May 19th, 2012
I’ve been thinking, and realized today that I haven’t posted anything about lessons or skills that I have acquired since I’ve been on the trail. I just wanted to share two essential tips that every backcountry hiker should follow:
Smilin’ Joe’s backcountry rule #4:
Wear bright colors so you won’t get shot
Smilin’ Joe’s backcountry rule #5
Always, ALWAYS know the numbers to nearby pizza places that deliver to state parks
Following these two simple rules will make yourbackcountry trek more safe and enjoyable. 
-Smilin’ Joe
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May 19th, 2012
If you are a backpacker then you have a sense of adventure. Risk doesn’t deter you from setting out on new and exciting explorations. That’s terrific. However, sometimes it just makes sense to lower your risk. When it comes to travelling without backpacking travel insurance that is one of those times. Regardless of how experienced you are, traveling on foot can be risky and unpredictable. You can expect to be presented with situations you can not anticipate. When you invest in back packing travel insurance you can remove a big portion of that risk and set off on your adventure with a whole lot less to worry about. It just makes good sense to buy good quality insurance for backpackers.
The good news is you can get what you need in backpacking travel insurance without busting your budget. There are a number of holiday travel insurance companies that offer special back packer policies at very reasonable prices. You do need to be sure to look specifically at policies that are designed for backpackers since foot travelers have some special requirements. Most backpacking insurance policies are geared toward people who travel more than once per year. These multi trip policies often cover both domestic and international travel. Of course, you can select backpacker travel insurance for a single trip if that is what you need. You will need to do a little research to find just the right policy for you but it is well worth your time and effort.
The best place to begin your research for cheap backpacker travel insurance is with an online search. You’ll find that with one simple search you’ll uncover a good variety of companies and policies that provide special need backpacking insurance. There are many individual insurance carriers that provide comprehensive websites where you can find pricing, features, and other useful information. There are also a variety of travel insurance web portal sites that provide quotes for multiple carriers.
As you are looking at policies you will need to decide just exactly what insurance you need. Be sure to give careful thought to medical coverage. Read the fine print to make sure that any activities you will be taking part in are covered. Some policies exclude adventure sports. If you will be partaking in these types of excursions you want to make sure you are covered.
No doubt price will be a very important consideration for you. Cheap backpacking travel policies can be found that offer a good range of coverage but you may want to look at price last. Make sure that the policies you are considering are just right for your situation before making a decision based on price. It doesn’t do you much good to buy insurance at a low price if it won’t cover the types of claims you might have.
So take a little time and do some background research. You are certain to find just the right travel insurance for backpacking. Once you have made your decision and purchased your policy you can start making plans for the fun part. Now go on your trip and have a great time. You can rest assured with a good insurance policy in your backpack your trip can be carefree.
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May 16th, 2012
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May 16th, 2012
As a senior student in university, I, like many others, was exhausted by the graduate paper and summer internship. When the precious May Day holiday approached, my friends and I decided to make full use of the last holiday of our college life. Since the holiday only lasts for three days, we narrowed our choice to cities near Beijing. With excitement and expectation, we searched online for information of canal towns in south China because all of our hometowns are inland. Eventually, we settled on Wuzhen, a quaint and gorgeous town in Zhejiang.
The moment we set foot on the land, we smelt humidity, which was the peculiar trait of canal towns. Sweeping over, I found moulds crawling up on the white walls of all houses and buildings, between which rivers quietly flowed. With black tiles and timber framework, the small town contrasted with its grey flagging. The whole sight conjured up a Chinese ink and wash painting. Rickshaws found a promising market around scenic spots of Dong Zha and Xi Zha. Although the weather was not cooperating, we could still feel the beauty of the town under the overcast sky.
Before departure, we had booked a room near Xi Zha, one of the must-go places in Wuzhen. The proprietor of the small hotel was so considerate that he came to pick us up after a brief call. We were led into a perfectly straight and clean street, and welcomed into our room. Traveling, for girls, also means dressing up and taking beautiful pictures. My two best friends and I washed off the night-train fatigue and squeezed into pretty dresses.
Our first stop was Dong Zha. By a free bus, we arrived at Dong Zha in the afternoon. Obviously, it was a hot site for a China tour, even for local Chinese people. The beauty of Dong Zha was quite straight-forward. Snaking along the narrow lanes between wooden houses which were in Ming or Qing Dynasty style, we found ourselves surrounded by numerous unique old wooden shops, which looked ageless and adamant. The one which impressed me most was a fabric workshop producing block-printed blue-and-white banners, which were hung up high in the sky and fluttered in the wind like long flags. Among those who passed by, there were a group of Japanese who were either on Chinese language program or study abroad program, and also youngsters who were either on gap year travel or student exchange. The tranquil town was bustling with tourists from around the globe.
