Wednesday, 8 November 2017

Robin Hood’s Bay - Complete Travel Guide

November 08, 2017
After visiting Leeds, my great British road trip continues in the North York Moors National Park. Specifically, in a little village on a big beach. I’m spending 2 days in Robin Hood’s Bay, and I’m so excited to be here.

Following lovely stops in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Chester, Wales, Wiltshire, London, the Cotswolds, Nottingham, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, my boyfriend and I conduct our camper van to the coast.

Robin Hood’s Bay is a jewel at the bottom of a hill on the sea. Tucked away out of sight from the main beaches, this little fishing village once served as a useful smuggling point for contraband from Europe. Legend also has it that Robin Hood encountered pirates here. He redistributed their booty to the village poor, giving the place its name.

Today Robin Hood’s Bay is a treasure trove of tiny streets and pretty cottages, all with the benefit of waterfront views. In fact, that’s the reason I’m here. I’ve seen so many photos of it on social media over the years that I had to come see for myself.

Now that I’m here I can attest to its beauty. Walking down the hill, I start to catch glimpses of the village. Narrow passages lead to colorful doors and moss-covered stones as stairways give way to cottages with orange tile roofs.

I weave in and out of the streets, walking up one slope and down another as I make my way deeper into the labyrinth. Every once in a while I come out on a terrace over the sea or find myself in front of a cozy pub.

One such pub makes a great stop for dinner by candle light, and my boyfriend and I have a seafood feast steps away from the water.

The next morning we wake up to a golden sunrise over the bay. It’s just the weather we’re hoping for, as we’ve planned to spend the second of our 2 days in Robin Hood’s Bay walking.

Lacing up our boots, we head out for a 10-mile hike through pastures, across moorland, and along beaches. We first walk from Robin Hood’s Bay to Ravenscar, a village along the coast. After eating lunch overlooking the water, we head along the sand and through the delightfully named Boggle Hole to get back to where we started.

The walk is the perfect way to get a feel for the local area and see views of Robin Hood’s Bay. By the time we return to the camper van we feel like we’ve seen a lot of the coast.

But not all of it. There’s still much seafront to cover before we head inland to reach our next destination. We’re off to Durham, so we hop in the camper van and hit the road. Stay tuned…

How about you? How would you spend 2 days in Robin Hood’s Bay?
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Tuesday, 7 November 2017

Lovely Day Out in Durham - Complete Guide

November 07, 2017
After 5 incredible weeks, my great British road trip is coming to a close. Sad as I am for it to be ending, I’m excited to have saved one of the best destinations for last. I’m spending a day out in Durham, and there’s a lot to see and do here.

Following great visits to the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Chester, Wales, Wiltshire, London, the Cotswolds, Nottingham, the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, and Robin Hood’s Bay, my boyfriend and I drive our camper van up to Durham.
Durham is best known for two things: its cathedral and its university. The former is one of my favorite views from the train that runs between London and Edinburgh, and the latter is one of the top academic institutions in the country. Add to that a castle, a river, and a lot of pretty streets, and Durham gets my heart fluttering.

We begin our day in the city with breakfast at Flat White Kitchen, the sister restaurant to the coffee shop I fell in love with on my last visit. Set over five floors in a 17th-century townhouse, it’s not only pleasing to the eyes, but also to the taste buds.

Fed and caffeinated, we head out to explore the city. Since it’s a sunny day we walk down to the water to meander along the River Wear.

It forms a horseshoe around the cathedral, and offers great views of both the church and the castle from its banks.

Later we head back up the hill to explore the area around the Market Place. The streets are as full of heritage buildings and hidden passageways as I remember them, and everywhere we walk there’s a tempting alley to duck down.

In the afternoon we cross the bridges to see more of the city and end up at a local pub to rest our legs after a long day.

As evening sets in, we make our way up Saddler Street and over to the castle and cathedral. They look beautiful in the light of the golden hour, and as we take in the views from Palace Green we’re happy to have saved one of the best places on our trip for last.

