The stick-up is a crime nearly as old as time: a robber, sometimes more than one, threatens you with harm or death if you don’t part with your valuables. It is one of the first proper violent crimes many criminals commit, and one of the most common threats in many places, rural or urban, all around the world. The simple fact that a wallet full of cash or credit cards will get your average…

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Long before the Catskill Mountains of New York State became known as the Borscht Belt, glacial snowmelt from the Ice Age was carving streams and canyons through the region. Numerous waterfalls were created as a result of this activity. This edition of Beyond L.A. spotlights Kaaterskill Fallls, the highest waterfall in the state (including Niagara) and two less known but also exciting destinations: Vernooy Kill Falls and Stony Kill Falls. (“Kill” means “creek” in Dutch). Kaaterskill Falls and Vernooy Kill Falls are located in Catskills Park, an area thought of as one entity but in fact overseen by multiple agencies (similar to the Santa Monica Mountains). Stony Kill Falls is located in Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

TIPS FOR L.A. HIKERS

Getting to the Catskills: These hikes are located between 110 and 140 miles north of New York City; a 2.5-3 hour drive depending on traffic. JFK International Airport in Queens (JFK) will have the most options for flights in and out. Newark, NJ (EWR) and New York LaGuardia (LGA) are also options. The hikes are slightly closer to Albany (between 50-80 miles south, or a 1.5-2 hour drive) but the airport (ALB) has fewer options for flights.

Staying in the Catskills: None of these hikes allow overnight camping. For information about accommodations in the Catskills and greater Hudson Valley, click here and here.

Weather: The weather in the Catskills ranges from an average daily low of 19 degrees F/-8 degrees C in January to an average daily high of 82 degrees F/29 degrees C in July. Average annual precipitation is 48 inches, about three times that of Los Angeles. In the winter months, these trails may close due to hazardous conditions from snow and ice.

Cell phone reception: Cell phone reception is weak to fair on the Vernooy Kill Falls and Stony Kill Falls hike. There is no reception at the Kaaterskill Falls trail head or on the hike itself. If you are coming from the east, the last reliable cell phone reception will likely be in the town of Palenville, about five miles away; from the west, it will be Haines Falls, about three miles away.

Dogs are allowed on leash on these hikes. Some dogs might have difficulty with the steep stair climbs and extra caution should be taken both in summer heat and in winter conditions. All three of these trails, especially Kaaterskill Falls, are popular, so expect to see other dogs, especially on summer weekends. Kaaterskill Falls begins and ends with a quarter mile walk along the side of Route 23A (no sidewalk or shoulder).

THE HIKES

Kaaterskill Falls

2.8 miles, approximately 800 feet of elevation gain; allow 2 hours

While it might not be one of the most popular destinations in the United States as it once was, Kaaterskill Falls still sees many visitors. This write-up assumes a start from the lower and most popular trail head on Route 23A, but the falls can also be visited by starting above from Laurel House or Scutt Road. For a map of all of the trail heads and trails in the area of Kaaterskill Wild Forest, click here.

From the parking area, head downhill on route 23A. There is no sidewalk or shoulder, although a metal railing on the north side of the road provides a buffer. Many of the cars are likely to be hikers heading to or from the trailhead, so they will go slowly and give a wide berth.

The official trail begins one quarter mile from the parking lot. You are greeted by Bastion Falls, itself an impressive cascade that would probably considered a worthy hiking destination were it located more remotely. The trail climbs steeply, picking up almost 200 feet in the first 0.2 mile, before leveling out. The next 0.2 mile climb more gradually, ascending about 100 feet. Downed trees may block the route in some spots; look for the yellow trail blazes for the route, which closely follows the banks of the creek.

Soon the lower tier comes into view. Hikers with small kids might be content to work their way across the rocks to the base of the falls, where both tiers are visible but for those with the energy for a steep climb, the ascent to the viewing deck at the top of the falls is well worth it. Begin the next leg of the hike by following the stairs up the side of the canyon, gaining almost 200 feet in only 0.1 mile. On the way up, a spur leads to the base of the upper tier.

After making the steep ascent, the trail becomes level, heading southwest and away from the falls before doubling back. After reaching an intersection with the trail from Scutt Road, turn left and cross the creek on a footbridge. On the opposite side, the trail from Laurel House comes in on the right. Continue straight ahead and follow the signs to the viewing platform. If you are looking to overcome a fear of heights, you have come to the right place.

