Only five species of tarsier exist: four can be found in Indonesia and the species, Tarsius Syrichta, lives deep in the woods of Bohol Island in the Visayas. These small furry creatures can also be found in the islands of Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. Tarsiers (Tarsius Syrichta), derived from the word ‘tarsal’, measure 4 to 5 inches and are considered as the world’s second smallest primate. Its size is no longer than an adult man’s hand and it weighs only about 113 to 142 grams or four to five ounces. To the locals, the tarsiers are called by various names, such as: “mamag”, “mago”, “maomag”, “magau”, “malmag”, and “magatilok-iok”. With its tail longer than its body, it has large brown eyes, hairless ears and long finger-like claws. It has gray fur and a nearly naked tail that is more often than not about 232 mm in length. The tails arc over their back when they hop on the ground apparently to balance themselves. The underside of the tail has dermal ridges such as those found on human hands and feet. Tarsiers might be small with a brain that weighs about 4 grams, but they have unusual characteristics that other primates lack. Tarsiers' eyes are fixed to its head and to compensate it can rotate its head 180 degrees. Do its large eyes make you think of an alien? That's my first impression. Its eye sockets are larger than its brain and stomach. Tarsiers have sharp teeth, enabling them to catch their prey easier. They can also leap even up to 10 feet and agilely maneuver themselves from tree to tree. They are nocturnal creatures, like owls – sleeping during daytime yet very active at night. They hide in hollows close to the ground; they hunt and feed mainly on fruits and insects such as cockroaches, crickets, and sometimes small lizards. Tarsiers in captivity are quite tame. They are most often found huddled together with their tails intertwined. One can fondle them and allow them to run up ones arms to the shoulders and back. Quite ticklish, yes, but they’re so cute! They easily get scared, though, and will scurry back to the shrubs and hide. In captivity, the tarsiers will eat live shrimp and fish in a bowl of water. Before, the tarsiers had inhabited rain forests worldwide but have dwindled and now exist only in some islands of the Philippines, in Borneo and Indonesia. In the 1960’s, they were a common sight in the southern part of Bohol, but now only an estimated 1,000 exists in the wild. They were once protected by the humid rain forests and mist-shrouded hills but were affected by the destruction of their natural habitat thru both legal and illegal logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices that greatly diminished the forested areas. They were also victims to poachers. The Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary is a tarsier sanctuary covering an area of 167 hectares within the three municipalities of Corella, Sikatuna and Loboc. This timberland area is currently under the administration of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and is part of its Social Forestry Project. The Sanctuary starts at Barangay Canapnapan in Corella, Bohol. PREVIOUS... What is there to see in Bohol, Philippines?

A short and easy hike is never enough for Hermann, besides we still had the whole afternoon. So, after hiking in Queenstown Hill we head out to Moke Lake about a thirty-minute drive from town. This lake is an out-of-the-way place, away from the crowds, yet not far from town. To get there from the Glenorchy- Queenstown Road, which follows along the eastern shore of the north arm of Lake Wakatipu, follow the Moke Lake Road. The road is very steep but paved most of the way. Then, on the final two or three miles it became a rough gravel road, but easily passable even by camper. As you drive, you will see sheep scattered around the valley like white balls of confetti. About over a mile to Moke Lake is a small lake on the left side of the road called Lake Kirkpatrick. It's a photo opportunity we cannot resist that we had to stop. As you can see from the picture below. When we arrived at the trailhead there were only a handful of cars in the parking lot. But I bet it is full in summer, Moke Lake is a popular recreation spot; I can understand why, it is a beautiful lake in a beautiful setting. There are camping sites here with water and rest rooms on site. Fishing and kayaking are also allowed. There is a track encircling the lake, a four-mile loop, requiring 2.5 hours to complete according to the sign at the trailhead. This track also connects to Lake Dispute, two hours and forty-five minutes one way from the trailhead, if taken by itself. Moke Lake is small but has spectacular views of the mountains all the way around. It sits in the valley below Ben Lomond. PREVIOUS... QUEENSTOWN HILL To find out more about other wonderful places we explored during our one month road trip in New Zealand.

