Destinations & Things To Do
Trucking in Oregon – The Trek
The Oregon Trail
No I have not died due to Dysentery like in the video game….. But there was a dysentery sign just before leaving CA from that game messaging …pretty funny! I just got done eating a Maple Long John and drinking a chocolate milk from the bakery in Sisters OR. That puts me at 1985 miles on the trail. As soon as I get done with this Blog I will hitch the 12 miles back to the trail head. Then it is only about 165 miles left before I hit Cascade Locks and the Bridge of the Gods and step onto WA soil. The trail in Oregon has been fabulous. Well maintained and pine needle soft for a lot of it. There are still climbs up and decents down but they are graded pretty well for the most part. Some places with water sources that are spread out making you carry 2 liters of water but the streams have been ice cold and clear to replenish our water. Each liter is 2.2 lbs so we try to minimize the amout of water we have to carry. We have run across some awesome people doing trail maintenance in Oregon and their hard work really shows up on our hiking. I am most of the way through a 14 mile stretch of walking through a lava flow which is very different and more difficult to walk through. Gotta keep your eyes on the trail and watch where you plant your feet. We just hiked through the Sisters Wilderness and there were thousands and thousands of butterflies flittering all around us as we hiked through the meadows and up the trails. It was amazing to have all these butterflies coming right at you and then somehow flittering around you. The weather has also cooled off which makes hiking very enjoyable. The peaks still have some snow on them and we even have to cross a few snow fields every now and again. Nothing sketchy but still amazing considering it is August.
We have a couple of iconic mountains coming up. Mout Washington, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Hood. We can see them in the distance and they look amazing. We do have had to walk though some burn areas from previous years fires and it is jarring to see what looks like the zombie apocalypse landscape.
How Are the Knee and Feet
My knee is still doing great! No problems and I am now about 835 miles up the trail so I am very pleased with it. The new shoes are great. All 4 concerns I had with my feet have been addressed and the blisters are turning ito calluses. There is still dirt on my feet at night but not nearly as bad as it was. I think a combination of the shoe design and also the change in the trail environment have helped. My new logistical challenge is the weight loss and muscle mass loss from hiking 24-26 miles a day. I adjusted my food supply options so I can eat snacks ever couple of hours while hiking. There are a lot of Resorts on the backwoods lakes that the trail goes by as well as towns like Sisters. I am making sure I am chowing down on milk shakes, pizza, and burgers/fries as these locations to supplement the food I am carrying. It is helping with my energy levels and also the ability to hike more miles each day.
Tidbits from the Trail:
Burney Mountain Guest Ranch is an oasis in the middle of No. Cal. wilderness. It was previously a Horse Rance that has been turned into a hiker haven. There are bunk houses and private guest houses and laundry and showers besides tent camping area. The main dinning room has big wooden tables and the breakfast and dinners are buffet style with lots and lots of comfort food, salads, fruit, and desert. The ladies that are cooking are super nice and it is like going to Grandma’s house to eat. Off the dinning room is a salt water pool for swimming or just soaking your tired feet. Christine and Kyran are really making the place something special.
The worst trails conditions so far was just before and after the Middle Fork of the Feather River Gorge in No. Cal. 30 miles of the trail were burned in a 2020 fire and the burned trees are falling across the trail in large numbers and brushy plants have had the time to grow big enough to choke the trail. The effects of fires can cause years of maintenance issues and are of concern with climate change. Climbing over, under and around blow downs can be quite challenging and tiring. It was during this section that a woman injured herself and had to be air evacuated from the mountain. Her husband’s pack as well as her pack were left behind and SAR (Search and Rescue) arranged to have two hikers each carry out one of their packs latched onto their own packs. Bombadil and Appleseed carried 2 packs through this incredibly tough section for 2 days before they could get to a dirt forest road at the top of the Feather River Canyon and give them to SAR.
We had an interesting 3 days right out of Ashland OR. Day one Big Mac and I were walking up the trail then the earth started shaking…….. All of a sudden around the bend about 45-60 feet in front of us a riderless horse was galloping down the path right at us….. Being the City Slickers we are, we froze! Fortunetly the horse changed direction and bolted through a thicket of brush to our left and kept on running… A few minutes later 2 girls, one on foot, and one on a horse came looking for the horse. All we could do is point down the mountain. We heard a few days later that they were still looking for the horse…
The next day Big Mac left camp earlier than me and came upon a skunk on the trail…. The skunk turned and lifted his tail but fortunately Big Mac backed up before he could be sprayed… However on the third day, Mr. Skunk’s friend, Mr. Wasp, stung him righ on the upper lip area. The rest of the day Big Mac looked like Homer Simpson…
Another great place to stay is the Columbia Hotel in Ashlund OR. The have refurbished the old hotel and is very hiker friendly and is in the middle of town. Ashland puts on the Oregon Shakespearean Festival every year and there are free concerts in the plaza between shows. Lots of people travel to see these shows thorughout the summer. Makes the town very festive.
