Blog | mytouristmaps.com

Redwood National and State Parks, U.S.A.

Hyperion is the name of a Sequoia Sempervirens, the world’s tallest known living tree located in the Redwood National and State Parks, California (Western U.S.A.). It is 115,61 m (379.3 ft) high.

While Hyperion is celebrated for its height, another California resident claims the title for sheer size. General Sherman, a Sequoiadendron Giganteum, is the largest tree in the world by volume.
Found in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park in Tulare County, this colossal tree boasts a staggering volume of 1,487 cubic meters. To put this into perspective, its mass is equivalent to over 15 blue whales, making it a true wonder of the natural world.\n\nWhat makes General Sherman even more extraordinary is its incredible lifespan.

Estimated to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old, it holds the distinction of being one of the longest-lived trees on the planet. Its name honors William Tecumseh Sherman, a general in the American Civil War, whose legacy is immortalized not only in history books but also in this timeless natural marvel.

Visiting these towering trees is akin to stepping into a time machine. Hyperion and General Sherman have weathered millennia, standing resilient through countless storms, fires, and changes in the world around them. These trees are living relics, offering glimpses into prehistoric times when their ancestors thrived alongside dinosaurs.

Beyond their sheer size and age, these ancient giants play crucial roles in their ecosystems. Hyperion and General Sherman, like other sequoias and redwoods, absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change. Their sprawling roots stabilize the soil, preventing erosion, while their canopies provide shelter to diverse species of plants and animals.

The Redwood National and State Parks and Sequoia National Park offer much more than just views of these incredible trees. Visitors can hike scenic trails, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and experience the tranquillity of pristine wilderness. Guided tours and educational programs provide deeper insights into the history and ecology of these majestic forests.

Orkneys Islands, Scotland

The Neolithic village of Skara Brae is located near the Bay of Skaill, 15 km North from the city of Stromness, on the west coast of Mainland island (Orkneys Islands, Scotland).

Thanks to the layer of sediments that have hidden and protected the village until 1850, the Neolithic village is kept in perfect conditions despite 5000 years of age (its origins predate the construction of the pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge) and it is considered today one of the best-preserved prehistoric villages in the world.

In 1999 it was recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the movie Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), Indiana Jones talks about Skara Brae to his students during a class at Marshall College.

At Orkney Islands / Scotland’s Northern coast, you can watch orcas and whales and have a swim in awesome sandy beaches (…beware of the freezing water!).

Bangkok, Thailand

The capital and biggest city of Thailand, Bangkok holds the Guinness World Record for the longest name: his ceremonial name “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahastan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit” means “City of angels, the great city, the city of eternal happiness, the impenetrable city of God Indra, the magnificent capital of the world equipped with precious gems, the happy city, abounding in a great Royal Palace, which is similar to the divine house where reincarnated Gods reigns, a city blessed by Indra and built for Vishnukam”

Boundless, hot, smiling and animated by a vibrant nightlife, Bangkok has been elected by the magazine Travel + Leisure the “best city in the world in 2008”.

Don’t miss to taste the typical street food and watch a ping-pong match …

Bangkok’s floating markets like Damnoen Saduak are vibrant hubs where vendors sell fresh produce and cooked meals directly from their boats.
The Golden Buddha, located in Wat Traimit, is the world’s largest gold statue, weighing 5.5 tons and dating back to the 13th century. With over 400 temples, Bangkok is home to must-visit landmarks like Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho, which houses the famous Reclining Buddha.

Bangkok’s Chinatown, Yaowarat, is one of the largest and most vibrant in the world, renowned for its bustling markets, Chinese temples, and exceptional street food.

For those seeking something unique, the Siriraj Medical Museum, also called the “Museum of Death,” displays preserved specimens, historical medical artefacts, and even mummies, offering a glimpse into the city’s medical history.

Bangkok’s rooftop bars are legendary, with places like Sirocco at the State Tower offering incredible views of the city’s glittering skyline, making them a highlight for nightlife lovers. From its cultural treasures to its dynamic modernity, Bangkok is a city full of contrasts and endless surprises.

24 Hours in Bangkok – Itinerary

Lake Garda, Italy

Strada della Forra — *photo © mytouristmaps*

Defined by a correspondent of the Frankfurter Zeitung as the most beautiful street in the world and by Winston Churchill as the eighth wonder of the world, the SP 38 road, well known as Strada della Forra, is a panoramic route located along the West coast of the Garda Lake, in Italy.

The most spectacular point is the short track through the gorges formed by the Brasa River, crossing dark tunnels and overhanging rocks.
In 2008, the SP 38 was the scene of a car chase starring Daniel Craig as James Bond in the movie Quantum of Solace and in the past of many other films and TV advertisements.

Built between 1908 and 1913, it is still considered one of the most spectacular roads in Italy.

Yellowstone National Park, U.S.A.

Yellowstone National Park, located in the northwest corner of Wyoming and extending into Montana and Idaho, is world-renowned for its iconic bison, erupting geysers, and stunning natural formations. However, beneath its breathtaking surface lies one of the most fascinating and powerful geological features on Earth: the Yellowstone caldera. This immense volcanic crater, formed approximately 630,000 years ago during the cataclysmic Lava Creek eruption, is one of the planet’s few supervolcanoes. Spanning an astonishing 50 kilometers in length and 75 kilometers in width, the Yellowstone caldera is a silent reminder of Earth’s volatile power.

