• This post includes an in-kind collaboration

Women Hiking the Appalachian Trail. What exactly is the AT? And, where is it? Basically, it’s a 2,200 +/- mile trail that traverses the Appalachian region of the United States. Hikers, who thru-hike the trail, begin their journey in Mountain Springs, Georgia and finish at Mt. Katahdin in Maine, having hiked through 14 states.

For those thru-hikers who complete the PCT, the CDT and the AT, from terminus to terminus, they can proudly hold the title of a Triple Crowner. Although what exactly that entails I have no idea. Bragging rights?

Still We Rise. It should come as no surprise that I am an avid reader. My problem is when I start a good book, I have a tendency to tune out the world until said book is completed. I did just that with the international bestseller, Maude. I started reading and didn’t put it down until it was finished. On occasion, I’ve written a book review or two which I’ve shared here with our readers. My Life in France and Grandma Gatewood’s Walk are two such books. Please tell me you’ve read both. For that matter, please tell me you’ve read, Maude.

I went looking for a feel good story to write and here’s why I’m writing about The Camino, A Toddler & The Yellow Envelope.  Not your average post title, right?  But there’s a definite story behind the words.

The first time we entered Casa Natal, I could hardly contain my enthusiasm.  Of course, not wanting to embarrass myself I kept my glee in check, but oh… in my head a party was going on.

Our relationship with the City of Porto began in 2010 when Abi and our son took a Port wine – vinho do Porto – tour of the Douro Valley and it’s when they first met Andreia and were introduced to the Kopke Port Cellar.

This is a tale of how we fell under the charms of the City of Porto, and how we found our way to one of the best wine shops in Porto, Garrafeira do Carmo.

I’ve always embraced the belief that life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.  A well-known phrase quoted by many, but a guiding force in my life.

It’s just a little yellow envelope, maybe 2″ x 3″ with a little red heart sticker to seal the deal.  But, the message inside…

I first introduced you to Amy and Andrew just shy of 3 years ago, February, 2013.  They were gearing up to take off to travel the world indefinitely.  Honestly, I don’t even remember how I first came upon their blog, Our Big Fat Travel Adventure, but I did and there was just something about the two of them that touched my heart.  Fast forward to December 2015 and our paths happily crossed in Washington, D.C.  It really is a small world.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to visit Lake Tahoe, you know of what I speak when I say it can’t be summed up with a few unworthy descriptors.  Sitting majestically in the Sierra Mountains, Lake Tahoe is simply stunning with the bluest – and coldest – water you can imagine.