When bike hiking, this is not the way to go.
photo source unknown
Thanks Dave!.
should we close Angel’s Landing in Zion?
When I first saw Angel’s Landing from a distance, I wondered how anyone could get up there.
A group exploring Zion in 1916 felt the same way. Frederick Fisher exclaimed, “only an angel could land on it.”
It’s a gain of 1700ft (518m) via Walter’s Wiggles, steep switchbacks blasted into the cliff. This is strenuous hiking, almost scrambling.
Despite the narrow ridge walk at the top, sheer drop-offs on either side, this climb is safe for those experienced in mountain hiking.
But it is not safe for the general public who have too easy access. After the death of 29-year-old Bernadette Vander Meer in August 2006, perhaps more safeguards need be added.
Climb to the top of Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park and you’ll have an incredible view of Zion Canyon and the surrounding cliffs. You’ll also risk a spell of vertigo if you get too near the edge and glance into the void.
In fact, reaching the top of the landing can be unnerving at times as you have to climb up some steep, and narrow, stretches of rock. The Park Service is well aware of the exposure on these sections and has anchored heavy chains into the most precarious spots so you have something to hang onto.
Over the years five people have died in falls from Angel’s Landing. …
National Parks Traveler: Woman Dies in Fall From Angel’s Landing
On our list of the best hikes in the world, Angel’s Landing is the shortest we include. It’s a fantastic experience for a confident hikers. And only a hop, skip and a jump from Zion Narrows, an even better hike.
I say keep Angel’s open — but do a better job of informing “tourists” of the risk.
waterproof camcorder – Oregon Scientific ATC2K
For the second time in two days I hear raves for Oregon Scientific products.
Very nice new gadget for the holidays. The ATC2K is waterproof to 3 meters, shock resistant, and easily clips to your helmet, head or handlebars via an accessory kit made for action sports. So you can surf with this. Ski with it. Climb with it. Whatever, and you don’t have to worry about sweat, rain, snow, or water. It takes full color digital video in 640 X 480 VGA at 30 frames per second, which is fine for the web, because really where does anyone watch video any more? And at $130 retail …, it’s good value, especially compared to the only competitor it has, the Samsung SC-X205L Sports Digital Camcorder.
Get Outdoors – Oregon Scientific ATC2K Waterproof Camcorder – Getoutdoors.com Outdoor Blog
Oregon Scientific ATC-1000 Hands-Free Video Action Camera – Play Hard, Record Everything!
Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, Canada
The reputation is that the Juan de Fuca is easy compared with the longer West Coast Trail. Not so. It is just as challenging though in different ways. (It’s even more important to hike at low tide on Juan de Fuca.)
A personal, detailed and honest account of a physically challenging adventure, Mike Rocheleau posted this travelogue and excellent photos:
Juan de Fuca Marine Trail – September 2006
They spotted a bear a one point but had even more trouble bear-proofing the food at night:
We chose the risky course of wrapping our two food bags in two garbage bags, putting them alone in one of our packs and then wrapping that pack in the tarp. We covered the tarp in large rocks so if a raccoon or something disturbed it we might know before it was too late.
I’ve had to resort to that strategy in the past. You normally don’t sleep well wondering what animals are getting into your grub.
Luckily, the food was untouched next morning. (Note to self: research the new Ursack system to prevent this problem in future.)
In any case, Mike and his partner survived Juan de Fuca. They are even considering the West Coast Trail for next summer.
The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is 47km (29mi) on the west coast of Vancouver Island close to Victoria. We recommend 5 days, 4 nights on the trail for an optimal experience. But you can easily vary the route for shorter hikes, if you are short on time.
great website for hiking Paine, Chile – Vertice Patagonia
From our last post on Paine:
But organizing an independent hiking adventure in that far off part of the world can be frustrating. Management of the Park is convoluted & confusing. Two private companies (Andescape & Fantastico Sur) share responsibilities with the federal government & run the mountain huts (refugios). A third company Vertice Patagonia runs one large Lodge and campground. Pathagone has some role, as well.
Some of these companies have websites, but none are particularly helpful — unless you want to sign on for a guided trek.
planning for The Towers of Paine
Alex von Bischhoffshausen took the time to write and point out that their site — Vertice Patagonia — is never down.
When I went to take another look, I was impressed. So impressed that we are now going to recommend Vertice Patagonia as the first site hikers check when booking on-line.
Published in German and English, it could not be more clear on how hikers can book accommodation. Rates are clearly posted and very competitive.
I’m personally embarrassed because in 2004 I actually toured their immaculate Paine Grande Mountain Lodge and had lunch in their terrific campground facilities. Everything was first class.
Vertice Patagonia rents all the gear you could possibly need to hike Paine. In fact, Vertice Patagonia is all you need to get organized.
My apologies Alex for slighting your fine organization. I have Canadian friends looking to come down for the 2007 season and I will recommend they contact you first.
details on how to get to Paine – besthike.com
Tors Cove Trail – whale photos
On a section of the East Coast Trail in Newfoundland, Canada, lucky hikers came upon a fantastic scene.
The Humpbacks had trapped a school of capelin against the coast, and were feeding within 50 metres of the shore.
More photos and a travelogue on Rexton’s blog:Tors Cove Trail « Where the Wind’s Like a Whetted Knife
recommended hiking books
I spend a lot of time checking Amazon, the world’s largest bookstore, especially the user reviews.
If you click through to Amazon.com from this site, we get a small commission, about 4%. This helps pay for the hosting of besthike.
Amazon is happy. We are happy. And you are happy if we get the recommendation right on the best hiking guide. We don’t endorse a book unless we have seen it.
Most amazing about Amazon to me are their low prices. I always check Amazon prices first before cycling over to my local bookstore. If you do not live in the USA, shipping is normally no hassle though Amazon can’t guarantee books won’t be stopped at your border. (It is out of their control.)
Amazon launched a new service where besthike now hosts our own bookstore page.
hike NAKED – are you crazy?
Seems it’s fairly popular in Germany and the UK.
Steve Gough is the most (in)famous proponent.
In the United Kingdom, Steve Gough, known as The Naked Rambler, received much media coverage for walking naked from Land’s End to John o’Groats in 2003–2004 and again in 2005–2006. He was arrested and imprisoned several times during both his walks. In both 2005 and 2006 the European Alps were crossed naked during a one week hiking (tour), there was little media coverage and no-one was arrested or troubled.
image – Integral Nacktiv
“the most shameful act in the history of mountaineering”
It was the most shameful act in the history of mountaineering: 40 climbers, including a large number of guides and clients from a team offering climbs for profit, stepped over a dying independent mountaineer en route to summit. On their way down from the top, they stopped and video filmed a chat with the fading climber, for an upcoming documentary.
when can I get to Moab, Utah?
When I hiked in and around Page, Arizona for a week it seemed every local hiker pointed me towards <a href=”Moab, Utah. I’ve never been.
Moab is 233mi (374km) southeast of Salt Lake City. It’s a tiny town that draws mobs of tourists, mostly visitors of the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
The town is also famed for mountain bikers who come for Slickrock Trail.
I hope to get there for hiking sometime in 2007.
Delicate Arch
besthike.com 