The Adventure Fix Podcast

Issue 188: Ischigualasto, Diving SS Coolidge, Greystoke Mahale Lodge and more.

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Check out the full issue here: 

https://www.adventurefix.co/p/issue-188

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Whenever you’re ready, here’s how we can help you plan truly unique adventure trips:

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In this Issue

We take a comprehensive look at the latest issue of Adventure Fix magazine, featuring three extraordinary destinations that showcase the incredible diversity of adventures awaiting curious travelers. From underwater shipwrecks to prehistoric landscapes and intimate wildlife encounters, these experiences challenge our perspectives and ignite our wanderlust.

• SS President Coolidge in Vanuatu - a massive WWII shipwreck accessible from shore that evolved from luxury liner to troop transport before sinking in 1942. Incredible depth range (20-72 meters) makes it suitable for divers of all skill levels. It features remnants of both military life and luxury past, plus has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef
• Ischigualasto in Argentina (Valley of the Moon) - UNESCO site with bizarre rock formations and some of the oldest dinosaur fossils ever discovered
• Triassic-period paleontological treasures offering insights into early dinosaur evolution
• Can be explored by driving or hiking the Cerro Morado Trail for panoramic views
• Greystoke Mahale in Tanzania - remote luxury camp on Lake Tanganyika accessible only by boat
• Unique bandas (bungalows) built from old dhow boats with open fronts connecting guests to nature
• Famous for guided chimpanzee treks allowing intimate observation of chimps in their natural habitat
• Additional "Quick Fix" features including rare black leopard sightings, epic sailing journeys, Yemen's wonders, sperm whale superpods, and remote US locations

The key is to keep exploring, keep learning and keep that sense of wonder alive. We'd love to hear which of these adventures resonated with you the most.


Speaker 1:

Welcome back everyone for another deep dive. Today we are going to be taking a look at the latest issue of Adventure Fix.

Speaker 2:

Oh yeah.

Speaker 1:

I have to say, this one is particularly inspiring. I don't know about you, but I was getting some serious wanderlust just flipping through the pages.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, they really packed it with some amazing stories this time around.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely. I mean we've got underwater exploration, we've got prehistoric landscapes, we've got wildlife encounters. It's really showcasing the incredible diversity of adventures that are out there waiting for us.

Speaker 2:

It really makes you realize. You know how much there still is to discover out there.

Speaker 1:

Right, and how many different ways there are to experience this planet.

Speaker 2:

Definitely, definitely.

Speaker 1:

So for this deep dive, we thought we'd focus on three of the stories that really jumped out at us from this issue. We'll start by taking a look at the SS President Coolidge, which is a massive shipwreck in Vanuatu that has a really fascinating history.

Speaker 2:

Oh yeah, that's a classic.

Speaker 1:

Then we'll journey to Argentina to explore Ischigualasto, which is this incredible desert landscape filled with ancient fossils.

Speaker 2:

That sounds amazing. I'm a sucker for anything prehistoric.

Speaker 1:

Oh, you're going to love this one. And finally, we'll head over to Tanzania to experience the remote luxury of Greystoke-Mahal, where you can have some truly unforgettable encounters with chimpanzees.

Speaker 2:

Oh wow, I've heard about that place. It sounds absolutely incredible.

Speaker 1:

It does, and we'll touch on some of the other smaller but equally intriguing adventures that are featured in the issue as well. But let's start with the SS President Coolidge, shall we?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, let's dive right in.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so the President Coolidge, this ship, has a story that's almost as impressive as its size. It began its life as a luxury ocean liner you know all about comfort and elegance catering to the rich and famous but then World War II breaks out and it gets converted into a troop ship. Talk about a change in scenery.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it's kind of a stark reminder of how global events can just completely reshape things right. One day you're enjoying champagne and caviar and the next you're transporting soldiers across the Pacific.

Speaker 1:

Right, and it's that duality that makes the wreck so fascinating today. Yeah, you have this blend of luxury and wartime history all intertwined and tragically. In 1942, while I was off the coast of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu, the Coolidge struck a mine and sank.

Speaker 2:

Oh, wow.

Speaker 1:

Now, what's remarkable is that this isn't some remote deep sea wreck that requires you know, specialized equipment and a team of experts to reach. It's actually accessible from the shore. You can literally walk right into the water and start exploring the wreck.

Speaker 2:

No kidding. So you're telling me I could just stroll off the beach and find myself swimming through a World War II era shipwreck.

Speaker 1:

Pretty much, and it's not just any shipwreck. It's huge. The Coolidge is lying on its side and it stretches from about 20 meters down to 72 meters. And it stretches from about 20 meters down to 72 meters. That's a pretty significant depth range, which is why it's such a popular dive site for all skill levels.

