When we got going again the sides of the mountain started to get steeper and steeper until it became a cliff, it was very dangerous. As we were walking everyone began to notice the berries and couldn't help themselves.

As we were nearing the end of the hike we came to the coast line and Mr. Dunne noted out to us that the cliffs were eroding and some of the old paths that he used to take were now eroded, it was almost like someone cut a slice out of the cliff.

It was coming to the end of the trip now and everyone was looking forward to the chipper. Just around the corner was the chipper we were planning on going to but when we got there we found that it was closed. So we walked for another 20 minutes looking around for another chipper. After we found it they had their dinner and we were of to find the bus. When we arrived to the school at around 2 o'clock everyone wanted to play football after the walk we came from.

Just three miles from town is nearby Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). It was established in 1915 and covers 416 square miles. More than 350 miles of hiking trails traverse the park. Elevations within RMNP range from 7,500 feet to over 14,000 feet. The highest peak, Long's, reaches 14,249 at the pinnacle. But it is hardly alone; the park is home to more than 60 peaks over 12,000 feet.

RMNP is a hiker's nirvana but if you're not the athletic type you can still see much of its grandeur by car. One drive in particular should not be missed during the early fall weeks. Trail Ridge Road, open from May through mid-October, is the highest continuous road in North America. It summits at 12,183 feet, providing a birds-eye view of the surrounding peaks and canyons.

If you do want to hike but don't want to undertake anything strenuous there are also a number of easy hikes that won't tax your lungs or athletic prowess but will still offer some of the park's most stunning views. Seek out Bear Lake where you can see the reflection of Hallet Peak in the tranquil water. Sprague Lake is another good spot to photograph mountain reflections and see the state fish, the Greenback Cutthroat Trout. Nymph Lake and Dream Lake are other easy strolls highlighted by the bright colors of turning aspens framed by the stately peaks.

If you're up for a bit more challenging walk hike up to Alberta Falls beyond Bear Lake. This 25-foot cascade is one of the more popular waterfalls in the park. Although roughly a mile to the falls the trail head is at 9,240 feet so can be taxing for those unused to the high elevation. But if you're healthy and have adjusted to the high altitude, it's worth the easy climb.

Finally, be sure to seek out the elk. Fall is elk rut (mating) season. You will likely see them in the park's meadows, lolling in high grasses, but one of the better places to watch them is on the Estes Park golf course in the center of town at the end of the day. Not the most romantic way to view the elk but they like it on the cool, tidy grass and you can get close enough to take a few good photos. Just don't get too close or a male bull will likely challenge your presence so close to his herd of females.

Listen for "bugling", the male's call of the mating ritual. It's quite common to hear and see elk about town but especially on the golf course. From mid-September through the end of October the large antlered bulls bugle and show off their prowess as they compete for the attention of the females and gather them into groups known as harems. It's not unusual to see a 1,100 pound bull with up to 50 females.

However you choose to spend your time in the Rocky Mountains, you undoubtedly will find yourself in awe of the mountains, flora and wildlife before you. And you will not be alone. These mountains have impressed, inspired and marveled humanity since the dawn of civilization.

Ayder Plateau (Rize)

It is located in the eastern part of Black Sea region. Administratively, it is located in Camlihemsin province. According to the naturalists and photographers, Ayder is the most beautiful one in Turkey. It is a good place for picnic and entertaining activities. In summer, Ayder is full of with people from coming both Rize and neighbour cities. If you go to Ayder one day, you'll also see Firtina River.

Uzungol Plateau (Trabzon)

It is located in Trabzon. Uzungol and Sumela Monastry are the most well-known places of Trabzon. Uzungol means “long lake”. There is a beautiful lake in this plateau to see. Uzungol attracts especially Turkish tourists and every year almost one million people go to Uzungol to see its beauty. There are hotels and camping regions there. You can participate in fishing and trekking activities while you are in Uzungol.

