FIND YOUR THRILL
A Proper Walk in the Kenyan Bush
Calling Big Sur’s Bluff
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 $3.95 US
$5.95 CAN
GLOBALADVENTURES.COM
Top 10 Experiences for your BUCKETLIST Volume 5, Number 7
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
CONTENTS
Global Adventures is devoted to providing the most exciting and unknown adventures to those who are looking for an adrenaline rush.
DEPARTMENTS 6 First Hand
Here are some of the best companies to travel with around the world, from the daredevils themselves! BY JIM GORMAN
9 Travel Easy
Stress less when packing and purchase these items that will make your trip more convenient. BY BEVIN WALLACE
20 Pelton’s World
A tires-to-roof-rack primer on how to mount a killer off-road expedition from a man who knows. BY ROBERT PELTON
ON THE COVER Book an ice climbing trip with Exit Glacier Guides, based right outside of Seward, Alaska.
16 World Class
Escapes, including a jungle safari in Borneo, hiking up an appetite in Crete, and bush trekking in Australia. BY COSTAS CHRIST
41 Next Weekend
A Mount Rainer climbing clinic; sailing courses on the Chesapeake; plus, five other ways to get schooled. BY JIM GORMAN
CONTENTS
Features 10 Top 10 Experiences for Your Bucket List
If you’ve always wanted to live out your own dream, here are some adventures to try. Partake in something completely new and life-altering. Treat yourself to a breathtaking experience.
BY DAVID CASE
25 A Proper Walk in the Kenyan Bush
Obnoxious camels, spiky thorn bushes, detestable birds, waterless rivers, and 160 arid miles on foot. Sound like a good time? It is. And for a good cause, too.
BY TIM CAHILL
36 Calling Big Sur’s Bluff
Don’t be daunted by the pound of its surf or the loft of its sheer cliffs: Big Sur’s coastline rewards those careful and courageous enough to paddle its waters.
BY PETER HELLER
Scuba Diving in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
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Chris Johns EDITOR IN CHIEF Victoria Pope DEPUTY EDITOR Bill Marr CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Brindley MANAGING EDITOR Barbara Paulsen STORY DEVELOPMENT EDITOR Oliver Payne ARTICLES EDITOR Cathy Newman EDITOR AT LARGE Glenn Oeland FEATURES EDITOR Margaret G. Zackowitz DEPARTMENTS DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Caroline Alexander, Don Belt, Joel K. Bourne, Jr., Chip Brown PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Nichols EDITOR AT LARGE Jeanne M. Modderman PHOTO EDITOR Mary McPeak RESEARCH EDITOR Mark Thiessen STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Edward Samuel, Evan Wilder DIGITAL IMAGING SENIOR PHOTO EDITORS
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Kevin DiCesare, Sandi Owatverot-Nuzzo, Daniela Santamarina COPY/RESEARCH Alice S. Jones RESEARCH DIRECTOR Mary Beth Oelkers-Keegan SENIOR COPY EDITOR Kitry Krause, Cindy Leitner COPY EDITORS Sandra Dane PRODUCTION RESEARCH EDITORS
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Beth Foster, Mary Jeanne Jacobsen, Barbara S. Moffet Dave E. Smith PUBLISHING SYSTEMS VICE PRESIDENT Russ Little DIGITAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Melissa Wiley DIGITAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR Gina L. Cicotello SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER ADVERTISING Robert Amberg NATIONAL ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Jenifer Berman VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING Margaret Schmidt VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS Global Adventures (ISSN 1947-4377) Volume 5, Issue 7 is published bimonthly by Global Adventures Media, LLC 130 Battery Street, Sixth Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111, U.S.A. In the US Global Adventures is a registered trademark of Global Adventures Media, LLC. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, or any other unsolicited materials. Subscription price for U.S. residents: $25.00 for 7 issues. Canadian subscription rate: $35.00 (GAT included) for 7 issues. All other countries $40.00 for 7 issues. To order a subscription to Global Adventures or to inquire about an existing subscription, please write to Global Adventures Customer Service, P. O. Box 6265, Harlan IA 51591-1765, or call (888) 403-9001. Periodicals postage paid at SanFrancisco, CA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Global Adventures, P.O. Box 6265, Harlan, IA51591-1765.
