Greencaviar Travel

 Hiking the Live Volcano of Nea Kameni   Santorini, with its iconic sunsets and stunning landscapes, is a destination that beckons travelers from around the world. Having previously explored the touristy villages of Oia and Fira, I returned to Santorini with a new purpose – to venture into the heart of the earth itself. My journey led me to Nea Kameni, a live volcano that stands as a testament to the island's fiery origins. In this article, I recount my extraordinary experience of hiking this living force of nature, transcending the boundaries of mere tourism and embracing the raw power of the Earth. A Return with Purpose: My return to Santorini was marked by a desire to delve deeper into the island's geological heritage. The Nea Kameni volcano, a part of the National Geographical Park, offered the opportunity to experience the island from a different perspective. This was not the Santorini of postcards; this was an exploration of its primal roots, a confrontation with th...

Located off the southern coast of South Korea, Jeju Island is a breathtaking destination known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique attractions. On my recent trip to this enchanting island, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure that took me to some of its most captivating sites. From hiking up the Sunrise Peak and exploring the Hallasan National Park to immersing myself in the Women Divers Museum and exploring the mystical Manjanggul Cave, every moment on Jeju Island was filled with awe-inspiring wonders.  Hiking to New Heights at Seongsan Ilchulbong or Sunrise Peak One of the most remarkable experiences during my visit to Jeju Island was hiking up the Sunrise Peak, also known as Seongsan Ilchulbong. As the name suggests, this picturesque volcanic cone offers a perfect vantage point to witness a magnificent sunrise. Sadly, I overslept and missed the sunrise. However, hiking up the mountain was an unforgettable experience, nonetheless.  Seongsan Ilchulb...

"Pink and Blue" Pink Belladonna lilies in the embracing bosom of nature’s retaining wall, Content in the company of the blue water pool. Waves shuffling the rocks below   forming a spiraling mist caressing the petals like the skin of a lover They belong in their own magical little world, A world without rain! McWay Falls @Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park photo and poem by Alice Odena **********************************************************   “Emerald” Waiting beside the sea Across the waterfall A wavering mist lifting its lacy veil, Sagebrush dots the rocky slope. The evergreen extends its arms to the Ficus and the Sycamore forming a harmonious green. On the beach below the waves run through foaming streams Gathering seaweeds and kelp creating a poetic symphony   of a strangely soothing emerald, inviting, bewildering me  with beauty. McWay Falls @Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Photo and poem by A...

After taking photos and enjoying the views of the popular McWay Waterfalls and the seaside, it was time for serious hiking. We head back towards the tunnel under CA-Highway 1 and continued to the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park parking lot. I moved my car to the other side of the bridge and parked close to the picnic tables where we stopped to eat lunch of pita bread, hummus and fruits. With renewed energy and refreshed with plenty of water, we were off. We followed the path right along the creek with big rocks and boulders (It was probably a river at one point, but now I noticed the effect of the drought in the low water level and slow river flow). We continued to walk the trail along the creek. It was quite pretty. My hiking companions crossed the shallow creek, and scrambled on the rocks to avoid getting wet. I, on the other hand, tried to show off my skill (acquired from practicing yoga) on the log bridge and crossed the river by skipping through boulders. Shortly after...