Travel Tips & Adventures

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Archive for the ‘Hiking’ Category

Travel to …a big hole in the ground

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Well, really, that’s what the Grand Canyon is: It is a one-mile hole in the ground that is over a mile above sea level that stretches for nearly 300 miles.  But it is vast and a testament to what nature can do over the eons of time that the earth has evolved.

Grand Canyon - just a very small part of the vast view

A trip to the Grand Canyon is a “must see” when you travel out West in the USA.  Arizona recognizes it as one of its finest attractions by designating itself the “Grand Canyon State” on license plates. (more…)

Traveling to Cacti – Saguaro National Park – East and West

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

If you’ve ever had the urge to go hug a cactus – well, that would probably be a painful experience. Some of them do look cute and cuddly – in a rugged, western, prickly kind of way.  If the chance to see cacti up close makes you long for the Old West, Uncle Sam offers the Saguaro National Park, just outside of Tucson, Arizona.

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Geocaching adventures

Monday, January 11th, 2010

One adventure that almost anyone can have anywhere in the world is “geocaching.” To the uninitiated, geocaching is using a Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate coordinates and find where someone has left a “treasure.” But, really, the fun is in the hunt. (more…)

Travel to Granite Dells

Monday, January 4th, 2010

Actually, the location is called Watson Lake Park just north of Prescott Arizona. Whatever it is called, I find it breathtaking. (more…)

In Phoenix: Travel to Natural and Manmade Entertainments

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Less than 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport heading east are three attractions well worth seeing when you’re visiting in the Phoenix area.  Bring your camera, because you will want to record your views – they are unique!  All are around the area called Papago Park. (more…)

Travel to Superb Scenery at Mt. Bachelor and the Cascades

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

One of the major attractions in Central Oregon for those who want fabulous scenery is Mt. Bachelor and the Cascades Lakes National Scenic Byway.  And, if you ski, during the season, Mt. Bachelor is a very popular location.

Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor with ski lifts

Mt. Bachelor with ski lifts (not taken during the ski season)

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Travel to Capilano Suspension Bridge – No Suspension of Disbelief

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Those who have a fear of heights – BEWARE!  You will not want to go over the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver.  

For the rest of the population, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a fascinating diversion that gives you a rare vantage point high above the river and forest.  

When you enter the park (admission charge – about $30 Canadian per person for adults), you briefly see some totem poles, snack locations and a store, but the real reason you came is waiting for you.  

Step down from a platform area onto the suspension bridge and you will feel a swaying.   Look down the 200-plus feet to the water below and you will have a sense of just how high up you are.

Capilano Suspension Bridge - spans the Capilano River -over 200 feet below

Capilano Suspension Bridge - spans the Capilano River -over 200 feet below

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Travel to Outstanding Stanley Park

Monday, September 28th, 2009

First up on our Vancouver itinerary was a visit to the third largest park in North America, Stanley Park…

 
When the people of Vancouver British Columbia established Stanley Park in 1888, they created more than just a park. They provided a place for their citizens – and visitors – to enjoy the country right in their own city.

Totem Poles in Stanley Park - signify legends

Totem Poles in Stanley Park - signify legends

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Travel to Ecola State Park, Oregon

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

Let’s face it, the name sounds like a disease. But, about two hundred years ago, Captain William Clark and his party came to the area now called Ecola State Park to salvage some whale oil and blubber they needed for survival. They also boiled seawater until they could gather enough to preserve food to make it back to the East Coast.

Inspiring scenery - the Pacific Coast with Haystack Rock is in the distance

Inspiring scenery - the Pacific Coast with Haystack Rock is in the distance

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