thecircumference.org catalogs the best life experiences around the world; country results for United States

Count the Bighorn Sheep at the Living Desert in Palm Springs

Thu, 10 May 2012 20:43:55 +0000

Admittedly, most people who go to Palm Springs are there for two things: the warm weather and the golf. But this resort town in the middle of the desert has more to offer than restaurants and condos. Just 15 minutes away from Palm Springs is the Living Desert, a zoo and conservation area that specializes in habitats and wildlife from the world’s deserts. In addition to perennial zoo favorites like meerkats and giraffes, the Living Desert has swathes of land devoted to the desert bighorn sheep, a formerly threatened native of California that is being rehabilitated through conservation areas such as the Living Desert and nearby areas such as Anza-Borrego State Park. Although the Living Desert has the crowd-pleasers—gazelles, warthogs, and zebras—the most interesting exhibits are those that showcase native plants and animals, allowing visitors to see the California desert much as it was before settlers arrived. The North American areas of the zoo include a yucca garden and a sage garden that attracts thousands of butterflies and hummingbirds. Other enclosures house majestic wolves, graceful mountain lions, cute foxes, swift roadrunners, and sharp-eyed eagles. The badger exhibit allows you to get a close-up view of this underground dweller, while the coyote exhibit gives you a glimpse of the best-groomed coyote you ever did see! There are even opportunities to get up-close and personal with some of the creatures at the scheduled animal programs. For wildlife enthusiasts, a glimpse of the rare bighorn sheep is one of the highlights of a visit to the Living Desert. These shy animals are rarely seen in the wild Californian desert, as they live and wander in remote mountain areas. At Bighorn Mountain at the Living Desert, you are almost guaranteed a look at a few of these astonishing creatures, who can go for weeks without water. On the rugged cliffs of Bighorn Mountain, the slender-legged desert bighorn gracefully navigate boulders and gullies as they gaze into the distance on the lookout for predators. The distinctive silhouette of the bighorn sheep and its curling horns, perched on the top of a mountain, is one of the symbols of the California desert. Bighorn sheep inhabited North American deserts in the millions before the arrival of human settlers, but their numbers have dwindled significantly due to loss of habitat and the encroachment of domestic livestock. The subspecies of peninsular bighorn, which can also be seen at the Living Desert, is particularly endangered. Getting to see these animals in areas approaching their natural habitat is a rare and unique treat.

Take in the Intoxicating Ambience of the Asheville Brewgrass Festival

Thu, 03 May 2012 02:37:43 +0000

Hundreds of festivals are held all over the world every year. Some of them are big, and others are small and intimate events. If you're a beer drinker, and you're located somewhere in the US, you will probably won't get a bigger and better event than the annual Asheville Brewgrass Festival. This is a beer festival that is held once every year in the US state of North Carolina. This is beer country, and as you can expect, the Asheville Brewgrass Festival is held with a lot of pomp and glory. Of course, there’s a lot of beer to be drank, but the fact is that, this festival is not just about beer, or drinking. It's a festival full of life. If you make it there, you will certainly want have a great time filled with good food and exuberant music . And yes, you will get to drink plenty of beer too. The annual Brewgrass Festival is organized by the Great Smokies Craft Brewers Association, and held amidst beautiful mountains in Martin Luther King Jr. Park. As many as 40 breweries from all over the state and region are proud to come and be a part of the Asheville Brewgrass Festival. These are some of the best breweries you'll find in the state, and here you will be able to select from over 120 different types of the best beers. In fact, the breweries make it a point to serve their best during the festival. Since so many types of beers are served here, beer aficionados from across the country come here to drink. However, the crowd-pulling secret of the Brewgrass Festival can be found elsewhere. During certain times of the year (usually prior to the fall) small brewers in the state produce small quantities of Craft beer to showcase to patrons who enjoy the bubbly broth to their heart’s content. If you dig deeper, you will discover that these relatively small and unknown breweries pour their hearts out into brewing these beers that invariably carry their signature. This includes taste, aroma and punch – all going to give that feeling of well being to the happy consumer. This is what makes the Brewgrass Festival in North Carolina so special. It is a beer tasting paradise where local Craft brewers such as Southern Appalachian Craft, Green Man Ales and Highland join hands with others such as New Belgium, Lagunitas, Brooklyn and many more to make the Brewgrass Festival a grand success. Of course, crowd participation is critical. But the organizers aren't worried about that, because news of the Brewgrass Festival has spread far and wide. Beer lovers come here to taste their drinks, and to listen to music. A lot of people who are just casual drinkers attend this festival too. But wait a minute, Asheville Brewgrass Festival isn't all about beer. It has the best sea food and plenty of high-quality bluegrass music bands. There is a great lineup of regional, as well as national bluegrass musicians. The ambience is magical. Just imagine hearing the best bluegrass music in romantic North Carolina, under a pleasant starry night, with a cold glass of Craft beer in your hand. Could life be better? Some of the bands that have performed in the past include Cadillac Sky, Norman Blake, Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Osborne Brothers, Jim Lauderdale, Tony Furtado, Valerie Smith, and others.

Explore an Engineering Marvel in the Hoover Dam

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 03:24:00 +0000

The Hoover Dam is a modern engineering marvel; the arch-gravity dam backs onto the walls of Black Canyon and redistributes the force of nearly 45,000 pounds of pressure per square foot. Completed in 1936, two years ahead of schedule and decades ahead of its time, Nevada's Hoover Dam literally took an act of Congress - a marvel all its own - to complete. After the Hoover Dam location had been studied as a site to help prevent floods and produce hydroelectric power, the project was authorized in 1928. You can head to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas via Route 93, just east of Boulder city. A visit here is sure to bring out the kid in you. It's one of those monuments that lives immortally large in our memories. It's a place that at one point in time broke boundaries thought impossible by man, and spurred countless childhood dreams. Named one of the Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century, Hoover Dam continues to draw crowds more than 70 years after its creation The Hoover Dam - weighing in at 6.6 million tons - is comprised of millions of pounds of materials. The more than five million barrels of cement, 45 millions pounds of reinforced steel, more than 94 million pounds of pipes at a length of 840 miles, and millions of other materials, the Hoover Dam is a marvel simply in coordination and construction. In the process of construction, 112 workers lost their lives in accidents and scorching summer temperatures that averaged 120F (49C). One thrill not to be missed while visiting the Hoover Dam is driving across it. The dam is no longer open to through-traffic after a bypass bridge opened, but it is still possible to drive across it. The Highway 93 bypass bridge opened to alleviate the stress on the dam and the long lines of cars as drivers waited, sometimes patiently, to cross the top of the dam. The Hoover Dam's roadway is still in use, though, as cars are allowed to cross it to access scenic locations in Arizona; traffic must turn around and re-enter Nevada, since the other direction is closed. Turning around and recrossing the Hoover Dam isn't such a bad option; the Hoover Dam tour entrance is on the Nevada side of the dam. A fantastic way to truly appreciate the dam and its inner workings is by not just exploring it outside, but also inside. A variety of Hoover Dam tours are offered and worth the price of admission, since seeing how the dam operates is a unique way to appreciate just how amazing of a marvel it is.

