I would
like to once again draw your attentiopn to one of th3e coolest, best little online adventure documentaries I"ve
ever seen. Called Powde Road, the site is the product of passion. Passion for
the outdoors, for good friends, for the yawning expanse of Alaska, and the promise of extreme back-country skiing. I
can really go on and on about how great Powder Road is, both the book and the
site, but I think you need to go there and see it for yourself.
Africa Travel: Ghana
Not too long ago a friend and I were sitting around picking out which African countries we’d
most like to visit in the different regions and which were probably well-rounded for tourists. When it came time to
choose for west Africa, Ghana received both of our votes. The country’s capital is said to be a little bland, but the
welcoming smiles from the locals instantly ignites the area. Cutting to the chase – Ghana has one of the coolest and
terrifying (if you’re afraid of heights) canopy walkways known to man, least it looks that way from the photos. In fact
it is the first and only canopy walkway in Africa. It is 350 meters in length and 30 meters from the forest floor.
Located in the Kakum Nature Reserve in the central
region near Cape Coast the park was established in 1932 and opened to the public in 1994, which means much of the
wildlife is in tact and good condition. On a good day one will catch sight of Ghana’s indigenous plant life, rare
butterflies, and a number of bird life. On an extremely good day, big game animals which include the bongo and forest
elephant may also make a quick appearance.
The Ghana Tourism site has full
information on visiting the Kakum Nature Reserve and other awesome suggestions for activity during your stay.
Africa Travel: Ethiopia
Last year Addis Ababa hosted a month long celebration in honor of the late Bob Marley who was a huge follower of the Rastafarian religion and would have been celebrating his 60th birthday. I’m sure the country saw a number of fans and followers of the musician due to the festivities, but Ethiopia is about a lot more than a Rasta man’s religion. This year the country celebrates their first time at the Winter Olympics in Italy with Robel Teklemariam paving the way for future cross-country skiers in Ethiopia. Should you choose to root for the athlete or participate in some outdoor activity of your own consider the region of the Tigrai (Tigray) in Northern Ethiopia.
If ecotourism and Africa is your thing you won’t want to pass this one by. This area is said to have one of the best off-road rock climbing challenges in addition to good mountain biking trails. In efforts to improve Ethiopia’s images of war and famine the Tigray Rock Climbing Team opened the rock climbing routes for potential ecotourists. For more information on this kind of activity and pictures, check out the website. I’m not a rock climber myself, but this sure does like an interesting alternative to experiencing the land of Ethiopia. Another good source for information on the Tigrai region and the people that build the community can be found at this Tigrai.org site. Excellent! I promise.
Working in Torres del Paine
Now here is a way to have a vacation in one of the most amazing
places on earth and to do a good deed while you’re at it. First, though, I have to tell you how incredibly amazing Torres del Paine is. Located far, far South in
Patagonian Chile, Torres is one of the loveliest, most adventure-laden places you will ever go. I was there for a few weeks years ago and
did part of the Torres circuit. The trail wanders through a glacier scoured land dotted with cerulean lakes and teeming
with unusual wildlife. We were actually talked by a rhea (a South American ostrich) while hiking and saw herds of wild
guanacos (sort of a llama-like animal) scampering around the hills. So, yes, Torres is unforgettable. Really the
Yosemite of South America…and without the crowds.
But beginning March 18, you can head to Torres and help fix the trails and make the place
even better. Imagine the friends you’ll make? The nine-night excursion is being sponsored by the U.S.
Forest Service and Chile’s park service. You’ll get to explore the park for a couple of days and then hunker down
and fix up the trail system on other days. During the time you’re there you’ll stay in a local hostel with
hot showers and an incredible view of the park. Good stuff. It will, of course, cost you, so you are doing this for the
good of the park. The cost is $2,700 per person, including round-trip international airfare to Santiago from Pittsburgh.
There are also “extension” trips that you can take, should you have not satisfied your travel jones that
take you to Easter Island or Machu Picchu in Peru. Get more details
here.
Ah, the Azores
For those of us who had to trudge to work this
morning over monstrous piles of ice, the idea of heading to a place like the Azores has an unmistakable appeal. These
Portuguese islands in the middle of the Atlantic have long been a favorite of explorers, whalers and, well, European
tourists. Today, they are a popular place for adventuresome types in search of "clean and unspoiled vistas"
and relatively untrammeled beaches. Given their relative isolation, the islands have managed to stay off the tourist
map, and they offer fabulous hiking, swimming and exploring. This piece in the
Globe and Mail does a nice job conveying the allure of the Azores, where the writer spends a few blissful days
trudging around the islands of Pico and Faial, and examines both the natural grandeur and the history of the place. If
you need an antidote, as I did, for the current cold snap, this could be it.