Bektas Plateau (Giresun)

It is located in Giresun, where it is always green. It is between Dereli and Bulancak towns and near Yoruk Hill. Whole plateau is covered with wildflowers. There is no water, electricity and telecommunication problem in Bektas Pleatau different from other ones. In winter, Bektas is covered with snow and melting continues to the onset of summer. Inhabitans of Bektas celebrate the coming of summer with a festival every year. Tourists can participate in climbing, skiing, walking and trekking activities.

Many travel destinations around the country have been hard-hit by the sagging economy, so some hotels and recreational areas have packages to try to entice Americans "out of hibernation."

Hotels were only about two-thirds full, on average, in the second quarter this year, according to Smith Travel Research. Expedia says hotels in many popular destinations are dropping prices as a result, including those in Las Vegas, Orlando, San Diego, Hawaii and Myrtle Beach, S.C.. Well, that's all well and good but many people still can't afford to fly that far or drive that far right now. There is a solution because hotels in places like southern Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee are dropping their rates and there are plenty of tour packages available.

The fall season is usually defined as September through November. The kids are back in school and most families are staying home, so you won't have to battle crowds. So now is the ideal time to head to hot locales that were too expensive -- or too busy -- in the summer. Forget the economic crisis and stop pulling your hair out. We all still need a vacation. Try something just a little different and maybe much closer to home. You might like it and have some change in your pocket when you get home.

Southern Indiana

Why would anyone consider going to such an area that has so little to offer? Well, think again. Southern Indiana is located on the northern fringe of the Appalachian highlands. There are hills, hollers, creeks, rock outcrops and caves that offer beauty and enticing recreational opportunities. There are two of the most exotic resort hotels with rich histories and both newly restored in a tiny little village called, French Lick in the heart of the hill country. Within a short drive there are places to hike in rocky forests, rock climb, see caves and ride a train into the back country of southern Indiana, and recreate in and around two lakes. The hotels offer beauty, history, a casino, spas, swimming pool, golf course and restaurants for your in house pleasures. Distances: From Indianapolis, about two hours. From Louisville - 1/2 hour and from Fort Wayne about 5 hours.

Harrison - Crawford Caves. Historic Hotels and Backroads

If history and ghost towns are your interest, then head to Harrison and Crawford Counties where the first state capital of Corydon is located and where you can visit several original historic structures and the only Civil War battlefield located in Indiana. Follow the trail of Confederate General, John Hunt Morgan as he crossed the Ohio at Brandenburg, Kentucky and visit the "old town" where ghostly reminders stand in defiance of floods and tornadoes along the river front on the Kentucky side. Emerge back into Indiana and check out another ghost town at Mauckport after crossing the bridge and then head back to visit Squire Boone Caverns. (Squire Boone was the brother of the famed frontiersman, Daniel Boone. Squire was allegedly being chased by Shawnee Indians and found the cave to take refuge from his pursuers. He fell in love with the area, built a home in the rocky outcrop and brought his family to join him in the area.) There is a working grist mill, shops and a wonderful tour of the cave and lots of history here.

There are campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, horse back riding, nature parks and lots of scenery to enjoy from a drive on the backroads in Harrison and Crawford Counties. The winding hilly roads can offer a glimpse of a very different way of life. Real log cabins, old iron bridges, quiet country rivers and spectacular scenes of nature, wild and wonderful all dot the landscape along with farms and hillside homes. Wyandotte Cave, located about 16 miles west of Corydon on scenic SR 62 offers tourists a look at one of Indiana's most spectacular cave systems. There is a history of pre-historic Indians using the cave for gathering flint for tool making and a continued use by the endangered Indiana bats.

Marengo Cave offers cave tours, special kids activities, camping, and nearby Cave Country Canoes offers canoe rental and kayaking down the scenic Blue River.

Gas is a factor in everything we do these days, and traveling out west by car or by plane to visit real ghost towns may be the plan but the cash just isn't going to stretch that far so try something new, try visiting some ghostly towns deep in southern Indiana.

