Traveling Ted TV

Regenerated south Lake Kawnipi in Quetico Provincial Park gives hope

travelingted — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:56:21 +0000

Quetico Provincial Park and the southern portion of Lake Kawnipi

Lake Kawnipi in Quetico Provincial Park is one of my favorite places in the world to adventure travel, and has an honored spot on my bucket list killers. Kawnipi is a giant lake with many bays and places to explore. It is probably over ten miles long. There are two distinct parts to the lake. This is because a forest fire ravaged the southern portion in 1995.

The northern portion retains its forested beauty, but the southern half looks less pristine. This does not mean the southern half is not worth visiting. I still find it beautiful despite the still burned out aura. There is something very eerie about this area with trees only half grown and a few full grown trees awkwardly sticking out above the others as if suffering from survivor’s guilt. It almost gives this section a Tim Burton movie feel to it.

Burned out forest with a few survivor trees sticking awkwardly out

The day my Dad and I paddled on this section was completely overcast, so the cloudy sky gave it even more of haunted look. I think it was a little foggy as well.

Usually this stretch of lake is really windy with large stretches of open water prone to fierce wind and large waves. On this day it was completely peaceful and the lake was like glass. This is very rare in Quetico.

You do not see many days this calm in Quetico, Canada

We saw a group of three canoes with three people in each boat as we entered the southern portion of the lake after the last portage at Kennebis Falls. These would be the last people we would talk to for four days. We did see a few canoes out on Kawnipi, but they were a mile or two away.

The loudest object we saw on this day besides ourselves was a chattering river otter. We came upon mom and pa river otter at the edge of an island. We soon discovered they had a little junior river otter with them. They sent the pup ahead and then the two of them tried to divert our attention from their offspring. Each otter rose from the lake like a periscope and chattered at us trying to subvert our attention from the baby.

As we reach the full forested section of Kawnipi we are greeted by otters. The head of one of the parents can be seen in the distance

With no wind we made it in incredible time to the lush pine trees in the northern section. My dad remarked how glad he was to see the trees again. Trees are beautiful, but there is something about the stunted section of lake on the southern portion that yearns to me.

Perhaps it is the thought of the regeneration of the forest after catastrophe. It is soothing to know the Earth heals just like the human soul does with time after trauma and tragedy. The lake becomes a metaphor for the human condition. No matter how bad life can be at certain times, there is hope and regrowth.

The rebirth of a forest is also enlightening in of itself. We can do all sorts of messed up things to this Earth of ours, and if we leave it alone like Quetico, we can drink the water right from the lake, fish for trophy fish, and enjoy watching a family of river otter in their natural environment.

Sunshine and the way Quetico and the forest is supposed to look

I might also enjoy this section despite its meager scenic appeal because it is a great memory of time spent with my Dad. We had a tough trip up to this point, but his day was magical as we flew up the lake leaving the hordes of mosquitoes behind in the Falls Chain.

This picture you can see trees across the bay, but the burned out southern portion looms in the far distance

This post was supposed to be a submission to my photo of the day category. In order to inspire travel, I have been including a picture a couple of times a week to augment my regular posts. I was just going to write a paragraph about the top photo, but I just kept going. Quetico does that to me.

Stay tuned,

The goal of Traveling Ted TV is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).

Chicago River architectural boat cruise photo essay

travelingted — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:07:30 +0000

Willis, you will always be Sear's Tower to me

One of the standard tourist activities in Chicago which is a must is the architectural boat cruise down the Chicago River with Wendella. I live in Chicago and this is one of those items I do every time someone comes from out of town or I suggest for those coming for a visit.

I have toured the downtown area via the river twice through an architectural boat cruise and once by canoe. I would do either tomorrow in a heart beat, so it is as enjoyable for locals as it is for visitors. The first time I did the boat cruise, I listened intently to the narrator and learned the history of all the beautiful buildings and the history of the city and the river. This time I talked with friends and just watched the scenery.

Whether you want to learn about Chicago history and buildings, or if you want to tune it out, you will enjoy the tour either way. The cruise is also enjoyable rain or shine. The first time I went it was sunny and beautiful, and when I canoed the river it was hot and sunny. This time it was cloudy, rainy, and a little bleak, but the clouds provided interesting photos and did not dampen the spirit of the tour.

