Our second biggest hike in Wales - following our memorable trek to Yr Wyddfa in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park - was summiting Pen y Fan, the highest peak in Brecon Beacons National Park. The forecast was not looking good for our days in Brecon Beacons but after our wet and windy hike in Snowdonia, we …
After several incredible days in the northern part of the country, we relocated to southern Wales and set out to explore the second national park of our trip - Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The Pembrokeshire Coast is one of the smallest of the UK’s National Parks but don’t let the size fool you, you’re at …
Continue reading Exploring Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
When I was planning our week in Wales, I was thrilled to learn this small country has three large national parks. We made it a priority to hit them all, and I loved the variety of experiences we had in each place. I was really excited about visiting Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, which is Wales' …
When we scouted places we might want to live in South Dakota and Wyoming, the Black Hills area was at the top of our list. One of our favorite days was driving Needles Highway and down through Custer State Park to our accommodations in Hot Springs, South Dakota. We promised ourselves we would be back, …
This weekend we headed back to Curt Gowdy State Park for a bigger hike around Crystal Reservoir. By stitching together Cliff Hanger, Canyons, and Crystal Ridge trails, we created a giant loop around the lake. Just for fun, we also added in the Highline loop, which was absolutely worth it! Our final hike clocked in …
Continue reading Wyoming Hikes: Cliff Hanger Loop and Highline Loop
When we were considering our move to Wyoming, one of our criteria was proximity to mountains and places to hike. With 109 named mountain ranges and sub-ranges in Wyoming, we thought it was a safe bet we'd be able to access something of interest no matter where we landed! If you've visited Cheyenne, Wyoming, which …
Continue reading Wyoming Hikes: Crow Creek to Hidden Falls Trail
While Mount Rainier is the volcano most people associate with Washington, Mount St. Helens is the one Washington residents most like to discuss, especially on the anniversary of its May 1980 eruption. My work colleagues in particular each have a vivid recollection of where they were during that time and in the days and weeks …
Continue reading Visiting Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Finding direction and purpose on the road, in the outdoors, and on the page
Finding direction and purpose on the road, in the outdoors, and on the page
Finding direction and purpose on the road, in the outdoors, and on the page
Heather's Compass 