Finding Inspiration in the Grand Tetons

23 March 202423 September 2024

The beauty of the Grand Tetons can hardly be explained in words. With its tall peaks, winding rivers, waterfalls and spectacular wildlife, I could not pass up the opportunity to visit here while making plans to explore Yellowstone National Park.

The sunlight glistened on Jenny Lake as I prepared to ride the ferry over to the south side. I would catch as soon as exiting the boat and venture towards Cascade Falls and Inspiration Point. From the top, there were spectacular views of the Grand Tetons and the surrounding area.

The wait was short and the ride most astounding. I heard the slight humming of the boat’s engine and the stirring of the water beneath. The fresh air was as intoxicating as the views from the small vessel that carried us across the lake. The crags and boulders appeared intermittently between the pines and provide the most beautiful reflection. The immense stature of the Tetons were noticeably present and grand and we arrived at our destination in a short time.

The moderate trail was broken in and we made our climb through the forest and over a large stream. Soon it was taking a more steep approach as we closed in on our final destination of Inspiration Point. The sounds of the falls in the distance challenged us to quicken our step and as we pressed on to the glorious view that we were about to witness.

We sat atop of the rocks overlooking the lake as a silence fell among us. It was a magical experience, so breathtaking that we could have stayed the afternoon taking in the scenery. It is no doubt, inspirational.

Have you taken the ferry to Inspirational Point? What other places did you visit at Grand Teton National Park? I would love to hear about your travel experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

The Jenny Lake shuttle runs every 15 minutes for a cost of $9 roundtrip.

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Teton National Park
PO Box 170
Moose, WY 83012
Telephone: 307 739 3399

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 Grand Teton National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton 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, 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: Scenic drives throughout the park include the Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Signal Mountain Summit Road.
Length of Visit: To maximize your visit to Grand Teton National Park one would need at least a couple of days to experience all that the park provides.
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. Signal Mountain is perfect for sunsets.

Where to Stay:

Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
3385 Cody Lane
Teton Village, WY 83025
Telephone: 307 201 6066

Where to Eat:

The Deck @ Piste
Rendezvous Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 732 3177

I ordered the Southern Belle made from White Wine with Orange and Passion Fruit. In addition, I had a glass of Henry Estate Pinot Noir to accompany my House Meatballs and Fries.

A Very Friendly Chipmunk

Incredible Vantage Point returning from Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point Hike

Gorgeous views of Jenny lake from Inspiration Point

The Shuttle Stop

Hidden Falls

A Chipmunk Waiting for Snacks

A Magpie

Exploring Bali: Singaraja and Lovina Beach

22 January 202222 September 2024

Early morning sunrise on Lovina Beach, Bali

Just as I had predicted, I had a great night’s sleep at the Aditya Beach Resort on Lovina Beach in Bali. Waking up early, I wanted to walk along the beach at dawn while the weather was still brisk and invigorating. Besides the lonely fisherman and a couple of tourists, I had the beach all to myself. I walked the short length of the coast where rowboats had been pushed up along the sand next to piles of seaweed and debris and birds were searching for their morning breakfast.

Dolphin Cruise Excursion at Lovina Beach, Bali

On my way back to the hotel, the beach began to liven up with activity. A group of sightseers were stepping into a boat for a dolphin cruise and joggers slipped past the stray dogs.

Lovina is known for its large school of dolphins and early morning cruises are a popular excursion for tourists during season. Watching the boat drift into the horizon, I met the hotel security guard, Ajit, who stopped by to say good morning. Having met him at check in last night, he offered to take me around to the local sites. Since he knows my friend Wayan, I took him up on his offer.

Hindu Offerings, Bali, Indonesia

I strolled back to my room to prepare for the day and noticed several pedestals that contained pieces of fruit, flower petals and burning incense. These are the offerings that the Balinese offer up to their gods throughout the day and are visible on the side of the road, sitting on small roadside shrines or near the large temples throughout the island.

Buddhist Monestary in Northern Bali

Ajit returned on his motorcycle and I told him that I would like to visit the Buddhist Monastery. He also suggested a nearby waterfall and the hot springs, so we had a full day ahead of us.

The atmosphere of the monastery is one of reverence and solitude. Although the island is predominantly Hindu, there are two active places of worship for Buddhists in Bali as well.

Beautiful Fountains at the Monastery

The spectacular views of the coast from the Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery went on for miles. The tropical trees met up with the beaches of Lovina for a beautiful backdrop. The paintings and sculptures within the monastery were unusually lifelike and three dimensional.

Lily ponds and fountains gave the monastery a religious sense of calm. Protecting their surroundings, the monkey gods took a stand to ward off evil spirits. The soothing sound of water and gentle rustle of leaves from the wind were comforting as I searched for koi fish under the lily pads.

