A diamond in the rough has been a term used recently to describe scuba diving in East Timor; the newest nation in the world. Located in the Southeast end of the Indonesian Archipelago, East Timor, commonly referred to as ET, has some spectacular diving to offer those adventurous souls in search of something new and different. In 1999 the world became much more aware of East Timor as civil unrest broke out after a referendum vote for … [Read more...]
Annapurna Circuit
I'd always fancied myself as a bit of an outdoors-type, and what better way to prove it than a trek through the Himalayas. "Why would I want to walk for that long?" said a startled friend when I asked if he wanted to come along. Obviously he hadn't pictured it in his mind like I had. There it was; snow-capped peaks looming over pine-forests, twinkling stars dancing across the dark Northern skies, Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the wind, … [Read more...]
Huaraz, Peru – Ishinca Trek
During several attempts to climb Ishinca & Toclaraju Dave used Enrique Expeditions, based in Huaraz - as well as a number of guides who for the most part spoke primarily Spanish with only a few words of English. Spanish was the primary language we used when climbing. Guides Francisco and Julio have both been guiding in the mountains for many years - each man has significant experience climbing. Julio has reached the summit of Huascaran (the … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Mt. Cook
Mt Cook is by far one of the most impressive highlights of the South Island and New Zealand in general. A prominent peak with its jagged edges, angry looking glaciers and height, it towers above the nearby mountains. The beauty of this area is that you can experience to a small extent, what the Himalayas look like from only an elevation of about 500 meters. On clear days the panoramic vistas are absolutely stunning. Note that Mt. Cook is … [Read more...]
Kopan Monastery, Nepal – December 2003
Kopan Monastery Nepal - The Kopan Monastery is a very special place located in the terraced rice steppes just above the Kathmandu valley. The monastery is high enough in the foothills of the Himalayas that it can be seen for miles around. This active monastery is home to 360 monks and is a mecca for foreign visitors from around the world. Meditation and other courses are offered year round - full room and board provided at a reasonable cost. … [Read more...]
Bishop, CA – White Mountain Hike
White Mountain is one of 15 summits in California over 14,000 feet. Along with Shasta it is the only other 14,000+ mountain in California outside of the Sierra Nevada mountains. One of the oldest permanent settlements in North America was located 12,600 feet up one of the sides of White Mountain. This is the highest of the former permanent Indian settlements; there are several encampments slightly lower in elevation. The dirt White Mountain road … [Read more...]
Chamonix, France
Chamonix sits almost in the shadow of western Europe's tallest mountain, Mount Blanc at 15,780 feet in the far southeastern part of France. The town is nestled in the middle of a narrow valley surrounded on both sides by the towering peaks of the Alps. Chamonix is located at about only 3400 feet but it has the feel of being much higher because of the large mountains, glaciers, and snow fields that surround it. The Chamonix Valley stretches … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Lone Pine
Lone Pine is a small town of about 2000 people with one stoplight in the entire town. Its most well known for three things; gateway to the Alabama Hills, a popular location for filming movies, television shows and commercials and home of the Whitney Portal Road leading to the Mt. Whitney trail head (this road starts in town). Incidentally Mt. Whitney was first climbed by three residents of Lone Pine on August 18, 1873. The town also offers … [Read more...]
Nepal
The format of this guide differs slightly from the others. This guide is partly a journal of the author's experience in Nepal. Highlights covered in this guide include the capital city of Katmandu, Royal Chitwan National Park, and a hike to near Everest Base Camp, on a 18,200 foot mountain called Kala Patar. Nepal is a country that I will never forget. It is the land of the rising mountains, mountains that rise so high, you can not imagine … [Read more...]
Nepal – Temperatures
The following is a list of average temperatures for Katmandu which is at a low elevation and Namche Bazaar which is around 12,000 feet in the Himalayas. The temperatures are in degrees Celsius. KATMANDU - Month (Max/Min) Jan (17/2) Feb (21/3) Mar (25/9) Apr (27/11) May (28/16) Jun (28/19) Jul (28/20) Aug (27/20) Sep (26/19) Oct (25/12) Nov (21/8) Dec (19/3) NAMCHE BAZAAR - Month (Max / Min) Jan … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- Next Page »