Tag: New Years Resolution

2020 Travel Goals

On January 3, 2020

Chris photographing the Grand Canyon

In 2019 we went on a cruise that we had initially booked back on our last cruise in 2015. I had literally been looking forward to that trip for 4 years. Before we took that trip, we booked our Maine trip. Shortly after that trip, we booked our winter Finger Lakes escape (more on that trip to come). Now, we are home with no travel plans for 2020 and with nothing planned, I go stir crazy.

Last year, our Phoenix trip really helped break up the cold, Michigan winter. So, on New Years Eve we began searching for flight deals in February. We found a ridiculous deal on a flight to Austin, Texas so we will be spending a few days there next month! I have never spent any time in Texas, unless you count our 3 hour layover in Dallas early last year. So, I’m excited to explore a new place and I hope it will be warm (unlike Phoenix). We will only be there for a couple of days, but if you have any Austin must-dos, please let me know!

We are also planning to visit Chris’ family in the Tampa area for Spring Break. I haven’t spent much time in that part of Florida. I’m hoping to spend some time on the beach, but to also see the sites. It looks like there are a few interesting museums over there as well as some natural sites to explore.

We don’t have any plans yet for a summer trip, but I’m kind of hoping for something epic. It has been 15 years since I’ve been to Europe and I would love to explore more places over there. But, honestly, I would be happy with more time to see the Upper Peninsula, especially the Western UP. Of course, we feel the pull to return to Maine as well. Who knows where we will end up, but I’m sure I will update you when we have something booked!

Of course, I’m also hoping to do some more Michigan camping trips this summer. Spending time in the Great Outdoors really helps to center me and give me perspective. I would love to revisit some of our favorite campground, whether it be Wilderness State Park, Straits, or D.H. Day. There is also talk of re-visiting the Finger Lakes area next fall, which I can’t get enough of that place so I am definitely up for it! You’ll have to come back here to find out where we end up!

Thanks for stopping by! To read about some of our previous trips, click here. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram! You can purchase prints on Etsy and Fine Art America. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page. For information about our new Guided Photography Tours, visit GuidedPhoto.com.

New Year, New Travels!

By Ashleigh

On January 2, 2019

In Travel

Egg Rock Lighthouse

As with the last few years, for 2019 I have set the goal to go at least one place I have never been before. In 2018, I barely went anywhere I had been before. Within the next three months, I have two trips coming up to two places I’ve never explored before so that shouldn’t be a problem. After having not flown on a plane since January 1, 2014, we are going to take two flights in 30 days. And Chris was very excited to point out that neither of them are on Spirit.

The first thing coming up is a trip to Phoenix for a conference. I have never been that far west before so I am hoping to get a little bit of exploring in between sessions. We are also planning on staying an extra day and heading out to the Grand Canyon. You can’t send me that close and not to go! Right now we are trying to figure out where we want to stay. If you have any advice, please tell me in the comments. I’m a little overwhelmed right now.

And of course, the cruise I have been talking about has pushed back so many times I wasn’t sure it was ever going to happen is coming up early this year! We are sailing out of New Orleans, which I have been to Louisiana several times but never to NOLA before. From there, we sail to Mexico and Belize. I’m excited to get back to the sea and smell the salt air while enjoying a floating hotel. Cruising is the best.

After that, I don’t have anything planned, which is very weird feeling. I’m sure we will get some camping in this summer, exploring more of our beautiful home state. Be sure to stay tuned to find out where we end up!

Thanks for stopping by! Where are you traveling to in 2019? Let me know in the comments! If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr! You can purchase prints on Etsy and Fine Art America. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page. For information about our new Guided Photography Tours, visit GuidedPhoto.com.

Looking Ahead to 2018

By Ashleigh

On January 1, 2018

In Travel

Every year, I set the goal to go to at least one place I had never been before. In 2017, I revisted a lot of places such as the North Carolina’s Outer Banks as well as some of my favorite places like Ludington and Tahquamenon Falls. I also explored new places: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Jamestown, and Harpers Ferry (pictured above).

In 2018, I am looking forward to getting back on a cruise ship. Sailing out of Miami, this cruise is visiting four ports that will be new to me: Roatan, Honduras; Harvest Cay, Belize; and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. I hope to also explore some new places in my home state as well.

I definitely felt a lack of photographic inspiration in 2017 and I feel like my photography stagnated. Hopefully, this year I will get inspired to get out and shoot more and make beautiful images. Stay tuned to the blog to find out!

Thanks for stopping by! If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr! To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page. For information about our new Guided Photography Tours, visit GuidedPhoto.com.

New Year’s Resolutions

By Ashleigh

On January 3, 2017

In Michigan

For 2017 I am continuing my resolution of going at least one place I have never been before. In 2016 I was able to explore so much of the beautiful Great Lakes State that I call home. I was so glad I was able to experience the Soo Locks of Sault Ste. Marie and experience all four of Michigan’s Great Lakes.

In 2017, I am hoping to for another epic summer camping trip. This time, I am planning to head down to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. I’ve been planning this trip using the road trip planner, Furkot. Back in ’08 we went backpacking in the Outer Banks, so I’ve been using Furkot to discover what new places we can discover while returning to a familiar destination. The current plan involves a night in Williamsburg, Virginia and two nights in Shenandoah National Park. I absolutely love planning trips. Its possible that I enjoy the planning as much as the travelling. Is that weird?

I am hoping to continue exploring Michigan this year as well. This year, I hope to spend some time exploring the thumb region, as that is one part of the state I have never set foot in. I would also like to spend some time at the most southwestern state park, Warren Dunes. I’m also hoping to get back to Straits State Park and spend a few nights under the lights of the Mackinac Bridge.

Where do you want to explore this year? Let me know in the comments or on social media! Thanks for stopping by! If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr! To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

New Years Resolutions

By Ashleigh

On January 4, 2016

In Flowers, Michigan

The Dali Lama said, “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before”. This has been a resolution of mine each year for as long as I can remember. In 2015, that one place was Holland, Michigan. The Tulip Festival has been on my bucket list for so long and I can’t wait to visit Holland again!

In 2016 I plan to hit several spots in Michigan that I’ve never been before! I’m planning a road trip this summer to the U.P. I’m going to stop at Sault Ste. Marie and Copper Harbor. I also want to spent some time in the North Eastern part of the state, the “Sunrise Coast” as its known. I’m so glad that I live in a state that has so much to do and see. From the big cities of Detroit and Grand Rapids to the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan and the wilderness of the U.P., its such a diverse and breathtaking place! Not to mention, you can drive for 5 hours and still be in the same state. How many states can say that?

Thanks for stopping by! If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr!