I’ve traveled a lot around the United States, and I haven’t met a lot of people with Connecticut at the top of their must-see list. However, as a resident of Connecticut, and someone who has spent countless hours and hundreds of miles hiking, kayaking, and backpacking in more remote areas of the state, I truly believe Connecticut has a lot to offer anyone who loves the outdoors. Connecticut is a perfect location for day hiking because of its … [Read more...]
Lets Go Climbing – Where Are We?!
"Do not start climbing over there - that seal is in the way". Were we mountain climbing or clambering over cliffs at some sunny beach in California somewhere? I've done a bit of mountain climbing around the world but have never heard a seal referenced as we are about to start a climb! The reason for this, is we are mountaineering in Antarctica as part of an Oceanwide Expedition Antarctica cruise. Climbing here is surreal - the amount of ice … [Read more...]
Basecamp Ortelius, Ushuaia to Antarctica Cruise with Oceanwide Expeditions
Oceanwide Expeditions is a pioneer in cruise-based exploration of both Antarctica and the Arctic regions. Based in the Netherlands and with an office in Houston - their focus is on small ship Antarctica & Arctic cruise adventures to parts of the world that see relatively few visitors. Many of the staff on board have been with the company for years. In an environment where there is an extremely thin line for survival, safety is paramount; in … [Read more...]
Start Building a Bucket List For 2015. Consider these!
It is never to late to build your personal bucket list - creating a list of must do activities and experiences. Our motto as it relates to travel is, "do it while you can", and now is the perfect time to start planning some trips and experiences for 2015. One company, Contiki Tours offers a number of worldwide based activities and experiences for those in the 18-35 range. Here are a few suggestions to get you started. Climb a Mountain - choose … [Read more...]
The Fabled Montropolis is Found: Jackson Hole
In the evolution of a place there is sometimes a waymark between free-spirited childhood and the discreet somberness of maturity. But what if the in-between actually signifies the third point of a classic Hegelian dialectical triangle? A rough and rowdy cowboy town at one point, an overly-wrought sophisticated metropolis at the other, and the third being some subtly unstated “third way” that draws on the contradictory nature of the first two … [Read more...]
Matanuska Glacier, Alaska – September 2008
Matanuska Glacier Alaska - The Matanuska Glacier is approximately 25 miles long and about 2 miles wide. By overland transportation it is arguably Alaska's most easily accessible glacier. It is located mere minutes from the Glenn Highway about 2 hours north of Anchorage. You drive down a dirt road to the store where you pay the entrance fee & sign a waiver of release form - and then drive another mile or so to the parking lot. From the lot follow … [Read more...]
Greetings from Peru!!
Arrived in Lima and rested all day which was good. Saw the catacombs underground in the 16th century St Francis of Assisi Monastery. Many skulls staring upwards with individual bones all separated and arranged nicely in neat orderly piles. Took bus overnight to C. Huayash - the pass was about 14,000 feet which we hit at 1am. I was in bad shape by then - arrived at 6am into town and immediately found hostel and crashed. For 2 days was … [Read more...]
Mt. Rainier, WA – Pre-Climb
Rainier as seen from start of trail on the way to Camp Muir, and Bergshrund above Ingraham Flats A note regarding the National Park Service links listed on this page. The National Park Service is the most unorganized department for constantly changing links and NOT updating old URL's to point to their new URL's. We like to point our users directly to the correct information and this is a nightmare to keep updated across the articles posted on … [Read more...]
Mt. Rainier, WA – Equipment List
The following are important items that you will want to take to Mt. Rainier if you are planning to climb to the summit via the standard Disappointment Cleaver router. Also, there may be additional items you will want to bring not listed here. This list assumes 2-3 days on the mountain and it assumes you will experience below freezing temperatures and strong winds. For reference, Dave's climb was in late June. Other routes may require more … [Read more...]
Huaraz, Peru – Day Trips & Activities
As the gateway to this part of the Andes, most travelers will make travel arrangements through a variety of tour operators headquartered in Huaraz. It is helpful to communicate with agencies in advance of your trip - but we have found that trips can often be arranged last minute. Regardless, shop around, services and prices vary between each company. We have been to or participated in the following area activities. Read on! Bike Riding A … [Read more...]