There are plenty of places to go mountain climbing in the United States, but few are as beautiful - or as treacherous - as California. The Sierra Nevada range is chocked-full of mountains that range from rocky to grassy and from tall to broad, and Mount Williamson is the second highest of them all.

Standing at an elevation of 14,389 feet, most people climb Mount Williamson via the west side route from Shepherd's Pass. Unfortunately, the access routes to Mount Williamson are often closed, and early summer is about the only time this mountain is accessible to the general public.

Many of the mountains I've written about in the past are difficult because of their rocky faces or particularly icy routes toward the summit. Mount Williamson is different, however, in that the ascent isn't particularly treacherous. It is the sheer length of the climb that makes this mountain worth a notch on your belt.

First, the winding, forest-flanked trail that leads to the mountain is just over 11 miles long, which means that many climbers are exhausted by the time they even begin their ascent. The trip up gains about 8,000 feet total, which decreases oxygen supply and really puts pressure on those leg muscles. It isn't for the faint of heart.

You'll also have to make it across the treacherous Williamson Bowl, which is carved by numerous glaciers that remain difficult to traverse through the late spring. The mountainside itself will seem like a picnic after what you endured to make it there, but always remember that you have to go back after you've descended the mountain.

Since much of your climb to and up Mount Williamson will not be shaded by trees or other vegetation, sun exposure is an important consideration. Make sure that you bring sufficient sun block for your entire party, and you might want to bring a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from sun and wind.

The Ugg Crochet Cowboy Hat is an excellent choice for women, while the Greg Norman Straw Hat is a great pick for men.

You'll also want to bring along a tent and a sleeping bag for camping at Anvil, and an ice pick or axe if you plant to be climbing during the early part of the year.

When you think about taking a beach vacation with the family, a number of destinations probably pop into your head: Palm Springs, Destin, Miami, Myrtle Beach, and the list goes on. The problem, of course, is that these well-known tourist magnets are as expensive as they are popular, which can really ruin a vacation if you're looking to have some fun.

A few years ago, my wife and I decided to take our first vacation in about ten years, and instead of running toward one of these famous beach vacation spots, we opted instead for the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Most people don't think of the Yellowhammer State for its white sand and clear blue waters, but that is exactly what we found.

One of the most exciting things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is snorkeling. The water is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom if you're anywhere near the shore, and you'll find that the best shells are actually in the water rather than on the beach.

You can also go kayaking, whale-watching, hiking, beach walking and participate in tons of other adventures that you'd find in any other beach-front community. Best of all, however, Gulf Shores is much cheaper than Palm Springs or Miami, and you get the same glorious views with about a quarter of the tourists. Just make sure you bring plenty of sun block and treat yourself to a new pair of Crocs for the occasion.

The best time to visit Gulf Shores is in the late summer when the meager tourist season dies out almost completely. You can score a beautiful condo on the beach for less than $900 for an entire week.

Since this local isn't as populated or popular as some of the other beach destinations in the U.S., there are fewer restaurants and businesses. However, if you rent a condo or beach house for your stay, you can use the full kitchen provided and cook your own meals to eat on the beach.

Gulf Shores, Alabama might not seem as exciting or exotic as some of the other beach vacation spots, but it's certainly just as much fun. And, if you find you can't keep busy enough, Florida is literally a few miles away, so you can always escape to more populated areas.

For hunters, Alaska represents a lot more than just a popular cruise destination or the setting for the whimsical television series "Northern Exposure." The 49th state also serves as the home for some of the best trophy animals in North America, in particular Dall sheep.

Typically found in the mountains and on steep slopes, the Dall is a snow white creature that has a beautifully shaped horn. Mature males have ones that curl into a circle, while the horns of the females are somewhat smaller and not quite as curved. By counting the markings on the horns, you can even determine the age of the Dall that you bring down.

Many hunters agree that the best places to find the Dall sheep are the mountains in the Brooks Range; this means that you'll have to do quite a bit of hiking and climbing to find the trophy you want. It's never too early to start training for this kind of hunt. Book some extra time on the Stairmaster before you go.

