Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.gadling.com/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[SkyMall Monday: Branding Irons]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/skymall-monday-branding-irons/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/skymall-monday-branding-irons/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/skymall-monday-branding-irons/#commentsFiled under:

I lost my meat today. It's gone. Don't mourn its loss. No, this is no time for sorrow. When a man's meat is pilfered by a no-good poacher, well, that there's a time for revenge. Time spent cryin' is time spent dyin'. That's what my grandpappy used to say. He was shot in the head while cryin'. Damn shame. But back to my meat. I reckon my neighbor done gone and pilfered it. I can't be having meat just up and disappearin' from the SkyMall Monday headquarters ranch. I'm gonna up and get me a posse and we're gonna show that varmint a thing or two about manners. You can't take a man's meat and not expect consequences. He has my meat and that meat will be my meat again by sundown tomorrow. He'll see that when you mess with a man's meat, you mess with his biggest organ. I'm talking, of course, about his soul. That's the heart of a man's meat. Wait, what was I talking about? Oh, right, my missing meat. Yeah, I can't have my neighbor thinking he can just take my meat and claim it as his meat. So, from now on, I'm going to make sure that every man, woman and child knows that my meat belongs to me and me alone. How am I gonna do that? Ha, I'm a rascally cowpoke. I went down to the general store SkyMall catalog and purchased me one of them there customized Branding Irons.

Continue reading SkyMall Monday: Branding Irons

SkyMall Monday: Branding Irons originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandbranding ironbranding ironsBrandingIronBrandingIronsmeatSkyMallSkyMall Mondayskymall-mondaySkymallMondaysteakwhoresMon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyMall Monday: Wild Lawn Ornaments]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/skymall-monday-wild-lawn-ornaments/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/skymall-monday-wild-lawn-ornaments/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/09/skymall-monday-wild-lawn-ornaments/#commentsI keep myself safely secluded in the SkyMall Monday headquarters. It's built inside a mountain, under several hundred feet of granite, in a secure and secret location. This protects me from the fearsome animals that I now assume rule the Earth. While I fear all wildlife and assume that they are out to get me (and/or my Lucky Charms), I do enjoy their decorative properties. But how can I take advantage of the aesthetic qualities of our furry, feathered and scaled friends without being bitten, constricted or dry humped? Taxidermy is expensive and requires first killing animals before they have a chance to kill me. That seems not only difficult but likely to involve unseemly people who peddle in taxidermy and will most certainly make me uncomfortable. That leaves only one viable option for harnessing the majestic beauty of creatures both real, imagined and extinct: lawn ornaments. Lawn ornaments tell everyone in your neighborhood that you're classy and bored. But where can I satiate my appetite for animal lawn ornaments? Who would have such a buffet of faux-fauna? Who could possibly...oh, come on, you know the answer to these questions. It's SkyMall's time to shine! Leave your tranquilizer darts and nets at home. You won't need them on this safari. Simply pack your imagination and obliviousness to your tacky sense of style. We're hunting wild lawn ornaments.

Continue reading SkyMall Monday: Wild Lawn Ornaments

SkyMall Monday: Wild Lawn Ornaments originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brown bearBrownBeardeerdragonDragon of Falkenburg CastleDragonOfFalkenburgCastlelawn ornamentsLawnOrnamentspeacockraccoonsracoonscultpureSkyMallSkyMall Mondayskymall-mondaySkymallMondayt-rextyranosaurus rexTyranosaurusRexMon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Corner of the World: Queenstown]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/in-the-corner-of-the-world-queenstown/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/in-the-corner-of-the-world-queenstown/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/in-the-corner-of-the-world-queenstown/#commentsFiled under: ,


Queenstown is a seemingly quaint town that resides in the shadow of the Southern Alps on New Zealand's South Island. Walking its streets, one could easily mistake it for Boulder, Colorado. But like the American town that it resembles, Queenstown's quiet appearance belies an adventurous spirit that pervades the people and activities that make this hamlet a popular tourist destination all year round. I spent roughly 36 hours in Queenstown and was consistently amazed by its natural beauty and friendly population.

