Each December I review my year’s photos and select ten that left a lasting impression. . . not necessarily the best, but ones with meaningful stories or moments. This annual tradition has become a way of remembering, of honoring the small and extraordinary scenes that shaped my year. I’m grateful to share my 2025 favorites once again.
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Exploring Scotland’s Highlands and Islands
. . . Aboard Lord of the Glens
The landscape views almost seemed mystical as we traveled through remote areas of Scotland’s Highlands on a National Geographic chartered bus. My wife and I were among 40 passengers heading to meet our ship, the Lord of the Glens docked at Kyle of Lochalsh, a small village on the northwest coast of Scotland. We were eager to begin our cruise along the intricate lock system on the Caledonian Canal through the heart of the Highlands, eastbound to Inverness. This expedition would be our sixth aboard a National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions small ship. We were excited to see our uniquely-built small ship as the bus arrived at the dock.
Continue readingDiscovering Portugal
Our plane had just touched down in Porto, Portugal when anticipation and excitement overcame our jetlag from a very long travel day. Traveling Portugal had been on our bucket list for a very long time. “Let the adventure begin” Nancy exclaimed. We were looking forward to experiencing Portugal’s culture, history, cuisine, and natural wonders.
We decided to begin our adventure in Porto in the North, then wind our way South by car all the way to the Algarve coast . . . the southernmost coast in Portugal. Nancy planned 2–3 night stops at historic destinations along the way, ending up in Lisbon before flying home.
Although driving in the small walled cities is not for the faint of heart, we found Portugal’s major highways are among the best we have ever traveled in Europe.
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Chuck Palmer 