Southwest

For a Southwestern tour guide, December in Phoenix can be a culture shock. We spend our other three seasons essentially as visitors to the Valley of the Sun: dropping off trip gear, meeting our next group of adventurers, and departing for the Southwest's most iconic locations, week after week. Many of us spend over 100 days between March and November in Havasupai, the heart of the Grand Canyon. Forty-five miles west of Grand Canyon National Park, spring-fed, turquoise waters wander through islands of wavy, lush seep-willow and craggy deposits of red-tinged travertine on the Havasupai Tribe's reservation. We cross onto tribal land 60 miles from trailhead, and continue to explore it until we depart enroute to Phoenix at the end of the week. The village that lies 8 miles below the rim of the canyon is home to around 400 people, a welcome transition from metropolitan Phoenix's ever-growing 4 million. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, we grow into the canyon life. Towering precipices of Redwall limestone replace backyard fences, moon-lit camp chairs fill in for living room couches, and our neighbors are locals and fellow campers. Havasupai invites the senses to an experience found nowhere else on the planet. As we lead groups through the canyon, vermilion cliffs contrast with the fields of vivid green grapevines that spring out from the blue-green water. We journey each day from the roar of hundred-foot waterfalls to the absolute silence found at the back of side canyons. As we fire up the grills in the evening, the scents of mouthwatering gourmet food mingle with the fresh canyon air as the breeze rocks the creek-side hammocks. It's hard to say a temporary goodbye to both the scenery and community in November, despite the welcome from friends and the glorious winter weather in Phoenix. Coming back to the city, I realize that "home" is a place found 250 miles north, deep in the Grand Canyon.

The Dordogne flows between castles, From Souillac to Beynac, many of which date to the Hundred Year War between the French and the English. No doubt, this is mainly because the river was the route of passage, in the days of bad roads over the uplands, or no roads at all. The cliffs that border the valley might have been created to please warriors who sought a high rock to build on and a wide view from their towers. Castelnaud is a fantastic castle with an even more fantastic view…, overlooking its adversary: the castle of Beynac. They are not the palaces of the Loire, raised for princes to visit in the hunting season; but, they are better situated, and they have a human air of habitation.

Nearby is La Roque-Gageac, a strange village built up a perpendicular cliff, its houses clamped against the rock on a few terraces. A bit further up the river is Domme, reached by a zig-zag road from Cénac. Domme is a bastide. It was built in the 13^th century, when fortress-towns were being set up all over this country. It was the custom to give the people privileges in order to induces them to build the places and inhabit them…, as well as fight on the right side if this were necessary. Domme still has two gates, and a good deal of its walls; streets of honey-colored houses, and the terrace overlooking the Dordogne far below. Beaumont is another good example of a bastide. It has the typical central market square, surrounded by the arcades called the ‘cornières’. The streets form a grid within the walls and the little town was purely built for defence. Once the town gates were shut, the enemy would have to scale the double line of walls. And if he got through that, the people took refuge in the church and defended it like a castle. Its towers still bear traces of the battlement from which the defenders shot arrows at the invaders, and the windows are set too high to be accessible without ladders.

In Cadouin you will find the majestic austere abbey-church which for many centuries attracted hoards of pilgrims to the Holy Shroud of Christ, which had long been considered as the shroud to have enveloped the head of the Christ after his crucifixion.  In the 19^th century, a monk insisted on deciphering the inscription woven into its margin, which proved to be a Muslim text, and the pilgrimages ceased to continue.

French cookery is not only unsurpassed, it is supreme. Within her borders, the standard varies immensely. Every region has its specialties, but there are two which are generally outstanding: Burgundy and the South-West including the Dordogne. When visiting the Dordogne you will find yourself in a gastronomic paradise. Though the French were never famous for their breakfasts, the quality and quantitiy has greatly improved with the influx of foreign visitors. Naturally, a smaller breakfast allows you to drop into the patisserie to eat delicious pastries and cakes!

The food in the Dordogne is locally produced, and therein lies its great virtue. Nothing is imported, nothing is stale. The lettuces are straight out of the soil, the apricots off the trees. You eat the fruits of the earth in their season. The great local delicacies are truffles and cèpes, and various conserved meats. The potted Foie Gras, goose and duck, are marvelous and are rich beyond belief. In case you are worried about the welfare of the animals, farmers are no longer allowed to force feed the animals (as they did in the past). Nowadays, the geese and ducks just live on a ‘fattening’ diet.  

The preserves of goose and duck (called confit) are also great and should be tried at least one. Combine it with one of the local red wines from Cahors, and you will enjoy life like a King or Queen in France!

Best,

Ron

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 

Summer is beginning to wind down, which means fall is right around the corner!  If you’re looking for the perfect vacation to ease the transition, check out our Bryce/Zion Adventure.  Located in Southwest Utah, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks are geological treasure troves. 

