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Sycamore Tree In Ancient Israel

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Ancient Sycamore Trees
sycamore tree

Sycamore Tree In Ancient Israel

Sycamore Tree, an ancient species of the Fig Tree, is amazing. It is also related to the Mulberry Tree. There are several species of the Fig Tree that comes under the Sycamore Tree. This particular species of the Sycamore Tree is sometimes spelled Sycamore, for distinction from the other Fig species. This species of the Sycamore Tree is found in Madagascar, Egypt, and Israel. This gigantic  Sycamore has been cultivated since ancient times.

“First let’s get some basics about this tree laid out. The Sycamore tree is a deciduous tree that belongs to the plane-tree family. This tree has originated from Europe, but it has been taken all around the world now.

Basic Sycamore Facts:

1. North American Sycamore,

2. British sycamore and

3. Middle Eastern sycamore.

4. Sycamore can reach 98 to 130 feet in height and 4.9 to 6.6 feet in diameter.

5. The Bark of sycamore has a whitish and reddish-brown patched surface. 

6. The mottled bark has irregular “flakes” creating the impression of and illness. Name “sycamore” probably refers to the “sick” appearance of the tree.

7. Sycamore has broad, five-lobed leaves with pointed tips. Leaves are toothed on the edges. Dark green leaves change color into bright yellow at the beginning of the autumn. Soon after, the tree sheds them.

8. Sycamore has a rounded, dome-shaped crown that is extremely dense. Twisted branches provide shelter for the small mammals such as squirrels and various birds (during the nesting season)

9. Sycamore is a monoecious plant which means that it produces individual male and female flowers on the same plant. Flowers are yellowish-green, arranged in drooping clusters. Sycamore blooms during April. Flowers produce nectar which attracts bees, main pollinators of this species.

10. The fruit of sycamore is brown, woody balls that can be seen on the tree starting from October. They remain on the tree during the winter. Fully ripe fruit splits to release seed.

11. The seed of sycamore are arranged in V-shaped pairs and equipped with wings that facilitate dispersal by wind. One tree produces up to 10.000 seed per season.

12. Sycamore seed is known as “helicopters” because of their wings that rotate similar to helicopter’s propeller on a wind.

13. One old sycamore tree provided protection for the large troops of General Washington during the battle on the Brandywine Battlefield Park in Pennsylvania in the 18th century. Ever since the sycamore tree is a symbol of hope and protection in the USA.

14. Sycamore also symbolizes strength, eternity and divinity.

15. The wood of sycamore is used in the industry of furniture, musical instruments, kitchenware, and butchers’ blocks.

16. Sycamore is often planted in urban areas because of its ability tolerate air pollution and provide shade.

17. Sycamore also serves as windbreak thanks to the strong root system that holds the plant firmly attached to the ground in areas with strong winds.

18. Sycamore can survive from 150 to 600 years in the wild.” (1 Softschools)

They differ in size, the color of the bark and leaves, and habitats from where they can be found. Sycamore requires very fertile, moist and well-drained soil. Full sun is also needed for this tree to be successful in development. It normally grows near the streams, riverbanks, and lakes. People typically cultivate sycamore for ornamental purposes, but it is well known as a source of high-quality wood.

This variety of the Sycamore Tree is an extremely large tree. Though the trunk is similar to the Olive Tree, you can identify them by their leaves. It has a beautiful thick and knotted trunk and very large scaly leaves. These huge large leathery leaves are thought to have possibly been the fig leaves referred to in the book of Genesis. In Genesis 3:7 it says: “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” Scientists, archaeologists, and religious scholars all seem to agree that this is the most likely species of the Fig Tree that the book of Genesis could have been referring to.  It is the only species of the Fig Tree that is native to the Middle East. It is also the only Sycamore Tree that has larger than normal leaves.

sycamore tree in ancient israel
sycamore tree

The remains of the Sycamore Tree in Egypt have been found to date back as far as 3000 BC. These gigantic trees were used by the Egyptians to carve out coffins for the mummies in Egypt. It was the only tree that had the size needed to make these coffins. In ancient Egypt, the Sycamore Tree was called the “Fig of Pharaoh.” Egypt itself was referred to as “the land where the Sycamore Tree blooms.” The Sycamore Tree played major importance in the food supply of ancient Egypt. Not only was the wood used, but all parts of the tree were also cultivated. The fruit was good to eat! The leaves made a healing tea! The sap made a sweet syrup! The gigantic trunks provided refuge. The “Fig of Pharaoh” was an amazing resource for the ancient Egyptians.

In ancient Hebraic writings, the Sycamore Tree symbolized “regeneration.” When transplanting a Sycamore Tree, you must do it quickly, as the roots dry out very rapidly. On the other hand, the Sycamore Tree has an amazing ability to regenerate itself. If the sand covers one of its branches, it will establish new roots and reproduce a whole new tree. During ancient times, these trees were considered extremely important in Israel. In the time of David, we see that he appointed a special overseer for the Olive and Sycamore Trees (1 Chronicles 27:28).

sycamore tree in ancient israel
sycamore tree

Flowering and fruiting of the Sycamore Tree in ancient Israel occurred during the hot summer months. Though it was not unusual to get up to 6 crops a year from each tree (Talmud writings). The figs of the Sycamore Tree were eaten in ancient times. During the time of David, the Sycamores were considered one of the sources to food that was destroyed by the plagues in Egypt. See Psalms 78:47. In modern times, there are many other Fig Trees with a better quality of fruit. For this reason, the Sycamore is not often used in modern Israel.

The Sycamore Tree and world culture

In the religion of the Kikuyu Tribe of Kenya, there was only one God. They referred to Him as Ngai. Many of the sacrifices were similar to the ones done by the Israelite’s in ancient times. The Kikuyu Tribe did all their sacrifices under the Sycamore Tree. Both the Sycamore and the Fig Tree were considered sacred. The Olive Tree was considered sacred for women.

In other cultures, the wood of the Sycamore Tree was used for utensils, bowls, baskets, cutting boards, etc. The sap of the Sycamore can be used for syrup, similar, but of a lower quality than the sugar maple. The large leaves are used to wrap food for cooking and like fig leaves, can be used for tea.  The fruit is good to eat, but modern fig trees have a higher quality fruit.

The amazing Sycamore Tree has been important throughout the time of the prophets. It appears in many of their writings throughout the ages. There does not appear to be any age when the Sycamore was not important for something. Its leaves are a source of medicine. It’s wood make sturdy kitchen vessels. Its sap makes a sweet syrup! Its beautiful trunk is amazing. In times of emergency, people have sought refuge inside this trunk. This amazing trunk is hollow in the larger trees. What other trees in the history of man can be used for so many different things? The ancient Sycamore tree of the Middle East is one of the most outstanding trees of all time.

sycamore tree in ancient israel
sycamore tree Jericho

This particular tree is still standing within the city of Jericho, and the tourist peddlers are out in force. Some of the items for sale can be unique and you should consider taking a few treasures home. We had plenty of time, and there are some interesting places to see while you’re in the area.

Editors note: This particular tree is a relative from a much older tree describe within the original text of Biblical scriptures. The local Jericho Palestinians called it the Zacchaeus tree and said this tree was a generational seedling that could be traced back to the same tree Zacchaeus had climbed. Since this comes from oral history we cannot confirm this but thought it should be mentioned. These trees can live up to 250 years so I assume all of the Sycamore trees are all biologically related to each other.

Jericho And The Ancient Sycamore Tree

Discover the Sycamore tree of the ancient world.

Jericho is a living,  vibrate small Palestinian town in the Jordan Valley. It is the world’s oldest town. The town dates back to 8,000 BC. It has always been occupied since ancient times.  It is also the lowest town in the world. Jericho is  780 feet below sea level. It is a Jordan Valley Oasis! This is the year it is about to get another facelift. They are bringing back into focus the beautiful Sycamore Tree that Zacchaeus climbed to get a better look at Jesus. We read about this encounter in the Gospels.

“And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, who was the chief among the tax collectors, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus … but could not because of the crowd, because he was of short stature. And he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.” Luke 19:1-5

Jericho’s Sycamore Tree for years has been tucked away on a side street. Until 2010 it was kept out of the eyes of tourists. They came, took a picture, and left! But that has been changing. It has now become the main attraction of a museum complex. This complex opened in 2010 and each month sees new additions.  This is the birthday of Jericho and this ancient Sycamore Tree is about to be the star attraction.

Palestine is being promoted to the world as a place to come to. This mega venture also includes future plans for a major 5 Star Resort to be built on the banks of the Dead Sea. In the future, there is the hope of building a major airport in the area. The town is busy cleaning and painting. The yards are being cut and manicured. This magnificent Palestinian town is getting a facelift. It is getting ready for another mega birthday celebration. Happy Birthday, Jericho!

The road into Jericho has always been a country road, complete with potholes! Now it is a four-lane highway! Before there was an Israelite check-point going into the town. Now everyone comes and goes freely! This no longer slows down traffic and tourists are not deterred from coming. Things are happening and Jericho is sharing another one of her treasures with the world. Welcome her newest start attraction…. the Sycamore Tree.

The history of the Sycamore Tree in the area is on display in the new Museum. Local restaurants gear up for the added pilgrims that will be coming into the area. No longer is the tree that Zacchaeus climbed being regulated to the side street. The story of how Zacchaeus climbed the Sycamore Tree so he could see Jesus, is now being told to the world. This is another birthday celebration of the oldest town in the world, and Zacchaeus’ story and the tree he climbed, will be the center of attention. Palestine invites you to join them in Jericho, at the foot of….. the Sycamore Tree.

