Standing 10,804 feet above sea level, Mt. San Jacinto is the highest mountain in the San Jacinto Mountains and the highest mountain in the entire Peninsular Mountain Range, a series of mountains that stretches from Mt. San Jacinto in the north, all the way to the tip of Baja California! Accessible only by way of a few strenuous and long hiking trails, Mt. San Jacinto retains its rural and “uncivilized” nature. While the lower slopes of the mountain are penetrated by a series of road and highways, houses and small towns, Mt. San Jacinto is left untouched in its virgin state.

A popular destination with many outdoors enthusiasts - hikers, campers, rock climbers, and sightseers - Mt. San Jacinto is an alluring location for those strong enough and healthy enough to make the long trek to its summit. The shortest route to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto, nicknamed “San Jack” by many locals, is via the Marion Mountain Trail. This trail qualifies as a “no-nonsense” trail that doesn't waste any time gaining elevation. The one-way distance to the top of San Jacinto via this trail is roughly 5 ½ miles; and those miles are tough miles! The majority of those miles are the kind that leaves your heart thumping, your throat screaming, and your legs begging for mercy! But at the top of the summit, a summit that was once labeled as being “the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on earth” by none other than John Muir, the founder of the Sierra Club and noted naturalist, the view of the surrounding landscape is well worth the work.

On a clear day, when the winds are blowing and the sky is swept clean of Southern California smog, it's often possible to make out the distant Pacific Ocean to the west, the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains to the north, and the low-lying ridges and mountain passes that mark the southern California border with Mexico and Arizona. Up here, standing atop Mt. San Jacinto's 10,000-foot-plus summit, with nothing but the wind in your face and the cool, crisp smell of elevation, the rest of the world seems a minor footnote; a distant nuisance in some far-away land that has no effect or reach on you as you sit guarded, suspended, and engulfed by the lofty heights of Mt. San Jacinto!

The first time I went, it was breathtaking, the panoramic view from the top, and looking down at every thing makes you realize how good those birds have it that they can see something of great magnificence from such a perspective. But it should not be surprising to that Pilot Mountain is home to some of the most wonderful creatures such as squirrels, quails, etc. It's a haven for any breathing thing.

However, besides sightseeing and bird watching, you can do a lot more on Pilot Mountain. Elevated at about 2,500 feet, it's ideal for rock climbing and hiking, as well as camping. It is a little chillier than ground level, but that can be to your advantage during the summer. If you are a parent, with teenagers, or even pre-teens, this is the perfect summer destination for you and your family. The hiking is my favorite, but I never really have to climb the rocks. Bummer! However, the best part of the whole experience is the time I got to spend with family and loved ones.

Come for a visit, stay for the experience.

Experience the grandeur of vast mountain ranges and simplicity of endless waterfalls. Be intrigued with wild and marine life that can be viewed without binoculars. If after coming, all you want is to see it, stay a few days. But I am sure you will agree after being here, it's more than scenery. If you want to truly derive an experience that will alter your life -you need to stay.

Returning to My Home

After thirty years of being away from this remote wilderness it would seem that I was traveling to a strange place, one I had read about in books or watched on television travel shows. The only communication I had during those years with friends from my past experiences in Alaska were yearly updates on annual Christmas cards. Those certainly didn't communicate anything about a void that was missing in my life.

I grew up not really knowing any place as “home”. We moved a lot and I cherished every new place and the broadening horizons provided. But I could never lay claim to one location as a home. Home then simply was where my family was. The closest I came to having a home was a place that is rare and unique. I often times wondered if it was the atmosphere and the people or the captivating wildlife and scenery that made it a treasured place in my heart.

It was a place where friends abound, acceptance is the norm and beauty is a simple word. So simple that by expressing it verbally one cannot convey the warmth of community and majesty that exists.

I moved from my birthplace in Wyoming to Alaska when I was seven. I wasn't anxious to leave behind existing friends, cousins and grandparents I loved dearly. But somewhere inside I yearned for new things and the new experiences that were waiting. I had never flown on an airplane. But in 1969, most people hadn't. This adventure was only the beginning of a life that would change my perceptions forever. As I boarded the wide body plane I left behind a small pickup truck of family belongings that would be shipped at a later date. We left much behind both in a material and emotional sense.

At the airport my Aunt purchased Pez candy dispensers before we entered the plane and embarked on a 3000 mile journey far to the North. The flight did not seem long as it was broken up with a three hour stop over in Seattle. As a child we were in no hurry to get anywhere and loved anything that brought about another opportunity for fun. Three hours to stretch, run and explore an airport that had just finished construction of an underground subway train system. Another new adventure.

