Pictures from a few years' worth of travelling!

Hey y'all,

After some really busy times I just wanted to share with you the hard photo work done in the last few years: U.S.A., Canada, Norway, Ireland, Italy.. there's a lot to show!

Feel free to browse my Alamy page > Emanuele Canton's pictures

You can sure have a look and as well - if you deem my pictures that cool, which I strongly hope! - buy them to decor your house or somebody's else!

I would definitely send your way much appreciation for you sharing the page with whoever you may think would enjoy my work, therefore.. I'll cut down on words and leave you to explore!

As always, stay awesome!

Manu

#travel #gotravel #explore #discover #beautifulplaces

Top 10 Day Hikes in the U.S.A. ("Places I visited" series)

I've been long wondering how I could put down the things I did and the places I visited in a better way, an interesting one, an easy-to-digest way. I was scanning the web doing some research and I came across one of the many "top 10" kind of articles. I told myself, "I might as well add my own!", and here I am in the mix.
I will try to post my own charts, first of all of places throughout the U.S.A.

The first thing I look at before to get to a certain place is the best trails in the area. I go places to hike, basically. Hiking is the way to explore a country. Hiking will lead you down canyon bottoms, or up mountaintops, or along rivers, grassy meadows and lush forests. Not everywhere is Alaska so luckily most of the time you're able to find trails that will bring you from point A to point B. And here's the list of my favourite 10 of these paths.
It wasn't easy, to pick and choose these ones. I had to leave out of the chart hikes that I really enjoyed and that I strongly recommend, such as the one to the top of so-called Mt.Jumbo (Bradley) just outside of Juneau, AK. Or Calf Creek, UT. Or Eagle Creek trail, OR. And so many others.
Here are my very favourites.
Ready to have a look at them? (Enjoy! I enjoyed writing this post particularly, I guess I can write about trails for a lifetime, really!)

PS. I enjoy hiking as much as I enjoy trying to capture the things I see at best. Here are some samples of my photography. You can check out more pictures, shop or suggest friends to shop for them by visitng here: Photos by Emanuele Canton
Also, here's a preview (smaller & no shopping) of my portfolio: Portfolio by Emanuele Canton

Thanks for your support!

10. Observation Point, Zion NP, UT

Even though by far the most rewarding view on this trail comes at the end - as often happens - there's plenty more to see on the way to Observation Point. This trail, that I prefer to the more cherished Angel's Landing (that is, one the picture right above, the taller stair on that protruding rocky outcrop right in the middle) because the view is broader, higher, is rich in sights. You can appreciate switchbacks that will lead you up in elevation quickly. You can detour to Hidden Canyon and hike it as long as you dare. You can peek over Weeping wall (a year-round, moss-covered red wall where water seeps out of the rock). You can enjoy the eerie atmosphere, at times, at Echo Canyon, on the way up. And finally, soak in the majestic view of the Zion valley at the top. Be ready to enjoy one of the best hikes in the Southwest!


9. Irvine trail + Fern Cove, Redwood NP, CA

The peace and quiet you can get from a hike in Redwood is almost uncomparable. In the early morning sun, when the air is still brisk and you crave for warm sunbeams, the light that filters through the imposing trees is more than welcome. It creates a magical atmosphere that you can enjoy at every step. When you reach Fern Cove, it feels like you're back in the dinosaurs' age. Ferns hang from a 20 feet high wall on two sides of the creek, and you can work your way up by wading and climbing up and down roots and tree trunks. It's magical, absolutely green, and funny. A must in Redwood.


8. Bright Angel trail to Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon NP, AZ

This hike is very much in any top 10 hikes in the USA you'll ever come across, and there's a reason: going dwn to the bottom of Grand Canyon is comparable to nothing else in the world. You descend not only a canyon, a geological feature, but you descend into history too. The history of our planet. From the top to the bottom of Grand Canyon, well.. it's a trip of possibly some 600 million years back in history!! On top of that, you'll (painfully, for the least fit) work your way down while contemplating amazing vistas over the canyon, until the roar of the mighty Colorado will get you thirsty enough to reach for your canteen (if not already empty) and finally, with some relief, will lead you to the bridge entering Phantom ranch, and your night's destination.


7. Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjord NP, AK

Although not an immense icefield (its size is comparable to famous Columbia Icefield, on the road between Banff and Jasper national parks in British Columbia), its sight is spectacular. The trail is pretty easy, and the only question mark is the presence or not of the occasional bear (I spotted a black one up by a couple switchback while being scared off by two other hikers). From views of Exit glacier to expansive views of the icefield itself, this trail is gorgeous. For the ones with some guts and legs, at the end you could scramble down to the very edge of the ice, take a quick selfie while it cracks and pops with sounds similar to artillery fire, and scrabmle back up the steep scree side.


6. Summit trail to Wheeler Peak, Great Basin NP, NV

When you think about Nevada, probably a mountain 13000 feet high (3982 meters) is not the first thing on your mind. Well, you better get yourself around it, that's what Wheeler Peak is. The hike itself is demanding: I thought at that point to be in a pretty decent shape, after having hiked around the biggest chunck of the nation, but this one tried me pretty darn well. Once you conquer the top though, it's absolutely insane. The view is 360 degrees, and it's diverse: the endless desert, some lone mountain ranges, a glacier right by your side, alpine tarns and a forest. Such a variety of ecosystems - from desert brush to alpine forest - is definitely uncommon. And the toil to reach it is totally worthy.


