A forest near the Cape Horn viewpoint on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge (photo by Cheryl Landes) If you're longing for a long walk in a forest to hear the soothing sounds of the breeze and the birds but can't leave home, there's a new website that brings the forest to you. … Continue reading Need an escape to nature but can’t leave home? Tune into the sounds of a forest.
The giant globe at the Festival of Lights at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Holliston, Massachusetts Editor's note: The Festival of Lights at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine was cancelled in 2020 due to safety concerns from COVID-19. While it's uncertain yet whether the festival can return this year, I'm posting photos from a … Continue reading Festival of Lights at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Holliston, Massachusetts
A view of Rainbow Falls from the viewpoint in Rainbow Falls State Park west of Chehalis, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes Rainbow Falls State Park is a popular place for camping, picnicking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, wildlife watching, birdwatching, and fishing. A short trail from the day-use parking lot ends at a viewpoint for a … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Rainbow Falls State Park
Floating the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon (photo credits: Arizona State University and Smart Sparrow) Arizona State University and Smart Sparrow have teamed up to create free immersive tours of the Grand Canyon that you can enjoy from wherever you are. The three tours provide close-up, 360-degree views of the Grand Canyon, its history, … Continue reading Take a virtual tour of the Grand Canyon
Lucia Falls at Lucia Falls Regional Park in Yacolt, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes Lucia Falls Regional Park is a nice escape for a short, easy walk along the north bank of the East Fork of the Lewis River to enjoy a view of Lucia Falls and have a picnic. From the day-use parking lot, … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Lucia Falls Regional Park
Flowers at Naturescaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens in Brush Prairie, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes Naturescaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens is a series of demonstration gardens that provide ideas for gardeners looking at ways to attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to their backyard spaces. The three acres are tended by volunteers. Every time I go for … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A walk at Naturescaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens
Fall colors at the Portland Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes The Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park is a beautiful place to wander and reflect. Paths wind past an authentic tea house and through eight separate garden styles, from a zen garden to a beautiful pool fed by a waterfall. The … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall stroll in the Portland Japanese Garden
Decorations on one of the Christmas trees inside Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Connecticut Photos by Cheryl Landes In November and December, volunteers decorate the Gillette Castle inside and out for the holidays. The 24-room mansion overlooking the Connecticut River Valley resembles a medieval-style castle. It's the former home of William Gillette (1853-1937), an actor … Continue reading Christmas at the Gillette Castle
Fall colors in the Peavy Arboretum in Corvallis, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes Peavy Arboretum is a beautiful, quiet escape for outdoor lovers who want to immerse themselves in nature any time of year. In the fall, the changing colors are a beautiful treat, no matter what you do. Maple leaves near the OSU Research … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall hike in the Peavy Arboretum in Corvallis, Oregon
A view of the early fall colors in the Connecticut River Valley near East Haddam Photos by Cheryl Landes The Connecticut River Valley is a beautiful mix of scenery, history, and wildlife. In the fall, the changing colors enhance the experience. I joined some local friends on a day trip through the valley one day … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall day trip in the Connecticut River Valley with a stop at Gillette Castle
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 