Vagabondish

10 of the World’s Most Challenging Destinations to Land a (Small) Plane

Jacob Little — Fri, 24 May 2013 20:14:55 +0000

Aircraft, and their licences, come in all shapes and sizes – from small micro-lights and gliders, to Cessna 150’s, 172’s and 182’s, all the way to instrument licences, commercial licences and airline transport qualifications that allow you to fly the biggest of jets.

But what if we ignore all this? What if we look at the sheer excitement and pleasure of flying – of being able to choose where you go, who you go with and how you arrive? This is in essence the pinnacle of what everyone who travels wants.

So here are ten exotic locations where the majority of pilots would dream of flying to test their skills in the most challenging and exciting conditions available.

#1: Peru

As far as remote flying goes, South America is among the toughest places in the world to be a pilot. Airlines and pilots have to be kings of improvisation – as this latest news of an emergency flight’s runway being lit by motorcycles proves. Thousands of tourists take to the sky in light aircraft every year to see the spectacular ancient Nazca Lines from air – and many operators can be less than trustworthy when it comes to maintenance and safety. As with everything when travelling, if you’re going to do this, go with a reputable company.

#2: Alaska

As fans of Flying Wild Alaska will know, this area can be more than treacherous when it comes to light aircraft. The runways and dirt strips here are often far too short for larger planes to go in and out of, so small Cessnas and Beechcraft are used – often battling extreme weather for the sake of what in many cases is the only link to the outside world.

#3: Okavango Delta (Botswana)

This a popular spot for wealthy safari travellers who want to ‘escape’ to the bush in exclusive luxury safari resorts. And what better way to arrive at your resort than by bush plane? A number of companies in the area operate small Cessnas – but frequently battle with tropical storms, dust clouds, and extreme turbulence along the way.

#4: Barra Island (Scotland)

Arriving at Barra Airport ©

The island of Barra is the only place in the world where a scheduled passenger flight lands on the beach … only, of course, when the tide is out. If that wasn’t enough, the airline operates old De Havilland Twin Otters which are hard planes to fly at the best of times in some challenging North Atlantic weather. Low clouds, no visibility, wind and rain is often the order of the day here … however the beauty of the island and the dramatic approach more than makes up for it.

#5: Medical Flying (Australia)

If there was any sort of flying that demanded the very best from pilots, it’s Medevac flying in the bush. Australia’s size often rules out land transport for patients in critical condition. So small aircraft do the job with stretchers and medical supplies fitted. Planes fly hundreds of miles from civilisation – if one has engine trouble and goes down – it’s likely they won’t be found.

#6: The Russian Wilderness

A catalogue of recent incidents and accidents from Russia has meant that the country now rates as one of the world’s most dangerous places to fly. Small, old aircraft and classic jets such as Yak’s, Tupolev’s and Antonov’s are slowly being phased out.

However with travel being a necessity in such a large country and the World Cup on the horizon, it’s a move that’s certainly needed. Light aircraft are found in abundance with private flyers offering a variety of lessons; however the bulk of the commercial pilot intake comes from the military.

#7: Nepal

Lukla Airport, Nepal

The famous Lukla airport in Nepal has served thousands of tourists travelling to Mount Everest’s base camp. It’s also caused many tragedies and fatalities, as the sheer cliff faces, sloping runway and deadly downdrafts that surround it catch out many small aircraft. However, if you do love small aircraft and happen to be a bit of an adrenaline junkie – The Lukla Airport Experience is certainly not to be missed.

#8: Brazil + the Jungle

Criminal activity in this part of South America is rife, and it therefore makes it a relatively dangerous place to travel by light aircraft. Many private planes have somewhat dubious origins to say the least, and the vast expanse of dangerous jungle that goes by the name of the Amazon makes escaping from crashes or engine failures literally a remote proposition.

#9: Saba (Dutch Antilles)

Saba Airport (Dutch Antilles)

One of the world’s smallest runways, perched on top of a tiny island, with sheer drops at either end. It may be a scary experience, but it’s the best bit of land available on the whole of the Dutch Antilles – the original name for this tiny island was once thought to derive from the Arawak Indian work for ‘rock’.

