Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes

Learn about this amazing thru-hike through New Zealand called the Te Araroa, or also known as the TA. I haven’t been to New Zealand, it’s on the list, but as an American, it may be a while before I can go, but there are a few episodes on this podcast about New Zealand including experiencing Milford Sound and Black Water Rafting.

The TA thru-hike is one of the newest thru-hikes in the world, as it started in 2011. If you’re into thru-hiking, also check out the episode about hiking the Appalachian Trail. I interviewed Daniel Boothroyd for this episode who hiked the entire TA. He’s 28 years old, lives in Nova Scotia and he loves long-distance hiking. He completed the TA in 2017 and plans on hiking the PCT in 2022. Listen to the episode above to hear the experience of hiking the TA.

Queen Charlotte Track - Photo by Daniel Boothroyd

How long is the Te Araroa (TA)?

The TA is long-distance hiking trail that opened in 2011. It stretches from the North Island in Cape Reinga to the bottom of the South Island in Bluff. It is approximately 3000 km through the length of the country.

Part 1 of the TA Hike: The North Island

Daniel always wanted to go to New Zealand; the idea to hike the TA just got into his head and he knew he had to do it.

Because Daniel was intimidated by the size of the trail and the time commitment (5-6) months, he asked his friend Owen to join him on the Thru-Hike. They decided to hike the TA from North to South which is the most common way if doing the entire thru-hike. If you're only doing the South Island, then some will start at the south tip of the hike and hike north.

The first stretch of beach is 90-mile beach, which interestingly enough is only 88 km long. The first three-days of your hike are sand dunes on your left, and beach and ocean. You lose all sense of time and all sense of progress.  

90 Mile Beach on the TA Thru Hike - Photo by Daniel Boothroyd

The next part of the trail after the beach you hit the Northland Forest, where the trail is barely marked and it's a muddy, sloggy mess.

You arrive at a little town on the east coast called Karekare. If you make it to Kerikeri, you stand a good shot of making it through the whole thing.

The trail mostly travels down the east coast until you arrive in Auckland, after about 4-5 weeks. It was the biggest milestone, where they felt like they really covered some ground.

Highlight of the TA: Tongariro National Park

The next big highlight was Tongariro National Park and the Tongariro Crossing. Daily there would be about 5000 people crossing; it's one of the most beautiful walks. It's a very volcanic sort of area, where you feel like you're almost walking on Mars. If you get up super early to cross over, you won't see any tourists.

Tongariro Crossing

Paddling on a Thru-Hike

There is a portion of the trail that you paddle. They spent about a week canoeing along the Whanganui River. Make a note that you will need to book campsites along the way. It was almost a vacation from the hiking as you get to enjoy rafting and eating fresh food.

Cave on the Whanganui River - Photo by Daniel Boothroyd

Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes

I had the chance to spend a week at Tiger Beach 10 years ago, but wanted a fresh perspective on this incredible dive and interviewed Floridian and underwater photographer, Tom Poff on his recent experience of diving Tiger Beach. Listen to the episode above to get the full experience!

What is Tiger Beach?

Tiger Beach is one of the top places to dive with sharks in the world! It's in a class of its own because the water is shallow and warm, and the currents aren't strong.

Tiger Shark at Tiger Beach - Photo by Tom Poff

Tiger beach is not actually a beach. It is an area of shallow water 26 miles west of Grand Bahama. This amazing area quickly attracts lemon sharks and one of the most feared sharks, Tiger Sharks. As terrifying as these animals are and might appear, they are quite docile.

What type of Certifications do you need to dive Tiger Beach?

You need at least an open water dive certification and you need to be comfortable with many sharks in the water. The minimum age for an open water certification is 10.

How long is a trip to Tiger Beach

It really depends on who you go with. Some go on a diving liveaboard and stay for a week, however, Tom went on a quick trip in December that was only 2 days!

