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I really should change this homepage shot in Zion National Park as it's a few years old but I don't have the heart; it's a tiny little capture of one of my most perfect vacation days EVER and a great memory. The outfitter in Springdale, who rented us the proper equipment, was in the graphic arts field like myself until he did his first trip into the Narrows. Guess you could say he had an epiphany - right there between the majestic walls of this slot canyon - and his life hasn't been the same since: quit the job, sold the stuff, moved to Utah and became a champion of the experience for other adventurers. That's one lucky man.

St. Paul Winter Carnival

I live in Minneapolis where it's really nice about 6 months of the year and really sort of not so nice the rest of the time. Our winters can be long (!) up here in the north but we're good at bundling up and having a little fun with them. Here we are at the St. Paul Winter Carnival freezing our behinds on one of the ice sculptures outside a favorite pub. It may have more to do with the several pints we've just finished than the festival but never mind - we look happy, right? Whatever. Cabin fever does bizarre and frightening things to people.

It really is great here most of the time, and winter just makes us appreciate spring and summer that much more.

Tips are a messy business

Writing tips is painful and slow going for me. As I'm happiest wandering aimlessly in a blissed-out state of euphoria, it's difficult to remember where I've been. Photos come out of the camera a week later and I'm mystified: where the hell? It's rather poor form to just post the things with the comment, "Great place. Go here. I've no idea where it is."

Right; a 10 on the VT scale of annoying posts aside from "I'm going to ____. Is there anything to do there?"

So, to avoid a hail of rotten, virtual vegetables for uselessly taking up space on this site, the hours of backtracking, map-poring and head-scratching begin. I could hide my own Easter eggs, I swear. Anyway, if I get the silly things written while the museum, park, restaurant, hotel, ruin, etc. is still there, it's a major accomplishment.

My Canon gracefully bites the dust

There's so much about travel that's not about what you saw that made it an adventure. It's the day that didn't start so well but turned into one of the best; connections with interesting people; fleeting moments of magic that you can't share as a "how to" with other VT'ers; happy accidents.

Speaking of happy accidents, here's a shot from a camera meltdown a few years ago. Ordinarily, having a camera go kaput on vacation would be kind of a bummer? My beloved Canon rescued a stressful weekend of over-scheduled events, a major city water problem and some high-maintenance travel companions by producing a few accidental pieces of art as its swan song. Fun stuff.

Happy trails, all!

2011: Virtual Tourist Meet in Chicago (my first!) in June, 2 weeks hiking in Utah in the fall.

Intro Updated Aug 19, 2011
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Comments (210)

CatherineReichardt May 24, 2012 at 11:05 PM Report Abuse

Hey Fishy
Good to see you online and hope you're having a great time in Europe!
Regards
Cathy
tropicrd May 24, 2012 at 10:51 PM Report Abuse

I along with Suet (Mrs Pudding) are Kirsty's Va's so if you spot me with her I would love to have a pic with you...I love Italy.
Big hugs Dorrise
Donna_in_India May 23, 2012 at 6:46 PM Report Abuse

I miss you!!
leics May 23, 2012 at 11:09 AM Report Abuse

Good to know you're there safely! :-)
Odinnthor May 17, 2012 at 6:17 PM Report Abuse

"Hi Kate....d:o)"
anilpradhanshillong May 14, 2012 at 5:53 AM Report Abuse

Kate!
Have a wonderful 3rd. trip to Rome/Italy, you lucky girl!!
I hop you will try out *ALL* he gellato types and flavours!
gwened May 14, 2012 at 3:12 AM Report Abuse

How is Minneapolis?, nice sunny weather in Bretagne for a change lol! Four day weekend coming up to Versailles ,and then business in South Africa for a week. cheers
tariqkartoon May 14, 2012 at 1:36 AM Report Abuse

hey buddy thanks for the warm wellcome :P
palla May 13, 2012 at 9:05 PM Report Abuse

I cant tell you how many places I see close month by month,businesses that have been here a long time. And looking at The KW forum I cant believe how few people post qurstions now. But there are state parks along The Keys that are very nice. There is only one,well 2 campgrounds in KW cheaper than a motel but not b by much. Some nice guesthouses where you can get good deals and breakfast included
Usctwin May 10, 2012 at 3:29 PM Report Abuse

Woohoo, can't wait! See you soon!