How To Create A Travel Journal Or Blog As A New Mother

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

Lassen Volcanic National Park gets its name from the Lassen Peak, an active volcano in the southernmost Cascade Range. Even today, the Lassen Peak has hot springs and you will find fumaroles coming out of the peak’s mouth. These are also signs of volcanic activities in the volcanic mountains. Further, this national park houses all four types of volcanoes: plug domes, cinder cones, composites, and shields. These volcanoes make this national park a chosen destination for geologists and volcano enthusiasts. The presence of these volcanoes has also added unique hydrothermal features to this park. You will find vibrant hot springs, steam vents making hissing sounds, and mud pots with bubbling water here.  Here, I present a brief overview of the geothermal wonders of the park. I will also talk about the park’s camping provisions.  Geothermal Areas In Lassen Volcanic National Park The Lassen Volcanic National Park had 418,978 visitors in 2023, and we can say that its hydrothermal features are a major factor in crowd-pulling here. Snow falling on the park highlands and rainwater keep feeding the geothermal systems. Under the Lassen Peak, there is a molten or hot rock body. This hot rock body makes the water warm once it reaches underground. When the water becomes hot, you see the water boiling in the geothermal pools and mud pots. As the temperature of the water rises, it gets transformed into fumaroles. Fumaroles exude from various cracks in the earth. In Lassen Volcanic National Park, you will observe fumaroles at Sulphur Works, Devils Kitchen, and Bumpass Hell.  Little Hot Springs Valley You can have a look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from Lassen Peak (the largest plug demo volcano in the world) and other mountains lining it.   Further, various seasonal creeks drain into this valley, feeding the geothermal water. If you overlook the valley from the mountain peaks in the summer, you will see many wildflowers smiling. In particular, grass and the wildflower vegetation across the East Sulphur Creek edge is quite dense, thanks to various hypothermal activities. You can also look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from a pullout, just one mile away on the south. The view from this pullout is scenic, with lush green slopes before your eyes. If you look at the slopes with binoculars, you will find black bears roaming around.  Bumpass Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OE_c2SzWNw As you walk 7 miles from the southwest entrance of the park, you will find a parking area on the park highway. Here, you will find the trail to Bumpass Hell. With a 3-mile hiking trail(round trip), Bumpass Hell is the largest geothermal area in the park. You can only hike the Bumpass Hell trail in autumn and summer. It remains closed during spring and winter. The temperature of the geothermal water in the Bumpass Hell area can reach up to 322 degrees.  The elevation of this trail is 8,000 feet. However, because of its moderate difficulty level, you will find many visitors here on weekends. The water in this hydrothermal area is emerald green or blue in color. Further, the minerals in the water stain the rocks and soil in yellow and orange shades.  Sulphur Works It can’t get easier than hiking to Sulphur Works if you want to explore the geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here, you can see how volcanic activities have created the most interesting geology with shifting new and ancient grounds.  The landscape here experiences regular updates because of geothermal activities and natural activities like erosion. Also, thanks to the volcanic activities, you will encounter colorful rocks, steam vents, and the most pungent sulphuric smell here. Sulphur Works is important in the Lassen Volcanic National Park history, and it was earlier known as Supan's Sulphur Works. Mathias B. Supan, a pioneer of the American West, used to extract minerals from the ground here in the mid-19th century.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTvAs6VPfIE The hydrothermal area of Sulphur Works is interesting as it is located at the center of a wide basin. Brokeoff Mountain, Mount Conard, Pilot Pinnacle, and Mount Diller surround this basin. According to geologists, these mountains are eroded formations or remains of Mount Tehama or Brokeoff Volcano. Boiling Springs Lake A trail starting from the Warner Valley trailhead will take you to the Boiling Springs Lake, filled with hot and bubbling water. The temperature of the water in this lake is 125 degrees.  You will also find steam vents and mud pots on the shore. The mud pots on the southeastern shore of the lake demand a special mention.  