In December 2012, four friends and I embarked on a trip to Chilean Patagonia, where we explored Torres del Paine National Park. This national park is awe-inspiringly beautiful. No, that photo above is not from somewhere on the internet. I took it on our hike. Pretty incredible, right? Here are some quotes from my travel journal: "Torres del Paine National Park is unbelievable and beautiful and almost unreal. It is unlike anything I have ever seen." "I was in awe of the scenery. Even the part of the forest where the trees had been burned by fire had a stark, desolate kind of beauty with some new life springing up in the form of grass and flowers. And, no matter which way we turned our heads, there was beautiful scenery - to our right, the mountain peaks, and, to our left, the lake, glacier, and more mountains in the distance." "Everything out here is so other-worldly beautiful that it's easy to see God's hand. Patagonia is beautiful and I am content." This was my first multi-day backpacking trip, and I believe that the "W" circuit in Torres del Paine National Park is the perfect place for someone with any level of experience. First of all, you will be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful place with such diverse scenery. Have I made this point enough? It's beautiful. Another awesome thing about the park is that you can drink any water in the park because it's all fresh glacier run-off, meaning that the water is fresh, cold, clean-tasting, and readily available. You don't have to worry about hanging your food when camping because there are not bears or other scavenging animals in the area. Finally, if camping is not your thing, you can always hike between the refugios with a lighter pack, sleep in a bed every night, and eat meals in the refugio restaurants. We went the cheaper route by carrying our own camping equipment and food, but I really enjoyed camping in the park each night and the sense of camaraderie among the backpackers at campsites. The "W" RouteDay 1 Hiking Distance: 11 km From the bus drop-off, we had to take a ferry across Lago Pehoe before we could start hiking. I was taking pictures like crazy from the ferry, but I had no idea that even more spectacular scenery awaited me on our 5-day hike. The ferry dropped us off by Refugio Paine Grande, and we set off on our hike. Our destination was the Refugio Gray campsite. We were treated to stunning views of Lago Gray and Glacier Gray as we hiked. I was in awe the entire time, particularly at the intense blue color of the water contrasted with the dark mountains rising behind it. Unfortunately, the picture below doesn't portray the vibrant color of the water. We camped near Refugio Gray. From the refugio and campsite, there is a short trail that leads to a glacier overlook. Our group decided to take the short walk and was rewarded with views over Glacier Gray. At the campsite, there was a shelter with tables that campers could use to cook. Even though we were blessed with beautiful weather, I could see the shelter being useful in high winds and during rainstorms. On the night we camped, the bugs swarmed around our tents, so we turned in early, partially to escape the bugs and partially because we were exhausted from the day's hike. Day 2 Hiking Distance: 18.6 km The second day's section of the "W" required us to retrace our steps back to Refugio Paine Grande and on to Camp Italiano. It might seem annoying to retrace the steps that you hiked yesterday, but, trust me, looking at those views never gets old. Plus, part of the hike is through new terrain. This isn't a problem if you do the longer "O" Circuit, where the loop is completed, so there is no retracing of your steps. The views of Paine Grande and other mountains made for excellent hiking scenery, but the best part of the day actually came at the end. When our feet were throbbing and our shoulders were aching and all we wanted was to arrive at the campsite, we came to a wooden bridge over a river. Only two people were allowed to cross the bridge at a time, so the rest of us were unaware of the treat that awaited us until we reached the middle of the bridge. I kept thinking, "Why is everyone stopping to take pictures in the middle of this bridge?" Then, I reached the middle and was rewarded with a spectacular mountain view - the one in the picture at the top of this post - and that gave all of us renewed energy at the end of a long day, Day 3 Hiking Distance: 20.5 km We started the day by taking our instant coffee from the campsite down to the river with the beautiful mountain view that you see at the top of this post. Let me tell you, instant coffee has never tasted so good as it did with