Latest news with #hiking
Forbes
9 minutes ago
- General
- Forbes
This Underrated Puerto Rico Park Is A Paradise For Birdwatching
Parque Forestal La Marquesa is located in Guaynabo, a Puerto Rican municipality that borders the ... More capital city of San Juan. Home to verdant rainforests, multiple bioluminescent bays and a vast interior mountain range, the island of Puerto Rico boasts a truly staggering amount of destinations for nature lovers. Immediately upon arrival, visitors can set off for the west coast and spend a few days soaking in the sun or hop on a short flight to explore the neighboring islands of Vieques and Culebra—but you don't have to wander far from capital city limits to find a top-tier ecotourism experience. Just a half-hour drive away from the San Juan coastline, Parque Forestal La Marquesa provides guests with a glimpse into the natural splendor of the island, with no shortage of fascinating birds, insects and reptiles to encounter during a visit. After years of inactivity due to damage caused by Hurricane Maria, this beloved eco-park held its grand re-opening on February 9th, 2025, inviting visitors to explore over 250 hectares of pristine forest and winding hiking trails in the verdant mountains of Guaynabo. While guests are welcome to walk their way up to the main building or take the train, the cable car offers particularly stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscapes, spanning roughly ten minutes from start to finish. Upon arrival, visitors can pay a visit to the butterfly house in search of colorful insects or hang out with the resident tortoises—but no trip to La Marquesa is complete without exploring the on-property aviary. Blue-and-yellow macaws are one of more than 20 bird species that can be found in the La Marquesa ... More aviary. While Puerto Rico is renowned for its fascinating native avifauna, La Marquesa is dedicated to showcasing birds from all across the globe, with 25 colorful species calling the park home. Upon entry, guests will be greeted with the cacophony of Indian peacocks mingled with the cries of multiple macaw species, with scarlet and blue-and-yellow varieties all found within the aviary. Looking skyward, birdwatchers can spot cockatoos and conures clinging to the surrounding trees, while the ground plays host to a wide range of creatures spanning from flamingos to the golden pheasant, a dazzling bird that's native to East Asia. Once you've had your fill of the aviary, you can swing by the café to snack on tostones paired with a cold Medalla—but for hardcore birdwatchers, the observation tower is a can't-miss destination. Standing roughly 21 meters tall, the structure provides the perfect perspective for scoping out the many native birds that call the island home. Bananaquits, pearly-eyed thrashers, and Puerto Rican vireos can be found in abundance during a visit, while lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of the Puerto Rican tody, a brilliantly-colored bird that's endemic to the island. The Puerto Rican tody is also referred to as "San Pedrito" across the island. While top-tier birding destinations can be found all across Puerto Rico, La Marquesa offers ample opportunity to spot beloved local species without straying too far from your accommodations. In just one day, visitors can marvel at fascinating avifauna from the Caribbean and far beyond, all while basking in the dazzling landscapes that have earned the island worldwide acclaim. As you plan your next vacation across La Isla del Encanto, be sure to leave some room on the itinerary for a trip to La Marquesa, Guaynabo's crown jewel for ecotourism and outdoor adventure.
