Saguaro National Park on the east side of Tucson, nestled in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains
Photo by: Eegorr, Creative Commons

Saguaro National Park is one of the many national parks in Arizona, sitting on the edge of Tucson. The park is named after the Giant Saguaro Cactus, perhaps the best known symbol of the Wild West. If you have watched any western film, you must have seen these giants standing tall, silhouetted against the bright hues of sunset. In Saguaro National Park, it’s not at all impossible to have your own Wild West experience.

Background

The Saguaro National Park was first established as Saguaro National Monument in 1933, and later changed into a national park in 1994. The park is divided into two sections: the Rincon Mountain District to the east, and the Tucson Mountain District to the west. At present, the park, with its two districts, covers 91, 440 acres, majority of which is designated as wilderness. Aside from the park’s namesake, the giant saguaro cactus, many other species of cactus reside in the area, such as the barrel cactus, prickly pear, and cholla cactus. Several species of birds that live in the trunks of the saguaro cactus can also be spotted in the park, such as cactus wrens, gila woodpecker, and Mexican spotted owl.

Touring Saguaro National Park

The Saguaro National Park is a popular hiking spot for many tourists, nature lovers, and adventurers. The Rincon Mountain District hiking trail is particularly more accessible to tourists. The key feature of this side is the 8.3-mile loop that two picnic grounds and central trails. The two districts both have visitor centers, where tourists can get hiking maps upon request. The nearest camping ground is Douglas Springs Campground, which can be reached with a 5.9-mile hike. There are no overnight spots for RV in the park, but such space is available 10 miles down the park’s Old Spanish Trail, where the Colossal Cave Mountain Park is located.

Zimbabwe had to struggle against at least two colonial powers, Great Britain and Rhodesia, to claim its well-enjoyed independence since 1980. It first made its way out of Britain’s colonial sphere in 1965 and was considered as Southern Rhodesia for the next 15 years until the nation finally managed to free itself from colonial rule. The rich African culture of the Zimbabweans were adequately preserved and continued despite the layers of foreign occupancy. This preservation is evidenced by their chosen motif for the independent country’s emblem.

The flag has a triangular area on its left side, where the pole is normally nearer. It has a white background with the soapstone bird featured on a red star. The white triangle shows a period or area for peace in the land. The bird symbolizes the history and culture of the people and the red star under it shows the country’s relentless struggle for liberation and peace. To its right are seven equally wide bars of colors showing traditional African schemes. The top and bottom-most bars are green which depicts the agricultural and rural areas of the country. Beside both green stripes are the yellow ones which show the wealth of mineral deposits in the country as mostly connected to gold. The two inner bars of red portray the massive bloodshed in the conduct of the first and second wars towards independence. Ultimately, the single black stripe in the middle shows the African heritage that is inherent in the ethnic background of the country.

The Zimbabwe flag carries very notable signs of African heritage which can be seen in almost all states that enjoy independence from their original colonial masters. The varieties of colors are believed to include the hues that sprung from the Ethiopian flag to celebrate its longest reign as an independent African state.

Going into Queen Copper Mines
Photo by: shalf, Creative Commons

When visiting a place filled with tons of attractions and things to do, having a tour of specialty places should be one of them. In the town of Bisbee, touring the Queen Copper Mine is a must do. Taking a tour at this mine is unlike any tour you’ll experience.

Bisbee is one of the mining districts in the world that has the largest deposits of different gemstones, particularly zinc, lead, silver, gold and copper. During the beginning of mining in Bisbee, when copper production began the Phelps Dodge Corporation through a subsidiary took control of the mining operation and became one of the biggest copper producers.

When it closed down, in the summer of 1975, the mayor of Bisbee brought the idea of a mine tour in which the history of mining is to be kept alive for future generations. Now the former employees of Phelps Dodge became in charge of the tour. Upon taking the tour of the mine, visitors will be dressed accordingly with hard hats and a miner’s head lamp.

During this time the tour guide will lead the group and help them experience what it is like to work as a miner together with informing them about how the miners back then used to do it, their techniques, how long they worked every day and the different kinds of dangers they face every time they enter the mine.

If you are curious as to what mining would be like then this is a great tour for you. Not only you will get to wear what miners would wear, you get to experience what it is like to be one as well and even learn some things about those times that the mining industry did in order to progress the world into another era of development.

Zambia, as a landlocked country in South Africa, has much to be thankful for its luscious green plains and rich mineral resources. The country is blessed with high plateaus and valleys that make it conducive for farming, mining, and other industries of that sort. The country was once a British colony too, experiencing the same fate as most of its neighbors did under the great conquest of the British flag across many places. It was in 1964 when Zambia managed to gain its independence and claimed the name from being once called Northern Rhodesia.

