Kurt Kucera

Scuba Diver, Car Enthusiast, Outdoorsman

Fall Travel Destinations for 2018

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We are coming to the end of the summer season which means the weather is getting a little cooler and it could be time to plan that perfect vacation for the fall season. Whether you are traveling during a fall break, or when families are back in school, fall can actually be one of the most relaxing and cozy times to travel and go sightseeing. Whether you are just passing through, or prefer taking the cooler temperatures with smaller crowds, check out some of these fall travel destinations for 2018.

 

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

There is typically never a bad time to visit Montreal, however, the fall season is probably one of the best times to experience the Canadian gem. One of the most stunning views is of Mount Royal Park, located on a hill in the center of the city. Another ideal spot for visitors is the Montreal Botanical Gardens which is well worth the price of admission during this time. The best times to see fall colors are between mid-September and early November.

 

Damariscotta, Maine

When it comes to the fall season, anywhere in New England is an ideal travel destination as each state and mountain range comes with their unique scenery and fall activities. Plus, no matter where you go, you are probably only two or three hours from a major airport or Amtrak station. Now, if you have the time, you might want to consider visiting several of the New England states to enjoy their fall splendor. However, if time is not in abundance, a great place to start would be Damariscotta, Maine. This city is best known for its Maine Pumpkinfest and Regatta held every Columbus Day weekend. During this event, you can enjoy many activities such as pumpkin boat races where the participants must carve out pumpkins that weigh over 6,000 pounds.

 

Asheville, North Carolina

During the fall season in Asheville, North Carolina, the hills come alive. You have access to the Blue Ridge Parkway which is great for driving tours along with many hiking travelers for the adventurous traveler. Aside from its mountainous beauty, Asheville is also best known for the Biltmore Estate which is America’s largest privately owned estate. The Biltmore was built by the Vanderbilt family during the pinnacle of the Gilded Age. Visiting this estate is a great way to take in hints of European glamour and elegance without even having to cross the ocean.

Man-Made Wonders of the Caribbean, Part 2

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The human-made wonders of the Caribbean islands are too vast to limit to only one article. As a continuance of Man-Made Wonders of the Caribbean, Part 1, this article features further human-made wonders from the Caribbean Islands, such as Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Grenada.  

Citadelle Laferriere – Built at the beginning of the 19th century by one of the leaders of the Haitian slave revolution, the Citadelle Laferriere is a mountaintop fortress overlooking the northern coast of Haiti. What was once a demonstration of power and security, the Citadelle is featured on local currency, stamps, and postcards, and since 1982, it has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Today, the Citadel is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Haiti and the Caribbean.

Pomier Caves – First discovered in 1851, this series of 55 caves south of the Dominican Republic is believed to have been created 2,000 years ago by the Taino, Igneri, and Carib people, or the pre-Columbian indigenous inhabitants of the Bahamas. Containing an estimated 6,000 drawings, carvings and pictographs of birds, reptiles, and human figures, archaeologists have long described the importance of preserving the caves and the drawings made from charcoal and animal fat. While the caves have been protected by the natural humidity provided by the depth of the caves (1,000ft below sea level), there has been damage to the area due to nearby limestone mining. Due to the international importance of the caves for the study of the civilization inhabited within the Caribbean Islands for nearly 8,000 years before the rise of western culture, the Pomier caves are being considered for the category of Capital Prehistoric De Las Antillas. Check out reviews and photos here.

Moilinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park – In 2006, British sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor, created the world’s first underwater sculpture park. Open to the public beginning May of 2006, Taylor aimed to engage the local community with the marine environment surrounding them and to get them aware and involved with the life forms within that environment. A wide variety of concrete human figures, from children holding hands to solitary individuals, were installed onto the ocean floor facing the oceanic currents. While Jason Taylor began the environmental sustainability project to create new areas for corals, sponges, and other marine life, several other artists and organizations have contributed artwork to the further development of the area. Check out this site to see photos of the underwater artwork or to book guided tours of the park here.

Man-Made Wonders of the Caribbean, Part 1

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For thousands of years, humans have inhabited the islands and coastlines of the Caribbean and in the process, they have left behind legacies of great civilizations, conflicts, faith, and commerce. The Seven Man-Made Wonders of the Caribbean are included in this legacy. They feature the remains of the ancient cities and temples of the Mayans, the thriving historic capitals of Cuba and Puerto Rico as well as the Panama Canal. Let’s take a look at some of the man-made wonders of the Caribbean.

 

Mayan Ruins of the Mexican Caribbean

The ruins at Chichen Itza on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula were recently added to the new list of New Seven Wonders of the World. They stand as a lasting tribute to the Mayan civilization that raised the city between the years of 400 A.D and approximately 1400 A.D which is when it mysteriously vanished. The tallest and most well-known structure at Chichen Itza is the Pyramid of Kukulkan. The site, however, also contains a grand plaza, a marketplace, a ball court, and an ossuary. While the Tulum ruins are smaller in size, they are no less impressive as the walled port city is well-preserved in part due to the fact that it was inhabited deep into the 16th century. It is also a popular tourist site that combines ancient history with the beauty of the Caribbean cost which can be found just 80 miles south of Cancun.

