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In response to #0

Hi! I'll try to answer some of your questions. It's been about 10 years that I haven't lived in Yukon though...

My first question is related to actually getting myself, the Bicycle and all my gear up to Tuk to start the journey. I understand that I can fly to Inuvik (from Yellowknife I think) and that there are very expensive flights from Inuvik to Tuk.....is there a local transport service between these two towns like a bus that I could use? Is hitching a lift up to the top with locals an option....even though I’ll have my bike?

I very much doubt there is local, overland transport into Tuk. Hitchhiking is a way of life out there - but be prepared for drunk drivers, and long stretches alone. If you hitch - be prepared to do it in increments, and it might take a few days even. You could always ask around about hitching to Tuk (i.e. is it a good idea? What should I expect? etc...) . It's certainly not something to count on. I'd bet a lot of money there's no service to to Tuk that's overland. There is an airline company called Air North based in the Yukon. They don't fly to Tuk but you might try calling them and asking for suggestions on how to get to Tuk. People in these Northern parts are community oriented and it's not uncommon for someone to know someone else who can get you in touch with their cousin who knows a way there... Call transport and delivery companies and airlines and they might put you in touch with someone who knows a way.

Any other suggestions?

Rent a car? Inquiring at a car rental company could be a good idea. Again - if you have the time - hitchhike.

Water, Food and Re-Supply enroute:- Can I count on getting full supplies for my journey in Inuvik and Tuk? In particular food to cover myself for 5-6 days on the road. I’ll be camping as much as I can and obviously cooking my meals as I go. Just the basic staples to get me through that section and snacks etc.

Agree with the above poster - stock up in Inuvik. You'll likely find little stores along the way, but nothing reliable.

I have read some blogs of folks riding the other way and they have had food resupplies sent from Dawson to Eagle Plains.....does anyone know if the same service is offered going in the opposite direction? Would be great to cut down on weight / food carried out of Inuvik :)

Again - nothing reliable that I can think of. If you're willing to pay the price it probably exists. Ask around, stock up when it's reasonably priced, and err on the side of too much vs. too little.

Is it possible to buy Camping Gas (Propane, Butane) in either Inuvik or Tuk - this will help determine the cooking system I’ll bring.

Inuvik yes. Not sure about Tuk. Again - maybe try asking people around town. Someone might have it who's willing to sell it. It's not something to count on - but you could try...

Water:- I’ll bring my water filter and Purification tabs, but are there rivers / streams along that route to resupply from? Is this water drinkable or does it need to be treated first?

So different people might tell you different things - but I personally drink from streams, babbling brooks, lakes, rivers, etc.. that I find along the way. I would argue the water is cleaner than what you get from the tap in most cities. If you esaily get upset stomach - maybe bring purification - but (again - not speaking or everyone) wouldn't.

Am I correct in assuming that food, water and shelter is available at Fort McPherson, Eagle Plains and then Dawson once I start riding south from Inuvik?

I don't know about Eagle Plains - but for the other two - absolutely you can stock up.

What can I expect in terms of cell phone coverage? Wifi availability?

Ask locals - I think generally Bell has the best cell reception in Canada - but google it. Wifi should be available in Dawson. I'd be surprised if Tuk doesn't have any - but it might be spotty.

Mosquitoes:- We have some serious bug action on the west coast of the South Island, NZ but I’ve read that in this region they are huge, plentiful and relentless!! I’ll bring a head net, be able to cover up my body and bring some heavy duty repellent, but are there any other helpful hints or tips you could offer?? I usually make a small, smoky fire if and when I can which also helps.

Mosquitos hate smoke - I've done hikes in the Guatemalan jungle lol and everyone smokes to repel the mosquitoes. Not the recommended method though lol... I've heard citronella is a good repellent. I also knew a fellow who lived out in the bush who swore by some mosquito repellent that was infused with coconut oil lol. Maybe try to find it. Again- don't be shy to ask locals. Maybe bring a spare head-net in case you lose yours.

Bears:- What do I do about the bears.... may sound like a stupid question, but I’ve never dealt with this situation before. Please, apart from keeping all my food and smelly stuff seperate from my campsite, what else should I do....do I need to get bear spray. Do I bag all my food and smelly stuff, seal it and hang it from a tree?? What is the best advice here please?