The country’s flag is very reflective of the country’s geography and its celebration of the independence it enjoys freely to this day. The flag’s base is dominantly green. This sharply signifies the country’s rich and fertile agricultural land and the produce that it generates. It also shows the importance given by the Zambian people to the natural wonders that they are blessed with.

The flag also has three vertical stripes in the lower right hand corner of the banner. The red, black and orange bars from left to right each show different facets of the country’s life and history. The red column symbolizes the country’s struggle for independence which caused bloodshed and devastation. The central black column is a remembrance of the people who, African in ethnicity are black-skinned. The orange bar stands for the mineral wealth enjoyed by the country particularly, copper. On top of the three bars is an orange eagle which shows the people’s ability to rise above every problem they may encounter. The eagle is the symbol of Zambia’s freedom and is also found in its coat of arms.

In Zambian law, the flag must only be raised during the hours between sunrise and sundown. Also, there are plenty of laws covering right use and respectful regulations for the national symbol.

Arizona State Museum on the grounds of ASU
Photo by: Zereshk, Creative Commons

When it comes to appreciating the history of the world, visiting the Arizona State Museum is the best way to go. This museum is home to all kinds of historical items that give valuable information about the civilization of the early days of the world and enables a lot of people particularly researchers to learn more about its history, how the people lived then, their culture and many more.

The Arizona State Museum was first established in the year 1893 by the Arizona Territorial Legislature and is one of the oldest and largest museums of anthropology. This museum contains a lot of archeological discoveries, artifacts and different kinds of collections and some of which include the world’s biggest whole-vessel collection of Indian pottery in the Southwest, over one-hundred fifty thousand catalogued archeological artifacts and ethnographic artifacts, textile collections from the Navajo tribe, Casa Grandes pottery collections, over five hundred excellent examples of Mexicali folk masks and many more.

All these collections make Arizona State Museum one of the greatest places to visit when one wants to take a glimpse of some of the things in the past. Each item contains almost a ton of information about its origin, for example a what seem to others as a simple pot actually contains information about its creator, its civilization and at what particular time period it was made, its style or design reveals its culture or lifestyle of those people during those times. When visiting the Arizona State Museum you don’t just look at the history, but you also learn it along the way.

Arizona State Museum does not stop there; the artifacts the museum now possesses are just some of the many priceless treasures that the early civilizations left. With the help of many archeologists, anthropologists and researchers, they reveal more secrets about the history of the early civilizations of the world.

Sports, games, special events, and grand celebrations are all different kinds of entertainment for people. But one in particular has been one of the most famous of all and that are the performing arts which is commonly performed in a theater. One theater in particular that serves as a venue for such performances is the Renaissance Theater in Lincoln Center.

Similar to sports where there are different kinds of categories, there are different kinds of types when it comes to performing arts or theatrical arts. One of the types of performing arts is drama where performers commonly known as actors (actresses for female) act out stories in front of an audience using speech, dance, gestures and any other elements of performing arts.

The Renaissance Theater is venue to many different types of plays where both families and friends can sit back and enjoy the show. A lot of plays have different kinds of genre and one of the most common is similar to what is mentioned earlier which is drama. In this genre, the actors act out a story filled mostly with serious emotions, events which make the viewers or in this case, the audience be filled with suspense, or sadness and other emotions that can relate to what is situated in the stage. Usually dramatic plays end happily, and some have a sad ending nonetheless, either ending make the audience satisfied.

Another genre of a play is comedy; a genre filled with humor and would rarely make at least one audience not laugh. It is filled with humorous scenes, events of happiness and enjoyment, perfect for a simple family time. There are many other genres of plays that are performed in the theater and the performers often do the same play over and over again with different sets of audiences.

The Renaissance Theater is somewhat small, with roughly eighty five seats and is located inside the Lincoln Mill Village Commissary Building wherein a number of historic events took place. In the year 2000 with the help of Bob Baker who bought the Lincoln Center, the Renaissance Theater is now a functioning theater once again.

Coronado Cave
Photo by: vaxomatic, Creative Commons

Instead of hiking high up in the mountains under the bright shiny day or under the cool night sky, you could also try visiting the Coronado cave, traveling inside its deep dark trails without the aid of the sun or the moon unlike hiking in the outdoors. But instead of using the classic lantern or candle to light your way, it is required for hikers in the cave to bring a flashlight (that works) instead which is also more effective than the other two mentioned earlier.

Before you and your friends could enter the cave, you should get a permit first which is free of charge from the Visitor Center. The cave is pretty long with a length of about six-hundred feet and only twenty feet high with a width of seventy feet along with several crawl spaces and passages but none of these paths are very extensive. A round trip hike in the cave usually takes about two hours.

