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Mountain Breezes On Lake Pend Oreille

September 10, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Mountain Breezes On Lake Pend Oreille

Mountain breezes blow across the beautiful Lake Pend Oreille. This beautiful lake was formed years ago by huge magnificent glaciers that melted. The water then flowed toward the Pacific Ocean. Some of the water pooled at the bottom of these spectacular mountains. and Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake, came into being. These glaciers provide the source of many of the breezes that come down off the mountain. They form cooling mountain breezes for the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and surrounding Sand Point, Idaho. Summers on the lake are pleasant and hardly a day passes without mountain breezes.

Sandpoint is a charming small town on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. It is known for its art festivals, and summers are a buzz of activity on the lake. There are many places to camp along the shores. Boaters and Kayakers love to explore its coves. Hikers enjoy the three mountains that keep Sandpoint nestled among their hills. The summers are hot, but you are rewarded most days with cool mountain breezes. Water skiing, Biking, horseback riding, and boating, are just a few of the summer sports enjoyed in Sandpoint.
http://www.sandpoint.com/Recreation/summeractivities.asp (Summer Activities)

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the hunting and fishing in the area. Golfers are rewarded with an excellent golf course. Rent a car and take a long scenic drive. The surrounding area is extremely beautiful and there are many other lakes and rivers to enjoy. For those that desire to see the area by air, there are many flight packages available in the area. While there are many extreme sports in both summer and winter, the town itself is amazing. Be sure to check out the fantastic farmers market. Sandpoint stores are awesome! The farmers market is amazing!
http://visitnorthidaho.com/activity-category/fishing-hunting/ (Hunting and Fishing for visitors)
http://www.sandpointonline.com/rec/golf.html (Area Golf Courses)

Winters are a playground on the lake and in the nearby mountains and towns that dot its shores. The shallow parts of the lake freeze over and fishermen can ice fish during the heart of winter. Warm clothes are a top priority! Dressing in layers is the best way to assure that you will be warm. Heavy soled waterproof boots, good insulated heavy overalls, gloves, a wide scarf, and hats are all a must when ice fishing. These cool mountain breezes blow all year, making the lake a winter playground. Winters in Idaho are usually cold, with lots of activities available in the ice and snow.

Ice fishing is one of those special treats for winter fun. Some of the most common fish found in the winter are Perch and Trout. Bluegill, Kokanee and Crappie are also in the realm of possibilities. Be sure to check the ice depth before going out on the lake. An average man of 175 pounds needs at least 3-4 inches of solid ice. A snow machine needs at least 8 inches of solid ice. Never go out on the lake alone. The buddy system works great for safety. Plan ahead and be safe! An excellent website for determining what equipment you might need is https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish/ice-fishing (ice fishing guidelines)

Skiing and Snowboarding are special events for Idaho. There are two major Resorts in the State that provide excellent skiing and snowboarding, as well as sloops for sledding and tubing. Sun Valley is in the Southern part of the state, but Schweitzer Mountain is just 11 miles up the mountain from Sandpoint. Bring the family for a day of adventure! It is fun for all ages! There are even pickup places in Sandpoint if you prefer to ride the Schweitzer Bus. Year around fun is at it’s best at Schweitzer Mountain. As with all winter activities, dress warmly and be prepared for the mountain breezes that often blow.

Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort
10,000 Schweitzer Mountain Road
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
208-263-9555
1-800-831-8810
http://www.schweitzer.com/

Selkirk Lodge provides luxury accommodations on the mountain slopes. There are more than 80 first class rooms at reasonable rates. There are several excellent restaurants and a retail mall. White Pine Lodge has 50 condominiums for rent. There are also over 450 Mountain Homes for rent around the mountain.
http://www.schweitzer.com/plan-your-vacation/lodging-options/selkirk-lodge/
http://www.schweitzer.com/plan-your-vacation/lodging-options/white-pine-lodge/

Schweitzer Mountain Chapel has both Non-denominational Services and Catholic Services during the ski season. The Chapel is also available for retreats and has built-in Dormitory style rooms.

