COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE & MOUNT HOOD OREGON

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The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular canyon that cuts one of the mountains of the Cascade Range and the Columbia River runs through it, carrying a strong current of water to the Pacific, and creating the most powerful hydroelectric plant in North America with 14 dams; the northern part of the canyon belongs to Washington State and the south to the State of Oregon.  To get to the water falls take I-84 and get off on exit 17.  Take US-30 which is the old Columbia River Gorge highway.  It  has 11 waterfalls, some of them have good parking .  You can get off at Vista Point,  continue to Latourel Falls, Wakima  Falls,  and then to the most impressive one, Multnomah Falls, which takes its name after a tribe of the Chinookan Indians, who lived in the area on the early 19th century.  It is the second highest waterfall in USA, 620 feet high, and has more than 31,000 years.  Archaeologists believe that the Folsom and Marmes found them when they crossed the continental divide from Asia.  The falls are crossed by  a lookout bridge, that can be reached by stairs only, since the  elevator near by takes you to a restaurant instead.  Undoubtedly it is a very nice place to see and to take lots of pictures.

 

Multnomah Falls

Horsetail Falls is the next fall and as the name suggests it looks like a horse tail.

 

Horsetail Falls

The Visitor Center is near by and it has a museum, a dam ,and also  the Bonneville  Hatcherie that can be visited.  Well there are so many beautiful views in this area, so take your time to enjoy the scenery.

MOUNT HOOD

It’s a snow-covered volcano, has 12 glaciers and is 11.239 feet high, it is one of the highest mountains in Oregon and the fourth highest of the Cascade Range.  It is reflected in the Trillium Lake and is part of Mound Hood National Forest, which has 189.200 acres, over 1200 miles of hiking trails and six ski areas.  You may stay inside the park, where there are cabins, condominiums and a motel.  You can get information at: www.mthood.info.  We could not do it because they were closed. I will show some photos of the snow piled up during our visit there.  We went in mid-March this year and we stayed Comfort Suites Portland Airport NE 12,010 Airport Way Portland, Or.   If you like to see more pictures of this trip click on the website at the end of this blog.

 

 

 

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Pictures by:  Gloria and Vily

NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK

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The Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park, established in 1885, covers 400 acres and was designed by architect Frederick Law Olmsted.  It is only from this park where you can almost make contact with the falls.
Is located on American side of the Falls.  From there you can take different tours, such as the “Cave of the Winds”  where you will be able to view the falls face to face, included in the price of the tours are the  ponchos and sandals, which you keep as a souvemir.   You may go behind and under the falls in this tour, but don’t think that the ponchos will help you much if you do that.

 

Falls view from the State Park

 

View of Niagara river and Canada side from NY state park.

 

We stayed at the Comfort Inn The Point at 1 Prospect Point, Niagara Falls, NY 14,303.  which is across from  the park, and from there we could walk to Three Sisters Island, Luna Island and see the falls up close.  All this is located inside the park.  From Prospect Point (in the park) you may see the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, which have viewpoints with spectacular views.  Take the famous boat tour “Maid of the Mist”   who is unforgettable.  They’ll give you ponchos and it runs from May to October.

 

Niagara Falls (see Maid of the mist under the Falls.

 

There is also a trolley that goes around the  park and you can pay for it at the Visitor Center.  For information: www.niagarafallsstatepark.com and Tel: (716) 278-1730.

NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA

Once you see these beautiful waterfalls you can’t  denied the greatness of God.   ! It’s fantastic!, from the Canadian side, you enjoyed, not only the beautiful american falls, but also of the beautiful and modern Canadian city.  They even have the “Fallsview Casino”. with its beautiful hotel and exclusive shopping mall.  For children there is the Bird Kingdom, with over 400 species of birds.   There are also water parks.

The American Water Falls taken from the Canada side.

 

You should not miss the famous Floral Clock located at: Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario. Tel: (905) 371-0254.  Then there is the Niagara Park Botanical Gardens. Tel: 1-877-642-7275.  It is a vacation for the entire family.  Finally don’t miss the falls lit at night and the fireworks.   The fireworks are only on certains nights, so please check first. I hope to have a fabulous time there.

