Climbing

Austin-Lehman Adventures is excited to present our special Inca Trail “Glamping” (glamorous camping) departure Sept 7-16, a sneak preview for our 2014 trip.  Enjoy upgraded spacious camp accommodations, chef prepared food, wine, cocktails and even a portable hot shower -hey, this is glamping after all!!  We are going all out for this high end, trekking experience on the classic Inca Trail and want our guests to be prepared.  For all Inca Trail Treks (glamping or otherwise), we recommend special attention should be paid to pre-trip fitness, altitude adjustment and essential trek gear. 

Fitness:

First off, you do not need to be a tri-athlete to trek the Inca Trail.  But, yes, you need to be fit enough to enjoy four days of moderate to strenuous walking above 10,000 ft.  Let’s be honest, the better aerobic shape you are in to begin with, the better your body is able to process more oxygen as you trek at high altitude, which will keep you from feeling exhausted.  Our trek guides make sure to set a nice comfortable group pace that keeps us moving, but that also emphasizes the enjoyment of the experience.  Along the trek we make sure there is plenty of time for photography, exploring and learning about the increasingly impressive ruins that lead to the “best preserved” Inca site in South America, Machu Picchu.  So we suggest you get out and do some walking, biking, swimming, or whatever you enjoy to get your heart rate up for at least an hour a day, three times a week.  If you already exercise, great! If you need the Inca Trail Trek as your motivation, here it is! 

Altitude Adjustment:

Most travelers have never been above 10,000 ft., so we all feel the effects of being at an high altitude upon arrival (mild headache, loss of appetite) and are encouraged to limit exertion and maintain well hydrated.  While Lima is at sea level, and there won’t be a problem acclimatizing to its altitude, Cuzco is over 11,000 ft. above sea level.  Travelers to the Cuzco and other Andean regions over 10,000 ft. need to take common sense measures in regards to altitude acclimatization.  Most travelers feel better after 8-12 hrs at altitude, but everybody acclimatize differently, so taking the time to adjust the altitude upon your arrival to Cusco is the first and most essential step.  At altitude (above 10,000 ft.), we recommend hydrating primarily with electrolyte beverages (Gatorade, Powerade, etc…you may purchase bottles in local shops, but we recommend bringing powdered packets from home).  Local remedies like Coca tea in moderation is often noted as an aid in the acclimatization process and is widely available, often at hotels and in cafes.  Individuals with heart or other health problems should consult their physician before deciding to travel to Cuzco and engage in a high altitude trek.  Ask your doctor about high altitude medicine like Diamox, if you’re concerned.  Don't worry if you feel winded and a bit tired upon arrival to Cusco, most every traveler does, so go slow and let your body get used to its new environment.   

You will start the Inca trail trek in the Sacred Valley at Km 82, just beyond Ollantaytambo, which drops in altitude of over 1,000 ft (as compared to Cusco), and slowly climb back to elevations above 10,000 ft over the duration of the trek before dropping down to Machu Picchu (8,000 ft approximately).  The vast majority of travelers do not require the use of prescription altitude drugs on the Inca Trail, having allowed their bodies to acclimatize naturally via the slow ascent. The highest altitude you will reach on the trail will be a pass at (13,780 ft / 4200 m) and you will sleep at approximately (11,811 ft / 3600 m) for one or two nights. 

Gear for the Trek

Aside from your camera, etc., the essentials for the trek should be lightweight, waterproof outerwear and clothing that can be easily layered for chilly mornings/evenings, and taken off when it warms up.  Broken in, waterproof footwear will be your main contact point with the trail. Make sure they are comfortable; blisters on your trek are a distraction you can avoid by breaking in your shoes before you go.  Trekking poles are a great trek aid for ascending trails, but I find them more important when descending (seriously, your knees will thank you after a couple of steep descents).   Finally, find yourself a comfortable, small daypack to carry with your daily essentials (snacks, water, wet weather gear) – do a quick pre-trip gear estimate to make sure your day pack is neither too big or too small for what you intend to carry.  Also invest in a waterproof cover for your day pack, they take up almost no space and add extra protection to your gear in the event of rain.

Our Inca Trail Glamping trip will be a one-of-a-kind luxury trek adventure – so come prepared, in order to enjoy all that this amazing world class trek to Machu Picchu has to offer.

Having lived in Heidelberg for 16 years through the 1980´s and 90´s, I am often asked which regions to travel to in order to find authentic German culture. While there are many to choose from, the Romantic Road is most certainly one which I will recommend. Running from the Alps and fairy-tale castle at Neuschwanstein to the River Main in central Germany, the Romantic Road is Germany’s best known and most popular tourist route. The name expresses what you’ll feel on seeing the medieval towns and castles as you’re being transported back in time. While the southern part of the route is dominated by dramatic mountain scenery, it is especially the northern stretch which opens up a wealth of history, art and culture. Bustling medieval towns line the route like a string of rare gems. Nördlingen, Dinkelsbühl and Rothenburg with their impressive buildings have preserved their original appearance over the centuries and constitute some of my favorite places in Germany.

Nördlingen lies in the middle of the Ries crater, the best-researched meteorite crater in the world. Traders and craftsmen settled here, and a trade fair for goods from distant lands was established in 1219, which put the town in second place only to Frankfurt. The town built its encircling wall in the 14th century, and its towers and gateways are still preserved today. This golden age in the town’s history also saw the construction of its major buildings, most of them designed as trading halls and warehouses, but also included magnificent patrician houses and the Late Gothic parish church of St. George. Every night, even now, the call of the watchmen can be heard from the tower, who are the last members of their profession anywhere in Germany: “So, G’sell, so!” which means as much as “All’s well, fellows, all’s well”.

Nördlingen rapidly lost its importance in the Wars of Religion in the 16th and 17th centuries, and by the time the Thirty Years’ War ended in 1648 it was not only reduced to poverty but had also lost more than half of its population through death or emigration. Thus there was no need to erect any new buildings for several centuries after that. This also explains why the town has retained much of its medieval architecture. In fact, the same explanation is true for most of the towns in this part of Germany.

Take for instance Dinkelsbühl. It is a town where the past is at one with the present. As you walk through the green belt surrounding the old town, the centuries begin to merge. The best view of Dinkelsbühl is from above. After climbing to the top, the tower of St. George’s Minster offers a panoramic view over the roofs of the old town and the idyllic river valley. The Minster is around 500 years old while the town fortifications are even older. Indeed, many of the houses have survived numerous generations. Even more important, however, is the fact that these buildings are still alive today. In them are families, shops, workshops, cafés and restaurants: sometimes closely packed together in a small lane, sometimes around a square. Up until 1806 this was a Free Imperial Town (practically an independent state with its own rules and laws).