Coronado Cave has also been called Geronimo’s Cave, Montezuma’s Treasure Vault and many more. According to legends the cave was used by the Apache Indians as a hide-out when being chased by the U.S. Army, and during the late 1800’s many arrowheads were found in the cave. The limestone that houses the cave itself was formed many seasons ago. As time went by, water seeped through the cracks between the limestone formations dissolving the Calcite grains and along the way different minerals in the rocks mixed with water. Particularly, the oxidation of iron which are in the rocks of the cave releases sulfur and mixes or combines with water to form sulfuric acid that is dissolved in the limestone inside the cave, forming various passages and caverns that can be seen in the present.

If you are tired of hiking the same bright shiny day mountain trails or the cool night ambience of canyon trails or any other similar hiking trails, try hiking in the cave. When hiking in the Coronado Cave, you can also see the magnificent wonders of nature through the various rocks that are formed here which cannot be seen in any outdoor hiking trails.

Five stamp Mill for crushing ore
Photo by: Leonard G., Creative Commons

A museum that focuses on mining and minerals may not exactly be every visitor’s idea of a good time, but then, the Arizona Mining & Mineral Museum has more than the geeky content and the uninteresting displays. With its inventory of 3,000 minerals, artifacts, fossils, rocks and other items connected to the mining industry, there will surely be something that will appeal to any type of traveler, earth science geek or not.

This museum earned a spot in the headlines when in 2010, the Historical Society of the state took control of the museum, with a new state law to back this move. The society made plans to have the facility converted into a history museum with its opening to coincide with the centennial of Arizona statehood in 2012. The plan also included the renaming of the museum into the Arizona Centennial Museum with its focus to include not just minerals but also cattle, cotton, citrus and climate.” This project has been delayed, though, because there are items that are apparently on loan to the museum that have liabilities.

Currently included in the museum’s collection are a mineral collection and mining equipment, as well as their items donated by the state’s former governor by Rose Mofford. Before entering the museum, there is already an exhibit of mining equipment, both historic and modern. Among the displays are minerals from well-known Arizona mineral localities with focus on copper specimens. Women will appreciate faceted gemstones and cabochons gotten from the mineral deposits of the state. One of the more popular items on exhibit is a piece of the Meteor Crater meteorite which weighs 206 pounds.

The museum is popular among tourists because it offers air-conditioned comfort, perfect for those seeking refuge from the excruciating heat outdoors. Moreover, children under 18 may enter the museum for free, while adult guests enter for a minimal entrance fee.

NOTE: CURRENTLY UNDERGOING RENOVATION

Baranov Museum
Photo by: Main Website

If Alaska could be known for something else besides coldness and ice glaciers, it should be about its rich historic significance not just in the United States but in the entire world as well. Such fact is evident with the mere existence of the Baranov Museum located in Kodiak, Alaska.

Back to the days when Alaska was still populated by people from various nationalities and it was a territory of Russia, much historical influence were brought into Alaska. The Baranov Museum seems like a perfect location for the representation of the rich history and culture of the area.

The island where the museum sits clearly defines how quick changes were applied at the time when Russia took over the state. And because the preoccupation lasted for almost a hundred and fifty years, there is no question as to why this seemingly isolated state became a melting pot of culture and lifestyle.

If you think that only historians will enjoy the exquisite beauty of the museum, then you got it all wrong. In fact, visitors from all walks of life and from all age range can enjoy the museum as it provides a very outstanding depiction of the culture and lifestyle of the Alaska natives even before the time the Russians came in to conquer the land. Aside from showcasing the native lifestyle, the museum is also packed with artifacts that are clear odds and ends of the Russian immigration to the area.

There are also bits and pieces of the phenomenal World War II as well as memorabilia from the post-war years. Good thing about the museum is that children aged 12 and below are not charged for entrance fees. This means the entire family can enjoy this informational tour. After an educational trip at the Baranov Museum, all guests are sure to have a clearer view of the area’s past and be acquainted with the villager’s way of life.

Lake Havasu State Park
Photo by: Mispahn, Creative Commons

On the border of California and Arizona lies Lake Havasu, a large reservoir formed by the Parker Dam on the Colorado River 155 miles downstream from the larger and more famous Hoover Dam. Like its bigger cousin, the Parker Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam, but it also holds the distinction of being “the deepest dam in the world,” as 235 feet of the dam’s 320-foot height was built below the riverbed. Parker Dam’s job is to generate hydroelectric power and to store water – about 210 billion US gallons – in Lake Havasu.

The water in Lake Havasu supplies cities in Southern California and Arizona and irrigates agricultural areas. Touted as “Arizona’s Playground”, the lake itself is attracts around 3.5 million visitors every year for recreational fishing, water sports, and boating. Fish found in Lake Havasu include bass, sunfish, catfish, and carp. Sturgeons were once stocked in the lake in the 1960s, and it is believed that a few large specimens still live in the lake’s waters.

Lake Havasu City and the world-famous London Bridge – it was transported all the way from London – can be found on the shore of Lake Havasu. Near the bridge is Lake Havasu State Park, a scenic strip of beaches like Windsor Beach and Cattail Cove and nature trails such as the Mohave Sunset Trail. The Mohave Sunset Trail is a 1.5-mile long hiking trail through the desert and lake shoreline.

