Somehow the morning had taken an unexpected turn. Instead of finding myself enjoying a quiet breakfast in a little cafe with big picture windows overlooking Lake Taupo, I found myself sitting on a wooden bench on a platform suspended high above the Waikato River, watching as my feet were cinched into a snug harness. Connected to that harness was a very thick piece of elastic rope. And it was from that rope that I would momentarily be swinging. … [Read more...]
Kon Tiki
Kon Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl An incredible journey of over 4000 nautical miles by Thor & friends on a hand built balsa raft. They left from Callao, Peru and arrived in the South Pacific. On this journey, Thor explores the social dynamics of the group on the small raft, provides insights into the long days and long nights with just the ocean as your home. This story also makes the argument that this journey was possible thousands of years … [Read more...]
Whitewater Rafting Forges Bonds Stronger than the Rapids
Colorado River Rafting is a Trip Visualize the boat's brow cutting through the swirling, surging water; the sun sparkling on the frothy waves, making tiny rainbows; the abrupt lurch of the craft, as the surging waves suddenly shift direction. The adrenalin is pumping, all senses alert, with nature working overtime to orchestrate a thrill you'll never forget. That's what most people think a raft trip entails, but there's much more going on. … [Read more...]
Cuzco, Peru – Other Activities
Ruins - purchasing a Boleto Turistico (ticket) provides one-time only admission to any of 16 different tourist attractions in the region including Incan ruins and historical buildings and museums in Cuzco. One of the most popular ruins outside of Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, is located just above Cuzco. A bloody battle was fought here between the Spanish and the Incas. It is amazing the size of the huge stone walls that surround these ruins. … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – More Info
For information about the Shasta Trinity Forest contact: Shasta Trinity National Forests 3644 Avetech Parkway Redding, Ca 96002 or you can call (530) 226-2500 or visit: www.fs.usda.gov/stnf The Phone Number for the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station is: (530) 926-4511. They are located at 204 West Alma Street. For up to date information about the weather conditions of Mt. Shasta you can call Phone Number (530) 926-5555. An excellent book … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Angel’s Camp
Angels Camp is the town that inspired the great Mark Twain to write his short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County". This book was his first success. This annual Jumping Frog Jubilee began in 1928 and continues today from Thursday through Sunday the third week of May. A Frog Hop Walk of Fame is located along South Main Street (Highway 49) and bronze plaques embedded in the sidewalks feature the winning frog names from some 85+ … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Jamestown
Jamestown is located about 3 miles south of Sonora on Highway 108. This mining town has had its share of history. It is named after a Colonel, George James. Nearby Wood's Creek was extremely rich and provided some sizable nuggets over the years. This creek is named after an Oregon miner Benjamin Wood who first discovered gold in the area in 1848 (one of the earliest gold mining related settlements in this part of California). The town has a … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Kalispell
Kalispell is located in the Flathead Valley between the West Glacier entrance and Big Flathead Lake. The city has a population of 23,000 and is located on Montana's most dangerous road, the 93 Highway. In fact no sooner had I left Kalispell, I ran into slow traffic. I was caught in a traffic jam for only a minute or two before a firetruck came racing up from behind. After another 10 minutes, I passed the accident just as they were loading the … [Read more...]