Outdoor Adventures: 2006
A good European trip includes more than a series of castles and museums. Europeans are into outdoor adventure, and many American travelers are finding fun ways to get wet, windblown and out of breath too. Any tips on outdoor thrills for mild-mannered back door tourists not packing ice axes? Share your favorite outdoor activity.
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Tours
The Netherlands - outside Amsterdam. Wetlands Safari (www.wetlandssafari.nl)
was a unique and fabulous experience. Meet Majel outside the train stn, take a bus with her and others for 20 min, stop in a cafe and then get out the canoes. We paddled through the narrow channels, past houses and gardens, and then had her explain the reclaimed land, what grows there and the bird life that nests and lives there. She provided the best picnic lunch - all hand carried by her. This is an easy paddle and can be done by almost anyone. It was an unexpected and wonderful surprise to be so close to the city and yet be rural, and also have a lesson while paddling along. She is a gem.
Gail and Dean <email>
Ladner, BC Canada Wed 11/29/2006
Gran Sasso
The Gran Sasso is one of Europe’s most extraordinary national parks, perfect for hiking, cross country and downhill skiing, riding, and mountain climbing. Just over an hour and a half from Rome by car in the province of Aquila is one of the park's most extraordinary settings that includes the the Apennines' highest peak(Corno Grande)next to a high plain (Campo Imperatore) replete with “semi-wild” horses and wild flowers in summer and deep snow in winter, and two of Italy’s loveliest virgin hill towns, Castel Del Monte and Santo Stefano di Sessanio, which were ruled by the Medici’s for nearly two centuries and now are listed among “I Borghi più belli d'Italia”.
Miles Gerety
Redding Ridge, CT USA Fri 10/06/2006
White Water rafting in Hoftgarden Austria
One of my favortie parts of my month long trip to Europe was the white water rafting experience in Austria. I had such a great time. I had never been before, I thought it was a good time, and very adventurous. I happened to swallow 1/2 gallon of water, but it was worth it. I have more of my trip blogged at http://www.katlyn22@blogspot.com check it out for more exciting things to do in Europe.
Katlyn
Tampa, FL USA Mon 10/02/2006
Cinque Terre trail closures
Be sure to watch for small white signs posted at the entrance of the trails. When we were there, the trail between town #2 and #3 was closed half way up the trail due to a land slide and we found out the hard way. When we returned back to the start of the trail, sure enough a small sign was posted in the bottom corner. It was hard to find and we missed it.
Charles Nance <email>
Columbus, Ohio USA Fri 09/22/2006
Kayaking near Beynac, Dordogne
My wife, sister in law, and I took a kayak trip down the Dordogne in July, with Copeyre Canoes. The plus side is that the scenery was beautiful; the down side is that it may be more of a work out than you realize, so be prepared and plan ahead. We took the longer three hour route from Carnak down to Beynac; problem was, we asked for a three person canoe but ended up with a three person kayak; kayaks are great for one or two persons, but go really slow with three! Besure it is clear that you are getting a canoe, or go with three solo kayaks. Also, a three hour trip may end up being five hours, when you include the bus ride from Beynac to Carnak, then to the river again - and if you are three persons stuck in one kayak, even with good paddling techniques it can be tiring. Our stated 3 hour float became a 4 1/2 hour work out. Better to ge with a shorter journey nearest to Beynac, where the sights are better anyway.
Andy Andeck
Oceanside, CA USA Fri 09/01/2006
Fly Fishing
Hello:
I'm wondering if any one has done any fly-fishing in Italy? My husband and I are avid fly-fishers and love Italy. It would be wonderful to combine these two things.