Speaker 2:

Oh, I see so like a beginner diver could explore the shallower sections, while the more experienced divers could venture deeper into the wreck Exactly, and there's just so much to see.

Speaker 1:

I mean, you've got the remnants of its military life, like jeeps and cannons, and then you've got these beautiful chandeliers and other hints of its luxurious past, all scattered throughout the wreck.

Speaker 2:

It's like stepping back in time, but underwater.

Speaker 1:

Right, and one of the most iconic sites is this porcelain statue known as the Lady, which is just so striking against the backdrop of this massive metal structure.

Speaker 2:

You know, it's those little details that really make history come alive, right.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely, and of course, over the past 80 years the Coolidge has transformed into this vibrant artificial reef. It's teeming with marine life. Now You've got coral and reef, fish and eels, and even sea turtles have been spotted there. So it's not just a historical site, it's an ecological one too.

Speaker 2:

So it's like this accidental gift to the underwater world Exactly.

Speaker 1:

And if anyone listening is thinking, wow, I really need to add this to my dive bucket list. Adventure Fix has actually included some links to a video about diving the Coolidge and a blog post with more information, so definitely check those out. All right, now let's switch gears completely and head inland to a place that feels almost like another planet. We're talking about Esquivelasto in Argentina, which is also known as the Valley of the Moon.

Speaker 2:

Okay, color me intrigued.

Speaker 1:

So picture this. You've got this vast desert landscape with these incredibly bizarre rock formations that look like they were sculpted by some otherworldly force. And it's not just the scenery that's remarkable. Esquivelasto is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it's home to some of the oldest dinosaur fossils ever discovered.

Speaker 2:

Seriously, how old are we talking here?

Speaker 1:

We're talking Triassic period old, so we're talking about the very dawn of the age of dinosaurs, millions and millions of years ago.

Speaker 2:

Well, that's like stepping back to the very beginnings of dinosaur evolution.

Speaker 1:

Exactly, and it's not just about finding a few bones here and there. This place is a paleontological gold mine. It's given us incredible insights into what life was like during that crucial period in Earth's history.

Speaker 2:

Okay, I'm officially adding this to my travel list.

Speaker 1:

You won't be disappointed, and the landscape itself is just as fascinating as the fossils. The issue mentions that these strange rock formations are the result of millions of years of erosion, wind and water slowly shaping the landscape into these incredible shapes. It's mind-boggling to think about the forces of nature at work over such vast stretches of time.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it really puts things in perspective, doesn't it?

Speaker 1:

It does, and some of these formations have pretty evocative names, like the mushroom and the submarine, which I think gives you a good sense of just how unique they are.

Speaker 2:

I can only imagine.

Speaker 1:

Now a lot of people choose to drive through the park to take it all in, but Adventure Fix also mentions a hiking trail called the Cerro Morado Trail. It's a short but rewarding hike that leads to this panoramic viewpoint where you can really appreciate the scale and beauty of the whole valley.

Speaker 2:

Oh, that sounds lovely. A hike always adds another dimension to experiencing a place.

Speaker 1:

It does and, being a desert, I imagine the night skies there would be absolutely breathtaking.

Speaker 2:

Oh, I bet and I think I read that it's also pretty close to another national park called Talampaya, right?

Speaker 1:

Yes, talampaya National Park is another geological wonder, and it's also combined with a visit to Isquigualasto, so you could really make a trip of exploring both of these incredible landscapes.

Speaker 2:

That sounds like a fantastic adventure.

Speaker 1:

It does and, as always, adventure Fix has provided some helpful explore more links, including the official Isquigualasto website and an article about visiting both parks. So you do your research before you go.

Speaker 2:

All right, from these ancient landscapes, let's now shift to a completely different kind of adventure a journey to the remote shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, where we'll experience the unique luxury of Greystoke Mahal.

Speaker 1:

Greystoke Mahal. Now, that's a name that sounds like it's straight out of an adventure novel. It does, doesn't it? And the experience lives up to the name. It's more than just a typical safari lodge. It's described as this incredibly remote and luxurious escape, a place where you can truly disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Africa.

Speaker 2:

Okay, I'm already hooked.

Speaker 1:

So picture this You've got this incredible camp nestled right on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, with the majestic Mahal Mountains rising up behind it, and the only way to get there is by boat. So you're already starting your adventure the moment you step off the plane.

Speaker 2:

Oh, wow, that's quite the entrance.

