Destinations & Things To Do
Day 78: Bandages, Booze, and Bud
One of the earned reputations of the Appalachian Trail is that it is a party trail. We have not encountered that until today. People have been generous, respectful, and quiet after hiker midnight.
The post Day 78: Bandages, Booze, and Bud appeared first on The Trek.
“Your love, lifting me higher
Than I’ve ever been lifted before
So keep it it up
Quench my desire
And I’ll be at your side
Forevermore
You know your love
Keep on lifting me
Higher
Higher and higher”
– “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher – Jackie Wilson
- Hiked Today: 15.2 miles
- Appalachian Trail (1,859.3-1,861.4, 1,861.9-1,868.1, 1,868.7-1,870.2, & 1,870.7-1,874.1)
- Eisenhower Alt. (0.7 mile)
- Jefferson Alt. (0.6 mile)
- Adams Alt. (0.7 mile)
- Total Hiked: 3,807.3 miles
- Total Paddled: 99.5 miles
Weather: 48 – 68°F, mostly sunny, some puffy clouds, quite perfect again!
Elevation: 2,484 – 6,288 feet
Nauman Tentsite to Osgood “Ballroom” Tentsite
5:10 am – Alarm sounded. I did my routine a little differently since my food was down in the bear locker. Rather than go retrieve it and come back up (it was a short ways), I packed everything up by the tent and then moved down to do the final organizing. I had my fudge flavored PopTart while throwing things in my pack. Several others were up cooking what looked mostly like oatmeal and coffee.
5:47 am – I finalized my stretching and said a quiet “happy trails.” Walking out of camp, I went by the Mizpah Hut and found where the trail continued. It was a steep bedrock slab and boulder scramble up. The weather was the best yet, calm, bright, and open sunshine. Birds were singing loud down at camp, but as I went higher up the sounds that stood out more were my pounding heart and sucking in and out of air, squeaks from my pack, clothing rubbing, and the gripping and slipping of my shoes below.
Things leveled out after less than a half mile and as has been the trend, the flatter terrain brought mud and rotting boardwalks.
6:08 am – I had my first slip of the day, but caught myself from falling down. The trail started going up, but gradual. Then, ten minutes later I reached the mostly tree covered Mount Pierce at 4,310 feet elevation. Moving on, there was a wide open view of what lay ahead. The photo is blinded by the sun, but I could see it all clearly. It was pretty much alpine going forward so there were nonstop views.
I decided to do the side trip off the AT to the top of Mount Eisenhower. It was a steep, but nicely maintained trail going up.
7:08 am – I got to the top of Eisenhower, which had a flat circular area with 360 degree views.
I decided to skip the Monroe alternate and stay on the AT. I’ll admit, I was a little worn out after the high elevation floor exercising. And I was happy with my choice because the trail was beautiful and flat and just straight pleasant. I wrapped around the peak instead of up and over and then got a view of the famous Appalachian Mountain Club Lakes of the Clouds Hut!
At the foot of Mt. Washington, it is easy to see why this is such a popular well-known place. When I entered, all the folks were leaving to start there hikes after finishing breakfast. I asked about getting my free baked good (this comes with the thru-hiker pass) and was told that if I don’t mind waiting about fifteen or twenty minutes they will set leftovers out. Hot dang, I thought, that sounded lovely.
I hung out for over an hour and eventually asked if they were going to set any food out. I guess they sort of forgot and really there wasn’t much, a bowl of scrambled eggs. To most, it might’ve looked like a sad bowl of cold scrambies, but I was still stoked about it. Plus in all that time waiting, I had coffee in an actual mug and got to talk with a nice couple who had a Mt. Kilimanjaro guiding company. Thru-hikers Pony Boy and Swamp Foot also showed up and it was fun to see them again. It was nice.
Still hungry though, I made oatmeal outside and then finally got going. I didn’t see myself staying two hours, but hey, it’s the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. Got to give it some time, right? And I had a big climb ahead, so wasn’t super keen on getting going with that. It wasn’t so bad though… these parts of the trail that are so well traveled are actually maintained haha.
Mountain Washington is the tallest mountain in New Hampshire at 6,288 feet elevation. There is a train that brings visitors to the top and I believe an auto road, although I wasn’t sure where they parked because I didn’t see any cars. There was a cafeteria and a post office and a line of tourists for getting a photo with the summit sign. I happened to jump in line right behind Bamboo and Sakura and their friends, so when it came there turn, I just asked if they wanted to do a group shot.