And then there is Rothenburg, one of the oldest towns on the Romantic Road. It overlooks from its rocky crag four bends in the Tauber river. The town is both picturesque and unspoiled. Once behind the ramparts in the car-less central enclave, you are faced with the ancient houses, wrought-iron street signs, fountains and narrow, cobbled lanes, as if a time-warp plunged you back into the middle of the 16th century.

During the Thirty Year War (between the Protestants and the Catholics), the Protestant town of Rothenburg was about to be raised to the ground by the Imperial army commanded by General Tilly. All pleas for mercy had been rejected, when the mayor as a last resort offered the general a goblet of the very best local wine… and a miracle occurred. Tilly’s heart warmed up and he offered a way out. He would spare the town if a local could empty in a single draft a 6-pint mug of the same wine, equaling four bottles of wine. A former mayor named Nusch, who obviously had a great stomach, succeeded and Rothenburg was saved. This is reenacted every year during a big festival…, but I don’t think anyone has been able to follow Nusch in his footsteps (although it is somewhat doubtful he walked after his feat).
North of Rothenburg, the idyllic Tauber Valley opens up a whole other world, which can best be explored on bicycle. The “Klassiker” (Classic) bike trail is a two-day outing along the river, covering 60 miles/100 km from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Wertheim and the Main River. Known as the “Liebliches Taubertal”, the Lovely Tauber Valley region is absolutely delightful, offering scenic, cultural as well as culinary highlights. The clean, bright streams in the Tauber Valley are famous for their trout, served at inns all along the valley. The Tauber Valley lamb is also top-notch. And, of course, the local wines are the perfect accompaniment: Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner and Schwarzriesling, as well as local favorites such as Dornfelder. Among the four well-known breweries in the region are the Distelhäuser and Spessart, with special country brews.

So what are you waiting for? Los geht’s! (Off you go!)
 

Just 6 hours southeast of Billings lies one of the west’s greatest destinations for history, recreation, and western culture. South Dakota’s Black Hills offer all of this and more. If you have lived in Billings for any period of time and still have not visited Mount Rushmore, than you are desperately in need of a vacation. For those of us who have visited the hallowed tourist trap a few times, it’s easy to dismiss the idea of future trips to the region, thinking that we have ‘been there, done that’. As I recently discovered, there is much more to this region than a few sculpted mountains.

I was given the opportunity this past summer to visit the Black Hills again. This time, I would be joining a guided tour given by Austin-Lehman Adventures, a Billings-based adventure tour company that has been honored time and again by Travel+Leisure Magazine as the world’s best travel company. This would be an interesting trip for me for two reasons. First, I usually have an aversion to guided tours, preferring to plan my own trips. Second, the trip included a 109 mile bike ride along the Mickelson Trail. I don't care who you are, that sounds like a lot of miles on a bike, particularly if you are like me and the bulk of your bike riding experience was gathered on the back of a Huffy. 

Once I finally began the trip, I was blown away by the experience I had. Our guides, Cory and Carrie, were not only knowledgeable but fun to be around. The trip took us to some of the most well-known Black Hills destinations (Deadwood, Sturgis, Mount Rushmore), as well as some lesser known stops (Bear Butte State Park, The Mammoth Experience). Then there was the Mickelsen Trail. The trail itself is definitely "bucket list" worthy. It is basically a 109-mile bike tour through all the icons of the wild west. During the trip we saw plenty of deer, antelope, bison, prairie dogs, hawks, eagles, and, yes, even cows, many of which were right up on the trail! We rode through dry, weathered ghost towns and watched a reenactment of a shoot-out in the streets of Deadwood, where Wild Bill Hickok was shot in a saloon holding the now famous "Dead Man's Hand", Aces and 8's.  The kind of beauty which exists along this trail can only be experienced in the Black Hills. 

Our guides split the trail into manageable daily increments, with checkpoints and lunch stops along the way. Perhaps part of what motivated us the most during our rides was the knowledge that once we reached that checkpoint, our guides would have a surprise waiting for us in the form of a tray full of fresh fruit, or yogurt with granola, or special Mexican Coca-Cola that is made using real sugar. Each day one of the guides would ride along with the group on the trail while the other drove the van to the checkpoints and to pick up the group at the end of the day’s leg. At this point we would need only to park our bikes and climb into the van. Everything else was taken care of for us. 

For me, what surprised me most about my experience with Austin Lehman was the relationships that I built. I'm usually a pretty antisocial guy, but the environment created by our guides made everybody feel at ease. By the second or third day, my travel mates felt more like old friends than strangers. We would even spend our free time with the group rather than exploring on our own. In fact, maybe this is what makes an Austin-Lehman adventure so memorable. Beyond the trip planning and little surprises and general pampering you receive, somehow Austin-Lehman manages to create an environment where you, and the people around you, can just be yourselves and get the most out of your vacation. No matter what kind of traveler you are, whether you prefer to blaze your own path or would rather let somebody else do the planning, I agree with Travel+Leisure Magazine when they say that you should definitely consider Austin Lehman for your next travel adventure.

Slowly I place one foot carefully in front of the other and moderate my breathing as I chug up the ancient steps walked by thousands of Incans far before my time. “I think we’re almost there,” my brother calls out, pausing to take a sip of water as we both stop to snap a photo of two stones perched at a narrow passage in the crevice of a mountain above us. “Don’t stop now!” our guide calls out, “you’re about to see something very special!” Keeping my head down and stepping upwards, I picture in my mind what I have been imagining for months now – a view of the “Lost City,” Machu Picchu from Intipunku, the Sun Gate.

Capturing your first glimpse of this UNESCO World Heritage site from the Sun Gate is perhaps the most memorable way of seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. Most people take a train into the “town of Machu Picchu,” Aguas Calientes and ride a bus 30 minutes up to the site, their first impression of this special place consisting of crowds, long lines, and bus exhaust (I would know – this is what I did on my second visit!) On our Peru: Machu Picchu Multisport Adventure, you ride a train to Kilometer 104. Upon disembarkation, you’re left with your guide to hike the last 8 miles of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu stopping along the way to visit sites like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.

Machu Picchu is one of those sites where #1, you could spend days looking at all the ancient architecture, and #2, you need an educated guide to fill you in on the awe-inducing history of the place and the Incans who lived there. Machu Picchu is made of up of more than 150 buildings ranging from simply constructed houses to intricately constructed temples, the stones fitting so snugly together (without mortar) that not even a playing card can be inserted between the stones – and this was done without modern day tools! To discover the mystery of the site, you need to physically walk up a few of the hundred sets of carved stone stair cases, touch the smooth, precisely carved stone work, or stare wide-eyed at a 300 ton piece of granite that not even scientists can fathom how it ended up at the top of a mountain.

