i should log off » hiking

Hanakapiai Falls of Kauai’i

Danny — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:27:12 +0000

When we took our honeymoon to Hawaii we made it an absolute must to spend some time on the Island of Kauai’i. The reason for that is simple, it’s beautiful. This is the island that Hollywood often turns to when it needs a tropical shooting location and it’s no wonder why with its jungles and beautiful rivers.

We reached these falls after hiking for a few hours, first along the coast and then turning inland to follow the river to falls themselves. We hiked in our sandals and jumped right in the fresh and cold water and got to having as much fun as we could…then we quickly got out and dried off because that water was cold. Having now traveled the whole world and ‘seen it all’ I can safely say it’s days like these spent finding a hidden gem that makes travel special.

IF YOU GO: It’s easy to travel Kauai’i so long as you have a rental car to do it in. We just booked a stay for one of the many Hawaii hotels and drove clockwise and counterclockwise around the island. On one side of Kauai’i is a canyon and on the other side is this beautiful coast. If I did it again, I’d spend more time in Kauai’i and not even bother with that canyon….it’s filled with sawgrass!

To see more of our favorite photos from around the world check out our travel photo page. Let us know your favorites and we’ll include them in our photo series.

Photo: Summit of Salkantay

Danny — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:15:35 +0000

We hiked all morning from our base-camp which was already pretty high in altitude. Several in our group had already succumbed to the thin air and needed to ride horses or mules to reach the top. Finally we made it to the pass, Salkantay Pass, right along side the Salkantay peak pictured here.

To date no one has successfully summited the Mount Salkantay yet everyday hundreds of holiday makers walk right next to it. Looking at this picture it is easy to see why no on makes it to the top; it is rocky, covered in snow and fog, contains no smooth faces on which to walk, and is much taller still than the pass some of our friends couldn’t even get to on their own steam

IF YOU GO: The only way you’re likely to see this image in real life is if you’re hiking the Salkantay Trail to Machu Piccu. The route is well trodden with a variety of trips going every day. Some people stay in tents while others in fancy lodges with Jacuzzis and satellite TVs. There are lots of options, it’s just up to you to find the right tour operator for you and your budget. Ours wasn’t so great.

To see more of our favorite photos from around the world check out our travel photo page. Let us know your favorites and we’ll include them in our photo of the day series.

Photo: Overlooking the Grand Canyon

Jillian — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:14:49 +0000

Hiking Arizona’s Grand Canyon was a spectacular experience. We spent a few days at the Canyon, exploring different trails into what seemed like an endless canyon of gorgeous orange and red rock.
Our ultimately goal was to hike in and out of the Canyon in one day. Rim to river to rim. After extensive research we set out a strategy to conquer the canyon without bringing heavy camping equipment. At 4am we stood on the rim of the South Canyon, listening to coyotes howl and descended into the canyon. By breakfast we were at the river, soaking our feet in it’s cool current. By lunch we were half way back up and by mid afternoon, we had conquered the canyon.

It was exhausting, but judging by our pictures, I think you can tell that it was worth it!

IF YOU GO: You don’t have to conquer the canyon on foot! Rail tours will take you all over the American west and once in the park you’re all set with a wide array of public transport at the ready. If you do go hiking, bring plenty of water, food and a hat – hiking without a plan can put you in serious danger. We stopped into the backcountry office before taking off into the canyon – a good idea for gathering up-to-date information and advice.