8 Beaches of Melbourne, Australia Where You Can Cool Off!

BY  Barsha Jan 17, 2023

Planning to check out the Traverse City beach sometime soon? But what beach will you go to - there are so many beautiful beaches in this area of the United States that you will be left spoilt for choice - we know we were! So, the next time you are planning a trip to the beach, don’t forget about Traverse City. Keep reading to find out! A Guide To Traverse City Beach - 10 Best Beaches To Explore! There are so many beautiful hotels that you will b spoilt for choice - so choosing the location based on the popular hotels of the area would be a wrong choice. Instead, how about finding out which is the prettiest beach first before you can book your hotels? But here’s a list of hotels to help you out anyway! Bayshore Resort, The Baywatch Resort, Grand Beach Resort Hotel, Delamar Traverse City, Parkshore Resort, Cherry Tree Inn & Suites, Sugar Beach Resort Hotel, Pinestead Reef Resort, The Beach Haus Resort, and Pointes North Beachfront Resort Hotel. Once you are done going through the hotels, scroll down to read about the prettiest beaches in Traverse City. 1. West End Beach: West End Beach is perhaps our favorite Traverse City beach - it was so pretty and, more importantly, not crowded. Perfect for your next weekend getaway, you can’t miss out on this pretty little beach. Review By Kasey Chappel: “Beautiful serene views, relaxing by the bay is bar none! Watching the sailboats listening to the birds, and staring at the water is very relaxing! I recommend anybody stop by, hang up a hammock and chill out for a while ?” 2. Clinch Park: There are several beaches in Traverse City but none like the beautiful beaches in Clinch Park. Not just the internet but our personal experience tells us that these beaches are hand down the prettiest! Review By Desi Carpenter: Chilled little water pad & "obstacle" course for the kids. The beach area is usually (always) clean, with friendly people and amazing views right on the pier. Great area to park and be able to access downtown or walk behind the buildings on the boardwalk. 3. Haserot Beach: Honestly, Haserot Beach is a gem - one of the prettiest hidden gems that we came across on our trip to the different beaches in and around Traverse City. Plus, this beach is free from rocks and comes with a nice picnic area, vault toilet, and playground. Review By Sebastian Cowgill: Great swimming spot with a nice scenic drive on the way in. On the day we went there were only two other groups so it was nice and private. It was the only beach we went to in the area that wasn’t crowded. There’s also a great boat launch right there so you can drop in easily. 4. Traverse City State Park Beach: Another Traverse City beach we really loved was the Traverse City State Park Beach. It’s so family-friendly and perfect for anyone planning to travel to the beach with children. Review By Doug Smith: This is a fairly long beach that runs West of the entrance and all the way to the Pinestead Reef timeshare resort. It used to be a deep beach but the water levels are up (can't fault the park). Picnic tables and benches are well maintained (many beaches lack these). Long grassy area (another plus that many lack). Pedestrian bridge from the state campground on another side of the highway. 5. East Bay Park: It’s highly possible that you might not be a fan of those big city beaches that are always crowded and even the water’s so deep. In that case, the beaches in East Bay Park are perfect for you - it’s relatively less crowded and the water’s pretty shallow. Review By Citallwic: I’ve visited a number of the parks and trails in the East Bay Regional Park District over the years, most recently enjoying May afternoon walks on the Contra Costa Canal Trail and the new George Miller Trail. Briones Regional Park remains my favorite component of the district system, and I especially like to be there when the raptor migration is in full swing. I am SO grateful for all the hard work and cooperative efforts that have made the East Bay Regional Park District one of the finest park/trail systems in America. 6. Bryant Park: Amongst the different Traverse City beaches, the ones in Bryant Park are perhaps the most popular amongst the local residents. So, if you want a local beach flavor then heading over to Bryant Park is a great idea. Review By Lucky M: This beach is lovely. The parking lot is really small, which can be a problem, but it also limits the crowds. There is lots of room on the expanse of nice, clean sand to spread out. The water is mostly pretty shallow, so it's great for the kids to play safely, and there's also a great playground. There is a nice bathhouse with flush toilets and sinks. For visitors with disabilities, there is a special path all the way down the beach that a wheelchair can easily navigate, and a special bench to accommodate them. In fact, the path is so nice that everyone was using it to walk on! The city has really done a beautiful job with this beach. 