The Yellowstone caldera is situated above one of Earth’s most active geological hotspots. Here, magma rises from deep within the mantle, nearing the surface and creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. This hotspot fuels the geothermal wonders that Yellowstone is famous for, from the explosive Old Faithful geyser to bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. Scientists estimate that the destructive potential of the Yellowstone caldera is thousands—possibly millions—of times greater than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, highlighting its immense power. Though its next eruption is not expected any time soon, the caldera remains a subject of intense study and fascination.

Among Yellowstone’s many geothermal marvels, the Grand Prismatic Spring stands out as a jewel of color and intrigue. As the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world, it measures approximately 50 meters (164 feet) deep and 112 meters (370 feet) in diameter. What makes this spring truly extraordinary is its vivid, rainbow-like appearance. The brilliant hues of orange, yellow, green, and blue result from thermophilic microorganisms that thrive in the spring’s varying temperature zones. These microbes produce pigments to adapt to the extreme environment, painting a mesmerizing natural masterpiece that is visible even from above.

While the Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful draw much of the attention, Yellowstone is home to countless other lesser-known yet equally fascinating features. The Morning Glory Pool, for instance, is a hot spring that has transformed over time due to human impact. Once vividly colored, it now displays more muted tones as debris thrown in by visitors has disrupted its geothermal activity.

Yellowstone’s unique geology also gives rise to Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in North America. Beneath its serene surface, hydrothermal vents release heat and gases, creating an underwater landscape as dynamic as the park above ground. These vents are evidence of the park’s persistent volcanic activity, offering a glimpse into the hidden world beneath the caldera.

Beyond its geological wonders, Yellowstone is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. It is one of the few places in the continental United States where bison roam freely, often spotted grazing near geothermal features. Wolves, reintroduced to the park in 1995, have revitalized the ecosystem, playing a critical role in balancing predator-prey dynamics. Visitors may also encounter grizzly bears, elk, and the elusive wolverine, making Yellowstone a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.

Despite its grandeur, Yellowstone is a fragile ecosystem. The geothermal features, wildlife, and vegetation are all interlinked in a delicate balance. Human activity and climate change pose threats to this natural wonder, making conservation efforts more important than ever. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly, respect park guidelines, and support sustainable tourism initiatives to preserve Yellowstone for future generations.

22° Halo (Lunar Halo)

A 22° halo (also known as a moon or solar halo) is an optical phenomenon that creates a ring with a radius of approximately 22° around the moon or sun. This fascinating display occurs when light is refracted and reflected by millions of hexagonal ice crystals suspended in cirrus or cirrostratus clouds, which are typically found in the upper troposphere at altitudes ranging from 6 to 13 kilometers. The phenomenon is most often observed in high-latitude regions or during colder seasons when these ice crystals are more abundant.

The halo forms due to the light bending as it passes through the ice crystals, typically at a 22° angle. Interestingly, no light is reflected toward the inside of the ring, which creates the impression of a large, luminous “hole” in the sky. This visual effect is also the reason for the phenomenon’s association with the proverb used by sailors: “When the 22° halo appears in the sky, a storm is approaching.” The halo is often considered an omen, indicating that atmospheric conditions are conducive to a weather change, often signaling an approaching low-pressure system, which can bring precipitation.

While the solar halo can appear during the day, the lunar halo, formed by moonlight, is rarer and offers a more ethereal and tranquil view. Lunar halos are less commonly seen because they require the moon to be bright enough (usually during a full moon) and the atmosphere must contain the right conditions, such as the presence of cirrostratus clouds and clear skies. In addition, because moonlight is less intense than sunlight, lunar halos tend to be fainter and subtler, which makes them even more special to witness.

The halo phenomenon also comes in various forms. For instance, “halo arcs” can occur along the ring, and at times, secondary halos can appear outside the primary ring, creating complex, multi-ringed displays. Another interesting feature of halos is the “sun dogs” or “moon dogs”- bright spots that appear on either side of the halo, resulting from the same light refraction process.

In clear sky conditions, the view of this phenomenon is nothing short of spectacular, as captured in the photo taken in Thaba-Tseka, Lesotho. The rare lunar halo, which often appears in colder, mountainous regions, is a beautiful reminder of the complex interplay between light, ice, and the atmosphere. For those lucky enough to witness this stunning event, it’s a fleeting moment of natural beauty—one that many will remember for a lifetime.

Stirling, Scotland

Sir William Wallace (1270-1305) was a Scottish knight, member of the lesser nobility and the main leader during the wars for the independence of Scotland. He became the national hero and the symbol of the Scottish people’s freedom.

The execution of Wallace was one of the roughest of the history: after his capture by the English army (5th August 1305), on 23rd August 1305, at the Tower of London, he was stripped naked and dragged through the city at the heels of a horse, then he was hanged but released while he was still alive, eviscerated (his bowels were burned), beheaded and then cut into four parts.

His head was placed on a pike on the top of the London Bridge; his limbs were displayed, separately, in Stirling, Berwick, Newcastle and Perth.

William Wallace was the protagonist of Blind Harry‘s epic poem “The Wallace” (1479) and Mel Gibson‘s movie “Braveheart” (1995), winner of five Academy Awards. The English heavy metal band Iron Maiden dedicated to the story of Wallace the song “The Clansman” (1998) and the German band Grave Digger dedicated him their song “William Wallace (Braveheart)” (1996).