Traveler

Journey: Traveler
West Highland Way, Scotland -

Trip: West Highland Way, Scotland

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West Highland Way, Scotland -

Trip: West Highland Way, Scotland

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West Highland Way, Scotland -

Trip: West Highland Way, Scotland

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West Highland Way, Scotland -

Trip: West Highland Way, Scotland

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West Highland Way, Scotland -

Trip: West Highland Way, Scotland

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West Highland Way, Scotland -

Trip: West Highland Way, Scotland

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Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia -

Trip: Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia

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Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia -

Trip: Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia

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Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia -

Trip: Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia

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Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia -

Trip: Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia

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Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia -

Trip: Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia

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Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia -

Trip: Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia

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Kumano Kodo, Japan -

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan - There are five main routes to the Kumano Kodo, a network of trails in the Kii mountains connecting the sacred spiritual sites of ancient Japan. We hiked the Kohechi (Mountainous) Route and the second half of the Nakahechi (Imperial) Route. .Hiro shows us our route. Temples in Japan are denoted by the ancient Sanskrit symbol, manji. Because it is sometimes confused with a swastika the country is considering changing this on maps for foreigners in advance of the 2020 olympic games. 

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan - We encountered layers upon layers of history and religious tradition, and began to contextualize the very long walk we were about to undertake. This is Okunoin Cemetery in Koyasan, the largest graveyard in Japan. Paths of mossy stones and bridges pass hundreds of thousands of monuments to the deceased and lead to Okunoin, the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the monk who brought Buddhism to Japan. Each tier from these five-tier stupa represents one of the five elements of the esoteric Buddhist theory of cosmic order of the universe: earth, water, fire, air, space. The entire tower together represents consciousness.

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan - Our first lodging experience on our trek was in Koyo-San at the Jokiin Buddhist Temple Lodge where we discovered a Japanese heated low table known as a kotatsu. The futon covers the open sides of the table to trap the heat from an electric heating element underneath the table to keep your feet and legs warm.

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan - The most beloved Buddhist deity in Japan, Jizo is the protector of travelers, children and the souls of the deceased. Travelers and parents adorn the statues with hand-knitted beanies and hand-sewn bibs to say thanks. We encountered countless Jizo statues along the trails in Japan and we took time to pause a moment, and offer our respects for keeping us safe on our travels. 🙏🏼

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan -

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan - The Kumano Kodo is one of two UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes, the other being the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago). A “Dual Pilgrim Passport” program was created to celebrate and honor those who complete both pilgrimage routes. There are 2 sides to the passport, one for the Kumano Kodo and the other for the Way of St James. Pilgrims collect stamps along the trail as a record of the walk. Some days we saw just one stamping station while other days we earned four stamps!

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan -

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan - “Good morning. Please remember, even one grain of rice has a power of the universe. Please remember, even one drop of water contains heaven and blessings. Please appreciate nature. Enjoy your breakfast.” ~Jokiin Temple Lodge

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan -

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan - And the food! We ate like queens, each meal a masterpiece of artfully plated elements, regional variety and seasonal specialties presented with thoughtful precision.

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan - Kawayu Onsen, Japan

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan -

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan -

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Kumano Kodo, Japan -

Trip: Kumano Kodo, Japan

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Desolation Wilderness California - Lake Tahoe

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - We are blessed again with sunny blue skies. We said our thanks to the goddess Dagala who watched us over in Bhutan and continues to be our weather guardian.

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - We weren’t particularly hungry 90 minutes away from the trailhead parking lot, but, determined to eat all of the food we had carried in, we fired up the JetBoil once more.

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - On the return journey we made time to stop and enjoy Maud Lake.

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - Jenny took her hat off so you could see just how powerfully windy it was. It was difficult to breathe.

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - A look back at Rockbound Pass

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - Rock, rock and more rock. Rockbound Pass lives up to its name.

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - A makeshift bridge was the only way to reach our campsite at Lake Lois..

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - We knew the hike back was no picnic, so we cleaned up the campsite and hit the trail. Notice how bundled up we are? We passed a couple who like us, had chosen Lake Lois for their campsite. Unlike us, they chose the warm, sunny side! They were enjoying breakfast and a relaxing morning coffee in shorts and T-shirts. We had so much to learn!

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Havasupai - The Supai don’t keep cars on the reservation. 

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - Havasu Falls, one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - We would not have been able to see the opening to a cave hidden behind a waterfall without a hand extended by our guides. 

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - The shallow pools in the upper part of Havasu Falls were once Supai Falls, but after flash floods it is more a series of cascading rapids.

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - The Grand Canyon is a good example of how travel gives you perspective.

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - Wading our way to Beaver Falls.

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - The red rocks alongside Mooney Falls look like they had once been flowing, but are now frozen in time.

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - Access to Mooney Falls is a very tight squeeze through tunnels cut through the canyon walls by early 20th century miners

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - Our first look at the otherworldly turquoise waters that lure countless hikers to this spot year after year. The most challenging part of seeing Havasu Falls? It’s obtaining the mandatory permit. The widely-coveted and elusive permits have made a trip to Havasu Falls the ultimate bucket list trip.

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by high cliffs of Supai sandstone, a deep red rock found throughout the Grand Canyon and named after this location.

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - The entrance to the Havasu village is announced by two prominent rock spires, known as Wigleeva, which the Havasupai believe are guardians watching over their lands. As long as they remain standing, they will protect the Havasupai.

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - After hiking miles through a parched canyon floor, we start seeing signs of life with this huge green tree. Water must be nearby!

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - We descended 2000 feet in the first mile all via switchbacks and then we were on the floor of the Grand Canyon. It’s overwhelming to think that each sedimentary layer in the rocks is millions of years of history.

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - The Grand Canyon!! We’re giddy because it’s our first time. The magnificence of this place cannot be captured in a photo. And words cannot do it justice either. It’s one of those places you must see in person to truly appreciate the scale and grandeur. 

Trip: Havasupai

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Havasupai - It’s a 4.5 hour drive from Phoenix to the trailhead at Hualapai Hilltop via Route 66, and the hike to the campsite at Havasu Falls is 10 miles. So a pre-dawn departure time is essential if you’re driving and hiking in the same day.

Trip: Havasupai

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Mallorca, Spain - We’re in love with Mallorca! Its lush vegetation, amazing mountains, and majestic blue waters are etched in our minds. We will be back.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - Don’t look down if you’re afraid of heights! But how could you not when the water is so mesmerizing.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - The blue waters of the Balearic Sea are stunning.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - Ceding the right-of-way to the Mallorcan Army on a training run. They’re carrying their training weapons and a heavy backpack of kit. 

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - Safely back, comfortably resting at our rented villa in Mallorca, we realize we have a direct line view of the peak we just climbed.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - 360 degree views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains from the summit at Puig de L’Ofre. It’s not the stunning backdrop of the craggy limestone mountaintops along with the blue skies that made this one of our favorite memories from this trip, but the effort required to get here.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - The Balearic Sea is a commanding presence on our hike from Andraxt to the Sa Trapa Monastery.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - The towering peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana are bathed in sunlight.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - The Ashram combines challenging hiking adventures with a detoxifying nutrition program. We’re on a nutrient-dense vegetarian menu so a mid-hike snack break consists of a handful of raisins and nuts. When you are mindful about what you eat and eat slowly with intention, you feel satisfied. 

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - Our guide Marc’s family had an olive-tree grove in Mallorca and at the end of the trip, he gifted us some of his family’s freshly pressed olive oil. It was delicious!

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - The Balitx d’Avall, a rural homestead built by the Arabs in 1200, is our rest stop. In the middle of a lush valley, this old farmhouse has now been converted into a cafe and hotel.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - A glass of zuma de naranja? Yes please! Sóller is the center of Mallorcan orange growing as the valley is in a microclimate ideally suited to the growing of oranges.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - You can see some of the hillside terraces behind Dagmara. Due to difficult access, no mechanized farming methods can be used. Olive tree harvesting is all done by hand, leading to a sweeter, milder flavor of olive oil.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - These cobbled steps take us further towards the towering mountains of Serra de Tramuntana.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - The beautiful cove beach of Cala Tuent was the start of our 7 mile hike. 

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - A beautiful sunny morning in the Port de Sóller! A perfect day for a hike.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - The tiny village of Orient has a population of 30. But it has 3 restaurants to serve all of the visitors who want to visit one of the most remote villages in Mallorca. 

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - An above ground swimming pool on the trail made us ask: is it for humans or animals? Either way, it was the perfect place to stop for a picture of the beautiful Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.  

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in northwest Mallorca is a UNESCO designated site. Early settlement by Arab invaders and later by Christian armies created terraced agricultural landscape on this water-starved island. The 56 mile long mountain range is a hiker’s paradise.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - You never know what you’ll happen upon when you’re hiking in the mountains.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - Our first full-day hike started in the quaint and traditional village of Bunyola. These stone stairs worn with time made us think of the history of this beautiful island, settled over 1000 years ago by the Moors.