Campsites are also available, as well as boat ramps for those who want to go on the lake. Swimming, fishing, water skiing, and boating are the main water sports in the area. The Arroyo-Camino Interpretative Garden found within the park features birds and reptiles and other examples of the diverse wildlife which can be found in the desert.

Lake Havasu is a great place to visit any time, thanks to its year-round mild climate.

Tongass National Forest’s one of many trails
Photo by: Mark Brennan, Creative Commons

Almost 17 million acres of land area makes up the Tongass National Forest making it the largest in the national forest system. The area is so large that it covers most of Southeast Alaska. There is an abundance of wildlife populations in the forest and on the islands that are included.

Visitors to this area will never run out of activities to do or scenery and wildlife to adore.
The forest is made up of the Alexander Archipelago Forest Reserve, which was proclaimed by President Theodore Roosevelt on 20 August 1902, and the Tongass Forest, proclaimed on September 10, 1907. It was July 1908 when the two forests were combined making it the nation’s largest forest.

There are about 75,000 people who have made the forest their home and live of the produce from the land. The largest population is Juneau which is also the state capital. The forest was named after the Tongass group of the Tlingit people. There are 31 communities in the forest including several Alaska Native tribes that live throughout Southeast Alaska.

Close to a million people visit the forest every year to experience the activities that the area has to offer. Many of these activities can only be found in Alaska. Most of the creatures that seldom inhabit North America can be found in abundance in the forest. Most of these creatures are unique and are therefore protected. Different species of bald eagles, salmon and brown and black bears have made the forest their home.

Visitors who plan on really finding an adventure can select from over 150 rustic cabins scattered throughout the area. Cost of the cabins vary per night and come with warming stoves, benches, bunks and tables. The Tongass National Forest offers any visitor adventures to last a lifetime.

Alaska Raptor Rehab Center – Juvenile bald eagle
Photo by: Jerzy Strzelecki, Creative Commons

For bird lovers travelling within the coasts of Alaska, a trip to the Alaska Raptor Center should land as their topmost priority. This conservation and rehabilitation center is located in Sitka. The site can easily be identified as it sits beside the Indian river. The vast space that covers up to seventeen acres is a home to injured birds lurking around the state of Alaska.

Amongst the most common types of birds found in the conservation center are eagles, falcons, and owls. There are also some hawks which were held captive after finding them from forests. This raptor center serves as the headquarters for the rehabilitation of different birds of prey in Alaska. In fact, they provide service to up to two hundred injured birds every year. These birds are taken over to the center contained in special cages that were flown into the area thru airplanes.

After a successful healing process, the birds are then freed and released to go back to the forest. However, for unhealed ones or those which appears too weak to survive the wild, they are given to several zoo centers and wildlife centers in the US. Some animals which cannot be released back to the nature are left in the center – free for the guests to interact with. This is the reason why they were later on known as a famous educational spot in the area.

For people who are advocates of animal rights and are good with releasing the birds back to their real habitat, the center is also open for volunteers. Those volunteers can take part in the healing process and restoration program of injured birds. Doing so even just for a day speaks more than a typical Alaska experience. Being one with nature in a far too different pursuit than any other is truly a remarkable thing to consider once you step foot in Sitka, Alaska.

Looking down Allen and 5th street in historic Tombstone district
Photo by: Ken Thomas, Creative Commons

The O.K. Corral in Tombstone is one of the most popular tourist spots in Arizona, known as the site where the “Gunfight at O.K. Corral” occurred on October 26, 1881. Many tales and legends regarding the gunfight continue to surround the historical town of Tombstone, prompting many Old West fans and curious tourists to visit the location of one of the famous gunfights recorded in history.

History

The famous gunfight was between two groups: that of City Marshal Virgil Earp, Wyatt Earp, Morgan Earp, and John “Doc” Holliday; versus that of Frank McLaury, Tom McLaury, Billy Claiborne, Ike Clanton, and Billy Clanton.

According to some writings, the McLaurys, Clantons, and Claiborne were part of a large group called Cowboys, reportedly notorious for functioning as loosely-organized bandits (involved in cattle rustling and gunslinging) that enforced their interests in the town. The Earps and Holliday were identified as a group that largely represented “law and order” in Tombstone. The 30-second gunfight, which left the McLaurys and Billy Clanton dead, was said to be the climax of an ongoing tension between the two groups. Others said it was a tragic misunderstanding that resulted when the Earps attempted to disarm the Cowboys’ group.

