Endless Views of Lake Erie from Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial

26 May 202417 May 2025

Having lived in Ohio most of my life, I was surprised I had never heard of the Lake Erie Islands when a friend asked me if I wanted to spend a long weekend exploring Put-in-Bay. Curious to learn more about this popular Ohio vacation spot, I found that Put-in-Bay is a town on one of the thirty-three islands that make up the Erie Islands archipelago. The three most visited in Ohio include Kelleys Island, South Bass and Middle Bass islands off the shore of Port Clinton.

The drive was nearly three hours from Dublin so we checked into the Sleep Inn on OH-53 to drop off our luggage and have lunch. We found this great Mexican place next door and had a couple of drinks and tacos at Casa Las Palmas. Just over 10 minutes and we reached the parking lot to catch the ferry, courtesy of Miller’s Ferry, which dropped us off at the island. We had the option to walk or wait for a bus to drive us into town, so we chose the bus for a $2 fee.

The bus dropped us off at the edge of town where we immediately recognized its charm as we found ourselves at the corner of Main Street and Langram Road. Deciding to reach the pier, we made our way through the large tree-filled lawn. To our right I noticed a large Doric column out of the corner of my eye which looked more like a Washington DC monument than an Ohio memorial.

We had some drinks at the Boardwalk and then wine at Put-in-Bay Winery overlooking the lake taking in the boats docked in the harbor. It was the perfect day to slip into the nearby bars for a drink and bar hop the afternoon away.

A long sidewalk arrives at the base of the tower which connects downtown Put-in-Bay to East Point. We arrived at entrance within minutes from the pier and paid the $10 entrance fee. With sunny skies and miles of visibility, I was looking forward to reaching the top.

We boarded the elevator to reach the platform with 360 degrees of breathtaking views. Sailboats and speedboats dotted the crescent shaped harbor.

A closer look at the peninsula that rounds out the moon-shaped edge of the island, shows beautiful homes with gorgeous views of Lake Erie’s clear water.

The monument was named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry who fought against the British in the Battle of Lake Erie. With his famous motto, “Don’t Give Up the Ship”, Perry took control of Lake Erie, which helped win the War of 1812.

A map of the site where the war took place has been engraved in steel on the observation deck. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial was first built in 1915 to represent the long-lasting peace between the United States, Canada and Britain. Standing 352 feet above Lake Erie, it is the tallest Doric column in the world.

The copper rotunda at the top of the tower is decorative and stylish. In memory of those who fought in the battle, the names of Perry and the six soldiers who lost their lives are commemorated on its walls. The bodies of the six have been buried under its rotunda.

Standing 47 feet higher than the Statue of Liberty, Perry’s Memorial is the only international peace memorial in the US National Park System and ranks high on my list of things to do in Put-in-Bay.

Have you visited Put-in-Bay, one of Ohio’s Lake Erie vacation spots? What were some of the activities that are on the top of your list? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Monument
93 Delaware Avenue
Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456
Telephone: 419 285 2184

Where to Stay:

Sleep Inn, Port Clinton
947 OH-53 N
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Telephone: 419 732 7707

Where to Eat:

Casa Las Palmas
4000 E Harbor Light Landing Drive
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Telephone: 419 734 6593

What to Read:

Put-In-Bay books by Robert Adamov

Photo Guide for Put-in-Bay:

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay
Front entrance gate at Cedar Point
Glacial Grooves, Kelleys Island
Inside Crystal Cave, Put-in-Bay
Sunset from West Bay, Kelleys Island
Lake Erie Love signs, Nickel Plate Beach, Huron and Waterworks Park, Port Clinton
“Greetings From” murals, Port Clinton and Vermillion

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The River Trail at Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville, Tennessee

5 May 20243 May 2025

A beautiful canopy of hardwood forest, The North Cove Trail off of the Visitor’s Center leads to the River Trail at Ijams Nature Center. Depending on the season, there are blooms of silverbell and hydrangea or bloodroot and cut-leaved toothwort. In late spring, the strong scent of bugbane acts as a natural insect repellent as hummingbirds feed off of the sweet-smelling trumpet creepers.