Even though nothing compares to walking in and among the ruins of this awesome Incan empire, I think one of the best (and truly thrilling) ways to take in the site as a whole is to “climb” up Huaynapicchu Mountain. I say “climb” here because you ascend stairs for a whole hour all the way to the summit, grabbing onto “side-of-the-mountain” cables and sometimes scrambling up ancient Incan stone stairs using only your hands on the steep step above you for balance. (Might I mention that you are also over 7,000 feet above sea level?!) The allowance of only 400 hikers a day on Huaynapicchu gives you a special experience that not many who explore Machu Picchu can say they’ve had the opportunity to do.  The view from the top is spectacular and truly rewarding (as long as it’s not a foggy day)! Hiking up this mountain was truly a highlight for me, although I wouldn’t recommend it for those who fear heights!

To summarize, I’ve retained nothing but remarkable memories of my first visit to Machu Picchu – the incredible history of the place as a whole, the mysterious disappearance of the Incas from this well-planned site, and the idea that a past civilization built this masterpiece from the ground up without the use of tools, wheels, or the Internet is completely and utterly extraordinary! The best part about telling you about my trip is that this was only a fragment of our Peru Adventure – between rafting the Urubamba River, walking the colorful streets of Cusco, and mountain biking to ancient salt pools and mines, I wouldn’t know where to begin my story next!

Get out and explore!

Kasey Austin

It’s hard to find a place more visually stunning or seemingly untouched than Patagonia, the region in the Southern Andes shared by Argentina and Chile.  Home to the world’s third largest ice field, after Greenland and Antarctica, as well as staggering peaks and some of the most brilliant scenery on Earth, Patagonia is the ultimate adventurer’s paradise. 

Though the mountains in Patagonia are not nearly as tall as their Himalayan counter parts, they are world renowned for their sheer faces, and are considered some of the most technically challenging mountains to climb in the world.  If you’re not ready to rope up and give those a shot, don’t worry, you can still enjoy their majestic beauty as you hike through some of the region’s more friendly trails.   As you hike your way to Lakes Torre and Capri, you will understand why the region is famed for its vistas as you come face to face with the regions two tallest peaks, Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy.  At 10,262 and 11,168 feet tall, respectively, it’s easy to see why these giants have gained their reputations. 

Another geographical feature which Patagonia is famous for are its ice fields.  The Perito Moreno Glacier, a 97 square mile ice formation in the Los Glaciares National Park is particularly well-known.  Perito Moreno is the world’s thirds largest reserve of fresh water, and one of one of the few glaciers in the world that is actually growing.  It is “fed” by the Los Glaciares ice cap, which feeds 46 other glaciers, as well, and makes up the National Park.  In order to truly get a feel for the glacier’s awesomeness, make sure you trek your way across it, allowing you to get up close and personal with its surreal peaks and neon blue crevasses.

It’s impossible to visit Patagonia and not be inspired, whether by the landscape, by what you’ve accomplished, or by what you’ve discovered.  Make sure you bring your camera and your sense of adventure, because it’ll be the trip of a lifetime!  

Hope to see you there!

Blake

A word from Denise Reynolds, an ALA Guest...

I am ALA's Grateful Seeker. I have recently discovered a new perspective of life I hadn’t seen, or had chosen not to notice, before. Or, perhaps, it is that I just hadn’t considered it before. Did my brain tuck it away as irrelevant or not applicable? Or did it decide that it was just too scary and uncertain to consider?   It appears that the answer to these questions and thoughts was just a mere 2490 feet up a mountain. When Dan Austin, my high school friend, challenged me to take one of their trips, never in a million years would I have considered the possibility that such a gift was right there at the top of Mt. Constitution in the San Juan Islands.

How do I thank the folks at Austin-Lehman Adventures for giving me the space to allow for such a gift? How can I express my gratitude for finally being able to see the next piece of the puzzle called my life? It truly boggles my mind that I am FOREVER changed as a result of this adventure. I hope to do my friend justice in the words I write here. It’s very important to me that you all understand the passion and joy and friendship this trip reminded me of, the grateful gift of outdoors. What these trips allow for all of us is an opportunity to be reminded. For me at least, this was the culmination and result of the adventure of ME thus far…. A truly Grateful Seeker.

I grew up fishing and camping with my family. My father was passionate about the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing and he took us out as often as life would allow. We owned our home, but money was tight and camping didn’t cost a lot so we indulged often. His first lesson, and something he religiously addressed the moment we arrived at the perfect spot to pitch our tent, Austin-Lehman Adventures adheres to as well. “We leave each place we visit a little better than when we left it”. This was the first moment of a tweak in my perspective. My head was rotated just enough to remember what is most important to keep my focus on. A bit of clarity about what is good… a nudge from the Universe to keep on THAT trail.

Dan has asked me to write about my experience on my first Austin-Lehman Adventure and I am very delighted to do so. The childhood memories that this trip brought back as I labored up those amazing switchbacks to the top of Mount Constitution brought tears of joy to my eyes. The smells of the forests, the crisp dawn and the vision of lakes sparkling with the first light of the morning sun are some of those memories. The struggles I really didn’t have to carry around all these years appeared to begin sliding off my shoulders as I climbed up that mountain. The realization that all I needed to do was change my perspective just a little tiny bit hit me right against my forehead as I looked out the tower window at the top of the world. From that perspective, my life’s view changes. My hope is that Austin~Lehman Adventures can give that opportunity to you too.

Thank you my friend Dan and your whole Austin-Lehman family. 

Denise, ALA's grateful seeing guest...

Looking for the adventure of a lifetime?  Thrills, adventure, thick rich jungles, and the most spectacular views you could ever imagine.  Nicaragua Adventure Travel is one of the newest and incredibly exciting tours Austin-Lehman Adventures will be offering in 2013.  With too many activities to count in this culturally rich country, Austin-Lehman has narrowed down the hot spots to visit including the ancient city of Granada, the Capital Managua, tourist dream location in Leon, and countless volcanoes, and even a beach town visit at San Juan Del Sur.  Nicaragua is sure to become the next “hot” travel destination on the radar and Austin-Lehman Adventures is working to bring it to you first!  Plan your exotic and adventurous tropical dream vacation for the upcoming year with Austin-Lehman Adventures.

