Latest news with #outdoorAdventure
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I slept in my car 1,500m up the Alps - here's the luxurious element that made it much more comfortable than a tent
Like many people around the world, I've been camping plenty of times, and always in the standard way - with a trusted tent and sleeping bag, and stones on the ground in place of a mattress. But the idea of camping in a car is a new one on me - especially as the vehicle I'm spending the night in has a very comfy mattress and refrigerated drinks compartment included. Not only that, but I'm parked 1,500m up the Alps, with a perfect view of a snow-covered Mont Blanc peak in front of me, and grassy, imposing hills, peaks and mountain ranges on either side. It's a far cry from what I've been used to - roughing it in muddy fields and competing with huge families for the toilets and showers. I've driven up to the Mayeres Refuge in Sallanches - only accessible by foot or 4x4 vehicle - in a Dacia Bigster, along with only five other cars parked up to spend the night outside. While there's no nearby coffee shops or supermarkets to escape to, there's also no risk of being surrounded by screaming kids or loud snorers in the tent next door. However, as with any camping trip, the biggest challenge is setting up the tent - or, in this case, the car's Sleep Pack. It's available for £1,740 as an add-on when you buy a Dacia Bigster, Jogger or Duster, and is already halfway surmounted to begin - with no need to assemble any poles, dig holes into the grass, or fight with anyone else about which way up things go. It really is quite simple. The back seats of the car flip down and - hey, presto - a sleep pack essentially folds out inside the car to create a mattress. Underneath the box is storage space, so I have none of the usual hassle of condensation leaving my trainers soggy, and the storage box even flips out into a ledge or table. So with my 'bedroom' in order, I manage to set myself up with coffee and a book to enjoy the vast landscape and the quiet, before rolling over on to my comfy mattress to gaze up at the stars through the sunroof without a hint of pollution. The view is magical, and the perfect way to ease me into one of the other big challenges of camping - getting a full seven hours. And, thanks to no loud snorers in the tent next door, as well as amazing blackout blinds, I'm far more comfortable than I've ever been in a standard tent. In fact, I sleep all the way through to my 5.30am alarm (no way was I missing the sunrise over the top of Mont Blanc) and I'm not mad about the early wakeup at all. The first two hours of the morning, spent entirely alone, watching the sun rise over the mountain range, while tucked into a cosy nest of pillows, are beyond compare. There was no need to worry about being too far away from civilisation. I'm truly disconnected from the hustle of London and the big city, without any WiFi to so much as check in with my friends, and all I can think about is these beautiful views - pink, orange and blue haze from all angles. Even if you aren't a huge fan of the outdoors, there is something indescribable about an alpine sunrise - and here, the silence only adds to it. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
CTV News
15-06-2025
- CTV News
Looking to hike the Fundy Footpath this summer? Here are some key tips
The Fundy Footpath spans dozens of kilometres in New Brunswick. (Source: Gary Hyslop) During one of his many hikes on a section of the Fundy Footpath in New Brunswick, Gary Hyslop ran into a fellow hiker from the other side of the world. 'I was talking with someone from Australia who was (in New Brunswick) for the trail,' Hyslop said. Hyslop, a trail master for the Fundy Hiking Trail Association, knows how popular the Footpath can be. 'It's a signature trail, which means it's of notable tourism and cultural significance,' he said. 'It's been featured in magazine. Probably 1,000 to 2,000 hikers do the whole trail per year.' The trail, which spans dozens of kilometres along the New Brunswick coast of the Bay of Fundy, is often enjoyed by day hikers who only travel small portions of the overall path. But anyone who wants to do the full thing should book some time off from work. 'People plan for three nights and four days,' Hyslop said. 'That would be the minimum. I know someone who's done it straight through without stopping. It's approximately 11, 12, or 13 kilometres per day. 'A lot of people are surprised by how difficult it is, especially those who haven't backpacked a lot. There's a hiking part of it and there's the whole staying overnight with the backpack.' Fundy Footpath woods It can take days to traverse the Fundy Footpath. (Source: Gary Hyslop) Hyslop, who first hiked the entire Fundy Footpath in 2002, said the full hike requires a thorough plan and appropriate equipment, which includes: a backpack a water filter a portable camping stove food a first aid kit a flashlight or headlamp sleeping bags hiking poles Hyslop notes the Footpath requires several river crossings, so he recommends people check out the multi-day weather forecast before heading out. 'Sometimes people have hiked in and there was a rainstorm and that resulted in high river levels,' he said. 'It can become uncrossable after a large rain. 'There's one tidal crossing and it needs to be timed when there's low tide. You need to consider that.' Tweedle Dee The Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum falls in the Fundy Footpath is pictured. (Source: Gary Hyslop) Hyslop said there are a lot of ups and downs in the trail, which can tire out hikers if they're not careful. 'People should pace themselves on the hills,' he said. 'It's easy to burn yourself out on the hills and you're effectively slowing yourself down.' Hyslop, who has hiked the entire Fundy Footpath four times, says the trail remains popular because of the different things it can offer hikers. 'Some people love the challenge, some people love the wilderness experience,' he said. 'The whole trail is beautiful.' For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Who Needs an RV? Turn Your Car Into the Ultimate Budget Camping Rig