See more photos at: http://gloria305vacaciones.com/las-cataratas-del-niagara-ny/

Photos: Glory and Vily

BARAHONA – PEDERNALES – BAHIA DE LAS AGUILAS – REPUBLICA DOMINICANA

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To get to Bahia de las Aguilas (Eagles’ Bay), take the road from Santo Domingo to San Cristobal, (where Trujillo was born) and 40 miles west of Santo Domingo find the town of  Bani Salinas, birthplace of Maximo Gomez on November 18, 1836; there you can visit his museum and learn more about his history.  The Port Bani plans to open by 2012:  there are hotels with a nice view, good restaurants and bars.  We went and visit other friends there.  ! How good it feels to meet again with old friends.  !It feels like time was frozen!….

 

Salinas (view from our friend’s home)

 

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Two of our friends at a Gazebo in their Salinas’ Home

 

BARAHONA

It is a province located in south western Dominican Republic, to the east it has the Caribbean Sea.  The city has an interesting architectural heritage, in the oldest area there are buildings with vernacular styles.  Among the places to visit are:  The Arc of  Tryumf, built by Trujillo, is welcoming the visitors, The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary of 1948,  next to it you’l find  the Belfry, that exceeds the height of the entire building, also you’ll see the Municipal Palace and across from there the Central Park. There are very good hotels in the area also you can rent  an automobile, but I would recommend a Jeep 4×4.

About 10 Kms from the city is the beach “Quemaito” that, as  most of the beaches in this area,  has a beautiful blend of mountains, fine sandy beaches and clear water to swim.

Nearby is the beach of San Rafael, where you can see the rare junction of the San Rafael river, which descends from the mountains, and joins the Caribbean Sea.   ! Beautiful Beach!….

 

 

San Rafael river joins the Caribbean Sea

 

San Rafael Beach

 

Bahia de las Aguilas (Eagles’ Bay)

It’s a heavenly place, that is not privatized, and not frequent by tourists. It belongs to the Jaragua National Park.  We seen some caves where  “horned” iguanas are very common.  You can rent a boat tour that will take you to a beautiful beach nearby in the bay, where you can spend the entire day or part of the day and they will come back for you and bring you back to your car.  Do not miss this wonderful experience!  I am enclosing some photos as the scenery is indescribable.  If you prefer, there are also tours from Barahona, but I think this one is better.

 

From the boat in route to the beach

 

Secluded sandy BEACH

 

PEDERNALES

It is one of 32 Dominican provinces and is located west of the country, on the border with Haiti.  It is named after the mineral wealth of “pedernal”( flint).   Primitive men used it to make tools.  It has a  beach “Cabo Rojo” ( Red Cape) where you can eat lobster, shrimp and fresh fish at a reasonable price, also near by you buy some souvenirs.

 

Road side souvenir shop

 

Hoyo de Pelempito.

In Sierra de Baoruco National Park is located the “Hoyo de Pelempito”. In the heart of the mountain, a hole 700 meters deep contains a 7 km long valley.  We had a cloudy and rainy day, so we could not see much depth since the hole was covered by fog and clouds.

However, we went to a vantage point and hike a  trail  where we saw some unusual  plants.

 

HOYO de Pelempito

 

On our trip back to the capital we stay at “HOTEL AZUL” near Barahona.  I will make no comment, just look at these pictures and make your own opinion of this place.

 

 

 

 

 

ENJOY YOURSELF.  Remember today is a “present” tomorrow is “unknown”

To view this blog in spanish go to:  http://gloria305vacaciones.com/category/bahia-de-las-aguilas/

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SANTO DOMINGO – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

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We are not going to Santo Domingo on “vacation”, but to visit our good friends Victor and Sarah, but through them we met some loving people with an easy smile and always willing to get together and play dominoes.

 

Santo Domingo is the capital and the largest city of the Dominican Republic and the largest of the  Caribbean Metropolis, it is 40 square kilometers and has about 2 million inhabitants.

Founded by Christopher Columbus in 1492, is becoming the first Spanish colony in the New World.

Colonial City, called “Zona Colonial” is part of the original “Santo Domingo de Guzman” and it was built around 1500.  The District is located in the west corner of the Ozama River, which divides the city into the lower and upper sides of the city, but the Colonial Zone is only about 5 square kilometers and has a rich history such as LA CASA DE LAS GARGOLAS, “Ermita de San Antón” and the “CATEDRAL PRIMADA DE AMERICA”, which was first established in the Americas and it is facing “Parque de Colon”.  Built in part with limestone, it is said to have been mined from the quarry of Santa Barbara, Construction began in 1512 to 1541, but was sacked in 1586 by the English pirate Francis Drake, despite that,  it currently has works of art in its 14 chapels,  jewelry,  and lots of silverware which is called ” The Cathedral Treasury” . Among the paintings are “the Virgin of Altagracia”, of 1523.