The tour starts in the Capital of Nicaragua in the exciting and bustling city of Granada. Granada is the second most populous city in Central America coming in only second to Guatemala City.   Offering a rich culture and history from it’s early discovery and trade economy, to the devastating rise and falls of political powers, to recovery and perseverance of disastrous earthquakes in 1931 and 1972.  With an abundance of fascinating stories and the ability to overcome adversities, Nicaragua offers tons of cultural history and amazing tales of determination.  The city of Leon does not fall short of interesting accounts, ancient ruins of early Spanish colonial cities, or beautiful architecture.   Leon offers an abundance of natural beauty to be explored including eight volcanoes, plus the famous Cerro Negro.

Part of your Nicaragua Adventure Travel with Austin-Lehman Adventures is a visit to Cerro Negro. This young volcano offers spectacular views as well as an interesting black sand slope, perfect for “snowboarding” or “surfing” down the mountain.  This volcano was born in 1850, faming it as the youngest and most active volcano in Nicaragua, having last erupting in 1999.  The tough but feasible climb to the top of the 500-meter peak is worth the effort. Suitable for all ages you start the climb and slowly wrap your way around the volcano.  The climb only takes about an hour and due to the light breeze, the heat is completly barable.  The smoking craters, and delecate smell of sulfer helps remind you of the character that this bubbling beast has to offer.  The amazing 360-degree views, a glimpse into the smoking crater, and the amazing sledding decent down the face is definitely worth the effort! Weather your choose to play it safe and "run" down the face, opt for a sled ride at max speeds, or are looking for the adventure and challange of surfing the shear face of the volcano, all decents are full of thrills and very photoworthy.  

You will also get a chance to see the hundreds of beautiful islets that were created by the Mombacho Volcano.  Kayak through the warm and refreshing waters to see the local houses and beautiful terrain that the islets offer.  Experience the exquisite views of the volcano as you paddle through the lush forest terrain.  Don’t get too comfortable atop the water because all too soon you will again be exploring by foot, and climbing the famous Mombacho Volcano.   Take your adventure to a new limit as you are harnessed and strapped in for a zip-line canopy tour through the Mombacho Nature Reserve with beautiful views and high-speed adventure. 

Balance out your adventure thrills with a bit of rest and relaxation upon the white sand beaches of San Juan Del Sur. Your two-night stay at Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge will immerse you in the tropical rainforests upon the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The plush and stunning accommodations offer a luxurious balance of natural beauty, authentic cultural design, and delicious and local fares.  The beachfront views of your bungalow will remind you just how to relax during your Nicaragua Adventure Travel. Famous town for the consistent surf and layed back attitude, you will love the lifestyle on the beach in Nicaragua. Check out tour dates today with Austin-Lehman Adventure to start planning your adventure of a lifetime to the beautiful country of Nicaragua!

Check out more photos from our Nicaragua Adventure Travel on Pinterest! 

Located in southwest Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is an extraordinary mixture of serene natural beauty, unspoiled alpine grandeur, and authentic National Park charm all with an intense volcanic history.  It is a place of deep fascination for visitors and scientists alike. 

Crater Lake is best known for its intense blue color and pristine water.  This stunning lake was formed when the volcano Mount Mazama collapsed after an enormous eruption.  This collapse formed a deep caldera, which over time has filled with rainwater and snowfall.  There are no rivers or streams that flow in or out of the lake, making its waters some of the purest in the world.  Because of its location just 100 miles from the Pacific coast and in the heart of the towering Cascade Range, Crater Lake receives a huge amount of snowfall.    This not only keeps the lake replenished but it has made Crater Lake the deepest lake in United States.

During the short summer season, recreational activities are endless in this mountain paradise.  Spend an afternoon biking the 33 miles around the rim of the lake, taking it in from every angle.  Hike through the diverse old growth forests or across meadows filled wildflowers.  Climb to the highest point in the park on Mount Scott for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding peaks.  While you are marveling at the extreme natural beauty of the lake keep an eye out for the Old Man of the Lake, a log that has been bobbing around in the pristine waters for over 115 years!  You will also see the Phantom Ship which is a small, jagged island visible from several locations around the rim.  This island acquired its eerie name because during foggy or stormy weather it looks like ghostly ship out on the water. 

In addition to the National Park, southern Oregon has so much to offer the active traveler.  With miles of rugged coastline, beautiful beaches, unspoiled rivers, lush forests and endless trails there is no shortage of adventure here. River and nature lovers alike will enjoy a day of whitewater rafting the gorgeous Rouge River which flows out of the Cascades to the Pacific Ocean.  Just two hours from Crater Lake you will find the hip town of Ashland, Oregon. Most famous for its amazing Shakespeare Festival, Ashland has plenty of culture, nightlife and dining options to satisfy your vacation desires.  The Shakespeare Festival runs an impressive eight months and preforms over 750 shows and allows visitors to experience classical Shakespeare as well as other amazing performances.  2013 offerings include The Taming of The Shrew, King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a Streetcar Named Desire, My Fair Lady and many more. 

Whether it is the allure and curiosity of Crater Lake National Park or just an overall need for adventure and the outdoors, southern Oregon will satisfy your every desire.  It is worth a visit!

Austin-Lehman will be offering the ultimate adventure to Crater Lake in 2013.

You friendly traveler,

Melissa 

This past July, my family- myself, my husband and our daughters ages 5 & 7, took our first family adventure vacation- the Montana Family Adventure.  To say it was life-changing really isn’t far off.  But beyond that, our terrific guides- Patrick, James and John- taught us quite a few things…  About Montana, about nature and about ourselves.

If you’re lost in the woods, you should start liken’ the lichen
Not that we were in any danger of going hungry (see below), Patrick gave us all a nature lesson the first day about lichen, an edible fungus that, though not the most tasty of substances, is filled with nutrients.  Just in case you’re lost in the woods without food.  Of course, he also tricked us with mountain goat poo, it was a friendly prank, which tasted surprisingly like carob. 

There are no poisonous snakes in western Montana
To say I don’t like snakes would be an understatement.  I am terrified of them.  So I was (very) nervous about hiking through the wilds of Yellowstone.  In fact, one of my first questions was about snakes.  Patrick immediately put my fears to rest when he told us that western Montana isn’t warm enough for poisonous snakes.  (Yea!)

Don’t run from a griz

                  “Get your kids and start walking slowly backward towards the vans,” Patrick said. 

We had stopped at a pullout- along with at least a dozen other people- due to a Grizzly sighting.  As we stood safely at the edge of the road, hoping for a glimpse, others were walking up and over the hill to get an “up close and personal” look.  And then Patrick saw one of the men come running back over the hill.

“I was sure we would see an attack,” Patrick told me later.  “You never run from a Griz, they will chase you.”  So, what should you do?  Apparently, you slowly back away, hoping the bear is bluffing.  If he does charge, curl in a ball and play dead.  (Yeah, I think my “flight” instinct would overrule that, too!)

