Sandra Friend

Sandra Friend

Florida
Three decades and 45 books into her writing career, Sandra Friend enjoys walks in the woods and learning through travel. She's been honored with lifetime achievement awards for her outdoor writing.
22
May
Thicket of rainforest

In a Rainforest

To watch the fury of a tropical rainstorm in a rainforest: there is nothing like it in the world. Especially in Panama, home of the world's most impenetrable rainforest, which we are visiting at Gamboa Rainforest Resort.
3 min read
12
May
The fortress of Ali Pasha

Byzantine Echoes in Ioannina

Founded by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th Century AD, the Greek city of Ioannina retains echoes of its Byzantine past in its historic sites and its artisans of the present.
5 min read
03
May
Space Mountain, 1990

Riding Rollercoasters at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

Can't decide which rollercoaster at Disney's Magic Kingdom is worth the rush for a Fastpass? Here's our take on which ones to spend your time on.
6 min read
25
Apr
Two women on a bench with packs in front of them and a tree with an orange blaze

Wraupup: The Panhandle Trace

Joining the hike's founder on her final hike as leader was our reason to heading to the 2013 Panhandle Trace with Primrose.
5 min read
21
Apr
Man and two women crossing a bridge with hills both sides

Hiking the Hills of Hutton

Hiking the Florida Trail across the Hutton Unit of Blackwater River State Forest means you're in for a hilly walk.
6 min read
15
Apr
A man looks tiny walking a footpath beneath tall pines

In the Land of Tall Pines

Day 2 of the Panhandle Trace we rambled nearly 13 miles along the Wiregrass Trail and Jackson Red Ground Trail.
6 min read
09
Apr
Ramble on the new Hinson Trail

Ramble on the new Hinson Trail

The newly opened Hinson Trail, a loop south of Marianna along the Chipola River Greenway, is truly scenic, rugged, unusual, and historic.
4 min read
08
Apr
Calhoun, Chipola, and the Altha Trail

Calhoun, Chipola, and the Altha Trail

A quick introduction to the Altha Trail, the first public footpath in rural Calhoun County south of Marianna and north of Blountstown, part of the Florida Trail.
3 min read
01
Apr
Vintage VW Westfalia under blue skies at a park with slider and back doors open

Westy Rambles West

We’re in the thick of our third road trip with Primrose, crossing Florida’s Panhandle to pick up sections of the Florida Trail.
2 min read
20
Mar
A trio of camellias on a glass plate

Camellia Season at Maclay Gardens

One of Florida's finest formal gardens, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park began its life in 1923 and contains one of the most impressive camellia collections in the South.
5 min read