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Showing posts from 2013

What'cha doing here while I'm in Seattle?

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I have new posts coming about fall in Seattle - including stories and images from Discovery Park, Fisherman's Terminal, and Fremont. . . but you'll need to visit the ExplorationVacation.net to check them out!

I'm in Columbus

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Hey there, head on over to the ExplorationVacation and see what I've been up to in Columbus, Ohio.  This blog is not being updated. Please visit ExplorationVacation for more great photos.

Moving Day!

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This blog is moving! Please visit the travel gal's new home at www.explorationvacation.net . All new posts will be part of the Exploration Vacation - come on over and check it out. Moving is a messy business, so, while all of the content of the thetravelgal is being migrated, it will be awhile before all of the links between the posts have been migrated. Until that happens, please hop back to Exploration Vacation when you unexpectedly find yourself back here again!

End of Summer at Leech Lake in Minnesota

We have the good fortune of having generous friends with a place on Leech Lake near Walker, where we joined them for the long Labor Day weekend.Leech Lake is a large, shallow lake, ideal for fishing and water sports. However, its distance from the Twin Cities metro area (about four hours) limits the number of people who vacation here. There is still undeveloped shoreline and, even on a holiday weekend, there are seldom more than a few boats visible at any given time. It is a lovely, relatively quiet retreat. Our friend’s place is at Trapper’s Landing, a resort that also offers various ownership options. It has a good location on the south end of the lake, with a scenic island just offshore and a nice beach. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at Explorationvacation.net

Photo Thursday: Hilltop Barn in North Dakota

My recent trip to North Dakota was a chance to see some great old barns in various stages of decay. Here’s one of my favorites You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at Explorationvacation.net

Photos for Sale!

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Photo Thursday: The Last Day of Summer at Leech Lake, Minnesota

All the signs have been pointing to the end of summer, but last Saturday was a perfect day to catch a bit of remaining summer sun at the beach. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at Explorationvacation.net

Sunset from Our Backyard, Leech Lake, Minnesota

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Hiking the North Country Trail, Walker, Minnesota

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On the Water: Leech Lake, Minnesota

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From Trapper’s Landing to Whipholt Beach, Minnesota

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Leech Lake from Our Patio, Minnesota

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Fort Ransom (the fort), Ransom County, North Dakota

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Nearly Closed Roads, Ransom County, North Dakota

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Memorable Travel Moments: First Snowfall in the Black Hills, South Dakota (2000)

The Gardens of Leif Ericson Park, Duluth, Minnesota

the Lakewalk takes visitors out of downtown along the lake shore. High above the shore, it provides great views of the harbor and the city’s signature lift bridge as it winds past art and plantings before running into the beautiful gardens at Leif Ericson Park You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Photo Thursday: Swaying Cattails

A weekend visit to Todd and Stearns counties in central Minnesota let me catch the landscape at the very moment when summer first begins to slide into fall. I can feel it in the air, see it in the fields and flowers – even as the beach fills with families enjoying a perfect summer weekend. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Memorable Travel Moments: A Jewel of a Garden in Victoria, British Columbia (2007)

The Lake Wobegon Trail at Sauk Centre, Minnesota

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End of Summer Landscapes in Central Minnesota

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Floral Friday: Banana in Bloom

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Photo Thursday: Dupont Station, Toronto

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TBEX: Pre-Conference Art Tour in Toronto

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Exploring Toronto’s Distillery District

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Photo Thursday: Lupines Galore Along the Shore of Lake Superior in Wisconsin

I was lucky in northern Wisconsin this year: My visit coincided with the peak of the lupine blossoms. Once we passed Wasburn, the roadsides were carpeted with purple and pink blossoms. I took time to wade into them for a more extended photo session at Eckels Gallery near Bayfield. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Feeding the Gulls in Canal Park, Duluth, Minnesota

>Canal Park is Duluth’s true  gathering place, the place where people come to watch the lakers (ships that carry freight through the Great Lakes) come into the port under the 1905 lift bridge, grab a bite to eat, shop for gifts, or just hang out. The gulls like it here too. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