 

Capital Primada de America

 

Monumento A Colon

The city was surrounded by a wall from the Rio Ozama to “La Puerta del Conde”, and was the only entrance to the city until about the 19th century.  The “San Jose Fort” is  part of  this series of bastions to defend the city. Today may visit at the jnction of  Avenida George Washington, Jose Gabriel Garcia and Calle 19 de Marzo.  From the top level of the fort  you can see the lighthouse at the entrance of the Rio Ozama.

CASA DE LAS GARGOLAS. (Sixteenth century)

Today is the Circle of Collectors who sell collectibles, but if you look at the roof of this building, has “piped roof with carved stone figures of animals.

 

EL MERCADO MODELO

Address: Ramon Matias Mella Ave.  Tel: (809) 686-6772.

Here you can find everything you need, from typical home decorations, flowers, jewelry and all sorts of lotions and perfumes, also it is famous for candy, and sweets such as Dominican vanilla.  The prices are good, but still you hustle for a discount.  Things to buy in Santo Domingo are: cigars, coffee,  faceless dolls, rum, and its famous  amber and larimar stones.

But if you prefer to go to Shopping Malls, there are several: Plaza Naco, Unicentro, and Plaza Caribe.

 

Shoping Center

 

FARO DE COLON (Columbus Lighthouse)

This impressive monument was completed in 1992 for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America. Is assumed to have the remains of Columbus, although in Spain they claim to have it too.  Inside their is a lot information and history available, but be ready to do a lot of walking.

If you want to enjoy a sea breeze, can walk in the “malecon” and if you desire a drink, go across the street to any of their wonderful hotels or eat at the restaurants such as Lina Restaurant inside the Hotel Barcelo  or try your luck at the Jaragua Casino and Hotel.

 

 

There is all types of restaurants and their meals are delicious, of course you have to eat a good” mofongo” or “mangu”, (both made of banana) and rice, which is the basis of the traditional food and is cook  in different ways: locrios, asopaos, moros, etc., there are pastries made out of yuca and chicken, potatoes, cornmeal, etc.  No way to go to Santo Domingo without having to go on a diet when you return home.

They have a beautiful and famous Botanic Garden (Jardin Botanico) and a very good  zoo.

In short, you will spend some wonderful days.  In my next blog I will write about the different trips that our friends have taken us away from the capital.

 And as I always say:  ENJOY & BE SAFE !.

More pictures at:  http://gloria305vacaciones.com/santo-domingo-republica-dominicana-2/

HALIFAX – NOVA SCOTIA – CANADA

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To start your vacation in  Halifax, Nova Scotia you can fly in,  arrive by ferry from Maine, or New Brunswick, or you may take a cruise from New York or Boston.  For more information go to: www.novascotia.com and decide  what  interests you the most.

Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and has grown primarily due to their prominent port, which is the second largest natural port in the world.  There are all kinds of entertainment, museums, galleries, restaurants, and over 700 festivals a year,  also has many historic sites.

 

Downtown Halifax

 

Halifax was founded by the British Government with Governor Edward Cornwallis in 1749.  After an intense struggle by the people against the governor, the city of  Halifax was incorporated in 1841.

Before that the area was occupied ruled by the Acadians, which were descendants of about 100 French families around the 17th century, they were a community that lived in Grand Pre and were dispersed by the governor of the colony on July 28.1755.  They were mostly artisans. Today you can visit the Acadian Memorial in Grand Pre and taste a good wine and  also visit another the Gaspereau Valley vineyards, this entire area is beautiful.

Back in Halifax, we stayed at the Marriott Halifax Harbourfront 1919 Upper Water St.

HALIFAX CITADEL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Halifax was one of four naval stations of the British Empire, to defend the city, they built a series of forts in strategic points around the harbor. Today is an important historical site operated by Canada Park.

 

Halifax Public Gardens

 

This park was opened in 1753, and were people use to walk on Saturdays and Sundays  wearing the “latest fashions”.  They walk down Pleasant St. to the governor’s mansion.  It’s a very nice park, and across from it, in Tower Rd, there is a restaurant chain, “Smitty’s Family  Restaurant”,  which food is good and prices are reasonable.  From there you can take a long walk  to the “Government House in downtown Halifax, it is almost in front of a Church with a cemetery next to it.  This was very fashionable in those days.  To “rest a little bit”,  stop by the beautiful Casino and try your luck. (jajaja)………….

 

Halifax Casino

 

PEGGY’S COVE LIGHTHOUSE.