fresh air, beautiful views, and the sound of rushing water nearby. Today's hike was up into the Valle Frances, the middle portion of the "W", meaning we would hike into the valley and then retrace our steps to continue on the next branch of the route. Which meant that we could leave our packs at the campsite and pick them up when we came back through! After carrying our big backpacks, carrying just water and a snack was heavenly! The Valle Frances was incredible. The hike in ended on top of a big rock in the middle of the valley, with snow capped mountains rising up around us in a 360 degree panorama. After taking it in and heading back to our campsite, we grabbed our packs and continued on to camp at Los Cuernos. On the way, we walked on the shore of a lake, taking a quick break in the sunshine on the beach. I loved the campsite at Los Cuernos because our tents were on platforms with views of the lake and mountains. I took my boots off of my aching feet and ate dinner with my legs hanging over the edge of the platform, soaking up the view. Day 4 Hiking distance: 20 km Today's hiking took us through rolling hills covered in green foliage, past bright blue lakes, and by wild horses grazing in the meadows. We commented that it reminded us of Scotland, despite nobody having been to Scotland at that point. But, hey, pictures. Much of the hike was uphill so it was hard on my feet and knees. Toward the end of our hiking for the day, we crossed the river pictured below, and began a climb upward to Campamento Torres. Luckily, we were able to stop at Refugio Chileno before the last part of the trail to grab a quick snack and rest for a few minutes. Our plan was to camp at Campamento Torres, wake up before sunrise, and complete the hour-long climb to the Torres lookout just in time to see the sunrise over the Torres with some breakfast. Day 5 Hiking distance: 10 km (approximately) As you may notice, I have no pictures of the actual Torres, the most famous landmark in Torres del Paine National Park. The reason for the lack of photo evidence is that, despite us waking up at 3:45am and climbing up to Mirador Torres, we were completely engulfed in a blizzard. Snow was falling heavily, our gloves and hats got soaked from the snow, and visibility was extremely low. We couldn't even see the outline of the Torres after the sun rose. Eventually, we had to accept the fact that we were cold, wet, and going to leave without seeing the Torres. It is important to note that the climb to the Mirador Torres is very steep and quite challenging. Headlamps are crucial if you are trying to climb before sunrise, particularly in the areas where you have to scramble over rocks and boulders. I hear the view at the top is worth it. I hope to experience it another time in my life! By the time we descended to camp, our group was freezing, soaked, and ready to be done. We threw our gear into our bags (to be sorted and dried later at our hostel) and practically ran down the trail to Hosteria Las Torres, where we changed into warm, dry clothes, scarfed down an amazing breakfast buffet, and waited for the bus to Puerto Natales in the cozy lobby. I would say that I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to see the Torres, but I wasn't crushed. I felt that so many scenic and impressive views occurred in the first 3 days of our trek - Glacier Gray, Paine Grande, Los Cuernos, Valle Frances - and I was incredibly grateful that we had perfect weather for those days. We missed one landmark but got to enjoy so many others throughout the W Circuit that I can't say the blizzard ruined our trek. Some people propose going the reverse direction, starting with the Torres and ending with Glacier Gray and the catamaran. I was happy with the route we took, and I think that either direction will give you opportunities for beautiful memories. Remember, there's no guarantee for nice weather on any given day! Plus, we actually got to see the Torres from the estancia we stayed at following our hike. They weren't as close as they would have been from Mirador Torres, but they were still majestic in the distance. TipsI highly recommend going to the free Erratic Rock information session in Puerto Natales before you head to the park. It happens every afternoon, and the sessions are given by people who have hiked and guided in the park. Like I mentioned above, some people choose to hike west to east and others choose east to west. You don't have to follow their recommendations, but the Erratic Rock information session is full of great tips on logistics and gear. It's always nice to hear from people who have done the route before. Besides, it's free! What's better than that?