Come enjoy the cool mountain breezes blowing over the lake on a hot summer day! Immerse yourself in winter fun at Schweitzer! Ice fish on the Lake Pend Oreille! The options are endless and adventure is all around. Lake Pend Oreille has something for everyone, year around. Come join us as we explore Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding area.

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Lake Pend Oreille Idaho USA

August 21, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Lake Pend Oreille Idaho USA

Lake Pend Oreille is Idaho’s most magnificent lake. It is the largest lake in the state of Idaho. It has 111 miles of Shoreline. This is an amazing amount of space to enjoy this beautiful treasure. It is located in the Northern Pan Handle of Idaho and many towns grace it’s shores. Almost every town has a treasured adventure on Lake Pend Oreille. It has the loose shape of a question mark with no dot! This amazing lake looks endless from the shore. All you can see is lake, beautiful blue sky, and majestic mountains. The lake is the deepest lake in the state. It is the 5th deepest in the world. In fact, even the Navy comes to Lake Pend Oreille to test their submarines. Now that is amazing!

Among the amazing facts surrounding Lake Pend Oreille is the story of the Lake Monster. There have been many sightings over the years. He seems to get bigger and bigger. Some people think it is perhaps a giant Sturgeon. Sturgeon have been known to grow over 12 feet long. How would you like to have him on your hook? Now that would be a fish story! No matter what he may turn out to be, he is loved by most. He has been given the loving name of ” Pend Oreille Paddler.”

One of the many adventures on the lake is to take a Kayak out for the day. Explore the miles of shoreline. Some people have even paddled completely around the lake. Now that is ambitious! It was once estimated that it took 118,539 strokes with the paddle to go completely around the lake at the shoreline. If you are ambitious, grab your sleeping bag and tent and let the exploration begin. The last recorded group spent the week paddling this amazing shoreline. Now that is true adventure travel!

Exploring Lake Pend Oreille by foot is fantastic. There are many well marked trails, as well as an amazing 2 mile walk over the Pedestrian Bridge. Can you imagine what you will see? This is perhaps one of the most popular lake walks from Sandpoint. It begins at the U.S. Highway 95 south entrance to Sandpoint and goes parallel to the highway bridge for car and truck traffic. It is a pleasant 2 mile walk. Bikers also enjoy an excellent bike ride over the bridge.Many bikers continue on down Bottle Bay Road. This takes them around the south side of the lake. It is always a nice day for adventure, at Lake Pend Oreille.

There are many trails to enjoy around Lake Pend Oreille. The newest one is Pend Oreille Bay Trail 1. This is a marvelous trail to hike or bike. The trail connects all the many lake communities around the lake. Spend the day or spend the week, adventure is waiting on the Pend Oreille Bay Trail. This is the first public waterfront trail along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. Pend Oreille Bay Trail links the communities of Sandpoint, Ponderay, Kootenai, and many others.

If you like adventure, see Lake Pend Oreille from a boat. Whether you bring your boat or rent one at one of the many marinas, adventure is waiting. There are many places where you can rent power boats, sail boats, Kayaks, and more. There is nothing like watching the wildlife from the advantage of a boat. Explore the lake by boat and see the wide variety of wildlife that calls this lake and it’s shores home.

However you decide to explore Lake Pend Oreille, you will be in for first class adventure. Watch a mother bear fish for her cub, or an Osprey go fishing on the lake! Watch the trees as you go by, you may spot a nesting Bald Eagle. The possibilities are endless! There are many places to camp along the shore of the lake. In the many lake towns you will find nice accommodations and good places to eat. Wherever you go, this lake offers adventure. So relax, enjoy, and explore, Lake Pend Oreille.

