Many people believe Mt. Shasta has supernatural powers, from the Native Americans known as the Shasta to the multitude of residents that make their home near the volcano today. Adherents to Hinduism, New Age beliefs and Buddhist monks are drawn to the volcano's serenity and imposing presence. So are outdoor enthusiasts, because at 14,200 feet Shasta is the 2nd largest volcano in the Cascades- so high most of the time is creates its own weather. The Japanese religion of Shugendo, Lao Tsu and Hinduism all had it right- this mountain, like many other striking skyscrapers of stone, has some sort of spiritual energy that is hard to describe. I find anything on earth described as "Super-Natural" hard to swallow, as the separation between the spiritual and the physical realm is a western concept I have long ... read more

After Stewart Springs, I ventured through the remaining miles of California. This is where a simple idea such as a "road trip" turns into something very different, where whole governments and people change while the landscape remains the same. It was almost like going uphill, the dry and expansive Pacific Coast I know in California became intimate and lush. The terrain was defined by forested hills and large but distant volcanos. My destination? The mythical National Park of Crater Lake. Crater Lake is easy to understand. Imagine a massive volcano much like Mt. Ranier- 4000 meters high and covered with glaciers- violently exploding. The hollow foundation of the giant then fills with the abundant snow of the North American Pacific Coast. Sheer 600 meter cliffs ring the surface of the lake, which is 1800 meters high. ... read more

It's hard to refuse 4 days and 4 nights of SCUBA diving the warm water of California's southern Channel Islands. Being a live-aboard ship, all food and accomodations are taken care of. The only thing we had to worry about is how many dives to do per day, 2, 3 or 4? Exactly how long should I lay in the sun on the upper deck? Should I have a second serving of cake or dive with the spearfisherman? Should I do a night dive, or maybe I should wake up early and be the only one besides the captain to see the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean Wilderness. Leaving from the Santa Barbara Harbor on the Californian Riviera, the Truth Aquatics vessel was equipped for another epic journey. This was my second year on the trip, ... read more

Santiago was first seen by European eyes in 1540. Northern terminus of the great Valle Central, Santiago is at once cultural, political and financial heart of Chile. Over 6 million people call Santiago their home, and even a brief visit to the city you can see why. Great weather, amazing views, restaurants, parks and museums. All the things a great city has can be found here, but with the backdrop of perfect Mediterranean weather and towering mountains. The roaring Mapocho River that runs through town is like the heart of Santiago itself, constantly in a rush to meet the future. I had 4 days here after the 9 days in Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales. A time to relax, drive to the beach and visit the Termas Colinas hot spring in the Andes. Because my ... read more

With 3 days left in the park, I had some hard choices to make. Not hard choices like looking for a new job, breaking up with my girlfriend or buying a new car- after all I was on vacation! My choices were more along the lines of where I should hike to next, Lago Grey or Lago Nordenskjöld? I chose the latter. Salto Grande was impressive, but the short hike to the overlook puts one closer to the Cuernos del Paine and the giant massif of Cumbre Principal than anywhere else in the park. Like most National Parks less than 10% of people hike further than the major attraction, in this case Salto Grande. What awaited 30 minutes walk away from the Salto was just what I wanted, more solitude. I soon discovered I wasn't alone. ... read more