5. Half Dome, Yosemite NP, CA

Let's break it down from the start: you have to win a lottery to hike up Half Dome. The chances you have to win it are, of course, slim in the peak of the summer and better in shoulder season (such as, late September or May). If you manage to win it though, you should be quite happy. Walking through the forest, maybe stumbling upon a black bear or something, you will slowly apporoach the massive granite boulder known as Half Dome. Its shape unmistakable, you'll trudge all the way up, eventually reporting to the ranger at the base of the final stretch to then climb up with the help of a cord at an angle that approaches 45 degrees. Another 360 degrees pano is ruined possibly just by the amount of other people that will claim the summit with you for the day, but nonetheless, it's impressive. Enjoy trees and granite all over. Enjoy the sensation of feeling on top of the Sierras!


4. Fairyland trail, Bryce NP, UT

I wasn't ready to take that many pictures. It was early April, about 10 AM when I sat out for it. It was already warm though, and the only thing that was mitigating the heat was a light breeze. I had to take the camera out of the bag way too many times along the way. It was just ridiculous: how many different angles, views of the hoodoos you can get on this trail. The views themselves are pretty broad too, and seen from a different perspective than, let's say, Sunrise Point up on the rim. I was basically alone on the trail (I met less than 5 people in 3 or so hours I reckon), and I loved it. It's definitely my favourite hike in Bryce.

3. Navajo Knob trail, Capitol Reef NP, UT

Some might argue that there are quite a few other trails like this or better in the Southwest, and I agree. I might just not have hiked them yet. Therefore, here stoods Navajo Knob, in one of my favourite national parks, Capitol Reef. The hike is quite simple, even though its length (9 miles) will cut off a bunch of potential followers (I met 2 people in half a day), it's very interesting from a geological point of view, and has a variety of views. The Waterpocket Fold is exposed to the view, as are cedar forests on close ranges and the Henry mountains further away. At the top, if you dare, you can enjoy some cool climbing on the different knobs. It made me wanting to hike down, grab a tent and a sleeping bag, and get lost on the plateau for a while!

2. Highline trail + Swifcurrent Overlook, Glacier NP, MT

Among the plentiful, beautiful, breath-taking array of hikes that are possible in this jewel of a park, I painfully came to the conclusion that this one is my favourite. Siyeh Pass or the so-called "Dragon's tail" were two powerful rivals, but I couldn't get over this one. Starting from the Logan visitor center and leaving the crowds behind early in the morning, you hike in the brisk air maybe surprising a mountain goat or two chewing on some grass while peacefully resting on a bit of a ledge. You walk much of the Highline trail - spectacular in itself, especially when viewed from the GTTS road - until you get to the NPS cabin and take a detour to Swiftcurrent overlook. The panorama from up there is just phenomenal. If you like mountains. They're all over the place, 360 degrees, glaciers included (or what's left of them). You have views of the park's east entrance, of Iceberg lake (where with binoculars I spotted a moose, possibly some 1000-1200 meters below), and towards the western ranges. On a sunny day, so far, it's my mountain place to go. A long hike, but an absolutely rewarding heck of a day!


1. Havasu Canyon, AZ

I had no doubt whatsoever in picking my #1. I enjoyed Havasu just so much. Totally worth the 60$ fee to get and camp down there. The canyon is administered by the Havasu indian tribe, that actually live down in the canyon (so-to-speak, a 10 miles hike from the closest form of civilization, which is a parking lot at the end of the road to the canyon). They live about half a mile from one of the prettiest falls that you'll see in the country (if you missed this previous top 10 of mine, check Top 10 Waterfalls of the U.S.A.). To get down the canyon, you have first to manage a steep descent into it, as illustrated in the picture above. Walking your way towards it (to the right in that picture), you'll walk in the shade and start to see occasional trees more and more frequently with the approaching of Havasu creek. Not too long afterwards, you'll bump onto the village, that features nicely cultivated fields, cute houses buried in tall canyon walls, a post office, a grocery store, and some of the usual messy backyards you see in native american villages.

With Havasu falls starts a series of other falls that will take your breath away. Navajo, Mooney, Beaver are among them. All you have to do is pitch your tent, leave the bulk of your stuff at the campground, and venture your way further down the trail. 1 or 2 additional miles will do to see most of the other falls.

In the meantime, if it gets too hot - which is likely to happen - you can consider a plunge into the cold creek water (which I did and from which I got half an hour of pure pleasure in a "private", secluded pool). The trail will eventually lead you all the way to the mighty Colorado river - and that's a regret of mine, that I didn't plan on going for it all! And here's the key to a great day: plan smartly. I didn't. Or did it in part. After having soaked in all the beauty of the canyon, at around 3.30 PM on a sunny April afternoon, I decided I was to get too bored if I was to stay for the night, so I decided to hike out with my 40 pounds backpack and my terribly sore feet (from unworn-out shoes). I already had bad blisters in both feet, and fairly deep scraped skin on my upper heels, but I went anyway. Maybe halfway up, I had ravens circling around me above in the air, and I rested for a few minutes under a big boulder. Determined not to end up my trip right there, I summmoned all my energies and pushed to the top, dreaming about food and ice-cold beverages. About to tackle the final, steep ascent to the parking lot, that seemed absolutely undoable to me, I saw a few wild horses. I looked at one of them and I saw a steak - I was really hungry. The coming of darkness gave me a little extra help, relieving me from the heat and telling me to hurry the heck up, which I did. I arrived at the parking lot walking as a zombie. My dinner: pizza leftovers from the day before warmed up with steam from some boiling water. Delicious.
This is to say: it didn't matter to me that I was as close to give up on a trail as I've ever been, it didn't matter I came up that last hill cursing and dreaming of horse steaks. What did matter was that I saw paradise down there, and I won't forget it. 