Halfway through the .2-mile trail is a bridge. It is the scene of yellow-billed cuckoos and indigo buntings that look like blue, chubby cardinals. The sight of eastern box turtles during the warm summer months and sound of barred owls year around are what draw visitors to this trail throughout the year.

The River Trail was marked by a placard along the path and connected North Cove Trail with the Will Skelton Greenway. Along the .7 mile trek grew American bladdernut and the spicebush which produces bright red fruit in the fall. Yellow trillium and yellow celandine poppy come into sight during early spring, while Christmas ferns appear during the holiday season.

Located on the trail is the Boardwalk that runs along the Tennessee River. One of the highlights of this section of the walk is the geological rock formations and Maude Moore’s Cave.

A group of boy scouts paddle their canoes along the quiet, calm Tennessee River. It was a cool, peaceful morning for earning their badges as they identified plants and trees on the banks of the waterway. Along the river were sounds of the yellow and grey prothonotary warblers and swallows flying overhead.

Granite rock structures protruded from the cliffs. The serene landscape and solitude were interrupted by the sounds of birds perched in the nearby sycamore trees. The area is home to the white-eyed vireos, common yellow-throats, bald eagles and ospreys.

It was early enough in the morning where the coolness of the day appeared as a mist hovering over the river. We noticed a fisherman in a kayak trying his luck at catching bluegill and sunfish.

We soon approached one of the entrances to Cave Springs Caves, which were carved out by an underground stream. These entryways have been boarded up with wood to protect the bats and salamanders that live inside. Known by the locals as Maude Moore’s Cave, it was given this name because Maude, after having shot and killed Roy Harth, she hid in this cave system until giving herself up to law enforcement. She was later found not guilty for acting in self-defense.

On occasion, we looked over the side of the Boardwalk into the Tennessee River to see if there were turtles, lizards or snakes resting along the rocks. There was also the potential to see blue herons, belted kingfishers and crested cormorants that frequent the area to snack on a fish or two.

Although we couldn’t feel it, the earth beneath us was moving, creating faults and folds that are eventually exposed at the surface. Along the River Trail at Ijams Nature Center, there is a geological fold of rocks as a result of the pressure from the underground movement, but lucky for us, we hadn’t even noticed.

We came to a point where we had to decide whether to follow the River Trail or stay on the boardwalk. A set of rock stairs led up into the sugar maples, but we opted to continue towards the gravel road that leads to an old quarry and cedar glade. We eventually passed an obstacle course and noticed a placard that informed us of the meadow habitat up ahead.

We crossed through the field and found a small pond, home to frogs, salamanders and newts. The Visitor’s Center was within view, ending our hike and so we decided to go in for an opportunity to learn more about the Ijam’s nature center and its habitat.

Have you had the chance to visit Ijam’s Nature Center in Knoxville? What was the most fascinating aspect of your visit? I would be interested in hearing about your time spent at Ijam’s if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my hike and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ijam’s Nature Center
2915 Island Home Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37920
Telephone: 865 577 4717

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37916
Telephone: 865 971 4663

Where to Eat:

Babalu
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
Telephone: 865 329 1002

Check out my write up on this fabulous tapas restaurant, Babalu.

What to Eat in Knoxville:

Brunch at Bistro on the Bayou
Chicken pot pie
Fried Green Tomatoes
Mac and Cheese
Meatloaf
Tennessee Whiskey

What to Read:

Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide to Its Stories and Places, by Jack Neely

Photo Guide to Knoxville:

Bike Sculpture
Bridge Sunrise
CityView Sunset from SoKno
Fort Dickerson Quarry
Gay Street
Greetings from Knoxville Postcard Mural
House Mountain
Sunsphere
Tennessee Theater on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue
A View from the Bluffs

Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip

8 July 202319 April 2025

Having just returned from New Year’s in Las Vegas, Peter and I spent a relaxing week in San Francisco and made time to celebrate a friend’s birthday with a day of hiking and dinner in La Jolla. I was scheduled to go back to Ohio, but Peter suggested I extend my stay to include the weekend so that we could plan a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. We would start with a drive through the scenic towns of Santa Cruz, pass the scenic sanctuary of Big Sur and relax on our final night in Morro Bay before driving back up to San Francisco.