Whitewater Rafting Down Colorado's Arkansas River

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:48:10 +0000

The ultimate destination for whitewater rafting in Colorado is the Arkansas River. It is also one of the most sought after rafting destinations in the country. Locals refer to it simply as “the Arc.” It is the 6th longest river in the United States and the 45th longest in the world running nearly 1,500 miles! The river’s basin starts in the Colorado and flows all the way through to Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. You can pick up the river in many places throughout Colorado including Pueblo, Buena Vista, Canon City and Salida. There are plenty of places to pick for whitewater rafting in Colorado based on your comfort level. Rapids are organized into class one through six. Class one offers very few rough areas and six is huge waves, drops and many hazards. Most outfitters don’t take passengers on anything above a class five, which is for advanced rafters with experience. Any licensed outfitter you white water raft with will be able to guide you on the best route to take. If you plan on whitewater rafting on Colorado rapids it doesn't matter if it's high season or low season because these rapids rush all year long, so long as they aren’t frozen over! There are many licensed commercial rafting companies in different parts of Colorado that will take you down the waves. No matter where you pick up the river you will see the scenic beauty of the river valley and the Colorado Mountains. One of the best places to start the whitewater rafting ride is in Colorado's Canon City. This trek ensures a wild ride and comes with treasured views of the Royal Gorge Canyon. This is one of the deepest canyons in Colorado, the walls tower over 1200 feet. It won’t be hard to keep your eyes wide open when you cruise under the Royal Gorge Bride, the world’s tallest suspension bridge. A lot of history went down this canyon. You will see gold mining remnants, homes of miners and what’s left of the old water pipeline. You know the Arkansas River rapids mean business with names like Sledgehammer, Wallslammers, Corkscrew and Boateater. If you want to push the bounds in these waters, guides can make sure you get the full experience. With whitewater rafting tricks like high siding your raft will belly up against a rock, forcing everyone to jump ship! (on purpose) Try surfing by paddling upstream in the rapids and riding them back down. There are also some incredible spots for cliff jumping.

The Accidental Wonder: The Fly Geyser of Las Vegas

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:59:09 +0000

Fly Geyser is a small geothermal geyser located in Washoe County, Nevada, which is a combination of man-made wonder with nature’s own addition. Fly Geyser was accidentally dug by well-diggers in 1916 during a well construction. The well worked perfectly up until the 1960s when geothermally heated water, along with minerals, began pouring out and continued on ever since. With the combination of both water and minerals, the Fly Geyser was formed at approximately 5-feet tall. It is truly one of a kind in the area of Hualapai Flat, less than a mile from Route 34. Fly Geyser is a wonderful Nevada tourist spot that only a few people know about. Even to the residents of Nevada, the Fly Geyser is not as big a tourist site as it should be because it is situated inside private property—known as the Fly Ranch. But even so, the Fly Geyser’s rather small features can be clearly seen from the road outside the private fencing. Just like the geysers of Yellow Stone National Park, one of Fly Geyser’s main attractions is its colourful structure that is the result of decades of overflowing minerals. Despite being small, the Fly Geyser is still breathtaking to look at. You will need a camera zoom to really see it more closely from the roadside, but the experience is well worth it. The sound of it spouting water can be heard for more than half a mile, and it’s an unusual experience to see a colourful, miniature mountain-like geothermal fountain in the heart of the Nevada desert. The fence of the Fly Ranch is surrounded by wires, and the gate is locked. Even with security to keep trespassers out, there are still many people who try to get in just to have a closer look at this local geothermal wonder. Up close, the base of the Fly Geyser has small ponds also filled with water, which adds to the added mystique of Fly Geyser as a tourist attraction.

The Ice Cool World Ice Art Championships, Alaska

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:29:24 +0000

You can find various ice sculpting contests in the Northern Hemisphere, but none are as cool as the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska. It’s run by the non-profit organization Ice Alaska, and is recorded as the largest ice sculpting contest in the world. Ice freezes quickly and thickly in Alaska’s interior during wintertime temperatures, adding only a very light glacial blue shade. It's so clear that you are able to read a newspaper through a four-foot ice block. Sculptors claim that Fairbanks’ ice is the finest on the planet for sculpting. Ice sculpting was recently included in the Winter Olympics as a cultural contest. The World Ice Art Championships has served as the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1993 and 1997. While many different contests make use of ice blocks manufactured commercially, the World Ice Art Championships utilize huge blocks of naturally-produced ice, obtained through the nearby wetlands. The blocks measure 3’ x 8’ x 5’ and weigh four to five tons. The ultimate masterpieces in the Multi-Block Classic contest could weigh as much as twenty tons, and be up to twenty five feet tall. Sculptors in many competitions are usually chefs making decorations for banquet tables. They create the ice sculptures by gluing ice cube portions with a slushy mortar of ice chips mixed with water—so their creations last only a few hours. In the course of the World Ice Art Championships, the majority of the ice is sawed, chipped or brushed off as if it was a block of wood or stone. It can take a couple of days to create the ice art. The slush mortar joins the portions together, and fewer joints are required when compared with the smaller ice sculpting contests. The World Ice Art Championships involves three separate activities: Single Block Classic Two individual groups build up ice blocks of 3’ x 5’ x 8’ for sixty hours. Multi-Block Classic Four individual groups build up twelve ice blocks of 3’ x 3’ x 4’ that are carefully stacked by forklifts at the artist’s guidance. Scaffolding is also made available. A few artists perform the job around the clock, adding fine and elaborate carvings with a dentist’s drill. Fairbanks Open The Fairbanks Open has novice artists working alongside the world’s top ice sculptors. Ten below zero during early March usually makes the greatest sculpting and watching conditions for the Ice Park Display. While some other high-quality features on the statues could very well melt in the course of the month, the portions hold up very well about three to four weeks following the contest at the Ice Park, close to the banks of the Chena River. The Ice Park effectively makes use of the spruce trees as protecting shade and a backdrop for these sculptures. The Ice Park commonly includes ice sculptures created for youth to enjoy, like alligators for sliding down, and twirly-tops to spin and crawl through.

