Why live a life that’s perceived as mad? This summer I stood at over 15,000 feet in a thunderstorm on a Mexican volcano. Twelve hours previously, I slept soundly in my Bay Area home at sea level. With thunder cascading…
Climbing Ixta & the Mexican Volcanoes
Mexico City has the best high mountain access in North America. Three volcanoes over 15,000’ lie within 50 miles of Mexico City: 1) Nevado de Toluca at 15,390 feet, 2) Iztaccihuatl (Ixta) at 17,159’, and 3) Popocatepetl (Popo) at 17,887 feet. Orizaba,…
World Class Destinations: Cairo & Istanbul
One of the great joys in life is seeing something in person that you’ve studied. Visiting a world class, historic landmark brings the geography, human ingenuity, and often years of struggle to life. It adds depth. It gives perspectives often…
Mission Impossible & Thames Path
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation features locations like Vienna, Casablanca, and London. The London scenes feature Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, and Simon Pegg. London also features the Thames Path including Tower of London, Parliament, and Tower Bridge. Unbeknownst to me, I…
World Class Climb: Scafell Pike, Wasdale Head, & the Lake District
What area inspired the writings of William Wordsworth, Samuel Coleridge, & Beatrix Potter? England’s Lake District with its glacial carved valleys, chiseled mountains, and lakes is England’s most scenic spot. I recently climbed England’s tallest Peak and camped beside one…
Place of the Week: Nevado de Toluca
I’m starting a weekly entry featuring a short note about my favorite adventure spots. Nevado de Toluca is Mexico’s 4th highest mountain and at 15,350 feet (4680m) is higher than any US peak in the lower 48. It is a dormant volcano…
Thames Path: Step Through History in London
The US designates 11 National Scenic Trails. England & Wales protect fifteen National Trails. Protected UK National Trails feature Hadrian’s Wall, the Lake District, & the Devon & Cornwall coastline. The Thames Path is the most accessible National Trail. Its…