The Home of the Bighorn Sheep, Anza-Borrego

15 July 202319 April 2025

The Anza-Borrego Desert is one of my favorite places in Southern California to hike. Located about two hours east of San Diego, the Anza-Borrego is a perfect location to experience geological diversity as well as explore the flora and fauna of a desert environment.

First stop in Julian, CA prior to entering the Anza Borrego Park

Before reaching the entrance into the state park, I couldn’t resist a stop in charming Julian. This “one-horse” town is a welcome oasis from the long, uneventful drive from the city. Designated as a California Historical Landmark, it was once a thriving gold rush settlement in the early 1800s. My favorite place to stop is Julian Pie Company on Main Street and bring home a pie or two.

Apple trees were first brought to Julian when settlers arrived hoping to strike it rich with the gold rush. The fruit crops thrived in the fresh mountain air and Julian has since been known for its world-famous apple pies.

The origin of the park’s name, Anza-Borrego, is Spanish. Anza represents an 18^th century Spanish explorer who roamed the desert area and the word Borrego means bighorn sheep. It is the largest park in the state of California and I found myself a little lost at times, not only in its beauty, but within its wide open spaces.

There are close to 500 miles of dirt roads and over 100 miles of hiking trails. Since I was coming from San Diego, I entered the park from state route 79, passing through the Laguna Mountains.

My favorite part of the drive was watching the landscape appear in the twists and turns of my route. I pulled over to capture multiple peaks framed by the rocky hills rising up on each side of the road. The desert landscape showed only a hint of green even during my spring visit in March and I imagined that it would be extremely hot and unbearable during the summer months.

Because the park is named after the bighorn sheep, I was desperately hoping to see one. I imagined watching them climb the steep cliffs sure-footed and quick, but unfortunately, they were nowhere to be found. The park is home to animals such as the kit fox, mule deer, coyotes, red diamond rattlesnakes, roadrunners as well as jackrabbits.

Approaching the exit of the park, I wondered what types of animals lived here during prehistoric times. With a little research, I learned that paleontologists and archaeologists have uncovered evidence of large birds, sloths and cheetahs, saber-toothed cats and camels.

I could spend hours at Anza Borrego and often found myself wanting to return for a weekend camping trip. I imagined the park full of exotic animals that once roamed these desert mountains. I was somewhat disappointed that during all of the times I have visited, I had not seen any of its spectacular wildlife. There was plenty of brown vegetation and it was such a welcome site to pass the red blooming ocotillo plant. Proof that life could have actually survived here.

Is there a location that gives you the opportunity to reflect and escape? Have you visited the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park? I would love to hear about your experience here if you would kindly leave you comment in the section below! Many thanks for reading about my lovely day at Anza and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Anza-Borrego State Park
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Telephone: 760 767 4205

Admission Fee: There is no charge for visiting Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk; The visitor center is open seven days a week from 9AM to 5PM.
Amenities: Camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, historical/cultural site, picnic areas, parking
Scenic View: The vista point provides scenic views of the park.
Length of Visit: Over 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: February and March are the best times to visit to see the spring flowers. Cellular and internet service may be limited at times. Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks and that you fuel up your vehicle before entering the park. Because this is the desert, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen as temperatures can be very warm.

Where to Stay:

Julian Gold Rush Hotel
2032 Main Street, PO Box 1856
Julian, CA 92036
Telephone: 760 765 0201

Where to Eat:

Julian Pie Company
2225 Main Street
Julian, CA 92036
Telephone: 760 765 2449

What to Eat:

Pie, lots of pie….

What to Read:

The Anza-Borrego Desert Region: A Guide to State Park and Adjacent Areas of the Western Colorado Desert, by Diana Lindsay and Lowell Lindsay
Anza-Borrego A to Z, by Diana Lindsay
Hiking Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, by Bill Cunningham and Polly Cunningham
House of the Fox: An Art Mystery Set in California’s Anza-Borrego Desert, by Cornelia Feye

Photo Guide for the Anza-Borrego Desert:

Font’s Point for a scenic overlook of the badlands
Borrego Palm Canyon for a lovely group of palms which can be reached by A-Z’s most famous hike.
Borrego Springs, a small town located inside of the park for the stars and unusual artwork by Ricardo Breceda
Native American artwork can be seen throughout the park and it is estimated that there are over 50 major art rock sites to include Pictograph Trail in Little Blair Valley.
Ghost Mountain to see writer Marshal South’s homestead ruins.
The wildflowers of spring

Julian Lodge, Bed & Breakfast

Evidence of Fire at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

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

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.

