Straddling the border of Arizona and Nevada, located about 35 minutes outside the culturally enriching city of Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is a sight to behold and makes for an excellent day or road trip stop. An awe-inspiring feat of engineering, it stands 726 feet (221.4 m) tall and stretches 1,244 feet (379 m) …
Continue reading Standing Between States: A Visit to the Hoover Dam.
As La Coruña, Spain's most iconic architectural landmark, the Torre de Hércules, or Tower of Hercules, is a must see. Initially built in the 1st century, it’s the oldest known surviving Roman lighthouse in the world. The earliest known reference of it appears in Historiae adversus Paganos by Paulus Orosius, written around 415–417 AD. Standing …
Continue reading Torre de Hércules: From Rome to Present Day.
Officially named Big Tree Wayside, this massive redwood is a sight to behold and impossible to miss. Just a stone's throw from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, this impressive natural wonder makes for a great quick stop on any Redwood National Park itinerary. Estimated to be around 1,500 years …
Castelo de Santo Antón, or Castle of San Antón, is a well-preserved time capsule from the 16th century, showcasing a fortress and striking example of the defensive structures built by King Felipe II to protect La Coruña, Spain. Situated in the Bay of Coruña, near the northwestern tip of Europe, the castle was a vital …
Continue reading Castelo de Santo Antón: Where Stone Walls Met Sea Battles.
Have you ever seen the movies The Descent or The Cave? That's precisely what came to mind as we made our way through the pitch-black, wet darkness of the Ape Cave lava tubes at Mount St. Helens. Surrounded by nothing except solidified lava, with rainwater dripping constantly from every angle, being inside the Ape Cave …
Continue reading The Ape Cave Lava Tubes of Mount St. Helen.
Built to "represent family", the Menhirs for Peace (Menhires pola Paz in Spanish) is a unique and interesting stop in La Coruña, Spain. The installation consists of 12 upright, man-made stones overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Each stone has holes carved into it, designed as “portals” for visitors to look through, meant to encourage "personal reflection …
Continue reading Menhirs for Peace: The Stonehenge of Spain.
Found in Funchal, Portugal, on the beautiful island of Madeira, the Cabo Girão Skywalk offers a breathtaking (literally and figuratively) experience. At 1,900 feet (580 meters) above sea level, it's a jaw-clenchin’ and heart-pumpin’ time. Visitors who fear heights may want to think twice before stepping onto the glass platform, as the Cabo Girão Skywalk …
Continue reading Cabo Girão: Europe’s Highest Cliff Skywalk.
Famously known as the departure point for the RMS Titanic and the Mayflower, Southampton, England, is a fun city to explore. Its architecture and landmarks reflect the charm of a classic English town, with cobblestone streets, centuries-old homes, and 1.25 miles of a towering stone fortification wall built in the mid-1300s – complete with 29 …
Continue reading Southampton, England: Where the Titanic & Mayflower Set Sail.
As a state full of special places, Cape Flattery has to be one of the most special places in Washington. As the most northwestern point in the continental United States, it offers a unique and breathtaking experience, as only Alaska and Hawaii are located farther west. Situated at the tip of the Olympic Peninsula, Cape …
Half Dome from Glacier Point. World-renowned as one of the best national parks in the United States, Yosemite National Park in central California often tops the list of “must-visit” destinations for national park lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and outdoor connoisseurs. Famous for its iconic rock formations El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite National Park offers breathtaking …