Trippin' For Kinetic Stimulus

Below are some places that I've had the privilege to explore that might be of interest to those that enjoy the backcountry. While I've been to New Zealand, Paris, and Costa Rica, I don't have much to add in the way of story or pics other than "JUST GO!". I would like to explore the backcountry of New Zealand one day. Other places at the top of my wish list:

• Travel from Portugal and work my way to Italy, exploring the countryside & mountains.
• A Portuguese speaking country in Africa, perhaps in & around Equatorial Guinea.
• I hear nothing but great things about Vietnamese hospitality & cuisine. The beaches & jungles are intriguing.
• The mountains & beaches of Japan. My first visit was in November. It was a great experience but cities aren't my jam.

Arizona

This has been my primary playground for all my life. Sedona is a popular spot for a good reason. West Clear Creek is a cool oasis in the middle of the desert. Marble Canyon is a cool 1-2 night paddle down the Colorado.

The Grand Canyon

It's a shame that it took me until my 40's to hike this natural wonder of the world. I never seriously considered that hiking the canyon was a possibility due to hearing how difficult it was to procure a permit. I thought that was for those with more time & money. If your schedule is a bit flexible, then I recommend visiting the Backcountry Information Center and chatting up the rangers. Just have an itinerary or two ready since the rangers will not play tour guide for you. With a bit of luck, you might get something along the main corridor. If not, there are plenty of off-corridor routes & sites which won't have as nice of ammeneties but make up for in more solitude if that is appealing:

• Hermit Creek
• Horseshoe Mesa
• Granite Falls via Bright Angel
• South Canyon Trail

Arizona Trail (AZT) (2020)

With covid craziness in full swing, I figured it a perfect time to get out there away from the madness and to harness that sweet prana. I started southbound (SOBO) late August and made it the the southern terminus early October. Thru-hiking a long trail is a crazy fun adventure. At just under 800 miles, the AZT is considerably shorter to the likes of the AT, PCT, and CDT. However, the AZT packs a lot of punch & variety for its weight. If thru-hiking the whole enchilada is too much to digest, then I highly recommend 2-5 day section hikes:

• Miller Peak passage 1 late spring / early summer
• Saguaro & Mt Lemmon passages 8-11 spring & fall
• Gila River & Superstitions passages 15-19 in the spring
• Mazatzal Wilderness passages 22-25 any time except summer
• Mogollon Rim passages 26-28 during monsoon season if like it spicy
• Flagstaff passages 29-34 in summer to escape the heat

Pacific Northwest (PNW)

I took my time driving to the Pacific Northwest in June 2022. This place is special in that you can go from the sea, to rain forest, to glacier in such a short time. While not in the PNW, some places along the way that I'd like to visit again are the San Juans in Colorado, Flaming Gorge in Utah, and Glacier National Park in Montana.

• Tour of Olympic Peninsula
• Enchanted Valley
• Ozette Beach
• Mt Baker
• Lake Ann

Colorado

You probably don't need me to tell you that Colorado is an outdoor lover's paradise. Hermit's Rest is pretty interesting. Maroon Bells makes for a nice 2-3 night loop. Being the tallest peak in the state, lots of people like to bag Longs Peak. With plenty of dispersed camping options, Silverton is probably my favorite area. Can take an old train from Durango up there and do sections of the Colorado Trail.