Posted by David Porter on January 12, 2010 · Leave a Comment
This is a photograph that I shot one beautiful morning in California’s Yosemite National Park.
We absolutely love our National Parks, and intend to showcase a great many of them here in our website.
As is the case with our “destinations” section, we don’t want to simply rehash old memories for you. We would much prefer to share our experiences with you as they are happening.
Therefore, stay tuned here, there will be lots of exciting information, photographs, videos, and all around excitement as we share our nation’s National Parks with you.
I can’t wait!
Posted by David Porter on January 12, 2010 · 3 Comments
In this area of our website, we will be featuring destination trips that we will share with you. This might include an Alaskan cruise, an African safari, a week’s stay in a wonderful spa, or any other destination that arouses the senses.
Rather than rehash a past experience, we will wait for our next exciting destination: the Big Island of Hawaii.
Look for this category to come alive in March.
Stay tuned!
Posted by David Porter on January 12, 2010 · Leave a Comment
My Desert Hiking Gear
When one is traveling, or off on some great adventure, your gear can not only bring about convenience, but it can also mean life or death.
When we started hiking the mountainous back country of the Sonoran desert, we very quickly learned that this is not anything like hiking in Michigan. In fact, during the hot summer months, we often hear of some unsuspecting tourist meeting their death while hiking in our arid deserts.
Here are a few of the important items to consider if you plan to hike our desert mountains:
- Water – In this pack I have 6 liters of water. This is overkill, but I like to have extra in case I encounter someone who is without water. You will never find me on the desert trails without at least 2 liters of water in my pack.
- Sun Protection – the sun is very unforgiving in the desert. You must have a strong sun block as well as a hat upon your head, and preferably a hat with vents that can breath.
- Food – at least have a protein bar with you. If you become stranded for some reason, you will be happy to have it.
- Notification – never, ever, ever hike our desert mountains without telling someone where you are going, and when you plan to return. This way, if something should happen to you, they will at least know where to look.
- For those who plan to become hiking enthusiasts, here are a few more considerations:
- First-Aid kit
- Whistle – three bursts on a whistle means you need help.
- Compass/Maps/GPS – in some areas, it is easy to get turned around. Know where you are going.
- Hiking Poles – it is amazing what a good set of hiking poles can do for the hiker. They provide you an extra set of legs for balance, they reduce a little stress from your joints with each and every step, and when dealing with inclines/declines, they provide a wonderful assistance. I won’t hike without my poles.
- Boots – a good-fitting pair of hiking boots, with a wicking pair of socks underneath will solve you a lot of problems with blisters, and sore feet. They will also provide much needed traction in slippery areas.
I could go on with more, but I think this will provide the basic tools for the serious beginner.
In future posts we will get far more specific regarding various tools, gizmos, doodads, products, and gear.
Stay tuned!
Posted by David Porter on January 11, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Conde’ Naste Traveler Magazine just announced its 2010 Gold List.
About 20 years ago, my wife and I hired an unknown travel agent to book us a romantic trip to the Bahamas. The brochures were beautiful, but when we got there we were completely aghast at this so called resort. It more resembled someone’s backyard.
After only 15 minutes, we determined that we were not going to stay in this place, and set about to get our way to a more recognized resort.
From that day forward, we vowed to never again trust an unknown resource for travel, and certainly not trust the claims of a brochure.
The Conde’ Naste Traveler Gold List became a staple for us in choosing our resorts. We have never been let down by this list.
The photograph above is from The Boulders Resort which happened to be one of our first choices from the Gold List many years ago. We had an enchanted visit, and we now actually live right across the street from this Waldorf Astoria owned landmark resort.
Posted by David Porter on January 11, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Global Traveler Magazine just published its sixth annual GT Tested Award Winners.
According to Global Traveler, 25,951 people participated in their annual survey rating their favorites in 60 different categories. The categories ranged from favorite hotels, airlines, destinations, and many more.
This year, the State of Arizona was voted #1 as the best domestic tourist destination.