Mammoth Springs, An Apocalyptic Fairytale

10 November 201817 September 2024

Arriving into Mammoth Hot Springs, there was a large crowd of visitors standing around the center of town. From a distance it was difficult to see what was taking place downtown, but as I drove closer, I noticed a large bull elk and his harem. Roaming the Parade Lawn were about twenty beautiful females.

The crowd began to push in and as they moved closer to the elk, a park ranger warned the group to move away from the herd. Clearly ignoring the warning sign placards, guests seemed to have forgotten that bull elks can become unpredictable when provoked and dangerous if startled. I thought it best to leave the potentially dangerous situation and decided to explore the Hot Springs of Yellowstone.

Situated at the north end of Yellowstone, Mammoth sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. One of the most photographed areas of the park, it is known for its multi-layered colors created by volcanic chemicals.

The orange limestone terraces glowing in the sunlight were bold in comparison to the white chalky substance. Created by algae and bacteria, there is a strong contrast between the colors that stand out from the rest of the scene. A continuous mist was rising up from the stepping stones as if to reach the sun and stars. Unlike the other features in the park, the view seemed as though I had just landed on another planet.

The scenes of the park took my breath away. A lone tree sprouted up from the white limestone against the blue sky creating an image that could only be painted by a surrealist. As if rising out of a fairytale book, I was sure that nymphs or sprites could appear at any moment.

Located on the Upper Terrace of Mammoth Springs is the New Blue Springs. Without one speck of blue to be seen, this monochromatic contrast with colors of white and orange would seem most likely to exist on planet Mars.

Approaching the last formations of limestone, I found this area to be one of the most unique collection of springs. Unequivocally unique in its design, they are one of the many reasons that four million visitors arrive in Yellowstone National Park each year.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Yellowstone National Park? What were the highlights of your trip? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave your experience in the comments section below. Many thanks for taking the time to read about my fabulous trip to Yellowstone National Park 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

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Summer’s End at Custer State Park: The Wildlife Drive

13 October 201817 September 2024

Dark clouds appeared overhead as a storm began to roll in at Custer State Park. Uncertain if the weather would put a damper on my afternoon, I continued on with my plans to explore the Wildlife Drive. Known for its amazing animal sightings, I was looking forward to seeing bison, burros or even a mountain goat.

Custer State Park is both a state park and wildlife reserve. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, it is named after Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer providing a home to many wild animals on its 71,000 acres. The park is most known for its large Bison population of 1500, its prairie dog towns and burros. Other animals residing in the park include elk, mule deer, white tailed deer, mountain goats, big horn sheep, pronghorn and mountain lions.

Here are some of the amazing sites I had the opportunity to see while exploring the Wildlife Drive at Custer State Park.

Fisherman Ponds

Views from the Lookout

Groundhog

American Bison

Prairie Dog Town

White-Tailed Deer

Wild Burro

Spectacular Landscape

Nearby attractions I was not able to visit included the Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park, but one day, I hope to make it here.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Custer State Park? Did you drive the Wildlife Loop Road? I would love to hear about your adventure if you kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Custer State Park
13329 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD 57730
Telephone: 605 255 4515

Don’t miss the Wildlife Loop Drive for the opportunity to see the park’s wildlife up close in their natural habitat.

Admission Fee: Weekly Park License: $20 per vehicle, $10 per motorcycle, motorcoach license: $3 per person per visit.
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Visit the website for the hours of the Visitor’s Centers.
Amenities: Hiking, biking, bird watching, camping, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, cross country skiing, horseback riding, rock climbing, swimming, scenic drives; buffalo auction and buffalo roundup
Scenic View: The Wildlife Drive provides opportunities to see a wide variety of animals in their natural habitat.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Drive slowly through the Wildlife Loop and be cautious of animals crossing the road. Take the drive early in the morning in the late afternoon for best viewing opportunities. Do not feed the animals and maintain a safe space between yourself and the animals.

Where to Stay:

Custer State Park Resort
The Blue Bell Lodge
Telephone for Reservations: 888 875 0001

While I spent the night at the Blue Bell Lodge, there are several other properties around the park to book as well.

