The Roman Aqueduct of Peña Cortada near Cheiva. This is an engineering achievement being 28 KM in length over rugged terrain.We found the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla over the river Turia. These were originally built as shortcuts by workers building a dam upstream but is now a very scenic hike.This gives a new meaning to your daily commute!Our balcony is the lower on left overlooking this lovely Fuente Toran park in Teruel.We walked across this pedestrian bridge with great views of the valley to explore Old Town.There was an amazing modernist style Grand Staircase to a park in the valley.A lovely building in San Juan Square of Teruel.One of the Mudijar towers of Teruel – this on the Cathedral.A gorgeous modernist building on the Torino Square. Notice the very small bull on top of the fountain column. The famous Toro of Teruel.The nearby village of Albarracin was worth a visit.Albarracin’s buildings are made of a local pink stone which makes it unique.We walked to the castle on the hill for a great view.You can see the walls protecting the city of Albarracin.Nearby is a hike in the Pinares de Rodeno with this view of the landscape.There are alcoves with Levantine Petroglyphs like this horse, estimated to be 7,000 years old. Wonderful they are preserved for us to enjoy.Embassament de Arenos – this is a reservoir we enjoyed on our route back to the Mediterranean coast.
We are on the 5th floor of a highrise on the north end of Calpe, with Peñón de Ifach – that big rock – to the south.From our balcony we are enjoying Sunrises on Mediterranean Sea.There is a wonderful nature trail to the north for several miles.This is one of the coves where you can get down to the sea – the Cala les Bassetes.There is a long promenade on the south side that leads to the rock.We head to the Natural Park Peñón de Ifach for a close up look.There are a lot of gulls here on the cliff sides of Natural Park of Peñón de Ifach.Enjoying the sea from the Natural Park of Peñón de Ifach.From the Natural Park looking back to the North at the section of Calpe we are staying.On the south side of Peñón de Ifach is a longer beach with lots of sun seeking European tourists.The Romans were even here! Baños de la Reina were from around 200 BC.There is no mistaking these as Spanish Steps, leading us to the old town part of Calpe.Walking back to the apartment, there is an inland salt marsh with year around Flamingos.
A gorgeous Faro (Lighthouse) at Cap Sant Sebastia.Amazing pink cliffs from Parador L’Aiguablava.The Costa Brava has walkways for much of the coast – this at Platja de la Fosca.The vineyards in the Alta Empurada with sheep near Peralada.South of the French border we took a walk near La Jonquera through a cork forest.We went searching for this Menhir Circle, Bas Baleta I. Incredible.The Menhir Cirlce has a center stone but not sure if it is meant to be a sundial or what the significance is.Nearby is the Bas Baleta II, a Dolmen that has collapsed.A short walk took us to Dolmen Estanys II.There is also the Menhir dels Estanys II – we wonder what these meant.And then onto Dolmen del Querafumat.We had some more urban walks, this in the medieval city of Pals.And here with the Catalan Christmas Log in Peratallada.This tower in Peralada suggests it is time to head for wine o’clock!
Mid October we headed west to enjoy the fall weather.The visitor center at Mesa Verde NP was a good break.Who are those aliens at Valley of the Gods? Enjoying our camp at sunset.Our zoomed in view of Monument Valley in AZ.We hiked the West lime Creek drainage area from camp Valley of the Gods.Henry the Navigator triangulating where we are!Drive through Valley of the Gods – such interesting formations.We left the Travato and got out for a walk.Such a clear day as the Moon set.Goosenecks State Park – WOW!And this was our campsite on the rim. Also there was a night star party!How many Mile 0 have we traveled to?Hillside towards Mexican Hat with a zoom lens showing erosion – interesting patterns.Sand Island petroglyphs – always interesting.Sand Island Petroglyphs – the figures look playful.An overnight BLM camp with view of Comb Ridge!What did we find in Butler Wash?Dinosaur tracks! Another preserved treasure.Always worth a hike to see House on Fire in the morning.What a home!Site #4 at Hovenweep NM CG was available – one of our favorite spots.Perfect day to contemplate the canyon and buildings at Hovenweep.The attention to detail is fabulous.