 Though temperatures in Zion National Park can be in the low 90s well into September, you won’t have to worry about staying cool… hiking the Virgin River Narrows will do the trick.  Zion Canyon is 15 miles long, and winding through it is the Narrows, a stretch of the Virgin River that cuts through reddish-tan sandstone cliffs that were formed by erosion long ago.  Zig zagging in and out of the river as you hike, you’ll see waterfalls, natural springs, and hanging gardens, all while being surrounded by cliffs up to a half mile high.     

Bryce Canyon National Park is more like a giant crater than a canyon.  The highest point on the rim of Bryce is over 9,000 feet in elevation, while the lowest part of the park is just above 6,600 feet.  In between, the park is home to plenty of “hoodoos,” or sandstone rock formations that were created over 60 million years ago by erosion.  With high temperatures in the mid-70s in September (and mid-60s in October), you’ll be completely content hiking through the red, white and orange hoodoos, and taking in breath-taking views at the top of the park (sometimes you can see as far as Arizona and New Mexico)!

 The beauty and majesty of both Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks will leave you breathless.  Long after you return home, you will be thinking about the spectacular views, unbelievably unique rock formations, and fabulous picnic lunches provided by your excellent guides.

Hope to see you there!

Blake

Glorious red sandstone arches, vast views of cloudless skies, and moments to create memories with your family.  These are all perks of enjoying a Southwestern US Adventure Vacation with Austin-Lehman Adventures.   You will be visiting the states of Colorado and Utah viewing the grand monuments of the Wild West.  With fascinating histories and beautiful natural sculptures this family vacation will be like none other.  Also with experienced guides, perfected tour packages, and fascinating destinations, Austin-Lehman Adventures has left very little up to chance.  Take away the guesswork and let Austin-Lehman Adventures plan your vacation today.  

Your Moab Family Adventure Vacation starts in Colorado National Monument, reaching 2000 feet above the valley, home of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Arches.  You will be able to experience the vastness of this National Monument as you raft down the Colorado River to see the sheer cliff walls, dessert plants, and abundant wildlife.  Your day starts of with a delicious breakfast at Moab’s Jail House Café, boasting the best breakfast in town!  

Afterwards you will experience Moab and why it has been declared an American biking mecca.  Astounding cliff walls, and endless views of spectacular landscapes, create a biker’s paradise to explore the views from the seemingly endless mountaintops.  The trails and loops provide endless hours of adventure as you experience the floating feeling of Moab.  To top it all off, you also get a 14-mile downhill rush along the mesa to experience the sheer heights first hand.

Arches National Park and it’s erosion over millions of years have provided some of the most awesome arches, incredible sandstone towers, and eroded monoliths.  Your visit to Delicate Arch during your Moab Adventure is the perfect photo opportunity to capture the La Sal Mountain Range and all of its glory.  Just when you feel like you have gotten enough dessert experience you can cool off again in Mary Jane Canyon. 

No adventure is quite complete in a dessert paradise like this without some off-roading by Hummer Jeep.  You will explore Slick Rock over petrified sand dunes, as the wheels of the jeep grip to the sandpaper like surfaces of the dunes.  Unwind at the end of the day with a relaxing deep tissue massage, and a feast of finger-licking fares before retreating to your comfortable bed for hours of peaceful slumber. 

At the end of each night, during your Southwestern U.S. Adventure Vacation, you will retreat to Red Cliffs Lodge, with a rugged western feel, located right along the Colorado River.  This stunning location has even been filmed in many classic movies including the John Wayne classic, Rio Grande.  Voted “Best In State” award for hotels in Utah for the year of 2012, as well as past years, this is a must experience resting location after a full day of adventure.   

Also check out some more photos on our Pinterest account at Southwest U.S. Family Adventure Arches to Moab

Your friendly Southwest lover,

Patrick

This infamous hike in Zion National Park is no ordinary hiking vacation; the trail is actually the Virginia River, the same river that has carved this unique canyon.   Pack your water shoes and dry bags as you embark into this narrow slot canyon, for one third of the hike the river extends canyon wall to canyon wall.  The sheer vertical red walls stretch for the heavens as you traverse through the murky waters, your feet navigating you over the large, round basalt rocks.

Timing is everything in the Narrows.  If the water is too high, or if the snowmelt or thunderstorms causes flash floods, the Narrows can be an extremely dangerous place, stranding you there for hours, or even days.  This is very important to consider when you are planning your Southwest Utah Adventure and when finding a guide for this section of the park.

For those you choose to take on the Narrows, the rewards are sweet.  The views are incredible, and the sense of achievement is unparalleled!

