Michael Steighner

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Exploring the Artistic Splendor of the Olympic Peninsula: A Photographer’s Journey

Itineraries, North America, Outdoor Activities, Photography Locations /

Good morning, dear wanderers and creators! Today, I’m thrilled to embark with you on an extraordinary loop journey around Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, a voyage that promises not just a feast for the eyes but also an awakening of the soul. This itinerary is meticulously crafted for the artist within you—the photographer who seeks to capture moments of transcendental beauty and the painter inspired by nature’s grandeur. Including the charming Gig Harbor, this journey is more than a trip; it’s a pilgrimage for the artistic spirit.

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Embarking on a Whisker-Filled Journey: Traveling with Your Cat

RV Adventures, Travel Tips, Traveling with a cat /

I come to you in this post as someone who has NOT in fact traveled much with his cat AT ALL … (other that a few trips to a friends to leave her there from time to time). I do PLAN to however this coming year. A lot perhaps! Been doing quite a bit of that sort of planning over on the 50at60 site where I plan on hitting up all 50 states in one year. THIS should be good. Not sure how often the cat will in fact join me. More often than not I hope, but that depends on how she travels. She is great in the car so I have high hopes and a positive attitude about it 🙂

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50 States in one year – A quest to see every state as I turn 60

Itineraries, North America, Planning Guides /

I call it 50at60. In fact, that is the name of the site I decided to start, to share my research, planning, and documentation of this sort of what can only be described as a bucket list of sorts. As I have already been to most states (about 40 I think), some of these will be a revisit, but a visit none the less. And what exactly constitutes a “visit”? Well, to give it some sort of a bar to reach or metric, I have chosen a minimum of 36 hours spent in the state. I know, an easy achievement that I am sure I will surpass with most of these visits.

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Dreaming of Istanbul: Enchanted by the City’s Feline Charm

Europe, Feline Fandom, Inspirational Stories /

Ever since I stumbled upon the enchanting tales of Istanbul’s street cats, my heart has been set on a journey to this cross-continental city, where every corner tells a story and every cobblestone is a step back in time. I long to wander through its historic streets, to sit at a café sipping Turkish tea, and to meet the four-legged locals who roam with an air of ancient wisdom.

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Capturing London’s Essence: From the Golden Glow of Tower Bridge to the Rich Hues of Cultural Landmarks

Europe, Memorable Moments, Photography Locations /

I had a pretty cool evening wandering around this familiar city in what turned out to be uncharted territory for me! It’s easy to fall into the tourist trap and although there is usually a list of sorts of the “must see” spots in a city like London, the challenge is to veer off the beaten path, or at the very least, the familiar path you have trekked before, to find new locations as well as new vantage points for sites and scenes you have absorbed before.

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“Purr-fect Road Trips: A Guide to Stress-Free Car Travel with Your Cat”

Traveling with a cat /

Traveling with a cat in the car can be a daunting task for both the pet and the pet owner. Unlike dogs, cats are not always fond of car rides and can get quite anxious. However, with proper preparation and understanding, you can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for your feline friend. This blog post will guide you through the essential steps and tips for a stress-free travel experience with your cat.

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A View from the Room – Innsbrook, Austria

Europe, Itineraries, Room with a view /

I tend to celebrate these special “views” when I get them. Sometimes it’s a crapshoot, but more than not, it works out for me! I guess I kinda plan a bit to get them to be honest. Upon check in, I usually try to let them know that I am a travel photographer and time-lapser of sorts and would really appreciate a room with a view if at all possible. Being nice to them helps!

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Whiskered Wanderers: Historical Figures and Their Traveling Cats

Feline Fandom, Fun Facts, Traveling with a cat /

Cats have been revered, adored, and mystified throughout history, and their companionship with humans has often extended beyond the comforts of home into the wide expanse of the world. This blog post celebrates the real-life tales of historical figures who embarked on journeys with their beloved cats, proving that the bond between humans and cats

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A view from the room – Exploring Monument Valley

North America, Photography Locations, Transformative Experiences, Travel Photography Tips, Unique Stays /

Nestled on the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley offers one of the most iconic landscapes of the American West. Its towering sandstone buttes, vast, open skies, and the play of light and shadow create a photographer’s paradise. In this blog post, I’ll take you through my journey exploring and photographing this magnificent valley, offering tips and insights to fellow photography enthusiasts who dream of capturing the essence of the American Southwest.

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Traveling Tabbies: The History of Cats and Exploration

Feline Fandom, Fun Facts, Traveling with a cat /

Cats have been steadfast companions to humans for thousands of years, not just as pets but as vital participants in our shared history of exploration and discovery. The relationship between humans and felines is deeply intertwined with our own nomadic tendencies and the spread of civilizations across the globe.

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