As you continue on the Boiling Springs Lake trail, you will see colorful wildflowers. The vegetation of Douglas-fir, sugar pine, incense-cedar, white pine, and ponderosa pine will soothe your eyes here. This trail is also a birder’s paradise and one of the best places in the park to observe birds.  Devils Kitchen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pah0QzBkN0 This hike, starting from the Warner Valley Trailhead, is moderate, and it will take you to an area filled with boiling pools, mud pots, and steam vents. You can call Devils Kitchen a  Cauldron. The piled-up cracked red and yellow stones here give this place a colorful appearance. These colorful stones show deposits of various minerals found in volcanic eruptions. The Cauldron will keep making hissing, belching, and plopping sounds, and the unique odor filling the air creates the perfect ambiance of a natural kitchen. Something is definitely cooking in this kitchen!  Terminal Geyser Start hiking from the Warner Valley Trailhead to reach Terminal Geyser. It is a steam vent showcasing the active volcanic activities in the park.  Unlike a geyser, it does not erupt hot water periodically, and it’s actually a fumarole. Even if you can’t see the steam, you will smell a sulfuric odor, and there will be a billowing cloud.  Cold Boiling Lake You can start trekking from Kings Creek Picnic Area to reach the Cold Boiling Lake. The road to the Cold Boiling Lake is almost flat, and the landscape has further descent to the Crumbaugh Lake.  You can see some small gas bubbles near the shore of the Cold Boiling Lake. So, it is known as a dying geothermal wonder of the park.  The Cold Boiling Lake and its shores look the best if you pay a visit in the morning after a night of snowfall.  Pilot Pinnacle Pilot Pinnacle is a remains of volcanic composites. You will find it along the ridges of Mt. Diller and Brokeoff Mountain. You can look at this area filled with mud pots, pools, and steam vents from Park Road.  Lassen Volcanic National Park Camping Lassen Volcanic National Park has seven campgrounds. However, only four campgrounds are available this year. The Dixie Fire 2021 recovery process will keep the three other campgrounds closed in 2024.  The campgrounds open this year are Butte Lake, Summit Lake, Southwest Campground (Southwest Parking), and Manzanita Lake.  Closed campgrounds are Juniper Lake, Warner Valley, and Southwest Campground (Walk-in campground).  Most campsites in the park are available at this national park on a reservation basis. You can make the reservation between June and September. You can make your reservation at recreation or call the park authority at 1-877-444-6777.  Final Words  The Lassen Volcanic National Park is a hub of scenic beauty, active volcanoes, and various geothermal features. Active volcanism and weather forces, like rain and erosion, have given this park a rich geological landscape that goes back thousands of years. With the magnificent Lassen Peak towering over the park, the hydrothermal areas are surrounded by forests and green meadows. So, various species of animals, birds, and insects reside around these geothermal areas.  So, if you are a volcano enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or a hiker, pack your bags, plan a trip to this national park, and share your experience once you come back.  Lassen Volcanic National Park FAQs  What Lives In Lassen Volcanic National Park? Home to around “300 species of vertebrates,” Lassen Volcanic National Park has many mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. The park has three ecological zones where you can encounter rich wildlife.  Mammals: Black bear, Sierra Nevada red fox, mountain lion, America pika, snowshoe hare, Douglas’s squirrel, mule deer Birds: Steller's Jay, Clark's nutcracker, Anna’s hummingbird, woodpeckers, round-legged hawks, etc.  Amphibians: Pacific tree frog, long-toed salamander, western toad Reptiles: Sagebrush lizards, northern lizards, alligator lizards, western terrestrial garter snake, rubber boa, Northern Pacific rattlesnake, etc.  Fish: Rainbow trout, Lahontan Redside, speckled dace, etc. Along with these animals, you will also find the most beautiful  California Tortoiseshell butterflies, spiders, and other insects in the park. The total number of invertebrate species living here is 350.  What Is The Closest Town To The Lassen Volcanic National Park? Chester is the closest town to the Lassen Volcanic National Park. You can take a 40-minute drive from the southwest entrance of the park. You can relax at the eateries at Chester, and you will find some decent lodging options here.  Who Died In Lassen Volcanic National Park?  Tommy Botell, a 9-year-old boy, died in an accident in the Lassen Volcanic National Park on 18th March 2010. His elder sister, Katrina, a 13-year-old girl, was severely injured in the same accident.  The mishap took place at the Lassen Peak Trail.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.