Top 10 States to visit in the U.S.A. ("Places I visited" series)

I've been long wondering how I could put down the things I did and the places I visited in a better way, an interesting one, an easy-to-digest way. I was scanning the web doing some research and I came across one of the many "top 10" kind of articles. I told myself, "I might as well add my own!", and here I am in the mix.
I will try to post my own charts, first of all of places throughout the U.S.A.

It's time to rank the basic unit: the states. 

Of the 50 that forms the Union, I've been to 42 of them (the ones I'm missing? Find out the map by scrolling all the way down this blog!) and the only one I regret I haven't been able to visit yet is Hawaii. Now, don't get me wrong: I don't want to be offensive towards the other states. Every one of them has something worth visiting for (maybe except for Iowa), and my rankings are based on my personal experience, which giving my interests, is different from other people's. 

I weigh a lot the quality of the natural environment, and features like national parks. The variety of the landscape is important - you don't want to drive through Kansas, really - so if it's dotted with mountains, canyons, a nice seaside and maybe a couple nice cities, that will make it much more interesting. Finally, food, culture and people as well are part of what I consider.

Out of all these criteria, here's what I determined to be my top 10. Enjoy!

Don't forget to chek out my photo portfolio here: Emanuele Canton portfolio

10. Maine

Pros: Endless beaches, coves, harbours, unspoiled northern woods, autumn foliage, tranquil atmosphere, awesome seafood.
Cons: Weather (the state kind of shuts down during winter time), relatively small variety of landscapes.


9. Texas

Pros: Friendliness of people, amazing, super-sized food (barbeque in particular), a variety of cities, the history and customs of the state.
Cons: Emptiness of parts of the state, small variety of landscapes (although mountains, as in the pictures, do exist), huge distances to travel.

8. Arizona

Pros: Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon. That is worth the price. Besides, the state features other great natural features (Canyon de Chelly, Vermillion Cliffs, Horseshoe Bend, Havasu Canyon among others).
Cons: It's mainly about redrock. Fair, it's the southwest, but if you don't like it, you won't like Arizona arguably. And it gets hot here.

7. Oregon

Pros: Huge variety of landscapes - literally, from desert and canyons to ocean beaches to high mountains - and variety of weather too. It's a state that caters for everyone.
Cons: Along the coast it rains just too much, if you can't bear it. Besides for Crater Lake, there's no other national park, although plenty of recreationalopportunities exist.

6. Montana

Pros: Glacier national park and surrounding wildernesses, uncrowded land, wildlife (including grizzly bear and wolf).
Cons: Short summers, and then, it's mainly a mountain state.  As the name says.

5. Wyoming

Pros: Two of the most beautiful and iconic parks in the park system (Yellowstone and Grand Teton), wildlife, history and traditions (the state's icon is a cowboy riding a bronco), some breathtaking drives.
Cons: The best corners of the state suffer short summers, again, climbing in altitude. The eastern side (and not only unfortunately) is kind of spoiled by gas drilling.

4. Alaska

Pros: Unrivaled, pristine landscapes that extends from coastal glacier to boreal forests to the highest mountains in the country, unlimited recreational opportunities, plenty of wildlife, tasty food (do I really need to mention Alaskan salmon, or caribou meat, or Alaskan king crab? Really?)
Cons: It's out of hand, it's expensive, most of the places are remote, mosquitoes will devour you in summer and it's deadly cold in winter and the best part of spring and autumn. But heck, it's just too good when you can actually enjoy it.

3. Colorado

Pros: Probably the best mountainside in the lower 48, broad variety of landscapes (see this picture of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, then picture yourself around Anasazi ruins in the southwestern corner of the state and finally on top of a 14footer mountain), a few decent-sized cities with decent weather all year-round, strategic position in the middle of the country (close to the northern Rockies and to the Southwest region).
Cons: Maybe the lack of an outlet to the open waters? I can't really find a whole lot wrong with Colorado honestly!

2. Utah

Pros: Some of the best national parks in the country, loads of other state parks or natural areas of sheer beauty, impressive redrock formations, amazing variety of landscapes and climates, absolutely outdoorsy.
Cons: The only thing I can think of is a cooler capitat city. SLC is a nice city for a Sunday stroll and an awesome burger at Crown's Burger (yeah, go try it), but nothing else. Anyway, it doesn't matter, you don't go to Utah to stick around concrete! It's beautiful this way!

1. California

Pros: Other state reach peaks for certain things (Alaska for the mountainside, Utah for the redlands), but there's no other state as California. It has the highest mountain in the lower 48 and other spectacular peaks in the Sierras. It goes all the way down to the lowest point in the country in the Death Valley, a desert, a furnace of a different kind of beauty. It has the biggest and the tallest trees in the world in Sequoia and Redwood. It has a phenomenal coastline, diverse, that attracts hikers, surfers, photographers, fishermen, sailors, vacationers. It has some of the most vibrant city life in the country in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and food is rich and tasty with more than a hint of Mexican influence. The weather is just gorgeous. What else do you need?
Cons: The drought that has been impacting the state in recent years may be the only flipside, besides the higher-than-average cost of life. But hey, it's California. It's worth it.