Telegraph
4 hours ago
- General
- Telegraph
Body of missing British hiker found in Dolomites
The body of a British hiker who went missing in the Dolomites on New Year's Day has been found by Italy's alpine rescue service. Aziz Ziriat, 36, was last heard from five months ago while hiking through the mountain range in the Trentino region of north Italy with his friend Sam Harris. Several Items and pieces of equipment belonging to 35-year-old Mr Harris were discovered by search and rescue teams in the days after the pair's disappearance. Rescuers retrieved Mr Harris's body on Jan 8 from deep snow at the foot of a cliff on the south face of Mount Carè Alto after tracing his whereabouts through his mobile phone. Mr Ziriat's body was found by a sniffer dog on Saturday in a rocky crevice covered by snow approximately one kilometre away from and 400 metres below where that of his long-term friend had been discovered. The rescue service said that an unsuccessful first search at an altitude of 2,600 metres had taken place that day in the same area where Mr Harris was found. The team had swept an entire gully for any sign of his companion. A second search was then undertaken, with the team carefully lowering themselves along the wall below the base of the slope of the site of the first search. Mr Ziriat's remains were transported to the Spiazzo Rendena sports field and collected by representatives of the coroner's office. His family was immediately informed of the discovery. He was a charity worker with Palace for Life, the official Crystal Palace FC charity, and had undertaken many hiking trips with Mr Harris, according to Rebecca Dimmock, Mr Ziriat's girlfriend, The pair had last been seen in the San Valentino Valley, near a mountain hut named Casina Dosson. In a video, filmed on the day of their disappearance and shared with The Telegraph, they had discussed plans to scale 3,000-metre high mountains. Heavy snowfall, fog, and sub-zero temperatures had repeatedly hampered rescuers' efforts to find Mr Ziriat, and they were often forced to curtail searches for their own safety. Since the body of Mr Harris was found, his family has raised more than £11,000 for Doctors without Borders, the alpine rescue service and St Mungo's Homeless Charity in his memory. One anonymous donor stated just over a week ago: 'To one of the most awesome human beings I had the privilege of knowing. RIP Sam, you were one of life's good ones.'
Sky News
4 hours ago
- General
- Sky News
Aziz Ziriat: Body of British hiker missing in northern Italy since January found by rescuers at Care Alto
The body of a British hiker missing in northern Italy since January has been found, local rescuers have said. Aziz Ziriat, 36, had been hiking in the Dolomites with his friend Sam Harris, 35, whose body was found buried under snow around a kilometre away, at the base of the southern face of the Carè Alto mountain, soon after they were reported missing. Ziriat was discovered on Saturday, buried in snow beneath the same mountain by rescuers from the Trentino Alpine and Speleological Rescue team, the organisation said. The team, which had been airlifted to the area in the morning, began searching near where Harris' body had been found. They found nothing during the first phase of the search, but after descending along the rock face, a rescue dog, from a unit provided by the Italian Financial Police's Alpine rescue branch, detected his body "in a rocky crevice, hidden beneath layers of snow", at the foot of the southern face of Carè Alto, the rescue team said in a statement. His remains were found "at the base of the cliffs, almost 1,000 metres away from Harris' initial location and 400 metres lower in altitude". The body was airlifted to the nearby Spiazzo Rendena sports field, "where a funeral transport was waiting". The rescue team said his family "was immediately informed of the discovery". The Londoners' last known location was at a mountain hut called Casina Dosson, in the San Valentino Valley, close to the town of Tione di Trento, near Riva del Garda on Lake Garda on 1 January They had been hiking in the Carè Alto mountain area within the Adamello group over the New Year. The alarm was raised when the pair missed their return flight on 6 January. Firefighters, the Italian Financial Police's Alpine Rescue team and the volunteer group, A, helped with the search. In January, Mr Ziriat's family praised the work of search teams, saying "their commitment to finding Aziz has been outstanding". A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British national reported missing in Northern Italy and are in contact with the local authorities."