From the small wooden deck, you can see the length of Kaaterskill’s 167-foot upper tier plus an excellent view of the distant mountains. After enjoying the vistas, retrace your steps, exercising caution on the steep descent.

For more trip reports of Kaaterskill Falls, click here, here, here, here and here. For cautionary tales about Instagram posts at Kaaterskill Falls that didn’t go as planned, click here.

Stony Kill Falls

1.6 miles, approximately 250 feet of elevation gain; allow 1 hour

Located in Minnewaska State Park Preserve, 87-foot Stony Kill falls is another essential Catskills hike. The base of the waterfall can be reached via an easy half-mile stroll. Hikers who want more of a challenge – and an outstanding view – can climb to a viewing area at the top of the falls.

The hike starts rather anonymously with 0.3 miles of walking along Shaft Road to the official start of the trail. The trail dips into the woods, following the creek for a quarter mile to arrive at the base of Stony Kill Falls. A footbridge provides the best vantage point for legally viewing the falls from below.

The red-blazed trail climbs steeply from the base of the falls. At one point, metal rungs are embedded in the rocks to provide hand and footholds. At the top of the stairs, your efforts are rewarded with an outstanding view of the valley below and of the upper end of the falls. There is no guard rail.

This spot, about 0.7 mile from the trail head, is a good turnaround point, but for those who like to see things to their completion, the trail continues another tenth of a mile along Stony Kill. Since most people stop at the view point, this last stretch will give you some solitude. At the end, you can wander down to the creek bank and enjoy the peacefulness before retracing your steps.

For more trip reports of Stony Kill Falls, click here, here and here.

Vernooy Kill Falls

3.2 miles, approximately 650 feet of elevation gain; allow 2 hours

Though it doesn’t have the height of Stony Kills or Kaaterskill, Vernooy Kill Falls is an enjoyable hiking destination. The trail is more lightly visited than the other two and travels through some attractive woodlands en route to the stair steps-shaped waterfall, which drops about 20 feet over multiple tiers. Vernooy Kill Falls is located in the Sundown Wild Forest area of Catskills Park.

From the parking area, cross the street and begin hiking on the blue-blazed trail (signed as the Long Path on some maps). You cross a creek on a footbridge at about a quarter mile and begin a steady but moderate ascent through mixed forest. Half a mile from the start, your route merges with another trail; continue straight and follow the blue blazes. At 1.2 miles, you reach the high point of the hike and begin a slow descent. Just before you reach the falls, look for the remains of a campsite on your left.

At 1.6 miles, you reach a junction. The routes to the right and straight ahead lead deeper into Sundown Wild Forest, options if you want to extend the hike. The left fork leads to a footbridge overlooking Vernooy Kill Falls. It is possible to scramble down to the bank of the creek for a closer look, although caution is essential on the slippery rocks. The trail continues another 2 miles to county road 46 near the town of Greenville.

For more descriptions of Vernooy Kill Falls, click here, here and here.

Text and photography copyright 2019 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

 

 

 

 

 

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Prepping for emergencies requires more than just buying supplies and making plans. You need to actually run through your plans. Here’s why and how.

You’re reading Why and how to wargame your emergency/disaster plans, originally posted at Graywolf Survival – Emergency preparedness from a Counterintelligence Agent by Graywolf.

OFFGRID Whiskey Gift Guide: A Gift Guide for Men Who Love Whiskey

From Texas to Scotland, we are going to take you around the world and share some of our favorite Whiskey, Scotch, and Whiskey related gifts… […]

This Article OFFGRID Whiskey Gift Guide: A Gift Guide for Men Who Love Whiskey is an original article from OFFGRID Survival If it is appearing on any other site but OFFGRID Survival, that site does not have our permission to use our copyrighted content!

The post Giveaway: Stacy Johnson’s retirement course. appeared first on Surviving and Thriving.

The post Should you ask for money at Christmas? appeared first on Surviving and Thriving.

One of the most useful knife patterns is the tradional Scandinavian fixed blade. The reason is simple – it flat-out works. This latest puukko interpretation by Bark River combines modern materials with a proven design.

