Destinations & Things To Do

Bop To The Top – The Trek

Published

1 day ago

August 3, 2025

Nothing’s drying out on the AT nowadays. Maybe I could choose my campsites better, but I think it’s just a reality that I’ll have to face here in moist Vermud. At least I’m staying relatively dry. And the heat’s less bad up here.

I certainly never really feel recovered on this trial. As I woke up, I also noticed something. My clothes have started smelling like vinegar. That could be because I washed my clothes in it, but it could also be the signs that my body’s starting to eat itself in an attempt to stay fueled. Which, to say the least, is quite concerning now that I’m rounding the home stretch on the thru-hike. Mote protein, more calories, more everything, sure, but my body can only digest so much before I feel physically, actively, sick with every step. I think at some point, humans weren’t supposed to hike this far…

Ah whatever. Leaving Greenwall Shelter there were huge downs and ups into the Minerva Hinchey Shelter, followed by another down into Clarendon Gorge. At this point, I don’t really think about the hiking at all. I know I should probably spend as much time as I can absorbing the hiking mentally… but it’s just the medium in which I go through my days now.

Clarendon Gorge is home to a suspension bridge that was actually closed earlier in the year due to some structural damage. However… I guess the trail team here is on their A-game, since it’s already been repaired for hiker use. Which is great, since the river that the bridge goes over is legitimately super dangerous to get down to, and to ford. Very glad for this.

It got HOT for Vermont today! So even though I was still going at a good clip, I was taking frequent breaks for my heart. The down into Clarendon and the up right after were some of the hardest hiking I’ve done in a while. While I love my pine needles, they’re slippery, and the whole forest floor was covered in needles going down. Then going up, I had as high as a 35% incline grade! What the heck Vermont!

Today’s next highlight was the Stone’s Throw Farmstead, which for me was an oasis in the heat. They had fresh sourdough, yummy kombucha, a bathroom, and some other snacks. I spent time here just resting on a couch, taking a micro nap while enjoying my bread and kombucha. And while I had some miles anxiety, I needed the rest for what came next.

Killington. The Beast of the East. I’m not an avid skier. I only learned how to out in New England, and we kind of have crummy mountains. But Killington’s known for being special. It’s a tough mountain! And today, my mission was to end my day by climbing it. But honestly? It wasn’t that bad. In fact, it wasn’t bad at all. Nothing like the harsh grades of earlier today, or the Whites coming up. Just one foot in front of the other until the top. During the climb, I passed by two significant milestones, 500 miles to the end, and mile 1700! It’s suddenly feeling real… I’m in the “home stretch.” At this point, the trail sometimes feels completely monotonous, and yet… I’m never quite sure if I want it to end or not. I think back and realize that there are many parts of the trail that I’ve mindlessly plugged through recently, thanks to both the hatred of humidity and just… being too used to just walking now. I don’t know, being this close to the end comes with a ton of complicated thoughts. Thoughts that I don’t know if I can process.

The real disappointment comes at the shelter up here. Cooper Lodge is a fully enclosed cabin that’s meant for hikers, but has fallen completely into disrepair. While there are some tent platforms… it’s not the easiest to set up a trekking pole tent on them. Gah it’s going to be a night of rolling the marbles in my head on what to do.

The last 0.2 to the summit, which is a blue blaze, were by far the hardest part of the hike. There was some true rock scrambling up here. I’m super glad I did it without my pack, and with just one pole. But the views? They made me cry. I can see how anyone would be inspired to hike all those mountains from this view. It was stunning.

I went down the back side of the mountain to look at the ski resort part… where I was pretty nonplussed. There was a wedding going on here, so while there were people dressed to the 9’s, I was walking around with one stick looking and smelling homeless. Unfortunately, it was a bit misty, so I couldn’t see the Whites from here again. Ah well, I’ll see them soon enough… I helped some people go back to the summit, and went down for the night.

