“Sapporo… is far easier to navigate.”

“Sapporo has a very different vibe to Japanese mega-cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
Because it's a lot younger – a mere 150 years old – it's built on a North American-style grid, so is far easier to navigate.”

– Jonathan Thompson, Adventure Cities

Sapporo: Exploration

“… the Alaska of Japan”

“Hokkaido – sometimes referred to as the Alaska of Japan – is an adventure sports paradise,
and Sapporo is a phenomenal base from which to explore the island's best outdoor experiences,
with lush forests and some of Japan's finest national parks right on its doorstep..”

– Jonathan Thompson, Adventure Cities

Sapporo: History

“The oldest building in Sapporo”

“The oldest building in Sapporo is its beloved clock tower, which has been faultlessly accurate for 150 years.
Locals still set their watches by it as they walk past every morning.” 

– Jonathan Thompson, Adventure Cities

Sapporo: Cuisine

“… home of the ultimate comfort food”

“Sapporo is revered as the spiritual home of the ultimate comfort food, miso ramen.
And the best place to enjoy a cheap, delicious bowl of the good stuff today is the
downtown alleyway where it was invented: Ganso Ramen Yokocho, or ‘Ramen Alley'.”

– Jonathan Thompson, Adventure Cities

The post Journal: Sapporo Japan appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Columbus Georgia Lodging

We travel full time in our Truck Trailer combo, and Columbus has great RV Parks and options just outside of town.  The two RV Parks that are closest to downtown are Lake Pines and Camp David. As kayakers they have an option for parking along the river at the Piggly Wiggly on 13^th St. Piggly Wiggly living isn’t for everyone but it’s amazing that the community has made the whitewater park so accessible.

For most I would highly recommend one of the dozen hotels right down-town, the Hampton, Marriott, Indigo, all are great options with varying price points. Most have pools and other great amenities. If you want to go the Airbnb route- there are a ton as it’s a college town and a military town, so lots of visitors and a ton of options within walking distance to the main street: Broadway.

Food in Columbus

I cant do a trip report without mentioning food… Food is a big part of our “vacations” and trips as I truly enjoy exploring new restaurants. Broadway has a ton of restaurant options, from Greek, Pizza, Mexican, Sushi, you name it. Our personal favorites as a family are:

Simple Greek- Light and easy to build your own bowl so the kids can personalize.

Banks Food Hall: the Poke Bowls are next level in the Food Hall and I could eat there every day if possible. The food hall also has a unique hot dog stand with odd variations of hot dogs including a BLT Hot Dog. The Mexican place is delicious very fresh and has the best nachos. The Ice Cream place mixes soft serve and sorbets so the kids asked for Ice Cream non stop, but Mom and Dad had problems saying No as we really enjoyed it as well.

Farm to Table

11^th and Bay: Farm to Table (mostly local ingredients) This is a good date night or dressy dinner place. It has the very best Table Biscuits, Scallop and cut in house steaks. I would say more about the menu but as its local they have to change it often to match what’s in season.

Pizza

Your Pie: Build your own Pizza place, I have to mention it because it has gluten free crusts and dairy free cheese- so for me this was a huge win!

Dessert and Snacks

Veri Best Donuts- Do I need to say more? They have the most unique donuts, from Cinnamon Crunch or Fruity Pebbles ones, to Croissant Donuts? So much yum!

A Classic: The Dinglewood Pharmacy

Dinglewood Pharmacy: Yes it’s a pharmacy but it’s also a historical diner that is still serving food that the whole family will love, BLT’s Chicken Fingers, burgers and more. What makes this place special is the Scrambled Dog, served since the beginning, it has been served to celebrities including Prince Charles. The Scrambled Dog is a hot dog, with chili, oyster crackers and pickles. But don’t stop there- you can customize your Scrambled Dog with fritos, hot peppers, cheese and more. I was shocked (and a little scared) when I saw people creating their scrambled dogs but it was shockingly yummy…

Biscuits

Iron Bank: If you love biscuits, go to Iron Bank and get the Sweet Potato Biscuit or Herb. Both are absolutely delicious. They have great coffee, beer, sandwiches, salads and pastries. They also have pies and cobblers almost every day and I love to support them as they are very kind to the local homeless population.

Smoothies

Ride On Smoothies: Need some super greens or fresh pressed juice? They have a wide range of fresh juice and smoothies including Acai Bowls. I am an avid juice and wheatgrass drinker so I appreciated the clean juice after donuts and scrambled dogs.

Beer Tasting

Maltitude:  Beer tasting anyone? A beer shop with a serious selection! You can order glasses on tap, or simply shop. We ended up trying beers as unique as a Pickle Beer, and yes it tasted like pickle juice and beer in one glass!

Columbus Family Activities

Rush South Whitewater Park: If you want to go Whitewater Kayaking, this Whitewater Park is World Class! So much so that they are hosting the World Championships for Freestyle Kayaking in October, 2023. If you don’t kayak, you can raft, ducky or more by checking out Whitewater Express who offers a wide variety of activities. You can also rent flatwater kayaks for below the whitewater or take a Fly Fishing lesson.

Museums

Columbus State University Coca-Cola Space Science Center

Say that 5 times fast! This place is GREAT for any kid that shows any interest in space, otherwise it’s a great educational center that has a ton of interactive shows, games and staff. My kids arrived with dozens of questions and left with a much more in depth understanding on not only what’s going on in Space, but travel and exploration of it as well.

