-96e6-3949e24ca196/040.jpg 2024-03-france 40. Not a bad place to relax on a beautiful day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3142ac59-5881-4e9d-be0e-65cf4cdb267e/041.jpg 2024-03-france 41. A really long moving sidewalk in one of the Metro tunnels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9a9f48a7-ee0e-427b-a6fe-b69a74f0c65f/042.jpeg 2024-03-france 42. Biding our time in the chilly nighttime air, while we wait for the Eiffel Tower lights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/071ae8db-93d3-4f9d-bd54-dfc554ed405a/043.jpg 2024-03-france 43. One last look at the Eiffel Tower before we make our way to Toulouse in southwest France. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7fa1bc1b-6e64-46df-8722-d634a1fdb255/044.jpeg 2024-03-france 44. Preparing for our evening of sleep on the night train from Paris to Toulouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7a4052ba-e5ef-469f-b1b9-5e3f40680ee3/045.jpg 2024-03-france 45. Julie expresses our glee in reaching Toulouse, bright and early on a Saturday morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0f076058-2ded-4ede-8fd5-945b44713e27/046.jpg 2024-03-france 46. Toulouse’s most famous square, Place du Capitole, named after the parliament building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8d0f0246-f43e-43a2-93ee-3db38d26ff8a/047.jpeg 2024-03-france 47. We took a bike tour of Toulouse in order to get the lay of the land for the rest of our visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1c9c6675-ed40-43a8-aefb-421785705282/048.jpg 2024-03-france 48. Typical looking street in the city’s old town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/16145f9a-cf11-427c-91a6-3bedaa78b820/049.jpeg 2024-03-france 49. Cool art on a lot of the old town buildings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/acc1633a-80ff-4eaf-bcc5-e20f6a3c0c47/050.jpg 2024-03-france 50. Back in front of the Capitole. The square was getting quite busy, which is common on Saturday nights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e4cd779f-a7ae-4b6b-9d46-503573b36460/051.jpg 2024-03-france 51. The Garonne River, flowing 329 miles from the Pyrenees, through Toulouse, and on to Bordeaux. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e8a4ef36-4bd2-4ecb-acaa-d0be73ab8437/052.jpg 2024-03-france 52. The bustling Victor Hugo Market on a Sunday morning, where you can find lots of funky meat… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/abb091e2-3ee2-48e0-a3bd-f7c12fab2fc8/053.jpg 2024-03-france 53. …and some delicious looking pastries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f3f8fb04-8cb0-4335-b04a-a2ed49b3519d/054.jpeg 2024-03-france 54. The Chapelle des Carmelites, commissioned by King Louis XIII in 1662. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/939fd5da-357e-4e9f-88be-2e62337c05b7/055.jpg 2024-03-france 55. The Chapelle’s ceilings, painted in the 17th Century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/08a73ee2-da1a-4aae-bfea-298edb163f6a/056.jpg 2024-03-france 56. The ceilings drew inspiration from the Sistine Chapel in Rome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aa9a083b-4c64-4349-93ae-6cc8750e6e99/057.jpg 2024-03-france 57. Julie pauses inside the Capitole, which has some pretty amazing art of its own. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/033094a1-4219-4311-8032-a45062805d64/058.jpg 2024-03-france 58. The “Illustrious Room” wows visitors with marble sculptures, and lavishly decorated walls and ceilings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/63371b77-99f7-4f9f-a3d2-27aed667c853/059.jpg 2024-03-france 59. The Town Council Chamber has been used for municipal government since 1606. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4ef683fc-0c43-4f8d-ac49-3a606e51c74d/060.jpeg 2024-03-france 60. Old Town Toulouse is pedestrian friendly, with few cars, but plenty of bicyclists darting everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/384d2bdc-b749-436d-acf1-f9d5e8dfc7b1/061.jpeg 2024-03-france 61. Julie tries bubble tea. The “bubbles” are tapioca pearls – an excellent way to get constipated! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/90510c53-3aac-42f4-8601-ed3285f46329/062.jpeg 2024-03-france 62. The Basilica of Saint Sernin, the largest Romanesque building remaining in Europe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/321cb004-4e72-4f77-a1d3-8df116d5778a/063.jpg 2024-03-france 63. This beautiful church was constructed between about 1080 and 1120. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7d8b67c0-20fa-4625-813d-508824538711/064.jpg 2024-03-france 64. Watch out for bicyclists, people! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/da427fcf-d169-433f-948d-17ee6f891dfc/065.jpeg 2024-03-france 65. Rick can't wait to try two Toulouse specialties – Saucisse de Toulouse and Cassoulet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5dbce676-937e-4667-a80a-3467a4a4ab29/067.jpeg 2024-03-france 66. The food was fine, but the beer down the street was better! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9fad535a-f9ae-442f-b023-3db8c5dbea14/066.jpg 2024-03-france 67. Toulouse has a very successful rugby team, and we watched rugby on TV while drinking our beers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/84429ba1-d5e9-4998-b74b-6d7ab8ba4ef9/068.jpeg 2024-03-france 68. The next day rained and rained, so we rode the train around to see what we might find. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f864c919-c3b9-412e-8f7d-f30e5d113ccf/069.jpeg 2024-03-france 69. Well, what do you know?! We found Europe’s first urban circulating ropeway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9c4c6a9d-b707-4a46-a8da-a804e046d845/070.jpeg 2024-03-france 70. The ropeway is an eco-friendly, efficient, and sustainable mode of public transport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/22fabefa-1003-413e-af04-e11d7bd7f7d4/071.jpeg 2024-03-france 71. Rick shares his feelings about the day’s weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e822c494-ce1b-4822-8edd-745b85c413fd/072.jpg 2024-03-france 72. Lunching at a fondue place with friendly service - another chance for Rick to practice his French! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b6eb31ec-88f0-4041-bb18-c1d161ab50b3/073.jpeg 2024-03-france 73. The weather was nice the next day, so we took the train to Carcassone for some medieval fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/75a6dbad-d307-487d-a8ff-dc5ca0e31ba3/074.jpg 2024-03-france 74. Check out the Pyrenees Mountains, with the highest peak at 11,168’ – lots of skiing to do out there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0ab7a82a-15aa-4693-9e88-e8acf57d4ffa/075.jpg 2024-03-france 75. The city’s castle is part of an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4f92b85e-3ecf-4f74-9733-9273caf1ce72/076.jpg 2024-03-france 76. The completely walled fortress is the largest in Europe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8fdfe73f-ad07-4753-926d-d0fb11c7181e/077.jpeg 2024-03-france 77. The fortress has massive defenses, including a moat and ramparts like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0e5569a3-46e9-495a-9a1d-76434ea1bcfa/078.jpeg 2024-03-france 78. There are 2 ramparts and 53 towers to prevent attacks by battering rams and catapults. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dc7a9246-974f-4df6-b507-ef1802c46c9a/079.jpeg 2024-03-france 79. The basilica within the fortress was built in the 6th Century and reconstructed during the 13th. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1bd8651f-3e26-4edf-ba61-962b42a1299e/080.jpeg 2024-03-france 80. As we leave Toulouse for the USA, yet another reminder of those damn fascist Nazis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e49f88ac-aca3-47d3-982c-c7248359154c/081.jpeg 2024-03-france 81. Rick enjoyed speaking French, but it took a lot of brain power - talking felt kinda blah, blah after 10 days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/86531d7d-f792-4825-97b7-b6ca6ee065ff/082.jpg 2024-03-france 82. Comfortably sprawled out as we fly home, Rick watches a movie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4aa7cffa-95ab-454b-9644-0daf856266bd/083.jpg 2024-03-france 83. We left early to beat a storm that dumped 20” of snow at home – so glad we could avoid countless headaches. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly daily 0.75 2024-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/64164cf9-9683-4e5a-b6fc-c20ae4ef54b3/Screenshot+2024-11-13+at+12.08.59%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 01 - Flying to Munich, Germany, where we’ll meet daughter Allison and son-in-law Steve! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/83423d80-36e5-4e03-8053-b83ea059ad19/Screenshot+2024-11-13+at+11.44.46%E2%80%AFAM.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 02 - First night in Munich, we visited the Lowenbrau Bierhall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e596fdd1-1a5b-4f1e-aa68-b89b7727d7b0/Screenshot+2024-11-13+at+11.46.17%E2%80%AFAM.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 03 - It had been about 6 months since we last saw Allison and Steve, and it was great to see them again! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f2023afb-114c-4ca7-b722-26ce1cb4018e/Screenshot+2024-11-13+at+11.48.38%E2%80%AFAM.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 04 - The Munich Residenz, which was the home of Bavarian kings and dukes from 1508 to 1918 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d29807ad-c569-4e0c-820a-f7c9b232e63b/Screenshot+2024-11-13+at+11.50.28%E2%80%AFAM.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 05 - The Residenz has countless fancy, huge rooms… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c46e5b61-95d4-4479-a404-92b6b55b0777/Screenshot+2024-11-13+at+11.52.08%E2%80%AFAM.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 06 - …and even huger fireplaces – Weihnachtsmann (Santa) had no problem getting down this chimney. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/72523c48-0d6b-4a2a-98ee-8e31079f6ab3/005.1.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 07 - And the hugest chandeliers – ooh la la. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/885259ea-147f-45c7-a175-82014f27d0c8/Screenshot+2024-11-13+at+11.54.16%E2%80%AFAM.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 08 - A mirror selfie, proving that we were indeed inside the Residenz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d27ef1f3-9e9d-42f3-ab15-ed17146b4ef0/Screenshot+2024-11-13+at+11.56.32%E2%80%AFAM.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 09 - Munich Frauenkirche, constructed in 1488, offers great views of Munich from its south tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fe2a8abd-6ab3-4031-969e-8dd2d675a420/Screenshot+2024-11-13+at+11.58.15%E2%80%AFAM.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 10 - Munich Residenz maze of buildings in the foreground – we could have wandered in there for days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e5ee7964-9e51-47a0-883e-bb22c4a2163c/Screenshot+2024-11-13+at+12.00.10%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 11 - The Munich Marienplatz (city square) in the center – Munich’s geographical and cultural since 1158. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/696b028a-7dae-4941-a676-5e43341c09a0/Screenshot+2024-11-13+at+12.02.59%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 12. The Frauenkirche’s north tower, up close and personal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8ec4de16-f14e-4dbd-aff3-b5f00207bf63/Screenshot+2024-11-13+at+12.11.07%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 13 - The Rathaus-Glockenspiel is a large mechanical clock famous for its life-size characters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ffef2e61-5800-463e-908d-5e7978ad459b/012+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 14. A zoomed-in view to get a glimpse of the characters doing whatever it is that characters do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6fe46562-4af1-4519-93a5-5e333d715ee6/012.1.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 15. The Eisbachwelle (Eisbach River Wave) – river surfing at its best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d8a19c32-ca38-4296-b120-97821cc9037f/012.2+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 16. On the left is the Hofbräuhaus, a beer hall originally built in 1589. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d5a9bab8-70f9-4900-ab5a-418c98946f1a/012.3.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 17. Enjoying beer at the Hofbräuhaus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4d7c64da-0877-4172-b3ee-144e50c2e022/013+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 18. All of the rooms except the historic beer hall were destroyed by WWII bombings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8e6f3b67-cd5e-46f0-bd8e-bfa181fb0f17/014+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 19. On the very convenient, but crowded, tram. We used a lot of mass transit in Munich. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/572a6e5c-d265-496b-bef9-96eede14131e/015.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 20. Jumping for joy to be back at the Lowenbrau Bierhall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/717089bf-e043-4917-b139-cd9c1da8e2ac/016+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 21. Having fun with spaetzle and spritzes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2bbb9d24-0d4c-4a05-a6d2-d1f77d2247a8/017.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 22. On to a somber subject, the next day we visited the Nazi’s Dachau concentration camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/52ad002d-4395-4337-a417-84828d2043f2/016.1.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 23. The iron gate with the despicable slogan “work will set you free.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/58a3b001-f5aa-4209-80b6-f08c3d594a62/017.1.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 24. A memorial to the 206,206 people forced to exist at Dachau. Over 40,000 of them died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9d3c0cea-d632-43f8-9851-f969da7b189e/018.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 25. The crematorium, where over 40,000 bodies were burned to try to hide the Nazi atrocities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b1752b41-47bb-471b-a481-60fed41674c7/020+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 26. We spent the evening at Frühlingsfest – the springtime version of autumn’s Oktoberfest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c442b160-1849-4912-95b7-b38ebdc2f7cd/021+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 27. A fun carnival atmosphere with an abundant amount of beer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/330a1dc2-0f31-44bf-8e4d-ef030cc55d7d/029.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 28. The two main bierhall tents were full, so our first stop was the Hacker-Pschorr Patio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/493bc718-0f22-4264-8089-d94ab4bef0bb/030.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 29. On to another patio – with a revolving bar – for Aperol spritzes and Hugos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/21d9497d-3d02-4373-a91c-a693a80c6c02/031.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 30. Julie finagled us a spot in the jam-packed Spaten Hippodrome, one of the main bierhalls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3a9bf99d-8b57-4f68-99de-b1b113645949/032+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 31. And it was packed to the gills in there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/76f12e14-73ce-4bb6-9097-8d0dada31733/033.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 32. A toast to fun times with German beer in gigantic steins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b23d4e3f-96e8-4130-9cfd-d66915fc5268/034.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 33. People were dancing on the tables by 9 pm – drinking gigantic steins of beer will cause that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1eee0f08-8316-453a-a397-a0688e03989b/035+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 34. All is peaceful in the carnival area as we make our way back to our hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6a4c3990-b14e-4bed-88e3-f4fb024b05b0/036.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 35. Nymphenburg Palace – the summer residence for German royalty – constructed from 1675 to 1758. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3f290658-49ec-445e-8f4c-cab86e8c7cbe/037.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 36. The Great Hall – opulent, lavish, and quite impressive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/addd3ea0-2f0a-458f-8385-b7a276123d30/040.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 37. On the Palace grounds looking back at the Great Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/40d83c85-dc57-43bc-8a85-7db7374aa7cc/041.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 38. Hanging out on the Palace grounds, after having a morning break. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f16be93a-b981-43f0-8bd0-b3bbbdea80e9/042.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 39. After a fun afternoon at museums, we spent time at an outdoor biergarten. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e4490aea-975c-446c-9f15-cdcb25beff94/043+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 40. Next day, on the way by train to Innsbruck, Austria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/78b4d3d9-c2d2-4fd3-aeb8-5849f30d8f0e/044.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 41. The beautiful Austrian Alps were our companion during much of the train ride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c5b6a16e-f496-4765-8a49-ca40e2505ed2/046+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 42. Outside the former Habsburg palace in Innsbruck, where photos inside are not allowed. Boo!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8de8f7ae-d5a0-473c-b5d3-fd7ad5023906/047+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 43. Old Town’s Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), built in 1500. The emperor would hang-out here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c66a5a94-86c9-4c67-9639-14f4ea9662ab/049+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 44. Innsbruck’s City Tower, constructed in 1450, is 51 meters tall – no small feat to build 574 years ago! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/66d22064-26a5-49f6-b3ca-a01eba0af289/050+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 45. Very windy up there, but the views were fantastic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/251a6b21-a314-4a08-9801-b4eca6a43f67/051.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 46. Innsbruck is surrounded by beautiful mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4eada264-4557-4d5a-bf84-c800346ad957/052.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 47. We’ll be riding a tram and cable car up these mountains on our next day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d1c23e83-6f96-4186-b654-caec02aa3a8f/053+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 48. Dizzying view of Allison and Steve on the spiral case going down from the Tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/49a9e16c-3da0-47ed-a7aa-3d7a3dfd423c/054.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 49. At a rooftop bar with 360-degree views of Innsbruck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/612d81b2-7051-4df4-92f0-b370d2a6d184/055.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 50. At a fancy street-level bar with froufrou drinks and free cologne in the men’s room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ab2078d9-a873-4c1d-a1f4-6951b94c74b4/056+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 51. Innsbruck on a Saturday night is rather peaceful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d3356fb7-3ed2-4e1e-aad4-c95abf10e8b8/057+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 52. Riding the tram to the Nordkettenbahnen Cable Car, and then to 2,256 meters in elevation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e0d104d6-5797-4387-bc13-d7e6cf80cda3/061+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 53. It was cold up there, and the clouds obscured the views at the very top, but we still had fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/70472b18-4d73-4cbb-aaf8-160a445f75c3/060.jpg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 54. Innsbruck from above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f325ce11-288b-4373-a814-e205d02517ae/059+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 55. Impressive, jagged snow-covered peaks, looming over Innsbruck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/222f2be9-35c1-4b39-bb29-7dfceaa27ce2/062+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 56. Allison and Rick took their own cable car to the bottom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/87638121-8cd1-4fe3-a482-4a3f2e7ee17e/063+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 57. Enjoying the view at a lower elevation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9c2d4373-0e98-4029-8931-af00f7c729c1/064+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 58. There were men in costumes back at street level, and Julie made a new friend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f34df94c-871a-4b01-83aa-d3c2083e6522/065+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 59. Everyone loves a parade, don’t they? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9ef47808-feaf-420b-a330-b1cef3a8eed4/066+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 60. Having Austrian-made gelato after watching the parade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fd78aa38-86b9-44d1-8bc3-f60c8946937f/067+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 61. Hitting the road the next day – taking two trains to Venice, Italy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0f9ca844-8ba2-43b9-b296-4dc9ea62b22b/069+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 62. Having a pretzel as big as Rick’s head at the train station halfway to Venice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8c0d35a6-d1f3-47a7-9d54-efad649bc84b/070+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 63. The crowds and turmoil of Venice was an abrupt change from sleepy old Innsbruck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/075f51dc-4589-4edc-8549-a79819c65450/071+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 64. Drinking spritzes, Hugos, and beer at a Venice café. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c030b95f-29ec-4b19-bbf2-923206cab885/074+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 65. Posing in front of the Rialto Bridge, constructed in 1591. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f55d73c4-0637-4882-98bb-ad924a566541/076+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 66. We took an evening Vaporetto (taxi boat) ride on the Grand Canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bd9618a4-e348-48d2-bcf6-eeed84186d91/076.5+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 67. The photos just don’t do justice to the beauty of seeing Venice at night from the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/694e14c3-54ed-439f-8640-69bf3c9a659d/077+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 68. Sparkling in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cddffa0f-7c81-4e6a-a5a1-9a23bb7cd510/079+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 69. Approaching St. Mark’s Square as our evening tour ends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3078cdee-bb53-40d3-9fc8-3c9f64f8f6ea/081+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 70. The Bridge of Sighs at Doge’s Palace, built in 1600. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1908eb29-6983-4d30-be28-1ac4e1061ef5/082+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 71. The Doge’s Palace inner courtyard, with a chunk St Mark’s Basilica jutting in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/73c44499-61c7-467d-950c-6c0acc4163f1/083+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 72. Allison and Steve, overlooking the inner courtyard, constructed in 1340. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/593eeb41-2db7-46b8-b7d4-8835a237b08f/084+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 73. The Chamber of the Great Council was the seat of government for the Venetian Republic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8aa3310f-49f2-4fed-aa6a-5b3c2211264d/085+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 74. The artwork throughout the palace – well, except for in the prison area – is amazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c678a400-b118-4390-9005-afff33283236/087+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 75. Venice’s historic opera house, “Teatro La Fenice” (The Phoenix Theater). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/69afa159-6c0c-4c77-9af1-e01ead1aa7cd/088+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 76. La Fenice is one of the most famous and renowned landmarks in the history of Italian theater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0db16d93-db02-48eb-bf1e-b11365626815/089+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 77. How’d you like to live in a building completely surrounded by water? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2de87ad4-fc2c-44da-ac41-2bdb9a7c3e96/090+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 78. Idyllic scene of a gondolier sculling his way through the “streets” of Venice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/57ad8a41-e781-41e9-bd1a-ebe20539c398/092+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 79. We ran into friends Randy, Kathy, Dorie, and Doug while roaming the streets. It was great to see them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3f07a016-bcb6-4057-8f8d-7c17a419fcbf/093+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 80. St. Mark’s Basilica, which is roughly 1,100 years old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/182ceef8-9255-4538-8a71-e14862d8d32d/094+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 81. A close-up of the Basilica for those of you with poor vision. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/914f30fa-5ae0-4661-a21f-172a6cf07d48/095+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 82. The Basilica is overflowing with 24 karat gold leaf, intricate mosaics, and all sorts of cool art. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cce575cb-9a92-4bbf-9368-5e30347da4c7/096+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 83. Overlooking St. Mark’s square from the Basilica’s front facade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d1d82d7e-223a-43b1-b609-7cec4010411e/097+Large+2.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 84. St Mark's Campanile – the Basilica’s bell tower – with amazing views of the city from up-high. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2c29c253-1459-4841-8e9c-8b06de318175/098+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 85. Looking in our apartment’s direction – it’s the yellow building about 4 rows back from the square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/53a99e59-4991-4b78-8bbf-478a91cb9057/099+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 86. View with St Mark’s and the Doge’s Palace in the foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c188f07a-5b4b-4268-a1af-2e03bab8280d/100.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 88. Enjoying a gondola ride in the warm Venetian sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5453eb25-8d09-45dc-8d05-54693d89c5f7/101+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 87. Our last day in Venice was a national holiday, and the streets were teeming with visitors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/895d473a-7641-4c50-9a3b-080cd7dc9e91/102+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 89. Lots of boat traffic on the Grand Canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ca499b2a-8f64-4476-8ad1-615279efffee/091+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 91. Laundry hangs all over Venice, and it takes forever to dry – we speak from personal experience! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c014dd95-927c-4982-9e72-bf052560977a/103+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 92. A nice parting shot from our apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/047c8e3f-444a-4d9e-82dd-62d186f5e586/104+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 93. Julie bought a liter of Prosecco on our last night in Italy … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/58cb4603-5126-4cfc-badc-d48cd285261b/105+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 94. … and she emptied it, with a little help from Steve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3c5eaa6b-b79c-4a7a-b0f5-17f61107ceac/106+Large.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 95. Rick proudly wears his new Hofbräuhaus hat and displays his new German rubber ducky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8fa1d0ef-a38f-42e5-9a06-101f6b98c699/110.jpeg 2024-04-germanyaustriaitaly 96. Rick’s dad died two days after we returned to the States. Rest in Peace, Dick Packard, 1938-2024. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202409-lisbonportugal daily 0.75 2026-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cc51e686-c49e-40bc-b984-6285b8dc769f/00+map.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 01 - We flew to Lisbon, Portiugal, with a 3-hour layover at London Heathrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a44d8251-dd4a-47c3-816e-1b9581297fb0/01+DEN.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 02 - The Denver Airport was very busy for a Sunday in late September -- felt kind of like Thanksgiving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/26a73b2f-db55-4982-a684-1efcb51675b2/03+plane+interior.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 03 - Most people on our jam-packed flight watched TV... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bb03f53b-75c7-4423-a4a7-64b805880bac/02+rick+sleeping.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 04 - ...while Rick slept like a baby -- he woke-up often and cried a lot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f09b5cf0-aa8d-401b-b083-468d82ce4889/05+waiting+for+cab.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 05 - Waiting for a cab at the congested, chaotic, and confusing Lisbon Airport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0587bc34-eece-400e-b895-f081a8930535/06+welcome+to+lisbon.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 06 - The sign says it all -- we finally made it to Lisbon! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7287dfd1-3b0a-4c74-9b37-bbf001e4b37c/Time+out+Market.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 07 - After we got settled into our hotel the night before, Rick wasn't feeling great and went to bed. He slept for a record-breaking 14 hours! We hit the road the next day, just in time for lunch at the Time Out Market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/680f4d02-3a5f-4a4c-be31-dcf0b26063fe/pizza+time+out+market.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 08 - Pizza at the Time Out Market -- mediocre, but it did hit the spot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/63f0e9d1-1a55-4902-9ee3-2476a9f55726/Pasteis+de+Nata.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 09 - For dessert, we had some of Lisbon's world famous "Pasteis de Nata." It's a puff pastry filled with sugary, lemony custard. Not bad, but Rick prefers chocolate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ee1ceee8-6e96-4f32-856b-30975c71ac85/Screenshot+2024-10-29+at+6.19.21%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 10 - Walking along the beautiful "Avenida da Liberdade," one of Europe's most expensive shopping streets. Like this street, the sidewalks throughout central Lisbon are tiled with eye-catching patterns and designs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/20d3bd28-51eb-4bc8-8979-aa5e63e956ff/Tile+Repair.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 11 - Repairing the walks is very labor-intensive, though, and we saw a fair number of walks that needed repairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/804a47b0-1d8c-45e8-91ec-8226e06a936f/Fountain.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 12 - A cool fountain along the Avenida. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7d390375-93f0-4d67-bd74-44824d45965e/soap.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 13 - We stopped by a fancy soap store on the Avenida, but even the prices there were rather intimidating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/81d7a955-c720-452e-a450-be41b3bf3f42/sardine+paste.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 14 - We had dinner at a cozy rotisserie chicken place. Julie was brave enough to try some sardine paste on bread. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6817253a-eec7-420e-bcb6-f2752ab345ab/dinner.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 15 - Julie opted for yummy-looking salmon, while Rick went for the rotisserie chicken. Rotisserie chicken is quite popular (and delicious) in Lisbon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e834c0fa-c412-47a3-9e24-1a8bb7d34cce/night+rain.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 16 - Walking back to our hotel, the rain started, which would be with us for the next couple of days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1c9b53a7-ea22-4d8f-9480-ebbdd4d1073a/tram.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 17 - On an extremely crowded tram to Belem, on the outskirts of Lisbon. Belem is where, hundreds of years ago, Portuguese sailors embarked on perilous sea voyages into the great unknown. In 1497, Vasco da Gama left Belem on his historic expedition to India. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3c05225c-4762-44b6-beae-79c8d47e53b1/monestery.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 18 - Our first Belem stop was the Jerónimos Monastery. We had timed-entry tickets, but still had to stand in a very long line in the dismal rain. We bailed after calculating that we would likely be standing in the line for nearly an hour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dc486145-89ec-4851-9408-4e905b629fd9/decembrist+monument.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 19 - Here's Rick enjoying the rain by the Monument to Discoveries, a 170-foot monolith. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f38db6ea-57e6-4f1f-b092-159715046878/2024-09-25_11-56-08_240.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 20 - Beautiful tile at the monument's base. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/777cabac-da1d-46e1-938c-55dae2d388b2/tile.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 21 - More amazing tile work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/26def2bd-4ac4-47cc-bdd3-978e9b5f65e7/Top.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 22 - Not much to see from the top of the monolith... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d572e29f-dd04-4a5e-87d4-c69c51e3012b/tiop+view.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 23 - ...regardless of the direction. And, at the monastery, you can see there was still a ridiculously long line for timed admissions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/91f2706a-d7e6-48ce-907a-a7e834049fd0/imigrants.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 24 - The monolith had a cool exhibit honoring the last 50 years of immigrants from Africa to Portugal. Can you imagine that? Honoring immigrants instead of demonizing them; what a novel idea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/883d1094-47cc-42b9-9a82-452ebabc1933/Tuk.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 25 - Tired of dealing with rain and people, we took a Tuk Tuk back to the hotel. This was the first of several Tuk Tuks we rode during the week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c3912d2d-aecd-4ee3-b687-b7b40dee2e70/street.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 26 - A fairly typical central Lisbon street scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bbef8687-18db-44ca-a493-35f584bc7f17/more+tyoical.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 27 - Perhaps an even more typical central Lisbon street scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/24f7d3a1-cae2-4e2d-aaf8-12fdd3d14b6b/Rick.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 28 - Riding the rather stuffy subway back to the hotel, Rick looks ready for bed -- he slept another 12 hours that night! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/55eddd94-1c8a-4af0-88a1-14053273e81c/selfie.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 29 - A one-of-a-kind subway-platform-video-monitor-selfie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9ba344d7-d30b-4570-9831-00445e3353ee/chipper+rick.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 30 - The next day, Rick looks surprisingly chipper for such a crappy weather day -- must have been his 12 hours of sleep the night before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d9748c08-16e5-4b52-a6e9-3a7ee72678af/cool+door.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 31 - We saw this cool door while traipsing in the rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e7be1284-52c6-4db3-a0af-7e05605d5724/museo.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 32 - "Enough traipsing," Julie said, so we stopped at Portugal's Royal Treasure Museum. The museum displays a collection of more than 1,000 items that makeup the Crown Jewels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/83f29107-c5c9-4201-b445-b1a07c163c64/inside+museo.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 33 - The museum is basically a giant 3-level safe built inside the west wing of the Ajuda National Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cee02b09-d793-4872-b0cb-b2cb7a41b800/nugget.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 34 - A gold "nugget" the size of one of LeBron James' feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/176cc230-69a9-49da-99ed-ea0beea76c3d/tableware.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 35 - One of four silver table settings used for banquets, which were served "à la française" -- in four "stages." This is the fourth-course setting, which was the occasion for creative compositions to glorify the monarch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/56b40efc-88b3-4022-8c48-9633bbd11d61/tram+.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 36 - Turning our attention to more mundane things, we actually found an empty tram to ride!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cea2037e-7b85-4489-bf1c-67b08be69135/julie+tram.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 37 - There are a lot of tourists visiting Lisbon each year who never see an empty tram! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/af7a5cd7-daee-40d0-83fd-dab2812daa51/lxfactory.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 38 - The LX Factory -- a dining, shopping, and entertainment venue that's probably a lot more exciting at night, but it was still a neat place to roam around during the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f8cd86cf-7780-459e-bb2c-63ecece3907d/graffiti.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 39 - There was some pretty cool graffiti. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/05c8843e-9c84-42e8-9ee8-9afceb2f1254/hamburger.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 40 - You can get your hamburger any way you want it, as long as it's raw. Yes, the Portuguese seem to enjoy very rare beef. We just ate around the edges of our burger, since the prospect of picking-up E. coli didn't sound fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/25c28ee4-8749-4d2e-a6bb-76120e8969dd/landeau.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 41 - The satisfied expression of a man who has just eaten some Landeau flourless chocolate cake -- perhaps the best darn cake you will find anywhere! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/776ab50f-06c4-46d8-9152-42c0a49a803d/window+selfie.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 42 - An amazing office window selfie with the "25 de Abril Bridge" in the background. April 25, 1974 is the day the Portuguese people got rid of a fascist dictator and put a democracy in-place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/accb7ae5-36d8-40b6-978e-5eb963aaa624/facials.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 43 - Rick looks refreshed and 20 years younger after Julie and he had 90-minute facials at Terra Heal Spa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/af3a7247-e888-494c-a5bf-f6fd4d080c18/julie+bar.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 44 - Time for a snack and drinks in a very relaxing atmosphere, just around the corner from the spa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/488db5b9-6155-456b-91d2-0c9f15bda046/lift.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 45 - This is the "Elevador de Santa Justa" street lift, placed in a rather precarious-looking location. You can ride it to the top for good views, but we weren't able to ride it because the lines were too long every time we walked by. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/edcc0080-cfe0-4d63-ae8d-3ec5976646bd/praca.