#A Hiker’s Paradise

[wanderguidehub]

Ultimate Hiking Guide to North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park: Discover Breathtaking Trails and Hikes

Experience the wonder of the natural world with our comprehensive hiking guide for North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park. This guide aims to be your ultimate resource for unforgettable hikes and trails, letting you explore the awe-inspiring landscapes that this iconic national park has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner looking for adventure, our guide will help you chart…

[secretagentcalamity]

I love dirt and leaves and smokey mountains

[haylanmakesstuff]

Day 24

After moving campsites to Big Creek, all the hiking finally caught up to me. I felt dazed and tired all day, and everything below the belly button went on strike. What I’ve noticed when I use my cane is that I disappear when I look around a room. Everyone’s gaze carefully avoids me as if I am a ghost. What Husband see’s is very different, he says. While I’m looking away, people are staring, looking me up and down, staring at the cane and compression sock combo.

I trudged around all day, as Husband made all my meals and snacks, letting me take is as easy as possible. I have had major FOMO with my declining health. What things will I never get to see and do simply because my body doesn’t have the mobility, energy, or strength to take me there? I made myself walk around the park a bit so I felt like I still got to experience it.

I particularly liked this photo in an exhibit at the Longmire Museum:

“On August 10, 1890, twenty-year-old Fay Fuller became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Rainier.  The climbing outfit worn by Miss Fuller was considered quite scandalous at the time.  The above photo shows Miss Fully shorty after her return from the summit” 

Really puts history into perspective. That and a line that you could see the faces of women reacting to nearby, a line that read, “...in 1914, women were finally allowed to drive in the park”.  

Scandalous. 

We completed Citizen Ranger, a Junior Ranger Quest-like program for older kids and adults.

This badge is dedicated to my Aunt Toni, an adventurer and world traveler. We may not have always gotten to see each other as much as either of us would have liked while I was growing up, and you probably don’t know even know that you are in a few of my most compassionate memories of showing sympathy, empathy, and artistic inspiration. Thank you for those memories, and I hope we can make more!

After this brief trip to Paradise (literally, it’s called that!) I was pretty sure I had died and gone to Hogsmeade. We headed back to camp and got a giant screw in the tire on the way. I’m so glad to have company right now, because although I have changed my own tire more than once, I definitely didn’t have the spoons to deal with it today. Husband let me hammock and read books while he worked on the car. Did I marry up, or what?

I generally don’t take a lot of selfies, but I did today. This is a good example of the Devil’s Confusion, as Toni Morrison would call it. This is how I can look so normal and have such a rotten feeling day. I hope people become more sensitive to invisible illness, because this is what it looks like; often totally normal.

Haylan

[lilacwriter07]

When Adam and Lucifer fight over things, Adam just gets up and smirks because he knows . That Lucifer can't reach completely his tits, his smirk drops as Lucifer changes into a hiker outfit .

"I shall climb this mountain to reach the valley of paradise !" He grabs his axe which made Adam run "Come back !"

[manessha545]

The W Trek, Torres del Paine National Park, Chili: Torres del Paine National Park is best known as a hiker's paradise. Its most famous hike involves a demanding 31-mile walk up and down the park’s valleys to see its most famous sights. The route takes the shape of a “W”, hence the name W Trek. Walking the trek requires carrying few supplies, as accommodation is available at the end of each day

[forestduck]

Jun 23, 2022 - A lone hiker crosses meadows of wildflowers above the Paradise Visitor Center, Mt. Rainier National Park....

[exitrowiron]

Today we hiked the Rainier Skyline Trail from the Paradise visitors center. The summit was often shrouded in the clouds but occasionally they parted. We also saw several marmots all of whom were completely unconcerned by the hikers just a few feet away. The chipmunks however are very attentive and beg for food by crawling the laps of hikers and trying to get into backpacks.

The trail was covered by snow in several areas so poles came in handy.

This hike is only 5.6 miles but it has a steep ascent which is shared by the hikers who are continuing to Camp Muir and eventually the summit. Even Mt. Adams was briefly visible in the distance above the clouds.

[mountrainiernps]

Visiting a national park can be an exciting adventure with lots of fun and life-long memories in the making.

You’ve researched your recreational opportunity. You know how to get to the trailhead. You have your pass, your gear, your hiking buddies, water, food, and all the 10 essentials. Having left a plan with a friend, you head out for fun.

But then something happens.

