Marti has looked at the map of the USA one last time to ensure that we have passed through every single state.....we have!
Fantastic!
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Day 56, Alaska, USA
I asked Marti to count the number of states we had had a glimpse of in the United States........and she forgot to mention Alaska....
WOW....there is Mount McKinley or Denali ("The Great One")
Mount McKinley has a larger bulk and rise than Mount Everest, although the summit of Everest is higher measured from sea level 29,028 feet (8,800 m). Everest's base sits on the Tibetan Plateau at about 17,000 feet (5,200 m), giving it a real vertical rise of a little more than 12,000 feet (3,700 m). The base of Mount McKinley is roughly a 2,000-foot (610 meter) plateau, giving it an actual rise of 18,000 feet (5,500 m).
Mount McKinley has a larger bulk and rise than Mount Everest, although the summit of Everest is higher measured from sea level 29,028 feet (8,800 m). Everest's base sits on the Tibetan Plateau at about 17,000 feet (5,200 m), giving it a real vertical rise of a little more than 12,000 feet (3,700 m). The base of Mount McKinley is roughly a 2,000-foot (610 meter) plateau, giving it an actual rise of 18,000 feet (5,500 m).
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Day 55, Statue of Liberty, etc, NYC, USA
We are now going to head for Lower Manhattan........oh, there is the United Nations Building!
And there is the Financial District.....Oh, Amit is so very excited to see Wall Street since several major U.S. stock and other exchanges remain headquartered on Wall Street and in the Financial District, including the NASDAQ, AMEX, NYMEX, and NYBOT.
There is the NYSE!
Wall Street is also shorthand (or a metonym) for the "influential financial interests of the American financial industry, which is centered in the New York City area.
And finally there she is .....standing at the entrance to New York harbor,the 151-foot statue of a woman holding a book and a torch on-high.
"Liberty Enlightening the World"was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States to commemorate the 100th anniversary of American independence.
The Statue of Liberty.
Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi created the statue first in Paris, using the repoussé technique of hammering copper sheets over large wooden forms. These shaped copper sheets were attached to each other over a cast iron framework designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. It was disassembled and shipped to the United States in 214 crates in 1885. Some of the money to erect the statue was contributed by American school children.
julie http://www.postcrossing.com/user/Juliee was right, this is defintely an immense and impressive symbol of human liberty!
It was certainly that for millions of immigrants who came to America in the 19th century seeking freedom and fulfillment of their dreams.
The iconic Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous structures in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and she lives on Liberty Island in New York harbor overlooking the'city that never sleeps
There are 354 steps inside the statue and its pedestal, with 25 windows in the crown which comprise the jewels beneath the seven rays of the diadem.
The tablet which the statue holds in her left hand reads, in Roman numerals, "July 4, 1776" the day of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
The Statue of Liberty was engineered to withstand heavy winds. Winds of 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) cause the Statue to sway 3 inches (76 mm) and the torch to sway 5 inches (130 mm). This allows the Statue to move rather than break in high wind load conditions.
Whatever you've seen in the movies, on TV, or in stories you've heard -they're all true and to truly understand this town you must travel to New York and experience it for yourself.....and now we are going back to Brooklyn....there is Brooklyn Bridge...
....so that we can "dress up" for the theatre.......
thanks so much for your hospitality Brenda...you have been the perfect hostess.
This City is So Nice, They Named It Twice!
The Granddaddy of 'Em All!
The City that Never Sleeps!
If You Can Make it Here, You Can Make it Anywhere!
The Big Apple!
NEW YORK CITY is everything we ever thought it would be and so much MORE!
Day 55, New York City, USA
Wow, both the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Centre were certainly breathtaking and as we turn around we are greeted by Bee( http://www.postcrossing.com/user/domino) who has insisted that we accompany her to St. Patrick's Cathedral, a decorated Neo-Gothic-style Catholic cathedral church.
It is the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, and a parish church, It faces Rockefeller Center.The cathedral and associated buildings were declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
There are some really impressive features about this beautiful church:
The cathedral is built of white or tan marble quarried in New York and Massachusetts and can accommodate 2,200 people.
The spires rise 330 feet (100 m) from street level.
The windows were made by artists in Chartres, Birmingham and Boston. .