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Two hikers call 911 and say their friend had died on trek... the truth was more bizarre
Hikers trekking through a New York mountain frantically called 911 to report that their friend had died during their adventure, only to be met with an unexpected twist upon rescue crews' arrival. While celebrating Memorial Day Weekend with a hike through the Cascade Mountain in North Elba, two friends found themselves in a nightmare scenario - they were lost, and their buddy was believed to be deceased, according to a press release. But when officers arrived, something truly bizarre occurred - against all odds, their friend, presumed dead, seemingly rose from the grave. As it turned out, the two pals weren't just high up on the mountains. They were also high on hallucinogenic mushrooms. On May 24, around 9am, Forest Ranger Praczkajlo received an emergency call from distressed hikers on Cascade Mountain, located near Lake Placid, according to the state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The mountain, part of the Adirondack High Peaks, ranks as the 36th tallest in the range. During the call, the two hikers reported that their friend had died while on the trail. They also informed authorities that they had encountered a Cascade Summit Steward earlier and admitted they were lost. 'The steward determined the hikers were in an altered mental state,' the agency said in the press release. Ranger Praczkajlo eventually reached the trailhead, where an ambulance was already waiting, and escorted the two panicked hikers back to the vehicle. However, as they made their way back, a single phone call changed the entire situation - turning a straightforward rescue into something far more confusing. On the other line was the 'dead' friend - alive, unharmed and seemingly unaware of the chaos unfolding around him. According to the release, the group had allegedly eaten hallucinogenic mushrooms during their hike. The effects of the drug are highly unpredictable and heavily influenced by the user's mindset and the environment in which it's taken, as reported by Desert Hope Treatment Center. Given the unforeseeable nature of the drug, users may endure 'bad trips' - intense, distressing reactions that can be both frightening and disorienting. Intense hallucinations, anxiety, panic and fear are just a few of the possible effects during a 'bad trip', often triggered by unfamiliar or chaotic surroundings. Thankfully reunited, all three friends were escorted back to their campsite, where they could finally find safety and calm after their odd ordeal. Bad trips leading people to behave in wild or erratic ways are not an uncommon experience with mushrooms, though the intensity can vary greatly from person to person. For some, a 'bad trip' might mean intense anxiety and a pounding heart - unpleasant but bearable - while others unfortunately end up in dangerous or painful situations. Last year, a man on vacation in Austria who took these 'magic mushrooms' entered psychosis that led him to amputate his penis and store it in a snow-filled jar. Doctors labeled the heart-stopping incident as the first case of its kind - and a harrowing reminder of the dangers of psychedelic drugs. The 37-year-old man ate four or five mushrooms before blacking out and taking an axe to his penile shaft - ultimately chopping it into several pieces. As he came to, he staggered out of the home and dragged himself down a nearby street, bleeding profusely, searching for help. In the middle of the night, around 2am, a passerby picked him up and brought him to the nearest village, and then to the closest hospital. He was immediately carted to the operating room, where doctors got the bleeding under control and disinfected the myriad pieces of the man's penis in the snow and soil-filled jar. Some damaged parts had to be removed, but the head of the penis and shaft were intact. After cleaning the wound, doctors successfully reattached the penis, despite it having been without blood flow for about 9 hours total (5 hours warm and 4 hours cold). After inserting a catheter, the surgeon reconnected the tissues of the penis using dissolvable stitches. The scrotal skin was then sewn back to the cleaned skin of the amputated part. Some of the skin on the tip of the man's newly reconstructed penis started to die about a week later - a condition called necrosis due to lack of oxygenated blood flow there - but doctors were able to treat it and reverse the damage. Despite all this, the man was still experiencing hallucinations, even trying to break out of the hospital at one point. Doctors found that he had smuggled mushrooms into his hospital room, finding a handful of them in his nightstand in the urology ward.
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Travel + Leisure
11 hours ago
- General
- Travel + Leisure
This Gorgeous River Canyon Has the Highest Concentration of Waterfalls in North America—and It's Just 10 Minutes From Portland
