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Location: Waterfront Park, 20 Lake St, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
Date and Time: Around 11am on February 19, 2017.
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Ducks In The Snow
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North Cascades National Park is in Washington State, USA and is well known for its North American Alps, conifer-clad mountain ranges, picturesque lakes, cascading waterfalls, and glaciers. This park is usually overshadowed by other two national parks, Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park, but North Cascades park is really a hidden treasure of Washington state.
These photos are from a two day trip to North Cascades National park in late August 2013.
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Quick Facts and Tips
- Best Time to Visit
- Summer Months: July to August when wildflowers are blooming.
- Spring and Fall Months: Pleasant, but most park roads will be closed.
- Fly into: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Washington USA
- Clothing
- Comfortable pants, hiking shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, capri, sweatshirts, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and rain gears. Spring and fall will be cool, so dress in layers.
- How Many Days
- Main Attractions: 1-2 days
- Doing Hiking/Camping: 3-5 Days
- What to Expect
- Vast wilderness of conifer-clad mountains, Glaciers, Mountain Ridges, Wildflower, Clear Lakes, Waterfalls, Green Valleys, Wildlife
- Be sure to check the Park Website for alerts on road closures and current trail conditions.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
- Take food, water, and start early in the morning, so you can spend the day touring, as there are only few restaurants throughout the park.
- Weak/no cell phone signals, highly recommend to have maps downloaded or printed.
- There is a lot to capture, so keep your camera ready. Make sure that the camera is fully charged and also keep backup batteries and memory cards.
- Places to Visit
- North Cascade Highway: Diablo Lake, Rainy Lake, Liberty Bell, Washington Pass, Ross Lake
- Mt Baker Highway: Nooksack Falls, Picture Lake, Artist Point, Mt Baker Wilderness Area
- Best things to do
- Drive the scenic North Cascade Highway. Stop at all the lookouts to enjoy and capture the beauty of nature.
- Enjoy the beauty of the unique and intense turquoise color of Diablo Lake at Diablo Lake overlook. Astonishing views are easy to access, right at the parking lot. There are some picnic tables, so that you can relax and relish the gorgeous Diablo lake views.
- Enjoy hiking to the beautiful Rainy lake. The hike is in the lush green woods and winds through wildflowers, waterfalls, and streams.
- Visit Washington Pass Overlook, the last point of interest on the eastbound of North Cascade Highway, which offers a stunning view of Liberty Bell Mountain.
- Enjoy the drive through the scenic Mt Baker Highway and visit Picture Lake and Artist point. Artist point is the starting point for many great trails in the Mt. Baker area.
- Popular Hikes on North Cascade Highway
- Popular Hikes on Mt Baker Highway
- Nearby Attractions
- Mt Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- Mt Baker National Recreation Area
- Snoqualmie Falls
- Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
- The Museum of Flight
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The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park
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Location: Flume Gorge, Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, New Hampshire, USA.
Date and Time: Around 3pm on February 18, 2017.
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Popular Hikes on North Cascade National Park, Washington
- Gorge Creek Falls: Paved short and sweet 0.5 mile loop trail that features a waterfall, gorge, and Skagit river. Picture and more info here.
- Rainy Lake Trail: Easy and paved 2 miles round trip that offers gorgeous views of the lake with snow capped mountains and waterfalls in the backdrop. Trail is best used from July to October. Picture and more info here.
- Washington Pass Trail: An easy paved 0.2 mile trail from the parking lot leads to an observation deck overlooking the highway below, Liberty Bell Mountain, and many of the surrounding ridges and peaks. Picture and more info here.
- Nooksack Falls Trail: A short and marked trail that offers 88 feet glacial falls in two segments down the North Fork of the Nooksack River. Picture and more info here.
- Picture Lake Trail: A short and sweet paved 0.4 mile loop trail that features an awesome reflection of Mount Shuksan on the Picture lake. As the name suggests, Picture Lake is truly picture perfect. Try to get there early to catch sunrise at Picture Lake. Picture and more info here.
- Chain Lakes Loop Trail: Trail begins at the Artist Point where Mount Baker Highway ends. This trail offers stunning views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and Iceberg Lake. This spectacular day hike is a 6.5 mile loop trail considered moderate and leads through sweeping views of mountain vistas and waterfalls along the lake shores and heather meadows. The trail is very narrow and is very high up so keep your eyes on the trail. Picture and more info here.
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Location: Mandir Marg, near Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
Date and Time: Around 3:30pm on August 13, 2015.
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Olympic National Park, Washington
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Olympic National Park is in Washington state, USA and spreads across the Pacific northwest of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The park’s beauty lies in its different landscapes from the roaring ocean and dramatic peaks of mountains, to lush green old-growth rainforest. The Olympic National Park is well known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the diverse widely spread ecosystems within its borders.