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Last year for spring break, my husband, Brett, and I wanted to plan a spring break trip on a budget. We tried to figure out where we could drive to stay on our budget, but the problem in Texas is that you can drive for a whole day and still be in the same state. There are places I want to go in Texas, like Padre Island National Seashore, but no way were we heading to the beaches on spring break. So, after considering our options within driving distance, we decided to head west to Marfa and Big Bend National Park. Though Big Bend National Park is in Texas, it took us an entire day's drive to get there. Before heading to the park, we stopped in Marfa and Fort Davis. Read on to hear about our adventures in west Texas! MarfaMarfa is an odd town. It is a tiny, dusty, west Texas town, seemingly no different than the other tiny, dusty, west Texas towns. However, it has gained legendary status for a couple of reasons. First of all, in 1971, artist Donald Judd moved to Marfa and created large scale, minimalist art installations there. Now, Marfa is known as a hub for minimalist art. You can visit Judd's minimalist art at the Chinati Foundation, where there are indoor and outdoor art pieces. The pieces play with light, shadow, and angle to create different effects from different perspectives. Inspired by Judd, other minimalist artists have taken up residence in Marfa and have left their imprint on the town. Unassuming storefronts in the town disguise art galleries. We walked into Marfa Book Company, which sold a variety of books, including some about art and Texas. When we walked through a doorway in the back of the shop, Brett and I found ourselves in yet another art gallery. Even if you drive 26 miles outside of town, you'll find Prada Marfa, a permanent sculpture installation. Exploring Marfa is like being in Alice's Adventures in Art Wonderland: just when you think you have the little town figured out, you might fall down a rabbit hole to find a whole new experience with minimalist art. Marfa is also famous for the mysterious "Marfa lights", mentioned in the song "No Spare Parts" by the Rolling Stones. I learned that fun fact from Brett, who loves the Stones. The Marfa lights can be found just outside of town in a specific spot, where there is a viewing platform set up just for visitors who want to see the famed lights. They are glowing orbs that appear to dance, move, converge, and diverge in midair. People have seen the lights since the 1880s and have offered countless explanations, from paranormal phenomena to car headlights to aliens to gases. They do not appear every night, so some would-be viewers drive away disappointed. Unfortunately, on our spring break trip, we did not have time to drive out to the platform and wait for the lights. Fort DavisThough we visited Marfa for a day, Brett and I stayed in Fort Davis, which is near Davis Mountains State Park. If you are in the area, go to Davis Mountains State Park. We drove through it at sunset and were amazed at the landscape that was illuminated in pinks and purples. There are hiking trails and camping opportunities in the state park. Fort Davis is unincorporated and tiny, the majority of the town confined to one street. Fort Davis only had a few restaurants, but we were able to find a grocery store for provisions before heading to Big Bend. Though it is a tiny town, staying in Fort Davis gave us a great location for exploring the area. The towns of Alpine and Marfa are an easy drive, Davis Mountains State Park is nearby, the McDonald Observatory overlooks Fort Davis, and Big Bend National Park is a few hours away. We stayed at Mountain Trails Lodge & Outdoor Learning Center, which I highly recommend. Brett and I stayed in one of these cute little cabins, which contained a queen-sized bed, kitchenette, and porch. I really enjoyed the breakfast that was included in our room rate. It was a hearty, home-cooked meal. We could help ourselves from the buffet and savor the meal at brightly colored tables and chairs in the dining room. The main lodge and dining room had huge framed maps of Texas from centuries past, when it covered more territory and when it was its own country. I adore maps and, not being familiar with Texas state history, found them fascinating. With breakfast, they served coffee from Big Bend Coffee Roasters in Marfa. There was something that felt very adventurous and exciting about holding my warm coffee that was locally roasted and looking out the window at the desert landscape, planning that day's adventure. It felt very full of possibilities. McDonald ObservatoryGo to a Star Party. I cannot recommend this highly enough. Should I say it again? Go to a Star Party. Brett and I visited McDonald Observatory one night for a Star Party, and it