When exploring the vast open spaces of the Western United States, millions of travelers visit iconic National Parks like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite. For the uninitiated, Death Valley National Park may appear to simply be a wasteland with record breaking temperatures famous for frying eggs on blacktop. But dig deeper and you have one of the country’s largest National Parks with extremely comfortable daytime winter and early spring temperatures … [Read more...]
The Rift Valley Mountain Trek to Petra, Jordan
Day 1 We began our hike under the 2pm sun from Dana Guesthouse, at about 4,300 feet (1300 meters) above sea level. The beating sun shone down on us intensified by the absence of shade and starkness of our rocky surroundings. Fortunately the hike descended down the side of the rugged mountains until we reached the canyon wash. The three of us were the only ones here - perhaps we were slightly nutty considering really very few people make this … [Read more...]
The Ease of Acquiring an ESTA Visa with Estas.net
I am on the road usually 5-6 months a year; my travel schedule has been this way for a number of years. As a result I meet people from around the world - some of which are interested in visiting or moving to the United States. I've had friends apply for traditional visas in the past - it can be a stressful process. One of my friends had to apply several times before he acquired the coveted tourist visa. We had been planning a climbing trip in … [Read more...]
End of Tian Shan Mountains Trek & Drunks in Minibus
Upon cresting a Tian Shan Mountain pass at 3200 meters above Song Kul Lake we were treated with spectacular views of a valley far below and towering mountains in the distance. The scenery reminded me of parts of Southern California - especially around Bakersfield or around Death Valley. We hiked for several hours, ultimately reaching a small village in the valley. Looking back at the tall mountains it was impressive to see the great distance we … [Read more...]
My Personal Experience of Record Breaking Extreme Heat in Death Valley
Similar to the International notice for the Mavericks Surf Competition in Central California, I sent out our annual 48 hour window of notice to friends, family and acquaintances from around the world on Thursday June 27, 2013 - indicating temperatures were forecast for record highs in Death Valley, California USA. This was a tough sell for a number of reasons - especially because it is always a last minute notice, it is quite early in the season … [Read more...]
Ready to Fly
I was thankful for the break in the rain as I loaded my old Volvo station wagon and headed south towards the desert. My mind was heavy with questions about relationships, my job, my future. The car was packed to the roof with enough food for a small nation, and barely enough room for my two kids and a tent. I drove without a real agenda, with only a general idea of places we wanted to see. I had no idea where we would stay, only that we would … [Read more...]
Entering Luxor
Luxor lies along the banks of the great Nile (the longest river in the world). If it wasn't for the Nile there would be no population here (a ribbon across the great Sahara Desert. The green of the agricultural fields extends both sides of the river maybe 8-10km where it abruptly ends at the sands of the Sahara Desert. The town is spread out along the east and west banks with most of the population centered on the east side. There is no bridge … [Read more...]
Death Valley’s Heat Window opens
We are in that window again, the one time per year where you have a shot at experiencing the most extreme temperatures Death Valley has to offer. Typically years after higher rainfalls see the hottest temperatures in the valley. However this year has been disappointingly cold in the valley - below 110 for a few days, in mid July - whats UP? We are backed up on upcoming trips but we are trying to squeeze a camping trip to Furnace Creek sometime … [Read more...]
Eastern Sierra Nevada
Just returned from California's great "eastern side" - entire length of the Owens Valley from Mono in the north to Lone Pine in the south and everything in between. Springtime is a great time of the year to be in this part California. Parts of these Articles revised based upon this latest trip: Bishop - Mammoth & Vicinity - Mt. Whitney This is a full body down suit made by Mountain Hardware used for sumitting 8000 meter peaks. I gave it a … [Read more...]
Racetrack Playa, Death Valley – July 2008
Racetrack Playa Death Valley - The Racetrack Playa is located in the central part of Death Valley National Park about 35 miles South West of Scotty's Castle. 27 miles of this distance is on improved dirt roads - generally no deep sand, lots of small rocks but usually only a few bigger rocks you have to watch out for if you are driving a car. The Park Service recommends 4wd high clearance vehicles only, but we took a passenger sedan 2wd car over … [Read more...]