These photos are from a day trip to Olympic National Park in late August 2013.
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Quick Facts and Tips
- Best Time to Visit
- Summer Months: July to August when wildflowers are blooming.
- Spring and Fall Months: Pleasant, but most park roads will be closed.
- Fly into: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Washington USA
- Clothing
- Comfortable pants, hiking shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, Capri, sweatshirts, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and rain gears. Spring and fall months will be cool, so dress in layers
- How Many Days
- Main Attractions: 1-2 days
- Hiking/Camping: 3-5 Days
- What to expect
- Ice-capped Mountain Ridges, Glaciers, Temperate Rainforests, Rugged Coastlines, Wildflowers, Waterfalls, Sand and Sea stacks Beaches, Clear Scenic Lakes, Wildlife
- Be sure to check the Park Website for alerts on road closure and current trail conditions.
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or from $15 to $25 per person/motorcycle, good for seven days.
- Start early in the morning for best lighting, more elbow room, and also to cover most of the park’s attractions.
- Take food and water so you can spend the day touring as there are only few restaurants throughout the park.
- Weak/no cell phone signals, highly recommend to have maps downloaded or printed.
- There is a lot to capture, so keep your camera ready. Make sure that the camera is fully charged and also keep backup battery and memory cards.
- Weather in the Olympic can be unpredictable. Be prepared for snow at any time of the year in Hurricane Ridge. Be prepared for rain and keep your fingers crossed for a sunny day.
- Places to Visit
- Hurricane Mountain Ridge, Lake Crescent, Lake Ozette, Kalaloch and Ruby Beach, Hoh Rain Forest, Quinault Rain Forest, Staircase
- Best things to do
- Drive to Hurricane Ridge, 17 miles south of Port Angeles. Hurricane Ridge is one of the most visited sites and is the most easily accessed mountain area within the Olympic National Park. Hurricane Ridge is named for its intense gales and winds. Hurricane Ridge has a number of hiking trails and offers stunning panoramic views of Olympic mountains and Blue Glacier.
- Make a trip to Lake Crescent. It is about 18 miles west of Port Angeles and the area features beautiful glacially carved pristine water lake, waterfalls, and lowland forests.
- Visit Hoh Rain Forest and enjoy hiking under the lush green umbrella forest of coniferous-deciduous species with the blanket of mosses-ferns.
- Spend some time at Ruby beach and cherish yourself in this gorgeous sand beach with sea stacks, drift logs, and amazing surfs. There are 8 beaches within 8 miles on Highway 101 from South beach to Ruby beach. This makes it the perfect hub to walk on beaches like South Beach, Kalaloch Beach, and Ruby Beach. There are vault toilets at Ruby beach and Beach 4.
- Visit Quinault Rain Forest. The Quinault Valley is about a three hour drive from Port Angeles and offers pleasant and beautiful views of alpine meadows, jeweled lakes, and ice-carved peaks. Enjoy driving the North and South Shore scenic loop road through temperate rainforest.
- Explore the diverse landscape of Lake Ozette. The Lake Ozette features the magnificent old growth forests, tall sea stacks that dot the coastlines, and the crystal clear Lake Ozette. Lake Ozette is about a 2 hour drive from Port Angeles and is located on the northwestern coast of the Olympic Peninsula on Hoko-Ozette Road off Highway 112.
- Popular and easy hikes
- Nearby Attractions
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Snoqualmie Falls
- Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
- The Museum of Flight
- Seattle
- Mt Baker Wilderness Area
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Location: Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, Next to Grand Post Office, New Delhi, India.
Date and Time: Around 4pm on August 13, 2015.
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Popular and easy hikes in Olympic National Park, Washington
- Hurricane Ridge Meadow Trail: An easy paved 1/2 mile loop trail that opens up to meadows filled with wildflowers and offers views of the fabulous Olympics. Be prepared for snow at any time of the year in Hurricane Ridge. Pictures and more info here.
- Hurricane Hill Trail: This trail starts at the end of the Hurricane ridge road and the trailhead is almost 1.3 miles from the visitor center. The hike is about 3 miles out and back, considered as moderate, and features great views of surrounding peaks. Be prepared for snow at any time of the year in Hurricane Ridge. Pictures and more info here.
- Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss Trail: A short, paved, and easy 1.1 mile loop trail through the lush green rainforest of moss-covered trees & ferns in Hoh Rain Forest. Pictures and more info here.
- Spruce Nature Trail at Hoh Rain Forest: An easy 1.2 miles loop trail leads to a path to lush green riverside meadows alongside the mighty Hoh River in the lush Hoh rainforest. Pictures and more info here.