BY  Sibashree Jun 12, 2026

Freestyle is the main foundation of snowboarding. However, every rider has to learn the basic snowboarding tricks, from grinds to spins and grabs to butters.   Furthermore, you need a roadmap for becoming a park-ready snowboarder.  Also, you have to maintain your style equally before and after the drop. So, along with knowing the tricks, you need to choose snowboard jackets and snowboard pants that ensure superior performance with freestyle readiness.  What Are The Coolest Snowboarding Tricks?  You can divide the snowboarding tricks into four categories, and these are: Flips Spins Grabs Butters Flips mean rotating around the horizontal axis. On the other hand, spins are ideal for showcasing rotational tricks centering around the vertical axis.  Furthermore, in the grabs technique, you can grab the board in more than one position.  Moreover, butters means placing the board on the ground and using presses and spins for rails and jumps.  However, Ollie is the basic or main trick behind snowboarding.  The Ollie: The Basic Snowboarding Tricks From corked 10s to butters, you will find the simple Ollie trick. However, this is a trick that can only be perfected with practice.  Furthermore, this trick involves four stages: You have to energize the board. Then, you have to center the balance backward.  Next, you have to drive off the back.  Finally, you have to tuck the nose to square up. Now, here are the four tricks a snowboarder needs to master. However, before getting into the details of the tricks, I want to define what a switch is. What Does Switch Mean?  As a rider, you will have a natural leading foot.  Left Foot Forward is Regular. Right Foot Forward is Goofy. Also, riding “switch” means riding with your non-dominant foot forward, essentially riding your board backward from how you normally would. Many advanced tricks either require a switch landing or start from a switch stance, which is why you'll see it mentioned constantly in trick names and descriptions.  A switch is not an optional detail. It changes the difficulty of the trick fundamentally. 1. Butter Tricks  If you have to learn about the basic tricks of Nollies and Ollies, rotation, and board awareness, butter tricks are the best.  Tail Press You can initiate the tail press with the shift of your weight toward the board’s tail. You have to ride straight and lift the nose out of the snow.  Ollie And Nollie  Ollie is the foundation, and Nollie is the same in the opposite direction. In Ollie, you shift the pressure backward, and Nollie is the trick where you need to shift the pressure forward.  Then, you will have to press down on the nose for spring.  Nose Press  Nose Press is the inverse of Tail Press. Here, your weight has to be over the nose of the board. Thus, the tail remains free of the snow.  Tail Drag  You have to start a nose roll or a tail drag. Furthermore, once you get the first pop, you have to keep the board straight.  Here, you will not spin to get back to your natural spin. This is also called the “Nose-Roll to Pretzel.” Nose-Roll 180 Begin a toe or heelside turn. Once your edge engages, lift the tail while keeping the nose down, then spin 180 into a switch. Tripod When you are riding straight, you have to look behind. Then, you can start a heavy tail press.  Next, you need to go down and touch the snow with your hands. Thus, you will use your arms and tail to form the tripod.  Tail-Drag 180 You have to start a heelside or toe turn and do ollying. Thus, you can keep the tail on the snow.  Then, you can drag the board and land the switch.  Nose-Roll 360  The start for Nose-Roll 360 is very similar to the Nose-Roll 180. However, here the rotational force is greater, and the pop is harder.  In this trick, when your board is at an angle of 90 degrees to the direction you are riding.  Then, you can lift your nose from the snow and go for an airborne spin until it becomes a complete 360 degree.  Tail-Drag 360 Here, the start is the same as the Tail-Drag 180, and here, you need to drag the tail to perpendicular and pop harder.  Then, you will lift the board from the snow to finish a complete rotation of 360 degrees.  2. Grabs Tricks  Grabbing the snowboard in the middle of a flight is the space where freestyle was created. This is a stylish trick for snowboarding.  Indy Reach down with your back hand and grip the toe edge between your feet. Stalefish  In this grab trick, your back hand reaches past your back knee to grab the heel edge between the bindings. Tail  Here, you can use your trailing hand and grab the tail of the board right at the tip. This grab will not be on the sides.  