First Hand from the DAREDEVILS themselves Hot Air Ballooning, Cappadocia, Turkey
“We have chosen Turkiye Balloons because it was offered by our hotel owner. We found out that the price we paid was really cheaper than the standard price. We were treated nicely. I thought that the highest flying balloon would be the best but no, I was wrong. Our balloon started off very low and we were able to see the views closer. We went higher on the last 10–20 minutes of the flight which is the better because you could see the best views at both positions. I would say Turkiye Balloons is not just a typical operator who would just collect money from the tourists but they are concerned about the satisfaction of their customers.” Reviewed November 21, 2013
Canyon Jumping, Interlaken, Switzerland
“My friend and I canyon jumped with AlpinRaft. I loved it, felt like flying... swinging over a river between a canyon. They are a great company to go with if you want to do a lot of outdoor activities in Interlaken. They were easy to get in touch with and they come pick you up at your hotel. Visit their website for a list of all the activities they offer. We went in early April so a lot of things were out of season. I especially loved our canyon jump leader guy named Ziggy. He has so much experience in outdoor activities. Overall, lots of fun and a must do in Interlaken!” Reviewed April 20, 2013
Zero G, Titusville, Florida
“The Zero-G experience is nothing like anything I have ever experienced, by far. The program is very well run and organized — and makes sure everyone on the flight gets the “most” out of their time on board. It was an amazing experience, and one that I would say is definately for the most adventurous of us. The Zero-G team was a dream to work with.” Reviewed July 31, 2012
Trekking, Himalayas, Asia
“In a world of strangers, Badri and Ganesh of Outdoor Himalayan Treks come out as true friends. I have had a marvelous time here in Nepal these last few days — exploring Kathmandu and making the trek to Namche Bazar.” Reviewed November 27, 2013
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Travel Easy Steripod Toothbrush Sanitizer Protects Your Toothbrush On The Go Steripod clip-on toothbrush sanitizer kills germs on your toothbrush for up to 3 months! No cables or batteries make Steripod great for traveling, home, camping, handbag, and gym! Available at Bed Bath & Beyond, REI, Camping World and other fine retailers. Buy online with free shipping in the USA at: getsteripod.com/globaladventures
SealLine Eco-See 5-Liter Dry Bag Keep your gear dry and locate contents easily in the PVC-free SealLine Eco-See 5-liter dry bag. The tinted, transparent urethane offers superior water protection, durability and visibility. The bag closes with Dry Seal® roll-down closure featuring durable buckle components.
USB Multi-Nation Travel Adaptor Plug The REI USB Multi-Nation Travel Adaptor Plug eliminates the need to carry multiple adapter plugs. It’s design features a universal receptacle that accepts nearly any appliance’s plug configuration. $29.50 only at REI
Please Note: SealLine products can only be shipped to U.S. addresses. $22.95 at REI.
Visit us at GlobalAdventures.com to find more products that will make traveling easy!
Pick-Pocket Proof Pants By Clothing Arts Imagine enjoying the world around you without worrying about your wallet or passport. While wearing a pair of Clothing Arts’ new line of pants, you will finally be able to travel without the burden of a money-belt! Everything is stored right within your reach, rather than you having to dig underneath layers of clothing. Designed by a veteran traveler after a run-in with a team of pick-pockets, each pair will keep you comfortably secure and looking good no matter where in the world you find yourself. Available in multiple styles, for men and women. Prices range from $79.95 – $114.95 · clothingarts.com
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Top 10 Experiences for your
BUCKET LIST
Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey
Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey Most New Year’s Resolutions don’t last. So maybe instead of “going to the gym” or “reading a few don’t more last. classics” you should put Most New Year’s Resolutions So maybe instead ofsomething “going to completely new andalife-altering on youryou list should — a resolution that’s the gym” or “reading few more classics” put something easy to keep because you will want to keep it. Something like, completely new and life-altering on your list–a resolution that’s“treat easy to the you’ll trip ofwant a lifetime.” toyourself keep because to keep it. Something like “treat yourself to the trip of a lifetime.” From rafting the Grand Canyon to sailing the Galapagos to trekking in the Himalayas, the world is filled withthe true once-in-a-lifetime adFrom rafting the Grand Canyon to sailing Galapagos to trekking ventures and destinations. Some are expensive, some are moderate, in the Himalayas, the world is filled with true once-in-a-lifetime adothers can surprisinglySome affordable, but all will payare you back with ventures andbe destinations. are expensive, some moderate, experiences you’ll treasure the rest of your others can be surprisingly affordable, but all life. will pay you back with experiences you’ll treasure the rest of your life.
