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The wilds of the Midwest: Lake Superior's North Shore, Isle Royale tantalize hikers

Ten years ago, a woman living near Dallas, gripped by wanderlust and the sadness of impending empty-nest syndrome, went to a search engine and typed in "waterfalls" and "hiking." That's how I came to be sitting on a rock outcropping beside a river as it churns foam while rushing down a narrow gorge - not in Colorado or West Virginia but Minnesota. Yes, Minnesota.

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is a California icon

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - Japanese artist Hokusai liked Mt. Fuji. Really liked it. So in the 1820s and 1830s, he made a series of 36 woodblock prints of the mountain, from near and far, in summer and winter. When they went over well, he made 10 more scenes. Then, because an artist must follow his muse, he started a new series: 100 views of Mt. Fuji.
Outlaw Run tops hottest new attractions at U.S. theme parks

I've visited many theme parks in the United States over the last few years as the theme park blogger for the Los Angeles Times' Travel website, but this summer's crop of rides already has me updating my bucket list. Here's a look at some of the biggest new roller coasters, dark rides, live shows, water slides and themed lands planned for this summer at theme parks across the country.
Pretty Kennerdell Tract sits next to Allegheny River in Clear Creek State Forest

KENNERDELL, Pa. - The Allegheny Gorge is a pretty place.
Dos and don'ts when you're in Yosemite

Don't drive in Yosemite Valley if you can avoid it. Do see the Ahwahnee Hotel.
Yosemite: The view from a wedding preacher

The Rev. Autrey Nassar, who has no particular church or denomination, goes to work in a landscape that Theodore Roosevelt called "a great solemn cathedral, far vaster and more beautiful than any built by the hand of man."
Carmel: a sweet West Coast getaway

CARMEL, Calif. - Carmel is a great spot to get away from it all. It's the perfect place to show how sweet and charming you are, whether it's a wedding, proposal, romantic hideaway or girlfriend getaway. A small but active and artistic area, you will find plenty of shopping, museums, theater, exquisite wine and savory food, which are all just perks in addition to the main character: the beautiful coastline.
Carmel: a sweet West Coast getaway

CARMEL, Calif. - Carmel is a great spot to get away from it all. It's the perfect place to show how sweet and charming you are, whether it's a wedding, proposal, romantic hideaway or girlfriend getaway. A small but active and artistic area, you will find plenty of shopping, museums, theater, exquisite wine and savory food, which are all just perks in addition to the main character: the beautiful coastline.
Clueless in Ucluelet: Discovering Vancouver Island

QUADRA ISLAND, Canada - The shiny "Michael Jackson," popular lately with fishermen, isn't Ed Jordan's first choice. Even the pink and yellow "Disco Party" ranks higher on his list of hoochies. But after hearing that another Campbell River fishing guide hooked a 32-pound king salmon on it, he's reconsidering.
Romans feud over temple turned 'cat-acombs'

ROME - The Roman Republic, Julius Caesar, Shakespeare, "Et Tu Brute," Mussolini and the archaeology community of Italy vs. diluted calicos, tabbies, Persians, Siamese, "Il Gatti di Roma," "cat ladies," the mayor of Rome and the felines' allies in the Eternal City.