This northern section of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia is more rural than wilderness and more populated. And still beautiful. Our last day on the parkway began with one last look at the amazing pink weeping cherry in front of the Pine Tavern Lodge. We tried to grow one of these and failed miserably. … Read more
This middle stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway spans North Carolina and Virginia. As you head north the mountains get less rugged and the valleys between them wider. Blowing Rock looked like a nice little town, from what we could see through the fog and with most of the businesses closed for the pandemic. Our … Read more
We tried to do the Blue Ridge Parkway back in 2013 and had to stop due to car trouble. So we’re back to try it again, once again starting from the southern, more rugged end. This is a beautiful stretch and a nice day’s drive with stops for lookouts, photos, and some hiking. Back in … Read more
There are several trails on the grounds of the Bocawina resort and in the surrounding national park. You can tackle them on your own or with a guide. We did the Antelope Falls hike to the base of the falls with Roberto who shared information on local plants and how they are traditionally used in … Read more
We took this easy hike along a service road. Bikes or other wheeled vehicles could likely manage it too. Nice dune scenery.
We spent five relaxing days at Wilderness state park, hiking and kayaking and camping along the beach. And it’s still close to Mackinac Island.
We did a section of the Abel Tasman track. It’s one of the easier and more accessible of New Zealand’s Great Walks. And the area is known for good weather. We booked a tour through the backpackers where we’re staying. It included an hour bus trip to get us to the park, a half-hour water … Read more
Zealandia is an urban ecosanctuary just outside Wellington and a great place to walk. We got there by taking the Wellington Cable Car up the hill then picking up the free shuttle. New Zealand didn’t have any mammals other than a few bats until humans arrived 800 years ago. First the Maoris, then the Europeans. … Read more
Auckland is a nice city and a good base for our day trip to Hobbiton. We opted to stay there rather than breaking the stay into Auckland and Rotorua. Day 1: Cairns, Australia to Auckland We had a 5:45 AM flight, which meant a 3:30 AM shuttle, which meant getting up at 2:30 AM. So … Read more
