1 . It’s hard to put into words how much of a sense of freedom I get from being outdoors and in the wilderness. If I’m
Spending time outdoors is a wonderful
There are so many
Thanks to the light and the weather, the same walk can feel very different
Otley Chevin in West Yorkshire is another
A.crowded | B.surrounded | C.impressed | D.involved |
A.disappearing | B.revealing | C.emerging | D.floating |
A.experience | B.expectation | C.arrangement | D.ambition |
A.doubting | B.curing | C.feeling | D.removing |
A.harmful | B.beneficial | C.graceful | D.pitiful |
A.powerful | B.grateful | C.confusing | D.amazing |
A.rivals | B.highlights | C.escapes | D.explores |
A.lucky | B.tense | C.certain | D.tough |
A.picking up | B.depending on | C.contrasting with | D.getting over |
A.season | B.custom | C.emotion | D.response |
A.curiosity | B.excitement | C.encouragement | D.indication |
A.put on | B.give off | C.take in | D.set up |
A.challenging | B.exhausting | C.moving | D.annoying |
A.limit | B.center | C.reach | D.distance |
A.regular | B.remote | C.obvious | D.special |
2 . In a lot of other states in America, warm sunny days mean lazy afternoons are spent on the beach. In Oregon, people pack hiking shoes with their bathing suits. Here are 3 incredible hikes for you.
Cascade Head Preserve
Distance: 6.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearest Town: Lincoln City
Managed by the international nonprofit The Nature Conservancy, the Cascade Head Preserve is an excellent hike that typically marks the division between the north and central Oregon coast. There are upper and lower trailheads (小道的起点), with about 3.4 miles of trails between the two.
Cape Lookout
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Nearest Town: Tillamook
Of all the capes on the Oregon coast, Cape Lookout might be the most famous, projecting 1.5 miles into the ocean. Visitors can tackle the five-mile, round-trip hike to the tip of the cape where they can enjoy several incredible views over the Pacific Ocean. Separate trails lead down to South Beach and the Campground.
Clatsop Loop Hike
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Nearest Town: Cannon Beach
There are several trails that traverse (横越) Tillamook Head at Ecola State Park, but the Clatsop Loop Hike is known for its breathtaking Cliffside views and quiet forested paths. Take the seaside trail from Indian Beach to the Hikers Camp, then take the forested path back.
1. Which is the dividing line between the north and central Oregon coast?A.Tillamook. | B.Cascade Head Preserve. |
C.Cape Lookout. | D.Cannon Beach. |
A.Go camping in the wild. | B.Go hiking through the forests. |
C.Kill time on the beach. | D.Enjoy views over the ocean. |
A.The vast forest. | B.The easy hikes. |
C.The amazing views. | D.The quiet seaside. |
3 . Love hiking but don’t want to have a heavy backpack for days on end? We’ve found four great walks around Australia.
● Three Capes Walk
Where: Tasmania
Length: Three days
The pièce de résistance of a hike in this remote southeast corner of Tasmania has to be a flight over, or cruise(航行) underneath, Cape Pillar–the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. Here you’ll find 300-metre-high sea columns rising from the ocean. The equally impressive Cape Raoul – only accessible by hikers – will also give you a taste of the dramatic, raw beauty to come.
● Great Ocean Walk
Where: Victoria
Length: Three days
The 243-kilometre long Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage – listed area famed for its surf beaches and the Twelve Apostles – limestone(石灰岩) stacks rising out of the Southern Ocean. It takes more than a week to walk the full length, but this hike ensures you see the best bits over three days.
● Larapinta Trail &Red Center Walk
Where: Northern Territory
Length: Nine days
If you haven’t experienced the beating heart of Australia, this is the way to do it. Walk part of the Larapinta Trail, a 231-kilometre path that follows the rocky spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder.
● Light to Light Walk
Where: New South Wales
Length: Four days
The Sapphire Coast was named after a gem because of its deep blue sparkling waters. A hike here takes you deep into this dramatic landscape from striking 320-million-year old red rocky outcrops to coastal forests. Glide along its dynamic waters on a cruise to take in the birdlife, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or, from May to November, a migrating whale.