Bears don't like people. Make a lot of noise. Sing to yourself - carry some bear bells. Don't panic if you see one (you might). Here is a good website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/mtn/ours-bears/securite-safety/ours-humains-bears-people
Read over it^ and know what to do in case of an encounter. Be prepared but not paranoid. I've encountered many bears in my travel but never had a problem. Bear spray is a good investement and in fact - in some national parks they'll keep bear spray that was left behind by other travelers and they'll let you use it. Bear spray has it's own set of rules (for example - you can't spray it against the wind) - so be sure to read on those limitations.
Bear bangers are another option - they're like firecrackers that make a loud 'BANG' and scare the bear away.
While camping - yes - slung over a rope hanging from a tree is the recommended advice for your food.

Weather Conditons:- No, I’m not asking anyone to predict the weather :) but generally speaking what sort of weather extremes can I expect in the month of July? Can it drop to freezing at the top of the Highway and then get to the mid 20’s after Eagle Plains? I’ll keep definitely cover wet weathers, but wondering how cold nights can get, unexpected snow storms?? Just trying to cover all the bases in terms of a sleeping system and riding gear / kit!

No snowstorms. It could possibly (likely) get uncomfortably cold sometimes. You'll be above the arctic circle - so you'll have some days with no night, or very little night. I don't think it would go to freezing though, even at Tuk. July is the best month to go - so good choice. I'd suggest a good sweater, expect +5C at coldest, GLOVES, hat, and some good wool socks at night.If I was going to do what you do - I'd choose July as well.
Try to find some this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=hand+warmers&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiZuMyfr57gAhUowVkKHSvmB4cQ_AUIDigB&biw=1920&bih=938#imgrc=v-vUPDs4J9h2NM:

This is pretty cool! Send me a PM with an update when you've done it about how it went!
Cheers!

Edited by geo85ca
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4

Lucky you going to WA, once there join the secessionist movement. Why are you going via Melbourne from Sydney?, to check out Bleak City before you get to the God Zone? I've done the trip a few times and in no particular order the following come to mind. As you noted, winter means shorter days, and you will be driving into the sunset for the last couple of hours. On the other hand, the clock is set back heading west so you get longer drives. On the subject of time, there is is an un-official central Australian time which operates around Eucla, they split the hour and half difference between Adelaide of Perth, and set the clock 45 minutes ahead of Perth. Entering both South Australia and at Norseman WA, your car will be given the once over for fruit and vegetables, you cannot take them with you. I used to buy a bag of oranges to eat on the way east and it was either eat them or ditch them at the SA check point. It is not worth driving at night, there is too much out there to hit, roo's, emus, horses, cattle, etc, just east of Balladonia I once saw about 7-10 of camels 10 metres from the side of the road. Fuel is going to cost you, - no way around it, fill up where you can. Driving west in winter usually means you're driving into a head wind,so increased consumption. Roadhouse food is absolutely crappy, fried and reheated which is why I'd take fruit. If you can, freeze some water containers overnight to drink during the day. That you need a reliable car is a given, any tows or repairs will cost you heaps in both time and money. There is no phone service for most of the way or radio reception, take a USB stick or some CDs to play. You can sleep in your car, but its going to be a miserable night though its completely safe, I like hot showers, hot coffee and a sit down toilet in the mornings. For stops, there is an old Telegraph station near Eucla which is slowly being swallowed by the sand, at the point where you're closest to the edge of the continent, drive down the marked road to the car park at the Bunda Cliffs and you can see the coast line stretching away east and west, in front of you is the Southern Ocean with nothing between you and the Antarctic Ice, if lucky you may see some whales, you can, but I wouldn't, get over the fence and sit on the very edge. The Nullabor Plain is really only about 100km wide or so, the rest is really a table land whose name escapes me. The road is good, though I give way to the numerous roadtrains that use it. I used to do it in 4 nights and 5 days and I remember the GPS would be giving the location of the Balladonia Homestead instead of Balladonia Roadhouse, about a 50km difference. Traveling west to east, it would be Perth to Norseman or Balladonia Roadhouse/Motel, then Balladonia to Eucla, Eucla to Port Augusta, Port Augusta to Wilcannia, Wilcannia to Sydney. There are no tolls west of Sydney, set your cruise to 110kph and enjoy the trip. I'm envious and would love to do it again.

