Adventure travel advice from Blue Netherclift of Wild Earth Adventures

Blue Netherclift first hit the road when he finished college. After graduating from London University’s Agricultural College, he headed to Africa, South America and eventually landed in British Columbia, Canada. Of course, saying landed might be a little too permanent. As the founder and director of Wild Earth Adventures, a boutique tour agency which creates wilderness and other nature-focused, extraordinary experiences, he’s out on the road for about half the year canoeing, trekking and exploring.

The company’s tours have been featured on BBC and in National Geographic and for good reason. One of Netherclift’s favorite excursions which he’s been leading since 2005 is to Bella Coola in the Pacific Coast Mountain Range. “It’s Alaska meets Norway on the frontier of the Great Bear Rainforest,” he says. And here are the rest of the outdoorsman’s tips on getting the best out of the frontier.

1. What’s the best piece of travel advice you’ve ever gotten? 

Avoid other peoples misconceptions and make your own discoveries. I never read travel guides. The locals are always the best source of knowledge–particularly about where to eat and get a good coffee!

2. When did you know that you were a “traveller”? 

Travelling is a lifestyle which started for me as soon as I graduated from formal education. Travelling is the ultimate freedom and that’s what I live for. It’s a state of mind as much as anything.

3. Where do you keep going back to? 

I kept coming back to the Kootenay Rockies in British Columbia until I made it my permanent home. It has so much to offer for the outdoor enthusiast in all four seasons. It is the vast space and beauty plus gold rush heritage and artisan community which I find fascinating.

4. You lead a lot of tours, how do you make sure your guests enjoy their experience? How do you know they’re having a good time? 

It’s all about the food and company. The best organic, local ingredients go into our meals which are always served with a big smile. If your guests eat well and laugh a lot they will have a great time.

5. Your tours have been featured on BBC and in National Geographic. How did that impact your tours?

This kind of exposure just proves that the trips have been well-established and have all the right ingredients, so we are happy to continue the format that works. People are happy to trust our knowledge and guarantee them a lifetime experience.

6. Have you ever been up-close with a dangerous animal? Tell us about that. 

We live and work in Grizzly and Black Bear habitat which has led to many encounters. The first time I was charged by a Black Bear there were three of us taking photographs. We got too close, the bear lost its patience and charged. We ran as fast as we could towards the car, breaking the first rule that you should not run and provoke the bear into chasing. They run as fast as a race horse. We never made it to the car and the bear gave up chasing us. My friend realised he had wet himself in the panic. It was a lesson to remind us that bears really just want to be left alone.

I have a huge respect for wild animals and over time and through exposure I have found that I am very calm being up-close to bears. If you feel a real connection to the natural world there is a heightened sense of awareness. People always ask what to do and find it funny when I tell them to talk nice. It’s true though, if you remain calm and the bear knows you are not a threat then most of the time they are not interested in conflict.

7. What can you find in Canada that you can’t find anywhere else in the world? 

There are no people in what is a vast inhabitable wilderness. It’s amazing to have huge tracts of pristine wilderness all to yourself. There are not many places like that left in the world.

8. How is adventure travel different psychologically than say, a five-star resort in the Caribbean? 

The reconnection to nature is a pure experience that is lacking in a five star resort. It invigorates the soul and rejuvenates the mind. A five star resort is physically very relaxing but it’s not a pure holistic experience that involves mind, soul and body in such a complete way.

9. How much do you pack for an outdoors trip? 

I like to travel light and move fast. A good night sleep is important so I will make sure I have a good sleeping bag and a full-length Therm-a-Rest inflatable mattress. After that, the less stuff the better.

10. What do you never leave home without?

I love my Sanuck sandals… It’s good to have a light change of footwear for the camp and for around town.

11. What are your tips for taking great adventure travel photos? 

Composition. It’s not about the camera. It’s about the angles and the imagination. I love Instagram too… I use my iPhone exclusively at the moment and the quality is amazing although it’s not great for prints.

12. Do you bring anything back from your trips? 

Memories.

