Extreme Things

The whole experience was tremendous. My own most enduring memories,are of the guides, porters and cooks who took us up there. Whilst I were struggling up with day packs, the porters and cooks were racing up carrying our main packs, together with tents, food and water. By the time we reached camp they had already pitched the tents and prepared a meal. In addition, as we entered the campsite, they greeted us with an African song and dance routine! This was followed by a sit-down meal that was always well presented and palatable (if only I had an appetite). How the cooks managed to prepare spicy chicken and chips at 4,600 meters remains a mystery to me.

Souvenirs: If you are like me and like to get a few souvenirs from your trip, I recommend getting things in Moshi rather than getting them in Arusha if you have the option. Smaller town, easier to navagate, a little more tourist friendly. The Tanzania soccer jerseys are pretty cool if you are looking for a gift for a boy.

I found my biggest enemy on summit day was not the altitude, but the almost unbearable cold. I have spent a lot of time in the cold and grew up in it. I know how to layer and what to wear. But this was a whole new level of cold to me. Take in to account, of course, your personal build and your track record with cold, but I would say plan for colder than you think.

I did this hike and went a couple miles up the river and it was THE highlight of our trip. If you decide to do this hike make sure to rent equipment (water boots and hiking sticks). It will be a much more enjoyable experience. We rented equipment and hiked much further than others who didn't. It is a nice hike to do in the middle of the day or when you need to cool off because you are in the shade and in the water! The hike is great for all experiences of hikers.

When to Go - Mid-June to mid-September. The water is cold the rest of the year but the canyon can be hiked in a wetsuit. The Narrows is closed when the river gauge reads above 140 cfs Permits are not issued from the top down when the gauge reads above 120 cfs So during the spring it is usually closed when the snow is melting and there is sustained high - cold water due to run-off.

Permits required: Hikers are allowed to hike a few miles up the Narrows from the Riverside Walk and return without obtaining a permit. A permit is required to hike from Chamberlain's Ranch to Zion Canyon. There are a total of 80 permits allotted per day. 40 hikers are permitted through the online reservation system and 40 hikers are permitted as walk-in. Although you can get a permit the same day you are hiking, you will have better luck obtaining one of the few issued permits if you get your walk-in permit the day prior to the actual day of the hike. For more information call the backcountry desk at 1.435.772.0170 or log onto the parks website and use their online permit system.

Motion sickness wasn't my friend on this fast jet boat. Doing 360s just made my head throb. Was a cool river valley. NZ is paradise. A dream fulfilled to ski in summer.

Done this twice, once in Gaansbaii , once in False Bay.Awesome and saw the ultimate shark v seal chase. Amazing

Someday I hope to have the nerve to do this.

The season for Farallon Islands is September through November.

Again missed out because of the weather in NZ!

If you plan to hike to the top of Half Dome when the cables are up you’ll need to get a permit. Get more information on getting a permit here.

Visitors should know that temperatures can routinely exceed 105 °F (41 °C) in the summer, so bringing plenty of water is a must.

Come prepared for those un-expected early fall storms. It was 95 degrees when we started our trip to Mt Whitney from San Diego, and it snowed 16 inches at base camp. Nothing like snowballs in summer!

When it is relatively free of snow, from approximately July to October, the Mount Whitney Trail provides a non-technical, but strenuous, route to the summit of Mt. Whitney.

Wilderness permits may be reserved in advance. For more information. click here... Due to the high demand for Day Use and Overnight Mt Whitney Permits, a lottery is held for reservations. There is not a waiting list for cancelations. The space left after the lottery will be available to reserve at the end of April. For trips in May, June or July; apply on April 20, 2011 For trips in August, Sept. or October; apply April 27, 2011 Application to reserve after the lottery.

Six days of rafting, hiking and camping on the river

kids went wet zorbing, a little stinky

One of the best experiences ever! Highly recommend it especially if you want a break from your usual routine - definitely stretches your mind and senses. I was most surprised by how peaceful I felt after the parachute was released…as if I was floating.