7. M.C. Beach: Another one of our favorite Traverse City beach is located at M.C. Beach! It’s beautiful, and the beach has cute tables - up for a gateway with your girl gang? Then this one’s surely your best shot! Review By B9008UBmichaelm: We have known the Marbella Club for many years, but due to circumstances this is the first time we have been back for a few weeks in 3 years. The significant and noticeable development always invites us to spend the days and evenings there. Especially for lunch the last few days at MC Beach - to enjoy the warm welcome by Federica, the cool service and the delicious recommendations by Benjamin, Borja or Tani (in no particular order) cannot be surpassed in terms of professional nonchalance. The entire team does a terrific job and it is a great pleasure to be there. Bravo and chapeau! We are already looking forward to lunch today. 8. Taylor Park Long Lake Township: You don’t need to search with terms like ‘beach traverse city Michigan’ - if you are looking for a beach that’s local and small, then definitely head over to the beaches at Taylor Park Long Lake Township! Review By Mitchman1964: I am a local Realtor residing in Long Lake Township who spends a great deal of time recreating on Long Lake with friends and family. I've sold many lakefront homes on this gorgeous inland lake located just 10-15 min. West of Traverse City. The roughly 3,000 acre all-sports lake is popular for swimming and boating with its 5 islands, nesting bald eagles and loons, deer and other wildlife. It's crystal clear waters, sandy bottom and relatively shallow depth make for a user friendly experience for families and fishing. There are two public boat launch access points, one at he North end of the lake just West of the Village and the other on the West side of Long Lake off of Crescent Shores. This is one of the most desirable inland lakes and bodies of water in all of the Grand Traverse Region. For more info, I can be reached at (231) 645-2323 and I'm happy to assist you in your vacation plans or finding the lakefront property of your dreams! Read More: Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World 9. Sunset Park: While people will recommend the sugar beach traverse city area, it will be so much better to just head over to Sunset Park - it’s pretty and perfect, plus you get to see one of the most beautiful sunsets. Review By Susan Page: Very nice, quiet park. It's very clean. There are swings and another piece of playground equipment. Close to the water and far enough from the road. It's fairly quiet and has benches and picnic tables. Can enjoy a terrific sunset. Parking is plentiful. Enjoy this park. 10. Suttons Bay Beach: If you find Suttons Bay gorgeous, then there’s no point in not visiting Suttons Bay Beach! It’s beautiful - again, people might recommend the grand beach resort traverse city, but it’s better to just hit the area around Suttons Bay for the perfect beach weekend getaway. Review By Mike Gardner: Nice little beach right behind the downtown area. Not far from restaurants and shops. For your convenience, you will find two private unisex restrooms to use to change and clean up in private. This is a family-friendly beach with a nice playground for the kid as well. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the Traverse City beach mentioned below in detail! 1. What Town Has The Best Beach In Traverse City? Ans: Perhaps, the most popular beach in Traverse City is located in Clinch Park, just minutes away from downtown. The stretch is beautiful and runs along the entire West Grand Traverse Bay - it’s only a very short walk from different shops, restaurants, and coffee bars. 2. What Is The Prettiest Beach In Michigan? Ans: The prettiest beaches in Michigan are as follows,a. South Haven,b. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park,c. Grand Haven,d. Warren Dunes State Park, ande. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. 3. What Are The Best Swimming Lakes Near Traverse City? Ans: One of the best swimming lakes near Traverse City is Perch Lake. While there are several lakes located in Michigan that go by the same name, the one we are talking about spreads over 40 acres in the East Bay Township, just outside of Traverse City. 4. Which Great Lake Has The Prettiest Beaches? Ans: The prettiest beaches in Great Lake are as follows,a. The Grotto - Lake Huron,b. Bluffer's Park Beach - Lake Ontario,c. Pancake Bay Beach - Lake Superior,d. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Lake Michigan, ande. Long Point - Lake Erie. And It’s A Wrap! So which is your favorite Traverse City beach - which one do you plan to check out any of these days? We can’t wait to find out! If you do plan a trip to Traverse City, don’t forget to let us know about your experience in the comments below! Read Also: 10 Best Nude Beaches In The World 6 Things To Do At The Beach This Fall Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