Experience the Haunted Queen Mary ... If you dare

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:39:34 +0000

For decades the RMS Queen Mary cruise liner—also known as “the Grey Ghost”—transported passengers across wartime waters as a transport ship and luxury liner. During her waterway passages she carried seasick sailors, destitute stowaways and wealthy vacationers. With the Queen Mary's maiden voyage in 1936, it’s no surprise that during her history she’s seen many deaths. In fact, they say RMS Queen Mary, now a retired ocean liner, saw so many deaths that certain parts of her ship are now barred from public display due to reports of paranormal activity. It would not be long before those curious sorts interested in paranormal sightings would create the requirement for haunted ghost tours of the cabins and hallways. Dare to spend the night on the Haunted Queen Mary? During your stay onboard the RMS Queen Mary, you will be told the story of John Henry, a young seaman who lied about his age to obtain a position onboard. But soon after departure, while trying to flee a fire in an engine room, he was crushed to death. Today, this young man roams engine room 13, shining lights, and sometimes heating the engine room door. If John Henry doesn’t scare you then perhaps the women near the swimming pool will. In the 1930s and 1960s, two women perished while poolside, and are often seen in that area. Another story tells of a little girl whom decided to slide down the banister into the pool, but a sudden wave struck the ship knocking her off course, and she fell breaking her neck on the floor. From time to time you can see her looking for her doll or her mommy at the poolside. Still thinking you don’t believe in the Queen Mary's ship hauntings? Then perhaps you would like to visit the kitchen where hungry troops decided to burn the chef alive because they didn’t like the meals he was cooking. They say his screams still echo within the kitchen to this day. While attempting to avoid enemy ships, RMS Queen Mary maneuvered her way into a companion ship, slicing it in half and forcing three hundred people into the water. All were drowned. When you hear the pounding on the side of the ship, you will now know it's these people trying to climb onboard. Your evenings onboard won’t be complete until you have a tour by Peter James—the in-house psychic who will introduce you to some of the 150 separate ghosts living onboard the Grey Ghost, better known as The Haunted Queen Mary.

Chant Traditional Songs at the All-American Oglala Lakota Pow-wow

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:07:35 +0000

Great Native American festivals are known for their vibrant, colourful and meaningful celebrations, and the Oglala Lakota Pow-wow is no exception. Oglala Lakota is part of the Native American Sioux Tribe that includes Lakota and Dakota tribes. Celebrated annually during the month of August, this tradition is one of the many attractions in South Dakota. American Indians have held Pow-wow dances in practically all the American states. Until now, the Native American cultures and rich traditions have remained intact, including their language and deep wisdom. The Pow-wow dance is believed to have originated when the American-Indians were forced by the US government to settle in what are now know as Indian Reservations. Others believe that this type of dance has been around for many generations, and is their way of communicating to other distant tribes. Any which way it started, the Pow-wow dances and songs are now part of the rich American heritage that draws a large number of crowds from all walks of life each year. The Oglala Lakota Nation Pow-wow is a mixture of vibrant energy and colour. The Pow-wow songs are both enchanting and haunting at the same time. They tell stories of historic times, the strength of their people and the rich heritage from which they came from. The Native Americans are proud of their race, and this is often reflected in their Pow-wow songs, and interpretive dances. You cannot help but be overwhelmed by the mixture of emotions and energy during the Oglala Lakota Pow-wow celebration. Drums are used in practically all important occasions in Native American tribes, and so the Pow-wow celebrations are very much a demonstration of their musical prowess with drumbeats heard throughout. It is the signal for celebrations to begin, and for the singers and dancers to begin the entertainment. If you are looking for an occasion to witness Native American culture in their traditional costumes and elaborate makeup, the Oglala Lakota Pow-wow is the place to be. It is a parade of culture and tradition from the young and old, dressed for the occasion. The Pow-wow dance begins in the morning and lasts through the night. The garments on display are one of the highlights of the Oglala Lakota Nation Pow-wow, and you can buy authentic Native American crafts and hand-woven garments as souvenirs.

Hike the Stairway to Heaven on the Haiku Stairs Trail in Oahu

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:28:30 +0000

Gripping the wooden railing as you lift your foot onto the first step of the steep Haiku Stairs hiking trail, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, means you have just completed step number one of the 3,921 steps to the summit. The Haiku Stairs hiking trail, also known as Stairway to Heaven, began as a wooden ladder spiked into the cliff of the south side of the Haiku Valley, and was initially used to run antenna cables to the top to set up a communication link for the Naval Radio Station during the war. As you climb the steep steps, tall grass billows above you off the side of this tropical cliff face, and the clouds cling tightly to the edge. A crisp breeze clips past you as the clouds above slowly disperse, leaving you with a clear view of Oahu below and what lay ahead. Back in 1943, the original all-wooden ladder of the Haiku Stairs was built for construction workers to reach the peak where they were stretching cables across the valley to connect Wahiawā and Haiku Valley Naval Radio Stations. By the 1950s, the US Navy took command over the hill, using it to send signals to submarines as far away as Tokyo Bay. In the late 1960s, the US Coast Guard took over using the building at the top for an Omega Navigation System station. By 1980, no government organization was involved in manning the station, and the City and County of Honolulu took over. From this vantage point, the city should be off to your left as you look back down the section you have just climbed up. The only sounds in the air are the humming of crickets. The higher you go the warmer it becomes on this tropical trail, and a light drizzle rewards you for a job well done, cooling you off as you observe the graceful contours of the Haiku valley below. Eventually, you pull yourself up over the final step, reaching the top in a damp sweat, but the cool breeze still sits too close to your face to remove a layer of clothing. You can now spot the radio signal building.

Hike the Dusty Desert of Big Bend National Park in Texas

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:18:39 +0000

This sparse desert landscape of Big Bend National Park in Texas is punctured in the middle by the rugged Chisos Mountains. At its base, Big Bend is cupped by three canyons with walls towering over a thousand feet in a great bend of the Rio Grande river—comparable in size to the state of Rhode Island or the Grand Canyon. In Big Bend National Park there are as many shades of brown as there are colours in the rainbow. And it is where I began my drive north on U.S. Highway 385. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Big Bend National Park, and with almost 400,000 annual visitors, it is possible to spend the whole day in Big Bend National Park and not see another person. Big Bend is one of the least-visited national parks in the United States. Big Bend’s trails may be quiet, but they’re not without beauty and memorable encounters. While hiking through Big Bend, it is possible to see some of the 1,200 plant species (some of which are found nowhere else in the world) which dot unique vistas throughout the park. Approximately 450 species of birds inhabit the Chihuahuan Desert, making Big Bend National Park a bird-lovers’ paradise. There are also 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammal. Signs of human history stretch back for least 10,000 years, and can be studied throughout the area. Perhaps the one activity which can entice enthusiasts away from hiking is kayaking. There are 245 miles of the Rio Grande that are administered by the park and open for recreational use. One of the most popular ways to see and experience the river, and some spots which cannot be visited any other way, is by floating down the Rio Grande. End each day of activity in Big Bend National Park, relax on your hotel balcony or at your campsite in the Chisos Mountain basin watching the sun set in The Window: a rock opening in the basin rubbed smooth by the violent flow of water pouring out thousands of feet below into the desert. It was here where I became inspired to write my book: "The Drive North: A Swing Down Memory Lane," and try to capture into words the rare beauty that is to be found in Big Bend National Park. In her book, "Lizards on the Mantel, Burros at the Door: A Big Bend Memoir," Etta Koch, a one-time employee of Big Bend National Park, says it best: "You need to see this place [Big Bend National Park] to experience the awesome moment when your heart stands still and your whole body seems to swell— almost to soar... The valley was surrounded by sparsely vegetated mountains spiked with pink rock formations that rose on all sides in rugged spires and cliffs.”

