Naukluft Hiking Trail Namibia – 8 days through wondrous desolation

Imagine a place so remote that you do not see another human being for days. Imagine a trail through desolate valleys, over mountains and across large flat plains of sand, rocks and tufts of dry grass. The Naukluft Hiking Trail in Namibia takes you through such a place.

It all starts at an old house perched on top of a small hill in what is known as the Namib-Naukluft Park in South Western Namibia. Hikers Haven is the base camp of this incredible trail. Here one can enjoy one last beer, grilled steak and warm shower. There after follow 8 days of carrying a heavy backpack through some of the most beautiful and desolate areas Namibia has to offer.

Normally one needs to get up at about 5 in the morning to be able to hit the trail by 7. Day one is no exception, and covers a distance of 14km. There is a lovely lookout point at "Panorama" as one starts rising up into the mountains a few kilometers into the hike. Spend some time here and enjoy the view of the plain below.

From here the trail steadily rises higher up into the Naukluft Mountains. A good spot for lunch is "Fontein Kloof". There are some large trees for shade and the spring usually flows.

As with most of the overnight shelters on this trail, the shelter at "Putte" for tonight is merely a square stone structure with a wall about 1.2m high, over which a tin roof is supported by some steal pipes. The floor is gravel.  Approximately 150m from the shelter is a borehole with a big flywheel that needs to be turned for water.

Day two is 15km in length and takes one into the famous Ubusis Kloof or ravine. The descent into the ravine is accomplished with the aid of a number of chains, some of which are up to 30m in length and act as aids down the cliff faces. As one descends further down, a geological time capsule is exposed in the layers of rock to ones sides. The scenery is quite breathtaking. 

Ubusis hut is the only "normal" accommodation on this trail. This hut used to be a small vacation home many years ago when the area still consisted of farms. Water is supplied by means of a wind pump and borehole.

Day three takes one back out of Ubusis Kloof the way one went down the day before. At the top, once one reaches Bergpos, the trail turns due north across Kudu Plains. This day is only 12km long and is considered the easiest of all the days.

At the end of the Kudu Plains lies the Adlerhorst overnight shelter, which can be reached by the early afternoon. This leaves plenty of time to admire the scenery and relax a bit. Water is again supplied via a borehole with a handle on top of the pipe.

When we got there, the opening of the borehole pipe was covered in hundreds of bees desperately waiting for someone to turn the handle and pump some water out for them. Nobody got stung even once. It seems as if they realized that the humans coming to this place were their only hope of getting some water.

The fourth day tends to be a bit tricky, and is quite long at 17km. The tricky part comes when one has to descend a waterfall in a dried out river bed with the help of a long chain. The angle of the rocks makes this a difficult descent.

Further on there is another steep descent down the side of a mountain of loose slate.  In the past this has been the cause of injuries to hikers slipping on the slate.

The Tsams-Ost overnight shelter contains a large water tank on a perch that is supplied with water from a borehole and wind pump. It is possible to have a cold shower standing underneath the tank.

The next day, day five, starts off with a stiff climb up the mountain behind the Tsams-Ost overnight shelter, and covers another 17km.

Some hours later one reaches Melkbos Plain. This plain involves many kilometers of marching along sandy tracks and through dried out river beds. It is here that one is most likely to see herds of antelope such as Eland or Kudu grazing on the sparse grass and vegetation.

The Die Valle overnight shelter is surrounded on three sides by mountains, and the sun tends to set rather early behind these mountains. Water is left here in a small water tanker which may not contain much water especially at the end of the hiking season, so washing is very limited on this day.

Day six tends to be the longest and most difficult of the whole trail. Even though it is only 16km long, one spends most of the day going up.

Immediately after leaving the Die Valle overnight shelter, there is a 200m vertical climb to the top of a waterfall. There after one follows a gorge and stream that feeds this waterfall for most of the day, climbing ever upwards. 

It is along this gorge that one comes across some interesting geological formations called Tufa. Tufa is a sedimentary rock containing a lot of carbonates that are deposited by means of water. It often forms at waterfalls or streams. Here in this gorge, the Tufa looks like a gigantic solidified waterfall. Higher up one comes across a huge fig tree whose roots run all along a small cliff face.

Once on top of the gorge, there is a small flat plateau to cross before starting the long descent along an old jeep track to the Tufa overnight shelter. Be careful at the bottom of the track as the shelter is almost hidden amongst some bushes to the left. Water is again supplied in the form of a borehole next to a dried out stream bed about 150m from the shelter.

Day seven covers 14km and takes one to the highest, and usually the coldest point of the hike at Kapokvlakte.