Happy Trekking,

Mindy Teini 

Let’s be honest, no one is a fan of extreme temperatures!  But harsh weather should not keep you from your adventures. There is a trick to braving the punishing cold temperatures of the Montana winter and exploring in the sweltering heat of an Arizona summer.  On my recent trip to Havasupai Falls, this fair-skinned Montana girl learned a few things about staying cool in the heat.  Here are my top five ways for beating the dry desert heat of the southwest:

5.  Wear a hat.  A wide brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face, ears, scalp and neck and is the best choice for beating the heat.   A lightweight baseball cap will at least protect your face and your scalp. 

4. Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours.  The peak heat hours are between 10 AM and 4 PM, so limiting your sun exposure and strenuous activities during these hours will help you stay significantly cooler.  Early mornings and dusk will be your favorite hours of the day for activity.  The sun is not beating down on you, temperatures are moderate and this is the best time for physical activity.  If you are heading out on a desert hike, go early! 

3. Keep your neck cool.  Wet a bandana or a light weight neck gaiter and put it around your neck.  Keeping your neck cool will help trick your body into thinking it is a cool.  It feels fantastic and this will also keep the sun off your neck.

2. Wear sunscreen. There is absolutely nothing worse than being sunburnt and feeling hot.  Do not take a chance.  Always apply sunscreen early in the day, do not wait until you feel a little burnt.  By the time you realize you might be getting toasted, you are probably toasted.  I recommend an oil free sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher.  You will need to reapply often especially if you are sweating or in the water, every two hours is a good rule to follow.  Do not forget to apply the sunscreen to your face, ears and tops of your feet.  Always use a SPF lip balm so your lips do not burn.  It really is better to be safe than sorry, so slater it on!

1.  Hydrate, hydrate and then hydrate more!  The absolute best way to keep your body cool is to drink lots of water.  Regardless of your activity level in extreme temperatures you will need to drink plenty of water, if you are active you will need to drink even more.  Don’t wait until you are thirsty to have a drink.  I highly recommend a day backpack with a hydration system in it, that way your water stays cool and is always very accessible. 

I hope you find these tips helpful on your next desert adventure.  If you have any tips or tricks for keeping cool, leave us a comment and let us know!

Your Friendly Travel Consultant,

Melissa Ladvala

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. 

Today after being in the office all day I am really wishing I was on a cycling tour in the Southwest right about now. Specically on our Utah-Arches to Moab adventure, biking in Utah is such a neat experience. There is just something about the landscape and the bright red arches that blows your mind! It is a different world in itself, look at those characters in the photo below... thats what a great time looks like and Utah adventure vacations are the way to get that feeling where you just want to jump up and wave your hands in the air. It's hard to pick a favorite part of this trip, but for me it is biking in Canyonlands National Park and then hiking up to Mesa Arch (photo below) 

I just can't wait till I get back to Utah and get some biking done!!! Well that's it for me today, just wanted to share where I wish I was right now!

Where would you rather be? Leave a comment and let me know!

Your friendly biker,

Jonathan

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

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

Set out this morning deeper into the bush.  Elephants, Giraffe are becoming common place. Today we are focused more on learning about the conservancies, its product and people. We visit a camp owned by locals (wait until you see the pictures) and continue west.  In a lot of ways this area looks a lot like the American Southwest, except bigger (and with a few elephants) arid, plateaus, valleys and springs.  You can drive the dirt trails from dawn to dusk without seeing another vehicle or any sign of civilization.

This afternoon, we loaded up on rice and sugar and drove a dozen rough KM to a traditional Himba village along a spring in a little slice of paradise.  We were greeted warmly (note to self when shaking hands with Himba women, be prepared to get the red okra die on everything). Kids of course are the same around the world; take pictures, share pictures, laugh, and repeat. 

After learning a bit from our guide and translator, we were entertained with impromptu dance and song.  Yes I even managed to dance with the Himb a ladies (I think I may now have a 2nd wife).

We said our goodbyes to the Himba's and headed further into the bush.  Tonight, camping African style high on a hill overlooking a beautiful spring valley.   Dinner is served with white linen settings, an amazing chef and more new friends.  

Life in Africa is a strange and wide sweep of diversity.  In a village of sod huts one minute, then a cold beverage served up on a silver platter as the sun sets shortly down the road.

Camp was set up on the site of a future conservancy JV Lodge.  The owner and builder were our hosts for dinner. Lamb over a fire for hours, makes for a great dining experience.   Leaders from the local Conservancy joined us well into the night. 

I have mentioned how much I love Namibia??  I am already planning my next trip and I am excited to learn how to get more involved with the conservancies.

