Category Archives: Vacation

The Great Marshmallow Roast: Celebrating National Toasted Marshmallow Day

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The Toasted Marshmallow

Every year on August 30th, we celebrate one of life’s stickiest pleasures—National Toasted Marshmallow Day. It’s the perfect excuse to gather around a campfire, skewer a fluffy marshmallow, and test your patience (or your fire safety skills).

11,800+ Marshmallow Fire Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty ...

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There are two main schools of thought when it comes to marshmallow roasting. The first is the Golden-Brown Purist. These folks carefully hold their marshmallow above the flame, rotating it slowly like it’s a sugar rotisserie chicken. The result? A perfectly even golden crust with a soft, gooey center. These people probably iron their socks and alphabetize their spice racks.

20+ Golden Brown Toasted Marshmallow Stock Photos, Pictures ...

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Then we have the Marshmallow Arsonists. You know who you are. You jam the marshmallow directly into the fire, watch it erupt into a sugar torch, panic, and then wave it around like you’re signaling planes to land. By the time the flames go out, you’ve created a charred husk filled with molten sugar lava. And yet, it still tastes amazing.

3,100+ Marshmallow Burning Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty ...

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Of course, the toasted marshmallow rarely travels solo. When paired with chocolate and graham crackers, it transforms into the legendary s’more. This humble creation is proof that life is better when it’s gooey, messy, and slightly over the top. One bite, and suddenly “just one more” becomes a campfire chant.

4,500+ Smores Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images ...

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But even eaten plain, a toasted marshmallow carries nostalgia. It’s childhood summers, crackling fires, sticky fingers, and maybe even a singed eyebrow or two. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that makes you laugh while trying not to burn your tongue.

So, however you roast—whether you’re a patient spinner or a marshmallow pyromaniac—today’s the day to celebrate. Grab a stick, light a fire, and toast to sweet, sticky chaos. Wet wipes optional, but highly recommended.

Snoopy

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Embracing the Joys of Camping

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🌲 Under the Stars: Embracing the Joys of Camping

There’s something timeless about stepping away from the hum of daily life and venturing into the wild. Whether you’re tucked beside a whispering stream or perched on a sun-dappled hillside, camping reawakens our connection to nature—and to ourselves.

🌄 Why We Crave the Outdoors

  • Unplug and recharge: The absence of screens invites a presence that’s often elusive. Stories around a campfire, the rustle of leaves at dawn—these simple pleasures become unforgettable moments.
  • Serenity in simplicity: No commutes, no meetings, no clutter. Just you, your breath, and the rhythm of nature.
  • Shared wonder: Camping is a gift best enjoyed with others. Laughter echoes more freely in open air, and memories settle deeper when made under a canopy of stars.

🏕️ Creating Your Perfect Escape

4 person easy pop-up tent

Whether you’re planning a solo retreat or a group adventure, the right gear makes all the difference. Your tent is your home away from home—shelter, comfort, and a touch of magic. At WelcomingHaven.com, we’ve curated tents that match your wanderlust and your need for ease. From lightweight setups for weekend warriors to spacious sanctuaries for family campouts, our collection is designed with heart and harmony.

4 Season Canvas Bell Tent

🔥 Small Moments, Big Joys

  • Waking to birdsong and fresh pine
  • Roasting marshmallows until they’re golden clouds
  • Watching the firelight dance across smiling faces

These are the joys that linger long after the trip ends. Camping isn’t just a weekend plan—it’s a way of seeing the world more gently, more vividly.

So go ahead—pitch that tent, sip that cocoa, and let the earth sing you to sleep.

Welcoming Haven.com an Amazon Affiliate

Wander Wisely: Travel Hacks for Today’s Changing Globe

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Travel Wisely

I thought maybe a quick trip back to the roots of this blog might be in order. Arounddustyroads.com  started as a travel blog to share tales of my adventures. Since retiring I haven’t been able to take many trips (none) but I still keep up with things going on in the world. It seems my mantra, “Travel is an adventure”, is more true than ever.  But fear not, I have a few tips to help enjoy the hustle and bustle. 

 

Its a National Treasure- Mount Rushmore

In the evolving rhythm of global travel—where spontaneity often meets uncertainty—being savvy with your suitcase can make the difference between a stressful sprint and a breezy glide through adventure. Whether you’re hopping borders or taking the scenic route close to home, these creative travel hacks are your passport to peace of mind.

 

🧳 1. Pack Like a Poet, Not a Puzzle Solver

Roll, don’t fold—it saves space and wrinkles. Think in categories: “sleep,” “sightseeing,” “dining,” etc., and use packing cubes to divide them like chapters in your trip’s story.

cotopaxi cubos del dia packing cubes set of 3

packing cubes organize your suitcase

Quick Trick:

Toss dryer sheets into your luggage for a fresh scent that lingers longer than your jet lag.

📶 2. Go Digital, Travel Light

Boarding passes, hotel reservations, and itinerary docs—save them offline in a travel folder on your phone. Bonus tip: screenshot everything. Wi-Fi can be a fickle friend

Travel App Love:

Try an app like TripIt or Wanderlog to organize your plans effortlessly

💧 3. BYOB—Bring Your Own Bottle

Hydration without hesitation. Invest in a collapsible water bottle that fits neatly in your bag and avoids overpriced airport drinks. Many airports now offer refill stations

ONTA Collapsible Water Bottle- BPA Free Silicone Foldable Water Bottle for Travel,Silicone Portable Leak-Proof Travel Water Bottle 20oz, blue

🕶️ 4. Dress for Security Success

Slip-on shoes, no belts, and layers that come off easily make TSA checks smoother than a silk scarf in a breeze. Empty your pockets into a zipped pouch before getting to the scanner.