From the Tufa overnight shelter, the trail crosses some very large boulders as it heads in the direction of the mountains again. At the base of the mountains that eventually lead up to Kapokvlakte, there are some chains to help one up some of the more difficult cliff faces.

Once at the top, the trail follows a steadily rising dried out stream bed until it reaches the top at World’s View. The name is very appropriate, as one can see for many kilometers into the distance. It’s a good place to stop for awhile and admire the view across the plains below, and to the mountains on the other side. From here the terrain is fairly flat and the going easy.

The Kapokvlakte overnight shelter is usually reached by early afternoon. The shelter is hidden behind a clump of bushes which are virtually the only larger vegetation in the area. The rest of the plateau is covered in short grass and the occasional small bush. Kapokvlakte can get very cold at night, and the use of a down feather sleeping bag is a must here.

The last day has finally arrived. By now everyone is dreaming of fat steaks and beer, but there is still a 16km slog ahead. A few kilometers across the top of the plateau, and the trail makes its long descent along a winding gorge down to Hikers Haven.

As the day gets warmer one can hear more and more insects and other small creatures in this lonely gorge. Be careful of picking up rocks. Very often there are scorpions hiding underneath them.

As one gets lower down the trail, there are small pools with large trees on the sides which make for good resting spots. A few hundred meters from Hikers Haven, there is a camp site. Here one may come across the first other humans again after having spent so many days in the wilderness. By now you may also spot the roof of the old house at Hikers Haven. Just a few hundred meters more and one is back. What a time it had been!

Now one can finally get a hot shower again! For those that brought vacuum packed meat and managed to keep it cool in their cars over this period, there will be a feast tonight!

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What To Consider When Choosing A Hiking Trail

Are you interested in going on a hiking adventure?  Whether that hiking adventure will last for a few hours or a whole weekend, you will need to choose a hiking trail. When it comes to choosing a hiking trail, you need to remember that you have a number of different options.  No matter where in the United States you are located, you should have a number of hiking trails located a close distance away from your home. Since you have a number of different choices, you may be wondering how you can go about finding the "perfect," hiking trail.  To help you choose the best hiking trail, there are a number of important factors that you may want to take into consideration. 

One of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration is the difficulty of the hiking trail in question. You will find that hiking trails come in a number of different formats, particularly with difficulty levels.  In fact, you may find that multiple parks have numerous hiking trails to choose from.  Instead of choosing a hiking trail based on the beauty of the surroundings, you will want to examine difficulty.  If this is your first time going on a hiking adventure, it may be best if you choose a trial that is designed for beginners or at least those at an intermediate level.

In conjunction with the difficultly of a trail, your safetyis also something that should be take into consideration.  You will want to make sure that you are on a hiking trial that is well maintained and well cared for. While it can be difficult to assess a hiking trail without visiting it, it is possible to do.  If you know of anyone who has been hiking recently, you may want to ask them which hiking trial they took and their views on their experience, namely the condition of the hiking trail in question. Searching the internet for user experiences on a particuar trail is also helpful when evaluating a trail.

Another factor that you may want to take into consideration, when looking for a hiking trail, is security. Is the hiking trial or hiking park in question closely monitored by staff, namely security guards?  In today's society, you can never be too careful, especially when in surroundings that are unfamiliar to you.  Hiking trails or parks that have security guards are not only ideal in case you run into a problem, like with a stranger with poor intentions, but they are also great in the event of a hiking accident.  Hiking trails or hiking parks with experienced staff members are less likely to have extreme or deadly hiking accidents.

As it was previously mentioned, hiking adventures can last for a few hours or be long as a whole weekend. If you are also interested in turning your hiking adventure into a camping one, you will need to find a hiking trial or at least a hiking park that has overnight accommodations. In most cases, you will find that these accommodations include an onsite campground.  If you are only interested in hiking for the day, the overnight accommodations of the hiking trail or hiking park in question may not be a big concern of yours.
 
Price is another factor that you may want to take into consideration, when choosing a hiking trail to hike.  In the United States, you will find that most hiking trails or parks are not free to visit.  In all honesty, the fee that you are charged will all depend on the trail or park in question.  Most of the time, you will find that the cost of hiking is affordable, but it is still something that you may want to take into consideration, especially if you are on a budget.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many factors that you may want to take into consideration, when looking for a hiking trail or a hiking part to visit. By keeping the above mentioned factors in mind, you will likely find that your next hiking adventure will be a memorable one.

Remember to visit myroadtotravel for all your travel/vacation needs. 

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Best Hiking Trails of Santa Cruz County

The best hiking trails of Santa Cruz County are plentiful and are spread throughout the area. The Monarch Trail located at Natural Bridges State Beach It is known for its rock type bridges that naturally appear throughout the area. Monarchs frequent the trail and light upon the Eucalyptus trees. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and leads to a simple trail.

