Tag

rainforests

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…

Continue reading
by Maarten
Leave a comment
A beautiful waterfall surrounded by green nature, Rainbow Falls, the Big Island Hawaii
The United States

Day 166: Time well spent in paradise

June 9, 2014

Today was filled with a multitude of activities in and around Hilo. Due to the uncomfortable night, I woke up earlier than planned. By 4:40 am, I departed from the campsite and headed back towards the visitor center, a 15-minute drive from there to the Kilauea crater. Although the weather wasn’t rainy, a persistent drizzle persisted. However, what truly frustrated me was the poor visibility caused by thick clouds obscuring the scenery. Upon reaching the crater, I attempted to capture some photos, but unfortunately, they all turned out blurry. The combination of fog and low light proved too challenging…

Continue reading
by Maarten
Leave a comment
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…

Continue reading
by Maarten
Leave a comment
New-Zealand

Day 132: New Zealand’s longest swing bridge

May 7, 2014

Today, my plan was to explore the Buller Gorge Swing Bridge, and despite my initial skepticism, the experience proved to be quite enjoyable for the 5 NZD admission fee. I woke up at 9 am, stepped out of the car, and plugged my laptop into the power socket at the hostel. The common area of the hostel was sheltered under plastic panes, resembling a small barn. Accessibility was convenient for me with a door right beside the car park. This arrangement made reaching the toilets a breeze—just a short 10-meter walk, as opposed to circling the building for 30…

Continue reading
by Maarten
Leave a comment
Australia

Day 107: Arriving in Lakes Entrance

April 12, 2014

I awoke at around 9 am, anticipating my arrival in Lakes Entrance on Australia’s southern coast. Having spent the night in a rest area amidst McKenzie Forest, I noticed that all the other cars had departed. Deciding to drive up to a parking spot within the forest, I discovered an entrance road. The water vapor inside the car had condensed, causing all the windows to be covered in water and blur my vision. I couldn’t hit the highway until my car’s windshield was clear again. To achieve this, I had to drive a bit to warm up the engine, and…

Continue reading
by Maarten
Leave a comment
Australia

Day 81: Last day in paradise, for now…

March 17, 2014

Today on Fraser Island, our main destination was Lake McKenzie. I awoke around 6 am, courtesy of Simen, who roused everyone by playing his massive didgeridoo in each tent—quite a wake-up call, haha. After a 40-minute breakfast, we departed from the camp. Since it was our last day, an early start was essential, providing us with more time to enjoy Lake McKenzie. This time, instead of heading north along the beach, we went south. After ten minutes, we turned right, leaving the beach. Despite traversing soft sand, our journey was somewhat bumpy. It didn’t bother me, but I could…

Continue reading
by Maarten
Leave a comment
Australia

Day 71: The road trip begins, Daintree Village

March 7, 2014

Around 8:30 am, I woke up, knowing that Moni and I had plans to visit Daintree today. Before heading there, I stopped by Cairns Central for some groceries. To my dismay, the ATM proved uncooperative, denying my attempts twice. It struck me as a humorous moment, being the first time in my life encountering a financial barrier. It turned out I had reached my daily account limit, but I quickly realized it was only a matter of waiting since I had made my last withdrawal around 2 pm the previous day. To pass the time, I treated myself to…

Continue reading
by Maarten
Leave a comment
Indonesia

Day 33: Climbing Indonesia’s highest volcano Gunung Kerinci

January 28, 2014

I woke up around 7 am and received some nice breakfast. Today we would climb Gunung Kerinci to its base camp, shelter 2. For breakfast, Mr. Subandi’s wife made me banana pancakes. A few moments later I met Kimon, Mr. Subandi’s son. Kimon was 30 years old and was going to be my guide and porter for the next two days. Mr. Subandi supplied me with a sleeping bag, two bottles of water, a raincoat, hand gloves, and a warm cap. I packed my thermal wear, hiking shoes, pajamas, socks, two long trousers, and some small food. I needed everything…

Continue reading
by Maarten
Leave a comment
Indonesia

Day 27: Rafting back to Bukit Lawang

January 22, 2014

I woke up at 9 am but chose to sleep in since Jamie and Maguire were still resting. We had plans for rafting to Bukit Lawang that day. By 10:30 am, I finally got out of bed, leaving Jamie and Maguire sleeping soundly, seemingly unfazed by the flat surface. Our jungle base camp consists of basic shelters with several huts. The sleeping area is a long hut, approximately 3 meters by 10 meters, providing only rain shelter. One side of the hut lacks a wall. Although the ground is firm, it is flat. I didn’t mind spending one night…

Continue reading
by Maarten
Leave a comment
Indonesia

Day 26: Orangutans in Bukit Lawang

January 21, 2014

Scheduled for the tour at 8:30 am, today’s plan involved venturing into the jungle to encounter the orangutans in Bukit Lawang. Conveniently situated next to the jungle entrance, my guesthouse, Thomas’ Retreat, allowed me to wait on my terrace. I opted for an early cold shower and placed an order for breakfast. The shower’s water, sourced from the river, proved limited, prompting me to cut it short after 5 minutes. As I required water for the Western toilet, I became aware of my constrained water supply for both the shower and toilet. In Bukit Lawang, a small village nestled…

Continue reading
by Maarten
Leave a comment