Gadling

Travel chops: Sailing solo when paralyzed

Jamie Rhein — 2008-06-02T16:40:00+00:00

Filed under: Learning, Paddling, Festivals and Events, Stories, United Kingdom, United States, Transportation, News

Sailing solo around Britain would be quite the feat for most of us, I suspect. Sailing solo when you can't move your body certainly turns it up a notch--or a hundred.

Hilary Lister from Dunkirk, Kent in Great Britain is not letting the trifles of her life stop her. She's been paralyzed from the neck down for seven years, but has kept setting sail by blowing into a device that controls the sail and the tiller. Her method has taken her already around the Isle of Wight and across the English Channel. She is the first quadriplegic female to ever do these trips.

According to this BBC News story, Lister's journey around Britain will not happen in a non-stop endeavor, but will be broken into segments, and the segments broken into parts. That seems sensible. She must have a powerful set of lungs. She also has land-based crew that can offer support as needed. Her determination is astounding, but so is the support she must get from family and friends who know how important it is for people to reach their dreams no matter what the dreams are and what obstacles can get in the way.

Several years ago, when I stayed with a lovely family in Vinita, Oklahoma, there was one family member who had been paralyzed from the neck down in a horseback riding accident. He was able to do all sorts of things using just his breath because of the way gadgets had been built to help him do so. His family also made sure that he determined what he wanted to do and left him to his own devices.

We cooked dinner one night, although, he really was the brains behind the endeavor. All I did was do what he said. Dinner was delicious, and honestly, I had little to do with it. If Hilary Lister has half the determination he did, she'll make it around Great Britain for sure.

As for me, maybe I'll call up the friend I know who has a sail boat to see if we can take it on a spin on the Scioto River. She knows what to do and instructs me. Suddenly, I have the urge.

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Connecticut Journal: Rowing for Yale (part 2 of 2)

Jerry Guo — 2008-05-24T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Paddling

Read part 1 of this story first.

A couple weeks later, with a little more confidence under our belt and a little more knowledge in our heads, we come back to the boathouse to race against some of the other freshmen. After a short motivational group meeting, the coach hands us over to the coxswain, who leads us to the "garage" where the racing shells are housed. Like a general surveying his regatta of warships, I try to absorb the sight of racks after racks of gleaming, slick long shells made of ultra-light, high-tech carbon polyurethane.

"Hands on," Alfred commands us to grab onto the shell.

"Ready to lift ... Ready! ... Lift! Shoulders and walk it out." Working in unison, the eight of us manage to move the unwieldy, shell down to the water. Without the cooperation of the entire team, this "ultra-light" shell would easily crush a single rower.

"Weigh-enough ... Up and over heads ... Ready! Lift! Roll to waists ... Ready! Roll! And out and in together!"
The shell effortlessly slides into the river without even a splash and we nimbly strap in.

"All eight sit ready! ... Ready! Row!"

I forget about the problem sets due tomorrow or the Yale Daily News article I have to write this weekend. The serene, gliding river becomes my world, stretching on forever. The sun casts a warm glow over the water.

Then boom! Our shell charges off the starting line as Alfred explodes in our ears.

"Give me three short strokes ... half ... full! Good, keep it there. Lengthen and stretch."

1500 meters left. No time for stray thoughts. Instead, all I can concentrate on is the rough feeling of the oar rubbing against my calloused hands and the water splashing on me from the rower ahead. My legs already burn as I gasp for air between each measured stroke. The sweat pours from my face, blurring my sight as Alfred continues yelling. 1000 meters.

"Harder! We're five strokes to six. And push with those legs ... and push." The eight oars slice the water at exactly the same instant. I begin to feel the rhythm, the splashing and roughness of the oar no longer on my mind.

Yes, this is what rowing was all about. We finally see the payoff to our grueling workouts on the tanks in the dungeons of the Payne Whitney Gym. Like one eight-legged beast, we ram through the water, each one of us rowing as part of the unit. Our bodies slide in synchrony, and all I hear above the din of the cries to push harder, row faster, is the grinding of eight oarlocks, which gives off an almost musical and most definitely even beat. Eight have become one.

500 meters. The final stretch, the sprint that would make or break us. At this point, our slow-twitch muscle fibers have been flooded with lactic acid buildup for several minutes. The same muscles that power some people through 26.4 miles now struggle to keep our blades driving through the molasses; the lactic acid has quickly depleted our blood sugar supply so our lung cells desperately crave oxygen.

With all the fancy hi-tech improvements like the aerodynamic racing shell and sliding seats, the race still remains about man versus man, pitting the collective strength and mental endurance of our boat against the others. We are indeed contemporary Vikings, waging a continuous battle against the limits of our own body and lactic acid build-up!

We have no strength left. Yet somehow from mysterious reserves, we force ourselves to push harder, row faster. My heart beats as fast as a hummingbird's while my head pounds with blood. Just when I feel like collapsing from sheer exhaustion, we glide through the finish line, two boat lengths behind.

After docking, we jump out of the boat, elated at completing our first race. We gave it our all, and so we congratulated each other. The other freshmen came over, brimming with excitement at our performance and gushing about the successful season we will have. Like Yale in 1852, we lost by two boat lengths, but like the Vikings, the war was meant to be won another day.

Over the past century and even millennia, rowing surprisingly hasn't changed; the races still came down to slow-twitch fibers and Viking aggression, and of course, we still despised Harvard Crew. I turn around to admire the sparkling sunset one last time and walk off to the locker room.

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Connecticut Journal: Rowing for Yale (part 1 of 2)

Jerry Guo — 2008-05-23T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Paddling

Against the backdrop of a crispy clear afternoon in early September, I eagerly wait to see the historic Yale boathouse at the head of the Housatonic River in Derby, Connecticut, the training grounds for over 150 years of athletes, scholars, and gentlemen. As I ride the big yellow school bus to Gilder Boathouse in Derby with the other rowers, the pure energy and anticipation of catching a glimpse of this mystic place reached a crescendo.

