The travel industry has plenty of experiences that in a true sense are moving
Ian Stalker
This great wide world of our’s offers some literal highlights for those feeling energetic while seeing the world.
Among activities for those feeling adventurous and energetic while on vacation are climbing up or schussing down mountains and doing a little seaborne exploration that has participants paddle in search of marine life.
Here are some great outdoors experiences that await those who like to be on the move while on vacation:
Adam Waxman
Member of the Advisory Board appointed by the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
Adam Waxman says those visiting Japan should seek some higher ground.
In fact, he suggests they seek some very high ground. Waxman, a member of an advisory board appointed by the Japan Tourism Agency and a frequent visitor to Japan, says climbing a dominant symbol of the Asian nation can be extremely rewarding.
“A Buddhist monk once said, ‘There are many ways to reach the top of Mt. Fuji,'” Waxman reports. “He was speaking philosophically, of course; but there are many reasons, too. The climb itself is a rite of passage for many. The views, a 360-degree panorama of planet Earth from the majestic pinnacle of Japan. Inching ever higher in tandem with the rising sun is, for some, worthy of a religious experience. Perched on top in the vastness of the sky, we see the sea of clouds below washing up the mountain side as cottony wisps float up to meet us. It is heavenly.
“Climbing Mt. Fuji is a big bucket list item,” he continues. “Tourists and locals alike make their pilgrimage to this iconic symbol of Japan to conquer the legendary journey to the summit. Let there be no doubt that this is a challenging climb, even for energetic tourists. However, daily, countless elderly Japanese, armed only with determination and walking sticks, ascend to the top to fulfill their life-long ambitions of doing so. You can do this!”
Although Waxman is confident that ascending Fuji is within reach of most tourists, he cautions they should plan for it.
“If you have the will, you can conquer the climb, but you also have to be prepared,” he states. “Parts of the trail up this perfectly symmetrical cone are steep and narrow. There are rest stops along the way, serving food and tea to refuel your energy and even offering huts in which to sleep. It is not technically difficult. The ascent can take five to seven hours while the descent can take three to four hours. Climbers typically set out at night with their flashlights in order to reach the summit by sunrise. It is also very cold up top, so be sure to pack warm clothing to slip into when the temperature begins to drop. Be sure to wear proper shoes; bring enough water and food to snack on, and money for provisions along the way as you desire or require.”
And Waxman adds that those who summit the mountain should hold their heads high.
“Setting off at night provides an added mystique and sense of anticipation,” Waxman continues. “Continuing up through the clouds is like some kind of angelic awakening as the cloud ceiling becomes an enveloping fog and then a floor from which you emerge into another realm. Climbing this tower of rock can be exhausting for some, exhilarating for others, but all are rewarded with a unique sense of accomplishment as the sun pushes up through the far end of the clouds below. It feels so close you can almost reach out and touch it with your fingertips.
“Like an old master’s painting, the image of Mt. Fuji is alluring — inspirational from a distance — but the closer you get to it, the less of it you can actually see. What is awe inspiring is that, as evocative as the views can be from afar, they pale in comparison to the views from on top, gazing out into the infinite blue sky and, on a clear day, the miles and miles of lush verdant nature below.”
Matt Redford
Chesapean Outdoors
Matt Redford knows of a fin-e way to spot some some of his nautical neighbors.
Redford’s Chesapean Outdoors has kayaking excursions that enable those paddling off the shores of the Virginia Beach, Virginia area to spot some of the many Atlantic bottlenose dolphins found in the water.
“Welcome to my office,” Redford said during a recent webinar while standing on a local beach.
Erin Goldmeier of the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau reports area waters have a particularly large concentration of bottlenose dolphins, with Redford — who’s been leading kayaking dolphin-spotting tours for 24 years — adding that “we get to see them up close and personal.”
Chesapean Outdoors can take paddlers out at sunset, a time the dolphins return to the shelter of a local bay.
Dolphins and whales may be spotted on local boat tours leaving from the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, but those wanting to undertake a little exercise while spotting some finned creatures can opt for Redford’s tours, with Goldmeier praising him for being particularly knowledgeable.
“He knows these waters like the back of his hand,” she states.
Dallyce Macas
explora
Dallyce Macas says there’s no mystery as to why explora was named the World’s Best Expedition Company in 2019 and has been nominated again in 2020.
Macas, Canadian representative for explora, which has resorts in remote areas of South America, says its guests will easily be able to hoof it in particularly scenic parts of the Great Outdoors.
“Hiking is key to the explora experience,” she says. “Best of all, hikes are designed for every level of physical activity and intellectual interests. explora guides are all specially recruited and trained at our private School of Guides, including Wilderness First Responder Training.
Everything from a cultural hike, leading to a local village of artisans, right through to high-altitude volcano or glacier hikes are included with a stay at all explora properties.”
Particularly memorable for Macas was the hiking offered by explora’s property on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). “As you crest the top of the island on foot, the view is spectacular. The island is the most remote, inhabited island on earth. All you see is the ocean all around you, and you can actually make out the curvature of the earth!
“Each of the explora destinations brings a special hike: Atacama Desert hiking the Moon Valley, Chilean Patagonia’s Torres del Paine, Patagonia Argentina’s Perito Merino Glacier, Sacred Valley of Peru offers hikes on real Inca trails, and now a new experience at our lodges on Uyuni Bolivia’s Salt Flats. Each hike is hand-picked and custom-designed by explora’s owners and guide leaders.”
Meanwhile, Macas says shes looking forward to lacing up her hiking boots when her company opens another Patagonia property.
“explora is opening a new lodge in El Chalten this December,” she reports. “On offer will be ice hiking on the glacier, mountain climbing near Fritz Roy and a rock climbing school. My personal preferences trend toward the extreme, as you can see! Also on offer will be very gentle walks through the Los Huemules Reserve, a pristine ecosystem spanning 5,800 hectares of land, for my ‘go-easy’ days.”