This is one of our favorite trails in Arapaho National Forest. We hike here in mid-summer for the wildflowers and in autumn for the fall colors. Either times are the best time of year to hike here. This trail also offers three beautiful lakes and stunning views. TO GET HERE From Denver to the main trail is about 1 hour 15 minutes drive via I-70, the shortest route. Take Exit 228 to Georgetown, driving through town follow the road to Guanella Pass. You will find the sign for the trail on the right with a small parking lot. This is where we park, but there is a bigger parking on the other side of the road. If you want to cut short your hike, follow the Naylor Lake Road to another parking area. It’s less than a mile but you have to have a high clearance vehicle, it’s a rough road. SILVER DOLLAR AND MURRAY LAKE TRAIL – 7 miles On the first mile of the hike, you will be in the shadow of the trees. Not much to see among the trees but the view will open soon enough and you will get a glimpse of the first lake - Naylor Lake. You have to veer off the trail a bit to see the lake and you can only look down on it because this is a private lake. As you get higher, you will get a good view of Naylor Lake. With trees out of the way, you will get a good view of the surrounding terrain also. You will find wildflowers along the trail here as well, but the best ones are above Silver Dollar Lake, going up to Murray Lake. On the way to Silver Dollar Lake, there is a section on the trail where the snow still lingers late into summer. You have to be careful here since you don't want to slide down into the rocks below. Not far beyond this is Silver Dollar Lake, so called due to its round shape when looking down at it from above. Most hikers end their hike here, but they are missing the best views of all on this trail. If you continue hiking the trail above Silver Dollar Lake you will experience the best part of this hike. The trail is quite steep. But higher up, look back and you will see a beautiful view of Naylor Lake and Silver Dollar Lake. The view alone is worth the extra mile to the upper lake. Not only that, along this steep trail is where you will find the best wildflowers on this hike. The slopes are covered with different varieties and colors. The abundance of wildflowers varies every year though, depending on the weather conditions and how much snow the mountains got in the past winter. I' would say that the best time is late July to early August. I can't say which is my favorite aspect of this hike, the wildflowers or the view. I would say both. This area is completely transformed by the seasons, and autumn offers a very different experience for hikers. Hiking here in Autumn, you will find that the colorful wildflowers covering the meadows are gone, and the green foliage has turned to gold and rust. It's a wonderful and different landscape all together. There are less crowds at this time of year as well. In any season, you will get a great view towards across toward Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt. NEXT... PREVIOUS... ARAPAHO NATIONAL FOREST WATROUS GULCH TRAIL SECOND CREEK TRAIL TO TWIN CONES HERMAN GULCH TRAIL BUTLER GULCH/LOLLIPOP LOOP TRAIL

The Herman Gulch Trail is rated as a moderate hike, but that depends on who’s hiking. The wildflowers here are also incredibly stunning, if you happen to hike here at the right time. There is a lake at the end of the trail, though not quite as spectacular compared to others. Since this is a popular trail, expect to be leap-frogging with other hikers throughout. TO GET HERE From Denver to the trailhead is about 50 miles, or about a one-hour drive. From I-70 westbound, take exit 218. You will see the parking lot even from the highway. This is a popular trail so it’s better to come early. Although the parking lot can accommodate plenty of cars, it fills up in no time. HERMAN GULCH TRAIL – 7.5 miles round-trip Hiking here, there are a couple of steep ascents among the trees - one at the beginning of the trail and then a final ascent to the lake. This trail offers plenty of photo opportunities. There are meadows covered with wildflowers, but the best ones begin above tree line just before arriving at the lake. Our hikes there take longer than usual when the wildflowers are at their peak, so we try to start early. Before the final ascent to the lake, there is a trail to the right that connects to Continental Divide Loop Trail. Its main trailhead is at Jones Pass Road, but you can follow this trail from here if you are into a long hiking expedition. The last leg of the trail to the lake is the steepest part. But we linger by the meadows here to enjoy all the wildflowers along this section of the trail, so we don't really notice how steep it is. The meadows here are full of colorful wildflowers, that's why we always have our camera hanging from our necks. We don't want to miss the opportunity to get the best photos yet. Herman Lake (11,979 feet) sits at the basin of Pettingell Peak (13,553 feet). Hikers tend to congregate by this lake but you can get away from the crowd. The area is wide open as you can see on the picture and you have your choice of spots to eat lunch or just relax and enjoy the view before heading back down. NEXT... PREVIOUS... ARAPAHO NATIONAL FOREST SECOND CREEK TRAIL TO TWIN CONES SILVER DOLLAR AND MURRAY LAKE TRAIL BUTLER GULCH/LOLLIPOP LOOP TRAIL WATROUS GULCH TRAIL

