Mac On the Map

The
journey
is the Goal

Find your next adventure as I take you across the map

  • A Spiritual End to the Camino: Portuguese Camino Days 12-15

    A Spiritual End to the Camino: Portuguese Camino Days 12-15

    Day 12: Pontevedra to Armenteira Today I reunited with my Australian friends J&S from earlier in the journey.  We started in Pontevedra but after just a few kilometers began the Spiritual Variant journey.  While I was happy to leave the groups behind, it was a fun surprise to get applause as we walked through the… Read more

  • Shifting to a Spanish Mindset: Portuguese Camino Days 9-11

    Shifting to a Spanish Mindset: Portuguese Camino Days 9-11

    Day 9: Valença to O Porriño Today I crossed into Spain. The ironwork bridge glimmered in the morning sun and the Tui river peacefully moved beneath me.  It was so cool to have one foot in each country & watch my phone change times on me. Soon after crossing the bridge I met & started… Read more

  • Enjoying the last moments of Portugal: Camino Portuguese Days 7 & 8

    Enjoying the last moments of Portugal: Camino Portuguese Days 7 & 8

    Day 7: Ponte de Lima to São Roque On the road againGoin’ places that I’ve never beenSeein’ things that I may never see againAnd I can’t wait to get on the road again Willie Nelson Willie Nelson’s song keeps playing in my head. Because I took a rest day the day before, I have a… Read more

  • Embracing the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino: Days 4-6

    Embracing the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino: Days 4-6

    Day 4: São Pedro de Rates to Barcelos Today felt different from the onset. As soon as I was sent in the right direction, I didn’t have to worry about finding my way. Yellow arrows and Camino signs reassured me and signs of pilgrims who have come before spoke of the history of the walk. … Read more

  • A Mashup Start to the Portuguese Camino: Days 1-3

    A Mashup Start to the Portuguese Camino: Days 1-3

    Day 1: Porto to Perafita via the Littoral Route After 23,000 steps yesterday, my legs & feet were sore before even starting my first day on the Camino. However, my feet were much happier to put on trail runners after 3 days of Keds.  Even though I had been to the Porto Cathedral before today,… Read more

  • A Greek Dream Realized: Paros, Greece

    A Greek Dream Realized: Paros, Greece

    As soon as I landed in Greece, I made my way by train and ferry to the island of Paros. I’ve been wanting to visit Greece forever, and like most Americans, when I think of Greece, I picture the striking white and blue architecture set against the ocean side.  Paros perfectly matches that Greece dream. … Read more

  • Northwest Arkansas

    Northwest Arkansas

    Arkansas was one of those states that I didn’t think I would love, but I enjoyed every moment of my week in the Northwest corner of the state. I started and ending my loop in the artsy town of Bentonville. This trip was a 6 day, 5 night trip towards the end of April during… Read more

  • Rainy Days on the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

    Rainy Days on the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

    Sadly, it rained consistently & violently during my few days in Coromandel, so I wasn’t able to see as much of the beauty as I was hoping to. Still, I could see through the mist that the dramatic coastline would be beautiful.   My first night was in the small town of Thames.  Before heading… Read more

  • Diving into the South Kona’s Colorful World, Hawai’i

    Diving into the South Kona’s Colorful World, Hawai’i

    My first day in Hawai’i was the perfect blend of adventure, exploration, history, culture, and food  I started with a drive down the windy narrow road to the coastline where I could rent both kayaks and snorkeling gear from Ehu and Kai Adventures I didn’t realize that the rentals were for the whole day, so… Read more

  • Nature and Whimsy in Akaroa, New Zealand

    Nature and Whimsy in Akaroa, New Zealand

    My first stop on the South Island of New Zealand, Akaroa grabbed my heart with its first stunning vistas along the steep and windy road down to the harbor. Only an hour and half from Christchurch, most people visit the town for just the day, but I happily booked two nights in this charming harbor… Read more

  • Tangled Up in the Blue Mountains, NSW Australia

    Tangled Up in the Blue Mountains, NSW Australia

    An easy two hour train ride from Sydney took me to the Blue Mountains National Park. There are several towns to stay in with access to the park; I chose Katoomba because I heard it was the largest of them.  The train station left me at one end of the main street, Katoomba street, and… Read more

  • Born of the Fire, Born of the Sea: Volcanoes National Park, Hawai’i

    Born of the Fire, Born of the Sea: Volcanoes National Park, Hawai’i

    One of the sights that makes the Big Island of Hawaii different from the rest of the Hawaiian islands is Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.  Established in 1916, the park encompasses over 350,000 acres extending from the sea to 13,680 feet.  It is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna… Read more

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