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Part I of this post.
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| Courtesy of National Geographic |
Great Barrier Reef
Located off the coast of Queensland in Australia, the
world’s largest coral reef system stretches over 1,500 miles and consists of
nearly 3,000 separate reefs. It includes over 900 islands and can be seen from
outer space. The reef system supports dolphins, sea turtles, crocodiles, birds,
sea snakes, and other species, many of which are endangered or vulnerable.
The best way to see the spectacular reefs and their vibrant
sea life is to get up close by scuba diving or snorkeling. You can take a boat
tour or cruise and experience the Great Barrier Reef for any length of time you
choose. For a bird’s-eye view of the immense size and magnificence of the reefs,
you can also take a helicopter tour.
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| Courtesy of mexonline.com |
Parícutin
A cinder cone volcano in Michoacán, Mexico, Parícutin is the
youngest volcano in America, and it is unique among the wonders of the world
because humans witnessed its birth. In 1943, a farmer named Dionisio Pulido and
his family saw the first eruption of ash and watched the volcano grow to five
stories tall in one week. Within a month, Parícutin could be seen from a
distance. During its first year, it buried the nearby villages in lava and ash.
The volcano continued erupting for the next eight years, and
in 1952, the volcano went dormant. Parícutin is unlikely to erupt again, as
cinder cone volcanoes do not normally erupt after their creation. To see
Parícutin any time of year, hike or ride horseback to the top. You will be
amazed at the buried buildings and lava fields that surround it.
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| Courtesy of VictoriaFalls.com |
Victoria Falls
A stunning waterfall in southern Africa fed by the Zambezi
River, Victoria Falls measures one mile wide and 360 feet high. It is the
largest sheet of falling water in the world, and is the widest and highest
waterfall as well. Victoria Falls lies on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe,
and visitors often cross the border to enjoy the view from different vantage points.
To experience the falls, take a helicopter tour, and you’ll
also see abundant wildlife, such as hippos and elephants, set against the
breathtaking view of the water. A microlite, which is a two-person aircraft
that resembles a hang glider, lets you see the falls and enjoy the crisp air,
making for a rejuvenating, exciting trip. To get close to the falls, try one of
the hiking trails that take you within 200 feet of the water. Here you’ll see,
smell, and hear the spectacular falls and see why Victoria Falls is also called
Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “smoke that thunders.”
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| Courtesy of famouswonders.com |
Mount Everest
The highest point on earth, Mount Everest’s summit peaks at
just over 29,000 feet. It is located in the Himalaya Mountains between Nepal
and Tibet, and is known as Mount Chomolungma.
If you wish to see Mount Everest, you can either climb it or
fly around it. If you don’t wish to hike to the peak, you can hike to the base
of the mountain and stay at base camp. If you wish to climb it, the Nepalese
government now charges $25,000 for a climbing permit. If you’d rather have an
aerial view, flights around the mountain are offered by guides who have vast
knowledge of the mountain and surrounding areas.
Have you ever witnessed one of the 7 natural wonders of the world?
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