When exploring the corridors and paths of Machu Picchu, you will be in complete awe of the Inca stonemanship of this ancient city built over 500 years ago. Nestled in the Andean Mountain Range and flanked by majestic peaks, this “Lost City of the Incas” continues to inspire travelers from around the world. The theories of why Machu Picchu was built in this location vary, but one is that this place was the Inca civilization’s foremost observatory. The Incas relied on signs from the sky and believed that it was through elements of nature that the gods communicated; and when you see this place for yourself, you can understand why.

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu has just celebrated 100 years of being rediscovered by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911.

View from the guard house of the the Lost city of the Incas Machu Picchu

After touring the lost city, make sure you hike up Wayna (Huayna) Picchu for an amazing view of Machu Picchu! You can follow an Inca path up the side of this mountain to the summit where you will find sacred temples and terraces. A steep, and at times, exposed climb takes a good hour to get to the peak that is 8,920 ft above sea level. You may arrive at the peak of Wayna Picchu out of breath, but the trek is well worth it for the remarkable views.

View of Machu Picchu from the peak of Wayna Picchu

While hiking Wayna Picchu we met up with the Bolivian President, Evo Morales, who was visiting Peru to talk with his Peruvian counterpart Ollanta Humala about integration and tourism exchange.

Ailsa Lapp, Chris Wheeler, and Bolivian President Evo Morales on Wayna Picchu Inca trail

Trip tip: The number of visitors allowed to enter Wayna Picchu are restricted to 400 per day so get tickets in advance online at http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe and find more info about Machu Picchu at http://peru.travel

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The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary travels to downtown Toronto, where medal-bearers and thousands gather to celebrate the arrival of Rick Hansen in Younge Dundas Square.

Among the medal-bearers in Toronto are former CTV Anchor Llyod Robertson, Race Car Driver Paul Tracy, TSN host Michael Landsberg, Motivational speaker Spencer West, and Canadian Paralympian Tracey Ferguson.

Follow the journey at http://www.rickhansenrelay.com

Chris Wheeler Media filming Rick Hansen Relay celebration at Dundas Square in Toronto

The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay arrives in Ottawa, Ontario. Rick Hansen visits the nation’s capital to acknowledge 25 years of progress, celebrate Canadian difference makers, and recognize the support of the Government of Canada. Follow this inspiring relay as it crosses Canada at http://www.rickhansenrelay.com

Chris Wheeler Media filming at Centre Ice during ceremonial Puck Drop at Ottawa Senators Game

Chris Wheeler Media filming in Prime Minister’s office as Stephen Harper marks 25th anniversary of Rick Hansen Man In Motion Tour

Chris Wheeler Media is providing video production services for the Rick Hansen Foundation and sharing inspiring stories of the Rick Hansen Relay as it journeys across Canada.

Inspiring stories are shared as The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay journeys through Montreal, Quebec. Meet Samuel, who has spina bifida and has been in a wheelchair since he was 2 years old and tells us “… you have to keep pushing and you’ll  be able to do it”. Dr. Albert Aguayo, a Montreal-based spinal cord expert, has known Rick for over 25 years and said that the Rick Hansen Foundation has supported and inspired incredible medical advancements in the field. You will also see Chris Kennedy, a quadriplegic who has been a leader in developing the Rick Hansen Global Accessibility Map – http://www.rickhansenglobalaccessibilitymap.com , fly free in a wind tunnel all because the facility was accessible to everyone. These are the inspiring difference maker stories along the relay that show the importance of making this world a more accessible and inclusive place. Follow the journey at http://RickHansenRelay.com

Des histoires d’inspiration lors du passage du Relais du 25e Anniversaire de la Tournée mondiale Rick Hansen à Montréal. http://RelaisRickHansen.com

Chris Kennedy Flying Free at the SkyVenture during Rick Hansen Relay

Chris Wheeler Media continues to be inspired by these difference makers while filming the Rick Hansen Relay.

Le Relais du 25e Anniversaire de la Tournée mondiale Rick Hansen poursuit sa traversée pancanadienne et visite la Belle province! De Rivière-du-Loup à Trois-Rivières, en passant par Québec, le Relais continue de rendre hommage aux personnes qui font une différence dans nos collectivités et nos communautés. Le Rouge et Or, le paralympien Dean Bergeron et l’accueil chaleureux des Québécois et Québécoises; le Relais en voit de toutes les couleurs! Unis en mouvement, les porteurs de la médaille Rick Hansen personnifient l’esprit du Relais : un esprit qui inspire! http://RelaisRickHansen.com

Rick Hansen and Chris Wheeler during Rick Hansen Relay in Quebec

The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay continues its journey through la Belle Province! From a football game at ULaval to Paralympian Dean Bergeron, Québec proves that Many in Motion have the power to change anything! http://RickHansenRelay.com

Chris Wheeler Media is enjoying providing video services for Rick Hansen and his Relay Team.