But our road trip isn’t finished quite yet. We hop back in the camper van to drive north to Scotland, passing through Northumberland on the way. Stay tuned for that and more…

How about you? What would you do with a day out in Durham?
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Monday, 6 November 2017

Colorado River | Colorado - Travel

November 06, 2017
The mighty Colorado River begins it’s journey in the heart of Colorado.  The Colorado River is born in the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park and gradually grows in size as it flows through the Colorado River Valley.  Most fly fishers split the Colorado River is split up in into two main sections, the upper and lower river.  The upper river is known as “Middle Park” and encompasses the Frasier Valley, Kremmling Valley and Vail Valley.  The Lower Colorado River consists of the water in and below the Glenwood Springs area.

 The Colorado River in “Middle Park” flows through classic ranch land is teeming with abundant insect life (including mosquitoes). Dry fly fishing can be spectacular as trout are eager to rise and not as picky as some of the other major tailwaters. The Colorado River also boasts high fish counts.  More water and more cover, means more fish!  The upper sections of the Colorado River are deemed Gold Metal water and the harvest of fish is regulated.  Flows can be high during spring as the snow melts and fills the river. As the river begins to swell, stoneflies begin to migrate and become the trouts main source of food. Often times, during runoff the Colorado produces one of the best Salmon Fly hatches in the state. By early summer, bugs are hatching, fish are rising and this is one of the best places on the planet to spend a day. At the town of Parshall the Williams Fork River enters the Colorado adding more cold water and keeping the fish happy all summer long.

 During late summer and fall, the Colorado has amazing Blue Winged Olive and Trico hatches that again offer incredible dry fly fishing. Streamer fishing is also excellent giving anglers the ability to find some big fish. By late fall, the brown trout are territorial and very willing to attach a large streamer. Brown trout dominate this stretch of river and make up the majority of the fish.  The rainbows in the river are fewer, but larger.  Rainbows can easily reach sizes of 18″ and larger.  Making them a bit larger on average.

 Snaking 1450 miles, the Colorado River is nothing less than the nerve center of the great American West. Capturing snows off the Rockies, it drops through pine stands, winds down into the desert and carves the Grand Canyon’s rosy depths.

 In the American psyche, it’s a powerful life force, a natural wonder that has created bounty and a marvelous place to play.

 Yet it’s a fragile existence. The Colorado River no longer reaches the sea but runs dry in the Mexican desert. Prolonged droughts in California and the Southwest mark a larger pattern of diminishing river flows and water supply in the West. Conservation has become a necessity.

 Nearly fifty years after Edward Abbey penned Desert Solitaire, a rebellious account of the author’s experiences in the American wilderness, travel here still maintains the aura of pilgrimage. Abbey, who cursed what he called ‘industrial travel’ in favor of landscape immersion that was more sustainable, protective and slower, was surely onto something. Slow travel can help preserve these fragile environments with wilderness journeys made on foot, on two wheels or by raft.


 Rocky Mountain Headwaters
The Colorado River is born as a trickle in Rocky Mountain National Park, a hiker’s paradise of lush valleys of alpine lakes and clear streams that glisten under the snowbound peaks of northern Colorado. The park offers hiking in summer, snowshoeing in winter, and the chance to glimpse a bighorn sheep, marmot or elk on its home turf.

 Start your hike with the free shuttle to the Bear Lake Trailhead. From here, families can take the stroll to Alberta Falls. Backpackers should pick up an overnight permit from the backcountry office to explore the stunning Glacier Gorge, best enjoyed when summer wildflower season paints a riot of color in the alpine basins.

 Peak baggers train their gaze on 14,0255ft Longs Peak. A beacon to Front Range cities, it’s among Colorado’s most challenging 14ers. Those without extensive mountain experience can improve their odds for a successful summit bid with the help of Colorado Mountain School, which offers guides and classes for mountaineering in the park. The gateway town of Estes Park offers services geared toward park visitors including bars, restaurants and accommodations. The best deals are the rustic cabins in a woodsy setting run by YMCA of the Rockies (ymcarockies.org).