It could be someone in the group gets sick, your group moves slower than anticipated, or maybe there’s an accidental injury. Lots of things can happen while you’re visiting a national park that might derail your plans. What do you do?

To paraphrase the folks in aviation, heading out from the trailhead is optional but returning is mandatory. Lots of things can happen on the trail to slow us down and it’s up to each hiker to realize when it’s too late or too dangerous to go on. Sometimes, we need to turn around before we reach our goal.

It’s ok. Quitting on a hike can be a good thing. Turning around in order to get everyone home safe is the real goal in having an adventure in a national park.

Do you have rules for your hikes on when it’s time to turn around?

How do you and your hiking buddies decide what’s best for the safety of the whole group? ~ams

For more on hiking safety,  please start with this link https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/hiking-safety.htm More information on the 10 Essentials can be found on this website https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm To find links for Mount Rainier specific weather forecasts try this website https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/weather.htm

NPS/Spillane Photo. A group of people in the distance recreating on snow in Edith Basin at Paradise. Ground and trees covered in snow and Mount Rainier in the background. February, 2016. NPS/Spillane Photo. People hiking on a dirt trail in Edith Basin at Paradise. Western anemones blooming in the meadow. 2015.

[wandering-jana]

Deer in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.

Explore Shenandoah, one of my favorite parks:

[lemonlyman-dotcom]

Fanfic Friday

Thank you for the tags @alrightbuckaroo & @thisbuildinghasfeelings 💕

Rules: share a fic you wrote that you are proud of! Moodboard optional!

Sunshine On My Body, Rainbows Bloomin' In My Skies

T | 8k - title is from Minnie Riperton’s Adventures in Paradise, which has big TK energy and has the FUNKIEST bassline + Minnie’s voice is out of this world.

After Carlos’s bold claim about hiking the Great Wall, TK reveals he’d been an avid hiker before moving to Austin. TK & Carlos go for their first hike together, and maybe learn some new things about each other along the way.

“smiling at the sweet, settled, lived-in love between these two, watching them hike out their happiness. Their banter is almost as fantastic as TK’s ass. Loved this so much.” -reader comment on this fic (I hope you don’t mind me using your comment as a pull quote to promo my fic 😂)

This is the first fic idea I ever had, it came to me while I was hiking and it was the impetus to my journey into fanfic writing, so it holds an extra special place in my heart. About 80% of this was written in my head while I was hiking all across the mountains and forests of my state. I really enjoyed exploring TK’s mental health journey through hiking as self care, and Carlos discovering a new side of TK and that joy of both of them realizing they’re never gonna be done learning about themselves and eachother. Also it has one of my favorite Nancy & Mateo scenes I’ve written (they are ridiculous).

Moodboard: (the hiking photos are all my own from this spring-summer)

TAGGING @chicgeekgirl89 @wandering-night19 @sanjuwrites @ladytessa74 @carlos-in-glasses @heartstringsduet @iboatedhere @welcometololaland @guardian-angle22 (a gif you’re proud of?) @ambiguouspenny @bonheur-cafe @lightningboltreader @freneticfloetry @birdclowns @basilsunrise @liminalmemories21 @rosedavid and OPEN TAG for anybody who wants to share 🏷️

[kas-e]

Before the Storm.

Epic summer day hiking Big Malyovitzsa peak deep in the Rila mountain national park located in Eastern Europe (Bulgaria). I shot over the four days I was there and have many exposures, including the last post which was shot from the peak a few hours later - but this was the only clear conditions we had all week.

These are for sure a few of my favorites. Bulgaria truly is a hikers paradise, and I'm lucky to now call it home. After coming from many years growing up and traveling the across the Great American West, I never thought Europe would have so much to offer. Between the Alps, and the lesser known spots such as this, it definitely delivers.

[merrock]

It's the holiday season! And Merrock is one of the very best places to be to celebrate all things winter, festive holidays, and joy and love. Let this post be your guide to happenings during the holiday season, places to visit, things to see and do, and much more!

Hop under the cut to fill your holiday season with even more joy and love (and plots).

EVENTS IN MERROCK:

December 2 -- winter fun party!

December 17-23 -- holiday market!

December 31 -- new year's eve party!

January 1 -- polar plunge!

January 20 -- winter gala!

HOLIDAYS / FUN DAYS AROUND TOWN

November 23 -- Thanksgiving!

November 24 -- Black Friday!

November 25 -- Small Business Saturday!

December 7 - 15 -- Hanukkah!