The charming town of Santa Cruz, translated as Holy Cross, is only 75 miles south of San Francisco and was the first stop on our PCH tour. Attracting surfers and artists, this laid-back beach community is known for its liberal activism and is home to the Resource Center for Nonviolence. We strolled along the boardwalk taking in the picturesque lagoon with its small sailboats stopping by for an afternoon lunch. Nearby attractions include the redwood forests and Monterey Bay, which is a protected marine sanctuary.

Visiting the casual coastal town of Monterey, we parked close to the pier where we enjoyed exploring the harbor, Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach Park and the world renowned aquarium. This seaside community has hosted a notable list of artists and writers who have made Monterey their muse. One of the most famous of these writers was John Steinbeck who celebrated the area of Monterey with his novels Cannery Row, East of Eden and Tortilla Flat.

Deciding at the last minute, we booked a room at the Monterey Bay Lodge realizing we needed more time to take in the fascinating attractions of this seaside village. Cannery Row is full of shops and restaurants and of course, I can’t miss a stop at Carmel Ridge Winery. The world renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, was also a must see on our list before traveling south.

Awaking early, we found the entrance to Monterey’s 17-mile drive on this overcast day. We paid the $10 entrance fee to enter the gated community of Pebble Beach with its glorious mansions and well-manicured golf courses. Driving through the scenic loop that passes through some of the most beautiful vistas, we made a few stops to photograph the gorgeous seascapes along the California coast. Originally known as the 18-mile drive, this section of roadway was opened in 1892 to horse and carriage traffic for scenic tours and remains a major attraction for visitors to Monterey.

The relaxing trek winds through rocky outcrops with a list of interesting sites that were identified on our map. Among the several notable overlooks are the Inn at Spanish Bay, Point Joe, Bird Rock, Seal Rock and Fanshell Beach, the Lone Cypress and Pescadaro Point. We traveled the full loop route which brought us back to the Pacific Grove Gate at Sunset Drive. From there we caught the PCH, passing through Carmel-by-the-Sea.

About twenty minutes outside of Carmel, we arrived at the Bixby Bridge, a familiar landmark along the scenic highway providing entrance into Big Sur. The steel structure seemed to sprout out from the craggy rocks overlooking the Pacific Ocean standing 280 feet high. Recognized as one of the tallest single-span bridges in the world, we carefully crossed the impending concrete structure continuing south on State Route 1.

Stepping out of the car at one of the many overlooks along the route, we took a moment to enjoy the silence of our surroundings. I felt a sense of solace watching the waves crest over the scattered boulders along the coast. The air had a smell of salt and earth.

Before us was a stretch of protected seashore boasting some of the most scenic landscapes of the western coast, making it one of the most popular vacation destinations in California.

Big Sur is credited for the emergence of the “New Age” era and is the location of the first Zen monastery built outside of Asia, the Tassajara. The inspirational scenery of this location was so beautiful that it attracted movie stars and millionaires. John Kerouac immortalized Big Sur in his writings and a variety of movies were filmed here to include the 1965 film “The Sandpiper” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, “Zandy’s Bride” and “The Stranger in Big Sur”.

In 1944, Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth purchased a cabin here, which is now the Nepenthe, a popular restaurant clinging to the coast about 800 feet above the coastline.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that within Big Sur are nine state parks. Detouring off of the main byway, we entered Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. We noticed a short hike that led to a secluded waterfall that claimed to offer another unforgettable scenic overlook. The well-marked waterfall trail wove back under the roadway and opened up to an endless view of the Pacific. Soon thereafter, the waterfall eked out between two monoliths resulting in a steady stream deposited onto the light sandy beach below.

The sun was beginning to set as we passed Hearst Castle. We agreed that we would continue our drive to Morro Bay where we would be staying the last night of our weekend and would come back to the castle the next day. This would allow us a full day to explore the residence instead of a couple of hours.