Over two weeks we found a lot of interesting places to visit in Morocco, starting and ending in Casablanca. The “real trip” started in Marrakesh. From there we did a clockwise loop that took us over the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. Continuing, we drove southwest towards Icht where we could see Algeria off in the distance. Then we turned north and headed to Essaouira via numerous stops detailed below to complete the loop and finish at the Casablanca Airport.

It was a marvelous trip that was organized with the help of Sun-Trails, a local Moroccan company I found online and would recommend.

There were certain things I absolutely had to do while in Morocco. That list included a multi-day hike and an overnight visit to the Sahara Desert but we were open to other suggestions, especially from someone who lived in the country. What you see below is our agreed upon route – with a private driver for most of the trip. 

The trip cost about $Cdn5000 – and yes we could have done it for less if we’d rented a car and done the route ourselves. But when you’re really busy and you just want a holiday, I think a personal driver who intimately knows the country, is the way to go. Especially in Morocco.

A driver allowed for huge flexibility everyday – stopping where we wanted for lunch – usually with a picnic that Mustafa, our driver, had purchased for pennies in a local market. If we wanted a photo or just to get out and walk, it was always easy to do.

We also never had to get out the map to figure if we were on the right road. And there’s no chance we would have had the same experience in the Sahara without Mustafa. Actually there were a huge number of experiences that made the trip much richer because of him, especially as he grew up as a nomad in the Sahara and was a master at telling stories.

We had a couple of breaks from Mustafa – and he from us – while on a two day hike in the Anti-Atlas Mountains (a highlight) and for the couple of days we spent in Essouaira. 

Here’s a look at our two week trip – in chronological order – and 14 places to visit in Morocco covering the southwestern part of the country.

Allow a day for Marrakesh – even though it was one of my least favourite places to visit in Morocco 

Exotic images probably come to mind when you think of Marrakesh. Colourful, noisy souks, snake charmers in Djemaa el-Fna, fancy riads and a lot of brilliant colours. Marrakesh is partially that but it’s also noisy and polluted. The medina is full of motorbikes – an addition in the last 6-7 years – and not a good one. 

Overall it was my least favourite city that we visited in all of Morocco (though we didn’t see them all) so I really wouldn’t recommend a lot of time here. Allow 2 nights and a full day with a guide so you can see the main sights. Then get out of town. It’s also if you’re a solo traveler where you’re most likely to be hassled.

Read: Marrakesh Places to Visit When You Only Have a Day

Drive through the Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains, the highest mountain range in North Africa, stretch for almost 1,000 kilometres from the Atlantic Coast northeast to northern Algeria. They are easily accessible from Marrakesh as a day trip, but if you’re planning to visit the Sahara or many of the places listed below, you’ll see them one way or another. 

The Toubkal area of the High Atlas is the most visited area – and is accessible by public transit from Marrakesh. If you’re into hiking or rock climbing then you may want to spend an extended time in this part of Morocco. There are local and international trekking companies that run tours here, some several weeks long.

But even just a drive through the Atlas Mountains will give you a sense of their grandeur. The road is good and if you’re heading to the Sahara Desert, rest assured you’ll get a taste of the Atlas Mountains. The road we drove took us over Tichka Pass at 2260 metres.

From there we followed an itinerary hitting the following interesting places in Morocco over a two week time frame.

Tour the Kasbah Telouet – one of the unusual places to visit in Morocco

The Kasbah Telouet is on the former camel caravan route to Mali. It served as headquarters for the Glaoui tribe until Morocco gained independence in 1956. Then it was seized by the state and has mostly been left to decay.

Today it’s hardly a major tourist stop but if you’re driving across the Atlas Mountains to Tamdaght, it’s definitely worth a stop. Only about 10% of the structure can be visited, including a climb up onto the roof. What you will see are some magnificent tiled rooms – the site of many a lavish party back in the day.

The view from the top out to the countryside is very beautiful so be sure to explore what you can. There is a very small entrance fee of about a dollar. Allow about 45 minutes.

Visit the fortified Kasr of Ait Ben-Haddou – a UNESCO site

Ait Ben-Haddou, near Ouarzazate, is one of the best preserved kasbahs in Morocco’s Atlas region. You may have seen it unknowingly in theatres or on TV as its been included in scenes of at least 20 movies including Lawrence of Arabia and more recently in the Game of Thrones.

