Issue 89 | Is this Europe's last true wilderness?

Issue 89 | Jan 13, 2022

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Happy Friday 😎 This is Adventure Fix. We’re like Costco for explorers. We serve you the best samples of outdoor adventure.

Here’s what we got for you today:

• A unique way to experience Big Bend

• Diving the Red Sea

• Finding the world's most powerful eagle

• A sweet deal on a bomb-proof cooler

​Let's do this 🤙

'When I say LONGI, you say .... MANUUUUUUS'

Better get your shark hand sign ready for this one because we are digitally diving into the Red Sea.

It's a place where you can come face to face with the sea's most notorious resident, the oceanic white tip (Longimanus). Usually dive operators have to chum the water to attract this species but in the Red Sea, it is fairly common to spot them while diving. And, sharks aren't the only drawl. The abundance of life, beautiful coral gardens, excellent visibility, steep drop-offs, and mysterious wrecks make it easy to see why this destination is considered to be to some of the best diving in the world.

Watch this: Wonders of the Red Sea. Don't take our word for it, check out this magical dive destination for yourself.Save big: Get $1800 off a 7-day Red Sea liveaboard diving trip.

Europe's last true wilderness

Walking through green valleys and wildflower-strewn meadows, with eagles soaring overhead and the serrated limestone slopes of the Accursed Mountains in the distance, it's hard to believe you are in Europe. Here in the Western Balkans, there are no fancy lodges or chairlifts to catch a ride on. Just pure wilderness.

The best way to experience this part of the world is by foot. The newly formed 120-mile route called the Peaks of the Balkans is an across-border trekking trail through the Accursed Mountains of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.By using ancient shepherd paths, the trail winds through high alpine mountains and crosses through some of the continent's least-explored areas. Seeing the iconic karst towers of Karnafuli, visiting ancient monasteries, taking a dip in the crystalline Valbona River, sleeping in rustic huts, and tasting wild strawberries are some of the highlights. Oh, and we can't forget experiencing the famous Balkan hospitality. Bring your appetite!

Read this: The Peak of the Balkans Trail. Adventure writer Peter Elia takes us along on his five-day hike from the Albanian village of Valbona to the village of Theth. The pictures alone will have you booking tickets to Tirana tonight.

Your portable tree house retreat

Can't decide between taking a hammock or a tent for your next camping adventure? Now you can have the best of both worlds. Tentsile Tree Tents offer the comfort and versatility of a camping hammock with the protection, security and privacy of a tent. Simply hang them from trees to create your very own treehouse retreat!

The unique design of these tents makes them comfortable to camp in all seasons, no matter the ground conditions below. Elevate your camping experience and create wonderful memories of sleeping in the trees and underneath the stars.

Explore the Tentsile range today.

Finding the planet's most powerful eagle

Deep in the forests of South America lives a bird with legs as wide as a human arm, talons longer than a grizzly bear's, and a grip strong enough to crush bone with ease.

The Harpy Eagle is the largest eagle in the Americas and the most powerful bird of prey in the world.

But spotting this ghost of the canopy is rare - so rare that many adventurers, scientists, and avid birders have spent their entire lives searching, to barely catch a single glimpse.

What this: To Find a Harpy. This is the story of one woman’s quest into the world’s most remote and unexplored rainforest to fulfill her dream of seeing this mythical bird.

Kayaking through the soaring towers of Big Bend

Everything is bigger in Texas and the Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park is no exception. Here, the mighty Rio Grande river cuts through the Chihuahuan desert carving 1500-foot shear walls that cascade directly into the water. One of the best ways to experience this special place is by kayaking through the canyons. Being in a boat allows you to fully immerse yourself in the larger-than-life landscape.When the sun hits the rocks and illuminates the towering walls it's easy to see why Big Bend N.P. made it on National Geographic’s list of “25 breathtaking places and experiences for 2023.

Spend your days navigating the currents and paddling between boulders. At the end of the day, pull up to a river back and set up camp for the night. Just you, your buddies, and pure wilderness. No hum of R.V. generators here. Once it gets dark, prepare yourself for the show. Big Bend is known for its dark sky making it the perfect place for admiring the Milky Way and stargazing.Watch this: Kayak camping Big Bend. It's a video of a group of friends who went on a 3-day paddling mission in the Santa Elena Canyon. See for yourself why journeying to one of the least visited national parks in the U.S. is worth the effort.

20% OFF: Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler

Looking for a bomb-proof cooler that can handle the abuse of outdoor adventures? The super-rugged YETI cooler could be a great choice. When it comes to keeping your food fresh and your drinks chilled for days on end, there's no other cooler that comes close. Our favorite features are the rubber feet on the bottom that keep this beast of a cooler from sliding around the boat deck.

💰 Snag this sweeeet deal now 💰

🌵 The Grand Canyon of Baja.

💡Lights of the deep sea: bioluminescence explained.

🐶 Dog goes paragliding with his owner.

🙌 Empowering Saudi women scuba divers.

💚 Cozy up with this camping loveseat.

Do you like what you’re reading and want to contribute?

Where in the World?

Wanna flex your adventure geography skills? Take a guess at where this pic was snapped!

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ANSWER: Onekotan Island in the Kurils Chain.