This is the first of two essays I’ll be writing about hikes I’ve done in Sedona, Arizona.

Sedona, Arizona is so beautiful that only pictures can really tell the story. You will see the most magnificent rock formations and some of the oldest exposed rocks on earth. When people told me they “had to go to Sedona” I pictured a forest; a state park. I didn’t realize that people actually could live in this beauty all the time.

Sedona is known as a spiritual Mecca. Some people think it is one large Vortex; they come from all over to be in a place that is more alive and healthy than any other. It is a fantastic spot for hiking. I highly recommend the four-mile roundtrip Broken Arrow Trail, which begins one quarter of a mile past a road called Morgan Drive, where you must sign in and sign out.

Broken Arrow Trail is not for everyone and, as usual, going up was much harder than coming down! I’m over fifty and we had a dog, and I found that this trail, which is listed as moderate to strenuous, lived up to its reputation (especially in June, when it is very warm). There was very little shade, although we did find some on the trail. Jeep tours are popular here (they don’t drive on trails, but on rocks). The end of the trail is called Chicken Point. This is a great place to have a snack. You will be on top of the world!

This was a tough climb, but actually much of the difficulty was the heat, so bring lots and lots of water. You’ll find a lot of rocks and red dirt; some steep ascends and descends but you won’t be doing any rock climbing.

We lost the trail once, so be careful. There are well-made cairns (rocks piled on one another surrounded by metal in this case) that are staked down, so they can’t be moved. If you lose the cairns, turn right around and you will find them again.

Getting back always seems easier than going. You’ll find some tree roots to make your way over. You’ll also see gorgeous huge leaf cacti and beautiful views all the way down. As we walked and the sun changed the colors of the sky, the rock formations changed colors as well, making amazing shade patterns.

As always take only pictures, leave only footprints and kill only time.

Heading out to the water for a kayaking trip? You’ll need the right socks, shoes and helmet to make your trip a safe one; make sure you’re well-prepared with these five essentials.

Heading off on a kayaking adventure can be a great way to break away from the monotony of your daily schedule and enjoy the great outdoors. Kayaking through the challenging waters of the rainforest or just heading out to the open waters on the coast can help you explore new territory, enjoy nature at its finest and get a great workout in the process.

Planning your trip with the right gear ensures your venture will be a safe and enjoyable one; make sure you’re well-prepared with these five kayaking essentials:

Waterproof Life Jacket.

Life jackets are an absolute must as you head off to those turbulent waters, and you’ll need to wear these one at all times. Choose a jacket that fits snugly on your torso but can be adjusted easily. Some life jackets are designed with extra-supportive straps and a waist belt around the waist for more comfort.

Sturdy Sandals.

When you’re not on the boat, you may be trekking across the dock or just spending time on the waterfront. A pair of durable, water-resistant sandals can help protect your feet between kayaking trips, and help you get across rougher terrain with ease.

Helmets.

You’ll need a light and sturdy helmet to get through your kayaking trip safely; look for stiff shell construction and extra pads inside for a comfortable fit. Helmets will also prevent excess moisture accumulating at the top of your head as you paddle.

Moisture-Repellant Socks.

Skintight, waterproof socks are ideal for kayaking, helping protect your feet form the elements and keeping feet healthy. Look for insulating ingredients that can also promote healthy circulation without adding too much bulk to your feet and legs.

Kayaking is a great way to explore new territory and enjoy nature in a new way. Prepare for your adventure with these top five essentials, and look forward to an unforgettable trip that may soon become your next favorite activity.

Do you feel better when you see the world from the back of a horse? If so, a dude ranch might be the perfect vacation opportunity.

If you don’t feel relaxed unless you’re on the back of a horse, the perfect vacation for you might lie at one of the nation’s thousands of dude ranches. A dude ranch, sometimes called a “guest ranch”, is a luxury resort where guests find lodging, country dining experiences and plenty of outdoor experiences-the most popular of which is horseback riding.

One of the most celebrated dude ranches in the United States is Echo Canyon Guest Ranch ( http://www.guestecho.com ), which is located southwest of Colorado Springs in La Veta, Colorado. They own just over 1,500 acres in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Additionally, they lease over 60,000 acres from the National Forest Service, which provides plenty of room for trail riding.

A dude ranch is the perfect opportunity to spend an inordinate amount of time in the outdoors, while still enjoying the luxuries of home. Echo Canyon, for example, has several different accommodations for guests, including deluxe suites in their lodge and several individual cabins. In the lodge, guests can read in the library, play ping pong or listen to the jukebox if it happens to be raining outside.

