R for Rocky Mountain National Park #BlogchatterA2Z

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

I am biased towards Colorado State and anything in Colorado. So, I can only say positive and awesome things about places in Colorado. :-)

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most scenic national parks in North America, covering 415 square miles. If you love mountains, snow, scenic drives, alpine lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, and hiking, this park is for you.

It is famous for the Trail Ridge Road, a 48-mile stretch connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake. This climbs to an elevation of 14000 ft above sea level. This is one of the highest paved roads in North America.

There are many hikes to see alpine lakes and waterfalls in the park. Boating on Grand Lake is relaxing and peaceful. 

Here is our travelogue for Day 1 and Day 2.

Accommodations Near Rocky Mountain National Park:

Until next time,

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

Other A2Z Posts:

A for Arches National Park

B for Bigbend National park

C for Capitol Reef National Park

D for Disney

E for Escalante National Monument

F for Fort Davis

G for Great Smoky Mountains National Park

H for Hot Springs National Park

I for Idaho Springs

J for Jackson Hole

K for Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

L for Las Vegas

M for Monument Valley

N for Niagara Falls

O for Orlando

P for Pikes Peak

Q for Quiet and Secluded

R for Rocky Mountain National Park

S for Santa Fe

T for Talimena Scenic Drive

U for Utah

V for Vermont

W for White Sands National Park

X for Xtreme Weather

Y for Yellowstone National Park

Z for Zion National Park

Q for Quiet and Secluded #BlogchatterA2Z

Quiet and Secluded 

Q is always a tricky letter to write about. I found a few places in the USA with Q that I haven't been to.

I want to write about places that I have experienced. So, here you go. 

We have driven through some remote parts of the USA which are quiet, and secluded without any civilization around. It is interesting and sometimes scary to drive through those roads in the dark.

Davis Mountains Scenic Loop: This 76-mile scenic drive is very remote in Texas. No civilization, no houses, no buildings, and just the rocks, trees, and mountains. We always wonder how they have well-built roads to such places even though very few people live there.

In the middle of nowhere

Monument Valley -> Four Corners Monument -> Mesa Verde National Park :

This drive goes through remote areas of Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado. Miles and miles of road to drive, but very few houses, gas stations, and even rest stops. We had to do it to cover those important places. 

White Sands National Park to Roswell :

This route goes through mountains and passes through Ruidoso which is remote, but a beautiful winding mountain road. No gas stations or rest areas on the route. Felt very secluded and quiet.

A Quiet Place on the Davis Mountains:

We haven't gone camping in a remote place yet. But, we experienced a very nice airbnb in the Davis Mountains. No cell coverage, beautiful Sunrise and Sunset views, designated dark sky place without any lights in the night, very good for star gazing. It is a beautiful and unique experience to enjoy the colors of the sky, listen to birds, watch wildlife and watch stars and galaxies in the night.

Unrestricted view of Sunrise from Airbnb

Have you ever experienced the Quietness of any place like that? 

Until next time,

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

Other A2Z Posts:

A for Arches National Park

B for Bigbend National park

C for Capitol Reef National Park

D for Disney

E for Escalante National Monument

F for Fort Davis

G for Great Smoky Mountains National Park

H for Hot Springs National Park

I for Idaho Springs

J for Jackson Hole

K for Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

L for Las Vegas

M for Monument Valley

N for Niagara Falls

O for Orlando

P for Pikes Peak

Q for Quiet and Secluded

R for Rocky Mountain National Park

S for Santa Fe

T for Talimena Scenic Drive

U for Utah

V for Vermont

W for White Sands National Park

X for Xtreme Weather

Y for Yellowstone National Park

Z for Zion National Park

P for Pikes Peak #BlogchatterA2Z

 Pikes Peak, Colorado 

Pikes Peak is one of the highest peaks in North America, at 14,000 ft above sea level. In comparison, the Leh, Ladakh route in India is at 11,500 ft.

The greatest thing about this peak is its accessibility. A 19-mile scenic drive takes you to the summit. Visitors can also reach the summit by train (Pikes Peak Cog Railway) or through a hop-on hop-off shuttle. 

The scenic drive might feel adventurous if you are not used to mountain driving.  The 360-degree views from the Summit are unbeatable.

These spectacular views inspired the author Katherine Lee Bates to write the iconic American Anthem " America - the Beautiful".

Here is our travelogue.

My Favourite scenic drive ever!

Until next time,

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

I give you one travel recommendation for each letter of the alphabet. So, follow my blog every day in April for travel recommendations.

I might post these on social media as well, here are the links if you want to follow me there..