I had only hiked about 6 miles in about 6 hours. Feeling the pull to get scooting, I hauled on my pack and started. Unfortunately, a ways ahead, I realized I did not check the water situation ahead. It was sparse and I should have filled up at the cafeteria area. I wasn’t backtracking for it though and told myself I’d ration. And so I did. And I switched it up to not have a sit down lunch today, but just snack and keep ‘er moving.
The path of peaks next up were laid out in glorious sunshine…
Still close to Washington, the trail crossed over the tracks for the cog railway and I got to witness the four brightly colored cars coming down. The folks inside were waving and seemed to be having a cheery ole time…
Already today I had the opportunity to split off the AT to climb up a nearby peak via a side trail. Going forward there were even more chances for this. I skipped the first, Mount Clay, opting to bypass it and stay on the AT. But the next one, Mt. Jefferson, I scrambled up to the top. According to FarOut, it’s the third highest in New Hampshire at 5,712 feet elevation…
The elusive Martiodrilus Crassus, otherwise known as the Franconia Rainbow Worm… only known to be found between the elevations of 5,500-5,555 feet in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Next up was Mount Adams, New Hampshire’s second tallest at 5,774 feet. I figured I’d make it a thing and get the top three big boys. My water situation wasn’t looking good though and as I neared the cutoff for Adams, I made the decision to just head straight for the next hut. Just then, I found a little trickling stream though, so problem averted. Onwards to the top!
This was the “trail” to the top. In actuality, it’s just a series of cairns and choose your own adventure as to how you get up
There were two or three other groups of hikers up at the top with me. And, back at Jeffy, there were some too. Folks probably were curious what I was up to with my timed photos. You all are probably curious too, why!? Yeah, I don’t know. When the inspiration hits, you don’t question it haha.
I stopped in and got my free soup! The creamy tomato was superb and I stayed longer than I’d planned again. I think it might’ve been an hour and a half or longer. The weather was so good today that I wasn’t worrying about getting up and over the last peak or anything. Instead, I tried to convince myself that if I got into camp late today it was fine. No worries. Go with the flow. Be the mountain you want to climb.
5:00 pm – I started hiking again with Mountain Madison looming above me. It was a steep scramble following cairns again, but I was feeling strong. Maybe there was some super food strength from the soup?
Up until this point I had a pretty wonderful day going. I think that probably came across in this novel of a post (my apologies for the extreme length of this one). Descending Madison was a struggle though and I got more than a little frustrated with the trail designers and maintainers. Well, I should make clear, not the actual folks out there doing trail work because they’re top notch people and I have huge respect for all they do! I get the feeling this is more a management decision not to put time and resources into trying to maintain such a rugged section.
Truthfully, there is no trail down from Madison. Like the way up, it is just a string of cairns that are hard to see at times and regardless, in between them is a jumbled up field of steep jagged boulders. It’s madness and it’s dangerous. I digress though.
I eventually made it down to the Osgood Campsite and found a wood platform to set up on. It might’ve been around 7:00 pm. There was no host at this one. I got the feeling that I had left the popular parts of the Whites behind and this corner gets neglected. I did meet section hiker Spider though and we chatted some before stuffing my face, hiding all the smelly items in the storage locker, and scrambling inside the tent. Another exhausting, but undeniably awesome day!
Albums of the Day:
“The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place” (2003) – Explosions In The Sky
“American Primeval” (2025) – Explosions In The Sky
Thanks for joining on the journey! It means a lot that you took the time to read up on these adventures. If you want to help kids get access to the outdoors, a cause that means a lot to me, please help me in supporting Outdoors Empowerment Network! The “Tip Author” button is a direct link to my fundraising page. Y’all are truly amazing. Thank you!
Destinations & Things To Do
China Expands Visa Free Access To Top Destinations Like Bahrain, Bahamas, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia And Many More: How The Global Tourism Will Be Impacted
Sunday, July 27, 2025
In 2025 Chinese passport has joint the list of passports people can holder have access to travel without or with visa on arrival in 83 countries, which include some popular countries like: Thailand, Qatar, the Maldives, Albania and Singapore. This is a game changer in global migration and it is made possible by increasing diplomatic clout from China which means that the latter is able to enjoy more mobility of its citizens. The Henley Passport Index reports that China sits at 60th position amongst passports in the world based on the strength of the passport, a striking improvement from the past and providing the Chinese more visa free or visa-on-arrival destinations than in previous years.
