Wander the World - A determined, rain-or-shine birthday adventure through Costa Rica — from night walks in the Monteverde cloud forest to ocean views in Manuel Antonio, ziplining, snorkeling, gourmet farm meals, and tropical relaxation, all shared with Catherine and Karen. The trip ended in Dallas with visits to Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards — and miraculously, my badly sprained ankle healed by the time I got home.

A Spontaneous Escape to Hawaii — Two Weeks of Wonder with Jai

In the middle of a chaotic home construction project, I dropped everything and flew to Hawaii to meet Jai. A spontaneous two-week escape that became a healing adventure across Oahu and the Big Island.

New England Ports Road Trip — A Dream Journey for Serge

A New England coastal road trip created as a dream gift for Serge — filled with ports, lighthouses, small villages, hurricanes, bike rides, and the charm of Bar Harbor, Portland, Salem, Provincetown, and the Cape.

Bike the Erie Canal — July 8–16, 2023

In July 2023, I completed my first major group bike tour: PTNY’s eight-day, 400-mile Cycle the Erie Canal ride from Buffalo to Albany. It was a beautiful mix of history, adventure, and small-town charm as we visited museums, wetlands, lift bridges, and canal-side villages along the way. Although I brought my camping gear, I chose hotels most nights to stay rested for the miles ahead. Each day offered something new—scenic trail sections, friendly riders, and unforgettable stops in towns like Seneca Falls, Syracuse, Rome, and Schenectady. It was the perfect introduction to long-distance bike touring and one of my most meaningful summer adventures.

I spent six days in Asheville, North Carolina on a Trek Travel cycling getaway, riding a comfortable Trek Verve+ e-bike through the Blue Ridge Mountains and exploring Asheville’s vibrant downtown. The three-day guided bike tour included scenic climbs on the Blue Ridge Parkway, peaceful routes through Pisgah National Forest, and rolling country roads along the French Broad River. I stayed at The Foundry Hotel, a beautifully restored historic property that became the perfect base for both adventure and relaxation. It was the ideal mix of challenging rides, Southern charm, and slow, luxurious evenings in one of the most artistic cities in the South.