It took a few mishaps and dropped tent stakes, but before I knew it, I’d set up my Durston on the platform. It’s not amazing, but I’m confident it’ll at least hold in a breeze. Hopefully. Ate and chatted to the ridge runner before just… laying here. Seeing the stars. I get to see some friends tomorrow! I’m beyond excited to not hike for a bit.

(title lyrics from: Bop to the Top, High School Musical)

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Source link

Destinations & Things To Do

Brazil Travel Destinations 2025 : Culture, Nature & Authentic Experiences Lead Tourism Revival

Published

2 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Rithe Rose

The sun-drenched beaches of Rio, the thunderous roar of Iguaçu Falls, and the cobblestone charm of Gramado aren’t just postcard backdrops anymore. In 2025, Brazil’s tourism sector is surging back, driven by travelers craving immersive cultural exchanges and untouched natural wonders. Data from Embratur (Brazilian Tourist Board, May 2025) reveals a 34% year-on-year increase in international arrivals, with destinations prioritizing sustainability and local authenticity leading the resurgence.

Brazil’s Tourism Resurgence in 2025

Brazil’s 2025 tourism boom reflects a global shift: travelers now seek meaningful connections over superficial sightseeing. A recent Latin American Travel Association report (April 2025) notes 78% of tourists prioritize “cultural immersion” and “eco-conscious itineraries.” Rio de Janeiro exemplifies this, blending iconic landmarks like Cristo Redentor with new accessibility tech. Augmented reality tours in 15 languages now enrich visits, while safety upgrades have boosted family travel by 40%. Similarly, Foz do Iguaçu’s eco-revamp—including solar-powered boat tours and jaguar conservation trails—has made it South America’s fastest-growing adventure hub.

Top Brazil Travel Destinations for 2025

Rio de Janeiro remains unmissable. Beyond Copacabana, favela-led culinary tours and samba workshops offer raw cultural insights. Foz do Iguaçu leverages its “Three Borders” location for tri-national festivals, while rainforest lodges partner with Indigenous Guaraní communities.

Northeastern gems like Maragogi (Alagoas) and Jericoacoara (Ceará) dominate coastal searches. Travel analytics platform Kayak reports a 200% surge in bookings for Praia do Forte, where sea-turtle sanctuaries and capoeira classes redefine beach holidays.

Inland, Bonito (Mato Grosso do Sul) sets ecotourism gold standards. Government-mandated visitor caps protect its crystalline rivers, and certified guides lead cave-diving expeditions. Meanwhile, Gramado’s European flair peaks during its “Natal Luz” festival, now enhanced with AI-driven light installations and zero-waste initiatives.

Why Authenticity and Sustainability Drive Demand

Young travelers are reshaping Brazil’s tourism DNA:

Eco-accountability: Bonito’s carbon-neutral certification (per Brazil’s Environment Ministry) has increased repeat visits by 60%.
Tech-enabled access: Apps like “Brazil Offline” curate hyperlocal experiences, from Amazonian foraging trails to Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian cooking classes.
Community-led tourism: In Paraty, UNESCO-listed historic tours now feature quilombola (descendants of enslaved Africans) storytellers.

Domestic demand is equally vital. Embratur’s “Viaje pelo Brasil” campaign has spurred a 55% rise in local bookings since 2023, with Northeastern states seeing record occupancy.

Brazil’s travel renaissance proves that destinations thriving in 2025 aren’t just scenic—they’re soulful. From the misty cascades of Iguaçu to Gramado’s alpine charm, Brazil travel destinations now marry spectacle with substance. As sustainability and storytelling become non-negotiables, the nation’s $50B tourism rebound (World Travel & Tourism Council, 2025) sets a global benchmark. Ready to explore beyond the obvious? Book your Brazilian journey through certified eco-operators today—adventure with purpose awaits.