was our favorite activity on the whole spring break trip. McDonald Observatory is located in the Davis Mountains, over 400 miles from Austin, but it is still property of the University of Texas at Austin. The observatory sits far out in west Texas, on top of a mountain, where there is little to no light pollution. The observatory hosts Star Parties a few nights a week, led by astronomers, for the general public to learn about the objects in the night sky. We began our party in an amphitheater. The presenter has a laser light that he used to point out stars, planets, nebulas, and constellations. Now, I don't get very excited about technology but the laser was cool. It seemed to extend all the way to the actual objects, so the presenter could circle stars and connect them to make constellations. If you go to a Star Party, remember that the McDonald Observatory is in the northern Chihuahuan Desert, and it can get cold at night. We went in March, brought coats and gloves, and still had to ask the family next to us to borrow a blanket. Despite the cold, we loved the orientation to the night sky and hearing facts about outer space. After the presentation, we had the opportunity to look through various telescopes at the observatory, staffed by University of Texas at Austin students. I saw a close-up view of the moon's surface, craters and all. I also saw Jupiter and its famous spot. I was able to see a few nebulas, though I can't remember the specific names. When you live in the city, sometimes you forget how much the night sky is affected by light pollution. It was really amazing to experience the night sky in the Davis Mountains, where the velvety blackness was packed with brightly lit stars. Big Bend National ParkFrom Fort Davis, Brett and I headed down to Big Bend National Park, which lies on the Rio Grande River, just north of the Mexican border. Big Bend is a desert park, but it contains a wide variety of landscapes, from desert plants to the Chisos Mountains to the Rio Grande River. Visitors can camp at one of three campgrounds (Chisos Basin, Cottonwood, Rio Grande Village) or at primitive backcountry sites. Or if hotels are more your speed, you can stay at the Chisos Mountain Lodge. Brett and I chose to camp in the Chisos Basin campground, since we both prefer to be up in the mountains. The campground sits in a basin, so peaks of the Chisos Mountains rise up around the campsites. Our favorite part of the park was the Chisos Mountians. However, another beautiful natural feature is the Santa Elena Canyon, created by the Rio Grande River flowing through it. Many visitors choose to swim in the river or to take guided river rafting trips through the canyon. Fun fact about Big Bend National Park: "In 2012, the park was named as an International Dark Sky Park by the Internationsl Dark-Sky Association, which recognized the park as one of only ten places on the planet certified for dark sky stargazing. In addition, the Association recognized the park as having the darkest measured skies in the lower 48 United States. " (Wikipedia) Lost Mine TrailLooking at the map of trails for a moderate hike, Brett and I chose the Lost Mine Trail in the Chisos Mountains, which is 4.8 miles round trip. The trail was moderately difficult, with some steep sections. The Lost Mine Trail wound up to a beautiful overlook, where we could see the Chisos Mountains, the desert, and beyond into Mexico. At the top, we rested, enjoyed some water and energy bars, and took in the expansive views. We were able to do the whole trail, round-trip in a few hours one afternoon. At the trailhead, signs warned us of crossing paths with wildlife, including mountain lions, but Brett and I saw no trace of wildlife other than birds. Though we passed other people on the trail, it was not overly crowded, despite us visiting during spring break. A great hike in the park for people who want a little bit of a challenge but don't want to commit all day to one of the more strenuous hikes, like South Rim or Emory Peak. For some other trail suggestions, visit the Big Bend National Park website to see mountain hikes, desert hikes, and river hikes. Window View TrailThis trail is not about the hiking; rather, it's about the view at the end. The Window View Trail is only about a quarter of a mile, and the path is paved. It leads to "the window", a view between the peaks of the Chisos Mountains that is perfect for watching a Big Bend desert sunset. As the sun sinks behind the mountains, the sky is painted with hues of yellow and orange, framed by dark, jagged rocks. There are benches to sit on while watching the sunset, and be sure you have a flashlight or headlamp for the way back, as the path is not well lit after dark. Viewing the sunset at the window is the perfect ending to a day outdoors at Big Bend National Park.
