Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy has been out for a few weeks now and
it’s raised some questions on the nature of hitch hking not only in the galaxy, but on the
planet Earth. The Hindustan Times
analyzes how what used to be a great way to get around for folks without transportation has turned into something
nearly nonexistent in some parts of the globe. How did that outstretched thumb become more than an innocent soul
trying to find their way home? A frightening gesture of some crazed person looking to harm us is what many tend
to think these days and for good reason, but the article points out some places where hitchhiking is still an art
and people aren’t afraid. Iran for instance is still considered a hitchhiker’s heaven.
Bryce Bryce Baby
is one of the country’s most beautiful national parks. Located in Utah, the rock formations there have been the
inspiration and subject of many a painter and photographer. But it is also the place where they run the annual
Bryce Canyon Half-Marathon. This year’s half-marathon
(that’s 13 miles instead of 26 for the arithmetically-disinclined) takes place on July 11 and is sure to draw a big
crowd of hard-core running types. It’s a popular run, so if you are interested in going, book your hotel or campsite
now.
Peace in the Garden
Sometimes this world can be pretty closed minded, grim and flooded with hate with it’s borders,
boundaries, fine lines, land mines, etc. The weary traveler might just be
wondering where is the love? Where can one find peace? Well here’s an answer.
Along the borders of North Dakota and Manitoba lies one of the longest unfortified Botanical Gardens
devoted entirely to World Peace. The 2,339 acre long International
Peace Gardens have been a symbol of friendship between the two countries since 1932 and house enchanting
reflecting pools, floral displays as well as numerous wildlife. Another small sign of peace can be found on
seven Peace Polls in which “May Peace Prevail” is written in 28 different languages. There is
much to do in the surrounding areas including hikes and some bird watching. Just lovely.
As a side note all this peace talk has strangely enough triggered a tune from Mr. Roger’s show. ”A
beautiful day in the neighborhood, beautiful day in the…
Bond…Annabelle Bond Climbs Seven Summits
In a sport largely dominated by alpha males, a (ahem, very attractive) young blond named Annabelle Bond has become the fastest woman to complete the seven summits, the tallest mountains on all seven continents…all of which she did in less than a year. This was the fastest time ever for a woman, and the fourth fastest for men and women. She hit peaks in Nepal, Tanzania, Argentina, Alaska, Antarctica, Australia and Russia.
Bond is the daughter of banking magnate Sir John Bond, the head of HSBC, and up to now has been called the Bridget Jones of mountaineering, a somewhat derisive nickname that she will likely shed with the accomplishment.
And as you can see by the picture, and the photos on her site, there will likely be many an endorsement now waiting for her.
Taking on Tenerife
Spain kicks ass. It is without a doubt one of the most historically rich and intriguing countries in Europe, perhaps
the world. And there are so many places to explore in Spain that once you get away from the big cities, you find a
countrywith much more diversity than first meets the eye.
So in the spirit of great places in Spain, I want to post
about this article on the town of Tenerife. Tenerife has a reputation as a kind of dirty beach town, but if you
venture outside, or north across La Columna Dorsal, the nearby mountains, you find will encounter lush countryside,
volcanoes, and smart little towns like La
Orotava. I lived in Spain for a little while, and have to say I never went to Tenerife, but after reading this
piece, I felt like I missed something.