Where to Eat:

Ruby House Restaurant
124 Winter Street
Keystone, SD 57751
Telephone: 605 666 4404

I wanted to visit a place with an Old West feel that served steak and I came to the right place! The Bourbon Ribeye was fantastic!

So many other options along Mt. Rushmore Road.

What to Eat:

Buffalo: A meat substitute for beef which is much healthier to eat.
Chokecherries are a Native American cherry that is made into jam, preserves, butter, wine, jelly and sauce. Wojapi is a chokecherry sauce.
Dakota Martini is made of three-fourths beer and one-fourth tomato juice
Fleisch Kuchele is a meat pie originating from Germans who lived in Russia. The dough is filled with meat and onions, then deep fried until the pastry is hot and flaky.
Hot Beef Commercial, also known as hot beef sandwich, beef combination, hot beef combo and hot beef combination. This is a sandwich made of real mashed potatoes and chunks of seasoned roast beef sandwiched between two pieces of white bread and smothered with homemade gravy until it floods the plate.
Indian Fry Bread is the state bread of South Dakota, a recipe of the local Indians.
Indian Tacos are made with a specially spiced beef and beans, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, onion, black olives and house made picante sauce on the top.
Kolache is an amazing Czech dessert made from pastry and filled with fruit filling such as apple, cherry, lemon, apricot, prune and strawberry.
Kuchen is German for cake and in South Dakota, visitors can enjoy this pastry filled with custard and fruit.
Lefse is a flat potato bread coming from Norwegian-American origin and served with butter
Mocha Cakes, also known as Blarney stones, are square or rectangular blocks of light and airy white cake. Frosted on all sides with vanilla buttercream, they are rolled in lightly salted crushed peanuts for ideal flavor and texture.
Pasties are savory hand pies.
Tiger Meat is South Dakota’s answer to steak tartare.
Wasna is a buffalo and berry dish passed down by the Lakota Indians.
Zebra Donuts are marbled chocolate and vanilla donuts that is fried, dunked in sweet glaze and hand-dipped in homemade chocolate frosting which feeds 15.

Photo Guide for Custer State Park, South Dakota:

Use a telephoto lens for capturing animals far away in the distance.
Explore the Wildlife Drive for opportunities to see wildlife
Take a Jeep Safari tour to gain closer to access to the amazing wildlife in the park
Take your photos at dawn and dusk for excellent time to see wildlife.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Santorini: Life on a Volcano

4 August 201816 September 2024

Arriving by sea, the cruise ship pushed forward, edging closer to dramatic views of whitewashed villages atop Santorini’s crescent-shaped caldera. The scenic view of watching the island appear between the islands of Sikinos and Ios is breathtaking. Undeniably one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Santorini’s history, scenic views and whitewashed buildings are incredibly fascinating, but it is the island’s gorgeous sunsets that make the “Devil’s Isle” worth a stop in the Cyclades.

Santorini is one of a group of islands that includes the isles of Santorini and Therasia, while the uninhabited islets of New Kameni and Palaia Kameni (the “Burnt Isles”), Aspronisi (“White Isle) and Christiana are great for day hiking. Surviving one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, what remains of Santorini are the steep 1100 feet cliffs and the water-filled caldera.

When the island was first established, it was appropriately named Kallisti which means the “the most beautiful one”. By the thirteenth century, the Empire of Romania renamed the island Santorini after Saint Irene of Thessoloniki, who was martyred in the 4th century BC. Locals may refer to the island as Thera, which became its official name in the 19th century.

To confuse matters a little, Santorini’s capital is also Thera (Fira), located on the northern side of the island. The town of Oia, with its whitewashed houses and colorful domes, displays the typical scenery that one sees in travel magazines and photographs.

Anchoring within the cove of the caldera, passengers boarded the ship’s tender offering transportation to the south end of the island, the New Port at Athinios.

After researching the opportunities available on Santorini, I decided to purchase the ship’s excursion which included a stop at the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Greek-inspired lunch and then sunset in Fira. That morning, the tour group boarded the bus and our driver began the steep climb up the side of the cliffs. As the bus rounded the corner, I could see the cruise ships in the harbor and, in the distance, the smaller islands in the caldera.