Columbus Collective Museum

If you want to see 7 Museums under 1 roof, go check this place out. It has a full antique shop vibe (and it is an antique shop too). Our kids enjoyed making the Phonograph work, and the Lunch Box Museum. The Lunch Box Museum was a highlight for me as it has over 2,500 boxes and it was VERY cool to see what we popular throughout certain years.

Biking in Columbus Georgia

Riverwalk

The Dragonfly Trail System connects miles of River Walk and down town Columbus to give you a safe biking route for you and your littles. We enjoyed biking up and down the walk, but I also appreciated the walk for my morning walks- with a quick stop at Iron Bank for coffee : )

Sunset happens to hit the walk just right so if you prefer to walk in the afternoon- you’ll get beautiful evening lighting over the water.

Standing Boy Park

This is a short drive away but has to be mentioned. It has EPIC mountain biking trails and running trails. I went there as often as I could as there are easy to hard trails for miles and a ton of wildlife. Twice now I have seen wild armadillos!

Ziplining and High Ropes

Whitewater Express also offers Ziplining (it’s the only zip-line that crosses states) and a High Ropes course. Our kids were nervous to approach the Zipline this trip but we are excited to make it happen when we come back. The High Ropes course is step by step so it was great for the whole family and comfort levels. This was one of our favorite Columbus family activities!

Other Activities to Try

Rocket Fizz: This is an activity and food in one. If you love different specialty chocolates or candy, you must go. Fair warning they do have massive lollypops that cost $50, so be warned. My kids spent almost an hour choosing which candy they wanted.

Playground: Outside of WW Express or the Banks Food Hall is an epic playground. In the summer time it also has a splash pad.

Yoga: Multiple Yoga Studios including River Flow – sometimes Mom or Dad may need some solo bendy time and this studio is in a gorgeous location:

Best Time to Visit Columbus Georgia

You can visit Columbus, GA all year round, for water Columbus family activities I recommend March- November. But otherwise the town is well set up to be a year round destination. It is also worth checking out which months they have their weekly farmers markets, concerts, and other fun events!

If you liked this post covering activities for adventurous families, check out the post on our Family Adventure in Niagara Falls Ontario!

Fire pit: The Lavabox Tacana Twosome
Bikes:  Bosch e-Bikes: Yuba Spicy Curry (Cargo)
Clothing: Cotopaxi Desert View Organic T-shirt, Cotopaxi Kids Teca Cálido Reversible Jacket
Camera: GoPro Hero 11
Kayaks: Jackson Fun Kids Kayak, Jackson Kayak Rockstar
Life Vest: NRS Zen PFD
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Family Activities in Columbus, Georgia appeared first on Hazeadventure.

I have never traveled to this part of the US before. So I didn’t really know what to expect. I arrived in the middle of January, supposedly winter. And yet, it was raining. The winter wonderland that I expected had not yet arrived. This was going to be an interesting winter camping experience in West Virginia.

The Canaan Valley

I drove to Canaan Valley, in the north of West Virginia. Canaan Valley is where some of the East Coast’s best skiing can be found. So everyone here was feeling the longing for the temps to drop a few more degrees and have this dreary rain become beautiful, delicious snow.

While the snow eluded me overnight, I decided to drive up to West Virginia’s highest points, Spruce Knob and Bickle Knob. As I drove higher, up from the valley an additional 2,500 feet, the rain had indeed turned to snow overnight. I got out of the car and immediately felt the blast of cold air slap me in the face.

I had no idea that the mountains that John Denver sings about we’re, ahem, actual mountains. Spruce Knob, as it protrudes into the sky, was scraping the wind. The cold blasting the trees left behind amazing frost structures. The ice grew like a beard on anything facing east. Here was my first glimpse of a frosty east coast winter.

Atop Bickle Knob, the rays of sun pierce the clouds with glorious views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking the Potomac Region

Driving through the Potomac region, the mountains and valleys are dense. You’re either going up or down. There are almost no flat or straight roads to speak of. As I drove through the valley, I saw a dramatic rise of sandstone, like a flapjack pancake stood on its side. These kinds of formations are rare, no matter where you are.

I couldn’t believe there was this dramatic flake of rock sticking high into the sky. It called to me, like any spire or spine of rock does, to go stand atop it. I set out from the trailhead and chugged my way up the trail.

Of course, standing on this knife edge ridge is not recommended for everyone. But for climbers or the vertically daring, it’s one of the most dramatic and beautiful sights. Walking atop the ridge is a mind-bending experience.

Winter Camping in West Virginia

While I had been hoping for a winter backpacking trip that involved snow, I was still keen to explore the vast wilderness area of the region. I met up with Brooke, a ranger for the US Forest service, to go backpacking into the Otter Creek Wilderness. Otter Creek is one of the larger wilderness areas on the east coast. Brooke and I followed the gorgeous namesake, Otter Creek, deeper into the mountains.

The front country disappeared immediately, and it quickly felt like we were remote and isolated. At last we stumbled into camp, just as darkness was setting in. One of our first tasks was to collect firewood. In my mind, a fire would be a necessary way to stave off the cold of the night. Brooke was dubious I could even start a fire in the first place. The recent rain had left everything completely soaked.

I busted out all my fire starting tricks I could muster. Eventually, we “successfully” lit a small fire that needed constant attention and emitted little warmth. This was a humbling experience.