A Quiet Gallery Devoted to Inuit Art in Toronto

This is the Toronto-Dominion Gallery of Inuit Art, which includes 200 pieces of exceptionally fine Inuit art Most of the pieces on display were produced between the end of World War II and 1967 and were part of a collection created to celebrate the bank’s centennial. The collection (now greatly reduced in size) includes many carvings, a few prints, and a number of other objects. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Celebrating the Fourth of July on the Water at Madeline Island, Wisconsin

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Manitou Fish Camp, Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

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Becalmed, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin

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At Anchor and Ashore at Big Bay State Park, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin

On the Water at Last, Apostle Islands National Seashore in Wisconsin

Race Week, Bayfield, Wisconsin

Brookfield Place, Toronto

Exploring Toronto - TBEX and more in Toronto

Today’s Toronto is a lively, dynamic, multicultural city that seems to offer a high quality of life for its residents and a wealth of activities for visitors. I loved it from the moment we rolled into town during a downpour. This latest visit gave me a chance to explore a few of the city's offerings, but this provides just a sample of what’s available. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Photo Thursday: Old Barn in Rural Minnesota

I love old barns. I came across this one while driving through central Minnesota the other day. The landscape is still peppered with these wonderful old buildings, but every year there are a few less as they are abandoned for modern structures which are less picturesque, but far easier to maintain. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Better than a Bacon Cheeseburger

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Como Conservatory and Japanese Garden, Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Photo Thursday: An Old-Fashioned Door in Toronto

Pictures of Toronto seem to focus on the CN Tower and the modern glass skyscrapers that dominate the skyline. However, that is only part of Toronto's architectural story (and a recent part at that!). Throughout the city, early buildings have been preserved completely or in part, like the classic church hidden behind this door. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Glowing Neon at O’Hare Airport, Chicago

TBEX: Party on Center Island

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Daily Snapshots: Touring Toronto

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TBEX Photo Walk in Toronto

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Daily Snapshots: First Impressions of Toronto

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Como Park is in Bloom, Saint Paul

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Photo Thursday: Helsinki in Summer

The Nordic countries are glorious in the summer, with long days and sunny skies. Helsinki was actually hot, hot, hot when I was there in 2010, but it looked cool and ethereal floating above the harbor You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Memorable Travel Moments: Our Imaginations Run Wild on Roosevelt Island, NYC (1987)

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The Dream List: Cuba

Photo Thursday: Old Town, Kokkola (Karleby), Finland - You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

This is an image from Neristan, the Old Town of Kokkola (Karleby) where a large neighborhood of traditional wooden homes still exists. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Memorable Travel Moments: Inside an Egyptian Tomb (2007)

Photo Thursday: A Moroccan Voter's Guide

When traveling in Morocco, it is not unusual to see a wall with a variety of symbols painted within a grid. Each square in the grid belongs to a specific politic party and each party is identified by a unique symbol. While posters and other printed information may be displayed here, its most basic purpose is to display these symbols as a visual voter’s guide. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Memorable Travel Moments: Jimmy Carter Becomes President, Sanibel Island, Florida (1976)

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The Seychelles by Land

On the Road in a Car Rental cars are available on Mahé and Praslin and provide a good way to see the islands if you are not afraid of driving on the left (British style) on narrow, winding roads with sometimes sheer drop-offs. If you do rent a car, a number of rental agencies operate out of the airport. However, even if you have a pre-booked reservation, it is quite possible that no one will be at the rental spot when you arrive. Make sure you have a way to contact them on arrival. Also note that the car will be given to you with whatever gas was left in the tank from the last renter – this means it could be bone dry. There is a gas station across the street. Use it. There are very few gas stations on the island and maps indicating the location of gas stations may be out of date or just plain inaccurate. Taxi service is available on Mahé and Praslin and, to a limited degree, on La Digue and can be hired for touring. In addition, many of the larger, more upscale hotels can arrang

Riad d’Or, Meknes, Morocco

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Memorable Travel Moments: Climbing the “stairs” at Angkor Wat, Cambodia (2006)

Longing for a Return Trip: Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Good Gear: 150W Power Inverter

This is an electric power inverter – a gadget that takes DC power (produced by your car or boat’s battery) and transforms it into AC power (used by your phone, camera, tablet, and other electronic gadgets). You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Photo Thursday: The Beauty of Spring Snow

