- Loch Ness (Wikipedia)
Loch Ness (/ˌlɒx ˈnɛs/; Scottish Gaelic: Loch Nis [l̪ˠɔx ˈniʃ]) is a large freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 37 kilometres (23 miles) along the length of the Great Glen southwest of Inverness. It takes its name from the River Ness, which flows from the northern end. Loch Ness is best known for claimed sightings of the cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster, also known affectionately as “Nessie” (Scottish Gaelic: Niseag). It is one of a series of interconnected, murky bodies of water in Scotland; its water visibility is exceptionally low due to the high peat content of the surrounding soil. The southern end connects to Loch Oich by the River Oich and a section of the Caledonian Canal. The northern end connects to Loch Dochfour via the River Ness, which then ultimately leads to the North Sea via the Moray Firth.
- Sucia Island (wa100.dnr.wa.gov)
Remote Sucia Island, tucked away in the northwestern tip of Washington, is home to the only dinosaur fossil ever found in the state. With this discovery, Washington has finally joined the club of states with dinosaur discoveries (there are only 14 states where no dinosaurs have been discovered yet!). This tiny island measures less than 1 square mile in area, though numerous hidden coves and protected bays, and the fact that the island can only be reached by boat, make it a wondrous combination of mystery, discovery, and tranquility. With forests, gravel beaches, and shoreline outcrops, there is much to explore. Geology enthusiasts who visit the island can observe rocks ripe with ancient life, but you may not take any fossils. And if you need a peaceful nap after a day of exploring, don’t worry—Fossil Bay is right around the corner from Snoring Bay.