Redwood Grove Loop and River Trails are located within the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Banana slugs, deer, and redwood trees can be seen throughout the trails. People swim in the river and there are a lot of wide open expanses. The Redwood Groove Loop meanders in an oval shape through the redwoods. The San Lorenzo River can be viewed as well. A canyon naturally forms in the river area. Big Rock Hole is where many visitors of the trail go to swim and swing across with a rope swing. It is positioned by Highway 9 just north of the city. People often ride on horseback along the trails.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park has the Skyline to the Sea Trail. The redwoods along it are said to be thousands of years old. The movie "Vertigo" was filmed here in the 1950's by Alfred Hitchcock, which starred Jimmy Stewart with Kim Novack. There are waterfalls, forests, grasslands, and the Pacific Ocean from the trail. It is positioned along Highway 9 and 236. It is twenty-five miles northwest of the city.

Ohlone Bluff Trail is positioned in Wilder Ranch State Park. The trail is named for the indigenous people who once filled the area. Picnic spots are available along several parts of the trail. Hours can vary on different parts of the trail, so a watch is necessary.

Pogonip has a view of the ocean and is off of Gulf Club Drive. There are several trails available to hike or job. It is common to see joggers, people walking dogs, and other relaxing along the trails. It is positioned along Spring Street accessible from Highway 9. The area was for a country club at one time. Spring Box Trail has fish and many springs in the creeks.

The Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve has trails for hiking and is home to many birdwatchers. More than 200 species of birds can be viewed from the area. They migrate from Mexico the the Southeast portion of Arizona.

West Ridge Trail is position alongside three other trails: Bennett Creek, Fall Creek, and South Fork trailways. The Lime kilns, Cape Horn, and the Lost Empire trails are located at the 1.7 mile marker. There is a large tree called Big Ben and a Barrel Mill which fashions redwood lumber into barrel heads.

The Old Cove Landing Trail runs in the middle of Wilder and Sand Plant beaches. Monterey Bay can be viewed from the trail and many birds and waterlife can be seen from it as well. There is a cultural preserve near the Wilder Ranch Buildings. Former Native American villages and Mexican adobe dwellings can be seen throughout the trail area.

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Great Hiking Trails in North Texas: Look Just North to Beavers Bend Resort Park

If you are looking for great hiking trails in North Texas, consider Beavers Bend Resort Park in southeastern Oklahoma. It is just 3 hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth area (the Metroplex) by car. Beavers Bend Resort Park includes Beavers Bend State Park which offers free admission. The resort offers serious nature lovers the chance to hike along ridge tops, over creek bottoms, through tall stands of timber, and into areas so remote one can almost experience what early-day explorers must have felt upon seeing the area for the first time, at its pristine best.

McCurtain County features some of the most beautiful territory in the country. The Ouachita Mountains rise and fall dramatically along the lower reaches of the Oklahoma-Arkansas line, which is densely covered with one of the oldest short-leaf pine forests in the world, as well as heavy populations of hickory and oak. Unlike most American mountain ranges, the mountains run east and west, not north and south. Cursing through those rugged ranges are several lakes and rivers, the Little, Mountain Fork, Upper Kiamichi, Poteau and Broken Bow.

The area was named by LIFE magazine as one of the "100 Places To Visit in Your Lifetime" and Dallas Observers voted McCurtain County the "Best Getaway from Dallas."

You can pick up trail maps at the park's nature center. There are seven trails you have to choose from, one for every skill level – from serious stroller to avid trekker.

Trail #1: Take-it-easy route. The South Park trail. 1 mile. For those who want to stay on level ground. Watch eagles fly overhead and wildlife scatter as you stroll by.

Trail #2: The Easy-Does-It Hike. The Junction with South Park. 1 mile. Also a good choice for those who want a less intensive hike and want to get "back to nature" but just a little while.

Trail #3: Beyond Beginner. Beaver Creek Crossing. 1. 5 miles. A bit more challenging. Several steep climbs.

Trail #4: Beyond beginner but not intermediate. Deer Cross – Cedar Bluff. About 2 miles. Some climbs, but not extremely steep.

Trail #5: Walk on the wild side. Cedar Bluff – Beaver Lodge Trail. 6 miles. Lots of steep grades. Designed for the more serious hiker.

Trail #6: Born to hike. Skyline. 6 miles. Steep terrain. Experienced hikers only. If you don't have time to take the longest route (see below), the Skyline is the next best option. More challenging to some than the Cedar Bluff, nevertheless, you'll need to be able to withstand elevation hiking. But the views you'll see will be well worth the climb.