1. What can you appreciate in “Three Capes Walk”?A.The Twelve Apostles. | B.The Larapinta Trail. |
C.Cape Pillar. | D.The Sapphire Coast. |
A.Appreciate the birdlife along the dynamic waters. |
B.See limestone stacks rising out of the Southern Ocean. |
C.Spot a dolphin or a migrating whale from March to November. |
D.Walk a 231-kilometre path to experience the beating heart of Australia. |
A.Victoria. | B.Northern Territory. | C.New South Wales. | D.Tasmania. |
4 . Four Best Hikes in the World
There's nothing like getting out and getting some fresh air on a hike. No matter whether your idea of a hike is a leisure walk or climbing the highest mountain on Earth, we've got you covered. Below are four best hikes in the world.
Torres del Paine W Circuit
Location (位置): Patagonia. Chile
Distance: 37 + miles
Time: 5~6 days
Best time to go: October to January
The W Circuit is one of the most recommended hikes you'll find. Not only will you appreciate the diverse landscapes and striking granite pillars (花岗岩柱子), but you'll probably meet some new friends along the way.
Grand Canyon Rim - to - Rim Hike
Location: Arizona, the United States
Distance: 48 miles
Time: 1~3 days
Best time to go: May to June, September to October
There's no better way to experience one of the greatest wonders in the world. Located in one of the USA's most beautiful parks, the views are absolutely appealing. Just make sure you're prepared for the challenge.
Trek to Petra
Location: Jordan
Distance: 47 miles
Time: 5~ 6 days
Best time to go: October to April
Take the road less traveled through the Kingdom of Jordan and experience one of the seven wonders of the world. Hike through canyons, gorges and ridges, and see tombs and temples along the way all while avoiding crowds of tourists.
Yosemite Grand Traverse
Location: California, the United States
Distance: 60 miles
Time: 6~7 days
Best time to go: July to September
Known for some of the best hiking in the world, Yosemite National Park is famous for its views and huge sequoia (红杉) trees. Praised by National Geographic, the Yosemite Grand Traverse will take you through waterfalls and green mountaintops.
1. Which of the following is the best time for the hike in Patagonia, Chile?A.April | B.May | C.August | D.December |
A.Jordan | B.Patagonia, Chile |
C.Arizona, the United States | D.California, the United States |
A.Plant sequoia trees | B.Appreciate waterfalls | C.Visit local temples | D.Climb granite pillars |
5 . Welcome to Norway
DAY 1: Welcome to Bergen! Upon arrival meet your driver and travel to the city’s center where you can drop your luggage at the Grand Terminus Hotel and enjoy a walking tour of the city. Once back at the hotel you’ll have a talk from Rowan Hooper, who will explore why the Arctic is important to the well-being of the planet.
DAY 2: This morning you’ll go on a 3-hour round trip from Bergen to Mostraumen. When you return to Bergen you’ll have time for lunch before visiting the Vilvite Science Center. After dinner, you’ll have a second talk from Rowan on how we could grow the whale population to rebuild marine ecosystems.
DAY 3: Today, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Tromso. Upon arrival, you’ll take a fast ferry (轮渡) to Senja Island, where the Aurora Borealis Observatory is your hone for the night. In the evening, astronomer Abigail Beall will hold a talk on the science behind the Northern Lights before you have the opportunity to search for the Northern Lights yourself.
DAY 4: Return by ferry to Tromso, where you’ll explore the Northern Norwegian Science Center. The center is a popular science experience center containing almost 100 interactive installations, divided into four themes on three floors.
DAY 5: Today you’ll start a full-day fjord trip by boat. As you pass through the frozen coastline, you’ll get an opportunity to look for sea eagles, seals and whales. Recently, hundreds of humpback and killer whales visit the northern fjords, and your boat’s expert crew will help you spot them.
DAY 6: This morning you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the dog yard where you can learn about the Alaskan husky dog, and dog sled racing. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the airport in the afternoon for your flight home.
1. What is Rowan Hooper’s job?A.An astronomer. | B.A guide. | C.An ecologist. | D.A driver. |
A.Bergen. | B.Mostraumen. | C.Tromso. | D.Senja Island. |
A.Day 3. | B.Day 4. | C.Day 5. | D.Day 6. |
6 . The Rocks Guided Walking Tour
Overview
Search the history of Sydney on a leisurely 90-minute walking tour in The Rocks district with an expert guide. Enjoy the delights of present-day visuals as you explore The Rocksand as you discover shady courtyards and hidden areas that even the locals do not know about.
What to Expect
Meet your guide at the starting point in The Rocks district. From there, visit historic sites and hear stories about the city from a guide. The walking tour, which covers 1. 2 miles at a leisurely pace, focuses on the neighborhood located under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can wander around the area’s cobbled stone streets, alleyways and courtyards. The tour includes stops at Campbells Cove, the Garrison Church, which is known as the Church of Holy Trinity, etc. Plus, you can see the shoreline of Sydney Cove as well as views of Sydney Opera House.
