Teva Mountain Games begin tomorrow

by Kraig Becker on

The Teva Mountain Games, an annual event that blends athletic competition, outdoor adventure, and cultural pursuits, gets underway tomorrow, and runs through the weekend, in Vail, Colorado.

Top outdoor athletes from around the world will descend on Vail to take part in seven different sports and 21 unique disciplines that include trail running, mountain biking, road cycling, kayaking and more. The best of the best will battle it out in the GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge, which consists of a 10k run, a technical mountain biking leg, a road cycling competition through the mountains, and a kayaking stage over Class II rapids.

The Mountain Games also host the International Federation of Sport Climbing Bouldering World Cup, which will pit some of the best sport climbers in the world against one another. Competitors will attempt to scale a climbing wall with five preset “problems” designed to challenge their skills and nerves. The athletes will score points based on the number of problems they overcome and the speed at which they complete them, with some bonus points availble to be earned as well. The winner will be declared the IFSC bouldering champion.

The weekend isn’t just about athletic competition however, as there will also be a mountain photography contest, an adventure film school and festival, and plenty of live music too. In fact, the Teva Mountain Games are known as much for their active nightlife as the intense athletic events. And when not racing or partying, attendees can stroll by Gear Town to check out the latest and greatest outdoor equipment.

So, if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, head to Vail, to watch some great athletes, take in some good music, and enjoy the atmosphere of the Mountain Games.

Only in Alaska: Combat fishing and the rules of engagement

by Catherine Bodry on

Combat fishing: if these two words bring to mind images of men dressed in camouflage, battling for giant fish, then you’re not too far off from reality. Though Alaska might seem like the sort of land where scenes from A River Runs Through It play out in real life, you’re actually more likely to see roadside rivers crammed with anglers tossing hooks and sinkers into the water in the hopes of snagging one of the many salmon working their way to a spawning site.

Up here, salmon swim up streams that pass through major cities. In downtown Anchorage, salmon-rich Ship Creek is a 100-meter sprint from the high-rise hotels and office buildings of the business center, and in the middle of the rail yard and port. Mid-summer, you can spot anglers shoulder to shoulder in the creek as you wander through the Saturday Market.

The salmon are so plentiful, in fact, that as they are finishing their life spans you can actually reach into the water and pluck one out with your hands (it’s illegal to do that, though). In the fall, after the fish are all spawned out and dead, the smell of rotting salmon permeates any land within 100 feet of a stream – just driving over a bridge in your car is enough to catch a whiff of decaying fish.

But when salmon are still full of vigor, filling clear streams with their red and silver bodies as they struggle upstream to spawn, their rich meat is sought-after by sport and subsistence fisherfolk alike.With much of Alaska remote and rugged, the intersections of salmon streams and highways, or salmon streams and cities, become hotspots of fishing mayhem, where fishermen stand shoulder to shoulder as they pull their limits in. It’s an odd sight, as you’re driving through miles of mountains, to suddenly come upon hundreds of people sardined together in a single line along the banks of a pristine river.

If you decide you want to join in the intensities, there are a few rules of engagement you should follow. I snagged these from the Peninsula Clarion:

  • Don’t take someone else’s spot
  • When you hook a salmon, yell “fish on!” If someone near you yells this, take your line out of the water.
  • If someone else has a fish and your lines become tangled, cut your line.
  • Wear protective glasses to protect your eyes from flying hooks and sinkers.

In general, be respectful and safe. And once you snag that giant salmon, don’t forget to take the usual bear precautions. Though the hundreds of people lined along the banks of the river may appear to be playing some adult version of “Red Rover,” you’re actually in the middle of some very wild country.

Adventures in the Amazon: A Night in the Jungle

by Kraig Becker on

It was one of the darkest nights I had ever encountered. Well, at least it was when the lightning wasn’t flashing across the sky, giving me an ever so brief glimpses of the forest that surrounded my tent. Despite the heavy rain, which had been falling for several hours, the night sounds of the jungle continued unabated. It was nearly as noisy as it was during the day, and when you added the thunderstorm to the mix, I couldn’t help but think that people payed a lot of money to the Sharper Image for a machine that replicated these very sounds.

