Hiking is a great way to connect with nature.
The scale of mountains, valleys, glaciers reminds us just how small we are in the big scheme.
Tour de Mont Blanc
On our list of the best hikes of the world (as of this date) Europe is the least complete.
We do not have many contributors from that part of the world (yet). Email the editor of this blog if you find any of your favourite hikes are missing.
But if you are going to hike there for the first time, we suggest the TMB — a romp around Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe: 9-14 days, 170+kms (106mi).
It sounds serious — but consider the great wine and food available en route!
Inca Trail, Peru
No list of the great hikes of the world is without the Inca Trail. It may well be the single best known trek in the world.
But serious hikers are advised to take a close look at alternative routes to Machu Picchu. We much prefer Choquequirao and Salcantay.
Choquequirao is the better of these options — but longer. You need 7 nights minimum to visit both the Choquequirao ruins and Machu Picchu on one trek.
If you want to hike independently without pack animals, Salcantay is the best choice.
Get an overview of your options on this site. But wait until you get to Cuzco in Peru to book any specific trek. Do not hand over any deposit money until you are very confident in the agency. A personal, recent recommendation is best.
If you insist on hiking the Inca Trail, get the up-to-date details on besthike.com Inca Trail.
Machu Picchu
new ferry on Vancouver Island
Just got an email from Heather about a new service started June 24th:
Seaway Express ferry — BarkleySoundMarine.com
You can now boat from charming Ucluelet to Bamfield via the fantastic Broken Islands (the best sea kayaking destination in Canada).
For hikers, this is an ideal new way to get to or from the West Coast Trail, our favourite hike anywhere.
Chilkoot Trail, Alaska
Every man has a dream.
For one of our contributors, Kelly Mock from Whitehorse, it was to carry a “Bubba” (mini keg of beer) over the Golden Staircase to Happy Camp.
Arriving on the solstice, he bought a round for the house.
I hiked the Chilkoot with Kelly in the late 1990s and, at that time, I thought it was impossible to carry more booze (photo).
I stand corrected.
The Chilkoot is without doubt one of the very best hikes in the world. The trip to Skagway is half the fun.
Details on besthike.com Chilkoot
the Golden Staircase – photo Kelly Mock
question for the gear guy
Can you recommend a folding bike I can load onto an inflatable kayak?
Expedition Gear – Outdoor Gear Advice | Outside Online
Yukon Yak raft, 4 lbs. 7 oz
Milford Track, New Zealand – July 1st
One of the most difficult reservations in the world, on-line booking for the Milford Track opens July 1st, New Zealand time.
On the 1st, you can book for any start date for the following season.
looking for a hike in South America?
Besthike.com was recently added to the About.com Trek, Hike and Climb South America page.
Editor Bonnie Hamre is one of the best experts on the internet for that continent. We link to many of her web pages.
Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey
Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.
Times of London in December 1901 (legend has it) posted by Ernest Shackleton for a journey to Antarctica.
Now that was adventure. Once, having his ship frozen in the ice, he was forced to sledge across the Weddell Sea pack, then boat to Elephant Island. Then sail to South Georgia Island. The greatest survival story of all time?
Swiss Army knife MP3 player
Interesting.
I like the built-in voice recorder for taking notes on the hike.
besthike.com 