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Visitors in winter clothing explore a stunning tunnel carved into a glacier's blue ice.
Visitors in winter clothing explore a stunning tunnel carved into a glacier's blue ice.

Ice Palace Jungfraujoch

August 7, 2024
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ICE PALACE, JUNGFRAUJOCH, SWITZERLAND :: Also at Jungfraujoch are a small network of caves carved into the glacier! Since 1934, the Ice Palace has hosted visitors in a chilly 26°F...

Visitors observe a large illuminated snow globe labeled 'A Little Dream of Switzerland' surrounded by glowing yellow stars in a darkened exhibit space.
Visitors observe a large illuminated snow globe labeled 'A Little Dream of Switzerland' surrounded by glowing yellow stars in a darkened exhibit space.

Alpine Sensation

August 6, 2024
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ALPINE SENSATION, JUNGFRAUJOCH, SWITZERLAND :: We took a train to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station at 11,332 feet! Built over 112 years ago on a well-financed whim,...

A yellow and black gondola car featuring a graphic of the Ricola Karaoke Gondol and a singing marmot.
A yellow and black gondola car featuring a graphic of the Ricola Karaoke Gondol and a singing marmot.

Karaoke Gondola

August 5, 2024
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MÄNNLICHEN, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: The Swiss gondolas are amazing, but there are a few that take the fun to another level! On our way back from Lauterbrunnen, we rode the...

A group of hikers poses on a scenic mountain path surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs. Traditional alpine houses and a distant church spire complete the picturesque landscape.
A group of hikers poses on a scenic mountain path surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs. Traditional alpine houses and a distant church spire complete the picturesque landscape.

Lauterbrunnen AKA Rivendell

August 4, 2024
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LAUTERBRUNNEN, SWITZERLAND :: A young J.R.R. Tolkien visited the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and it inspired his vision for Rivendell, one of the last Elven homes in Middle Earth. We...

A hiker walks a gravel path through a green alpine meadow. Snow-capped mountains and a blue sky form the background.
A hiker walks a gravel path through a green alpine meadow. Snow-capped mountains and a blue sky form the background.

Männlichen-Kleine Scheidegg

August 3, 2024
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MÄNNLICHEN-KLEINE SCHEIDEGG, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: The 5km trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg is one of the most popular in the Jungfrau region, and for good reason!...

Visit the iconic mammoth playground structure at Mount Hood Meadows. It's a perfect blend of fun and mountain views.
Visit the iconic mammoth playground structure at Mount Hood Meadows. It's a perfect blend of fun and mountain views.

Männlichen Royal Walk

August 2, 2024
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MÄNNLICHEN ROYAL WALK, WENGEN, SWITZERLAND :: Our first destination in Switzerland was Männlichen for The Royal Walk. Not sure why it’s called that, but the views up this steep...

A family enjoys reading and working with tablets on a train. The interior features red seats and a view of green fields outside.
A family enjoys reading and working with tablets on a train. The interior features red seats and a view of green fields outside.

Hotel Bodmi

August 2, 2024
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HOTEL BODMI, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND :: Our trip to Iceland was great, but it was just the layover stop to Switzerland! (Icelandair lets you extend their layovers for up to seven...

Two people crouching on a dark, rocky terrain, stacking stones into intricate spiral formations known as lethis.
Two people crouching on a dark, rocky terrain, stacking stones into intricate spiral formations known as lethis.

Grindavik

July 31, 2024
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GRINDAVIK, ICELAND :: Before leaving the area, we stopped by the lava field that flowed through a few weeks ago, cutting off the main road to Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon....

Three people swimming in calm, turquoise ocean waters near a rocky shoreline.
Three people swimming in calm, turquoise ocean waters near a rocky shoreline.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

July 31, 2024
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BLUE LAGOON, GRINDAVÍK, ICELAND :: Our last day in Iceland was spent driving back to Keflavik from Vik, catching up on laundry, and relaxing in the Blue Lagoon! The kiddos enjoyed...

Three visitors stand in front of the basalt columns at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. The scene captures a family moment at a famous geological landmark.
Three visitors stand in front of the basalt columns at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. The scene captures a family moment at a famous geological landmark.

Vík í Mýrdal

July 31, 2024
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VÍK Í MÝRDAL, ICELAND :: In Vik, we stayed at the Black Beach Suites for a couple nights. It was a good midpoint between Reykjavik and Jokulsarlon along the south coast, close to...

A large, sculpted blue iceberg featuring a natural arch floating in a misty arctic sea. A stunning polar scene captured during a remote travel expedition.
A large, sculpted blue iceberg featuring a natural arch floating in a misty arctic sea. A stunning polar scene captured during a remote travel expedition.

Jökulsárlón

July 30, 2024
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JÖKULSÁRLÓN, SKAFTAFELL, ICELAND :: Jokulsarlon is a large glacial lagoon filled with icebergs calving from Vatnajokull, Europe’s second largest glacier. We were astounded by its...

A family taking pictures on a glacier with stunning ice formations in the background.
A family taking pictures on a glacier with stunning ice formations in the background.

Diamond Beach

July 29, 2024
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DIAMOND BEACH, JÖKULSÁRLÓN, ICELAND :: Diamond Beach! This is an area where glacial icebergs from Jökulsárlón float out to sea, get battered and broken up by the waves, and...