Walk on a Singing Beach at Manchester by the Sea in Massachusetts

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:45:16 +0000

The Singing Beach in Massachusetts is incredibly famous for its squeaking sands beneath your feet, and is a major attraction in the town of Manchester by the Sea. The unusual sands make pleasant noises when you step on them, sort of like a musical instrument you can control with your feet, making it one of the most unique beaches to visit in this world, and the best beach in Massachusetts. The Singing Beach at Manchester by the Sea does sound a little dubious when you first hear about it, however, you have to visit the incredible Singing Beach to fully appreciate it and understand the marvel of this tuneful sand. When the sand is wet you will not experience the same noises, but when you have dry feet, the quality of sound is much better. The small downtown area around Singing Beach, Manchester by the Sea, is quaint with a beautiful harbor on its banks, and overlooks Cape Ann. It's a picture-perfect postcard kind of town, and adds a lot to any tour of Manchester, the sister town of England’s Manchester that is famous for its Manchester United and Manchester City premier soccer clubs. Don't expect too many luxuries in Manchester by the Sea, like huge Massachusetts hotels. There are however some nice coffee shops and small restaurants that serve more than sumptuous food. Singing Beach is a short stretch that encapsulates all forms of beauty, adding that special something to those that venture out from Manchester city borders to a gold nugget of Massachusetts tourism. The Singing Beach at Manchester by the Sea gets over-crowded during the hotter days in the summer months. In order to experience the sand and the beach waters, it's best that you head out on a cooler day. It will be quiet and peaceful on such days, and the residents there also like it that way. You can walk a little away from the beach and explore Cape Ann too. There is no place to store your belongings at the beachfront, so lock expensive items in your car or don’t bring them with you. Kids enjoy the sands even more because of the squeaky sound that it makes, so the Singing Beach at Manchester by the Sea in Massachusetts is a great family trip.

See Bioluminescence Bloom at California's Red Tide

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:54:57 +0000

Many people visit California each year to take in its culture, wine, and natural beauty. Among the lesser-known attractions is a phenomenon referred to as California’s red tide. When this environmental event occurs, the waters of the Pacific along the coast turn red, creating a stunning visual effect and a troubling environmental issue. Also known as algal bloom, the red tide of California is the result of the exponential multiplication of algae that emit Bioluminescence and change the colour of the water. This particular bloom of algae decreases the oxygen levels in the water and releases toxins that depending on the intensity can be harmful to both humans and animals. If you witness a red tide when you travel to California, during the day it may appear that the sun is dissolving into the ocean, or that the ocean has been transformed by a red wave of blood. Find a quiet spot on the sand in the dark of night though, and you're in for some super charged surf. At night the waves turn the algae from red to neon blue. These electrified waters are a dazzling spectacle to witness, easily comparable to the beauty of the Auror Borealis. Though beautiful to observe and photograph, California’s red tide presents a danger to the coast. The algae that cause the California red tide, actually travel from long distances and are brought by ships and other sailing vessels, or even storms. These tides were never considered harmful until 1980 when American scientists found that they carried toxins. This could have been caused due to the industrial boom, chemical farming and pollution. A close examination of these toxins did not reveal any information. It is unknown even today as to why these toxins are formed. However harmful these toxins prove to be to humanity, the fish and the krill that live in the ocean remain unaffected by it. Technology has been developed to detect the California red tide and other algal blooms worldwide. Not all red tides are harmful, and so satellite imagery is used to detect red tides and assess the potential environmental impact. Some research suggests that shellfish play a role in carrying the harmful algae and the larger fish that consume the shellfish during a red tide, died. So detecting the phenomenon helps scientists monitor the harmful growth and also warn people against consuming shellfish. Organizations such as Cal-PReEMPT (California Program for Regional Enhanced Monitoring for Psycho-Toxins), and the Environmental Protection Agency, monitor the occurrence of red tide and issue warnings accordingly. Research has linked California’s red tide to the appearance of hundreds of dead seagulls on California’s coast, and scientists continue to assess the causes and impacts of algal bloom. An increase in the incidence of red tides in California, paired with the availability of satellite imagery, has increased the interest in this phenomenon.

Picnic with the Planets at Acadia National Park's Night Sky Festival

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:46:38 +0000

If your idea of a superb holiday to a U.S. National Park includes watching the starry skies overhead, think about planning to go to Maine’s Acadia National Park in September while the annual Acadia Night Sky Festival is celebrated. In many places of the U.S., so much territory has already been absorbed by residential and industrial development that the result has been an endless illumination of the night sky from non-natural light. This has all but eradicated the star-filled panorama that could once be seen in the skies. These days, many young kids have never even noticed the Milky Way! Fortunately, a greater number of communities and park managers in the U.S. are turning their heads towards the night-time skies, and this tendency is becoming more and more frequent throughout the American National Park system. There is one park that has planned a festival for exactly that purpose in the largest expanse of naturally dark sky east of the Mississippi. Every year since 2009, the Night Sky Festival in Acadia National Park has taken place in September, starting at sundown on Day 1 and continuing until sunrise on Day 4. Live music, poetry readings, artwork displays, and science-related programs are all included in the activities of Acadia Park’s Night Sky Festival. During the festival, you will find perfect areas for stargazing at a variety of sites throughout Acadia National Park, and indoor as well as outdoor activities are usually planned in case of rainfall. There is even a moveable star lab available. Highlights of the Night Sky Festival in Acadia National Park 2011 included guided night-time strolls with park rangers to observe the wildlife (which is active during the hours of darkness), a special ecological program about owls, as well as a photography class headed by local professional photographer Bob Thayer. As part of the workshop, Mr. Thayer taught the technical and creative methods of photographing the dark sky. Called a “grassroots, joyful celebration” by Peter Lord, Chief of The Island Astronomy Institute, the Acadia National Park’s Night Sky Festival has been given the support of a number of community leaders, as well as government groups, and of virtually everyone committed to shield and save Acadia’s night-time sky. The festival was introduced by the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce with the support of Acadia National Park, Acquaintances of Acadia, the Island Astronomy Institute, the Jackson Laboratory, as well as an exclusive partnership of neighbourhood and federal groups. It’s thanks to that kind of collaboration, that every year, Acadia National Park in Maine holds a Night Sky Festival to celebrate something which is becoming harder and harder for most people to see. While it’s true that the American National Park system offers a variety of beautiful, natural landscapes throughout the country for visitors to enjoy, perhaps there is none so unique as an unobstructed view of the sparkling beauty of the vast Acadia night-time sky.