September camping trip to New Mexico – Eaglesnest State park, site #1.Rio Grande Gorge Bridge – always a spectacular site. 7th highest in the USA.Tres Piedras was another nice overlook on the way.Rio Grande del Norte National Monument – Full Moon Rise from our campsite #29 at El Aguale CG.La Junta Point where the Red river joins the Rio Grande – ready to hike!1,350 feet lower we are at the Rio Grande and ready for a break (6.5 RT).The boulders are all black basalt (lava), ground smooth by the river.Good morning! Big Horn Sheep, next El Aguala CampGround.Oh please don’t get up on our account. Maybe just morning stretches.Columbine CG with a day hike in Columbine-Hondo wilderness.Cimarron Canyon State Park for a few nights.Chili vs Chile – good New Mexican trivia to know.Site #20 at Coyote Creek CG had a view and electricity.Above Taos Junction Bridge and the Rio Grande Gorge. More lava flows.Looking the other direction from the same spot. Gorgeous!
Congaree National Park protects the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern US.Spring wildflowers blooming made the boardwalk part of the trail extra special.In 2003, it gained National Park status and has since been designated an International Biosphere Reserve, a National Natural Landmark and Globally Important Bird Area. It is named after the local Native American tribe and was been preserved since1976 as a National Monument.Unique tall trees included bald cypress with the knobby knees above as well as Tupelo trees, Loblolly pines, and giant oaks.This is really beautiful with all the reflections.We enjoyed a 6 mile hike and a picnic lunch to absorb the enormity of this park. Perfect day.Ninety Six National Historic Site we learned more about the Revolutionary War. This was a nice park to walk around but the VC was not open.Lake Greenwood SP is one of 16 S Carolina State Parks built by the CCC. They had an amazing exhibit in their VC. The previous night we were at Givens Ferry SP on the Edisto River also built by the CCC .Kings Mountain National Military Park and Cowpens National Battlefieldwe learned more of our Revolutionary War history. Both had walking trails to contemplate the enormity of this war.A walk through the woods and rolling hills brings to life the fighting conditions that the armies faced.We enjoyed a stroll to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site just across the border in North Carolina. He enjoyed life here from 1945 until his death in 1967. This was the only interpretation available about “America’s Voice” (January 6, 1878 – July 22, 1967) an American poet, biographer, journalist, and editor. He won three Pulitzer Prizes: two for his poetry and one for his biography of Abraham Lincoln
BLM land south of Aztec, New Mexico is this gem of badlands scenery.A few trails for exploring as well as many natural gas roads.An artistic photo to show off the bright blue February sky.An owl woke us in the morning probably hooting: There are humans in the campground!A peaceful sunrise for my Valentine.We saw two majestic bucks on our way to this picnic lunch spot.Worth a panoramic photo!
We hiked at Rockhound State Park before arriving to hike amongst these large boulders.We snagged a first come first serve electrical site so stayed for six nights in comfort.The Table Mountain in the distance is beckoning us to climb tomorrow.A 5.2 RT hike to Table Mountain to survey the park – volcanic boulders made of volcanic tuft.On the Trail – another beautiful day in January.With reasons to celebrate after that hike.The coconut cake was better than spinach to build strength.Leaving we went over Emery Pass and the gorgeous snowy views.Sunrise with the birds and coyotes in Bosque del Apache NWR.Not as many cranes still here as last year but what a view to enjoy with breakfast. https://tealsky.com/2021/02/08/san-lorenzo-and-bosque-del-apache/Heading north after a wonderful take out of New Mexican food – some of the best food with green chili.A beautiful sunset welcomes us home before the next storm.
