Always on the prowl for excellent photographs of people doing amazing things in kayaks, I came across this superb, albeit poorly designed, photo gallery from the folks at Paddler Magazine. The Pete McBride photos from the Altiplano in particular will take your breath away. It doesn’t say so here, but McBride is one of the photographers who frequently accompanies Jon Bowermaster on his epic trips and has, IMHO, one of the best jobs in the business.
Maldives Interactive
And speaking of Bowermaster, because it’s so dreary and hot outside, I figured you might enjoy a little visual respite. Go take a gander at this sweet little interactive feature about Bowermaster in the Maldives. You know the Maldives? The islands that likely won’t exist in 20 years once global warming causes sea levels to rise, therefore swallowing up the entire island chain. The photos are excellent and Bowermaster delivers a solid (and short) audio commentary on the state of things there. Check it out.
And while you’re at it, also look at the work of Ahmed Zahid, whose photos of the Maldives provide a wonderful and wide perspective on live in these little islands.
Transparent Kayak
File this under “WAAAAAAyyyy cool”. I guess the question that comes to mind for me, is why had no one thought of this before. The Transparent Canoe-Kayak allows you to be out on a paddle and glimpse, right down there between your legs, all the myriad life forms that inhabit the sea…or at least those down between your legs. Of course, paddling on the Hudson would likely provide me with glimpses of murky water at best and a river bottom of trash or perhaps a mafia-duped body at worst. Still I love the concept.
The Transparent Canoe-Kayak is a tandem, meaning it can seat two folks. Which means you’ll have someone to share you’re adventure with. Interestingly, and this might explain the price, the kayak is made of the same material found in the cockpit canopies of supersonic fighter jets as well as a lightweight anodized aluminum frame. What does piece of wonder run? No surprise. It ain’t cheap: $1,459.95.Brilliant.
GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of July 23
Have we got some tasty travel bits for you! You may have missed them before, but we’re giving you the delicious dibs on them once more. Don’t miss them this time. Salut!
5. Balkan Odyssey Part 8: Berat, City of a Thousand Eyes:
Wow! Talk about an amazing set of photos from this ancient Albanian town of Berat. While I’m enjoying all of Neil’s travel pieces, I might say I’m really taken by the first shot of ottoman houses and buildings with red tiled roofs that seem as if they are stacked up on one another. The many windows of all these structures is what gives the city its nickname. Just awesome! GO NOW!
4. SmarterTravel: Best & Worst Travel Destinations for Women:
Ladies take note – If you dislike the hoot’n and hollerin’ of the boys down in your own neck of the woods you’ll certainly want to know where the cat calls might be worse. SmarterTravel has a nifty piece for solo ladies planning trips abroad. Check out their best and worst suggestions.
3. Plane Ticket Price Forecasting:
When this search tool becomes available for all markets I’m sure the number of users will sky rocket out of the blogosphere, www, and all information highways. Farecast is said to forecast when the best time will be to purchase those plane tickets to Seattle, Boston or maybe even Lisbon! You’ll have to keep watch to see when this Farecast will be available for you.
2. Gadling Audio Slideshow: Newfoundland Part I:
He’s back! Yup, Erik has finally made it home and out of the terrible Continental airlines hold-up in Newfoundland. He’s got stories to tell and lots of pictures to show from his great Newfoundland adventure. I could babble about how great it is or you can take a look for yourself. I reckon the second option to be the better decision.
1. Gadling Audio Slideshow: Newfoundland Part II:
First there was part one and now there is two. If you were really starting to get into the Newfoundland swing of things with Erik’s first piece go to the second for more! He’s even worked out some of the bugs and made for a very impressive, fine piece of well, slideshow.
Gadling Audio Slideshow: Newfoundland Part II
OK, after a few small technical difficulties I just posted Part 2 of my Newfoundland Audio Slide Show. This one takes us to the little town of Cape Broyle where I did a day trip sea kayaking with Stan Cook Adventures, an outfitter in the area, and a fine one at that. I chose some better music this time, or at least, it’s relevant, since it is actual Newfoundlander music. But again, I kept it short and simple, and I hope you enjoy it.