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3Jul/100

Hiking Trails Mt. Washington Valley NH – Trekking trails USA

Hiking Trails Mt. Washington Valley NH - Trekking trails USA

Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest mountain in the northeast state of New Hampshire, at 6288 feet, Mt. Washington (or Agiocochook as it was then called) was first climbed in 1642 by Darby Field and two native guides but it wasn't until 1853 that the first summit house was built. A year later, Tip Top House was built, which survies to this day. For the less hardy, the Carriage Road and a 3 mile cog railway were built; feats of engineering which would be deemed difficult even in these modern times! The cog railroad runs to the summit from the west and the road road from the east.South of the peak is the AMC's Lakes of the Clouds hut. At the base of the east side is the AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitors Center.The summit is covered with several buildings, including the Sherman Adams Visitor's Center, TV and radio antennas, the Yankee Building and the Mt Washington Observatory.The highest surface wind ever recorded on earth was at the observatory on the summit of Mt. Washington; 231 MPH on April 12, 1934. It is known for having the worst weather in the world, especially bad in the winter. There are many monuments to hikers who've died on the mountain, including one to Lizzie Bourne, who died while trying to walk up to the top, dressed in typical Victorian clothing. During the summer months, there is a cafeteria, museum, payphone, gift shop, and even a post office in operation. In winter, there is no access to any of the buildings. The Observatory is staffed year-round by weather observers.There have been several hotels on the summit. The original Tip-Top House was a simple stone building with a wooden extension. Later, a fancy wooden hotel was built, directly connected to the Railroad. It burned down and a new simpler hotel was built in the early 1900's. In recent years the wooden extension of the Tip-Top House was removed. You can tour the inside of Tip Top House during the summer months.On the east side of the mountain are three major ravines;The Great Gulf, said to be the greatest of the glacial errosion cirques in the Presidential Range, with awe inspiring cliffs!Tuckerman - which is famous for its late spring skiing.Huntington - a rock and ice climber's playground.On the west side, the Ammoonosuc Ravine dominates. Just south of
Lakes of the Clouds, is Mt Monroe, and just north is Mt Clay, with a bit further on, Mt Jefferson.Hiking trails Mt. Washington ValleyThere are many options for hiking to the summit of Mt Washington. The most popular routes start at Pinkham Notch, on the east side of the mountain. Climbing from the east means that you are sheltered from the usual strong winds out of north and west for the majority of the hike. The main route is up the Tuckerman Ravine trail (4.1 miles) which goes straight from Pinkham to the summit.On the south side of the ravine is the Boott Spur trail (5.4 miles) and the north side has the Lion Head trail (4.5 miles). Both are slightly longer than Tuckerman Ravine but also easier on the knees. The Huntington Ravine trail (5.1 miles) branches off the Tuckerman Ravine trail and climbs the bare slabs of Huntington Ravine. This is probably the most difficult trail
in the White Mountains, and should not be attempt in bad weather or used for descent. From there, people usually take the Alpine Garden trail to Tuckerman Junction and continue to the top from there.From the west side of the mountain, starting near the Marshfield Station of the Cog Railroad, there are two routes:The Ammonoosuc Ravine trail (3.9 miles) starts at a parking area just below the Cog parking lot and climbs up the Lakes of the Clouds hut. Hikers continue up on the Crawford Path to the summit.The Jewel trail (4.6 miles) leaves from the far side of the Cog Railroad parking lot (park at the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead) and climbs up to the ridge where it joins the Gulfside trail.Trailheads.Pinkham Notch Visitors Center - Take Rt 16 north from North Conway, located about 10 miles north of Jackson. Parking in the main lot does not require a WMNF parking pass, parking in the overflow lots does. There are bathrooms, coin operated showers, food, some gear, and pay phones. Lodging is available with reservations.Ammonoosuc Ravine - From Rt 302 in Bretton Woods, take the Base
Road 6 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right, just before the Cog Railroad. A WMNF Parking Pass is required.Before even starting off on your hike, I recommend you take at a look at the Mt. Washington Observatory Daily Weather report
for an up-to-date report from the top. For some simple tips on how to prepare for your trip, please visit our safety tips page below. Althought there are references to UK routes, the basic info still applies!Have fun, test your stamina but be safe!One of Mike's passions in Life is long-distance hiking, a spin-off from which is a growing interest in organic food supplements, sports nutrition, human physiology & psychology. We are what we eat!http://www.trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/Trekking-Trails-USA.htmlSafety Tips http://www.trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/article-6-Map-food-torch-compass-whistle-mobi.htmlFood for Potential Energy http://www.trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/article-3-food-for-potential-energy.html