Guest speakers from Dark Ranger Telescope and NASA attended the “Astrofest Festival” at Badlands National Park this year (July 5 to 7, 2024). In this celebration of the night sky and astronomy, the guest speakers discussed various aspects of space. The 2024 fest included the following activities. Scale model of the solar system in the afternoon An early evening solar viewing program Guest speaker session “These are objects that have been important to our culture since we could probably talk. So, we think it’s important to maintain that connection and bring back that connection to these things that used to be so important to us for thousands of years.”Ed Welsh, the education specialist at Badlands National Park  The yearly Astrofest Festival at the park indeed has a role in making the park a favorite for star gazing and exploring the night sky. Also, the remote location of the park and minimal light pollution here make it a wonderful site in South Dakota for watching the celestial bodies in action.  Further, this park is a wonderful place to soak in the beauty of sunrise and sunset, making it the land of light and stones! Night Sky Viewings/ Stargazing At Badlands National Park View this post on Instagram A post shared by Badlands National Park (@badlandsnps) Everyone talks about the geology, wildlife, and fossils of Badlands National Park. However, if you are an introvert and always seek an immersive experience like me, night sky viewing will be your favorite activity at the park.  In fact, I feel that watching the night sky is the chef’s kiss in the park tour. The stargazing activity takes place near the park’s Cedar Pass area, which is close to the visitor center.  Further, the rangers inform you about the celestial bodies you will see. You just need to keep your eyes glued to the telescope to explore celestial bodies, such as the Milky Way, star clusters, planets, satellites, and nebulae.  The table below gives a quick excerpt of the stargazing and night sky viewing experience at Badlands National Park.  Stargazing And Night Sky Viewings At Badlands National Park LocationCedar Pass AmphitheaterSpecialtyMore than 7500 stars are exposed to each visitor. They especially enjoy the clarity of the Milky Way. Add-onsFly-overs by the International Space Station and many satellitesTelescopes Provided By Celestron and Badlands Natural History AssociationBest Season for StargazingSpring, Summer, and Fall In summer, the Night Sky Viewing Program starts after the evening star gazing session every day. The park rangers conduct this program. Further, its timing keeps changing based on the sunset hours.  Best Places For Stargazing At Badlands National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc1WjJfoGBB/ Badlands National Park has earned a name in astrotourism thanks to its pristine nature. With fewer pull-outs and roads, the north unit of the park especially has many amazing stargazing destinations. Let’s explore them! The Space Tourism Guide features the Badlands National Park and the Badlands National Park Observatory as some of the best places for stargazing in South Dakota. Badlands Observatory became accessible to visitors in May 2021. It is a privately owned facility in the Badlands National Park. Also, it works for astronomical education and research.  Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater has a Night Sky Viewing event every day. This experience is about gathering more information by stargazing in a structured setup.  You must visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center every day to learn about the program.     Badlands Loop Road Like many other parts of the Badlands National Park, the Badlands Loop Road also allows you to find your spot for stargazing. However, two of the best spots along the loop are: Burns Basin Overlook Yellow Munds Overlook These locations are especially great for taking photographs and indulging in tranquility.  Sage Creek Rim Road The Sage Creek Rim Road is one of the least crowded spaces in the park. You will also get to see very few cars passing through the area.  The Sage Creek Basin Overlook and Hay Butte Overlook are some of the best spots for stargazing on Sage Creek Rim Road. However, as very few people visit this area, you can find a stargazing spot of your own.  Big Badlands Overlook Big Badlands Overlook may appear last on my list of places to stargaze in Badlands National Park. However, it is the first overlook for someone accessing the park from the Northeast Entrance or the Sioux Falls.  Take a short walk and reach the best stargazing point in the Big Badlands Overlook. From here, enjoy a 360-degree view.  The Backcountry  The open backcountry of the Badlands National Park is a wonderland for camping and stargazing. So, just set your camp and enjoy stargazing for the entire night.  Watching Sunrise And Sunset At Badlands National Park The magic hours of Sunrise and Sunset paint the Badlands National Park with the most vibrant shade of red. The table below shows the best points for watching the sunrise and sunset and the accessibility points. ActivityBest Spots In The ParkAccessibility Points with Boardwalks and for Visitors with Wheelchairs SunriseDoor TrailNorbeck Pass AreaDillon Pass AreaBig Badlands OverlookPanorama PointCastle Trail WestBig Badlands OverlookDoor Trail Panorama PointSunsetPinnacles OverlookCastle Trail EastNorbeck Pass AreaBigfoot Pass Picnic AreaConata Basin OverlookPinnacles Overlook Conata Basin OverlookBigfoot Pass Picnic Area  As the Sun rises, its warm golden and red lights spread over the pinnacles that face the east. Further, the drama of light and shadow makes every frame mesmerizing. So, many photographers flock to Badlands National Park’s sunrise and sunset points for the best captures.  Stargazing At Badlands National Park: Plan Your Trip Well  There are two easy ways to reach the remoteness of the Badlands National Park.  Reach the Rapid City Regional Airport and ride for an hour to Badlands National Park.  Further, you can reach the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and take a road trip to Badlands National Park. This trip through South Dakota will take you around 4 hours. If you want to have the best stargazing experience at Badlands, you need to stay there overnight. You can reserve a room at the Cedar Pass Lodge in advance or stay at the Sage Creek Campground or Cedar Pass Campground.  However, if you are an adventurous soul and want the most immersive experience, put a camp in the backcountry or the north and south units of the park. Don’t forget to collect your permit for backcountry camping in the Badlands National Park.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024]

