Today, in rain and wind, the ship crossed into the Arctic circle. Though about 8am, the sun wasn’t close to appearing. Official sunrise in Bodo, where we were headed, was 11:05 with sunset following quickly at 12:47. Our ship is the Midnitsol (Midnight sun). For this journey it should more appropriately be named the nosol (no sun). At 11:15 we … Read More
Trondheim, Norway
The ship has traveled north to Trondheim. It’s colder, but manageable. No snow, but definitely icy areas. But best of all, sun!! Not for long however–sunrise about 9:40, sunset at 2:30. And from here, the days get shorter. This trip is part of JourneyWoman’s 30 anniversary celebration. I took a bus tour to see the major city sites. Most famous … Read More
Alesund, Norway
When the ship docked in Alesund, Norway this morning it was raining. The forecast was, however, promising–rain to end at 11:30. I decided to wait for it to clear. Magically, the forecast was correct. When I disembarked to walk around the city the rain had stopped. That lasted about 45 minutes and I even got a glimpse of blue sky. … Read More
Bergen, Norway
I’m on board the Hurtigruten cruise north to the Arctic circle. Wi-Fi is spotty at best. So, this will be a short entry. I’ll share my full writeup when I return home. Don’t be surprised if some days there is no entry, it just means there was no connectivity. Spent the day wandering around Bergen, which is lovely with horrible … Read More
Escape to Hyde Park, NY
Though this mini trip was planned a long time ago, the timing was perfect. I’m spending a few days with two friends who I’ve known since childhood. We’re doing everything possible to avoid thinking about the election. Dutchess County, NY is about a two-hour drive from NYC, mostly on scenic highways. The area is filled with historic sites, including FDR’s … Read More
Sandia Mountains, New Mexico
I’m home, but there is one more excursion to share. On my final morning, Jeanne and I drove up Sandia Mountain to view the changing of the aspens. The autumn colors in my part of the US (the northeast) is ablaze with a dozen shades of red, orange, gold and every conceivable permutation. There’s a reason people come from all … Read More
Balloon Festival Glow: Albuquerque, New Mexico
The mass balloon ascension is the big draw for the festival, it’s what attracts the most people. But each evening there is a second event, the “glow.” Rather than heading into the skies, the balloons are tethered down. Lit from within by propane in bursts, the vibrant balloon envelopes shimmer against the dark sky. While we were waiting for the … Read More
The Turquoise Trail, New Mexico
On my first trip to New Mexico, nearly fifty years ago, I explored the Turquoise Trail which connects Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The fifty-mile trail is named for the rich deposits of turquoise mined in the region. It meanders through the Sandia Mountains and connects several historic mining towns like Cerrillos, Madrid, and Golden. The trail has been used for … Read More
Balloon Festival — Albuquerque, New Mexico
The mass ascension of the balloons is scheduled to begin at sunrise. You need to get up incredibly early to drive to the fairgrounds, park, and find a good viewing spot. We were up and on the road by 3:30 AM. As we neared the area, traffic came to a standstill. Inching forward with a battalion of cars, we eventually … Read More
Albuquerque, New Mexico
I’ve flown from the pancake flat land and water of Louisiana to the high mountainous desert of New Mexico. I’m here, staying with my friends Jeannie and Jack, for the balloon festival. Jeannie and Jack recently bought a new home with breathtaking views and frequent visits by wild horses, bears, and other wildlife. I’m staying in their casita, which in … Read More