Over Easter weekend, my parents came to visit Austin, so I got to show them some of the Austin sights! We went on a half-day trip to Gruene, a small town in the Texas hill country about an hour from Austin. It's near New Braunfels, just north of San Antonio. Interestingly, Wikipedia describes Gruene as a "former town". Previously a cotton town, by the middle of the 20th century, it had turned into a ghost town. However, Gruene has undergone a revival and is now primarily a tourist destination. Currently, it's an adorable place to visit, home to a general store, wine tasting room, general store, shops, restaurants, and Gruene Hall, famous for being Texas' oldest dance hall. The Gruene Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places. Gruene General storeOne of our first stops was the Gruene General Store, which is a fun place to wander around for a bit. We were immediately sidetracked by the large display of nut butters, salsas, and dips that customers could sample at the front of the store. I have to admit that we probably tried more than our fair share of samples. As a note, I thought the maple pecan honey butter and the praline pecan honey butter were awesome. Pecans are a big part of Texas culture. You see pecan pralines sold everywhere. The pecan tree is the state tree of Texas. So, trying a pecan delicacy in Texas is a must! The store also offered Texas souvenirs, including items for the big universities in the state, and a fudge/ice cream counter. The GrapevineOur next stop in Gruene was The Grapevine, a wine tasting room. All the wines on the tasting menu were from Texas, although you could order glasses or bottles of wines from elsewhere as well. The Texas Hill Country has a lot of wonderful wineries, particularly in Fredericksburg. Each of us tasted three wines and then ordered a glass. I chose the Texas Southwind Blackberry from Refugio, TX, near Corpus Christi. It was definitely a sweet dessert wine, but I can't pass up blackberries, my favorite fruit. Outside The Grapevine, there are old barrels grouped with benches for seating. We ended up with a beautiful day for enjoying wine in the sunshine. The Grapevine also had a small stage, and we happened to sit down just as a band was setting up. I couldn't have asked for a better afternoon than to sip a glass of Texas wine in the sunshine, listen to some music, and enjoy the company of my family. The GristmillFor dinner, we ate at The Gristmill, a restaurant situated overlooking the Guadalupe River. The restaurant is located in the remains of the Gruene cotton gin, which burned down except for the brick boiler room. Patrons can sit inside, surrounded by old brick and warm wood, or outside, enveloped in green trees. It also happens to be right next to famous Gruene Hall (see description below). We all ordered entrees of either steak or fish, both of which were delicious. Our group was lucky enough to grab a seat by the window, so we had sunshine pouring in through the trees as we ate and a small slice of river was visible through the branches. It's hard to imagine a more picturesque place to eat! Gruene HallGruene Hall is probably the most famous attraction in Gruene, TX. It is billed as "Texas' Oldest Dance Hall", built in 1878. I wasn't familiar with Gruene Hall until moving to Texas; however, the first time I went there, my mom told me, "I've always wanted to go to Gruene Hall!" The inside of the hall is a large room with wooden floors, a bar, and a stage. Out back, there is a huge garden with tables. This place has hosted famous musical acts, including Willie Nelson, George Strait, Townes Van Zandt, Hal Ketchum, Ryan Bingham, and more. I have to admit that the pictures below are not from our visit last weekend. There was unfortunately no live music going on when we stopped in Gruene Hall, so we just walked inside to take a look around. The pictures below are from the Turnpike Troubadours concert that I went to in the fall. First of all, the Turnpike Troubadors are amazing live, so it was an awesome show! Also, Gruene Hall was such a fun place for a concert! Maybe it's because I was not raised in Texas, but I have never been to a concert quite like it. Almost everyone was wearing cowboy boots, and, during the upbeat songs, they would stomp their boots on the floor, creating a heavy beat and loud energy. And the coolest thing is that, in a place filled with so much history, you can just imagine people decades ago dancing around the wooden floor, their boots making the exact same noise. Gruene Hall should definitely be considered when looking a live music venues in the area. When we went to the Turnpike Troubadours concert, we drove from Austin just for the concert and returned that evening. It would be easy enough to plan a vacation to Austin, but head to Gruene for one evening for a concert. Check the concert listings - you don't want to miss this historic venue! Explore GrueneThe sights above are some of the most well-known in Gruene, but it has even more to explore. We browsed an antique store that offered a wide variety of treasures, from old flags to jewelry to cowboy hats to furniture. In addition to the tasting room, there are a couple of wineries - Vineyard at Gruene and Winery on the Gruene. There are adorable bed and breakfasts for folks who want to stay in this town for a weekend. On the third weekend of every month, Gruene also has Gruene Market Days, a market of over 100 vendors that sell handmade goods, art, and food. I have heard great reviews of Gruene Market Days and would love to head there sometime!
