Travel Gear I Love: Chaco Sandals

The sport sandal is the summer uniform of many a Seattle resident. That, a natural fiber shirt of some variety, and shorts with a lot of pockets and possibly a built in belting solution. I have lost my heart to many a sporty guy wearing said uniform, possibly the guy was riding a bike at …


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The Inn at Port Ludlow

Disclaimer: We received one night and our meals, all expenses paid, from the PR folks that represent the Inn.

There’s not much to do in Port Ludlow in the wintertime. The town is little more than a crossroads with a gas station and a mini mart. Port Townsend has more to offer, if you like twee little shops and antiquing and cafes – which, I confess, I do but only in small amounts. There’s some nice hiking/biking/boating activities if the weather is more cooperative, but when we stopped over, the weather hovered somewhere between biting and bitter cold with the smell of snow in the air. It’s weather for doing nothing, for reading and gazing out the window, for napping and snacking. And while yes, a person can do that stuff at home, sometimes it’s nice to fall asleep while reading your book somewhere else. I said “Yes, absolutely,” to the invitation to the Inn.


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Gear I Love: Merino Wool Clothes by Ibex

Disclaimer: Ibex sent me some stuff. It’s not the first time – I test drove some wool gear a few years back when I was still writing for Snowshoe Magazine.

I’m going to sound like a shill and for that, I’m sorry, but I hope you trust I won’t steer you wrong. The truth is, I love the clothing Ibex makes – it’s warm, super lightweight, feels great against your skin, and holds up for a good long time. I have a set of their merino wool long underwear that I always pack when I’m traveling (unless, like a dork, I forget, subsequently freezing my ass off in Hanoi) – though sometimes, I wear that stuff on the plane, even. That should answer any questions about how their fabric feels next to your skin – if I can stand to wear it for a long haul flight, well, that nails it.


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