because life's too short
because life's too short
Newly minted UNESCO sites, the Royal Castles of the Languedoc, in southern France, were once a hotbed for the Cathar religion – none more so than Montségur, where 225 people were burnt for refusing to give up their beliefs.
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It is a distinctive giant wedge in the heart of the Couserans region of the Ariège, yet the 1,903 m peak of Mt Béas is strangely overlooked as a walking destination – it shouldn’t be!
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The Pyrenees offer some of the best horse riding options in France on routes which can cover tranquil villages, forestry roads and old beech forests or the spectacular high mountains – and quite often a combination of all of them.
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There are some places in life one feels lucky to get to once. Now we were on our 3rd visit to Ushuaia and it was just as beautiful as ever. We had a week to kill before a cruise – time to go beagling!
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Most people experience the Falkland Islands as part of a cruise itinerary, a day or two at the most. However if you can cope with the crackpot immigration system, a more immersive visit is worth the effort, especially if the 1982 War is of interest. Add a few penguins on the side and our 3 weeks of exploring East Falkland flew by.
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The northern part of Argentinian Tierra del Fuego is quite tiny in the grand scheme of things and not an obvious destination yet there are several places of interest if you seek them out!i
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years previously we had hiked the ‘O’ circuit – now we were back in Torres del Paine for a more relaxed visit with a hire car. The National Park covers 181,414 hectares of some of the most stunning mountain scenery in southern Patagonian Chile. From the north of the park to the south, there are easily accessible roadside viewpoints and minor walks to take your breath away.
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The Cabo Froward walk is one of the few multi day hikes left in Chile that is unfettered by regulations or fees – but it is also unmaintained, muddy and has several unbridged river crossings – we decided to go off grid for a few days and check it out.
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This was one walk where I couldn’t whinge! Originally yomped in the Falklands war of 1982 by 45 Commando on their way from Port San Carlos to the Two Sisters, they covered 56 miles in 3 days of walking, carrying 36 kilo loads. After a week of reconnaissance, they fought a major battle on 11/12th June. We decided to follow in their hallowed footsteps.
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There were no hire cars available for West Falklands so we merely dipped a toe in: a couple of nights in Port Howard where the cross island ferry berthed. Scenic walks, war memorabilia and the best cafe in the islands – we loved it!
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