Appendix Vll　Samples of OETT

Appendix Vll　Samples of OETT

Alexandria Bay

W elcome to Alexandria Bay，New York，located on the St.Law rence River in the“Heart of the Thousand Islands”in northern Jefferson County.This riverside tourist resort community enjoys scenic beauty，quiet charm and a position among the Thousand Islands thatare unequaled anywhere and have captured the hearts and imagination of tourists，historians，boaters，fishermen and everyday residents.Visitors to this historic tourist village will find an amazing array of sites to see，as well as fun and leisure activities.Enjoy a dinner cruise of the breathtaking and picturesque Thousand Islands，a tour of the century-old historic Boldt Castle，a picnic or concert at Scenic View Park，unique regionalmerchandise at dockside shops，or a visit to the local aquazoo.

At the“heart”of Alexandria Bay is Heart Island，the home of the renowned and storied Boldt Castle.The island was so named because of its shape and a romantic，but heart-breaking，love story.In the 1890's，millionaire New York City hotel ow ner George Boldt and his beloved wife Louise were so enam ored by the region's natural beauty that they frequently brought friends for relaxation and dinner aboard their yacht while cruising the Thousand Islands.In 1894，during one of their yachting adventures，the Boldts'personal chef created an unforgettable salad dressing which so pleased their guests that itwas introduced at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and the Bellevue Stratford in Philadelphia.Boldt subsequently named the salad topping“Thousand Islands Dressing”in honor of the beautiful region where it was first prepared.

Around the turn of the century，Boldt commissioned the planning and construction of an im pressive and ornately-designed，six-story stone structure with 120 rooms as a replica of a Rhineland Castle，along with a draw bridge，powerhouse，tunnels，a children's playhouse，Italian gardens and a stone arch resembling Arc de Triumphe in Paris，France at the shoreline of Heart Island.The impressive summer home was a gift to his beloved wife.However，when Louise died unexpected ly in 1904，George ordered all construction on the island halted.As a result，the castle was never completed.In 1977，after years of decay，weather and vandalism，a multimillion-dollar effort began，under the auspices and ow nership of the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority，to refurbish and restore Boldt Castle to the condition when construction was discontinued and to open the castle as a tourist attraction for the appreciation ofmany generations to come.

The heritage of Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands includes accounts and legends of pirates who looted passing ships.Perhaps themost famous of Alexandria Bay's pirate storieswas the capture of the Sir Robert Peel in May 1838，during the PatriotWar with Canada.A gang of pirates led by Bill Johnston boarded the ship，ordered the passengers and crew to shore，grabbed 20，000 pounds in militia payroll，then torched and fled the vessel.W ithin days，thirteen men were captured and charged for the assault on the ship，but none of them were ever convicted.The remnants of the sunken hull still remain there，and have been a popular underwater adventure for scuba divers and a curiosity for tourists and history buffs.In August，Alexandria Bay comes alive with“Bill Johnston's Pirate Days”featuring reenactments of the pirate ship attack on the village.

W hether it's Pirate Days，visiting the local museum or taking a cruise on the St.Law rence River，Alexandria Bay offers plenty to see and lots to do！An ideal and fun vacation destination，Alexandria Bay invites you to come visit us soon！For more information on Alexandria Bay，N.Y.，please contact the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce at 1－800－541－2110.

Big Island of Hawaii Travel and Vacation Guide

Aloha and welcome to Hawaii，the Hawaiian island that hasmore than earned its nickname as“the Big Island”.The Big Island is the largest of all the islands，twice the size of the other main islands combined and the perfect embodiment of all Hawaii has to offer.Hawaii's stunning beauty is surpassed only by her ability to continue expansion thanks to the constant flowofmolten lava from Mt.Kilauea，the world'smost active volcano.

The Big Island is considered the golfing Mecca of Hawaii with 20 diverse and challenging courses and is also known as the sportfishing capital of Hawaii.Here you can tour the largest privately owned ranch in the country（Parker Ranch），stay in luxurious oceanfront resorts，visit Hawaii's last authentic native fishing village（M ilolii）and spy on mysterious lava glowing in the deep night as the volcanic creation process ensues.The diverse activities and natural viewshere on the Big Island are truly unparalleled.

·Geography and Climate

Comprising 62%of the state's total area，the Big Island's land base is 4，038 square miles and growing by the second.Hawaii is considered them ost ecologically diverse of all the islands due to a very diverse range of natural environments.Those who love packing in a broad range of outdoor activitieswill never be bored on the Big Island.

Tem peratures here average between 71 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit（21.6－25℃），dropping as you travel upwards into themountain lands.It is not uncommon for tem peratures to plunge below freezing atop snow capped Mauna Kea.The Big Island contains 11 out of 13 of the world's climatic zones，so bring layers if you plan to do some volcano hiking.Expert skierswith a 4-wheel drive vehicle might like to challenge themselves if the right conditions present themselves！

Cannon Hill Park

Cannon Hill Park is one of the premier parks in Berminham and has been awarded Green Flag status.W ith beautiful flowerbeds，lakes，pools and a wonderful collection of trees，it's easy to see why.There's plenty of opportunity for exercise at the park's tennis courts，bow ling and putting greens and wildlife enthusiasts can follow the walkways and cycle routes longside the River Rea.

The conservation area within the park includes a 5-acre woodland known as the“RSPB Centenary Plantation”.There is also a wild flower meadow，which is sown each year with cornfield annuals such as field poppy，cornflower and corn marigold，providing visitors to the Park with a spectacle which is very rare in the urban environment.Traditional forms of land management are used to enhance this beautiful area，less than 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham.

The park is an ideal venue for families with children's play areas and boats for hire on the lake in the summer.There are plenty of picnic areas and refreshments are available at the Garden Tea Rooms and the Midland Arts Centre.

Channel Islands National Park

Strung along a stretch of California coast are five separate pieces of land surrounded by 1，252 square nauticalmiles of sea.Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary protect these islands，the sea around them，and a dazzling array of wild life.

Two of the islands in this unusual park，Anacapa and Santa Barbara，were earlier designated a national monum ent，a refuge for nesting seabirds，seals，sea lions，and other long-threatened marine animals.W hen those islands and three others were joined in a national park，themission of refuge continued.

Today the park manages a long-term ecological research program that may be the best in the park system.The marine sanctuary—established in 1980—extends for 6 nautical miles around each island.Among the resources it protects are giant kelp forests with nearly a thousand kinds of fish and marine plants.The park and sanctuary also guard the area from encroachment by another kind of island—the seagoing oil rigs of the Santa Barbara Channel.

About70 different species of plants growonly on the islands，and some plants exist on but one of them.The islands shelter the only breeding colony of northern fur seals south of Alaska.To help native animals，park managers have gotten rid of such nonnative species as black rats，burros，rabbits，and feral cats.

A permanent ranger resides on each island.Reservations are needed for cam ping.Fishing and diving are strictly regulated and airplanes are asked to keep their distance.

Chumash Indians lived on the Channel Islands until the early 19 th century.They traveled fromisland to island in plank canoes caulked with tar from oil seeps.The tar fromsuch seeps still appears on beaches，reminding strollers of the reason for the oil rigs on the horizon.

·How to Get There

Take US 101 to Ventura.Northbound，exit at Victoria Avenue；southbound，at Seaward Avenue.Follow park signs to the harbor and then to the visitor center on Spinnaker Drive.Getoriented here and then go to the nearby Island Packers office and inquire about boat schedules to the islands.Airports：Cam arillo，Oxnard，Santa Barbara，and Los Angeles International.

·W hen to Go

All-year park.Boat schedules peak in spring and summer，but you should be able to book a trip in any month.Bestwhale-watching time：late December through March，and July and August.

·How to Visit

Your exploration of this unique park depends on your time and resources.Even a short stop at themainland visitor center will give you an understanding and appreciation of the park.For a 1-day visit，see the closest island，Anacapa.Take all necessities，especially food and water，and dress in layers for all types of weather.Trips to the other islands require substantial advance planning.The park cautions people from doing m ore than treading lightly on the islands，which are maintained for the well-being of the residents，both flora and fauna.

The Coral Sea

The Coral Sea is amarginal sea off the north-east coast of Australia.It is bounded in the west by the east coast of Queensland，thereby including the Great Barrier Reef，in the east by Vanuatu（formerly the New Hebrides）and by New Caledonia，and in the north approximately by the southern extremity of the Solom on Islands.South of it is the Tasman Sea.

The map shows the location of the Coral Sea.W hile the Great Barrier Reefwith its islands and cays belongs to Queensland，most reefs and islets east of it are part of the Coral Sea Islands Territory.In addition，some islandswest of and belonging to New Caledonia are also part of the Coral Sea Islands in a geographical sense，such as the Chesterfield Islands and Bellona Reefs.

The Coral Sea Basin was formed between 58 milli on- 48 million years ago because the Queensland continental shelf was uplifted，forming the Great Dividing Range，and continental blocks subsided at the same time.

The Coral Sea is ecologically an im portant source of coral for the Great Barrier Reef，both during its formation and after sea level lowering.

Diamond Head at a Glance

Diamond Head is one of themost famous landmarks on Oahu and the entire state of Hawaii.It has once been an active volcano，but hasn't spewed any ashes formore than 150，000 years.The extinct crater and lookout point at the peak of it is a popular hiking destination for many.In fact，Diamond Head is one of themost photographed and painted spots on Oahu，adorning many wall calendars and postcards.

