Padre Island, National Seashore

Padre isles, located on the south Texas coast, are the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. The seashore is home to migrating birds and several endangered species. Cool breeze, sand and surf makes it one ideal place for relaxation and recreation.

We visited the Sea Turtle Inc., a non profit sea turtle rescue center. We were fascinated to see different Turtle families and how the center took care of them saving the rare species from extinction.  Later in the day, we visited the Padre Island  Birding & Nature center . This center gives you an opportunity to board walk among the migrating birds. Fortunately, it was evening time and the birds were very active and out in the open. This birding center is totally worth visiting once if you visit Padre Island.

The next day, we spent the morning among the low tidal waves at North Padre beach and the evening at Isla Blanca County Park beach of South padre Island. The beaches are clean and water is beautiful. There are good changing stations along the beaches. These beaches were among the best beaches we have visited along the Gulf.

Zion National Park

All this is the music of waters.

- John Wesley Powell, 1895

This was our fourth day in the mountains of West and we looked forward to the day with anticipation of more excitement and adventure.
Zion peaks are alive peaks of Utah, always changing with the movement of water. The tier of zion peaks are terraced and patterned wonderfully by nature. We can see the varied colors of nature here: green canyons, red cliffs and blue skies can stop you in your tracks. The park is home to mountain lions, elk, desert tortoise and several species.

We did the scenic tour drive from Zion Canyon Visitor center to Court of Patriarchs, the Big Bend and Temple of Sinawava.

We drove through the Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel. Built in 1920s, it connects Zion canyon to the east side of the park. 

 

True to its name, this is the natural sanctuary where you can let go of your weight and immerse in its wonderful glory. 

 

Grand Teton National Park

Tetons are timeless, elegant and proud. Whether you love to hike or enjoy a calm sunset , these mountains and the national park will inspire you. 

We visited the park in September, early Fall. Drove from Salt Lake City to Grand Teton National Park. It was a beautiful ride with landscape changing from flat land to rolling hills and finally to hills filled with pine trees. This region is abundant with wildlife. Bison's & Elk's welcome you on the way and if you are lucky you may find a Bear greeting you on the road.

This was part of our week long getaway in the mountains of the West. We flew into Utah from Houston and drove up to Grand Teton National Park. One of the unique features of this park is its  limited or no access to wireless signal. This gives you the opportunity to lose yourself in its memorable and striking mountains, lakes, rivers, valleys and skies. We spent time the afternoon at  Jenny Lake, had lunch at Signal Mountain Lodge (Greek yummy food) and lingered at the Jackson lake for the beautiful sunset behind the mountains.

Drove to Colter Bay Village and stayed there overnight in the cabins awaiting bear's knock at our door. May be we were too tired and missed the knock. Woke up early morning with chirping of birds. Had rejuvenating walk along lakeside with beautiful serene bright sun rays and cool breeze.A nice warm breakfast at the Colter Bay Ranch House Restaurant and we were ready to burn the road to Yellowstone National Park.

New Mexico Travels

Even though New Mexico is a neighboring state, it still took us 13 hours to reach the border while traveling across the western side of Texas. Not a great green drive but plains with scattered traffic and dry lands. As you come closer to the New Mexico border it all changed from concrete to rolling hills lush with vegetation followed by flat desert lands. As we drove towards Albuquerque, we surprisingly, found ourselves in midst of mountains. Spent the evening with 4th of July fireworks at the Balloon Fiesta Park.

Next morning, we visited Santa Fe, the oldest state capital of United States. Here, we explored the historic and artistic culture of New Mexico. Enjoyed the historic architecture and spent some time at the Bazaar (Palace of Governors  that dates back to early 17th century).

Prayed at the Cathedral Basillica of  St. Francis of Assisi and went to the Loretto chapel to see the mysterious staircase - unusual helix shaped spiral staircase without any vertical support. This  place no longer serves as a church but is a museum now.

   

Next morning, we took our maiden hot air balloon ride at across the Albuquerque city for a pictures view @ 5000 feet. After celebrating the safe landing with the crew and all other balloon riders with Champagne later we began our journey back to home sweet home in Texas.

   

Arkansas Hot Springs National Park

The welcome board says it all and you will feel it driving along green vistas surrounding beautiful mountains. Visit this place for a relaxing spa vacation getaway midst the beautiful Quachita mountains. 

 

Rejuvenating natural thermal water at heritage bath houses, beautiful hiking trails and treasures of the crystal mines make it a great place to visit.

 

We visited the park in month of December driving up from Texas to Arkansas. Visited Lake Quachita national park for early morning hike and thereafter on return treated ourselves to a rejuvenating spa at Quapaw Bath House. Later in the evening, visited Garman Woodland Gardens and enjoyed an evening with holiday lights.

 

 

 

Following day, visited hot springs mountain tower and enjoyed beaautiful aerial views of the city. Later, got lucky at Jim Coleman's crystal mines.       Erueka.!! we did find few crystals ;-p.
This was  a good long weekend getaway trip and the mountains and drive was equally beautiful in Winters as it is around the Summer and Fall times of the year.