Must Know

What are Brazil’s safest travel destinations in 2025?
Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis, and Bonito lead safety rankings due to enhanced tourist policing and app-based emergency systems. Embratur’s real-time safety dashboard provides localized alerts.

Which Brazil travel destinations are best for families?
Gramado’s theme parks and Rio’s interactive museum tours top family lists. Praia do Forte offers kid-friendly wildlife programs, including supervised turtle releases.

How expensive is Brazil for tourists in 2025?
The strong dollar makes mid-range travel affordable. Expect $50–$80/day for meals and transport. Bonito requires bundled activity permits ($120/week), but these include guides and conservation fees.

What’s the best time to visit Brazil?
May–September (dry season) suits most regions. Avoid June crowds in Gramado during winter festivals. The Northeast shines year-round.

Are visas required for Brazil in 2025?
Yes, but e-visas for Americans/Australians process in 72 hours. EU citizens enjoy visa-free entry until 2026.

Which destination offers Brazil’s best ecotourism?
Bonito leads with government-enforced sustainability protocols. All operators must adhere to waste-reduction and wildlife protection standards verified by ICMBio (Brazil’s environmental agency).

Source link

Destinations & Things To Do

Ridgelines, Wet Electronics, and Thundering Downpours: PCT Days 90 to 93

Published

2 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Emilio Gizzi

In which our hero strives for lunch, dunks his electronics, and meets a friend.

The post Ridgelines, Wet Electronics, and Thundering Downpours: PCT Days 90 to 93 appeared first on The Trek.

Source link

Destinations & Things To Do

A Backcountry Singer Prompted a Search and Rescue Mission in Canada

Published

2 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Fred Dreier

(Photo: COSAR/Facebook)

Published August 4, 2025 11:30AM

When hikers reported hearing screaming in the woods near a popular climbing area in southern British Columbia, a local search and rescue team scrambled to respond.

It was the evening of Thursday, July 31, and the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) team was conducting a weekly training exercise when they received the distress call. According to a report on COSAR’s Facebook page, hikers told them that the yelling was coming from a wooded area near the Boulderfields, a recreation area south of the town of Kelowna.

The volunteer rescuer organization was able to respond in full force. As search drones took to the skies, a large team of rescuers, along with two Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers, began combing the woods to pinpoint the source of the screaming.

“Early responders even heard faint yelling—but couldn’t make out what was being said,” COSAR wrote. While half of the rescuers scoured the woods on foot, the rest drove nearby forest roads.

Then they found their supposed victim. Was it the survivor of a climbing accident? No. A moose attack victim? Nope. A selfie-taker who had fallen into a raging river? Nada. The terrifying screaming was actually coming from a solo camper who was, “singing his heart out to the trees, blissfully unaware that the acoustics of the Boulderfields had turned his tent-side concert into an accidental distress signal.”

“He wasn’t in trouble,” COSAR Search Manager Duane Tresnich said in the report. “Unless you count his singing.”

While the incident represented an unfortunate false alarm, COSAR said the hikers who called in the distress call acted appropriately. “That area’s full of tricky terrain and bike trails,” COSAR wrote, “so better safe than sorry.”

Screaming for help is often the best course of action for anyone experiencing distress in the backcountry, and multiple rescue operations suggest calling for help when other options fail. In mid-July, a critically injured solo climber in Washington was saved after nearby hikers heard him screaming across a valley.

But hikers and climbers should also be mindful that screaming or even singing in the backcountry can be misconstrued as a cry for help. So, the next time you want to do your best David Lee Roth impression on a hiking trail, perhaps keep the volume a few notches below your maximum.

“Remember, our services are always free,” COSAR added. “And the money you save could be spent on singing lessons.”

Owen Clarke is a freelance outdoor sports writer. He often writes about climbing, but his work also covers motorcycles, long-distance trekking, and environmental conservation. He also authors the dark fantasy series Void Injection and is the founder of the collaborative writing workshop Dead Foot.

Source link