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Published on [email protected] on August 20,2017 at:

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Yakima Valley Red Apple Orchards

August 20, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Yakima Valley Red Apple Orchards

Yakima Valley Apples, what a recipe for happiness! Success is in the Orchard, as these are the best tasting apples around. Nothing can beat a Yakima Valley Apple. Farmers use the best scientific research to arrive at these beautiful red apples. Growing fruit is both an art and an science and it helps if you have fertile soil and a mellow climate. Yakima, Washington is blessed with all the above. Apples grow abundantly in Yakima! An apple a day is sure bliss. What have you done for your heart today? Take a break, and go pick some apples. You will be glad you did!

When was the last time you walked through an apple orchard? Did you smell the sweet aroma of the apples! The apple orchard smells like a little piece of heaven! Is this paradise on earth? Apples are hard workers! Did you know that they cleaned the teeth? An apple a day brings a beautiful smile. Need to loose a few pounds? Have an apple a day! It is so full of fiber that you begin to feel full. What a fantastic advantage! Have you had your apple today? Grab an apple and help your immune system soar! An apple a day, keeps the hospital away!

Nutrition experts tell us to eat something from at least 5 color groups a day. You can eat a yellow apple, a green apple, and a red apple and never leave the orchard. Now that is exciting news! Apples are one of the greatest blessings in the orchard. Amazing what you can do to help your body! You can eat to drop a few pounds! Now that is a double blessing. You have lost a little weight, helped your heart, and boosted your immune system. Whatever you do, get your apple for breakfast! I even enjoy an apple with lunch. It is a very effective health benefit. The amazing apple just keeps giving!

Apples are one of the most versatile fruits around. I love to cook wild rice with onion, fresh ginger, leeks, garlic, and mushrooms. When done, add a curry sauce and heat through. That is an excellent time to cut a small apple in small pieces and add to the curry. What an absolutely awesome way to get a few apples. You can even add a few diced almonds to the rice at the end. Make sure the almonds and apples are cut small. It is a delicious way to get your daily apple fix.

Your morning apple is a must. Look no farther than the miraculous smoothie. You can make almost any smoothie you want and just at the end, core an apple and add. Apples put the finishing touches on almost any smoothie. What an amazing way to get another apple! Cinnamon and cloves are excellent with apples and great additions to the smoothie. Three of my favorite things. I love to take apples, pears, a few grapes, and some cherry juice and spring water. Blend good and add cinnamon and cloves. What bliss!

Looking for a Northwest vacation? Take a trip to the apple orchard! Enjoy the fresh Washington air. Breath in the lovely apple aroma of the orchard. And of course, pick a few apples to eat during the day. Fall is the perfect time to visit the orchard! Yakima has a small airport, with buses and trains close by as well. It is just a short drive from Spokane. Spend the day in paradise! Enjoy an apple vacation today. You will be glad you did. See you in the Orchard!

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Published on [email protected] on August 22, 2017 at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/yakima-valley-red-apple-orchards

Coeur d Alene Idaho USA

August 19, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Coeur d Alene Idaho USA

Coeur d Alene , an area of Majestic mountain ranges, beautiful lakes, and fertile valleys, is one of Idaho’s best kept secrets. The greater Coeur d Alene area is home to many magnificent lakes. These beautiful lakes are leftovers from the awesome glaciers of the former ice age. There are over 55 lakes close to the Coeur d Alene metropolitan area. Adventure is everywhere! No matter where you travel, there is a lake! The most marvelous of them all is Lake Coeur d Alene itself. Lake Coeur d Alene is the center of the city! What a beautiful lake! What fertile soil surrounds the city! What amazing mountains in the distance! Coeur d Alene is almost magical! If you desire beauty that is almost perfect, you need look no farther.

Beautiful Lake Coeur d Alene is home to spectacular Northern Idaho Sunsets! How beautiful the lake is as the sunset reflects on the water. Tones of reds, and pinks are amazing! There is magic in the air as the city reflects across the lake at night. A city that never sleeps! Beauty that abounds day and night! Even the moon rises over the lake in all its splendor. It’s reflection can be seen across the water. Lake Coeur d Alene is spectacular and inspiring! It is the hub of the city. It provides hours of entertainment for the residents of Northern Idaho. Water sports are an important role each summer. Cruises and water skiing play a major role in the life of the city.

