Mar Chiquita, A Lovely Oval Shaped Beach in Puerto Rico

Can a beach be secluded and popular at the same time? Mar Chiquita has someway managed this feat, still retaining its sense of private allure as the surrounding town of Manatí developed. Mar Chiquita, also called “Little Sea”, is a small beach in a protected cove close to eastern end of a long rocky wall uncovered on the coast of Manatí in northern Puerto Rico, almost 40 KM west of San Juan. The north shore of Puerto Rico has miles of beautiful shoreline and it is one best spots for great views on the island. The Atlantic Ocean is always pounding against the rocky outcroppings along the shore carving it into interesting shapes. But that it is not to say you can’t find a calm beach on the north shore.

The lovely oval shaped beach lies behind the rocky wall in a trivial cove protected from the rough Atlantic. The wall was breached by the action of waves to form a 25 meter opening where the tide entered and formed a bay in the shape of the English alphabet U. The waves inside the cove are of substantial height as the result of the backwash meeting the incoming waves at their breaking point, building up the size of the waves. However; due to the shape of the cove and the narrow area between the rocks where water comes in and goes out, there can be serious undertows. It is possible to get sucked out into the open ocean when the water flows back out of the cove. Generally, it is calmer in the summer months so you can wade or snorkel, but it is not always good for swimming due to its strong undercurrents and rocks. 

Mar Chiquita was once a famous beach with a beautiful setting of palm trees, golden sand, and the imposing ridge of pitted eolianite. These days, Playa Mar Chiquita is still an elegant beach, but it is no longer as secluded as it once was due to the major urban development occurring on the coastal plains of Puerto Rico. Though, the beach’s fame has not declined, even on any given day of the week you can see some family picnics, and visitors playing beach sports, or simply enjoying the landscape and sunbathing. One popular activity is to climb and explore the eolianite ridge that forms the rocky headland of Punta Mar Chiquita, on the northeast side of the beach. 

It is likely to walk on all the rocks, but be aware, the limestone rocks were a bit slippery in some spots and they are really sharp. Shoes are essential flip flops are not sturdy enough. Unfortunately if you slipped and fell, it would hurt a lot! Another thing to watch out for is huge waves that have been famous to come over the top of the rocks. Stay alert. Although facilities are scant, with just a couple of huts serving light fare. Bring a beach chair this is a place to relax and soak it in.

World’s Most Dangerous Stairways to Heaven

Chinese tourist officials in Linzhou, Henan province, hope the stairs will give visitors an actual experience of the mountain range. They wanted to boost the tourism by installing a huge spiral stair case. And they are hoping that their 300ft "Stairway to Heaven" will inspire people to visit this beauty spot of Taihang Mountains, in Linzhou, Henan province, China. Just looking at these stairs is adequate to give anyone vertigo, but they are anticipated to attract thousands of tourists in China. The spiral staircase has been installed on the wall of the Taihang Mountains in Linzhou to offer the thrill of mountaineering without the danger.

The most astonishing moments is when the wind blows and batters them, the birds fly past them, the stairs creak. It is a lot more authentic than an elevator. Therefore; for health and safety reasons, the stairs do not offer admission to just anyone. All potential climbers have to sign a form stating that they have no heart or lung problems and are under 60 years of age. If you got halfway up and couldn't go any further, you might just have to stay there. The Taihang Mountain range encompasses 250 miles from north to south and runs through Shanxi, Henan and Hebei provinces. Most peaks range from 5,000 to 6,500ft, with the principal peak of Xiao Wutaishan reaching 9,455ft.

Wadi Mujid Jordan

Wadi Mujib historically famous as Arnon, is a gorge in Jordan actually enters in the Dead Sea at 410 meters below sea level. The Mujib Reserve of Wadi Mujid (The 220 square kilometers reserve created in 1987) is located in the mountainous landscape to the east of the Dead Sea, about 90 kilometers south of Amman. These reserves are particularly support the bird life by the Royal Society. The Mujib reserve consists of mountainous, rocky, and sparsely vegetated desert with cliffs, gorges and deep wadis cutting through plateaus. Wadi Mujib enjoys a splendid biodiversity that is still being explored and documented today. More than three hundreds species of plants, 10 species of carnivores and several species of perpetual and migratory birds have been recorded till now. Specific of the remote mountain and valley areas are tough to reach, and thus offer safe havens for infrequent species of cats, goats and other mountain animals.

During the last Ice Age the water of the Dead Sea flooded the lower areas of the canyons along its banks. As the climatic conditions changed, the water level is dropped, leaving the re-emergent canyons blocked with lake marl. However, Wadi Mujib, the biblical Arnon River, abandoned its former outlet by breaking through a cleft in the sandstone. This thin cleft became the bottleneck of an extremely large drainage basin with a massive discharge. But with the passages of time the cleft was scoured deeper and the gorge of Wadi Mujib was formed. The hot springs of Hammamat Ma'in lie close to the borders of the reserve are heavily used for tourism and recreation. While the Jordanian military have a provisional camp in the south of the reserve. A huge dam was newly finished at the bottom of the wadi, where the modern roads are crosses the river and as a result, a big lake has formed. Today, Wadi Mujib is fed by seven tributaries.

