tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11467754063355534402024-02-19T08:42:19.209-08:00Closer to Nature!A happy camper writes here :)Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-10980760302683923972023-01-10T12:02:00.002-08:002023-01-10T12:02:43.588-08:00RV camping at Glacier National Park, MT, USA<p>This is the first part of our Second RV trip, this time to Glacier-Banff-Jasper
National parks in USA and Canada. Here is the link to the next post<span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span>(Banff and Jasper National parks, Canada).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Inspired by <a href="https://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2022/05/first-rv-camping-trip-to-utah-mighty.html" target="_blank">our first RV trip</a> to Utah’s mighty Five National
Parks in Spring 2022, we planned this 2-week RV camping trip to Glacier
National Park in Montana and Banff and Jasper National parks in Canada for
Summer 2022. Since it was just our family this time and we don’t know anyone at
the destination, we carried all the stuff we needed for every weather (Heat, cold,
wind, Rain-hail, Snow - absolutely useful), instant pot, my Indian cooking
spices and dal, and even ordered online grocery for pick up to save time. It
was a smaller RV by Mallery’s memories RV rented on RVshare, very thoughtful as
its loaded with water, very authentic Montana’s huckleberry pancake mix and the
welcome kit with very popular Montana’s special seasoning, local soap and the toiletries among others.
Being summer, the days are long (sunset at 10pm), so we had plenty time to
cover places and unwind at campsite at night. We moved almost each day, and as
my DH gets busy setting up RV every evening, I would cook dinner, have kids shower
and we plan for next day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Day 1: Saturday, July 16, 2022: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lucky for us, Allegiant runs direct flights from Oakland, CA
to Kalispell, MT. Arrived in Kalispell, we were picked up by our RV owners and
given a quick tour in a nearby hotel parking lot. We ran errands at Rosauers and
Walmart stores and checked into our <a href="http://glaciercamping.com" target="_blank">Rocky Mountain “Hi” RV Campground</a>. It’s a beautiful campground, very welcoming with the
spring creek and its swimming hole at the entrance packed with kids and conveniently
located. So, we stayed here on our return as well, and kids were even able to
make friends and labeled it the best part of the trip, more on it later<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Day 2: July 17, 2022:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It was very hot and my DH was
under the weather so we rested till 3pm as kids played in the creek and
playground, then made trips to Costco, Walmart and drove towards Glacier
National Park. West Glacier village at the west entrance has grocery, dining
and cute shops for souvenirs, and we tasted my much-anticipated huckleberry
candy here. There is also Canada welcome and Information center as Waterton
Lakes NP, Alberta and Glacier NP, MT meet along the international boundary and
Waterton – Glacier becomes the world’s first International Peace Park. We drove
to Apgar campground and played in lake McDonald next to campsite, before
wrapping up for the night. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Day 3: July 18, 2022:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The park has 7 regions to be
explored with multiple entrances: The North Fork, Goat Haunt, Two medicine, Many
Glacier, St Mary Valley, Lake McDonald Valley, Logan Pass and we could only
visit the last four of them. The road connecting Apgar to St Mary –
“Going-to-the-Sun Road” has RV restrictions, so we parked the RV at Visitor
center and took the park bus to go to Avalanche creek area, that’s when we were
able to see the vastness of Lake McDonald, the result of a once massive glacier
today filled with water. We did the Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail in rain,
halfway through which my DH and DD1 split up to do the 4 mile hike up to
avalanche lake while I took my sleepy DD2 back to visitor center and spent time
there. They experienced hail half way but the end result was so worth it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">To go to St Mary Valley, we had to
drive around the park via Browning with RV restrictions as I said before, but it
became too windy to drive and we stopped on the side. A good Samaritan (forgot
to get her number) guided us to a deserted barn area at the end of a dirt road
off HWY 464, and we parked there behind the barn as a windshield for the night,
hoping and praying the rest of the night will be an uneventful one. She
promised to return the next morning to check on us, but we left early to St
Mary Campground.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
Day 4: July 19, 2022:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It was still windy morning and
contrary to the Apgar campground nestled in big trees, this campground is a wide-open
grassy area with no big trees in sight. We got ready and took the park bus to
Logan Pass which we had to change midway at Sun Point. During the wait, we did
the Nature Trail to the St Mary Lake overlook which was windy but spectacular and
ride the bus to Logan Pass. As the shuttle drive up to the apex, we saw beautiful
carved valleys and waterfalls. The Logan Pass Visitor center is a huge building,
very busy, surrounded by snow and subalpine meadows. As we were not prepared to
hike in snow, my DH did the 3-mile hidden lake overlook trail, as us girls did
the Hidden Lake Nature Trail and played in snow at the visitor center. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We
returned and drove to the Many Glaciers hotel and spent some time looking in
and around the once Showplace of the Rockies. Made popular by the “See America
First” campaign by the Great Northern railway at the park’s inception time, this
place lived up to its Swiss hype with all the Swiss architecture and Rockies resembling
Alps on the shores of Swiftcurrent lake. Right off the parking lot, we saw the
popular Red bus tours and Trail rides being offered by the <a href="http://www.swanmountainglacier.com" target="_blank">Swan Mountain Outfitters</a>,
but they were all booked up. Behind the hotel and right off the boat dock is
the ticket office for Scenic boat tours for Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes, which
is a convenient way to get to Grinnell Glacier Trailhead. Advanced reservation
<a href="http://glacierparkboats.com" target="_blank">here</a> is required as ticket office is DAY OF sales only
with a small daily number of walk-up tickets available via a waitlist. We
confirmed our boat rides for the next day and went to Many Glacier Campground
for the night. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
Day 5: July 20, 2022:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">My DH took an early morning boat
ride to do the Grinnell Glacier hike, which was not as strenuous and he even met
a 90-year-old hiker on the way. I took our girls on a later one (instead of
Swiftcurrent Nature Trail) and we enjoyed the boat ride and took pics. The
first boat took us along Swiftcurrent lake and after a ¼ mile walk over a hill,
another boat awaited to take us around Lake Josephine. We hung out at the
hotel, did shopping at café and gift shop downstairs as we waited for my DH to
join. Back to the campground, DH and I hiked to Redrock Falls leaving kids in
the RV as the older one watched over the younger one nap. Evening we went back
to hotel for kids to play at the lake for a while, then did laundry, showers
and went to bed excited for Canada next day.<o:p></o:p></p>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-60778850159519767892022-06-28T15:31:00.005-07:002022-06-28T15:35:48.174-07:00On the LAKE<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This Juneteenth weekend we stayed with
friends right on the Pine Mountain Lake at Groveland near Yosemite National Park, and was so fun and
relaxing to say the least. The place was called the Huckleberry Hideaway and there
were mentions of lake and huckleberry everywhere – <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“If you are Lucky enough to be at
the LAKE, you are lucky enough”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“Life is better at the LAKE”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“LAKE HOUSE” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">“I am your huckleberry”<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvuc2e46LkNB8VQ8zmpkXVFNcY7NR3PvFi0EacEvbM_IfOQyvvBClv_LwfHn48QqpZvcClJvCzKP-wTPByEIMmjbKKfTrJ73Fp34ld4cn_shsRSt9Ot_SoQGorpAm9VO2WKE-ESOtZcG39oAP90KHBhYYKq1xFAmia0Qe9YIXhkMRAoponYILJMsSGA/s1522/Lake%20house.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="1142" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvuc2e46LkNB8VQ8zmpkXVFNcY7NR3PvFi0EacEvbM_IfOQyvvBClv_LwfHn48QqpZvcClJvCzKP-wTPByEIMmjbKKfTrJ73Fp34ld4cn_shsRSt9Ot_SoQGorpAm9VO2WKE-ESOtZcG39oAP90KHBhYYKq1xFAmia0Qe9YIXhkMRAoponYILJMsSGA/s320/Lake%20house.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And my curiosity especially began after
reading the Moon River that’s hung in the restroom (interesting right!).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Moon river by Johnny Mercer and
Henry Mancini, goes as:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>“Moon river, wider than a mile<br />
I'm crossing you in style some day<br />
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker<br />
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Two drifters, off to see the
world<br />
There's such a lot of world to see<br />
We're after the same rainbow's end<br />
Waitin' 'round the bend<br />
My huckleberry friend<br />
Moon river and me”<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Only after I started researching
on the meaning, I got to know this is a very popular song by Audrey Hepburn
from Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). I felt a strong connection to these words
and the beautiful lines are interpreted differently by many. To me, the river
is the journey of love/life/time and it all makes sense with that one
Huckleberry friend in life. Just like Huckleberry Finn to Tom Sawyer, always
game for anything, especially adventure up and down the Mississippi, hence the river analogy.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJcdGrCF-DMRCzvGyrw3FNisBUqaGqQYzv3HWsXqSPXbS5aAzlgq3li-uBvQUf7htXjMvZe8kOWAwo_mb7dFaqtlNjXtE-74X7sA2vKfRSlA9yStvT_xF4NVjSFPK8nsl7BYEqGyVXWZx1XBPwhcZwZcsKyDio90BXcY7JbaPfzm4GOhaj5XVGYqJNA/s1522/Moon%20River.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="1142" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJcdGrCF-DMRCzvGyrw3FNisBUqaGqQYzv3HWsXqSPXbS5aAzlgq3li-uBvQUf7htXjMvZe8kOWAwo_mb7dFaqtlNjXtE-74X7sA2vKfRSlA9yStvT_xF4NVjSFPK8nsl7BYEqGyVXWZx1XBPwhcZwZcsKyDio90BXcY7JbaPfzm4GOhaj5XVGYqJNA/s320/Moon%20River.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Thanks to our good friends
Grindalls for showing us this place in February, it was quiet then as the Marina
beach was closed for construction but we enjoyed the snowboarding at Yosemite. This
time it was a relaxing day on the beach by Pine Mountain Lake Lodge, close by
the house and accessible by kayak. The lake itself, kayaking, swimming for DH,
playing with sand for kids, Family sunset boat ride, birds and deer watching in
the backyard, beautiful big pines gleaming gold at sunset resembling fall
colors, company of our dear friends, celebrating Fathers’ Day together were are
all memorable. We made new memories revisiting San Jose Family camp Yosemite
this time with both daughters, walking on the Tuolumne River.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3UHR54aTF3RbOlSbm7UtV4CZL-XdQ039nU6vA_dZLtQW_EvhVGbZXo5tPgkiDfetIIkdlxV9RoMxyhqfvDSMdE7M50q5eulkCASdoxQIzhWfxHe7Y8pSseqZy3WJrzD6-Aq3awvpvkeNS_cr4DghMRVetQm-6ew9GlSJbfqOTRUDv7lNmftt4gqLRg/s1408/Family%20boat%20ride.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3UHR54aTF3RbOlSbm7UtV4CZL-XdQ039nU6vA_dZLtQW_EvhVGbZXo5tPgkiDfetIIkdlxV9RoMxyhqfvDSMdE7M50q5eulkCASdoxQIzhWfxHe7Y8pSseqZy3WJrzD6-Aq3awvpvkeNS_cr4DghMRVetQm-6ew9GlSJbfqOTRUDv7lNmftt4gqLRg/s320/Family%20boat%20ride.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcDaJqZUb0nI9PxHq_Jn7n8n5OzuhWqg70veHnrvMGED5a3r_YYOIzaIKVCKICBMy4-d9OoSdQSaVgP1xfjJT2L-IDKCXeIEDBeF61Bsjnv5W5L6CoKJG-8VlhrYb69xInjIk431c-vwcW0_fhe_WsOqywoGymNbVVFK1t3tQ7VvFb1Hq9wqy8uo89w/s1878/lake%20backyard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcDaJqZUb0nI9PxHq_Jn7n8n5OzuhWqg70veHnrvMGED5a3r_YYOIzaIKVCKICBMy4-d9OoSdQSaVgP1xfjJT2L-IDKCXeIEDBeF61Bsjnv5W5L6CoKJG-8VlhrYb69xInjIk431c-vwcW0_fhe_WsOqywoGymNbVVFK1t3tQ7VvFb1Hq9wqy8uo89w/s320/lake%20backyard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ2oMNKuHETBLGuYf2NvjuuYeejUdzZR0k5baSguGUL-2vEP0_Fexg5ulFCEAUdqUkqFEM3J-GUTyqJVhbzxq6rHGcYXOiYQs8WeZkk4L_K5GYGABgngcGYA8l6ImVZCXESPdIV7N-VkOcTFui9yur6uCf1Q3MItRwOUCytBlnyQSrC7x8X0mjfoISA/s1408/toulumne%20riverwalk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ2oMNKuHETBLGuYf2NvjuuYeejUdzZR0k5baSguGUL-2vEP0_Fexg5ulFCEAUdqUkqFEM3J-GUTyqJVhbzxq6rHGcYXOiYQs8WeZkk4L_K5GYGABgngcGYA8l6ImVZCXESPdIV7N-VkOcTFui9yur6uCf1Q3MItRwOUCytBlnyQSrC7x8X0mjfoISA/s320/toulumne%20riverwalk.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> So glad to be
able to make this trip even after many setbacks, we always receive far more
than we seek in Nature. Now can’t wait to try out the Huckleberry, a popular
fruit in Montana in our upcoming RV trip to Glacier National Park and to
Canada, stay tuned! :)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-4885741194774247242022-06-11T15:04:00.004-07:002022-06-26T01:02:15.046-07:00RV Camping at Zion National Park<p>This is the sixth and last part of our first RV trip to Utah
Mighty five National parks loop. Here is the link to the <a href="https://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/rv-camping-at-bryce-canyon-national-park.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>(Bryce Canyon National Park)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">April 8, 2022: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We entered the park at the East
Entrance and paid a $15 fee for the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel escort ahead. Since
our RV was an oversized vehicle, the oncoming traffic had to be stopped by the rangers
so we may drive down the center of the road in the tunnel (check tunnel hours).
As we drove through the tunnel, we enjoyed the glimpses of the spectacular Zion
canyon through the windows and soon we were at the last campground of our trip-
Watchman. Its next to the Zion Canyon visitor center, ¼ mile away from the (Pedestrian/bike
only) South entrance in Springdale, UT. It was so beautiful right by the north fork of
the Virgin River with covered sandy beach and a trail along and just a
footbridge away from Springdale town with shopping area and restaurants on the
other side.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNHs32TDpkZbqE4OoDNhvvToqVAe043M0Uh6-abS9EM0JUQOwn44zFoZrarNh2YkJ0zvICc_0TBLnbiU9inq4TKA-XsS8NItKHo9-ti5KxE7M8EZX4MrZjs4pSZZjXeKDU-5Jutn480BkszM0zYRnB_7N7zVwaN4HYRd9oyP2Ud_O-IUH3Wgc6_vZLw/s1878/Zion%20entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNHs32TDpkZbqE4OoDNhvvToqVAe043M0Uh6-abS9EM0JUQOwn44zFoZrarNh2YkJ0zvICc_0TBLnbiU9inq4TKA-XsS8NItKHo9-ti5KxE7M8EZX4MrZjs4pSZZjXeKDU-5Jutn480BkszM0zYRnB_7N7zVwaN4HYRd9oyP2Ud_O-IUH3Wgc6_vZLw/s320/Zion%20entrance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCo75AEtazZJtHXV871WJrIu7XYc8S3M6qi6__npg52_vjwL1RrTssJqj3636SU3_m5M-cGAwmj5lZNgEQUVe9FwIFzVLhYmb6qy-pk8nlDowdmhn65vQsxVW5RaQVS0U_DjhwbGLxefOJY2AkeKD37S6wySbbXACnDqEbgIW5jFIV08qsmh0_Br7uA/s1878/Watchman%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCo75AEtazZJtHXV871WJrIu7XYc8S3M6qi6__npg52_vjwL1RrTssJqj3636SU3_m5M-cGAwmj5lZNgEQUVe9FwIFzVLhYmb6qy-pk8nlDowdmhn65vQsxVW5RaQVS0U_DjhwbGLxefOJY2AkeKD37S6wySbbXACnDqEbgIW5jFIV08qsmh0_Br7uA/s320/Watchman%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This place definitely has vibes never seen before, felt like we saved
the best for the last. We went to bed early excited for the much-awaited Angels
landing hike next day, as the permit we applied for yesterday got approved this
morning.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">April 9, 2022: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We took the first bus into the
canyon from the Zion Canyon visitor center to Stop# 6: The Grotto for the Angels
Landing via West Rim Trail. Zion Canyon Scenic drive is open ONLY to these articulated/tandem
shuttle buses Spring through Fall and these are very effective in controlling
the traffic. We crossed the Virgin River on a bridge and the elevation gained quickly
on the West Rim trail to “Refrigerator Canyon”. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu9hhrXH_AWjSJIz3dJWx8lfbqc9Dsp0V5eJE9sF819tf6ecvWhlMLO0J1YwZJc-W058tbWCxLk2P3OGxaW4jgtPZmDWx99ZxdK2WFS8x_YVS5nL3oLWUd2h7eVSTa7Z_JrFRVrmRIZi6vx7BNGqzQIMMiuTUiTOg_W-xVUnDET_z4E1afRr5NDmnbQ/s1408/Angels%20landing%200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu9hhrXH_AWjSJIz3dJWx8lfbqc9Dsp0V5eJE9sF819tf6ecvWhlMLO0J1YwZJc-W058tbWCxLk2P3OGxaW4jgtPZmDWx99ZxdK2WFS8x_YVS5nL3oLWUd2h7eVSTa7Z_JrFRVrmRIZi6vx7BNGqzQIMMiuTUiTOg_W-xVUnDET_z4E1afRr5NDmnbQ/s320/Angels%20landing%200.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaDY770E6C7r67y_aXaZlawHcTqXnDFTKvYwpJk3yxS2zmBhwDqqw_JB1QmP_MaiBKn2EijCnq1annGDtLi53sb-8ydcpsqToPmrW86EeJFnegELmqJNASfDwRe2MeyxjeeYnx_O3Pm6zazZq-Pumd8q-i5nw8PWfMU5Mb2__RG_gAtTBlK1RJc8CEw/s1522/Angels%20landing%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="1142" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaDY770E6C7r67y_aXaZlawHcTqXnDFTKvYwpJk3yxS2zmBhwDqqw_JB1QmP_MaiBKn2EijCnq1annGDtLi53sb-8ydcpsqToPmrW86EeJFnegELmqJNASfDwRe2MeyxjeeYnx_O3Pm6zazZq-Pumd8q-i5nw8PWfMU5Mb2__RG_gAtTBlK1RJc8CEw/s320/Angels%20landing%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">After walking through the flat,
cool inner recesses of the cleft, it was a strenuous ascent on 21 switchbacks to
a sandy pad called “Scout Lookout”. We had rangers checking the permit here again
to take on the last part of 500-vertical-foot push to the top of Angels Landing.
As I pulled myself using heavy chains attached to rocks serving as the
handrails and reached the first knob, the sight of the angels landing ahead got
me scared and I decided to stay back. It didn’t feel like a long wait sitting
at the edge watching the climbing duo (and the many brave souls, some very young
kids) as they vanished onto the hill as ants and joined me back in 2 hours. It
was very hot on our way back and felt relieved to be done early and proud of my
hiking pals.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxEhQojD3o2lo1gTBRpEaN01d8rL6jM6LIm7VkJ8DQPHd2D5ANBfnko-M7JqLBhAmjWHvPof2SxzXsMbtijYa431bwPjQ5dr_wzU8jjbQy-xDc_95-EP9IxV0yCH4y-D2zH_VohjNhTJn44d5n-Ihtg2Xt5XiMSKVXz2UT6JuonhJTF7lolZCoeD9tw/s1408/Angels%20landing%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxEhQojD3o2lo1gTBRpEaN01d8rL6jM6LIm7VkJ8DQPHd2D5ANBfnko-M7JqLBhAmjWHvPof2SxzXsMbtijYa431bwPjQ5dr_wzU8jjbQy-xDc_95-EP9IxV0yCH4y-D2zH_VohjNhTJn44d5n-Ihtg2Xt5XiMSKVXz2UT6JuonhJTF7lolZCoeD9tw/s320/Angels%20landing%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ49Odg_8Q81DiwatuD0fir74sXIi2SEA8ht5UCv05ZlsW_XOE75Aq5iGDbHaTreCp4USwQGb0v4G16MbJZJvEK1nToPKQRMqySRs9Zlwx8Fx2PIcUgm2jxHvgwTDb-WAHqhaETXWhztvhh9_1ve7eOe9_QSKT4pJ4DREXVirU4du-j1q-sLyAh6to4g/s1408/Angels%20landing%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ49Odg_8Q81DiwatuD0fir74sXIi2SEA8ht5UCv05ZlsW_XOE75Aq5iGDbHaTreCp4USwQGb0v4G16MbJZJvEK1nToPKQRMqySRs9Zlwx8Fx2PIcUgm2jxHvgwTDb-WAHqhaETXWhztvhh9_1ve7eOe9_QSKT4pJ4DREXVirU4du-j1q-sLyAh6to4g/s320/Angels%20landing%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57Q3S1Zt4fh-XwFm5Ky505ZiAJpv4qNofDMnt0j5x0yWCXJyGBe2ruPzBWMCOPQ8WAvViHMiybhqOT4_ppX8KUDGxgS3O96tsksW2ofgoPX-jfRPA19q60fyyOcO5QOIWGtbbq3U2_bMHAo1f5mN8lV8DzoT6BeQ8JjMqf-c7zBAYiPdGLgGbNCaEkw/s1408/Angels%20landing%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57Q3S1Zt4fh-XwFm5Ky505ZiAJpv4qNofDMnt0j5x0yWCXJyGBe2ruPzBWMCOPQ8WAvViHMiybhqOT4_ppX8KUDGxgS3O96tsksW2ofgoPX-jfRPA19q60fyyOcO5QOIWGtbbq3U2_bMHAo1f5mN8lV8DzoT6BeQ8JjMqf-c7zBAYiPdGLgGbNCaEkw/s320/Angels%20landing%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Meanwhile, the kids had a relaxing
day at the covered beach by the campsite. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_574_jWcMlDlZE3hUjBUSDg_eQOGpFIurPJ8r_--ud48G-w6Zd5Vc7mr_wwAheploy7PmkRY44aoovokr9aXbcNVj9ZrIWN_Im9GjGY82XlTz563oTUh7yL6PLyuUiFm-I1Q5-nArNne2sBUur4gRLGaEN3keA8cIj9u50tZ0p0TCxwKm8XQu9OsxQ/s1408/Watchman%20beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_574_jWcMlDlZE3hUjBUSDg_eQOGpFIurPJ8r_--ud48G-w6Zd5Vc7mr_wwAheploy7PmkRY44aoovokr9aXbcNVj9ZrIWN_Im9GjGY82XlTz563oTUh7yL6PLyuUiFm-I1Q5-nArNne2sBUur4gRLGaEN3keA8cIj9u50tZ0p0TCxwKm8XQu9OsxQ/s320/Watchman%20beach.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Evening, we ran errands using the
Springdale shuttle and enjoyed yet another dessert by my niece without which
our dinners were never complete.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">April 10, 2022: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We took the shuttle bus back into
the canyon, this time to its final stop #9: Temple of Sinawava. We did the 2.2-mile
Riverside walk along Virgin River to the Narrows but it was closed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjGGDARQ-J7mPmBSCy-ow84LmsgTzElVyQBd0omOvUd3E6Z0mRXqSBraMUK4SzScmmR84KCBns7U6-j0pckwEUN3JMeOARVCiVM_3wnwDWhqDZFT_Fxfnz2znS7EiVs6sK_PNJKseqSMFREK8ZNExhzz3fKtgqg7N4y917rhtvrGiNOm2s7IQmi1nRw/s1408/Narrows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjGGDARQ-J7mPmBSCy-ow84LmsgTzElVyQBd0omOvUd3E6Z0mRXqSBraMUK4SzScmmR84KCBns7U6-j0pckwEUN3JMeOARVCiVM_3wnwDWhqDZFT_Fxfnz2znS7EiVs6sK_PNJKseqSMFREK8ZNExhzz3fKtgqg7N4y917rhtvrGiNOm2s7IQmi1nRw/s320/Narrows.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyH6w7YtPdR3cyRXBPZS6YzYUEwk_zFw3kxS25mjvcuGBmIU0jTio9aEYaDXfKBFKRwNuENgN_ZhGxfgXcXyw8kE4-kns4lKF3j7NBeJWOiz4LlECmqIQBhiTY6CWWSEEvaD1-xKQLlQZnaXVAeobzsIL230sxvKddj90e2uf9I30NmXFvFqbjm6qnzQ/s1878/Riverside%20walk%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyH6w7YtPdR3cyRXBPZS6YzYUEwk_zFw3kxS25mjvcuGBmIU0jTio9aEYaDXfKBFKRwNuENgN_ZhGxfgXcXyw8kE4-kns4lKF3j7NBeJWOiz4LlECmqIQBhiTY6CWWSEEvaD1-xKQLlQZnaXVAeobzsIL230sxvKddj90e2uf9I30NmXFvFqbjm6qnzQ/s320/Riverside%20walk%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">While the
rest took the shuttle to Zion lodge for Emerald pools hike, I returned to Watchman
with my DD2. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXKPuCK6y1a9tuKwloXTAARIdBnjmlp9T3ezl-8HprJDtZGDts0zyUxnbP7gjrdwXizIgas3M_rSwPPjTQORDlTnyzLfjbSPZLQaCgHPGzLV6j3jKbpUIcrda0XrtkWqNuHEzSFYMyb-ixLGUQBkLzadrViC3ZLBGxUrUq0NUYF6TPtICvIRaFLjLQA/s1408/Emerald%20pools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXKPuCK6y1a9tuKwloXTAARIdBnjmlp9T3ezl-8HprJDtZGDts0zyUxnbP7gjrdwXizIgas3M_rSwPPjTQORDlTnyzLfjbSPZLQaCgHPGzLV6j3jKbpUIcrda0XrtkWqNuHEzSFYMyb-ixLGUQBkLzadrViC3ZLBGxUrUq0NUYF6TPtICvIRaFLjLQA/s320/Emerald%20pools.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Later, we spent time at the Visitor center and walked to a Thai restaurant
for the last night’s dinner celebration of our successful trip.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">April 11, 2022: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We exited the park from South entrance and skipped Kolob
Canyons in order to reach home early. Thankfully we checked the weather the
night before and started driving back early to SLC to avoid high winds starting
afternoon. We were able to return RV ontime and kids experienced their first
snow storm that night.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">April 12, 2022: <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgyLmOs9aqtHePfZSZmVdoWUiFVYIM4BKmo66q6tQCHSBC3ex9Z2kOWaevn77Cga8-szYpgZwq78zXg_2Xd84z8OmF97A2zNi2XSyNoecuqIDu3FO_ybt4__p4qdujgFrjeVm_RuJqvaAWQkzJarSFuWtG95-NuyF75bVXpFv6I5qSmg88EEQ7JKFog/s1408/SLC%20in%20snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgyLmOs9aqtHePfZSZmVdoWUiFVYIM4BKmo66q6tQCHSBC3ex9Z2kOWaevn77Cga8-szYpgZwq78zXg_2Xd84z8OmF97A2zNi2XSyNoecuqIDu3FO_ybt4__p4qdujgFrjeVm_RuJqvaAWQkzJarSFuWtG95-NuyF75bVXpFv6I5qSmg88EEQ7JKFog/s320/SLC%20in%20snow.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">It was a beautiful morning in SLC as the snow cleared up and
we took the flight home. On the trip, days rolled by so fast with no signal
mostly and the occasional WhatsApp messages would be gentle reminders of time
and the parallel life. It was like a peaceful retreat into the nature, came
back so reset that life still felt like a holiday. Those soaring Arches, vast Canyonlands,
acres of Capital Reef orchards, tall hoodoos of Bryce and the oasis of Zion would
replay for several days afterwards. My 2-year-old thoroughly enjoyed our RV
trip as she nicknamed it “the beautiful bus” and I really hope these
impressions remain with her and may continue to inspire the generations to come. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-18383528604105530112022-06-09T15:36:00.008-07:002022-06-12T04:34:48.049-07:00RV Camping at Bryce Canyon National Park<p>This is the fifth part of our first RV trip to Utah Mighty five National parks loop. Here are the links to the <a href="https://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/rv-camping-at-capitol-reef-national-park.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>(Capitol Reef National Park) and the <a href="https://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/rv-camping-at-bryce-canyon-national-park.html" target="_blank">next post</a>(Zion National park) </p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">April 7, 2022: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On our way to Bryce Canyon City, we saw small towns and
homesteaders living off of ranches. Just outskirts of the National Park are the
Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground and a huge store where we parked, had lunch
and took shuttle to the park. Shuttle system is free, runs April-Oct and can be
tracked at brycecanyonshuttle.com. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
got down at the Bryce Point which offers spectacular view of hoodoos, then
reboarded to visit Inspiration point. The upper and lower inspiration points the
most iconic and popular views of the scenic Bryce Amphitheater. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw6B4eFxmdK0vLIqa8qjSBsTQJQksZNJmKTgT5gUfoQn0fQh2YPGaqApg5amBBtQu_BVhfL01XNjaeQgKYIsp3ow1E3yhYTQDP2qHOV1aMZE9TyDBR4_CglyWhExvl1-FbuvThiBqegbRwEKy0OIBFFwjS9Ku3sjSGw1p_K9cGfMs3UdtItdnPKK2Hw/s2016/Hoodoos%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw6B4eFxmdK0vLIqa8qjSBsTQJQksZNJmKTgT5gUfoQn0fQh2YPGaqApg5amBBtQu_BVhfL01XNjaeQgKYIsp3ow1E3yhYTQDP2qHOV1aMZE9TyDBR4_CglyWhExvl1-FbuvThiBqegbRwEKy0OIBFFwjS9Ku3sjSGw1p_K9cGfMs3UdtItdnPKK2Hw/s320/Hoodoos%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Hoodoos don’t grow
like trees but are eroded out of the sandstone cliffs where narrow walls called
fins form in step 1. Frost-wedging enlarges cracks in the fins, creating holes
or windows in step 2. As windows grow, their tops eventually collapse leaving a
column and rain further dissolves and sculpts these limestone pillars into
bulbous spires called hoodoos in final step. The delicate climatic balance
between snow and rain ensures that the new hoodoos will emerge while others
become reduced to lumps of clay. We stayed the night at Ruby’s campground and
enjoyed the showers.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">April 8, 2022: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We drove the RV inside the park, parked at the Visitor
center and took the shuttle to explore the park. As I strolled along the easiest
and the paved portion of the Rim Trail from Sunset to Sunrise points with my
DD2, the others explored the most popular Queen’s Garden/Navajo Combination
Loop, a 2.9-mile hike below the rim in between hoodoos from Sunset to Sunrise
points (Clockwise direction recommended). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPsZkImAoj3BgTuQeVRHkCjk-naPNdHhvOlz6NJYkHjO9IUb8Jx8W3W5u3DvXgBiZcW2DGZk2ylkcT8w5x6klNDxsAU_TsuTSDsk6v0M2xLVIbYR-UOqvNMK-BMmkPdPak5RWFyPeCFz-A4vDOWWLx2Ex7cD-cfj-F_IGwUa-ls8knq9i_Ju35txylQ/s1408/Queen%20hoodoo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPsZkImAoj3BgTuQeVRHkCjk-naPNdHhvOlz6NJYkHjO9IUb8Jx8W3W5u3DvXgBiZcW2DGZk2ylkcT8w5x6klNDxsAU_TsuTSDsk6v0M2xLVIbYR-UOqvNMK-BMmkPdPak5RWFyPeCFz-A4vDOWWLx2Ex7cD-cfj-F_IGwUa-ls8knq9i_Ju35txylQ/s320/Queen%20hoodoo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSg6dN40mqIiW_b96JXBGmrp7_6H8whrKLKAtNhw2iPnmEd58bZVjawyUk-KDJ4JosebDRhwJVU4FL_gOYxqWxRCCbWTiUJXr5vXHso7oAz7gqUSlsihJ9HFb-O9ltESHw6vzff4ny0wbSW-5pKsPyvX_7HVaZk54xna9otdg7zk5pF4Yg1QF_sRFcA/s1878/Queens%20hoodoo%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSg6dN40mqIiW_b96JXBGmrp7_6H8whrKLKAtNhw2iPnmEd58bZVjawyUk-KDJ4JosebDRhwJVU4FL_gOYxqWxRCCbWTiUJXr5vXHso7oAz7gqUSlsihJ9HFb-O9ltESHw6vzff4ny0wbSW-5pKsPyvX_7HVaZk54xna9otdg7zk5pF4Yg1QF_sRFcA/s320/Queens%20hoodoo%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">As we waited for them to return, I
explored the many elaborate exhibits in the Visitor center about prairie dog
colonies, Hoodoos around the world (one we visited was Cappadocia Chimneys in
Turkey), Space and Stars. We also did shop for memorabilia and started driving
to Zion National Park.</p><p></p>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-42013781450759487682022-06-09T14:40:00.006-07:002022-06-09T15:37:31.228-07:00RV Camping at Capitol Reef National Park<p>This is the fourth part of our first RV trip to Utah Mighty
five National parks loop. Here are the links to the <a href="https://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/rv-camping-at-canyon-lands-national-park.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>(Canyonlands National Park) and the <a href="https://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/rv-camping-at-bryce-canyon-national-park.html" target="_blank">next post</a>(Bryce Canyon National park)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">April 6, 2022: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">After days of driving around in the
dry sandstone landscape, sight of Fremont River along hwy 24 was very welcoming.
