Muir Woods National Monument and the glory of the redwoods

| Christie

“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.

The towering redwoods
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Hiking the Fisherman’s Trail, the most spectacular coastal trail in Portugal

| Christie

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.

Atlantic Ocean, Almograve Hike
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The ultimate guide to visiting Palácio da Bolsa

| Christie

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.

Courtyard of Nations, Palácio da Bolsa
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Exploring Portugal: The walled city of Óbidos

| Christie

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.

Óbidos The walled city
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Strolling through Porto: A walking guide to the most historic landmarks

| Christie

Perched along the north bank of the Douro River, Porto is best known for its Port wine, but also for its historic centre, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage since 1996.

Porto (also known as Oporto) was called Portus Cale in Roman times, which eventually gave the city its name. An important trading port and commercial site, Porto was targeted by many tribes and powerful forces over the centuries, including the Visigoths and the Moors. The kingdom of Portugal expanded between the 12th and the 14th centuries through what was called the Portuguese Reconquista, a Christian reconquest after more than 700 years of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. As new shipyards contributed to the city and country development, Porto became more and more famous. In 1415, Price Henry the Navigator embarked on the conquest of the Moorish port of Ceuta, in northern Morocco, followed shortly by sponsoring maritime expeditions, initiating the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

Cais da Ribeira viewed from Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
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7 hiking trails you want to check out this winter, in Peterborough County, ON

| Christie

Peterborough County is located in Southern Ontario, 2 hours northeast of Toronto, which, together with the Kawarthas, make a favorite area for vacationers and cottagers. This region doesn’t have high elevations, but it still has some wonderful trails thanks to the varied landscape in certain areas.

Snow wave
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