lostpunk5545
Bluelighter
Yeah that book actually started my obsession with doing it. I'm a huge Bill bryson fan
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Life Advice & Visual Arts
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Travel The MEGA Travel Thread!
- Thread starter Jamshyd
- Start date
Yeah that book actually started my obsession with doing it. I'm a huge Bill bryson fan
CoffeeDrinker
Bluelighter
I don't hike so much as get lost.
I've found that peanuts are really really good when you need a boost of food energy.
I've found that peanuts are really really good when you need a boost of food energy.
Bomboclat
Bluelight Crew
Ive always wanted to go desert wandering.
It's always seemed like a really neat thing to do
Ive only been hiking in the desert once and that was on a small trail
has anyone ever been on a long desert trek?
It's always seemed like a really neat thing to do
Ive only been hiking in the desert once and that was on a small trail
has anyone ever been on a long desert trek?
ocean
Bluelight Crew
Do you like to hike? I like hiking- though I can't do very far
What is your favorite hiking spot? Near my house? Horseshoe Bend Trail- .........or Rosario Loop on Fidalgo Island (which is SUPER short) or Rosario Trail to Bowman's Bay- Any trail around Deception Pass on the Whidbey Island.......
Why do you like/dislike hiking? I can be in nature, take photos, exercise without feeling like it "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." ~Albert Einstein
Where do you suggest others should go hiking? Almost anywhere in Washington State, California (even San Fran had alot of opportunities to be in nature (there was a cool little hike near the Legion of Honor), and really anywhere you can
Any cool hiking stories?
When I was younger we lived in (or less than a mile from the gates of) Yosemite National Park in California.....Hiking there was always neat- There was one hike though where I remember my father made us line up and we were at a distance but close enough to see clearly some bears roaming the woods......I wasn't too scared b/c being young I didn't really recognize the danger, and bears would walk outside my bedroom window ALOT......
There was another hike- a path we would take often that I just loved- my brother and I would wander pretty far but there was a creek a short distance from the hotel we lived in for a year in Yosemite and we would just walk the way to the creek picking berries and eating them on our way- I remember the smells, the tastes, the fresh air, the trees, a pretty meadow off to one side with thousands of tiny white flowers, and then coming up to this crystal clear creek where we'd hang out and look at cool rocks for a while before heading back home.
I miss that path and haven't thought of it in too long........
What is your favorite hiking spot? Near my house? Horseshoe Bend Trail- .........or Rosario Loop on Fidalgo Island (which is SUPER short) or Rosario Trail to Bowman's Bay- Any trail around Deception Pass on the Whidbey Island.......
Why do you like/dislike hiking? I can be in nature, take photos, exercise without feeling like it
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." ~Albert EinsteinWhere do you suggest others should go hiking? Almost anywhere in Washington State, California (even San Fran had alot of opportunities to be in nature (there was a cool little hike near the Legion of Honor), and really anywhere you can
Any cool hiking stories?
When I was younger we lived in (or less than a mile from the gates of) Yosemite National Park in California.....Hiking there was always neat- There was one hike though where I remember my father made us line up and we were at a distance but close enough to see clearly some bears roaming the woods......I wasn't too scared b/c being young I didn't really recognize the danger, and bears would walk outside my bedroom window ALOT......
There was another hike- a path we would take often that I just loved- my brother and I would wander pretty far but there was a creek a short distance from the hotel we lived in for a year in Yosemite and we would just walk the way to the creek picking berries and eating them on our way- I remember the smells, the tastes, the fresh air, the trees, a pretty meadow off to one side with thousands of tiny white flowers, and then coming up to this crystal clear creek where we'd hang out and look at cool rocks for a while before heading back home.
I miss that path and haven't thought of it in too long........
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footscrazy
Bluelight Crew
I love hiking. My favourite spot is the Bogong High Plains in Victoria in Spring/Summer. My favourite trip was a hike from Harrietville, along the razorback, and up Mt Feathertop.
I love the beautiful scenery - the razorback is above the tree line but there are wildflowers everywhere, wild grasses and in sheltered areas, patches of mountain ash. There's nothing like the smell of eucalypts in the morning, and that clean feel of the air. Kangaroo grass is also ridiculously comfortable to camp on top of - I had one of the best nights sleep of my life camped on thick kangaroo grass near Diamantina Hut on the slopes of Mt Hotham.
There's just something about the colours up there that I love - the bright blue sky, yellow grass, grey green leaves and silvery white trunks. It's so beautiful to me, I can't wait to go back.
