Full Moon Rising, Crystal Mtn

In the late afternoon, the full moon rose over the ridge. A hush fell over the skiers in the waning light!

Marin Headlands from Tennessee Valley Trailhead

The Tennessee Valley Trailhead is the starting point for coastal and mountainous trails in Southern Marin. In two hours, you can be on the high bluff overlooking the Pacific or down the valley on the blustery beach. Or take the coastal trail to Muir Beach ... but don’t forget you have to hike back to your car!

Lewis and Clark NHP, Astoria OR

By the mouth of the Columbia River, make this journey to the rainforests on the coast and learn the fascinating story of Lewis and Clark's final camp on their long journey to the Pacific.

Green Lake Park, Seattle

Cannot beat the 2.7 mi loop around Green Lake, filled with walkers, runners and bikers of all ages.

Mt Constitution, Moran State Park, Orcas Island

Wonderful day hike to the summit (2409 ft el.) for views of the Strait de Juan de Fuca, San Juan Islands, Gulf Islands (CAN), Cascade Mtns and Mt Baker. Ferry to Orcas, the largest island in the San Juans, from Anacortes.

Spencer Spit State Park, Lopez Island

Eerie morning glow from wildfires on the mainland that were just getting started. Part of the San Juan Islands, Lopez is a bucolic restful island by land or sea. Take the ferry from Anacortes.

Crystal Mountain Ski Resort in Summer

Trek the easy way and hop on the gondola for the dramatic views of Mt Rainier and White River from Crystal. Or optionally, hike up or down and ride one way.

Angel Island State Park

Take the short ferry from Tiburon. Bring your lunch and water, and hike to the summit or around the perimeter for 360 degree views of San Francisco Bay. Always a great day.

Burroughs Mountain, Mt Rainier NP

Tremendous up-close views of the glaciers at Mount Rainier National Park. Leave early and park at Sunrise entrance. 6 or 9-mile day hike to Second Burroughs or Third Burroughs Mtn (7800 ft el.). Bring water, lunch and a jacket. It is exposed up there.

Naches Peak Loop

Scenic day hike in Mount Rainier National Park.

Rialto Beach near Forks WA

Beautiful coastal walk on the driftwood and rocky beach with the pine forest as a backdrop. Approx two miles day hike north to Hole in the Wall. Check the posted tide chart before you leave. Or obtain a camping permit from Olympic National Park, and do a multi-day backpack trip along the coast; plan based on tides!

Ebey’s Historical Landing, Coupeville WA

A jaw-dropping 5-mile hiking loop on Whidbey Island looking over the Puget Sound. It is also bears witness to a tragic history in the settlement of Washington State in the mid-1800s. Thankfully, reconciliation and peace by the ancestors have followed in more recent times.

Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Incredible snorkeling in the pristine waters near the Belize barrier reef off Caye Caulker.

Underwater Photos Credit to G Burrows

Tikal, Mayan Ruins in Guatemala

In the jungles of Northern Guatemala is Tikal, one of the most important cities in the Mayan empire 200-900 AD. Stay at the jungle lodge for the most convenient place to hike into the large settlement and explore, as well as catch the sunrise and sunset amidst the impressive structures.

Mayan Ruins at Xunantunich

Looking down at the site from the top of El Castillo at 130 ft and also the border with Guatemala, Xunantunich is named after the "stone woman", a ghost who visits the settlement.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Crooked Tree is an important sanctuary for indigenous and migratory birds as well as wildlife particularly in Belize's dry season. Managed by Belize Audubon Society, the wetlands and lagoons are an excellent place to witness the various species up close and in relative solitude.

Altun Ha, Belize

Dating to 900 BC through 1,000 AD, these ancient Mayan ruins are located 31 miles north of Belize City. Altun Ha was part of a connected group of Mayan settlements in Belize that at one point had a population of approximately 1 - 2 million.