A Book!

Hello All,

I am proud to announce that I have moved forward with publishing a book.  Here is the link to it: http://tinyurl.com/apbj89r

Buy, read, enjoy!

The entire concept of the book is about adventure and will enthrall any reader

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Faroe Islands

I'm back from camp and ready to start sharing some great adventure locations with you again.  Unfortunately, my possible adventure partner and I have had a falling out for now, so...but the adventures must go on...

The Faroe Islands is an archipelago of islands that sit between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean and belong to Denmark.  Though, while they belong to the country, they are mostly independent, and one of their political parties has the objective to obtain complete independence.  Other than politics, let's get back to the cool stuff.

The islands are special in that they are mostly composed of Tholeiitic Basalt Lave (which is igneous rock composed of mostly magnesium and iron).  Also, due to there being multiple islands, there are several bridges connecting several of the major islands, all of the other islands are connected by fast ferries.

Much of the history and culture of the Faroe Islands come from its Nordic heritage.  If you're looking for nice weather, due to the currents of the water and air, the Faroe's are good for mild winters and cool summers.

This will definitely be on the list, maybe even stay for a while with the weather.

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Anak Krakatau

Good Evening Adventurers,

I'm home this weekend so I wanted to get in a quick post of a new location.  Today's focus is on Anak Krakatau.  The first thing you must be asking yourself is, I know what Krakatau is, but what does Anak mean?  Well, Anak means child of, thus child of Krakatau.  Around Krakatua, several islands have formed over the years and have been given the name Anak Krakatau.  These are "relatively" small islands that have been growing roughly 5 inches every year since the 1950s.

The important thing of note for this location is that it is currently not "safe" to visit.  I say this because volcanologists and other researchers are watching the islands for their special properties, however, they have had their chance of eruption increased multiple times in the past few years.  So while they are not ready to travel to, they will one day be on the travel list.

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Goðafoss, Iceland

Good evening adventurers,

The next destination takes us to the northern portion of Iceland to the Waterfall of the Gods (Goðafoss).  

The falls measure approximately 12m high and 30m wide.  It is legend that when Iceland converted to Christianity, that the King at the time threw the statues of the Norse Gods into the waterfall (maybe sensing a treasure hunting trip).


NOTE:  This might be one of my last posts for a while, I will be off working at a Summer Camp for a while and might not be able to post, but I will return when possible.  Leave comments for other possible locations or nations you would like to hear about.


"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure" 

Geiranger, Norway

The next destination of interest is considered one of the best travel destinations in Scandinavia, by Lonely Planet.  This destination is the small town of Geiranger, Norway.  While this town only boasts 250 permanent residents, it is one of the busiest tourist ports in the world.  The destination is best known for its amazing natural scenery.

Geiranger is listed as a UNESCO heritage site.  Keep this location  near the top of your destination list, due to the risk that the mountain Akerneset may collapse into the fjord.  This could cause a large enough disturbance that would submerge the town.

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

Good Afternoon Adventurers,

Today our next featured destination is within the forests of Costa Rica.  Within the tropical forests of Costa Rica rests the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.  The location itself is to educate people about the ecological benefits of tropical forests.  The question is, what makes a cloud forest?  A cloud forest is one that has near 100% humidity year round and because of the air and wind patterns, it creates an everlasting "cloud" that covers the area.

The reserve boasts about 8mi (12km) of trails that have many hanging trails with portions that include overlooks to view a larger portion of the reserve (when visibility is high).  When stopping in at the visitor center, hikers can pick up ponchos and rain boots to stay dry (you are in a cloud).  The reserve suggests visiting in the morning when the wildlife is most active, in either case, it is quite the experience.

The price of the trip is $14, and $7 for students, a fair price for the preservation of the forest and the experiences that visitors will have (tour prices are extra).

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Crystal Palace, Madrid, Spain

On this next trip we will be stopping in Madrid Spain to visit the Crystal Palace.  The palace itself was originally built in 1887 for the purpose of putting on an exhibition of exotic Philippine plants.  While the majority of the building is built of steel and glass, it was later reinforced with rubber and plastic in spots later in 1924.

A cool special for this spectacular spot is that tours are given within the palace and tours are FREE.  Save yourself some money and take in this site.

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

UNESCO

Hello adventurers, today I'm taking a little break from the usual by talking about an organization that has been mentioned several times, UNESCO.

UNESCO actually stands for:  United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.  Based in Paris, France, this organization has the goal of uniting the world under common themes and values (from previous posts one can see that there is a big focus on knowledge "protection" and natural sites).  The overall goal of the organization is to work towards world peace using the E,S, and C of its name to do this.

UNESCO boasts 195 permanent members and 8 associate members that have agreed to work towards meeting the goals of the organization.

This concludes this post, next time we will get back to worldly locations.

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Wulingyan, china

Tucked away in the Hunan Province of China is Wulingyan.  The area is best known for its many (more than 3000) quartzite pillars.

