Barr Trail is one of the Pikes Peak region’s most iconic hiking paths and whether one trains for the annual Pikes Peak Ascent or Marathon, or simply desires to hike it for its own merit, it packs a punch. Beginning at an elevation of approximately 6,800 feet in Manitou Springs, it climbs steadily to 14,115 … Continue reading America the Beautiful
Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all, Hoffnung ist das Wesen mit Federn Das sich in der Seele niederläßt, Und die Melodie wortlos singt, Und niemals damit aufhört, And sweetest in the gale is heard; And sore must be … Continue reading Hope is the Thing with Feathers
One of my favorite American writers, Willa Cather (1873-1947), put Nebraska on the literary map when she immortalized the state in several novels. I have previously reported on our literary pilgrimage to her childhood home. Thanks to my husband, who has read several books by a second Nebraska author, our recent visit to our neighboring … Continue reading A Child of Nebraska’s Sandhills
The highest heights have inspired humankind since times immemorial. In Colorado, we are spoiled not only with lofty mountains, but with a generous number of 14ers: at least 53 stretch above fourteen thousand feet, though the actual number is still debated, depending on the definition used. That Colorado Springs was put on the map had … Continue reading Pikes Peak
During a tour of Amsterdam’s “Grachten”, the narrow canals which transect this “Venice of the North,” our boat passed 263 Prinsengracht. The many adults and even more children lined up at this famous address had the same goal as I – to visit the place where Anne Frank went into hiding during World War II. … Continue reading Anne Frank