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Mallorca, Spain - Dagmara is a connector: she met Missy at The Ashram in California and they it hit off. She wanted Jenny and Missy to meet and encouraged us to go to The Ashram together, but this time on the Island of Mallorca, in the middle of the beautiful mediterranean sea. Sign us up!

Trip: Mallorca, Spain

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Desolation Wilderness California - Desolation Wilderness is full of hidden lakes and the only way to access them is by hiking. Such is the beauty of human-powered adventures! Most people who venture as far as the Four Q Lakes come via the Velma Trail. We ran into only one such group.

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - We secured our campsite and set out to explore the McConnell Lake Loop, one of the most beautiful hikes in Tahoe. It’s an unmaintained trail that’s reported as challenging to navigate. We felt prepared with paper maps and a fully charged Garmin but made some inexperienced choices, like leaving the spare batteries in the tent.

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - Some of us only get out of bed with the promise of coffee in the morning. Combine it with the fresh mountain air and life is perfect.

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - There are beautiful stone steps here, but we only saw a couple of them. Snow made the descent to Lake Doris slick and slow. 

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - We weren’t carrying much water, since water sources are plentiful on this trail. We had sorted our food choices and left a third of the jerky, bars, and dehydrated food behind. I reconsidered my layering system and decided to re-use everything except my socks, underwear and a fresh shirt, and decided I wouldn’t need both my lined waterproof jacket and a light down layer, a choice I would come to regret. Coffee, two hats, and the JetBoil stayed.

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - The Desolation Wilderness is wide open slabs of granite. Some sections of the trail are indicated by stone borders or cairns.

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Desolation Wilderness California - Removing our boots for a deep creek crossing in chilly meltwater was a welcome refresher for our feet.

Trip: Desolation Wilderness California

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Once thought to be the highest in the world, Kanchenjunga is now listed as the third highest mountain in the world, after Mt. Everest and K2.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Himalayan peaks: the Kanchenjunga massif is on the India/Nepal border.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - At each river crossing, Tsheten paid homage to Dagala, the goddess of the mountains.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Our final day in Bhutan was spent in Thimpu, Bhutan’s capital city. Tsheten in the traditional Bhutanese gho took us to the giant Buddha statue celebrating the 60th anniversary of the fourth king of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It took almost 10 years to construct and we were so lucky that it was completed just 10 days before our arrival.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - The clouds are gaining on us as we make our way across the final mountain pass.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Our guides add their stones to the final cairn on our trek.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - A nice break and some grass for our reliable pack horses.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Our guide Tsheten radiated an inner peace and happiness.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Dagmara spearheaded the planning of our Bhutan trek. And as usual, she made sure the weather cooperated and delivered blue skies every day! She had a little help from Dagala, the mountain goddess.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Roopali taking a moment to enjoy the view from the summit.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - A majestic view of the Himalayan peaks.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Our first yak sighting! Yaks can only survive at altitudes of 11,000 – 16,000 feet. Some yaks have even been found as high as 20,000 feet! What’s in their hemoglobin?

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - This was our first trekking trip where we slept in tents. Lessons from our tent: warmth gives you strength and remote places offer opportunities for the best connection. 

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - The luxury of a loo tent becomes a morning adventure when there is frost on the ground.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - The cairn at Pagalabtsa pass, 13,910 feet. For Buddhists, the construction of a cairn is a form of worship and a way to ask for good fortune. In Bhutan, you’ll find cairns covered in prayer flags, blessing the surrounding area and promoting peace. 

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Trip:

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Yes, I have a thing for coffee. I know enough to ask ahead and plan ahead, so when I learned the guides would be offering us tea at every meal and Bhutanese do not favor coffee, I packed a kit for myself. Metropolis is the coffee I make at home, and it was in my pack this time as well. We learned from Tsheten later that his next guiding client was a VIP couple from Italy, so at the end of the trek I gave him my Aeropress and the remaining coffee and filters just in case.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - The view from our lunch spot. 

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Our 9 mile hike from Genekha to Gur starts off with this chain bridge. 

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - A serious bowl of porridge at the Uma Paro to start off the day!

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - The hot stone bath in Bhutan is a great experience! This humble shed located on a farmhouse was rustic and authentic. We were given Butter Tea by the owners while they prepared our bath. The tea was salty and sweet and it prevents chapped lips and keeps the body warm. 