The majority of your stay at a dude ranch like Echo Canyon, however, is spent communing with nature. Trail rides and cattle drives are among the most popular activities, and give guests the opportunity to see what life is like from the back of a horse. You can also fish for bass in Echo Pond or go hiking on one of the dozens of trails. They even offer archery and shooting lessons.

Meals are usually served in the lodge at Echo Canyon Guest Ranch. However, they do have a cookout one night a week, and you can always take your supper on the porch. Afternoon trail rides give you a chance to check out the local wildlife and practice your horseback riding skills, and each guest is assigned a horse of his own to ride for the duration of his stay.

You might want to visit a dude ranch like Echo Canyon with the whole family, or you can take a significant other or simply go by yourself. A dude ranch gives you a rare opportunity for quiet reflection intermixed with exciting adventure, and you have the freedom to determine how you want to spend your time.

This is a wonderful day trip that will give you a little of everything.

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming has some of the most spectacular scenery and is a must see. The mountains loom large in the distance but it’s easy to get on them if you hike. The lakes are beautiful as well. It’s awesome to watch the morning clouds that hide the mountains of the Grand Teton range fall away and give you a view of these spectacular mountains.

One hike we did was actually made up of a few separate destinations. At the Jenny Lake Visitor Center you’ll park and take a ferry across the lake for $5.00 one way. We could have spent $9.00 for a round trip but wanted to walk back. If you do not take the boat at all you’re looking at a whole day adventure. As it was we spent about 5 hours in this beautiful area. The hike I’m going to describe is considered a moderate to moderate-strenuous hike.

On this hike you can walk up to Hidden Falls which was about ½ mile from the dock. The path up to Hidden Falls was steep but well maintained we encountered some boulders but none I had to climb up or sit on to get down. The 200 foot Hidden Falls are really a cascade so if you are expecting amazing falls that you may have seen elsewhere, you’ll be disappointed. Just enjoy Hidden Falls for what they are.

This area was crowded. I recommend that you go early in the morning to beat the crowds. We were able to at one point but it was due to veering from the trail and not on purpose! Many people turned around at Hidden Falls and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. Be glad you could get that far. If you can continue you will go another ½ mile to Inspiration Point. Along the way you’ll see a flat rock area – sort of a large plateau along the way. You can’t miss it since there will be others there. Sit awhile. This is a great overlook for this very pretty lake.

The climb to Inspiration Point was tough. I can’t minimize it in any way. Not only was it a rocky trail but it was a narrow trail right at the edge of the mountain. In fact one woman could not even go on she was so terrified of the height and the rocks. You’ll find yourself at times hugging the rocks behind you with your back to maneuver your way up this fairly steep trail. We then climbed another 1/4 mile on Cascade Canyon to a junction point where we took the trail heading back to the boat ramp which said .9 miles. This is where we veered the wrong way. We were treated to views of rock climbers. Hopefully you will not get treated to a bear sighting. This is bear habitat and the signs were very clear. The trail we were on was narrow and bordered by high grasses. We only saw 2 others hikers here so in a way it was a good choice because it was not crowded. However if I had to do it again I would look for the maintained trail.

Once we got to the boat ramp rather than getting on the ferry we walked 2 miles around the lake to the parking lot. This started out as a very easy walk but changed constantly. Some areas were quite steep, some rocky, some really just dirt. Much of it was right along the lake and many people had their feet in it. I was surprised to not see many people in the lake. You can swim in all other bodies of water except Snake River.

Please take only pictures ; leave only footprints; kill only time.

When you’re bored with the usual hiking trails and cross country treks, maybe it’s time to hit the mountains! Mountain climbing is a great way to explore the great outdoors , breathe in the fresh mountain air and see life from a new perspective – literally. Still, the only way you’ll reach the top is with the right survival gear , and selecting the right mountain climbing boots is an essential step in the right direction.

Mountain climbing boots are usually designed with Thinsulate materials, Gore-Tex and durable rubber to keep your feet well-protected on a rigorous route. Finding the right fit and making sure you pick the right type of shoes will keep you trekking on without stress, and also reduce your risk of injury.

If you’re ready to freshen up your outdoor sports agenda and find yourself heading to the mountains, be sure to follow these tips when selecting a pair of mountain climbing boots:

The Heavier the Better

Heavy boots are ideal for mountaineering activities because they help balance out your weight and keep you grounded en route. Look for heavy materials that combine steel, rubber and heavy plastics so you can carry some extra weight in your lower body and maintain balance on even the steepest slopes.