There’s flat…  and then there’s “Montana flat”
We were prepared for most of our hikes.  But there were a couple that we were told were flat.  Of course, it was our guide John who told us that.  What we didn’t take into consideration was that John had climbed Mount Everest, so a somewhat challenging hike to us, was flat to him.  About half way through the week we knew to ask, “Is it really flat, or is it Montana flat?” meaning no really steep parts but still uphill.

Humans, though the most intelligent species on the planet, can be incredibly dumb
Not including the bear incident, we witnessed, first hand, the ignorance of people in the wild.  I was sure we would see a young man get gored by a buffalo.  Tip:  stay in your car when a herd is crossing the road.  We also saw entire families creeping way too close to Black Bear and quite a few adults walking within feet of a Bull Elk so they could get good photos with their iPhones.

The tales our guides shared put these to shame- and they didn’t end so well.  “People can do really stupid things here,”  James said.  “It’s like they think the animals are tame and the rangers let them out every day for the tourists to see.”

It is possible to be pampered at 12,000 feet when you’re covered in dust
When you’re covered head to toe in dust, some of which is turning to cakey mud as rivulets of sweat trickle down your body, it’s difficult to imagine feeling pampered.  And then your guides bring out silver trays of iced coffee.  Or they bring you wet wipes followed by sliced apples with caramel dipping sauce.  Not only do you feel pampered, but you are so thankful you didn’t have to carry it up yourself!

The Pied Piper is real
Though he wasn’t carrying pipes, Patrick managed to charm all the children on our tour.  Wherever he was, they wanted to be.  By mid-week the adults had termed him “the Pied Piper” as we knew that if our children weren’t with us, they would be near him.      

Sometimes you have to work hard to see magnificence
Sure, you can see amazing things when you stay on the beaten path.  But to see truly breathtaking sights, you need to work harder.  This was truly driven home to us after we scraped and clawed our way up the steep hill behind the Grand Prismatic.  Only 10% of visitors to Yellowstone see this view.  It was worth every bruise and scrape.

You’ll never go hungry.
Despite the increased amount of physical activity, you will never feel a hunger pang during your AL vacation.  Between the filling breakfasts, fabulous lunches, morning and afternoon snacks on the trail, “just in case” munchies in the vans, and local specialties for dinner each evening, hunger doesn’t stand a chance.

You can trust someone you just met with your kids in less than a week
At the beginning of our trip, we kept near the girls as we hiked.  By mid-week we kept them in our sights.  By the end of the week, as we were hiking through an area where bears had been sighted only the day before, our girls were separated- one in front of us and one behind- each so far away we couldn’t see or hear them.  As Doug and I walked along, we commented on the fact that we weren’t worried at all.  We knew that our youngest was at the front of the pack with John, while our eldest was tagging along at the end with Patrick.  And we knew that both were completely safe.

Our family so thoroughly enjoyed our Austin-Lehman vacation that we are hoping to do another one next summer!  We’re thinking the Yellowstone/ Tetons trip…  unfortunately it has no horseback riding- which is a “must” for my youngest, who fell in love with her four legged guide this year.

Sincerely,

Jody Halsted

Jody Halsted is a writer specializing in family travel.  You can follow her family’s adventures at FamilyRambling.com.

See Jody's photos from her Austin-Lehman Adventure: Montana Family Adventure Photos

La Rioja, Spain is home to hundreds of remarkable wineries that are as beautiful as they are delectable.  Filled with historical monasteries, endless fields of vineyards, and amazing activities like wine tasting and hot air balloon rides, this is the perfect location for a romantic adventure vacation.  Spain is famous for their wines and flavors so what better location to bring the one you love, and lavish them in the best of what this country has to offer.  This tour offers the perfect mix of comforting luxurious accommodations, to mouth-watering cuisines, and world-renowned adventure activities. Book your Spain bike tour today with Austin-Lehman Adventures for the romantic getaway of a lifetime.

The city of La Rioja, along with all of the other cities that Austin-Lehman Adventures provides adventure tours through, was not chosen by chance.  Time, experience, and research went into designing the perfect itineraries and locations for each and every trip and Spain is no exception.  Offering scenic mountain ranges, incredible landscapes, as well as Mediterranean forests, the natural ambiance of Spain is Mother Nature’s own romantic retreat.  Plan a romantic holiday get away and visit La Rioja!

You can wander along the historic roads of Pamplona, Spain while you and your other half will learn fantastic stories, and view The Citadel and City Walls that enclose this historical haven.  You can cuddle up as you hear stories of traditional running of the bulls, and you can dance through the villages as you are serenaded by sounds of flamenco. You can later retreat to your romantic room at Hotel Tres Reyes located in the beautiful Taconera Gardens, the oldest and most stunning in Pamplona. 

Next you will explore the fairy tale land of Olite, Ujue complete with castles and fortresses built by the monarchs of Navarre.  Exploring the wetlands you may see some unique wildlife as you climb the hilltop and capture the view and memories on film. You will then be able to explore to the historic-artistic site of Haro.  Known for its delicious red wines you can enjoy a local glass, and taste some of the delightful local fares. 

Cruising through the ancient cities of Spain on two wheels you will experience new adventures, and see the beauty that makes this country a must place to experience for most travellers.  When planning a cycling vacation for you and someone you love, you can normally consider it work with all the planning and organizing.  This summer vacation is already organized with accommodations planned, activities outlined, and costs all laid out upfront.  It will not be your responsibility to figure out transportation, or worry about keeping things on schedule.  Go on you next adventure vacation with Austin-Lehman Adventures and let them plan all the details, so you can focus on what’s important…The person your spending the vacation with!

Check out some more  Spain Bike Tour photos on Pinterest

Your friendly lover of Spain,

Patrick

Alright first let me explain what an E-Bike is for the folks that are wondering, an "E-Bike" is a hip way of saying electric bike.  Now for those wondering why I think E-Bikes are totally radical, first off they make riding a lot easier. I know what you're thinking "Isn't that cheating?" well it depends on who you ask. Last year I got to be a part of Austin-Lehman's first trip with E-Bikes and we tested them out on our Tuscany bike tour. Our guests demoing the bikes were all in their sixties and about average bikers. Cycling tours in Tuscany is probably the last place you'd think to see someone in their sixties, because there are some serious climbs in the region. But these E-Bikes level the playing field and make conquering a bike tour in Tuscany possible for almost everyone. Our guest were able to keep up with me on the hills and I use to race bikes, just goes to show you how much help these bikes can provide.

