Mount Foraker in Midnight Sun, Denali National Park, Alaska

This incredible photograph shows Denali's Mount Foraker illuminated by midnight sun. Although Mount McKinley is the park's crown jewel, standing at 20,320 feet, Mount Foraker offers a challenging ascent and breathtaking views for experienced climbers.

Lake Tenaya, Yosemite National Park, California

Although Yosemite National Park covers 1,200 square miles, only around 3% of the park's visitors ever leave Yosemite Valley itself. The park is full of natural wonders outside of Half Dome and El Capitan. The beautiful Lake Tenaya, for example, is found deep within the park and can be reached using the Tioga Road during summer.

View from North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

One of the most popular attractions in the United States, the Grand Canyon receives roughly 5 million visitors a year. Even standing at the edge of the North rim (one of the most popular spots for viewing), it's still hard to comprehend the size of the canyon. 277 miles long, and 18 miles wide at its broadest point, the canyon is easily seen from outer space.

Second Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic's famous Second Beach is easily accessed via a 0.8 mile trail off of La Push Road (Hwy 110). Wildlife viewing opportunities abound here. Hikers are treated to seals and bald eagles that congregate around the sea stacks. In March/April and October, whales migrate through the area.

Rocky Coastline, Oman

Residents of Oman still practice many traditional customs, including fishing from hand-build dhows, and nomadic lifestyles among the rocks and gorges. The country's landscape varies from coast to desert to mountains.

Nunavut, Canada

Chilly and remote, the Canadian province of Nunavut is rewarding in its own right—if you can afford to get there. Pristine arctic landscapes; abundant wildlife, including polar bears; and the northern lights are all part of its wild beauty.

Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Although it's within the boundaries of the Grand Canyon National Park, the Havasu Falls area is administered by the Havasupai Indian Tribe. The falls unique blue-green color and pool formations result from a high mineral content and carbon precipitate in the water.

North Carolina Beach

North Carolina is Blessed with Beautiful beaches, Majestic Mountains and countless rivers and streams in between.

Hi All,

I have just returned from a brief but quite enjoyable rail trip. I thought some of you might be interested in hearing about the five days I spent on VIA Rail's Toronto to Vancouver route. The train is aptly named the "Canadian".

The draw for this particular trip, aside from the camaraderie train travel brings with it are the Canadian Rockies. They are magnificent along this route.

Nice lodging you appreciate more after four nights in your very "intimate" sleeping compartment aboard the train. If you don't know your traveling companion well at the beginning of your rail odyssey you most certainly will by day five. Think closet with two bunk beds and a bathroom somehow wedged into it.

Along the way we saw hundreds of deer as well as foxes, bison, wolves, elk and at one point in the Rockies, a large number of mountain sheep. A lucky photo from the dome car gives you a great look at these grand animals.

I would make this trip again in a heartbeat. The motion and sounds of the rails take some adjusting to.

I think most of you would enjoy this experience. If you can I would try this at least once in your life. Traveling overnight by rail is special. You cannot help but develop friendships in this setting. If this sounds like something you would like to try, call me.

Or just call to say hi.

All for now.