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - A symbol of harmony and fertility, the phallus is painted on buildings and homes in Bhutan. It is also said to keep away evil people, spirits and gossip. Maybe that’s the reason why Bhutan is known to have the happiest people.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Buddhist prayer flags are everywhere in Bhutan and promote peace, compassion, strength and wisdom. Prayers will be blown by the wind to spread good will and compassion into all pervading space. This peaceful dog agrees!

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Tiger’s Nest hangs impossibly on the side of a mountain at 3120m above sea level. Visitors are allowed inside but not allowed to disturb the monks or take pictures.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - The Bhutanese prayer wheels are activated by turning them clockwise with your hands as you say positive wishes for yourself and for all those you care for. They are peaceful, centering and healing.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - The Tiger’s Nest is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan and an iconic landmark. Legend has it that in 7th century AD, Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days, and 3 hours in order to subdue the evil spirits residing within it. A trip to Bhutan would not be complete without the hike to the Tiger’s Nest.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Dense forest and steep, rugged mountains make Bhutan a perfect destination for trekking.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Our first full day in Bhutan meant an acclimatization hike where one climbs high but sleeps low. We hiked to the famous “Tiger’s Nest” monastery, which you can see clinging to the side of the mountain behind us.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Chillies are a staple of the Bhutanese diet. Almost every other rooftop in Bhutan had chllies left out to dry in the sun. We couldn’t wait to try the cuisine!

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - We were eager to explore Paro and the Rinpung Dzong did not disappoint. This is classic Bhutanese architecture and was once a monastery and fortress. Now it is the Paro government offices.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Bhutan Dagala Trek - Landing at Paro International Airport is considered one of the most challenging airports for pilots. Planes enter through a long narrow valley and the pilot must make several sharp turns to avoid high ridges on both sides before the runway becomes visible on the last turn.

Trip: Bhutan Dagala Trek

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Dolomites, Italy - The fun continues on a post-trek water taxi for a day of sightseeing and gelato in Venice.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Patty kept telling us about the “sexy cows” and here they were. This breed has especially long eyelashes!

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Italy = mountans and espresso. I love it here. Rifugio Contrin.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - This is one of my favorite pictures from the Dolomites. We had been passing a flu bug back and forth and no one was feeling particularly well, but we were just so happy to be there and with one another we didn’t really notice.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Col de Cuk is a popular stop for hikers and cyclists. A very welcoming restaurant with excellent pizza, an amazing terrace with deckchairs and views of the Marmolada.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - The luxury of this kind of quality espresso on Day 5 of a trek is beyond amazing. Rifugio Val de Pan.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Rifugio Val de Pan: a beautiful building nestled in the mountains of Italy, accessible mainly by foot, where you can enjoy some of the best espresso drinks on the planet.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - We celebrated the Ferrata Piz da Lech and the camaraderie of trekking Alta Via 2 on the cozy porch of Franz Kostner. It was difficult to leave. 

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Piz da Lech summit for the adventure duo. 9,550 feet.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - From the top of the Ferrata Piz da Lech we could see Rifugio Cavazza al Pisciadù, our lodgings from two days prior. 

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - The panoramic view at the top of Via Ferrata Piz da Lech. From here, you are rewarded with views of the Sella group, as well as Mount Pelmo, Civetta and the Marmolada.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Finally! a rifugio where they speak our language: a bowl of coffee.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy -

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Rifugio Franz Kostner.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Our first glimpse of our favorite stop: Rifugio Franz Kostner

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Marmolada

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - We took a lot of pictures! The Dolomites reward you at every turn.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Piz Boè was our highest elevation for this trip. As we left the summit visibility was good, and we could see some of the future towns we would visit.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Our route had been carefully chosen by Patty and Marika, and it was time for a special diversion. We left the Piz Boè summit not in the direction of the lift, but to the northeast, toward a very special rifugio.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Fresh pasta with table service at 10,341 feet. That’s Italy.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - This charcuterie plate would be delicious at any altitude, for us it was heavenly.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - The Piz Boè summit has a lovely full service restaurant.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - The Piz Boè summit was for us a two and a half day hike, and the highest elevation on this trek. From the other side there is a lift from town that takes you nearly to the top, so it is sometimes busy.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Our refuge for the night was just above the ferrata end point, Rifugio Cavazza al Pisciadù. It looks awfully close but that last eighth of a mile can be hard.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - At the end of the ferrata is the bridge of no return…

