We started our trip bright and early in Fernadale, WA, excited for a week of adventure and relaxation. After loading up the car, we made our way to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, filled with the anticipation of our journey to Salt Spring Island. As we boarded the Salish Orca under clear blue skies. Our ferry…
Black Hills of South Dakota
Nestled in the western part of South Dakota, the Black Hills are a stunning range of low mountains rich in history and natural beauty. Named for their dark appearance from a distance, due to the dense pine and spruce forests, the Black Hills have been a sacred place for Native American tribes, particularly the Lakota…
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Our adventure to Great Sand Dunes National Park was a captivating journey through time and nature. Nestled in southern Colorado, the park boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The origins of these dunes trace back approximately 440,000 years, to a time when…
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic RR
Our day on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad began with anticipation as we prepared to travel from Chama, New Mexico, to Antonito, Colorado. This historic railroad, dating back to the late 19th century, was originally part of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, constructed to connect the isolated mountain communities with the broader…
Madrid Spain
After completing the Camino de Santiago, we departed from Santiago de Compostela, filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the next leg of our journey. We boarded the high-speed train to Madrid, a marvel of modern engineering that whisked us through the Spanish countryside with breathtaking speed and comfort. By noon, we arrived…
Camino de Santiago – Navarre Region
The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James, is a network of ancient pilgrim routes that converge at the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in Santiago de Compostela. The French Way, or Camino Francés, is the most popular route, stretching approximately 780 kilometers from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago in…
Paris 2024
After a long flight, we finally touched down in Paris, the City of Light. Exhausted but exhilarated, we made our way to our hotel, Hotel De Lys, conveniently located in the 5th Arrondissement which is near the many of the famous sites including the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. The proximity to this and other historic…
Carlsbad Flower Fields
Every year we look forward to visiting the vibrant Carlsbad Flower Gardens, nestled in the heart of sunny Carlsbad, California. The Carlsbad Flower Gardens, often referred to as “The Flower Fields,” boast a rich history dating back over a century. Nestled on the picturesque hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this floral paradise spans across 50…
2024 CVSC Whistler, BC Ski Trip
Nestled amidst the rugged grandeur of British Columbia’s Coastal Mountains lies a winter paradise like no other: Whistler-Blackcomb. This March, under the expert guidance of our CVSC trip leaders Karen Moyer and Maria Lechman, 43 enthusiastic skiers embarked on an unforgettable journey from Cleveland Hopkins Airport. We embarked on an 83-mile scenic drive along the…
Costa Rica 2024
As the sun began to set over the rolling hills of Guanacaste Province, three couples converged on the sandy shores of Playa Conchal for a week of sun-soaked adventure. Nestled in the picturesque Villa Bougainvillea overlooking the lush greens of the local golf course and the azure expanse of the Pacific Ocean, their haven promised…