Gadling

Top 5 favorite roadside stores and attractions

Jamie Rhein — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, United States

There are roadside stores and attractions that are worth driving to. In some cases towns wouldn't exist unless it wasn't for the store. With the bounties of kitsch, confections, food, and often an array of items that offer endless possibilities of items to buy--or wonder who in his or her right mind would buy such a thing, some places are hard to resist.

According to the reader survey conducted by USA Today recently, these are the top five favorite roadside stores in the United States. I'm wondering why the term "store" was used because in two cases stores aren't involved at all. Bessie the Cow stands where she used to grace the front of a store called Oasis. Oasis was bulldozed under and a Menards was built on the land. If Oasis was great, why was it bulldozed under?

Still, it's an intriguing collection that offers ideas for places to head, either on their own, or when you're on the way to somewhere else. You'll see Bessie is number 4.

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Top 5 favorite roadside stores and attractions originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Everglades to be put back on U.N. endangered list?

Kraig Becker — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Hiking, Learning, Paddling, North America, United States, Camping, Ecotourism

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar is meeting with a task force charged with overseeing the restoration of the Florida Everglades this week. He intends to tell them that the Obama administration will ask the United Nations World Heritage Committee to put the national park back on its endangered list when the committee meet in Spain this week.

Two years ago, in what has been viewed as a controversial decision, the Bush administration requested that the U.N. remove the Everglades from the list. At the time, the Department of the Interior defended the decision by citing progress being made in protecting the region and the species that lived there, despite the fact that the restoration program had failed to meet milestones, and was billions over budget.

The current administration believes restoring the Everglades National Park to the list of endangered places will send a strong signal to environmentalists that they are committed to the protecting the environment. If restored to the list, the park will join the Galapagos Islands, the Old City of Jerusalem and Afghanistan's Bamiyan Valley as the other World Heritage Sites considered to be in danger. The Everglades were originally added to the list back in 1993 when the area was damaged by Hurricane Andrew and the effects of prolonged exposure to water pollution became known.

Despite the issues effecting the park, the Everglades remains a popular tourist destination. There are more than 156 miles of canoe/kayak and hiking trails, with 47 designated campsites, inside the 2500 square miles of subtropical forest that define the parks boundaries. The Park Service reports that over one million visitors experience the Everglades each year.

Gallery: 10 tourist destinations with a funny name

Everglades to be put back on U.N. endangered list? originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beating the recession on the Appalachian Trail

Kraig Becker — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, North America, United States, Camping, Ecotourism, Budget Travel

Yesterday we introduced you to one of the world's classic treks in the from of The Appalachian Trail. Turns out you might not have needed in introduction at all, as according to NPR, many Americans are heading to the AT to beat the recession.

According to the story, a number of hikers who have lost their jobs, have decided to take advantage of their time off, and spend some extended time on the AT. The more adventurous are even electing to thru-hike the entire 2175 mile length, which generally takes anywhere from five to seven months to complete.

Some of the hikers that NPR spoke to saw the loss of their jobs as an opportunity to do something that they might not have the chance to do later on in life. Most are young, still in their 20's, and don't quite have the responsibilities that will come as they get older, such as families, a mortgage, or well established careers. They're focusing on the long distance hike with the hope that when they are finished, and they return to civilization, the economy will be showing signs of recovery.

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Beating the recession on the Appalachian Trail originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Classic Treks: The Appalachian Trail

Kraig Becker — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, North America, United States, Camping, Books, Ecotourism

The Appalachian Trail has been mentioned in the news quite a bit in the past week or so, thanks to a certain governor who managed to hike it all the way to Argentina. While "Hiking the AT" may yet become a sexual euphemism due to this recent scandal, for years the trail has been one of the best long distance treks in North America, if not the entire world.

The Appalachian Trail was first conceived back in 1921, with construction being completed in 1937. In 1968 it was designated as the United States' first national scenic trail, cementing its status as the top trail in the country. Stretching more than 2,175 miles in length, the trail crosses 14 states, running from Maine to Georgia, and while it does pass through six national parks, it doesn't wander anywhere close to Argentina.

