We were 40 meters under ground and told to switch off our head lamps and keep quiet.  At that moment all was calm and pitch black.  I've never known such darkness or peacefulness at the same time, I couldn't even see my hand in front of my face it was so dark there.  Yes as you can imagine now, we went caving.  Our guide, Szilard, who was Hungarian spoke perfect English as he handed out our elegant yet appropriate coveralls, safety helmet and head torches for our 3 hour caving trip. 

Our first obstacle we encountered as we entered the cave was descending a 10 meter ladder into the unknown.  Once at the bottom of the ladder we immediately starting crawling on our hands and knees  though a maze of labyrinths, and large openings.  After a bit of a warm up, Szilard asked up if we wanted to try something a bit more challenging and we all agreed.  Then the real fun started.  

We seen some openings that looked like only a child could fit though, and I was a bit worried I wasn't going to fit.  However, its amazing how small a hole the human body can fit though when showed the proper technique.  Every cave was different from the previous which encountered a new way of getting though.  Some caves we had to crawl head first with our head turned sideways because that was the only way though, and there was one cave where you had to “squirm” and fight your way though it was so tight, but we all managed.  It was an amazing experience, at our deepest point we were over 35 meters below the surface.  Thats incredible, we crawled and manoeuvred our way that deep for about 1.5 hrs and then had to climb out again in such a way.  The way up and out was just a tricky because we were going against gravity, but what an journey. 

The caving system is very safe as it has been carved out over millions of years under the city of Budapest in Hungary.  There are about 30 kilometres worth  of caves that have been explored in that region over the years and we only did a fraction of it on our tour.  The guides are very knowledgeable and very professional and its one of the safest adventures activities I have ever done, granted the fact that you are crawling 30 meters underground and the only light source you have is your tiny head lamp. 

Anytime you are in Budapest, Caving under Hungary is a most due on your list.  Its for anyone and everyone who has an adventure side.  Be prepared to get dirty, crawl on your hands and knees and wiggle though cracks you never thought you could do.

Check out www.caving.hu, Caving Under Budapest for a thrill of a life time.

Check out the pictures of our adventure to get a real idea of what we went though.

Until next time, Keep Booking those Adventures.

Josh

Cayman’s legendary waters are home to all kind of magical marine life but Cayman Kayaks’ Bioluminescent Tours by Rum Point may just surpass them all.

Experience this informative nighttime adventure with Cayman Kayaks to the most amazing natural phenomenon of the World on their custom electric catamaran or by kayak.

Adventurous? ‘Travel By Paddle’ from Rum Point beneath the captivating galaxy and watch how every movement from your paddle, feet or hands leave behind sparkling swirls of blue light. Fish light up their path like underwater shooting stars.

Laidback? Cayman Kayaks introduces their brand new customized electric ‘Moonless Moments’ Catamaran to take you silently and leisurely through the Bioluminescent Bay. Once inside the Bay guests will sit down in the observation deck to personally interact with the Bioluminescence. Cayman Kayaks are proud to serve their environmentally conscious guests by helping you explore this phenomenon fuel free!

These night tours run on a schedule that follows the moon cycle. Specific dark nights of the month are chosen to allow their company to provide the best quality tours possible.

Adventures with Cayman Kayaks can only be described as magical, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

So you can check them out at www.caymankayaks.com

Until Next time…

Keep Booking those Adventures.

Josh

After a long drive across the Saskatchewan Prairies we make it to the dark green, mysterious waters of Jan Lake.  I have heard the many stores of catching that huge fish or that huge fish that “got away”! It was my chance to check it out.

We pulled up to Pelican Narrows to see the many beautiful lake front lodges lining the lake, but we opted to stay at the campsite. With 13 sites on a “first come, first serve” basis we set up camp with a beautiful view of the lake.  My sites are now set on getting onto a boat the trying to catch my own big fish.  After renting a boat we head onto the waters, we first head to the rocky shoals in search of Walleye.   After a view bites we finally catch a couple of small Walleye. 

Now on for the next adventure of the great fight with a Northern Pike and time to take the boat trolling into deeper waters.  With not much action on the line, I finally get a big tug on my fishing rod.  This is great fight I have been looking for!  After almost two hours and my arms feeling like rubber I finally reel in a 20 pound pike!