In Australia, it's very wise to wear long pants as there are snakes, and also of course to take plenty of water. You also have to watch out for sunburn, even when it's not very hot the UV level is often high.
The razorback.
I love the beautiful scenery - the razorback is above the tree line but there are wildflowers everywhere, wild grasses and in sheltered areas, patches of mountain ash. There's nothing like the smell of eucalypts in the morning, and that clean feel of the air. Kangaroo grass is also ridiculously comfortable to camp on top of - I had one of the best nights sleep of my life camped on thick kangaroo grass near Diamantina Hut on the slopes of Mt Hotham.
There's just something about the colours up there that I love - the bright blue sky, yellow grass, grey green leaves and silvery white trunks. It's so beautiful to me, I can't wait to go back.
In Australia, it's very wise to wear long pants as there are snakes, and also of course to take plenty of water. You also have to watch out for sunburn, even when it's not very hot the UV level is often high.
The razorback.
Jamshyd
Bluelight Crew
Love it, probably the only "sport" I practise.
Haven't found one yet, but I promise it will have something to do with a mountain
. For now, I would recommend in Siem Raep, Cambodia, to go for the climb up to the River of a Thousand Linga. The site itself isn't too impressive, but the climb is beautiful and gives a nice "lite" version of a full-blown tropical jungle, only a few miles to the south across the sea in Borneo.Oh, just remembered: Another beautiful hike is pretty much getting out of Old Town Sarajevo (Bosnia) and hikig up the mountain-side suburbia all through to the outside of the city. A truly magnificent view, and really the wilderness starts exactly where the city ends. No need to carry water because clean natural springs abound.
In the forest mountain, just overlooking the centre of the beautful city.
You get to experience your surroundings at a very sublime level.
Your nearest mountain. Also, by the train tracks.
I was hiking in Penang, Malaysia. I was exhausted, having forgotten to bring water, and having just passed a throng of gigantic soldier ants. I sat down and panted and panted until I heard my panting grow thicker and thicker and realized: oh fuck, something HUGE is crawling up my pants and approaching scrotum vicinity. So balled-up and clenched it from the sides with my fingers, simultaneously raising it away from the skin as quickly as possible.
I felt its legs trying to grasp on and I'm sure I'd have been bitten had I gone slower. It cracked open and resleased a HOT brown fluid. EWW. I never found its remains when I took my pants off. I have no idea what it was till this day
![:\](https://bluelight.org/xf/BL_Images/Orig_Emoji/wrygrin.gif "wry grin :\")
Places I'd love to go hiking in the future: Along the Dempster Highway in the Yukon; The Altais and the Pamir, The British Isles, Along the Silk Road, ad Southern Patagonia/Tierra del fuego, and of course, the himalaya.
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i'm absolutely gagging to go back to nepal, but that aint gonna happen any time soon.
that sounds sick!
that sounds sick!
KiwiQflyer
Bluelighter
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2006
- Messages
- 2,645
Love hiking.
The first thing I do before moving somewhere is look up state parks and national forests in the area. From time constraints, most of my hikes are day hikes. So my favorite hikes are in places where I've lived:
PA Pine Hills Furnace is awesome. Whenever I think of home, I think of driving through there and some of the hikes we took. Beautiful winding hills, amazing tall, delicious smelling pines and a floor blanketed with needles.
FL Hontoon Island is awesome. There are other awesome state parks in the area, but as far as trails, that one is definitely way cooler than some of the local areas. Otherwise, Tiger Bay state forest, Ocala National Forest, and Wekiva State Park.
I've gotten lost several times. Could've been terrible. Luckily it always sorted itself out. Learned the hard way that even because it's a state park, does NOT mean the trails are marked properly or maintained. I wasn't really prepared for the consequences of getting lost, so I count myself lucky. Just read a recent article in Outside magazine--several states charge for wilderness rescue...so it's probably good to keep that in mind. Even though most day-hikes on well-marked trails don't present the opportunity for getting wildly lost--ANYONE going to a place deserted enough to clear their head should keep in mind that they might be forced to rely on themselves in any given situation. So know how to start a fire, know how to read a compass (and carry one), and make sure you've got water and food. Even if you're only going out for a few hours.
The first thing I do before moving somewhere is look up state parks and national forests in the area. From time constraints, most of my hikes are day hikes. So my favorite hikes are in places where I've lived:
PA Pine Hills Furnace is awesome. Whenever I think of home, I think of driving through there and some of the hikes we took. Beautiful winding hills, amazing tall, delicious smelling pines and a floor blanketed with needles.
