California

The idea, why…..

The idea of an exchange visit was conceived in a unique open air “board room”, in Namibia’s great Kunene region, Omatendeka conservancy at Otjomumbonde. Otjomumbonde area is the Omatendeka conservancy’s wildlife sanctuary. The area is endowed with much needed natural springs and great vegetation making it well suited for farming; however the conservancy has set it aside for wildlife therefore its attractiveness for tourism development. In this arid area, land use and management plans involve making substantial sacrifices by the communities who are generally described as farmers and not conservationists despite their well-known successes in conservation. These sacrifices are sometimes rewarded with unique tourism developments such as the planned Otjomumbonde lodge. It is a beautiful site in a pristine environment. Serenity combined with sincerity to connect people divided by not only an ocean but also lifestyles and cultures. Despite these divides, their souls connected in a common purpose and similarities in their love, respect and appreciation of nature. More similarities came to the fore, their common fight and plight to conserve and preserve the environment; this is why it was decide to undertake an exchange visit for Namibians to the US for both nations to share in their common journey.
 

The mastermind behind the exchange visit is Dan Austin of Austin-Lehman Adventures; a passionate visionary, an energetic individual who love life and all in it, particularly the stories of people as it relates to their space and history. In Namibia he was inspired by the harmony and balance of people and wildlife and their love for the environment which manifests through their passion for sharing their story and their environment with visitors.

The composition of the invitees covered people from Namibian conservation hotspots and a combination of veteran eco-tourism practitioners both in communal conservancy areas as well as government concession areas. In its entirety the group included representatives of key stakeholders making it appropriately representative of the relationships required and in most cases responsible for the successful implementation of eco-tourism and conservation operations in Namibia.

These relationships are a web network involving the government, conservancies, non-governmental organizations, donor agencies, and private sector tourism investors, to mention but a few. Conservancies’ successes of conservation on their land are very well celebrated in Namibia over the years and continue to be the case. Amongst the selected representatives for the exchange visit is conservancy concessionaires, this is the latest government initiative to further extend natural resources management rights and benefits to conservancies neighboring protected areas. This allocation of concession rights to conservancies has not only increased the conservation foot print of the conservancies but also put at their disposal more resources from which to benefit. Unlike in the past where the concession rights were given to private sector operator, now the private sector operators are contracted only as operators and are only given rights to conduct their operations by entering into an agreement with the conservancies that hold the concession rights.   

The delegation also comprised a fair reflection of the Namibian peoples’ cultural diversity, with representation of people from the far northwest, the central north and far north east as well as people from the central heart land of Namibia giving both a rural and an urban reflection of the issues concerning sustainable utilization of natural resources.

The visit, what we saw…

Zoo Montana visit: A great welcome by the enthusiastic “Zoo Man” who has a voice that cuts through the mumblings of non-attentive visitors in the group, filled with passionate yet educational presentation of information of the various species in the collection of the zoo.

The tour through the zoo began at a well calculated significant stop for foreign visitors to see the Bald Eagle, America’s national bird appropriately welcoming visitors on a tour into the American wildlife kingdom, not only at Zoo Montana but for what was to follow during out tour of many wildlife sightings in the parks. To the delegation, a zoo is a new experience even though in Namibia there are various initiatives that operate with wildlife kept in captivity but in general parallels could be drawn especially regarding how the animals ended up in the zoo as well as their confined future in this captive environment. For majority of the group members, there was a general sense of mixed feelings regarding the freedom of the animals and their adopted constricted behavior. Nonetheless the essence and conclusions drawn are that these animals, despite their sad tales of what happened and what could have ended up in their death, have been offered a second chance at life at the zoo, maybe even a much better chance compared the their wilderness-dwelling families.

 Their new role of Zoo Montana is to serve as ambassadors of their world out there and spread the message of their plight directly to their biggest enemy, the human race. The evening was enjoyed mingling with a high profile team from Billings including the Mayor and several representatives of congress, people entrusted by the masses with championing their prosperity including that of the wildlife and the environment. They are key role players in decisions that should bring justice, equity and a harmonious co-existence of man and beast.

The Crow Tribe dance: To cap the evening, a journey down the historical footsteps of the Crow Nation/Tribe was undertaken. They passionately shared their heritage and history and brought to life their increasingly threatened rituals and infected everyone with rhythm to join in song and dance.  We witnessed how music transcend boundaries of any kind be it tribe, race or nations from far across the oceans. The motion of dance to melody is a universal language and we full well connected and melted into the Crow’s cultural pot for the evening.  

              
Meeting the Crow Tribe/Apsaalooke Nation who have a reservation “conservancy” in the rural areas of Montana State, a state fully branded by their ancestors through their connection to the land, the names of the main natural  features such as rivers and mountains and grass plains bears names with meanings and cultural significance of the Crow nation. This is a story many a people can relate to and people in the delegation can relate fully. The challenges they face are similar to the challenges many Namibians face.

Yellowstone National Park can only be described as a “Must see”, seeing is believing in the truest sense of the statement. It was a visit in History, not only seeing what can arguably be the oldest park in the world but also getting the best chance or the closest chance to hear, feel, see and experience some of the most fascinating goings into grandmother earth’s belly. The park is a geological living museum, a living laboratory for academia that pursues the challenge of getting to understand the workings beneath the earth’s surface. It is a mind-blowing experience for the ordinary and it will not fail to ignite a curios debate in one’s mind about the forces of nature and the spiritual believe of divine powers of some sort. We experienced the soul healing powers of nature, the realization of how small and insignificantly young we are as humans on planet earth and how at times the forces of nature swallows our self-imposed egos over other species and our selfish dominance and exploitation of the resources of the earth all in the interest of the human species, the most destructive and harmful species to the planet.  