After our stop over in Seattle we boarded a flight to an unknown and virtually uncharted territory that had only recently gained statehood. Alaska. It was 1969. The oil boom hadn't really hit hard yet so life was still unsettled and to some uncivilized. Such conveniences as running water and indoor plumbing were not available to all residents yet. Wilderness buffs thrived on living in the “bush”, miles from any hint of civilization and often only accessible by plane, atv or snow machine.

We arrived late in the evening in September. The weather was a bit cooler than where we had left, but not uncomfortable. We were greeted by an eight foot encased brown bearing staring down at us with claws that put an NBA star's fingers to shame and much sharper and deadlier. The airport was small with only one airline serving the rural town of Kenai. The twenty or so passengers who accompanied our flight quickly grabbed their bags and went on their way. My father had moved to Kenai earlier in the summer. He was not there to meet us as he had some problems preparing the gas lines in the mobile home that would be our new house. This would be quite a change from the five bedroom home in a newly developed subdivision that we left behind. Here we sat, a bit apprehensive and certainly uncomfortable with a place so foreign to our previous lifestyle.

The flight this time was a bit different. Things were different than in 1969 and had changed some even since my Flight Attendant days in the 1980's. New technology gave digital flight numbers at the boarding gate. Also quite different from the time I spent as a Flight Attendant, the check in screens for standbys was conveniently displayed overhead with appropriate seat assignments. No waiting to hear your name called and rushing on the plane at the last minute.

This time though, it seemed to be the same diverse crowd that usually traveled to this still remote area; wilderness buffs, a few executives, kids, and those just seeking great fishing holes and an escape from the mundane routine of life. People waiting for the thrill of hours battling and reeling in fish that were often times larger than themselves and hunting game that any sports enthusiast would envy. Trophy animals are the norm and not the exception. Alaska is all about a life that is bigger than yourself. Even if you don't relish the thought of bagging these mighty animals you will want to observe them from your car along with endangered species and creatures that are rare and sometimes inhibited. Animals you probably won't see anywhere else. They are native to the North Country. The animals that inhabit this vast expanse are at home and not particularly bothered by the people who come to watch them. They can be quite shy. Don't disrupt their native habitats; they may not have the social graces to make you feel welcome!

This time my flight to Alaska was four hours long with no stop overs. Even with the modern advances in technology; television shows, computers and movies as opposed to foreign radio stations speaking a language most on the plane didn't understand, the time seemed to drag. There were no playing cards distributed and even the on board popular magazines seem to have gone by the wayside. When we were young we used to play cards (provided by the airline) and impose on the Flight Attendants to help distribute drinks and clean up trash, all just to make the time pass. Imagine paying for the privilege of picking up trash! But a seed was planted that would flourish into a full blown career as a Flight Attendant later in my life. Was it the job or the Alaska experience that fostered such a dream?

I was to returning to the dreamland of my youth; looking for an experience that few ever achieve. It's a world of its own. If you could put a price on memories, I'd be a millionaire. Seeking to return to my childhood I embarked on a journey back to events so profound it ingrained into my being moments that cannot be diminished with time. Is a matter of fact they expand with the passage of time. I am not sure the real experience can even touch what my mind has envisioned took place in my past.

I was coming home. Upon our arrival the first night we were surrounded with stores, hotels and airports that certainly did not resemble the 1969 experience. But there was an essence that was profoundly familiar. Something had not changed. I could feel it.

As a child I remembered sighting moose on a regular basis. Squirrels in the back yard would have been family pets had my pet poodle not chased them incessantly every morning on her trip outside. They would sit up in the trees and chirp down at her while mocking her efforts to climb the tree and capture them.

Hunting licenses were not for single animals but rather you purchased one license for moose, bear, dall sheep and unlimited fish. Fishing on the Kenai river was simple; you just went when you wanted and to your favorite hole. None of the land was privately owned and anyone looking for a morning of excitement was welcome, if you could endure the giant mosquitoes that vied for your hole.

Weekend trips around the peninsula provided more experiences in a small radius than most have in a whole state. The Kenai River was the Salmon capital of the area and Russian culture was present at every turn. Small Russian Orthodox churches were plentiful. Deciphering road signs that were engraved with the native language were fun to try and transcribe. Crabbing on the “Spit” down in Homer, only an hour's drive away, was only half the fun. The other half was riding home with live crabs stored in a large tub of water in the back of our station wagon.

Short cruises out of Seward and Whittier into bays that are filled with marine life and glaciers are a rich adventure. Monumental glaciers, calving into the bay are quite a site. It is Sea World in the wild with marine life and feathery friends that only inhabit these shores.

After spending the night in Anchorage we arose early and inadvertently took a tour of downtown Anchorage. We were seeking a homestyle breakfast complete with native Alaskan sourdough. None of the places we found were touting this specialty so we finally conceded and went to a restaurant with an Alaskan motif - Gwendies. After surveying the menu for sourdough pancakes and only finding one item unique to the state, reindeer sausage, we waited for the waitress to come and place our order. I inquired if they had sourdough, instead of regular pancakes and sure enough they did! Maybe it's just a “given” in this part of the world. Anywhere else would specify this gold panner's delight. Here it seems to be just understood that you can have it.

