Most beautiful
in the world
a turquoise mirror
outshines any Caribbean beach
surrounded by majestic mountain peaks
blanketed in spiky emerald conifers
to top it off
a river of snow
coming down the steep slope
feeding the lake
and primary blue
is the sky
Where is the most beautiful place you have ever visited? For me, Moraine Lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies is the most drop-dead gorgeous location in the world!
Its turquoise waters, tall conifers and snow-capped mountains will take your breath away and make you want to stay forever!
My husband and I visited this glacially-fed lake in June 2006. From the vantage point of the rock pile we saw both a small avalanche and a small forest fire high in the mountains—at the same time! Not something you see everyday—or is it, if you live in the Canadian Rockies?
Renting a canoe to explore this awesome lake was such a treat! I highly recommend it. We also had a lovely lunch on the outdoor patio of the Moraine Lake Lodge. If you have limited time in the area, skip Lake Louise and spend your entire day at Moraine Lake. I must return here! Maybe next time we’ll splurge and stay at the lodge. It’d be worth it.
Please do not use photos without my permission.
In Lima, Peru—where spaying and neutering is practically unheard of—street dogs are a real problem. While some dogs in Lima are beloved pets, most are unloved and must fend for themselves on the streets. This is my small tribute to the dogs of Lima, from the pampered to the neglected and everywhere in-between.
Plant it and they will come.
The end of summer is here, so an update is due regarding the native plants garden I started this May. Some species are growing strong, others are just hanging in there. Maintenance consists mostly of saving the little seedlings that get buried under wood chips, plus keeping everything watered.
Great Blue Lobelia
Notes from the field:
Last week I couldn’t help myself and purchased 21 more plants from the blogger at Urban Natives. I never used to be a gardener, but now I suspect I have found a new hobby.
We were surrounded by dozens of prehistoric creatures. I was struck by their color—black. They were well camouflaged, swimming through the dark waters of the canal. Then the boat sped forward and an enormous white creature appeared from nowhere. It spread its wings and took to the air in front of us. The most beautiful creature in the Everglades—the Great White Heron—shares its home with the alligator.
Some of the best things about each of the Minnesota State Parks that I have visited…
Get a workout hiking the rolling hills of this nearby state park.
Seeing remnants of the sandstone quarries makes hiking through this park especially interesting, as if the wild and crazy Kettle River wasn’t enough.
This lush, green park in bluff country has fly fishing opportunities.
Picnic area at Cascade River State Park
I love the isolated picnic area nestled among the cedar trees on the shores of Lake Superior. It’s a great place to relax for hours, gazing at this ocean-like lake.
The Mississippi and Minnesota rivers meet in this metro area nature retreat.
Observation blind at Glendalough
Although I didn’t spot any wildlife, I think it’s cool that the park has observation blinds.
Walking amidst the waterfalls is great fun!
This is the place to see potholes galore and learn about glaciers. It’s worth a trip over to the Wisconsin side too.
Lake Itasca
I love canoeing with the loons on peaceful Lake Itasca. My favorite kind of lake is long and narrow, so Lake Itasca fits the bill with three separate “arms”. The giant red and white pines are the signature of this park.
Jay Cooke State Park
The massive, rugged rocks in the St. Louis River are a memorable site from the swinging bridge.
The double waterfall is the draw to this park, but I really enjoyed walking through the oak savanna littered with big boulders.
This is an all-around great park with 2 rivers and lots of trails.
Sakatah Singing Hills Trail
Biking or walking the tunnel of trees of the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail is very pleasant. We also saw wild turkeys in the park.
Red pines at Scenic State Park
This park has the beauty of Itasca without the crowds. Hiking the Chase Point Trail along the high narrow peninsula is awesome if you love red pine and cedar, like me.
The lighthouse in the distance with birch trees in the foreground is a picture-perfect scene.
If you’re visiting the North Shore it’s worth stopping to hike along the river gorge and enjoy the many waterfalls.
Tettegouche State Park
This park offers beautiful trails high on the rocky cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. I can’t imagine any better vistas of Lake Superior.
Believe it or not, there are no mosquitoes here in the middle of summer!
Cross-country skiing is lots of fun here.
On a hot summer day there’s nothing better than canoeing the St. Croix and stopping at a sandbar on or near Greenberg Island. My dog thought that running and jumping through the ankle-deep, warm water was pure joy, and I would have to agree!
Nestled in needles
A gust of wind blew it down
Green and purple cone
