Slide Show: Animals Gone Wild

Brian Patton: Hi, This is Brian Patton, co-author of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide, published by summerthought.com. There's still snow on the ground up here in the Canadian Rockies, but it's melting quickly, so lets get started. _______________________ Franklin, N.C.: We would like to travel from Toronto to Vancouver by rail. Can we get a 30-rail pass with the option to get on and off for several days at a time? Brian Patton: Yes, it is sold by VIA Rail. Be aware that prices vary greatly between classes and at different times of year. You also save by booking in advance. _______________________ Seattle, Wash.: Brian, I've used your books since the 1980s and have always been amazed at the accuracy. In this regard, how much time to you spend hiking each year? Also, there seem to be less hikers on the most remote trails these days or am I imagining things? Regards, Paul Brian Patton: Your observations may be correct. More people are visiting our parks than ever before, by the interests of these visitors are changing and the backcountry remains relatively uncrowded. _______________________ Brooklyn, N.Y.: I plan on traveling there with a few 50ish year old girlfriends who are into viewing the beauty and a little trail walking. If we have 9 days (Sat to Sun), where would you suggest we begin, end and see inbetween? Also, what's the best time for viewing in some degree of comfort? —Joan Brian Patton: If you are flying into Calgary, divide your time between Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. With advance planning, a day trip to Lake O'Hara is well worthwhile. Lake Louise is the focus of the most easily reached scenic hiking. You should make accommodation reservations well in advance for summer. _______________________ Washington, D.C.: I want to see the Rockies in the summer with my husband, who's never been, and our baby of 17 months. I need suggestions for a home base with nice surroundings during baby naptime and some EASY hiking trails. I was thinking of a rental cabin in the Estes Park area, am I missing out by not considering another, less popular town? P.S. I also like to fly-fish. Brian Patton: Estes Park is in Colorado, not Canada, but if you do make it to the Canadian Rockies, the towns of both Banff and Jasper are well suited for families with young children. _______________________ Surprise, Ariz.: Outside of distance and watching for animals what else do we need to consider when driving in AB and BC? We understand that it is beautiful and we look forward to visiting this summer. —Alden Brian Patton: The two elements you mention are the most important. The best way to avoid the latter is by not driving at dawn, dusk, or night. Also remember posted distances and speeds are in kilometers (not miles). And keep the gas tank full when driving in northern regions. _______________________ Chapel Hill, N.C.: We are an active retired couple wanting to see the Canadian Rockies on a limited budget. How can we spend two weeks there, (last week of August and first week of September would be best, if the weather is usually good at that time)? We like gourmet cooking and luxury, but at an affordable price. Otherwise we can rough it. Thanks. Brian Patton: You could rent a campervan in Calgary (from Cruise Canada or similar), cook your own meals, and camp for around $30 per night, although you may find prices lower in September than August. Mountain View B&B in Banff is an apartment rather than a bed and breakfast and has its own cooking facilities at weekly reasonable prices. _______________________ Corona de Tucson, AZ (near Tucson): My husband and I would like to travel to the Canadian Rockies—Banff, Lake Louise, etc. as well as Glacier National Park in the USA. We are planning on doing this in 2009. We are open as to what time of year. Most of what I have read talks about taking the train from Vancouver to the area and then back or flying back from Calgary or Edmonton. We don't mind renting a car, but understand you cannot rent a car in Canada and take it across the border to the USA. What would be the best way to accomplish this? We would enjoy spending a few days in Vancover again (its been 12 years since out last tirp) and then are open to whatever you would suggest. We are in our 50's, not afraid of a little adventure, but not in shape for mountain climbing. We can take 2-3 weeks for this trip. Brian Patton: The train trip you talk of (Rocky Mountaineer) is popular but expensive. Three weeks is enough time to fly into Vancouver and drive to the Canadian Rockies for two weeks and return to Vancouver by car. You'll also see much more of western Canada while also being able to set your own schedule. _______________________ Portland, Ore.: I'm after a guidebook for our driving trip through Banff and Jasper. Do you have any suggestions? Brian Patton: I author a book called Parkways of the Canadian Rockies, which is an interpretive guide to park highways. The best local maps are those made by Gem Trek. _______________________ North Falmouth, Mass.: We will be in the Rockies (Banff, Jasper) during the first week of September. Are there restaurants where we can get good meals at reasonable prices? Everything seems to be so expensive. We plan to ask the locals where they go and hope