hiking Archives - ETB Travel Photography

Overnight Cruise in Ha Long Bay

The next stop on our nine-day G-Adventure Tour of Vietnam was in Ha Long Bay. Ha Long Bay is a dramatic, ancient seascape where nearly 2,000 limestone pillars rise from emerald waters like a “rock wonder in the sky”. Sculpted over 500 million years by tectonic shifts and marine erosion, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a maze of hidden caves, secluded lagoons, and floating villages that preserve a unique maritime heritage.

Having only seen some Instagrammable moments showcasing the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, I was very excited to visit the area. While I expected some tourism, I was dismayed to find a boat highway in Ha Long Bay, rather than tranquility among the towering karst islands!

While I am glad I visited Ha Long Bay in person and checked it off my bucket list, I must advise nature lovers who don’t mind missing the iconic sites to look for quieter cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay or otherwise be prepared for lots of tourists.

SAIL AWAY!

Mystical Mai Chau

Nestled in Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is a serene, verdant valley serving as the cultural heartland of the White Thai people, who settled here from Southern China around the 13th century. Historically, this area served as a remote, rugged corridor connecting northern mountainous tribes, maintaining a deeply traditional, rural lifestyle that has largely resisted modernization. Known as a “Province of Peace,” its history is rooted in traditional subsistence rice farming, unique stilt-house architecture, and a resilient, vibrant culture that has maintained its identity despite colonial influences and modern tourism.

Today, Mai Chau has transitioned from a hidden highland gem into a model for sustainable community-based tourism. While it offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling streets of Hanoi, the valley retains its soul through the stilt-house villages of Lac and Pom Coong. Visitors can immerse themselves in slow-paced, eco-friendly activities in a landscape highlighted by towering karst peaks. Mai Chau is ideal for nature lovers seeking both adventure and peace.

During our nine-day tour of Vietnam with G-Adventures, we spent one night in Mai Chau. In addition to Hoi An, it was one of our favorite stops in Vietnam. I sure wish we spent an entire weekend in Mai Chau as its culture and outdoor activities deserve more time. But when you are trying to get an overview of Vietnam in just a few weeks, we only got a glimpse of Mai Chau.

EXPLORE!

Hikes in Venice

I recently visited Venice for three weeks of horse shows at Fox Lea Farms, and on my time off I like to escape to nature while hiking with my dog Annie. Venice affords nature seekers a variety of places to hike including preserves, reserves, state parks and beaches. Below are five places I hiked in Venice.

HAPPY HIKING!

Things to Do in Ucluelet

Up until a few months ago, I had never heard of Ucluelet. I was interested in visiting Tofino, and upon researching places to stay and things to do in Tofino, I found nearby Ucluelet met all my needs for a more affordable price.

Located on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, Ucluelet is smaller and the less hipster sister of its famous northern neighbor Tofino. With a population of just over 2,000 and growing, the small downtown features several coffee shops, a few retail stores, and some nice restaurants.

Hiking trails and beaches surround the village whose names comes from the local Nuu-chah-nulth language and translates to people of the safe harbor. Below are a few things to do in Ucluelet.

EXPLORE!

Hiking the Wild Pacific Trail

The Wild Pacific Trail travels along the rugged coastline and through the magnificent rainforest of Ucluelet, BC on Vancouver Island.

The trail may be hiked in three sections, the Lighthouse Loop, Big Beach Section, and Browns Beach to Rocky Bluffs including Ancient Cedars Loop. Each section has a parking area and is extremely well marked.

HAPPY HIKING!

Canso Bomber Trail in Tofino

I spent several mornings hiking during my week in Ucluelet and Tofino. Despite the mud, I particularly enjoyed the Canso Bomber Trail, which is a 3.2 mile hike to the crash site of a WWII bomber.

HAPPY HIKING!

Cathedral Caverns State Park

After spending two months in Ocala on the horse show circuit, I headed back toward Texas with a detour to northeastern Alabama to visit The Unclaimed Baggage Store. It was time to let my dog Annie stretch her legs, so after completing my secondhand shopping we ventured to Cathedral Caverns State Park.

The park, only 21 miles southwest of Scottsboro, features five hiking trails, RV and tent camping, cave tours, gem mining, and many educational programs. Since I am infatuated by caves, the cavern tour was a big draw for me.

GO SPELUNKING!

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park…what a find!! The park is only 13 miles south of Gainesville and 29 miles north of Ocala. It was a perfect getaway for me and my dog Annie in between horse shows at the World Equestrian Center.

I typically don’t visit state parks because unlike National Forests, dogs have to be on a leash and there is an entrance fee. At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, the fee was only $4. I couldn’t believe it! I am so glad I visited this 22,000 acre wilderness over two days.

HAPPY HIKING!

The Celery Fields

During an overnight visit to Sarasota, I was looking for a nearby, natural setting to walk my dog, since most beaches in Florida are not dog friendly. Google Maps showed a place called Celery Fields Park a short drive away.

It seemed like an odd name for a park, so I decided to check it out. I’m not sure why it piqued my interest so much, as I can’t stand the taste of celery. Just hearing the word gives me shivers!

EXPLORE!

Happy Hiking: Alum Cave Trail

Parking

The Alum Cave Trail is an extremely popular hike in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It is located 11 miles southeast of Gatlinburg and the drive on curvy scenic roads in the parks takes about 30 minutes.

Due to its popularity, the parking area at the trailhead fills up by 7am. If you are not an early riser, you can go around 2pm to get a spot as the parking lot clears once the early birds finish up.

HAPPY HIKING!