The Coolest Places On Earth

Places I'd Like to Visit in the Next 100 Years

Travel Destinations that I Haven't Visited, but Would Like to.

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Every year, millions of Monarch Butterflies return to this protected sanctuary northwest of Mexico City for the winter. The skies turn orange and the tree branches bend to the ground under the weight of the millions of monarch butterflies. I've been to Mexico City, but didn't get the chance to visit the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. One day, I'll get there to see the butterflies return for the winter.

The Joggins Fossil Cliffs

This unique site has cliffs which are full of fossils set in a unique three dimensional diorama with fossilized trees, animals and everything situated as it was millions of years ago. The Joggins Foossil Cliffs are located on the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, Canada. It's not all that far from me really. This one might be moved to the list of places to which I've already been pretty soon!

The Galapagos Islands

The incredible variety of wildlife on the Galapagos Islands gave rise to Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species." Now it is home to some of the most endangered species on the planet, including the giant Pinta Island Tortoise of which only a single 90 year old specimen remains alive. The ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands is in peril, however, from rising population pressures and from the incredible numbers of tourists that visit the islands each year. Although the Galapagos Islands are listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, it is also listed by UNESCO as endangered.

Places I've Visited that I Recommend

Rye, New Hampshire

OK, this isn't exactly one of the great wonders of the modern or ancient world, but if you're in seacoast New Hampshire and looking for something interesting to see, this certainly qualifies.
The Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne State Park is a great place to learn about marine life and ocean ecology. It also features old World War II fortified gun placements that were camouflaged to look like natural hills to a potential invading fleet. The huge bunkers are surrounded by seven different types of wildlife habitat and miles of meandering walking trails. Rrocky seashores, salt marshes, forest thickets and more are all full of birds and other wildlife. There's something for everyone in the family here.

The Ice Beds at White Rocks national Recreation Area

The Ice Beds at White Rocks National Recreation Area is located in Wallingford, VT. It features a mountain that was torn in two by ancient glaciers and a tumble of resulting boulders that trap snow and ice from the winter and preserve it well into the summer months. It is possible to have a snowball fight there in June. Peregrine falcons circle overhead and you can climb the fallen face of the mountain. It's definitely worth a day trip if you are in the area.

Birdwatching locations in New Hampshire: hawks at Blue Job Mountain

Blue Job Mountain and its companion peak, Little Blue Job Mountain, not only offer a fantastic birdwatching site in Southern New Hampshire, but they provide a welcome bonus during the summer - FREE all you can pick blueberries. IN addition to the opportunity to enjoy the stunning 360 degree view that extends from the New Hampshire Coastline all the way to Mount Washington on the opposite side, the birds and wildlife on the mountain make this relatively short hike well worth the effort. The view is great year round, and the blueberries are in season from July through August. There are acres and acres of free blueberries so don't worry about them running out while they're in season.