NORTH AMERICA
Havana Nights
My time spent to Cuba was one of the most eye-opening trips I've ever been on. Not only did we have an amazing time visiting the cities, experiencing the culture and and see the countryside, but i realized that there is something truly special about the human connection. It was definitely a challenge to navigate without WiFi, but the warmth that the locals showed us and their willingness to help was truly remarkable. I realized that We are no better for having constant access to laptops, phones, TVs, internet, etc. It was truly an amazing and enriching experience - and one of the reasons why I love traveling so much.
'Merica the Great - Mt. Rainier
If you ever get out over to the northwest coast of the US, make sure to stop by at Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington. One of the days from our weekend getaway to Seattle we drove out to Mt. Rainer. We were soo lucky that the weather turned out beautiful and there were barely any clouds in the sky! The drive is about 2.5 hours from Seattle and it goes by extremely fast because of the beautiful views along the way.
Lovin' Lena Lake
On our way from Portland back to Seattle, we stopped by the trail to Lena Lake, Well who are we kidding, it was actually more of a detour but definitely worth it! At the edge of the Olympic National Park, there is a trail that leads to lower and upper Lena Lake. We hiked only up to Lena Lake since the second leg of the hike is about a 5 hour hike (one way). Let me tell you - it was beautiful. You can also do some back-country hiking and camping here as well. Be sure to get a park pass on your way into the town - we didn't know but luckily the day we went was free! :)
Keep Portland Weird!
You never realize how truly "beautiful" America the Beautiful is until you actually go and see it. Work had slowed down and last weekend we decided to take a Friday off and go up to the Pacific NorthWest since we've never been there.
Zion National Park
The third park that we visited in our National Parks tour was Zion National Park in Utah. This was actually a last minute decision and we had not originally planned on visiting. Literally - the day before we decided to go. Turns out out that it was right on the way to when we were driving back to Vegas from Antelope Canyon. Imagine my excitement! This is hands down my favorite national park that I have ever been to <3 <3.
Antelope Canyon
The second park we visited was Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon is a popular location for photographers and sightseers, and a source of tourism business for the Navajo Nation. Private tour companies have been permitted to offer tours since 1987. It has been accessible by tour only since 1997, when the Navajo Tribe made it a Navajo Tribal Park.
Grand Canyon
Every year, we try to plan a quick get-away or mini trip during the long weekend. What better place to visit than some of America's beautiful national parks. A few of my girlfriends and I planned a trip to see the Grand Canyon. What was originally a Grand Canyon trip, quickly turned into a mini tour of a few National Parks (see part 2 & 3).
