This is one of those shady trails that is perfect to shield you from the sun on a summer day, or even the rain. The mountain ringed lake at the end with its unique coloring is well worth the trek to see it.
This area is dotted with craggy lakes, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery, peppered with small towns and wineries. I lived in this area for over a decade and did lots of exploring. The Finger Lakes in Central/Western New York has so many places to check out that it is hard to pick just a few, but these are my picks for where I would take friends from out of town for a memorable trip:
Something about the mountains and the reflections here make these lakes really special. The trails to Anderson Lakes are an easy walk complete with some boardwalks and a little up and down, the first Watson Lake requires a little elevation change going over a ridge, and the far side of the second Watson Lake is barely a trail, but worth it.
The steep climb up what may seem like endless stairs brings you to a summit with lush green lake views to one side and snowcapped mountains on the other. It really feels like you are right on the edge of the mountain range. There used to be lots of mountain goats in the area. Many have been relocated, but you never know.
Crystal clear water, stunning views of Mount Rainier, plentiful wildflowers, mountain summit with panoramic views, and peaceful forest trail? This hike has it all, just make sure you are prepared for what it take to get there!
Want to walk along a trail lined with wildflowers, gaze at Mount Rainier, and pass through the ghostly remains of a burnt forest? This area saw a wildfire in 2017 that cleared some spectacular views and made way for the sun to reach the ground, allowing numerous varieties of flowers to flourish.
Traveling cross country is always a bit of an adventure and moving cross country adds many layers of complexity, but what about doing that during a pandemic? A bit crazy perhaps, but that is what we did in July 2020.
If you are looking for a beach vacation you are probably in the wrong place, but if an adventure is your idea of a good time you have arrived! This island is about as close to Africa as it is to Europe and is full of places to explore with a quaint town offering tasty treats and a hot meal just around the corner.
Carnaval in Madeira is a colorful combination of dance, humor, and fun, usually with an edge of the taboo. You never know if around the next corner you will run into women in feathered costumes or men in drag dancing with a pig. The festivities were spread out across a couple weeks with a live dance show every night and most of the events were free to the public.
This trek combined agrarian culture and rugged wild beauty with the comfort of a bed and a hot meal at every stop. It is one of those places where you never know when you might find a chicken under the dining room table, have a child eat off your plate, or see a man carrying a grown woman in a basket supported by his forehead.