- Ruby Beach Trail: A short hike from the parking lot that offers a sweet and nice climb over rocks and driftwood and lands on the stunning, expansive beach with sea stacks all over. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes/sandals as the walk is a little steep and also needs to cross the driftwood to access the beach. Pictures and more info here.
- Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail: A short and easy 0.9 mile trail through the lush green rainforest. The trail opens to the blanket of mosses and ferns that cover the giant old abundant growth trees. Pictures and more info here.
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Location: Rajpath, India Gate, New Delhi, India.
Date and Time: Around 6:30pm on August 11, 2015.
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Abu Dhabi, which means “Land of the Gazelle” in Arabic, is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The city is the second largest man-made island in the world and is about 80 miles from the most popular city in the UAE, Dubai. From sand dunes to natural islands, from cool oases to lavish resorts, from desert to gardens, Abu Dhabi offers various activities for every traveler. Compared to Dubai, Abu Dhabi is slightly expensive, very traditional, and more peaceful. With the gorgeous skyscraper buildings, the spectacular mosques, the colorful gardens, the beautiful beaches, the city has a significant prominence in the UAE.
These photos are from a short visit to Abu Dhabi on our way to Abu Dhabi airport on July 24, 2018.
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Quick Facts and Tips
- Make sure you have valid passports, visas, travel insurances and documents.
- Carry international driving licenses if you plan to rent a car.
- Airports: Abu Dhabi International Airport or Dubai International Airport, whichever is convenient. Commute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
- By bus: 2-3 hours ride, costs less than $10, may have to wait up to an hour.
- By Taxi: Nearly 2 hours drive, costs upwards of $80.
- Other options include Uber and Careem (a local taxi service). Careem is less expensive than Uber for shorter distances and Uber is less expensive for longer distances.
- Best Time To Visit
- November to April: High season, best time for exploring the outdoors and to avoid the extreme heat. Be prepared for the big crowd.
- May to August: Low season, best time for budget travelers, be ready to fight the extreme heat.
- September to October: Shoulder Season, best time for the beach
- Clothing
- Weather is warm throughout the year, so pack lightweight casual t-shirts, pants, shorts, sundresses, capris, long skirts, swimsuits, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. Keep cardigans or shrugs for covering shoulders.
- For Desert Safari: Pants, shorts, or capris, and t-shirts or blouses (preferably no skirts or mini shorts). It is better to wear open shoes, flip flops, or sandals to avoid sand getting into shoes.
- A light jacket for the cool winter mornings and evenings.
- Dirham is the official currency of the UAE. Money exchange can be done at licensed exchange offices, banks, and hotels with your passport. Credit and Debit cards are commonly accepted in Abu Dhabi, but it’s better to keep some amount of Dirham for tips and pay at local markets and smaller shops.
- There are dress codes on mosques and some of the beaches.
- The weekend is Friday and Saturday. Traffic is much lighter on the weekends.
- There is absolutely no shortage of hotels in Abu Dhabi. Depending on your budget and point of interest, book the appropriate hotels.
- For the best prices, avoid luxury taxis, use the regular taxi cabs (Uber is another option too). You can ask the price for your destination and also check if there is a meter in the taxi.
- You can rent a taxi or book Hop On/Hop Off Buses to get around.
- During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking and partying are prohibited in public places between sunrise and sunset.
- How many days: one or 2 days to cover the major attractions.
- Abu Dhabi’s Top Attractions
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The largest mosque in the UAE, beautiful architecture built with marbles, elements of gold and other precious stones.
- Emirates Palace: A luxury resort that looks like a fairy tale castle.
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: Ferrari-branded theme park for speed and adventure.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: Global Culture & Art Collection museum on Saadiyat Island.
- Qasr Al Hosn: A historical landmark and oldest stone building of Abu Dhabi.
- Corniche Road: A 5 miles long seaside promenade.
- Yas Waterworld: A family entertainment Waterpark
- Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village: An authentic replica of a typical Bedouin village which gives an idea of Emirati life before the oil boom.
- Etihad Tower: An Observation Deck for skyline views of the city.
- Saadiyat Island’s Sandy Shore: A long white sand beach with all facilities.
- Best things to do
- Book any of Abu Dhabi city tours
- Go for an evening Desert Safari, Camel Ride and Sand Boarding with BBQ Dinner.
- Go for a Kayaking tour on Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Mangroves.
- Chill out at a long, white sand beach on Saadiyat island.
- Walk along the seaside promenade Corniche Road for extensive views of the Persian Gulf and the city skyline.
- Get thrilled at the Ferrari Theme park
- Book any boat tour to view the city’s skyline.
- Spend a full day at the beach at Yas Island.