Loch Katrine, an almost nine-mile fresh water loch is located in the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. It is one of the largest lochs in the Trossachs, first created by glaciers and then developed to provide fresh water to the city of Glasgow. The completed water project which started in 1855 was opened by Queen Victoria herself during her visit to the loch in October of 1859. Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish novelist, poet and historian, popularized the loch in his works including the “The Lady of the Lake”, a narrative poem inspired by Loch Katrine. The loch was also linked to Rob Roy MacGregor, a “Scottish Robin Hood” turned legend, born on the northern shore of Loch Katrine. His life was popularized in a fictional novel by Sir Walter Scott. There are two cruise ships that you can take - the MV Lady of the Lake and the famous 118 year-old classic Steamship SS Sir Walter Scott. The SS Sir Walter Scott was commissioned in 1899 and is the only steamship operating on the loch today. It still uses its original engine which you can view through an opening in the deck. My husband, Hermann, was so fascinated by it that he kept going back and forth between looking at the landscape and the engine room. If they would allow people to go down into the engine room, he would be down there in seconds I’m sure. It was an enjoyable and relaxing ride even though a bit chilly. The landscape was so beautiful we didn’t want to stay inside for protection from the wind. The cruise takes about one hour, just enough to relax, enjoy the view and have a drink from the bar. BALLOCH CASTLE COUNTRY PARK Before leaving Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, it's worth checking out the Balloch Castle Country Park, on the "Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond", which became part of the National Park in 2002. We visited this park on our way to Cairndow, mainly to see the castle. This park hosts the Loch Lomond Highland Games every July and even hosted several major music events. The Balloch castle is closed to the public and is showing a little neglect, but the setting is quite nice. The surrounding park is well maintained and quite serene, an ideal place to have some quiet time while enjoying the view of Loch Lomond, or walking and exploring the estate gardens. Unfortunately, the rainy and chilly weather prevented us from doing that, so we just took a few pictures of the castle and the view and drove to our next destination. Balloch Castle was built in 1808 from the stones of the nearby ruined castle dating from 1238. Like the old castle, the present castle changed ownership until Dumbarton District Council leased the estate in 1975. The estate was officially designated as a Country Park in 1981 and the castle was used for the offices of the Dumbarton District Council Countryside Ranger Service. It is also the headquarters of the local division of the Nature Conservancy Council. The estate is included on the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland. PREVIOUS... Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

To get up close and personal to some of the arches in the park requires a little effort on your part. Some of the best arches can only be reached by hiking. It's worth it though. You will realized how big some of these arches are as you stand near them. There are plenty of hiking trails in the park that you can choose, you can make it longer or shorter such as by taking the Broken Arch/Tapestry Arch/Skyline Arch Loop Trail. If you feel a little adventurous take the trail to Landscape Arch and then all the way to Double O Arch. These are all moderate hikes, but you have to consider the weather as the heat can slow you down. One fun way to explore is to take a guided tour of the Fiery Furnace, this is one of the best experiences you can get in the park. BROKEN ARCH/TAPESTRY ARCH/SKYLINE ARCH LOOP TRAIL - 4.5 miles round trip We begin this loop trail at the Sand Dune Arch parking area, along Arches Scenic Drive. Or you can visit these three arches by starting at the parking lot by the Devil's Garden Campground. To start the hike, you can choose to visit the Sand Dune Arch first, if you haven't yet, before following the trail to Broken Arch. From there, the trail continues to Tapestry Arch, then you have to back track a little on the trail to Skyline Arch. Before completing the loop, the trail goes between tall rock formations. This is a family-friendly trail, easy, nothing strenuous. Just mind the heat and bring water with you. DELICATE ARCH - 3.0 miles round trip Delicate Arch is one of the best known arches in the park. You can see it from a viewpoint below, but for the best view, it can be reached by hiking up 1.5 miles to the top, where you will get the classic view. It sits at the edge of a slick-rock bowl with the view of the mesas, river canyons and the La Sal Mountains. Delicate Arch is about 46 feet high and 35 feet wide. It is the best-known and most recognized feature of the park. It is best seen in the late afternoon, although it can be a very hot hike to get there at that time of day. DEVILS GARDEN TRAIL TO DOUBLE O ARCH - 7 miles round trip In an area called the Devil's Garden is the Landscape Arch - considered the longest natural arch in the world at 291 feet. Since 1991, there have been three instances of large slabs of rock falling out of the thinnest part of the arch. This has prompted the National Park service to close the trail that went under the arch. It is bound to collapse "soon" - maybe even in our lifetime. This is a maintained trail about 1.5 miles long (each way), not a major hike. But to continue to Double O Arch then the trail gets a bit more strenuous with a little scrambling on rocks. Shortly after Landscape Arch, you will pass the site of a collapsed arch. We were lucky enough to see it before it collapsed during the night of August 4/5, 2008. The Wall Arch (below left) as it looked before the collapse and the remains of Wall Arch (below right) after it collapsed. No one saw it happen but some campers in the park heard the sound during the night. It was the most significant collapse since a large section of Landscape Arch fell in 1991. Wall Arch was the 12th biggest arch in the park; it measured 71 feet wide by 33 1/2 feet high. It was named by Lewis T. McKinney in 1948. If Hermann had known that the arch would