Side Quest Overland

Some trips are meticulously planned months in advance; others take unexpected turns, leading to unforeseen adventures. Ours was the latter. The night before our eagerly awaited trek in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains , we received news of safety concerns in the region, necessitating a sudden change of plans. In response, Solomon at Mesob Tours swiftly redirected us to a new destination: a four-day expedition in the Bale Mountains National Park . With this pivot, we set our sights southward, trading the Simien's rugged peaks for the Bale's expansive high-altitude landscapes. Arrival in Goba Our journey commenced with a flight into Goba , a modest town on the periphery of the Bale Mountains. The Robe Airport (GOB) was minimalistic— a single gate devoid of amenities , merely a straightforward runway amidst open terrain. The absence of bustling crowds and commercial distractions underscored the remoteness of our location. Awaiting us was Houssain , our guide for the expedition. His ...

Unleash the Inner Explorer: Top 5 Gifts for Your Adventurous Child Do you have a little explorer in your life? A child who's always itching to get outside, climb the highest rock, and discover the wonders of nature? Whether they dream of spotting majestic eagles soaring through the sky or collecting unique insects hiding beneath leaves, nurturing their love for the outdoors is a gift that keeps on giving. But what do you get a child who already has dirt under their fingernails and a thirst for adventure? Fear not, fellow explorer parents! Here are the top 5 gifts that will spark their curiosity, ignite their imagination, and fuel their exploration: 1. The Essential Explorer's Backpack: Opens in a new window www.outdoorgearlab.com child's backpack filled with outdoor exploration tools. Every adventurer needs a trusty companion for their journeys, and this backpack is more than just a bag. It's a mobile command center, a treasure chest of discoveries, and a symbol of inde...

 Bikepacking 101 The permutations available in bikepacking setups are endless. Essentials + comforts + style points  = what will be best for you.  The obvious foundation for a bikepacking setup is the bike itself comprised of the wheels, the components or groupset, and the frame. Within these three are even more options that should work synergistically, and chosen to make your journey as successful as possible. Some ask what the perfect bike for bikepacking would be. In my opinion, the bike that you have is the best option because "it's much easier to ride what you have than to ride what you want."  The gear. From an S24O (sub-24hour-overnighter) to multi-day excursions, you should know what you have, how to use it, and how to live without it if something were to go wrong. Equipment mishaps are rare but can happen, and cooking over a fire might be the only option you have, instead of using your jetboil stove. How to Plan Your First Bikepacking Trip Bikepacking is a...

Yes, you CAN bring baby camping....Here's how! New parents have one job...to keep their little ones safe and happy. Safe from ouchies, burns, scrapes, fevers, itches, bug bites, and hurt feelings. With the right preparation, gear, and of course, some sleep, babies not only enjoy the wonders of the outdoors, they can thrive in an environment with natural colors, sights, sounds, smells, and textures. We adults refer to it as nature therapy. According to mind.org.uk , Nature Therapy, or " Ecotherapy, is  a formal type of therapeutic treatment which involves doing outdoor activities in nature ". The main purpose being to improve mental health. Slowing down and separating ones' self from the daily grind or the 9-5 has shown to have therapeutic effects on mood and self-esteem.  Checkout my blog on The Importance of Outdoor Education at an Early Age . An obstacle some encounter is that camping in general may be a new concept or experience. Rewind to infancy and we can consid...