USA.International

USA and International

Adventures Out and Back

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Coming in 2005! INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA	USA	Coming in 2005- International Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, New Mexico. We are counting the days! Along with an early wake up call to watch over 700 colorful balloons ascend into the skies above Albuquerque, we are looking forward to exploring Santa Fe and the surrounding area.

	Canada	5-17 August 2005- West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island. Boulders and ladders and rocks...oh my! Ranked among the most difficult backpack trails, the WCT really packs a punch. Everyday brought new challenges...sand, boulders, mud, roots, ladders, boardwalks, log bridges, ladders, cable cars, creek wading, suspension bridges, driftwood jams, ladders, bogs, surge channels and did I mention the LADDERS? By some counts, more than 2000 rungs of ladders. Every night we arrived in camp exhausted, only to reach deep within ourselves the next day to conquer seven days on the West Coast Trail.

	Canada	1-12 September 2004- Assiniboine Provincial, Banff National and Kootenay National Park. Our early fall travels took us north to explore incredible backcountry in Canada including Banff National, Kootenay National and Mt. Assisiniboine Provincial Parks. Along the way, we discovered that the weather from the last of August through mid-September is totally unpredictable. We experienced heavy snow, rain, wind, ice, more rain, hail, and yet more rain and even an occasional ray of sunshine! Journal (under construction) Photos (under construction)

	Peru	1-12 July 2004- Cusco, Pisac, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo. Traveling to Peru was a different type of trip for us. Not only did we spend time in the backcountry with our 4-day trek to Machu Picchu, but we spent 6 days exploring the cities and small villages that make up the Sacred Valley.Twelve days provided only a glimpse into this spectacular country filled with Inca ruins, rugged mountains, llamas, Machu Picchu and interesting local markets. Journal Photos

	USA	27 August-5 September 2003- Wind River Range, Wyoming. Just one week before a scheduled departure to the Canadian Rockies, backcountry fires interrupted our trip and we found ourselves rearranging plans. Our new destination...the Wind River Range. After several days in Jackson Hole and a few Billy Burgers under our belts, we headed to the WWR to trek at altitudes of 10,500-11,000’ among spectacular glacier formed lakes, incredible topography and even a surprise 6” snowfall. John and I finished this trip with a quick drive through Yellowstone National Park. Again we hiked with friends and brought home very special memories. Journal (partially complete)

	USA	August 2002- Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana. We put on our backpacks again this year and joined our friends for a trip to Montana. After few days exploring Missoula, we headed to the backcountry to sleep under a blanket of stars and climb the majestic "Chinese Wall." We camped for several days on top of the 22-mile rock formation, enjoying the wonderment that always comes with being outdoors!

	USA	August 2001- Brooks Range , Alaska. This was our first long distance backpack and will always be our favorite. In the company of friends, we backpacked for twelve days with only a map and compass to quide us. We hiked over unnamed passes, struggled across vast areas of tundra, watched incredible sunsets and woke in the early morning to dance with the Northern Lights. We left the outside world behind and felt and incredible sense of freedom. This trip was over way too soon but we were happy to be home a few days before the 911 tragedy.

	England Scotland	August 2000 -Edinburgh, York, Scarborough and London. John attended a microscopy conference at York University and invited me to tag along. Prior to the conference, we spent several days traipsing around Edinburgh, exploring castles and old churches. Next stop, York for a week of shopping, sightseeing and eating fish and chips. Well, I went shopping and sightseeing, John went to meetings. A day trip to a wonderful old fishing village, Scarborough, found us walking along the shores of the North Sea while icy north winds whipped us about and chilly seawater lapped at our feet. Our last two days were spent in London. Time was limited so we took a quick tour of the city then leisurely explored the Piccadilly Circus and Regent Square area. All in all, a truly fabulous vacation and the beginning of our Adventures Out and Back!