West Virginia - New River Gorge

If southern Indiana still isn't enough of a challenge and you already live in the small towns outside of Indianapolis or Cincinnati or even St Louis and you really need those mountain scenes and rough and ready outdoor activities, come on home, to West Virginia. It is only 6 hours from Indianapolis to Fayetteville, West Virginia, and under 5 hours from Cincinnati and 8.5 hours from St. Louis. Ok, that sounds like a lot, but think about it, take a long weekend - leave work early Thursday and fill the tank, drive through the night... let's see $4 a gallon x 20 gallon tank = $80 and if you get 30 miles to the gallon x 20 gallons= 600 miles per tank. Well, even St. Louis is a one tank trip. Expedia and Orbit have hotel discounts and rental car discounts listed on their travel website for West Virginia and hotels in Beckley and Fayetteville. Believe me, I know from experience that what you have ahead is worth the trip and no mountain scene in Colorado is more beckoning than the rich lush forested mountains that surround Charleston, Beckley and the New River Gorge.

There is skiing, snow boarding, and all the winter sports that are offered in Aspen, but why wait until winter to have fun and enjoy outdoor recreation? The New River Gorge and the Gauley River are famous for their rapids and white water rafting. Hold on, don't panic, if you are not about to set off on a rugged adventure without getting your feet wet first, (no pun intended), don't worry there is a trip for you too. There are bird watching excursions from a raft on the Upper New that are far from gut wrenching, teeth grinding, hold on to your cookies rapid travel. There are "duckies" that are one person raft/kayaks that you can paddle around in on your own to get a feel of the water and a few minor bubbles in the river. You can graduate up the ranks to more and more challenging rides and there are as many outfitters as there are rapids in the region to get you going in whatever category you fit.

If the river is only part of your goal then take a drive down to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, get a glimpse of history of the formation of the river, coal mining, railroading and the settlement of the gorge region. Then get a map, get packed and go to the edge of the parking lot and turn right heading down into the gorge where the real fun begins. There are narrow, hairpin turns, so be prepared for some unusual roads. The vistas are worth it. There are pull off areas to view the famous New River Gorge Bridge, and the rocky formations all around. There are places to pull over and park, to begin hiking into the gorge on trails that will take you to places such as the ghostly Kaymoor Mine. Yes, 800 steps down, you will find many decaying buildings, equipment, and signs that until about 45 years ago, this was an active coal mine operation. If you can make it back to the top, continue on across the bridge (the Fayette Station bridge) newly restored which was the only way across the gorge until the big New River Bridge was built in the 1970's. Then take a break in Fayetteville and enjoy the shops, the restaurants and get ready for more adventures.

West Virginia has the largest ATV trail system in the United States and one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world. The award-winning Hatfield-McCoy Trails, open 365 days a year, offers something for every skill level. Trails range from the scenic mountain views of Pinnacle Creek, to the tight and twisting trails of Dingess Rum. Many trails connect to West Virginia's "ATV friendly towns" where visitors can grab a bite to eat and experience true Southern hospitality. This is a must do activity for the whole family.

Many outfitters in the region offer rock climbing, repelling, rafting, sell and rent equipment, camping, cabin rentals, swimming, and other resort activities on their own grounds and they take tours out into designated areas of the gorge on horse trails, ATV trails and just about anything including Zip Lines, rope courses and caving. There is such an array of outdoor recreation found in this one region that it is difficult to include everything no matter how much you write about it.

If seeing the mountains on back country mountain roads is your thing, then this is the place for you. I discovered a fantastic mountain road back in 1999 when I was there with my full size 4x4 pickup. The McKendree-Thurmond Road is a narrow, one-lane road that winds up and through the mountains taking you to places where the edge is inches from your wheels and the mountain rises up on the other side. It is two-way so be aware that you may have to find a place to pull over to allow an on-coming vehicle to pass. Thurmond is a restored ghost town that once served as a railroad station and coal mining town. The museum is open limited hours but the drive and the picture taking opportunities are well worth a trip to the town. Along this route are true mountain scenes and a place called Thayer with one remaining house still standing, although vine covered and very dilapidated condition. It is a real photo op. The whole experience of waterfalls, narrow back roads, outdoor recreation in the region makes this trip exciting and challenging for city folks and suburbanites.

