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Amy and Pat Taylor
Amy and Pat Taylor

Amy and Pat Taylor

traveled in 10 countries Read more🇺🇸Charlotte
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  • Amy and Pat TaylorFamily Christmas Ski TripTraveler

    My Lovely and the Mountains

    December 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 46 °F

    My Lovely.  My Mountain Lover.  This footprint is just a place to hold the mountain photos.

     

    My Lovely loves being in the mountains.  She is truly awed by the views – winter or summer it does not matter.

     

    This is for you babe.

    As always, the pictures can't completely capture the beauty, but the can trigger the love in her heart.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorFamily Christmas Ski TripTraveler

    Getting Our Ski Legs

    December 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 46 °F

    This was such an AWESOME trip for so many reasons.

     

    Skiing with the boys was a treat.  The time we all spent together was great.  It felt more Christmassy – this was our Christmas present for the boys, but the truth is that this was the best Christmas present for My Lovely.

     

    But for me, I was elated that we could still ski.  My Lovely and I have a lot of life yet to live and now I know that we can continue to “Live Large".

     

    The skiing came back to us quickly, but we burned up our legs on the first couple of runs trying  to remember how to ski.  We simply need to do this more often.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorFamily Christmas Ski TripTraveler

    What a wonderful Christmas trip!!

    December 17, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 23 °F

    We had a sweet ski-in ski-out condo in Solitude Village, Utah. We originally had booked a round-trip shuttle from the airport to the condo. But, at the last minute we decided to rent a vehicle instead. There didn't seem to be an easy way to get to Brighton resort and we knew we'd at least want to night ski there.
    We rented our ski clothing from Slope Threads online and that worked beautifully!

    The first day, after a good breakfast and picking up our skis, we skied at Solitude. There were only a few runs open. They haven't had much snow yet. It took a run or 2 for Pat and I to get our ski legs back. But it really was like riding a bike. It's been 13 years since I have skied. Everything was great, except my legs did tire much quicker than they used too!!

    The boys took right to it! No surprise there. Sam met a ski instructor on the lift who offered him a free 30 minute lesson which he happily took. We all skied at our own pace and met up here and there. The boys definitely out skied us! We skied until we got hungry then went back to the condo for a late lunch and to rest a bit. Sam was feeling slightly under the weather. Might have been the altitude? Pat and Jacob went back out for a couple more hours of skiing. We all hit the hot tub. It felt GREAT! The trees around us decorated with Christmas lights...

    After dinner we played HeadBands and Apples to Apples. Lots of laughs and fun! No Sam, Night Furys would NOT be food!!

    Day 2, Friday
    We slept in a little. Pat made us pancakes. We drove over to Brighton about 11:30, a light snow falling. There were more runs open here, but we were sticking to the green. We had no desire to push our limits and get hurt. The snow and skiing was much better here. We skied for several hours then went back and had an early dinner. After resting for about an hour, and dark had fallen, we headed back to Brighton for some night skiing. The snow was really falling now. By the time we quit for the night...about 8:45pm, we had 5" of snow on the Expedition! Of course, the boys loved the night skiing!! It was their first time...don't think it will be the last!

    I only did one run. I loved it, but my thighs were cooked! I knew I would hurt myself if I kept skiing. I hung out on the deck under an overhang ,hot chocolate in hand, listened to the Christmas music over the loudspeakers, watched the snow fall and the skiers coming down! It was heavenly!!

    Pat skied for another hour or so and only quit because it became hard to see with the heavy snow fall. I was visited on the deck by a wild porcupine looking for food. He just nosed around for at least 45 minutes, ignoring all the skiers coming and going, many never even noticed him a step away.

    When the boys had enough, we headed back to the condo. Had a good night's sleep. By this morning the snow plows had done their job and the road was clear to head to the airport.

    This trip was so much fun! New Christmas tradition? Maybe. I loved skiing again. Mostly I loved the time with the boys, playing games, laughing together. Another great core memory for Jacob and Sam together. May they always be blessed to have each other.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionTraveler

    Pick'n & Grin'n Catalan Style

    September 8, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Pick'n & Grin'n Catalan Style

    After enjoying the privilege of touring the Palau de la Música Catalana we enjoyed its purpose.

    Three renowned guitarists, a
    pair of dancers, and a flamenco percussionist, to deliver a tribute to Paco de Lucía fusing both flamenco and Spanish guitars.

    The show was lively and fun --- and funny. Latin style guitar being a favorite, there was little doubt we were in store for a lovely evening.

