During those dreary winters, I often dream of escapades into the sunny southern latitudes to hike in a steaming tropical rainforest, drink fresh fruit juices and sip on coconut water, and cool down in a refreshing waterfall. Just like this one
Chiapas
Mexico
I never knew a rainforest could exist this part north of the equator. Hence I couldn't believe my eyes when I walked along the moss-laid trail made of roughly hewn wooden planks that snaked its way through the dense foliage. A thick undergrowth of ferns and shrubs covered every square inch of earth, from which sprouted towering trees draped loosely with moss and lichen. It was only a short hike through the forest, but even that short time had etched its memory into my mind.
I have since returned back multiple times to explore the multiple biomes the park had to offer, from vast glaciers, ridge-top walks, alpine lakes and the pristine Pacific coast. It is one of those parks that offers a new perspective with every new visit. Living closer to the park compared to my very first visit certainly has its advantages.
Olympics National Park
WA USA
Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises
- Unkown
Nothing refreshes and re-energizes the soul more than smell of a fresh morning in a rain-forest laden with swirls of moist fog gently caressing its lush green slopes. It is not often that one can get out of the tree cover in a forest, but on this one morning in Colombia, I was able to.
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Colombia
There are some places in this planet that are truly enchanted, where you can find yourself spellbound by every sight, sound and smell, and where every step and every turn make you stop and stare at the rich beauty all around. Olympic National Park is one such place.
This was not my first visit to this enchanted forest. Nay, this was my third; but in all my previous visits, the right conditions had eluded me. This time, I was deep in the forest, with nary a human for company, and with cloudy skies lending a soft glow to the rich undergrowth that permeated every inch of the forest. Walking through that lush greenery, smelling the fresh mountain air, and hearing the songbirds serenade echo through the trees, refreshed my mind, body and soul.
Even though I spent hours hiking through this enchanted valley, there were still so many moments I paused just to soak this magic in.
Olympic National Park
WA USA
The Pacific beaches of Costa Rica were special in one sense - tropical rainforests that descended right from the mountains onto the golden sands. Perhaps one of the best places to witness this was the beautiful surf of Playa Uvita in Parque Nacional Marina Belleno. From the shore arose multitudes of ridges, ranges and valleys topped by the rain-bearing clouds swept off the warm Pacific that provide life-giving water to the dense rainforest.
I had a chance to explore this beautiful place one early morning during my visit to 'Pura Vida' destination of Central America
Playa Uvita
Puntaarenas, Costa Rica
