1. Banff National Park, Canada

Discover Canada’s beautiful scenery and wildlife on a peaceful horseback ride with real Canadian cowboys and cowgirls. Banff Trail Riders even offers overnight trail rides, mimicking the experience of early explorers of the Canadian Rockies. You spend all day riding but get to rest at night with modern comforts. 

2. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

For many centuries, gauchos rode horses through Patagonia—and, in fact, they still do today. Argentina is famous for its horses and polo, and horseback riding is intimately woven into the culture there. If you want a taste of what it’s like to ride through the Andes, make sure to check out opportunities for horseback riding, especially in Torres del Paine National Park.

3. Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah, U.S.

It’s hard to count just how many films have been set in Monument Valley—including many of the most famous western films to date. Follow in the footsteps of Billy the Kid (1941), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), and just about every John Ford film by discovering the wild west on horseback.

4. Andalucia, Spain

Andalusian horses are incredibly intelligent, obedient, and docile, and they’re usually best suited for experienced riders because of their speed. If you’re not experienced, you can still experience this region on horseback by selecting a tour or guide that can help you. On your rest day, head to famous Jerez to see the dancing horses at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.

5. Masai Mara, Kenya

Going on safari on horseback could be the most incredible way to take in the wildlife of the African savannah. Maasai Mara National Reserve is an area in southwestern Kenya along the Tanzanian border, where you can see lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and hippos. Expect gazelles to be grazing near you as you trot along on your horse.

6. Cappadocia, Turkey

Explore the unique rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia on horseback and you won’t regret it. Cappadocia is famous for its cool rocks and history, and it is a must-see while visiting Turkey. At the insanely affordable price of only $5-10 USD, a ride through this unique desert is totally worth it, especially if you catch a sunrise or sunset.

7. The Camargue, France

Discover the wetlands and white horses of this picturesque region with green grass, marshlands, and pink flamingos in the south of France on a beautiful white horse just like a “manade,” the French version of cowboys who tend to sheep.

8. Petra, Jordan

Take a two-hour tour of the amazing ancient city of Petra with tombs and temples carved into sandstone cliffs from around 300 B.C.The desert views and ancient ruins are even better when you ride a horse to get there.

9. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, U.S.

One of the most amazing things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park is to explore the unique hoodoos and rock formations while riding a horse. Bryce’s unforgettable scenery makes this horseback ride a true adventure.

10. Bagan, Myanmar

Explore the historic temples and pagodas of Bagan on horseback. You can even rent a traditional horse and cart to see Bagan attractions like the Min O Chantha Pagoda and Dhammayangyi Pagoda.

11. Iceland

In Iceland, you can ride horses through otherworldly landscapes, like volcanic lava fields and glaciers. There are guided horseback tours to be found all over the country, so choose the one that best suits your interests—green fields in Polar Hestar, lava rides near Reykjavik, or a Viking adventure along the coast.

12. Machu Picchu, Peru

Take an amazing overnight multi-day horse trek along Machu Picchu to Cusco or Puna. Ride along the Inca Trail and reach the ancient ruins on hooves instead of feet.

13. Queenstown, New Zealand

Explore Middle Earth and the landscape used to film Lord of the Rings on horseback, just like Legolas, Gandalf, and Aragorn. Or go deep into Queenstown’s high country, rivers, and backcountry near Glenorchy with soaring peaks and snow-capped mountains.

14. The Grand Canyon, Arizona, U.S.

A horseback riding tour of the Grand Canyon offers a unique view of this natural wonder in true Western style. Many of the trails actually use mules not horses, because mules are more agile on the winding and narrow paths.

15. Kakadu National Park, Australia

Head on horseback to Kangaroo Island to see sea lions, koalas, penguins, and the distinct coastal rock formations of Kakadu National Park in the Australian Outback, home to Aboriginal people for more than 50,000 years. View waterfalls, billabongs, and rocky cliffs from atop your trusty steed.

The post 15 Amazing Places to Go Horseback Riding appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

He talked about the new look and more on Britain’s morning talk show, Good Morning Britain, during a 2019 interview, sharing that his facial hair had prompted some funny reactions from friends, family, and royalty alike. In the interview, Bear says Prince William, upon seeing the survivalist sporting his new mustache at a wildlife-conservation event, made an “ew” cringe face. Bear also says his wife was not thrilled with the change. 

The ‘stache has appeared on Bear’s face on and off since that first Movember, and, sometimes, by looking at his social media, it’s hard to tell if he has a mustache right now or not. For instance, a recent post shows him posing next to a wax figure of himself in Madame Tussauds, and he has a mustache (the wax figure does not). He wrote in the caption, though, that he misses the ‘stache and his family doesn’t, suggesting the picture is an old one. 

