tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75915868792861668482024-03-13T08:55:22.588-04:00The Frugal TravelerChronicles of a globetrotterKannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617578653368068016noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7591586879286166848.post-81937335885629689372014-07-12T20:52:00.001-04:002014-09-26T00:09:07.905-04:00Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Pittsburgh - Niagara Falls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This was a 4 day trip during the July 4th long weekend. Just over 3 hours from Ann Arbor, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm" target="_blank">Cuyahoga Valley national park</a> (CVNP) has a lot to offer for a biking enthusiast. The meandering cuyahoga river on one side, the remnants of the Ohio-Erie canal on the other, and greenery all around makes it perfect for a biking trip during a cool summer day.<br />
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We started off on Thursday July 3rd from Ann Arbor around 9 AM and reached the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/upload/Towpath5Bleed_FY11_2011_FINAL_for-web.pdf" target="_blank">Peninsula Depot Visitor Center</a>. After a quick lunch, we rented out bikes at the <a href="http://centurycycles.com/about/peninsula-pg288.htm" target="_blank">Century Cycles</a>, visible from the visitor center. Bike rental costs about $9/hour, so we decided to bike for 3 hours. After packing our bags we headed north from Peninsula depot on the towpath trail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGkQVpCBsDA/U8FHGJw7pfI/AAAAAAAADP8/vtKK7PP13i4/s1600/IMG_1681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGkQVpCBsDA/U8FHGJw7pfI/AAAAAAAADP8/vtKK7PP13i4/s1600/IMG_1681.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Towpath Trail - CVNP</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remains of a Lock - used to raise or lower boats in the canal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuyahoga River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_ibxBOrqLk/U8FHFfmtyjI/AAAAAAAADP4/IeQe0krjfg0/s1600/CVNP_flowers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_ibxBOrqLk/U8FHFfmtyjI/AAAAAAAADP4/IeQe0krjfg0/s1600/CVNP_flowers1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilies and black eyed susan flowers along the towpath trail</td></tr>
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After biking for about 7 miles, we decided to head back. CVNP has a <a href="http://www.cvsr.com/bike-aboard" target="_blank">scenic railroad</a>. For $3 we can ride the train along with our bikes. We boarded the train at Brecksville station, returned our bikes and decided to explore the rest of the national park by hiking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fB3_P3PdVVw/U8FPx5Rp0OI/AAAAAAAADQg/DHEd8giHWz0/s1600/IMG_1745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fB3_P3PdVVw/U8FPx5Rp0OI/AAAAAAAADQg/DHEd8giHWz0/s1600/IMG_1745.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CVNP scenic railroad</td></tr>
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We drove to Ira trail head and hiked the towpath trail towards the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/upload/Beaver-Marsh-Site-Bulletin_for-web.pdf" target="_blank">beaver marsh</a> and Indigo lake. Unfortunately we couldn't spot any beavers or otters but we did hear the bullfrogs call and spotted a few wood ducks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dhk4EQLbHw/U8FaOXEKpxI/AAAAAAAADQw/YbJfCDytLXk/s1600/CVNP_BeaverMarsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dhk4EQLbHw/U8FaOXEKpxI/AAAAAAAADQw/YbJfCDytLXk/s1600/CVNP_BeaverMarsh.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver Marsh - CVNP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmMRjcVfnfA/U8Fcrc28aeI/AAAAAAAADRE/FcKO7UVMFek/s1600/IMG_1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmMRjcVfnfA/U8Fcrc28aeI/AAAAAAAADRE/FcKO7UVMFek/s1600/IMG_1759.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V Relaxing at Indigo Lake - CVNP</td></tr>
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After this, we drove to our hotel and called it a night.<br />
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Second day morning of this trip, after checking out of the hotel, we drove to <a href="http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Main/Reservations-Partners/Bedford-Reservation-1.aspx" target="_blank">Bedford reservation</a> to see the Bridal veil falls. On our way, we stopped at an accessible overlook to get a view of Tinker's creek gorge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ_WrtzQkJs/U8FkgEKU6LI/AAAAAAAADRU/Zlq-ABPes94/s1600/CVNP_TinkersCreekGorge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJ_WrtzQkJs/U8FkgEKU6LI/AAAAAAAADRU/Zlq-ABPes94/s1600/CVNP_TinkersCreekGorge.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tinker's Creek Gorge as seen from scenic overlook</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YDqF4_gAsk/U8F0RNwUQBI/AAAAAAAADRo/KCsB_mHg0tg/s1600/IMG_1797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YDqF4_gAsk/U8F0RNwUQBI/AAAAAAAADRo/KCsB_mHg0tg/s1600/IMG_1797.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal Veil Falls - Bedford reservation</td></tr>
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We hiked around on the bedford reservation. The area surrounding the Bridal veil falls is full of lush greenery. Then we drove to see Brandywine falls. Unfortunately we couldn't get very close since there was a marriage happening in front of the falls! Nevertheless, we were able to see the falls quite well. We also hiked the Brandywine gorge trail and then drove to Kendall lake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVUe95BfBiU/U8F1PSBjBjI/AAAAAAAADRw/AQcqWUArI_s/s1600/IMG_1833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVUe95BfBiU/U8F1PSBjBjI/AAAAAAAADRw/AQcqWUArI_s/s1600/IMG_1833.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandywine Falls - CVNP</td></tr>
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After a picnic lunch at Kendall lake, we drove to Ledges area and hiked the ledges trail. The ledges area is full of amazing landscapes. The Ice box cave however, was closed due to an epidemic threatening the bat population.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOk5tslIVPw/U8GW8DlU4SI/AAAAAAAADR8/VNiWYli0FuU/s1600/KendallLake_picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOk5tslIVPw/U8GW8DlU4SI/AAAAAAAADR8/VNiWYli0FuU/s1600/KendallLake_picnic.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V unpacking lunch at Kendall lake picnic area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EchJXOZ8Lbs/U8GanS5-WkI/AAAAAAAADSI/d6M-OtP-USA/s1600/LedgesArea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EchJXOZ8Lbs/U8GanS5-WkI/AAAAAAAADSI/d6M-OtP-USA/s1600/LedgesArea.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ledges Trail - Virginia Kendall Park</td></tr>
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With this we bid adieu to CVNP and left for Pittsburgh. We wanted to catch the 4th of July fireworks from the <a href="http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/point/" target="_blank">Point State Park</a>. Unfortunately, we weren't able to find parking since the park is located in a very busy area of downtown! We had to settle for glimpses of fireworks as I searched around the block for parking :(.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejMaXMBKqyM/U8GxS-ZpzcI/AAAAAAAADSY/drxPcYeZWsU/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejMaXMBKqyM/U8GxS-ZpzcI/AAAAAAAADSY/drxPcYeZWsU/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4th of July fireworks in Pittsburgh</td></tr>
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We checked into our hotel for the night and that was the end of second day.<br />
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Our third day started off with a visit to the <a href="https://www.svtemple.org/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Sri Venkateswara Temple</a> in Pittsburgh. Built in traditional Hindu style, it is one of the oldest temples in the United States.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRM90uvVlV8/U8Gyb6ZaRPI/AAAAAAAADSg/sZxz6TnUIaA/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRM90uvVlV8/U8Gyb6ZaRPI/AAAAAAAADSg/sZxz6TnUIaA/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sri Venkateswara Temple, Pittsburgh - view of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimanam_(tower)" target="_blank">Vimanam</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopurams" target="_blank">Raja gopuram</a></td></tr>
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We spent nearly half a day at the temple and also finished our lunch there. Then we drove to the <a href="http://www.pittsburghzoo.org/" target="_blank">zoo</a> and spent the rest of the afternoon exploring. The $2 hop-on and off trolley was very convenient to go around the zoo. There were lot of animals on display and we felt it was one of the best zoos we have been to in the US. The best part were their polar bear and shark tanks. They have a passage way beneath these swim tanks that allow people to see them swim over head. We unfortunately missed the polar bear swim (they apparently spend less than 10% of their day swimming!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XvI2IVuRPoc/U8HBkbfSeII/AAAAAAAADSw/IC7la5EhxuY/s1600/PittsburghZoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XvI2IVuRPoc/U8HBkbfSeII/AAAAAAAADSw/IC7la5EhxuY/s1600/PittsburghZoo.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Residents of the Pittsburgh Zoo</td></tr>
