What’s Happening in and near Vancouver, British Columbia in August?

July 29, 2010

I think summer is one of the best times to visit British Columbia. The sun consistently shines but it’s rarely stinking hot. In August there plenty of activities to keep people of all ages and interests engaged and happy. Here are some ideas to consider.

Vancouver

• Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival  Plays are offered nightly and take place in Vanier Park. This year Falstaff, Henry V, Antony and Cleopatra and Much Ado About Nothing are offered.
• Abbotsford Air Show The air show takes place August 13,14 and 15th. Prices are $30 per adult and $12 for kids aged 6-12.

• Theatre Under the Stars This year Singin’ in the Rain and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat alternate evenings in Stanley Park until August 21st. Ticket prices start at $19.
• Try Sewell’s Sea Safari two hour tour out of Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Explore caves, check out harbour seals, enjoy views of the Vancouver skyline and look for bald eagles. Prices are $73 per adult and $43 for kids.

Victoria

• 2010 Canada Dry Dragon Boat Festival From August 13-15th Victoria’s inner harbour is the site of dragon boat races. Lots of multicultural performances complement the exciting races. Free admission.

Vancouver Island

• Hike for one day or backpack for up to four days on the Juan de Fuca Trail - a shorter, easier and less expensive version of the West Coast Trail.

Tofino

• Try a bit of everything – bear and whale watching, trips to Hot Springs Cove or a surf lesson. You can’t go wrong sea kayaking in the Clayoquot Sound Wilderness area either.

 

Whistler Area

• Try zip lining for a quick thrill.
• Hike to the Black Tusk - a long – 29 km -but very rewarding day hike though you can backpack to Taylor Meadows and finish the hike the next day.

• Discover the Stein Valley River. It’s about a three hour drive from Vancouver and offers spectacular peaks, glaciers, meadows, lakes and lots of wildlife including black and grizzly bears.

Sunshine Coast

• Take a boat tour of spectacular Princess Louisa Inlet. It’s a long fjord with world class mountain scenery and numerous waterfalls including the famous Chatterbox Falls.
• Hike to the Skookumchuck Rapids – the second largest saltwater rapids in the world. Check the tide schedules before you go so you catch the action of the kayakers in some of the bigger waves. It’s an easy 5 mile return hike to get to the rapids.

 

The ‘Best of’ List for the Cumbria & West Highland Ways

July 29, 2010

Just a few weeks ago I finished hiking the Cumbria Way through England’s Lake District and the West Highland Way in western Scotland. Here ‘s what made my list.

Favourite Sections and Highlights on the Cumbria Way

• Around Beacon Tarn on  the way to Coniston
• The climb to Stake Pass and the walk down the valley towards Rosthwaite
• The entire day from Keswick to Caldbeck
• Hospitality and friendliness of the locals
• Lovely, pastoral scenery

Favourite B&B’s on the Cumbria Way

Candlewyck Farm B&B Set on 7 acres of land within walking distance of the start of the Cumbria Way.
Claremont House in Ambleside. It’s not fancy but Dave the host was truly outstanding. He is a former member of the Mountain Rescue Team and is a wealth of information on hiking in the Lake District. He very generously went out of his way on several occasions to pick us up and drop us off at trailheads.
Edwardene Hotel in Keswick. Lovely rooms, nice breakfast and our hosts without asking washed and dried our stinky clothes. Amazing hospitality!

Best Restaurant on the Cumbria Way

Zeffirellis Compston Road, Ambleside Ph: 015394 33845.  Excellent, inventive italian inspired vegetarian menu – even for people who may not usually eat vegetarian!!

Favourite Sections & Highlights on the West Highland Way

• Lovely section of walking with views of Dumgoyach on Day 1
• The Conic Hill area on Day 2 is beautiful. Stunning views of Loch Lomond and the islands along the West Highland Fault greet you.
• Some but not all sections of walking along Loch Lomond
• Views of the hills, water and islands are excellent from the Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran
• The remote feeling of Rannoch Moor
• This may sound weird but loved watching the British military jets flying through the mountains – sometimes below me!
• The Devils Staircase and the first few miles past it towards Kinlochleven
• Hiking the Old military road out of Kinlochleven
• Catching a sheep roundup complete with 4 farmers and 12 dogs
• ‘Oreo cookie’ cows

