Travel Photo Thursday: Climbing to the Roof of Africa

February 2, 2012

For our 25th wedding anniversary, my husband (John) and I flew to Tanzania. Our aim was to climb to the Roof of Africa and summit Mount Kilimanjaro.  Just before we left, John cracked a rib, but neither of us wanted to cancel the trip. So climb we did – and summit, with few problems but part two of our trip which involved driving the rutted roads of the Serengeti was a different issue altogether and best saved for another blog.

Here are a collection of photos from our climb up Kilimanjaro.

We climbed the Shira Plateau – Western Breach Route – one that not many people do. It allows you to camp just 800 feet shy of the summit on the final night by the Furtwangler Glacier. It’s incredibly beautiful – though most of us also felt incredibly sick –  nothing drugs couldn’t cure fortunately.

Driving to the trailhead to begin our trek

Warnings before you start the climb

Controlled bedlam and getting organized before setting out

Our porters on Kilimanjaro

The second night's camp - the first was too disgusting for words

Fantastic textured plants

Dramatic skies

Dining tent for cool nights well above treeline

This is what you'll look like, 30 minutes after running the trail - when you're supposed to be taking it slowly

An overnight snowfall, two nights from the summit

On the push to the Crater camp

Looking down to the Crater Camp

An atypical summit shot

Just hours below the summit - back in the land of more oxygen

The Money Dance - at the last camp - after the tips are handed out

The highs of climbing Kilimanjaro

• Our wonderful, kind thoughtful porters
• Traveling through so many ecological zones
• The feeling of elation upon reaching the summit and of course the view from the top
• Unusual plant life along the way
• Excellent food
• Interesting bird life at lower elevations

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A Trek to the Annapurna Base Camp – Sanctuary of the Gods

February 1, 2012

Be inspired with a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp – Sanctuary of the Gods.

One of the highlights of a trip to Nepal for many people has to be the Himalayas. Whether you’re an avid hiker or you simply want a chance to soak up the breathtaking mountain views, there are plenty of routes for trekking in the Annapurna region that will enable you to get the most out of the area.

Heading down towards Machupachre Base Camp from Annapurna Base Camp

While Nepal is most famous for being the home of the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, you don’t need to brave the 8,848 meter peak in order to make the most of the breathtaking views of snow-capped summits jutting through the clouds.

The Annapurna region is an ideal location to head to if you want to enjoy mountain vistas. What’s more, even though you won’t have to tackle the feat of climbing Everest, the steep hillsides and rugged peaks of the Annapurna region are sure to be challenging enough!

The Annapurna Sanctuary

A guesthouse in Tikedhunga

A trip that might be of interest is the Annapurna Sanctuary Lodge Trek, which will take you to the base camp of the highest mountain in this area of the Himalayas, Annapurna.

You will reach the foot of the peak – which tops out at an altitude of 8,091 m – on your journey to the Sanctuary of the Gods. Your legs will get a great workout but you’ll enjoy majestic scenery along the way.

As these trips can take as little as eight days – or up to 15 if you’re feeling adventurous – to complete, this gives those who are short on time the chance to really get to grips with trekking in the Himalayas without having to opt for a longer excursion.

Watching the sun rise over Annapurna Base Camp

Some of the highlights you’ll see along the way include terraced rice fields, rhododendron forests in full bloom if you trek in the spring, as well as the sight of  imposing mountains in the background.

When you reach the Annapurna Sanctuary, you will be blessed with spectacular views of the jutting peaks of the Annapurna range. Gazing at the snow-capped summits, and I speak from experience; will without a doubt make the rigors of the trek worthwhile.

Don’t forget to bring your camera on your hike (and extra cards and batteries), as you’re bound to take plenty of pictures to remember these impressive mountaintops surrounding you forever.

Annapurna Circuit

Trekking to the Annapurna Basecamp, Sanctuary of the Gods isn’t the only way to make the most of your time in the region. You could follow the Annapurna Circuit for an alternative hike through the mountain range.

Sunrise after an overnight snowfall

On this route, you will be able to see the likes of Manaslu and Dhaulagiri, which are among the 14 highest mountains in the world at over 8,000 meters tall. Machapuchre – or Fish Tail – will also feature on your hike, and it’s just under 7,000 meters.

The Annapurna Circuit begins in Kathmandu and normally lasts for up to 24 days.

As the trek is quite long, you will have plenty of opportunities to soak up the breathtaking views. You will also have the chance to see more of the landscape as you will scale the peaks from the foothills, allowing you to explore the luscious valleys, trek through bamboo forests and walk past raging waterfalls.

See the real Nepal

This type of trip also allows you to experience what life is like in Nepal’s highest villages. Soak up the charm of these small communities as you hike past them, watching children smile and wave and locals shout ‘Namaste’ as you fly by.