Jericho And The Ancient Sycamore Tree

Sycamore Tree Jericho

Within the Tel Jericho area complex zone there are several areas of interest and vendors who sell unique Palestinian handicrafts. Tel Jericho is an archaeological site in the northeastern area of Jericho also known as er-Riha, Yeriho, Tel es-Sultan, and Eriha. The tel mound is located today within the UNESCO World Heritage Site operated by the Palestinian Authority West Bank. The site is located in the Jordan Valley 10km north of the Dead Sea, and it is close to the Ein es-Sultan spring. The known term of the fountain of Elisha comes from Biblical reference and can be found close by. You will need special permission to view the very ancient well, and the town’s water supply.

Fountain Of Elisha In Jericho

The fountain of Elisha, an oasis in the midst of old Jericho, is beautiful and clear. As you near the spring, you notice it teeming with fish. This is where an immense volume of clear warm water flows. It is shaded by an ancient lone fig tree. In other places, you will see small waterways where the local people direct the water. In this way, the crops are watered to this day. In the above photo, we see this spring where it exits the ground at the pumping station. The pumping station protects this ancient flowing spring. It pumps fresh, clean water into modern Jericho. The fountain of Elisha is still sweet! You can see how crystal clear it is! These magnificent areas are located in Jericho, a city of palm trees from ancient times (Deuteronomy 34:3).

You can learn more by viewing this post: The Fountain of Elisha

“Jericho is believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world that has remained permanently inhabited from the 10th millennia BC. The site of Tel Jericho is identified with ancient Jericho which is mentioned in historical documents and the Bible. Today at the site visitors can see the excavated structures which once formed the core of Jericho city.”(2 Beinharim Tours)

Some Information Citation Beinharim Tours

This area of Tel Jericho has a tremendous amount of information and areas of historical interest. If you would like to learn more about this area, and our time there you can read this recent post.

Middle East Adventure: Week One Jerusalem, Jericho, Sea of Galilee

 

Sycamore Tree In Ancient Israel 

Yes, a long time ago it was apart of that old empire. Today it is apart of the Palestinian Territory controlled by the Fatah faction of the Palestinian National Authority. Before it was apart of Ancient Israel it was even an early Canaan city with people living there 11,000 years ago or maybe even earlier. Jericho has been taken by many empires, and its geography has made it a jewel for every ancient empire to control. We are more interested in history and not the modern-day politics. But yes we are aware of the sensitivity of the subject when used in modern terms. I would love to go back and do some research within the archaeology of this site and hope to one day be able to get the funding to do so.

Also, a further study into how this tree perpetrated into the area if it can be known alongside the movement of the human race may shed a tremendous amount of research. It is the many forms of agriculture and their uses that have set the sycamore apart from other agriculture trees.

 

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If you’re interested in learning more about sycamore trees from the Tel Jericho area, and/or from the area of Israel here are a few keywords you can search within Google for additional information.

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Sycamore Tree In Ancient Israel

 
Citations:
  1. Softschools. “Sycamore Tree Facts.” Softschools.com, Softschools, www.softschools.com/facts/plants/sycamore_tree_facts/1209/.
  2. Some Information Citation Beinharim Tours

Happiness Abounds At The San Diego Zoo In Southern California

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                                                    Happy And Hungry Giant Panda

It is a beautiful day in Southern California with blue skies and pleasant temperatures. Ten in the morning is the perfect time for arriving at the Panda Habitat. As you arrive, you quickly notice how content and happy the Pandas are. The second thing you quickly observe is that they eat a lot! This is feeding time and this contented fellow is enjoying his almost unlimited bamboo treats.

Who can resist loving anything this cute, with the face of an angel and the grace of a lumberjack. The San Diego Zoo can not help loving these not so gentle giants. It all started in 1987 when two pandas came for a visit for 100 days from China. Latter, in 1996, China agreed to allow the zoo to house two of their pandas. These first two residents, Bai Yun and Gao Gao gave birth to Xiao Liwu in 2012. Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu can be visited at their home habitat in the Panda Trek area. Panda Trek is close to the Giant Panda Research Station. The zoo keepers and the researchers are trying to learn all they can about these wonderful, but endangered, residents of the San Diego Zoo. As for Gao Gao, due to his age and failing health, he lives a quiet life at the Panda Habitat.

An adult Giant Panda is only about 2-3 feet tall, but they are  definitely members of the bear family.  They walk like a bear, climb like a bear, and play like a bear. They are omnivore, as they love to eat bamboo, many other plants, and a meal of good meat is never passed up. They are, without a doubt, the cutest bears in town. They have an extremely thick body and their bones are thick for the size of the bear. But keep tuned for play time, as you will be astonished at how agile and flexible they really are. Have you ever watched a panda do somersaults? They are cute, agile, and more than ready for the Olympics.

                                                Giant Pandas Are Big On Bamboo

Probably one of the most amazing things about these Giant Pandas is how small they are at birth. They are a little more than 3 ounces when born, are totally dependent on their mother, and are completely without hair. They are so helpless that the mother does not leave the baby alone in the den, even to find food or drink for several days.  When a baby cub nears 2 months of age, they usually begin opening their eyes and soon after they will begin to crawl. In the fifth month they are usually walking well and this little rolly poly cub is ready to explore the great outdoors with his mother. From this time on they begin to grow fast, as they eat a lot of bamboo and other plants. They spend over 12 hours a day eating. Now that, is a healthy appetite!

                                                        The Adorable Meerkat

Welcome to the happy and crazy habitat of the Meerkats at the San Diego Zoo. These little fellows are cute,  spontaneous, clever beyond belief, and a bundle of fun. This spectacular member of the mongoose family is similar to a weasel in many ways. If you have never watched them run and play, you do not know what you are missing.

In their natural habitat, and here at the San Diego Zoo, they like to make large burrows for the whole mob of around 40 members. Sometimes the mob can also be called a gang. They greatly love the companionship of other meerkats and of course there is safety in larger numbers.  They often groom each other and spend much of the day in group play.

A mob of meerkats are a gang of several family units, though there is always one pair that is dominant. This structure keeps them together as a community, while answering their individual needs to be groomed and played with. It is their love of community that keeps them strong, even in the face of danger.

This amazing meerkat lives about eight years in the wild, and can live as long as 13 in a good zoo. When they are first born, they usually weigh less than a pound, but when full grown they would have doubled that. Even a large meerkat is not much over two pounds. They may not weigh much, but they can be nine to thirteen inches long. Unlike most animals, it is the female that will outweigh the male.

By far, the most amazing thing about them is their dare devil way of getting their food. These tiny hunters can kill poisonous snakes so fast that the snake doesn’t know what happened. They also like to eat the desert scorpions, though like the snake, their venom doesn’t seem to bother them. They have some type of immunity to the venom, as it does not seem to affect them in any way. They also love eating roots and tubers they find in the ground, and a favorite are the tsama melons. The moisture naturally found in the tubers and roots supply them with all the water they need.

These little creatures can keep you laughing as they run, climb, and play. If you are feeling down, just head to the Meerkat Habitat, and they will give your mood a big boost. It is hours of fun and games, in the life of the Meerkat. If you need an injection of laughter, then you have come to the right place.

                                 The Unique Kentia Palm Seeds Of Southern California

As you wander through the grounds, be sure to take in all the unique palms and flowers that grow in Southern California. The San Diego Zoo Grounds has many different palms, each with their own uniqueness. This one is known for it’s patterned bark and it’s strange looking seeds that grow on the outside of the tree.

This is a slow growing tropical palm that can make a wonderful house plant. It will quickly become a conversation piece. In the San Diego area, it is an outdoor treat for curious eyes, and inquiring minds.

                                            The Skeleton Of A Python Is All Backbone

This is a giant Python! It is not a venomous snake or even an evil one, as we generally assume. If you look closely at the skeleton above you can see where he has had several broken ribs that healed. Pythons live in Africa, Asia, and Australia.They love the native savannas and rain forests of these areas. Pythons move while in a straight line, making their ribs very strong and stiff. Adult Pythons make a good meal for the larger Birds of Prey. Even leopards and sometimes lions get in on the action.

They hatch their eggs when it is time to reproduce. During the incubation period the Python keeps her eggs warm by coiling her body around her eggs. If she sees they are too cold, she does a shivering motion with her body to warm up the eggs. This is a lot of exertion, and afterwards she will not lay eggs again for three or four years. Once the eggs hatch, the babies are on their own. Then the life cycle begins all over again, with the babies trying to outsmart their predators.

                           The Long Snouted Indian Gharial

This Long Snouted Indian Gharial has gone Jurassic at the San Diego Zoo in Southern California. This Gharial, with his 110 very sharp teeth and very long snout, is amazing at catching fish, thus he is often called the fish-eating crocodile. Fish is his main source of food. This member of the crocodile family spends most of his time in the water, though when cold, he pulls himself onto the bank and spends a few hours in the sun. He is one of the three different crocodiles that are native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal. The male Gharial has like a round knob or growth on the end of his slender snout. The Gharial having lived on earth for an estimated 65 million years, is now a critically endangered species.

              Flamboyant Flamingo At The Flamingo Lagoon

Flamingos are most at home in salty or caustic lagoons or very shallow lakes. These lakes are poisonous for most other animals, so they have little competition for the algae, diatoms, and those small crustaceans. This is perfect, as these tiny creatures are what they prefer to dine on. If ever there was a win-win situation, this is it!

The San Diego Zoo has one of these caustic lagoons, and it is the  perfect environment for these beautiful giant birds. Like other Lagoons elsewhere, it is too salty and caustic for other birds or fish that might give competition for their favorite food supply. With that in mind, the Flamingos at the San Diego Zoo flourish in the Southern California Sun.

