Kraig Becker linked to this inspiring edit. I’ve hiked Iceland once. But need to go again. SOON.
A new low cost airline might help flight costs go down. 🙂
Click PLAY or watch it on Vimeo.
carrying furniture on the PCT?
Kolby Kirk is quoted. So this must be true. 🙂
… due to the recent success of the book and movie “Wild”, many hikers have expressed fears that the trail will become overcrowded with Oprah Winfrey fans wearing enormous backpacks and ill-fitting boots with red shoelaces. …
The 2014 hiking season saw a dramatic rise not only in the number of hikers on the PCT, but also in the number of hikers apparently carrying large pieces of furniture.
“There was a couch at Scissors Crossing, and another one outside of Big Bear,” said Renee “SheRa” Patrick, “I can only imagine that they were carried there by hikers and abandoned when they realized that couches are too heavy for a thru-hike. I mean, a section hike, sure. Maybe somewhere in Oregon. But in the desert? It’s crazy.” …
“Wild” Debates About PCT Overcrowding (Part One)
Fitz Roy vs. Torres del Paine
Of the two best hikes in Patagonia, which should you trek?
… you can’t decide between El Chalten (Argentina) and Torres del Paine (Chile), the self-proclaimed “trekking capitals” of their respective countries …
The good news is you can’t go wrong. Both options provide incredible access to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you’ll ever see.
We can’t really recommend one over the other purely based on natural beauty as they are both equally stunning national parks. However, there are definitely distinct differences between the two trekking meccas that may push you toward one or the other. Here are some things to think about based on our experience in both locations that will help you decide (although the best decision is to do both!)
The Best Trekking in Patagonia – El Chalten vs. Torres del Paine
Do both. With a sidetrip to the Perito Moreno Glacier.
High Coast Trail, Sweden
The High Coast (Swedish: Höga kusten) is a part of the coast of Sweden on the Gulf of Bothnia …
… since the last ice age the land has risen 800m, which accounts for the unusual landscape with tall cliff formations. The High Coast is part of the Swedish/Finnish High Coast/Kvarken Archipelago world heritage site (the High Coast was extended with Finnish Kvarken areas in 2006). …
The Höga Kustenleden is a 128 kilometer long trail along the High Coast. …
Hiking in Finland has a superb trip report of a late Autumn adventure:
The scenic trail passes through villages & towns, along the coast, through the forest and a beautiful National Park and if you have a free week makes for a great walk along the Swedish coastal hills. …
Högakustenleden – the High Coast Trail
Beautiful photos. 🙂
Click PLAY or watch a 3min clip taken during milder weather on YouTube.
How to Camp
Charity trips: Machu Picchu and Kilimanjaro
If you’ve always wanted to get to either of these superb trekking destinations, check this opportunity.
June 2015: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for Education
July 2015: Kilimanjaro Climb for Education
Make a Difference Now organizes trips to help raise funds and awareness for education in developing nations. 🙂
details – gomadnow.org/get-involved
Thanks to Theresa Grant for the link.
Greg Aiello – how to pack a pack
Star of Outside Television’s TV show Motion, Greg Aiello, demonstrates his system for packing a pack.
It’s not particularly light weight. 😦
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
More Outside Television videos.
related – REI’s Noelle Thurlow’s system for packing a pack (VIDEO)
Grizzly Lake, Tombstone Mountains, Yukon
Hike Bike Travel:
If you’re looking for world-class mountain scenery, in an area that doesn’t get a lot of attention, then head to the Tombstone Mountain Range in the Yukon Territory. Starting at KM 58.5 on the Dempster Highway, the three to five day backpacking trip takes you first to Grizzly Lake, and then to Divide and Talus Lakes. It’s a wild, desolate, truly memorable landscape. …
The landscape though, is extraordinary – and I can safely say like nowhere else you’ve seen.
Try to arrange your trip for late August when the boreal forest and alpine meadows combine to deliver a rainbow of fall colours. But go prepared for cold temperatures and snow. I had both. …
Caminito del Rey – opens Feb 2015
Caminito del Rey footpath, Garganta del Chorro, El Chorro, Spain
The notorious Caminito del Rey footpath, known as one of the world’s scariest hiking routes, is opening to the public again after a multi-million euro restoration.
Skirting the Garganta del Chorro gorge, the original metre-wide white-knuckle path contoured across the sheer rock-face on a ledge 100m above the ground. Initially built in 1905 and traversed by King Alfonso XIII in 1921 (hence the name ‘Path of the King’), the path had fallen into severe disrepair by the late 1990s, finally closing following the tragic deaths of five walkers.
Fifteen years later, the route is reopening, allowing access again to one of Spain’s most spectacular walking trails. No longer the preserve of professional climbers and adrenaline-seekers, the damaged path has been fixed and reinforced, while a new handrail provides further support. The views however, continue to take your breath away.
Lonely Planet – The world’s hottest new travel experiences for 2015
Click PLAY or watch a scramble on the OLD route on YouTube.
Pacific Crest Trail in 3 minutes
A fun, fast paced movie of the hike up the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. Most images submitted by the class of 2011 hikers. To find out more about this movie and download a copy, go here.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
besthike.com 