The Buddhist Eightfold Path of Enlightenment

The Eight-Fold Path is the final teaching of the Buddhist Four Noble Truths. A stairway at the monastery representing the steps of these teachings are said to lead to spiritual enlightenment and the end of suffering.

The Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery is an exceptionally well maintained temple and open to the public as a place of worship. The grounds are exquisitely manicured and the views out towards the sea from atop of the temple are magnificent. Signs throughout the property strongly communicate that this is not a tourist attraction but rather a temple and should be treated with reverence and respect. Proper attire is required and courtesy must be given to those who visit.

Northern Bali Waterfall

Enjoying a peaceful morning at the temple, I was ready for our next excursion, a hike to one of north Bali’s most treacherous waterfalls. Ajit explained that the falls is a local favorite and is not open to tourists. He guaranteed that this hike would be a challenge but the view would be well worth the trek.

The concrete path was manageable at the start but became narrow as we closed in on the falls. The course quickly changed as the mist produced a muddy trail we were cautiously trying to avoid. Eventually the pathway disappeared and we resorted to rock hopping amidst the rushing water between the stones.

I was close to giving up and turning back when I noticed the shrines appear on the side of the hill. The water coming from the cascades was so strong and powerful that I was frightened I may lose my footing.

We sat for a few moments on a couple of large rocks so I could catch my breath. The mist from the falls felt so cool on my face, dampening my hair and clothes. I decided that I was ready to take a few more steps and as I rounded the corner, I was able to see the highlight of my hike, the larger of the two falls.

I wished I could have enjoyed the view for a while longer, but working to keep myself upright was draining my energy and I was ready to find security back on dry land. The hike back was not as difficult and it seemed as though we reached the entrance in half of the time it took to reach the falls.

Visiting the hot springs could not have been more appropriate after a long hike. Set among the hillside there are three pools of water to enjoy a moment of rest and relaxation. The first pool at the top is the hottest while the bottom is the coolest of the three. I was looking forward to soaking in the springs.

Air Panas was built by the Japanese hundreds of years ago and is said to be therapeutic for those suffering from rheumatic disease. A steady rush of water from the mouths of mythical creatures adds to the fascinating environment of the springs.

I enjoyed the resort for a couple of hours and visited the snack bar before leaving for the hotel.

The Aditya Hotel was hosting an event that consisted of a four course meal and a program which included two young girls performing the Balinese dance of Legong. Known as one of the most popular forms of Indonesian entertainment, the dance consists of intense facial expression, body movements, and intricate finger work accompanied by Gamelan music.

The unique music and vibrant performance were entrancing. Although I was exhausted, I felt satisfied that I had accomplished so much physically, religiously and culturally in one day. I reflected back from the start of my journey and could not have been more pleased. I am ready to do it all over again tomorrow!

Have you visited northern Bali in your travels? 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 fun day in northern Bali! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery
Banjar Tegeha Buleleng Buleleng
Lovina Beach, North Bali, Indonesia

Banjar Air Panas – Hot Springs
Jalan Banjar, Buleleng,
Singaraja, Bali, Indonesia

Where to Stay:

Aditya Beach Resort
Jalan Raya Lovina, Lovina Beach, North Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 362 41059
Email: info@adityalovinabali.com

Where to Eat:

Banjar Air Panas – Snack Shop
Jalan Banjar, Buleleng,
Singaraja, Bali, Indonesia

Aditya Beach Resort – Restaurant
Jalan Raya Lovina, Lovina Beach, North Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 362 41059
Email: info@adityalovinabali.com

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for North Bali:

Git Git Waterfall
Mount Batur
Sekumpal Waterfalls
Tamblingan Lake
Twin Lakes Viewpoint

A photo of the Dalai Lama that was given to the monastery during his visit

Exploring the beautiful grounds of the monastery

Buddhist Statues

The Great Smoky Mountains Laurel Falls Hike

4 September 202022 September 2024

Laurel Falls is considered one of the most popular trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 2.6 mile round trip paved trail is considered easy and reaches the spectacular 80 foot high falls. For 50 cents I picked up a self-guided pamphlet which pointed out several places of interest and we set out for the trail surrounded by pine trees and oaks for an enjoyable trek through the mountain wilderness.

There are eleven markers that correlate with the trail brochure and the first stop describes the laurel plant which grows along the path. During the early summer its blooms range from pink to white. Rhododendron are also popular along the path displaying larger leaves and growing taller than the mountain laurel.

Having passed through the forest of pine, oak and hardwoods, the topography switched from ridge to ravine. Here the trail curved sharply with deep drop-offs to the left. We began to see more rocks and there were several places to take a break along the path.