Upon arriving in the immaculate seaside location of Cambria, I felt as though we were entering a quaint little town in Germany. A charming stop along the Pacific coast, we took the opportunity to walk along Moonstone Beach were we spent about an hour before departing for our final stop of the evening.

We watched the sun as it sank beneath the western sky, leaving its beautiful trademark of kaleidoscope color behind. By the time we had reached Morro, it was nightfall, so we found our hotel and turned in for the night.

Looking over the map, I noticed a couple of places we could fit in before visiting Hearst Castle and making our final departure back to San Francisco. We packed up the SUV and soon learned it was not difficult to find Morro Bay with its large rock-like formation dominating the harbor.

A sandy roadway reached the base of the monolith so we decided to check it out. Morro is the Spanish word for rock, so the naming of this “rock” would seem appropriate until we learned that this megalith is actually a volcanic plug and is one of a series known as the Nine Sisters.

One of my work colleagues overheard that I would be exploring the Pacific Coast Highway and suggested that I book a night at The Madonna Inn in the college town of San Luis Obispo. He had attended Cal Poly College of Engineering and fell in love with the town. So when we read the description of rooms at the Madonna Inn, we were intimidated by the customized themes of Love Nest, Caveman Room, Safari Room and Jungle Rock and decided that if we had time to visit, we would at least stop for a look.

Pismo Beach’s uncanny quietness seemed more like a ghost town than a vibrant beachside tourist attraction, but it may have been because we had arrived so early in the morning. Known as one of the Five Cities it had once laid claim as the “Clam Capitol of the World” because the clams were so abundant it drew thousands of clammers to the area. To commemorate this designation, Pismo hosts their yearly Clam Festival in October.

It would have been a couple of hours until the shops opened, so we agreed to make our way towards San Simeon, with our last stop at Hearst Castle. Experiencing the Pacific Coast Highway removed us from the hustle and bustle of our city lives and brought us to a place where we could once again enjoy the pure nature of coastal crags and prickly pines. I can’t wait to do it all over again.

Do you have any comments or suggestions regarding the Pacific Coast Highway and the small towns mentioned here? What was your experience taking this amazing scenic drive? I would love to hear about your favorite stops, restaurants, hotels, etc. if you would kindly leave your message in the comments section! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Pacific Coast Highway

Cannery Row
Monterey, CA

Carmel Ridge Winery Tasting Room
700 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Telephone 831 324 0035

Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Telephone: 831 648 4800

Admission Fee: Tickets for Adults are $49.95, Children (3 – 12, under the age of three are free): $29.95; Student (ages 13 – 17 or college ID): $39.95, and Seniors (ages 65+): $39.95
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5PM
Amenities: Animals & exhibits; café & restaurant, gift shops; interactive programs, daily shows and feedings, live cams and animal guides.
Scenic View: The large glass tanks provide amazing views of the fish and additional sea life.
Length of Visit: More than three hours
Tips for Your Visit: Allow yourself plenty of time to visit the aquarium. During the first month of December, the facility provides a reduced admission rate for locals, so the aquarium can be crowded at this time. Should you decide to go outside of the aquarium to explore Monterey, they will stamp your hand for re-entry. Knowledgeable docents provide additional information about the aquarium. You may want to check with AAA if you have a membership for discounted tickets.

17-Mile Drive
Pebble Beach, CA 93953

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
47555 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
Telephone: 831 667 0148

Admission Fee: $10 per day per car; camping fee is $30 per night
Hours: Open ½ hour before sunrise and ½ hour after sunset.
Amenities: Hiking trails, picnic areas, exhibits and programs, interpretive exhibits, nature & wildlife viewing.
Scenic View: An 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail. A panoramic view of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline is available from the higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Contact the park ahead of time to see which trails are open as recently there have been several closings. Cell phone service is extremely limited in the park. Motorized aircraft are prohibited from flying below 1000 feet on the coast of Big Sur. Campfires are only permitted in the provided metal fire rings within the State Parks’ campgrounds. Firewood is available for purchase at the Pfeiffer Big Sur entrance kiosk and camp host sites for $12 per bundle and includes a firestarter.