The lake is home to many species of water fowl. Have you ever watched an Osprey plunge into the water after a fish? The marsh land and the grassland surrounding the lake provide nesting areas for many birds. Many wild animals call the hills around the mountains home. Breathtaking views of mountains, springs, hot springs, lakes and rivers are everywhere. Idaho has some of the most spectacular scenic country in the Northwest! Much of Idaho is public lands and you can view animals in their natural habitat. The forests and farmlands provide year around shelter for many birds and animals. You might even see a pair of Bald Eagles nesting in the late spring.

Just 30 miles east of Coeur d Alene is Silver Mountain! Silver Mountain is home to some of the most fantastic skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest. Near by is Galena Ridge Golf course. It is perfect for those who desire a lively game of golf. Family fun abounds at the Silver Rapids. It is the largest water park in Idaho. What fun for the family! The tropical pools are always a magical 84 degrees. Enjoy endless summer at Silver Rapids!

Planning an Idaho vacation is thrilling. Adventure is everywhere! Backpackers will find trails and base camps. Skiers will delight themselves at Silver Mountain! Families will flock to Silver Rapids. Idaho has something for everyone! Take time to explore the mountains! Bird watch in the amazing marshes. Hike the hills surrounding the many lakes! Take a cruise and just relax. Romance is in the air! The magical destinations in Idaho will delight the whole family! Make this the year for your Idaho adventure. Let it begin in Coeur d Alene.

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Breathtaking Adventure in Alaska!

June 17, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Breathtaking Adventure

Breathtaking adventure is in the air as we travel North in Alaska! What majestic mountains! The mountains are magnificent and the trees are lush and green. You travel through canyons that are tall with rustic overtones. Breathtaking adventure is everywhere, as we head out North. Join in, as we see panorama views, steep grades, amazing mountains, glaciers, tunnels, and waterfalls. You will travel through narrow gorges and the even narrower trestles are breathtaking. Experience cliff hanging adventure, as you journey into the Alaskan North. This is a harsh land with amazing beauty. Here you will discover breathtaking adventure in the Land Of The Midnight Sun!

Amazing Journey

Journey with us to the Outback of Alaska. Climb nearly 3,000 feet in places, and in just 20 minutes. There is no better way to experience Alaska than to take a tour on the Old Historic Railroad. This narrow gauge railway is breathtaking adventure. You will experience switch back turns, deep canyons, and lots of snow on the mountain. There is no shortage of snow-covered mountains year around. The Old Historic Cars allow you the freedom to stretch out and be comfortable. Enjoy the view from the climate controlled cars. Better yet, go outside and let the breeze run through your hair. Hang onto your hat, as the wind does blow.

What is the best Alaskan Railroad trip? Alaska has been blessed with such exciting places as Mt.McKinley and the Denali National Park. There are places in the Denali Star Route that are indescribable. Explore the towering Chugach Mountains. Experience tall bridges as you cross the Knik and the Matanuska Rivers. On this route the train heads North to the Talkeetna Mountains and into the amazing Matanuska Valley. The Matamuska valley is full of breathtaking adventure and unsurpassed beauty.

Experience breathtaking adventure on the Glacier Discovery Train as it travels from Anchorage to amazing places like Spencer Glacier. The snow and ice-covered glaciers have a blue tone in the bright sunlight. This area is home to amazing wildlife. This area is populated with bear, moose, coyotes and wolves. Beautiful Swans pass here on their migration routes. This amazing area is just a few miles out of Anchorage, yet there are no roads.

