Life is a patchwork of experiences
No, this is not Italy – this is still Texas. The Gage Gardens in Marathon, TX is a beautiful garden in the middle of the desert. It’s a surprisingly green and lush landscape amid the dry native desert that surrounds it. The 27 acre garden includes ponds, walking and jogging trails and a nine hole putting green.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.
The balanced rock hiking trail is one of the most popular day hikes in Big Bend National Park, probably because it is fairly easy. The first 9/10 of a mile are level and only the last 2/10 require a scramble up and over rocky terrain. The reward is a lovely view across the desert toward the Chisos mountains through the “window” formed by a very large balancing boulder.
Thanks for visiting
Rose
Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.
In the historic Castolon district in Big Bend National Park , you can still view the remnants of human habitation and learn about the farming history that began here around 1900 and continued through 1961. The site also includes the remains of a military outpost that was built in 1916 in response to the revolution going on in Mexico at that time. The area is especially scenic with the 3000 foot Cerro Castellan Peak hovering over the terrain.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.
As I was driving through Big Bend National Park it was hard to believe that I was passing through a desert. The park consists of the Chihuahuan Desert and the Chisos mountain range. The rainy season was just ending in early Sept. when I was there, so the desert approach toward the Chisos was still very green. In fact, the mountains were attracting more storm clouds as I was approaching the area, creating very dramatic scenery that was perfect for photography.
Thanks for visiting,
Rose.
Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.
Big Bend National Park is not just a beautifully scenic park in the traditional sense with the Rio Grande cutting grand canyons through the desert landscape. The area is also designated an International Dark Sky Park with one of the best, biggest and darkest night skies in the lower 48 states of the US. On a cloudless night during my recent visit, I was able to clearly see the milky way arc from horizon to horizon. Such an amazing sight for someone who lives on the East Coast of the US where I can barely see the big dipper.
Thanks for visiting
Rose
Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.
One of the easiest and most rewarding trails in Big Bend National Park is the 0.3 mile Windows View Nature trail. The best and most popular time to walk this easy trail is at sunset – and you can see why. Benches along the paved walkway let you sit and enjoy mother nature’s show. In this photo, I’ve included a silhouetted of one of the many desert plants in the park, a common sotol with its mound of spiky leaves and its tall flower stalk.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.
Prague’s Old Town Hall is best known for its elaborate astronomical clock. Most people don’t go beyond standing in front of the clock at the top of the hour to watch the various pieces go through their motions. But you can also take a guided tour of the inside of the Old Town Hall and learn about its history and architecture dating back to the 16th century. My favorite experience was climbing to the top of the tower and getting this beautiful sunset view of the Prague skyline and the castle.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
Please note that my Old Town Hall tour was sponsored by the Prague City Tourism office, but all content is my own.
Surrounded by wooded hills and sitting in the shadow of a castle tower, picturesque Stramberk in the Czech Republic is best known for the gingerbread snack called Stramberk Ears. This thin, cookie-like treat is made exclusively in this town by bakers who need to have a special permit and who carefully guard the recipe.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
Please note that the visit to Stramberk was hosted by Moravian-Silesian Tourism but all content is my own.
The Sobotin Castle was completed in the late 19th century by the Klein brothers who also owned the nearby ironworks factory. Today, the castle is called Hotel Klein and is the romantic and luxurious component of the Sobotin Resort complex that consists of three hotel buildings catering to varying budgets. The resort also has a wellness spa and indoor pool, a restaurant and its own brewery. The resort is a perfect home base to explore the surrounding outdoor and historic activities in this less touristy Jeseniky Mountain region of the Czech Republic.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
Walk around Olomouc in the Czech Republic and you can’t help but notice the many large fountains decorating the squares of the old town. There are six large and old Baroque fountains that take their inspiration from the heroic characters of ancient mythology like Hercules and Neptune. There are now also two newer modern fountains. This one, the Arion fountain completed in 2002, also takes its inspiration from the ancient legend of the Greek poet, singer and kithara player Arion, who was rescued from the sea by a dolphin attracted by his singing.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
