Alex’s Mazda Climbed Mount Washington!

August 1, 2026August 1, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Before heading east, one of my clients said I couldn’t pass through Vermont and New Hampshire without visiting the White Mountains. I felt super ignorant, but I didn’t even realize the White Mountains were a thing! Apparently, we have a mountain range on the east coast that looks exactly like the Alps and I had no idea until a couple months ago…

Needless to say: I’m grateful for the recommendation and it was worth the extra day of the trip!

After our Franconia Notch hike, we cooled down with a drive up Mount Washington. We could’ve hiked it; however, to our surprise, it’s the most dangerous mountain hike in North America. While only slightly above 6,000 feet in elevation, the weather can change on a dime and people constantly get stranded, blown off the mountain from a wind gust or get hypothermia from the drastic changes in weather. I love Alex and Linley too much to risk anything crazy happening! It was smarter to drive, especially after the “moderate” hike we’d already done that morning.

The drive up was beautiful and I soaked up every moment of it. We saw the temperature drop from 85° to about 59°, and saw the Sunny sky turn to an ominous fog. Even though I’ve jumped out of a plane at 18,000 feet, there was something about the foggy drive up that made me feel like we were going to fall off the edge (Alex is a great driver though!)

Once we got to the top, we parked by the couple and their dog we’d seen at dinner the night before. Great minds think alike! We enjoyed some photos and videos of our 360° views around us. It really did feel like I was back in Norway or somewhere else in Europe when we were up there.

Yes, Linley was begging for food at the top!

Bumper sticker we received on the way up

The drive down was absolutely stunning as it warmed and cleared up. I took much more videos then, as Linley was loving the fresh air and as I was comforted by us using lower gear…

Toys for Linley we bought on the way down: Douglas and Tanner!

We will definitely be in the area again while we travel to upstate New York next summer!

Media taken Friday, July 10, 2026 at Mount Washington Summit

Echo Lake/Franconia Notch Views

July 30, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

The views we saw in New Hampshire were worth the steep and hot hike, that’s for sure! Before we drove up Mount Washington, we wanted to move a little when the rained cleared. Alex found a “quick,” “moderate” hike that really turned out to be a difficult, long one – but it was worth every second. Navigating through tree roots, embracing the post-storm heat and sun, and crawling up parts of the trail were unexpected challenges. Luckily, Linley had been through agility training recently, so he was extra ready to jump over and walk under things!

At the top, we met a kind couple from Rhode Island who recommended we camp there next time we visit. I’m going to follow through on that next summer, and maybe with kayaking and a stroll around the lake. 😌

Photos taken Friday, July 10, 2026 ⛰️

Traveling through Vermont & New Hampshire

July 29, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

After a bittersweet goodbye to Alex’s family, we hit the road toward Maine. I was sad to leave Clayton, Alex’s family and all the memories from Linley’s and my second visit, but was excited to have a “Tracey Trio” part of the vacation.

Driving through Vermont and New Hampshire, two states none of us had ever visited before, was absolutely beautiful! Taking in the Green and White mountain ranges were gorgeous and transported be to a new world.

I can’t wait to spend more time on the east coast next summer!

Taking the ferry from NY to VT!

Media taken Thursday, July 9 and Friday, July 10, 2026 in VT & NH!

Thank you Clayton, New York!

July 28, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

From strolling around downtown, to lazy mornings looking at the water at our rental, and swimming at the lake house, Clayton never disappoints. As sad as we were to miss the family trip last year, it was certainly worth the wait.

We’ll be back next summer, Clayton! ✌️

Lin exploring by the water

Lin doesn’t appreciate the sunset like we do…

Reminds me of our Chicago dog beach days!

Lin got the zoomies!

Good morning from Lin!

Media taken Tuesday, July 7 – Thursday, July 9, 2026 🌊

Welcomed back to Clayton, NY

July 22, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

After visiting friends in Virginia, we headed to Clayton, New York for the annual Tracey/Viglucci/Yuhas family trip. Alex, Linley and I couldn’t attend last year because we took two weeks off work for our honeymoon, but it was great to be part of the family trip for my second time.

