Hiker Blog

Filed under: Hiking, North America, Canada, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Books, One for the Road

I've only stayed at one hostel in the USA. But I plan to visit more in the years to come. Which is why I was happy to come across Colleen Norwine's Great Hostels USA. Although it's a bit dated now (published in 2005), it is still a good resource to consider if you plan to do hostel travel in the USA in the coming year.

When Colleen decided to quit her job and spend a year traveling around the country, she was unable to find a dedicated hostel guidebook that met her travel needs. So she wrote one herself! Although she did use hostel web resources to plan her travels, she wanted to have a lightweight reference guide that could travel with her as well. But since she could not find one that suited her, she created this one as she went, personally reviewing over 250 hostels from Seattle to Bar Harbor.

Only 100 hostels made it into the book -- her selection includes a mix of Hostelling International locations and other lodging options. There are reviews for at least one hostel in each of 25 states, as well as nine Canadian accommodations. Multiple entries exist for states like California, Florida, Colorado, New York and Massachusetts, so the book may be especially useful for folks planning to visit those places. There are a few thematic lists too -- including the best hostels for hiking, mountain biking, partying, meetings and romance. Colleen's hard work paid off, and earned her book the 2006 Independent Publisher Award for best travel guide.

 

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Filed under: Biking, Arts and Culture, Hiking, Ireland, United States

And they're off! Last night was the first episode of "The Amazing Race Season 12." Although, I have to say, it took awhile for the teams to get out of the driveway of the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills once they grabbed their bags off the lawn. That kind of drove me nuts. All that display of horn beeping. I imagine the teams being told to whoop it up and make it exciting. But, it is a race and reality TV--and they were on their way to LAX, which might have been the toughest part of the trip, if it wasn't for those donkeys they met up with in Ireland. More on that later.

With all the switching of camera shots and the quick paced dialog between the paired team members, "Oohhh, are we going the right way?" "I think we're going the right way," and "I don't think we're going the right way," with everyone more or less saying the same thing, I couldn't really tell who was going the right way myself. I was impressed that no one got majorly stuck in traffic as they tried to figure out how to get from Sunset Boulevard to U.S. 405 in time to get to the airport for the British Airways flight to Shannon Airport in Ireland.

As soon as I heard Shannon Airport when the first envelopes were ripped open, I thought, "Great! I've been there." I was curious to see how Ireland would be portrayed. First, they had to get tickets. Naturally, British Airways didn't have enough tickets for everyone so that revved up the anxiety levels. I could relate to that feeling. I flew to Luxembourg on standby once and it wasn't until the very last second that we found out we had seats, otherwise we'd miss that cheap price.

Those without tickets--the brother/sister team, Azaria & Hendekea, and the father/daughter team, Christiana and Roland sweet talked a woman into letting them use her laptop. Great idea. They proved that the Internet does work for locating flights in a jiff. Soon they were winging their way on an Aer Lingus flight to Ireland. Using their noggins, this group also borrowed someones cell phone to book taxis for when they arrived in Ireland. Technology at its finest. Smooth as silk for this gang--except for nasty fellow racers, Ari and Staella who stole one of the taxis once they hit Ireland. Not literally, but they jumped in the taxi pretending it was theirs.

In Ireland, it was first off to the smallest church in the world where they signed a book to gain spots on a ferry to an island the next day. I have vague recollections of that church myself, but maybe that's a dream. The slow pokes ended up with seats on the last ferry. I wondered as they were heading up to the church if anyone noticed how craggy and gorgeous the scenery is there. All the peat fields and stone walls in seemingly endless miles.

Once they knew the ferry they'd be on, the first, second or third, there was nothing to do but go to sleep a the quaint bed and breakfast, dog-tired, and mixed in with some whining by those in the last place, i.e., the blonds, who talked themselves up at the beginning credits as being of stellar stock, but were either last place or close to. Being stellar types they were disappointed in the outcome. Boo hoo. Moral of that story, modesty might help.

Next day, hooded jackets on to protect from the drizzling rain, the teams ended up on the island for their tandem-bike ride through mud to Cleggan Farm. Of course, one team's bike broke--that's what makes for good television--so they had to hoof it faster. There wasn't much of a chance to tootle around because this was the first roadblock. The teams had to cross a high-wire act type deal with one team member pedaling the other across while the second member dangled below on another bike. I kept thinking, well, this must be safe enough. My favorite part of this leg was hearing Roland sing Danny Boy as he pedaled across. He wasn't all that good, but he made up in exuberance. I also liked his line, "Not bad for an old fart."