Tom and other divers left out of Riviera Beach, Florida, and headed for Grand Bahama early in the morning. They checked in at customs, then immediately went to Tiger Beach had 2 dives. At the end of the day, they checked into the resort, Blue Martin Cove on Grand Bahama, and had dinner and drinks. The next day, they did 2 more dives then headed back to Florida. How's that for 2 days of adventure?

Pair of Tiger Sharks at Tiger Beach - Photo by Tom Poff

How was the diving at Tiger Beach?

They do not use cages at tiger beach, so you if you want to swim with tiger sharks without a cage, this a great place to do it. In their two days there, they saw seven tiger sharks both days, all-female.

These are apex predators, so they know when you're looking at them, and when you're not, so you need teamwork underwater to help each other keep your eyes on the tigers in the water. In addition to the tigers, there were a plethora of lemon sharks in the water and can be considered a nuisance.

Lemon Sharks on Top of the Water at Tiger Beach - Photo by Tom Poff

While at tiger beach they saw a large hammerhead in addition to the tiger sharks.

Hammerhead and Tiger Shark at Tiger Beach - Photo by Tom Poff

What are the Dive Conditions and Depth at Tiger Beach?

The dive itself isn't difficult, at a maximum of about 25 feet of water with 100 feet of visibility. You need to be comfortable in the water and follow directions.

Tiger Shark at Tiger Beach - Photo by Tom Poff

Top Tip when diving at Tiger Beach

Do not become too complacent, this is when accidents can happen. You start taking chances and you stop being careful. Remember, you are in their environment and anything can happen.

How much did a 2-day trip to Tiger Beach Cost?

A 2-day trip with 4 dives at tiger beach cost about $850, but you will want to budget additional money for dinner, a one night stay on Grand Bahama, tip, and gear rental if needed. Check out upcoming trips with

Experiences You Should Have POdcast Show Notes: Diving the Silfra Fissure

Interview with Emma Lovell from Lovelly Travels Podcast

Emma Lovell

I interviewed the lovelly, Emma Lovell, from Lovelly Travels Podcast on her experience of diving Silfra in Iceland. Listen to the podcast above (or where you listen to podcasts).

Diving Silfra Fissure in Iceland, what Is it and Where is it?

The Silfra fissure is Iceland's most popular dive and snorkel site and is located in Thingvellir National Park. The Silfra Fissure is between two continental plates and is the only place in the world where you can dive or snorkel between two continents. The water here is crystal clear and has 100-meter visibility underwater.

Silfra Fissure in Iceland

What type of Certifications do you need to Dive Silfra in Iceland?

You need your open water SCUBA certification and your Dry Suit certification. If you already have your open water certification, you can do your dry suit class and certification in Iceland, then dive Silfra.

Emma only had 14 dives when she went to do her dry suit course and dive Silfra in Iceland, your experience to do these courses, does depend on how comfortable you are with diving. Since the max depth is 18 M, you don't need an advanced Scuba certification.

Diving Silfra Iceland

How cold is the water at the Silfra Fissure?

The water temperature at the Silfra Fissure is just above freezing, 2-4° Celsius, or 35-39° Fahrenheit. This is why you need a dry suit to dive Silfra.

Who to book with and How many dives are in a typical Silfra Dive Package?

The dive package that Emma chose was 2 dives. The first dive was about 32 minutes, and the second dive was 20 minutes. Emma and Matt used Dive.US for their Silfra Iceland diving adventure.

Diving Iceland

Can You Snorkel Silfra in Iceland?

If diving is not you're thing, then yes, you can snorkel the Silfra fissure in Iceland. You can also go through Dive.us for Silfra snorkel tours.

Tips for diving silfra

* Don't dive sick! If you have a head cold or are sick, just don't do it. * Bring snacks* Bring warm thermals for under your clothes* Bring a beanie* Plan for a meal afterward (food is very important for us)* Don't plan other activities after, as you will be exhausted

Other Sites to Check Out in Iceland

* Blue Lagoon* Golden Circle* Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Follow Emma

With a mission to visit every UN recognised country in the world, Emma 'Lovelly' Lovell invites you to join her on the journey. Talking about all things travel and adventure, Lovelly Travels will include interviews with fellow travellers and interesting locals, feature travel businesses and many a tale from the road.