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Hi everyone,

My girlfriend an I are planning a short visit to the trails of Kumano Kodo in early April.
We plan to sleep at Kii Tanabe, then travel for a whole day from Takahara to Chikatsuyu and spend the night there.
Day 2 needs to end in Osaka, so we figured we should probably take a bus to the Yunumine Onsen and walk the short distance to Kumano Hungo Taisha or something similar.

The endless possibilities are confusing and while I'm certain we can't do the whole route in less than two days, I'm not sure these are the best sections to do or a very good plan. I would love to get some advice on our plan or must see places along the route we'll be missing out on.

Thanks,

Bar

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5

Two main options for camping: one, camp at a hostel/guesthouse/official campsite. You'll pay them a little bit of money, and they'll give you security and facilities like toilets and showers. Two, turn up in a village and ask the chief where you can pitch your tent. You can do this in most villages in Africa. Just be respectful. I have wild camped in the bush in Africa before, but generally feel more secure camping near a village. If you introduce yourself in the village, they'll assume your safety as their responsibility.

You'll absolutely need to bring your own gear. A thin mat (rather than a mattress!) should be fine, while a sleeping bag is rarely necessary; even when camping at altitude (in the mountains of Malawi, for example) I don't think I needed a sleeping bag.


Learn all about the island of Awaji, the largest island in Japan's Inland Sea. You can contact me through that website, if you wish.
Also, Japan's architectural and historic heritage.
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The leg of your trip between Xpujil and Bacalar goes past Kohunlich and the complex at Dzibanche. Dzibanche is a regular ruin but it has a lone temple some three miles to the west, that from its summit, you can see Lake Bacalar and out to the ocean- it puts it all into perspective. I like the Dzibanche area because about every third farmstead is built on or beside a no name ruin. The area is heavily farmed so one can get a really good idea of just how densely the Maya inhabited the area before the conquest. All of the secondary roads going into these ruins are good, have drinks and snacks with you as there is nothing to buy as far as refreshment at ether ruin.
I've done the drive from Merida to Calakmul in 7 hours, going the coastal route, turning at Escarcega.
I've driven around Latin America with no one who spoke Spanish a number of times-with never much problem. Any problems have been over getting directions, your route has great signage, directions should not be a problem. My wife speaks Spanish like a native, we never have her talk at road blocks. Just hand them your paperwork, smile and you will be on your way. Tourism is a big money spinner in Yucatan, obey the traffic laws, watch out for pedestrians, slow moving vehicles, cattle in and along the road and the dreaded speed bumps. There are 50 million of them in Latin America, few marked. You will get the drill on speed bumps within ten minutes of renting your car.
I always buy a styrofoam cooler when traveling by car, I've even used a proper cooler as a suitcase flying down just to have a cooler big enough for my crew.
At Xpujil, the ruin Bacan is worth the effort. It sports some temples with the phoney steps, too steep for even a mountain goat and it has a moat. It is a compact site with some interesting features. The Hotel Calakmul in Xpujil is the best hotel and restaurant in town .
Bacalar is a nice area, there is a big sinkhole south of town that has been developed, restaurant, bar , a great place to swim.
You have a car, Majahual would be my choice over Tulum. It is Cancun, thirty years ago. There are lots of little hotels going down the south road out of town, you don't need reservations-just go.

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Planning to travel bike at dawn from Savannakhet headingeast to Vietnam 144 miles, Is it doable in 1 day , I can doo 150 on flat , but see a few hills.I read there are many trucks is it very dangerous for cyclists?
Get to Phin day 2nd March, maybe overnight if nice place just need bed and dinner
Then uphill to Sepon? Are theere any very long or steep hills and the availibility of drinkable water in villages on the roadside
Then Lao Bao in Vietnam for the night

1 Any sure link to opening hours seen 2pm to 10 pm on various travelers boards.Is it sure to be open until sundown around 6pm in March?

If it is getting late quite happy and able to pay a trucker on Song Taew etc to take bikes in order to get to border of Viet Nam and not be stuck sleeping at a closed frontier

DIGS
2 We see several hotels bookable online in Lao Bao and Khe San 10 miles further on any recommendations we heading downhill folowing Sepon Valley to sea near Domg Ha, are there any bike friendly places en roue next day but like to see Khe San Memorial in daytime, there are some very grimlooking Soviet style Hotels a family hoestay or backpackers be better within 10 miles of the border.