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After the zoo, we left for Niagara. It was a long 4.5 hours drive. Fireworks over falls happens only on Fridays and Sundays. This being a saturday, we were able to see just the illumination.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yygbrKC3jjE/U8HHNheBHBI/AAAAAAAADTA/hwtnUhHrKuo/s1600/NiagaraFallsIllumination.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yygbrKC3jjE/U8HHNheBHBI/AAAAAAAADTA/hwtnUhHrKuo/s1600/NiagaraFallsIllumination.jpg" height="100" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Niagara Falls Illumination as seen from Prospect Point (American Side)</td></tr>
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After a late dinner (some restaurants in Niagara are open late into the night), we checked in to our hotel for the night.<br />
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On the Final day of our trip, we got the <a href="http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/buy-niagara-discovery-pass-tickets.aspx" target="_blank">discovery pass</a>. This being our first trip to Niagara, doing everything on the discovery pass seemed like a good start. We started off with the <a href="http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/Cave%20of%20the%20Winds.htm" target="_blank">cave of the winds</a> trip. Followed by the <a href="http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/Maid%20of%20the%20Mist.htm" target="_blank">maid of the mist</a>, the <a href="http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/2194.htm" target="_blank">discovery center</a> and the <a href="http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/2193.htm" target="_blank">aquarium</a>. The cave of the winds and the maid of the mist were breathtaking. No words and pictures can do justice to the sheer magnitude of the falls. Even though the discovery center and aquarium hold a lot of potentially interesting activities and exhibits, we felt that it dwarfs in comparison to the overwhelming experience of the falls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbknaOAULVY/U8HPVMRJ0fI/AAAAAAAADTU/EpgsI1wQ6YA/s1600/IMG_2083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbknaOAULVY/U8HPVMRJ0fI/AAAAAAAADTU/EpgsI1wQ6YA/s1600/IMG_2083.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cave of the winds tour</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALs8kiHMWRg/U8HPUmC8qOI/AAAAAAAADTY/SGMnb7BlyTQ/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALs8kiHMWRg/U8HPUmC8qOI/AAAAAAAADTY/SGMnb7BlyTQ/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow over the cave of the winds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M8DeUwdDrbw/U8HPgOcQ0sI/AAAAAAAADTo/Py_iyWSkFTM/s1600/IMG_2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M8DeUwdDrbw/U8HPgOcQ0sI/AAAAAAAADTo/Py_iyWSkFTM/s1600/IMG_2151.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe Falls, view in front of Top of the falls restaurant </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emwnthAgCEw/U8HPcnmSWzI/AAAAAAAADTk/LEmpEuO2Hv8/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emwnthAgCEw/U8HPcnmSWzI/AAAAAAAADTk/LEmpEuO2Hv8/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe falls from Maid of the mist boat tour</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IEdz2pcYQ-E/U8HPwCsuczI/AAAAAAAADTw/MdK8RW9W484/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IEdz2pcYQ-E/U8HPwCsuczI/AAAAAAAADTw/MdK8RW9W484/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds eye view of the Falls, from the observation tower</td></tr>
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With this, our trip came to an end and we drove back to Ann Arbor while watching a spectacular sunset over lake erie and reached late sunday night.<br />
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So long until our next trip!<br />
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Kannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617578653368068016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7591586879286166848.post-28241645817968326832014-05-18T14:04:00.000-04:002014-10-14T19:04:41.761-04:00Tulip Festival 2014, Holland, MI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.tuliptime.com/" target="_blank">Tulip Festival</a> at Holland, MI typically takes place between 1st and 2nd weeks of May. Holland is about 2.5 hrs West of Ann Arbor and is near the shores of Lake Michigan. We had previously been to Holland in August (see, <a href="http://crashingmigs.blogspot.com/2013/08/holland-mi-summer-2013.html" target="_blank">Holland, MI - Summer 2013</a>) and really wanted to attend the Tulip time festival this year. Unfortunately, we heard from people who visited Holland at the start of this year's festival that Tulips weren't in full bloom yet. So, we chose the last day of the Festival, which was this past weekend, to visit Holland.<br />
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Some of the main attractions in Holland, MI are the Dutch Village, Windmill Island and the Tulip gardens. This was a day trip. We left Ann Arbor early in the morning and it took us longer than we anticipated due to construction along I-96. Our first stop was the Nelis' Dutch Village.<br />
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Niels' Dutch village is a theme park built to replicate the life style in a typical village in Netherlands in 1800's. During this tulip time festival, almost every brick walkway, canal and garden is covered in a variety of tulips, making this a beautiful sight. In addition to the scenery, there are some interesting demonstrations like wooden shoe carving, Amsterdam street Organ and the Holland house candle carving, which was especially amazing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shops, Nelis' Dutch Village, Holland, MI<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">200 year old polder windmill<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nelis' Dutch Village, Holland, MI</td></tr>
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After spending a good half day at the Dutch Village we went to Windmill Island. It was very crowded that day. The garden beside the windmill was lined with rows of Tulips of different variety and color. Unfortunately, parts of the garden were trampled by people trying to take pictures in the middle of tulips.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulip Gardens, Windmill Island</td></tr>
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We also wanted to visit Veldheer's Tulip farm, but because of the crowd we got stuck in traffic and we weren't going to make it in time. So, we decided to go to the Lake Michigan Beach instead. The moon that evening was quite beautiful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Red Lighthouse, Holland MI<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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After relaxing for a while, we drove back to Ann Arbor. The tulip gardens make a very pretty sight and this was a very good trip to start off this summer.</div>
Kannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617578653368068016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7591586879286166848.post-74310819889925051212014-01-11T00:05:00.000-05:002014-09-26T11:35:50.019-04:00DC - Boston - NYC: Christmas 2013 - New Year 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This trip was a great success thanks to all the friends and family who hosted us. It was a cold Christmas eve morning when we left Ann Arbor and headed to Washington DC. This was our first stop during the 10 day trip. The plan was to spend Christmas in DC and New Year in New York and a few days in between at Boston.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Day-1:</b></h4>
After reaching DC, we decided to spend the evening at the Museum of Natural History. It closes at 5:30 PM, so we had about 2-3 hrs. Having been there multiple times, I knew fully well that this was not enough. So, we decided to tour the dinosaurs and precious stones (geology, minerals etc) exhibits.<br />
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I was surprised to see that long before the UM undergrads and grads, dinosaurs roamed the area where now Univ. of Michigan stands, Go Blue!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Pre-historic Blue!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-Jfqd7IU0c/VB3a_Q6IyPI/AAAAAAAADWI/olGUAqUXk2s/s1600/NaturalHistoryMuseumDC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-Jfqd7IU0c/VB3a_Q6IyPI/AAAAAAAADWI/olGUAqUXk2s/s1600/NaturalHistoryMuseumDC.jpg" height="273" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the T-Rex and the gems</td></tr>
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We don't know how the 3hrs went! We left the museum around 5:30 and decided to explore the monuments in the National mall. The sunset behind the Washington monument was spectacular. Unfortunately we couldn't go near the monument due to construction.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset behind the Washington monument</td></tr>