Watch the Windmills in Solvang, California

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:02:44 +0000

Nestled within Santa Barbara’s wine country is one of the California Central Coast’s most intriguing secrets: the Danish town of Solvang, California. Drive along Highway 101 when you visit California, and be clued in to Solvang’s existence by the incongruous sight of an Old World windmill located right by the side of the highway. Becoming one of your more typical things to do in California, a short drive off the highway takes you into the heart of the “Danish Capital of America,” a village where Old World traditions have been preserved for the last hundred years. Founded by Danish Americans in 1911, Solvang was planned to be a place where Danes could keep living according to their traditions, with their own school and church. Since then, Solvang, California has kept its quaint appeal, but has become a lively tourist attraction where visitors come to get a taste of Denmark. Windmills alternate with traditional half-timbered houses styled after Danish rural homes, and a replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower presides over the city centre. A visit to Solvang typically includes plenty of eating. Bakeries and cafés line the main streets, and you can buy scores of Danish pastries to regale the folks back home. A local specialty is a plate of aebelskivers—round pancake balls flavoured with cardamom and served with powdered sugar and raspberry jam. Specialty cheese shops and gourmet food stores offer free tastings, and stock a variety of jams, jellies, and other treats imported from Europe. You may wish to try the custard ice cream at Shelbi Ranch, or pick up a hot dog for $1. Smorgasbords (all-you-can-eat-buffets) abound in Solvang, should you be ravenously hungry. As if the food in Solvang, California weren’t enough, there are dozens of wine tasting rooms scattered about Solvang where you can taste the finest offerings of the Santa Inez Valley, popularized by the 2004 film "Sideways". For those who like to shop, a variety of boutiques sell blue-and-white Delft ceramics, Danish costumes, and other curiosities. You may also wish to check out the Hans Christian Anderson Museum, or admire the statue of the writer in downtown Solvang. In the summer, open-air theatre becomes a big attraction in Solvang, with Shakespeare productions as well as contemporary musicals and other plays. In September, the Danish Days Festival celebrates all things Danish, with concerts, dancing, music, Viking exhibits, and plenty of good food. And some would argue that Solvang is at its best in the winter, when the Julefest Christmas festival transforms the town into a Northern European Christmas village, minus the snow. For those who can’t get enough of the holiday spirit, Solvang’s Jule Hus (or Christmas House) sells old-fashioned ornaments and nutcrackers all year round. So when you visit California and need a little taste of Denmark, head to Solvang for a sensory smorgasbord.

Solve the Enigma of America's Stonehenge

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:11:07 +0000

A four-thousand-year-old maze of man-made chambers, walls and ceremonial meeting places—America's Stonehenge is most likely the oldest man-made construction in the United States. America’s Stonehenge is located 40 miles north of Boston to Salem, New Hampshire, covering about 30 acres of land. There’s a certain amount of mystery over whether the archeological stone structures and large rock formations of America’s Stonehenge were constructed by Native Americans or by the early migrant European population. No one knows for sure, and so the site was named “Mystery Hill” by the new owner of the land in 1937 until it was subsequently renamed America’s Stonehenge. Take a detour to Salem when you visit New Hampshire, and see America's Stonehenge, a site that became open to the public under the name Mystery Hill Caves in 1958. Renamed America's Stonehenge in 1982, the site continues to intrigue visitors and to puzzle archeologists and other researchers. Various inscriptions have been found throughout the site including Ogham, Phoenician and Iberian Punic Script. The entrance to America’s Stonehenge is through a visitors centre, where the tickets are sold. A gift shop offers interesting site-related items, and a short video provides a preview of the mysterious attraction that lies just ahead. After the video preview, you can exit to the rear of the visitors centre, and that's when intrigue will take you over. It's about a ten-minute walk before the first of these curious compilations of rock pokes up out of the woods. One of the most significant early stops on the tour is this chamber. Stone walls are some of the dominant features of America's Stonehenge. Examining the workmanship allows archeologists to draw conclusions about the age of the structures and the people who built them. While you can surmise much by looking at the arrangements of stones at America's Stonehenge, some of the great mysteries of this site lie beneath what is easily apparent. Radio-carbon dating has determined that some of the stone structures at America's Stonehenge have been there since as early as 2,000 BC. Prehistoric artifacts have also been discovered on the site. The monolith is known as the Summer Solstice Sunrise Stone. Many of the astronomical alignment stones can be seen from the Astronomical Viewing Platform if you don't have the time to walk the Astronomical Trail. The "Sacrificial Table” is a 4.5-ton, grooved slab believed to have been used for sacrifices. This is one of the reasons for this interpretation. The grooves in the Sacrificial Table might have been blood gutters, or so it is speculated. You’ll have to make your own mind up about this. And, very mysteriously, underneath the slab lies a speaking tube or "Oracle." Below the speaking tube is a "Secret Bed"—a space just large enough for a person to crawl into and be completely hidden.

Remember a Loved One at the Lantern Floating Hawaii Festival

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:37:44 +0000

During the Lantern Floating Hawaii Festival at Honolulu’s Ala Moana Beach Park, thousands of small, floating luminaries cover the bay, heading out to sea with fond messages and remembrances for loved ones who have passed. An estimated 40,000 people are in attendance, residents and visitors alike, to honour their loved ones, as well as others who have passed as a result of troubles though war, disease, and famine, among other things. The Lantern Floating Hawaii Festival first took place on Memorial Day in 1999 at the Keehi Lagoon. It was held there annually for three years before making the move to the Ala Moana Beach Park to better accommodate the growing crowds. The practice of floating a lantern to remember loved ones lost is an Asian tradition that was held at the end of the summer in Japan at the conclusion of the Obon Festival. It was brought to Hawaii and has since coincided with the American tradition of honouring the war dead on Memorial Day. The Hawaii Lantern Floating Festival is an all-day event for many families; and people line up at the gate to Ala Moana Beach Park waiting to get in when it first opens in the morning. They spend the day at the Park together cooking, playing games, and enjoying some time in the sun and the water. And then the Lantern Floating Hawaii Festival begins at dusk with a spectacular performance by the Shinnyo Taiko drummers, followed by several other groups, and concluding with a ceremony by Her Holiness Keishu Shinso Ito of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order. One by one, the lanterns are placed in the water at Ala Moana Beach Park, starting out as a trickle. Soon a wave of beachgoers step into the water to send their own lanterns out to sea. Messages to their family and friends, loved ones lost, are written on the side of each luminary. Other, broader lanterns which bless those who have died in war, from disease, or by natural disasters, are sent out by an outrigger and placed into the water far out in the bay. And then, before the concluding blessing, Her Holiness Shinso Ito places her own lantern in the water, waving at it fondly as its message is sent. Brothers and sisters hold hands, husbands and wives hold each other, and everyone at the Ala Moana Beach Park during the Lantern Floating Hawaii Festival is part of something greater than themselves. They are all part of humanity wishing for a more peaceful existence, as is the basis for the Asian spiritual tradition and the Lantern Floating Festival in Hawaii.

