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Another weekend walk took me from Sydney to the Blue Mountains this time. This time I didn’t want to do a hike in Katoomba by default, but drove a bit further to Blackheath. In Blackheath I made in the end effect two trails one after the other, which were nevertheless quite short. However, that was not so much the problem, because the journey by public transport from Sydney always takes a long time. The one route was Cliff Top Track and the subsequent route went down into a valley and was the extremely worth seeing Grand Canyon Walking Track.

Since a long time I was once again in Sydney and on the weekend a trip to the surrounding area offers itself. Incredibly interesting hiking trails are waiting for you where you can always discover new things. This time I decided to drive to Bundeena and then continue a hike from the north along the coast through the Royal National Park. Actually, I wanted to go only a small piece and then back again, but the day was still quite early and I thought that this multi-day tour would have to be done in one day. So I went from Bundeena to Otford in one day through the whole Royal National Park from north to south.

The Royal National Park is a stunning natural gem located just south of Sydney, Australia. It is the oldest national park in Australia, and is well known for its breathtaking coastline, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, picnicking, and swimming.

The Royal National Park was established in 1879, making it the second oldest national park in the world (after Yellowstone National Park in the United States). The park was created to protect the unique landscape and biodiversity of the area, and to provide a space for people to enjoy nature.

The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 200 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. The park’s coastal cliffs and beaches are particularly impressive, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and fishing at beaches like Garie Beach, Wattamolla Beach, and Burning Palms Beach. The park also features several waterfalls, including the popular Wedding Cake Rock and the stunning Figure Eight Pools.

The Royal National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 100km of walking tracks and trails. Visitors can explore the park on foot, bike, or horseback, and can take guided tours to learn about the park’s history and natural features. The park’s popular walks include the Coast Track, which runs for 30km along the park’s stunning coastline, and the Palm Jungle Loop, which takes visitors through the park’s lush rainforest.

The Royal National Park offers several camping options for visitors who want to spend more time in the park. The park has six campgrounds, including the popular Bonnie Vale campground, which is located near the park’s beaches and offers amenities like BBQs, showers, and toilets. Visitors can also camp at the park’s remote backcountry campsites, which require a permit and offer a more rugged camping experience.

The Royal National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sydney. The park’s stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and range of outdoor activities make it a great place to escape the city and enjoy nature. Whether you’re interested in hiking, camping, or simply relaxing on the beach, the Royal National Park has something for everyone.

A day off during a conference visit to Atlanta. This gave me the chance to go south as well, since I didn’t know this part of the USA yet. The plan was to start early and then drive to the sea in Florida in the direction of Pensacola. Then it went something along the coast and then finally road back to Atlanta.

Pensacola, located in the panhandle of Florida, is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant culture. Known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” Pensacola is home to the Naval Air Station Pensacola, the Blue Angels, and the National Naval Aviation Museum, making it a significant military hub in the United States.

Pensacola has a fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish explorers landed on its shores. The city was later occupied by the French and British before becoming a part of the United States in 1821. The historical downtown area of Pensacola is a great place to explore the city’s rich heritage. The area is full of historic landmarks and buildings, including the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum, which showcases the city’s history, art, and culture.

Pensacola’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, and the city is known for its sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters. The Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with its restaurants, shops, and bars. The boardwalk is also home to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which has miles of pristine beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Pensacola offers a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and golfing. The city is also home to the Pensacola Bay Center, which hosts a variety of sporting events, concerts, and shows throughout the year. Additionally, the city is home to the Blue Wahoos, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Minnesota Twins.

Pensacola has a vibrant culinary scene that reflects the city’s diverse culture. The city is known for its fresh seafood, especially its oysters, which are harvested from the Gulf of Mexico. The downtown area is home to a variety of restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments.

Pensacola is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to experience a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s historic landmarks, relaxing on its beaches, or enjoying its outdoor activities, Pensacola has something for everyone.

In October 2022, I had some time to visit the U.S. again and take two somewhat longer excursion trips. The first trip took me quite early in the morning from Atlanta / Georgia north towards Tennessee and the Smokey Mountains.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful natural wonder located in the southern United States, spanning across the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. It is one of the most visited national parks in the country, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The park boasts stunning mountain ranges, dense forests, and numerous streams and waterfalls. The Great Smoky Mountains themselves are a part of the Appalachian Mountains, and they offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, elk, deer, and many species of birds.

Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. There are over 800 miles of hiking trails throughout the park, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous multi-day hikes. The park also has numerous campsites, backcountry shelters, and lodges for visitors to stay in.

One of the unique features of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is its abundance of historic buildings and structures, including old homes, churches, and mills. Many of these structures have been preserved and can be visited by park visitors.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors. Its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich history make it a truly special place that will leave visitors with unforgettable memories.

Mount Vesuvio is only 250 km away from Rome, so it was a possible destination for a day trip. So we drove there, had to wait a bit due to a thunderstorm and finally we could walk up. Overall, the mountain is quite crowded, as many tourist buses are made there. With us, however, were not so dramatically many people on the road.

Near Ostia Antica there is a former island that served as a burial ground in ancient times. On this site there are perhaps hundreds of tombs, some of which must have been extremely richly made. Partly the marble on the walls is still visible and the mosaics.

What is, of course, on the list of every visit to Rome is the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. We had a booking directly for early 0900 hours and could thus take our time quite comfortably, despite the later many visitors.

Once again I had an afternoon free and could go on excursion in the area. This time I went to the nearby town of Lido di Ostia around noon.