To carry what you need into the mountains, it's a good idea to invest in a sturdy, multi-purpose backpack like the Kelty Bison 3300. This pack is rugged enough for Alaskan hunting and has enough storage space to hold supplies and bad weather gear.

You can go after Dall sheep from mid-August to mid-September, but you do need a tag in some areas (approximately $425) and a license ($85). Several local guides will, for a fee, take you into the Brooks Range and help make arrangements to ship your trophy back home.

A good way to start your hunting experience is by flying into Fairbanks and catching an air taxi into the Brooks Range. You can find plenty of top-notch accommodations in Fairbanks, but you will be camping outdoors during your time in the mountains.

Going after Dall sheep could be one of the most challenging experiences of your life. With all the backpacking and hauling you will be doing, you should be able to skip a few trips to the gym after you get back home.

Resources:

http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/biggame/dallshee.php
http://www.alaskaone.com/brooks-range/

Mention Australia to the average person and they probably will think of three things: kangaroos, koalas and Michael J. "Crocodile" Dundee, the rugged outdoorsman played by comedian Paul Hogan in a popular series of films. The Dundee character, who lived in Australia's Northern Territory, earned his nickname after allegedly surviving a crocodile attack.

For climbers, the Northern Territory offers something more enticing than a wisecracking crocodile fighter, namely the destination called Mount Uluru. Also known as Ayers Rock, this mountain attracts thousands of visitors each year, many of whom are bound and determined to climb to the top of this unique formation.

Located in Uluru, Kata Tjuta National Park, Ayers Rock is just 986 feet, but the climb to the top is fairly steep, even for a veteran climber. Though it looks like an easy mountain to tackle from the ground, some people have died from heart failure during the climb.

Besides the physical challenges, there are other roadblocks that could interfere with your plans to visit Mount Uluru. The Anangu people are the owners and guardians of this rock formation, and they consider it sacred. They have posted signs asking tourists to please keep off the mountain.

Despite the expressed wishes of the Anangu, there are no laws preventing you from climbing Ayers Rock. It's not uncommon to see enthusiasts heading up Uluru, but the decision to climb is up to you and your conscience.

If Ayers Rock is too strong for you to resist, make sure to invest in a good pair of climbing shoes, such as Boreal Ace. With a pair of Aces on your feet, you should be able to reach the top and get a bird's-eye view of the Northern Territory.

Australia is a land of natural wonders, not the least of which is the beautiful Mount Uluru. You may not see Paul Hogan tossing another "shrimp on the Barbie," but for those who take their chances on Ayers Rock, the experience can be memorable.

Sources:

http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/climbing-ayers-rock-uluru.html
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru/

Big Bend National Park, in southwest Texas, is in the middle of nowhere, but that's a good thing. Big Bend National Park has more than 150 miles of phenomenal hiking trails, which is great for people who like being out in the real wilderness. The terrain in Big Bend is your typical Texas desert: wild and isolated. If you're going hiking here, you're going to need to take food, water, a tent, camping supplies, a medical kit and enough oil for a few days in the desert. Plan on camping out at night or heading to one of the small towns 40 to 70 miles away for a night in a motel.

Big Bend is such an enormous park that it is split up into different areas; east side, west side, north end and mountain. All have amazing hiking trails. Choosing one just depends on which direction you enter the park. The park has a lot of self-guided trails, and booklets and maps for each trail can be bought at the park tourist centers for as little as 25 cents. The Lost Mine Trail sounds really fun, as does the Hot Springs Historic District and the Window Trail. You can easily hike all of these in one day.

Big Bend National Park also has backcountry hikes for those who are not faint of heart. These trails pretty much require an off-road vehicle to get there. Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail is a 6.6-mile roundtrip, backcountry trail and Pine Canyon Trail is just 4 miles long. You can also do overnight hikes if you want to camp out in the desert somewhere, but you really need to understand the desert at night before you do this.

Another cool thing about Big Bend National Park is that the bones of a pterosaur, a Jurassic-type flying creature, were found here. The pterosaur is the second-largest flying creature ever found. How totally cool would it be if you found another one!

The National Park service has an excellent web site on Big Bend. Go to http://www.nps.gov/bibe/ to check out all the hiking trails and how to get to each one.