If you are visiting Austin or San Antonio, make a half-day or full-day trip to Gruene, and enjoy the laid back small town vibe as well as the historic charm. It also makes a great getaway for people living in those cities who want a day trip or a weekend away. And, if you visit in the spring, you just might see some Texas bluebonnets on the way. These wildflowers line the highways and pop up in fields. Be warned: it is illegal to pick Bluebonnets! However, take all the pictures you want with these beautiful flowers. We certainly seized the opportunity! Happy spring! When considering the spectacular options for a European trip, until recently, I had never considered Iceland, passing it over for more well-known destinations like Italy or France. Then, I actually looked up information about Iceland. I found an island that has an ethereal, other-worldly beauty and ample opportunity for outdoor activities. I was immediately hooked and have been aching to make a trip to Iceland ever since. I discovered an incredibly cool travel opportunity when researching random airfare deals. Doesn't everybody do that in their spare time? Anyway, Iceland Air has a stopover option, meaning that, if you book a trip to another destination in Europe, you can choose a stopover for up to seven days in Iceland on your way to or from your destination. WHAT? And, get this - the price is comparable to a ticket from America to Europe without a stopover in Iceland. You're not paying any additional airfare for time in Iceland. Two destinations for the price of one? Sign. Me. Up. I think this is such a cool travel deal if you have some extra time to spend exploring Iceland during the course of other European travels. ReykjavikReykjavik, the northernmost capital city in the world, has a reputation for good food and drink, as well as being easy to navigate and pedestrian friendly. There is a scenic pathway for walkers and bikers who want to explore the city. A stop by the botanical gardens is free. The Hallgrímskirkja church, pictured below, is an obvious landmark, as it towers above the skyline. Reykjavik has many museums, possibly due to the fact that it is the only city in the country, including the National Gallery of Iceland, Reykjavik City Museum, National Museum of Iceland, Culture House, Volcano House, and the Reykjavik Museum of Photography. The City Museum also runs The Settlement Exhibition in central Reykjavik, which was built around the oldest archeological ruins in Iceland. When in Europe, I am always amazed at the richness of history, since the ruins, buildings, and traditions are often centuries older than those in America. Reykjavik is also very near mountains that are reachable by public bus for hiking. In addition, there are whale watching tours, opportunities to ride Icelandic Horses, a variety of geothermal pools, concerts, theater performances - I could go on and on. The more I read about Reykjavik, the more activities I discover to do in a relatively small city. Finally, I think it would be incredible to see the Northern Lights, which are visible from various places in Iceland, including Reykjavik. However, they are only visible in winter, whereas summer offers the best weather for outdoor activities. Blue LagoonI had to give the Blue Lagoon its own section on this blog post because it's so famous. If you haven't been obsessively researching Iceland like me, I'll give you the details. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal pool, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. The minerals in the water are reportedly wonderful for skin, including people with skin conditions like psoriasis. You basically float around, soak up the warmth, and rub the mineral-rich mud on your skin. Who needs fancy spa treatments when you can enjoy nature's version for only 35 Euros? I know there are other geothermal pools in the Reykjavik area, so, if crowds aren't your thing - the Blue Lagoon draws a lot of visitors - then ask around for other good options. Þingvellir National ParkÞingvellir National Park is located at the junction between the European and North American tectonic plates, so it has a rift valley and the largest natural lake in Iceland. There is a parliament site dating back to 930 AD, where the oldest existing parliament in the world first met. The park also contains an old church, deserted farms in the lava field, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. Many people go diving in two submerged rifts, since Þingvellir is known for stunningly clear visibility in the water. The park is located only an hour from Reykjavik, and buses run daily between the city and the park. There is no park entrance fee. I am not a diver, but I think this would make a great day trip from Reykjavik. Vatnajökull National ParkVatnajökull National Park is the largest national park in Europe, made by combining two former national parks into one. It offers places to camp and trails to hike, in addition to Iceland's highest mountain, Iceland's largest glacier, and Iceland's most powerful waterfall. There are tours that offer glacier walks and ice climbing. Like Þingvellir National Park, there is no park entrance fee. I would put this park at the top of my "must do" list in Iceland, since it encompasses the best of the landscape elements that Iceland is known for. Ideally, I would love to spend a couple of days in Vatnajökull National Park, going on a glacier tour, camping, and hiking, in order to get a feel for this starkly beautiful environment. Ring RoadRing Road is Route 1, the major highway around Iceland, meaning that it connects all the major towns and sights in the country, including Reykjavik. The Ring Road is 830 miles long, so, with stops at various towns and national parks, it can take a week or more. The road passes through mountains, fjords, plains, waterfalls, and small towns. Driving the Ring Road would enable me to see much of Iceland at my own pace. If I confined my trip to Reykjavik and the surrounding area, I would miss the wild, sparsely populated areas of the country. Almost everything that I've read about Iceland encourages visitors to explore outside of Reykjavik in order to experience all that Iceland has to offer.
