This
section of northern Italy once belonged to Austria, and even after all
these years there is very little “Italy” about this place. The food, the
language, the culture, the architecture, and the overall feel are all
very Austrian/German. I’m admittedly not much into history myself, but I
do find it so interesting to experience the effect it has on people all
over the world through my travels.
Not quite what you think of when you think of Italy, but northern Italy just has this kind of feel during the winter.
Apparently there was a lake underneath me during this shot. Could
have fooled me… I’m not the least bit bitter about the fact that I
thought I’d be seeing a beautiful lake and no one warned me it would be
under 3 feet of ice. Nope, not at all bitter…
But really, you just
gotta roll with it when things like this happen during travel and
appreciate the experience nonetheless!
No matter how beautiful and awe-inspiring it looks, definitely
don’t even think about getting in or near the ocean in Portugal around
March. I hear you thinking about it. But, just don’t.
Overhead view of the beach I posted previously near Lisbon. Glad I
hiked back up when I did because on my way back I passed by a woman who
was way off trail and trying to scale down a pretty dangerous part of
the hill. Listen, we’ve all been there but photos for social media aren’t worth your
life people, no matter how beautiful!
This was a good steep hike to take all to get to a beach with
water that’s too rough to swim in. But for a secluded beach experience
and views like this? Worth it.
There’s even a really pretty small waterfall on this beach if you
go looking for it. Just don’t try to cross the stream it creates along
the sand thinking you can run through it faster than the water can soak
your shoes. I would imagine that would leave you with pretty soaked
sneakers and sand filled socks for the hike back up 🤦🏻♂️
This wasn’t our first choice for where to watch Cathedral Rock during sunset, but it sure was a great find to stumble on. Just goes to remind you that whether in life or in photography, you shouldn’t get discouraged when you strike out initially. There are plenty of other great opportunities to be had right around the corner if you’re persistent enough.
View from the Airport Mesa. So called because, well, the top of
the mesa has an airport. Pretty cool to hike on a trail that’s right
below the runway, being able to watch the planes take off right over us.
And to watch the color of the rocks we walk on change as we hike
through millions of years of the mesa’s geological history. It’s also
considered the site of a spiritual vortex, if you’re into that sorta
thing.