The photo above is two our guest giving each other some love after cruising up a good size hill in Tuscany. I don't think you'd see too many smiles after a hill climb like that, maybe some huffing and puffing... But with these E-Bikes you have the control of giving yourself a little extra boast when you need it. Trust me, these bikes don't do all the work for you. Our Diamant electric bikes with Trek Ride+™ technology gives you an assist level of I to IV, so when you need a little help you have it. 

These E-Bikes are perfect for multigenerational families traveling together or just for someone who wants to do a bike tour in a place like Tuscany but doesn't want to kill themselves trying to keep up with the group. Our E-Bikes are available for $25 per day on our European bike tours and are a real electric ride.

That's it for now, till next time get outside and ride!

Your friendly biker,

Jonathan

As a guide in Yellowstone National Park, it’s very important for myself as well as my guests to be able to tell the differences between a black bear and a grizzly bear. Why? In a bear encounter on a trail, you handle a grizzly bear differently than a black bear, and this handling can be the difference between a peaceful encounter and a more unpleasant experience. Read on to see if you came up with the same major differences between blacks and grizzlies that I did…

First of all, did you think that you could tell the difference between a black and a grizzly by the color and size? Well, maybe – but this doesn’t always work. Despite the “black” bear’s given name, it can actually range in color from blonde to black and everything in between. The same goes for a grizzly, which most people think of as being  a brown bear. The size is also a good indicator of the species…sometimes. Grizzlies are usually bigger than black bears in their full grown state, but this isn’t always the case. I’ve seen some pretty huge black bears in my time in the Park! Let’s move on to discover the physical differences between a black and a grizzly.

The number one thing I look for first and foremost is the telltale hump between a grizzly bear’s shoulders. A black bear will not have that hump, but in comparison to a grizzly bear, it will appear to slump. And a black bear’s back end, or rump, will appear to be higher than its front end. When it comes down to it, I think to myself “Grizzly Bear = Hump, Black Bear = Rump”. You can imagine how the kids on our Yellowstone Family Adventure have fun with this word play!

Secondly, I look at the face/head of the bear. When looking at the bear from the side, you will notice that a black bear has a straight face profile while a grizzly has a dished face profile. Also, a grizzly has short, round ears while a black bear has taller, longer ears.

Last but not least, you can tell by a bear’s claws as to whether it’s a grizzly or a black. A grizzly’s long, light-colored claws are good for digging while a black bear’s short, dark claws are perfect for climbing trees. However, if you can tell which kind of bear you’re looking at by its claws, you are FAR too close to that bear for comfort! Always stay at least 100 yards (the length of a football field) away from any bear if you can help it. I always use “The Thumb Rule” with the kids on my trips. With a bear (or any wildlife) if you stick your arm straight out in front of you with your thumb up, your thumb should cover the entire bear which means you’re far enough away for safety. If the bear appears around the edges of your thumb, it’s time to slowly back up to get to a safer distance.

There you have it, a full list of physical characteristics for when you head out on your next Austin-Lehman Montana or Wyoming Adventure. Remember, you can’t always tell a grizzly and a black bear apart from their size and color, but you should be able to see the differences in the “hump” and “rump,” face profile, ears, and claws.

Your friendly bear-lover,

Kasey Austin

Considering a Southwest Adventure? Seek out nature’s playground of red rock formations, open amphithaters, and forests of green everywhere you turn. Bryce Canyon National park is a photographers paradise with wind swept rock formations and river carved slot canyons, with the sun setting on the rich red terrain you will be sure to capture photos of a life time.  Years of wind and water erosion have made this park spectacular to experience on a guided tour. You can also plan to experience one of the most scenic drives in America on All American Highway 12 viewing scenic canyons and beautiful panoramas. Don’t expect just rocks and canyons though, you also can look forward to hanging gardens, natural springs, river narrows, and captivating waterfalls.  A delight for all the senses, this is an adventure vacation package not to miss. 

Valley of Fire State Park

Part of your adventure vacation package includes a whimsical day with a picnic lunch at Valley of Fire State Park surrounded by cinder cones, natural rock bridges, and basalt ridges. Nevada’s Valley of Fire State park was dedicated in 1935, and is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park. Aptly named for the formations of sandstone and sand dunes that appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun’s rays.  After a long day in the sun you can retreat to the brand new upscale hotel Wingate By Wyndham offering first class amenities.  Relax at the spa or hang out in the outdoor heated pool and enjoy the star swept sky above. 

Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon, located in Southwestern Utah offers mild weather and beautiful red rock formations while soaking up some sunshine.   Snow canyon is a great location to enjoy hiking, technical rock climbing, biking and horseback riding.  Nature viewing and shooting photos of the majestic red hues and landscapes are also a great way to enjoy the day. 

Bryce and Zion National Parks

A Geological wonder created by rainwater erosion boasting colorful limestone formations from slot canyons, windows, fins and spires also known as “hoodoos”.   Grandeur look out points and interesting geology lessons all come together for a breathtaking and educational adventure.   The view from rainbow point is a great photo opportunity to capture the entire park in all its glory.  Kolob Canyon and Cedar Breaks are also locations that you will visit on your Southwest Adventure.   By hiking below the rim to Peek A Boo and Queens Gardens trail you can see the unique shapes and hoodoos formed from over 60 million years of rock erosion. The view from below the surface is a completely different experience. 

The Narrows are Zion’s premier canyon with hanging gardens with perpendicular walls decorated with trickling water, mosses, and lush plant life. The most adventurous of hikers attempt the complete hike from start to finish, which is 16 miles and requires a specific permit.  The trail runs along the Virgin River where you will be sure to trek through plenty of water, and even at some areas up to waist deep water.  Known as the most popular hike in the park and even one of the worlds best canyon hikes.  The cool trail and hiking through the river make for a refreshing adventure. 

Accommodations

Apart from relaxing your first night at the Wingate By Wyndham you will also enjoy two peaceful nights at Bryce Canyon Lodge as well as two nights at Zion Park Inn.  Bryce Canyon Lodge       remains the only in park lodge in Bryce Canyon National Park and was built back in the 1920’s, and is now even considered a National Historic Landmark.  Zion Park Inn is tucked among the towering red rock cliffs offering spectacular views, comfortable accommodations and excellent amenities. 

No matter what Adventure Vacation Packages you end up choosing with Austin Lehman Adventures you can always expect to experience some of the best views nature has to offer, fun and exciting adventures, comforting accommodations, fantastic tours and guides, as well as delicious foods and awesome experiences.  Book your Southwest Adventure today and come see what all the fuss is about!

Check out our Pinterest account and some more photos of Southwest Utah Adventures. 