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So, we headed towards the Capitol building first. The special attraction this time of the year is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Christmas_Tree" target="_blank">Capitol Christmas tree</a>. The lawn wasn't too crowded. The weather was especially cold and there was a breeze, making it very hard to keep hands steady for night time photography. Nevertheless, the sights were spectacular.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capitol Christmas tree</td></tr>
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We took the subway train to get some respite from the cold, but finally had to walk to get to the World War II memorial. There was not a soul in sight at this memorial. It was eerie, almost as if it stood to warn us of the terrible costs humanity would have to pay if another war of such proportions is fought.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World War II memorial</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lincoln Memorial</td></tr>
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We got out of there as quickly as we could and walked towards the Lincoln memorial. It was quite crowded. The view of the national mall from the steps of the lincoln memorial was impressive. After soaking in the sights for a while we decided to call it a night.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day-2:</h4>
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On Christmas almost every attraction in DC is closed. So, we decided to take a tour of George Washington's <a href="http://www.mountvernon.org/" target="_blank">Mt. Vernon estate</a> in Virginia. Open 365 days a year, it has a few special attractions during Christmas. One of them is the Washington's Christmas Camel. It is among the first things you see as you enter the estate.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Washington's Christmas Camel</td></tr>
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Sprawling land in front of the mansion, green house and servant quarters on one side, stables and farm on the other and the potomac river in the back all makes the tour of the estate a very memorable one. There are some trees surrounding the mansion which were apparently planted by George Washington himself! This was a sunny day and it was moderately cold, so walking outside around the estate wasn't so bad.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6oF-YtXhmY/VB4jIDgKCxI/AAAAAAAADXU/159rSwcd9jw/s1600/IMG_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6oF-YtXhmY/VB4jIDgKCxI/AAAAAAAADXU/159rSwcd9jw/s1600/IMG_0214.JPG" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Washington's Mansion</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eeXaS5z3bY/VB4jIQ8MiPI/AAAAAAAADXY/Ks_mpceeOWE/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eeXaS5z3bY/VB4jIQ8MiPI/AAAAAAAADXY/Ks_mpceeOWE/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potomac river flowing behind the estate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlXGsqfp0pY/VB4jIQHOiMI/AAAAAAAADXc/ZkAjMeFS5yg/s1600/IMG_0224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlXGsqfp0pY/VB4jIQHOiMI/AAAAAAAADXc/ZkAjMeFS5yg/s1600/IMG_0224.jpg" height="320" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">One of trees on the estate from George Washington's time</span></td></tr>
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A tour of the mansion gave a glimpse of the life style of the Washington's. It was particularly impressive to hear that the Washington's hosted a lot of people (I forget the exact number, but I vaguely remember it to be over a 100/year). Mt. Vernon estate is also the final resting place of the George and Martha Washington and home to the pardoned Thanksgiving turkey.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssW_3CfZe4A/VB4ndgYlBoI/AAAAAAAADXw/hEtqzMPMTWU/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssW_3CfZe4A/VB4ndgYlBoI/AAAAAAAADXw/hEtqzMPMTWU/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomb of George and Martha Washington</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaHGIr2N0dc/VB4ndtelnPI/AAAAAAAADX0/CmakhquFEtA/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaHGIr2N0dc/VB4ndtelnPI/AAAAAAAADX0/CmakhquFEtA/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Thanksgiving Turkey</td></tr>
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There is a lot to see in Mt. Vernon and by the time we were finished it was dusk. We headed back to DC and went straight towards the White House. One of the biggest attractions this time around the year is the National Christmas tree. There was a lot of crowd and we took our time as we were exhausted from walking around Mt. Vernon. After spending an hour around the White House, we had dinner and crashed for the night.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRHiBrJjaAM/VB4ponZHkPI/AAAAAAAADYE/1NwXCrJdL7A/s1600/whitehouseFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRHiBrJjaAM/VB4ponZHkPI/AAAAAAAADYE/1NwXCrJdL7A/s1600/whitehouseFB.jpg" height="240" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front and back side of the White House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKsNAJgFCtw/VB4psrfQ1WI/AAAAAAAADYM/DoAjOinAe6M/s1600/IMG_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKsNAJgFCtw/VB4psrfQ1WI/AAAAAAAADYM/DoAjOinAe6M/s1600/IMG_0302.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Christmas Tree (at Center) surrounded by Christmas trees for each state</td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day-3:</h4>
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This day began very early because we had scheduled a tour of the US Capitol building. This was an amazing tour. People from a lot of different countries were in our group. Our tour guide was extremely enthusiastic and made it a point to greet and have a conversation with people in their native tongue. It was impressive that he could speak so many languages quite fluently.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqR0X-wasyg/VB4vGhg9ZpI/AAAAAAAADYc/JWEMg0s8S0M/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqR0X-wasyg/VB4vGhg9ZpI/AAAAAAAADYc/JWEMg0s8S0M/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US Capitol building</td></tr>
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After the tour of the US Capitol, we went to the Library of Congress through the underground tunnel. The motivation behind the creation of Library of Congress was an inspiring tale. The tour of the library took almost 2 hours. The history of the murals, decorations, sculptures and some of the book collections was fascinating to say the least.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zv8HohaP1J0/VB46JpcZg_I/AAAAAAAADYs/TOfefC2YKpg/s1600/IMG_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zv8HohaP1J0/VB46JpcZg_I/AAAAAAAADYs/TOfefC2YKpg/s1600/IMG_0312.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Library of Congress, as seen from the US Capitol building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-abxJkXTiXRI/VB46MhG1giI/AAAAAAAADY0/RV6_YOVPxsA/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-abxJkXTiXRI/VB46MhG1giI/AAAAAAAADY0/RV6_YOVPxsA/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the reading halls in the Library of Congress</td></tr>
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After this, we decided to go to the zoo. This was very disappointing. I guess we chose the wrong time to go to the zoo. There were very few animals on display outside. We walked around the zoo till evening and had a sumptuous dinner on the way back and decided to call it an early night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_0ODVTCS88/VB5FmDJSVGI/AAAAAAAADZE/1THn8ECtbmc/s1600/DCzoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_0ODVTCS88/VB5FmDJSVGI/AAAAAAAADZE/1THn8ECtbmc/s1600/DCzoo.jpg" height="240" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks like these guys @ DC zoo were also worried about the snow and the cold</td></tr>
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On day-4 we left Washington DC early in the morning and took a Bolt Bus to Boston. We had a stop in New York City to change buses. Unfortunately we didn't have time at this point to look around Manhattan. We reached Boston in the evening and spent the rest of the day relaxing.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day-5:</h4>
We started early and reached the <a href="http://www.neaq.org/index.php" target="_blank">New England Aquarium</a>. Since we only had a couple of days in Boston, we got the <a href="http://www.citypass.com/boston" target="_blank">CityPass</a> and started our tour. This was our first time visiting an aquarium so we didn't know what to expect. The place was crowded, you could hear muffled announcements, the smell of sea water filled the air. We were given the floor map of the aquarium along with our tickets. After entering, we decided to head towards the touch tank.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZVWDmGwh1E/VB7R4m53sCI/AAAAAAAADZU/W9ps7PX6u0o/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZVWDmGwh1E/VB7R4m53sCI/AAAAAAAADZU/W9ps7PX6u0o/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V patting the back of a sting ray</td></tr>