The St. Michael and St. Louis altar was designed by Tiffany & Co.. The St. Elizabeth altar was designed by Paolo Medici of Rome.
The St. John Baptist de la Salle altar remains one of the few original side chapel altars commemorating the patron saint of catechists and teachers.
The cathedral's Stations of the Cross won a prize for artistry a t the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
The pietà is three times larger than Michelangelo's Pietà. It was sculpted by Araldo Perugi, who immigrated from Carrara, Italy.
A bust of Pope John Paul II is located in the rear of the cathedral, commemorating his visit to the city in 1979.
The roof is made from slate from Monson, Maine.
It is the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, and a parish church, It faces Rockefeller Center.The cathedral and associated buildings were declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
There are some really impressive features about this beautiful church:
The cathedral is built of white or tan marble quarried in New York and Massachusetts and can accommodate 2,200 people.
The spires rise 330 feet (100 m) from street level.
The windows were made by artists in Chartres, Birmingham and Boston. .
The St. Michael and St. Louis altar was designed by Tiffany & Co.. The St. Elizabeth altar was designed by Paolo Medici of Rome.
The St. John Baptist de la Salle altar remains one of the few original side chapel altars commemorating the patron saint of catechists and teachers.
The cathedral's Stations of the Cross won a prize for artistry a t the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
The pietà is three times larger than Michelangelo's Pietà. It was sculpted by Araldo Perugi, who immigrated from Carrara, Italy.
A bust of Pope John Paul II is located in the rear of the cathedral, commemorating his visit to the city in 1979.
The roof is made from slate from Monson, Maine.
And then we met Carol( http://www.postcrossing.com/user/Cassysj) who was en route to the James A. Farley Building, the main post office building in New York City, to post her postcrossing cards of course!!
Built in 1912, the building is famous for bearing the inscription:
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.
The Farley Post Office once held the distinction of being the only Post Office in New York City open to the public 24 hours 7 days a week but in 2009 due to the economic situation its windows close at 10 PM:-(
Day 55, 5th Avenue, NYC, USA
We are thoroughly enjoying this aerial view of New York..........as Brenda points out famous landmarks to us.......
There is the Flatiron Building, the Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building and The World Trade Centre Site!
Where to next Brenda?
5th Avenue!
Fifth Avenue is a major thoroughfare and the section of Fifth Avenue between 34th Street and 59th Street is often ranked as one of the most expensive streets in the world.
Oh, yippee, Brenda is taking down 5th Avenue ...to Midtown where the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center is situated.
Even though we were surrounded by so many other tall, tall buildings in Manhattan, there are quite a few places in the city where we could clearly see the distinctive top of the the Empire State building above the others.
The Empire State Building is an art deco style skyscraper that was the tallest man made structure in the world when it was opened in 1931.
Even today it's 110 stories still tower above the other skyscrapers of Manhattan.
More than 110 million people have taken in the awe-inspiring views from the observation decks of th is most famous buildings on the New York skyline and of course we simply had to do so too!!
Movies such as King Kong, An Affair to Remember and of course Sleepless in Seattle have also immortalized the structure.
We took the elevator to the top and the views from the 102nd floor observation deck were simply beath-taking......
We could see the whole island of Manhattan and the other Burroughs of New York as well as Central Park, and isn't that the Metropolitan Life Building? Wow!
Next stop.....Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres (89,000 m2) between 48th and 51st streets in New York City.
Built by the Rockefeller family, it is also home to NBC studios and Radio City Music Hall.It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Oh, thanks for this tour Brenda, this is great.......there are over 200 shops here!!!
This outdoor cafe in summer
What is that golden sculpture Brenda???
So who was Prometheus???
Nopi, the expert on Greek mythology, told us that Prometheus was a member of the earliest race of gods called Titans. The god Zeus plotted to destroy humanity by depriving the earth of fire.Prometheus, who had fashioned man out of clay, saved humanity by teaching man how to use fire. Thus, Prometheus became a champion of humanity and the first "sculptor" of man.
There is the Flatiron Building, the Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building and The World Trade Centre Site!
Where to next Brenda?
5th Avenue!
Fifth Avenue is a major thoroughfare and the section of Fifth Avenue between 34th Street and 59th Street is often ranked as one of the most expensive streets in the world.
Oh, yippee, Brenda is taking down 5th Avenue ...to Midtown where the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center is situated.