collapse 10 months after this picture (below left) was taken, he might not have posed under it! On this trail, you will pass a side trail to several arches - Navajo Arch and Partition Arch. You need to backtrack to get back to Devils Garden Trail. You can choose to end your hike here or continue on to Double O Arch; then you would have another mile of hiking to reach it, but it's worth the effort. Past the Navajo Arch and Partition Arch, the trail continues to Double O Arch. If you can climb through the small arch to the other side, you will be rewarded with a stunning view. For a small person like me, Hermann had to lift me up to reach the small arch. If you have more time and energy, this trail continues on to Dark Angel, a 150 foot sandstone tower a half mile from Double O Arch. From there, the trail continues all the way to the Salt Valley Road. From Salt Valley Road, you can even extend your hike all the way to Tower Arch, but that is probably too much hiking in one day. Save it for another day, that's what we did. TOWER ARCH - 3.5 round trip If you want to hike with less crowds, this is one of the trails that you can take. Tower Arch is located in a remote section of the park called Klondike Bluffs. From Salt Valley Road, take the Klondike Bluffs Road, the trailhead is at the end of the road, just less than a mile. The trail is well marked and easy enough to follow. Although the hike is short, the heat will make the hike longer than it seems. Bring plenty of water and mind the Cryptobiotic soil crust, they take many years to grow back. These crusts are important in preventing soil erosion due to rainfall. On the trail, if you are not looking up, it is easy enough to miss Parallel Arch. It is well camouflaged against the cliffs and hidden behind the trees. Tower Arch is not the biggest in the park, it spans about 92 foot, but its immensity and thickness are quite impressive, very solid. There is a shorter route to this arch, but you will need a four-wheel drive. FIERY FURNACE - 2.5 miles Hiking in Fiery Furnace you will need a guide as you can easily get lost on your own. It is a fun trail and really worth doing if you are in Arches National Park. The trail follows a deep maze of narrow passages, tall columns, fins and hidden arches. We did this tour twice, once with family, and it's always fun. Expect to do some scrambling on rocks and going through very narrow passages between walls. You also need to use your butt to get through some of these passages, but it is fun. Besides rock formations, you will find two arches in this maze, Twin Arch, also called Skull Arch, and Surprise Arch. So, after this guided tour I'm sure you will come out of the maze smiling, with a little knowledge about the park and its habitat and a little more appreciation of the desert. You will say to yourself that it is worth the tour. NOTE: Don't just explore in the park, there are plenty more hiking trails and arches outside of Arches National Park such as Jeep Arch, Negro Bill Canyon Trail (Morning Glory Bridge), Corona Arch, Pinto Arch. PREVIOUS... Exploring Arches National Park

You can get most of your experience in the park when you hike down in the canyons. There are many trails in the Monument, from easy short hikes to longer and strenuous ones. Down in the canyon is a different experience all together, you can get an idea of the scale of these rock formations as you get near them. You can choose your trail depending on your time and capabilities. Even casual hikers can do some of these easier trails. Short Hiking Trails includes: Window Rock Trail (0.25 mile), Canyon Rim Trail (0.5 mile), Alcove Nature Trail (0.5 mile), Otto’s Trail (0.5 mile), Coke Ovens Trail (0.5 mile), CCC Trail (0.75 mile), Devils Kitchen Trail (0.75 mile), Serpents Trail (1.75 mile). Backcountry Hiking Trails include: Black Ridge Trail (5.5 miles), Monument Canyon Trail (6.0 miles), Liberty Cap Trail (7.0 miles), Ute Canyon Trail (7.0 miles), Old Gordon Trail (4.0 miles), No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail (8.5 mile), Corkscrew Trail Loop (3.3 mile). All distances are one way. MONUMENT CANYON TRAIL/WEDDING CANYON TRAIL – 5.0 to 7.2 miles We hiked here in winter when the red canyons are dusted, if not covered, with snow. There are two trailheads on this trail. The Lower Trailhead is located off of Hwy 340/Broadway and the Upper Trailhead is located on Rim Rock Drive 3.8 miles east of the Visitor Center. We did the former in this hike. To get to the Lower Trailhead from Broadway, turn left on Fawn Lane, it's about 0.12 mile to the trailhead. Following the Monument Canyon Trail/Wedding Canyon Trail, you will pass behind some houses for about a mile and then you will be in the canyon. This is an easy hike and an interesting trail. You will see rock formations such as the Kissing Couple, the Pipe Organ and Monolith Spire and many others. You can make this hike short or longer, some trails are connected to other trails so there are a lot of possibilities, if you have time and energy and if the weather is ideal. Near the base of Independence Monument is where Otto married his wife. Isn't that romantic? Their marriage did not last unfortunately, but the occasion did, hence the name the Wedding Canyon and Wedding Canyon Trail. Our hike ended at the base of the Independence Monument, the tallest free-standing monolith in the park, rising 450 feet from the canyon floor. The trail splits at this point; to the left is the Monument Canyon Trail and to the right is the continuation of the Wedding Canyon Trail that loops around the big rock called The Island. Instead of taking the loop, we turned around here. PREVIOUS... COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT NOTE: For more information about the park's fees, activities and campsites check the link: https://www.nps.gov/colm/index.htm VIDEO Colorado National Monument in Winter. Take a glimpse.

