I intended to write about the last of Oregon’s Seven Wonders today, but when looking at the Bing Photo of the Day, I saw that today, November 21, 2025 is World Hello Day. Today’s Bing Photo Brothers Brian and Micheal McCormack established this day in 1973 in an attempt to diffuse tensions and to promote... Continue Reading →
Pittock Mansion, Portland, OR
In last week’s post about Forest Park, I mentioned that the Wildwood Trail leads to Pittock Mansion. This beautiful home of Henry and Georgiana Pittock was completed in 1914. Henry Pittock chose the location due to his love of the outdoors and hiking in the surrounding forest. We visited on Monday as a birthday outing... Continue Reading →
Walking Forest Park, Portland, OR
Forest Park, a 5,100 acre (2,064 hectare) park located in the West Hills of Portland, was the dream of landscape architects the Olmsted Brothers, back in 1903. However; it wasn’t until 1948 that the park was developed. You may recall that the Olmsted Brothers also designed Central Park in New York City. Forest Park stretches... Continue Reading →
Neighborhood Walks
One of my favorite quotes, which I say frequently is: I’m very fond of walking. Lizzie Bennet said this to Mr. Darcy in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Like Lizzie, theTravelsketcher and I are regular walkers. I’ve written about some of the walks and hikes we’ve enjoyed over the years in previous posts. Here are... Continue Reading →
Travel Quote
Then one day, when you least expect it, the great adventure finds you. Ewan McGregor Near Golspie, Scotland
Reminiscing About Some Great Hikes
We have been living in France for nine months now, and during this time the majority of my posts have focused on our European adventures. However, this post about some great hikes, has been sitting in my drafts folder for a long time, and has recently been calling to me. Most of these are on... Continue Reading →
Pathways
There is something about pathways that beckon and call to us to follow them, to discover what’s around the bend, or what lies ahead. As if they are saying; come follow me for a while, and you will be greatly rewarded. And the rewards are great. They are often located in quiet places that encourage... Continue Reading →
Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
If you find yourself in Las Vegas and are feeling overwhelmed from the intensity, noise and flashy gaudiness of the city, head to Red Rock Canyon. Located in Nevada's Mojave Desert about 20 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, this National Conservation Area is a beautiful and interesting place to explore. The Visitor's Center... Continue Reading →
Big Gulch Trail
A hike in a serene, forested area is a great way to recharge when the stress of life builds up. And it's an added bonus when the trail is in an urban area, preventing the need for a long drive to a distant trailhead. One such place is Big Gulch Trail, a hidden gem in... Continue Reading →