Ait Ben-Haddou won UNESCO status because it exemplifies “traditional earthen habitat representing the culture of southern Morocco”. The community was on a trading route between Marrakesh and ancient Sudan. As such it had to protect itself which it did by building dwellings onto the side of a hill. At the top is a fortress, the last line of defense.

Ait Ben-Haddou sees throngs of tourists and tourist buses so get here early to beat the rush. You have to get past the souvenir shops to get across the river and the main entrance – near more souvenir shops. You don’t need a guide – even though many men will offer their services.

Admire the Drâa Valley

The Drâa Valley, home to Morocco’s longest river, the 1000 kilometre Drâa River, is a gorgeous oasis, home to kasbahs, Berber villages, lush green plains and endless stretches of palm trees.

The valley starts around Ouarzazate and continues into the Sahara Desert. Mostly we just drove through it, stopping to get photos – and for one lovely hour to hike in the shade of some giant date palms on route to Zagora.

Buy pottery in Tamegroute

While the village of Tamegroute is home to the Nassira library that contains a 10th century gold-engraved Koran, it’s the pottery that draws people to stop.

You can buy pottery in a rainbow of colours. But it’s the tell-tale emerald glaze that you see on mosque tiles and on dishes all over Morocco that people seem to be crazy for. Personally it’s anything blue for me.

Collecting pottery when I travel is something I love to do, especially if it helps support a community. Here, where we saw people toiling for long hours, whether it be pounding clay or using the pottery wheel like the gentleman below, I cherish the few pieces that made it home intact. I feel like they have a real story to tell.

Spend a night in the Sahara Desert – one of the outstanding places to visit in Morocco

A true highlight of any trip to Morocco is a night or two in the Sahara Desert. The Sahara will mesmerize you with its otherworldly beauty and the infinite sand patterns in the dunes. It may surprise you with its lushness after a winter rain. And if you lie on a carpet outside your tent, you just might find magic in the night in the form of shooting stars.

Camel trips are optional at most places you stay in. If that sounds exotic to you, then do it. And be sure to catch either a sunrise or a sunset.

But be aware. There are two main desert camps in the Sahara. One has a quieter atmosphere – and one a party atmosphere. Be sure to choose one that fits the type of traveler you are.

Read: A Trip to the Sahara Desert in Morocco

Drive across dry Lake Iriki – one of the unusual places to visit in Morocco

If you’ve been to the dunes at Erg Chigaga, then you’re very close to dry Lake Iriki. Drive across it on an almost-as-hard-as-tarmac road – stopping to look for fossils in one place, and to admire the Fata Morganas mirage, that is more often than not seen at sea.

The mirage, named after the sorceress Morgan le Fay in the legend of King Arthur, appear when the light is “bent” by contrasting air temperatures. It’s a regular occurrence on Lake Iriki.

Nomads are famously hospitable and many well welcome you into their simple tents. It’s an entrance into as foreign a world as I’ve ever been privileged to see. Cross your fingers your driver can organize something or that you get lucky and meet a family that invites you in as it’s a true highlight of a trip to Morocco.

Explore Amtoudi

Amtoudi is a small village that sits at one end of a gorge, at the base of a 600 metre cliff.  It is well off the beaten track and perhaps that’s why I loved it so much.

The village was the end point of our two day Anti-Atlas trek. The final hike into the village through the gorge is absolutely stunning and would make a fine day trip in itself.

There is also the option to climb 600 metres to reach the ancient granary. It is here that locals would store water, stock grains and raise bees – in case of attack. It’s worth doing the steep hike. Views are spectacular and the place just oozes history.

Read: A 2 Day Hike in the Anti-Atlas Mountains of Southern Morocco

Hike or mountain bike in Taroudant

We didn’t have much time in Taroudant which is a shame as its ideal for hiking and mountain biking. Still we got a chance to explore near our hotel – slithering over and around massive rocks and enjoying the views. The following morning we checked out the painted rocks – just strange – along with the otherworldly landscape.

Visit Souss-Massa National Park

We were both ready for a nature break before heading to Essaouira. We opted to change our itinerary from a stop at an ancient apiary to a trip to Souss-Massa National Park. It turned out to be a real joy with a tremendous amount of bird life especially around the lagoon. We basically just walked in along a dirt road as far as we could go – taking a couple of hours to admire the birds and stretch our legs.