    The bonus was supposed to be the flamenco dancers, and they were great, but the real bonus was the humor. Being a mixed crowd (from many nationalities), they did a great job with non-verbal humor.

    To begin the encore all 3 guitarists and the percussionist played a song, all on 1 guitar, all at the same time. Three artists picking cords at the same time. One sat still and began to play, the others crowded around and joined in. The arrangement required that at least 1 guitarist was always playing with his hands reversed.

    The dancing portion was impressive and enjoyable. What stuck me, that has never stuck me before, was that some of the dancing was music itself.

    Below is a you tube link to the performance, since photos and video were not allowed.

    https://youtube.com/shorts/fSScPB5nCtg?si=Hj3iF…    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionTraveler

    Bear's 1st Car

    September 8, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Bear's 1st car was a 1967 600D Fiat that he bought for $50.00 at age 15. He drove it for 4 years and made some memories...like sliding into a ditch one winter...he and his 3 passengers (fellow football players) lifted it out of the ditch back onto the road.

    We found this similar fiat being used in a store display and we had fun listening to Bear reminiscing about those times.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionTraveler

    A Garden With No Night

    September 8, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    "A garden with no night" is how one artist described it.

    Palau de la Música Catalana

    I have to start this footprint with a quote from My Lovely. Amy said,

    "Of all the palaces I have been in, this is the most beautiful building."

    For my part, I am simply amazed that every fixture, every post, every backdrop is either a piece of art or a part of a piece of art.

    In an intro video on the tour, one of the performers said that she would catch herself enjoying the art as she performed.

    Regardless, everywhere you look there is art, from sculptures to mosaics to glass art. Every single thing is art.

    The central point of the building is natural light. The building was constructed of steel, but the steel was covered in art, with an emphasis on glass and light.

    The central piece is the stained glass ceiling with the inverted dome - the "Sun" (The Glow Worm).

    This palace is the only UNESCO World Heritage site that is a music hall.

    The palace, Palau de la Música Catalana, is privately owned and was built with no government funds. The cost of construction was less than $300,000 in today's money. But with that said, this building could not be built today for a billion dollars.

    The building was built with "cheap material." In this case, 'cheap' means locally sourced materials and common materials.

    The central feature of the stage's architecture is an organ, comprising 3,900 pipes. During the tour, they played a piece as we stood on stage. It began ever so softly, then slowly built to a crescendo. It was awe inspiring. Bringing involuntary gasps of joy and tears to our eyes.

    Built as part of the music hall are three apartments. One of the apartments was for the owner. He had a keyboard that was connected to the organ so that he could play.

    There is a circular balcony directly above the stage. That balcony is in the living room of the owner's apartment. He could look directly down on the stage    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionTraveler

    Patty Got The Balloon Bug

    September 7, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    (Thoughts From Patty) Floating, soaring, and remembering to breathe!!! That is what riding a hot air balloon is like to me! Always a dream but now a reality! How peaceful the still air as you soar above the land! You see all God has created and soak it in! Afraid? Not really! There's a hush in my spirit as I realize I'm not in control! My God is and I trust Him! Thank you Pat & Amy for making this dream come true! And thank you babe for sharing this tremendous experience with me!! Who's up for a balloon ride in each country we experience??!! Count me in! I have the balloon bug! ❤️Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionTraveler

    Floating In The Wind

    September 7, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    Barcelona Day 2

    The Flight

    Today is one of my favorite things. I get to watch someone live a "moment".

    Today is is Ballooning Day. My Lovely and I will love it. There is no doubt. But this is a bucket list item for Patty - and we get to watch.

    It is not a the top of Gary's list, but making your true love happy always ranks. We get to watch that too.

    The sun still sleeps. We ride into the mountains. My Lovely comments about the Spanish guitar music on the radio. The sounds are soothing, wonderful and varied, but distinctively Spanish. We discovered later that our driver/balloon crew extraordinaire, Domi, is also a DJ!

    The city slips into the past. The silhouetted moutain range out our right window. We will fly from the mountain valley.

    Barcelona is a coastal city, surrounded by mountain ranges. After 30 minutes of driving, we have left the city. We have mountains on all sides now.

    A stop for coffee and a danish.

    Now it is time to fly. Our captain, Santiago, aka Santi, has 23 years of experience.

    Prepping and inflating, anticipation builds.

    The balloon stands tall; the basket finally upright... The time is here.

    Our first instruction, the "Landing" (some might call it the crash) Position.

    The Pyrenees Mountians. Ranges in all directions. Farm lands, small towns, a castle, horses in their corrals. So much to see. But we just breathe. Take it all in.

