I am German travel extreme reporter Michael Wigge, and I specialize in extreme travel challenges. I am now ready for my new 50 states challenge. Here are my prior projects: How to Travel the World for Free – 2010 How to Barter for Paradise – 2011 (trading an apple in to a house in Hawaii) How to Travel 2000 Miles on a Razor Scooter in 80 Days – 2013 Europe Blindfolded – 2014 My fifth challenge is a 50 states … [Read more...]
Far and Away, Flat Out, The West’s Best Road Trip
It feels like we’re driving to the edge of the world where the water falls off. Infinity is just ahead. To the right are mountains that arc up from the basement of time. On the left, a dry lakebed now glassed with salt. This is the driest state in the country, not so surprising, but it is also the most mountainous, with some 300 ranges. If you look at a satellite photo of earth at night one of the brightest pixels is Las Vegas in … [Read more...]
Extra Fancy Sauce: Pebble Beach Food & Wine
I can honestly say that I’ve never been to an event quite like Pebble Beach Food & Wine. Over. The. Top. As I pulled up to the Grand Tasting in my Honda CRV, I giggled at the sign which read, “Free valet parking when you drive your Lexus,” and knew that I was in for something completely different at this tasting event. As I walked from my car to the enormous white tents hosting the festivities, I had a momentary concern that my … [Read more...]
Planning To Travel Route 66, What You Need To Take With You
Route 66 was the first highway of its kind and since then has been hugely popular for people to tour parts of America. Touring Route 66 is great ways to visit 8 of America’s states starting in Chicago and finishing in Santa Monica in California just make sure you apply for your ESTA USA visa, have a plan of action and bring plenty of supplies. Starting Point If you’re planning a trip to travel Route 66 then you will need a somewhat organised … [Read more...]
“It’s Djiboutiful!”(And the Hottest New Destination)
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...]
The New American Road Trip MixTape
The New American Road Trip Mixtape by Brendan Leonard Brendan Leonard lives in a van. Even though Brendan has never left the United States, the brave native Iowan has climbed most of the big peaks in the Western United States, including those at the Rockies, Yosemite, Grand Tetons, Canyonlands, Sawtooths, and elsewhere, and has written about his adventures for Climbing, Backpacker, Men’s Journal, Adventure Journal, Dirtbag Diaries, and … [Read more...]
River Gods: Confessions of a Grand Canyon Guide
It all began, for me, at a meeting of the Canoe Cruisers Association, the Washington, D.C. chapter. In the midst of the button-down capital there is an underground of cutoffs and t-shirts that each weekend assembles by the banks of some Shenandoah or Appalachia river to rake the whitewater with paddles. A recent high school graduate searching for life’s passion, I joined up at the urging of my old Scout leader, and was immediately hooked. My … [Read more...]
The Different Cancún Another Side of Paradise
The pearls of praise for the place called Cancún often sheen to dizzying effect. There is no refuting that this stretch of soft sand caressing the warm, clear waters of the Caribbean is the acreage of paradise, a dazzling tropical necklace that evokes powerful, even passionate imagery. The acclaim is true….the beaches, the resorts, the sun, the sports, the shopping, the clubs and bars are laced in lavish profusion, and all so close to a host of … [Read more...]
The Ahwahnee announces 32nd Annual Vintners Holidays with Winemakers
Yosemites Vintners Holidays sessions include a welcome reception with vintners, multiple wine-tasting seminars and a five-course gala dinner YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif.July 18, 2013The Ahwahnee, a AAA Four-Diamond hotel nestled in the heart of scenic Yosemite Valley, today announces the lineup for the 32nd Annual Vintners Holidays event series showcasing more than 20 of Californias best wineries. Vintners Holidays runs over a series … [Read more...]
Hiking the Grand Canyon
Recently I learned something intere sting from my friend’s uncle. You can hike the Grand Canyon! I’m not talking about just going out to canyon and hiking the outskirts. You can hike the whole thing – from the south rim to the north rim AND you can do it in a day. Of course, not everyone does hike the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim, and there are actually many warnings on the internet not to do this, but my friend’s uncle (who is in his 60s) said he … [Read more...]