Welcome To The Pecos National Historical Park: The Land Of The First American Revolution

BY  Sibashree Sep 10, 2024

Connemara National Park has been an important Irish national park, having won the Green Flag Award in 2018. This international benchmark shows its worth as a green space and park. Further, in 2021, it also sought the New Heritage Site Accreditation, which shows the quality of the national park and how it is maintained in a sustainable way.   Moreover, this park is even rich in geology and houses many historical and archaeological sites. In addition, as an outdoor enthusiast, you can explore its various hiking and walking trails.   So, want to tour this Irish national park, which has a dash of history, culture, natural abundance, and more? Here is a complete guide for you.   Important Information About Connemara National Park  Visiting Time: 9 am to 5:30 pm  Entry Fee: Free  Closed On Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day, and Red and Orange Weather Alert Days  Amenities: Education Center, Visitor Center, Playground, Cafe, Toilets and Picnic Areas  How to Reach: You can reach this national park by train, car, or bus. You have to reach Galway City first and then take a bus (or private car) to reach the park.  Main Access Point: Near Letterfrack along the N59  Pet Friendliness: Dogs are Welcome to Walk the Trails   Fascinating Geology Of Connemara National Park  The national park is a part of the Twelve Ben area. So, the park also has underlying metamorphic rocks. The sediments forming these rocks are aged between 700 to 550 million years.   Further, you will find schists and gray marbles around the edges of the rocks. Moreover, at the top, you will see quartzite. In addition, it is astonishing to know that the final shaping of the park took place around 10000 years ago or during the last ice age.  The park has a rocky formation with boulder clay and a deposit of sand and gravel. The distinct geological features have contributed to the type of vegetation found in this area.   What Animals Are In Connemara National Park? Which Plants Does This Park Have?  The International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, has marked Connemara National Park as a Category II Protected Area. So, there is a constant endeavour to safeguard the landscape, wildlife, and ecology of the park unadulterated.   The park has many heritage breeds along with a wide range of protected flora and fauna. In addition, there are some conservation projects to protect the flora and fauna. The table below shows the details.  Birds* Stonechats Wrens Robins Peregrine Falcon Merlin Sparrowhawk Kestrel Mammals Nocturnal Animals  Pine Marten Bats Foxes Badgers  Diurnal Animals   Pygmy Shrews Red Deer Wood Mice Otters Hares Stoats Connemara Ponies Other Fauna Freshwater Pearl Mussel Salmon Trout Smooth Newt Common Frog Rare and Protected Plants and Other Flora Sundews Butterwort Purple Moor Grass Roseroot Purple Saxifrage Starry Saxifrage Pale Butterwort Lesser Twayblade Mountain Sorrel St. Patrick’s Cabbage St. Daboec’s Heath Heritage Breeds Connemara Ponies Cladoir Sheep Moiled Cattle Old Irish Goats Galway Sheep Conservation Projects** Control of Rhododendron Mweelin Exclosure New Found Wood Connemara Pony Cladoir Sheep Preservation Committee Irish Moiled Cattle & Conservation Grazing  *The national park has a large number of birds in the winter. Many native birds of Ireland, such as woodcock, song thrush, mistle thrush, snipe, and starling, increased in numbers in this season.   Moreover, fieldfare, redwing, and many other birds from Northern Europe flock to this park in great numbers during winter.   **The conservation projects in the park are designed to maintain biodiversity. These also try to eradicate the negative impacts on the rare and protected flora and fauna of the park.   Habitats Of Connemara National Park  Connemara National Park has wet boglands and uplands as its habitats. Further, the extremely wet boglands are the hubs of various vegetation. However, the uplands have drier mountain bog communities.  Boglands   Boglands are found in the low-lying areas of the park. Further, in these wet boglands, you will find the western blanket bog. In addition, purple moor grass surrounds this western blanket bog, and thus, it has a grass-like appearance.   In the national park, you will find these boglands near the pool surface, slope inclines, flat lands, and flushes. However, these boglands can appear on your route if you're hiking off trails, and there can be swallow pools. So, be careful!  Uplands   The mountainous and rocky uplands also house a wide variety of vegetation. The grasslands and heather here are also home to some rare and endangered animals, such as red deer and Old Irish Goats.  