What I noticed by this point is that all heterosexual couples except for the Goth team, Kynt & Vyxsin, were bickering--either voices pitched high or almost growling by now. Yep, the joys of traveling with a loved one. Points in my mind for Kynt and Vyxsin and the lesbian minister couple, who seem to be enjoying the experience. Sure, the ministers would like to win, but they already have a life that means something--might as well take in that scenery that's so breathtakingly beautiful. The Goth couple spend their lives having some sort of fun, it seems. Why give that up now?

With the tandem bike ride finished it was off to get a donkey to take a load of peat blocks to Clifden and the Connemara Heritage Center, another place I've been. Since donkeys go when they want to go, unless someone happens to have that donkey touch, this was not as simple as it seems. Azaria and Hendekea, the brother and sister team made it to the end first so they won a few days in Alberta, Canada so they could take in a fancy resort with a name I didn't catch and Banff National Park. I like these two well enough. They did make a comment in the beginning credits that said they are more intelligent than everyone which left me cold, but they were nice to Christina and Roland on a few occasions, so that moved them up a notch in my favorites category.

Second place were Kynt and Vyxsin who I like a lot. My other favorites are Ronald and Christina who came in 7th and Kate and Pat, the married Lesbian ministers who came in 8th. Eliminated were Ari and Staella, the ones who stole the taxi. Moral of that story: Don't steal. They did get along well with each other the whole way and I liked that at the end they didn't blame each other for the elimination. Their expression of remorse sounded like a familiar tune to any one who loves to travel, but needs to go home. "There's so much we could have done and seen," one of them said.

Here Ari and Staella are trying to get the donkey to move--one possible reason for their loss. But they did steal that taxi. It's karma, I'm telling you.

Watch next Sunday night and tune in next Monday for Gadling's next installment of our Amazing Race coverage. Martha's up next week to give you the scoop.

 

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Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Gear, Camping, Books, Talking Travel

Campers around the world have surely tried their hand at this extracurricular activity before. But even seasoned adventurers may learn some new tips or techniques in this recent release from Wilderness Press dedicated to the art of outdoor love. Sex in a Tent: A Wild Couple's Guide to Getting Naughty in Nature is the first comprehensive guide to getting it on outside, and a must have for couples looking to heat things up during tent-toting travels.

Forget hotels and hostels for romantic getaways -- give Mother Nature a spin! That's what writer and adventurer Michelle Waitzman set out to do with her partner. Their first attempt at sex-with-a-change-of-scenery did not go as planned, giving birth to the idea for this guide to stress-free outdoor escapades.

Michelle recently took some time to tell us more about this unique guide to the great outdoors. The interview is accompanied with photos of Michelle and her partner on hiking adventures around New Zealand -- and we've also got a sneak peek at one of Ann Miya's fun illustrations from the book. Read on to see and learn more!

Your book's title seems to suggest a whole new meaning for the term "wanderlust". How much can you tell us about when and where the idea for this book came about?

When my partner and I went on our first camping trip together, it was in a brand-new tent he'd just bought. So not only were we still getting to know each other, we were also in an unfamiliar tent. Let's just say it wasn't the most spectacular night of our relationship. On the hike out to the car the next day I said "Someone ought to write a book about how to have sex in a tent." And the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to research and write the book myself!

And how does one go about documenting the research done for a guide like this?

The first thing I had to do was reassure people that I wouldn't use their real names unless they wanted me to. People are much more open about their naughty sides when they know they won't be identified! Then I searched camping forums online, contacted hiking clubs, and posted signs at camping shops. I put together a questionnaire that would help to create a picture of what different couples get up to when they disappear into the wilderness. I was surprised by the huge range of answers I got - from those who didn't take their sex life into the woods with them at all, to those who found it was the perfect opportunity to play out their wildest fantasies.

But seriously, is a book on this topic really necessary? Isn't the sexual drive instinctual?

Most of us establish our relationships in an urban context. When you go camping it changes all of the rules. Gender roles get tested, the bedroom disappears, and different dynamics are involved. So the book covers everything you need to know to keep your relationship strong and satisfying - not just your sex life. After all, if you have a big fight trying to put up the tent, you won't be getting any sex anyway! As for the more physical subject matter, we can all benefit from expanding our repertoire a little, can't we?