The tour begins down the stairs from the Wrigley Building

The tour meets at the Wrigley Building, which is located at 400 N. Michigan Avenue. Check groupons for frequent awesome deals on the trip. We bought our tickets for $18.00 with a free drink. For a different perspective, try the Chicago River by canoe or kayak (see the video near the top of the article). Boats can be rented via Kayak Chicago or the Chicago River Canoe and Kayak.

Chicago River with the Marina Towers to the left

Passing another boat along the Chicago River

The boat that left just before ours near the Wrigley Building

I don't know the names of these buildings as I was drinking and talking

The iconic Willis Tower as seen from the Chicago River

Interesting apartment building along the Chicago River

Chicago River

The turn around point near the confluence with Lake Michigan

For those who choose to listen, the narrator does a great job with the tour

Stay tuned,

A tourist in my hometown with the Chicago Windy City Tweet Up

travelingted — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:58:40 +0000

The Windy City Tweet Up at Exchequer Pizza on Wabash - Photo thanks to Jetting Around

This weekend Chicago played host to the Windy City Tweet Up. For those who do not know what a tweet up is, it is when a bunch of like minded individuals correspond on twitter together and decide to meet in person. After tweeting back and forth for sometimes years, you feel like you get to know the minds behind the avatars and the 140 characters.

This is how the Chicago Windy City Tweet Up evolved. A group of travel twitters had met online and got along so well they got together in person in Austin, Texas. They then decided to meet again in Chicago. They also decided to bring in some of the local travel bloggers, and this is how I entered the picture.

The Chicago Windy City Tweet Up cast of characters:

The flamboyant Lola DiMarco from Boston and the force behind Lola’s Travels

Lovely Lola from Lola's Travels

The Texas girl Leah who loves college football from Leah’s Travels

Leah sending a tweet on her smart phone saying something to the effect of how awesome it is to meet Traveling Ted

Raul from Ilivetotravel from Atlanta who could not wait to sample Chicago deep dish pizza

Finally someone who loves Chicago deep dish pizza as much as me

Aaron from the Adventures of Elatlboy from Detroit who is super driver and came in for the day commuting back and forth from the Motor City

Francesca from WorkmomTravels who was another local along with myself and Pola.

Aaron to the right with Francesca to the left and Leah

Pola writes and tweets as Jetting Around, and she did a great job of leading the troop.

Pola and Lola

Sometimes it can be fun to be a tourist in your own city, but sometimes it can be a drag being forced to go to places for the ninth and tenth time. I used to have to go to Cubs games every time someone arrived into the city. After going a couple of times a year to see a team I did not like, I put my foot down and no longer say yes to a team that has not won in over a century.

Fortunately, there are a lot of really cool things to do and places to see in Chicago that do not get old. For me Lake Michigan and the Chicago River are amazing and every time I see either one I crane my neck to get a better view. I was delighted to find that the tweet up group wanted to do the Wendella Architectural Boat Tour. An $18.00 Groupon with a free drink that became available a couple of weeks ago made it a reality. Good job Francesca on spotting that one.

Enjoying my free beer while Francesca and Leah react in the only way possible to someone drinking a free beer: With smiles - Photo courtesy of Jetting Around

Even with an ugly cloudy day, the boat cruise was a great time. A beautiful sunny day would have been preferable, but clouds make for interesting photos.

Chicago River boat cruise cruises on rain or shine

After the boat cruise was up it was time for Cloud Gate AKA the bean. Another novelty that is always fun to check out, the bean is a great people watching place. It is fun just to sit and watch people do silly things in the reflection as if they were the first to ever think of it before.

The Windy City tweet up doing the bean while Lola tweets about it on her smart phone

After the bean and the fountains at Milleneum Park, it was onward to the Palmer House for drinks and then Exchequer for Chicago deep dish pizza. It was first time I have been to Exchequer as usually it is Giordanos or Pizzeria Uno for me, but the Exchequer did the job.