A puffin perched among wildflowers against a cloudy sky. A close-up view of the puffin's distinctive face and beak.
A puffin perched among wildflowers against a cloudy sky. A close-up view of the puffin's distinctive face and beak.

Puffins

July 29, 2024
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DYRHÓLAEY, ICELAND :: We drove up the big rock on the Dyrholaey Peninsula, hoping to see a few puffins. We were surprised and very pleased to see hundreds of them flapping about...

Travelers posing on a gravel path in front of a tall waterfall amidst green rolling hills on an overcast day.
Travelers posing on a gravel path in front of a tall waterfall amidst green rolling hills on an overcast day.

Skógafoss

July 28, 2024
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SKÓGAFOSS, VÍK, ICELAND :: Of course one cannot tour the Southern Ring Road without being drawn into the magnificent sight of Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Skogafoss!

A tall waterfall cascades down a mossy cliff face into a dark pool surrounded by lush vegetation. Close-up views highlight the rugged texture of the surrounding rocks and vibrant green moss.
A tall waterfall cascades down a mossy cliff face into a dark pool surrounded by lush vegetation. Close-up views highlight the rugged texture of the surrounding rocks and vibrant green moss.

Seljalandsfoss

July 28, 2024
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SELJALANDSFOSS, HVOLSVÖLLUR, ICELAND :: We kicked off our tour of Southern Iceland at Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui. Two awesome waterfalls with a short trail connecting each...

Close-up of a gray horse mane with another horse in the meadow.
Close-up of a gray horse mane with another horse in the meadow.

Ærslabelgir

July 27, 2024
3 Comments

ICELAND :: Driving from site to site in Iceland can be exhilarating, but frankly also exhausting. Iceland is not a small island! Fortunately there are many opportunities to stop...

A vibrant blue hot spring set against a rugged geothermal landscape under an overcast sky.
A vibrant blue hot spring set against a rugged geothermal landscape under an overcast sky.

Geysir

July 27, 2024
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GEYSIR GEOTHERMAL AREA, GEYSIR, ICELAND :: Another thing we get from Iceland is the word for geyser. When Vikings discovered this natural phenomenon here 800 years ago, they...

A group of travelers poses on a wooden viewing platform in front of a powerful Icelandic waterfall surrounded by lush green hills.
A group of travelers poses on a wooden viewing platform in front of a powerful Icelandic waterfall surrounded by lush green hills.

Gullfoss Waterfall

July 26, 2024
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GULLFOSS WATERFALL, LAUGARVATN, ICELAND :: The second stop on our way around the Golden Circle was Gullfoss, the largest waterfall in Europe. Only Kristie, Lauren and I decided to...

A wooden boardwalk leads through a rugged rock canyon with hikers walking towards the distant landscape under a cloudy sky.
A wooden boardwalk leads through a rugged rock canyon with hikers walking towards the distant landscape under a cloudy sky.

Þingvellir

July 25, 2024
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ÞINGVELLIR – THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK, ÞINGVELLIR, ICELAND :: Today we drove the Golden Circle, starting with a hike through Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World...

Visitors standing inside a large metal bird sculpture on a coastal promenade. The structure is set against a backdrop of clear blue sky and ocean.
Visitors standing inside a large metal bird sculpture on a coastal promenade. The structure is set against a backdrop of clear blue sky and ocean.

Reykjavík, Iceland

July 23, 2024
4 Comments

REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND :: We kicked off my sabbatical in Reykjavik! The grandparents didn’t survive the jet lag, but Kristie and the kiddos pressed on after our long red eye, knowing...

A family enjoys a meal at a retro 1950s diner in St. Paul, Minnesota. The interior features a classic jukebox, a surfboard, and vintage memorabilia on the shelves.
A family enjoys a meal at a retro 1950s diner in St. Paul, Minnesota. The interior features a classic jukebox, a surfboard, and vintage memorabilia on the shelves.

59er Diner

July 19, 2024
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59ER DINER, LEAVENWORTH, WA :: It’s always sad leaving Chelan, but we have fun along the way searching for bighorns and stopping midway for shakes at the 59er Diner!

A family sits around a circular outdoor fire pit at sunset, s'mores on hand.
A family sits around a circular outdoor fire pit at sunset, s'mores on hand.

S’mores

July 17, 2024
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CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: S’mores every night in Chelan! Along with games, fishing, and swinging together on the porch.

A family enjoys a sunny day at a water park pool, wearing swim goggles and smiling for the camera.
A family enjoys a sunny day at a water park pool, wearing swim goggles and smiling for the camera.

Chelan Lookout

July 17, 2024
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CHELAN LOOKOUT, CHELAN, WA :: Summertime in Chelan! Splashing around in the pool and the lake at The Lookout!

A woodpecker perches atop a rugged rocky formation in the Pacific Northwest.
A woodpecker perches atop a rugged rocky formation in the Pacific Northwest.

Marymoor Park Birding

July 7, 2024
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MARYMOOR PARK, REDMOND, WA :: Got up at 5:30 on Saturday to shoot some birds and bunnies with my favorite little birder buddy at Marymoor Park’s Audubon trails.

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