Some of my favorite semi-adventures include a little bit of history. Throw in a few hikes through awe-inspiring landscapes that are a bit off the beaten path and I’m sold. Alaska’s Kennecott Copper Mine and nearby McCarthy, Alaska fit this description perfectly. Located 80 miles from the Canadian border and an 8 hour drive from…
If you are a serious bibiophile and you find yourself in Homer, Alaska you should plan a stop to the Old Inlet Bookshop. You’ll appreciate both the building that houses the shop and the content within.
Nestled at the tip of Resurrection Bay on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, Seward, Alaska is easy to get to and offers stunning scenery and a long list of outdoor activities, making it a must-see for semi-adventurers. Resurrection Bay is a fjord of the Gulf of Alaska. A fiord is a long, narrow inlet which was created…
The Great Blue Heron watched as we floated towards him. Once we got too close for his comfort, he took off and flew low over the water to his next perch. He repeated this several times during our journey – almost as if he was guiding us down the river. Kayak and Wine Tasting Semi-Adventure…
There are plenty of extreme adventures to be found in Arizona. You can raft through Colorado River rapids, skydive at the largest skydiving center in the world, or hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. But what if you aren’t thrilled by such extremes? If you are a semi-adventurous traveler, Arizona has plenty to…
Once we bought a house in Alaska, we knew we would soon be purchasing a travel trailer so that we can explore more of this beautiful state. Our first trip with the trailer was to Valdez, Alaska. Valdez is a less frequently visited part of Alaska, but one that should be on your list. We…
Planning a trip to Alaska can be daunting because there is so much to see. The size of the state makes it difficult to experience it all in one trip. Valdez is one of the lesser visited areas in Alaska but you might want to take a closer look at this hidden gem. I spent…
Charleston, South Carolina has a little something for everyone. Whether you are a foodie, a history buff, or a beach bum, you’ll find plenty to do and see. Four days in Charleston is just enough to get a feel for the city’s charm and leave you wanting more. I spent four days in Charleston…
Destination weddings are one of my favorite things. The opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, and get a vacation at the same time is hard to beat! I was in Arecibo, Puerto Rico recently for my nephew’s wedding. The venue, Atlantic Sand Oasis, couldn’t have been more perfect. The bride and groom, along with…
During a visit to Washington, I took advantage of a sunny day and explored Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is located near Washougal along the Columbia River which forms the border between Washington and Oregon. A diversity of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians make their home here. I was lucky enough to see…
I love using Photoshop to turn a so-so photo into a unique art image. As you can see in this original photo, the day was quite foggy and there wasn’t much detail available in the lighthouse. The photo was taken along the Oregon Coast. I duplicated the image twice and used a multiply blend mode…
For the people who carved these images into the rocks of New Mexico many centuries ago, everyday life was a serious adventure. Fortunately, those of us in the 21st century can view these ancient carvings with just a bit of semi-adventure. The La Cieneguilla site contains petroglyphs that may have been created around 8000 to…
The 4T Hike is a great way to discover Portland! The hike includes 4 miles of hiking through beautiful wooded hills and Council Crest Park, the highest point in Portland. The remainder of the hike involves riding the train, trolley and tram through the City. The trail passes through downtown Portland providing an opportunity to…
I’m not a green thumb in the best of circumstances so I was in awe of the beautiful floral displays I found in Fairbanks, Alaska. Gardeners in Fairbanks are a hardy bunch, just like the flowers they grow! At the beginning of the planting season, cold soil and cold water pose challenges. Gardeners often find…
Summer time in many parts of the country means picking fruits and berries. How many of you have childhood memories of stuffing yourself with blueberries bursting with flavor and hands stained red from picking raspberries? Arizona doesn’t offer many berry picking opportunities so I cherish the times I get to spend in the Pacific Northwest…
I spent last weekend in Northern Arizona with a group of women I have known for 30 years. We visited several world-famous geographical landmarks right in our own backyard. People come from all over the world to see Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon. They are definitely worth the trip! Click here to see…
Get your bucket list because you’re going to want to add this to it. Antelope Canyon in Northern Arizona was formed by water from flash floods flowing through the narrow canyon. The hard edges of the sandstone canyon slowly eroded away, leaving the smooth, flowing canyon walls. The canyon is one of many slot canyons…
For most Arizonans, the first thing that comes to mind when picturing the Salt River is tubing down the river with a floating cooler and a group of friends, music blaring. On Memorial Day weekend, there can be as many as 15,000 people floating down the river. That’s why we chose to get up early…