And yet (the plot thickens), he has since posted a Reel starring the ‘stache. While we can’t definitively say whether Bear has a mustache right now or not, it’s very possible that he’ll stop shaving this month to celebrate Movember, like he has in the past. 

If you’re adventuring this month, will you lighten your pack and join the cause by leaving the shaving kit at home?

The post Does Bear Grylls Have a Mustache?  appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

These five sites represent different chapters in America’s history. The National Park System (NPS) allows these historical marvels to stick around for future generations to admire, allowing us to connect with the human history of years gone by. Experiencing these sites firsthand can leave a lasting impact. Ready to add some of these to your national park bucket list?

1. Camp in an Abandoned Town—Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park is larger than some small countries, so it’s no surprise that there are a few unusual discoveries within its borders. The Terlingua Abajo campsite is one of them. One of the several abandoned towns in Big Bend, it was formerly a mining town in the 1800s, home to around 300 workers. Today, you can see several forgotten ruins, including a cemetery and historic buildings, from times gone by. The campsite lies 20 miles (32 km) south of the current town of Terlingua and offers incredible views of the Santa Elena Canyon. The night sky is full of twinkling stars due to the lack of light pollution. 

2. Visit a Castle From the 1920s—Death Valley National Park, California

It’s hard to believe that Death Valley National Park, the desert landscape famous for its extreme weather, has its own Spanish-style castle. Built in the 1920s, Scotty’s Castle or the “Death Valley Ranch” is hidden in the Grapevine Canyon and is an unusual sight to see in the middle of the hot desert. It was once a residence for influential figures of the 1920s and 1930s. It is named after a gold dealer named Walter Scott or “Death Valley Scotty,” although it was never actually owned by him. Architecturally speaking, it is a villa, not a castle, but it’s still an interesting place to visit. Today, you can take guided tours of the property and its gardens.

3. Explore Inside an 18th-Century Tavern—Minute Man National Historical Park, Massachusetts

Hartwell Tavern is a restored colonial inn located along the Battle Road in Minute Man National Historical Park. This area was the first battleground during the American Revolutionary War and the tavern served as a refuge for soldiers. The park is named after the volunteer American militia, “The Minute Men,” who bravely fought in the war. During the visitor season, you can go inside the tavern and relive the experiences of the people who gathered and drank there in the 1770s with interpreters bringing history to life.

4. Hike Through Thousands of Years of History—Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park is home to thousands of years of human history. The Horseshoe Canyon has some of the best-preserved rock art in North America. One of the most famous examples is The Great Gallery, which includes pictographs, life-size figures, and murals dating back to ancient times. In more recent history, this area was also a hiding place for outlaws, such as Butch Cassidy. There is a 7-mile (11.2 km) circular hiking trail that leads to The Great Gallery. 

5. Gain Insight into Evolving Cultures—San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas

The only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas offers a rare glimpse into the state’s history. There are four San Antonio Missions to discover within the park, and a fifth, the Alamo, is in downtown San Antonio. All five missions are open to the public, and the four within the park are active parish churches. Funded by the Spanish colonial government, these missions were built in the 18th century with a goal of converting local people to Catholicism. The missions served as religious and educational centers at the time. The missionaries left in 1824, but the site has been preserved by the NPS, and today you can admire the architecture and influences of Mexican, Native American, and Spanish cultures in this part of Texas.

The post 5 Fascinating Historical Sites to Discover in U.S. National Parks appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Fastest Half Marathon Hula Hooping

As if hula hooping wasn’t hard enough, the fastest half marathon run while hula hooping took three hours, three minutes, and 48 seconds. Betty Shurin—aka Betty Hoops—from the U.S. holds the world record for her hula-run at the Hollywood Half Marathon in Los Angeles, California back in 2012.

Longest Bicycle Wheelie

A bicycle wheelie is when the front wheel of a bicycle is raised off the ground and kept in the air while riding. The longest bicycle wheelie on record lasted for one hour and covered a distance of 19.23 miles. That’s faster than most people ride a bike with two wheels on the ground. The record was set in 2020 by Swiss rider Manuel Scheidegger in Bern, Switzerland in support of the organization Wheels4Nepal.

Highest Slackline Walk

It doesn’t get more crazy than slacklining between two hot-air balloons. Rafael Zugno Bridi from Brazil walked 59 feet on a slackline between two hot-air balloons over the Praia Grande in Santa Catarina, Brazil at an altitude of 6,236 feet, breaking the record for the highest slackline walk.

Longest Ski Jump

Ski jumping is a winter sport in which athletes jump off a manufactured hill, pursuing both style and distance. Olympic and World Championships don’t encourage pushing hill sizes, so the records in this sport are usually set elsewhere. The official world record for the longest ski jump was set by Stefan Kraft, who jumped 832 feet at Vikersundbakken in Vikersund, Norway in 2017. The women’s world record is held by Ema Klinec who jumped 741 feet in Vikersund in 2023.