Top 10 Most scenic roads of the U.S.A. ("Places I visited" series)

I've been long wandering how I could put down the things I did and the places I visited in a better way, an interesting one, an easy-to-digest way. I was scanning the web doing some research and I came across one of the many "top 10" kind of articles. I told myself, "I might as well add my own!", and here I am in the mix.
I will try to post my own charts, first of all of places throughout the U.S.A.

Driving is sometimes tedious, boring, sitting inside a piece of metal that easily goes too hot or too cold, depending on the season and the condition of the car itself. Other times though, driving is a pure pleasure: picture yourself going down Road 1 in California, following the Big Sur coast on a late September afternoon, the sky turning to an artist's palette, the air crisp, the green, lush hillside to your left and the mighty ocean to your right. How wonderful! You would just wish those very moments would last hours, not mere minutes!
Since driving is one of the things you can enjoy the most in America - and as far as covering ground goes, I can say I've had my experiences! - here's my personal selection of my favourite 10 drives in the States. I bet some insanly good stretch of road slipped from memory (it's hard to keep track of, roughly, over 35.000 miles of roads). Also, they're not on the list but I enjoyed a lot roads like Tioga Pass in Yosemite, or the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada, or Oregon Road 30 along the Columbia river.
But here's a competitive top 10 that will make you wanting to get on the wheels and drive til you drop, guaranteed!
Are you ready to get on-board and cover some ground?!

(Before you get started, make sure you check out my photo portfolio, where more, better travel pictures can be found, here: Photos by Emanuele Canton
Thanks for visiting! Any kind of feedback is greatly appreciated!)


10. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia - 469mi/755km

A view from one of the many view points along the road, withinn the Smoky Mountains national park

It's not about majestic snow-capped peaks, but these green, almost endless rolling hills will make you fall in love with the place. One of the flipsides is the amount of traffic this road receives - mainly due to the proximity to East coast big cities. In summertime (I didn't dare trying) it might look like a continuous line of cars. And good luck if you are unlucky enough to get stuck behind a 28+foot RV.


9. Vermont Route 100, Vermont - 271mi/349km

I guess that's the kind of stuff you go to Vermont for

It's almost a no brainer, when travelling New England for autumn foliage, to step onto this road. Although far from being a secret, therefore not aloof from being crowded during foliage peak, this road is a little gem. Small villages without fast food restaurants and neon lights that would be visible from the space, it feels cosy and old-fashioned. The scenary is absolutely gorgeous - even on a rainy day, which can be quite a possibility out there!


8. California Route 254 "Avenue of the Giants", California - 32mi/51km

A walk in the woods alongside the road will give you access to solitude, silence, and magic atmospheres

It gives a sense of tranquillity to drive this road, especially early in the morning. The towering trees that line the pavement are impressing, their majesty is breath-taking and you drive around feeling a bit on the retarded side, thanks to it. If you're looking for a chance to see what it could have been to drive a car in some kind of prehistoric forest, that's a place you should put on your to do list.


7. California Route 1, California - 656mi/1055km

Bixby bridge

They wrote songs about this road. And if you write a song about a road, it must be somehow worth it. The 1 truly is, being a long stretch that brings you from the spanish-looking Monterey to the southern reaches of busy L.A., through charming little coastal towns, rugged cliffs and lush hillside. Quite often covered in fog in the mornings, it becomes a mixture of striking colors in the afternoons. Big Sur is the highlight, make sure you stay for the night to enjoy a nice ocean sunset. One of my favourite towns down the stretch is Morro Bay, where a big rock monolith rises out of the water just a hundred yards off the beach. 

6. Seward Highway, Alaska - 125mi/201km

Clouds hiding Portage glacier

There are many scenic roads in Alaska, but possibly the Seward Highwa tops them all. Starting from Anchorage and going straight south towards beautiful Turnagain arm, the road gives access to formidable mountain, glacier and sea views. The Chugach mountains rise to the north, and proceeding further down the road towards its southern end, the landscape closes in and valleys, passes and glaciers seem to get closer and closer. The chances of spotting the occasional moose or bear are decent as well, a thing that makes driving in Alaska always a bit more entertaining, although dangerous. And by the way, this is a pretty dangerous road in itself. Distracted vacationers or intoxicated drivers aren't uncommon - according to the TV show "Alaska State Troopers". Another TV exaggeration?

5. Burr Trail Road, Utah - 66mi/106km

Climbing the steep switchbacks will take some guts to those afraid of heights, but will reward everyone with dramatic views of the Henry mountains to the west

The first road in the Southwest to appear in my ranking, it will provide you with that solitude you need when looking for some peaceful time. The absence of pavement dramatically decreases the number of cars you'll see on this road, but if you have the possibility, take this drive: you might follow crazy fossil-bearing rock formations along the Waterpocket fold, or climb a pass, or drive at the bottom of 500 foot-high red sandstone walls. You might spend a day crossing paths with just about a dozen cars or less, and you might enjoy one of the best driving experiences in the Southwest, right at the doorstep of Capitol Reef national park.

4. Utah Route 12, Utah - 122mi/196km

One of the viewpoints along the road, just a few miles out of the town of Escalante

This being the first of 4 consecutive All-American roads on my ranking, Utah road 12 represents the first road you should be driving to understand what Utah looks like. From the hoodoos of Bryce you catch glimpses of canyons  - such as at Calf Creek - of mesas, of buttes, of distant mountains (the Henry). With good visibility, your eye will wander for tens of miles through the desertic landscape, enchanted by the color bonanza brightened by the deep blue sky of the sunny Southwest. Luckily there ain't no New York or suchs around here, so the road will usually be not too crowded. 