Even though we were surrounded by so many other tall, tall buildings in Manhattan, there are quite a few places in the city where we could clearly see the distinctive top of the the Empire State building above the others.
The Empire State Building is an art deco style skyscraper that was the tallest man made structure in the world when it was opened in 1931.
Even today it's 110 stories still tower above the other skyscrapers of Manhattan.
More than 110 million people have taken in the awe-inspiring views from the observation decks of th is most famous buildings on the New York skyline and of course we simply had to do so too!!
Movies such as King Kong, An Affair to Remember and of course Sleepless in Seattle have also immortalized the structure.
We took the elevator to the top and the views from the 102nd floor observation deck were simply beath-taking......
We could see the whole island of Manhattan and the other Burroughs of New York as well as Central Park, and isn't that the Metropolitan Life Building? Wow!
Next stop.....Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres (89,000 m2) between 48th and 51st streets in New York City.
Built by the Rockefeller family, it is also home to NBC studios and Radio City Music Hall.It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Oh, thanks for this tour Brenda, this is great.......there are over 200 shops here!!!
This outdoor cafe in summer
What is that golden sculpture Brenda???
So who was Prometheus???
Nopi, the expert on Greek mythology, told us that Prometheus was a member of the earliest race of gods called Titans. The god Zeus plotted to destroy humanity by depriving the earth of fire.Prometheus, who had fashioned man out of clay, saved humanity by teaching man how to use fire. Thus, Prometheus became a champion of humanity and the first "sculptor" of man.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Day 54, Times Square...within the Borough of New York
Brenda has sent the guys to TKTS in Times Square to buy tickets for a Broadway show tonight...we are going to see the Phantom of the Opera!....One cannot come to New York and not watch a Broadway show!
Times Square is a major intersection in Manhattan, a borough of New York City, at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets.
Sometimes known as the "Crossroads of the World," it has achieved the status of an iconic world landmark and has become a symbol of New York City.
Sometimes known as the "Crossroads of the World," it has achieved the status of an iconic world landmark and has become a symbol of New York City.
Times Square is the only neighborhood with zoning ordinances requiring building owners to display illuminated signs.
The density of illuminated signs in Times Square now rivals that of Las Vegas.
Officially, signs in Times Square are called "spectaculars", and the largest of them are called "jumbotrons."
In 1992, the Times Square Alliance began improving the quality of commerce and cleanliness in the district and today Times Square boasts attractions such as ABC's Times Square Studios, where Good Morning America is broadcast live, an elaborate Toys "Я" Us store, and competing Hershey's and M&M's stores across the street from each other, as well as restaurants such as Ruby Foo's the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company , Planet Hollywood Restaurant and Bar and Carmin e's along with a number of multiplex movie theaters.
It has also attracted a number of large financial, publishing, and media firms to set up headquarters in the area.
It has also attracted a number of large financial, publishing, and media firms to set up headquarters in the area.
A larger presence of police has improved the safety of the area.
I am sure that the guys will go to the Top of New York lounge on the top floor of the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.The floor revolves giving you a 360-degree view of the entire city in the course of an hour.
Thereafter they are off to the Bronx, to watch a ball game at Yankee stadium!
Day 54, Central Park, NYC, USA
Since we are not able to meet with Mr Trump once again, he has been kind enough to lend us his helicopter....so we are going to have an aerial view of New York City starting with Central Park
This huge inner city park is larger than some countries and is a haven in amongst the hustle, bustle and skyscrapers of central Manhattan.
This huge inner city park is larger than some countries and is a haven in amongst the hustle, bustle and skyscrapers of central Manhattan.
Oh my gosh, it is so beautiful and I would have loved to have taken a horse and carriage ride around
From street performers to free concerts.....and what is that??
From street performers to free concerts.....and what is that??
Oh,thats the Strawberry Fields memorial, a 2.5-acre (10,000 m2) landscaped section in New York City's Central Park that is dedicated to the memory of musician John Lennon.
Wow, there is museum mile......
New York is famous for its museums....
A total escape from the city, the buildings however are never far from sight to remind you that amongst all the green and relaxation, you're still in the heart of one of the worlds greatest cities.
New York is famous for its museums....
A total escape from the city, the buildings however are never far from sight to remind you that amongst all the green and relaxation, you're still in the heart of one of the worlds greatest cities.
