2026 Destinations
Two Harbors, MN
May 2026
We kicked off another camping season with a trip to Burlington Bay Campground in Two Harbors, Minnesota, one of our favorite places to camp. It has become our go-to destination when we simply want to relax and enjoy everything the North Shore has to offer.
One of the advantages of retirement is traveling on weekdays. We headed north on Memorial Day Monday while everyone else was heading home. The lighter traffic, smaller crowds, and easier access to area attractions reminded us once again why we enjoy midweek camping so much.
The weather was a little cooler than we had hoped, so we didn’t get to spend as much time on our e-bikes as planned. Even so, we enjoyed exploring the area, taking in the scenery, and simply getting away for a few days.
Just a week or two before our visit, wildfires had affected parts of the area. It was sad to see the remains of several homes that had been lost, but we were grateful to learn there had been no loss of life. The resilience and positive attitude of the local residents was inspiring, and it was encouraging to see the community moving forward while supporting one another.
Burlington Bay Campground continues to be one of our favorite places to camp. Between the spectacular Lake Superior views, the friendly people, and the many attractions along the North Shore, it’s a destination we always look forward to visiting.
Amtrak to Seattle from St Paul, MN
June 2026
Not all of our travels involve camping. This adventure took us on a month-long journey to the West Coast, highlighted by our first cruise. The trip began with something we’d always wanted to experience—traveling by Amtrak from St. Paul to Seattle.
The train ride takes about 37 hours and departs St. Paul late in the evening, meaning you’ll spend two nights onboard. We chose a sleeper room. While it costs considerably more than traveling in coach, we felt it was worth every penny.
The room itself was compact but surprisingly comfortable, with enough space to move around and enjoy the passing scenery. It also included a small private bathroom with a combined toilet and shower. The bathroom worked well, but the shower was a little too cozy for my liking. Fortunately, larger shower facilities are available for sleeping car passengers.
Sleeping was an adventure all by itself. At age 70, I still consider myself reasonably agile, but climbing into and out of the upper bunk in the middle of the night required a bit of planning. A simple trip to the restroom could turn into a ten-minute exercise in flexibility, balance, and trying not to wake your spouse!
One of the highlights of the trip was our sleeping car attendant, Dollencia. She explained how everything worked, recommended the best times to eat, answered our questions, and frequently stopped by just to see how we were doing. Her friendly personality and outstanding service added a great deal to the experience.
Meals in the dining car were included with our sleeper accommodations, and we were pleasantly surprised by both the quality of the food and the dining experience itself. Tables seat four people, so you’re typically paired with other travelers. Every meal became an opportunity to meet someone new, hear their story, and enjoy conversations with people we never would have met otherwise.
We also spent a lot of time in the observation car. It quickly became our favorite place on the train. Even though the train was sold out, we never had trouble finding a seat. Some passengers gathered to visit with new friends, while others quietly watched the countryside pass by or read a book.
One thing that surprised me was the lack of onboard Wi-Fi. At first, that seemed like a drawback, but we discovered there was enough cellular coverage along much of the route to stay connected when necessary. During the stretches without service, it was actually refreshing to unplug for a while.
Perhaps my favorite part of the journey was simply watching America roll past the window. Without billboards or traffic, you notice things you’d never see from the interstate. We passed everything from beautiful waterfront homes to tiny farmhouses, sprawling ranches, and small rural communities. I couldn’t help noticing the countless old cars, tractors, RVs, and pieces of farm equipment sitting quietly in fields and backyards. There must be an incredible amount of history—and recyclable metal—waiting to be rediscovered.
We also built an extra day into our itinerary before boarding our cruise. Amtrak schedules can be unpredictable, and we didn’t want to risk missing the ship. The extra time gave us a chance to explore Seattle, a city we hadn’t visited in several years, before continuing our adventure.
Looking back, the train journey was much more than simply a way to get from one place to another. It became an enjoyable part of the vacation itself. If you’ve never traveled by rail across the country and have the time, I would highly recommend adding an Amtrak trip to your travel bucket list. It’s a relaxing way to see parts of America that most travelers never experience.
Cruise to Alaska
June 2026
Neither of us had ever been on a cruise before, so we really didn’t know what to expect. Friends and family shared their experiences and offered plenty of advice, and we watched more than a few videos about cruising, what to pack, and what to avoid. By the time we left home, preparing for the trip almost felt more stressful than taking it.
After spending a day and a half exploring Seattle on foot, it was finally time to board the Celebrity Edge.