They say it is one of Canada’s most photographed sites. It is in a small fishing village where they built the lighthouse on a rock of granite. Currently they are having too many visitors, 750,000 last year, but we did not have any problems parking.  Is 43 kilometers from Halifax, around the perimeter Chebuco Peninsula.  You can get there by taking Route 333 South in Upper Tantallon, or follow the signs to the west from Halifax.  Once there you’ll find restaurants, a few small souvenirs shops and do not miss “The Post Office” which is inside the lighthouse.   I hope you have a sunny day to take beautiful photographs of the lighthouse and surrounding areas.

PEGGY’S COVE LIGHTHOUSE

 

Lighthouse surroundings

 

Lighthouse surroundings

Have a nice trip.

Photos by: Gloria and Vily

CANADA – PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND – CHARLOTTETOWN

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Prince Edward Island (PEI) is the smallest of the provinces of Canada, both in size and population.  The capital is Charlottetown which is in the southern part of PEI, is called “Birthplace of Confederation” , after the reunion of 1864.  You can visit St. Paul’s Church, Holland College, and Charlottetown’s War Memorial, located on University Avenue and Grofton St. dedicated to the soldiers killed in the First and Second World War and the conflict with Korea.

St. Paul’s Church main entrance

 

St. Paul’s Church organ

In the  historical part of Charlottetown, close to the port, there are walking tours, which start in Founder’s Hall and continue to Peake’s Wharf and the beautiful port of Charlottetown, also observe the Victorian style houses and visit the  37 acres Victoria park .

We stayed at the Holiday Inn. 200 Trans Canada Hwy Tel.1-877-923-4114.

 

There are several ways to get to Prince Edward Island, you can take a ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine Yamouth or Caribou you have information regarding a Travel Agent in my Sydney’s blog.
We instead crossed the Confederation Bridge, which is the longest bridge over icy waters (8 miles long), and connect Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick.   After 4 years of construction and using more than 5,000 local workers, it was opened to traffic in 1997 at a cost of $ 1 trillion. Crossing the bridge by car is $ 42.50, which is faster and less expensive than the ferry.

You can see more photos at: http://gloria305vacaciones.com/charlottetown-prince-edward-island

 

Photos by: Glory and Vily

SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA

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Sydney is a residential development in the Province of Nova Scotia. It’s situated on the west coast of Cape Breton Island. It took us 6 hours and a half hours to go from Charlottetown to Sydney.  We stayed at the Comfort Inn  368 Kings Rd Tel: 902 562-0200. If you are a member of  ”Choice Privileges” request  your points for each stay,  if not,  become one.   Registering is free, and get free nights in the future. You can visit the Lyceum of 1904 @ 225 George St.  This was an opera house, but today is the Heritage Center and science.  There are several places to visit that are close to each other, but they are not open on the same days.  The museum and store open year round.  HOUSE COSSIT of 1785. 75 chattering St. is the oldest house in the area, still has the furniture of the 18th century. An Anglican Reverend, Mr Ranna Cossit and their 13 children were born and lived there.  Admission is only $ 2.00. Sydney has a small Casino in St. George!  Good luck!!!!.

Typical house of Sydney

Area near Casino

 

Fortress of Louisbourg

The Fortress of Louisbourg is the largest historical reconstruction in last 250 years.  I think it was well worth it.   From there you have a very nice view of  the  surrounding areas, you can take lots of beautiful pictures of the waves crashing on the shoreline’s rocks.

View of the Fortress of Louisbourg

 

Crashing waves against the shoreline’s rocks

 

NORTH SYDNEY

North Sydney is located alone the Cape Breton Island east coast and is an important Canada’s port of the Atlantic Ocean.  The “Marine Atlantic Inc.” which is an independent corporation that provides ferry services between the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador to Nova Scotia is located there.   This port is also used by cruise ships that come from New York and Boston touring Nova Scotia.

 

PHOTOS BY GLORIA & VILY

BOSTON, MA

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We flew to Logan Airport and pick up our rental car which we reserved in advance.  We stayed 3 miles from the airport because we knew that Boston traffic is very busy.  We stayed at the Hampton Inn in the airport area which was less expensive than a downtown hotel.