Facebook 

Twitter 

Pinterest

Instagram

Other A2Z Posts:

A for Arches National Park

B for Bigbend National park

C for Capitol Reef National Park

D for Disney

E for Escalante National Monument

F for Fort Davis

G for Great Smoky Mountains National Park

H for Hot Springs National Park

I for Idaho Springs

J for Jackson Hole

K for Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

L for Las Vegas

M for Monument Valley

N for Niagara Falls

O for Orlando

P for Pikes Peak

Q for Quiet and Secluded

R for Rocky Mountain National Park

S for Santa Fe

T for Talimena Scenic Drive

U for Utah

V for Vermont

W for White Sands National Park

X for Xtreme Weather

Y for Yellowstone National Park

Z for Zion National Park

O for Orlando #BlogchatterA2Z

Orlando, Florida 

If you have been following my blog for a long time, you would know that I am always a nature lover and don't prefer artificial things over natural ones.

This city is an exception. Orlando is a buzzing city in Florida and home to more than a dozen theme parks. Different theme parks by Disney and Universal entertain both kids and adults alike. 

You are wrong if you imagine only roller coasters and rides when I say theme parks. They are more than that. 

The world of Harry Potter comes alive before our eyes. The buildings, settings, media, rides, costumes, props, and shows - give an ultimate experience to the fans. Entering these theme parks is like entering into an imaginary world - be it Harry Potter, Spiderman, Minions etc., The fireworks in the night will take our excitement to another level.

Here are our travelogues on Universal Islands of Adventure, Disney Magic Kingdom, and Universal Studios.

Does it look magical?

Until next time,

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

I give you one travel recommendation for each letter of the alphabet. So, follow my blog every day in April for travel recommendations.

I might post these on social media as well, here are the links if you want to follow me there..

Facebook 

Twitter 

Pinterest

Instagram

Other A2Z Posts:

A for Arches National Park

B for Bigbend National park

C for Capitol Reef National Park

D for Disney

E for Escalante National Monument

F for Fort Davis

G for Great Smoky Mountains National Park

H for Hot Springs National Park

I for Idaho Springs

J for Jackson Hole

K for Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

L for Las Vegas

M for Monument Valley

N for Niagara Falls

O for Orlando

P for Pikes Peak

Q for Quiet and Secluded

R for Rocky Mountain National Park

S for Santa Fe

T for Talimena Scenic Drive

U for Utah

V for Vermont

W for White Sands National Park

X for Xtreme Weather

Y for Yellowstone National Park

Z for Zion National Park

N for Niagara Falls #BlogchatterA2Z

 Niagara Falls, New York 

Here is one waterfall every visitor to the USA might have seen once. It's that popular. This is one of the oldest state parks in the USA.

The magnificence of the waterfall and watching the water splashing on you this much closer will blow your mind. I bet it will stay in your memory as one of the most beautiful places you have ever seen. 

In Niagara Falls State Park bordering Canada, you can see 3 waterfalls. The boat ride on the New York River through Maid of The Mist is amazing as it takes you very nearer to the waterfall where water splashes on the face drenching you full. 

Our travelogue will soon be up on my blog. 

Because One picture is not enough to describe the grandeur :-)

Until next time,

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

Other A2Z Posts:

A for Arches National Park

B for Bigbend National park

C for Capitol Reef National Park

D for Disney

E for Escalante National Monument

F for Fort Davis

G for Great Smoky Mountains National Park

H for Hot Springs National Park

I for Idaho Springs

J for Jackson Hole

K for Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

L for Las Vegas

M for Monument Valley

N for Niagara Falls

O for Orlando

P for Pikes Peak

Q for Quiet and Secluded

R for Rocky Mountain National Park

S for Santa Fe

T for Talimena Scenic Drive

U for Utah

V for Vermont

W for White Sands National Park

X for Xtreme Weather

Y for Yellowstone National Park

Z for Zion National Park

M for Monument Valley #BlogchatterA2Z

Monument Valley, Arizona

This red sandstone region is a park on the border of Utah and Arizona. This is called Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

This is neither a national park nor a National Monument, but it is more scenic than most other national parks we visited. It is a must-visit place if you are visiting Utah. The scenery reminds you of Wild West movies (Cowboy movies).

There is a 17-mile scenic drive to see the magnificent red sandstone formations called buttes, spires, and mesas. Some areas of the park are accessible only through guided tours. Monument Valley is a window to the Navajo culture.

Here is our travelogue.

Did you see the movie "Forrest Gump"? Then, you might remember this view. Many people park their cars on the side of the road and take pics from the middle of the road for this view.. We did too :-)

Until next time,

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

Other A2Z Posts:

A for Arches National Park

B for Bigbend National park

C for Capitol Reef National Park

D for Disney

E for Escalante National Monument

F for Fort Davis

G for Great Smoky Mountains National Park

H for Hot Springs National Park

I for Idaho Springs

J for Jackson Hole

K for Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

L for Las Vegas

M for Monument Valley

N for Niagara Falls

O for Orlando

P for Pikes Peak

Q for Quiet and Secluded

R for Rocky Mountain National Park

S for Santa Fe

T for Talimena Scenic Drive

U for Utah

V for Vermont

W for White Sands National Park

X for Xtreme Weather

Y for Yellowstone National Park

Z for Zion National Park

L for LasVegas #BlogchatterA2Z

 Las Vegas 

Everyone knows about the casinos and party fun in Las Vegas. But, I am talking about a family-friendly vacation to Las Vegas with kids. 

