Happy Holidays

The Pilgrim Pouch is a perfect gift for any adventurer!

Happy New Year!

Harvest Time

Roasted vegetables celebrate the fall harvest! What will the Pilgrim Pouch cook up in the months ahead? Stay tuned...

The Windy City

July fun included a visit to Chicago to explore this exciting city. A water taxi ride offered a breezy view of architecture along the Chicago River.

At the Art Institute the Pilgrim Pouch looks out to the museum's modern wing.

A favorite painting was Nighthawks by Edward Hopper.

The Pouch posed by a cityscape mosaic at one of Chicago's train stations.

In Millennium Park the Pouch checks out the Jay Pritzker Pavilion designed by architect Frank Gehry in his signature style. Free evening concerts are given during the summer.

The orchestra & stage were lit in purples.

Lemon custard pie at Hoosier Mama diner in Evanston tasted delicious!

Views of Lake Michigan were at the Waterfront Cafe in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood.

MI Fun

In July the Pilgrim Pouch spent time in southwestern Michigan along Lake Michigan. At the Silver Beach Center in St. Joseph, the Pouch watched the Carousel spin by. This ride has provided entertainment to locals & tourists since 2010 & replicates Silver Beach's original carousel from a 100 years ago.

The Pouch looks up to the Dale Chihuly glass sculpture inside the entryway of St. Joseph's Krasl Art Center. The center's mission is to "Inspire meaningful change and strengthen community through the visual arts."

After a morning "cup of Joe" the Pouch relaxed on the Adirondack chairs out front.

The St. Joseph North Pier is a picturesque background 

The Pouch rests on a branch at Warren Dunes State Park -- a rain storm passes by in the distance.

Spring Stroll

Spring is here and perfect for an April walk! The Pilgrim Pouch strolled around Balboa Park and stopped by the San Diego Botanical Building. The orange, yellow, & burgundy Cymbidium Orchards were the Pouch's favorite blooms.

Travel Inspiration

It's the New Year and time for the San Diego Travel & Adventure Show! This annual event offers travel information and inspiration. Speakers included Samantha Brown, Rudy Maxa, and Ralph Velasco. The Pouch was handy to carry a notebook, brochures, cell phone, & snacks during a full day of fun.

Samantha Brown, host of the PBS series Places to Love, talked about "never stop digging" -- to engage with people and cultures for authentic travel experiences. Her series focuses on meeting locals and hearing their unique stories.

Rudy Maxa, host of the travel show Rudy Maxa's World, talked about what he describes as America's "vacation deficit disorder," or an obsession with working too much rather than taking regular vacations. He emphasized that travel can relieve stress and inspire creativity. 

Photographer Ralph Velasco, owner & tour leader for Photo Enrichment Adventures, presented tips for travel photography. His suggestions included using "the power of one," or capturing an image that shows just one person as a focal point against a background. 

In between speaker presentations the Pouch & I stopped by the Tourist Office of Spain. After the show we joined travel blogger Janet Hanpeter (Planet Janet Travels) for Spanish tapas at nearby Cafe Sevilla. Janet, who will be walking her second Camino in May, specializes in resources for baby boomer travelers. She encourages to "Experience grand adventures beyond the guidebook."  

The travel show was a perfect beginning to 2018 as the Pilgrim Pouch continues its adventures!