An eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) probes deep to reach the summer's sweetest honeypot inside the long-lipped, tubular flowers of wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa).

Best Shopping Malls in Apache Junction, AZ

Apache Junction is a city in Pinal and Maricopa counties in the state of Arizona. As of the 2020 census, the population was 38,499, most of whom lived in Pinal County. It is named for the junction of the Apache Trail and Old West Highway. The area where Apache Junction is located used to be known as Youngberg. Apache Junction is a small town in the northeast corner of Arizona. The town is home to many things: ghost towns, stories of lost mines, hot air balloons and more than one ghost. There are also plenty of shopping options for you or anyone you know who loves Apache Junction or wants to visit it! Here are our top picks for malls that make shopping in this city fun, easy and full of surprises!

Superstition Springs Center

Get ready to bring the family! Superstition Springs Center in Mesa, AZ offers shopping, restaurants and family-friendly amenities, including a double-decker carousel. Shoppers can visit Ulta Beauty, T.J. Maxx, JCPenney, Macy's, Dillard's or grab a bite to eat at The Cheesecake Factory, Chick-fil-A, Sbarro, Dairy Queen, and Panda Express. Plus, visitors can shop at over 60 specialty stores and entertainment concepts. There really is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Superstition Springs Center, located in the heart of Mesa, is the perfect place for families to enjoy spending time together shopping, dining and playing. Anchored by Dillard's, JCPenney, Macy's, Ross Dress for Less, T.J. Maxx and Ulta Beauty, the center attracts families with a family oriented retail selection. 

The Center has more than 130 stores including Bath & Body Works, BoxLunch, Buckle, Charlotte Russe, Hollister Co., Kay Jewelers, rue21, The Children’s Place, Tilly’s, Toy Temple, Vans and Victoria’s Secret. Eateries include: The Cheesecake Factory and a Food Court which includes Chick-fil-A, Charleys Philly Steaks, Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, Ha!Banero Mexican Food, Madd Pitas & Tacos, Panda Express, Sarku Japan, Sbarro and Wetzel’s Pretzels.

Queen Creek Marketplace

Hey, Neighbor! Gather here for great eats, stylish shops and entertainment stops. Snag day-to-day necessities, grab a bite, sip happy hour drinks and more at Queen Creek Marketplace – your daily lifestyle shopping and dining destination in the community. Queen Creek Marketplace has amassed a brilliant collection of boutiques, national retail anchors, unique eateries and traditional restaurants. For a quick bite, a special occasion, a gallon of milk, or an afternoon of retail therapy, the marketplace delivers.

Thriving Minds Academy is a leading provider of ABA Therapy near me. We specialize in helping children with autism and other developmental disabilities through our comprehensive, individualized approach to therapy. Thriving Minds Academy is a school for children with autism and other special needs. We provide ABA therapy to help our students reach their full potential, and we are proud to offer our services near me.

Thriving Minds Academy goal is to create a loving, inclusive environment that helps every member of our community thrive. We also offer free tutoring services to help our students improve their academic skills outside of the classroom.

Thriving Minds Academy 850 S Ironwood Dr Ste #110, Apache Junction, AZ 85120, United States +1 480-806-8000 https://thrivingmindsaz.com/ https://www.google.com/maps?cid=9988130058033023683

3 Events in 3 States: 2014 race reports

State No.1: PA (beginning May) UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon. PR'd again for this race with a finishing time of 2:29:09 (11:22 ave. min/mi), training was heavy in the cross training department with more weight lifting added to my regiment.

I competed in the the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, in Pennsylvania, in May as well as the Rock Hall Triathlon, in Maryland, later that month and the Decker's Creek Trail Half Marathon, in West Virginia, in June.

State No.2: MD (early June) Rock Hall Sprint Triathlon.

Sprint triathlon consists of a 750 meter swim (0.5 mile), a 20k bike ride (12.4 miles), and a 5km run (3.1 miles). This was my first triathlon ever (I’ve done plenty of biathlons and multi sport events but nothing like this)! I dove into training, very confident in my biking and running fitness/endurance but I hadn’t done any swimming (pool or open water) in years so knew I would have my work cut out for me.

To help tackle the swim part, I got a swim coach. Good news: I was ahead of the game than most people. My form was spot on (guess I remembered something from swim and dive team all those years ago). Basically I just needed to get use to being in water again then work on my breathing for competitive, open water swimming. No big deal, right?? I had swim lessons 1-2x a week and followed this training schedule as best I could, customizing it to my daily schedule.

Weekday Training: Mon = biking, Wed= running, Fri = swimming, Tue & Thu = weight lifting, yoga and stretching

Weekend Training: alternated b/w swimming then biking, biking then running, swimming then running

Race Day Recap - Swim Segment: I didn't have a wetsuit but luckily I didn't need one as the water turned out to be really warm. I wore my bike shorts and a quick dry, compression-like fit, no sleeve shirt plus my swim cap and goggles (which fogged almost immediately and were useless after that).

The Chesapeake Bay was our open water arena, up to this point all of my swimming took place in a pool (trained over the winter) and I attempted to make up for this by for swimming longer amounts of time and going further than the race distance to help build up my endurance. Nothing can really prepare you for open water swimming, other than actually swimming in the open water though. The temperatures are different & vary greatly plus the current can really exhaust you if you’re not use to swimming with a current.

In training it looked like I was trying to run/bike in the water, and apparently I don’t use my arms as one would expect a swimmer to do but rather I’d use my legs much more heavily. I also predominately used the back stroke while training as my goggles kept fogging up. Another big difference between pool and open water is pools are clear and have that nice line at the bottom to see where you're going, and you are usually in a lane so you have bumpers to keep you on track. Open water doesn't have that advantage lol.

At one point it was just me and I hadn’t even made to the first buoy, a kayaker rowed over to me to try and help me maintain direction, but foggy goggles and back stroking in open water makes for difficulties maintaining course. I pretty much swam in the least efficient way possible: little spirals looping round and round trying to head toward the buoys. For a TRI, each sport has a time limit in which you must complete as well as a time limit for the whole race. I wasn't going to make it in time for the swim so I ended up accepting a lift back to shore. You're allowed to continue on to the other segments of the race if this happens but your time chip is removed to keep things fair.

Race Day Recap - Bike Segment: as soon as I hit land, I was golden. I ran to the transition area, dried my feet, put socks/shoes on, grabbed my helmet and put that on as I walked outta the transition area. I had to borrow a bike since I was unable to bring my own This of course goes against the "don't try new stuff on race day" or "do on race day what you do in training" lol. I did test ride the bike the day before the race to at least familiarize myself with riding with drop bars (I ride with flat bars) and the shifting mechanics (I have the trigger shifters). All in all, while I generally dislike the type of bike I had to ride, I did really well and fortunately the course was relatively flat meaning I didn't need to shift often.

Race Day Recap - Run Segment: just like I had to walk the bike out then hop on and I ride, I had to dismont a bit before the transition area, run the bike to my spot then take off to do the run! I didn't to do much from bike to run since I don't use clipless pedals/shoes but I did grab some water on the way out. The running was pretty chill, again relatively flat with a couple rolling hills. I kept a pretty even pace till the end when I kicked it up and just flew through the finish line.

Training Time Trial: finished all segments in ~2 hours with the swim in 30 min, bike (15 miles) in an hour and run (5km) in 30-32 min.

Race Day Times: finished everything in less than 2 hours but did not complete the swimming; I did about 10 min of swimming before I was scooped up, I finished the bike (14.53 miles) in 53 minutes and finished the 5k in 31 minutes - absolutely crushing the last couple hundred yards. I mean I was running so fast and so hard, the Race MC did a double take and made a funny comment on how fast I was going. My times are rough estimates since I didn't have my time chip and I’m not sure how long my transitions in between in segment were.

My goal going in was to finish and to be at or under 2 hours. My goal moving forward is to improve my swimming game, really build up that endurance and improve my aerobic and anaerobic training.

State No.3: WV (a week later, June) Decker's Creek Trail Half Marathon, half number 6, first trail race

This was a great race to end the summer with, primarily a trail course (couple paved spots), gradual downhill grade, and I finished strong with my best half marathon PR yet. I crossed the finish line with a time of 2:15:03, (10:19 ave. min/mile).

Training for this was different than what I had done for the Pittsburgh Half (a road run). Instead of a lot of hills with the focus on the incline, I worked on controlling my pace and form running down hill. I also needed to run on actual trails and get use to that vs. the paved road I am accustomed to.

Fortunately, Pittsburgh has a number of trails pretty accessible for training. 1-2x a week I'd run 3-6 miles on trails and 4-10 miles in a cemetery lol. I've found cemeteries are great place for race training due to its variety of hill training, little to no car traffic, and mixture of grass and pavement course. On days I couldn't get outside, I'd hit the treadmill to get some speed work and general mileage in. I up'd the weights in my weight training and focused on compound movements such as with the bench press, dead lift, bent rows and squats. I attempted some Olympic lifting as well, using dumbbells or kettle-bells to keep good form.

