Our awesome Yellowstone Trip! – Guest post by Rohith N

This is a guest post by my friend Rohith who shares with us some great memories and experiences from his recent Yellowstone trip. Have a good read and enjoy the photographs! 🙂

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This year’s 4th of July, we chose to pay a visit to the world famous Yellowstone National Park located in the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Sitting on an active super volcano and known for its geysers and hot springs, Yellowstone is the first national park in the U.S.

As I flew out of Portland to meet my friend who works in Helena, more friends joined us there from Seattle and Memphis. After some late night shenanigans on the day we met, we woke up the next day to start our exciting journey towards Yellowstone. While a group of our gang headed to reserve a camping place near Mammoth Springs, another group ran to Walmart to buy camping gear.

We hit the road and took I-90 towards Billings and exit 408, which lead us to the hilly road on US-212W. The views from 11000 ft above sea level were breath-taking and we were fortunate enough to spot various fauna like squirrels, racoons, bears, bisons, deers, antelopes etc all along our way. We reached Cooke city, gassed-up our cars and cruised towards Mammoth Springs exploring wonderful valleys, beautiful meandering rivers and wide vistas spotting herds of bisons here and there.

Cookie city

As we entered the park, cell phone signals weakend and the offline maps came handy. We stopped at Tower Falls, which though is beautiful, is just yet another waterfall. We reached Mammoth Springs by night where we met our other group that went ahead of us to reserve a camp site, and who knew this whole plan would be one of our best trips so far in the US. We cozied up by a campfire and as we gazed at the stunning starry night sky, I went on cherishing my beautiful childhood nights spent in my village back in India when I used to fall asleep looking at the countless shining stars under the vast clear night skies. The whole experience was magical and even more special as it brought back a lot of great memories.

Next day in the morning we first visited Mammoth springs. That was the first time in my life to see a hot spring and I was astonished by it. As we continued, we stopped all along our road taking in the scenic beauty around us. We loved the Turquoise colored Prismatic Springs and did not leave a single chance to take great photographs.

Mammoth Springs

Prismatic Springs

We then headed to Old Faithful to have our lunch and later went to the see the spectacular eruption of it. The geyser is named Old Faithful because of its consistent and predictable eruption timing through years.

Next stops were the Yellowstone lake and Mud springs. Yellowstone lake was serene and calm but Mud springs were pungent and we didn’t want to explore more. We reached upper and lower falls around 7 PM that day, but we couldn’t go closer to falls as we were short of time. On our way back, we stopped at Chico hot springs which are man-made pools filled with natural spring water. We relaxed and swam there and had a wonderful time.

We spent the last two days of our trip visiting surrounding places of Helena and had fun time playing cards, swimming, bowling and eating a lot of home-cooked food by our friend. We made some wonderful memories and had experiences of a life time.

Yellowstone is place where even after exploring it for one whole week, you will still have much of it left unseen. I suggest to make arrangements in advance if you want to stay in a motel close by, as the rooms get booked months in advance and get expensive if you are close.

I hope you enjoyed reading my experiences. So pack your bags, and get set go to Yellowstone! 🙂

To all the great Gurus _/\_

Guru – Advayataraka Upanishad describes syllables gu as ‘darkness’ and ru as ‘destroyer’, thus meaning “one who destroys/dispels darkness”.

Today is Guru Purnima, this day is dedicated to all the greatest Gurus. This day we take turn to celebrate their greatness, their guidance and their blessings.

My mom told me that there is Guru in every living being around us. She told me that nature is also a great teacher. The lesson we learn from nature is to give as much as we can, unconditionally and with no judgements. Similarly, every person we meet in this world has something, even the tiniest thing to teach us and inspire us. And of course, there are the greatest Gurus of all times who guide us into the path of light.

Let us all take a moment to venerate them and express our gratitude towards them _/\_

गुरु ब्रम्हा गुरु विष्णू
गुरुः देवो महेश्वरा
गुरु शाक्षात परब्रम्हा
तस्मै श्री गुरुवे नमः

I have found this very good article on google that focuses on the Guru Mantra. Thank you to the author!

Sun-kissed in Miami!