In 2024, us three had a whole extra home to ourselves; this year, we shared with more family members because over 20 of us made the trip this time! We were greeted with a surprise on our bedroom door, hugs from family, and sunshine on Washington Island. It felt so good to be back.

We didn’t see the baby swan we saw two years ago (aka: the Baby Lin swan!), but it’s probably because he’s all grown up now. But we did see our two favorite swans swimming around the island.

After getting settled in, we wanted to head into downtown Clayton for some ice cream, long walks on the waterfront and a nice dinner at Channelside. It felt like yesterday since we were back, and the views, kindness and comfort were just as memorable as last time. Linley was the talk of the town as we strolled around before dinner, and even got attention (and free food!) during our meal.

After dinner, we enjoyed a cozy night in so we could grab coffee in town again the next morning. Linley wanted some of Alex’s breakfast sandwich, and was lucky enough to get some while we chatted with Aunt Maryann.

I miss Clayton already, and will share more posts from our lovely time there. 💛

Media taken Sunday, July 5 – Monday, July 6, 2026 in Clayton, New York.

A rainy weekend in Asheville

June 2, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

It’s hard to believe that we returned from one of my favorite places over a week ago. Asheville, North Carolina has been such a special place for me ever since I first volunteered there in 2015. Asheville is where I’ve had some of my best hikes, have met some of my closest friends and even considered it to be a potential home.

Last weekend Alex, two of our best friends, Linley and I all headed to the mountains for what was supposed to be a weekend full on sunshine, hiking and outdoor time. Instead, we got rained on 95% of the time and had to deal with that during most of our hikes. We still made the most of it and it was fun to get away for a long weekend.

We hiked some new spots, some of my previous favorites (including Cedar Mountain, which I wrote about in my latest post!) and enjoyed quality time together. We even ate at a newer place downtown called Posanas, where Linley got to enjoy his own doggie dinner, too!

Rain or sun, I would highly recommend heading to Asheville for your next mountain getaway! I can’t wait to go again.

Comparisons

May 31, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

We all do it: we compare ourselves to others, we compare present day to the past… it’s human. And last weekend I couldn’t help but compare where I’m at now vs. where I was at in 2022.

Linley and me hiking in Asheville (2022)

On my trip back at Chicago from Asheville in 2022, Linley was by my side through some hard times. One of my best friends called me on my drive to tell me that she was expecting her first child, meanwhile I was telling her that a divorce was in my foreseeable future. I was so excited for all my close friends going through such amazing milestones in their lives, meanwhile I was at the loneliest point in my marriage and physical location of Chicago.

Linley, Alex and me hiking at the same spot in 2026

Last weekend I took Alex and some of our friends to the same spot Linley and I enjoyed four years ago. Although it was rainy, we made the most of it. And it’s really similar to my life right now: it’s a literal and metaphorical rainy season, but I’m making the most of every moment and am enjoying the rain as it comes.

To think in 2022 I was struggling in my family dynamics, certain friendships, my marriage, location and career. Now my biggest worry is that I won’t be able to make it as a solopreneur, but have never felt more loved and supported.

Photos taken in 2022 and 2026 in Asheville, North Carolina

Agility Training • Alex & Linley 🐾

May 30, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

In 2017 when I first rescued Linley, I knew I wanted to sign him up for training. Lin wasn’t a bad dog by any means, but he had a lot of anxiety and abandonment issues prior to finding his way to my heart. Plus I figured it’d be great bonding for us, because he was still figuring me out.

Proud boy

On Christmas last year, I wanted to do something special for Alex and Linley to give them the same experience. The founder of Linley’s dog hiking group, Two Chicks and a Pack, recommended Megan at Primed Instincts for dog agility training here in Atlanta. I signed the boys up right away, and they had the best time together!

And here’s some videos if you want to see the guys in action:

I was lucky enough to watch the last two weeks of the agility trainings, and seeing my two favorite fellas always melts my heart! It was cute to see Linley smiling through all the obstacles, and he’d get so serious when following Alex for a treat. And it was awesome to see Alex so serious too; it was like they were both in “work mode.”