Beckley, just down the road has a coal mine museum ride that will take you into a real coal mine that once produced tons of coal for sale and will allow you to experience what it must have been like for those coal miners working deep in the earth. Nearby is the Tamarack Art Center. This art center is where West Virginia's artisans shine. Their skills are on display and for sale in this unique setting. There is woodworking, paintings, crafts, weaving, culinary arts, and so much more for anyone who wants a taste of West Virginia to take with them.

The road to Fayetteville from I-77/64 is through Hawk's Nest State Park. This overlook has a vista that is absolutely spectacular. It also offers a tram ride down from the top of the rim of the gorge to the bottom where you can hop a fast ride down river. The jet boat ride is the only way you can travel back up the river and view the gorge bridge and rapids up ahead. It is fast and fantastic. Along the way, there are fishing shacks literally hanging out over the edge of the river. The $25 trip is a little expensive, but well worth it. It is just another way to enjoy your journey to the New River.

Kentucky's Blue Grass and Blue Licks

Kentucky has plenty to offer anyone coming down from Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Cincinnati or Louisville. This is a short journey to the land of Daniel Boone, Horses, Blue Grass and Blue Licks, Mountains, Coal Mines, huge rivers and man-made lakes. You don't have to go far out of Lexington to get into the country and experience the flavor of what it means to be in horse country.

The Blue Grass region is less than 20 miles from the Kentucky River, frontier history, rugged outposts and beautiful hills and mountain vistas. Kentucky is an Iroquois word which means "canelands" or "Prairie grass." It shows that the Iroquois had a vested interest in this region very early on and that interest was continued when the Shawnee poised themselves to be the only Native people to have had permanent villages and campsites in what is now Kentucky during the historic frontier era of the Mid-18th century. Kentucky is dotted with prehistoric mounds, archaeological sites that predate white settlers of the later 18th century. So why did Kentucky and West Virginia remain nearly void of Indian villages while Indian attacks in these regions was up exponentially compared to northern states such as Ohio and Indiana?

This region has a rich and complex history. The Iroquois laid claim to much of the Ohio Valley in the 17th century and challenged the Cherokee for this same region. The Cherokee had huge numbers that pushed back against the Iroquois and later the Shawnee. The region remained in limbo. The spoken and unspoken agreement was to keep everyone out of the area except to hunt and camp temporarily including all white settlers. The settlers poured into the region from Virginia right along the Warrors Path, Wilderness Road and Buffalo Trails used by the Indians. They were literally asking for trouble.

Shawnee, Miami, and others who had permanent settlements north of the Ohio continued to pursue their interests in the region and determined to drive all intruders back including Daniel Boone and his people who settled near Blue Licks on the Kentucky River at first Boonesboro and then Boone's Station. The region is dotted with forts, stations and settlements that were burned, attacked and forced into ghostly reminders of fatal attempts to cross the mountains. Once the Revolutionary War was settled, the Indians were forced to pull back to their locations north and west of the Ohio River and settlers poured into the region in ernest and began building towns and cities.

Simon Kenton was one of those early frontiersman, turned settler when he built cabins and founded a little community called Washington, just a few miles south of Maysville, Kentucky. Irish immigrants arrived and built stone walls along narrow country roads and taught slaves the skills needed to continue the practice. Today, as you drive through Blue Grass country on the back roads, you will see many remains of these walls or fences made of carefully placed stones with no mortar. These are the entry ways to miles and miles of expansive meadows and rolling hills that house the famous horses that run the races. Some of these are open to the public for special events or tours. Kentucky Horse Park has a number of museums and special events that are open especially for the public. There are loads of hotels and golf courses in the Lexington area that afford those that are here to gaze at rather than adventure into outdoor beauties.