Located at the eastern end of Waikiki and right on the ocean，Diamond Head has already made an im pression to early sailors.In 1825，British sailors noticed sm all sparkling calcite crystals in the beach sand nearby the crater and named themountain Diamond Hill.This name was later changed to Diamond Head.This is how the crater got its English name.

The Hawaiian name for Diamond Head is Le'ahi，a contraction of lae，meaning point of land and ahi，meaning yellow fin tuna.So Le'ahi means“point（of the）ahi fish”.From a distance，themountain looks like the dorsal fin of the ahi fish，hence its Hawaiian name Le'ahi.

Diamond Head was purchased by the federal government in 1904 for＄3，300.In the 1930s，a couple of gun em placements for coast artillery defenseswere built.After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941，further gun emplacements，pillboxes and foxholes were built on Diamond Head to be able to better defend Oahu in the future.Many of themstill remain on the crater rim and one underground facility，the Birkheimer Tunnel，houses the headquarters for the State Civil Defense Agency.Today，the entiremountain and crater is a state park known as Diamond Head State Monument.

Diamond Head Cratermeasures 3，520 feet（1，073 m）across and 760 feet（232 m）in height.A hiking trail leads from the crater up to a lookout point.But be prepared to climb some stairs.In fact，there are two stairs，one has99 steps and a second one has76 steps.There's also a 225-foot（69 m）hardly lit tunnel through which you'll have to go.The tunnel is a remnant of the formermilitary use of the crater.So you should be in good physical condition to do the hike.But it's definitely worth the effort once you reach the top，after about 30- 40 minutes if you're in good shape.The viewis spectacular，especially on a clear and sunny day.

Bring some water and sunscreen because itwill get hot.In case you forget，there is a com fort station at the base of the otherwise undeveloped crater，where you can buy water（water fountains and restrooms are also there，as is a truck that sells hot dogs and hamburgers）.

Ellis Island

New York's Ellis Island is one of themost popular attractions for those visiting Manhattan and its surrounding areas，second only to landmarks like the Em pire State Building and Statue of Liberty.

That's probably becausemillions of Americans have a connection to the island，through which their ancestors passed on the way from their Ellis Island hom eland to their brand newhome in Am erica.Records indicate thatmore than half of all Americans had a relative who passed through Ellis Island.

·What is Ellis Island？

From 1892 to 1954，Ellis Island was the immigrant gateway to America.More than 12 million people would arrive here on the way to their new life in a new country.Many had little or no money，some were ill，others had family waiting for them on the other side of the gate.The stories are many and varied，but all arrived hoping for something different and Immigration Museum better than what they had in their homeland.

The 27.5-acre（11 hectare）site is located just off the southern tip of Manhattan，within viewing distance of the Statue of Liberty.It was originally built just prior to the War of 1812 to serve as a coastal fortification，known as Fort Gibson.

Immigrants who arrived here（Italy and Austro-Hungary had the largest numbers of immigrants）in possession of a first or second class ticketwere given cursory examinations shipboard and allowed to enter America with little delay.Steerage—or poorer passengers—were subject to more rigorous examinations and were denied entry if obviously ill.In all，only 2%of all arrivalswere sent back to their countries.

·Visiting Ellis Island

Today，Ellis Island is an Immigration Museum and is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.Visitors may enjoy self-guided tours of themuseum.Immigrant Wall of Honor is located in them ain building，where they can viewartifacts，photographs，prints，videos，interactive displays，oral histories，and temporary exhibits.

The American Immigrant Wall of Honor exhibits the names of 600，000 men and women who passed through Ellis Island on the way to their newhome.Descendants of the immigrants paid＄100 each to have their relative's name placed on the wall.

In ImmigrantMuseum of the Immigration History Center，guests can examine passenger logs from the hundreds of ships that arrived here between 1892 and 1924.Volunteers are on-hand to help you locate the records for which you're searching.

The Ellis Island Living Theater provides a 30-minute theatrical production about the challenges of immigration，past and present.The presentation is based upon the oral histories of several Ellis Island immigrants.

·Getting to Ellis Island

The Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry provides transportation to Ellis Island from Battery Park in Circle Line Ferry New York and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.Boats run from 9：00 a.m.to 5：00 p.m.daily，with extended hours in the summers.Because this is a very popular tourist attraction，advanced planning is suggested.

Florida Keys and Key West

The strings of islands to the south of Miami were once underwater coral reefs，and they're still recognized for their great diving and marine life today.Linked to Miami by a precarious island-hopping 135-mile（216km）highway，the string of islands ends at Key West，the legendary land of Hemingway，sunset celebrations and Key Lime Pie.

Key West's reputation as a tropical paradise with gorgeous sunsets and sultry nightlife is well earned.It's been overrun by tourists，but if you look carefully you'll find fleeting images of the Key West of the past walking through the narrow side streets away from the action，you'll see lovely Keys architecture and get a sense of how the locals who aren't there to sell you a T-shirt or book you on a glass-bottomed boat ride live.However，if you're looking for Hemingway's Key West，you're several decades too late.

If you're just looking for evidence of the big guy，the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museumis one of Key West's biggestattractions.Hemingway lived in this lovely Spanish-Colonial house between 1931 and 1940，but kept ow nership until his death in 1961.W hile he's not buried here，the Key West Cemetery is one of themore enjoyable cemeteries in the country tombstone epitaphs include“I told you Iwas sick”and“At least Iknow”.

Garden of the Gods，Lanai

Legend shrouds them ystic rock formations thatmake up the Garden of the Gods（see more photos）on Lanai，located about seven miles（11 km）north of Lanai City.Known to locals as Keahikawelo，the Garden is a vast expanse featuring large boulders in a spectrum of red，orange，purple and earthen colors，scattered so perfectly that you'd think they were placed here by hand.

According to scientists，the rocks were form ed over thousands of years through natural erosion，leaving pinnacles and buttes over the soil.But even some geologists are baffled by the rocks'artful arrangem ent and the way some of them are stacked in perfect balance.One legend claims that the rocks fell from the gods'gardens in the sky（hence its name），while another says they hold the spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors.

Theories aside，the Garden of the Gods is easily one of themost beautiful spots on Lanai.From the far end of the garden，you can look out at the Pacific Ocean and make out the nearby islands ofMolokaiand Maui.Depending on the time of day you visit the garden，the rocks'colorswill look different.Sunrises and sunsets are great here，as is a nighttime visit during fullmoon.It's a truly other worldly experience.

Like the rest of the island，the road leading to the Garden is unpaved.It's a dirt-road and the easiestway to access the area iswith a four-wheel drive vehicle，or you can hike here.If you're lucky，you'll see the occasional native deer grazing themeager grass that grow s in small patches on the trail.It's a long hike，but it'smore than worth it.

Grand Canyon National Park

Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World，the Grand Canyon exhibits the largest section of geologic time on earth.H iking to the bottom，one passes through a third of the planet's age.The Park also contains excellent exposure of the world renowned Great Unconformity，an im pressive angular unconformity，occupying 1.2 billion years in the rock record.The gap in the rock record straddles the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary and is found nearly everywhere around the globe.

Somehow“Grand”does not tell how truly incom prehensible this canyon is.Most people use such words as“marvelous”，“stupendous”，or“fantastic”，but no word is really adequate to describe this amazing creation of nature.The scene continually changes as light plays off the rocks and clouds，creating shadow s and contrasts.The world seems larger here with sunrises，sunsets，and storms taking on an added dimension to match the landscape.The permutations are unceasing，and themoods are without end.This is a land to humble the soul.

·The Geologic Story at Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon attracts the attention of the world formany reasons，but perhaps its greatest significance lies in the geologic record that is so beautifully preserved and exposed here.The rocks at Grand Canyon are not inherently unique；similar rocks are found throughout the world.What is unique about the geologic record at Grand Canyon is the great variety of rocks present，the clarity with which they're exposed，and the complex geologic story they tell.

Great Barrier Reef

Washed by the warm waters of the South-W est Pacific Ocean the perfect environm ent is created for the world's largest system of coral reefs.The Great Barrier Reef is of such pristine condition that it was listed by the World Heritage Trust as a protected site and is therefore managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority to ensure that its beauty is maintained for many generations to come.Visitors in their thousands come to marvel at the spectacular sight seeing opportunities that is unique to our area.The Wet Tropics World Heritage listed Rainforest on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other.No other place in the world offers such ecological diversity so close to each other.

Off the Cairns coastline are outer edge ribbon reefs which may be up to 25 kilometres long.This is the outer limits of the continental shoreline of prehistoric times.The ribbon reefs can be seen by taking one of the daily outer reef cruises offered by local operators.One of the bestways to view the reef is to take a low flying scenic flight over it，especially at low tide where you'll see the breadth and diversity of this great living wonder.

The waters of the Great Barrier Reef provide the world's busiest and most varied marine habitats.Marine life is in abundance.From themany species of coral to the sought after Black Marlin and all sizes and species of fish in-between.The varied colours of the reef's fish and other marine life will astound the visitor with colour combinations that artists haven't even dreamed of.It is the largest of the world's 552 World Heritage Areas，covering 347，000 km.There are more than 2，800 catalogued reefs in the area.

Although the reef stretches more than 2，000 kilom etres offshore from Queensland，it is only at Cape Tribulation，just north of Port Douglas that the reef comes right to the shore and meets the tropical rainforests of the Wet Tropics.The Reef has over 1，000 islands which are easily accessible from North Queensland and coastal cities like Cairns and Port Douglas.The coral islands are very popular tourist attractions.Some even have varied vegetation including rainforest and are encircled by the coral reefs.