#10: Matekane (Lesotho)

Lesotho is a mountainous monarchy surrounded on all sides by South Africa. It’s hot, dry climate also boasts spectacular scenery – and the runway at Matekane is right in the middle of it all. Finding enough air to pass over the wings at 7,700 feet is hard enough, but in addition, because of the sheer drop and high mountains, planes often have to ‘fall’ off the edge of the runway, point the nose down to gain speed and then pull up to climb out. This airport is reserved for the most rugged of planes and boldest of pilots.

So there we have ten exotic and spectacular locations to take a small aircraft. You might have to be considered brave, even foolish, but there’s no denying that flying here offers some of the most exhilarating if not dangerous flying there is to be had. Getting to some of these places is hard, but that’s why the remote airports and small planes that exist there do what they do – they are the only lifeline, and simply a way of life for the local inhabitants.

Case Logic DCB-308 SLR Camera Sling: So Long, Daypack! You Won’t Be Missed [Review]

Mike Richard — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:33:18 +0000

Over the years, I’ve gone through backpacks once every six months or so. And every successive bag is (thankfully) smaller than the last. Which is how I came to find myself on the hunt for a sling bag – they’re typically a step down in capacity from a traditional daypack. But a good sling balances the drop in size with a healthy amount of portability (and usually comfort).

So I reached out to eBags.com (a company we’ve loved working with for the past two years) with a request to check out the Case Logic DCB-308 Camera Sling.

Here’s what I found …

The Skinny

In Case Logic’s own words, the DCB308 offers:

Designed to fit SLR camera with standard zoom lens attached or DSLR with grip (when stored vertically)

Side-entry compartment provides quick access to your camera and accessories while wearing the sling

Adjustable divider system provides customizable organization for additional lens, flash or other camera accessories

Unzip side pocket, slide your tripod inside, and secure it at the top with the adjustable buckle (serves as additional accessory storage when not using a tripod)

Internal zippered pocket on side flap stores extra memory cards, filter, or lens cloth

Weather hood fits snugly over the bag to protect from the elements (when not in use, roll into its stuff sack for storage)

Generous, front zippered pocket provides organization for additional camera or non-camera accessories

Upper compartment stores extra accessories

Innovative strap management system keeps excess strap material rolled up, secured in place and out of your way

Padded shoulder strap with adjustable sternum strap keeps sling secure during activity

The Traveler’s Take

The first thing I like about the DCB-308 is the size. At 15.75 x 7.5 x 9.75 inches and less than 3 pounds, it’s remarkably portable. As a minimalist traveler, it’s paramount that my luggage fits the most amount of gear in the smallest possible space.

This becomes a special challenge with camera bags which typically feature a large amount of thick padding. The DCB-308 strikes an excellent balance between the two. The integrated padding is perfectly proportioned – substantial enough that you’re not terrified of opening your bag to find shattered lenses, but minimal enough that the pack is lightweight and ultra-portable.

There’s plenty of room in the dedicated bottom compartment for a DLSR with an attached zoom lens, plus 1 other zoom lens OR 2 smaller/prime lenses. An additional zippered pouch in the flap keeps memory cards, spare batteries and other loose bits organized.

Likewise, the top compartment stores everything else – snacks, headphones, passport, boarding passes, etc. Overall, this is a compact bag ideal for travelers with a penchant for packing more photography gear than the average consumer. If you’re a pro photographer however or simply one who needs multiple tripods, eight lenses, four backup batteries, etc. at all times, then this isn’t the bag for you.

After eschewing my traditional daypack in favor of this sling configuration, I can never go back. It’s more comfortable, less obtrusive and less noticeable (I’m looking at you, camera thieves!) than a backpack. Plus, there’s the added feature of being able to swing it around my body at a moment’s notice to quickly retrieve a new lens, memory card or … Clif Bar.

Pricing & Availability

Available now directly from eBags for approximately $60 (USD).