Sisters is a great little town in central Oregon with lots of Shops and Restaurants and Bars. The City Part has a very clean and accessable campgrounds that has a biker/hiker section to stay at for just $10.
Crater Lake is pretty amazing and I met a guy from Texas that was shooting photos at sunset. He was waiting for the light to be just right and when he started taking pictures, I started taking pictures…..figured he knew what he was looking for.
Well onto Cascade Locks. Gonna grab a milkshake on the way through town and start hitching. Remeber to consider volunteering on a trail near you as the work is very rewarding and many hands are needed to keep the wilderness accessable to us all.
Peace and Happy Trails!
CrampPa
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June 2 – 6: Big Bear Lake to Wrightwood
144km and 3721m
“He’s not vegan, he’s just Canadian” Bug, PCT hiker class of 2025.
Danger, Danger!
It was June 2nd. After spending four days in a four star resort attending Contact in the Desert, I was starting to miss the trail. After packing up our suite, me and my dad jumped in a rental car and drove up to Big Bear Lake. I didn’t want to fall too far behind, and I had no guilt about skipping this section. As luck would have it, right as we parked at the highway 18 trailhead, Green Man and Snake Cuddler emerged from the forest. So instead of beginning my hike that afternoon, we decided to celebrate the serendipitous reunion. We piled into the car, and went to the local brewery for lunch. After bidding farewell to my dad, I spent the rest of the day relaxing with other hikers at an AirBnB. It was exactly the social scene I needed.
We stayed up late, and had some lively discussions in the hot tub. At one point a young woman sat down, and started up a new subject of conversation.
“Have any of you had more intrusive thoughts now that you’re on trail?”
This was an intriguing question for me and I thought about how in my own experience I’d had these thoughts in overly normalized situations involving high risk (i.e. driving on a fast highway or standing beside large cliffs). She then explained that earlier she had been hiking with both her earbuds in, and stepped right over a Rattlesnake. Now she was feeling a little jumpy on trail. Being the socially “aloof” person that I am, I made a horrible mistake. I showed her my close-up Rattlesnake footage. I’d wanted to convey my methodology for being safe around snakes, but before I could explain I could see my audience was shook. The video had seemly triggered this poor woman, and now I was getting this stare that read, “What is wrong with you?”
Needless to say, we didn’t end up having a very fruitful conversation. The impression was made, and now I was just a crazy man who plays with dangerous animals. What a shame. In intense situations I’ve learned how to keep my composure and maintain my critical thinking. This has come with training, exposure and time. Through my career and past times I have developed a process of hazard assessment and risk management. Not to mention I absolutely adore snakes. But, I recognize this doesn’t describe every thru-hikers background.
I have an “interesting” relationship with risk. Photo from my descent of Mt. Assiniboine in September 2023.
Perhaps that’s part of the potential personal growth that can come from a thru-hike. You have nothing but time and exposure out here. You can find your personal limit and have the space to push past it. Just taking the necessary time off to thru-hike could be considered a big risk. The empowerment that comes from facing fear is worth it. If you are driven enough to hike this trail in its entirety, then you could probably overcome a fear of snakes too! No one said thru-hiking was comfortable.
Hotsprings and Snakes!
While I was feeling frustrated after that evening’s disastrous conversation, that feeling was quickly overshadowed by the experiences on trail. I was heading up into the San Bernardino Mountains and traversing west toward the San Gabriel Mountains. It was a long stretch that didn’t take me much further north, but a few landmarks along the way were well worth the visit. The first was the Deep Creek Hotspring.
I must have spent at least three to four hours lounging around there. One of the locals remarked that the site had been visited by humans for thousands of years, and the smooth hand holds around the rocks definitely backed up that statement. The hot springs feed numerous pools that surrounded a deep bend in the river. Someone had even taken the liberty of setting up a slack line across the deep end of the river, which I had fun trying to cross while also cooling off. A school of catfish swam around unperturbed by the many people splashing about. It was a magical spot. But I had my shirt off and my guard down for too long, and eventually I began to feel the burn. By that time unfortunately it was too late and I was terribly sunburnt.