Their extremely long legs also allow the Flamingos to wade farther out into the water than other animals, and thus their selection of food is even greater. If you have ever watched a Flamingo fish for his food, you can not help but enjoy this unique and different concept in fishing. While holding their beak upside down, they begin taking in water. They take in water, animals and all, and then filter out the water with their built in water filter. All that remains are these tiny creatures and dinner is served.

These beautiful birds put on quite an airshow, when they travel in formation. Just imagine their long beautiful necks sticking straight out ahead, and their legs straight out behind. When they wave their wings, as they often do, the colors are spectacular.

                                     Tasmanian Devil At The San Diego Zoo

The Tasmanian Devil is a strange looking marsupial which lives in the grasslands and forests of Tasmania Island, Australia. Such a little fellow, but he has earned his name. He is similar in many ways to the rat in features, but watch out for his temper. He has sharp teeth and when he is mad he is vicious. He is known to have one of the sharpest bites in the animal kingdom.

Even though the majority of Tasmanian Devils prefer the grasslands and forests, you will find them throughout the island. Watch your step, as they like to sleep in empty caves, burrows that they run across, and under rocks or logs. The better they can hide, the happier they are. Such a combination of happy and snarly! They are nocturnal and so sleep all day and often go on long journeys at night. It is not unusual for them to travel up to 10 miles in a single night.

The Tasmanian Devil is highly endangered and is in grave danger of dying off due to a very deadly and transmissible cancer. Great care is being taken in the safekeeping, protection, and study of this little devilish critter with the terrible temper at the San Diego Zoo. Be sure to check out this little fellow next time you are at the zoo.

                                The South American Guanaco At The San Diego Zoo

Welcome to the home of the Guanacos, a close relative to the camel. Where as, camels are the work horses of the desert with coarse coats, the Guanaco is so very soft, has no humps, is smaller, and extremely graceful. They are beautiful with their light brown coats with white underbellies. Their tails are quite short, they have really long necks, and big ears that point straight up. Unlike camels that come from Africa and Asia, Guanacos come from South America. A Guanaco is much smaller than a camel and larger than other camelids, such as alpacas, vicunas, or llamas.

Guanacos live in groups with one dominant adult male, up to about 10 females, and all their young chulengos. Unattached bachelors form their own groups which may be 50 or more adult males. When a female Guanaco gives birth, her Chulengs are quite able to stand and walk. They have no issue with keeping up with the rest of the group shortly after birth.

If they were put on display at a beauty contest, they would surely come in first place. You haven’t seen beauty, until you check out the Guanacos that live at the San Diego Zoo.

                              Elephant Odyssey Showcases The Pleistocene Era Tar Pit 

Showcasing California’s spectacular history during what is known as the Pleistocene Era, Elephant Odyssey tells the story of who these magnificent animals were that roamed Southern California. You will be able to discover the 40 species that went extinct during this time. This amazing exhibit was done together with The La Brea Tar Pits, The Western Center for Archaeology & Paleontology, and The San Diego Natural History Museum. Here you will learn the significance of the extinctions on today’s animal kingdom. When you see the most famous of the exhibits, the elephant, you will watch them in all there grandeur, as they mate, raise families, and play together. What an enlightening experience this will be for those who care about the animals of today. As we learn from the past, we will be better able to meet the challenges of today’s animal kingdom.

                                The Playful World Of The Schmidt’s Red-tailed Monkey 

The Schmidt’s Red-tailed Monkey goes by several names, but the best description for this cute little fellow is this one. He has a beautiful red tail from which he gets his name. Other noticeable characteristics of this cute primate are his white nose and checks surrounded by a body of gorgeous black or dark grey fur. Like many other animals, he has what seems to be expanding checks so that he can both gather and store food. Sometimes he will need to store his food for months.

These cute little primates are indeed quite small. They usually have bodies that are only about one to two feet long, though his tale can be as long as 35 inches. Males are usually on the top of the scale, with females being very small indeed. The males can weigh from seven to ten pounds, where a female is only in the six to eight pound range. Their long red tales are not only beautiful, but they are used for balance when needed.

                                              The Majestic Great Blue Heron   

This majestic Heron actually calls the wetlands that are so common in North America and also Central America home. This graceful  heron is the largest bird in North America and certainly the most spectacular.  The Great Blue Heron stands tall at 36-54 inches and when they open those magnificent wings, they span from 66-70 inches. Can you imagine the skies of San Diego when they all decide to fly? The skies are filled with large dusty blue herons. What a spectacular sight!

The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest zoos in our country and certainly one of the cleanest and caring. Many endangered species call this huge zoo home, along with the researchers that are working day and night to prevent their names being added to those that are extinct. While we have given you 12 reasons to enjoy this spectacular zoo, the list of animals almost seems endless. These 12 are only some of our favorites. So next time you are in Southern California, be sure to join us for a relaxing visit to the residents of the San Diego Zoo.

 

 

Taiwan Monkeys Of The Formosa Rock Monkey Family

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taiwan monkeysTaiwan Monkeys Having Lunch In The Garden

The Taiwan monkeys of Taiwan are situated off the coast of mainland China, is a small island nation that is part of the Republic of China. Taiwan, rich in wildlife and flora, has many amazing animals and spectacular flowers. One of these magnificent animals is the Formosan Rock Monkey, also called the Formosan Rock Macaques. These cute and mischievous monkeys are the only monkey native to Taiwan. These cute little monkeys, love trees, but they are not a major part of their environment. What they do love are tropical forests, temperate forests, and bamboo forests. On occasion, you will even find them living in the vast grasslands. Though they are excellent climbers, more than not, they prefer to stay on the forest floor. Though they are found all over the island, they are not seen as often near the coastal beaches. Since many keep building near the beaches, they are going deeper into the forests.

The Formosan Rock Monkeys are omnivores, so they eat many different plants, fruits, seeds, leaves, and small animals and insects. This monkey, in the above picture, is enjoying a rich banana for his lunch. Since they are comfortable around people, they often visit farms and consume a dinner rich in the crops of the planted fields. They love foraging for food among the fields at harvest time, though this can bring conflict with the farmers. On occasion it gets them killed, but they are protected by law as a disappearing species.

taiwan monkeysPlayful Baby Formosan Rock Monkey Testing Out The Vines

Though trees and vines are not a necessity for the Formosan Rock Monkey, these babies love to play in all the vines found in the jungle forest. Have you ever seen a young monkey that did not want to swing? This little fella is no exception, as he is swinging and playing with the vines found in his native forest playground in the mountains of Southern Taiwan.

taiwan monkeysFormosan Rock Money With Large Cheek Pouches

If you have ever watched a chipmunk foraging for nuts and acorns, you will notice that they have huge pouches in their cheeks. Just like their little friend, the chipmunk, the Formosan Rock Monkey gathers the seeds, fruit, leaves, and other goodies he finds in the forest and carries them home in his special shopping bag, his cheek pouches. How convenient to have a built in a shopping bag that allows them to hoard their food and carry it home for a later time. The Formosan Rock Monkey, like the ant, prepares well for the future and the family.

taiwan monkeysClose up Of The Facial Features Of The Formosan Rock Money

The Formosan Rock Monkey is considered a medium-sized monkey that in winter has a beautiful dark grey to brown coat. During the warmer days of summer, his coat changes to olive or brown color. The different color changes help them to blend in with the foliage of the plants in the jungle. In the above photo, you will notice the salmon pink face. They have no hair on the face at all. Naturally, you can see the large cheek pouches that he carries his bounty after a profitable foraging session. The Formosan Rock Monkey is very resourceful!

taiwan monkeysJuvenal Taiwan monkeys Love To Play

Formosan Rock Monkeys live in troops ranging from eight members to forty-five members. Juvenal Male Monkeys usually strike out on their own sometime after the fifth year. Until that time of maturity arrives, they will grow, learn and have a swinging good time. Each troop will have one alpha male, but it may have older males that live on the edge of troop life. Female monkeys often stay in the same troop that they were born into, but low-status female members sometimes branch off and form a totally new troop. These new troops are usually quite a bit smaller, with less than 10 members. This is a way of building status and importance for very low-status females.

The Juvenal female members of the troop usually begin breeding sometime after the fourth or fifth year. The breeding season begins in late fall, generally in November and lasts till early January. The mother carries her young around 165 days, giving birth sometime around April to June. Younger females have a single birth usually every couple of years, whereas older females often give birth each year. The mothers will continue to nurse their babies for around one year, during which she is also the primary caregiver of the newest member of the family. The Juvenal monkeys are pretty much independent once they reach two years of age.  However, the males often stay with the troop until close to five years. Female Juvenal Formosan Rock Monkeys may stay close to their mothers for their whole lifetime, retaining strong bonds.

taiwan monkeysQuite Content In His Perch In The Trees

The world of the Formosan Rock Monkey is quite protected and we see their numbers growing as they live without threat from poachers, researchers, and those wanting to use them for medical purposes. Even the pet industry had to be curtailed. This has been a major success story for Taiwan and a model for the world. But not all of the Taiwanese are part of their fan club. These monkeys are excellent foragers and often forge in the fields of farmers, carrying off their bounty in those chubby cheek pouches. As we can see, what is a success story for one group, is not for another.

Another problem that had come up with the increase in their numbers,  is that people were feeding them. This often led to the monkeys bothering people to get food, a trait that was not desirable. Thus, in the last few years, people have been asked to not feed the monkeys, but to enjoy their amusing behavior and amazing personality. No other animal can entertain any better, or hold the interest of a crowd any longer, than these amazing Taiwan natives to the Southern Mountains. These monkeys are smart, and when human behavior changed around them, they also made changes, no longer going after everyone to get food. This is just another of the success stories of Taiwan.

taiwan monkeysFormosan Rock Monkey Observing The World Around Him

This older monkey almost appears to be deep in thought. Is he planning his daily routine, or just languishing in the thoughts of his intelligent mind? Whatever the case, you almost want to offer him a penny for his thoughts.