Important Information
·Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
·Children must be accompanied by an adult.
·Small groups (no more than 20 people).
·It operates in all weather conditions, please dress to the predicted weather conditions appropriate for an outdoor activity.
·Comfortable walking shoes, hat and a bottle of water are suggested.
·The tour is wheelchair accessible. However, be prepared for uneven surfaces at the visited sites which may be difficult for those with walking disabilities.
Departure Point: 35 Harrington St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia.
Duration: 90 minutes.
Return Detail: Return to original departure point.
1. What can the visitors enjoy during the tour?A.Different villages. | B.Remote courtyards. |
C.The mountain landscape. | D.The view of the sea. |
A.Suitable clothing. | B.Many books. |
C.Enough food. | D.Some wheelchairs. |
A.In Sydney Opera House. | B.At Campbells Cove. |
C.At 35 Harrington St. | D.In the Garrison Church. |
7 . Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit
Mars (The Martian)
When you search for a location to stand in for the surface of another world, The Wadi Rum Protected Area in far southern Jordan is a good place to start. With the impressive “vast and echoing and God-like” landscape, it served as the background of Matt Damon’s 18-month stay on the red planet in The Martian.
Jurassic Park
The Hawaiian islands were the locations for some of Jurassic Park’s most memorable scenes. Kauai provides the rough coastline and some of the most breathtaking features of the fictional Isla Nublar, while the rolling hills of Oahu’s Kualoa Ranch function as the background of the Gallimimus stampede (逃亡).
Hobbiton
Unlike the other locations in this list, the Shire is a wholly artificial set, built on a sheep farm on New Zealand ‘s North Island. Created for Peter Jackson’s big-screen adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Hobbiton began to draw curious fans shortly after the release of the first film in the series. In time, what began as a temporary location designed to host a three-month movie shoot has evolved into a Tolkienesque theme park with over 350,000 visitors annually.
King’s Landing
The HBO series Game of Thrones brings to life the many locations of George R.R. Martin’s fantasy world, but the conflict of sex, swords, and trickery reaches its peak in the capital of King’s Landing. The “real” capital of Westeros can be found in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The city’s 16th-century fortress walls overlook Blackwater Bay, while the parks, avenues, and alleys of the old city have witnessed the triumphs and tragedies of House Lannister.
1. Which of the four locations should you visit if you are a big fan of J.R.R. Tolkien?A.Mars (The Martian). | B.Jurassic Park. | C.Hobbiton. | D.King’s Landing. |
A.They are both on the coast. | B.They demonstrate magnificent views. |
C.They can represent another world. | D.They are set for only one film. |
A.See ancient fortress walls. | B.Play roles in Game of Thrones. |
C.Visit George R.R. Martin. | D.Experience the triumphs and tragedies. |
8 . Join us aboard the two largest and finest whale watching ships on Monterey Bay: the 110ft Princess Monterey and the 100ft Atlantis Monterey. Designed with your comfort in mind, both ships feature indoor heated cabins with expansive windows for viewing, a snack-bar for refreshments, multiple seating options both indoors and outdoors, and the opportunity to enjoy the 3-hour tour from our limited Upper Deck for an additional fee.
● The Princess Monterey departs at 9:00 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm.
● The Atlantis Monterey departs at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
Experience the wonder of sunset alongside the whales. Sightings vary by season—be sure to check our calendar for availability:
Dolphins | Orcas | Gray whales | Blue whales | Humpback whales | |
Jan. -Feb. | × | ◎ | |||
Mar. -May | × | ◎ | × | × | |
Jun. -Oct. | × | ◎ | ◎ | × | |
Nov. | × | ◎ | ◎ | × | |
Dec. | × | ◎ | × | ◎ | × |
×: Most Likely ◎: Irregularly |
Prices starting at $65, secure your spot today by calling us at 831-372-2203 or visiting princessmontereywhalewatching.com.
Voices from our guests:
★Eight miles out, and the humpback whales, Rizzo’s dolphins, and sea lions were in full view. A repeat visit is definitely in my plans!
—Mary B.
★The trip was superb, enriched by the insightful commentary from the naturalist and the captain’s expert positioning for whale watching. The staff was informative and helpful. We couldn’t have asked for a better whale watching company.
—Steve S.