Trail #7: The extreme challenge. The David Boren Hiking Trail, named after the U.S. senator and former governor of Oklahoma. The David Boren Trail offers 16 miles of hiking Trails with 4 miles of multi-purpose ( mountain bike) trails that wander along ridge tops and over creek bottoms. The 12 mile Boren hiking trail runs from south to north. Starts at the low-water dam at the south end of Beavers Bend and then connects with the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail, full of steep grades. The trail is well defined and is a narrow, one-person trail – which means no bicyclists to watch out for.

Where do you stay if you travel to the Beavers Bend Resort Park? Glad you asked! The park is home to the forty-room Lakeview Lodge, and there are forty-seven different Beavers Bend cabins. Is camping more your style? The park also offers RV and tent camping. In McCurtain County, your weekend hiking getaway can include almost any kind of lodging – from a rustic cottage to elegantly-appointed log cabins nestled in the towering pines to a unique bed & breakfasts, modern motels and luxury resorts.

So, if you are looking for great hiking trails in North Texas – either for yourself or to accompany your family or that special someone – the Beavers Bend Resort Park is a great option. With many trails to choose for everyone from beginners to seasoned hikers, this is a great option that is only 3 hours away from the Metroplex by car.

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Keeping A Sense Of Direction

The buttons on these smaller systems are logically placed and allow a one-handed operation. These smaller systems will also allow you to set all of the options and calibrate the compass and altimeter without ever having to reference the owner’s manual. Unfortunately, with the smaller systems the directional response is slower in reflecting the correct direction than with the larger, bulky systems. However, many of the smaller navigating system will keep a type of breadcrumb trail of your path on their map page. So as you go to the map page you are able to see how far you have gone by simply replacing your steps, but the directional indicator on the pointer page is often pointing directly back to the *Home* way point. Fortunately, once you are within thirty feet or less of your way point, then you generally will not need the system anymore to find your way. Another common navigation task that these smaller systems are great for is when you line up the compass with a landmark then select the option for sight-n-go, this will automatically lock the bearing into the compass. Then all you have to do is to follow that bearing and the pointer on the compass to the landmark. Many of these smaller systems will have a much better visual mapping system that have a graphical map page, which shows your track and way points that will allow you to zoom in and out to adjust your view of the area. This is extremely handy for seeing all the zigs and zags of your path.  [DFR::329966-10552296-cj|align_left_1][DFR::10020612-10386385-cj|align_left_1][DFR::SSGPSM-10494103-cj|align_left_1][DFR::197371-10552296-cj|align_left_1]

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Inexpensive Fun For The Family

Summer is the perfect time to get the entire family outside for some fun, but getting together doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of activities everyone can enjoy that won’t break the bank. Just a few are flying a stunt kite after a picnic in a local park, getting everyone together on bikes and going for a ride or hiking along a local trail. These activities will get your family away from the television, video games and computer, off the couch and out in the sunshine.Flying A Stunt Kite After A Picnic In The Park.

A picnic lunch followed by flying a stunt kite in the park is a great way to spend an afternoon. Lunch can be as simple as cold sandwiches, chips and sodas or as elaborate as prepared salads and sparkling juice in plastic wine glasses. Afterwards, get out the stunt kite and fly the afternoon away. Prices for stunt kites start around $10 and go up from there so it’s easy to find one in nearly every price range, or even to buy one for each person in your family. Stunt kites are great for nearly everyone because they’re sturdier and can withstand crashes better than regular kites. Families can have stunt kite competitions to see whose kite can stay in the air the longest and who can do the best tricks like loops and dives

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All you need for this fun family afternoon is a kite, some good food, good company and a little wind. Going On A Family Bike Ride Another great family activity is a bike ride. Grab your bikes and helmets and find a local bike trail. Many areas of the country have extensive bike trails, with smooth surfaces to ensure a safe ride. If you have young children that are too little for a bike, they can ride a big wheel, tricycle or even sit down in a bike trailer attached to an adult’s bike. Make sure everyone has plenty of water and double check to see how long the trail is before setting out for the day.

You’ll definitely want to make sure young children can complete the trail. Hiking A Local Trail At A National Or State Park Many state and national parks are full of hiking trails and the park’s admission is usually minimal, making a family hike a great low-cost outdoor activity. You don’t actually need hiking boots, just grab some comfortable tennis shoes and get hiking! Make sure to stay on the trail, but it’s a good idea to have a cell phone or GPS unit with you in case you accidentally lose your way. These are just a few of the many outdoor activities families can take advantage of when the weather turns nice. No matter what you choose to do, the important thing is that you’re reconnecting as a family and enjoying each other’s company.

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