Moreover, the heathlands here are drier due to a higher altitude.  Hiking And Walking At Connemara National Park  For hikers, all roads in the Connemara National Park lead to the Diamond Hill summit. , panoramic views of Letter Hill or Tully Mountain. Twelve Bens and Kylemore Abbey are also visible from the mountain summit. However, the national park has three more major hiking trails. Check out the table below.  Name of the Trail Difficulty Level Distance (in Km) Upper Diamond Hill Difficult 3.7 Lower Diamond Hill Moderate 3 Sruffaunboy Trail Easy 1.5 Ellis Wood Nature Trail  Easy 0.5  If you are planning to complete a multi-day hiking trip in the national park, you can consider camping here. However, you have to abide by the Wild Camping Code and the regulations related to the Camping Exclusion Zone.   Moreover, you can take a walk (self-guided) through the Tree Trail in the park. It begins from the Car Park Kiosk, and throughout the trail, you will meet tree varieties such as holly, hazel, oak, and Scots’ Pine.   Did You Know?  Through the Connemara National Park West Center and the Letterfrack Village, you can have a thought-provoking walk. The trail you will take is known as the Poetry Trail. Further, in various locations along the path, you will find nine poems by eminent Irish poets like Mary O’Malley and Moya Cannon, which are placed on plaques.   In addition, it is a one-of-a-kind experience for poetry lovers. Some of these nine poems talk about the park and its importance in Irish history. Further, the remaining ones are more generic in nature.   Exploring History At Connemara National Park  The archaeological and historical sites at Connemara National Park tell the tales of human lives and the history of the park for thousands of years. The park’s two megalithic tombs (West and East Tomb) in the park were already popular. However, thanks to the surveys of Helen Riekstins, an archaeologist and national park guide, we have 13 other sites that add to the importance of the park.   Among these 13 sites, six further have been visited by NMS or the National Monuments Service and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Here are the visited sites.  A standing stone  A cairn  Enclosures  A pre-bog wall  Nearby hut  A house  Further, the other seven sites are to be a part of the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) review for inclusion.   The pre-bog wall is likely to be associated with neolithic farming. On the other hand, the hut sites and standing stones are believed to be from the Bronze Age.   Connemara National Park has sites that are 10000 years old. These sites existed as coastal middens and belonged to the Mesolithic or Stone Age.  Many archaeological and historical sites are found near Diamond Hill, Letterfrack, and Mweelin.   The megalithic tombs in the park are around 4000 years old.   Connemara National Park is a twin historic site with Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland. These twinning sites speak for the cultural bond between Ireland and Canada.  Guglielmo Marconi, who received the patent for two-way radio in 1912, is associated with the place. Between Diamond Hill and Mweelin, he suspended the wires, and the current site of Bunaboghee Bog and Park Office had the second line. Here, he invented the first Full Duplex Radio.   So, the presence of various archaeological sites and the association with famous personalities make this park a delightful site for history lovers. Moreover, the Letterfrack Industrial School (1890) is a site important in modern history. Further, the school’s graveyard here tells the grave tales of injustices to the boys resting there.   Final Words   Located in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers around an area of 2,000 hectares. The park opened its door to visitors in 1980, and since then, it has been a place of attraction with its scenic beauty, geological variety, rich wildlife, and hiking trails.   The park also hosts many events like the Summer Evening Lecture Series and Heritage Week Celebration. Moreover, stargazing has become a popular activity in the park, and adults and children over 7 years of age can participate in the star-watching event. You can also check the National Parks website for the latest events at Connemara National Park.  So, are you planning a visit to this historically and naturally rich Irish national park anytime soon? Or have you already been to this wonderful place? Don’t forget to share your experience with us!  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego. Lake Clark National Park And Preserve: Very Few Know How It Preserves The Alaskan Spirit And Culture.