Indeed, water not just adds beauty to the landscape, but the also reason for
the early settlers and hence these beautiful historic orchards here today. It
was a love at first sight as we drove through our campground and soon became my
most favorite camping spots so far. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9kp9VkOF_KGjMHsYNabBJJFq8Ak3IXlMK_3KZ3837MvVpk8E5BZHiKxN4B7dGnIjf_ADSm6P64dOaPj92oaw_koTzwXkWe-NWhcytJF3PjDzPuMOlJv9YHX9fv52k3QkIINnmCy8DW8x9Hf2YnZPpLvmkf-ZMbhiYsGMlwwKdenotCPCs-HqnYYByA/s1878/Orchards%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9kp9VkOF_KGjMHsYNabBJJFq8Ak3IXlMK_3KZ3837MvVpk8E5BZHiKxN4B7dGnIjf_ADSm6P64dOaPj92oaw_koTzwXkWe-NWhcytJF3PjDzPuMOlJv9YHX9fv52k3QkIINnmCy8DW8x9Hf2YnZPpLvmkf-ZMbhiYsGMlwwKdenotCPCs-HqnYYByA/s320/Orchards%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We hiked the Hickman Bridge Trail, which is
a 2.2-mile round trip walk to the natural bridge, which felt like another arch.
We enjoyed our packed sandwiches at the bridge and walked back. Capitol Dome
can be seen looking east from the trailhead, named for its resemblance to the
U.S Capitol. This dome, along with the nearly 100-mile Waterpocket Fold (a
barrier of rock that obstructed early travelers like a barrier “reef”),
inspired the park’s name. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQsrFdiO93EdrxCElOdCxJCkwmhTz-IOPS9iwqq9qZJTZBh98oQvZdrDaoKWuxuEcHb6YZ-AQvoGpQc6GGYTqehU5Pq2tmv0vJzXLAf_5rl-B_D5wBhbAHGmqhiScOlLrVF60N5MeBKyFURvtXs8GMHvd-RWOu16hG7CRmhD4GGfa7JON_s20YMDEtQ/s1408/Capitol%20Dome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQsrFdiO93EdrxCElOdCxJCkwmhTz-IOPS9iwqq9qZJTZBh98oQvZdrDaoKWuxuEcHb6YZ-AQvoGpQc6GGYTqehU5Pq2tmv0vJzXLAf_5rl-B_D5wBhbAHGmqhiScOlLrVF60N5MeBKyFURvtXs8GMHvd-RWOu16hG7CRmhD4GGfa7JON_s20YMDEtQ/s320/Capitol%20Dome.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLW_JvoNpkVBz8NGLv74Ialwa6YU3t8HvU6yXZL9-4irlADHKt0UCvS4avGoPPWSTHl8TBCqLk40zsk3P8m9DpoaZcXZBqqxvpFEIUFSMkVjJCNmi76vBiDbxpl-yGGFPDQpSoihXwgIBdy8fH45adzdvidx7KKHm97JE6BHjlsOoRqcqggrMYls9FQ/s1408/Hickman%20Bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLW_JvoNpkVBz8NGLv74Ialwa6YU3t8HvU6yXZL9-4irlADHKt0UCvS4avGoPPWSTHl8TBCqLk40zsk3P8m9DpoaZcXZBqqxvpFEIUFSMkVjJCNmi76vBiDbxpl-yGGFPDQpSoihXwgIBdy8fH45adzdvidx7KKHm97JE6BHjlsOoRqcqggrMYls9FQ/s320/Hickman%20Bridge.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We drove back to the visitor center, got some maps,
drove the 4.5-mile scenic drive and to the Panorama point for scenic vistas. The
Fruita orchards were one of the largest historic orchards maintained by NPS
with over 2,000 trees including apple, pear, peach, apricot, cherry and plum. Now
bare, flowering typically occurs March into May, and harvest generally occurs
June through October. Fruit is free to sample while in orchards; a small fee is
charged for fruit taken out of the orchards.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTpVKJpApdt9rxrRnJVASIbC8UI-dJpN53xoGoS4SVn9N_qOyoRHIEqDmAW8TmwSEueI_M00MuZEeRnAmOF6zQHYPteDm4o7cSIqy55MxdQCkXLc1UJKWf82W0VQcBfWNtl7GH0XIahymxVcZlyPSObTaHEzh67yWn_ja-o4-ksOCm1MtztZZczRtXQ/s1878/fruita2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTpVKJpApdt9rxrRnJVASIbC8UI-dJpN53xoGoS4SVn9N_qOyoRHIEqDmAW8TmwSEueI_M00MuZEeRnAmOF6zQHYPteDm4o7cSIqy55MxdQCkXLc1UJKWf82W0VQcBfWNtl7GH0XIahymxVcZlyPSObTaHEzh67yWn_ja-o4-ksOCm1MtztZZczRtXQ/s320/fruita2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1aL1A1pxXKnzFr-esOjMKqo5x-Ef-AwDT_RJGzFBhO0Rt6wbFTTIF88EbCRIXuSzAFklcrV-zYkHW4SLSPLQ68RFIS2hYJIneZ-ncAcVAWWC4BgDs9TqogJVDrn-vS7_u71zIrvmkvxJ-_RjMqKAchbvlGjfwvY8Or4C4k1Z4UfNo3l3wSmmPDt4YQ/s1878/fruita.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1aL1A1pxXKnzFr-esOjMKqo5x-Ef-AwDT_RJGzFBhO0Rt6wbFTTIF88EbCRIXuSzAFklcrV-zYkHW4SLSPLQ68RFIS2hYJIneZ-ncAcVAWWC4BgDs9TqogJVDrn-vS7_u71zIrvmkvxJ-_RjMqKAchbvlGjfwvY8Or4C4k1Z4UfNo3l3wSmmPDt4YQ/s320/fruita.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> Interestingly, there were lots of
dogs in the campsites but the people were very friendly and even helped us with
stabilizing the RV lending their bricks. The rows of trees, the horses on the
ranch, the cowboys next door from whom we borrowed the firewood for the night
and the starry sky transported me into a different world and made the camping
extra special that night.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p>April 7, 2022:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We spent the morning strolling around in the Fruita Historic
District beginning with the historic Gifford house museum and store (open 9:00
AM-4:30 PM). Be sure to go early to grab their cinnamon rolls, we went around
10am and they were all gone, and we had to work with their personal fruit pies
(made from local cherry, apple and peach). It was interesting to see the Mormon
pioneers lived off this isolated land with such ingenuity and hard work,
completely self-reliant. We strolled around the picnic area and the orchards,
before driving to Bryce Canyon National Park.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sRjTWl_7Xu-MvJ7PF7xAgMGHtgWx0v-IVn8EDEVVT0cfRR5SLFY9fdYwQdSCwRTtgrVeRaHdZK_Y5gPd_ScoKKeABwLHbEv4JtK_GoSH5Ym4R1y6gOYdv6nDdxvMNVsC6RDSC0AP6xMoYDzvpNVmH9SpoUIQc_0MkCk6yCzFGoGZG7JJpw8cz0HhvQ/s1878/Gifford.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sRjTWl_7Xu-MvJ7PF7xAgMGHtgWx0v-IVn8EDEVVT0cfRR5SLFY9fdYwQdSCwRTtgrVeRaHdZK_Y5gPd_ScoKKeABwLHbEv4JtK_GoSH5Ym4R1y6gOYdv6nDdxvMNVsC6RDSC0AP6xMoYDzvpNVmH9SpoUIQc_0MkCk6yCzFGoGZG7JJpw8cz0HhvQ/s320/Gifford.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGvDnnJut3SgHWk6MznRQL578Ot_QfHT4yoxaNapE2TWyOE2NqX8ofppkf_A6LVO9g3OOFL8IPn1TeHtv9m7cs6l_BmZJocHupbC5KdpW9i1ImxGyJ5z7XEaf6joQ2yvF37YaISLtEH3pGo6mtyyz1Vi8VZK1Bs5_zjGg4qFoG6bY1QRFEz_8X8V96Q/s1878/horses.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGvDnnJut3SgHWk6MznRQL578Ot_QfHT4yoxaNapE2TWyOE2NqX8ofppkf_A6LVO9g3OOFL8IPn1TeHtv9m7cs6l_BmZJocHupbC5KdpW9i1ImxGyJ5z7XEaf6joQ2yvF37YaISLtEH3pGo6mtyyz1Vi8VZK1Bs5_zjGg4qFoG6bY1QRFEz_8X8V96Q/s320/horses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-62580844664357874392022-06-09T11:49:00.008-07:002022-06-09T14:41:22.896-07:00RV Camping at Canyonlands National Park<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p>This is the third part of our first RV trip to Utah Mighty
five National parks loop. Here are the links to the <a href="https://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/rv-camping-arches-national-park.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>(Arches National Park) and the <a href="https://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/rv-camping-at-capitol-reef-national-park.html" target="_blank">next post</a>(Capitol Reef National Park)</p><p>April 5, 2022:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We started driving South from Moab
to Canyonlands National Park and possibly because of timed entry at Arches,
there was a lot of traffic before the entrance to the park. Cattle crossing and
the landscape kept us occupied, but it was very very windy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZcwVAUlvrcMuunr9J2jE5nwVkDXNeGWP973bhcm86CjtEU1NqSj6WEtcjh9YaHCEpTliacDox4EJ2W1_I4MRS47G7_iDtSp0lwPKxXqUjwZBFJdsJdJwVKRc-xJSgmEW7brbdWxwdCER6pFDY8_uEG705zMK3r2rCbquYu_nK-wF275DXXjtZAqmGw/s1878/cattle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZcwVAUlvrcMuunr9J2jE5nwVkDXNeGWP973bhcm86CjtEU1NqSj6WEtcjh9YaHCEpTliacDox4EJ2W1_I4MRS47G7_iDtSp0lwPKxXqUjwZBFJdsJdJwVKRc-xJSgmEW7brbdWxwdCER6pFDY8_uEG705zMK3r2rCbquYu_nK-wF275DXXjtZAqmGw/s320/cattle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We entered the park
from the north, stopped at “Island in the sky Visitor Center” and took the
maps. Green river and the Colorado river divide the plateau into 3 regions in Y
shape: Island in the sky on the north, The Maze on the west and The Needles on
the east. We drove to Grand View Point Overlook and did a one-mile hike along
the rim of the Canyon, offering spectacular views of the canyon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUUQa9qTPGPMg1zDIFgOlQWr144aKpUM7Cfjz5SzdOD65nY-nb6wLTmJVv7U3Atdlops6BAd0eq7Fr2HAnhnR7KYzDL2EV0humt_8-vTajKYcgpZEmHhArHDyMks9UFSlxKX02vz4dbgsB3XOnRHpq2Wa0JdSKMrbaZboGatAveX8ZozpRuh3_COulQ/s1878/rim%20hike%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUUQa9qTPGPMg1zDIFgOlQWr144aKpUM7Cfjz5SzdOD65nY-nb6wLTmJVv7U3Atdlops6BAd0eq7Fr2HAnhnR7KYzDL2EV0humt_8-vTajKYcgpZEmHhArHDyMks9UFSlxKX02vz4dbgsB3XOnRHpq2Wa0JdSKMrbaZboGatAveX8ZozpRuh3_COulQ/s320/rim%20hike%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9__HM9Kd-J-VXV020_eCyMRoIIBZucJFYlY3UXX_qIUMec3Sa8YIpDpZ_5p74T7BH-GpGWZ3Y1VUKs3p_RmRunRWkIOQsyALqB6rGJALujo-xvv1DHawWqIRwUcGbi33VEFyYUOz2U7PYZLXt5YrSU3EH-G_b1IZInWcBmdx-UsqS7OvedtaknNHdg/s1878/rim%20hike.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9__HM9Kd-J-VXV020_eCyMRoIIBZucJFYlY3UXX_qIUMec3Sa8YIpDpZ_5p74T7BH-GpGWZ3Y1VUKs3p_RmRunRWkIOQsyALqB6rGJALujo-xvv1DHawWqIRwUcGbi33VEFyYUOz2U7PYZLXt5YrSU3EH-G_b1IZInWcBmdx-UsqS7OvedtaknNHdg/s320/rim%20hike.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We went to
Green River Overlook, but it was very hazy and we saw a newly wedded couple
photoshoot. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Tbkm0gs96XUo7M8tf3eB0pRf5vriROi4lR0BwuRvEhvd7FWHlrX3-lXtFCsPQAExy2flMSeQ3dzeMI7ghutqrDMss55cZzHuQEYXgfMpBrt_HsDo2U3LzcMNJE_QmWa6h878BcYAI6ZiijwopnDrU8GmRXwfwd6ERoWGwTMmuLw_IrcmQO-9jVmn-Q/s1878/hazy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Tbkm0gs96XUo7M8tf3eB0pRf5vriROi4lR0BwuRvEhvd7FWHlrX3-lXtFCsPQAExy2flMSeQ3dzeMI7ghutqrDMss55cZzHuQEYXgfMpBrt_HsDo2U3LzcMNJE_QmWa6h878BcYAI6ZiijwopnDrU8GmRXwfwd6ERoWGwTMmuLw_IrcmQO-9jVmn-Q/s320/hazy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We couldn’t stop at Mesa Arch or see the other two regions and
started driving back North onto Capitol Reef National Park. But it was just too
windy to drive that evening, so we pulled into Shady Acres RV Park at Green
River, UT for the night. <b>This is the first time we learnt that windy
conditions needed to be considered for RV driving</b>. Although we missed a night at
Fruita Campground at Capitol Reef, It turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
That night my DD1 fell off the top bunk bed and her nose bled, and the very
early morning, we had her checked at Green River Medical center. It felt
relieved to get the assurance that she didn’t break any bones and we could continue
on the trip.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-4118412370312952602022-06-08T15:14:00.010-07:002022-06-09T13:55:11.328-07:00RV Camping at Arches National Park<p>This is the second part of our first RV trip to Utah Mighty five National parks loop. Here are the links to the <a href="https://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2022/05/first-rv-camping-trip-to-utah-mighty.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>(planning first RV trip) and the <a href="https://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/rv-camping-at-canyon-lands-national-park.html" target="_blank">next post</a> (Canyonlands National Park )</p><p>April
2, 2022:</p><p>After an early fresh bagel breakfast, my DH set out to pick
up the RV. It was completely worth to start early by 8am instead of the usual
6pm, so we have time to load and reach Arches National Park. We loaded the RV
with the all the essentials, clothing, and stocked up the fridge and pantry, did
lunch and started driving to our first destination – Devils Garden Campground,
the northern most point in the Arches National Park. The campsite was wide open
with the distant snow caps and I still needed time to get used to the orange hues
instead of all green. We had our first campfire under the stars, thanks to the
kind ranger for lending the fire-starting liquid and maps. The propane hookup from the
RV to the grill was very convenient for meats.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCfXO1s-MZjTccEYYCAWvWEs5oAe2fYA9JovAtD_Ln4wnv8XYc6yqhL4juIaI-P7iL0Enku1ILkuw6GSJCBBUgwbmPVTNJMv7alAajreMzs-xqoHrzPV6hlBZZ8SPRcTpFjZb-GFfkpmoAEE2Z7jPzscPoWfPII-0QMb-LfP4CaRqkzzWwDpBs4TCng/s1440/Camp%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCfXO1s-MZjTccEYYCAWvWEs5oAe2fYA9JovAtD_Ln4wnv8XYc6yqhL4juIaI-P7iL0Enku1ILkuw6GSJCBBUgwbmPVTNJMv7alAajreMzs-xqoHrzPV6hlBZZ8SPRcTpFjZb-GFfkpmoAEE2Z7jPzscPoWfPII-0QMb-LfP4CaRqkzzWwDpBs4TCng/s320/Camp%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JbmyHett6brX5BVx0uMC2-mdKhihuoQreRKmfe8jzepfanpwbogJSEVaUo3JUhDX9UmViAnh86k6QXdU8idJLLsxFkPNiCVYSWfmz-MS-BeXSmcSn6QDGWbsvttwhqesGeZwVIPVrCvjc4M7gfw6zjNBvSgUqwlpBSrDS3g9H35GVpFVQ_6AHI8ZTw/s1878/campfire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JbmyHett6brX5BVx0uMC2-mdKhihuoQreRKmfe8jzepfanpwbogJSEVaUo3JUhDX9UmViAnh86k6QXdU8idJLLsxFkPNiCVYSWfmz-MS-BeXSmcSn6QDGWbsvttwhqesGeZwVIPVrCvjc4M7gfw6zjNBvSgUqwlpBSrDS3g9H35GVpFVQ_6AHI8ZTw/s320/campfire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQmsmS4-bXOxMIHIAk3ZaytnA0a41HNA9a3GmwA7NOI-tC-cDu0nJVLxhLfVOm9Fl4PpaMvYSOer2I89SDBbrtjjmWQ-vU0VvtKLRiWhHbMM3coFcefmlrNVK_Wd-KLtQ87VPzV0pRb_qeKNZxDTGQBXV50sHGPi1XeGsKJKl1nglNR8ldllbTeUQZg/s1878/campsite2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQmsmS4-bXOxMIHIAk3ZaytnA0a41HNA9a3GmwA7NOI-tC-cDu0nJVLxhLfVOm9Fl4PpaMvYSOer2I89SDBbrtjjmWQ-vU0VvtKLRiWhHbMM3coFcefmlrNVK_Wd-KLtQ87VPzV0pRb_qeKNZxDTGQBXV50sHGPi1XeGsKJKl1nglNR8ldllbTeUQZg/s320/campsite2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>April
3, 2022:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Morning was very chilly, so RV was very comfortable for the
LO. A quick morning stroll took us to the Skyline arch which was clearly seen
from the restrooms. We moved to our next campsite early in the morning and this
location is tucked in unlike the last one. We hiked on the Sand Dune and Broken
Arch trail within the campground to see the two arches and in the afternoon walked
to the popular Devils Garden Trail to explore more arches: Pine Tree Arch,
Tunnel Arch, Landscape arch, Navajo arch and Partition arch. It was a long day
and the kids did amazingly well.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggupU-rDT0_VRf1lKYF8M2mZu6PoH0Qk0KIN2oh8UFbUKueky8x40PcL48SFRiVx4EzFyQee0gywUsqnbrKJiv35mmQBoL33sJytWn1xoqJUeMpv8pIA7GiPTnCSmMuR_CCgLB6j6i4D9r6tCAxCSTkb95Hvbcz0NA6kzKsEiIR2baZJ8jNkFaNF5qUg/s1878/arch%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggupU-rDT0_VRf1lKYF8M2mZu6PoH0Qk0KIN2oh8UFbUKueky8x40PcL48SFRiVx4EzFyQee0gywUsqnbrKJiv35mmQBoL33sJytWn1xoqJUeMpv8pIA7GiPTnCSmMuR_CCgLB6j6i4D9r6tCAxCSTkb95Hvbcz0NA6kzKsEiIR2baZJ8jNkFaNF5qUg/s320/arch%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiDSBBI7Mme5GeWSHb14McMvRFnaPJjnoVEfPyhsdpqn2uTucHdrhdLli2cuYa36wAOZLiG9PFjIsXIu0FQLRZraXiksZVPv95WotR1pjcM1UsTs26qFcF1x7zw09R9FvjGnbSwKsuZdun8CKoor8foYdqzEkklfoOQh9Kd0aA5gLtcGDGMhn73HFbQ/s1878/arch%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiDSBBI7Mme5GeWSHb14McMvRFnaPJjnoVEfPyhsdpqn2uTucHdrhdLli2cuYa36wAOZLiG9PFjIsXIu0FQLRZraXiksZVPv95WotR1pjcM1UsTs26qFcF1x7zw09R9FvjGnbSwKsuZdun8CKoor8foYdqzEkklfoOQh9Kd0aA5gLtcGDGMhn73HFbQ/s320/arch%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44DVjplwv95rsgqoQJ-7WFJLb8dbXRp0zIJXL-IM9HgW2nxohkSllP829ctHagI28XQGLVT87Bfa5BbccmQbWGJqwF7w5LgQHz8LWB4fKP8P-7eOZbV5bO3ktFzoGMv5OBy63v9jkfOW2FumtQfprp219mht8iDOrvRTa-zZKtaWWPW-RH2_5Yu4tKA/s1878/arch%20eve.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44DVjplwv95rsgqoQJ-7WFJLb8dbXRp0zIJXL-IM9HgW2nxohkSllP829ctHagI28XQGLVT87Bfa5BbccmQbWGJqwF7w5LgQHz8LWB4fKP8P-7eOZbV5bO3ktFzoGMv5OBy63v9jkfOW2FumtQfprp219mht8iDOrvRTa-zZKtaWWPW-RH2_5Yu4tKA/s320/arch%20eve.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiTGFBtw5spTMSpbfK1iC1S2UPua--KRCVo-lEXOg-EN-7QElYr1mWkv1PDJUWDaQ-rPuwSZ4dsRRYIP7YrQrdwUsrL7l8x8aebKfFa2DNZ6KarpScl6zEwACBk74sPunTEaH_vlVVInAjgWC5XFGJzDkXLsS2ifCS0d28wq-Ffg5_UPwnIYZRl1_FQ/s1878/arch%20morming.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiTGFBtw5spTMSpbfK1iC1S2UPua--KRCVo-lEXOg-EN-7QElYr1mWkv1PDJUWDaQ-rPuwSZ4dsRRYIP7YrQrdwUsrL7l8x8aebKfFa2DNZ6KarpScl6zEwACBk74sPunTEaH_vlVVInAjgWC5XFGJzDkXLsS2ifCS0d28wq-Ffg5_UPwnIYZRl1_FQ/s320/arch%20morming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">April 4, 2022:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This morning we started with hike to Delicate arch. Although
it was a full parking, we had no issues as there was a dedicated parking lot
just for RV/Trailer on the other side of the trailhead. We saw Ute petroglyphs
and Wolfe ranch cabin (built 1888 and abandoned in 1910) by the Salt Wash early
in the trail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail was stroller
accessible for some distance until the base of a steep sandstone hill. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a popular trail with cairns (stacks of
rocks) to guide and a ledge in the last took us to the delicate arch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfQHXWvRtsWgiwSM50c-0XwOgu18SSiAvRWbXg3R2OVWAXqIFR8lSpYAqYYFV6qI2S-FkCa7Ni3OOaEurNl4ke6pDONaqB5hB0Aq2mxJ8vUzVTHnLtDf8x2vxk-xhMXpI2p95Bjr61Gk-riX-bWWt_eyQNwkUvoJZAlGJOZ7I7orKPbMeVCauOq_b8Q/s1408/delicate%20arch%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfQHXWvRtsWgiwSM50c-0XwOgu18SSiAvRWbXg3R2OVWAXqIFR8lSpYAqYYFV6qI2S-FkCa7Ni3OOaEurNl4ke6pDONaqB5hB0Aq2mxJ8vUzVTHnLtDf8x2vxk-xhMXpI2p95Bjr61Gk-riX-bWWt_eyQNwkUvoJZAlGJOZ7I7orKPbMeVCauOq_b8Q/s320/delicate%20arch%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WyNI-t9alMqm9FrgZJjD3GKK1g5ZrUll7OzTFS7Na-J48P_V7Yx2nJ0titeXvNv23P39Vhk6k2skM0ojGRs1CMli5mG6hK22anZCSQDEcsVJL7a-hIttTcL9ixyqPtpVe3fm8wFc2rQ-2Dla5ny4sGkWwtcLTEaGkojBO8EgguiZERP1pdR_9qWERg/s1408/delicate%20arch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="792" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WyNI-t9alMqm9FrgZJjD3GKK1g5ZrUll7OzTFS7Na-J48P_V7Yx2nJ0titeXvNv23P39Vhk6k2skM0ojGRs1CMli5mG6hK22anZCSQDEcsVJL7a-hIttTcL9ixyqPtpVe3fm8wFc2rQ-2Dla5ny4sGkWwtcLTEaGkojBO8EgguiZERP1pdR_9qWERg/s320/delicate%20arch.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"> After
lunch, we went to the view points and started driving south in the park and
stopped at Double Arch, North and south windows. We saw more landmarks on the
way from the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint- Three gossips, Sheep rock etc and
drove to Moab. This night, we parked at the Spanish Trail RV Park, so we can
have full hook ups, showers and laundry.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-72698997521920373632022-06-04T19:41:00.004-07:002022-06-08T13:08:23.856-07:00Memorial weekend escape to The Lost Coast<p>This weekend was all about escape
from the sad news of Uvalde shooting and finding inner peace at the serene Shelter
Cove, Central landscape of the famous California’s Lost Coast (extending from Punta
Gorda on the north and Bear Harbor on the south). California’s Lost Coast is part
of and gateway to the California’s coastal National Monument, a string of more
than 20000 rocks and small islands off the state’s 1,100-mile-long coastline.