Melon  Grab the heel edge between your feet using your front hand, reaching outside your lead knee. Weddle  Earlier, the Weddle trick was known as Mute Grab. It got its name from Chris Weddle, who invented the trick and tried for the first time in 1981.  The change of name happened in 2021, and as The Guardian reported,  “For almost 40 years, the “mute grab” has been part of a skateboarder’s bag of tricks: the lead hand grabs the toe side of the board between their feet. Now, the trick is being renamed to better honour its inventor, Chris Weddle, a deaf skater who was never actually mute in the first place.” In this trick, you will have to use your lead hand and grab your toe edge between the bindings.  Method If you want to master a more stylish move than Melon, you can try the Method trick. In this move, you have to stretch your legs from the Melon Grab stance, and thus the shape of your body will be like a scorpion tail.  Then, you will have to use your trailing hand before you aim high. The beauty of the method is that in this, everyone can try a different version.  In snowboarding, Method Grab has one of the most fascinating stories of origin.  The most amazing part is that it was not discovered on a mountain.   Rider Neil Blender started on a skateboard vert ramp in 1985. He was then taking part a highest-air contest.  The rules were to measure the air height from the lowest point of the body of the rider on board.  So, to squeeze out extra height, Blender arched his back and pulled the board up. He called it his best “method” for winning.  Thus, the method trick got its name and became very popular by the late 1980s. Even today, it is one of the most recognizable moves of snowboarding. Nose  In this trick, you will have to use your leading hand to grab the nose of your board. Roast Beef  Skateboarder Jeff Grosso invented this trick, and he called it the worst maneuver in skateboarding.  He admitted that he only started grabbing there because it was easier for him than a stalefish. However, today, it is one of the easiest “through-the-legs” grabs to learn.  In this trick, your rear hand reaches between your legs and grabs the heel edge of the board between the bindings, with your rear leg boned (straightened) for style. Chicken Salad  Because of the same through-the-legs motion, Roast Beef is often seen as the same as the Chicken Salad trick.  However, this trick is different because here you will grab the heel edge with your rear hand while your front leg is boned and your wrist rotates inward. So, you will reach between the legs with the rear hand to grab the heel edge while keeping the front leg extended. Many snowboarders also casually call the variations of the Chicken Salad Chicken Wing on the mountain.  However, in standard competitions, Chicken Salad remains the standard name. 3. Spins, Flips, And Corks  The tricks based on rotations are called spins, and as you try spins on the horizontal axis, you will land in a switch or natural position.  Spins happen in 180-degree increments. Furthermore, the following variations will offer you a switch landing. 180 540 800 1260 1620 On the other hand, the following spins will ensure a natural landing.  360 720 1080 1440 1800 Moreover, corks and flips are rotations on the vertical axis. However, they are very different from spins, and each of the variations has a distinct name.  Here are the tricks you are going to try.  Wildcat   Wildcat is a backflip trick. Here, you will have to keep the board in a parallel position to the riding line.  Thus, you will do a side slip but will not use the momentum. Tamedog Tamedog is the exact opposite of Wildcat. It is a frontflip trick, and here also the board remains parallel to the riding line.  However, you will also use the hard Nollie trick so that the nose becomes your springboard and you start rotating.  Backflip  In the backflip trick, the board will create a 90-degree angle to the snow. In this, you will flip the board backwards directly.  Thus, the board will have a straight landing.  Frontflip  Frotflip has many similarities with Tamedog. Here, you will have to do a Nollie and a nose-press to initiate the lip.  Then, you will use both hands and reach forward to start the somersault. You will also shift the board back into the landing place.  Rodeo It is a frontflip but with a difference. Launch a frontside turn off the lip, pop from your toe edge, and pull a frontflip 180 to a switch landing. It has become such a building block that riders now stack difficulty onto it. A “Backside Rodeo 540” is a genuine flex in the competition.  Backside Rodeo It is just the reverse of Rodeo. Start a backside turn at the lip, pop off your heel edge, and execute a backflip with a 180 to land switch.  Moreover, if you want to showcase the maximum style, you must try a Backside Rodeo 540.  