The path on the east side of Lexington is also lined with these "slave fences," old restored taverns and an occasional sign that makes you chuckle, such as, "Horse Blanket Cleaning and Repair, Pick up and Delivery Available." Who knew I could get my horse blanket repaired?

One of the most fascinating stops along the route to Boonesborough on the Athens-Boonesboro Road was Hall's On the River. It sits literally overhanging the Kentucky River Gorge and has balcony dining where you can see the opposite side of the rocky gorge with hiking trails heading up--way up, to the top of the hill. Besides having unique cheese sauces, soups and mouth watering steaks and burgers, it has a unique history in the region. It was originally founded as "Holder's Tavern" in 1783. John Holder was a close friend of Daniel Boone's and among the rescue party that saved Boone's daughter, Jemima and the Calloway girls from their Shawnee captors in 1776. John Holder later married, Fanny Calloway, one of the young girl's taken out of their canoe on the Kentucky River, just a few miles away from Hall's. The story doesn't stop there. In 1779, when Boonesborough was being attacked by Shawnee, they set fire to some flax just outside the gates. John Holder bravely decided to go outside the gates and try to extinguish the blaze before it get out of hand.

Hall's On the River, Winchester Kentucky on the Athens-Boonesboro Road

Now, John Holder was well known for his extreme use of curse words and now was not going to be the time for him to change. He uttered every conceivable curse word in his thundering voice so that not only did the Indians hear but everyone inside the fort heard him too. When he finally made his way back inside amidst musket balls whizzing past and landing in the wood stockade, he continued his colorful array of descriptive profanity while panting, trying to catch his breath. His mother-in-law, the irrepressible Mrs. Calloway, scolded him for his crass language, saying, "It would be more becoming to pray than to swear." John Holder snapped back, "I've no time to pray-dammit," It was a moment well remembered by many.

Blue Licks - Now a Battlefield Memorial State Resort Park was near the last Shawnee Village Eskippakithiki, (actually located on the Lower Blue Licks east of Boonesboro.) The state park is on the upper Blue Licks where the Shawnee defeated the Americans under Daniel Boone, one of the last battles of the Revolutionary War Era. The fight for Kentucky and to drive the settlers out continued for some time after this. The battle here was fought in 1782.

Given the gas prices, the shaky economy and life's everyday problems, everyone needs a break. These trips are just a taste of adventure, beauty, nature and a way to make a vacation out of perhaps a region that you had not thought of as a hot vacation spot. It may not be the Rockies but the Appalachian frontier has its own treasured worth. While you might catch "gold" fever going west, you might get "Almost Heaven in West Virginia." Happy Trails.

For more information on travel to the back country go to www.backcountrytraveler.com

Friendly People

Many visitors to Scotland comment on the friendliness of the people in contrast to their visits to other parts of Britain which shall remain nameless. The country has its fair share of crime, particularly in the city areas, but assuming you do not wander around at night alone, you should enjoy a trouble-free visit. You will find people to be helpful and friendly in the disposition and very down to earth.

Beautiful Scenery

The Highlands are outstanding for scenery and well worth a visit. The mountains are majestic and the panoramic views that open up to you are breathtaking. There is so much to see on a round trip of Scotland with the opportunity to vist castles and distilleries which are dotted around the entire country.

Home of Golf

Scotland is famous as the Home of Golf with the main attraction for visitors being the Old Course at St Andrews. The area of St Andrews is a very pleasant place to visit and all the more so if you have a keen interest in golf as there are five main courses in one area.

Scotland is a place that will not disappoint should you decide to visit. With so many sights to see and historical background, it has so much to offer that more than makes up for the bad weather experienced throughout the year.

It is a gem of a place that I had never even heard of before until my company decided to bring a group of people there. I worked for an incentive travel company, so it was their job to keep certain spots within their radar. However, Banff just was never featured in any of the popular places to travel to in my social circle. 