Best Accommodation on the West Highland Way

Anchorage Cottage An eight minute drive from Rowardennan at the end of day 2 and just across the street from Loch Lomond. Get picked up from Rowardennan and delivered to a very clean and comfortable B&B. There’s also a pleasant sitting room complete with computer and free WiFi. Hosts were very accommodating and friendly.
Ewich Guest House This place is about 3 miles from Tyndrum and about a 10 minute drive from the Drovers Inn. Car pickups are easily arranged. Stay here for 2 nights while you hike from Inverarnan to Tyndrum. It had the best breakfasts by far on the West Highland Way. Nicely appointed single and double rooms are both available at very reasonable prices. Great bird watching and a farm like setting with chickens and llamas.  Also enjoy a lovely sitting area with a fireplace. Dinners available too any month but July.

Best Restaurant on the West Highland Way

The Lime Tree Enjoy inventive cuisine at this restaurant that has been awarded One Michellin Star.

Best Birdbook for England, Scotland (& Europe)

Birds of Great Britain and Europe (RSPB) by Rob Hume. Published by Dorling Kinderslry. ISBN# 0-7513-1234-7.

Most Useful Article of Clothing

Arm warmers. Temperatures varied over the day, body heat varied and they were a cinch to take off and put on.

How do they do it?

Most B&B’s offer blood pudding (sometimes fried) along with streaky bacon, sausages and eggs, tomatoes and beans for breakfast. It’s the same breakfast all over Great Britain. Wait a few weeks after you get home to get your cholesterol checked.

Wierdest Pizza Topping

• Haggis

Incredible but True

• The number of outdoor-climbing shops in the town of Ambleside in the Lake District is 34.
• Keswick, another town 17 miles north, has 38 outdoor-climbing type shops.

Don’t Forget

• A sunhat that stays on in the wind
•  A heavier raincoat.
• Various sizes of Compeed – a blister remedy available all over Great Britain

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

A Distillery Tour on the West Highland Way

July 21, 2010

On the first day of the West Highland Way it’s well worth walking an extra half mile to take advantage of the distillery tour offered at Glengoyne Distillery. Even if you don’t like scotch (and I don’t) it’s fun and educational. The Scottish lasses will have you smiling and chuckling in no time.

The basic £6.50 tour takes you through the process of making whiskey and includes one tasting . After watching a film and knocking back a wee dram your well spoken guide will take you through the various buildings and explain the purpose of each. Finish in the shop where there’s an excellent selection of backpacker sized bottles to choose from.

Glengoyne Distillery has been making whiskey for around 200 years with the three basic ingredients that go into making every bottle of scotch – water, yeast and barley.

Barley is first soaked in water.  This step releases enzymes which convert the stored starch in the barley into sugar. The damp barley is then spread out on the floor of the malthouse to dry.  At the Glengoyne Distillery the barley is air dried. Many Scottish distilleries use the smoke from peat fires to dry the barley with the obvious smoky flavour a result. After the malted barley is dried, it’s ground to form grist and then mixed with water (“crystal clear soft water off Dumgoyne Hill”) in a mash tun, a large vat with rotating paddles. The resulting liquid is called wort.

The wort is then put into large fermenting vats called wash-backs. At Glengoyne the wash-back is made with Oregon pine. At this stage the yeast is added and the malt sugars are converted into alcohol during the 40-50 hour fermentation process. The resulting product,called wash  is ready for the next step – distillation using a pot still. Two distillations take place (versus three for Irish whiskey because “they can’t get it right after two times” – though spoken in jest!) The distillation process at Glengoyne is slower than at other distilleries – supposedly for producing a smoother taste though I’m certainly not qualified to judge.

The last step is maturation in oak casks. Glengoyne uses American and Spanish oak casks, some of which are seasoned with sherry first. Ten years is the minimum amount of time that the whiskey is aged. The final product at the Glengoyne Distillery is a fresher, lighter product compared to the smoky, peaty whiskies of Islay.

Factors Affecting Style of a Malt Whiskey

The difference in flavour profiles for scotch comes down to the following factors:

• the barley, especially the malting
• the yeast
• the water
• the design and height of the head of the still
• the maturation process.

One couple we met had a double tasting of scotch and found the last half of the day on the West Highland Way floated by quite nicely.