 Dubbed the highway to the sky, Trail Ridge Road (US 34) traverses the park, up and over the Continental Divide, climbing four thousand feet in a series of dizzying hairpin turns. Then the road reaches wide-open tundra with a panorama of peaks. Before going, check the park website for seasonal road closure dates. The area has struggled with pollution in recent years, so consider low-emissions transportation. For a more sustainable road trip, hybrid cars are available at most Denver car rental agencies, and bicycling is available throughout the park.

 Desert Adventure


After a jog across Colorado’s Western Slope, the river traverses southwest Utah, touching Arches National Park and outdoor capital Moab before reaching Canyonlands, another must-see national park. These fragile environs make up the battleground for debates on land use (motorized vs non), as well as development and resource exploitation, with a current appeal on pipelines planned on the public lands near Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands.

 Moab is a hub of desert adventure. Between mountain biking, canyon hikes and desert floats, you could spend a lifetime exploring this maze of desert landscapes and never get bored. In this star-studded, bone-dry setting, the best accommodations are campgrounds, best reserved in advance during the spring and fall high seasons.

 Mountain bikers first put Moab on the map, drawn by Slickrock Trail’s rollercoaster terrain, accessible from the town center. A mellower alternative goes through Dead Horse Point State Park. Post ride, the Lycra crowd lines up at Milt’s Stop & Eat (miltsstopandeat.com) for thick butterscotch shakes served with greasy-good burgers made with buffalo or grass-fed beef, local produce and fresh-cut fries.

 Those with more fat tire ambition can take on the stunning 4-day, 70-mile White Rim Trail through Canyonlands National Park. Western Spirit Cycling Adventures (westernspirit.com) offers van-supported trips – a big improvement on lugging all your own water.

 Just outside Moab, the strange and stunning landscape of Arches National Park offers easy hikes to its numerous red rock namesakes, interspersed with rock windows, fins and spires. But this small park is just a taster. For much more of a good thing, head out to the Needles District of Canyonlands, 75 miles south of Moab. The 11-mile Chesler Park-Joint Trail takes hikers on an all-day odyssey through a narrow slot canyon, clambering over slickrock towers and across open grasslands.

 Rafting the Grand Canyon
Over 4.5 million people visit the Grand Canyon every year, but because the National Park Service restricts the number of people allowed on the water, rafters can experience the Colorado River's winding course in relative solitude. And what an experience it is. The 280-mile stretch from Lee’s Ferry to Lake Mead features 98 rated rapids, sandy beaches and ancient ruins that trace our human presence back 12,000 years.

 Humans are but fleeting visitors here – at least that’s the idea. Current development proposals for a tramway on Navajo land and thousands of residences in Tusayan could drastically change the landscape and threaten aquifers that feed desert springs. Advocates for the park warn of the irreversibility of damaging one of America’s most iconic landscapes.



 But for now, the canyon is a place of refuge. Under its walls, there’s no cell phone signal. Visitors can take cold-water baths and dry in the sun. As the rafts progress, the river carves deeper into the canyon, its burnished walls grow steeper and the increasing flow is more assertive. On foot, rafters can explore narrow side canyons of sculpted rock and cascading waterfalls, places with names like Elves Chasm and Havasu, which trick you into feeling like the first person on earth. The Anasazi cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and granaries will remind you otherwise.
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The Heart River of North Dakota in USA

November 06, 2017


A tributary of the Missouri River, the Heart River (aptly named because of its heart shape) is about 180 miles or 290  kilometers long. It can be found in the western part of North Dakota, USA. A part of it rises in the Billings County, in the Little Missouri National Grassland. It also flows through the Stark County, Gladstone, and South Heart.

 Many tourists visit this place because of the picturesque views. Although you can’t really see the heart shape of the river unless you’re flying above it, many people still enjoy going here.

