Discovering Historic Sites When Hiking

One of the things that we enjoy when we are hiking is finding some hidden treasures from the past. At least here in Colorado, it is not uncommon to find sites from some of the original settlers being semi-preserved on the lands of state and national parks. Not only are these cabins and ruins fascinating to see, but they are a reminder as to the harshness of nature and how difficult life must have been for those early adventurers. It is hard to imagine what life must have been like living without heat in a wooden cabin deep in the woods with wolves, bears, coyotes, and other animals all around. On a bright, sunny day, it becomes clear why someone would want to brave the elements in order to live in such a beautiful place. It must have been truly special to walk out of your front door every day and see the glory of nature. This week’s Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is words that start with W and have at least two vowels. We have put together a collection of different wooden cabins that we have encountered during our various hikes in the Colorado mountains.

Looking Up at a Cabin on the Trail
Roof Collapsing
Inside of a Cabin
Cabin in Beaver Creek
Just the Wooden Logs Remaining
Snow Covered Roof
Perhaps Still in Use
Near Cripple Creek
Not Safe to Enter

 

Getting Away from the Maddening Crowds

Traveling is often a case of going to places that attract large crowds and long lines. It is an unavoidable consequence of going to places that are popular with other tourists and it certainly doesn’t mean that those places should be avoided. We have made no secret of the fact that we don’t like crowds, so we try to visit places off-season when the crowds are smaller. In addition, we try to include getting away from the crowds and visiting places that are more secluded or off of the beaten path as part of our trips. Some people who look at our photos and read our posts often say to us that we seem so adventurous because they always see photos of us hiking trails, climbing in the mountains, or going into the woods or jungle. It isn’t that we are really that adventurous, we just enjoy getting away from the crowds and seeing some of the natural beauty that a place has to offer. We purposely add those excursions into our trips whenever possible. Travel is so stressful in general that we highly recommend that you take the time to get away from the noise and give yourself even a brief opportunity for contemplation. This week’s Daily Post Photo Challenge is Silence, so here a few photos that we have taken while trying to see places where we could be alone with our thoughts and enjoy natural beauty.

Walking Along the Rhine River
Countryside near Ronda, Spain
Irish Countryside
The Path of the Incan Guards in Bolivia
Hiking in the Fog of the Amazon Jungle in Ecuador
Even in Chennai, India, Some Solitude
Wine Road with Vineyards in France

 

Trying to Make it to the Top

Everyone wants success in life, both personal and professional, but it isn’t always easy to achieve. Obviously it takes hard work and perseverance, but sometimes it takes a little luck as well. As we near the end of the year, it is time to look back at the year and determine whether things are getting better, staying the same, or needs some adjusting. This week’s Daily Post Photo Challenge is Ascend. We have chosen several photos of places where we have climbed steep stairs, trails, and walks. Just like life, sometimes if you willing to make the effort to keep climbing, there can be travel rewards. Hopefully life is on its way up for all of you!

Stairs Leading Down to Gullfoss Falls in Iceland
Climbing up a Waterfall in Bolivia
Climbing the Stairs in Koblenz, Germany
The Start of the Trail at the Quilotoa Volcano in Ecuador
Hiking Up Pikes Peak in Colorado
Climbing in the Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Colorado
We Walked this Twice in Heidelberg, Germany
Walking Up to the Michelangelo Piazza in Florence, Italy