Largest Wave Surfed

If you’ve ever had a huge wave crash over you, then you know how bold it is to surf big waves. Sebastian Steudtner holds the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed—86 feet, which is equivalent to surfing an eight-story building.

Fastest Land Speed Record

Formula 1 cars travel between 200 and 234 miles per hour, but the land speed record holder clocked in at 763.035 miles per hour. It doesn’t even seem possible, but Andy Green, a retired British Royal Air Force fighter pilot, defied sanity in a twin turbofan jet-powered car, which he drove at this speed for over one mile in October 1997. This insane record is also the first supersonic record, meaning he was driving so fast that it actually broke the sound barrier.

Deepest Free-Dive

Free-diving is one of the most dangerous sports in the world, since rescues can be nearly impossible at certain depths. That doesn’t bother Alexey Molchanov, who broke the world record for deepest free-dive with a mono fin in 2023. In Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, Molchanov dove to an unbelievable 436 feet deep with a single breath.

Longest Breath Held Underwater

After years of training, Budimir Šobat from Croatia set the record for longest time spent underwater without breathing. Šobat was able to hold his breath underwater for 24 minutes and 37.36 seconds, and the record was set back in 2021. 

Longest Slackline Walk

The longest slackline walk covered a distance of 8,943 feet—a seemingly impossible distance between Puy de l’Angle and Roc de Cuzeau near Mont Dore, France. This record is held by multiple talented athletes from all over Europe and Canada—Julien Roux, Augustin Moinat, Arthur Lefebvre, Benoît Brume, Mattis Reisner, Joseph Premoselli, Tania Monier, and Mia Noblet performed a “team send” of this challenging slackline in 2022. Rigged at 965 feet, it wasn’t the highest slackline walk, but it was undoubtedly the longest. 

Longest Stand-Up Paddleboard Journey

Peter Charlesworth planned for more than 18 months to attempt and complete this world record, paddling 1,663.62 miles on his paddleboard. After a triple bypass surgery, he took on the challenge to bring awareness to heart health. The Australian paddled from March 4 all the way to June 11, 2023 along the Murray River, mostly rowing the length of the river. He traveled alone, camping every night of his trek.

Most BASE Jumps in 24 Hours

There’s nothing more wild than cramming in as many BASE jumps as possible in a single day. Dan Schilling from the U.S. still holds the record from back in 2006, when he made 201 jumps in just 24 hours at the Perrine Memorial Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Highest Space Jump

It’s considered a “space jump” when a skydiver or parachute jumper starts from such a high distance that they are almost in space. Technically, no one has actually jumped from space, which is defined as 100 meters above Earth, but Alan Eustace gets the record for the closest. In 2014, he set the current world record for the highest and longest-distance free fall, jumping from 41.422 kilometers or 135,898 feet above the earth. 

Longest Distance Traveled on a Unicycle

Lars Clausen from the U.S. traveled the longest distance without handlebars in the 1980s, setting a record of 11,315.8 miles upon a unicycle. This unicycling expert set a record so high that no one has come close since.

Longest Ice Swim

If you think you can handle cold water, how about ice water for more than an hour and a half? In 2023, the longest distance ice swim record was set by Krzysztof Gajewski from Poland in a lake at Czarna Góra Resort near Sienna, Poland. Gajewski swam for one hour, 46 minutes, and 16 seconds. The water temperature average was 40.7 degrees Fahrenheit. (It must be under 41 degrees Fahrenheit to qualify as an ice swim.) Gajewski was only allowed to wear a regular swimsuit, cap, and goggles.

Fastest Kayak Down the Mississippi

Long-time kayaker Traci Lynn Martin, the “Mississippi Mermaid,” has attempted many world records. Martin holds the record for the fastest kayak down the Mississippi—a feat that took her 55 days. Martin defies all odds as she has scleroderma, an autoimmune disease. The journey spanned 2,316.17 miles.

The post Extreme Feats: 15 of the Craziest Outdoor World Records appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

After spending her childhood in captivity, Helena Petterier (played by Daisy Ridley of Star Wars fame) is forced to face her past when her survivalist father escapes from prison after 20 years. Convinced her father, Jacob (played by Ben Mendelsohn), will come to take her young daughter, Helena must use all she learned from the man she once idolized growing up in isolation in the wilderness. 

Key Filming Locations 

Filming for The Marsh King’s Daughter took place over two months, June through August 2021, in Toronto and upper Ontario and included both city scenes and swamp and marshland locations. Although the book author Dionne wanted film production to take place in her home of 30 years, the Michigan UP (Upper Peninsula), she was happy that director Neil Burger chose filming locations that closely resembled that area. She could not be onsite during much of the filming due to the border being closed from COVID restrictions. However, after seeing photos from the shoot, she tweeted, “gives me shivers! This is going to be such a gorgeous film.”