Corked Spin  A corked spin is a simple addition of a backflip or a frontflip to a flat spin. It is a popular trick in competitive settings.  In these tricks, professionals “Cab Triple Cork 14s” or “Double Corked 10s.”  However, like the Rodeos, you can make any spin corked.  Rails And Boxes: Some Tricks For The Street Riders On A Mountain Encounter If you don’t want to try flatland and air tricks, or if you are a street rider, you surely love your rails and boxes.  Here are the common grinds you can try while snowboarding on the mountain.  Trick NameApproach DirectionBoard PositionTakeoff/Pop StyleLeading Edge/Feature Placement 50-50Straight OnParallel (Straight)Standard Pop Flat Base on the Rail or BoxFrontside BoardslideRail on the Front SidePerpendicular (Sideways)Nose Rising Over the RailHeel Edge Leads with Backward SlidingFrontside LipslideRail on the Front SidePerpendicular (Sideways)Tail Rising Over the RailCentred between the BindingsBackside BoardslideRail on the Back SidePerpendicular (Sideways)Nose Rising Over the RailCentred between the BindingsBackside LipslideRail on the Back SidePerpendicular (Sideways)Tail Rising Over the RailHeel Edge LeadsTailpressStraight OnParallel (Straight)Shift Weight BackwardFlat Base with Tail Pressed DownNosepressStraight OnParallel (Straight)Shift Weight BackwardFlat Base with Nose Pressed DownBluntslideWill Vary Based on the EntryPerpendicular (Sideways)Ollie or High PopRail Sits Directly Under One Binding Know The Glossary Of The Coolest Snowboarding Trick Names If you want to know what are some of the coolest snowboarding trick names and the lore behind them, you can begin with the glossary I shared.  However, you can also master these tricks.  1. Switch McTwist Switch McTwist was originally a skateboard trick. Skater Mike McGill first landed the move.  It was a combination of a front flip and a 540-degree rotation on a halfpipe in 1984. His teammate, Rodney Mullen, named the trick in his honor.  He took “Mc” from MacGill’s name and combined it with “twist.”  This trick came into snowboarding when Shaun White performed in the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, defending his title.  In a Switch McTwist, the same flipping 540 is required, and you need to perform it from a switch or a backward-leading stance.  So, it is a much harder variation, combining an already-difficult invert with reversed footing. 2. Double Crippler  You can perform a double crippler on the frontside wall of a halfpipe and not on the backside wall, which is a more common option.  So, it is disorienting, and you can't spot your landing the same way. Add a second flip, and you get the Double Crippler, a very difficult trick.  Maddie Mastro became the first woman to land it, at 18 years old, during her 2019 Burton U.S. Open win. No matter which trick you try, learn and practice it properly from professional trainers and wear the helmet to stay safe during the real adventure. Learning The Basics And Building On It The snowboarding tricks and the lore behind them can feel overwhelming at first.  However, if you want, you can build your vocabulary logically. Start with the Ollie and butter tricks to build board awareness.  Then, move into basic grabs like Indy and Melon once you're comfortable in the air, and only chase spins, corks, and flips once those fundamentals are second nature. Furthermore, most of today’s iconic tricks, the Method, the McTwist, and the Roast Beef started as one rider's happy accident or stubborn experiment. So, learn the basics properly, and eventually you might invent something worth naming yourself. Read Also: How Is It Possible For Ski Jumpers To Stay In The Air Long And How To They Train For That? Minus 40°C Or Minus 40°F: What To Know Before Planning Your Next Mountain Escapade? Ski And Snowboard Ride: A Journey Into The Heart Of Winter Adventure

BY  Sibashree Jul 21, 2025

Travel is all about enjoying the sunny weather with the light breeze blowing away your hair. But, unlike a sprinkle, torrential rain can literally ruin your entire trip. Making it one of the worst memories. So, it is kinda wise to check the rainy season prior to visiting that place. This way, you can avoid unnecessary hassles and know when to travel and what to do during this time. For instance, Bangkok’s rainy season spans from May through the beginning of November. And, when it rains there, it literally pours down buckets. So, be prepared to get stuck in some muddy puddles and flooded metropolis. Making it tenfold difficult to travel to your destinations or go for a city walk. But, if you are a rain lover, you should know about a few things before setting off to Bangkok. Here, I have brought you a complete guide on things to do in Bangkok’s rainy season. Stay tuned! Why Is Bangkok’s Rainy Season Considered Low Season? During the rainy season, the temperature drops to 26 degrees with humid weather. So, you will feel stuffy while traveling to tour spots. Moreover, the rain comes in bursts of torrential pouring. Turning the entire city into a flooded region. So, traveling or commuting becomes more difficult. And to top it off, the sky is mainly overcast with clouds all the time. Just killing the vibes. So, you won’t be able to enjoy the place. Naturally, this season earned the nickname of “Low Season” because of the mood-ruining weather and low tourist visits. What You Should Do In Bangkok’s Rainy Season? Here is a list of the things you need to do when you are stuck in Bangkok during the rainy season. 