Background I was playing golf earlier this week with the Chairperson of a very important non-profit organization in our community when I told him that I was leaving for a two-week trip to the Republic of Georgia. Having travelled all over the world himself, he asked, “What in the heck made you decide to go to Georgia? Over the next 16 holes, I told him in bits and pieces why I chose to go to Georgia. There is also an episode of the show “Feeding Phil” on Netflix where the host visits Tbilisi, the capital of that wonderful country.  It is worth the watch.  Phil opens the episode with “Most…

Our 7th and final day on the Via Francigena took us from the shore of Lake Bolsena to the hilltop town of Montefiascone, navigating the crest of hills that surround the eastern side of the Lake. We encountered a greater variety of landscapes than on other days, with dense woods as well as open fields.  One of the sacred spots along the trail was a 20-foot waterfall. We sat at the top and enjoyed the sound of the rushing water while soaking in the cold misty air.  Like many of the hill towns we stayed in, we had to hike uphill for the last part of our walk. Upon entering…

It’s very early on a Sunday morning here in southern Tuscany as I sip tea on the veranda of our apartment at La Selvella. I am processing or attempting to process the two days we just experienced. I listen to the birds sing and chirp to each other and cherish the crisp morning air as the sun makes its presence known as it peeks over a nearby Tuscan hill. This place is so peaceful and beautiful.  Due to three blisters on my feet and the fatigue in our legs we are not hiking the full 20 miles to Proceno. Instead, we took a morning transfer to Ponte a Rigo, shortening our hike to 10 miles. I…

This trip will be the first of many father-son trips I hope to take with each of my sons every three years. Davis chose this itinerary based on a trip we took thirteen years ago. That trip, the first my family took to continental Europe, took us to parts of France and Italy before spending time in Tuscany. One of the small towns we explored was Monteriggioni, nestled between the cities of Florence and Siena.   While in Monteriggioni, Davis and I ventured out and discovered a portion of the famous Via Francigena – a historic, 1,200-mile pilgrimage route stretching from Canterbury, England, to Rome, Italy. Thirteen years ago while…

Thirteen years ago, my family and I took our first trip to continental Europe.  We had been to the British Isles several times, but our trip in 2013 was our first to the continent.  We landed in London and took the Chunnel to Paris. After a few days in Paris, we took the train to Colmar, spent some time in Alsace, before taking a train through Switzerland to Milan, Italy.  We then spent the rest of our trip in Northern Tuscany with time in Florence, Lucca, the Mediterranean Coast and the small walled hill town of Monteriggioni, nestled between the cities of Florence and Siena.  While in Monteriggioni, Davis and…

On the last two days of our hike (Days 7 & 8 on The Way), we enjoyed some shorter hiking days with 10 miles on Day 7 (some did hike over 16 miles on this day) and 6 miles on Day 8.  On both days, we did a lot of “Beach Hiking” and had to cross several streams that flowed from the hills down to the beach. It was fascinating to watch my fellow hikers decide how to cross each of these.  Some just went right through and did not mind that their hiking boots got wet.  Some took their boots off. Lizzy did this a few times.  And when…

Day 8 of our Ireland Trip kicked off the second half of our hike. On my last post I mentioned that Day 5 (today) on the Dingle Way should be much easier than Day 4 because it would be slightly shorter and much flatter. Day 5 of our hike started out pleasant and sunny. It would not end that way. Today we would be completing a 13.5 mile hike from Dunquin to Feohanagh. Along the way we enjoyed outstanding views of the wild Atlantic Ocean and a few secluded beaches. Early in the hike we stopped at the workshop of renowned Irish potter Louis Mulcahy at Clothar and had coffee…

After a great evening at the South Pole Inn Pub, the next morning we started out on the third day of our hike. As we left Annascaul for our 14-mile hike to Dingle, we headed west, along meandering country roads with views of the Iveragh Peninsula, the fourth of the five peninsulas in Southwest Ireland. By the time we reached Minard Castle, we were drenched, but very much enjoying the hike. Minard Castle, located in a small sandy cove, was built in the 16th century. The castle was partly destroyed by Cromwell’s men in 1650.  We then walked some scenic and quiet roads that took us inland through farmland. This…

Today is Tuesday, Day 5 of our trip and Day 2 of our hike. We started Day 1 of our hike yesterday in Tralee, the official start of The Dingle Way. As the capital of County Kerry in Ireland, Tralee is known for its International Rose Festival, which occurs every August. Years ago, our son Davis spent quite a bit of time in this town for a class he was taking in College. The Dingle Way is one of over 30 Irish long-distance walking trails located throughout Ireland. Situated in the south-west of Ireland, the walk completes a circuit of the Dingle Peninsula, starting and finishing in Tralee. The trail…

Elizabeth and I leave tomorrow, September 5th for a 112-mile hiking trip in Ireland. This will be my third trip to “The Emerald Isle”.  The first trip occurred 15 years ago when our youngest son Carter wanted to go to Ireland for his senior year spring break.  The second trip occurred 6 years ago when my friend Pete wanted to celebrate his 60th birthday with a cycling trip in Ireland.  On the first trip we drove throughout central and southwest Ireland. We started in Dublin, and then spent time in County Clare, before hugging the Irish Coast known as the “Wild Atlantic Way” all the way from the Cliffs of Moher to the “Ring…