BY  Sibashree Jul 18, 2024

Is it your dream to climb Denali in Denali National Park? Standing at 6,190 meters height from sea level, the highest peak of North America is surely going to give you a tough time. However, the toughest routes in the world are the most alluring for travelers. So, its remote location and the deadliest terrains attract mountain lovers across the globe. As the monumental centerpiece, Denali adds to the popularity of Denali National Park.  Are you also planning a climb on Denali or Mount McKinley? Here are the things you must know before you make an attempt. Many people talk about the magnificence of the peak and its beauty. I will primarily discuss how you will prepare and conduct yourself for the pain-stricken journey and sail through it.  Climbing Denali in Denali National Park (How You Will Prepare Yourself) Many people find climbing Denali in Alaska’s Denali National Park more difficult than climbing Mount Everest. Extreme weather conditions, steep terrains, and fixed lines make this exotic peak one of the deadliest in the world.  So, we must be particular about our preparations, and these are the areas where we need to prepare ourselves.  Physical Preparedness And Endurance Physical preparedness and endurance are the most crucial things while climbing Denali. Your training activities will include the following.  Fitness Test  VO₂ Max Test Carrying Packs Weighing around 55lbs Hike Training at Sea Level Strength Building While attending a training session for physical strength and endurance, take a step-by-step approach to success.  Working On Team Dynamics And Preparations Traveling solo is not a great idea when it comes to conquering Denali. Maintain clear communication, mutual respect, trust, and a supportive environment within the team. Trust me! Denali will challenge you in every possible way. You don’t want to add to it by having a discord within the team.  Make Sure To Have The Correct Mental Training Reaching the Denali summit is going to be tough. The weather conditions and the routes will throw endless challenges. So, you have to be mentally resolute to keep at it. Train yourself mentally and learn to push limits during your physical training sessions for the Denali trek. Staying positive and being persistent is very crucial in your journey.  Work On Your Technical Proficiency Climbing Denali in Denali National Park is a demanding task. Things are not going to be as easy as visiting Biscayne National Park,  Everglades National Park, or any other national park.  You can attend courses on the following prior to joining a trip to Denali. Ice and snow travel Crevasse rescue Self-rescue Fixed line climbing Self-arrest techniques These technical climbing skills will prepare you for adverse conditions.  Be Particular About Food And Hydration  Planning food and nutrition before and during climbing Denali has two aspects. You have to eat healthy and nutritious food that keeps you in shape. If you are on a guided tour, you will have a proper diet and nutrition plan that you need to follow.  At the same time, having good food is crucial when it comes to climbing a height. You may face appetite issues at a higher altitude. However, you must ensure that you finish your meal properly. There will be no scope for overpacking snacks.  Further, nutrition is different for each person. So, your primary diet will be rich in healthy fats and high protein. However, for the instant energy kick, you must also carry some energy food items and chocolate bars.  The “Diet, Supplementation and Nutritional Habits of Climbers in High Mountain Conditions” report featured in the National Library of Medicine shows the food choices of climbers. Check the table below.  Food Choices Of Climbers Canned Meat3.6%Fruit Mousses7.1%Canned Fish7.1%Halvah7.1%Dry Smoked Pork Sausage10.7%Sandwiches10.7%Dried Fruits10.7%Nuts 10.7%Instant Dishes10.7%Dried Meat28.6%Salty Snacks32.1%Jelly Beans35.7%Energy Gels39.3%Chocolate71%Freeze-dried Dishes86.8%Bars100% Data Source: Diet, Supplementation and Nutritional Habits of Climbers in High Mountain Conditions This study was conducted on 28 men, and the average age group was “33.12 ± 5.96 years.” Take Care Of Hydration  Your body needs more hydration as you climb up the mountain. Water boosts the efficiency of our red blood corpuscles, which collect oxygen in the lungs. So, for proper breathing at a high altitude like Denali, you will have to keep drinking water.   You also need water to stay away from body aches and injuries and preserve your energy level. Water further helps in digesting your food.  Moreover, as you climb up, the air starts getting dry, and rapid breathing and an increased heartbeat promote faster loss of water from our bodies.  Along with drinking 3-4 liters of water every day, you will need to take multivitamins, electrolytes, and hyperhydration solutions available in sachets.  