    Only a moment or 2 of trepidation. Mostly the surprise bursts of gas. No fear of heights. "Nervous going up, but not scared." Enjoyed every minute of it. Peaceful, quiet, still. Not floating with the wind but floating in the wind.

    "I did more than survive. I LOVED it". Patty said.

    After we all "survived our flight" captain Santi) awarded us each with a Certificado de Vuelo en Globo and we all celebrated with champagne and a biscuit. Santi noted that it was tradition because the first balloon flight was in France....good thing it wasn't In Russia...it's too early for vodka!    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionTraveler

    Barcelona Reality Check

    September 6, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Reality Check

    I wouldn't say that our vacation, so far, was fantasy like. And we have been moving quite a bit, so relaxing is not exactly the right word. But wonderful and well paced it has been.

    Barcelona, day 1, reality check: What was peaceful was replaced by a loud and busy city.

    Today was a travel day. Never a relaxing situation. Today will be marked by a good dinner, and a wonderful old condo. But the condo lacks a/c, thus the windows had to be open letting in fresh air ...... and a city full of noise. But such is the Spanish way of life. Tomorrow....Siesta!

    Day 2
    After the balloon flight, Domi dropped us at his favorite Tapas Restaurant (Bar Jaica) for lunch. It was delicious and the chef made sure Bear's food was gluten free. Then we meandered back thru the Gothic Quarter/ Old Town to the apartment for a Siesta. Pat and I went out to dinner at another of Domi's suggestions (La Dentellerie). Again...delicious!! We walked to the marina and sat in the park, listening to a man play guitar and sing. Dogs walking by and playing (all so so well behaved!)
    The walk back to the apartment we didn't feel quite as safe as elsewhere on our trip. There were plenty of people about, but we were very much on guard. The biggest negative though, is the trash everywhere, overflowing trash receptcals, and THE SMELL. Tonight sounds like it will be much quieter....    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionTraveler

    Ahh! Croatia!! We Hate To Leave

    September 6, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    As we drive through Croatia, we see that everyone has a garden of some sort. And most homes and most businesses beautify with flowering trees and plants.

    The people we encountered were friendly and open. We felt welcomed everywhere we went.

    The roads and highways are in great condition. No potholes. No Thumpita, thump, thump, as you drive. No trash along the highway. And almost no road construction. Definitely no semi-permanent orange barrels.

    The coastal towns we visited are ancient by our standards, most of them dating back to the 13th century, some older. And the granddaddy was Zadar. 3000 years old - predating Jesus by 1000 years.

    The stores, shops, facilities have all been cleaner than what we find in the USA. I don't mean a little clean. I mean really clean. No trash. No junk. No signs of lack of maintenance.

    As tourist here, we are walking ATM machines. Wealthy by comparison and not only willing, but ready to spend our money. But they are not tugging at us to get our money. The people were quite helpful and incredibly polite. Americans have rough reputations abroad, but there was no sense of that here.

    We also noticed that the people here seem to be tall and relatively thin. (Just an observation)

    The food was tasty and fair portions (if not more than fair) for the money.

    It would be fair to say that the people are prideful of their country - and they should be.

    Croatia has been controlled by 9 other countries (in whole or in part), and some of those countries have owned or controlled Croatia several times.

    Something that struck us was when we learned about their "Homeland War" - their Civil War - the War for Independence (1992). It was bloody and horrendous. But after the war, Croatians fostered a concept of healing and forgiving. All thoughts toward moving forward.

    Croatians are extremely proud of their membership in the European Union and NATO.

    The only "tourist tax" I felt was with respect to public toilets and (especially) laundromats. The prices were steep.

    This was a fabulous trip.
    We enjoyed.
    We experienced.
    We opened our eyes.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionTraveler

    Plitvice National Park 1

    September 5, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    When we saw pictures of this park we knew that we couldn't get this close and not see it. So we rented a car and booked an overnight at a B&B and spent the afternoon seeing as much as we could. We didn't have time to get to the upper lakes, but what we did see was breathtaking. Soglad we did it!Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionTraveler

    Slap Heaven

    September 5, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Plitvice

    Describing the color of the water will be a great challenge ... but I will try.

    Standing above, the water so clear, only visible due to movement. From a distance, the minerals provide a depth to the turquoise water. A hue seemingly not found on the prismatic scale. And the shades that change based on the angle of view.

    Paths walk you to the waterfalls - a slap in Croatian. Too many to count.

    Slap me happy.

    Water from springs, from a river, from upper lakes. Water pours out all over. The tallest fall at 184 meters, taller than Niagra. While the flow pales by comparison to Niagra, I found it much more enjoyable. There was simply so much more to see.