Another beautiful trail in the Mosquito Range is the Mayflower Gulch Trail. We have hiked here more often than almost anywhere else in the high country of Colorado. That is due to the amazing wildflowers found here in summer. We can’t help but keep coming back here, sometimes twice a year. It is also an easy hike even if it is at high elevation. TO GET HERE To get to the Mayflower Gulch Trailhead, from I-70 take the Copper Mountain Exit to Highway 91 towards Leadville. About six miles from Copper Mountain resort is the trailhead on the left side. There is a large paved parking lot here. You can easily miss this trailhead if you are not paying attention. MAYFLOWER GULCH – 6.0 to 7.0 miles If you want to make your hike short, or if you are not a hiker and your aim is just to see the wildflowers, you can actually drive in from the main trailhead. Just make sure you have a high clearance vehicle because it’s an old mining dirt road and it has bumps and potholes. One thing I like about this hike is the view you get when you emerge from the trees and the trail opens up into a meadow. The first thing you will utter is... WOW! The panorama below was taken the first time we hiked here. We were lucky to be here at the right time when the wildflowers were at their peak. This meadow full of colorful wildflowers with a mountain backdrop is the best we have ever seen. Gorgeous isn't it? This must be one of our favorite wildflower scenes in Colorado. Add to that the old mining structures found here in the meadows, cabins that were left behind after the mining boom was over. A perfect calendar picture that you would want to capture. Wildflowers here have such a stunning effect on the landscape. You can easily spend hours taking pictures here or just simply enjoying the beauty of the surrounding. We always do. So, after immersing yourself with the flowers in the meadow, there are various trails that you can take. One will take you right up to the ridge. There are wildflowers all the way up there as well. From the ridge you can look down at the Clinton Gulch Reservoir on the other side. We hiked all the way down to the reservoir one time. Another trail goes to the old mine located right at the base of Fletcher Mountain (13,951 feet) and Atlantic Peak (13,841 feet). Both trails offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The views are fantastic wherever you are. The one prominent peak you see here is Jacque Peak (13,205 feet). Timing is the key to see this amazing array of wildflowers. We don't always get lucky, sometimes our timing is off, but we always find some pockets of wildflowers somewhere. You just need to explore more, or hike a little farther to find them. PREVIOUS... Hiking in Mosquito Range, Pike & San Isabel National Forest

Historic mining towns are scattered all over Colorado; some are easily accessible and only a short drive from Denver, but others take a few hours of driving. Ouray and Silverton are located in southwestern Colorado, tucked in the San Juan mountains. These towns were built during the mining boom in the 1800’s, which put Colorado on the map. Some mining towns became "ghost towns", but Ouray and Silverton are not among those forgotten towns. This area is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts – hiking, climbing, biking, fishing, Jeeping and ATVs. A favorite starting point for anyone seeking nature. THE TOWN Silverton is a designated National Historic Landmark District. The town is a former silver mining camp, and one of the highest towns in Colorado. As you approach the town, stop at the Christ of the Mines Shrine located on the slopes of Anvil Mountain. THE SHRINE The shrine, with a 16-foot-tall statue of Jesus Christ, is a symbol of miracles among the locals. It was created during a depressing time in the 1950's when the mining industry came to a halt. According to the locals, miracles have happened in town after the shrine was erected. Soon after, the most profitable mining period in Silverton happened. The town looks like a movie set, but actually it is not. These buildings here are authentic and just well-preserved. That is probably due to the towns isolation where, during wintertime, it was cut off for days from the outside world. It was once a thriving mining town with mills, smelters, saloons and brothels of course, as well as a jail, courthouse, miner’s cabins and Victorian houses. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway has its northern stop here. We were there in time when it unloaded the tourists. Though the railroad serves tourist today, it began in 1887 to serve the mines of the Red Mountain Mining District. Otto Mears, the “Pathfinder of the San Juans“ who was also behind the original construction of the Million Dollar Highway, developed a railroad to tap the riches of the mines of northern San Juan County, south of Red Mountain Pass. So, my husband, Hermann, is a train enthusiast. In fact, he's got a collection of model trains that he plays once in a while. So, it was a thrill for him, and for me, to be able to investigate this train at leisure. We once rode the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad and that was fun; we would love to ride this train as well. The train provides year round service so even in winter you can take a ride. If you don't want to drive from Durango to Silverton, then taking the train is a great alternative for you. One option is to take the train from Durango to Silverton, and then take a bus back. But the stretch from Silverton to Ouray is only possible via the Million Dollar Highway (Check this link Ouray to Silverton). WHERE TO EAT? Exploring the town will get you craving for some chow. There are good restaurants in Silverton. We had a great lunch in one of them, at the Shady Lady Restaurant, an old brothel that was closed in 1947. Do I have to say more? Just look at the pictures. If that does not make you salivate then.... NOTE: If you are looking for jewelry, I found the stores here have reasonable prices. Just saying. At least when we went there. PREVIOUS... OURAY TO SILVERTON A MAP TO GUIDE YOU LEGEND Christ of the Mines Shrine The Wyman Hotel Grand Imperial Hotel Silverton Train Station Old Town Square Silverton Visitor Center Shady Lady on Blare

