Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico, a perfect "10+" 5/6/26 Day 123



Manzanillo is where they filmed "10" with Bo Derek years ago, but we met a 10+ on the trail to Mirador de la Cruz named Daisy who guided us with care through the strenuous 2 hr hike to the gorgeous summit. Afterwards we went to the Iguanario wildlife center and saw a crocodile enroute. The large and baby iguanas feasted on local mangos and climbed on us. After we checked out the municipal market, colonial architecture, and sculptures on the malecon boardwalk. 

San Diego, CA siesta with family 5/3/26 Day 120

Return of Hilary for our final segment coupled with Cousins day in San Diego made me feel at home (convenient with high speed Internet and US$), with a vacation from our five month journey.
Ben Nieberg met us for cafe olla, spiced Mexican coffee in a pot,  in Logan Street where we met Frida Kahlo who we bumped into with Daryl Baskin at the San Diego Art Museum after lunch and farmer's market in scenic Hillcrest.  Having Hilary return with a family day with cousins made San Diego a sublime port. 

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Seattle, WA The Emerald City 4/29/26 Day 116

Sunny Seattle shone stunning so after a Pilgrimage to the Pike Place Market complete with Seattle flying fish throwing and a visit to the impressive Seattle Public Library, I took the monorail to the Space Needle to get a bird's eye view of the harbor, complete with a view ofMt Ranier, reminiscing Mt Fuji. 
Nestled at the bottom was the gorgeous Chihuly Glass Museum and Garden complete with a glass blowing demo. to round off the day I wandered through the spectacular Olympic Sculpture Park.  

Sitka, The Jewel of SE Alaska 4/26/26 Day 112


St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal church, Mystery Star of David built in 1899.  After going inside the always open church I happened upon the mistaken stain glass window swap and delivery theory.

I'm so glad we splurged on a 2 1/2 hr wildlife tour with Brad to see sea lions lounging in a navigation beakon, playful sea otters, a pod of spouting grey whales, and nesting bald eagles!

Returning to the Sitka National Historical Park for a Totem pole sampling and forest bath. 

Kodiak Island, The Emerald Isle of Community, AK 4/24/26 Day 111


Shabbat Shalom from Kodiak 
A Whale of a Tale found by the high school teacher who greeted us at the US Forest service discovery center which was built to exhibit this beached whale carefully preserved. 
Hiking at the North End Park with emerald drenched moss cover and frolicking sea otters  
While the Aquarium is only open on Tuesdays we found a kind soul who not only let us in on the condition that we would not sign the guest book attesting to our visit, but toured us around the touch tank telling us Aluetian marine tales. 
I loved the Alutiiq Museum to understand more of the indigenous civilization. After a cider sampling at the local cidery and seeing the popular challah at the bakery, we celebrated Sabbat on board marveling at the hidden hidden even in this remote community.