As we entered The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, I had not imagined the complexity of the archaeological dig. I was impressed that the site was enclosed under a large structure, which was built to protect the ancient ruins. Unlike many excavations, the structures, streets and artifacts were intact and in pristine condition.

Boarding the bus, I was left thinking about how terrifying it would have been for the Santorinians during the time of the volcanic explosion and was relieved to think that they were smart enough to leave town before the event.

Next, we had the lovely pleasure of spending time in the picturesque town of Oia (or Ia) which is located at the northern tip of the island. Oia’s charm is seen in its white-washed buildings and gorgeous bougainvillea making it the most photographed village of the Aegean. Walking through Santorini’s second-largest town, I noticed the beautiful whitewashed fences, narrow passageways and staircases that disappeared into restaurants and hotels. Searching for the central square, there were gorgeous views of the cobalt sea and rust-colored lava cliffs in the distance.

White washed churches with their stunning blue domes are the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Santorini. The charming combination actually keeps the buildings cool over the hot summer months.

After learning about the local cave houses, I found the Laskarina’s Old Bakery Cave House in Oia. I had plenty of time to stop by to explore this gorgeous home before finding a restaurant to try the local wine. Carved into the rocks on top of the cliff, some of these beautiful structures have remained here for many years. This amazing location was once a bakery and the interior and decor were completely stunning. The views from Old Bakery were spectacular and would have been the perfect location to watch the sunset.

I easily found an authentic Greek restaurant that offered all of the local dishes and was interested in sampling the world-renowned wines of Santorini where the grapes are grown in volcanic ash. I ordered the tzatziki sauce with pita bread and a glass of Aryitiko, the island’s popular dry white wine. My second glass of wine was the Vinsanto, which is a sweeter white, produced from dried grapes at Gavalas a local winery in Megalochori. Santorinian wines are served in some of the most upscale restaurants in the world and I knew I had to buy a few bottles.

The dramatic cliffs provided several opportunities to witness a bird’s eye view of the town. The awnings, walkways and balconies along the side streets piqued my interest as I strayed away from the main street to enjoy the extraordinary scenery. Wandering the streets, I could easily lose myself among the unique landscape with scenic views all around me.

Oia is full of surprises and one of them is the Venetian Kasteli (Castle) of Agios Nikolas. Built in the Middle Ages, as a beautiful church carved in the side of the rock, it also served as a lookout point. Much of the structure was damaged in the earthquake of 1956 and only the Goulas (watchtower) exists. It is one of many ideal locations to watch the sunset.

Another gem located below the town of Oia, at the base of the cliff, is the Harbour of Amoudi. From Oia, there are 300 stairs that reach the harbor, known for its red lava cliffs.

From the Harbour of Amoudi, the ferry service takes tourists out to the islet of Therasia. A piece of land untouched by tourism and commercialization, the landscape draws hikers and adventurers. Within fifteen minutes, tourists can experience an authentic Theran village and view the caldera from a different perspective.

What remains of the volcano wraps around to create a semi-circular basin. The spectacular formation of the caldera dominates the view at every angle and I wondered how it would have looked before the eruption.

Taking in the sunset in Fira is highly recommended, but not before we lunched at Restaurant Iris. We boarded the bus for a short ride and arrived at the restaurant to enjoy a buffet of Greek food and desserts. Since I had already eaten, I had a lovely conversation with our tour guide who was happy to give me an insight to the current economic situation in Greece. We had a lovely dining experience and looked forward to winding down our day where we would witness one of the most spectacular sunsets in all of the world.

Fira is located close to the cruise ships dock and is the starting point for most tourists visiting the island. The town has made it very easy to find the perfect location to enjoy the sunset although it can be more crowded than Oia at sunset. From this vantage point, the structures built into the lava cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop and view.

Several options are available to reach the town of Fira. For the adventurous, brave and strong, a set of 587 stairs reach the top. This is also the way of the donkeys, so if one does not mind sharing the route with donkeys, there are no lines and no waiting. Riding up the cliff on a donkey-for-hire is another possibility as long as the mule is not stubborn.

Cable car rides run every 20 minutes and takes only a couple of minutes to go up or down. Each car transports 36 people at a time and is very convenient, quick way to travel. The cost is 6 Euros one way and there may be a wait, especially when cruise ships are in port.