It is encouraging to note that this Park was set aside for conservation more than 100 years ago. Several success stories of game reintroduction in this park are visible such as the Bison and the Wolves, what is also visible is the ever unpredictable bio-diversity-balance/imbalance that in most cases is best left to nature.  The successful reintroduction of the wolves in the park seems to trigger some form of discontent with cattle ranchers neighboring the park, it appears that the wolves’ territories are spilling over on ranches and that the ranchers are experiencing losses of cattle and a reducing population of Elk that migrates seasonally from the park onto neighboring ranches. This migrating Elk onto ranches provides for a popular lucrative hunting season that provides a much needed alternative source of income during the winter period. The phenomenons above serve both as a sign of conservation success as well as in this case maybe a reminder of the possible reasons why the wolves were fiercely hunted to depletion in the first place.  At the moment, around the wolves issue in the Yellowstone Park, there is an urgent need for conservationists, government to engage ranchers more pro-actively and holistically if lessons can be drawn from our Cheetah Conservation Fund model on the fate of the cheetahs in Namibia. Meanwhile it appears that two even bigger threats to both the ranchers and the parks management and maybe to an extend to Montana and neighbouring states these are wild fires and as was explained a volcanic eruption. These are larger than life threats and therefore beyond anyone’s comprehension, hence left to grandmother nature to decide if not to divine power.

Rural Montana is “cowboy/girl” (gender equality) country; it is a culture, a heritage and a way of life of a people but more importantly an industry and its players who brave it out to rear cattle and hay fields to add their bit to feeding the nation. They are a people with character, a sense of profound pride and hospitality on their ranches and small towns. They are a community and a family, they all have “cow” blood in their veins. Yeah right they will defend their cows. Conservation in their vocabulary is grass lands management, rotational grazing methods and grass species restoration on their ranges as well as rooting out any threats to the cattle be it deceases or otherwise; that is conservation in their language. These guys represent everything tough and rough, big trucks, tough terrains, hectic chores and manual operations in stark contrast of the urban jungle life in this developed nation. They follow a history of their forbearers and continue to cherish a heritage for future generations to come. We did horse riding at a ranch and got a window into the reasons why they probably choose to remain rural, one trail “highway” single file procession, one traffic rule “follow the leader, stop when he stops”, simple “controls” to operate, speed limit is controlled by the cowboy in front. Now why would you trade this for the hustle and bustle of city life if you can eke out a living  in this serene space. After all city dwellers work very hard to earn a holiday the ranchers call their office and the activities such as horseback riding their daily chores.   

American football match: Dan Austin’s all time love appears to be football, in the short-time we spend together the word football kept popping up in conversations like some out of control pop up on a computer screen.  He sold the game to the Namibians in record time and worked tirelessly to plant enthusiasm in the group as he knew that making this group understand the game will take the same time it took Namibians to achieve conservation success. Nonetheless he put to good use every second at his disposal and within less than 15 minutes had total strangers at least memorize Andy’s number (his son who plays for the Bobcats) and the color of the Bobcats’ outfits which was necessary for the Namibians for their own safety at the stadium. Needless to say, on top of the above the game was lectured to the group in a typical Dan’s-Lewis-and-Clark version time, which simply means a story of any magnitude compressed to one breath. Determined, excited and motivated the group marched on the stadium with turbo-charged confidence to join the Bobcats’ die hard supporters in cheering the team to victory. The two distinct differences were the Made-in-Namibia chanting which was new on the scene as well as the dancing when the group took to the stage when a band played live music before the match, the Namibians’ rhythmic moves made others seem rhythm-handicapped, the Namibians shook the “stage” and attracted much admiration while at the same time doing their magic to ensure a win for the Bobcats.  As they say the rest is history Bobcats emerged victorious. Something that was must to rescue Dan from a deteriorating change in mood. An elevated Dan expressed as sigh of relieve which was echoed by the group in a typical father-to-children rubbing off energy.

TIES summit: Eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, pro-poor tourism, community based tourism are but some of the main themes and phrases coined over the years in an attempt to define an environmental friendly sustainable tourism concept that serve as the reason for yet another TIES gathering in Monterey, California. The group joined other delegations from all over the world and participated in sessions at the same level as their counterparts while in some cases it was obvious that many nations can learn a thing or two from Namibia’s conservation success as well as Namibia’s successful unique joint venture eco-tourism concept. The various presentations made where not strange to the Namibian delegation, especially the case studies that involved rural/communal/parks conservation and rural based tourism ventures. What was also evident is that Namibia has a long way to go in its application of environmental friendly practices in urban areas. Lessons on recycling and carbon emission reduction can be drawn from the developed world and maybe Namibia is best placed to do it right first time to be pro-active in order to avoid detrimental development planning. The lessons learnt by developing countries is that we must guard against developing only to end up redeveloping when it comes to making environmentally-friendly decisions, we are best placed in many ways to do it right the first time around and also to learn from the overwhelming examples and adopt systems and technologies of the developed countries proving to be good examples. Namibia has an advantage of having vast tracts of land available as well as an enabling legislation. The challenge we face is inclusive broad consultation on land use plans and prioritization of key sectors with a view to sustainability. Development of the Eco-tourism sector can lead to significant spin-offs that can stimulate a domino effect that will address socio-economic needs in rural areas where it is needed most. In our approach of development in this sector we should adopt a “Design for positive impact and sustainability approach”

