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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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
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    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 Kelly – Bijia Shan: A Ridge Walk from Maokong to Shiding

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    Trailguru and RunKeeper for iPhone

    I do not (yet) own an iPhone or iTouch. But these kind of applications are tempting me.

    Simple GPS interface software.

    Download Trailguru and capture your outdoor activities using the iPhone 3G’s integrated GPS.

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    Trailguru

    Both these two iPhone applications are now free.

    Jason Jacobs of Fitness Keeper, the developers of RunKeeper, announced yesterday that the company is going to make the application available for free …

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    RunKeeper’s new low price: free – TUAW

    There are other options including The Running GyPSy and iTrail. All offer more than the basic Nike + iPod Sport Kit.

    related article: TUAW Faceoff: Nike + iPod versus iPhone 3G Challengers

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    Grand Traverse, New Zealand for $100

    The Grand Traverse starts on the shores of Lake Wakitipu and stretches the length of the Greenstone and Routeburn Valleys, crossing the main divide twice in the process. The Greenstone and Routeburn Tracks have long been New Zealand’s most accessible and popular routes into the spectacular South Island high country.

    The Grand Traverse passes through two national parks: Fiordland and Mount Aspiring, and is part of Te Wahipounamu, South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. The pristine bush is home to a myriad of native birdlife: the Robin; Kea; Fantail; Parakeet; Bellbird; and Yellowhead, just to name a few. The sheer isolation and raw beauty of the Greenstone provide the perfect stage for the breathtaking scenery of the Routeburn. An unsurpassable combination to make a memorable walking experience. …

    Ultimate Hikes – Official Booking Site – Milford and Routeburn Tracks, Fiordland New Zealand – Ultimate Hikes

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    Sure you could sign on with the tour (above). It costs between $1,600 and $2,500 New Zealand, depending on what optional extras one prefers. … Or you could do it independently like Scottwoz for about $100.

    Here’s his independent trip report:

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    … Most of the scenery and landscape we covered was nothing short of spectacular and over the course of the five days we got to see a lot more than we should have, certainly more than the law of averages would normally allow. We hiked, on average, around six hours each day and covered an incredibly diverse terrain. …

    In the Thick of it … The Grand Traverse, New Zealand – trip report

    Sign me up.

    I’m planning a return to New Zealand in 2011.