Is the guide meant for experienced campers only? Or do you offer tips for first-timers campers too?

Sex in a Tent includes tips and advice for all levels of campers. It also deals with the fact that in many relationships, one partner is an experienced camper and the other is a first-timer. The entire first chapter is devoted to making things easier for a beginner, so that you don't scare your partner away. Camping for the first time can be pretty intimidating, and it's easy for someone who's an old hand at it to forget what it felt like the first time. If you get it right to start with, it can lead to a real outdoors "happily ever after". But if you get it wrong, you'll never get a second chance at it.

What are some of the pros and cons of having sex in a tent? Why bother?

The fresh air and natural sounds you experience outdoors at night can be a real turn-on. It can literally bring out our more "animal" instincts. And in some ways having sex in a tent satisfies any exhibitionist urges you might have without actually exposing yourselves in public. There's just a thin layer of fabric between you and the whole world! Some couples also say that they can relax more with their sex lives when they're camping, because their usual routine or schedule doesn't apply. There's a certain freedom to it. No phones ringing, no television, no alarm clock.

Cons? Well, you are in a limited space so you have to be careful. And tents don't block sound at all, so if there are other campers nearby you can't be too loud. It's a bit of a challenge for "screamers".


How about practical and logistical issues that travelers should keep in mind -- For example, what can readers expect to learn in the chapter "How to keep smelling good enough to kiss"?

There are lots of logistics involved in camping, as any camper will tell you. But when you also want to be sexy there are additional things to take into account. You don't want to smell like week-old hiking socks if you are expecting to get cozy with your partner! So finding ways to clean up, keep your breath fresh, and look good can be important. I've got a lot of tips for both men and women.

Women usually have the desire to look and smell better but don't know how. Men, on the other hand, tend to forget about their appearance and odor altogether once they leave the house. So there are some gentle reminders that if they pay a little attention to those things the rewards will be worth it.

Other logistics I discuss include planning romantic meals, packing your backpacks (men and women need to pack differently, and it's not to make room for a hair dryer!), and wearing the right clothing. I also get into trip planning, and ways to make sure that you've put together a trip you're BOTH going to enjoy.

I don't see smores or marshmallows on your list of "foods to put you in the mood" -- But do you think these traditional camping staples might also do the trick?

The foods that turn us on are so individual. For some people it's salty treats, and for others it's sweets. I listed some of the classics, like oysters, licorice and chocolate, but there's no right or wrong. Toasted marshmallows can be very sexy, because they're so warm and gooey. They're also fun to lick off of your partner's fingers!

On the other hand, some of the traditional camping foods might have a strong association in people's minds with a more innocent time in their lives, and it can be hard to feel sexy when you're reliving your childhood.

Our tastes also change when we grow up, so even if you used to just adore heating up a can of Spaghetti-Os over a fire, you might find that you're up for something a little more sophisticated now that you're an adult. I've included some recipes in the book for every meal, which will give couples some fresh ideas for their camping getaways.

Sleeping bags built for two and snow foam (to avoid rug burn) are just two of the items suggested to assist attempts at "shaking the stakes." What are some others?

Most campers are trying to pack as little as possible, so I don't recommend bringing along a whole lot of extras just to spice things up. But there are some light and small items that can make a big difference. Silk sleeping bag liners have a wonderful, luxurious feel to them. Get a double size and suddenly your tent feels like a 5-star hotel! There are these cool "couplers" that keep two sleeping pads connected side-by-side so that you have a double bed to work with. Condoms are helpful even if you don't "need" them for protection because they can keep things tidier. And wet wipes are great for cleaning up, both yourselves and anything in the tent that needs it after a close encounter. I discuss a lot of different sex toys in Sex in a Tent, but the lightest and easiest to pack is a blindfold. Not only can it spice up your night, it can also keep the sun from waking you up too early the next morning!

Can you share some tent techniques tips? How can couples have sex in a tent without destroying it?

The tent is not a good place to work your way through the entire Kama Sutra. Choosing positions that use smaller movements is ideal. Avoid any flailing limbs, as a kick against the side of the tent can bring it down or cause an indoor rainstorm. I won't go into too much detail here, but there are lots of suggestions in the book depending on the shape of the tent and the couple's preferences.

Do you mention specific brands of tents in your book? Are there some you suggest as best suited for getting-it-on outdoors?