Lessons and Recommendations….
•    In comparison to other countries Namibia has a conservation success story to tell of notable magnitude.
•    The importance of stakeholders’ relationships and the role that each play cannot be overemphasized.
•    It is vital for Namibia to be involved and affiliate at international level in conservation and eco-tourism sector
•    There is a need for more involvement and engagement of private sector in policy formation especially regarding tourism concessions
•    There is a need to actively engage academic institutions for both a refined documentation and thorough scrutiny of the conservation success stories and tourism operations in conservancies.
•    Donor’s continue to play a major role in the promotion and creation of needed synergies between key stakeholders for the benefit of sustainable conservation activities
•    There is a need to establish at ground level international mutually beneficial relationships with communities (conservancies), conservancy associations, local councils and regional government; such as signing twinning agreements at this level. E.g {game guard exchanges, committee exchanges and leadership mentorship etc}
    

  List of Delegates:
Ms Aisha Nakibuule (Acting Director), Namibia Development Trust
Ms Hilda Namwnyo (Manager), Sheya shUushona Conservancy
Ms Selma Nangolo (Grants Manager-Tourism), Millenium Challenge Account-Namibia
Mr Usiel Ndjavera (Tourism Business Advisor), WWF
Ms Martha Mulokoshi (Project Officer), WWF
Mr Dusty Rodgers (Investor-Tourism Ventures)
Ms Fabiola Katamila (Chief Warden, Concession Unit), Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Mr Pepe Giampietro Olivetto (Entrepreneur-Eco Lodges building and investments)    
Mr Gustaph Tjiundukamba (Chairman), Omatendeka Conservancy
Mr Rector Mbeha Kawana (Assistant Director) Namibian Association of Community Based CBNRM Support Organisations
Mr Jermain Ketji (Community Liaison Manager) Wilderness Safaris Namibia
Mr Cebens Munanzi (Manager-Tourism and Conservancy Support) Wuparo Conservancy
Mr Alex Ndango (Chairman) Muduva Nyangana Conservancy
Mr Bennet Kahuure (Manager-Tourism and Conservancy Support) Millennium Challenge Account Namibia

Itinerary
Day 1, Sept 6: Montana, Billings: Visit Montana Zoo
Day 2, Sept 7: Billings: Visit Crow Agency
Day 3, Sept 8: Red Lodge, Cooke City
Day 4, Sept 9: Cooke City, Yellowstone National Park
Day 5, Sept 10: The Tetons/ Jackson Lake
Day 6, Sept 11: Jackson Lake/ Grassy Island
Day 7, Sept 12: Yellowstone/ Upper Geyser Basin
Day 8, Sept 13: Lower Geyser Basin/ West Yellowstone/320 Guests Ranch
Day 9, Sept 14: Gallatin Canyon/ Ouzel Falls /Big Sky
Day 10, Sept 15: Bozeman/ MSU Campus
Day 11-16, Sept 16-20: Monterey, TIES Conference
Day 17-18, Sept 21-23 Traveling Back

Acknowledgements and thank you’s
•    Millennium Challenge Account Namibia
•     WWF Namibia
•    Austin-Lehman Adventures
•    NACSO
Ministry of Environment and Tourism

Harvest time is coming to California’s wine country!   This means there is no better time to plan your California adventure vacation and experience amazing cycling tours through the Napa region. Not only is the weather fantastic in Napa in the fall, but there is a special energy in the air.  The excitement and anticipation of great wines to come is all around. The grape leaves are beginning to change color only adding to the breathtaking beauty of the area.  The days are still warm and the evenings are cool making it the perfect time to explore all that the region has to offer.

The annual grape crush begins in late August and continues until October, which makes the fall an extremely exciting time to be in wine country.  This is the perfect time to see the area in the full swing of wine production.  The flurry of activity picking grapes starts before dawn and the grapes are whisked away to the crusher as quickly as possible, yet the smell of freshly picked grapes lingers in the air all day.  It is a time for festivity and to celebrate the harvest, wineries offer rare barrel tastings, special production tours, unique wine pairing dinners and opportunities to blend your own wine.  During this exciting time you can even find a few places that offer you the opportunity to participate in an idyllic barefoot wine stomp.  You will find the small towns are buzzing with cooking classes, workshops, special events and festivals. 

Fill your days with the perfect combination of hiking, biking, kayaking and winery tours and tastings.  There is no better way to explore wine country than by bicycle.  It allows you to slow down and take it all in.  An afternoon of hiking and exploring historic Jack London State Park will take you back to the simpler time of Jack London’s adventures.  Stroll along the beach after a morning kayak until you find your perfect seashell souvenir.  End your perfect day in wine country with a farm fresh dinner and a glass of local wine. 

A few days in wine country will leave you relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to plan your next visit.  Come celebrate the finer things in life with the people of California’s wine country this fall!