This magnificent creature mainly lives in the Southwestern and Northeastern parts of the mountainous regions of the island. In times past, when the island had fewer inhabitants, he also enjoyed the coastal areas.  Now he spends his days in the mountains sharing his range with other inhabits like Bluetail Senegal and the American Bullfrog. What beautiful chores the American Bullfrogs can share. It must be amazing to share space with such a wonderful singer.

taiwan monkeysLiving The Good Life At Shoushan Nature Park In Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung, Taiwan is a city found in the South of the Island of Taiwan. Though many consider Taipei to be Taiwan’s grandest city, Kaohsiung is a major rival. If you enjoy hiking, geological and ecological sites, cultural history, and a laid back environment, then Kaohsiung should be a part of any Taiwan adventure. One of the most amazing sites is Shoushan, which is a part of Monkey Mountain. This is the first National Nature Park in Taiwan and it is the site of major hiking opportunities on Monkey Mountain, including an exciting visit to a tea station, and of course, there is Monkey Paradise.

Near the entrance to the Zoo are the trail heads to three of the best trails on the mountain. The middle trail is generally considered to be the best for those who may not have time to explore all three. As you climb the mountain you will see several ancient Banyan trees and also begin to get marvelous vistas of Kaohsiung and finally you will arrive at a Monkey station. All along the trail, you will find these ancient Banyan trees hanging onto the limestone cliffs. The rocky cliffs themselves are a source of beauty and enjoyment. Going a little farther and you will begin to see the only native monkey in Taiwan, the Formosan Rock Monkey. It is good to keep all food supplies hidden, and do not feed the monkeys. The monkeys have absolutely no fear of humans that they see hiking the trails, and should be treated with great respect.

taiwan monkeysWater Carrier Climbing To The Top Of Monkey Mountain

The climb up to the top of Monkey Mountain is steep and takes around an hour for a seasoned hiker. Can you imagine the job of bringing water to the tea and monkey stations? Just think, any water that is consumed by the humans or the monkeys needs to be carried up the same trail that you have been hiking. It is a beautiful and steep climb, but well worth the effort.  It really makes you think and appreciate the water that is used at the above stations.

taiwan monkeysShoushan Nature Park In Kaohsiung Home of the Taiwan Monkeys

Shoushan Nature Park in Kaohsiung is a dense Secondary Forest. Even though it is a forest that has been harvested once, signs of major disruption are no longer seen. Since this forest regrowth was not due to natural disasters of any kind, the dead trees lie on the forest floor providing major nutrients and major protection from soil erosion. This is what is the major plus with a secondary forest over a forest devastated by fire, wind, water, etc. This forest is lush, thick, and very green.

Among the many trees that provide for the needs of the Formosan Rock Monkey are the Dendrocnide Meyeniana Tree, also referred to as the Lipa Tree. While this may be a special tree for monkeys, it often causes rashes for people who happen to rub against it. The Chinese have an interesting name for this native tree that is not too friendly to humans. They call it the “dog bitten fruit.” This is the English translation of the not too favorable Chinese name. This tree, loved by monkeys and hated by humans, is native to Taiwan and is mostly found in the secondary forests of the Island of Taiwan. Regardless of how it affects humans, the monkeys often run and play in this tree found in the Shoushan Nature Park.

Another of the major trees of the overstory in Shoushan Nature Park is the Paper Mulberry Tree. This tree is native throughout Asia and also was brought over to the United States. It is considered to be important in Asia and the Islands of the Pacific Ocean for food, medicine, and even fiber. In China, they use it to make paper, and Japan uses the inner bark to make the famous Washi Paper.

In some of the Islands of the Pacific, the Paper Mulberry is used for ceremonial clothing. Many countries make furniture and cooking utensils from its wood. All over the world, wherever it grows, the edible leaves are cooked and the fruits are delicious. The Formosan Rock Money loves the seeds, bark, fruit, and leaves of the Paper Mulberry Tree. What a delicacy they provide for this monkey native to Taiwan.

Another major member of this secondary forest is the Banyan Tree. The Banyan Tree is noted for often starting life in a hole or crack or another tree. The Banyan Tree is commonly known as a Fig Tree and the Taiwanese Formosan Rock Monkeys love it’s nice ripe fruit.

taiwan monkeysShoushan Nature Park On Monkey Mountain

The secondary growth on all of Monkey Mountain is lush and heavily forested. The forest is blessed with a wide range of coniferous and hardwoods, as well as large selections of shrubs. This temperate forest also has areas of native bamboo, with other areas of less thick shrubs. There are also plenty of areas of clearings with native plants forming a ground cover, all this is perfect for a ground-loving species.

taiwan monkeysThe Formosan Rock Monkey Living On Monkey Mountain

Shoushan Nature Park is the “backyard of the city of Kaohsiung” and the beginning of a Southern Taiwan Adventure. Exciting cliffs, spectacular rocks, magnificent caves, and geological wonders, are all part of this unique and fascinating natural park, with it’s coniferous and hardwoods blended in. This is a monkey paradise! If you have a love of nature, hiking, and enjoy discovering unique places in nature, then this is the perfect adventure for you. Come join the fun on Monkey Mountain.

Taiwan Recommendations

Sanxiantai Dragon Bridge Taitung, Taiwan

 

taiwan monkeys

Exploring Whittier Alaska

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Whittier, Alaska Is Remote And Unique
Whittier is the Gateway to the Prince William Sound, an area that services cruise ships  of those wanting to go into Anchorage. Anchorage is about 65 miles north of Whitter, and the last 65 miles can be done by motor coach, train, or rental car. Those wishing to drive to Anchorage are able to complete the trip in daylight, as the summer days are 22 hours long. These 65 miles go through a mountain serviced by a tunnel that provides basic service at best. It is closed at night, and can become a one way road at any time due to natural or human events. This is a drive that is so filled with beauty, once you depart the tunnel, that you will almost forget the inconveniences. Whittier, with it’s wilderness and glaciers, is an area that is overly blessed with spectacular natural beauty. 
                           