    There are many falls that have more force, and more flow, but the beauty here is in the peace of the sounds; and the imagination of the colors.

    This is a national park - the largest in Croatia - and Plitvice has that feel.

    The tour is a small hike, beginning with the big falls right out of the gate. Then there many options the stroll you through nature, mini falls, lakes, fish, ducks and a boat ride.

    We did not do the entire tour, that would have taken about 6 or 8 hours, much more than our legs had to give.

    Waterfalls everywhere of all shapes and sizes...the sounds of flowing water....the brilliant shades of blue. Just heavenly..    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionTraveler

    Guest House Ljubo and Ana

    September 5, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    This one night exemplified what is has been like visiting Croatia.

    The drive in from the coast, which changed from rocky and drier with low trees to lush green forests on the other side of the mountains, was easy and lovely. Our host, Ana, was friendly and welcoming, and funny even with our language barrier.

    I'd like to say that this exceeded my expectations but that simply wouldn't be true.

    We had no expectations.

    It was a room for a night, near Plitvice - and it was cheap - with good reviews. It was a place to crash.

    As it turned out, the place was clean and comfortable. Beyond that, Croatian. It had gardens of flowers. Fruit bearing trees. Little niceties all around. Truly cared for.

    The place was over-the-top home and unpretentious. Warm and enveloping. Self sufficient.

    Ana had asked if we wanted breakfast in the morning ($10 a person). I declined, thinking we would be pushing to get on the road, but Patty wanted to try a traditional Croatian Breakfast, so we changed our mind.

    Patty was RIGHT!!!

    Well at least partly right. The breakfast was AWESOME!!!

    But this can't be a traditional Croatian breakfast.

    I suspect what was traditional was that it was all homemade. Also, mostly sourced from home.

    Homemade bread. Homemade jam - with fruit from her own fruit trees. Fruit, from her trees. Scrambled eggs from the hens next door.

    She made special gluten free items, polenta and gluten free pancakes (crepes).

    But the over the top part was the baklava, pastries, beignets and drip coffee (American Coffee).

    There was more. Cereal, yogurts etc.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionTraveler

    Day 7, Ride 6

    September 4, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Our final ride.

    We traveled from Primosten to Trogir.

    The beginning of today's ride was the same as yesterday. We climbed out of the bay, up through the olive groves.

    It is interesting that we seemed to enjoy the olive groves. I mean that the groves are limestone rock areas, where they dig down about 3 feet, removing the stones, and plant the trees. The rocks are gathered together to form fences. But a raw look at it would not be appealing to some. The olive trees are pretty, but without the olive trees, some could the area look desolate.

    Other areas are taken up with small vineyards. They are much prettier, and at this time, quite full of grapes.

    In any case, 2/3rds of this ride was up through the hills and olives. Then, the down hill that was both pretty and fun.

    Again today, we wound ourselves through a campground. We saw on camper that looked like a repurposed Russian Troop Truck. Very large.

    And again, another ride along the coast on a stone pathway, but not as long. A stop for a swim and then the interesting part for me - a ride through traffic in town. I like the culture. Seeing how people live.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionTraveler

    Ride 5 Primosten

    September 3, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    I'll get to the ride little later. It is 10am on Wednesday morning. Day 6 We are cruising now. Today's ride, our 5th ride, is an afternoon ride, the first of the trip.

    We have a 3 hour cruise first. Coffee and breakfast this morning, followed by an anchor drop, for a quick swim.

    Only 5 or 6 swam, but there were backflips off the back of the boat.

    And everyone is just in chill mode. A game of Cribbage below. Most are up top reading. A few listening to music and just taking in the sights.

    We all easily know each others names. There is a great comfort together.

    A peaceful prelude to what I expected to be a tough ride, but we have been reassured is going to be the best ride of the trip.

    3pm now. We had a huge lunch and are letting it settle. This is the most quiet the boat has been.

    My Lovely is beside me on the upper deck, loading photos. The wind and waves are rocking the boat. I'm fighting the desire for a nap. We leave in an hour...

    The Ride

    The Ride was challenging, but not too much. Most of the ride was heading uphill through the country. Then the BIG, curvy downhill and back to the coast. Serge had said that this would be the best ride. I can see where some would say that as we did several miles on a path that runs along the coast.

    I would not agree that this was the best ride. It was beautiful but not the best.

    I actually felt a little guilty on the coastline pathway. There were 32 of us riding. It was a bit much for the pedestians, although we were spaced out in smaller groups.    Read more

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