How does a town of 10,000 people become a mecca for tourists? The proximity to some of New Zealand's best ski fields certainly helps. But Queenstown is also the self-proclaimed "jet boat capital of the world" and the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping operations. For adrenaline junkies, Queenstown is a playground for the imagination.

Gallery: Queenstown, NZ

Continue reading In the Corner of the World: Queenstown

In the Corner of the World: Queenstown originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A.J. HackettA.j.Hackettbungeebungee jumpingBungeeJumpingbungybungy jumpingBungyJumpinginthecorneroftheworldjet boatjet boatingJetBoatJetBoatingLake WakatipuLakeWakatipuMillion Dollar CruiseMillionDollarCruiseNew ZealandNewZealandQueenstownRemarkablesShotover JetShotover RiverShotoverJetShotoverRiverskiingsnowboardingSouthern AlpsSouthernAlpsFri, 06 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Corner of the World: Fox Glacier]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/in-the-corner-of-the-world-fox-glacier/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/in-the-corner-of-the-world-fox-glacier/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/in-the-corner-of-the-world-fox-glacier/#comments

The thought of hiking a glacier evokes images of arctic expeditions involving months of travel and thousands of dollars worth of gear. You don't expect anyone to ever describe a trip to a glacier as "convenient" or the hike as "leisurely." But leave it to New Zealand to do everything differently, including seemingly arduous outdoor activities. New Zealand's Fox Glacier is one of the world's most accessible glaciers and provides an opportunity for adventurers of varying aptitudes to explore one of nature's disappearing wonders.

Fox Glacier is a mere ten minute drive from the local township and a few hundred meters from the car park that has been built for visitors. And since it resides within Westland National Park, it's free for anyone who wants to come and take a gander. But if you want to truly experience the glacier by hiking on its icy terrain, your best bet is to hire a guide, strap on some crampons and get out there with the proper gear and supervision.

Gallery: Fox Glacier

Continue reading In the Corner of the World: Fox Glacier

In the Corner of the World: Fox Glacier originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fox GlacierFoxGlacierglacierhikehikinginthecorneroftheworldNew ZealandNewZealandThu, 05 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Ten Reasons that Road Trips Rock]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/top-ten-reasons-that-road-trips-rock/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/top-ten-reasons-that-road-trips-rock/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/top-ten-reasons-that-road-trips-rock/#commentsFiled under:

Yesterday, Annie posted a top ten list about why road trips suck. I was shocked and appalled, to say the least. After reading her piece and discussing it with folks on Twitter, I deduced that Annie didn't really hate road trips. She hated long car rides. There's a distinction and it's an important one. Road trips make the journey the adventure. The act of being in the car, seeing the sights and not having to rush becomes your trip. The destination is secondary. Long car rides are just attempts at saving money or avoiding a confrontation with your fear of flying. They're utilitarian and should not be confused with what you and I consider a true road trip. Road trips should be celebrated. To all of you whimsical travelers who have ever made a mix tape specifically for a road trip (and still nostalgically listen to it today as an iTunes playlist), this one's for you.

Continue reading Top Ten Reasons that Road Trips Rock

Top Ten Reasons that Road Trips Rock originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carsroad triproad tripsRoadTripRoadTripstop 10top 10 listtop tentop ten listTop10Top10ListTopTenTopTenListvacationsThu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Corner of the World: TranzAlpine Train]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/in-the-corner-of-the-world-tranzalpine-train/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/in-the-corner-of-the-world-tranzalpine-train/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/in-the-corner-of-the-world-tranzalpine-train/#commentsFiled under: ,



Railway travel just isn't what it used to be. Gone are the fastidiously dressed conductors checking their pocket watches before yelling, "All aboard!" Gone, too, are the eager young porters loading trunks into the luxury cars of well-heeled travelers. It's the era of air travel and checked baggage fees, and we may all be worse off because of it. Sure. you can still take trains domestically and abroad, but rail travel has become antiquated and overlooked. However, those with a sense of adventure and a desire to slow things down can still find railway trips that not only get you to your desired location, but do so while enhancing your trip. One such journey exists on the South Island of New Zealand. All aboard the TranzAlpine railway.