On a warm tropical midmorning, as the sun shimmered upon the endless Atlantic, we let the crashing waves bury our feet in the loose sand of Miami beach. The relaxing sound of the untiring waves and the whispers of the balmy ocean breeze put our minds to rest as we escaped the daily routine. We spent our day lying on the beach in the bright warm Sun under the blue skies, listening to our favourite music, building sand castles and playing with the ocean waves.

So, if you are looking for a perfect tropical beach vacation, pack your bags and go to Miami. We went there in late October when the temperatures were around 80F. There were little drizzles and scattered thunderstorms now and then but that’s about it, the rain just came and went.

Miami is a city of contrasts. The beautiful relaxing tropical beaches on one side are a stark contrast to the modern and magnificent downtown that boasts of shiny skyscrappers and panoramic bayside views. And that’s not all, Miami downtown is known for both historic and modern buildings.

The beautiful view of Miami Ocean Drive skyline from South Beach is unmissable. There are scenic trails in South Beach area so you can take a ride on your bycycle in this tropical setting. You may as well take a stroll around the Ocean Drive neighbourhood to see the Art Deco Historic District, the Versace Mansion, the Sunray Apartments where the famous chainsaw scene from Scarface was filmed, Caribbean inspired Mango’s Tropical Café restaurant and a many more fancy buildings and restaurants. This whole area glitters during the night and comes alive.

Wynwood walls, close to the Miami downtown is a haven to some wonderfully talented and budding graffiti artists. The murals, graffiti and street art are life-like and meticulous. This very famous thriving art hub in Miami and South Florida will leave you amazed.

Another place to explore in Miami is the Little Havana neighbourhood that bursts with Cuban vibes in Florida. It thrives with Cuban culture and art, and is also the right place to find the best Cuban food in Miami. You will find shops selling Cuban cigars, Cuban retirees playing dominoes at Máximo Gómez Park and some live performances at Cubaocho.

Trying Cuban food is a must for cuisine connoisseurs in Miami. The local restaurant ‘La Carreta’ in the Little Havana neighbourhood of Miami serves famous “abuela style” food, as well as the authentic Cuban Espresso. We did try a shot of the Espresso, and oh boy! It is definitely rich and dark! After food, don’t forget to grab an icecream at the famous Azucar Ice Cream Company. I tell you, the unique flavors are not to be missed!

 

With many more things to do and many more places to go around, Miami travel is both fun and refreshing for all age-groups. It is a must to-do for travel enthusiasts. Given the lot of variety it offers, no wonder Miami is a world famous travel destination. Amen to that!

Sleepless in Seattle!

From lush green woods to beautiful lakes to cloudy skies, with the majestic Mt Rainier in the backdrop of a magnificent skyline, Seattle’s sweeping panoramic views steal your heart and take your breath away.

Seattle downtown as seen from Kerry Park

Mount Rainier as seen from aeroplane!

We visited the state of Washington on a short three day trip during the end of April month. Dense vegetation, with rains on and off, a little chilly but endurable weather, never-ending lake views and a lot of things to do in and around Seattle, we enjoyed the stay totally.

On the first day, we went to the beautiful and powerful Snoqualmie Falls just about half an hour to an hour drive from the SeaTac airport. From the surrounded observation deck, the gushing milky-white water fall is a sight to behold. With Salish Lodge on one side and lush green forests on the other, and water falling 268-foot and continuing into a river, it’s a picturesque scene that stays with you forever.  Rising mist from the base of the falls sprayed on our faces with the little drizzles from the cloudy skies made the experience magical.

Later on that day, we took the elevator to the top floor of Seattle’s Space Needle and enjoyed the beautiful panorama of the city. We also visited Kerry Park, which offers the best and most amazing view of the Seattle city downtown. Pike Place Market, a happening place overlooking Elliott Bay waterfront has some attractions to visit like the first Starbucks Coffee Shop, the Pike Place Fish Market, the Market Theater Gum Wall, street entertainments and so on.

Views from the top of Space Needle

Puget Sound as seen from the top of Space Needle

Another day tour we did was a ferry round-trip from Seattle to Bainbridge. We spent a day on Bainbridge Island driving around and stopping at a few landmarks and sight-seeing locations.

Enroute to Bainbridge Island on the ferry

Enroute to Bainbridge Island on the ferry

With great music playing in the car, the drive through winding roads meandering through beautiful green vegetation was super refreshing. Below are a few photographs from Rockaway Beach and Point White Pier on Bainbridge Island.