                            The Port Of Whittier, Alaska
Princess Cruises ,Golden Princess, Island Princess, Coral Princess, and Star Princess,  to name a few, are all part of the Princess Cruise family that comes into Whittier, Alaska. In addition to the Princess Cruise Ships, are the Crystal Cruises and Crystal Serenity Cruises. For those that want to go on into Anchorage, they can take the motor coach, train, or rent a car. If you want to experience some of the magic and uniqueness of Whitter, there are condos, Bed and Breakfasts, and several small restaurants to enjoy. Then there are those who come from Anchorage to enjoy Prince William Sound at Whittier, before taking a cruise south. Coming or going from Anchorage necessitates driving through the 2.5 mile tunnel which goes through the mountain. It is the longest tunnel in North America.In addition to the Cruise Ships that use the port, there are pleasure boats and fishing boats that each offer a different view of this amazing town. There are also a few limited small fishing boats for charter, if it is your desire to spend your time out on the sound fishing. As Night Falls, The Fog Covers The Port Like A BlanketLike most port communities, as the night approaches, the fog begins to roll on in. This thick layer of fog creates a veil that hoovers over this small fishing community. The summer nights are chilly and laden with fog, while the days are sunny with a chill in the air. This is to be expected this far North on the sound.                                                            The Fog Moves Into The ValleyAs night comes upon the valley, the fog descends, moving over the valley and  beautiful mountains. At times the air is so still, that you could cut this thick fog with a knife.                                                              Whittier Alaska Is A Community Under One Roof Welcome to the real Whittier. In Whittier you will not see a quaint town filled with cabins, but rather there is a tall WWII Barracks that houses the city and most of it’s 200 residents. The building is 14 stories and made from concrete. It has an obvious  military feel to it, with a clear industrial touch. The families who don’t live in this building, live in a second building for the most part. There are few stand alone buildings of any kind. Everything you need in a city is inside these buildings. There is a grocery store, laundromat,  post office, health clinic, city hall, barbershop, ect. The whole city is in these two buildings. You will also find a church in the basement. Life is amazing inside the Begich Towers, where everything you need is under the same roof. Even the children are protected from the severe weather and the heavy snow fall. There is a tunnel that leads directly to their school rooms from the main building. How is that for walking to school? With an average snow on the ground of 33 inches from December to April, this is a very real blessing to the children. The tunnel keeps them warm and safe during the worst of the winter weather. These harsh winter days often include brutal winds of 60 miles an hour or more. Yes, the tunnel is a blessing to the children of Whittier, Alaska. One big question that comes to mind, is where do the visitors stay? There are no worries here, as the top two stories of Begich Towers, have an  amazing bed and breakfast. These must be the prettiest condos in this unique and tiny village. There are also some small restaurants to meet all your needs. These are so inviting that you may forget that they are not in Anchorage. Life is an adventure and it all begins in Whittier, Alaska.                                            The Romance Of The Mountains In Summer  If your looking for more reasons to visit the Whitier area, then let us suggest the awesome mountainous wilderness that makes up the Chugach National Forest. In the Chugach National Forest you will find amazing camping opportunities within a misty wilderness that is just waiting to be experienced. Two major campgrounds that are filled with awesome views and trails is Black Bear and Williwaw. The term “Williwaw” means “big wind.” Black Bear campground is undeveloped, but is an awesome stop for climbers and hikers who are hiking the trails. It is small, and great for car camping or tents. Williwaw is a little larger and can accommodate RV’s and trailers, as well as tents. While Black bear Campground has all the beautiful tall trees, Williwaw has the shorter but bushier trees that lead to more private campsites. Because there is less of the tall trees blocking the view in Williwaw, you will find there are many views of the beautiful Middle Glacier. There is a paved and wheelchair friendly trail called Blue Ice, that links both campgrounds with the visitors Center. Both Black Bear Campground and Williwaw Campground are excellent base camps for exploring the Chugach National Forest, with it’s many trails throughout a vast wilderness. If you are looking for breathtaking vistas of the glaciers, well groomed and even wheelchair friendly trails, then these remote wilderness campgrounds are loaded with adventure especially for you. So let’s get out and discover the thrills of the Chugach National Forest! One of the newest major attractions in the Chugach National Forest is the “Glacier Discovery Train’s Whistle Stop Service.” You can begin your adventure in Anchorage and travel to Grandview. You will be making stops in the towns of Girdwood, Portage, Whittier, and Spencer and Portage Glaciers. What a great adventure to add to any cruise up the Inside Passage of Alaska. On the Glacier Discovery Train’s Whistle Stop Service, you will experience parts of the Chugach National Forest that few have ever discovered.                                       View Of The Portage Glacier From The Blue Ice Trail A perfect view of this magnificent glacier while hiking the Blue Ice Trail in the Chugach National Forest near Whittier, Alaska. This view alone, makes the hike well worth the effort. This is only one of the spectacular views you will experience while on this amazing trail. Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel The Whittier entrance to the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is the beginning of a monumental drive through a complete mountain. Built in 1943 as part of the war effort, it was originally a railroad tunnel built under Maynard Mountain, and currently services both vehicles and rail cars. When in Whittier, this is the only way to come and go by land. There is only one lane built for vehicles and it is monitored closely during the day and closed at night. Only one way traffic can go through at a time. This is the longest highway tunnel in North America, and will both start and end your Whittier adventure, if Anchorage is your point of entry and departure.                                                              Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel Exit At Whittier Coming out of the tunnel at Whittier, a sign directs vehicles to keep to the left and enter the highway, where as trains go straight ahead on the track. Notice the light for the train to enter the tunnel, as there is only one lane for all to share. Without this unique tunnel, Whittier would be cut off completely for land travel. The Forest Is Full Of Spruce, Black Spruce, Hemlocks, Cotton Woods, And Tall Pine The Chugach National Forest is a lovely forest of a variety of trees and shrubs. As you walk through the forest the aroma is magnificent.  Many of the pines and the Black Spruce produce medicinal oils that are always in great demand. A forest of this caliper is the perfect piece of paradise to make your base camp. Just think of the natural and healing oils that will be a part of your days and nights. This is the perfect formula for a truly restful and healing adventure. During the day you can explore the many trails and gaze at the beautiful and fascinating glaciers. Be sure to visit the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center  when near Black Bear Campground and Williwaw Campground. At the visitors center you will be able to discover all the amazing benefits this forest has to offer. Gather the history and culture behind how these trees, shrubs, bushes and berries were used by the native peoples for hundreds of years. Learn about the wildlife that calls the forest home, and enjoy unlocking the amazing secrets of America’s second largest national forest. During the summer months, there is a fireside program presented by an interpreter of the forest service. These are held on Fridays and Saturday nights at the Williwaw Campground. Come learn about the cultural heritage of the area, and explore the fascinating lives of the salmon that live in the waters of the park. Delve into the habits of the different bears that coexist in the national park. These presentations are free of charge and family friendly. On Friday, Saturday, and Sundays there are guided hikes down the Bryon Glacier Trail. The trail is easy walking, well kept up, and suitable for all ages.  This hike leaves from the Bryon Glacier Trail-head at 2 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the glacier and it’s history, as well as the park that surrounds the many glaciers.                                                             Pretty Can Be Dangerous  The Chugach National Forest is a haven for forgers of berries, mushrooms, and leaves that are used for medicinal teas. If you know what you are doing in the forest, it is a forgers haven, but for those who are clueless and are new to forging, it can also spell danger. This beautiful mushroom is just gorgeous on the forest floor, but it is very dangerous and causes one to have  hallucinations. This is a perfect example of something pretty to look at, but best left on the forest floor. There are many groups that teach forging skills and take new forgers out for their first experiences forging in the forest. If this is something you are interested in doing, ask around at the different visitors centers. You will find more information about the different mushrooms, leaves, barks, and berries at the visitors centers, also.  So as you hike through the forest, enjoy the different species and remember, that pretty can be dangerous.                                     The Official State Tree Of Alaska Is The Sitka Spruce The official State Tree of Alaska honor was given to the Sitka Spruce in 1962. The Sitka Spruce receives it’s name from the Sitka Sound, where this amazingly tall tree grows abundantly. The Sitka Spruce is the tallest of the conifers throughout the world. The misty ocean air and the thick errie fog all help this amazing tree to thrive and grow so large and beautiful. Alaska is home to an amazing population of Bald Eagles. These tall trees provide the perfect spot for Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons to roost. It’s tasty green foliage are food for the elk, bears, hares, deer, and rabbits. This beautiful tree can be found on the coast from California all the way to Alaska. The Sitka Spruce is just another piece of our special American heritage. The Sitka Spruce is also another piece in the economy of Alaska, as many things are made from her wood. Some of the worlds best sounding boards are made from this beautiful tree and can be found in the piano, guitar, and other musical instruments. Perhaps the next time you go to a concert you will be listening to an instrument with a sounding board made from her beautiful wood. So relax and enjoy yet another piece of the history of the beautiful  Chugach National Forest in Alaska. If you are looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Alaska, then Whittier, Alaska is a perfect starting place. A Whittier adventure will include some of the most spectacular glaciers and the Chugach National Forest is full of surprises. Accommodations are available and you will find them unique and high quality. So why not make this the year that you take a cruise up the Inside Passage, with a side trip to Whittier, Alaska?  

Petersburg Alaska

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   A Quaint Little Fishing Village

The Little Norway of Petersburg Alaska

Petersburg may be a small, quaint, fishing village, but in this small village settled by Norwegians, is a bundle of big adventure. Here in this isolated village, you will see the built-in work ethic of the Scandinavian people.  Norwegians built it to resemble Norway, to bring a piece of home to their new Alaskan life. It is a thriving fishing village that is still successful. Not much has changed over the years. In Petersburg, we see what was, what is, and what will be.

Fishing is the main economic resource of the area, but it did not begin with the immigrants from Norway. but rather the Tlingit have been living in the region of Mitkof Island for hundreds of years. Most likely the first experience of the European immigrants when they arrived, in the latter 1800’s, were dealing with the Tlingit Indians. For hundreds of years it was thought that they only had summer fishing camps in the area, but recent archaeological evidence would suggest otherwise. Over the years, the Tlingit haven’t lived much in Petersburg due to an early hostility to all things native. But now, if you walk the streets of Petersburg, you will see a blended culture, but by far the leading culture is Norwegian.

Petersburg received it’s name from Peter Buschmann, one of the Norwegian immigrants. He built the first sawmill, which turned out to be a very successful endeavor and the first cannery. These endeavors grew mightily over the years and finally grew into a small fishing community located at the Northern most end of Mitkof Island, latter known as Petersburg.

Petersburg is located quite close to the LeConte Glacier. Over the years, this has brought a double blessing on this small fishing community.  The location of easy ice, the year around, has helped the community grow into the fishing port that it is today. With the ice, came the ability to ship fish south to the mainland, making the community quite prosperous. Even today, this community continues to make it’s living from the sea for the most part. In addition to it’s fishing economy, Petersburg, Leconte Glacier, and the art of the Tlingit natives, has been discovered by the tourists who come on the cruise ships each summer.

                                                 Petersburg Fishing Port

This port is the home to the many fishing boats that go out daily. The Bushmann’s Cannery became quite successful and was latter bought by Pacific American Fisheries, a larger company. They owned and ran the cannery until in the 1960s when fishing began to slow down. Then they closed the cannery for the first time since it was built. The community pooled their monies and bought the Petersburg Cannery, which is successful to this day. In the late 70’s the name was changed to Icicle Seafoods. Icicle Seafoods is quite a large company in Alaska, and very successful. The cannery changed hands yet again in 2017, but still thrives in the community. This community revolves around the fishing industry.

                                              Seals Playing On The Buoy

As you leave the Continental United States and then continue through Canadian waters, you are in the open waters of the Inside Passage of Alaska. Sometimes you will see the wilderness of the United States and other times it will be Canada you are looking at. You will even see small hints of yesterday, when Russia was in control. The wilderness is pristine and amazing. You might see bears fishing, moose grazing, or seals at play. When you dock at small seaside villages, you can elect to pan for gold, watch for whales in season,  seek out the elders for amazing stories, or immerse yourself in the culture and stories of the Tlingit Indians. The Tlingit have spent generations in this amazing land. They are masters at fishing and hunting, and make their lives connected to the very land and sea that also feeds them. You will see fiords that are barely visible through the morning midst, forests and wilderness so lush and green, and the ice from the glaciers gleaming in the sun. This strange land of the Midnight Sun reaches out and embraces you, calling you by name. And this is just the beginning as you travel the Inside Passage through the wilderness to the last frontier.

                                          The Beautiful Wrangell Narrows

The Wrangell Narrows, in times past, were one of the most dangerous 22 miles on the whole trip up the inside passage. There are miles where the air does not move and often as not, the fog lingers deep and wicked over the area. Now a days there are instruments that take over in time of need, but that was not always the case. This is an area that has made many captains have grey hair before their time. Now, with the help of modern navigation equipment, the trip from the Island of Mitkof and the Island of Kupreanof to Petersburg can be made safely. It is with a spirit of awe, that this spectacular winding and scenic waterway is crossed.