After winding our way out of the simple and small metropolis we finally were on our way to the Kenai Peninsula. Our tour was really just beginning. About 15 miles out of Anchorage on the opposite side of the scenic Turnigan Arm I spotted a few, what appeared to be patches of snow on the cliff lined highway. Upon closer examination we discovered they were lounging Dall Sheep. They were hard to see from that distance so we pulled out the binoculars and studied the still life. Whoa! Wait a minute, one moved. We watched it for a few more minutes and then moved down the road a few hundred more feet; yes - more of them. This time they were moving and climbing. They are graceful and strong and it is an awesome experience to watch them scale sheer cliffs with ease, totally oblivious to their audience. My excitement was on the rise as I watched more and more of these “patches of snow” come to life. There is something exhilarating about observing wildlife in their native habitat.

We continued down the road being ever alert for more distractions. After just about passing the turn off to a wildlife refuge for injured, abandoned or orphaned animals we made a squealing turn into the entrance, paid our fee and continued the photo/video journal of our animal adventures. Although very easy to spot, these animals mostly wanted to sleep. We saw moose, caribou, Siberian wild boar, porcupine, bald eagle, black and brown bear clubs, muskox, elk, Sitka black tailed deer, a coyote and caged in a dog kennel was small red fox. He had buried himself so deep he was difficult to see except for two small eyes peering through the straw. It was apparent he was not accustom to the human touch and didn't want to experience it.

It was nice to observe them but it didn't have the flair of witnessing them in their natural state. I was glad there is a place for them and didn't regret paying money to support their cause, but they were so docile and passive it would be hard to categorize them as “wild”. Later, as we went to the marine life museum in Seward and I discovered from my readings that studying injured or abandoned animals has a tremendous benefit on understanding their development and migratory patterns. That furthers the cause of saving an endangered species along with helping preserve their homes and their existence.

Across the highway we traveled down another side road to our daily destination. Portage glacier. As with all good things, there must be some disappointment. The glacier itself had receded much from what my childhood memories had recorded and information boards confirmed my memories. It had retreated back. It used to stretch clear down to Portage Lake. A lake choked with icebergs. They were small icebergs, but icebergs none the less and lots of them. Not to let a closed visitor center or a seasonal cruise that had not yet started, deter us from enjoying our stop we did see another ice field that in my mind dwarfed Portage. Maybe it was just because I didn't get to ride the boat up next to Portage glacier, but this ice field was far more magnificent. It draped the canyon walls and was a beautiful site. Pristine lakes, rivers and mountains surrounded us at every turn. Even our most disappointing site was a pleasure to behold.

I had returned to Alaska once- years ago- for a brief stint. Having been a Flight Attendant for several years I retired before my thirtieth birthday and wanted to use my airline travel benefits before they expired. I needed to go home. But with three small children who I needed to leave with family, and a short supply of money, I didn't feel I could be gone long so I looked up an old friend, called her and found I was still very welcome, even after 18 years. Then I caught a flight to Kenai.

On that particular trip I flew into Anchorage on a large jet designed to fly high, too high to see much of anything. Thus, I was anxious for the flight into Kenai. It was a smaller plane and flew much closer to the ground, but I was concerned that because of the time of day I would not be able to see much. I guess I didn't remember as much about Alaska as I would have liked. On June 21, 1992 the sun really doesn't set and although it was 10:00 pm, the view was perfect. What a treasure.

The feeling of returning home on my present trip becomes stronger and stronger. I feel like a salmon on their return journey home. Although not a native born Alaskan, I know my heart and the old adage that “home is where the heart is” proved true. My heart is here. Now that I am home, I don't want to go “Outside” again. The calm, peaceful feelings that the splendor of Alaska brings tugged at my heart strings. The pull is strong. Stay home. What is on the Outside? How could anything compare. Scenery may compare, but nothing touches the emotional state I am experiencing; content, peaceful, and calm.

This vast cold expanse that is large enough to encompass even the strongest and most powerful sentiments could also reach deep and touch you with its simplicity and serenity. Alaska is real, it's not a zoo or a dream. It is real life and one needs to experience it first hand to fully appreciate it. This trip and my last, I was a visitor. Before then we didn't visit Alaska, we lived it and had an experience no tourist can comprehend.

After leaving Portage we continued down a simple back road highway to Seward. Upon our arrival we found it to be a typical harbor town with a jam packed small boat harbor dwarfed by a commercial cruise liner, a princess of a ship. Along side it was an old, well used barge that shipped coal from the mines of Denali on the interior via railway and then transferred it on to a mile long conveyor belt to board the ship. This particular ship's destination we found out was Hong Kong. Alaska is truly a diverse place, serving a multitude of occupations, peoples and needs.