December 21 -- First Day of Winter!

December 25 -- Christmas!

December 26 - January 1 -- Kwanzaa!

December 31 -- New Year's Eve!

January 1 -- New Year's Day!

January 21 -- World Snow Day!

PLACES TO VISIT / THINGS TO DO

The Brownstone Inne (downtown) -- help Brownstone decorate their windows on the first floor!

Cityview Park (downtown) -- stroll through the park for a look at their many light and decoration displays, lit up from December 1 - 31 (help set up before!).

Merrock Railway (downtown) -- every weekend from now until the end of the year, catch a train ride through Merrock to look at community decorations at night!

The Mirage (downtown) -- Friday night karaoke night with all of your favorite holiday staples, every Friday night!

Stubs (downtown) -- along with the Christmas movies, the theater will be playing 8 Crazy Nights during Hanukkah!

Azure Spa & Salon (coastal) -- come get pampered with their holiday special treatments! and book your spa time before events!

From Brush to Canvas (coastal) -- a beautiful exhibit of snowy, festive paintings and pieces of art has been put out for the month of December, and decorated up!

Cassidy's Candies (coastal) -- make sure to stop in and grab some Hanukkah Gelt, if you're looking for something special to share.

Santa's Hut (suburbs) -- stop in any afternoon from 3PM until 7PM to visit with Santa! If he's not there, leave a letter in his mailbox. We promise he'll get it!

Children's Museum (suburbs) -- daily Christmas movies and activities held for children after school hours.

Community Center (suburbs) -- games and movies held in the common room every evening for kids and adults alke, as well as free food and warmth for those who need it.

Flour Co. -- is having a class on how to make a traditional Sufganiyot, and will be selling them, as well! they will also have cookie making classes, and gingerbread house making events every weekend.

Cul-de-Sac Diner (suburbs) -- have added latkes to the menu for the holiday season, as well as a few other favorites!

Animal Sanctuary (countryside) -- visit with and have pictures taken alongside some of Santa's reindeer if you bring a donation for the sanctuary!

Blades (countryside) -- perfect for time out sledding, skiing, snowboarding, building snowmen and, of course, doing a little ice skating! Opens December 2nd!

Harmony Ranch (countryside) -- take pictures with our festive, holiday animals, and see the Harmony Healers do their holiday program on December 16th!

Lavender Lane (countryside) -- stop by for wreaths and swags, pick out a Christmas tree from the lot, or cut your own from the farm in the fields beyond!

North Shore (countryside) -- volunteer some time to the elderly in the community, helping them with Christmas crafts and decorating their rooms.

Paradise Gardens (countryside) -- stop by to enjoy some beautifully decorated indoor garden space for the holidays!

State Park (countryside) -- take a hike on one of the many trails around the state park! Just be careful and avoid closed trails that might be dangerous for novice hikers.

HOLIDAY MOVIES AT STUBS

Stubs will be showing holiday movies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the season (unless an event is taking place!), with Tuesdays thrown in for fun. With a flat fee of $10, you will get admission to the movie, a large drink, and two snacks. Kids are $5. On Christmas Eve, the movie is free with the donation of a toy for a child. Come enjoy with us!

November 24 -- Christmas Vacation

November 25 -- How the Grinch Stole Christmas

November 26 -- Home Alone

November 28 -- A Christmas Story

December 1 -- The Polar Express

December 3 -- A Charlie Brown Christmas (meet Snoopy!)

December 5 -- Miracle on 34th Street

December 8 -- White Christmas

December 9 -- Holiday Inn

December 10 -- Elf

December 12 -- The Muppets Christmas Carol

December 16 -- Rankin Bass Christmas movie marathon night (Rudolph, Frosty, Santa Claus is Coming to Town).

December 24 -- It's a Wonderful Life

STOP BY TO SHOP

HIDEAWAY MARKET -- stop by to do some shopping in Hideaway, whether you're looking for handmade goods at Collabs, custom furniture from Creekside, new crystals from Universal Rocks, or want to do some painting or eating, we have something for everyone.

DOWNTOWN -- Bookends, The Vinyl Hub, Wild at Hart Florals.

COASTAL AREA -- Bella's Boutique, Cassidy's Candies, Malibu & Co.

SUBURBS -- Jack in the Box, Little Corner Market, Sprouts, The Supply Shack, Treasure Chest.