You can enjoy year-round activities on the Great Barrier Reef.W ith the absence of the dreaded box jelly fish（the reef is free of this menace）and themild winter temperatures，the scene is set for a perfect outing to the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Breathtaking scenery and exciting wildlife combine to make Great Sm oky Mountains National Park them ost visited national park in the United Stateswith 9 million visitors per year.

The park，located at the footof the Smoky Mountains on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee，covers 814 square miles，or 2，108 square kilometers，making it one of the largest protected areas in the United States.

The park has three entrances：one in Gatlinburg，TN；one in Townsend，TN；and one in Cherokee，NC.The closestmajor airports are McGhee-Tyson Airport in Tenessee，located about 45 miles west of the Gatlinburg entrance，and the Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina，located about60 miles east of the Cherokee entrance.

·Visiting Great Sm oky Mountains National Park

The national park is open year-round，but some roads and facilities，like campgrounds and picnic areas，close down in the winter.Peak season is from July 1 to August 15 and in them onth of October.A complete seasonal schedule is available on the park website.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains three visitors centers，each with different attractions，and two historic gristmills，one in Cades Cove and one near Oconaluftee.

Cades Cove Visitors Center is located near themid-point of the Cades Cove Loop Road and offers informative exhibits on life and culture in themountains，aswell as special ranger-led programs.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located 2 miles north of Cherokee，NC，on US-441.The Mountain Farm Museum，located near the center，features a collection of log structures and seasonal dem onstrations of farm life.

Sugarlands Visitor Center is located 2 miles south of Gatlinburg，TN，on US-441.In addition to special ranger-led programs，the center also serves up natural history exhibits and an informative 20-minute film about the park.

·Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The possibilities for outdoor activities in Great Sm oky Mountains National Park are end less.Among themost popular pursuits are：

By Car—Many visitors choose to explore the park's scenic offerings from the com fort of their automobiles.The park contains 384 miles of well-kept roads suitable formost cars.Themost popular routes are along New found Gap Road，Cades Cove，Roaring Fork and Balsam Mountain／Heintooga Ridge and Cataloochee.Inexpensive auto guide maps are sold at park visitor centers.

Bicycling—During summer and fall，bicycling is a popular way to explore the park.Popular routes include：Cades Cove Loop Road，Greenbrier Road，Tremont Road，Lakeview Drive，and Cataloochee Valley.Cyclists can rent gear from Cades Cove Cam pground Store.

Camping—There are many options for people wishing to camp in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Many choose to set up camp in the frontcountry，in a developed cam pground with individual cam psites and bathroom facilities.Another option for hikers is to stay in the backcountry，which requires a several mile hike into the wilderness.There are also group cam pgrounds for groups ofm ore than eight people，and horse cam ps.Be sure to check Cam pground Rules and Regulations on the national park website.

Hiking—W hether you're seeking an exhilarating uphill trek or a tranquilwild life walk，there's a hiking trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that's sure to please.The park hasmore than 800 miles of trails open to veterans and novices alike.Start planning early using the National Park Service's dow nloadable trailm ap.

Greenland offers adventures of ice and snow like nowhere else on this planet.The ice cap—up to three kilometers thick—covers an area 14 times the size of England，and icebergs snap off the glaciers at the edges of the ice cap.

You'll experience icebergs almost everywhere in Greenland.In the Disko Bay，icebergs often rise up to 100 meters above the waterline—keep in mind that90 percent of an iceberg is hidden below the surface of the sea.The world's most active glacier at Ilulissat moves 25～30 meters a day and calves across a front10 kilometers in width.

Visiting the ice cap is possible from most towns in Greenland，although it usually takes a helicopter flight or a boat trip to reach the edge of the inland ice.In Kangerlussuaq the ice cap is only 20 kilometers away and you can hike，drive，fly ormountain bike to there，and stay overnight if you bring a tent.

Springtime is the best season for dog-sledge tours and skiing although Greenland also offers first class summer skiing，even heliskiing，on glaciers，and dog-sledge tours in the summer.

Greenland hosts several international events related to ice and snow，such as the Arctic Circle Race regarded as the toughest ski race in the world，the Ice Golf World Championships，and the Nuuk Snow Sculpture Festival.

As a neighbour to the North Pole，Greenland has an Arctic climate，although there are great differences from north to south，and from coast to inland.Generally speaking，the clim ate is very dry，and as a result，temperatures feel quite different from most other places in the world.10－15 degrees Celsius（50－60 degrees Fahrenheit）feels very warm，whileminus10 degrees Celsius（14 degrees Fahrenheit）is equivalent to a com fortable tem perature.

Haleakala National Park at a Glance

The Haleakala National Park is one of Maui's main visitor attractions.Located on the south side ofMaui，the park'smain feature is the famous Haleakala Crater.M t.Haleakala is the largest dormant volcano in the world.It last erupted around 1790.The crater itself is huge，measuring 7 miles（11.25 km）across，2 miles（3.2 km）in width and 2，600 feet（800 m）in depth.Visitors often say that they feel like in another world here，in these moon-like surroundings.There are large cinder cones inside the crater.

Hikers can take one of two trails that lead from the summit down into the crater—the Halemauu trail and the Sliding Sands trail.There are three cabins in the crater where one can stay at，but they have to be reserved in advance.You can also bring your own tent and camp here with a permit.

The drive up to the summit is very scenic and there are numerous overlooks.There are five distinct climate zones you'll pass through while on this adventure.The road to the summit holds the world record for climbing the highestelevation in the shortest distance，which is about38 miles.

At the summit，which is 10，023 feet（3，055 m）above sea level，you can see as far away as the Big Island of Hawaii if you come on a clear day.Butmake sure you dresswarm because up here it can get up to about30 degrees colder than in the rest of the island.Each morning many visitors come here to watch the spectacular sunrise.There are tours that do hotel pick-ups very early in themorning to take you here.Or you can drive yourself.O thers come here to watch the equally am azing sunset.

Many astronomers also come to Haleakala's summit because it offers unusually clear views of the night sky.In fact，Haleakala is one of the best places in the U.S.for amateur astronom y.You can rent telescopes and binoculars atmany localmerchants.

W hen exploring Haleakala National Park，you also have the rare opportunity to see the Silversword plant.It's a threatened species of plant that only grows above 6，000 feet and can live for about50 years.It only blooms once in its lifetime，right before it dies.

Haleakala is a Hawaiian word，meaning“house of the sun”.According to a Hawaiian legend，the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from here to slowit down and lengthen the day.

Before you drive up to Haleakala，make sure you have enough gas and take some food because there aren't any gas stations or convenience stores in this area.For pregnant wom en or people with respiratory problems this journey is not recommended due to the effects from the high elevation.Check with your doctor before you go.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park，on the“Big Island”of Hawaii，offers the visitor a look at two of the world's most active volcanoes：Kalauea and Mauna Loa.

More than 4，000 feet high and still growing，Kalauea abuts the southeastern slope of the older and much larger Mauna Loa，or“long mountain”.Mauna Loa towers some 13，679 feet above the sea：Measured fromits base 18，000 feet below sea level，it exceeds Mount Everest in height.Mauna Loa's gently sloping bulk—som e 19，000 cubic miles in volume—makes it the planet'smostmassive single mountain.

The park stretches fromsea level to Mauna Loa's summit.Beyond the end of the road lies Mauna Loa's wilderness area，where backpackers encounter freezing nights and rough lava trails amid volcanic wonders：barren lava twisted into nightmarish shapes，cinder cones，gaping pits.Kalauea，however，provides easy access to a greater variety of scenery and cultural sites.

On the slopes of Kalauea，whose name means“spreading，much spewing”，lush green rain forest borders stark，recent lava flow s.This natural laboratory of ecological change displays all stages of forest regeneration—from early regrow th of lichens and ferns to dense forest.The rain forest on the windward side of Kalauea's summit gives way to the stark，windswept Ka Desert on the hot，dry southwestern slope.At the shore，waves create lines of jagged cliffs；periodic eruptions send fresh lava flow s to meet the sea amid colossal clouds of steam.

Geological dynamism forms the park's primary natural theme，followed closely by evolutionary biology.Thousands of unique species have evolved on the isolated Hawaiian islands.Cultural sites abound as well，reminders of the Polynesian pioneers who steered their great double-hulled canoes to Hawaii beginning some 1，500 years ago.

The United Nations has named the park both an international biosphere reserve and a World Heritage site.Many of the park's intriguing native plants and animals，however，are in peril，defenseless against alien species including weedy invasive plants and feral pigs.

·How to Get There

Fly to the island of Hawaii，also called the Big Island.Airlines serve the Kona airport from themainland and from other Hawaiian islands；only inter-island flights land in Hilo.From Kona，head south around the island on Hawaii11 past Kealakekua Bay，where Captain Cook met his death，and Ka Lae，or South Point，southernmost land in the 50 states.You'll reach the Kalauea summit after a 95-mile drive on a good road.

From Hilo，Hawaii11 rises4，000 feet in 30 miles on yourway past small tow ns，macadamia orchards，and rain forests，to reach the park at Kalauea's summit.

·W hen to Go

Year-round.The weather is often driest in September and October.The clim ate ranges from warm and breezy on the coast，to cool and frequently wet at the summit of Kalauea，to nightly freezing with occasional snow storms above about 10，000 feet on Mauna Loa.To avoid most tour bus crow ds，plan to visit themajor sights before 11 a.m.or after 3 p.m.