Some people are simply more comfortable on the water than on dry land and feel pulled toward oceanic adventures, like a paper clip to a magnet. This is why, when looking for outdoor vacation ideas, it's important to consider destinations that include open water.

For example, whale watching is one of the most popular sea-faring adventures in the United States. Rather than challenging your physical strengths, it instead fulfills a sense of wonder and may even inspire a career in marine biology. Whenever I'm visiting friends on the east or west coast, this is an activity I try to fit into my schedule.

The best thing about whale watching is that no two trips are ever exactly the same. You might see six blue whales on one trip, and then see nothing but pods of dolphins on your next. Of course, there might be times when no sightings occur, but many whale-watching outfitters will give you free tickets for a future excursion if this happens.

The types of whales you see when whale watching will depend on which part of the country you are in. Blue whales, for example, are common off the west coast, while dolphins often make an appearance in Galveston Harbor.

Of course, you'll need to dress appropriately before you head out on a boat, whether it's a cruise ship or a dinghy. Even if the sun is hot on the beach, oceanic winds can leave you wishing you'd brought a jacket for your trip.

You'll also need a heavy-duty bag that won't be ruined if you have to set it on a wet boat deck. The Timbuk 2 Metro has a padded shoulder straps and a waterproof vinyl interior, which make it perfect for lugging around that expensive camera you bought for your whale-watching trip.

Whale-watching outfitters vary significantly in both price and amenities. Make sure you do your research before heading out on the water. If the boat crew provides champagne and snacks while you're aboard, you'll probably pay a steep price for those luxuries. Look for whale-watching trips where you can have fun looking at the marine life without blowing your entire vacation budget.

To farmers, the Eared Dove (Zenaida Auriculata) of Argentina can become a major nuisance, causing millions of dollars of crop damage each year. For hunters, however, this speedy little bird presents one of the most enjoyable big-bag shooting opportunities in the world.

As numerous as pigeons in the United States, these doves apparently live only to eat and mate, which is not bad work if you can get it. Although rabbits breed approximately 5 times a year, the busy Eared Dove can reproduce up to 7 times in 12 months, as long as there is enough food in the surrounding area.

With millions of doves in the region, the serious wingshooter should consider taking a hunting trip to the city of Cordoba. Because the Department of Agriculture considers this bird to be a pest, Argentina's government has no set limits on how many Eared Doves you can shoot while you are visiting Cordoba.

With no bag limits and a sky filled with beautiful birds, hunters in Cordoba reportedly fire between 1,000 and 2,000 rounds in a single day. When the Eared Doves are flying thick and heavy, it's pretty easy to spend a day just aiming, shooting and reloading.

Although Cordoba has very pleasant weather for most of the year, the summer months (January through March) are among the best times to travel to this hunting paradise. Rain is fairly common in the evening, though, so packing a waterproof jacket along with the rifle is a good strategic move.

Traveling to Cordoba by air does require a little planning, though. Instead of a direct flight, consider flying into the capital city of Buenos Aires and then catch a connecting flight to Cordoba. Thanks to its reputation as a dove hunting paradise, Cordoba has some great hunting lodges where you can relax after a successful day of big-bag shooting. Many hotels and lodges also have Internet connections if you need to reconnect with the outside world.

With beautiful surroundings and plenty of winged targets, hunting the Eared Dove in Cordoba is almost like shooting fish in a barrel.

Resources:

http://www.argentinadovehunting.com/argentinagamebirds.htm
http://www.cordobadovehunting.com/dove-hunting-tips.html
http://www.gaje.org/Conf06/TravelToCordoba.htm

Although there are plenty of mountains to climb in the United States, experienced and adventurous climbers might prefer to leave the U.S. behind in favor of foreign conquests. One of the most treacherous obstacles is the Eiger, which is located in the Swiss Alps and has claimed 60 lives since 1935.

Eiger's most difficult challenge lies in the Nordwand, or the north face, of the mountain, which is also the most popular goal for modern climbers. Although it isn't as technically complicated as many of the other Alpine faces, a considerable amount of yearly rock fall and ice makes it dangerous.

In fact, the Nordwand is often called the Mordwand by locals, which translates as "murder wall." This certainly isn't the climb for beginners seeking experience.

