Try Mount Independence State Historic Site for History and Hiking

by Kraig Becker on

Perhaps you are one of those people who makes lists of where you might like to go some day. I have my own list. Thanks to a gadling reader who left a comment on my post on Harriet Tubman and Underground Railroad tours, I have another place to add. “Wise-guy” made a recommendation for Vermont’s Mount Independence State Historic Site for a history lesson and hiking adventure. It does look like a perfect blend of natural beauty and Ameria’s past.

Mount Independence once bustled during the Revolutionary War as the most important military compound in Vermont. These days, you can hike on trails through the remnants that include blockhouses, the hospital and various buildings that tell the tale of what life was like when 12,000 soldiers lived here. The scenery overlooking Lake Champlain offers views and the Visitors Center Museum tells more of Mount Independence’s story through artifacts and displays.

Just to let you know, the historic site is open seasonally. You’ll need to wait until late May before you go, but put this on your list of places to see. While you’re in the area, stop at Fort Ticonderoga in nearby New York. Wise-guy also included a link to the website new-england-perfect-vacation-guide.com.

Toasty Feet Insoles

by Willy Volk on

Toasty Feet shoes insoles are like Thermoses for your feet. Developed by NASA, Toasty Feet are made of Aerogel — the lightest, lowest-density solid known to exist — and boast a a thermal efficiency rating of up to 10 times that of other materials.

In the winter, they help keep your feet warm; in the summer, they help keep them cool. If you spend a lot of time trudging in the snow, hiking in the mountains, jogging on the beach, walking your dog, working outside, slogging to school, skiing, rock climbing, picnicking, or using shoes at all, this product will likely pique your interest.

If you think it’s all a bunch of hype, check out Bryan Schmidt’s review of the removable liners. They’re available in various sizes for as little as $13.

Cape Verde: Rich in Heritage and Beauty

by Jamie Rhein on

Cape Verde, made up of 10 islands off the coast of West Africa, boasts the oldest European settlement in the tropics. I didn’t know that. All I knew before I did some searching is that one of my Peace Corps friends went to Cape Verde on vacation once and sent me a post card of its beautiful mountains.

Unfortunately, the reason for Cidade Velha was the slave trade. Back in 1462, the place was hopping. But, pirates ruined the affluence. My son, who at age five has a thing for Jack Sparrow, would love the idea of the pirates. They raided so much the Portuguese quit the town and moved elsewhere. If you head to Cape Verde, you can still see Cidade Velha’s ruins that indicate its history as a trade center.

Cape Verde’s islands also have beaches for lazing about if that’s your thing, or you can put on hiking boots and hit a trail. Because of its location, Cape Verde has both Brazilian and Senegalese cultural trimmings. The music here, in particular, is a fusion of both. Check out Cape Verde Travel. There is a map of the islands. Click on each island for information particular to that one. For several shots of Cape Verde’s landscape, villages and wildlife, ignazw’s photos on Flickr are a great place to start. Detailed descriptions are included.

Lake Tahoe’s Declining Clarity

by Neil Woodburn on

One of California’s most spectacular tourist destinations is the wonderful Lake Tahoe. California has thousands of lakes, but Tahoe is the state’s crown jewel. Sure, it’s beautiful and majestic, but what really makes it stand out from so many other lakes is the purity of its waters. Lake Tahoe is one of the clearest bodies of water on this planet with visibility stretching up to 100 feet.

Unfortunately, visibility has been slowly declining in the last number of years and today it stands at just 74 feet–still wonderfully clear, but sadly indicative of a growing problem. And, according to a recent LA Times article, it may only get worse.

There are currently plans to greatly increase the number of watercraft accessories over the next 22 years until there are 1,000 piers, 6,300 buoys and 3,000 boat slips surrounding the lake. Conservationists are concerned that such a drastic increase will result in far more boating activities on the lake, and as a result, a further muddying of the waters. Naysayers, claim otherwise, noting that the lake is too deep to be affected by a 30% increase in boating.

Whatever the eventual outcome of developers, I have a horrible feeling that it does not bode well for the clear waters of Tahoe. We can only hope that the isolation of Lake Baikal–Tahoe’s sister lake in Siberia and the clearest in the world–will escape similar damage.

The Marathon des Sables, The Toughest Footrace on Earth

by Willy Volk on

I think somebody forgot to tell these guys that a marathon is only 26.2 miles. Because, um, they’re planning on running 150+ miles. And I *guess* somebody should also tell them that most marathons aren’t supposed to be quite this brutal. Because, um, they’re planning on running through the deserts of Southern Morocco. For a week. In 120° temps.

The Marathon des Sables (the Sand Marathon) is a footrace that features crazies who race by day and sleep in communal tents by night. Carrying everything they need to eat and drink, the racers also have to protect themselves from blisters, rashes, dust storms, snakes (SNAKES?!) — you name it. Despite all that, the official website boasts, “There’ll be a daily dose of sand and dunes, and breathtaking panoramic views once you’re up the jebels” — “up the jebels” no doubt being slang for hallucinating bitterly.

The 2007 Sand Marathon, which begins March 23, will involve 40 medical staff; 100,000 liters of bottled water; 150 Berber and Saharan tents; 100 all-terrain vehicles; 18 buses; 4 camels; 2½ miles of Elastoplast; 15,000 compresses; 5300 painkillers — and 50 exhausted teams.

To learn more about this grueling event check out this (PDF) feature from Outside.

[Via Whatsonwhen]