3. Beartooth Highway, Wyoming - 69mi/111km

The view stretches far off to the ranges once you reach Beartooth pass

When I exited Cody, WY on a sunny July afternoon I didn't know what laid ahead of me. I took the Beartooth without high expectation and was finally overwhelmed with scenic vistas and idyllic landscapes. Luckily enough I didn't have to share the road with many cars - probably the insane amount of mosquitoes kept others off - so I was free to pull over wherever the view broadened. Well, it was pure joy. The Absaroka range stands mighty not too far off, alpine tarns dot the valleys carpeted in wildflowers, and snowbanks on the shady slopes are there til well into summer. It is probably as good as it gets as far as mountain drives are concerned.

2. San Juan Skyway, Colorado - 233mi/375km

The Uncompahgre range offers terrific sights along the road, especially in autumn

I have to say, I haven't driven all of it, but what I did of it, completely blew me away. In a state famous for its high mountains (Colorado has 53 14.000 foot peaks with at least 300 foot of prominence), the San Juan skyway encompasses several ranges such as the La Plata mountains, the San Juan, and the Uncompahgre. You might be driving behind a ridge, crossing a bridge over a cold river, to just turn the corner and have your eyes spanning over glorious mountains which feet are covered in dense vegetation - the sort of scene that will make you think you're driving into a Paramount movie opening titles! I drove just about half of it and I can't wait to complete: it stands on top of my to do list for my next US trip (which is a great compliment, you know).

1. Going-to-the-Sun road, Montana - 53mi/85km

A perspective of what this road is: not just an unbelievably sweet spectacle of a drive, but also an astonishing feat of engineering

It can't be otherwise I suppouse. It's not about length, it's not about traffic volume - even though, remember, in August it gets C-R-A-Z-Y out there, crazy!! Bumper to bumper with another half a million cars (no, I slightly exaggerated) and no room at Logan visitor center parking lot. It's about what this road is. Besides from being a quite cool engineering fact - it took from 1921 to 1933 to build the steep mountain road that goes from switchbacks to a long, straight stretch along the Garden Wall (picture) that links East Glacier with West Glacier (national park) - the GTTS is also remarkably scenic. The Garden Wall with its crests looking like a stegosaurus back, Logan Pass with iconic Mount Logan, the many valleys: it's one of those roads where you can't fall asleep for a second. You might even miss a bear or a chilled-looking mountain goat. This road is a jewel, nestled in what's called "The Crown of the Continent" for some pretty truthful reason, and as most of the times with these places, comes with pros and cons. The main con is snow. The road might open as late as early July, and stay open until September or so. It's a short window of time, and arguably you'll have to battle the crowds to experience it, but I can think about few other things worth the hassle more than this road! Enjoy!

Top 10 Big Cities I enjoyed the most in the U.S.A. ("Places I visited" series)

I've been long wandering how I could put down the things I did and the places I visited in a better way, an interesting one, an easy-to-digest way. I was scanning the web doing some research and I came across one of the many "top 10" kind of articles. I told myself, "I might as well add my own!", and here I am in the mix.
I will try to post my own charts, first of all of places throughout the U.S.A.

My scampers throughout the States brought me to 42 of the 50 states of the Union, and I can say I've been to quite a few cities around the country. It's now time to pick my top 10 of them.
I'll start with the big cities - those ones where you definitely need a map or better, a navigator, or you'd eventually get lost, driving madly on and off the interstate looking for that junction you'll never find.
It's hard to rank a city. I always keep in mind, while expressing my opinion, factors like architecture, green areas, social life, parks, history, whether it's liveable enough, if I'd personally live there or not, weather, things to do and so on. There's a lot to bear in mind. A city like L.A. it's a great spot to be if you're looking for sunshine and a career as an actor, but then what? (I'll tell you straight away: L.A.'s not on the top 10!). Eventually, I came to weigh more my overall experience in town than factors like the weather or whether or not I'd live there (that's material for a future top 10 maybe!)

I tried to balance everything. I had a great time in all of these cities, walking on the streets, meeting people, enjoying amazing food and some social events. East and West, North and South, every corner of the country has a top city to offer.

Ready to tackle this top 10?! Let's roll!

P.S.: Visiting a big city is a daunting task for me (and I hope I'm not the only one out there that feels like this). I always had a limited amount of time, and a very limited amount of patience driving around unknown neighborhoods, taking wrong turns, hitting one-ways and suchs. Therefore, the amount of photography produced while cruising around town has always been on the low side. Pardon me for the photographic material on this issue, if you don't find it satisfying feel free to check out my photography here! Don't miss on it!

Emanuele Canton Photography:


10. San Antonio, Texas

Restaurant on the riverwalk

My first big city in the big state of Texas wasn't a bust. I arrived in San Antonio sweaty and country (coming from 4 days in Big Bend national park), and I plunged myself into the heart of the riverwalk for a nice, chilled, pleasant afternoon that I came to love. Beside the historic Alamo fort -actually, an old mission - the city has plenty to offer, starting with its famous riverwalk. Food plazas, riverside bars, hotels, shady trees, boat trips, live music: there's all you need to enjoy a perfect Texas afternoon. You hot? I bet there's a bar no more than 200 feet from you that serves awesome ice-cold margaritas!