Even further North are the White Pass and Yukon routes. Civilization is left nearly behind as you travel into these scenic mountain passes. Other than an occasional village or homestead, you will see fantastic mountain ranges and spectacular views. Breathtaking adventure awaits as you experience Alaskan wildlife in Alaska’s Interior. See the Arctic fox play, and watch the herds of moose as you pass by. In the summer months you might catch a bear fishing in a river or stream. Life in Alaska is never dull or boring. Cross the Arctic Circle as you as you travel. Enjoy The Land Of The Midnight Sun with the Alaskan Railroad. The routes are numerous and there is an option for overnight stays and other adventure packages. So add-on a cruise or enjoy the Iditarod Races. Take a boat down the Talkeetna River. Experience a rafting trip. Stay overnight in a no frills rustic lodge. The combinations are endless. Breathtaking adventure is waiting on the Alaskan Railway.

https://www.exploretraveler.com

https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-alaska/

https://www.pinterest.com/gailmarlasilva/alaska-the-last-frontier/

Mickeys Soundsational Festive Parade

May 14, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Mickeys Soundsational Festive Parade

Mickeys Soundsational Festive Parade has hit the streets. Who is that leading the way? It’s Mickey Mouse, of course! Mickey is on the drums…the beat has begun. This sensational parade celebrates songs, both old and new. Mickey Mouse strikes up a melody from the past with the beat of the new. Mickeys Soundsational Festive Parade has begun. Come on now, lets celebrate!

Mickey is joined on his large float by Disney characters Minnie Mouse and Pluto. Mickey has been a favorite with children young and old since the 1950’s. Micky Mouse is our favorite “mouseketeer!” Did you know that Micky Mouse is 86 years old? Wow, not a gray hair on him! What a youthful face!

Connected to the large float is a smaller one. Look, there is Goofy! Sure enough, our old friend Goofy is helping to lead the way. Anything can happen with our old friend, Goofy! It is time to celebrate!

Music In The Air

Olaf, lovable and adorable, has arrived. He is fresh off the set of “Frozen.” He is dreaming of warm days and sunny beaches. After all, this is sunny California USA. He is quickly joined by colorfully costumed musicians and energetic dancers. Music is everywhere! Celebration is in the air! They are singing and dancing their way down Mickeys Soundsational Festive Parade. Look, there is Prince Ali! Look at him, all decked out in front of a big golden gong. He is quickly joined by his dance team. Genie is in the lead with six harem girls and a coin dancer. The days of Aladdin have come to life at Mickey’s Soundsational Festive Parade.

A top a float with gigantic flowers and enormous mushrooms sits Tinkerbell. She is so very tiny! Look, there goes Capitan Hook! He runs around the floats in festive colors. What is he trying to do? Oh no, I think he is after Peter Pan. Is that Mr. Smee helping him? What will Peter Pan do? I think I see the Butterfly Girls! They singing and dancing their way down the street. Joy is in the air! It is time to dance at Mickey’s Soundsational Festive parade.

The Streets Are Alive With Dancing And Singing

It’s a Jazz Jubilee from the streets of Louisiana. The world’s greatest jazz comes frolicking down the street. Mickey is fresh from the Bayou with all his friends from the movie, The Princess and The Frog. Bright and colorful costumed dancers twirl with the music. Hear the beat of the drums. The saxophone reigns king in the Bayou. Look at Minnie dance to the rhythm of the newest tunes.

Look, there is Donald Duck! Donald is surround on all sides by exotic dancers. What fun is in the air! Oh my, as the next float turns the coroner we catch sight of all the Disney Princess. What beauty! What grace! Walk on the wild side with all your friends from The Lion King. What fun for all! No matter which is your favorite movie, you will see them all at Mickeys Soundsational Festive parade. Mickeys Soundsational Festive Parade at Disneyland immerses visitors in tunes from all the past . Disney’s Mary Poppins and friends sing ” Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”

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Katmai National Park And Preserve Alaska

April 17, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Flying over Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska

Katmai National Park And Preserve Alaska

Katmai National Park And Preserve is one of the most delightful parks you can ever visit. Where else can you safely be 50 feet from a bear ? Where can you view not one active volcano, but six in one park? Most visitors to the park begin their visit at Brooks Camp. This is one of the few areas of the park that is developed. While few visitors choose to venture past the bear viewing platform, there is much to do in the Katmai National Park And Preserve. If camping , you will be given instructions for taking care of your food. This is a primitive site and you must bring all your food and water. There is none onsite. Rangers at the park work hard to prevent the bears getting any human food. It is for this reason, that they are uniquely unafraid of visitors to the park. They will allow people to get much closer than they do elsewhere. Those who wish to come closer and photograph the bears are able to do so. There are also webcams installed throughout the park and these pictures can be seen on your computer or phone. July and September are the best months for viewing the Brown Bears in the park. Watch them care for their cubs. Marvel as they look for food. Watch them go fishing! Salmon is a major food source. Can you out fish a bear?