Best Things to do at Crater Lake National Park

Best Things to do at Crater Lake National Park: Crater Lake inspires awe. Fed by rain and snow, it's the deepest lake in the United States and one of the most pristine on earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range. Crater Lake is also one of the snowiest inhabited places in the US. Each winter, deep snow forces the closure of the park's Rim Drive and North Entrance to cars -- and Rim Drive becomes a trail for skiing and snowshoeing; the North Entrance road becomes a snowmobile trail. These roads close for the season with the first big October snowstorm, or on November 1, whichever comes first. Plowing closed roads typically begins in mid-April. But it takes a long time to open them up and there are no set dates. The North Entrance and West Rim Drive can open as early as mid-May or as late as the end of June. The East Rim Drive fully opens sometime between mid-June and late July. My name is Rob Decker and I'm a photographer and graphic artist with a single great passion for America's National Parks! Crater Lake is an amazing place and well worth the visit. If you're a winter sports enthusiast, then go early. Otherwise, I'd recommend that you go during the warmer summer months when all of the activities will be available to you during your stay -- sometimes roads, trails and campgrounds are closed due to snow. So if this is your first time to the park, or your returning after many years, here are some things you should know about Crater Lake National Park! Winter Activities The park receives an average of 43 feet of snow each year, making the winter months challenging. However, if you're prepared, the parks winter trails and unplowed roads provide skiers and snowshoers with access to open slopes, dense forests, and breathtaking views, making Crater Lake ideal for both day-trippers and backcountry visitors. Ranger Led Snowshoe Walks Ranger-guided snowshoe walks become increasingly popular each year. The walks generally last two hours, and cover 1 to 2 miles of moderate-to-strenuous terrain. The ranger determines the route but most walks begin at Rim Village and continue through the sub-alpine forests and meadows along the lake rim. The park provides snowshoes at no cost or you are welcome to use your own. Previous snowshoeing experience is not necessary but coming prepared with warm clothing and water-resistant footwear is required. All participants must be at least 8 years of age. Space on each tour is limited, and advance reservations are required. As winter approaches, call the park's visitor center at 541-594-3100 for information on how to sign up. The visitor center is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm except on December 25. Organized groups may be able to arrange for a separate tour, if staff is available. Sledding Many opportunities for sledding can be found throughout the park but there are no designated sled hills or snow play areas. Select a location with a gentle slope that is free of trees and other obstacles. The slope should end with a flat landing for safe and easy stopping. One popular spot is the open meadow south of Crater Lake Lodge. For your safety, sledding, tubing, and tobogganing are prohibited in the caldera and on all roadways within the park where vehicle traffic may occur and in all parking lots. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding Snowboarding and downhill skiing are allowed in the park but are absolutely prohibited in the caldera. The park does not have any chairlifts. All downhill skiers and snowboarders must hike up to a destination before riding down a slope. Be familiar with the up and down routes, and potential dangers. Know how to self-rescue. Assisted rescues in avalanche areas, and from places hard to reach may take more than 24 hours. Avalanche terrain exists in the park but there is no formal avalanche forecasting. If you choose to be in avalanche areas carry probes, snow shovels, and avalanche transceivers. Taking an avalanche course is recommended. Bicycling Each year, increasing numbers of cyclists come to Crater Lake National Park to ride around the lake on the physically demanding, 33 mile Rim Drive. Steep hills at high elevation may encourage even the most fit riders to pause at many of the road's thirty overlooks and pull-outs. The payoff however is spectacular scenery, viewed at a pace that few visitors choose to take enough time for. Rules and Safety Riders face many hazards including high speeds on steep downhill sections, rocks, animals, potholes and other road hazards as well as heavy traffic volume. Only cyclists experienced at riding with auto traffic should consider road biking at Crater Lake. Park roads seldom have shoulders and no bike lanes exist. Bicycles are not permitted on park trails. Water is available only at Rim Village, Park Headquarters, and Mazama Village. Mountain Biking Crater Lake has one dirt road where mountain biking is allowed. The Grayback Drive provides eight miles of unpaved and vehicle free roadway. Those seeking the thrill of single track trails will have to look outside the park. Crater Lake does not offer any single track mountain biking trails. Winter Fat Tire Biking The activity of fat tire biking is growing in popularity in many winter recreation areas. But current park regulation prohibit the use and operation of fat tire bikes on winter trails within the park. Crater Lake Boat Tours The best way to see Crater Lake is by boat! For visitors seeking to explore Wizard Island, we offer either a boat cruise or a quick shuttle ride straight to the island. There is a 2.2-mile round-trip trail (down to the boat dock and back) that drops approximately 700 ft. Due to the strenuous nature of this trail, we do not recommend these tours to anyone with medical or physical issues. The hike down to the dock takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Camping Lost Creek Campground is a small, tents-only campground located on the road to Pinnacles Overlook, three miles from the rim of Crater Lake. It usually opens in early July and closes in mid-October. In July and August, the campground typically fills by mid-afternoon.  Each site has a picnic table and bear-resistant food locker. Mazama Campground is located 7 miles south of Rim Village near Highway 62 in a forested setting. The campground is open only during the summer. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-resistant food locker.. Backcountry Camping Crater Lake National Park has over 90 miles of hiking trails that are accessible in the summer months, providing visitors a great way to discover the park. Come prepared to hike at elevations in changing weather patterns. Park elevations range from around 4,500 feet to almost 9,000 feet above sea level, and depending on the time of year, weather conditions can go from sunny and clear to heavy snow in just a few hours. If you're new to backcountry camping and travel, seek the proper training and advice of an experienced friend or park ranger. Always tell a friend your plans and remember safety is your responsibility. Backcountry Camping Permits A backcountry camping permit is required year-round for all overnight trips in the backcountry. The free permit is only valid for the dates, locations, and party size specified. Permits are not required for day hiking; however, day hikers must observe all backcountry regulations. All backcountry camping permits are issued free of charge and must be obtained in person, during business hours. You must have a valid park entrance pass for the entire length of your trip. For more information about backcountry camping permits, contact the backcountry office by phone at (541) 594-3060. Ranger-Led Activities & Exhibits The Sinnott Memorial Overlook, perched on a rock ledge behind the Rim Visitor Center, features an indoor exhibit room and an open parapet with spectacular lake views. The overlook has a relief model and exhibits on the park's geology and lake research. The overlook is open daily (weather permitting) from late June through October. Hours are 9:30 am to 6:30 pm in July and August, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm in June and September, and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in October. Unfortunately, the overlook is not accessible to people with limited mobility; it is located down a steep, historic walkway with stairs. Ranger talks are presented daily from late June to late September. Click here to see the Crater Lake National Park poster. Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who had the rare privilege of studying under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. Now, Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph all 61 of America's National Parks. He's creating WPA-style posters to help people celebrate their own national park adventures — as well as encourage others to get out and explore! https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/best-things-to-do-at-crater-lake-national-park

Trail Maintenance Synopsis

This summer, the three-person Society trail crew and dedicated volunteers worked to clear long forgotten trails and high use areas. In total, they cleared over 2,300 trees from 116 miles of trails and 45 miles of roads while digging almost 700 drainages along the way. Additionally, Austin Kraal Memorial Project volunteers engaged in forestry projects including mitigating meadow encroachment to improve elk habitat and reducing competition around mature (and rare) White Bark Pines.

Most notably, the Society spent weeks reopening over 15 miles of trail connecting Decker Flats to the Alice-Redfish Way, which winds below Decker Peak and connects Hell Roaring and Redfish Lakes. Previously inaccessible for years, the Society cleared over 1,100 logs from the area resulting in the opening of 3 trails: Bull Moose (399), Redfish Ridge (400), and the Alice-Redfish Way (092). These trails were underused and traveling them now provides a sense of nostalgia for some and a new adventure for others.

Since 2017, many of you have navigated a narrow single log across Redfish Lake Creek at the inlet to Redfish Lake on your way to Grand Mogul. A high bridge was placed by the USFS with a helicopter last fall, and this year the Sawtooth Society was able to contribute both Goat Plate funds and crew labor in a final push to complete access ramps up to this new bridge. In October, the Society trail crew joined forces with the Forest Service to build two rock approach ramps allowing access to the bridge for hikers, bikers and equestrians, thus completing the project.

Reposted from @railstotrails Trail of the Month: West Virginia's Mon River Rail-Trail System! This newest addition to the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame comprises 48 miles of seamlessly connected pathway featuring an ensemble cast of environments: tree-canopied jaunts along the river, vibrant commercial areas with shops and restaurants, secluded excursions along waterfalls and through rocky outcroppings, and vestiges of a railroading and coal-mining past. Get to know September's Trail of the Month: http://rtc.li/monrivertailswvtotm 📷 of the Caperton Trail bridge at the mouth of Deckers Creek in Morgantown, WV - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/CF7YUbZhP9J/?igshid=10xj34c575att

Trail Walking https://ift.tt/2F2rq6Q

When morning came I felt the trail calling me and daring me to come see what was different each day. Sometimes the voice came from inside me and other times it came from my husband telling me we needed to get going.

