Last Thanksgiving, I spent 3 magical days in Taiwan’s Alishan region hiking through sacred cypress forests, exploring the enchanting abandoned Mianyue Trail railway, and collecting heartwarming wisdom from the friendliest Taiwanese aunties. From millet donuts in Fenqihu to foggy sunrise views, here’s my complete Alishan adventure experience.
From Instagram inspiration to actual ice axes – my honest review of American Alpine Institute’s Mt Baker mountaineering course. Six days of learning self-arrest, crevasse rescue, and glacier camping, plus whether AAI’s Alpinism 1 is worth it for complete beginners like me.
We hiked the Routeburn Track in two unforgettable days, soaking in everything from mossy goblin forests to sweeping alpine panoramas (and a kea with serious stage presence). This post covers our full trip report – mileage, logistics, hut tips, birds, waterfalls, and one extremely scenic detour that made us feel like kings of Middle-earth. If you’re curious whether Routeburn lives up to the hype – spoiler: it does – this is for you.
Think of it as the greatest hits of New Zealand’s wilderness, packed into one wildly beautiful hike. Bonus: dehydrated meals that slap and canyoning FOMO near the finish line.
Discover a beginner-friendly backpacking adventure in Washington’s lush Hoh Rainforest, complete with fawn sightings, mossy trees, and glacier-blue rivers. Plus, unwind with easy day trips on the Olympic Peninsula. A 4-day escape that’s equal parts hiking, relaxing, and nature-nerding out!
Curious about the iconic Chamonix to Zermatt trek? Here’s my full 11-day Haute Route hiking review, covering trail conditions, huts, scenery, and surprises—from fog and fondue to alpine passes and postcard views.
Kumano Kodo 4-day Itinerary at a Glance For more details on the trip planning, please see this post. Now, let’s dive into the trip! Day 0: Planes, Trains, and Local Mikan Two of us flew into Osaka, where we rendezvoused with a friend coming in from Tokyo. Our mission: the ancient, sacred Kumano Kodo trail….
Honest review of a 3-day Camí de Ronda hike: off-season charm, coastal views, rainy surprises, and what we’d do differently next time.