Appreciate the Columbia River Gorge's natural splendor while catching some wind and waves on the water, hiking to waterfalls, or cycling through rocky tunnels. Refresh yourself at a Nordic-style bathhouse before drifting off to dreamland in chic cabins at Bingen's Society Hotel. Have some of the best barbecue on the West Coast at Hood River's Grasslands Barbecue. Visit in spring to avoid the worst of the crowds, and see the landscape awash in seasonal wildflower blooms. Hang out in riverside towns like Hood River and Cascade Locks, where your post-hike beer comes with unbeatable views. For travelers heading to Portland, Oregon, the two-drop, 620-foot-tall Multnomah Falls in the nearby Columbia River Gorge is usually a must-see. But while the gorge is home to North America's greatest concentration of waterfalls, they're just a drop in the bucket of everything this river canyon has to offer. Stretching over 80 miles in length and reaching depths of up to 4,000 feet, the Columbia River Gorge—a designated National Scenic Area since 1986—is a geological wonder. Formed by volcanoes and carved by Ice Age floods, it's a land of contrasts, where rainforests and woodlands coexist alongside semi-arid grasslands and rugged bluffs. Framed by looming basalt cliffs, the Columbia River cuts through the landscape, marking the boundary between Oregon to the south and Washington to the north. 'The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is the largest and most ecologically diverse scenic area in the nation,' says Krystyna Wolniakowski, the executive director of the Columbia River Gorge Commission, an organization that protects the National Scenic Area. As well as being an outdoorsmen's paradise thanks to its diversity of landscapes, gorge-goers will also find the area is a food haven, with farms, orchards, and an American Viticultural Area wine region that supports 'gorge-to-table' dining. Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to the Columbia River Gorge. The safari style glamping tents at Skamania Lodge. Surrounded by 175 acres of woodlands, the grand Skamania Lodge offers a choose-your-own-adventure style of stay with traditional lodge rooms, cabins, glamping tents, and elevated tree houses. After hiking in nearby Beacon Rock State Park or trying onsite activities like golf, the spa awaits with restorative massages or hot tub soaks before dinner. Located on a working farm and organic apple and pear orchard roughly eight miles from Hood River, Oregon, the five-bedroom, log cabin-style Sakura Ridge has everything you'll need for a romantic getaway: cozily-appointed rooms, soaking tubs, and dreamy views of Mount Hood. Start each day with a breakfast of seasonal, fresh-from-the-farm goodies, and enjoy additional culinary delights like bento boxes and chef-led private dinners. The boutique Society Hotel is set in an old schoolhouse and has the complete traveler accommodation toolkit: bunk rooms, private rooms, and cutesy cabins. Easy on the eyes with its sleek, Scandinavian-style design, the spa and bathhouse is a stand-out perk with a saltwater soaking pool, al-fresco hot pool, cedar sauna, and cold plunge. Open seasonally from late spring to late October, Under Canvas's newest property fully immerses you in the gorge's outdoor splendor with its stylish glamping tents. Glampers can enjoy views of Mount Hood from the site's hilltop perch near White Salmon, Washington, as well as on-site amenities like locally-sourced grub, nightly s'mores, and fun programming, like live music. Harvest your own fruit at the Hood River Fruit Loop. Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge Chasing waterfalls here is a given, but there's so much more to see and do, outdoorsy or otherwise. 'We encourage people to recreate responsibly when visiting these fragile and beautiful ecosystems,' says a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson, reminding visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles and acquire any necessary permits. Adventure abounds here, both on land and in the water. Hiking is huge, with over 200 trails that delve deep into the woods to lush canyons like Eagle Creek, or head skyward on leg-busting routes with worth-the-pain vistas. 'My personal favorites are hiking up Dog Mountain … for the wildflower bonanza in May, and to Rowena Crest viewpoint,' says Wolniakowski. Cyclists can bike through cliffside tunnels and along car-free sections of Oregon's Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail, and the gorge has watersports-lovers covered with kiteboarding, windsurfing, paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, and kayaking. The Columbia River and its tributaries have anglers firmly on the hook as renowned fishing spots. The spring salmon run brings over a million Chinook, sockeye, and coho, but there's plenty of year-round catches like walleye. If you're lucky, you may get a sturgeon on the line—these prehistoric 'living fossils' are the biggest fish in North America and reach up to 800 pounds. In the fall, head to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery to see spawning coho and Chinook. Okay, you can't find bananas here, but you can find apples, pears, cherries, blueberries, strawberries, and much more growing in abundance, thanks to the Hood River Valley's unique soil composition. Taste the bounty for yourself along the Hood River Fruit Loop, a collection of 32 farmstands, wineries, and eateries spread throughout the valley, and pluck your own seasonal goodies at "U-Pick" farms around the area. Grab a post-hike pint of craft beer or