Speaker 1:

It is. And then you've got these unique bandhas, which are essentially satch bungalows built from old dhow boats. So it's got this rustic Robinson Crusoe feel, but with all the modern comforts you could want.

Speaker 2:

Okay, that sounds like the perfect blend of adventure and luxury.

Speaker 1:

It really does, and each banda is open-fronted, so you're constantly connected to the sights and sounds of the lake and the surrounding rainforest.

Speaker 2:

So you wake up to the sound of waves and birdsong every morning? Exactly, yeah.

Speaker 1:

But let's be honest the real reason people come to Greystoke-Majal is for the chimpanzees.

Speaker 2:

Right the chimpanzees.

Speaker 1:

This area is renowned for having a large population of wild chimpanzees that are habituated to human presence, which means you can get up close and personal with them in their natural habitat.

Speaker 2:

Oh wow, that's incredible.

Speaker 1:

And it's not just a passive observation. You actually go on guided chimp treks through the rainforest, following experienced trackers who can interpret the chimps' calls and behaviors.

Speaker 2:

So it's like a real adventure just to find them.

Speaker 1:

It is. And then, when you do find them, you get to watch them from just a few feet away. You see them playing, grooming, interacting with each other. It's an incredibly intimate and moving experience to witness these amazing primates in their own world.

Speaker 2:

It must be so humbling to realize how closely we're connected to these creatures. It really is.

Speaker 1:

And once again, Adventure Fix has provided some great Explore More links for those who are intrigued, including the Greystoke-Mahale website and a vlog that captures the chimp trekking experience.

Speaker 2:

Definitely worth checking out.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely so. We've covered three amazing destinations, from the depths of the ocean to ancient deserts and the remote jungles of Tanzania, but the latest issue of Adventure Fix has even more to offer.

Speaker 2:

Right, they've got that quick fix section with all those shorter stories, exactly.

Speaker 1:

And this time around it includes a sighting of a rare black leopard in Kenkrichan National Park.

Speaker 2:

Oh wow, A black leopard. That's incredible.

Speaker 1:

I know right. And then there's an epic sailing journey from Alaska to Greenland.

Speaker 2:

That's a serious adventure.

Speaker 1:

It is. And for those interested in more off the beaten path destinations, there's a piece about the wonders of Yemen.

Speaker 2:

Oh, that's a place you don't hear about very often.

Speaker 1:

No, you don't. It's supposed to be absolutely stunning. Then there's a mention of a mating superpod of sperm whales in Dominica, which I can only imagine is an incredible spectacle to witness.

Speaker 2:

I mean a superpod of whales. That's got to be something else.

Speaker 1:

And finally, for those who are looking for adventure closer to home, there's a feature on the most remote places left in the contiguous United States.

Speaker 2:

Oh, that's interesting. I wonder where those would be.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I'm curious too. I guess we'll have to check out the issue. So, moving on from the quick fix, there's also a fun little geography challenge in this issue called the compass. They show you a striking photograph and you have to guess where it was taken. Did you happen to see this one?

Speaker 2:

I did. Yeah, it looked like some pretty incredible rock formations, but I'll admit I had no idea where they were Me neither. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

It turns out, they're the pillars of Ula Kansis in Siberia, russia. Siberia Wow, that's pretty remote it is Definitely one for the adventure bucket list. And last but not least, we have the quote of the week, which I always find thought provoking, and this week it's a quote from Lao Tzu Knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom, mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power.

Speaker 2:

Hmm, that's a good one, especially in the context of adventure, right?

Speaker 1:

Exactly, and it makes you think about how these journeys we take, both outward and inward, can really push us to grow and learn, not just about the world, but also about ourselves.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it's not just about seeing new places. It's about challenging yourself and discovering what you're capable of.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely so. That wraps up our deep dive into the latest issue of Adventure Fix. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling incredibly inspired to get out there and explore.

Speaker 2:

Me too. I've got about a dozen new tabs open on my computer right now.

Speaker 1:

I hear you. So, for all of you listening, we highly recommend checking out this issue of Adventure Fix for yourselves. You won't be disappointed, and we'd love to hear which of these adventures resonated with you the most. Was it the allure of diving a historic shipwreck, or the mystery of ancient landscapes? Or maybe the chance to encounter chimpanzees in the wild?

Speaker 2:

And, more importantly, what kind of adventure will you embark on next? It doesn't have to be a grand expedition to a far-off land. Sometimes the most rewarding journeys are the ones that take us deeper into ourselves, our own communities or even just our own backyards. The key is to keep exploring, keep learning and keep that sense of wonder alive.

Speaker 1:

Couldn't have said it better myself. So until next time, keep adventuring.