This must be one of the best hikes in San Diego County. You don’t have to be a bird enthusiast to visit this place; there are hiking trails here to explore with family, although a couple of them are quite strenuous. When we hiked here, we expected to see the sanctuary teeming with hikers since it is only open to the public on Sundays. But we only met one group on the toughest trail. We enjoyed the many interesting plants, wildflowers, huge rocks, and amazing views along the trail and at the summit. Add to that the sound of the birds and the water as it flows from the many streams, it was a delightful experience. This is a must do again, but not on a typically hot day. THE PARK Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary is owned and maintained by San Diego Audubon Society. The 758-acre property preserves a prime area of coastal chaparral and riparian woodland where over 324 native plant species and 124 bird species have been recorded. As you can imagine, with the abundant flora and fauna, there are other species of wildlife living in this area as well. A sign at the base warns about the existence of rattlesnakes and mountain lions, for example. Although we love birds, my husband and I are not birding enthusiasts, but an observation area is provided for those who are. Take note! The sanctuary is open to visitors from 9 am to 4 pm on Sundays only, from October to July. It is closed in August and September due to fire risk. TO GET HERE The sanctuary, although there is a sign, is easily missed if you are driving fast, unless you have the address (13003 Wildcat Canyon Road) on your car’s GPS, of course. If you are coming from downtown San Diego, it is about a 32-minutes drive via CA-94 E, or via I-8 E, to Wildcat Canyon Road. The sanctuary is near the El Cajon Mountain Trailhead and the Oak Oasis County Preserve. Coming from the town of Ramona is about 20 minutes’ drive via San Vicente Road to Wildcat Canyon Road. The sanctuary is about 1.6 miles south of the Barona Resort & Casino - the best landmark to note if you go there to do some relaxation. - THE HIKE - CIRCUIT TRAIL LOOP/HOWIE WEIR/RUDY’S VIEW TRAIL – 3.25 miles The sanctuary has five miles of interconnecting trails and the Circuit Trail is the longest and one of the most challenging ones. This trail has steep sections that young kids may not be able to cope with. It’s a tough hike, depending on your hiking capabilities. The best part is, the trails are well-maintained and well-built, and mostly in the open where you can see the views in most directions. We started our hike by taking the Circuit Trail in the counter-clockwise direction. Take note of the signs along the trail. They are much lower than the typical signs found in other preserves. If you are not looking down you might miss them. If you suddenly decide it might be too hard to hike all the way to the summit, there are connecting trails that will take you back down to the parking area. It is best to bring a map so you won't get lost. Part of the trails are on solid bedrock, such as the "Big Rock Slab" (photo below); you want to make sure that your boot soles are clean and provide good traction to prevent from slipping. It is pretty steep. Finding wildflower fields along the trail was a surprise. We saw this spot of yellow from down below and sure enough, the yellow fields of flowers were at their peak. They're like a cascade flowing down the slope. What else can you ask for on a hiking trail like this one? The wildflowers and the open views are amazing - you just can't resist staying a while to take in the beauty of both. From the Circuit Trail there is a sign to Howie Weir/Rudy’s View Trail which it will lead you to the summit. Pay attention to the sign pointing you to the right direction. A surprise along the this trail comes when you are heading towards the summit. Here you will find a wide panoramic view of the mountains as you turn a corner. The Silverdome mountain closest to the trail is lush with green vegetation, that it almost seems like hiking in the Alps and not in San Diego County (see picture below). Also on this trail, the view to the west might easily distract you, where you can see the San Vicente Reservoir and the coast, as far as the eye can see. On the way back, we stopped here for lunch. How can we not? With all the recent rain we just had, everything looked so lush and green. At the end of the trail there is a narrow opening between huge rocks. It reveals a fantastic view of El Capitan Preserve, as well as part of the El Capitan Reservoir. From this point you can also see the top of El Cajon Mountain. It was like looking from a window as you stand between these rocks. We only had the place to ourselves for a few minutes, just enough to take some pictures, before a group came and waited to have their turn. There is not much room on the summit. Back to the Circuit Trail, from where you can decide whether to continue the loop or go back the same way. Hiking the whole loop, however, will give you different views of the surrounding area. There are other interesting things to see such as the chaparral biome, woody plants that are unique to the Pacific Coast of North America. CHAPARRAL & SUNSET TRAIL LOOP - 1 mile If hiking the Circuit Trail loop is not enough for you, then explore the easy trails in the sanctuary. We did a short loop along Chaparral, Quail and Sunset Trails. You will find spots of wildflowers along these trails.