Even an 11-year-old dog can learn new tricks, so never sell yourself short 😉

Media taken Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Walker Park in Atlanta, GA

Celebrating Alex in North Georgia

May 21, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

Alex’s birthday was Saturday, and we had a great time in the mountains of North Georgia! We started our morning with a hike on Blood Mountain where we had stunning views all around us. It was a nice spot to rest, and we even saw a blue lizard scurry nearby.

After our hike, we grabbed lunch at a local spot in downtown Dahlonega that we love so much. We sat outside, enjoyed some sweet tea and seafood, and Linley got even more attention than our birthday boy.

After realizing that Linley had a tick on him in the car (we’re all good, thank goodness!), we enjoyed more stunning views at a winery Alex loves. I’m doing an alcohol-free year but I enjoyed a Sprite while Alex enjoyed a glass of red wine. All three of us were basking in the sun and enjoying the moment together.

Before we knew it, it was time to head home. We look forward to next time!

Photos taken Saturday, May 16, 2026

All that comes with family estrangement

April 18, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 13 Comments

TL;DR: Look up, get some sunshine, call a friend, spend time with ones you love when you’re feeling down. It may not take all the pain away, but you deserve some peace and you’re allowed to give yourself grace + feel your feelings as they come. ❤️‍🩹

Trigger warning TW: Family estrangement, verbal abuse.

Yesterday was a hard day and it’s been a hard week. Last Friday, a family member who I haven’t seen since 2018 and haven’t heard from since about a year ago reached out to me multiple times. When I heard from them a year ago, more hurtful things were said (again) and the worst part is that this happened during my honeymoon. They always know when to share things/reach out at the worst time.

Then Sunday rolls around and some triggers came up while my parents visited. Although my relationship is significantly better with them, they’re the only biological family I speak to. There will always be challenges and reminders that come with that…

And then yesterday, we had a virtual baby shower for a teammate at work who is having a second child (a boy). He has a daughter and he kept saying how excited he is that his soon-to-be younger son will have an older sister to look up to and learn from, because his older sisters are gifts to him. It’s just me and my brother and because I’m older and estranged, I felt immediate guilt, sadness, heaviness and also anger. Why didn’t he ever view me or our relationship as a gift, the way that I viewed him and our relationship? I don’t know. I may never know. But it hit so hard.

Whether you know me personally or have read my WordPress blog for a while, you may know the struggles I face with the grief vs. relief of it all.

I’ve been estranged from most family for nearly a decade now but never thought my brother’s and my bond would break. When things about sibling love are shared, or birthdays pass, or moments where I considered my brother to be my best friend fill my memory again, it’s extremely hard. If you’re struggling with the same thing or something parallel, just know that I see you, I understand you and all your complex, rollercoaster feelings are valid.

April Appreciation for Atlanta

April 13, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Between 404 Day and now, it’s been a solid month here in Atlanta. We’ve explored new places, revisited some favorites and felt a sense of community with our neighbors (especially Amy because we got to watch her sweet girl, Larkin, this month!)

I look forward to what the rest of April and beyond has in store!

Sweetwater Creek + 404 Day

April 5, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

On Friday, I wasn’t feeling the best, but I knew a hike with Linley would help me sweat out my cold in addition to making my heart feel good. We revisited Sweetwater Creek State Park for some light hiking and beautiful views. My mom also had the day off, so we talked on the phone like the good ole days. And as usual, Linley got lots of attention and four young women were adoring him, so I gave them each a treat to give to Linley. He was in heaven!

Being with Linley always makes my day, especially when we can be outdoors together.

And yesterday’s 404 Day celebration in Atlanta was a ton of fun! We strolled through our favorite neighborhood in the city, watched Linley play at Piedmont Park, picked up some plants at Flora and Fauna, and enjoyed an afternoon in our own neighborhood.

I’ve been beating myself up all week about random sh*t, and honestly, I need to stop because I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Media taken Friday, April 3 & Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Atlanta, GA.

Traveling with the Traceys

(mis)Adventures | Love | Growth | Wanderlust | Dogs

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