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Poacher trampled to death

In a tragedy mixed with a bit of poetic justice, a suspected rhino poacher was trampled by an elephant and then eaten by a pride of lions in South Africa’s Kruger National Park last week.

A human skull and pair of pants were recovered on Thursday, April 4, two days after the incident, by Kruger National Park rangers assisted by Komatipoort and Skukuza South African police. Evidence shows that the body had been eaten by lions.

In a statement by Kruger National Park made on April 5, according to the family of the victim, the individual had been in the national park on the evening of Tuesday, April 2, to poach rhinos when he was killed by an elephant. The family was informed of the incident by the deceased’s accomplices. Four individuals are currently in custody.

Glenn Phillips, who manages the natural preserve, expressed his condolences for the deceased and issued a warning to those thinking of entering the park without permission and/or with ill intentions. “Entering Kruger National Park illegally and on foot is not wise,” he said. “It holds many dangers and this incident is evidence of that. It is very sad to see the daughters of the deceased mourning the loss of their father, and worse still, only being able to recover very little of his remains.”

H/T: BBC

More like this: The world’s 7 big cats and where to see them in the wild

The post Suspected rhino poacher trampled by an elephant and eaten by lions appeared first on Matador Network.

Best canal barge cruises in Europe

Barge cruises haven’t exactly come barging onto the travel scene. They’ve been around since the 1960s, when flat-bottomed cargo ships from the pre-railroad era were prettied up and repurposed as floating hotels. But until recently, they’ve been the little guy of the European cruise industry, mostly popular with in-the-know luxury travelers.

It’s fitting that the leisurely alternative to river cruises has been slow to get the press it deserves. Much of barging’s appeal lies in its relaxed pace. Where a river cruise might cover a few hundred miles of the Danube or Rhine in a week, seven days on a barge could mean traveling just 50 miles through the canals of Burgundy, France. Of course, the tradeoff is a more intimate, bespoke boating experience that could make any river cruiser a convert.

Bigger isn’t always better.

Photo: Abercrombie & Kent

Barges are small, typically carting one to two dozen passengers compared to the one or two hundred most river cruises ferry. The crew is correspondingly small, and everyone gets to know each other quickly. It’s a perfect fit for quiet types, solo travelers, and families, as well as anyone who simply enjoys nice scenery. Barges mainly stick to canals that larger vessels can’t navigate, so they’re more about immersing in a stretch of countryside than cramming multiple countries into one trip. Plus, the gentle passage means little to no chance of seasickness.

The one thing that is generally large when it comes to barge cruises is the price tag. Smaller boats mean fewer amenities but also better quality and service. (Think boutique hotel instead of all-inclusive resort.) Thankfully, the recent uptick in barging enthusiasm has resulted in a number of solid budget options alongside luxury trips organized by Amercrombie & Kent and others. As a general rule, the bigger the barge, the cheaper it’ll be.

You can tailor your itinerary to your interests.

Photo: andre quinou/Shutterstock

Barges only travel a few miles an hour, about the same as the average person’s walking speed. They make frequent stops at lockhouses where travelers can hop on and off, and they always dock in the evening, so you can spend more time away from the boat without worrying about missing your ride. Sightseeing excursions to castles, monasteries, wineries, local villages, and whatever charms your route has in store are standard, but the smaller group size also allows more flexibility and freedom to do your own thing. Bicycles are often available on board as an alternative to getting around town on foot.

You’ll always eat well.

Photo: Belmond Afloat in France/Facebook

If the phrase “cruise food” makes you think of buffets that are more appealing in their sheer volume than they are actually appetizing, it’s time to try a barge cruise. Here, gourmet cuisine is guaranteed. Menus reflect the region, and most of the food is sourced locally. Many barge cruises also pass through famous wine regions in France and elsewhere, so you know the wine pairings are on point come dinnertime.

Where to go barging in Europe

Photo: Belmond Afloat in France/Facebook

France is command central for all things barging, thanks to its intricate canal system, whose earliest waterways date back to the 17th century. Trips are frequently held in Burgundy, Champagne, Provence, Alsace-Lorraine, Gascony, Bordeaux, and the Loire Valley. Barge cruises are quickly growing in popularity outside of France, however, with equally enjoyable experiences in the Netherlands, England, Belgium, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and Italy. There’s a lot to choose from, so we’ve singled out the best routes for getting your feet wet.

Canal du Nivernais or Canal du Midi, France

Photo: thieury/Shutterstock

Burgundy’s more than 600 miles of canals have long been the go-to for barging in France. Cruises are split between the Canal du Centre, Canal de Bourgogne, and Canal du Nivernais. We recommend the Canal du Nivernais, which connects the Seine with the Loire. Most cruises begin near historic Auxerre, the capital of Burgundy’s Yonne department and a major producer of Chablis wine. Choose the eight-cabin hotel barge Luciole for snapshots of French rural life by day and the best boeuf bourguignon you’ve ever had by night.

