travelingdancer

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Tulsa, OK.

The center of the universe.

Stand in the circle and only you can hear your echo.

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SIT; Brattleboro, VT

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Norm’s Marina; Hinsdale, NH

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Whetstone; Brattleboro, VT

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MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE RESERVE.

Thinking about visiting the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve in Belize? Keep reading for some helpful travel tips!

Spending the night in San Ignacio the night before driving into the reserve is a good idea. My partner Tristan and I took the chicken bus from Belize City and stayed at Bella’s Backpackers for the night. We loved the hostel, met some great people, and even stayed there again when we visited Caye Caulker.

Before going into the reserve, I highly recommend renting a car. From my understanding, there is no public transportation getting into and out of the reserve, apart from large tour groups and charter buses. Tristan and I found that driving around the reserve was our favorite part: the roads are not well maintained, with several potholes and muddy areas, but totally drivable with 4-WHEEL DRIVE. We rented our car at Flame’s Auto Rental with no problems: in fact, I’m surprised at how easy it was! We rented a black, Jeep-like car and named it Black Bean. Flame’s photocopied one license (even though we both expressed interest in driving...), asked us if we had car insurance at home (and didn’t follow up with what kind of insurance...), had one person sign a waiver & sent us on our way. Flame’s did do a vehicle inspection before we left the parking lot but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take some notes and pictures for yourself, of the car. It sounds scary, renting a car in another country and driving into a forest reserve, but believe me, it’ll be worth it!

We downloaded google maps before starting our journey.

Once you make it to the entrance of the reserve, you will have to sign in. Someone will give you the chance to take a picture of a hand drawn map of the area. It was pretty neat! Once you’ve done those two things, you’re set to start your adventure!

Tristan and I decided that we wanted to spend our time hiking and swimming, so we didn’t make it to Caracoal: the historical Mayan pyramids at the end of the road. Instead, we spent two days visiting Big Rock Falls, Río on Pools, Río Frío Cave & 1,000 ft. Falls!

Big Rock Falls, a not-so-hidden gem, was my favorite swim spot. The water was a warm green and a comfortable temperature. Río on pools was great for photos and lounging. At Río Frío Cave we were met with some authentic mountain lion roars & while driving to 1,000 ft. falls black bean’s “check engine” light went off right as we almost got her stuck in the mud. But hey, we made it & so will you!

In the reserve, we spent the night at Káne villa, which I highly highly recommend! The villa was completely solar powered and maintained beautifully. There were private hiking trails that led to different waterfalls and there was an outdoor pool shared by the other two surrounding villas. Jaime, the on-site host, was so kind and amicable. The space was incredibly well-kept with tropical and resort-like vibes. It’s not typically the kind of thing Tristan and I go for, but it was a neat, new and memorable experience for us.

If this is your first time going into the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, like Tristan and I, you might enter at your own risk: with little information and lots of nerves. Hey, that’s okay. I do hope though that you leave like us: with new memories, uncontrollable laughs, local friendships, breathtaking views, unbelievable photos, & all in one piece (which includes the car!)

As always, please please please reach out with any questions or travel updates! Blogs are what get me through my travels & I write in hope that these posts return the favor for other young souls!

Location: Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize.

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San Juan Islands, Washington.

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When you travel with the one you love:

- small space is enough space

- touch creates warmth

- fears, laughs, emotions are shared

- you sleep more soundly

- you carry little bit of comfort, a little bit of home: almost, a safety blanket

- anywhere becomes home

Location: Banff National Park (Spray Loop - Backcountry Camping)

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BOW LAKE

Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

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TREE OF LIFE

Location: Olympic National Park, Washington, USA

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But wait, here’s what you don’t see:

- just 3 miles away was considered “bear, cougar & wolverine county,” which is why we were only one of two tents setting up camp in the area.

- we used sticks instead of trekking poles to hold our tent up (...we weren’t informed we needed trekking poles for the tent!)

- this was my first time backpacking and I loved it! 🌲 ⛺️ 💛

Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada (Spray Loop - Backcountry Camping)

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RAM CREEK HOT SPRINGS.

There are a few things you should know about these pools before you embark on your journey to find them: and yes, it is a real trek to the springs! For one, Ram Creek Hot Springs is more of warm springs rather than hot springs... as my partner Tristan saidwhen we arrived, Ram Creek is not necessarily the kind of hot springs you visit to soak in & relax for hours. Instead, it’s the kind of springs that you hike to for its picturesque mountains, privacy, and perfectly round-edged pools. Lussier Hot Springs, just 45 minutes away & at the bottom of the hill, are much more maintained and considered more conventionally-pleasing natural hot springs. Second, Ram Creek Hot Springs is home to a set of cooler-then-hot sulphur pools. The smaller the pool, the warmer the water: again, the water is more lukewarm than anything else. Third, Ram Creek rests on reclaimed land. The space is now an ecological research site. While signs are posted to warn visitors of falling debris & danger, I strongly encourage those thrill-seeking, adventure-prone, curious-minded travelers to trek on up to the top of the hot springs for some breathtaking scenery, remote natural beauty & semi-soothing sulphur soaks.

If you’ve read this blog post thus far, and still feel so inclined to visit Ram Creek, here are my tips for actually getting to these natural springs:

- the roads are NOT maintained enough for any car to drive right up to the springs. There are several dozen potholes, overflowing streams, narrow roads & steep hills along the way. Start by driving up to Lussier Hot Springs, which can be found in East Kootenay on White Swan Lake Forest Service Rd. and continue to drive on up the hill. Continue past Lussier 2.3 miles and turn right onto White-Lussier Road, toward Top of the World Park. Stay to the right at major junctions, following Top of the World signs. You'll come to a major junction in 10 miles where you'll turn right onto White-Ram Forest Road. Originally you would be able to follow this narrow road for 3 miles to the parking area, however this is where you’ll NOW NEED TO HIKE. After finding the first big “uh-oh” spot in the road while driving, carefully reverse/turn around, and find a safe space to park so you can continue your journey to Ram Creek by foot. Depending on where you park/start hiking will determine how many miles away you are from the pools, but it will likely be anywhere from 2-3 miles.

- Carry a backpack with water, food, a whistle, a phone, a flashlight, a bathing suit, etc. for your hike!

- wear comfortable, waterproof shoes. Dodging big holes in the ground and walking through shallow, freezing streams of water is normal! As long as you stay on the path, you’ll make it to Ram Creek.

- When you get close to the hot springs, a short, steep trail leads up to the once-maintained parking lot. If you’re a little nervous to walk the path, I don’t blame you. The path almost look like a goat trail, but I promise it has been and can be walked safely by humans.

- When you get to an overgrown, grassy field (likely the old parking lot), the pools will be hidden to the right and a small waterfall will be rushing to the left. You will be met by a few “DANGER” signs and another even shorter and even steeper trail leads to the 3 main pools, with a cool waterfall trickling to the right as well. The largest pool is coolest and down by the road is a very small almost-hot pool for 1 person. Again. the water is lukewarm compared to Lussier. But hey, you made it & im sure it was worth it! Take lots of pictures and enjoy the privacy & views!

If you have any questions before hiking the trail, Tristan and I hiked the to Ram Creek just a few weeks ago (June 2019). Feel free to message me before, during or even after your trip! Safe travels!

Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia

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LAKE MCDONALD

My sun sets, only to rise again the very next day.

Location: Glacier National Park, Montana.