This broadened mobility is expected to be a potential force not only for reinforcing Chinese outbound tourism but also for shifting international travel patterns. China’s increased propensity to travel will have several implications, as the country starts opening more travel destinations. Among the most significant impacts on the countries providing visa free access, it will increase overall visitor numbers, which will be beneficial for their travel sectors.
China’s Rank at the Henley Passport Index in 2025
The Henley Passport Index ranks China 60th in its 2025 index, reflecting a noticeable improvement in the travel freedom of Chinese citizens. This enhanced mobility allows Chinese passport holders to visit more countries without needing a visa, showcasing China’s growing influence and global relations. Compared to previous years, when Chinese passports were more restricted, the increased number of visa free destinations now enables easier travel to several countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
China’s rise in the Henley Passport Index is directly linked to its expanded diplomatic efforts and economic influence globally. As China strengthens ties with countries worldwide, Chinese citizens are reaping the benefits through more accessible travel options.
Countries Offering Visa Free Access to Chinese Passport Holders
As of 2025, Chinese passport holders can travel visa free or with visa-on-arrival access to 83 countries. This includes key destinations that have strategic agreements with China, offering easier access to some of the world’s most popular tourist locations. Here are some notable countries where Chinese citizens can travel without a visa: Bahrain, Bahamas, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Armenia, Serbia, Bolivia, Belarus, Cuba and many more.
These countries are among the many now open to Chinese passport holders, reflecting China’s strengthened diplomatic and economic ties with nations across the globe. This expanded access encourages Chinese travellers to explore a wider range of destinations, contributing to a shift in global tourism patterns.
Impact of China’s Visa Free Access on Global Tourism
The visa free access granted to Chinese passport holders is set to have a profound impact on global tourism. With China being one of the largest outbound tourism markets in the world, the increased number of accessible countries will lead to more Chinese tourists visiting international destinations. Countries such as Thailand and Singapore will likely see a surge in Chinese arrivals, bolstering their local economies through spending on accommodation, transportation, and attractions.
On the other hand, countries that have not yet opened their borders to Chinese tourists may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. As Chinese travellers gain easier access to a growing number of destinations, nations without visa-friendly policies may lose out on a significant portion of this lucrative market. Therefore, countries eager to attract Chinese tourists must reconsider their visa regulations to stay competitive in the tourism industry.
The opening of borders to Chinese passport holders also has the potential to diversify global tourism. With more destinations available, Chinese travellers may seek out new, unique experiences in countries that were previously less accessible. This could shift global travel trends, with countries offering unique attractions or cultural experiences seeing a rise in Chinese visitors.
Future Trends and the Role of China in Global Tourism
Looking to the future, the broadening of visa free access to Chinese passport holders is anticipated to continue to stimulate global tourism. The number of countries that grant visa free or visa-on-arrival access or electronic travel authority to Chinese citizens will presumably grow as China develops its diplomacy. This factor of increased mobility with regard to outbound travel will create and augment large travel opportunities for the Chinese, and sustain the long-term trend of China’s outbound tourism growth.
Also, the growing influx of Chinese tourists is expected to raise the stakes for tourist destinations competing for this affluent group. Those countries that can make it as easy as possible for the Chinese to visit will potentially gain massively in economic terms. On the other hand, countries that fail to adapt could be left behind in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic travel markets.
Conclusion
China’s passport now provides visa free access or visa-on-arrival access to 83 countries, representing a significant shift in global tourism dynamics. With China ranked 60th in the Henley Passport Index, the increasing number of nations granting access to its citizens positions Chinese travellers to play a pivotal role in shaping the global tourism landscape. This expanded mobility not only offers substantial benefits to Chinese passport holders but also presents new opportunities for international destinations, influencing travel patterns and behaviours in the years to come.
There’s a reason stargazers love the Perseids. The meteor shower can spark up to 100 shooting stars per hour at peak during prime viewing years, with numerous sightings of eye-popping fireballs—the name for especially vivid and colorful meteors that can reach the same luminosity as Venus.
