“There’s no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music,” wrote nature photographer Roland Kemler. I couldn’t agree more. In my recent update to 1001 Fun Things To Do in Retirement, I added 64 fun walks and day hikes. I didn’t do it on purpose, but 13 of the 64 (20%) were short trips to a waterfall.

And according to Annabel Streets, it’s not only the sound of falling water that we find pleasing. The mist of a waterfall can heal our bodies.

Scientists call it the “waterfall effect”—that is the negative air ions created by water crashing against rocks and more water. We experience it as mist or spray, a pleasant enough sensation all by itself on a hot day. But scientists, wrote Streets, say there is more. Asthmatic children exposed to waterfalls experienced stronger lungs, improved immunity and reduced levels of inflammation.

I could go on with the benefits, but I’d rather tell you about two of the waterfalls on my fun walks list.

If you like beautiful waterfalls, you can do no better than Multnomah Falls along the Columbia River in Oregon. And that’s not just my opinion. This 2.3-mile, out-and-back hike takes place at the most visited national recreation site in the Pacific Northwest.

And Shoshone Falls outside Twin Falls, Idaho is one of the largest waterfalls in America, even higher than Niagara. And the best way to view it is to take the .6-mile, out-and-back Shoshone Falls Observation Deck Trail.

But you don’t need my list. Search “waterfalls near me” on the Internet. In the U.S. you’ll find more than 17,000 from which to choose.

 

**Book update: Absolutely gorgeous—that’s all I can say about this new book—that’s not due to my talents—I’ve collected some amazing nature photos, and my picture and book editors have worked their magic to bring them to life in Walking through Retirement: Finding joy, one step at a time. Soon, I’ll do a Facebook video where I can show you what I mean (words can’t describe it). Also soon, I plan to discount the e-book to get the ball rolling on my Amazon placement. Two, I really need some online reviews (so if you’re one of those who get an early copy, please comment on Amazon).

By the way, I have four versions of this one. First come the traditional paperback and Kindle e-book. Added to that are a large hardcover and an audio book. With the full-color photos, the print editions are higher than my other books, but you can still get the e-book and audio for $9.95 and $12.95 respectively. Also, the e-book contains the same stunning photos, and you can enlarge them on your phone or iPad.

Once again, thanks for reading. It is a great joy to bring this one to you.