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Grassy hills under a dramatic sky with a single tree on top.
Grassy hills under a dramatic sky with a single tree on top.

Eureka Dunes

October 23, 2009
One Comment

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA :: After exploring the Racetrack, I drove in pitch darkness to Eureka Dunes and camped there overnight. I was a little spooked out by being in an...

A lone sailing stone rests on the cracked mudflats of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park. Photo by johnandkristie.com
A lone sailing stone rests on the cracked mudflats of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park. Photo by johnandkristie.com

The Racetrack

October 22, 2009
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DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA :: Kristie attended another education conference in Los Angeles, which we somehow magically coordinated with U2’s concert at the Rose Bowl...

A stunning view of a turquoise mountain lake surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks.
A stunning view of a turquoise mountain lake surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks.

Larch Lake

September 26, 2009
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WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I was eager to return to the mountains and wanted to spend a night outdoors, but I didn’t want to camp in the freezing cold. I also hoped to...

Old-fashioned bicycle leaning against a textured yellow wall with green windows and red shutters.
Old-fashioned bicycle leaning against a textured yellow wall with green windows and red shutters.

Our Niece, Shielle

September 11, 2009
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VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER :: RENTON, WA :: On September 11th, 2009, our beautiful baby niece, Shielle Shivner, was born. As a stern, older brother, I rarely praise the actions of my...

A woman standing in front of a vibrant mural for the Cirque Du Soleil show Koozà, smiling warmly. The artwork features bold colors and patterns, creating an energetic backdrop.
A woman standing in front of a vibrant mural for the Cirque Du Soleil show Koozà, smiling warmly. The artwork features bold colors and patterns, creating an energetic backdrop.

Burg Eltz

August 25, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 13 :: MOSELKERN, GERMANY :: The last stop on our European vacation was Burg Eltz, perhaps Germany’s most famous and best preserved medieval castle...

A group of hikers walks along a sandy path under a large rock overhang.
A group of hikers walks along a sandy path under a large rock overhang.

St. Goar & Bacharach

August 24, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 12 :: ST. GOAR & BACHARACH, GERMANY :: The last two days of our European vacation were spent on the most scenic stretch of the Rhine River, between...

A beautiful sunset view from the terrace of Castello di Amorosa, surrounded by lush greenery.
A beautiful sunset view from the terrace of Castello di Amorosa, surrounded by lush greenery.

Castle Hotel Auf Schoenburg

August 24, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 12 :: OBERWESEL, GERMANY :: While vacationing on the enchanting Rhine River, we decided it was well worth the splurge to stay in a real-life castle! The...

Historic half-timbered houses lined up along a riverfront with twin spires towering behind under a clear blue sky.
Historic half-timbered houses lined up along a riverfront with twin spires towering behind under a clear blue sky.

Gelnhausen

August 24, 2009
5 Comments

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 12 :: GELNHAUSEN, GERMANY :: From Kraków, we boarded an early morning flight to Frankfurt. After picking up our car from the airport, we experienced our...

A black and white photograph of the infamous 'Arbeit Macht Frei' sign at the entrance of Auschwitz concentration camp.
A black and white photograph of the infamous 'Arbeit Macht Frei' sign at the entrance of Auschwitz concentration camp.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

August 23, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 11 :: OŚWIĘCIM, POLAND :: Among the symbols of the holocaust, the sign above the gate to Auschwitz concentration camp perhaps best encapsulates the evil and...

A rock band performs on stage during a live concert while the audience records and enjoys the show.
A rock band performs on stage during a live concert while the audience records and enjoys the show.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

August 23, 2009
One Comment

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 11 :: WIELICZKA, POLAND :: On our way back to Kraków, we stopped to tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Normally, we wouldn’t be too excited to spend a...

A hiker walks along a narrow dirt path beneath a large, sandy-colored rock overhang.
A hiker walks along a narrow dirt path beneath a large, sandy-colored rock overhang.

Kraków

August 22, 2009
4 Comments

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 10 :: KRAKOW, POLAND :: After Kristie completed her Business Week program in Gdynia, we flew south to Kraków where we enjoyed two days of fantastic...

A historic stone building overlooking the Douro River and the lush valley.
A historic stone building overlooking the Douro River and the lush valley.

Gdynia Business Week

August 21, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAYS 3-9 :: GDYNIA, POLAND :: Kristie says, “After volunteering as a Company Advisor (CA) for Washington Business Week for 8+ years, I was intrigued when I...

A weathered concrete coastal artillery emplacement sits isolated on the sand. The long gun barrel points out toward the ocean horizon.
A weathered concrete coastal artillery emplacement sits isolated on the sand. The long gun barrel points out toward the ocean horizon.

Hel

August 17, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 5 :: HEL, POLAND :: When looking across the sea from the shores of Gdynia, you can just barely spot a strip of land that seems to stretch half-way across the...