Your friendly wine loving travel consultant,

Melissa Ladvala

Greetings travelers I am Josh Fried and I live in Los Angeles, California. I love travelling and have been doing it ever since i was a little pipsqueak. I am now 15 years old and have been all around the country (not the world....yet). I thought traveling was just an activity where you visit a destination and meet people and experience attractions. For me that all changed last year! About a year ago I went on a trip with Austin-Lehman Adventures, we had discovered them several years before but had never had the time to go on one. My Dad and I ended up going on their Canadian Rockies family adventure. Saying we both had the time of our life is an understatement, we had the best time in the world! The area was beautiful, the locals were friendly and best of all we had three amazing guides that knew the area better then the back of their hand. Overall it was the best vacation I've ever had. A few months ago we were planning our summer and my parents asked me and my brother what we wanted to do. The first thing that came to my mind was “how about an Austin-Lehman trip”. My dad said “you should decide which one you want to do” so I was flipping through the catalog and I stumbled across their cycling tour of the Black Hills in South Dakota. It looked so much fun! Biking through the Black Hills, seeing Mount Rushmore, It sounded so much fun. I don't depart for another three weeks, yet I'm am jumping out of my skin in excitement. I love biking and have heard grand stories of the Mickelson Trail from friends, I am also a big history buff and can't wait to see landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. I can't wait for my next adventure with Austin-Lehman.

See you on the trails!

Looking to plan your next dream vacation?  Perhaps you are one of those travelers that want nothing on the agenda for the day, just  a nice relaxing retreat on a white sandy beach with a piña colada in hand.  Maybe your sense of adventure is only perked up when you think about experiencing an adrenline pumping activity like rafting or mountain biking. On the other hand, maybe you are the type of traveller that interest spikes when you hear the words buttery, delectable, rich and flavorful. Austin-Lehman Adventures is not one to over look the span of delicious foods, wines, sweets and cuisine’s that differ around the world.  If you are a traveler who likes to experience culture through the different flavors of the world then Culinary and Gourmet Vacations may be the next must try experience for the foodie in you.  

Visit A Vineyard In France

What better place to sip on a glass of Burgundy wine then in the famous town itself in the heart of France.  As one of the most famous and influential wine growing regions in the world, Burgundy is a beautiful location for any wine enthusiast.  Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply love the varieties of flavors, Burgundy is sure to impress. The wine will not be the only memorable part of your vacation however; the rich flavors of a lobster ravioli, foie gras, and homemade ice cream soufflé will all be the talk of the evening as you indulge in some of the most flavorful foods France has to offer. Whether you are up for a Burgundy cycling tour or prefer to explore the medieval castles of Loire Valley or the shorelines of Brittany and Normandy, with Austin Lehman you will be assured delicious wines, flavors, and gourmet adventures. 

Appreciate An Adventure In Austria

The Austrian Alps are a delight for not only the eyes but also for the pallet.  Austria tours offer snowcapped mountains, expansive lakes, and 14,000-year-old glacier carved gorges.  These should be reason enough to head to this visual paradise.  Austria has a delicious variety of local wines that pair fantastically with local Austrian cheeses and fruits.   You can anticipate savory flavors with creams, mustards, and delicious capers.  A great way to finish off a wonderful dinner is with a rich cup of traditional Austrian coffee, then unwind in your postcard-perfect accommodations.  

Delve Into Denmark

A Danish Isles adventure is sure to caress your taste buds with its famous flavors for local seafood and use of high quality local produce.  You will need to experience Smørrebrød (or a local open-faced sandwich) on a variety of different breads  accompanied by your choice of salmon, prawns or breaded fish. Denmark is not just a great place to experience delicious cuisine, but also it offers a backdrop of sheer cliffs, and dune-swept beaches.  Tour the country by island hopping through the rolling countryside with historic ruins, ancient castles, and colorful fishing villages.  From visiting historical museums to watching the changing of the guards, you will be entertained on every day of your trip.  Your Danish Isles Bike Tour is a fantastic way to enjoy the delicious taste of Denmark.

A Toast in Napa Valley

For the foodie Napa and Sonoma have become synonymous with award winning wines and elegant dining.   For the adventurer Napa and Sonoma are prime for hiking, kayaking, and biking California’s stunning grassland, mountain trails, and pristine bays. Something that both the foodie and the adventurer can enjoy is the regions wine. Napa’s first commercial winery was established in 1861 from which the industry quickly grew due to fantastic climate for grape vineyards.  Today Napa boasts more than 300 vineyards and is an ideal location for wine connoisseurs and fans alike. Napa Valley is located in the greater bay area of Northern California and enjoys a warm climate with mild winters. The perfect place to spend a summer vacation! No matter what your craving, this gourmet Wine Tour of California is everything you could imagine and more.  

Tantalize your Taste buds in Tuscany

Every fan of delicious food and wines, have once upon a time dreamed of the amazing aromas that Tuscan kitchens have to offer.  A region of Italy known for its delicious cuisine is a dream location for anyone who loves to experience great food while traveling.  Not only is the food and wine a treat for your senses but also a dream for cycling tours.  While the foodie in you can bask in the delicious authentic flavors of the finest extra virgin olive oil, the cyclist in you can charge the country side by bike. There is also the chance to marvel at the renaissance landmarks such as the breathtaking Dummo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio and the Pitti Palace.  No list of gourmet travel adventures would be complete without listing a Tuscany Bike Tour. 

Are you hungry now? If so, follow your senses and check out our Culinary and Gourmet Vacations. 

OR

Check out some photos from some our Gourmet and Culinary Vacations on Pinterest.

When most people think of beating the heat of summer they think of heading to the beach, but for me beating the heat is heading up to the mountains. Crowded hot beaches aren't the way to escape the heat, if you really want to escape the heat you go on a glacier trek or summit an alpine peak. So here you go, 5 of my favorite places to beat the heat of summer.