9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philly streets

 I remember that day: it was my 26th birthday and I was sick as a dog. I drove into town on a Saturday morning (sweet, free parking), parked the car and had cold pizza leftovers from the night before and my usual cold powdered coffee with sweetener for breakfast. No pills, nothing. I just got out of the car and started to walk some 15 miles around town - yes, because you have more chances to walk longer distances in a city than in the woods sometimes. I loved the atmosphere. After taking a selfie with the Rocky Balboa statue - something I dreamt of since I got to know that statue was real - I realized how fit people were. They were all running, jogging, doing push-ups or some other calories-burning activity. Crazy! Did the movie do all that? I might guess so. Anyway, the city itself it's pretty cool, it felt less chaotic and stressed than other metropolis I've been to, and shady parks and squares are strategically distributed for your own enjoyment. Plus... man, those cheesesteaks!!


8. Austin, Texas

Austin skyline from Zilker park

Austin is one of the very, very few big cities where I'd always go back, at any moment, with any kind of weather, alone or with company. I had a special time there, probably because it's Texas. This is something a non-Texan might look suspiciously, and probably just shrug off: Texans are great people. When it comes to socialize, have a good time, that's my kind of people. I made more friends and in less time in Texas than anywhere else. On top of that, you have the vibe of this college city (which is state capital too), often referred to as "the new Portland". Even though I wouldn't really compare it to Portland - I haven't seen that many hipsters around town! - Austin rocks. 6th street is the place to go at night (that you choose conventional 6th or so-called "dirty" 6th) and food will get straight to your heart. It happened to me as well.


7. Savannah, Georgia

One of many tree-covered squares in downtown Savannah

Welcome to the South! Pack in light clothes to properly enjoy a stroll in downtown Savannah, you might otherwise regret the warm, southern sun. Also in your pack should be a map, particularly useful to help you navigate the maze of squares sometimes hard to distinguish between one or another. Other than that, just walk, sometimes aimlessly, just covering as much ground as possible, picturing the old days when gentlemen walked the streets in white shirts and hats, a pistol hanging from their belts, and took off their hats to greet ladies strolling with their elegant umbrellas. Of those days the very thing that survived, beside the buildings, are the trees. All covered in spanish moss, they create a sublime atmosphere that will definitely catch you. Last but not least: try the riverfront. Although sometimes spoiled by new hotels, it's alive and offers an enjoyable alternative to downtown's streets.


6. Charleston, South Carolina

Downtown Charleston

I arrived in Charleston with my mind still wandering Savannah's streets, and I found that something even better was awaiting me. It was a Sunday, and after Mass, I started my usual on-foot tour of the city. When the sun was fighting his way through the clouds and a light rain, I walked the streets to find cobblestone drives, palm trees and fascinating colonial villas, with doric columns and neatly kept gardens. I took some time to go on a visit to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Although the place itself wasn't extremely interesting, I was on my way to Appomattox so a stop made sense. When the sun finally reached through the clouds, and inundated the city, I resumed my stroll, this time along the seaside. It was just as good as it gets: sun, a light breeze, a cool drink, happy people enjoying life, beautiful old homes everywhere along the street. Some cannons here and there between the palms. To me it felt like the best place I could have ever been on that very Sunday!


5. New York, New York

A panoramic view of Manhattan, New York city

I know somebody will hate me for this pick, this soon, especially considering the next cities to come, but hey, I warned y'all at the beginning! But even though NY to me represents traffic, legalized chaos, capitalism to its worst, people full of themselves and on and on, I have to say that after all, not everything is to be dismissed of this city. It's still New York. The skyline is unique. It's one of the most famous if not THE most famous city in the world, and it has plenty to offer under every point of view. It has so many sights, and as soon as you reach a decent height - say, the Empire State building or the Rockefeller center - the view is breath-taking. It has a certain charm as well, especially at night, when you almost forget that money is what made and drives this place. It's kind of romantic. I came to it prepared to the worst, and left with nice memories.


4. San Francisco, California

Sliding down winding Lombard Street

I swear I was listening to "If you're going, to San-Fran-cisco" when I crossed the Bay bridge. It was on my "to do list". It got me ready for the city. Frisco (a nickname that I hope won't offend anyone - there's a whole history behind it!) is a beautiful city, perfectly apt to be cruised by bicycle, with plenty of tasty food, curious personalities and famous sights. Alcatraz, the Golden Gate, China Town, Pier 39, Lombard Street, the cable cars, you name 'em. On a sunny day I'd say it's one of the very few almost-perfect big cities America has to offer. Now, forget about parking a car. I have to forget myself I had my own towed (300$) and that thanks to an Oracle meeting in town I couldn't find a bed for less than 105 damn dollars. But that's fine. Part of the experience. Means the rest was extremely cool!


3. Las Vegas, Nevada

Bellagio and Caesar's Palace hotels

One day somebody told me "Vegas: just once". And that's what I did. But I didn't forget it. Going to Vegas it's one of those things you have to do once in a lifetime. It's an over-the-top experience, especially if you're just with your buddies, kind of "The Hangover" thing. In daylight, it's just a city (I'm talking about the strip, of course. I guess nobody's interested in the crime-affected neighborhoods) with an endless array of lodging possibilites, actually every kind of hotel you might think of. A castle, a pyramid, an amusement park, a fake Venice: you pick & choose. Vegas has 'em. At night, it becomes what it's famous for: a hyper-illuminated, overactive, simply crazy mile and something of pure entertainment. You can gamble, watch the Bellagio's fountains, feast on bottom-less buffets, watch the city play hard from the balcony of your hotel room (if you can afford it - but in Vegas the cheap thing is lodging). You can do almost everything, and unless the cops will get involved... everything will stay in Vegas!