Wow!
Day 54, New York, USA
The Grand Canyon let us speechless last night but this morning...the singing has begun again......
Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it - New york, New york
These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it - New York, New York
I wanna wake up in a city, that doesn't sleep
And find I'm king of the hill - top of the heap
These little town blues, are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it - in old New York
If I can make it there, Ill make it anywhere
Its up to you - New York, New York
Yep folks we have made our way to the 49th state on our journey through the USA- NEW YORK STATE!
Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it - New york, New york
These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it - New York, New York
I wanna wake up in a city, that doesn't sleep
And find I'm king of the hill - top of the heap
These little town blues, are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it - in old New York
If I can make it there, Ill make it anywhere
Its up to you - New York, New York
Yep folks we have made our way to the 49th state on our journey through the USA- NEW YORK STATE!
Hiiii Brenda!
A big bonus is that Brenda has her tour guide licence so who better than her to give us a quick tour of the place??
Brenda told us that New York State is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous.
New York City, which is geographically the largest city in the state and most populous in the United States, is known for its history as a gateway for immigration to the United States and its status as a financial, cultural, transportation, and manufacturing center.
Actually her own family came from Europe through that very gateway:-))
Brenda told us that New York State is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous.
New York City, which is geographically the largest city in the state and most populous in the United States, is known for its history as a gateway for immigration to the United States and its status as a financial, cultural, transportation, and manufacturing center.
Actually her own family came from Europe through that very gateway:-))
Both state and city were named for the 17th century Duke of York, James Stuart, future James II and VII of England and Scotland.
New York was inhabited by the Algonquin, Iroquois, and Lenape Native American groups at the time Dutch and French nationals moved into the region in the early 17th century, was colonised by the Dutch and British before becoming an independent state on July 9, 1776.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Day 53, The Tuweep (also known as Toroweap); Grand Canyon
We met some people at the Skywalk who told us that the best views are obtained from Toroweap ...so that is where we are right now.
Toroweap, a Paiute term meaning "dry or barren valley," refers to many local features, including the geologic formation and fault, the valley, and the overlook.
This has an excellent setting with colourful cliffs visible in all directions including those of the inner gorge to the south, and with flourishing desert vegetation.
We strolled for a few hundred yards eastwards across sand until we reached the canyon edge.
Whoa!! My heart almost jumped out of my chest!!!
That's a 3,000 feet VERTICAL drop directly below.
Some of the huge rocks at the canyon edge are split and uneven, and it is slightly unsettling, yet exhilarating to stand at the very edge, and gaze into the chasm below.............
The Grand Canyon is among the earth's greatest on-going geological spectacles.
About 65 million years ago in the earth's shifting, a huge area of land was lifted a mile and a half above sea level, forming what is now the Colorado Plateau.
For the last 5-6 million years, the Colorado River has been slowly carving its way down through the many layers of rock.
The river and its tributaries, together with the erosive forces of rain, snow, heat and cold, have formed a spectacular gorge one-mile deep and at some points 18 miles across.
The colorful strata of the canyon walls reveal the rock formations of the earth's evolution from nearly 2 billion years ago.
Even if you do not believe in the concept of GOD or SPIRIT...a visit to this place is certainly a spiritually uplifting experience...
Truly a wonder of the world!!!!
Toroweap, a Paiute term meaning "dry or barren valley," refers to many local features, including the geologic formation and fault, the valley, and the overlook.
This has an excellent setting with colourful cliffs visible in all directions including those of the inner gorge to the south, and with flourishing desert vegetation.
We strolled for a few hundred yards eastwards across sand until we reached the canyon edge.
Whoa!! My heart almost jumped out of my chest!!!
That's a 3,000 feet VERTICAL drop directly below.
Some of the huge rocks at the canyon edge are split and uneven, and it is slightly unsettling, yet exhilarating to stand at the very edge, and gaze into the chasm below.............
The Grand Canyon is among the earth's greatest on-going geological spectacles.
About 65 million years ago in the earth's shifting, a huge area of land was lifted a mile and a half above sea level, forming what is now the Colorado Plateau.
For the last 5-6 million years, the Colorado River has been slowly carving its way down through the many layers of rock.
