Sunday, April 25, 2021

Hawaii Birding Bucket List

1. Nene/Hawaiian goose
The State Bird of Hawaii, The Nene


2. White fairy tern


3. Java Sparrow

4. Saffron Finch


5. Laysan Albatross


6. Japanese white-eye




7. Red-crested cardinal *Checked off list 5/8/2021, 


8. Rose-ringed parakeet


9. White Rumped Shama


10. ‘I’iwi
One of the most sought-after birds to see in Hawaii.
The ‘I’iwi is a native honeycreeper found only in high elevation forests.

11. Red-whiskered Bulbul


12. Red-tailed Tropicbird


13.Yellow-fronted Canary


14. Palila


15. Erckels Francolin


16. Pueo, Hawaiian owl


17. Sharp-tailed Sand Piper


18. Red-footed Booby


19. Bristle-thighed Curlew



20. Northern Cardinal


21. Ae’o, Hawaiian Stilt


22. Feral Chickens



Saturday, May 20, 2017

SCOTLAND

Scotland

Jarlshof
Keith's Tower
Dunnottar Castle
Fairy Pools
Witches Stone
Harry Potter Train - The Jacobite Steam Train
Finnich Glen
Neist Point
Handa Point
Kilchurn Castle
Callanish Standing Stones
St. Monans Jetty
Portree
Sgùrr Thearlarch
The Storr




FUJI

Climbing Mt. Fuji

Facts!
Open to climb from July to early September
12,388 feet high!
Avoid going August 13-17, as that is when it is most packed!
There are four hikiing routes up the mountain!
at the peak there is the Ohachi-Meguri Crater! Tours are available!

Eat. Bean jelly in fuji shape.

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Blausee, Summer Day Trip, Day 2

Continuing from the previous Kandersteg and Oeschinensee blog, we are now headed to Blausee.



It should be after 5pm when you arrive, possibly almost 6pm. This is only feasible in the summer months when they are open until 9pm. In off season they close at 5pm.

The Blausee literally translates to "Blue Lake" and blue it most certainly is.



Blausee is an amazing spot, especially given that admission to the Nature Park is only CHF 8! That includes a free glass bottom boat ride over the mythical lake. Here you will find a children's playground, an organic trout farm, trout gift shop, restaurants, spa, picnic areas, romantic walks, a hotel, and of course the crystal blue Blausee.

The Blausee is not too big. You can easily walk around its entirety in less than 20 minutes, which you should definitely do.



After walking around the beauty that is the Blausee, hop aboard a glass bottom boat that is included in your admission.

Keep an eye out for the lady of the lake.



Legend has it that this is where a young woman spent many hours with her lover. After his sudden death, of which she couldn't come to terms with, she retuned to lake every night and cried for him until she died from grief itself. The blueness of the lake is supposedly caused by her tears that she shed into it every night.

A statue appears in the lake in memory of the beautiful young girl that died here. The lady of the "Blue Lake."


The Lady of the Blue Lake


Not only is Blausee known for its blue water, it is known for what inhabits it. Trout. There is no doubt, you will be seeing many happily swimming in the lake. To see even more, you can visit their organic trout farm, which is also included in your admission.


They also have a trout gift shop where you will find many fish related food items and merchandise. Pick up a bag of smoked trout or salmon for the train ride and maybe a couple other things to bring back home. The shop is pretty amazing, and it was hard not to splurge there. 




If you are still in the mood for more trout, their restaurant has many exceptional dishes, and you can't get it any fresher. The fish they catch are literally within walking distance outside the very restaurant you are eating. They are quite expensive though, so keep that in mind. 

The only other restaurant in Blausee is a pizzeria that is located toward the front of the park, situated in a quaint, sunny spot. The pizzas are made in a wood oven and are perfect for an uncomplicated meal, especially if you have picky eaters in tow! They offer an assortment of pasta dishes as well and a nice sun terrace that overlooks the park. Although they are still pretty expensive, it is a cheaper option than the latter restaurant.

As I said above, there is also an a hotel and spa. If you decide to stay that the hotel (starting at CHF 266 for a double) admission to the spa is included. If you do want to visit the spa it is CHF 39 for non guests. 

Or if you are like me, head back to the station in Kandersteg and head to the next town were you will be staying!