Rockaway Beach on the island

Point White Pier on Bainbridge Island

It is phenomenal how you can hop on the WSDOT ferries and get to various enchanting islands surrounding Seattle, just for a day or two.

My main reason to do the Seattle trip in April was to visit the gorgeous Tulip fields of Skagit Valley. This rural part of Washington State blooms every Spring with vibrant colored Tulip fields. Under Washington’s cloudy skies these long-stretched fields are a paradise for photographers and flower-lovers. As you enter the Skagit valley, it’s beautiful around as you get to explore the country side of Washington away from the bustling downtown of Seattle.

In this quick three day trip, these are mostly the places we could go. We also had a chance to meet some of our good old friends after a very long time. We had a blast of a time!

Next Spring plan to go to Seattle and enjoy a relaxing and memorable trip! There are many more things to do and many more places to go in and around Seattle. Don’t forget to share your wonderful experiences 🙂

 

My salute to the Sun within! ☀

We are all connected to the Sun. The Sun inspires us. He is the ultimate power-house, shining bright giving light to our lives. Untiring and undying, he energizes this world.

I come from a background where people worship the Sun as a diety. The Sun is refered to as Aditya or Surya. Here is a Sanskrit prayer to the Sun.

Nama Suryaya Santaya Sarvaroga Nivarine |
Ayu rarogya maisvairyam dehi devah jagatpate ||

Oh! Lord Surya, ruler of the universe, you are the remover of all diseases, the repository of peace 
I bow to you. May you bless your devotees with longevity, health and wealth.

Madhubani Painting by me – The Sun

Surya Namaskara or Sun Salutation is a yoga routine that refers to the symbolism of Sun as the soul and the source of all life.

As my life keeps evolving, I want to let as much Sun as possible into me and realize the Sun within. I want to let His warmth and light guide me and inspire me.

Here is my salute to Him!

Sun rising over Puri Beach

Dazzling evening Sun as the coconut trees sway in my Grandfather’s village

My Sun-kissed feet

 

Running on the beach ✓

All good things are wild and free – Henry David Thoreau

This photograph was taken by my dad a year ago, as I ran wild and free on my favourite Vizag beach. I don’t remember the last time I ran on a beach. But this one was a magical experience, apart from being an intensive workout 😉

As I kept going on the shore, fighting the wet sand (I wasn’t efficient 🙂 ), I let the crashing waves touch my feet and kept reminding myself that the whole point of life to feel alive.

I am glad I have this beautiful memory captured in a picture, thanks to my dad! It lifts my spirits everytime I see it 🙂

Do you have any such memories? Do share in comments.

Lake Pleasant and our Kayak!

NOW is the right time to take an adventure and to experience something magical!

Yes, we went Kayaking in the gorgeous blue waters of Lake Pleasant and enjoyed the thrill of navigating a Kayak through still waters for the first time in life.

Like Morpheus said, “Don’t think you are, know you are”, all it takes is just one moment to decide you can do it and just go do it! Kayaking has always been on my life’s To-do list and I am extremely happy that I made it happen. As much as it scared me to be so close to water wondering what secrets it hid beneath its seemingly calm surface, it offered me the experience of a lifetime and taught me that I am braver than my fears.

Surrounded by mountainous desert landscape, we rowed a bit in the shallow blue waters along side the ducks and lived some wonderful moments of life! Needless to say, my fellow Kayaker was very good at grasping the paddling techniques and made the journey quite comfortable 🙂

Are you a Kayaker? Or, do you have dreams to paddle a Kayak? Take me to your page, and inspire me more! 🙂

An impromptu day trip to Tonto Natural Bridge!

We can never have enough of nature – Henry David Thoreau

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all – Helen Keller

What else can be a great pleasure in life than having a great company, good food and a beautiful place to explore. Just the day before to Memorial Day long weekend, we, a group of ten friends decided to head off to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park for a quick one day trip. We weren’t entirely sure of what all places to go, but we zeroed in on Tonto Natural Bridge as our first destination.