Outside of Burgundy, it’s hard to beat a cruise down the Canal du Midi in the Languedoc region of southern France. Barges are a common sight on the 200-plus-mile, UNESCO-listed canal system. Enjoy cruising under sun-drenched trees and visiting vineyards, villages, and historic sites like the medieval fortress in Carcassonne and various Roman relics. Belmond organizes luxury trips down the Canal du Midi that are worth every penny of their hefty price tag.

River Po and Bianco Canal, Italy

Photo: Iakov Kalinin/Shutterstock

There’s no better place to go barging in Italy than the River Po and Bianco Canal, which runs from Venice to Mantua. Most cruises leave from Venice and pass through cities with rich Renaissance histories like Ferrara, as well as some pretty impressive Italian wine territory. Join a Barge Lady Cruises or European Waterways trip to Italy if you like art history and discovering old poet haunts.

Mosel River, Germany

Photo: Holli/Shutterstock

Swap out Italy’s Mediterranean warmth for Germany’s alpine scenery and you’ve got a barge cruise on the Mosel River. Amidst blankets of green, you’ll see castles, small towns, and vineyards, as well as some of the oldest architecture in Germany in the ancient town of Trier. Expect to drink a good amount of crisp Rieslings both on and off the boat. Stick with Barge Lady Cruises on your German escapades for an intimate, eight-guest-max experience.

Caledonian Canal, Scotland

Photo: SF/Shutterstock

Caledonian Canal cruises in Scotland buck the wine trend by giving cruisers the chance to load up on whisky at the source, the Glen Ord distillery. They’re equally cultural and scenic, stopping at castles like Eilean Donan, old Celtic landmarks, and historic battlefields when they aren’t cruising through Scotland’s famous lochs and Highlands under Ben Nevis’s watchful gaze. Book with European Waterways for an unforgettable trip on the Scottish Highlander.

River Shannon, Ireland

Photo: Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock

Ireland’s longest river is a solid alternative to the Caledonian Canal. River Shannon barge cruises often arrange tours of the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, the Kilbeggan Distillery, and usually have some pretty great whiskey on board. Elsewhere, you can see ancient sites like the Clonmacnoise monastery or get a proper taste of Ireland’s pub culture in Galway. In your downtime, hone your photography skills amidst beautiful emerald hills.

Most major operators, like Barge Lady Cruises and European Waterways, arrange trips in Ireland. Golfers can charter the Shannon Princess for an itinerary tailored to their favorite pastime — though the classic cruises are equally nice for the finer-things crowd.

River Thames, England

Photo: Vaughan Sam/Shutterstock

London famously hosts part of the River Thames, but the river is hardly limited to the UK’s capital. It runs throughout southern England, weaving a path for barge cruises that cuts through London, Windsor, Oxford, and everything in between. Excursions include trips to Tudor palaces, parks and gardens, royal residences, and more depending on the cruise. As you float, you’ll share the waterways with local rowers and soak up pastoral scenes in the quaint English countryside. Spend a week on Abercrombie and Kent’s Magna Carta barge, and end any day with a cold pint for a truly immersive experience.

The Netherlands

Photo: Nataliya Nazarova/Shutterstock

Canals might be the one thing Amsterdam is more famous for than lax weed laws. Many barge cruises depart from the Dutch capital, carrying on to cities like Haarlem and Leiden, both of which are big on art history. Other day trips might include visits to porcelain factories or, if you book a spring trip, tulip fields. Opt to cycle when on your own to do as the locals and work off all that gouda — which you might just get the chance to sample in its namesake city. Barge Lady Cruises offers two excellent Dutch tours on the Panache and La Nouvelle Étoile vessels.


More like this: Millennials are suddenly cruising more. Here’s why.

The post Why luxury canal barges are better than European river cruises appeared first on Matador Network.

Tips for edible mushroom hunting

In Oregon’s coastal forests, hikers enter an ecosystem fed by frequent rain and moderate temperatures, where enormous evergreen trees thrive and support wildlife, mosses, and — most tantalizingly for enthusiasts of both food and the outdoors — several types of edible mushrooms. Mushroom hunting takes hiking to a whole new level.

Hiking taken to a new level

Photo: Laszlo Dobos/Shutterstock

Hiking on trails, you feel enveloped by verdant life, but when you step off the trail, your sense of immersion deepens. The hunt for delicious fungi draws you up and down hillsides, through the tender branches of young western hemlocks, and around thick, long-leaved ferns. You feel the forest under your feet. You smell it more fully. You see the forest as it truly is, from the inside.

In the heart of the largest temperate rainforest in the world, Douglas firs, cedars, and other evergreens, along with alder and bigleaf maple, support a lush, diverse ecosystem. Rich duff — the needles, leaves, and cones that fall from trees and decay into rich humus on the forest floor — creates an indescribable, earthy smell and provides sustenance to a variety of wildlife. Just under your feet, decay feeds regeneration. When you reach down and feel and smell this earth in search of mushrooms, you’re encountering the stuff of life itself.