Go For the High-Cut Style

High cut boots provide extra ankle and lower leg support, and can also withstand colder temperatures if you’re heading to a snowy mountaintop. Look for styles that provide extra cushioning in the heel and back of the ankles, but make sure you can flex your ankles slightly as you bend, squat or stoop in these boots.

Stick with Waterproof Lining
Waterproof lining means you don’t have to worry about snow, rain or sleet as you hike and climb your way to the top of the mountain. Waterproof lining such as Gore-Tex can prevent water from soaking into your socks and also help your feet ‘breathe’ as they sit snugly in those boots. Waterproof lining can be found in the toe area of most quality mountain climbing boots.

Opt for Full-Grain Leather

Full-grain leather (vs. split-grain leather) is best for more rugged routes, and can withstand extreme temperatures and ward off moisture. Full-grain leather styles are tough; make sure you’ve given yourself time to ‘break in’ to these types of mountain climbing boots so you can practice your balancing act on even the toughest trails.

Look for Hidden Support

If you’re planning on conquering a multi-route trail that involves mountain climbing, hiking and cross country trekking, you may need some extra support to stabilize the ankles and feet, and prevent shock injuries as you engage in different types of movements. Mountain climbing boots made with steel inserts and flexible plates can provide extra support when you’re tackling different types of terrain.

The style and cut of quality mountain climbing boots do take time to get used to, so it’s best to practice different stances and maneuvers before you head off on your route. Mountain climbing boots need to be durable, but also provide comfort and protection on those challenging trails. Make use of these tips when you’re looking for your ideal pair and enjoy the rough terrain on your mountain climbing venture!

If your idea of a vacation is seeing how many miles you can cover through dense wilderness, Great Smoky Mountains National Park might be your dream destination.

If your idea of a vacation is seeing how many miles you can cover through dense wilderness, Great Smoky Mountains National Park might be your dream destination. There are more than 800 miles of trails through America’s most visited park, and if you wait until Fall for your vacation, or head out in the early summer, you’ll have less competition from other visitors.

Some people prefer to spend their vacations in the numerous Great Smoky Mountains campsites, taking day hikes over the trails that wind sinuously through the Smokies. However, you can also take two-, three- and four-night backpacking trips and sleep out under the stars. Either way, you’re guaranteed a fair amount of exercise and a close-up encounter with several forms of wildlife.

Maddron Bald Overnight Loop

If your legs have been parked under a desk all year, this might not be the trail for you, but experienced hikers who have kept in shape will find the hike invigorating. The two-night adventure takes you along the foothills of Gabes Mountain and into the woods toward a campsite known as Sugar Grove, which has developed a reputation for bear sightings. On the second day, you’ll follow Maddron Bald Trail and camp along Otter Creek, and finish the trail on the third day down Snake Den Trail.

This particular adventure on your vacation will take you to 5,800 feet in elevation, and you’ll constantly want to stop not to rest your legs, but to admire the stunning vistas that appear through clearings.

Fontana Lake Loop

For those inexperienced hikers, or the vacationers who haven’t kept in shape, Fontana Lake is the ultimate destination for beautiful scenery without as much burn. Start out your morning at Fontana Lake, and try some jet-boating before you head up into the mountains, or simply take the chartered boat service from the marina to the other side of the 29-mile-long lake.

The hike itself is magnificent, providing interspersed views of both Fontana Lake and Eagle Creek, carrying you up relatively gentle inclines and long, sloping declines. You might get to see some deer, and you’ll find birds of all species flying among the trees. Children in particular will enjoy the view of the Appalachian Trail, which is intersected on the last leg of the hike. You’ll end up at Fontana Marina, where you can return to your campsite or enjoy another opportunity for fishing or boating.

There are thousands of different combinations of trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, each of which has something different to offer. Just make sure you bring plenty of water on your hike, and if you come during the middle of the summer, choose non-rationed campsites for more seclusion and less interruption on your hike.

When hunting season rolls around, think about heading up North for the challenges of Newfoundland.These days, it can be difficult to find those unspoiled places to hunt where everything comes down to an honest confrontation between you and your prey.

Newfoundland, Canada is, however, one of those rare hunting destinations where you truly have to rely on your skills as a hunter to come home with a trophy. With the black powder and rifle season beginning in mid-September, Newfoundland offers some of the best big game hunting opportunities in the world; bow hunters get to start two weeks earlier. Because Newfoundland has a temperamental and changeable climate during hunting season, it’s hard to tell exactly what kind of challenges the weather will throw at you. Make sure to pack for cold, wet weather as well as unseasonably warm temperatures. As for the wildlife, Newfoundland definitely puts the “big” in the term big game:

Black Bear

Bears typically are formidable prey, but the North American Black Bear, which has tipped the scale at close to 500 pounds, is an especially challenging target. Newfoundland offers both baited and non-baited Black Bear hunting.

