Penny Hansen Travels to Antarctica
That is usually the first question I was asked when I told people I was going to Antarctica. People would ask, “Why Antarctica?” Of course, I would answer, “Why not? Then my husband can say he has been to every continent and every state.” (I have a few more states to...
Weekend Bike Trip Along the Great River Road
I recently spent a weekend riding my 21-speed bike on the Sam Vadalabene bike path in Illinois. The Sam Vadalabene Great River Road Bike Trail has approximately 20 miles of level paved trail that parallels the Great River Road. Sam M. Vadalabene, an Illinois State...
Summer in Scotland and Ireland
Schools are back in session which brings back memories as one of the first assignments every fall: either tell or write a paper on how I spent my summer vacation. So I thought I would tell you that my summer vacation this year took me to Scotland and Ireland. ...
Around the Great Lakes – Heart of Midwestern Americana!
Pure Michigan! The catch phrase of Michigan in every sense reflects the beauty of the people (they call themselves Yoopers!) and its stunning landscape along the Great Lakes. Enchanting small towns, old growth forests, natural cliff formations, little shops that are...
Should I Cruise a River or an Ocean?
Yes please! I like both ocean cruising and river cruising. I went on my first river cruise in December of 2016 and then more recently in April of 2017. First let me say that cruising is in my humble opinion a great way to travel because I get to unpack once and see...
The Land of Fire and Ice: Iceland
Iceland in February Really…I never had Iceland on my radar, and especially never considered it as a February vacation. My ideal get away when it is cold here in the Midwest is warm sunshine, ocean, beach, drinks with umbrellas; you get the picture. However, an...
Penny Explores Paris
Bonjour! My husband and I spent a week in Paris with another couple this past November, and I felt like a local before the week was out. I feel this was due to the fact we stayed in a condo in Vincennes which is about 6 miles outside the heart of Paris. Every day we...
Overcoming the Winter Blues
As you begin to take down the lights from the roof, and the wreath from the door, you think of a new year and spring will soon roar. How can you get your gardening, decorating, and artistic fix? When all you can see is a wintery mix. What can be done to fill that...
Morocco: A Land of Enticement
Mуѕtеriоuѕ, аnсiеnt, еxоtiс, mystic: аll of these аrе wоrdѕ uѕеd tо dеѕсribе Mоrоссо. Thеу are аll true, but Mоrоссо iѕ аlѕо fresh, nеw, еvоlving, аnd modern. But thе оnlу way to fоrm уоur own орiniоn about Mоrоссо iѕ tо actually gо thеrе. Thе Eurореаn Influence Being...
Farhad Zarif, Ultra Marathoner
Farhad Zarif is a man of exceptional spirit, who dares to accomplish the impossible, with a disregard for anything that tries to keep him from his accepted challenge. He’s lived his entire life facing challenges and climbing mountains that most would never dare. As a...