New found energy once back in oxygen rich territory

Whether you opt for a shorter route or the challenge of a long, steep trek through the Himalayas, a trip toNepal could be one of the most rewarding adventures you ever experience.

Photo credit: All photos complements of Kieh Christopherson

Sponsored by Walks Worldwide

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2011: What an Amazing Year of Travel

January 3, 2012

First, a late but heartfelt Happy New Year to all my readers. I hope 2012 is a better year for all of you than the financial forecasters are forecasting. I predict there will be more travel closer to home this year.

Fireworks on New Year's Eve

I was very lucky in 2011 for the amount of travel I was able to do – fun stuff too – none of this hop on a plane Monday morning, visit four cities and arrive home on a Thursday night kind of travel. It was an amazing year of exploring, hiking, kayaking and touring and a year that won’t be easily repeated.

That’s okay – there’s plenty to explore in my own backyard in 2012.

HikeBikeTravel continues to grow and evolve. Last night I started the first of eight photography courses that will lead to a Photography Certificate – but more importantly – you’ll see a big improvement in the caliber of photography on this site.

I wasn’t planning to do a 2011 wrap-up post but then Cathy Sweeney from Traveling With Sweeney nominated me to share my best of 2011 travel experiences and it’s a great way to see all that one has accomplished in a year. The project was started by Jeremy of Budget Travel Adventures.

Best Domestic Travel Destination 2011

Michipicoten Island wins my vote – but I’d be surprised if more than a handful of my readers ever make it there. The island sits in Lake Superior, well off the beaten path, unless you call Wawa, Ontario home. It’s best visited in the summer months before the storms roll in. Our one week kayaking tour around the island was a great success – no other boats or humans for four days, fantastic northern scenery including spectacular sunsets, woodland caribou sightings and enough paddling that you feel you earned your two hour afternoon nap.

A Lake Superior sunset

Best Travel Experience 2011

I had so many great travel experiences while in Chile and Argentina last year, that it’s hard to choose. Climbing Volcano Toco with a wonderful, warm, funny Chilean woman was a highlight but so was a three day guided trip from Salta to Tucaman through some of the most beautiful red rock country I’ve ever seen.

Summit of Volcano Toco - at 18,645 feet

Best International Destination 2011

Again I’d have to say Chile and Argentina were my favourite destinations though hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, through France, Switzerland and Italy with my daughter was a close second. Specifically the Atacama Desert in northern Chile is a remarkable place for its austere and desolate beauty. I’m sorry we only had three days when you could easily spend a week – hiking, sandboarding the dunes and checking out various hot springs in remote mountain locations. Sunset on the salt flats, with flamingos wading nearby was also a memorable sight.

Salt flats in the Atacama Desert

Worst Travel Experience 2011

Without a doubt the worst travel experience in 2011 was day five on the Tour du Mont Blanc. We’d already had a tough morning of hiking out of Rifugio Bonetti with drenching rain, mud and hypothermia like weather as we crossed two passes. Then, when we were less than an hour from our destination for the day, a mud avalanche let loose, covering the road and making it too dangerous to navigate a swollen river. We had to retrace our steps, up, I might add, and then spend a night in a hostel instead of a hotel. Scary more than anything because we missed the avalanche by minutes.

Evidence of a swollen river near Champex, Switzerland

Most Embarrassing Travel Moment 2011

Fortunately I didn’t have any embarassing travel moments – no meltdowns in security lines, or temper tantrums when my plans didn’t go exactly as planned.

Best Local Destination 2011

Local had two meanings for me in 2011 – Vancouver for two thirds of the year and Calgary for the last third. I’ll stick with a Vancouver choice – and this year that would have to be our weekend of kayaking to Blackberry Point on Valdes Island, just off of Vancouver Island. As the crow flies, it was probably only 30 miles from my house. But to get to the kayak launch required a ferry to Nanaimo followed by a short drive. The reward was a beautiful log strewn beach and kayaking along the unusual sandstone formations that made up much of Valdes Island.

Our log strewn beach on Valdes Island

Best Travel Lesson

Travel in a bus like a local when you can. In Chile and Argentina we took three long distance bus rides. One was an overnighter in business class comfortable seats for a very reasonable sum and the other two were highlights of the trip and involved crossing the Andes. If we’d flown to our destination we wouldn’t have seen the magnificent countryside we did and get nearly the appreciation of the geography. Plus it was a way to slow down and reflect on our travels.

Lush green valleys in northern Argentina as seen from the bus

Now I have the chance to nominate a few of my favourite bloggers, with the hopes that they’ll share their stories.

Erik at On My Feet or in My Mind
Loretta at Skalatitude
Michael at EasyHiker
Simon at Wild About Travel

Follow Jeremy’s link to the “Best of Travel” Rules  for all the details.

Photo credit: Fireworks

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