Gallery: TranzAlpine Railway



Continue reading In the Corner of the World: TranzAlpine Train

In the Corner of the World: TranzAlpine Train originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChristchurchGreymouthinthecorneroftheworldNew ZealandNewZealandrailrailroadrailwaySouth IslandSouthIslandtraintrainsTranzAlpineTranzScenicWed, 04 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Corner of the World: In & Around Auckland]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/in-the-corner-of-the-world-in-and-around-auckland/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/in-the-corner-of-the-world-in-and-around-auckland/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/in-the-corner-of-the-world-in-and-around-auckland/#commentsFiled under: ,

With a population of around 1.5 million people, Auckland is no bustling metropolis. Heck, it's not even the capital of New Zealand (go ahead, look it up - I'll wait). It is, however, the country's largest city and the hub for most international flights coming into the country. For Americans flying from Los Angeles and San Francisco, it is their first taste of Kiwi culture (though not kiwi birds). While it's a small city, there is plenty to do in and around Auckland if you know where to look. I recently made my second trip to City of Sails and was reminded of how quirky it can be and amazed at the natural beauty that exists just outside the the city limits.

Gallery: In & Around Auckland

Continue reading In the Corner of the World: In & Around Auckland

In the Corner of the World: In & Around Auckland originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AucklandinthecorneroftheworldK RoadKarangahape RoadKarangahapeRoadKRoadNew ZealandNewZealandPihaPonsonbySkyCitySkyTowerSkyWalkvineyardsWaihekeWaitakere Waitakere RangesWaitakereWaitakereRangeswinewineriesTue, 03 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Would you want Bob Dylan to voice your GPS?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/would-you-want-bob-dylan-to-voice-your-gps/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/would-you-want-bob-dylan-to-voice-your-gps/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/would-you-want-bob-dylan-to-voice-your-gps/#commentsFiled under:

Earlier today, we ran a poll asking readers if they prefer their GPS devices to have a male or female voice? Andy Murdock, an astute reader, left us a comment pointing out that Bob Dylan is in negotiations to voice a GPS unit. Sure, Dylan's a music legend and an icon, but is his voice conducive to getting me from Point A to Point B?

I've seen Dylan in concert. I would consider myself a fan. I've understood about six words I've heard him speak in interviews. He sounds like he keeps marbles in his mouth. I need my GPS to sound clear and keep me advised of my route. The last thing I need is Bob Dylan warbling, "The speed limits they are a changin'," as I approach a school zone.

This news did get me thinking, though. What celebrities would I want to voice my GPS? Eartha Kitt would be amusing. And everything is better when voiced by Morgan Freeman. Christopher Walken does a great Lady Gaga, but not sure he could spit out turn-by-turn directions quickly enough for my taste.

Different strokes for different folks, I suppose. Having Bob Dylan tell you to turn left is a good idea for someone. But it ain't me, babe.

What celebrity would you want to voice your GPS? Leave us a comment below.

Photo by Flickr user ♣Tigerlily ♣.

Would you want Bob Dylan to voice your GPS? originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob DylanBobDylanChristopher WalkenChristopherWalkenEartha KittEarthaKittGPSMorgan FreemanMorganFreemanMon, 02 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Is your GPS male or female?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/poll-is-your-gps-male-or-female/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/poll-is-your-gps-male-or-female/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/poll-is-your-gps-male-or-female/#commentsFiled under:

I've been in plenty of cars on several continents that had GPS units. I've heard robotic male Aussies instruct me through a roundabout and seductive French women tell me to U-turn in 300 meters. And for giggles, I've set the devices to Chinese, Portuguese and several other languages that I do not speak or understand simply to hear them come out of a tiny box mounted on my windshield. But, at the end of the day, I need to hear my directions in English and I like to hear them dictated in a woman's voice (particularly one with a sensual British accent). I'm not sure what that says about me, but it's the truth.