Where, when, and how to hunt mushrooms

Photo: Robert Mutch/Shutterstock

The Tillamook State Forest and Siuslaw National Forest encompass large swaths of land where mushrooms are found. Rainforest extends from the edge of the coast up through the coast range, all of which is prime territory for fungi. If you ask experienced foragers where to go, they’ll be quite helpful in narrowing your search, but they usually won’t tell you about any precise spots. This is because mushrooms sprout up in the same patches of ground every year, so hunters are hesitant to give away their hard-won knowledge.

Anyway, it’s more fun to try to find your own spots. Consulting maps and satellite images, and looking for remote roads that traverse wild forest, can yield unique off-trail experiences. Lightly used hiking trails are also a great place to start, not only because mushrooms are easier to find but also because of the calm, natural solitude such excursions afford.

It’s best to go on a mushroom hunt without expecting to find dinner. People who go out hoping to encounter edible mushrooms on their first try may be disappointed. If you’re looking at the right time, you’ll almost certainly find fungi, but there’s a good chance you won’t be able to identify them — or, if they can be identified, they often aren’t edible.

Mushroom hunters are content to be in the forest, encountering its smells, sights, and sounds. By engaging in the hunt, your relationship to the forest changes. Looking at the ground, you’re more likely to find massive slugs and all variety of crawling invertebrates. Looking up, the forest entirely surrounds you.

Timing can be tricky. In general, the best season for finding mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest is between September and November. However, different mushrooms fruit at different times, and even mushrooms of the same variety in the same location will fruit on their own time from year to year, dependent on weather and other factors.

For visitors to the region, timing depends a lot on travelers’ overall plans for the trip and on their tolerance for rain. To be honest, anyone visiting a Pacific Northwest coastal forest in any season should be prepared for at least some rain. In September, visitors are more likely to enjoy some sun, but a lack of precipitation could mean there are few mushrooms. A visit in October or November is more likely to yield mushroom sightings, but there’s also a significant chance for several days of rain in a row.

Mushroom safety and information

Photo: Tuk sunchild/Shutterstock

We can’t overstate the importance of this: A few types of mushrooms can kill you. Many others can make you sick. Consult the safety information below, and never eat a mushroom unless you’re absolutely certain of your identification.

Yet while the risks of eating wild mushrooms can be quite serious, people are too often scared away from hunting. Several mushrooms are easy to safely identify. Some basic caution and preparation can help to keep you safe.

Your best defense against mushroom poisoning is a good guidebook and, if possible, help from a more experienced hunter. All That the Rain Promises, and More by David Arora is an incredibly useful text. Its beautiful photographs and anecdotes from mushroom enthusiasts are a joy to read. It’s such a good book that any forest-lover will enjoy it, even if they’re not yet actively hunting or planning on eating fungi.

The Oregon Mycological Society, based in Portland, is one of many organizations and resources for learning about mushrooms. Their annual fall mushroom show is a great place to learn and experience mushrooms, and could be a good event to plan a trip around. Finding mushrooms at farmers markets can also be a great way to see, smell, and taste edible varieties and chat up experienced foragers. Some mushrooms, like the Matsutake, can best be identified by smell, so encountering it at a show or a market can help to make identification much easier.

What you’ll find
Chanterelles

Photo: Magic Stocks/Shutterstock

Chanterelles are an iconic edible mushroom and can be found on the forest floor all over the Pacific Northwest. Their wavy, conical shape is unique and different from the archetypical round-capped mushroom. They have a subtle, elegant, earthy, and an occasionally almost fruity flavor. Cream of Chanterelle soup is a classic recipe. However, you may prefer to eat chanterelles on their own with just a little butter or oil to enjoy the subtleties of their flavor and texture.

Cauliflower mushroom

Photo: Pavel Veber/Shutterstock

The cauliflower mushroom looks, from a distance, like a cauliflower. Up close, its slightly yellow flesh looks more like egg noodles. Unlike the Chanterelle, Cauliflower mushrooms grow from the wood near the base of conifers, especially pine. As the largest mushroom on this list, it ranges from cauliflower-sized up to an incredible three feet in diameter. It should be cooked thoroughly to moderate its chewy texture and can be added to a variety of dishes.

Lobster mushroom

Photo: Kimberly Boyles/Shutterstock

The lobster mushroom usually has a lobster-like color but is sometimes a deeper red or even slightly purple. It’s one of the few mushrooms that is actually a parasite, feeding on other mushrooms and engulfing them. To the untrained eye, a Lobster mushroom can sometimes look like a chanterelle due to its inverted-pyramid shape and orange color. You can distinguish it from the chanterelle by its gills. While the chanterelle has forking gills, the Lobster mushroom has unforked gills or no gills at all. With its dense texture; mouth-feel; and slightly nutty, sometimes buttery, flavor, it’s delicious when sauteed.

Oyster mushroom

Photo: Gertjan Hooijer/Shutterstock

True to its name, the oyster mushroom can taste mildly of the sea. It grows like shelves on dead trees or stumps, with its stem perpendicular to its cap. It can be grown commercially on dead wood but always tastes better when you find it yourself.

