Posted on — Leave a comment

Proposed NEW thru hike in France

proposed-new-thru-hike-in-france

Kevin Ginisty and friends want to officially launch the Hexatrek by summer 2022. In fact, you can join them in the first year.

This 3000 km trail will connect 14 of the most beautiful nationals parks and crossing France from the Vosges to the Pyrenees.

The path follows the highest mountain regions of our hexagon, joining along the way some of the most emblematic summits, natural wonders and wildest places. …

The route has been designed to connect the most beautiful places and maximize wild camp use where it’s allowed.

They are fund-raising for the project. And the documentary.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Posted on — Leave a comment

Fisherman’s Trail, Rota Vicentina, Portugal

fisherman’s-trail,-rota-vicentina,-portugal

I’m considering the famed Portuguese Fisherman’s Trail in November.

Leave a comment if you have advice for me.

Moon and Honey hiked in early November. Though some restaurants had closed for the season, they still felt it was not too late in the year.

76 km/47 mi.

4 days

Porto Covo – Vila Nova de Milfontes (20 km)
Vila Nova de Milfontes – Almograve (15.5 km)
Almograve – Zambujeira do Mar (22 km)
Zambujeira do Mar – Odeceixe (18.5 km)

Most stay in town each night as there are no campgrounds and wild camping is prohibited.

You can have luggage transferred each night, hiking only with a day pack.

It’s possible to extend the hike on the Historical Way of the Rota Vicentina. I’ll probably start with just the Fisherman’s Trail.

costa-selvagem sm

related:

Liz Boulter – Walking Portugal’s Atlantic coast 2013

Sarah Baxter – Rota Vicentina: Welcome to Europe’s empty corner 2013

Trip Advisor reviews

Posted on — Leave a comment

Banff Mountain Festival 2021

banff-mountain-festival-2021

Click PLAY or watch the teaser on YouTube.

The 2021 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is happening virtually and in-person this year from Saturday, October 30 to Sunday, November 7!

Featuring over 75 films, live events in Banff and Canmore, and 30 virtual programs to watch from the comfort of your home over nine epic days. Get your festival passes, Tuesday, October 5—available to purchase only until November 2 ?

BanffCentre.ca

Posted on — Leave a comment

#AskCicerone: Walking in Europe

#askcicerone:-walking-in-europe

Cicerone is by far the best publisher of guidebooks for hiking Europe.

Podcast episode 28 gives an overview of their 162 guidebooks to Europe.

Too many good choices in that continent. This is a good place to start.

Contents

#AskCicerone: Walking and trekking in Europe

Listen here.

Posted on — Leave a comment

Mount MacFarlane, Chilliwack B.C.

mount-macfarlane,-chilliwack-bc.

1800m elevation gain. Beast of a day hike.

The hike to the summit of Mount MacFarlane is steep, difficult and requires some scrambling. However, the hike can be shortened by stopping at Lower Pierce Lake or Upper Pierce Lake. Both lakes are worthwhile objectives of their own.

About 10 hours if all goes well.

Details on Outdoor Vancouver.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Posted on — Leave a comment

10 Adventures podcast

10-adventures-podcast

One of my favourite outdoors podcasts is 10 Adventures.

Check it out.

A good starting point is their interview with Jim Kern on how to Save America‘s Outdoors.

… As the founder of the Florida Trail, co founder of the American hiking society, and president of Big City Mountaineers, Jim has led an awe-inspiring life and career that has gone far beyond the scope of just his own adventures, helping at-risk youth by introducing them to the outdoors and inspiring real change. …

https://feed.podbean.com/adventuretravel/feed.xml

Posted on — Leave a comment

Sun-hoodie for Hiking?

sun-hoodie-for-hiking?

The biggest surprise for me on the sunny ? John Muir Trail 2021 was the number of hikers wearing sun-hoodies rather than the more traditional button down shirt, buff and/or bandana (that I was wearing).

Sun-hoodies are particularly popular with the ladies.

Should I switch?

Click PLAY or watch a review on YouTube.

Julie has been wearing the Columbia Hiking Sun Shirt. Her daughter thinks she should switch.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Posted on — Leave a comment

Trek Checkpoint 4 – Bikepacking or Mountain Biking?

trek-checkpoint-4-–-bikepacking-or-mountain-biking?

I’ve customized my NEW 2021 Checkpoint ALR 4 for Bikepacking.

Transportation to-and-from hiking trailheads. (VIDEO)

BUT … occasionally I’d like to take off the panniers and use the aluminum gravel bike for single track.

So far, so good. So long as I keep my tires on the ground. The suspension is … not great.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Posted on — Leave a comment

I love “Hiking Thrones”

i-love-“hiking-thrones”

BestHike editor Rick McCharles.

In the Himalaya, porters build benches at regular intervals so they can easily rest while carrying heavy loads.

I do the same — when I can — on logs and rocks.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Posted on — Leave a comment

My NEW Trek Checkpoint ALR 4

my-new-trek-checkpoint-alr-4

By BestHike editor Rick McCharles.

I’m considering FUTURE trips to Iceland, Norway, northern BC and/or Yukon. Great hiking. Bad weather.

For transport to trailheads, I’ll fly with my own touring bike.

Though it wasn’t easy during the pandemic, I did locate an appropriate ride IN STOCK. For the past week I’ve been testing my 2021 Trek Checkpoint ALR 4.

So far, so good.

This gravel frame is aluminum, not steel. Base weight 10.12 kg / 22.3 lbs — though I’ve already customized it with a number of add-ons.

The fewer flats the better. SO added heavier Bontager HARD-CASE ULTIMATE tires.

Having had racks fail in the past, I added Bontager DELUXE MIK pannier racks front and back.

Good lights. Fenders and kickstand.

Click PLAY or check it out on YouTube.