You fly into Calgary and then take about a 2 hours drive into Banff. There is plenty of transportation because Banff is known for it's hospitality, I soon learned upon arrival. When you enter into Banff, the view is breathtaking. The pictures from websites or postcards did not do it any justice. The raw nature of the Canadian Rockies seemed out of this world. Snow capped mountains loomed all around you. I was very fortunate in getting to stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It's bit pricey but I felt like a fairy princess every time I entered the place. We also went during July so the weather was perfect. The temperature stayed around 70 degrees.

Banff may not be surrounded by beaches, but it is surrounded by trees and is basically a valley nestled between huge mountains. It genuinely reminded me of what castles in faraway lands looked like when I read fairytales as a young girl. Every morning when I woke up, I could not walk past a window at the hotel without staring outside. It will literally feel impossible to try and tear your eyes away from the view of great white mountains and rivers with waterfalls below. What also seem outworldly about Banff is that you are not around all these commercial places that you are used to at home. The buildings and restaurants are indeed modern yet the architecture seems like a blast from the past in a way. 

You can do all sorts of things while you are there. You can take hikes around the mountains, visit small shops, choose from an assortment of restaurants, or take alpine tours. But it wasn't necessarily what I did in Banff that has stayed with me. It was the feeling that was there. I felt safe and tucked away in this hidden jewel of a place. It was so far away from home and not only because of the distance but because of the vast differences. I never thought I would enjoy being around forests and mountains but you can't help but to feel transported when you are there. It was a great escape and brought me out of my comfort zone to really take notice of how beautiful nature is when left untouched. It was one of the most peaceful places I have ever traveled to and has definitely stayed with me.

Standing on top of the Jungfrau (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Eiger and Mönch mountains which includes Grindelwald, Schilthorn - Piz Gloria and Kleine Scheidegg, all part of the Bernese Oberland, you get a sense that you've touched the sky and your mind starts to wander…..

I set out to discover Switzerland and took the Euro rail to Luzerne. The two-hour journey from Interlaken was amazing and every twist and bend was a different surprise and a feast for the senses.

The Matterhorn in Zermatt is a vision. Its bold presence commands your attention and forces you to stare without even realizing it. It stands guard over the town and is the center of attention from every angle.

The Mountain Patrouille (patrol) sets out to guide another lost soul through the vast area of the Alps.

And now making their way back to town with the long awaited arrival of the lost group.

Strolling through the alleyways, narrow side streets, secret courtyards, clandestine gardens, local pubs, mystifying churches, whispers around corners and hidden passageways were just some of the secrets of this city.

 

It started pouring down raining while I was searching for my next adventure, which forced me to take cover in a traditional bistro called Restaurant National®. Having one of the most amazing meals of Shrimp Risotto, crisp German Riesling and cinnamon parfait I was so completely full and satisfied.

The quaint feel of the towns in Switzerland all having so much character unique unto themselves.

The generosity and friendly atmosphere of Buddy's Pub in Interlaken is one of a kind. She told me stories of the pub and the meaning of Laufstock Plakete which translates from German to mean walking stick plaques. This is a very old tradition, when people use to walk everywhere for days, collecting these small, metal plaques to flaunt on their walking sticks. This took the place of postcards and stamps at the time.

Having made friends, lasting memories, breathtaking photographs and experimenting with different types of food, chocolates, brews, liquors, Schnapps and riding the euro rail out to nowhere in particular, I had finished my journey in this magical place. I happen to see in layers and am blessed with the sixth sense to recognize it, privileged at the sight of it and flourish by means of it. Seeing the many layers of Switzerland and Interlaken I was determined to venture back and soon.

Located at 5000 ft above sea level in the proximity of Palampur, a bustling small town about 40 km from Dharamshala, the tea garden resorts is an off-beat retreat that is really invigorating.

Though Kangra is famous for rare and pure Chinese hybrid tea plantations in the country it is only in the recent years that tea tourism has been catching up. Many stone and wood residences are converted into luxury cottages and guest houses.