Food is such a big part of winter camping. Good nutrition is always important, but even more so when it’s cold out and the body is fighting for warmth. In the morning I prepared coffee and burritos full of bacon, beans, veggies, and cheese. Excellent fuel to light the fire within.

Skiing in West Virginia

It wouldn’t be a complete trip to Canaan Valley without hitting the slopes. I met up with Don, the head of ski patrol and mountain operations, to get familiar with the mountain. Despite the lackluster snow, we had an amazing time. Despite the recent rain, the manmade snow was in good shape. I was flying down the hills and having a blast.

Exploring the New River Gorge, West Virginia

The New River Gorge is one of West Virginia’s best hot spots. With the recent designation of national park status for the New River Gorge, more people have been discovering a long-held secret. For those who love adventure, this is the place to be. The East Coast’s whitewater rafting and kayaking epicenter also happens to be home to incredible rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and just about everything you could ask for; especially winter camping in West Virginia.

With the change in location came a change in weather. A winter storm was making its way across the east, and with it came a blanket of snow. With the prior lack of snow, I had decided to go mountain biking.

So waking up to several inches of snow was a bit of a surprise. But apparently, that was just fine with Phil of Arrowhead Bike Farm, a literal farm and bike shop. Together we set out from the farm to ride some of the extensive trials in the area.

Within a couple minutes we were riding on pristine snow-covered trails in the national park. The forests were quiet and peaceful under the blanket of snow.

The New River Gorge is full of trails and adventures. But it’s also home to a feat of human engineering. The New River Gorge Bridge spans over a mile across the gorge and stands nearly 1,000 feet above the river below.

It’s a beautiful and iconic sight. The trail that Phil and I rode eventually led to a spectacular overlook, a prow of rock that stands directly across from the bridge, one of the best vantage points in the park.

The Waterfalls of West Virginia

West Virginia is for waterfall lovers. There are thousands of waterfalls across the state. As a landscape photographer, I was excited to visit as many as I could. Cathedral falls flowed dramatically down a sinuous chasm.

But my favorite was a visit to Babcock State Park, where an old grist mill still stands. The juxtaposition of the old, stone foundations and aged wood siding along the cascades of a beautiful river in the snow was simply incredible. I couldn’t help but run around excitedly taking as many photos as I could.

The Ace Adventure Resort

The next day, the winter storm had fully cleared. Everything was pristine and beautiful, a winter wonderland. The sun shone bright and cold, a perfect day for an adventure. I headed to Ace Adventure Resort, a literal playground of outdoor activities.

I wanted to test out the renowned zipline course that’s been built on an old converted mine. The course is built atop the edge of the gorge, so the views all along the way are incredible. With no leaves on the trees, the views were unimpeded and spectacular.

While it would take a lifetime to fully appreciate West Virginia and all it’s splendor, I now better understand the charms and charisma. Winter is a wonderful time to explore this place. When the fresh snow falls, it instantly turns into one of the most gorgeous landscapes around. And with hardly any crowds on the trails, it’s a perfect place to let those country roads take you home.

Previous Winter Camping Articles:
– Fresh Gear Friday: Lightweight Backpacking Tent & New Gear
– Winter Backpacking Mistakes
– Fresh Gear Friday: Cold Weather Backpacking Gear
– Fresh Gear Friday: Cold Weather Sleeping Bags and Other Gear

For more year-round backpacking adventures, head on over to BackpackingTV. 

Backpacks: Bridger 65 backpack, Bridger 35L daypack
Tent: MSR Access 1 4-Season tent
Sleeping Bag: Thermarest Parsec 0 degree
Sleeping Mat: Zenbivy Light Mattress
Camp Food: BeanVivo Three Bean Chili
Jackets: Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket, Cotopaxi Fuego Hoodie
Fleece: Beyond Clothing Dawa Sherpa Fleece
Pants: Fjallraven Keb Trousers, Shadow Insulated Snow Pant
Footwear: Tundra Aerogel Booties by Outdoor Research, SuperAlp GTX by AKU
Camp Stool: Grand Trunk’s Compass 360 Degree Stool
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Winter Camping in West Virginia appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Over the years, we’ve tested many different internet plans. I’m going to give you a quick rundown of the four that we use the most. 

Sky Net – Wireless for Remote Locations

The first one is our brand new Sky Net. It’s definitely the biggest internet contraption that we’ve had. It's actually a recent purchase because it came out with their mobile edition. It was was specifically marketed at people who travel in RVs. 

We went ahead and purchased it, and I can tell you that the internet is fast. I can do all my Zoom calls and all my Skype calls without any issues. It’s about $135 dollars a month, and initially, for the setup of the mobile version, it's about $700. It’s very worth it, and I'm definitely finding that the internet works everywhere. It also works in Canada, which is great! I'm not limited to only being able to use it in the U.S. 

Verizon MiFi – Wireless for Remote Locations

The other internet program that we've used over the years is Verizon’s MiFi which is a smaller contraption. I still really like the MiFi, and I still have it even though we have the Skynet. The reason why we still have it is that it is battery operated. It doesn’t require any power, whereas the Skynet has to be plugged in, and it pulls from our solar. 

If I have to work all day long and we’re not plugged in, then the Skynet can drain its battery. This is why we have the MiFi because I can charge it. It keeps its charge pretty well for our backup option.

With the MiFi, you can connect multiple devices to it. I think it’s only $35 a month once you’ve purchased the pack itself. As far as the monthly costs, it really isn’t that bad compared to other options. 

One other cool thing about the MiFi is that it works really well if you’re outdoors doing something. You can just throw it in your backpack and use it on the go. 