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Classic Treks: The Appalachian Trail originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grand Canyon hiking: Tips on how not to have a heart attack

Jamie Rhein — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Learning, News, Travel Health

If hiking the Bright Angel Trail, or any other trail that leads down into the Grand Canyon is the stuff of your dreams, be warned--it isn't the easiest thing to do. Sure, going down is fine. That path of switchbacks, often with mule pee at every turn, beckons downward. "This is swell, " you might say to yourself. "Isn't the Grand Canyon grand?"

Sure. It's spectacular. The Grand Canyon is probably one of the most glorious, breathtaking sights I've seen in my life, and I've seen a lot--not to brag, just saying. But that alluring trip down towards the Colorado River that formed such majesty can be hell on the way back up. It can even give people a heart attack.

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Grand Canyon hiking: Tips on how not to have a heart attack originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On the trail of the Kalahari bushmen

Kraig Becker — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Learning, Africa, Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Camping, Ecotourism

A few days back we posted about 18 unique travel experiences that even the seasoned traveler would find interesting. One of the suggestions on that list was to travel to the Kalahari Desert to stay with bushmen and partake in an initiation hunt with the tribes that still wander the remote regions of southern Africa.

Recently, travel writer Sally Emerson journeyed to Botswana to go in search of the bushmen herself. She wrote about her adventures for the Times Online, as she explored the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari, following in the footsteps of author Laurens Van der Post, who published The Lost World of the Kalahari back in 1956. The book has become one of the seminal works on the bushmen and their culture.

Both Emerson, and Van der Post before her, were searching for the San Bushmen, one of five distinct tribes that are spread out across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, and Botswana. Today, it is believed that less than 100,000 of the bushmen remain, but those that do, maintain close ties to their culture, and the land on which they live.

Emerson says that the bushmen that she met were able to teach her about the plants and animals of the Kalahari while showing her how to set traps and hunt as well. They displayed a deep understanding of what their surroundings could provide for them, allowing them to survive for extended periods of time in the desert. Many of the tribesmen are now guides, and are eager to share their history and culture with visitors from the rest of the world. Traveling to the Kalahari to spend some time with these guides would indeed makre for a unique and amazing travel experience.

On the trail of the Kalahari bushmen originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Climbing Kilimanjaro with Roadmonkey

Kraig Becker — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Climbing, Hiking, Blogs, Africa, Tanzania, Camping

A few months back we wrote about travel company Roadmonkey, which offered unique travel experiences that combined adventure with the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the places you visit. For instance, one of their 2009 expeditions is a mountain biking tour through the remote jungles of Vietnam that culminates with a volunteer project to build a farm that will grow fruits and vegetables on the campus of a boarding school in that country.

Their other 2009 expedition combines a project to build a clean water system to a school in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with a climb on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Roadmonkey was founded by Paul von Zielbauer, who formerly worked as a war correspondent in Iraq. He is currently in Tanzania and guiding the team up Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. Throughout the trip he is providing regular updates on their progress for the National Geographic Adventure Blog.

The first of Paul's blog entires can be found here. He reports that the team has arrived in Moshi, Tanzania, where he and nine other adventure travelers were just about to begin their six day trek up the mountain. On the morning that the post was written, it was raining quite hard, but everyone was eager to hit the trail and begin their climb none the less.

Over the course of the expedition, Paul and the others are expected to check-in and report on their progress, both on Kilimanjaro itself, and again while they are working on the new water system. The dispatches should be very interesting to follow and give some good insights what it is like to travel with Roadmonkey. Check in with the NG Adventure blog over the next week or so to follow their progress, and to see "voluntourism" in action.

Climbing Kilimanjaro with Roadmonkey originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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18 unique travel experiences for the well traveled

Kraig Becker — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Paddling, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Egypt, India, Russian Federation, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Camping, Ecotourism

So you think you've been everywhere and done everything? Is their something missing when you travel these days? Is the sense of adventure gone? Never fear, because the Times Online has compiled an interesting list of 18 unique travel experiences that are designed to give us a special experience on our getaways.