Joined by her co-pilot, Darius,

Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes

We are featuring an episode on the Sziget Festival in Budapest Hungary. I am not recommending anyone going to festivals at this time, but one day, things will go back to normal and if you are planning your after the pandemic bucket list experiences, this is one to add to the list.

Sziget Festival 2020 is Cancelled

Please note that the 2020 Sziget festival is canceled. We did record this interview with Sofie from the travel blog Wonderful Wanderings before the pandemic, so the information in this episode and the show notes is based on pre-pandemic experiences.

If you are looking at researching more trips for after the pandemic, I highly recommend you to subscribe to this podcast and check out more ideas there and also check out Sofie’s site at wonderfulwanderings.com.

What is the Sziget Festival?

This is not your typical festival. Over a 7-day period this festival offers TED Talks, dance performances, circus acts and there's even a beach. It's simply impossible to do everything even if you stay for all 7 days. It normally takes place in mid-August, however, it is canceled for 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Photo by Sofie of Wonderful Wanderings

Where is the Sziget Festival and How do you get There?

In Budapest, Hungary, on Óbudai-sziget (“Old Buda Island”). This is the island in the Danuba north of the better-known Margaret Island. It’s easy to get to Budapest by plane, train, or long-distance bus. Because the festival is so popular, several bus travel companies organize special bus trips to Sziget from other European countries.

There’s also a shuttle for those coming by train or plane but it’s just as easy to take public transportation into the city center and then make your way to the island from there. The Budapest tourism board also releases a special version of the Budapest City Card for Szigetwhich includes the special boat taxis to the festival site from the city center.

How much does the Sziget Festival Cost?

Attending Sziget is not expensive. You can get a 7-day pass for a little over €300. As you can choose anything from free camping to luxurious glamping, from staying at a hostel to staying in a 5-star hotel in the city, the cost of accommodation is up to you but do know that the city tends to sell out during the festival, so book ahead of time.

Public transportation in Budapest isn’t expensive. The only thing Sofie found expensive, was the food on the festival site. You paid the same as you would at a Western European festival (up to €10 for a “meal”) and the quality was often lacking.

You are allowed to bring your own food and water.

Do you need a rental car?

No, it’s super easy to get there by public transportation from the city center or you can stay at one of the campsites on the island and simply walk onto the festival grounds.

What type of Lodging is available?

There are may different types of campsites on the festival island, going from the ultra-basic free campsites to luxurious glamping sites. The free camping looked horrible to me, as you basically just pitch your tent wherever you find a spot on the festival site. That means in between the walking paths, stages, and toilet facilities.

Podcast Show NOtes

Interview with Lynn Smith on hiking the Narrows in Zion. She has been featured on Experiences You Should Have Podcast many times on her favorite experiences including Milford Sound Drive, Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, Monument Valley, and Arches National Park.

Lynn Smith and her partner did an epic road trip of Arizona and Utah in 2019, and she came on the show to talk about her experiences including hiking the Narrows.

Photo by Lynn Smith

Note, many National Parks have limited park access due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). Please check the Zion National Park Site for more information.

Why should you hike the Narrows in Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is ranked fourth among America's most visited national parks, ahead of Yellowstone and Yosemite. In the new age of social distancing, road trips and visiting National Parks are a nice way to get out of the city.

Zion National Park - Photo by Lynn Smith

Many would agree, this is the slot canyon that all other slot canyons are compared to. You'll most definitely need to be prepared for this 4+ hour adventure up the North Fork of the Virgin River.

Weather for Zion Narrows Hike

This is no walk in the park. Slot canyons like this one are death-dealers. When a flash flood comes along, there is simply no warning. So, keep a close eye on the weather forecast for Springdale as your chosen day to hike approaches.

On the day, you can either check conditions at the Wilderness Desk at the Zion Visitors Center or look online for various websites that offer current conditions and weather advisories for the area. 

When is the Best Time to Hike the Narrows?