Alberta- Home to glaciers, soaring peaks and electric blue/green alpine lakes. There really isn't a better place to cool off then with a trip to Alberta. Glacier trekking, biking at 7,000 feet and riding through forest, hiking to alpine lakes and hanging glaciers. But my favorite way to cool of in Alberta is with a Canadian Kiss... A Canadian Kiss is a big splash of cold water to your face while your rafting down a river, it packs a lot bigger punch than a French kiss.

Glacier National Park- Just saying Glacier National Park should cool you off a little. Glacier is home to absolutely breathtaking views, gorgeous lakes and rich alpine valleys. The glaciers that carved out these magnificent rocky peaks are still at work, but not for too much longer. Cool off in Glacier while there are still glaciers to marvel at. 

Yellowstone National Park-  Yellowstone park is a world renown destination for adventure, but what better place to cool off then somewhere where theres snow in July! Yellowstone's Plateau sits at 8,000 feet, being this high in elevation tends to leave the park at a pretty nice temperature in the summer. But if you do get hot try taking a dip in Yellowstone Lake, the largest freshwater lake above 7,000 feet. 

Yosemite National Park- Growing up in Los Angeles, Yosemite was my getaway from the hot crowed beaches of Southern California. For me walking amongst giant 300ft tall giant Sequoia trees is a lot better than walking through crowds of people on the beach. Also the beach is lacking 3,000ft granite walls, huge waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife. 

Austria- I can't not include a country famous for its mountain peaks. Imagine cooling of in the same mountain meadows where they filmed "The Sound of Music" or cycling along the Salzach River. If that's not enough to cool you off, you can always go paragliding over the Austrian Alps. Just a thought...

Well that's it, 5 places that will help you beat the heat of summer! Also for your viewing pleasure I made a flickr galley: 50 Photos to beat the heat

How do you like to beat the heat? Leave a comment and let me know!

Your friendly mountain man,

Jonathan

P.S. I have been to all of these destinations, so if you have any question just shoot me an email: jon@austinlehman dot com

The summer season is upon us, and what better way to pass the time then to embark on a trek though the wonderland provided by beautiful Mother Nature. While you could venture out to hike Patagonia in Chile, or retrace the ancient path of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you don’t even have to venture out of the United States to experience breathtaking beauty. The United States is a hiker’s playground from the sheer massive beauty of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, to the ancient forests of Sequoias at Yosemite National Park in California, or even travel back in time to the great Wild West to the Black Hills of South Dakota. For your summer travels why not take an adventure vacation in your own back yard and experience the awe inspiring sights that United States has to offer. 

Journey to the Rocky Mountain Range in Montana

To explore the world of hiking, one must venture out to the Rocky Mountains of Montana. The beautiful state of Montana is a perfect representation of untamed, natural beauty, and is simply stunning in its vast mountain ranges. Experience wildlife from grizzlies and wolves to bison and bears. Explore nature from their point of view and experience the geological wonders that bring amazing life and color to its National Parks. Experience unique adventures from roping and saddling a horse, to watching good Old Faithful erupt on cue. Hike with the family, roast s’mores, and retell old campfire stories that you grew up on. Explore Yellowstone’s countless geothermal features including Fountain Paint Pots and the Morning Glory Pool, and take a dip in the Boling River.

Visit Zion National Park in Utah

If the Wild West is not quite your style, maybe you would like to explore Zion National Park in Utah. Ranked one of America’s best adventures by National Geographic, these views will take your breath away as you hike past waterfalls, natural springs and hanging gardens. Zion has one of the most diverse groupings of plants in Utah, with over 900 species for you to experience. You can soak up the colorful hues of red, orange and amber during the daylight hours, and at night be surprised by the amazing clarity in the night sky. Kick back and relax as you enjoy the bright star formations in the skies, as you have probably never observed them before.

Visiting The Grand Canyon in Arizona

Looking for a hiking location with a little piece of paradise awaiting you at the finish line? Havasupai is a hidden gem amongst the vast ranges of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Accessible only by foot this is a beautiful place to explore and bask in the natural rich pools at the base of a thundering 100-ft falls. After a fairly difficult hike to the falls you will feel like you are imagining this oasis as its beauty in the arid space of Arizona doesn’t seem fit for such crystal clear waters. This Grand Canyon Vacation is also equipped with a visit to an old galena mine, hunt for fossils, a visit to a natural mineral rich whirl pool, and a stunning trek en route to Beaver falls.

  
Trekking Wyoming’s Yellowstone and Teton National Parks

You cannot possibly discuss the amazing hiking in the United States without mentioning Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. Yellowstone was declared the world’s first national park in 1872, proving that even then, people realized this beautiful gem needed to be preserved.  Take in the neon blue, 300-foot wide Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest of hot springs in the entire U.S. and the third largest in the world.  You can also experience an adventure packed whitewater-rafting excursion down the scenic Snake Water Canyon.  From hiking, to biking, to kayaking, rafting, and rodeos, Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park Vacation and Teton National Park are fantastic locations to explore some of nature’s finest views of the great outdoors.  

5 Great Items to Pack

There is no better time than now to explore the wonders of the world located in our own National Parks. Take your family to see how beautiful and diverse this country is, and how many different adventures are just waiting to be experienced. The possibilities are endless from the Rocky Mountains of Montana and Wyoming to the red rocks of Utah, New Mexico and Arizona in the Southwest to the Coastal breezes of Alaska, California and Washington. Contact Austin Lehman Adventures as your trusted Adventure Travel Company to book a hiking tour for your next vacation.

