Daianzenji Temple Visit
This temple, currently undergoing extensive renovation, is a marvel to behold. During our visit, we had the honor of conversing with the head monk, whose gentle demeanor conveyed profound insights into the renovation process and its challenges. This serene place, adorned with intricate architecture and nestled in peaceful surroundings, holds immense historical and cultural significance. The ongoing restoration endeavors not only to preserve its rich heritage, but also to ensure its endurance for generations to come. The head monk’s enlightening discourse highlighted the dedication and meticulous planning required for such a monumental task, underscoring the balance between honoring traditions and employing modern methodologies to surmount obstacles.
Hike in the hills of Cambita
In 2023, I made the decision to embark on a hiking adventure in the Dominican Republic, aiming to explore the lesser-known gems of the island. With its abundance of mountains, rivers, and pristine beaches, there are countless hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Since I prefer not to hike alone, I formed a small WhatsApp group to embark on hikes whenever at least one person is available to join me.
I did the first hike with two great friends in the hills of Cambita (starting here) only one hour driving from Santo Domingo. The challenging incline during the first hour rewarded us at every turn with spectacular views over the Valdesia Dam. The hills and valleys stretched out before us, offering a panoramic view of Santo Domingo’s distant skyline.
Read MoreMaloja to Silvaplana, Via Engiadina
Maloja – Torre Belvedere – Gletschermühlen – Sils – Silvaplana / 16km / 6h with breaks
The Engadin area is fabulous with golden larch trees in autumn. I have done several times, but I always like to do it again.
The night before we stayed at the historically famous Maloja Kulm Hotel which is located at the top of the famous Maloja Pass with its winding road down to the Bregell Valley. Already during breakfast, the golden Engadin invited us outside.
FrSky – Case for SR10 Pro, GR8, FLVS ADV, and Vari ADV
You want to fix your FrSky receiver, vario or sensor onto your model plane properly using a holder, a case or a box, here are a few options.
Click on the link to get to Thingiverse for downloading and 3D printing the item you’re interested in:
Read MoreEngadin Open Doors / Julierturm
We enjoyed and learned a lot from many architecture tours we joined as part of the Open House Zurich – Architecture for everyone. When we heard that a similar event is taking place in the Engadin, we were hooked right away, booked a hotel, and hopped on the train to the Engadin.
Read MoreStunning Corvatsch Panorama Hike: A Scenic Escape
The Corvatsch Panorama hike begins at the valley station in Surlej, where the cable car does the heavy lifting while you sit and watch the treeline drop away. At Murtèl, 2700 m above sea level, the trail starts with instant drama: lakes glitter below like spilled turquoise paint, while the Bernina peaks line up as if posing for a postcard they’ve been rehearsing for centuries.
The path itself is a wide alpine balcony. One side offers the deep calm of the Engadin lakes, the other the jagged seriousness of glaciers. Then comes the Fuorcla Surlej, a natural picture frame for Piz Bernina and Piz Roseg. It’s the kind of view that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with screensavers.
The hike requires steady footing but little extra climbing—more a scenic promenade at altitude than a conquest. In return, you get one of the most extravagant views in Switzerland, without needing to pretend you’re a mountaineer.
The Lake Biwa Canal Walk
Lake Biwa to Kyoto, 11km
A historical path along the canal from the Lake Biwa to Kyoto via the Ozeki Pass.
A couple of years ago on the Kyoto Trail I discovered the Lake Biwa Canal, which is a historical and important water course in Kyoto. I love walking along water courses, so my mountain buddy Sano-san and I made a plan for this walk in the future.
Three years later we finally stood at the starting point, the Otsu Port of the Biwa Lake. It is exciting to know that the water flows into to the city of Kyoto from the very point.
The first part of the path in the Shiga Prefecture had few signposts to show directions. We passed a beautiful Miidera temple and turn left. Soon we entered into a rather dense forest. First we were not sure of the direction but soon we were relieved to find the sign of “Biwa Canal Walk”.
On the way we can read several panels which describe difficulties of the canal construction work. Once we were in Kyoto, the path was well-maintained and along the canal were many magnificent maple trees. It will be gorgeous with red colors in autumn.
前から歩きたかった琵琶湖疎水の道。この疎水は、明治初期に琵琶湖から京都に引かれ、以来京都の大切な水源である。明治時代にトンネルを掘りこの疎水を築いた技師や工事に携わった人たちに思いを馳せながら歴史の道を歩いた。
楓の並木、秋には素晴らしい紅葉になるらしい。
More on the history of Lake Biwa Canal.
Biking through 3 countries around the Lake Constance (Bodensee)
St. Margrethen (CH) – Bregenz (Austria) – Lindau (Germany) – Wasserburg – Langenargen – Friedrichshafen
Distance: 54km
Since last year we plan to cycle around Lake Constance bit by bit. We bike slowly, combining physical exercise with sightseeing, looking left and right, and dropping by beautiful places along the way. So we don’t cover a long distance, but we discover a lot on the way.
Read MorePlaya Bonita to Playa Cosón – Morning Walk
Beach walking is my favorite morning activity in Las Terrenas. Sometimes with family, sometimes alone…
Fly, Hike & Travel. 