Taking a deep breath and snapping out of a daydream of gliding across the finish line two lengths ahead of Harvard, I take my first step off the bus and raise my head. In front of me looms a sprawling wooden complex that resembles a canoe tipped over. I immediately likened the awe-inspiring boathouse to a huge Viking ceremonial hall. I easily imagine the walls carved from the undisturbed beauty of Scandinavian forests, the hanging tapestry exotic treasures from raids across the sea. We were contemporary Vikings marching towards the battle against the unforgiving currents of the Housatonic. Along the way, I hear a few grunts and wild yells, perhaps paralleling the Viking stereotype too well.
We step through a wide open entryway as a group, bordered on each side by a row of metal oars that were melded together into a majestic gate. The entrance cuts through the body of the boathouse and takes us onto an endless deck out back with a panoramic view of the river. The river morphs into a silver expanse that continuously laps at the boat deck below and pours off into the horizon. The still green hills behind the river bring out the light reflecting off the rippling water and gentle waves. A few jet skis flutter around, creating miniature whirlpools and a whirling buzz that disturbs the otherwise tranquil scene.

I cross the deck and peer into a vast common room with vaulted ceilings and a towering fireplace. Long wooden tables line the room, again conjuring up images of Viking gatherings, and I'm sure if they were still around, they would have used the audiovisual equipment there to recount their various heroic conquests. The Vikings were rough, but disciplined and determined people who had the ingenuity to build grand halls. The architect had aspired to recreate the grandeur of Viking design and function, to shock and awe while providing a close-knit community meeting place. Even with all the hi-tech shells, oars, and ergometers (rowing machines) around, nothing much has really changed in rowing since then.

One side of the room caught my eye. Lined from wall to wall and floor to ceiling are a century of glittering trophies, the contemporary rower's way of recounting various heroic conquests; and there is only room for the most memorable races.

"Final Round, Head of the Charles - 2004"
"2005 Lightweight Crew National Champions"
"EARC Sprints Winner, Freshmen Team"

"Harvard Wins Inaugural Regatta against Yale," read the 1852 headline from a local newspaper clipping immortalized on the wall. The Crimson Cantabs got lucky that day, or at least that's the story passed down the countless generations of Yale crew teams. Just nine years earlier, a few Yale rowing fanatics had formed the first college athletic team in the country, with the Whitewall, a rickety, scrawny boat that occasionally kept the river water out; it had no sliding seats and came with oars cut from the rough oaks of Connecticut hills.

On that historic Saturday morning, the Yale crew team had no idea they were about to row their way into a sport now steeped in tradition, and of course, herald in the most storied intercollegiate rivalry. But the battle was lost that day for the Bulldogs as Harvard sped away at the finish of the two-mile course on Lake Winnepesaukee, New Hampshire, winning by more than two boat lengths. Of course, Yale stormed back in the next few years with spectacular performances a fan described as, "the best memory of my college experience."

The overwhelming achievements of past rowers who have already set the bar as high as the vaulted ceiling rattled my nerves and undermined my hopes in finding a home here. We enter the sprawling locker room to change into spandex shorts and a crew t-shirt. I sure didn't feel like a heroic Viking at this moment, but rather a dazed freshman feeling very exposed in stretchy spandex, stumbling down to the deck by way of the sweeping stairs that spills to the river. We spent that afternoon on the training barge practicing fundamentals like turning, rowing straight, and stroking.

Stay tune for part 2 of this story tomorrow.

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World's Most Dangerous Beaches

Iva Skoch — 2008-05-03T23:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Paddling, Scuba Diving, Surfing, North America, United States, Australia, Travel Health

If you are in the midst of planning a beach vacation, this is bad timing. I was just about to tell you about the World's Most Dangerous Beaches, as compiled by Forbes.

In 2006 alone, American households apparently took nearly 55 million trips to the beach. Most of those trips were totally safe and pleasant. The rest of them....not so much.

Here are the World's Most Dangerous Beaches by Forbes:

Shark Attacks/Bites: New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County, Fla., Runner Up: Hawaii
Pollution: Hacks Point Beach, Kent County, Md./Beachwood Beach West, Ocean County, N.J.
Jellyfish Attacks: Northern Australia
Rip Current Drowning: Brevard County, Fla., Runner Up: Volusia County, Fla.
Boating Accidents: Florida, Runner Up: California
Lightning: Florida, Runner up: Colorado

Umm, Colorado? They have beaches in Colorado?

P.S. Is it just me or is this list a little US-centric?

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Read all of outdoor magazine Wend online and for free

Anna Brones — 2008-03-28T19:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Skiing, Surfing, Camping

If you are an outdoor aficionado, you may already be familiar with Wend. The outdoor magazine based out of Portland, Oregon fills its pages with stories from around the globe that peak the interest of not only outdoor enthusiasts, but anyone with a wanderlust. The latest issue covers a trip through Iceland, volunteering in Indonesia, trekking Afghanistan and surfing the Great Lakes; that's what I call good reading material.

Being the eco-friendly souls that they are, the Wend crew finally put the magazine online, making all of the articles accessible via your computer. You can still buy the print version, but if you are out traveling -- or just want to save on paper consumption -- the new online version is just as satisfying. And it's free.

Check out the virtual version of the latest issue here. And if you are feeling truly inspired, shoot them an email and pitch a story.

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Chaacreek in Belize: Location for love

Jamie Rhein — 2008-02-08T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Paddling, Belize, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism

Travel and Leisure's 2005 issue listed 50 romantic places. The description of Chaacreek in Belize was attention-grabbing. What does the "Screamer Room" sound like to you? The resort Web site doesn't list a room with this name, but what a gorgeous looking place. Perhaps the reference is to the Honeymoon Sky Room--it's set off from the rest of the hotel, perched among the trees.

The resort is a romance magnet, even if you stay in one of the cheaper rooms. First of all, it's located in a nature reserve next to the Macal River and mountains. At the spa, there's a menu of pampering treatments for those times when you're not horseback riding, hiking, canoeing-- or whatever you do to conjure up amour.