Hearst Castle
750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 83452
Telephone: 800 444 4445

Admission Fee: $25 per adult and $12 per child ages 5 – 12; children under 5 are free
Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 4PM
Amenities: Several tour options available, movie theater, gardens and restaurant
Scenic View: Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from Hearst Castle.
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours or more if you have booked multiple tours.
Tips for Your Visit: Booking a tour is one of the best ways to explore Hearst Castle. The location is magical during the Christmas season as the castle is decorated for the holidays.

Where to Stay:

The Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Telephone: 805 543 3000

Where to Eat:

Nepenthe Restaurant
48510 Highway One
Big Sur, CA
Telephone: 831 667 2345

I ordered the Rueben sandwich with thin-sliced pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on marbled rye.

What to Eat:

Calamari
Ceviche
Fish and Chips
Local Oysters
Oyster Shooters
Steamed Clams and Mussels

What to Read:

Big Sur, by Jack Kerouac
South on Pacific Coast Highway, by Gary Paul Corcoran
California, by Kevin Starr
L.A. Noir, by John Buntin

Photo Guide to the Pacific Coast Highway in California

Bixby Bridge
Carmel-by-the-Sea beach
Garrapata State Beach for its wild calla lily valley
Hearst Castle
McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Pfeiffer Beach shoreline
Point Sur Lighthouse

Entering the tunnel towards the overlook

More PCH scenery

Big Sur at Sunset

Yellowstone’s Geyser Basin is an Out of This World Experience

1 December 201817 September 2024

Managing to wake up early before the dew disappeared, I followed the Upper Geyser Basin’s wooden boardwalk that meandered through the world’s largest concentration of geysers. It is estimated that 25,000 spectators pass through this menagerie of exotic formations each day. I was completely mesmerized by the clear water features and pools of water as they bubbled and sputtered from the heat.

I strolled the boardwalk with its twists and turns. There was a sulfuric cloud that floated above the geysers and hot springs in the morning. This gaseous mist could be seen from miles away. A mixture of orange and white run off trickled down towards the Excelsior Pool, last active in 1986 when it erupted for a period of 48 hours.

Exploring the features along the boardwalk, there was one in particular that caught my eye. It reminded me of a mini volcano with ashen sides and boiling water in its center.

The pools were as blue as the waters of the Caribbean. More cliffs and crags below the waterline were visible with the passing mist. Individual in their own way, some had crystallized edgings that gave a deceptive coldness to their character.

The contrast of color was intensified by the green of the nearby forest. The light blue pool of water and its rising steam was spectacular in the midst of this land of geological splendor.

And splendid it was as I admiringly approached the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the most beautiful of all the hot springs in Yellowstone. Just beneath its surface the volcanic magma heats the water reaching temperatures of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Having only spent an hour here, I was eager to move on to see the Grand Prismatic Spring feature of the Midway Geyser Basin. I was also looking forward to taking the Fairy Trail hike for a more scenic, unobstructed view of this beautiful place.

What is your favorite place to visit at Yellowstone? I would love to hear about your experience exploring this phenomenal National Park in the US if you would kindly leave your message in the comments below. Many thanks for reading my post about the Geyser Valley of Yellowstone! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7381

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and llama packing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead. For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls: Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone. I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7311

For a light lunch, I ordered the charcuterie plate which included meats, cheeses, olives, walnuts and whole grain crackers. It was the perfect location to enjoy the park sitting by a large viewing window, mesmerized by the spectacular view.

What to Eat:

Bison
Elk
Trout

What to Read:

American Wolf by Nate Blakeslee
Empire of Shadows: The Epic Story of Yellowstone, by George Black
The Wolverine Way, by Douglas H. Chadwick

Photo Guide for Yellowstone:

Artist Point
Excelsior Geyser Crater
Fairy Falls
Fountain Paint Pots
Grand Prismatic Spring
Great Fountain Geyser
Minerva Terrace
Morning Glory Pool
Norris Geyser Basin
Old Faithful
Overlook Point
Palette Spring
Roaring Mountain
Trout Lake
Upper Falls View

Exploring Norris Basin at Yellowstone National Park

24 November 201817 September 2024

Heading north, the plan for the day was to check out Norris Basin, explore Mammoth Hot Springs and begin making my way to Grand Teton National Park.

