(Kingston, Ontario, Canada)
A couple of entries in my “Wow Moments of the Year” list could also go here, but there are plenty of others to include. Listed in chronological order, here are 7 of the best natural wonders of my travel year…
1. The Dolomites of Northern Italy
Rock, rock and more rock! The Dolomites of Northern Italy attracted me back for a second consecutive year of great scenery, skiing and cuisine. In addition to the dramatic teeth-like outcrops, the rocks also have a reddish tinge that makes them glow as the sun begins to set in the afternoon. Being able to ski beneath and even through the rocks made it even more impressive.
2. The Impossibly Blue Adriatic Sea (Croatia)
It’s hard to properly capture in a photograph, so you may have to take my word on this: the Adriatic Sea, off the coast of Croatia, has the “bluest” water I’ve ever seen. Best of all, there are many places to enjoy the water…Dubrovnik doesn’t have a monopoly on it!
3. Durmitor National Park (Montenegro)
Rugged, remote and unspoiled, northern Montenegro is a riot of alpine beauty. This photo reminds me of a fairy-tale landscape but there are equally dramatic vistas (mountain lakes, sheer cliffs, etc.) throughout the Durmitor National Park area. You’ll want a guide; remember to assess his/her driving style before leaving, however!
4. The seals of Inis Mór (Ireland)
I suppose my entire day of biking around Inis Mór could qualify for this list but stumbling on these seals in their natural environment was an unexpected highlight. While they are graceful swimmers, they are comically awkward above the water. The bleak but still attractive landscape only enhanced this island experience on the far western fringe of Ireland.
5. Giant’s Causeway (Northern Ireland)
There is a complicated geological explanation for these geometric pillars east of Portrush but it is better to imagine them as part of a massive bridge for the ancient giants of Ireland and Scotland. You’d be surprised how much fun it is to clamber around on geometric rocks; it’s particularly stunning with the dramatic coastal scenery of Northern Ireland in the background.
6. Caimans and Howler Monkeys in Caño Negro, Costa Rica
My wildlife safari near the Nicaraguan border was filled with special moments but seeing caimans and howler monkeys in their home environment (often adjacent to each other) was the highlight. The caimans were respectful and photogenic, as you can see. But seeing an albino hermaphrodite howler monkey (see photo at the top of this post) within 30 seconds of starting our river journey was also thrilling…and something that only a handful of people will ever experience.
7. Sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Sloths are, frankly, disgusting creatures. Covered with algae and as slow as their name suggests, they nonetheless are fascinating to watch. When you see one, it’s hard not to ask yourself how such a bizarre creature ever evolved. We saw one trying to sleep on our rainforest night walk in the mountains of Monteverde but never thought that we would see one active and alert on the hot and humid Pacific Coast. We also saw engaging capuchin monkeys but I’ve already described a lot of monkey business here.
More lists to come…