The best part of the tweet up was talking about travel and blogging. The number one topic was your next trip. Another frequent discussion topic was what works in social media. These are topics not usually discussed with family and friends, so it was great to have these conversations face-to-face over a beer instead of in a dark room staring at the computer screen.

The lovely ladies of the Chicago Windy City Tweet Up

To be a travel blogger you have to have a somewhat exuberant personality. If you were dull, no one would want to read you. This group was definitely not boring as goofy photos were enacted, extravagant boas were brought out by the ladies, and cameras flashed non-stop all day. Chicago was lolafied, polafied, elatlboyified, leahfied, raulified, Francescafied, and Traveling Tedified. It may never be the same.

Stay tuned,

Munchen mag Dich (Munich likes you)

travelingted — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:43:40 +0000

Munich, Germany - Photo courtesy of Vagabundo

München mag Dich . Wherever you go in Munich, the capital city of Bavaria in Germany, be assured that you are guaranteed a great time. After all, ‚Munich likes you‘

In addition to its infamous motto, Munich is renowned as a financial, cosmopolitan, and publishing hub – but best of all, as a travel hub. Its airport could contend for the crown of the best international airport of Europe and it just could be the gateway for the best Bavarian experience of your life.

Munich bier photo courtesy of Vagabundo

After checking in to a quirky hotel (I recommend Hotel Eder…I bumped into Robbie Williams straight outside!), avoid dusting off the map and let the flow take you to the heart of Munich – the Marienplatz. Neues Rathaus stands proud with its decorative Glockenspiel. Try to appreciate it from one of the many cafes serving delicious Bratwurst and lots of yummy cake! If you are lucky, you may be serenaded by the many operatic musicians milling around.

Walk off the calories by partaking in one of the many free walking tours that start from Marienplatz; you are guaranteed to appreciate the history and architectural splendor of the center, particularly from the heights of St Paul’s Church overlooking the city that’s famous for its Oktoberfest Beer Festivals. Speaking of beer, head over to the Englischer Garten (English Garden) and sample many varieties in their massive beer halls. Remember to leave the beer goggles at home, or else you might find yourself frocked in overpriced lederhosen!

Inside a Munich museum - Photo courtesy of Vagabundo

Germans pride on their Bavarian Bratwurst, so don’t forget to hit up the markets and ask for samples. You may get bigger portions if you speak the lingo: always remember to say ‘bitte’ (‘please’) and ‘danke’ (‘thank you’).

Heading to Munich just for the weekend? Take advantage of 1 Euro Sundays at history museums, such as the Münchner Stadtmuseum, and art galleries housing famous works such as Alte Pinakothek.

There are absolutely hundreds of activities and sights to sample: visiting the BMW Museum, seeing ‘Take That’ in Olympia Park, or checking out the cool animals of Munich Zoo, to name a few.

Aside from the fun to be had in the city of Munich itself, it is also a gateway for very pleasant day trips out to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Stuttgart or even Prague. The possibilities are endless.

I love Munich - Photo courtesy of Vagabundo

Who knows, you may be sporting one of those famous I heart t-shirts…not to say I like Munich…but I LOVE Munchen!

Check out www.VagabundoMagazine.com for more travel tips and recommendations!

Author: Ed Rex is an Environmental Consultant, travel blogger and activities lover from UK currently working as an intern for www.VagabundoMagazine.com, you can check out his current travels at his blog, http://rexyedventures.com

Stay tuned,

Sukhothai ancient Thai Buddha

travelingted — Sat, 12 May 2012 16:46:35 +0000

Ancient image of Buddha at Sukothai in Thailand

Sukhothai is an ancient capital of Thailand, which translates to “dawn of happiness.” A very fitting name as any adventure traveler who finds themselves here will be happy no matter what time of the day they visit. The ideal way to visit the ancient city is by bicycle. Rent a bike in town for about a buck and you are good to go. Sukothai is found along the Bangkok to Chiang Mai train line. Get off at Phitsanolouk and get a bus to Sukhothai. The ancient village is about 12 kilometers from the actual town of Sukhothai, so another connection is needed. If you have trouble finding it just ask a local. They are used to farangs in this neck of the woods trying to find the ancient city.

