Zoleo Satellite Messenger Device: Gear Review

  • September 09, 2022
  • by Inga

This year, I upgraded to a Zoleo satellite messenger device to be able to get two-way messaging. For many years, I’ve had an early generation device that only provided one-way messaging. That simple device met my needs until last year, when I had an elderly parent who was ailing and I didn’t feel comfortable being …

Uncovering the Mysteries of Passport Colors

  • July 19, 2022
  • by Inga

I leaf through a green passport, issued in 1962 in San Francisco, my first passport. I’m four, pictured with my mother in our shared US passport. Mom’s name and characteristics are noted, but mine are not, so my identity is murky. Below her brunette hair styled in a high bouffant, Mom is smiling slightly, while …

Best Beach Gear for a Tropical Vacation

  • July 19, 2022
  • by Inga

Beach holidays have been a source of deep relaxation for me since I was a child and I love a tropical beach best of all—warm water, surf, sun and sand—what could be better? Shade, that’s what. I’ve found that shade is critical to my enjoyment of the beach. I finally feel like I have the …

Dal Lake, Kashmir

What is a Globe-Trotting Third-Culture Kid?

  • June 19, 2022
  • by Inga

I discovered that I was an adult third-culture kid, the term for people like me who grew up overseas in an expat family.

Travel Gear for the Pandemic Era

  • June 18, 2022
  • by Inga

Having the right travel gear can prevent wasting valuable vacation time hunting for what you need in an unfamiliar environment when dealing with health issues.

Sonora and Groveland: Gateway to Yosemite

  • November 26, 2021
  • by Inga

If you’re looking for a place to stay outside Yosemite National Park or a way to extend your stay, one of the best places to look is Tuolumne County. Not only does Tuolumne County include most of the park, but it also contains a sizeable chunk of the adjacent Stanislaus National Forest and Emigrant Wilderness. …

Easy Backpacking Trip to Angel Island

  • September 25, 2021
  • by Inga

So many wilderness permits, so many cancellations. The last two years have been tough for planning between the pandemic, wildfires, smoke and other issues. I salvaged one backpacking trip that was supposed to be in the Sierra by snagging a back-up to the back-up permit for an easy backpacking trip to Angel Island State Park …

Stoveless Trail Deli Plates

  • July 30, 2021
  • by Inga

I’ve been experimenting with stoveless backpacking food and find that I’m drawn to foods I would normally eat without heating. A variety of different tastes and textures can be achieved by creating stoveless trail deli plates. There are endless combinations that are possible. If it’s a weekend trip in relatively cool temperatures, fresh foods such …

Kuhl Trekr Pants for Travel and Hiking

  • June 04, 2021
  • by Inga

Kuhl makes pants for women and men that can work equally well for travel, hiking and backpacking. The fabric and quality of construction means that they are rugged enough for the backcountry and tailored enough to look good in town. I tried the Kuhl Trekr pants for women and found a great fit and excellent …

Skiing at Mt Bachelor in Oregon

  • April 14, 2021
  • by Inga

What a treat it was to get away after a long, quiet, Covid winter to a beautiful week of skiing at Mt. Bachelor in Oregon. We were disappointed that the border closure prevented us from spending our annual week at Whistler, British Columbia and debated several alternatives for our first week-long pandemic trip in a …

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