Places of Darkness
The Earth's 650 remaining mountain gorillas survive in the war-ravaged jungles in and around the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As rebel armies and poachers continue to run amok, the gorillas are pushed ever higher into the mists. Is saving them still worth the cost? BY KIRA SALAK Read excerpt >>

Our Man in Brazil
When he arrived in Rio, CHARLES GRAEBER didn't know much about Brazil—except that it's larger than the contiguous U.S. and is shaped like a big pork chop. Armed with only a map and rumors of piranhas, dune surfing, and "the Brazilian Galápagos," he set out to take a bite. Read excerpt >>

Project X-C
Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, scaling the Seven Summits, swimming the English Channel . . . outdoor adventurers are drawn to ambitious but arbitrary goals. Vermont resident GEOFFREY NORMAN set out to cross-country ski the length of his home state—one inn at a time. Plus, ten top winter lodges for busy days and blissful nights.

The Leading Edge 2004
Lighter. Faster. Smarter. Better. Here it is, our annual roundup of the best new gear, the hottest destinations, and the cutting-edge trends. From featherweight duds to foolproof gadgetry, it's all stuff to make the sports you love more fun than ever. BY STEVE CASIMIRO Read excerpt >>

American Wilds
It's everything you could ask for in backcountry terrain: Deep snow, empty slopes—and a private chairlift depositing you in the center of it all. It's Silverton, Colorado, and it's the best anti-resort ski resort in the U.S. (and a herald of the best new trend in skiing). BY McKENZIE FUNK

Global Health
Altitude sickness isn't just for Himalaya mountaineers. The disease affects thousands of regular vacationers each year. Here's some surprising news about how doctors are treating it now. Plus, the 411 on frozen feet. BY JIM THORNTON

Wild Roads
They're America's Treasure Islands—and they're only a cheap flight to Miami away. The Florida Keys are the perfect destination for a long-weekend road trip (think snorkeling, kayaking, sun-basking). Here's how. BY CLIFF RANSOM Read story >>

Tip Sheet
Who ya gonna call? Jail busters! At least 2,500 Americans are arrested overseas each year—many for innocent, if bone-headed, gaffes. Adventure's resident rule-bender tells you how to get in touch with those who can get you out. Plus, how to choose the best seat on a Third World bus, and where to go if all you want for Christmas is a week at surf camp. BY ROBERT YOUNG PELTON Read excerpt >>

Next Weekend
It's no accident that Lake Placid, New York, has twice hosted the Winter Olympics. After a few multisport days in the vicinity of this picture-perfect Adirondack village, you too can feel like a snow-sport god. Also: 16 more quick-hit escapes close to home. BY FRED TURNER AND JIM GORMAN

Books
Maria Coffey's Where the Mountain Casts Its Shadow tells the stories of adventurers who have lost their lives in the high peaks—and of the families they left behind. Plus, a look back at the wild North Atlantic adventures of Vitus Bering. BY ANTHONY BRANDT

Adventure on the Web
Destination: China. The best spots for kayaking, snowboarding, and climbing in Asia's overlooked adventure land. Read what our experts have to say >>

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