Switzerland: All Aboard for the Glacier Express

20160116_051709Our extended weekend and journey in Switzerland continued aboard the Glacier Express. The world famous “slowest express train” would take us from the eastern part of the country, through the Swiss Alps with the end destination of Zermatt. The 7-hour ride took us over countless bridges, through numerous tunnels, and most importantly, offered amazing views around each and every corner. Continue reading

Switzerland: Trains, mountains, and snowboarding

20160115_023045Switzerland was amazing. Merri Beth, Zander, and I had an opportunity to visit for a few days in January 2016. We didn’t know what to expect and we maximized our time, visiting five different cities in five days. We took the train everywhere, went snowboarding, ate traditional Swiss food, and enjoyed the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps. We’ve got all the details about our trip in case you find yourself in St Moritz, Bern, or Neuchatal one day. Continue reading

Second Pint: More Brewery Exploring in Wilmington

20160206_111618We had a full day in front of us to explore downtown Wilmington and more breweries. Merri Beth and I were joined by her sister Jenni and cousin Nikki, to celebrate Jenni’s birthday weekend. On Friday, we explored Wilmington Brewing Company, Front Street Brewery, and Ironclad Brewery. On tap for today: Broomtail Craft Brewery, Waterline Brewing, and Flytrap Brewing—and really, whatever Wilmington had in store for us. Continue reading

Winter surf on the Outer Banks

20160110_155002El niño is creating some crazy weather in North Carolina. On Christmas Day, we were on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, it was 70°, the ocean temperatures were in the 60’s, and there was waist high surf. (Apparently, we were a day late for the real swell.) Fast forward to the second weekend in January 2016, and another swell was hitting the OBX. With a sub-topical storm system north of Bermuda and a strong weather system moving through the region, the surf was cranking in Kill Devil Hills. Continue reading

Achievement Unlocked: 2015 Holiday Half Marathon Challenge

20151216_105124On a hilly course and unusually humid day in Durham, NC, I completed a holiday half marathon challenge that included finishing three races starting in early November and concluding in mid-December. While my times may not have have been stellar, the goal was to finish and get that new shiny medal that I saw in an email a few weeks ago. Continue reading

Turks and Caicos: Exploring Malcolm’s Road Beach

20151222_090117A co-worker had tipped us off about Malcolm’s Road Beach. And while we had spent some time here a few days ago, we really didn’t get a chance to explore it. Now that we were more comfortable with our snorkel gear and our ability in the water we stayed out longer, ventured out further, and maximized our day on the west side of Turks and Caicos, Providenciales Island. Continue reading

Turks and Caicos: Coral Gardens Reef

DCIM100GOPROThe first day of winter. 80º here in Turks and Caicos. Mild 60’s back home in Raleigh. After a rainy day yesterday, we were hoping for better weather today. No matter what, we’ll make the best of it and we won’t be stuck in our villa. Our plan had a familiar ring to it, go to the beach, do some snorkeling, and maximize fun. Oh, and swim with sea turtles!

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