Foreign travel, for dummies.

We like to think of ourselves as experts in travel. We’re quick through the airport, we take only what we need, and rarely forget key items. Well, the last part isn’t true, but two out of three ain’t bad.

There are definitely times, though, when we’ve been reminded that no matter how well planned, travel in and of itself is an uncertain endeavor. Some of the best lessons learned while traveling abroad have also been our most embarrassing.

First and foremost, nothing compares to the pure joy of getting lost in a foreign city. Whether it's misreading a map or taking a wrong turn, you're bound to find yourself in some pretty strange situations. But don't worry, it's all part of the adventure!

Take 2: the right direction

Most recently we found ourselves in Sayulita, on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It’s a tiny town, which one would think impossible to be lost in. But we’re overachievers around here, so not only did we manage to “lose” our AirBnB, we also found a way to go the wrong way down one of the only one way streets in town.

During a national holiday. Go us!

Next up, let's talk about language barriers. Have you ever tried ordering food in a foreign language? It's a recipe for disaster! I once tried to order a vegetarian dish in Chile and used bravado and bad Spanish acquire a lamb stew. Whoops! But hey, at least I got some protein in my diet, right?

Oh… I meant “sin carne…”

And let's not forget about cultural differences. You might think you know a thing or two about a foreign culture, but trust me, you have no idea. Emily has made multiple trips to Turkey, but her first visit will always be the grandest adventure.

Wanting to “fit in,” and “experience the culture like a native,” she accepted an invitation to a Turkish bath. What ensued was a going over akin to what I imagine walking through an automatic car wash might be like. She was oiled, rolled, pushed and prodded, and well…

If you’ve never heard her tell the story, you are missing one of life’s great laughs.

When Em tells a story, prepare for tears of laughter

But the best part about foreign travel is the stories you come back with. Who needs souvenirs when you can regale your friends with tales of getting lost, ordering stewed meat instead of a salad, and being cleansed by 300 lb Turkish women? It's the gift that keeps on giving!

Getting out there, especially through foreign travel is not only valuable for broadening your horizons and expanding your worldview, but it also frequently leads to high comedy and a collection of stories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags, grab your phrasebook, and get ready to laugh your way around the world!

Things We Love About Colorado

Colorado is one of the most picturesque states in the US, with its magnificent mountains, serene lakes, and breathtaking vistas. The state offers some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking and camping experiences in the country. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking to escape the city, Colorado has something for everyone. Here are a few things we love about hiking and camping in Colorado.

The views in Colorado are endless

The Views

Let’s be honest- a good meal with a great view is the best reward after a hard day on the trail, and the vistas and landscapes in Colorado are breathtaking. From the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the rolling foothills, the state has something for everyone. The stunning beauty of this landscape is ever present, and the reason we return year after year. 

The Wildlife

Colorado is home to a vast array of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears. We’ve seen plenty of each over our many years spent in Colorado’s backcountry, and consider it a privilege to share some space for a short while with them. 

The Trails

Colorado has some of the best hiking trails in the country. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it's no surprise that the state has such a vibrant hiking culture. In our opinion, there simply is no better place for human powered adventure in  the mountains.

A trip into the backcountry provides solitude

The Adventure

Hiking and camping in Colorado is an adventure. With fifty eight (or 53, but who’s counting?) 14,000+ foot peaks to climb, world class whitewater, and endless backcountry to explore, the state offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts. 40+ state and national park lands make adventure accessible to every skill level.

Did someone say adventure?

The Seasons

Colorado experiences all four seasons, sometimes all in the same day! In the summer, the wildflowers bloom, and the lakes are crystal clear. In the fall, the aspen trees turn a stunning golden color. In the winter, the snow-covered mountains provide a winter wonderland, and in the spring, the mountains come alive with new growth.

The Solitude

While Colorado is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, there are still plenty of places to find solitude for those who know where to look.  We typically travel on less well known trails, discovered over years of backcountry exploration, to ensure that our hikes aren’t too crowded. 

The final frontier

The Night Sky

The clear skies in Colorado offer some of the best stargazing in the country. With little light pollution in many parts of the state, you can see an amazing array of stars and constellations. The Colorado backcountry provides the perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the night sky.

The Silence

In the mountains, the only sounds you'll hear are the rustling of the leaves and the chirping of the birds. The silence is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life and offers a chance to reconnect with the natural world and oneself.

Lifelong memories are made here

The Memories

Hiking and camping in Colorado create memories that will last a lifetime. Our first trip here was over 30 years ago, and those memories are as vivid now as they were back then. What memories will you create on your Colorado adventure?

Meet your guides- Allen Frantz

Q: Did you always want to be an outdoor guide and teacher?

A: (Laughs) Oh no! I was sure I was going to be a baseball player when I was young.

Q: What was your first guiding job?

A: I started guiding teens in the outdoors in 1998. That was my first summer in Maine working for a company called Trailmark Outdoor Adventures. We took larger groups (13-21 teens per trip) on 13-20 day adventures. Those programs were primarily front country experiences (car camping), with a tiny bit of backpacking and sea kayaking as well. I loved it so much I returned the following year as well.

The pre-smartphone days of Maine (Summit of Mt Katahdin, 1999)

Q: Did Crooked Trail Adventures start after that?

A: No, there was a lot between Trailmark and the start of Crooked Trail. When I left Maine I went straight to Arizona to finish my degree in Outdoor Experiential Education. From there I worked in youth development at the Cabbage Patch Settlement House in Louisville. It was only after I started teaching full time that I developed my own programs, first Gaia Expeditions, and now Crooked Trail Adventures.

