We landed in DC for a few reasons… 1) Greg, believe it or not, had never been and January seemed like an ideal time to hole up in the plethora of free museums and sites, 2) it was easy to get a centrally located housesit for a couple of weeks so we didn’t have to pay for accommodation, 3) it…

Continue ReadingTwo Weeks of Winter in Washington (DC)

We live with the motto that, one can choose to be blind to the world, or to be an adventurer in search of its treasure. And, although we do believe in taking all necessary and proper safety precautions during this pandemic, we were not going to let COVID keep us from living and experiencing our nomadic lives. So we adapted. We…

Continue ReadingThe 2021 Geney Awards: Our “Best of” List

As we exited the bustling cities and zippy drivers, the second half of our New England road trip definitely rolled into a more pleasurable pace. In fact, it felt like every time we slowed our speedometer to 25 mph, we would roll into another small town draped in quintessential charm oozing vibes of the UK, blended with a delicious and…

Continue ReadingNew England Road Trip: Part 2

Our New England road trip was two weeks long and an absolute whirlwind. Certainly not anywhere on the spectrum of our typical “slow travel” preferences. It took us to 12 states, many of which were Greg's firsts, and allowed Mandy to get her official membership to the 50-stataterian club as she checked off Vermont. It took us to prestigious Ivy…

Continue ReadingNew England Road Trip: Part 1

It was in Prague that we began our story… noses buried in our guide books, hurriedly walking down a cobblestone street and not paying attention until, suddenly crashing into each other. Knocking each other flat to the ground whilst locking eyes, and suddenly the song “That’s Amore” begins playing. A majestic castle looms in the background, overlooking the Seine –correction,…

Continue ReadingTwo Genes Swimming In The Same Pool: Our Story

There is so much more to explore in Oregon besides the big three destinations of Crater Lake, Mt. Hood, or Multnomah Falls. For nine years, we have criss-crossed Oregon, seeking the unique on off-the-beaten-path trips and ventured down countless backroads in this extraordinary state we have been very fortunate to call home. Along the way we made some amazing discoveries…

Continue Reading14 Unique Oregon Accommodations

Ape Caves, on Mt Saint Helens, has been on our NW to do list for awhile. We had both done the easy lower cave trail before, but this time we had our sights set on the more challenging (and much less populated) upper cave trail. More spelunking than hiking and at a steady 42F it’s essential to have very good…

Continue ReadingAn Ape Cave… In the Pacific Northwest?

Growing up inside a snow globe… in Leavenworth, Washington At the age of 6, my mom moved me to a new home. A magical and otherworldly wonderland home. The welcome sign at the entrance road to this unfamiliar land proclaimed that you were entering Leavenworth, Washington, the “Bavarian Village.” The sign included a new, unfamiliar, and strange looking group of…

Continue ReadingThe Making of an Explorer Gene (His Story)