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Via ferrata are popular! These are the climbers after us, who became part of our story, and a view of Corvara below.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Via Ferrata Tridentina is more or less vertical.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - It was a short walk to the start of the Via Ferrata Tridentina, but we stopped to enjoy the view of the town and mountains beyond.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - After a coffee break, we met up with our ferrata guide, Marco. He brought our harnesses and helmets for the Via Ferrata Tridentina.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - When you’re in Italy, good coffee is never too far away, even hiking in the mountains.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Badia is a popular resort, accessible by car. We started to see families and groups of day hikers.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - It was a bad time for a storm. We were miles from any type of shelter.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - In Italy, the trail signs are painted on rocks. And rocks are prone to crumbling or chipping away.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - A look back towards Ütia de Börz

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - It’s truly amazing this place exists here, in the remote alps. They offer lodging too, but it is very rustic.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - The South Tyrolian flag. And our lunch break, with hot, freshly prepared food.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy -

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy -

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - The view from the Ütia de Börz, a warm mountainside lodge in Passo delle Erbe/Würzjoch. The pale Dolomite formations of Sass de Putia rise from dramatic multi-color rock strata. The area is popular year-round and sometimes referred to as “Little Alaska” thanks to its pristine, rough nature.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - The Val Badia region in South Tyrol, Italy is one picturesque village after another.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - No such thing as to-go cups of coffee in Italy. You sit and enjoy your coffee in a proper cup!

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - The cutest rifugio for a mid-hike espresso. Italy’s network of rifigios make mountain treks easy to stretch over several days. We only stopped at Rifugio Santa Croce for a coffee and cake, but many rifugios offer lodging (some very luxurious!) and gourmet meals.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - City girls-cum-hikers; fueled up and ready to go!

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - Toppings for all! Power breakfast.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - We’re spoilt for choice at the Rosa Alpina. Breakfast was divine!

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - A room with a view! Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano in Badia is a picture perfect start to our Dolomites trek.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Dolomites, Italy - The Tyrolian Kiachl, a sweet dough pastry dusted with powdered sugar and served with cranberry jam. A perfect pick-me-up during a hike.

Trip: Dolomites, Italy

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Norway -

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Top Set Trekkers: Norway with our intrepid guide Jon at the summit of Mount Saksa.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Safely back at the original Saksa summit, we gather to sign the logbook.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Missy always packs Swedish Fish, Dagmara’s favorite treat.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Missy adorned her new waterproof L. L. Bean backpack with our snazzy Top Set Trekkers sticker (also waterproof.)

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Jenny F from Portland, OR and Helen C from Houston, TX did not know one another before this trip.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - On our way up Mt. Saksa, Jon shows us a bear cave. We decide to come back later to pay the bear a visit.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Jon was a kayaking guide before he was hired by Norway Adventures to guide us. In Geirangerfjord he was happily in his element. That, or he was relieved to muffle the voices of seven gregarious women for a short while. 🙂

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Seven Sisters Waterfall, Geirangerfjord Norway. There is a waterfall opposite this one called The Bachelors. They are vying for the sisters’ attention.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Seven Sisters Waterfall, Geirangerfjord Norway

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Geirangerfjord is among the world’s longest and deepest, and considered an archetypical fjord landscape, among the most scenically outstanding anywhere.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - View from our room at the cozy Hjelle Hotel

Trip: Norway

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Norway - And now a short break to get the money shot with her LifeStraw for Helen’s friends in Houston.

Trip: Norway

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - One of several hand carved wooden chairs at the Ski Hut.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - The Sierra Club Ski Hut was built in 1936 and is located at 8,300 feet. It has a fully-equipped kitchen, dishes, cookware, running water and solar lighting and can sleep up to 16.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - We researched which trail to ascend for the summit and chose the Devil’s Backbone Trail for the climb along the mountain’s spine and it did not disappoint. Next time, we’ll ascend up the Baldy Bowl/Ski Hut trail for a different experience.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - 10,064 feet – the highest point in Southern California.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - Summit jubilation! Our first summit of the 2018 hiking season and we couldn’t have asked for better weather or better hiking partners.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - A lucky penny!

