travel

Camino de Santiago

November 06, 2018November 24, 2018 MarkLeave a comment

In the next couple of years I plan to walk the Camino de Santiago. The following are notes I pulled together for myself which might be useful to others who are considering walking The Way of Saint James. I am considering integrating this pilgrimage with the 30 … “Camino de Santiago”

Great Meals

September 09, 2018November 12, 2018 MarkLeave a comment

I tend to prefer mildly spicy food with complex combinations of tastes. Southwest, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Fusion, Californian, and especially Pacific Rim. I can enjoy classic French and Vietnamese, but the subtlety is sometimes lost on me. Great meals involve more than food. It also … “Great Meals”

Columbus

May 11, 2018November 13, 2018 MarkLeave a comment

Hmm… what to say about Columbus? It’s flat. The cost of living is reasonable. It’s isn’t as backward as it used to be. It’s the worlds largest cow town and a good place to live but a so/so place to visit. I lived in Columbus … “Columbus”

Travel Packs

October 18, 2017November 23, 2018 MarkLeave a comment

I think most people would be best served using a carry on size “travel pack” which is a cross between a backpack and soft-side luggage. Travel packs will often have light weight internal frames to make them easier to carry, handles on the top and … “Travel Packs”

Recommended Clothing

September 09, 2017November 07, 2018 MarkLeave a comment

I recommend clothing that can be comfortably worn day after day for a wide variety of activities. My clothing is typically made from technical fibers which provides good mobility, decent durability, is light weight, fast drying, and odor/strain resistant. I use mostly the same clothing for daily city … “Recommended Clothing”

Getting a Good Night Sleep in the Outdoors

April 04, 2013October 11, 2018 MarkLeave a comment

Many people under estimate the value of a good night of sleep. If you don’t cherish your sleep, you might want to read The Problem of Sleep which does a good job of documenting the value of sleep, what interferes with good sleep, and what the negative … “Getting a Good Night Sleep in the Outdoors”

San Francisco Bay Area

November 11, 2012November 16, 2018 MarkLeave a comment

There are a number of general websites which cover the bay area including Yahoo Bay Area, SFGate (Chronicle & Examiner), San Jose Mercury News, CitySearch SF, Yelp and Craigslist. Visiting the Bay Area: Most people think to visit the typical tourist stops such as Chinatown, Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge, etc. Make … “San Francisco Bay Area”

Sykes Hot Springs

October 12, 2011October 12, 2018 MarkLeave a comment

Sykes Hot Springs is one of my favorite places to take first time backpackers who are reasonably fit. The destination has some nice hot springs and a trout filled stream. The hike is pretty. The trip is long enough that people have a sense they … “Sykes Hot Springs”

November 11, 2010November 26, 2018 MarkLeave a comment

There are many reasons to travel. Some people travel to get new experiences. Others to re-enforce in there minds that wherever you go, people are the same. Travel can be an expanding experience. It’s also possible to travel in a little “cocoon” which doesn’t move … “Travel”

Maui

October 09, 2010November 09, 2018 MarkLeave a comment

Maui is more touristy that I like. The culture (except around the eastern coast) feels more like California than Hawaiian: go-go, play hard, have lots of fun, rather than a more lay back and enjoy life as it comes to you. If you are looking … “Maui”