There are many excellent hiking trails in the Chamonix region ranging in difficulty from very easy to somewhat strenuous. Summer is an ideal time for viewing wildflowers with numerous varieties throughout the summer, depending on elevation. A few of the trails that I hiked or were recommended to me are listed below: Glacier de Bossons is well worth the trip from Chamonix for those in reasonable shape. The entire round trip hike takes about … [Read more...]
Chamonix, France – Other Attractions
The town of Chamonix offers plenty of shopping, relaxing or people watching. Chamonix reminds me of Whistler, British Columbia. It has the feel of being a high mountain village when in actuality it sits only approximately 3400 feet above sea level. Many local tourist shops sell stunning photographs of the surrounding mountains. These photographs are often only a few euros and are good presents for friends and family. However purchasing frames … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – Shasta
Ever since I was a child I have wanted to climb Mt. Shasta. I remember driving by on the 5 freeway and being impressed by its massive flanks as early as the age of six. Recently I organized a trip to climb this mountain. I realized that the odds were probably against us. The stats do not lie; only 33 percent of those that attempt that summit actually do make the top. Our trip date was the end of August. We hoped for good weather, but we were … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – The Climb
The climb written about below took four days: Day One: Rent equipment and hike to Horse Camp. Camp there. Day Two: Hike to Helen Lake, and camp there. Day Three: Hike to Summit via Avalanche Gulch, through the Red Banks and up Misery Hill, return to Horse Camp, and camp there. Day Four: Hike out to Bunny Flat. Average times for the distances above are the following. - Bunny Flat to Horse Camp takes a little over an hour. - Horse Camp … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – What to Pack
The following are important items that you will want to take to Shasta if you are planning to climb to the summit via the Avalanche Gulch Route. Other routes may require more technical equipment. Also, there may be additional items you will want to bring not listed here. This list assumes 3-4 days on the mountain and it assumes you will experience below freezing temperatures and some winds. … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – Nearby Towns
DUNSMUIR is located directly off of the 5 freeway about a 15 minute drive south of Mt. Shasta City. Charming and picturesque are often over used words in the travel writing world - but these two words perfectly describe this town. If you are arriving by car, park your vehicle curbside in the historic center of town located along Dunsmuir Ave and take some time to soak up the charm of this town on foot. A town built for photographers. Also known … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – Attractions
The following attractions are in or around the town of Mt. Shasta - or slightly further afield, but all are in Siskiyou County. Castle Crags are well worth a visit. Besides Mt. Shasta, the crags are what most people remember about their drive north on Interstate 5. These sharp rock formations rise in elevation from 2000 feet to over 6500 feet. There are over 27 miles of developed hiking trails in the Castle Crags area. Pull into the main … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – Restaurants
Lily's Mt Shasta, is one of our favorite restaurants in town; we have eaten here numerous times. Located at 1013 S. Mt Shasta Blvd. The breakfast is comparable to Firesign Cafe on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Lilys serves a very good Eggs Benedict and also a Salmon Omelet. Lilys also serves Lunch, Dinner and they do catering. This restaurant is Dave's "post climb" tradition and will never be missed after coming off the mountain. They are open 7 … [Read more...]
Palm Springs, CA – Tram Hike
We have visited Palm Springs a number of times in January for the warm wintertime weather. The weather was what we had expected during the day each trip with temperatures in the high 70's and low 80's. In fact the town of Coachella (south of Palm Springs) recorded the nation's high temperature during one of our trips. We were staying with a group of 15 people in a time share condo. The condo was built against the base of a hill, and at night the … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Attractions
A Short Walk One day I decided to walk due west and see where I ended up. I left the phone at the hotel, I didn't research anything. I just began walking. I passed by Mercado de Abastos (a market) and then drifted by an extremely polluted river, an ecological disaster so to speak. I spent some time watching people wade back and forth through the water. I witnessed several people use the soil behind small bushes as a bathroom. I watched the wind … [Read more...]
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