Let’s just go somewhere and not have any expectations can be one of the best escapes one can ever imagine. So, we took quick home prepped lunch and snacks and hit the road towards north of Payson, Arizona. As bright and warm weather welcomed us to the state park, we first had our lunch at the picnic tables and recreation area, before setting foot on the Pine Creek Trail. There are four different viewpoints from the parking lot to view the bridge from its top, but not until we hiked down the short rugged trail surrounded by pine trees, the spectacular view of world’s largest natural travertine bridge unraveled.

Bridge from one of the viewpoints. PC: Sravan K

The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point. The amazing sight of sparkling water spilling off the bridge top is totally worth the hike.

There is some running water under the bridge and it was fun hopping over the boulders and soaking a little bit in the sprinkling waterfall. We took a lot of pictures, spent time hiking through the slippery rocks and admiring the vastness of the bridge.

Panorama under the bridge – PC: Sravan K

There are three other trails Waterfall Trail, Gowan Trail and Anna Mae Trail. One of the them leads the way back up from the other side under the bridge.

It is a salubrious experience to explore Mother Nature and admire its wonders. Needless to mention the fun we had making our way through the rough trails in a spirit of adventure, this short one day trip to Tonto Natural Bridge remains one of my favourites.

 

Prescott’s beautiful lakes!

Located in the Bradshaw Mountains of Central Arizona, is the city of Prescott that boasts of mild climate and serene nature, making it a great happening destination throughout the year for vacationers.

Be it a family picnic or a romatic getaway or a recreational trip, Prescott’s wilderness and its gorgeous lakes are a great choice.

The three major lakes that the City of Prescott maintains are Goldwater Lake, Watson Lake and Willow Lake. While the spectacular Goldwater Lake is a small reservoir nestled in the piney mountains of Prescott National Park, Watson and Willow Lakes are man-made reservoirs within the Granite Dells area located in the North of Prescott.

Goldwater Lake located 4 miles south of downtown Prescott in the Goldwater Park Area offers picnic area by the lake and recreational activities like fishing, kayaking and canoeing are allowed. Gentle breeze from the crystal clear blue waters of the lake and the surrounding whispering shady tall ponderosa pine woods enliven the mood and leave you refreshed. There are trails connecting to the Prescott National Forest from the lake area for enthusiastic hikers.

Amidst the eroded lumpy and rugged granite boulders of the Granite Dells are the man-made Watson and Willow Lakes. The enchanting blue waters of these lakes surrounded by the unique spectacular rock formations makes the vista quite scenic. The reflections of these rocks in the water on clear sky days makes the scene look even more breath-taking. There are hiking trails connecting the two lakes and camping, kayaking, canoeing and fishing are permitted.

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So, if you are looking to beat the boredom blues, or if you want to escape the mundaneness of every day life, Prescott is one wonderful getaway to consider. Go and have a tryst with this great wilderness! 🙂

Charaiveti, charaiveti – Hiking into desert landscape!

Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt – John Muir

In every walk with nature, one recieves far more than he seeks – John Muir

We share this Earth with flora & fauna and the elements of nature. We humans think we are the most intelligent of all, while there is a lot for us to learn from nature. While we are a tangled mess of emotions, pride and predujices, nature is real, simple and pellucid. Hence, it is important that we connect with nature once in a while so we don’t forget our real nature.

Like someone rightly said, “If we were meant to be at one place, we would have roots instead of feet”. The more we move, the more we seek and the more we learn. And how wonderful is it when you can learn from the greatest teacher, Nature.

Here is a beautiful Suktha चरैवेति! चरैवेति! from the Aitareya Upanishad.

Charanbai madhu vindati charantsvadu mudambaram.
Suryasya pasya sreemanam yo na tandrayate charan.
Charaiveti, charaiveti – Aitareya Upanishad, 7.15

The honey bee, by its motion, collects honey, and birds enjoy tasty fruits by constant movement. The sun is revered, by virtue of its constant shining movement; therefore, one should be constantly in motion. Keep moving, keep moving on!

So, myself and my friends decided to march along and do a little hiking in the unique desert wilderness of Arizona. As the sun rose up the distant mountains, we marched up the hilly trails of Dreamy Draw listening to sounds of the gentle zephyr. It wasn’t just a fantastic workout, but also a soul searching experience.

Not really in hiking boots! 🙂

Do you love to hike? Do share your experiences 🙂