Either way, I got up, got dressed, put on my shoes, a jacket that could be tied around my waist when the sun began to warm my back, some food and water in my pocket, and off we’d go.

We were living in West Virginia at the time. The trail was one long stretch one way until we reached half the amount of our walking time and then we turned around and walked back. It was like taking two different routes because what we saw going was different than what we saw coming back. Kind of how we see life and people, it depends on which directions you’re coming from.

Trail walking has always been relaxing for me. Sometimes I think things through and other times I let my mind rest while I enjoy what is all around me. The scenery is constantly changing with the seasons. One day it may be cloudy and quiet, another day birds are gliding through the sunshine filling the air with their chatter. I am never bored when we walk the trails.

One morning we saw a couple of Mallard ducks playing along a Creek Trail, while on the other side of the road a Kingfisher scanned a pond in a farmer’s field for breakfast. Sometimes horses came to the fence to watch us walk by while camouflaged deer peered from behind trees.

Walking is the best exercise I have ever done. I have had memberships into the best gyms, been trained by a world-famous weight lifter and ran around tracks to stay healthy, but walking is by far the safest, most effective form of exercise I have ever done.

On my 42nd birthday, I realized I had somehow become 30 pounds overweight. I made a plan to walk 20 minutes of my 30-minute lunchtime at work every day, started paying attention to what I was eating and on my 43rd birthday, I was 30 pounds lighter.

I still struggle with my weight, but walking every day helps me. A brisk walk can burn up to 100 calories per mile or 300 calories per hour. That means that an eight-mile walk burned up 800 calories. Hmmm, I liked that better than starving myself to lose a few pounds.

Doctors will also tell you that regular walking strengthens your heart, lungs, bones, and muscles, and it also helps your body resist and fight illnesses. According to the Surgeon General, it also increases energy and has a positive impact on our moods, reducing anxiety and depression.

When we were in Morgantown we walked some great trails. But we have learned some things that can make trail walking a good experience, like good shoes, a snack and some water.

The first time we walked Decker’s Trail, we walked further than we planned. We started at Mellon’s Chapel at the six-mile marker and walked seven miles to Masontown at the 13-mile marker.

We had only taken a little protein bar to munch on and it wasn’t enough for my husband, who is a diabetic. When we got to Masontown, we thought about walking to a restaurant, but once we got off the trail it was straight uphill and we were tired. We had to call our son to come and get us. Since then we are careful to take a substantial snack and water just in case we walk further than we intended.

We are also careful about shoes. Nothing ruins a good walk like hurting feet and hurting feel usually mean blisters. Because my husband is a diabetic and can’t always feel the sore spots he checks his feet at night for blisters. If there is a sore spot, some moleskin can prevent a debilitating blister.

Because almost every cell in our body needs water to function we need to constantly be replenishing our body’s supply.

We passed people on the trails riding bikes, pushing babies in strollers, running, walking fast, and slow. At mile marker 9 on Decker’s Creek Trail, we met a man named Dave who sold refreshments at a homemade stand behind his house, which faced the trail. Across the trail was a swing, some picnic tables under a covered shelter to sit and rest and chat with Dave if you wanted to.

If you are willing to carry a camera with you, there are endless opportunities for photos. Some people like to just walk and count the miles or the hours. My camera helps me to slow down and enjoy the trail I am walking on.

The post Trail Walking appeared first on Morning Coffee Beans.

Fall on Deckers Creek in Preston County.

Common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has started to flower in the local woods. With a growth habit ranging from a droopy shrub to a small tree, it often grows quite densely around here, and its golden, ribbon-like flowers can light up the woods after the leaves have fallen in mid to late October, giving the impression of early spring growth in the middle of fall. Witch hazel has a long history of medicinal use for its anti-inflammatory properties, and its knobby, forked branches have often been used as divining rods.

WEEK SIXTEEN (Feb 16 - Feb 22)

MELBOURNE, VIC, AUS  // SYDNEY, NSW, AUS

We spent the first couple of days this week walking around and exploring the neighboring suburbs of Carlton and Fitzroy. In our own neighborhood, we visited CERES Community Environment Park beside the Merri Creek Trail. The 4.5 hectare eco-park is a unique non-profit centre offering an organic grocery & cafe, nursery, and environmental education. After purchasing a cold pressed juice from the market, we meandered around the park grounds amongst the community veggie gardens, flocks of chickens, and recycled art. On Friday night, we ate dinner at "Girasole Pizzeria" before walking over to Elisa and Andy's apartment to share a few beers on their balcony.  We joined them and several of their mates at a bar/eatery called "Lazer Pig" and ended up at "Rook's Return," where our good pals Sally, Steve, and Steph met up as well. Friday nights in Fitzroy can get pretty wild, and it reminded us of Valencia Street in the Mission District of SF on the weekends. "Rook's Return" is the only bar we've been to that has offered Fernet Branca (a digestif uncommon outside of SF) at three different temperatures-- freezer cold, ice cold, and room temperature. They also had Forrest Brewing Company beer on tap, the same brewery we had visited while camping in the Great Otway National Park!  We stayed out until closing time, and the following day was spent ordering Ramen delivery, drinking tea, and packing bags for our upcoming Sydney trip to meet up with Brittany's family on Sunday morning.

In order to coordinate our flight's arrival with that of Nancy and Brieann, we had purchased tickets for a 7am flight.  This unfortunately meant a 3:45am wake-up call to ensure we had enough time to get to the airport and through security. After a quick hour flight, we made our way to the Arrivals gate in the International Terminal and waited in anticipation for Britt's mom and sister to make an appearance…reunited at last!  SInce our check-in at the Airbnb wasn't until 2pm, the four of us hopped on the train to Central Station and dropped off our luggage at their baggage storage service. From there, we walked to the affluent Surrey Hills suburb for Sunday brunch at "Four Ate Five" on Crown Street. It was a beautiful day out, so we spent the rest of the morning walking up and down the tree-lined streets and poking our heads in and out of the various shops along Crown. At 2pm, we checked into our accommodation on Belvoir St, left our bags, and then made our way to Sydney's Circular Quay for views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We sat down for dinner on the water at "Buckley's" when it started to lightly rain. The sun was setting behind the clouds and engulfed the entire Sydney Harbour in a warm golden hue before ultimately fading to purple as nightfall approached (#nofilter).

The next day, we took a double-decker Big Bus tour of Sydney and its Eastern Suburbs (including Bondi Beach). We boarded the hop-on hop-off bus at George Street near Circular Quay and enjoyed our view from the upper deck. The narrated tour was 90 minutes long, and it drove us passed famous Sydney sites such as: Cook & Phillip Park, King's Cross, Woolloomooloo Bay, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanical Gardens, NSW State Library, Hyde Park, Chinese Gardens, and the Rocks. We disembarked at the Rocks (the site of Australia's first permanent settlement), and enjoyed gelato as we browsed through historic alleyways and shop windows. With plenty of daylight left, we hopped back on the Big Bus headed toward Bondi Beach. For a monday afternoon, the world-famous beach was packed, and after snapping some photos we ventured to Bondi's main strip in search of a cold beer. We ended up taking the last Big Bus from North Bondi to Central Station, passing through the gorgeous waterfronts of Rose Bay and Double Bay (affectionately known as "Double Pay" due to the area's high property values). Once back in Surrey Hills, we took a short walk to "Trinity Bar" for dinner and a nightcap on the outdoor back deck.

The following morning started out with an beautiful ferry ride to Sydney's Taronga Zoo, a renowned facility situated on a hillside overlooking Sydney Harbour. We began our visit at the top entrance of the zoo in order to end up at the bottom near the ferry docks when we finished. Nancy and Brieann were most excited to see the native Australian fauna, and we were able to get up close with kangaroos, koalas, a platypus, wallabies, and an abundance of native birds. Unfortunately, Nancy had injured her knee upon her arrival in Australia, but luckily the zoo provides wheelchairs free of charge for guests that require them. We spent several hours zipping in and out of each exhibit, and then took the ferry back to Circular Quay for an early dinner at "The Waterfront"-- a nautical-themed restaurant housed in a historic building at the Rocks. Since we were leaving for Melbourne the next morning, we purchased a bottle of wine and chose to spend the evening indoors at our AirBnb in Surrey Hills.

The four of us ate breakfast inside the Sydney Airport as we waited to board our Melbourne bound flight. Once landed, we picked up our rental car and dropped our luggage off at our place in Brunswick East (fortunately our house has a spare room, and Brittany's family were able to stay with us!)  We immediately left the house for a late lunch feast at "Moroccan Deli-cacy" before driving out to see the beach at Saint Kilda on Port Phillip Bay. After walking along the beach's esplanade, we shopped a bit on Acland Street, and Brittany and Brieann found a few vintage inspired dresses at Melbourne-designed clothing store, "Princess Highway."  Around 7pm, we drove to the lively Queen Victoria Wednesday Night Market to check out the numerous craft vendors, down a couple of Cooper's Pale Ales, and grab a bite to eat. The markets shut down at 10pm, so we made our way home and slept soundly as a result from being on the go for the past few days.