Romance or not, my kids would love this place. There's a package called Family Adventure that looks terrific. Children up to age 18 stay for free. That lowers the price tag a bit. Head here before the middle of April for the best deals. The naturalist on staff is a bonus and there are a variety of package options. Even for a solo getaway, Chaacreek looks sublime.

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Cody Cowboy Village in Cody, Wyoming: a family friendly place

Jamie Rhein — 2008-01-28T16:20:00+00:00

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Paddling, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Budget Travel, News

Cody Cowboy Village's name grabbed me when I was reading over Trip Advisors' Best of 2008. It's number 7 on the Best Bargains list. We head through Wyoming by car almost every year, and as timing has it, we usually stay for the night in a hotel somewhere in this state so we aren't totally road weary by the time we reach Montana.

Cody Cowboy Village looks like a good road trip stop for more than a couple of days. One thing that attracts me is the log cabin style rooms that are grouped into a setting conducive to feeling like you are part of a place. The decor captures the ambiance of staying in the West--much more interesting than another chain hotel that looks like all the others, no matter the location. According to the Web site there's a large swimming pool which is an item we list as our must haves after hours of driving. Staying in a hotel with a pool is one of the carrots we dangle to our son so that he gets the idea that road trips are fun.

Cody, Wyoming is worth a stop for a few reasons. A big one is the Buffalo Bill Historical Center that pays tribute to Buffalo Bill Cody, one of the American West's iconic cowboys. In this museum center there are other museums that highlight the Plains Indians, Western art and natural history. Check out the center's calendar for special events throughout the year. Cody is also only 50 miles away from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park and has a rodeo every night in the summer. Rafting trips and fishing are two more area offerings.

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Amazing Race winners: what to do with the money?

Jamie Rhein — 2008-01-23T10:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hiking, History, Paddling, Stories, Asia, India, Thailand, Australia, Hotels and Accommodations, Camping

This article contains spoilers. If you haven't seen the finale, please do not read this.

The answer to "Now what?" of TK Eriwn and Rachel Rosale's Amazing Race million dollar win is travel first. Rachel is taking some time off and they are hitting the road with a hefty sum even though savings is part of their idea as well. I've done some imagining to see how the dollar amounts might work out. Each won $500,000. Let's say taxes take $200,000--maybe less, but for these purposes, let's work with $300,000 remaining. With $300,000 for each person what would you do? Both Rachel & TK did say they are going to travel. Since they are getting along so famously, they're going to travel together. Rachel also said she is going to do some work on her house, buy a few new outfits and save the rest for later. TK already got a haircut.

Let's say Rachel decided to save $100,000 in some sort of aggressive funds. She's young so she can do that. Risk taking is on her side. In 8 years or so, she'll have $200,000. In 16 years, $300,000. In 24 years, at age 46, she'll have $600,000, and by the time she's 52, if all goes well, she'll have over $1,200.00. By 60, over two million. That's if she doesn't touch that $100,000. That strategy could give her a very sweet deal for later travel. But, that's later; this is now.

Let's talk about the remaining $200,000. Even if they each spent $50,000 on travel over the course of a few years, providing she rents out her house so someone else is paying the mortgage, what a great time they could have.

As a budget traveler, I've tended to stay in two-star hotels unless at a conference where the conference hotel has a terrific deal and my employer has helped pay. We did spring for the Westin in Taipei once. This is a honey of a hotel and well worth the money for a treat, but in general, we don't stay in our rooms much when we're traveling, so paying for elegance is wasted on us, but in some places elegance does come cheap. In India, even if one stays in a former Raj palace, such as a Grand Heritage Hotel, something I highly recommend, the chances of spending over $100 for a wonderful room is not going to happen. I should amend that this is funky, historical, artsy wonderful--not plush linen, a bed fit for a king, and fine china wonderful. I went to Neemrana twice.

Besides staying in a Raj style hotel, here are three other suggestions for Rachel and TK based on my most deluxe trips.

Pack mule trip to Ladakh: The most expensive trip I ever took was a pack mule trip to Ladakh where each grouping of people had their private guide who made sure stragglers didn't wander off into the hills, or if blisters were too unbearable, he had the means for doing some doctoring. The mules carried our stuff and there were cooks along to prepare wonderful vegetarian meals three times a day. They also made tea and gave us snacks. I'd suggest a trip like this one to TK & Rachel. They could do a private trip with two mules and one guide and a cook. Don't give up the cook and don't give up the guide. What's the point of all that money if you're on a mountain in Ladakh trying to breath and cook dinner? Better let someone else whip up a delicious dahl and rice dish. The guide is a necessity because this is a place of trails that head off in every direction without destination makers pointing the way. (Here's a detailed account of someone else's trip published in The Seattle Times three years ago. I bet the prices are not that much more.)

Cycling in Western Australia: Another wonderful trip I took was an everything included cycling trip in Western Australia. That lasted for 9 days, but didn't cost me a cent. I went along as a chaperone for high schoolers--mostly 9th grade boys. Let's just say, I more than paid my way fair and square. If anything, I wouldn't have minded if someone had slipped me a $20 for my efforts of staying cheerful and upbeat. For Rachel and TK, they'll have the added bonus of being able to buy beer in one of the many pubs in Freemantle. Chaperones weren't allowed to drink, so I only gazed into the pubs with small whimpers of I can't believe I'm in Freemantle with all these great pubs and a slew of adolescent males. (Here's a previous post. There are links to companies that do such trips.)

Antique Rice Barge Cruise in Thailand: If TK and Rachel have a feel for romance, they should take a rice barge cruise in Thailand. The one I took with my husband, dad and daughter (our theme was not romance) was one night complete with gourmet meals, tropical drinks and a full moon. The trip went from outside of Bangkok, including Ayuthaya and traveled along the river back into the city. Watching life awaken along the river as the sun came up was quite special. A warning though. The trip included a visit to a temple where we gave gifts to a monk who sprinkled water on us. It was part of a holy day. I got very unexpectedly pregnant right after. Perhaps there's no correlation, I'm just saying. Okay, maybe there was some romance.

What advice do you have for TK and Rachel for how to use their travel money wisely, but with style?