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Sting rays, baby sharks and few others swam the shallow waters of the touch tank. All we had to do was gently put our palm in water, the sting rays and sharks came up and rubbed their backs on our palm as they swam. Once in a while, they would get agitated and swim really fast and then calm down after a couple of minutes. It was a very popular exhibit and we spent close to half hour playing with the sting ray and sharks.<br />
<br />
Our next stop was the penguin exhibit. We arrived just in time for the penguin presentations. We walked around the exhibit learning about different kinds of penguins, their habitat, routine, food habits, mating habits etc. All the while we could see the giant ocean tank in the backdrop. It was almost time for the ocean tank divers program, so we headed towards that.<br />
<br />
This ocean tank was humungous. Schools of fish of various types and turtles swam the waters amidst corals and sea weed. Divers in scuba gear were feeding and cleaning the tank. This was a sight to behold. We climbed (about 4 floors) and reached the top of the ocean tank, where they were feeding the giant turtles (~ 100 years old). This was really impressive. We spent a lot of time near the ocean tank.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NV_H7vrVSkU/VB7ubNzxDHI/AAAAAAAADZk/6CwRNdEtQdw/s1600/IMG_0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NV_H7vrVSkU/VB7ubNzxDHI/AAAAAAAADZk/6CwRNdEtQdw/s1600/IMG_0657.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V bidding adieu to turtle</td></tr>
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Next, we went to the seal training sessions. This was standing room only and the session was about 45 mins. It was an impressive display and a must watch to all who visit this aquarium.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwlteGIVKOw/VB7yyGlcONI/AAAAAAAADZ4/9fZFVTMpa-4/s1600/sealtraining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwlteGIVKOw/VB7yyGlcONI/AAAAAAAADZ4/9fZFVTMpa-4/s1600/sealtraining.jpg" height="240" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fur seal training session</td></tr>
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For the next few hours we looked around the various exhibits and by the time we were done, we had spent more than half a day at the aquarium. It was late noon and we decided to hike the <a href="http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/" target="_blank">freedom trail</a>. after a hearty lunch at <a href="http://www.wagamama.us/" target="_blank">Wagamama</a> in the Quincy market (the food was delicious nothing less than a 5 star!). First, we went to the Fennel Hall and then to the Old State House. Lot of history lessons. We had studied about American Revolution and Boston Tea party in high school, so it was quite interesting to see these places.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EdZh5bJbU7Q/VB7272BNrtI/AAAAAAAADaE/kJk_WQJn7AY/s1600/Fennel-StateHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EdZh5bJbU7Q/VB7272BNrtI/AAAAAAAADaE/kJk_WQJn7AY/s1600/Fennel-StateHouse.jpg" height="240" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fennel Hall (left) and Old State House (right)</td></tr>
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By this time, it was getting dark. Prudential center was our last trip for this day. Views of Boston from the top of the center were amazing. We spent a few of minutes trying to identify various landmarks and also saw a movie about the tower. With this, our first day in Boston came to an end and we returned back to rest for the night.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day-6:</h4>
We spent most of this day with family since it was raining outside (rain in december is very very cold!). In between, for a couple of hours we went to the Boston Museum of Arts and toured the MIT campus. There is a lot to see at both locations and we unfortunately didn't have enough time.<br />
<br />
On day-7 we left early from Boston and took a bus to NYC and then a train to New Brunswick, NJ and spent the rest of the day relaxing and preparing. Next day, the last day of 2013, would be a very long day for us since we planned to witness the ball drop.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day-8:</h4>
We started off early from NJ and reached Manhattan. Our first stop was the World Trade Center (WTC) memorial. We had not been to NYC when the twin towers were there. So, the magnitude of void did not strike us at first. It happened when we witnessed the light shimmering up on the names of thousands who perished at that site and the somber atmosphere all around, completely contrasting the energy and enthusiasm of the city.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfruFSCHlmU/VB8N6wGMIQI/AAAAAAAADaU/FdJUurPE2ic/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfruFSCHlmU/VB8N6wGMIQI/AAAAAAAADaU/FdJUurPE2ic/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WTC Memorial</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrPImeofj8U/VB8OC2XyxpI/AAAAAAAADac/U933nFAmw40/s1600/IMG_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrPImeofj8U/VB8OC2XyxpI/AAAAAAAADac/U933nFAmw40/s1600/IMG_0795.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WTC Memorial</td></tr>
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We spent some time around the memorial, there were a lot of people, some tourists, some who lost friends and family. Finally, we came out of this site still shocked at the extent of damage this had done to the city.<br />
<br />
Focussing on our next plans, we found a good restaurant nearby and had a heavy lunch. We were carrying some snacks in the backpack and dressed for the chill. We started walking towards Times Square. It was about 2:00 PM. The streets on 7th Ave were already being closed as people gathered to witness the ball drop. By the time we made it in, it was around 3:30 PM. We found a good spot between 49th and 50th St. We had a very clear view of the ball. And the long wait began. We made acquaintance with the people surrounding us. We talked, ate, sang talked some more and waited patiently in the cold. It was about 28 degrees Fahrenheit and there was some light snow fall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2ixy7DAxsQ/VB8WTFH1buI/AAAAAAAADas/LduXCapmfEs/s1600/IMG_0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2ixy7DAxsQ/VB8WTFH1buI/AAAAAAAADas/LduXCapmfEs/s1600/IMG_0810.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time Square Dec 31st 2013 3:40 PM (check the time in the clock tower in the pic)<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N59cvsEqEOY/VB8WYv3PeaI/AAAAAAAADa4/zEpwA8enlEk/s1600/NYCTimesSq2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N59cvsEqEOY/VB8WYv3PeaI/AAAAAAAADa4/zEpwA8enlEk/s1600/NYCTimesSq2013.jpg" height="284" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spot, between 50th and 49th St. The ball drop happens at 42nd St. (right most pic)</td></tr>
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After about eight and half hours of wait, it finally happened ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a26AJef2ihg/VB8WYQ2KCUI/AAAAAAAADa0/WHkeErJLiyc/s1600/IMG_0886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a26AJef2ihg/VB8WYQ2KCUI/AAAAAAAADa0/WHkeErJLiyc/s1600/IMG_0886.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn of the Year 2014</td></tr>
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There were celebrations all around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwEbD9VgMUw/VB8Xbo64QlI/AAAAAAAADbE/Ay5EtwadzhM/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwEbD9VgMUw/VB8Xbo64QlI/AAAAAAAADbE/Ay5EtwadzhM/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Times Square, Jan 1st 2014, 00:01 AM</td></tr>
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It took us more than an hour to get to the NY Penn Station and finally we made it back to New Brunswick around 3 AM. We slept through the rest of the night and woke up around 9 AM.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day-9:</h4>
<div>
We started the day slowly relaxing for a while and then set out after a brunch. After reaching Manhattan, we went straight to Madame Tussaud's museum, where we spent the rest of the day. This was very crowded and was lot of fun. Not to mention an escape from the cold weather outside.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bzaBntq0c2M/VB8b15TQ9OI/AAAAAAAADbQ/w6U6dtH0aC4/s1600/NYC-MadameTussauds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bzaBntq0c2M/VB8b15TQ9OI/AAAAAAAADbQ/w6U6dtH0aC4/s1600/NYC-MadameTussauds.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running from Hulk at Madame Tussaud's</td></tr>
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<div>
We decided to take it easy and came back early (around 8PM) to New Brunswick and relaxed for the night.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day-10:</h4>
<div>
There was a heavy snowfall prediction for the whole of lower Manhattan and the Edison and New Brunswick area of NJ after 5PM. So we planned to get back by that time and left early in the morning. Our first stop was Battery Park, where we took a ferry to Liberty Island. This was a very cold and windy day. We sat in the upper deck of the boat to get good views of Manhattan and Statue of Liberty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_B0dUw4qNk/VCTay3gbsmI/AAAAAAAADbg/hxFUtQ0ImLo/s1600/IMG_1062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_B0dUw4qNk/VCTay3gbsmI/AAAAAAAADbg/hxFUtQ0ImLo/s1600/IMG_1062.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Manhattan from Liberty Island ferry</td></tr>