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 46 - The Praça Dom Pedro IV (plaza) used to be the place for executions, bullfights, and demonstrations. Fortunately, none of that was going on when we passed through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/eab91291-8c36-4948-a856-6a655a706803/bridge.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 47 - The National Shrine of Christ the King is on the left -- inspired by Christ the Redeemer in Rio, but not as cool). The "25 de Abril Bridge" is to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e2f802ea-8621-4117-b645-5532a7432d75/train+ride.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 48 - On the very crowded 40-minute train ride to Sintra. Glad we got there soon enough to grab a seat! (BTW, that's not RBG in the photo -- the guy looked like he didn't want his pic taken, so we covered him up.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a7d93c98-474e-45ae-9e96-db8cc6736f13/sintra+map.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 49 - In Sintra, we arrived at the base of a large hill (small mountain?) and all the stuff everyone wanted to see was at the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a73bab96-0572-4fa7-b4f5-9d17086bb515/sintra+signs.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 50 - There's only one way up and down by vehicle, and walking is really out of the question due to the narrow roads. The residents are none too happy about the traffic and crowds of people. We were there during the shoulder season and the traffic was insane. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c350f7de-b8ea-404d-9d05-087b2e769dc7/test+2.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 51 - The first stop on our whirlwind tour of Sintra was the Castle of the Moors. North African Moors built the castle in the 9th century to defend Sintra. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7bd95212-c0bd-4a0d-8cdd-b05f6337cfcb/great+wall.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 52 - Such a cool place, it was reminiscent of the Great Wall of China. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dd6780e9-39b2-42ea-8b42-8a17d06d94cb/stairs.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 53 - We definitely got a work-out climbing the serpentine maze of stairs, but the views were wonderful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e8ba2197-ea09-4efe-98ab-f008f6e5922b/Screenshot+2024-10-30+at+8.42.38%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 54 - This wasn't as precarious as it might look from your vantage point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8bdf863d-c008-49bf-ba0b-75f112994adc/selfie+sintra.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 55 - That's the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d325436f-c4df-4987-a2db-8d866066cea9/Screenshot+2024-10-30+at+8.51.29%E2%80%AFPM.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 56 - The next stop on our adventure -- Pena Palace. Built in 1838 upon the ruins of an old monastery, the architecture is a mix of many styles, including Renaissance and Moorish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/541f1bfa-5afa-4710-b8b5-4903824f950c/2024-09-27_12-44-38_459.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 57 - Pena Palace, the star attraction of Sintra. In 1838, King Ferdinand had an old monastery at this site remodeled into a summer retreat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/47ab8d95-cb83-4560-9d95-d6857a9862c3/detail.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 58 - Lots of interesting details all over the palace's exterior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e4579745-7374-47f0-a23e-50ea74b1e213/2024-09-27_13-02-19_087.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 59 - And lots of people looking at all of those details. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/39eb1f75-e2fb-4c5e-97f5-ae2ea5a25f24/2024-09-27_13-31-07_995.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 60 - Yeah, there were A LOT of people! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/98cfc692-0f9d-4fd2-b673-44982a0fe857/2024-09-27_13-19-11_342.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 61 - Sneaking a peek at one of the palace's inner courtyards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4c38d02f-f8ff-4615-9dbe-d9f5f90fe627/inner.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 62 - The inner courtyard - we're not posting any photos of the palace interior because it wasn't all that special, compared to the exterior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5bd16e72-768d-4859-87eb-69c74c2e3f41/2024-09-27_13-51-26_885.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 63 - Cool patio with stellar views of the surrounding countryside and the Atlantic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0c49363a-10d6-42b0-8f6b-c9d1c05925cf/2024-09-27_13-46-01_822.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 64 - Another shot of the Atlantic from the patio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c0c5cc78-f94d-46ce-bba0-0924df662b89/2024-09-27_13-53-41_076.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 65 - A pretty neat parting shot, as we leave Pena Palace to take the train back to Lisbon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d7428187-747f-41de-a554-ae023823b763/2024-09-27_17-49-14_140.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 66 - Back in Lisbon, Julie hugs the wall as a Bica Funicular barges on through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e0ae58b5-e3ca-4e14-b1e1-de8dc7d6bdc9/2024-09-27_20-26-22_969.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 67 - Making our way along Pink Street, looking for a place to have a drink. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7c4d2d7b-262e-4737-a5fb-921e9b71f98f/2024-09-27_20-30-10_942.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 68 - Ordering at Lisbon's smallest bar -- it might even be a contender for smallest bar in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/eb779c08-8048-4974-9108-dcc3761083ca/2024-09-27_20-14-30_567.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 69 - Sampling some Ginja -- a Portuguese liqueur made by infusing ginja berries (sour cherry) in alcohol and adding sugar -- served in a solid chocolate shot glass. Yummy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8fb78df1-7b73-4877-b70d-ea99a4fca9fe/2024-09-28_12-23-03_431.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 70 - For breakfast the next day, Rick had some very tough, but still tasty, steak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/99c6d2f4-39b5-4e0c-b52d-cced28f63858/2024-09-28_13-11-12_740.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 71 - The city's iconic Lisbon Cathedral (Santa Maria Maior), constructed in the 12th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e8e09eed-48d0-41d8-9eb6-6d49d918f30b/2024-09-28_13-16-55_902.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 72 - An iconic view from an iconic cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c8e59073-9dca-4caa-a0b0-82037b04d5ec/2024-09-28_13-19-23_097.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 73 - Inside the cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/847a555c-8a33-4012-accf-6ececd3eeebc/2024-09-28_13-26-17_025.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 74 - Julie set-up this very cool shot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d5541f69-efa3-4fdf-b232-5862419a2b7e/2024-09-28_18-29-11_367.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 75 - We finally got on the Bica Funicular, near our hotel. And, unfortunately, we also realized that we were getting ill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/34e6c9fd-fe9a-4146-9ede-3b675fe15f4d/2024-09-29_12-13-39_394.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 76 - Making our way up Lisbon's highest hill in order to see Castelo de São Jorge (St. George’s Castle). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bb3758d4-82ec-4685-8912-b46a0a8fc41c/2024-09-29_12-06-09_547.jpg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 77 - Must be laundry day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/536f8fe7-e596-444e-8a01-6ae893b4c226/2024-09-29_13-06-56_813.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 78 - A small chunk of the immense Castelo de São Jorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1222859e-9126-4bfa-802f-76c536fe09ec/2024-09-29_13-04-47_911.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 79 - Obligatory sitting-on-a-cannon shot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/22db993e-1acf-4ceb-a616-49a7798d2e88/2024-09-29_12-43-46_275.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 80 - Spectacular views from the castle walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4dd58830-1cca-4e45-ae08-801a36389f34/2024-09-29_13-01-49_219.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 81 - You can see the Carmo Convent ruins in the foreground. Construction at that site dates back to 1389. And in front of the Convent is another view of the Santa Justa Lift. We skipped both sites, as our sickness was starting to bring us down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3e3bce9b-b389-4f10-9e0b-39a3dfdad85c/2024-09-29_13-22-59_643.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 82 - So we had some ice cream on the castle grounds... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/43a8f4dd-47f5-4e5e-b23b-8c70082f336a/Squarespace+-+Background+for+News+Paper+Clippings.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 83 - ...and then went shopping for drugs. Other than Julie leaving to get us food, we stayed in our hotel for the rest of the day and all of the next day. (Note: The COVID test is Julie's result after we got back to Colorado.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2a3323bb-8772-447c-bec8-e64a8326abee/2024-10-01_10-25-06_576.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 84 - Masking-it on the flight from Lisbon to London Heathrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/540da0a4-a61d-49de-8d53-67ca059b5ac7/2024-10-01_09-00-03_029.jpeg 2024.09-lisbonportugal 85 - Having porridge (basically oatmeal) for breakfast on our flight from London to Denver. We learned the Brits use the word "stodgy" to describe thicker porridge. Rick prefers his less stodgy. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202502-costarica daily 0.75 2026-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7f18f0af-d356-4cfe-a7d3-e4a5587392d9/sw.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 01 - We had a direct 5-hour flight to San Juan, Costa Rica, where we met Jason for our week together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a58f92c9-dc35-4355-bb21-2b0cc198f74b/Screenshot+2025-03-21+at+1.08.03%E2%80%AFPM+Large.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 02 - While our flight seemed pretty quick, Costa Rican Immigration was a mass of people, taking what seemed like forever to move forward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5f8a1b6b-eefc-4202-a898-96a7b85260d1/03.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 03 - Rick waits for Jason to finish his slog through Immigration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3d4042fe-f488-4eb5-8e46-176d92ee7890/04.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 04 - Jason, manning the cart at the local grocery store. The price signs give insight into the Costa Rican monetary system, based on colones. Five colones is worth one US cent! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3bc904d7-faea-4b74-a6a0-6f28d8f9eb2f/05.jpg 2025.02-costarica 05 - After grocery shopping, we hit the road for La Fortuna, which is about 70 miles northwest of the San Juan airport. It was a long, slow 70-mile journey that took about 2.5 hours to complete on very curvy mountain roads. It was a welcome sight to final reach our Airbnb, a few miles outside of town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1742662367350-WD6Z2ESS2FBGQTA24NSR/06.jpg 2025.02-costarica 06 - Arenal Volcano looms large over the La Fortuna area. The volcano erupted unexpectedly in 1968, destroying the small town of Tabacón. The 1968 eruption lasted until 2010! Arenal has been dormant since then. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7f9bdfa9-029c-43df-ad58-eeb0a2400cc0/07.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 07 - Julie and Jason at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8bcb0b69-a426-4bf2-b82d-5cccda754ef4/08.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 08 - Julie on one of the six impressive hanging bridges, amidst the thick, ever-growing rainforest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7349971f-1084-4d38-9e63-fb3cafe40473/09.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 09 - Jason clowning around on a suspension bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aeb43d9b-c4cc-46bd-8c52-678af8cd2826/10.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 10 - Julie and Jason, with Arenal in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/19ac550c-69af-458a-98f5-156b67c88a25/11.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 11 - Returning to the Airbnb after lunch, we discovered that strong winds had blocked our route. We were able to move the tree ourselves, but it was quite heavy and entangled in a mass of vines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b8cce1b8-0f03-4cb5-b0c3-734e3a259399/12.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 12 - Julie and Jason spent the afternoon relaxing at the Ecotermales Hot Springs and Wellness Temple. Rick decided to pass since online rumors suggested that the water was full of brain-eating bacteria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f03cc893-c1f2-4e99-b4af-71ac9760501b/13.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 13 - Rick and Jason on the Bogarin Trail guided tour, searching for sloths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cb2f6b2c-f4f5-4d3b-8a19-4684802b134f/14.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 14 - Amazing sloth shot that lets you see just how homely those lazy guys are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8f399ee3-338f-415a-91c7-c0f1c3090421/15.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 15 - Bored with sloths, Rick decided to embarrass himself by falling in a 4-foot deep ditch containing stagnant jungle water and mud. He left the guided tour to take his second shower of the day at the Airbnb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3fdc6bc8-d0ee-4067-bff7-4a46920cdd24/+16.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 16 - An even more spectacular sloth photo - it's generally not so easy to see these guys! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9411e194-9c46-46d8-869f-6376a9e6d91c/17.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 17 - This gal came down from the tree to poop - not a very common sight since they only do it once a week! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3d811052-224c-4c3a-8bbe-44c0bad2dcbe/17.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 18 - Jason and Julie can't believe they saw a sloth relieve herself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7a1a3393-0d67-439f-815b-def95c941c7a/19.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 19 - Next stop - La Fortuna Waterfall. As this photo shows, the 250-foot waterfall is basically in a big hole in the ground! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/21b182ed-49fb-4e91-9440-96f4f6d449a5/20.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 20 - A little fun time before we climb down the hole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e34390b2-d1c3-44ff-9503-440a81893bbf/21.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 21 - It's 530 steps down to the base of the waterfall - walking down was easy. Going up, not so much... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6fb58c7a-15d3-4f62-90fe-0db629200995/21.5.jpg 2025.02-costarica 22 - Julie and Jason, somewhere lower than Rick was at time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/71757573-d6ea-4b2b-9f03-1a4db2730a66/22.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 23 - Jason at the base, along with some swimmers. The force of the falling water is so great that swimmers can't even get close to it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/90c1405e-9104-41ca-b559-7d51b4e7d13b/23.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 24 - A cool waterfall selfie, made even cooler by the fact that you can see Julie's hands in our sunglass reflections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/db8440b6-e079-4514-accf-9b6c75959755/24.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 25 - A parting shot of the falls, from around step no. 263 or so. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9b226d2c-839e-40d2-a235-a24bbb632737/26.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 26 - Some white-nosed coati that Jason and Julie saw on the way to zip-lining. These little buggers actually are known pollinators of balsa trees. Unlike their raccoon relatives, the coati forage during the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/68951f69-2740-4823-a52d-a9d68b85d283/27.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 27 - A view of Arenal Volcano from Sky Adventures Zip-Lining. Rick had to bail on this activity because his resting heartbeat all afternoon was at 90-100 BPM. Julie was none-too-thrilled about taking his place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/68a72f5c-863e-4750-8217-13bf7f296aab/28.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 28 - Julie looks pretty relaxed for someone who is dreading the experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fb76e28d-6b3a-4021-a5ae-1c2bcc49fbf3/28.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 29 - Posing in a giant hand, reminding them to hold-on tight! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a8c986e7-de87-450c-88a7-1d4f2e69ee15/30.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 30 - Julie, zipping along on her first line. This line crossed a valley over 600-feet below! Julie said her eyes were closed most of the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fb9d4659-2077-4410-87a2-757ec4f66b64/31.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 31 - Jason, on another line. The longest line at the park is about a half-mile, and zipping speeds can reach up to 40 mph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6edfd529-f2e1-441a-b35d-d0d20ce78ab6/32.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 32 - Racing on parallel lines, Jason appears to have reached 40 mph, while Julie is inches behind at 39 mph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1f315671-0152-43c2-8fef-786a122bd855/33.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 33 - Jason's satisfied look confirms that it was money well-spent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/73281189-126e-45be-85b6-35aebfda425c/34.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 34 - Next day, on the warm bus-ride to our 6-mile rafting adventure on the Balsa River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/131e9e87-416c-462b-9e80-876753c39263/35.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 35 - We're on the river! With 20-25 sets of rapids ahead of us, this is just the calm before the storm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5f310bda-a7ca-4293-9a01-94022b7a4ead/36.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 36 - These rapids allowed Rick and Julie to have a clear view ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/02be4547-29ce-47ad-b176-c2574fb08b5a/37.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 37 - We have so many cool pix from this adventure that it was difficult to select just a couple. Here's one where you have to wonder how everyone stayed on-board - particularly Jason in the front. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ef4bad49-e66b-4fae-93c9-2cc9f3b0a33b/38.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 38 - Jason takes the brunt of another impact head-on. And, no, he did not fall out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e3a6d140-34eb-4ca8-aa50-cc3f31d3f604/39.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 39 - Congratulatory paddle-whack for a job well-done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ce4bd5cb-2a33-4671-a966-cffe30d3a265/40.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 40 - Beautiful view of the volcano on our last night in La Fortuna. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6c5d4588-4548-4d84-8443-f13037128971/41.jpg 2025.02-costarica 41 - We drove south the next day to Quepos. It was only 125 miles, but it took a long time on mountain roads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5727ac54-615d-4bd3-8f87-992bae2951b7/42.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 42 - Julie behind the wheel of our SUV, as she negotiates one of the very steep inclines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/23831f91-1063-41ac-b436-ee5984832ac1/43.jpg 2025.02-costarica 43 - This sign is a little different from a typical US wildlife warning sign! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1742662975686-Q3FT3E1RM4OBAZ9M6ODE/44.jpg 2025.02-costarica 44 - Fortunately, it was sunny for the drive and the views were amazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/207ea5f0-5f09-4621-bceb-77a76166d361/IMG_3939.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 45 - We even stopped on a bridge to see... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/896ecac8-dde4-40b8-b972-052eee53f7a5/46.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 46 - A crocodile! This is the view from a safe vantage point on the bridge. There were about a dozen crocs there, just waiting for a plump, juicy little kid to fall down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c02e24cf-bc06-4976-ac7c-e935d8a8d131/47.jpg 2025.02-costarica 47 - Our second Airbnb, about 15 minutes outside of Quepos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/540fe5af-9fb2-48f8-b2d0-7a03f32cb282/48.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 48 - Relaxing on the patio after a long day of driving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/203dfaf3-5ac7-4ea2-a156-d3e404cc4259/49.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 49 - Beautiful views from the patio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d9fc1980-3cc0-4c39-8e16-f025b75b4456/50.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 50 - Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, and getting oriented by our tour guide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ce0e565d-6a1c-435a-b135-bab5f9af314f/51.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 51 - We saw a wide variety of creepy and cute creatures in the Park. This crab is definitely in the creepy category. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9c345b3a-a423-433a-af7d-7ac03bef1f60/52.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 52 - This cute little guy is some kind of agouti. Agoutis are one of the few species on the planet that can open a Brazil Nut without a tool! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0da9cbbf-9049-403d-b357-af08118c9af1/53.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 53 - Back to creepy. This is a golden silk orb-weaver spider. Their legs can grow to 4 inches, and the baby spiders sometimes get carried away by strong winds as far as New Zealand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ed47f75b-e4f6-41ec-ae44-8da0768d5152/54.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 54 - A grey-headed tanager, which likes tropical climates and doesn't live any farther north than southern Mexico. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8f39c36f-2fac-4673-9d9b-573a94919a5e/55.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 55 - Uh-oh, not another sloth! They sure have greasy-looking fur. Not sure if they belong in the creepy or cute category. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/eddce617-afe8-4e45-aa7d-957872189131/56.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 56 - This an orange-bellied skimmer, which is an insect in the dragonfly family. These bugs live as far north as Arizona and Texas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cc12a30e-8b54-4a3e-b743-e3642a12eeeb/57.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 57 - Saved the cutest for last. This is a baby white-faced capuchin monkey. They are considered one of the most intelligent monkeys, known for tool-use and problem-solving abilities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/66b2f818-3b07-4825-9f0a-53f03bde2fd5/58.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 58 - The Pacific Ocean meets Costa Rica. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1742663172760-5P8NQ4MJU750NT6NET24/59.jpg 2025.02-costarica 59 - Our Manuel Antonio tour group. The couple on the left are from Great Britain and the couple on the right are newlyweds from Canada. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bef1b5a7-3ef8-4f85-b2e9-ce103a224bac/60.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 60 - Rick having fun, playing butterfly. We sure don't see many Monarchs in the US these days... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/96a62d8b-614e-415d-90e7-babb939998cf/61.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 61 - Julie bedazzles as a blue morpho butterfly, typically only found in tropical forests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/839399c0-749e-441b-a17d-e3434efddea1/62.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 62 - Enjoying a relaxing lunch after our time at Manuel Antonio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f3cbee24-0aa8-41d9-8be4-7683d2abfa9d/63.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 63 - Our last full day in Costa Rica, we splurged at a swanky place for lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d5327c87-f2bc-404d-9205-6291ead53386/64.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 64 - Rick believes the shrimp he ate there was the best he ever had in his life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/70ed1797-fc93-48bc-a6bd-86b6de66d8f2/65.jpeg 2025.02-costarica 65 - And another vacation comes to an end, as we fly back home. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202502-parisstrasbourg daily 0.75 2025-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e16bf7f6-10b8-40fc-a097-1bf3d0e8fc7d/France+Map.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 01 - We flew direct from Denver to Paris. It was nice flying without layovers. After spending a couple of days in Paris, we traveled to Strasbourg for the second half of our visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b0ed3701-197f-4700-b10e-1265dcfd057a/IMG_2874.JPG 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 02 - Our Air France jet patiently waits for us to board. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748969116306-PQ1MOV37DP0Q0KRNV8EE/IMG_2882.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 03 - Our plane had cameras to see the action outside. Here we are on the runway, ready to hit the friendly skies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/80e69d14-d85a-42ad-a38c-6768b8ecea19/IMG_3119.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 04 - We made it to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. Time to "sortie" to see Paris! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/29a0695a-eec6-481b-9be7-04591f753639/IMG_2891.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 05 - Enjoying lunch at a Paris crêperie - Rick loves crêpes with Nutella and banana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/82ce11bc-e72b-430c-8c19-0ac2278812c2/IMG_3138.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 06 - Before checking into our hotel, we visited the nearby Montmartre Cemetery, which was opened in 1825. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c9abf22d-cc30-4417-ab04-41277e8694cb/IMG_3133.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 07 - It's a huge cemetery, with a lot of famous "residents" and ostentatious tombs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5e6c2cf6-ce73-4e14-95f1-f8cdb1c3f3b6/IMG_3122.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 08 - Unfortunately for some of those residents, Paris built the Rue Caulaincourt viaduct right above their tombs! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bba2a6b3-5799-46c4-891b-9fb47005fe2a/IMG_3011.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 09 - We stayed at the oddly named and whimsical Hotel Joke, in the Montmartre neighborhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748972335258-U6YM8SBZSHRHSMTEDWEX/IMG_2966.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 10 - The hallway outside our room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748972391898-52IIQIKFUSXEIDHTOQRZ/IMG_3057.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 11 - Our room had a gigantic magnetic poetry board, surprisingly in English. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748972603986-3LHWRORPA99YP4ZUPVQF/IMG_3120.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 12 - Rick experiments with an odd set of mirrors in the hotel lobby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4377b316-0c77-4f88-b2fc-d5751e85834c/Incendie_Notre_Dame_de_Paris.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 13 - Remember April 2019, when it looked like Notre Dame Cathedral might burn to the ground? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/302de22c-4aef-41a3-8dab-bff70f5f062b/215BBDC1-FE3C-43F9-A3A8-536269C031B6.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 14 - Work is still being done on the Cathedral, but the ground floor has reopened. We were excited to see the refurbished structure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/623f3015-9de5-479e-8769-e54362c7dae5/IMG_2915.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 15 - We weren't able to get tickets to enter the church, but the line for us, the un-ticketed, wasn't very long anyway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748975606167-XSWYHT2RVH7JWPE8QN9V/IMG_3151.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 16 - The inside of the cathedral was incredibly bright after the workers removed centuries of soot from the walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/91078aae-3c4c-4029-ae97-2754ccf3f42e/IMG_2925.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 17 - The stained glass luminescence was dazzling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c2c55c3b-2f7e-4ccd-bf0e-6b8b03bc017a/IMG_2930.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 18 - We saw colors inside that we had never noticed on previous visits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5e6c115b-5e93-4128-8ca4-954e8eedaea4/IMG_2932.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 19 - A new addition is this gold disc, which displays the holy Crown of Thorns, believed to have been worn by Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, the Crown is only displayed once a month.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b67422e1-8401-46b8-8697-9f3ac8ee1bbb/a43bad80-b988-11ef-b092-b1cccc33a085.jpg.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 20 - A photo of the Crown from the web. The first historical reference to the relic appeared in the 5th century. In 1239, King Louis IX of France acquired the Crown for $275 million in today's dollars. While its authenticity has not been proven, it is known to be at least 1,600 years old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/17d0170f-fd6d-4d50-8e83-2fa6193adec7/IMG_2935.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 21 - These are panels showing the life of Christ - we were not even aware of their existence until this visit. It's amazing how much more is visible is the new bright light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f9a61916-b23f-42d5-aa5d-0dc1c87dd8f1/IMG_3170.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 22 - This exterior view shows that there is still plenty of work in-progress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7af1883d-bc1d-4324-92e3-84f0a5d5c8a4/IMG_2941.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 23 - Yummy French onion soup at a resto across the street from Notre Dame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1315fee3-2659-4d69-ba9c-8967b2a00156/IMG_3193.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 24 - A visit to the Grand Mosque of Paris, which was as spartan as Notre Dame was opulent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b687f48f-b08b-48a5-a2c0-cced9143e305/IMG_2954.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 25 - The Mosque's garden was pretty nice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/85d2adf5-a349-44d5-ae5f-b91cdd55dfee/IMG_3195.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 26 - A beautiful day to visit le Jardin des Plantes... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/75fd6f87-7f21-4b9a-ac1a-a413bfdbe53f/IMG_2958.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 27 - ...where Rick gets a whiff of the sweet aroma of cherry blossoms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/27824bf5-9675-4bb1-86ec-7891e4920a8e/IMG_2977.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 28 - We ended the day with a visit to Dirty Dick's Tiki Bar, where some of the drinks cost an arm and a leg. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748977554080-BHMAS6BODMR3GQOU7AX4/IMG_2980.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 29 - We only paid a leg for these two tasty concoctions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748980247146-DDXCYXXA418DT5AWV3TK/IMG_2994.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 30 - Visiting the Louvre Museum to see the Haute Couture exhibit. Works by Christian Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Versace, among others, were on display. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b09e1204-dea6-4dd8-8f1b-fde2cf54a1db/IMG_3198.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 31 - Unsure who would want to wear this, as the head-piece looks awkward to lug around. Perhaps it would make a good Halloween costume. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f8e39fe0-ac39-4dd6-a360-b40e308364fa/IMG_3199.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 32 - Do not wear this in the Wisconsin woods during deer-hunting season! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/60d3127a-d072-4025-900f-14f828ea6d20/IMG_3005.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 33 - Part of the power went out at the Louvre, so we had to exit through the basement, which was a unusual experience! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5171da84-96d3-46d2-b48b-b8f5582a7947/IMG_3020.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 34 - Taking the train back to our hotel, we had macarons in one of the train stations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/deb57f68-99e2-485c-9609-2b4d1095f9d0/IMG_3017.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 35 - The vanilla macarons (YES, VANILLA - NOT CHOCOLATE) were delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/79ccf3b2-a078-44fe-81c5-f926e00ab925/IMG_3033.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 36 - For our farewell to Paris on our last night there, we dined at a fancy schmancy place for dinner. It was a very tasty meal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1a105d1b-06c7-4831-991b-a8e767f1dfb7/IMG_3206.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 37 - Sunset along the Seine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748980453732-0WM9LVZGN3PLFAO3T0WF/IMG_3056.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 38 - Our hotel was near the world famous Moulin Rouge. We opted not to spend a fortune to see scantilly-clad women doing the Can-Can. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748981425912-S7G7LQN8M6ZXJF98GBUJ/IMG_3060.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 39 - The Gare de l'Est (train station) had armed soldiers on the premises when we left for Strasbourg. We saw the same thing in Strasbourg - we're security increased due to the approaching Easter holiday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/291039c1-f020-4ea1-957f-b22cf13c50bb/IMG_3212.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 40 - Riding the high-speed rail to Strasbourg. We covered 300 miles in under two hours. It sure would be nice if we had these in the USA... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/03c6ed1f-436a-495e-8a56-6d856729636b/IMG_3216.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 41 - We stayed in Old Town Strasbourg, which is on an island surrounded by canals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/936bc517-d1e3-4e6d-9147-4c63cee87385/IMG_3075.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 42 - It was nice to be welcomed to Strasbourg with such beautiful weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748981729921-909V0ZCUM655B62I2C5X/IMG_3218.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 43 - A peaceful street that our AirBNB overlooked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748982210839-NEZ79V981LC9KVJTB8FD/IMG_3073.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 44 - We also overlooked La Grande Rue, one of the main streets through Old Town. It was interesting to see all the hustle and bustle below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748982277130-TAPJS1R7O6ODUAD8E38V/IMG_3077.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 45 - We had the local speciality, Tarte Flambée, for dinner. It's a thin-crust flatbread that's traditionally topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. It was pretty good - tasted a lot like scalloped potatoes with ham! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748982488376-RFFMQOIRCINCI62WFG1Y/IMG_3226.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 46 - Checking-out Place Kleber. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748982713376-FS9YK76BHEY2NH8VUDIY/IMG_3229.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 47 - Morning view our our kitchen window - nothing like what we see in Colorado! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749058020408-R5RI7EXEWZYUTFWKWOXW/IMG_3084.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 48 - We took a day trip south to the small town of Colmar. The Strasbourg train station looks cool from a distance. And the number of bikes parked around it was astounding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1e598587-6d62-4e9b-be51-e8ec7550e52a/IMG_3232.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 49 - Traveling first-class to Colmar! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748995063104-YK4LTOOVWOYCVIAUVS86/IMG_3090.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 50 - A young woman talking on her phone was kind enough to take a break to snap this photo! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748995327017-ZCAAPZVZHBP2SLQP333V/IMG_3100.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 51 - Colmar has an annual Easter Market, filled with decorations, local crafts, and delicious treats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/64ec0a0a-b2fa-408c-889b-7c7296ea3236/IMG_3239.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 52 - St. Martin Church, built between 1235 and 1365, is an important example of Gothic architecture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748996204398-SH69S065HWQZ42CHXOTY/IMG_3243.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 53 - We saw a stork! This area of France is home to storks, who migrate each year from Africa to spend the warmer months in Europe. The storks return every year to the same nest. This nest is on top of St. Martin Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748995914500-QB46A6MI0AG9V8LKA95D/IMG_3241.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 54 - Pfister house was built in 1537 for a hat-maker, who made his fortune "in the silver trade." This house has been a symbol of Colmar for many years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5100c453-41ef-442b-8c6d-c912f7a04ca1/IMG_3123.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 55 - From La Petite Venice ("Little Venice") area of Colmar, which has a lot of canals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748996875789-MXUJRF06YNFPZ6LM6N7R/IMG_3140.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 56 - After a long day, we relaxed with some fries, sauerkraut, and beers at Le Meteor. We hung-out there several nights during our stay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748997043396-9KQ785D521D4G1B0C9JA/IMG_3143.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 57 - Breakfast the next day came from L’Atelier, a highly rated bakery, down the street from our place. There were just about always lines of people to get into that place! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749057979015-09K9L3ER7RJHDRGPI925/IMG_3149.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 58 - We explored La Petite France, an island area in the center of Strasbourg. Behind us is one of three covered bridges constructed during the 13th century that defended the island against invaders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749141321463-IDNXCZQ6JUN71KNDSA16/IMG_3160.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 59 - From one of the covered bridges, this is a view of three towers, also used for defense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749058078496-4MW34N9AP1CBKDXSFKIO/IMG_3258.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 60 - This dam is what really made the defense system hum - they could open the flood gates to raise the water level around the island to keep invaders at bay! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d31c1616-43cc-4bbe-99bc-de4a0dc98a1e/IMG_3252.