A serene statue surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage with charming old buildings in the background.
A serene statue surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage with charming old buildings in the background.

Toruń

August 16, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 4 :: TORUN, POLAND :: Today, I visited Toruń, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 200 kilometers south of Gdynia. I hired one of the hotel’s taxis to...

A pure white daisy with bright yellow center stands out against a stark black background. This image captures the flower's intricate details.
A pure white daisy with bright yellow center stands out against a stark black background. This image captures the flower's intricate details.

Sopot

August 15, 2009
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EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 3 :: SOPOT, POLAND :: Today was my first day on my own as Kristie started her Business Week program. I had planned to check out Sopot, a resort town between...

A grand building with arched windows, stone carvings, and a central statue atop a fountain. A red and yellow flag waves above against a blue sky.
A grand building with arched windows, stone carvings, and a central statue atop a fountain. A red and yellow flag waves above against a blue sky.

Gdańsk

August 14, 2009
3 Comments

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 2 :: GDANSK, POLAND :: After our tour of Malbork Castle, we were taken to Gdańsk, Poland’s third-largest city with over a thousand years of history....

View of Lemelson Winery's tower and patio overlooking rolling vineyards during golden hour sunset.
View of Lemelson Winery's tower and patio overlooking rolling vineyards during golden hour sunset.

Malbork Castle

August 14, 2009
2 Comments

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 2 :: MALBORK, POLAND :: On our first full day in Poland, we decided it would be best to hire a private guide to take us on a tour of the area. We’re...

A woman smiles while jotting notes in a notebook outside, accompanied by her coffee. She sits under a green umbrella on a wooden patio table.
A woman smiles while jotting notes in a notebook outside, accompanied by her coffee. She sits under a green umbrella on a wooden patio table.

Gdynia

August 13, 2009
2 Comments

EUROPEAN VACATION DAY 1 :: GDYNIA, POLAND :: Kristie was selected to participate in the first-ever Gdynia Business Week, an intensive and fun business simulation program designed...

A woman writes under a green umbrella at an outdoor cafe. She has a cup of coffee beside her on the wooden table.
A woman writes under a green umbrella at an outdoor cafe. She has a cup of coffee beside her on the wooden table.

Depeche Mode

August 10, 2009
One Comment

KEY ARENA, SEATTLE, WA :: Kristie and I continued our tour of popstars from the 80s (U2, The Police, Madonna, Duran Duran) with a Depeche Mode concert at the Key Arena....

A historic stone building with a pointed roof overlooks a valley filled with greenery. People are seen walking on a paved area beside the structure.
A historic stone building with a pointed roof overlooks a valley filled with greenery. People are seen walking on a paved area beside the structure.

Tuck & Robin Lakes

July 24, 2009
9 Comments

ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS, WA :: The guide books recommend three to four days for a hike up to Tuck and Robin Lakes. Roundtrip, the trail is over 16 miles long and climbs 3200 feet....

A picturesque stone château perched on a hillside overlooking a serene river, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
A picturesque stone château perched on a hillside overlooking a serene river, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Sand Point

July 18, 2009
2 Comments

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA :: I joined some friends for a weekend of hiking and camping on the Olympic Coast. Our destination was Sand Point via the Ozette Triangle. A relatively...

A live concert stage performance featuring a band playing guitars and surrounded by an energetic audience recording the show.
A live concert stage performance featuring a band playing guitars and surrounded by an energetic audience recording the show.

Coldplay at The Gorge

July 11, 2009
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THE GORGE AMPHITHEATER, GEORGE, WA :: I love the fact that one of the most spectacular concert venues in the world is right in our backyard, just a few hours drive from Seattle....

A performer playing taiko drums on stage, with another drummer in the background. The image highlights the dynamic movement of the drummers and the large taiko drums on stands.
A performer playing taiko drums on stage, with another drummer in the background. The image highlights the dynamic movement of the drummers and the large taiko drums on stands.

Duran Duran

July 5, 2009
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MARYMOOR PARK, REDMOND, WA :: Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head opened for Duran Duran at Marymoor Park this evening. The young Seattle band rocked the crowd with silly and...

Abstract image showcasing golden bokeh lights against a dark background, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
Abstract image showcasing golden bokeh lights against a dark background, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.

Fourth of July

July 4, 2009
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SOMEWHERE BETWEEN EDMONDS AND MUKILTEO, WA :: Another year, another fun Fourth at the Carlins’ cul-de-sac in unincorporated Snohomish County – a fantastic day of...

Stunning view of Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos bathed in golden sunset light. Distant mountains frame this natural wonder in Utah.
Stunning view of Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos bathed in golden sunset light. Distant mountains frame this natural wonder in Utah.

Sauk Whitewater Rafting

June 27, 2009
5 Comments

SAUK RIVER, DARRINGTON, WA :: Kristie rounded up our brave friends for another excellent whitewater rafting trip on the Sauk River. The sun was out and the air was warm, which was...

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