I wish you were here

A visit to Yosemite National Park is incomplete until you hike to Mirror Lake. The lake itself is actually a tranquil pool of water that gathers behind a natural rock dam on Tenaya Creek.

Before the dam, the water was so calm that it reflected the surrounding cliffs and trees—Half Dome on one side and North Dome on the other.

The water gushes through several cascades at the dam and beyond and continues flowing through the creek.

During one of my visits in June of 2017, the water flow through the creek was so strong, it felt like a roaring river. Towards the end of summer, the lake mainly dries out, and the creek becomes a trickle.

Hiking up the Castle Rock Trail to the viewpoint is tough but rewarding. Once you get to Castle Rock, you'll have sweeping views of Big Bear Lake and the mountains surrounding it.

Did you know? The Castle Rock Trailhead is just 1.1 miles east of the Big Bear Dam, offering a steep climb with an elevation gain of 500 feet. This trail is not only a physical challenge but also a visual treat, showcasing a variety of local flora including pines and cedars.

Since the whole hike is under two miles, I've included an easy extension to a hidden mountain lake, Bluff Lake, which also features ruins from an 1890s mountain resort. There's a lot to see packed into this short hike, and it's worth the effort.

Chamonix is the base camp for anyone wishing to explore the French Alps and the region in general. It sits at the base of Europe’s highest peak, Mon Blanc and at the intersection of France, Italy and Switzerland.

This unique location makes it a major tourist attraction with crowds swelling during the winter season and also in July and August.

New Orleans (NOLA) is world-famous for its music, Creole cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and annual festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. It is also known as the “Big Easy” for its laidback and inclusive culture.

In this most unique American city, you can find distinctive cuisine, beautiful architecture, and lots of history.  

It all started in the 1690s when French explorers chose this location to start a small trading settlement. Before that, the area was also frequented by Native Americans for the same reason.

Interesting Facts: New Orleans is also called the “Crescent City” because the Mississippi River curves right through it.

Philadelphia is famous for the historic events that led to the forming of the United States of America. This is where the founding fathers declared independence and later signed the constitution.  Many visitors come here to relive those momentous events and walk in the footsteps of giants.

But Philly is much more than a window on the past. Today’s Philadelphia offers a lot of food, culture and entertainment. A visit to this city is not complete without trying the variety of Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches, visiting a museum or catching a symphonic performance.