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The LA River: A sad, lonely body of water that gets no respect

Neil Woodburn — 2008-01-19T12:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Hiking, Paddling

Paris has the Seine, Vienna the Danube, and Los Angeles has the LA, river that is.

Whoa, what!?!? Los Angeles has a river?

Perhaps river is far too generous of a term for the 52 miles of concrete-lined "waterways" which tumble from the foothills of Los Angeles down to the Port of Long Beach. And yet, locals in this water-starved city have clung to this definition of "river" because they've got nothing else that even comes close. No one even thinks it ironic that the number one activity enjoyed on the LA River is not boating or fishing, but rather filming car chases for blockbuster Hollywood films.

And yet, there are sections of the river that are actually river-like, with flowing water, small islands, and even little fish swimming about. But don't expect to find these more bucolic stretches on your own.

Visiting the LA River is pretty much at the bottom of most any tourist itinerary, but if exploring massive concrete public works projects is your thing, you should consider checking out Friends of the LA River, a "non-profit organization founded in 1986 to protect and restore the natural and historic heritage of the Los Angeles River and its riparian habitat through inclusive planning, education and wise stewardship."FoLAR conducts monthly nature walks and urban explorations of this serpentine watershed, exploring the struggling ecosystem, cool bridges, storm drain paintings, and more.

Few locals and even fewer tourists ever make it down to the banks of what is otherwise an invisible river rarely noticed by the throng of commuters who pass by it on a daily basis. River activists hope this will one day change. Although plans are often kicked around to construct a bike path along its banks from the beach to downtown, it will be a long time before this is ever realized. In the meantime, the LA River will continue its lonely, anonymous existence as the river that gets no respect.

(click here for more information about the LA River)

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The Pearl of Moorea Part 3: Food & Fun

Neil Woodburn — 2008-01-18T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Paddling, Scuba Diving, Food and Drink, Oceania

For whatever reason, doing absolutely nothing on the other side of the word is always more enjoyable than doing absolutely nothing at home.

But of course, I exaggerate when I say that my girlfriend and I did absolutely nothing on the French Polynesian island of Moorea during our recent vacation. It was actually quite the opposite. We kept our days very busy eating, sleeping, and swimming. There was hardly any time to do anything else.

Dining in Moorea
Food in the South Pacific always seems to be a challenge--as we first discovered in the Cook Islands two years ago. The biggest complaint is that everything is always so horrifically expensive. We spent $100 for pizza and beer one afternoon, which was pretty much the average for every meal we ate on Moorea. Ouch!

What's wonderful about the restaurant scene on Moorea, however, is that most restaurants will pick guests up from their resort for free--a very welcome surprise that helped to keep the already expensive cost of meals slightly lower by not having to pay for a taxi.

Ironically, our favorite restaurant that we frequented the most often was also the closest. Le Sud was just a five-minute walk from our resort. This quaint little eatery wraps around the outside porch of a small house where geckos scampered about on the walls in search of insects while we dined.

Le Sud serves tasty thin crust pizzas, a smattering of fish and meat dishes, and has a great wait staff that is serious about pairing the right wine with your food. My girlfriend usually ordered the pizzas while I opted for the tasty Mahi Mahi breaded in coconut shavings. We both finished off our meals with some outstanding home-made strawberry ice cream.

The food at the Moorea Pearl Resort and Spa, on the other hand, was strictly average. I blew through their lunch menu of club sandwiches, hamburgers, and panini, and was not too impressed. Dinner was slightly better with some decent chicken curry, cheese plates, and a surprising dish that turned out to be my favorite on the island: poisson cru. The kitchen prepared this Moorean raw fish specialty in three distinct styles served at the same time. It's basically sushi salad with a medley of flavors and man, was it good!

The resort also served up some chocolate mousse that was very tasty--depending upon the day I ordered it. My first serving was delicious, served in a crisp cookie shell. The second time, however, the shell was mushy as though it had sat in the fridge for too long. The third and final time, there was no shell at all and the taste of the mousse seemed a little off.

Leisure Time
When we weren't eating, sleeping, or reading, my girlfriend and I split off and did the things we each do best when vacationing: shop and snorkel.

The resort's over-water bungalows sit on the edge of a nice little reef where I spent much of my time snorkeling with fish and coral and otherwise enjoying the perfect temperature of the water. The reef wasn't the best I've ever seen, and the cloudy skies diminished the bright colors, but it was still very cool and entertaining. And, of course, it was conveniently located just off our balcony.

As for shopping, my girlfriend was determined to buy our resort's namesake: a black pearl. I've never been a big fan of pearls, but black pearls, I learned, are beautifully mesmerizing. I discovered this at Eva Perles, a jewelry shop just down the street from the resort. It's owned by a very nice French woman named Eva (naturally), who spent quite a bit of time showing my girlfriend a variety of pearl rings, necklaces, and earrings while I buried my nose in a fascinating book that described how black pearls are harvested in the South Pacific. I didn't end up buying the book, but my girlfriend walked out with a pearl ring, necklace, and pair of earrings.

A Happy Ending
So, that's about it. We shopped, snorkeled, ate, slept and read for seven days. Frankly, I'd love to tell you more about the island of Moorea but I haven't anything else to report since the goal of this vacation was to do nothing at all. And, we did this quite well.

Yesterday: The Resort

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It's swim with the manatees time

Jamie Rhein — 2008-01-13T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Festivals and Events, Stories, United States, Ecotourism

There's only one place in the U.S. where it's legal to swim with manatees and that's Crystal River, Florida. The friend of mine who recently moved to Florida, told me this while pulling up a Web site to Crystal River.

Yep, sure enough. The manatees arrive in droves at Kings Bay along Florida's west coast via the Gulf of Mexico starting the end of October. Picture 60 miles north of Tampa and 30 miles west of Ocala ~~Oscala~~ and you're there. This pristine spot is the winter home for one of the world's largest manatee herds that will frolic here until the end of March when they start heading north again.