Q: You have trips all over the United States. Do you have a favorite course area?

A: That’s a tough one! The Front Range in Colorado will always be a special place for me because my first experience in the West was on a summer field study there as a high school student. I really love the Desert Southwest, though. And Maine- I really love Maine.

It’s just too hard to choose one. If I think about it more I’ll just name more places, so let’s go with that for now!

Q: Favorite camp meal?

A: Hmm… Thanksgiving in a bowl- instant mashed potatoes and stove top stuffing mixed together with dehydrated cranberries.

Q: Best in-camp activity?

A: We play lots of games and such, but I really treasure the time that we spend together after dinner, when we’re able to process the day and just chat. Oh, and the Moose Game. I love the Moose Game.

Q: Do you have a favorite adventure activity?

A: I used to be way into climbing and mountaineering, and I still love working hard for great views. I’m enjoying paddling more and more each year, especially canoeing and sea kayaking.

Canoeing the Current River with the Cabbage Patch

Q: What do you do when you’re not preparing or guiding trips?

A: Well, I have 3 children, and spending time with them and my wife comes first. I’m in my 17th year teaching middle school at Community Montessori, so those two things keep me pretty busy. Outside of that, I like to read and run, and to learn new things. I’m generally a pretty curious person- I’m always tinkering around the house or researching something new.

Q: What is your dream trip?

A: Anywhere I haven’t been yet! Alaska, Antarctica, Kilimanjaro, the Alps… I have a lot to do still.

Patagonia is magical

Q: Do you have a favorite past trip?

I love Patagonia and would go back there in a second. Emily and I did a trip there in 2019 to scout potential future courses and had an amazing time. The people are so friendly and Torres del Paine is just stunning. As far as Crooked Trail Trips, Grand Gulch is desolate, hostile, and really incredible.

Q: What’s next for Crooked Trail Adventures?

A: We’ll be doing some adult programming in the spring. Emily’s Women in the Wilderness trips are always a hit. Then this summer we’re back at it with teen trips in Maine, Colorado, and North Carolina. We’ll also be posting a new adult trip for the late summer/ early fall that I think people will be pretty excited about as well. Parents are always asking if they can come along. Stay tuned…

8 Fun Facts About Maine

We love summer in Maine. In addition to great weather, the accessibility of mountains, rivers, and coast are second to none (ok, maybe California, but… fires). Below are some of our favorite fun facts about Maine.

Image courtesy of Daniel Norris

1. Maine is the largest producer of lobsters in the world. In 2019, the state harvested over 130 million pounds of lobster.

A typical scene along the coast

2. The state is known for its rugged coastline, including its 65 lighthouses along its coasts and inlets.

3. The town of Bar Harbor was once a summer destination for wealthy industrialists and is now a popular tourist destination as the gateway to Acadia National Park.

4. Speaking of Acadia, it was established in 1919 as the first national park east of the Mississippi River. It receives over 2,000,000 visitors per year. 

5. Maine is the only state in the U.S. to border only one other state, New Hampshire.

Maine has a rich boat building history

6. In the 19th century, Maine was a leader in shipbuilding, producing thousands of vessels including clipper ships, schooners, and steamships.

7. Maine was the first state to pass a state law protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

8. The state is known for its production of blueberries, which are grown on over 15,000 acres of land in the state.

Free snacks along the trail!

Our Gear: Jetboil Flash Review

We’ve used a LOT of stoves in our many years in the outdoors, from the venerable MSR Whisperlite and Primus’ Svea and 8r, to homemade alcohol burners. One of our favorites- and the one that travels with us most frequently these days- is the Jetboil Flash Camp Stove System. The Jetboil is a top-of-the-line option for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a compact and efficient cooking setup. The system includes a 0.8-liter FluxRing cooking cup, a burner, and an insulated cozy with a handle.

Ol’ Faithful- the MSR Whisperlite

One of the standout features of the Jetboil Flash is its speed. The FluxRing technology prevents heat from escaping around the cup, allowing the stove to boil water in just under two minutes, making it one of the fastest camping stoves on the market. This is a great option for backpackers who are looking to minimize their time spent cooking and maximize their time spent exploring (or relaxing!).

The Jetboil Flash System

The Jetboil Flash is also super easy to use. The burner attaches securely to the cooking cup, and the fuel canister screws on with a simple twist. The color-coded cozy makes it easy to know whose cup is whose, and the handle on the cozy allows you to securely hold the cup while you're cooking.

Jetboil accessory pot in the wild

The Jetboil Flash is also very fuel efficient. One canister of fuel easily last a long  weekend for two, making it a great option for lighter packing when you want to minimize the amount of fuel you need to carry. 

Another great feature of the Jetboil Flash is its compact size. The entire system packs down into the cooking cup, making it very easy to pack and carry. The stove, cup, and fuel canister all nest together, and the cozy doubles as a measuring cup and a bowl.

The Jetboil Flash is a bit on the expensive side, and it does not simmer well when using the 0.8 linter cup, limiting it mostly to boiling duty.  But its speed, efficiency, and convenience make it well worth the investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts. It's a great option for backpackers, hikers, and anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use camping stove. 

Backcountry French Press? Yes, please!

Jetboil has also created many accessories and additional pots of various sizes. One of our favorite accessories is the integrated coffee press for the 0.8 liter cup. One should not lower his or her coffee standards in the backcountry!

The Jetboil Flash Camp Stove System is a great option for backpackers, hikers, and anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use camping stove. The FluxRing technology allows the stove to boil water in just under two minutes, making it one of the fastest camping stoves on the market. It's compact, easy to use, and efficient with fuel, but it's a bit on the expensive side.