Check out some other great photos of Domestic hiking adventures on our Pinterest

Your Friendly Travel Experts,

Austin-Lehman Adventures

 

Is there any better way of experiencing a place than cycling the back roads of a destination? I think not! 

Making your way to Old Faithful Geyser via bike will surely be a memorable part of your Yellowstone National Park vacations.  Cruising the rolling hills of California’s Wine Country, or the sea side trails of the San Juan Islands add an adventurous element to your trip that shouldn’t be missed.  Feeling the breeze on your face as you explore the natural wonders of not only our domestic destinations, but all across the globe, really helps give you a sense of peace and place as you travel.

Biking for vacation can seem overwhelming if you haven't done it before, but once you are on that seat, participating in all the elements around you, I promise, you will soon realize there is nothing better! Imagine pedaling your way through the small villages of Europe, coasting down hills to the salt pans of Peru, or biking the Michelson Trail in South Dakota.  Why not trade your 4 wheels in for 2 and see where it takes you! With so much to see and do I hope you will try incorporating biking into your future adventure vacation packages.

 

Your Friendly Adventure Consultant,

 

Mindy Vanderhoof

There is no bad time of year to be in California’s wine country, but perhaps the best time of year to plan your visit to this bountiful region is for the harvest.  The harvest in the Napa Valley begins as early as August and can continue through early November, but the prime time is October. 

The harvest is truly a magical time to be in wine country.  There is a special energy in the air that creates a bit more hustle, puts a spring in everyone’s step while the smell of fresh wine lingers in the air.  It is the first taste of the season’s grapes, it is the hope that this year, just might, produce the most perfect bottle of wine and it is the culmination of an entire season of hard work.  It truly is a time for celebration!  It is the perfect time to really immerse yourself in the wine-making process.  During the harvest bushels of grapes are handpicked, sorted and then head off to be pressed before starting the fermenting process.  From grape to glass the process is really fascinating! 

With the days a bit shorter and the evenings a little cooler October is the perfect time for adventure vacation packages or cycling tours in the Napa Valley.  There is something for everyone in California's wine country; whether you are a foodie, a wine connoisseur, a cycling enthusiast or you are just in need of some rest and relaxation this is the perfect vacation spot! 

Cheers!

Your Friendly Travel Consultant,

Melissa Ladvala

 

Ahem...  Cue my best Julie Andrew’s voice…

Experience a few of my favorite things on our California Wine Country Adventure!  This trip is 6 days and 5 nights packed with wine tastings, delicious meals, winery tours, biking, hiking, kayaking, redwoods, and even a little seaside relaxation.  California wine country satisfies my taste buds and feeds my adventurous spirit, leaving me relaxed and quite content.  It is my perfect vacation!  Come see why California Wine Country has some of the best adventure vacations for couples.  For dates and full trip details download the full itinerary here.

Your Friendly Travel Consultant,

Melissa Ladvala

While all of our adventure vacations are filled with some sort of physical activity such as biking, hiking and kayaking, we don’t want all the foodies out there to think we forgot them. In fact, as most anyone who has been on our trips will tell you, the food is incredible.

No matter which country or which adventure, our guests start out the day with a high energy breakfast to get them ready to go experience all the thrills of their destination. Each evening will find them back dining on deliciously prepared campfire vittles or five star gourmet fare. And many of our European vacations will also find adults sipping fine wines from the best regions of wine country.

Our gourmet adventures are combined with the best of our biking and hiking vacations. Our adventurers may choose the gourmet fare of wine regions in California, Chile/Argentina or the rich, delectable foods of Italy, France and Germany. Some of our adventures even include cooking classes to get you started making your own gourmet goodies.

Stop by our website to find out more about gourmet adventures to your choice of destination and get started planning your trip of a lifetime today.
 

Having already experienced a few Austin Lehman adventures in the states, we thought we would try one of the adventure tours to Europe. We chose Denmark for our destination, and I couldn’t have been happier with such hassle free foreign travel. We definitely had access to sites and places that as tourists unfamiliar with the country, we would never have found on our own. Cycling tours are definitely on our top 10 list of vacations, and we are looking forward to planning our next biking adventure with Austin Lehman of course!

Name: Karen Sanderson
City: Redondo Beach
State: California
Country: USA

California makes an excellent adventure vacation destination for any time of year. With its temperate climate and sunny conditions, visiting the California wine country will bring out the relaxed adventurer and gourmet in everyone who attends our adventure tours of the region.

The one thing visitors to Napa and Sonoma will want to bring along with them is their appetites. There’s nothing like sipping on luscious California Pinot Noir while sampling hors d'oeuvre and relaxing with friends and family.

Cycling tours over the Golden Gate Bridge offer unparalleled views of Presidio Park and the Bay, and hiking through the forests bring travelers to outstanding views of the Pacific and the skyline of San Francisco.

Most that journey to this part of the United States stand in awe as they go through the forest of Redwoods. The immensity of these tall stalwarts of nature can truly take your breath away especially when you consider how old they are – if only they could tell their secrets!

The stunning landscapes, views and water of our adventure vacations to California offer one of the finest trips anyone can experience. Be sure to check out this itinerary online and then book travel for trips in June, September or October today.
 