Because the number of deaths due to climbing and rock fall has increased significantly in the last couple of decades, climbing Eiger isn't always the brightest idea. You should have significant climbing experience before attempting this type of climb, and you should be capable of carrying sufficient equipment to get out of a tight situation.

It is also important to note that most people prefer to climb Eiger during the winter months, because a hardened shell of ice decreases the chances of injury by rock fall. The elevation and the general climate of this area are treacherous in itself, so you'll need to be prepared for winter emergencies. Your first aid kit should include everything from matches to moleskin to EMT sheers, just in case something goes wrong.

Before you decide to climb Eiger, make sure that you've chosen the most ideal weather conditions for your trek, preferably a high-pressure system with little chance for precipitation. If you don't live in the area, you can use the Internet for research, or you can contact a local outfitter to keep you posted.

Eiger is certainly one of the most exciting climbs in the world, despite the fact that there are numerous peaks far more technically difficult. If you attempt this climb, it is always best to do so with someone more experienced than yourself.

Living in California, I often visit Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is known for its boating, camping, horseback riding, skiing and, of course, hiking. It's a beautiful area of the country with some of the prettiest hiking trails but the Tahoe Rim Trail is the nicest of them all. This trail is huge, more than 160 miles long, and it's absolutely one of California's best.

The Tahoe Rim Trail runs in a loop, so you can start at any point on the trail, and if you walk long enough (about a week should get you all the way around,) you will come back to where you started from. The best place to join the trail though is at one of the trailheads - Brockway, Tahoe Meadows, Spooner Summit, Barker Pass, Echo Summit, Big Meadow or Kingsbury Grade - any of these trail heads are perfect spots to start your hike. Don't forget though, take the right gear with you and wear the right clothes. The Tahoe Rim Trail is a wilderness hike and you could end up walking for miles without seeing anyone, so you want to make sure you're outfitted properly for it. I say you might not meet anyone, but you also do need to be on the lookout for mountain bikers and folks riding horses. Both are allowed on the trail so make sure you've always got your wits about you so you can hear them coming.

The Lake Tahoe area really is something. You've got the crystal blue water of the lake, the clear blue sky with hardly a cloud in sight on most days and mountains that are still covered in snow in June. There are also carpets of wildflowers that make this place the closest place to heaven you can find. Don't forget too, if you're a dog lover, you can take Fido on the Tahoe Rim Trail. You just have to keep him on a leash or within the sound of your voice - no running off for him or the U.S. Forest Service will collect him and lock him up.

Best time to hike around Lake Tahoe is between end of May and beginning of September. Stay away during winter as the snow comes down very fast, and the trail will disappear, leaving you stranded and feeling like a popsicle. Save the hikes for the spring and summer months and enjoy the lovely weather and the amazing views. You can't beat this trail.

With the very real possibility of high altitude sickness and hypothermia, Mother Nature makes some mountains potentially deadly for climbers. In addition to these natural hazards, Mount Llullaillaco, a dormant volcano, also has some hidden dangers that could literally cause you to go to pieces.

Llullaillaco, whose name translates as "murky water", is the fifth highest volcano in the world, with the last reported eruption occurring in the 19th Century. Located at the border of Chile and Argentina, this mountain also contains several antipersonnel mines, a leftover from an earlier conflict between the two countries surrounding it.

The peak has some real historical significance as well. In 1999, archaeologists found the well-preserved bodies of three young Inca children at the top. Scientists have determined that the youngsters, who have since been dubbed "The Children of Llullaillaco," were left there as a sacrifice to the gods 500 years ago.

With icy climbing conditions and the mines lurking on the mountain, you definitely should seek the help of local authorities before tackling Llullaillaco. On SummitPost.org, climber Fabrice Rimlinger recommends contacting the Chilean National Parks and Wildlife Service (CONAF) for guidance.

Though you can approach the mountain from either Chile or Argentina, Rimlinger also points out that there is no public transportation to Llullaillaco, which means that you will have to do quite a bit of driving before and after the climb. The camping facilities also are pretty basic, making this more of a rugged journey even for an experienced climber.

Reaching a height of 22,000 feet, climbing Llullaillaco also means conditioning your body for the thinner air as you approach the peak. To cross the ice fields and snow, you definitely will need an ice axe, crampons and some high-altitude boots.