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After reaching the Liberty Island, we picked up some maps and started walking around the Island. At times the wind was so strong and cold that it was very hard to breathe. Despite the intense cold, there were a lot of people on the Island that day. The NY City pass we bought didn't allow us the pedestal access. To go up the statue, it seems we had to reserve months in advance. So, we just spent time walking around the island taking in the sights.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnpHlSTS7s4/VCTb8cwINiI/AAAAAAAADbo/Il9OVgMvGDw/s1600/IMG_1071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnpHlSTS7s4/VCTb8cwINiI/AAAAAAAADbo/Il9OVgMvGDw/s1600/IMG_1071.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Liberty as seen from Liberty Island Ferry</td></tr>
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The cold got worse as the day went by and we were relieved when we finally reached the gift shop at the end of our walk around the island. We shopped for a while as we waited for the ferry. After embarking, our next stop was <a href="http://www.nps.gov/elis/index.htm" target="_blank">Ellis Island</a>. This was the first stop for immigrants who came to NYC via the sea. The once customs and immigration building is now a multi storied museum. After couple of hours of touring, we wanted to grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, the restaurant on the island was still closed due to damage from hurricane Sandy.<br />
<br />
We had lunch as soon as we got back to Manhattan. We only had a couple of hours left, so we decided to go see the Brooklyn Bridge since it was closest. The views of the Brooklyn bridge and Manhattan East side from the Brooklyn bridge park were spectacular. The Manhattan bridge was an impressive sight as well. We walked around the park and went up on the Brooklyn bridge. By this time, we had enough of the cold and it was quite dark even though it was around 4. So we left to reach New Brunswick before the weather got bad. Unfortunately, it had started snowing in Edison, NJ and we were delayed by about an hour. Nevertheless we reached before it got very bad. We spent rest of the day relaxing and staying warm.<br />
<br />
Our return flight was from Washington DC the next day. Due to inclement weather, we rescheduled and flew out of Newark and finally reached Ann Arbor. Thanks to the trip, we also missed the polar vortex that froze the hell out of Michigan! All in all this trip was a great success. Cheers!</div>
</div>
Kannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617578653368068016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7591586879286166848.post-90279001115786893312013-09-15T13:19:00.000-04:002014-09-28T19:32:12.804-04:00The Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Fall 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm" target="_blank">Great Smoky Mountains National Park</a> is the first national park we have visited. This was a 3 day trip during the Labour day weekend. We rented a cabin in <a href="http://www.gatlinburg.com/" target="_blank">Gatlinburg, TN</a> for three nights. The drive from Ann Arbor takes about 9 hours, so it is a long road trip. We left Ann Arbor on Friday, Aug 30th, and drove to Gatlinburg and got settled in our cabin and relaxed for the night.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day-1:</h4>
Saturday morning, we packed our bags and left early to Trillium Gap trail head to hike <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/grotto-falls.htm" target="_blank">Grotto Falls</a>. It is an easy to moderate hike with over 500ft gain in elevation and takes a couple of hours. Along the trail, we saw some recent bear activity (that doesn't make a pretty picture!). At the end of the trail is a beautiful falls. The best part about the falls is that you can walk behind it. The water collects in a small pool at the foot of the falls and you see lots of tiny salamanders in and around the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DkapeMOR_7g/VChDG4t2LSI/AAAAAAAADfg/EQPC3F3V1eI/s1600/IMG_2539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DkapeMOR_7g/VChDG4t2LSI/AAAAAAAADfg/EQPC3F3V1eI/s1600/IMG_2539.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Grotto Falls</td></tr>
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As soon as we got back to our car, we had lunch and headed straight to a place called Newfound Gap. This is at the Tennessee - North Carolina state line. From here, hiking eastbound on the Appalachian Trail leads to Charlies Bunion and westbound hike leads to Clingmans Dome. We had planned to hike Charlies Bunion. It is a 4 mile hike one way and there is about 1600 ft gain in elevation. It is a strenuous hike and the round trip takes about 6-7 hrs. So, if you are planning this, be sure to start the hike early or at most by noon. We started the hike few mins past noon. We had packed adequate water, some trail mix bars (bear proofed) and dressed light and were traveling light. We hiked at a steady pace, stopping once an hour or so to relax.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEqAt2hd1Hs/VChKK5YQeiI/AAAAAAAADfw/nqwLCXXpz40/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEqAt2hd1Hs/VChKK5YQeiI/AAAAAAAADfw/nqwLCXXpz40/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Appalachian Trail - Hike to Charlies Bunion</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
For the most part, the hike is through the woods. You will see plenty of wild flowers, butterflies, birds, squirrels and lots of bear activity. At several points along the trail, you will see a hill on one side and valley on the other, or valleys on both sides, making for a gorgeous hike. But, this is a long hike so you have to be patient if you want to get to the end.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JCTU-sM8uXw/VChKaaQS9SI/AAAAAAAADf4/-Fpz2Xsi2xM/s1600/IMG_2599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JCTU-sM8uXw/VChKaaQS9SI/AAAAAAAADf4/-Fpz2Xsi2xM/s1600/IMG_2599.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Appalachian Trail - Hike to Charlies Bunion</td></tr>
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At the end is a summit. Standing on the rock ledge provides excellent 360 degree vistas. Clouds all around you, some above and some below, the beauty of the scene and the exhilarating feeling cannot be described by words or pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzXjkTUMaFI/VChNWJwKkOI/AAAAAAAADgE/EqD58n1kfWo/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzXjkTUMaFI/VChNWJwKkOI/AAAAAAAADgE/EqD58n1kfWo/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlies Bunion, Appalachian Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfR-L5gKXio/VChNXx3sI4I/AAAAAAAADgM/PJFjaqioNHk/s1600/IMG_2619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfR-L5gKXio/VChNXx3sI4I/AAAAAAAADgM/PJFjaqioNHk/s1600/IMG_2619.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlies Bunion, Appalachian Trail - View from the summit</td></tr>
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We spent some time sitting at the summit, soaking in the sights. It took away all the fatigue from our 4 mile hike. Unfortunately we couldn't spend all day there. We had a long, strenuous hike back and so we left. By the time we got back it was getting dark. We drove to our cabin and crashed for the night.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day-2:</h4>
We were quite exhausted from our hike to Chalies Bunion, so we wanted to start this day off with something easy. So, we decided to go to Laurel Falls. This is one of the most popular falls in the Smokies and has an accessible trail. Perhaps that is why it was very crowded when we went there. The water was flowing gently and lot of people were playing in the water and climbing the near by rocks. The waterfall was quite serene and barring the theatrics of the people there, it made for a good experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw5X_vymxVg/VChlVt-gFKI/AAAAAAAADgc/SKwif7er8v0/s1600/IMG_2638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw5X_vymxVg/VChlVt-gFKI/AAAAAAAADgc/SKwif7er8v0/s1600/IMG_2638.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Laurel Falls</td></tr>
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Our next destination was <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm" target="_blank">Cades Cove</a>. On our way through the scenic route, there were plenty of pull over spots and we stopped at few of them to relax and play in water and also had lunch at one such spot. Few minutes later, there were heavy rains; almost to a point that traffic ground to a halt. By the time we reached Cades Cove, it was late afternoon.<br />