UBC launches Canada’s largest fundraising and alumni engagement campaign – Start an Evolution

The University of British Columbia has launched a $1.5 billion fundraising campaign with a twin goal of doubling the number of alumni engaged in the life of the university by 2015. By combining philanthropic gifts and alumni talents, UBC seeks to enhance student learning, expand research capacity and extend its community engagement initiatives.

UBC generates ideas that start evolutions. Ideas that change the way people think and the way the world works. We see this change as an evolution, one that improves upon what has come before and inspires the generations that follow.

Chris Wheeler Media is providing video services for the UBC Alumni Engagement producing videos to showcase on the campaign website and also multicamera coverage and interviews at their launch event. It is inspiring to interview the brightest minds of Canada that are making a real difference in the world (see From Discovery Into Practice success story about UBC cancer researchers making medical history). UBC Alumni Engagement team is definitely ahead of the curve in embracing the use of video and social media to engage their community and build support. It is a pleasure to work with such a forward thinking team.

For a number of communities that were not on the original Man In Motion World Tour route, the Rick Hansen Foundation is partnering with local municipalities to recognize local difference makers at celebratory events, as part of its coast-to-coast-to-coast 25th Anniversary Relay. Rick Hansen traveled to Iqaluit, on September 25 and 26, 2011 where he spoke to local teens at Iqaluit’s Youth Centre, recognized kids who are making a difference through volunteerism in Iqaluit’s elementary, middle and high schools and attended a town square dance along with Premier Eva Ariak, the Honourable Edna Elias, Commissioner of Nunavut and Her Worship Madeleine Redfern, Mayor of Iqaluit, Nunavut. Follow the journey at rickhansenrelay.com

Rick Hansen square dancing with Nunavut Premier Eva Ariak

Rick Hansen quote displayed at Inuksuk High School in the amazing community or Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Chris Wheeler Media is proud to be part of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay team providing video production services for web and broadcast purposes of this inspiring journey .

The 2011 RBC GranFondo Whistler brought together 7,000 cyclists that rode a 122 kms from the start gate in downtown Vancouver to the finish line at the natural playground of Whistler. The ride travels the world’s most scenic coastal mountain corridor, British Columbia’s Sea to Sky highway.

Tourism British Columbia Field Reporter Chris Wheeler joined in on this epic journey to capture what is now the largest mass cycling event of its kind in North America!

More BC Field Reports at: http://www.youtube.com/BCFieldReporter

More about British Columbia at: http://www.hellobc.com

The Madawaska River in the Ottawa Valley is an amazing canoe adventure that has whitewater rapids, gentle paddling sections, and nice campsites. This 48 Hour Traveller Trip Clip gives you a snapshot of paddling down picturesque sections of this river. We are at a novice level of canoeing so this was a perfect weekend trip… although we went during low water season and caught a rock that sent us for a swim so make sure to scout your routes! We put in at Latchford Bridge and over two days paddled to the town of Griffith.

Trip Tips: Pick up the Madawaska River and Opeongo River Guide that has detailed maps to help outline your trip, showing portages and river conditions. You can pick it up at The Greater Madawaska Canoe Rentals/ Shuttle Service in Griffith. Talk to Don Adams and he will give you the lowdown of the river plus you can rent a canoe and use his shuttle services. Also, if you go on a non-long weekend you will have the river to yourself and fully enjoy the gorgeous campsites.

During your paddle journey, you will pass through a series of Grade I-IV rapids (depending on season) and our favorite was the Snake Rapids section and Split Rock Rapids (first shot in video). Make sure to watch out for the Raquette rapids also known as the infamous “Canoe Eater” (yes this got us as shown in middle of video). There are a couple of recommended portages for paddlers at Slate and Highland falls. I have heard the experienced and brave try these sections with some being successful while others destroying their canoe.

All in all this is a great canoe trip while in the Ottawa Valley!

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Chris Wheeler Media is excited to announce that we will be filming the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay. We will cover the journey providing broadcast packages and posting web episodes of the relay from key locations across Canada. We are honored to join such an excellent team and to capture the inspiring stories of the many in motion participants.

Some information about the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay (from website):

Twenty-five years to the date of his Man In Motion World Tour commencing its historic cross-Canada journey back to British Columbia, Canadian hero Rick Hansen will continue his journey of making the world more accessible and inclusive with the announcement of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay. See Rick Hansen Relay Commercial

Beginning on August 24, 2011 in Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador – the easternmost point in North America – the 25th Anniversary Relay will retrace the Canadian segment of the original Tour, but this time one man in motion will be represented and celebrated by many in motion; engaging 7,000 participants from across Canada who have made their own difference in the lives of others.

See more about this relay at: rickhansenrelay.com and follow on twitter at: @RickHansenFdn