Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts

Thursday 11 July 2019

Patagonia Lake – Arizona


Patagonia Lake is a 2.4-mile-long man-made reservoir in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, United States. The lake is located southwest of the town of Patagonia, Arizona and northeast of Nogales. The Lake is popular spot for fishing, camping, picnicking (table and grills), hiking, beach relaxing, bird watching, water skiing, and boating, created by damming Sonoita Creek.

The tracks of the Arizona-New Mexico railroad lie beneath the lake and leftovers of the old historic line may be found at the Nature Conservancy in Patagonia. Patagonia Lake never disappoint anyone who love nature.

The natural scenery is spectacular, that will provide you cool refreshing break from the heat. It is highly recommended to go early to avoid from evening rush. Also, some areas have beautiful shade coverage and lake front access. The 250-acre lake located inside the Patagonia Lake State Park established Sonoita Creek State Natural Area in 1975.

Moreover, an exclusive event includes an annual mariachi festival in March and bird tours and interpretive programs on request. Many Mexican Mariachi bands perform, and there is a variety of food vendors and arts and crafts booths. The Lake Patagonia is located on State Route 82, 7 miles south of Patagonia, tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Arizona.

It is an ideal place to lookout whitetail deer roaming the hills and great blue herons walking the shoreline. The hikers love to stroll along the creek trail, enjoying sight views, birds watching. The most common birds are Inca dove, black vulture, vermilion flycatcher, canyon towhee, green kingfisher, gray hawk, thick-billed kingbird, cardinals and tangiers are plentiful as well as orioles, and several types of hummingbirds. If you have forgotten anything with you, then there is a small marketplace in the premises.

The lots of fishing spots and a beautiful bridge overlooking a beautiful marina. Without any doubt, Patagonia Lake is prettiest desert Lake ringed with trees and desert vegetation. Summer temperatures range from 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while during the day it is somewhere 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Patagonia Lake Fishing
There are several kind of fish species reproducing in Patagonia Lake are black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, flathead catfish, redear sunfish, black bullhead, red shiner, mosquitofish, crayfish, Gila topminnows, speckled dace, longfin dace, Sonora suckers, desert suckers, threadfin shad, American bullfrogs, and channel catfish. Moreover, rainbow trout are stocked for every three weeks from October to March. Source: - CP









Wednesday 10 July 2019

Bear Canyon, Arizona


Bear Canyon is a stream fed drainage steep sided basalt cliffs, located in the Sabino Canyon recreation area of the Coronado National Forest near Tucson, Arizona, offers views of the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north of Arizona. The canyon is accessible by tram or foot. Bear Canyon contains majestic attractions of the seasonal Seven Falls and Thimble Peak. The nearby area runs seasonal refuge within the Oak Creek Wildlife Area for different large mammals, i.e. deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, cougar, and black bear. Moreover, rattlesnakes are encountered often in the canyon during the warmer months.
Bear Canyon is a great route, handful of rappels that leads to a lovely section of Clear Creek where one can unwind and relish meal while watching the trout swim around. The water is extremely cold to relax at the edge of clear creek. The good thing is that, most of the area are well shaded by canyon and trees on the hike.
Bear Canyon Trail
Don't misjudge this inspiring trail! Though it is just under two miles in length, it packs quit the punch, The trail of Bear Canyon follows Bear Creak up, the lush, shady, and eventually to Bear Lakes. The trail stays near to cascading waters of the creek, gaining relatively elevation and making it a lovely hike. The trail climbs 1,400 feet to the Bear Lakes on the path to Chesnut Mountain Trail veers off to the east.
Only pedestrian are allowed to tracked from April 1st to 16 July. After that, bikes can enter on the trail. Keep in mind, during spring and mid-summer the trail could be muddy in shades areas and quite buggy during wet months. The Bear Canyon trail is rocky, can navigate able in snow, difficult but doable. So, Bear Canyon Trail offers neighborhood views, straight ahead, trail-goers will face the scenic Sandia Mountains.






Sunday 23 June 2019

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 19th 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.
















Friday 14 June 2019

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






Sunday 2 June 2019

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.