Don’t miss the distillery tour – consider it part of your cultural education.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

Hiking Tips for England & Scotland

July 19, 2010

I’ve just returned from 2 weeks of hiking in England and Scotland- including 6 days hiking the Cumbria Way in England’s Lake District and 7 days hiking Scotland’s West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William. I’ve done loads of hiking and backpacking but every trip teaches me something new. Here’s my list of tips that will likely make your hike more enjoyable, especially in rainy, windy Great Britain.

Don’t leave home without the following:

• If you have a choice of raincoats at home pick the most waterproof one. I have a lightweight Marmot and a heavier Arc’teryx and the Arc’teryx was worth its weight in gold especially on the days when it was sheeting rain. One of our B&B hosts was on a Lake District search and rescue team and swore by the British made Paramo brand.
• DO NOT BRING PONCHOS!!! You won’t be able to see your feet.
• Bring arm warmers. You can buy them in a bike shop. They’re lightweight and you can easily vary how far up and down your arm you want them. They aren’t a fashion statement but in Great Britain’s climate they make tremendous sense.
• If you’re planning to camp on the West Highland Way, which is a popular option, then bring a head net to combat the midges. Otherwise it will look like you have a bad case of pimples. Also bring an insect repellent with at least 30% Deet. The midges were never really a problem for hikers but mornings and evenings in some spots were brutal for the campers – especially setting up and taking down a tent.

• Before you set out on any hike, head to the local drugstore and buy a variety of sizes of Compeed – a miracle product for blisters. The blister on my friend’s foot in the picture below is one of the biggest I’ve ever seen but Compeed actually made hiking with it possible.

• If you usually wear a sunhat the bring one with a wide brim that you can tie on – otherwise the wind will whip it off. Bring something to wear on your head when it’s pouring rain.
• Use a baggage transfer service – Sherpa Van for much of England and the West Highland Way, Travel-lite for the West Highland Way only or Luggage Transfers for the South West Coast path. Door to door pickup and drop-off from hotels and sometimes campsites is offered for a very reasonable fee. I met one fellow who spoke eloquently on Day 1 of the purity of carrying everything on your back. By Day 4 he had hired the service and had decided that his next holiday was going to involve beaches instead. The long distance hikes are hard enough without adding 20-25 pounds to your back.
• Bring socks of varying thickness. Lightweight, liner type socks were sometimes more comfortable than traditional hiking socks.
• Get a set of good maps especially for the Cumbria Way which is poorly signed in places. Bring a compass and don’t rely solely on a GPS. Batteries die.
• If you’re a big water drinker then you might want to consider brings drops or a water filter to add to your supply on a long day. There were always plenty of streams but water absolutely needs to be disinfected especially in sheep and cow country.
• Bring extra food with you. On many days shops were nonexistent until the end of the day.
• Keep small change so you can make a telephone call from the rare payphone. Most restaurants and hotels were kind enough to offer but there were occasions where we needed the money to make the call. Foreigners might find cell phone roaming and usage calls outrageously expensive.
• Long distance walks in England and Scotland are harder than you might think. Before you go, get in shape and put in the miles on the boots you plan to wear. If at all possible hike on a variety of terrain beforehand – up hills and down hills. Try hiking  two to three 10-12 mile days in a row before you go.
• Be mentally prepared for long days. One day on the West Highland Way was 13 miles – about average – but it felt much longer because there was so much scrambling around rocks and roots. If you know that’s going to be the case you’re much more likely to deal with it in a positive manner.
• I had two bad days of rain, one day with on and off rain and the rest were either cloudy or sunny. Overall I felt lucky to have as little rain as I did. Go expecting rain and anyday it doesn’t happen is a bonus.
• Don’t bother asking for directions in Scotland. It’s not that the Scots aren’t willing and helpful. It’s the fact that you likely won’t understand a word they say with their thick Scottish accents. It’s highly embarrassing asking someone to repeat themselves three and four times.
• On a few of the longer days I pulled out my IPod for the last few miles. The music energized me and took my mind off of sore feet.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

Hiking Highlights on the 2nd Half of the West Highland Way, Scotland

July 14, 2010

The second half of the West Highland Way in Scotland takes you from the Tyndrum area to Fort William, a distance of almost 45 miles. Along the way you pass through the Bridge of Orchy, with only one hotel and bunkhouse, continue to the Inveroran Hotel (there’s nothing more to the place), then head across 9 miles of desolate moor known as Rannoch Moor. From there it’s an easy hike down to the Glencoe Ski Resort and on to King’s House Hotel. Rock climbers and hikers share this place with the deer – which are often visible first thing in the morning.