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 61 - The combination of clear sky and calm water made for great reflections! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748999171699-0SEJ4G0CWJ1G4XON911B/IMG_3261.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 62 - This is the Pontonniers International High School, which is renowned for its high scores in the Baccalauréat, the final exams taken to receive a diploma. We enjoyed seeing so many cherry blossoms during our visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748999433068-8YB3FWHWUH8AED64NTF7/IMG_3194.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 63 - La Grand Rue was packed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748999796821-4INQPD73Y4IDFH716ZVI/IMG_3268.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 64 - We finished our walking for the day with some delicious gelato. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748999473752-52JCP44O0CO3PNELD7YT/IMG_3198.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 65 - Our apartment provided a great view of the sunset over La Grand Rue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1748999657756-KCPZ40BAGXNKEK59AQXL/IMG_3199.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 66 - Rick checks-out the action below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/de110556-33bb-4d9f-ab7b-87a4c0d1dad4/IMG_3285.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 67 - We climbed 330 stairs in the Strasbourg Cathedral to reach its observation deck, just below the bell tower and spire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/573a5f38-38e6-4fe2-8674-2c2d282995a6/IMG_3286.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 68 - Construction of the Cathedral lasted over 400 years, and was completed in 1439. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9e3a97e7-98b9-49af-8b73-dedc24329ec4/IMG_3229.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 69 - At 466 feet, Strasbourg Cathedral was the world's tallest building from 1647 to 1874. Today, it is the sixth-tallest church in the world and the tallest surviving structure built entirely in the Middle Ages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749054590946-T80FW2K09P2U81K8O5RH/IMG_3270.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 70 - Making our way to the observation deck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c3c0c443-d879-4c21-be7d-783e8ac01f2d/IMG_3207.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 71 - The staircase had an occasional slotted window to peer through - such a confusing jumble from that perspective! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749054753560-TGQGFYOBWURXH4ZOUG34/IMG_3212.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 72 - We made it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749055137028-VAKWEOXMIFEVJ16MMMEX/IMG_3275.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 73 - The view to the west - that's Germany and the Black Forest in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749055268498-7HMMRFMH9FRYG5WU0WMM/IMG_3228.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 74 - A view of the church's flying buttresses. Flying buttresses are architectural elements from Gothic architecture that support the walls of buildings, particularly those with vaulted ceilings and large windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749055810458-K0PE7T09ATBEQFTEPNFA/IMG_3230.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 75 - We needed a snack after stair-climbing, so we hit a nearby bakery that had the most excellent pretzels. Rick is eating one topped with emmentaler cheese. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749055916874-GCEX2BDKYR0ML8BR43FV/IMG_3235.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 76 - We walked across the Rhine River to visit Kehl, Germany. The river is below the white arches in this photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bcc92637-98bb-4fd5-a409-f2dfd1a89d98/IMG_3237+2.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 77 - It was a very chilly, windy day, so we only spent about 10 minutes in Germany. Apparently, Kehl's only claim to fame is being on the other side of the Rhine from Strasbourg, so there wasn't much to do there, but stand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749056439558-1G9EDBINUD2XXQ3J4WPR/IMG_3239.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 78 - The weird words on these signs, and the previous photo of Rick, is our only proof that we visited Germany. It was pretty much a non-adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/887b2c1c-860a-4895-b683-919855b0eacc/IMG_3300.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 79 - Visiting the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, south of Strasbourg. Setting about 2,500 feet above the plain, the castle has a strategic position that was quite easy to defend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749059298619-BW8WSEHBNU3Y5C66UT2N/IMG_3270.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 80 - Rick enters the castle on one of its several draw bridges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1f14c5bc-52f4-40aa-9cff-763ab244bddd/IMG_3273.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 81 - This is an enclosed staircase. The castle is positioned in a rather small area at the top of a hill, so a lot of the castle is built up, rather than out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749059557210-KKRBWBXAAAW2FB15AGGB/IMG_3302.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 82 - It's easy to get a stiff neck in that place, looking up all the time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749059603363-WW6GAEGVKW6BYL38JJN2/IMG_3288.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 83 - View of the Alsace Plain from the castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749059658952-F69L4MSALTSXTB5VFLCF/IMG_3299.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 84 - Julie strikes a pose on another drawbridge - this one is INSIDE the castle. Huh... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749062735887-DQNLI15M7JDSH9YW1UDD/IMG_3296.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 85 - Speaking of striking poses, Rick models some traditional garb before leaving the castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/44609df0-5597-41e5-b973-764700236223/IMG_3323.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 86 - Guess who's back to visit the Strasbourg Cathedral again? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749063614845-UNN03YMAUX9KB4393O53/IMG_3305.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 87 - The Cathedral's interior is just as stunning as the exterior. When Hitler visited the church after invading France during WWII, he asked his soldiers, “What do you think gentlemen, will we return this jewel to France?” The soldiers replied "Never!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749063852581-UYBEAUIXOASLH6KLB9WU/IMG_3320.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 88 - Fortunately for the rest of the world, the fascist Nazis lost the war five years later. And, despite their expectations to the contrary, the losers did indeed return the "jewel" to the French people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749064071668-6JKXMYM6W0G2VSMWE9R9/IMG_3316.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 89 - Amazingly, 80% of the stained glass is original, surviving from the 12th to 15th centuries. The cathedral's windows traveled a lot during World War II - first hidden by the French in the southwest; then taken to Germany by the Nazis; and finally returned by British and American troops at the end of the war. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749064669882-UQTPNXLB29OE54Y3342E/IMG_3309.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 90 - The Cathedral is home to an astronomical clock ("l’Horloge Astronomique"), which is visited by over 3 million people each year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749064896815-VEZS5R9WC9NM8BO097H2/IMG_3313.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 91 - The main attraction of the clock is the procession of the 18-inch high figures of Christ and the Apostles, which occurs every day at noon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749064974084-5VBO5UFIGMWRIE1DILNL/IMG_3320%2B2.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 92 - Unfortunately, we were at the church at 4 pm. The only activity we heard or saw then was the light ding of a small bell! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749065610440-CBTZSY9KPIFMK9ESRCK1/IMG_3338.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 93 - The Lindt Store makes the absolute best hot chocolate. We started our last day in Strasbourg with a cup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749065757653-MVY7B37IOCHPEKGNZSLL/IMG_3339.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 94 - Got Hot Chocolate? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749065850372-3PZJI3YICWXX2QITLWJH/IMG_3331.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 95 - We had an enjoyable visit at the European Parliament. Strasbourg was chosen as the location as symbol of reconciliation and cooperation between countries that had previously been at odds, in particular, France and Germany. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749066239414-KLDG4GXJ4RMYD2S2WC56/IMG_3330.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 96 - The atrium. Need we say more? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/65db5ea9-f070-4a84-81f5-62ef5a076cdf/IMG_0387.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 97 - This is the Parliament's plenary chamber, also known as the Hemicycle. There are 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), representing the 27 EU member countries. The laws they pass are applicable to the entire EU. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/04fd4a15-588b-442f-aaa7-5cc5f5e49335/EP-Photobooth.jpg.jpeg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 98 - We had our picture taken, and it will now be randomly displayed in the Parliament with a zillion other similar photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749066703824-8E5ZYENSVY4EZ3ZS6OGC/IMG_3395.jpg 2025.04-parisstrasbourg 99 - Back in Paris, and ready to fly home. Unfortunately, our plane had a problem, and we were booted off. After waiting many hours, our flight was canceled. We did eventually make it home, about 24 hours later than planned. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202512-xmasswus daily 0.75 2026-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/202d4dea-ba07-4459-9f6d-7f501870ae07/IMG_0502.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 01 - We didn't see much snow driving through the Colorado Rockies, and we saw even less in the other states we visited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3ae000d8-5169-4dfe-b843-573f5b656123/IMG_0505.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 02 - Driving through Colorado's Glenwood Canyon is always a treat. The canyon road is a spectacular, engineering marvel along the Colorado River, known for its tunnels, bridges, and environmental integration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7e43da04-44c6-4894-8883-96c16c70ee92/IMG_3711+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 03 - The drive into Moab, Utah is pretty spectacular too, as it winds along the Colorado River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/24cafe33-32c7-4163-a10f-e61b4c692859/IMG_3708.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 04 - The breathtaking views in this area are never-ending. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8f869177-f164-4336-958b-393818b77843/IMG_0523.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 05 - The abundance of good views made it very difficult deciding which photos to post! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b1ee7570-425d-4f58-8b04-efa8740f458a/IMG_0530+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 06 - The Colorado River, near the entrance to Arches National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/499e195a-6b8c-4d5c-a0ed-44a965c9caf9/IMG_3722.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 07 - Lots of amazing rock formations in Arches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7a636ac0-f972-4250-8908-aa680a249e13/IMG_3723.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 08 - It's like a different world inside the park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b32d6f42-f498-4554-81fd-aff14810cad7/IMG_0534.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 09 - Rick, enjoying "The Windows" area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ffcabb2f-7b2c-45a9-80ce-4414c9b3905c/IMG_3738.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 10 - Driving the next day, we saw countless beautiful mesas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/904aa563-1eaf-4efa-988e-8cadcfef413d/IMG_3761.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 11 - Visiting iconic Monument Valley at the Utah/Arizona border. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c2821bd9-2d21-427d-bb12-4c869ec9fa82/IMG_3766.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 12 - Julie strikes a pose in Monument Valley. Did you know the valley isn't a national park?It's a Navajo Nation Tribal Park! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3e70f993-6547-416c-86a1-1235ea60bdae/IMG_0541.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 13 - Monument Valley is a sacred landscape of towering sandstone buttes, serving as a deeply spiritual place and cultural heart for the Navajo people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cf9fcad7-18bd-479b-bf97-23ca8e6f7c2c/IMG_3774.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 14 - Our first view of the Grand Canyon did not disappoint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8985649e-d234-4281-9161-bd645dc0d92d/IMG_0587+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 15 - Photos cannot do the canyon justice, but they do alright with people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3f415315-98e9-40a7-a53b-9539de9ab00a/IMG_3792.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 16 - The afternoon sun combined with the shadows made for an interesting sight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/91d9aeae-e9b6-4b98-808a-327e676a30dd/IMG_3835+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 17 - The sun was muted by the clouds the next day, but the view was still spectacular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1767651004409-CSX3ZU8T0IT5XAGCCUFZ/IMG_0615%2BLarge.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 18 - We hiked a bit on a trail going down into the canyon. We would definitely like to make the trek to the bottom some day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f0bb7feb-9e0a-40e4-a772-9d808d084a7d/IMG_3803.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 19 - Just a couple hundred feet down, we were already getting better views into the canyon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/347eda5c-4a95-4daa-aa5f-72248ee98e11/IMG_0647.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 20 - Back up top, Julie snapped an amazing photo of a baby mountain goat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2590b5bb-9e57-4be9-9615-de8c77fc8e99/IMG_0642.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 21 - When we encounter wild animals at national parks, we usually also run into very stupid people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5269c5b2-cc34-4801-b3e6-c620a3a98aa7/IMG_0657.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 22 - It was cool to see the Colorado River rushing through the canyon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/37fcd7e3-02b3-458d-ade0-727b19ed6771/IMG_3809.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 23 - A parting shot before we start making our way to the deep south of Arizona. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a48588ff-5dc4-4895-a0fe-757b06f82078/IMG_3856.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 24 - During the drive south from the Grand Canyon we saw tons of saguaro cactus! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/57eb400c-58f9-4648-bdb9-51423dde3402/IMG_0681+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 25 - Christmas Eve lunch with Sandy at a nice Italian restaurant near Sierra Vista. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1767652612546-YIVIGRHI4XQHZ3SOBW43/IMG_0688%2BLarge.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 26 - Exchanging gifts on Christmas morning. We were glad that we could be with Sandy on Christmas this year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1767652736436-0M2MZSMW1VZRFVKXXLQH/IMG_0692%2BLarge.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 27 - Serving ourselves lunch -- honey-baked ham and mac n cheese from Costco. Both were yummmmmy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a018e258-0832-4622-b69d-c2ad7ffbc731/IMG_0711.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 28 - Back on the road again, after about 48 hours in Sierra Vista. This is the amazing Salt River Canyon in northwest Arizona. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dcd3f5aa-4541-422a-aa08-9d3d662e8585/IMG_3879.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 29 - At the bottom of the Salt River Canyon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/97f90b64-b49e-48ef-b143-4269c2030f2e/IMG_0724.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 30 - Back on the road to see the Petrified Forest National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f8c401cc-170d-4e8e-91b1-af5d5946564c/IMG_3892+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 31 - This place was a prehistoric forest back in the day, but now all the tree trunks are stone! How the heck does a tree turn into stone instead of rotting? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1767654280489-RLCMR2IE9GR116PCJYT6/IMG_3897%2BLarge.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 32 - Ask and ye shall receive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1767654392104-V1UVGQ3WH21MLG3IXRL4/IMG_3885%2BLarge.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 33 - The park makes it abundantly clear that stealing petrified pieces of wood is a no-no. This note shows how stealing can lead to some pretty bad luck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8a6d691c-5565-47a3-ae2d-37704c6f00ab/IMG_3898+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 34 - It's mind-blowing to think that all these rocks were tree trunks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/04ea6e35-e1cd-411f-ae83-bbbb52200c17/IMG_3911+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 35 - We call these petrified sand dunes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a6577075-120e-4e41-8b9e-a8c2897c3a0f/IMG_3900+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 36 - This rock still looks like wood! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/64f27180-112f-495b-83db-54a5454bbf91/IMG_0747+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 37 - "Newspaper Rock." These petroglyphs were created by ancestral Puebloan people living, farming, and hunting along the Puerco River between 650 and 2,000 years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b90dce4b-41da-4f6a-aa21-91e557a2e4e4/IMG_0759+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 38 - Moving on to the "Painted Desert" part of the park, we realized that we were running out of time and wouldn't be able to make it to our next planned stop on-time. Oh well, we'll see the Bisti Badlands next time through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d5596514-53ff-4e03-a87b-c5f121f27633/IMG_3921+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 39 - Time for a photo of the painted desert before we hit the road for Farmington, New Mexico. Isn't that beautiful?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1767720995726-LNLGONH951Z4X1JSP3FD/IMG_3931%2BLarge.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 40 - We were up bright and early for our last day of driving, as we expected it would take at least 7-8 hours to get home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d6e166fa-1057-4472-a76f-217794503c3e/IMG_3942+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 41 - We stumbled upon this monstrosity in the small hamlet of Antonito, New Mexico. "Cano's Castle" a massive, eclectic folk-art structure made from beer cans, hubcaps, and tires. Glad we live in a neighborhood with restrictive covenants! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5ae3e0fb-c1d2-41d2-8d0d-d42cc16baa2a/IMG_3935+Large.jpeg 2025.12-xmasswus 42 - We ran into snow and ice as we crossed the San Juan Mountains at the Colorado/New Mexico border. It slowed us down a bit, but it wasn't serious snow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1767721225731-HDYP09WRFZ927RE3PTFI/IMG_0790%252BLarge.jpg 2025.12-xmasswus 43 - Almost home as we drive through southern Colorado. Those are the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202508-bellvanvic daily 0.75 2026-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/afbdc1c9-7845-4e9e-bb56-5149ca546dee/Screenshot+2026-01-16+at+11.42.53%E2%80%AFAM+Large.jpeg 2025.08-bellvanvic 01 - We flew to Seattle, Washington, boarded a train, and Steve and Allison picked us up at a station north of Seattle. On this map, you can see Vancouver Island to the west of Bellingham. Victoria is marked with the red pin, and is (surprisingly) south of Bellingham. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/45a0e950-bf7d-4d59-a417-ad9de65b9da0/IMG_4692.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 02 - Julie snapped this crazy cool photo of Mt Rainier as our flight approached Seattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fc9332c7-da08-4fb7-9e61-eb6b1230bff4/IMG_4696+Large.jpeg 2025.08-bellvanvic 03 - Allison and Steve, as we enjoy dining at one of Bellingham's Mexican restaurants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1768671706579-EDKSFFKAXHMI49R498DS/IMG_4697%2BLarge.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 04 - Allison and Steve had recently finished remodeling their kitchen - it looks beautiful and very functional. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e380883d-0e9d-4b8e-b9c2-5df622a84e40/IMG_4700+Large.jpeg 2025.08-bellvanvic 05 - Can you identify this plant? It's a blueberry bush, and Washington blueberries were in season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1768672193636-A832ES2JS6CZ573YAQZA/IMG_3479%2BLarge.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 06 - Julie loves fresh blueberries from Washington! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1768672313112-14AHPHDWRTAXA82PQ4GO/IMG_0439%2BLarge.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 07 - And, boy, does she love those blueberries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c5b0fb1c-c891-4cd7-8034-9f3afec30872/IMG_3482+Large.jpeg 2025.08-bellvanvic 08 - Allison and Steve bought a new sailboat -- what a beauty! Unfortunately, we didn't get to ride on it this trip, but we'll hopefully have a chance next time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1768672659024-Z10E072M8RFCX5KX9Z6Q/IMG_4704%252BLarge.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 09 - The boat's cabin is comfy and spacious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1768672743429-K7VCU0PDKUOMMGO68ZOH/IMG_4711%2BLarge.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 10 - Enjoying lunch near Blaine Harbor... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1768673060455-NGAK2TOCQULUD0W8WVQ6/IMG_4718%2BLarge.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 11 - ... and drinks at Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4db25cdb-11c3-493c-9b98-53b176405eba/IMG_4727.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 12 - On a chilly, rainy day, Steve drove us all to Canada, and we took a British Columbia Ferry from the mainland to Vancouver Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4ce2a601-24b9-4d34-b859-aea9ea8f415b/IMG_4748.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 13 - Bright and early the next day, we hit the mean streets of Victoria for a bike tour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/10f211c5-20e1-418c-9ca2-dde0473a55f8/IMG_7134+Large.jpeg 2025.08-bellvanvic 14 - Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. The Parliament Buildings are in the background of this shot of the marina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/746c713d-0f3c-4c4f-9a8e-53440c4c7226/IMG_4741+Large.jpeg 2025.08-bellvanvic 15 - There were beautiful flowers all over downtown Victoria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1768675444549-Y0U9SU4J55T1ZGBI4RLJ/IMG_4749%2BLarge.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 16 - At the entrance to Victoria's Chinatown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/08cb7e93-3426-4774-88c8-866cb89b2ddf/IMG_3488+Large.jpeg 2025.08-bellvanvic 17 - Fan Tan Alley -- the narrowest commercial street in North America, 35 inches wide at its tightest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b582709d-72fd-44ca-ace8-962bea9eeafc/IMG_4759+Large.jpeg 2025.08-bellvanvic 18 - At Beacon Hill Park -- pretty sure that's the USA off in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/71bffaa0-d87c-4d99-9f32-47987907acd4/IMG_3492+Large.jpeg 2025.08-bellvanvic 19 - Hanging-out at Big Bad John's Lounge, an odd bar with bras hanging from the ceiling and peanut shells all over the floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5bcbe969-1a46-4f77-a43f-84e914c32f13/IMG_4765+Large.jpeg 2025.08-bellvanvic 20 - Glad someone can joke about those ridiculous tariffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1768677184980-SU3T80Z5VI4DTRHXSOXP/IMG_4767%2BLarge.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 21 - Enjoying elaborate cocktails at a fancy bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6ce03017-921a-4a8a-aefe-5abbb202c1dc/IMG_4775+Large.jpeg 2025.08-bellvanvic 22 - Visiting THE Buchart Gardens, a national historic site and a triumph of early-20th-century gardening aesthetics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1768677971827-0YR5FI7CC6HYJIP56JPG/IMG_7146%2BLarge.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 23 - The gardens were the brainchild of Jennie Butchart, whose husband founded a limestone quarry at the site. She began planting and landscaping over the quarry in 1912. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8faaa146-5879-44e4-b737-67e49432a933/IMG_4793+Large.jpeg 2025.08-bellvanvic 24 - Expanded and manicured for a century, the site has over one million blooms enjoyed by one million annual visitors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ba0b0189-5add-4034-870e-86faf7d5b5cc/IMG_4778.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 25 - Steve pretends to be interested in looking at the flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/652cddd0-b373-45b8-ab04-88ea08aa9c61/IMG_4838.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 26 - So many pretty flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/107d846e-f157-47d7-9bba-890ca939c492/IMG_7178.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 27 - The Japanese garden is a landscape using elements like rocks, water, moss, and carefully pruned evergreens and maples to evoke natural scenery, symbolize time, and aid meditation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dd496e56-0bac-4668-a6dd-48db54b47ac4/IMG_3502.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 28 - Check-out this evergreen -- it's a Monkey Puzzle tree, native to Chile and Argentina. Because of the prevalence of similar species in ancient prehistory, it is sometimes called a "living fossil." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/58340794-4512-4955-a354-30628ae2971f/IMG_3512.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 29 - Cool view looking-up from the Japanese Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/33db2dc8-999b-46e2-ab80-74649b590d64/IMG_3513.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 30 - Julie and Allison, just outside the Japanese Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dd0897e7-1ff9-47b5-ad26-fde0a61b458f/IMG_3504.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 31 - Dazzling dahlias! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a1180842-219e-4975-a1d4-a32132951aad/IMG_7157.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 32 - Luminous lilies! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/751c8dde-ba17-4f7c-b5b2-bf3ee6b65503/IMG_4788.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 33 - A parting shot of Steve and Allison, as we prepare to return to Victoria for a pub crawl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5882b40f-680d-47de-b71b-1a69fd2c6218/IMG_3514.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 34 - Back to the hustle and bustle of Victoria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/efca4b34-1b5f-4696-9af9-99e97828a5a5/IMG_3528.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 35 - Flowers in the shape of two orcas atop a massive grass wave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f1d45464-9f45-460a-94e1-971aaaf7cb95/IMG_3523.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 36 - We came across a draw bridge -- hope no one ever sticks a hand in those gears! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6ddfaf03-335a-48fc-b2b0-f9f797f2f4de/IMG_3517.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 37 - We even saw the bridge in-action. Not something you see every day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1768697614272-RD0NOXROD746SCWRQEYA/IMG_3522.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 38 - Another thing you don't see every day -- a pigeon lover! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/55ad1618-6f0c-4280-b020-ef39a586d7a2/IMG_4843.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 39 - After our first stop on the pub crawl, our guide took us on a water taxi to get to another area of the harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/19c853ab-e357-4797-b813-d06ed9e97fea/IMG_4845.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 40 - On the briny, and Rick didn't even get sick! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/df8de49d-8528-4f69-8b04-deb23b19848a/IMG_7188.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 41 - Approaching Fisherman's Wharf, a colorful, vibrant floating village, known for its unique float homes, shops, and food kiosks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fda4f196-f2f8-4646-8ede-dda19081391d/IMG_4849.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 42 - Hanging-out on Fisherman's Wharf with our pub-master, Torin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/95fbdd7c-dc92-48d6-b1f1-55aa11730512/IMG_3520.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 43 - Later, Torin took us to a cool pinball pub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8e4c4cec-ba3e-4204-883e-1afde89669eb/IMG_4860.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 44 - Rick and Allison on our last day together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1768700574861-U3QG8839A55IJPMSO1AK/IMG_4884.jpg 2025.08-bellvanvic 45 - Rick and Julie flew from Vancouver Island to Seattle and then on home. This is rather interesting view of the San Juan Islands with Mt. Baker in the background. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202601-keywest daily 0.75 2026-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f84d14ca-bb27-475e-a73a-556c31d18fbc/Screenshot+2026-02-20+at+1.19.20%E2%80%AFPM.png 2026.01-keywest 01 - We flew 4 hours from Denver to visit Southern Florida. Key West is at the end of a string of islands running east-to-west off Florida's southern coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/acc49d94-132c-45ab-bb5f-fc9b0f5fd2bc/IMG_0884+Large.jpg 2026.01-keywest 02 - Rick, riding the tram at Miami International Airport. It's the 10th busiest airport in the US, with nearly 27 million passengers in 2024. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771617463043-78HVSHKBDBOD7AUKFS9R/IMG_3978%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 03 - As Google Maps shows, Miami traffic is kinda crazy. Miami’s car-dependent culture and suburban sprawl have led to gridlock, with the average commuter spending 3.2 hours per week in traffic jams -- over 6 days per year! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/16ad0899-80c3-4585-b40d-16f9fa841f53/IMG_0915+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 04 - After spending the night in Miami's suburban sprawl, we hit the road the next day for Key West. This is the iconic Seven Mile Bridge on the 113-mile Overseas Hwy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b1ca27af-ec4a-416c-b794-22dfa9d7dc7f/IMG_3987.jpg 2026.01-keywest 05 - There are places along the Overseas Hwy for people to fish. That's a flock of pelicans flying overhead! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771619222154-2FBT2D2QMNRS3VDLCMPX/IMG_0889%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 06 - We had key lime pie, while driving the highway. Dang, it was good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/77718a04-f58e-4f24-a1bb-87eca5af38d3/IMG_3993+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 07 - When we arrived to Key West, we encountered chickens, which is a pretty common sight on any tropical island we've ever visited. Chickens were introduced during colonial times, likely brought by European settlers as a source of food. However, over time, many of the chickens were allowed to roam free, and their populations flourished in the warm climate and abundance of food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4c3dea06-e9ef-4401-aa99-cbe8126affbb/IMG_3994+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 08 - Julie, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Those are shrimp boats in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1dede7f1-b581-4b40-befb-e2ba79bc17cf/IMG_3995+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 09 - We saw lots of birds that one doesn't see in Colorado! The largest bird is a pelican and the dark-colored one is a cormorant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1140e90a-bd9f-4fb2-b2f3-c522f7c2bfe0/IMG_0928+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 10 - The two of us, with the Gulf of Mexico behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771620610412-SGY37XV2971BMOCZPQKO/IMG_0932%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 11 - Rick chats with chicken that wanted to enter our hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771620763176-PXI0XJQKVUCPKOCSRNAT/IMG_0937%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 12 - We had a nice bike tour around Old Town Key West and along the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771620838232-I86SP95PQ8GWHN07ITZ1/IMG_0941%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 13 - Our tour guide, in between us, was quite the character, with plenty of interesting and entertaining stories to tell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2c2c0886-a623-4204-915b-ce4171c11cc0/IMG_0948+Large.jpg 2026.01-keywest 14 - Rick and a couple of chickens enjoy the shade of a large banyan tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0819eb90-0849-4122-80f6-7676327fc14a/IMG_4002.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 15 - We saw a colorful iguana sunning in a tree. A lot of Floridians aren't too crazy about the lizards, so they were likely quite happy later in the week when the night-time temperatures were in the 30's and the lizards were dropping from the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f857f9cc-74c6-4cd2-bf7c-bf9ebcadf75c/GettyImages-2259618389+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 16 - From a news source ... these guys collected iguanas during the Florida cold spell, and made tacos with the lizard meat -- no thank you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0d08464e-cf1c-48ae-9ef2-4a6638d85142/IMG_1225+Large.jpg 2026.01-keywest 17 - President Harry Truman loved to spend time in Key West, where he often mingled with the locals. This was his home and the de facto "White House" when he was present. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771622138113-Y5S4XO5PQGJKL71A6KI0/IMG_1227%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 18 - And this is the 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan limousine that Truman tootled around town in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771647381876-G1ZUF5IEYZQ3X3LGIHO7/IMG_0971%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 19 - That red, black, and yellow "buoy" in the background is the southernmost point of the continental US. Well, that's not exactly true -- the actual buoy (and southernmost point) is behind us to the left a couple hundred meters, but it's currently under repairs. So, Key West stuck a replica buoy nearby for photos until the original one is fixed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9129da81-bd96-4f3f-ad7e-34a9fb52c60f/IMG_0976.jpg 2026.01-keywest 20 - Here's a close-up of the shrimpers we saw the day before. They're hanging around out there for a day or two until the shrimping conditions improve, and then they'll go shrimp hunting with their huge nets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8d9583ab-3b83-4e01-92d4-5e74098de02b/IMG_0979+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 21 - We were treated to key lime pie after our bike tour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771648294877-S4V76YHTR8TTX5CM5P2N/IMG_1233%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 22 - While roaming the sidewalks of Old Town, we came across this horrible, anti-chicken sign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771648580681-VC4HIQ9MEXB78WKWZUL4/IMG_0983%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 23 - Obviously, key lime pie can only go so far in satisfyng a craving for sweets. For dinner, we visited La Michoacana Key West Mexican Ice Cream, and feasted on a delicious banana split. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771648637286-SO79YRIZSVWXDEL9FAZM/IMG_0988%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 24 - We wandered over to a nearby Publix (grocery store) and saw this ear-muffed woman at the entrance butt ahead of us to escape the bitter cold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771650084708-HW23GQ227ASNLDJHFIDM/IMG_0989%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 25 - We woke-up bright and early the next day for snorkeling at Dry Tortugas National Park, 75 miles west of Key West. As Rick demonstrates, it was really chilly -- "muff weather," as the locals call it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771650292827-KQV2ACXWOR66BKJHRP8T/IMG_4015%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 26 - Dry Tortugas is only accessible by boat or seaplane. The 100-square mile park "is known the world-over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area." (From the Park's website) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/df1db784-c2e7-4773-94f2-d1ffe43c9ef8/IMG_4020+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 27 - Despite her lack of any experience flying a plane, Julie quickly claimed the co-pilot seat before anyone realized what was happening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771650701920-R0LXUKNOC0P9CGOBKAQS/IMG_1014%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 28 - Our pilot was thrilled to have Julie beside him, instead of some grumpy-old man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/75f8d8c6-8e45-4342-be23-a951f3abe96b/IMG_4043+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 29 - Our seaplane flew at an altitude of 400-500 feet, so there were great views of dozens of keys. While the views were a plus, it was particularly comforting to fly so low because our plane was older than Rick. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/fa4ff396-00c0-479d-a583-7f2ae494f5bb/IMG_4130.jpg 2026.01-keywest 30 - Approaching Ft. Jefferson, located on Garden Key, within the national park. The Fort, a former U.S. military coastal fortress, is the largest brick masonry structure in the Americas covering 16 acres. It's also the 3rd largest US fort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a01b804b-2172-4999-9e50-73898ed06aa0/IMG_4072+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 31 - After a 45-minute ride (the ferry takes over 3 times as long), Julie disembarks from our jalopy onto dry land at Isla de las Tortugas. In very unpoetic English, that means "Tortoise Island." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771651145518-GOQLHUZD3VUUNQ0XD7CU/IMG_1058%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 32 - The water-landing was smoother than any land-landing we've ever hand. Unfortunately, it was just as cold on Tortoise Island as it was on Key West. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/36492dc6-eaad-496b-ba6e-813dcc914ce4/IMG_1092.jpg 2026.01-keywest 33 - During its peak, over 1,700 soldiers were stationed at the Fort, but it was plagued with construction problems and Yellow Fever epidemics. Construction was never completed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aa41bf94-b3db-4547-863a-4d39c08f68c4/IMG_1131.jpg 2026.01-keywest 34 - The Fort actually crumbled under its own weight, cracking the rain-water cisterns and allowing salt water to penetrate into the precious drinking supply. The Army abandoned Fort Jefferson in 1874. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/daa5bdc9-32d6-48ca-a58c-ad0120d9cc68/IMG_4113+2.jpg 2026.01-keywest 35 - Julie tests the water and proclaims it's just too darn cold for snorkeling. Disappointing, since Dry Tortugas is a snorkeler’s wonderland and home to some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the United States. Oh well... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/baa89ce3-4fdb-4e60-a3f8-149a09ef66a6/IMG_1079.jpg 2026.01-keywest 36 - Unfortunately, 98% of the Park is underwater, but we still had fun exploring the parts above water! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/23d56cb1-889c-45e1-8fc6-cf02fad41a60/IMG_4087.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 37 - This honeycomb of masonry arches serves as the backbone of the fort and allowed it to be constructed with 45-foot-tall walls. Most of the Fort consists of gunrooms known as casemates, but they never received the armament they were designed for. Instead, many casemates became homes to soldiers and prisoners. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bc62bf85-f59d-47b9-9224-c9a8b28af009/IMG_4089.jpg 2026.01-keywest 38 - Fort Jefferson was intended to hold 450 cannons to protect the US from an attack via the Gulf of Mexico. But the cannons were never fired. The only episode resembling combat came very early during the Civil War, when a rebel ship came near the Fort, and then left without incident. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9b0c42d1-cf91-46d4-a4b1-67de177a27e2/IMG_1123.jpg 2026.01-keywest 39 - Enjoying the view from the top of the Fort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cf35489a-9d5e-4801-8231-1a352a3e3c37/IMG_1141.jpg 2026.01-keywest 40 - In case you doubt our cold weather claims, we present Exhibit A, which Julie snapped just as we were boarding our plane to leave the Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/061e5096-7d8c-4743-9857-e302cd68e4a3/IMG_4161.jpg 2026.01-keywest 41 - We had sunny weather for our last day in Key West, which started with a visit to Ernest Hemingway's house. Hemingway. was an American novelist, short-story writer, and journalist, known for an economical, understated style. He has been romanticized for his adventurous lifestyle and outspoken, blunt public image https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5037a587-d699-4ddf-96b8-306622e53aab/IMG_1170+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 42 - The house was Hemingway's residence during the 1930's. While the house was nice, the gardens were spectacular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771737719223-FKZSLP2D0W8ZJ5OSS7RM/IMG_1171%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 43 - While Hemingway was reporting in Spain in 1937, his wife Pauline installed a large pool on the grounds. The first swimming pool in the Florida Keys, the pool was immensely expensive. At $20,000, it was two and a half times the purchase price of the entire property. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771737889275-45KTCRWBH3MNBO7HEJZG/IMG_4155%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 44 - The house and gardens are inhabited by about 60 cats, commonly called "Hemingway Cats." Legend has it that all cats on the property are descended from Snow White, a white six-toed cat given as a gift to the Hemingways by a sea captain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771738135931-5OE84QYIACX7AJ8OD1MJ/IMG_1185%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 45 - About half the cats are "polydactyl," sporting six toes on each paw. Julie somehow managed to get one of those cats to model its rather odd-looking front paws! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/13bbe89a-af2f-488d-8b7f-ca96c6e248a8/IMG_4157+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 46 - The Key West lighthouse is right across the street from Hemingway's six-toed-cat house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a200780e-58ea-4b53-b688-08c6dd843bb3/IMG_4172+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 47 - In 1923, the US Navy erected a lighthouse on the beach to reduce shipwrecks on the treacherous shoals surrounding the island. That lighthouse was washed out to sea in a 1946 hurricane, so they built the current structure a mile inland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/86b5cb8a-a634-4b09-8d13-72ca082b7c00/IMG_4171+2+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 48 - A postcard proclaiming the lighthouse's rather odd claim to fame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771779501306-OH8OI13R6K9VSVL6BCDH/IMG_1194%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 49 - Rick, going up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771779562710-C252FEGYH8QDD77MBL7Y/IMG_4166%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 50 - The view of the west end of the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771779637834-F6RWJ3FJFL96W65O1K65/IMG_4167%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 51 - Julie coming down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771779684510-S30Z2WE1QVJ8N6OM5DBW/IMG_4152%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 52 - We saw this house while roaming around Old Town -- sure beats spewing hate and mistrust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771780380029-UBA5SJ62NYZ05OPWI2LT/IMG_4188.jpg 2026.01-keywest 53 - The next day, we headed north to the Everglades. It was rainy, but we were in the car, so not a big deal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771780890748-PAWCYM112U83XBXBI0FQ/IMG_1306%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 54 - Rick is rarin' to go on an Everglades airboat tour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5aa867c1-671d-409e-8f73-c3d83e4e5865/Screenshot+2026-02-22+at+10.20.38%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 55 - He had been wanting to ride an airboat ever since watching "Gentle Ben" on TV as a kid! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771781165756-U23OSRZ57URQQ7HIN2SC/IMG_1308%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 56 - Our airboat and captain, a friendly good ol' boy from the deep south, are on the left. He was a good guide with interesting stories to share. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/697b3ca0-6a78-41b7-a2d8-6f7b187df131/IMG_1311+2+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 57 - Ready to go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771781389658-JM0T5Z17A5LMTFSZLKE5/IMG_4195%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 58 - And we're off! Notice that everyone is wearing hearing protection. Our airboat had a very noisy, fully exposed V8 engine on the back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771782412707-QCK4GEYDCMXL12HZ7ZU0/IMG_4213%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 59 - Those airboats can go anywhere that has even just a shallow sheet of water. The southern part of the state is in a drought, and the water is about 2 feet lower than normal for this time of year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8c0de936-dafe-4e8b-ab7b-0461e22a4975/IMG_1348+Large.jpg 2026.01-keywest 60 - We saw several gators, and they all looked like big, fake, rubber gators! Despite numerous requests, our guide would not let Julie touch one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/07313fac-d696-4176-9480-7622806056d3/IMG_1335.jpg 2026.01-keywest 61 - Raise your hand if you want to see an eerily creepy-looking gator - yikes!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771782517851-66XBONC2RQS3WC2IND63/IMG_4214%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 62 - We also saw some cool birds, like this stork. Unfortunately, with the cold, cloudy weather, the wildlife wasn't too active. But we still thoroughly enjoyed our airboat ride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771782847346-OW8G38Y6I0XO8H54ZVKL/IMG_1355.jpg 2026.01-keywest 63 - The next day in the Everglades, and our last full day in Florida, was a chilly one -- but at least the sun was back out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/78b32ce5-448f-4413-8f70-02f62f6964f7/IMG_1359+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 64 - When we entered the south part of the Everglades National Park, we saw a sign warning about panthers. Unfortunately, we didn't see any. They are an endangered species, and there are only about 200 in Florida. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771787643125-XP5YY5J5AL57C68UNIDY/IMG_4227%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 65 - First stop, hiking on the beautiful Anhinga Boardwalk Trail in the Pine Island area of the Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/749c7728-daa3-49e8-80a4-ff08e6801b1f/IMG_1374.jpg 2026.01-keywest 66 - We saw an Anhinga sunning itself. These diving birds are also called snakebirds or water turkeys, and are often confused for cormorants. Anhingas lack waterproof oil in their feathers, so they spend significant time perched with their wings spread to dry the feathers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e7ba09b6-c201-47b6-a061-312e83a42c1e/IMG_4229.jpg 2026.01-keywest 67 - We also saw a Great Egret sunning too. The Great Egret is a large wading bird, standing over 3 feet tall with a 5-foot wingspan. As the symbol of the National Audubon Society, it is a conservation success story, having recovered from near extinction in the late 1800's after being hunted for its plumes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771789678187-QWB4H17JZRTOZJ4H4MBG/IMG_1375%252BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 68 - We saw a gator sunning itself, with a goofy man trying to include himself in the pic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771789817429-HVC5DJEU22JY41XUTGQC/IMG_4237.jpg 2026.01-keywest 69 - And we saw this stupid person with an apparent death wish, just waiting to get ambushed. Alligators can run in short, rapid bursts on land at speeds of 11–15 mph. They rely on short-distance ambushing rather than long-distance chasing on land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771790211137-8DCQ1LMS7Z21FTOA79CH/IMG_4246%2BLarge.jpg 2026.01-keywest 70 - There's also a Nike Missile site smack-dab in the middle of the Everglades, only 160 miles from Cuba. This was built during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Rick's dad served in the National Guard during this era, and you can read about that by clicking on this photo. (Clicking will open a new tab on your browser so you won't lose your place on this page.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/660a2775-6518-4c15-83c0-63e68022024f/IMG_1403.jpg 2026.01-keywest 71 - We even saw the backs of a momma Manatee and her baby! These elusive creatures measure up to 13 feet long and weigh up to 1,300 pounds. The main causes of death for manatees are habitat destruction and human objects. Their slow-moving, curious nature has led to violent collisions with propeller-driven boats and ships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0d5f17a4-a3b6-46f1-b241-56d2cc9f6776/manatee-video.jpg 2026.01-keywest 72 - Here's a photo of a momma and baby Manatee (from online) showing them underwater, so you can have the full experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/73e56205-824a-4fab-b384-32f592df4283/IMG_1393+Large.jpeg 2026.01-keywest 73 - Happy campers at the southernmost end of the National Park, after seeing Manatees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c0d29b14-8056-408e-a51b-754ccaac2ebf/IMG_4249.jpg 2026.01-keywest 74 - This "meter" in the Visitor Center also made us happy -- happy that the weather was nice and chilly! We saw mosquito suits and hats for sale to protect people from those nasty creatures. What a nightmare it must be to experience the Everglades when the meter is pointed at INSANE!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1771791686925-ZB0OI71MVTK1V6LPVWEV/IMG_1415.jpg 2026.01-keywest 75 - A parting shot of one last alligator as we leave the Park and prepare to travel home. https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/photo-index-2025 daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1767721876574-OMF96TW5OWBO12BVA9M9/mtn.jpg Photo Index - 2025 Costa Rica - February 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1749139777374-CIGKJH9NYYGPRS4WVFBG/IMG_3275.jpg Photo Index - 2025 France - Paris and Strasbourg - April 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d6ff6488-7910-4f5d-8510-6c476c5210b3/IMG_4839.jpg Photo Index - 2025 Bellingham, WA + Victoria, B.C. - August 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8b0303a7-982d-47c5-b8c9-9815f761e8cb/IMG_0565+Large.jpeg Photo Index - 2025 Utah, Arizona, New Mexico - December 2025 https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/photo-index-2026 daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3e42505c-0df2-4880-8593-230232118066/Blank+for+Photo+Index+Pages.png Photo Index - 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774801605252-WLDWE4YWX7H1VWFWFP9O/IMG_0912.jpg Photo Index - 2026 Florida - Key West; the Everglades - January 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774801737711-ELG23YP2SJO3L4C14BXI/IMG_4588%2BLarge.jpg Photo Index - 2026 France - Paris, Avignon, Marseille - March 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3e42505c-0df2-4880-8593-230232118066/Blank+for+Photo+Index+Pages.png Photo Index - 2026 https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/photo-index-2024 daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4056e8da-3482-450a-b777-eb57686b4885/2024-01-18_10-53-34_910.jpeg Photo Index - 2024 Belize - January 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/57ffd04c-14b5-4f98-897f-b4b9c6607b1c/2024-03-08_16-07-23_841.jpeg Photo Index - 2024 France - Paris and Toulouse - March 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2bd8ce35-2a4c-407d-a6a4-a3c6fe920eed/2024-04-24_11-31-08_488.jpeg Photo Index - 2024 Germany, Austria, and Italy - April-May 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/d31f8509-93eb-46ec-b042-f3294adca8bc/2024-09-29_13-02-58_662.jpg Photo Index - 2024 Lisbon, Portugal - September 2024 https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/photo-index-2023 daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3e42505c-0df2-4880-8593-230232118066/Blank+for+Photo+Index+Pages.png Photo Index - 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a28bd7b4-b0ff-4f07-9061-da0294de5344/2023-03-01_14-32-51_813.jpg Photo Index - 2023 New Zealand - February 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/56fad598-8460-4576-8503-adcc2afbb909/2023-05-16_12-26-47_494.jpg Photo Index - 2023 Grand Teton and Yellowstone - May 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3e42505c-0df2-4880-8593-230232118066/Blank+for+Photo+Index+Pages.png Photo Index - 2023 https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/photo-index-2022 daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774306388882-7J9EX1F0JY0LHO3LA84T/2022-02-12_09-45-00_759.jpg Photo Index - 2022 Kauai, Hawaii - February 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774306544826-CDZGDKQFZFK5K72GLIN1/2022-08-09_03-28-30_960%25252520Large.jpg Photo Index - 2022 The Scottish Highlands - August 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e3247c86-ea9a-47a4-bd1b-c49142c9c071/2022-09-21_20-36-47_702.jpeg Photo Index - 2022 New York City and Boston - September 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8668844d-c5e0-4c11-a1ad-8471dde52025/2022-11-20_19-47-53_119.jpeg Photo Index - 2022 London and Paris - November 2022 https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/photo-index-2021 daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3e42505c-0df2-4880-8593-230232118066/Blank+for+Photo+Index+Pages.png Photo Index - 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/021907a3-9a60-45a0-a80d-d822eab47ec6/2021-09-18_07-47-53_728.jpeg Photo Index - 2021 Yosemite and Death Valley - September 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3e42505c-0df2-4880-8593-230232118066/Blank+for+Photo+Index+Pages.png Photo Index - 2021 https://www.thetravelingpackards.com/202603-france daily 0.75 2026-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/ceb5fbe4-1100-472d-bc05-249b1ac4145a/Screenshot+2026-03-24+at+10.43.35%E2%80%AFAM+Large.jpeg 2026.03-france 01 - The French cities that we visited. It's about 475 miles from Paris to the Marseille/Avignon area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6313113c-3916-44f3-bd67-dc34b831b229/IMG_4307.jpg 2026.03-france 02 - We booked a day-use hotel at the Paris airport, so we could catch-up on our sleep before heading into the city. Here's Julie outside the airport train station, after our refreshing naps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9cd81c8c-2030-4727-adf9-53344c8b1661/IMG_1654.JPG 2026.03-france 03 - We then found ourselves on a very crowded rush hour train. The photo does not do the situation justice -- we were all packed-in like sardines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/3daa4899-bb0c-415f-b86b-c89798062596/IMG_4308.jpg 2026.03-france 04 - Passing through the incredibly busy Gare du Nord train station in Paris. We've been through there quite a few times, but never when it was so busy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774379505059-6H8Y9JXN6Q15KH3S8H6C/IMG_1667.jpg 2026.03-france 05 - Our hotel was near the Place de la République (town square), where earlier in the day, there were demonstrations related to International Women's Day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7e622cb3-e2ec-4615-a31e-ef46f1ed5747/IMG_1768.jpg 2026.03-france 06 - Our hotel, with a very creative name -- "Hôtel Paris France." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0c7d2ed0-9176-4c37-8911-f52a575a92b5/IMG_1672.jpg 2026.03-france 07 - Rick, inside our modest, but comfy and quiet, room. It felt great to call it a day and get out of the cold and rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e4f5c364-c29a-4b4d-af57-7cf163986bf5/IMG_4309.jpg 2026.03-france 08 - Ready to do some exploring in the city center of Paris. Julie has found our next metro stop on the map. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e39ff315-c13b-425b-9924-2a5c12e9da21/IMG_1692.jpg 2026.03-france 09 - Our first stop was the Hôtel de la Marine, which was where the French Crown Jewels were once stored. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f49fe82b-a526-46fe-a887-2e62ba603d41/IMG_1696.jpg 2026.03-france 10 - The gentleman who managed the jewel storage also lived at the Hôtel. But he was asleep on the job in 1792, when the Hôtel was the site of a massive theft of jewels. Most of the stolen items were never recovered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5d07873a-9923-48a2-b60b-cb38c0ecca8a/IMG_1681.jpg 2026.03-france 11 - With that history, the Hôtel was an ideal spot for the "Dynastic Jewels" exhibit, which demonstrated how fine jewelry became a political and cultural symbol. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9994994e-7e26-4086-b43c-8a14891ac894/IMG_1684.jpg 2026.03-france 12 - The collection of 18 tiaras, worth zillions of euros, included Queen Victoria's sapphire and diamond tiara, as well as jewels that belonged to Empress Josephine of France and Catherine the Great of Russia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e34df751-c36a-4dce-ad4a-ac421a8948a5/Screenshot+2026-03-25+at+8.38.10%E2%80%AFAM+Large.jpeg 2026.03-france 13 - One of Queen Victoria's most treasured jewels, the sapphire and diamond tiara was designed for her by Prince Albert in 1840 –- the royal couple's wedding year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774451884542-8PALF8DT9XP4CTRELU2C/IMG_1752.jpg 2026.03-france 14 - Next stop, the Eiffel Tower. It was heavily criticized during its construction, with many calling it an "industrial eyesore" and a "monstrous skeleton." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774452147164-VQ49YA4E9CD7ZI5QG0AH/IMG_1714.jpg 2026.03-france 15 - Despite being mocked as a "tragic street lamp," the Tower became a massive success after opening for the 1889 World's Fair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774452389940-9DWXFDTG2VD2JOJSZF9Z/IMG_4330.jpg 2026.03-france 16 - Julie, prepared to make our way to the top. The last time we were up there was about 15 years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/35a8e3bd-332a-4ffd-8dd1-edb3ee94df05/IMG_4324.jpg 2026.03-france 17 - Riding the elevator up is great way to get a close-up look at the many bones holding the structure together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bec5ef50-643b-4a0b-80b5-1bc07e267d05/IMG_1719.jpg 2026.03-france 18 - Rick, up high, enjoying the view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774453382029-EVRU6NQF9HG1NWFS1RP0/IMG_1721.jpg 2026.03-france 19 - A fantastic view of the Arc de Triomphe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1b5c1725-fa40-4693-bc75-896ff7f1fa8e/IMG_4325.jpg 2026.03-france 20 - Walking down the Tower is a nice way to escape the elevator crowds. Visitors can take the 674 stairs down from the second level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/290d3c0b-3056-4a94-9fdd-95ab5b00c2f4/IMG_1765.jpg 2026.03-france 21 - Enjoying dinner at a bistro, after a fun day of touring Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/8c70214e-3afc-40e1-a1c3-e2167ebd832a/IMG_4334.jpg 2026.03-france 22 - What's this crazy building?! Nobody knows -- it just appeared one day in 1977. (We'll let you in on a little secret -- it's the Pompidou Center, an art museum.