US Airways - December 2014 - (Page 31)

Adventure explore Time to Play Volcanoes and Lattes Explore the astounding natural wonders and inviting coffee plantations in the heart of Colombia. By David Hanson In the Andes, it's possible, even easy, to drive your small rental sedan to a stratospheric 13,500 feet. My brother and I do just that in Colombia's Nevado del Ruiz mountain range one bright morning. We leave the lush, semi-tropical valley floor and weave our way up an hour of nonstop curves. Ferns, vines, and the dense canopy of the lower slopes fall behind as rolling pastures take over the hulking mountainsides. The sun feels brighter. Then the signs of life - white horses, spotted cattle, and small, wind-battered homes exhaling wood-smoke - begin to dwindle as the road climbs into the rocky, scrubby highlands. Finally, the massive, glaciated bulk of a 17,000-foot volcano looms ahead, reminding us just how small we are, and of the limits of our sedan. We left at dawn and drove all ★ PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HANSON this way to hike among some of Colombia's most impressive peaks before the inevitable afternoon clouds and rain. We arrive at the gate at 7:15 a.m. Another small sedan is waiting. Five Colombians pile out, three 20-somethings, a toddler, and a grandmother. They scramble to pull on extra sweatshirts and pants. I get out to stretch my legs. It's cold, mountain cold. I hustle around to the trunk and dig through my bag for a down jacket. Then it hits me. I'm panting like a dog chasing a Frisbee. It might be easy to drive up to this elevation (only 1,000 feet lower Clockwise from top: coffee plantation near Salento, a latte from a local grower, and bean harvesting usairwaysmag.com DECEMBER 2014 31 http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - December 2014

Table of Contents
Perspective: CEO Letter
From the Editor
Making It Happen
Style Spotlight: Gifts
Connections: Everybody's Business
Great Escapes: La Quinta Resort & Club
Great Escapes: Lone Star Court
Great Escapes: 21C Museum Hotel
Great Escapes: Nada's Italy Tours
Adventure: Volcanoes and Lattes
Gear Up: Stocking Stuffers
Gear Up: Weather Glass
Diversions: Cabarrus County, NC
Diversions: Christmas in Myrtle Beach, SC
Diversions: Artichokes
Getaway: Harbor View Inn
Getaway: Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
Getaway: Sonoma County Wine Country
Great Tastes: Sol Mexican Cocina
Charlotte USA: Workplaces of Tomorrow
The Arts: ArtistWorks
The Arts: Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
The Arts: National Museum of Women in the Arts
Wine & Dine: San Antonio, TX
Wine & Dine: U.S. Olive Oils
Travel Feature: An Insider's Guide to Tokyo
Special Section: Hilton Head, SC
University Spotlight: Christopher Newport University
To Your Health: ALS
Special Section: San Francisco + Sonoma Wine Country
Down To Business: Sport Clips
Gatherings: Grandover Resort and Conference Center
Best of Health: Miami Beach Foot Surgery
Special Section: Visit Florida
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Audio Entertainment
Video Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
oneworld alliance
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Giving: Miles for Good
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - December 2014