Category Nature
Three Peaks Challenge: Scafell Pike
After a many our drive from Scotland to the Lake District, we reached the base of Scafell Pike, the tallest peak in England, around 6:30pm. We climbed up in the golden light of a lowering sun and made it back down by around 10:30pm as it was finally getting dark. The top was initially shrouded […]
Three Peaks Challenge: Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is the tallest peak in Scotland, and all of the UK for that matter. We tackled it first. Left the lodge in Fort William at 5:00am and got to the trailhead about 20 minutes later. We paused long enough for a group photo . . . . . . and then took off […]
Three Peaks Challenge: Driving to Fort William
Our Three Peaks weekend began with a long train ride to Glasgow, where we rendez-voused with some additional hikers and our driver. We piled into the van and headed north into the Scottish highlands. We passed Loch Lomond and entered a magical world of green hills, silvery lakes and streams, and low grey clouds. Eventually […]
Three Peaks Challenge
I’m on the train to Scotland! The farther north we go, the wetter and greyer it becomes. Green hills dotted with sheep and sat upon by thick low clouds. It’s a refreshing change from sweltering London. This morning started early. I bid fond farewell to Amanda, whose month-long stay has ended; she’s en route to […]
I’m in Wales!
After a nearly sleepless night in sweltering London, we left early for a weekend road trip to Wales. By early afternoon we were in the green, hilly, blessedly cool Welsh countryside where all the road signs have more Ys, Ws, Ls, and Ds than you ever thought possible. First stop: Powis castle and gardens. It’s […]
Seaside at Camber Sands
It isn’t crazy to come to the beach at the end of the day. The heat of the sun is past, and the low golden light is warm and rich. The crowds are dispersing, and it’s easy to find parking. Camber Sands had been recommended as one of the best sandy beaches in the U.K., […]
Sissinghurst castle garden
Saturday was the last day of June! Since June is peak garden month in England, and the weather was forecast was perfect, I rented a car and set out to see a couple of my top bucket-list gardens. First stop? Sissinghurst castle garden in Kent (about 2 hours southeast of London). There is no “castle” […]
Walking at Bray’s Head
One of my colleagues had recommended visiting Bray, a village on the coast a few miles south of Dublin, and walking up to the cliffs at nearby Bray’s Head. Thanks to the beautifully long days here in Ireland, I was able to make it there in time to watch the sun set. It was gorgeous. […]
The weather’s getting nice
Springtime finally got to London! The past few days have been absolutely gorgeous. There’s something about warm air, late light, and green living things that makes the heart glad. And even if you mostly see it from inside the office, at least the window are large and the views of the sunset unmatched.
Boating around Aswan
Our last morning in Aswan was gorgeous! As if trying to make up for the terrible weather the day before, the air was clear and cool and perfect. We went out on a boat to explore the many little islands that dot the Nile at Aswan. This part of the Nile is called the First […]
A More Gentlemanlike Manner 