Far view of downtown Boston from the hotel

 

Downtown Boston

 

Boston is one of the first founded cities in North America.  Founded in 1630, Boston had the first public school “Boston Latin School” in 1635 and the first University, today famous ” Harvard College” in 1636.  It also was the site of the famous “Boston Massacre” which began as a  protest over  English imposed taxes;  the tension exploded, resulting in what was later called the ”American Revolution”.  Bunker Hill Monument is in recognition of all these heroes and is located at 43 Monument Sq opened in 1843 and took nearly 20 years to finished, it has 294 steps and if you make it to the top , you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city.

Freedom Trail  begins in Boston Common (which is the oldest public park in America), there you’ll find the  Information Center and if you follow the red line it will take you to the various historical buildings, old house Meetings, and ”Faneuil Hall Market Place” also known as Quincy Market. Today is prepared for tourists to buy souveniers.  Peter Faneuil donated it to the city in 1742.

Boston is famous for a large number of neighborhoods, 21 in total, one of the most beautiful and elegant is BEACON HILL with its 19th century buildings, its narrow streets and for the “Bull & Finch Pub” giving inspiration to the famous series CHEERS.  Also there is the Old State House with its golden dome covered with layers of bronze and laminated sheets of 23 carat gold.

Old State House

 

19th century buildings of Beacon Hill

 

We recommend taking the city tour, because it will give you an overall idea of the city, and then you can return at a later time to the most important places for you, on your own.

We went to the “Old North Church”, which was built in 1723, being the oldest church, wedding reservations need to be done with years of anticipation, but the thing I liked best was ” The Christian Science Plaza” in the district of Back Bay.  Built in 14 acres of land, has several buildings and fountain which is well known by the children, as they use it to swim during the summer months.  Its main building is at the center and was built in 1894. The dome was completed in 1906 and it can seat 3000 people under its roof.  They have different architectural styles. The organ is one of the largest one of the world and it has 13.290 pipes.

 

Old North Church

 

The Christian Science Plaza

 

Boston is known for its gentrification over the years and today has one of the highest costs of living and better standard of living in the world. Boston academic levels enjoy universities such as,  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the leading engineering universities  in the world, the famous Harvard Law School, and the Berklee College of Music.

 

MIT  UNIVERSITY

 

HARBOR WALK is a road skirting the bay, you can walk it in about 30 minutes, arriving at the NORTH END Italian neighborhood famous for its restaurants.

The NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM  has built a saltwater tank of 200,000 gallons of water where worldwide species from turtles to sharks are kept.

 

Across from Quincy Market

 

Beside the great shopping centers they have, why not visit the store Filene’s Basement 426 Washington St. which is famous for its discounts of 40 to 60% of most well known brands.

Enjoy your trip!.

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Photos by Gloria and Vily

BAR HARBOR – BASS HARBOR – MAINE

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Bar Harbor is a beautiful place,  romantic and  adventurous.  Located in the eastern part of Mt Desert Island and  surrounded by Acadia National Park.

 

Acadiahas has over 55 miles of bike paths, you can rent bikes, walk their downtown which is very entertaining and is filled with shops where you can browse and  find “bargains”.

I prefer to take the trolley tour, and check for things to do while vacationing there.   Another alternative in the summer, is to rent a canoe, by yourself or as a group, take a tour with  a local guide or go on an excursion to look for whales or seals.   Captain Winston Shaw, an expert local naturalist, offers a boat tour in groups, from one to 8 horas; he can take you to see the flora and fauna of the area.  The Kedge is a historic house built in 1870 and they offer inside tours.  www.kedgebarharbor.com.  I also recommend Acadia and Bar Harbor tours, a two and a half hours tour allows you to see Bar Harbor and its mansions, where famous people live or have lived.   Cadillac Mountain, in Acadia National Park, and its Sand Beach are open from May to October.

 

 

Different views taken from Cadillac Mountain

 

If you are planning to go in winter, you can go skiing or rent a snowmobile in Acadia. Winter is very nice too, but  many of the shops and restaurants are closed.

 We reserved at Acadia National Park Rentals and we got an apartment with a beautiful view, but before you go, check the Acadia Nat Park Rentals ad on this page to see the offers they have.  I advise you to always go there with reservations.

 BASS HARBOR

 Bass Harbor is located in the southwest of Mount Desert Island, lets say it is the quieter part of the island, opposite the piece of land called Bernard.  Many people are not even aware that they are two separate cities, but both belong to the municipality of Tremont.  In Bass Harbor you have the opportunity to take many beautiful marine pictures, but the most famous is the lighthouse “Bass Harbor Head Light, built in 1858, and one of the most photographed lighthouses in North America.  If they want you can take a ferry to Swans and Frenchboro, Islands, which are two of the 12 islands in the  Gulf of Maine.