A warning though, along with the manatees, people herd themselves here on the weekends. According to this one Web site with info on Crystal River, there are enough snorkelers in Tarpon ~~Tampon~~ Springs, (also called Kings Springs) that you could almost walk across the water on their backs. That sounds like an interesting sport. I wonder if you have to pay?

For this reason, the author suggests that you visit during the week, or head to one of the less visited springs. One, Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park is mentioned has an environmentally friendly twist. Here, besides just seeing the manatees, there are educational programs about them, as well as, the other wildlife in the area. Bird walks are monthly occurrences up until the end of May. If you head here June, July and August, no guided bird walk for you.

This month Lu's Birthday Party is a featured event. Lu is the park hippo and a reason for a party each January. Here's the link to the park's events page that gives the details of all the happenings through the spring. The hippo pictured is Lu.

If you do plan to swim with manatees, check out the Web site Save the Manatees Club, first. Swimming with the manatees provides a thrill, but be careful how you go about it. The activity doesn't always bode well for the manatees. Motor boats have motors, for example.

At Homossassa Springs there is an environmentally, manatee friendly excursion that sounds divine. For $40 bucks you head out in a kayak on a guided 3-hour tour. (The theme-song from Gilligan's Island just popped into my head for a moment.) The photo to the left was taken at Three Sister Springs, another option.

For more manatee info from the Save the Manatee Club, click here. Also at the site, for $35 you can adopt a manatee and get a stuffed animal as a thank-you. Put a red bow around it's neck, fasten a small box of chocolate in a heart-shaped box to it's flipper and you have a Valentine's Day present for a child. Hmmmm. Now, that's an idea.

There are several swim with the manatee tours around Crystal River, but, like I mentioned, I'd keep the manatees in mind before heading out on a motorized boat. Although, since another major spot to view the manatees is at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and it is only accessible by boat, make sure you head to an establishment with reputable folks running it.

There are rules for where motorized boats can be used and where they can't be. My general feeling is that people who make their money off wildlife do a pretty good job of taking care of it. They're not likely to ruin their money tree.

To help you be in the know about appropriate manatee interactions, here's a link to guidelines from the refuge. Also, here's a Gadling post from Dolores Parker who had a personal experience swimming with the manatees last June. Even though she and her family went off-season, they did have some luck.

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Underwater Florida: There's a spring with your name on it

Jamie Rhein — 2008-01-01T20:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Hiking, History, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Stories, United States, Internet Tools

A friend of mine moved to Florida recently and has discovered the wonders of Florida's underwater scene. Actually, he hasn't made it to any of the places that he's salivating over whenever he browses the Web site underwaterflorida.com, but he's planning upcoming outings for whenever he has time off from work.

He showed me the section of the Web site that lists many of Florida's freshwater springs by region. If you click on each one, there's a description about what makes a particular spring unique from another. For example, Rainbow Springs is one of the clearest in Florida. Here you can snorkel, canoe and swim. There is also a hiking trail and tropical gardens. As I'm sitting in gray, cold Ohio, tropical gardens sound divine.

DeLeon Springs caught my attention, but it has nothing to do with the fountain of youth. What it does have something to do with is the Civil War. There used to be a sugar mill here that was burned down twice by Confederate soldiers. Now you can canoe and scuba dive.

Hearing my friend talk about the places he'd like to go (he's up in Ohio for the holidays) reminds me of what is so alluring about moving to a totally new state, country or even a new town. Although, there's a certain coziness about living in one place for a long enough time that it's as comfortable as an easy chair, and you've been to the same dentist or mechanic so many times that you don't even have to remember how to get there anymore, there's an edginess that's missing.

That crackle of excitement when learning to navigate the unknown and making new discoveries is hard to come by when settled down--which is why travel is as necessary as breathing. Moving to Florida, particularly this time of year, makes sense to me, particularly when there are more than 30 springs listed with directions on how to get there. Of course, moving means packing and that's another story. Still, Skybus flies to Florida and the next round of cheap seats should be posted soon.

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Riverboat gambling along the Ohio, Missouri and Mississippi

Jamie Rhein — 2007-12-07T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Paddling, Business, North America, United States, Nightlife

Martha's post on gambling hot spots made me think of gambling boats that head away from shore to give passengers time to make or lose money. It seems a bit romantic--rolling the dice while rolling on the river.

Several states allow travelers to indulge in trying out Lady Luck, and each state's riverboat cruise experience varies due to the state's laws. You might be on a historic style boat that evokes images of days gone by--Mark Twain comes to mind, or be docked on a flat barge that doesn't go anywhere. From what I've heard, this is a fairly inexpensive way to have a boat ride if you don't gamble. I have relatives who've headed to Lawrenceburg, Indiana to partake in Argosy's flavor. Since they aren't the biggest gamblers, they enjoyed the food, but thought the several hours that Indiana's law requires gambling boats to be out on the river a trifle long.

The Web site Riverboat Casinos lists the riverboat casinos, state by state, and provides helpful info about each. Argosy is the casino in Indiana where you are more likely to win. Too bad my relatives didn't know this.

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World's best adventure travel outfitters

Neil Woodburn — 2007-11-30T11:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Learning, Paddling, Camping

There are a lot of travel outfitters vying for your business. But, who to trust? Which outfitter is going to go that extra step to make sure your accommodations are comfortable enough, your food is tasty enough and your adventure is adventurous enough?

With the understanding that so many people are taking chances with random travel outfitters located haphazardly online, the fine folks at National Geographic Adventure have put together a very cool search engine that rates 157 of the best players out there.

Interested adventurers can search based upon Sustainability, Client Expertise, Quality of Service, Spirit of Adventure, Education, and Best Overall. The ratings can also be broken out by activities, and most importantly, destinations.

In case you're wondering, the highest scoring overall outfitter is Mark Thornton Safaris, which pulled in a 97.7 score out of 100. According to National Geographic Adventure, "This small Tanzania-only outfitter caps its clientele at 100 per year and delivers unparalleled intimacy on its bush treks across the Serengeti--all of which are led by a team of Maasai warriors and Thornton himself, a ten-year safari guide. His trips are part luxury camping, part field ecology course, and part raw adventure."

Very cool!

