When our rafts were bitten by crocodiles or hippos, complications ensued we hadn't imagined. We were in Ethiopia making a series of first descents down big rivers that fall off the Abyssinian Plateau: The Omo, Baro, Blue Nile, and the Awash. We called our little expedition Sobek, after the ancient Egyptian crocodile god, hoping the homage would ensure safe passage. But, another challenge reared its head, one unanticipated. When we … [Read more...]
Relax in Conejo Valley: Food, Wine, Microbrews & the Outdoors
Conejo Valley is located about 45 minutes north of Los Angeles; due to its proximity, this region makes for an ideal weekend getaway from Los Angeles. You are not dealing with a confusing artery of multiple freeways - there is one main freeway that goes through the valley, the 101 and to a lesser extent, the 23. Conejo Valley encompasses four communities, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park spread out along this part of … [Read more...]
Rocky Mountain Blues
“Southern Alberta is a "black hole" when it comes to accessible tourism, it’s what I’d like to see change,” says Garry Brown, owner of the newly formed Rocky Mountain Wheelchair Tours, a division of 4seasons Transportation. “Accessibility laws are provincial. (So) there (is no enforcement) in our national parks. It’s all voluntary.” Alberta Parks is aiming for inclusion, but currently their website lists only disabled access campsites. … [Read more...]
Paradise Found: High Spirits and Good Eats in Montana
On the culinary trail from Bozeman to Missoula Sipping wine on a breezy summer day in a place called Paradise was a little slice of heaven, indeed. And it wasn't the only experience that had me in high spirits on a three-day road trip that began in Bozeman and took us northwest to Missoula. With the guidance of our local Montana companions, my husband and I sampled surprisingly innovative dishes, traditional Montana classics, fine wines, … [Read more...]
Most Scenic Drive in the World? Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way!
This is a story about brilliant branding. It’s about Ireland, but it begins in Chile. In the early 90s one had to head to the far south of South America to sample the tasty, thick, snow-white fillets of a large, deep-water cod called the Patagonian toothfish . No eatery in the U.S. wanted to serve a fish with that name. But when marketers came up with the alluring but meaningless name, “Chilean sea bass,” the fish was on its way to … [Read more...]
Illinois Improbable: A Story of Upending Expectations
When I was a high-school student in Bethesda, Maryland, and beginning to think about college, my parents sat me down and set a parameter: they would only allow a school within 1000 miles of our home, with the idea that I would be more likely to visit over holidays if within that range. My elder sister had already picked a school, Knox College, in Galesburg, Illinois, and now it was my turn. I pulled out a map, cut a string keyed to 1000 miles, … [Read more...]
Calling all Thrill Seekers: Soar, Fly and Zip across Colorado this Summer
DENVER (June 3, 2015). Colorado is known for its world-class skiing, riding and high-octane winter pursuits, but during the summer months, Colorado boasts a wide assortment of adventure activities, especially for adrenalin junkies. While many enjoy rafting the state’s first-rate rapids and biking down rugged mountain terrain, Colorado also offers a variety of attractions for those in search of a thrill. From ziplining across the Rockies in … [Read more...]
The Art of Not Doing: The Red Centre, Northern Territory, Australia
In the eager pool of morning light there rises The Rock. It is perhaps the most iconic symbol of the implacable indifferences of inhospitable landscapes, its dimensions timeless, unsummarized. And I want to climb it. There is something in the Western mindset that arouses a near irresistible urge to climb a peak. We look up, we admire, and if possible, we act. It may be related to a primal impulse to conquer a headland, to be king of the … [Read more...]
Bhutan: My Trek in Paro Chhu Valley, Jomolhari and my time in Thimphu
April 6th, SFO–Osaka–Bangkok My flight at 1055 was to Osaka (KIX) with another flight continuing on to Bangkok (BKK). My flight is delayed by one hour. I arrive at the airport at 0955 but the check-in agent needs to see an onward ticket from BKK and does not know where Bhutan is - and has not heard about Druk Air either! It takes 30 min, even though there are few people in the check-in queue while he verifies Thailand entry requirements for … [Read more...]
Autumn Delight- Verde Canyon Hot Springs
Finally, time to relax and enjoy the last days of Indian Summer. Sliding into a rectangular basin full of clean, warm mineral water, my arms and legs titillate happily. As I lay my head back against the lip of the concrete tub to inhale the fresh, cool autumn air and take in the view of golden leafed oak trees and the Verde river meandering below the canyon. Undoubtedly, this is Nirvana. This is my first time visiting Verde Canyon and I … [Read more...]
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