The size and shape of the tent are more important than the brand. Some positions require a bit of headroom, so dome tents are preferable to tunnels in that case. Other couples require more length, but don't care about height. So it's important to look at the tent's dimensions if you are tall, or like to spread out. And if you're car camping, bring a three-person tent instead of a two-person tent to open up more possibilities. In fact, some couples bring a family-sized tent and use an inflatable air bed and duvet. Whatever size or shape you choose, make sure it has good ventilation for when things start getting steamy inside!

Outside of the sexual realm, I suggest that couples look for a tent with two doors. That way they can each get out in the middle of the night for a pee without having to climb over their partner.


What if travelers are just not into "tent tango"? What are some of the alternative adventurous locations you suggest?

I found some pretty adventurous and imaginative campers among the couples I surveyed! Sex on a beach is one of the most popular. That sound of crashing waves is a really great soundtrack. The old Canadian cliché of having sex in a canoe has a few fans too. It does take some practice and good balance though. For land-lubbers, wandering away from a hiking trail can be fun and naughty. One couple even managed to do it up in a tree! (I don't recommend this unless you're part monkey. Sounds like a risky proposition to me.) In a deserted campground, picnic tables make perfect outdoor beds. And bringing a hammock with you can be fun too.

What are some of the most romantic campgrounds (in the US and abroad) for travelers who want to let loose in the wild? And what exactly makes them the best?

Most couples rate solitude as the most important factor for romance. So the more isolated the campsite, the more romantic it is going to feel. This is where backpackers and paddlers have an advantage over car campers. Try going off the beaten path (even if you have to sacrifice having a flush toilet) to claim your own private corner of the wilderness.

Again, there are personal preferences when it comes to romance. I think anywhere with both mountains and lakes is romantic. But the desert can do wonders too. I thought the Grand Canyon was a great spot for romance, and Alaska was also fabulous. Hiking in the fall colors in Vermont or Maine can definitely lead to a lot of cuddling.

For those who get the chance to camp overseas, there are even more spectacular options. There are luxury camping chalets in the Alps where you can have gourmet meals after your day's hike. Nepal and Northern India are home to the Himalayas, the world's tallest mountains. Even if you can't climb them (which most of us can't) it's awe-inspiring just to camp in their shadow. Australia has routes along beautiful shores, or in the red desert of the outback, that are sure to be memorable too.

I believe that any location can be romantic if you adopt the right attitude. Romance is more about the two of you enjoying each other and your surroundings than it is about the surroundings themselves. But I list a lot of specific places both in the US and around the world in Sex in a Tent, so if you're short of ideas you might find some inspiration there.


Are there any places that outdoor lovebirds should avoid?

Big, developed family campgrounds can be a hard place to feel the romance (although not impossible). If you are car camping, try to do it in State or National Parks where the campsites are more spread out and left in their natural state. Or look for adult-only campgrounds, where at least you don't have to worry about corrupting small children. If you are stuck in a big campground, ask for a spot in an empty corner somewhere.

Again, wherever you can get the most privacy is the best place for romance. And try to find a place where you can do whatever activities you consider romantic, whether it's canoeing, taking long walks, going for a bike ride, or skinny-dipping in a lake.

Random question: Are there any nudist campgrounds, like there are beaches?

Yes there are! You have to do your homework if you want to go natural at a campground though. Some nude campgrounds are for everyone, while some are adult-only, and others are gay-only. So ask a few questions and make sure that you are going to be comfortable in the place you have chosen, and that the other people there will be comfortable around you. And remember, just because you're allowed to be naked in the campground doesn't necessarily mean you're allowed to have sex in public.

Did you learn of any sex in a tent horror stories while doing research for your book?

A few! There was one couple who had their tent cave in on them - that was probably the worst! Others had more minor problems, like muffling their urge to make noise, having their children wander in at an awkward time, or forgetting to pack birth control. I'm happy to say that none of the horror stories I heard led to anyone needing medical attention!

Did you interview any park rangers? What are their thoughts on sex in the wild?

I didn't actually interview any park rangers. I'm sure they could provide fodder for an entire book of their own!

So what's next in the Sex series? Getting it on in a yurt? Or a train or bus?

Aside from the Park Rangers? I hear there's a new airliner that offers private bedrooms for long-haul flights. I think the mile-high club is about to get a lot of new members if that's the case! As for me, I'll have to go consult with my partner and get back to you later...