COUNTRYSIDE -- Farmer's Market, Great Outdoors, Pet Haven, Polished Brass Market, Rocky Ridge Hardware

FUEL UP ON GOODIES

HIDEAWAY MARKET -- Rooftop Cafe.

DOWNTOWN -- Cobblestone Cafe, Evolution, Mack's, Rossi's, Taste, Touchback, What's the Tea.

COASTAL AREA -- & Chips, Anchors Away, Deidre's Deli, Fresh, The Hut, Mawk Tales, Sandcastles, Sea Breeze.

SUBURBS -- The Creamery, Cul-de-Sac Diner, Flour Co., The Garden, Golden House, Paco's, Pizza Thyme.

COUNTRYSIDE -- Handpick'd, Overlook, Tumbleweed.

AND MAY WE SUGGEST...

Merrockites are always full of love during the holiday season -- call up a friend and ask if they need help decorating their tree, invite a friend over to do some baking, go shopping together, wrap your presents, do something silly like coloring in an old coloring book, or make felt crafts that you picked up at a dollar store. Make some ugly holiday sweaters, do a photoshoot together in the snow. Dress your pets up and take them to meet Santa Claus, decide to go on a shopping spree to donate the presents to charity, make floral arrangements to put on the graves of loved ones, fix up donation boxes to take to those in need, drive around town looking at Christmas decorations. There is no such thing as too much holiday spirit!

[qwuilty]

I don't believe that man has ever been to medical school.

My brain finally started trickling ideas for making my own fan dude (I have about one more developed one and one thats more a concept but i. do not have the energy to draw them right now) BUT i do have the energy to draw the first one i thought of <3

My fan dudes are kind of split offs of the original dudes, so this is one from the original 1997 Postal, and unless i come up with a better name, i'm calling him Medic Dude. (Story explanation and drabble below)

After the air force base, instead of going to the ending of the game, he decides that he needs to go further out from Arizona to try and save more sick people, and to the (remaining) citizens of Paradise it's almost as if he completely dissapeared. From a statewide threat to nothing more than urban legend, his body was never found, the trail went cold and they could not locate the man after a certain point, now wandering the country with no identifiable face.

However, further up the borders there have been tales of sudden murders found in the middle of the woods, mostly from lost hikers and travelers found with either gunshots in their heads or their bodies left dead at what appeared to be some form of medical malpractice. Reports of a strange tall man wearing a long leather jacket and a rain hat have cropped up from person to person, but it seems no one is able to locate the stranger until it is too late to escape his grasp.

---

As said above, Medic Dude is an offshoot of P1 Dude, he's much heavier on the idea of Physical sickness in the people around him, and with his skills in first aid and general foraging, he's taken on the role of a traveling doctor in his mind to heal the sick and infected stragglers outside of the ground zero that's Paradise.

He has no real place of residence, instead mostly camping out in the woods as he doesn't want to be around others long enough for them to discover why he's run from Arizona, however he has been able to get money working odd jobs across the state to purchase some necessities... As well as taking some of the belongings of his lost 'patients' to keep his journey going.

He's mainly meant to be kind of a mixture of a plague doctor in feel with more of the look of a WW1 nurse mixed with a fisherman, adding to his kind of "Surviving out there in the wild" look. Also fun fact, he smells AWFUL. Like rotting smell mixed with blood and fish gut smell. He tries to put nice wildflowers in his little scarf to counterbalance it, but there's nothing to get that scent of corpse out of the coat.

[bottlebayresort]

Embrace Nature's Serenity: Small Cabin Vacation Rentals in Sagle

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Idaho panhandle, Sagle offers a haven for nature lovers seeking solace and adventure alike. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this quaint town boasts Small Cabin Vacation Rentals in Sagle that promise an unparalleled retreat experience. Let's delve into the charm of these cozy abodes and discover why Sagle is the perfect destination for your next getaway.

Exploring Sagle: A Hidden Gem

Discovering the Beauty of Sagle Sagle, with its lush forests, sparkling lakes, and majestic mountains, beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its natural splendor. Whether you're an avid hiker, a water sports enthusiast, or simply craving tranquility, Sagle offers a myriad of activities to suit every taste.

Escape to Small Cabin Rentals Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with small cabin vacation rentals in Sagle. These charming accommodations blend rustic charm with modern comforts, providing the ideal retreat for couples, families, and solo adventurers alike.

