Travel and Leisure

Yosemite: The Approach to the Valley

When I set out on the long excursion that finally led to California I wandered afoot and alone, from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico, with a plant-press on my back, holding a generally southward course, like the birds when they are going from summer to winter. From the west coast of Florida I crossed Read More

Five Great Waterfalls in Yosemite

There are five great waterfalls in Yosemite and a number of lesser ones which would be world-famous were it not for the comparison. During the flood waters of spring they are at the height of their beauty, amplifying the living landscape by their many columns and booming power. Later, as the snow fo Read More

Madeira: A Beautiful, Lush, Diverse and Fun Island

We were utterly unprepared for Madeira, at least from an automotive perspective. This unpreparedness was symbolic of the wonder of the Island of Madeira; let me explain. We rented a car, as we always do on vacation so that we could explore the island as it was meant to be explored. As usual, we rent Read More

Camping at Chitkul: Last Himalayan Hamlet Near the Indo-Chinese Border

The mystic and the majestic Himalayas have been carryings millions of myths, stories, and legends in its heart. For instance, the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh used to be known as the land between earth and heaven. The people of this village used to be known as Kinnaras, who were believed to be Read More

Kenya Travel: Best National Parks, Reserves, and Safaris

Incredible wildlife in their natural habitat and beautiful landscapes are but a few of the top attractions in Kenya's best national parks, reserves, and safaris. In this country on the east coast of Africa and the tropical Indian Ocean, there are countless things to experience; from go Read More

The Big Trees of Yosemite

Between the heavy pine and silver fir zones towers the Big Tree (Sequoia gigantea), the king of all the conifers in the world, "the noblest of the noble race." The groves nearest Yosemite Valley are about twenty miles to the westward and southward and are called the Tuolumne, Merced and Ma Read More