Hw1 was originally to traverse the entire coastline, but the rugged landscape
forced its development inside. Today there are no major roads or highways
through this region and its remoteness has earned it the apt title of “the lost
Coast”.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPB-V_OhcB63Ghc5o0P99OhsykApkGMVyE7D9IzkOcClRs9fwyb-IwFUISCEE0qfHcJDvbjX-pLH7GcspT4DwV4XI6FHpTf_h8AZn2F0j3D7tC6WsH_aeCEi6IDCaxhqnU4_RIaV79Lwo4hssAOqCyL0goj2eA65VcM5-3OrOVNK1yxQSv5WkCWeuyw/s1878/View%20point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPB-V_OhcB63Ghc5o0P99OhsykApkGMVyE7D9IzkOcClRs9fwyb-IwFUISCEE0qfHcJDvbjX-pLH7GcspT4DwV4XI6FHpTf_h8AZn2F0j3D7tC6WsH_aeCEi6IDCaxhqnU4_RIaV79Lwo4hssAOqCyL0goj2eA65VcM5-3OrOVNK1yxQSv5WkCWeuyw/s320/View%20point.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was about 5-hour drive north from
home so we started early Friday. We couldn’t stop at my favorite “City of Ten Thousand
Buddhas” at Ukiah as it was closed for COVID. Instead, we did lunch picnic at
Pomo Day use area on Lake Mendocino very close by which also has a nice play
area for the kids. We really drove slow on the road after exiting the 101
towards Shelter Cove as it was very windy and drive felt a bit of a stretch for
the girls. It was early evening by the time we reached our Airbnb home and
waited for our dear friends to join us. The place was beautiful with deer right
in the open backyard.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUs5vWGe6HAfcRZid3D2O-TQNQMXCxYxKsc3BpVd_EbOAF0JxkNWXQ0CoZy4aSdzmaxkd9PK7XUYVSQbdVjjyxL-MFTkFp2hr10mqSNt9IMC9DjXWcz56dgdf_lnwOY-bbr-TVoVdv2bw6f7Y3v7xEsplsqbwv3Ai0RT5-u6SZGSd18E-b8uJV1mdrgg/s1408/Beach%20house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUs5vWGe6HAfcRZid3D2O-TQNQMXCxYxKsc3BpVd_EbOAF0JxkNWXQ0CoZy4aSdzmaxkd9PK7XUYVSQbdVjjyxL-MFTkFp2hr10mqSNt9IMC9DjXWcz56dgdf_lnwOY-bbr-TVoVdv2bw6f7Y3v7xEsplsqbwv3Ai0RT5-u6SZGSd18E-b8uJV1mdrgg/s320/Beach%20house.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddtTOvWde7OT-UqklCOr5-O5dmXa7vI1I_ZDzmUrFnyhIo9GF4zVYgws80jmqNlTlXNMXZMPLcZWlJwmS_2Uj4FNo4qkwgzZ69RRXOxMFFMOdmWtkANu22C3YNhLTPQPt_-Efvxzy2BQsl1fBl3iR-Oovcje3tOCmZQDSJWSyzvP9W57ySzbx6YO4uw/s1878/Deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddtTOvWde7OT-UqklCOr5-O5dmXa7vI1I_ZDzmUrFnyhIo9GF4zVYgws80jmqNlTlXNMXZMPLcZWlJwmS_2Uj4FNo4qkwgzZ69RRXOxMFFMOdmWtkANu22C3YNhLTPQPt_-Efvxzy2BQsl1fBl3iR-Oovcje3tOCmZQDSJWSyzvP9W57ySzbx6YO4uw/s320/Deer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Saturday is all rain but we still
braved the rain to go to the major attraction- the historic Cape Mendocino
Lighthouse, located in Mal Coombs Park, famous for its history and the
tidepools. This was originally located on the bluffs of Cape Mendocino and was
moved to Shelter Cove, restored and open to public for Memorial Day 2001. Apparently,
the rocks, reefs and the tidepools below the park provide magnificent
opportunities to see seals, sea lions, an occasional river otter and during
migration seasons, to catch the glimpse of whales. Unfortunately, the light
house was only open 11am-3pm and the tidepools trail is closed as well so we
returned home and had a long lunch BBQ. As it cleared up in the evening, we
went to the Black Sands Beach at the north end of the community, also the
trailhead for the northern section of the Lost coast trail. We strolled along
the coarse black sand and stones, saw lot of Mussels on the rocks and played with
the waves in the caves they made. The weather was perfect for our kites and enjoyed
sunset with the dramatic ridges and peaks of the King Range (NCA) in the background.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTc-7R25RJ5mQwBxV8SW0re6K0tiCUuD95vYbud3_vM2vHR69AFnXketndIRobQL4irG6hDUr5v0qv6xKWMhtzLIInTk9olMW-HlJWPcKKIeCfeXHBoQ2n5tHRrJ15G2Q_WI0uZi74YGsthqJHynqBfqieAZtBbBDZObnlXb0zcJLoJbiG9rCwE99HmA/s1408/Light%20house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTc-7R25RJ5mQwBxV8SW0re6K0tiCUuD95vYbud3_vM2vHR69AFnXketndIRobQL4irG6hDUr5v0qv6xKWMhtzLIInTk9olMW-HlJWPcKKIeCfeXHBoQ2n5tHRrJ15G2Q_WI0uZi74YGsthqJHynqBfqieAZtBbBDZObnlXb0zcJLoJbiG9rCwE99HmA/s320/Light%20house.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vwt5fRjRr3hYFxlc9uKcTqrhnL66OKLW5PRRiT-y8X56_zaoaYZrOZg4ajeOMIO2zSltCXAG8872i2iB9QUTdsCoY_k541TIFoRgSaELe8efMbXqBzceaLqsj8M9hBjQYSnREnajl3buZ7-Vg-GCr3Qs9MgsmCxyWPf7-guNZ_1bBJBx6oyWzRveeg/s1878/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1878" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vwt5fRjRr3hYFxlc9uKcTqrhnL66OKLW5PRRiT-y8X56_zaoaYZrOZg4ajeOMIO2zSltCXAG8872i2iB9QUTdsCoY_k541TIFoRgSaELe8efMbXqBzceaLqsj8M9hBjQYSnREnajl3buZ7-Vg-GCr3Qs9MgsmCxyWPf7-guNZ_1bBJBx6oyWzRveeg/s320/beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">On Sunday, we drove to the Avenue of
the giants and did a hike at Gov. William D Stephens loop trail of 0.7 miles
and then drove to the visitor center for lunch picnic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We (some of us, but my dear friend recorded
them here) were lucky to catch the 2pm guided walk at 0.5-mile Gould Nature
Loop from the visitor center with the very passionate interpreter Griff, a must
do one. Very interactive and knowledgeable, that the clover cover is actually
Redwood Sorrel leaves and tasty to eat, how the trees support each other with
roots intertwined and Photosynthesis to be the new god. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtpuWEAxWWFeqghEGxUb92HIouakqa-EIZpHCec0xtWzQvFo5Ok0w_yuTTAfN5LopSoMi_rN8u_twvDTq7OyUkzmId2Qq2m09YxcNdmXhHX69B8mGK9voyzXVokSfjnTklxwsGbLdGVd_SaFkQlzPbf3bzLj3ZtSDn0TFVuJMGacHL7Hxs7HOuvr0KA/s1408/Redwood%20programs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtpuWEAxWWFeqghEGxUb92HIouakqa-EIZpHCec0xtWzQvFo5Ok0w_yuTTAfN5LopSoMi_rN8u_twvDTq7OyUkzmId2Qq2m09YxcNdmXhHX69B8mGK9voyzXVokSfjnTklxwsGbLdGVd_SaFkQlzPbf3bzLj3ZtSDn0TFVuJMGacHL7Hxs7HOuvr0KA/s320/Redwood%20programs.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUxTri1j4hdTL2O6ih3IUOhAsvIud1wPpDJkocNjNAjFAZDeQtItsDOUCRNKbNGFahoGV_b3iqq6WLWScVQL0Ui1zu-LhHwsEOejLHuSuxPUQBH1Q59Lhjzb_9DatI2Ocpb7xoh5vmbN7fqV_Hoi7RBOSVeVeiESrBueE5gFqkc7OZWQhghyCX0Zpdw/s1408/Redwood%20Sorrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUxTri1j4hdTL2O6ih3IUOhAsvIud1wPpDJkocNjNAjFAZDeQtItsDOUCRNKbNGFahoGV_b3iqq6WLWScVQL0Ui1zu-LhHwsEOejLHuSuxPUQBH1Q59Lhjzb_9DatI2Ocpb7xoh5vmbN7fqV_Hoi7RBOSVeVeiESrBueE5gFqkc7OZWQhghyCX0Zpdw/s320/Redwood%20Sorrel.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt5U2QWmQtDZcNSYHqX-WtKPftEbL3FoYrzZUCK6BTM2-Mx5yqaxzaY77HXVbpqifudfvAIJeSH1kr--DK-WkXXlOEcRr4bTu2CTrJq5NtJNr5jaeDmD87pJpmA2GSkdkoK7oIcOg8a63TmrJLe4E8j2ssW1UIXGm0Qbt-NUi4V-95BcItCU2hVxerA/s1408/Redwoods%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1132" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt5U2QWmQtDZcNSYHqX-WtKPftEbL3FoYrzZUCK6BTM2-Mx5yqaxzaY77HXVbpqifudfvAIJeSH1kr--DK-WkXXlOEcRr4bTu2CTrJq5NtJNr5jaeDmD87pJpmA2GSkdkoK7oIcOg8a63TmrJLe4E8j2ssW1UIXGm0Qbt-NUi4V-95BcItCU2hVxerA/s320/Redwoods%201.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We had an early BBQ
dinner and watched basketball before catching another beautiful sunset at the
Lighthouse and chatted long into the night before wrapping up for the long
drive back home the next day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiBua_ftg4lqwt_AhebFUkea-nrgWY5lBjnH1zBCitWaBKVuuC-9NlCdFriL1Hd0TpaDMgBRwYRgkEPwNVv9-_TuVJywfmVVFjbllzCKW_dYcOiHyOQP735nQ06snvcXnWWlkabJkRomOHLJYpYDVvZKSQ_qhFh0X36BICRKE612hzIZDtt23tNEisg/s1408/Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1132" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiBua_ftg4lqwt_AhebFUkea-nrgWY5lBjnH1zBCitWaBKVuuC-9NlCdFriL1Hd0TpaDMgBRwYRgkEPwNVv9-_TuVJywfmVVFjbllzCKW_dYcOiHyOQP735nQ06snvcXnWWlkabJkRomOHLJYpYDVvZKSQ_qhFh0X36BICRKE612hzIZDtt23tNEisg/s320/Sunset.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-775XLzzUdXb4KhXOGoru0IFqNDcblfzRnq4-60OcWI_4X4RAFqZYECzHU-_-YLkOpKh7C6Z1SPrPSU-3eahNYD-D7C6usfILFclDoygLFQ7UupFiyjlLE8DtzpfgAHyrpPvFEkCLNrPhpO5yCBnfWy8DNRkzEx7BFE9W_zZcBKFTBudajvO0S3msw/s1408/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-775XLzzUdXb4KhXOGoru0IFqNDcblfzRnq4-60OcWI_4X4RAFqZYECzHU-_-YLkOpKh7C6Z1SPrPSU-3eahNYD-D7C6usfILFclDoygLFQ7UupFiyjlLE8DtzpfgAHyrpPvFEkCLNrPhpO5yCBnfWy8DNRkzEx7BFE9W_zZcBKFTBudajvO0S3msw/s320/book.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-47935303690395585872022-05-17T12:05:00.009-07:002022-06-09T15:44:07.944-07:00First RV Camping trip to Utah Mighty Five <p class="MsoNormal">This is the first part of our first RV trip to Utah Mighty
five National parks loop. Here are the links to the <a href="https://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2022/06/rv-camping-arches-national-park.html" target="_blank">next post</a>(Arches National Park)<o:p></o:p></p><p><b>Preparation:</b></p><p><b>Plans are useless but planning
is indispensable - Dwight D. Eisenhower.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It took over a month of learning
RV 101 and planning everything in detail since this is our very first RV trip
once we found the perfect one(32 ft Forrester from <a href="https://www.sphererental.com/" target="_blank">Sphere Rental</a> spacious enough to accommodate 10 ppl). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4gPVPy6rICYZyPPLW6I-Rmz7JDXD8f7-HuBafKrz5PpnXNwZqVTl9wSE8pRZ1Bo7NjoBs0q5V1ndmDu0xkF8DLwB0d63pOeBxF3wNOSZjHoY5yrxm9-HC2nKiazttrGGcA9zNdBtkeKd_P0UAgwdTq1molhc9mUgfhyTfcNim157Zqm5Bjeg-cFd0w/s1600/32ft%20Forester%203251DSLE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="1600" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4gPVPy6rICYZyPPLW6I-Rmz7JDXD8f7-HuBafKrz5PpnXNwZqVTl9wSE8pRZ1Bo7NjoBs0q5V1ndmDu0xkF8DLwB0d63pOeBxF3wNOSZjHoY5yrxm9-HC2nKiazttrGGcA9zNdBtkeKd_P0UAgwdTq1molhc9mUgfhyTfcNim157Zqm5Bjeg-cFd0w/s320/32ft%20Forester%203251DSLE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We modified
our camping list to include RV essentials and espe</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">cially the long list of
grocery items for the 10 days. The
google spread sheet helped us coordinate meal planning with our extended family
joining us on the trip – including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for
everyone. We used a website to help look for canceled
campsites and book them as they got filled up way before</span><span style="text-align: left;"> we even thought of this
spring break trip to Utah Mighty Five National Parks. That primarily determined
the schedule below taking into account we have access to showers in between.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLM9_t3NM2EglrVVwO7U_85uDClS1HLT02i77f3eX6MMPrEd1dka-B7nF-ksvd22axYi2vXAq-bJFG8TcUL1lAYJi3rcevHj95OUULPRQnPO0ACsDYwWaBfsg10u-BEeD9K1P63n-ud4dwdsYhP-LvC55pw0SFXQq2j65_q53EFI50afj_R6xtO3_pw/s870/RV%20schedule.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="870" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLM9_t3NM2EglrVVwO7U_85uDClS1HLT02i77f3eX6MMPrEd1dka-B7nF-ksvd22axYi2vXAq-bJFG8TcUL1lAYJi3rcevHj95OUULPRQnPO0ACsDYwWaBfsg10u-BEeD9K1P63n-ud4dwdsYhP-LvC55pw0SFXQq2j65_q53EFI50afj_R6xtO3_pw/w624-h113/RV%20schedule.jpeg" width="624" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>RV
vs Tent Camping:</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">RV has all the comforts of home with mobility; I really
appreciated the heater for the cold nights and not having to set up the tent
each night and take off next morning. On the go prepared fresh meals with the convenience
of having a fridge and stove, dining table for mess free feeds, and queen bed for
naps made my life so much easier travelling with a toddler. Not to forget the luxury of having a mobile restroom with hot water shower for the little one in the bathtub. We are still camping
within the park, closer to the hikes, nature, grill and the campfire. The only challenge we faced
was its not as easy to drive around and park wherever for impromptu hikes and
stops.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlJA3LPmvaVS4YQhTAYjzCMo6alOH9ktL46O29RMUXY1M55pVwiFDIuAbgzuXQeGm-GeyEkv9WdUEkCjgFatONoFPGuQvaroBI1lpNrYoE7lYrYRv1WdkX94b0pz55JX01VZcsfM4iehkIUtQEnOT3NhydtxZO-IuFF3_8fMsoJewPj2f_fRacuID7w/s2048/32ft%20Forester%203251DSLE_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlJA3LPmvaVS4YQhTAYjzCMo6alOH9ktL46O29RMUXY1M55pVwiFDIuAbgzuXQeGm-GeyEkv9WdUEkCjgFatONoFPGuQvaroBI1lpNrYoE7lYrYRv1WdkX94b0pz55JX01VZcsfM4iehkIUtQEnOT3NhydtxZO-IuFF3_8fMsoJewPj2f_fRacuID7w/s320/32ft%20Forester%203251DSLE_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>April
1, 2022:</b></p>
<p class="MsoSubtitle"><span color="windowtext" style="letter-spacing: 0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Finally, the day has come and I
have this habit of keeping the house clean and organized for our return, so I’m
always a late nighter before the trips, to fold all laundry or organize the
stuff around. DD1 enjoyed the extra day off
from school so we could start on time to the airport. My cousin received us and
our very first impression on SLC is so beautiful surrounded by snow mountains
in every direction. After running errands at the Mexican and Harmons stores
primarily for deli and fresh me<span style="font-family: inherit;">ats </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(while
the other family took care of the more elaborate shopping including Costco,
Indian store and Target)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span>we had a welcome dinner at their place, but
I went to bed early with DD2 tired from the night before and excited for the
next day. My mom says if we do something on Ugadi, we tend to follow in the
same lines for the rest of the year. Happy Ugadi (Hindu Lunar New Year’s Day),
cheers to new beginnings.</span></p><p class="MsoSubtitle"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSAlml-AwH9xR5W8cLN9tpSlHcTV8nGWOT36qRGpeZsGK-GqLGP3dq0ugQey2SzNkrKlb90qEQ3cXl0ZT_BpxlPIQi7N9obyjPeNSrRR5kJm4WEypKZ1TzkIxG6edQsS6eB5-MN7Kkoy3w2Xbx9tDLl9NZl905LH3s6S2VeUFn4XuOBiQToobXfo0CQ/s1024/SLC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSAlml-AwH9xR5W8cLN9tpSlHcTV8nGWOT36qRGpeZsGK-GqLGP3dq0ugQey2SzNkrKlb90qEQ3cXl0ZT_BpxlPIQi7N9obyjPeNSrRR5kJm4WEypKZ1TzkIxG6edQsS6eB5-MN7Kkoy3w2Xbx9tDLl9NZl905LH3s6S2VeUFn4XuOBiQToobXfo0CQ/s320/SLC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt;"><br /></span><p></p>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-27005703541929400252022-05-02T05:42:00.007-07:002022-06-28T16:05:10.661-07:00Happy Earth Day<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Nature has always inspired and
healed me. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxywQ-vFc7SuiryCkkRCRFvcQq0IGp64a_c9TiCTAuL3Gmh60UbmxHHXJ6gqZ17_9tZ1w4HULe__5Zjpk7VvstIvMqtSgB65tXb1uA8E8oCx1Ju9hsfhougFQCb8hjp75lVRrf6SuH0dYXJ0acNagqhn0LHLw_OCrjKgY-PJ64LTS-UHj0Ub3tiTTzQ/s1820/Mother%20Earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1820" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxywQ-vFc7SuiryCkkRCRFvcQq0IGp64a_c9TiCTAuL3Gmh60UbmxHHXJ6gqZ17_9tZ1w4HULe__5Zjpk7VvstIvMqtSgB65tXb1uA8E8oCx1Ju9hsfhougFQCb8hjp75lVRrf6SuH0dYXJ0acNagqhn0LHLw_OCrjKgY-PJ64LTS-UHj0Ub3tiTTzQ/s320/Mother%20Earth.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">When I saw the loads of messages for Earth Day (Friday, April 22) on
Thursday evening on social media platforms, I decided how I can contribute:
Potty train my 2-year-old.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I never really focused on it,
despite my mom’s constant reminders since before my LO turned one. But this is
motivating enough that one year of one child using disposable diapers uses two
full grown trees, not to mention they take 250-500 years to decompose (as mentioned in the Oh Crap Potty Training book by Jamie Glowacki). It is
sad that I was risking Environment and the landfill space in addition to my
child’s dignity prolonging diapers because I don’t care or I am not ready.