It was my second to last night in the Amazon, and we were camping in the jungle. Earlier in the day we left our river boat, La Turmalina, behind once again and went ashore for another jungle trek that took us even deeper into the forest. Along the way, we passed trees stretching more than 65 feet into the air, with vines running their length and all manner of critters scurrying up their trunks.

We hiked for several miles, while overhead the rolling thunder could be heard drawing nearer. By the time we reached the campsite, the rain had begun to fall, and the night was closing in, but fortunately the dense jungle canopy kept much of the rain from actually hitting the ground. While it sounded like a torrential down pour was going on over head, it felt like a light rainstorm at the forest floor.

%Gallery-63881%The camp itself was nicer than I had expected. The tents were erected on a permanent wooden platform, which kept them off the damp ground, and provided a more comfortable experience. Inside, there were two cots, a small table, and a lantern, with room to stand and easily move about. The side panels were rolled up, allowing for a steady breeze to flow through, and I was surprised to find that it was quite comfortable, even a bit cool inside, despite the humidity that pervaded the entire area.

After getting settled, we all assembled in a screened in mess hall for a traditional dinner from the region consisting of chicken stuffed with rice and wrapped in the leaf of one of the jungle trees, then cooked over an open fire. Following the meal, we were joined by a guest who appeared from the darkness, joining us inside the mess hall. She was a tiny young woman, in her early twentys, and from one of the Quechan Indian villages in the area. Our guide introduced her, and told us that she was a shaman who had been studying her craft for more than five years.

Over the next hour or so, she showed us some of the various medicines that she had created using plants that grew in the jungle. She had begun learning at a young age which herbs, leaves, roots and so on, were useful and where they could be located. She had also learned how to properly harvest them, then mix them together to create her various potions and elixirs. She had several glass jars filled with her creations with her, and passed them around for us to examine. Most shared some common traits in that they were thick, came in various shades of green , that smelled incredibly awful. I’m reasonably certain that her patients got better out of fear of having to continue to take this “medicine”.

The last bottle that she passed around was unlike the others however. It was orange in color and more of a fluid than the others. Our guide informed us that this particular concoction was mainly made from a specific vine found deep in the Amazon, and that was one of the most powerful hallucinogens in the world. At various times in their lives, the shaman, as well as others, would drink the liquid when they were in need of guidance or enlightenment in their lives. It is believed that while under the influence of the hallucinogens, they would have visions that would show them the path they needed to take to get past what ever obstacle was troubling them. The process described to us was not unlike Native Americans going on a vision quest in North America.

Before the night ended, the shaman gave us a traditional blessing, calling on the spirits of the rainforest to protect us and keep us safe, no matter where our travels took us. While we sat, she danced around us, blowing smoke from a handrolled cigarette, and chanting a prayer. One by one, she approached each of us as she moved about the room, extending the blessing to all who were there., When she was finished she collected her things, and disappeared into the darkness, the storm raging around her as she went.

After the shaman departed, we all said our “good nights” and retired to our individual tents. Most of my companions were soon sound asleep, their lights blinking out one by one. But I sat alone staring out into the darkness, listening to the storm and sounds of the jungle itself. It was one of those singular experiences you have when you travel in which you experience something that is both surreal and tangible at the same time. I was in a tent, in the middle of the Amazon, with thunder crashing all around me. The night creatures of the forest continued to make their calls, sheltered from the storm in the branches over head, and as I finaly lay down to sleep, I couldn’t help but think that everything was right with the world.

Next: Ecotourism in the Amazon

Read more Adventures in the Amazon posts HERE.

Budget summer travel from New York: Burlington, Vermont

by Jeremy Kressmann on

Check out that gorgeous sunset vista. With that kind of view and a beautiful body of water nearby, you’d probably guess this was somewhere tropical. The Bahamas? Wrong, try again. San Diego, perhaps? Not that either. This sweet view can only be found in Burlington, Vermont: a little gem of a town nestled in the northern half of the state along the shores of mighty Lake Champlain.