Continuing along with the theme of my past two blogs about Austin-Lehman’s Salkantay: Lodge to Lodge trek,  I wanted to launch into how exactly we came to arrive at Machu Picchu and what we did to “see the site”.

I might mention that the most popular way to get into Machu Picchu (and I must admit, the most epic way) is to hike through the Sun Gate, giving you the best perspective overall of the city and views of the surrounding mountains. If you want to hike through the Sun Gate, you’ll want to check out our Peru: Machu Picchu program. But if you want a different view of Machu Picchu from the “back side,” then read on! I told you earlier that the last lodge we stayed in was the Lucma Lodge – from here, we hiked up 2,000 feet and back down 3,000 feet to the valley of the Urubamba River. On the way “down” we glimpsed our first view of the terraces of Machu Picchu from a southwest angle, and after hiking over 40 miles to get this view, it was one I will always remember. Once down at the base of the valley, we took the train to the small town of Aguas Calientes where we stayed at a beautiful property full of orchids and greenery called Inkaterra. The next morning was when we hopped on the bus to head up to Machu Picchu.

I will admit that this was my second time visiting Machu Picchu, and it was just as amazing and majestic as the first time. We arrived at the site around 8:00 in the morning (this is after the early morning crowds and before the midday crowds arrive) and got to explore the Inca stonework close up with relatively small crowds. Our guides told us that we are lucky to possibly be one of the last generations of people to actually walk in and around the ruins of Machu Picchu. Someday in the near future, there will be too much wear and tear on the ruins, and additional regulations will need to be put in place (limiting even further the number of people from 2,500 per day to much fewer or banning people altogether from the site only allowing people to look from a distance). Walking amongst the ruins of a lost civilization is nothing short of amazing, and learning about the mysteries of how Machu Picchu came to be and how the people lived will keep historians guessing forever. Machu Picchu was about 50% standing when first “rediscovered” by Hiram Bingam in 1911, but a lot of work has gone into reconstructing the site to its original glory. The reconstruction of the site is fairly well done and interesting to compare to the original Inca stonework!

I would recommend adding the climb/hike up Huayna Picchu to your visit to the Lost City to get an amazing view of Machu Picchu from a higher angle as well as pushing your limits of endurance. I write “climb” here because you are literally using all four limbs to make your way up the steps towards the top of the mountain. Only 400 people a day are allowed to hike Huayna Picchu, so make your reservations early, but I will tell you, it’s worth it! (I will also tell you, if you have a fear of heights, you might want to skip this activity). It takes about an hour to hike the steps up to the top and about an hour to get back down. The view from the top is one that many don’t see, but every step up is worth the climb. If you don’t want to push yourself as hard, I would recommend hiking from Machu Picchu to the Sun Gate to get a good overall view of the city. Either way, I think it’s important to see the layout of Machu Picchu from a higher angle to get an overall view of the Incans’ layout of the city – it’s nothing short of amazing!

To end my ramblings over Machu Picchu, I will say – go see this place for yourself. It’s definitely one of those places on everyone’s “bucket list” and who knows when the regulations will change next? The overall city, the stonework, and the story of the Incas is something everyone should see and experience. What better time than now!?

Viva El Peru,

Kasey Austin

Today I was dreaming of Canada... Why you ask? Because last summer I was lucky enough to go on one of Austin-Lehman's hiking vacations in Alberta on their Banff to Jasper trip. It was one of the most amazing trips I've ever been on. There are a lot of beautiful landscapes in the world, but for me mountains are where its at. So this trip to the Canadian Rockies was a dream come true for me. Massive peaks composed of sedimentry rock such as limestone and shale create these rocky peaks almost every where you look. I've always had a passion for hiking in the mountains, its just something about them that calls to me. But my favorite hike on this trip had to be hiking Sentinel Pass in Banff National Park. The hike starts at Moraine Lake, a beautiful glacially-fed lake with stunning blue colors. From there you head up the trail and into the Valley of the Ten Peaks (photo below), having these huge peaks all lined up alongside you is astonishing. There are also some hanging glaciers that are in view while on the trail. From there you keep going up until you get to Pinnacle Peak and Mount Temple (photos above), there you will find a high notch between the two peaks and a decently steep climb to the summit. But once you get to the summit the views will take your breathe away, soaring jagged peaks and crystal blue lakes as far as the eye can see. That's it for dreaming today, thanks for letting me share my Banff to Jasper trip and my dreams with you!

Your friendly hiker,

Jonathan 

Arrived back in Windhoek early evening, just in time to catch up with our new traveling companions for the week.

It was actually quite a treat to put faces to "emails".  Some of these folks I have known for many years and actually never met.  A fascinating group, Representatives from World Wildlife Foundation (both Namibia based and stateside), an old friend from Natural Habitat (a premier tour operator), Investment bankers, looking to learn a bit more about the conservancies  and of course our new friends from Wilderness Safaris.

After introductions and dinner we returned to the comfort of Maison Ambre Guest House.

Seems like the sun shines bright every morning in Namibia and today was no exception. Shortly after breakfast we all left for a 1.5 flight to Damaraland in a Cessna Caravan.

Going to be an amazing 6 days. This group of like minded travelers were all hand picked to add a wide range of skill sets and contacts to the mix.  Our goal as I understand it (we know more as the story unfolds) is to bring fresh new light to not only Namibia, but the good work the country is doing with local conservancy groups.  This is truly an "educational" tour for me!

As I learn more, I will break down what exactly is a conservancy and how they directly benefit the "locals". For now, its sit back and enjoy the flight, northwest over the Erongo Mountains. We land at the Damaraland air strip and shuttle to the lodge for lunch.

Leeana our host (and camp manager) joined us for lunch and shared with great pride her 17 years of working at the lodge.  The Damaraland Conservancy was one of the first in Namibia.  She went on to explain the partnership with Wilderness Safaris and how she and the locals look at the lodge as their own.   How in partnership they work to Train and Educate the staff and support all in the village.  She boasted of having a pension and medical benefits. In return the village leases the land for the lodge and enforces the game laws to insure wildlife for all to enjoy.

In short a conservancy is a partnership between, in this case Wilderness Safaris and the village.  Wilderness builds the lodge, trains the villagers, manages the camp in a 60/40 partnership.   The community puts up the land. The land is leased to the conservancy in 10 year leases. She clearly understands at articulates well the symbiotic relationship between the lodge and village.  She laughs when she explains her now 8 year daughter has the bed she did not.  She shared she did not get shoes until she was in her teens, but now smiles and states her children will always have shoes.

She reminisces as a teen barefoot and hearding goats and all she really wanted was a job. A dream realized when 17 years ago she joined Wilderness.