Tuesday 28 May 2019

Guadalupe Peak, Texas

Guadalupe Mountains National Park
If you’re an American and living in Texas. Do you know the highest natural point in Texas? The Singal Peak, also known as Guadalupe Peak is the highest natural point in Texas located in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Guadalupe Peak is one of the major parts of Guadalupe Mountains range in Southeastern New Mexico and West Texas. 
The national park includes the mountain range Guadalupe Peak, El Capitan, Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line near the Pine Springs visitor center. Although, there are six 8,000 feet peaks in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The most famous is El Capitan, the first sight you see in park with the towering shock of limestone that surges right off the desert floor.
The weather of Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The Guadalupe Mountains normally have hot summers, mild autumn and calm weather, cool to cold in winter and early spring as well. Also, snow storms, sleet storms, freezing rain, or fog may happen in winter. Regular high wind warnings are issued during winter through spring. Also, the nights are cool even in summer and late summer monsoons produce thunderstorms.
Where is Guadalupe Peak?
The Guadalupe Peak is 140 kilometers east of El Paso and 80 kilometers southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico. It has an elevation of 8,751 feet above sea level and rises over 2,967 feet above the arid floor of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Guadalupe Peak Trail and Summit
A beautiful well maintained a stony trail of 6.8 kilometers each way with an over 3,000 feet elevation gain during the round of the year. This trail is one of a major part of network hiking trails in the surrounding national park. Moreover, a stainless-steel pyramid marks the summit with American Airlines logo in 1958 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Butterfield Overland Mail. However, the other side has United States Service tribute to the Pony Express Riders of the Butterfield stage. Also, the third side shows a compass with the logo of the Boy Scouts of America.
Guadalupe Peak Hike
The peak trail is about 8.1 mile offers to see magnificent wildlife of this area. The Trail winds through pinyon pine and Douglas-fir forests with views of El Capitan and the Chihuahuan Desert. The hike considered a bit difficult as many activity options are accessible year-round. The tail is moderately trafficked but a rewarding strenuous hike introduces hikers for parks ecosystem, high desert and forest high elevation. You must be very fit for Peak hike as it will take 7 to 8 hours round trip. The Guadalupe Peak Hike provides fantastic views from the highest point.
The first few miles are steepest but get easier and shady after that. Also, the last ¼ mile is treacherous and gets narrow. You must be scramble on the side of the cliff. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, food. It could be nice to start early before heat sets in, with shoes with good ankle support and a sturdy running stick are highly recommended. Also, must be careful to hydrate well with little breaks in the shade when possible. Further, you must follow the hiker tail signs otherwise you may have lost your way to took extra efforts to reach the destination. Read More - Fairyland Caverns – Breathtaking Homage to Rock City Gardens







Wednesday 22 May 2019

Fairyland Caverns – Rock City

Fairyland Caverns is high outcropping atop on the east face of Lookout Mountain in Walker County, Georgia. Fairyland Caverns is located at 1400 Patten Road in Rock City is open for 8:30 am. to sunset. Rock City is 1,700 feet above sea level. Rock City named as people believe the rocks on top of Lookout Mountain Looked like city building and natural pathways seem city streets. The ancient Rock City formation wander through sedate woodland paths zigzag through the fourteen acres of majestic greenery. The geographic authenticity of Rock City is more like a fun hike with a lot of meandering and a ton of surprises.
The beautiful trail carries you through Goblin’s Underpass, almost under the one-thousand-ton balanced rock to a one-hundred-foot waterfall. It cascades down the mountain to the popular Lover’s Leap and Swing-A-Long Suspension Bridge spanning about 200 feet. The trail is “sort of” in a cave, because Fairyland Caverns is between two large rocks, pressed so close together that they appear to make an underground trail.
Huge swings are carved from logs with a lot of fun to explore all the meandering paths and discover strange new things around every corner. Albino deer! Gnomes on a swing! The fairyland cavern with thousands of pieces of coral thoroughly glued to the ceiling! The Rainbow Hall, a short walkway with seven windows that had been covered in the colored film so that you could walk through the soft light.
On a sunny day, standing on Seven States Flag Court, you can view the Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama in the distance. Also, you can see solitary red-capped gnome which sits on the brink of a mountain boulder (like Rodin’s ‘Thinker’ statue) looks down into the valley. Eventually, you will find yourself at the tunnel entrance to Fairyland Caverns. As you walk through a long series of cave-like galleries, elves and gnomes are perched on trapezes and simulated rock shelves. A beautiful Gnomes Castle, the Carnival of Gnomes brewing moonshine in a still.
At the end of Cavern, you can enjoy the Mother Goose Village, Little Boy Blue, Humpty Dumpty, Little Miss Muffit and Cow that jumped over the Moon. Moreover, Rock City introduced an audio tour and return of the gnomes in the new Gnome Valley installation. Also, a mascot is a white-bearded gnome, appears on advertising brochures in a form of person in a Rocky Costume welcomes the tourist in the park. The educational show about birds of prey, rescued birds unfit for re-release found new careers as ambassadors to Rock City visitors.
In 1924, a real estate developer Garnet Carter called the neighborhood Fairyland due to his Wife, (Frieda) love with European Folklore. This awe-inspiring citadel evolved into a nationally recognized tourist attraction, developed the natural marvel into the Rock City Gardens.  Garnet named the streets after fairytale characters. Garnet Carter was the inventor of miniature golf, owned the Tom Thumb golf franchise. It's a weird and whimsical combination of beautiful nature and goofy added touches. Frieda planted 400 species of trees, flowers, shrubs amidst the big stone bounders near the Fairyland housing development. Hence, in 1932, Frieda’ graceful garden was opened for the public to observe the natural wonders of the mountains. The garden was dotted with beautiful imported German gnomes.  
In 1947, Carter wife decided to start drilling through the rock to create the cave for Fairyland Caverns.  Thus, the narrow man-cave has black-light-sensitive 3-D dioramas of gnomes and fairy tale scenes every 10 feet or so. In 1964, the Mother Goose Village completed with various nursery rhymes. Which situated in the center of a dark room the size of the small auditorium toward the end of Fairyland Caverns.
To entice the visitors to Rock City Gardens. Carter came with the idea to paint the message “SEE ROCK CITY” on barns and birdhouse. The idea worked all over from Michigan to Texas to Florida. The iconic “SEE ROCK CITY” billboards painted on barns across the south might be the most famous series of billboards ever. Garnet was passed in 1954 and Frieda in 1964 after that ownership of the Rock City attraction has remained in the family.  CP