·How to Visit

An intensive 1-day visit can encom pass highlights of the Kalauea summit via Crater Rim Drive and the coastal region via Chain of Craters Road.Regular tours by bus and small van operate daily from many Hilo and Kona hotels.Those with a botanical or ornithological bent will enjoy exploring Mauna Loa Road（accessible from Hawaii 11），which takes you through upland forest to the Mauna Loa trailhead at 6，662 feet：At Kipukapuaulu，be sure to take the 1-mile loop trail winding through 100-acre Kipuka（an island of vegetation surrounded by a more recent lava flow）containing one of the richest concentrations of native plants and birdlife in Hawaii.

Introduction to Acadia National Park

It's nothard to understand why Acadia is one of the crown jewels of the U.S.national park system.（It draws the second-most visitors annually of any national park.）The landscape here is a rich tapestry of rugged cliffs，pounding ocean surf，fishing and leisure boats lolling in harbors，and quiet forest paths.

Acadia's terrain，like so much of the rest of northern New England，was shaped by the cutting action of the last great glaciers moving into and then out of the region about 18，000 years ago.A mile-high ice sheet rum bled slow ly over the land，scouring valleys into deep Ushapes，rounding many once-jagged peaks，and depositing boulders at odd places in the landscape—including the famous 10-foot—tall Bubble Rock，which appears perched precariously on the side of South Bubble Mountain.

In the 1840s，Hudson River School painter Thomas Cole broughthis sketchbooks and easels to remote Mount Desert Island，which was then home to a small number of fishermen and boat builders.His stunning renditions of the coast were displayed in New York City，triggering a tourism boom as urbanites flocked to the island to“rusticate”.By 1872，nationalmagazines were touting Eden（Bar Harbor's name until 1919）as a desirable summer getaway.It attracted the attention of wealthy industrialists，and soon became the derigeur summer home of Carnegies，Rockefellers，Astors，and Vanderbilts，who built massive“cottages”with dozens of rooms.

By the early 1900s，the island's popularity and growing development began to concern its most ardent supporters.Boston textile heir George Dorr and Harvard president Charles Eliot，aided by the largesse of John D.Rockefeller，Jr.，began acquiring and protecting large tracts of the island for the public to enjoy.These parcels were eventually donated to the U.S.government，and in 1919，the land was designated as Lafayette National Park—the first national park east of the Mississippi—after the French general who assisted colonists in the American Revolution.

Rockefeller alone purchased and donated some 11，000 acres—about one-third of the park—and was responsible for its extraordinary carriage roads.Around 1905，a dispute erupted over whether to allow noisy new motorcars onto the island at all.Resident islanders wanted these new conveniences to aid their mobility；yet Rockefeller，whose fortune had been made in the oil industry，strenuously objected，preferring the tranquillity of a car-free island.He went down to defeat on this issue，and the island was opened to cars in 1913；in response，themultimillionaire set about building an elaborate 57-mile system of private carriage roads on his holdings in the park，com plete with a dozen gracefully handcrafted stone bridges.These roads，open today to pedestrians，bicyclists and equestrians，are concentrated most densely around Jordan Pond，but they also wind through wooded valleys and ascend som e of the park'smost scenic open peaks.

Renamed Acadia National Park in 1929，the park has now grown to encom pass nearly half the island，its holdings scattered piecemeal.It is a fine，even world-class，destination for those who like coastal vacations salted with adventure.Southern Maine is full of classic beach towns where the smell of sea air mixes with coconut oil，taffy，and fried dough，but the eastern Maine coast is mostly wild and unruly，and never more so than here.In parts it seems to share more in comm on with Alaska than New England：You can even see bald eagles soaring overhead，and whales breaching below.In between，you'll find remote coves perfect for beach picnics，lovely offshore islands accessible only by sea kayak，clear ponds and lakes with nary a boat，and uncrow ded mountaintops（reached by car or foot）with views of it all.

Introduction to Monument Valley

60 miles NE of Navajo National Monum ent；110 miles NW of Canyon de Chelly；200 miles NE of Flagstaff；150 miles Eof Page.

In its role as sculptor，nature has，in the north central part of the Navajo Reservation，created a garden ofmonoliths and spires unequaled anywhere on earth.W hether you've ever been here or not，you've almost certainly seen Monument Valley before.This otherworldly landscape has been an object of fascination for years，and since Hollywood director John Ford first came here in the 1930s，it has served as backdrop for countlessmovies，TV shows and commercials.

Located 30 miles north of Kayenta and straddling the Arizona-Utah state line（you actually go into Utah to get to the park entrance），Monument Valley is a vast flat plain punctuated by natural sandstone cathedrals.These huge monoliths rise up from the sagebrush with sheer walls that capture the light of the rising and setting sun and transformit into fiery hues.Evocative nam es including the Mittens，Three Sisters，Camel Butte，Elephant Butte，the Thumb，and Totem Pole reflect the shapes the sandstone has taken under the erosive forces of nature.

W hile itmay at first seem as if this strange landscape is a barren wasteland，it is actually still home to a fewhardy Navajo families.The Navajo have been living in the valley for generations，herding their sheep through the sagebrush scrublands，and some families continue to reside here today.In fact，human habitation in Monument Valley dates back hundreds of years.W ithin the park are more than 100 Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites，ruins and petroglyphs dating from before 1300.

Introduction to the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes—Superior，M ichigan，Huron，Erie and Ontario—and their connecting channels form the largest fresh surface water system on Earth.

If you stood on themoon，you could see the lakes and recognize the familiarwolf head shape of Lake Superior，or themitten bounded by the lakes Michigan，Huron and Erie.

The Great Lakes，in their current state，are actually one of the youngest natural features on the North American continent.Covering more than 94，000 square miles and draining more than twice asmuch land，these Freshwater Seas hold an estimated 6 quadrillion gallons of water，aboutone-fifth of the world's fresh surface water supply and ninetenths of the U.S.supply.

·Fun Facts

Spread evenly across the contiguous 48 states，the lakes'water would be about9.5 feet deep.

All five of the Great Lakes are among the world's18 largest lakes by area and volum e.

The Great Lakes and islands within them have more than 10，000 miles of coastline.

The Great Lakes watershed includes part or all of eight U.S.states（M innesota，W isconsin，Illinois，Indiana，M ichigan，Ohio，Pennsylvania and New York）and the Canadian province of Ontario.Today，more than 33 million people inhabit this drainage basin：more than one-tenth of the population of the United States and one-quater of the population of Canada.

Detailed Map：The Great Lakes-St.Law rence River system

Isle of Skye

Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago off the west coast of Scotland.Its popularity with tourists lies partly in the fact that is very representative of the Highlands of Scotland in terms of landscape and people with one exception—it doesn't have any decent beaches！

·About Neist Point

Neist Point is themostwesterly pointon the Isle of Skye，the largest of the Inner Hebrides.It features the scenic Neist Point lighthouse and has great views towards South Uist and across Moonen Bay.Getting to Neist Point isn't particularly quick but it's definitely worth the trip.

Kokee State Park at a Glance

The Kokee State Park is located inward from the Na Pali Coast on Kauai'swest side.The park'smain attractions are the native plants，birds and beautiful scenic views.Situated on a plateau of3，200 to 4，200 feet（975 to 1，280 m），it is quite a bit colder here than on the beaches.The temperature can get as lowas45 degrees F（7℃）in January and is around 68 degrees F（20℃）in July.The annual rainfall is 70 inches（1778 mm）.It rains themost from October to May.

There are 19 hiking trails in the Kokee State Park.Tent camping is allowed and there are a fewapproved cam psites in the Kokee region，but overnightersm ust have a permit to cam p.The cost is＄5.The most accessible is at the head of Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow.It has grills and a com fort station with cold showers.The fee is＄5 per night.The other sites，Sugi Grove and Kawaikoi，are on opposite sides of Kawaikoi Stream.They can only be accessed with a four-wheel drive vehicle.There is currently no charge for the permit，but thiswill change soon.

If you'd like more com forts，there are modern cabins at the Kokee Lodge.The cabins sleep up to six people.The maximumstay is five days and theminimumstay is two days.The cabins are popular and should be booked three to fourmonths in advance.The cost per person per night is＄92.80 and there is a two-person minimum.For more information，contact the Kokee State Park at（808）335-6061.(https://www.daowen.com)

This Kona Coast dive site is possibly themost beautiful，diverse，easily accessible，interesting dive location we have on the Island of Hawaii.It is at Honaunau Bay，just north of the National Historic Park.

Thiswhole area is an ancient Hawaiian fishing religious ceremonial area，so treat it as such.Show the proper respect for the location，please.Some of the locals are upsetwith the proliferation of divers and snorkelers frequenting this site today，so please treat them with respect and don't leave any trash for them to use as evidence of your visit.Respectfully smile at everyone you see，you'll be surprised at how that will confuse those you meet.

Because of the abundance of colorful reef marine life，this is an excellent place to snorkel aswell as scuba.The clarity of the water here is conducive to exciting sightings of various marine-life species.There are two fine routes for divers to take from the entry point.One is straight out toward open ocean，the second along the rocky shore in a northerly direction.If you are going straight out，watch and listen closely for the fishing boats that use this bay as a launch site（a cautionary dive flag float is recommended）.The straightout route will take you acrossmany coral heads and sandy channels holding amultitude of invertebrates and reef fish.In the center of the bay，you'll reach a living coral reef that is punctuated with countless pukas（holes）that hold numerous eels，crabs and shells ofmany descriptions.Watch for the Giant Green Sea Turtles in this bay as they often frequent this fantastic dive spot.Remember，the Green Sea Turtle is a protected，endangered species.So don't touch，grab on to，or try to ride these valuable creatures—the penalties for such action，if reported，ism ega bucks and it ain't worth it.Just enjoy their presence.