These were taken two days ago near my home. Today this snow is almost entirely gone, as it is more ephemeral (and thus even more beautiful?) than the cherry blossoms that will (eventually) burst into bloom. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Memorable Travel Moments: My First Trip to New Orleans (1991)

Memorable Travel Moments: Celebrating my Birthday in Soure, Portugal, 1998

In 1998 I celebrated my birthday by meeting the President of a municipality in Portugal, touring the city library, attending an art opening for a Japanese artist, and dining at a fabulous restaurant. None of this was planned. Indeed, had I not been traveling with friends who were much more persistent than I, none of it would have happened. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Places to Return to: Victoria Falls, Zambia, Africa

We ended our 2005 Botswana trip at Victoria Falls, but we were there shortly before the rains would start, which meant the falls were dry! Ok, not totally dry, but not the thundering wall of water I was expecting. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Photo Thursday: On the Road in Morocco

In general the main roads in Morocco are reasonably good, but there is lots of traffic of all types to contend with – even on major roadways! You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Travel in Morocco - Exploring Morocco

Morocco Spring 2013 Travel Journals You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Daily Snapshots: Dawn to Dusk in Essaouira, Morocco

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Daily Snapshots: Marrakech and Essaouira, Morocco

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Daily Snapshots: Day One in Marrakech, Morocco

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Daily Snapshots: Ouzoud Falls, Morocco

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Daily Snapshots: Tinehir to Ait Benhaddou, Morocco

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Daily Snapshots: Around Tinehir, Morocco

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Traveling through the Saghro Massif, Morocco

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Daily Snapshots: Around Erg Chebbi, Morocco

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Through the Mountains to the Sahara, Morocco

We leave Fes under grey skies that leave the mountains nearly invisible almost until we reach Ifrane. From that point on, we travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains and on to Erg Chebbi and the edge of the Sahara under brilliant sunshine. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Daily Snapshots: More of Fes, Morocco

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Daily Snapshots: Meknes and Fes, Morocco

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Morning at the Riad d’Or, Meknes, Morocco

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Daily Snapshots: Enroute to Meknes, Morocco

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Who Knew? Morocco Looks like Ireland in the Spring!

I knew Morocco had a lot of different ecosystems and that there were agricultural areas, but, I didn’t expect to find a landscape literally glowing green in the late day sun. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Worth a Return Trip: Ireland

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Photo Thursday: Strange Weather in Paris

When in Paris this fall, the weather was cool and cloudy as we settled in for lunch – so cool and cloudy that even I wasn’t tempted to grab an outdoor table. Instead we choose a cozy spot indoors along a window where I could see the outdoor tables. This turned out to be a good choice, as we were able to observe weather that was quite uncharacteristic of Paris. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Memorable Travel Moments: Connecting with My Family in Sweden - You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

On my first trip to Europe in college, I was able to leave the group for a few days to meet my Swedish relatives. It was one of the highlights of the trip and led to a long-lasting, if sometime on-and-off, relationship with my second cousins. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/ - You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

The Seychelles by Sea

Remembering Dave

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Photo Thursday: Paris' Père Lachaise Cemetery in Black and White

We visited Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris last fall and I'm still playing around with the photos. Most recently I've tried some in black and white. I like how the lack of color highlights the structural elements of the cemetery, which is sharpened further by the contrast between light and shadow. It seems right for a cemetery! You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Crosses in Père Lachaise, Paris

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The Seychelles by Air - You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

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Photo Thursday: Paris Metro View

This station, near the Eifel Tower, frames a classic Paris streetscape with brilliant glass and guarantees a bit of blue sky every day! You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

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Photo Thursday: Waiting for Spring in Arizona

While I knew that February is NOT spring, even in Arizona, I was hoping for reasonably warm temperatures and maybe a few flowers. - You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Zen Yard Guest House, Phoenix, Arizona

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Where Snowbirds Land, Apache Junction, Arizona

Apache Junction sometimes seems like one large RV and trailer park for northern snowbirds seeking winter sun (my parents among them), but there are palm trees overhead and the mountains are ever present. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Bashas’ Almost-Secret Gallery in Chandler, Arizona