that works. Thanks. Brian Patton: Relative to cost of your entire trip, restaurant meals will only be a small part, so you should try at least a couple of the better restaurants serving local cuisine: Bison Bistro or Maple Leaf in Banff, Storm Mountain Lodge on the way to Radium, Becker's or Andy's Bistro in Jasper. Truffle Pig Café in Field is a hidden gem. In Banff, Masala (East Indian) and a few Thai places are cheaper but not remarkable. _______________________ Mullica Hill, N.J.: Hello there. My husband and I are avid wilderness canoeists who enjoy long river trips, spending one night or two tenting along our route. Can you suggest some canoeing routes of a week or so where we would enter at one location and have a reputable company pick us up? Thank You, Susan Brian Patton: There are no such companies in the Canadian Rockies. The most revered river in western Canada for longer trips is the South Nahanni in the NWT. Do an internet search and you'll find a couple of companies that arrange the logistics for independent floats. _______________________ New York, N.Y.: Brian, is it a common thing to experience lightheadedness when visiting the Canadian Rockies? I had sight discomfort while visiting the Grand Canyon. Please advise. Thank you, Anna Brian Patton: Most of the popular hiking trails start at 4500-5000 ft above sea level, below the height that most people experience altitude sickness. That said, there is less oxygen in the air at higher altitudes, and some people are more susceptible than others. The most common symptom is a headache. At higher altitude, dehydration occurs more quickly than at sea level, so plan on drinking plenty of water. _______________________ Boston, Mass.: When is the best or least inexpensive time to take a train trip across Canada roundtrip from Montreal and back for 2? Brian Patton: The least expensive time is winter, but the warmer months are better. Try and book just before or after high season (June to Sept) to save money. _______________________ Sebring, Fla.: We wish to travel east to west from Halifax to Winnipeg. Can we secure a sleeper berth with private bath during the winter months? And if possible, can you give us the cost for this trip? Brian Patton: Please check viarail.ca for all prices and schedules. _______________________ Brian Patton: Thanks for all your questions and enjoy your travels to the Canadian Rockies and Canada.

You may never need to know how to foil a UFO abduction, and treating the hiccups may not qualify as "avoiding disaster." Still, The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook offers a whimsical take on what to do when faced with various predicaments, both outlandish and mundane. The recently published anthology features highlights from 11 previous Survival Handbooks. Each mini chapter has a "How To" section with step-by-step instructions for reacting to various circumstances, plus diagrams that illustrate the fine points. At least a dozen of the situations in The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook are travel-related. We've collected some of the most helpful and amusing pieces of travel advice in the following slide show. Images courtesy The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht with illustrations by Brenda Brown (Chronicle Books), $24.95, chroniclebooks.com.

Moving and action Traveling by bus or train is one of the most economical ways to get around. But taking photographs from a moving vehicle can result in blurred images, poor composition, or even missed shots. You can use a few simple techniques to avoid these problems. Panning, a common approach, involves moving the camera along with the subject in motion (this works whether you're using automatic or manual mode). When photographing from inside a moving vehicle, for example, move your camera in the same direction as the object you want to photograph—doing your best to keep the object or person squarely in the frame. This is a good time to use the auto-advance option if your camera has one: Keep your finger on the shutter button and let the camera take photographs continuously. It may take a little while for your digital camera to write the images to disk, but you're more likely to get the shot you're after. If you're shooting through glass from inside a vehicle, wait for the vehicle to come to a stop so you can open the window safely without the risk of dropping your camera. (See the next section for tips on taking photographs through glass.) Timing and technique are always important in action photography, but when you've left the bus and are shooting action from on the ground, good positioning becomes critical. Survey the scene for a minute or two, and then pick the spot that has the best point of view with the fewest obstructions. Steer clear of areas where people frequently pass by and jeopardize a clear shot, for example, or simply find yourself a perch that lifts you above objects that might get in your way. Your subject is in motion and won't give you another chance, so you need to freeze the action by using a very fast shutter speed like 1/250th or 1/500th of a second. If you're not comfortable using your camera manually or don't have the option, check to see if it has a sports or action mode, usually depicted by an icon of someone running. Select the mode, and the camera will automatically choose the highest possible shutter speed for the lighting conditions and then freeze the action. Higher shutter speeds and smart positioning will help you take crisp, beautiful shots of scenes like kids running at the beach, action-packed carnivals and parades, or even animals striding across the open plain while on safari.   