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Activities Hiking New York Rural United States Wildlife Management Area

The Louise E. Keir Wildlife Management Area in Upstate New York

Continuing our hiking adventures along the trails around the Capital District brought us to a new (to us) area; the Louise E. Keir Wildlife Management Area.

Louise E Keir Wildlife Management Area, Coeymans, upstate New York
A mushroom abuts a root stump along the trail.
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Activities Archaeology Architecture Arizona Desert Hiking National Monument Native American Prehistoric Pueblo Ruins Rural Sightseeing United States

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona

Nestled away in northeastern Arizona lies the spectacular Canyon de Chelly National Monument. This extensive canyon was cut by the tributaries of the Chinle Creek which has shaped and formed the landscape over thousands of years to the way we see it today. Located entirely within the bounds of the Navajo Nation near the border of New Mexico, Canyon de Chelly, pronounced Canyon “de-shay”, is a wonder to see.

skull_rock_canyon_de_chelly
Do you see the skeleton in the rock, because I definitely do!

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Activities Hiking New York Preserve Rural United States

The Karner Barrens East, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Upstate New York

The Karner Barrens East, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Upstate New York
The golden hour sun kissed all the trees.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is one of Upstate New York and the Capital District’s most well-known and loved preservation areas. With sections of it dotted across the landscape between the cities of Albany and Schenectady, you can always be sure to find fellow nature lovers out there taking advantage of the hiking, bicycling, and educational resources available to all. We come to the Pine Bush very often, and this visit, we found ourselves along the Karner Barrens East Trail.

The Karner Barrens East, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Upstate New York
The beautiful view from the Yellow Trail in Karner Barrens East at the Albany Pine Bush.

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Activities Hiking New York Preserve Rural United States

Late Summer at the Van Dyke Preserve in Upstate New York

Located in the hamlet of Delmar just south of Albany is the wonderful and discreet Van Dyke Spinney Preserve. This lovely preserve offers a much needed place of respite from daily life. It gives you a chance to get into the woods and hear the babbling waters from a creek.

Late Summer at the Van Dyke Preserve in Upstate New York
My hiking buddies on the trail.

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Activities Hiking New York Preserve Rural United States

Fox Preserve in Upstate New York

It’s been a really hot summer, but we didn’t want to allow that to keep us from what we love the most; traipsing through green lush forests. So, we took advantage of the long summer days and waited until the evening before heading to the lovely Fox Preserve in upstate New York. It recharged our batteries and gave us new strength to face the weekday routine.

Fox Preserve in Upstate New York
Reading the map at the trail junction.

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Activities Archaeology Architecture Desert Hiking National Monument Native American New Mexico Prehistoric Pueblo Ruins Rural Sightseeing United States

The Aztec Ruins National Monument in New Mexico

Nestled in northern New Mexico, about a half hour drive northeast of Farmington, lies the Aztec Ruins National Monument. This preserve seeks to protect a 900 year old Pueblo “Great House”. Thanks to the wonderful condition of the standing ruins, visitors are given a unique chance to walk through and get their own intimate experience with the style and intricacies of ancient Pueblo architecture. And remarkably, this national monument is free for anyone to visit.

The Aztec Ruins National Monument in New Mexico
There were between 450 and 500 individual rooms within the Aztec West Great House.

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Activities Europe Greece Hiking Ikaria Preserve Rural Trees

Hiking the Extraordinary Randi Forest in Ikaria, Greece

When one thinks of Ikaria, the lovely and remote Greek island, one thinks of pebble beaches, craggy mountainsides, and meandering roads. Tucked away, however, in the middle of the island lies a rare gem; the old, rare, and protected Randi Forest that visitors can hike to.

Hiking the Extraordinary Randi Forest in Ikaria, Greece
The Randi Forest is populated with the rare and protected Holly Oak, or Holm Oak trees.

Hiking the Extraordinary Randi Forest in Ikaria, Greece
Hiking along in Ikaria, Greece offers breathtaking views of the landscape and the seas below.

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Activities Hiking New York Preserve Rural United States Waterfall

The Wonderful and Expansive Huyck Preserve in Upstate New York

About an hour south of Albany is a wonderful Preserve tucked away in the back corner of Albany County, New York. The Huyck Preserve offers its visitors hiking, swimming, picnicking, and just respite from the daily grind. This preserve is quite large and, as such, visitors can find themselves some privacy and really feel connected to their natural world.

The Wonderful and Expansive Huyck Preserve in Upstate New York
A beautiful old tree along the Racetrack trail.

The Wonderful and Expansive Huyck Preserve in Upstate New York
An Eastern Newt brightened our path!

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Activities Boat City Europe Historic Italy Sightseeing Urban

The Iconic Gondola Ride in Venice, Italy

When friends and family knew I was going to the magical city of Venice, Italy, everyone asked if I would take one of the famous Gondola rides. “Of course!” I replied. How could I not? And I did, and it was lovely!

The Iconic Gondola Ride in Venice, Italy
The gondola rides weave you throughout both Venice’s larger and smaller canal waterways.

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Activities Architecture Church Church Europe Historic Island Italy Sightseeing Urban

The Grand Basilica San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy

St. Mark’s Basilica stands out like a gem within St. Mark’s square. This domed architecture covered with ancient mosaics is open daily to the public and is absolutely a must-see if you are visiting this gorgeous city.

The Grand Basilica San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy
This mosaic floor is decorated into geometric and animal designs. It dates to the 12th century.