The park is supposed to contain some rare wildlife too though we didn’t see any of it. If you’re lucky you might see the Egyptian mongoose, the common otter or the Eurasian wild boar.

There’s a fenced in part of the park which is home to Dawker’s gazelle, Arabian oryx and the red-necked ostrich. The rare bald ibis are the biggest attraction but no luck for us.

Spend a few days in Essaouira on the coast

Located on Morocco’s windy Atlantic Coast, Essaouira a former Portuguese stronghold, is a popular holiday destination spot. Its got lots going for it from a rich history, excellent restaurants, a laid-back beach culture along with a medina that’s far more fun to explore than the one in Marrakesh. 

If you’re a windsurfer you must visit Essaouira. And if you’re not, just enjoy the beach, perhaps adding in a massage and a few days of relaxation in this pretty Moroccan city.

Read: 5 Great Things to Do in Essaouira, Morocco

Stop in Oualidia for oysters, beaches and swimming

Oualidia is a relaxed fishing town halfway between Safï and El Jadida north of Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast. The majority of the town is sandwiched between a peaceful lagoon and the sea. There’s a nice walkway above the beach along with what looks like miles and miles of beautiful sandy beach.

The town – called Morocco’s “oyster capital” is also good for swimming if you stay in the lagoon. If its adventure you want try windsurfing.

Visit El Jadida – a UNESCO site and one of the unusual places to visit in Morocco

Only an hour away from Casablanca, El Jadida is a former Portuguese stronghold on the south Atlantic coast. The area around it is becoming popular because of beaches. But it’s a visit inside the Portuguese Cistern, another UNESCO site that makes this one of the more unusual places to visit in Morocco. 

The cistern is a water reservoir – that was used in the 1951 Orson Welles movie Othello. There isn’t a lot of light in the reservoir – except for an opening in the ceiling so the place oozes eeriness – and hence the reason it was used in the movie. 

The Portuguese fortifications are also what give this part of El Jadida UNESCO status. According to the UNESCO website “the fortification with its bastions and ramparts is an early example of Renaissance military design.”

You only need about 45 minutes inside the cistern and perhaps another hour at most to walk the fortifications.

My favourite places to stay in Morocco

All the places I’ve listed below I stayed in except Amtoudi Adventure – and we did take tea in their house.

In Mmarakesh we stayed in Riad La Parathese. They have a lovely rooftop patio, a great breakfast BUT ask for a room that doesn’t back onto the street or the noise will drive you crazy.

In Tamdaght, not far from Ait Benhaddou, I highly recommend Kasbah Ellouze. Try to arrange to bake bread with the old ladies in the morning.

In Zagora the Azalai Desert Lodge, with its beautiful pool, is absolutely lovely.

In Icht stay in Borj Biramane – with a swimming pool and rooftop terrace. Rooms are simple but still a very nice place in what feels like the middle of nowhere.

If you don’t mind modest accommodations I’d recommend Amtoudi Adventure. We used Hassan as our guide for two days trekking in the Anti-Atlas Mountains (the highlight of our trip!!) and I can tell you his wife makes the most delicious bread – served with their own honey.

If you want a more upscale experience book Tigmi Boubol in Amtoudi. The village itself feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

In Tata I highly recommend a stay at Dar Infiane.

In Tafraoute you will enjoy a larger than normal room at Elmalara and very good food. Plus there is great hiking from the hotel.

Stay at Dar Zahia just outside of Taroudant. It’s a lovely spot with very well-appointed rooms. A great asthetic throughout the hotel.

Essaouira has loads of great accommodation choices.We stayed in the lovely Riad Perle d‘Eau with windows that opened to beautiful views of the sea. And at high tide, the waves pounded the building which was actually really cool but a little scary too. They serve an awesome breakfast with a view on an upper balcony.

Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.

The post 14 Interesting Places to Visit in Morocco appeared first on Hike Bike Travel.

(Guest Post) It’s almost Christmas time, and we all know what that means: Spending LOTS of money. Between Christmas gifts, special events, and hosting your entire family, expenses add up faster than you can say “Happy Holidays.” So how do you keep on prepping amid a holiday spending spree? Read on for some tried and […]

You’re reading Prepping on a Budget: How To Save Money This Holiday Season, originally posted at Graywolf Survival – Emergency preparedness from a Counterintelligence Agent by Graywolf.