- Splash around to cool off at Yas Waterworld waterpark.
- Enjoy a 360 degree view of Abu Dhabi at Jumeirah at Etihad Tower.
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Location: Kalka Das Marg, The Mehrauli area of South Delhi, India.
Date and Time: Around 2:30pm on August 11, 2015.
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Agra, India
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Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and is approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Delhi, India. Agra is a big city in the state of Uttar Pradesh and is home to great monuments including the incredible Taj Mahal. From one the Seven Wonders of the world, Taj Mahal to Agra Fort, each one tells a colorful history with beautiful architecture.
These photos are from our visit to Agra Fort on August 12, 2015.
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Quick Facts and Tips
- Best time to Visit: November to March
- October to March: Pleasant weather, but expect big crowds and high prices. Be prepared for foggy mornings in December to January.
- July to September: Humid and hot, expect rain, but less expensive.
- Fly Into: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. Agra can be visited on a day trip from Delhi by taxi, bus, train, or air.
- By Taxi: 3 to 5 hours, flexible, private, comfortable, hassle free, but expensive. You can ask for a rental car or taxi from your stay in Delhi
- By Bus: 3 to 5 hours, shared ride, but less expensive. The pick up points are mainly in north and northwest Delhi like Mori Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Akshardham Temple, Anand Vihar ISBT, and New Ashok Nagar. The drop off points in Agra are Agra Bypass, Rohit Cold Storage in Kuberpur, Bihari Ji Family Restaurant in Kuberpur, Agra Toll Plaza and Agra Fort which are around 10-15 kilometers from Taj Mahal. You can book a bus ticket here.
- By Train: 2 hours, comfortable, most popular, and least expensive ride. You need to catch a train from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) near Paharganj to Agra Cantonment (AGC). Upon arriving at Agra Train Station, you can get a prepaid taxi or rickshaw to reach Taj Mahal which is about a 20 mins drive from Agra Railway Station.
- By Air: 1 hour, but expensive. Taking a flight from Delhi to Agra is the easiest way when compared to other major cities in India including the metros like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad as they do not have direct flights to Agra.
- If you plan to reach Agra by Bus, Train or Air, make use of the 24-hour official prepaid auto rickshaw and taxi booths just outside the bus stand, railway station, and airport to reach your hotel.
- Clothing:
- It’s warm and humid, so wear light and loose clothes. There is no dress code but it is a good idea to wear something that covers your knees and shoulders. Cotton Kurtis, Salwars, Long Skirts, Maxi dresses, Cotton Shirts, Pants, T-shirts, Blouses, and comfortable footwears.
- Accommodations:
- A one or two nights stay is enough to explore Agra city. There are a number of hotels, resorts, guesthouses, homestays, and serviced apartments in Agra. Book hotels wisely that best suit your budget, your taste of food, and travel distance.
- The best way to get around Agra is by auto-rickshaw or hire a cab.
- Best Things to Do In Agra
- Relish and embrace the beauty of Taj Mahal. Take a relaxing walk around the Taj Mahal complex that includes passing through the huge gateway of Taj Mahal – Great Gate (Darwaza-i rauza), the beautiful large garden (Charbagh), a reflecting long pool, a red sandstone Jawab Masjid mosque, and the exquisite white marble mausoleum, Taj Mahal. For more details here.
- Explore Agra Fort also known as Red Fort. Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the lavish residence of the Mughal Emperors of India. This large historical, 16th-century fortress of red sandstone showcases pristine architecture. Walk through this historic fort and explore the Moti Masjid, Musamman Burj, Diwan-i-Khas, Shahjahani Mahal, Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal, and Anguri Bagh. The fort is open year round from 7am to 6pm. There will be an entry fee of Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 300 for Foreigners. Have at least two hours to explore the entire fort.
- Watch the Light and Sound Show at Agra Fort.
- Enjoy the beauty of the Persian-style garden, Mehtab Bagh. It is about 12 kms and takes about half an hour from the Taj Mahal to reach Mehtab Bagh. Taxis and Autos are easily available to visit Mehtab Bagh.
- Take a boat ride on the Yamuna river for a different view of the Taj Mahal.
- Make a short visit to Mughal style of architecture Jama Masjid, the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula, the Tomb of Akbar the Great, and the Tomb of Mariam-Uz-Zamani in the outskirts of Agra. All are within 5 to 20 kms from Taj Mahal.
- Have fun shopping at colorful narrow streets of Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Raja ki Mandi, and Subhash Bazar for handicrafts, garments, jewelry, glassware, rugs, carpets, and marble products.
- Take a Trip to Fatehpur Sikri, a complex of monuments and temples with great architecture and is located approximately an hour (45 kms) west of Taj Mahal.