From the moment we arrived at the cruise terminal, we were impressed. The boarding process was smooth and efficient, with very little waiting. Everyone we encountered was friendly, helpful, and made the experience almost effortless.
Our cabin exceeded our expectations. It was beautifully appointed, offered a great view, and was actually larger than our hotel room in Seattle. Throughout the cruise, the crew members were always cheerful and eager to help, whether it was answering questions or simply pointing us in the right direction when we inevitably got turned around on such a large ship.
The food was excellent, the entertainment was well done, and the scenery was spectacular. In many ways, it reminded us of our trip through Banff and Jasper, with mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and incredible landscapes around every turn.
Ketchikan
Our first port of call was Ketchikan, a beautiful community of about 8,500 people with plenty of interesting shops and waterfront charm.
I happened to be awake when we docked and watched three additional cruise ships arrive within the next hour. The night before, we had decided to get off the ship as early as possible to make the most of our eight-hour visit. That turned out to be one of the best decisions we made during the cruise.
Early in the morning, the streets were quiet, the shops were easy to browse, and we could take pictures without waiting. By late morning, passengers from all four ships had filled the town. Lines formed everywhere, stores became crowded, and even taking a photo required waiting your turn. Thankfully, we had already seen everything we wanted and were back on board by lunchtime.
Shopping Surprises
One thing that surprised us was the shopping.
We expected souvenir prices to be outrageous, but in Ketchikan they were actually very reasonable. T-shirts were around $15, sweatshirts about $25, and lightweight jackets under $30. The prices were considerably lower than we had expected.
Interestingly, that wasn’t true everywhere. In Juneau, many of the same items were noticeably more expensive, while Skagway’s prices were much more in line with what we found in Ketchikan.
Don’t Take the Rocks
Our funniest lesson came while walking along the creek in Ketchikan.
Pat picked up a few smooth stones she liked and slipped them into my backpack. When we returned to the ship, security asked if we had any rocks in our bag.
Apparently, Alaska takes its rocks seriously.
We explained where we’d found them, and security politely informed us they couldn’t be taken aboard. Our four little souvenirs stayed behind in Ketchikan. Whether they were returned to the creek or tossed in the trash, we’ll never know, but they certainly didn’t continue the cruise with us.
Cruising Impressions
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed cruising.
One thing we quickly realized is that an Alaska cruise fits our style of travel. The pace was relaxed, the passengers tended to be older, and people were there to enjoy themselves without turning every evening into a party. It suited us perfectly.
There were relatively few children onboard. When they were around, you certainly noticed them, as some parents gave them a lot of freedom. By the middle of the cruise, however, they became much less noticeable. Maybe the parents adjusted, or maybe the kids simply wore themselves out.
We also liked the flexibility that cruising offers. We could be as busy or as relaxed as we wanted, enjoying activities on our own schedule rather than following a rigid itinerary.
The One Disappointment
The only part of the cruise we didn’t enjoy was the disembarkation process in Seattle.
We understand the need to prepare the ship for its next passengers, but everything felt rushed. We had to leave our cabin early, wait to collect our luggage, and then stand in another line for nearly an hour and a half just to board a shuttle bus to the airport. Once on the bus, it took another half hour simply to get out of the port area.
With two large cruise ships unloading passengers at the same time, the process felt crowded and chaotic. It was surprising because the rest of the cruise had been so well organized.
Fortunately, that frustrating ending didn’t overshadow what had been a wonderful vacation.
Final Thoughts
Our first cruise exceeded every expectation we had. The ship, the crew, the food, the scenery, and the ports of call combined to create one of our most enjoyable trips. Alaska is a destination we would gladly visit again, and cruising turned out to be a style of travel that suits us far better than we ever imagined.
The only thing we’d probably change next time is our departure port. If given the choice, we’d likely avoid beginning or ending another cruise in Seattle simply because of the congestion during disembarkation.
Overall, though, we’d rate the experience as outstanding and would happily sail with Celebrity Cruises again.
I think this should actually be two separate pages on your site. The first is a campground review, and the second is a trip summary of Oregon, Glacier National Park, and Amtrak. Combining them on one page makes each one weaker.
Here’s how I would rewrite the second section as a destination review/travel summary.
Our West Coast Adventure Continues
After leaving the cruise, our journey continued west to the Oregon Coast, where we spent several days in a VRBO overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Each day we explored a different section of the coast, traveling between Astoria and Newport. Rather than rushing from one destination to the next, we took our time, stopping at scenic overlooks, browsing local shops, and enjoying the spectacular coastal scenery. It seemed every overlook offered another postcard-worthy view.
