
For over five decades I have been privileged to explore the legendary lands of this earth. From Ngorongoro to the Selous, Bangweulu to Kafue, the Kalahari to the Skeleton Coast then east the length of the Caprivi. For the most part my only companions have been a pair of rifles, a couple of sharp blades, and a reliable Landcruiser. I have peered over the ends of the dark continent in wonder from all points of the compass and pushed through the everchanging interior. Africa has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life, and I know it well.
The old world of Europe has little to explore, except some shards of well-groomed less settled places where you are as likely to encounter hikers as any species you may seek. Don’t get me wrong, there is still game there, and in good numbers, but there is always the lack of wilderness. Adventure, sport, historical geography, exist in abundance. Your boots may well fall into the footsteps of Roman generals, conquerors, kings, or explorers, as your days march forward like theirs did. The terrain is as varied as the game, and you should not miss the opportunity to experience the “continent”.
The three islands down under are a place where untrod earth still exists. The landscapes will amaze and challenge your imagination to comprehend what your eyes see. Australia is daunting in its sheer size and travel times required to traverse east to west and their opposite poles. The coastal regions are where the life is most varied, and populous in both human and animal form. The interior reminds me of west Teas on steroids. Only here can you encounter a rock of such notoriety, and not to be outdone the creatures inhabiting this place are as varied as words in a dictionary. Then there is one of my favorite places, the fictional, yet tangibly real land of “The Lord of the Rings.” A place of extremes, seemingly born from the mind of Tolkien and created in lockstep by God. The quick changing vistas will challenge and inspire you with each mile. North or South, the islands have their unique ability to geographically mimic the entirety of our planet in one fairly small package. Go now, and explore all that is there.
The U.S. is blessed by the architect of all things with abundance, like nowhere else on this earth. You name it, we have it. America embodies the essence of excess, from the first mountain men in search of beavers, to modern man in search of more. I have enjoyed the high island sanctuaries of the Rocky’s, Sangre de Cristos’, Wind River’s, Grey’s, Sierra’s, Brooks’, Chugash, and many, many more. Along the banks of our great rivers explorer’s of legend experienced the wealth of species undiscovered, that we take for granted today, and still offer record book examples of their genetics every year. Pick your desired species and let’s get out there and make your dream, on every level, become a reality.
Lastly, we have Asia. I have spent little time there. It only holds the appeal, at least to me, of the high sanctuaries offered by the mountain ranges, and the game existing there. The land of Gengis Kahn and the “Stan’s’ hold a unique treasure of the world. The biggest examples of sheep ever known, and a equally wonderful collection of goats. The adventure here is the experience, equal to whatever trophy you may take home, are the memories of the land, people, and customs. The price of such adventure matches the rarity, if you can afford the entry fee, go now while you still can. Our world changes so fast, what is possible today, may disappear forever tomorrow!