Watch Lava Flow at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:10:41 +0000

Witness the amazing forces of nature, and some of the newest land surrounding visitors in every part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This land is in the form of blackened, desolate landscapes that resemble the moon more than the tropical images associated with Hawaii. And that difference makes it all that much more stunning and impressive. There are also a great many other sites and spectacular experiences throughout the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that make it worth more than just a quick stop on a drive between Hilo and Kona. The Kilauea Iki Crater, for one, was active as recently as 1959. Now it is possible to hike across the 2.5-mile-wide crater and along the rim, witnessing nature reclaiming the earth in the form of a rainforest. And this is only a fraction of the 150 miles of trails in the 505 mile² Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Sulfuric steam rises from massive cracks and vents in the crater floor, split apart by the dynamic forces of Mother Nature. Nearby, the 1,100-foot-long Thurston Lava Tubes (a favorite of visitors) also bears the marks of the amazing power found in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Now it is possible to walk through the tunnels (12 ft. in diameter) back into the black depths where it is unlit and unsafe to proceed without a flashlight. The Chain of Craters Road winds its way down the side of the volcano to the Pacific Ocean, a change of approximately 4,000 feet in elevation. It cuts through a lava field that flowed as recently as the 1970s, leaving behind a bleak landscape of lava that cooled into twisted rock formations. After passing by the Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs, it ultimately ends at the striking Holei Sea Arch and the road covered in cooled lava. It is here that it is possible to safely witness the lava flow from the Pu’u ‘O’o Crater. Tourists take Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours each day in the hopes of seeing lava streaming into the Pacific Ocean. Sometimes it is not possible, and instead they have to be content with the other sites and the orange nighttime glow of the Halema’uma’u Crater, visible from the overlook at the Jagger Museum. Lava is often spilling from craters in the Park, enticing more than 1.5 million visitors annually to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Rainbow Gathering in Santa Fe National Forest

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 01:40:02 +0000

The Santa Fe National Forest is a unique forest reserve in the United States, as it hosts one of many Rainbow Gathering festivals. It is a gathering of the “tribes,” providing an opportunity to heal as a community and celebrate at the same time. At the Rainbow Gathering festival in Santa Fe New Mexico, there could be a wedding or a birth that is celebrated; or it’s also where the departed are honoured. Every person who attends the gathering is part of the “rainbow family”. Some people have a misunderstanding that the Rainbow Gathering festival in Santa Fe Forest is a hippy festival. It certainly gives you a spiritual feeling when you are there, and you will run into people from many different ethnic backgrounds as this event hosts more than ten thousand people. Santa Fe National Forest is full of people—almost more than the trees. The crowd dissipates the woods. It is sometimes very difficult to define what the festival is all about. Rainbow Gathering festivals are held in forests all across the United States and date back to 1960s. This counterculture movement draws together each year to focus on peace, love, and respect for nature. It also represents green living and non commercialism. People who visit the festival come with the bare minimum as it does not involve spending loads of money on a holiday. The diversity of this festival transcends religion, and the feeling you are left with is unity beyond races. Australians to Europeans, Asians, Americans and Africans—everyone participates. This non traditional Santa Fe tourism attraction begins with an “Om” (a Hindu meditation act of self realization). Everybody meditates by speaking the word “Om" so loud that they feel it in their heart, mind and soul. Meditation starts in the central circle of the camp at sunrise on July fourth and participants are silent until the prayer circle is broken around noon. After the meditation, children parade and are cheered. Food is distributed thereafter, and world peace is celebrated. In the Rainbow Gathering festival in Santa Fe National Forest nothing is about the individual, but rather, the world and the environment that surrounds us.

Scout out Dall Sheep at Denali National Park

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:28:29 +0000

Denali National Park in Alaska is famous for preserving the largest and most majestic mammals, including the Dall sheep. Searching for Dall sheep at Denali Park is a thrill for wildlife enthusiasts. The classic Ram always resides on rocks at the highest altitudes. Rams, or the Dall sheep, are known for their perseverance. They never give up no matter how hard the climb is, which is a lesson for humanity as well. Mount Kinley’s popularity dissipates when compared to the presence of this beautiful creature in the Park. The conservation of animals started with Charles Sheldon who took it up as a home project. He turned away from hunting and became a mascot for conservation. He first visited the area in 1906, where the Denali National Park resides, and he fell in love with it. There was no looking back. With more than 6 million acre, the Park is larger than Massachusetts. The Park speaks about Alaska’s inherent qualities in terms of wildlife and nature. If you are searching for Dall sheep at Denali National Park, you have to understand how the Park is divided. It is segregated into Denali Wilderness, Denali National Park, and the Preserve. Denali in the Indian language means the “High One”. It has been named by the Athabascan people who resided in Mount McKinley. They were present there before the Caucasians discovered it. The Dall sheep are the relatives of the bighorn sheep. They travel in groups and have antlers just like the deer families, and migrate great distances in the winter months. These sheep are found in early elevations during the beginning of the winter months. That is the best time to spot them if you are not a very good trekker. As the snow melts, they climb higher. The Dall sheep is the only member of the deer family other than the Caribou to migrate in herds. The Denali groups of Dall sheep have varied in number over the last 30 years. Today, it has become difficult to spot them. If you are searching for Dall sheep at Denali National Park, you need to understand their characteristics. They have a wide habitat and love to live in the subarctic environment. They love the alpine ridges and the meadows, which have rocky slopes. It is also an escape terrain for them because it is easier to flee among the rocks from predators like wolves… and humans. So while searching for Dall sheep at Denali National Park, you really need to do it carefully. Know their distinguishing characteristics, like curling horns. The ewes have more slender horns.