Having already experienced a few Austin Lehman adventures in the states, we thought we would try one of the adventure tours to Europe. We chose Denmark for our destination, and I couldn’t have been happier with such hassle free foreign travel. We definitely had access to sites and places that as tourists unfamiliar with the country, we would never have found on our own. Cycling tours are definitely on our top 10 list of vacations, but the only drawback was that many times we arrived at restaurants in our bike clothes. I would have appreciated being able to change prior to attending some of the venues. Other than that, looking forward to planning our next adventure trip to Scotland and Ireland….with Austin Lehman of course!

Name: Karen Sanderson
City: Redondo Beach
State: California
Country: USA

Enjoy adventure vacations with different flavors as you take a trip to the California wine country.  Before you embark on your six day wine adventure, cycling tours around the Presidio National Park and over the Golden Gate Bridge are wonderful preludes to a great vacation.

Hiking tours around the Mt. Tamalpais State Park allow you to surround yourself within the redwood groves.  Mt. Tamalpais is a good vantage point for a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco skyline.  Spend time in Tomales Bay in a kayak.  If you are lucky, you’ll see sleeping seals along the shore.

The start of your wine country tour is Sonoma.   Taste the wines of this region and be enchanted by its acres of vineyards.  A large percentage of the wine in the United States comes from Napa Valley so continue your adventure to Napa and visit Beringer Vineyards, the oldest winery.   You’ll receive a short lesson on wine tasting before touring around the winery while sipping wine. Work up an appetite by hiking Napa Valley State Park to reach Coyote Peak. It is a short two hour hike, which gives you just enough time to freshen up and enjoy a nice meal paired with a great wine.

This kind of wine tour is one of the many adventure vacations for couples that we offer so visit us online today to learn more about our travel destinations.
 

Hike through the Redwood Forest of California and discover picturesque perfection filled with nature’s favorite colors – forest green, reddish brown and sky blue. Then, take in Coyote Peak at Napa State Park and delight in its spectacular views. Pedal through Presidio National Park to the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoying the historic panoramic views of San Francisco Bay that is often seen only in the movies. Adventure vacations for couples to California Wine Country offer once in a lifetime experiences with the person you want to spend a lifetime.

Cycling tours through the center of the divine Napa Valley are pure unparalleled excellence. Explore California’s spectacular grassland and mountain trails, untouched bays and hillside vineyards all while sampling some of the finest wine in the world. Check out Beringer Vineyards, the oldest winery in Napa in operation since 1876 and possibly even the most beautiful with its colorful gardens, charming stone walls and the unsurpassed quality of its structures.  

When it’s time to call it a day, enjoy a mouthwatering dish and delightful glass of wine at the lovely Point Reyes Seashore Lodge.

Adventure travel companies provide package tours to take care of every aspect of your trip so all you have to take care of is your insatiable desire to explore new, amazing places. Call Austin-Lehman Adventures today to plan your unforgettable getaway.
 

What you need to know not only before you go, but before you even start thinking about going!

To start our journey together I want to share an African proverb:  The people sailing in the same boat share the goal.

When one thinks of Africa, the vision is that of beauty, wilderness, wildlife, exotic peoples, romance and so much more.  Throughout history Africa’s people, its struggles and above all else its overwhelming beauty have created a romantic vision of a spectacular, yet mysterious continent.  Since those first western explorers landed on its shores in the late 1800’s, Americans have been fascinated and drawn with wonder and intrigue to this diverse and complex land.  Even today the stories and pictures that come out of Africa paint a picture of an untouched place where its people live as they have for centuries, a place where the wildlife is abundant and untamed and a place of conflict and opportunity…yet there is so much more than superlatives can describe and a ton of adventure vacation packages to discover when looking into a trip to Africa.

There is a saying in Africa….  It applies to planning your first trip as well:  “How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time!” Once you have your mind made up that you will visit this great continent, set aside the time to “study up” and educate yourself on at least the basics.  The following is just an idea and an outline of things you might want to consider and how to get started eating that elephant called Africa.

The Continent and the Five Regions of Africa (This is One Big Continent)

Of our seven continents on the planet Africa ranks number two in size, second only to Asia.  With its 11,677,791 square miles (give or take a few) you can fit all of Europe and South America within its footprint.  In fact you could fit the United States something like five times within its coastlines. That is one large land mass.  As you start thinking about the “where” keep this in mind…Picture talking to a distant relative in Europe and your response when they suggest they want to come visit for two weeks and they would like to see Maine, New York, Florida, Arizona and the California coast. You would quickly let them know that just isn’t possible! Now magnify that times five and well, you get the idea.

Africa and its 58 countries are broken up into five distinct “regions”:

o   North Africa

o   West Africa  

o   East Africa  

o   Central Africa

o   Southern Africa

North Africa is typically considered dry and arid. It is made up of eight countries or territories and not frequently thought of as a “Safari” destination.  Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara make up North Africa. North Africa is separated from the rest of Africa by the Sahara Desert to the South.  These countries create a stronger connection to the seafaring countries of Europe more so than their southern neighbors.

West Africa is bordered on the west and south by the Atlantic, to the north by the Sahara, and to the east (roughly) by Mount Cameroon to Lake Chad.   West Africa makes up roughly one-fifth of Africa and includes Liberia, Senegal, Togo, Niger, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria, just to name a few of the eighteen countries, commonly considered West Africa.  With the vast majority of its land mass as plains at less than 300 meters above sea level, it is considered “semi-arid”.