 The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States and used as a major source of water for the nation. A tributary of the Missouri River (aka a river that flows into the Missouri) is the Heart River in North Dakota, United States. Why exactly is Heart River called ‘Heart River’? I don’t really know why, but my guess is because at one point it forms the shape of a heart. Check it out:
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JORDAN: PETRA - Complete Travel Guide

November 06, 2017
Sculpted from soaring sandstone cliff walls more than two
millennia ago, the ancient Nabataean city is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Hike about 800 steps up to Petra’s massive monastery for top-of-the-rock vistas of the Wadi Arabah desert.



 Reason for Designation: This massive hand-carved metropolis reveals elaborate artwork and provides a window into the ancient Nabatean civilization.

 The “Rose City” is a honeycomb of hand-hewn caves, temples, and tombs carved from blushing pink sandstone in the high desert of Jordan some 2,000 years ago. Hidden by time and shifting sand, Petra tells of a lost civilization. Little is known about the Nabateans—a nomadic desert people whose kingdom rose up from these cliffs and peaks, and whose incredible wealth grew from the lucrative incense trade.


 Raqmu, or Petra (as the Greeks knew it), grew into the Nabateans’ most prominent city, linking camel caravans between the Mediterranean and Arabian Seas, from Egypt to Syria and beyond to Greece. Control of water sources and an almost magic ability to vanish into the cleft rocks ensured the Nabateans remained unconquered for centuries.


 The Romans arrived in 63 B.C., signaling a new era of massive expansion and grandiose construction, like the theater that sat more than 6,000 spectators, as well as some of the city’s most impressive facades. Carved into the rock face, the Treasury and the Monastery both have unmistakable Hellenistic features, with ornate Corinthian columns, bas-relief Amazons, and fanciful acroteria. Knowing that such architectural feats were achieved by carving from the top down makes it even more impressive.

 Petra’s engineering phenomena are legion, including the sophisticated water system that supported some 30,000 inhabitants. Carved into the twisted passageway of the Siq, the irrigation channel drops only 12 feet over the course of a mile, while underground cisterns stored runoff to be used in drier times of the year.

 And yet it’s the raw beauty of Petra that draws in so many millions of visitors—the entire city of ruins is a work of art, painted on a natural stone backdrop that changes color every hour. The elegant Silk Tomb swirls with streaks of red, blue, and ocher, while vivid mosaics still pave the floors of a Byzantine-era church.

 Christianity came to Petra in the third and fourth centuries and flourished, but the city waned after an A.D. 336 earthquake and under the early Islamic dynasties of the seventh century.

 Petra was only rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt in 1812, and it continues to spill its secrets. Even now, archaeologists have explored less than half of the sprawling site, and in 2016, with the help of satellite imagery, a monumental structure was found still buried in the sand. It’s no wonder that Petra remains Jordan’s top tourist attraction and one of the most revered of the World Heritage sites.

 HOW TO GET THERE
Petra is a three-hour drive from Amman and two hours from the Red Sea port of Aqaba. Buses run the route daily, along with organized tours and private taxis. The Jordan Trail passes through Petra, allowing hikers to connect with Dana or Wadi Rum.

 HOW TO VISIT
Reducing Petra to a single day trip is a common mistake. Remember that Petra spreads out for over a hundred square miles—four times the size of Manhattan. While donkeys, camels, and horse buggies can hasten travel time between highlights, most of Petra’s sites are best reached on foot. Come ready to hike some steep terrain.

 Spend at least one night in town, and plan your sightseeing as a series of hikes. Petra’s licensed guides have exceptional knowledge and will add a deeper dimension to your visit by showing you secret tombs and hidden details you would never find on your own. Don’t miss the “Petra by night” show that delivers a haunting and unforgettable visual.