Bull Moose

With large antlers and a weight of approximately 1,500 pounds, a mature Bull Moose is quite a trophy and can be brought down with a bow, muzzleloader or rifle.

Caribou

To stalk these 500 pound beauties, you also can use bows, muzzleloaders and rifles and hopefully come home with an impressive trophy.

On the average, a hunter in Newfoundland has approximately a 70-75% chance of bringing down their prey, with some regions offering a better shot than others. For something a little bit different, also try hunting the Willow Ptarmigan, a local bird that can be found in abundant quantities during the big game hunting season.

Among hunters in Newfoundland, the concept of “fair chase” hunting is fairly widespread; it is perhaps the most honest and honorable way to spot and stalk prey in the wilderness. Instead of using high tech gadgets to get off a shot from a long distance, fair chase means relying on your own skill to move in closer for the kill.

Hunting lodges are quite plentiful in Newfoundland, with all-inclusive packages that offer “fly-in” hunts, accommodations, meals, guides and preparation of meat and trophies. Depending on what kind of game you have your heart set on, packages range in price between $2,000 and $5,000. Lodgings tend to be clean, comfortable and contain everything you need for a great hunting getaway.

One of the best ways to reach Newfoundland is by plane and the recommended carrier is Air Canada. Since you will be traveling outside the United States, a current passport is needed to enter Canada. You can bring your weapons into the country as long as you declare them to the proper authorities at Canadian Customs.

With some of the biggest game available in North America combined with an unspoiled wilderness, Newfoundland could easily become your new favorite hunting spot.

Resources:
http://www.pineridge.nf.ca/general.htm
http://www.newfoundlandhunting.com/hunting_information.html http://www.biggamecanada.com/travel_info.html

Though both deadly and beautiful, Nanga Parbat attracts climbers every year.

Some of the most beautiful mountains in the world have proven to be the most dangerous, even for the most experienced of climbers. Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain in the world, is a breathtaking and majestic destination that definitely has earned the nickname of “The Killer Mountain.”

Located in Pakistan in the Himalaya Mountain Range, Nanga Parbat reaches a height of 26,658 feet (8,125 meters) and its name translates as “Naked Mountain” because of the lack of vegetation and snow on some of the steeper slopes.

The Killer Mountain claimed the lives of numerous adventurers until its streak was first broken in 1953. In that year, Hermann Buhl, as part of a German-Austrian expedition, made it to the summit after many of his fellow climbers found the mountain too challenging.

Buhl had tackled Nanga Parbat from the north, ascending what is referred to as the Rakhiot Flank. In 1970, world famous climber Reinhold Messner and his brother Gunther ascended to the summit from the Rupal Face, but Gunther lost his life in an avalanche during the descent. Gunther Messner’s remains were later recovered by another expedition in 2005, but the disappearance of Messner’s younger brother led to some rather nasty accusations, which haunted the mountain climbing for decades after his initial success on Nanga Parbat.

Because it is one of 14 mountains in the world that tops 8,000 meters, Nanga Parbat continues to attract high altitude adventurers, even with its killer reputation. Despite the high cost of food and transportation these days, climbing Nanga Parbat actually is less expensive than ever before. In 2007, as part of the “Year of Tourism,” the Pakistan government sliced the climbing royalties in half. You also don’t need a trekking permit, but a visa is required to enter the country.

As is the case with any mountain as high as Nanga Parbat, climbers do need to take special precautions when mounting an expedition. The ideal time to make the attempt is between the months of June and September; the winters atop Nanga Parbat can be extremely harsh and treacherous.

In addition to extreme cold and illness, one of the leading causes of death above 7,000 feet is hypoxia, or oxygen starvation. Though Buhl made his solo ascent without supplemental oxygen, most climbers should bring extra bottles and tanks with them. Taking the time to acclimate your body to the high altitude also can greatly increase your chances of survival in the extremely thin air.

Though many have successfully reached the summit, Nanga Parbat’s Mazeno Ridge has proven to be the most difficult route to tackle. If your determination is high and failure is not an option, Mazeno Ridge may be your next climbing destination.

Sources:
http://www.peakware.com/peaks.html http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150276/nanga-parbat.html#chapter_4 http://www.tourism.gov.pk/destinations.html
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0405/excerpt2.html http://www.monterosa-nepal.com/pakistan/nanga-parbat-expedition.htm http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150276/nanga-parbat.html