A few years ago, we spent a winter sailing around the Seychelles aboard a luxurious catamaran. As the rest of the world bundled up for the cold, we immersed ourselves in a paradise of warm sun, gentle breezes, and crystal-clear waters. It was a dreamy escape that captured the epitome of adventure and relaxation.
Navigating the Indian Ocean on a catamaran offers a unique perspective of Seychelles’ 115 islands, each a vibrant jewel surrounded by a turquoise expanse. In our travels, we explored a few of the more notable beaches but were nowhere close to even half of these islands.
Sailing allowed us to enjoy the islands’ beauty more privately and intimately. With the catamaran as our base, we had the freedom to explore at our own pace, snorkeling in vibrant coral gardens, kayaking in secluded coves, and indulging in fresh seafood feasts prepared by our onboard chef.
When not under sail, we enjoyed the other beauties of the Seychelles. Towering granite boulders scattered across the islands lend an air of mystique, while the lush foliage of ancient palm trees and vibrant wildlife create a beautiful blend of colors and textures. Seychelles’ untouched landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and warm culture coalesce into an exquisite tapestry.
As the sun set over the Indian Ocean, casting warm hues across the sky, we realized that our winter spent here created an indelible chapter of enchantment in our life’s story.
In 2017, we embarked on an incredible adventure to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Located in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is an icon of natural beauty and a formidable physical challenge.
Over the course of several days, we climbed through varying landscapes, from lush rainforests to rocky terrain, and faced numerous challenges along the way. Despite the physical and mental obstacles we encountered, we pushed ourselves to reach the summit and bask in the euphoric feeling of accomplishment.
Our trip to climb Kilimanjaro was not just a test of our endurance and determination but also a profound experience of cultural immersion, exploration, and camaraderie.
The final ascent to the summit involves scaling steep and icy terrain while enduring sub-zero temperatures and low oxygen levels. However, for those who successfully reach the top, the reward is an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Of our group, only three made it to the frozen pinnacle: Amber Guthrie was one of those three.
For me, sailing offers a unique combination of adventure, relaxation, and the freedom to explore the open water. There is a sense of serenity that comes with trimmed sails and a full spinnaker, propelling you silently across the water.
My sailing career began on Kismet, a 36′ Catalina MkII sailboat moored in San Francisco Bay in the early 2000s.
In San Francisco, the sailing season is from March to October. During these months, I could be found crewing Kismet on day sails around the bay and out into the open water beyond the Golden Gate Bridge.
Under the Golden GateSometimes we would bring Eddie, the lucky gnome.
Sailing is a magical sport, but it’s not for everyone.
I’ve loved the harrowing rush of heeling at 15 and 25 degrees under full sails and rushing wind, to the relaxing day without wind, simply motoring the city front on a calm sunny day.
Sailing isn’t always about the power of the wind or the waves. Sailing is also medium for bringing people together and enjoying the beauty of being on the water.
After moving to the UAE, we were fortunate enough to occasionally crew Snowbird, a 36′ Bennateau moored in the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club.
The Club recently held its annual end-of-season raft-up at the Dubai World Islands. While it wasn’t a day of sailing, it was a great community-building event.
And the coup de grâce of the day was this amazing picture taken from a Club member who was piloting a flight out of Dubai on our raft-up day!
The UAE is an amazing country in so many ways, but the hidden gem is going into the sand dunes.
Sweihan Area
Most people miss the unparalleled joy of connecting with nature in a unique setting. Sand dune camping offers an escape from the ordinary, immersing you in a landscape of shifting sands, breathtaking vistas, and an ambiance of tranquility that is simply unmatched. At the simplest, imagine gazing up at a canopy of stars unobstructed by city lights.
Dune Bashing
Dune bashing is an adrenaline-pumping activity but isn’t for the faint of heart. Powering up and gliding down the slopes, exploring the intricate patterns carved by the wind, provides an unmatched adult obstacle course.
Camping in sand dunes is an adventure that engages all your senses
Beyond the thrill and serenity, camping in the dunes fosters a deep appreciation for nature’s resilience. It’s a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the earth, discovering the balance between vastness and vulnerability. As you marvel at the ever-changing contours of the dunes, you’ll learn to embrace the impermanence of life.
So, whether you’re drawn to the allure of adventure, the allure of solitude, or the beauty of the wilderness, the impressive experience of camping with wildlife (camels), camping in the dunes promises an unforgettable experience that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
We love being outdoors and tackling adventures that others avoid. One of those unforgettable moments was the misty day we embarked on the daring journey of conquering Table Mountain in South Africa. This expedition came hot on the heels of our arduous ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, leaving our bodies already weary yet brimming with the spirit of exploration. Little did we know that what seemed like a moderate climb would quickly transform into a heart-pounding escapade, testing our limits against the elements.
As the fog wrapped around us like a mysterious shroud, we set off on our ascent, fueled by anticipation and trepidation. The terrain was far from the gentle slope we had imagined – instead, we found ourselves clinging to the rugged face of the mountain, where sheer cliffs loomed, and the path was wet and slippery. Iron chains and steel staples became our lifelines, allowing us to navigate the challenging landscape with a newfound determination. With each foothold and handhold, we pushed our exhausted bodies to summon strength to crest the summit.
Iron chains and steel staples became our lifelines
Our foggy day on Table Mountain was a testament to the unpredictability of nature and the resilience of our adventurous spirit. As we reached the summit, the mist briefly lifted, revealing a breathtaking panorama of Cape Town below. The exhilaration of the accomplishment and the beauty that greeted us after the challenging climb made every step worthwhile. This experience taught us that adventure is often found in the unexpected and that embracing the unknown can lead to the most remarkable memories.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures. Rwanda is home to the largest population of wild mountain gorillas in the world, and the gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park is considered to be one of the best in Africa.
We had been planning this trip for months, and we were finally here: in Rwanda, about to go gorilla trekking. We had heard so many amazing things about the experience and were eager to see it for ourselves.
We woke up early in the morning and headed to the park headquarters. After a quick briefing, we were paired up with a guide and a porter. Our guide was a knowledgeable and experienced tracker. He told us that we would be trekking to see the Susa A gorilla family, which is one of the largest and most active gorilla families in the park. The gorilla trekking experience began with a briefing from our guide. We were given instructions on how to behave around the gorillas and warned not to make any sudden movements or noises.
The trek itself was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. We hiked through steep terrain and dense rainforest, but the views from the top of the mountains were breathtaking. We also saw a variety of other wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and butterflies.
After about two hours of hiking, we finally reached the Susa A gorilla family. There were about 8 gorillas in the group, including a silverback. The gorillas were just waking up when we arrived, and they were curious about us. They came up to us to investigate, and we were able to get some amazing photos.
We spent about an hour with the gorillas, just observing them and learning about their behavior. It was an incredible experience to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda was an unforgettable experience that we will cherish forever. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures. If you are looking for a truly unique and life-changing experience, then gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the perfect adventure for you.