BY  Arnab Feb 15, 2023

Are you looking for a unique and fun travel destination for your upcoming trip? If yes, head to Gatlinburg. This town- nestled in the mountains of Tennessee-allows you to see breathtaking views from every location, adding a gorgeous background to the area. From Ober Gatlinburg to Clingmans Dome, you can enjoy mountain vistas from everywhere. Moreover, there is never a shortage of adventurous points to observe the scenic beauty of Gatlinburg, whether you’re hiking or riding along in a car. This enchanting town is home to some of the most exciting outdoor attractions in Tennessee, and its vibrant downtown is full of unique attractions. Whether you’re hunting for an action-packed trip or a relaxing vacation, Gatlinburg stores something for every visitor. Additionally, Gatlinburg is full of shops and novelty stores. In fact, the Village Shops have about 25 unique galleries and boutiques, providing you with an unforgettable experience. Alongside, this town is also filled with delicious restaurants and eateries. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, southern BBQ, pizza, pancakes, or Mexican, you can find it all in this town. But that’s not all. One of the best things about visiting Gatlinburg is that it’s a budget-friendly destination. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Gatlinburg or the hundredth, there are countless ways to save money during the vacation. After all, you can get Gatlinburg vacation packages and the best vacation experience within your budget. Here Are 4 Must-Go-To Places To Visit In Gatlinburg 1. Have Fun at Anakeesta Trust us, a trip to Gatlinburg isn’t complete without visiting Anakeesta. Anakeesta is one of the best attractions and is a must-visit during your trip to Gatlinburg. With scenic views and an impressive number of exciting activities, this is an excellent spot for visitors of all types and ages. But what can you do at Anakeesta? Some of the fun activities to try at this attraction include: Gem mining: During your trip to Anakeesta, don’t forget to stop by and find your treasure at Gem Mining. An interactive cascade and sluice gate let visitors of all ages looking for an exceptional fossil or gemstone. Grab a meal: If you want to enjoy your meal with breathtaking views, make sure you visit the Cliff Top Restaurant. They offer various meals such as desserts, burgers, steaks, appetizers, and whatnot. Rail Runner: This is a personal roller coaster on a single rail at Anakeesta. The exciting ride starts with 1600 feet of downhill turns and ends with a picturesque uphill ride back to the Anakeesta. 2. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium Wondering what makes Ripley's Aquarium a must-visit place in Gatlinburg? One of the best parts about this attraction is that it's perfect for everybody. Everyone will have a blast at Ripley's Aquarium if you have kids or grandparents in your group. The displays are interesting to everybody, and they will all love watching sea creatures like fish and sharks, providing you with a unique chance to bond with the whole crew.  Besides that, throughout the aquarium, you can see creatures up close. For instance, you get the unique opportunity to touch live stingrays as they swim at Touch-a-ray bay. Whereas in the Discovery Center, you can hold horseshoe crabs. This attraction offers a reasonably priced adventure for the whole group. With all the exhibits of the aquarium and the fantastic creatures you can learn about, the price to enter this aquarium is worth it. Moreover, you can even watch one of the interesting live shows at the aquarium. This allows you to watch divers clean and maintain exhibits while being close to the massive predators in Shark Lagoon Dive. Not just that, you can even explore coral reefs and learn more about the colorful fish living during the Coral Reef Drive, guaranteeing you the best time of your life. 3. Roam Around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most popular park in America, and it’s no wonder why. After all, you can explore many historical sites, from Cataloochee to Old Mill. Whether you’re interested in seeing grist mills or barns, you can find a historic place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But that’s not all. There are a lot of other things you can do at this national park, such as: Horseback riding: This allows you to see the national park differently. Sugarlands and Cades Cove are the most famous stables in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clingmans Dove: Head to the highest point in this park- Clingmans Dove. Additionally, this is also the highest point in entire Tennessee. You can get to the summit of Clingmans Dove for some of the most incredible observation points. Camping: You can go to the Deep Creek Campground, a 90-site campground perfect for visitors who want to embark on various freshwater activities. Additionally, it also provides impressive hiking trails and views of gorgeous waterfalls. 