17 posts tagged “field trip”
*DISCLAIMER: These are NOT my photos, they were ALL found via Google images.
*Disclaimer: These photos are NOT mine, they were all found via google images.
Wow, there sure seems like a lot to see and do in West Virginia since it is comprised of eight different regions with equally varied landscapes and climates, with what looks like something for almost everyone. If one region isn't for you I bet the other 7 will step up for consideration. I think the only thing it is missing is an ocean and then it'd be heaven (but that'd be North Carolina and that's another post).
One thing I do know about the Appalachian states is that their scenic beauty is unrivaled.
What I was surprised to learn was all of the activities to participate in, from golfing, to skiing, to river rafting, fishing, hiking &/or mountain climbing, seeking out history, pretty much any activity you want you can have. And I was especially pleased to learn that there are nearly one dozen nationally protected wildlife areas in West Virginia.
If economics are NOT a consideration for you, I might recommend moving to West Virginia solely for the scenery (except for the coal mining regions), but they sadly have one of the most fragile economic stability of any of the Union states.
My economic situation will be fragile too if I don't get myself ready and out the door!
Despite Montserrat's dangerous and unpredictable nature (an extremely interesting read). I have always wanted to experience the deep lushness of this intriguing island regardless of any possible pending Emergency Evacuation Notices.
You may not realize, but Montserrat has been "erupting" since 1995. The capital city, Plymouth and the south side of the island were completely destroyed and I believe are still designated as no entry "Exclusion Zones". 3/3 of the population live on 1/3 of the island. And let's not forget the devastation Hurricane Hugo brought in 1989.
It is my understanding that the volatile nature of the island's geologic foundation makes it one of the less visited and most preserved of the Caribbean Islands, both in natural beauty and ambiance, hence it's extreme draw as I prefer places I can keep super special secret just for myself.
There is a wealth of information available via google, however, I will point you in the direction of this photo essay I really enjoyed for it's simplicity, and the Town Field Primary School has put together an IMPRESSIVE collection of Island information. I was immensely intrigued and lost there for an extended amount of time and I have to go back there. Now.
*Disclaimer: None of these photos are mine, they were found via google images. Be sure to check out the beaches! They are pristine and really shouldn't be missed!
DISCALIMER: These are NOT my photos!!! All photos were found on Google Images and all rights belong to the respective photographers.
Karijini National Park
Fortescue Falls
Circular Pool
Fern Pool
Joffre Gorge Lookout
Oxer Lookout
Weano Gorge
Red Gorge
Hancock Gorge
Mt. Bruce
(For Crankypants)
What started as a field trip to Western Australia for my neighbor Crankypants turned into an adventure too big for a field trip post. I was astounded by a land with picturesque scenery rivaled only by the unique diversity of each of the 5 regions. So much so that I couldn't even pick representative photographs to offer - they were all too extremely spectacular. However, I promise you I hand picked the best, most colorful, content rich sites I could find. I apologize for the lack of photographic evidence, but if you follow the links I don't think you'll be disappointed. I hope you will be surprised by what all you find!
We'll start with the North West which is fairly tropical and rugged with a diverse topography ranging from pristine white sand beaches to the edge of the outback. However, it is also home to over 27 varieties of hazardous animals, including something called a bird eating spider that I don't have the nerve to look for a picture of.
The Golden Outback despite what I always thought, is a deep and lush place full of wildflowers.
The Coral Coast - the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef - I think here IS where you go for diving. I mean the Indian Ocean, Yeah, I am pretty sure there's good diving.
Perth like every other region - I swear, has it all.
The South West which seems to be a polar opposite of the NW, offering golf, wineries, and cave exploring!
One very helpful, informative site that I really like, says there are four regions, North, South, the Heartlands, and Perth.
Either way, I can see why Cranky is entranced.
All photos and information are from the ohiobarns.com website. Click the link to go to each picture's info. page.
mother goose
Martin castle
Indian head
wheel woman
I watched Rick Steve's Europe, episode #205 last night, and saw the most perfect place I have ever seen. Actually, I have the strongest, most inexplicable, disconcerting feeling as if I have already been there or that I must go there or my soul will collapse upon itself. I must go there or I will die inside. I no longer have any drive or desire to run away to a deserted Mexican beach to live in a $5 a day cabana and eat fruit and fish and lay on the beach all day - I am moving to Vernazza, and I am never coming back.
The Cinque Terra refers to a strand of five delightful Mediterranean seaside villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore) cascading along a five mile stretch of the northwestern Italian coast like glistening, glittering little gems.
Descending along the coast, we will visit:
Monterosso al Mare
Vernazza
Corniglia
Manarolo
Riomaggiore
We will fly into Genoa, take the train or ferry* toward La Spezia to Monterosso and then we can either walk between the towns, take the train, or ferry* (*the ferry does not dock at Corniglia due to the lack of harbor). Cars are out of the question here, as it should be. The some 600 residents of Vernazza banded together and stopped a road from built through their town. Bless their souls.
Thankfully, there are no Super 8s, but there are several nice hotels and Bed & Breakfasts, we can also rent rooms from the locals or stay in a hostel. Here is a link to the Baranin B&B whose AMAZING site has more information about the Cinque Terra than their own B&B! Strangely, it seem to imitate and replicate THIS SITE.
We will be spending our days working up our appetites by hiking the trails, diving, swimming, sunning on the beach, fishing and boating, attending a festival or two if we time our trip right - we just missed the Lemon Festival in May, we will also be spending some time in the Cinque Terra National Park and Marine Reserve, as well as exploring the five five castles and the five sanctuaries of each of the unique Cinque Terra towns, but mostly we are going to literally absorb peace and quiet while we reflect and relax.
If you want to learn more, visit, my favorite - the 5terra website, the Cinque Terra Consortium, Cinque Terra online, the dreaded wiki page, and I also found this helpful site put together by a past visitor to the Cinque Terra.
If sightseeing pictorials are more your taste, please visit the TerraGalleria gallery and the picturescolourlibrary gallery.
I hope you enjoyed the AFRICAN SAFARI SLIDESHOW last week, and I hope you are as excited as I am for our field trip to explore the tallest waterfall on the African continent!
The Tugela Falls, the second tallest waterfall in the world located at the Royal Natal National Park in the Kwazulu Natal State in South Africa is a fifty foot wide, five tiered waterfall fed by the Tugela River that begins at 3,110 feet with the tallest single drop of its' five tiers measuring in at 1,350 feet! I am not surprised this baby can push out at 50 cubic feet per second!
I literally stood up and applauded when it was over. Have 30 minutes? I beg and beseech you - CLICK THIS LINK.
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