FL Hontoon Island is awesome. There are other awesome state parks in the area, but as far as trails, that one is definitely way cooler than some of the local areas. Otherwise, Tiger Bay state forest, Ocala National Forest, and Wekiva State Park.
I've gotten lost several times. Could've been terrible. Luckily it always sorted itself out. Learned the hard way that even because it's a state park, does NOT mean the trails are marked properly or maintained. I wasn't really prepared for the consequences of getting lost, so I count myself lucky. Just read a recent article in Outside magazine--several states charge for wilderness rescue...so it's probably good to keep that in mind. Even though most day-hikes on well-marked trails don't present the opportunity for getting wildly lost--ANYONE going to a place deserted enough to clear their head should keep in mind that they might be forced to rely on themselves in any given situation. So know how to start a fire, know how to read a compass (and carry one), and make sure you've got water and food. Even if you're only going out for a few hours.
euphoria
Bluelight Crew
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2004
- Messages
- 8,946
That is such a killer view Jamshyd! You guys have all been on some badass hikes im so jealous!
I L-O-V-E hiking. I do it as often as I can really. For the exercise benefit as well as mental benefit. its so mentally clearing to be out in nature, and i am just continually amazed by some of the natural landforms and wildlife that is surrounding us. My fave trail to date has to be this one (below) its a trail leading up to mt. tamalpais in marin county... i could walk to this from my house it was pretty badass. i was in hiking heaven last summer omg. i miss it so... i liked this trail because of the buildup. its a long windy ridge that leads up to the mountain, and you keep looking down and thinking the view of the bay is just incredible, and it just keeps getting better.
my fave part of the trail:
from the top:
now back in southern ohio i just kinda go to parks around here and whatnot. the trails are a lot flatter and less remote, but i still get my nature fix i guess.
ive been hiking around the eastern u.s. mostly, but id definitely like to do some longer hikes and explore some different places around the world. and check out some more of the northwest u.s. when i get a chance. ive never gone on longer than just a day hike, but i really want to do that sometime. i like the challenge
im so jealous!I L-O-V-E hiking. I do it as often as I can really. For the exercise benefit as well as mental benefit. its so mentally clearing to be out in nature, and i am just continually amazed by some of the natural landforms and wildlife that is surrounding us. My fave trail to date has to be this one (below) its a trail leading up to mt. tamalpais in marin county... i could walk to this from my house it was pretty badass. i was in hiking heaven last summer omg. i miss it so... i liked this trail because of the buildup. its a long windy ridge that leads up to the mountain, and you keep looking down and thinking the view of the bay is just incredible, and it just keeps getting better.
my fave part of the trail:
from the top:
now back in southern ohio i just kinda go to parks around here and whatnot. the trails are a lot flatter and less remote, but i still get my nature fix i guess.
ive been hiking around the eastern u.s. mostly, but id definitely like to do some longer hikes and explore some different places around the world. and check out some more of the northwest u.s. when i get a chance. ive never gone on longer than just a day hike, but i really want to do that sometime. i like the challenge
lostpunk5545
Bluelighter
Bad Religion have a really cool song about hiking and where it takes you...
"the song 'Beyond Electric Dreams' isn't about religion, but about spirituality. It's about finding hope and basis for a moral code in nature; not needing to seek that through some kind of transcendental channel." - Brett Gurewitz
I can't listen to it without wanting to get away from it all. Inspirational!
No one here can show you where it is but I can point to a sign
On the roof of the world without apparent design,
The frozen definition of a lunatic ambition to rise.
The air is thin, the future dim, dimension hard to find.
Up on a mountain, encased in solar rays,
Beyond electric dreams of inarticulate passion plays,
Coming down a mountain, eons have a human ring,
The conversation of impassive planets intercepted by a human being.
Ratiocination is a practicable way to derive,
An attitude or altitude and probity by which to abide
Or maybe a theophany of flaming creosote in disguise.
The air is thin, the future dim, dimension undefined.
Up on a mountain, encased in solar rays,
Beyond electric dreams of inarticulate passion plays,
Coming down a mountain, eons have a human ring,
The conversation of impassive planets intercepted by a human being.
Here glaring cold in the crystalline
Geometry of night, obscuring
Form and tracing faceless fears of
Suprahuman immensity in a
Patch of sand or a raptor's guileless
Shivering intensity, I'm only
A visitor, an atom of atoms on a jutting
Red spattered synagogue
Of granite as it crouches literally in
Space, a frozen amoral giant
Gazing heavenward forever.
Let's go where the raptor goes, to the mountain in a cosmic glow,
We'll have a genuine terrestrial show on a mountain - on a mountain.