4. Thrill Yourself at The Skylift Park Do you want to experience something adventurous and fun during your trip to Gatlinburg? If yes, Skylift Park is the perfect cherry on top of your stay in Gatlinburg. But what can you do at this attraction? Here’s how you can spend your time at Skylift Park: Ride the SkyLift: The famous Skylift was created in the 1950s, taking visitors to the top of mountains and back down again. Visit the Skydeck: As soon as you get off the Skylift, you’ll meet the incredible Skydeck. Placed particularly on top of Crockett Mountain, this is the perfect place to relax. You can even grab a snack or beer and enjoy the scenic views. Browse through the gift shop: Don’t forget to check out the gift shop on the first floor of Skycenter on Skydeck. Whether you’re looking for Great Smoky Mountain-themed toys, clothes, or Skylift Park-themed merchandise, you can find it all here. Head to Skypark: The Gatlinburg Skypark lies on the top of the mountain. You can spend your day at the top of the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views you might not find anywhere else. Final Words If you’re confused about where to go in Gatlinburg, check out these places. During your getaway to Gatlinburg, make sure you explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Alongside, visit Anakeesta for an exciting and adventurous experience. Trust us, no matter which attractions you choose; you’ll have a blast in this town. Read Also: 5 Things To Pack For Your Next Vacation 7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Trip To Gatlinburg Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers

BY  sagnika Aug 5, 2023

Is your heart craving some natural beauty that will help you relax? Why don't you visit Fiji, situated in the middle of nowhere, not exactly nowhere! You will forget all your worries with the endless South Pacific around you. Want to know what are the things to do in Fiji? A travel destination that is nothing short of heaven, Fiji is home to 333 tropical islands. It is in the middle of the South Pacific, with authentic flavors, enticing culture, and beautiful nature. Read the article to learn more about what to do when in Fiji! There are a variety of activities that travelers can experience with the abundant collection of flora and fauna. There is also the tribal culture for you to experience unique and thrilling events. You Won't Believe When I Say About The Best Things To Do In Fiji! Fiji is more than just a travel destination. Instead, you will experience an authentic culture when you visit Fiji. If you are traveling from the US, you do not need a visa; your stay can be as long as four months. You can book tickets on the 10 hours long direct flight from Los Angeles to Fiji. The destination in Fiji is Nadi International Airport; hence, if you live closer to Los Angeles, you are in luck. However, if you live elsewhere, you must travel to Los Angeles and then fly. Fiji Airways and Air New Zealand are two airlines that operate in Fiji, and they both offer regular flights daily if you travel from the USA, Europe, or the UK. You could visit Fiji between May and September to experience clear blue skies. You can go between October to April if you want to experience the rain. However, you do stand at the risk of experiencing a storm or cyclone. Some of the best resorts in Fiji are Sheraton Resort & Spa, situated on Tokoriki Island, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, and others. 1. Go For A Safari To The Sigatoka River! The Sigatoka River Safari is very entertaining. It takes you around the Sigatoka River Valley, where you can visit villages, eat Fijian delicacies, drink Kava or Yaqona, a sedative and narcotic Figian drink, and dance. The drink is made with the crushed root of Yaqona and further strained with water. The safari also includes coastal Inland Tours, including a river cruise, The Cannibals Cave Tour, or visiting a waterfall. The river safari lasts 4 hours, including the Kava ceremony in the local villages, where people drink from a big communal bowl. A busy market is situated at the banks of the Sigatoka River across 4 km inland! You can visit this hub which gives glimpses of urban life in the provinces of Fiji. The market has small-scale shops creating a strong and bustling network of sellers and curry restaurants. There is also the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park to visit if you want something exciting. The dunes are spread across 650 hectares while stretching across 3 km at the mouth of the river. You can have some fantastic views, especially when the dunes rise to 80m in some places. 