Blog - ETB Travel Photography

Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi

From San Cassiano, MacsAdventures scheduled us to hike back up the 2,000 feet we had just descended and then hike approximately two more miles to Lagazuoi. We figured out a better way to Lagazuoi that didn’t require us hiking two of the same miles on such a short overall trek. We grabbed a taxi to the Gondola!

Actually, we did a lot more than that and truly lucked out with the time constraints we faced. Though we made one mistake, discussed below, we enjoyed another spectacular day in the Dolomites.

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Two Nights in San Cassiano

San Cassiano or St. Kassian depending on if you speak Italian or German is a small, upscale mountain village located in the Alta Badia valley of the Italian Dolomites. Situated at 5,000 feet in South Tyrol, Italy, this quiet alpine town is known for world class skiing, fine dining, and stunning scenery.

At first glance, San Cassiano, only about a ½ mile long with one main street and a few feeders, seems tiny with almost nothing to do. But if you like the outdoors and take some time to explore the surrounding hills, you’ll find some interesting places and many things to do in San Cassiano.

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Hiking Alta Via 1: Pederu to San Cassiano

Continuing on our hiking journey through the Dolomites in comfort, we took the bus from San Vigilio to Rifugio Pederu which serves as a strategic hub for hikers embarking on the renowned Alta Via 1 trail. Located in Italy’s Fanes-Sennes-Brais Natural Park, the mountain guesthouse was once a military camp and officer barracks for the Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army during World War I. Here we began our 12-mile hike to San Cassiano or St. Kassian.

HAPPY HIKING!

Two Nights in San Vigilio di Marebbe

San Viglio di Marebbe is a small Italian Village in the Dolomites with a population of 1,200 hundred or so. Though its population routinely triples in the summer in winter as tourists enjoy the outdoor paradise. Tucked away in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is best known for preserving its Ladin language, mountain culture, and legendary alpine folklore. Today, it merges its traditional farming traditions with world-class winter sports, making it a premier skiing destination in the Dolomites.

We arrived in San Vigilio on foot after a 10-mile hike from Lago di Braies in July. For my first hike in the mountains for a few years, my legs were feeling it. As a result, sightseeing in St. Viglio did not immediately top the list when we stumbled into town around five pm. Instead, in need of getting off my feet, we checked into our hotel, located right across from the church in the middle of town.

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Alta Via 1 Highlights – Lago di Braies to St. Vigil – Day 1

Alta Via 1 Trek in the Dolomites

The Alta Via 1 is a 75-mile long-distance hiking trail in the Italian Dolomites. The iconic hut to hut trek takes approximately 8-10 days to complete and begins in Lago di Braies and ends near Belluno.

To hike it during peak season of July and August, you need to book rifugios (the mountain huts) 6-9 months in advance or join a guided tour that already has reservations. The huts vary in comfort from basic to luxurious.

HAPPY HIKING!

California on a Budget: Combining Cheap Flights, Public Transit, and San Diego

California usually brings to mind flashy convertibles and pricey beach resorts, but a weekend here can actually be pretty cheap. The trick is just pairing low-cost flights with local public transit. Planning ahead lets you skip the massive car rental fees and see the absolute best of San Diego on a budget.

Cheap Tickets and The Right Arrival Points

Starting your planning early means monitoring flights from budget airlines to the local airport. Well-known American low-cost carrier Frontier flies here regularly, offering highly attractive prices. The golden rule is to travel with a small backpack only, avoiding any extra baggage fees.

If you are already staying in neighboring Los Angeles, taking regional bus lines is the most economical choice. Comfortable FlixBus coaches run daily, dropping passengers off right at prime central locations. A ticket for this ride often costs less than a single gallon of gas for a rental car.

For those who prefer scenic views, the Pacific Surfliner rail route is a perfect match. This train moves right along the ocean, giving passengers incredible panoramic views from the window. The journey wraps up at the historic Santa Fe Depot right in the city center.

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Things to Do in Cortina

History of Cortina

Once the Pearl of the Dolomites, and now the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo has a rich history. Originally called Ampezzo, it was governed by several empires over the last 500 years including the Republic of Venice, the Austrian Empire, the French Empire (Napolean), the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and presently the Kingdom of Italy. Its name was changed to Cortina d’Ampezzo after World War I when it was annexed into Italy.

The once sleepy agriculture community turned into an elite tourist destination in the late 1800’s following an Austrian mountaineers famous climbs of 1864. By 1956, after Cortina hosted the first ever internationally televised Winter Olympics, the Pearl of the Dolomites was thrust into the spotlight.

