500 Adrenaline Adventures (Frommer's) - Lois Friedland [148]
To see the striking white gannets, you’ll head to the tiny piece of land reachable only by crossing a footbridge spanning a 35m-deep (115-ft.) gorge. You’ll pass by a lighthouse to reach the headland, where you can see the gannets and their young perched atop two sea stacks (rock outcroppings close to the coastline), the only nesting spot for the species in the Faroe Islands. There are no organized birding tours to speak of on the island. For more information, contact the tourist board (information below).
While Mykines is tiny, there are a few hikes. Visit the “stone” forest in Korkadalur, actually a long line of basalt columns, or walk to the top of Knukur, for a view of the nearby islands. Fishing is the main way families are supported in the Faroe Islands, and there are boats waiting to take you deep-sea fishing. You can also sail around the Faroe Islands either in a private boat, in the restored schooner, Norðlýsið, which sails from Tórshavn, or the restored sailing ship Dragin ( 298/456939; www.dragin.fo/?id=37237), which sets out from Klaksví. For a scenic tour on the waters, or a day of fishing, contact Norðlýsið (www.nordlysid.com).
The locals speak a derivative of the ancient Norse language, but English is also spoken by some. Ferries come to Mykines and there is helicopter service a few days a week.
The gulfstream encircles the Faroe Islands, tempering the climate. The maritime weather here causes quick changes, from misty fog to light showers to blazing sunshine within the hour, so bring raingear. —LF
Faroe Islands ( 298/30-6900;www.faroeislands.com). Visit Faroe Islands (www.visit-faroeislands.com).
Tours: Faroe Saga Travel ( 866/423-7242;www.faroesagatravel.com). Five Stars of Scandinavia ( 800/722-4126;www.5stars-of-scandinavia.com).
When to Go: Summer.
Vagar.
$ Kristianshus Mykines ( 298-31-29-85).
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The Great Ocean Road
Australia’s Most Dizzying Drive
Torquay to Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
There’s always something liberating about a road trip, but this one along Australia’s wild coastline will make your heart race. Navigating hairpin turns on the edges of cliffs high above the sea is nothing short of exhilarating. Until 1932, when the Great Ocean Road was completed (built by returning World War I veterans), this stretch of Earth was one of the most isolated in the world. Besides the fisherman who lived in nearby villages that were accessible only by boat, few humans had laid eyes on the juxtaposition of land and sea here. Set between Torquay and Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road is an awe-inspiring feat of construction, and a tribute to Australia’s rugged landscape.
To really hug the curves and get the most out of this thrill-inducing ride, rent a convertible or a motorcycle. Actually, any kind of small car will do, but don’t even think about getting on a bus with a tour operator. Even though the nearly 240km (150 miles) drive takes just 31⁄2 hours—maybe even less depending on how fast you drive—allow at least 3 days for the journey. You’ll want to stop and experience some off-the-road adventures too.
The most eastern portion of the drive, starting in Torquay, is called the Surf Coast and is home to the world-famous Bells Beach (see ), featured in Point Break. If you brought your surfboard, stop your wheels and ride some waves. Even if you don’t surf, plan to spend an hour or so watching other enthusiasts. Each April, the world’s best surfers come here to compete in the Rip Curl Pro Surf and Music Festival.
Along Australia’s Great Ocean Road.
To spend some more time surfing or to try your hand at fishing, chill out in the cool town of Lorne before continuing on to Apollo Bay—the drive is especially harrowing as the pavement narrows and twists along a cliff edge. In Aireys Inlet, take a horseback ride on the beach or in Angahook-Lorne State Park with Blazing Saddles ( 03/5289 7332;www.greatoceanroad.com.au/blazing_saddles). If you’d rather stretch your