The World Natural Wonder: Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)

It has been awhile since the last time visiting Grand Canyon as there are many places to travel. My hiking group usually asks: will I organize a trip to Grand Canyon soon? Spring of this year may be a great time for going to Grand Canyon.
Besides for hiking reason, it's a National Park Week April 21-29, 2012 (Free Entrance Days) and Lyrid Meteor Shower is at peak time on the same weekend April 21-22. More information: http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors 
http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guid

If you are interested to join a group hiking and to know more information, check out this link: http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/54476402/  

Check out photos from past events:

http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/878998/14216481/

http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/1914311/32309851/

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim is in the state of Arizona, a Southwestern region of the United States, also known as a "Grand Canyon" State, a part of the Western country, and of the Mountain West states. This park is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.  As described on the Seven Natural Wonders website: "The Grand Canyon is a massive gorge located in the state of Arizona in the United States, and was created by the Colorado River. Although not the steepest nor the longest canyon in the world, the Grand Canyon is recognized as a natural wonder because of the overall scale and size combined with the beautifully colored landscape. The canyon offers a variety of lookouts and experiences that provide visitors with a view that cannot be matched."http://sevennaturalwonders.org/the-original/grand-canyon

The South Rim opens year round.  There are numerous ways to get to and around Grand Canyon--by bus, car, plane, or train. Whether you are into serious hiking, have a relaxing vacation and only interested in simple strolls inside the park, there are various trails with different hiking levels for you to choose from. Regardless of which one you chose, the view of the canyon is just as spectacular at any vantage point. You can find information prior to the trip by visiting the NPS' website at http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/day-hiking.htm.  Once you're inside the park, be sure to stop by the closest visitor center to pick up the accessibility guide.

The first trip to Grand Canyon in late April 2005 was memorable.   It was also my first time backpacking and I was inexperienced, untrained, and unprepared to hike in a strenuous desert climate. In hindsight, I realized that our lack of knowledge of the terrains and anticipation of a stressful hike, my friends and I had ultimately put our lives in a risky position.  After that 2-day weekend trip, we were exhausted from hiking 15 hours with a heavy backpack. Not to mention, we lacked of rest, sleep, food, and under the heat up to 100 F near Colorado River around 7 AM in the morning and on the trail with no shade around noon time. 

However, I was grateful to my friends who invited me on this trip, so that I had an opportunity to experience the Grand Canyon with the like-minded people. Stunning by the imposing view of Grand Canyon, saying to myself:  "a natural masterpiece", I can't drop a thought of going back, spending more time and sharing this wonder with others. The lessons and inspirations that I gained from the trip have motivated me to plan and prepare a safe adventurous travel for others. Especially if it's your trip to visit Grand Canyon, you will have a wonderful trip of a lifetime. 

After a short weekend backpacking the 20 miles of Bright Angel trail in the South Rim, some friends who liked hiking in the Grand Canyon asked me to organize a similar trip. Subsequently, we not only organized one, but two trips to the GC again in the same year.  Since we planned, prepared, and trained well for those later times, which were held in October and November of 2005, all participants had a great time. The highlight of these trips was hiking another route. We hiked down the South Kaibab trail to the Colorado River, crossed over a bridge to the campground; and then trod our way up passing another bridge to the Bright Angel trail as a loop of 17 miles.

No word can tell enough and a picture worths a thousand words, sharing with you some photos from those trips:  http://goo.gl/5fmPd

                                                      

Heaven on Earth: Havasu Falls (Havasupai Village-Supai, AZ)

Today we will take you to Arizona, a Southwestern region of the United States, also known as a "Grand Canyon" State, a part of the Western country, and of the Mountain West states. Let's discover one of the most unique wonders of Arizona: Supai village. Besides visiting Havasupai, we will experience a lifetime trip of seeing the turquoise water Havasu Falls. This is an Indian village located between the Grand Canyon Sky Walk in the West Rim Grand Canyon and a famous South Rim Grand Canyon National Park, one of the World Seven Natural Wonders. The closest town nearby is Peach Springs, Arizona.

The most exciting thing about this trip is not only giving us a chance to travel and hiking in nature, but also it is an opportunity to study some more about American history of its original people: the native American Indian. Adventures Great and Small described about Supai Indian village: "Havasupai" means "people of the blue-green waters." The Havasupai tribe is the smallest Indian Nation in America totaling about 600 people http://www.great-adventures.com/destinations/usa/arizona/havasu.html

"Havasu Falls is known throughout the world and has appeared in numerous magazines and television shows, and is often included in calendars that feature incredible waterfalls or beautiful scenery. Visitors from all over the world make the trip to Havasupai primarily for Havasu Falls.

The vibrant blue water contrasts against the striking red rocks of the canyon walls as Havasu Falls plunges nearly 100 feet into a wide pool of blue-green waters" http://www.havasupaitribe.com/havasu.html

As always it is unsafe to travel alone, read here to find out more about:  "Problem in Paradise": http://www.hcn.org/issues/347/17026

Because this spectacular place is  "heaven on earth", plan a trip with family, friends or join a group to experience yourself as it's beyond words' description

Coming up late Sept. early Oct., 2012 trip: http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/54396432/

Photos of Oct. 2009 trip: http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/794715/12457462

Photos of Oct. 2010 trip: http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/1091637/

http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/1112823/

"The Sinks as a mini-Grand Canyon": Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park

Today, we will take you to one of the parks in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, the land that stretches in a giant green crescent from Weir Canyon near the 91 Freeway, connect with the Cleveland National Forest, to the hillsides of Irvine and extend all the way to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Crystal Cove State Park near Laguna Beach.