In addition to the famous bears, Katmai National Park And Preserve generally has many moose, gray wolves, beavers, porcupines, and other mammals. In some winters, Caribou occasionally spend the winter. Marine mammals commonly found in Katmai National Park And Preserve are hair seals, sea lions,and sea otters. You can often see Beluga Whales, Orcas, and Gray Whales also.

Activities at Katmai include hiking, backpacking, camping, backcountry skiing in winter, fishing, kayaking, boat tours, and many interpretive programs. Visit the many volcanoes in the park. Check out the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Kayak down one of the amazing rivers. Take a boat tour. There are many tours with in the Katmai National Park And Preserve. One of the favorite ones is the Bear Tours. Following there is a link for Alaska Bear Adventures—-Day and Multi Day Tours.

http://alaskabearviewing.com/?mm_campaign=020bd8501191dc5f9eb0db76376bd6ba&mm_replace=true&gclid=CjwKEAjw3sKpBRDJ7rDqzsyuhDASJACZAiki9zKTx8LDXvFzLs962CmNrFkzCg3j66iKqTzayz07ghoCzJzw_wcB

There is also an official page from the State of Alaska on the Katmai National Park And Preserve .

https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Parks%20and%20Public%20Lands/Katmai%20National%20Park%20and%20Preserve.aspx

Camping is available at the Brooks Camp. A website with information and reservation form is below. You can also call the office direct.

Mailing Address:

BROOKS CAMP (Now reserved under Permits Katmai NP)
PO Box 7
King Salmon AK 99613

Phone Number:

Information: (907)246-3305

Website:

http://www.recreation.gov/camping/brooks-camp-now-reserved-under-permits-katmai-np/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70949

There are several fishing lodges throughout the park. One of the best known is Grosvenor Lodge at Katmai National Park And Preserve. Prices and reservations can be made on their website.

http://www.katmailand.com/grosvenor-lodge

Tour packages are available from several sources. Several are on the following website. http://katmailand.businesscatalyst.com/Default.aspx?CCID=15818&FID=154010&ExcludeBoolFalse=True&PageID=11215270

Katmai National Park And Preserve is a fantastic place to visit for those who seek adventure and fun. Come join us in Alaska and make your own one of a kind adventure. See Alaska this year! Visit Katmai National Park And Preserve. Photograph the amazing Brown Bears. Take pictures of the moose outside your tent. Experience Alaska like never before.

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Published on [email protected] on April 17, 2007 at:

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Matanuska Glacier—Alaska USA

April 10, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Matanuska Glacier—Alaska USA

Matanuska Glacier is one of the worlds awesome wonders. How majestic it is! The Matanuska Glacier is an amazing sight when traveling between Palmer and Glennallen. The ice sparkles in the winter sunlight! It is clean and beautiful with a new layer of snow. This is unsuppressed beauty, Alaskan style. It is so fantastic that Alaska Magazine made it number two of the top forty-nine places to visit in the State of Alaska. Is it on your bucket list? It should be on everyone’s To Do List! It is too magnificent to miss!

Where does this beautiful glacier come from? The Matanuska Glacier begins high up in the Chugach Mountain Range of South Central Alaska. It is visible for much of the drive on the Glenn Highway National Byway. One of the best view points is at Glacier View, Alaska. This is the perfect view! The Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier in Alaska that you can reach by car. It is truly a beautiful sight and goes for about 26 mile and is 4 miles wide at its widest point. It is truly a privilege to see this remarkable work of nature. It is one of the wonders of Alaska! Come and See….Matanuska Glacier!