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - We’ve reached the picturesque Devil’s Backbone Trail with its distinctively curvy spine. We’re so lucky to have this section all to ourselves. Otherwise, it would be a line of hikers on this narrow trail.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - Looking back towards the Mt Baldy Ski Resort.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - We had great visibility with clear blue skies.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - It was an early start to the Mt Baldy trailhead. Don’t be fooled by the clear blue skies – it was below freezing in the early morning. And we were the only car in the parking lot at the Manker Campground.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Dagmara
Dagmara:
Jenny
Jenny:
Malibu / Mt. Baldy - This view has everything – mountains, trails, and blue sky. Topanga State Park is a great hiking destination.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Norway - Next up: a suspension bridge high above the gorge. And more excitement! A repair crew was working on it, yelling instructions to us in Norwegian as we crossed.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - ****

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Karen’s first ferrata

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Løen

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Løen

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Skålabu sunset, 11:11 pm.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - The new structure complements the landscape and does not compete with the original tower.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Dr Hans Henrik Gerhard Klouman’s original tower is still open to mountaineers. There are 22 beds on two levels, and an honor bar with coffee and hot cocoa.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Skålabu was a hiker’s dream: an architecturally cool Scandi design, compact, efficient, and meticulously clean.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - We appreciated not having to go outdoors to use the adjacent but separate (and very clean!!!!) toilets with windows and views!

Trip: Norway

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Norway - We hadn’t imagined such luxuries at 6,063 feet: a potbelly stove, a fully stocked honor-pantry, and down duvets. Welcome to hiking in Norway.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - We booked our overnight lodging in Skålabu, the new self-service lodge at the summit of Skåla, opened in 2017.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Together at the top of Skåla.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - This is how it feels to climb a mountain.

Trip: Norway

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - The beaches in Malibu are dotted with amazing rock formations and the canyons are no different.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - Tiny hikers on the side of the rock.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - At more than 154,000 acres, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the largest urban national park in the world. The Woolsey Fire of November 2018 devastated this area and it sustained significant damage, with over 100,000 acres burned. We are so grateful to the firefighters and first responders who battled this blaze. It will take years and years before these mountains will look like they did before the fire. We’re hopeful to learn about volunteer efforts to help this area recover so that it can once again be the destination for hiking, biking, rock climbing and camping in Southern California.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - The perfect lunch spot!

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - Our sandwich got a little smushed inside our backpack, but it still tasted great.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - Stacey is first to the rock formation!

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - An interesting rock formation beckons to be explored.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - The Malibu Pier, iconic landmark in this seaside town.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Norway - Grotle, Norway: the trailhead for Veten Cliff

Trip: Norway

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Norway - I have never seen a nicer trailhead facility; heated too.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - 50+ shades of blue

Trip: Norway

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Norway - It wasn’t just good, the bread in Norway was outstanding! Most of our hotels served robust breakfast buffets with a selection of freshly baked multi-grain breads prominently featured.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - As if you needed more reasons to hug a tree. Yarn bomber hits Bergen!

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Norwegian humor

Trip: Norway

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Norway - I found my troll mate

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Jon took us to the cozy harbor town Kalvåg, where we stayed the night.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - From Kalvåg we took the van to Løen, on two-way roads wide enough for only one car.

Trip: Norway

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Dagmara
Dagmara:

(girls in the van) so…How did you get the bear story to Jon ahead of time? Didn’t you just meet him when we did? (Dagmara and Jenny) oh…we have our ways

Malibu / Mt. Baldy - Starting off on the right foot! Now who’s leading the way?

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Norway - Bergen Railway: Oslo-Bergen

Trip: Norway

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Jenny
Jenny:

Thought this morning. Our website says top set trekkers – transformative travel. People keep asking me if we are going to organize/sell trips. I like your “together in adventure” tagline or something along those lines as we’re 2 friends who are taking a journey together.

Dagmara
Dagmara:

People do ask, and I’m hoping people “copy” us and go on the same trips, but I don’t think we will become tour guides 🚙

Norway - The iconic Skålatårnet tower, built in 1891 for mountain tourists to rest body and soul.

Trip: Norway

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - A view worth getting up for. A Malibu sunrise is the perfect start to our hiking trip.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Dagmara
Dagmara:

Ready for coffee in 5?

Jenny
Jenny:

Good morning! I’ll come with too!

Norway - Bergen station, the final stop on the Bergen Railway

Trip: Norway

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Norway - Bryggen, the UNESCO listed Hanseatic wharf town is also Norway’s second largest city.

Trip: Norway

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Norway - We stopped in to meet Anne and Rogier and enjoyed a cup of espresso at their historic 1865 sheep farm in Davik. As on many other farms, only the main house is painted white, because white paint was more expensive. All the other houses on the farm (like the barn) are painted in red.

Trip: Norway

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Malibu / Mt. Baldy - Avocados galore! A California breakfast of champions.

Trip: Malibu / Mt. Baldy

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Norway -

Trip: Norway

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