More

Photo: puttography/Shutterstock

Other commonly found, delicious mushrooms include Matsutake and Porcini. There are dozens of other varieties, but these can more easily be misidentified. As you learn more about mushrooms, the more the hunt will yield interesting specimens, and, hopefully, a delicious bounty.


More like this: The most amazing things to do in Bend, Oregon, during all four seasons

The post How to hunt for mushrooms in Oregon’s coastal rainforest appeared first on Matador Network.

A guide to hiking Mount Batur, Bali

Bali’s beauty precedes it: rolling rice terraces, roaring waterfalls, and white sandy beaches. However peaceful and relaxing this green and glorious side of Bali can be, it’s well worth seeing some sights at a higher elevation. Bali is a volcanic island, with striking peaks coated in centuries-old black lava and dotted with deep calderas formed by plumes of escaping lava. Hiking up one of those volcanoes gives you an appreciation of the fiery geology that created this apparently serene land.

An active volcano you can summit safely

Photo: saiko3p/Shutterstock

Located in the northeast of the island, Bali’s Mount Batur is a pilgrimage site for adventure lovers, providing a stark contrast to the lush greenery below. At its peak sits an enormous crater, known as a caldera, caused by a powerful eruption at least 20 centuries ago.

At the base of Mount Batur are a gigantic crater lake and a splattering of local villages, many of which have existed in the mountain’s shadow for decades. While Mount Batur is classed as an active volcano, it hasn’t erupted since 2000 — unlike Bali’s Mount Agung, which is erupting at the time of writing.

If you want to safely summit an active volcano, you can do so during a day hike up Mount Batur. Black lava tells tales of the volcano’s volatile past while thermal steam drifts up from the crater and escapes cracks in the rock face. You can cook an egg or warm your hands over the vents, an enticing proposition should you arrive in the early morning before the sun’s up.

Sunrise is the ideal time of day.

Photo: AstroStar/Shutterstock

The most magical time to hike Mount Batur is, without a doubt, sunrise. Climbing in the dark is part and parcel of the experience with views over adjacent Mount Agung to reward your efforts. Mount Batur is over 5,600 feet above sea level, requiring two hours to summit. The views are dependent on the day’s weather and cloud coverage, so if you have multiple days at your disposal keep an eye on the forecast and ask local trekking companies for advice.

All being well, you’ll spy a golden sunrise from your lofty vantage point, the villages of Bali speckling the landscape down below. Rather than the lush terraced rice fields of central Bali, the arid landscape is blackened and craggy, with small settlements nestled around the otherworldly rock formations and patches of forest springing from gaps in the age-old lava.

Like any hike, this really depends on your fitness levels. The Mount Batur hike is described by hikers as anything from “really easy” to “extremely difficult.” The two-hour journey at a moderate incline is completed each day by travelers of all ages, but a relative level of fitness is required. Presuming you leave early enough, it’s a slow but steady climb rather than a race to the top.

The dense forest of pine and eucalyptus trees at the base of Batur is replaced by wiry, low-growing shrubs as you ascend the hiking track, the temperature rapidly dropping on the exposed mountainside. The terrain varies between steep inclines and small slopes, giving just enough rest time to tackle the tougher uphill sections.

What to expect on your day hike

Photo: Dudarev Mikhail/Shutterstock

You’ll have to set your alarm early for the sunrise hike. Tour companies typically pick up hikers in Ubud around 2:00 AM and other towns on the island even earlier. The usual busy highways running through central Bali are eerily silent as you travel northeast, free of the usual tourist taxis and buzzing scooters.

The unsettling silence is heightened as, after a one and a half hour drive, you draw up to the parking lot shrouded in forest. As you make your way towards the starting point, your eyes will adjust to your surroundings: a loose, rocky track winding up the mountain with a steady trail of flashlights flickering above. Despite this indication that you’re not alone, the rare break from Bali’s tropical air may give you the chills.

The clammy coverage of the forest canopy gives way to cool nighttime air at altitude, although it won’t last long. Soon after sunrise, the usual humid heat of Bali will return, bringing with it the sights and sounds of the day. Birds twitter and long-tail macaque monkeys parole around their territory, unperturbed by the presence of humans. The awestruck silence that hangs in the air during sunrise is quickly replaced by excited chatter and the sound of footsteps as tour groups begin to explore, peering down into the enormous caldera and discussing the thermal properties of the volcano.

Once you’ve hiked back down and traveled back to your accommodation, it will be midday and you’ll likely be ready for a shower and a nap.

How and when to go

Photo: ivbar/Shutterstock

The rocky path up Mount Batur is best navigated with a local guide. A dirt track littered with small rocks, it’s slippery and potentially hazardous without local know-how, especially in the dark. Balinese tour guides know the craggy volcano like the back of their hand, providing flashlights and guiding your footsteps during difficult sections. Hiring a guide also boosts local employment in the area and is a service almost every tourism office in Bali offers. Check recent reviews to ensure a reputable vendor.