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Visiting the Dallas Zoo

Located just outside of downtown Dallas, the Dallas Zoo makes a great destination for anyone looking to discover all kinds of animals. The zoo is home to 106 acres of land, full of over 2,000 animals and over 400 different species. Whether you’re looking to learn more about endangered animals or just stop and see some cute creatures, the Dallas Zoo is the place for you!

History of the Dallas Zoo

Established in 1888, the Dallas Zoo is full of history. The zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. At its creation, the Dallas City Council began the zoo with just two deer and two mountain lions, for which they paid $60! These animals were placed in City Park on display, and the Dallas City Council slowly added more animals to the zoo’s collection.

In 1910, the zoo was relocated to Fair Park, and then was moved to its current home in Marsalis Park in 1912. By the 1960s, the zoo had grown to display over 500 different species of animals! As time moved on, more effort was placed on saving endangered species, and the Dallas Zoo became accredited in 1985.

Conservation Efforts

The Dallas Zoo has committed to conservation efforts to help protect endangered animals. They partner with conservation organizations around the world to make this possible.

One conservation program the zoo runs is Protecting the Twelve. This program is dedicated to twelve specific conservation priorities in Asia, Africa, and even in the United States. Protecting the Twelve partners with organizations globally to assist in allowing animals and ecosystems to keep growing and to avoid extinction.

Another program the Dallas Zoo participates in is Gorillas on the Line. The zoo encourages people, schools, and communities to recycle old cell phones and small electronics at the Dallas Zoo. Interestingly, cell phones and other electronics contain coltan, which is extremely high in regions where gorillas live. Because coltan is in such high demand, the zoo participates in this program so that there can be less mining in their regions, as mining leads to deforestation, habitat loss, and an increased poaching risk.

If you are looking to get involved in conservation efforts, you can participate in their Take Action Projects! There are many opportunities at the zoo, from restoring waterways cluttered with litter to assisting in helping provide food sources for pollinators. There is a chance for everyone to help all creatures live a better life.

Keep reading to find out how you can get spotted at the Dallas Zoo!

Experience the Call of the Wild!

Spring at the Dallas Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum is one of the most incredible sites you can see while visiting Dallas. Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, you can explore 66 acres of magnificent grounds with an incredible backdrop of the Dallas skyline. Whether you visit during peak bloom or during the off-season, you are sure to find beauty in every last corner of the Dallas Arboretum.

History of the Dallas Arboretum

Not only will you be stepping into gardens of phenomenal beauty, but the history of the Dallas Arboretum is also extensive. Although it is young compared to other botanical institutions in the nation, its history is rich. The Dallas Arboretum was born from civic leaders and philanthropists who believed that Dallas deserved a place where the community could flourish in tandem with nature. So, in 1974, the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society adopted bylaws, elected officers, and incorporated as a nonprofit.

The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society then raised funds to purchase the historic DeGolyer estate, as well as the adjacent property. In 1982, the City of Dallas signed a contract with the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society, which created the arboretum and botanical garden on the grounds of these properties. The Dallas Arboretum officially opened to the public for the first time in 1984.

Since the roots of the arboretum come from civic leaders and philanthropists, the mission of the Dallas Arboretum remains similar to the mission at its founding. The arboretum supports equal opportunity and accessibility for all and promotes a safe and engaging experience that is welcoming to all. The garden hopes to inspire curiosity, foster connection, and create experiences that follow all who visit long after they leave the beautiful grounds of the Dallas Arboretum.

When to Visit the Dallas Arboretum

While you can visit all year round, the best times to visit the Dallas Arboretum are the spring and the fall. In the spring, you can catch the Dallas Blooms festival, which features over 500,000 blooming bulbs including 350,000+ tulips. In the fall, you can experience Autumn at the Arboretum, where there are 90,000+ pumpkins, gourds, and squash on display. That being said, the grounds are kept lovely all year round, so if you can’t make it during those times, don’t worry! Find out more about what the Dallas Arboretum has to offer below.

STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES!

Things to Do in Tyler

Located just ninety-nine miles southeast of Dallas, Tyler is one of the biggest cities in East Texas. This lively city was named after President John Tyler, to thank him for admitting the state of Texas to the United States. While many know Tyler as the “Rose Capital of America,” it is much more than roses and thorns. This charming city is full of many opportunities for exploration, from a sprawling state park, historical sites full of incredible stories, and some delicious Texas BBQ. And if you get really lucky, you might even be in town during Tyler’s famous Rose Festival, an annual event rich in tradition and history.

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