1. Wear Rubber Shoes The last thing you need is to walk around with nothing on your feet; wear strong rubber flip flops/sandals that are made for wet weather, and you will have no issues.  A sturdy umbrella is always a wise thing to carry around in the rainy season, while a plastic anorak with a hood will save you if you get caught in a tropical downpour.  Staying in one of the best hotels in Bangkok Sukhumvit puts you in the centre of the action, close to BTS stations. 2. Keep Your Digital Device Dry Buy one of those waterproof plastic bags for smartphones and store your device in there, along with paper money and your passport.  If you get caught in a tropical storm, your stuff is very likely to get wet, and with a few dry bags, your stuff won’t get damaged.  You can buy these online, and they come in packs of 10. Wear the bag around your neck and keep everything you need to keep dry inside. 3. Avoid Walking In Water Imagine being in the middle of a busy market, with stalls everywhere and electric cables in use; accidents can and do happen, so avoid walking in water whenever possible.  Some foreigners take off their shoes and walk barefoot, which we don’t agree with.  This is dangerous for many reasons. For instance, you could stand on broken glass, and a foot infection could follow. Thailand is the number one destination for wellness retreats. 4. Take Cover In A Shopping Mall If you are out and about and the heavens open, seek refuge in a nearby shopping mall, at least until the water has receded. A coffee shop would be the perfect solution, and they would welcome your business.  One place you should not take shelter is under a tree, as lightning is common in tropical storms. Also, you should not be holding an umbrella when thunder and lightning are happening. 5. Afternoon Showers Rain typically falls in the late afternoon, and when it stops, the sun quickly dries everything out, and you would hardly know it had rained.  It rarely drizzles in Thailand, the rain is heavy and the sun quickly returns. The exterior electrics in Thailand leave a lot to be desired and water and electricity do not mix.  Use your common sense when it comes to being in water and avoid any situation you think might be dangerous. 6. Use The Canal Taxi Boats A great way to get around in the monsoon season, using the electric boats is both cheap and fast; search with Google to find out where the different canals actually go. Bangkok has many canals that wind through the city, and they are frequent and safe. Rain And Bangkok: How To Enjoy A Flooded Trip? Even though the weather is not perfect, sunny, and beautiful one which highlights the natural beauty of Thailand, it is a peaceful time to visit Bangkok. However, going there without taking the right precautions can make it a frustrating trip. So, make sure you pack up your rainy gear to fight against the torrential bouts. Also, given that most tourists avoid the place during Bangkok’s rainy season, you will find the tour spots less crowded. Letting you to actually enjoy a place in peace. Mainly, the greatest and busiest attraction, Grand Palace in Bangkok, becomes a spot with relatively fewer people. So, you can spend some time enjoying the view and architecture without enduring the rushing crowds. Additionally, you can book tickets for the annual arts festivals in the International Festival Auditorium. Then, enjoy exploring different art forms and cultural excellence without wetting your feet in the rainy puddles. Along with that, you can go around Chinatown to dig into some of the mouthwatering delicacies. From exciting street foods to different flavored mooncakes, grab a bite of every kind of food. So, turn the wet trip into a memorable one with the right activities and fun-filled experiences. Just take measures to avoid the rain and indulge in a peaceful Bangkok tour. Read More: Exploring Southern Utah’s Hidden Dive Sites Haneda Vs Narita: Which Tokyo Airport Should You Choose For Your Next Trip? Three Of The Best Must-See Attractions During Your Time On The Thai Island Of Phuket