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Anguilla the Snake
Anguilla, also Snake Island, is one of the most northerly of all the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. An internally self-governing British overseas territory, Anguilla's military defence is the responsibility of the United Kingdom.
Anguilla...
Egypt Resorts And Attractions
If you make a decision to spend your vacation in Egypt, usually you have a choice of two sea resorts – Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. They both are very popular, but Hurghada is situated in African continent while Sharm El Sheikh lies on...
Fraught With Deception
One might see several deceptive things traveling in North West Washington.
For two days I looked like an "expectant father", but I am a female. I shuffled from the ferry, the terminal, and my car, back and forth. On May...
Mystic Seaport - Links to Our Past Guide, Part 3
Mystic Seaport celebrates the seafaring past of New England. Known as The Museum of America and the Sea, the seaport is an entertaining journey through 19th century nautical life. This is the third part in the series of popular attractions for New...
Siberia, Russia Part 2 – Where Are We and What Day Is It?
Siberia, Russia Part 2 – Where Are We and What Day Is It? Standing in the airport in San Diego, I began to wonder exactly how long it was going to take to get to the city of Chita in Siberia. The combination of a vodka hangover, three flights,...
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Olympic National Park - Washington
If you love the color green, Olympic National Park. With plenty of rain throughout the year, the park is in a constant state of insanely beautiful green. It contains 922,651 acres including glacier-capped mountains, 60 miles of wild Pacific coast and magnificent stands of old growth and temperate rain forest. There are over 1,100 species of native plants, 300 species of birds and 70 species of mammals. My personal favorites are the waterfalls, which fall from cliff faces into pools of crystal clear water.
Olympic Trivia
1. Ninety five percent of the park is designated wilderness, offering visitors a chance to experience the park's amazing diversity in its natural and pristine state.
2. The isolation and diverse habitats of the Olympic Peninsula have led to the development of a variety of endemic species -- at least 15 kinds of animals and 8 kinds of plants are found at Olympic and no where else on earth.
3. Olympic protects 3,500 miles of streams, rivers and creeks, which provide home to 29 species of native freshwater fish. These waterways are also host to 54 unique populations of Pacific salmon and steelhead, which use both fresh and saltwater during their life cycle. Sorry, but you have to leave the fly fishing rods at home.
Olympic Attractions
1. On clear days, Hurricane Ridge boasts stunning views of both the Olympic
Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On foggy days, the close-up views of subalpine firs, wildflowers or snow are just as beautiful.
2. Entering the temperate rain forest at the Hoh, Quinault or Queets valleys is like entering a world of green. Over 12 feet of rain fall in these valleys each year, creating a forest where trees reach over 200 feet in height and are covered with carpets of ferns, mosses and other epiphytes.
3. When the tide recedes, tide pools offer glimpses of a world apart. Giant green anemones wave their tentacles alongside orange and purple sea stars, while limpets graze on tiny algae. Be sure to check tide charts before you venture out - tide pools are covered by sea water half of the time!
4. With more than 600 miles of trail, there's endless opportunity for discovery at Olympic. A number of universally accessible trails are available, providing close-up views of beach, forest and meadow for visitors of all ages, whether on foot, in wheelchairs or riding in strollers.
Sorry, but I still can’t get over how green this park is. If you get a chance to visit Olympic National Park, don’t miss it.
About the Author
Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of outdoor writing journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more.
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