3 If we arrive to late is there any shelter if raining on Lao side m GH , Hotel Monastery anything , many border areas are full of trash feral dogs and unsavoury "trade servicing the truckers"

4 We read trucks are allowed through and we will get Visa on arrival will a "tip" get us through late with the trucks

5 Is any ATM that takes foreign cards near Lao Bao border or monney changer? Are best rates for $, Kip or Baht?

Thanks guys

PS ay other digs on rd from Savannakhet esp Phin most welcome even simplest homestay up to resorts

Edited by asuszxcvbnm, spelling
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crossposted also in Lao forum

Edited by asuszxcvbnm
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I really don't recommend doing the Tour du Mont Blanc until at least the third week of June when the season officially opens. Before that, there will be a lot of snow making some sections dangerous or impassable. Re: a sleeping bag in mid-June, I'd recommend at least -10C to be safe. It can get quite cool at night and it's better to have one that's a bit warmer than you need than to be freezing each night.

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Introduction:
Safety & road blocks
Money exchange
Language
Sim Cards and airtime

Budget accommodations & restaurant reviews

Sights plus getting there & away
Beirut, Tripoli and the north-coast, Beqaa: Zahlé, Taanayel, Aanjar and Rashaya plus Saida

Introduction:
The small country is like a microcosmos of the Middle East regarding politics and religion and it’s buzzling with people and vehicles. Watch your step while walking; car drivers only stop if your shinbone is 10cm in front of their bumper. It’s best to meet the often jovial Lebanese on a spontaneous base, rendezvous are a hit and miss affair. Having travelled in Lebanon some years before I feel like there is much more traffic, buildings and people nowadays.

Safety – road blocks:
I never felt threatened or unsafe anywhere in the country but feeling safe is often also a personal affair. There are a few road blocks but the car I was in was never stopped.
An examining magistrate told me that in the last years the crime rate went up by 90% in the Beqaa. The Lebanese Army is trying however their best to keep up with the illusion of safety in the country but locals with a certain in-depth knowledge told me that whatever someone with a bad intention wants to happen will happen. However this is also true for the opposite.
The question is what to expect from the 75th government (in 75 years)?

Money exchange
1 USD is roughly 1’500 Lebanese Pound (LP). The LP is pegged to the USD.
You can pay directly with USD, bring small notes (USD 5’s and 10’s) but for larger bills I prefer to exchange USD into Lebanese Pound at one of the countless exchange offices or even at small supermarkets as they often need USD to pay for goods.

Small denominations:
Always keep a stash of LP 1’000’s in your pocket for bus and service taxi fairs.

Language:
Many people speak French (often 40+) and English (all ages but often the younger ones).

Sim Cards and airtime:
People told me Alfa is the brand of choice but it’s a rather expensive affair compared to many other countries.
I had to buy an unregistered Sim Card for USD 6 (because it was a holiday and the Alfa stores were closed). Registered ones cost USD 3.
Airtime is USD 0.25 per min and SMS is USD 0.05 to all lines within Lebanon.
Internet is USD 10 extra for 1.5 GB (not sure any more about the quantity.)
A strange thing is that they have Sim cards which stay activated for just a couple of days.
I got one that was valid for 10 days because the guy in the hole-in-the-wall-shop didn’t have any others. You may have the chance to recharge them again to keep them running a bit longer.

Budget accommodation reviews:

Beirut:
The Grand Meshmosh Hotel, phone: 01 562 509
St. Nicholas stairs, Rue Gouraud, Gemmayzeh.
Michel, the owner did a great job when he started converting this abandoned building in a great location 3 years ago, as it became already something of an institution in Gemmayzeh.
Wifi is free and there is a great breakfast buffet with a Lebanese touch included in the room price. The cosy sitting area inside is on the small side but there is also a larger sitting area outside. Coffees, drinks and simple meals are available as well.
Dorms are USD 24 – 26. Each of the dorms features a bathroom. Beds are full size and the upper bed is high above the lower one, made for giraffes on the lower level and for gibbons on the upper part.
Standart twins go for USD 58 – 64 / Standart singles from USD 44 – 48 / Triple rooms for USD 72 – 80 / Executive rooms USD 66 – 72, incl. bathroom / Family rooms, 4 pers. USD 111 – 121 / Small suite USD 135 – 144 / Rooftop big suite, 4 pers. USD 140 – 148.