Here's a hinton diving anywhere：W hen you see a coral reef that is covered with living coral，thoroughly inspect it，slow ly，for it will be filled with delightful sea-life，in，around，under and above it—but don't touch it.Dead coral heads and most rock rubble areas generally hold fewer species（but fascinating ones，nonetheless）.

If you opt for the northerly shore route from the entry area，you'll find many caves and indentations as you explore the underwater terrain.The lava wall is literally filled with hiding places for Kona's famous ula（Spiney Lobster）and（although they are being overharvested）you just may glimpse one or two peeking out at YOU！

Only a few yards away from the shoreline you'll notice a gradual slope of branch coral rubble.It slopes down more rapid ly as you descend to over80 before leveling off in a sandy flatatover100.As you float over this ledge watch for the infamous Crown of Thorns Sea Star.This voracious critter is covered with sharp spines that can cause considerable pain when touched（so，don't touch them！）.At the bottom of the bay，in the sandy area，occasionally，huge Manta Rays，and often leopard rays are seen resting on the sandy flats.W e've seen schools of opelu here that numbered in the thousands.Sometimes these schools are so dense that they actually blot out the sun，appearing as black undulating masses of unrecognizable blobs of darkness.As they draw nearer，or if you are a brave soul and go toward them，you'll see that the blob is actually thousands and thousands of tiny fish.Quite an experience.

In this area always keep your eye out，to the sides，ahead，and to your rear.Too many times，as we dive，we keeplooking down—and too often，several interesting sights are missed.Make it a habit to look around—you'll be surprised atwhat you've been missing.

Welcome to Lake Mead

Lake Mead was created by the building of Hoover Dam which has a storied history of sacrificesmade by themen，women and families that were involved with the dam's construction.Read more about Hoover Dam which at one time was called Boulder Damis located on the northwest border of Arizona and southeast Nevada.

Lake Mead is the second largest man-made reservoir lake in the United States behind Lake Powell on Arizona's northern border.Lake Mead extends over 110 miles from the dam to the western edges of the Grand Canyon.The lake stores over 28.5 million acre-feet of water fed by the Colorado River.The lake extends into both Arizona and Nevada and holds 9.2 trillion gallons of water which is the equivalent of twoyears of flow through the Colorado River.The lake features over 550 miles of shoreline and varies in depth.

·W here Ancient Peoples Once Roamed

Ten thousand years before the dam was built in 1935，the area along the river was home to ancient Native American cultures whose artifacts，pottery and hunting im plements continue to be discovered today.Evidence indicates prehistoric peoples hunted game and practiced farming.In a cave near the present day Lake Mead，archaeologists have discovered remains of ancient animals with notches on the bones giving evidence of preparation and consumption by humans thousands of years previous.

·Fishing at Lake Mead

Anglers will find Striped Bass，Largemouth Bass，Crappie and Catfish throughout the lake.Both Arizona and Nevada require a state fishing license for those 14 years or older when fishing portions of the lake located within each particular state.A“use stam p”issued in either state will permit fishing in either state's Lake Mead waters.

·Lake Mead Recreation

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area also includes Lake Mohave，south of Lake Mead along the Colorado River.Combined，the area is larger than the state of Rhode Island.Lake Mead by itself is a massive water recreation playground that entices millions of annual visitors to its startling blue waters.The picturesque landscape is a mixture of desert outcroppings，lushly vegetated banks and high canyon walls that draws scenic photographers to its visual charm.

Lake Mead is a vast lake ofmajor proportions with severalmarinas and cam pgrounds.It is a water-wonderland that caters to fishermen，house boaters，jet-skiers，water-skiers，power boaters，swimm ers，sunbathers and those that love to see the sights.The lake features hiking trails of various levels of difficulty and it's a great place to observe native wild life including Kit Fox，Bobcats，Ringtail Cats，Mule Deer，the rare Bighorn Sheep and a variety of typical desert creatures including Gila Monsters，Rattlesnakes and them ystifying Chuckawalla Lizards.

Just taking scenic drives along the lake is quite a visual experience，particularly driving along North Shore Road which is a 40-mile drive from Lake Mead Boulevard to Overton Beach.Along the way there are several scenic stops for photographic opportunity.A few miles past Overton is the Lost City Museum with a vast exhibit of prehistoric Anasazi Indian artifacts.

Severalmarinas offer rental boats，house boats and water vessels，and Guided cruises and tours of Lake Mead are also available.

·Main Basins of Lake Mead

The lake is com prised of four basins ofwhich Boulder Basin on the Nevada side is themost active boating and watercraft recreation area.Boating east through Boulder Canyon reaches Virgin Basin.Southeast of Virgin Basin takes you to Tem ple Bar Basin and then continuing on to Gregg Basin.Continuing northeast，you will eventually reach the point where the Colorado River exits the Western edges of the Grand Canyon.

M iami Beach

Most people come to Miami Beach for its beaches，clubs and bars，and to witness one of themost spectacular redesigns in modern architectural history.The Art Deco Historic District，a collection of bright pink，lavender and turquoise buildings dating from the 1920s，is one of the largestareas on the U.S.National Register of Historic Places.Its protection and renovation has been one of themajor reasons for the rebirth of Miami as a top-notch tourist destination.The Deco district is in the heart of funky South Beach（SoBe），the southwestern section of Miami Beach.

For a city beach，M iami Beach is one of the best beaches.The water is clear and warm，the sand relatively white and，best of all，it's wide enough and long enough to accommodate the throngs.The Promenade is a wavy ribbon of concrete at the Beach's westernmost edge.If you've ever looked at a fashion magazine，you've seen it that it's the photo shoot site.If you show up early in themorning，you're likely to see shoots in progress.This is also the hot spot for in-line skaters，bicyc lists，skateboarders，dog walkers and people watchers to mill about bum ping into each other.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier has the largest collection of glaciers on one peak in the contiguous U.S.The mountain has 25 named glaciers and 50 smaller，unnamed glaciers and ice fields.In the Lower 48，Mount Rainier National Park has the thickest and most voluminous glacier，Carbon Glacier，and the glacier with the greatest surface area Emmons Glacier.It is one of themostaccessible places to view glaciers up close.

W elcome to a mountain wonderland of dense forests，dazzling wild flowers，tremendous snow fields，and rugged glaciers.Enjoy the fresh sm ell of trees and soil，the soothing—and som etim es deafening—sound of falling water，and the refreshing cold breezes off the glaciers.And towering above all this scenic display ismagnificentMount Rainier.

This is a com plex landscape，but the explanation of its origins are simplicity itself：fire and ice.Themountain is a volcano born of fire and built up above the surrounding country by repeated eruptions and successive flow s of lava.It is a relatively young volcano，only aboutone million years old.By contrast themountains of the Cascade Range that Mount Rainier looks down upon are at least 12 million years old，created by the folding，buckling，and uplifting of the Earth's surface.Mount Rainier is not an isolated volcano，for from Lassen Peak in California to Mount Garibaldi in British Columbia an entire line of volcanoes defines the north-south march of the Cascades.These peaks dominate the skyline，ever a reminder that they are only dormant and may at any time，like Lassen Peak in 1914- 1921，and Mount Saint Helens in 1980，erupt in fury and rage at the fragile world built by humans.One of the unexpected side benefits of these eruptions has been the deposition of ash and pumice layers that are rich in nutrients and support the abundance of wildflowers throughout themountainous Pacific Northwest.

Even as volcanic forces were building up this land，the slow，inevitable power of glacial ice began to shape and formit.Glaciers come from the snow that does notmelt from year to year：itaccumulates to greater and greater depths.The weight of the snow presses the air out，packs it down tight，and com presses it into ice.Gravity pulls the ice down themountainside，both scouring and smoothing the bedrock as it goes.Freezing and thawing breaks rocks from the adjacent slopes，and they fall onto the glacier's surface.More debris is picked up by the passing ice.This is an inexorable process that continues today and will alter themountain in the tomorrows to come.Yes，the process is simple，but it deals in forces that are beyond the control，and perhaps com prehension，of hum ans.Take a look at this mountain；it may be gone in a million years.

National Park of American Samoa

For som e 3，000 years，the people of Polynesia's oldest culture have been keenly attuned to their island environment，holding it to be precious and managing it communally.The name they gave their land reflects their attitude：Samoa means“sacred earth”.

Located roughly 2，300 miles southwest of Hawaii，American Samoa，a United States territory，com prises five volcanic islands and two coral atolls.In 1988 Congress authorized the land for a national park.In 1993 Samoan chiefs agreed to sign a 50-year lease that enables the National Park Service to manage an area of rain forest，beach，and coral reef on three islands.Samoans help manage the park，and their villages offer a few guest facilities（ask the park about its unique homestay program）.

The park protects hundreds of plant species in five distinct rain forest communities：low land，montane，coast，ridge，and cloud.It is the only such rain forest on American soil.Among the fauna visitors can see are tropical birds and the endangered flying fox—a fruit bat with the wingspan of a barn ow l.

On Tutuila，Am erican Sam oa's largest island，lofty volcanic ridges overlook the deep blue waters of Pago Pago Harbor.Except for a few villages，and the scenic drive that skirts the harbor and the dramatic southern coastline，there is little level land.Atop this crumbled terrain and plunging steeply toward the sea on the island's northern side lies the park area—about2，500 acres of land and some 1，200 acres of ocean.

