Birding Ethiopia: My Unusual Introduction to Africa
It turns out that birding Ethiopia is an unusual choice for a first-time vacation to Africa. There are no big game safaris like in areas to the south, and it has no gorilla treks like in countries to the southwest. And those other countries tend to have more tourists and, of course, the infrastructure to provide more comfort to those tourists. But what it lacks in big game and infrastructure, it makes it for in compelling history, unique wildlife, tasty cuisine, and the best darned coffee you’ll find anywhere. It might be an unusual first trip to Africa, I will admit that much. But Ethiopia still warrants a visit for…
Four Pass Loop: Backpacking in the Maroon Bells Wilderness
Four Pass Loop is a 27-mile path encircling the Maroon Bells as it snakes over four mountain passes. It is an exploration of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area – filled with wildflowers, beautiful views, and the occasional mountain goat. We backpacked the loop over three challenging, but rewarding, days. Why Four Pass Loop? Colorado is something of a wilderness wonderland, isn’t it? There are 58 different “14ers” and more than 40 national wilderness areas! Some are more popular and/or accessible from cities. There are varying levels of seclusion and trail difficulty. If you’re going to plan an outdoor adventure in Colorado, the options can be overwhelming. We were going to…
Bird of the Week: Abyssinian Roller
Everyone needs gateway bird, and I am here to convince you that wild birds deserve your adoration. Let's take a look at our first Bird of the Week!
Rim to River Day Hike: A Grand Canyon Challenge
Back in 2011, I made a new “bucket list” for the adult, “life is short, actually” version of me. And, for reasons I can’t begin to explain or even understand myself, I identified “Hike the Grand Canyon” as one of my many new life goals. Specifically, I wanted to do the Rim to River day hike. Again, years later, I can’t actually explain what exactly was going through my mind. Other than insanity, I mean. I was living in New Mexico, so it didn’t seem like an outlandish destination at the time. But I didn’t define any timeline or specific goals. It was merely a dream – and a dream…
Say Fromage: Celebrate the Best of French Cheese
In Paris, there are a variety of companies vying for your attention in what seems to be a competitive food tour market. There’s a bit of a difference between providers – some are more limited in neighborhoods, some are a bit more expensive than others. All claim to offer samples of the best French treats Paris has to offer. But it seems only Paris By Mouth offers a workshop focused exclusively on the marvel that is French cheese. Oui, les fromages! The Background Research I’ve done walking tours in Rome, Amsterdam, and London. These were all worthwhile and involved many (6+) food and drink samples. They give a broad overview…
An in-Seine Cruise: The Best of Paris by Boat
Ah, Paris. It’s a city that just begs you to take a stroll through city streets and narrow lanes, finding interesting bistros and immaculate gardens. But a boat cruise down the Seine is also tremendously popular. So popular, in fact, that many well-travelled bloggers might insist it’s worth skipping. And so I’ll just go ahead and say it: they’re wrong. You’re in Paris. If this is your first time going to Paris, you embrace your tourist-ness and go with the flow. OMG, puns are awesome!!! But I do want to suggest a few options to consider for an experience that is more fun, without all those awful tourists (present company…
