On this hike, we came face to face with a grizzly yearling and its mama, approximately 25 feet off the trail.  Yes, too close for comfort!  Only got a passing pic of the cub.

This was a very pretty hike, 3 miles north of Arnold, CA.  We decided to try this after viewing chris' trip.
 The giant sequoias were amazing.  There were scenic streams and foot
bridges. The trail was a little dusty, but very well groomed.  Should be
great for hikers of all ages (and we saw them).  We arrived with a flat
tire and chose to do our hike first and then change tire after.

The trail starts from the Fazenda Pico Parana, where you will leave your car. There is a R$10 fee per person to enter the area. This trail is easy and it provides excellent views of Pico Parana.

Track is not completely accurate.  Something went wonky with the iPhone GPS about 3/4 way through the hike.   This was likely related to accidentally turning the tracking off while phone bounced around in pocket. The distance and ascent figures are not accurate.  Actual distance roundtrip was around 7.5 miles and elevation gain was only about 1000'.http://waterfallsmontana.com/waterfalls.

I would call this hike moderate, at least the route we took.  We took the Pyramid Creek trail and tried to follow the "Horsetail Falls, Lake Tahoe" Everytrail Guide by Trailspotting.  But this gave us an awesome view of the falls with the water rushing by us.  And it was good place to rest and eat a snack while enjoying the view.

If you ever have a couple of hours to spare, head out to this little koppie overlooking the majestic Llandudno beach and Sandy Bay. Start by buzzing yourself through the security gate on Valley View Drive (off Mount  Rhodes Drive) and walk up to the top of the road to the mast and turn left up a well marked path.

Just a long weekend trip to Algonquin Park, starting at the Smoke lake access point.  Originally this trip for for 2 us to go on and would have make a lot more sense given the canoe (17 ft), but Bax had to back out at the last minute.  So with all alternatives for a second exhausted, I endeavored to do the trip myself, solo.Day 1Temp: 28CWind: NE @3 KM/hr (15 km gusts)Distance: 17.

Bitung to Batu Putih (Tangkoko)Taxi: Rp150000Entry fee+ Guide fee at Tangkoko National Park: Rp 85000Room rent at  Tarsius Homestay, Batuputih (Tangkoko): Rp 200000 ( double room; 3 meals)

Landed in Ternate airport at 7 a.m.; checked into Hotel Boulevard ( Rp 144000 for half day; one room).  Rp 200000 for taxi. Rp 150000 for boat to Hiri island and back.  Rp 142000( per person) for Pelni Economy ticket from Ternate to Bitung.

Leang-Leang caves and Bantimurung waterfalls can be reached from Makassar by private taxi or by public transport( Bemo/ Pete-Pete).  We went by public transport: Daya terminal to Maros (Rp 5000 / per person); Maros to Leang-Leang (Rp 10000 per person).  From Leang-Leang we got another Pete-pete to Bantimurung(Rp 5000 / per person).