Potty Training 101 (although I missed it the workshop) follow-up email from Stratford
schools was really timely and helped a lot.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In addition to avoiding single use
plastic, Couple of other things how I helped in recent times.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Avoid single use masks as much as I can</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">Turn off facade lights to avoid light Pollution:
On our recent trip to Bryce Canyon NP, one of the exhibits in the visitor
center caught my ey</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">e, how the millions of lights at night are obscuring night
skies and stars, in addition to wasted energy, gre</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;">enhouse gases and money.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><!--[if !supportLists]--></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 107%;"><span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 107%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz4IDhW4kad-ij13nSNn3irVrEl7wsaqLbRGuMvRwqSzj1Kz92z2yLo6QKx9xcCgnA5I6rCVbYLhwtE5Dpj8ri42K3J1YNeXi_tNmHSF_-GSaOuqvd9fYwjxX_bQxRv5O05btR57WkQlRN18Kvl88qbeHsZg6Z6M4NvIRPwjTI7ee6m4vjZsF44sVVw/s4032/CAS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz4IDhW4kad-ij13nSNn3irVrEl7wsaqLbRGuMvRwqSzj1Kz92z2yLo6QKx9xcCgnA5I6rCVbYLhwtE5Dpj8ri42K3J1YNeXi_tNmHSF_-GSaOuqvd9fYwjxX_bQxRv5O05btR57WkQlRN18Kvl88qbeHsZg6Z6M4NvIRPwjTI7ee6m4vjZsF44sVVw/s320/CAS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span>There is so much buzz on
sustainability these days, which is very nice if it helps bring us back to our
roots. I believe it comes </span><span>naturally when we go back to basics in kitchens and
staying closer to Nature, imparting common sense in every way of life and not going
through the fads. Thanks to<a href="https://www.rujutadiwekar.com/" target="_blank"> Rujuta Diwekar </a><span style="line-height: 107%;">(anyone
who knows me know my outright love for her) </span> for the guidance on this subject.</span></span></div></span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; line-height: 107%;"><span>As a happy camper, living right on the bay a
mile from camping (the Dumbarton Quarry campground by the bay) remind me of my
love and </span><span>duty towards Nature every day.</span></span></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-79597807059825839562011-10-09T20:11:00.000-07:002011-10-09T20:11:17.172-07:00The final Michigan trek<div style="font-family: inherit;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>This September long weekend was particularly special for us marking the end of summer, probably our last one in Michigan. The very thought was little painful, so we decided to do the most awaited and long postponed upper peninsula trip: Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Traverse City & Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>Day 1: Mackinac Island:</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We started at noon from Ann Arbor and drove to Mackinaw city. A 15min ferry ride in the blue waters of Straits of Mackinac took us to the island with good views of Mackinac bridge. We checked into a hotel and rode our rented bikes on the 8-mile road around the island hiking the cliffs, stopping by the Arch rock and the shore, taking pictures. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouL6yGNs7i3lmmjvNnpb6C-Wd0_mid45K8jYBF3AH768_39kFFuSQY-Uah52nMPT04pB05ENof43A_peSNfTHrjSk2pl_JIcPshwRmmnc7DPJDnKuttEg_ojL_d9I5FXN4EQAR_qM3lMV/s1600/2011+09+02_9397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouL6yGNs7i3lmmjvNnpb6C-Wd0_mid45K8jYBF3AH768_39kFFuSQY-Uah52nMPT04pB05ENof43A_peSNfTHrjSk2pl_JIcPshwRmmnc7DPJDnKuttEg_ojL_d9I5FXN4EQAR_qM3lMV/s320/2011+09+02_9397.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwSJfBtQ3QBWIwlYC3Eyscu9KkyzgwhtOhKTntHp30QeZ5zdMtY2EYltzIpaWTYdYpyG_lCMaUpYDIqiTF2kAd6ppHAxfqohrRaaERWCLdLq-EgUif-IMORbC8V7a2v-FSqcDfT7JrLf5/s1600/2011+09+01_9759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwSJfBtQ3QBWIwlYC3Eyscu9KkyzgwhtOhKTntHp30QeZ5zdMtY2EYltzIpaWTYdYpyG_lCMaUpYDIqiTF2kAd6ppHAxfqohrRaaERWCLdLq-EgUif-IMORbC8V7a2v-FSqcDfT7JrLf5/s320/2011+09+01_9759.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>After a sating dinner, we walked under the night lights in the historic main street, checking out shops resisting the “Mackinac Fudge”, of course without tasting which the trip would be never complete! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>Day 2: Mackinac Island Carriage Tour and Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise:</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The official shared carriage tour took us inside the island showing the Grand Hotel, cemeteries and other points of interest in the city and the state park in 3 segments. The horses were huge and did a great job while we enjoyed the cool breeze with quite funny narration from driver. We got down at Fort Mackinac and walked in the state harbor and around before taking the return ferry. The waters were very fierce rising above the ferry on either sides and soaked even the people on the deck.<span> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gB9iYUH3x_tPRNJVUYjUrxcEmwaaJFOpK0j5Wbqf6lzrwB62D4e5gJ_dO24CXuyuntRYAra2svCwkM2bG1y6NqU9PH7Q7_5IYIrZeGQdWqXosgVOG8yV8bRLA0Sq8r4aIoqCrpgR9-IC/s1600/2011+09+02_9395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gB9iYUH3x_tPRNJVUYjUrxcEmwaaJFOpK0j5Wbqf6lzrwB62D4e5gJ_dO24CXuyuntRYAra2svCwkM2bG1y6NqU9PH7Q7_5IYIrZeGQdWqXosgVOG8yV8bRLA0Sq8r4aIoqCrpgR9-IC/s320/2011+09+02_9395.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDLZ8rMklWg8xROMDsjhPP-qcfeh2No_FKnouXdBIdEIyssdZIlcew6LxdgZ5ZdmcjyIq8YOJ5A1sfZBTTbajikbAUmNZer7z_l8qDz6tQ_w9agudx8LRPO8Q9OWcKRDPm1iLoXzQfUfh/s1600/2011+09+02_9394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDLZ8rMklWg8xROMDsjhPP-qcfeh2No_FKnouXdBIdEIyssdZIlcew6LxdgZ5ZdmcjyIq8YOJ5A1sfZBTTbajikbAUmNZer7z_l8qDz6tQ_w9agudx8LRPO8Q9OWcKRDPm1iLoXzQfUfh/s320/2011+09+02_9394.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We crossed the Mackinac bridge and drove past Lake Michigan and small towns to Munising. We collected the info at the visitor center there and made it just in time to the Pictured Rocks Cruise in Lake Superior. The tour was almost for 3 hours from the Munising city pier to Spray falls with Grand island on left and pictured rocks on right. The shoreline was truly an interesting combination of beaches, falls and most importantly the towering sandstone cliffs in beautiful patterns painted in all colors. We dined at a Chinese-Thai restaurant nearby the pier and stayed the night at a motel in Christmas, a small town west of Munising.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyt1yne45nzrKHN_0sWNMwW4MtqCFz5jb2is9W36Xxzwv0slSOzGxQ75zZoCu5oeGKily8R3KfbHJwlYVTSAh9Vpz3scgP5vA-RRTI1cQmdX4y5wTs1mMTyJ1yKJzch-hcDgasKTyhoqZ8/s1600/2011+09+02_9626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyt1yne45nzrKHN_0sWNMwW4MtqCFz5jb2is9W36Xxzwv0slSOzGxQ75zZoCu5oeGKily8R3KfbHJwlYVTSAh9Vpz3scgP5vA-RRTI1cQmdX4y5wTs1mMTyJ1yKJzch-hcDgasKTyhoqZ8/s320/2011+09+02_9626.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNGhuvZhWIMogzR-v6eHtT6jM7_kxjR6nc7Q8_PBh5YQk_sP2d0PSKB1NfKZkmv2xpelK5RNJZin-iATe1-JnIi1D_ZlsPv3vmLK14ppt1lI2_qkjFE9EqxiAlwbXaRgxxx7DrxQ3kzaP/s1600/2011+09+02_9581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNGhuvZhWIMogzR-v6eHtT6jM7_kxjR6nc7Q8_PBh5YQk_sP2d0PSKB1NfKZkmv2xpelK5RNJZin-iATe1-JnIi1D_ZlsPv3vmLK14ppt1lI2_qkjFE9EqxiAlwbXaRgxxx7DrxQ3kzaP/s320/2011+09+02_9581.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fd8sy940tI99XQY5HPxdKD9B5tX2-9GIiHrpee2MsbltmvoM8t7eIzDoKlvsLdWs9JIi3Gkyfi2o5kvzwOJVSv0F-Udrdk6tkMbz-MpFqmQFnVwQkUGAX0L_u4ayDPr1v-jtpUUOOWOf/s1600/2011+09+02_9585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fd8sy940tI99XQY5HPxdKD9B5tX2-9GIiHrpee2MsbltmvoM8t7eIzDoKlvsLdWs9JIi3Gkyfi2o5kvzwOJVSv0F-Udrdk6tkMbz-MpFqmQFnVwQkUGAX0L_u4ayDPr1v-jtpUUOOWOf/s320/2011+09+02_9585.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc5aV0NyX1z_IAdNtg88_E_K4Q4WqTltOIqBSmeQzQFKhw4iYeYnCleqSpniQ7dA9tJ8_GarH6NJx2N6cOcPJD2mObrUEAloaiA-3CZmik2XK9IlkgfJywIExQC1Y8rJ4RLKJrGk5uk5B/s1600/2011+09+02_9668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc5aV0NyX1z_IAdNtg88_E_K4Q4WqTltOIqBSmeQzQFKhw4iYeYnCleqSpniQ7dA9tJ8_GarH6NJx2N6cOcPJD2mObrUEAloaiA-3CZmik2XK9IlkgfJywIExQC1Y8rJ4RLKJrGk5uk5B/s320/2011+09+02_9668.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>Day 3: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We started the day with Munising falls, a waterfall in residential area and Sand point, a perfectly sandy beach, both a little unconventional. We then went to Miners Castle overlook and hiked to Miners falls. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiQAR2QauvFEhcdQ8i-4lAkTMhXreyZK1pYD4S25_JlAk-OQWsfytsO0Ku7kBpNP1Q0Ww4wsQwJ_3a87KSiZTHl7D_3NmABAjkLDrVd-I2rqOD7T9zTH46oCcw-2MY7oloYmp55lvaTUm/s1600/2011+09+03_9243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiQAR2QauvFEhcdQ8i-4lAkTMhXreyZK1pYD4S25_JlAk-OQWsfytsO0Ku7kBpNP1Q0Ww4wsQwJ_3a87KSiZTHl7D_3NmABAjkLDrVd-I2rqOD7T9zTH46oCcw-2MY7oloYmp55lvaTUm/s320/2011+09+03_9243.JPG" width="214" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We drove on H58 further to Little Beaver Lake, Kingston lake and spent time at Twelvemile Beach. From Hurricane River, we hiked to Au Sable light house along the lakeshore which had shipwrecks that washed ashore(Au Sable is french for ‘with sand’ - named so for its close proximity to Grand Sable Dunes). </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnd2Wme8lmzDlzAKxLIzFFDWYqWfda0eIZM9amq9zD5f7IsdvV9wRi-GCcgklSE3GFdtJJFnsfB4O7litlzbZ4ZEC58ApftIHkCJzd9pmNF8YPT8plaQkjkc2ZoCACSAPTjvU7-wxPSiD/s1600/2011+09+03_9277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnd2Wme8lmzDlzAKxLIzFFDWYqWfda0eIZM9amq9zD5f7IsdvV9wRi-GCcgklSE3GFdtJJFnsfB4O7litlzbZ4ZEC58ApftIHkCJzd9pmNF8YPT8plaQkjkc2ZoCACSAPTjvU7-wxPSiD/s320/2011+09+03_9277.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We loved walking in the sinking loose sands across a steep bluff and the Log Slide overlook with magnificent view of the Grand Sable Dunes and Lake Superior. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HFyRTzXHyo9ur3_tXNhDxfYf_lrdnyvFeziaSOqgKxKsFEXgPJm-o7MWurUUM_9mWBTSJ-E94A7u29JHw3Cn6hHuOm6PKwx_CP64aY9verBYB6UK6MJ4_hwqe7lr1fxwwH_kTmOJV0Iv/s1600/2011+09+03_9306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HFyRTzXHyo9ur3_tXNhDxfYf_lrdnyvFeziaSOqgKxKsFEXgPJm-o7MWurUUM_9mWBTSJ-E94A7u29JHw3Cn6hHuOm6PKwx_CP64aY9verBYB6UK6MJ4_hwqe7lr1fxwwH_kTmOJV0Iv/s320/2011+09+03_9306.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We hiked the Sable falls trail and Grand Sable Dunes Trail which begins with American Beech-Maple forest and then winds into open dunes. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLw3q1oB-ph0ewK8M5IROWkpWyTTy0JsTP7eEp06vfJerOuB2vGAotXP2OXip3ujgxDmmoF_yhhdrxmXg4-bRKniZJnHzM0c0BRaWy1J0m1MoxVSqcsmEfophaygUVjFkFAjxf8OrVZgx/s1600/2011+09+03_9363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLw3q1oB-ph0ewK8M5IROWkpWyTTy0JsTP7eEp06vfJerOuB2vGAotXP2OXip3ujgxDmmoF_yhhdrxmXg4-bRKniZJnHzM0c0BRaWy1J0m1MoxVSqcsmEfophaygUVjFkFAjxf8OrVZgx/s320/2011+09+03_9363.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The Mackinac bridge was flashing in the lights as we drove back to Gaylord for the night. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>Day 4: Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore:</span></b><span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>In <b>Traverse city,</b> we visited beach park and harbor, had lunch in the lively downtown and drove towards Sleeping bear dunes. The <b>Glen lake</b> was surprisingly beautiful and definitely made us forget we were in Michigan, with its clear calm indigo waters, many piers and busy boating and kayaks. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCRlGLihD6cArccM93_HFVKPrh1xj__G8cwbCIErWLQoqqKkeJWFdWUkHar6-ohBJFG5twIQi9ewh1OWyLDAGLOsX8pZ_YcVrGKVVMKx1x4ZEmgV6yV6nAzkc8FR-yatm2SIYPj1dLuVM/s1600/2011+09+04_9094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCRlGLihD6cArccM93_HFVKPrh1xj__G8cwbCIErWLQoqqKkeJWFdWUkHar6-ohBJFG5twIQi9ewh1OWyLDAGLOsX8pZ_YcVrGKVVMKx1x4ZEmgV6yV6nAzkc8FR-yatm2SIYPj1dLuVM/s320/2011+09+04_9094.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Glen Haven Historic village had a nice beach, dock, museum and a general store. From the Sleeping Bear point, we could see South and North Manitou islands, the two cubs that drown in Lake Michigan while the Mama bear fell asleep waiting for them(now the Sleeping Bear Dune) <span> </span>according to Anishinaabek Indian Legend. The Dune climb was as painful to climb as was fun getting down. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYGlrDMnAkc4tNnsqcp-sXHYAC4IWz_cukW8Ddn5w_2Q9fPllemr3yJkbXI-dyZFH8k4AkpWr3XVsWDtc7AK9I65WzzbwCaPbyVWo26BbQK5xWRVMVU0aB01hkXsHk5X_5K61ab9gJHfd/s1600/2011+09+04_9112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYGlrDMnAkc4tNnsqcp-sXHYAC4IWz_cukW8Ddn5w_2Q9fPllemr3yJkbXI-dyZFH8k4AkpWr3XVsWDtc7AK9I65WzzbwCaPbyVWo26BbQK5xWRVMVU0aB01hkXsHk5X_5K61ab9gJHfd/s320/2011+09+04_9112.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We felt the best was saved to the last at the Lake Michigan/Sleeping Bear Dune overlooks in Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive walking in the steep dune rised 450 feet above Lake Michigan. We stood in the cold breeze, watching the thick clouds and pouring rain coming to us and barely escaped from being wet. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFJxx_OUZCIh2GvkHuOlGY_INdqlSdKma3lSIYdDMxIMQCWiFgLSwyLVL9m_NBxJ1d-aZdwZ6TeMhgfWEKkf5jWfEo0TugLoCBSFWs4I-ALbnZmaJQ5u_ygxZwPm9ld6ElLF-aD6PhA7A/s1600/2011+09+04_9151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFJxx_OUZCIh2GvkHuOlGY_INdqlSdKma3lSIYdDMxIMQCWiFgLSwyLVL9m_NBxJ1d-aZdwZ6TeMhgfWEKkf5jWfEo0TugLoCBSFWs4I-ALbnZmaJQ5u_ygxZwPm9ld6ElLF-aD6PhA7A/s320/2011+09+04_9151.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The only thing we missed for the trip was the <b>Labor day Mackinac bridge walk,</b> to pay homage for the “Mighty Mac”-longest suspension bridge for years withstanding the harsh winds, waters and winters and stood as a symbol of pride to Michigan, to us all… The trip felt like visiting family and we hoped to be back again soon!!</span></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-37704783164980874402011-09-25T00:22:00.000-07:002011-09-27T21:14:46.222-07:00Love of Continents: Istanbul, Turkey<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Note: This is the second guest post from my DH from his Europe tour, a tradeoff for not taking me along with a promise for this blog-post and lot of gifts. I hope you enjoy reading!!</b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Day 1: </b>After an hour flight(Pegasus) from Sofia, we got down at S.Gocken(SAW) airport in Istanbul in the afternoon. <b>Istanbul</b> is the only city in the world that is situated on two continents(Europe and Asia, divided by Bosphorus Strait), and we spent most of the time on the European side(<b>Byzantium/Constantinople</b>). We checked in to a hotel in <b>Sultanahmet </b>which is the heart of historic old Istanbul and quickly set out for our first destination- <b>Blue Mosque/ Sultan Ahmed Mosque. </b>It was closed for the prayer so we visited <b>Hagia Sophia</b>, which was once a Church, later a mosque and now a museum depicting two different cultures (Ottoman and Byzantium) under one great dome. Being the month of Ramadan, the streets were busy by evening with people, celebrations and food. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpCrogTqDywXdODWC8HkC1FMBJMf5n2rjcT6iD-N_9yWQIw9Zmt_sEBgKaI3wRSGXx3koF3TJF8FceHxfkbyunMgWpk5Hbo_kGIVaFby8g9wUALilYXVhD3pVVtLBCw-ebryLl46CZhQI/s1600/2011+08+21_8592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpCrogTqDywXdODWC8HkC1FMBJMf5n2rjcT6iD-N_9yWQIw9Zmt_sEBgKaI3wRSGXx3koF3TJF8FceHxfkbyunMgWpk5Hbo_kGIVaFby8g9wUALilYXVhD3pVVtLBCw-ebryLl46CZhQI/s320/2011+08+21_8592.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvAtAAnfLTFeKtvUrQRklArvMOcHJStnQRwh4-qVcXaMs4c2VOwhNkm19WByEMp-obX3m-DIYx2aWBhEuKcOWUQ-ZwyMWDXyUbiEZQ4vehkDmAtPKvuuTJ57udw8YOn6Nlc9uG8mqiW4H/s1600/2011+08+21_8607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvAtAAnfLTFeKtvUrQRklArvMOcHJStnQRwh4-qVcXaMs4c2VOwhNkm19WByEMp-obX3m-DIYx2aWBhEuKcOWUQ-ZwyMWDXyUbiEZQ4vehkDmAtPKvuuTJ57udw8YOn6Nlc9uG8mqiW4H/s320/2011+08+21_8607.JPG" width="214" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiNm1ux3XU3COWFQi78eCEGyGyNDCzV274sQRL2RKvmmsx_pr1gZig0jFHuc7Q9uBHL4t20pJ8KFEZobcuZQNZr2s2vuIXWhl6c-5Aw5ZkuAf-Z1uVGihv8cHZmsXbybaH9Qzm2GQNjiK/s1600/2011+08+21_8657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiNm1ux3XU3COWFQi78eCEGyGyNDCzV274sQRL2RKvmmsx_pr1gZig0jFHuc7Q9uBHL4t20pJ8KFEZobcuZQNZr2s2vuIXWhl6c-5Aw5ZkuAf-Z1uVGihv8cHZmsXbybaH9Qzm2GQNjiK/s320/2011+08+21_8657.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Day 2:</b> We started off at the <b>Sultanahmet Archaeological park</b>, a UNESCO world heritage site and this time were able to get into <b>Blue mosque. </b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh7kVnAcOCxT81bfEfpExuhWgGMYaO6deMsIrIDnmVc8JU_GGdhbAa5CsthYxCyawaLtLOGa7AVNisR_pcDIDGYphv0m6f5gEndYnTk-nCJOZ85gam7CHKGU-Qpn4fezAq2CdY-EZKZlu/s1600/2011+08+22_8376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh7kVnAcOCxT81bfEfpExuhWgGMYaO6deMsIrIDnmVc8JU_GGdhbAa5CsthYxCyawaLtLOGa7AVNisR_pcDIDGYphv0m6f5gEndYnTk-nCJOZ85gam7CHKGU-Qpn4fezAq2CdY-EZKZlu/s320/2011+08+22_8376.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">We visited <b>Topkapi palace </b>with great views both inside and out. Our next stop was the <b>underground Basilica Cistern </b>which once provided water to the Topkapi Palace, but is now l<span style="font-family: inherit;">imited</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to a few feet of water lining the bottom</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xQLijGOSBPA33L8-0Bziw5yUh5mNk-TKFzZ6EKKd3hddR38lChD_XseeqZXgiYjUHp36NsPhsIfYGQWhhxqAEDWkGawjlQoWMBQIdnQ8GhKQLTaGVPQAZr-T__DpKy8N3N8hZ3Mr6vbr/s1600/2011+08+22_8441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xQLijGOSBPA33L8-0Bziw5yUh5mNk-TKFzZ6EKKd3hddR38lChD_XseeqZXgiYjUHp36NsPhsIfYGQWhhxqAEDWkGawjlQoWMBQIdnQ8GhKQLTaGVPQAZr-T__DpKy8N3N8hZ3Mr6vbr/s320/2011+08+22_8441.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> Evening we went around in <b>Taksim square</b>, an 8 storey mall and <b>Hippodrome</b>. But the real buzz started at night after 6pm for Iftar(a meal to break the fast), when families gather to eat, shop and enjoy the special performances.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RKaE4v-opfTXViGAZhXdlo8LptY9ckOmjAIkDCHrEzRPAhyMnT-UtT_pEHwK_o1osQaKj0GRWY5G-6qXVctdQE812L64W6DAI7ZpeZch0XSMPBPs0wbNDuz4_7mQMga34PrhRiThFWjq/s1600/2011+08+22_8493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RKaE4v-opfTXViGAZhXdlo8LptY9ckOmjAIkDCHrEzRPAhyMnT-UtT_pEHwK_o1osQaKj0GRWY5G-6qXVctdQE812L64W6DAI7ZpeZch0XSMPBPs0wbNDuz4_7mQMga34PrhRiThFWjq/s320/2011+08+22_8493.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5_qvOiiwUFOfVlxQHd6GwqLSNzoEZaxchvGzMoXpoNvBdpasJW3qaNy2AZ8oQvtXYTWk3Xii0iBbZB_6cFOfozkBj7ylAEZOmnvc8_PKnOIL7UjvP6h6mTjLLFdZLKIXTmAMqVxIXdXr/s1600/2011+08+22_8512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5_qvOiiwUFOfVlxQHd6GwqLSNzoEZaxchvGzMoXpoNvBdpasJW3qaNy2AZ8oQvtXYTWk3Xii0iBbZB_6cFOfozkBj7ylAEZOmnvc8_PKnOIL7UjvP6h6mTjLLFdZLKIXTmAMqVxIXdXr/s320/2011+08+22_8512.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Day 3: </b>We went to <b>Dolmabahce Palace</b>, a very grand and classy palace right on the European coastline of the Bosphorus strait. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrZvz2d_k0rosp6T5LF2TUh17BkzIw_yj-Szy-aMfzPR_xG1uNBeLrniCiKEDD9YaC4P8WCpSQ-BPvOdRYPb_Cma2QaWvQ_-NHwK40oG1bdwAu4mN2qADVw1ZxGiXgpavX_EnStbe7IzD/s1600/2011+08+23_8265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrZvz2d_k0rosp6T5LF2TUh17BkzIw_yj-Szy-aMfzPR_xG1uNBeLrniCiKEDD9YaC4P8WCpSQ-BPvOdRYPb_Cma2QaWvQ_-NHwK40oG1bdwAu4mN2qADVw1ZxGiXgpavX_EnStbe7IzD/s320/2011+08+23_8265.JPG" width="214" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCRjLofUiZ6qVP59kd0qn3Fa_GwxR22Yv-sperK3zjWuxm01_cSsCEvDinAfIUv1JY1PeyugQUdtWcHW8e17xaOya1j_iup4NAjEdrmBV4Kt1Dek3QhmrhQO4I00zTys9jxEypoq8m_uh/s1600/2011+08+23_8275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCRjLofUiZ6qVP59kd0qn3Fa_GwxR22Yv-sperK3zjWuxm01_cSsCEvDinAfIUv1JY1PeyugQUdtWcHW8e17xaOya1j_iup4NAjEdrmBV4Kt1Dek3QhmrhQO4I00zTys9jxEypoq8m_uh/s320/2011+08+23_8275.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Then we toured <b>Istanbul University</b>. Evening, we took the sunset/night <b>cruise on Bosphorus</b> which was expensive but got to see the dazzling Istanbul along with dinner, drinks and belly dance</span><span style="font-size: small;">J</span><span style="font-size: small;"> (There are also official ferry tours <a href="http://ido.com.tr/en/index.cfm" target="_blank">http://ido.com.tr/en/index.cfm</a> for fraction of cost available for Bosphorus and Prince's islands).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oIAOJoD5aNKrbebVDMq0wVJ7dCXcat3LgVmqaTgMg36ItVASawewYtYbFVDT0ltaVre5j6OVFZAaS-dEKOSILRxIayRJAw1oPIuCqzAu1ZJrztGsexaXXEOEwunFTRY3x_37j1Z2CQdp/s1600/2011+08+23_8299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oIAOJoD5aNKrbebVDMq0wVJ7dCXcat3LgVmqaTgMg36ItVASawewYtYbFVDT0ltaVre5j6OVFZAaS-dEKOSILRxIayRJAw1oPIuCqzAu1ZJrztGsexaXXEOEwunFTRY3x_37j1Z2CQdp/s320/2011+08+23_8299.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaZT9rTsu_FUlr7iIrYTmGXuCiKnQzSlRW67PF0MQHB3LR-ipjHpZEy9aPs-uEBsFJPZiJRdCsYwbNzGGc6kMD2sTEK2IRZTJnwFmhBeoPgpkf0dDh682KvYyz19rheTDZL0GG6Vso9NS/s1600/2011+08+23_8357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaZT9rTsu_FUlr7iIrYTmGXuCiKnQzSlRW67PF0MQHB3LR-ipjHpZEy9aPs-uEBsFJPZiJRdCsYwbNzGGc6kMD2sTEK2IRZTJnwFmhBeoPgpkf0dDh682KvYyz19rheTDZL0GG6Vso9NS/s320/2011+08+23_8357.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Day 4</b>: </span><span style="font-size: small;">Its nearing the end of the trip, so we went to <b>Grand Bazaar</b> for some souvenir shopping. We spent there quite some time before going to <b>New Mosque, colorful spice market</b> and walked across the <b>Galata Bridge. The Galata tower</b> offers nice views of the city and the <b>Golden Horn</b>. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsS6mvw-IGvm8ryVxaF3OsZw-kIJtjaXNyDBAC2KS4KdHgeU141tk6yT1nXxVHsSDfB1D8M-7jivw_Egrfbk8MuCxIjvTfeKGRFZIbNYYmOlppzk65uMMdkeYFtx_Dhl2YHPFBH7hnEJ3/s1600/2011+08+24_8193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsS6mvw-IGvm8ryVxaF3OsZw-kIJtjaXNyDBAC2KS4KdHgeU141tk6yT1nXxVHsSDfB1D8M-7jivw_Egrfbk8MuCxIjvTfeKGRFZIbNYYmOlppzk65uMMdkeYFtx_Dhl2YHPFBH7hnEJ3/s320/2011+08+24_8193.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aHyRl5GtlpEeFTn68SprxEyX42FJl2YK7lzafMFfBAoAWS-dO884quCbpIVsO9YA6Fsh6gRQQtTu7AAmpKKw8OpK_yxH1Idf-uKqOoxfAHN411-cfWUyNOqmthBr35hyaAAp8zWhHNB-/s1600/2011+08+24_8229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aHyRl5GtlpEeFTn68SprxEyX42FJl2YK7lzafMFfBAoAWS-dO884quCbpIVsO9YA6Fsh6gRQQtTu7AAmpKKw8OpK_yxH1Idf-uKqOoxfAHN411-cfWUyNOqmthBr35hyaAAp8zWhHNB-/s320/2011+08+24_8229.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">With so many mosques, palaces, architectural monuments and long history from different empires, this <b>alpha world city </b>has so much more to see and explore in itself, let alone Turkey. The </span><span style="font-size: small;">beautiful peninsula, </span><span style="font-size: small;">people, culture and not to forget the great food especially <b>Turkish Tea</b> leaves such a strong impression that anyone would want to come back, but its time to go home and before that…a rich dinner!!!</span></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-51578725383182749202011-09-14T21:41:00.000-07:002011-09-14T22:09:15.631-07:00Let’s go International – Visiting Bulgaria<div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">(Bansko, Pirin National Park, Rila Monastery, Sofia)</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Note: This is a guest post from my DH, a tradeoff for not taking me along with a promise for this blog-post and lot of gifts</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">:)</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> I hope you enjoy reading!!</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">A week of classes in Bansko, Bulgaria on a scholarship was a unique, not to miss opportunity for an International trip. <b>Bansko </b>is a town and ski resort in southwestern Bulgaria, located at the foot of the beautiful Pirin Mountains, about 3 hour drive from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The Sofia airport was relatively small and currency exchange in the airport was indeed a bad idea. As part of the course, we toured industries in and around Bansko, which included Shumensko (Bulgarian beer company now owned by Carlsberg). We explored exotic restaurants with live native band and traditional Bulgarian costume. The houses(apartments) look alike, people speak no English and weren’t very enthusiastic about economy. All over, it felt like the country was stuck in communist era after the fall of soviet union. We also met Bankso mayor who was keen on developing skiing and tourism while the managers expressed interest in cheap labor and industry. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8dXVUud7eOKP4IHxNoO1n9hcc8xB7LJSeAFST8rMzr7HWaN416eL-JOd7WuPijRqtw0LkWiQdlKiySVVP1EfXxnWh4wn7uOY5hD7Iwtvww1tjpQs1rtmVRn5_DxhcfShGrv93DS5eu66/s1600/2011+08+16_9020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8dXVUud7eOKP4IHxNoO1n9hcc8xB7LJSeAFST8rMzr7HWaN416eL-JOd7WuPijRqtw0LkWiQdlKiySVVP1EfXxnWh4wn7uOY5hD7Iwtvww1tjpQs1rtmVRn5_DxhcfShGrv93DS5eu66/s320/2011+08+16_9020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching our own fish at a Restaurant, Bansko</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRYfOOq_HR_xcN6DOYy71G4oYsPGK5hW3vWtPlV7cZETuT0xFzjpQTcS1EzCVKCYnhsr7QAByaht_ios5wV18DqlcMkwVrwvTLGxUUOJIBQigJF7AppeeonuciKWUl5p0AcooZNmXFWax/s1600/2011+08+18_8928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRYfOOq_HR_xcN6DOYy71G4oYsPGK5hW3vWtPlV7cZETuT0xFzjpQTcS1EzCVKCYnhsr7QAByaht_ios5wV18DqlcMkwVrwvTLGxUUOJIBQigJF7AppeeonuciKWUl5p0AcooZNmXFWax/s320/2011+08+18_8928.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malnik, a town near Bansko</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">On the last day, we hiked in <b>Pirin National Park, </b>known for its wealth of flora and fauna. There were colored markings along the trails. The glorious alpine landscape and its beautiful glacial lakes, called “the crystal eyes of Pirin” make it completely worth to be a World heritage national park.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDeSjVaUVcKI_V17VGzLAMlJTypmHVmQAboAi-Wery2mBEC0sGb0clUJ-Drbr-ZIiSCELp7tMUv9mawAOpb9fH9HaOovlu73vMC9nehRmqrmY2DKg6JvAdFcUvDPTYK5UH9jT2Kr6dC81/s1600/2011+08+19_8849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDeSjVaUVcKI_V17VGzLAMlJTypmHVmQAboAi-Wery2mBEC0sGb0clUJ-Drbr-ZIiSCELp7tMUv9mawAOpb9fH9HaOovlu73vMC9nehRmqrmY2DKg6JvAdFcUvDPTYK5UH9jT2Kr6dC81/s320/2011+08+19_8849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW6TU_-hBFBJJevgbqboq4em0xR4mIPXAEWJbrUrCAQkfhRUQ99AVSHxYa0ICHg0o51GiFBRlgb9CibIej_q-Egn-UgNp1n7wnNn1Izxqnlfn560OPBQuXVFnWKzRKjlMBwlJfqFr9w-o/s1600/2011+08+19_8860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW6TU_-hBFBJJevgbqboq4em0xR4mIPXAEWJbrUrCAQkfhRUQ99AVSHxYa0ICHg0o51GiFBRlgb9CibIej_q-Egn-UgNp1n7wnNn1Izxqnlfn560OPBQuXVFnWKzRKjlMBwlJfqFr9w-o/s320/2011+08+19_8860.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlkywMloi4lmuzIwzP8m11KXMxcq_9dd0zwuGmSZUp_mjBVc0fx0UQCn18wpqOAQzSP13zNnAffxVfDxuxtgYV82Dozk0u_LOL195F9ByUqoietkgT1sz4YbGQWbmkDzFQr4gpkTo6itd/s1600/2011+08+19_8878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlkywMloi4lmuzIwzP8m11KXMxcq_9dd0zwuGmSZUp_mjBVc0fx0UQCn18wpqOAQzSP13zNnAffxVfDxuxtgYV82Dozk0u_LOL195F9ByUqoietkgT1sz4YbGQWbmkDzFQr4gpkTo6itd/s320/2011+08+19_8878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Next day we visited the popular <b>Rila Monastery</b>, another UNESCO world heritage site on the way back to Sofia. This big eastern Orthodox monastery has beautiful wall paintings and equally astounding natural surroundings and stands as an important symbol for culture, architecture and ancient history. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcztIVMFEx5ZeGJiGezRz9PKoCLIEi5601ruaaPYdacZ6iB12B6zWFTTjOnGr8hZkHH_ck8aWzlUZ-_s1oAKnw1FAX-vQBCW-EXgNcV7mG7JGXz8gAR6YYk9trbgk9qJISNvFCM8hxb1Q/s1600/2011+08+20_8686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcztIVMFEx5ZeGJiGezRz9PKoCLIEi5601ruaaPYdacZ6iB12B6zWFTTjOnGr8hZkHH_ck8aWzlUZ-_s1oAKnw1FAX-vQBCW-EXgNcV7mG7JGXz8gAR6YYk9trbgk9qJISNvFCM8hxb1Q/s320/2011+08+20_8686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnkCQWfS_fi1F9twA7XCWdeOUppENfofolkgZlDj6RZ2I2l_ehBrRNqKW-1D_4HrpTPklvDPpL3tb_8iKNMFKhhGTbWjBbwynDAsLPcd_k_eVI1dIrD79agX3PQ4kR17WJoTOwg7dQ2VS/s1600/2011+08+20_8710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnkCQWfS_fi1F9twA7XCWdeOUppENfofolkgZlDj6RZ2I2l_ehBrRNqKW-1D_4HrpTPklvDPpL3tb_8iKNMFKhhGTbWjBbwynDAsLPcd_k_eVI1dIrD79agX3PQ4kR17WJoTOwg7dQ2VS/s320/2011+08+20_8710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We spent the evening in<b> Sofia </b>touring around Sofia Center- Alexander Nevski Church, Banya-Bashi mosque, the Sofia Synagogue, Hagia Nedelja church, Central Department Store, Saint Sophia statue and stayed there for the night.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4WwwUKojTR4-NdPj5hW92aPhVowy1KpKvsnvY0-NlHeHUbRy39VsACg3dxhZmK-hmMTycDxngvmuRo_N1oEirsDfZCFdCjP6rKGSzDeYnXRPbbqPtMnJ8qA0suMj-zvUjAPb7zMssYVT/s1600/2011+08+20_8736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4WwwUKojTR4-NdPj5hW92aPhVowy1KpKvsnvY0-NlHeHUbRy39VsACg3dxhZmK-hmMTycDxngvmuRo_N1oEirsDfZCFdCjP6rKGSzDeYnXRPbbqPtMnJ8qA0suMj-zvUjAPb7zMssYVT/s320/2011+08+20_8736.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFp3FUc1CgXdVyAN8FCGKKZGw324P3okwetLQlARAwNrvS5nzEWdKnkMqJmTMIBcRR3UCpihHRXLtzUuNyArs8ojOQg-GXcrdt9nSu0ekGfjE8PQVho9osgJEV03qP86PE4KFAIlDrrfz/s1600/2011+08+20_8753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFp3FUc1CgXdVyAN8FCGKKZGw324P3okwetLQlARAwNrvS5nzEWdKnkMqJmTMIBcRR3UCpihHRXLtzUuNyArs8ojOQg-GXcrdt9nSu0ekGfjE8PQVho9osgJEV03qP86PE4KFAIlDrrfz/s320/2011+08+20_8753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFa3Z6ksyIgMyprwFtBXYtayjOclPcIH4Lt7EZKeFCcsUvmXY3F1RzaUu5VZywlwFVHh1c1qfktW6enDjKdbSj9RVsKVfpHIKIGlt3owkPNKDl7cYJMp4g6sdvCfcXZVur5wyztDiel8S2/s1600/2011+08+20_8756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFa3Z6ksyIgMyprwFtBXYtayjOclPcIH4Lt7EZKeFCcsUvmXY3F1RzaUu5VZywlwFVHh1c1qfktW6enDjKdbSj9RVsKVfpHIKIGlt3owkPNKDl7cYJMp4g6sdvCfcXZVur5wyztDiel8S2/s320/2011+08+20_8756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbNNL89Vlsn21gHvHJ_hJrT-OJ4U9ZqSVaIHJ8Q2GaLI2JfsK905-Bo56CmQteF4ux-av-Ri951M6u50Jkx05lVI9FN4Rk2nSZV0nXX-LdsijTdZQKZ22GhlBH4wOVnLQnEX4roHwCGWv/s1600/2011+08+20_8787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbNNL89Vlsn21gHvHJ_hJrT-OJ4U9ZqSVaIHJ8Q2GaLI2JfsK905-Bo56CmQteF4ux-av-Ri951M6u50Jkx05lVI9FN4Rk2nSZV0nXX-LdsijTdZQKZ22GhlBH4wOVnLQnEX4roHwCGWv/s320/2011+08+20_8787.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside a mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Next morning we went to a local farmers market and few other streets before taking the flight to Istanbul, Turkey!</span><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></i></b></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-24602870734524801152011-08-23T22:52:00.000-07:002011-08-23T22:52:57.534-07:00On the Road again..Part 2<div style="font-family: inherit;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Road trips are always exciting keeping us on toes especially with no fixed plans and least expectations. Further continuing the journey… </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span> </span><b>Day 4: Wyoming, South Dakota – A day of Surprises</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We started the day early from Rawlins, WY to make it comfortably to the many places planned for the day. By afternoon, we were at Jewel Cave National Monument, ready to take the “Scenic tour”. We were very disappointed to learn the tours were all booked for the day and without which there’s no entry to the cave. (For all the people traveling in summer, beware of school holidays despite weekdays!) We proceeded to Wind Cave National Park and took a tour of Wind cave. It was quite different from laurel caverns in Virginia, not as pretty but sure was scary. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8njoPUeu-0B2KakIYZ7kRFMEyA_lV7ko3UDIDNBxv2JAafCTf8xjK1l6aYYgRthDCxDbkkRiI8_0BI6nxCxUkcinMQQAZLvg8Kde24Fj04avg7P7Y5UZSxcSbz5UNpzcYVo5Lq54d89H/s1600/2011+08+02_7690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8njoPUeu-0B2KakIYZ7kRFMEyA_lV7ko3UDIDNBxv2JAafCTf8xjK1l6aYYgRthDCxDbkkRiI8_0BI6nxCxUkcinMQQAZLvg8Kde24Fj04avg7P7Y5UZSxcSbz5UNpzcYVo5Lq54d89H/s320/2011+08+02_7690.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Our next destination was the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a masterpiece of Gutzon Borglum. Standing high in the Black Hills, this granite sculpture definitely succeeded in its purpose of attracting millions of visitors every year and making them feel proud and inspired from the four outstanding presidents of the United States: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxmGR69qHtjhBNNY5plWnUEPoRjY7xMBCrav70IRX9EvWbVkyST4DyZZcQawXa6BrFnZIH8ar57MERCHGEfdVw2Cs7QwdmEY8x5fRQhsilVcnUR8qZ1ETaWsnQJj42g4dpmnIgkX5OjG4/s1600/2011+08+02_7728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxmGR69qHtjhBNNY5plWnUEPoRjY7xMBCrav70IRX9EvWbVkyST4DyZZcQawXa6BrFnZIH8ar57MERCHGEfdVw2Cs7QwdmEY8x5fRQhsilVcnUR8qZ1ETaWsnQJj42g4dpmnIgkX5OjG4/s320/2011+08+02_7728.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We stayed the night at Wall, a place closest to Badlands and that proved a great decision next day.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>Day 5: South Dakota – A day of Luxury</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>It was about 5am when we somehow woke up despite a long day before. Making the most out of it, we decided to catch Sunrise in Badlands National park. In just 10min, we were at the park enjoying the cool breeze in “blue light” along with a mountain goat and its kid. The sun rose from between the hills, the peaks shone red in sunlight and within an hour, the sunrays drenched almost the entire park. We saw herds of mountain goat by the Sage Creek Rim Road and hundreds of birds singing to the glory of the sunrise. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sKvh9JN6d2P3xWWkS7_FlfY5lflgs9wusjiqlyfG7AatWYeerwCMv2MLKd9uIgcvMBT4ncQcm7oq2iAObL4S1sHHz2_sB_JG51Vqedsitqkd-D8oj5xtqWx26bHn5RCoy3pd9KnU3zbK/s1600/2011+08+03_7755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sKvh9JN6d2P3xWWkS7_FlfY5lflgs9wusjiqlyfG7AatWYeerwCMv2MLKd9uIgcvMBT4ncQcm7oq2iAObL4S1sHHz2_sB_JG51Vqedsitqkd-D8oj5xtqWx26bHn5RCoy3pd9KnU3zbK/s320/2011+08+03_7755.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMKil1qsxGMsdy78RCGQd_qHQ5yxkQxANu5VFE-U8abf1QGy2QEgHzQOFQbUauu9-r5txrnFqXlKA6ppc7fUPE5vhNHv2wBtc5h59OyoOWX1nbcHAjUW-QkAfldHYtLGP_Ch88mlOojUC/s1600/2011+08+03_7789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMKil1qsxGMsdy78RCGQd_qHQ5yxkQxANu5VFE-U8abf1QGy2QEgHzQOFQbUauu9-r5txrnFqXlKA6ppc7fUPE5vhNHv2wBtc5h59OyoOWX1nbcHAjUW-QkAfldHYtLGP_Ch88mlOojUC/s320/2011+08+03_7789.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We went back to the hotel, took a short nap and returned to the park. We drove the Highway 240 Loop Road, stopping by the overlooks. It looked quite different from what we saw in the morning, still spectacular with <span>wild pinnacles and buttes rise starkly out of the seemingly endless mixed grass prairie</span>. There were prairie dogs, dear and also signs of Rattle snakes everywhere. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlEG4nJhL2FfFt2RzwqlbXIFv3GS9hB88eEUwWFpS7l1uymmaOFSNrCtJEANiGmzO78_oM28gXi8Kwb3tcx91zTD512k15nxGUT_OfvmA0VahWW69RzKWRlLqy-6E7LWhzYsQBdQB6jjY/s1600/2011+08+03_7819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlEG4nJhL2FfFt2RzwqlbXIFv3GS9hB88eEUwWFpS7l1uymmaOFSNrCtJEANiGmzO78_oM28gXi8Kwb3tcx91zTD512k15nxGUT_OfvmA0VahWW69RzKWRlLqy-6E7LWhzYsQBdQB6jjY/s320/2011+08+03_7819.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The east end of the park was better especially the Fossil exhibit trail where the badlands had dominant patterns and shining white tall spires. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center had more exhibits and the Tipi Village located across from it was good to experience the Oglala Lakota Sioux culture. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZt8vdJHUdPuumvwY5U0ri6GtPwTohpG4pSN7JenJVIKk0JxRlLymEO7r1OS5YU1iT723cLe_nBIl0Y_Z7CY4VO40fMJ6wUZVgMZU-28GYD9_flKiYHAUHllqi_cFcWZah131lzWoyY54O/s1600/2011+08+03_7934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZt8vdJHUdPuumvwY5U0ri6GtPwTohpG4pSN7JenJVIKk0JxRlLymEO7r1OS5YU1iT723cLe_nBIl0Y_Z7CY4VO40fMJ6wUZVgMZU-28GYD9_flKiYHAUHllqi_cFcWZah131lzWoyY54O/s320/2011+08+03_7934.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>By noon, it was so hot and we were glad to finish the loop and get onto I90. We stopped by Lewis and Clark Interpretive center and Memorial Bridge at Chamberlain, dedicated for the two great explorers on one of the pioneer expeditions in American history. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHDnDEpBbymSqlqloXXVOCZFU8kUWiioBiyngKdtHQp5cs936U2b0GAEv9Ya9rN_6S3xf61TE24kbvZV_uGNbc-1FmcU-6WxTR3hZcEZiUQHU5dLoJ0DPtxTd6ucXNKIdxyEOLo9HTiSj/s1600/2011+08+03_7952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHDnDEpBbymSqlqloXXVOCZFU8kUWiioBiyngKdtHQp5cs936U2b0GAEv9Ya9rN_6S3xf61TE24kbvZV_uGNbc-1FmcU-6WxTR3hZcEZiUQHU5dLoJ0DPtxTd6ucXNKIdxyEOLo9HTiSj/s320/2011+08+03_7952.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We made an early halt for the day to spend the night at Sioux falls. We walked to the Falls Park and saw the illuminated waterfall in the night. The dinner at Minervas Restaurant in the downtown and Jacuzzi were such a treat after another tiring day and we slept like babies.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgijKsEeS3A0HVVoAubtK1a35bt9oJOz_Br0WHVGaAD75N5AhA9x5BaGrcFRk03JXL6s4-n6xqsfCVE2jmrShPWC3NEJK2nechpTRkwVK6-TI2Hv2RAVSgyWW82dzNB0nrI_Ba3_yFFjk/s1600/2011+08+03_7961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgijKsEeS3A0HVVoAubtK1a35bt9oJOz_Br0WHVGaAD75N5AhA9x5BaGrcFRk03JXL6s4-n6xqsfCVE2jmrShPWC3NEJK2nechpTRkwVK6-TI2Hv2RAVSgyWW82dzNB0nrI_Ba3_yFFjk/s320/2011+08+03_7961.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQ51OZacNpqi_Fl14DNi5J9jjJQKedYIV3Y2rqHv13b2D-6aKt7kk0lUq2hRO1ksAquIr2ISHHU4S3OWVsxP4uEUusutT1Iq9Q5Xpttuz1suYUnWnUlLxjF2ZStM1LbsLsqS1cXHBNkUR/s1600/2011+08+03_7974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQ51OZacNpqi_Fl14DNi5J9jjJQKedYIV3Y2rqHv13b2D-6aKt7kk0lUq2hRO1ksAquIr2ISHHU4S3OWVsxP4uEUusutT1Iq9Q5Xpttuz1suYUnWnUlLxjF2ZStM1LbsLsqS1cXHBNkUR/s320/2011+08+03_7974.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span><b><span>Day 6: Minnesota, Wisconsin – A day of Drive</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The drive through Minnesota was beautiful - green farms <span> </span>with white windmills and lakes! Had an awesome lunch at a cute Chinese restaurant in Albert Lea, which I consider as one of our best finds till date. We couldn’t visit the twin cities with time constraint and continued on I90 to Madison. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZK_3n-mpV_2hwgyObHIzigB40l8jrtu6eH_i0uMHW5NJjikIR1JA1taTM66SnSs3n6xMkLjAb7CuXekLfhW6ccwHXTteRJgBOwxib0ObWZo7h8VPzWGG2WceDqAP3SSTyC8hi88D6P_R/s1600/2011+08+04_8138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZK_3n-mpV_2hwgyObHIzigB40l8jrtu6eH_i0uMHW5NJjikIR1JA1taTM66SnSs3n6xMkLjAb7CuXekLfhW6ccwHXTteRJgBOwxib0ObWZo7h8VPzWGG2WceDqAP3SSTyC8hi88D6P_R/s320/2011+08+04_8138.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>As we approached Wisconsin, the sight of great plains faded and contrary to our expectations, Madison was a big city. We went to Olbrich Botanical gardens, Lake Monona, roamed in downtown around Wisconsin state capitol and drove to Chicago. The city was dazzling and still bustling that late in the night and looked more beautiful from our hotel downtown.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span>Day 7: Illinois, Michigan – A day back home</span></b><span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Next morning, we started off at the Magnificent Mile along with the pouring tourists. The shopping was fun and John Hancock Observatory surely got the best sight of Chicago, its skyscrapers, lake and beaches.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdJi2zdMihbRCFDrMZ2DAu0Ei7xYD3KS4S0g_ZO7EnzYvuhM-Rlf8sNhKrHKTwdsb9ZTmVBwlL7icxHEmiKzMlQCeYYuGrd_-z-g9Z3b8JvHOmTuLGVWk3u0mvNjtBdlwqEQBA8cwwNj1/s1600/2011+08+05_8025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdJi2zdMihbRCFDrMZ2DAu0Ei7xYD3KS4S0g_ZO7EnzYvuhM-Rlf8sNhKrHKTwdsb9ZTmVBwlL7icxHEmiKzMlQCeYYuGrd_-z-g9Z3b8JvHOmTuLGVWk3u0mvNjtBdlwqEQBA8cwwNj1/s320/2011+08+05_8025.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Boat tour in the Chicago river and Lake Michigan gave us another great view of the city and the high rise buildings along with<span> </span><span>Buckingham fountain,<b> </b></span>Grant park(The day of Lollapalooza at Grant Park) and Navy pier. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9TLKS7U-ICSnFBQ3_x4t8hZWm4djdliGvRmEGoHCNf0VQlZsYr7b6BMte1L1W2X2UmCbjNbpqaLWirkDaNpk-xPzFpXMX3_jvhNSLpaeQiX8KT_Sp11jC7RcjwBwL3eBiODA3CLX4F5R/s1600/2011+08+05_8090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9TLKS7U-ICSnFBQ3_x4t8hZWm4djdliGvRmEGoHCNf0VQlZsYr7b6BMte1L1W2X2UmCbjNbpqaLWirkDaNpk-xPzFpXMX3_jvhNSLpaeQiX8KT_Sp11jC7RcjwBwL3eBiODA3CLX4F5R/s320/2011+08+05_8090.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We bummed around in Devon street, which reminded of streets of Hyderabad, India and made us feel nostalgic. With Haleem(a Ramadan specialty dish) and my all-time favorite Hyderabadi Biryani, we drove home, tired, sad and equally excited!!</span></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-18999492207193306912011-08-15T20:37:00.000-07:002011-08-16T19:40:20.584-07:00On the Road again..Part 1<div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">After a great summer in CA, it was time to hit the road again to Michigan. This time, we decided to give it a week, taking small detours whenever possible, and do a relaxing sightseeing trip unlike <a href="http://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/long-drive-from-east-to-west-coast.html">last time</a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Day 1: California </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">After a hot traditional south Indian breakfast, we bid farewell to California and set out on our journey. We stopped at the famous Livermore temple on the way to Lake Tahoe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C5A6pZX4y3R3aVnyDU19dSHARIDuAJ9cmHtK89q55QGjSBt6H-0x1bHLgRAxAkhdjfx2tN-K3WRME1BHdnygpUkOFWk_xRqWNiAMNUyYUvH4UMJPANcLb-DJ4qBDSMZYACUwm8LILtEF/s1600/2011+07+30_7405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C5A6pZX4y3R3aVnyDU19dSHARIDuAJ9cmHtK89q55QGjSBt6H-0x1bHLgRAxAkhdjfx2tN-K3WRME1BHdnygpUkOFWk_xRqWNiAMNUyYUvH4UMJPANcLb-DJ4qBDSMZYACUwm8LILtEF/s320/2011+07+30_7405.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I heard about it a lot from my friends, but never got a chance to visit before. After a delicious ‘Prasad’ meal, we reached the crowded South Lake Tahoe by late afternoon. From the Emerald Bay overlook, Lake Tahoe with Fannette Island resembled the <a href="http://ahappycampersblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/camping-in-west-2-crater-lake-national.html">Crater Lake</a>(with Wizard island) except for the green hue. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2W5jMJuzPuFksI-dfbi1yeMmQHz4huZ4L-PcG7YtskWlfsFXla72nSJB0ZMaXAC_fvb0wN-c4TNqBCHKB7y8JXqcGCKqg2YNPgN-9BvzbIZAWwLzVQy571pmCVjBxFPdH516TfWIHcFQ/s1600/2011+07+30_7432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2W5jMJuzPuFksI-dfbi1yeMmQHz4huZ4L-PcG7YtskWlfsFXla72nSJB0ZMaXAC_fvb0wN-c4TNqBCHKB7y8JXqcGCKqg2YNPgN-9BvzbIZAWwLzVQy571pmCVjBxFPdH516TfWIHcFQ/s320/2011+07+30_7432.