The river and its tributaries, together with the erosive forces of rain, snow, heat and cold, have formed a spectacular gorge one-mile deep and at some points 18 miles across.
The colorful strata of the canyon walls reveal the rock formations of the earth's evolution from nearly 2 billion years ago.
Even if you do not believe in the concept of GOD or SPIRIT...a visit to this place is certainly a spiritually uplifting experience...
Truly a wonder of the world!!!!
Day 53, Havasupai Native American Reservation, Grand Canyon
The guys decided that they wanted to go whitewater rafting...so we let them whilst we found some shops......
We have taken a short hike through the Havasupai Native American Reservation
Where are we? We are at Supai Village - the only place in the Grand Canyon still inhabited by native people.
We have been informed that Havasu Canyon has been dramatically altered following a large flood caused by heavy rainfall on August 17th, 2008, an event which caused closure of the area for nearly ten months; it reopened June 1st, 2009. Navajo Falls is no more, having been completely bypassed by the water.Havasu Falls has changed shape, and although Mooney Falls is less damaged, most of the beautiful travertine pools in the lower canyon have been swept away.
Aaah, bummer, we were really looking forward to seeing
and
Aaah, bummer, we were really looking forward to seeing
and
:-((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
Day 53, Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
At last we have arrived in the State of Arizona, another a state located in the southwestern region of the United States.
Ok, Nopi, since you are afraid of heights I think it will be best for you to take the Coconino Canyon Train. It is a 90-minute ride that originates in Grand Canyon National Park at the old Grand Canyon Depot and travels 24 miles through the canyon landscapes.
The train is made up of 1923 Pullman cars and runs on tracks built in the 1800s...so it should be rather enjoyable.....
The rest of us are going by Helicopter to view the North & South Rims....let's go.......
...........I simply cannot find the words to describe the vision that is the Grand Canyon....
We were absolutely speechless, totally in awe of this magnificent natural wonder.
Stretching east to west, like a scar across northern Arizona, this UNESCO World Heritage Site reads like a diary of the life of Earth itself,........
like a treasure waiting to be discovered and,......
like a treasure, the series of canyons are filled with jewels at every turn: around every corner another unforgettable panoramic view,
and Mother Nature breathing fresh air right into your soul.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Day 52, Utah, USA
Utah is a western state of the United States.
We are now flying over Great Salt Lake, located in the northern part Utah.
Did you know that it is the largest salt lake in the western hemisphere, the fourth-largest terminal lake in the world,and the 37th-largest lake on Earth??
In an average year the lake covers an area of around 1,700 square miles (4,400 km2).
In particular, snowstorms are a common occurrence over the region and have major socio-economic impacts due to their significant precipitation amounts.
The Great Salt lake never freezes and can warm rapidly which allows lake-effect precipitation to occur from September through May. Lake-enhanced snowstorms are often attributed to creating what is locally known as "The Greatest Snow on Earth."
Wow, there is the Salt Lake Temple,
We are now going to Bryce Canyon National Park
Thousands of delicately carved spires rise in brilliant color from the amphitheaters of Bryce C anyon National Park. Millions of years of wind, water and geologic mayhem have shaped and etched the pink cliffs at Bryce, which isn't actually a canyon but the eastern slope of the Paunsaguant Plateau.
We decided to take a 37-mile round-trip horseback ride to Bryce Canyon's most famous viewpoints.
The guide explained some geological facts to us.
A hoodoo (also tent rock, fairy chimney, earth pyramid) is a tall thin spire of rock that protrudes from the bottom of an arid drainage basin or badland.
They are composed of soft sedimentary rock and are topped by a piece of harder, less easily-eroded stone that protects the column from the elements.
The difference between hoodoos and pinnacles or spires is that hoodoos have a variable thickness often described as having a "totem pole-shaped body."
A spire, on the other hand, has a smoother profile or uniform thickness that tapers from the ground upward.
Hoodoos range in size from that of an average human to heights exceeding a 10-story buildin g, their shapes are affected by the erosional patterns of alternating hard and softer rock layers, and minerals deposited within different rock types cause hoodoos to have different colors throughout their height.
Our first view of Bryce Canyon was dramatic, as rows of pine trees veil the color and grandeur of the canyon until we reached the rim.
Here the brilliant hues came alive - especially with the rising and setting of the sun.
