Week of September 21-28, 1995 Great ski resorts you’ve never heard of Trekking Peru’s Inca Trail Bareboat sailing in the Caribbean Snowboarding Europe’s mega-areas The wild side of the Grand Canyon Joshua Tree’s panoramic views The wild side of the Grand Canyon…

Wherever you're going, today's digital audio players have the memory and muscle to keep the tunes coming

There are a lot of tough endurance races, but the hardest one of all might take place on a single block in Queens, New York

In the seas off South Africa's Dyer Island, shark mania and risk adventure have combined with a vengeance. For a few bucks, one of a gang of ill-qualified, ill-equipped dive operators will drop you into the most dangerous water on earth. Problem is, no one's promising to get you safely back.

Week of September 19-25, 1996 Swimming with Aussie whale sharks New Mexico for Thanksgiving Suggestions for international study Where can a kid discover rafting? The Everglades in October: Ick Swimming with Aussie whale sharks Question: I am researching the Coral Bay/Ningaloo Reef area…

What would be the best mountaineering boot to avoid the beat-up shins I get with plastic boots? Are there boots made with this problem in mind? I know that it's not an uncommon one for women. Heather San Jose, California

Week of October 31-November 6, 1996 Pampered honeymoon seclusion Backcountry fun in the Canadian Rockies Thanksgiving on Maui with teenagers Moderate hiking trips in January Mexico: Too many options to count Backcountry fun in the Canadian Rockies Question: I’m an avid cross-country skier…

I've been looking into soft shells to take on a NOLS [National Outdoor Leadership School] expedition to the Himalayas and have narrowed the selection down to Patagonia's Mixmaster or Beyond Fleece's Cold Fusion. I was hoping you could help me choose one based on durability, performance, and warmth. Kevin Mahopac, New York

An outsized wilderness lives on in mythic dreams and salvaged hope

Week of September 14-21, 1995 Making the most of Baja’s Cabo San Lucas Choosing the right guide service for a Himalayan expedition Best autumn day hikes near Winter Park, CO Do Mexico right: Head straight for the Yucatán The Land of Enchantment knows no seasons…