With all the preparation it takes to reach the top, Mount Llullaillaco definitely is not for the casual climber. If you are willing to take the time to get ready, climbing this volcano is a unique experience. Always remember, though, that on Llullaillaco, stepping in the wrong spot can have explosive consequences.

Resources:

http://www.peakware.com/peaks.html?pk=1197
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/184475/llullaillaco.html
http://www.mundoandino.com/Chile/Llullaillaco
http://www.washintonpost.com/wp-srv/national/daily/april99/mummies07.htm

It's not every day you get to skip the office for a getaway to the great outdoors, unless you're a free-spirited nomad, but that's worthy of an entirely different post.

When it's time to head off on a camping adventure, packing smart is essential to survival. No matter what those glossy, nature-lover magazines will tell you, camping isn't always a peaceful vacation where you experience the fresh mountain air or catch a glimpse of exotic wildlife and plants in a nearby forest.

A real camping trip is an adventure, a test of man (or woman) vs. nature, a chance to put your survival skills to the test and embrace your free-spirited persona.

You might brave a night of stormy weather, endure an ant attack, or getting through those long days in the company of bears and beasts in the area. You're not truly prepared for the adventure without some basic survival gear.

First thing first; setting up a safe and secure tent. If you're braving it on your own, you'll need a flexible and sturdy tent that will hold you over no matter what the night's forecast looks like. The North Face Roadrunner is a great three-season tent that's actually fit for two; it's also super-light, which means you can enjoy a few hours of hiking and trekking while toting this one along in a backpack.

Next, you'll need a cozy sleeping bag. Wrap yourself up tight in the North Face Chrysalis Bx, a goose-down number, which will keep you plenty warm on those cold, dark nights. This one also features a glow-in-the-dark, no-snag zipper so you'll never get stuck, which is an essential feature when you encounter a "bear emergency" on any given night.

How do you navigate through those dark and stormy nights? Take along a Brunton Glorb Lantern to serve as your guiding light. This butane lantern is designed with a foldout base and turns into a candle lantern at a moment's notice. It's a great addition to your candlelight, campsite dinner, no?

When you're ready to battle nature and get through the camping adventure like a true, free spirit, prepare for the event with these survival essentials.

Many hunters dream about going on an African safari where they can
stalk such dangerous prey as the leopard or rhino and hopefully bring
home a trophy for their efforts. Bagging exotic animals like these in
another country is a rare and memorable experience.

For a taste of real safari hunting within the United States, you can head to New Mexico to seek out the intriguing Oryx.
This African antelope, which has black-and-white markings on its face,
was first brought to the White Sands Missile Range by the New Mexico
Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) during the 1970's.

The Oryx
population around White Sands has increased significantly in the
decades since its introduction. In some years, hunting can be essential
in keeping these beautiful antelopes from becoming a threat to New
Mexico's native plant and animal life.

In some ways, bagging an
Oryx is easier than all the work that's involved in getting a tag.
NMDGF allows hunters to enter a drawing for the "once-in-a-lifetime"
license that allows you to hunt within the boundaries of the White
Sands Missile Range.

This restricted tag system means you
really only get one prime opportunity to bring home a trophy. You still
are eligible for a depredation hunt, however, if New Mexico decides to
thin out the Oryx herd.

Because this is such a rare opportunity,
you shouldn't take any chances when going after the Oryx. New Mexico
has several experienced guides who can help increase your chances of
taking down one of these exotic African antelopes.

Some Oryx hunters recommend the "glass and stalk" method, which is where a pair of Rocky Stalker boots can come in handy. By quietly blending into the background, you should be able to get within range of a good-sized Oryx.

When December rolls around, start checking the NMGDF Web site
for license application information for the following year. The tag
drawing takes place in February, and if you are one of the fortunate
few, your Oryx hunt will take place between September and March.

With a little luck and lots of patience, you might just get your once-in-a-lifetime chance to put an Oryx trophy on your wall.