She beams as she tells the stories of "climbing the ranks" and laughs as she proclaims "I will never have to heard goats again".  "Now we can afford to hire a goat herder".

She goes on to point out she was the first black manager since independence.  She tells us of an exchange program where she was invited to US to work in a Ramada Inn.

Proceeds from the lodge (the Conservancy)  supports many aspects of the community. Including game guards, vehicles, schools, pensions for the elderly, health care and so much more.  Leanna expects Wilderness will turn the entire lodge over to the community within the next 20 years. She held our attention well into the afternoon.

But in addition to learning about conservancies, we are here to see game and  Its early afternoon and the game awaits... We headed down to the river bottom, the perfect habitat for the desert elephant. In route we saw plenty of planes game:oryx, springbuck to name a few.

Once at the river bottom it didn't disappoint.  It didn't take long to pick up "sign" in the soft sand.  Then the first two, a small bull and newborn.   Then we "cuit the traoil" of a dozen or so.  We shot ahead and waiting as the herd approached our jeep allowing amazing shots in the setting sun.

Back to "camp", a hearty dinner and good conversation around the campfire awaits.

I should note, the camp is typical in over the top luxury as only Wilderness can pull it off!

Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings,

Dan Austin

First off let me start by saying rock climbing is addicting, I just want to give everyone a fair warning! I have done a lot of sports in my day and rock climbing has to be the purest and most adrenaline pumping sport I've done. I used a photo of my twin brother on the left and a photo of me on the right to demonstrate that rock climbing is one of the ultimate family adventure vacations. The photo was taken a few summers ago in Yosemite National Park, fear not Austin-Lehman doesn't take you up El Capitan. But they do provide beginner classes where you can learn the basics of rock climbing and do some climbing of your own.

I want to clear some misconceptions about rock climbing, first off isn't like the movie cliffhanger. Whenever I mention to someone that they should try climbing the first thing they think of is hanging off of a 3,000ft cliff about to fall... well climbing isn't like that! You climb at your own pace and at your own ability, that is why it is one of the best sports. You go at your own pace and it's easy to find something fun to climb at any level. Although the addiction comes soon after when you start wanting to climb more and more and harder and harder. There is just something about having it be just you and the rock, nothing else matters in that moment and it is that feeling that is indescribable. Not to mention the adrenaline rush you get while climbing and just wait to you experience topping out a route... You feel like you conquered the world!

So why not give rock climbing a shot? Austin-Lehman not only provides a rock climbing class on our Yosemite National Park Tour, but they do it in the Mecca of rock climbing....Yosemite!

Your Friendly Rock Climber,

Jonathan 

It all started with a casual conversation with my daughter's college roommate at her graduation last May. "Hey, Jacq, you should go to Peru with Kasey and me" . A couple of weeks later our group had grown from two to four, and then to five. A few more weeks down the road and our group is now seven in total, our final number ended up being eight!

I love to travel in South and Central America, and Peru has been on my bucket list of adventures for a very long time. The scenery is fantastic, the food is delicious and the locals are so friendly that I have a hard time leaving them.

In order to get ready for this adventure I have been training for the last six months. Four mornings a week I have been going to fit camp at the gym at 5:30 am. Yes, it sounds crazy, but, I have to be able to keep up with the youngsters in the group! I know that day when we climb Huayana Picchu I will thank our fearless fit camp leader Angie for all of those extra lunges. While I cant do much to prepare for the altitude, the rest of me (body & soul) will be strong and ready to trek on down the trail!

I have been so excited about our trip, that even though my suitcase is still on the shelf in the garage I have packed and repacked my bag and my pack in my sleep! Counting the days until our departure and watching weather.com!

Your Travel Wizard,

Carol Austin

The Canadian Rockies... Just look at that view! You'll find the Canadian Rockies in the province of Alberta and I must say Alberta blew my mind on my last trip there. Alberta in my opinion is one of the best, if not the best place for adventure vacation packages. It is just loaded with adventure activities: hiking vacations, cycling tours, white water rafting, rock climbing and all in the most beautiful places I've ever seen. The Canadian Rockies is also home to my all-time favorite hike, going up Sentinel Pass. Hiking Sentinel Pass you'll see Lake Louise, an unreal blue-green lake, Valley of the Ten Peaks, hanging glaciers, wildflowers, wildlife, dark green forest... I get excited just thinking about it! 

Another bonus of our Alberta adventure vacations is our amazing guides, this year we were able to get both our Canadian guides to return. Marcy is our veteran and lead Canadian guide, she's an Albertan local and absolute expert on the area. She will be guiding with Anne, an outdoor enthusiast with an incredible passion for sharing her love and knowledge of the outdoors. I was lucky enough to have both of them as my guides last summer and it made my trip having such professional and awesome guides. The photo below is of Anne (left) and Marcy (right) on the Sentinel Pass hike, with Valley of the Ten Peaks in the background.

Your friendly Alberta lover,

Jonathan

P.S. If you're reading this Marcy and Anne, thanks for showing me your beautiful country!

If you’ve never experienced the breathtaking beauty of the Havasu Canyon, you need to put this awe-inspiring place on your “to-go” list asap! The colors will astound you: the reds, oranges, and yellows of the surrounding canyon (Havasu is an offshoot of the famous Grand Canyon), the unreal blue-green waters of Havasu Creek, and the popping green of the cottonwoods in the base camp combine to form a spectacular vacation destination for you and your family! I wanted to share a few of my favorite memories of this trip to inspire you to take an adventure vacation with ALA!

One of my favorite memories of my Havasupai Vacation that I took with my mom on a college Spring break was stepping, sliding, and climbing down the travertine cliffs near Mooney Falls using chain railings and stanchions sunk in the jagged rock. Talk about excitement: seeing this 196 foot waterfall from above, midway, and below, all while carefully making our way down steps carved into the rock through caves and around rock faces, is an awesome experience I will never forget!

Another memory I will always remember is when our guide, Stephan swam with me and a few other brave souls behind Havasu Falls. Swimming under that pounding 100 foot waterfall had my adrenaline running on high, but we soon made it under the roaring falls (it doesn’t sound that loud until you’re actually in the falls!) From there, we looked up to find a ladder that climbs to a low lying niche behind the falls. From this niche, we were able to jump through the falls, emerging mid-air for a brief second before disappearing into the deep blue-green waters below. What a rush!

Of course, there are many ways to enjoy this beautiful canyon, and if you’re looking for hiking vacations (with some camping and swimming involved), this is the place for you! I don’t want to give anymore away (I could truly continue to relive the memories) because you need to experience this wonder for yourself. Hope to make more memories soon on a Havasupai Adventure!

See you on the trails!

Kasey Austin