                                     Coming Into The Port Of Petersburg

Petersburg, Alaska is a beautiful port that is sheltered from the extreme storms out on the Narrows by it’s natural geography. It is home to one of the best fishing fleets, the world has to offer. This is a fishing community that makes it’s living from the sea. They recognize the sea in all they do, as the sea is the heartbeat of the community. If you come on the cruise ships or sail your own, everything you need is at the port. Petersburg actually has three modern harbors that are a short walk from downtown. This is perhaps the nicest port in all of Southeast Alaska, and for sure it is the friendliest port of call in Alaska.

                   Preparing To Dock In The Petersburg, Alaska Harbor

Petersburg, being a shallow port, is not used by the mega cruise ships. The smaller boats, however, call this port home. Cruise ships with less than 250 passengers are regular customers of the port. This actually works out for the best, as it allows the smaller groups of tourists that come, to enjoy a quiet and special one on  one type of experience. There is no large invasion of tourists, but only those who come to enjoy this friendly community that sits in the shadow of the Patterson Mountain Peaks.

Some from the larger cruise ships elect to take the ferry across the Narrows to visit this pleasant fishing community. If you enjoy nature, hiking, walking, and biking, there is plenty of opportunity for these experiences. Their are Tlingit craftsman and storytellers wanting to share the stories of this Norwegian fishing village with those who desire to listen.  If you are adventurous, and comfortable without being entertained, you will enjoy the freedom of exploring this tiny island.


                                     Alaska Marine Highway Ferry

The 3 hour trip on the ferry from Wrangell to Petersburg is breathtaking. You will spend three hours crossing this spectacular Wrangell Narrows with it’s many unique markers for navigation. Arriving at Petersburg, you will find a small fishing village that lives to the beat of the sea. Surrounded by a pristine wilderness, this is the perfect adventure for those who desire a more natural approach to exploration. Here on this remote island, you will find a  hidden beauty that is sought out only by a few. Welcome to the shallow Port of Petersburg!

An exciting adventure near Petersburg is a visit to LeConte Bay and the near by ice fields from LeConte Glacier. There are many tours, some by air and others by boat. Both are exciting and have their own advantages. If you have time to do both, they are completely different. What a beautiful view you will have of Devil’s Thumb, LeConte Bay and the immense ice fields from the air. If you elect to view the grandeur of the bay and the icebergs by boat, you will get a whole different view of the Coast Mountain Range the surrounds the LeConte Glacier. As you will be closer at times to the shore, you will see the wildlife and this extremely large glacier up close. As you cross the narrow fjord, you will get an amazing view of the glacier that you will never forget. If time and money allow, it is well worth doing both a tour by air and one by boat. They are two totally different worlds of adventure.

                  Getting Crab Pots ready for Dungeness Crab Season

It is always a fun experience watching as the fisherman get their crab pots ready during crab season. There is also a fish processing plant in the center of town called Coastal Cold Storage that has a small seafood-restaurant. Hear you will find some of the best and freshest seafood in town.They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their Dungeness Crab is some of the best in the world. They will also mail any of their fresh fish home for you. There is nothing fancy about this restaurant, just some of the best seafood that Alaska has to offer.

                            Fresh Alaskan King Crab And Salmon Feast

While traveling the Inside Passage, or enjoying dinner in port, you will want to try the suburb Alaskan King Crab and Salmon with a Seafood Feast. Every restaurant in the town serves some form of a Seafood Feast. If you have never had fresh Alaskan king Crab, you will be in for a surprise. Even the Salmon is amazing when it comes fresh from the sea. You will find simple places like the Coastal Cold Storage that serve excellent food in a very relaxed atmosphere to Inga’s Gallery that is a roadside cafe with many seafood specialties. There are also two vegetarian friendly restaurants.

                  Snow-capped Patterson Peaks And Mountain Glaciers

As you look across the Wrangle Narrows you will encounter spectacular snow-capped Patterson Peaks. Surrounding the peaks are some of the beautiful glaciers of Alaska. Here you will discover that Patterson Glacier changes almost daily, so one day you will see more of the peaks and then they will be hidden the next time. This is a breathtaking area that has many climbing opportunities, hiking trails with camping facilities, and up close view of Patterson Glacier. During summer, you can enjoy the beautiful Patterson river. No matter where you decide to explore, there is plenty of adventure in the Tongass National Forest.

         Leaving Petersburg For The Return Trip Across The Narrows

Awe, those beautiful and unpredictable Wrangle Narrows. When living on land , when the days are gray and rainy, it gets old fast. A deep sorrow can come over you. With no place to go, you soon become fore-long and despondent. But the constant rainy days of the Wrangle Narrows matters not when on a ship. You are always moving, and changing your location. The mountain is ever changing and the sky is in a constantly in transition. Explosive weather and amazing and changeable skies make any day worth living. This can soon become a sailors paradise. There is nothing you can not do with a good wind, especially a good tail wind.

Then there are places where there is no air moving and soon a deep marine fog sets in. Here the air is heavy and thick, and you can see nothing but the white fog. In years past, these waters became difficult and treacherous quickly. In today’s world, there are instruments that can carry on, no matter how thick the fog. Now, two ships pass, where minutes ago they were on a collusion course. These instruments have opened up the Wrangle Narrows to people who would not travel them before. In this short three hour trip, you will see some of the most beautiful water on earth, with a touch of adventure that will raise your adrenaline to a whole new level.

                     A Brisk Evening On The Scenic Wrangell Narrows

As you continue across the Wrangle Narrows, look up! The Patterson Peaks are tall and stately with their tips always covered in snow and ice. See the glaciers, as they sparkle on a clear night. Another adventure, a day of exploration comes to a close.

If you are ready for an adventure, then Petersburg is the place to spend some time. Back a bag, and grab your passport, just in case, and take a cruise up the Inside Passage, but don’t forget, to plan a side trip to Petersburg, Alaska’s Little Norway.

If you would like to research more about Alaska, and find even more photo please visit our Alaska photography website.

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Petersburg Alaska

The Little Norway of Petersburg Alaska

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Adventures In Mobile Alabama

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                                                             The Mobile Tensaw River Delta

The amazing Mobile Tensaw River Delta is the largest of several deltas of it’s kind in the State of Alabama USA. Alabama has many wetlands, but this is an area of 266,000 acres. That is the size of some cities, or roughly 40 miles by 10 miles in size, or 400 square miles. It is the second largest wetland in the Contiguous United States Of America. This spectacular wetland is so large that most people will be able to find some place within this breathtaking wetland to enjoy a few hours. Come a long with us as we discover the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, the gateway to Alabama’s greatest wetland.

This is an area where the river converges on the sea. Here is a jungle so dense and vast with rivers that inter weave and cause islands to form, both big and small. These small uninhabited islands are home to some of the largest and most dangerous animals in the world.  Here the bears and alligators run free and wild. Bull sharks rule the sea and Bobcats wait for their next meal in a tree. In this jungle of Alabama you will find feral hogs that are huge and five major poisonous snakes. While it awaits our desire for exploration and adventure, unless you understand the Jungle and it’s inhabitants,  it is best to go with a trained guide who knows the way and life of the jungle.

Here, in this grand delta, you can discover the 300 species of birds that call this magnificent environment home. It is also filled with an unbelievable number of insects, numerous varieties of amphibians and spectacular reptiles. All these find their habitation in an area where all the water from the hills comes rushing down into the sea. This is an area that is constantly flooding, and yet, it has a mysterious side that calls to you. Come, and let’s explore this magical land of the deep South. This is the wilderness land of the Mobile Tensaw River Delta.

This profound and mysterious area is like a big screen drama. Weekly, if not daily, the environment of the delta changes. Fresh water is constantly rushing and prodding it’s way to the sea, and the sea often pushes back. On one occasion the delta may have high levels of salt, thus attracting animals that desire a home with much salt in the water. While others come during the year when the rivers push the hardest into the sea, and the water is fresh. What an amazing theater of nature!

What happens during the spring floods is spooky, mysterious, and can be dangerous. The little creatures of the jungle scamper for the cliffs and bluffs that surround the delta. This is a time when the bushy tail squirrels and rabbits join the big bears in the forests and highlands that surround the delta region. Now that they have scrambled into tall trees and other places of safety, they are able to survive the flooding wetlands. This is not a good time for these land animals in the delta, but those who spend their time in the water arrive to take their place. The Mobile Tensaw River Delta is now muddy and at flood stage.

                                               The Mobile Tensaw River Delta At Flood Stage

This is an area of many amazing trails and marvelous landmarks. But spring is not the season to hike these trails through the woods. Trails that are safe and fun at other times, have become muddy and dangerous, as the flood water rages throughout the delta forest. There is a season for everything in the jungle, and this is the season for fishing for Bream, a challenging and harder to catch angler’s favorite in this Bayou.

As spring floods end and June is on the horizon, you can begin to see and hear thousands of insects buzzing day and night. This might be a good time to apply your mosquito repellent. During this time, when the air is warming up everywhere, this jungle climate becomes warm and muggy. A perfect environment for those pesky mosquitoes has now been created. But for those who come to watch the birds, this is their season. Many species of birds call out to each other as they mate and lay their eggs. Now is the time that bird watchers flood the jungles of the delta wilderness, This is the time that the jungle becomes a bird watchers paradise.

As August arrives, the scene changes yet again and the fishermen wanting to catch the big guys have arrived and others come for the smaller fish of the gulf. The Gulf of Mexico is teaming with Spanish Mackerel, those delightful Tarpon, and giant sharks. It has become the perfect time for Gulf Fishing charters to make their way around the Gulf, and out to sea. During the same period, the rivers of the Delta have higher salt levels as the sea has pushed it’s creatures deep into the rivers. So the fishermen arrive, setting the pots for blue crabs, and looking for Shrimp, Trout, Red Fish, and even the Mangrove Flounder.  Now is the time that the Bayou has plenty of freshwater. This is the fishermen’s time to shine. The Bayou has become a fishermen’s paradise!

