As the days got longer and the skies sunnier, nature has finally come back to life, entirely! After a long winter and a shy spring, we are all eager to enjoy once again our summer activities. Blooming flowers, birds and wildlife normally keep us entertained on a daily basis, but today I will focus on the pollinators who have found our backyard garden attractive again, this year. Summer feasts are in full swing for the little ones as they can’t seem to satisfy their insatiable appetite!
With a handsome setting around the San Francisco Bay, that eventually gave the city a nickname by which it is often called “The City by the Bay”, San Francisco is known for so many things: from its steep streets featured in so many movies, to Alcatraz Island, where the famous or rather infamous prison is, to the iconic Victorian houses, and last but not the least, the Golden Gate Bridge. If you happen to be in San Francisco, you can’t go far without noticing the Golden Gate Bridge, as it is visible from many points along the Bay shore. Partially hidden at times by the ever-lasting layers of clouds, it is just there, begging for your attention.
Located 40 miles (63 km) northwest of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore is a relatively hidden gem if you are not from this area. Rolling hills and endless beaches are the main features of this reserve, and if you are a nature lover or a birdwatcher, then this is your kind of place you want to visit.
“This is the best tree-lover’s monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world.” – John Muir
Located 12 miles (19 km) north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods National Monument is nestled in the Coast Range, a mountain range that runs down the length of California. The mild climate along the coastal mountains provides an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, and the redwoods are the most famous, dominating the entire ocean coast. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Monument protects 240 hectares of old growth coastal redwoods (Sequoia Sempervirens). This is one of the world’s last remaining ancient redwood forests, which is why it was designated a national monument in 1908, even before the National Park Service existed. The Kent family, who purchased the land in 1905 with the goal of protecting the redwoods and the nearby mountains, insisted on naming the park after naturalist John Muir, whose environmental campaigns helped establish the National Park system in the United States.
“Live simple, love well, and take time to smell the flowers along the way.” – Mark Twain
Happy Spring🌞
Fisherman’s Trail is praised for its dramatic coastal scenery, with paths that provide access to secret beaches and fishing spots. Some sections may be challenging because of the dunes and sandy beaches or the detours around cliffs; however, this is a trail that anyone might want to see at least once in their lifetime.
The Fishermen’s Trail, with a total of 226,5 km, is actually part of a larger hiking system, Rota Vicentina. This single-track trail can be done exclusively on foot. It is rated as moderate, but can become quite difficult in some sections due to the varied coastal landscape, strong winds and scorching sun, and, in a way, the lack of signage or rather intuitive in places. It can be done in 13 one-day stages, you can find more information here. Each section of the trail is representative for this spectacular area as a whole. From fossilized dunes, to hidden coves and fine sandy beaches, all the colourful rocks and cliffs and biodiversity are a blast for the eyes and soul.
Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent, is located at the very end of the Sintra Mountains, and is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places in Portugal.
Imagine working in a world of gilded splendor and royal magnificence. You are here every day, stepping gracefully across the interesting exotic wood floors, guarded by various statues and oil paintings, you have a desk made of the finest wood such as mahogany or rosewood and dozens of painted portraits of former presidents smiling at you (ok, that might be awkward..). Would you like to work in such a place?
The Palácio da Bolsa is a neoclassical building built in the 19th century on the site of the fire-ruined Convent of S. Francisco. Due to its long duration and quality required, the construction of the Palácio da Bolsa became a true school for the artists who worked there. It took 67 years until the works and decorations of this palace were considered completed, in 1909, shortly before the proclamation of the Republic. To this day, the building is still home to the Chamber of Commerce in Porto, and open to the public.
Nicknamed The Town of Queens because King Dinis gave it as a wedding gift to his bride Queen Isabel de Aragon in 1282, this walled city earned its name as this act began a long tradition of Óbidos being part of the Queen’s dowry until 1834.
Portugal is home to several charming walled towns, and Óbidos is known for its particularly well-preserved example, featuring a medieval castle and walls. Located just an hour north of Lisbon, Óbidos is definitely worth a day trip on your next trip to Portugal.
1000 Places and Memories 