Let's scan the horizon clean for any trace of human schemes
And try to touch upon immortal themes on a mountain - on a mountain.
Up on a mountain, encased in solar rays,
Beyond electric dreams of inarticulate passion plays,
Coming down a mountain, eons have a human ring,
The conversation of impassive planets intercepted by a human being.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymj_JNUq_4o
"the song 'Beyond Electric Dreams' isn't about religion, but about spirituality. It's about finding hope and basis for a moral code in nature; not needing to seek that through some kind of transcendental channel." - Brett Gurewitz
I can't listen to it without wanting to get away from it all. Inspirational!
No one here can show you where it is but I can point to a sign
On the roof of the world without apparent design,
The frozen definition of a lunatic ambition to rise.
The air is thin, the future dim, dimension hard to find.
Up on a mountain, encased in solar rays,
Beyond electric dreams of inarticulate passion plays,
Coming down a mountain, eons have a human ring,
The conversation of impassive planets intercepted by a human being.
Ratiocination is a practicable way to derive,
An attitude or altitude and probity by which to abide
Or maybe a theophany of flaming creosote in disguise.
The air is thin, the future dim, dimension undefined.
Up on a mountain, encased in solar rays,
Beyond electric dreams of inarticulate passion plays,
Coming down a mountain, eons have a human ring,
The conversation of impassive planets intercepted by a human being.
Here glaring cold in the crystalline
Geometry of night, obscuring
Form and tracing faceless fears of
Suprahuman immensity in a
Patch of sand or a raptor's guileless
Shivering intensity, I'm only
A visitor, an atom of atoms on a jutting
Red spattered synagogue
Of granite as it crouches literally in
Space, a frozen amoral giant
Gazing heavenward forever.
Let's go where the raptor goes, to the mountain in a cosmic glow,
We'll have a genuine terrestrial show on a mountain - on a mountain.
Let's scan the horizon clean for any trace of human schemes
And try to touch upon immortal themes on a mountain - on a mountain.
Up on a mountain, encased in solar rays,
Beyond electric dreams of inarticulate passion plays,
Coming down a mountain, eons have a human ring,
The conversation of impassive planets intercepted by a human being.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymj_JNUq_4o
GoddessLSD-XTC
Bluelighter
I used to be an avid hiker: 27-mile day hikes high on LSD, 100-degree weather (but 80-degrees on top) . . . now I smoke too much. I'd get an early start before sunrise, run all the way to the top and come back (walking) after sunset, wouldn't eat anything all day long.
If U hike in HOT weather, my trick is to eat (chew) four potassium tablets, Gatoraide is a waste of $$$. U can drink lotsa water and still become dehydrated without potassium. . . . could save Ur life. I saw many ppl needing to be rescued in Grand Canyon because they didn't have potassium.
My hike was to the top of Mica Mountain from the end of Speedway in Tucson & the Saguaro National Monument.
If U hike in HOT weather, my trick is to eat (chew) four potassium tablets, Gatoraide is a waste of $$$. U can drink lotsa water and still become dehydrated without potassium. . . . could save Ur life. I saw many ppl needing to be rescued in Grand Canyon because they didn't have potassium.
My hike was to the top of Mica Mountain from the end of Speedway in Tucson & the Saguaro National Monument.
First of all, sounds like you've done some amazing hikes/trail runs!!
Secondly, that is an excellent tip about the potassium hun, thank you. I had no idea about that!
Samadhi
Bluelight Crew
Does anyone have any suggestions for where to stay in Koh Samui? We'll probably stay away from Chaweng Beach (pretty rowdy, apparently), and Lamai Beach has been suggested as the most beautiful, Bo Phut is apparently also nice.
We want our own bungalow with a plunge pool, right on the beach. Nothing too "hollywood" (for lack of a better word) but something that's a little bit fancy. We will have been staying at very low-key places in the North part of the country, and also in Bangkok (mainly there to see markets, temples and to get clothing made) so this last part of our trip will be all about not slumming it.
Any suggestions would be really appreciated.
We want our own bungalow with a plunge pool, right on the beach. Nothing too "hollywood" (for lack of a better word) but something that's a little bit fancy. We will have been staying at very low-key places in the North part of the country, and also in Bangkok (mainly there to see markets, temples and to get clothing made) so this last part of our trip will be all about not slumming it.
Any suggestions would be really appreciated.