Cook Forest Half Marathon: March 2015 race report

This was my 7th half marathon, 3rd not in Pittsburg lol and 2nd trail race. This was also my third fastest half after Decker's Creek and the Amish half. I crossed the finish line at 2:21:05, (10:46 ave. min/mile.

After I PR'd at the Decker's Creek Trail Half, I set a new time goal for the half of 2-2:10. For this race though, given I've never run this long in the cold and ice, I gave myself a range of 2:10-2:30 and I accomplished that. I was looking and feeling really good those first 6.5-7 miles, pacing in at 1:08:46 but almost immediately slowed down at the turn around point. Up until that turn around, I had a beautiful tailwind helping me out, even though I didn't know it at the time. Boi did I know it as soon as that tailwind became a headwind!

I was less than 1 mile from the finish when my PR time came up on my watch lol so close! No big deal, I still ran a really good race and I finished strong.

I placed 14th in my age group, 107th in the open women’s group, and 259th overall.

The terrain very pleasant, mostly flat following the Clarion River with gentle “rolling hills.” The course went 6.5 miles out then we turned around to finish back at the start (near the Pale Whale Canoe Rental). The weather was less than pleasant, temping in at a cold 15-21°F with 4-7 mph wind and on/off flurries. This was the second coldest race I’ve done, lots of snow on the ground and the river was still mostly iced over.

Recap:

Miles 0-2: I could not feel my right foot/toes due to cold numbness, which was an interesting experience (running even though I could not actually feel my foot hitting the ground). By mile 2 my blood was pumping/ flowing and I could feel all my fingers/toes - hands/feet. Was feeling really good about my pace. Breath and strides were nice and even. I only slightly slowed down at each water station to grab a gulp (on the way back the water was most slushy style).

Mile 7: nothing like a cool headwind to make ya appreciate a tailwind. This made it tough to keep pace so I slowed down some but kept it moving, did not want to walk. A nice benefit of training in Pittsburgh is all the hill work available, I noticed a lot of people slowing down significantly or walking up the hills giving me a good advantage.

Mile 9: felt an irritation of my left foot’s 5th digit (pinky toe) from the sock rubbing against it but of course I pushed myself to keep going, later at home I saw that it had blistered but it was worth it! Mile 10-13.1: pushed through the cold, the wind, dug deep and finished strong

Tunes: The first 3 miles I had some rock/ metal jams (Chili Peppers mostly) pumping me up, for the next 3 I had a boost of 90s jams (little BSB, early Eminem and Crazy Town), at the turn around it was back to rock/ metal (a little Ozzy and Incubus), finishing strong with some upbeat Girl Talk mash ups. I was amazed at the good match up of tunes and the course itself. I hadn’t tinkered around with my playlist for a while but it worked out really well.

Gear: Made sure to dress for the weather with layers, all high tech/ wicking material. Same undergarments as the 5 miler I ran earlier in the week, synthetic material. Base layer - light fleece lined under armor tights and light fleece lined midweight cold weather pull over with neck coverage. Second layer - another pair of looser fitting tights (super cool muscle pattern) and my Batman short sleeve shirt. Third layer - bike shorts and cold weather full zip jacket. Wore my Brooks trail/road shoes with wool running socks. Also wore my “biking” gloves, full face covering hat (balaclava) and another light weight fleece under armor hat.

The adjustment to the positioning of my music was wonderful. I think (hopefully soon) my next experimentation will be with tech gear. To start getting more in tuned with my HR and being able to keep track of my progress (min per min, hills etc.). I don’t currently use any HR monitors and have been using mapymyrun for my GPS tracking on my phone but that’s proven to be fallible in lots of ways namely if there’s no signal (also my phone in general is not the greatest or smartest). I have a watch but haven’t worn it much since my first couple of races. This can get pricey, which is also why I haven’t done much in this dept. I’ve started getting more advanced/ high tech with my running attire and shoes.

