Today's newsletter is sponsored by REI.com. Thank you to the REI team for supporting my small business!

Happy Holidays! This is an action-packed newsletter. Hold on!

So, I did a new thing this past weekend. Jaimie and I headed into the mountains outside of Seattle and *legally* cut down our Christmas Tree. It was not the classic look of a traditional Christmas, but it still has some character. A permit to cut one down costs $10, and the trees in the Seattle lots range from $60 to $200. *YIKES*

In addition to saving money, we had a great time creating a new memory. Even though it was raining on us, the Snoqualmie Pass area had 2-3 feet of snow on the ground. It was a beautiful afternoon exploring in our home state.

Next up, my Calendar Sales are ongoing, and I've had tremendous support. (THANK YOU!) So far, we've sold 100 Scenic Calendars. If you'd like one, they are $28 - including shipping - and if you order before the 18th, it should arrive for Christmas (if you're giving it as a gift.)

Get a Calendar Here

Lastly, next week's newsletter will be a fun year-end recap. My family always sent out a Christmas Card, so I envision the apple not falling too far from the tree. Keep an eye out for it mid-next week!

Moments from Iceland's Ring Road

Back in June, Jaimie and I spent 11 days in Iceland, driving the Ring Road and frolicking under the midnight sun. We saw two dozen waterfalls, hiked through an ice cave, kayaked on a glacier lagoon, and saw the largest lupines I've ever seen. I wrote a piece on our favorite parts of the trip below.

If you're ever planning on visiting Iceland, I highly recommend taking a read!

Katla Ice Cave: Few places let you walk through the middle of a melting glacier, but at the Katla Ice Cave, you can! The only bummer was it was a bit quicker of a tour than I would have liked.
Two dozen-plus waterfalls: No matter where you look as you drive on the southern coast of Iceland, there will be waterfalls pouring over the ridgeline. It's a mind-boggling experience.
Exploring the East Iceland Fjords: This was an area I'd never been to nor heard much of. But dang, was it pretty. The fjords reminded me of Glacier National Park in Montana, and it had a fraction of the tourists.
Enjoying the black sand beaches: Hawaii and Iceland are the only two places I've explored with black sand beaches. So, it's a unique phenomenon for me.
Kayaking on the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: There's really nothing like kayaking while icebergs float on by. This was one of the trip's highlights and something you can't replicate in many other destinations.
Adventuring throughout the Highlands: One of the places I was hellbent on visiting as I didn't get to in 2019. Road conditions made it more challenging, and I didn't get to do as much as I envisioned. That said, it was stunning and memorable. (Now I want to go back...again!)
Hiking under the midnight sun: If we had to live with it for the entirety of the midnight sun, maybe it would get old. But for 11 days, it was pretty cool to spend incredibly long days outside without anyone else around! On our last night, Jaimie and I started hiking at 11pm and ended up wrapping up the night all alone in a hot spring at 3:45am. Talk about building memories!

Read the full article here

Standing in front of Haifoss - sort of in the Icelandic highlands

NEED Last Minute Holiday Presents? These are some of my favorite discounted items!

What you need to know: The sale runs until 12/18, and Discounts are up to 50%

REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket - Perfect for staying warm while walking the dog, hanging out at the breweries with friends, or hiking in the forests. Find the Men's and Women's here for 30% off.
Altra Lone Peak Train Runners/Hiking Shoes: These have been my go-to trail runners and hiking shoes for some 5 years now. Altra gets my highest recommendation. They're 30% off right now.
Gregory Deva 60L: Need a multi-day backpack? This 60L will have enough room for 3 or 4 four nights, letting you truly embrace and excel in the backcountry. This women's pack is 40% off.
Camp Kitchenware Set: I either have this exact one or something similar. But it contains your plates, bowls, and cups all in one. So, when you go camping, you have everything you need. It's 37% off.
Rumpl Nanoloft Puffy Blanket: Made for those who need some extra warmth in their lives. The RUMPL puffy blanket is a great addition for campers, backpackers, and those on the go. Currently 30% off.