After saying goodbye to our bike-and-barge companions, our intrepid guides, and the wonderful boat crew and kitchen staff, we checked into the elegant Hotel De L’Europe for a four-night stay. Opened in the late 19th century on the banks of the Amstel River, the hotel was built on the site of a former fortress and…
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 2025 – West Coast
Our exploration of Ireland’s west coast began in Killarney, a town long regarded as a gateway to some of the country’s most spectacular natural and cultural landscapes. Nestled near lakes, mountains, and national parklands, Killarney provided the perfect starting point for our journey north. The adventure opened on a high note with a rousing evening…
Ireland 2025 – East Coast
Leaving Dublin, we began our drive southwest toward Killarney, setting out to explore the easter side of Ireland. Our first stop was the beautiful seaside town of Dalkey, where we met up with an old high school friend, Jim McCormick, and his wife, Brigid, and shared a lovely, leisurely lunch—great to see old friends again…
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
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 a place whose story blends industrial might, resilience,…
Scotland 2025 – Western Region
On a wet and dreary day we left the Isle of Skye behind, and began our exploration of the western Highlands, passing through Fort William, a lively town nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Long known as a hub for climbers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers, Fort William serves as a natural…
Scotland 2025 – Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye, the largest and most celebrated of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, is a landscape where dramatic geology, deep history, and Gaelic culture come together in unforgettable ways. Connected to the mainland by a modern bridge yet retaining the feeling of a remote island, Skye is defined by its rugged mountains, sweeping moors, sea…
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…