7 Transformative Pieces of 2015 Running Tech cool running tech article.

Best Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park

Best Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park: Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles encompass and protect some of the world's most spectacular mountain environments. Trail Ridge Road – which crests at over 12,000 feet offers awe-inspiring overlooks to see these subalpine and alpine worlds. With more than 350 miles of hiking trails, and wildflowers, wildlife, and starry nights -- in a world of superlatives, Rocky is on top! My name is Rob Decker and I'm a photographer and national park enthusiast. In fact, I've been to more than 50 of our amazing national parks. Rocky Mountain National Park is literally in my backyard, and I have explored almost every area of the park — so I'm ready to help! Whether this is your first time to Rocky Mountain, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be re-introduced to the park — this list of the best things to do is just for you! Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park has 355 miles of hiking trails. They range from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain peak climbs. If you are new to the park, consult with rangers at the visitor centers. They can provide advice about trails which are appropriate to different fitness and experience levels. As you plan your hike, keep in mind that park elevations range from 7,500 to over 12,000 feet. Even very fit individuals coming from lower elevations may experience altitude problems. Symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, insomnia and rapid heartbeat. To minimize symptoms drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, don't skip meals and get plenty of rest.  Fishing Sport fishing is permitted in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fishing activities are balanced with efforts to restore and perpetuate natural aquatic environments and life. Fishing was popular with early settlers and visitors in the Rocky Mountains. In an attempt to improve the sport, many streams and lakes were stocked with non-native species of trout. The National Park Service stocked non-native Yellowstone cutthroat trout as late as 1969. The only trout native to the park are the greenback cutthroat and the Colorado River cutthroat. These efforts to enhance recreational opportunities in National Park areas were reconsidered in the 1970s. Since 1975, native greenback cutthroat and Colorado River cutthroat trout are being restored to park waters and exotic or non-native fish are being removed. Wildlife Viewing Rocky Mountain National Park visitors have a passion for viewing wild animals, especially the big ones. With an elk herd numbering between 600 to 800 in the winter, about 350 bighorn sheep, numerous mule deer and a small population of moose calling the park home, it's no surprise that wildlife watching is rated the number-one activity by a vast majority of Rocky's three million annual visitors. Wildlife Viewing Tips The park's great large-animal population makes it one of the country's top wildlife watching destinations. Here are a few park favorites: Elk can be seen anytime, a popular viewing period being the fall rut, or mating season. Look for elk in meadows and where meadow and forest meet. Bighorn sheep are commonly seen at Sheep Lakes from May through mid-August. Moose frequent willow thickets along the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley on the park's west side. Otters were reintroduced into the Colorado River area and are doing fairly well. These animals are difficult to spot. Mule deer are common and can be seen anywhere. They are most often found at lower elevations in open areas. Bats feed over lakes and ponds at dawn and dusk. Marmots and pikas favor rocky areas. Marmots are best seen on the alpine tundra along Trail Ridge Road. Pikas - small, light-colored mammals - are common in rock piles. Listen for their sharp, distinctive bark and watch for movement. Clark's nutcrackers, Steller's jays, golden eagles and prairie falcons can be seen along Trail Ridge Road. White-tailed ptarmigans, some of the most sought-after birds in Rocky Mountain National Park, are common but difficult to spot. For best results, hike on the tundra and look carefully. Ptarmigans usually remain still, relying on their natural camouflage for protection. American dippers, or water ouzels, can be found along most streams. Listen for their loud call, similar to the rapid clicking of two stones together, as they fly up and down their territories. Despite their good intentions, some wildlife watchers are loving park animals to death. Feeding junk food to wildlife reduces its ability to survive the long mountain winter. When they panhandle near roadsides, animals fall easy prey to automobiles. As they become habituated to humans and lose their natural fear, the animals become aggressive and may be destroyed. Harassing or feeding wildlife is illegal in all national parks. Horseback Riding Horses have been part of Rocky Mountain Park's tradition since its designation in 1915. Recreational pack animal use is balanced with other recreational uses such as hiking. Packing is managed to maintain the natural resources and unique ecosystems in the park. Horses, mules, ponies, llamas, and burros are allowed on park trails. No goats are allowed on park trails. For overnight camping, stock is permitted at established backcountry campsites designated for stock use. There are two stables located within the park: Glacier Creek Stables and Moraine Park Stables. There are many stables outside the park. Find contact information for the various stables in the area. There are two Estes Park stables open in the winter: Sombrero Stables and Aspen Lodge Stables. Approximately 260 miles of trails are open to commercial and private horse use, which makes up about 80% of the total trail network in the park. Wilderness Camping Rocky Mountain National Park offers some unique camping experiences and here are some things to consider when choosing your wilderness campsite. The first step in planning your trip: decide where you want to camp and for how long. I suggest purchasing a Rocky Mountain National Park topographic map to choose a destination and route. Then, use the Wilderness Campsite Map and Wilderness Designated Site Details to select wilderness campsites. Remember to consider the abilities of the least experienced member of your party and the distance and elevation gain from the trailhead to your destination. Elevation Rocky Mountain National Park is a high elevation park. If you live at sea level, it will take you several days to become acclimated. Most trails begin above 8,000 feet and climb abruptly higher. If you are not acclimated, you can get acute mountain sickness. Rangers recommend spending at least one night at 7,000–8,000 feet prior to setting out. This will allow your body to begin to adjust to the elevation. Weather and Clothing When you visit or call the park, discuss your plans with a ranger. Find out if snow has melted from the trails and destinations where you hope to hike. Check the weather forecast before starting your trip. Mountain weather changes very quickly. Within just a few hours, bright sunny skies may give way to raging storms. High winds often occur in the high country. Wind chill accelerates the lowering of body temperature which can result in hypothermia. Proper clothing is your first line of defense against cold. Plan to dress in layers so you can regulate your temperature by bundling up or peeling down. Be sure to pack rain and storm gear. Remember, you assume complete responsibility for your own safety and that of your group while hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ranger-Led Evening Programs All evening programs are free and open to the public and are held at several locations throughout the park during evening hours. Both the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and Kawuneeche Visitor Center are in non-fee areas of the park. East Side Locations: Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium (Hwy 36) is located approximately three miles west of the town of Estes Park. Evening programs are held mid- May through mid-June and intermittently throughout the year. Aspenglen Campground Amphitheater is located at the Fall River Entrance (Hwy 34) approximately 4 miles from downtown Estes Park. Evening programs will resume mid-June, 2019. Glacier Basin Campground Amphitheater is located along Bear Lake Road approximately 8 miles from downtown Estes Park.Evening programs will resume mid-June, 2019. Moraine Park Campground Amphitheater is located along Bear Lake Road approximately 5 miles from downtown Estes Park. Evening programs will resume mid-June, 2019. West Side Locations: Kawuneeche Visitor Center Auditorium is located approximately one mile north of the town of Grand Lake (Hwy 34). Evening programs are held on Saturday nights throughout the summer. Please stop at a the visitor center for more information on specific topics. Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater is located in the Kawuneeche Valley (Hwy 34) approximately eight miles from the Grand Lake Entrance. Evening programs are held throughout the summer and into September. Please stop at a the Kawuneeche visitor center for more information on specific topics. Kids Activities Kids are born naturalists. They access the natural world by asking questions, which sometimes come in bunches. Introducing children to the outdoors can begin at any time, but why not begin early? And why not start them out in Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the country's premier outdoor wonderlands. Infants can be carried in a front pack, which can be tucked inside the jacket if it's chilly. Hike anywhere. Your kids will be enthralled by the stunning scenery and the fresh mountain air, so enthralled that he or she will fall asleep in short order. When they reach the toddler stage, children begin to more actively interact with nature. It is a time of observation, of making initial connections and stockpiling notes. It is a wonderful time to introduce them to one of the many discovery trips found around the park. A few suggestions. Explore the edges of Bear Lake while enjoying the guidebook-guided trail tour that explains the area's natural and human history. Water holds an amazing variety of plant and animal life that will pique a child's curiosity. Discover Rocky Mountain's amazing array of wildlife. At particular times during the summer (ask a park ranger), the bighorn sheep come down to Sheep Lakes. Kids especially enjoy watching them cross the road after the lambs are born. Find a ponderosa pine forest and watch for Abert's squirrels. Their dark color and busy activities catch a toddler's eye for contrast and movement. Kids that are a bit older develop a more complex understanding of the world around them. While some children might enjoy expending energy hiking along a trail, most seem happiest thoroughly exploring a smaller area. On any hike with three to five year olds, it's a good idea to include a magnifying glass in the backpack. Textures of trees, plants, bugs and rocks are exciting close-up. In the early summer, enjoy the amazing floral colors found along the trail to Cub Lake. Have the youngsters keep an eye out for hummingbirds that may be visiting the flowers. Watch for beaver along the way in the Cub Creek drainage. Beaver dams are easy to spot in this area and stream banks are ideal places to look for animal tracks. The park has a "Rocky's Junior Ranger Program" for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Emphasis is placed on park preservation, flora and fauna facts, and environmental education. When kids complete the Junior Ranger booklet, they earn a badge. Check at a visitor center for information. These are but a few of the things you can do at Rocky Mountain National Park. Check with the park rangers when you arrive to see what activities are available, what wildlife might be easiest to see, or where the wildflowers are blooming. I've created three posters for Rocky Mountain National Park -- one that features a view of Moraine Park, one for Cub Lake, and one for the iconic Longs Peak. Click here to see the Rocky Mountain National Park, Cub Lake poster. Click here to see the Rocky Mountain National Park, Moraine Park poster. Click here to see the Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak poster. Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who had the rare privilege of studying under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. Now, Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph all 61 of America's National Parks. He's creating WPA-style posters to help people celebrate their own national park adventures -- as well as encourage others to get out and explore! https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/best-things-to-do-in-rocky-mountain-national-park

The LA Sandwich Takeout & Delivery Guide added to Google Docs

The LA Sandwich Takeout & Delivery Guide

Here’s the thing about making sandwiches at home: Even if you have all the meats, cheeses, toppings, spreads, and breads, there’s a pretty good chance the end result still won’t come close to the sandwich of your dreams. So if you’re looking to plan a picnic, or just grab a couple sandwiches to eat from the comfort of your couch, don’t DIY - order pick-up or delivery from one of these 30 spots instead.

All restaurants featured on The Infatuation are selected by our editorial team. The LA Sandwich Takeout & Delivery Guide is presented by Uber Eats. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, supporting our local restaurant community has never been more important. Uber Eats customers can now give directly to the restaurants they love at checkout. 100% will go to the restaurant. Order now to support. See app for details.

THE SPOTS  Larchmont Wine and Cheese $ $ $ $ Sandwiches  in  Larchmont $$$$ 223 N. Larchmont Blvd. 8.5 /10

When it comes to sandwiches we actually lose sleep over, Larchmont Wine & Cheese is a main contributor to our insomnia. This tiny counter in the back of an upscale wine store makes simple, straightforward sandwiches where the quality of the ingredients does the talking. The #5 (prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula) on a crunchy baguette is a classic, but the #3 - topped with soppressata, salami, and manchego - is also a must. Takeout only, call (323) 856-8699 to place your order.

 Hotville Chicken $ $ $ $ American ,  Southern  in  Baldwin Hills $$$$ 4070 Marlton Ave Not

Rated

Yet

Hotville Chicken is one of the newer hot chicken spots in town, but this order-at-the-counter restaurant in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza is already one of our favorites. Owned by a member of the family behind Nashville’s iconic Prince’s Hot Chicken, it’s impossible to order wrong here, but if you’re looking for a good starting point, both the hot chicken and fried fish sandwiches are among our favorite items on the menu. And so is the mac & cheese - no order is complete without it. Both takeout and delivery are available.

 Brent's Deli $ $ $ $ American ,  Deli ,  Eastern European  in  Northridge $$$$ 19565 Parthenia St 8.5 /10

LA has no shortage of classic Jewish delis, but few hold the allure of Brent’s in Northridge. With over 650 dishes on its menu (that’s not a typo), ordering can feel like an impossible task to the untrained eye, so let us help - get the black pastrami Reuben, peppered pastrami and sauerkraut sandwiched between two slices of crunchy rye bread. It’s one of LA’s great sandwiches and worth the drive into the deep Valley to get it. Available for both takeout and delivery.

 John's Garden $ $ $ $ Sandwiches  in  Malibu $$$$ 3835 Cross Creek Rd 7.4 /10

If you just got done hiking one of Malibu’s many excellent trails, you won’t find a better refueling spot than John’s Garden. The tiny sandwich shop inside the Malibu Country Mart makes fresh, no-frills sandwiches at reasonable prices (considering the area). We love the tuna salad or Surfer/Princess, with turkey, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, but we’ve yet to eat a sandwich here we didn’t like. Both takeout and delivery are available, call (310) 456-8377 to place your order.

 Order delivery  JR's Barbeque $$$$ 3055 LA Cienega Blvd

JR’s BBQ has been operating in Culver City since 1998, and is one of the few spots in LA where you can get real-deal Memphis-style BBQ. The meat is cooked with a custom dry rub and served with house BBQ sauce. As with most Memphis-style BBQ, pork is the name of the game here, so we recommend starting with either the pulled pork sandwich or the pork ribs. That said, their brisket is not to be missed. Call (310) 837-6838 for takeout or delivery.

 Bay Cities $ $ $ $ Sandwiches ,  Deli ,  Italian  in  Santa Monica $$$$ 1517 Lincoln Blvd. 8.9 /10

We probably don’t need to tell you about The Godmother at this point - it’s one of LA’s most famous sandwiches. What we do want to mention is that this historic Italian market in Santa Monica isn’t just some one-sandwich wonder. Whether it’s a caprese, turkey pesto, chicken parm sub, or a build-your-own situation, Bay Cities has excellent sandwiches up and down their menu. Available for both takeout and delivery.