We found a small, clean motel in Seward. The staff was friendly and eager to point out all the places to eat and sites we could see. Alaskan's love to talk about Alaska and share the best of their uncharted world to Outsiders. One point of interest was a waterfall. It was hard to imagine there were more waterfalls after the hundreds we counted on our way from Anchorage. But there were, one's that emptied right into Resurrection Bay. One in particular that was high upon a mountain, only to be seen with binoculars. Alaska is a love affair of a lifetime that never ends, even if you leave.

The hotel staff also shared all the favorite eating spots and so we strolled down the wooden boardwalk and found a cozy little café. After eating tender fresh caught Halibut and Caribou burgers with a very mild wild flavor we retired for the night, anxious to take our long awaited harbor cruise the following day.

We arose early the next day so we could visit the Sea Life Museum in Seward before our real day began. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our day. Once again, witnessing marine life up close and personal can be captivating. You experience their precious faces and massive bodies in a way you just can't have in the wild, being a short time tourist. The museum was very hands on and full of educational opportunities for young and old alike. They had a petting zoo for those who wanted to touch sea anemones and star fish. You could go outside and watch Stellar Sea Lions and Harbor Seals when they surfaced or go downstairs and observe them through their glass enclosed tanks. They were really quite friendly and loved to show off for their guests.

Sea Otters are playful and fun. Lounging on their backs with babies or food on their bellies is an entertaining site. This was a miniature SeaWorld focused more on research than entertainment, but fun none the less.

Ah- we were now ready for the highlight of our visit. The harbor cruise aboard the Star of the Northwest; owned and operated by Major Marine Tours and operated by a friendly and most accommodating and knowledgeable staff.

Boarding began at 12:15 pm from the end of Pier E. The staff photographed us as we boarded the small vessel, well prepared with cameras, rain gear, coats, sea sickness medication and literature galore. What we weren't prepared for was the absolutely clear, beautiful skies, the calm waters of Resurrection Bay and the elegance of the mountain and coves that encompass the Kenai Fjords National Park.

We had come hungry being informed that there would be an all you can eat salmon and prime rib buffet. Thus our original thoughts were focused more on food than listening to the safety presentation. Being a bit apprehensive of the water I did give it some of my attention, just in case!

We exited the harbor and ventured into the fjord. A fjord I discovered is a passage that is carved by glaciers over thousands of years. These passages can then be filled with sea water which allows the marine life to migrate in, ever closer to shores. The snow capped mountains encased the bay and were magnificent as they reached upward inviting the eye to scan for wildlife on its banks and cliffs. Many bald eagles and their nests were spotted, even by the Junior Rangers aboard. One passenger was able to detect a black bear sunning on the side of the hill. Everyone raced to that side of the boat to watch it in hopes it would arise and forage for food. No luck with that one!

A short while later the Captain announced that he had spotted a sea otter just off the starboard side. By the time everyone arrived, it was gone. Patiently we waited to see if he would resurface and sure enough with a little bit of encouragement, he did. He entertained us all while swimming on his back for a few moments before returning to his responsibility of gathering food.

The captain also spotted a Stellar Sea Lion but few witnessed this event and we were reassured by the Tour Guide that we would see plenty up ahead thus we were content to let this one pass. Someone briefly noted the very swift passing of Dall porpoises. Far too quick for many to see.

It wasn't too long before our goal of viewing stellar sea lions was realized. Not one, not two, but too many too count!

It was getting time to serve lunch so tables were called numerically to ensure an orderly effort to distribute the food. True to their word, the food was more than one would expect on a small harbor cruise. Not being a fish lover, I gingerly tasted the first bite. It did not take more than that to convert me. The delicately spiced salmon melted at each bite. After that I might be willing to contend with the bears for their tasty meals. My love of prime rib was overshadowed that day by a fish! Fresh baked sourdough bread and a green salad with the chef's special recipe for dressing were an added delight to the meal. I ravenously devoured far more helpings than is typical for one who usually doesn't get their money's worth on “all you can eat” deals.

The Captain kept us in calm waters for the meal to minimize the potential for risk - in more ways than one. But now it was time to venture into the Gulf of Alaska. The waters were a bit rough, but a very capable crew kept us apprised of tips and tricks to enjoy our trip with minimal to no seasickness. We rounded the last stretch of mountains in Resurrection Bay while learning about and watching a variety of bird species from the Park Ranger.

