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 ⛰️

Old Friends, Old City

July 21, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

We started our east coast drive on Friday, July 3. Of course, we had to stop in Virginia to see the Corrigan family! We wanted a chill Friday night after a 10+ hour drive; however, Alex ran over a nail and had to get it fixed once we got to our AirBnB. We grabbed food at a restaurant within walking distance from where we stayed, turned on Love Island, and quickly went to bed.

On the Fourth, we had a great day with my best friend, Carolyn. Carolyn and her husband Ryan have been integral parts of my life for the past 12 years. I’m close with both of them, their families and their family now that they have two daughters and three fur babies. I wouldn’t have gotten through some of my darkest times if it weren’t for Carolyn’s love, support and humor – so seeing her again recently was wonderful.

We spent the entire day at their home in Leesburg. We enjoyed breakfast and lunch before Ryan went to work, enjoyed time with the girls and Sully, and we laughed throughout the entire day. While Carolyn’s and my quality time isn’t the girls trips and travels like we used to have, I value that we’ve brought each other into our lives as much as we have with over this decade worth of friendship.

Watching the “fireworks” in the neighborhood

Linley does well with the sounds of he can actually see what’s going on 🙂

Before leaving Virginia, we wanted to check out Georgetown’s waterfront while we were in the area. Linley was a smiley boy and we loved strolling through the cobblestone streets.

…and then we were on the road again!

Photos taken Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Old Friends

July 21, 2024February 21, 2025 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

Last year I wrote about the new friends I’d met since moving back to Michigan in late 2022, and today I want to write about three older friends. On the way to and from upstate New York, Alex was able to meet two of my best friends and I couldn’t be happier! The love I have for my two besties, their significant others, pups and their families always brings me so much joy when I visit them — and having Alex by my side made it even better!

Carolyn and I have been best friends since we met as roommates abroad in 2014. These ten beautiful years of friendship have been filled with celebrating each others’ milestones and full of adventure and laughter. Carolyn hadn’t met Alex until this month – same with Linley – and it was extremely special to introduce two of my favorite people to one another. The love felt between us, Carolyn’s family and our pups means more than I can ever put into words.

Ryan, Lily, Carolyn, Linley (kind of!), Sully, me and Alex!

On our way back to Atlanta from New York, we couldn’t leave without seeing my bestie Carolina. Carolina and I used to work together in 2020, and have been inseparable ever since. Carolina and her fiancé, Matt, are not only getting married in October, but they just moved from Charlotte to South Carolina because Matt started medical school! I couldn’t be prouder of and more excited for my besties!

Carolina and me celebrating her engagement in 2023!

It’s also been incredibly special for Alex to have met my high school best friend from Germany over video call. Not a week goes by where Saskia and I don’t talk — and one day I hope she and Alex can meet in person, too!

I’m blessed with three best friends who have always been by my side — even though we live far apart. I look forward to next summer’s travels and more memories with Carolyn, Carolina and their families.

Photos taken July 06 – 15, 2024

Rain to Sunshine

April 8, 2023May 29, 2023 / Cate Tracey / 4 Comments

Holiday weekends are hard for me but I’m happy to be spending Easter with my pup and good friend on the west side of Michigan. We’ll be doing some hiking and much needed catching up!

I’m getting really excited for some exciting upcoming plans, while reflecting on some past ones.

Last April, Linley and I drove from Chicago to Asheville, and then Chicago to Seattle! He’s the best road-trip buddy around. I wanted to share some of my favorite memories from last year’s adventures.