What about you? Do you set your GPS to a male or female voice? Vote in our poll and explain your preference in the comments below.

View Poll



Photo by flickr user Jimmy_Joe.

Poll: Is your GPS male or female? originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivingGPSgps-daynavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystempollMon, 02 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyMall Monday: Underwater Cell Phone System]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/skymall-monday-underwater-cell-phone-system/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/skymall-monday-underwater-cell-phone-system/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/skymall-monday-underwater-cell-phone-system/#commentsFiled under: ,

Here at the SkyMall Monday headquarters, the motto is "Be Prepared...Always" I considered copying the Boy Scouts' motto verbatim, but I just can't support any organization that places so much emphasis on neckerchiefs. That said, I like to be ready for any situation, and thankfully the SkyMall catalog anticipates every situation imaginable (and some that only a person on a tremendous amount of hallucinogens could possibly consider). So, while some people are content with put their faith in maps, GPS systems and charts, I require a Plan D. I need to know that, at any time, I can contact my SkyMall Monday support team for assistance. As I often find myself 40 meters underwater and completely lost, I can't be trying to read a soggy AAA TripTik with outdated notes about speed traps. No, I need real help. Thankfully, SkyMall anticipated this completely common and harrowing situation and responsibly chose to distribute a product that can help me when nothing else can. The next time I'm disoriented below sea level, I'm going to call the Gadling editors and ask for help on my Underwater Cell Phone System.

Continue reading SkyMall Monday: Underwater Cell Phone System

SkyMall Monday: Underwater Cell Phone System originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alpha UWCPAlphaUwcpcell phoneCellPhonegps-dayphoneSCUBASCUBA divingScubaDivingSkyMallSkyMall Mondayskymall-mondaySkymallMondaytelephoneunderwaterunderwater cell phone systemUnderwaterCellPhoneSystemMon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Inside Air New Zealand's Matchmaking Flight]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/27/inside-air-new-zealands-matchmaking-flight/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/27/inside-air-new-zealands-matchmaking-flight/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/27/inside-air-new-zealands-matchmaking-flight/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When I first heard about Air New Zealand offering a Matchmaking Flight, I was amused. It sounded like a cute promotion from the quirky national airline of a pretty quirky country. And when the invitation came to check out their matchmaking site and cover the flight from on board the plane, I was more cautiously optimistic than downright excited. I mean, planes are meant for transport not entertainment. I sleep on flights. I hate talking to my neighbors. I had fears of being awake for the full 13 hours while desperate singles chatted idly about their hobbies and desire to have children before turning 40. The thought of observing dozens of blind dates crash and burn while trying not to think of crashing and burning had me fearing the worst.

But, I put those fears aside and soothed myself with thoughts of the lush countryside that I would enjoy once we got to Auckland and ventured further into New Zealand. So, on October 13, I flew to LAX and checked in for ANZ Flight 5: The Matchmaking Flight. Was it a worthy promotion? I was going to find out for myself.

Gallery: Air New Zealand Matchmaking Flight

Continue reading Inside Air New Zealand's Matchmaking Flight

Inside Air New Zealand's Matchmaking Flight originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Air New ZealandAirNewZealandANZAucklanddatingMatchmaking FlightMatchmakingFlightNew ZealandNewZealandpromotionssinglesTue, 27 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyMall Monday: Solafeet Foot Tanner]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/skymall-monday-solafeet-foot-tanner/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/skymall-monday-solafeet-foot-tanner/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/skymall-monday-solafeet-foot-tanner/#commentsFiled under:

This week, as promised, I'm featuring the best new product in the Holiday 2009 SkyMall catalog. And it couldn't come at a better time.

