Bears Ears and Natural Bridges National Monuments

A little late in posting this one (okay, very late), but better late than never. Last March we ventured to Bears Ears and its vicinity to camp, hike, and photograph.

We spent one evening in Monument Valley, which was just a short distance from our camping location at Goosenecks State Park. We then spent a couple days around Bears Ears including a night out at Natural Bridges National Monument.

The weather was not very cooperative, between recent snow and more rain during our trip, which prevented us from getting down some roads and on some trails. On the plus side, however, the crowds were nonexistent.

Qatar and Morocco Trip Recap

These two countries may not often be considered a likely combo for a trip, but while looking at airfare options it quickly became a winning combo for us. On the airfare front, we redeemed points to fly QSuites on Qatar Airways meaning we had to fly through Doha. I had never visited the middle east and a short stop over in Doha seemed like a great first experience.

We spent about 2 days in Doha then flew back to Marrakech via Casablanca. From there, we explored the country in a counter-clockwise direction, first spending a few days in Marrakech, followed by Ouarzazate (with stops in between), Middle Atlas region, Dades Valley, Todga Gorge, High Atlas, Sahara desert, Fez, Volubilis, Chefchaouen (i.e. the Blue City), and finally Casablanca.

While we explored Marrakech and Casablanca on our own, we hired a guide through Desert Majesty for the rest of our adventure. Ali, our guide, was great and he certainly showed us more than we would have seen on our own. And having someone else drive and navigate allowed for more time to stare out the windows, not to mention less time getting lost. The whole experience with Desert Majesty was great and we wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.

A long weekend in Havana, Cuba

A couple of years ago it was “go before it changes too much” and now it’s “go before you cannot (easily) go” given the recent political developments. Still, neither was a greatly motivating factor for us to go. Instead, a couple of friends and myself were interested in a weekend trip together, Cuba was on all of our radars, and it worked well for all of us to get there from different cities. Check, check, and check.

Thanksgiving in Panama

Years ago while in the southern part of Costa Rica, I could peer into Panama. Well, at least the tops of some distant hills, but it was enough to get me thinking about a trip there. Fast forward to a year ago, a friend and I were sitting in my living room on New Years Day and I was looking around online at various trip ideas using airline miles and I stumbled upon not one but two discount business class tickets using points, direct from Denver to Panama City. Without a whole lot of additional thought, I bought both and we set out to plan a week there. →

48 Hours in Paris

I recently spent a weekend in Paris. Not as a part of a larger European trip, just a weekend in Paris. And I live in Denver. →