In every inspiring natural creation there is a realism that speaks to you. In every moment on a mountain you find it more and more. You discover yourself in ways not possible through other means. This stays with you and guides you for the rest of your life. May everyone have this chance at least once. ~ Dave Remember, the key to getting high is not "the herb", but rather time spent acclimatizing ~ Dave Huaraz (population … [Read more...]
The High Life, McLeod Ganj
Now at about 8000 feet up in the Himalayas near Mcleod Ganj just outside of town at guest house; we will stay here 2 nights and then move further up into the Himalayas. Very very humbling to be back in the shadow of the WORLD'S GREATEST mountains, no apologies given to the Andes in this regards, as the Himalayas are in THEIR OWN CLASS and everyone should see them at least once in their life. These 5 and 6 thousand meter mountains tower above this … [Read more...]
Moon Ecuador
Moon Ecuador by Julian Smith and Jean Brown Certain countries often have one site or attraction that pops to mind when mentioning that country. For Ecuador it is certainly the Galapagos Islands but this country has so much more to offer than these famous Islands. Moon Ecuador covers each of this country's major regions well including the coastal zones, the great mountains of the Northern Andes and the jungles east of the Andes. The capital … [Read more...]
The 2011 Travelers GO/NO Go List
Los Angeles, CA - 22 December 2010 - The website has published the ultimate New Year's resolution wish list for travelers, with their '2011 Travelers GO/NO Go List' for those looking for something different. "Serious travelers want authentic, exciting and participatory adventures nowadays," says the website, "they want to visit places that seem exotic, places that are new on the horizon and that offer them a chance to get out of their comfort … [Read more...]
Alive Piers Paul Read
Alive by Piers Paul Read This is the amazing story of survival high in the Andes after a charter plane crashes in the snow. The plane carries 45 people at the time of the crash - 16 living survivors are eventually rescued. Ultimately two of the survivors have to climb over a steep pass and hike miles to gain access to below the snow line. This is after living in what's left of the plane after 10 weeks This story has also been made into a … [Read more...]
Touching the Void
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson In our opinion, this is probably the most amazing mountaineering survival story of all time. Two climbers set out to climb a 6,000+ meter peak in the Cordillera Huayash range in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. An accident befalls one of the climbers and his partner makes a life or death choice. We've climbed a number of times in this part of the Andes - these are some of the most spectacular mountains in the … [Read more...]
Top 3 Favorite Trips & One Bad One!
Time spent using public transportation are good opportunities to reflect on previous travels. One does not always get to do this; when you are addicted to travel you are often thinking about your next trip even during your current trip. I came up with a list of my top 3 favorite trips and the one "trip from hell". #1 Trip to Nepal I took in 1996 - this trip really turned me on to International travel and the hardships I personally faced … [Read more...]
Travel Life List
I was recently stuck in the Miami airport for 5 dreaded hours (not because of the particular airport, but because I hate long connection times) and I was talking to Maggie who runs Mighty Girl and maintains her own Life List. We were discussing top 10 life experience lists based on experts in their fields. My focus would be on travel of course; here is my top 10 list in no particular order. Perspective. This is a word that defines travel. … [Read more...]
Argentina to Chile border crossing in Patagonia
When you're high in the Andes, you can't help but be attuned to the scenery. Breathtaking, snow-capped peaks surround you, water rushes over falls as it hurries down the valleys, lakes brim with emerald water, and the world seems to spin just a little bit slower. Crossing through the Patagonia from Argentina into Chile is one of the best ways to explore the landscape and gives you a glimpse of the spectacular expanse that comprises the … [Read more...]
Recommended restaurants, San Martin de los Andes & Cordoba Argentina – April 2009
Recommended restaurants, San Martin de los Andes & Cordoba Argentina -The following are two highly recommended restaurants in Argentina. One is in the town of San Martin de los Andes and the other is on Cordoba. Boqueria, Vinos and TapasLocation: Cap. Drury 857, San Martin de los Andes, Neuquen 02972 425663 Chef: Pablo Doskoch Head Sommelier: Victoria Gonzalez - more than 400 varieties of wine, with select wines from Patagonia - delicious … [Read more...]