Verizon Phone Plan – Wireless for Remote Locations

We use Verizon phones, and I frequently use the hotspot quite often. Between the Skynet, the MiFi, and our Verizon phone plan, we’re connected to the internet most of the time. 

GMC Truck HotSpot – Wireless for Remote Locations

One last feature we have for the internet is actually our truck. We have a GMC truck, and it has a hotspot as well. I never really realized how much we would be using it. When we’re driving, there are so many cases where the cell service isn’t good. When our phones and our MiFi don’t work, the hotspot on our truck works great. 

I’ve also found that with the truck, long drives aren’t a problem for work. The GMC HotSpot keeps me working while Nick’s driving, or vice versa. 

Four Wireless Remote Suggestions

So, those are the four main internet connections that we use. Of course, you can take advantage of the wifi internet in cafes and different RV parks. If the internet is one of the reasons that’s stopping you from hitting the road for a long period of time, then I would definitely consider doing some research. There are so many great options out there to help you. 

We’re using all four different internet sources right now. The total monthly cost for us is around $200. It’s a work expense and a big part of allowing us to be able to take on these adventures, so for us, the expense is totally worth it. 

There are plenty of options for you to check out. Whether you can see if you can get a car with a hotspot, the Skynet, the MiFi, or your phone’s hotspot, all of them are available and will help you transform your adventures into long term adventures and turn your dream of working on the road into a reality. 

Fleece Jacket: Cotopaxi Abrazo Half-Zip Fleece Jacket
Portable Wifi: Verizon’s MiFi

The post Tips for Wireless Remote appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Today, I’m sharing with you my top five national parks for families. Some of which you may have already expected and others that you might not have even heard of. 

Sequoia National Forest

Number one on our list of top 5 family-friendly national parks is one of our absolute favorites, Sequoia National Forest in California. Sequoia has some of the biggest trees in the world. Not only are they some of the biggest, but they’re also some of the oldest. 

Names of the Trees

When we visited Sequoia, my kids really enjoyed getting to know the names and the history behind the magnificent trees. My oldest Tucker was even able to point out the General Sherman, the largest known living single-stem tree on Earth. 

Land of Giants

Just being surrounded by the trees themselves was quite magical on its own. So instead of just walking through the forest and seeing the occasional big tree, in Sequoia, you’re surrounded by giants from the second you enter the park. 

History of the Trees

The Sequoia National Park does a really good job of explaining the history of the trees. They talk about the obstacles the trees have had to overcome to turn into the beautiful, magical forest that we see today. Another thing that’s nice about Sequoia National Forest is that it's very compact. So if you want to get in there and not hike too far, you totally can because you can just picnic and base yourself around some of the most famous big trees without having to move too far.

Yellowstone National Park

Our second favorite national park for families is Yellowstone. I know it’s a little cliche for some people, but at the same time, 2022 was our first visit to Yellowstone as a family, and it was totally worth the wait.

Wildlife Viewing for Kids

Before visiting, I did not anticipate seeing nearly as much wildlife as we ended up seeing. Even from the beginning, before we even crossed into Yellowstone National Park, we saw so many animals. This made the kids want to look out for them for the entire duration of the trip. 

If you wanted to go check out the geyser and some of the other springs, such as a Grand Prismatic Spring, it’s not a far walk at all. It’s definitely worth it. Before you go check out the geyser, be sure that you check with the park the times that they anticipate the geyser to blow. It goes about every two hours. It’s not the best spot to go and chill at for two hours because there is so much more in Yellowstone to do, so schedule and plan your day around it. 

Grand Prismatic Spring

I also think it’s really important to check out the Grand Prismatic Spring. It truly does have all the colors of the rainbow. Even on a cloudy, sunny day, it is a beauty to withhold. So definitely make sure you put that on your plan because, in my opinion, you cannot visit Yellowstone without checking out the Grand Prismatic. 

Great Biking

If you enjoy a bike ride, then you’ll be happy to know that Yellowstone also has great bike paths throughout the entire park. When my kids get a little older, we’ll definitely be going back to do a lot of exploring via the bike path.

Mesa Verde National Park

Our third favorite national park for families is Mesa Verde in Colorado. The personal reason is that I remember visiting it as a small child myself, so it really was exciting for me to bring my kids back there. 

Structure and Important History

Mesa Verde is a structure, and Native American history is everywhere. If you’re teaching your kids, homeschooling your kids, or if you just want your kids to see how people lived centuries ago, you should definitely go check out Mesa Verde because it’s the most intact, inspiring, and truly eye-opening experience for children and for adults as well.

If you’re going to Mesa Verde and you want to visit the structures themselves and walk around them, be sure to plan your guide and your trip early in the morning. There are only certain hours that they allow you to visit the structures. You’re going to want to make sure you get there early so that way you don’t miss out on the opportunity to hike around them.

A Bit of a Drive

One thing I will say is that visiting Mesa Verde requires a lot of driving from location to location. There are a lot of different angles to actually view the dwellings. It’s a big loop, so when you’re driving in, and you first cross the gate to the park, be prepared for an additional 30-45 minutes worth of driving.

Arches National Park

Number four on our family’s favorite national parks list is Arches. I don’t know if many of you have been to Arches in Utah, but Arches is super cool because it’s how I imagine what it’s like being on Mars. There’s beautiful red rock everywhere you look, and the arches themselves are truly amazing. 