The art (and artistry) of travel with violinist, singer and composer Sophie Serafino

Sophie Serafino and her violin (as well as her voice and composing talents) have travelled the world. She has played at more than 400 concerts—from violin concerts for guests of the Crown Prince of Dubai to recording with performers like Goldfrapp and Josh Groban to deejaying on New Years Eve in Istanbul. Her music combines classical with pop, rock and other contemporary styles and that fearlessness to play outside the lines extends to her traveling style—within legal limits, of course.

The Sydney-raised, Calgary-based, multi-talented musician’s heavy travel schedule is dictated by work but she finds plenty of time to enjoy her destinations too whether it’s getting a local meal or one-of-a-kind souvenirs. While Paris, Istanbul, Toronto and Rome are her most frequented locations she also travels to Asia, Africa and North America regularly.

These days, Serafino spends about a third of her year travelling, plenty of time for this road warrior to hone her travel smarts.

1. What’s the best piece of travel advice you’ve ever gotten?
Check international laws, customs and weather before going to a country you have never been to.

2. What’s the first thing you look for when you touch down?
Water! Flying is so dehydrating.

3. When did you start feeling like a “traveller”?
When I realised my idea of a vacation was staying home!

4. How do you decide your next destination?
My work as a musician dictates and my destinations—and they are all over the place from Casablanca, to Paris, Istanbul, Berlin, London, Tokyo to Toronto, Milan to Hong Kong.

5. Do you shop when you travel? What do you buy?
I love to get things I know I can’t get anywhere else—especially unique fashion or art. I love little mementos of where I’ve been like street posters. I collected so many in Europe, and they’re all framed and on my walls.

6. What was the most unexpected place you’ve gone? How did you end up going there?
Istanbul. It has become one of my most favourite cities in the world, but at first, an enquiry to my booking agent via MySpace seemed like a hoax… until they signed the contract and sent the deposit.

7. Name a person you never thought you’d meet on a trip but were glad that you did. What happened?
A fantastic artist from Milan. I was travelling from Istanbul to Rome and happened to be sitting next to this striking man, who turned out to have just completed an exhibition of his works in Turkey. I had a small cold, but was otherwise well, or so I thought.

I burst an eardrum and passed out on landing. Later, he came to the hospital to see if I was okay and if needed a lift in case I didn’t know anyone! We became friends and he later hired me for one of his campaigns… You never know what will happen in life.

8. What art fairs or festivals do you look forward to each year? What makes them so great?
The Italian Film Festival in Sydney (I just love Italian cinema); Sydney Latin Festival at Bondi Beach (how can you beat dancing on the beach?); and the Calgary Stampede. It’s cowgirl heaven. But my number one favourite is Carnevale di Venezia. A masked ball in Venice? Speaks for itself.

9. What was the most surprising thing you saw or learned at an art fair?
At a stringed instrument exhibition in Venice, I learned about the history of the violin by being able to see some ancient stringed instruments, some of which I had only read about in history books.

10. What is the most outrageous thing you have ever seen at one of your shows?
The most outrageous things I have seen at one of my shows was spontaneous fireworks, at least spontaneous to me as I had no idea. I was so surprised. Usually when a show includes pyrotechnics a warning is issued, but not in Turkey. I performed my last note and when they started going off, I nearly dropped my violin I was so taken by surprise.

Spiritual travel advice from Smt. Hansaji Jayadeva Yogendra of Mumbai’s Yoga Institute

Yoga retreats have matured from their hippie roots into an unforgettable experience for those whose scent of choice isn’t patchouli too. And of course, India, the birthplace of yoga is one of the most popular and exotic places to experience the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual powers of yoga.

Smt. Hansaji Jayadeva Yogendra is the president of the International Board of Yoga and the director of Mumbai’s Yoga Institute, the oldest centre for yoga in the world. A standout yogi since she was young, Hansaji she continued on to promote yoga around the world as well as studying how yoga can help patients with heart disease and mothers. But she’s always excited to meet a traveller, especially one seeking the rewards yoga can offer.