***East Africa is where we really start talking “safari country”!  This region consists of nineteen countries and territories most commonly known for Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Mozambique, Madagascar, (although these last two are often referenced as Southern Africa), again just to hit the highlights.  When talking “safari” Eastern Africa typically means Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.  Its stunning and scenic geography, dense vegetation and high peaks (Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya to be a name dropper), as well as Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh water lake in the world should be “must-sees” in anyone’s book.  It should be no surprise why the fabled Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) can be found here.

Central Africa (considered by most to be a “Republic”) is considered the “core” of the continent and includes the countries, regions or states of Burundi, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda.  This is a land rich in African history as well as minerals.  Despite its significant mineral resources (gold, uranium, diamonds, etc.) the Central African Republic remains one of the poorest countries in the world and among the ten poorest countries in Africa. It should be no surprise that in no small part to the mineral wealth and the geographic “core” location, Central Africa has been a coveted territory by both African and foreign governments for centuries.

***Southern Africa (not to be confused with the country of South Africa).  Southern Africa is the southernmost region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. Within the region are numerous territories, including the Republic of South Africa (a successor country to the Union of South Africa); nowadays, the simpler term South Africa is generally reserved for the country in English.  In the UN scheme of things, Southern Africa is made up of five countries: South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia (my favorite), Lesotho and Botswana.  When we think or hear Africa, we are often hearing about Southern or even South Africa as it is a region rich with history, development, opportunities and struggles.  South Africa stands out as the dominant economic superpower of the region.  It can also “rival” East Africa with its wildlife opportunities.

(*** Regions commonly associated with safaris!)

Read Part 2: Visiting Africa 101- Part 2

Dan Austin

Don't forget I am always here to help you plan the perfect African Safari

Pedal through Napa Valley and experience unforgettable enchantment on one of Austin-Lehman’s cycling tours through the Golden Coast. Family adventure vacations to beautiful California offer an incomparable way to reconnect with the people you love in the place many love to dream of.

Adventure travel companies provide package tours to take care of every facet of your trip so all you have to take care of is your unquenchable yearning to explore new, wonderful places. And the California Wine Country is the perfect place to discover. Splashed in forest green, nature brown and beautiful crystal blue, Napa Valley is every nature lover’s dream.

Our travelers enjoy hiking through forests filled with lush ferns until they arrive at the most spectacular overlooks of Mount Tamalpais that give a panoramic view of redwood groves and oak woodlands as well as the seemingly endless expanse of the Pacific and the famous San Francisco city skyline.   

Experience beautiful Coyote Peak at Napa State Park and delight in its spectacular views. Pedal through Presidio National Park and over the renowned Golden Gate Bridge.

When it’s time to rest, enjoy your cozy, boutique-style room at the EuroSpa & Inn tucked away on a quiet street near vineyards and wineries. Don’t forget a delicious glass of wine. After all, Napa is known for producing some of the finest wines anywhere.

Call Austin-Lehman Adventures today to schedule your unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
 

Craving some fine California wine? Why not try a tasting tour of California wine country with Austin Lehman’s adventure vacations for couples?

Stroll through the enchanting forests and grasslands of Mount Tamalpais and find yourself surrounded with redwood groves and oak woodlands.  Standing proud at 2,572 feet, the mountain peak gives a phenomenal view of the Pacific Ocean.

As you experience one of the best cycling tours ever, pedal through the Presidio National Park and over one of the world’s most spectacular bridge, the Golden Gate. Go on your own pace as you watch the beauty of nature all around the bridge. The immaculate gardens and perennial flower beds are such a visual treat.

If you are an early morning riser, take a kayaking trip with your loved one in the Tomales Bay and watch sleepy seals and elk all along the shore. It’s a beautiful sight to view dozens of white and brown Pelicans hunting in the water for their breakfast.

The journey includes a visit to Napa Valley where you can wander through picturesque rolling hills covered with vineyards and wineries. Pamper yourself with a glass of fine wine while you relax and rejuvenate in the mud bath and hot springs in Calistoga of Napa Valley. There might be plenty of adventure travel companies out there, but when you plan your trip with us, you definitely get a heavenly experience right in the lap of nature.
 

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, the thoughts of many men and women go to finding just the right gift to express their love and appreciation for that someone special. Why not consider adventure vacations for couples? Time away from the real world – kids, work and responsibilities – may be just the thing to add a little romance to bring couples back to the days when they first met.

Adventure Vacation Packages
Adventurous couples may enjoy an active vacation filled with hiking, rock climbing or cycling tours. Our adventure trips are worldwide journeys for couples to experience nature’s beauty up close. Stay closer to home in Arizona, South Dakota or Montana. Venture further by traveling to Italy, Peru, Chile or France. Pretty much anywhere there are mountains, trails and picturesque scenery, there’s an adventure waiting.

Romantic Getaways
For those who desire a little more one on one time, our gourmet and wine tasting trips may be just the ideal getaway. Touring historic cities and sites and then spending evenings with fine wines and gourmet dining in California or European cities offers a more intimate time to revive and refresh relationships.

Exotic Destinations
Getting away from it all and experiencing the exhilarating rush of viewing wild animals in their natural habitat while on safari tour will certainly add some heart stopping action to a couple’s relationship. Visit the bush in Africa or the jungles of South America and allow these exotic destinations to capture the essence of what being together is all about.

Learn more about our vacation destination packages by calling us at (800) 575-1540 or visiting our 2012 digital vacation catalog.