For those living in the Greater Anchorage area, it is only a two hour drive north east of the city. Take the Glenn Highway out of the city. This beautiful glacier can be seen for miles. Be patient though, there are some views that do not have safe parking. There are many large wayside areas to stop at, if you just wait. These vistas give you a safe place to enjoy this amazing and magnificent view. Come and see, what’s in your own back yard!

Matanuska Glacier Recreation Area covers more than 229 acres. This vista is located at mile post 101. There is no access to the glacier from there, but the view is amazing. It is a very popular spot for photographers. There is an easy walking trail that goes along the side of the glacier and the Matanuska River. There is also a nice pavilion that makes a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the magnificent views. What a fun way to relax. Relaxation with a view!

For those who are hardy and adventurous, Matanuska Glacier Park is at milepost 102. This is a private parking area and a parking fee is charged. This is the only point where you can access the glacier. The fee allows you to drive right up to the side of this amazing glacier and park. There is a trail and it is about a fifteen minute walk to the glacier. Once you reach the glacier, you can choose to explore to your heart’s content, or use one of several guide companies on site. Which ever you choose, be ready for the experience of a lifetime.There is nothing like it!

The Sheep Mountain and Glacier View communities welcome you to come spend a day or a week. These are two of the most fantastic communities in this area. The scenery is awesome! The wildlife is amazing! And yes, there are fantastic places to stay and quality restaurants. There are even cabins overlooking the glacier. There are real Alaskan lodges. What are you waiting for? Matanuska Glacier is waiting to delight you with the adventure of a lifetime. Come and see, what’s in your own back yard.

http://www.tundrarosecabins.com/

http://www.grandviewrv.com/

http://www.alaskaglacierguides.com/agg/gallery/photos

https://www.pinterest.com/exploretraveler/i-love-alaska/

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Columbia River Gorge In Washington USA

April 8, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Columbia River Gorge near Wanapum, Washington, U.S.A.

Columbia River Gorge, is an awesome playground for the adventure. The mighty Columbia River divides the States of Oregon and Washington. The Western side of both sides of the Columbia River Gorge is a green and lush temperate rain-forest. As you travel East you begin to see a different type of beauty. Both sides are full of hiking opportunities, though we will be looking at a few of those that take off from Hwy. 14 in Washington. Both sides of the river are a hikers paradise. So lace up your hiking boots and let’s go!

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park has over three miles of hiking trails for the beginning hiker. The park will delight you with its freshwater shoreline on the Wanapum Reservoir. The reservoir is located on the Columbia River. Petrified Ginkgo Wood was discovered back in the 1930’s and a National Historic Preserve was formed. It is known to be one of the most unique and unusual fossil forests in the world. This is a perfect beginners hike and camping facilities are available for those that desire. It is well suited to families with children. So put gas in the car and head up the Columbia River Gorge.

Beacon Rock State Park is home to Hamilton Mountain. Driving from Vancouver up the Columbia River Gorge, it is located at milepost 39.9. Enter into the state park and follow the signs to the trail head. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead. The trail up to the summit is well marked. If you want to do the loop, hike to the North from the summit for 0.9 miles and you will see an old road. Go to the left and follow the road down for about a mile. There you will encounter a marked trail. You can then travel on this trail for 1.1 miles and then you will rejoin the main trail to Rodney Falls. This is a little more than a 7 mile hike with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. It is not for beginners nor children. Hamilton Mountain is a major mountain peak in the Central Columbia River Gorge. From the peak you have an awesome view of Bonneville Dam. Washington does not have as many waterfalls as the Oregon side, but you will pass 2. Pool of the Winds is a spectacular water fall and Rodney Falls is extremely nice also.