Arizona’s Tombstone O.K. Corral Today

As the town of Tombstone steadily became popular due to the shoot-out and several other significant events, many of the original landmarks were either restored or rebuilt. The gunfight site and surrounding areas have since been transformed into a tourist attraction with many areas of interest, including markers for the actual location of the shoot-out (as it did not occur exactly at the O.K. Corral, but in a vacant lot next to a photography studio along Fremont Street). Tourists and visitors are also in for an interesting trip down the town’s memory lane, through life-sized displays, daily re-enactments of the O.K. Corral gunfight, photo galleries of 1880s Tombstone, theatre shows, and a museum of The Tombstone Epitaph, Arizona’s oldest newspaper.

Revillagigedo Island from above
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The 166th largest island in the world and the 12th largest in the United States is Revillagigedo Island. It has an area of 1,063.65 square miles and lies in the Alexander Archipelago in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. The island is separated from mainland Alaska to the east by the Behm Canal and the Clarence Straight separates it from the Prince of Whales Island to the west. The Revillagigedo Channel separates the island from Annette Island, to the south.

Russian and British explorers explored the island but the island was named by 18th century Spanish explorers in 1973 for the Viceroy of Mexico, Juan Vicente Guemes Pacheco de Padilla, Count of Revilla Gigedo.

The Island does not have a large population and the only two cities are Ketchikan and Saxman. Residents of the island make a living out of tourism, logging, fishing and canning. There are also several logging communities that move around on barges. These barges are better known as the unconnected system of logging roads.

Visitors to Revillagigedo will surely want to take a trip along the Behm Canal. The trip along the Behm Canal is not something that you would want to miss, but you will need to be sure that you can spend a few weeks to fully appreciate the experience. The main trip can be as long as 150 miles and there are side trips that can add as much as 100 miles to this.

Taking the trip along the canal will give you access to the beautiful scenery and a view of the land and marine wildlife that can be found along the way. Wilderness camping, berry picking and a view of the Misty Fjords are some of the highlights of the trip. For a full adventure, be sure to explore at least some of the inlets and bays found along the canal.

Sunset view of Camelback Mountain
Photo by: midiman, Creative Commons

When it comes to outdoor attractions, the state of Arizona not only doesn’t disappoint, it also offers plenty. Whether right beside the state’s cities or right off the beaten track, there are so many natural spectacles that will surely occupy any visitor’s itinerary. Enjoying these places does not really require visitors to be outdoor activity buffs, as there are a lot of activities that let visitors just relax and enjoy splendid view. One of these places is Camelback Mountain, located in Phoenix itself.

Camelback Mountain got its quirky name from its resemblance to a camel’s humps and head when the animal is splayed to the ground. The view is simply spectacular especially during the sunset, when the entire range turns into an orange-brown color, which all the more makes it resemble a camel from far view. More laidback visitors can just enjoy the view from the bottom of the range, as the hiking is considered very challenging, even by people who hike a lot.

There are two hiking trails in Camelback Mountain which rise to 1,280 feet in its peak. There’s the Echo Canyon Trail, which is considered the easier trail at 1.2 miles (1900 meters). The Cholla Trail is the more challenging trail at 1.4 miles (2300 meters). Both Echo Canyon and Cholla trails are considered arduous as they are quite steep and would need a good amount of athleticism to trek.

The hiking path includes sections with dirt, boulders, gravel, and even some with handrails. On the average, a fit person can finish one hike back and forth at 2 hours. Other hikers can take up to 3 hours to finish the hike and return to ground.

Camelback Mountain also has the Praying Monk, a rock formation of red sandstone and resembling a kneeling man, perfect for rock climbers and belaying.

At the Utah / Arizona border
Photo by: BoNoMoJo, Creative Commons

Arizona is home to many natural landmarks and attractions that draw in countless visitors every year. One such natural wonder is the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, often credited as one of the highest natural bridges in the world. The beautiful rock formation is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in the southern portion of Utah.

Background

The Rainbow Bridge stands 290 feet (88 m) and spans 234 feet (71 m). With these figures, Rainbow Bridge is certainly among the world’s most impressive natural bridges and natural formations. According to geologists, the spectacular sandstone bridge was formed towards the end of the Triassic and Jurassic periods. Many theories explain how it was formed, but most centered on water carving away the softer sandstone layers and leaving behind the harder, densely compacted ones.

Generations of Native Americans who lived near the Rainbow Bridge have long revered it, holding it sacred. Some groups, including the Navajo people, named it Nonnezoshe which means “rainbow turned to stone.” This is most likely how the Rainbow Bridge got its name.

Touring the Rainbow Bridge

The splendor of the Rainbow Bridge prompts many sightseers, nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers to see the sandstone bridge for themselves. Not a problem at all, as the natural bridge is considered to be most accessible arch in the world. Tourists can reach it through several ways: a 2-hour boat ride on Lake Powell, originating from either of the two marinas near Page in Arizona; mile-long walk from National Park wharf in Bridge Canyon; or several hours hike or horseback ride following a trail on the southern portion of Lake Powell.

There are no designated camping or picnic grounds within the Rainbow bridge area, so tourists are advised to obtain as much information, direction, and advisory as possible from the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area prior to visiting the Rainbow Bridge.

Oak Creek Canyon
Photo by: Postdlf, Creative Commons

Visitors wanting to go to Arizona may probably ask if there are any other attractions that the state offers in addition to the Grand Canyon. Well, the obvious answer to that is yes, with Oak Creek Canyon leading the pack of attractions outside the Grand Canyon that are stunning and worth visiting as well. Oak Creek Canyon is actually a river gorge between the cities of Sedona and Flagstaff. The canyon is often referred to as a smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon because it offers comparable scenic beauty, and thus attracts a similar number of tourists as the Grand Canyon. Getting there requires the traveler to go through the State Route 89A which enters the canyon.

People may usually dismiss Oak Creek Canyon as just another site for hiking and climbing which the state of Arizona already has dozens of. People should remember, though that Oak Creek Canyon is a river gorge, and therefore, offers more in terms of activities. For those who would like to have a more peaceful time just admiring the canyon’s beauty with good food and wine, there are a number of campgrounds, picnic areas, and recreation areas within the canyon operated by the US Forest Service. Slide Rock State Park, home to a natural water slide along Oak Creek, should be perfect for swimming and fishing. The 49 fishable miles along the canyons creek offers a wide variety of catch, from varieties of trout and bass to catfish. Camping is another popular activity in the area.

Hiking is obviously a popular activity here, with a number of trails leading to side canyons or up to the canyon’s edge. The most popular trail in the Coconino National Forest, where Oak Creek Canyon is included, is the trail that leads to 4.8 kilometers up the West Fork of Oak Creek.

The Republic of Georgia basks in its picturesque mountain ranges and vast plains and hails as one of the earliest Catholic or Christian countries in the world. The country is led by a president as head of state and having executive powers together with the Cabinet of Georgia led by the president-assigned Prime Minister. Originally calling themselves as Kartvelebi, the people went through struggles and travails under the hands of the Russian and Soviet colonizers. For a while, the country lived in communism owing to the Soviet Union’s ideals. Georgia took its name from the people’s strong reverence to St. George of the Christian faith.

The country’s early adoption of the Christian religion has guided the way of leadership and governance in Georgia to be just and pro-right. The country’s devotion to St. George, much like England’s patron, has proven to be a guiding compass towards where the country stands to date. As a show of their devotion to their patron, St. George, the Georgian flag host to the five St. George crosses. After about 500 years of its non-usage, the medieval version of the flag was reinstated in 2004.

To date, the Georgian flag emblazons the five crosses with one central red-colored cross dividing the white background into four distinct quadrants each holding one of the four smaller versions of the red crosses. Some scholars contend that the four additional smaller crosses might have been added during the reign of George V who was known to be the brilliant and the splendid king who drove out the Mongols from Georgia. Symbolically, the five crosses of their patron saint could suggest reverence to the Five Holy Wounds of Christ. The concept of the Georgian flag is perhaps one of the few that is greatly intertwined with the country’s principal religion.

Aurora Reservoir
Photo by: denver_flyer, Creative Commons

The city of Aurora is located within the Douglas, Adams and Arapahoe municipalities in Colorado. The city is currently the 59th most popular city in the US and has an estimated population of more than 2 million since 2007. Aurora City is well-known as the hometown of notable public figures and celebrities which includes Tim Allen, TJ Cunningham, William Armstrong and Colorado Governor Bill Owens.

Aurora was originally known as the “Fletcher Town” during the 1880’s. The town was named in honor of Denver-based real estate owner and businessman Donald Fletcher. He purchased half of the average square lot of the Colorado area after the “1893 Silver Crash”. In 1907, Fletcher turned down the purchasing of the Colorado area. The first Colorado inhabitants reclaimed the area and they named it as “Aurora Town”. Since 1980, Aurora already became one of America’s fast-rising cities.

Sports Illustrated chose Aurora City as Colorado’s “Official Sports Town” during the magazine’s 50th anniversary. The magazine decided to choose the city as the best site for local sports events in the US because of its advanced sports facilities. In 2003, the Aurora Sports Park was opened to attract more than 40 regional and national tournaments in America.

The Morrison Nature Center is one of the city’s most visited tourist spots today. Also known as the “Star K Ranch”, the Morrison Center provides a variety of nature explorations which includes access to the 50-acre Jewell Wetland and Sand Creek Greenway Trail. The center also has butterfly garden sites and child-friendly eco trails. The DeLaney Farm is home to one of Aurora’s populous historic spots. A 130-acre open site, the DeLaney Farm serves as the city’s access trail to Colorado’s “High Line Canal Garden”. The site is also where the 1,100-acre Aurora Plains Conservation Center is situated.