Fall and Winter is the best time to visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. As you can imagine, it can get unbearably hot in the desert in summer. It was already hot when we visited this March. We decided to visit Borrego Springs this year after we went hiking to Volcan Mountain, from the summit of which we got a clear view way down into the desert. You might think that the desert does not have much to offer, but the area around Borrego Springs is surrounded by mountains and the landscape is spectacular, especially when the wildflowers are in bloom. The park has natural springs and is an oasis offering habitat for many animal species such as Desert Bighorn Sheep and mountain lions, to name a few, and of course includes about 600 species of native plants. There are hiking trails here to explore, but Hermann and I just took a scenic loop drive on this trip to see the desert wildflowers. We will explore the desert trails next time. THE PARK Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California’s largest state park, named after Juan Bautista de Anza, a Spanish explorer in the 1800's. Borrego, a Spanish word for sheep, is in honor of the local bighorn sheep. The park has more than 600,000 acres featuring canyons, washes, hills and mountain peaks. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped develop this park in the 1930's. If you are planning to hike the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), part of the trail passes through this park. There are also four golf courses, a tennis center and horseback riding available in and around town. Are you into stargazing? The park was designated a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2018. The visitor center is located at the end of Palm Canyon Drive, 2.5 miles from Christmas Circle, a giant roundabout in the heart of town. The visitor center building was partially built underground with native plants planted on its rooftop. It is an ideal type of construction in a desert where it gets extremely hot in summer. THE TOWN You cannot possibly go to the state park without visiting the town. It is the gateway to the park. Borrego Springs is located between the Salton Sea and the high mountains of San Diego County. The town is surrounded by the state park. You will not find any traffic lights here; in fact, we never saw one traffic light on the entire drive from our house and back. Borrego is the winter destination for “snowbirds,” people who temporarily migrate to get away from winter cold. A couple we met there have been spending half of the year in this town since the early 1980s. The desert has its own charm, you just have to discover it. We did. Christmas Circle Community Park The hub of Borrego Springs is the Christmas Circle Community Park, located at the center of town. It was said that the park was named to commemorate the birth of Salvador Ignacio Linares on Christmas Eve in 1775 in nearby Coyote Canyon. Many outdoor community events take place here. Citrus groves are found here, as well as date palms and desert plants. You can visit one of the citrus stands, if you have time, along Borrego Valley Road. WILDFLOWERS Mother nature was very generous with rain this year. Plenty of rain also means wildflowers are abundant. March to April is the best time to see the wildflowers in and around Borrego Springs. They usually start blooming in late February or early March. We chose the right time since they were at their peak when we went in mid-March. It was cool, sunny and breezy, a beautiful day for photo ops. As you will see from the pictures below. Not the entire valley was covered with wildflowers. But there are huge pockets of them found along the west side of Di Giorgio Road just north of town, along Henderson Canyon Road (this road leads to the Salton Sea) and near Coyote Canyon. The surrounding mountains - Santa Rosa Mountains to the west and north, San Ysidro and Vallecito Mountains to the south - lend an amazing backdrop for these beautiful wildflowers. No harm was done to these wildflowers while we were taking photos. Just saying! There are plenty enough bare areas to walk on without stepping on them. A hat and sunscreen is definitely needed in the desert, the sun is so intense that you will feel hot even if the temperature is cool, as we learned. There are many species of wildflowers in the Borrego Desert, but the majority blooming when we were there are Sand Verbena (Abronia villosa), Desert Sunflower and Desert Marigold. SKY ART METAL SCULPTURE So, after immersing yourself in wildflowers, driving around the town of Borrego Springs, you will find over 130 large metal sculptures of animals, found mostly at the Galleta Meadows Estate, along Borrego Springs Road. The metal creatures were created by southern California artist Ricardo Breceda, known for his large metal sculptures of animals. Some of the sculptures were inspired by animals that roamed this same desert millions of years ago. Others depict historical characters and local history. It was fun driving around these animals. You don't even have to get out of your car if you don't want to. Driving back home we took the meandering but scenic Montezuma Valley Road. We stopped at the lookout and enjoyed a panoramic view of the valley below.