 WHEN TO VISIT
Petra is open year-round, so choose your own adventure: Spring and fall offer the most temperate weather, with fantastic light. Summer is beautiful but can turn unbearably hot. January and February are the coolest months, with the occasional downpour. Remember the high elevation means nights are cold. Sunrise and sunset are when Petra truly glows with changing color, so come early and stay late.
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PERU: MACHU PICCHU - Complete Travel Guide

November 06, 2017
 Get a reverse angle on Machu Picchu from the 8,920-foot summit of Huayna Picchu, the looming peak in all those memorable images of the Inca site. Only 200 hikers a day are permitted to make the two-hour round-trip trek. Go slow while descending the notoriously steep “stairs of death” near the top.


 Sprawling across a craggy, 7,000-foot-high hilltop in the midst of the Andes, the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu mystify and intrigue travelers and historians alike. A trip to the remote Peruvian site is a must-do for tourists in Peru, and while some visitors join organized tours prior to their departure, many others venture to the site as independent travelers. If you're planning your own trip to the iconic site, read our top tips to make the most of your visit.

 1. Where to Stay
Unless you've planned to hike the Inca Trail to the site, the only way to reach the Machu Picchu ruins is by bus from the town of Aguas Calientes (often referred to simply as Machu Picchu). This tiny hub is decidedly charmless, built with the express purpose of ferrying tourists up to Macchu Picchu, however it is the most convenient location to base yourself when visiting the ruins.


 It's also possible to take the train from the city of Cusco or the town of Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and visit the ruins in a day trip, though this option can leave some tourists feeling their time in the ruins was rushed.

 We recommend staying in Aguas Calientes so you can take your time exploring the ruins rather than having to run to catch a return train.


 Regardless of where you choose to stay, each of the 3 towns serves as popular hubs for tourists seeking to visit Machu Picchu. Travelers will find a variety of accommodations in each town, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

 2. How to Get There

 If you're feeling fit and eager to take on the challenge, the 4-day/3-night Inca Trail hike to the ruins is by far the most memorable way to reach Machu Picchu. Of course, it is also the most challenging way to visit the site. Be aware that it is prohibited to hike independently along the Inca Trail and you must travel with a sanctioned group or tour agency. Book your hiking trip well in advance of your travels to Peru, as these tours sell out months in advance.

 For travelers who prefer a less arduous route to the ruins, your best option is to take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

 Three train operators run trips to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu): Perurail, Inca Rail and the Machu Picchu Train. The most popular trains are via Perurail which offers 3 levels of service -- the Backpacker, the upscale Vistadome and the ultra-luxe Hiram Bingham train.

 Once you've arrived in Aguas Calientes, specially sanctioned buses run regularly (every 15 to 20 minutes) to the ruins. The bus stop is a 5-minute walk from the train station.


 3. Tours to Machu Picchu

 The ruins are a fascinating place, and while it's entirely possible to enjoy visiting them on your own, you'll have a much grander experience by taking a tour of the site. You can organize a group tour through one of the many agencies in Cusco or Ollantaytambo, or ask your hotel to set up a tour for your party with a private guide.

 There are also a number of guides waiting outside the entrance to Machu Picchu and it is possible to set up a group or private tour with one of them upon your arrival to the ruins. If you do so, speak to a few of the guides to get a sense of their level of knowledge of the site and proficiency in English. Also, know that it is common to bargain with these guides for a fair price, typically around $50 USD for a 2-hour tour.

 Keep in mind that much of the history and purpose of Machu Picchu remains a mystery to historians, and quality guides will be sure to make that clear, rather than selling you definitive (and potentially false) information.

 4. Tickets to Machu Picchu

 Tickets are necessary to enter the site of the ruins. Buy your tickets as far in advance as possible, as a limited number of tourists are allowed to visit the site each day and they do sell out during peak season.

 5. What to Do and What to See at Machu Picchu

 The sprawling ruins are best explored with a guide, so you can be sure to see and learn about some of the site's more fascinating highlights, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Temple of the Condor, the Sun Gate and the Intihuatana rock.

 Many travelers plan to hike Huayna (Wayna) Picchu, the peak overlooking the ruins, which often appears in the backdrop of photos of Machu Picchu.