Guided hikes up Mount Batur run throughout the year, but your experience will depend on the season. May to July is optimum while August to September see temperatures soar, increasing the likelihood of sunburn and sunstroke on the trek back down. October through to April is Bali’s rainy season, which can make the volcano slippery and potentially treacherous, though the treks will go ahead provided no rain is scheduled and conditions are deemed safe.

Essentially, you can hike Batur at any time of year, but in certain seasons you may have to factor additional days in case of bad weather. Being so close to the equator, sunrise is 6:00 AM throughout the year, making hike times easy to plan.

What to bring

Photo: Rido Zaen/Shutterstock

One of the most important things to pack when hiking Mount Batur is an extra layer. This isn’t for the hike itself but your time watching sunrise. Despite Bali’s balmy weather and warm temperatures, it can be chilly before the sun comes up, especially at the higher altitude. Hiking boots are useful should you have them, but regular outdoor shoes will do the job. The journey down Mount Batur is relatively slippery, so you’ll benefit from a pair with good grip.

Long pants can be useful due to scratchy undergrowth, but you might want to stick to shorts if you think you’ll get too hot. Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for the way down. Bring enough water for your hike but remember that you’ll have to carry it, so don’t take more than necessary. Your tour company will provide a basic breakfast of bread, jam, and boiled eggs — but you can bring extra snacks or if you wish.

And of course, don’t forget your camera, or at least a charged smartphone. The image of sunrise from atop Mount Batur will certainly be impressed into your memory — but having the actual photo helps, too.


More like this: The best place to go in Bali for every type of traveler

The post How to hike Mount Batur, an active volcano in Bali appeared first on Matador Network.

Best hotel hot tubs in North America

Nothing winds down a hard day of vacationing better than a nice soak in the hotel hot tub. It’s a little cherry of luxury on the sundae of vacation decadence, where you can grab an evening cocktail and let the tension of the real world escape into the bubbling water. While even the run-of-the-mill chlorine-scented jacuzzis at indoor pools are nice, some put you in settings that will make the hot tub experience one you conjure up for relaxation when you’re stuck in traffic back home. Here are eight that won’t even require crossing an ocean to enjoy.

1. Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont

Photo: Twin Farms/Facebook

Snuggling up by a cozy fire in a historic Vermont farmhouse is the stuff on honeymoon fantasies, made even better by a hot tub looking out on the thick northeastern forest. It’s all yours when you rent out the primo Aviary Cottage, with large stone walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a private granite jacuzzi. It’s as close as you’re getting to bathing in the mountain wilderness without getting leaves on your feet.

2. Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, Costa Rica

Photo: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Jet-fueled hot tubs are cool and all, but nothing beats a jacuzzi heated by the molten center of the Earth. That, at least, is the theory at the Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa in Costa Rica, where each spa bungalow is equipped with a thermally heated jet pool. The secluded location gives you the feeling of soaking in a natural jungle pool but without the nagging concern that the water is filled with deadly piranhas.

3. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

Photo: Jade Mountain

Most of the three-walled, Pitons-facing rooms at Jade Mountain have their own infinity pools, but if you want to get that little extra bit of unbridled luxury, spring for one of their SKY suites. These rooms come with 15-foot ceilings and private jacuzzis, where you can relax from a day of brutal hiking and diving with an unobstructed view of the island’s iconic mountains. Plus, you’ll have your own private butler to bring you champagne while you’re soaking.

4. Amangiri Canyon Point, Utah

Photo: Amangiri

Amagari’s Utah outpost feels like a luxury oasis in the middle of a stark, red desert, where the resort and its rooms feel miles from civilization, with five-star service and luxury cuisine. The best way to take it all in is from the hot tub set beside a red rock wall, where during the day you’ll get the sensation of bathing in a desert canyon. And at night you can gaze at the bright stars while the jets massage your back.

5. W South Beach, Miami, Florida

Photo: W South Beach

Few hotels in the US, or the world, have pools or hot tubs with views of both the beach and the skyline of a major world metropolis. But rent out the new E-WOW Penthouse Suite at the W South Beach and you can relax in the plunge pool while looking east over the white sands and turquoise waters of Miami Beach, and west over Biscayne Bay to Miami’s colorful skyline. It’s one of the best views of the city anywhere in South Florida and includes a dedicated concierge and four other balconies.

6. Melody Maker, Cancun, Mexico

Photo: Melody Maker Cancun

Going to the beach can sometimes be a constant dilemma between bathing in the warm waters of the Caribbean, or enjoying its view from the pristine white sand. Guests at the Melody Maker have this problem solved for them, where jacuzzis in the spa’s bungalows sit right on the sand, so you can enjoy soothing warm water, shade from the sun, and a perfect view of the water all at once.

7. Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, Guatemala

Photo: Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

Deep in Guatemala’s Peten Jungle, you’ll find this 19-suite escape where each room comes with a spacious terrace, complete with private jacuzzi with views out onto Quixel Lagoon. It’s like your own, private waterfront jungle treetop, where you can end the day enjoying a glass of Champagne while marveling at the Mayan sunset.