One of my favorite parts of each day was an early morning walk on the beach. Several mornings I had the shoreline completely to myself, something that’s becoming harder and harder to find. There is something peaceful about hearing nothing but the surf and the occasional seabird.
Our favorite communities were Astoria and Tillamook. Astoria impressed us with its history, waterfront, and incredible views over the Columbia River. Tillamook was a completely different experience. Touring the Tillamook Creamery was one of the highlights of our visit. Watching the cheese-making process, learning about the operation, and sampling the products made for a fun and interesting afternoon.
From Oregon, we returned to Seattle to begin the next leg of our journey.
Back to Amtrak
Returning our rental car turned into a bit of an adventure. The U.S. vs. Australia World Cup soccer match was being played that evening, and the stadium is adjacent to Seattle’s Amtrak station. Several city blocks around the station were closed to traffic, so we returned the rental car at Sea-Tac Airport and took the light rail into downtown Seattle.
Thankfully, the city had plenty of security officers and volunteers directing visitors because of the match. One very helpful security officer even walked us directly to the Amtrak station entrance.
For the trip from Seattle to Whitefish, Montana, we decided to save a little money and travel in coach instead of booking a sleeper. While the seats were comfortable for relaxing during the day, neither of us got much sleep. Between the seat, passengers moving through the car overnight, and frequent station stops, we probably managed only an hour or so of actual sleep.
If we travel that route again, we’ll definitely book a sleeper.
Glacier National Park
After arriving in Whitefish, we picked up our rental car, enjoyed breakfast at a local café, and found a quiet park in Kalispell where we caught up on some much-needed sleep while waiting for our VRBO to be ready.
Our rental home sat along the Flathead River just outside Kalispell. It was secluded, peaceful, and had beautiful views of both the river and the surrounding mountains. As we pulled in, a deer stood quietly in the creek near the driveway, almost as if it were welcoming us to Montana.
The highlight of our stay was Glacier National Park.
We were fortunate enough to take one of the famous Red Bus Tours along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. By pure coincidence, it happened to be the first day of the season for the historic Red Buses, making the experience even more special.
It’s difficult to describe the beauty of Glacier National Park. The mountains, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and wildlife simply have to be experienced in person. No photograph can truly capture what it’s like standing there surrounded by that scenery.
A Trip into Pat’s Past
One afternoon we took a break from sightseeing to explore a piece of Pat’s history.
Years ago, while visiting Glacier with the Saint Paul Police Explorers, she suffered an accident that required her to be evacuated by helicopter. She remembered someone showing her a newspaper article about the incident, so we stopped by the local newspaper office hoping to locate it.
Although they no longer maintained archives, they directed us to the local library. We spent much of the afternoon searching old newspapers on microfilm. Unfortunately, without knowing the exact date of the accident, we never found the article. Even so, it turned into an enjoyable afternoon, sharing memories and spending time together.
Heading Home
Our final leg home was once again aboard Amtrak. This time we booked a sleeper compartment, and the difference was remarkable. We both slept well and arrived home rested.
One of the things we’ve come to appreciate about train travel is that the journey becomes part of the vacation. You meet interesting people from all walks of life and see parts of America that most travelers miss while speeding down the interstate.
Looking back, this month-long adventure became one of our favorite trips. Between Amtrak, Seattle, our first cruise, the Oregon Coast, and Glacier National Park, every stop offered something unique.
When I asked Pat what she thought of the trip, her answer surprised me. She smiled and said she would happily do the exact same trip all over again.
I couldn’t have summed it up any better than that.
Appleton, WI
August 2026
We discovered there is a multi night fireworks competition near Appleton, Wisconsin. Since we were already going to be passing through the area, we decided to add a couple of nights to our itinerary and take in one of the sessions. The show was spectacular and definitely worth the extra day.
We stayed at Apple Creek Campground in De Pere, Wisconsin. It is located right off I 41, which makes it convenient, but there was quite a bit of traffic noise. The campground has a pool, a large recreation room, and a well stocked store. The hours were a little limited, with the facilities closing at 7 p.m., so time at the pool or in the recreation room had to be planned accordingly.
The only sites with full hookups appeared to be seasonal sites. We also noticed several seasonal sites without sewer hookups, so we assume some type of honey wagon service is available. The campground has two dump stations, which helps at departure time when many campers are looking to dump their tanks.
The sites were a little closer together than we prefer. We also found some of the trees along the campground roads to be a bit low. Branches brushed the top of our trailer as we made our way through the campground to the dump station.