We asked her how to get the most out of a yoga retreat, and how she maintains her spirituality even while travelling.

1. How is a yoga retreat different from any other travel experience?
A yoga retreat is different because you go for your self-development—physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

The moment one comes to the yoga retreat, one knows that yoga deals with you and your life. It improves your memory and concentration. They add to flexibility and immunity improves. One learns how to manage stress and anger and regain balance and calm.

2. What kind of travellers are you most excited to meet?
Healthy, happy, simple travellers willing to adjust to any situation.

3. How can travellers make the most of a yoga retreat? What should they prepare before they go?
In case one has any health problems, one should bring copies of medical reports. But most importantly, they should be prepared to accept all kinds of situations.

4. What should yoga-focused travellers be sure to pack?
Healthy hygienic food and comfortable loose clothes which cover the whole body. Men should pack some T-shirts and pants or kurta-pyjama. Women should pack T-shirts, kurtas, pants or salwar kameez.

5. How do you find a spiritual experience even when you are travelling?
Since you are with nature while travelling, go to a natural place and sit quietly and concentrate on some object or sound. This will give you calm and strength.

The Yoga Institute Mumbai, inculcates a spirit of tranquility and balanced state of mind. One experiences health, happiness and harmony. Yoga concentrates on true spirituality.

6. What are some myths about practicing yoga in India that need to be dispelled?
For peace and enlightenment you don’t have to go to a great Guru with saffron robes and a long beard or a lady in a special dress code. Simple householders can be highly spiritual and every human being has the potential to be divine. In yoga, the emphasis is on true spirituality at a universal level and no religion is involved.

7. What advice do you have for women to feel more comfortable while travelling in India?
Proper loose clothing that covers the full body, including the legs, is recommended. When travelling through the country, it is safest to ask for directions and information from a policeman or a travel agency.

Whistler: The Ultimate Ski Experience

Following a leisurely orientation at the foot of Vancouver’s majestic Mountain range, we set off for legendary Whistler Mountain. The scenic two-hour drive along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor is an adventure in itself and sets the tone for the week ahead. Crystal clear rainwater cascades off the cliffs onto the highway and pristine coastal islands add the perfect contrast to the endless blue ocean as it accompanies us along the way. Halfway across the coastal planes we stop for a relaxing lunch at the Lions Bay Café, a quaint Soup and Sandwich cafe popular among the locals and perched high above scenic Lions Bay.

As we ascend upward from the city, the snowfall steadily increases. The scenery slowly transforms from sub-alpine to alpine with ever increasing numbers of snow-covered fir trees lining the road. Continuing the drive through the Garibaldi Highlands we finally see the winter lights glistening over Whistler Village which now lays silently at the foot of the mountain like an infant in the womb. Skiers in colorful puffy jackets dot the pristine snowcapped hills as they carry their skis slung over their shoulders to the day’s next great adventure. Massive Yellow Snow plows move like Mammoths along the roads to clear the snow, and the Whistler Village gondolas sparkle like Christmas lights in the distance.

Whistler-Blackcomb

Whistler Resort is comprised of two large mountain ranges, Whistler and Blackcomb. Sitting in tandem they are joined two-thirds of the way up by the world famous Peak-to-Peak gondola. Completed in 2007, this tri-cable gondola has the longest unsupported lift span in the world (3.024 kilometers or 1.88 miles) offering a panoramic view of the majestic mountain range from a height of 6,000 feet. Its glass-bottomed cabins will take your breath away even before you set foot on the slopes. As you approach Roundhouse Lodge at the top of the mountain, you’ll feel as though you’re floating above five alpine bowls in the surprisingly smooth ride.

Peak to Peak

At the peak you’ll marvel at the numerous wide green runs which reach all the way to the base of the mountain. Green Road down Easy Out is the longest run down at 11km (6 miles). For the more experienced skier there is the famous Dave Murray Downhill which drops 1,006 vertical meters (3,300ft) to the Whistler Creekside base which boasts spectacular views of the entire mountain. Snow covered pines provide the perfect backdrop and views of the charming village in the distance. Once at the bottom, visit Dusty’s, a local favorite for a burger and beer. Or dine at another of the towns numerous quality restaurants and cafes for various healthier alternatives.