 ASAP Phorage $ $ $ $ Vietnamese  in  Playa Del Rey $$$$ 303 Culver Blvd 8.2 /10

If you’re craving a banh mi, ASAP Phorage is your answer. This Playa del Rey spot is basically just a counter in the back of a convenience store, but it serves several excellent versions of the sandwich, from the traditional (lemongrass-braised pork, pickles, cilantro), to the way-less-traditional (shaking cheesesteak). The ground beef curry nanh mi is also one of our favorites. Available for curbside pick-up or delivery.

 Order delivery   The Serving Spoon $ $ $ $ Southern  in  Inglewood $$$$ 1403 Centinela Ave 7.7 /10

A classic Inglewood spot, The Serving Spoon is a huge restaurant on Centinela with massive portions and excellent diner food. Their breakfasts are great, but if you’re in the mood for a sandwich, get the fried catfish: It’s deep-fried, topped with mayo, and absolutely tremendous. The Brenda Club, a triple-decker turkey and ham club, is also a good bet. Available for takeout via their website.

Potato Chips $ $ $ $ Sandwiches ,  Deli  in  Beverly Grove $$$$ 308 N Stanley Ave Not

Rated

Yet

Located on a quiet side street in Beverly Grove, Potato Chips Deli is one of the most underrated sandwich shops in the entire city. We absolutely love their turkey sandwich, but arguing with friends and neighbors about which sandwich is actually the best is a favorite pastime for regulars here. Moral of the story: There isn’t a bad order. Available for both takeout and delivery.

 Order delivery  Perry's Joint $$$$ 2051 Lincoln Ave

Perry’s Joint is a gourmet sandwich shop in Pasadena that’s been a staple of the neighborhood since opening its doors in 2004. The menu covers a lot of ground, so whether you’re in the mood for a tuna melt, egg salad, or hot roast beef and pastrami, Perry’s has you covered. Available for both takeout and delivery.

 Wax Paper $ $ $ $ Sandwiches  in  Atwater Village ,  Silver Lake $$$$ 2902 Knox Ave 8.2 /10

You won’t find more inventive sandwiches than the ones at Wax Paper, the excellent Frogtown spot. They operate out of a converted shipping container, selling sandwiches named for NPR personalities - it’s truly impossible to pick a favorite, but contenders would be the Terry Gross (turkey and slaw on focaccia), the Larry Mantle (an Italian sub that’s impossible to eat without a fork), and the Ira Glass (possibly the world’s best vegetarian sandwich). Available for both takeout and delivery. Wax Paper also has a second location in Chinatown.

 Roma Market Italian Deli $ $ $ $ Sandwiches  in  Pasadena $$$$ 918 N Lake Ave 8.1 /10

Visiting Roma Market is an LA rite of passage on par with running into your celebrity crush at Trader Joe’s, or finally figuring out the fastest way to get to work without Waze. This Pasadena market doesn’t have a menu, and makes a single sandwich: It’s unnamed, wrapped in pink wax paper, and a study in simplicity - three types of meat (mortadella, salami, and capicola) and some provolone on a house-baked sub roll. That’s it. You’ll think the cashier made a mistake when they ring you up - but it’s really only $5.50, and it’s really as good as everyone says it is. There’s a reason they make 500 of them a day on weekends. Pick-up only.

 Philippe The Original $ $ $ $ French ,  Deli  in  Chinatown $$$$ 1001 N Alameda St 7.8 /10

“Philippe or Cole’s?” is right up there with Clippers vs. Lakers, Bellinger vs. Trout, and Eastside vs. Westside on the list of things that divide Angelenos. We like them both, but Philippe is unlike any other spot in LA. In business since World War I, their French dip sandwich is the reason for their staying power: This creation is layered with super-spicy mustard, beef that melts in your mouth, and thin, flavorful au jus that there’s a 100-percent chance you drink after you’re done with your sandwich. Available for pick-up or delivery.

Monte 52 $ $ $ $ Sandwiches  in  Highland Park $$$$ 5200 Monte Vista St 7.9 /10

Located inside the La Tropicana market in Highland Park, Monte 52 is a tiny sandwich counter that’s serving everything from gourmet fried chicken sandwiches to house-made pickles to a breakfast burrito worth waking up early to eat. That said, our favorite thing on the menu is the Cuban - pulled pork, porchetta, gruyere, pickles and mustard, all pressed to form a gooey, savory heaven. It’s a tremendous sandwich that’ll definitely keep you full until dinner. Also, no sandwich at Monte 52 is over $11. Order here for curbside pick-up.

 Tarzana Armenian Deli And Grocery $ $ $ $ Sandwiches ,  Deli ,  Middle Eastern  in  Tarzana $$$$ 18598 Ventura Blvd 7.7 /10

LA is home to one of the largest Armenian populations in the U.S. - meaning we have excellent Armenian food all over this city. One place to check out immediately is Tarzana Armenian Deli, the family-run Valley institution operating since 1972. They claim to be the originators of the pita wrap, and in the spirit of generosity, we’ll give it to them. Because either way, those lahmajun (spiced minced meat) and soujouk-stuffed masterpieces are delicious. Available for both takeout and delivery.

 Eastside Market Italian Deli $ $ $ $ Sandwiches ,  Italian  in  Chinatown ,  Downtown LA $$$$ 1013 Alpine St Not

Rated

Yet

With a menu full of messy, red-sauce sandwiches, this 90-year-old Italian deli on the outskirts of Downtown feels closer to Staten Island than Silver Lake, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. The #7 (roast beef, pastrami, and cheese) is probably our favorite, but if you’re feeling ambitious, the D.A. Special (sausage, meatball, roast beef, and pastrami) is worth an order as well. Just make sure you don’t have any strenuous activity planned afterwards. Order here for both takeout and delivery.

 Order delivery  Orleans & York Deli $ $ $ $ Deli ,  Cajun  in  Inglewood $$$$ 400 E Florence Ave 7.6 /10

Orleans & York is a local mini-chain serving classic sandwiches from both NYC and New Orleans. The menu at this order-at-the-counter spot covers a lot of ground, so our suggestion is to concentrate mostly on the New Orleans side of things. And in particular, the po’boys. The shrimp is what most people are eating, but for us, the beef hot links with bell peppers and onions is the premier po’boy here. Available for either takeout and delivery.

 Order delivery   Attari Sandwich Shop $ $ $ $ Sandwiches ,  Middle Eastern  in  Westwood $$$$ 1388 Westwood Blvd 8.4 /10

Westwood is home to Little Tehran, a tiny neighborhood-within-a-neighborhood that’s home to the best Persian food in LA. If you’re looking for an entry point, go to Attari. The tiny, order-at-the-counter sandwich is most famous for its beef tongue sandwich, and while it’s absolutely worth driving long distances to eat, don’t sleep on the rest of their sandwiches either. The kuku-sabzi (herb frittata), sosees-bandari (Persian sausage), and olivieh-chicken (chicken salad) are all excellent. Available for takeout and delivery.

 Wexler's Deli $ $ $ $ Deli  in  Bunker Hill $$$$ 317 S Broadway 8.6 /10

Wexler’s started as a tiny stand in Grand Central Market, and turned into a mini-Southern California empire, with locations in DTLA, Santa Monica, and Palm Springs. It’s for good reason, too, as this Jewish-inspired deli does not f*ck around when it comes to sandwiches. Their creations are relatively straightforward, but their versions of a pastrami sandwich (the Macarthur Park), lox bagel (the Uncle Leo), and the Reuben are all among the best in town. Available for pick-up and delivery.

 Order delivery  Simply Wholesome $ $ $ $ $$$$ 4508 W Slauson Ave 7.9 /10

Simply Wholesome is the ultimate multihyphenate - juice bar, grocery store, health food supplier, and sandwich shop. Stop by this View Park-Windsor Hills spot for their great turkey burger, or the Carribean tofu sandwich loaded with jerk spices, grilled mushrooms, and tomatoes. Get some Jamaican spinach patties while you’re at it. Takeout only.

Sahag's Basturma $ $ $ $ Sandwiches ,  Armenian  in  East Hollywood $$$$ 5183 W Sunset Blvd Not

Rated

Yet

A parking space-sized Armenian deli in East Hollywood, Sahag’s Basturma specializes in cured meats made in-house. You’ve basically got two options here - soujouk, a dried, spiced beef sausage - and basturma, a bresaola-like cured beef, heavily spiced and packed with flavor. Both come as sandwiches, served on a white sub roll with tomatoes and a side of pickled hot peppers. Pick-up only.

 Gjusta $ $ $ $ American ,  Sandwiches ,  Deli  in  Venice $$$$ 320 Sunset Ave 8.7 /10

Another truly essential LA spot, Venice’s Gjusta is an all-day deli with enough sandwiches that we have a different favorite for each day of the week. The two that stand out most, though, are the tomato confit - served on baguette with burrata - and the tuna conserva, with caper aioli and roasted peppers on sourdough. No matter what you order, you can be pretty confident that it’ll be good, because every sandwich comes on some version of Gjusta’s tremendous house-baked bread. Available for pick-up or delivery.