See the Quirky Side of California at L.A.'s Venice Beach

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:14:38 +0000

Of all of California's beaches and celebrity-spotting haunts, Venice Beach is one of the best-known favourites of tourists and locals alike. Named for the canals in the city which were inspired by the famous Italian ones, Venice Beach was mostly frequented by artists, musicians and poets in its early days. Today it is a vibrant, bustling area with a cheerful jumble of visitors from around the world, street-side musicians, buskers, vendors, and artists. While the energy levels are high, attitudes are enjoyably laidback. Celebrities can occasionally be spotted in Venice Beach and the row of their elegant mansions towering over the boardwalk provides a starkly contrasting backdrop. The main strip is called Ocean Front Walk, and is also colloquially referred to as "the boardwalk". The Venice Beach boardwalk, which is actually more of a street, is backed by a number of motels, casual restaurants, and stores. Facing the ocean is a long stretch of beach with winding paved paths for bicyclists and rollerbladers. A little further down the boardwalk are various merchants hawking everything from low-priced beachwear and sunglasses to toys, trinkets, souvenirs, handmade jewellery and occasionally some questionable drug-related paraphernalia. Street-side musicians and dancers add to the enjoyable clamour, and it is quite common to find large circles of onlookers standing around to sing, clap and join in. Wafting aromas of grilled meat from nearby food stalls will entice just about anyone hungry for a spot of lunch. A well-known spot here is the sectioned-off Muscle Beach, where oiled and darkly tanned bodybuilders show off their brawn. Adjacent to it is an area designed for gymnastics and acrobatics, and it is a treat to watch professionals twirl, contort and swing through the air. On the beach itself is a large piece of wall, attached to nothing in particular. Local urban artists can usually be found spray-painting graffiti and practicing design techniques. A separate area on the beach provides concrete sports courts where people get together to play a friendly game of basketball, handball and volleyball. Venice Beach is normally quite busy, but the waters are safe for swimming in the shallow areas. In the morning and later in the evening when the waves grow larger, surfers can be seen arriving in groups with their long boards. For those with a camera, keep an eye out for the sunset. The sunsets usually start later in the evening but are every bit worth the wait for their spectacular hues. Around this time, Venice Beach becomes a little more subdued, save for the large drum circle that forms on the beach, sometimes around a campfire. The drum circle is a wholly informal affair, and anyone can join in, with or without a percussive instrument. It’s the perfect way to end such a busy day at Venice Beach.

Check Out One of the Tallest Aquarium Exhibits in the World at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:00:00 +0000

Located in the historic Cannery Row district of Monterey, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most popular aquariums in California. They have a host of state-of-the-art exhibits that allow visitors to glimpse the ocean like never before. Spectacularly situated right on the bay, the outdoor viewing platforms (one of which is free and located outside the aquarium) are outfitted with free monoculars. They allow you to get a close-up view of the sea otters floating in the beds of kelp near the shore, the rambunctious California sea lions, and fat, spotted harbour seals. The outdoor platforms are just the start of your fascinating journey into the waters of Monterey Bay as you enter the aquarium’s exhibits. The Open Ocean exhibit is one of the newest features of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and is one of its top highlights. A gigantic floor-to-ceiling glass window allows you to look into one of the aquarium’s largest tanks, which holds a green turtle, a school of silvery sardines, several dome-headed mahi-mahi, sharks, powerful bluefin tuna, and the grotesque and gigantic ocean sunfish. Get to the Open Ocean exhibit for feeding time and you’ll see these amazing marine creatures in action. The school of sardines move as one, swimming in one direction and then another in graceful motion as they gobble up their feed. The Pacific bluefin tuna demonstrate their speed and power, darting to and fro in the tank; while the mahi-mahi turn golden in their excitement; and the more ponderous ocean sunfish follows a target to a designated feeding area. Never have fish been so interesting or so beautiful. Nearby, the extensive jellyfish exhibit showcases these fascinating creatures at their best: glowing, iridescent, and dancing gently in the water. Another impressive exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the Kelp Forest exhibit—one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world. In this 28-foot tank, special pumps move 2,000 gallons of sea water through the exhibit every minute, creating the waves that enable the kelp to survive. The giant fronds of kelp grow an average of four inches a day, imitating the natural kelp forests out in the bay. Weaving in and out of the kelp are creatures like the leopard shark, the coloyrful garibaldi, several kinds of rockfish, and the giant sea bass. Visitors who enjoy feathered and furred marine animals will love the sea otter exhibit, which features orphaned and adopted sea otters, as well as the penguin, puffin, and flamingo exhibits. Many of the animals at the Monterey Bay Aquarium were found injured or abandoned, and those who were unable to survive on their own now live in the exhibits. After a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you may wish to take a kayak out on the bay to see some of the seals and otters up close and personal. If that sounds like too much work, a stroll down historic Cannery Row is highly recommended.

See 3-Million-Year-Old Stone Trees at California’s Petrified Forest

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 21:24:53 +0000

The landscapes and natural elements of California have delighted and entertained visitors and residents to this state for hundreds of years. Known for its wide range of natural granite mountains, rolling hills and magnificent forests, California is ideal for visitors of all ages. However, there is one forest that few visitors who come to California get to experience, but is by far the most beautiful and unique. This is California’s Petrified Forest, which remained hidden for almost 3 million years. Located in California’s well-known Napa Valley region, California’s Petrified Forest is known for its wonderful production of California wines. The Napa Valley itself is actually the crater of a large volcano, which had been dormant for thousands of years. The main site of volcanic activity was just northeast of the Napa Valley that is now the city of Calistoga. It was here that over 3 million years ago a large volcanic eruption occurred, covering the area in a thick cloud of ash. As the lava and ash blanketed the region, many of the gigantic redwoods were knocked over and encased. Over the next 3 million years these trees became petrified, from the Greek root word “petro” meaning rock or stone (literally: wood turned into stone). The processes itself is called permineralization, and is where all organic material, including water molecules, are replaced by minerals—in this case silicate from the volcanic ash. As this process occurs, the object retains much of its original structure including bark impression, growth rings and fossils of small insects that may have lived inside these trees. In reality, a small time capsule has been created in stone that captures the true essence of California’s Petrified Forest. California’s Petrified Forest remained hidden until the 1870s when a local Calistoga resident known as “Petrified Charlie” discovered the first of these fallen trees. Today a total of eleven trees have been unearthed, and these are among some of the largest petrified trees in the world. Some of the giant redwoods in this forest are as large as 8 feet in diameter and over 105 feet long. It is estimated that these trees were over 2,000 years old when the volcano erupted. Many of the trees have been only partially unearthed for fear that too much disruption in the area could lose some of the precious treasures still hidden. It has been estimated that as many as twenty more large trees remain hidden in the mountain. But many locals feel that this number is a low estimate, to showcase the sheer number of possible trees that remain hidden in these mountains, the petrified woodpile was erected as a large collection of the various petrified sections that have been found over the years. If each one of these pieces belonged to its own tree, it is unimaginable what treasure this mountain holds. What makes California’s Petrified Forest so unique is that many of the trees are almost completely intact. You can literally see the bark and run your fingers along the smallest of details that have been etched into these stones. The growth rings are still visible in the tree trucks, and as you look at the hundreds of circular rings, you can’t help but be silenced by the history these trees have seen and how now, as stone, they will remain on indefinitely as the world around them changes, much as it did 3 million years ago.

