An Interview with Michael and Betsy West of The Wayfarers.
Taking inspiration from his passion for the English countryside - its history, environment and people - in 1984, Englishman Michael West co-founded The Wayfarers, a Britain based company providing custom crafted walking holidays and tours.
Today, the company hosts visitors in some of the world’s most scenic landscapes, where they offer an insider’s view of local life and lore, dine at fine inns and local restaurants, and make cultural interactions— with native artists, musicians, artisans, naturalists, vintners and farmers, for example—an important part of the experience.
Earlier this year Michael and Betsy West traveled to Argentina and Chile seeking the perfect itinerary for the Wayfarers’ first foray into South America. The result? A new 2013 Patagonia walk.
I caught up with the Wests recently to get the inside scoop on the upcoming adventure.
Michael and Betsy West in Patagonia.
Why Patagonia?
In the words of Bruce Chatwin: “Patagonia is the farthest place to which man walked from his place of origin” It is the ultimate wayfaring destination.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Since 1925, when their small-format 35 mm camera revolutionized the field of photography, Leica has had a profound influence on the way people view and document the world.
Today, the Leica Akademie invites you to the remote wilds of southern Chile to learn and record the story of Patagonia conservation in legendary Leica style.
@Ellen Barone. Melimoyu Glacier, Patagonia Sur
Led by conservation photojournalist Bridget Besaw, and hosted by Patagonia Sur, the workshop, held March 23-30, 2013, is designed for photographers of all levels. The highly immersive experience offers eco-conscious photographers the opportunity to learn tips and techniques first-hand while exploring one of the world’s most legendary landscapes with access to the latest additions to Leica’s storied M-System, the Leica M9 and M9-P.
Better still, the entire portfolio of M lenses is also available throughout the workshop, including the latest Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH, an amazingly compact super wide angle lens.
As an avid adventurer and outdoor photographer, I joined the 2012 workshop for the sheer visual promise of the Patagonia landscape, people and culture, but returned with much more than memorable images. The experience not only expanded my knowledge and how I perceive the world, but also how I perceive myself and my abilities. I highly recommend it.
For information and registration visit Leica Akademie or Seedlight Workshops.
To read more about my Patagonia Sur experiences or view images created in the workshop, click here.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Register for Sweepstakes at Patagonia Stores Nationwide through June 29
Patagonia and Texas Tourism invite you to take it outside, and enter for a chance to win one of two adventures to Texas, or a gift card from Patagonia.
Whether your outdoor tastes run to raising your binoculars in search of an Elegant Trogon, or paddling down Class II or III rapids in water coursing beneath 1,500-foot limestone walls, you can find it in Texas. Patagonia and Texas Tourism have teamed up for a sweepstakes aimed at adventure travelers looking for a Lone Star State experience. Register at one of 23 Patagonia stores across the country (excluding Cardiff, CA and Hawaii) between June 8 and June 29 for a chance to win one of two trips or a Patagonia gift card that can help outfit you for your next outdoor excursion.
Grand prize: Six-night birding trip through the lower Rio Grande Valley. The two-person prize includes two $250 gift cards redeemable in any of Patagonia’s 25 stores nationwide, plus airfare, transportation, personal birding guide, hotel accommodations and select meals in McAllen, Brownsville and South Padre Island, TX.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".