The Perseids, which peak in August, do come with a slight hitch: the 86-percent illuminated moon will hinder the shower’s view. But that’s no reason to skip it. Instead, rethink your Perseid-viewing plan.
Read on for your 2025 strategy to catch the buzzed-about Perseids, along with other interstellar marvels that will join them, from concurrent meteor showers to the year’s best views of the Milky Way.
What’s the Best Time to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in 2025?
This year’s Perseids runs from July 17 to August 23 and will peak overnight from August 12 to 13. Typically, it’s best to view a meteor shower during the stretch of highest activity, but that’s not the case this year. The meteor shower crescendos just three days after the full moon. Since lunar light pollution will hide the milder meteors, only the brightest shooting stars and fireballs will be visible.
That’s why many backyard astronomers are switching gears and watching the Perseids off-peak, in the nights and weeks leading up to that August 12 to 13 timeframe. July 29 into 30 is particularly promising, as the moon is only a quarter full, it sets around midnight (right when the Perseids action kicks into gear), and this coincides with other active meteor showers.
Improve Your Perseids View with Other Meteor Showers
While the Perseids won’t produce a flurry of 50 to 100 shooting stars in late July and early August, the timing does provide the chance to watch for four meteor showers in one night, including two that will peak from July 29 to 30.
Here are the four coinciding summer meteor showers, including when to watch, what to look for, and where you’ll see them in the sky (also known as the radiant). I recommend downloading a stargazing app for night-sky navigation.
- Alpha Capricornids: July 3 to August 15
- Peak: July 29 to 30
- Look near: Capricornus constellation low in the southeast sky
- You’ll see: A mild shower with only around five meteors per hour during peak, but the potential for some dramatic fireballs.
- Southern Delta Aquariids: July 18 to August 12
- Peak: July 29 to 30
- Look near: Aquarius constellation low in the southern sky
- You’ll see: Around seven meteors per hour under dark skies. To note: This one’s best viewed in the southern hemisphere and the southern part of the northern hemisphere.
- Perseids: July 17 to August 23
- Peak: Aug 12 to 13
- Look near: Perseus constellation in the northeast sky
- You’ll see: Up to 100 meteors per hour under pristine conditions, although fewer are expected in 2025 due to the bright moon. Watch for fireballs, too.
- Eta Eridanids: July 31 to Aug 19
- Peak: Aug 7 to 8
- Look near: Eridanus constellation low in the southeast sky
- You’ll see: A minor shower with about three fast meteors per hour at peak.
How to Watch a Meteor Shower: Tips and Tricks
Admiring a meteor shower requires a bit of planning, from choosing a strategic viewpoint to pinpointing red flags to avoid.
1. Avoid light pollution.
Just like with aurora hunting, you’ll want to avoid light pollution when chasing meteor showers. The show gets most active and brilliant under inky skies; that’s why I’m planning to watch the sky confetti from an inky lake in New York’s Adirondacks, followed by Quebec’s Mont-Mégantic, the first DarkSky Reserve in the world. Try a resource like this light pollution map to find a dark-sky viewing place close to home.
2. Shield the moon.
If you do choose to pursue the Perseids at peak, use something—your hand, a folder, a blanket—to shield your eyes from the moon. It won’t fix the situation, but it will help you retain your night vision.
3. Use a red-light flashlight.
Speaking of night vision, it’s important to dim your phone (or use this red-screen trick) and either wrap your bright-white flashlight in red cellophane or invest in a red-light lamp. Red light is easier on our eyes at night; after exposure to white beams, or a full-glow smartphone screen, our eyes require around 30 minutes to readjust to the dark.
4. Look for wide-open vistas.
Since the shooting stars could appear all over the sky, it’s wise to choose a lookout point with minimal overhead obstructions. Instead of a thick forest, for example, scout for a hilltop, desert, or field with clear sky views.
5. Consider air quality.
Unfortunately, wildfires have wreaked havoc on the Southwest’s national parks this summer. The correlating smoke is bad for your health, and its haze can obscure your night-sky views. Keep an eye on air quality updates and consider another viewpoint if thick wildfire smoke is in the forecast.
Where to See the Perseids
In most cases, like with the Perseids, the best viewing stretches from around midnight until dawn. That means you’ll be out and about into the wee hours of the morning—unless you strategize your sleep. I aim for campgrounds, glamping sites, and even low-light hotels located within an area with minimal light pollution.
