Create memories with some of these awesome Christmas traditions this year.
The Timucuan Trail is the only true hiking trail on National Park Service land in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.
Use this guide for kayaking along the Chassahowitzka River, or the Chaz, while searching for the beautiful Seven Sister's Spring and The Crack in Florida.
The snow may have left the likes of me stranded at home with blankets and endless cups of tea (woe is me) but those of you who have waded your way into work like a trooper, bravo! It didn't take long for me to hear "back in my day school didn't close blah blah blah" but it got me thinking about all the pretty retro snow outfits from "back in the day". Ice skating and skiing has never looked so fashionable than during the 1940s and 50s. We must be thankful for the birth of the skater dress, it has never left the high street and has become a wardrobe staple. Nipping in at the waist and flaring out over the hips, it flatters pretty much every body shape out there. I could have browsed vintage snow photos for hours, everything seemed so much more glamorous, even winter sports! Chaps skiing in shirts and ties, ladies frolicking in fur, splendid stuff. I've narrowed it down to this bunch of retro snaps to share with you. If you are a vintage purist then I advise heading to Etsy where you can find America's best vintage, especially rare and beautiful dresses from the 50s and earlier. I found this gorgeous ice skater dress with mink sleeve cuffs and I'm so sorry to say it has been snapped up! But it's so stunning I have to share it with you. Swoon. Etsy is also a fantastic place to buy vintage sewing and knitting patterns, the skater style is quite common so grab an original pattern for your very own original skater dress! Over the years the basic skater shape has not faded out of fashion and can be found in a range of fabrics and patterns with with various lengths, sleeves and necklines to suit every body shape. The original super short flippy circle skirt used in figure skating dresses seen in the example above has (thankfully) lengthened over time making a more practical, wearable dress. I've picked out four very different dresses for you to nosey at... Black 80s skater style dress from Hoy Boutique "The Figure Skater Dress" for the very brave from American Apparel A gorgeous velvet, low scoop back example with a print that's out of this world at Urban Outfitters More of a swing shape, flaring at the bust in a very modern print from Oh My Love at ASOS Love Gina x
This Is Why You Don't Tag National Parks With Your 'Art' And Post About It On Instagram
Check out our latest Photo of the Week - What's Up Dude?
7 U.S. National Parks You Didn't Know You Needed To See
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You've surely had days when something you keenly anticipated turned out to be... meh... but something else you did on a whim was an absolute triumph? That was my ride Thursday - my third stab at the Delaware Water Gap. Ironically, the hero of the ride - ice, at frozen Dingmans Falls - had played the villain on my previous two Water Gap rides. Much better to see ice hanging from a distant cliff than under your wheels. The route I planned had three scouting objectives: + what appeared to be dirt roads over the back side of Mt. Minsi, which forms the Pennsylvania side of the Water Gap + climbs running up from the PA side of the Delaware river: roads with names like Mosiers Knob, Little Egypt and Big Egypt, and Johnny Bee + the McDade Trail, a newly-completed, 32-mile unpaved multi-use path along the river I'd been salivating over the Mt. Minsi roads for a few weeks, my appetite whetted by the National Park Service map of the area. My experience so far was that what this map showed as dirt roads were things you could drive a car on; it omits the crazy fire roads, or shows them as trails... so off I went with high hopes. I parked at Slateford and headed up National Park Drive. It was, as advertised, a lovely 2-mile hardpack climb. The turn onto Totts Gap Road looked like a gravel driveway. Uh oh. This one turned creek bed right away. And steep! In the roughest spots, a trail ran through the woods parallel to the road - much easier passage there. Going up was 80% hike-a-bike. I could see a radio tower on the crest of the ridge, which implied vehicle access... and this wasn't it! Hopefully the road on the other side of the ridge would be better. Near the top was a party cave... no need for a velvet rope. Over the crest the road turned to gravel, even steeper than the creek bed. I skidded down and in a flash I was back on pavement. This was a bit of a relief; it had taken nearly half an hour to go one mile. But the map had me hoping for two more miles of unimproved road, in one form or another. That's scouting. On my way north, I encountered one of my favorite things, a Bridge Out sign. I forged ahead; this one turned out to be all bark and no bite... just had to hop a couple barricades. Soon I was heading up Big Egypt Road, a lovely unpaved climb closed to vehicle traffic. Which is a good thing, because it really did have a bridge out... though it was easy to get across. After about three hours on the road my bottles were almost frozen solid, so I was happy to come across the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC). I finally had a bear encounter, right there in the lobby! This place had an old-timey feel: there was a crank pencil sharpener on the wall next to the office. At the back of the building, it looked like they had turned an indoor pool into a beaver habitat. After a fun descent down unpaved Chestnut Ridge Rd, I headed up to Johnny Bee Rd, at the far end of my loop. This turned out to be an abandoned, gated-off paved road. There are quite a few of these around the Water Gap, but this was the first I'd seen with a double yellow line. Just around the bend it pitched up near 20%, and the surface was covered with a couple inches of leaf litter and tree branches. I bailed. On my way down, I passed the road up to Dingmans Falls, which was closed for the season. I decided to have a look, and it was spectacular - the highlight of the day. On to the McDade Trail, which I planned to take most of the way back to the car. Most of the sections I rode are new, with a gravel surface that hasn't been packed down too much, so you're guaranteed a good workout even on the flats. I made about 12 mph at endurance pace, and 14 at tempo. The trail runs alongside corn fields and through stands of tall pine trees. There are also parts that twist through the woods or meander close to the river. Every now and then you get smacked with a short, steep little climb. No rail trail, this. The Boxing Day blizzard just skimmed past this area; once they get some real snow, McDade will be a great spot for cross country skiing. After 15 miles on the trail, I became worried about getting back to the car before dark, so I hopped back on the pavement for the rest of the ride... through the Gap itself, and I was homeward bound.