This may shock you, but being America's leading SkyMall expert doesn't pay very well. So, I've applied for a lot of jobs to supplement my income. My resumé is impressive. I interview well. But at the end of the process, I always get turned down. And my status of a Doctor of SkyMall also doesn't attract as many woman as you might think. So, I end up asking out random females every chance I get. It's not that I have trouble meeting women. I can usually entertain them with witty anecdotes and cheap liquor. But when the time comes to have adult relations, they always point and laugh. To be honest with you, I was about to kill myself after all of this rejection. But then I realized that the problem was right there in front of me. Well, more accurately, it was underneath me. My pale feet were making me a social pariah. But how could I possibly remedy such an acute condition? How could I treat a problem as complex and localized as Pale Feet Syndrome Disease Condition (PFSDC)? Depressed and out of socks, I turned to my Primary Care Physician: SkyMall. And what did the good catalog prescribe? You guessed it: The Solafeet Foot Tanner.

Continue reading SkyMall Monday: Solafeet Foot Tanner

SkyMall Monday: Solafeet Foot Tanner originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feetSkyMallSkyMall Mondayskymall-mondaySkymallMondaySolafeet Foot TannerSolafeetFootTannertantan linesTanLinestannertanningMon, 26 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia's Wild West: Beautiful Bungle Bungle]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/21/australias-wild-west-beautiful-bungle-bungle/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/21/australias-wild-west-beautiful-bungle-bungle/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/21/australias-wild-west-beautiful-bungle-bungle/#commentsFiled under: ,



All too often in life, things fail to live up to the hype. If you saw The Sixth Sense after it had been theaters for more than a month, you know what I'm talking about. And in travel, quite frequently things can be a tad disappointing once you arrive. Case in point: I saw the Mona Lisa for the first time last month and I have to tell you, I don't get it. Thankfully, the one thing that almost never underwhelms is good ol' Planet Earth. From the Grand Canyon to Angel Falls, natural wonders seem to meet or exceed expectations nearly every single time. And if you find yourself in Australia's Top End, odds are you won't go but a few hours without someone saying, "Have you been to the Bungle Bungle yet? You have to go!" So, what is the Bungle Bungle Range and why is everybody so impressed by it? I got to the bottom of it by going way over the top.

Gallery: Bungle Bungle Range

Slingair AirvanBungle Bungle RangeBungle Bungle Range

Continue reading Australia's Wild West: Beautiful Bungle Bungle

Australia's Wild West: Beautiful Bungle Bungle originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alligator AirAlligator AirwaysAlligatorAirAlligatorAirwaysAustraliaAustralias Wild Westaustralias-wild-westAustraliasWildWestBungle Bungle RangeBungle BunglesBungleBungleRangeBungleBunglesBunglesKimberleyKununnuramountainsPurnululu National ParkPurnululuNationalParkscenic flightsScenicFlightsSlingairWestern AustraliaWesternAustraliaWed, 21 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadling Gear Review: Teva Riva eVent]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/gadling-gear-review-teva-riva-event/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/gadling-gear-review-teva-riva-event/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/gadling-gear-review-teva-riva-event/#commentsFiled under:



Before I left for my trip to the Northern Territory and Western Australia, I knew I'd be doing a fair amount of hiking. In anticipation of the plethora of outdoor activities that rural Australia offers, I decided to get a fresh pair of hiking shoes to keep me safe and comfortable during long days of Outback exploration. So, for my first trip to the bush, I packed a pair of Teva's Riva eVent.

When it comes to hiking boots, I want three things: comfort, durability and water resistance. How did the Riva eVent stack up against the harsh landscape of the Outback? I found out firsthand (or foot) after two weeks putting them to the test.

Continue reading Gadling Gear Review: Teva Riva eVent

Gadling Gear Review: Teva Riva eVent originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bootshikinghiking bootshiking shoesHikingBootsHikingShoesoutdoor gearOutdoorGearRevaReva eVentRevaEventshoesTevaTeva Reva eVentTevaRevaEventTue, 20 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia's Wild West: Cowboy Life at Home Valley]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/australias-wild-west-cowboy-life-at-home-valley/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/australias-wild-west-cowboy-life-at-home-valley/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/20/australias-wild-west-cowboy-life-at-home-valley/#commentsFiled under: , ,



An hour's drive down the Gibb River Road from El Questro, in the shadow of the striking Cockburn Range, sits Home Valley Station. The spirits of the Kimberley's settler history and cowboy culture are alive and well at this Outback resort. Its location is so fantastic and pristine, in fact, that it was used for many scenes in the film Australia. Sure, you'll find flat screen televisions and wireless internet access here, but you'll have to get past the cows, horses and flooded roads first. This is no American dude ranch. It's a slice of Outback life that many Australians still relish to this day. Home Valley preserves that lifestyle, and its natural theater, in a way that allows visitors to experience a holiday that is an more about participation than pampering.

