How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

November 30, 2011

This is a guest post written by my daughter’s good friend Kieh Christopherson. She is originally from North Vancouver but is presently living in Nepal.

I recently left the busy and chaotic streets of Kathmandu for Kerala, India for a quick 5-day vacation. Kerala is a state on the Malabar coastal in the southwest of the sub-continent. Having spent the last year and a half living in Kathmandu, I was half-expecting Kerala to be a reflection of Nepal’s disorderly pace, but was in for a pleasant surprise. The pace in Kerala is slow and leisurely, with an emphasis on the beaches and backwaters -the ideal location for a quick break.

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

Chinese fishing nets dot the shores of Fort Cochin

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

Old man tending fishing nets

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

Kieh's boyfriend helping the fishermen

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

Locals on Alappuzha Beach

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

Alappuzha Beach - locals and tourists gather on the beach at sunset for camel rides

Kerala has a lively and extensive history. Western traders have been visiting its shores since 166 BC.  There are strong Syrian Jewish, Christian, and Muslim influences visible both in every day practice of small minority groups and in the art and architecture.

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

Trinity Apartments at Malabar House Boutique Hotel in Fort Cochin. Thoughtfully decorated with Indian art and sculpture, this trio of apartments is on a quiet street across from the parade ground at one end of the town. The initials ‘VOC’ seen above the gate date back to 1740 and represent the Dutch East Indies Company who had their offices on the premises for 150 years.

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

Local soccer players take to the pitch at the Parade Ground in Fort Cochin

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

A trio of local kids

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

Malayalam is the official language of Kerala, though many Keralites speak English and Hindi, India’s official language

We spent 3 of our 5 days in the small fishing town of Fort Cochin, where Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial styles dominate and days are filled with seafood and relaxing seaside. The other two nights were spent gazing at the Arabian Sea from Alappuzha Beach and cruising through the languid Kerala backwaters.

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

Kerala’s famous backwater houseboats. We spent 18 hours relaxing on a private overnight boatcruise, weaving in and out of Keralan farmlands and towns

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

Colourful life continues as we cruise past

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

Ducks abound on the backwaters

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

Watching the world go by from our chaise lounges

How to Spend 5 Days in Kerala, India

The view from the houseboat

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Asia, Guest Post, Photography | 15 Comments 

Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park

November 8, 2011

This is a guest post written by my friend Lesley Swirhun from Boulder, Colorado. She takes you to Rocky Mountain National Park – one of my favourite places for hiking when I loved in Boulder.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a scenic one hour drive northwest of Boulder, Colorado.  Recently we did two fun hikes and were well rewarded.

First, a few weekends ago we hiked from Fern Lake Trailhead to Cub Lake. There is parking at the Cub Lake and Fern Lake Trailheads but both fill up early even in mid-September.

We lucked out in the early afternoon and found a parking spot at the Fern Lake Trailhead.  From here a 1.7 mile hike takes you to The Pool, a turbulent pocket below the convergence of Fern Creek, Spruce Creek and the Big Thompson River with a hefty trail bridge and lots of hikers stopping for a rest and a snack.

moose3a Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park

Moose swimming - a male, a female and two young ones

From The Pool we headed for Cub Lake.  It’s 1.2 miles to Cub Lake – mostly uphill.  You can expect to see elk and chipmunks, maybe coyotes in the fall most anywhere in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Hikers enroute from Cub Lake let us know they spotted moose at Cub Lake.  We ventured on, scrambled down to the lake and perched on some huge rocks along the water’s edge.  The lake elevation is about 8050’, surrounded by aspen and pine forest and covered in lily pads.  Perfect moose country.  There were 4 moose! A male, a female and two young ones.  After our moose adventure we hiked 2.3 miles back from Cub lake to the Cub Lake Trailhead.  All total a 5.2 mile hike.

moose1 Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park

Moose in Cub Lake

Last weekend we went on another great Rocky Mountain hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead (elevation 9475’) to Lake Helene (elevation 10,580’).  This hike is approximately 3 miles long each way.  The rangers assured us the trail was open and clear.  From about half way up right to the lake it was snow covered and cold so always be prepared.

2011 Trail to Lake Helene1 Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park

Along the trail to Lake Helene

At times we wondered if we should continue but the sky was sunny and clear so we kept going.  When we reached the lake the wind was howling but the views across the lake with Notchtop Mountain in the background were spectacular.

Lake Helene1 Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park

Lesley at a frosty Lake Helene

Lake Helene 2a Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park

Lake Helene - Notchtop Mountain in background, Rocky Mountain National Park

Words of wisdom from my son – This is what happens if you venture a little farther along the trail.  You get to see cool stuff.

Is there a similar time when you ventured farther than you might and discovered something memorable?

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Guest Post, Hiking, backpacking, walking, United States | 5 Comments 

Kayaking to Tent Island in BC’s Gulf Islands

October 11, 2011

This is a guest post written by my friend Heather Priest from Vancouver, British Columbia. She is an avid kayaker, gardener and nature lover. 

