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Our Family’s Camino de Santiago Adventure
Last summer, our family of five backpacked 150 miles of the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. It was an epic and meaningful adventure we will never forget. If you’re interested in learning more about what the experience is like, I’m including links below for daily blog posts I published each evening from the Camino. […] The post Our Family’s Camino de Santiago Adventure appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14289" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/ShelliJohnson-StJamesCathedral061718-345x460.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="400" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/ShelliJohnson-StJamesCathedral061718-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/ShelliJohnson-StJamesCathedral061718-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/ShelliJohnson-StJamesCathedral061718.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Hi! Last summer, our family of five backpacked 150 miles of the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. It was an epic and meaningful adventure we will never forget. If you’re interested in learning more about what the experience is like, I’m including links below for daily blog posts I published each evening from the Camino. (Also included is the pre-Adventure blog post.) I hope you may be inspired to embark on your own pilgrimage some day! Pre-Adventure: Spain or Bust: Camino de Santiago Here We Come Blog Posts from the Field During our Camino De Santiago Pilgrimage: Day 1 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 2 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 3 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 4 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 5 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 6 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 7 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 8 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 9 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 10 – Our Last Day – on the Camino de Santiago. The post Our Family’s Camino de Santiago Adventure appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
We Made it! Day 10 of our Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage
This is a couple of days late because we’ve been celebrating. Also, I think it’s hard to articulate what I was, and am feeling, post-pilgrimage. I’m feeling a lot, and it will take some time to unpack and process. But for now, to keep up with my travel blogging, here’s a Day 10 (and final) […] The post We Made it! Day 10 of our Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
This is a couple of days late because we’ve been celebrating. Also, I think it’s hard to articulate what I was, and am feeling, post-pilgrimage. I’m feeling a lot, and it will take some time to unpack and process. But for now, to keep up with my travel blogging, here’s a Day 10 (and final) pilgrimage report. <img decoding="async" class="wp-image-14289" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/ShelliJohnson-StJamesCathedral061718-169x225.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="467" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/ShelliJohnson-StJamesCathedral061718-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/ShelliJohnson-StJamesCathedral061718-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/ShelliJohnson-StJamesCathedral061718.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /> Greetings from Santiago, and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Even though one’s emotions can feel mixed when you reach the end of such a meaningful experience, it was certain that we were all ready to stop walking, and to wear something other than hiking clothes! We hit the trail early again, and had a couple of miles without many other pilgrims on the trail. But with about 9 miles left to go to Santiago de Compostela, it was like someone opened a gate and pilgrims entered the trail seemingly out of nowhere. It was an amazing experience, though, to be sharing “The Way” with so many pilgrims. All of us had self selected to do a pilgrimage, and the air was rich with a shared meaningfulness. We all walked with purpose. It was a great procession. The boys hiked hard and fast. They didn’t request as many snacks today as they have the last 9 days, and Jerry and I stayed right on their heels. We were all eager to reach Santiago de Compostela. After 10 days of walking on the Camino, we got to know the familiar faces of the many pilgrims who were on a similar timeline and schedule. A kinship was formed, and we often greeted each other at lunch or on the trail, or in the village or town at dinner each evening. It was fun to share in each other’s anticipation of the grand finale today. I only met and conversed with one pilgrim today, but it was a good one. Meeting Gisele today was something I think God, or the Universe facilitated. We were hiking up a big, long hill at about 10am, when I passed Gisele. I smiled, and said the customary “Buen Camino” to her. She smiled and returned the pleasantry, and added, “Are those your boys up ahead? Is that your family?” Yes I told her, and she complimented me, saying “It is beautiful to see your family out here. How wonderful.” We walked and talked for most of the uphill, and a little more. Gisele is originally from Columbia, but has been living in Miami for 23 years. She told me she used to be a nanny for three boys, and seeing my sons reminded her of those boys and that experience. She shared that she owns a few properties in Miami, which she manages, and she recently quit a job where she worked with about 150 people. She has been walking the Camino for 6 weeks. I asked her what drew her to the Camino. She said one day she just realized she was racing. Every day felt like a race, and all around her at work, people were “like robots.” She said she, and all of the people she worked with/around came to work every day and they worked fast and furiously, often with headphones on or staring at their computers, and often not even looking at or seeing each other. She added before she knew it another day had gone by. She explained, “One day I just decided I needed to stop. I just needed to stop my life. Every day was so busy and about doing as much as possible and the pace was so fast, I just needed to stop.” She said she also hoped to be closer to God. Next thing she knew she was walking the 720-kilometer/500-mile Camino de Santiago. I asked her if her experience on the Camino has been successful in helping her to stop time. “Yes!” she exclaimed. She explained that her days have been reduced to literally just putting one foot in front of the other. Every day. She shared how when she started, it took her 10 hours to climb the mountain on the first stage, and she questioned her decision to walk the Camino. She said she has met so many wonderful people, and heard and experienced so many interesting and personal stories during the journey. About halfway through her experience –in the middle of her 500-mile pilgrimage– she was walking along the path when a shepherd crossed the road right in front of her with about 500 sheep. She said she, and other pilgrims, had to stop in the road and wait and watch as the shepherd herded the sheep across the road. She explained that right in front of her on the road, one of the sheep in the back collapsed, falling right in front of her. “It looked at me with its brown eyes. It was dying.” She said one of the other pilgrims who saw it, chased down the shepherd and told her about the fallen sheep. The shepherd came back to see what was wrong, and looked at Gisele, and explained, kindly, “Death is part of life.” The sheep died right in front of Gisele. With some other pilgrims’ help, the shepherd moved the dead sheep to the side of the road and carried on about his business. When Gisele got to an albergue that night she was still a little shaken, and when she was sharing what had happened with the sheep on the trail with a person at dinner, the person told Gisele, “That is a lesson for you. That life can change in an instant. You don’t know when your time is up. One minute you’re alive, the next minute you’re not… All you have is your next step, this moment you’re looking at right now.” (This reminded me of a passage in the book I started reading, and finished, during my flight to Europe, called The Year of Magical Thinking, by Joan Didion, which has been on my mind since I read it: “Life changes in the instant. The ordinary instant.”) I asked her how she would return to her life in Miami, after the Camino pilgrimage. “I will take what I’ve learned here and apply it to my life in Miami. It will be hard, but I will do it. I know a different a way to be now.” Gisele also told me about a 94-year-old French woman she met who started walking the 500-mile Camino de Santiago in early April, and who is still walking, behind her, somewhere along Camino. “I said to her, ‘Gosh! How do you do it? How do you walk for so long, and at your age?’ And she told me, ‘What do you think I should do? Sit in a chair and knit? I would rather walk on a trail in France and Spain that sit in a chair and knit.’” Gisele shared how that inspired her to continue her own walk, and how to live her life upon her return. I am so glad I met Gisele. Jerry, who was walking near us, took a photo of us that Gisele asked me to send her, so I will be in touch with Gisele again. We eventually entered Santiago, and I would be lying if I didn’t report that we were disappointed when we viewed a street map that indicated we still had about 1-1/2 miles to walk (through the city) to get to our final destination! About a quarter-mile before arriving, Wolf offered to hold my hand, and we walked for some blocks that way, before he traded my hand to Hayden, who I walked with for a some blocks, before he gave my hand to Fin, who I walked some blocks with. Then, eventually Jerry! We practically ran into the great plaza where the great Cathedral is located. Yes, I cried. I was overcome with emotion, mostly gratitude. It was a most fulfilling experience, and it was even more meaningful than I imagined it would be. After some hugs and a prayer and some photos, we went to the office to get our Credencials validated, and received our Compostela certificates. We had a great night of eating and celebrating and taking in the “Pilgrim” atmosphere of Santiago de Compostela. (I will share more personally and extensively about our family’s Camino de Santiago pilgrimage experience in a future blog post, after we return from this trip and I’ve had more time to reflect on and “unpack”/process the experience. As I write this, we’re on a plane headed to Barcelona, where we’ll enjoy the last few days of our trip.) One last thing, though… Most people really are wonderful. All of the people we met or greeted or were greeted by in our 10 days on of pilgrimage were wonderful. We made so many new acquaintances and friends. Two couples from Cincinnati became our fast friends as we saw them often at dinner along The Way, and ran into them one final time on our last night in Santiago last night. We’ll be keeping in touch. What neat people they are. We also reunited with Amy, from CA, who I look forward to keeping in touch with. As soon as I met her, I knew she was my people. I look forward to keeping in touch with her and hopefully finding a way to make our paths cross again one day. And also, we ran into Jorian, from Holland! I had shared her story in an earlier post. A day before us, she completed the entire Camino and had celebrated the end when she was met by her Father, who flew to Santiago for the occasion. We had big hugs, and it’s a real possibility that we’ll do some work together in the future. We also made friends with Peggy and Ian, a retired couple from Vancouver. They walked the entire Camino in just 29 days. It was something Peggy said she always wanted to do, and when her brother passed away last year and left bucket list items unchecked, it inspired her to not hesitate. Given the ambitious schedule they kept, they have 7 days to “spare”—and we again bumped into them on yesterday’s Muxia and Finisterre bus tour. Thanks again for following along. Your thoughts and support have meant so much to us. Truly! Love, Shelli, Jerry and boys Next up –and last stop on our Epic trip itinerary: Barcelona. <img decoding="async" class="wp-image-14291 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-1-304x460.jpg" alt="" width="304" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-1-304x460.jpg 304w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-1-149x225.jpg 149w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-1.jpg 493w" sizes="(max-width: 304px) 100vw, 304px" /> A rare moment on our final walk with no other people in it. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14292 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-2-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-2-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-2-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-2.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Family trail selfie. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14294 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-4-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-4-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-4-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-4.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> What the hand-written note on the tunnel says, as Jerry the boys round one of our final corners… <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14295 size-full" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-5.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="720" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-5.jpg 960w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-5-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-5-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-5-460x345.jpg 460w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /> Our backpacks, with their personalized scallop shells attached to them, by one of the final Camino markers on our pilgrimage. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14296 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-6-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-6-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-6-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-6-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-6.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Part of a great procession… <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14297 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-7-421x460.jpg" alt="" width="421" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-7-421x460.jpg 421w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-7-206x225.jpg 206w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-7.jpg 655w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 421px) 100vw, 421px" /> Once we reached Santiago, we had to walk through the city for about a mile and a half to reach our destination-Santiago de Compostela and the Cathedral. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14298 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-8-345x460.jpg" alt="" width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-8-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-8-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-8.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> Getting closer and closer… We were almost running at this point. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14299 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-9-345x460.jpg" alt="" width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-9-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-9-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Camino-Day10-9.