Gallery: Home Valley Station

Continue reading Australia's Wild West: Cowboy Life at Home Valley

Australia's Wild West: Cowboy Life at Home Valley originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaAustralias Wild WestAustralias Wild Wildaustralias-wild-westAustraliasWildWestbarramundiCockburn RangeCockburnRangecowboyfisihingHome ValleyHome Valley StationHomeValleyHomeValleyStationhorseback ridingHorsebackRidinghorsesKimberleyPentecost RiverPentecostRiverriversharkstingrayWestern AustraliaWesternAustraliaTue, 20 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyMall Monday: Reader Favorite]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/19/skymall-monday-reader-favorite/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/19/skymall-monday-reader-favorite/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/19/skymall-monday-reader-favorite/#commentsFiled under:

Kia ora from New Zealand. I'm in the Southern Hemisphere for the fourth time this year since Spring is better than Fall and I wanted to miss the first sign of snow in New York City. I also wanted to take a long trip to maximize my time with the new SkyMall catalog (more on that later). While I may be away, I have been monitoring last week's SkyMall Monday reader poll very closely. I was flattered, humbled and honored at the outpouring of responses. It's been a thrilling ride over the last twelve months as I've explored the nooks and crannies of the Skymall catalog and I'm glad that you've enjoyed it so much. The competition was fierce and people had strong opinions about which SkyMall Monday was their favorite. It was a good, clean fight and in the end, I think we were the biggest winner. I mean, SkyMall has solved all the problems that we never knew we had! That said, I was a tad surprised by the results of the poll. I expected a much closer competition, but instead we had a very decisive winner. So, what was your favorite SkyMall Monday of the feature's first year?

Continue reading SkyMall Monday: Reader Favorite

SkyMall Monday: Reader Favorite originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Baseball Bat Pepper GrinderBaseballBatPepperGrinderCruzin CoolerCruzinCoolerDouble UmbrellaDoubleUmbrellaSkyMallSkyMall Mondayskymall-mondaySkymallMondaySkyRest Travel PillowSkyrestTravelPillowWine Glass Holder NecklaceWineGlassHolderNecklaceMon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia's Wild West: El Questro]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/19/australias-wild-west-el-questro/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/19/australias-wild-west-el-questro/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/19/australias-wild-west-el-questro/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A short flight from Broome to Kununnura and then a shockingly loud and bumpy 80-minute drive down the Gibb River Road through the Kimberley, you'll find El Questro. Its not all that hard to find as exits off the Gibb River road are few and far between. What is harder to find is a definition for the faux Spanish name of this wilderness resort. And that's because it's a meaningless name. More substantial than its title, however, is El Questro's bounty of activities and natural marvels. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who's bored on this million-acre cattle-station-cum-retreat. I spent parts of three days and two nights exploring the property was in awe of both its size and beauty.

Gallery: El Questro

Chamberlain RIver

Continue reading Australia's Wild West: El Questro

Australia's Wild West: El Questro originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaAustralias Wild Westaustralias-wild-westAustraliasWildWestChamberlain RiverChamberlainRiverEl QuestroElQuestroEmma GorgeEmmaGorgefishingGibb River RoadGibbRiverRoadgorgehikingKimberleyKununnurariverwaterfallWestern AustraliaWesternAustraliaMon, 19 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia's Wild West]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/australias-wild-west/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/australias-wild-west/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/australias-wild-west/#commentsFiled under: ,



Australia truly is tucked away in the bottom of the world. But for all the talk of it being on the other side of the planet with toilets that flush counter-clockwise (fun fact: not true), Australia is not all that different from the United States in many facets of its history. When it comes to being a young country rooted in the spirit of exploration, opportunity and hard work, the US and Australia share many of the same traits. And perhaps the most notable cultural overlap between these two rambunctious children of the UK is our shared cowboy heritage. Much of the history of the United States rooted in farmers and cattle ranchers living and working off the land to provide for their families while being joined by immigrants looking to improve their lives in a more promising nation. Australia's Outback history mirrors ours, and that is perhaps no more evident than in Western Australia.