Let’s be honest – unless you’re into winter sports, Vermont is an awfully cold place to visit during the winter. Which is exactly why Summer is when the state of Vermont comes out to shine (pun intended). The state’s beautiful virgin outdoor spaces are green and in bloom, ready to be explored, hiked and camped. Its many picturesque lakes lie cool and still, waiting to be plied by swimmers, kayaks and sailboats. And unique Vermont cities like Burlington offer a surprising wealth of activities, ranging from top-notch food and shopping to cultural attractions galore.

Not only is Burlington the perfect base for some summertime Vermont exploring, it’s also relative easy (and cheap) to get to from the major urban centers of the East Coast, including New York and Boston. Click below and let’s explore Burlington, shall we?
The City Sights
Although Burlington has a population well under 100,000, it packs a big city punch, including plenty of great activities you wouldn’t expect for a town of its size.

Most visitors start their day downtown, home to a picturesque collection of shops, cafes and restaurants. The biggest concentration of stores is along the Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-friendly outdoor shopping district fronted by stores representing locally made Vermont products as well as larger national chains. Meal options are also readily available and refreshingly eclectic, ranging from Brazilian to Thai to pizza and burgers.

If you’re in the mood for dessert, stop by the Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop on Church. The now-famous ice cream franchise got its start in Burlington back in the 1970’s. Ice cream junkies can arrange tours of the company factory in nearby Waterbury. Church Street is also a great spot for people watching – Burlington is home to the University of Vermont, ensuring a cosmopolitan mix of students, tie-dyed hippies, urban professionals, outdoor lovers and out-of-town visitors passing by. Snowboard aficionados should also make a pilgrimage to Burton Snowboard Flagship Store. The now famous snowboard and apparel manufacturer is another homegrown Burlington favorite.

During the Summer, Burlington weekends are also packed with all manner of local festivals. The first two weeks of June bring Burlington’s annual Discover Jazz Festival, featuring big-name Jazz artists like Branford Marsalis. Come July, beer lovers congregate at the Vermont Brewers Festival, featuring sud samples from 30 craft brewers located across New England. In August it’s time for the annual Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival, pitting local teams in a friendly race for charity.



The Great Outdoors
Chances are if you’re coming to Vermont, you’ve heard about the state’s legendary natural beauty and want to experience it firsthand. Thankfully, Burlington makes a great base for exploring all manner of natural Vermont landscapes, all within easy driving distance.

Before jumping in your car however, spend some time along the shores of nearby Lake Champlain. Burlington is situated along the edge of one of the Northeastern United States’ biggest lakes, covering more than 430 square miles filled with unspoiled islands, hiking and wildlife. Any sunny Summer day will find the lake dotted with a mass of tiny sails – want to try yourself? Visitors can rent a sailboat to ply the lake’s scenic shores. If you’re feeling less ambitious, consider hiring a charter sailboat captain or renting a kayak for some mellow paddling around the calm waters. The Burlington Department of Parks and Recreation also has plenty of information about nearby campgrounds, hiking, swimming and other great summertime activities.

Just an hour south of Burlington is the unspoiled enclave of Green Mountain National Forest, situated on more than 400,000 acres of pristine wilderness, waterfalls and mountain trails. The park has activities to match just about any interest, ranging from horseback riding to hiking to camping and fishing. Make sure to stop in at nearby Middlebury, Vermont on your way back for some small-town Vermont charm.

Where to Stay
Burlington has all kinds of accommodation options, ranging from the small and quaint to the traditional brand-name hotel chains. Thrifty travelers should check out the Burlington Sheraton, well-situated between both the airport and city’s downtown. Though you’ll need to drive to most attractions, the hotel typically offers some good deals, starting at around $120 per night. Guests also speak highly of the Doubletree Burlington, located a few miles away in South Burlington with rates starting as low as $118 per night.

