Ladakh: a place we had dreamed about for well over a decade, a visit packed with expectations. What made this place remarkable wasn’t quite what we expected.Imagining Ladakh for all of those years, we focused on the landscape. Sure, Ladakh as a setting for just about anything did not disappoint. The physical beauty was more stunning – and more consistently so -- … [Read more...]
Favorite Treks from Around the World
A collection of our favorite treks from around the world, including unusual or offbeat treks that you may not have heard of before, but perhaps should consider for the stunning landscapes and immersive, cultural experiences. Many of the articles below are comprehensive "Beginner's Guides" that provide you with all you need to know to plan and prepare for the trek, from difficulty level to packing.
Finding the Good Way: How to Meditate While Trekking at 15,000 Feet
This is a story of our re-discovery of a few of life’s truths amidst a seven-day trek in the Himalayas."One foot in-front-of-the oth-er." … [Read more...]
Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand [360-Degree Panorama]
![Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand [360-Degree Panorama]](https://ucm-apriorillc.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Tongariro_NZ-150x150.jpg)
Our trek to the Tongariro Crossing on New Zealand's North Island was the trek that almost wasn't. Winds were fierce, rains continued to pour down and visibility only seemed to get worse right up to the day before we were set to hike.As night fell, winds began to subside and the rain slowed, but it still didn't look good. We prepared ourselves for the … [Read more...]
Panorama of the Week: Early Morning in a Sikkim Mountain Village
Dawn breaks in a village above holy Lake Khecheopalri in Sikkim, a semi-autonomous state of northeast India tucked into the Himalayas. In the early morning, children stumble half asleep through the village to the Buddhist monastery school as the sun rises over the nearby mountains. Our reason for rising early on the morning this photo was taken: to grab a glimpse of … [Read more...]
Japan’s Mount Fuji: Following the Path of Pilgrims
This is a story about how sometimes it’s a good thing to take the long way, to miss the bus, and to find the shrine. … [Read more...]
Climb Kilimanjaro: Equipment and Preparation
How do I prepare for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro? What equipment will I need?No shortage of digital ink has been spilled on this topic. Even so, every article we’ve read seemed to be missing a little something.Based on our Kilimanjaro climb experience, here are the nuts and bolts of what an average, ordinary hiker will need for a Kilimanjaro climb. We'll … [Read more...]
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Day by Day
Poa kichizi kama ndizi. -- Swahili for “Crazy cool like a banana,” the most appropriate response to “How are you?” while climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.So we climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and shared some of the life lessons we learned along the way. But what did the climb look like? How did it feel? … [Read more...]
Climbing Kilimanjaro: Life Lessons from the Top of Africa
A few ideas on how walking up a big pile of volcanic rocks in Africa can teach you something about life.For some, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is another check box on a “to do” list. For me it turned out to be a journey -- in its own way, an epic exercise in achievement.Like any journey of significance, themes emerged. Somewhere beyond Kilimanjaro’s … [Read more...]
Panorama of the Week: Rainbows at Dawn — El Hoyo Volcano, Nicaragua
While we're not usually ones to wake up early, sometimes we've been rewarded for the effort when we have. Waking up to double rainbows while camping atop El Hoyo volcano in Nicaragua was one of those moments. … [Read more...]
Torres del Paine Trek: 6 Days, 6 Lessons, Many Photos
Most articles we read about Torres del Paine National Park in Chile focus on Patagonian meadows, turquoise lakes, and rose-tinted granite towers in sunrise.We’ll allow our photos to do that bit for us.Instead, we’ll take a different tack and share some of the lessons –- about yourself, your marriage (if you have one), Patagonia, expectations, life, and … [Read more...]