The hiking season for the Zion Narrows is typically summer and autumn, but the start of the season is controlled by the spring runoff and water levels. The Zion Narrows is typically closed to hiking between mid-March and late May, depending on how much snow fell on the high country in winter.

We hiked The Narrows from Bottom-Up, in late September, in sunny, dry weather conditions.

Getting to Zion to HIke the Narrows (Bottom UP)

Get to Zion early- park just outside the park in the little parking lot at the Zion Outfitter store. Do your homework and understand where public parking (fee) lots are and the Springdale town shuttle system schedule. This will save you a lot of wasted time in an unnecessary car queue at the main park entry! 

The first shuttle from the Visitor Center runs at 6am, but we found the air temps too cold that early. Even though we were there at 8:15am, there was at least a 15 minute line for the next shuttles, so the earlier you go the better! 

It took a good 20 minutes to ride the shuttle all the way to the last stop, the Temple of Sinawava, where we got off to hike the Narrows from the Bottom Up.

From the shuttle stop,

Podcast Show Notes

How this Podcast on Saint Helena Came to Be

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the most revered travel journalists and someone I've looked up to for a long time, Peter Greenberg. Peter is the news travel editor for CBS and he has his own travel podcast, Eye on Travel.

Before the pandemic, I had the chance to see Peter speak at the Travel and Adventure Show in LA. At the show, I asked him the top 3 most underrated places to travel to. He responded with:

* Greenland (if you want to go here, check out this podcast on Kayaking Greenland)* The Azores* Saint Helena

I knew about Greenland and the Azores, but I had never even heard of Saint Helena. I was immediately intrigued and I asked Peter if I could interview him and he said yes. One thing I learned from Peter is to not be afraid to ask because you might just get the answer you were looking for.

Peter Greenberg and Gail Menasco

Peter got to experience Saint Helena a few years ago, and I highly recommend checking out his post and video on Hidden Gems of St Helena.

Landscape of St Helena Island.

Where is Saint Helena?

Saint Helena is about 1200 miles west of Angola and 1,800 miles east of Brazil... right smack in the middle of nowhere. Now, they are really social distancing. It's a fascinating place with great geography, hiking, nature, fishing with a vibrant history. About 4,000 people live there and they are called Saints

How do you GEt to Saint Helena Island?

Before a few years ago, you could only get to St Helena by boat, via the RMS Saint Helena. However, that route is retired, and they now have an airport that has one flight per week. That flight goes from Johannesburg with a fuel up in Windhoek, Namibia, and then on to Saint Helena (HLE). If you miss your flight, then be prepared to hang out for another week!

First Comair Boeing 737-800 flight to Saint Helena Airport - Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

When the plane lands, everyone on the island is there to greet you. It's a big deal when the weekly plane comes in. People will essentially leave their day jobs to be there and/or work at the airport. Now, that's community! Learn more about their COVID-19 restrictions and Visa information on the St. Helena Airport website.

Why Should You go to Saint Helena?

You don't go there to ramp up, you go there to slow down. Plus it has a fascinating history there, this is actually where Napoleon was exiled. Peter's favorite experience on the island was going to Napolean's house. They've kept it in the same condition as it was in 1821!

Most people think that Napoleon was exiled in Elba (which he was), but he escaped and was then sent to St. Helena Island.

Napoleon at St. Helena, vintage engraved illustration

If you're into fishing, then this is a fisherman's dream! When Peter went, he caught a huge yellow fin tuna within the first 8 minutes!

In March,

Podcast Show NOtes

What is a Gentle Giant Expedition

From the middle of February to March there is a 5-6 week period where you can see a massive amount of whales and whale sharks in one location. It is similar to a whale watching expedition, but also offers you opportunities to get in the water by snorkeling and gives you a unique experience to see different areas of Baja Mexico.

Why Go on this Expedition?

You should experience this because there is nowhere else in the world where you can experience all of these things in one week! Baja is home to 1/3 of the world's marine mammals. In the wintertime, they host more migratory marine animals (like flying rays) than anywhere else in the world.