Kent County Circuit Court—Alliston, Ontario

Court scenes involving Helena’s father were filmed at the Kent County Circuit Court in Alliston, Ontario. 

Kimberley School and Community Centre 55 (formerly Police Station #10 and #55)—Main St. Toronto, Ontario

Some street scenes show Helena getting off a school bus surrounded by news trucks. Helena and her mother leave the police station where photographers try to get their pictures for news stories, and these were all filmed off Main Street in Toronto. 

Ken Reid Conservation Area—Lindsay, Ontario, Canada 

This protected area is 276 acres (110 hectares) and encompasses McLaren’s Creek Wetland, which looks very much like the UP. Filming took place over several days in the marshland area, providing the backdrop for several important scenes in the movie.

Wild Areas of French River, Lake Simcoe, Kawartha Lakes, and Kingston Pen—Greater Ontario Area

The wildlife and nature areas around Ontario, including Mississauga, Caledon, and Lake Simcoe are featured throughout the film—from scenes shot above showing the waterways to the woodland areas surrounding the cabin the family called home when Helena was a child. The fictional cabin where Helena grows up is actually in the Tahquamenon River Valley of the Upper Peninsula, surrounded by swamp and marshland. Production of the cabin scenes featured in both the beginning and end of the film took place in the wilds of Ontario meant to resemble the UP.  

At the forested home of an adult Helena and her daughter and husband who know nothing about her past, Helena sets booby traps just in case her father comes for her. Alongside the marshland and natural areas of upper Ontario, these areas create the perfect background for building tension, fear, and madness while Helena tries to protect her family.

Helena goes to hell and back to protect her family, using the hunting and navigational skills she learned early in life as she tries to outwit the very person who taught her those survival skills in the first place. Dokis First Nation helped carry equipment, actors, and crew to the remote filming locations, which were sometimes a 20-minute boat ride away.

The post Survival Skills Are Put to the Test in ‘The Marsh King’s Daughter’—But Where Was It Filmed? appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Mushrooms have insane health benefits—especially wild mushrooms—and they are considered a superfood because of their nutrient density. Mushrooms have around 15 vitamins and minerals packed in each one, including vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, zinc, potassium, fiber, and vitamin D. They’re also rich in antioxidants, and the phytochemicals in mushrooms have anti-cancer and anti-aging properties.

While identifying the right mushrooms in the wild may be a challenge, preparing them is easy, if you know the right tricks. Here are eight.

Disclaimer: Before cooking and consuming wild mushrooms, make sure you are 100% certain what mushroom they are and always consult an expert. Many wild mushrooms are toxic, some deadly. 

8. Use the Right Tools 

Use a very sharp knife when harvesting the mushrooms and make sure to collect them in a basket or breathable mesh bag to allow them to breathe. Be gentle with the mushrooms when removing them. When chopping, continue to use a really sharp knife to maintain their unique shape and avoid damaging their delicate flesh.

7. Don’t Wash Them in Water

Mushrooms are mostly water, so don’t use water to clean them, because it will change and lessen their flavor. (The mushrooms will just absorb the water and they won’t taste as good.) Instead, use a very gentle brush to get rid of dirt and anything else that might still be on the wild mushrooms. Often, mushroom knives are equipped with a special mushroom brush for cleaning.

6. Check for Bugs

Always trim any damaged or discolored parts of the mushrooms away and avoid slimy mushrooms. Inspect them for insects, because sometimes, small bugs or worms live on mushrooms, especially those foraged from logs. 

5. Most Mushrooms Should Be Cooked

Almost all kinds of foraged mushrooms need to be cooked, and many are toxic if they are not—like morels—so cooking before consuming is usually the best choice. Sautéing mushrooms will also soften them and improve their texture.

Here are a few general ways to prepare cooked mushrooms:

• Sauté: For the best flavor, add butter or oil to the pan only after the water from the mushrooms has dissolved. Cook on medium-to-low heat until golden brown and soft.
• Roast: Add any desired seasonings to clean mushrooms and roast in the oven until they are tender and browned.
• Grill: Grilling mushrooms can be a great way to release different flavors.

4. Cook or Dry Them Right Away 

Foraged foods taste better when they’re fresh, so picking a bunch of mushrooms for your dinner that evening will help you enjoy the mushrooms’ flavor at its peak. Similarly, if you choose to dehydrate or freeze the mushrooms, it’s optimal to do so shortly after foraging. Clean the mushrooms before freezing or dehydrating them so they’re ready to go when you defrost them for use. 