Sources:

http://www.nps.gov/archive/whsa/oryx.htm
http://aec.army.mil/usaec/publicaffairs/update/win02/win0215.html<!-- text:end//-->

There's something about climbing a mountain that is considered the hardest, or the rockiest, or, in this case, the tallest. Mount Elbert
in Lake County, Colorado, is the highest Rocky Mountain peak, and is
one of the most popular mountains to climb in the United States.

Although
the easiest route up Mount Elbert is a fairly easy Class 2, there are
plenty of ways to make this climb more challenging, and the height
alone is enough to make it dangerous. Because of the elevation,
breathing can be very difficult if you manage to reach the summit, and
many people try yet fail every year.

Don't allow the gentle slope
of this mountain to fool you about difficulty, and don't assume that
you can pick out the Class 2 hike easily. Since most climbers attempt
Mount Elbert during the fall and winter months, it is best to
coordinate with an experienced outfitter at least for your first
excursion.

First, if you happen to decide to climb Mount Elbert
in the winter, you'll be dealing with quite a bit of snow.
Unfortunately, this presents a problem just getting to the foot of the
mountain, and even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you run the risk of
getting stuck in a snow bank. Plus, sheets of slippery ice formulate
along the side of the mountain, and a dusting of powdery snow can make
these treacherous areas difficult to spot.

Once you've climbed
above the tree line, you'll find that there is little in the way of
natural formations to grab as you ascend. Snowshoes and ice axes are
definitely recommended for this hike, and you'll want a high-quality
flashlight in case it gets dark while you're still on the mountain,
such as the Gerber RX700 Xenon Flashlight.

Also,
be aware that the snow below the tree line will begin to melt near the
early to mid-afternoon, so you might have some serious post-holing to
do on your descent. Only attempt this climb if you are in excellent
physical condition and prepared not only for going up, but also for
coming back down.

Mountains and canyons, much like anything else, can be deceiving. Some climbs look as though they should be easy, but prove very difficult, while others look like monstrosities and are fairly easy to scale. This is the case with the Stolen Chimney route in Utah's canyon country. The Stolen Chimney looks just like its name, a 250-foot rocky protrusion in the land, and it looks as treacherous as they come.

In actuality, the Stolen Chimney is only classified as a II climb, but since it looks like it might topple at any moment, and because of its craggy face, many climbers are scared to death of it. I know that I have no interest in climbing it any time in the future, and this is a classic example of why climbers shouldn't rely on ratings to choose their next targets.

When climbing the Stolen Chimney, it's important to make sure you have a healthy supply of nuts and at least one aider. Don't underestimate the possibility that the rocky surface will crumble underneath your fingers, so make sure you have plenty of grip before you try any ascensions on this climb.

To get there, you'll wind down a fairly good mile-long trail from the parking lot, but beware that this can take a while. You might want to wear tennis shoes or a different pair of comfortable hiking boots, such as the SalomonExit Peak Mid GTXs, from the ones you wear for the actual climb up the tower. This may prevent blisters and will keep your feet fresh and your circulation pumping.

The best part of climbing Stolen Chimney, of course, is the summit. Standing atop the tower, regardless of the time of day, gives you a beautifully unobstructed view of Utah canyon country. This is a fantastic reward after you've heaved yourself up the giant corkscrew tower, and many say it's worth the nerves you experience beforehand.

Stolen Chimney is located in the Fisher Towers area, approximately 20 miles northeast of Moab. And if this tower doesn't satisfy your thirst for treacherous climbs, you can also try the Titan, which is the largest of the towers in this area.

When I'm in the US, I spend a lot of time in North Carolina, so it's become one of my favorite places to hike. One of the best places for awesome hiking trails is on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It has a bit of a dry name but the trail is unbelievably beautiful and stretches almost 2,200 miles long from Maine down to Georgia. I've probably hiked about half of it at one time or another and, let me tell you, it's never a disappointment.