Spend a Ghostly Night at Colorado's Stanley Hotel: The Inspiration for Stephen King's Book 'The Shining'

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 19:51:00 +0000

The Stanley Hotel creaks and groans like a hotel built in the early 20th century would. But it isn’t always the crooked doors or the old floorboards that are responsible for this. The Stanley Hotel is one of the most haunted buildings in the world. Several ghosts, from old housekeepers to young children, still call this beautifully refurbished turn-of-the-century building home. And whether you like it or not, you could have an uninvited roommate while spending the night in this charming hotel. Thousands check-in to the Stanley Hotel each year to spend a spooky, sometimes sleepless night. Stephen King, likely the most famous Stanley Hotel guest, was inspired to write his book, The Shining, in just one week after spending a night in the hotel. He stayed in the now infamous Room 217, known to be haunted by a housekeeper who was injured in a natural gas explosion while lighting some lamps. The explosion tore apart that section of the hotel. Actor Jim Carrey also stayed in room 217 during the filming of Dumb and Dumber; but only briefly. He was so spooked that he fled the room and refused to stay in the Stanley Hotel any longer. He wouldn’t even stand in the hotel lobby when the movie was not filming. And to this day, he supposedly does not talk about his experience. You don't have to be a famous author or actor to experience the paranormal side of the Stanley Hotel as the ghosts are equal opportunity haunters. Every day, guests have their own encounters—from ghostly orbs in photographs to actual contact. A great many people visit the Stanley Hotel each day just for such a photograph or experience. Glowing orbs commonly manifest in photographs, people are touched, and strange occurrences (like doors shutting, things moving, and bags unpacking on their own) happen often enough to make visitors question exactly what is happening in the Stanley Hotel. It is all part of the Stanley Hotel’s rich history and the fantastic experience of staying at or touring such an historic building. It is easy to think that the spooky side of the Stanley Hotel comes out only at night. That is why occasional ghost hunts are offered into the early hours of the morning. But, with such a haunted building as the Stanley Hotel, ghost and historical tours are offered daily, and spooky activity is just as easily enjoyed then as at night. However, to get the full paranormal experience of the Stanley Hotel, it is best to plan ahead and spend a couple of nights in one of their many rooms… if you dare.

Trek along the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:58:02 +0000

The waterfalls of Yosemite National Park have a reputation for being some of the most beautiful in California, and possibly the world. The roaring waters of the Yosemite National Park’s five main waterfalls are set against the backdrop of the giant granite mountains of the Yosemite Valley. Vernal Falls is one of Yosemite’s most beautiful and mysterious waterfalls, and one that must not be missed on any trip into the Park. Vernal Falls has a staggering 317-foot drop before crashing into the large boulders below. The sheer force of this powerful waterfall can be felt within your core as you hike to the falls’ summit. No visit to Vernal Falls would be complete without this hike; although it’s not for the faint of heart. The trailhead begins near the Happy Isles Nature Center, which can be reached by any of the Yosemite Valley’s many shuttle buses. John Muir Trail starts off soft and gradual, but is soon misleading. The trail winds through the valley’s enormous trees and giant boulders, offering spectacular views along the way. As you continue along this 1.5-mile trail, the slope of the John Muir Trail will steadily increase in some sections, and the angle is more than 50 degrees! With this quick gain in altitude, the views of Yosemite Valley only get better. The many switchbacks along the John Muir Trail can sometimes be misleading as to how far you have actually travelled. It’s not until you reach the Vernal Falls bridge that you can actually see a partial view of the Yosemite National Park. Standing on this wooden bridge is a great opportunity for some quick snapshots as the water flows fast down this cascade to join the Merced River that flows throughout most of the Yosemite National Park Once past Vernal Falls the John Muir Trail is renamed The Mist Trail. This is appropriate because for the remainder of the journey, hikers will be covered in a soft yet refreshing mist which continuously comes off the Vernal Falls. This makes the plant life surrounding The Mist Trail beautifully lush, but also makes most of the trail damp. Muddy sections along this trail are not uncommon, and the granite stone becomes slippery under this constant spray. Hikers should use caution. The Mist Trail soon leaves the forest and creeps along the large polished stones of the surrounding mountains. Hundreds of large stone steps have been cut into the hillside allowing for a safer journey up the falls. During peak season this trail can get quite busy, but don’t spend your whole time looking at your feet as you may miss the many rainbows that grow out of this continuous mist. As you reach closer and closer to the top of the waterfall, the many viewpoints become even more phenomenal, both at the waterfall and of the valley in the background. Once you reach the top of the Vernal Falls you can breathe a sigh of relief. You have made it up this treacherous trail and the reward stand in front of you. The Yosemite Fall shows its full beauty. Take lots of time to enjoy the calm at the top of Vernal Falls for soon you will have to turn around and make the trek back down, leaving behind you one of the most beautiful spots in Yosemite.

Drive Off-Road in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:07:59 +0000

The majestic Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California, and one of the most spectacular. Chiselled mountains and canyons, cacti and succulents, acres of sand and rock formations, all combine to form one of the most impressive natural destinations in the state. With 500 miles of dirt roads, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a favourite with those who enjoy exploring the desert via an off-road vehicle. As the desert landscape unfolds around you, it’s hard to believe you are just a few hours’ drive from Los Angeles. Your Landcruiser will bounce over sand dunes and large rocks, navigating the rough terrain. Make sure to peer up the rocky hills for a chance glimpse of the bighorn sheep. If your eyes are not quite that sharp, you’ll likely just see lizards and a few jackrabbits. Nevertheless, the landscape is full of life, with plenty of unique cacti and plants. In the spring, the entire desert becomes a riot of colour as the spring wildflowers bloom, carpeting the ground. An old creek bed becomes the ideal off-road route, and there will be several other vehicles out there as well, joining in a spirit of camaraderie to navigate the treacherous rocks. Take the time to hike a trail or two, and marvel at the dramatic canyons, dry riverbeds and waterfalls, and granite mountains. At nightfall, settle in one of the more popular campgrounds, and you can find an isolated spot to camp, sheltered between two mountains. These primitive sites have a spectacular view of the desert scenery. Anza-Borrego State Park is one of the few places where you can camp almost anywhere in the park. There are a few primitive campsites where pit toilets are the only amenity, so you'll need to bring in everything else, such as water, food, tents, and your own sources of light. Remember not to leave behind any garbage when you're ready to leave the campsite.