Parkland on Ta'u，the easternmost island，encom passes about 5，400 acres—including Lata Mountain，American Samoa's highest peak—and 1，000 acres offshore.Unforgettable is the panoramic view from the cloud forest toward the rugged cliffs of the southern coast.Small，remote Ofu Island includes what many call American Samoa's loveliest beach.Itsm ain attraction is the 350-acre coral reef.

·How to Get There

There are flights to Pago Pago from Honolulu twice a week that take 5.5 hours.Time from California is about 14 hours，inc luding a 3-or 4-hour Honolulu layover.From the airport，taxi or rent a car to the Rainmaker Hotel，Pago Airport Inn，Tessarea Vaitogi Inn，Tradewinds，or Motu-o-Fiafiaga Motel.From any of those accomm odations you can reach the park visitor center in Pago Pago by bus or car，or by walking about 25 minutes.Accommodations are also available on Ta'u，Ofu，and Olosega.To get to Ta'u and Ofu requires about a half-hour flight each from Pago Pago.Ofu's park begins at the edge of the airport；parkland on Ta'u is about a half-hour walk from the airport.

·W hen to Go

Any tim e.The islands are 14 degrees south of the Equator，giving them a hot and rainy climate year-round.The heat and rain abate slightly from June through September.

·How to Visit

Contact the park headquarters before you visit.For information，w rite National Park of American Samoa，Pago Pago，American Samoa 96799.Phone（684）633-7082.www.nps.gov／npsa.Or drop in at the visitor center，located at Pago Plaza at the head of Pago Pago Harbor.

New Zealand Guide Overview

New Zealanders sometimes refer to their country as“God Zone”，a rather prideful twist on the phrase“God's Own”.But if you like gorgeous scenery and gutsy people，you'll agree with them.New Zealand is blessed with some of themost varied and dramatic terrain in the world，from glaciers and beaches to mountains，meadows and rain forests，known to New Zealanders as“native bush”.If you're so inclined，you can admire the breathtaking scenery while skiing，surfing，horseback riding，mountain climbing，hiking（which the locals call“tramping”）or kayaking.

And if those pursuits aren't exciting enough，you can try some of the adventures the Kiwis（as New Zealanders are called）have invented：You can bungee jump off cliffs or bridges，padd le through white-water rapids，rocket through narrow caverns on jet boats，or strap yourself inside a giant plastic ball and roll down a hillside.

If you prefer more leisurely activities，you can still enjoy New Zealand's natural wonders by strolling on its pristine beaches，sailing along its picturesque coastline or fishing in its crystal clear rivers and lakes.

Niagara Falls comprises three distinct cataracts.The tallest are the American and Bridal Veil falls on the American side，separated by tiny Luna Island and plunging over jagged rocks in a 180 ft drop；the broad Horseshoe Fallswhich curve their way over to Canada are probably themost im pressive.They date back a mere twelve thousand years，when the retreat ofmelting glaciers allowed water trapped in Lake Erie to gush north to Lake Ontario.Back then the falls were seven miles downriver，but constant erosion has cut them back to their present site.The falls are colorfully lit up at night，and many say they'remost beautiful in winter，when the grounds are covered in snowand the waters turn to ice.

The best views on the American side are from the Prospect Point Observation Tower（daily；50），and from the area at its base where the water rushes past；Terrapin Point on Goat Island in themidd le of the river has similar views of Horseshoe Falls.The nineteenth-century tightrope-walker Blondin crossed the Niagara repeatedly near here，and even carried passengers across on his back；other suicidal fools over the years have taken the plunge in barrels.One survivor among the fatalities was the Englishman Bobby Leach，who went over in a steel barrel in July 1911 and had to spend the restof the year in hospital.That practice has since been banned（though a couple ofmaniacs did it in summer 1995 and came away with minor bruises），for reasons which become self-evidentwhen you approach the towering cascade on the not-to-bemissed Maid of the Mist boat trip from the foot of the observation tower（summer Mon- Fri 10am－5pm，Sat and Sun 10am－6pm；＄8.50；716／284－4233）.From Goat Island，the Cave of the Winds tour leads down to the base of the falls by elevator to within alm ost touching distance of the water（mid-May to late Oct；＄5.50）.A combination pass for these and other attractions costs＄16.Rainbowhelicopter tours（716／284-2800）are a more expensive proposition at＄40 per person for a ten-minute ride.To check the viewout from Niagara Falls，Ontario，it's a twenty-minute walk across the Rainbow Bridge to the Canadian side（25 each way；bring ID，and check with U.S.Immigration officials before heading across），where you get an arguably better view，bigger crow ds and even more taw dry commercialism.Driving across is inadvisable：The toll for a car is just75，but parking on the other side is upwards of＄15.

As you look on in awe，reflect that you're seeing only abouthalf the volume of water—the rest is diverted to hydroelectric power stations.The full story of this engineering feat is related at the free Niagara Power Project Visitors Center in nearby Lewiston（July and Aug daily 9am－6pm；Sept- June daily 10am－5pm；716／285-3211）.W ith your own transportation it's also possible to trace the inhospitable Niagara Gorge two miles along the dram atic Robert Moses Parkway to the Whirlpool Rapids，a violentmaelstromswollen by broken trees and other flotsam.

Ten miles east of Niagara Falls，the town of LOCKPORT takes its name from the series of locks that raise and lower boats some 65 ft at the western end of the Erie Canal.You can see the im pressive flight of locks from the Pine Street Bridge，or up close on canal boat tours（May- Nov daily at12：30 and 3pm，also 10am on Sat；＄9；716／693-3260）.

Think of a typical Australian image and beach would have to be near the top of your list.Here in Onkaparinga we're fortunate to boast some of the nation's finest.W ith clear gulf waters extending over 35km from O'Sullivan Beach in the north to Sellicks Beach in the south our pristine coastline offers abundant choice for the beach-lover.

The coastal townships of Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga are ideal for family-friendly bathing and surfers can test their skills at Southport Trigg Point Seaford Gull Rock and Moana while those who want to get back to nature can shed their inhibitions along with their clothes as Maslin Beach Australia's first nudist beach.

Not only fabulous for swimming and surfing the South Coast is a Mecca for divers.Notable dive spots include the Port Noarlunga reef and the Aldinga“Drop-off”.These clear southern waters are home to many unique species ofmarine life such as the famed Leafy Sea-Dragon.If fishing or sailing is your passion，boats can be launched from a number of locations.There are some hot fishing spots along our coastline squid and Tommy Ruff being themost common species caught.

W hether your idea of a day at the beach means lying on white sand and soaking up the sun padd ling in a protected bay with the children surfing waveswith dolphins or exploring underwater reefswe have itall.

Opaekaa Falls at a Glance

This is one of Kauai's best-known and main waterfalls.Most people viewit from a lookout off Kuamoo Road，as it is a difficult and tricky hike around its top and pool.If you want to see Opaekaa Falls up close，find the trailhead at the top of the falls，close to the 2-milemarker that is past the fall's lookout on Highway 580.

Going all the way to the waterfall can be well worth the trip，but the trail ismuddy.It takes about a half hour，but the viewof Opaekaa Falls and the lush，tropical rainforest surrounding itmakes for a great photo opportunity.

Opaekaa Falls is a solitary location on most days，because most people do their observations from the highway lookout.The name“Opaekaa”means“rolling shrim p”in the Hawaiian language.The waterfallwas named after the shrimp thatwere once in abundance in its stream and pool.

·Opaekaa Falls in Bullet Points

It is one of Kauai's best-known waterfalls.Most people viewit from the road because it's a bit tricky to access.

Pearl Harbor

This harbor，located west of Honolulu on the southern end of Oahu，is the headquarters of the U.S.Pacific Fleet.The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan on December 7，1941 brought the United States into World War II.The attack，which claimed the lives of2，388 military and civilian personnel and resulted in the damage or loss of 21 vessels and 170 planes，triggered U.S.involvement in World War II.

The USS Arizona was one of seven battleships tied up along“Battleship Row”on the southeast shore of Ford Island when the first wave of the Japanese attack began.The ship exploded at approxim ately 8：10 a.m.In less than nineminutes，she sank with 1，177 of her crew.Today more than 1.5 million people a year—over 4，500 a day—pay tribute to the Arizona crew when they visit the USS Arizona Memorial.As the state's top tourist attraction，the center is located on the Pearl Harbor Navy Base，about 45 minutes west of Waikiki.The Memorial，which is a unit of the National Park Service，was dedicated on Mem orial Day 1962.

A new visitor center and museumis slated to be com pleted by Dec.7，2010，the 69 th anniversary of the Japanese attack.

The Pacific Aviation Museumis a significant addition to the enormously popular com plex of historic military attractions at Pearl Harbor.The museumis located on Ford Island，a National Historic Landmark at the center of the Pearl Harbor Historic Site com plex.

Scotland's Highlands and Islands

The Highlands are indeed one of Scotland's most precious assets.They are romantic，impressive and offer very beautiful scenery.No wonder the Highlands are so famous and have been used as filming location for numerous movies including Highlander，Braveheart and Harry Potter.One can only appreciate their beauty if they actually see them.

It's difficult to say which area of the Highlands and Islands would make for themost representative photos to use in brochures，posters or framed prints because the variety in scenery makes it virtually im possible to choose.However，the Isle of Skye uniquely com bines mountain landscapes with the Hebrides island character to become a miniature Scotland.

O ther favourite Highland landscapes include the spectacular glens of Glencoe，Glen Etive and Glen Nevis but in terms of mountains，Wester Ross boasts the oldestmountains in Europe.