Moonscapes

There is a lot of hiking at Arches. I’ve done the park three times with my kids now, and they really love it as they always say, “this is what it feels like to be on the moon.” I mean, it really does feel like you’re in a whole new world. 

If you’re visiting Arches, then one thing you need to be prepared that it gets very hot, so if you’re going, be sure to really pay attention to the weather, and if it is going to be hot, go early in the morning as it makes a big difference. 

Lots of Water and Snacks

One other thing to keep in mind when it comes to Arches is to make sure you bring lots of water and snacks. Because once you’re in there, you’re completely on your own. There aren’t many service stations. So be sure to pack tons of snacks and water because you may just want to keep on hiking. 

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

The final of our top five national parks is a little different, and it’s in Hawaii. This one is more recent for our family. We visited this past winter, but it’s the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The reason we went is that, well, what kid doesn’t want to check out lava? And when we visited, that’s exactly what happened.

A Unique Family Adventure

When we went to the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, it was absolutely incredible. We went in the late afternoon. By doing that, it allowed us to actually see the lava at night time. Once it gets dark and everyone has their lights off, the amount of red glow that comes out of the lava field itself is really neat. 

Late at Night Made it Special

The thing my kids probably loved the most about the Hawai’i Volcanoes we were doing it late at night, way past their bedtime, which made them even more excited to go check it out.

Emily’s Tips for Visiting National Parks with Families

A couple of things to remember. When you’re visiting any national park be prepared and understand the rules. A lot of times, the rules can be confusing. There are certain things you really don’t want your kids touching or playing with. Don't get too close to wild animals!

Preserve History and Nature

Remember that there’s a lot of history and nature that needs to be preserved. Make sure you have a sit down with your kids beforehand and explain to them the rules and the proper national park etiquette. 

Snacks and Water for the Kids

Another thing to remember is to bring snacks and water. The lines to the snack bars can be long. The items are usually overpriced, so if you have a dehydrated or hungry kid, it’s really not fun waiting in line. Pack a cooler with everything you need for the day. Make sure that you’re ready to go at any given point so that way you’ve got everything you need to have an awesome day when visiting the national parks.

Make it Fun and a Game

Finally, think about setting up a game for the kids. Instead of being like, “look, isn’t everything around us so beautiful,” it’s more like, “let’s see how many trees we can find that look like this,” or, “let’s see if someone can find a heart-shaped knot in the tree.” Make it exciting, make it fun, and ultimately, make them engage with the outdoors around them.

 Sunglasses: Wiley X

So, there you have it, those are my top five national parks for families. I have some personal favorites too. I think these are the five national parks where we had the most family fun. They either have minimal hiking, or the hiking is totally made worth it because of the unique experiences. It is worth checking out these top 5 national parks for families! Sign up to our newsletter to get more family adventure news in your inbox.

The post Top 5 National Parks for Families appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Melbourne is one of Australia's biggest and most vibrant cities. The capital of the southern state of Victoria, it rivals Sydney in many ways. If you are an adventurer looking to do more than take in some grand slam tennis, just outside of Melbourne is an array of mountains that beckon climbers and hikers alike, and a beautiful coastline that's been one of the most important surf destinations in the world.

After a few days enjoying the arcades, restaurants and people of Melbourne, I traveled north to Grampians National Park. Every time I told people I was traveling to the Grampians, their eyes got wide with jealousy. I knew this was a good sign. 

The Grampian Mountains

The Grampian Mountains are an ancient sandstone mountain range that shoots up from the perfectly flat surrounding plains, making it one of the more dramatic uplifts. The sandstone here has been chiseled and carved by wind and water for millions of years, leaving behind some remarkably odd formations. 

Connecting with local guide for Grampian Peaks Trail

With foresight that people would flock to see these remarkable formations, The Grampian Peaks Walking Company offers a variety of trips based out of Halls Gap. For my journey, I met up with Adrian from Grampian Peaks Walking Company. Our goal was to hike a section of the Grampians Peaks Trail, a 100-mile-long route that recently connected the park from north to south in a continuous thru-trail. It's one of Australia's premiere hiking trails and draws people not only from all over Australia, but all over the world. 

I met up with my Grampian Peaks Walking Company guide, Adrian, for a local beer the night before heading out on a three-day trip. It was raining heavily that week, and the forecast did not look promising. Despite the inundation of rain, but with the knowledge of our skilled guide, we decided to stake off anyway. Besides, maybe there would be some great waterfalls?

Start at Mount Zero

The portion of trail we selected begins (or ends) at Mount Zero. From here, we set off to climb Mt Stapylton, one of the high points along the mountain chain. Luckily, the weather held out for most of the afternoon and we were able to make the summit. This area really drove home the strangeness of the Grampian Mountains. There are bewildering formations all over the place.

The summit of Mt Stapylton provides a stunning view south, allowing hikers to visually grasp the mission that lies ahead.  

The next day, the rain really set in, a steady, soaking affair. But the trail did pass alongside several waterfalls that are otherwise dry most of the year. It reminded me of my home in the Southwest desert, where monsoon rain brings ephemeral waterfalls. I was enjoying the moody, wet vibes of the mountains here. 

The entirety of the trail is typically done in thirteen days and includes a mix of several wild camping options as well as modern, comfortable huts. The huts are wonderful shelters for hikers to take refuge in, especially on nights like this where the weather is less-than ideal.