Those looking for the quintessential Vermont Bed & Breakfast experience should check out smaller properties like Lang House, located in an 1880’s era Victorian mansion, or the Willard Street Inn. Though the rooms at both B&B’s are a bit pricier (starting at $145 per night), the unique old world atmosphere will more than makes up for the difference for some travelers.

Budget Summer Vacation from Little Rock, Arkansas: Conway, hometown of American Idol Kris Allen

by Jamie Rhein on

When David Cook won American Idol last year, I was curious about what there was to do in his hometown, Blue Springs Missouri. David Archuleta’s hometown, Murray City, Utah also caught my interest. Both hometowns looked not much more than shopping malls and high school football fields when shown on TV. Kris Allen’s hometown, Conway, Arkansas, however, seems to be a perfect budget travel vacation destination–really. How could it not be? It’s in the foothills of the Ozarks.

A quick drive, just 32 miles from Little Rock, Conway holds its own as a worthy budget travel destination with plenty to see and do. Besides boasting two colleges and a university, the small city is in close proximity to many of Arkansa’s state parks and historic landmarks. At the edge of the city are several lakes fit for boating, fishing and swimming. The one in the photo is Beaver Lake. That’s just the beginning of Conway’s pleasures.

Woolly Hollow, the closest state park is 18 miles from Conway in the Ozark foothills, and boasts Lake Bennet a sizable body of water that offers fishing, boating, and swimming. There are also hiking trails and camp sites.

For those interested in history, check out Woolly Cabin where the first settlers who came here lived. On various weekends there are special events and programs. One to keep in mind is the Annual Fun Day on June 19. The price is yummy. It’s free.

For one museum with one of the cheapest admission prices I’ve ever seen, also not far from Conway, head to the Plantation Agriculture Museum. The whole family can get in for $10. Adult tickets are only $3 and kids are $2. Under 6 is free. The museum highlights the agricultural history of cotton in Arkansas through World War II.

In Conway itself:

  1. Although rides on the Toad Suck Towboat aren’t possible, one of these boats that once crossed people from one side of the Arkansas River to the other is on display at the ranger’s office at the Toad Suck Ferry Lock and Dam in Toad Suck Park. The park is now touted as a great place for a picnic and watching boats go by. Besides, what a name!
  2. Another place that looks intriguing is Finton Sculpture Garden and Studio. I’m fond of outdoor sculptures that have a creative edge. Arkansas native, Finton Shaw’s assembled outdoor sculptures that fit my criteria of art I like to see. Some pieces have themes borrowed from other cultures. There is one titled “Girl from Madagascar” and another titled ” Shiva,” for example.
  3. Pickles Gap Village, also a Conway establishment is exactly right for kids and people who like to shop. It’s not a village where people live, but a collection of quaint stores and Kiddie Land that has rides and farm animals. The name comes from when a German immigrant overturned his wagon load of pickles when he was making his way across the creek. That’s the legend.
  4. For more area history, head to the Faulker County Historical Society Museum. The museum is housed in the original county jail.
  5. For entertainment, check out the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. Throughout June, the festival has Taming of the Shrew, MacBeth, The Producers and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on the menu.

Where to eat: Try Gina’s Jewel Restaurant for homemade country style food. It’s been given high praises. The Chamber of Commerce says for every type of food you like, you’ll find it in Conway. Here’s a link to a dining guide with 137 entries.

Where to stay: There are plenty of slumber options ranging from Super 8 on the budget end to the Hampton Inn which isn’t that expensive either, includes a hot breakfast and within walking distance to the city’s center. For a one-of-a-kind option, check out The Ward Mansion Bed and Breakfast. This historic home turned tourist spot is steeped in elegance.

The attractions I’ve mentioned here are only part of what there is to do in Conway. Here’s a link to more links. When it comes to hometowns, Kris Allen’s wins the award as a unique getaway.

I wonder if someone will think to put his face in a corn maze, though? David Archuletta had that honor.

For map of Arkansas to see where Conway is located and what is nearby, click here.