Sunset with Samantha

Lo de Marcos is one of my favorite places in the world. There’s something about the tranquil coastal town that makes me feel instantly relaxed and at ease. And one of the best things about Lo de Marcos is the incredible sunsets. Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing one of these sunsets with my furry companion by my side. My dog is always up for an adventure, and I knew that watching the sunset with him would be a special moment that we would both cherish. We made our way down to the beach, and the warm sand felt […]

Sayulita Bound

As a seasoned traveler in my 50s, I’ve had the privilege of exploring many destinations around the world, including several in Mexico. But Sayulita, a small town on the Pacific coast, stands out as a unique and vibrant destination. In this travel blog post, I’ll share my experiences and insights on Sayulita, compare it to other destinations in Mexico, and provide tips for those planning a trip. Sayulita, located about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, has a laid-back, bohemian vibe that is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The town center is […]

He Surrendered to Win

I’ve spent nearly half my life in Alcoholics Anonymous. I got sober at 23, and now I’m 51 and just celebrated my 28th sobriety anniversary. It’s been the journey of my adult life – one of learning to surrender over and over. I’ve surrendered to get sober and I’ve surrendered to keep the gift of sobriety. Before I got sober, alcohol – and alcoholism – were always a part of my life. I don’t remember much, but the memories I have where alcohol was present are not positive. The disease must have spread through my home even before I was […]

Chama, New Mexico: An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise

Nestled in the mountains of northern New Mexico, Chama is a small town with big opportunities for outdoor adventure. From fishing on the Chama River to riding the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, there’s something for every nature lover to enjoy in this picturesque town. One of the top attractions in Chama is the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, which takes passengers on a journey through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. The historic steam train passes through narrow mountain passes and over towering trestles, offering stunning views of the rugged landscape. Visitors can choose from […]

Turning The Corner

We boarded an early morning flight to a place unexplored, the intersection of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. After what seemed like hours tucked into a metal tube, we disembark into the hot afternoon sun, welcomed by a small outdoor terminal frequently found in warmer climates where the windows and doors are more decorative than anything else. It’s a moment of excitement and remarkable change, having escaped the rain of the Pacific Northwest and joined my daughter, having been invited to travel with her overseas. She’s been a partner-in-adventure for many years. I reflect back upon a time long past, […]

Mehayo – 12 years later

It’s incredible to think that 12 years have already passed since my visit to the Mehayo Center in Morogoro, Tanzania. At the time, I had embarked on a project for CreativeCares to share the stories of disabled children in Africa, but from a unique perspective. I had grown tired of seeing media coverage that only showed the suffering and despair of these young people. Instead, I wanted to highlight their successes, despite the challenges they faced. My goal was to offer a lens of hope, rather than one of despair, in the hopes that people would be inspired to donate. […]

Abiquiu: A Peaceful Escape to the Heart of New Mexico

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of northern New Mexico, Abiquiu is a hidden gem that deserves to be on every traveler’s bucket list. This small, charming town is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful escape and a glimpse of the region’s rich cultural heritage. One of the main attractions in Abiquiu is the stunning Ghost Ranch, known for its red rock formations and sprawling views of the desert terrain. The ranch was once home to the renowned artist, Georgia O’Keeffe, and visitors can explore her former studio and learn about her life and work. The ranch also offers […]

Days in Lagos

Waking up in Lagos and walking to get coffee was one of my favorite moments of my day.  I stayed at The Salty Lodge in the old town area and it was the perfect base for days of wandering around.  There were two different coffee spots within a five-minute walk, depending on what sounded good that morning. The first was Black and White Coffee Shop.  Their brewed coffee and breakfast was amazing and the staff was friendly and welcoming.  

Journey to the end of the continent

No matter where I travel, you’ll find me watching the sunset. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to the magic of the sunset. It took me years of travel for me to understand that I was drawn to the west coast of whatever continent that I was on.  When I found myself in Lagos Portugal, I knew that I was close to the southwestern-most point of Europe in Sagres and that I had to venture there for a sunset. After asking around, the best bet to get there was to take an Uber so off […]

Changalikwa: A Journey to Experience the Culture and Technology of the Masaii People

In 2013, I had the privilege of spending a week with the Masaii people near Changalikwa, a small village in Tanzania. My goal was to document how this traditional community was using cellular technology to connect with the outside world, and to capture the beauty of their way of life through photography. From the moment I arrived in Changalikwa, I was struck by the stunning natural scenery and the warm hospitality of the Masaii people. I quickly set to work, taking photographs of the village and its inhabitants as they went about their daily routines. As I explored the village, […]