The town has made it very easy to find a cliffside, seaside spot to enjoy the sunset and there are many more options here in the energetic village of Fira. Fellow cruise ship passengers waited for the spectacular show as the sun began to hide behind a piece of the caldera. We watched in awe as the sunlight reflected off of the iconic Clycladic architecture.

Undeniably, the view from Santorini a couple of hours before sunset is phenomenal. As the sun slowly disappears behind the caldara, the sun’s light dances upon the cove below and reflects off of the cliffs and islands to create a magnificent pink glow.

And this is the sight that we are all anticipating….the beautiful sunset at Fira.

No one can deny that Santorini is magical, spectacular and everything in between. Picturesque at every turn, the island is one of the most scenic and enchanting of the Greek isles. What a beautiful opportunity to capture the essence of Fira at twilight. I could have stood in this moment forever but this moment of awe would soon come to an end.

Moving towards the cable cars, I looked back at the extraordinary scene. I couldn’t help but contemplate if the ancient Greeks knew that they were living among one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. I think I have found my Atlantis.

Have you been to Santorini or any of the other Greek Islands? What would you recommend doing on my return visit? I would love to hear your comments below! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Thera 84700 Greece
Telephone: +30 2286 081939

Admission Fee: 12 Euros for full ticket price and 6 Euros for reduced ticket price; The special ticket price of 14 Euros for full ticket or 7 Euros for reduced ticket is good for 4 days and allows admission to the archaeological sites and museum in Thera, Ancient Thera, Akrotiri and the archaeological museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Collection of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artifacts at Pyrgos. Children and students 18 years of age and under are free of charge.
Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 3 PM Tuesday to Sunday in the months of November 1 to March 31; open from 8 AM to 8 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Thursdays from 8 AM to 3 PM in the months from April 4 – October 31. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Amenities: Historic tours, Exhibits, Group Tours, Special Exhibits
Scenic View: Amazing archaeological artifacts
Length of Visit: 4 hours

Gavalas Winery
Megalochori, Santorini, Cyclades
Telephone: +30 22 8608 2552

Call or email the winery directly for hours of operation. Email: info@gavalaswines.gr

Harbour of Ammoudi
Sunset Ammoudi Taverna
Unnamed Road
Oia, Santorini, 847 09 Greece
Telephone: +30 2286 071614

Santorini Donkey

Santorini Cable Car

Where to Stay:

Laskarina’s Old Bakery Cave House
Oia Santorini Thira
Oia, Egeo , 84702 Greece

Where to Eat:

Restaurant Iris
Imeroviglion, Kiklahedes
Santorini, Greece 84700
Telephone: +30 2286 032692

What to Eat:

Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
Greek Salad
Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
Gyros
Lamb
Local Olives
Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
Pomegranates
Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

The Summer House in Santorini by Samantha Parks
One Summer in Santorini by Sandy Barker
Secrets of Santorini by Patricia Wilson

Photo Guide for Santorini:

Akrotiri Lighthouse
Amoudi Beach for the private beach and lovely restaurants (see octopus hung up for drying)
The town of Caldera for panoramic views of the sunset and center of the caldera
Fira for the sunsets from restaurants and bars
Fira for the scenic views of whitewashed buildings
Oia
Skaros Rock
Windmills in Oia and Fira

For more information about the beautiful country of Greece, visit my following links!

Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed and Wild
The Island of Delos: A Lesson in Greek Mythology
Corfu: An Old Town, Palace and Monastery
Corinth, A Biblical and Historical Perspective
The Site of Olympia and its Role in the Olympic Games
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia
Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

Ship’s Ahoy! Pirate Boat Shore Excursion, Antigua

17 November 201531 August 2024

Cruising through the Caribbean, I finally reached the island of Antigua. Known for its beautiful beaches, historical forts and dockyard as well as its natural landscape, I was interested in purchasing the “Best of Antigua” excursion. Unfortunately, it was sold out. With limited options available from the ship, I decided to board a local Pirate Cruise for the afternoon which included a stop at the beach with drinks included.

Announcements were made for passengers holding tickets for the ship’s excursions to make their way to the meeting area prior to leaving. Crowds of passengers headed down towards the dock where we awaited the arrival of the pirate vessel. According to the literature, this tall ship was used in the filming of “Pirates of the Caribbean”, which made the experience even more exciting. Anyone up for a sword fight against Jack Sparrow?