Thank you
Pam
Pam <email>
Nevada City, CA USA Mon 08/28/2006
Pulpit rock/Kjerag in Norway
Hi
If you happen to stop by Stavanger on the south west coast of Norway there are two places you can go to to get a great view of the Lyse fjord. The most popular place is Preikestolen (Pulpit rock). It will take you a bit of time to walk to this place and it might be crowded...but the view from the 600 meter edge is amazing on clear summer days. I have posted some pictures on this page http://gardkarlsen.com/preikestolen.htm
If you have access to a car you can drive to a place called Kjerag. the drive is about 2 hours out of Stavanger but it is a scenic route. The walk to this place is a bit longer than Preikestolen but at the top you are close to 1000 meter above the Lyse fjord and the view is again amazing. This is also a popular place for BASE jumping so you might see some jump of the edge. I have posted some pictures here http://gardkarlsen.com/kjerag.htm
Regards
Gard
Gard Karlsen <email>
Stavanger, Norway Wed 08/02/2006
Outdoor Adventures
Cinque Terre Was definitely one of my favorite spots in Europe, especially if you are into enjoying the outdoor scenery. The five town hike was amazing, especially the stops for pizza and jelato for breaks. The water was a bit cold in May, but we still managed to jump in for a dip in the Mediterranean. But if you really crave the outdoor experience in Europe, try Switzerland. We went to Interlaken, and there is soo much to do there. There is also year round skiing in Zermatt.
George C <email>
Toronto, Ontari Canada Sun 07/30/2006
Cinque Terre Water Temp ?
How about getting in the water at the
Cinque Terre at the end of MAY ?
I expect to sleep in Monterosso,
But how about snorkeling or scuba
or just swimming. How COLD is the water expected to be on May 27th ?
Thanks...
Robert Nesiba
Brigham City, UT USA Fri 04/21/2006
Skydiving in Czech Republic
Anyone tried skydiving/parachuting in the Czech Republic? What about other "outdoor adventures" in the CR?
Lois <email>
Vancouver, WA USA Sun 04/09/2006
(Near London) Walking Club
This weekend I had a fantastic time joining the informal "Walker's Club" on a long walk outside of London. English people love to walk the countryside, but if you don't live there, where do you go? There are two books published that give routes in astonishing detail; all you need to do is get one of the books, check the club web site to find out which train to catch, and meet up with whoever else might be interested. We (2 Americans, living in London short term) met 3 others (2 Brits, one Russian living in London) for a chilly but beautiful March day out in Constable country (Book 1, walk 39). I really felt like I was seeing England the way it should be seen. I am stiff today but much happier than I have been visiting London's museums and parks. The club's web site is http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/
Sue
London for now, usually Evanston, IL USA Mon 03/20/2006
Gent, Belgium
On March 11, 2006 my husband and I discovered a really cool castle right in the center of town in Gent Belgium which is located approx. 35 minutes from Brussels Central train station. It only cost 6 euros and well worth it!! If you like to explore castles we highly recommend this one. Another side tip when traveling by train in Belgium, train tickets are half the price on weekends only.
shelly
troy, oh USA Fri 03/17/2006
Renting Scooters or motorcycles
Has anyone ever rented a scooter or motorcycles in France, Germany, or Switzerland, it seems like it would make for some great day trips I just don't know if it's possible to do, or if anyone does it.
Bryce <email>
Portland, OR USA Fri 03/10/2006
Grossglockner
On a recent trip to Austria last October, our family experienced a wonderful day trip along the Grossglockner mountain roadway and its surrounding national park. There were ample opportunites for us as a family to hike above treeline and enjoy the children's park/play area, viewing tower, glaciers and wildlife in an amazing alpine environment!! The road is well maintained with plenty of places to eat along the way. It closes during the winter, but is well worth the wait.
Andrea Conde
Copperas Cove, TX USA Mon 02/27/2006
Cinque Terra
Cinque Terra was, by far, my favorite place in Italy. And I can assure you that anyone else who has visited these 5 fishing villages will tell you the same. Hiking paths along the Italian Riveria lead you from one town to the next. Views are breath taking, places to stay are reasonably ,and the people are incredibly friendly. Although there is not much of a night life, the views and adventures of the day will satisfy any traveler!
LeeAnn <email>
Shelton, CT USA Tue 01/24/2006
Sorrento and The Amalfi Coast
My husband and I had one of our most memorable and wonderful days in Sorrento, Italy and the Amalfi Coast.
We hired a personal driver, who took us to places we would never have found or could not have accessed on a bus.
The cost ($150.00 Euros) for 7 hours was so worth the money. I recommend you splurge here and be frugal elsewhere..it's well worth every penny. MARIANO DE MARTINO is a perfect gentleman, speaks excellent English and is a fabulous person to share a day with. His email is: pleasureonwheels@tiscali.it
You will love your day.
Laurie Evans, Eugene, Oregon
Laurie Evans <email>
Eugene, Oregon USA Fri 01/06/2006