In terms of scenic potential，the islands of Mull and Islay are particularly beautiful and so is the coast around Oban，Arisaig and Mallaig.

And of course，no gallery of the Scottish Highlands and Islands would be com plete without including a fewadorable sheep and hairy cow s.

Sequoia National Forest

The Forest Service，U.S.Department of Agriculture，administers the Sequoia National Forest which consists of four ranger districts.The Tule River，Hot Springs，Cannell Meadow，and Greenhorn comprise the southern unit.The Hume Lake Ranger District is the northern unit.Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks，U.S.Department of Interior，separate these two units of the Sequoia National Forest.

·DESCRIPTION

The Sequoia is one of nineteen National Forests in California.It takes its name from the giant sequoia，the world's largest tree，which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest's lower slopes.The Sequoia's landscape is as spectacular as its trees.Soaring granite monoliths，glacier-torn canyons，roaring whitewater and more await your discovery at the Sierra Nevada's southern end.Elevations range from 1，000 feet in the foothill region to peaks over12，000 feet in the rugged high country，providing visitors with some of themost spectacular views of mountainous landscape in the entire west.

·ATTRACTIONS

Hikers，off-highway vehicle users，and horseback riders have over 1，500 miles ofmaintained roads，1，000 miles of abandoned roads，and 850 miles of trails in the forest available for their use and enjoyment.The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail，which stretches 2，600 miles from Canada to Mexico，crosses the Sequoia National Forest for approximately 78 miles.The three National Recreation Trails in the forest are：Summit，Cannell Meadow，and Jackass Creek.O ther points of interest on the forest include：Hume Lake，Chicago Stum p，Cannell Meadow Station，Kern River，Kings River，Dome Rock and Need les.The Sequoia contains portions of six designated wilderness areas：Kiavah，Monarch，South Sierra，Dome Land，Jennie Lakes and Golden Trout.Specific winter activity areas accessible by highway are：Hume Lake Ranger District at Cherry Gap and Quail Flat，Tule River Ranger District in the vicinity of Quaking Aspen Campground，and Greenhorn Ranger District at Greenhorn Summit.

·RECREATION

The Sequoia National Forest offers a huge range of outdoor recreation activities.The trails offer hiking，backpacking，horseback riding，and mountain biking.The many developed cam pgrounds or dispersed areas provide the full range of cam ping experiences.The rivers，lakes and reservoirs offer boating，fishing，water-skiing，swimming，whitewater rafting，and kayaking.In the winter，the high elevations provide downhill skiing and snowboarding，cross-country skiing，snow shoeing and snowmobiling.

·CLIMATE

Elevation plays a major role in tem perature and precipitation on the Sequoia National Forest.This precipitation falls mainly from October through April.At higher elevations，much of it comes in the form of snow.W inter tem peratures well below freezing and summer tem peratures above 100 degrees indicate the norm al seasonal spread.Clouds can build up during the summer to produce thunderstorm activity.It is wise to pack for any season when venturing into the high country，with clothing that can be“layered”，ready to peel off or add on as the thermometer dictates.Always include some kind of rain gear.

·HISTORY

The Sequoia National Forest received its name for the 39 groves of giant sequoia，Sequoiadendron giganteum，located within its boundaries.In 1847 a German botanistnamed Stephen End licher named the coastal redwood trees Sequoia sem pervirens.He presumably was honoring the Cherokee Chief Sequoya or Sikwayi who invented a phonetic alphabet of 86 symbols for the Cherokee language.In 1854 a French botanist，Joseph Decaisne，applied the name to the giant sequoias，which were closely related to the coastal redwoods.

Tames River

The Thames has a length of215 miles（346 km）.Its usually quoted source is at Thames Head（at grid reference ST980994），about a mile north of the village of Kem ble and near the tow n of Cirencester，in the Cotswolds.Thismakes it the longest river entirely in England，although the River Severn，which is partly in Wales，is a longer river in the United Kingdom.Seven Springs near Cheltenham，where the river Churn rises，is also sometimes quoted as the Thames'source，as this location is furthest from themouth adding some 14 miles（22 km）to the length.The springs at Seven Springs also flow throughout the year，while those at Thames Head are only seasonal.

The Thames flows through or alongside Ashton Keynes，Cricklade，Lechlade，Oxford，Abingdon，Wallingford，Goring-on-Thames，Reading，Henley-on-Thames，Marlow，Maidenhead，W indsor，Eton，Staines，Sunbury，W eybridge and Thames Ditton before entering the Greater London area.The present course is the result of severalminor redirections of themain channel around Oxford，Abingdon and Maidenhead and more recently the creation of specific cuts to ease navigation.

From the outskirts of Greater London，the river passes Hampton Court，Kingston，Teddington，Twickenham，Richm ond（with a famous viewof the Thames from Richmond Hill），Syon House and Kew before flowing through central London.In central London，the river forms one of the principal axes of the city，from the Palace of Westminster to the Tower of London，and was the southern boundary of themedieval city，with Southwark on the opposite bank.

Once past central London，the river passes between Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs，before flowing through the Tham es Barrier，which protects central London from flooding in the event of stormsurges.Below the barrier，the river passes Dartford，Tilbury and Gravesend before entering the Thames Estuary near Southend-on-Sea.

The Blue Mountains is a mountainous region in New South Wales，Australia.It borders on Sydney'smetropolitan area，its foothills starting approximately 50 kilometreswestof the state capital.The area begins on the west side of the Nepean River and extends westward as far as Cox's River.

Consisting mainly of a sandstone plateau，the area is dissected by gorges up to 760 metres deep.The highest point of the range is 1，190 metres above sea level.A large part of the Blue Mountains is incorporated into the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site，consisting of seven national park areas and a conservation reserve.

The Blue Mountains area includes the local government areas of the City of Blue Mountains，the City of Haw kesbury，the City of Lithgowand Oberon.

The Greater Blue Mountains Area was unanimously listed as a World Heritage Area by UNESCO on 29 Novem ber，2000.It thus became the fourth area in New South Wales to be listed.The area totals roughly 10，000 square kilometres，including the Blue Mountains，Kanangra-Boyd，W ollemi，Gardens of Stone，Yengo，Nattai and Thirlmere Lakes National Parks，plus the Jenolan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve.

Walnut Canyon National Monum ent

NPS photo by Dallas Larsen Much like the Grand Canyon to the northwest，Walnut Canyon was formed by 60 million years of water flowing first as a gentle creek across the plateau，then etching and carving its way through steep passes.Deep gorges formed in the sandstone，limestone，and other ancient desert rock some 20 miles long and 400 feet deep.The walls of the canyon are smooth in many places from centuries of buffeting winds while fossils of marine life cling to other parts of the steep canyon，left by receding waters of an ancient sea.Later，prehistoric native people would settle in this high desert region，drawn to the area by the presence ofwater，a rarity in the dry，arid climate of the Colorado Plateau.These early settlers are originally thought to be from the north，refugees from the fiery eruption of the Sunset Crater Volcano.After the 11 th century inferno left their own land uninhabitable，these itinerant farm ersm oved both north to Wupatki and south to Walnut Canyon，finding the land theremore hospitable than the barren volcanic aftermath of their previous farm land.W hile the new settlements lasted just a fewhundred years，visitors today can witness howhumans triumph over natural disaster by examining the cliff dwellings and ruins left by these early Arizona peoples.

·Arizona'sWalnut Canyon

The Walnut Canyon National Monument is located in the high pine forests south of Flagstaff，AZ，encompassing 3，600 acres，including six miles of the canyon's length.The ledges formed by the winding Walnut Creek left natural alcoves that were perfect for sheltering native peoples from the wind and snow that reaches the Monument's higher elevations.During the area's peak years of development，sometime between 1，100 and 1，250，over 100 people called Walnut Canyon home，making their living growing crops along the canyon's rim and in crevices along the walls.Walnut Creek，the life blood of the community，continued to flow sporadically down the canyon floor，creating a unique community of cliff dwellers whose hom es，gathering places and graves can be still be seen today by visitors to this historic nationalmonument.

·Things to See

Visitorswanting a short，easy stroll through the park can enjoy the self-guided Rim Trail along the canyon's upper edge.You will wander through ponderosa forests as you make your way toward the canyon rim，passing scenic overlooks and the ruins of a pithouse and pueblo.Because of the relatively flat terrain，early settlers grew crops of corn，squash and beans in this part of the canyon and the area continues to provide a colorful display of wildflowers against the rocky backdrop of the steep canyon walls.You can expect to cover the 0.7 mile round-trip stroll in about30 minutes.W hile the whole trail is easy to navigate，the beginning part is fully paved and accessible for those with limited mobility.

For those hoping to see the cliff dwellings up close，opt for themore strenuous Island Trail.Just one mile round-trip，this hike descends more than 185 vertical feet.You climb back out of the canyon the same way，so take your time and plan on spending at leastan hour during this hike.Although com pletely paved with several sets of stairs，this trail can be difficult due to the 7，000's elevation.Hikers will be rewarded，however with up close views of 25 cliff dwellings along the route，with even more located just a glance away，across the canyon.

·Interpretive Programs

In addition to the self-guided tours of Walnut Canyon National Monument，the park also offers two ranger-guided hikes during the summermonths.The Ledge Hike is a three-hour strenuous hike along the canyon's many cliffs and gorges.It is offered the first and last Saturday of each month，beginning at 10：00 a.m.A bit challenging，there is no better way to experience up the true Walnut Canyon.The Ranger Cabin Walk is an easy，two-hour hike offered the first Sunday of each month at10：00 a.m.Built in 1904 to help protectWalnut Canyon from overzealous site seers，pillagers and vandals，the Ranger Cabin remains a stunning example of the early 20 th century log architecture set among still pristine ponderosa pines.Reservations are required for both hikes，and can be made by contacting the Visitor Center at（928）526-3367.