We boarded the Black Swan and checked out its main deck and masts as well as the Jolly Roger flag. The crew gave us a safety presentation followed by an overview of the parts of a pirate ship. We learned how pirates would circumnavigate the Caribbean in search of trade ships to plunder as we sailed the open waters.

The small white caps of the waves were proof of a calm, gentle sailing. It was the perfect ship to shore experience. The informational session continued as we coasted towards Deep Bay beach. We would have an hour and a half to explore the coast by hiking the trail towards Fort Barrington on Goat Hill or take the opportunity to sunbathe.

The craggy rocks would have made sailing these waters dangerous for both merchants and pirates. The outcroppings and coves would have been the perfect protection for pirates surviving the islands, raiding merchants ships and stealing their cargo.

Cruising through the passageway we noticed a stone fort perched upon the hill. Just as we were passing by, the sound of cannons boomed from the mound and pirates threatened to board our ship. So the battle began.

The reenactment between the pirates on the island lasted about 10 to 15 minutes. It was just enough time to bring us to the beach where we hopped off for some fun in the sun.

We safely approached the bay and were greeted by other sailboats and pontoons in a beautiful harbor setting.

We were tendered off of the pirate ship to the beautiful sandy beach of Deep Bay. From here, we climbed the trail towards the fort in search of buried treasure taking in the stunning coastline of the harbor. It was a short hike and I had some extra time to enjoy the surf and sand.

The clouds began to roll in protecting us from the heat of the day. The water was crystal clear and the perfect temperature for a short swim. In the distance, sailboats were anchored off shore providing a picture perfect view and the salty air was the best therapy I could have ever imagined.

On our return, we indulged in the unlimited, free Pirate Punch provided by the pirate ship crew. We enjoyed the music and dancing as we tried on our pirate headgear looking fierce and ready for a take-down. The brave ones were challenged with the opportunity to “steer” the boat while the rest of us relaxed, sipping on pirate juice.

We arrived at the dock with about an hour remaining. I had time to stop by The Island Beehive, a popular bar for cruise ship passengers that specialized in fruity cocktails and people watching. Shops surrounding the square filled with tourists shopping for local deals while Antiguans were dancing in the streets, entertaining us with their local zydeco music.

It was finally time to stroll back to the ship where I could see a pier off into the distance. I was happy to have the short visit, but as always, cruising reminds me of my former life as a cruise ship purse. Always a great time with the friends I made from one ship to the next. How I miss those laid-back, worry-free days.

The cruise ship was within sight and I had plenty of time before departure. I couldn’t help but think back to my days at sea when I would return to a port each week, but unfortunately those days were gone. I learned so much from my work with the cruise lines, such as the island culture and its history. I always look forward to an island cruise to reminisce about those irreplaceable memories.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Antigua/Barbuda? Did you arrive by cruise ship or stay for an extended period of time? I would love to hear about the places you visited, the restaurants where you dined and the memories that you made if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience in Antigua and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Black Swan: This excursion was booked through the cruise line.

Where to Stay:

Cocobay Antigua
Hughes Point
St. Phillips, Antigua, West Indies
Telephone: 268 736 8000

Where to Eat:

Sheer Rocks at Cocobay Resort
Ffryes Beach, Valley Road
St. Mary’s, Antigua, West Indies
Telephone: 268 463 6161

We started with the Seafood Risotto, Pan Roasted Grouper and a glass of Muscadet Sevre et Maine. Saving room for dessert, we ordered the Banana and Rum Cake as well as the Passion Fruit Mousse. The meal was spectacular!

What to Eat:

Antiguan black pineapple is sweeter than the traditional pineapple and lower acidity.
Antiguan butter bread – a staple bread in Antigua
Ducana is dumpling filled with sweet potato, grated coconut, sugar and spices and placed between banana leaves. This delicious appetizer is either fried or boiled.
Fungee and Pepperpot Stew is a hearty stew with meat and vegetables that is simmered for hours; paired with a cornmeal and okra based bread for dipping
Saltfish, an abundant seafood of the island.

