Being Prepared

Started collecting stuff for a trip to LA. The TAP transit cards have sufficient value on them for all our Metro rides. The extension cords will be useful in an old hotel on Catalina Island. The remaining items reflect the new normal: we choose to mask-up on flights and transit.

Steps to New Options

Crossed an icy Mississippi on my walk to the University of Minnesota where I signed paperwork to participate in a Phase 3 prostate cancer clinical trial. Grateful for the lovely walk, grateful for promising treatment options.

In the Footsteps of Scottish Border Raiders

Booked hotels for a 5-day hike with friends next September. We’ll walk part of The Reivers Way in Northumberland, England, in the footsteps of Border Reivers who terrorized communities from the 13th to the 17th century. We trust the sight of four old geezers won’t terrorize today’s populace.

Soaking Feet, Smoking Volcano

After a day of walking, gratefully steeped my feet in the volcanic warmth of an unusually long (100 meters) footbath. Watched a plume rising above Sakurajima, a volcano that regularly rains ash on the city of Kagoshima.

A Hiking Theme for Each of Japan’s Main Islands

Hiking doesn’t need to have purpose apart from the obvious act of putting one foot in front of the other while staying upright. Sometimes, though, I like to have a theme underpinning a hike. For example, here’s themes I’ve taken up for each of Japan’s main islands. Kyushu: Matsuo Bashō, 17th Century Traveler and Poet.Shikoku:…… Continue reading A Hiking Theme for Each of Japan’s Main Islands

Categorized as Japan, Plan

A Hiking Theme for Each of Japan’s Main Islands

Japan has four main islands: Honshu is the most populous, followed by Kyushu, Hokkaido, and Shikoku. Hiking doesn’t need to have purpose apart from the obvious act of putting one foot in front of the other while staying upright. Sometimes, though, I like to have a theme underpinning a hike. Here’s a hiking theme for…… Continue reading A Hiking Theme for Each of Japan’s Main Islands

Iterative Travel

I don’t do bucket lists. If a place intriques me, I want to return. I reduce the pressure to do and see everything on a trip by telling myself it’s only a prototype. It’s sufficient to experience enough to whet my appetite for the next iteration, er, I mean visit. Just as well I held…… Continue reading Iterative Travel