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Safari in Kenya, Africa
If it’s a wildlife adventure you’re after then it doesn’t get much better than going on a safari in Kenya. If you thought a safari was just about spotting the ‘big five’ (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) then think again; Kenya is the land of contrasts and home to a vast diversity of wildlife. A safari is not just for the fully grown adventurer these days, as more and more people are taking their whole families to get upclose and personal with the big cats.
2 Skiing or snowboarding in Whistler British Columbia, Canada Whether you ski or snowboard (or something in between), Whistler Blackcomb in Canada is the ultimate resort for fun seeking snow addicts. They say you haven’t seen powder until you’ve been to Whistler, plus the trails offer the very best in skiing and snowboarding for beginners and experts alike. Even the lifts here are adventurous – a peak to peak gondola transports you between two snow-covered mountains suspended some fifteen hundred feet above the nearest tree top.
3
ice climbing in alaska
There are few places in the world where you can ice climb in the warm comfort of summer or walk on a glacier in a little more than a sweater. Alaska is covered by over 29,000 square miles of glacier ice! There are over 100,000 glaciers in the state. No climbing experience needed. This activity is for people who are in decent shape and aren’t afraid of repelling into narrow crevasses to see blues they have never seen before. As long as you make sure you are in the hands of a company that is one hundred percent devoted to your safety, you will have the experience of a lifetime.
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wingsuiting la belle, france
The most exhilerating experience yet! Because you are flying on your own, expereience is needed. A wingsuit can safely be flown from any point that provides sufficient altitude for flight and parachute deployment. La Belle is one of the most aesthetic wingsuit flights of the area. It’s a 6000 foot flight, and it takes about 3 hours to walk up.
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diving the great barrier reef
There is truly nothing like Australia. It is a unique destination highlighted by the diverse diving environments that make up this vast continent. From the northern tip of the world famous Great Barrier Reef on Australia’s east coast, all the way around to pristine dive conditions off Western Australia, you will be spoilt for choice. The Great Barrier Reef is world renowned for it’s amazing scuba diving locations. Bommies, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life stretch for the entire 2,300km length of the reef. If you are a certified diver or a snorkeller, the Great Barrier Reef has some of the best ocean life in the world.
6
ziplining in South Africa
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kayaking antarctica
The world’s fastest zipline resides in Sun City, South Africa. You ride the line with a fin between your legs to keep you straight while reaching a top speed of 100 mph. Truly an amazing feeling, and it fulfills a possible lifelong dream: to feel like you’re about to die right before crashing into the South African desert and really dying. Awesome!
This is simply the most humbling and powerful place on earth, and a sea kayaking holiday in Antarctica is an experience not to be missed. Every day holds new wonders, from face to face encounters with whales, penguins and seals to serene paddles among brash ice and through narrow fjords dwarfed by enormous Antarctic icebergs.
8
swimming in the dead sea
The Dead Sea is not only the lowest spot on earth, but also the saltiest and most mineral-laden body of water in the world. As something more relaxing, but still a “must do”, many tourists are encouraged to swim in the Dead Sea. However, rather than actually swimming in the Dead Sea, it is more like floating. The high salinity level allows the body to float comfortably on the surface of the water, creating a relaxing and enjoyable experience. A person who steps forward into the sea immediately begins to feel weightless, which is why so many Dead Sea swimmers report the benefits of floating. It can bring relief to the aches and pains associated with arthritis and other such ailments that often affect the body.
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Bridge climbing in Sydney, Australia
For a slightly slower pace (but not for those with vertigo) climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of those must-do-before-you-die adventure activities. Anyone who is relatively fit and healthy can do the climb and will be rewarded with the most spectacular views across one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Choose from a day time, twilight or night time climb and don’t look down until you’ve reached the top!
10 Hiking the grand canyon
For adventurists in good shape, hiking the Grand Canyon is an experience one should not miss out on. The landscapes are truly eye-opening. Going on a hike is wonderful way to experience some of the canyon’s rich natural beauty and immense size. However, even if you are an avid hiker, hiking the Grand Canyon is very different from most other hiking experiences.
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