Australia's largest state, WA is a vast expanse with beautiful beaches along the Indian Ocean, diverse cities like Perth and Broome and a rugged interior dominated by the Kimberley, a swath of land the size of California pocked with steep-faced mountain ranges and massive cattle stations supplying beef to the rest of Australia and parts of Southeast Asia. Much like the American West, WA is home to Australians from other parts of the country who migrated to find opportunities, purchase land or simply for more warmer weather.

I spent a week in Western Australia exploring the coastal area around Broome as well as the wide-open spaces in the Kimberley. In that time, I was taken with how unique the landscape is while shocked that it also reminded me so much of America's own cowboy history. It is quickly becoming a popular destination for visitors to Australia who want to spend less time surfing and more time hiking, fishing and enjoying the fresh air that you can only find when you're on a million-acre cattle station.

In this series, I'll take you through the Top End of Western Australia, from the rocky coast of Eco Beach to the cone-shaped Bungle Bungles outside Kununnura. Buck up, cowboy, we're going to Australia's Wild West. But leave your Stetson at home. In Oz, they wear Akubras.

Mike Barish rode horses, flew in tiny planes and hiked across Western Australia on a trip sponsored by Tourism Western Australia. There were no restrictions on what he could cover or how many hamburgers he could eat. You can read other entries in his Australia's Wild West series HERE.

Australia's Wild West originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back in August, Gadling's Scott Carmichael wrote about various eco-friendly resorts in Australia. I have never enjoyed reading a Gadling post more, but that may be because I was reading it by the pool of one of the resorts that he profiled. As I enjoyed a beer at Eco Beach while reading Scott's piece, I was curious about just what makes a resort truly environmentally friendly. Is it how it utilizes and replenishes resources? Or how it doesn't damage the land on which it exists? Or is it more than that? During my time at Eco Beach, I kept those questions in mind. And by the end of my stay, I was confident that it kept its promise of being a true "eco resort."

Gallery: Eco Beach

PoolsideTentTent - InteriorRoad to Eco Beach

Continue reading Australia's Wild West: Eco Beach

Australia's Wild West: Eco Beach originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaAustralias Wild Westaustralias-wild-westAustraliasWildWestBroomeEco Beacheco tourismEcoBeachecotourismIndian OceanIndianOceansolar powerSolarPowertentsvillasWestern AustraliaWesternAustraliawhale watchingWhaleWatchingThu, 15 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Win a $100 SkyMall gift card!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/14/reminder-win-a-100-skymall-gift-card/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/14/reminder-win-a-100-skymall-gift-card/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/14/reminder-win-a-100-skymall-gift-card/#commentsEarlier this week in our SkyMall Monday feature, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of our SkyMall shenanigans. But we also announced a contest with an fantastic grand prize! In case you missed it, we're giving away a $100 gift card to SkyMall! Now you can own one of their completely practical products and make your life better, easier and more efficient.

To enter, simply read this week's SkyMall Monday, check out the poll and then leave a comment letting us know how you voted. Full contest rules and legalese are included in the post, so be sure to give those a read so that our lawyers feel validated and fulfilled.

The contest ends this Friday at 5:00PM Eastern, so don't delay. One lucky Gadling reader is going to get the keys to the candy store. Well, not exactly. But $100 can buy some decent SkyMall swag. Just be sure to ask your neighbors before you turn your backyard into a mini Easter Island.

Read SkyMall Monday for contest rules and your chance to win the $100 SkyMall gift card.

Reminder: Win a $100 SkyMall gift card! originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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