 King’s House is one of Scotland’s oldest, licensed inns. It was built in the 17th century and used as barracks for King George III after the Battle of Culloden.

The Devil’s Staircase is not nearly as bad as it sounds. An elevation gain of 1000 feet over a series of switchbacks places you at the highest point on the West Highland Way with superb views in all directions.

Along the West Highland Way one tends to bump into the same people over and over again. We met a couple in their 60′s from Australia who had sold all their worldly possessions and were hiking from Lands End in the south of England to John O’Groats at the north end of Scotland. A newlywed Dutch couple were faithful dinner companions. Several Scottish couples were encountered plus a mother – daughter team. The daughter was a real trooper, and the only one out of six children who volunteered to accompany her mother.  She was all of 13 years old and managed a couple of twenty mile days!

The last half of the last day was tedious at times and by then you typically just want to be done. We were fortunate to come upon 4 men and 12 border collies rounding up the sheep. It was a magnificent sight.

Near the end of the day Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain, came into full view. I have heard that there are only 60 days of the year where the view from the top is clear. Well, yesterday was one of them. Close to 160 inches of snow and rain fall on the mountain every year and gale force winds are typical on two out of every three days. Still it’s a mountain that beckons.

The end of the West Highland Way is underwhelming. It’s a gravel road down to a path to a roadside path. The finish is to be moved in the next few weeks to the town center, another mile away. No matter what the finish you’ll find me smiling.

And after one day off I’ve got the exercise itch already.

 Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

Highlights of Scotland’s West Highland Way – Milngavie to Tyndrum

July 11, 2010

Scotland’s West Highland Way is a 153 km (95 mile) long distance walk from Milngavie, just outside of Glasgow to Fort William 95 miles or so north. It typically takes about a week and rewards with superb view of mountains and lochs, beautiful ancient oak forests draped with moss, waterfalls galore and friendly people. Below are photos from the first half of the trip – Milngavie to Tyndrum.

View of the islands along the Highland Boundary Fault from Conic Hill

Unfortunately we’re getting fairly typical Highland weather – light showers, heavy mist, light rain, light mist, medium rain and heavy rain. Occasionly the sun pops out. When it does we are rewarded with incredible views. It’s been windy enough that the dreaded midges haven’t been a concern.

Stay tuned for more blogs on Scottish dining, a distillery visit, the highlights of the last half of the walk and more insight into long distance walking in Great Britain.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

Some of the Best Lake District Walking – Keswick to Caldbeck

July 6, 2010

Today we finished the Cumbria Way in Carlisle – a rather uninteresting 15 + mile walk from Caldbeck but yesterday was a different story altogether.

I left Keswick on my own bound for Caldbeck. My friend had elected to take the day off and nurse blisters and sore ankles. We were to meet in the pub by 5pm. I had just over 15 miles ahead of me but over 17 miles if the weather turned and I was forced to take the lower route.

Much of the time you could see the path stretched out in front of you as you made your way from one valley to another. It was desolate but the scenery was outstanding.

At Skiddaw House you have to make a decision. Commit to the Eastern Alternative Route and the highest point on the Cumbria Way or head west if the weather is bad and the tops of the peaks aren’t visible and take the longer but lower route. I went for the high route.

Life was good until after lunch. I had made good time and route finding was easy. But then it was on  to Lingy Hut and Hike Peak.  Clouds were forming and it was windy. I admit to feelings of ‘what the hell did I get myself into?’ but embraced the British can do attitude and started heading up past old mine workings. The path narrowed and the hut disppeared from view. Route notes suggested taking a bearing where streams joined. I had a better plan. Spy people on the ridge and race like hell to catch up to them.

