Rambling Traveler

Fort Snelling State Park

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 01:05:00 +0000

The Minnesota River next to Pike Island

Last week, Doug and I enjoyed an easy three mile walk around Pike Island in Fort Snelling State Park. Surrounded by the Mississippi River on one side and the Minnesota River on the other, the island is a good place to see where the two rivers converge. This was my first visit to the state park, although I've visited Historic Fort Snelling several times.

Our sons would have loved to investigate all the hollowed out trees when they were younger. I can only imagine the stories they would have made up.

El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid

The flea market is held every Sunday and public holiday. Several antique shops in the area are also open on Sundays.

Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid

This market, located near Plaza Mayor in Madrid, reminded me of the Borough Market in London, on a smaller scale. The deserts below were oh so tempting.

Scenes from Madrid, Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Puerta del Sol in Madrid

During a visit to Madrid, we spent a lot of time wandering around Puerta del Sol and the surrounding area. We enjoyed exploring the side streets and sitting outside at different cafes we found. Doug even found an Irish pub, called Dubliners, where he enjoyed a pint of Guiness.

Just off Calle de Cadiz

Just off Calle de Espoz y Mina

Wild Horses on Assateague Island

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

More wild horses from Assateague Island National Seashore. They were hanging out near the parking area of one of the campgrounds.

Assateague Island National Seashore

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 20:43:00 +0000

Wild horses, viewed from the Ferry Landing

During a recent trip to Maryland, we visited the Assateague National Seashore. Although we didn't see any wild horses on the beach, there were several in other areas of the park. Unfortunately, these horses were far way from us and the quality of the shots was affected by the need to zoom in, especially on an overcast, windy day.

Same wild horses, viewed from road leaving the park

Antique Power Show

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Car Dealership

This past weekend, Doug and I went to the Antique Power Show at the Little Log House Pioneer Village in Hastings, MN. We enjoyed wandering the grounds, exploring restored old buildings like the Little Log House that started the village, a general store, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, telephone building and jail. Although most of the buildings were over 100 years old, there were a few that were newer, like the car dealership above.

Porky's Drive-In

A new addition this year was Porky's, a drive-in previously located on University Ave in St Paul. The restaurant opened in 1953 and closed earlier this year. This weekend, the carport was filled with classic cars from local clubs. Vintage cars and trucks were also displayed at the old car dealership nearby.

The Little Log House that started it all.

In addition to touring all the old buildings, you could watch demonstrations at the butcher shop, flour mill, print shop, engine shed and blacksmith shop as well as demonstrations of threshing, basket weaving, quilting, and spinning in other areas of the village. There were also Military displays and demonstrations, model railroad trains and old tractors to look at.

Vendors sold various items inside different buildings, and a large flea market was located outside. The grandstand had tractor and truck pulls and children could visit the barnyard and petting zoo. Refreshments were available at the saloon and various food stands.

A lot to see and do during this annual open house of the Little Log House Pioneer Village. If you get a chance to check it out next year, don't miss it.

Times Square at Night

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

During one of our long walks exploring midtown, Doug and I came across Bryant Park, located between 5th and 6th Avenues and 40th 42nd Streets. The Holiday Shops in the park had just been set up near Citi Pond. The Holiday Shops are open through January 2, 2011, and the skating rink will be open through February 27.

The shops were fun to wander through, with great selections for holiday gifts. Candles, costume jewelry, bags, scarves, and framed artwork were just some of the offerings.

Walking Through Central Park

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

More from the ING NYC Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Related post: 2010 ING New York City Marathon

2010 ING New York City Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:10:00 +0000

Doug and I recently visited New York City for a few days. While we were there, we were able to experience some of the excitement of the New York City Marathon. At first, our plan was to avoid the crowds, but walking through Central Park, we heard the cheering and, unable to resist, wandered over to the race route.

The energy of the crowds was amazing. It was fun to watch them cheering people on, calling some by name and shouting encouraging words. We continued along the route, watching the runners and taking pictures.

Related post: More from the ING NYC Marathon

Piney River Trail near Vail, Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:00:00 +0000

When friends heard we would be near Vail, they recommended driving up to Piney Lake. Staff at the hotel we were staying also recommended the drive, so after getting directions, we were on our way. It was a beautiful drive, and that early in the day, we saw little traffic.

Our original goal was to park at the Upper Piney River Trailhead just before the entrance to the Piney River Ranch and hike the 2.5 miles to the waterfall. A last minute conference call scheduled for Doug, and clouds threatening rain, changed our plans. We only had time for a shorter hike, but it was still beautiful.

You can see part of Piney Lake in the above photo. This section of the trail crosses the private property of Piney River Ranch.

Next time we're in Vail during the summer, we will have to take time to hike further on the trail, maybe even past the waterfall.

Wildlife on Mount Evans

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:00:00 +0000

These are two of my favorite shots from our recent drive up the Mount Evans Road. The mountain goat was hanging out at Crest House at the top of Mount Evans and the marmot was on the side of the road as we drove back down. I kept seeing all these great photos of marmots in different guide books, but every time we saw one on the road, it would run away before I could get a decent shot. Not this one, though. He just sat there and stared at me.

Mount Evans Road, to the Top

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:57:00 +0000

Doug and I were back in Colorado last week. After an overnight in Denver, we drove up to Idaho Springs and from there, to the top of Mount Evans. The last time we attempted this, the highest part of the road was closed, and we didn't get past Summit Lake. I was looking forward to seeing more, and I know Doug was really excited about driving our big Suburban on those hairpin turns that look over steep dropoffs. Can you see the car on the road in the photo below? Doug loves those dropoffs. Where are the guard rails?!