The over-story of the jungle is made up of several favorites of the Americas.  You will find  the American Chestnut Tree that is loaded with chestnuts to roast, Southern Oaks, Mountain Laurels, Red Maples, and the Birch trees, all growing tall and strong. Fall is the perfect time of year to discover the amazing Passion flower, and the potato beans that wind their vines up and over the trees of the jungle. This is the perfect time for those who want to discover the flowers, tress, and amazing under-story of the jungle. Cypress Trees, whose oils are precious, grow tall in the jungle swamp. By spring the small yellow flowers of the Saint John’s Wort are blooming. Whereever there are Cypress Trees, you will find Saint John’s Wort winding around their trunks. This is the time of the Medicinal Herbalist and those who hunt the jungles for their healing herbs and trees.

And what can you find in the bogs that are scattered throughout the wilderness surrounding Mobile? This is an area that is always wet and surrounds the wetlands. The bogs are on hillsides and near springs that are constantly wet with flowing water. It is in these super damp areas that herbalists descend upon to gather the Pitcher plants, only one of the re-nouned resident plants and herbs of the bog.

Now that we have explored the delta areas and the bogs, it is time to visit the Port of Alabama. Not a great day for seeing a sunset, but the stormy clouds add character to the port.

                                              Stormy Skies Over Alabama’s Only Deep Water Port

Welcome to the Port of Mobile, Alabama’s only deep water port. This deep and spacious port enables Alabama to service over-sized cargo ships with product for the cities up and down the Inter coastal Waterway. The Port of Alabama is able to serve the Great Lakes Region, The Tennessee River Valley and even way south to the Gulf of Mexico. This port, as of 2014, ranked ninth in the nation for ability to service the largest cargo ships. After unloading these mega ships, there are major railroads and interstates to complete the journey to it’s final destination.

The Port Of Mobile is not limited to the cargo ship industry. Several cruise ships include Mobile in their Port of Call. Mobile is full of cultural opportunities. The city has many suburb historical encounters including Southern Mansions right out of the pages of your favorite historical novel. With many quality restaurants and hotels close to the Port, spending an extra day in Mobile is easier than it ever was.

                                  Fire And Rescue Boat In The Port Of Mobile, Alabama

The fire and rescue boats of the Port Of Mobile, Alabama have seen plenty of action over the years. The rescue boat above is giving a demonstration of the water power that their boats have. The fire boats are indispensable to the Fire and Rescue Department. There are many times that the land trucks can not do the job alone. While they are not used daily, when they are needed, it is a job that only they  can do.

So you have come to find one of the many fish or creatures of the wetlands, you have explored the blogs, and you visited the Port of Mobile, but what about the rest of the day? It must be time to discover some down home Southern cooking! Mobile has some of the best places to taste and see, the delicacies of the South. These Southern eateries are waiting for you to discover what Southern cooking is all about. Welcome to the Deep South where food is “finger licken good.”

                                                         Gumbo Is The Star Of The Deep South

Deep in the South is a hidden gem, a star of the culinary world.  This is a thick soup filled with local Lump Crab, Bay Scrimp, Scallops, Hickory Smocked Conecuh Sauage, and Okra. All this, is served with rice. Welcome to the world of Southern Culinary Delights. The culinary mysteries of Southern cooking await in Mobile, Alabama USA. The weather is turning cold, and as you walk the beaches of Mobile,  you begin to dream of Gumbo. Now is the time, and Mobile the place, for a Gumbo adventure!

There are many varieties of Gumbo in Mobile and the Mobile Seafood Bay shares one of it’s many recipes for those that want to go home and still have a good Alabama Gumbo.

Mobile Bay Seafood Gumbo

Shared from the www.allrecipes.com

  1. Melt the clarified butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until a pinch of flour sprinkled into the oil will just begin to bubble. Whisk in the flour to form a thick paste the consistency of cake frosting. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the flour turns the color of melted chocolate, about 45 minutes. Slowly whisk in the water and bring to a simmer. Whisk until no lumps of roux remain; set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir in the onion, okra, and green bell pepper. Cook and stir until the vegetables have softened and begun to brown, about 30 minutes.
  3. Stir the tomato paste into the okra mixture until no lumps of tomato paste remain. Add the tomatoes, garlic, salt, black pepper, bay leaves, seafood seasoning, and roux-thickened water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 1 hour.
  4. Stir the shrimp, crab, and oysters into the gumbo, recover, and cook 20 minutes longer.


                                                                Moe’s in Mobile, Alabama

If you are wanting to taste some good old Southern BBQ, then it is time to visit Moe’s. Started by three University friends that loved all things Southern, Moe’s is known for it’s fresh meat done daily, and quality beer. When you go to Moe’s, you join the rival for all things Southern. At Moe’s Original BBQ you never get yesterday’s smoked meats, but each days all meat is prepared fresh. You will also find at least eight to ten side dishes, that are all southern. And of course, those southern deserts are straight from paradise. These are the recipes of generations of Alabama’s best southern cooks. So take the next step and join in the rival of Southern Soul Food at Moe’s. The atmosphere is family oriented, relaxed, and filled with that Southern spirit.

Restaurant hours: Sun – Wed: 11 am – 9 pm
Restaurant hours: Thu – Sat: 11 am – 10 pm
The Bar is open Daily: 11am – 2am

                                                                  Hickory Smoked BBQ Steak

Is there any better way to close that perfect day than to dine on Hickory smoked BBQ Steak? In Alabama, it is expected that first your steak is carefully smoked over a bed of Hickory Chips, and then the rub is applied and it is placed on the BBQ grill. It is slowly and perfectly grilled. There is no finer steak, than a Alabama Hickory Smoked BBQ Steak.

Now that you have a taste of what awaits you in Mobile, Alabama, it is time to plan a real Southern adventure, deep in the heart of the Bayou, in Mobile, Alabama USA.

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Agrippa Palace In Caesarea Philippi

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                                       Ruins Of The Agrippa Palace In Caesarea Philippi

Caesarea Philippi was an ancient Roman city at the Southwestern corner of Mount Hermon. It is near a spring with awesome water, a grotto, and many shrines that lay near by in ruins. This is a ruins of a high place that was dedicated to the Greek god, Pan. This archaeological site is for the most part, uninhabited, and lies sleeping in the Golan Heights.

Latter Caesarea Philippi was called Caesarea Paneaus, dedicated to the god Pan, and again the name mutated during the Hellentistic  and Islamic periods to become Banias. Banias is what the archaelogical site is known by today.

During the early Christian err, Paul spoke to those in authority about His walk with the Lord, at this very place. He chose this as a time and place to give testimony as to his walk “after the way.”

                                                                        Acts 24:14-27 

                                                                  King James Version (KJV)

14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.

17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

                                                                    Ruins of Agrippa Palace

More ruins of the Agrippa Palace looking out toward the fields. Notice the columns that were so prevalent during that time period. Many of the lower parts of the walls are still standing.

                                            More Scenes From The Ruins Of Agrippa Palace

Here you can see the rounded archways that also were a major component of this time period. Again, much of the doorways and walls are still standing.


                                                       Agrippa Palace Caesarea Philippi 

You can see what appears to be an outside entrance going out into a garden of some kind. One of the unique experiences of this site, is to have the opportunity to explore and imagine what it was like back when it was a thriving city. This was a major palace in a major Roman city.

                                                   One Of The Doorways Of The Ancient Palace

At this time, Caesarea Philippi is an archaeological site of major interest for those who desire to climb, and discover  the ancient ruins of yesterday. This site currently lies within the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve. As you walk through the ruins you can spot the old layouts of the palace, a bath-house, and even a Byzantine Synagogue. There is even a main North-South street, called a Cardo in ancient Roman cities. Cardos were a main part of ancient Roman city planning.

                                                  Possible Remnants Of The Temple Of Pan

In the world of Greek mythology, we come across the god, Pan. Pan is god of all things wild. He was said to have cared for the shepherds and flocks of the region, as they roamed free and wild from place to place. This Greek god is said to have “the hindquarters, legs, and horns of a goat.” He was said to roam the mountain wild places, and adore mountain rustic music. In some places Pan is connected to the goddess of fertility.In our own society we see that the word panic comes from the name of this Greek god.

One of the cave openings was known as the “Gates of Hell.” Though Caesarea Philippi was green and lush, it was a center for worshiping pagan Greek gods and goddesses. The primary god of the area was Pan, which the city was named after during the time of the Greeks. To the pagan way of understanding, these openings that went down to caves were a part of the underworld that was called the “Gates of Hell.” Detestable acts of worship took place in these caves, as they worshiped their gods. Major orgies  and other sexual activities were said to have taken place in the caves. They believed that Pan, and the other gods, lived there during the winter and used the caves as a way of coming back to the community during the spring time. The nearby spring was considered a symbol of this underworld.

Some of the caves were over 800 feet deep, and the bottom has yet to be discovered. It is thought that these deep caves were used to drop the dead animals into that were sacrificed to the god, Pan.When blood was seen further downstream, they knew that the gods had accepted their sacrifice.

                                                             Beautiful Spring At Banias

The spring went directly in front of the Temple of Pan, between the temple and the grotto. Such a beautiful spring, to have such a detestable past. This spectacular spring came out from under the cave used for pagan worship. It was one of three water sources that formed and filled the River Jordan. A short distance from here, it also forms into a magnificent water fall. The cave was filled with small pebbles during an earthquake and the water no longer comes out from the cave, but rather flows out in front of it. Today, it is a beautiful small river.