2. Washington, District of Columbia

The White House, probably the place you've seen more often on TV when things got screwed around the world

Washington isn't an incredibly pretty city, or outstandingly famous for its vibe, or for its food. What it lacks, it makes up with an unmatchable amount of monuments, historical places, famous buildings, museums. It's one of those places where you have great chances to see TV crews around town - you know, having something like the White House, the Capitol, the Federal Reserve, the Mall, surely helps. You can swing from the Lincoln memorial, to the Jefferson's, to Martin Luther King's. You can spend a day walking the aisles of the various buildings of the Smithsonian. A side trip, which is actually a must, is Arlington cemetery, the "shrine of tha nation". This is what to me a cemetery in America has always looked like: a perfectly mowned lawn and simple white graves. Lots of them. Arlington is the place where famous or brave souls like JFK or Robert E. Lee rest, and to stroll along its green walkways it's a touching experience. Final curiosity: a security officer working at the White House told me that there are 2000 people (yeah, like a small town population) responsible for security measures working inside or around the building. Would you believe it?!


1. New Orleans, Louisiana

St.Louis cathedral in downtown NOLA, one of the oldest cathedrals in the U.S.A.

Yes, New Orleans, what else could it be? The vibe, the people, the food, the music, the city streets, it all adds up to make it a wicked mix. Arriving to NOLA - how it's handily referred to - from the surrounding swamps and bayous, is like drinking an energy beverage. You are right-off caught in the vibrant life of this very special place, that tempts you with delicious cajun food, foot-high daiquiris and exotic nightlife. If you somehow manage to resist all of them, or even one of the bunch, you can spend your time walking along the mighty Mississippi, maybe taking a little cruise, or enjoying live music at effervescent Bourbon Street. It's all lively, it's all crazy, and dipped in Southern hospitality! You just might want to watch your wallet closely, and be aware of where you are at night. As in every other big city!

Top 10 National Parks of the U.S.A. ("Places I visited" series)

I've been long wandering how I could put down the things I did and the places I visited in a better way, an interesting one, an easy-to-digest way. I was scanning the web doing some research and I came across one of the many "top 10" kind of articles. I told myself, "I might as well add my own!", and here I am in the mix.
I will try to post my own charts, first of all of places throughout the U.S.A.

I am about to tackle possibly the hardest one of them all. To rank these very places is no easy task: it requires a lot of compromising with one's self. The experiences that I personally had in several months spent in a decent amount of the American national parks had me really troubled in picking my favourite 10. I tried my best, and I apologize if this chart might be disappointing. Also, I do apologize if the East is not really well represented. There's one thing to bear in mind though, when ranking outdoors wonders in this country. It's very well told by the geographic concentration of National Parks: if you open a map, you'll see that just 11 of the 59 parks are east of, say, San Antonio TX. Not counting Alaska and Hawaii, the figure goes down to 11 out of 49, which is still small.
Of those national parks, Great Smoky Mountains gathers 10 million visitors each year - I'd say just because of the close proximity to major urban centers on the coast. Among the other parks, you can count places like Congaree or Cuyahoga - that, no offense, aren't even close to the marvels of the west.

Now, that said, I made up my mind and gathered some of my photography. If you like my pictures, don't forget to check out my Alamy page for some of my best shots on sale or contact me via email, Facebook or the blog for enquiries! Here's a nice link to Alamy to start with! Thanks!
http://www.alamy.com/stock-photography/C3E17497-F12F-452B-BE3C-C9A147C63EC1/1/Emanuele%20Canton.html

Let the journey begin!

10. Olympic NP, Washington

A walk in the Olympic rainforest

With one of the few remaining rainforests in the world, and an abundance of pictoresque beaches and snow-clad mountains, Olympic perfectly fits the bill. The thing I love the most is to choose an off-the-beaten-path trail and immerse myself in the silent woods, where the only things you can hear are the chirping of the birds and the almost constant tickle of rain drops. Useless to say, it's one of the greeniest parks you'll ever see. The atmosphere is just so fascinating.


9. Capitol Reef NP, Utah

From roadside orchards to snow-capped mountains, through red canyons and endless buttes

It took me a while to discover Capitol Reef but once I did, it hit my top 10 immediately. It's a place where you'll rarely see the big crowds that other parks in the Southwest gather, and that's a strength for sure. On the other side, you also retain the magic that these red lands offer: canyons, buttes, mesas, arches. With an amusing mixture of colors, great hiking and some awesome 4WD tracks to enjoy in solitude (and with spare tires), Capitol Reef is a mecca for the adventurer seeking southwestern landscapes and relief from the big crowds, without ever venturing too far from a small town or two at the same time.


8. Rocky Mountains NP, Colorado

Late summer in the Rockies (I can't wait to return and get more and better shots around the park!)

The whole state of Colorado is a paradise for hikers, climbers and outdoorsmen in general, but this national park probably tops everything else in the state. You can drive the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., at 12183 ft or 3713 mt at its highest. Some people will never climb or hike that high in their whole lives - it's quite cool to reach similar heights simply by driving a car! The craggy peaks offer incredible views and the abundance of wildlife will possibly make the trip a bit more interesting.