As well as resident birds, the reserve is strategically vital as a safe stop-over for the huge number of birds which fly annually along the rift valley between Africa & northeast Europe. It is possible to see the following birds in Mujib Lammergeier, Egyptian Vulture, Eurasian Griffon, Levant Sparrowhawk, Lesser Kestrel, Sooty Falcon, Sand Partridge, Hume's Owl, Hooded Wheatear, Blackstart, Arabian Babbler, Striolated Bunting, Trumpeter Finch, Dead Sea Sparrow, Tristram's Starling. One of the most important animals in Mujib is the Nubian ibex, a big mountain goat which have been threatened due to over-hunting. Despite of its scenic beauty and value to the country's heritage, the Nature Reserve of Mujib Valley is facing a new threat from the persistent problem of water. In 1998 the government approved a plan to take water from the lower Mujib River and distract its supply to hotels and the agricultural projects around the Dead Sea. This means that the river bed below the weir to be constructed is expected to be dry for most of the year, effectually killing off all the vegetation there. 

Wadi Mujib is a very uneven, warm area and the walk is easily called “an adventure walk” because it comprises swimming and hiking for extended hours in addition to descending a 20 m high waterfall. They are hard yet fun trails and one has to have the swimming abilities without any fear of water and heights. It is tough, exciting, offering a chance to swim and bathe in the cool, clear waters of the Mujib and Malaqi rivers. Tourist should anticipate climbing rocks against water flows and jumping into pools of water. So it is suggested to drinking water and takes light food for snacking during the hike and make sure to bring 2 bottles of water per person. Remember that you are going to hike and swim, so subtle items should be put in waterproof bags. 

It is highly recommended not to wear any jewelry or expensive watches. The most exciting attraction of Wadi Mujib is the adventure tour along the river an entire day trip which takes you through deep canyons and pools where you can swim and relish the remarkable scenery and wildlife. There’re shorter hikes which you can stay overnight in the wilderness campsite. Visits to the ibex breeding enclosure are included in another walk. Wadi Mujib is a pleasing place for nature lovers who are fit and like to relish walking. However; facilities are simple and it can get very hot in summer. The Wadi Mujib Trail is famous whereas pre-booking is necessary, and you can book either directly at the Reserve or by phone/fax or email directly to the RSCN.

Belmore Falls New South Wales Australia

If you are looking for a little adventure off the beaten track, then a trip to Belmore Falls is worth including in your itinerary. Belmore Falls are one of three waterfalls descending into the northern end of Kangaroo Valley and part of the Morton National Park in south eastern New South Wales, Australia. Belmore Falls is situated in Morton National Park between Fitzroy Falls and Carrington Falls. The Belmore Falls area, 8 KM south of Robertson, offers outstanding vistas of Kangaroo Valley and two waterfalls which drop a total of 100 metres into the Barren-Garry Creek Valley; the main fall drops a spectacular 78 metres. A short walk leads through relatively undisturbed Eucalypt forest to several lookouts from which the falls and magnificent rainforest in the valley below can be seen. 

Belmore Falls Walk is 1 ½ KM an easy 45 minute walk. Typical sandstone flora is a special feature of this walk, including flowers such as honey flower, banksia, wattle and tea-tree. Plant communities on this walk include Eucalypt forests, Woodlands, Rainforests and Heathlands. A track leads off to four lookouts located along the eastern edge of the escarpment. There are excellent views of the valley and across to the falls. The natural significance of the site was recognized in 1883 by the decision to reserve it for 'Public Recreation and Preservation of Timber' with the official dedication of Barren-Garry Park at Belmore Falls taking place in April 1887. The site being 550 metres above sea level, several lookouts were established. One is Hindmarsh's Lookout that provides views over Kangaroo Valley and township. 

It was great to be able to photograph the falls from several different angle you just need to follow the signs around the escarpment to several lookouts, the last of which provides views of the waterfall. Typical sandstone flora is a special feature of this walk, including flowers such as honey flower, banksia, wattle and tea-tree. There are also rainforest, bush land and wildflowers to see. It’s a good idea to put sunscreen on before you set out and remember to take a hat and plenteously of drinking water, and for safety reasons, you must avoid trying to view the falls at Barren-Garry Creek crossing. To return, go back the way you came, or make a shortcut across the car park and reaching the falls from Robertson involves a thin winding dirt road; drive with care. There are picnic tables nearby if you have time to stop for a bite to eat.