Red Rocks Park is known for its large sandstone formations, some of which have names: Seat of Pluto, Cave of the Seven Ladders and the most visited rocks around the amphitheater - Creation Rock on the north side, Ship Rock on the south, and Stage Rock on the east. This park is world-famous for its one-of-a-kind amphitheater where many artists have performed. We watched Yanni here one time and it was great experience. Every time we had family and friends visiting, we took them here. It's close to where we used to live, pretty much at our backyard. THE PARK Red Rocks Park is a mountain park in Jefferson County, located outside of Morrison, Colorado. This 738 acres park is owned and maintained by the City of Denver as part of the Denver Mountain Parks system. The park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It was originally designed as a driving park, where numerous views, rock structures and the Denver skyline can be seen. There are also hiking trails, mountain biking and horseback riding around the area. Red Rocks is open to the public for free - except when there is a scheduled event. Red Rocks was originally named “Garden of the Angels”, by a pioneer Colorado judge, Martin Van Buren Luther, on July 4, 1870. It was renamed “Garden of the Titans” in 1906 by John Brisben Walker when he purchased the land. When Denver acquired the land in 1928, it was formally given the present name "Red Rocks". There is evidence that Ute tribes used to camp in the area, but few artifacts were found. Native American artefacts back in the 19th century were not treated as important, hence the loss of many. VISITOR CENTER Make sure to visit the visitor center and check the Red Rocks Hall of Fame where famous artists and musicians that performed at Red Rocks are immortalized. It's quite interesting to read the names of those performers from way back then to today. If you’re hungry, the Ship Rock Grille offers a dining experience. THE AMPHITHEATER The amphitheater within the park is a world-famous venue for outdoor concerts and events since 1941, although musical performances were conducted here even years before that. It seats 9,525 people. Many of the world's most famous artists and performers representing every music genre have performed in the Amphitheatre over the years. The natural acoustics of Red Rocks, due to the monoliths, is what makes the amphitheater exceptionally “pleasing to the ears.” An Easter sunrise service has taken place here annually since 1947 - sometimes in the snow. Thunderstorms can happen anytime in the summer in Colorado and concerts can be cancelled if there is a threat - since it’s in the open, visitors are quite vulnerable to lightning strikes. It happened to us one time and although lightning is a spectacle to watch, getting out of harm's way is a wise decision. COLORADO MUSIC HALL OF FAME You will find the Colorado Music Hall of Fame inside the Trading Post, located on the east side of the amphitheater. The music museum displays memorabilia, photos, audios and videos. Take a picture with John Denver’s statue outside of the store. TO GET HERE Coming from downtown Denver is about a 30-minute drive via US-6 West to I-70 West. Then take exit 259 to County Road 93. Turn right to W. Alameda Parkway to Red Rocks Amphitheater Entrance I, then to Trading Post Road and Ship Rock Road. You can also take the Hogback Road and then Red Rocks Park Road to the Lower South parking area. DRIVING AROUND THE PARK Driving around the park is an experience by itself. The rock formations are so amazing that you cannot just drive by without stopping. The red sandstone rocks found in the park were formed about 290 to 296 million years ago when the Ancestral Rocky Mountains were eroded during the Pennsylvanian period. It was gradually uplifted to the angle that you see today. Dinosaur tracks and fossil fragments from the Jurassic period, 160 million years ago, were found in the area. You can find information about it at the visitor center. Red Rocks is at its most beautiful during winter, especially after a big snow storm. The snow enhances the red color of the rocks. At times, massive icicles form on the sides of some of the cliffs. For us, winter is the best time to explore the park, driving and on foot. - HIKING TRAILS - We avoid hiking here in summer, it can get too hot and rattlesnakes are active at that time of year. But there are short hikes that you can take in the park without exerting too much effort, especially if you are visiting and not yet acclimated to the high altitude. The Red Rocks Trail, the longest trail within the park connects with other trails at Matthews/Winters Park. Link below. The Trading Post Trail - 1.4 miles The Red Rocks Trail - 6 mile loop The Funicular Trail - a short, steep trail that follows the path of an inclined railway which used to carry tourist to the top of Mt. Morrison The Mount Vernon Creek Trail - 1 mile The Geologic Overlook Trail - a short and moderate trail leading to beautiful views If you want to seek a much longer trail, then check this link. HIKING IN MATTHEWS/WINTERS PARK (Dakota Ridge Trail, Red Rocks Trail/Morrison Slide Trail Loop) – 8 to 12 miles VIDEO Red Rocks Park in Winter. Take a glimpse.