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> Yeehaw! We made it! Posing with our official compostelas and our stamped credencials in hand. Our pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago was 260 kilomenters/161 miles. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14300 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35643788_10214024156412232_8830613589921366016_o-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35643788_10214024156412232_8830613589921366016_o-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35643788_10214024156412232_8830613589921366016_o-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35643788_10214024156412232_8830613589921366016_o-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35643788_10214024156412232_8830613589921366016_o-1320x990.jpg 1320w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35643788_10214024156412232_8830613589921366016_o.jpg 2016w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Our painted scallop shells from our packs, along with our “Credencials” with all the stamps we collected along our journey. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14301 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35761484_10214024156332230_2679023930060046336_o-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35761484_10214024156332230_2679023930060046336_o-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35761484_10214024156332230_2679023930060046336_o-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35761484_10214024156332230_2679023930060046336_o-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35761484_10214024156332230_2679023930060046336_o-1320x990.jpg 1320w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35761484_10214024156332230_2679023930060046336_o.jpg 2016w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Our boys, earning some hard-earned “chill time.” (Or, E.P.I.C. EPIC PILGRIMAGE-INSPIRED CHILLAXING.) Related blog posts: Spain or Bust: Camino de Santiago Here We Come Day 1 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 2 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 3 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 4 of the Camino de Santiago. Day 5 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 6 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 7 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 8 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 9 on the Camino de Santiago We made it! Day 10 on the Camino de Santiago The post We Made it! Day 10 of our Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
Day 9 of our Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage
We are one day and one more walk from the “end” of our pilgrimage – Santiago de Compostela. With each step, as we get closer, I’m getting more tender and emotional… I feel full… Today I have at times been overwhelmed with emotions… Today, we walked for all of those who can’t… who don’t have […] The post Day 9 of our Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14153" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34962950_10213968145211987_1068628300361891840_n-225x225.jpg" alt="" width="315" height="315" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34962950_10213968145211987_1068628300361891840_n-225x225.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34962950_10213968145211987_1068628300361891840_n-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34962950_10213968145211987_1068628300361891840_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34962950_10213968145211987_1068628300361891840_n-460x460.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34962950_10213968145211987_1068628300361891840_n.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 315px) 100vw, 315px" /> ¡Salud! We are one day and one more walk from the “end” of our pilgrimage – Santiago de Compostela. With each step, as we get closer, I’m getting more tender and emotional… I feel full… Today I have at times been overwhelmed with emotions… Today, we walked for all of those who can’t… who don’t have the health or ability… I am so proud of the boys. And Jerry, too. But this was Jerry’s and my idea. It wasn’t the boys’ idea… This Osho quote came to mind to me today: “The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never.” For most of this pilgrimage I have walked behind our sons, but almost always with them in my sight, even if from from a distance, and for thousands and thousands of steps, I’ve reflected on my life as a mother – their mother. Here’s a “report” for Day 9 on the Camino de Santiago. (You’ll probably be relieved to see there are not as many photos as usual…but for what it’s worth, they were purposefully selected and have captions to explain) Today was pretty easy compared to yesterday—our walk was just 13 miles. We left early again, and, even with snack and lunch breaks, we were to our destination by noon. I think we may be walking faster in anticipation of reaching the finish—Santiago de Compostela—which we will reach tomorrow. I won’t lie, while I will be sorta sad for our pilgrimage to end, we are all wanting some of our luxuries, which are in our luggage that will hopefully meet us in Santiago. Did you know that 3 out of 4 of my men are bearded?! It’s true! “Shaving kits” have been mentioned a couple of times… Our waking and starting early again allowed us some solitude on the Camino for a couple of hours today, but by the time we had only a few miles remaining, the trail was pretty full of pilgrims. One of the things that has been confirmed for us on this pilgrimage is that Most People are Wonderful. So far every pilgrim we have met or exchanged a “Buen Camino” with (and there have been hundreds by now) has been wonderful. Today we met Andrew, from Germany. He is the mayor of a small town in the Bavarian Alps of Germany. He is on Day 14 of his pilgrimage. He started on the “Primitivo” route, and joined up with The French Way a couple of days ago. When I explained we are from “Wyoming–near Yellowstone Park,” he said, “I’ve been there! 25 years ago I went there to climb El Capitan.” Andrew is an avid trekker and skier and wanted to do a pilgrimage-related trek. He said his Camino experience has been most wonderful due to all of the interesting and wonderful people he’s met from all over the world. We walked with him for a mile or so. I bet he’s a great mayor! We also met Amy, from Santa Rosa, CA, who is here to support and walk with a friend as he completes the final miles of his 500-mile pilgrimage to Santiago. Amy asked to get a photo with our Fin, since she has a son who is his age and who may return to do the Camino with her on a bike sometime. Amy shared with us a few of the lessons she has learned during her time on the Camino, saying the biggest one is that you can be strong and independent and capable and yet still ask for help. I of course really appreciated her sharing this, as that particular lesson seems to be a lesson I’m personally learning over and over – that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It was another wonderful and unforgettable day on the Camino de Santiago for our family. Tomorrow we will reach the end, and I know for me it will be filled with emotions. We really appreciate your thoughts and following along with us. NEXT: Day 10 of our Camino <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14270 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-1a-345x460.jpg" alt="" width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-1a-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-1a-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-1a.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> The boys be like, “Meh.” This photo was captured right before leaving our flat this morning to walk. Wolf, our early riser, is half awake, and Hayden and Fin are dressed and sitting up, but not awake yet. I am overcome with gratitude for these boys and their day after day of pilgrimage. I know they’d rather be sleeping in and doing something other than walking every single day, yet they haven’t complained and they have been a joy on the trail. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14269 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-1-460x312.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="312" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-1-460x312.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-1-225x153.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-1-768x522.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-1.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> I’m sure this morning felt like Groundhog’s day for our boys. For 9 days now they have been reliving the same routine, which starts as illustrated in this photo: Wake early, put the backpack on and look for the yellow arrows that will lead us out of the village and to the Camino de Santiago. (This photo is from this morning’s start, but it could be from any of the last 9 mornings…) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14271 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-2-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-2-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-2-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-2.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> My favorite flower on the Camino, and one that is common and is a reliable “pick me up” – Foxglove. We’ve seen it most every day since starting our trek about 150 miles ago… As a matter of fact, THIS VIEW — of my boys in front of us on The Way, with flowers alongside the path –– has been a constant. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14273 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-4-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-4-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-4-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-4.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> I know–it looks like about 49 other photos I’ve posted. But please note the Camino marker at right and the red spray-painted note on it. That’s why I hurried and got my camera out to capture this one this morning. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14275 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-6-345x460.jpg" alt="" width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-6-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-6-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-6.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> This sorta looks like what I imagine Heaven to look like… If you look closely you’ll see Jerry’s and my greatest blessings in the center of the photo. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14276 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-7-345x460.jpg" alt="" width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-7-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-7-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-7.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> A snail! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14272 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-3-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-3-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-3-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-3.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> We have loved, and petted, so many dogs along the Camino de Santiago. Every little village we have walked through usually has 1 or 11 dogs. Fin, especially, looks for them. We really miss our Buddy. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14274 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-5-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-5-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-5-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-5-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-5.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> For a stretch, we walked by this forest of tall trees and no deadfall on the ground. The lighting was beautiful. We stood and looked at it for some minutes. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14278 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-9-403x460.jpg" alt="" width="403" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-9-403x460.jpg 403w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-9-197x225.jpg 197w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-9-768x876.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-9.jpg 842w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 403px) 100vw, 403px" /> Our Hayden! He LOVES basketball and so, naturally, we had to get a photo of him when we found this basketball hoop on the Camino de Santiago. (Hayden has huge blisters on his heels, but you would never know it by the speed and form of his hiking…) P.S. I love the “Love Wins” message on the camino marker at left. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14279 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-10-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-10-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-10-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-10-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-10.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Our Wolf, stopping to pause at this cross and shrine today. (Wolf has had a head cold and cough, but you wouldn’t know it when he’s walking every day-he’s such a good sport.) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14280 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-11-345x460.jpg" alt="" width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-11-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-11-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-11.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> Our Fin, who received numerous compliments for walking the Camino at his young age. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14277 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-8-345x460.jpg" alt="" width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-8-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-8-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-8.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> About as happy as I can get… walking/hiking with my boys and Jerry in a beautiful place, making memories. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14282 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-13-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-13-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-13-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-13-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-13.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> We love all of the old boots and shoes along The Way, that are bouquets. We are all just about ready to dump our shoes/boots… <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14281 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-12-460x307.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="307" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-12-460x307.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-12-225x150.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-12-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-12.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> The Johnson boys’ hiker calves. This is such a common view for Jerry and I, who fight to keep up. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14284 size-medium" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-15-225x169.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="169" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-15-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-15-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-15-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay9-15.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> A “sign” that we are getting close to our destination… Related blog posts: Spain or Bust: Camino de Santiago Here We Come Day 1 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 2 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 3 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 4 of the Camino de Santiago. Day 5 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 6 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 7 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 8 on the Camino de Santiago. NEXT UP: Day 10 of our Camino VIDEO FROM DAY 9: NEXT: Day 10 of our Camino The post Day 9 of our Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
