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walking to the Banff Film Festival

Kraig Becker:

A few years back, British adventurers Leon McCarron and Alastair Humphreys make an epic journey on foot through the Empty Quarter on the Arabian Peninsula. They made a film about their adventure that was later accepted into the Banff Film Festival. The boys were so excited about this turn of events, that they decided to fly to Canada to attend the premiere of their documentary. But in true adventurous style, they didn’t just want to hop a bus from the airport to Banff, but instead decided to travel their on foot. This short film takes us along with them on that journey …

Video: West on Deerfoot with Leon McCarron and Alastair Humphreys

Click PLAY or watch it on Vimeo.

 
Love it. … But living in Calgary, I have to tell you that the Deerfoot Trail runs north/south. The lads did not walk west on that section. 🙂

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Nepal open for trekking

Sorrow for the earthquake victims is one reason I went to Ladakh in 2015 rather than Nepal.

Singla village

But Nepal is open for business.

In August, the US and UK lifted their country-wide travel advisories against travel to Nepal, meaning that travellers and companies can once again get travel insurance for upcoming trips. Most western travel companies plan to run trekking trips as normal for the 2015/16 winter and spring seasons and some companies are even offering special reconstruction treks …

In many ways now is a great time for tourists to visit Nepal. The infrastructure that travellers need is in place, but tourism is down by over 50%, which means fewer crowds on the popular trekking routes and discounts for hotels and airfares. More importantly, the money you spend when hiring a guide or porter, staying in a lodge or hotel, or eating in a restaurant will directly help local people. Given that 500,000 Nepalis work directly in tourism, the country needs travellers more than ever to rebuild its economy and bounce back stronger for the future.

Is it time to go back to Nepal?

Langtang is completely closed, however. Helambu badly affected.

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best day hike out of Granada, Spain

The hanging bridges of Los Cahorros Monachil.

trip report by site editor Rick McCharles

Millions of tourists visit Granada, Spain in any given year. Very few of those make their way to this adventure.

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John Kramer for Spain Holiday:

Monachil is a tiny village situated only 8 kilometres from the centre of Granada. Despite its proximity, it remains a place that is relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. The boundaries of the province of Monachil are fairly extensive and include several peaks over 3000m, including Europe’s most southerly ski station – Pradollano, Sierra Nevada.

The impressive Los Cahorros gorge is situated 2 kilometres from the sleepy village centre. Until very recently, the gorge was only really known and appreciated in rock climbing circles, the steep limestone cliffs offering numerous routes for climbers. …

One route in particular, is exceptionally beautiful. And suitable for families. A walk alongside and through the Rio Monachil – the Monachil river.

Unbeatable views, waterfalls, plenty of rock pools for swimming, narrow caves and tunnels that you have to crawl through or hang off the rock face, walking alongside acequias that date back to Moorish times and, of course, the famous hanging bridges.

The hike takes you through some spectacular Andalucian countryside. …

read more …

I did the 15 Euro guided hike out of Oasis Hostel. Very popular with the young people.

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This dog has joined the Oasis walkers every trip for 6 years!

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It’s all gorgeous. But the highlight are the waterfalls.

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Highly recommended for all visitors to Granada. You can do it on your own via city bus for free.