After two memorable weeks cycling through the Netherlands and Belgium, we arrived in Amsterdam for the final four nights of our European adventure. With its picturesque canals, centuries-old architecture, remarkable art collections and rich maritime history, the city proved a fitting conclusion to our summer travels. Staying at the historic Hotel De L’Europe overlooking the…
Holland and Belgium 2025 – Bike and Barge Week 2
We began the second and final week of our bike-and-barge tour with a sense of gratitude and excitement, ready to start working our way from Maastricht back to Amsterdam. The journey so far has been nothing short of amazing—filled with memorable rides, fascinating history, and wonderful company—and it’s hard to believe how quickly the first…
Holland and Belgium 2025 – Bike and Barge Week 1
With mixed emotions, we began the next—and final—phase of our 2025 European adventure, a journey that had already carried us through seven countries rich in history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes. We were sad to say goodbye to Ireland, whose rugged coastlines, warm hospitality, and deep traditions had left a lasting impression. From Dublin, we boarded…
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip: Killarney to Slieve League
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is one of Europe’s most spectacular coastal journeys, winding through rugged peninsulas, historic villages, towering sea cliffs and landscapes shaped by centuries of Atlantic storms. Our journey began in Killarney and took us north through the dramatic scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, across the Shannon Estuary and onward to the magnificent…
Dublin to Killarney Road Trip: Kilkenny, Waterford & Kinsale
Leaving Dublin behind, we began the next chapter of our Irish adventure—a scenic road trip south through historic towns, medieval castles, picturesque coastal villages and some of Ireland’s most memorable landscapes. We began our drive southwest toward Killarney, setting out to explore the easter side of Ireland. Our first stop was the beautiful seaside town…
Republic of Ireland 2025 – Dublin
After leaving Northern Ireland, we crossed the border and headed south into the Republic of Ireland, arriving at our first stop—the vibrant capital city of Dublin. We checked into the newly renovated The Mercantile Hotel, perfectly situated in the heart of the Temple Bar district. From our doorstep, we stepped directly into the lively pulse…
Northern Ireland 2025
Belfast — Industrial Heritage and a City Reborn Arriving in Belfast by ferry from Cairnryan, Scotland was a fitting way to begin our time in Northern Ireland—a smooth, comfortable 2½-hour crossing that eased us from Scotland into a city shaped by the sea. After checking into the AC Hotel Belfast, we set out to explore…
Scotland Road Trip: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Oban, Stirling & Falkirk Wheel
Leaving the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye behind, we continued our Scottish adventure through the western Highlands and into central Scotland, following a route that combined spectacular scenery, historic castles, remarkable engineering and centuries of Scottish history. Our journey began with a memorable visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, where we watched the famous…
Isle of Skye Road Trip: Eilean Donan Castle, Old Man of Storr & Fairy Pools
Our journey to Scotland’s Isle of Skye took us through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Scottish Highlands. From the historic Eilean Donan Castle to the dramatic cliffs of the Trotternish Peninsula and the crystal-clear Fairy Pools beneath the Cuillin Mountains, every turn revealed another remarkable landscape. We began at Eilean Donan Castle…
Scotland 2025 – Exploring the Northern Regions
After a wonderful visit with our great friends Maggie and Gordon White, we picked up our rental car and set off on the next chapter of our journey—exploring the wild beauty of Northern Scotland. With rolling hills ahead of us and the unexpected thrill of driving on the left-hand side of the road, we embarked…