Who says you need an expensive RV or a fancy camper to hit the road? The team behind Operation Adventure proves that with a little creativity and less than $200, you can turn a regular car (in this case, a Subaru) into a surprisingly comfortable camping setup. It's all about working with what you have, using space wisely, and getting outside without breaking the bank. The key to a great car camping experience isn't money—it's smart planning. Operation Adventure highlights easy, affordable modifications that make a huge difference in comfort. Think foldable sleeping setups, clever storage solutions, and small changes that turn a car into a cozy retreat for the night. One of the biggest challenges of car camping is limited space, but that's where good design comes in. The video shows how organizing gear efficiently—using stackable containers, collapsible furniture, and multi-purpose tools—can create a surprisingly spacious setup. Every inch matters, and with the right approach, even compact cars can feel roomy. Forget hauling a trailer full of gear. Operation Adventure proves that simple camping is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. Traveling light means less hassle, quicker setup, and a more direct connection with nature. With just the essentials, you can explore more and worry less. The biggest takeaway? You don't need a fortune to enjoy the outdoors. Car camping is an accessible, budget-friendly way to experience adventure. Whether you're testing the waters before investing in a larger setup or just love the idea of keeping it simple, this approach proves that getting out there is easier than you think.
Wall Street Journal
06-06-2025
- Wall Street Journal
Nature Reclaimed This Industrial Canal Near D.C.—and Travelers Are All the Happier For It
As a piece of revolutionary infrastructure, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal failed miserably. Following the Potomac River for 184.5 miles, from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Md., the waterway was meant to connect growers and manufacturers in the American heartland with the ports of the East Coast. Mules would tow barges along its length, traversing 74 state-of-the-art canal locks along the way. It was a good idea—except by the time the canal opened to commerce in 1850, a better one had come along: trains. Luckily, the C&O's story didn't end with its technological obsolescence. Today the mules may be gone, but the canal and its towpath serve as a byway into the nation's past, an invitation to runners, bikers, hikers and lovers of history to explore beyond their own backyards. As Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, who in 1954 organized a walk along the canal to save it from being turned into a parkway once put it, the C&O is 'a refuge, a place of retreat, a long stretch of quiet and peace at the Capitol's back door.' Over the seven years I've lived in the capital, I've often found my own sliver of peace and quiet along the canal. Just last month, I decided to set out on an overnight backpacking trip with two of my children, aged nine and 12. With a gentle grade (heading west, it gains a mere 605 feet over its entire length) and easily navigable layout, the canal is the ideal place to introduce kids to the outdoors. Over the course of a day on the trail, turtles, snakes and a particularly majestic great blue heron kept us company. We spent the night at one of the canal's 31 unfussy 'hiker-biker' campsites, which are first-come, first-served—and free. As hot dogs sizzled on the grill, a violet sunset skimmed the Monocacy River, near where the Confederate general Jubal Early invaded Maryland in the summer of 1864. The next morning, my kids set off ahead of me. With no cars to worry about, and only a single path to follow, I didn't fret when they disappeared out of sight. I found them a couple of miles later, kicking back on their camp chairs, chatting to a woman out on a morning stroll. While some hikers and bikers set out to traverse the whole canal, most visitors find it easiest to explore on day trips from its starting point in the tony Washington neighborhood of Georgetown. For a quick trip, rent a bike at the Trek Bicycle store on M Street, and ride 6 miles to the Irish Inn at Glen Echo, a charming traditional pub full of warmth and free of kitsch. For those willing to venture a little farther, 5.5 more miles along the trail brings you past the 101-foot-tall Cabin John Aqueduct Bridge, once the longest single-span arch in the world, to Old Anglers Inn, a worthy lunch stop. Afterward, meander over to Great Falls, where the Potomac roars down a 76-foot precipice. Mere steps away from the thundering river, the canal trickles on. Two weeks after my adventure with my kids, I hatched a plan to draw my wife, averse to all things backpacking, out for a family trip on the canal. My winning argument? A room with a view of the Potomac—and air conditioning—at the Bavarian Inn, a faithfully Teutonic compound on a hill above the trail, in Shepherdstown, We rode bikes along the canal, explored nearby historical sites like the Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Md., shopped along Shepherdstown's lovely German Street and sampled local beers. One night, as I read on our balcony overlooking a magisterial bend in the Potomac, I spotted a rat snake coiled at my feet. The tranquility may have been momentarily shattered, but I found the (thankfully brief) intrusion of the natural world not entirely unwelcome. The next day, when my wife took the kids up the hill from the towpath for ice cream in Williamsport, Md., I took our kayak out on the canal. Though the canal is dry in places, several stretches still make for idyllic paddling. Turtles dove at my approach. Children called out from the towpath, asking for rides. Seeing me on the water, a fisherman on the shoreline decided to give his fancy new kayak—equipped with an outboard motor—a spin. Soon, he was out on the water too, a big smile on his face. 