7. Acadia NP, Maine

Acadia's coast on a shot taken along the renowned hike to the Beehive

I thought there couldn't actually be a park that would truly fascinate me in the East. That was before I visited Acadia. It made me stay longer than planned - and that's the best compliment I could give. I truly enjoyed it. It's a park where the ocean breeze and the saltwater fragrance blends at perfection with the woods and the rocky hills just behind the coastline. You can enjoy sunrise basking in the sun on the cliffs, drive the scenic road and go for short walks, explore the backwoods at length and finally relax in one of the small coastal towns, like lovely Bar Harbour, where you might end up indulging in some Maine staples like a lobster roll or some other lobster-based delicacies. How about that?


6. Denali NP, Alaska

Polychrome Pass

In a state so big, so wild and so gifted as far as natural wonders go, Denali is a narrow winner. Upon being given more time (and financial resources!) to explore this beautiful state, I might pick another of those alaskan parks, such as Glacier Bay, or Wrangell-St.Elias, but hey... Denali deserves the top spot anyway, after all. It's here that you can see North America's highest mountain, and within the parks are endless hiking opportunities - most of the time on the trail you blaze! - plentiful wildlife and breath-taking vistas of mountain peaks, glacial-carved valleys and river beds. Denali truly represents "the call of the wild". Just a warning though: bear in mind the weather. Don't be too optimistic and plan for a sunny week on your visit. You might be disappointed!


5. Yosemite NP, California

The view from Glacier Point

Yosemite is a park like few others. It has contributed to raise awareness, back in the days, of the immense natural treasures America could boast - and must protect. Its landscapes and features are echoed in the pages of John Muir, that once said, talking about the greed of mankind and its quest for perfection, that "no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man". Although crowded and unbelievably hot for a mountain park in quite a few summer days, Yosemite stands out with its massive granite tops, its many waterfalls, and its awe-inspiring quiet in the backcountry.


4. Bryce NP, Utah

Simply Bryce

There are many words to describe Bryce: unique, wonderful, breath-taking, artistic. It is something you'll never see anywhere else in the world. It is a place that will always make you take that detour from your planned holiday route and drive an extra 100-150 miles just to go watch sunrise and Sunrise Point once again. Its incredible concentration of hoodoos makes it an outstanding destination for not only the nature lover, but for the photographer, the painter, the artist as well. Forget a private experience when planning to watch sunrise or sunset at the park's premiere viewpoints: there will always be at least too many other visitors around you, pushing, waiting for you to leave, talking. But it's worth it. If you're tired of that, get a park map and look for the longer trails: my rule is "the longer, the less crowded, the better". You'll have another chance to intimately enjoy the red hoodoos, the green pinyons, furs and spruces, and the blue skies.


3. Grand Teton NP, Wyoming

Daylight fading over the Teton range

When I think about a mountain range, or some mountain country, the picture I recall is that of the Teton range. The jagged peaks that the park vaunts are so attractive, so majestic that even though they don't stand out for height, they do for beauty. To drive along the range on the main park road or along the road that links touristy Jackson with Moran Junction is an experience in itself. You can enjoy multiple viewpoints, broad views of the Grand Teton or mount Moran, go for a hike around a lake, deep inside a canyon or up on the slopes, or just drive around maybe hoping to spot a grizzly or the always-present moose (check the Moose visitor center area first, the name is no mistake!). The very thing I like the most here is watching sunset. Wherever you go, it'll always be a great memory.


2. Glacier NP, Montana

Welcome to Glacier National Park

Yes, another mountain park. It's hard to choose between Glacier and Grand Teton, but I'll tell you what: the glaciers, the endless mileage of trails available, the pristine glacial lakes, the bears... no, you can't beat Glacier. Personally, it's for sure the best mountain park in the lower 48. And, as of now, n.2 in the overall ranking. It's one of those places where you can bag as many pictures in a day as you would in a whole week in a regular place. The trails are spectacular. Try Grinnell glacier. Or Swiftcurrent Pass. Or Iceberg lake, just for a starter. I guarantee you, you won't regret your time here. The only flipside I can think of is this: you might end up driving home on the sad side, if you pay attention to the signs and brochures that talk about the incredibly fast rate at which glaciers are melting. By 2030 probably, they might have to rename the park.


1. Grand Canyon NP, Arizona

A look down

Now people will be like, "Really?! That's it?".
Yes, it is. It's right and just, to quote something you might hear on Sunday mornings somewhere.
There's no word to describe Grand Canyon. It's unique because you won't find anywhere in the world a canyon deeper and wider at the same time. I believe there are very, very few places in the world where you can admire better sunsets. The colors of the rocks, the irons that give way to deep reds and the sandstones and limestones that make stratas orange, yellow, grayish sometimes or even purple when the sun sets, are a combination you'll never forget. If Grand Canyon was on the East Coast, it'd draw many more than 10 million visitors (Smoky Mountains), but fortunately it's not. It's already too crowded for my taste. There's a solution though. Venture down the canyon. Choose one of the longer trails, and sample the amazing beauty of this blessed place. Wake up early and watch sunrise. Bask in the morning sun. You might not believe what you're seeing. Drive to North Rim. People usually don't believe the ones saying that it's probably the best part of it (I'm glad they don't when I drive up there myself!).
Matter of fact is: you can't beat Grand Canyon. It's THE example when I talk about America's grandeur when it comes to nature. Where do you ever see anything like Grand Canyon in the world?!
Nowhere.
Just at Grand Canyon.

The most beautiful place to sit in the world

The outsider: Go visit Great Basin NP, Nevada. You'll be pleasantly surprised!