And there are plenty of prime meteor-shower accommodations still available (as of publication) throughout North America, whether you’re heading out for the July 29 to 30 timing, the August 12 to 13 Perseids peak, or both.
1. ULUM Moab, Utah
In late 2023, light pollution authority DarkSky International launched a new program to certify accommodations that protect their pristine nightscapes. ULUM Moab, a glamping getaway set 40 miles south of Arches National Park, is one of the organization’s first DarkSky-certified lodges. This stamp-of-approval means you can catch the night sky marvels, from the Milky Way to the dimmer Perseids, right from camp. Or, watch the wonder nearby at Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. Suites run from $549 per night; for a less-expensive option, try Under Canvas Moab (from $199), another DarkSky-certified glamping location in Moab.
2. Hébergement aux Cinq Sens, Quebec
In 2007, Quebec’s Mont-Mégantic National Park became the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, and it’s become one of Canada’s best-known astronomy spots. Hébergement aux Cinq Sens (from $98), a collection of tiny homes and yurts, lies in the heart of this pine-dotted park, which offers dozens of hiking trails for daytime adventure. It’s a great Perseids basecamp, with wide-open gathering spaces from the hotel grounds and quick access to the park’s sky-watching hub, the ASTROLab, just 16 miles away.
3. Hell Creek Campground, Montana
Nabbing a campsite in Glacier National Park may be trying, but out east, Montana’s remote and inky-sky campground options abound. Try Hell Creek Campground (from $37.50 per night), located in a scenic recreational area along angling haven Fort Peck Lake. The property offers dozens of campsites with virtually zero light pollution and wide-open sky views above the still water and distant peaks.
4. Bruneau Dunes State Park, Idaho
Camp in southern Idaho’s Bruneau Dunes State Park, a DarkSky-certified destination with an onsite public observatory and North America’s tallest single-structured sand dune. The park has two main campgrounds with unobstructed celestial views: Broken Wheel and Eagle Cove (from $25). Both have plenty of availability for the mid-August Perseids peak, with the chance to enjoy shooting stars by night and sandboarding under the sun.
5. Buffalo National River, Arkansas
The Buffalo National River draws paddlers with 135 scenic miles of undammed water. Come dusk, this DarkSky Park is also a favorite among astronomy enthusiasts, with pristine nightscapes and plenty of camping options to admire the heavens. Thick oak and hickory forests do make it tough to watch for meteors in some overnight spots, but Tyler Bend Campground (from $20) is a smart option with relatively minimal forest cover and plenty of summer availability.
6. Beaver Island Retreat, Michigan
Last year, State Wildlife Research Area on Beaver Island became Michigan’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary, and the Lake Michigan getaway has a host of potential sky sights on offer. Pass your pre-shower hours with birding, paddling, or lake snorkeling. When it’s time to catch the show, stay overnight just north of the sanctuary, at glamping hub Beaver Island Retreats (from $249), where guests have ample space to spot shooting stars, fireballs, and, on lucky nights, the northern lights.
-
Brand Stories6 days agoBloom Hotels: A Modern Vision of Hospitality Redefining Travel
-
Brand Stories1 day agoCheQin.ai sets a new standard for hotel booking with its AI capabilities: empowering travellers to bargain, choose the best, and book with clarity.
-
Destinations & Things To Do1 week agoUntouched Destinations: Stunning Hidden Gems You Must Visit
-
AI in Travel1 week agoAI Travel Revolution: Must-Have Guide to the Best Experience
-
Brand Stories3 weeks agoVoice AI Startup ElevenLabs Plans to Add Hubs Around the World
-
Brand Stories2 weeks agoHow Elon Musk’s rogue Grok chatbot became a cautionary AI tale
-
Destinations & Things To Do1 day agoThis Hidden Beach in India Glows at Night-But Only in One Secret Season
-
Asia Travel Pulse3 weeks agoLooking For Adventure In Asia? Here Are 7 Epic Destinations You Need To Experience At Least Once – Zee News
-
AI in Travel3 weeks ago‘Will AI take my job?’ A trip to a Beijing fortune-telling bar to see what lies ahead | China
-
Brand Stories3 weeks agoChatGPT — the last of the great romantics
You must be logged in to post a comment Login