Searching for Waterfalls near Tanti, Argentina Thorny bushes bite and claw at my legs as we make our way down the arduous hiking trail in Reserva Cerro Blanco. I can't take my eyes off of the ground. Rich in minerals and spotted in quartz, marble and silver. It literally sparkles. Sweat is pooling in the lining of my hat and I stop to swipe at my forehead. I hear rushing … [Read more...]
Sandboarding Atacama Desert in Chile – from Alex’s Adventure Diaries
My thighs burn as I trudge up the steep sand dune and squint into the blaring sun. Mimicking Mads, I hold my board across my shoulders and focus on stepping on the almost invisible path. Looking toward the crest of the hill, I mechanically order my legs to move forward one leg at a time. How the hell do people run up these in movies? Reaching the top, I take a moment to bury … [Read more...]
Paso de Jama, Chilean Border Crossing to Argentina – from Alex’s Adventure Diaries
The barren border crossing building at Paso de Jama, between Chile and Argentina in the Andes, has a distinct lack of noise as travellers slowly shuffle their dusty backpacks forward in a semblance of lines. I stare out the open window where a yawning blue sky meets the dry desert. Voices come in like muted echoes and I work my jaw to no avail. My left eardrum is … [Read more...]
Mountain Biking Death Road, Bolivia – from Alex’s Adventure Diaries
What Did I Get Myself Into!?! I see a few rocks falling down the mountainside towards me and my heart rate picks up speed. I could actually die here. Working my bike through the mudslide, I understand why the van that was supposed to follow us for emergencies, had to go back and meet us at the end. I flex my ice-cold wet fingers as best as I can and alternate taking them … [Read more...]
Mental Health and Travel
As we become more open about our mental health we’re realizing that many of us are dealing with anxiety, depression, and other illnesses. I want to be clear that to the best of my knowledge, I do not suffer from any disorder or illness - but I do deal with what I call “panic flashes”. I’m not good with negative emotions besides anger. Anger I’m wildly familiar with, but … [Read more...]