Related: How to Take Better Sunset Photos   Through glass If you find yourself wanting to photograph something separated from you by glass, perhaps while visiting a museum or window-shopping, be aware that the glass can cause reflections that distort the object you're trying to photograph. A cloudy day works well because it yields low-contrast light that minimizes reflections, so put gray days to use if you can. Regardless of the forecast, you can easily reduce the effect of reflections (no fancy equipment or special skills needed!). First, turn off your camera's flash to prevent a burst of light that will cause a strong, bright reflection in the glass. Then try moving around while looking through your viewfinder until the reflection disappears. If you concentrate and work patiently, you may be able to find an angle where the light does not cause a reflection or at least dissipates enough to yield a more effective image. Also try to get as close to the glass as possible; your body and the camera will shield the glass and reduce, if not eliminate, the reflection. This is particularly useful for smaller objects on display in glass cases or behind store windows.   Related: Slide Show: 15 Travel-Inspiring Photos   In a crowd It can be difficult, even nerve-racking, to photograph in crowds. But remember that the more self-conscious you are, the harder it will be for you to blend in, capture un-staged shots, and enjoy the experience. You should also keep your equipment minimal: Don't pack extra gear, and try to use a bag that does not scream "camera." You'll find it easier to move around as you'll be less conspicuous and less of a target for potential pickpockets. Some photographers even cover the brand name of the camera with a small piece of electrical tape. Finding an unobstructed point of view can be tough with lots of other people around. One option is to photograph through people, using their heads and backs to frame the compositions. Place the subject you wish to capture in between the people in front of you. If the crowd is too deep to see the subject—often the case at a parade or festival—you can try what the pros call a "Hail Mary" shot. Place the camera above your head with your arms outstretched. If you angle the camera down slightly, you should be able to take a reasonably good shot. The advantage of having a digital camera is that you can check your results right away and make adjustments if necessary. Remember, it's not called a Hail Mary for nothing; if the photo looks bad, erase it and try it again. Another good trick is to look up. Are there any bars or restaurants around with a balcony? Is there a bench or a chair you can step on? Just about any degree of elevation is likely to improve your point of view and help remove unwanted obstructions.   Related: Photo Solutions: Digital Cameras With Practical Tools   In the snow or at the beach Anytime you photograph in the snow or near the water, you run the risk of underexposing your images. (When an image is underexposed, it lacks contrast and tends to look gray and washed out.) The reason is that your camera's light meter reads the highly reflective surface, whether it's snow or water, and bases its exposure on that. Our solution is counterintuitive: Turn your flash on when you take your picture. You can use the flash in automatic mode at full power or in a "fill-flash" mode if your camera has one. Either way, the flash helps to neutralize the highly reflective surfaces and significantly reduces the problems of backlighting and underexposure. When facing snow, sand, or water, remember that the elements at hand don't agree with camera equipment. At the beach, be sure to bring a cloth or small towel with you. Any cloth will do, but nylon dries a lot faster than cotton. Camping and outdoor outfitters such as rei.com or campmor.com will have a good selection. If it's raining, but you just have to get that shot, drape the cloth over the camera, being careful not to obstruct the lens. Salt and sand are the nemeses of all electronics, so once you've got the shot, immediately dry off the camera and the lens. Use your cloth to gently clean the camera body, and use a can of compressed air to clean the lens—a cloth could scratch the lens, but air will safely blow away any debris. Small cans of ozone-safe compressed air can be found at any good office-supply store. And one tip for cold-weather photography: Keep your camera close to your body. Cold weather tends to drain a camera's battery power and can slow your camera's controls in general. The warmer you can keep your equipment, the better it will function.   SEE MORE POPULAR CONTENT: 10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls Our 10 Favorite Cherry Blossom Festivals 36 Outrageous Photos From Carnival