Stay tuned,

An osprey surveys the inhospitable Pitch Lake in Trinidad

travelingted — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:05:50 +0000

An osprey surveys Pitch Lake in Trinidad

Pitch Lake in Trinidad & Tobago is sulfuric smelling giant parking lot. When I first laid eyes on this eyesore, I thought, where is the WalMart. The place grew on me as it is rather unique. Despite the lack of vegetation, there was an impressive array of bird life surrounding the lake. Vultures and ospreys are especially active on the shoreline, flying overhead, and even sitting in the middle of the lake.

Stay tuned,

My five bucket list killers

travelingted — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:17:57 +0000

Quetico Provincial Park also known as canoe country wilderness

Bucket lists are the rave in the adventure travel world these days. Everyone wants to make a list of where they want to go before they die and then tell everyone else whether they want to know or not. I am not exception as I have done the obligatory post.

I have also examined the subject from the opposite side. I have written about the travel experiences that I felt were most precious in my travel bucket. Today, I am writing about the almighty bucket and the subsequent list from a different perspective.

Great Smoky Mountain stream

This list compromises my bucket list killers. Looking at the title you may think I am talking about work, bad health, lack of money. Those would also be considered bucket killers, but who wants to write about such negative things.

These bucket list killers are the places I love so much that I keep going back again, again, and again. They keep me from applying check marks on my bucket list because I am addicted to these destinations. Is there a place you love so much? An old reliable that is your bucket list killer? Please tell us about it in the comment section below.

5. Quetico Provincial Park

Across the border in Ontario, Canada lies an amazing park also known as the canoe country wilderness. Vast lakes, granite rock outcroppings, pine forests, bald eagles, and great fishing characterize this swath of lakes and canoe trails along the U.S and Canadian border.

Shore lunch anyone?

I first canoed the Boundary Waters just south when I was in high school. Not soon after followed my first Quetico trip. I have been into Quetico about seven times since. I plan on going back soon to the detriment of some other place that I would like to go to before I die.

Quetico sunset

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most spectacular mountain section in the Appalachians, the Great Smoky Mountains are another place that really grabs you and keeps you coming back again and again. It is a backpackers heaven with hundreds of miles of trails with great tent and shelter camping.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The mountains are awesome in their own right, but the backcountry is just as fascinating. Mountain streams cascade through stands of rhododendron and thick hardwood forest.

I first hiked the Smoky Mountains at the tender age of ten. We got lost the first night and hiked the last couple of miles up to the Appalachian ridge in the dark. Our family was charged several times by a whitetail deer as we slowly made our way in the dark. Good thing it was not a bear.

A footbridge over a Great Smoky Mountain stream

Despite the precarious first trip, I have returned too many times to count. I have been to the Great Smoky Mountains over twenty times and look forward to my next hike. I will just make sure it is not in the dark.

The Everglades National Park

I think the Everglades is the only outdoor place I actually dreamed about after returning. I knew right then that I loved this place. It was not love at first sight though. I remember the first view I had of a canoe trail made me not want to even start the trip.

Florida Everglades mangrove swamp

We put our canoes in a mangrove swamp which had low lying trees that created a tunnel through the swamp. I envisioned spiders and snakes falling into our boat. We did not see one snake, but we saw many alligators and a ton of amazing birds. I have been to the Everglades four times. I look forward to my next trip in the swamps of Florida.

A roseatte spoonbill in front of white ibises in the Florida Everglades

Florida alligator

Ozark Scenic Riverways

This consists of the Jack’s Fork and Current River, but you could also throw in the Buffalo River in Arkansas as it is in the same general area. It has been awhile since I have been to this old friend, but I hope to get back soon. It used to be an April tradition.

Camping along the Current River in the Ozarks

The rivers are lovely with limestone cliffs, clear water, and dogwoods blooming in the spring. On one memorable trip we adopted the family dog Barney who was a stray in the campground in Arkansas.

The Wisconsin River

This is a staple of my existence. Last year was the first time I have not canoed this river in I cannot remember when. My first trip was also at age ten, and I am sure I have averaged one Wisconsin River outing per year.