From Lingy Hut it was still over a mile to High Peak, a nondescript peak with expansive views. There I met 5 men being tested on their route finding skills and trying to qualify to be summertime guides. I must give off an air of total incompetence because they pretty much figured they’d have to lead me off  the mountain. All I needed from them was a declination though even that word didn’t impress them. Just so you know there are about 5 Cumbria Way markers in the 15 miles and the last one I saw was on the hut. There was not one marker pointing to Caldbeck which I have to say in bad weather (eg 75% of the time) would be helpful. I took a compass bearing – and I haven’t had to do that in a very long time, and headed down the mountain. Lo and behold, after following a warren of paths, I ended up in front of a gate with – a CUMBRIA WAY marker.

The pressure was off and now it was a very pleasant couple of miles to walk into town. It took just over 6 hours to walk the 15.5 miles. In fact I beat my friend by three hours as she toured the countryside with Sherpa Van delivering bags.

The Keswick to Caldbeck section was my favourite day on the Cumbria Way. The huge valleys and desolate landscape inspired me. I hope for more days like this one on the West Highland Way in Scotland – which we start tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

Magnificence, Motrin, Moleskin, Markers & Misery on the Cumbria Way, England

July 4, 2010

Today we completed the 4th of 6 days on the Cumbria Way in England. Already we’ve had our share of highs and lows. First the highs.

Yesterday was fantastic.  Starting near Ambleside we hiked a total of 13 miles up magnificent valleys and the short but steep Stake Pass. At the top of the pass the sun shone. The pass would be an ugly, dangerous place if the weather Gods weren’t on our side. We were rewarded with big views and a steep walk down a desolate valley.

Today was another story – sheeting rain and winds gusting to 60 mph. There were a few miserable hours where even the gortex succumbed. After a few hours we could wring out our underwear. My companion popped Motrin to kill the aches and pains. We both added moleskin to feet. But we did find a great new product for blisters – a medicated bandaid called Compeed. Unfortunately it doesn’t appear to be sold in North America but I think I want to be the distributor.

We’ve met incredibly helpful people, especially our host at the Claremont B&B in Ambleside. David is a retired park ranger who knows these hills like the back of his hand. Plus he very kindly picked us up at a remote trailhead and dropped us back the next day – well above and beyond what most people would do for strangers. People have provided directions, cups of tea, cold food storage, free phones, loos, drying rooms and more. We’ve met zillions of kids, including some friendly 14-15 year old boys participating in the Duke of Edinburgh awards program. They were wonderfully upbeat, even in the pouring rain.

In fact I can’t get over what a tough lot the Brits are. We saw more people hiking today on a horrible day than I usually see on a beautiful day in Vancouver. Stiff upper lip and no complaining seems to be the motto here.

As much as we have mostly enjoyed the Cumbria Way we are dismayed at the lack of markers. Compared to the Dingle Way and the Kerry Way in Ireland I have found route finding to be much more challenging. Miles can pass before a marker is sighted and then it may be a way marker but is it a Cumbria Way marker? I have a better map now which will help but we aren’t the only ones getting turned around. There is such a network of trails that it’s very easy to take the wrong trail – at least for a short time.

Tomorrow I’m leaving my companion with her sore foot to recuperate for a day while I head off on a remote 15 mile hike to Caldbeck. The forecast is good and I’m optimistic that I’ll see more of the Lake District’s magnificent scenery.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

The Cumbria Way, Lake District, England

July 2, 2010

I’m hiking the 70 mile Cumbria Way over 6 days in the Lake District of England with a girl friend who has trained for a year to accomplish this adventure. Two days and 26 miles into the hike and my feet are screaming at me. They are just going to have to get over it because there are 11 more days of hiking ahead of them – 4 more on The Cumbria Way and 7 days on the West Highland Way in Scotland.

Although we’re in England where they supposedly speak English, half the time we can’t understand a thing and nod knowingly, too embarrassed to ask people to repeat themselves for the third and fourth time.

We’re adding new words to our vocabulary every day too.

• beck – a stream
• tarn – a lake
• metal roads – tarmac roads
• kissing gates – a turnstile affair, hard to get into and out of, especially with a backpack
• crag  – hill

Check out the first few days on the Cumbria Way in pictures.