As dawn drew near, we hurried to Xi Zha, a twin spot like Dong Zha. Xi Zha is especially renowned for its night scene. When sun went down, numerous yellow lights started twinkling. With this luminescent glow as a backdrop, fancy coffee houses set their seats along the river and attracted customers with their delicious food. Travelers were relishing the rare and picturesque scene as their shadows dropped into the watery setting. In addition, exquisite shops were selling Chinese cheongsams, combs and other distinguished goods. Despite a brief episode during which we were tortured by our high heels, the travel was perfect.
Although the trip was brief, it meant a lot to us. Since one of my friends planned to study overseas in England while the other would pursue post-graduate study, the trip would be the last one for us. Our laughter in Wuzhen, together with the picturesque scenery there will accompany me for the rest of my life.
Tom Hopkins works for Minds Abroad your informed counselor for study abroad & travel programs in China. Learn Mandarin in China and enrich your cross-cultural experience. For more posts and information on places of cultural and historical interest that we take our students to, visit www.mindsabroad.com
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May 13th, 2012
Our Favorite Items. We learned a lot on our first long hike on the AT (Appalachian Trail)… what to take, what not to take and our favorite items.
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May 13th, 2012
Vancouver, WA the waterfront at night.
Long exposure of water and lights reflecting in the water.
I love that living in the city of Portland I can vist so many different areas that are real close. I live real close to Mt. Tabor so I can go hiking everyday if I want. I can visit the river with a quick 30 minute drive, and see the ocean in two hours! I still get city/neighborhood lifestyle and have a forest, river, and ocean close by!
The Washington waterfront is a nice and relatively quite visit to see the river, and check out the I-5 Bridge.
I-5 Bridge on the waterfront.
Enjoy your travels!
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May 13th, 2012
An in-the-field review of an inexpensive, ultralight backpacking tarp from Outdoor Products…
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May 10th, 2012
Backpacking is one of the most loved activities in the American and European countries. However, when you want to take your dogs along for backpacking trips, there are many tips that should be considered by you. The idea of dogs carrying their backpacks is an excellent idea. It can ensure that these animals can help sharing the load. Various items can be put in such dog backpacking like water, food, playthings and materials for waste management. He can also protect you from strangers during the trip. Dog backpacking has therefore become an essential thing for people who travel abroad on these trips to wilderness sites. Make sure that the backpack purchased for your dog is not loose.
Dogs can serve an important purpose because these canine animals have extreme weight carrying capacities. If the backpack is not of its size, it cannot fit it properly and it will fall off his back. Also, be sensible while loading the items in the dog’s backpack. If it is not loaded as per its size, the dog will feel burdened throughout the trip. This is especially worse when you are taking a small dog on such a large trip.
So, make sure that the load of the backpack is as per the breed of the animal. Humans should also ensure that the dog has a snugly fitting backpack. So take him to the store to buy the right kind of gear for him. Make sure that he also nods his head in approval for the color of the backpack. Not getting the right kind of backpack for your canine companion can cause problems when it runs away with the backpack, which contains so important camping gear. Also, see that it has the capacity to carry any of your extensive gear in the backpack.
Taking a dog on a backpacking trip as it is a great companion. Although you also have to train your dog to get accustomed to the idea of roaming with a backpack on the trip, otherwise it can create problems. It can also bite you. Before the trip, allow the dog to wear the backpack for some minutes every day. Start this exercise with an empty backpack and then as the dog feels comfortable with it, add items so that he becomes completely cozy. Another thing that has to be noted is to ensure that the dog is fit to be taken to a trip. It is necessary because if it is not, then who knows you may wind the trip by boarding the ill dog in a backpack. This is not wanted, so take your dog to a vet before beginning the trip and its preparations.
Also, before deciding the amount of load, make sure that the dog feels pleased with it. Your dog will be your only pal in an environment of wilderness. Do not make it do it necessarily, because taking an unpleased dog on a hiking trip is not a great resolution. You can also use the backpack for taking the dog on neighbourhood walks. The dog will like the idea. He feels proud that he is doing something deserving. Make sure that you dog enjoys carrying such backpacks on the roads of your area. Stuff them with some water and canned items. Make sure that you take care of your dog’s capacities while getting a backpack. A backpack that he just cannot lift will make him know how ignorant you are towards him.