Wisconsin River

This year will make up my absence last year as a post Memorial Day trip is already penciled in the calendar. The Wisconsin River is characterized by beautiful bluffs, verdant green forests lining the river, golden sandbars, and bald eagles, which seem to fly off of every dead tree.

Growing up in Chicago, the adventure travel is limited in the area. These are the best spots for outdoor adventure within a day’s drive, except for the Everglades, which is one reason why I keep going back.

Wisconsin River sandbar

Stay tuned,

A taste of the rainforest

travelingted — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:50:19 +0000

My experience with the rainforest - Flying over Corcovado in Costa Rica

Today’s guest post is a topic near and dear to my heart. One of my favorite ecosystems is the rainforest.

Rainforests are some of the most fascinating and diverse natural environments on Earth. They offer unique ecosystems, astounding natural beauty and a real sense of adventure for those who visit them.

Because of this, it is unsurprising that they are among the most popular destinations for travelers who are looking for something a bit more exciting than lounging on the beach or wandering through a city. These types of trips do pose more risks, though, so backpacker travel insurance can be a necessary precaution.

Rainforests have very specific conditions that make them suitable for the vast array of plant and animal life that they contain. They can be found across the world, on every continent except Europe and Antarctica, from the conventional picturesque rainforests of South America to the more surprising environs of Canada. The great rainforests of the world have plenty to offer for the intrepid visitor, but backpacker travel insurance is a must.

The Amazon Rainfores - Cesar Paes Barreto - Wikimedia Creativ Commons

The Amazon

Perhaps the world’s most famous rainforest is the Amazon in South America. Named after the biggest river on Earth, which snakes its way through this steamy and verdant forest, it covers 1.4 billion acres and spans most of the countries in South America with the majority found in Brazil, Peru and Colombia.

The Amazon represents over half of the planet’s remaining rainforests and is the most species-rich tropical forest in the world. For these reasons, among many others, the Amazon is one of the top rainforest destinations in South America and across the world.

Lush and green throughout, the Amazon gives visitors the chance to see many species, such as jaguars, tapirs and anaconda, which are found in few other places. The river itself is also a magnificent attraction, often reaching up to ten kilometres wide and is home to many species of fish and reptiles such as the piranha and the caiman.

Ecuador Cloud Forest

Elsewhere in South America, the cloud forest of Ecuador is another major attraction for nature fans and is a truly fascinating natural environment. It gets its name from the fact that the forest’s climate and location mean that it is regularly hidden in low-level cloud.

Exploring these forests is a real expedition but visitors are rewarded with the chance to see many different species of flora and fauna. One of the main bases for exploring Ecuador’s cloud forest is the rural parish of Mindo, which is a rapidly-growing eco-tourism spot.

Ecuador cloud forest - Wikimedia Creative Commons courtesy Lion Hirth

Canada

For a more unconventional rainforest experience, MacMillan Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada, is quite different to anything that you would find in the southern hemisphere.

Situated on the western shore of Cameron Lake, the forest is ancient and is home to species such as the black bear, cougar and elk. In addition, perhaps the biggest attraction of this peculiar northern rainforest is Cathedral Grove, a 150-hectare stand of old-growth Douglas firs which draws visitors from across Canada and beyond.

Japan

Japan may also appear to be a strange rainforest destination but Yakushima Island, to the south of Kyushu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its rainforest credentials are clear – it is Japan’s wettest place.

In terms of biodiversity, it also doesn’t disappoint as it is the largest nesting ground for loggerhead turtles in the North Pacific, as well as home to deer, red-bottomed macaques and Tanuki, or Japanese raccoon dogs. Its unparalleled and somewhat mystical atmosphere has provided the inspiration or setting for a number of films and books.

Thanks again for the guest post. My favorite rainforest not listed is Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica. Where is yours?

Stay tuned,

Corcovado National Park coastline at low tide

travelingted — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:58:15 +0000

Corcovado coast near Sirena Ranger Station

This picture comes from Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula near Sirena Station. Coconut trees line the edge of the most lush jungles in the world. This beach is no swimming beach as crocodiles and bull sharks patrol these waters. Thunderclouds line the horizon as September is the beginning of the rainy season in Costa Rica.