These tea resorts offer eclectic and exotic ambience and amenities. They cater to tasting hand-made tea to Ayurvedic massage. The Kangra tea is a social ritual for connoisseurs. The best season to experience the delights of life in tea gardens are between March-June and September-November.

How to Reach

• Air: The nearest airport is Gaggal, 50 km from Palampur
• Rail: The nearest broad gauge railhead is Pathankot, 95 km from Kangra.
• Road: Palampur is well-connected by road with other places of Himachal Pradesh including Shimla

Where to Stay

• Tara Villa Resort
• Country Cottage
• Silver Oaks Mountain Resort

First you take the Hudson Parkway North, and then drive over the (George) Washington Bridge.

Two hours later, you will find yourself in the Catskill Mountains.

Leaving I-87 for Route 28, you may visit Woodstock. The town that has previously played host to artists as well as the musically-inclined is still an interesting mix of artisans and other personages.

Its residents, some with their lifestyles deeply rooted in the 60s, are “pro” no traffic lights, and no super-size chain stores.

Despite some residential views against change, Woodstock's most significant site is Overlook Mountain. On the road that leads to Overlook Mountain, the traveler is most delighted to find a red and gold Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

Overlook mountain has inspired the creative works of well-known musical talents such as Bob Dylan who once lived in an enormous pink barn-style residence just beneath the eastern slope. Van Morrison made his album entitled “Tupelo Honey” in Woodstock (on Overlook Mountain.)

Once you are at the rock facing of Overlook Mountain, you are presented with a most spectacular view of the Hudson River Valley.

Additionally, in the autumn, spectacular fall colors of gold, brown, and orange draw thousands of tourists to the beautiful Catskill Mountain area.

Historically Kaaterskill Falls has been a most favorite place of artists and writers. What was once a popular attraction, nowadays, is more or less, a basic and rustic trail. The falls, however, are still a delight, especially when you reach the area where water comes crashing down a long rocky ledge.

Bears are, as well, residents of the Catskills along with wood peckers, frogs and wild turkeys.

In conclusion, the New Yorker seeking respite from an active city life will find an interesting change in visiting the forested area of the Catskills.

Other resources: Take a tour of the Catskill Mountains by visiting the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation site located here.

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When I came across this image it brought back many memories for me as I miss the beauty of Tibet China. The landscapes of Tibet are simply startling and out of this world!!

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When I look at this picture it reminds me of just how cold it was in the mountains at times. The fresh air felt good in my lungs and it never tasted of pollution. I remember well my snowshoeing adventures inside the mountain passes here. The exercise kept me very health and strong.

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The view of the valley below was taken from the Reting Monastery; it sits up in the mountains at 13,500 feet above sea level. The valley below is extremely beautiful and if you look really carefully, you can see the winding river that is also supplied by the melt off of snow.

The image below is yet another breathe taking look at one of the many villages that lay scattered throughout the mountains of Tibet China. Heavy snowfall in some areas is very normal.

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This photo that was shot of Lake Yamdrok Tso is really awesome. Notice how in the background the mountains almost kiss the shy. The clouds add a startling quality of beauty to this already amazing image of Tibet's extremely beautiful scenery.

This is a very beautiful look at the inside of a Monastery; its very warm and pleasing to the eyes. An almost instant feeling of inner peace transcends upon on you as you kneel in the center of this room.

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It's a great place to rekindle your inner child and to find the oneness in the self.

Speaking of children, they're truly wonders of Tibet! They are very interested by those that come from the outside world. Once they get to know you, they also become curious and like to ask a lot of questions. Which is cool; because although you may be teaching them, they're also teaching you too?

 

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This Snow Leopard in the photo below is considered to be very rare wonder of Tibet China. It's an awesome animal and one of many very rare animals that can be found in Tibet China.

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This is my final image of a place that I have come to love and respect and is very awe inspiring. The picture speaks for its self. I'll let you be the judge though.

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Thank you for allowing me to share some of the wonders of Tibet China with you the reader. I hope that it has brought you some form of hidden joy.