What types of Animals Might You see on a Gentle Giant Expedition?

* Humpback Whales* Gray Whales* Blue Whales* Fin Whales* Minke Whales* Orcas* Pods of Dolphins* Whale Sharks* Sea Lions* Mako Sharks and Blue Sharks

Dive Ninjas Gentle Giants Expeditions

First STop: Gray Whales in Magdalena Bay

Magdalena Bay is one of the stops on this expedition. The gray whales come here to give birth to their young. The waters are extremely shallow and it gives them a good, save place to raise their young.

The whales are interested in the humans in this area. They go back and forth under the boat looking at the humans eye to eye. They lift their calves with their nose as if to say, "look at my baby!"

Dive Ninjas Gentle Giants Expeditions

Next Stop: Loreto on the Sea of Cortez for Blue Whales

After experiencing gray whales, it's time to head over to Loreto on the Sea of Cortez. Here is where you could see a large variety of whales. On the tour, they shut the boat off the coast and listen for the sound of the blue whale's breath. When the whales show up, it's thunderous and it can be up to 30 meters tall, and you can see the spout from a mile away.

Last STop: La Paz for Whale Sharks

This is where you go to experience resident whale sharks in the La Paz Bay. From there you have an opportunity to go snorkeling with the sea lions.

Whale Shark with Dive Ninja Expeditions

How do you Book this Gentle Giant Expedition?

Book through Dive Ninja Expeditions.

Book Now

How mUch Does it Cost?

The cost is $2585; this includes accommodations, activities, park fees and guide. Food is the only thing not included fully. Light breakfast is included daily, if out on the boat, lunch or snacks and drinks are provided. Remember to budget in the tip, which is 10-15% of the cost stated above.

What are the Age Limits or physical limits?

There are no age limits, but 8-10 years old is recommended. Those with limited mobility would likely be fine; there are a few hikes done to see 4000 year old cave paintings you can opt out, or do portions.

What Should you Bring?

* Sunscreen* Camera (Consider bringing an underwater camera and an above ground camera)* Snorkeling equipment (you can also rent this)* Light layers as the temperature changes throughout the day

Related Episode:

Have you ever thought about going on a volunteer vacation in Laos? If you have, you're one of the few as almost nobody searches 'volunteer vacation in Laos'. If you are here and reading this (or listening to the podcast episode above), then you are a unique human being and you probably have a giving heart. Read on and listen on to learn how to have an incredible Laos volunteer opportunity of a lifetime.

Volunteer in Laos Podcast Show Notes

I interviewed Carly Schade, the Program Coordinator for the Laos Volunteer Expedition with Growth International Volunteer Excursions or otherwise known as GIVE. Carly has spent significant time giving of her time in Laos through GIVE Volunteers Laos Volunteer Program. Carly originally started with GIVE as a volunteer in Nicaragua in 2014, but since then her heart has been with the Laos volunteer program.

Where is Laos?

It's Southeast Asia's best-kept secret. Not many people know about Laos, it's mysterious and mind-blowing. Laos is located between Thailand and Vietnam, north of Cambodia.

How Is Give Volunteers Helping the community in Laos?

When GIVE Volunteers chooses a community it is asset-based community development (ABCD). Which means there are very capable strong people in these communities that don't the team per se. All of the projects are centered around the community and the communities' ownership of it. These projects are community-owned and the community is excited about the projects happening in their own community. These projects build on their strengths and existing resources. That's how you know the project won't fail when they leave.

The Current Volunteer Opportunity in Laos: Permaculture

Permaculture is a more sustainable way of farming, essentially sustainable agriculture. It's strategically designing the land to yield more crops and use nature as is to work itself. For example, a catfish pond filled nutrients may feed the crops with more nutrients in it. It's a strategic plan for farming. Deforestation is a big issue in SE Asia and this is helping to renew soil and plant crops. The community in Laos is very excited about the permaculture project and is something they can use the rest of their lives.