Traveling the World One Place at a Time
Kayaking the Chaz on the central Gulf Coast takes you over turquoise springs, down twisty creeks, and you might just see a manatee, otter or bald eagle. This is one of Florida's premier kayaking rivers.
Use this guide for kayaking along the Chassahowitzka River, or the Chaz, while searching for the beautiful Seven Sister's Spring and The Crack in Florida.
1. That magical bioluminescent glow at Jervis Bay, Australia, is an unforgettable and captivating sight to witness From @jordan_robins 2. Take a moment to immerse in this glorious lakeside view, at Montana, USA. This spectacular hideaway was shot in Montana, a state known for its vast reservoirs and glacier-carved bodies of water. Many of its lakes feature campgrounds and boat rentals so visitors can enjoy and bask in the tranquility of nature From @wanderingbackpack 3. Showing you the best seat in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. With its unique geography and climate, the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates also offers white sandy beaches, an upscale cosmopolitan scene, remarkable desert landscapes, and a range of family-friendly activities that spell fun for everyone From @tomjauncey 4. Sea lion kisses coming through, at Perth, Western Australia. Dotted along Western Australia, the city of Perth is home to abundant marine wildlife. One of its most notable marine wildlife encounters is with sea lions, which are known for their playful, intelligent, and inquisitive nature From @dylan.dehaas 5. In for the thrill at Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, New Jersey, USA. Would you ride this skateboard rollercoaster From @themepark_explorers 6. The quaint atmosphere of Cheongsapo, Busan, South Korea. Charming and lesser-known, Busan is truly a gem of a city known for its great beaches, laid-back ambiance, and flourishing art scene From @hello_dongwon 7. Mesmerized stunning footage of this refreshing waterfall at Seljalandsfoss, Iceland. Known for its beautiful and unspoiled natural landscapes, Iceland never fails to impress with pristine sights like this. With a drop of 60 meters, Seljalandsfoss is a widely popular and breathtakingly stunning waterfall on the south coast of Iceland. There's a path behind the waterfall you can walk on, but make sure to bring a raincoat to avoid getting extremely wet from all the drizzle From @josemostajo 8. Electric blue magic at Venice Beach, California, USA. Over the years, bioluminescence has been spotted on the California coast in places like Venice Beach. Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction that produces light energy within a body of an organism, such as marine algae. This incredible glowing algae can appear during different seasons in Southern California, but has usually been observed in the months of spring in the last few years From @louiscole 9. Basking in summer's glory at Delpen, Lofoten, Norway. Located in Lofoten, Delpen offers a magnificent vantage point where you can sit back, relax and bask in picturesque mountain and sea views. Famous for its superb natural landscapes and vibrant coastal culture, Lofoten is a nature lover's paradise. Whether you're looking for dramatic ocean views, lush greenscapes, or idyllic fishing villages, the destination overflows with summer fun From @iverp 10. Living in the city but being close to nature at Stockholm, Sweden. Despite its modern and dynamic reputation, Stockholm offers fantastic opportunities to enjoy and bask in nature. The capital of Sweden doesn't just offer a vibrant city life filled with museums, restaurants, and shopping spots, but also nature reserves, hiking trails, and national parks where you can immerse in nature's serenity. The capital is effortlessly photogenic, too—may it be in the cities or the countrysides From @mariwka 11. Discovering Turkey's gems at Suluada Island, Turkey. In this sun-soaked coastal destination called Suluada Island, you can let go of your worries and live in the moment amidst a tropical paradise. The name Suluada means 'watery island', referring to the freshwater sources of the island. Commonly compared to the Maldives, the island offers fine white sand, crystal clear waters, and picturesque landscapes From @kesfihuzur 12. Ultimate zen underwater at Ginnie Springs, Florida, USA. Nestled on the south side of the Santa Fe River to which it's connected, Ginnie Springs is one of the clearest and most fascinating springs in Florida. Besides river tubing, visitors can go swimming and snorkeling in its pristine 72-degree waters all year round From @bjgriffinmusic 13. A precious moment at Currumbin Beach, Queensland, Australia. Once you realize you aren’t gonna be around forever, that’s what makes life so magical. This creative take was shot in Currumbin Beach, one of Australia's jewels in the Gold Coast's crown. The hideaway is enclosed by Elephant Rock and Currumbin Rock, creating a