World ’ s Best : Natural Attractions

Submitted by Dean Johnston

New for 2017 , the first of a series of quarterly “ Best of ” lists compiled by me , based on my personal opinions , and almost certainly the least objective thing you will read today . I ’ m sure many people would happily argue with my conclusions - altogether unimpressed with some of my choices , appalled and aghast at some of the surely very worthy places I have left off the list . But it ’ s my list , and these are my favourites . So that ’ s that . Now I give you , the World ’ s Best Natural Attractions , in no particular order :

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Wadi Rum ( Jordan )

Located in southern Jordan , this otherworldly landscape has been a popular filming location for a variety of movies from Lawrence of Arabia to Rogue One to The Martian ( starring as Mars , of course ). A bleak , strange desert filled with stunning rock formations , it is an ideal place for rock climbing , trekking or simply wandering around soaking in the incredible scenery and desolate feel . Spending a night or more in a Bedouin tent enveloped by the eerie space and quiet of this majestic setting will surely stick with you for the rest of your days . Despite the myriad troubles elsewhere in the area , so far Jordan remains both safe and affordable , making it one of the best places to go for a taste of the Middle East .

Iceberg Alley ( Antarctica )

There are few things on Earth that can compare to this unique panorama located just off the Antarctic Peninsula , and fewer still that can be described so accurately through a simple , pithy nickname . Really , the list probably ends with “ Iceberg Alley ”, “ Fat Camp ”, and “ Runner ’ s Nipple ”. Officially it is located in Hope Bay just off Pleneau Island , but that is far less fun to say . Unnervingly haunting and ever-changing , you could visit this remote locale every day and never have exactly the same experience twice . The variety of different icebergs is mind-boggling , and the colours are continually wavering with the sun , clouds and reflections off the generally calm , still waters . Throw in the extreme likelihood of whale encounters - in our case the highlight was a Humpback that fell asleep next to our zodiac - and it is hard to imagine a more fascinating or momentous place to spend the day . Of course , being one of the most remote locations in the world makes it maybe a little less than convenient , but that also means that you and your group will probably have the place to yourself ( besides narcoleptic whales , of course ).

ABOVE : Wadi Rum BELOW : Iceberg Alley

Khongoryn Els ( Mongolia )

These gigantic sand dunes are found on the southern edge of the infamous Gobi Desert in Mongolia . Just head south from Ulaan Bataar , take a right at the old couch in the main square in Bayanzag and you can ’ t miss them . Probably because they ’ re humongous , reaching heights of 80 metres and extending for over 100 kilometres . And if that doesn ’ t convince you to visit , they are also known as the “ Singing Dunes ”, not so much because of their critically disappointing alto performance on America ’ s Got Talent , but more because of the spooky howling noises they make when sections give way to slide down the side .

Climbing to the top is exhausting , every three steps forward followed by two steps back down and several curse words , but equally necessary . The views of the Gobi from the top are magnificent , and the razor-sharp crest with its fine dusting of sand blowing over the edge like a fine mist simply has to be seen to be believed . And if you happen to have packed a bottle of cheap Russian vodka to help celebrate at the top , well , everyone but your liver will be glad you did .

Grand Canyon ( USA )

No surprise to find this monster on the list . Regardless of the numerous other canyons that claim to be either deeper , longer or simply bigger ( that ’ s what she said ), statistics immediately become irrelevant when you find yourself standing on the edge of one of the most awe-inspiring open spaces on the planet . Whether you undertake the long , hot climb down ( and , sadly , also back up ), join a multi-day river rafting trip or simply ogle the great chasm from one , many or all of the different viewpoints , you will be hard-pressed to put the experience into words , and surely will never forget that feeling . Unfortunately , unlike the rest of the destinations on this list , the Grand Canyon is located in a violent , struggling country led by a volatile megalomaniac , so safety and comfort could be a concern .

Honourable

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Mention ; Uyuni Salt Flats ( Bolivia ), Cappadocia ( Turkey ), Iguazu Falls ( Argentina / Brazil ), Cliffs of Moher ( Ireland )

Dean Johnston is the author of Random Acts of Travel : Featuring Trepidation , Hammocks and Spitting and Behind the Albergue Door : Inspiration Agony Adventure on the Camino de Santiago . He is currently in Mexico eating street tacos and sweating . You can check out the rest of his travels at routinelynomadic . com .

Martensville Messenger February 2, 2017 | Page 9

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