Tag: hiking
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Yosemite National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring California
Yosemite National Park in California is one of the most majestic, and breathtaking valleys on Earth. It is more than a place to camp and hike; Yosemite is a special place to recharge, to be grateful that you are alive, and are spending time in its valley. There are no words to truly describe the…
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The Abandoned 1984 Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh & Luge Track | Bosnia and Herzegovina
Finding myself standing alone on the abandoned 1984 Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh & Luge track, was in the simplest and most overused American adjectives- Amazing! I had just learned about it hours before while I was on a free walking tour of Sarajevo. I overheard another traveler talking about it and my wanderlust mind took over,…
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The Golden Circle | Discovering Iceland
One word- Gullfloss! This powerful and spectacular Icelandic waterfall is part of the Golden Circle, and was my favorite location in the circle. The two other locations I had visited were Pingevllir (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Geysir Geothermal area. All were fascinating and I enjoyed the three destinations, but that waterfall was…
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Waterfalls & the Aurora Borealis | An Unforgettable ICELANDIC Road Trip
There are single days that are unforgettable; full of new adventures, free spiritedness and unexpectant wonderment. Traveling offers those types of ‘in the moment’ experiences and they are even better when back to back, one right after another, in a single day. There are many places on this planet that can offer days like that…
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Connemara National Park | Discovering Ireland
Visiting Connemara in County Galway along the westside of Ireland was balancing scale of emotions for me. It was joy of being out in a magnificent natural landscape, and sadness from its history of famine and loss. Many people come to Connemara for photography, outdoor recreation, or a relaxing getaway for a few days. There…
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Hadrians Wall – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring England
Finding myself at Hadrian’s Wall was a long time coming, as I had been wanting to walk along this ancient wall for almost 30 years. Even though I had been to England many times over, I had never made it to Hadrian’s Wall. So when I saw got a glance at the Roman Wall, walked…
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Das Kehlsteinhaus – Hitler’s Eagles Nest | Exploring Germany
While visiting the Kehlsteinhaus, aka Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, an idea struck me that made me ponder how over time a place can change its intention, and the energy it holds. Let me break that down a bit more, as it may sound rather woo-woo. As I was taking the above photo of the bleak building…
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
My sun is in Capricorn (an earth sign), and my moon, rising and Jupiter are in Sagittarius. What does all of that mean? It pretty much means that the desire for me to travel, be free, and in nature, particularly the mountains is instinctual. Being surrounded by a mountain range is grounding for me. The…
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Zion National Park | Exploring Utah
After our first initial visit to Zion National Park back in 2010, this magnificent valley in Utah had become a favorite. I have come back several times with friends to hike the Emerald Pools trail, the Narrows, and to find a sense of grounding. My now adult daughter hikes, camps here with friends, and even…
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Mesa Verde National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park, was the first place that I can remember that intrigued my sense for travel and adventure. I can still recall sitting at my desk in the 5th grade, while my teacher was speaking about Mesa Verde, as I inquisitively turned the pages of the book. Looking at the photos of the…
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Jenny Lake at Grand Teton National Park | Exploring Wyoming
After I left the state of Wyoming, I had considered finding property close to Jackson Hole because the area was that impressive. Grand Teton National Park, which is located close to that upscale town of Jackson Hole, to which I fell in love with, was one of the reasons for my thoughts of relocation. This…
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Denali National Park & Preserve | Exploring Alaska
Denali is the national park that is on everyone’s list! I know this because everyone has told me that they have either wanted to come here, or they have already been to Denali. I have been to many national parks throughout this country of ours, and Denali National Park was one of my favorites. It…
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Death Valley National Park | Exploring California
Living in Las Vegas has given me great opportunities to visit many national parks. We are a few hours from the magnificent parks in Utah, and less than two hours away from Death Valley National Park in California. Over the past decade, I have taken various road trips visiting many of the wonderous natural sites…
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Café Belvedere | Cream Cake + Views of Lake Bled, Slovenia
Bled Cream Cake, Rosé, Caffe and a Fairy Tale View – That was all that I needed to seal the deal on my love for Slovenia. It all happened at Café Belvedere, a graceful spot along Lake Bled, which boasts the best church and lake views. Café Belvedere not only had breath taking views, but…
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Capitol Reef National Park | Exploring Utah
Capitol Reef was the most peaceful of the National Parks that I had visited in Utah. Many people road trip it to the more popular parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, or Arches National Park, but Capitol Reef was just as stunning. It might be due to the location as it is not off the main…
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Garden of the Gods | Exploring Colorado
Colorado Springs, Colorado– Garden of the Gods is a majestic red rock public park just 70 miles south of Denver, and is free to the public. There are magnificent geological formations in various shades of red, pink, and white that you can casually stroll through, cycle or take a trolley tour to view this wonderous…
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico | A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Exploring Carlsbad Caverns was the best underground experience that I have done in my lifetime. I have gone below the Earth’s surface on many occasions from caverns to mines, and these southeastern New Mexico caverns were phenomenal. If you were to visit one cavern system only once in your lifetime, Carlsbad Caverns National Park would…
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Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve | Exploring California
Wish you were here! If this surreal landscape of azure skies, peaceful blue waters, and white rocky towers seems familiar, it is familiar. This is Mono Lake, and it was featured inside of Pink Floyd’s 1975, “Wish you were here” album cover. The Diver, which was a photo taken by Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosissh, features what…
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Valley of Fire State Park | Exploring Nevada
Getting off the Las Vegas strip for most visitors is unheard of, but there is more to this fair city than the bright lights, gambling, and buffets. We have state parks, camping, mountains, forests, scenic drives, and desert hikes. There is a lot of natural beauty in Nevada, and one favorite for locals is the…
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Canyonlands National Park | Exploring Utah
Canyonlands is a breathtaking national park in Utah that is located close to the town of Moab, and over two hours south of Arches National Park. There are numerous canyons, mesas, and buttes that contribute to this park’s magnificent landscapes. Canyonlands is a terrific place for hikers, nature lovers, campers, and road trippers. It is…