Abundance tropical rainforest with foggy and river flowing through in the morning at national park Pro Photo

Abundance tropical rainforest with foggy and river flowing through in the morning at national park Pro Photo

Grassy field with a mountain in the background, clouds in the sky

Grassy field with a mountain in the background

White clouds in the sky photo

White clouds in the sky photo – Free Blue Image on Unsplash

The Struggle With Altitude Sickness in the Ecuadorian Andes Is Real

The summit’s just there,” yells my guide, pointing over the spindly grasses clinging to the steep side of Pasochoa Volcano. I look out over the perfect pyramids of ice and stone that encircle us like the rings of a planet and silently plead with my heart to slow its beat, with my lungs to breathe more deeply.

My eyes brim with tears as my partner wraps his arms around me. “You’re a trooper,” he whispers. “And troopers don’t cry.”

“I’m not crying,” I pant into the gales of sharp, howling wind. “We’re 13,000 feet above sea level. It’s just the altitude, I swear.” I’m only half lying.

The four-day lodge-to-lodge trek through Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes was my idea. We’d hike by day and cozy up to the fireplace at night in a dreamy checkerboard of adventure and relaxation. The trail itself didn’t concern me. We’d done longer trails before; we’d even done them carrying all of our gear. It was the thought of the Andean altitude that turned my blood cold.

Jackfruit in the US

While jackfruit is a sustainable food choice in Southeast Asian countries, the sustainability of jackfruit is more complex in the US, Canada, and Europe because of transportation. While some jackfruit is grown in Hawaii, Florida, and Mexico, the majority of jackfruit in North America and Europe is imported from India, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Shipping jackfruit long distances involves significant food miles, contributing to carbon emissions and energy consumption. This diminishes some of the environmental benefits.

However, researchers also tell us that when foods are shipped, the carbon footprint of the shipping, while real, is less significant than the carbon footprint of packaging or of the food itself. In other words, from a climate change perspective, it’s probably much better to eat jackfruit from the other side of the world than beef from next door.

Plant violas in the fall for winter long color, flowers

The Sorbet series of violas, such as this Midnight Glow selection, resist stretching and stay compact through winter and even as temperatures rise in the spring. 

Ooty is a town and municipality in the Nilgiris district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu

Ooty Or Ootacamund Is The Capital Of The Nilgiris District. It Is One Of The Most Famous Hill Stations In India. The Place Lies At An Altitude Of 2,240 Meters Above Sea Level. The Blue Smoky Mist, The Eucalyptus Forests And The Rare Kurunji Flower Are The Special Features Of Ooty

Days needed to visit: 1 or 2 days.

Botanical Gardens
Government Rose Gardens
Doddabetta Peak
Tea Factory
Ooty Lake
Avalanche Lake
Pykara River
Mudumalai National Park
Emerald Lake

Summer Fruit Salad Vegan in the Freezer Yummly

Fresh Fruit Salad is a must for summer! Colorful, fresh, and sweet. Toss together your favorite fruits with an easy lime dressing.

Find the Finding Opportunity in the Face of Rising Acuity

Three NAATP Members Innovate to Reduce Safety Events

Faced with increasing levels of mental health and co-occurring diagnoses, residential treatment facilities are experiencing a greater frequency and range of safety issues: elopement, altercations, contraband, self-harm, and even suicide attempts. As the risk and costs of these events rise, organizations are looking for effective, efficient, and client-friendly ways to improve safety.

Color sync - Emergency lights on a keychain that can be recharged

Color Sync - Emergency Lights On A Keychain That Can Be Recharged: Torch Cob Battery-Operated LED Light Chain With A Bottle Opener And Four Modes, Designed To Be A Cob Keychain Light (Square).