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A Bittersweet Reminder of Global Warming

Brett Atkinson — 2007-11-25T20:37:00+00:00

Filed under: Hiking, Paddling, Oceania, New Zealand, Ecotourism

Excuse my absence from Gadling for the last couple of months. but I've been discovering what's new and different in the South Island of New Zealand for the next edition of Lonely Planet's guide to my home country. Normally my LP ventures with laptop and notebook take me overseas, but it's been kind of cool to poke around off the beaten track in my own backyard.

Between being surprised by the increasing number of great Kiwi microbrews and dangling off a hang glider above Queenstown, the most bittersweet memory is an excursion by inflatable boat onto the waters of Lake Tasman. The lake's just three decades old, and its increasing size is being fuelled as global warming melts the Tasman Glacier, still New Zealand's largest river of alpine ice, but 5 km shorter than it was 30 years ago.

The lake's now a similar length and dotted with icebergs of all shapes and sizes that are continually rearranged by the mountain winds like giant floating chess pieces. The crystalline ice is up to 500 years old, and a lack of air bubbles trapped from earlier centuries produces an almost diamond hardness.

Out on the lake, a surprising late spring overnight snowfall had settled on the icy monoliths, and the gossamer sprinkling was enough to disturb the delicate balance of several icebergs that turned and rebalanced during the early morning.

Beautiful yes, but also a poignant and tangible reinforcement of the impact of climate change.

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Best adventure videos on the web

Neil Woodburn — 2007-11-17T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Biking, Paddling, Skiing, Surfing

When National Geographic Adventure decides to run an article titled, Top Ten Online Adventure Flicks, you just know that your productivity at work will slam to a halt until you've watched all ten.

The videos are fortunately short in length and cover a variety of genres such as kayaking, BASE jumping, rock climbing, snow boarding, skiing, surfing, mountain biking, and the art of parkour.

In short, it's a miniature Banff Film Festival on your computer. And yes, it will make you feel spineless and a bit of a loser watching other people live exciting lives while you're hiding behind the safety and comfort of your work cubicle.

Go ahead. Click it again and dream a little.

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Remember Michael Fay? Does caning sound familiar?

Jamie Rhein — 2007-11-13T12:30:00+00:00

Filed under: History, Learning, Paddling, Photos, Stories

Justin's post "Joey, have you ever been to a Turkish prison?" (one of the funniest lines from the movie, "Airplane," by the way) got me thinking about Michael Fay. He's the guy who, as a not-thinking-too-clearly-adolescent, pulled some pranks that earned him in a stint in a Singapore prison and 4 lashes with a cane.

Fay was a student at the Singapore American School when I taught there, although I was teaching in the elementary school at the time so I never met him. I was on the school crisis intervention team though. The only time we met that year was the day after he got arrested. When you're in a high profile community overseas like the school was and still is, the antics of those who are associated with you can have repercussions. As beautiful as Singapore looks, and as pleasant as it can be to live there, this is a place you don't want to mess around. If one in your community does break the rules, it's a balancing act between helping to solve a problem and offer help while keeping some distance. Places of employment and your kids' school will stick by you to a point, but when you live overseas and you mess up, you're generally on your own with little intervention.

For weeks after his arrest, Michael Fay was discussed at lunch tables, during parties, on stair landings, anywhere people caught a minute to voice their opinion. Generally, the feeling was, "I feel sorry for him, but the law is the law." When you move to a country, following the local laws is part of the deal. This was a case where rambunctious teenagers who do things like spray painting cars and stealing road signs shouldn't be living in Singapore, perhaps. It's a country that doesn't tolerate much rule breaking. There are other countries I'd also think twice about before living there with an adolescent. The rub is that when a parent's job pays well and happens to be overseas, it's difficult to make a decision that home-sweet-home needs to be back home. Plus, often overseas schools are top rate schools with all the bells and whistles. It's hard to give up the glory.

During this particular saga we read The Straits Times which published in depth articles with a Singaporean bias about what exactly happens when caning occurs and discussed why we found the idea so repulsive. Because the articles often appeared with detailed photographs, nothing was left to the imagination. It was like reading the National Enquirer day after day. Finally, Michael Fay was caned, landed back in the U.S. and on the talk show circuit. If you remember, his claim to fame was cut short when a white Bronco sped down an L.A. highway in a high profile police chase. O.J. Simpson stole Michael Fay's thunder.

The following school year life returned back to normal at the school and one of the biggest rule breaking worries was how to keep the teenagers at the high school following the dress code. Tuck that shirt in.

For a detailed account of the Michael Fay incidence, here is an article that was published in Asia Week back then. I read it and it's exactly what I remember. The cartoon is from a Web site that includes several articles from various sources. The caption bubble reads: "That's the last time I go there on Spring Break."

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Talking Travel with Michelle Waitzman, Author of Sex in a Tent

Kelly Amabile — 2007-11-07T07:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Gear, Camping, Books, Talking Travel

Campers around the world have surely tried their hand at this extracurricular activity before. But even seasoned adventurers may learn some new tips or techniques in this recent release from Wilderness Press dedicated to the art of outdoor love. Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature is the first comprehensive guide to getting it on outside, and a must have for couples looking to heat things up during tent-toting travels.

Forget hotels and hostels for romantic getaways -- give Mother Nature a spin! That's what writer and adventurer Michelle Waitzman set out to do with her partner. Their first attempt at sex-with-a-change-of-scenery did not go as planned, giving birth to the idea for this guide to stress-free outdoor escapades.

Michelle recently took some time to tell us more about this unique guide to the great outdoors. The interview is accompanied with photos of Michelle and her partner on hiking adventures around New Zealand -- and we've also got a sneak peek at one of Ann Miya's fun illustrations from the book. Read on to see and learn more!

Your book's title seems to suggest a whole new meaning for the term "wanderlust". How much can you tell us about when and where the idea for this book came about?

When my partner and I went on our first camping trip together, it was in a brand-new tent he'd just bought. So not only were we still getting to know each other, we were also in an unfamiliar tent. Let's just say it wasn't the most spectacular night of our relationship. On the hike out to the car the next day I said "Someone ought to write a book about how to have sex in a tent." And the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to research and write the book myself!