From brilliant red sandstone hoodoos and mazes to open amphitheaters and lush green forests, Bryce Canyon National Park inspires awe and appreciation for one of Mother Nature's greatest miracles.
We wanted to go to a rodeo, but couldnt find one to go to so we drove to Zion National Park, another of nature's great wonders.
We are now flying over Great Salt Lake, located in the northern part Utah.
Did you know that it is the largest salt lake in the western hemisphere, the fourth-largest terminal lake in the world,and the 37th-largest lake on Earth??
In an average year the lake covers an area of around 1,700 square miles (4,400 km2).
In particular, snowstorms are a common occurrence over the region and have major socio-economic impacts due to their significant precipitation amounts.
The Great Salt lake never freezes and can warm rapidly which allows lake-effect precipitation to occur from September through May. Lake-enhanced snowstorms are often attributed to creating what is locally known as "The Greatest Snow on Earth."
Wow, there is the Salt Lake Temple,
We are now going to Bryce Canyon National Park
Thousands of delicately carved spires rise in brilliant color from the amphitheaters of Bryce C anyon National Park. Millions of years of wind, water and geologic mayhem have shaped and etched the pink cliffs at Bryce, which isn't actually a canyon but the eastern slope of the Paunsaguant Plateau.
We decided to take a 37-mile round-trip horseback ride to Bryce Canyon's most famous viewpoints.
The guide explained some geological facts to us.
A hoodoo (also tent rock, fairy chimney, earth pyramid) is a tall thin spire of rock that protrudes from the bottom of an arid drainage basin or badland.
They are composed of soft sedimentary rock and are topped by a piece of harder, less easily-eroded stone that protects the column from the elements.
The difference between hoodoos and pinnacles or spires is that hoodoos have a variable thickness often described as having a "totem pole-shaped body."
A spire, on the other hand, has a smoother profile or uniform thickness that tapers from the ground upward.
Hoodoos range in size from that of an average human to heights exceeding a 10-story buildin g, their shapes are affected by the erosional patterns of alternating hard and softer rock layers, and minerals deposited within different rock types cause hoodoos to have different colors throughout their height.
Our first view of Bryce Canyon was dramatic, as rows of pine trees veil the color and grandeur of the canyon until we reached the rim.
From brilliant red sandstone hoodoos and mazes to open amphitheaters and lush green forests, Bryce Canyon National Park inspires awe and appreciation for one of Mother Nature's greatest miracles.
We wanted to go to a rodeo, but couldnt find one to go to so we drove to Zion National Park, another of nature's great wonders.
Designated in 1919, Zion is Utah's oldest national park. Gigantic red and white rock monoliths to wered around us like a skyscraper city of stone, concealing pockets of abundant flora and fauna. The park is known for its incredible canyons, including The Narrows.
The Virgin River has gnawed through native sandstone to create the incr edible scenery found in Zion Canyon
There are the Three Patriarchs!
These Jurassic-aged cliff-forming formations overlie older slope-forming formations along river level: the Moenkopi Formation (Lower Triassic) and the Chinle Formation (Upper Triassic).
The cliffs tops in Zion Canyon range roughly 2,000 feet above stream level.
These Jurassic-aged cliff-forming formations overlie older slope-forming formations along river level: the Moenkopi Formation (Lower Triassic) and the Chinle Formation (Upper Triassic).
The cliffs tops in Zion Canyon range roughly 2,000 feet above stream level.
We also viewed the giant screen production "Treasure of the Gods" before leaving the park...Next stop, the Valley of the Gods,
We can now see Monument Valley in Arizona in the distance.........
We can now see Monument Valley in Arizona in the distance.........
Monday, July 27, 2009
Day 50,California, USA
California is the most populous state in the United States, and the third largest by area.
It is located on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean, and is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, Arizona to the southeast, and the Mexican state of Baja California to the south.
We are now flying over Hollywood! There is the Sign, a famous landmark in the Hollywood Hills area of Mount Lee in Los Angeles, California, spelling out the name of the area in 50 feet (15 m)high white letters.!!
From the ground, the contours of the hills give the sign its well-known "wavy" a ppearance. When observed at a comparable altitude, the letters appear straight-across.
Nopi and Sita want to walk along the Walk of Fame sidewalk, which now has a double row of stars and they want to take a double decker bus ride around the Hollywood stars' homes...........ok, shall we leave you girls here?
There, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is the valley of Yosemite National Park,
Wow, Mel was right, California is simply awesome, so we will definitely have to return to this state.
Hold on guys, isn't that the Chandelier Tree?
Wow , these trees are really tall!!
Day 50, Hawaii, USA
Hawai'i is the newest of the 50 U.S. states, and is the only state made up entirely of islands. The state encompasses nearly the entire volcanic Hawai'ian Island chain, which comprises hundreds of islands spread over 1,500 miles (2,400 km). At the southeastern end of the archipelago, the eight "main islands" are (from the northwest to southeast) Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi.
The last is by far the largest, and is often called the "Big Island" or "Big Isle" to avoid confusion with the state as a whole.
The last is by far the largest, and is often called the "Big Island" or "Big Isle" to avoid confusion with the state as a whole.
So guys, what are we going to do in Hawaii????
Hmm, everyone is looking at me, because they know its a loaded question.......
I expected them to say that they wanted to go to the beaches.....but they are all silent..........
Hmm, everyone is looking at me, because they know its a loaded question.......
I expected them to say that they wanted to go to the beaches.....but they are all silent..........
Geeez, am I so dictatorial??? Don't answer that!!!
OK, sometimes I like to do the unexpected so I have simply got to visit the most unique place in the United States.......
A place where new land is being formed every day, where new life begins, a live volcano alongside a lush tropical rain forest beats going to the beach any day.
A truly magical place...........
OK, sometimes I like to do the unexpected so I have simply got to visit the most unique place in the United States.......
A place where new land is being formed every day, where new life begins, a live volcano alongside a lush tropical rain forest beats going to the beach any day.
A truly magical place...........
Yep, the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is a fascinating world of active volcanism, biological diversity, and Hawaiian culture, past and present.
This site contains two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mauna Loa (4,170 m high) and Kilauea (1,250 m high), both of which tower over the Pacific Ocean. Volcanic eruptions have created a constantly changing landscape, and the lava flows reveal surprising geological formations. Rare birds and endemic species can be found there, as well as forests of giant ferns.
We watched "Born of Fire, Born of the Sea", the featured 25 minute film that is shown in the Kilauea Visitor Center before going to explore Kilauea's summit trails that descends 400 feet through native rain forest into a crater, and across lava flows still steaming from the 1959 eruption!!
Nopi, please STAY ON MARKED TRAILS! The vegetation or cinders may hide deep cracks in the ground.
Prasad is too eager to rush along, adrenaline pumping to see where the lava meets the sea......but please use caution near cliffs, cracks, and steam vents, the edges of these features are unstable and can be slippery.
Thank goodness all of us are wearing STURDY SHOES and LONG LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING PANTS since falling on lava is like falling on broken glass, and can cause severe wounds.
Cough, cough.....what 's wrong? Amit seems to be choking!! The new eruptive vent in Halema`uma`u Crater, Sulphur Banks, and Pu'u 'O'o vent are generating high levels of gasses that are affecting him. He is very sensitive to smells......Luckily none of us have any heart or breathing problems as these volcanic fumes can be very hazardous to our health..... Concentrations of these gasses is often dependent on wind direction. Hawai'i's normal trade wind pattern generally blows gasses, emitted from the two main vents on Kilauea, away from most visitor areas. However, even on a trade wind day, fumes from Pu'u 'O'o and Halema'uma'u may cross a roadway or linger in other areas of the park. Amit has now tied his handkerchief around his mouth and is continuing with the hike;-)
Marti, please be careful, you know that volcanic eruptions can occur at any time and can be extremely hazardous. Even from a distance, gasses and fallout (Pele's hair, pumice, and cinder) can cause lung and eye irritation.
En route the ranger pointed out Sulphur Banks, Steam Vents and hopefully we will be able to view some lava......
En route the ranger pointed out Sulphur Banks, Steam Vents and hopefully we will be able to view some lava......
Wow! This is quite a spectacle.....
Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, love, peace, compassion and mercy.
Since the middle of the 19th century, it also has come to be used as an English greeting to say goodbye and hello.
It is also the state nickname of Hawaii, the "Aloha State"
So Aloha from the Aloha State......where we were enthralled by its only UNESCO world heritage site....
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