We were all anxious to enter the deep waters of the Gulf in hopes of spotting a whale. Far in the distance someone announced they had seen a whale spray. Unsure if this was really the case, we moved closer and the Captain indicated he was communicating with a boat that was closer to the spotting and sure enough - it was confirmed. We were on our way to see a humpback whale. Spouting is a good sign, we found out, because it means they are close to the surface and coming up for air. Once you witness the popular splash of the tail, they are diving for food and chances are, they won't surface again for quite some time. Since we didn't see the tail splash we waited. The boat was turned off and we sat quietly in the water. Soon the Tour Guide announced that it had surfaced again at the 1 o'clock position. It provided the guests with ample photo opportunities before it decided to retreat for food.

By now most were ready to start our journey back to the dock. Before leaving the Gulf we enjoyed viewing the Harding Ice Field and Bear Glacier. We didn't take the boat in close at the Captain's request. Even from a distance it proved a sight worth slowing down to see.

After getting a valuable education on glaciers, their properties and the remnants left behind we rounded the corner and re-entered Resurrection Bay. Skimming close to the shore we were easily able to spot a few mountain goats, up close and personal. Another great photo opportunity!

The galley announced the call for dessert. This time those of us at the last tables were called first. What a treat. Being back in calm waters we could enjoy a variety of sweet treats without a thought of the consequences that might ensue.

A short time later we were once again docked in Seward and glad to have our feet on solid ground. A part of me was sad it was over. It left behind a taste for more and a desire to return. I wonder if you ever really get filled up with Alaska?

While on board the ship we were informed there was an active glacier nearby that might be calving. A few miles up the road from Seward was Exit glacier. We decided to drive by and check it out. The drive was nice and the glacier well worth viewing but we were tired and ready to get to our final destination of the day- Kenai.

To really enjoy your Alaskan experience - don't take the crash course that we did! Take time to smell the aromatic bouquet of wildflowers. The rewards of your trip will pay you dividends you can't soon forget.

That will be a return trip for another day later in the summertime. We are worn thin from our short adventure and ready to return to the lower 48. We quickly hopped down to the “Spit” in Homer before turning the SUV north to Anchorage. We had hoped to sample in large quantities some Alaskan King Crab, but they weren't serving it soon enough for my stomach's time table so we had the Mother's Day buffet complete with delicately designed desserts, almost too pretty to eat.

We stopped on the way off the “Spit” and purchased crab to be shipped home so others could enjoy it with us. This would provide a small taste of Alaska for those who couldn't come along.

While visiting a church in Kenai, the speakers shared two sentiments that sum up well all my Alaska experiences.

One - you don't come to Alaska because you like the taste of fish - you come to experience fishing! Come to Alaska to experience what you might not ever experience anywhere else.

And two - probably one of my most profound thoughts throughout this whole experience - the words to the hymn may change, but the theme remains the same. That's Alaska.

In North Africa, there are 80 blocks of such pyramids scattered around the Egypt's Nile River, which have become one of the most miraculous places in the world. The highest pyramid called Cheops Pyramid and it was build by overlapping pile of boulders together. In the making of pyramids, Egyptians were not using any adhesive, glue or nails to attach the pile of boulders and one could even hardly find cracks or gaps among the rocks or stones from the overlapping plot. Nevertheless, the structure is extremely firm and strong that the sharp blades or swords could not even pass through. In addition, Egyptian Pyramids have experiencing 5,000 years of strong wind's erosions and yet these artifacts are remained not touch by the nature. They appeared to stand alone like warriors in the desert. These towering pyramids are such spectacular and superior buildings human had ever made on the Earth.

This is a mysterious place encountered in the Antarctic Island. People call it “a dry valley with no snow cover.” Antarctic is a place with fewer inhabitants and dwellers and thus some unexplainable phenomenon happenings in Antarctica remain mystery to the outsiders. Approximately 14 million square kilometers of the total area of the Antarctic continent have the snow cover. When viewing from the high sky, the central of the Antarctic is like a pot's lid plateau. Most of the areas vividly have their surfaces covered with snow with its thickness reaching 2000m and sometimes may attain the thickness up to 4,800m. In winter, the surrounding ice combines with the ice from the ocean to form up one smooth, large plateau to which people can hardly distinguish between the land and the sea.

Bermuda Triangle is located in Western North Atlantic, which comprises of seven major islands, 150 small islands, some islands composed of reefs group. Any high-tech devices or equipments will become malfunction when reaching this mysterious place and thus the survivors may have encountered problems to communicate with the outside world. Because of its extremely mysterious characteristic, people have called this place as a devil triangle.

In China, people have named this desert as “Moguicheng” or a city of devil. “Moguicheng” is famous in Xinjiang, China. When someone is strolling towards the castle in a sunny day accompanying with a gentle blowing breeze, one may heard a nice rhythm coming from the distance. The melodies are just like 10 million shaking bells, and sometimes one may feel the music like gentle flicking of 10 million guitars' strings. However, when cyclones come, bulks of sands are rising up in the sky by the strong winds, the sky turns pitch dark suddenly like a hell, and the nice music no longer heard but turns into strange sounds. The sounds resemble the roaring of the tigers, trumpeting of the elephants, and sounds by pigs that are being slaughtered, babies' crying, shouting of the women who are going to die, and alternately the sounds change to shouting, mourning and quarreling. The storms are then swirling aggressively by shooting up to the sky accompanying by terrified wolf growling sounds in the cloudy nightfall. People are wandering who had built this city and where do the sounds come from?