And how does one go about documenting the research done for a guide like this?

The first thing I had to do was reassure people that I wouldn't use their real names unless they wanted me to. People are much more open about their naughty sides when they know they won't be identified! Then I searched camping forums online, contacted hiking clubs, and posted signs at camping shops. I put together a questionnaire that would help to create a picture of what different couples get up to when they disappear into the wilderness. I was surprised by the huge range of answers I got - from those who didn't take their sex life into the woods with them at all, to those who found it was the perfect opportunity to play out their wildest fantasies.

But seriously, is a book on this topic really necessary? Isn't the sexual drive instinctual?

Most of us establish our relationships in an urban context. When you go camping it changes all of the rules. Gender roles get tested, the bedroom disappears, and different dynamics are involved. So the book covers everything you need to know to keep your relationship strong and satisfying - not just your sex life. After all, if you have a big fight trying to put up the tent, you won't be getting any sex anyway! As for the more physical subject matter, we can all benefit from expanding our repertoire a little, can't we?

Is the guide meant for experienced campers only? Or do you offer tips for first-timers campers too?

Sex in a Tent includes tips and advice for all levels of campers. It also deals with the fact that in many relationships, one partner is an experienced camper and the other is a first-timer. The entire first chapter is devoted to making things easier for a beginner, so that you don't scare your partner away. Camping for the first time can be pretty intimidating, and it's easy for someone who's an old hand at it to forget what it felt like the first time. If you get it right to start with, it can lead to a real outdoors "happily ever after". But if you get it wrong, you'll never get a second chance at it.

What are some of the pros and cons of having sex in a tent? Why bother?

The fresh air and natural sounds you experience outdoors at night can be a real turn-on. It can literally bring out our more "animal" instincts. And in some ways having sex in a tent satisfies any exhibitionist urges you might have without actually exposing yourselves in public. There's just a thin layer of fabric between you and the whole world! Some couples also say that they can relax more with their sex lives when they're camping, because their usual routine or schedule doesn't apply. There's a certain freedom to it. No phones ringing, no television, no alarm clock.

Cons? Well, you are in a limited space so you have to be careful. And tents don't block sound at all, so if there are other campers nearby you can't be too loud. It's a bit of a challenge for "screamers".

How about practical and logistical issues that travelers should keep in mind -- For example, what can readers expect to learn in the chapter "How to keep smelling good enough to kiss"?

There are lots of logistics involved in camping, as any camper will tell you. But when you also want to be sexy there are additional things to take into account. You don't want to smell like week-old hiking socks if you are expecting to get cozy with your partner! So finding ways to clean up, keep your breath fresh, and look good can be important. I've got a lot of tips for both men and women.

Women usually have the desire to look and smell better but don't know how. Men, on the other hand, tend to forget about their appearance and odor altogether once they leave the house. So there are some gentle reminders that if they pay a little attention to those things the rewards will be worth it.

Other logistics I discuss include planning romantic meals, packing your backpacks (men and women need to pack differently, and it's not to make room for a hair dryer!), and wearing the right clothing. I also get into trip planning, and ways to make sure that you've put together a trip you're BOTH going to enjoy.

I don't see smores or marshmallows on your list of "foods to put you in the mood" -- But do you think these traditional camping staples might also do the trick?

The foods that turn us on are so individual. For some people it's salty treats, and for others it's sweets. I listed some of the classics, like oysters, licorice and chocolate, but there's no right or wrong. Toasted marshmallows can be very sexy, because they're so warm and gooey. They're also fun to lick off of your partner's fingers!

On the other hand, some of the traditional camping foods might have a strong association in people's minds with a more innocent time in their lives, and it can be hard to feel sexy when you're reliving your childhood.

Our tastes also change when we grow up, so even if you used to just adore heating up a can of Spaghetti-Os over a fire, you might find that you're up for something a little more sophisticated now that you're an adult. I've included some recipes in the book for every meal, which will give couples some fresh ideas for their camping getaways.

Sleeping bags built for two and snow foam (to avoid rug burn) are just two of the items suggested to assist attempts at "shaking the stakes." What are some others?

Most campers are trying to pack as little as possible, so I don't recommend bringing along a whole lot of extras just to spice things up. But there are some light and small items that can make a big difference. Silk sleeping bag liners have a wonderful, luxurious feel to them. Get a double size and suddenly your tent feels like a 5-star hotel! There are these cool "couplers" that keep two sleeping pads connected side-by-side so that you have a double bed to work with. Condoms are helpful even if you don't "need" them for protection because they can keep things tidier. And wet wipes are great for cleaning up, both yourselves and anything in the tent that needs it after a close encounter. I discuss a lot of different sex toys in Sex in a Tent, but the lightest and easiest to pack is a blindfold. Not only can it spice up your night, it can also keep the sun from waking you up too early the next morning!

Can you share some tent techniques tips? How can couples have sex in a tent without destroying it?

The tent is not a good place to work your way through the entire Kama Sutra. Choosing positions that use smaller movements is ideal. Avoid any flailing limbs, as a kick against the side of the tent can bring it down or cause an indoor rainstorm. I won't go into too much detail here, but there are lots of suggestions in the book depending on the shape of the tent and the couple's preferences.

Do you mention specific brands of tents in your book? Are there some you suggest as best suited for getting-it-on outdoors?

The size and shape of the tent are more important than the brand. Some positions require a bit of headroom, so dome tents are preferable to tunnels in that case. Other couples require more length, but don't care about height. So it's important to look at the tent's dimensions if you are tall, or like to spread out. And if you're car camping, bring a three-person tent instead of a two-person tent to open up more possibilities. In fact, some couples bring a family-sized tent and use an inflatable air bed and duvet. Whatever size or shape you choose, make sure it has good ventilation for when things start getting steamy inside!

Outside of the sexual realm, I suggest that couples look for a tent with two doors. That way they can each get out in the middle of the night for a pee without having to climb over their partner.

What if travelers are just not into "tent tango"? What are some of the alternative adventurous locations you suggest?

