Adventures for Anyone: This Week's Fast Five...Some Stuff to See and Some Wild Rides! 9/12/24

1. The Katoomba Funicular Railway and Scenic World, New South Wales, Australia. Seems like a mouthful. This is a really fun day trip from Sydney, and only about an hour and a half away from the world famous city.

The Katoomba Railway was originally designed for mining. Some of my favorite attractions were built for mining, so this appealed to me. The railway was built in the 1880's and runs 310 meters up a 52 degree or 128% grade. After the mine was closed, around 1945 the railway was turned into an attraction. Over the years there have been changes made for the tourists, but the train still runs.

Scenic World was created beginning in the 1980's. The funicular was redesigned so that passengers can adjust their seats to three different settings, depending on how they want to see the magnificent view. A little comfort goes a long way, even though the ride is not that long.

Also at scenic world there's a roller coaster, a rainforest walk and more than one cable car ride. You can even take a ride on top of one of the cable cars. There's a little something for everyone at Scenic World, and the views are amazing.

Here's one amazing note. If you ride the Katoomba Railway, you will be riding the steepest railway in the entire world. It's in the Guinness Book of World Records.

2. Anza-Borrego, Borrego Springs, and Galleta Meadows, California, USA. Borrego Springs is a small town not far from the Salton Sea in Southern California. Why would you be there? Lots of people take road trips in the Southwest. I've done it. Don't judge. But, if you get out of the city, as I always suggest and get away from LA and San Diego, you might end up stopping there.

There's not a lot in this tiny desert town, but in two parks along a quiet highway, there are 130 metal sculptures. There're bears, bugs, scorpions, dinosaurs and even a giant serpent in the desert. It's something you don't see every day.

Not to mention, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is gorgeous with desert and mountainous landscapes. There's lots of hiking, photography and art to make a great day out in Borrego Springs, California.

3. Leavenworth, Washington, USA. Are you sure it isn't Switzerland or Bavaria, Germany? Nope, it's Washington State. This little town has views inspired by and reminiscent of the Alps. Washington is a beautiful state. There's no doubt about it. This little town in the mountains about 2 hours east of Seattle is something of a novelty.

Everywhere you look in Leavenworth, it looks like Bavaria or the Bernese Oberland. The buildings are Bavarian, as are most things in this beautiful Alpine village. If you really want to get your Bavaria on, they have an Oktoberfest and a Christmas Town during the year. They also have numerous other events too.

This is a little village where you can learn ancient Bavarian crafts, taste the Bavarian food, and be immersed in Bavarian culture year round. If you want to get your German on, but don't want to go to Europe, Leavenworth, Washington is the next best thing. And don't forget to bring your nature lovers with you. Leavenworth has multitudes of outdoor activities to enjoy the heavenly scenery.

4. Koh Samui Island, Thailand. This is Thailand's third largest island. Why would I mention another island in Thailand? Well, it's just cool. This island has a lot going on.

It's famous for its resorts and beautiful beaches. That alone is enough reason for most to want to spend some time there. But, it also has beautiful temples, the most famous is Wat Phra Yai Temple with its 12 meter (40 foot) high golden Buddha.

There are tons of activities to do on the island. You can surf, snorkel, scuba dive, rent a moped or scooter, and everything imaginable. With beautiful beaches and a Four Seasons Resort, plus lots of other accommodations; there's something for everyone. If you like nightlife, this is also a great spot for you.

There are lots of great locations in Thailand. It's a fabulous country. I just suggest you add Koh Samui to your itinerary. It's a great budget spot too.

5. Take a surfing lesson at Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand. There are some great places around the world to surf. There are some great surfing schools around the world. Why would I mention this spot? Well, as I was saying, there's a lot of great spots in Thailand. It is one of the most popular destinations in the world with travelers. Once again, don't confuse travelers with tourists.

But, Kata Beach doesn't come with a surfing school. It comes with a lot of surfing school options. There are group classes, individual training, advanced training and on and on. There are so many options, that there's an option for everyone. Not to mention, Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so the view is fine.

Phuket is also one of the most popular regions of the country for beachgoers and that's exactly where you'll find Kata Beach. It fits right in with the youthful atmosphere in Phuket. You can spend your day mastering the waves and the night mastering the clubs. It's got a great vibe and fabulous views, with all kinds of options. You can't beat that.

So, there you go. Whether you want traditional or surfing Thailand, a trip directly up the side of a mountain, the essence of Bavaria outside of Bavaria, or to take a drive through a massive art gallery in the desert; there's always something for everyone out there and Adventures for Anyone all around the world. Enjoy!

https://bluemountainstoursydney.com.au/attractions/scenic-railway/

https://www.scenicworld.com.au/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuMxv8VYlEQ

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/62981-steepest-railway-gradient

https://www.thetravel.com/the-most-scenic-and-steepest-train-ride-in-australia/

https://underthesunfoundation.org/

https://www.borregoexperience.com/borrego-springs-metal-art-sculptures-auto-tour

https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/borrego-springs-sculptures/

https://www.abdnha.org/borrego-springs-sculptures-of-ricardo-breceda.htm

https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/borrego-springs/

https://leavenworth.org/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g58560-Leavenworth_Washington-Vacations.html