Hostel Beirut, phone 01 568 966 Reception is open from 08.30 – 19.30.
Near the busy bar street section on Armenia road and above the Vendome stairs towards the left. Look for directions on its website or google maps.
Dorms are just USD 20 and they have 2 rooms across the street.
These large rooms have their own bathroom and feature either 2 single mattresses or 1 large double mattress plus a single one. They are basic but good value for the money (USD 30 for 1 pers. / USD 25 for 2). Wifi is available at both places free of charge. Breakfast is on the small side with Zatar bread and tea/coffee. When I crashed in one of the rooms it seemed to be a never ending party atmosphere both at the hostel with NGO workers and more of the same in the sitting area in front of the 2 rooms. Armenia Street is a 5 min walk away.

Tripoli/Trablous:
The cheapest options are right in the centre of town and just a 2 min walk from the clock tower. Leave the clock tower (on your left side) and walk eastwards. After passing the large covered outdoor Café Fahim, Pension Haddad is in the first tiny alley on your right and the Hotel El Koura with better rooms is in the following alley to the right.

Pension Haddad: Tel +961 3 507 709 / +961 6 427 672
It’s a very basic affair with the Christian Haddad family being your hosts.
They have 7 rooms in total including one dorm for USD 10 per pers.
Rooms cost USD 15 for 1 pers. / USD 25 for 2 and USD 30 for 3 pers. Shared bathroom, Wifi is free. No breakfast available but maybe a Nargileh in the evenings.

Hotel El Koura: Tel. +961 3 371 041 / +961 6 425 451 Owner: Pierre Jabbour
This place is also Christian owned, again a simple affair but with slightly better quality rooms.
Dorms are USD 15, a nice double goes for USD 25 per pers., and triples are USD 20 per pers.
Single occupancy for the rooms is plus USD 5.
A small breakfast is included in the price. Wifi is free of charge.

If you feel hungry go to eat excellent hummus at Foul Masri, opposite and diagonal to the clock tower.
If you feel like having an afternoon or early evening Nargileh there are 100’s of places. I’d recommend Resto & Café Continental on Tall Street, facing ABC. It’s about 150m onwards from the 2 Hotels mentioned above on the main road. It features a small balcony great for people watching and a big friendly indoor restaurant.

Bekaa – Taanayel,
Arc en Ciel, +961 3 124 279 / +961 8 544 881 Email: ecolodge@arcenciel.org
Arc en Ciel is a well-known NGO that runs the “Ecolodge de Taanayel” with the Al Khan al Makssoud restaurant on its ground.
So – Thu: US 40 per pers./night - Fri & Sat: US 50 per pers./night.
I could manage to get a clearly lower price during the week but I still ask myself why this place has a hostel sign. The manager responsible for the place told me there is no dorm but hostel sites mention there is one. Call ahead for a security update and inquire for discounts.
The restaurant on site is ok, in winter there is an ever burning fire that might create head-ache after some hours.
The room I was in had an attached bathroom and about 5 places to sleep. It’s basically like the old style houses where everybody sits around the oven on the ground. At night these sitting places turn into sleeping places by putting an additional mattress on top. Each room features a petrol fuelled oven which may be a bit smelly.

How to get there: From the Bourj Hammoud Taxi Stand at the Dowra roundabout, opposite Maison M, you’ll find shared taxis to Chtoura for LP 10’000 per seat, plus 1h. Chtoura – Taanayel is by minibus, LP 1’000, 5 Min. Tell the driver in the minibus that you are heading to “Arc en Ciel” and they’ll know where to drop you. Cross the road, it’s about a 4 min walk to the accommodation, passing the large Arc en Ciel building before. You may want to enquire about their projects once there.

Saida/Sidon:
Couvent de Terre Sainte et Paroisse Latine
If you see this sign, head up the stairs and it’s the door on your left.
8 rooms, USD 25 per person.
Next door to the Ecole Nationale de Saida – in the Souq, 3 min to the Corniche road.
Kathia, Cell: +961 70 668 398

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That'll be great!! Thanks a lot bro...

One thing... can I find stuff to rent from Mastuj? Stuff like gas stove, tent, sleeping bag, etc.

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hi everyone, where is the best place in santa cruz (names, locations, etc..) to pickup a tent (suitable for rain/humidity) + a sleeping bag (for use in Bolivia, around 1500m elevation) and for year round use. I intend to live in the tent in the nature. Thanks

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