The price was reasonable, and the campground served its purpose for our stay. It probably would not be a destination campground for us, but if you are traveling through the area and need a convenient place for an overnight stay or a couple of nights, Apple Creek Campground could be a good fit.
Kaukauna, WI
August 2026
We attended a fireworks competition hosted by the Pyrotechnics Guild International, PGI, while we were in Appleton, Wisconsin. It was easily the best fireworks show we have ever seen.
The event was held at a local racetrack, which provided a spectacular view of the entire show. It started around 8:30 p.m. with the National Anthem. Between a great rendition of the Anthem, drones, and fireworks, it was a moving experience and unlike anything we had ever seen.
The show continued until around 11 p.m., with one incredible routine after another. There was a short intermission, but otherwise the entertainment just kept coming, and we loved every minute of it.
If you ever get the chance to attend one of PGI’s productions, take it. It was worth every penny and an experience we will never forget. We are seriously considering attending next years event in Gillette, WY
Door County KOA, Brussels, WI
August 2026
We stayed here for five nights while we toured Door County, Wisconsin. The campground is well maintained, and the staff was very helpful whenever we had questions. It is one of the larger KOAs we have stayed at, but we never felt crowded. There were lots of families, with two pools, a small water park, and plenty of other activities for the kids.
For us, the campground was on the southern end of the area we spent most of our time exploring, but that also had its advantages. It wasn’t too long of a drive to Green Bay, which gave us easy access to more everyday goods, services, and shopping. KOA Door County, Brussels, WI
Upper Peninsula of Michigan
August 2026
Our Wisconsin trip continued into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We stayed in Mackinaw City at the KOA, a nice older campground that is well treed and cared for.
We enjoy the older KOAs because of their mature trees and established feel, but the downside is that the sites can be tight for a larger rig like ours. Many of these campgrounds were built when a 25 foot RV was considered big. I just wish KOA would be a little more realistic about the size of RV a particular site can accommodate. Granted, they might lose a reservation now and then, but it leaves a bad impression when they put you in a pull through site that you eventually have to back out of because there isn’t enough room to turn a 40 foot rig without hitting a tree.
That aside, the campground was a great base for exploring Mackinac Island and Sault Ste. Marie. We spent a day at each and really enjoyed ourselves.
Mackinac Island
Getting to Mackinac Island requires a ferry ride, and once you’re there, you’re either walking, riding a bike, or taking a horse drawn carriage. There are no regular motor vehicles on the island, and horses are used for everything from sightseeing tours to moving supplies.
There is an abundance of history to explore, plenty of sights to see, some great dining opportunities, and more fudge shops than you could possibly sample in one day. It’s definitely a place worth visiting.
Sault St Marie and the Soo Locks
Sault Ste. Marie was a relatively short drive north, where we took a Soo Locks boat tour. There are several companies offering tours, and we found the prices to be virtually identical.
Our tour lasted about 90 minutes and took us through the locks and around the surrounding channel. We had a great tour guide who provided plenty of historical information along with explanations of what was happening around us during the tour.
Afterward, we spent some time along the main street near the locks, where you’ll find plenty of gift shops and restaurants to explore.
One thing we would do differently: bring your passport. You can cross over and visit the Canadian side of Sault Ste. Marie as well. We didn’t bring ours along, and afterward we wished we had.
Overall, Mackinaw City made a great home base for exploring this part of Michigan, and both Mackinac Island and the Soo Locks were well worth setting aside a day to visit.
If you like burgers, you have the check out the Bridge View Cafe, a quaint old established buger shop. Simple menu, 5 different burgers and three choices of fries. A must stop, they serve breakfast too so do give them a try.
Kinney Lake Campground
August 2026
We stayed here for one night on our way home from Mackinaw City. It was conveniently located along our route and has many amenities, especially for families with kids. There are a large number of well established seasonal sites, along with quite a few sites for overnight and short term campers.
The price is on the high side at around $100 a night, and there are additional fees for things such as WiFi and showers.
Our biggest issue was the number of golf carts being driven around the campground by very young children without an adult riding with them. The campground has rules against this, but during our stay we didn’t see any enforcement. There was a constant stream of golf carts and scooters going past our site, with some cutting through unoccupied campsites. After a while, it became very annoying. I can’t imagine what the traffic would be like when the campground is completely full.
The campground may be a good fit for families looking for lots of activities and amenities, but it wasn’t a good fit for us. We won’t be returning. Kinney Lake Campground