'I personally find that there are always new things to explore and learn about the park and its history and natural resources,' said Lauren Riviello, who grew up riding her bike along Lock 38, one of the imposing stone channels that helped boats overcome the effects of gravity. For travelers along the canal, the locks are both waypoints and treasure troves of lore. Grover Cleveland was said to be a particular fan of Lock 22, known as the Pennyfield Lock, where the surrounding landscape is especially bucolic. When I visited one afternoon with my son, we were alone but for one fisherman who proudly displayed the enormous catfish he'd just caught. Today, Riviello heads the C&O Canal Trust, which helps the National Park Service raise funds for the trail's upkeep. The trust also runs the Canal Quarters program, which opens seven historic lockhouses—where lock operators lived—for overnight stays. I haven't yet stayed at one of the lockhouses (reservations can be difficult to come by). Nor have I traversed the Paw Paw Tunnel, a 3,118-foot-long passage through steep terrain that took 14 years to build and is rumored to be haunted. I'll file those destinations away as just two of the many reasons to keep coming back to the canal.
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Travel + Leisure
06-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This River Gorge in Oregon Has the Highest Concentration of Waterfalls in the U.S.—and It Just Got a Brand-new Glamping Resort
On May 29, glamping company Under Canvas opened a new Columbia River Gorge location on a sprawling 120-acre property in White Salmon, Washington. It's the luxury outdoor brand's first location in the Pacific Northwest and the first not explicitly tied to a national park. "We're thrilled to open Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge as our first location in the Pacific Northwest, reflecting our commitment to connecting our guests with some of the most remarkable natural settings in the country," Matt Gaghen, chief executive officer of Under Canvas, said in a statement to Travel + Leisure . "The vast landscape offers flowing waterfalls, lush forests, river-carved canyons with both Mount Hood and Mount Adams towering in the distance, and is uniquely coupled with renowned wine and cultural experiences." As far as glamping goes, it's hard to think of a more well-known name than Under Canvas. The company now has 12 locations across the United States, most located within minutes of national parks, giving guests a luxury experience in places they would usually have to be roughing it. Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge will have all the luxe amenities that travelers have come to expect from the brand, such as its signature safari-inspired canvas tents with private decks, plush bedding, West Elm furnishings, and (perhaps best of all) en suite bathrooms, including showers with hot water. Further, Under Canvas' popular Stargazer tents are available here and are perfect for viewing the twinkling stars as you fall asleep. The Columbia River Gorge outpost may not be near a national park, but it is located within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which straddles the border of Oregon and Washington and spans 293,000 gorgeous acres. The closest town is White Salmon, which has a cute-as-a-button downtown strip, but the nearest major city is in Portland. Portland International Airport (PDX) is about 77 miles, or an hour-and-a-half-hour drive, from the glamping site. You'll need to rent a car to get to the campsite and to get around the area. Despite not being an official national park, there's no shortage of things to do in the Columbia River Gorge. In addition to offering stunning river canyon views, the gorge is home to the highest concentration of waterfalls in the U.S. with ample opportunities to hike, bike, or even canoe or kayak. However, if you can't quite decide what to do yourself, there's an on-site 'experiences' team that can recommend and arrange excursions such as guided, scenic hikes, private cooking classes on nearby farms, or even guided llama treks. Plus, there are 10 wineries located within a 10-mile radius of Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge. In the main lobby tent, guests will find an eatery offering breakfast and dinner. The idea is that you'll likely be out exploring the great outdoors around lunch, so instead of a midday meal service, there are grab-and-go options that you can take with you. The meals at Under Canvas locations usually emphasize local, seasonal ingredients, and its Columbia River Gorge location is no exception. Expect seafood sourced from nearby Portland and Seattle, as well as local wines and beers. As is the case with all Under Canvas sites, guests will be able to enjoy a robust activities calendar, with events like yoga sessions, live music, and kid-friendly programming on offer. And, of course, the brand's signature nightly s'mores will be on offer as well. "We hope guests leave with a deeper wonder and appreciation for the outdoors, and a better understanding of what makes this region so special," Gaghen said. All Under Canvas locations are seasonal. Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge will be open until Oct. 27. Nightly rates start at $229.
