The mountains are calling and I must go. – John Muir
In my opinion, there is nothing better than a good long hike to the top of the world. Getting there is half the fun and once on top, there is nothing more rewarding than a spectacular view. I have loved to hike my entire life and here are some of my favorite rewards through my journeys.
After ten days of hiking the world-famous Annapurna Trek, we arrived in gorgeous Pokhara, Nepal for a few days rest and enjoyment of the Diwali festival of lights. If only I had started my blog before this trip and understood the power of photography. Looking back my photos do not do Nepal justice as it is by far one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Pokhara, Nepal
Bolivia
I still haven’t finished writing my posts on our four day visit to the sensational Condoriri Valley in the Bolivian Andes. I hope to work on that this month because the photos are tremendous and it is a very special place. The pain of sleeping in a tent at 15,000 feet in below freezing weather was worth the incredible, rewarding views.
Our last day: One last gorgeous look
The French Alps
Hiking the Tour de Vanoise in the Savoie region of France was fantastic. Each morning we would rise early, spend the entire day hiking and the evening eating a delightful meal while savoring a bottle of regional Savoie wine. Not much can be as rewarding as that!
On top of the world in Vanoise National Park, Savoie France.
Xela, Guatemala
Rising at dawn to climb a volcano in the highlands of Guatemala and experiencing the benign eruption of the volcano next door tops the list at exciting rewards.
Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
An afternoon hike to a lone glacial pond at the end of the world in Patagonia is yet another brilliant day in my book.
Grand Canyon
A solo hike down to Ooh Aah Lookout point was definitely worth the leg burning hike back up. The views were breathtaking.
And then there is the potpourri of rewarding views…
Now the question is….where do I go next?
This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Reward. To view more entries click here. Please let me know your favorite hikes! A girl must dream…
Brilliant captures. I’m very envious of the places you’ve visited – though I don’t think I could handle to cold temperatures!
Thanks! I live in Minnesota so the cold is in my blood! 🙂
How amazing to see the volcano. These are inspiring pics, thank you.
So glad you enjoyed the photos! Sometimes I reuse them so much for these challenges but I do love to look at them and remember the gorgeous views.
Awesome! Love your photos!
Thank you!
Incredible adventure, Nicole! The volcano shot is magnificent, Wow!
Thanks Amy! 🙂
Everest Base Camp! Either side – the view is better from the north in Tibet, but the hike is better from the south in Nepal. (Obviously, I couldn’t pick just one.)
Yes, I would like to do the EBC but I had to admit after flying in those small scary planes in Nepal I am irked to get back on one. I would love to go to Tibet though!!
A stunning collection Nicole! Wow!
Thanks Sue! Hope you are well! I’m playing catch up on blogs! Such a busy month!
No worries Nicole. Drop in when you can. I never want readers to feel they ‘have’ to keep up with all the posts. It should be relaxing when you come by for a visit. Life is so busy I hope Travel Tales of Life can be a reprieve. 🙂 Happy day to you.
Sue, I never feel like I have to keep up! I want to keep up!!! I wish I had more time as there are so many great blogs out there but life gets busy. I do always try to read yours though because I love it! 🙂
That is so kind of you to say Nicole and I value that feedback more than you can imagine. Just know on my end I welcome you with open arms when you can come by. I seem busy and I don’t have small children! Hugs to you.
Thanks Sue! 🙂
Fabulous! Thanks for sharing your rewards!
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed! 🙂
Wow! I really wanna go to Nepal. Mountains always amaze me. Looks like you had a great time!
Yes Nepal was life changing. It is such a beautiful place. Like no where I’ve been.
I know some people there so I hope to visit one day
Love your writing. May I say – we have quite a few interests in common. Poetry, travel,hiking & trekking to name but a few. Thanks for the lovely photographs & insights
Thank you! That is great! I will have to swing by and check out your blog! 🙂
That photo of Pokhara is incredible – breathtaking. Makes me quite keen to do that trek myself. I had a fantastic time hiking to Macchu Picchu which I see you’ve been to as well. I’ve enjoyed many many hikes in various countries over the years, day walks and longer. Some favourites (with amazing views) are:
Grouse Mountain, Vancouver, Canada
Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile
National Pass Track, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains National Park, Australia
Abel Tasman Track, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Mt Herbert, Christchurch, New Zealand
Kepler Track, Te Anau, New Zealand
Key Summit, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Sealy Tarns Track, Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
(In other words, if you like hiking, come to New Zealand!)
Thank you! what a fantastic list! I went to NZ in 2000 and we did the North and South Island. I loved it!!! There are so many places I want to go back to and so many more to see. Thanks for inspiring me!
I’m with you, everywhere!!! Always so rewarding when you arrive up there. Gorgeous pictures and great memories, thanks for the ride!
Thank you so much! Now I want to go hiking again! 🙂
So do I!!
You’ve now officially made me jealous! However, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever worked and hiked in is Grindelwald, Switzerland.
janet
Thanks Janet! I did go to Switzerland but only for a few days and very brief hikes. It is amazing and beautiful!!!
Always the question, isn’t it Nicole?! Our wanderlust offers its own rewards, some quite astonishing. You’ve captured so many so beautifully. Well done!
Thanks Tina! Problem is my wanderlust never seems to stop, it only gets worse!
One word for all the photos…. WOW! Great rewards, indeed!
Thanks Lola Jane!
I like the ooh aah point sign 🙂
Me too! That made the hike!
Reblogged this on God With3n and commented:
Great adventures to try!
Wonderful photos Nicole; rewards each and every one. We were standing in the same place on Machu Picchu; how come I missed you 🙂
Thanks Andrew! 🙂
So many breathtaking views…lucky girl! 🙂
Thanks LuAnn! Yes need to always count our blessings!
Really a wonderful post ! Understand what you mean, it’s the same for me in my trip…
Ciao ciao
Max
Thank you so much! My son’s name is Max. Great name! 🙂
Beautiful!
Thank you!
Beautiful hikes that I will add to my wish list of hikes! So many of your hikes are roar moments – great accomplishments! I’m heading to Kilimanjaro in September, this blog is only making me more excited!!
http://roarloud.net/
Thanks! Wonderful about Kilimanjaro! Are you going alone or with a trekking group? That has been on my list for over 15 years now but it still just has not happened. I will get there but I need to plan a long time as I want to do some other things in Tanzania and Kenya and it is hard to get away for long with two kids but I will do it! How cool!
I am going with a group, ten of us in all. I would love to spend more time there but the climb will be 7 days and the safari 4. With travel that will be the max for this mom of 4 kids, 6 combined with boyfriend! Looking forward to roaring from the summit! Roarloud.net
Sounds awesome!!!
Beautiful photos of all the amazing hikes you have been on! The French Alps is on my list of places to go-what amazing views! Thanks for sharing!
So glad you enjoyed! 🙂
Reblogged this on ManishDevd.
Thanks for reblog!
These are some amazing hikes. Would love to do them one day!
Thanks! It was even better to do it with my 72-year-old dad! 🙂