17Jun/100

Trekking in Jordan

Trekking in Jordan

1st day : Airport / Amman, O/N
Our representative will meet clients at the Airport, arrange their Visa and transfer them to Amman, check in at one of Amman's Hotels, dinner and overnight. ( L, D)2nd day : Amman, Wadi Zarqa Ma'in, Dana Hotel
Will have to start early for a walking day after your breakfast in Amman, transfer to Wadi Zarqa Ma'in: Wadi Zarqa Ma'in is supposed to be the "Valley of God" Nahaliel mentioned in the Bible as a camping place. Zarqa Ma'in ? a magnificent gorge; but there are only tombs to be seen in it. Thence a steep and difficult path leads to the hot springs of Callirhoe. In this valley we will have easy walk, and the last 4 Km will be trekking to Ma'in Spa, where 4WD will be waiting us to transfer us via Dead Sea ( float in Dead Sea for 45 minutes) to Dana Hotel : ( budget and luxury built by Bedouins in Bedouin style, and located in village 400 years old, we will have Bedouin dinner, and overnight in very quite village.( total of Walking and trekking : 4 hours) easy walk) ( B,L,D)3rd day : Wadi Dana / Fainan / Wadi Ghwier
We start very early for easy walk ( 7 hours) from Dana village to Dana Natural Reserve in Wadi Dana: the reserve is a system of Wadies and mountains that extends from the upper edge of the Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. Dana is truly a world of natural treasures, where we going to meet some Bedouins and have tea at their tents, and will keep walking to Wadi Fainan, the beginning of Araba desert, where our 4WD will meet us and transfer to Wadi Ghweir, to make our campsite near waterfalls, and between a wonderful cliffs surrounded the Ghweir area, and our stuff will cook oriental dishes and overnight. (B,L,D)4th day : Wadi Ghweir/Wadi Araba/Wadi Namala/Petra
After breakfast at our campsite in Wadi Ghweir, we drive by our Jeep Safari Via Wadi Araba Desert (45 minutes) to meet up with off road climbing up by Jeep Safaris Via Wadi Namala the only way from Wadi Araba to Little Petra ( 1 hour ) driving a the top of Beida Mountains, a magic views, as soon as we get to Petra check in at your hotel in Wadi Mousa, and free time, shopping and round in the souvenir market, dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)5th day : Petra
After breakfast our tour guide will score you to the main sites of Petra: By walking into Petra through its world-famous siq-that dramatic chasm splitting the mountains that provides what must be the most remarkable entrance to any city. It is a unique and unforgettable experience. Once you have become familiar with the main sites of the old city and the view from the high place, you may wish to spend more days in this beautiful part of Jordan, and look a little further into the quieter, less frequented parts of Petra, evening we will transfer you via king's high way to Wadi Rum, at the visitor center the protected area's Jeep will meet us to transfer you to the Bedouin campsite in the middle of the desert in the sunset site, and we will have underground BBQ, with summer night and Bedouin singer ( lout and drum), overnight ( all suppliers and equipment of the campsite are available) (B,L,D)6th day : Petra / Wadi Rum
After breakfast and to be prepared to walk in the desert of Wadi Rum: This, one of the world's most colorful and unique landscapes of desert and mountain scenery, has long been inhabited by man. Rock carvings mark the passage of ancient tribes in prehistory. Thamudic inscriptions, burial mounds, ancient megaliths, and ruined buildings abound and Nabataean rock carved stairways, dams, and temples are still to be found throughout the area, it is also called Moon valley, because it is similar to the surface of the moon, between the wonderful colored cliffs. Evening will be transferred to Amman via desert high way, to check in again at your hotel in Amman. (B,L,D)7th day : Amman/ airport
Depend of the flight schedule we will visit the downtown of Amman, and shopping in old Souq, or city tour and then transfer to the airport for your departure. (B,L)Package prices:2?3 Pax: $399PP at sharing double room on F/B bases, single supplement: $60
4?6 Pax: $396PP at sharing double room on F/B bases, single supplement:$60
7?10 Pax: $335PP at sharing double room on F/B bases, single supplement: $60Prices included:
Meets and assist at the airport
Jeep Safaris
Tours Guides
Entrance Fees to all sites
Lunches for the whole trip
Hotel Accommodation at 3* Hotel, on H/B bases
Horse ride in PetraPrices not included:
Tips and personal expenses, departure

