Lokobe National Park Nosy Be Madagascar

Lemurs are a primary reason tourists stop at Nosy Be, an island near Madagascar. Our stop was part of an African Cruise in October-November 2023.

Our exploration of Lokobe National Park began with a fast and bumpy boat ride to a small village by the forest. After wading ashore and waiting for our small group to use the primitive toilets, we walked past stalls where villagers offered souvenirs. 

Mouse Lemur, Lokobe, Madagascar
Geoffrey W Sutton 2023

Lemurs are a primary reason tourists stop at Nosy Be, an island near Madagascar. Our exploration of Lokobe National Park began with a fast and bumpy boat ride to a small village by the forest. After wading ashore and waiting for our small group to use the primitive toilets, we walked past stalls where villagers offered souvenirs. 

Soon, we were led along winding dirt trails by barefooted local guides who stopped to point out wild animals, flowers, and rare plants.

The guides were most helpful because they knew the trails and were adept at spotting familiar specie like this small snake or

this tiny chameleon

A gecko stood out against the bark of a tree

 but this specimen blended in

Off to one side, a guide pointed to a tree branch. There was a large boa constrictor draped a few feet above my head. You may have to look closely.

We saw quite a few lemurs swinging through the high branches, but they were hard to photograph within the time constraints of a guided hike. However, a mother and her young were within camera range, though they did not offer a portrait.

Just so you could see what we saw, a fellow traveller with a proper camera shared his images:

The small animals could easily be ignored-- for example--

After the guided hike, we returned to the small village for lunch served by the villagers.

The tide had gone out so, we waded in a disorganized queue toward the boats, which were anchored in water about waist high.

So, it's goodbye to another adventure.

A few notes

Wear insect repellent and sunscreen.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Be prepared for primitive toilets.

Be prepared for walking in shallow water.

Bring a water bottle.

Be prepared for a rough boat ride if you arrive in a motorized craft.

Bring whatever camera you are comfortable carrying--keeping in mind some animals are in high branches

As possible, encourage guides to leave the animals in their natural state. The guides are keen to please tourists and as you can see, they did display a tiny chameleon.

The official languages are Malagasy and French.

Link to our cruise and other ports of call.

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Geoffrey W. Sutton suttong.com

Google Map of Nosy Be- 

the Lokobe National Park is in the lower right corner of the island identified as "Lokobe Strict Reserve."

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

We entered the Great Smoky Mountains National Park traveling south on Route 441 in Tennessee.

Close to the Sugarlands Visitors Center are trails. One nicely shaded trail led to Cataract Falls pictured below.

There are a lot of trails off the paved road. One popular one is the Alum Cave Trail. The picture below and the one at the top of this post were taken along the trail. The top photo is a picturesque arch, which you find along the trail.

Below is one of the many bridges over clear flowing mountain streams. The trees provide shade from the summer heat.

On a clear day, the views are outstanding and it's cooler at these elevations. 

A stop near the state line offers impressive vistas. We couldn't resist the touristy memory.

Rocks near an access to the Appalachian Trail.

The Appalachian Trail sign- another memory and an example of a great place to hike in America.

At the southern end of route 441 is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Nearby is the Mountain Farm Museum alongside the Oconaluftee River.

The farm buildings were brought in to showcase an old Tennessee farm. At some of the places, people tell about activities on the farm.

Children enjoy playing in the river, which is along the trail to the old farm.

On a smoky day...

My dad took us to the Smokies years ago. The photo below is from the first time I took my wife. She couldn't see much because of the "smoke," but really appreciated the park's beauty during our 2022 visit.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Click for  the Area Map

Park website     https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

Dinosaur National Monument Utah Colorado

 

Allosaurus at Dinosaur National Monument

As I was visiting the National Parks in Colorado, I couldn't resist heading northwest to Dinosaur National Monument, which overlaps Colorado and Utah.

The Allosaurus is one of more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils visible in the rock face of the Quarry Exhibit Hall. The skull below is from the local quarry. The cast above is from a find in Utah.

The Quarry Exhibit Hall is a large two-story building with walkways on two levels. The photo below give some idea of the size of the exhibit.

In this zoomed photo, you can see some of the detail.

There's an opportunity to "touch the past" suitable for children of all ages.

Outside, you can follow the fossil discovery trail.

Signs along the way point out different finds.

A panorama along the fossil trail.

Here's a short video overview from YouTube

Some basic information about visiting Dinosaur National Monument

Although the monument spans Colorado and Utah, the visitor's center is in Utah. I arrived after lunch and had plenty of time to see the main features. But there are other things to do like camping, other hikes, and river rafting.

Visitor Center

You can walk or take a shuttle between the visitor center and the Quarry Exhibit Hall.

Included Shuttle Service

Enclosed Quarry Exhibit Hall

Back at the visitor center are restrooms, a few exhibits, a short film, and a gift shop.

Visitor Center

There is an entrance fee. National Park passes are accepted.

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Some Dinosaur Books

Google Map to Dinosaur National Monument

National Park Service Website https://www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm

Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

 

After arriving, we walked along the South Rim with our friends who hadn't seen the park before.

It was an incredibly hot day despite the date of 20 October 1995. We decided to view the canyon from a plane. The photos don't do the experience justice.

The size is incredible-- a mile deep and 18 miles wide at points. It's hard to see the ribbon of the Colorado River below.

We didn't see a lot of wildlife.

Park notes

It's an incredibly busy park so to stay in the park requires advanced booking.

It is possible to camp in the park.

You can arrive by train-see previous post about the Grand Canyon Railway.

Access can vary depending on the time of year.

There are a lot of trails down into the canyon.

Flyover tours include planes and helicopters

More information at the website

If hiking in the canyon, the trails can be steep so hiking shoes or boots and trekking poles are helpful. Travel gear note.

You might like this book if you are exploring National Parks

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Google Map of Grand Canyon National Park