Before Permaculture in Laos: Slash-and-Burn

Slash-and-burn agriculture was a technique they were using prior to being introduced to sustainable agriculture. They would grow something on the land then move on. Their growing practices weren't renewable and after they were done with the land, they would move onto the next one. This Laos community didn't know they could grow different crops on the same plot of land. GIVE Volunteers taught them crop rotation and have helped them replenish the soil.

Ready for a Volunteer Opportunity in Laos? What does the Trip Look Like?

They combine cultural immersion with the volunteer opportunities in Laos. You would fly into Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site. A few days are spent there and you would have the opportunity to meditate with a local monk in an OM ceremony. The local monk they bring you to does speak English and you have the opportunity to learn more about their culture.

Time to Explore a Waterfall - Tat Kuang Sii

In the first part of the trip, they head to Tat Kuang Si waterfall, a picturesque turquoise waterfall in the Luang P...

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is taking over and I wanted to give an update for Experiences You Should Have Podcast.

It's an odd time to be a travel and adventure podcast. It feels weird to release episodes about going to amazing places when we all need to be staying home to help stop the spread of the virus, but there is a thing called virtual travel.

rise of Virtual Travel

Virtual travel is becoming a new escape. The planes aren't flying, the economy is tanking and we're home, but you can listen to this podcast and experience remote areas of the world. Check out some of my favorite episodes including:

* Hiking the Appalachian trail* Blackwater diving in Kona* First Time Skydiving* Hiking Havasupai Falls* Rainbow Serpent Festival* Monument Valley* Surfing Chicama Peru* And more...

Let your mind go free and go on an adventure while we're all Home...

I will be releasing episodes in the coming weeks that were prerecorded before the rise of the Coronavirus. Am I suggesting that you travel to these places right now? No. However, they can be an inspiration for future trips when things get back to normal one day and until then they can help you go on a virtual travel adventure to remote areas of the world.

Thank you... and until our next adventure... one day

Listen to the episode above about my experience of discovering Shibori with Helen of Indigo Blue Hawaii.

Meeting Helen of Indigo Blue Hawaii

A few months ago, I visited the Farmer's Market in Waimea and on our way back to Kona, we stopped by the Waimea Habitat for Humanity and discovered a maker's event that happens there every Saturday. An artist inside escorted me to a shed outside filled with blue cloths blowing in the wind.

Kindness, Beauty & Miso Soup

Helen sat me down and started showing me her art and then offered me a cup of miso soup. There was no charge for the miso and I soon learned that Helen wanted to share her art and community with others. Her kindness overwhelmed me, something so simple as miso soup while being surrounded by beautiful tye-dyed indigo, Shibori.

Shibori Tye Dy

Shibori takes the concept of tye-dye even further. You're not only being spontaneous, but you can control the outcome with a series of geometric shapes and patterns based on traditional Japanese methods. It can be perfected or it can be enjoyed in the moment.

Science Behind Shibori

After you've picked the natural indigo leaf, there is a process where the blue happens. You ferment the leaf in water with a mordant such as iron and calcium that allows the indigo to break down.

The dye appears green until you lift your item out of the vat. The oxygen transforms it from being green to blue.

Helen has worked with her recipe for over 10 years. As she adds more indigo into her older vat, it shifts in color and she can manipulate how she wants the end result to be, but there is always still an element of surprise.

How Can You do Shibori Tye-Dye at Home?

Go to any craft store (or Amazon) and you can find a Jacquard Indigo Tye Dye Kit. ll you need is a 5-gallon bucket, a stick and a lid and you're well on your way. Find natural cotton, silk, linen or lace and start on your own vat at home.

You may find yourself with a beautiful Shibori creation like the one shown below.

The Ultimate Experience: Shibori with Helen of Indigo Blue Hawaii

If you are up for a very unique experience, reach out to Helen, and schedule time with her in Waimea to learn various beginner and advanced Shibori techniques. She wants others to experience Shibori hands-on and she offers a free opportunity for others to learn with her over a cup of soup.

She can usually be found in her shed on Saturdays at the Waimea Habitat for Humanity from 10 - 2 PM. Call 808.937.1705 to schedule a personal studio session.