Issue 92 | #goodvibesonly apes

Issue 92 | Feb 3, 2023

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Happy Friday 😎 This is Adventure Fix. The weekly email for people who want to live the BBC documentary, not just watch it from the couch.

Here’s what we got for you today:

• A family reunion like no other

• Cozy caveman retreat

• Sailing to a Polynesian paradise

• One powerful mind hack to try

​Let's do this 🤙

Madeira's most epic sunset hike

There's nothing like ending a day in the mountains by watching the sun paint the sky while it disappears behind the peaks.

What would make this special moment even more epic? Snow!

Glistening powder is the perfect canvas for the golden glow of the sun's rays to light the clouds on fire.

In Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean, the most stunning place to see this masterpiece is at the top of Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain around. Watch this: Amazing sunset on the top of Pico Ruivo. You gotta earn this view. The trail has over 3200 feet of vertical gain in just 5 miles. Add deep snow and strong winds for some brutal hiking.

Meet your distant cousins

This is a family reunion like no other. To meet our long-lost cousins we aren’t hopping on a flight to Ireland, we’re heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Here we'll trek through the vine-draped jungles of the Congo basin. After hours of bushwhacking our way through a world of shadows and drooping branches, we'll come face to face with our closest non-human relative: the bonobo.

These scaled-down versions of chimpanzees share 98.7% of our DNA. Even though they look similar, they couldn't be more different. Think of chimps as our hot-blooded just got out of jail cousins, while bonobos are our peace & love, hippy cousins.

These good vibes only apes are known to smooth over disagreements with sex. They also willingly share food, not only with friends but with bonobos they don't know.

As you watch these fascinating creatures, you might also find yourself laughing at their playful antics and silly faces. With their expressive eyes and goofy grins, bonobos have a way of making you feel like you're in on the joke.

Seeing how empathetic and intelligent they are challenges the idea that humans are somehow unique, separate from the rest of the animal kingdom.

Very few tourists have ever spent time with these wonderful animals that could teach us how to be humane probably more than anything else in the world.

Plan this adventure: Meet the Bonobos. Find out everything you need to know to have one of the most unique great ape encounters in the world.

Weapon of choice for backcountry warriors

When sleek and sexy Japanese design meets quality American craftsmanship, something legendary is born, like Beringia's Tsurugi 2.0 Jacket.

As one reviewer put it, "It's damn good and damn good looking. Doing simple well is an art and Beringia nailed it with is functional and stylish head turner."And now, this backcountry icon just got better. Version 2.0 uses Täsmä precision-response fabric that adjusts to weather conditions, giving you the perfect balance of protection, breathability and comfort where ever your adventure takes you. If you are looking for a jacket that is so light and soft you barely notice you're wearing a highly functional shell. You just found it.

Exploring the underwater realm after dark

As the sun dips below the horizon, the ocean transforms into a whole new realm of existence.

It's the time of the day when creatures that have never been seen before in the light of day come out to play.

As you drop below the surface, the world around you takes on a new dimension.

Crustaceans, cephalopods, and nudibranchs emerge from the dark volcanic sands.

The colors of the coral change as they feed, glowing in the dark like a million tiny stars.

Watch this: The Art of Night Diving. Here's a video that'll take you to the serene and mysterious underwater world when the sun goes down.

Fatu Hiva: Journeying to a world lost in time

When we hear the phrase "paradise on earth," our bullshit detectors go berserk.

But when it comes to describing Fatu Hiva, a remote island of French Polynesia, the title is well deserved.

Imagine cruising into the anchorage, sailboat cuts through the crystal clear waters that give way to lush green cliffs that rise up to meet the sky. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocky shore is a soothing background to the breathtaking view.

As you drop anchor and step onto land, you're greeted by friendly locals who are more than happy to show you around their beautiful island. You're struck by the simplicity and serenity of their way of life, and the deep sense of connection they have to their land and culture.

As you wander through the island, taking in the sights and sounds, you can't help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility wash over you. The lush vegetation, the smell of the sea, and the sound of the birds make for an almost dreamlike setting.

Watch this: Sailing to Fatu Hiva to get an idea of what arriving to this island paradise on your own boat would be like.

🤔 What does a human look like to a dolphin.

📚 What book are you excited to read next?

🤯 How climbing can shatter our illusion of permanence.

❄️ It's never too cold to go paddling: Snow kayaking.

🍳 Whip up a campfire breakfast feast.

Become a modern caveman (or woman) for a night

If you love staying in wild and unique places, here's something you might like. It's a 1500 sqft cave converted into this house.

Surrounded by private hiking trails, the cave has a full-service kitchen, large outdoor patio and pool table, making it the perfect place for an active and relaxing retreat.

With plenty of natural light, decadent decor, and luxurious amenities, the Dunlap Hollow Cave is the one-of-a-kind place you've been looking for.

Book your stay.

Where in the world

We thought we'd mix things up a bit this week. Here's a where in the world for you, but this time with wildlife.

Orcas have been seen doing this hunting technique in only one place. Do you know where it is? Stumped? No worries, the answer is at the end of this email.

Still haven't gotten your fix? Search the Adventure Fix archives to get even more exciting trip ideas and exploration inspiration.

We'd Love to Hear From You!

Please give us feedback by filling out this quick survey below so we can get to know you better. We're looking forward to reading your answers.

Here's a little mind hack you can use during challenging adventures.

Whether you're tackling a new climbing route or diving deeper than you ever have before, this quick shift will reframe your thoughts and put you back in the driver's seat.Instead of thinking "I feel _______ " (for example: "I feel anxious", "I feel like I can't do it")Say this:"I'm choosing to feel _______" (for example: "I'm choosing to feel stressed", "I'm choosing to feel overwhelmed")This does 2 things:

#1: It gives you back the power. It reminds you that you choose how you feel regardless of the situation. #2: It gives you a moment to consider the "reaction" you're having versus the "response" you want to have.

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Fill out this survey and we'll get back to you soon!

ANSWER: Península Valdés - Argentina

The orcas of Península Valdés are unique in the world because of their spectacular hunting technique called “intentional stranding” which they use to catch sea lions and elephant seal pups off the beach.