If you plan to eat foraged mushrooms a few days after harvesting, store them in a brown paper bag without closing the top to keep them fresher for longer. Avoid storing them in plastic wrap, because that will make them go bad faster.

3. Try Preserving Them

If you have a lot of foraged mushrooms that you can’t eat right away, you can freeze, dry, or pickle them for long-term storage. Dried mushrooms can be rehydrated later before cooking them to gain back their delightful texture. The water from rehydrated mushrooms has great flavor and can be used for soups and stews. Generally, you only need around one-eighth the amount of dried mushrooms compared to fresh when you’re measuring mushrooms for a recipe.

Some mushrooms like chicken of the woods and chanterelles don’t store well dried, so instead, try to cook, vacuum seal, and freeze them to retain their best flavor. Mushrooms freeze better when cooked since they are mostly water and may become mushy if you free them raw.

You can also try the Italian process for marinating mushrooms, like for porcini, by salting the mushrooms, boiling them in vinegar, drying them, and then preserving them in olive oil. 

2. Don’t Overpower Them 

Seasonings and spices that go well with mushrooms can vary, but typically things like thyme, rosemary, parsley, garlic, and shallots pair perfectly with wild mushrooms. Mushrooms also pair well with wine and cheese, if you want to have a fall picnic. Experiment with different mushrooms and pairings to find your favorite flavors. Wild mushrooms often have a unique, earthy flavor; try not to overpower them. Allow that flavor to shine through without overloading your dish with too many seasonings.

1. Go for Hearty Meals

Wild mushrooms pair well with game meats, steak, and some types of seafood. Foraged mushrooms in particular also make great sauces for steak, pasta, or fish, because of their wonderful flavor. Making a wild mushroom stew or soup is also the perfect way to end a day foraging, and you can never go wrong with a creamy mushroom sauce drizzled over a steak. 

Adding mushrooms to pasta or rice is also a match made in heaven. Mushroom risotto is insanely delicious, especially with foraged chanterelles or morels. Try adding sautéed foraged mushrooms to a simple sauce poured over noodles or as the stuffing inside ravioli.

For more mushroom content, browse here.

The post 8 Tips for Preparing Foraged Mushrooms appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Fortunately, there are millions of miles worth of trails in the U.S. and plenty of amazing adventures that make you feel like an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker.

Here are a few that we recommend:

The Foothills Trail – 77 Miles

The Foothills Trail in the Carolinas has the scenery of the Appalachian Trail but with a fraction of the miles. The 77-mile-long trail connects South Carolina’s Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. Along the way through thick wilderness, you’ll see amazing views and more than a handful of waterfalls. The lower elevation, combined with most of the trail in South Carolina, makes this hike accessible for most of the year. 

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail – 70 Miles

For those living in the Northeast, the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail may be calling your name. This 70-mile trail goes through Pennsylvania from the Ohiopyle State Park to the Conemaugh Gorge. Like the AT, you’ll find beautiful views along the Youghiogheny River. There are even overnight shelters along the way where hikers can set up camp. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is part of the Potomac National Heritage Trail, so technically, you can connect it to other trails and head all the way to Washington, D.C.

California Riding and Hiking Trail – 36.6 Miles

If the desert is calling your name, it may be time to head to the California Riding and Hiking Trail in Joshua Tree National Park. At just under 37 miles, this trail is shorter than any others on this list, but when you factor in the lack of places to get water, the trail isn’t necessarily easier. The path covers many miles within the national park and connects the Black Rock Canyon to the North Entrance. The hike usually takes two to three days. A campground is located in the middle of the trail and is a great place to cache water for the trip. 

Wonderland Loop Trail – 93 Miles

The Wonderland Loop Trail goes all the way around Mount Rainier. The nearly 100-mile hike goes up and down different terrain and through distinctly different ecosystems, from forests to high alpine. This trail is the ultimate way to experience Mount Rainier National Park. Weather is a major factor for this hike, and the window can be fairly small, so the national park has a lottery system for a permit to do the hike. The lottery opens in late February.

The John Muir Trail – 211 Miles

The John Muir Trail (JMT) is no easy feat, and at 211 miles, it’s longer than any other trail on this list. However, it may be the best way to capture the feeling of being on the Pacific Crest Trail. The JMT goes through central California from the Yosemite Valley and ends with an epic hike up Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. The trail is a great way to visit multiple national parks as it goes through Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. Similarly to the Wonderland Loop Trail, one of the hardest parts of this trail is getting a permit.

Choose Your Own Adventure: Hike a Segment of the Appalachian Trail

One of the great parts of the Appalachian Trail is how many states are part of the adventure. As a hiker, you can jump on the trail and cover as many miles as you want. In fact, section hiking is a popular way to conquer the entire trail, even if it takes a few days or weeks every year for decades. So, which of the trails are you going to hike first?