Namaste,

Dan Austin

In less than two weeks, I will be embarking on the journey of a lifetime – hiking into Machu Picchu “the back way” via the Salkantay Trail with family and friends. This is a trip that has been in the workings for an entire year! I’ve been counting down the days until May 16^th just like a little kid counting down to her birthday. The date of departure for my Peru: Salkantay Lodge to Lodge trip is just on the horizon,  and this much longed for adventure is getting gloriously within reach…

I tried to figure out exactly which part of the trip I’m most excited about, but I just couldn’t do it. When it comes down to it and I read over my daily itinerary (again and again), I find each part of this trip equally as thrilling. Hiking to a high-altitude glacial lake, crossing a 15,000 foot pass, and visiting an organic coffee farm are just a few of the highlights that I’ll experience in a few week’s time. I guess if I had to pick one experience to look forward to the most, it would be seeing a distant southwesterly view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata Pass, a view that most people never see. I have no doubt that the whole trek will be absolutely magnificent!

Secondly, I’m excited to spend time with some special family and friends. Any of Austin-Lehman’s trips can be created as a custom or exclusive adventure for you and the people who mean the most. Seeing the world with close companions make hiking vacations all the better and something for you and yours to cherish long after the adventure has come and gone. As for me, I’ve rounded up a motley crew of my mother, college  roommate and her parents, and a fellow guide who works at ALA – talk about an interesting group! We may all be quite different in our daily lives, but we all share one thing in common – a passion for travel and adventure!

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m just a little bit excited for my upcoming trip to Peru. The point of this whole blog is to get you excited about adventure and to put the idea in the back of your head that rounding up a few of your buddies may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the long run.

See you on your next adventure,

Kasey Austin

If you missed our Big Sky Winter Getaway this month then it is time to definitely start planning now for next year’s Montana vacations in the winter season. Our wintertime family excursion to southwest Montana lasts 6 days and gives families all the soft power, ski slopes and stunning scenery that you could ever need for good winter fun.

This hiking vacation offers a little something for everyone. Ski or snowboard lessons from the Big Sky Resort will have your skills in tip top shape so you can make a run on the slopes or cross country in Yellowstone Park. Some in the group may want to try their luck on a snowmobile touring the picturesque winter vista of the park or snowshoe in the backcountry of Moonlight Basin.

The whole family will want to try their hand on the dogsled as it speeds through Moonlight Basin as well, and photography buffs will want to have the camera at the ready to snap shots of the indescribable big sky country that is Montana. Spending time with the family on vacation has never been so fun, and really, where else can families dine in a dinner yurt?

Learn more about winter family adventure vacations to Montana and other destinations by visiting our online travel site or giving us a call to request a catalog.
 

Discover the wonders of Southwest America by experiencing the mystical Grand Canyons and vast deserts. Plan it solo or with a partner and head out to explore the picturesque village of Havasupai; one of the most remote villages of America. Blessed with numerous waterfalls, mud pots, geysers and steam vents, it is a perfect adventure vacation package.

Trek unbeaten and unpopulated paths through rugged scenery to reach the base camp below a waterfall. Be one with nature and sleep under the stars. Wake up rejuvenated and ready for a fun filled day as you go on hiking and cycling tours.

Austin-Lehman adventure guides give you a personalized and customized vacation tailored to suit your dreams. The trip also educates you on some amazing facts about continental America. You’ll be welcomed by stark red canyons and inspiring Pa'rus trail.

After a busy day of hiking, cycling and trekking, you will have the opportunity to sit and unwind at the chapel of the Holy Cross. There is a feeling of immense peace and serenity when you relax after a tiring day. The experience when your mind is thinking of nothing and just being in the moment makes the hike worthwhile and unforgettable.
 

Today we started our ride from our hotel in Siena (Hotel Villa Patrizia) and rode southwest to Belcaro, which is a lovely little town on the way to Sovicille. Most of the little towns in the region of Tuscany make you feel like your going back in time, they still have their medieval charm and classic Tuscan style buildings with beautiful orange and grey stones. Almost every town in this region is built on top of a hill, so they have amazing views and are filled with churches and castles. After Belcaro we continued our ride across the countryside to Sovicille and had sandwiches at an authentic Italian café.

Then we headed back to Siena, for a 2-hour walking tour. We had a fantastic guide, who knew the city of Siena extremely well. My favorite part of the tour was seeing the Mangia Tower, which has a shell shaped plaza in front of it. Each year they have the Palio di Siena, which is a horse race around the plaza; where the jockeys don’t ride with saddles. (It looks like it would be a pretty wild race) After our walking tour we decided to get some pizza at a little pizzeria in the heart of the city. I can say that the pizza in Italy is the best and I eat a lot of pizza, so trust me on this one! But not only is the pizza good, the Tuscans really pride themselves on great food and we have had plenty of it on this tour! All of the food here is made with the freshest ingredients grown right here in Tuscany, you can really taste the difference. Full of pizza, we headed back to our hotel to get a good rest for tomorrow. Tomorrow we are riding from Siena to Sinalunga in the region of Le Crete. I herd good things about tomorrows ride, so check back here for some stories and photos!

Arrivederci,

Jon