The modern design nestles into the Grampian Mountains beautifully and provided us with a great spot to enjoy one of Adrian's fancy dinners. The clouds outside obscured what would be a prime sunset-watching spot. Three days on the Grampians Peaks trail was just enough to offer a taste of what the full trail would offer.

The Great Ocean Walk

Something I hope to return to for a longer visit one day, but for now, I was leaving the national park behind to head to the Great Ocean Walk, another long-distance trail that Victoria is famous for.

Years ago I saw a photo in a National Geographic magazine of the Twelve Apostles, a series of golden monoliths with waves crashing all around them. It’s an image that’s stuck in my mind.

Connecting with a local guide for the Great Ocean Walk

I met up with the team at Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, an outfitter and lodge that offers guided hikes of the coast. Using the lodge as basecamp, Finn and I would hike the Great Ocean Walk, which ends at the Twelve Apostles rock formation.

Finn and I set off through the strange, beautiful coastal ecosystem full of eucalyptus varieties and more. The rain refused to let up. But my joy at being outside exploring did not wane. Especially when coming across koalas in the wild!

Rugged coastline and rising tides

The trail meanders up and down along the rugged coastline.. Some miles are high on the Australian shelf, hundreds of feet above the sea, while others are right down on the beach with waves crashing practically underfoot. One of the spiciest times on trail came when we needed to cross a notorious passage while the tide was coming up. Finn and I were racing to get around a pinch point on the beach before high tide would make the passage too dangerous.

We scrambled around the jutting cliffs, hoping across boulders as the ocean was literally swallowing up our path. Luckily, because of our guides knowledge of the elements, we arrived before it was too late – something all hikers should not take lightly when walking any coastal trail. To further prove this, we soon learned our saga was not over. Due to the recent deluge of rain, a normally casual river crossing became quite the event.

Wet boots, a drying room and foot spa

At this point in the trail, most people could and should take off their boots and wade across the river as it empties into the ocean. However, Finn and I thought it would be funny if he were to piggyback me across the river. As you can imagine, this was not the brightest idea.

Finn carried me through the raging river for only a few feet before his footing gave way and dumped me right in the river. Stumbling into the knee deep river, we regained our balance before going for a complete swim. But my boots were completely swamped with sea water.

With soggy socks, I had the grateful recollection that we were set to stay at the Twelve Apostles Lodge, where they not only offer a drying room for wet clothes (which I desperately needed), but a foot spa with wine and cheese boards (which I also desperately needed). It was a wonderful way to regain my composure for the next leg of the trail.

Setting off in the dark, Finn and I were on a mission to finish the last miles of the trail. We wanted to catch sunrise at the Twelve Apostles, the grand finale of the trail. Mercifully, the sun broke through the clouds and we were provided with a truly stunning sunrise over one of Australia’s most magical landscapes.

It was a fitting end to miles of a wet, difficult, yet wonderfully satisfying journeys.

Great local places to visit, stay and eat

• Visit Melbourne
• Visit Victoria
• Vibe Hotel Melbourne
• Big Esso Restaurant
• Aboriginal Heritage Walk
• Country Plaza Halls Gap
• Paper Scissors Rock
• The Spirit of Punjab
• Timboon Fine Ice Cream
• Timboon Railway Shed Distillery
• 12 Apostles Helicopters
• Best Western Apollo Bay Motel
• The Birdhouse
• Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk

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Family Vacations

When we decided as a family to visit Niagara Falls, Canada, it was because we had never experienced Niagara Falls as a family, and all of us are drawn to the power of the falls. 

When we started researching things to do outside of admiring the river and it’s drop, their were many things that appealed to each one of us, so much so, we are itching to get back to hit the things we missed during our one week visit. 

I am going to run through what each family member wanted to visit and the highlights on why we want to go back!

The Light Show at the Power Plant

Parker wanted to visit the new attraction at the Niagara Falls Power Station: the Light Show! This child is all about artistic expression and the opportunity to engage with music, light and her own dance moves. To give we you an idea – we had to go to the light show twice in one week. It is so impressive and fun for the whole family.

Voyage to the Falls

The Voyage to the Falls is a Niagara classic and something I had never done before. You take a large boat up into the mist of the falls right at the base. I thought you go close- I didn’t realize just how close, how wet you get and how exciting it would be for the whole family. Prepare to get wet!

Wine Tasting at Three Sisters

My second pick was is wine tasting at the Two Sisters Vineyards. I learnt a lot about the regions harvest, wine techniques and even found two bottles of white (not normally a white wine fan) that I absolutely loved. The building is gorgeous and everyone was so nice! 

Butterfly Conservatory and Helicopter Ride

Tucker had a hard time picking one activity, he was totally engaged at the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory because he’s a science buff. Tucker ultimately chose the Helicopter ride, most likely because he is so brave. I was totally scared of ride the whole time. It really is a crazy view of the falls. Rainbows galore and an adrenaline rush for sure! 

Jet Boat Ride

Nick, like Tucker, had a really hard time picking but his favorite was the Whirlpool Jet Boat up the rapids below the falls. This was intense, high action and super wet. I was holding on for dear life and shocked at how full on the “wet” tour is. The whole family had fun but you need to anticipate basically getting ocean size waves to the face multiple times. Nothing stays dry including your bra and underwear and I highly recommend bringing a GoPro to capture the chaos.

The theme of the day was “wet”! Fall in Niagara can get you some cooler temperatures and some adventures are not dry. Finding a balance of indoor activities and outdoor activities with good rain/dry gear in between is really helpful.

