For years, many of my adventures centered on scenic locations where I took hikes that helped me defy stereotypes about my own body. I forged ahead on trails, pushing myself and punishing myself with a fierce determination to stand at the ultimate destination – the summit of a mountain, an alpine meadow, the secluded lake, … Continue reading The waterfall that changed my life
I was supposed to travel to Japan next week. I’ve been dreaming of cherry blossoms, onsens and ramen. COVID-19 derailed my plans, as it has for so many of us. Now more than ever I value my close to home opportunities to get outdoors. Even going to the same place allows me to discover new … Continue reading Make the most of your social-distancing saunter
I had a work thing in Minneapolis. IN JANUARY. Undeterred by the city’s legacy of frigid winters, I decided to spend an extra day there to explore. It did not disappoint! Minnesota is the place for curling in the United States. Curling, you may ask? You mean that sport with the brooms? Yes indeed. It … Continue reading Winter in Minneapolis
I needed a brief getaway, one to relax and take time for myself. Someone recommended the Kripalu retreat in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, and I booked an R&R weekend. As the weekend approached, I started having anxiety dreams about very thin people clad in those tank tops with a million straps looking down at me, … Continue reading Yoga retreat in the Berkshires
Let’s talk about shopping. Specifically, let’s talk about shopping for travel clothes and adventure gear. Despite the fact that more than half of women in US are considered “plus size” (over a size 14), some retailers are only beginning to open their eyes to the bizarre notion that women of all sizes hike, paddle, swim, … Continue reading Sizing up the travel gear
I love animals. Like really really, want to see them all, and snuggle all their adorable faces, love animals. Many of my early trips were centered around what animals I would see, and I’ve been lucky enough to catch some truly marvelous wildlife moments – watching lions feast on a recently killed wildebeest, breaching humpback … Continue reading For the love of wildlife tourism
And other revelations from my adventures in Egypt Steeped in history and mystery, Egypt is purely magical. Below are highlights from my G Adventures tour in February 2019 that included Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor, and some of the lessons that this particular trip taught me. The Great Pyramids of Giza are the last remaining wonders … Continue reading Body image lessons from a mummy
Growing tired of over-priced, over-hyped New Year’s Eve celebrations, a friend and I decided to ring in the New Year in nature by spending two nights at Georgia’s Hike Inn. I thought Georgia would be warmer. It’s The South – palmetto trees and peaches and such; sweatshirt weather at most. But when I checked the … Continue reading Hiking in a winter wonderland – Len Foote Hike Inn
Taking a hammam, also referred to as a Turkish bath, was an option on my trip to Morocco. It sounded mysterious, odd and scary in all best ways that a traveler desires - a traditional aspect of daily life, a unique social experience, and a step into the unknown that brings both fear and a … Continue reading Say Yes to the Hammam
Packing for plus-size women can be a challenge. Our clothing genuinely takes up more space. With the added terror of checked baggage being lost and visiting a place where fat-friendly clothing options are limited (or non existent), I almost always carry on only. Here’s how I pack for a two-week trip using only a carry-on: … Continue reading The Ultimate Guide to Plus-Size Packing
Rise Up and Travel 