 

Bass Harbor Head Light

 

I hope you are still in time for a Maine summer vacation,  So enjoy yourself!!!!!!

Photos by:  Gloria y Vily

UTAH NATIONAL PARKS

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Are you of those who want to take a vacation with “New Emotions”?   Then visit our national parks.  The first time I went to Zion, I was astonished, and perplexed that such beauty exist  in the United States.   Thanks GOD!!!.  Since then, I fell in love with Utah, and despite having visit  other parks in other states, I preferred the ones in Utah and have returned to them several times since there’s always a new experience to learn.  We almost always flew to Las Vegas because we love it and because the air fares and car rental are usually in line with our budget.

From Vegas we took I-15 north to the junction of  I-15 and SR-9 continues along SR9 (Zion Mount Caramel Highway) to the park entrance.

At  Zion National Park, we stayed at the Best Western.  We are members of the reward program that  Best Western and Choice Hotels offers, and since we travel a lot we accumulate points that give us free nights at their respective hotel’s chains.

Zion was the first national park in Utah, their elevation is from 3.666 to 8766 feet.  Admission is $ 25.00.  Information Tel: (435) 3256.  Anasazi Indians lived in the area 2,000 years ago.  If you go in the summer  (until mid October) go to the visitor center, from there we moved around the park  in buses with different stops and the bus runs every 30 minutes or so so you have time to enjoy each stop,  some stops have walking trails but  before venturing  into them, read the information since some of them are 5 miles or more, but others are very reasonables

Vacation Oct - 06 058

Photo of  Zion National Park

From Zion we continue to Bryce Canyon, another beauty totally different, we stayed at the Best Western Ruby’s Inn at the exit of the park.  Bryce Canyon is in southwestern Utah and was named after Mormon pioneer Ebenezer Bryce and became a national park in 1924. Ponderosa pines view point is the highest elevation and on a clear day you can see up to 200 millas away.   The entire park is suitable for traveling  by car since  all the viewpoints have ample parking.

Bryce

 

Bryce 11

We continue our trip  towards Torrey and  we stayed at the Best Western Capitol Reef Resort, then  we went to Capitol Reef National Park, which is 5 miles east of Torrey on SR-24 and was named like this due to the resemblanse of one rock formation to the capitols on this country.    The park has an elevation between 4000 to 9000 feet in the “Thousand Lake Mountain”.

We continue on Hwy 24 east to Hwy 95 south to  Natural Bridges National Park,  and then continue south on Hwy 261  to see  “Muley Point ” and  “Goosnecks point”  (see photos below) where the San Juan River makes a three miles triple bend.  I loved it.  Next we drove north on Hwy 191 toward Moab, but  not miss “Wilson Arch” on the right side of the road near Moab.

Goosnecks

Goose neck Point

 

Muley Point

Mokey Dugway and Muley Point

 

Wilson Arch

Wilson Arch on Hwy 191

 

We got to Moab and  the next day we went to Arches National Park.

Tip: We always buy a case of bottled water and a couple of sandwiches before we go into the National Parks, since you wouldn’t find any stores in the parks.  We also carry a first aid box and a few snacks such as  as chocolate bar, candy and cookies.  Also make sure you have plenty of gas in your car.

Arches

Arches National Park (near the entrance)

 

Arches Balance rock

Balance Rock at Arches National Park

Go to the visitor center inside the park where you will get information, maps and brochures of all the viewpoints.  Among them you will find Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch.

The next day we went to Canyonlands National Park, this was one of my favorites.  Travel 9 milllas north of Moab on US191 to SR 313 and drive  23 miles. That is one of the entrance, another entrance is by the Needle District, 41 miles south of Moab on US191.  Hope that you enjoy these parks as much as we do.  To go  back  to Vegas go north on 191  to I-70 west then to I-15 South towards Las Vegas.

Don’t forget to get your ”GOLDEN AGE PASSPORT”  if you are 62 or older or the “ONE YEAR PARK PASS”  if you are under 62.  The “GOLDEN AGE PASSPORT” cost $10 for life and the 1 year pass cost $80.00, but it will be good for a year at any National Park or National Monument in USA.  Remember that many National Parks cost $25.00 each without the pass or golden passport.

More Photos at:

http://gloria305vacaciones.com/canyolands-national-park-north-utah/

http://gloria305vacaciones.com/bryce-canyon-national-park-utah/

http://gloria305vacaciones.com/capitol-reef-national-park-utah/

 

Photos by : Gloria & Vily

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