In late January 2025, I stumbled upon The 52 Book Club’s 2025 Reading Challenge, and on a whim, I decided to give it a try. Some years I devour books by the dozen; other years, life gets in the way and my reading habit dwindles to nearly nothing. But this year was different. After recently […]
My 2025 Reading Challenge: 63 Books and a Journey Beyond My Comfort Zone Read More »
Since Telluride is only about an hour for Ouray, it make sense for us to go check it out, plus my friend really wanted to go – thus part of the basis for the long weekend. While a work issue delayed our morning, we eventually grabbed a quick breakfast and hit the road. The drive
A Half Day in Telluride, CO Read More »
The idea for my most recent long weekend in Ouray was born over a casual breakfast with two girlfriends. When asked where in Colorado I’d love to go, my answer was immediate and heartfelt: Ouray. It’s a town I’ve long admired from afar, but its distance from home has always made it feel just out
A Long Weekend in Ouray, CO Read More »
Just a short, 15-minute drive on winding dirt roads from the historic downtown of Silverton, Colorado, lies a portal to the past: the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour. While Silverton itself is a testament to the region’s mining heritage, this tour offers a truly unique experience, taking you into the heart of the Galena Mountain
A Quick Journey into History at the Old Hundred Gold Mine (Silverton, CO) Read More »
I’m no stranger to the restorative power of hot springs. Over the years of living in Colorado, I’ve dipped into about ten different mineral-rich pools, from rustic riverside soaks to more developed resorts. Each one offers its unique charm. However, my recent visit to Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway, Colorado, marked a significant first: my
My First Clothing-Optional Hot Springs Experience at Orvis (Ridgeway, CO) Read More »
Ouray, Colorado, often dubbed the “Switzerland of America,” lives up to its majestic reputation with stunning mountain scenery and a rich mining history. Eager to explore beyond the paved roads, we booked a Yankee Boy + Governor Basins tour with Alpine Scenic 4×4 Tours. This 4-hour excursion turned out to be a fantastic way to
A Backcountry 4×4 Adventure in Ouray, CO Read More »
When you think Alaska, you think glaciers, mountains, wildlife. When I was doing research into what to do when Justin was at work, I saw about a dozen tours to the Matanuska Glacier. I wanted to do it, but I couldn’t do it without Justin. My first glacier was supposed to be with him. Once
A Walk on Matanuska Glacier Read More »
When exploring Alaska’s vast landscapes, it’s easy to get caught up in the grandeur of glaciers and mountains. But on a recent day trip out of Anchorage, I opted for a different kind of wildlife encounter, heading to Palmer to visit the Musk Ox Farm and the Reindeer Farm via the Pacific Alaska Tour company.
My day tour at the Musk Ox and Reindeer Farms in Palmer, AK Read More »
On my recent solo work trip to San Francisco I started noticing something new cruising amongst the regular traffic: sleek cars topped with a distinctive, boxy apparatus. Initially, they were a bit of a mystery, these autonomous vehicles gliding along with an almost eerie smoothness. I’d just assumed the rooftop contraption was some sort of
Riding the Future: My Surreal Spin in a Waymo Self-Driving Car in San Francisco Read More »
I was in San Francisco for work without Justin, when that happens, I tend to eat foods I know he doesn’t enjoy as much as me (such as Ethiopian (which I also had in SF, Indian, and Thai). I’m not really a fast food gal, but there are times when that is what is available,
Vegan Fast Food Fix: My Mr. Charlie’s Experience in San Francisco Read More »
San Francisco’s culinary landscape is a melting pot of global flavors, and Oren’s Hummus has carved out a delicious niche with its authentic and vibrant Middle Eastern cuisine. On a recent visit with a friend, we decided to immerse ourselves in their offerings by ordering the sampler dish, a brilliant way to experience the breadth
Lunch at Oren’s Hummus in San Francisco Read More »
Who was Molly Brown? I really had no idea when I decided to take this tour with my sister, other than she was on the Titanic. They called her the Unsinkable Molly Brown, and sure she was strong willed and determined, but I think she was ahead of her time making her quite remarkable. So,
Molly Brown House Tour Read More »
While my family doesn’t visit me that often, we’ve done a lot around Colorado. Coming up with new ideas is sometimes a challenge. But then I remembered the Hammond Candy Factory in north Denver that doesn’t require reservations and is free so it saved my tush by not planning in advance and balanced well with
Tour of the Hammond Candy Factory Read More »
In 2014 I started to get into NFL football, mostly because I joined a fantasy football league. It is a little fall/winter obsession of mine now. In 2016, I bought one solo ticket to a Broncos because who wouldn’t want to see the Broncos play at home? And Denver is obsessed with football! But my
Fascinating Tour of Empower Field at Mile High Read More »
How I spent 3 days wandering London on my own Have you ever found yourself with a few completely free days in one of the world’s greatest cities? When my partner, Justin, had to head to London for a series of business meetings, I packed my bags and tagged along. Since this was his second
3 Days Wandering London Solo: Iconic Landmarks & Quirky Gems Read More »
There’s something magical about watching hot air balloons rise into the predawn sky. I’d witnessed it before at balloon festivals in Albuquerque and Colorado Springs, standing among crowds as dozens of colorful balloons inflated in the darkness, flames roaring to life, casting an otherworldly glow across the launch field. The collective gasp of spectators as
My First Hot Air Balloon Ride: Floating Above Napa Valley Read More »
A quick trip to Colorado Reptile Park in 2015. Aside from the Sand Dunes in Alamosa, there isn’t much to do. The Colorado Gators Reptile Park was a fun spot. After reading online reviews….I wasn’t sure what to expect. Some people loved it others were very judgmental about the facility and the cost. I went
I originally signed up for a hike at Fiery Furnace at Arches National Park. The park service offers this hike for $10 (in addition to park entry fees) but books up months in advance. Since I planned my trip only a month out, taking the tour with the park rangers was not an option, but several
Tower Arch Trail and overviews at Arches NP Read More »
Canyoneering at Morning Glory / Ephedra’s Grotto I’d spent just one day in Moab back in 2008, so this time I wanted to push myself beyond the typical scenic overlooks—especially since I was making the trip out here anyway. When my college friend said she’d join me, it felt like the perfect opportunity to try
Rappelling into Morning Glory: A Moab Canyoneering Adventure Read More »
I was in Moab in 2008 but didn’t get to Canyonlands National Park so it was a must see this time around. Canyonlands is divided into three sections, Island in the Sky which is the most popular, the Needles about 60 miles south of Moab and the Maze which has no paved roads. You can’t pass through
Two days in Canyonlands National Park Read More »