Michelle Waitzman's Sex in a Tent (Wilderness Press, $14.95) debuted in bookstores in October 2007.

 

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Filed under: Activism, Climbing, Hiking, Ecotourism

It's easy to think that rock climbing has no impact on the environment. Enthusiasts climb up a rock face, rappel back down, and then go home without leaving a trace of their existence. Right?

Wrong.

According to a recent AP article, the rise in popularity of rock climbing has resulted in an increase of trash and environmental damage at many of the more commonly used routes in Yosemite National Park.

The biggest irritant to me has always been the chalk marks left behind. I usually make it out to Joshua Tree National Park about once a year and it's always sad to see a beautiful rock face tagged with chalk buildup (on the other hand, it's also amazing when the chalk marks are like a connect-the-dots climbing route that seems impossible to scale).

Chalk isn't the only problem, however. The AP article mentions a volunteer clean-up crew that hauled out 900 pounds of "abandoned rope, snack wrappers and toilet paper" from Yosemite's rock climbing areas last September. In addition, the trails to these spots are getting overused and nearby foliage routinely trampled.

Man, I had always thought rock climbers were one with nature! I guess I was wrong.

 

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Filed under: Hiking, Learning, Ecotourism

Chirping birds, garden trails, fresh air, wildlife. Hmmm, must be Las Vegas.

What?!?

Yes indeed, just a scant four miles from the world's most unnatural strip of manmade extravaganza there exists a peaceful oasis of tranquility known as the Las Vegas Springs Preserve. When it opened last June, it was not with the fanfare which normally accompanies grand openings in Vegas, but rather with a quieter demeanor more appropriate for a nature preserve.

Visiting Vegas to enjoy nature is like climbing Mt. Whitney to enjoy the ocean. And yet, according to a recent article in the LA Times, the 185 acre preserve is well worth the trip thanks to its "176,000 square feet of museums, educational galleries..., interactive exhibits..., expansive botanical garden, and 2 1/2 miles of trails."

Hmm. As much as I love nature, this sounds like a place to send the wife and kids while you're holed up in the sports book.

 

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Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Learning, Stories, Europe, Denmark, Holiday Ideas

Tonight we're going to a watch a Christmas parade in Gahanna, a town close to Columbus, with friends. My son has already hauled a fake tree out of the basement, the one I had planned to take to Florida last year until we flew instead of drove. I kept telling him, "No, it's too early to set it up," but then thought, he's only five once. The tree, decorated by him, all ornaments (less than a dozen) dangling from branches on one side of the tree only, is in his room.

This has me thinking about Christmas a little early. It's not the shopping that gets me feeling warm. It's the traditions that bring communities together. One of the best community Christmas events I ever participated in was in Denmark. When I was a student through DIS (The Danish International Student organization through Copenhagan University) I lived with a family in Allerod, Denmark, a large town about a 30-minute train ride from Copenhagan.

Allerod started it's Christmas season off with a communal walk through the woods followed by caroling and a town square tree lighting. I had just turned 20, my brain an instant catalog for filing experiences into how this is like the U.S. and how this is not like the U.S. This experience was filed in the "not like" and a "little like" categories--the closest thing to it is perhaps a small town parade.

What struck me was how many people were involved with walking through the woods. Men, women, children of all ages--everyone was out following the path that led to a huge black kettle (there may have been two) filled with gløgg (glug) the traditional Scandinavian hot beverage made with red wine, brandy and spices. It's yummy and warm, particularly on a wintry night. The other kettle had the non-alcoholic version. (I may have made up this second kettle. The years that have passed since then has placed this kettle in my memory.) The walk ended up back in town where people proceeded to a nursing home to carol and then on to the town square for more caroling and the tree light up.

This particular evening left me feeling cozy, warm and safe--like these winter holidays are supposed to make people feel. It was such a simple, event. Not splashy or commercial--just townspeople getting together to enjoy each others company. And, they were very welcoming and wonderful to the young American woman in their midst.

What about you? Any holiday traditions you've enjoyed while traveling?

 

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Filed under: Activism, Hiking, Russian Federation, Camping, Ecotourism

Last June we reported the sad news that a landslide wiped out one of Russia's most outstanding natural attractions: the Valley of the Geysers.

Although hardly known outside of Russia, this amazing valley, located in the heart of Kamchatka, was home to more than 90 active geysers before a mile-wide mudslide buried it forever--or so the reports at the time led us to believe.