Biking Tour of Niagara Falls

Our trip was highlighted by a bike ride around town! With all the ‘rides' and ‘tours' in town going full blast, it was kind of nice to go at our own pace. Tucker had his own bike, I had my e-bike and Nick drove Parker around on the cargo e-bike. We were able to see all that folks walking could see, but more! The bikes saved us a ton of time and there were bike stands everywhere to lock them up when we tucked into an attraction.

As a family a few other things you can check out that we really enjoyed:

• Tons of hiking and biking trails
• Zip line to the Falls
• Arcade and Bowling if it’s raining
• Ferris Wheel
• Haunted House
• Tunnel to the Falls (at Power Station where light show is) 

Niagara did not disappoint, the food, activities, adventure – it truly has it all! Looking forward bringing more of our family to share the adventures Niagara has to offer in the near future! Adventure is worthwhile in itself!  

Camera: GoPro Hero 10
Sunglasses: WileyX
Jackets: Cotopaxi Women’s Hooded Down Jacket, Cotopaxi Men’s Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
Warm Layers:  Dryrobe
Bikes:  Bosch e-Bikes: Yuba Spicy Curry (Cargo)

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A short flight northwards from Lima is the city of Jaen. Flying directly to the Amazonas region capital, Chachapoyas is also an option. Starting in Jaen allowed our team to see a bit more of the regional landscape during an adventurous 5 hour drive. José of Turismo Explorer is an Amazonas local and knowledgeable guide. He was our driver and living History Channel. José was feeding us endless information about the terrain and sites as we stopped at lookouts and vistas en route to Chachapoyas. 

Amazonas is one of Peru’s less visited regions simply because Peru is home to so many great spots. But that doesn’t mean Amazonas isn’t as exciting as the more famous Cusco area or the absurd mountains of Ancash. I was fortunate to have just explored both those regions.

Top places to visit in Peru

My goal for this trip was to explore the cloud forest of Peru’s north. Then trek to see the ancient cities of the region, and see the world's third tallest waterfall, Gocta falls. This would be made possible with the planning and support of our guide José and the Turismo Explorer team. Since the pandemic began, he has been regularly visiting archeological sites popular with tourists to find them overgrown with the decline of foot traffic. Something we would soon see up close. 

After a relaxing day at José’s hostel, Chachapoyas Backpackers Hostal Boutique, we set off for the Belén Valley. Led along a rigorous trail that meandered up and over ridges and through valleys, I learned the histories of the many Inca and pre-Inca cities that were now being swallowed up by the jungle. Muddy, wet conditions did make the trail slippery and strenuous, with the myth of the Amazonas region as being flat was quickly dispelled within the first mile of the trail. 

Amazing backpacking route in Peru

After a challenging first day, the team descended down into a small village en route. This is where gracious hosts offered a room in their home with a cozy bed and shower. There was also an amazing show of true community spirit at a fundraising soccer game for a little girl in the village who was suffering from a cancerous tumor—a humbling experience putting the days challenges into perspective. 

The next day, José led us out of the charming village to on a true mission. Climb 5,000 feet up, ascending out of the valley and back up into the cloud forest. Along the trail were more lost cities that without a worthy guide, you’d likely miss altogether.   

“Come over here.” José said as he peeled back a blanket of vines. “Look at this. It’s pre-Inca.”   

And sure enough, there was an ancient wall whose stonework was still impeccable. Even after all the centuries of earthquakes, pouring rain, and creeping vines and tree roots trying their best to consume the walls. 

“There were dozens, even hundreds of rooms here.” José said. “You can still see the levels of the city. The upper levels of course we’re for the most important people.”   

The Amazonas region is a haven for those who enjoy archaeology and history. Here, you’ll find many ancient cities, impressive tombs, and cities of the dead spread all throughout the region which hold sacred burial sites. They are a spooky yet beautiful reminder of the length’s humans go to honor the dead.   

Third Tallest Waterfall in the World

Continuing the trip through the canyons of the cloud forest, we encountered a variety of beautiful waterfalls. This included the towering Gocta Falls. It wasn’t until 2004 that a foreign traveler noticed the exceptionally large waterfall and came to find out that it is the third tallest waterfall in the world! 

The Epic Trails crew and I left Amazonas with an appreciation and wonder for the region. This diverse, and interesting destination is far more beautiful than you may expect. Peru does not disappoint. It only invites you deeper into our beautiful world and the next region around the corner. 

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Backpacking the tallest peak in Peru

Huascaran, Peru’s tallest peak at over 22,000 feet and, along with this region’s gorgeous landscapes, is why mountaineers and trekkers all around the world flock to this destination. The culture and feel of the town of Huaraz, where our adventure begins, is a flock-worthy destination too. I was happy to be back. 

I was welcomed by Virgilio, the lead guide of our confidence inspiring team from Explorandes in Huaraz. Explorandes is an award-winning company recognized for its commitment to responsible tourism.

Route planning

Over cerveza with Virgilio, we poured over our backpacking plans at a well-known climbing hangout, The Andino Café. There we traced our fingers along the map of the Cordillera Huayhuash and the segment of trail we would tackle. A 4-day route (truncated from the classic 12-day version) in a remote pocket of rugged mountains that pierce the sky with the snow-covered needles of Siula Grande, Jirishanka, and Rondoy. 