This island is legendary full of Surreptitious and specter. Westerners prefer sailing by venturing many historically strange events occurred here in the history of seafaring. In 1707, the British captain of the Andean Julius had discovered this land; however, it was strange that he could hardly reach this land. He later affirmed that this was not an optical illusion, so he marked the “land” on the map. 200 years later, the admiral Makaluofu and his inspection team who were sailing to the North Pole on their icebreaker vessel called "Ye Ermake," accidentally came across this piece of land. In 1925, Navigator called Woershi, too, passed through this land and he memorized the outline of the land. Nevertheless, the investigation team comprising of scientists, who sailed to this land in 1928 never found any islands as claimed by the previous navigators.

This place is located in Henan, China, and local people called it “bingbing bei” or the back of the ice. When midsummer approaches, people tend to move to places that are cool and refreshing. Although the change of four seasons, namely summer, autumn, spring and winter is an unchangeable law, in certain parts of the world, this theory seems not to be applicable. They are some fortunate people live in “warm” zone. This phenomenon is applying to people dwelling in the eastern mountain areas of Liaoning Province, China. They are experiencing warm temperature while other areas of China are experiencing the changes of seasons. Thus, this area has named after this phenomenon as "temperature anomaly zone." This "geothermal anomaly zone" extends from 1.5m out of the town of the left riverbank of Hunjiang to the end part of the right riverbank of Hun River and to the foothills near Guandian Province. The entire length for this "temperature anomaly zone" is approximately 15km, occupying the areas of approximately 106,000 square meters. The advent of summer is always accompanying with a decline of temperature in the area of "temperature anomaly zone." When the temperature reaches as high as 30 degree Celsius during the summer, the temperature is minus 12 degree Celsius at one-meter deep into the underground of this area, and the ice froze underground. When someone dips a drop of water one-meter deep into the underground of this area, the water will immediately turn into ice.

Shennongjia is located at the intersection of Sichuan, in Hubei zone, with the meeting of two rivers, namely China's Yangtze River and Hanjiang River. This region comprises an area of 3,250 square kilometers, accounting for more than 85 % of woodland. The average elevation is 1,700m, with the highest point of 3,105 meters, and with the characteristic of various types of climate. When speaking of Shennongjia, people here will think of “savage.” Since ancient times, large numbers of documentations have revealed the existence of savage roaming around this area. Legendary, people could even hardly identify the authenticity of the savage. The effort of collecting evidence on the existence of savage was initiating by the relevant departments from 1977 to 1980. They had collected savage hairs, footprints and feces left by the savage. This proved to us that a kind of bizarre animal might have existed in Shennongjia not long ago.

This is the famous ancient city of Teotihuacan in America, which called “death to the road.” This region stretched from a so-called main road of “death to the road” to the north-south roadway. In the tenth century AD, Ards heroes who were the earliest team walking along this way leading to a castle found nobody in the city, and thus they believed that the buildings on either side of the road were gods' tomb lands. In 1974, a Mexican person called Dayton • Halisi said that he had found a suitable unit measurement for all these streets and buildings at this city at the International American meeting. This unit length is 1.059m using a calculation from a computer. For example, the units for the Teaodiwakan snake temple, the moon and the Sun Pyramid is the height of 21, 42, and 63 "units" respectively with the ratio of 1:2:3 based upon the ancient calculation.

People not allowed entering this Kunlun Mountains as its name suggested as "The Gates of Hell." This valley is a death valley, which further claims the Kunlun Mountains "The Gates of Hell." The remains found in this valley were the furs, bones, skeletons of wolves, bears and hunters and some scattered lonely tombs, rendering the world in the death of a ghastly terrifying atmosphere. The Xinjiang Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources of a geological team in China had recorded a true story in the year of 1983 on a group of hungry horse that was grazing the grass and disappeared suddenly in the "The Gates of Hell." A herdsman went into the prohibited area of "The Gates of Hell" to search for his horse. After few days, he was found missing but the horse emerged at the foothill of Kunlun Mountains. Later, the herdsman was found lying on a small hill with his clothes badly torn off, barely footed, eyes widely opened with an angry look, a shotgun gripping in one of his hands showing that he was reluctantly to die. The miraculous thing was that no wounds or signs found around his body to show that he had attacked.