While the temperature was cold, the sun was shining bright as I put on my jacket and hiking boots to begin my next hike. The beautiful landscape ahead of me was surreal as I wandered the boardwalk exploring the unusual pools, gases and geysers.

Milky white liquids filled pools that seemed to be harmless, but their position along several major fault lines makes this location one of the hottest geyser basins in the park. Reaching temperatures of close to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, this may well be one of the hottest geyser basins in the world.

This area was abundant with sulfur and sulfuric acids making the water highly acidic and deadly to the trees and plants nearby. The surrounding countryside seemed desolate and barren. With an ever-changing environment, new geysers were being formed daily.

The journey was surreal as the boardwalk was only inches from the smoky haze coming from the ground below. Vegetation was few and far between, yet a single fir tree managed to rise out of the cauldron of steam seemingly unaffected by the poisonous gases.

South of the museum was a one-mile loop known as the Back Basin. I approached the Emerald Pool where, looking closely, I saw the slight bubbling of the pond. With its temperature just below boiling, it had a captivating color and clarity.

A short walk and I reached Steamboat Geyser which was spouting out hot water reaching only about 40 feet. It is known to erupt at distances of 300 feet, more than twice the size of Old Faithful, but this is a rare occasion, happening anytime within a span of 4 days to even 50 years.

The more predictable geysers were fun to watch as their eruptions could be determined like clockwork. With some surges occurring every few minutes, there were some lasting upwards to twenty minutes at a time. With an abundance of geological features, the basin is was one of the park’s more active areas in terms of exploding geysers and bubbling pools.

What is your favorite section of Yellowstone Park? Are you fascinated with the surging geysers or the colorful sulfuric pools. I would love to hear about your favorite memories of Yellowstone if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for taking the time to read my post about Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7381

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and llama packing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead. For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls: Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone. I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7311

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Walking Tour

26 March 201817 September 2024

A gorgeous scene awaited us as our cruise ship docked in the port of St. Maarten, the Dutch side of the island. We were met with an overcast sky and light rain, but by the time we finished breakfast, we had a beautiful day ahead of us.

St. Maarten is a working port, so there are container ships and cargo within reach. A short distance from the dock, signs leading into downtown Philipsburg pointed us in the direction of shops and restaurants. We estimated that the one mile walk would take us about thirty minutes into the center of town.

The dock led us through a shopping area where taxis and tour guide drivers waited to take passengers on excursions throughout the island. Continuing through the commercialized center, we decided to walk into Philipsburg for the day to take in the scenery.

Soon we reached a number of leisure boats anchored in the shallow end of Great Bay Beach. Thick, full palm trees hung over the beach and provided shade along the boardwalk. Strolling along Voorstraat (Front Street) we would soon be arriving into the outskirts of town.

Before reaching the beach, we made a stop at Chez Delphine located on Old Street to try a couple of freshly handmade fruit drinks. I ordered the local Guavaberry while Dave selected the Mango with Pineapple drink, which were fresh and fabulous (but a little pricey…$20 for 2).

We found outdoor seating on a perfectly combed, white sanded beach located across the restaurant. It was the perfect setting for us to enjoy our drinks and relax before entering town.

Strolling along the beach, we came upon two piers, so we walked out, looking back to enjoy the view of the Great Bay Beach and the surrounding area. We learned that we could have taken unlimited rides on the water taxi from the ship for seven dollars. Chair and umbrella rentals were also available for a small fee.

Enjoying the view from the pier, we nearly missed a turtle down below in the beautiful clear Caribbean waters and we took a few moments to watch it swim out into the ocean.

We decided to leave the beach behind and to start exploring the town’s center. Noticing Wathey Square (De Ruyterplein) and the 18th-century courthouse, we enjoyed the West Indian architecture with its delicate gingerbread fretwork.

One of the biggest attractions and the best place for souvenirs was the Guavaberry Island Folk Liqueur. We decided to find a store to purchase a few bottles to take home and also found spices and sugar cane. The store clerk informed us that they export the Old Man Brand to Florida, but we wanted to take some home to share with family and friends.