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We followed Vikingsholm trail down to the lake and the Vikingsholm Castle, one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America. We walked along Rubicon trail to the boat camp and pier from where we could see distant glimpse of Eagle falls. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6GivoSxDMK2RpV0bFOryx2KOJUyV60PeQI4q2H42AtRUG-d7VBkLdUgsNWUeLPO75t0Y11C0Ui_FoVYtSTbpV_Uay3N9cvBRKsTNIracwgdSdoRynr3qFtZpiBpd8J6bD3BZC1kiz7vf/s1600/2011+07+30_7463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6GivoSxDMK2RpV0bFOryx2KOJUyV60PeQI4q2H42AtRUG-d7VBkLdUgsNWUeLPO75t0Y11C0Ui_FoVYtSTbpV_Uay3N9cvBRKsTNIracwgdSdoRynr3qFtZpiBpd8J6bD3BZC1kiz7vf/s320/2011+07+30_7463.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Being a Saturday, the hotels were full and sadly, we had to drive to Carson city for the night.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Day 2: Nevada </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The day started in the quiet downtown of Carson City, we strolled near the State Capitol and other state buildings taking pictures. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35g2mKGAy50caiLpaNCmc6m_xPWp_fNqNaW_dl7WkpepFdgQH71NJHKLHbbTBL-ZabQob5klYPjvp6SL7ueCLs04fEZ-AjbERaO0w799dS7iNAJbL74vnXLdPHZHUVbzC-Rr3qu9XvfwB/s1600/2011+07+31_7339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35g2mKGAy50caiLpaNCmc6m_xPWp_fNqNaW_dl7WkpepFdgQH71NJHKLHbbTBL-ZabQob5klYPjvp6SL7ueCLs04fEZ-AjbERaO0w799dS7iNAJbL74vnXLdPHZHUVbzC-Rr3qu9XvfwB/s320/2011+07+31_7339.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">At Reno, we checked out the casinos each with its own theme and grandeur, but the best part was the champagne lunch buffet at Eldorado thanks to yelp. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKMnVZQlTdB-RQaEObYxEl1EWJZ9Fk6bsw2pAfLP2_iCKgMX4xYh34ibVdPQke8j5vHj6jkf0O0vCJdyNaMqj36n56Cz1-cla6uqcUFdN_PYBUqtS2Mb1x8WLdoGx-STOTmSg2SLSQLBG/s1600/2011+07+31_7383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKMnVZQlTdB-RQaEObYxEl1EWJZ9Fk6bsw2pAfLP2_iCKgMX4xYh34ibVdPQke8j5vHj6jkf0O0vCJdyNaMqj36n56Cz1-cla6uqcUFdN_PYBUqtS2Mb1x8WLdoGx-STOTmSg2SLSQLBG/s320/2011+07+31_7383.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">After such a heavy lunch, it was challenging to drive and I was so jealous of Rama enjoying his Siesta. Finally the sight of Bonneville flats was very welcoming and we reached SLC, late in the night.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Day 3: Utah, Wyoming </b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">At Salt Lake City, we spent the morning at the Temple Square. The conference center seating 21,000 had impressive acoustics, beautiful waterfall and 4-acre roof garden!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUfKxb5mzPEQdrNhiS5M6qRLYFR67KnnNo0RbAmy9YDsAmlpK6Uxr9awYtURujQfu08257aPVkGrcdcevORcSQ9BcZX7hRgmD8TMVhdzKHrVQwME_PPBHOkAG8jBeXsyeDR-dmpK2DIp9/s1600/2011+08+01_7537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUfKxb5mzPEQdrNhiS5M6qRLYFR67KnnNo0RbAmy9YDsAmlpK6Uxr9awYtURujQfu08257aPVkGrcdcevORcSQ9BcZX7hRgmD8TMVhdzKHrVQwME_PPBHOkAG8jBeXsyeDR-dmpK2DIp9/s320/2011+08+01_7537.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Salt Lake Temple was magnificent from outside(no access inside) and the organ recital at the Tabernacle was astounding.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8_3c67Fb1XiB7pNC_tyaUjvkY9gAg8S-o9hkRjIk53yiAu_Qd28dJYA-VVrGFk9XfIPgaoRBNxFCGId1kgByryNNAKI991C0-14pKPoheUpDa-1ZxAR-WeOrQrT9IO_39vcK_ne5O58p/s1600/2011+08+01_7503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8_3c67Fb1XiB7pNC_tyaUjvkY9gAg8S-o9hkRjIk53yiAu_Qd28dJYA-VVrGFk9XfIPgaoRBNxFCGId1kgByryNNAKI991C0-14pKPoheUpDa-1ZxAR-WeOrQrT9IO_39vcK_ne5O58p/s320/2011+08+01_7503.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The State Capitol Building stood majestic with incredible art in every room-Supreme Court, House of Representatives. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq3lcQzWibsi8orqIIe-VkrT3JCWuH_JtIFfKj7ljotXo-BBXBhmgkyXX_RVa02y0UJ5Oih1vDZ9PQ2XCasta7J6FZ6uKVY4Sm3mvC4Z05bsL00lP-6dw-445wCUW-1qM6-GbDgnvXp-M/s1600/2011+08+01_7554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq3lcQzWibsi8orqIIe-VkrT3JCWuH_JtIFfKj7ljotXo-BBXBhmgkyXX_RVa02y0UJ5Oih1vDZ9PQ2XCasta7J6FZ6uKVY4Sm3mvC4Z05bsL00lP-6dw-445wCUW-1qM6-GbDgnvXp-M/s320/2011+08+01_7554.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">After a quick lunch in downtown, we drove to Antelope Island State Park, largest island in the Great Salt Lake. The road to the island with lake on either sides, offered outstanding views of the surprisingly calm and clear lake but had to bear the “lake stench”. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyKH8_jrZ4RNIPtZNQAwm9GDJHdcKad_cCSl7U_Snv4s86BIbTEWsVhFCiAZAS8ZYtXOS6E4LdCeBIH75lmDNtS1T7KGTPUTUHEDYbtI3pp0_5aHuHhb8YQD3VXocsHNMPO2t8x1R1Xe-/s1600/2011+08+01_7589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyKH8_jrZ4RNIPtZNQAwm9GDJHdcKad_cCSl7U_Snv4s86BIbTEWsVhFCiAZAS8ZYtXOS6E4LdCeBIH75lmDNtS1T7KGTPUTUHEDYbtI3pp0_5aHuHhb8YQD3VXocsHNMPO2t8x1R1Xe-/s320/2011+08+01_7589.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the beach, the brine flies would swarm around as we walked to the lake and Rama enjoyed his time swimming(rather say floating) in the Great Salt Lake. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjR2uT5Dt5VtbYA1xZnkuZJ2YAuwCEWfyF2hlpazdHH_BV2vQFf3659iVXUFEPYfTguOPt8p22W-EWBYcXCO9YD9X9_tZuFwtmuCdRZhF0u5bAkLCWQ814JQ1RD4ea7XisZBfwb1DkpHiZ/s1600/2011+08+01_7604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjR2uT5Dt5VtbYA1xZnkuZJ2YAuwCEWfyF2hlpazdHH_BV2vQFf3659iVXUFEPYfTguOPt8p22W-EWBYcXCO9YD9X9_tZuFwtmuCdRZhF0u5bAkLCWQ814JQ1RD4ea7XisZBfwb1DkpHiZ/s320/2011+08+01_7604.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the way to the Fielding Garr Ranch, we saw herds of Bison grazing in the grasslands along the lake. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVYo32bIIFF5Zz_pHnzawRURFxGXYo1CrnAMDvskXc84CGBXmw_C648iJCmcFA0hs3WnRJ8GdvmWYTaxFT7tG9__GqEPv_vCgbt8jWBkDA1y_VycM1IGqsZlvv51AED7Zm1YU324cZ3ib/s1600/2011+08+01_7636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVYo32bIIFF5Zz_pHnzawRURFxGXYo1CrnAMDvskXc84CGBXmw_C648iJCmcFA0hs3WnRJ8GdvmWYTaxFT7tG9__GqEPv_vCgbt8jWBkDA1y_VycM1IGqsZlvv51AED7Zm1YU324cZ3ib/s320/2011+08+01_7636.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNO3lfCftTozj_CZl27y5ksXJjV9y4X0xo1b8hucpki44TJTUaAT-scL59V8n2xDw3ap4gbwE3VGfIgNYrYk44BbtAHrhhnK4UFL52fLs-_NEzlVVyeHLUnbf6mip16hcY_CPaGNhlqkp/s1600/2011+08+01_7619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNO3lfCftTozj_CZl27y5ksXJjV9y4X0xo1b8hucpki44TJTUaAT-scL59V8n2xDw3ap4gbwE3VGfIgNYrYk44BbtAHrhhnK4UFL52fLs-_NEzlVVyeHLUnbf6mip16hcY_CPaGNhlqkp/s320/2011+08+01_7619.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We started driving back early evening to avoid rush hour traffic, and successfully made it to Rawlins, WY by night. And BANG. A sudden change in plan! we decided to take I-90 further, through South Dakota covering its popular destinations and attractions. We were so excited that we couldn’t sleep and just waited for the dawn.</span></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-60377335045915082582011-07-24T13:09:00.000-07:002011-10-04T11:52:29.213-07:00Mt Tamalpais – Best camping ever!<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ever wondered what it feels like walking in the clouds as the cold, fluffy light clouds caress your body or sleeping to the waves of ocean?? Ever thought of waking up to chirping birds and see wild flowers in all colors and beautiful panoramic views with ocean on all sides just a few feet away?? Ever imagined of having a private beach with lot of sea stars and cliffs to explore all to yourself?? The life suddenly takes on an unhurried quiet pace and you forget the rest of the world! This is not a dream, but our experience camping at <b>Rocky point-Steep Ravine Environmental Campground</b>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysN844T5SzyKy30wirFENU5_TuApVAmHnxNRYDA1TwWhhISecIb4F_k0IKXfWnUE_HcVr9EpDyzRtQKRsFCxrZ-ANyO_oLUpTb77Uz9wktNNXExxdvcZj6oMqoGAlda9ksthfHb2az-tM/s1600/2011+07+17_7073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysN844T5SzyKy30wirFENU5_TuApVAmHnxNRYDA1TwWhhISecIb4F_k0IKXfWnUE_HcVr9EpDyzRtQKRsFCxrZ-ANyO_oLUpTb77Uz9wktNNXExxdvcZj6oMqoGAlda9ksthfHb2az-tM/s320/2011+07+17_7073.JPG" width="320px" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A very foggy day, I felt pity for all those visitors in the passing by tourist buses. They had no clue what they were missing, even the Golden gate bridge towers weren’t visible to their entire length let alone Alcatraz Island or Bay bridge. But we decided to continue driving to Point Reyes, this time to explore the north end. It was the day of Far West Fest(voted Best Music Festival in Marin), so there were more people than usual near Inverness, a small community in Point Reyes. The Tule Elk reserve was completely covered in fog so we missed the hundreds of pairs of eyes watching us except for two groups. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9QxD9Skq2lV94pzLfR8odH2MGITviicPuW6NphtpBHy5RVi76LzJ4O5LHEYM0Nn94UWtXXKiY01aaCCPHFw-egl1caw30UrSWXe6j1hr9iS6rItCjW1wVCOk5XlR7vcRU_WOXcLOfHvk/s1600/2011+07+16_7185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9QxD9Skq2lV94pzLfR8odH2MGITviicPuW6NphtpBHy5RVi76LzJ4O5LHEYM0Nn94UWtXXKiY01aaCCPHFw-egl1caw30UrSWXe6j1hr9iS6rItCjW1wVCOk5XlR7vcRU_WOXcLOfHvk/s320/2011+07+16_7185.JPG" width="320px" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">At McClures beach, we saw a seal in the waves near to the beach staring at us as if it wanted to come out. We took Tomales point trail but returned halfway losing the amazing views to the fog. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IxEzTzSBFyePwFmxxY6EkoINn0G9vKku7oIHDzaXzJZzsEsecVKLem4rC7ahq4BatU1enl9ogaNIItAwcCk4tuiKvIuqwvvI6swLmWCqd-67r872hsRQ4oX91rOQJ4gVx94TfIdV8dYL/s1600/2011+07+16_7177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IxEzTzSBFyePwFmxxY6EkoINn0G9vKku7oIHDzaXzJZzsEsecVKLem4rC7ahq4BatU1enl9ogaNIItAwcCk4tuiKvIuqwvvI6swLmWCqd-67r872hsRQ4oX91rOQJ4gVx94TfIdV8dYL/s320/2011+07+16_7177.JPG" width="320px" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjkSR6afuWw7nwemvnEpi3D9qQ_XcXM0RXiwHwik8AhUvHdzAjZiYfuUt_lCarTAoufQyGmZlzkab9HyjZA1OWbLTGJql229YXdNGksDg28TEaFtBuC2t7FNorhG4PszFOeNTy0obVOg-/s1600/2011+07+16_7179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjkSR6afuWw7nwemvnEpi3D9qQ_XcXM0RXiwHwik8AhUvHdzAjZiYfuUt_lCarTAoufQyGmZlzkab9HyjZA1OWbLTGJql229YXdNGksDg28TEaFtBuC2t7FNorhG4PszFOeNTy0obVOg-/s320/2011+07+16_7179.JPG" width="320px" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Abbotts lagoon trail took us past a fresh water pond to a footbridge crossing the brackish lagoon with a sandy shoreline and a open ocean. We were shocked to see the lagoon totally engulfed in fog on our way back from the trail. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJk-DtRHqx2ux30DXsewW1c9hruv3dafy0K7ukXK7Xwoua6I4HRfviC3Mo_NXcpILheTu-ffdp1lHsGebA-Xm3grtQT9OAhJBanW8EmJKZfCOgMEe7VtGUC7S_f_6-qWSwjQoiC51s_U-N/s1600/2011+07+16_7197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJk-DtRHqx2ux30DXsewW1c9hruv3dafy0K7ukXK7Xwoua6I4HRfviC3Mo_NXcpILheTu-ffdp1lHsGebA-Xm3grtQT9OAhJBanW8EmJKZfCOgMEe7VtGUC7S_f_6-qWSwjQoiC51s_U-N/s320/2011+07+16_7197.JPG" width="320px" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The fog followed us to Highway 1. We were lost in it for a while, drove here and there but then finally found our campground at an unbelievable location. Just off hwy 1 with a locked gate on west, one mile south of Stinson Beach, Rocky point-Steep Ravine Cabins and Environmental Campground was part of Mt Tamalpais state park and right on pacific! (The gate could be opened with a key combination emailed upon reserving the campsite.) Two playful dears welcomed us and we drove carefully down the narrow road, nothing being visible on either sides. The campsites were little walk from parking, so carts were available to carry stuff to the sites. We were able to hear the loud waves setting up the tent and sure the ocean was close by. As the night passed, the clouds slowly moved away and we could see rows of lights from the Stinson beach across the shining ocean. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next morning as we came out of our tent, the scenery had changed, nothing in common with the day before. The clouds dispersed and clear skies emerged. There were wild flowers everywhere, the sea shone blue and we could feel the warmth of the sun rays. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLofjyuVpCK_cfpHOnQDf7QQJA3i7yOFZjFTLxlHGl8HK_qBumChplttYsCHPuQGrgVuHo9RPUr7AIZkp6U7Ogkuhws4gm4c4kTgxUmmG4XMi7rw4NEY7X6KCF3u36Pik3veC1W7DH7lb/s1600/2011+07+17_7025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLofjyuVpCK_cfpHOnQDf7QQJA3i7yOFZjFTLxlHGl8HK_qBumChplttYsCHPuQGrgVuHo9RPUr7AIZkp6U7Ogkuhws4gm4c4kTgxUmmG4XMi7rw4NEY7X6KCF3u36Pik3veC1W7DH7lb/s320/2011+07+17_7025.JPG" width="320px" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We climbed down the cliff to the beach and played with the fierce waves hitting the rocks. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HAqMCgeWLraU-ZB9-iTxsTmwYRsskrWekMj3E1j5EkvunEkVH_cp3gUFPf8nT69gSVcC9vCnnP1vNf8tCYOwZ9J1DOG6u-yl1BEPSssa0UhgBBQjxphoHXn6cuR16EUuHvHbhiQ3Veyp/s1600/2011+07+17_7028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HAqMCgeWLraU-ZB9-iTxsTmwYRsskrWekMj3E1j5EkvunEkVH_cp3gUFPf8nT69gSVcC9vCnnP1vNf8tCYOwZ9J1DOG6u-yl1BEPSssa0UhgBBQjxphoHXn6cuR16EUuHvHbhiQ3Veyp/s320/2011+07+17_7028.JPG" width="320px" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We went exploring around, there were only seven primitive campsites and nine rustic cabins each with great views.We saw Bunnies running along, a seagull trying hard to eat sea star, fearless geckos and a snail. We enjoyed breakfast overlooking ocean, packed everything and started driving back. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkBOtleHdOTJfT-aQzeMWx0Txg35XjpQ85_na51YLyBqoEn9ID4ontde63S_0lGgr8le10Gb2RsBbfgjjw7ohhqVUML0WA9Ok1556wNaS7oZy6mEJC4maS28gUGUrW9WXXu5VSRqzhhp2/s1600/2011+07+17_7066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkBOtleHdOTJfT-aQzeMWx0Txg35XjpQ85_na51YLyBqoEn9ID4ontde63S_0lGgr8le10Gb2RsBbfgjjw7ohhqVUML0WA9Ok1556wNaS7oZy6mEJC4maS28gUGUrW9WXXu5VSRqzhhp2/s320/2011+07+17_7066.JPG" width="320px" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">All along the way, we could see the rugged coast reminding us of Big Sur and the Muir overlook was just awesome. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6temEfEY08qr9l5MSYIK2Qt3q-LljAJ0ttvJ3iTj8nwOlGDOeCkhKaUpi5p0mUaQcknjOwr2ewVJuEH51fJnrLFlX5dJLs8ewZZ8lACuOQLPxJ9_h7ptGpZR5nGarUL5TgGa-sDKA83m7/s1600/2011+07+17_7093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6temEfEY08qr9l5MSYIK2Qt3q-LljAJ0ttvJ3iTj8nwOlGDOeCkhKaUpi5p0mUaQcknjOwr2ewVJuEH51fJnrLFlX5dJLs8ewZZ8lACuOQLPxJ9_h7ptGpZR5nGarUL5TgGa-sDKA83m7/s320/2011+07+17_7093.JPG" width="320px" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the Golden gate bridge, there were huge crowds taking advantage of the perfectly clear day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4mksnS03BmCssLLwyFXW1x7MGk3baMeE26fvV8N-Hc9RUCN1QhbvbhcoFKtIo_UcuVF23Lyi9AnHrPDMyHNUEX7UVL_L8g58Nd25l7snRLZNASpgFWOnnUfxW9shdo3xPxsEgiCYDfim/s1600/2011+07+17_7113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4mksnS03BmCssLLwyFXW1x7MGk3baMeE26fvV8N-Hc9RUCN1QhbvbhcoFKtIo_UcuVF23Lyi9AnHrPDMyHNUEX7UVL_L8g58Nd25l7snRLZNASpgFWOnnUfxW9shdo3xPxsEgiCYDfim/s320/2011+07+17_7113.JPG" width="320px" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had lunch and walked on the streets near 19<sup>th</sup> Avenue sipping bubble tea, wondering what a perfect ending to our California trip. </span></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-27202488922859856792011-07-18T09:54:00.000-07:002011-07-20T13:10:07.037-07:00Return to Seattle - North Cascades National Park<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Exactly after an year, we were back in Seattle for a weekend trip to North Cascades National Park. It felt more special this time with our family, my 2 year old nephew and 4 year niece joining us on their first hike/National park visit. Our plan was to take the Cascade loop scenic highway covering the nine regions, as much as we could.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Day 1 - Ross Lake Recreation Area:</b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">From between the Mount Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest, we drove on WA State Route 20 along the Skagit river(Region 7), the most scenic mountain drive in Washington. We stopped at Buffalo Run restaurant in Marblemount for lunch where we had to wait over an hour to get four burgers! After collecting maps at visitor center at Newhalem, we visited Gorge creek falls and Gorge dam. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyCdD_QVOE-bcMlHE49P2wFEZmgDlqD86FlFVdK5ze7_TBrPZ-nsytYJ5OcpsIhT38_bZzzP5fzBI9F1KHMqGriVsHqVSj9C3OK4f0NOWPHT1_bxrI4wuxA5L_zcjucNSSuWxCM3wTQk9/s1600/2011+07+09_6911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyCdD_QVOE-bcMlHE49P2wFEZmgDlqD86FlFVdK5ze7_TBrPZ-nsytYJ5OcpsIhT38_bZzzP5fzBI9F1KHMqGriVsHqVSj9C3OK4f0NOWPHT1_bxrI4wuxA5L_zcjucNSSuWxCM3wTQk9/s320/2011+07+09_6911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We took a small detour to North Cascades Environmental Learning Center and strolled along the Diablo dam on Skagit river. Once the world’s tallest dam, it has art deco design, still admired in the graceful arches and original lampposts and was very windy. Diablo lake overlook offered great views of Diablo Lake with its unique, intense turquoise hue attributed to the surrounding glaciers, Sourdough Mountain and other peaks. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqackdge9_AtALnACrut8LyMRS72cvw1xFl5lmknUu2-Tffd18NaiZxDXVcfovOoYNvpxhka4z8xwFMePJCLwwpjefFePLt_TngVdntEux_vTr62jicyGmXV-4jwLGdNv-XRMNjx2OWyK/s1600/2011+07+09_6945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqackdge9_AtALnACrut8LyMRS72cvw1xFl5lmknUu2-Tffd18NaiZxDXVcfovOoYNvpxhka4z8xwFMePJCLwwpjefFePLt_TngVdntEux_vTr62jicyGmXV-4jwLGdNv-XRMNjx2OWyK/s320/2011+07+09_6945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As we drove past the Ross lake overlooks, there were small waterfalls on one side and creek to the other side of the road. A short hike at Washington pass in Okanogan National Forest, highest point on the cascades hwy, provided breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains. We spent the evening in the little downtown of Winthrop, had a great dinner and stayed there for the night.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G-JH2ZcHOmFiDDm6G5qS61gYBXy9hHYPXNCcgsc_-qiABuC2HZHDyz6XK3ioDC7nIMdny81O0I9Il3dotax2vlBjnNXRtyR0pGWwK6g170wK1hjDTkCCu_j3uQCB4S0YIyFwfJj_1Sqv/s1600/2011+07+09_6978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G-JH2ZcHOmFiDDm6G5qS61gYBXy9hHYPXNCcgsc_-qiABuC2HZHDyz6XK3ioDC7nIMdny81O0I9Il3dotax2vlBjnNXRtyR0pGWwK6g170wK1hjDTkCCu_j3uQCB4S0YIyFwfJj_1Sqv/s320/2011+07+09_6978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Day 2 - Lake Chelan Recreation Area: </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was a rushed morning as we had to get ready and drive to Chelan to catch the 8:30 ferry in Lake Chelan, the third deepest lake in US(after Crater lake and Lake Tahoe). The passenger ferry called “Lady of the Lake” was one of the three ways to Stehekin, a small wilderness-edge community in the north end of this 50-mile long lake (other options being float plane and hiking). The ride was 2.5 hours in “Lady Express”, making brief stops at point landing and Lucerne with splendid views of fjord-like lakeshore, waterfalls, and wildlife: mountain goats and dears.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8F9WoFL1kTb_vkMDuFKJceymp6YnVW6g_1sy5HwSQnImaQSjqOCfvNg4MfASSeR5pZ6F_j0gjztSPODT7urbpkLiCGpLIPggD7nhhe1m_HUOnrMrYPc_srUryrcOSSusLvrD1C0ry-wV/s1600/2011+07+10_6764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8F9WoFL1kTb_vkMDuFKJceymp6YnVW6g_1sy5HwSQnImaQSjqOCfvNg4MfASSeR5pZ6F_j0gjztSPODT7urbpkLiCGpLIPggD7nhhe1m_HUOnrMrYPc_srUryrcOSSusLvrD1C0ry-wV/s320/2011+07+10_6764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xeb3PrfATZih2INh76cp7Eehc3POvV5qS7_g3cK81NtdNe8jk1zcecNTQQZab4oVRXP9PTnCaFsPR1IkeRXvadC4XAREQcTJSABBSdt-RP01nWOf6yTdH4OS-B8X4PJmqnBM_2-5dj53/s1600/2011+07+10_6854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xeb3PrfATZih2INh76cp7Eehc3POvV5qS7_g3cK81NtdNe8jk1zcecNTQQZab4oVRXP9PTnCaFsPR1IkeRXvadC4XAREQcTJSABBSdt-RP01nWOf6yTdH4OS-B8X4PJmqnBM_2-5dj53/s320/2011+07+10_6854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Soon after reaching Stehekin, we took the bus to Rainbow falls. The guide explained us about the place and living there with a set of laminated pictures and the facts amazed us(population 95, no medical facilities!). The 312-foot falls drenched us and the bus got us back showing historic Buckner Orchard, one room schoolhouse and Stehekin pastry company. We had lunch at a picnic area near boat landing and kayaked to the other side of the lake to see petroglyphs on a rock face on Lake Chelan by ancient Native Americans. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7QGHvS-CJbCafW4rfW1He082D8xNHAbWQZxtIBSBUsMVBK_hnc3eAB22p3d0ykwBJgJzl5Ih_pi6haeJNKPQjHsOfNF1L4Nu7OomCkcYQbEyWhCz2rWa1dLnzWi5eCX5KCh3q3Co39QU/s1600/2011+07+10_6785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7QGHvS-CJbCafW4rfW1He082D8xNHAbWQZxtIBSBUsMVBK_hnc3eAB22p3d0ykwBJgJzl5Ih_pi6haeJNKPQjHsOfNF1L4Nu7OomCkcYQbEyWhCz2rWa1dLnzWi5eCX5KCh3q3Co39QU/s320/2011+07+10_6785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4ErGebtn_ilwS-l-T5lQPEjb_ssygVsAbX0xGAD5mizWuDtYXvrbSwgNxbYynjxU3dbb0ff59_iiAIVy-zq1pIl3QiNlQe3JLdYpUbNVZh_J9RHtnMRWX6oDvM-_Aj6n3EshdyA02K-g/s1600/2011+07+10_6790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4ErGebtn_ilwS-l-T5lQPEjb_ssygVsAbX0xGAD5mizWuDtYXvrbSwgNxbYynjxU3dbb0ff59_iiAIVy-zq1pIl3QiNlQe3JLdYpUbNVZh_J9RHtnMRWX6oDvM-_Aj6n3EshdyA02K-g/s320/2011+07+10_6790.