After a long day of fishing it is time to head back to camp, set up a fire and cook my catch of the day!

It is the break of dawn and there are already many surfers in the water just off the Pier at Huntington Beach, California.  As I take in the sun coming in over the horizon I meet my surf instructor for the day.  Noah is a surf instructor with Toes on the Nose and he is going to give me a crash course in surfing.

We start with a few drills on the warming sand and then move into the water.  The waves are crashing on the shore and many amazing surfers are taking waves.  Finally it is my turn, after many crashes into the water – I finally catch a wave and make it a few moments before taking a face plant in the water.  After a few hours with Noah we finish my surfing lesson and it is time to just chill out on the vast sandy beaches.

Huntington Beach is known as “Surf City” and hosts many surfing competitions throughout the year.  Most notably is the Surf Open.  If you want to try a surfing lesson of your own, check out http://toesonthenose.com or if you are more of a spectator, check out the 2014 Surf Open starting on July 26th, 2014 at http://www.vansusopenofsurfing.com/.

When thinking of Ireland many things can come to mind, but one I did not expect to find is the most amazing and breathtaking kayaking experience.  You may have heard of the Ring of Kerry, known for its spectacular views of beautiful beaches, rivers and green landscapes, but can you imagine taking in these spectacular views through the water instead of the traditional tour buses.  Then take a look at http://www.staroutdoors.ie  and set up a kayaking tour in the beautiful Kenmare Bay.

The instructors were amazing giving great knowledge of the extensive history behind this gem, gave tips and best places to kayak to.  As we paddled around this beautiful bay we saw the awe inspiring landscape of the rugged shores and the sandy beaches.  Along the 3 hour kayak we saw historical castles and beautiful houses and farms.  Our trip was heightened with seeing great wildlife of wild horses, goats and many seals.

After a long day of kayaking we headed to the historic town of Killarney to enjoy a fine pint of Murphy’s and had a great night’s sleep at one the many bed and breakfasts located all throughout the Killarney National Park.

It was 5:30 am and someone or something was shaking our tents quite violently.  During the night we had heard hippos grazing not more than 100 meters from our campsite and some of us thought this 3000 kg giant was to close for comfort. 

However with a stern voice of “time to get up” and shaking our tents we realized it was Pete Meredith, our safari guide and owner/operator of TIA- Adventures.

It was time to get, get a warm beverage and some breaky (already prepared over the campfire) before embarking on our morning safari drive in search of the famous “Big Five” in Murchison Falls National Park.  We were a group of 19 that booked a 5 day safari with TIA- Adventures.  Pete and Leyla organized everything for us down to a tee.  We hopped on their giant, yet extremely comfortable safari truck from Jinja, Uganda, and drove the 8 hrs to the NationalPark.  We arrived just before dark, a prime time for viewing game and we weren't disappointed.  We saw elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocs, cape buffalo, lions, Ugandan cob, fish eagles, baboons, and countless monkeys along the ride. 

The service Pete and Leyla gave us was second to none.  The food they prepared was absolutely beautiful and wonderfully prepared.  We had  amazing burgers, fresh nile perch and tilapia from the Nile river, salad, home made bread prepared for us out in the delta, and delicious chocolate cake.  We couldn't of asked for a better time.

Some of us even camped out in the delta one night as part of our package.  We heard the distance roars of lions, hippos slashing in the water and other erring sounds we couldn't explain, all amongst the most beautiful star lit night we have even seen.   It was truly an breath taking experience.

I can't recommend TIA Adventure enough, we did a little bit of everything with them on our 5 days journey, from game drive safaris, river boat safari, sleeping in the delta, sleeping at some breathtaking lodges on the Nile river and trekking for chimpanzees.

TIA Adventures are truly a professional company that can offer all types of trips thought the African Continent.  They have extensive knowledge of East Africa and South Africa and frankly everything in between.  They also offer a wide variety of other expeditions ranging from mountain trekking, river expeditions, school trips and custom trips.

You have to check these guys out if you go to Africa.  You can find them at www.tia-adventures.com or there partner African Rivers at www.africanrivers.com

Thats all for now. 

Keep Booking those Adventures.

Josh