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As you drive through the Cades Cove, you can pull over into the numerous scenic spots and enjoy the view. Historic buildings, wildlife and breathtaking vistas made this an unforgettable experience for us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WPzlB8bcS0I/VCh8YwKr9GI/AAAAAAAADgs/x1hQ3hq05VI/s1600/IMG_2673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WPzlB8bcS0I/VCh8YwKr9GI/AAAAAAAADgs/x1hQ3hq05VI/s1600/IMG_2673.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Oliver Place, Cades Cove (They had an amazing view from their backyard)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4orzuSKkUU/VCh8vNCBDWI/AAAAAAAADg0/MGvecSIkpbA/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4orzuSKkUU/VCh8vNCBDWI/AAAAAAAADg0/MGvecSIkpbA/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Horses grazing by the side of the road, Cades Cove</td></tr>
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You can spot plenty of deers but, from what I have heard, it is very rare to spot Black Bears. We were very fortunate to spot two black bears when we were in Cades Cove. They were just by the side of the road, eating berries on a tree. We spotted one of them couple of miles in and the other, a baby bear, as we were getting out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yh7pmCcLBsQ/VCh-cGAPryI/AAAAAAAADhA/aHxOUgp4uV8/s1600/Bear1a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yh7pmCcLBsQ/VCh-cGAPryI/AAAAAAAADhA/aHxOUgp4uV8/s1600/Bear1a.png" height="222" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Bear #1, Cades Cove</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KMX7mWv65vM/VCh-cEgEuTI/AAAAAAAADhE/JLk_bgAJ-AY/s1600/Bear1b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KMX7mWv65vM/VCh-cEgEuTI/AAAAAAAADhE/JLk_bgAJ-AY/s1600/Bear1b.png" height="222" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Bear #1, Cades Cove</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eo0ZCXjMOU4/VCh_-UJD0hI/AAAAAAAADhU/9H3aGVBE2bs/s1600/IMG_2734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eo0ZCXjMOU4/VCh_-UJD0hI/AAAAAAAADhU/9H3aGVBE2bs/s1600/IMG_2734.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer herd grazing in the fields, Thunderhead mountain in the back, at Cades Cove</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mG4nWAgkRU/VCiD4l6HwOI/AAAAAAAADhg/cbXstczfWRs/s1600/Bear2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mG4nWAgkRU/VCiD4l6HwOI/AAAAAAAADhg/cbXstczfWRs/s1600/Bear2.png" height="222" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black bear #2, Cades Cove</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2f0E1ZCaohg/VCiD7M2y6QI/AAAAAAAADho/fIQ35vaFKyU/s1600/IMG_2771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2f0E1ZCaohg/VCiD7M2y6QI/AAAAAAAADho/fIQ35vaFKyU/s1600/IMG_2771.JPG" height="213" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusk at Cades Cove</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8CeVMdvDmM/VCiD7N3tagI/AAAAAAAADhs/k5XePJWOokQ/s1600/IMG_2772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8CeVMdvDmM/VCiD7N3tagI/AAAAAAAADhs/k5XePJWOokQ/s1600/IMG_2772.JPG" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusk at Cades Cove</td></tr>
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The sunset ambience at Cades Cove was spectacular. The hues around the mountains, clouds and fields was breathtaking. We felt like staying there for the night. Unfortunately, this was not be. By the time we got out of the Cades Cove, the sun had already set. So we got back to Gatlinburg and went around the downtown to have dinner. Gatlinburg downtown exists in almost complete contradiction to its surroundings and it doesn't feel like you are in the Smokies. We got back and turned in for the night.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Day-3:</h4>
The last day of the long weekend was here and it was a long way back to Ann Arbor. So, we had to pick a place and that was it. We chose to go to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm" target="_blank">Clingmans dome</a>. Clingmans dome is the highest point in the Appalachian Trail and it is accessible by car. A ravine on one side and a steep hill on the other makes for a terrifying and at the same time an exhilarating drive. Fortunately for us, the weather was perfect that day. The views from the top was unbelievable. We could see mountains and clouds all around us but, we were at an elevation far above all that. We were literally on top of the clouds. This was an amazing experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPRtLzVx0Fs/VCiPdbjXN5I/AAAAAAAADiA/x9Aab8VXCfo/s1600/IMG_2804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPRtLzVx0Fs/VCiPdbjXN5I/AAAAAAAADiA/x9Aab8VXCfo/s1600/IMG_2804.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V at Clingmans Dome</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnXcJ5Xj37M/VCiPdqZOo-I/AAAAAAAADiE/Ea0yfMcXVxI/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnXcJ5Xj37M/VCiPdqZOo-I/AAAAAAAADiE/Ea0yfMcXVxI/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess Bears and Bees go together (at Clingmans Dome)</td></tr>
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We spent close to an hour at Clingmans dome. Our trip had to come to an end. We felt that two and a half days was not nearly enough time to enjoy the Smokies. We made up our mind to definitely visit this place again and with that feeling, we drove back to Ann Arbor. Even though the time we spent was little, the experiences we had and the memories we made would be with us forever.</div>
Kannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617578653368068016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7591586879286166848.post-10741077618454810492013-08-06T19:46:00.000-04:002014-10-01T00:01:16.277-04:00Holland, MI - Summer 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Holland, MI is about 2.5 hrs away form Ann Arbor. It is a popular tourist destination in May because of the Tulip Festival. The weather was good and we wanted to go to some beach and so, we picked Holland. We started late from Ann Arbor and reached Holland by late afternoon. Our first stop was Windmill Island.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6FIhhp4I-o/VCtEWZiJ_8I/AAAAAAAADik/CYWbBAi40i0/s1600/IMG_2424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6FIhhp4I-o/VCtEWZiJ_8I/AAAAAAAADik/CYWbBAi40i0/s1600/IMG_2424.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last working authentic Dutch windmill in the US</td></tr>
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The windmill is over 250 years old and is the only authentic working Dutch windmill in the United States. We reached in time for a demonstration. It was interesting to learn the history and see the workings of the windmill. We were also able to see the surrounding scenery from the 4th floor and the island looked quite beautiful even in summer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS5Gx38tnkY/VCtEWBVRVlI/AAAAAAAADig/65Frnd4nK8A/s1600/IMG_2401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS5Gx38tnkY/VCtEWBVRVlI/AAAAAAAADig/65Frnd4nK8A/s1600/IMG_2401.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V amongst flowers in Windmill Island</td></tr>
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Our next stop was the Dutch village. By that time unfortunately, it was closed. It closes by 5 PM on regular days. So, we went to the Holland harbor to relax on the beach. There is a beautiful lighthouse at this beach know as the <a href="http://www.holland.org/listings/Big-Red-Lighthouse/372/" target="_blank">Big Red</a>. We played for a while on the beach. The water was very cold even though this was August.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxcTEktcm4M/VCt7xDnE4dI/AAAAAAAADi8/Jbex9oCG2Ow/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxcTEktcm4M/VCt7xDnE4dI/AAAAAAAADi8/Jbex9oCG2Ow/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Big Red lighthouse, Holland harbor, MI</td></tr>
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We wanted to catch the sunset. But, it got a bit cloudy and the sun rays peeking between the clouds made for some interesting photography.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1EL8CHr7vMo/VCt7xQI-xiI/AAAAAAAADiw/iiT-Xtd1UDQ/s1600/IMG_2456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1EL8CHr7vMo/VCt7xQI-xiI/AAAAAAAADiw/iiT-Xtd1UDQ/s1600/IMG_2456.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suset over Lake Michigan, Holland Harbor, MI</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCapupT-cwE/VCt7xVIEMUI/AAAAAAAADi0/x3--25sIQ2w/s1600/IMG_2469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCapupT-cwE/VCt7xVIEMUI/AAAAAAAADi0/x3--25sIQ2w/s1600/IMG_2469.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suset over Lake Michigan, Holland Harbor, MI</td></tr>
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This was a very short trip, not even a full day. We both felt that Holland is a beautiful town and that it definitely deserves a second visit. We left from the beach around sunset, determined to visit again during the Tulip Time Festival 2014.</div>
Kannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617578653368068016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7591586879286166848.post-50520079212496587482012-06-10T22:53:00.000-04:002016-02-08T22:56:39.438-05:00Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A new summer is up on us and the semester just ended a couple of weeks ago. Me and couple of friends decided to take a weekend trip. <a href="http://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm" target="_blank">Pictured Rocks</a> is on the shores of Lake Superior, about 6.5 h North of Ann Arbor. We departed from Ann Arbor on Saturday at 4 AM and our first destination was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tahquamenon_Falls" target="_blank">Tahquamenon Falls</a> in the Upper Peninsula. The Tahquamenon Falls comprises of two falls the upper and the lower falls. Due to time constraints we decided to visit only the upper falls. The sheer force and enormity of the falls was amazing. Several viewing platforms at short hiking distances provide excellent vantage point to view the falls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAkiYh34UHE/VreR0WxwuSI/AAAAAAAADr8/Lrqu3Bd7mVw/s1600/IMG_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAkiYh34UHE/VreR0WxwuSI/AAAAAAAADr8/Lrqu3Bd7mVw/s400/IMG_0395.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tahquamenon Falls</td></tr>
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After spending an hour near the falls, we drove to Munising, MI and checked into our hotel. With a few hours of day light left, we decided to visit <a href="http://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/upload/MinersCastle2013.pdf" target="_blank">Miners Castle</a> and explore the surrouring area. It is one of the icons of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Short paved trails provide excellent view points of the rock formations and lake Superior.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce5URNw9pEk/VrffKaKlbZI/AAAAAAAADsM/09GLJJPGMlc/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce5URNw9pEk/VrffKaKlbZI/AAAAAAAADsM/09GLJJPGMlc/s400/IMG_0400.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oRatrQER_pg/VrffKZWZCMI/AAAAAAAADsI/ZUonAOitIFo/s1600/IMG_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oRatrQER_pg/VrffKZWZCMI/AAAAAAAADsI/ZUonAOitIFo/s400/IMG_0439.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miners Castle</td></tr>
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A short hike takes you to the Miners beach. A long sandy shore and a serene atmosphere makes this a beach goers delight. We were there right around the sunset time. Unfortunately though, the skies were a bit cloudy. Nevertheless, it created a fantastic ambience and has left an ever lasting impression, making Pictured Rocks a place I must revisit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miners Beach</td></tr>
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It was starting to get dark. We made a quick stop at the Miners Falls before heading back to our hotel for the night.<br />
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Day-2 of our trip started with a quick visit to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/upload/Waterfalls2013.pdf" target="_blank">Wagner Falls</a>. The paved trail starts right by the side of the road. A short hike leads to this beautiful water falls cascading over sandstone terraces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aooy-J6b4Lc/Vrf62UDJ37I/AAAAAAAADtA/hO7wmvpYd-U/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aooy-J6b4Lc/Vrf62UDJ37I/AAAAAAAADtA/hO7wmvpYd-U/s400/IMG_0552.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wagner Falls</td></tr>
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We next headed to explore the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/upload/chapelbasin.pdf" target="_blank">Chapel Basin</a>. There are plenty of hiking options here. We picked the 6.2 mile (round-trip) North-East trail to hike to Chapel Beach via Chapel Falls. The weather was slightly cool and perfect for this long hike through the woods. Lots of mushrooms and wildflowers were in bloom this spring, making this a beautiful hike.<br />
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Different vantage points provide spectacular views of the 60 ft high Chapel Falls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel Falls</td></tr>
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Hiking 1.8 miles further we went on to see the Chapel Rock formation, another one of icons at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We wanted to spend some time near the Chapel beach. Unfortunately, it started raining right around the time we reached the beach. Due to shortage of time, after the quick downpour subsided, we hiked back to our car and drove towards the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/piro/learn/nature/upload/GrandSableDunesRNA.pdf" target="_blank">Grand Sable dunes</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel Rock</td></tr>
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There are two overlook points for the Grand Sable dunes. We went to the Log Slide overlook. It provides a fantastic birds-eye view of the dunes. We also went to the access point a quarter mile east of the log slide overlook to hike the dunes. It was incredibly scary as every step felt like I would tumble down into the looming vast lake superior. The last stretch was too steep and we gave up on reaching the lake superior here. The hike back was a daunting task and we took our time enjoying the panorama. <a href="http://www.nps.gov/piro/learn/historyculture/ausablelightstation.htm" target="_blank">Au Sable light house</a>, visible from the log slide overlook was our next destination.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Sable Dunes from Log Slide Overlook</td></tr>
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We drove to the Hurricane river point along H58. Here the Hurricane river empties into the lake superior. A portion of the hike towards the Au Sable Light House is along the Twelve mile beach. The tranquil beach on one side and woods on the other side and the cool spring breeze made this a perfect hike. This place and the hike was my favorite in this entire trip. There is also campground near the parking lot (note to self, must camp here some time!, the ambience is fantastic).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hike through the woods to Au Sable Light House </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Grand Sable Dunes from Twelve mile Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Superior as viewed from Twelve mile beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcC1qb6MXY0/Vrlex72SoPI/AAAAAAAADvM/d-QPuHTWJPI/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcC1qb6MXY0/Vrlex72SoPI/AAAAAAAADvM/d-QPuHTWJPI/s400/IMG_0863.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Au Sable Light House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JocnLz1KrA/VrleySMUh_I/AAAAAAAADvY/8_SS0yFxm2c/s1600/IMG_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JocnLz1KrA/VrleySMUh_I/AAAAAAAADvY/8_SS0yFxm2c/s400/IMG_0932.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the Lake Superior at the Hurricane River mouth</td></tr>
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After the sunset, we started back to Ann Arbor and reached around 5 AM Monday morning. For a short 2-Day trip we had managed to see a lot. It was a memorable weekend and great start to the summer.</div>
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Kannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617578653368068016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7591586879286166848.post-36311181700794757902012-05-05T10:48:00.000-04:002014-09-26T11:35:26.174-04:00Warren Dunes, Lake Michigan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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End of April brings with it the joy of summer holidays. Although 'summer-holidays' does not mean much to a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D, it does provide more time to balance research with non-academic fun. It also marks the beginning of pleasant weather, at least for a few months, and lots of hiking options for amateurs such as myself.</div>
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Warren Dunes State Park is just off of Interstate 94W close to the exit 16. About 160 miles from Ann Arbor, approximately 3 hours drive, it is a perfect place for a weekend hiking trip. The trails here, along the lake Michigan's beach and the sand dunes are reasonably tough to hike (when done backwards) and takes roughly 6-8 hours. This time of the year, there is hardly any crowd there, making it very peaceful. On the downside, be sure to pack lunch and snacks and carry plenty of water! none of the eating options are open. One would have to travel for several miles to find an eatery. Also, if you are thinking of hiking the sand trails barefoot, its a terrible idea! There are shards of broken glass on the trails probably from people partying.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6d0n_bus6AQ/VCWDpLt-yYI/AAAAAAAADcY/DB03aN4L6ls/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6d0n_bus6AQ/VCWDpLt-yYI/AAAAAAAADcY/DB03aN4L6ls/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dune Hike - Warren Dunes State Park<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan Beach view from Dunes trail</td></tr>
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If you follow google-maps, you will end up at the parking lot close to Mile marker 1. We spent about 6 hrs exploring the trail along 1-14-13-8-4-3 path. The Beach trail starts at marker 1 and ends close to marker 14. There are no visible boards to make a right turn, just a faint bootleg trail. A right turn there leads to a broken 'beach trail' board and eventually to marker 14 stump.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Trail - Warren Dunes State Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan Beach - Warren Dunes State Park<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random clicks along the beach trail</td></tr>