 Order delivery   Cahuenga General Store $ $ $ $ Sandwiches  in  North Hollywood $$$$ 5510 Cahuenga Blvd 8.0 /10

This former prop shop turned sandwich cafe in North Hollywood looks like a real 19th-century general store, with creaky wooden floors, chairs hanging from the ceiling, and homemade soap on the shelves. They also happen to serve some excellent sandwiches. With over 30 different kinds, the menu is a little overwhelming, but our strategy is to stick with anything that has pesto on it. They make it in-house, and it’s incredible. Order here for takeout and delivery.

 Order delivery   Langer's $ $ $ $ Diner ,  Deli  in  Westlake $$$$ 704 S. Alvarado St. 9.2 /10

Open since 1947, Langer’s is one of the most iconic restaurants in the city, and their #19 sits firmly in the pantheon of all-time great sandwiches. Pastrami that basically melts in your mouth, Swiss cheese, cole slaw, and Russian-dressing - it’s not a complex sandwich by any means, but it’s one you’ll be thinking about for a very long time. Order here for delivery, call (213) 483-8050 for curbside pick-up.

King's Deli $ $ $ $ Deli  in  Burbank $$$$ 109 N Pass Ave Not

Rated

Yet

Located right next to all the major studios in Burbank, Kings Deli has been a go-to lunch spot for industry workers since 2014. It’s a New York-style menu, so that means you can expect everything from Reubens to BLTs to club sandwiches. Order here for takeout and delivery.

 Trencher $ $ $ $ American ,  Sandwiches  in  Echo Park $$$$ 1305 Portia St 7.6 /10

Echo Park’s Trencher is a quiet spot near Dodger Stadium that’s ideal for picking up sandwiches before walking around Echo Park Lake. You’re missing out if you don’t get the fried chicken banh mi or the Lakeshore, a crispy cod sandwich with fried kale, jalapeño slaw, and house tartar sauce. Takeout only.

 Order delivery   E Stretto $ $ $ $ Sandwiches  in  Downtown LA $$$$ 351 S Broadway 7.7 /10

If you’re in Downtown LA and looking for a spot to grab lunch, but don’t feel like braving Grand Central Market, E Stretto is an excellent bet. It’s a tiny counter in front of Slipper Clutch, serving unique takes on sandwiches - like the killer Ill Papa, served on ciabatta, with everything you’d expect on an Italian, plus chorizo, manchego, and dijonaise. Grab some wine, while you’re at it - they’ve got a great list. Available for takeout or delivery.

 Jackson Market and Deli $ $ $ $ American ,  Sandwiches  in  Culver City $$$$ 4065 Jackson Ave 7.5 /10

Hidden on a quiet residential street in Culver City, Jackson Market is a great neighborhood spot that looks just like any other house in the area. The pressed sandwiches here are what you should be after - especially the Melanzane, featuring grilled eggplant, mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, and garlic aioli. Pick-up or delivery available.

Eleven City Diner $$$$ 5400 Wilshire Blvd

This Mid-Wilshire restaurant is an ode to the American diner/deli, and for that reason alone, you can find just about any kind of sandwich you want here. From smoked brisket to salami to build-your-own grilled cheese, Eleven City is a great place to order from when you’re with people who you know can never make up their mind. Available for both takeout and delivery.

 Order delivery   Konbi $ $ $ $ Japanese ,  Sandwiches  in  Echo Park $$$$ 1463 W Sunset Blvd 8.0 /10

After shutting down for most of quarantine, Echo Park’s Konbi has re-opened for takeout. And they’ve got some brand-new additions. On top of their classic egg and pork katsu sandwiches, they’ve also got sandwiches involving lobster with brown butter mayo and pickled fennel, a Jonah crab omelette, and tuna fish with nori mayo. To-go only, order via their website.

via The Infatuation Feed https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/the-la-sandwich-takeout-delivery-guide Nhà hàng Hương Sen chuyên buffet hải sản cao cấp✅ Tổ chức tiệc cưới✅ Hội nghị, hội thảo✅ Tiệc lưu động✅ Sự kiện mang tầm cỡ quốc gia 52 Phố Miếu Đầm, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội http://huongsen.vn/ 0904988999 http://huongsen.vn/to-chuc-tiec-hoi-nghi/ https://trello.com/userhuongsen

Created June 22, 2020 at 11:42PM /huong sen View Google Doc Nhà hàng Hương Sen chuyên buffet hải sản cao cấp✅ Tổ chức tiệc cưới✅ Hội nghị, hội thảo✅ Tiệc lưu động✅ Sự kiện mang tầm cỡ quốc gia 52 Phố Miếu Đầm, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội http://huongsen.vn/ 0904988999 http://huongsen.vn/to-chuc-tiec-hoi-nghi/ https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xa6sRugRZk4MDSyctcqusGYBv1lXYkrF

Dubai Attractions A Unique Dubai Experience

Dubai is a world leading tourist destination with numerous sights and attractions to visit. However Arabian Horizon Tours however offers Dubai attractions that go above the average to give you an absolutely unique Dubai experience.

Dubai attraction packages

These Dubai Attractions range from having exotic meals in a 7-star hotel to watching exceptional plays and viewing Dubai from the highest observation deck in the world. Below is a breakdown of our special tours;  

La Perle by Dragone

This is a live entertainment show at Al Habtoor city in Dubai. The play is directed by renowned art director Franco Dragone who transports his audiences to an exciting and exceptional world.

La Perle is staged in a 1300 seating capacity theatre with a stage pool.  The play features 65 international artists that include actors, singers, divers, flyers and actors who perform an amazing show filled death defying stunts as they tell their story.

La Perle holds two ninety-minute performances every evening, leading  up to 450 performances per year to ensure that visitors will have a chance to catch the show.

For more details on this attraction.

At the top, Burj Khalifa Tickets

This package takes you to the At the top observation deck at the Burj Khalifa; the highest building in the world.

The tour begins at the ground floor of Dubai mall where you will board high speed elevators travelling at 10 metres per second. The elevator takes you to Level 124 of the Burj Khalifa in less than a minute. Level 124 is the lowest observation deck at the Burj Khalifa at 452 metres. From here, you can enjoy an excellent bird’s eye view of Dubai. Special telescopes are availed to let you have a close up view of the city from the observation deck.

For more information on At the top tickets.

At the top Burj Khalifa Sky Tickets

At the top Sky tickets will give you the opportunity to soar up in the sky by visiting the highest observation deck in the world. At the Top sky is at level 148 of the Burj Khalifa and marks the highest observation deck in the world at 555 metres.

The deck has an outdoor area where you can view all of Dubai on the dizzying height. You can also visit At the top sky lounge to relax and have a drink as you take in the view.

For more information on At the top sky tickets.

Crab Hunting

This is a fun Crab hunting adventure at Umm Al Quwain; one of UAE’s emirates. You will   get to ride glass bottomed boats to the natural mangroves accompanied by skilled guides for this crab hunt program.

After catching the crabs, they’re later prepared and ultimately you’ll get to enjoy a great barbeque dinner.

For more details on the Crab hunting tour.

Dining in Burj Al Arab

This Dubai attraction will give you the chance to dine at the grand Burj Al Arab hotel. The hotel which was built on a manmade island is designed to resemble the sails of an Arabian Dhow and stands tall at 321 metres. The hotel has a total of 202 suites with wall to wall windows to give you a great view of the sea.

The Burj al Arab has the following dining packages on offer;

●        Afternoon High Tea at Burj Al Arab

You can enjoy the afternoon tea at 4 pm and get a chance to see the sunset over the Persian Gulf. The menu includes sandwiches, pastries, scones, tea, coffee or a glass of champagne.

●        Lunch at Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab has two restaurants offering Lunch packages; the Ai-lwan – Seaview and Junsui. You can choose either of them to enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the world’s only seven star hotel coupled with an awesome view of the Persian Gulf.

Ai-lwan serves international cuisines while Junsui serves Asian cuisines.

●        Dinner at Burj Al Arab

Four restaurants offer Dining packages at the Burj Al Arab. These are Ai-lwan, Ban Al Tam, Sahn Eddar and an exotic underwater seafood restaurant where you can visit after a three minute submarine ride.

For more details on Dining at Burj Al Arab.

Dubai Dolphinarium

This Dubai attraction takes you to the Dubai Dolphinarium to swim with the Dolphins.

This makes it a great family attraction where you will get to watch Dolphins and seals perform an entertaining live show as well as learn more about these extraordinary marine creatures.

For more information about this attraction.

Dubai Hot air balloon

This Dubai attraction is a chance to enjoy the Dubai desert from up to 4,000 feet in the air while riding a hot air balloon.

The ride starts early in the morning at 5:00 am for a chance to catch the desert Sunrise. From the air, you will also get to see Dubai’s wild animals such the Arabian Oryx, gazelles and Camels in their natural habitat.

