– Ian Wright from A to Z and beyond
- Mali’s Ghosts
- Central America’s volcano trail
- Kayaking the Mekong from source to sea

This issue features the winners of the Annual Photo Contest, special report from the Tsunami frontlines, Rodeo glory and more.

FEATURES

27_BEYOND THE SEA
The December 26 tsunami that struck Southeast Asia drew locals, volunteers and families searching for loved ones in an outpouring of grief, rescue efforts and rebuilding. Outpost field reporters witness families and communities torn apart by the sea they trusted.
STORY + PHOTOS: RICHARD FITOUSSI, MICHAEL BUCKLEY AND YASIR KHAN

32_MALI’S GHOSTS
Lacking in gold and oil deposits, Mali has been spared the violent upheavals of its West African neighbours. But travelling from Bamako to the Niger Delta and on to Dogon Country reveals a land rich in art, architecture, music and spirit.
STORY + PHOTOS: TYLER STIEM

42_THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LET EM ROLL
Looking for 200 bucks and the glory of a Saturday night at the Gladstone Rodeo in Manitoba.
STORY: LARRY FROLICK + PHOTOS: DONALD WEBER

46_PICTURING THE PLANET
Check out the winners and honourable mentions in this year’s Outpost/Nikon Photo Challenge.

DEPARTMENTS

07_TRIPPING
LOOKING FOR LEWIS & CLARK
Paddling into the heart of the American West, revisiting its most famous expedition

08_RUNNING THE MEKONG FIRST
Extreme whitewater kayaker Mick O’Shea triumps on the first full descent of the mighty Mekong.

12_COMIX
Welcome to My Country: Guyana.

16_TRIPFINDER
RING OF FIRE
Tramping Central America’s Volcano Trail.

20_SOFT MACHINE
THE FLYING FLU
Will Avian influenza be the source of the next big flu outbreak? What travellers need to know.

22_GOIN HARD
GO SKI A KITE
The family that kites together, travels together – on a 70-day record-setting expedition to the South Pole. Meet Matty, Eric and Sarah.

24_MEC’S THE TRAVELLER’S EDGE
TIPS + IDEAS TO GO

65_WRIGHT OF WAY
WORDING IT WRIGHT
Finally, Ian Wright explains himself.
THE BALLAD OF IAN’S THUMB
Ian looks back more than 10 years to his hitchhiking glory days.
RESOURCES

56_BACKPACKERS BUZZ
Travel news and updates from Hostelling International Alberta and British Columbia