We were wrapping up the end of our walking tour and began our return back towards the shopping area.

Sint Maarten was the last port on our cruise and we would be staying in San Juan for a couple of days to rest and explore before our flight. We agreed that this was one of the cleanest ports on our itinerary. We enjoyed the small town feel with the option to relax at the beach. The weather cleared up just as we had expected and the temperature ended up in the mid 80’s. Just another beautiful day in paradise!

Working on cruise ships, I was often asked which port of call was my favorite. It was always such a difficult question to answer because each island/port has something different to offer and depending on my mood for that day, I may prefer one over the other for various reasons. Some of the reasons include, the food, the beaches, the locals and the nightlife, just to mention a few. Do you have a favorite port of call? Why? I would love to hear about it in the comments section below! Many thanks for joining me on my tour of Sint Maarten and wishing you Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Chez Delphine
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Telephone: 721 522 2313

I loved the guavaberry smoothie that I tried here! Yum!

Pirates in Paradise
69 C Front Street / Beach Side
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, 00001 Netherland Antilles
Telephone: 721 999 9999

More delicious frozen cocktails to enjoy inside of the sports bar or the beach bar.

Where to Stay:

Oyster Bay Beach Resort
10 Emerald Merit Road
Sint Maarten
Telephone: 866 978 0212

UPDATE: Oyster Bay Beach Resort was devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017. The resort will be reopening in June of 2018.

Where to Eat:

Ocean Lounge
45 Boardwalk
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Telephone: 721 542 1572

The Ocean Lounge is located in the Holland House Beach Hotel offering a spectacular ocean view. We ordered the Tuna Tataki to start and the Red Snapper with jasmine rice.

L’Escargot Restaurant
96 Front Street
Philipsburg, St. Maartin
Netherlands Antilles
Telephone: 721 542 2483

On a return trip, and with a new boyfriend David, we took the advice of our concierge and made reservations at L’Escargot for French cuisine. We each placed an order for Les Escargots de Bourgogne (snails in butter), while I decided upon the Surf and Turf (lobster and filet mignon), while David was completely satisfied with the La Langouste Thermidor. Of course we shared, and I am still dreaming about the lobster with crabmeat baked in the shell, served with white wine, mushrooms and cheese. It doesn’t get any better than this….oh yes it does, Edith Piaf was playing in the background. Ahhhh…sublime!

What to Eat:

Callaloo – a soup made with fresh greens, onions and okra as well as pork
Codfish Fritters
Conch and Dumplings
Crabmeat-Stuffed Shells (Crab Backs)
Guavaberry Liquer
Johnny Cakes – similar to pancakes but made with cornmeal
Locri – a dish of rice, chicken and a variety of vegetables
St. Maartan Spareribs
Whelk soup – a soup made from saltwater mollusks that are smaller than conch. Usually stewed in coconut milk, additional seasonings are added to give it a unique taste.

What to Read:

Gone Bamboo, by Anthony Bourdain
St. Maarten, by Jaron Summers
The Marigot Run, by John Ballern
Island in the Sun, by Alec Waugh

Photo Guide for Sint Maarten

Anse Marcel Viewpoint
Cupecoy Beach
Fort St. Louis
Friar’s Bay Beach
Happy Bay Beach
Maho Beach
Mullet Bay Beach
Phillipsburg
Pic Paradis
Trou de David (David’s Hole)

Chez Delphine

St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church

Sint Maarten Water Taxi

The Port of Sint Maarten

Ships at Sint Maarten

Beach in Sint Maarten

Water Pad in Sint Maarten

Sea Turtle from the Pier

Postcards from Hell, Grand Cayman

31 July 201431 August 2024

Our plane touched down on the island of Grand Cayman where the weather was a balmy 80 degrees in January of 1997. Traveling with my friend Cheryl, we were excited to pick up our rental car, check into our hotel on Seven Mile Beach and begin exploring the island, most known for its spectacular diving.

Located 480 miles south of Miami, Grand Cayman is one of three of the Cayman Islands which is a popular cruise ship port for the Western Caribbean itineraries. I had visited here while working for the cruise lines and longed for its laid back atmosphere, friendly stingrays and beautiful white sand beaches.

