Bourke's Luck Potholes

At the confluence of the Blyde River and the Treur River in the South African region of Mpumulanga, thousands of years of water erosion have created a unique and otherworldly geological feature.


Here at the mouth of the Blyde River Canyon, the two rivers formed swirling eddies of water. Over time, this formed huge cylindrical potholes in the sandstone bedrock. The effect, seen from the crags above, is now a fascinating network of tunnels and tubes and interconnected, whirling pools. The different soil levels in each hole gives them each a unique color and makes for a striking and colorful landscape.

The formations get their name from a prospector, John Bourke, who was one of the first to proclaim that the region had gold deposits and who staked a claim nearby. Despite the name of the potholes, he never found a single ounce of gold there — though luckier prospectors would later find rich amounts of gold in the area. Even if he walked away empty-handed, his name lives on in the stunning scenery.

The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in which the potholes are located, has bridges and viewing platforms that allow visitors to see the interesting rock features from a variety of angles. There is also a small but interesting geological museum and short walking trails.

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12 Airport Hacks Anyone Who Loves to Travel Needs to Know

As any travel buff will attest, the airport becomes a kind of second home when you’re always on the go. It just comes with the territory.

And so we must deal with it.

But even though they can seem intimidating, airports are totally hackable places. And with the right set of tricks, you can make your travel experience as painless and simple as possible.

Here are 12 life-changing airport hacks that anyone who loves to travel needs to know.

1. Know your flight’s gate and terminal information BEFORE leaving for the airport.

Did you know there is a mysterious, secret terminal at New York’s LaGuardia Airport? I found that out the hard way when I almost missed my flight because I had to take a shuttle to this random terminal. But I learned a valuable lesson: Before you leave your apartment, check and double-check where you are going at the airport. Save the spontaneity for when you get to your destination.

2. TSA PreCheck is everything.

TSA PreCheck is the best thing that’s ever happened to frequent travelers.

Why? You get to use a different, faster security line; you don’t have to remove your laptop or liquids from your bag; and you can keep on your belt, shoes and light jacket. It’s airport security without the hassle.

Here’s how you get it: Fill out the TSA PreCheck application online, pay an $85 fee and schedule a follow-up interview to confirm your identity and provide fingerprints. Once your approved, you’re good to go.

3. If you travel internationally, you NEED Global Entry.

Global Entry is a must-have for anyone who travels abroad.

Here’s why: After you’ve returned to the US, you get to skip the long lines and head straight to the customs checkpoint, where an officer will quickly double-check your credentials and send you on your merry way. As an added bonus, Global Entry approval also comes with TSA PreCheck, so you’re basically getting a two-for-one deal.

To apply, you simply fill out the online Global Entry application, pay a $100 fee and wait for conditional approval (usually around 3-4 weeks) before scheduling your follow-up interview.

4. Pack snacks.

Airports are notorious for jacking up the prices on everything, especially food. Avoid spending an arm and a leg by packing your own snacks. Go for protein bars that are high in fiber. In the event of delays or long layovers, you’ll be grateful you brought something to eat.

5. If you’re delayed, find an airport buddy.

Airports typically don’t offer free Wi-Fi, so in the event of a layover, canceled flight or overnight campout, finding someone to hang with is essential. Look around your gate. Try to locate someone who looks roughly your age. Head over and say something like, “Ugh. I can’t believe we have to sit here for six more hours. Have you ever been to Bangkok before?”

I’m sure you’ll have a friend in no time.

6. If you’re being picked up at the airport, meet your buddy at departures.

A trick of the trade: Tell whoever picks you up from the airport to meet you at departures instead of arrivals. It’s so much less hectic up there! All you have to do is run upstairs and hop in the car. Say goodbye to waiting in impossibly long lines of traffic.

7. Download your preferred airline’s app.

This way you can get push notifications for your flight, see your plane’s seat map and check for upgrades. It makes everything so much more convenient. After all, you want to know what’s happening before it affects your trip.

8. Always have an empty water bottle on hand.

FACT: Staying hydrated while flying is IMPORTANT. And while you could buy a bottle of water at the airport, you’re a regular travel junkie, so the last thing you want to do is waste money on anything other than experiences. To get around this problem, bring an empty or reusable water bottle with you. That way, you’ll never find yourself high (in the sky) and dry.

9. Kindness is key.

Kindness goes a long way at airports. And landing that complimentary upgrade could come down to the difference between a good attitude and a bad one. BIG SMILES. ALWAYS. Remember to be sweet to the flight attendants and the rest of the crew, and be respectful to other travelers. Apart from increasing your chances of landing in first class, it’s also just the right thing to do.

10. If you have too many outfit changes, overstuff a duffle bag.

I have a confession.

Even when I pack so much that my bag possibly exceeds the airline’s carry-on size restrictions, I bring it with me through security, anyway. I know. I’m so bad, but I’ve never been stopped!

But here’s the REAL trick (and where that good attitude we talked about before comes in handy): More times than not, the flight crew will check the bag through to my destination at the gate for free. See ya, checked bag fees!

