Best of The Bruce – Mono Cliffs

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Rick Mc

trip report by best hike editor Rick McCharles

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park along the Bruce Trail … is part of the Niagara Escarpment Parks System …

McCarston’s Lake

I wandered the very popular trail network (see map) for a couple of hours. Lookout Trail was one highlight.

This was the first section of cliffs I’d found where it was easy to hike both above and below.

Of all the weird mushrooms I’d seen on the Bruce, this was weirdest.

Bruce blazes are white. Those can be hard to see on birch bark. Here’s one solution I saw at Mono.

I’d recommend this area for relaxing forest trails and surprising wildflowers.

More information on Mono.

See my photos on Flickr.

• 10 Best Hikes of the Bruce Trail

• Bruce Trail app | Bruce Trail Reference Guide – 29th Ed

• BruceTrail.org

Best of The Bruce – Jackson’s Cove

Posted on September 23, 2017 by Rick Mc

trip report by site editor Rick McCharles

A nice little day hike. Birders like this area. Hikers come for wild flowers in the Spring.

I’m happiest hiking in the autumn, however. Very few mosquitoes. The harvest done.

I put on the long pants in fear of Poison Ivy.

Leaves of three, let it be …

This was a peaceful and relaxing loop. I did see other hikers out enjoying it on a Saturday in good weather.

Amazing views off the Niagara Escarpment.

Geese are already on the move.

Lovely.

White blazes are The Bruce. Blue are Bruce side trails.

See my photos on Flickr.

The Bruce Trail is more than 890 km (550 mi) long and there are over 400 km (250 mi) of associated side trails. I spent a week hiking some of the best sections.

Explore the Bruce – Jackson’s Cove

• 10 Best Hikes of the Bruce Trail

• Bruce Trail app | Bruce Trail Reference Guide – 29th Ed

• BruceTrail.org

trek Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra

Posted on July 13, 2017 by Rick Mc

Sabbalot Photography:

… the largest wilderness area in South-East Asia and an UNESCO world heritage area since 2004. It is further part of the tropical rain forest heritage of Sumatra, allowing for spectacular experiences in this fortunately still widely untouched nature.

The hike itself is a unique experience for several reasons:

No trails are available and one totally has to rely on the guide to find the way through the jungle (mainly following former rebel trails).
4-6 porters accompany you and provide you with the most delicious hiking food you’ll ever get to taste (don’t forget to tip).
You will not see ANYONE other than your party during the whole hike.
The wilderness of the jungle and its inhabitants is just breathtaking.
The river crossings are an adventure itself.

Gunung Leuser National Park
An amazing adventure. Click through for details.

They recommend local guides Expedition Jungle.

‘Public Lands’ threatened in the USA

Posted on June 13, 2017 by Rick Mc

Federally owned (aka “public”) lands have been in the news a lot recently thanks to President Trump’s decision to review many of the protected areas that have been designated at national monuments from the three presidents that held office prior to him.

Some of those areas could see their protected status go away, potentially opening them up to commercial development. …

Adventure Blog – Video: Outside Explains What the Term “Public Lands” Means and Why it is Important

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

best hikes Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Posted on June 7, 2017 by Rick Mc

Zach Urness, Statesman Journal:

While occasionally spectacular during the depths of winter, it’s the spring months of April, May and June when the Gorge reaches its scenic peak.

Blooms of wildflowers, roaring waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints and mossy forest combine to offer singular hiking experiences up and down the national scenic area.

To get you prepared for the season, I’ve put together a list of the 13 best overall hikes the Gorge has to offer, in consultation with the Friends of the Columbia River Gorge.

As ever, it’s important to remember that hiking during the week or early in the morning is highly recommended. The Gorge becomes as crowded as shopping malls in many places on weekend afternoons.

Best 13 hikes of the Columbia River Gorge

(via Meanderthals)

2 days on Turkey’s Carian Trail

Posted on May 22, 2017 by Rick Mc

Trip report by site editor Rick McCharles | day 1 | day 2

day 1 – 8am Starbucks, Bodrum.

9:30am – ferry to Datça.

You pass the Greek island of Kos en route.

11am – arrive at the new ferry terminal.

Free shuttle bus to town.

I wandered Datça town for an hour enjoying the peace and quiet after busy Bodrum.

Eventually I found the official trailhead in Eski Datça. This is the start of the 240km Datça Peninsula section.

People visit to see traditional old stone houses on cobbled streets.

Follow the red & white paint.

There are some signs on the Carian Trails, but not many.

I wore long pants due to thorny, stinging vegetation on the overgrown trails. In fact I should have had even thicker pants.

Traditionally this region is famous for fish, almonds and honey.

Most of the day was on logging roads. Good footing.

Alarmingly, the only water source was swarming with wasps. I couldn’t get close.

First glimpse of the ocean.

I was very happy to see my destination — Pig’s Hollow Camp (Dumuzcukuru). Wild boars visit occasionally.

It’s something of a commune. When I was there 3 Turks were in residence. One had been coming for 6 years.

They take care of the garden. Keep the place clean. Maintain the solar power rig and water purification system.

Anyone can stay and probably eat dinner with the guys. By donation.

My pasta dinner, home grown salad and wine were excellent. I was HAPPY to donate.

The guys told me very few Carian Trail hikers pass by. It truly has not caught on yet in Turkey though the nearby Lycian Way is booming. The Carian Trail was only launched in 2013.

I saw one big black snake. They guys said they see about one snake a day at the Camp.

My last night in the tent in Turkey. A nice spot. I had the beach to myself.