When observing zebras in South Africa a few years ago, I began pondering. Why is a zebra black and white? What is the function of those zebra stripes? Why are zebras so unique within the Equus genus, which includes stripe-less horses, asses, and donkeys? To my surprise, there is no consensus. Why are the stripes of a…
Read MoreWhen looking out across the Wadi Rum landscape in southern Jordan, one truly gets the impression of being on another world. To tour Wadi Rum, with its red-hued terrain of mountains and hills jutting out of the vast sands, makes one’s jaw drop. Why on earth is the Wadi Rum desert so unique? What environmental…
Read MoreThe Alto Douro region in northern Portugal, commonly called the Douro Valley, is a sculpted wonder to see. What allows the Alto Douro to stand out in contrast to other amazing locales in the world? The steep hills, deep valleys and snaking rivers are incredibly awe inspiring on their own. Yet, it’s the artistic sculpting…
Read MoreAs dawn breaks, fog encircles the minarets of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. Sipping Turkish coffee, we listen to the calls to prayer reverberating from mosques throughout the city, where Asia and Europe meet. A decade ago we fell in love with Turkey. It is a love of the people, the culture, the food and the rich,…
Read MoreShould you be planning to get on a bus for a day trip to Australia’s famous Great Ocean Road, we suggest you disembark the bus immediately. Drive the Great Ocean Road and do it as slowly as your time allows. A several day journey provides the luxury of stopping frequently, discovering hidden gems and avoiding…
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“Didn’t your mother tell you it was impolite to stick out your tongue?” The short beaked echidna or spiny anteater was having none of my nonsense. With a tongue that appeared to be as long as his head, the tachyglossus aculeatus lapped at his food as though it might be the last morsel on earth.…
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For three solid days our jaws hung open in awe. Driving Australia’s Great Ocean Road is 243 kilometer trip of eye popping scenes. Miles of deserted beaches, waterfalls, cliffs, koalas and kangaroos make the road trip more of a pulling over and parking frenzy than a car ride. Like kids in a giant candy store…
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“What’s the difference? Isn’t Nordic walking just walking with hiking poles?” When I ask friends, “Have you ever tried Nordic walking?” this is the usual response. I admit it is exactly what I think, when Mandy Johnson, owner of Active By Nature in Canmore, offers to take us Nordic pole walking. My regular hiking poles…
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From the picturesque shores of Lake Windermere to the tranquil beauty of the entire Columbia Valley, those seeking adrenaline and those seeking relaxation, each find an ideal location. The variety of things to do in Invermere, British Columbia and the surrounding adventure playground, makes this an ultimate year round destination. However, come fall, when the…
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Regardless of where you are from or where in Australia you intend to visit, the opportunity to meet some native Australian animals is always a popular bucket list item. My hometown of Brisbane provides plenty of opportunities to see native Australian animals either in a wildlife sanctuary or out and about in the wild. Read…
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