After checking into our hotel, we didn’t waste time exploring the island starting with a visit to Hell. Staying on Seven Mile Beach, we drove north until we reached the island’s West Bay.

The attraction was surprisingly small, but since it was free, we followed the boardwalk towards acres of black-covered limestone formations. The rocks appeared to have been scorched from a raging fire, leaving an eerie landscape resembling a Biblical apocalypse.

Hell’s owner, Ivan Farrington was well known by the locals as he became famous for wearing a devil costume at the site. Visitors could pose for photos with the “Devil in Hell”, a picture perfect opportunity.

UPDATE: As of spring of 2019, Ivan is selling his geological attraction of Hell for an outstanding eight million dollars. Any takers?

Hell was really not much to write home about, but we thought it would be fun to send a postcard back to family and friends from the post office. We browsed the gift shop, posted our cards and decided to drive back to the hotel.

We found The Cracked Conch, a nearby restaurant where we dined on unbelievable seafood. After dinner, we decided to enjoy the pool before a big day of adventure tomorrow. We planned to wake up early and drive towards the east of the island to explore its interesting attractions and shoreline views, so we will be needing a great night’s sleep.

Have you visited Grand Cayman’s West Bay town of Hell? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my throwback visit to Grand Cayman and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Devil’s Hangout
Hell Road, West Bay
Hell, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Telephone: +345 949 3358

Where to Stay:

Sunshine Suites Resort
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 877 780 1110

Where to Eat:

Cracked Conch
847 North West Point, Road, West Bay
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 345 945 5217

This award-winning restaurant is located on the West Bay of Grand Cayman offering fresh seafood (namely conch) with spectacular oceanfront views. Order the outstanding conch ceviche, followed by the Pan Seared Snapper served with creamy chorizo, local cho cho, Madagascar beans and tomato vinaigrette. Save room for the Guava Glazed Bread & Butter Pudding! You won’t believe their amazing liquor selection.

What to Eat:

Caymanian Fruit Cake: Very similar to the Christmas fruit cakes made in the US, Grand Cayman also makes its own fruit cake with local fruit soaked in rum.
Coconut Shrimp: Grand Cayman uses fresh shaved coconut for this lovely appetizer, giving the dish an irresistible flavor.
Conch Stew: Conch is a popular ingredient in many dishes on the island of Grand Cayman. The stew includes this sea snail cooked with tomatoes, island herbs and Cayman peppers adding some heat to the stew.
Fish Rundown: Grand Cayman’s fish rundown is unique to the island made from chunks of local fish or salt beef, coconut milk and local spices. The stew can either contain plantain, dumplings or breadfruit, this is a seafood dish you won’t want to miss.
Heavy Cake: Considered the national cake of the island, the heavy cake is made from cassava (tapioca) flour which comes from a root grown on the island. Based on a 200 year old recipe, the moist, dense cake is very sweet and is usually flavored with the spices cinnamon and nutmeg.
Johnny Cakes (Fritters): Made from unleavened dough, the Johnny Cake is sweetened, baked and then fried as an outstanding appetizer.
Mudslide: A cocktail made with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream. Often times it is topped with whipped cream from a can.
Turtle Stew: Turtle stew, the national dish of the Cayman Islands, is a popular staple on many restaurant menus and the locals use farm raised turtles as its main ingredient. Order a side of rice and plantains to complete the experience.

What to Read:

The Firm by John Grisham
Founded Upon the Seas: A History of the Cayman Islands by Michael Craton
The Cayman Islands by Hans Hanau
Cayman Cowboys by Eric Douglas

Photo Guide for Grand Cayman

Cayman Crystal Caves: stalagmites and stalactites; a great place to cool off during the summer
Rum Point: beautiful shades of blue ocean and the directional sign
Seven Mile Beach: pristine white sand for miles
Smith Cove: for its crystal clear water
Stingray City: above or below water, you can capture some amazing photos of the tame, super-friendly stingrays
Sunset over the Edge Cafe: amazing sunsets from this restaurant and bar

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