Dog Mountain is a wildflower haven in mid to late May. This is one of the nicest spring hikes around. From Vancouver, drive up the Columbia River Gorge to milepost 53.6. You will find parking on the north side of the highway. There is a 5.00 parking fee unless you have the Northwest Forest Pass. This is not a hike for out of shape hikers or beginners. It is a real tummy trimmer! There are two junctions on the way up, stay to the right for the first junction.When you come to the next junction stay to the left and you will follow the main trail to the 2,920-foot summit. This is an awesome view. You can see forever! There is a loop possible on the way down. Make a right turn 0.1 mile from the summit, then make a left turn after 1.1 miles and you will return by the way of the Auspurger Trail to the highway. This is a little more than 7 mile loop and you gain in elevation about 2, 800 feet. If you want to burn fat, this is the hike! This is not a beginners hike, nor for the out of shape hiker. It is definitely not for children.

These are three hikes that are a favorite in our family. There are so many hikes on both sides of the Columbia River Gorge. If you want to really know the Gorge, purchase a good hiking book. See links below for suggestions. Enjoy the day at the Columbia River Gorge!

http://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Columbia-River-Regional-Series/dp/0762729627

http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/seasonal-hikes/spring-destinations/hiking-the-columbia-gorge

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San Francisco Bay, California USA

April 7, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

San Francisco Bay, California USA

San Francisco Bay is one of the wonders of California! What beauty ! It is home to The Golden Gate Bridge, an awesome piece of bridge artwork. The completion of the Bridge was on May 27,1937. The local residents celebrated with a 1.7 mile walk over the bridge. More than 200,000 people participated in this walk. The Golden Gate Bridge was named one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 1994.

The San Francisco Bay receives water from the Sacramento and the San Joaquin Rivers, as they then flow on out into the mighty Pacific Ocean. The entrance to this Beautiful Bay from the The Pacific Ocean is referred to as The Golden Gate. What an awesome entrance! Across the strait spans one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Golden Gate Bridge. What a famous landmark!

There are five major islands that call The San Francisco Bay home. Alameda Island is currently a bedroom community of the greater San Francisco area. Many people call this island home. Angel Island or Ellis Island is now a beautiful park. It was once the entry point of many immigrants. Many of our ancestors came through Ellis Island. Mountainous Yerba Buena Island is connected to the mainland of San Francisco by the San Jose Bridge. Treasure Island is to the North and is totally flat. Treasure Island was the home of the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. What fun that was! Alcatraz Island was home to a famous federal prison that is no longer in use. It is still a popular tourist site. Mare Island is in the North of The San Francisco Bay and is a peninsular, rather than an island. Mare Island is a beautiful place to visit!

San Francisco Bay became home to the Nation’s first urban wildlife refuge. In 1972 the first American wildlife refuge in an urban area was opened. It was called the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This Wildlife Refuge is yet another tribute to this beautiful San Francisco Bay. For the first time in 65 years, the Pacific Harbor Porpoise has returned to the bay. In 2009 the first porpoises began returning. How awesome it is to see old friends coming home!

This beautiful bay is the home to many salt ponds. Salt is shipped throughout the Western United States. One of the largest companies of the 1940’s was the Leslie salt Company. It held the most private land of any landowner in the Bay Area during the 40’s. Certainly it was a large company and a daily word in many homes. How can you forget those dark blue boxes of salt? There are also many low salt ponds which are home to the Brine Shrimp. The Brine Shrimp provides a large and rich food source for the many shorebirds. What a natural resource for the many birds that call the bay home.

On your next trip to California, check out the beautiful San Francisco Bay. It is one of the most productive pieces of natural artwork in the world. It is only fitting that a famous bridge would be built there and that later it would become known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. What a distinction! As the world comes to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it is my hope that you will discover what is in your own backyard! Discover San Francisco Bay! Adventure is waiting!

http://www.visitcalifornia.com/region/discover-san-francisco-bay-area

http://www.alcatraztickets.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwgI6pBRDak6aRovWNqLsBEiQA8zZSLg3ONn2ILx_de7MeAI1OonKsfL2UcY8VcIUy3rOCIg8aAnWs8P8HAQ

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