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cliffs

Canada

Day 200: A wet day at the Niagara Falls

July 13, 2014

Checked off a bucket list item: Niagara Falls, and wow, they’re even more spectacular in person! Woke up around 7 am, sneaked out of my bunk like a ninja, and got ready. Brushed my teeth, grabbed my bag, and headed downstairs for breakfast. And let me tell you, the hostel breakfast at the Planet Traveler Hostel? Hands down the best I’ve ever had. They had 15 types of cereals (yep, you read that right) and 10 different bagels, plus milk and all the usual spreads. I went for bagels with peanut butter and packed some extras for the road. At…

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by Maarten
The United States

Day 174: Golden Gate Park and Lands End

June 17, 2014

Today, I planned to explore the stunning Golden Gate Park in San Francisco before catching my flight to Las Vegas. We woke up around 10 am, with Phillip rousing me from my slumber as he was keen on grabbing breakfast. Feeling groggy, I wasn’t accustomed to hostel breakfasts, preferring something more indulgent, as usual. Yesterday evening, I had already packed my bag in preparation for departure day today. It was time to move on to a new destination. My flight was scheduled to depart in the evening around 8 pm. We had a mediocre breakfast and departed around 10:50…

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The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, view from Marin Headlands, San Francisco
The United States

Day 173: Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge

June 16, 2014

Today, Phillip and I had plans to explore Alcatraz Island. Later in the afternoon, we intended to embark on a road trip to Marin Headlands, crossing over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The alarm blared, jolting me awake. It wasn’t mine; it belonged to Phillip. Chuckling, I nudged him, realizing his slumber was undisturbed by the noisy alarm. After rousing him, I quickly freshened up, brushing my teeth. Within 15 minutes, we were in the car, ready to embark on our early morning adventure. As the clock struck 4:50 am, we arrived near the pier, eager to see if…

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The United States

Day 172: McWay Falls and the arrival at San Francisco

June 15, 2014

Today, Phillip and I planned to explore McWay Falls, another spectacular waterfall on our global adventure. Despite my groggy state at 5 am, I roused Phillip from his deep slumber and urged him to buckle up. As I headed north on the highway, Phillip snoozed peacefully, oblivious to the journey ahead. The overcast skies didn’t dampen my spirits as I embarked on the 45-minute to one-hour drive. Initially, the road was straight, but as we approached the coast, it twisted and turned, offering a scenic journey ahead. Feeling increasingly drowsy, I realized it was time to find a place to…

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The United States

Day 167: A rainbow, cliffs and a nice hotel room

June 10, 2014

Today, I planned to explore another waterfall at the Akaka Falls State Park. Around 8 am, the chatter of people in the dorm lobby, including Wendy, reached my ears, but I remained in bed until 9 am. By then, the voices had dissipated. Taking a leisurely approach, I savored some pineapple and a refreshing drink. As I indulged in my morning ritual, I engaged in conversations with friends back home, mindful of the 12-hour time difference in the Netherlands. Despite the dreary weather, which had persisted since yesterday evening’s drizzle, I found a strange comfort in it. Yesterday, the sound…

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The United States

Day 165: The southernmost point of the United States

June 8, 2014

Today marks my journey’s pinnacle as I venture towards the Volcanoes National Park. I sluggishly arose at 9 am, later than intended, cursing my penchant for laziness. Slapping together a hasty breakfast of peanut butter on bread, I marveled at my consumption of carbs, relieved not to waste any slices this time. After a brisk shower, I swiftly prepared for the day, completing both breakfast and ablutions within 30 minutes. To my chagrin, the eccentric fellow in the Hawaiian shirt lingered at the hostel, irking me solely due to his odd demeanor. After an hour’s drive southward, I found myself…

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The United States

Day 161: Pearl Harbor and the Spitting Caves

June 4, 2014

Today, our adventure led us to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The day began with the soft light of morning filtering through the curtains, gently nudging me awake around 8 am. With a sense of anticipation, I roused my friend Neema from his slumber, knowing we had plans to secure a car for the day’s exploration. Luckily, Neema had the inside scoop on a local car rental company, so I happily tagged along. By splitting the cost, I could afford to let him take the wheel, saving us both a cool $25. By the time we hit the road around 9…

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Australia

Day 88: Reaching the easternmost point of Australia

March 24, 2014

Today’s destination: Cape Byron Lighthouse in Byron Bay, the easternmost point of Australia. This morning, I woke up at Sleepy Hollow rest stop, located approximately 40 kilometers south of Gold Coast. Despite its eerie nighttime ambiance, with only a toilet facility, it unnerved me a bit. A snake warning sign added to the suspense, and in the pitch darkness, the place took on an unsettling vibe. The toilets were far from inviting, making me contemplate the merits of sleeping in a place without them and opting for the simplicity of nature’s restroom, even if it meant peeing in the bushes…

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Australia

Day 80: Fraser Island unleashed

March 16, 2014

Embarking on Fraser Island’s itinerary for the day, we anticipated visits to the breathtaking Champagne Pools on Fraser Island, the historic Maheno shipwreck, and the refreshing Eli Creek. The Champagne Pools on Fraser Island, in particular, were a highlight I was eager to experience. My day began at 8 am, and I kicked it off with breakfast at the campsite provided by Drop Bear Adventures. The breakfast featured bread with jam and baked bread with eggs, constituting a decent start to the day. Thirty minutes later, we departed from the camp, heading toward Eli Creek. The journey took us fifteen…

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by Maarten
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