The Allure of Small Cabin Rentals

Cozy Comforts in Nature's Embrace Step into a world of cozy comforts as you enter your small cabin rental in Sagle. From wood-burning fireplaces and quaint furnishings to spacious decks offering panoramic views, every detail is crafted to enhance your stay amidst nature's embrace.

Immersive Nature Experience Wake up to the sound of birds chirping and sunlight filtering through the trees. Small cabin rentals in Sagle offer unparalleled access to nature, allowing you to explore hiking trails, kayak on pristine lakes, or simply unwind amidst the tranquility of the forest.

Privacy and Seclusion Experience true privacy and seclusion in your own little slice of paradise. Unlike crowded resorts or hotels, small cabin rentals in Sagle offer a sense of exclusivity, allowing you to reconnect with loved ones or enjoy solitary reflection amidst the beauty of the natural landscape.

Activities and Attractions in Sagle

Outdoor Adventures Embark on outdoor adventures aplenty in Sagle. From hiking and mountain biking in the nearby Selkirk Mountains to fishing and boating on Lake Pend Oreille, there's no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities to enjoy.

Cultural Exploration Discover the rich cultural heritage of the region with visits to local museums, art galleries, and historical sites. Learn about the area's fascinating past and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene that thrives in Sagle and its surrounding communities.

Culinary Delights Savor the flavors of Idaho with farm-to-table dining experiences and visits to local breweries and wineries. Indulge in fresh, seasonal cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, and toast to unforgettable memories amidst the beauty of Sagle.

Planning Your Small Cabin Getaway

Choosing the Perfect Cabin With a variety of small cabin rentals to choose from, finding the perfect accommodation for your getaway is a breeze. Whether you prefer a cozy retreat for two or a spacious cabin for the whole family, there's something for everyone in Sagle.

Booking and Availability Plan your escape to Sagle by booking your small cabin rental in advance. Popular times to visit include the summer months for outdoor adventures and the winter season for snow sports enthusiasts. Be sure to check availability and book early to secure your preferred dates.

Packing Essentials Pack light but pack smart for your small cabin getaway. Essentials include outdoor gear for exploring, comfortable clothing for relaxing, and any personal items you may need for a comfortable stay. Don't forget to bring along your camera to capture memories of your Sagle adventure!

Conclusion

Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with a small cabin getaway in Sagle. From cozy accommodations nestled amidst nature's beauty to endless outdoor adventures awaiting your exploration, Sagle offers the perfect retreat for those seeking serenity and adventure. Book your small cabin rental today and discover why Sagle is the ultimate destination for your next vacation.

Source: https://bit.ly/3xOdNn4

[meingesegnetesleben-blog]

Footsteps and Fellowship: Tales from the Camino de Santiago

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there existed this pilgrimage route called the Camino de Santiago. It was like Disneyland for medieval Christians, right up there with Rome and Jerusalem. Imagine millions of people from all over the world strapping on their sandals and embarking on a journey for spiritual enlightenment, personal reflection, or just to spice up their Instagram feed with some epic adventure pics.

Legend has it that this guy named James, or as his pals called him, St. James the Great, decided to take a little trip to Spain to spread the good word of Christianity. Now, whether he made it there or not is still a topic for history buffs to argue over, but what we do know is that Spain kinda took a shine to him, thanks to his relics chilling in Santiago de Compostela. And thus, the Camino de Santiago was born—a network of routes that crisscrossed Spain and even spilled over into other parts of Europe.

But who was this St. James character, you ask? Well, he was your average Galilean fisherman turned apostle, hanging out with Jesus and witnessing all His miracles, like turning water into wine and walking on water. Unfortunately for James, his story ended on a rather grim note when he became the first apostle to bite the dust, courtesy of King Herod Agrippa I. Ouch.

Now, why on earth would Gladys (@gladiatorGlasyl), one of my closest and weirdest friends, and I decide to tackle this medieval pilgrimage? Oh, let's blame it on Gladys and her wild ideas. She was all set to do the Camino in June, and I just had to chime in with, 'Why not April? I could join!' Because, you know, I just couldn't bear the thought of missing out on her adventure. So naturally, she couldn't say no to me hijacking her plans. Bernard was supposed to complete our fabulous trio, but alas, other priorities got in his way. And that's how Gladys and I found ourselves preparing for a totally "planned" journey—not because we're seasoned hikers (far from it), but because we've always had a knack for turning mundane situations into questionable adventures. Plus, trying to sync our leave schedules was a delightful nightmare, but hey, when opportunity knocks, you grab it, right?