8. Fairmont Banff Springs, Alberta, Canada

Photo: Fairmont Banff Springs/Facebook

Alpine resorts with hot tubs at the foot of the mountain aren’t exactly uncommon. But nobody does it quite as well as the Fairmont Banff Springs. This hotel in Canada’s swankiest ski destination looks like a medieval castle built of dark stones with circular towers topped with snow-covered spires. At the base of the castle sits the steaming jacuzzi, where you can appreciate the towering Canadian Rockies that feel like they’re only a few feet away while basking in the shade of emerald green pine trees.


More like this: The 13 most beautiful hotel pools in the world

The post The 8 most stunning hotel hot tubs that are only a short flight away appeared first on Matador Network.

Best green walls in the world

While plants and vines have always grown on walls of their own accord — and the concept of nurturing this kind of growth dates back to the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon — vertical gardens as we see them today didn’t really hit the scene until the early 1990s. Since then, they’ve been improving air quality and adding some natural beauty to cities and urban landscapes around the world. Here, we take a look at seven of the most amazing green walls around the world.

1. CaixaForum Museum, Madrid

Photo: CaixaForum

CaixaForum Museum is a modern art gallery located in Madrid, Spain. The massive outdoor vertical garden was designed and created by French artist and botanist Patrick Blanc and was the first of its kind in Spain. The vertical garden is 4951 square feet and has over 15,000 plants of 250 different species, which survive Madrid’s hot summers and cold winters alike thanks to hydroponics (a method of growing plants without soil). The hydroponic setup of this wall is complex, with an automated network of pipes arranged behind the wall to irrigate the plants and ensure they are adequately watered at all times. A range of plants from mosses to begonias is planted on the wall, adding vivid color to the city streets.

2. Worth Avenue, Palm Beach, Florida

Photo: GSky

To set off the 150 block at the eastern end of ritzy Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, a lush tapestry of plants adorns the west wall of Saks Fifth Avenue. Palm Beach, an island town that makes up one of the wealthiest zip codes in America, is all things extravagant, and the living wall is no exception: The project received a dedicated budget of $250,000 as part of a larger $15.8 million renovation of Worth Avenue’s streetscape.

The idea to build a living wall came about when a past president of the Garden Club of Palm Beach saw a Patrick Blanc living wall and wanted to bring the concept to Palm Beach. The town contracted a firm called GSky to design and install the wall on Worth Avenue. Sophisticated and understated in varying shades of green, the Worth Avenue living wall features 10,920 plants, some of which are native to Florida.

3. Quai Branly Museum, Paris

Photo: Vertical Garden Patrick Blanc

The external living wall of the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris has become an icon since its introduction in 2004, and understandably so: Its striking green color covers an entire facade of the building and stands in stark contrast in the Parisian urban landscape. It was originally created by Patrick Blanc but had to undergo a restoration in 2017 and 2018.

Photo: Vertical Garden Patrick Blanc

Today, the gigantic green space hosts 376 varieties of 15,000 plants that come from all over the world to mirror the origins of the piece being displayed inside the museum. The design isn’t just beautiful — it also serves to strengthen the thermal and acoustic insulation of the building. Some of the offices within the museum also feature green walls. Blanc has another vegetation masterpiece in Paris: L’Oasis d’Aboukir, which appears mossy and overgrown, enlivening the city around it. Another notable green wall in Paris is located on the luxury store La Grande Epicerie.

4. Edmonton International Airport, Canada

Photo: Edmonton International Airport

Created and installed in 2012, the 1,420-square-foot living wall at Canada’s Edmonton International Airport was dreamed up by Mike Weinmaster, Chief Designer at Green over Grey — Living Walls & Design, who drew inspiration from high-altitude cirrus cloud formations and air currents for this piece. It was erected as a symbol of the airport’s commitment to sustainable design.

Located in the Canada Arrivals Hall so that both arriving and departing travelers can enjoy it, the wall incorporates 32 plant varieties from Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Central America, and Indonesia. To keep the wall alive, water percolates down through a fiber mat made of recycled materials, and the wall is trimmed and maintained once a month via mechanical scissor lift.

5. Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana, Mexico City

Photo: u_elclaustro/Instagram

Located at Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana, one of Mexico City’s largest universities, this green wall is a prominent work of art in the historic center of the city. Look closely at its whimsical design and you’ll also notice a bicycle and a child’s tricycle attached to the side of the wall, in defiance of gravity. Green walls like this one can double as filters for noise pollution, as well as natural air purifiers, enhancing the quality of life for all who pass by.

6. Terminal 3, Changi Airport, Singapore

Photo: Tierra Design

With living walls, topiaries, butterfly gardens, a dragonfly habitat, a cactus garden, lots of greenery, and even a large park, there are many natural attractions to enjoy at Singapore’s Changi Airport. However, the living wall in Terminal 3 is a real eye-catcher with over 50 species of 100,000 plants breathing life into the bustling transit hub. The vertical garden spans the length of three football fields. The garden stays alive thanks to an advanced watering system that delivers exactly how much water and fertilizer each plant needs.