The post 6 Amazing Long Hikes When You Don’t Have Time for the Appalachian Trail appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

“It became – and still is – our one uninterrupted period where we are all together with few

guests and few distractions, beautifully separated from the mainland by two miles of wild, tidal sea. We all love it,” wrote Bear in his 2021 autobiography Never Give Up.

While owning a private island sounds like the ultimate in glamor, the reality can be quite different. Some islands don’t have power or water supplies, and you need to be prepared to do boat crossings, sometimes in rough weather. However, when you get there, there are many options for outdoor adventures.

Could you live on a small offshore island? Here are some of the things that came in useful for Bear and his family.

Some Island Experience

Bear Grylls has always had a connection to islands. He spent his childhood on the Isle of Wight in Britain, where he had many adventures with his family, horseback riding on the beach, sailing, and climbing the hills and cliffs with his father, so he was used to island life and knew what it’s like doing sea crossings by boat or ferry.

Before he married his wife Shara, Bear once house-sat on a 20-acre island in Poole Harbour for the winter. He says he loved living there, chopping logs, keeping an eye on the place, and, as he says it, “living like a king.”

A Torch and a Crowbar

Buying and owning a private island is not as glamorous as it sounds. Bear tells the story of how when he first spotted that the island was for sale, he and Shara were 26 years old, had been married one year, and were living on a houseboat, trying to make ends meet. The idea of buying a private island seemed “crazy and fanciful,” he says.

Bear says that when they went to see the 20-acre island, it was a gray winter day and it was raining, which it does frequently in North Wales. They were told to bring a torch and crowbar to gain access to the boarded-up old lighthouse keeper’s cottage on the top of the island.

Bear says the locals probably thought he was crazy “buying a rock out in the sea that has no power or mains water, that is infested with rats and is regularly smashed by winter storms.”

But after negotiating the price down (it cost £95,000 or about USD $115,500), they managed to buy it by pooling their resources.

Patience and Hard Work

When they first visited the island, Bear and Shara found that the house on the island was caved in, with no roof, earth floors, and lots of rubble and junk. There was no power or water. They knew that renovating the house would take a lot of time and money.

Bear wrote about how they had no money to do anything with the island at first, and they used to go over to it on an old jet ski and camp in tents with no power or water. They put up a wind turbine and then small solar panels, and then they started to work on the house. He says the project took about seven years—and that one of the first big tasks was to get rid of all the rats.

A Boat to Get Supplies

Bear’s island is two miles out to sea, and he says even buying food is hard work.

“Even getting a few supplies involves going down the hill, swimming or rowing out to the RIB, then the rough, wet, two-mile journey across to the mainland, anchor down, row the dinghy ashore, hike to the shops, carry the supplies back to the shore, row out, back into the RIB, back over, and reverse the process . . . but now uphill.”

Sound like your idea of fun?

A Spirit of Adventure

In good weather, island life can be idyllic. When Bear is on the island in summer, he loves to go cold-water swimming in the sea, climbing, caving, coasteering, and kayaking with his family. He has a pull-up bar suspended over a cave for working out, and he has also had some paramotoring adventures there.

“I have had some epic powered paraglider flights taking off from the cliffs on the

island. These have included a few very close calls, such as engines failing over the sea. Or the time the exhaust broke from its mount and smashed into the props as I skimmed over the lighthouse. It was the luckiest and best-timed emergency landing I’ve ever had,” he wrote in Never Give Up.

If you’re an avid outdoors-person and willing to put in a lot of work—and you happen to have the money—buying a private island might be for you. For Bear and his family, it has become a retreat they can call their very own.

The post Bear Grylls Bought a Rat-Infested Island, Says It Was One of His Best Decisions to Date appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

I’m not a financial expert, but I’m pretty sure that jackpots that big come with a moral obligation to buy something that floats and has at least two commas on the price tag. That kind of money also gives you the opportunity to be a person of culture and delve into the timeless art of sailing—presumably to exotic destinations where you collect fine art. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have brute speed on tap whenever you desire a hit of adrenaline. 

If you ever do win the lottery, here are some of the boats you need to take a look at. These should at least cover your basic needs (in no particular order). Bon voyage!

1. Amels 80

I’ve heard that when the rich and famous gather in Monaco, the wealthiest visitors don’t dock in the harbor; they anchor offshore, because their superyachts don’t fit in the harbor. When that is a problem you’re lucky enough to face, treat yourself to the Amels 80.

The Amels 80 is the pinnacle of the Dutch yacht-maker’s impressive offerings. It’s nearly as long as a football field and comes equipped with six guest suites plus an entire deck dedicated to the owner’s privacy. The captain and a crew of 20 will make sure your journey is nothing short of delightful. With a maximum range of 5,000 nautical miles without refueling, the world is yours to explore.

