Why the Abel Tasman Track Belongs on Your Bucketlist
I have had wanderlust for as long as I can remember, and for just as long I have had a picture of the Abel Tasman Track beaches fueling that wanderlust. This last week I was able to check that beauty off the bucketlist and now I get to spread the gospel of why everyone should…
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Swimming with Hector’s Dolphins in Akaroa, New Zealand (+vlog)
Some experiences I struggle to put words to so I make a video instead. I love to relive trips this way, moments, and bucket list experiences. Swimming with wild dolphins in Akaroa was one of those experiences. We booked our trip with Black Cat Cruises, as they came highly recommended by every travel blogger that…
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Penguin Safari at Pohatu Marine Reserve
After finally scratching our wine tasting itch, the winds died down and we booked a wildlife kayak tour. Pohatu Penguins had a personal connection with the family that keeps after the Pohatu Marine Reserve and we had the unique opportunity to observe a penguin up-close incubating an egg, witness rafting penguins in the open sea,…
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Photography
Capturing the perfect shot that can transport me back to a memory or convinces you that you could step right into the photo has turned from hobby to passion to something I can now no longer control. Anyone who knows me knows that my Canon is usually attached to my right hand, though I do…
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I am Jess…
… and this is my partner Oli. I am a proud Seattlite and in his own words he is from bang in the middle of the UK in Leicestershire. In the summer of 2019, as fate would have it, we met on a polar bear expedition at 78 ° North in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. After…
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Cinematography
Capturing the perfect shot and throwing some music behind it, is one of my absolute favorite things to do while I travel. I wouldn’t say I’m a complete amatuer, but I certainly wing most of it and my style is always changing. Figuring out GoPro’s on the fly has become second nature, my right hand…
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Landscapes of New Zealand Photo Gallery
What I Mean When I Say I Live in NZ (vlog)
Murchison Rafting, Westport Birthday, & Blackwater Rafting
Now that it is pretty obvious that I am behind on writing, I’m going to list some of my favorite memories of my birthday back in Murchison, Westport, and Charleston Glowworm Caves. Once we set off from Nelson Lakes, we headed to Westport for some surfing. We had a stop off at an awesome waterfall…
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Why the Abel Tasman Track Belongs on Your Bucketlist
I have had wanderlust for as long as I can remember, and for just as long I have had a picture of the Abel Tasman Track beaches fueling that wanderlust. This last week I was able to check that beauty off the bucketlist and now I get to spread the gospel of why everyone should…
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Rest & Relaxation – Susami River Home & Staying with a Monk
After pushing it hard in Kyoto to do all the things, we desperately needed a break. That much needed break came in the form of a riverside home, spring weather, and staying with a wonderful Monk named Tomi. Our first Airbnb by the river, was a breath of fresh air out of the city and…
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Surviving Fugu – Eating Toxic Blowfish in Japan
Considering how much I talk about food on this here blog, it probably comes as no surprise that my husband and I will try anything at least twice. Eating fugu was on the top of my husbands food bucket list when we set out on our travels and had decided that Japan would be one…
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Kyoto – The Land of Golden Temples, Orange Shrines, & Bamboo Forests
Looking back on Kyoto now, it’s all a bit of a blur as we packed as much into 5 days as humanly possible. Making our way from Nagano to Kyoto, we made couple stops to break up the five and a half hour journey, including a one night stop at an awesome riverside Airbnb. Picking…
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The Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani Park (Photo Blog)
Japow – From the Mountains to the Temples and Everything in Between
Japan is rich with culture and incredible food and experiences, and after spending over a month exploring almost the whole circumference, I could honestly write a blog for each day we spent there, which is probably what has stopped me from catching up on writing about it. For sake of a good enough job finished,…
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Vietnam – Hanoi to Nha Trang Photo Blog
Italy – Venice Canals & Pow Days in the Dolomites Photo Journal
Fun & Friendship in the French Alps – Snowboarding at Grand Massif
After a few months of just us two traveling around, we got the opportunity to join Oli’s cousin at her family château in Morillon, France. A short 8-minute shuttle drive from the incredible Grand Massif resort. We welcomed the friendship with open arms and spent the week snowboarding, drinking, and laughing. A lot. Run after…
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Rakiura Track, Stewart Island (+vlog)
The Rakiura Track located on the southern banks of Stewart Island, is one of the Great Walks of New Zealand with good reason. Commitment is the first step in completing this track, as a foot ferry is the only access to the island and often the seas are treacherous at 47 degrees south. Luckily trekking…
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Les 3 Vallées & A Heli Transfer to Grand Massif
The Joys of Navigating a New Country When we landed in France, we immediately headed straight for the mountains thinking it would be fine to get to the Airbnb and bit late. What we didn’t realize was not only how long of a drive it was but also that Google does not operate the same…
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Wandering Wild 