After a four hour ride, the tour ends with a tasty gourmet breakfast complete with smoked salmon, bread, caviar and fresh fruit.

For more information on this attraction.

The big bus Tour

This is a tour of Dubai in a double decker bus with an open top where you can go to enjoy the sights around the city.

The bus tour tickets include a tour around the city, a beach tour, a one hour dhow cruise, entry to the Dubai Museum and the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House.

For more on this tour package.

Wonder Bus tour

This is another Dubai city touring package in an amphibious bus which travels on both land and water. The bus has 38 to 44 seats, a TV screen and an internal bathroom.

For this tour, you will get to see the sights along Shaikh Khalifa road, Wafi Centre and Al Wasl bridge before going into the water for a cruise along the Dubai creek.

For more information on this tour.

Trekking

Trekking is a chance to for you to have a better up close view of Dubai. Our guided tours will take you on a hike  to visit UAE’s Bedouin trails, steep wades and Mountainous trails.

For more information on this attraction.

You can book your tours for these Dubai attractions with Arabian Horizon Tours for an exceptional and rare experience of Dubai.

2018 Summer SNRA Public Volunteer Projects

The Sawtooth Society’s volunteer and stewardship program conducts over 20 restoration projects a year in the Sawtooth NRA, which involves over 200 volunteers. In addition, The Sawtooth Society’s Austin Kraal Memorial Volunteer Program is the largest of its kind volunteer program involving hundreds of urban and at-risk youth to do projects on the ground, build their understanding of nature, disconnect from technology and open their eyes to the grandeur of the area. This volunteer program also partners with other groups to accomplish its goals. Any interested group should contact the Society to discuss helping advance the work to preserve, protect and enhance the Sawtooth NRA.

“This year, we’ve planned for more extensive trips with training and certifications for members of the public who would like to participate,” said Executive Director Greg Travelstead. “If you ever wanted to put your boots on the ground and learn more about what the Sawtooth Society does, the public volunteer trail work programs planned for this summer are some of the best we offer. Space is limited so sign up early.”

For 2018, the Sawtooth Society has planned for several outings throughout the summer within the Sawtooth Valley. Main volunteer projects include trail clearing and maintenance, stream bank restoration, removal of wildlife unfriendly fencing, installation of wildlife friendly fencing to protect riparian areas, restoration of campgrounds and much more. Trips commence at 9 a.m. from the closest trailhead to the project.

June 2            Saturday        Fisher/Williams Loop (log out with small saws, riding MTBs)

June 3            Sunday          Fisher/Williams Loop (tread repair, cargo motorbike for tools)

June 7-10      Thur/Sunday    Stewardship Training & USFS Crosscut saw certification

June 16          Saturday        Pettit Lake to Yellow Belly Lake Connector

June 17          Sunday          Hell Roaring Creek & Lake – from Decker Flat TH (with Sawtooth Brewery)

July 11           Wednesday    Redfish Inlet to Flatrock Junction (via boat shuttles both ways)

July 14           Saturday        Yellow Belly Lake to Farley Lake (some will backpack overnight)

July 15           Sunday          Yellow Belly Lake to Farley Lake (2nd day of a backpack or single day)

July 18           Wednesday    Second pass on Fishhook Creek Trail near Redfish Lake

July 25           Wednesday    Grand Mogul trail from Redfish TH to Inlet (return on boat shuttle)

Aug 8-12       Wed/Sunday    White Clouds backpack – Frog Lake and Boulder Chain Lakes

For details and more information, visit the Sawtooth Society’s www.sawtoothsociety.org or contact Greg Travelstead (208) 721-7665 or email [email protected].

A few more mementos from a rainy, overcast fall afternoon on Deckers Creek Trail, including a few artifacts from the heyday of the railroads.

Best Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Best Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park: A steaming, hissing, and bubbling landscape, Lassen Volcanic will be unlike any other national park you'll ever visit. A place that will hold fast to your memory banks and won't let go for years to come. When you come here for the first time, get ready to discover a mystical place with a destructive and tormented history. Located in the Cascade Range in northeastern California, for some strange reason, this is one of the lesser-known National Parks in America. This makes it a blessing in disguise for savvy travelers who will experience fewer crowds and untouched beauty. Established in 1916, Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to all four types of volcanoes found on Earth: composite, shield, plug dome, and cinder cone. This vast area typically experiences two seasons – summer and winter. It seems there is little room for the in-between climates of spring and fall. Winter conditions can be expected from November through May, while much warmer conditions exist from June through October. Lassen Peak is considered dormant at present, but the park remains an active volcanic area, with many hydrothermal spots. Scientists are quietly confident that it is not a question if Lassen Peak will erupt again, but when. The last eruption was in 1915. Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway Stop by the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and pick up a printed road guide, then hit the open road for a 30-mile wondrous journey around the east side of the park. The road connects the northwest and southwest entrances of the park. Travel in either direction and expect to stop and get out often, as there are numerous roadside highlights offering spectacular views. You can also download a roadside audio tour or purchase the audio CD at park stores, the visitor center, or online. This road passes many of the highlights described below. Sulphur Works As one of the park's main hydrothermic features, it can be described as a bubbling mudpot that is always performing a show. Spewing hot thermal air and gases, do not be deterred by the heady aroma of rotten eggs – that's just part of the sulfur fun. Roadside interpretive plaques explain the history behind the area; the mining operations and hydrothermal history. It is located in the southwest section of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Trek the Numerous Trails You will want to bring a good map of the park with you, as many of the trails overlap and it's easy to get confused as to which trail you're on. One of the more popular hikes is Nobles Emigrant Trail. Part of the California National Historic Trail, it is the site where more than 250,000 emigrants traveled to gold fields and rich farmlands in California back in the mid-1800s. It was the greatest mass migration in American history. And of course, there is the epic climb to Lassen Peak. Visit the Historic Loomis Museum Built in 1927, this museum is housed in a historic structure and is small, but a very interesting way to learn about the history of the park. Benjamin Loomis built it to house his collection of geologic exhibits and park photos. Ranger-led programs are often held in the plaza outside, and the Lily Pond Interpretive Trail is just across the road. Note: the museum is only open in the summer. Lake Helen This high-elevation lake with its strikingly blue water is the perfect place for honing your photographer's skills. Stunning views of Lassen Peak in the background make for an amazing setting for the ultimate shot, especially during magic hour (right around dusk, when the light hits the mountain just right). Be prepared for colder weather much of the year – in fact, ice could remain on the lake into early summer! Lake Helen was named after Helen Tanner Brodt, the first woman to climb Lassen Peak back in 1864. It is situated 8,200 feet above sea level, and the drive up is phenomenal. Manzanita Lake Located in the northwest section of the park, Manzanita Lake is a popular destination for camping, fishing, kayaking and in the winter, cross country skiing and show shoeing. Warmer temperatures invite the visitor to swim in the shadow of a spectacular, and as of now, quiet volcano. This area makes a great home base for exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park, with a large campground and modern facilities and cabins. Hike the 1.5-mile trail around the lake for the most amazing views. Other wintertime activities involving sledding the small hills on the lake's northern shore and in the Chaos Jumbles Area. Destruction Area When Lassen Peak last erupted in 1915, gigantic rocks rained down from the sky, hot gases and spewing ash decimated the surrounding forests, and a massive violent mudflow was unleashed that flooded the river valley. Many of the rocks in the area were literally tossed of the volcano and flung here from the blast of the eruption. Walk the Interpretive Trail and get a sense of what happened a little over 100 years ago. It is the best way to truly appreciate the significance of this National Park. It is an easy ½ mile long path and is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Bumpass Hell Despite the name, this attraction is actually a lot of fun to explore. It is the largest area of hydrothermal features in the park. Here you can walk among the bubbling, thumping hissing symphony of sights and sounds that show off the amazing features of this volcanic valley. The Bumpass Hell Trail is 3 miles roundtrip, with about 300 feet of elevation gain. Just be sure to stay on the boardwalk for safety reasons – venturing off of the trail is extremely dangerous. This area does see a lot of snowfall each year, and because of this, the trail does not typically open until July. Kings Creek Falls With the areas of destruction come the immense beauty of a roaring waterfall and peaceful meadows. The Kings Creek Falls Trail is 2.3 miles roundtrip with about 500 feet of elevation gain. Once you reach the falls, you will see a spectacular water drop of 70 feet on a sturdy overlook perched on a cliff. There are two ways to reach the falls, but by far the better of the two is the Upper Cascades Trail. The Cascades Foot Section is a good way to make your return journey from the falls, with recently-built rock steps that offer gorgeous views. Click here to see the Lassen Volcanic National Park poster. Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who had the rare privilege of studying under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. Now, Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph all 61 of America's National Parks. He's creating WPA-style posters to help people celebrate their own national park adventures — as well as encourage others to get out and explore! Join the growing community of 75k+ National Park enthusiasts to receive insider deals and updates. See why 75k+ National Park fans have already joined... https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/best-things-to-do-in-lassen-volcanic-national-park?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=Sendible&utm_campaign=RSS