2. Visit Kula Wild Adventure Park One of the largest collections of native wildlife is boasted by Kula Eco Park, situated in a temperate forest. Tourists can use boardwalks to walk around and explore the wilderness. The collection of water birds, doves, patrons, and reptiles is to look for! There are reptile enclosures, a reef fish aquarium, and aviary cages where the huge crested iguanas are the highlight considering they are only found in limited islands in Fiji such as Yasawa and Vanua Levu. Marine displays such as soft and hard corals, tropical fish, and ocean turtles exist. 3. Stroll Around The Garden Of The Sleeping Giant! The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is 35 acres of rainforest that acts as an adventure park. There are zip wires which are used by travelers, mostly adventure junkies, who can fly across the jungle through these at a speed of 60 km per hour. Also, there are ropes for swinging, pools for swimming, and you can also spot parrots. There are waterfalls to which you can walk around, or you can also get a 1 hour guided walk, a part of the package when you buy the entrance tickets. The adventure park was founded by the actor Raymond Burr, also known as Perry Mason! A collection of flowering plants, orchids, and trees spread across the gentle trails across the landscape. The park is situated just north of Nadi, so you can also take a guided tour to Nadi to experience the culture there. You can also take a dip in the thermal pools, which are pretty restorative! 4. Explore Nadi One of the most authentic places to visit in Fiji is Nadi, a multicultural town with the perfect feel of the vibrant culture. You can enjoy the place, explore the shops, relish some authentic and native drinks, and eat delicious cuisine. So to answer, things to do in Nadi Fiji, read along! A live tourism spot, Nadi creates opportunities for some of the most exciting things to do in Fiji. You can try the zip lining experience with Zip Fiji's newest ziplining expertise, which only lasts 35 minutes and creates a beautiful and exciting adventure. There are 5 km of zip lines across the canyons, mountain tops, and caves. If you like speed, you will love this experience as they create a jaw-dropping experience where you can take in the breathtaking ocean views and the limestone cave exploration. What can be more exciting than experiencing 3 diverse ecosystems? There is also the Tifajek Mud Pool & Hotspring and Sabeto Hot Spring Mud Pool and Tours for you to dip and relax! Further, you can explore the souvenir market, which is open-air, where you will find cannibal forks, hand-painted clothes, wooden kava bowls, and others. 5. Try Sea-Kayaking! Sea-Kayaking is one of the best things to do in Fiji! Sea-Kayaks are available in every resort for the guests to experience the beautiful sea and are usually addressed as a complimentary activity. It is important to inform someone of your attempting the activity and wear a life jacket because it is important that you are safe. A sudden squall storm or dangerous current might be a risk. Hence, informing your resort regarding your activities would be best. One of the best experiences you can get for Kayaking is visiting the Lavena Coastline, situated on Taveuni within the Bouma National Heritage Park. You will need to make a half-day trip to the coastline. You can also access packages inclusive of camping on the beaches, snorkeling at the lagoons, overnight visits at villages, and Kayaking offered by two companies Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions and South Sea Ventures. The packages will give you a wholesome experience, along with helping you save some money. 6. Enjoy A Stunning View After Hiking The Waya Island If you are in Fiji for stunning views of nature, worry not! We have got you covered. Waya Island is one of the most beautiful locales to offer spectacular views with its photogenic views and amazing hiking trails. Hiking is one of the things to do in Fiji island. You will find rock protrusions, fantastic collections of flora and fauna, and ridges with knife edges, creating a beautiful view of the island. These elements create a picture where it seems as if a giant is peering from the island, floating in the sea, and slanting back! There is the Octopus Resort situated on the northwest coast, where you can start your walking trails along the hills with or without a guide exploring the interiors of the island. There is also a beautiful, unguided coastal walk you can enjoy with your partner or family. It is completely safe and offers a wonderful experience. 