What does all this excellence cost? Amels doesn’t provide pricing, since its builds are custom jobs. As the saying goes, if you have to ask, you can’t afford it. (But since you won the lottery, you don’t—so you can.) 

• Style: Superyacht
• Price: Built to spec
• Length: 261 feet
• Beam: 41 feet
• Top speed: 16 knots

2. Oyster 885CB

Sailboats have remained popular in spite of technological advancements for a reason—there’s something primal and inherently satisfying about harnessing the wind and blasting across the water in near silence. Doing that in total luxury is nice, too, and perhaps nobody knows that better than the people at Oyster.

The Oyster 885CB is 90 feet of hand-crafted opulence and exquisite materials. It’s built to cross oceans in comfort and at great speed, thanks to efficient sails and incredibly strong construction. When the winds don’t cooperate, you’ll have a pair of 330-horsepower turbocharged Cummins engines and 925 gallons of diesel at the ready.

What makes the CB-version of the 885 special is a shallow-draft centerboard keel that reduces the vessel’s draft from 11.5 feet to 7.5 feet. That means you can slip into shallow waters and remote beaches that are off-limits to other boats of this size. That exclusivity will be a nice little treat for the occupants of all four guest cabins on your Oyster 885CB.

• Style: Sailing yacht
• Price: $5 million (starting)
• Length: 90 feet
• Beam: 21 feet
• Top speed: Not specified

3. Candela C-8

The spec sheet for the Candela C-8 reads like something out of a science-fiction novel, but it’s very real and the company is taking orders now. The all-electric hydrofoil is packed with cutting-edge technology that helps it conquer the Baltic Sea outside the Swedish factory safely, efficiently, and in style.

Inside the C-8’s carbon-fiber hull is a 69-kilowatt-hour battery that drives a silent electric motor capable of pushing the boat to a top speed of 27 knots. Two retractable hydrofoils and a mind-boggling stability-control system lift the hull above the waves so even 3-foot swells won’t rock the boat. At 22 knots, you can expect a range of 57 nautical miles.

The C-8 charges quickly, but good luck finding dock space that accommodates water-going EVs. This isn’t exactly a practical purchase, but lottery winners aren’t burdened with the need to be practical. The Candela C-8 is incredibly unique and delightful to drive—and you’ll get to enjoy watching boat-making technology try to keep up with you.  

• Style: Electric hydrofoil
• Price: $395,000 (starting)
• Length: 28 feet
• Beam: 8 feet
• Top speed: 27 knots

4. Fountain 42 Lightning

Throwing your money around is bad form, but there are times when you might need to snap the throttle open and remind someone that you are indeed the fastest person on the water. When that time comes, you’ll want to be sitting in a Fountain 42 Lightning.

There are lots of facts and figures on Fountain’s website, but the one that matters is this: you can spec the Fountain 42 Lightning with a pair of 9.0-liter Mercruiser engines that combine to produce a time-space continuum-bending 2,700 horsepower. Those engines are wrapped in a beautiful hull and a high-end cockpit that looks more sophisticated than flashy.

Screaming across the water at 140 knots requires serious engineering. The company doesn’t list prices on its website, but I found used examples listed for as much as $390,000. It’s hard to put a price on that kind of speed, though, so a 42 Lightning should definitely be on your post-jackpot shopping list.

• Style: Speedboat
• Price: Not specified
• Length: 42 feet
• Beam: 8 feet
• Top speed: 140 knots

5. Aviara AV28S

How do you follow the adrenaline rush of winning the lottery? Wakeboarding behind the Aviara AV28S should do the trick. This incredible wake boat offers all the performance you need and all the amenities you want.

The AV28S is a great wakeboarding platform thanks to 1,800 pounds of ballast, a power-folding wake tower, and a submersible swim platform. Being in the driver’s seat isn’t bad, either, because you’ll get to enjoy HD digital gauges and seats that stay cool in the sun. Best of all, there’s a full-featured head with running water for long days on the lake.

There are plenty of great wake boats out there, but none of them match the luxury of the AV28S. It’s a stellar performer. It’s loaded with luxury. I’ll be shocked if you don’t feel like James Bond every time you pull away from the dock and grab a handful of throttle.

• Style: Wake boat
• Price: Not specified
• Length: 28 feet
• Beam: 8.5 feet
• Top speed: Not specified

6. Boston Whaler 420 Outrage

Maybe this is the New Englander in me, but I can’t imagine a wishlist of boats that doesn’t include a Boston Whaler. If you’re going to spend some of your lottery winnings on fishing trips for you and your buddies, it should be in a personalized Boston Whaler 420 Outrage.