I found some pretty adventurous and imaginative campers among the couples I surveyed! Sex on a beach is one of the most popular. That sound of crashing waves is a really great soundtrack. The old Canadian cliché of having sex in a canoe has a few fans too. It does take some practice and good balance though. For land-lubbers, wandering away from a hiking trail can be fun and naughty. One couple even managed to do it up in a tree! (I don't recommend this unless you're part monkey. Sounds like a risky proposition to me.) In a deserted campground, picnic tables make perfect outdoor beds. And bringing a hammock with you can be fun too.

What are some of the most romantic campgrounds (in the US and abroad) for travelers who want to let loose in the wild? And what exactly makes them the best?

Most couples rate solitude as the most important factor for romance. So the more isolated the campsite, the more romantic it is going to feel. This is where backpackers and paddlers have an advantage over car campers. Try going off the beaten path (even if you have to sacrifice having a flush toilet) to claim your own private corner of the wilderness.

Again, there are personal preferences when it comes to romance. I think anywhere with both mountains and lakes is romantic. But the desert can do wonders too. I thought the Grand Canyon was a great spot for romance, and Alaska was also fabulous. Hiking in the fall colors in Vermont or Maine can definitely lead to a lot of cuddling.

For those who get the chance to camp overseas, there are even more spectacular options. There are luxury camping chalets in the Alps where you can have gourmet meals after your day's hike. Nepal and Northern India are home to the Himalayas, the world's tallest mountains. Even if you can't climb them (which most of us can't) it's awe-inspiring just to camp in their shadow. Australia has routes along beautiful shores, or in the red desert of the outback, that are sure to be memorable too.

I believe that any location can be romantic if you adopt the right attitude. Romance is more about the two of you enjoying each other and your surroundings than it is about the surroundings themselves. But I list a lot of specific places both in the US and around the world in Sex in a Tent, so if you're short of ideas you might find some inspiration there.

Are there any places that outdoor lovebirds should avoid?

Big, developed family campgrounds can be a hard place to feel the romance (although not impossible). If you are car camping, try to do it in State or National Parks where the campsites are more spread out and left in their natural state. Or look for adult-only campgrounds, where at least you don't have to worry about corrupting small children. If you are stuck in a big campground, ask for a spot in an empty corner somewhere.

Again, wherever you can get the most privacy is the best place for romance. And try to find a place where you can do whatever activities you consider romantic, whether it's canoeing, taking long walks, going for a bike ride, or skinny-dipping in a lake.

Random question: Are there any nudist campgrounds, like there are beaches?

Yes there are! You have to do your homework if you want to go natural at a campground though. Some nude campgrounds are for everyone, while some are adult-only, and others are gay-only. So ask a few questions and make sure that you are going to be comfortable in the place you have chosen, and that the other people there will be comfortable around you. And remember, just because you're allowed to be naked in the campground doesn't necessarily mean you're allowed to have sex in public.

Did you learn of any sex in a tent horror stories while doing research for your book?

A few! There was one couple who had their tent cave in on them - that was probably the worst! Others had more minor problems, like muffling their urge to make noise, having their children wander in at an awkward time, or forgetting to pack birth control. I'm happy to say that none of the horror stories I heard led to anyone needing medical attention!

Did you interview any park rangers? What are their thoughts on sex in the wild?

I didn't actually interview any park rangers. I'm sure they could provide fodder for an entire book of their own!

So what's next in the Sex series? Getting it on in a yurt? Or a train or bus?

Aside from the Park Rangers? I hear there's a new airliner that offers private bedrooms for long-haul flights. I think the mile-high club is about to get a lot of new members if that's the case! As for me, I'll have to go consult with my partner and get back to you later...

Michelle Waitzman's Sex in a Tent (Wilderness Press, $14.95) debuted in bookstores in October 2007.

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Up-and-coming Mexican beaches

Neil Woodburn — 2007-10-28T08:12:00+00:00

Filed under: Learning, Paddling, Surfing, Mexico, Ecotourism

Mexico has a way of slowly revealing beach towns as though one is peeling back layers of an onion. And, with each layer, the world discovers a new playground in which luxury hotels sprout like fields of agave.

Like other beachcombers, I'm always keeping Mexico on my radar, filing away stories and suggestions I've heard from friends so that when it comes time for a Mexican getaway, I have a few places lined up ready to explore.

And that is why I was excited to come across an article in Travel and Leisure exploring "the next great beach towns along Mexico's Pacific Coast." La Nueva Riviera also discusses how the Mexican coast has been impacted by Hollywood movies and how they've transformed quiet fishing villages into popular tourist destinations--such as how the 1964 film, Night of the Iguana transformed relatively unknown Puerto Vallarta into the tourist Mecca it is today.

Writer Christopher Petkanas apparently intends to do the same with his suggestions of undiscovered beach towns such as Yelapa, a small coastal town of just 1,500 that is "accessible only by boat, by mountain bike, or on foot."

Sounds like my kind of place! I think I'll file this one away for the future.

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The longest national park?

Iva Skoch — 2007-10-27T09:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Biking, Hiking, History, Paddling, North America, United States

I've been to Washington DC more than a few times now, but I can still be surprised. And it happened again this weekend.

It turns out that DC is the ending point for a very special national park: the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, where it dumps into the Potomac River.

Unbelievably, the canal starts near the Pennsylvania border, in Cumberland, MD, more than 185 miles away, and ends here in DC, in the Georgetown neighborhood. And, yes, you can bike or run the entire length.

The C&O Company formed in 1825, started digging three years later, and finished the canal twenty-five years later, at a cost of $11 million. By the 1920s, the traffic had ceased, a victim of competition with the railroad. It uses 74 locks because of the 605 foot elevation change over its length, and it had up to 500 boats regularly operating on it, mostly moving coal in the 1870s. [Check out Quick Road Trip: Washington, D.C. Part Two for a first person account of a ride on the canal boats.]

Next time you're in Georgetown, head down to the canal and take a stroll. Just don't forget to turn around before you end up in Pennsylvania.

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