The suggestions on the list run the gamut from adventurous to decadent to down right surreal. For instance, if you're headed to southern Africa, then you might want to stay with the bushmen of the Kalahari Desert, where you'll have the opportunity to go on an initiation hunt and spend the night in their village. If that seems like you might be roughing it a bit too much, than perhaps you'd prefer to spend the night on a private island and go sailing off the coast of Croatia. How about taking an exclusive tour of Nefertari's Tomb in Egypt, where you'll be one of just 20 visitors in the soon to be closed monument. Or, how about the workout of a lifetime when you'll be training with the the toughest rugby team on the planet, New Zealand's All Blacks, , for one very intense week.

Each of the travel experiences comes with a good description of what you can expect on your unique adventure. A link is included to the travel company that is offering the trip, along with expected prices, in this case listed in pounds. But be warned, these one-of-a-kind experiences don't come cheap, but how do you put a price tag on this kind of excitement?

18 unique travel experiences for the well traveled originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sinkhole travel: The Dead Sea isn't the only place to see where the earth has caved in

Jamie Rhein — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, History, Israel, Budget Travel

The story about Eli Raz who fell into a sinkhole at the Dead Sea and wasn't found for 14 hours--alive, thank goodness, about environmental changes and the traveler's experience. In the case of Raz, the message is look, but be alert for heaven's sake when out in the natural world.

The Dead Sea, at the lowest point on earth, has 3,000 sinkholes along the coast and more coming. Raz is on a mission to map out those in existence in an effort to warn others where not to tread. Obviously, 14 hours in a sinkhole had an impact.

Caused by the earth dissolving underground, and the surface eventually collapsing inward, sinkholes are landmarks that attract people for a variety of reasons.

In the United States, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania are the states where sinkholes are most prevalent. There are hiking trails that lead to some of them and others are in cave country. Sinkholes have also created a place to get a bite to eat and watch bats.

Continue reading Sinkhole travel: The Dead Sea isn't the only place to see where the earth has caved in

Sinkhole travel: The Dead Sea isn't the only place to see where the earth has caved in originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gadlinks for Wednesday 6.24.09

Brenda Yun — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Food and Drink, Gear, North America, United States, Camping, Transportation

Today's Gadlinks are dedicated to enjoying the great outdoors and summer travel. Even though it's windy and rainy here on the islands, I hope the rest of you on the mainland are enjoying nice warm summer weather!

Is there an art to backpacking? If so, these five backpacking tips should get you going in the right direction.
Ah... the joy of the open road in summer. If you're hitting the road, try these different motor homes on for size and see which one suits your fancy.
If you're camping this summer and want to pack some brewskies, these portable beer pouches might just do the trick. They're not particularly eco-friendly, but imagine the satisfaction of drinking a beer after a long day of hiking. Just remember to leave no trace and pack the pouch rubbish.

'Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

For past Gadlinks, click HERE.

Gadlinks for Wednesday 6.24.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A visit to Victoria Falls

Kraig Becker — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Learning, Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ecotourism

Back in 1855, Scottish explorer David Livingstone was nearing the end of his exploration of the Zambezi River when he came across a sight that was quite unexpected at the time. For days he had heard from the local tribes about a great water fall that lay ahead on his journey, but because the region he was traveling through had no mountains, valleys, or plateaus, he found no reason to believe the reports. That is until he came face to face with the most magnificent and beautiful sight he had ever seen, the 360 foot tall waterfall that he would name Victoria Falls in honor of Queen Victoria of England.

Today, the Falls remain one of the top tourist draws for Zambia, with thousands flocking to the country every year to make the journey to see Livinstone's wonderous discovery. Victoria Falls is the biggest waterfall in the world, stretching nearly a mile in width, and when combined with its impressive height, it forms the largest sheet of water anywhere in the world.

Recently, David Abel of the Boston Globe, made the journey for himself, and returned to share his experiences with the rest of us. While he was there, Abel discovered first hand why the Zambians call the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya or "the smoke that thunders" when he finally looked upon the falls that measure twice the height of Niagra.