We regrouped and continued upwards as the trail continued its gradual climb towards the falls. We crossed over a small creek that trickled down the hill, through large and small rocks providing water to the rhododendron, hemlock and beech plants along the trail.

Soon, there was a break in the trees creating a “picture window” at marker number seven. The rounded peak in the distance was covered with trees and there was a sharp drop from the edge of the pavement.

The further we continued up the trail, the more contorted the trees became due to high winds, lightning strikes and other severe weather conditions. Interestingly, the aggressive change in climate does not affect the lichen that attaches itself to rocks and trees.

The pathway changed drastically before reaching the falls. Steep cliffs dangerously hugged the narrow trail which alerted us that we were nearing our destination. We began to hear sounds of water rushing from Cove Mountain as we continued our approach and gave a sigh of relief that we had arrived safely.

The double-drop cascade was spectacular as its light spray lit upon our faces cooling us down from the hike. The rocks were slippery and we moved with caution to allow other hikers to pass by standing in awe of its beauty. We gave ourselves about fifteen minutes to revel in our accomplishment and curiously tested the temperature of the runoff before backtracking towards the trailhead. It would all be downhill from here.

Have you hiked the Laurel Falls Trail or other trails in the Great Smoky Mountains? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my hike and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Laurel Falls
From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road.
Telephone: 865 436 1200

Admission Fee: There is no charge to visit Laurel Falls as it is a part of the Great Smoky National Park.
Hours: The park is open year around, though access to Laurel Falls may be limited during the winter months.
Amenities: Pamphlet for hike ($.50)
Scenic View: Spectacular views of Great Smoky Mountains throughout the hike
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours, depending on whether you can walk up the steep hill
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Wildlife, such as bears, may be wandering around the property, so be on the lookout and do not approach them. We like to visit here in the afternoon as the trees provide shade from the warmer weather.

Where to Stay:

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone: 865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail

19 March 201531 August 2024

There was a dead quiet as I approached the trail head for the Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail. I had just completed the two and a half mile Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail and was ready to tackle the three mile hike through the gorge. Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve is a part of the Hocking Hills State Park near Athens, Ohio with some of the best hiking in Ohio.

The temperatures had been below freezing for several days. While the gorge sheltered me from the cold winds from the rim, the wintry conditions within the crevices and caves protected the spectacular frozen waterfall formations.

Looking up from the gorge trail, I noticed the path I had just taken along the rim. As I took a moment in search of a hiker or two along the edge, I became more aware of the tall, still trees and the outcropping of rocks.

Through the trees there were several small crevices that were not reachable from the path. Escaping the cold, I wondered what animals could be hibernaring inside of them.

I passed a cave-like structure of sandstone to my right and then climbed the stairs to explore the beautiful colors and pitted markings unique to each of the rocks.

Looking up into the rock formations, the porous sandstone seemed to make a great home for insects.

Ice Formations

Several frozen water features seemed to be growing up from the rocks below.

One of the largest frozen waterfalls along the trail.

I enjoyed finding images in the rock formations.

The scenic views of hiking

Exposed root systems

What a spectacular sight

I looked up towards the sky one last time making my way back to the trailhead. I was reminded of the beauty of winter hikes and the unique features of the gorge. Considered a favorite of many, I have always made a stop along the gorge and the rim during my visits to Hocking Hills State Park.

The trail took nearly an hour to complete and I was ready to move on to Old Man’s Cave. What a great start to a beautiful day of hiking.

Have you hiked Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve Gorge Trail? I would love to hear if you enjoyed it as much as I did if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks and Happy Trails!

What to See and What to Do:

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
24858 Big Pine Rd.
Rockbridge, OH 43149
Telephone: 614 265 6561

Admission Fee: Free. All state parks in Ohio are free.
Hours: Open daily and closes at dark.
Tips for Your Visit: While there are no campsites nor lodges, cottages and cabins. There are several local business that offer these services. Stay on the trails to ensure you do not become lost. Wear appropriate hiking shoes/comfortable shoes for hiking. While dog are permitted at the park they are not allowed in the state nature preserves such as Conkle’s Hollow and Rockbridge.

Where to Stay:

Pine Creek Horseman’s Camp
23937 Big Pine Road
South Bloomingville, OH 43152
Telephone: 740 478 2520

While I usually stay with my sister and her family in nearby Athens, I learned about Pine Creek Horseman’s Camp for a local friend. This property offers gorgeous luxury cabins as well as campsites and is perfect for visitors bringing their horses for trailriding.

Where to Eat:

Cutler’s Restaurant at the Ohio University Inn
331 Richland Avenue
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 589 3714

If you visit the park on a Saturday, take time to enjoy brunch at the OU Inn.

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