It’s also a great idea to do dog backpacking because it is the way a hyperactive dog can be controlled. They cannot irritate you on trips. While carrying backpacks, dogs also have a lot of fun. A large variety of such dog backpacks is available. Some have Velcro fasteners while the others have nylon straps, which have plastic buckles. Some of the backpacks also have pockets, snaps and zippers. So, make sure that you get the backpack with the right kind of accessories. Also, do not ignore the quality while trying to save costs. It can cause so many problems like bleeding when the backpack falls. You can also be stranded on mountains without supplies when the backpack cannot be taken any further as it has broken down.
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May 10th, 2012
Two days was nowhere near long enough to do Washington justice. The Smithsonian alone would take a week and we were just passing through, so how could we make the most of it? We elected to walk the city centre and then take a trolley bus tour.
Washington’s Old Town Trolley service did everything we needed. It allowed us to swop between routes and hop on and hop off whenever we wanted. On top of that each driver gave a running commentary, some more idiosyncratic than others. There were no set speeches, nothing formal. We learned quirky things alongside the basic stuff. For example, did you know that the saying ‘mind your Ps and Qs’ is a leftover from the days when ships’ captains exhorted their crew to ‘mind your pints and quarts’ when they went ashore? In other words it was a warning not to get drunk. That tidbit came from a driver whose father was in the US Navy.
Another driver slowed the trolley outside the White House and sang an ironic Star Spangled Banner to general applause.
We started our tour by visiting Arlington Cemetery. The rows and rows of snowy white headstones reaching out of sight in every direction make far more of an impact than a war memorial ever could. While we were there we also stood in silence at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the changing of the guard. Later we visited John F Kennedy’s grave and saw too where Robert and Edward Kennedy are buried. We drove past the Pentagon as well. It is a vast grey structure that looked as impenetrable as it is meant to be and as I am sure it is.
Then came the history. The Potomac River (the native word for market place). The Lincoln memorial, the Ford Theatre where Lincoln was shot, the house opposite where he died the following day. The Jefferson memorial. The Smithsonian Museum which stretched block after block. The National Geographic. The Crime Museum. The Post Office Tower, which Donald Trump is about to turn into a hotel. The infamous Watergate Hotel. The Financial District. The Treasury. The IRS building. The Embassies. All of them grandiose, all of them beautifully maintained. Indeed the whole city was impressive from its parks and gardens to its wide, litter-free boulevards.
We saw the Vietnam War Memorial too, as well as memorials of earlier conflicts, and we were as touched by the cards and mementoes left behind by visitors as we were impressed by the number of school parties that were there to learn about America’s history.
Nothing was comparable to the White House though. While this was smaller than I had expected, it was also more beautiful. A graceful, elegant building set in acres of parkland, it looks as lovely from the back as it does from the iconic front view that is so familiar in every photograph. And directly opposite it, and just as beautiful in its own way, the Washington Monument, a colossal obelisk erected in honor of George Washington as a national memorial.
So what am I going to remember about Washington? As well as its elegant architecture and design I will remember its friendly citizens. I don’t know if Washingtonians are actually as happy as they appear but we were favored with a lot of smiles and friendly conversations, something that made us feel that we were valued visitors.
It is a rainbow city too. A place where people from every nation and of every color and creed live and work together. A place where the magnificent National Cathedral prides itself of welcoming worshippers of any and every denomination.
But more than all of this, one simple thing will forever remain in my memory: a cyclist wearing  lycra and a helmet speeding down a path towards the White House with his dog strapped into a rucksack on his back. It was a very relaxed and happy looking dog too. With its tongue lolling it had a real grin on its face. It was a dog who was so familiar with its ride that it had its arms (surely they weren’t front legs, not in that position) wrapped around its owner’s neck.
That unexpected and amusing human/canine partnership will forever be what first comes to my mind when I think of Washington. Why? Well because it is the people who make a city, not the history, important as that is. It is the day-to-day lives of its citizen that carry it forward. It is their hopes and dreams that keep it dynamic. It is their labor that makes it work. I’ll never know why that cyclist decided to train his dog to backpack, all I do know is that the pair of them brought a smile to the face of everyone who saw them, and left everyone feeling just that little bit better about themselves and about the world we live in.
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May 7th, 2012
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