Posted on

Northwest Arkansas (Part I): Eureka Springs – A Funky Ozark Mountain Town

Far from the average tacky tourist town, Eureka Springs is a real-deal Victorian era city that quickly drew us in. Through a thousand feats of engineering, the beautiful historic town was built right into the limestone bluffs.

Even more impressive than the architecture is Eureka Springs’ welcoming, inclusive attitude. In these divisive times, this small Southern city sets a great example for how American cities could (and should) be. Continue reading Northwest Arkansas (Part I): Eureka Springs – A Funky Ozark Mountain Town

Posted on

35mm Photography: A diatribe on Air travel

In this day of a cell phone in every hand, the cacophony of sounds, even at a small airport, is quite something. Setting aside the actual airport-created sounds, I am surrounded by: A businessman giving a hard sell about the performance of his team of actuaries. A grown man playing a violent (loud) video game while his travel companion watches the Family Feud (also loud). The crinkle of wrappers; an unhealthy burrito meal on the go. The clickity click of my keyboard.  And that is just at my gate in the tiny Chattanooga airport. Continue reading 35mm Photography: A diatribe on Air travel

Posted on

Smith Rock State Park: Oregon’s Rock climbing Mecca & Dreamy Day hike destination

A legendary rock climbing destination, Smith Rock State Park is a paradise for hikers as well. We made a (not-long-enough) stop here for a few hours on our way south to Bend. What our 4-mile-hiked lacked in length, it made up for with a challenging workout and spectacular scenery. Continue reading Smith Rock State Park: Oregon’s Rock climbing Mecca & Dreamy Day hike destination

Posted on

Gear Review: Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe SI Sleeping Pad

Featuring a memory foam core, straight sidewalls, and 4″ thickness when fully inflated, Sea to Summit’s Comfort Deluxe SI Sleeping Pad is a luxurious option for camping in a tent or vehicle.

Having slept on the Comfort Deluxe SI sleeping pad at least 120 nights over the past nine months, I have definitely put this camping mat through its paces. Here is why I think you should buy the Comfort Deluxe SI Sleeping Pad, in spite of some frustrating quirks… Continue reading Gear Review: Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe SI Sleeping Pad