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21Apr/100

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Trekking Poles

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Trekking Poles

How to get the most out of your trekking poles is one of the biggest concerns while considering buying a new pair or using your existing trekking poles. To get most out of your trekking poles, you need to consider two things: First, various "types of trekking poles" to suit your preference, style, ease of use and of course budget! Second, to know about various features of your trekking poles and how to use them effectively to get most out of them!Before discussing the above mentioned points, let's see what exactly these trekking poles are.Trekking poles, hiking poles or hiking staff are much similar to ski poles. Trekking poles are nothing but balancing sticks used for balancing the weight distribution and shock over four limbs (2 legs and 2 hands), instead of two (2 legs). Those who are experienced hiker or trekker already know that while trekking our two legs are not enough to maintain good stability on the uncertain tracks and we need extra balancing support to offset the load on our feet and legs.Hikers and trekkers are using these trekking poles since years and therefore these are considered to be the traditional way to maintain good stability on uncertain tracks. According to many experts, trekking poles were very popular in many European countries for years, but nowadays many Americans have also realized their countless benefits and started using them. Some of their potential benefits are: pacing, balancing, guiding, stability, weight distribution and reduction to ease-out unnecessary pain in the legs and knees along with others. But when we talk about immediate benefits then trekking poles are designed to provide extra stability and to spread the load on your legs onto your arms. Trekking poles can substantially decrease pain in the legs and knees especially while going uphill or downhill.Let's see various types of trekking poles. Frankly speaking, at their very basics, trekking poles can take many forms, ranging from single staves made from found wood (called primitive poles) to pairs of adjustable poles made from lightweight composite materials (called sophisticated poles, usually expensive ones!). In the age of fashion, style and technology, these days there is large variety available in the market to woo their customers. But, you should be very careful, focused and research oriented while buying a pair of trekking poles. Of course, it is better to seek expert advice if you aren't sure. Otherwise also it is better to buy some cheaper trekking poles in the beginning, so that you can see, judge and correlate their functionalities with your exact requirements. Never ever get seduced by the stunning features (usually unnecessary like camera mount and compass!) if you aren't sure what exactly they mean. In my view, it is not necessary to buy the most expensive models for such tangible benefits. However, if budget is not the problem, you can go ahead and buy these expensive models as well. Choice is entirely yours!Well, when it comes to various features of your trekking poles and how to use them effectively, it becomes a little tricky. Needless to say a daunting task for the beginners!Undoubtedly, it is very subjective in nature when it comes to use them effectively. Literally, you can get as much as you want from your trekking poles, it all this depends on your using techniques. Instead of using just one pole, always use poles in pair to improve usability, balance and stability. If you have adjustable trekking poles then set the length of the pole according to your height and working conditions such as when you are climbing uphill short length may be more useful and while coming down the hill, long pole may be more comfortable. Remember, nobody can tell exactly what is right or wrong length, so it all depends upon you and type of trekking poles you are using. Adjust to any length which is comfortable to you, so that you can walk in the most natural position without unnecessary bending and leaning. It is quite obvious to keep your trekking poles behind you when climbing uphill (to push you upward) and when going downhill keep them before you to balance your weight.Guys! Don't get afraid of these trekking poles as these are to support you instead putting some extra ounce in your backpack. If you have got a pair of good quality trekking poles and you know how to use them then perhaps half of your battle is won. To suit your exact taste, preference, budget and other requirements there is a perfect pair of trekking poles available in the market. All it needs a fair ground work to find a suitable pair for you. You can reap different benefits from your trekking poles and they may prove more usable but all this is possible when you select the right pole according to your personality and physical requirements.When you select your poles be careful because not all poles are created equally. Pay attention to the grip which is the point which is held by your hand. Similarly, there are many types of anti-shock systems available in trekking poles to absorb unnecessary shocks to your wrist. Another important consideration is the type of baskets used. Depending upon the type of trekking surfaces like hard, soft, mud, snow, there are different types of baskets available in the market. Baskets are fitted on the end of the pole and should always be used because the basic idea of using baskets at the end of the pole is to stop the pole sinking into mud, snow, ice and sand. If you prefer high end comfort then look for a pole with anti shock system. When you are adding trekking poles to your outdoor gear, there are many features you need to understand first (some of them are discussed above but list can go even further depending upon your requirements and the manufacturing company). Otherwise they will be nothing more than a burden on your back and a hole in your pocket.All the best?have a happy trekking!Matshttp://www.mytrekkingpoles.com

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