🎒 5. Personal Item = Secret Weapon

Choose a sturdy tote or backpack with smart compartments. This is your command center: snacks, chargers, hand sanitizer, an extra mask, lip balm, and something cozy like a scarf or pashmina that doubles as a blanket.

😴 6. Travel Zen: The Calm Kit

Airports buzz. Flights hum. Your mind doesn’t have to. A small pouch with noise-canceling earbuds, lavender wipes, a sleep mask, and your favorite playlist or audiobook can transform your travel time into a moment of stillness.

Whether you’re returning to the skies or navigating new roads, travel today calls for flexibility, creativity, and a dash of serenity. With these hacks, you can turn any trip into a graceful experience—even when the journey takes unexpected turns.

Off Roading out west

 

Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive

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Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive

In my last post I mentioned Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Dr.  I am still sorting out my new life in retirement but I am sure I won’t be able to keep my time share. It is just too far outside the budget. With that in mind I need to re-think how I approach my travels and explorations. 

One of the options that caught my eye was Minnesota’s North Shore Drive.  Once I heard about it I wanted to know what it was. I see Scenic drives on almost all of my trips but they are not always that scenic. This one does sound worthwhile. It runs 154 miles along Lake Superior to the Canadian Border.  I learned that it is also called North Shore All-American Scenic Dr. 

And We Begin in Duluth

The Scenic Drive starts in Cabal Park, Duluth where you can watch the huge ore boats and ocean bound ships enter the harbor by passing under the Aerial Lift Bridge.  I thought the bridge looked familiar.

Historic Bridges - Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge (Bridge L6116)

We have one too. Ours crosses the Cape Cod canal and is now the second longest lift bridge in the United States, the longest being the Arthur Kill Vertical Lift Bridge between New Jersey and Staten Island, New York.

Cape Cod Lift Bridge- Photo credit Deb Neumann

The Pink Beach

Have you ever seen a pink beach? I saw one in Hawaii but they sure aren’t common. I would hate to have to search for it like we did the green sand beach in Hawaii but according to the guide books you can drive right up to this one. The beach is bordered by cliffs of rhyolite which breaks off and crumbles when Nor’easters sweep through. The rhyolite gives Iona’s Beach  it’s unusual pink color. 

iona's cobblestone beach lake superior

Split Rock Lighthouse

Are you a light house fan? Located on a 130-foot cliff on the rocky coast of Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse is an intact 1910 light station that guided ships across the often stormy waters of western Lake Superior. You may have heard of the Edmund Fitzgerald .  Each year the light house is lit to commemorate the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald and all the lives lost to the Great Lakes shipwrecks. 

Waterfalls and Hikes

Roadside waterfalls and trailheads abound along the drive. The guidebooks suggest allowing time for multiple side trips to enjoy these wonders of nature. And you don’t have to go to Hawaii to experience a black sand beach.  It’s easy to remember it’s name. They call it Black Beach! 

Grand Portage

You’ve made it. Grand Portage is almost the end of the drive. A mile down the road you’ll reach the Canadian Border. But getting back to Grand Portage,  Grand Portage National Monument tells the story of the North West Company fur trade. The monument includes a reconstructed depot and 8.5 mile portage (hiking trail) to Fort Charlotte that bypasses waterfalls and rapids on the Pigeon River. To see High Falls, make sure to visit Grand Portage State Park six miles north on Highway 61.

 

High Falls - Grand Portage State Park, MN | turn off your computer and go outside | Flickr

Maybe New Mexico?

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Santa Fe, New Mexico

I haven’t ignored my vacation planning completely while I’ve been being domestic. I’ve been considering New Mexico. My time share has a resort in Santa Fe called, what else, Villa de Santa Fe. The Web site says “ Take a colorful journey to the base of the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Villas de Santa Fe. Discover Indian pueblos, historic sites, Spanish colonial art or stunning adobe churches and architecture”.
More searching indicates that the best time of year to visit is September to November.  That fits with the Big Balloon Festival in Albuquerque.

Villas de Santa Fe

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

In 2023 the Balloon Fiesta is scheduled for Oct 7 -15. so it falls right in the sweet spot for visiting Santa Fe. According to google maps the drive is 62 miles and should take about an hour of actual drive time. There are a lot of stops you can make along the way so I would need to try not to get side tracked or distracted.  The balloons fly in the early morning or the late afternoon/evening so lots of time during the day for exploring.

Photographers — Albuquerque Balloon Fest Insider Tours

Loretto Chapel

Located in Santa Fe, Loretto Chapel was built around 1873 by the Sisters of Loretto. I remember visiting the Spanish Missions when I visited San Antonio, TX and really enjoyed them.  Loretto Chapel has a so called miraculous staircase. Its a 20-foot-high circular stairway to the choir loft built by a wandering carpenter after the chapel itself was completed in 1878. The carpenter used wooden pegs (not nails) and the staircase itself has no visible means of support. They say it is hard to get pictures of the staircase as there are always so many tourists admiring it but I’d love to try.

Bandelier National Monument

I’m not sure if I am up to the physical part of this but I sure want to try. At the base of Frijoles Canyon are a collection of ancient cave dwellings and other stone structures belonging to ancestors of the Pueblo tribe. Explore the settlement by following the paved trail through the village and climbing the wooden ladders into the caves themselves.

Visit Bandelier National Monument for History and Hummingbirds - Birds and Blooms

Roswell

It seems like a trip to New Mexico wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Roswell where the modern UFO era began. Unfortunately Roswell isn’t just around the corner. It’s almost 200 miles and a 3 hour drive and that’s without stops along the way. I guess that is one that would have to be “played by ear”.