Since early 2020, I took some time off from traveling. I thought it was the socially responsible thing to do and used the time to focus on healing. Because of several chronic issues, in the course of two years I had 5 surgeries.

I went through 3 ankle surgeries (all addressing an old injury), 1 tonsillectomy (not fun as an adult), and a foot surgery (chronic issue). WILD couple of years!

**Sea Kayaking in Whittier, Alaska (May, 2022)**

After the 4th procedure (2nd ankle surgery) in Jan, 2022 I felt much better! I started traveling again in May. This year brought some amazing things and rekindled my passion for traveling, photographing, exploring, and meeting people.

Highlights

My travels started this year with weekend day-trips. I’m based in Madison, Wisconsin, so trips were focused on nearby cities like Milwaukee, Dubuque, and Chicago. This quickly transitioned into a weekend trip to St. Louis. This year brought trips to Alaska, El Salvador, Mexico, and two camping trips to Canada.

Anchorage, Alaska

In May I traveled for a week in Anchorage, Alaska with a friend. We spent a day sea kayaking 11 miles while being stalked by a curious seal. We paddled near wild sea lions, saw fresh mountain lion tracks while hiking, and held sea urchins and starfish at a remote tide pool. Afterwards, we ate fish and chips (fresh halibut) with a mountain view. We also stayed in a treehouse in Fairbanks.

**July campsite in Agawa Bay Campground**

Ontario, Canada

I applied for the Friends of Lake Superior Artist in Residence Program and the Jan Bell Photography Grant. I won this grant/project and planned two trips to Canada. The first trip was to shoot the project (in July) and the second was to drop off a framed photo from the residency (in September).

**Top of the Santa Ana Volcano, El Salvador**

I took the first week-long trip by myself. The campsite is about an hour away from any restaurants or stores and there’s spotty cell service at the park. I loved hiking alone with my camera everyday and cooking every evening over a campfire.

San Salvador, El Salvador

In-between the Canada trips I took a short trip to El Salvador over Labor Day. This may have been a quick trip, but the people, food, and sights reminded me of how great adventuring can be!

El Salvador was a rather spontaneous trip. I got flights 10 days before the trip. For someone who schedules “spontaneity” into their calendar; that’s last-minute.

For a 2 day trip, it was jammed packed. I climbed the Santa Ana Volcano, bathed in natural hot springs, climbed the bell tower of a catholic church (and eventually onto the roof), ate tasty food, saw a coffee plantation, went to the beach, and went shopping for art.

Mexico City, Mexico

In late October/November, I spent 2 weeks in Mexico City. This trip was every bit as inspiring as El Salvador.

During these two weeks I met amazing people, ate incredible food, saw beautiful architecture, and started feeling like a traveler again. I stumbled upon pulque, an ancient and delicious drink (my love of it may fill an entire blog post), talked with locals who grew up in the city, and ATE SO MUCH FOOD.

**Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour (Oct, 2022)**

I was fortunate to be in Mexico City during Dia de los Muertos. With a local guide, we visited cemeteries on Day of the Dead and witnessed the traditions of this holiday.