From there, he moved on to the five-star, $900 per night, Royal Livingstone Hotel, where he enjoyed crumpets and tea while monkeys played in the trees overhead. The adventure didn't stop there however, as he followed it up with other wildlife encounters and an exciting ride down the Zambizi River through Class V rapids.

Clearly Zambia has a lot to offer the adventurous traveler, and it extends beyond just the falls. But a chance to walk in the Livingstones footsteps sounds too goo to be true, and yet 150 years after the famous explorer visited the region, we're still going back for more.

A visit to Victoria Falls originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hiker trampled to death by cattle

Sean McLachlan — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Europe, United Kingdom, News, Travel Health

While the English countryside is generally a safe and relaxing place to hike, tragically a woman has died after being trampled by stampeding cattle. The incident occurred along the popular Pennine Way in Yorkshire on Sunday. The victim was crossing a field in which there was a herd of cattle, a common enough occurrence on English country walks. The cattle apparently panicked at the sight of her two dogs and attacked.

This is the second such death in as many years. Last year a woman was killed in Suffolk in the same manner, and two weeks ago former Home Secretary David Blunkett was injured by a cow after it was startled by Blunkett's seeing eye dog.

Late spring and early summer are popular times for hiking in England, but it is also the time of year that cattle give birth to calves and will become aggressive if they think their young are threatened. As I continue my series on English country walks, keep in mind that hiking always has its dangers and check out these safety precautions from the Ramblers, England's premiere hiking organization. For cattle, it recommends that you should never get between a cow and her calf, and if they go after your dog, to let it off the leash. The dog can generally get away and the cows will go after the animal, allowing you a chance to escape.

Hiker trampled to death by cattle originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blogger Stephen Greenwood

Stephen Greenwood — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Tanzania, China, About The Bloggers, Dim Sum Dialogues

Introducing another new blogger at Gadling, Stephen Greenwood...

Where was your photo taken? This photo was taken on the way up Kilimanjaro. I had the chance to hike it last November at the end of my stay in Tanzania. It was a great challenge, and a good introduction to trekking above 5,000m.

Where do you live now?. SAR Hong Kong. I'll be here through the summer, editing a documentary about a failed orphanage in Tanzania.

Scariest airline ever flown? Ethiopian. Not particularly because it felt unsafe, but because I never knew if my bags would make it with me or if my next route would get cancelled without notice.

Favorite city / country / place? I think Stonetown in Zanzibar is pretty high on my list. Its culture, history and location make it a beautiful and complex place.

Most remote corner of the globe visited? I'm hoping it will soon be somewhere in Southeast Asia. As of now: spending a few nights in a Masai village for a rite of passage ceremony, several hours from any major town.

Favorite guidebook series? Sorry to be cliché, but Lonely Planet has led me to some great places.

The ideal vacation is... a small backpack, no electronics, a good travel partner, and a sense of adventure.

Favorite trip? Beside the family trips I took as a kid...When I was 18, I bought a 3-week Greyhound ticket with unlimited stops. I started from San Diego and worked my way as far Northeast as Boston and back through the South. I spent hours talking to some of the most interesting people in the country...people with stories that you just wouldn't find using any other mode of transportation. It was great.

Other jobs? I work as a freelance designer & videojournalist. I'm also just starting to work with nonprofits to provide them with fundraising videos.

Celebrity you'd most like to sit next to in first class? Steve Jobs.

Blogger Stephen Greenwood originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adventure destination: Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Kraig Becker — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, Asia, Nepal, Ecotourism

When travelers think about Nepal, the first thing that comes to mind is the towering peaks of the Himalaya and some of the best trekking on the planet. The tiny mountain kingdom is the home of Mt. Everest and the Annapurna Circuit, but many visitors are surprised to find that the country has a subtropical lowland area, and that there is an amazing national park there.

Chitwan National Park is found in the south central portion of Nepal and covers approximately 930 square kilometers of classic jungle. The park was founded in 1974 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site a decade later, thanks to its rich flora and fauna, much of which can no longer be found anywhere else on the planet. The park has large tracts of elephant grass broken up by a variety of deciduous trees that line the the Rapti, Reu and the Narayani Rivers all of which run through the region.

