The Rocky Mountains, commonly known as the Rockies, are a major mountain range and the largest mountain system in North America. They stretch for about 4,800 km from the northernmost part of the province of British Columbia in Canada, passing through Alberta, and continuing south through six U.S. states. If you’ve ever wondered what they look like or what can you see in this part of Canada, come join us on this journey.
Romania is home to some of the most bizarre and fascinating geological rock formations in Europe. They have been mysteriously shaped by the wind, rain and time, and they trigger both curiosity and fascination. Beyond their geological interest, they are often shrouded in legends, mystery and energetic beliefs and are certainly among the most photographed natural wonders in Romania.
The Sphinx from Bucegi
The Sphinx is the most famous rock formation and a symbol of the Bucegi Mountains – about 8 meters high rock structure and 12 meters wide, which, from a certain angle, resembles a human face – and it mirrors the well-known Egyptian Sphinx. The resemblance is so striking that many people wonder if the shape was truly created by nature.
The 90,830-acre Nera Gorge -Beușnița National Park has been declared a protected natural area since 1990 and is located in the southwestern Carpathian Mountains of Romania, called the Banat Region. The complex landscape, characterized mainly by beech forests, rocky slopes and various shrublands, forms a well-established national park since 1990. The limestone substrate, the low altitude (150-1150 m), the temperate continental climate with sub-Mediterranean influences, along with the presence of thermophilic species, create interesting travertine formations, and the rivers and the waterfalls make the park quite famous.
15 km from Sasca Montană, where we set up base for a few days, is Sasca Română. Sisters in appearance and remoteness, these two villages were probably more famous 2000 years ago, when the Romans called this area “Centum putae”, meaning The region of a Hundred Mines. And if not, it would still be one of the most beautiful national parks in Romania where you can go chasing waterfalls!
The legend says that, when Banat region was still under Ottoman occupation, a handsome and rich bey with blue eyes was hunting in the Flower Meadow. There, he met a local girl from the village of Potoc, who was guarding her grazing sheep. The young prince’s father did not approve of the love between the two young people, so he sent his servants to kill the girl. Fighting for his love, the young bey lost an eye in the battle. In that place, a small lake appeared, with waters as blue as the bey’s blue eyes: the lake of the Bey’s eye, and his tears turned into the Bey’s Spring.
Definition: Bey = a title given to senior officers and/or high officials of a city or province in the former Ottoman Empire
Located in the municipality of Santana, on the northern coast of the island of Madeira, the Queimadas Forest park is one of the best places to observe Laurissilva Forest. Home to the typical flora of Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest, we found this park very peaceful, especially PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirao Verde the perfect place to have a relaxing walk, and admire nature, especially after a demanding hike on the previous day, Pico to Pico.
Canada is big. Like, really big. With ten provinces and three territories, Canada is the second-largest country in the world by area (and ranked the fourth by land); amazing landscapes, interesting cities, a wide variety of wildlife, and lots of roads. From West to East, Canada has so many hidden gems, that one cannot visit in a lifetime, probably.
Home to some of the oldest settlements and picturesque scenery on the island of Newfoundland, Bonavista Peninsula is the perfect place to explore the beautiful Newfoundland’s countryside. The road going around the peninsula is called Discovery Trail, and has access to some of the most famous landmarks and places of interest.
With a subtropical climate, and a unique setting, the island of Madeira, nicknamed the Pearl of the Atlantic, is a little oasis made of the ancient forests, high mountains, and beautiful beaches. The island is located at 1.5 hours – flying distance from Lisbon, and offers a huge array of activities. If you like being outdoors, this rugged and picturesque island is for you!
Key West is the Southernmost city in the continental U.S., the point where the North begins: Mile 0. As the name suggests, Key West is also the westernmost of the inhabited islands, which, along with all the other keys located off the southern coast of Florida form a coral key archipelago, known as Florida Keys.
1000 Places and Memories 