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A Bit of the Apache Trail, Arizona

The day has become clear and beautiful, so I convince my family that we should take a drive along the striking Apache Trail. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Recreating the Past at the Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction, Arizona

At the edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area, the Superstition Mountain Museum in Apache Junction, Arizona, keeps the spirit of the old west alive through exhibits, demonstrations, and stories about the mountains and the people who sought their fortunes there. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

A Small Cactus Garden, Scottsdale, Arizona

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America’s Taco Shop, Phoenix, Arizona

America’s Taco Shop (named for owner America Corrales), would be easy to drive right by – another taco place in a city filled with them. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

Worth a Return Trip: Gotland, Sweden

Gotland is an island of rock and sand southeast of Stockholm, just off the coast of Sweden. It has been an active place since Viking days, meaning it has a good variety of things I love – fascinating vernacular architecture, ancient ruins, nearly forgotten churches (92 in all, some ruined and some still functioning), ancient graves, fish shacks, tiny harbors filled with boats, artists working in their studios and galleries showing their work, desolate scenery, weird rocks, sandy beaches, and interesting flora and fauna. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

The Dream List: Southern Skåne and and Öland Island, Sweden

Skåne is Sweden’s southernmost county, a bucolic, artsy place with cultural and linguistic ties to Denmark. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Memorable Travel Moments: Hiking to Tolmie Peak Lookout, Mount Rainier, Washington (1990)

My college roommate got married in Seattle in 1990. Having significantly less time off than her new spouse, her new spouse was charged with entertaining me, his sister, and her friend. Since he was a serious hiker (the kind who goes out every weekend and tackles a different mountain trail and never brings a camera because the scenery isn’t the point), he decided to take us on one his favorite hikes on Mount Rainier . Keep in mind that I only hike for the photo ops and his sister and friend – visiting from England – very likely spend most of their time hiking around the local shops at home. They certainly weren’t used to hiking up a mountainside, especially at 5000 feet. (Neither was I.) But he insisted and soon we were on the Tolmie Peak Lookout/Eunice Lake Trail . You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

The Dream List: The Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an, China

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Photo Thursday: Contrasting Travel Ideals on Display in Paris

I was struck by the contrast between the Eifel Tower and the rugged outdoors scene plastered along the tower in the foreground. (The poster was an ad for travel to Australia.) It was an unexpected juxtaposition of two very different visions of travel, perhaps made more obvious here, in a city that is the focus of many a traveler’s dreams. (You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/ )

Memorable Travel Moments: Night in the Tsodilo Hills

The Dream List: Petra, Jordan

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Driving Around Mahé, Seychelles

The Seychelles is the scariest place we have driven. (The road around the far end of Viti Levu in Fiji is another contender for this title, but it was under construction at the time and we were driving it in torrential rain in a vehicle that died at unpredictable intervals, so it seems unfair to confer the title of scariest road on it given those additional factors.) The main roads on Mahé have good solid pavement, so there is no need to watch for potholes. Nor are the drivers as aggressive as others we’ve come across. For whatever reason, the car rental agent directed us to our hotel via what turned out to be the long way – totally in the wrong direction, on a road that eventually came to a dead end. While this was quite confusing and resulted in a long delay in actually getting to our hotel, it did provide us with a good tour of the island. Thankfully, a friend navigated while Lane drove, eliminating arguments over directions and allowing me to gawk at the scenery and take pictu

Memorable Travel Moments: The Nile from My Deck, Cairo, Egypt, 2007

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The Dream List: Longing for Laos

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Photo Thursday: Last Glance at the Seychelles

my last views of the island, as seen from the garden outside my hotel room. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/

Memorable Travel Moments: Three Kings and More in Quito, Ecuador, 2006

The Feast of Epiphany – Three Kings’ Day – passed this weekend. This an important celebration in many Catholic countries in Central and South America. This is especially true in Ecuador, where the celebration of the arrival of the three kings also serves as an opportunity to reenact traditional Ecuadorian folk themes, many of which originated long-ago to mock Spanish colonialism. Rather than a religious event, the celebration of the arrival of the three kings became one part of a larger celebration of culture. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net

The Dream List: The Florida Keys

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