What to Read:

Books by Jamaica Kincaid
Sailing for Home, Theo Dorgan
Journeycakes: Memories with My Antiguan Mama by Monica Matthew

Photo Guide for Antigua and Barbuda:

The colorful port of St. John, best taken from the end of the fishing pier
View of the English Harbor from Shirley Heights
Galley Bay, the island’s most popular beach
The white sands of Ffryes Beach
Half Moon Bay, Antigua
Pink Sand Beach of Barbuda
Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation
Fort James
Nelson’s Dockyard
Sunset from Jolly Beach and Jolly Harbour, best seen from helicopter
Red telephone booth at Dickensen Bay at Antigua
The Causeway in English Harbour, Antigua

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Five Reasons You Should Visit the Grand Canyon This Summer

18 August 201431 August 2024

2016 is a special year for the United States National Park Service as they celebrate their 100^th anniversary. What better way to commemorate this milestone than to visit one of their amazing parks this year?

Maybe you should consider The Grand Canyon National Park located outside of Flagstaff, Arizona. This is one of my favorite parks to visit in the US for several reasons, but here are my top five:

The Winding Colorado River, Grand Canyon

The Scenery and Landscapes
How could I even begin to describe the awe that comes from viewing the Grand Canyon? It seems unimaginable that the power of one river, the Colorado, could carve out something so beautiful over a long period of time. With a length of 277 miles and stretching 18 miles wide, this geological phenomenon attracts close to 5 million visitors each year.

April Snow on the Grand Canyon

In addition to the enormity of the canyon, the layer upon layer of color is the perfect backdrop to a kaleidoscope landscape. The park is divided into two sections, the North Rim, reaching heights of about 1,000 feet over the South Rim. This difference in elevation means that the North Rim’s temperature is colder and access to this section of the canyon is limited during the winter season. During one of our visits in April, there was evidence of a recent snowfall.

Depending on the weather, the South Rim is typically open all year round while the North Rim is generally open mid-May to mid-October.

The Fabulous View of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon

History
The Grand Canyon has been inhabited for thousands of years with its first settlements erected by the Native Americans. Known by the Indians as “Ongtupqa”, this was a holy site and pilgrimages were made to this canyon and its many caves. One of the most interesting sites of Indian habitation is located at Nankoweap Creek where ancestral granaries can be found along the Colorado River. Fast forward a few hundred years and the area would eventually be visited by the Spanish and later the Americans. It would one day become a preserve established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and then declared as the 17^th US National Park in the year 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson.

Desert View Watchtower

Driving or Tram Tour
Many of the buildings, sites and attractions are located on the South Rim and are easily accessible from Grand Canyon Village. The park provides a tram on the grounds which is also very convenient, stopping at the major sites. Here are some of the points of interest on the South Rim.

There are several structures on the South Rim that were designed by Mary Colter to include Bright Angel Lodge, Hopi House, Lookout Studio and one of my favorites, Desert View Watchtower.
Considered the most luxurious of all of the Grand Canyon hotels is the El Tovar Hotel. It was designed by Charles Whittlesely and completed in 1905 in the style of “National Park Rustic”.
Verkamp’s Curios was a popular place to pick up souvenirs and local arts and crafts. It was reopened in 2010 as a visitor center dedicated to the history of the Grand Canyon Village.
Buckey O’Neill Cabin is the “longest continually standing structure”, built in the 1890s. It is currently open as a popular guest house requiring reservations many months in advance.
Kolb Studio was built by two brothers in 1904 as a photography studio on site. The structure became an art gallery after Emery Kolb’s passing in 1976.
One of the most interesting buildings that remains in the park is the Grand Canyon Railway Depot which is said to be one of the last log cabin train stations ever built in the US.

You can also choose to drive the route yourself which will allow you ample time to enjoy the attractions at your own pace.

Stairs Leading down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Hiking

Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular activities within the Grand Canyon. There are several trails that follow the rim of the canyon as well as take hikers deep down into the gorge, reaching the Colorado River. In addition to the strenuous activity of hiking, there are other factors to consider before hitting the trail, such as altitude and weather. Temperatures can reach over 100° F down in the gorge during the summer months and can fall way below freezing in the winter. Hikers must be aware of such effects as sunburn, dehydration and hypothermia.