Hence, we settled on the Camino Inglés, the glamorous trek from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela. Here, blisters became our new best friend, and complaining about sore feet was the main event! So, we strapped on those hiking shoes and got ready for a six-day journey filled with laughter, storytelling, banter, sarcastic quips, and scaring each other—better than any reality TV show.

As we embarked on an unforgettable journey starting from Ferrol, where anticipation filled the air, we passed through rolling hills, occasional glimpses of farm animals, Gladys bullying the dogs (like dogs everywhere and the diva cats!), and the earthy scent of the countryside—nature's unique fragrance. Amidst the chirping of birds and the gentle rustle of leaves, the footsteps of fellow pilgrims set the rhythm for our adventure.

As we progressed from Pontedeume to Bruma, we braced ourselves for a challenging ascent. Yet, this climb was akin to ascending nature's staircase to paradise, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. The route from Bruma to Sigueiro was among the most remarkable walks we had ever experienced, showcasing the grandeur of Mother Earth in all her glory.

The highlight awaited us on the final leg from Sigueiro to Santiago. We pictured ourselves meandering through an enchanted forest, where the ethereal melodies of Celtic (its actually Galician) music seemed to dance on the breeze—enticing even the most hesitant of dancers to join in the revelry.

Forget about luxurious spa treatments; on the Camino, blisters are the ultimate souvenir. You'll collect them like badges of honor, right Steffi? (at least for me, apparently Gladys has a thick skin), and proudly displaying your battle scars to anyone who dares to ask about your "vacation." And let's not forget the colorful characters we encountered along the way. From the other pilgrims, we chatted with at every rest stop to the mysterious locals who seemed to materialize out of thin air, greeting us with 'Buen Camino,' there's never a dull moment on the Camino. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. Amidst the pain and exhaustion, you'll forge bonds with your fellow sufferers that will last a lifetime. Nothing brings people together like shared misery, right? What was the saying? It's about the journey, not the destination.

Speaking of colorful characters, I'm always grateful for the belief that everything happens for a reason and that every twist and turn in our lives serves a purpose. We might not grasp it right away, but eventually, it unfolds before us. Coincidences? I'm not sure. The folks we encounter in our journey? They've got their own mission, their own motivation. The late-night chats, the stories swapped—they're like nuggets of wisdom wrapped into one.

Big shoutout to Steffi, our towering pal (we're vertically challenged, okay?). And to Veronica and Theresia, longtime pals who've been traversing this camino many times over. Thanks for the wild tales, ladies. And to Sharon, the queen of suggestions and hype, cheers for keeping us going. And to our tapas-and-tinto-de-verano companions—Kathleen, Janine, Noah, Jasmin—y'all rock for sharing your journey with us.

What made our experience even more ridiculous is the fact that Gladys and I are about as outdoorsy as a penguin in the Sahara. We're more likely to be found at a hole-in-a-wall restaurant than trudging through rugged terrain. But hey, life's all about stepping out of your comfort zone, right?

As we stumbled our way to the Cathedral of St. James, I had a revelation: I actually missed writing. Like, with a pen and paper, not just typing away on a keyboard. Who knew walking for miles could reignite my passion for writing? So here I am, not really scribbling but typing away on my phone (I was on the plane, okay?), realizing that life is full of surprises, like finding a gourmet meal in a gas station or discovering a hidden talent for playing bagpipes!

Well, well, well, looks like our Camino expedition is just getting started! Picture this: another journey awaits, but we'll need to put our persuasive hats on for BK. Resistance is futile; he's joining the fun! What do you say? Portuguese Way, perhaps? And so, with a grateful heart, I bid farewell to the Camino de Santiago (for now), carrying with me a renewed sense of purpose and a treasure trove of memories (and perhaps a few extra pounds, that's more on Gladys though, I gave all mine to her). For some time, it's the adventures that leave us weary, longing for a hot shower, that truly enrich our souls. Here's to the journey, my dear amigos, filled with somber reflection and boundless joy. Until our paths intertwine once more in our next grand adventure! May we meet again, fueled by the memories of this unforgettable journey.

[manessha545]

Torres del Paine Parc National, Chili: Known as a hikers’ paradise with famous multi-day routes including the W Circuit and the O Circuit, the Torres del Paine region of Southern Chile is also one of the best places on earth to see wild pumas right now. Torres del Paine National Park is a national park encompassing mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers in southern Chilean Patagonia. Wikipedia