Photo: Changi Airport/Facebook

There’s another living wall outside and inside Terminal 4, so make sure to leave extra time for impromptu forest bathing when traveling through Changi Airport.

7. The Athenaeum Hotel, London

Photo: The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences/Facebook

A swanky hotel located across from Royal Green Park in Mayfair, The Athenaeum doesn’t just offer five-star appointments inside its luxurious walls: a sprawling green facade covering 10 floors of the hotel’s exterior attracts the attention of any passer-by. The living garden, created by Patrick Blanc in 2009, is a mix of both native and exotic plant species and contributes to a more biodiverse city. Bright green and wild, the living wall at The Athenaeum is a welcome sight in the London urban landscape.


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Best Kentucky Derby parties

The Kentucky Derby is billed as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” For many people in the US, those two minutes are also the only minutes of horse racing they’ll watch all year. Despite the general lack of interest in horse racing, Derby Day has become a hit for a wide swath of people, from the true fans, to people betting irresponsible amounts of money, to those who just want an excuse to party.

The Kentucky Derby is on May 4 in 2019. The race is the first of three that a horse has to win to take the triple crown (Preakness in Baltimore is later in the month, and the Belmont Stakes in New York is in June). If that all meant nothing to you, that’s fine. Derby Day is a great excuse to go outside, drink with friends, cheer for a sport you probably know nothing about, and dress like early 20th-century southern stereotypes. The storied party at the race at Churchill Downs in Louisville is iconic for all of these things, but a trip to Kentucky isn’t in the cards for everyone. Luckily, cities around the country are bringing the party to you. From a block party in Brooklyn to a fancier affair in Roanoke, Virginia, these are the best Derby Day parties outside of Louisville.

Derby Party — Denver, Colorado

Photo: DerbyParty/Facebook

The Denver Derby Party has been the best way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby in Denver for 18 years running. The party covers four blocks in downtown Denver, and is the largest in the country outside of Louisville (the party is even sponsored by Woodford Reserve, just like the actual race). Attendees can watch the race on jumbotrons and TVs scattered around the area, and beer, wine, Champagne, food, and lots of Mint Juleps are provided from more than 18 restaurants in the area. General admission tickets cost $130 and cover all food and drink. All proceeds from ticket sales go to the Sean Ranch Lough Foundation, which gives four-year college scholarships to underprivileged students. So far, the foundation has given scholarships to over 58 students who might not have otherwise been able to attend college. That’s a party you can feel good about attending.

Down and Derby — Boston, Massachusetts

Photo: Bill Brett

Serafina Restaurant in Boston is usually known for its Italian food, but on May 4, it’ll take on a strikingly different aesthetic. Starting at 4:00 PM, the venue will transform into a Derby-fest with a best-dressed contest, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and dessert, a red carpet photo op, and eight large screens showing the race. Down and Derby will host several live performers, including Louie Bello, Samuel Reed of the Harvard Herald Trumpets, and DJ Liz Ladoux, who take the stage starting at 7:00 PM to end the night with a bang. Tickets start at $50.

Derby Day Gala — Roanoke, Virginia

Photo: Derby Day Gala at Rockledge/Facebook

The Derby Day Gala in Roanoke, Virginia is a classic Southern affair. The gala takes place in Mill Mountain Park, and includes a Champagne welcome followed by Mint Juleps, a live band, plenty of hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and (of course) a Kentucky Derby viewing. Food will be prepared by award-winning chefs Rob Marilla, Jeff Bland, and Geoff Blount. And, since no true Derby Day party is complete without some money going around, there will be a live auction of original fine art. Tickets cost $150, and all proceeds are donated to the Culinary Institute of Virginia, which uses the funds to give back to the community through a variety of projects.

Brooklyn Derby — New York City

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If you’re trying to celebrate Derby Day in style in New York City, the Brooklyn Derby is the only place you need to be. The party transforms Brooklyn’s Greenwood Park into a bourbon garden with cornhole, a dance floor, and a hat-making station. The Bluegrass Book Club and Dandy Wellington will provide the live music entertainment in 2019. The Brooklyn Derby has been held for more than 10 years, and now brings in some 600 people. This year, festivities kick off at 4:00 PM with an open bar and two live music sets, a parade of hats, and then another live music set before the actual race. Shortly after, the band and the open bar continue on. Tickets go on sale at the end of March.

LA Derby Day — Pasadena, California

Photo: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Sigma Lambda Chapter – Baldwin Hills/Facebook

The Southern charm and tradition that define the Kentucky Derby even makes their way to the West Coast thanks to LA Derby Day, put on by the Alpha Phi Alpha African-American fraternity. More than 750 guests (decked out in bright pastel suits and striking sundresses, naturally) are expected to attend this year’s event at the Pasadena City Hall. The event is also meant to celebrate African-American history in horse racing and the Kentucky Derby. LA Derby Day features a catered soul food buffet, a cash bar, door prizes, and contests hosted by celebrity judges. The party runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and general admission costs $70. All proceeds support Project Alpha, which primarily helps black and Latino youth in Los Angeles through mentoring and scholarships.