naturally secluded beach. A family-friendly tropical paradise, it's sought-after by surfers and sunbathers From @twosometravellers 14. Dreamy seaside hangouts at Moorea, French Polynesia. Swaying palm trees, vibrant blue skies, and calm waters, Known as one of the most strikingly scenic islands in French Polynesia, Moorea is a true gem that's loved by couples, families, and locals. The island possesses jagged mountains, sandy beaches, and a relaxed vibe that makes you never want to leave From @lifewithelliott & @meganhassa 15. Living the dream at Skageflå, Geiranger, Norway. In Geiranger this is one of the most beautiful destinations in Norway that brims with pristine natural landscapes From @gossegoss & @roamingpuppers 16. Would you try this dizzying waterslide? At Royal Caribbean, Miami to the Bahamas. This thrilling waterslide is one among the two waterslides found on the Freedom of the Seas cruise ship of the Royal Caribbean Group. Talk about having a memorable journey to your destination From @kierra_summer 17. Marveling at the foggy views at Lysefjorden, Norway. Located in the Ryfylke area in southwestern Norway, Lysefjorden is a vast 42-kilometer fjord. Its area is particularly well-known for the Preikestolen cliff, which overlooks the fjord and offers an incredible vantage point over the dramatic landscape. From @pilotviking 18. Glorious view in Lama Monachile, Polignano e Mare, Italy, an Italian beach town that will undoubtedly make you fall in love. Located in the middle of the city center of Polignano a Mare is Lama Monachile, a charming cove known for its vivid turquoise waters, pebble beach, and its surrounding rugged cliffs. With its outstanding scenery, it's truly a sight you'll never forget From @terplanet 19. Waking up for sunrise, this is Villa 11 at the incredible North Island in the Seychelles. Would you take a dip in the pool or ocean? From @tomjauncey & @jeremyjauncey 20. Van life daydreams to Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia. Whenever you're feeling stuck in a rut, remember that there are so many beautiful places out there you have yet to see. This was shot in the Daintree Rainforest near Cape Tribulation in Queensland, Australia. The rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse rainforests in the world, being home to a large percentage of Australia's animal population. The area also offers a handful of stunning beaches with dazzling sunshine and crystal clear calm water From @75vibes_ 21. Basking in nature at Okanagan, a region in the Canadian province of British Columbia known for its quaint towns and pristine natural landscapes. Known to be one of the warmest regions in Canada, the Okanagan Valley is especially ideal for fun summer road trips. Here you can explore beaches, mountains, valleys, and lakes From @angelaliggs 22. Amidst the snowy landscapes of Switzerland, at Snowpark LAAX, Switzerland. a massive playground for freeskiers and snowboarders. It boasts 4 snowparks, 235 kilometers of slopes, and the world's largest halfpipe. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, there's fun and adventure for everyone around here From @borismouton & @lorenzopeeters 23. Chasing waterfalls in Salto Utiariti Waterfall, Brazil, a country home to world-famous waterfalls and stunning natural attractions. Tucked in the municipality of Campo Novo do Parecis in Mato Grosso, this immense waterfall is called the Salto Utiariti. It has an imposing height of 85 meters, urging onlookers to marvel at it in awe and wonder From @douglassertao
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is one of Florida's newest State Parks and is home to one of the prettiest springs around!
Take a trip with us as we go Kayaking down Santa Fe River in Northern Florida. Photo and video tour included. MountainModernLife.com
Want to see the "real" Florida? Head out on the Chassahowitzka River in Citrus County, Florida in a kayak.
The Ruby B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is a beautiful natural wonderland that is the perfect park to relax and explore.
Paddling Juniper Run from Juniper Springs to the take out at SR 19 in the Ocala National Forest, a popular paddling trip along this sinuous, spring-fed waterway that winds through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness.
Gilchrist Blue Springs is Florida’s newest state park. It was recently purchased from private owners and the state is in the process of building out the campground, visitor center and other a…
Take a 100 %clear kayak paddle through the serene, crystal clear waters of Crystal River into Three Sisters Springs, Jurassic Springs, and Hunter Springs!
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is one of North Florida's many pristine natural springs. The crystal clear, 72-degree fresh water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and paddling.
Take a look at this beautiful state park in Florida and plan your adventure!
