Tour du Mont Blanc
The TMB is a 106-mile hike that circumnavigates Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, offering breathtaking views and unparalleled personal growth. The trail winds its way through France, Italy, and Switzerland, with most hikers traveling counterclockwise, driven by a sense of adventure and self-discovery. The hike is typically divided into 11 stages that start and end in the picturesque Chamonix Valley in France; we started and finished ours in Les Houches. Each stage is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and determination. Every stage, or day, encompasses a 6-14 mile hike in the Alps with approximately 3,000-4,000 feet of elevation gain and about the same amount of descent. This was a journey that pushed me to new heights and challenged my inner strength. As you hike up in the morning and down in the afternoon, you’ll experience an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and pride in your ability to persevere. Along the way, we stayed in cozy mountain huts, known as refuges, where we found warm hospitality, nourishing meals, and a sense of community with fellow hikers. And yes, a glass of wine or a beer is always available to celebrate your triumphs and unwind from the day’s exertions. No matter how you experience it, for us, the Tour du Mont Blanc was an 11-day self-guided adventure that left us in awe, inspired by the beauty of nature and the depths of our own potential. (Bennett, thanks for planning the itinerary.) It was an adventure filled with awe, pain, sweat, tears, joy, support, awareness, and so much beauty. Twice, we lost our way finding our hotel, adding more miles to our trek, and I had bleeding blisters on my toes to the point of losing two toenails. Overall, it was a journey that transformed me from the inside out. The sounds of melodic cowbells motivated us the first few miles, and the rest of it, the encouragement of my friends and the gentle urging of my own heart reminded me to be patient, persistent, and kind to myself every step of the way. The TMB is truly life-changing, a journey that will awaken your senses, expand your horizons, and leave you feeling more alive, more connected, and more inspired than ever before. I am so grateful to my friends Bennett and Bang; without them, I wouldn’t have successfully completed this world-renowned TMB.
(August 17,2025-August 27,2025)
El Chalten, Patagonia, Argentina
🏔️⛰️🗻FITZ ROY🗻🏔️🏔️
The Laguna de Los Tres hike is a challenging trek covering approximately 13.7 miles (22 km) round trip. With an elevation gain of about 3500 feet (1060 m), it offers a demanding ascent. The trail begins with a moderate climb out of the valley, providing a picturesque view of Rio de Las Vueltas.
The terrain flattens out during the middle of the hike. Once you cross Rio Blanco, the trail becomes steeper. The final mile and a half pose a significant challenge with steep and rocky sections. It’s important to watch your footing.
Often known as the Fitz Roy hike, Laguna de los Tres hike offers a variety of interconnected trails that allow you to explore not only Laguna de Los Tres but also other stunning destinations such as Laguna Sucia, Laguna Capri, and Laguna Torre or even Piedras Blancas Glacier. By combining these hikes, you can create a truly unforgettable adventure, immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the region.
The hike is incredibly rewarding despite the difficulty. We’ve seen people of various fitness levels completing the journey. Some accomplished hikers finish it in under 6 hours. How long did it take us, Bennett?🤣
Remember to hike at your own pace and treat yourself to a well-deserved Patagonian mouth watering meal at Restaurante Ahonikenk Chalten Fonda Patagonia and Parilla La Oveja Negra at El Chalten afterward.
Love Finds Her
She knew too well that getting involved in his life is a risk, which is why it took her years to fully connect with him. His unwavering dedication to pursuing her through the years is truly inspiring, and it’s that very quality that fills her with faith in and attraction to him. By choosing to be vulnerable, she took a courageous leap of faith, risking it all for the chance to experience the profound love and connection she desired with him.
Know that when she commits to loving someone, she will deeply love and will love with every fiber of her being; her soul is filled with a passionate commitment!
She can be jealous, but what right does she have to feel that way for a man who’s heart belongs to someone?
Pineda-Geres National Park
The highlight of my trip to Portugal was with IVER! We went off-roading at Peneda-Gerês, the only one to be classified as a National Park. This was an exhilarating experience. It reminded me of my childhood days .😆
Besides that, it was a perfect get away from the busy streets of Porto. We marveled around Fafião, a peaceful village nestled amidst the valleys and mountains of Peneda-Gerês National Park, adorned with charming stone houses along its serene streets. This pastoral village is also known for its well-preserved ancestral trap, called Fojo do Lobo, which was once used for hunting Iberian wolves.
The Peneda-Gerês National Park, situated in the northwest region of Portugal, is the country’s sole national park and renowned as one of Europe’s most stunning natural landscapes.
Encompassing over 700 square kilometers, it boasts a variety of ecosystems, including lofty mountain ranges, waterfalls, picturesque river valleys and old villages.
Seceda Ridgeline in the Dolomites
Patience, perseverance, courage, hope, and determination are key to achieving your goals and dreams, but without His love and mercy, all else fails. My journey from Dobbiaco to Ortisei was smooth, except for missing one stop. However, an older man came to my rescue – bless his heart. Ortisei offers numerous activities ideal for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers. Since it was sunny, I visited Seceda. The Seceda ridgeline is iconic in the Dolomites, often photographed, yet even more spectacular in person. I took many photos on October 7, 2024, to share with those interested.
Experiencing Hardangerfjord, Norway
Together with other tourists, we embarked on a thrilling adventure from Bergen to the breathtaking Norwegian landscape. After pick-up at the Fish Market, our friendly guide entertained us with fun tales while leaving the city limits. First, we visited a stunning waterfall, snapped some Insta-worthy pics, and felt its fierce vibes. Next, we headed to Fossen Bratte for a jaw-dropping sight, and if we were feeling brave, we could even explore a war memorial and get misty. Then, we traveled through mountains and farmland to reach the charming Norheimsund village by the Hardangerfjord. Our guide gave us insider tips on the best spots to explore, and we treated ourselves to coffee or lunch. Don’t forget to capture a photo at the scenic route and keep an eye out for ancient Stone Age carvings. Lastly, we went behind the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall for an unforgettable experience.
Our knowledgeable guide maintained the excitement until we returned to Bergen, dropping us off at the Tourist Information center with lifelong memories.
Misty Morning
I walked out this morning and I fell for the mists shrouding the green beds of grass.
The sun came out and I met my friends basking in the sunlight and lone owl on a street light!
JOY OF MUSING 