·Discover the Cliffs

Discovery Packs are available at the Walnut Canyon National Monument Visitor Center and offer exciting tools to enhance your experience at the Monument.Inside you will find binoculars for enjoying cross canyon views of the cliff dwellings and amagnifying lens for close up examination of the pottery，stonework and archaeological remains.There are field guides about the plants，flowers and landscape that remain，drawing paper and pencils to capture your visual im pressions，and a Field Journal to record all your observations and experiences.Use your Discovery Pack to enhance your visit to the Monument，leaving the buildings and ruins undisturbed for others to visit，study and enjoy for the next1，000 years.

Available at the Visitor Center，Discovery Packs are designed to be used not only atWalnut Canyon，butalso at nearby Wupatkiand Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments as well.At the end of your visit，just return the Discovery Pack to the Visitor Center，taking your Field Journal home as a reminder of the exciting things you sawalong the way.Familieswill especially enjoy the Discovery Pack however anyone with a sense of adventure or a curiosity about nature will be pleased as well.There is no charge for borrowing a Discovery Pack.

Walnut Canyon National Monum ent

Walnut Canyon National Monument is located just southeast of Flagstaff，AZ.Exit I-40 at Exit204，7.5（12 km）miles east of Flagstaff.Head south 3 miles to the canyon rim.The parking area is limited in length so use extra caution when towing vehicles.There are no cam pgrounds in the Monument but Bonito Campground is located across from the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monum ent Visitor Center.Call（928）526-0866 for cam pground information.

·For More Information

Walnut Canyon Website

Walnut Canyon National Monument Visitor Center（928）526-3367

·W here to Stay

See Flagstaff Hotels or Flagstaff Bed and Breakfasts.

Yellow stone National Park

Yellow stone is a geological smoking gun that illustrates how violent the Earth can be.One event overshadows all others：Some 640，000 years ago，an area many miles square at what is now the center of the park suddenly exploded.In minutes the landscape was devastated.Fastmoving ash flows covered thousands of square miles.At the center only a smoldering caldera remained，a collapsed crater 45 by 30 miles.At least two other cataclysmic events preceded this one.Boiling hot springs，fumaroles，mud spots and geysers serve as reminders that another could occur.

Yellow stone，however，ismuch more than hot ground and gushing steam.Located astride the Continental Divide，most of the park occupies a high plateau surrounded bymountains and drained by several rivers.Park boundaries enclose craggy peaks，alpine lakes，deep canyons，and vast forests.In 1872，Yellow stone became the world's first national park，the result of great foresight on the part ofmany people about our eventual need for the solace and beauty of wild places.

In early years，what made Yellow stone stand out was the extravaganza of geysers and hot springs.The wild landscape and the bison，elk and bears were nice but，after all，America was still a pioneer country filled with scenic beauty and animals.

As the West was settled，however，Yellow stone's im portance as a wild life sanctuary grew.The list of park animals is a compendium of Rocky Mountain fauna：elk，bison，mule deer，bighorn sheep，grizzly bears，black bears，wolves，m oose，pronghorn，coyotes，m ountain lions，beaver，trum peter swans，eagles，ospreys，white pelicans，and more.

During the summer of 1988，fire touched many sections of the park，in some areas dramatically changing the appearance of the landscape.Yet not one major feature was destroyed.The geysers，waterfalls and herds of wildlife are still here.Many places show no im pact at all，while those that are regenerating benefit both vegetation and animal life.Side by side，burned areas and nonburned areas provide an intriguing study in the causes and effects of fire in wild places.Yellow stone has witnessed bigger natural events than this and may well again.

Of far greater concern to environmentalists than the fires are the im pact of the increasing numbers of visitors，the threatened grizzly bear population，and，on nearby lands，the planned developm ent of natural resource projects.Cooperative management between the park and the six forests thatmake up the greater Yellow stone ecosystemis essential if wild life and thermal features are to survive.

·How to Get There

There are five entrances：from the west，W est Yellow stone（Montana）；from the north and northeast，Gardiner and Cooke City（Montana）；from the east，on US 14／16／20 from Cody（W yoming）；from the south，at Flagg Ranch（W yoming），which is north of Grand Teton National Park and Jackson（64 miles away）.Airports：W est Yellow stone（summer only），Bozeman and Billings in Montana；Cody and Jackson in Wyoming.

·W hen to Go

More than half of the 3 million annual visitors come in July and August.In September and early October，the weather is good，the visitors few，and the wildlife abundant.In May and June，you can see newborn animals，but the weathermay be cold，wet and even snow y.Between about Novem ber through April most park roads are closed to vehicles.

During the winter season，mid-December to mid-March，Yellow stone becomes a fantasy of steam and ice；facilities are limited but sufficient.Only the road between the North and Northeast Entrances stays open to cars，but snowmobiling is permitted on some groomed roads.Heated snow coaches offer tours and give cross-country skiers access to about50 miles of groom ed trails.

·How to Visit

The 142-mile Grand Loop Road forms a figure eight，with connecting spurs to the five entrances.In early years，visitors took a week going around the loop—still a good idea.On any visit，startwith the geyser basins and Mammoth Hot Springs to see wild life and thermal features（caution：both can be hazardous if approached too closely）.On the second day，travel to the Grand Canyon of the Yellow stone，Hayden Valley and Yellow stone Lake.

On a longer stay，visit the northern range，or consider a boating or fishing trip on Yellow stone Lake，a backcountry excursion on foot or horse，any of the numerous easy nature trails throughout the park.

Your best chance of seeing wildlife is in early morning or evening.

Yosemite National Park

Majestic granite cliffs，gushing waterfalls and Giant Sequoia trees are the big attractions for visitors to Yosemite National Park.

One of America's first designated national parks，Yosemite spreads across 1，200 square miles in the Sierra Nevada region of eastern California.An extraordinary 95 percent of Yosemite is“designated wilderness”，which means that Congress has protected it from potentially damaging development.An estimated 3.5 million people visit the park each year.

The closest regional airport to Yosemite is Fresno-Yosemite International，located about 1.5 hours from the park's South Entrance.Many visitors also fly into San Francisco International，Oakland International or San Jose International airports，all located about four hours from the park's Big Oak Flat Entrance.

Traveling by car，Yosemite National Park is located：195 miles（314 km）from San Francisco，CA；176 miles（283 km）from Sacramento，CA；and 218 miles（351 km）from Reno，NV.

There are five park entrances：Hetch Hetchy，Big Oak Flat，Arch Rock and South on the west side，and Tioga Pass on the east side.A vehicle pass，valid for seven days，costs＄20；individual passes，also valid for seven days，cost＄10.Frequent parkgoers can pick up a Yosemite Pass for＄40，which is valid for one year.

·Yosemite Hotels，Lodging and Campgrounds

Lodging within Yosemite consists of one grand hotel，the Ahwahnee，located in the heart of the Yosemite Valley，with a stop for lunch or a relaxing afternoon here coming highly recomm ended.

O therwise，Yosemite lodging accommodations range from unheated canvas tents to heated cabins.Campgrounds are located throughout the park in Yosemite Valley，one at Hodgdon Meadow，and one atWawona.To make a campground reservation，call（800）436-PARK（7275）.

Eating facilities，stores and lodging are available in Yosemite Valley，Wawona and El Portal year-rounds，and at Tuolumme Meadows and White Wolf during the summer season.

·Attractions in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley—Although Yosemite National Park spreads across more than 1，000 squaremiles，most visitors spend time in a small patch called Yosemite Valley.This part of the park，with its waterfalls，meadows and rock formations，is accessible by car year-round.

Mariposa Grove—The largest collection of Giant Sequoias in the park，Mariposa Grove contains about500 massive trees，some ofwhich are more than 3，000 years old.The forest is located near Yosemite's South Entrance，about an hour south of Yosemite Valley.A one-hour tram tour of the forest is available during the summertim e.

Glacier Point—The best views of Yosemite Valley can be had from Glacier Point，an overlook about30 miles from the valley.

Crane Flat—Sit back and enjoy the wildlife in this pleasantmeadowarea，located about 16 miles from Yosemite Valley.It is accessible by car year-round.

Zion National Park

Stunning scenery is the backdrop to thisWestern USoasis located in Springdale in southwest Utah，featuring outdoor adventures that seem to await at every turn through its 229-square-mile expanse.

W hile itsmajor attractions include scenic overviewof the 15-mile long Zion Canyon，the park also offers cam ping，hiking，rock climbing and nature watching to beckon 3 million tourists a year to this idyllic summer playground.

Designated a national park in 1919，Zion is one of Utah's oldest nature preserves and by far themostheavily used，especially in the peak summermonths when travelers from around the world converge for upclose views of its rawand mind-blowing beauty.

·Getting to Zion National Park

The closest international airport is located in Las Vegas，approximately a 160-mile，3-hour drive from Zion.

From Las Vegas，take I- 15 north to exit 16 and drive through Hurricane.Make a right on U-9 at the second traffic light in LaVerkin，then continue on U-9（a.k.a.Zion-M t.Carmel Highway）to the south entrance of the park.

Zion National Park has one major visitor center，located along the park'smain highway，offeringmaps and trail guides，information on the park's flora and fauna，aswell as a free 90-minute shuttle ride to get you acquainted with all that Zion has to offer.