There are a portion of the pillars that rise above 800m (2600ft).  Due to the historical and natural importance of the area, it has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The entire location actually has several national parks.  When considering the quartzite pillars, remember that quartzite was originally sandstone and then was morphed under intense heat and pressure.

Since I am nearing 100 views on the site, my next post will focus on UNESCO, that way everyone can have a better understanding of it.

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Klementinum National Library, Czech Republic

Today we will get our learn on and voyage to the Klementinum National Library in Prague, Czech Republic.  This library is actually part of a historic linked set of buildings called the Clementinum.  The extended history of the library comes from its religious roots in the 11th century, however, the current library was founded in 1781, it would not be until 1990 after the war that it would officially be named the National Library.  The library is now moving forward with renovations, along with the rest of the Clementinum.  The library is a recipient of the UNESCO Jikji Prize.  The prize is also called the Memory of the World Prize because it is given to groups that aim to protect the world from losing its knowledge in a mass case of Amnesia or something similar.

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Orda Cave, Russia

Today's location takes us to the cold land of Ural in Russia for the Orda Cave.  The Orda Cave is known mainly for it being the world's largest gypsum cave.  The concept of this cave is simply scientifically magnificent.  Gypsum is known as the second softest mineral on Moh's mineral hardness scale.  What makes it really magnificent, is in water it is highly soluble, becoming less so in higher temperatures.  This oddity makes the cave that much more interesting due to the cold temperature of the water.

This scientific feat, makes the site that much more worth visiting.

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Angel Falls, Venezuela

The next stop on this journey is a trip into the wilderness of Venezuela, to Angel Falls.  Angel Falls is the the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall at a height of 979m (3212ft).  The name of the falls actually does not come from its "heavenly" height, but from Jimmie Angel who was the first aviator to fly over it.  While this location is a famous tourist destination, it is not the easiest to get to.  A plane ride is required to get to the base camp and for boats to get there it has to be during the wet season, otherwise the boats are not able to make it through.  

Today I've included a bonus photo due to the amazingness of this site.

I really hope to make these adventures with someone someday, for it will be a truly great adventure.

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Welcome adventurers!  The next destination on this trip takes us to the oldest national park in southeast Europe, the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.

The location is a massive protected natural area, it is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage registry.  The park itself showcases 16 lakes at its surface, though there are underground rivers connecting them, quite possibly leading to other lakes forming as the ground opens up.  The area itself is also famous for the many species of animals and plant life due to the regions climate.  There is just so much to know about this park, so, I'll let you do the rest.

I hope to see you along the trail... "It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Paris, France

Let's stay in Europe as we take a view on a very common tourist destination, Paris, France.  Paris is a historic city filled with history.  From the legend of its founding by the warrior Paris (yes, the same one from the story of Helen of Troy), but also the many historical events, including battles, trade, and a center of the French Empire.

Now wouldn't it be something to be on that side of the rail.  Definitely, not the safest of views, but would provide a different perspective on an amazing location.  From the Louve (which was originally a defensive fort for the city) to the Eiffel Tower, there are many landmarks in this city.

For now, I will have to find a grand individual to join me on these adventures (due to some things I might not have my original adventure partner anymore).

For now,      "It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Zermatt, Switzerland

This new location takes us to the nice icy reaches of Scandinavia.  Today I present to you the nice rich lands of Zermatt, Switzerland.  Well known as a mountaineering location (best known for the Matterhorn) and a ski resort, the area is also quite nice in the warmer months.  As for the actual town itself, it is relatively small and makes for a nice quaint stop.  When it comes to transportation, many visitors take a train into the town.

As always, this is just a nice location for my friend and I to consider for our journey.  Let's see where it goes from here.

  "It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Emerald Lake, New Zealand

This lake is actually a stop on a longer trip, a one day hike according to online sources.  The actual location is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.  The area is known for its "moon-like" appearance.  This lake is actually one of two major ones in the area.  The majority of the area is in volcanic terrain.

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

Neushwanstein Castle, Germany

In the future I hope to post a different destination every few days (or until my friend and I run out of places). 

The first location I want to share is one of the most photographed castles, teh Neushwanstein Castle in Germany.  Most known for being the basis for Disney's Sleeping Beauty's castle, it was originally built for Ludwig II as his own personal getaway.  Now a famous tourist attraction, it rests in the hills of Bavaria.  There are many stories that go along with this castle, and the views around it appear amazing.  This will be a definite stop on this adventure.

If you have anything about the location you would like to add place it in the comments, also if you have any ideas for great locations out of the states, then please share.

"It is the journey, not the destination, that makes the adventure"

So many sights, let the adventurers prepare

One of my frinds and I have been talking and sharing about the many amazing places, especially the natural sights that exist around the world.  There is hope that the two of us will one day pack our bags and head off on whirlwind adventures.

In hopes of keeping these places near the front of our minds, I am creating this blog to share some of these places we hope to visit.  If you have any destinations, please share in the comments.  The focus for these trips is for outside of the United States, right now there is an European trip, a Northern Europe trip, and a South American trip (though these will probably have to be split up).