That day turned into my first big night hike. The trail takes on a new life at night. So many critters came out at dusk and the moon kept the trail bright. As the sun set there were horned lizards, a rosy boa, and garter snakes. By night there were toads, and all kinds of insects. That plus the cool breeze which I throughly appreciated. After the absolutely cooking hot afternoon I had, it was pretty sweet. Already I was starting to look forward to visiting McDonald’s the next day in Cajon Pass.
The next morning I woke up super early and hiked along the edge of Silverwood Lake. I was feeling drained of energy, as my body reacted to the sunburn. Soon as the sun was shining overhead, it was unbearablely hot again. I hid under my umbrella, and quickened my pace. The winding trail led high over a ridge and then back down into a small canyon. Those last two miles before I was dumped out onto Cajon Pass were grueling in the heat with my backpack rubbing the burns on my shoulders. As I drew closer, the sound of the traffic spurred me on. Then I was out. A stream of bumper to bumper traffic raced by at highway speeds. It was a bewildering sight, and I sought refuge under the golden arches.
Bug and Luna were there. It’s funny, but once we had our bags off and had occupied a table, it felt incredibly homely. I stayed there for four hours, ordering multiple rounds of food. Despite my rapidly dwindling energy and the severe pain I was experiencing from my sunburn, I pushed on that evening, crushing out another 9km before reaching the next water cache. I wanted to continue further, but a friendly local came by with a Yeti cooler full of beer and me and another couple hikers hung out with him shooting the shit and enjoying the cold beverages. Either way I’d be in Wrightwood tomorrow, and not having to dry camp that night was also very nice.
My sunburn was starting to blister the next morning. I gently hoisted my bag onto my shoulders but still I was in complete agony. It was a relatively short 19km haul to town due to a trail closure ahead. Gritting my teeth I climbed onto the ridge and then promptly back down into the valley. There was a man there waiting for his daughter who was also hiking. Since she was a ways behind me, he gave me a ride into town while he waited for her. The first thing I did was visit the grocery store, where a hiker hang was developing at the shady picnic tables. I treated myself with a breakfast burrito, a mini watermelon, a pint of ice cream, and a tube of aloe vera skin lotion.
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Destinations & Things To Do
Indonesia’s New Tourism Era Redefining Travel with Sustainable Tourism Initiatives on Islands Like Komodo, Maluku and Other Hidden Gems
Published on
August 8, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
Indonesia, a nation made up of over 17,000 islands, is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and breathtaking natural wonders. While many of its remote islands are still relatively untouched, the country’s tourism strategy remains heavily focused on Bali, Indonesia’s most famous island. Bali’s appeal is undeniable, but the pressures of over-tourism are mounting, highlighting the urgent need for a more balanced approach to tourism development. As Bali faces overcrowding and environmental strain, Indonesia’s lesser-known regions hold the key to unlocking the country’s true tourism potential.
Bali’s Overcrowding Dilemma
Bali has long been the jewel of Indonesia’s tourism industry. Its unique blend of rich culture, serene beaches, vibrant nightlife, and lush landscapes attracts millions of visitors each year. However, the island’s popularity is becoming a double-edged sword. As the number of tourists continues to grow, Bali struggles to manage the influx. Overcrowded attractions, increased waste, and a higher cost of living are just a few of the challenges facing local communities and the tourism sector. Bali’s infrastructure, while iconic, has not kept pace with its rising visitor numbers, causing logistical headaches and environmental degradation. It’s clear that continuing to concentrate the country’s tourism efforts on one island is no longer sustainable.
Beyond Bali: The Hidden Treasures of Indonesia
While Bali grabs most of the attention, many of Indonesia’s other islands remain underdeveloped yet brimming with unique offerings. Places like Maluku, Komodo Island, and the remote shores of Seram Island offer experiences that are far removed from the tourist-packed beaches of Bali. Maluku’s rich history and biodiversity make it an ideal destination for eco-tourism. The pristine waters, coral reefs, and cultural diversity make it a hidden gem for those seeking authentic experiences.
Komodo Island, home to the legendary Komodo dragons, is another destination that offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature. The island’s isolation and rugged landscapes are perfect for eco-tourism enthusiasts. However, despite their potential, these regions face a significant barrier to development—poor infrastructure. With limited flight connections, lack of quality accommodations, and inadequate transportation networks, reaching these places is challenging, which deters many travelers.