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Fossil found of four-legged whale

The fossil of a 42.6-million year-old whale has just been discovered off the coast of Peru, but it’s no ordinary cetacean. This fossil belonged to a creature with four legs and hooves at the tip of its fingers and toes — a whale capable of walking on land, with a tail and webbed feet that suggest it was also a powerful swimmer. This 13-foot-long animal is considered by the scientific community to be a prime example of the evolution of hoofed mammals into the whales we know today.

This whale got legs! Meet Peregocetus pacificus, 43 million yr old, over 3 m long, the oldest known #whale from the Pacific Ocean. It probably used its hindlegs and tail together to swim, like modern-day otters. https://t.co/x1zNFcx3I7 #FossilFriday #evolution art: A. Gennari pic.twitter.com/Es55TUnjs4

— Current Biology (@CurrentBiology) 5 avril 2019

Oliver Lambert, a scientist at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and first author of the study of the discovery, explained to The Guardian that, “Other examples from this time were more fragmentary, less complete specimens. We didn’t have a clear indication about their swimming and walking abilities.” This specimen, however, shows that early whales could swim for weeks at a time while also retaining the ability to walk on land. Returning to land would have been necessary for whales to perform certain activities, like mating and giving birth.

The study explains that is the first time such a fossil has been discovered in the Americas. Previously, older whale ancestors — dating back to 53 million years ago — were found in India and Pakistan, but the Peruvian specimen suggests that the first whales may have crossed the South Atlantic.

Fittingly, the fossil has been named the Peregocetus pacificus, which means “the traveling whale that reached the Pacific.”

H/T: The Guardian

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Medieval gravestones discovered

If Mark McGettigan, a 14-year-old from Scotland, was not sure archaeology was a suitable career path for him, he can now rest easy. As part of a community dig in the graveyard of the Govan Old Parish Church, the teenager was searching the grounds and made a surprising find.

“I was just prodding the ground,” he said, “to see if there was anything there and suddenly it made a noise and I realised I had hit something. Myself and two of the archaeologists worked out the area of the object and started to dig it out and clean it. I wasn’t too sure at the start what it was. But then we checked with the records and we realised it was one of the lost Govan Stones.”

Photo: The Govan Stones Project/Facebook

The Govan Stones are a set of 46 ornate medieval gravestones — dating from the 10th and 11th centuries — first discovered in the churchyard in Govan (a district of Glasgow), Scotland, in the 19th century. Thirty one were moved into the church for safekeeping and the rest were displayed against the church’s wall. In 1973, however, the outdoor stones disappeared amid the demolition of a nearby shipyard, and were believed to be lost forever.

Photo: The Govan Stones Project/Facebook

In further excavations following McGettigan’s discovery, two more stones were found. All three feature crosses and Celtic interlacing patterns like that of the stones kept inside the church.

Photo: The Govan Stones Project/Facebook

Stephen Driscoll, professor of historical archaeology at the University of Glasgow, called the find “the most exciting discovery we have had at Govan in the last 20 years. The Govan Stones are a collection of international importance, and these recovered stones reinforce the case for regarding Govan as a major early medieval centre of power.”

Indeed, the stones are believed to be commemorations of the power of the Strathclydes — a kingdom of native Britons based in the area from around the sixth century.

Not a bad day’s work for a 14-year-old on an archaeology trip.

H/T: Smithsonian.com

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German observatory transformed

Star Wars devotees have always been known for their intense passion for the franchise, but this giant observatory remodeling in Germany might be the best example. Dr. Hubert Zitt, university professor at Zweibrücken University of Applied Science, decided to transform the campus observatory into every Star Wars fan’s favorite droid — R2D2. With the help of a few similarly passionate students and a family member, Zitt first power-hosed the perfectly shaped building before painting it white and blue.

Photo: Hochschule Kaiserslautern/Facebook

Photo: Hochschule Kaiserslautern/Facebook

It does have some relevance to his teachings, however. Zitt created a series of Star Wars and Star Trek lectures at the university, and is known around campus as a science fiction expert. Miriam Keller, who handles social media for Hochschule Kaiserslautern, told Lonely Planet that Zitt “combined his passion with his job in a marvellous manner. He teaches electrotechnics and microsystem technics at our university and is responsible for the observatory. He holds famous an internationally-acknowledged lectures on the link between science and science-fiction. It is one of a kind, as this is a privately-executed pet project of his.”

The highlight for Zitt, however, is probably Mark Hamill himself tweeting about the observatory.

R2-D2 Observatory Transformed Germans Into Giant Nerds https://t.co/s4vUwKGxEP via @LaughingSquid

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) 22 mars 2019

Keller added that any fans who wants to visit the building, and pay their respects to R2D2, can put “Amerikastr. 1 66482 Zweibrücken, Germany” into their GPS.

H/T: Lonely Planet

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