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Adventure destination: Chitwan National Park, Nepal originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The dangers of the Grand Canyon

Kraig Becker — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, North America, United States, Camping, Ecotourism

Considering that this is a fee free weekend in all national parks in the U.S., I would imagine that many people will be heading out to to take advantage of the Park Services' generosity. No doubt many will be headed to the Grand Canyon, which is the second most visited park in the country, but as this article from the AP points out, it can be a very dangerous place for the unprepared.

According to the story, rangers at the Grand Canyon perform more rescues every year than any other park, including 300 helicopter evacuations a year. Many more are treated for exhaustion and dehydration, mostly because they come unprepared for the challenges of hiking in the dry, hot, canyon that is a difficult trek for anyone. Many suffer more serious injuries, such as broken bones and heart attacks.

The overwhelming majority of visitors, as much as 90% according to the NPS, begin their day at the South Rim. Many of them are caught off guard by the fact that the temperature at the canyon floor is actually 20 degrees warmer than it is at the rim, where they start the day. This unexpectedly intense heat, mixed with the exertion of the climb back out of the canyon, is what causes many of the problems for unprepared hikers.

So, if your weekend plans include a visit to the Grand Canyon, take plenty of water, go slow, and take time to enjoy the scenery. After all, you wouldn't want to be one of those 300 people who need to catch a ride on a helicopter.

The dangers of the Grand Canyon originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Was Machu Picchu always a tourist attraction?

Kraig Becker — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Learning, South America, Peru

Travelers to Peru almost invariably make a stop at the famous Inca lost city of Mach Picchu. Situated on a mountain top, the spectacular ruins have been luring visitors almost immediately after they were rediscovered by Hiram Bingham back in 1911. But according to this story from National Geographic, a new theory is being put fourth by Italian scientist Giulio Magli who says that the fortress may have always been a tourist trap, even when it was first constructed back in 1460.

Historians have long debated the real purpose for Machu Picchu's existence. Situated at 8000 feet above sea level, it couldn't have been easy to construct, nor was it easy to reach after it was completed. Some people believe it was a palace built for Pachacuti, the ruler of the Inca Empire at the time of the city's construction. Others have felt that it has some type of celestial observatory. But Magli feels that Machu Picchu was built to be a pilgrimage site that worshipers would make the trip to in order to relive an important journey from their historical past.

Gallery: Inca trail and Machu Picchu

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Was Machu Picchu always a tourist attraction? originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five national parks to hit this weekend

Kraig Becker — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, History, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Surfing, North America, United States, Camping, Ecotourism, Budget Travel

Yesterday we mentioned that the National Park Service has waived all entry fees to every national park this weekend, and while that may increase the crowds in places like Yellowstone and Yosemite, there are still plenty of great parks that you can visit that will remain quiet. Here are five suggestions on where to take dad this weekend and still avoid the crowds.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Located in the southwest corner of South Dakota, Badlands National Park offers spectacular scenery and a surprising array of activities to keep you occupied. The windswept landscapes range from towering jagged rock spires and winding canyons to open grasslands and and miles of prairie. The Badlands also contain a huge fossil bed dating back more than 30 million years, giving visitors the opportunity to peek back in time to an era when long extinct animals still roamed the area. Today, the park is home to a large herd of bison, plenty of big horn sheep, and the endangered black footed ferret, amongst other species of wildlife.

Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
The National Park system is home to one of the most spectacular cave systems found anywhere in the world in the form of Carlsbad Caverns, located in the far southeast section of New Mexico. With its 94 individual caves, carved from the limestone that is prominent in the region, the Carlsbad Caverns are otherworldly in their beauty. The underground labyrinth is filled with narrow, twisting passages as well as large chambers and open passageways. Perhaps the most spectacular is the Big Room, which is 8.2 acres in size, handicap accessible, and well lit with electric lights. The more adventurous will want to sign up for one of the tours that will take them deeper into the Earth, where they'll make their way with headlamps into seldom visited dark crevasses.

Continue reading Five national parks to hit this weekend

Five national parks to hit this weekend originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take dad to a national park this weekend for free!

Kraig Becker — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, History, Learning, Paddling, North America, United States, Camping, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Travel Deals

Just in time for the Father's Day weekend, the National Park Service has announced that all entry fees will be waived for both Saturday and Sunday, June 20th and 21st. This means that more than 100 parks that traditionally charge for entry will be fee free this weekend.

In addition, a number of NPS partners that provide concessions, and other services, within the parks have announced special deals as well. For instance, those visiting Badlands National Park in South Dakota or Big Bend in Texas this weekend will receive a free, eco-friendly shopping bag that can be reused on your weekly trip to the grocery store. Meanwhile, travelers going to Glacier National Park can take advantage of a "buy-one-get-one-free" deal on commemorative t-shirts.

Already have plans for the weekend, and they involve relaxing at home instead? Never fear, there are still two more fee free wekends yet to come this summer, and most of the special deals from the concessioners will be available then too. The NPS has designated July 18-19 and August 15-16 as the other fee free days.

So, if you're looking save a little money on your vacation this summer, perhaps you can plan to visit one of the many spectacular national parks around the country on one of these weekends. There is a nataional park or monument in 49 of the 50 states (Sorry Delaware!) and it has just gotten a little easier to pay them a visit. Head over to NPS.gov to find one near you.

Continue reading Take dad to a national park this weekend for free!

Take dad to a national park this weekend for free! originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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15 Great Mountain Vacations

Kraig Becker — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Skiing, Europe, North America, Oceania, Bulgaria, France, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, New Zealand, Camping, Ecotourism

The U.K. based online magazine Wide World launched at the beginning of May, and is already building a library of good content for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. The articles vary greatly in subject matter and include an interview with free diver Sara Campbell, a look at the world's toughest race, and a growing collection of gear reviews.

One of the feature articles is of particular interest for travelers, offering up 15 amazing mountain trips from around the globe that will give you something to do at altitude even in the summer. Some of the locations on the list are amongst the most famous mountaineering communities in the world, each well known for offering a range of outdoor adventure activities.

For instance, Chamonix, France appears on the list, and during the winter, the famous mountain town is filled with visitors looking to take advantage of the best skiing and climbing in Europe. But during the summer months, those crowds vanish, leaving one of the world's best outdoor playground virtually deserted. Sitting at the base of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe, Chamonix gives easy access to some of the best alpine hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking found anywhere.

The other locations on the list are just as impressive, and each offers its own unique mountain activities. Some are great paragliding destinations, others offer horseback riding, rafting, fly fishing, and more. Most of the locations are in Europe and North America, with Queenstown, New Zealand being the lone exception. Any one of these mountain escapes would make a great getaway for anyone still looking for summertime fun.

15 Great Mountain Vacations originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British man is walking the length of the Amazon

Kraig Becker — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hiking, South America, Brazil, Peru

Ed Stafford is either really brave or really crazy. Likely it's a little of both. The 33-year old British man is now 436 days into his attempt to walk the entire length of the Amazon River, starting at its source, and eventually finishing up at its mouth along the coast of Brazil, where it enters into the Atlantic Ocean.

Stafford, a former captain in the British Army, began his epic journey in April of 2008, and is now more than 2000 miles in, or roughly halfway to his goal. He wanders the high ground as much as possible, and sometimes has to go well out of his way to stay on dry land, especially during the rainy season, when the Amazon can swell to massive proportions, and spill over its banks for miles in all directions. Stafford does carry an inflatable raft for navigating across the larger tributaries however, and on the Amazon, there are many.

As if hiking for 4000 miles wasn't challenging enough, the jungle that surround the river provides plenty more obstacles as well. Stafford has to deal with wild animals, including some of the world's most dangerous insects and snakes, and when he enters the waters of the Amazon, he has to deal with electric eels, piranha, and caiman as well. On top of that, there is the constant threat of malaria or yellow fever, which runs rampant in the Amazon basin, and there are still plenty of tribes that live in the jungle that are not exactly accommodating to outsiders.

Continue reading British man is walking the length of the Amazon

British man is walking the length of the Amazon originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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