Many years latter the Romans conquered the territory, giving the city the name of Caesarea, but it remained the hub for pagan worship. The people of the city would carve niches into the cliff, where they put statues to their many gods.

                                                                 Carved Niches Of Worship 

Each one of these niches, carved into the cliff, was home to one of many Greek gods. The Greeks had a god for everything, they even had one to an unknown god. Just to be on the safe side, they worshiped this unknown god, for fear of missing an important god and making him angry. But by far, most of the niches were filled with hand carved wooden statues of Pan, a Greek fertility god. Pan was the most important god of that time in Caesarea.

                                                       A Cliff Dedicated To Pagan Worship

This is a close up view of the niches which held the wooden statues. Notice that they have been carved with care. They are done with skill and great devotion.

                         Adventurer Taking Photos From Out Of The Shadows Of Yesterday

Adventurers will find that Caesarea National Park is an impressive archaeological site. The harbor has been restored to show forth it’s former glory during the time it was being built by King Herod. This is one of Israel’s marvelous sites waiting for you to explore. There is also a museum which has many different media forms explaining the history of this ancient and  magnificent port. The museum is open from April to September from 8 am till 6 pm. In the winter it is open from 8 am till 4 pm.

The Caesarea Amphitheater has been completely restored and throughout the year there are concerts and other productions held here at the harbor. Photographers find endless hours of enjoyment taking photos of all the exciting parts of this archaeological site. Those that enjoy walking and climbing can spend hours discovering all the various areas of this spectacular site.

Just outside the National Park is one of the nicest beaches in all of Israel. The harbor is a great place to enjoy the sunset, or to catch dinner at one of the many harbor restaurants. The modern town of Caesarea is close by for places to stay close and the ancient city of Joppa is only around 33 miles away. There are many fabulous boutique motels that are amazing and the service is excellent.

Why not make this the year that you choose to have an archaeological adventure in Israel? There are many archaeological sites to discover, and Caesarea is an excellent place to start your adventure.

 

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Living Art At The Kokyo Gaien National Gardens In Tokyo, Japan

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                               Japanese Black Pines Trained To Have Intriguing Forms

Breath the fresh pine scented air, in Tokyo’s downtown Kokyo Gaien National Gardens. The Japanese Black Pine has a natural resistance to pollution and salt, making it the perfect urban tree for a small island nation. These tall stately trees make up the overstory of any forest. They are tall and sturdy and just keep getting taller. In their natural state, the are usually the tallest trees in the forest. But with years of skill and patience, they can be trained to be living art in the form of bonsai trees. Such is the case in the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens. From the time that the trees were young, they have been pruned and shaped into the unique and intriguing shapes that you see today. These are some of the most elegant living art forms of the natural world. In the midst of these spectacular Black Pine Trees, you will find peace and tranquility.

                                                 In The Center Of Kokyo Gaien National Gardens

Tall living elegance, that have been shaped into the most intriguing forms over the years, stand tall in the center of Kokyo Gaien National Gardens. The center part of this amazing green space is filled with the scent of pine freshness and an overwhelming serenity. This is the perfect place to escape the city rat-race.  It is an oasis of peace in the midst of one of the world’s largest green spaces.


           Tall And Elegant Japanese Black Pines Tower At The Entrance Of The Imperial Palace

Soaring into the Japanese Sky, are the sturdy and majestic Japanese Black Pines. In this location of the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens they form the overstory of this magnificent urban oasis. Oblivious to the urban smog and the fresh salt in the air, these stately trees that are over 2000 in number, make up the highlight of the garden. In places, you will see other native trees nestled under their overstory. For sure, they are living art throughout the park.

                                   The Imperial Palace Nestled Among The Japanese Black Pines

Even the Imperial Palace is nestled under the overstory of these magnificent Japanese Black Pines. These elegant trees provide a degree of privacy from the outside. The spectacular Meganebashi Bridge, together with a double story wooden bridge, provide the entrance to the palace, which is almost hidden among the trees.


             Native Trees Line The Moat That Helps Keep The Imperial Palace Gardens Secure 

This urban park, in the midst of Tokyo, has a moat that helps with the security of the palace. The moat is kept clean and is crystal clear, with reflections of the trees and city landscape.

                         An Urban Oasis Of Japanese Black Pines And Other Native Trees

The Japanese Black Pines, together with other native trees make up a splendid display of living art. If you have never seen these examples of natures art work, then be sure to visit while in Tokyo. Here in the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens, you will find rest and tranquility from the city rat-race. Whether you come for a few hours, or just for a lunch break……. you will leave refreshed and rejuvenated.

 

The Tokyo Imperial Palace 皇居Kōkyo

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                                                                   The Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan is the main residence of the Emperor and Empress of Japan. The current Imperial Palace sits on the ancient site of the Edo Castle. This is a massive park with Cherry Trees, Green Trees, and other native trees and shrubs. The park area around the castle is further surrounded by a spectacular moat that is backed by massive stone walls. This security is further enhanced by an extremely large Outer Garden, which surrounds the whole area. All of this beauty is located in the downtown area of Tokyo, Japan. It is only a short walk from the Tokyo Train Station, making it easy for visitors to access the grounds.

The famous Edo Castle was the main location of the Tokugawa Shogun government. This government ruled from 1603 until it was over thrown in 1868. After the Tokugawa Shogun were over thrown, the capital was moved to Tokyo. The new Imperial Palace was completed in 1888, though it was a causality of World War Two. The current castle was rebuilt in exactly the same manner as the original.

 


                                                              Meganebashi Bridge

This massive stone bridge is called Meganebashi or Eyeglass Bridge. It is so named for it’s shape that resembles eyeglasses. Meganebashi and a two level wooden bridge behind it, form the entrance to the palace. When standing on the Kikyo Gaien, which is a patio in the front of the Imperial Palace, visitors to the palace can see the Nijubashi, which means double bridge.

The inner gardens of the palace are not open to the public, except twice a year. It is open on January 2, when the Royal Couple makes an appearance on a balcony and the Emperor gives his New Years Speech. It is also open on December 23, which is the Emperor’s Birthday. They once again makes an appearance on a balcony marking the celebration of his birthday.

There are many tours available to the public of the inner grounds. Each tour takes approximately an hour and a half. No buildings are entered during the tour. These tours are done twice a day Tuesday through Saturday. The East Gardens are always open to the public.

If you are planning to be in the Tokyo area, the Imperial Palace is a must see. The Outer Garden is the  largest public garden in all of Tokyo, the East Garden is extremely beautiful, and the Imperial Palace, which is the private residence of the Emperor and his family, is magnificent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sailfin Dragon Lizards From The Philippines

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Sail-fin Dragon Lizard
Watch you step, the Philippine Sailfin Dragon Lizard could be above your head!

Sailfin Dragon Lizards Of The Philippines

Sailfin Dragon Lizards  are perhaps  the most spectacular lizards in the jungle. They are by far the most beautiful.  Sailfin Dragon Lizards are stoutly built. They are sturdy! They are fast and busy! It is not unusual for them to reach  over 3 feet in length.  Male Sailfin Dragon Lizards  have amazing huge crests along the back and tail.  These crests are clothed in several shades of green, neon purple, and red-tinted bluish-purple. What amazing colors they have! Can you imagine trekking in the Philippine jungle? Think about watching as they scurry through the trees? Is there any other lizard on earth clothed in such finery?

Sailfin Dragon

Trekking the coastal marshes and riverside jungle forests is one of the amazing opportunities in The Philippines. These coastal marshes are a touch of paradise. No one knows what you will see. Each visit is unique!   These beautiful lizards are not harmful!  Nothing compares with watching them in their natural environment.  Sailfin Dragon Lizards are high-strung, dynamic, and enthusiastic. Their capers are amazing. They carry on more than a monkey. What fun they are to watch! They are diligent, intense and always busy. They are excitable! They are restless and impatient. Watching them is one of the rare privileges  of jungle trekking. Can you imagine such wondrous elegance in a lizard? If you have never taken time to trek through the jungles, you are missing a rare treat!

philippines jungle

Not only will you see Sailfin Dragon Lizards, but parrots calling out to each other. The beautiful Macaw can be found in this jungle squawking up a storm. The Macaw is majestic! It is clothed in splendor. You might see Lovebirds , Conures, or even a Cockatoo. These are the coastal marshes. They are teeming with life. Be still and listen! Monkeys hang from the canopy. They playfully entertain! Their antics astonish. Watch as they go frolicking through the trees.

Philippines jungle tree

More than half of all the plants and animals in the world can be found here. Some of the best areas for jungle trekking are on the islands of Bohol, Mindanao, and Palawan. Much of the rainforest here is protected.  You will find many opportunities to hear and see the dynamic life of the riverside jungle. Explore the tropical rainforests! Delight yourself in nature! There are many competent guides. In their hands you will safely see animals you have only read about. Discover the unimaginable! In this tropical paradise you will hear the life of the rainforest. You will see the heartbeat of the jungle.

philippines jungle tree

If you have never been privileged to watch a Sailfin Dragon Lizard interact in his native environment, make it happen this year. Now is the time!  Make this the year you trek the vast coastal waterways of the islands of  Bohol, Mindanao, or Palawan.

Native guides are waiting to share the joys of these vast coastal marshes. Explore the rainforest! There are so many animals to see! This is the Philippine jungle! It’s natural artistry is alluring! It will captivate your imagination. The Sailfin Dragon Lizard is calling…..can you hear him? Adventure beckons! Excitement is in the air!  Will this be the year you come?

Sailfin Dragon

ExploreTraveler

 

Published on steemit.com @exploretraveler April 29, 2017 at: ExploreTraveler STEEMIT

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