trek Bahia Lapataia – Tierra del Fuego

A coastal walk between two beautiful bays on the southern shore of the Land of Fire, one of the remotest regions on earth.

Here’s a good trip report from Khan on one of the southernmost hikes in the world:

Tierra del Fuego, the Land of Fire, is an island divided between Chile and Argentina at the southern tip of South America. Ushuaia, on the south coast of the island overlooking the Beagle Channel, is the base for all the best hiking on the island. It bills itself as la Ciudad del Fin del Mundo – the City at the End of World. Indeed, there is nothing below this windswept place but 650 miles of treacherous southern seas and the icy continent of Antarctica.

Just to the west of Ushuaia is Parque Nacional de Tierra del Fuego. Rich in forest, lakes and jagged mountains, it is a beautiful but tough landscape, tormented by unpredictable weather. When we hiked here in March we found it surprisingly warm – even turning to ‘t-shirt’ weather after the bitter cold of early morning. But we were lucky. In January, at the height of the southern summer, it had been cold and even snowed for several days.

This hike follows the Senda Costera – Coastal Path – from Bahia (bay) Ensenada to Bahia Lapataia, with beautiful views over the Beagle Channel. …

continue reading – Bahia Lapataia – Tierra del Fuego – Hiking Trailer

I’ve been down as far as Ushuaia. Bleak and beautiful.

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larger version – flickr – lrargerich

There is another strange, confusing photo of the region on flickr. Check it out.

hiking in Lebanon?

Not once have I heard of any hiking in Lebanon.

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Yet before the Lebanese Civil War started in 1975 it was called the “Switzerland of the East”. Beirut the “Paris of the East.”

Even today Lebanon has six ski resorts. It’s a beautiful country.

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larger version – flickr – LLP

Guided walks are advertised: Hiking and Trekking – LebanonTourism.com

There’s even a long distance trek: Lebanon Mountain Trail – 44okm (275mi)

Fareed Abou-Haidar suggests that this country could be a major draw for hikers. (If only their security could be ensured.)

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larger version – flickr – LLP

See more gorgeous photos of Lebanon on the Dark Roasted Blend blog.

photos – Maroon Bells, Colorado

Mark posted photos of one of the best hiking areas in the world. And one that I’ve never visited.

The famous Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado. I’ve heard it said that this is the most photographed spot in Colorado.

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larger version

Aspen-Maroon Bells-Independence Pass 2005 photos – flickr – markwgallagher

MAROON BELLS LOOP – besthike information page

climber found alive on Mt Adams

We climbed Mt Adams this summer. It was a walk in the park.

Not so for Derek Mamoyac who fell when snow gave way under his feet.

2008281289.jpgA 27-year-old Oregon climber who survived five days on southern Washington’s Mount Adams with a broken ankle told rescuers he ate centipedes and drank water from creeks as he tried to crawl to safety. …

ate centipedes and other bugs after running out of food early in the week. He drank water from creeks.

He was wearing water-resistant pants, insulated boots and gloves but was still very cold. …

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Missing climber found alive on Wash. mountain – AP

Thank God for the search dog.

(via Sierra Blogging Post)

related news reports – Google

Be careful out there.

hike Cougar Creek, Canmore, Canada

I posted a few photos from our Saturday Autumn day hike.

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larger version – flickr

We walked to this spot in less than half an hour out the door of Kelly and Lexi’s new home in Canmore, Alberta. Very close to the headquarters of the Alpine Club of Canada. Canmore is one of the best outdoor adventure towns in the world.

It’s ideal for dog walking … except that Cougar Creek is named such for a reason. Pets are at risk in this part of the mountains.

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Ash

Fall is my favourite season for mountain walking. No bugs. Crisp, clean air. Magical.

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see all my photos – hiking Cougar Creek, Canmore, Alberta, Canada set

hiking Hawaii on the cheap

I hiked Hawaii for the first time this past Spring. And it’s been much on my mind since.

When can I get back for more?

My friends Lexi and Kelly hiked in Kauai this past year too. They very much liked Polihale State Park:

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Also the Nualolo and Awaiawaipuhi trails:

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We agreed that Hawaii can be VERY inexpensive. You only need a tent, a rent-a-car and hiking packs. Beach campsites in Kauai cost $3-5 / night.

My inexpensive lunch with a view:

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  • related besthike posts tagged “Kauai”
  • related article: Hawaii on a Dime – NY Times
  • Taiwan ridge walk – Bijia Shan

    I did some research on hiking in Taiwan earlier this year.

    Here’s a trip report on the Pashan blog called Bijia Shan: A Ridge Walk from Maokong to Shiding.

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    larger version

    I particularly liked this photo:

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    He collected about 20 leeches en route.

    I’ve only had leeches once on a hike (Sri Lanka), but it was a very interesting experience.

    Check the rest of the photos from Robert Scott KellyBijia Shan: A Ridge Walk from Maokong to Shiding