I must admit that I love a good road trip. I love seeing new and exciting places as I drive through them. I love making impromptu stops at roadside attractions and beautiful vistas. I love singing along with my road trip playlist. I love rolling the windows down on a nice day and feeling the wind whipping through my hair. I love waking up early in the morning and setting off in my car at sunrise with coffee...and this is saying something because everyone who knows me will tell you that I am not a morning person. The Ring Road in Iceland is the ultimate road trip, and it's hard for me to imagine a better adventure. #ThrowbackThursday to August 2010 when my friend Heidi and I traveled to Ireland Our initial conversation Me: Want to go to Ireland? Heidi: Yeah! Me: I'm being serious Heidi: ...So am I! We visited Dublin and Galway, but this post focuses specifically on Galway and the surrounding areas that we explored. I adored Galway. The countryside in Ireland is actually as green as it looks in photos. We were able to enjoy the slower pace of Galway by wandering around, stopping at street markets, purchasing food and eating it by the river, and having a drink at some of the pubs. We ate fish and chips at every opportunity - the fish was always fresh and delicious, since we were right near the coast. Galway is small and charming. It was easy enough to explore the city on foot, which gave us the opportunity to go at our own pace. In the evenings, we met locals in the pubs who bought us Guinness and showed us pictures of their dogs, in an experience straight out of a novel. In this post, I included photos of the Galway highlights, as well as a little information about our experiences. One of the excursions we took from Galway was to the Cliffs of Moher. We stopped at Poulnabrone Dolmen, which is a portal tomb, dating back thousands of years. We also visited the Ballyalban Fairy Fort, where it is rumored that leprechauns live, and saw Celtic High Crosses. The highlight of the tour was the time we had at the Cliffs of Moher. They were breath-taking, stretching in jagged lines toward the horizon. Standing on top of the cliffs and listening to the ocean crash below was truly awe-inspiring. I know I said this above, but one of the things that really stood out to me about Ireland is how vibrantly green the grass and the foliage actually is. It makes everything feel very alive and fresh! That includes the grass on top of the cliffs, which provided striking contrast to the dark rock of the cliffs. We were able to spend a couple of hours at the cliffs, which gave us ample opportunity to explore both north and south of the visitor's center. Heidi and I also took a ferry to the Aran Islands. While Galway had a laid-back charm and the Cliffs of Moher were breath-taking, the Aran Islands might have been my favorite day of the trip. Specifically, we visited Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands are a Gaeltacht, or an Irish-speaking region. This designation indicates that the Irish language is the language of the home. In many regions, the Irish language is fading from use, so it was very cool to visit a place where the traditions and language have been preserved. On Inishmore, Heidi and I rented bicycles to travel around the island. It is easily bike-able. I cannot express how peaceful it was to pedal through gorgeous scenery with the sun shining on us. We were able to stop whenever we wanted and take our time, since we had planned to leave on the latest ferry that evening. We biked to an ancient fort on the island, Dun Aengus, which is on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. We stopped at a cemetery and explored some ruins that we happened across. It was amazing to see thatched roof cottages, which are so picturesque. I also loved that signs on the island were written in the Irish language, as opposed to signs we had seen in Dublin and Galway, written in English. Heidi and I both bought claddagh rings in Galway. We both had owned versions of claddagh rings before our trip but wanted to get new rings in the place they originated! Claddagh was a small fishing town that is now part of Galway city. The heart on the ring represents love, the crown represents loyalty, and the hand represent friendship. The way the ring is worn tells about the wearer's relationship status. I have worn my claddagh ring from Galway every day since the trip. Ireland was one of my favorite places I've ever been. It offers scenic natural beauty, centuries of history, and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. I must admit, as I look through my trip photos on this #ThrowbackThursday, I'm feeling a little nostalgic. I think that means another trip to Ireland is in my future!
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. -Irish Blessing |
AuthorMy name is Alyssa Good and I have a passion for travel, adventure, culture, and new experiences! I focus on budget friendly travel, trip planning resources, and seeking out new experiences. Archives
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