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/89e1134a-72e7-4f3d-aec1-6d969e325627/IMG_1777.jpg 2026.03-france 23 - We made another visit to Notre Dame. It's interesting to see the progress made on restorations since the 2019 fire -- it definitely appears that the work is nearing its end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/5845459e-0afd-467d-bed6-b2dc6014d838/IMG_1781.jpg 2026.03-france 24 - We peaked inside to see the beautiful, bright, newly clean walls again, but the purpose of our visit was to climb the bell towers, which are once again open to the public. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774466526620-QUMTHJ05WKUYEOT4K2PB/IMG_4344.jpg 2026.03-france 25 - While waiting outside for our bell tower climb, we had a chance to look closer at some of the cathedral's gargoyles. The creepy little guys serve a dual purpose -- first, they act as water drainage systems to prevent rainwater from eroding the stone walls.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774460546148-JC2QTLFT3Y85OXDM2YM4/IMG_1795.jpg 2026.03-france 26 - And second, they ward off malevolent forces, while representing the chaotic and unruly aspects of human nature, reminding us of the struggle between good and evil. Those are some deep thoughts.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/22c2b538-af51-41eb-a769-129af7943428/IMG_4345.jpg 2026.03-france 27 - The bell towers have lots of new wood and a new spiral staircase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c7fe21ef-af6f-4a82-b32e-05f4d451f6fc/IMG_1811.jpg 2026.03-france 28 - The 424-step hike to the top led to this great view of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The basilica is the second most popular tourist destination in Paris after the Eiffel Tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/45dea4fc-5449-49a9-9fd5-0bcfa5afea9d/IMG_4351.jpg 2026.03-france 29 - Speaking of the Eiffel Tower, we also had this fantastic panoramic view from Notre Dame, which includes La Défense in the distance. Those of you who follow our exploits closely will know that we visited the La Défense business district in March 2024. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bdd373a4-209a-424f-85bd-57c10cc063bf/IMG_1829+2.jpg 2026.03-france 30 - We stopped for lunch at an unusual pizza establishment. We were the only people there and we almost left because we thought it might have been closed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/282fb412-cf77-4830-85e6-54b418baf3d1/02873D30-5F55-4497-B9A2-9607799B3E3E_1_201_a.jpg 2026.03-france 31 - The owner Giorgio seemed a little aloof at first, but then he turned-on the charm and kept us entertained throughout our delicious meal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/bacb6e84-a8c4-4230-a360-58b882119b73/IMG_4395.jpg 2026.03-france 32 - Paying a visit to the eerie Père Lachaise Cemetery, which opened in 1804. With 3.5 million visitors annually, it is the most visited necropolis in the world. A necropolis is a large, ancient cemetery containing elaborate monuments and burial sites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/93545622-e341-4054-a63b-9fc4c60d6aa8/IMG_4391.jpg 2026.03-france 33 - Père Lachaise has become a miniature biodiversity preserve, hosting foxes and about 100 species of birds. There also a lot of famous dead people, including Frédéric Chopin, Marcel Marceau, Édith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0303d4e3-9d2f-404a-8a25-d8455e72d99f/IMG_1844.jpg 2026.03-france 34 - But there was only one dead guy we came to see, and that was Jim Morrison, lead singer for The Doors. Morrison died in Paris in 1971 at the age of 27. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/09b48b1a-b1b8-4374-a797-1c300fb19d3b/IMG_1860.jpg 2026.03-france 35 - To close the day, we visited the Galleries Lafayette (department store) rooftop to see the sunset. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/444867a6-23f4-4dfa-8218-be04e82e861a/IMG_1891.JPG 2026.03-france 36 - Our last day in Paris was cold and rainy.... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/78bcf238-0e58-40dd-b16e-fe5855e6c70d/IMG_4406.jpg 2026.03-france 37 - We planned to visit the Sainte-Chapelle, a small chapel famous for its stained glass windows, but gave-up after waiting in the painfully slow security line for at least an hour in the rain. We've actually paid for Sainte-Chapelle tickets four different times over the years, but have only been inside once -- ask us about that sometime, if you dare. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e6ef7e46-998d-4fb4-aa44-4bb680589151/IMG_4413.jpg 2026.03-france 38 - After walking around aimlessly for who-knows-how-long, we ended up at the Paris Monet Museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/4f3d0489-2218-48e4-a5ae-706a4f968491/IMG_1924.jpg 2026.03-france 39 - In the evening, we took the night train from Paris to Marseille. It was nice to have a warm bed to sleep in after such a cold, wet day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aae33acd-8d50-4308-b2c4-75d5378d7e71/IMG_1932.JPG 2026.03-france 40 - Julie's quite happy to be warm and dry in her bottom bunk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/6d88af7a-cb40-40e1-abf6-555ba6fa15a2/IMG_4429.jpg 2026.03-france 41 - There was unfortunately more rain waiting for us at our first Marseille train station. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b641ccaa-56a7-48ff-9da5-132742ab909f/IMG_4432.jpg 2026.03-france 42 - And we realized we still to buy tickets for the next leg of our journey -- a 5-minute ride to the main station. As Julie bought tickets, a thunderstorm with a very large crack of thunder blew through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774640312896-1CTSBSGFSTCWI6F4OOJV/IMG_4439.jpg 2026.03-france 43 - Avignon's old town has lots of interesting streets and structures built right into the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0a42565f-4e6b-414e-b4e8-f6cbbfc8eea5/DD9F1574-5F26-49E5-BFE3-C507636080DF.jpeg 2026.03-france 44 - This is an old post card with lyrics from a song Rick used to sing in Junior High French Class about the famous Avignon Bridge. "Sur le Pont d'Avignon" is a famous 15th-century French children's song and nursery rhyme about dancing on the bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/dc9b69de-9b32-47f1-99f1-1934232040b1/76F6B263-B7ED-44E4-BF46-7A69D9DA2125_1_105_c.jpeg 2026.03-france 45 - Julie is first to set foot on the bridge, while Rick belts out "Sur le Pont d'Avignon" to accompany her first steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f9d4f974-9ec4-4542-9567-ab56a6fec850/1509381C-995A-4146-8293-6299CEDAEEC6_1_105_c.jpeg 2026.03-france 46 - From the bridge, this is a view of some of the City walls. Avignon's city center is entirely enclosed by 2.5 miles of walls. The walls offer evidence of the importance of fortifications in 14th century France. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/0a5594ec-6e07-4368-a01b-03bd6e13bd0b/IMG_1952.jpg 2026.03-france 47 - Back on the narrow streets of Old Town Avignon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c86026a0-fedb-42bc-a0c0-e8a0e2771a21/IMG_1974.jpg 2026.03-france 48 - Yep, they are truly narrow, in case you had any doubts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774641305085-QRPH1ZTKDN17I7GCGXJ1/772505EC-357C-4CF1-A53F-A09E546D813B_1_102_a.jpg 2026.03-france 49 - Saint Peter's Basilica is a Gothic style Catholic basilica built on the site of an earlier 7th century structure. Its reconstruction dates from 1358. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774641512159-DKL3N38HRCD8S4PYSB6I/IMG_1977.jpg 2026.03-france 50 - The basilica's beautiful altar was crafted in 1634. The original altar was moved to an Avignon church several miles away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/a05d7d05-eaa7-4c4c-b6d7-712182360138/IMG_4458.jpg 2026.03-france 51 - Making our way to Place de l’Horloge (town square) where there are lots of places to eat an drink. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/981a3332-c874-40c2-8615-b37e3ff19e3a/IMG_1988.jpg 2026.03-france 52 - Sunday morning found us at Les Halles d'Avignon (produce market). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774642697296-A0S6FTMWA98T2BEF305I/F8E26968-C12B-48BA-8B74-A16974A357D2_1_105_c.jpg 2026.03-france 53 - And everyone else in Old Town had the same idea. Very few stores and restaurants were open on Sunday in Avignon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/b59493a0-f192-48f2-89d8-ba3fa819efdc/2B9EDAAD-33FA-414D-BC7F-751F64C90628_1_105_c.jpeg 2026.03-france 54 - Lots of people hanging-out at Les Halles, including one very suspicious-looking man. Can you spot him? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/e6a9f396-6b4d-49f6-a43e-aa7d0326e15c/IMG_1994.jpg 2026.03-france 55 - We left the market with a nice booty of food for the day, including quiches, cheese, and some sweets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774708452617-WFPPVVQRDWTUD6BHTTKJ/54484417-4536-4A36-AB97-1D3B1C22E336.jpg 2026.03-france 56 - On our visit to the Palace of the Popes, we encountered a protest against fascism. Fascism is dictatorships, extreme nationalism, and racism. Some famous fascists? Hitler and Mussolini. Any idea why some US leaders don't like anti-fascism and use a scary name like "antifa" to describe it? Didn't the Greatest Generation fight WWII to end fascism? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1ab092e9-6fe8-4802-9d37-380a47e7de83/Screenshot+2026-03-28+at+8.47.52%E2%80%AFAM.jpg 2026.03-france 57 - This is an old post card for the Palace of the Popes. The Palace was built because there were 7 French Popes, all elected in succession, who had the idea of maybe moving the Catholic Church's center of power away from Rome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9909a472-20ec-48aa-bd97-7003e80b45f1/IMG_1998.jpg 2026.03-france 58 - It seems that the Catholic Church does not place a lot of value on the Palace, as it's mainly a skeleton of its former self -- very little restoration work, art, or monuments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7be47d9e-7d72-4024-b2e5-31169f61e193/IMG_4468.jpg 2026.03-france 59 - Fear not -- through the magic of technology, the Palace has a way to show visitors what the rooms used to look like. It was quite luxurious back in the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774720835559-FX6G0EM7TTXSC4M372KX/IMG_4465.jpg 2026.03-france 60 - There is surviving stonework in out-of-the-way places. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774711111925-RIMA2SAZZEFAJ0ASPAXH/IMG_4478.jpg 2026.03-france 61 - And deep in the bowels of the Palace, we think we found the final resting place of 4 of the French Popes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/c26eaa7a-63df-45c2-b1cc-4f22f69317a9/IMG_4479.jpg 2026.03-france 62 - We rented a car to take a trip out to the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct. We had to walk a couple miles outside of Old Town to get to the rental place, so we had a great view of the city wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/30b02ddf-7d4f-4bb7-bdaa-99a721e20416/IMG_4481.jpg 2026.03-france 63 - Julie's eager to hit the road in our Peugeot 308. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774721722695-0KUNZC6M2PA0H4ESC6E2/IMG_4484.jpg 2026.03-france 64 - Driving in another country is always an experience, particularly because the signs and road layouts are often different than in the US. Here we're approaching a traffic circle, with a bus stop at its entrance! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774723023526-6HHLIUGQVB8N7ZCH5RT6/IMG_2024.png 2026.03-france 65 - The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century AD to carry water over 30 miles to a colony near present-day Avignon. The aqueduct formerly carried an estimated 11,000,000 US gallons of water a day to the fountains, baths and homes of the Roman colony! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/9adb0d44-f6d8-4ae7-808d-2d16aa9e099a/2537500C-A588-4DC3-8747-E0BB653D670F_1_105_c.jpeg 2026.03-france 66 - A nice photo of us during a peaceful day at the site. We were practically the only people there, although daily summer attendance frequently reaches between 6,000 and 10,000 people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f5d7a88a-db6c-4d6e-bdbf-038f312d02b4/D04B57B4-7F1C-49B9-AEE0-0DF48E34E2D8_1_105_c.jpeg 2026.03-france 67 - It was challenging to fit the entire aqueduct in a photo. The Pont du Gard is 902 feet long at its longest point, standing as the highest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world at nearly 165 feet high. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/01ec9690-cf27-4c5e-865d-016b54fc5766/IMG_2040.jpg 2026.03-france 68 - Jean H.D., a name that will live in infamy, proving that people have always been vandalizing anything in sight, just because. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/95329c64-3fa0-4be7-85db-fc7e482290e7/IMG_4534+2.jpeg 2026.03-france 69 - Back in Avignon, at Place de l’Horloge, Julie finally gets to ride the Merry-Go-Round she'd been talking about for days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/7a210ff0-fb3b-45e2-b6ca-b974354c61c3/7677C459-425A-4EBD-B903-DF0BDA08DAED.jpeg 2026.03-france 70 - We took a train from Avignon back to Marseille in order to spend a few days touring France's second largest city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/56eaf180-2bfd-4368-8bbe-95780d829dcd/IMG_4573.jpg 2026.03-france 71 - Checking-out Marseille's Old Port ("Vieux-Port"). The Vieux-Port is the city's historic, social, and cultural heart, serving as a marina since its founding in the 6th century BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/786fb9b8-5024-4b0f-a3ce-59c4b90b8c7e/IMG_2094.jpg 2026.03-france 72 - There's this picnic shelter type thing at the Vieux-Port, and it has a mirrored ceiling. Need we say more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774727551623-53DAGRLEVA34RDUFIAA1/D2F934C8-2683-435D-9586-5E086BD7FA11_1_105_c.jpg 2026.03-france 73 - A parting shot of the Vieux-Port as we make the pilgrimage to see Notre Dame de la Garde, a famous church on a big hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774724755596-VJHHG6HVQ0BUB81JPD6P/32CD9F07-CAF0-46F8-B5C8-E478D6530A4D_1_105_c.jpg 2026.03-france 74 - The photo doesn't do it justice, but the hill was crazy steep, with an elevation gain of 711 feet to reach the church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774725092710-7X0SMGOTH2Z4RLYSDX44/AE373D66-B574-490F-9C41-2FF9AC5D3BDE_1_105_c.jpg 2026.03-france 75 - Oh, sweet relief, we made it to the top! Construction of Notre-Dame de la Garde began in 1853 and lasted for over 40 years, which is about the same amount of time it took us to reach the hill's summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f360de14-d211-441c-ba8c-f553f7f0cf6f/C13975DB-92CE-4CB3-BD9F-93BC7CEF8D30_1_105_c.jpeg 2026.03-france 76 - The stunning interior, as well as the great views, make Notre-Dame de la Garde the most visited tourist site in Marseille. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774725603734-B6DIM6GENNIDLRO70ZKO/D384CEAD-130F-4353-BF88-D907DB650FDC_1_105_c.jpg 2026.03-france 77 - This view from the church shows the Vieux-Port at the center right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1ac133c9-e24b-4f69-bc3f-efcfb6c7acfc/AE08CC41-42F4-4FF8-80E1-1048ACFFCE19.jpeg 2026.03-france 78 - A nice panorama of Marseille, showing the surrounding hills and the "Stade Vélodrome" -- the City's soccer stadium. The stadium is the large circular white structure at the right of the photo. The stadium has been home to the Olympique de Marseille (OM) football club since it opened in 1937. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/de9af1c0-0933-41e4-b9d1-aff7e2238271/IMG_4601.jpg 2026.03-france 79 - On the way back to sea level, Julie demonstrates how crazy close traffic comes to pedestrians on many of the Marseille streets. People cautioned us about crime in Marseille, but we thought the real danger was the traffic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/aebd88fb-c97e-4920-9173-81ba5d814504/A1D5BBF0-9C51-4903-B5A8-B3D0985FAB00_1_105_c.jpg 2026.03-france 80 - Rick tried pastis after a long day of hill-climbing. Pastis is an iconic anise-flavored aperitif deeply rooted in Marseille culture. Don't let the smile fool you, Rick was not a fan of pastis, even though he loves black licorice -- this stuff is 72% alcohol! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774728285611-TGX7594323YT33Q89V95/FAF81C24-D607-4A1E-A168-04B90F039A8C_1_105_c.jpg 2026.03-france 81 - Visiting the Old Fort, which guards the entrance to the Vieux-Port. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774728580013-4WGJRHBIQDHSJIGRJXZ5/DCBD2BA7-430C-40FA-AF9D-F2F0D8115EA5_1_105_c.jpg 2026.03-france 82 - But alas, the Old Fort was closed (we had a bike tour cancel last minute on us, so we were trying to find things to do at the last minute). We sure were excited to climb all those stairs to find out that it was all in vain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1927217b-8e2e-46b3-895a-43de88c87910/IMG_2141.jpg 2026.03-france 83 - Julie was able to get us massages at this place at the last minute. One of our masseuses went to a university in Denver, and babysat in the suburb where we live. It sure is a small world after all! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774755445086-F27DHW43RKFDZU5E8RYH/219A1F02-087D-4B13-A2F8-0B390C11F913_1_105_c.jpg 2026.03-france 84 - Marseille has a lot of graffiti. There's also a fair amount of street art, but the graffiti tends to distract from the art. This is the Cours Julien graffiti staircase, serving as a focal point for street art in Marseille's bohemian district. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774756978309-YFZNSARA0VYS4EVVU2XE/IMG_2168.png 2026.03-france 85 - A close-up of the Cours Julien staircase. All we can say is O-M-G. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774730712732-MRJYQJRDZ28TQAWQY0VF/IMG_2172.jpg 2026.03-france 86 - Rick is tempted by the apple on Cours Julien. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/2964c699-291d-4ea6-a833-a30dba26f24f/IMG_2188.jpg 2026.03-france 87 - We passed through the Vieux-Port, finding an eeler selling his wares. He had plenty of lookers, but no takers as we went by. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/021ffbba-2246-46ef-b1b4-d326f3cf2e2f/IMG_4673.jpg 2026.03-france 88 - A picturesque view as we approach our last church of the trip -- the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, known as “La Major” by the people of Marseille. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/80c5e323-9b2e-419c-b4e8-ce2914a5a4d2/IMG_2190.jpg 2026.03-france 89 - La Major is the only cathedral built in France during the 19th century. No cathedral had been previously built for 200 years! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774757652549-XUXBMFDNCKBPLL2BN2F6/IMG_4676.jpg 2026.03-france 90 - Work on La Major was completed in 1893, almost 40 years after it began. It is one of the largest cathedrals built in France since the Middle Ages. Its dimensions are comparable to those of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, allowing it to hold 3,000 people for one event. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1774800922826-E4ZHAEDMJFKHGOR7OVGC/IMG_4670.jpg 2026.03-france 91 - Remember when we talked about the dangers of Marseille traffic earlier? This 4-way intersection is near the hotel where we stayed, and we traveled through it many times. There are no traffic signals, no signs, no crosswalks, and no lane markers. Trams, trucks, busses, cars, scooters, bikes, pedestrians, and anything else that moves all attempt to simultaneously negotiate the intersection while their lives pass before their very eyes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/1504fefc-1b90-409b-a1af-1658a4685b6b/IMG_2241.jpg 2026.03-france 92 - Show of hands -- who knows where we're at now? If you said London -- ding, ding, ding -- you are indeed a seasoned traveler! We spent the night at a London Heathrow hotel during our return to Colorado https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/f04dfa2b-369a-4abd-a916-17416a58cd6d/IMG_2246.jpg 2026.03-france 93 - And it's just not breakfast in the UK without Heinz Baked Beans, tomato slices, and back bacon. Cheers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63adcb6d5610e67ac974cf76/cddba96e-e1f6-439f-877c-de37644fc22c/IMG_2240.jpg 2026.03-france 94 - An eerie photo snapped somewhere over the Atlantic or Canada during our return flight.