High altitude hiking in Peru

The high altitude in the Huayhuash must be taken seriously. To aid in our acclimatization, we visited Huascarán National Park and Llanganuco Valley for a hike among the Cordillera Blanca mountains. Visiting lakes Chinancocha, Orconcocha and the stunning, Llanganuco was inspirational. I described it as an “azure lake that practically glows in a glacier carved valley of granite.” This acclimatization hike was a worthy adventure of its own.  

Support crew for the international trekking

After a breathtaking drive towards the Cordillera Huayhuash trailhead, Virgilio introduced us to two more local characters from our support team. Our chef Gregorio (a.k.a. Chileno) and Rosalino, our muleteer. With the team assembled and camp set, it was our first moment to sit back and admire the peaks. The peaks that make up the core of the Cordillera Hauyhuash.

“The verticality of them seems impossible.” – Eric Hanson

Sambunya mountain pass

We embarked on an early morning departure for Sambunya mountain pass. Our supports, Chilano and Rosolino, both surpassed us. This gave them a head start on preparing an amazing meal for our arrival. We continued down towards the glacier lake, Solteracocha. We could hear and witness heart-thumping avalanches nearby. 

Camp meals in the Ancash Region

Waking at camp near Jahuacocha Lake we learned that Chilano and Rosalino would be making “Pachamanca” that day. Pachamanca is a meal cooked underground using hot rocks. The Pachamanca tradition honors and celebrates our relationship with the earth. Celebrating our relationship as a team too, we enjoyed the pachamanca and honored the trail with a hike up to a favorite outlook of one of our guides.

Cold mornings in the Ancash Region

The morning's frost covered tents didn’t stop our goal to hike over another mountain pass (Mancanpunta) to a nearby Pocpa village. Rosalino passed us with the donkeys just as we took in the views at the final pass of our adventure. We were about to leave the trails for the city of Chiquan.

If you are interested in more about my time in Peru, check out these videos.

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Inca Trail After a Long Wait

On a mission to seek adventures less traveled, the Epic Trails team began a month-long Peruvian adventure. A weeklong mission exploring the central area of the Cusco Region. This trip was three years in the making, as our tickets were originally for early April 2020. Borders began to close at the beginning of the pandemic. It had been a long wait, and we were ready.

Lesser Known Portion of the Inca Trail

We enjoyed lunch at Calle del Medio, with guides Porfirio and Alberto of Apumayo Expediciones. The Epic Trails crew quickly learned we were in great hands as we ran through our plans for the week. The goal was to follow the route of the escaping Incans. The Spaniards had taken Cusco and the Incas fled. This is a unique and lesser known portion of the Inca Trail.

Peru rafting adventure

Exploring the main square and heart of Cusco right out the door of our accommodations at Hotel Andina was motivating. We ventured North by van along mountain roads flanking ravines carved by glacier-fed rivers. Happy to explore the rivers up close, we met with Pepe Lopez, owner of Apumayo Expediciones.

Rafting the Uramba River

We went on a rafting adventure on the Urbamba River. The put in was just below the town of Ollantaytambo and paddled some adrenaline pumping Class III+ rapids. We were able to see Incan ruins along the banks right from our raft. This was a very cool perspective that not all get to experience. We ended our day at El Mangal Lodge, a remote hostel, restaurant and agrotourism (cocoa plantation) getaway all in one. There we got to participate in all phases of cocoa production. We rested before the multi-day hike.

A broken-down truck caused a delay. We enjoyed the views of peaks and passes covered in stunning lupin flowers. We watched dusk slip away as we were welcomed to the trailhead by a local family with a cuy (guinnea pig) dinner. 

Support for hiking Inca Trail in Peru Mountains

Embarking on the hike, it was clear from the numbers of porters and pack animals that we were going to be well supported. After a scenic river crossing, the uphill began. As we pushed our trekking limits, the team of porters, cooks and arrieros (horse and donkey masters or muleteers) always amazed us. They hastily sped ahead to set up elaborate meals. We thoroughly enjoyed the catered break after a tiring day of hiking the elevated areas in the region. The Apumayo team spared no expense or effort. 

“With three, four, and five course meals prepared regularly, it felt like I was on a luxury cruise liner hiking through the mountains…” – Eric Hanson

High altitude pass on the Inca Trail

The next day was the biggest day for high altitude. We were crossing a mountain pass to get to another valley. Along this pristine section of the Inca Trail we did not see masses of tourists. A shepherd greeted us on our way up to a 15,000 ft pass in the mountains. It was at this pass that our guide Porfilio sang a song to honour his father and family. The last time Porfilio had walked that trail was with his brother 20 years ago.

Descent down the Inca Trail

On our descent, there were signs of local inhabitants as we crossed farmers fields where the Inca trail disappeared under the thick soil and grass. This is where we spent the night.

After wrapping up camp we started on our way again, crossing fields and pig farms, encountering a local farmer. He was wielding an old tool for turning soil. Porfilio, a former farmer, enthusiastically encouraged me to try the tool. This made me appreciate my trips to the supermarket all the more. 

We encountered archeological sites, former trade route meeting places, some designed to honor Mother Earth. I learned about and admired the precise Incan stonework. We came to the end of our trek and the last stand of the Inca empire. This was the stunning ruins of Vitcos. 

The Cusco Region is beautiful

The Cusco Region’s beautiful landscapes, mountains, ravines and sacred sites have been welcoming travelers for decades. The terrain seemingly untouched and local experience was so authentic, if felt as if we had discovered it all over again. If you are looking for adventure on the Inca Trail, consider the Cusco Region of Peru.

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