Stay tuned – more pictures and more adventures in a few days.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

Packing List for a Long Distance Walk

June 28, 2010

I’m off to Great Britain tomorrow with a girlfriend to hike the 70 mile Cumbria Way which bisects the Lake District in England and the 95 mile West Highland Way in western Scotland. I’m a bit smarter than last year when I hiked the Dingle Way and the Kerry Way in Ireland with a fully loaded backpack. This time I’ve organized a baggage service to move my big backpack every night at a cost of £ 7 per bag. I’ll carry a daypack and that’s it.

Here’s a full list of what I’m bringing.

 

• One large backpack
• A daypack (will bring as carryon)
• An oversized bag that holds a wallet, book and electronics (carryon)

Footwear

• Broken in leather hiking boots (consider orthotics too)
• Lightweight trail shoe (with extra laces)
• Chaco scandals

I am not taking any good shoes.

Clothing

• 5-6 pairs of underwear
• Sleeping attire
• 2 liner socks and 2 hiking socks ***I hike as much as I can in my Chacos despite the looks I get! You may want more socks.
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair quick dry long pants that zip into shorts
• 1 pair capris
• 1 pair stretchy type capris – Lululemon in Canada (they may get tossed at the last minute)
• 1 down vest that stuffs into nothing

• 1 windproof fleece
• 4 hiking t-shirts (I bring old ones I can pitch after a number of days)
• Arm warmers – buy at a biking store – HIGHLY RECOMMEND – no need for long sleeve tshirts then. You could also bring leg warmers.

• 1 dressier shirt
• 1 scarf
• 1 dressier sweater
• 2-3 tshirts for the evening
• Rain pants, rain jacket
• Ball cap
• Warm hat, gloves
• Bandana
• Bathing suit – am I dreaming? Perhaps it won’t come.

Electronics

• Dell Notebook computer that weighs under 2 pounds + plugs
• Memory stick
• Panasonic Optio W20 – waterproof camera as a backup
• Panasonic SDR-Sw21 Video Recorder + battery charger
• Lumix G1 with 2 lenses + battery charger
• Garmin Forerunner 305 + battery charger (for measuring distance)
• Plug adaptor for Great Britain
• Downloading cables
• Ipod
• Iphone – I don’t have one but my friend is bringing hers.

Miscellaneous

• The 10 essentials
• Rain cover for daypack
• Reading material – 5 books in my case. I tried to bring fewer but two will be read just on planes.

• Journal, maps, pens, markers
• 2 water bottles (you could bring flavoured crystals of some sort ) ; I’m not bringing a water purifier for Britain.
• 15 energy bars – one per day and one extra. These are hard to find overseas plus they’re much cheaper to buy at home. Buy a variety and taste them before you leave.

• Expandable clothes line + a small container of soap
• Whistle
• Binoculars and bird book
• Eye shade – for the plane
• 2 pairs of reading glasses ($Cdn60 in London’s Heathrow last year for 1 pair!)
• Sunglasses
• Half gaiters
• Sunscreen + lip balm (may not even pull it out judging by the weather forecast)
• Toilet paper + kleenex
• Extra ziploc bags in different sizes
• Dirty laundry bag
• Tripod (maybe – because it’s small)
• Cloth for cleaning camera lenses
• Collapsible hiking poles (optional)
• Carabiner for the outside of a pack; it has all sorts of useful purposes including holding scandals
• Passport, credit cards, ATM card, driver’s license, insurance papers, cash (some in smaller notes if possible). Leave unnecessary cards at home.

First Aid Kit

It’s not very big but it’s got enough if we get into trouble.

• Assorted blister aids – bandaids, moleskin, tape
• Gauze and dressings
• Antibiotic cream like Neosporin
• Triangular bandage
• Sam splint
• Ace bandage and safety pins
• Advil, Benadryl
• Hand cleaner
• Emergency blanket ( the ones that weigh 1 ounce that reflect your body heat)

Toiletries

What I’m bringing and what my friend is bringing is quite different. She has 4 types of cream alone - eye, face, body, sunscreen. I might just mooch. Don’t forget the following:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Small mirror
• Contacts, glasses and eye solution
• Earplugs – I’ve been warned by her husband
• Makeup – depending on who you are
• Small shampoo and conditioner bottles
• Deodorant
• Razor
• Hairbrush (so obvious I usually forget it)
• Tweezers, scissors, nail clippers, Q-tips
• Prescriptions and/or vitamins

This list looks incredibly long but in fact I have chosen clothes that stuff into nothing and lightweight fabrics whenever possible. This trip is no beauty contest. If we do any fine dining it will be in jeans and scandals. Certainly no one needs all the electronics I’m bringing but I plan to write blogs every few days. Once I start loading my bags I may fine tune just a touch.