Inside lower Antelope canyon
Photo by: donarreiskoffer, Creative Commons

The Antelope Slot Canyon or simply Antelope Canyon is one of Arizona’s many natural wonders and attractions, flocked by adventurers, nature lovers, sightseers, and photographers from all over the world. It is reportedly the most visited and photographed slot canyon in Southwestern United States.

Background

The Antelope Slot Canyon is a breath-taking natural formation with high canyon walls and narrow passages, situated on Navajo territory near Page, Arizona. The canyon got its name from the stories of the local Navajo people about antelopes that used to graze along the canyon during winter. The smooth, rippled sandstone walls were gently carved by water rushing through it for countless millennia. It is actually comprised of two canyons, the Upper and the Lower canyons.

The Upper Antelope Canyon is the most commonly visited portion because of its accessibility; with the entrance and full length at ground level, it doesn’t require climbing. Also, most visitors, especially photographers, are after the beautiful view of sun beams passing through the openings from above, something more common in this portion than the Lower Antelope Canyon.

The Lower Antelope Canyon is a few kilometres away from the Upper Canyon. Although metal stairways are installed in this area to make touring easier, it is still harder to hike than the upper canyon. Trails are longer, and some areas are narrower or do not have footing. Still, many photographers and tourists are willing to take the challenge.

Touring the Antelope Slot Canyon

Because flooding in the canyons can occur quickly during monsoon season, tourists are not allowed to venture into the Antelope Slot Canyon without the presence of an authorized tour guide. Even if it doesn’t rain directly or around the canyons, flash floods can occur when it rains several miles upstream.

Tour guide fees are extra and not part of the general admission fees. Tours for the Upper Antelope Canyon usually takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, while Lower Antelope Canyon tours take 1 hour. Several tour operators are available for both canyons and other places of interest nearby. Photography tours are usually limited to 2 hours per day for the Upper Antelope Canyon, and 4 hours per day for the Lower Antelope Canyon. Many Navajo tour guides also tell Native American stories about the Antelope Slot Canyon and play flute music for visitors during the tour.

Sea-lions at the entrance into Resurrection Bay
Photo by: Alaskan Dude, Creative Commons

The world-renowned visitor spot called Resurrection Bay lies on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. Usually, people can drop by the spot during cruises and kayak trips on the Seward. Going on a tour boat trip to navigate along the Resurrection Bay is one of the most adventurous things to try out while you are in Seward. There are many tour organizers who are able to put up several trips to the bay and to the nearby fjords. Of all the variety of possible trip themes in the Resurrection Bay, the most popular includes the marine wildlife tour.

Enjoyed by travelers of all ages, the marine wildlife tour is comprised by a serene voyage thru the bay while waiting for the appearance of the three whale types that live in the area. Visitors are often humbled by the presence of humpback whales and orcas. Aside from the huge whales, there are other sea creatures that can be spotted, including sea lions. If you look up the sky, a nice view of the hawks and other seabirds await you. Indeed it is one very vivid presentation of a great marine life.

A satisfying trip usually takes an entire day to enjoy. Such trips include a visit to other famous landmarks and sightseeing spots in Alaska including the different glaciers (Holgate Glacier, Bear Glacier, and the Davidson Glacier), a short trip to the Chiswell Island where you can interact with seabirds and a multitude of sea lions. But for people who do not have the luxury of time to spend an entire day, the Resurrection Bay can still be enjoyed thru half-day tours that lets you enjoy its coasts and depending on the time and weather conditions, the trip usually extends to the vicinity of Rugged Island. A tour itinerary may differ from one another, so make sure that you pick something that you feel like doing depending on your schedule and budget.

Bell Rock in Sedona, Arizona
Photo by: Tomas Castelazo, Creative Commons

The state of Arizona is one place that is filled with natural attractions, particularly with its amazing land formations. Canyons, mountains, and trails – there’s no lack of those breathtaking vistas here. Whether a visitor is someone who just appreciates beautiful views or someone involved in a lot of outdoor activities, Arizona offers a lot of places for them to enjoy. One of the amazing attractions is Bell Rock, located in the Village of Oak Creek, in Sedona, Arizona.

This land formation is technically a butte, made up of sedimentary rocks that were piled up horizontally for centuries. What it is now is a sight that looks spectacular especially during the sunset, when the rich brown color of the butte glimmers. The formation also takes a special significance among believers of the New Age movement, who believe that the place has a spiritual ingredient that rejuvenates their being, with the rock energizing and calming anyone located on its slopes.

For those into more active pursuits, the Bell Rock is an excellent place to go hiking. The peak of the butte is 550 feet from the bottom. The Bell Rock is located close to the highway, so hiking in the Bell Rock cannot really be classified as a backcountry hike. The climb is not steep compared to other trails in the state. It is more a leisurely climb with the trail composed of something resembling stair steps rather than diagonal steps.