 6. When to Go

 Weather in Machu Picchu tends to be damp and often foggy. Peak season begins in late May and lasts through August, with July and August being the driest months. January and February are the rainiest months in this subtropical region. Expect brief showers during your visit, regardless of time of year.

 The ruins can be unpleasantly crowded with travelers visiting on a day tour from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, particularly during peak season. These tours generally crowd the ruins between 10 am and 2 pm. If you're staying in Aguas Calientes, you'll have the option to arrive well before the influx of tourists and stay well after they depart, allowing you to enjoy some quiet time exploring the ruins.

 7. What to Do Around Machu Picchu


The Sacred Valley surrounding Machu Picchu is home to a number of fascinating ruins, small towns and sights. Plan a Sacred Valley day tour from Cusco or Ollantaytambo and be sure it includes stops at the Pisac traditional market and Pisac ruins; the Ollantaytambo village and Inca ruins; the Moray ruins and the Salineras salt mines.
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Moorea, French Polynesia - Complete Travel Guide

November 06, 2017



Moorea ( Tahitian : Mo’orea), older names Aimeho or Eimeo ( Cook ), Santo Domingo ( Boenechea ) and Iceland York ( Wallis ), is an island in the South Pacific , the politics of French Polynesia is one. It has an area of 133 square kilometers and some 16,200 inhabitants. Moorea is one geographically to the Society Islands, more specifically to the Windward Islands ( French : Îles du Vent ). She is the younger sister of Tahiti and Tahiti is in sight, from the west coast only by a narrow strait separated by 17 km.

 In the legend, Moorea is the dorsal fin of a great fish. The island has roughly the shape of a set at a point, equilateral triangle , cut deep into the northern side of the two bays Baie de Cook (Cook’s Bay) and Baie d’Opunohu. A V-shaped, averaging 800 m high mountain range – the southern edge of a former volcanic crater – divides the island into a northern and southern half, while acting as a watershed . Many rivers have steep, rocky ridges separated by valleys created. The highest point is Mont Tohiea (also written Tohivea) with a height of 1,207 m. The north-western tip, the two uninhabited motu Tiahura and Fareone upstream.

 Moorea is an atoll , the main island mainly from magmatic rocks there. The island, as well as the neighboring island of Tahiti, as part of the “Society Chain” from a hot spot of the Pacific plate originated and about 1.5 to 2 million years old. The main island has been influenced significantly by erosion. The closed fringing reef surrounding the island, but has several navigable passages. The reef is relatively close to the island, Moorea has trained so that only a narrow lagoon.

 Just northwest of Tahiti lies another island that's part of French Polynesia, and despite how utterly stunning it is, chances are you've never heard of it. 

 Surrounded by a bright blue lagoon, the volcanically formed island of Moorea was rated as the third-best island in the world by the Conde Nast Traveler's Readers Choice Awards. Getting to the hidden paradise is a process. Besides having to get to Papa'ete in Tahiti, travelers then travel by high-speed ferry to reach Moorea, which sits 12 miles away. But let us be the first to tell you -- the island is worth the schlep. 


 Turquoise waters shine brightly against the island's emerald green cliffs that stand boldly above the gorgeous lagoon. Every single photo of this place looks as though it's undergone heavy photoshopping, but as Lonely Planet confirms, the island's spectacular beauty is only better in real life. 


 Snorkeling enthusiasts will waste no time hitting the Lagoonarium de Moorea, a protected part of the water where you can see one of the most vibrant coral reefs of your life. Swim among sharks, rays and more fish than you could ever imagine. 



 While some visitors will choose to reside at the island's incredibly luxurious resorts, others can cozy up at more affordable hotels and pensions (guesthouses), where they can enjoy the warm waters and brilliant sunsets without breaking the bank.

 For those looking for more action, hike the island's lush hills, hop on a whale or dolphin watch or take to the water by kayak. But if it were up to us, we'd simply sit on Moorea's white sand beaches, swim in its crystal clear water and take in its epic sunsets. And then we'd stay there forever.
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