The last time I hiked part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail I started in Asheville, North Carolina and walked two one day hikes from here that were stunning. The trails were in true wilderness in parts with no one around but, on both trails, the wonderful thing too were the other hikers that I did meet - many of them - all friendly, all helpful and all loving it. I even met a couple of thru-hikers, people who were planning to walk the entire length of the trail in one season.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail does have disadvantages to completely comfortable and easy hiking. There are black bears that are seen now and again and a few different types of poisonous snake that you should steer clear of. The bugs though are the most annoying part, especially in the northern regions (I hiked part of the trail in New York State one year and was almost eaten alive with mosquitos), so make sure you have your bug repellent with you and long hiking pants. But, the positives so far outweigh the negatives that, after a while, you don't even really notice the bugs or worry about the scary snakes. The views are spectacular (come on, it's the Appalachians, of course they're gonna be) and breathing the air in the higher regions feels like breathing pure oxygen it's so clean. There are also some really cool towns that the trail passes by. I recommend Harpers Ferry, West Virginia or Hot Springs, North Carolina as two pretty towns with nice people and only a stone's throw from some awesome hiking.

My next goal is to hike part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Pennsylvania because there are some ghost mining towns the trail runs through. Now, how cool is that?

As the days of summer fizzle away to give way to cooler temperatures and sub-zero days, heading outdoors for a cold-weather hike can be a great way to jumpstart your winter weather fitness routine. Still, hiking in sub-zero temperatures is a test of survival; if you're not clad in layers of clothing and well-protected from the elements, it's easy to get a severe case of the winter blues and miss out on the thrills of the adventure. When the forecast calls for rain, sleet and snow, make sure you're well-equipped with the right survival gear.

Layers that help get rid of moisture and dampness will keep you warm and toasty in even the most brutal temperatures. The key to layering successfully is to start with a basic non-cotton tee and then layer it up with thermally efficient fleece. The North Face TKA 100 fleece jackets are a good match for the avid hiking enthusiast. Just pack on those layers and you'll be fit for the adventure ahead.

It's easy to forget you need to stay hydrated when temperatures drop, but it's even more important to drink up when your body temperature is constantly shifting and adjusting. Load up on water! You'll need at least four liters of water for the day to keep your body in balance, and if you'll be out on the trails for more than a day, a mini water filter can help you keep up with your daily quota.

Thick socks, a padded pair of mittens and an insulated hat can ensure the extremities are well-protected against the elements. Your hands, feet and head need extra protection in that super-cold climate, and keeping them warm will keep your circulation going as you forge ahead on the trail. Just make sure you have a few extra pairs of socks in that backpack so you can layer up at night; wool socks are ideal for keeping you warm and toasty no matter what the forecast may be.

Whether you're heading to the Rocky Mountains or escaping to a ski resort with trails, packing the right gear will ward off those winter blues. When it's time to hit the hiking trails and battle those sub-zero temperatures ahead, prepare for a thrilling adventure with these survival essentials.

When writing this blog, I usually try to find obscure outdoor vacations that people wouldn't usually consider, but this week I'm going with an old favorite: The Grand Canyon. What would a blog about vacations be without mentioning this famous site?

This is one of my favorite places to go because, no matter my mood when I arrive, I always leave feeling humbled. It's nearly impossible to stand in front of a natural formation so massive and not feel inspired to greatness, and it's also a prime opportunity to get some physical exercise and commune with nature.

Before you go, make sure you pack a backpack large enough to carry at least three liters of water, such as the Oakley Flak backpack. You'll want to stay hydrated for your entire trip, and this backpack will leave you enough room for a camera, some snacks and maybe a spare pair of socks.

While you're there, make sure you check out some of the amazing programs offered by the Grand Canyon National Park rangers, such as the geological talks and the nature walks through the North Rim Visitor's Center. They even have ranger introduction programs for kids, which makes the Grand Canyon a perfect outdoor vacation for families.

For the more adventurous vacationers, you might also want to sign up for one of the three major river trips offered at the Grand Canyon. You'll get to see a few whitewater rapids while you observe some really amazing wildlife, and they usually last the full day.

If you plan to stay for a few days, and I recommend you do, there are plenty of places to stay at the Grand Canyon that won't break the bank. The Bright Angel Lodge, for example, is located on the South Rim, and is very affordable for the level of accommodations provided. Rooms start around $49, and private cabins will only cost you a little more than $100 per night.

The Grand Canyon might sound like a cliché, a boring way to spend your outdoor vacation, but I've been more times than I can count, and each trip is a new experience. So grab a few friends or pack up the minivan and head to Arizona.