Canada Niagara Falls is the world's most mysterious places in the world. Niagara Falls constitutes a part of Canada and the border of United States, the New York State and Ontario, Canada, separating from the Niagara River by flowing northward from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario with a total length of nearly 30 miles. Located in the north, covering an area of 250,000 square miles, Niagara Falls is a smooth exit to these lakes. Its maximum water flow reaches 250,000 cubic feet per second. Niagara Falls is indeed very awesome.

This Geysering is a magical spring found in the upper part of the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, China. The spring bursts out in a short while and stops for a while before following by other bursts. The burst goes on, stops and goes on. In other words, its eruption cycle is continuous for a few minutes, auto stop after a few dozen minutes; and followed by another burst and so forth. It bursts like an eruption with a huge, shocked sound. It vents out some high temperature steam from the mouth of the spring. The spring then expands immediately into one to two meters in diameter, and rushes out as water column as high as 20m into the sky. In addition to China's Geysering, in the place near Reykjavik, capital of Iceland, the Geysering is renowned in the world with its diameter of 20m. When there is drizzling rain, this water column can even soar up as high as 70m into the sky.

As you're sitting roasting chestnuts on an open fire, after Jack Frost nipped your nose so it's red like Rudolf's, have you ever wondered what Christmas is like for people at the opposite side of the globe? Have you considered that when Santa comes to the southern hemisphere it's summer? In fact he would already have been to New Zealand wearing his shorts and jandles (flip-flops). We're a day ahead of the rest of the world in terms of time. So when you in the northern hemisphere are having Christmas, it's Boxing Day here and we're sunning ourselves on the beach. On Christmas day, Santa would have had his work cut out trying to figure out how to find places like Hokitika, Paraparaumu, Papatoetoe, (pronounced Papa-too-ee-too-ee) Whakapapa (pronounced Fukapapa) Putaruru and Otorohanga.

And there'll not have been milk and cookies left for the old rotund one, because nobody will have been home. New Zealanders aka Kiwis will be found at campgrounds and baches (cabins) by the beach. In fact Santa has been known to arrive by jet boat or helicopter to deliver the kiddies their toys and lollies (candy). Christmas is the summer holiday season for Kiwis when they disappear for a three to four week break to the sea or the mountains. Their tents and caravans decorated with tinsel, will give a vague indication that it's Christmas time.

Christmas Food

Forget about roast turkey with Martha Stewart's special stuffing. No mate, steak on the barbie and plenty of salads, that's the way we do it. Some will treat themselves to cold chicken or turkey with a touch of sand to add to the texture if they're camping on the beach. As for dessert, no Kiwi Christmas is complete without Pavlova, a dessert made of fluffy baked meringue filled with whipped cream and topped with berries. The Aussies like to lay claim to its origins, named for Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova who danced in Australia a long time ago, but Kiwis are adamant that Pavlova originated in New Zealand. If you're not into Pavlova, there's always the old stodgy Christmas fruitcake pudding, a throwback from British colonial times. A sixpence coin used to be put in it for the lucky recipient to find in his/her serving.

The Kiwi Christmas Tree

New Zealand has a spectacular native Christmas tree that shows off bright red blossoms in December. The Maoris call it Pohutukawa. Legend has it that when the Pohutukawa blooms before Christmas, we're in for a long, hot summer. We don't do blizzards and snow in December - so as the saying goes, we have “no worries, mate.”

One can visit these places in a single day as most of them are easily accessible by car. However, the exceptions are for the mountain retreat at Gunung Tebu and the offshore island, Pulau Perhentian.

A great journey trip can start with a visit to a recreational spot in Terengganu, La Hot spring which is situated in Hulu Besut. The water from the spring is extremely hot to even boil eggs. As the spring water contains sulfur and some essential minerals, it is also believed to cure body aches and skin diseases. Many people come here for this purpose.

Lata Tembakal Waterfall will be the next stop. It takes only about a half hour's drive from La Hot spring. Lata Tembakal is also one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Malaysia. It is one of the best managed and cleanest recreational spots in Terengganu.

Another beautiful waterfall is Lata Belatan which is located at the foot of Gunung Tebu. It is usually the take-off point for those who wish to climb Gunung Tebu.

Gunung Tebu will take about four hours for you to reach its peak. It is about 1000 meters above sea level. It is said to be a historical site as it was once a well-known trading areas where ships from as far as China came to trade here. On top of Gunung Tebu, one can view as far as Semerak in Kelantan and even the offshore islands of Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang.

Your trip to Besut is not complete, if you do not visit to either Pulau Perhentian or Pulau Redang. Most tourists prefer to go to Pulau Perhentian. According to them, Pulau Perhentian takes only 30 minutes by boat from Kuala Besut. Therefore, it is probably one of the reasons why it is one of the most popular island resort spots in Terengganu. Pulau Perhentian has lovely sandy white beaches and certainly, the most famous activities are snorkeling and scuba-diving.