Las Vegas strip is the most buzzing place with several theme-based places like Newyork Newyork, The Eiffel Tower, Gandolas at Venetian, Egyptian Pyramid, etc., Our favorite and not to miss place is the Bellagio. The flower show is fantastic and the musical fountain is fascinating to watch.

Here is our travelogue.

That's from Bellagio, Isn't it awesome?

Until next time,

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

Other A2Z Posts:

A for Arches National Park

B for Bigbend National park

C for Capitol Reef National Park

D for Disney

E for Escalante National Monument

F for Fort Davis

G for Great Smoky Mountains National Park

H for Hot Springs National Park

I for Idaho Springs

J for Jackson Hole

K for Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

L for Las Vegas

M for Monument Valley

N for Niagara Falls

O for Orlando

P for Pikes Peak

Q for Quiet and Secluded

R for Rocky Mountain National Park

S for Santa Fe

T for Talimena Scenic Drive

U for Utah

V for Vermont

W for White Sands National Park

X for Xtreme Weather

Y for Yellowstone National Park

Z for Zion National Park

K for Kasha - Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument #BlogchatterA2Z

 Kasha - Katuwe Tent Rocks , New Mexico

Does that name seem a little odd? I couldn't find info on how it got its name. Maybe it is due to the local tribes living nearer to it?

This National Monument is in New Mexico and is 45 minutes away from Santa Fe. 

Santa Fe is our favorite destination and a wonderful place to spend a vacation, but that's for another day.

The unique cone-shaped rocks formed by the layers of volcanic ash and rocks by pyroclastic flow from the volcano of Jemez Springs are beautiful to watch/hike. This eruption that occurred 6 to 7 million years ago caused the slot canyon and tent rocks. 

Here is our travelogue.

The highlight of our trip is this view after the hike. 

Until next time,

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

Other A2Z Posts:

A for Arches National Park

B for Bigbend National park

C for Capitol Reef National Park

D for Disney

E for Escalante National Monument

F for Fort Davis

G for Great Smoky Mountains National Park

H for Hot Springs National Park

I for Idaho Springs

J for Jackson Hole

K for Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

L for Las Vegas

M for Monument Valley

N for Niagara Falls

O for Orlando

P for Pikes Peak

Q for Quiet and Secluded

R for Rocky Mountain National Park

S for Santa Fe

T for Talimena Scenic Drive

U for Utah

V for Vermont

W for White Sands National Park

X for Xtreme Weather

Y for Yellowstone National Park

Z for Zion National Park

I give you one travel recommendation for each letter of the alphabet. So, follow my blog every day in April for travel recommendations.

I might post these on social media as well, here are the links if you want to follow me there..

Facebook 

Twitter 

Pinterest

Instagram

Amy's Travels by Lilly Khripko - [Book Review]

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Book Details:

Title: Amy's Travels

Author: Lilly Khripko

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Children's Fiction

Publisher: Quick Home Ltd (July 19, 2024)

Print Length: 40 pages

Recommended Age: 6 to 10 yrs

Source: A copy from the author for review

Blurb:

This tale is about a tweenage girl retelling her baby life. When she was young, her family made the decision to leave their native country. They looked long and hard to find another residence somewhere else.

The little family had to suffer without food and a place to stay. Eventually, they found a good shelter to stay at. Just when things starting to look up, the father got offered a job from a different continent, so he had to move away. The girl formed close bonds with a kangaroo, a friend, and even a tuba!

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This story is about a little girl 4.5 years old, her family, her move to Australia, and making new friends, etc., This is kind of a biography from the perspective of a child.

You get the drift when I say from the perspective of the child. Children at that age say everything they feel without a filter. That's what it feels like reading the book. 

Even though Amy is a little child of 4.5 years of age, she behaves maturely in some places like not crying hard which might make her parents feel bad when they are already sad, and trying to figure out the solution to their problems.

 She behaves like a child in some places like crying immediately after her dad gets into flight, feeling comfortable hugging her mom, and thinking everything will become normal with her reassurance. 

What do I like about the book?

The writing style is spontaneous and sometimes shows her anger and frustration when things don't go as expected. It is written by a kid and definitely it gives you a peek into the kids' emotions. 

The writing feels genuine and honest. There is no sugarcoating of characters and no detailed unnecessary descriptions. This is suitable for kids aged 6 to 10 years.

What might have been better? 

For adults and teen kids, this might not look that appealing. If you want to read something about the perspective of a little child, this seems good though. But, if you are expecting a story with twists and fiction, this is not right for you.

The book cover is great and the title is ok. I thought the title might have been different because based on the title I was expecting Amy to travel to many places or her experience with different cultures/ people. But, the story is not mainly about travel. It is about the family, relationships, struggles, money problems, settling into a new place, etc.,

I thought it might have been categorized /edited well. It is divided into parts, but a few parts are too small and a few are big. This feels like a journal note. 

My Rating: 4/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Until next time,