I will add a side note here- yes, we do own a suburban. It hauls our children, their friends, our friends, and our large dog whenever we need it to. I battled the guilt for a long time, but gave it up. Our other car is a small Toyota that gets great gas mileage and I ride my scooter or bike as much as possible when we are at home. Okay, maybe I haven't totally given up the guilty feelings.

What incredible views. Doug pulled over several times so I could snap photos like the one above.

At the top of the paved road, we saw the Castle in the Sky, also known as Crest House.

On the way back down, we saw these two biking to the top. Almost there, guys! Wow, I definitely admire their strength and endurance, not to mention their fuel efficiency.

Compassion International

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:14:00 +0000

It began with a harmless post about Perfect Pot Roast on We Live Simply, one of the simple living blogs I like to read. That led to a post on The Pioneer Woman about another blogger in Kenya. That led to several amazing posts on This is Reverb about a trip with Compassion International. After reading the posts on This is Reverb, and also following Shaun Grove's posts about the trip, I thought a lot about sponsoring a child through Compassion.

Other things happening at the same time...

At our church, some of the recent sermons have been about taking chances and putting yourself out there, getting involved and most important, LOVING OTHERS. I couldn't help but think Compassion was a great way to put that into practice.

Then, while I was still considering sponsoring a child, I got an email from a family member, so excited, because she had just become a sponsor of a girl in Bolivia... through Compassion International. She was the first person I knew personally who was involved with Compassion. What are the chances all this would happen within the same 2 weeks?

Serendipity, fate, the hand of God? I couldn't ignore the signs, and made the decision to sponsor a 6 year old boy who lives in Kenya. If I'm very lucky, I might be able to travel to Africa some day and meet him. What else would a Rambling Traveler do?

Thank you to Ryan at This is Reverb for sharing the above photo from Africa.

Fall Colors in Minnesota

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:36:00 +0000

Early colors at Banning State Park

Banning State Park in Minnesota

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:30:00 +0000

The boys joined Doug and me on a hike at Banning State Park last weekend. We had a great time exploring the shoreline of the Kettle River, climbing all over the rocks and watching the water rush by over different rapids.

We also hiked the short self guided Quarry Loop Trail through the woods, past ruins from the old sandstone quarry that operated during the 19th century. There are many other trails in the park, including Wolf Creek Trail that leads you to Wolf Creek Falls.

The park is also popular for canoeing and kayaking. The Banning Rapids, including Blueberry Slide, Mother's Delight, Dragon's Tooth, Little Banning, and Hell's Gate, are some of the most challenging rapids in the state.

Just 1 1/2 hours from the Twin Cities, Banning State Park is a great day trip or weekend destination. Pack a picnic and enjoy the day, or reserve a campsite for a longer visit, you'll be glad you did.

Minimalism: Eliminating the Unnecessary

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Photo by mandolin davis on Flickr

A ramble on Simple Living...

"... composition in art is always about what is necessary, and eliminating everything else. If it's not contributing to the composition, it's weakening it. So I just figured that the same thing goes for every work of art, and every life. If it's not contributing, it's weakening."

Jay Schafer, Tumbleweed Tiny Homes
2/23/09 interview on Constructing a Simpler Life blog

Leo Babauta echoes this thought in a recent post on Zen Habits, The Minimalist Principle: Omit Needless Things.

This can be applied to so many things in life: housing, food, clothing, transportation, household goods, toys, keepsakes, and commitments.

A nice goal might be to decide what is the least amount you need to be happy and declutter your life by eliminating the excess.

update: Leo has a new blog, mnmlist.com, that has more information on minimalist living.

A Few Hours in Amsterdam

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:05:00 +0000

An overnight plane delay gave us the opportunity to take a train into Amsterdam where we had fun walking around and seeing some of the sights. We also enjoyed a light dinner on a patio overlooking one of the canals. Entertainment was provided by the many boats cruising the canals. Boats filled with people, picnics, and on one, a piano.

One boat was pulled over by the police and people along the canal watched in amusement as the driver was given a breathalyzer test. Laughter followed when the driver passed the test and a roaring cheer came from the rest of his party. That night, Amsterdam moved up on my list of places to spend more time in.

Walking Dubrovnik's City Walls

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

View of Old Town Dubrovnik from a tower window

Red rooftops of Old Town Dubrovnik

A highlight of visiting Dubrovnik is walking along the city walls. Following advice from other travelers, we started our walk early in the day, before the crowds arrived. After passing through Pile Gate, we climbed the steps to a ticket window. The cost was 15 euros for two of us, and they did take euros in addition to the local currency, the kuna.

It was almost 9:30 in the morning, but there were very few people around. Less than one and a half hours later when we walked back down, there was a line of people waiting to climb up. The earlier time allowed us to enjoy the views without crowds, and we stopped often to take pictures of the red rooftops of Dubrovnik.

Cliff Homes of Oia, Santorini

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:50:00 +0000

A puzzle for Carolyn and the other Rambling Puzzles fans...

More pictures of Santorini cliff homes:
Oia, Santorini
More from Santorini

Churches of Santorini

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Anastasis Church in Oia

unknown church in Oia

Panagia of Platsani church in main square of Oia

previous posts on Santorini:
Santorini, Greece
More from Santorini
Oia, Santorini

Saint Mark's Square in Venice

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Piazza San Marco in Venice

Related post:
Buddhist Monk in Piazza San Marco

A Buddhist Monk in Piazza San Marco...

noreply@blogger.com (Stacy) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Not the beginning of a joke, but the subject of one of my favorite pictures of Saint Mark's Square in Venice. I only had seconds to get my camera up and snap this shot before they moved on, but I'm very happy with the results.

Another picture with perfect timing... The bird flew across just as I snapped this picture of Saint Mark's Basilica.

Photos from our previous visit to Venice:
Rialto Bridge in Venice
View from the Bridge of Sighs
Venice, Italy