There is a famous market in Kuala Terengganu which is “Pasar Payang”. At the market one can buy souvenirs. One can learn on the process and procedure of producing batik by visiting a batik factory,“Nur Arfa Batik” in Kuala Ibai. The colorful batiks are very captivating. People designed batik here are extremely talented.

Batu Buruk Beach is another attraction of Kuala Terengganu. At the beach, one can try some local delicacies such as "ais krim goreng". One may also go to Rantau Abang for turtle watching. If you were unfortunate though, you did not get to see any turtles laying eggs. The turtles will only come up in the wee hours of the morning.

California, the Golden State, has a wide variety of landscapes and weather conditions to suit just about everybody. Remember that song by Albert Hammond, “It Never Rains in Southern California”? It does rain . . . sometimes for several days in a row. Some areas of California see more rain than others. When I lived in Sacramento, it rained frequently. The best part of all that rain is that the lawns are always green.

Here's an interesting bit of trivia about California. The highest point is Mt. Whitney at 14,494 feet above sea level. The lowest point is Death Valley at 282 feet below sea level.

Next I'd like to tell you about the wide variety of California landscapes and points of interest with which I am familiar, personally.

Mountains

If you're a ski enthusiast, I've got good news! Most of the time there's plenty of snow, and several ski resorts. I don't ski, so I can't provide any insight.

I love taking trips to the mountains during the spring, summer and early autumn. Surrounded by tall trees, breathing the fresh air, smelling nature's bounty, visiting the museums many national parks have (Angeles National Park near La Canada is one).

Idyllwild is a mountain community above the city of Hemet (in Riverside County). Idyllwild is a seasonal community, geared up for tourists and local area visitors in the spring and summer. In addition to live entertainment, there are a couple restaurants, several unique gift shops, and a variety of other interesting stores, such as the store where you purchase a ceramic item, paint it, then the shop fires it in the kiln. You couldn't have a better souvenir than one you crafted, in my opinion.

Beaches

California boasts many beaches and marinas up and down the coast. Again, there are several types of beaches, although most are family-friendly.

There are beaches where surfers hang out because of the high waves. Families out for some summer fun and sunbathers are likely to have a favorite. Some beaches have amenities and some do not. You can check it out in advance.

Venice Beach is a culture of its own. Along the strand, many vendors set up shop, much like a giant swap meet. Various people perform their talents for the people visiting. Donations are accepted. Amidst the throng of walkers and watchers are the roller bladers and bicycle riders. It's really quite a unique place which I highly recommend to any visitor to southern California.

Santa Monica Pier is another great beach with a carnival and the famous carousel. Long Beach is nice and a visitor can visit the Queen Mary and Aquarium of the Pacific, nearby attractions.

Deserts

The deserts, home to wild critters, cactus, sand and sagebrush, has a lot to offer someone who enjoys things like rock hunting, searching for gold, dune buggy riding, or some other activity. The deserts are beautiful in the spring. All the wild flowers are in bloom -- acres and acres of poppies, and yellow flowers (I don't know the name of them). Another thing about being in the desert is that at night one can see the stars clearly, even shooting stars on occasion.

City Life

Some folks love the city life. I do, personally. I can visit the other places for fun and change of environment, then come home to the city. In addition to the metropolitan areas and suburban cities, Beverly Hills and Hollywood are big hits with tourists.

In terms of distance from one place to another, which is often lengthy in terms of miles, people often express distance in terms of driving time ? it's about half an hour from here (depending on traffic).

Los Angeles as a whole includes Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Even though they are separate towns on their own, it's hard to tell one area from the other except for the scenery and price tags.

Speaking of prices (medium), the Farmers' Market at Third and Fairfax is nice, where there's a lot more than produce. I haven't been there in several years, so it might have changed. I used to enjoy shopping there on occasion.

My personal list of "must see and do" in California includes the following:

• Disneyland
• Solvang (an interesting Danish community near Santa Barbara)
• Hearst Castle (located near San Simeon)
• Cambria (a unique seaside town near Hearst Castle)
• J. Paul Getty Museum (Santa Monica)
• Griffith Park Observatory (Los Angeles)
• Balboa Park (San Diego) (several museums and beautiful architecture)
• Sea World (San Diego)
• San Diego Zoo
• Venice Beach
• Santa Monica Pier
• Griffith Park Observatory (Los Angeles) (check out the laser shows also)

Wherever you go, bring a sweater because it cools off quite a big after the sun goes down.

It's true that there are earthquakes in California. However, tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters are rare or non-existent in California.

California means many things to different people ? I think the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day gives a lot of people in the east a sense of wanderlust, tired of the freezing cold, snow and ice. I've heard that we do have an influx of people moving to California in the early part of the year. Is it because of the gorgeous weather we have on January 1? It could be!

Welcome to California!!!