The “New Balis” Strategy: A Vision for Regional Tourism Growth
In an attempt to alleviate the pressures on Bali, Indonesia has introduced the “New Balis” initiative. This strategy aims to spread tourism across the archipelago and create new hotspots that can share the economic benefits. While the idea of “New Balis” holds promise, the execution has been slow. Many of the less-visited regions have yet to see substantial infrastructure investments or meaningful policy support. Without reliable transportation, good accommodations, and modern amenities, it’s hard to entice international tourists to venture beyond Bali.
Moreover, the initiative suffers from fragmented efforts between government ministries and local authorities. A cohesive, unified approach is necessary to ensure that tourism in these areas is not only possible but sustainable. Despite these challenges, the potential for growth in regions like Maluku, Komodo, and Seram remains untapped, and with the right investments, they could become thriving tourist destinations.
Building a Sustainable Future: A Roadmap for Success
For Indonesia’s tourism diversification to succeed, a more structured and comprehensive approach is needed. The key to unlocking the potential of these hidden destinations lies in building infrastructure—airports, affordable regional flights, and transport networks—that connects these islands to the rest of the world. Additionally, investments in sustainable tourism practices are essential to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these regions. Local communities must be actively involved in the development process, ensuring that tourism provides long-term economic benefits without compromising the environment or local traditions.
Furthermore, partnerships with international travel agencies and local operators could help promote these lesser-known destinations to global travelers. Highlighting eco-tourism opportunities, wildlife experiences, and cultural immersion could attract the growing segment of travelers who seek authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Conclusion: Reimagining Indonesia’s Tourism Landscape
As Bali faces the mounting challenges of over-tourism, Indonesia must look beyond its most famous island and tap into the vast potential of its lesser-known regions. With a clear focus on sustainable development, infrastructure improvements, and strategic marketing, Indonesia can diversify its tourism offerings and reduce the strain on Bali. Regions like Maluku, Komodo Island, and Seram have the potential to become the next big tourism hotspots, offering unique experiences and much-needed alternatives to the crowded tourist centers. By redistributing the tourism load, Indonesia can create a more balanced, sustainable tourism model that benefits both travelers and local communities for years to come.
When you think about travel hot spots in Idaho, what are the first destinations that come to mind? We bet they’re NOT the two that recently made a list of the best places to visit in America in 2025!
The Sun Valley-Ketchum area may have come to mind. Not only is the region constantly in the running for “Best Of” lists for winter sports and recreation, it’s been a hot spot for celebrity sightings for decades.
READ MORE: 27 Celebrities Who’ve Been Seen in Idaho & Where They Showed Up
Once upon a time, you’d bump into the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Marilyn Monroe. Today? You’re more likely to see celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and Ali Larter wandering around town.
Matt Winkelmeye, Getty Images
Coeur d’Alene’s another part of Idaho that’s attracted stars like Justin Bieber, Mark Wahlberg and the Kardashians. Sydney Sweeney’s another famous face you may bump into there. She grew up in Spokane and spent plenty of lake days in CDA.
Even though it feels weird putting Boise on the list because we live here, some could argue we belong on that list because The Blue is a major draw for college football fans from around the country.
Loren Orr, Getty Images
While they’re all worth traveling to, World Population Review had something very different in mind when putting together a list of the 200 best places to visit in the United States.
Two Idaho Destinations Named Among Best Places to Visit in the United States
World Population Review picked two Idaho destinations that appeal to recreationists and nature lovers. Their picks? Big Springs in Island Park and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. In choosing the destinations, they explained:
Idaho is a state perfect for those who love the outdoors! For adventurers looking to take on Idaho, Big Springs has 120 million gallons of water flowing every day and beautiful wildlife views. Additionally, Sawtooth National Recreation Area’s rugged mountain landscape is perfect for hikers and rafters looking for their fill of the great outdoors.
World Population Review also included a “Best Family Travel Destination” for Idaho. This year they chose Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark at Silver Mountain in Kellogg. You can check out some incredible photos of it below!
KEEP READING: Idaho’s 2 Incredible Indoor Waterparks Must Be On Your Winter Bucket List
Did you know Idaho is home to not one but TWO incredible indoor water parks? They each offer something a little bit different, so scroll through to learn more about what makes them an incredible place to beat the winter blahs.
Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart
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