Limestone

Canyon Wilderness Park, another hidden gem of Orange County wilderness, situated in Silverado, in the Eastern side of Central Orange County

As described on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks'website : "this spectacular and lush canyon includes thick oak woodlands, streamside habitats, year-round springs and an iconic geological formation called "the Sinks,” often compared to a mini-Grand Canyon. A rich diversity of plants and animals as well as an unusual variety of natural habitats make Limestone a true favorite among hikers, mountain bikers and naturalists of all types" https://www.irlandmarks.org/Explore/Limestone-Canyon-Wilderness-Area.aspx

"The activities at the Irvine Natural Landmarks are offered by a variety of organizations and their dedicated volunteers. These activities are guided or supervised programs. Some locations are open daily for self-guided access as well. All programs are FREE unless noted below. Pre-registration is required. Walk-up registrations are not allowed."

There are almost daily scheduled hikes with docent leads at Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park, but once a month there is an Open Access Day that will allow trail lovers to enjoy self-guided access in magnificent Limestone Canyon. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking, and equestrian use from 9am to 3pm

For more info and join a group to hike the next open access day March 3rd, 2012 http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/53525802/

Also check out last year event with lots of wildflowers when we visited in May: http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/17281373/

 

City of Irvine, Suicide Hill and Wildlife Sanctuary

Let us take you to Irvine. "Irvine is a city like no other: a master-planned balance of urban living and preserved natural space at  the center of Orange County in coastal Southern California". Whether you travel alone in 2 hours or a day, with family, with a group or with friends, you will find "Irvine is not only a great place to vacation, it's an exceptional destination for meetings and events, a multicultural home to some 100 company HQs"  http://www.cityofirvine.org/

One of the most interest points in Irvine: the Great Park Balloon, it is the Orange County Great Park’s first major attraction. With the ability to hold up to 25 to 30 passengers, and soar up to 400 feet above the surrounding landscape, it also serves as a public observation deck for the Great Park’s development http://www.ocgp.org/

An attraction for trails lovers: Suicide Hill, a name sounds tragic or challenging to hikers. Located right in a middle of the city next to Concordia University, Irvine and the University of California, Irvine, Turtle Rock is a neighborhood in the south part of Irvine, Orange County. Suicide Hill is one of the hills in the Turtle Rock. This is a great hiking area that offers great views of the surrounding hills and Orange County.  Most hikers will do a loop of 4 miles in an hour or 6 miles in couple hours with a group of several trails and short steep hills. However the nature of the trails allows any hiker to tailor their hike to whatever length you like with your friends. You can make your hike as easy or as strenuous as you would like. Parking is also free.

Find more information here or join a group to hike: http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/16481235/

http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/47719662/

For family with kids, wildlife watchers or photos taking lovers, the Irvine Ranch Water District San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is another place to visit. It is a great place for group picnic and watching sunset. This land comprises more than 300 acres of restored coastal freshwater wetlands. Located in the middle of the bustling city of Irvine, twelve miles of trails serve as an oasis for walkers, joggers, and birdwatchers as well as a living laboratory for students, teachers, and the public. To read more:  http://seaandsageaudubon.org/SJWS/sjws.htm 

Join a group and more information: http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/22207101/

http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/22207821/

As mentioned from the city of Irvine website:  "Thirty years ago, the City of Irvine was still in its infancy. Today, Irvine has grown into what many describe as a "total destination," a community boasting state-of-the-art transportation programs and systems, an enterprising business environment, stellar educational institutions and a team-like lifestyle. Irvine is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the country, ranked "America's Safest Big City" by the FBI seven years running and less than half an hour from some of California's best-loved attractions, including Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Disneyland Park^® and Knott's Berry Farm"

  

Black Star Canyon Falls and Vietnamese Signature Dishes

Happy Presidents' Day!  Today, we will introduce another hidden treasure in Orange County--the Black Star Canyon Falls.  Situated in Silverado, Black Star Canyon is part of the Santa Ana Mountains in the Eastern side of Central Orange County.  Its namesake falls is a hidden gem in the area.  Getting to the falls is not easy and requires hopping over large boulders, but it is definitely worth the effort.  Budget about 5-7 hours of hiking and enjoyment time to take advantage of this beautiful falls. Last Winter, the falls were running in full force after a recent rain.  However, with the lack of rainfall in this Winter season, the falls are mostly running dry. 

Let’s look back Black Star Canyon Falls during a wet rainy winter 2011. Couple photos by Mai and more on  http://goo.gl/0lqLy

http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/17009643/

http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/15801106/

http://www.meetup.com/Viet-Friends/photos/1333790/22486392/

While we are in Orange County, it's worth taking a little time to explore the local culture.  Central Orange County is home to the largest Vietnamese American in the United States.  Spending a few hours at Little Saigon in Westminster will give you a taste of Vietnam's food and culture in less than a few hours.

Famous dish of Northern Vietnam: beef noodle soup (phở bò) 

One of the prominent stable foods for the Vietnamese is noodles. There are various other kinds of noodle, dishes of the Central or Southern Vietnam with their own names such as hủ tiếu (seafood with pork noodle soup) and bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup). Vietnamese calls them other names, in the same sense that sashimi cannot be called sushi. More reading and photos credit by

http://www.lovingpho.com/pho-opinion-editorial/vietnamese-pho/

"Chicken Noodle Soup" (phở gà)

Look up yelp for rating to find a decent noodle house or talk to a Vietnamese hiker friend for a reference of where to go. Hope this will warm up a cold winter day and calm you down after a long day adventure in a wet condition. 

http://www.yelp.com/