★I’ve gone whale watching with Princess Monterey 5 times and never disappointed. The sightings on September 1st and 2nd were breathtaking.
—Hector M.
★Leave your telescopes at home—the boats get you close enough for great views. But do bring a high-quality camera for a nice shot of whales!
—Grant W.
1. What should you do to take a sunset whale watching tour?A.Book the larger of the two ships. | B.Upgrade to Upper Deck. |
C.Make a calendar-based reservation. | D.Choose the earliest departure time. |
A.In February. | B.In April. | C.In June. | D.In August. |
A.Mary | B.B. Steve S. | C.Hector M. | D.Grant W. |
9 . Italy is a country that cannot be missed on your travel bucket list.
Things to Do in Italy
Owning 50 UNESCO approved World Cultural Heritage Sites, Italy is honored around the world for its ancient civilization and art. Being the epitome (典范) of the western art and culture, this remarkable land gave birth to the Renaissance, which affected the whole Europe, and obviously every corner of Italy bears a long history. Men are crazy about Italian football, while ladies can’t move their eyes away from Italian fashion. Moreover, the world famous Italian cuisine will also delight you. Our Italy vacation packages could cover all these absorbing aspects.
Best Time to Go
Italy has a diverse climate, with continental climate in the north and Mediterranean climate in the south.
In summer, most areas in Italy are extremely hot, with the highest temperature over 35℃. Usually, the high temperature starts from the end of June and lasts till August. August is the national holiday month. Many Italian families will spend their holidays in coastal cities.
During the winter time, the northern Italy is relatively cold and accompanied by heavy snows. Many people will stay indoors. But it is highly recommended to go skiing and enjoy the snow-covered landscape of the mountains. The southern and island areas are relatively warm, with an average temperature of about 15℃.
Generally speaking, the best time to take Italy tours is spring from April to June and autumn from September to October.
Visa for Italy Tours
Italy is a Schengen country (申根国家), and international travelers can enter Italy with an available Schengen visa issued by any Schengen country. Travelers holding American, Canadian, Australian passports, and citizens of European Union (EU) countries are allowed to stay up to 90 days without a visa.
Currency & Payment in Italy
Italy uses the European Union’s common currency Euro (€). Visa, MasterCard, JCB, etc. are widely accepted. But for tobacco purchases, only cash is accepted. Some supermarkets do not support credit card payment.
1. What greatly appeals to female visitors in Italy?A.History. | B.Football. | C.Fashion. | D.Cuisine. |
A.Go skiing in the north. |
B.Join in some indoor activities. |
C.Enjoy family holidays in coastal cities. |
D.Climb snow covered mountains on islands. |
A.A traveler with a Chinese passport. |
B.Any international traveler with a visa. |
C.Any person living in Canada for many years. |
D.A citizen from an EU country without a visa. |
10 . Here are some of the prettiest small towns across Europe.
Giethoorn, NetherlandsThey call it the Dutch answer to Venice, but Giethoorn lacks one crucial thing that the Italian city has overtourism. As in Venice, life goes around the water. There are no cars in the center so the only way to get around is on foot or on the water. Hungry? Stop at the Michelin-starred restaurant Hollands Venetië.
Guimãries, PortugalGuimãries is crucial to Portugal’s history — It was named the country’s first capital in the 12th century. Its Middle Age core remains largely undamaged, full of grand old palaces and a broken castle, standing on top of a cliff. Like everywhere in Portugal, local bakeries make a taste pie, but here you should try the local speciality: tortas de Guimãries, a pastry filled with squash and ground almonds.
Clovelly, UKDonkeys used to be the only way to get up and down the steep streets of Clovelly, a pretty fishing village in Devon, southwest England. Today, they still haven’t managed to bring cars in. It sits at the bottom of a 400-foot cliff. Instead, goods are transported by man-powered sledges (雪橇).
Kenmare, IrelandOn the southwestern tip of Ireland, the land melts into the ocean in County Kerry. Kenmare swings on the bay of the same name. This is in the middle of some of Ireland’s best loved ares. It’s on the Wild Atlantic Way, between the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara. Kenmare is known for its food, and for its views — with grand mountains behind the clear bay.
1. How can one travel in Giethoorn?A.By car. | B.By bus. | C.By air. | D.By water. |
A.It stands on top of a cliff. | B.It has many grand old palaces. |
C.It was the country’s first capital. | D.It attracted many famous bakers. |
A.Giethoorn. | B.Guimarães. | C.Clovelly. | D.Kenmare. |