Day 7 of our Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage
Despite throbbing feet, some blisters, and sore achilles tendons, Day 7 of our pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago was exceptional! Our day started with some unexpected excitement when Fin was walking and eating a baguette for breakfast when a tooth fell out. A baguette connoisseur by now, Fin remarked “The baguette was actually delicious […] The post Day 7 of our Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14153" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34962950_10213968145211987_1068628300361891840_n-225x225.jpg" alt="" width="325" height="325" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34962950_10213968145211987_1068628300361891840_n-225x225.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34962950_10213968145211987_1068628300361891840_n-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34962950_10213968145211987_1068628300361891840_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34962950_10213968145211987_1068628300361891840_n-460x460.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34962950_10213968145211987_1068628300361891840_n.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px" /> Buen Camino! Despite throbbing feet, some blisters, and sore achilles tendons, Day 7 of our pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago was exceptional! Our day started with some unexpected excitement when Fin was walking and eating a baguette for breakfast when a tooth fell out. A baguette connoisseur by now, Fin remarked “The baguette was actually delicious and perfectly soft on the inside, but the outside was a little tougher than I prefer them.” (I sure hope the tooth fairy doesn’t forget to visit tonight!) After we crossed the Miño River and started up a hill, the sun came up and lit the forest and trail with a bright golden glow. Sunrise is my favorite time of day, and this was our first morning to have a clear sky and a notable sunrise. This made me so happy! Today’s hike was 15 miles, and we shared the trail with many pilgrims. About 4 miles in, at the top/end of a long uphill, the boys pulled to the side of the trail and sat on their backpacks for a KitKat break, while Jerry and I took a 400-meter roundtrip detour to check out the remains of the castromajor Romanesque church of Santa Maria, which was inhabited from the 4th century BCE until the start of the Roman occupation. After that quick exploration we walked through rolling farm fields, and several little villages until arriving at Palas de Rea, our destination for the night. We are really getting our routine down by now. Have I mentioned lately how I love this current Camino lifestyle?!! Here’s how it goes: We start hiking around 6:45am. We always huddle and share a custom prayer at the start of each hike. Sometimes we add an additional exercise or intention for each of us to provide more purpose t the day’s hike. Then, after we’ve hiked 10 miles or so, the boys take on the leadership to find an albergue that serves soda pops for them, and sangrias and/or “vino tinto” for us, and fortunately, they are always successful in their hunt. We then proceed to take a much-needed break with our loads off and our feet up while hydrating on these particular beverages. Then we walk again for some miles until we’re about 1-3 miles from our final destination for the day, at which we point we find a place that is making a serving delicious food, and we enjoy a hearty lunch. Depending on the mileage for the day, we usually arrive to our town or village between 1:30-2:30pm. The boys take their shoes and socks off and plunk down for a nap or some “Privs” (Netflix, games, etc.), and Jerry and I go find a sangria or some wine. Siestas are for reals here in Spain, so most shops, etc., are closed from 3-5pm. We are totally in support of Siestas, so we do our part to honor the tradition after we’ve had our beverage. LOL. Eventually, everyone gets cleaned up and we set out for hopefully not many steps to find a hearty dinner. BTW, the “peregrino (pilgrim) menu” in most of these village restaurants include two super-sized courses, plus a dessert (usually tira misu, flan or “Santiago cake,” and a beverage, all for 8-9 euros/$10USD per person.) It’s crazy delicious, and a truckload of food, which is critical when you have three growing boys who are hiking many miles every day and can’t get enough food. Then, after dinner, we “waddle” back to our motel or flat, and we’re in bed by 10pm. Then, rinse and repeat. Today I met two wonderful pilgrims with great stories. Anna Lou, 25, is originally from Mexico, but is a professor of public speaking at a college in Texas. She is walking the Camino to celebrate her 25th birthday. She said she is having a wonderful experience. She said her Dad did the Camino, on a bike, some years ago, and that inspired her to walk the Camino. She also shared that she read a Thesis that a man wrote that compared pilgrims of early times with pilgrims of modern times. She told me the difference between a crusade and a pilgrimage is that a crusade takes something or takes something back, and a pilgrimage offers something. She said everyone asks (myself included) what pilgrims are looking to gain from walking the Camino, and she’s been asking herself, instead, what can she offer the Camino? We had a great conversation about how kindness begets kindness, and I was so glad we got acquainted. We’re going to keep in touch, and I look forward to it. (I bet we’ll be celebrating in Santiago when she is, and I hope our paths cross again there this weekend.) I also met Celine, from Lebanon. Celine is 27, and was inspired to walk the Camino after reading The Pilgrimage, by Paulo Coelho. And, she added she is searching for herself. When I asked her if she’s found herself yet, she said, “I’m not sure.” We both agreed that transformation is so often occurs over time, and that changes and insights can be “unpacked” for weeks, months and even years after return from an experience like a pilgrimage. Celine and Anna Lou were walking together when I met them, and at first, I thought they were sisters. They both have been walking individually for weeks, but met each other three days ago and became fast friends. We have 3 days of walking left. Our son, Hayden, unfortunately has two giant blisters on his heel. He is such a champ. He walks and never complains despite the pain his blisters are surely causing him. We are more proud of our sons than we can say. Walking day after day for 160 miles and several days was not their idea and would not have been their first pick. But they’re doing wonderfully and we’re having a meaningful time on this pilgrimage. Thank you for following along with us. We very much appreciate your thoughts and support! NEXT: Day 8 on the Camino <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14231 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35162199_10213988670045095_9119505081799016448_n-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35162199_10213988670045095_9119505081799016448_n-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35162199_10213988670045095_9119505081799016448_n-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35162199_10213988670045095_9119505081799016448_n-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35162199_10213988670045095_9119505081799016448_n.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> We watched the sunrise at the start of today’s walk. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14236 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35266887_10213988672965168_1791467112980545536_n-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35266887_10213988672965168_1791467112980545536_n-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35266887_10213988672965168_1791467112980545536_n-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35266887_10213988672965168_1791467112980545536_n-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35266887_10213988672965168_1791467112980545536_n.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> “Sonrise.” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14233 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35223022_10213988671645135_8257092394839703552_n-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35223022_10213988671645135_8257092394839703552_n-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35223022_10213988671645135_8257092394839703552_n-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35223022_10213988671645135_8257092394839703552_n-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35223022_10213988671645135_8257092394839703552_n.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Wolf and Jerry. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14235 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35247699_10213988678045295_4449948880183754752_n-460x350.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="350" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35247699_10213988678045295_4449948880183754752_n-460x350.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35247699_10213988678045295_4449948880183754752_n-225x171.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35247699_10213988678045295_4449948880183754752_n-768x584.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35247699_10213988678045295_4449948880183754752_n.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Jerry, checking out the castromajor Romanesque church of Santa Maria, which was inhabited from the 4th century BCE until the start of the Roman occupation. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14232 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35189861_10213988679805339_8078272135845380096_n-345x460.jpg" alt="" width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35189861_10213988679805339_8078272135845380096_n-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35189861_10213988679805339_8078272135845380096_n-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35189861_10213988679805339_8078272135845380096_n.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> Posing with my boys, with some sheep in the background. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14229 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35148754_10213988677085271_788626909750624256_n-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35148754_10213988677085271_788626909750624256_n-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35148754_10213988677085271_788626909750624256_n-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35148754_10213988677085271_788626909750624256_n-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35148754_10213988677085271_788626909750624256_n.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Heart puddle reflections, and my guys up ahead. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14230 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35158895_10213988675125222_5721805936251633664_n-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35158895_10213988675125222_5721805936251633664_n-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35158895_10213988675125222_5721805936251633664_n-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35158895_10213988675125222_5721805936251633664_n-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/35158895_10213988675125222_5721805936251633664_n.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> I love walking with my family. Related blog posts: Spain or Bust: Camino de Santiago Here We Come Day 1 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 2 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 3 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 4 of the Camino de Santiago. Day 5 on the Camino de Santiago. Day 6 on the Camino de Santiago. NEXT UP: Day 8 on the Camino VIDEOS FROM DAY 7: NEXT: Day 8 on the Camino The post Day 7 of our Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
Day 2 of our Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage
(To read the pre-Camino de Santiago blog post, which explains in detail why we’re on this pilgrimage, please click here.) Read about Day 1 on the Camino de Santiago. Hello! We survived Day 2 of our Camino de Santiago pilgrimage! Today’s route took us through backroads, small villages and rolling hills of lush green vineyards. […] The post Day 2 of our Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14092" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34821045_10213948503360953_3344154058851090432_n-205x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="330" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34821045_10213948503360953_3344154058851090432_n-205x225.jpg 205w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34821045_10213948503360953_3344154058851090432_n-768x844.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34821045_10213948503360953_3344154058851090432_n-419x460.jpg 419w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/34821045_10213948503360953_3344154058851090432_n.jpg 874w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Coffee break during our trek. I could get used to this! (To read the pre-Camino de Santiago blog post, which explains in detail why we’re on this pilgrimage, please click here.) Read about Day 1 on the Camino de Santiago. Hello! We survived Day 2 of our Camino de Santiago pilgrimage! Today’s route took us through backroads, small villages and rolling hills of lush green vineyards. While the scenery was beautiful, much of today’s 16.5 miles was on cement sidewalks or paved roads, which are not too kind on one’s joints and feet… We all have pretty sore feet as a result, and some sore knees. Rain was in the forecast, but we lucked out and were only sprinkled on during the last two miles, which was excellent and provided relief from the heat. The boys were champs, especially considering some of the ailments they are dealing with (sore Achilles’ tendons and knees). Tomorrow will not be our longest day but it will be our toughest. It will include 19 miles and a lot of elevation gain, especially in the last four miles. Add to that we will likely have rain all day. So we are trying to mentally prepare for tomorrow by laying around a lot this afternoon. We are feeding the boys whatever foods they want, and in great quantities! Lol. But seriously. Today we met many wonderful pilgrims, including Max, who is from Philadelphia and is a finance student at Wharton. He starts an internship in a month, and explained, “I figured for a month I could do nothing or I could do something. So here I am.” We also met Julia, a 21-year-old from Germany. She explained she is normally not active at all. She decided to do the Camino after a friend did it and raved about it. She told me she wants to be more active and more self confident. “Already, I can tell you, I’ve gone from 0-100 as a person.” We also met a woman named Anastasia, who is from the Czech Republic, who said she just wanted to do something that is interesting and “not normal.” Those of you who know me or have camped with me in the wilderness know how much I love coffee. I always crave a great cup of coffee when I am trekking. Today, along our walk, we stopped for a good break in Cacobelos, where I bought a cappuccino for just 1 euro. Pure bliss!!! (I also bought a pound of fresh-picked cherries for just 1 euro!) The boys have enjoyed sampling donuts and various local candies and chocolate. Tonight we are staying in Villafranca del Bierzo, a charming village/town. NEXT: Day 3 on the Camino <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14093 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-1-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-1-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-1-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-1.