Leopards steal the spotlight in most cases, although they don’t roar or strut.These are the most elusive jungle cats that aren’t out there to impress with theatrics like lions or flex their dominance like tigers. They prefer to ghost through the trees, crash city fringes, or casually nap on a branch, which you might get to spot in any of these national parks if you are lucky. So, If you’re dreaming to spot one of them in their stealth action, here are 10 wild places in India where leopards love to play hide and peek-a-boo.

Canada’s short summer has passed the halfway mark, but there is still time to travel before kids return to school.

Many Canadians are choosing domestic destinations this year in response to tariff and annexation threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Canadian-resident return trips by air from the United States dropped 22.1 per cent to 363,900, the Statistics Canada June report says. 

An INsauga.com poll asked: “What Canadian destination do you plan to visit next?”

As of Aug. 1, a total of 2,856 people responded.

The Maritimes was the top choice with 1,051 people (36.8 per cent) selecting this part of the country.

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador offer a range of tourist sites and activities.

Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador features a stunning landscape with cliffs, waterfalls and glacial fjords.

Sites such as Peggy’s Cove and UNESCO World Heritage Site Lunenburg are top attractions in Nova Scotia. And Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park and the Reversing Falls are popular spots in New Brunswick.

Known for the spectacular Rocky Mountains, Western Canada was the second choice in the poll with 825 (28.89 per cent) choosing this area to travel.

Another 359 people selected Quebec and 622 people (21.78 per cent) said other.

Lead photo of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia: Enrique

INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies

The combination of me hitting the wall, the more challenging terrain in New Hampshire/Southern Maine, and my nagging injuries (including my severe ankle roll that forced me off Trail for 6 days, almost ending the journey) have made it difficult to enjoy the Trail the last month. But seeing old friends, making some new ones, experiencing the beauty of Maine, and realizing this is soon coming to an end has made me really enjoy the last week.

Old Friends

Unexpectedly seeing familiar faces on Trail is always a great feeling. So, when I took cover from a midday rainstorm to eat lunch at a Maine shelter and bumped into Lord Chuckles and Bugs, I was shocked. I first met Chuckles in Franklin, NC. We hiked together a little through the Smokies and into Tennessee, and I last saw him when we Wayside hoped in the Shenandoah’s, which was over 1,000 miles ago. 

I hadn’t seen Bugs in more than 1,600 miles, I last saw her around Sam’s Gap in TN. Bugs will go down as the hiker that I went the most miles between seeing. It’s funny to think, they have been doing exactly what I have been doing for the last several months, following this white blaze through the woods, and it brought us all here, together, at the doorstep of Katahdin. Although brief, sitting with them was a stroll down memory lane and a great boost to my psyche.

For the past 200 miles I’ve been hiking/camping with and around Mark Trails, who I haven’t really seen since PA, and Chicken Legs (recently met) who is doing a Long Ass Section Hike (LASH) from Harpers Ferry.  We have had some of the best town days in Monson, Rangeley, and Carrabassett Valley. While they hike much faster than me, I can definitely hold my own when we drink in town! Chicken Legs is one of the fastest hikers I have encountered on trail, including any of the kids I met in the south. He’s knowledgeable, light, fast and strong – and he gets on trail before me! We have had lots of laughs, and those are the moments I will remember.

I Can See For Miles

August 1st was a great day. Many of my friends were planning to summit Katahdin, and I was so excited for them that I kept refreshing my Instagram feed to see if they posted pictures. But for me, it was the last day of Southern Maine, my last climb of a 4,000 foot mountain until Katahdin. When I arrived at the Bigelow West Peak, I could see forever, including Katahdin, 180 miles away. These were the best views I have had on the entire Trail, including the Whites. The weather was perfect. I sat there for over an hour. I then sat at Avery Peak for 45 minutes, and spent another 45 minutes at Little Bigelow Mountain eating dinner. I knew all this time would mean getting to camp at dark, but I realized, in several weeks, I would be back to work and wishing I was here. Rolling into camp at 8pm, I bumped into more old friends who I haven’t seen since Pennsylvania. Chicken Louise, Alpha Gal, and Metro. It was so enjoyable to share conversations, including the views of the day.

Lebowski

In April 2021, I section hiked the Smokies and met and connected with several thru hikers. When they arrived in the NY area, I picked them up from Trail and offered them a reset and resupply at my home. When they came, I met Lebowski and we have stayed in touch ever since. Lebowski is a ‘21 NOBO Alum, and when he learned of my attempt this year, he was so supportive, including offering me trail magic at East Flagstaff Road in Maine. He had bacon, eggs, burgers, candy, chips, baked goods, and beer! All of the desires of thru hikers. Trail magic is so special, and I am so grateful every time I receive it. But when someone comes to do trail magic specifically for you, it’s even more special. I am forever grateful, and will always remember that.

Misc:

Thanks to Meat Suit (‘21 Alum) for the dogs, burgers and beers at Rte 17, the cooler at Rte 4, Jill and Ken at Camp 43 (Rangeley) and the crazy trail magic by Donna at Rte 4!  Thanks to Hostel of Maine, leapin lenas for the cooler at Shirley Blanchard Road. Maniac for the kayak crossing of the kennebec, everyone at Shaws Hostel, and of course Lebowski!  

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