Ximot
Bluelighter
gabapentin is available otc in thailand, no questions asked. lovely
DzNutz
Bluelighter
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2008
- Messages
- 702
great thread pp, here's my story...l
i am just finishin my degree in engineering.. i got the standard undergraduate degree and will probably end up with a 3rd class honours degree.
i also have a few convictions for cannabis possession, drink driving and a drinking offence. pretty shiity, i know
ANYWAY i want to bail the heck out of the UK and hit up SE Asia - China, Indonesia, Phillipines, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand all intrest me. i might want to spend upto 2 years travelling between doin some teaching perhaps.
where do i stand? do i have any chance of getting a legit work visa? or will i have to settle for gettin tourst visa and working on the sly? i imagine different countries will have different obstacles?
how much will i get paid (mini-max) and how much do i need to get by (min-max) i dont mind saving before i go?
PLEASE HELP
i am just finishin my degree in engineering.. i got the standard undergraduate degree and will probably end up with a 3rd class honours degree.
i also have a few convictions for cannabis possession, drink driving and a drinking offence. pretty shiity, i know
ANYWAY i want to bail the heck out of the UK and hit up SE Asia - China, Indonesia, Phillipines, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand all intrest me. i might want to spend upto 2 years travelling between doin some teaching perhaps.
where do i stand? do i have any chance of getting a legit work visa? or will i have to settle for gettin tourst visa and working on the sly? i imagine different countries will have different obstacles?
how much will i get paid (mini-max) and how much do i need to get by (min-max) i dont mind saving before i go?
PLEASE HELP
Jamshyd
Bluelight Crew
^ Now is not a particularly great time to be in Thailand, but IME the media overplays the danger of the little riots that happen there.
When I was in Thailand, even with a work visa, you'd have to do "visa runs" every now and then. Visa rules do change though - almost at a daily basis, so don't take my word for it. Check forums more specialized such as Dave's ESL cafe.
----
Ximot: Yes. One thing I miss about Thailand, for sure. How is your stay in Thailand? I believe it's been a year now? Hope you're having a good time.
----
Btw, my attitude has changed. While I still talk vitriol about the Thais, I am not as negative as I was in this thread, and am in fact open to the idea of visiting (but not living in) Thailand again.
When I was in Thailand, even with a work visa, you'd have to do "visa runs" every now and then. Visa rules do change though - almost at a daily basis, so don't take my word for it. Check forums more specialized such as Dave's ESL cafe.
----
Ximot: Yes. One thing I miss about Thailand, for sure. How is your stay in Thailand? I believe it's been a year now? Hope you're having a good time.
----
Btw, my attitude has changed. While I still talk vitriol about the Thais, I am not as negative as I was in this thread, and am in fact open to the idea of visiting (but not living in) Thailand again.
junctionalfunkie
Bluelighter
Hi Jam, and everyone!
I've been planning to go teach in BKK for several years now, and am looking at this coming fall to finally make the move over there. Great timing, huh? We'll see... I think, statistically, Bangkok right now is still safer than many US cities, including my present home, Murderapolis, Minnesota.
I just ordered "Damage Done" from Amazon. Thanks, Jammy!
Ximot, I sent you a PM yesterday. Let me know what's up.
I've been planning to go teach in BKK for several years now, and am looking at this coming fall to finally make the move over there. Great timing, huh? We'll see... I think, statistically, Bangkok right now is still safer than many US cities, including my present home, Murderapolis, Minnesota.
I just ordered "Damage Done" from Amazon. Thanks, Jammy!
Ximot, I sent you a PM yesterday. Let me know what's up.
Jamshyd
Bluelight Crew
^ Like I said, try more specialized forums. Also check the consulates websites of the places you plan on going to. These things change every once in a while.
However, if you're going to go to one country on a tourist visa, then apply for a work permit (that's what I did, and I picked my permit up in Laos), the whole question of criminal offences doesn't even come up.
JF: Good for you! And if Thailand doesn't work out, don't give yourself another excuse. I will probably be in Central America sometime soon, so you can join me there instead
.
However, if you're going to go to one country on a tourist visa, then apply for a work permit (that's what I did, and I picked my permit up in Laos), the whole question of criminal offences doesn't even come up.
JF: Good for you! And if Thailand doesn't work out, don't give yourself another excuse. I will probably be in Central America sometime soon, so you can join me there instead
.
junctionalfunkie
Bluelighter
^ Entirely possible. When and where in South America are you headed? I'm looking at Vietnam (Saigon), which was actually Plan A, but South America would be cool, too. Are you gonna teach there or just go?
Respond by PM if you are more comfortable doing that.
-jf
Respond by PM if you are more comfortable doing that.
-jf