Cliff House, San FranciscoFor gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, few places beat Cliff House, which was rebuilt in 1909 after a fire. The neoclassical marvel earned raves from Sarah Blanke of Portland, Ore.: "Actually, not so much the actual house, but the [neighboring] mechanical museum of antique coin-operated novelty machines of all sorts and the walk-in camera obscura." Unfortunately, since Sarah visited, the mechanical museum has moved to Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf (415/346-2000, museemecaniquesf.com). But the camera obscura still projects a fantastically detailed view of the coast in a building on the grounds, using a trick with light and mirrors that's similar to the inner workings of a submarine periscope. Stroll the grounds for free, pay $3 to see the camera obscura, or dine at one of the two indoor restaurants that face the ocean. (1090 Point Lobos, 415/386-3330, cliffhouse.com)Photo Fort Mackinac and Mackinac Island, Mich.Following the American forces' unexpected success in capturing British outposts during the American Revolution, the British moved Fort Mackinac, brick by brick, from the Michigan mainland to Mackinac Island. It remained in British hands until 1796. The fort closed in 1895; today it stands as a public monument to its long history as a military outpost. Carol Feider of Midland, Mich., says: "Mackinac Island is a total tourist trap, and I love it. Renting a bike and riding around the island. Touring the fort and watching the guides shoot the cannon. Taking the horse-and-buggy ride. And, of course, buying fudge." (231/436-4100, mackinacparks.com, adults $10, kids 5–7 $6.25)Photo Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.Dolly Parton knows how to put on a show. The Dixie Stampede outside her theme park in Tennessee is a "North vs. South" extravaganza with thundering buffalo, horses leaping through fiery hoops, and rib-tickling ostrich races. If Dolly's showmanship isn't enough, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. "Pigeon Forge...is absolute fun and enjoyment," said Carl Wisnesky of Falls, Penn. "Lots of shows: breakfast shows, lunch shows, dinner shows. Great restaurants, nationally known ribs, and wonderful, reasonably priced food at diners, like Mel's. Plenty to keep you and your family enjoyably entertained." (3849 Parkway, 800/356-1676, dixiestampede.com, $45, kids $22)Photo Wall Drug Store, Wall, S.D.When Ted Hustead opened his first Wall Drug Store in 1931, he was hard-pressed to find customers. So Ted set up signs along the highway advertising free ice water, and Wall Drug Store has been the rest stop of choice for motorists in South Dakota ever since. Today, Western-themed statues—from Wyatt Earp to General Custer—fill the halls of the 76,000-square-foot shopping complex, which also includes a modest water park, a mining-and-panning simulation, and a 25-foot T-Rex that roars every 12 minutes. "It was here I first discovered what a tourist trap really is!" said Corie Lindemann of Coon Rapids, Minn. "Now, it is so camp and nostalgic, it just makes us laugh. Reading the billboards all across the state is still the most interesting thing about the drive to the Black Hills." (510 Main St., 605/279-2175, walldrug.com)Photo Mardi Gras World, New Orleans, La.If you've ever harbored dreams of starring in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade, or just want to know how participants construct such elaborate floats, check out Mardi Gras World. The museum showcases the best floats from past years (a giant sea dragon! a 15-foot Cleopatra bust!) and houses a workshop where workers glue and hammer together next year's creations. Even locals can't resist romping among the Mardi Gras masterpieces. "I took my brother there during his recent visit, and we had more fun than two adults should—playing dress up in the costumes, then taking photos beside our favorite floats," said Melissa Combs of New Orleans. "We laughed like we were kids!" (233 Newton Street, 800/362-8213, mardigrasworld.com, $17, kids $10)Photo Hoover Dam, Nevada/Arizona BorderThe Hoover Dam is big. Really big. In fact, it's downright colossal. The dam, completed in 1936 and 726 feet tall, is composed of enough concrete to pave a 16-foot-wide highway from San Francisco to New York City. "It's really a fascinating tour, and the enormity of the structure is awesome," said Sally Ridenour of Salem, Ore. But she especially liked the dam's tongue-in-cheek mementos: "The souvenir t-shirts are great—I WENT ON THE DAM TOUR AT HOOVER DAM." (30 miles southeast of Las Vegas on U.S. Hwy. 93, 702/494-2517, www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam, tour $30, children under 8 not allowed on the tour)Photo Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, Key West, Fla. Sword swallowing plus chainsaw juggling plus a dog on a tightrope equals the perfect sunset stroll? Clearly Key West's nightly ritual offers more than just another pretty photo op. Streets fill up with performers like Jace and Jean the Juggling Machine, Bible Bill, and local legend Will Soto, who's been juggling and tightrope walking in Mallory Square for 20 years. "It is such a wonderful tourist trap, but the sights are well worth it," wrote Patti Porco of Chantilly, Va. "The sunsets are always something special to watch, but the fun is in watching the street performers as well as their audiences, who both entertain while you wait." (305/292-7700, sunsetcelebration.org)Photo