Visitors to the scene--accessible only by helicopter--are now reporting that parts of the valley and its heralded geysers have actually survived. Thanks to a very detailed report by Spanishflyer on LiveJournal.com, we can now see for ourselves what was destroyed and what was spared by Mother Nature's wrath. A combination of satellite and aerial photos as well as digital imagery clearly shows the path of the mudslide, the geysers destroyed, and the flooding which occurred when the nearby river was dammed by the mud.

The result is a severely damaged Valley of the Geysers that looks like it is still an amazing place to visit--albeit extraordinarily expensive to do so.

If you have the time, be sure to check out the website for a depressing feel for how fickle and temporal our natural world can be.

 

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Filed under: Hiking, Paddling, Oceania, New Zealand, Ecotourism

Excuse my absence from Gadling for the last couple of months. but I've been discovering what's new and different in the South Island of New Zealand for the next edition of Lonely Planet's guide to my home country. Normally my LP ventures with laptop and notebook take me overseas, but it's been kind of cool to poke around off the beaten track in my own backyard.

Between being surprised by the increasing number of great Kiwi microbrews and dangling off a hang glider above Queenstown, the most bittersweet memory is an excursion by inflatable boat onto the waters of Lake Tasman. The lake's just three decades old, and its increasing size is being fuelled as global warming melts the Tasman Glacier, still New Zealand's largest river of alpine ice, but 5 km shorter than it was 30 years ago.

The lake's now a similar length and dotted with icebergs of all shapes and sizes that are continually rearranged by the mountain winds like giant floating chess pieces. The crystalline ice is up to 500 years old, and a lack of air bubbles trapped from earlier centuries produces an almost diamond hardness.

Out on the lake, a surprising late spring overnight snowfall had settled on the icy monoliths, and the gossamer sprinkling was enough to disturb the delicate balance of several icebergs that turned and rebalanced during the early morning.

Beautiful yes, but also a poignant and tangible reinforcement of the impact of climate change.

 

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Filed under: Hiking, South America, Panama, Camping

Yes, these are my legs. Yes, they have seen better days. I woke up a couple of nights ago and counted 85 sandfly bites on my left calf alone. I don't understand why I don't see anyone else chewed to pieces. Why do they love me so much?

Last week, I spent trekking through the Corcovadorainforest in Costa Rica and didn't get a single bite. I was ready to fight mosquitoes in Panama's Bocas del Toro, but I wasn't prepared for sandflies! They have mosquito nets here but those pose no problem for sandflies. The sandfly is basically invisible, doesn't make a noise, is about a quarter of the size of a mosquito and much faster. By the time you feel them biting you, they are gone. If there is a definition of irregular warfare, this must be damn close.

I brought repellent (40% DEET) and have been using it religiously during my hikes through the jungle. I should have been better about putting it on at night, I guess. That's when sandflies attack. Apparently, most sandflies are harmless (except for the really itchy bites) but some carry the parasite Leishmaniasis, which can result in ugly sores, scars and if left untreated, death.* That does not sound like fun. Meanwhile, I am putting all my energy into NOT scratching.

* I find that 5 to 6 bottles of Panama beer makes one forget about the imminent death by tropical parasites.

 

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Filed under: Climbing, Hiking, Learning, Paddling, Camping

There are a lot of travel outfitters vying for your business. But, who to trust? Which outfitter is going to go that extra step to make sure your accommodations are comfortable enough, your food is tasty enough and your adventure is adventurous enough?

With the understanding that so many people are taking chances with random travel outfitters located haphazardly online, the fine folks at National Geographic Adventure have put together a very cool search engine that rates 157 of the best players out there.

Interested adventurers can search based upon Sustainability, Client Expertise, Quality of Service, Spirit of Adventure, Education, and Best Overall. The ratings can also be broken out by activities, and most importantly, destinations.

In case you're wondering, the highest scoring overall outfitter is Mark Thornton Safaris, which pulled in a 97.7 score out of 100. According to National Geographic Adventure, "This small Tanzania-only outfitter caps its clientele at 100 per year and delivers unparalleled intimacy on its bush treks across the Serengeti--all of which are led by a team of Maasai warriors and Thornton himself, a ten-year safari guide. His trips are part luxury camping, part field ecology course, and part raw adventure."

Very cool!

 

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