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Trail 8-4-3 leads through a nice, cool, Warren Dunes nature area. Early spring offers plenty of greenery, a few flowers and meandering streams, making this a very relaxing hike.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V12djFkR2lY/VCWE_WjWOgI/AAAAAAAADdA/X8suCFRoDfc/s1600/WDNAoverview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V12djFkR2lY/VCWE_WjWOgI/AAAAAAAADdA/X8suCFRoDfc/s1600/WDNAoverview.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random Clicks along the Warren Dunes Nature Trail</td></tr>
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If you choose to make a right at marker 8, which we did, leads to a very hard climb of the Mt. Randall, eventually leading to spectacular views of the beach. The cool breeze and the mild sun (it is almost 5 PM) and soft sand is now the perfect place to relax after a tough day of hiking.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing on the dunes after a strenuous hike</td></tr>
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St. Joseph North Pier lighthouse is located at the mouth of St. Joseph river as it pours into Lake Michigan. Located 20 miles from Warren Dunes beach, it is very nice, peaceful place to watch the sun set over the lake Michigan. Unfortunately it was cloudy and started to rain when we got there!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse</td></tr>
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Nonetheless, the ambience near the lighthouse beach is soothing. This was our last stop before driving back to Ann Arbor. Overall, it was a very pleasant trip, and I am definitely revisiting these places perhaps during another season.</div>
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Kannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617578653368068016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7591586879286166848.post-79226320719465773352010-09-25T06:57:00.000-04:002014-09-27T09:34:19.451-04:00Chicago Fall 2010, IL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This was a weekend trip to Chicago. We left Ann Arbor Saturday late afternoon and reached Chicago by night. We checked into our hotel in the downtown and freshened up and went for a stroll along the river walk. Sky scrapers all around, quietly flowing chicago river and metro trains running above ground all reminded us of scenes from Batman Begins.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Chicago River Walk</td></tr>
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Willis tower was open for another hour and half, so, we went straight there. We spent some time watching a small movie about its history and went up to the sky deck. The views of Chicago from there were fantastic. The sky was mostly clear with a few low clouds here and there. It took some courage to stand in the glass box, we could feel the vibrations due to wind and it was an amazing and scary experience at the same time. We stayed up there till the tower was about to close and then headed out to dinner and crashed for the night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZahcDR42Mw/VCX4dM_ebdI/AAAAAAAADd0/0tiTohWT7y8/s1600/DSC04169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZahcDR42Mw/VCX4dM_ebdI/AAAAAAAADd0/0tiTohWT7y8/s1600/DSC04169.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Willis Tower from the ground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqXclXYAWYM/VCX443YCGxI/AAAAAAAADd8/NZxfY0o4CVU/s1600/DSC04205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bqXclXYAWYM/VCX443YCGxI/AAAAAAAADd8/NZxfY0o4CVU/s1600/DSC04205.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Willis Tower's Skydeck, view of the lake MI shoreline</td></tr>
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We started off the next day by heading towards the Navy Pier. The fall colors were just starting to show and the downtown looked beautiful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UduzDyZblrY/VCX98GuaEgI/AAAAAAAADeM/82SvZeuMtEE/s1600/DSC04296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UduzDyZblrY/VCX98GuaEgI/AAAAAAAADeM/82SvZeuMtEE/s1600/DSC04296.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skyscrapers enroute to Navy Pier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-BZ50edoNE/VCX-Pn4GXHI/AAAAAAAADeU/9MwWpp8uriY/s1600/DSC00615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-BZ50edoNE/VCX-Pn4GXHI/AAAAAAAADeU/9MwWpp8uriY/s1600/DSC00615.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier</td></tr>
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At the Navy pier, we first thought of going up the balloon but the winds were not cooperative. So, instead we rode the ferris wheel. The views of the Chicago skyline and the lake Michigan were breathtaking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQq7NvoRCD8/VCYAmmZuYiI/AAAAAAAADeg/jIL-TdUzwEo/s1600/DSC04325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQq7NvoRCD8/VCYAmmZuYiI/AAAAAAAADeg/jIL-TdUzwEo/s1600/DSC04325.JPG" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballon trip that was not meant to be</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1byYYwJuK2c/VCYBMUr3w8I/AAAAAAAADeo/R3cZbkmijzI/s1600/DSC00163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1byYYwJuK2c/VCYBMUr3w8I/AAAAAAAADeo/R3cZbkmijzI/s1600/DSC00163.JPG" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicago skyline from the ferris wheel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpU4PQF5x4Q/VCYBhuZbF6I/AAAAAAAADew/CUIt3J1F1IA/s1600/DSC04357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpU4PQF5x4Q/VCYBhuZbF6I/AAAAAAAADew/CUIt3J1F1IA/s1600/DSC04357.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan as seen from the skyline</td></tr>
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After the ferris wheel we went to the food court to get some lunch since we were starving. There was some play going on. I don't remember what the exact story was, but I remember that it was about Pirates and that it was really funny. The next time we go there, should check the calendar beforehand for events and plan.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1k6UwQ8K5oE/VCYDq6QCb9I/AAAAAAAADe8/OKSWA1_jxTs/s1600/NavypierPlay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1k6UwQ8K5oE/VCYDq6QCb9I/AAAAAAAADe8/OKSWA1_jxTs/s1600/NavypierPlay.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A funny play about Pirates (left) Entertained folks (right)</td></tr>
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Our next stop was the Millennium Park. Being one of very famous spots in Chicago, this was understandably very crowded. Here too, the views of Chicago skyline was amazing. Our reflections on the bean was also equally entertaining.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjFg32L0DjU/VCYE9cA4S6I/AAAAAAAADfE/dOZ2FIAF7M4/s1600/DSC04402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjFg32L0DjU/VCYE9cA4S6I/AAAAAAAADfE/dOZ2FIAF7M4/s1600/DSC04402.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bean at Millennium park</td></tr>
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Lastly, we had heard a lot about the Devon street in Chicago. Especially that walking around there was like being back in India and so, we went to check it out. Lo and behold, they were true! We treated our selves to a sumptuous Indian dinner there and drove back to Ann Arbor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDvLtWcl1aI/VCYGJYy4a4I/AAAAAAAADfM/tCVx2u2uG2s/s1600/DSC04502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDvLtWcl1aI/VCYGJYy4a4I/AAAAAAAADfM/tCVx2u2uG2s/s1600/DSC04502.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devon St. Chicago, where have you seen a place like this in India?</td></tr>
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So long until our next trip. Cheers!</div>
Kannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617578653368068016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7591586879286166848.post-52165111128534295412010-07-11T19:03:00.000-04:002014-07-11T19:07:55.687-04:00About<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi, I am a graduate student at the University of Michigan, working on my Ph.D. For me, grad school has been all about self discovery. Among other things, grad school has helped me discover new passions and also reconnect with things I wanted to do, but couldn't due to time constraints. Ah, the perks of grad life!<br />
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One of my passions is traveling. I like to take many small vacations instead of a big long one. That way, it is easy on the wallet and also allows me to get work done. This blog will be about my travel experiences. I will be sharing some photos, travel itinerary and tidbits of wisdom in hope that it might be of some benefit to some soul who happens to find it in the vast world wide web.<br />
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Cheers! Happy traveling!</div>
Kannanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617578653368068016noreply@blogger.com0