We’re all aware of British Columbia’s major Gulf Islands but for those of us with kayaks or boats there are many many more small islands to discover. A recent kayaking trip to Tent Island proved to be a spot worth sharing!
Heather6a Kayaking to Tent Island in BCs Gulf Islands

The view from Tent Island

Tent Island is located in the Gulf Islands just south of Kuper and Thetis Islands. It was previously leased as a Provincial Park some years ago. Now the island is back under the jurisdiction of the Penelakut Band who very generously allow camping with the proviso that you phone the band office and request permission, at which time they suggest that if you would like to send a donation you can do so – all on the honour system.
heather5a Kayaking to Tent Island in BCs Gulf Islands

A tent with a view - on Tent Island

Tent Island is marine access only. There are no roads or homes on the island. At the time of writing there is no fresh water available either. With the exception of some spots closest to the large sandy beaches, tent sites are separate and private with only the odd deer trail crossing the island. There are brand new outhouses scattered nearest the best campsites.
heather3a Kayaking to Tent Island in BCs Gulf Islands

Stunning Gulf Islands scenery

Getting to Tent Island

Launch at the northern tip of Saltspring Island at Southey Point. You end up with a nice paddle – reaching Tent Island by skimming over the white shell tombolo that connects the northern end of Tent Island to Kuper Island at very low tides. It happens to be a great place to collect huge cockle and moon snail shells.

Being a beach fan I was impressed by the white shell beaches as we approached the northern tip, the remains of ancient middens still visible compacted into the roots of the trees hugging the shore.

heather2a Kayaking to Tent Island in BCs Gulf Islands

Caribbean coloured waters in the Gulf Islands

Paddle past the sandstone outcroppings brings you to a beautiful sand lagoon, the reason why Tent Island boasts the warmest swimming water north of Mexico!
If you continue paddling past more sculpted sandstone you reach another larger sandy bay where a few boats moor in relative safety from the wind. For kayakers there are endless spots where you can land easily and safely, the only exception being the tall sandstone cliffs on the southeast end.

You can pitch your tent wherever you like, either on the beach or on the grassy areas amongst the Madrona trees. It surpassed my expectations by far as a place I would want to visit regularly. A narrow trail leads to the other side of the island where you can walk out past a shallow cove to the southerly tip of the island. However to see the sandstone formations on the southwest side you will need to see them from the water. If you are into more isolated camping there are a couple of spots located at the southern tip which are not connected to the rest of the island by trails. The rest of the beach areas are rock or pebble so they’re not as comfy for camping or lying on to enjoy the view.

heather1a Kayaking to Tent Island in BCs Gulf Islands

Sunset in the Gulf Islands

Like most Gulf Island locations it was showing a bit of late summer wear from the boaters who love this spot not only for it’s beauty but also for it’s feeling of unsanctioned freedom. I hate to see Tent Island become too popular but let me quietly suggest to you that it’s worth a visit if you get the chance.

Where is your favourite place to kayak in British Columbia??

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under British Columbia, Canada, Canoeing/kayaking/rafting, Guest Post | 6 Comments 

Next Page »

Latest Post

Another Free Guide – Cabot Trail Biking Tour Guide

Palm Springs, a desert resort city of 40,000 plus people, is located 100 miles east of Los Angeles and 130 miles northeast of San Diego. It is one of nine cities that make up the Coachella Valley with mountains surrounding it on all sides.

Inside Cabot Trail Biking Tour Guide you will find the following

1. Fantastic scenery, especially along the western coast of Cape Breton Highlands National Park

2. the climb in the afternoon of North Mountain rewards with excellent scenery too

Top 10 Popular Posts

  • 33 Interesting Facts About Africa33 Interesting Facts About Africa: I love trivia and I hope you enjoy these weird and wonderful tidbits - some of which I learned on my most recent trip to the African continent. 33 Interesting Facts About Africa There are 54 coun...
  • Crossing the Andes: Mendoza to Santiago by BusCrossing the Andes: Mendoza to Santiago by Bus: Crossing the Andes from Mendoza to Santiago by bus, or vice versa, is a superb way to see some stunning countryside. It's also a heck of a lot cheaper than flying. It's only going to cost you $US20-25...
  • 12 of the World’s Top Trekking Destinations12 of the World’s Top Trekking Destinations: Any serious trekker or backpacker is going to have their own version of the world's top trekking destinations. My choices are based on experience, reading, chatting with fellow hikers and what's st...
  • Travel Photo Thursday: Crowfoot Glacier, Banff National ParkTravel Photo Thursday: Crowfoot Glacier, Banff National Park: You'll find Crowfoot Glacier in Banff National Park, about 32 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of Lake Louise. There's a good spot to photograph it from the highway though if you climb up Cirque Peak t...
  • Weird & Wonderful Facts About VancouverWeird & Wonderful Facts About Vancouver: Learning unusual facts about a city before you visit can really enhance your stay and make it more interesting. With a sharp rise in visitors to Vancouver in the summer coupled with the fact that Vanc...

View more of this category

If you're travelling to Canada, look
here for great Toronto Hotels

GREAT IDEAS FOR:-

UK Short Breaks

UK Family Holidays

UK Activity Holidays

For the many who have tired of sunloungers.
Wales. Home of proper holidays. Phrasebook
optional, sense of adventure
essential, indifference best
left at home.

Embed text goes here.
Travel Insurance
apartments
Short term accommodation WorldWide
Hiking and travelling will wear you out. Barcelona accommodation will offer you a place to rest at best prices. Further south, the broad offer in Seville accommodation will get you ready to conquer the Andalucia Moorish Trails. If you are travelling Portugal, Lisbon accommodation is what you need.
The cheapest way to travel