Stay tuned,

Book Review: Hypertravel by Hardie Karges

travelingted — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:53:46 +0000

Photo courtesy of Hardie Karges

Hypertravel by Hardie Karges is the story of one person’s crazy goal to visit 100 countries in two years. Every adventure traveler has their own style of traveling. Hypertravel as a form of travel may not appeal to everyone, but all travelers or people who like to read about travel will enjoy reading the book.

Two variables that differ greatly from one traveler to the next is how long do you stay in one place and do you revisit old favorites or move on. It is obvious from the first sentence of this post and the title of the book that Hardie Karges is not someone who stays long in one place. Anyone who has a goal of visiting every single country will not be able to revisit too many old haunts.

Photo courtesy of Hardie Karges

This type of travel is the opposite of what I usually enjoy. I prefer to stay in one place and get to know a destination a little better. Plus, I am guilty of re-visiting old favorites instead of pressing on to new countries and experiences.

If you share my travel habits, it does not mean you should not read Hardie’s effort. In Hypertravel, Hardie shares a vignette or two about each country on his quest for 100. Of course he could not share more because if he did, Hypertravel would reach War and Peace length.

Photo courtesy of Hardie Karges

The benefit of this style of travel for the reader is with a subject of 100 countries to choose from, the reader will find inspiration from at least one country Hardie has visited and want to learn more about it. Perhaps, this book will be the impetus for your next trip and a new country.

For me, I was intrigued from his chapter on Ethiopia. His narrative paints the picture that it is a big beautiful country with beautiful people and a diversity of scenery and flora and fauna. There is good reason the Ethiopia sector is so compelling. I had to ask Hardie what his favorite country is. When someone has been to over 100, it is the obvious first question.

Ethiopia - photo courtesy of Hardie Karges

His reply was Ethiopia. He goes on to explain: “I look for both nature and culture when I travel and, while some of the landscape in Ethiopia is a bit distressed, the beauty of the culture easily makes up for it. There’s not just beauty there, either, but an incredible and glorious history to witness, too, almost as ancient as the Chinese in a continuous progression from past to present. Ethiopia is like a living window into the past…and the present is not so bad either, much better than the famine years of a decade or so ago.”

Another plus about the book, with a 100 different countries written about, there is sure to be a section in which every traveler can identify with. When reading travel books, it is nice to read about new areas you have not been to, but it is also interesting to read about places where you have been in order to see what a different set of eyes thinks about the same places you have visited.

Photo courtesy of Hardie Karges

I recently returned from Trinidad & Tobago, and I enjoyed his section on the twin island Republic. He even had the same exact impression as I did about the street doubles makers. We both independently compared them to DJs.

Since Hardie is constantly on the road, the road is a frequent subject in the stories. This book is not about visiting the Eiffel Tower or any other seven wonder. This book is about the logistics of getting from one country to the next. This book is about finding bus and plane connections, finding free wi-fi spots, and which countries have good coffee and which do not. Any traveler knows that these sometimes mundane aspects of the trip make up as much about journey as the end goal.

Travel is more about the journey than the destination itself. Speaking of the journey, I asked Hardie what he learned from his travels that he did not expect to learn.

He answered: “That’s an interesting question, because on the surface of it, there was no intentional learning process intended whatsoever, and that, I think, IS the lesson, that sometimes things are best revealed when least intended. I’d been struggling to find my voice my voice as a writer for some years whether in poetry or screenplays or fiction, while never really considering travel writing as a genre worthy of serious effort. I always took my travels seriously, though, as probably the best moments of my life, and I always regarded it as a serious way of life as much or more than a one-off fling or a gap-year interlude before resigning and consigning myself back to the “real world.” That world “out there” IS the real world and it’s my job to write about it. I know that now.

Photo courtesy of Hardie Karges

The biggest goal of this website is to inspire others to travel. Reading Hypertravel did that for me. There were times while Hardie was on an all night bus trip through Mali when he was the only foreigner on board that I felt like getting out my backpack and hitting the road.

Hardie has a website, blog, and an Amazon page. Check out his blog and see if his writing style appeals to you. If his book interests you, it can be ordered from any of the three links in this paragraph.

Stay tuned,