The 420 Outrage uses the company’s famous “unsinkable” hull, a prep area with hot and cold running fresh water, a cooking area, a private head, and a 40-gallon livewell. Deck out your fishing boat with optional colors, entertainment features, and advanced electronics. Six engine options are available, including quad-V8 and triple-V12 setups. The most powerful configuration can push the 29,500-pound vessel to a top speed of 53 knots.

Boston Whalers are a bit like G-Shock watches and old Land Cruisers—everybody seems to love them, regardless of income level. The 420 Outrage carries on Boston Whaler’s hard-nosed, blue-collar image while offering truly exceptional performance and amenities that blur the line between a fishing boat and a yacht. 

• Style: Fishing boat
• Price: $499,000 (starting)
• Length: 42 feet
• Beam: 13 feet
• Top speed: 60 knots

7. Boesch 860 Monaco Deluxe

When you’re wealthy enough to focus on wants rather than needs, you can afford to ignore spec sheets every once in a while. The Boesch 860 Monaco Deluxe has measurements and features, I’m sure, but that’s not why people buy it. This boat is so beautiful that merely looking at it might break your heart. 

Swiss artisans craft every component, surface, and visual line of the 860 Monaco Deluxe to be immaculate. The hull’s 11 layers of mahogany are stronger than modern fiberglass hulls. The resin epoxy reflects the scenery around you like a mirror. While electric propulsion is an option, this boat really should be experienced with the beautiful soundtrack of a burbling V8 duet.

This isn’t a performance machine or a floating home. You can certainly use it to get from place to place (maybe from your villa to a lakeside gelato shop), but what it’s really good at is oozing style and class. Throw on some Italian sunglasses and let the wind style your hair. You deserve it, after all.

• Style: Runabout
• Price: Not specified
• Length: 28 feet
• Beam: 9 feet
• Top speed: 42 knots

The post 7 Boats to Buy If You Win the Lottery appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

5. Hike the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail

This combination trail is one of the most iconic and rewarding hikes in the park. It takes you down into the heart of the Bryce Amphitheater into the hoodoos. The Queens Garden Trail is only 1.8 miles out and back and has very little elevation gain, so it’s great for an easy, nature-filled hike. Starting at Sunrise Point, combine the Navajo Loop Trail with the Queens Garden Trail for a 3.1-mile trip. Wear lots of sunscreen if you start in the morning, because it gets hot fast. Adding the Navajo Loop Trail to your trek means you get to see the Navajo Loop Switchbacks—one of the most beautiful sights in the park. Turn right at the first opportunity from the trailhead to make sure you get to see the switchbacks.

The Navajo Loop trail isn’t complete without a stop at Wall Street at the end of the switchbacks. Experience gorgeous colors and lights dancing on the canyon walls and remember to go early to beat the crowds.

4. Watch the Sunrise at Sunrise Point or Inspiration Point

Sunrise Point is probably the most popular place to see the sun peek out from behind the horizon, but why not try the sunrise at Inspiration Point for fewer crowds? No matter where you go, be sure to see at least one sunrise in Bryce Canyon on your trip, because it’s unforgettable. You’ll see the sun illuminate the hoodoos in soft hues of orange and pink, and it’s the perfect way to start your day. From Inspiration Point, you can see the grand amphitheater, and at Sunrise Point, you’ll see Thor’s Hammer—both are really worth a visit at sunrise. Don’t forget a jacket, because the desert gets cold in the early hours of the day.

3. Stargazing at Night

Bryce Canyon is renowned for its incredible stargazing opportunities. The astronomy programs offered at Bryce Point are a perfect combination of science and nature. Head out on a clear, moonless night to see the most stars possible. The Astronomy & Night Sky Programs are great because you get a tour of what stars and planets you are seeing. The night sky at Bryce is so dark that thousands of stars are visible, and you can even see the Milky Way from horizon to horizon. With so little light pollution, it’s one of the best night skies you may ever see in your life.

2. Scenic Drive 

The Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is a perfect option if you want to relax with some air conditioning, or it’s a great way to enjoy gorgeous views if you have limited mobility. Drive down Bryce Canyon Road and go the entire 18 miles, if you want. The road is extremely high elevation and goes up to 7,500 feet. There are a lot of photo ops, so make sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy the drive, at least 1-2 hours. It’s a great way to enjoy the park if you only have limited time there.

1. Horseback Riding Through the Hoodoos

One of the most unique and memorable experiences you can have in Bryce Canyon is to take a horseback ride through the incredible hoodoos. Hoodoos are towering columns of sandstone rock. Guided horseback rides range from $75-100, but the experience is unforgettable and worth the money. The rides are 2-3 hours, depending on what time of day you go, and rides are offered from April to October. 

The post 5 Cool Things to Do in Bryce Canyon National Park appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.