Work On Gear Selection And Preparation Pick and prepare your gear right for climbing Denali in Denali National Park. You will need to pack layered clothing, insulated boots, sleeping bags (-20 F), and mountaineering jackets. Further, if you are on a guided tour, you will be handed over a detailed kit list. Be particular about procuring the following items. Climbing helmet Balaclava Glacier glasses  Goggles Crampons Ice axe Harness Climbing rope Carabiners, etc. These gears ensure that you can navigate through the hard terrain comfortably and remain connected to your team.  Acclimatize With The Condition  With Denali, you are going to make a trek on harsh terrains under extreme weather conditions. So, you cannot plan a successful trip to Denali without devoting some time to acclimatization.  Join a group or guided expeditions that have acclimatization built into their itineraries.   Did You Know?  Mount Denali was renamed Mount McKinley on 28th August 2015.  Denali is the third-highest peak among the Seven Summits or the tallest peaks in seven continents. Denali means “the tall one,” and its name is derived from a Native Alaskan language, Koyukon.  Harry Karstens, Hudson Stuck, and their team of climbers first conquered Mount Denali in 1913.  Galen Johnston became the youngest climber to Mount Denali in 2001. He was 11 years old, and he climbed the peak with his parents.  Final Words  Climbing Denali in Denali National Park is going to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Reaching the summit can be the ultimate reward for your years of training and preparations.  Also, when your road leads to the highest peak in North America, you have to be physically and mentally fit and proficient in technical skills related to mountaineering.  In addition, respect the wonder of nature and be humble so that the wonder of nature embraces you with open arms and paves your way to the summit. Have you ever been a part of a climbing team to Denali? Do you have plans to make a trip to this steep mountain soon? What do you think is most important to prepare yourself for this arduous trek? Don’t forget to share your insights with us!  Denali National Park FAQs How Difficult Is Denali To Climb?  Climbing Denali in Denali National Park is a serious affair. You will at least need intermediate-level expertise or advanced expertise to climb the highest peak in North America.  If you are a serious climber and want to climb Denali, you must get your preparations right and acclimatize to difficult situations with some prior ventures. For preparations, you can climb the Cascades of Washington or the European Alps before your attempts to climb Denali. Further, you need to have the fitness and the agility to survive at all altitudes. You also need to be experienced in knots and hitches, rope work, and fixed-line climbing. In addition, you have to know about glacier travel, crampon techniques, and crevasse rescue.  What Is The Cost Of Climbing To Denali? The cost of climbing Denali for each person will be around $400 per day. Overall, the cost of climbing Denali will be around $12000. In addition, you will have to pay the NPS climbing registration fee. The National Park Service offers a detailed breakdown of the expenses you will need to bear when climbing Denali.  The expenditure includes guides, meals, and transportation costs to reach the kick-off point.  What Is The Hardest Part About Climbing Denali? Climbing the north face of Denali is the hardest, as there will be encounters with avalanches at Wickersham Wall. The Wickersham Wall extends 4,572 m upward from the glacier to the northern peak of Denali.  Another deadliest route for climbing Denali is the West Buttress route. Since the 1980s, there have been reports of at least 14 people dying on this route. (Source) What Is The Best Time To Climb Denali? Late April to mid-July is the best Denali climbing season. However, if you want to experience a milder temperature, you must visit the mountain in June and July. The weather is also less windy in June and July.  Traveling in late July is not a great idea, though, as the snow bridges over the crevasses will start melting. Further, it will be difficult for you to reach the base camp by airplane.  Climbing Denali in any season is not going to be a cakewalk for you. So, daily weather observations are crucial in determining the right time to climb the highest peak in North America. Also, it is always to be a part of guided expeditions to avoid fatal consequences and casualties.  Can I Die While Climbing Denali?  It would be harsh to say that you will die while climbing Denali. However, climbing the highest peak in North America is an arduous journey. You at least need an intermediate-level skill and glacier experience for the trek.  However, a solo climber to Denali died recently, just as the summer climb season this year kickstarted. The body of the deceased climber was found on 20th May 2024. (Source) So, commit to the climb only if you have the desired mental and physical fitness, have the expertise and experience, and have proper safety measures in place. Also read From Hiking To Stargazing: The Top 10 National Parks In Utah! 7 Fun Things To Do In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plan A Day Trip To Dry Tortugas National Park: This Is How You Will Do It.