Whistler

Those seeking the thrill of off-piste skiing will find miles of untamed terrain to conquer at their own pace. Numerous runs at Whistler and Blackcomb also provide the more adventurous with exciting “off the beaten track” and hidden trails. While it’s best to be accompanied by someone who knows the terrain, locals are often seen weaving through the trees along these trails and provide misplaced newcomers with some sense of homeward direction.

Whistler Mountain provides superb skiing for both beginners and intermediates. Alternatively, Blackcomb caters best to more advanced skiers. Many enjoy the wide range of slopes both mountains offer by warming up at Whistler in the morning and graduating to Blackcomb in the afternoon. By the end of the day you’ll have found the perfect slope and possibly acquired some bragging rights along the way.

Blackcomb

At Whistler the adventure doesn’t stop when the lifts close. Whether your old ski gear just needs new accessories or you’re looking for an entire new ensemble, the best outdoors retailers including Patagonia (our favorite) are in Whistler Village. While shopping you’ll also find a variety of restaurants, bars and pubs with a diverse selection of cuisine as well. To prepare the body and mind for the next day’s adventure hot Yoga at Neoalpine is only 10 minutes from the village. For those seeking a healthy home cooked meal, Nesters Market, 5-minutes from the village, offers a wide range of high-quality produce including organic and specialty items.

Whistler-Blackcomb is world renown for having some of the best skiing in the world. Travelers and adventure seekers worldwide fill the slopes of Whistler-Blackcomb and comb the streets of Whistler Village…And clearly for good reason.

Key Facts 

• 2 hour drive from Vancouver to Whistler
• Whistler base / top elevation: 2,182 meters / 652 meters
• Blackcomb base / top elevation: 2,284 meters / 675 meters
• Blackcomb lifts: 17 (plus Peak to Peak gondola)
• Whistler lifts: 19 (plus Peak to Peak gondola)
• Whistler terrain type: 20% beg. 55% int., 25% adv
• Blackcomb terrain type: 15% beg. 55% int. 30% adv
• Lift Ticket Prices: Adult day $99, Adult Week $572, Season $1,489
• Peak to Peak gondola – the longest unsupported lift span in the world at 3.024 km
• Lift operating hours: 8:30am-3pm (17 Nov- 25 Jan) 3:30pm (26 Jan-22 Feb) 4pm (23 Feb – 21 Apr)
• Rendezvous on Blackcomb mountain is a popular local hang out. Locals are usually spotted by the window with a coffee and the paper.
• Whistler is home to approximately 100 black bears, chances are you might see one. From mid-March to November bears are active and looking for food. Often, their appetite draws them to urban areas with garbage.

Why Whistler

• Huge skiable area with enormous runs and 200+ total trails
• Extensive range of powder and groomed runs and a wide variety of terrain
• Special areas for snowboarders
• Wide range of accommodation
• Canadian friendliness and laid back attitude – polite lift lines

Be Aware Of

• Weather: Its altitude can decrease visibility and there can be the occasional non-skiable days
• Avalanches: though only a concern for advanced skiers on back country runs
• Hidden Costs: there can be a lot variation in the costs of rental equipment, but discounted lift tickets can be found
• Skier and snowboarder traffic at the base of both mountains at around 3pm when the lifts close, try getting the last lift up to the top at 3pm and take it slowly downhill to avoid the crowds.
• Can be touristy in places with hotel and fast food chains like the Four Seasons, McDonald’s and KFC
• Everyone asking you where you are from

To find out more about Slipstream’s unique travel services, you can check out our website www.slipstream.travel.

Images credits: Whistler-Blackcomb by Globalreset, Peak to Peak by GMontgomery, Whistler by Globalreset, Whistler-Blackcomb by Abundantc.