"Placed on this planet since yesterday, and only for a day, we can only hope to glimpse the knowledge that we will probably never attain." -Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, 1796 Dateline: Mount Pilates, Switzerland I've penned a few books that have been placed in the category of "wilderness travel." But perhaps the first to stock this shelf was the eighteenth-century mountaineer Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, who wrote in his opus, Voyages … [Read more...]
Spring Welcomes Snowventures and Warm Weather Fun in Colorado
DENVER - As spring begins to blossom in Colorado, locals are gearing up for a fresh selection of springtime activities. While March is known as the snowiest and one of the best months for skiing and snowboarding in Colorado’s high country, lower elevations can be warm and sunny for those who are gearing up for rafting, mountain biking, golf and other warmer weather activities. It’s even fun to try to do both a snowy and sunny activity in the same … [Read more...]
The Dangerous First Descent of the Zambezi
It was Valentine’s Day when I first saw the river; it was love at first sight. Along with a party of tour operators, I had been shuttled between game parks and hotel lobbies for days, all leading up to this: Victoria Falls. While the other occupants of the Land Rover pressed for a glimpse of the great falls upstream, I looked the other way, out of habit. Some 350 feet below the bridge we were driving over, a mighty river coiled and cursed through … [Read more...]
Kon Tiki Museum, Oslo Norway – December 2013
The Kon Tiki Museum in Oslo Norway is a tribute and summary of International explorer Thor Heyderhahl's life. Thor and his crews sailed the world in primitive vessels to prove that during ancient times people could have crossed the oceans and settled "new" lands. The original vessels that Thor sailed are on display in the museum including the famous Kon-Tiki balsa raft that Thor built from natural resources in Peru. He and his crew sailed from … [Read more...]
Exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Maybe Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is called God’s Country because only a supernatural force could withstand the ferocious Feel-Em-No-See-Ems, extreme weather, potentially dangerous wildlife or the keen loneliness of the endless forest. Then again, anyone who lays eyes on this place can’t fail to feel something celestial is at work. From Tahquamenon Falls and the Porcupine Mountains to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and autumn colors … [Read more...]
Sacramento & The Gold Country, Moon Handbooks
Sacramento & The Gold Country, by Christopher Arns Initial impressions of Sacramento perhaps: Inland. Old town. Brick buildings. The state's capital city. A good thing considering its somewhat central geographical location in the state, rather than being located in one of the major urban coastal areas. More recently occupied by a body builder, turned actor turned politician. But he has gone away now and there is a "new" governor - or rather an … [Read more...]
Kodagu (Coorg) Southwest Karnataka, India
PART ONE Nature’s show On long circuitous winding roads, close your eyes to keep away the tumultuous feeling that erupts as bile climbs the ravines of your own inner system. Suffer motion sickness on a mountain road or keep Avamin and lime ready. Or just stick your eyes out, arrest your breath and stare in awe. This is for what you’ve escaped the humdrum of your congested city life. Wide vistas of undulating green and inhabitation of small … [Read more...]
I’m just a girl…
I’m in love with adventure: I always have been and I always will be. And water is a big part of that adventure and of my life; this element has fascinated me ever since I was a little girl. It was hard at first, but somehow my wish overcame fear and I learnt how to swim. On my own, when I was 15. From then on, I couldn’t get enough of water: I sometimes joke that I could live my life in water if only I had food within easy reach, a water … [Read more...]
The Amazing Race Adventures through New Zealand
With Native Host Phil Keoghan; Aired March 3, 2013 Highlights Beauty of Region with Nine Teams Competing and Exploring Canterbury Santa Monica, CA (March 4, 2013) – The Emmy award-winning, CBS television show The Amazing Race took viewers through the picturesque and adventurous destination of New Zealand on March 3, 2013 during its 22nd season with host and native Phil Keoghan. The nine remaining teams of two competed for a US$1 million … [Read more...]
Unbroken
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand this is the the true and inspirational story of Louis Zamperini - track star, 1936 Olympian and World War II hero. Author Laura Hillenbrand followed up with her first book "Seabiscuit" by spending seven years of her life researching this book in such detail that when asked about his own life, Louis sometimes defers to "Laura" as the authority about his own life! The impetus for this book came when during her … [Read more...]