Mount Shuksan - Washington

Mount Shuksan is a glaciated massif on Canada-United States border. This is a jagged alpine peak rises in Whatcom County, Washington to the east of Mount Baker. Mount Shuksan name mean is “high peak” composed of greenchist, and oceanic basalt. Mount Shuksan is the highest point on the three sided peak known as Summit Pyramid. Mount Shuksan has no comparison in the range when one think the structural beauty of its four major faces and five ridges. Mt. Shuksan is one of the highest non-volcanic peaks 9,127 feet. A strikingly beautiful peak, it is the most frequently photographed mountain in the United States.

Almost 120 million years ago, Mount Shuksan was metamorphosed when the Easton terrane collided with the west coast of North America. It is an eroded leftover of a thrust plate formed by the Easton collision. On the West side view it is as seen from Artist Point. The nearby road allows visitors to take a closer view of the peak. Mount Shuksan is one of most photogenic mountain in Cascade Range. The majestic reflection of Mount Shuksan is seen close to Mount Baker Ski area.

The beautiful Sulphide Creek Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, plunges off the southeastern flank of Mount Shuksan. There are four other tall waterfalls that spill off Mount Shuksan and neighboring Jagged Ridge and Seahpo Peak, mostly sourced from small snowfields and glaciers. Mount Shuksan has something to offer everyone. It has an approach through immaculate forests, reasonable glacier travel, and an exhilarating and airy summit. The surrounding views of North Cascade peaks can't be beat.

In the early of 19^th century, Asahel Curtis and W. Montelius was reported first ascent the Mount Shuksan. However, some critics reported that Joseph Morowits was the first ascent in 1897. He also attempted to climb the Mount Shuksan in 1903 but he had not been sure that it had already been climbed. The Shuksan is one of the finest mountaineering objectives by its reputation requiring a variety of alpine climbing techniques. It is surely deserved a wide variety of challenges can be encountered on this fairly complex mountain.

Mount Shuksan Climbing Route

All climbers must know the basic snow and glacier climbing skills. Depending upon the route, it is definiately a fun mix snow climbing, easy rock scrambling, and plentiful ledges.

1.       Sulphide Glacier Route is recommended for beginners.

2.       Fisher Chimneys Route is recommended for Intermediate level.

3.       North Face Route is recommended for advance level.

Tower Fall - Wyoming, United States

Tower Fall is one of the prettiest waterfalls on Tower Creek in the northeastern region of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, in the United States. The fall is about 1,000 yards upstream from the creek's confluence with the Yellowstone River, plunges 132 feet (40 meters). Tower Fall name comes from the rock pinnacles at the top of the fall. The breathtaking waterfall plunges a water column crashes onto the rocks at its base.

In 1870, Samuel Hauser, the member of the Washburn party, notation the name in his diary. The Tower Falls and Creek Falls are located just three miles south of Roosevelt Junction on the Tower-Canyon road. This is more graceful and eye-catching waterfalls which formations looming over the canyon it was nestled in.

You would love to hear the rush of the water and the calls of wildlife at this tranquil and scenic natural area. Tower Fall has enchanted the imaginations of travelers, explorers, and even legislators for more than 140 years. Further, until 1986, visitors could see a large boulder perched on the edge of where the fall drops.

Trail of Tower Falls

It is an easy little trail, as many people walking it in flip flops. Tower Fall Trail passes through a lovely pine forest and is well maintained. Some visitor gets the better view to have a hike down a paved steep ¼ mile trail. Every year thousands of visitors putting pressure on the unstable streambank undercutting the paved path.

It is highly recommended to safely pass the trail when dry, but better not to try during icy wet and slippery. The Tower Falls is eerie-shaped minarets or towers sculpted from rhyolitic basalt. The trail is still restoring, but after washouts, so you can only go about a quarter mile beyond the upper viewing platform for the falls.

Also, see the rainbow arched across the mist of Tower Falls, adding the majestic beauty. In 2004, the last part of the trail was washed out by rock and mudslides, and the trail to the base of the waterfall remains closed. Also, sadly the park has yet to reopen trail to creekside view, it’s been decades now.

When to Go to Tower Falls

Well, even from the viewing area at the top, you get a sense of how breathtaking the waterfalls in Yellowstone can be. This is particularly to visit in May and June. When the snow melts and rain produced some fabulous water flowing in the rivers and over the falls.

The major drawback in those months is incredibly busy and you must wait your turn for top view and take photographs. Many people don’t wait a lot and pushing you, that ultimately distract your focus on taking photos. Hence, to come early to avoid the rush.

Nearby Attraction

The nearby viewing point of Calcite Springs also offers scenic vistas of the zone, including the rare hexagonal basalt pillars, were created by lava flow the cracked as it cooled. Also note, that during the winter months, the entire tower waterfall is encased in an ice dome and the frozen falls are accessible via cross country skies. Moreover, many other marvelous sights and waterfalls in the area.