Even climbers who are not that athletic can manage to climb the trail. In any direction one climbs, the views of the rock formations surrounding Bell Rock like Courthouse Butte are predominant, making the climb look more rugged than what it really is, yet providing beautiful scenery. The Bell Rock is home to a lot of wildlife, including cottontails, coyotes and even foxes.

Phoenix city lights from South mountains at night
Photo by: Ehiris, Creative Commons

The state of Arizona offers a lot of sights for people who love the outdoors. One of these places that guarantee a lovely time for those who live for the outdoors is the South Mountain Park. The South Mountain Park is considered as the largest city park in the world, conveniently located within the city of Phoenix itself. As part of the Phoenix Mountains preserve system, the park has well-maintained greenery perfect for a number of outdoor activities. There is just so much space in this nearly 17,000-acrefacility, that it is a perfect place for both active outdoor activity people and folk who just want to relax and take in the beauty of the mountains.

For the active type, hiking, mountain biking and trail rides are to be enjoyed here. Close to 58 miles of trails are at the disposal of any hiker, with more than 10 different trails in the park, ranging from 1 to 14 miles long. The trails are a challenge, as they have been rated from moderate (the Javelina Canyon Trail) to very difficult when it comes to difficulty, so sturdy shoes and sun block are recommended. There are also guided trail rides (limited in the summer, though) for those who like to ride horse-back.

For the more passive, laidback outdoors person, the park has meeting areas and ramadas (shelters) available for small parties, barbecues and parties. The larger ramadas are available for reservations, and can hold up to 50 people. For those who want to just take in the natural beauty of the park, a South Mountain Park scenic drive is a definite must-do. The road is winding, which should be handled well by expert drivers. The key to enjoying this drive is to take it slow and just enjoy the spectacular view. There is clear signage for drivers to follow in terms of direction. Particularly recommended is the view from the mountains’ highest peak, Dobbins Point.

Given the distinction as the only national flag in the world to feature a building or infrastructure in its aesthetic appeal, the current national emblem is a return to the once Cambodian flag during the monarchy rule of the Kingdom of Cambodia in 1948. Divided into three parts in the ratio 1:2:1, the flag has top and bottom blue bars that seemingly contain the red center showcasing the silhouette of the Angkor Wat. Very religious and philosophical, the national insignia is a testament to Cambodia’s progressive culture, diverse spiritual beliefs and strength as a country and as a people.

The national flag has undergone several changes because of power shifts in the country brought by different colonizers and eras. However, despite the modifications the Angkor Wat symbol or image remained at the heart of the national emblem. The old standing temple is home to the nation’s dominant religions – first, to Hinduism and then the change towards Buddhism afforded the latter of the opportunity to take the grandeur of the temple. Having five towers and a huge land base, the citadel is known to be the world’s largest religious building. Because of its historical significance and architectural genius, scholars and leaders agree that it is one of Cambodia’s best cultural assets and tourist attraction today. In recent times, Angkor Wat roughly translates to City Tower.

As a strong symbol for a culturally rich country like Cambodia, the blue bars of the flag serve as reminders of the country’s royal lineage as shown in its monarchic rule and the red portion as representative of the people who cling on the their religious beliefs, the white background of the temple’s presence which shows the structure of the universe. Cambodia is truly a spiritual nation of people who seek to find natural balance as well as spiritual enlightenment.

Sunset Crater
Photo by: Urban, Creative Commons

Meteor Crater is not the only crater worth seeing in the state of Arizona. North of the city of Flagstaff lies Sunset Crater Volcano National Park, home of – you guessed it – the Sunset Crater Volcano. Yes, there is a volcano in Arizona. While the enigmatic Meteor Crater was originally believed to be a volcanic formation – it is now known that it was created by a meteorite impact thousands of years ago – there has been no doubt as to what created the Sunset Crater Volcano.

Between 1080 and 1150 AD (or 1040 and 1100), the Sinagua Indians who lived in the area where witness to a catastrophic event that forced them to abandon their homes. The once dormant San Francisco Volcanic Field had awakened; ash billowed high into the sky and lava poured out of the ground. When it was all over the ash had blanketed over 2,100 square kilometers, the lava had spread nearly 10 kilometers away from the fissure, and a 340-meter high cinder cone stood over the devastated landscape.

Today, the Sunset Crater Volcano lies silent. Trees, shrubs, and other plants have started to grow back on the once black and barren lava fields around the cinder cone slopes. There is no danger from the volcano now, but the volcano has been in danger from the actions of people – a movie company once tried to blow up the crater to simulate a real exploding volcano, but a public outcry scuttled that plan and caused the US government to declare the area around the volcano a national monument in order to protect it from further exploitation.

More recently, the trail to the summit of the volcano was closed to prevent further erosion due to the actions of hikers climbing up the mountain. Hikers must now content themselves with a one mile long loop trail at the base of the mountain.