 

The Basilica at Higuey, Dominican Republic

This structure is located near La Romana in the Dominican Republic and named for the spiritual mother of the Dominican order of nuns. It became a Catholic festival site after Dominican troops secured a victory over the French army at the nearby Battle of Sabana in 1691. After the victory, the soldiers offered their arms in Higuey as a tribute to Our Lady of Altagracia. The Basilica at Higuey is a modern structure that was built 1971 and is located forty minutes from the resort area of Punta Cana. It is, in fact, one of the most visited buildings in the DR and the signature 248-foot central arch along with its other architectural features are lit in bright colors during the night.

 

The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a testament to human industriousness as it links the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans by the narrow isthmus of Panama and through the Caribbean Sea. Construction of the canal began in 1880 and took over thirty years to complete while costing the lives of 22,000 workers. For over a century, it has remained a key shipping conduit that provides the only passage between the two oceans other than circling Cape Horn. In present day, about forty cargo and cruise ships make what is a nine-hour passage through the 48-mile canal as they pass through two sets of locks along with 17 artificial lakes.

Diving Spotlight: Florida

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If you’re taking a vacation to Florida, or already live in the Sunshine State, activities like scuba diving and snorkeling might be on your agenda.  Don’t be too concerned about which coasts are nearest to you, fortunately for visitors and residents alike, Florida’s diving sites are located on multiple coasts throughout the peninsula.

 

Here are some of the best sites for scuba diving throughout Florida!

 

Biscayne Maritime Heritage Trail  

Biscayne National Park

Dive into some maritime history on the heritage trail at Biscayne National Park.  Groups of divers and snorkelers can take a visit here to experience an underwater history lesson spanned with shipwrecks dating back to the late 1800’s.  Provided with waterproof maps, divers can make their way to each separate wreck to explore the sites below.

 

Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary

Big Pine Key

If you’re looking to experience one of the states beautiful living reefs, Looe Key is a great place to start.  A protected underwater ecosystem, this site is full of high rock ledges, colorful exotic marine life, and of course, miles worth of living coral reef structures that are more than just a site to see.  In fact, the reef was previously home to the HMS Looe shipwreck dating back to 1744. Though the wreck is no longer present in the reef, but it’s a great back story to how the site obtained its name!

 

Devil’s Den

Williston

A name with an interesting history, the Devils Den is a warm spring set in an underground cave with a ton of ancient history behind it.  It’s name was given by early settlers who, due to the warm steam coming up from the above ground at the caves location, thought that the site may be the pathway to hell.  While in the following years that theory was debunked, visitors can experience this underground wonderland while enjoying the warmth and scenery of this 2 million year old cavern.

 

Half Moon Preserve

Biscayne National Park

An early 1900’s racing yacht originally named the Germania, is the setting to this underwater diving site.  From it’s build date in 1908, the Germania had a number of different captains, homes, and two name changes, officially taking its final name “Half Moon” around 1920.  By 1930, the Half Moon was being used as a fishing vessel, until its ultimate demise during a storm.  Today, the wreck sits about 10 feet underwater, is a home for marine life, and a great attraction for divers looking to experience a little piece of history.  

 

Blue Grotto

Williston

Quite close to our previously mentioned diving site, the Devil’s Den, Blue Grotto is a stunning clear water cavern, that is open to divers and snorkelers of all experience levels.  With a maximum diving depth of 100 feet, divers can experience what is said to be one of the clearest waters in Florida.  An additional perk for divers is the diving bell at the 30 foot mark, where divers can take an opportunity to take a quick break and converse with their diving partner.

Oceanic Wonders Only Scuba Divers Can See

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When you become a fully certified Open Water Diver, it does not simply mark the end of your scuba diving course; it marks the beginning of the endless underwater adventures that are now available to you. Those who are now certified do not just go out and practice their skills in a swimming pool. This is your opportunity to break out the map and start creating your scuba diving bucket list to find the top spots where you will make your memories. You can explore historic shipwrecks, go up close and personal some of the world’s most feared underwater apex predators, and even venture into caverns and peruse underwater museums. Becoming a certified diver ensures that there will be something out there for you to explore. Let’s take a look at some of the oceanic wonders out there for scuba divers to explore.

 

Great Barrier Reef – Australia

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the world’s largest coral reef system and has over 2,900 individual reefs along with 900 islands that stretch for over 2,300 kilometers and over an area of about 344,400 square kilometers. It’s not just the immense size of the area that makes for the unforgettable experience; it is also the diversity of the encounters you can have. From the scores of great humphead parrotfish swimming past to the spying giant clams, the Great Barrier Reef has so much at its disposal. Some of the best times come in June and July when there is the migration of the curious minke whales.

 

Underwater Museum – Cancun, Mexico

The Underwater Museum in Cancun was installed as the first underwater sculpture park in 2009 by sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. It includes life-size figures that act as a foundation. Each work in the underwater museum has become a habitat for many of the creatures in the surrounding area such as the budding coral, sponges, and shrimp and other crustaceans. Jason deCaires Taylor himself has recommended viewing his works at night as your view will be limited to what the light can illuminate which adds to the overall experience.

 

Ocean Cave – Palau

One of the most famous sites in Palau is Chandelier Cave which as mandarin fish who flit about near the entrance. Diving in this marine cave, you will find yourself along with stalactites and even find some reef fish as well. One of the things that make this place so spectacular is the four chambers that also have air pockets so that divers can travel through the dark tunnels and then pop their heads out to see a ceiling supported with formations that are as big as columns.