glass of gorge-grown wine; there are roughly 12 craft breweries and over 30 wineries to choose from, plus cideries and distilleries. Sip on high-altitude pinot gris paired with Mount Hood views at Loop de Loop Wines, watch windsurfers as you sample beers made with locally foraged botanicals at Ferment Brewing Company, or enjoy zero-proof cocktails and flights at Wilderton Aperitivo Co., the U.S.'s first non-alcoholic distillery and tasting room. Head to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum to learn more about the area's human history, from ancestral Indigenous residents to Lewis and Clark's voyage. It's also worth making the 45-minute drive from Hood River to Mount Hood for summertime paddleboarding or wintertime skiing. A clear starry night taken in the Columbia River Gorge. Stay up late for stellar stargazing from lookouts like the Vista House at Crown Point, a popular waystop among motorists since the early 1900s, who come to bask in the gorge's grandeur. On rare occasions, the northern lights have made appearances. A plate of BBQ and sides from Grasslands BBQ. Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge Kick off your trip at Sugarpine Drive-In in Troutdale, Oregon, at the gorge's western entrance. Housed in a refurbished 1920s gas station, pull up to the drive-through window to order sumptuous sundaes, simple soft-serves, or hearty soups and sandwiches like waffle-ironed grilled cheese with tomato soup. This Hood River barbecue truck is only open a couple of days a week, but it's worth planning your day around; the Texas-style barbecue is some of the best in the Pacific Northwest. Load up trays with oak-smoked brisket, hatch chile, cheddar sausages, and pulled pork, plus sides like mac and cheese. Go early, though—they sell out fast. Recognized by the James Beard Awards for its outstanding wine program, Hiyu Wine Farm's culinary events are among the Gorge's most coveted seatings. Experience 'sense of place' meals made with seasonal goods grown or foraged on the property, paired with boundary-pushing natural wines. Fuel up for a day of hikes, bike rides, or winery-hopping with breakfast at White Salmon Baking Company. Satisfy savory or sweet cravings with avocado toast or pastries, and grab a Reuben panini for the road. Leavened with wild yeast, the breads are divine, with rotating flavors and varieties. If you think fruit doesn't belong on pizza, this spot for wood-fired pies along the Hood River waterfront may convince you otherwise. Local pears complement blue cheese and caramelized onions, and cherries sing alongside chorizo sausage and goat cheese. For the pizza purists, there are plenty of other options, which also make full use of local ingredients like mushrooms and Columbia River salmon. Wildflower growing in Rowena Crest. Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge The best time to visit the Columbia River Gorge is late spring through early fall to take full advantage of long, balmy summer days, perfect for being outdoors. At the height of summer, popular sites like Multnomah Falls can get crowded, especially on weekends, so plan your sightseeing accordingly. Springtime is a favorite of locals thanks to vibrant wildflower blooms like lupine and balsamroot, and autumn brings leaf-peeping in the forests and vineyards. Enjoying a boat ride along the Columbia River in Cascade Locks. Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge With Portland and the Portland International Airport (PDX) being just a 10-minute drive away, the western entrance to the gorge is the best point of access. Traveling by car along Oregon's Highway 84 or Washington's State Route 14 is worth it for the views alone, and it takes about an hour to drive from Portland to Hood River or White Salmon at the gorge's eastern terminus. City view of Hood River from the water. Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge Known as the windsurfing capital of the world, Hood River is also one of the gorge's main hubs for dining, shopping, and stays. After a Scandinavian breakfast at Broder Øst, spend the day cycling through the surrounding farmlands or riding the Mount Hood Railroad before winding down over beers and 'za at the Waterfront Park. Surrounded by wineries, hiking areas, and rivers with world-class whitewater rafting, Washington's White Salmon sits across the Columbia from Hood River. Even though the great outdoors calls very persistently here, be sure to spend time in town checking out its thriving art scene at galleries and workshops. Situated about halfway through the gorge, this tiny town is worth a stopover. Grab burgers and soft-serve at the retro Eastwind Drive-in, chow down on smoked salmon quesadillas and Columbia-caught fish at the Indigenous-owned Brigham Fish Market, and snap a picture on the Bridge of the Gods. People riding their bikes through The Dalles. Experience Mt. Hood and the Gorge Renting a car gives you the greatest ease of access, but there are ways to go without. The Columbia Gorge Express links Portland, Troutdale, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, and Hood River on the Oregon side, with select Washington routes during spring and summer. Shuttle services like Sasquatch Shuttle also relieve congestion at popular sites like Multnomah Falls.