I don’t like Scotch but for those of you who would enjoy a wee dram add a flask to your list.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

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  • 501 Places - Read Andy’s musings on his adventures to 70+ countries.
  • A Little Adrift - A well written blog with great photos by a 20 something woman who has done a RTW trip.
  • A Pair of Panties and Boxers - She use to want the corner office. Now she wants the world. Monica blogs about her travels around the world & her travels through life. Either way she travel, it’s food for her soul.
  • A Travel Around the World - Marta ‘n Chris travel the world and share their tips, stories and excitement of the venture.
  • Abandon the Cube - Ever thought of Abandoning your cubical to travel around the world? We are two travelers who did just that. Join us as we travel, mostly by ground transport and sea, across the globe at Abandon the Cube.”
  • About Airport Parking - Covers parking information at every major airport in the US.
  • Alice's Garden Travel Buzz - Look for great articles on gardens around the world, plus spas, foodie havens and cooking schools.
  • Art of Backpacking - Mike and Teresa have a well written, extremely useful website geared to the international backapacker.
  • Australia - Australia travel guide. Find the best of Australia.
  • Beers and Beans - Follow a California couple as they wander the world. Excellent photography.
  • Best Beaches in Asia - This website will lead you to some of the best beaches in Thailand, Taiwan, Cambodia and Hong Kong.
  • Brooke vs The World - Well written blog tracing Brooke’s journey around the world with some interesting longer term stops for work.
  • Brooklyn Nomad - A Noo Yawka with a bad case of wanderlust – great quotes, great photography.
  • Candice does the World - Get a Newfoundler’s point of view about Newfoundland, life and world travel.
  • Carolina Nomad - Spencer is your one stop travel source if you’re travleing to the Carolinas.
  • Currency Converter - Get exchange rates for world currencies.
  • Dave's Travel Corner - The go to website for all things related to travel – blogs, message boards, resoucres, photos, clasiifieds, travel news…
  • Enlighten Travels - A multi year journey around the world is recorded with insight.
  • Ever the Nomad - Anja is a Lonely Planet author who travels and a traveler who writes.
  • Everything Everywhere - Gary is a VERY well traveled guy who writes and takes great HD photos.
  • foXnoMad - Great blog with lots of tips on tech, money,lodging, culture…
  • Gabriola Cycle and Kayak - Guided cycling trips to Mexico, Spain and France for adventuresome travelers at very reasonable prices.
  • Gap Year Escape - Follow Amar’s backpacking travels in the southern hemisphere.
  • Gourmantic - A well written food and travel blog.
  • Guy and Girl Travels - Get both perspectives on travel from this team. Great stories from all the travel angles – food, happenings, haunts.
  • Happy Time Blog - Follow Aaron & Georgie as they have alot of fun traveling/backpacking the world.
  • Health Conscious Travel - A blog on health, travel and green living.
  • Hole in the Donut Travels - Read about Barbara’s travels from the perspective of a 50 something female with a serious case of wanderlust.
  • Hop and Jaunt - Check out the website of this pair of traveling designers.
  • Hoseasons Log Cabins - Luxury log cabins throughout the beautiful UK countryside.
  • How to Travel with Pets - This is your go to website if you’re a pet owner and you love to travel with pets including birds, fish and reptiles.
  • i Backpack Canada - Corbin provides you with lots of advice and tips for hitting the road with a backpack in Canada.
  • Ian and Wendy - Follow this well traveled Canadian couple on their worldwide travel adventures.
  • Inside the Travel Lab - A well written blog on the art and science of unusual travels.
  • Janes Guide to Scotland - Look for travel tips and information from someone who calls Scotland home.
  • Jet Set Citizen - John and his wife are jet set citizens – a group of people living the lifestyle they choose involving travel, technology and social media.
  • Lonely Planet Author: Joshua Samuel Brown - Read the musings of Josh, an expat living in Asia.
  • Monna McD - Follow the writings of this Canadian woman living in Bangkok.
  • My Several Worlds - Carrie writes about photography, lifestyle, travel and teaching ESL in Asia.