A Sign Board at the overlook explains how Tower Fall was Formed?

“Like many of Yellowstone’s waterfalls, Tower Fall began as a low ledge at the junction of two different bedrocks. Rock at the brink and underlying the fall is a tough, volcanic breccia; the weaker downstream rock erodes faster. Where Tower Creek drops into space, imagine the missing streambed—a channel of softer rock long since worn away. Just downstream from the base of the Fall, the Yellowstone River enters a narrow, swift-running gorge. Tower Creek cannot downcut fast enough to keep pace—and is left hanging high above the river.” Source: CP

Pattan Minara, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

Patan Minara is an ancient Buddhist monastery in Rahim Yar Khan Pakistan. The 2,000 years old monastery situated 8 KM from Rahim Yar Khan City a single burnt sienna column remains. It is very little known information about single column minara. However, it was believed to be built during Hakrra valley civilization during Mauryan period approximately 250BC. 

The archeologists believe the Patan Minara was built by Alexander the Great during his visit to the military expedition to Hind (India). The Pattan Minara means the “Tower on the Ford”. It is named after Pattan Pur, once a lush green city situated on the bank of the River Ghagra, an offshoot of the River Indus.

Alexander the Great established a cantonment under Greek Governor. Therefore, The Patan Minara served for keeping a watchful eye on the local tribes. Some mystical stories are associated with the history of Patan Minara. Some believe that hidden treasure was buried under the tower. A Sanskrit written brick was discovered at the start of 18^th century when it was demolished. A fort, mosque, and tunnels still remain in that area. Some historians believe, Alexander also conquered the state and stayed in the ancient city.

Colonel Minchin the Ex-Bhawalpur the state passed an order to excavate the ruins of Patan Minara. He had heard that hidden treasure was buried in tunnels that were part of the Sienna column remains. Unfortunately, a worker came across a semi-liquid swarmed flies killed him at the spot. So, the digging process was stopped due to this disaster. 

In the 18^th century Fazal Elahi Khan Halani the chief of Daupauta used its remains to build the Baghla & Dingar Forte. The local government even though officially declared heritage site. The unplanned housing is creeping up in the surrounding area and the construction industry is for reti-bajri or sand around the ruins. The nomadic peoples are living life in the surrounding area mainly depends upon their stock lives of camel feed.

Although Pattan Minara has lost its prime, local people are trying to save this site by pledging to bring back coins they found. Maybe someone has already been discovered the hidden treasure, no one exactly knows. The sole remnant of the civilization and its remains is eroding with the passage of time, and it seems like it wouldn’t stand in future. However, in recent times some restoration and beautifying work is done by the local government. 

If the department of Archaeology and the government pay some attention to this minara, it can reveal it's true to discover the likes of another Harappa or Mohenjo Daro. If you are a photography lover, then you should visit Patan Minara in the evening. It is the ideal time for photography when the sun is perfectly placed opposite of Minara. Source: CP

Wahweap Hoodoos – Untouched Scary Pristine Land

If someone mentally and physically fit, he/she can hike for 4 to 5 hours. Then you should plan to visit the dry lands of Southern Utah, where one of the strangest geological sights on the continent. The most astonishing Hoodoos on planet earth lies almost, three hours north of Grand Canyon’s rarely used 9.2 miles out and back trail. The Wahweep Creek and Nipple Creek shinning under direct sunlight on the Wahweap Wash. This hike is through a wash that can be very slippery if wet. When it’s dry and hot there is little reprieve from the sun. The hoodoo’s wildernesses safeguard some of the most dramatic scenery in the United States, from mountain vistas to snug canyons and everywhere in between.

The trail usage may be low, a dilapidated Hanging Fence will be first of Wahweap Hoodoos. The strangest rock formation formed more than 100 million years ago when T-Rex’s roamed Utah. These hoodoos are the column of weathered rock formed due to the thick layer of soft rock is covered by a thin layer of hard rock. Sometimes, when cracks in the hard rock allow the underlying soft rock to erode, one small cap of the hard rock is resistant to cracking, and it protects the underlying soft rock. This cone of protected rock eventually takes the shape of a vertical pinnacle. The Wahweap Hoodoos – generally described as three separate groupings or ‘coves’ – the White Hoodoo, Hoodoo Central, and the Towers of Silence – are separated by just a few miles.

The white sandstone spires, which have been named everything from goblins to white ghosts, are unique geology of the sun-scorched lands of the Southwest.  Moreover, close to Wahweap Hoodoos you can take a short walk to the darker side where you can find brown "toadstools" make an appearance just off the highway at the Rimrocks. The Wahweap Hoodoos are a pictorial group of pinnacles and balanced rocks enclosed by undulating mounds and cliffs of white Entrada sandstone. The Paiutes believed that hoodoos are the remnants of people who were turned to stone.