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Golden West visitor center, just up the hill from Stehekin Landing and the Crafts shop(the house that Jack built) were other attractions overlooking the beautiful lake amid towering glaciers. We took “Lady of the lake II” in our return, which allowed us to stay back and enjoy this quiet paced isolated valley longer. Also, this one had a better layout and came at a comfortable pace(4 hour long), so we enjoyed the views better. Sitting on the top deck in cold breeze with a hot cup of cocoa was a reason for delight! But, it was late to take the Cascade loop further as the kids were exhausted already. We stopped at the Rocky Reach dam in Wenatchee on the Columbia River with beautiful park arboretum and drove back to Seattle.</span></span>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-43370513813353984882011-07-06T06:05:00.000-07:002011-08-24T14:16:49.656-07:00Camping @ The National Parks: America’s Best Idea<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Unlike my previous posts, this one doesn’t describe a place or a trip. I want to share my thoughts on the way I experience camping and how I feel about it. Two years ago, I went on my first camping trip around this time. I still remember the day we drove to Upnorth Michigan and camped at Brimley state park(my first blog post). The nights were so cold and frankly, I felt its just not my type. Over the last two years, we visited and camped at few national and state parks. Each time, I realized camping is the best way to enjoy nature’s rugged beauty..I liked it even more!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5zg7xrF4Wnb00gd8pzaJLCw-C5_TSGcbMztCFIOtBi0-uFM8mG1LeffOqt6B4bdYdBFo_fgMwdXondpC3xDSG7MCHwXvQwFIVlv0zP8lgujMLWx6HqU85C9VhovLH7Vszs5fI74FsvEG/s1600/2010+06+25_4034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5zg7xrF4Wnb00gd8pzaJLCw-C5_TSGcbMztCFIOtBi0-uFM8mG1LeffOqt6B4bdYdBFo_fgMwdXondpC3xDSG7MCHwXvQwFIVlv0zP8lgujMLWx6HqU85C9VhovLH7Vszs5fI74FsvEG/s320/2010+06+25_4034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> We usually do hiking or tour local attractions for most of the day. As we go on these nature trails, the best things always come unexpected. We walk to a waterfall, a viewpoint or a landmark but we see many true wonders all the way. Its surprising to see hardcore backpackers to determined older couples, curious kids and people hiking with toddlers on their backs, everyone enjoy their share. There is definitely a lot of passion involved and we build a relationship with nature, between us and ourselves! I remember the lines I read from the Ken Burns interview(the filmmaker of The National Parks: America's Best Idea), “That's what happens in a national park. You can stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon and see rock that is 1.7 billion years old, but it matters very much who's holding your hand. We save these places, and they show us a glimpse of what the land was like before–but there are also intimate histories. Parks are places where we forge connections.” As quoted by John Muir, In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. Some find God, some draw inspiration, some just have good times while some make memories for a lifetime. We capture few in camera while others get imprinted on our mind forever, whatever it is, we are sure to return with a smile. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZZjoPHaozn_qp3l0SsX2WIrQ39HpRoQlXAbegqNIBQljpzTjjnQJRi5bO2ERbiafd1ltuyf7_QoFj9X-vMAKKjFtKTvpL9ivQIOSv2gSuiMsuSJM1UgRDThta_bA_cNRle9f2WH3fQdf/s1600/2011+05+04_5545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZZjoPHaozn_qp3l0SsX2WIrQ39HpRoQlXAbegqNIBQljpzTjjnQJRi5bO2ERbiafd1ltuyf7_QoFj9X-vMAKKjFtKTvpL9ivQIOSv2gSuiMsuSJM1UgRDThta_bA_cNRle9f2WH3fQdf/s320/2011+05+04_5545.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border: medium none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">After a physically tiring day, we like to spend the evening at the campsite in solitude. Far from the crowds and the modern lifestyle, we would sit at the campfire with a favorite book, cook listening to oldies, enjoy the nature sounds: the birds, the creeks and the waves, talk endlessly into the night watching skies or take a walk in the campground and meet the friendly neighbors. Once there was this old couple at smokies who helped us set up our canopy and saved our firewood from rain when we were out hiking. Then there was this another group who got their preschoolers along, invited us to their campsite for a coffee on a cold night and said they were building their character. No doubt, there is so much to learn: the endurance to climates, become outdoorsy, adjust, act responsible and several opportunities to learn life lessons with fun. After years, these kids will come back, bring their children and memories along and the saga continues. Visited by generations, there is, as John Muir said, a practical sort of immortality in these parks. I hope, my friends, when you make a visit to a park next time, camp a night or take time for a short hike with your beloved ones. Pause for a second from your busy lives and experience the deep abiding love and power of Mother Nature!</span></div></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-30863634805377816282011-06-27T12:27:00.000-07:002011-06-27T12:29:25.460-07:00Exploring Point Reyes<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Its weekend and time for yet another camping trip. Past the Golden Gate Bridge, CA-1 became Shoreline Hwy with popular Muir and Stinson beaches and beautiful Bolinas Lagoon filled with water birds for the next few miles. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qaRlm71aAkWTUe-3nHdT5zeWiuVSj94cBckQ3Qh6xGOg9e64ushVGGR8InhAjhRWJkBUIFWhrm7YF5Wv80yGx_REl0bgARAqSwxZsdgivyUkkol8tsfHxNRgRzO2Zx21p3sOXUg3-rOu/s1600/2011+06+25_6330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qaRlm71aAkWTUe-3nHdT5zeWiuVSj94cBckQ3Qh6xGOg9e64ushVGGR8InhAjhRWJkBUIFWhrm7YF5Wv80yGx_REl0bgARAqSwxZsdgivyUkkol8tsfHxNRgRzO2Zx21p3sOXUg3-rOu/s320/2011+06+25_6330.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Upon reaching the Bear Valley visitor center, we took the Earthquake trail along the San Andreas Fault, the sliding boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. We drove to southwest end of the park to Point Reyes lighthouse. </span><span style="font-size: small;">As Point Reyes is the windiest place on the Pacific Coast and the second foggiest place on the North American continent, this lighthouse well served its purpose for more than a 100 yrs before being replaced by an automated light in 1975. As expected it was very windy and cloudy as opposed to the weather at the entrance. There were historic ranches all the way and lot of cattle grazing on the vast open grasslands. There was also oyster farming (purchasing/bbq facilities to shucking tutorials for these “best tasting” oysters) in and around, because of which it is called national seashore not national park.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GoMuOXs-od9ElAUzpqhfSYdgttrRX9jNpli_845I3lRcQpM9oYbJwmWQWo2XTEViYhfr6-bTX3s7qrt8c_SKOhFwCFtwTFR7T9x2NFLWmsQ3ZoiqBOIkUx741VJVjzR9xNoQycCMdFth/s1600/2011+06+25_6398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GoMuOXs-od9ElAUzpqhfSYdgttrRX9jNpli_845I3lRcQpM9oYbJwmWQWo2XTEViYhfr6-bTX3s7qrt8c_SKOhFwCFtwTFR7T9x2NFLWmsQ3ZoiqBOIkUx741VJVjzR9xNoQycCMdFth/s320/2011+06+25_6398.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzOecATtOQEDHCwAxO8QbAFVci5qHqa7akdKWf7JI5QEx4ZJOOn4nI9iYPEhAVjIqcOABuzuP-ihPdgwohEUdw0zSJ1IhyphenhyphenpP4thOwfc0SYSiz04W3Xl6XmYNdTvg5xLHoyYYD6CffQXUH/s1600/2011+06+25_6384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzOecATtOQEDHCwAxO8QbAFVci5qHqa7akdKWf7JI5QEx4ZJOOn4nI9iYPEhAVjIqcOABuzuP-ihPdgwohEUdw0zSJ1IhyphenhyphenpP4thOwfc0SYSiz04W3Xl6XmYNdTvg5xLHoyYYD6CffQXUH/s320/2011+06+25_6384.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chimney Rock trail reminded us of hurricane hill trail in Olympic national park which was short(0.9mi) and sweet with scenic panoramic views to unexpected elephant seals and dears. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrNdg7rnMCERQeXoyClftfcIbXCkEy_XKOgwEJ_9N45DaVqhyvL-PFMQT8ebo4T53zWhavVBihwN4HP-utSOle4wm2VO459xT0bKbTMt2Vl8xal_tjGw7_iJm_4sVtxA8BqqZ9l7B-T4J/s1600/2011+06+25_6409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrNdg7rnMCERQeXoyClftfcIbXCkEy_XKOgwEJ_9N45DaVqhyvL-PFMQT8ebo4T53zWhavVBihwN4HP-utSOle4wm2VO459xT0bKbTMt2Vl8xal_tjGw7_iJm_4sVtxA8BqqZ9l7B-T4J/s320/2011+06+25_6409.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnXMoBdZCYXttIbFUZ6hdu4UW121KsPxI_IxIzxfaeFwcfFITRkwhlx7aFeHH8XKlGcB-_LK5bO05WXAHfseT9noa2O5QSCzB9LqnmrDGbFvz228VZcNhA8JWPY1ArUVzZ3Wx_vNezhfK/s1600/2011+06+25_6433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnXMoBdZCYXttIbFUZ6hdu4UW121KsPxI_IxIzxfaeFwcfFITRkwhlx7aFeHH8XKlGcB-_LK5bO05WXAHfseT9noa2O5QSCzB9LqnmrDGbFvz228VZcNhA8JWPY1ArUVzZ3Wx_vNezhfK/s320/2011+06+25_6433.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T50LXg-gB5DlKoQnEdHyQM8aOKguVrYZOI9urj_XYWKRbzuZb9aNUMiO7Get_BFIhFZVtRKdtccijTzZ-VexGuivdNh9WS3l1u7FobG8_vLJRvEd4oQggaR2YdnJcYoKzGiWDS9EPCmT/s1600/2011+06+25_6464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T50LXg-gB5DlKoQnEdHyQM8aOKguVrYZOI9urj_XYWKRbzuZb9aNUMiO7Get_BFIhFZVtRKdtccijTzZ-VexGuivdNh9WS3l1u7FobG8_vLJRvEd4oQggaR2YdnJcYoKzGiWDS9EPCmT/s320/2011+06+25_6464.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Drakes beach was calm, surprisingly flat and the white sandstone cliffs shone in sunset. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmcwlpTqdPNAPNgsgP7trEF2c7MGVpSvxfllDtYKip18x2e4nnf1bRRlb24AJwhEWmAs6EukZT2W-OGNW1X4EBKQx_CMh5ry_ICmZvLxKuSQvltZ6lLgtU28M4EE4_ecYTi53H2lDAQGa/s1600/2011+06+25_6478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmcwlpTqdPNAPNgsgP7trEF2c7MGVpSvxfllDtYKip18x2e4nnf1bRRlb24AJwhEWmAs6EukZT2W-OGNW1X4EBKQx_CMh5ry_ICmZvLxKuSQvltZ6lLgtU28M4EE4_ecYTi53H2lDAQGa/s320/2011+06+25_6478.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> We had to return in the evening as there was no car camping available within the park and the lodging options were full. There is so much to explore: kayaking in Drakes Estero, Tule Elk Reserve, Tomales point, beaches and trails…we are definitely going back! </span></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-45541910454741206702011-06-20T08:05:00.000-07:002011-06-29T13:05:57.357-07:00Camping on the coast - A day on Ocean<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">The dream of camping close to the ocean came true last weekend at <b>Manresa state beach</b>. The campground was upland and the beach was accessible through a big staircase. We walked up to the ocean at night and it looked beautiful with the water shining in the moonlight. Unbelievably, there was an entire row of houses there that have this beauty as their backyard! That is California…we find private properties wherever and sad to say, the campgrounds are party places for big crowds. Anyways, we were able to hear the waves as the noise subsided and the night moved in. Next day, we did a short hike in the Forest of Nisene Marks state park and visited some beaches around. Every beach was different in the scenery it offered and Surfing was seen predominantly in all of them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Natural bridges state beach: </b></span><span style="font-size: small;">Great for picnicking and bbq, with many benches near the beach<b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fqU3uXfc1lghdMnSpMjGs0i6QRw_QUxLWWWwxith7MiUiKnKhVvI4xsnefLyL2JPyvuG4cuZzwyb2tsH-K9z5930wFwZOL9o7HXC8PKKIPSiHovh4RgCy0Q14UDG-kTFbWkhLKftJK63/s1600/2011+06+11_6153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fqU3uXfc1lghdMnSpMjGs0i6QRw_QUxLWWWwxith7MiUiKnKhVvI4xsnefLyL2JPyvuG4cuZzwyb2tsH-K9z5930wFwZOL9o7HXC8PKKIPSiHovh4RgCy0Q14UDG-kTFbWkhLKftJK63/s320/2011+06+11_6153.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Lighthouse field state beach: </b></span><span style="font-size: small;">Very windy, great for a walk along the west cliff drive, a 3 mile long ocean front street<b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqcnhbnV1ya9vdnFv0bgosVgo6obLviWMOer8rkb2btXkCkeevHZwVCy1TcFr8smbg-3rXVoi9yX4Xvv5FoAiG5vW_w3gUJrp3kXxtyuBjfB5LEcBirB1qT_we8bIMdy9rCkQ8yT-sQ2f/s1600/2011+06+11_6164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqcnhbnV1ya9vdnFv0bgosVgo6obLviWMOer8rkb2btXkCkeevHZwVCy1TcFr8smbg-3rXVoi9yX4Xvv5FoAiG5vW_w3gUJrp3kXxtyuBjfB5LEcBirB1qT_we8bIMdy9rCkQ8yT-sQ2f/s320/2011+06+11_6164.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Santa Cruz Beach Broadwalk: </b></span><span style="font-size: small;">California's oldest oceanfront amusement park <b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4aDM7TSTb4Wm7vaSFdoETlyVoAXeXCtnNFA-x_5JJkGdylI3Q4GOfuG1_N8rQ-LRMxZ2D2s5bnfmPJbIU3F22ioIrFrr5oBkBG4fRrIdW0UsYUP_J8DD4GIyOMtLppMofTwfdW50ur45/s1600/2011+06+11_6176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4aDM7TSTb4Wm7vaSFdoETlyVoAXeXCtnNFA-x_5JJkGdylI3Q4GOfuG1_N8rQ-LRMxZ2D2s5bnfmPJbIU3F22ioIrFrr5oBkBG4fRrIdW0UsYUP_J8DD4GIyOMtLppMofTwfdW50ur45/s320/2011+06+11_6176.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Seacliff state beach: </b>Known for its fishing pier and concrete freighter, <b>The Palo Alto</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitakfv-qVPmmmMs48VqFw26_oMatXRykt_8sS75Bx2vDPYYk_rNcIPMiuVpmRqjqCkKSEKm-xWaqmS6q5QkXFoEUBJ703yLQdPsW1CN-oXpX0efL1iviL8_2e6Nto30BCtcMtIT2ILSPnu/s1600/2011+06+11_6193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitakfv-qVPmmmMs48VqFw26_oMatXRykt_8sS75Bx2vDPYYk_rNcIPMiuVpmRqjqCkKSEKm-xWaqmS6q5QkXFoEUBJ703yLQdPsW1CN-oXpX0efL1iviL8_2e6Nto30BCtcMtIT2ILSPnu/s320/2011+06+11_6193.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Elkhorn Slough kayaking: </span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">A 3 hr guided tour to see tons of playful otters, seals and birds closer than ever expected</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3Li3j1EP_3wPjITTCKhzmVauSkfFVn8PHZAwLp5z0PnuogFlQUPq7V6jr8naswbo71F27O4jGrvzEPm8U0BpdXvWSlYYMaT46mMYM3m6c_hX65zdl-Ph5hTXPwXcndPHCQAkO13AI61J/s1600/2011+06+12_6103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3Li3j1EP_3wPjITTCKhzmVauSkfFVn8PHZAwLp5z0PnuogFlQUPq7V6jr8naswbo71F27O4jGrvzEPm8U0BpdXvWSlYYMaT46mMYM3m6c_hX65zdl-Ph5hTXPwXcndPHCQAkO13AI61J/s320/2011+06+12_6103.JPG" width="320" /> </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_hoV2cjWDR3rD-42cwx7DpntrPc-6j5Q81sS4M4AmBS78_M4D5GTqEqeEUV12cF2p9uLyuZ0If9G5rJDkz3LDaeo1NVAIOHDdgvWHzNMSp6mbnGAvxnnD5IYz8VtwazDvX6MJxnq85sh/s1600/2011+06+12_6081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_hoV2cjWDR3rD-42cwx7DpntrPc-6j5Q81sS4M4AmBS78_M4D5GTqEqeEUV12cF2p9uLyuZ0If9G5rJDkz3LDaeo1NVAIOHDdgvWHzNMSp6mbnGAvxnnD5IYz8VtwazDvX6MJxnq85sh/s320/2011+06+12_6081.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAO0YAskY9uQGVBuTN_NoqcUshNxVKxlR8zAQpzuMCRn8NWEPnVt2jNLWwzBMGCAMKIHmMRIKd8PHCsLP2exq_krMEp43PmrHJsWISG03wNL69uW2Z05NmTXNhFtqsm_1QUw_KRUhBH8H/s1600/2011+06+12_6136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAO0YAskY9uQGVBuTN_NoqcUshNxVKxlR8zAQpzuMCRn8NWEPnVt2jNLWwzBMGCAMKIHmMRIKd8PHCsLP2exq_krMEp43PmrHJsWISG03wNL69uW2Z05NmTXNhFtqsm_1QUw_KRUhBH8H/s320/2011+06+12_6136.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-55593947846916148602011-06-03T12:48:00.000-07:002011-06-03T13:17:47.261-07:00Long weekend at Big Sur, CA<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>May 27</b>: After the day’s work, we started to Big Sur from Svale on Friday evening. Big Sur is located along the Scenic Highway One on the coast of central California, a 90 mile stretch between San Luis Obispo and Monterey. The “el país grande del sur" (the big country of the south) is said to offer the greatest meeting of land and sea. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KFfQRzN58uxBhDMZpkN5xeGnwsq2Y4HHCkmBJAlpAT1_xS8CMqVDSrlg9A4EZ31GPU0kWgkVQShZLrqMDBk4qtBJoY4j8XDqTY-owj6CBcrizBPhtjTPxWhmrPLEpG3EA35VckGtDYOz/s1600/2011+05+27_6049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KFfQRzN58uxBhDMZpkN5xeGnwsq2Y4HHCkmBJAlpAT1_xS8CMqVDSrlg9A4EZ31GPU0kWgkVQShZLrqMDBk4qtBJoY4j8XDqTY-owj6CBcrizBPhtjTPxWhmrPLEpG3EA35VckGtDYOz/s320/2011+05+27_6049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The traffic was slow initially but the lineups had eased off soon. The first sight of the pacific and <b>Bixby bridge</b> were spectacular and we reached <b>Pfeiffer Big Sur State park </b>by dusk. We had booked a cottage with a full kitchen at Big Sur Lodge, which was expensive as expected for the holiday season but decent except for no Wi-Fi.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pNOYw9RnKcB3JiFVdXQf_jViQhTAec0DAJcuyfdaURA1aMNhepGv9KWY_aLJHQWqe7_IZrp9MJTukTT6_fMnltg6sjlnAusL1gAs5m4xSAx1M24LNFkCaIoglC9_aGLa0IFQgVEIizXj/s1600/2011+05+27_6059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pNOYw9RnKcB3JiFVdXQf_jViQhTAec0DAJcuyfdaURA1aMNhepGv9KWY_aLJHQWqe7_IZrp9MJTukTT6_fMnltg6sjlnAusL1gAs5m4xSAx1M24LNFkCaIoglC9_aGLa0IFQgVEIizXj/s320/2011+05+27_6059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>May 28</b>: Morning, it felt good after a short hike between redwoods to <b>Pfeiffer falls</b> and Valley view. It was a 2-mile roundtrip that leads to beautiful views of Point Sur and the Big Sur Valley. Then we drove south on Hwy 1 to Hearst castle stopping by vista points. With the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains and the rocky pacific coast on either sides, the views beat the former and only got better each time. The Big Creek bridge, patches of wild flowers brightening the grassy hillsides, pinnipeds, California Condors were added attraction. Enjoyed lunch at a view point as we saw bikers pass by and headed back as Hwy 1 was closed near Gorda. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW8r-4uqi9F9cTX2ZKb-trA24aAm_9ZZQaLQlafNX9eDhYUDPOlG4s7-L1SucC8uHK06LR5zNelt-W85UgE-lNQ_CQSie__rKx972MJXUwc1plB2MIiab9Tajv6g1pP2BCUbW_RxGx1Be/s1600/2011+05+28_5910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW8r-4uqi9F9cTX2ZKb-trA24aAm_9ZZQaLQlafNX9eDhYUDPOlG4s7-L1SucC8uHK06LR5zNelt-W85UgE-lNQ_CQSie__rKx972MJXUwc1plB2MIiab9Tajv6g1pP2BCUbW_RxGx1Be/s320/2011+05+28_5910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJ355zTNYYA5Awp73SZP25m3fwWFFf-A_AEo7iZ05zJJ4NXIaSvQV_xvpqpO05Uw3m7FZrYdL67S3VFSRNKlGEEhwStT37h6wOuW57qXhLTRCxCQoGJ9ho7tT1gMk3CllE9bVsTQwWYwQ/s1600/2011+05+28_5946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJ355zTNYYA5Awp73SZP25m3fwWFFf-A_AEo7iZ05zJJ4NXIaSvQV_xvpqpO05Uw3m7FZrYdL67S3VFSRNKlGEEhwStT37h6wOuW57qXhLTRCxCQoGJ9ho7tT1gMk3CllE9bVsTQwWYwQ/s320/2011+05+28_5946.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6A6bpjBghEL1R159wJq0vuqYu6fTa255tqE3JIWYs1wT_dyG1E1cVSSzwgAPoqm67ZVzIiMjsskrvOrR8D71RrZnBaUMj8NSSIKFuBWl6RQNfhTLhYtPHCaoQnN16QER8LjX_mkKiYn-/s1600/2011+05+28_5965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6A6bpjBghEL1R159wJq0vuqYu6fTa255tqE3JIWYs1wT_dyG1E1cVSSzwgAPoqm67ZVzIiMjsskrvOrR8D71RrZnBaUMj8NSSIKFuBWl6RQNfhTLhYtPHCaoQnN16QER8LjX_mkKiYn-/s320/2011+05+28_5965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZ40aPHVfyYxhsiXoJf1y9awYymEOkc9Wt6QKK6h90XvAGUMPH5SsAzx9oNZK1N6BKfhrpFuFgpQ9sKYjQxZwYnxnN20MrFt9ZorcNMQjw0J3IXjeSUNSrXi5QD31YSH8W0X_ytw_8ZTj/s1600/2011+05+28_5974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZ40aPHVfyYxhsiXoJf1y9awYymEOkc9Wt6QKK6h90XvAGUMPH5SsAzx9oNZK1N6BKfhrpFuFgpQ9sKYjQxZwYnxnN20MrFt9ZorcNMQjw0J3IXjeSUNSrXi5QD31YSH8W0X_ytw_8ZTj/s320/2011+05+28_5974.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We spent the afternoon at <b>Lime Kiln Creek state park. </b>The small beach area was directly under the bridge and easily accessible. It was entertaining to see few ‘expert’ people filleting the fish and lot of seagulls and pelicans around as limekiln creek flows into the ocean. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9hUwT73pjiG7tICEAZzyWtfxjrlnT1NSAqk2h_dqdV3wUiw7jTcNvldcYd_vfjEi8bgFFEFPwceTowUanAp6wJ2BDMfKFsSM6q0ddxILpj3Ie9o-O5Y1So-k5dovQUDEG1Egxvc5iEgS/s1600/2011+05+28_6022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9hUwT73pjiG7tICEAZzyWtfxjrlnT1NSAqk2h_dqdV3wUiw7jTcNvldcYd_vfjEi8bgFFEFPwceTowUanAp6wJ2BDMfKFsSM6q0ddxILpj3Ie9o-O5Y1So-k5dovQUDEG1Egxvc5iEgS/s320/2011+05+28_6022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTnoBRPvFG-5is_G0hf7tBsp1PlZ7R6zF9lHImlWtZ2Wgw3nRg8KWZ9fVKlUTVNN7zRT-_hXVwhi4rzH8Ch1nm-0Esd7Ce_XHj2ZYqxhLrwVqKhM8Iox1LTQCDJ4cp3L2K-yqS3joR6JC/s1600/2011+05+28_5992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTnoBRPvFG-5is_G0hf7tBsp1PlZ7R6zF9lHImlWtZ2Wgw3nRg8KWZ9fVKlUTVNN7zRT-_hXVwhi4rzH8Ch1nm-0Esd7Ce_XHj2ZYqxhLrwVqKhM8Iox1LTQCDJ4cp3L2K-yqS3joR6JC/s320/2011+05+28_5992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The McWay Falls at <b>Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park </b>was one of the best ways to experience the dramatic meeting of the land and sea. However the falls and beach are off limits.<b> </b>Weather was perfect all day and it started raining in the evening. We had dinner watching the rain and played Antakshari until we fell asleep. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQvrWv-RN1hA4mU6PJsq_sDF8sZa0TXgOJymmWIztVfueUAj5f4r4eYx80vIvrhR_1wkseLEM15_X_wlS4vQb-LFujhVaGIROR5dIs8Q0jaPAgve15UmxmK1wtvSPglLVMSQ4JT8Owkx1/s1600/2011+05+28_6034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQvrWv-RN1hA4mU6PJsq_sDF8sZa0TXgOJymmWIztVfueUAj5f4r4eYx80vIvrhR_1wkseLEM15_X_wlS4vQb-LFujhVaGIROR5dIs8Q0jaPAgve15UmxmK1wtvSPglLVMSQ4JT8Owkx1/s320/2011+05+28_6034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>May 29</b>: Time for <b>Point Sur light Station…</b>the access to this historic lighthouse is provided only through Guided tour on weekends in limited numbers!! I had to work unfortunately, so the rest made it to the 10am tour. It was for 3 hrs which according to them was a little strict and a little too long :P It seems it was very windy and loud sounds of the pinnipeds added to the gusting wind. They were enjoying the great views while I was working my fingers to the bones at Fernwood Grill restaurant (for Wi-Fi) all morning </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">J</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wzcKhgccxi_n6P8XJTYNfp0WWBhyphenhyphen46Pi8EHkVB9cUGDV_vj-siJPWw-8Og780LA_8D6w9euS7qsm2AAUB0tmykQjN9K7-SrUrdPSi7VmC_b9nBKi8rkSZZ8ia-YWAWIuemk1-AjcEhO4/s1600/2011+05+29_5848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wzcKhgccxi_n6P8XJTYNfp0WWBhyphenhyphen46Pi8EHkVB9cUGDV_vj-siJPWw-8Og780LA_8D6w9euS7qsm2AAUB0tmykQjN9K7-SrUrdPSi7VmC_b9nBKi8rkSZZ8ia-YWAWIuemk1-AjcEhO4/s320/2011+05+29_5848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVzLYogWhOqLvPsbzd02bh5CApFV4mP_vEMTiZf9oh2YZrPfXW21Ci5PmRNYxC4o9XTO6IuchuJBuOsnyZ4x99N717Ujo7NOInkxL0bbouQn9kz2Na73G0ZRSR4dczw7r44F5N13YydBz/s1600/2011+05+29_5861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVzLYogWhOqLvPsbzd02bh5CApFV4mP_vEMTiZf9oh2YZrPfXW21Ci5PmRNYxC4o9XTO6IuchuJBuOsnyZ4x99N717Ujo7NOInkxL0bbouQn9kz2Na73G0ZRSR4dczw7r44F5N13YydBz/s320/2011+05+29_5861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">After lunch at River Inn Restaurant in Big Sur, we drove to <b>Andrew Molera State Park. </b>A wide, scenic, mile-long flat path took us through a meadow to the sandy/pebble Molera’s beach and the best part was crossing the Big Sur river just before it enters the Sea.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYBZ-p0_l85GcCzTEMrMy7DP3GantyJtk6EDu7MSrlxkDMu5j_AZ3VmGmGhKdQT7053ehpvs2u9aaI7a9vULZCeE3LRQJB_YAy2TZ6JSPafb6r8J4oGmafYla_yv8w7WZTFVytK3_Jb_Q/s1600/2011+05+29_5878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYBZ-p0_l85GcCzTEMrMy7DP3GantyJtk6EDu7MSrlxkDMu5j_AZ3VmGmGhKdQT7053ehpvs2u9aaI7a9vULZCeE3LRQJB_YAy2TZ6JSPafb6r8J4oGmafYla_yv8w7WZTFVytK3_Jb_Q/s320/2011+05+29_5878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>May 30</b>: Started the day with a 5 mile hike on Buzzards Roost trail peaking at Pfeiffer Ridge with beautiful coastal panoramic view. Then we drove to Big Sur’s most popular <b>Pfeiffer beach</b>. There were signs of private properties all along the 2-mile narrow road (How lucky are these people being able to live so close to nature, wish I do!) This was one of the most beautiful beaches without doubt and the fierce waves hitting the rocks just left an imprint in my mind. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccBQJWl1jhqYfs8ZCJm4H0_5k4k-HliyYKiqaNyIICFiqwPbVOxvlK6Fv1GSQJnAV0QCPcNvAZNUm_n778Yh1CRE2wt3AbW0xO37q1Q6o2kHWDNhc9XtxLoyLm4bk7mlgcOHk0yzUAvwK/s1600/IMG_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccBQJWl1jhqYfs8ZCJm4H0_5k4k-HliyYKiqaNyIICFiqwPbVOxvlK6Fv1GSQJnAV0QCPcNvAZNUm_n778Yh1CRE2wt3AbW0xO37q1Q6o2kHWDNhc9XtxLoyLm4bk7mlgcOHk0yzUAvwK/s320/IMG_0197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkxxIxtnLPVlE3fUtXcwqR7TT8e66IcddMqg8ewLhaYfqTpXtcOKIJfrknjUIMLP-GbFrXSCWzEdbbNIVHxB6FSX-SEBuJUk6lrUZhAn-kMulNgrVu6vty-B5qef2mM0P0llfMY3B6cOB/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkxxIxtnLPVlE3fUtXcwqR7TT8e66IcddMqg8ewLhaYfqTpXtcOKIJfrknjUIMLP-GbFrXSCWzEdbbNIVHxB6FSX-SEBuJUk6lrUZhAn-kMulNgrVu6vty-B5qef2mM0P0llfMY3B6cOB/s320/IMG_0232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">At noon, we had lunch at a picnic area in <b>Point Lobos State Reserve </b>and took a beach trail. The bright lupines, wild iris, California poppies and other native wild flowers along the trail felt like a garden carefully grown for years. The scene of a mother seal and pup trying to climb onto the rock and slipping back into the water with tides was fascinating. We saw Sea lions and Seals in huge numbers hauling out on the rocks close to the beach and California Sea Otters sleeping leisurely wrapped in the kelps. The nesting birds, colorful crabs, foam and shades of sea.. mesmerized by the life in its bounty, we drove back home. This time not so lucky, caught up in the long weekend traffic on 101 for quite some time and it was huge relief to be back home!</span></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-40879955714299236692011-05-11T08:51:00.000-07:002011-08-15T21:25:35.107-07:00A long drive from East to West coast<span style="font-size: 10pt;">A really long 3 day(Apr 30-May 2, 2011) drive across 9 states: Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and finally California was an absolute dream come true! Without much planning, we decided to just hit the road and drive as long as we can in a day. This cross-country road trip was around 2500 miles, mostly on I 80W experiencing the changing landscapes: the great plains in Nebraska, salt flats in Utah, mountains in California and meeting local people. Above that, an hour being added to life each day- fun and tiring too!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Day 1: Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We started early Saturday and by noon we reached the “Windy City”. Enjoyed Panda chinese for lunch at Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis and continued to drive through small cities. It was very windy all day and not much sun. As we entered Iowa, cattle and wind farms was a common scene. By evening we were right at the border of Nebraska. We stayed for the night at Omaha and had dinner in the downtown. The place reminded of Boulder, Colorado with live music, horse carriages, busy restaurants and streets with friendly people. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUN_cBB-FeLLZb3yCGTP72peRvWm88kLEiiVuUMDO_5sU_qX1iQ3BiwyATfhS4Myx7-eKr87SQM6IdYlzKdVle7rnICvEgLPpY27HTeDvK__EqLY-sdxT37N5GtZpc3N2AEoKMJyypYNA/s1600/2011+04+30_5430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUN_cBB-FeLLZb3yCGTP72peRvWm88kLEiiVuUMDO_5sU_qX1iQ3BiwyATfhS4Myx7-eKr87SQM6IdYlzKdVle7rnICvEgLPpY27HTeDvK__EqLY-sdxT37N5GtZpc3N2AEoKMJyypYNA/s320/2011+04+30_5430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xp0srlGKfP3QbBk765ySELPMGkshbCKpoHxoTCzTOWTOUUDjeNUKbpqFb_uo32yytpwyxwPoyz8ZS6Sx6wxuRTNr1RsFxv52dygKUE4SnbeSjxYmlqWsH1tltiW62Rk3iyaXGtUHp8rb/s1600/2011+04+30_5465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xp0srlGKfP3QbBk765ySELPMGkshbCKpoHxoTCzTOWTOUUDjeNUKbpqFb_uo32yytpwyxwPoyz8ZS6Sx6wxuRTNr1RsFxv52dygKUE4SnbeSjxYmlqWsH1tltiW62Rk3iyaXGtUHp8rb/s320/2011+04+30_5465.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFt4XJ9gpKvOAaU2MBHd2EcgZ-BiGcvejORx6c_uOiTZsKznRWdnszitRCCYfAndGK9oOfy1_IDEkYdETJghF_ZgmdpdBW1HkB-lWx9zpmLcGOdADS9rnSmM4HJtOzk-23RevqdNLFexU/s1600/2011+04+30_5495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFt4XJ9gpKvOAaU2MBHd2EcgZ-BiGcvejORx6c_uOiTZsKznRWdnszitRCCYfAndGK9oOfy1_IDEkYdETJghF_ZgmdpdBW1HkB-lWx9zpmLcGOdADS9rnSmM4HJtOzk-23RevqdNLFexU/s320/2011+04+30_5495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Day 2: Nebraska, Wyoming</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">After an hour drive from Omaha, We came across Lincoln, the only other big city for the day. Small towns passed by in the blink of an eye and it was all farms (with overhead sprinkler system used for irrigation) and cattle as far as the eye can see. We stopped for lunch at Perkins restaurant(Absolutely loved the fresh muffins here) in Sidney, a city to the west end of Nebraska. It was full of elderly people and the looks conveyed we were not the kind of people they often see (meant no offense). In Wyoming, the scenery slowly changed from plains to mountains covered with snow and the weather was very pleasant. Utah’s red and tan colored rocks welcomed us and the drive was little challenging on the curvy hill road as we got closer to the Salt Lake City. I was happy to be back in SLC after 2 years and we spent the night there at my sister’s. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVRdOZpzyPivrWL6-VR9iGMPotW9u1R5PeGJ2FBaifa4ccJm58drUaijCoOPsMkP6FqcfUS5IUGI2faUWLvh4lL_ffEMjV2SID1E98Hs8JHm6Jwmg81ZQ3O3GavTuNNzwSiEnsOvrt4LX/s1600/2011+05+01_5397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVRdOZpzyPivrWL6-VR9iGMPotW9u1R5PeGJ2FBaifa4ccJm58drUaijCoOPsMkP6FqcfUS5IUGI2faUWLvh4lL_ffEMjV2SID1E98Hs8JHm6Jwmg81ZQ3O3GavTuNNzwSiEnsOvrt4LX/s320/2011+05+01_5397.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Sdk4q9VSwtVSEM6OF215ruE_a3N1LzTKVDHP6KJgCMTOTysDb1DUo_x_tPYS09epN-J6bwNtLk2rqZGhHd-g12BArSepZqSR3n3A9U_CFMijK_hn4oLPX7yUGYpCMTlBxr25neuxmZNc/s1600/2011+05+01_5392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Sdk4q9VSwtVSEM6OF215ruE_a3N1LzTKVDHP6KJgCMTOTysDb1DUo_x_tPYS09epN-J6bwNtLk2rqZGhHd-g12BArSepZqSR3n3A9U_CFMijK_hn4oLPX7yUGYpCMTlBxr25neuxmZNc/s320/2011+05+01_5392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHlBJfjfNDgTAgseyNW9wvbQuQtOWWzZhXPTQEXPZ038bqGxJKlbvPscD7dr0uZDWiOooqTtzYXvVaE84grjsniJidBQAXu8MX-BYxaWUMj7L7su8hZSVVEpoVVZ270vWOMny1DE15uwc/s1600/2011+05+01_5420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHlBJfjfNDgTAgseyNW9wvbQuQtOWWzZhXPTQEXPZ038bqGxJKlbvPscD7dr0uZDWiOooqTtzYXvVaE84grjsniJidBQAXu8MX-BYxaWUMj7L7su8hZSVVEpoVVZ270vWOMny1DE15uwc/s320/2011+05+01_5420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Day 3: Utah, Nevada, California</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Salt Lake City was really beautiful in the morning with the pouring sunrays on the snow mountains. As we drove further, we saw the Great Salt Lake followed by acres of white land covered with salt, the famous Bonneville salt flats unique to Utah. We had a quick lunch at a Casino in Winnemucca and were back on the road. Evening as we approached Reno, nicknamed “The Biggest Little City in the World”, it’s vibrant life was quite apparent to the outside. Entering CA, we were fully excited looking at the pines and national parks. The cities looked amazing between the mountains, nothing like I expected. Luckily we didn’t hit the evening traffic and were able to reach home by late evening.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9ryJcz9AQMlokSwgaWev-kV7C_ffzyOlsHx3f2IT6gSYKl92C6YQXfMPjOks_921EIHhVOu-_Sk22na4kmckxZHi1-aSmUFnJJU9nes5ooOaK5xIEx_dkDNeAhPzBDu0c82PcBNdSj_3/s1600/2011+05+02_5297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9ryJcz9AQMlokSwgaWev-kV7C_ffzyOlsHx3f2IT6gSYKl92C6YQXfMPjOks_921EIHhVOu-_Sk22na4kmckxZHi1-aSmUFnJJU9nes5ooOaK5xIEx_dkDNeAhPzBDu0c82PcBNdSj_3/s320/2011+05+02_5297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu9RItIukb8ush3twq9RZRPglA747eubI_oys6wtwiJ7ZjAs7OXVowKmmHICJ-CRx6z8uUrdjfnfbV6-XLegpAAOIQojMny_H5LpZptBXz-kkPMPtOLPOfwh9bntJJilqs8ntf15cAPIl/s1600/2011+05+02_5320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu9RItIukb8ush3twq9RZRPglA747eubI_oys6wtwiJ7ZjAs7OXVowKmmHICJ-CRx6z8uUrdjfnfbV6-XLegpAAOIQojMny_H5LpZptBXz-kkPMPtOLPOfwh9bntJJilqs8ntf15cAPIl/s320/2011+05+02_5320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpSptXbdYzCyt0XGqliQuWK3RqyIHKyYdhL_sjmhuAui5dK7HlGPQvMJFRpLF-5Dxvckw5wWX0GqIzpsvbUEyBrY6PaINPq4_5TF-RnIJrPLz5qelCm0PhcWAy3VmfhLYXNnBsQ0zcfV1/s1600/2011+05+02_5346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpSptXbdYzCyt0XGqliQuWK3RqyIHKyYdhL_sjmhuAui5dK7HlGPQvMJFRpLF-5Dxvckw5wWX0GqIzpsvbUEyBrY6PaINPq4_5TF-RnIJrPLz5qelCm0PhcWAy3VmfhLYXNnBsQ0zcfV1/s320/2011+05+02_5346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-61535384025149927182011-04-13T08:51:00.000-07:002011-06-03T13:11:09.774-07:00Camping in the West 4 – Mt Rainier National Park<div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our journey on 101 and Camping in the west series ended with the beautiful, most awaited Mt Rainier. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">From </span><span style="font-size: small;">Stevens Canyon</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Entrance, we drove to Paradise because it offers the closest view of this active volcano. We had high expectations from the Seattle view but the weather wasn’t conducive and it didn’t take us long to realize that we lost the fabulous mountain in the clouds. It felt a little disappointing initially to see only its peak now and then between the clouds but the enchanting waterfalls and mesmerizing views of the Cascade Range totally compensated and made us further fell in love with the park.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtg7f5S05ZYQdXXzDJxVnisjMHOZC20p94Ryj0ufMuwTcFdOp1pXQSxdhLsSo_Ry-ek6zYT18OfmGcALMGYoCBdARzHdU1_Z8ylW39wbrJQseiRvTA3oqll-oeAZaGflMg6CwIzemv8ms/s1600/2010+07+02_4591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtg7f5S05ZYQdXXzDJxVnisjMHOZC20p94Ryj0ufMuwTcFdOp1pXQSxdhLsSo_Ry-ek6zYT18OfmGcALMGYoCBdARzHdU1_Z8ylW39wbrJQseiRvTA3oqll-oeAZaGflMg6CwIzemv8ms/s320/2010+07+02_4591.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5y9qp-_LvjFHpD-7BK8mAQy4HdnaHwgbYOwWEa5yEsaJtsLOmuEBOrL0QTM3178hJehXKD92Q5u47NrR-prjQw5fX7II_LS7yusOSLJA6i9ZzTgSTEm8FYz6Cy7xhyAHG4bdJjAbpxDao/s1600/2010+07+02_4602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5y9qp-_LvjFHpD-7BK8mAQy4HdnaHwgbYOwWEa5yEsaJtsLOmuEBOrL0QTM3178hJehXKD92Q5u47NrR-prjQw5fX7II_LS7yusOSLJA6i9ZzTgSTEm8FYz6Cy7xhyAHG4bdJjAbpxDao/s320/2010+07+02_4602.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> At paradise point, the visibility was zero with clouds and fog and made the drive little challenging. We did a short hike to Narada Falls and through the Nisqually entrance, returned to our two wonderful little hosts in Seattle. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlLyL4FGKIocbr3K6FZVmg5CSVbTv6fhh-zYW0fSW7m__ExbKdADl_g4RcqsaW2NGWdXAB4hioTirQWRFKdl2wHm1eWzi_YwONZLm1hqtHCM2zKvG9orG2_jI-BJC8BeTj0uOD7xe37pu/s1600/2010+07+02_4638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlLyL4FGKIocbr3K6FZVmg5CSVbTv6fhh-zYW0fSW7m__ExbKdADl_g4RcqsaW2NGWdXAB4hioTirQWRFKdl2wHm1eWzi_YwONZLm1hqtHCM2zKvG9orG2_jI-BJC8BeTj0uOD7xe37pu/s320/2010+07+02_4638.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO2c6TaKahU4aV0L7OZeuY3sRvVsyFAL8Ty8A0rirKprnmglQSLPXK2aYIbh5f4_9I2IxEIZV_M7lnm_7eYFVg8IrgrxgHEL9dAM4_W6gMWrUGAa-aVDTcA1_rasooAJ59qwVWh8AK0Vu/s1600/2010+07+02_4642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO2c6TaKahU4aV0L7OZeuY3sRvVsyFAL8Ty8A0rirKprnmglQSLPXK2aYIbh5f4_9I2IxEIZV_M7lnm_7eYFVg8IrgrxgHEL9dAM4_W6gMWrUGAa-aVDTcA1_rasooAJ59qwVWh8AK0Vu/s320/2010+07+02_4642.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The trip is made perfect and complete!! <br />
</span></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-53300908981766407292011-04-01T13:28:00.000-07:002011-06-03T13:09:37.479-07:00Doing our part..<div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last night during my flight back home after the week’s work, I read an article in a free Magazine which caught my attention: How airlines changed their ways over years and are acting eco-friendly. It was quite impressive and left me thinking how I can contribute towards a better and safer planet in this fast paced life. Since childhood, I have a passion for Nature and now, the Camping definitely made me even more conscious in some decisions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPA2n9_CA065-DMMKOh-dS9ViMYtT7lZ5xSnUkg8H8j5O7b0j1lNA58t6_E9XhY44k1dXJscasMfxFn_YkQjGTM-Bai4VZZQp2qPTDT64_6MFOVSPO-fii7Lii0ROMYvoyFYsCte5y68zF/s1600/2011+05+14_5633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPA2n9_CA065-DMMKOh-dS9ViMYtT7lZ5xSnUkg8H8j5O7b0j1lNA58t6_E9XhY44k1dXJscasMfxFn_YkQjGTM-Bai4VZZQp2qPTDT64_6MFOVSPO-fii7Lii0ROMYvoyFYsCte5y68zF/s320/2011+05+14_5633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">With Earth day in April, now is a good time to reflect on how environmentally responsible we are. I feel proud that:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">-I use my five grocery bags avoiding plastic covers each time</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">-I don’t use bottled water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">- I use green products for Cleaning and laundry</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">- I prefer using the same towels during my stay at hotel</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">-I recycle newspapers, cans, electronic items etc and</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">- I use paper, plastic, water and energy responsibly</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope to make this list longer and I am really TRYING to do my part in saving Earth. Are you?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Feel free to share your ways of living green and inspire others. Together we CAN make a difference!!</b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">Finally Reduce-Reuse-Donate-Recycle!!!</b></span>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1146775406335553440.post-32104933596351845682011-03-19T20:49:00.000-07:002011-03-19T20:53:40.123-07:00Camping in the West 3 – Redwoods<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">World’s largest living tree – Monarch of the North Coast – Living link to the Age of Dinosaurs, Redwoods grow from seeds the size of a tomato seed yet can weigh 500 tons and stand taller than the Statue of Liberty. California Redwoods are a combination of national and 3 state parks: Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. Further south on 101, Avenue of the Giants surrounded by Humboldt Redwoods State Park, offers by far the most outstanding display of these giant trees in the entire 500 mile redwood belt. A variant of these coastal Redwoods are Giant Sequoias grown only on the western slope of Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDfLqNhBJk4G_j0S3HaJ10Sw5qxIpSFLbDODDg0Xo0shcCHiAPQQmW5Wh6annQlS_ZDeB1lB5U6F0boqSP38Vb8UAQwOOFLXyU8VUrWSECkQB8rNUTFf4YHyPwtZP447mB_nmw_pq8eP7/s1600/2010+06+30_4335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDfLqNhBJk4G_j0S3HaJ10Sw5qxIpSFLbDODDg0Xo0shcCHiAPQQmW5Wh6annQlS_ZDeB1lB5U6F0boqSP38Vb8UAQwOOFLXyU8VUrWSECkQB8rNUTFf4YHyPwtZP447mB_nmw_pq8eP7/s320/2010+06+30_4335.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> On the way to California from Crater lake, we stopped by Rogue Gorge just off hwy 62 which offers an interesting display of pothole formations. By the time we reached Jedediah Smith state park, the visitor center was closed. Not sure of campsite availability and unable to plan the trip further, we chose to drive to Crescent city and stay at a private RV camp park for the night. We drove on the shore to catch Sunset but it was too windy to even get out of the car!! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Next day, We enjoyed morning walk on the beach, got the maps at the crescent city Information center and drove through Crescent beach and Klamath river overlooks. I was told we can find sea lions and whales from here, but wasn’t lucky enough.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJMFLnObrIQYKeGwwzGTDxsVrLMOx9458cF2BPpgvfLFh-sGe0RhbW4_E0qszlpurpS7WLS-40tVRLxuEwGmoyhlONq0FXMDgZ1qnnET1sR9QmWaArWfRY9Oe931tNKRwkdaSgQoRmkjr/s1600/2010+06+30_4284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJMFLnObrIQYKeGwwzGTDxsVrLMOx9458cF2BPpgvfLFh-sGe0RhbW4_E0qszlpurpS7WLS-40tVRLxuEwGmoyhlONq0FXMDgZ1qnnET1sR9QmWaArWfRY9Oe931tNKRwkdaSgQoRmkjr/s320/2010+06+30_4284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> At Klamath tour thru tree, it felt amazing to drive through a Redwood tree (only three drive-thru trees remain in California). We initially thought these were natural, but then didn’t like the fact that they were formed from forest fires or actually cut so. Next we drove through “Newton B Drury Scenic Pkwy” in Prairie Creek Redwoods State park and hiked to Trillium falls. It was a misadventure because we got lost (first time ever in our hiking history) and there were no actual falls and no spot of Elk.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWdeV0oZCTc-CebntrbW5k7EvgjFZxLBiyK68wA5bm4J-wyYRS7K1reaSn58P9R4bkdzK6t7iu2cET4RiJgs94UhMiaiKQy6ml35LYBE03WKt_8RuKHHecbQWW7IYmSEAgQW4cQMRXRq1/s1600/2010+06+30_4288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWdeV0oZCTc-CebntrbW5k7EvgjFZxLBiyK68wA5bm4J-wyYRS7K1reaSn58P9R4bkdzK6t7iu2cET4RiJgs94UhMiaiKQy6ml35LYBE03WKt_8RuKHHecbQWW7IYmSEAgQW4cQMRXRq1/s320/2010+06+30_4288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Evening, we walked in Lady Bird Johnson Grove when finally I started to admire the giant redwoods, with tall beautiful plants and flowers. Walking in the Grove b<span style="font-family: inherit;">etween the sky touching giants left us awe inspired. We felt they have lot to say having witnessed so many changes for eons from extinction of dinosaurs to dawn of humans, surviving the forest fires and other calamities, yet stand proud reaching for skies. A wonder by th</span>emselves, these magnificent redwoods along the coastline preserve the prairies and also serve as home for a variety of wildlife species as Murrelets and Elks. At night we stayed at a campground at Myers Flat campsite right by Eel river and were quite surprised to find access to web in the woods. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtLTv0wA7WknHvq49itHKoFNfg76A424L5ehPQeTsKDB8DDh-UMTLanHzeQ4wJPE8g7zYpqz-NZIW3DgU7FP-laI9Jw8K3oolH_rJ8-xLIsNxn5vDehOudRr87-0J8i-w5y56axKQSKXU/s1600/2010+07+01_4227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtLTv0wA7WknHvq49itHKoFNfg76A424L5ehPQeTsKDB8DDh-UMTLanHzeQ4wJPE8g7zYpqz-NZIW3DgU7FP-laI9Jw8K3oolH_rJ8-xLIsNxn5vDehOudRr87-0J8i-w5y56axKQSKXU/s320/2010+07+01_4227.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can you find me?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next morning we took the south entrance to the Avenue of the Giants and drove through this world-famous 31-mile scenic drive. It was simply wonderful to walk around experiencing the peace in the cool hush of these ancient old growth forests and more beautiful are the foggy mornings with warm sunrays piercing through the tree tops to reach the cool forest grounds. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9vi9ZxgDScVrpqjE26zFFSV5SP9sOv28JRUpMdUnzJ9ygrMAMN463X3fAl_PEutRBwcD5gnJxgNP-B0Gy0zUnsWvBqhTEI7e8h7NUD2hSigHSfOkw3sqCorp6DN4YLQCXHKn67vJjWmG/s1600/DSC00072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9vi9ZxgDScVrpqjE26zFFSV5SP9sOv28JRUpMdUnzJ9ygrMAMN463X3fAl_PEutRBwcD5gnJxgNP-B0Gy0zUnsWvBqhTEI7e8h7NUD2hSigHSfOkw3sqCorp6DN4YLQCXHKn67vJjWmG/s320/DSC00072.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We stopped at the Founders grove, Rockefeller forest, etc, taking pictures and admiring the nature. By afternoon we got onto the hwy 101 through North entrance and started driving back towards WA with Redwood bark and leaves as souvenirs.</span></div>Durga Nannapanenihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04904721093990937688noreply@blogger.com2