7. Walk Through The Fijian Markets Wondering what to do in Fiji? If you are a people person, you must visit the Fijians Market as it is a mesmerizing place with exotic seafood, vegetables, and fruit collection. Due to heavy import duties, you might not find fashion and expensive lifestyle products. Isolation is another factor that might make you feel that there is a lack of fashion and design, yet you must visit the urban municipal markets. Filled up to the brim with local produce, designs, and native culture, you will experience a mix of character, authenticity, and exoticism. If you are one of those travelers who love connecting with the place when you visit, the handicrafts and local produce will steal your heart and money! (wink) 8. Live At Savusavu The significant tourist center in Vanua Levu, Suvasavu, is the place to be if you want to experience rolling hills, sunsets, and a chilling beer. There is a perfect place for scuba diving in the Namena Lagoon while Yachts anchor around Savusavu, creating the ideal locale for experiencing a social hub. Many bars and restaurants on the waterfront create a perfect place for a romantic dinner or family outing. so, it is one of the best places to visit in Fiji! You can also take a peaceful walk around the Savusavu hills. Good options for fishing in the bay can also be attempted. 9. Attempt Snorkeling! Have you ever tried snorkeling? It is one of the best experiences to have if you are an adventure lover. With vibrant coral reefs across most of Fiji islands, you should try snorkeling and scuba diving to explore diverse fish species. Diving is available the whole year. However, it is the best experience, especially during October and November. The corals across Fiji are world known, especially due to their nutrient-rich channels spread between the larger islands such as Beqa Lagoon, Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, and the rainbow reef. 10. Turn Up At The Fijian Meke Dance Night! If you visit Fiji, you must attend the classic Figian night out, where the feast is complete with the underground oven-roasted pig. There is a song and traditional dance involved, which is called make. The tradition has been passed down through generations, thus, creating specific artistic expressions for Fijians. The music that people enjoy on the dance night includes rhythmic clapping and chanting and the addition of Lali drum hits and bamboo sticks. Lali is a hollowed wood that is used in creating the rhythm. Recently, ukulele and guitar have also been introduced at dance nights. Group dancing includes males or females; however, in recent times, the pakalolo dance has been introduced, where both males and females can dance together. 11. Take A Dive In Beqa Lagoon With The Sharks! Do you want to check out tiger and bull sharks? Visit Beqa Island, situated south of Pacific Harbour, some 12 km away, and experience the shark-feeding dive-off. You will see some mean-looking sharks, such as Silvertips, sickle-fin lemon sharks, bull sharks, reef sharks, and tawny nurse sharks. If you want one of the safest experiences, go with the Beqa Adventure Divers and Aqua Trek Beqa, as they claim the highest safety records. Apart from the sharks, you can also have a peaceful diving experience in the lagoons when Shark-feedoff is closed. 12. Try Skydiving! Want to experience an adrenaline rush? Go and try skydiving in Fiji! Jump off the planes to ride the waves of the clouds and experience the beautiful view of Fiji from up above! Free fall and experience Fiji's sandy beaches, coral reefs, and turquoise waters, creating a grandiose visual experience. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you must not miss at any cost. You will be charged somewhere around $300, which can go up to $650. The Skydive Fiji was established in 2004, and its safety record is among the highest. Have an exhilarating experience with supporting staff on the ground and in the air. There are licensed pilots and instructors who ensure that people have an understanding of a lifetime of collecting priceless memories. 13. Have A Go At Birdwatching! Carry your binoculars and travel feet! Fiji has a collection of exotic bird species, including the red-throated lorikeet and rare collared lory. Some endangered bird species can also be found; hence, lovers of aviaries or bird enthusiasts, plan that trip and explore the thick Kula WILD Adventure Park! Conclusion Fiji is never disappointing! Do you think you can be bored with such a variety of things to do in Fiji? It is a haven for travelers, especially the ones who are easily inspired by nature, attracted to the sea, and in love with mountains. I have often realized that places with diverse ecosystems are perfect for people who are wanderers by nature. Fiji embraces travelers with all its beauty and diverse culture, so do not miss out on it! Start planning and comment below to let us know about your choice of thing to do in Fiji! Read Also: Top 12 National Parks In Florida That You Must Visit Is Machu Picchu Closing In 2023? Know It All Here! Best 10 National Parks In New Mexico To Visit