  • No Debt World Travel - Learn Brian’s tricks of traveling around the world cheaply.
  • Nomadic Chick - Jeannie is joining a long line of former cubicle dwellers and is about to embark on a RTW trip. Her stories are great as so is her writing style.
  • Otts World - Follow Sherry on her travels and enjoy inspiring photos and video.
  • Paddy in Buenos Asia - A very funny blog on everyday life of an Irish expat now living in Hong Kong. Warning – may contain nudity, bad language and Irish humour.
  • Quiver Tree Family Expeditions - Let this company help you plan a unique trip for your family to some of the world’s great places. Kid and parent tested itineraries.
  • Riverville House B&B, Kenmare, Ireland - If you are walking or touring the Kerry Way in Ireland then add this B&B to your must stay list. You will find lovely rooms and welcoming hosts at reasonable prices.
  • Rome Hotels - Looking for a hotel in Rome??
  • Runaway Jane - A lovely website by this fulltime travel writer and freelance illustrator.
  • Snarky Tofu - Check out the videos.
  • Start Backpacking - Get info on the steps to start backpacking, backpacking medicine, cheap flights and more.
  • Sunmaster Holidays - Find holidays, all inclusive holidays and package holidays with Sunmaster.co.uk
  • Tech Guide for Travel - Reviews of tech products used by travelers and all sorts of useful techie info in easy to understand terms.
  • The 9 to 5 Alternative - Peruse well written articles about travel, lifestyle and entrepreneurship.
  • The Caffeinated Traveller - Insights into world travel with colourful images – perfect with a cup of coffee.
  • The Planet D - Read about and watch videos on the ongoing adventure travels of Canada’s Dave Bouskill and Deb Corbeil.
  • The Professional Hobo - Adventures of a girl with no fixed address.
  • The Travel Expert(a) - Marina blogs about traveling in Central America AND plans and organizes trips in Costa Rica.
  • The World Effect - Excellent photography and writing are the hallmarks of Beau and Meggan’s round the world blog.
  • Trail of Ants - Check out this Brit’s excellent writing. He’s traveled on the Trans-Mongolian railway!
  • Travel Blissful - Follow Erica’s stories, tips, musings, video and photography as they relate to travel.
  • Travel Wonders of the World - Mark blogs about his travels to over 80 countries.
  • Travel Yourself - Follow Cailin as she travels the world one country at a time. Nice photography. Upcoming TV.
  • Traveling Canucks - Nicole and Cameron are a couple and a well traveled one at that with over 47 countries under their belt. Their photography is a treat for the eyes.
  • Traveling Greener - Sonya provides green travel news, trends and information.
  • Traveling Savage - Keith is a wonderful travel writer who tackles a wide range of off the beaten travel path topics.
  • Traveling the World by the Seat of our Pants - Follow the good, the bad and the nasty as this couple travels the world.
  • Travels with Phillip - Phillip writes about sharing his love of travel with his three kids. Lucky kids. Great adventures.
  • Travels with Two - Great website with lots of useful information for trip planning – especially for couples.
  • TravMonkey - Paul gives you detailed info for backpacking around the world.
  • Tuscany Tours - Offers full day and half day tours in Florence and Tuscany, Italy.
  • Uncornered Market - Look for human stories, photography, street food reporting and personal growth stories.
  • Vacation Rentals by Owner, Homes, Beach House, Condo rentals, Cabin rentals, Cottage, Beach rentals and Lake rentals. - Worldwide Leader – vacation property rentals that specializes in connecting property rental owners with travelers.
  • Vagabonding Life - Greg writes thought provoking articles about travel since escaping from the cubicles of corporate America.
  • Velvet Escape - Read about Keith’s escapes and adventure travels to some of the world’s most interesting places.
  • Wild Junket - Follow Nellie’s wild ride around the world. She’ll teach you how to swear in Spanish and get you up to speed on odd Asian habits!
  • World Clock - Find out what time it is anywhere in the world + get international dailing information.
  • World Electric Guide - Provides information on plug types and voltages in every country around the world.
  • Worldwide Airlines - You’ll find both the major and some of the obscure airlines in countries around the world.
  • Worldwide Weather - Get weather forecasts for most countires.