Our first hike over the tundra and permafrost in a gentle snowfall.

50-knots, gusting to 65 in the Daenmark Straight, so we had to lie to shelter in a fjord in Iceland, but we still wanted to cross over to Greenland, so the captain waited for the winds to subside to a mere 45 knots, gusting to 55, then headed out into the straight for the 240-mile open water crossing. Yikes!

We stopped in the Westfjords for beer tasting (see waterfall pictures for their secret to delicious beer)

Iceland waters running pure and fast. This is “Bridal Veil” Falls.

Suited up and ready to hit the beach

Just landed, and saw our ship come sailing in while riding from the airport to the hotel. We fought jetlag by walking around town. Tomorrow we embark. PS that little patch of blue sky you see behind us lasted about 15 seconds. It’s cold and windy!

up and over Sourdough Ridge (Mt Rainier) in most delightful September weather; even if the huckleberries were gone already, our hearts were in full bloom.

… Glacier Creek Cross-country zone, that is 😉 my second cross-country camp in as many weeks. Trying to squeeze in a few last summer adventures.

Brilliant blue August skies and a stubborn remnant of glacier clinging to the volcanic shoulders of Mt Rainier. Perfect backpack trip off the beaten path. [photos by Jillian]