Glance Digitally - Travel the world with me virtually !

We recently travelled to North Cascades National Park (  https://sk-digilance.blogspot.com/2021/08/north-cascades-national-park-newhalem.html )  since it was a sunny day, I meet few very friendly Rangers @ North Cascades National Park visitor center , when asked about nearby vista points along North Cascades Highway 20, one of the Ranger recommended us few stops @ Diablo Lake Overlook, Washington Pass, Gorge Creek Overlook. So after spending some time @ North Cascades National Park, we went to Gorge Creek Overlook and then to Diablo Lake Overlook.  Diablo Lake Overlook is so far my favorite and is probably one of the more popular vista point along Highway 20 . Its 2.5 hrs. drive from Seattle and almost 20-30 mins drive from North Cascades National Park . We parked in the large parking area on the north side of highway. There were 3-4 information plaques about the area attracting the visitors. I enjoyed walking around and the overlook of the lake was the most bew

 Newhalem Creek campground rules and regulations :

Wild, beautiful and luxuriant park with majestic mountains and adding an inhabitant and rustic feeling to it, making an overall combination of North Cascades National Park ( I've seen this weekend ) describing in one word - Stunning !!  I have been to many places in US, but I have never seen such a magnificent and majestic views of North Cascades. Its approximately 2 hrs. from Seattle and almost bordering Canada approximately an hour or so. I'm not sure why North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited parks in the Washington State. Its on Highway State Route 20 and this park has lots of developed campgrounds and trails. There is no entrance fee to North Cascades National Park.  I meet few very friendly Rangers @ North Cascades National Park center, they said the visitor center is open throughout summer 9 am to 5 pm with all amenities available, including clean restrooms, drinking water fountains and a gift shop. My su

I visited the Bonneville Dam , a National Historical Landmark few years ago which was the first Dam and Lock system with a spectacular view of the Columbia River Gorge is around 40 miles from Portland. Just wanted to share a slight history about the Bonneville dam which was shared by a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. This was the first dam built on the Columbia River in 1943 named after Benjamin Louis Eulalie de Bonneville (1796-1878), an American officer of US army who pioneered parts of the Oregon Trail and is noted for his expeditions of Oregon County. The Bradford Island Visitor Center , located alongside to the dam. This center has multi level floors ( sorry don't remember how many floors ) with various exhibits like history of the dam and local areas around, hydroelectric and many more. A viewing platform or the observation deck allows visitors to see the working turbines and generators of the hydroelectric dam. I also remember and

More than a decade ago, me along with my then toddler took a tour @ Jelly Belly Bean Factory in Fairfield.  I was looking at my previous photo albums and it showed we went to Jelly Belly Factory on a particular Sunday since it was date/time stamped on the photos.  I remember it was intriguing but since the factory was closed, we didn't get to see the employees working or the machines in action. Instead we got a walking narrated tour around which gave us the history, production, future and sometimes tons of fun facts & information of the company. It was fun & satisfying tour. This was the best place for kids to hangout for at least 3 to 4 hrs. minimum. After the narrated tour we were given free sample thank you bag for visiting. There was a gift/candy Store which had lots of colorful, yummy & weird flavorful Jelly Beans, souvenirs, school accessories, gift cards, hats, wearable clothing etc.  Before going to this factory, I never heard of the Belly Flops , bu

Illahee Park is a 0.5 mile, 8 acre beautiful trail located @ NE 8th St in Sammamish. Its a round loop around a very small lake/pond, very good for walking and jogging for people who live nearby.  I often go there whenever I feel like taking a small walk where I enjoy observing wild birds and natural beauty.  One side of the trail has a residential neighborhood, two sides with nature filled with trees and last side borders the main street. Ps :  There is a street parking for cars and bikes. This is also a pet friendly trail. Do bring enough water as I didn't see any water fountains on the trail.

Wallace Falls  is one of the most popular attraction with 4,700 acre park and an excellent hike location for both novice and experienced hikers in Snohomish County, Washington. This place is farther from Seattle but it was worth the drive.🌄 A  discover pass  is required for visitors to visit this State Park or you can purchase one at the trail-head near parking lot. Now, some might ask what's a  discovery pass  ? Washington State Legislature created the Discover Pass in 2011 to get access to millions of acres of state recreation lands in Washington including state parks, campgrounds, picnic areas, recreation trails, natural & wildlife areas. https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/ Annual pass is $30 and Day pass is $10 . I would suggest for people who are staying in Washington State to get Annual pass.  https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/133/Where-to-Buy Frankly speaking I enjoyed the  Wallace trails , which was well maintained