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Jeremy's Gravatar profile pictureJeremy Smith

Jeremy, the 'S' in 'SMorris,' is a retired US Coast Guard helicopter pilot who enjoys all aspects of the traveling experience. His first trip to Europe was at age 16 and, while 30 years in the military afforded different travel experiences, he has kept expanding his travel horizons. He has been to 49 states, is still looking for a reason to visit North Dakota, and has visited much of Europe. While a planner at heart, he has been known to throw caution to the wind and visit a city without actually having booked any experiences. From city to countryside, hotels to camping, Jeremy enjoys all the advantages that come with retirement and being a newly empty nester.

Camino Francés vs Portugués Coastal: Which Route?

August 28, 2026July 28, 2026 by Jeremy Smith
The start of the Camino Francés vs Portugués Coastal decision, St-Jean-Pied-de-Port - the route he actually walked first

Camino Francés vs Portugués Coastal: which route should you walk? I walked part of one and walk the other in September. An honest, pre-trip comparison.

Categories Camino Portugués Tags Destination Guides

Walking the Camino As a Multi-Generational Family: Why We Chose the Self-Guided Coastal Route

August 28, 2026July 24, 2026 by Jeremy Smith
Jeremy Smith and Shana Morris with Shana's parents training the Camino Portugués Coastal

We’re walking the self-guided Camino Portugués Coastal this fall with Shana’s aging parents. Here’s why Coastal- and how we planned for four paces.

Categories Camino Portugués Tags Practical Travel

A Self-Guided Camino as a Family of Four

August 28, 2026July 21, 2026 by Jeremy Smith
Jeremy reviewing the Camino Português Coastal itinerary at home, Colorado Springs, July 2026.

We’re walking the Camino Português Coastal in September as a family of four- Shana and me, and Shana’s parents- and we booked it self-guided through…

Categories Camino Portugués Tags Practical Travel

Choosing a Self-Guided Camino: Is Camino Ways Worth It?

August 28, 2026July 14, 2026 by Jeremy Smith
CaminoWays booking portal confirmation for the Camino Portugués Coastal trip, showing fully paid status

We sent Camino Ways our final payment for the Camino Portugues Coastal this week, and we have not walked a single stage yet- so this is not a verdict, it…

Categories Camino Portugués Tags Practical Travel

How to Train for the Camino Portuguese Coastal

August 28, 2026July 10, 2026 by Jeremy Smith
Jeremy Smith training on a Colorado ridge trail ahead of the Camino Portugues Coastal, summer 2026, trekking poles and day pack on exposed talus

Training for the Camino Portugues Coastal isn’t training for the Frances. Our plan for cobblestones, back-to-back days, and an 8kg day pack.

Categories Camino Portugués Tags Practical Travel 1 Comment

The Grotto at Peak 8: Is It Worth It? (2026)

August 31, 2026July 4, 2026 by Jeremy Smith
Dim stone-walled relaxation room at The Grotto at Peak 8, with a row of grey chaise lounges and rolled towels along the right wall and a lit hot tub up three steps at the far end

Is The Grotto at Peak 8 worth it? Our honest take on Breckenridge’s adults-only sauna and cold plunge circuit – what it costs and who it’s for.

Categories Breckenridge Tags Individual Reviews

Robbie’s Tavern Breckenridge: Is It Worth It? (2026)

August 29, 2026June 30, 2026 by Jeremy Smith
Three glossy pretzel buns topped with coarse salt, arranged on parchment with a small cup of dipping sauce on the side.”] ,

Honest Robbie’s Tavern Breckenridge review- the cheesesteak, the empty off-season dining room, and whether the Peak 8 resort bar is worth a stop.

Categories Breckenridge Tags Individual Reviews

Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge: Hilton Free Night Cert Review

August 28, 2026June 26, 2026 by Jeremy Smith
Hilton Honors booking confirmation for Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge using Hilton free night certificate, March 2026 - 95,000 points plus annual cert for 2-night stay

We used an Amex Aspire free night cert + 95K Hilton points at Alpenrock Breckenridge during peak ski season. Full breakdown and honest verdict.

Categories Breckenridge Tags Individual Reviews, Points & Miles

Blue River Bistro Breckenridge: Is It Worth It? (2026)

August 28, 2026June 23, 2026 by Jeremy Smith
Jeremy and Shana at Blue River Bistro happy hour bar in Breckenridge, CO, March 2026

Blue River Bistro Breckenridge happy hour: 2-for-1 full-sized martinis and appetizers, 2-5 PM. No reservations – show up before 2:15.

Categories Breckenridge Tags Individual Reviews

The Crown Breckenridge: Is It Worth It? (2026)

August 28, 2026June 19, 2026 by Jeremy Smith
The Crown, Breckenridge, CO, March 2026 - wooden bench table with the burrito

Is The Crown worth a stop? Honest review of Breckenridge’s walk-in breakfast spot — what we ordered, what it cost, and who it’s best for.

Categories Breckenridge Tags Individual Reviews
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