Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Inca ruins seen while hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Day 3.

The Inca Trail… Wow! Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was an unforgettable experience. Day 1 of Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu On Day 1 of hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we started at about 1 p.m.  It was fairly easy, a gentle climb on a dirt path. We ended at 5. That […]

Hiking Near Loja: Parque Podocarpus

Waterfall in Ecuador's Parque Nacional Podocarpus.

I was pretty happy to leave Cuenca and head for Loja. Even though I’ve only been gone from Mera for a week, I’m already sick of cities and just wanna go back to the countryside. Seeking some good hiking near Loja, I visited Parque Nacional Podocarpus, only about an hour and a half away by bus. Funny thing, […]

Hiking in Baños

Clouds hugging a mountaintop, seen while hiking in Baños.

After our morning canyoning adventure, Brandon and I had lunch, then we went hiking in Baños‘s surrounding hills. The first part of the journey was the most difficult, almost straight up the whole time. We reached Bellavista, a white cross overlooking the town, and rested. We continued on the paved road to Runtún, a small village high up […]

“Camping” and Hiking at Merazonia

Hiking at Merazonia and admiring the beautiful scenery.

Thursday evening, David and I decided to stay at the refuge overnight instead of returning to Mera. We had discussed it with Jen and Frank ahead of time, and together we planned some “camping” and jungle hiking at Merazonia (smiley face). We hiked out to the road with Frank, Jen, and Guido because to the right of the […]

A Walk in Scanlan Creek, Simcoe County

Walk in Scanlan Creek to see this quaint wooden bridge.

Got wheels? If so, Scanlon Creek Park, part of the Simcoe Region Conservation program near Newmarket, is a great place to walk or hike. The park is pretty big: there are various trails to follow, so a half-day can be planned. From the parking lot, the trails leading to the lake—the main attraction—are neat and wide, well-kept, easy […]

Bushing It Through the Don Valley: A Hike in the Heart of Toronto

Lower Don River scenery

A week after my Northern bush excursion, I decided to try a longer walk, minus my heavy pack (I brought a day pack only). I set off from Toronto’s Beaches and walked to the access point of the Don Valley recreational trail along the Lakeshore. To my surprise, it was closed for construction. Deciding that I would skirt […]

Secret Trilliums: A Wild Backyard Bush Garden in French River

Fungus growing on a tree trunk

May long weekend, my brother and I went bushing (it really can’t be called hiking) on my parents’ property in the French River area. I loaded my pack for trek training, weighing in at 40 lbs., and we set off through the dense Northern Ontario underbrush. My brother taught me how to use a compass and guide myself […]

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