Plants and Animals
If you are a lover of plants or animals, the Grand Canyon is your paradise. According to Grand Canyon National Park, there are “approximately 1,737 known species of vascular plants, 167 species of fungi, 64 species of moss and 195 species of lichen found in Grand Canyon National Park”. I agree that the plant life is a very important part of the Grand Canyon’s ecology, but I have a greater interest in the wildlife and I am overwhelmed by the number of species that make the canyon their home. Within the park and its environs are an abundance of mammal species. In addition there are birds, fish, amphibians as well as reptiles. Here is an abbreviated list of some of the animals that have been found in the canyon:

· Abert’s squirrels	· Feral burros	· Red squirrels
· Antelope squirrels	· Gray foxes	· Ringtails
· Beavers	· Mountain lions, rare	· Rock squirrels
· Black bears	· Mule deer	· Shrews
· Bobcats	· Muskrats, rare	· Spotted skunks
· Coyotes	· Pocket mice	· Tassel-eared Squirrels
· Desert bighorn sheep	· Porcupines	· Weasels
· Elk	· Raccoons

It is always appropriate to remain cautious should you encounter one of the wild animals at Grand Canyon. Do not feed the animals and stay far enough away to ensure your well-being as well as the animal’s safety.

Although the Grand Canyon is not the deepest canyon in the world, it certainly is spectacular. From hiking to driving, rafting to camping, there are so many other ways to explore this amazing national park. And just when you think you have exhausted all possibilities of things to do, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of this magnificent gorge by helicopter. With its colorful landscape and fascinating geology, it is one of the most interesting of all of the National Parks in the United States.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon? What is your favorite activity? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my visit to the Grand Canyon and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Telephone: 928 638 7888

Admission Fee: $35 per vehicle for seven days; $30 per motorcycle for seven days; $20 per individual (biker, hiker, pedestrian) for seven days; Annual pass for Grand Canyon only: $70
Hours: The South Rim is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The North Rim is closed during the winter, so check the sites website for the most recent information.
Amenities: Shuttle system, picnicking, hiking, camping, guided tours, ranger programs, river trips, mule trips, backpacking
Scenic View: Sunset and sunrise from most anywhere in the canyon are spectacular, but the website provides a great list of stops for enjoying sunrise and sunset. ;
Length of Visit: Several days
Tips for Your Visit: The park’s website has a few suggestions such as bring an extra set of keys in the event you lock yourself out because it could be a long wait for a locksmith. Major car repairs in Flagstaff or Williams, Arizona. Keep your gas tank full as the closest gas station may be quite a distance. Finally, carry plenty of water in your car, especially during the summer months.

Where to Stay:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Telephone: 928 638 7888

There are several hotels on the South Rim to include Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Maswik Lodge. There is also an RV park, Yavapai Lodge. For reservations, contact 888 297 2757. If the onsite accommodations are full, there are several hotels surrounding the Grand Canyon.

Phantom Ranch offers dormitories and cabins who are exploring the Grand Canyon by mule or by hiking. Reservations are made through Grand Canyon National Park Lodges via an on-line lottery 15 months in advance.

Where to Eat:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Telephone: 928 638 7888

For a list of restaurants and groceries at The Grand Canyon, select the following link: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/restaurants.htm

What to Eat:

Avocado Fries are sliced avocados dipped in spiced bread crumbs and deep fried.
Chiltepin Peppers….very hot!
Cholla, a cactus found in the area, that is boiled and the gooey acid is removed to eat directly or added to salsas.
Cochinitos are a puffy, doughy cookie usually found in the shape of a pig. This light dessert is seasoned with molasses and cinnamon.
Prickly Pear Cactus which is made into a candy and a sweet syrup
Sonoran Hot Dog, popular in Phoenix and Tucson, this Mexican creation is topped with beans, onions, and tomatoes along with mayonnaise and mustard.
Tamales!

What to Read:

The Emerald Isle: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko
Grand Canyon, by Jason Chin
The Exploration of the Colorado River and the Canyons, by John Wesley
Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon, by Michael P. Ghiglieri and Thomas M. Myers
The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
I am the Grand Canyon, by Stephen Hirst

Photo Guide for the Grand Canyon:

South Rim Viewpoints: Yavapai Point
Mather Point
Desert View Drive
Shoshone Point
Yaki Point
Grandview Point
Navaho Point
Desert View Watchtower
Hermit Road
Horseshoe Bend
Bright Angel Point
Point Imperial
Cape Royal
Toroweap / Tuweep
Havasu Falls
Best places to watch the sunset:
- Lipan Point
- Navajo Point
- Yavapai Point
- Toroweep
- Point Imperial
- Cape Royal