11. Take advantage of duty-free shopping.

International travel means getting access to that duty-free store, my friends. Use the opportunity to stock up on all your favorite necessities — without having to fork over more of your hard-earned cash to the man!

12. Choose a go-to travel outfit.

You need an outfit you love to travel in, one that seamlessly blends comfort and functionality. That means you should wear comfortable yet chic clothing, and opt for an ensemble with high utility. My go-to travel wear includes a fitted jacket with six pockets that hits on every travel pain point: It keeps me warm during cold flights, has lots of extra space for my stuff and is super cozy.

Compensation for this post was provided by Discover it® via Elite Daily. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Discover it® or Elite Daily.

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This sandstone gorge in Upstate New York is known as the "Little Grand Canyon of the East.

For almost 150 years, travelers have left messages at the "Post Office" rock formation in Ausable Chasm in the Adirondacks.

A mile-long gorge cut by the Ausable River, Ausable Chasm was a thriving industrial center during the mid-19th century. Power for iron mining and logging was aided by the rushing Rainbow Falls at the head of the gorge, and many mills and factories lined the river. Industry in the area began to wane towards the end of the century, the final nail in its coffin coming in 1890 when a large nail factory shut down. But the chasm continued to draw visitors to what had become known as the "Little Grand Canyon of the East." Several movies were filmed there in the early 1900s, including "Perils of Pauline."

Inside are rock formations with names like the Devil’s Oven, Elephant's Head, the Cathedral, and Column Rock. There is one particularly popular spot, where the rocks are porous and naturally divided into little cubby holes, called the Post Office. Ever since the chasm was opened to the public in 1870, visitors would climb down to tack messages into the soft rock that was formed into these little square "mail boxes," with notes and letters going back and forth between family, friends and hikers.

Decades of tacks took a toll on the soft rock, so to avoid further erosion a station for a logbook was built in 2004, so new visitors can still use the Post Office, but now more environmentally-friendly. Man-made erosion isn’t the only way the chasm has suffered in recent history. The year 1996 saw two of the worst periods of flooding recorded in the area, with back-to-back washing out of roads and bridges and extensive damage to infrastructure. But the owners rebuilt, both times, and Ausable continues to draw visitors down into the chasm to hike, go rafting, rock climb — or just leave a message.

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Legends surround this jagged rock formation in the New Mexico desert

Rising high above the surrounding desert, the rock formation known as Shiprock has long been a point of fascination

This striking volcanic plume was formed around 30 million years ago, developing as a plug within the vent of an active volcano. Over time, the rest of the volcano eroded away, leaving the  jagged outcrop all alone in a vast expanse of plain. At over 1500 feet, it’s the tallest structure for miles and miles.

The structure is an epicenter of legend within the Navajo culture. Called Tsé Bitʼaʼí or “the rock with wings,” myth says that the Shiprock was a piece of land that became a bird, carrying the ancestral people of the Navajo on its back. At sundown, the enormous creature settled in its current desert location and promptly turned back to stone. The newly-arrived people settled on the rock’s peak, leaving only to collect food and water. However, one day the outcrop was unexpectedly struck by lightning, stranding members of the tribe among its shards. Since then, the rock has been forbidden to people, who may disturb the ghostly spirits of those left behind.

Although the steep, perilous sides of the Shiprock were once considered a great prize among rockclimbers, human ascents have been expressly off-limits since 1970, in accordance with Navajo custom.

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The Germiest Place on the Entire Beach

The next time you spread out your towel on a peaceful stretch of sand and settle in to catch a few rays, think--or try not to think--about this.

A new study that examined sand and seawater from Hawaiian beaches found that the sand has anywhere from 10 to 100 times higher the amount of bacteria than the water--which is basically the opposite of what we usually worry about.

Swimmers are often discouraged from going into the water on days when high levels of fecal-contaminated bacteria are found to be present. But no one really considers that there’s even more bacteria lurking in the sand, which creates a moist, dark environment that helps it thrive. Come into contact with it and you’ll be looking at a stomach bug, rashes or worse.

So what are you supposed to do about it? Here are your options: 1. Only go to beaches on your own private island far, far from civilization. 2. Head to the pool. 3. Forget you ever read this. Happy sunbathing!

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13 Straight Facts About the Leaning Tower of Pisa

 IT TOOK TWO CENTURIES TO BUILD IT.

Construction on a campanile, or bell tower to accompany the public cathedral in the Italian riverside city of Pisa broke ground in August 1173. By 1178, workers had made it to the third story of the structure, which was already tilting slightly to the north. Military conflicts with other Italian states would soon halt progress on the tower, which would not resume until 1272. This time, construction only remained underway for 12 years before another war again stopped the work. A final wave of construction picked up again in the early 14th century, concluding with the installation of a bell chamber in 1372.

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13 Straight Facts About the Leaning Tower of Pisa

13 STRAIGHT FACTS ABOUT THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA

The Leaning Tower of Pisa may be the world's greatest spot for a tourist photo, but there's a lot more to this centuries-old icon than lighthearted images of your friends and family "holding up" the tower. Here's everything you need to know about Italy's most beloved architectural accident.

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