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Leaving Ponferrada to start today’s trek to Villafranco del Bierzo. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14097 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-5-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-5-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-5-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-5-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-5.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Today’s walk took us by farmland and vineyards. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14094 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-2-345x460.jpg" alt="" width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-2-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-2-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-2.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> Getting our “Credencial” stamped at a church in one of the first villages we walked through. We each need to get at least two stamps per day in order to get our Compostela certificate at the end. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14095 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-3-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-3-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-3-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-3.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> The churches are magnificent. This one is Fuentes Nuevas. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14100 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-8-460x353.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="353" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-8-460x353.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-8-225x173.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-8-768x589.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-8.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Dreams come true. A coffee, bear and food cart on our trekking route today. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14099 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-7-460x379.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="379" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-7-460x379.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-7-225x185.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-7-768x632.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-7.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> An adorable dog lifted the boys’ spirits on our trek today during a hard, seemingly never-ending stretch. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14101 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-9-345x460.jpg" alt="" width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-9-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-9-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-9.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> One of our favorite sections of today’s trek. It wasn’t on a road! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-14103 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-11-455x460.jpg" alt="" width="455" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-11-455x460.jpg 455w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-11-223x225.jpg 223w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-11-768x776.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-11.jpg 950w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 455px) 100vw, 455px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-14102 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-10-345x460.jpg" alt="" width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-10-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-10-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-10.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14105 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-13-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-13-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-13-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-13-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-13.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Taking a much-needed break. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14104 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-12-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-12-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-12-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-12-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-12.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Only 3.3 kilometers left to the end of today’s trek. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14106 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-14-381x460.jpg" alt="" width="381" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-14-381x460.jpg 381w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-14-187x225.jpg 187w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-14-768x926.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-14.jpg 796w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 381px) 100vw, 381px" /> Family photo. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14107 size-large" src="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-15-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-15-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-15-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-15-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/CaminoDay2-15.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Going big at dinner following our trek! NEXT: Day 3 on the Camino VIDEOS FROM DAY 2: NEXT: Day 3 on the Camino The post Day 2 of our Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
Zermatt: Gornergrat Glacier, the Matterhorn, Mountain Lakes, and More Delicious Food
Greetings! After successfully making four train connections, we arrived in picturesque Zermatt, Switzerland. Zermatt is in southern Switzerland’s Valais canyon, and is a mountain resort renowned for skiing, climbing and other alpine recreation. The town is set below the iconic, snow-capped Matterhorn peak. Its main street, Bahnhofstrasse, has upscale boutiques, lodging from luxurious hotels to […] The post Zermatt: Gornergrat Glacier, the Matterhorn, Mountain Lakes, and More Delicious Food appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
Greetings! After successfully making four train connections, we arrived in picturesque Zermatt, Switzerland. Zermatt is in southern Switzerland’s Valais canyon, and is a mountain resort renowned for skiing, climbing and other alpine recreation. The town is set below the iconic, snow-capped Matterhorn peak. Its main street, Bahnhofstrasse, has upscale boutiques, lodging from luxurious hotels to modest chalets. Except for work vehicles and taxis, the town is car-less and accessed only by train. (By the way, this is my 6th blog post published so far during our 29-day “Epic Europe Family Adventure.” If you’re interested, all previous trip reports from this Epic Family Adventure include are listed and linked to at the bottom of this blog post.) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-11483" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8637-345x460.jpg" alt="Hayden Fin and Wolf, in Zermatt, in front of the Matterhorn." width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8637-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8637-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8637-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> Hayden Fin and Wolf, in Zermatt, in front of the Matterhorn. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-11484" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8639-460x345.jpg" alt="The town of Zermatt, Switzerland, with the iconic Matterhorn in the background." width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8639-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8639-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8639-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> The town of Zermatt, Switzerland, with the iconic Matterhorn in the background. After checking in and dropping our luggage at the wonderful Chalet Medi, we headed out to buy discount 3:36pm tickets to ride the Gornergrat Bahn. The Gornergrat Railway would take us to the top of the Gornergrat, to an elevation of 10,135′. The Gornergrat (English: Gorner Ridge) is a rocky ridge of the Pennine Alps, situated at 10,285′ and overlooking the Gorner Glacier. It is the second highest railway in Europe, and the highest open-air railway in Europe. The Gornergrat Glacier is about 22 square miles, and is on the west side of the Monte Rosa massif. We’d see about 29 tall peaks while at the Glacier. The train ride was a hit! Check out this video I captured near the top: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-11485" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/FamilyGornergrat1-460x338.jpg" alt="Family photo on the top of the Gornergrat." width="460" height="338" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/FamilyGornergrat1-460x338.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/FamilyGornergrat1-225x166.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/FamilyGornergrat1-768x565.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Family photo on the top of the Gornergrat. Once at the top of the Gornergrat, we were fascinated while looking at the glacier. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-11486" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/GornergratGlacier1-460x345.jpg" alt="Gorner Glacier, approximately 22 square miles in size." width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/GornergratGlacier1-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/GornergratGlacier1-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/GornergratGlacier1-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Gorner Glacier, approximately 22 square miles in size. We also stopped into a little chapel before taking some panoramic photos from the very top. Called the “Bernhard von Aosta” chapel, it is one of Zermatt’s most visited places of worship. Visitors from all over the world stop to light a candle and enjoy the soothing tranquillity of this mountain sanctuary. We stopped in and donated a franc in a little basket so we could light a candle, and then, since we had the little chapel to ourselves, we said a family prayer, mostly thanking God for our safety, our friends and family, and for all of our blessings. It was very meaningful! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11487" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8677-460x345.jpg" alt="IMG_8677" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8677-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8677-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8677-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11488" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8678-345x460.jpg" alt="IMG_8678" width="345" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8678-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8678-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8678-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> Afterward, we bought ourselves a beverage and enjoyed it while taking in the panoramic views before catching our return train ride back to Zermatt. We needed to get back to eat dinner so we could be to bed to get rest for the next day’s epic hike. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at The Brown Cow Pub in Zermatt and then hit the hay. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8704-345x460.jpg" alt="Our middle son, Hayden, pleased with his wings and fries at The Brown Cow Pub." width="345" height="460" class="size-large wp-image-11491" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8704-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8704-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8704-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> Our middle son, Hayden, pleased with his wings and fries at The Brown Cow Pub. The next day started early. We had the boys up and at ’em and out the door to start hiking at 8am sharp. Once again, we skipped the tram lifts up and started up a mountain. This time we knew the difference between meters and feet, and still we went for not pursuing the parents of the year award. (The tram didn’t open until 9am, and it was 8am. That explains it, right? Insert smiley face here. LOL) We hiked basically straight up a mountain… I think it was part of the Cervo boutique mountain resort, but I’m not 100% certain as I write this. Finally, after a long, hard, seemingly endless uphill effort, we arrived at a signed junction that indicated we were 30 minutes from Sunnegga. It was mostly a flat path to Sunnegga, and we had a bunch of our snacks, and some water on a bench under a cross, while taking in views of the valley below, and the Matterhorn and other mountains, whose tops will at the moment obscured by clouds. (We had hoped that the Sunnegga station would be open and have hot chocolate, but no luck. We reached it too early, too!) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8723-460x345.jpg" alt="Hiking up, up, up." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11492" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8723-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8723-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8723-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Hiking up, up, up. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8724-345x460.jpg" alt="IMG_8724" width="345" height="460" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11493" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8724-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8724-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8724-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8727-460x345.jpg" alt="IMG_8727" width="460" height="345" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11494" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8727-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8727-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8727-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8731-460x345.jpg" alt="IMG_8731" width="460" height="345" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11495" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8731-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8731-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8731-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8790-345x460.jpg" alt="IMG_8790" width="345" height="460" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11498" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8790-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8790-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8790-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8789-460x345.jpg" alt="IMG_8789" width="460" height="345" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11497" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8789-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8789-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8789-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8734-345x460.jpg" alt="IMG_8734" width="345" height="460" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11496" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8734-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8734-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8734-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> After getting refueled, we continued to Leisee Lake, which was surrounded by jungle gyms and picnic tables. The next lake was Moosjisee which was beautiful turquoise in color. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8747-460x345.jpg" alt="The boys hung out at this pullup bar? before continuing to another lake." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11500" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8747-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8747-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8747-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> The boys hung out at this pull-up bar (?) before continuing to another lake. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8752-460x345.jpg" alt="Almost to Moosjiee Lake." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11502" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8752-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8752-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8752-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Almost to Moosjiee Lake. After that, we still wanted to see another lake, so we continued on and up to Grünsee Lake. This one was a little more hard-earned. Here’s a short video clip of that stretch: Finally, we reached Grünsee Lake, which was beautiful, even if it was small. I am NOT complaining, but these “lakes” seem more like ponds to us. They were very tiny by Wyoming standards, so I’d by lying if I didn’t say we were a little disappointed when we crested after a long hill to see the very tiny Grünsee Lake. On the upside, we had it the lake all to ourselves, and the Matterhorn’s summit was now out of the clouds. We had a wonderful rest at the lake. One of our sons skipped rocks, another took photos of the area, and the other played with the hundreds of minnows he spotted in the lake. We didn’t rest for long, though, as we had a long hike and descent back into Zermatt, and at this point we already had 10 or 11 miles on our legs. Here are some photos: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8762-460x345.jpg" alt="IMG_8762" width="460" height="345" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11505" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8762-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8762-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8762-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8765-460x345.jpg" alt="IMG_8765" width="460" height="345" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11508" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8765-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8765-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8765-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8765.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8758-460x345.jpg" alt="IMG_8758" width="460" height="345" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11503" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8758-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8758-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8758-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> It took us some hours to get back because, as per usual for us, we made the hike longer and harder than originally proposed. As a result, we saw even more than we imagined was possible and we were more deserving of even more delicious food and drink upon our entry back into Zermatt. Have I mentioned lately how blessed I am to have such troopers for a husband and three sons? They go on these epic hikes with me, that are always longer than they anticipate, and never complain. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8804-460x345.jpg" alt="Our champion sons." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11522" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8804-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8804-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8804-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Our champion sons. Here is us after crossing the finish line: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8799-460x321.jpg" alt="IMG_8799" width="460" height="321" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11514" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8799-460x321.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8799-225x157.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8799-768x537.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> And, as always, there were so many unexpected surprises, including these beauties: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8744-460x345.jpg" alt="IMG_8744" width="460" height="345" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11515" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8744-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8744-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8744-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8770-345x460.jpg" alt="IMG_8770" width="345" height="460" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11516" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8770-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8770-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8770-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8791-345x460.jpg" alt="IMG_8791" width="345" height="460" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11517" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8791-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8791-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8791-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8793-345x460.jpg" alt="IMG_8793" width="345" height="460" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11518" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8793-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8793-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8793-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8800-460x319.jpg" alt="IMG_8800" width="460" height="319" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11519" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8800-460x319.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8800-225x156.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8800-768x533.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Thanks for following along with us on our Epic Family Europe Adventure. Please stay tuned and check back for more. Up next: Moneglia, Italy and the Cinque Terre Trail! If you’re interested, here are all of my previous blog posts about this Epic Europe Family Adventure so far: • From Wyoming to the British Museum and Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew in 24 hours • Big Ben, River Thames, Tower of London and Ice Cream • Munich Day 1: Glockenspiel, Deutsches Museum, Englischer Garten and Beirgarten • Biking in the Bavarian Alps, Exploring Neuschwanstein Castle, Epic Beer & Food • Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland: The Land of Many Fountains, Cows with Bells and Epic Food The post Zermatt: Gornergrat Glacier, the Matterhorn, Mountain Lakes, and More Delicious Food appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland: The Land of Many Fountains, Cows with Bells and Epic Food
Oh. My. God. We have arrived. Today we rode many trains from Munich to arrive here, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. Immediately it was evident why this place is called Lauterbrunnen –- which means, “Many Fountains.” In the Swiss Alps, Lauterbrunnen is set in a valley featuring tall cliffs, and waterfalls, including the roaring Staubbaach and Trummelbach and […] The post Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland: The Land of Many Fountains, Cows with Bells and Epic Food appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
Oh. My. God. We have arrived. Today we rode many trains from Munich to arrive here, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. Immediately it was evident why this place is called Lauterbrunnen –- which means, “Many Fountains.” In the Swiss Alps, Lauterbrunnen is set in a valley featuring tall cliffs, and waterfalls, including the roaring Staubbaach and Trummelbach and the many other tall, ribbon-like and tumbling waterfalls. (By the way, this is my 5th blog post published so far during our 29-day “Epic Europe Family Adventure.” If you’re interested, all previous trip reports from this Epic Family Adventure include are listed and linked to at the bottom of this blog post.) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8420-460x345.jpg" alt="Jerry and the boys lead us to our accommmodations in Lauterbrunnen." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11429" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8420-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8420-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8420-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Jerry and the boys lead us to our accommodations in Lauterbrunnen. Waterfalls were tumbling off high cliffs above us and all around us. Below is a lush, green valley with few buildings. We walked in a light sprinkling of rain about one-third of a mile to find what would be our favorite accommodations so far, a really neat cabin in the Jungfrau Campground. We got settled in our cabin, and then headed for a quick walk. We had been sitting in trains all day so wanted to stretch our legs and check out our new destination. We ventured to the nearby showstopper of a waterfall, Staubbach Falls. With a height of nearly 300 meters, Staubbach Falls is the second highest waterfall in Switzerland. It is one of 72 waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen Valley. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8425-345x460.jpg" alt="Staubbach Falls." width="345" height="460" class="size-large wp-image-11430" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8425-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8425-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8425-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> Staubbach Falls. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8442-460x345.jpg" alt="Staubbach Falls." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11431" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8442-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8442-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8442-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8442.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Family selfie in front of Staubbach Falls. Did I mention how awesome our accommodations were?!! Check out the video I snapped on our first morning waking up. And enjoy the bird songs in the background: We woke up early in Lauterbrunnen because we had big plans, and wanted to get an early start. Today we would hike the Lauterbrunnen-Murren-Gimmelwald-Trummblebach Falls loop hike. We’d do it without using any lifts, so it would be a big, long day. Why would you not take the tram lift up at the start in order to remove the several thousand feet of vertical uphill hiking, you ask? Well that is a good question! The reason is Jerry and I mistook meters for feet. What we thought would be a 1,000-foot vertical gain in the beginning of the hike was really 3,000+ feet. Oops. Thankfully we hike a lot with the boys in Wyoming, and they’re used to climbing lots of vertical feet. But, despite what our boys think, ours was an honest mistake! Add to that it was raining when we started, so we had had on rain jackets, and each of us carried our own umbrella. Our sons are such troopers. And so is my husband. I am so blessed that to have a family of troopers, because today’s outing pretty much required that! Here are some photos from the first part of our epic hike: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8486-460x345.jpg" alt="IMG_8486" width="460" height="345" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11438" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8486-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8486-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8486-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8482-460x345.jpg" alt="IMG_8482" width="460" height="345" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11435" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8482-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8482-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8482-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8484-345x460.jpg" alt="IMG_8484" width="345" height="460" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11436" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8484-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8484-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8484-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8485-345x460.jpg" alt="IMG_8485" width="345" height="460" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11437" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8485-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8485-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8485-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8481-460x345.jpg" alt="IMG_8481" width="460" height="345" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11434" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8481-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8481-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8481-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8475-283x460.jpg" alt="IMG_8475" width="283" height="460" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11439" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8475-283x460.jpg 283w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8475-138x225.jpg 138w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8475-768x1248.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 283px) 100vw, 283px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8523-345x460.jpg" alt="IMG_8523" width="345" height="460" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11441" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8523-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8523-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8523-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> It was during the grunt of uphill through the lush and wet forest, when I was gasping for air and the miles of uphill were so never-ending that I realized that we had forget to convert meters to feet. Jerry and I would pay for this… We were certainly not winning parents-of-the-year honors this morning… We had heard that Winteregg would be a stop we could make after the first five or six miles of hiking, and that we may even be able to enjoy some hot chocolate there. Thank God it was true. After about 2.5 hours of hiking, we spotted it and it just opened as we arrived. Jerry and I enjoyed coffees and the boys had hot chocolates. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8477-460x317.jpg" alt="My guys, getting a hard-earned rest and beverages from Winteregg, during our hike." width="460" height="317" class="size-large wp-image-11447" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8477-460x317.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8477-225x155.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8477-768x529.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> My guys, getting a hard-earned rest and beverages from Winteregg, during our hike. The woman who waited on us was so kind, she offered to take our photo outside under three giant mountains, whose tops were obscured by clouds but whose presence could still be felt. The mountains we stood under are the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8478-460x345.jpg" alt="Family photo." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11448" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8478-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8478-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8478-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Family photo. After warming up and getting rested, we snarfed some special Swiss chocolate bars we brought. (We are now in love with Milka bars, and of course Toblerone, which are in abundance here.) We loved the next part of the hike becasue it was flat, and led us to the awesome – and car-less – town of Mürren. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8507-460x345.jpg" alt="Hiking from Winteregg to Mürren. " width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11450" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8507-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8507-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8507-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Hiking from Winteregg to Mürren. According to Wikipedia, Mürren is a traditional Walser mountain village in Bernese Oberland, Switzerland, at an elevation of 1,650 m (5,413 ft.) above sea level and unreachable by public road. Tourism is popular through the summer and winter; the village features a view of the three towering mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Mürren has a population of just 450, but has 2,000 hotel beds. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8499-345x460.jpg" alt="Our boys, sitting in front of Jungfrau in Mürren." width="345" height="460" class="size-large wp-image-11461" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8499-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8499-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8499-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> Our boys, sitting in front of Jungfrau in Mürren. All we knew was that it was a beautiful town and soon, we could see it. And more importantly, soon we’d be eating at a restaurant there. By now the boys, and Jerry and I, were famished! We decided on the Eiger Guesthouse for lunch, and it was an exceptionally good pick. Jerry and I shared cheese fondue and a basket full of fresh baked bread, along with a pint of beer for Jerry and a glass of red wine for me. The boys shared a pizza and also ate some of our fondue. Never has a meal hit the spot so well! Here are some photos: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8513-1-460x345.jpg" alt="OMG, we finally got to experience firsthand, Switzerland's cheese fondue. It was worth the wait! Incredibly yummy. " width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11463" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8513-1-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8513-1-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8513-1-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> OMG, we finally got to experience firsthand, Switzerland’s cheese fondue. It was worth the wait! Incredibly yummy. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8515-1-350x460.jpg" alt="IMG_8515" width="350" height="460" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11464" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8515-1-350x460.jpg 350w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8515-1-171x225.jpg 171w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8515-1-768x1010.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8516-1-460x345.jpg" alt="IMG_8516" width="460" height="345" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11465" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8516-1-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8516-1-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8516-1-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> After a filling, delicious and long lunch break, we continued down the trail. Next stop: Gimmelwald, a smaller car-less village that Rick Steves recommends. Gimmelwald is a small village situated at about 4,000′ feet elevation. Gimmelwald also won us over. It’s another charming village. We especially loved their “Honesty Shop – Europe’s First Unattended Self-Service Village Shop.” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8549-345x460.jpg" alt="Wolf, in front of the Honesty Shop." width="345" height="460" class="size-large wp-image-11459" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8549-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8549-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8549-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> Wolf, in front of the Honesty Shop. And, then, out of nowhere, we stumbled onto the Pension Gimmelwald Biergarten. Can this hike get any better??!! I don’t think so. It’s epic for so many reasons, most of which I’m including here. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8542-460x345.jpg" alt="Jerry, two thumbs up for the biergarten that was not a mirage, but a reality!" width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11458" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8542-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8542-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8542-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Jerry, two thumbs up for the biergarten that was not a mirage, but a reality! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8540-460x316.jpg" alt="Biergarten refreshment." width="460" height="316" class="size-large wp-image-11457" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8540-460x316.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8540-225x155.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8540-768x527.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Biergarten refreshment. We loved this part of the hike, where we walked past big cows with their jangling bells around their neck, and views of the green lush valley below, toward which we were descending, and of course, waterfalls everywhere around us. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0821-345x460.jpg" alt="These cows with bells are everywhere, and you can hear their jangling bells as you hike." width="345" height="460" class="size-large wp-image-11470" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0821-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0821-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0821-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> These cows with bells are everywhere, and you can hear their jangling bells as you hike. See for yourself what this stretch of hike was like: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8618-460x400.jpg" alt="Jerry and the boys, marching at this point. :) About 2 miles left in the day's trek!" width="460" height="400" class="size-large wp-image-11475" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8618-460x400.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8618-225x196.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8618-768x668.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Jerry and the boys, marching at this point. About 2 miles left in the day’s trek! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0857-460x345.jpg" alt="LOL. We think "wanderweg" means wandering. When this photo was taken by my husband of our two oldest sons, we had been wandering all right. All day long! :)" width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11476" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0857-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0857-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0857-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> LOL. We think “wanderweg” means wandering. When this photo was taken by my husband of our two oldest sons, we had been wandering all right. All day long! We continued down to the valley floor, and another 1.5 hours from there to one of the area’s most famous waterfalls, Trümmelbach Falls. According to MySwitzerland.com, the Trümmelbach Falls are the world’s only glacier waterfalls that are accessible underground by lift, galleries, tunnels, paths and platforms. They alone carry the meltwater of the glaciers from the Jungfrau down to the valley – up to 20,000 liters of water per second. The water carries with it over 20,000 tons of boulders and scree per year and causes the entire mountain to shudder and make a thundering noise. We paid to see what all the fuss is about, and it was worth it! Here’s a video: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0867-460x345.jpg" alt="The boys and I in front of Trümmelbach Falls." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11471" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0867-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0867-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0867-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> The boys and I in front of Trümmelbach Falls. When we got back to our cabin, we had hiked 16 miles, including 3,400′ of gain. We were all completely fulfilled and exhilarated, despite being worn out. It was such a fantastic day that included so many highlhights. I’ve tried to list most of them, but trust me when I say there are even more. I simply need to end this blog post so I can get a little shut-eye before we ride a train tomorrow to Zermatt, Switzerland. Thank you for following along with us on this Epic Adventure. I hope you’ll stay tuned for our upcoming posts. Next up: Zermatt, Switzerland (including the Gornergrat train ride and views of the Matterhorn and a report about another epic hike we’ll do in that region.) If you’re interested, here are all of my previous blog posts about this Epic Europe Family Adventure so far: • From Wyoming to the British Museum and Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew in 24 hours • Big Ben, River Thames, Tower of London and Ice Cream • Munich Day 1: Glockenspiel, Deutsches Museum, Englischer Garten and Beirgarten • Biking in the Bavarian Alps, Exploring Neuschwanstein Castle, Epic Beer & Food The post Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland: The Land of Many Fountains, Cows with Bells and Epic Food appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
Big Ben, River Thames, Tower of London, Beers at a 401-Year-Old Pub and Ice Cream
Hello again! As I mentioned in the last post, my husband, Jerry, and I and our three sons, Wolf, 16, Hayden, 14 and Finis, 9, are on a 28-day dream-come-true “Epic Europe Family Adventure.” Our itinerary includes London, Munich, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Portugal. After a full first day in London, we slept in on […] The post Big Ben, River Thames, Tower of London, Beers at a 401-Year-Old Pub and Ice Cream appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
Hello again! As I mentioned in the last post, my husband, Jerry, and I and our three sons, Wolf, 16, Hayden, 14 and Finis, 9, are on a 28-day dream-come-true “Epic Europe Family Adventure.” Our itinerary includes London, Munich, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Portugal. After a full first day in London, we slept in on Day 2. We enjoyed a breakfast provided by our hotel, Regency House. Given we were in England, Jerry and I did what any wise visitor would do and ordered the “Full English Breakfast.” Oh. My. God. Absolutely delicious. Bacon lovers, our sons each opted for the “bacon sandwich,” which was a piece of thick toast on which a huge heap of cottage bacon was piled. Epic to say the least. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/FullEnglishBreakfast-225x210.jpg" alt="Yum. "Full English Breakfast."" width="225" height="210" class="size-medium wp-image-11350" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/FullEnglishBreakfast-225x210.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/FullEnglishBreakfast-768x718.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/FullEnglishBreakfast-460x430.jpg 460w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /> Yum. “Full English Breakfast.” We were well rested and fueled for the day’s adventure, which would include a tour on the River Thames, and an afternoon at the Tower of London. We set out to practice our public transportation skills by using our “oyster cards” and the Underground to get to the Westminster Pier. As soon as we walked up the stairs out of the subway station, we were surprised when we looked up and right in front of us were Big Ben, and the spectacular Westminster Abbey palace. We also saw the Eye of London as we found our way to the pier and onto our City Cruises boat. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/BigBen-348x460.jpg" alt="Big Ben, at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London." width="348" height="460" class="size-large wp-image-11351" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/BigBen-348x460.jpg 348w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/BigBen-170x225.jpg 170w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/BigBen-768x1016.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 348px) 100vw, 348px" /> Big Ben, at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/ShelliandBoys-EyeofLondon-460x345.jpg" alt="With the boys in front of the Eye of London." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11352" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/ShelliandBoys-EyeofLondon-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/ShelliandBoys-EyeofLondon-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/ShelliandBoys-EyeofLondon-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> With the boys in front of the Eye of London. The River Thames is a river that flows through southern England. It is the longest river that is entirely in England, and it is the second longest river in the United Kingdom. (the longest is the River Severn.) According to Wikipedia, the River Thames gets its name from three sources: the Thames Valley, a region of England around the river between Oxford and West London; the Thames Gateway; and the greatly overlapping Thames Estuary around the tidal Thames to the east of London and including the waterway itself. Our river cruise’s guide was informational and also very funny, making our tour a wonderful experience. In a short ride, we learned all about London’s major attractions, including some of the most prominent buildings, old and new, the London Bridge(s), the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the Eye of London, Big Ben, Westminster Palace, and much more. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/JerryandBoys-RiverTour-454x460.jpg" alt="Jerry and the boys on our River Thames Tour." width="454" height="460" class="size-large wp-image-11353" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/JerryandBoys-RiverTour-454x460.jpg 454w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/JerryandBoys-RiverTour-222x225.jpg 222w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/JerryandBoys-RiverTour-768x778.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 454px) 100vw, 454px" /> Jerry and the boys on our River Thames Tour. We disembarked the boat at the Tower Pier, and headed, eagerly, to start our exploration of the Tower of London. We were mainly excited about exploring the White Tower. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/TheWhiteTower-345x460.jpg" alt="The boys and I in front of the White Tower." width="345" height="460" class="size-large wp-image-11354" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/TheWhiteTower-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/TheWhiteTower-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/TheWhiteTower-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> The boys and I in front of the White Tower. Located in the center of the Inner Ward, the White Tower – so named due to the white stone it was built from – was begun in 1078 and completed about 1100. It is four stories tall with walls up to 15 ft thick. The boys loved looking at the armour. By the way, King Henry VIII’s armour weighed up to 90 pounds at times! Can you imagine riding a horse, or going to battle with armour that weighed that much? According to a guide that we talked to at the exhibit, only one knight was known to ever die while in such armour, and it wasn’t from a weapon but rather from a heart attack, probably from being unfit and out of shape, and trying to move around in such heavy attire… <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/LineofKingsHenryVIII-345x460.jpg" alt="We enjoyed the Line of Kings, which displayed armour of all kinds. Here is King Henry VIII's armour. (At times, the king's armour weighed 90 pounds!)" width="345" height="460" class="size-large wp-image-11356" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/LineofKingsHenryVIII-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/LineofKingsHenryVIII-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/LineofKingsHenryVIII-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> We enjoyed the Line of Kings, which displayed armour of all kinds. Here is King Henry VIII’s armour (At times, the king’s armour weighed 90 pounds!) The boys also loved seeing the assortment of ancient weaponry, including mace pistols and swords and spears and mortars and cannons. Some of the cannons reportedly weight 36,000 pounds. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/MacePistols-460x389.jpg" alt="MacePistols" width="460" height="389" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-11357" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/MacePistols-460x389.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/MacePistols-225x190.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/MacePistols-768x650.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Of course, the torture exhibit also intrigued us, particularly our sons. We all got a kick out of an ancient torture advice called the “Scold’s Bridle” Here’s the description for it: “The Scold’s Bridle was a popular local punishment throughout Europe, the scold’s bridle publicly humiliated women accused of gossiping. Locked around the woman’s head, the spring mounted bell alerted everyone to her approach.” <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Bridles--137x225.jpg" alt="A "Scold's Bridle."" width="137" height="225" class="size-medium wp-image-11358" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Bridles--137x225.jpg 137w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Bridles--768x1266.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Bridles--279x460.jpg 279w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Bridles-.jpg 1931w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 137px) 100vw, 137px" /> A “Scold’s Bridle.” Next, we headed to The Jewel House to spy the Crown Jewels. I quickly embarrassed the family, and was embarrassed and humiliated when I tried to take a photo of a jeweled crown. I was so enamored by the jewels, I didn’t notice all of the signs saying photos are not allowed. Oops. So I didn’t get any photos, and of course I understand and support why photographs are not allowed. We were mesmerized by all of the jewels on display. As we left the Jewel House, we watched the guards in front of the Jewel House. Guarding the Jewel House is serious business. The guards are not there for visitors’ display and delight, but rather to keep the order and seriously protect the jewels, and access to the jewels. Some rowdy, misbehaving youth were antagonizing one guard and we saw him come unglued, and rightly so. At any rate, seeing the guards was also thrilling for us. We are not accustomed to seeing such sights on the frontier of Wyoming! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Guard-CrownJewels-169x225.jpg" alt="A guard in front of the Jewel House, at the Tower of London." width="169" height="225" class="size-medium wp-image-11359" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Guard-CrownJewels-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Guard-CrownJewels-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Guard-CrownJewels-345x460.jpg 345w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px" /> A guard in front of the Jewel House, at the Tower of London. We then left the Tower and enjoyed a walk over the beautiful Tower Bridge, and then along the walking path along the south bank of the River Thames. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Family-TowerBridge-460x391.jpg" alt="In front of the Tower Bridge." width="460" height="391" class="size-large wp-image-11363" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Family-TowerBridge-460x391.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Family-TowerBridge-225x191.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Family-TowerBridge-768x653.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> In front of the Tower Bridge. We stopped to enjoy sights like Hay’s Galleria, which includes offices, restaurants, shops and flats. Next we marveled at the replica of Frances Drake’s sailing ship that circumnavigated the globe two times, and is set to do it a third time. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/HaysGalleria-345x460.jpg" alt="The boys, at Hay's Galleria." width="345" height="460" class="size-large wp-image-11361" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/HaysGalleria-345x460.jpg 345w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/HaysGalleria-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/HaysGalleria-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 345px) 100vw, 345px" /> The boys, at Hay’s Galleria. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/FrancesDrakeReplicaofShip-460x345.jpg" alt="Jerry and the boys at the Golden Hinde II, a replica of Sir Francis Drake's ship." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11360" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/FrancesDrakeReplicaofShip-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/FrancesDrakeReplicaofShip-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/FrancesDrakeReplicaofShip-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Jerry and the boys at the Golden Hinde II, a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship. Jerry and I got particularly excited when we arrived at a place called the Anchor, a pub that is 401 years old – Europe’s oldest pub. We all sat and enjoyed cold ones – Jerry and I had pints of 1730 and London Glory, respectively, and the boys had Fantas. It was a wonderful day of immersing ourselves in some of London’s culture. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Shelli-JerryTheAnchor-460x382.jpg" alt="Jerry and I, in front of the Anchor Bankside, a pub in the London that is 401 years old!" width="460" height="382" class="size-large wp-image-11362" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Shelli-JerryTheAnchor-460x382.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Shelli-JerryTheAnchor-225x187.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/Shelli-JerryTheAnchor-768x638.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Jerry and I, in front of the Anchor Bankside, a pub in the London that is 401 years old! We met up with Antonia for dinner, and then finished with an ice cream treat. We are ice cream eating fanatics. Our family has enjoyed a tradition of eating ice cream every Friday after school for years now. Since we’re on vacation, it doesn’t matter what day it is, and we may even eat ice cream every day, and in Italy we hope to eat gelato on a daily basis. But I digress. What I want to emphasize is we fell in love with Jude’s ice cream. The founder of the ice cream company wanted to create the world’s tastiest ice cream with milk from local cows. In his barn at home he set to work and soon the whole family joined in. In the winter of 2002 he carried the first tubs across the field to the village pub and Jude’s Ice Cream was born. The ice cream is named it after his wife. Our youngest son, Fin, upon tasting the ice cream, remarked: “This is the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted in my whole life.” We all concurred. Thanks for reading. Please stay tuned for more reports from our Epic Europe Family Adventure. Next up: Munich, Germany! The post Big Ben, River Thames, Tower of London, Beers at a 401-Year-Old Pub and Ice Cream appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
From Wyoming to the British Museum and The Taming of the Shrew in London in 24 hours
My husband, Jerry, and I and our three sons, Wolf, 16, Hayden, 14 and Finis, 9, are just starting our “Epic Europe Family Adventure.” This trip is a dream-come-true that we have been dreaming about, planning and saving for for some time. Our adventure is 28 days long and includes this itinerary: London, Munich, Germany […] The post From Wyoming to the British Museum and The Taming of the Shrew in London in 24 hours appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
My husband, Jerry, and I and our three sons, Wolf, 16, Hayden, 14 and Finis, 9, are just starting our “Epic Europe Family Adventure.” This trip is a dream-come-true that we have been dreaming about, planning and saving for for some time. Our adventure is 28 days long and includes this itinerary: London, Munich, Germany (via Paris, France), Lauterbrunnen and Zermatt, Switzerland, Italy’s Moneglia and Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence and Rome, and then Portugal. First, we drove from our home in Lander, Wyoming, to Denver, CO., where we made a quick visit with my Grandma, and then we visited Jerry’s brother, Jamie, who dropped us off at the airport for our direct flight to London. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/01-EuropeorBust-460x310.jpg" alt="At the Denver airport. Europe or Bust! " width="460" height="310" class="size-large wp-image-11315" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/01-EuropeorBust-460x310.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/01-EuropeorBust-225x152.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/01-EuropeorBust.jpg 570w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> At the Denver airport. Europe or Bust! The flight was an 8-hour flight that took off at 7:45pm. After in the air, we let the boys watch one movie, then we all closed our eyes ’till we landed in London, which given the 7-hour jump ahead in time, meant we had feet on the ground in Europe at 11:30am on Monday, May 23. Once in London, we were greeted by my friend, Antonia, whom I met on my Brooks Range Alaska NOLS course in 2011. Antonia has visited us in Lander, WY for the famous 4th of July, during her Yellowstone Park visits. Now, we would see her on her turf! (She’s from Germany, but teaches Sanskrit at a private school in London.) It was so great to see Antonia, who led us to the Underground, and traveled to a station near our hotel on Gower Street. We loved that our room number was “1.” How perfect for the start of our adventure. We also loved the quaint comfort of our hotel room, which was exactly one room with 5 beds in it – one for each of us. We found this to be charming in its practicality. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/02-Room1-169x225.jpg" alt="Our room number for our first hotel on the trip: 1." width="169" height="225" class="size-medium wp-image-11318" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/02-Room1-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/02-Room1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/02-Room1-345x460.jpg 345w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px" /> Our room number for our first hotel on the trip: 1. Tired from our hours of travel, which included our 5-hour drive from Lander, WY to Denver, CO, and then 8-hour international flight during the night, and add to that we were suddenly on a clock that was 7 hours ahead of our usual (US Mountain Standard Time) schedule, we were not exactly full of energy. So we all relaxed in our hotel room for a couple of hours and visited with Antonia, before venturing to the British Museum. We intentionally planned a mellow first day in London because we knew we’d be tired, and we planned to not do what we felt like, which was collapse on the hotel beds for a nap. (Our friends and family who have traveled to Europe advised against taking a nap, suggesting we should instead resist napping and try to fall into step with the local time) We planned to explore at a lazy pace a small portion of the British Museum, which was just a couple of blocks from our hotel, and then get some dinner at a pub, before watching The Taming of the Shrew, at the historic outdoor Globe Theatre. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/03-WithAntonia-atBritishM-460x345.jpg" alt="Posing with our friend, Antonia, in the British Museum." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11320" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/03-WithAntonia-atBritishM-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/03-WithAntonia-atBritishM-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/03-WithAntonia-atBritishM-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/03-WithAntonia-atBritishM.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Posing with our friend, Antonia, in the British Museum. The British Museum, which offers free admission, was a treat, and that is an understatement! Rick Steves calls it the “Chronicle of Western Civilization,” and his description is apt. There is no way we could adequately review all the museum has to offer, so we focused on just a few areas. We explored much of the museum, but we especially enjoyed seeing the Elgin Marbles, the original Rosetta Stone, and the many Egyptian statues and artifacts. The Elgin Marbles, known to the world as the Parthenon Marbles, are a collection of Classical Greek marble sculptures (made by the citizens of Athens under the supervision of the renowned architect and sculptor Phidias and his assistants), inscriptions, and architectural pieces that were originally part of the temple of the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens. Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin obtained in 1801 a controversial permit from the Sublime Porte, which then ruled Greece. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/04-ElginMarbles-withBoys-460x345.jpg" alt="The boys, admiring some of the Elgin Marbles, in the British Museum." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11321" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/04-ElginMarbles-withBoys-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/04-ElginMarbles-withBoys-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/04-ElginMarbles-withBoys-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> The boys, admiring some of the Elgin Marbles, in the British Museum. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/05-ElginMarbles-Man-460x345.jpg" alt=" Part of the Elgin Marbles, this naked man reclines on a rock, cushioned by the skin of a feline animal. He is probably Dionysos, god of wine. (His missing right hand perhaps held a cup of wine?)" width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11323" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/05-ElginMarbles-Man-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/05-ElginMarbles-Man-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/05-ElginMarbles-Man-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Part of the Elgin Marbles, this naked man reclines on a rock, cushioned by the skin of a feline animal. He is probably Dionysos, god of wine. (His missing right hand perhaps held a cup of wine?) <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/06-ElginMarbles-Panel-460x297.jpg" alt="Some of the panels that are part of the Elgin Marbles." width="460" height="297" class="size-large wp-image-11324" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/06-ElginMarbles-Panel-460x297.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/06-ElginMarbles-Panel-225x145.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/06-ElginMarbles-Panel-768x496.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Some of the panels that are part of the Elgin Marbles. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/07-ElginMarbles-Horse-460x420.jpg" alt="Part of the Elgin Marbles, this is the head of a horse from the chair of the moon-goddess, Selene." width="460" height="420" class="size-large wp-image-11325" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/07-ElginMarbles-Horse-460x420.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/07-ElginMarbles-Horse-225x205.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/07-ElginMarbles-Horse-768x701.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Part of the Elgin Marbles, this is the head of a horse from the chair of the moon-goddess, Selene. Well, I think if all we had time for were the Elgin Marbles, that would have been pretty astounding in itself. The boys and I really loved looking at all of them, and reading and learning about them. It’s something else to imagine the work, the skill and craftsmanship, and the commitment required to carve such beautiful sculptures from stone, and to see them some 2,500 years later. Well, I think if all we had time for were the Elgin Marbles, that would have been pretty astounding in itself. The boys and I really loved looking at all of them, and reading and learning about them. It’s something else to imagine the work, the skill and craftsmanship, and the commitment required to carve such beautiful sculptures from stone. Next up was the original, 5,000-year-old Rosetta Stone. The Rosetta Stone holds the key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs and is a script made up of small pictures that was used originally in ancient Egypt for religious texts. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/08-RosettaStone-IMG_7812-460x345.jpg" alt="The Rosetta Stone holds the key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs—a script made up of small pictures that was used originally in ancient Egypt for religious texts. " width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11328" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/08-RosettaStone-IMG_7812-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/08-RosettaStone-IMG_7812-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/08-RosettaStone-IMG_7812-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> The Rosetta Stone holds the key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs—a script made up of small pictures that was used originally in ancient Egypt for religious texts. The boys especially loved Room 4, the Egyptian sculptures. There are many. In fact, the British Museum holds the largest collection of Egyptian objects that are outside of Egypt. We first explored mummies, which includes actual corpses and displays of the history, and process of of mummifying. Especially fascinating is the 5,000-year-old sand-dried mummy. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/13235330_10207712061493804_1245595786852913380_o-460x236.jpg" alt="The mummy exhibits are extraordinary." width="460" height="236" class="size-large wp-image-11330" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/13235330_10207712061493804_1245595786852913380_o-460x236.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/13235330_10207712061493804_1245595786852913380_o-225x115.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/13235330_10207712061493804_1245595786852913380_o-768x394.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/13235330_10207712061493804_1245595786852913380_o.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> The mummy exhibits are extraordinary. The statue of King Ramesses II was carved from a single block of stone, and is the upper part of a colossal seated statue. The sculpture weight 20 tons (40,000 pounds!), and was transported on sleds over land and In a purpose-built boat down the Nile. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/09-King-Ramesses-II-460x460.jpg" alt="The statue of King Ramesses II is the upper part of a colossal seated statue. " width="460" height="460" class="size-large wp-image-11332" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/09-King-Ramesses-II-460x460.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/09-King-Ramesses-II-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/09-King-Ramesses-II-225x225.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/09-King-Ramesses-II-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> The statue of King Ramesses II is the upper part of a colossal seated statue. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/10-Sarcophagus-460x345.jpg" alt="A sarcophagus is a box-like funeral receptacle for a corpse, most commonly carved in stone, and displayed above ground, though it may also be buried." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11333" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/10-Sarcophagus-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/10-Sarcophagus-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/10-Sarcophagus-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> A sarcophagus is a box-like funeral receptacle for a corpse, most commonly carved in stone, and displayed above ground, though it may also be buried. After the British Museum, we found a British pub, where Jerry, Antonia and I enjoyed a cold one, and we all ate a pretty tasty pub meal. Fed and feeling recharged, we caught the Underground and then walked to the historic Globe Theater. Seeing The Taming of the Shrew was a treat for me that the family agreed to. I was full of anticipation to see the Shakespeare play for the first time, and to see it in Shakespeare’s original venue. The Globe is an oak-and-thatch replica of the original Elizabethan theatre, showing Shakespeare plays in the open air. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/11-Subway-460x345.jpg" alt="Riding the Underground with my friend Antonia, who showed us the ropes." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11334" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/11-Subway-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/11-Subway-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/11-Subway-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Riding the Underground with my friend Antonia, who showed us the ropes. The play was epic! Jerry and the boys were generous in agreeing to include the play on our itinerary, since I was the only one enthused about it. But, to my pleasant surprise, the boys loved it. It woke them up, and I even caught Fin, our 9-year-old, laughing out loud throughout the play. The cast was fantastic, and the setting was unbeatable, making the entire experience of watching the play a 10 out of 10. I highly recommend attending a Shakespeare play in the open air, outdoor Globe Theater. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/12-TamingoftheShrew-460x345.jpg" alt="We loved watching The Taming of the Shrew in the historic, open air Globe Theatre." width="460" height="345" class="size-large wp-image-11336" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/12-TamingoftheShrew-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/12-TamingoftheShrew-225x169.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/12-TamingoftheShrew-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> We loved watching The Taming of the Shrew in the historic, open air Globe Theatre. We were exhilarated by the play, especially the second act, which was even more spectacular than the first. As we made out way out of the theater and walked to the Underground station, we stopped to take in a beautiful reflection of the awe-inspiring St. Paul’s Cathedral in the River Thames. We then walked across a bridge and right up to the Cathedral before we found our transport. According to Wikipedia, St Paul’s Cathedral, London, is an Anglican cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of London, and the mother church of the Diocese of London. It sits on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London. Its dedication to Paul the Apostle dates back to the original church on this site, founded in AD 604. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/13-StPaulsCathedralAtNight-460x417.jpg" alt="St. Paul's Cathedral, reflected in the River Thames, in London." width="460" height="417" class="size-large wp-image-11338" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/13-StPaulsCathedralAtNight-460x417.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/13-StPaulsCathedralAtNight-225x204.jpg 225w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/13-StPaulsCathedralAtNight-768x696.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> St. Paul’s Cathedral, reflected in the River Thames, in London. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/14-StPauls-Hayden-169x225.jpg" alt="Hayden, in front of St. Paul's Cathedral, in London." width="169" height="225" class="size-medium wp-image-11339" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/14-StPauls-Hayden-169x225.jpg 169w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/14-StPauls-Hayden-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/14-StPauls-Hayden-345x460.jpg 345w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px" /> Hayden, in front of St. Paul’s Cathedral, in London. The present church, dating from the late 17th century, was designed in the English Baroque style by Sir Christopher Wren. The cathedral is one of the most famous and most recognizable sights of London. Its dome, framed by the spires of Wren’s City churches, dominated the skyline for 300 years. At 365 feet high, it was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1962. The dome is among the highest in the world. St Paul’s is the second largest church building in the United Kingdom, second only to Liverpool Cathedral. We made it back to the hotel at around 11:30pm and pretty much collapsed into immediate sleep. If our first day and evening’s events were any indication, this dream-come-true, 28-day adventure in Europe was going to be nothing short of epic… Thanks for reading, and please stay tuned for more posts here as we make our way through Munich, Germany, Lauterbrunnen and Zermatt, Switzerland, Italy’s Cinque Terre National Park, Pisa, Florence and Rome, and Lisbon and Lagos, Portugal. (See London Day 2 blog post) The post From Wyoming to the British Museum and The Taming of the Shrew in London in 24 hours appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
Kodachrome State Park is Great Base Camp
On our recent spring break camping trip in southwestern Utah, we spent two nights camping and one day hiking and exploring Utah’s Kodachrome State Park. We had been to the area before and loved it. This state park gets its name, Kodachrome, from a 1948 National Geographic Society expedition that named the area after its […] The post Kodachrome State Park is Great Base Camp appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.
On our recent spring break camping trip in southwestern Utah, we spent two nights camping and one day hiking and exploring Utah’s Kodachrome State Park. We had been to the area before and loved it. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-8767" title="P4120369" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4120369-460x329.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="329" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4120369-460x329.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4120369-225x161.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Family photo during our hike on the Panorama Trail. This state park gets its name, Kodachrome, from a 1948 National Geographic Society expedition that named the area after its popular color film. Kodachrome State Park is known for its tall and colorful spires. Almost 70 monolithic stone spires — called sedimentary pipes — jut out of red and orange desert-like environs. The colorful sandstone formations reveal 180 million years of geologic time. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-8770" title="P4120353" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4120353-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4120353-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4120353-225x168.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Our 9-year-old and 11-year-old sons climb on the rocks. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-8771" title="P4120356" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4120356-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4120356-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4120356-225x168.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Fin, our 4-year-old, doing the bear walk up a rock. We enjoyed a couple of great hikes that started right near the campground. Our favorite was the Panorama trail, which is mostly level and takes you through a landscape that includes towering spires, Utah juniper and pinyon pine, signs of an earlier time in features like Indian Cave. Our boys’ favorites were Ballerina Spire and the Secret Passage. Depending on how many spur trails you take, this could be a 6-mile hike. If you remain on the main trail without taking any of the side trips, I think it’s about a 3-mile hike. Either way, it’s level and fun and perfect for families, especially if you have young children and a puppy, like we do. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-8774" title="P4110319" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4110319-460x345.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="345" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4110319-460x345.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4110319-225x168.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> All of my guys in front of Indian Cave. We spent a couple of hours having a picnic and just exploring and goofing off and relaxing near the trail to “Secret Passage.” Our three sons, ages 11, 9 and 4, could have played there all day long. There were interesting rocks to climb in and out of and to the top of, places to hide and caves to explore. According to Wikipedia, geologists believe Kodachrome Basin State Park was once similar to Yellowstone National Park, home to several geysers and hot springs, which eventually solidified, full of sediment. Over, time, the Entrada sandstone surrounding the solidified geysers eroded, leaving large sand pipes — or, spires. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-8775" title="P4120342" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4120342-460x278.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="278" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4120342-460x278.jpg 460w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4120342-225x136.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" /> Picnic. Kodachrome is perfectly situated for people looking to “base camp” in one awesome location with easy access to Zion National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and other great natural destinations in southwestern Utah. The perfect day came to a perfect end when we had s’mores at our camp. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-8798" title="P4110302" src="http://havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4110302-360x460.jpg" alt="" width="360" height="460" srcset="https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4110302-360x460.jpg 360w, https://www.havemediawilltravel.com/wp-content/uploads/P4110302-176x225.jpg 176w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /> S'mores. At the beginning of our trip, we enjoyed adventuring in Goblin Valley State Park, and en route to Kodachrome, we enjoyed a 6-mile hike to Calf Creek Falls in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument en route to Kodachrome. After our stay at Kodachrome, we headed south a short distance to Coral Pink Sand Dunes. (Stay tuned for the upcoming post about Coral Pink Sand Dunes, which was yet another awesome adventure.) Here’s a short video of how our last night at camp went at Kodachrome State Park: The post Kodachrome State Park is Great Base Camp appeared first on Have Media Will Travel.