29 Picture-Perfect Reasons to Love Toronto [Gallery]

Mike Richard — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:17:45 +0000

#1: First Touching Down at YYZ

#2: Princes' Gates

#3: Nighttime Visits to the Lake

#4: New Finds at St. Lawrence Market

#5: The Energy of the City after Dark

#6: The Canadian Sense of Humor

#7: Bike Rides Along the Boardwalk

#8: The Annual Zombie Walk

#9: The Beautiful Farmland Just Outside the City

#10: The Rich History

#11: Views from the CN Tower

#12: Morning at Kew Beach

#13: One-of-a-kind Shops and Galleries

#14: The Kickass Bar Scene

#15: The Bustle of King Street

#16: The Stunning Diversity of People

#17: The Natural Beauty of Every Public Space

#18: The Endless Outdoor Adventure Options

#19: Rocking the Summer Heat Like This Guy

#20: Watching Over the City at Night

#21: The Beauty of Its Urban Decay

#22: The People Watching

#23: The Obsession with Tim Horton’s Coffee

#24: Sunrise Over Humber Bay Arch Bridge

#25: Walking in High Park

#26: Morning at the Harbourfront

#27: The Harbor at Bathurst Quay

#28: Sunsets from The Distillery District

… and #29: The Countless Photo Opportunities

What do you love about Toronto?

Photo of the Moment: The Mellow Life, Laos

Mike Richard — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:50:42 +0000

Plane Lands at Newark Without Landing Gear

Steph Spencer — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:02:21 +0000

A US Airways flight was forced to land without the aid of the aircraft’s landing gear in Newark on Saturday. The plane had been circling the airport after the flight crew detected a problem with the landing gear, but it eventually became necessary for the plane to land at the airport on its belly. No injuries were reported among the 31 passengers and three crew, who were evacuated to the terminal upon landing.

Find out more about this from CNN

COCOON Hyperlight Air-Core Pillow: (Possibly) the Most Compact Travel Pillow Available

Mike Richard — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:26:18 +0000

While I’m not a fan of typical travel pillows (too bulky to pack), Cocoon’s Hyperlight AirCore Travel Pillow has completely swayed me. It’s ridiculously lightweight (just 2.4 ounces!) compact – almost enough to fit inside a yogurt container. Features include an inflatable air core, surrounded by soft, polyester fill; soft micro ripstop nylon shell that stays cool; and an easy-to-use twist valve facilitates rapid inflation/deflation to allow personalized support.

Pricing & Availability

Available now for around $22 (USD) from REI and other outdoor/travel gear vendors.

Photo of the Moment: Princess and Princes of Dogna-Aboméy, Benin

Mike Richard — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:34:02 +0000

Visiting the Sistine Chapel? Beware of Pickpockets

Heather Bond — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:00:27 +0000

In one of the holiest attractions in the world, the simplest crime is occurring everyday. While tourists gaze up at Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, they are making themselves easy marks for pickpocketing.

With nearly 30,000 visitors entering the chapel on a daily basis, Vatican guards are considering a strike, and calling for an increase in security and a cap on daily visitors. Many visitors are feeling the effects of the overcrowded chapel, comparing it to a cattle call.

If the Vatican guides strike, they may run the risk of shutting down the attraction, which happened when Louvre guards called a strike in April. Read more at Huffington Post.

More Than 2,000,000 Cigarette Butts Found in Our Seas and Waterways

Steph Spencer — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:03:00 +0000

Not only do the volunteers behind the International Coastal Cleanup pick up litter and debris that is polluting coastlines and waterways, they also inventory what the collect. That’s dedication!

This year the Ocean Conservancy has produced an infographic showing the 10 most common items they found:

North Korean Border Town Opens its Doors to Westerners

Heather Bond — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:00:51 +0000

One North Korean town is finally welcoming western tourists–but with a few limitations. Passport holders from the U.S., South Korea, and Japan are still unable to enter North Korea, but other westerners can make the trip to Sinuiju.

Sinuiju is North Korea’s largest border town. Some of the sights one can find in the town are classic revolutionary monuments, mosaics, the riverside, and the “Broken Bridge” — an old bridge which was bombed during the Korean War. Read more on Sinjiju at CNN.com.