on the savanna. (elephant trumpets) (eagle calls) >> man: and see our underwater friends. (dolphin chirps) >> man: and animals from the arctic circle... (seal barks) (owl hoots) (cow moos) >> man: anywhere, everywhere animals live, it's always an adventure... (various animals making sounds) >> man: today on "animal atlas," we're going to set the record straight. animals, jususlike people, have rumors swirling about them. and sometimes those rumors or stories turn about to be so true, while sometimes they turn out to be so false. what's our job? to sort the truth from fiction. what's so true?

and what's a bit of both? so hang on for a wild ride. for in nature, and in the world of animals, the truth is always stranger than fiction. just ask the kangaroo that lives in the tree or the dog with webbed feet or the bird that can look an elephant in the eye or the frog that looks like a tomato or any other astonishing animal you might meet. let's start with a startli statement... that's both so false and so true. confused? consider this. the river or nile hippopotamus, which is the great behemoth pachyderm most of us are familiar with, as well as the much smaller and much rarer pygmy hippopotamus, don't have true sweat glands.

a thick red substance from their pores called, yes, blood sweat. okay, it's not blood, and its not sweat. but it does make the pygmy hippo shine. it even creates a foam behind the animal's ears. despite being thick-skinned, hippos have very sensitive skin that needs to be k kt wet most of the day, which is why, more often than not, if you happen upon a hippo in the bright sunlight, you'll find it pleasantly submerged up to its eyeballs and nostrils in cool water. if a hippo stays out of the water for too long, it can become dehydrated and sunburned, too. the blood sweat creates a layer of pinkish-colored mucus that not only acts as a sunscreen, but keeps the hippo's skin moist and may even act as a sort of antibiotic, protecting the portly creature

so hippos may not sweat blood, but there definitely is something magical oozing from those pores. while we're on the subject of blood... this is so false. just ask the vampire bats. here they are. rise and shine! hey, wait a minute. vampire bats? aren't vampires, by nature, bloodsuckers? sure, vampires of myth and legend might be, but not vampire bats. it's true that they drink the blood of mammals and birds, especially that of sleeping cattle. but they don't suck blood. they make a small v-shaped slit with a bite and then lap up the blood, hardly a bloodsucker. and importantly, not all bats are vampires. in fact, of the 1,000 or so species of bats,

the majority of bats eat insects, such as mosquitoes. and then there are the fruit bats, who eat, well, fruit. and just to be clear, vampire bats don't kill the animals they feed upon. and in most cases, the prey doesn't even know it's been a meal. these vampires aren't the size of count dracula. they're barely the size of your thumb. and while we're on the subject of bats, bats aren't blind. many, especially the fruit bats, have excellent eyesight. it's true that some bats use echolocation to find their way in the dark. but the beluga whale does, too. and no one ever says "as blind as a beluga" the way they say "as blind as a bat." bats simply don't deserve their bad reputation. they are wonderful animals, who will not only eat thousands of mosquitoes in a single night, but who,

pollinate fruit-producing plants. hey, not only that, they are the only mammal that can fly, though those leathery wings do take some getting used to. so how about this? >> man: so true. the komodo dragon, a lizard from a small range of islands in indonesia, is another animal with a bad reputation. could this be the face of a creature to be feared? when we come back to "animal atlas," we'll find out the truth about the komodo dragon. but first,

this animal fact... >> man: the answer coming up when we return to... [ female announcer ] are you one of millions of women embarrassed by hair loss or suffering from thinning hair? [ lisette ] i didn't want to look at myself in the mirror, and so i just got so frustrated. i just said, "i can't go on like this anymore." [ female announcer ] you have a personalized, proven solution right here. welcome to hair club. i had my self-confidence back. my husband was like, "that's my wife." [ female announcer ] you have your own, unique hair problem. that's why hair club offers a wide range of private, designed-for-you hair loss solutions, each of them proven and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. call or go online for more details. i look better today than i did at 40. i can style my hair the way i used to when i was younger. i love life. and why do i love life? because hair club brought that life back to me. [ female announcer ] after 40 years and 500,000 happy clients, from soccer moms to celebrities, thanks to world-class hair stylists, colorists, and trained hair professionals,

hair loss solutions provider and the reason hundreds of thousands of women just like you have turned their lives around. now i go anywhere, do anything with confidence. even on a really bad day, you never, ever have a bad hair day. they took care of something that was really terrifying to me -- really terrifying -- and made it fantastic. do you realize how nice it is for someone to walk up to you and say, "my god, you have the most beautiful head of hair," and i say, "thank you"? [ female announcer ] call now for your free confidential consultation, and we'll give you these four deluxe, full-sized women's hair products free as our gift. this no-obligation consultation will help us understand your hair and its specific needs and how we can help you. these free gifts are only available to women watching this commercial, so call or go online now. don't wait another moment

>> man: we're back. did you guess the right answer to our question? komodo dragons... the answer is... yes, with giant claws, poisonous saliva and their status as the biggest lizards in the world, with a length of up to 10 feet and a weight of close to 200 pounds, komodo dragons are reptiles to be taken seriously. these voracious meat eaters will eat just about anything they can sink their teeth into. and this includes deer, wild pigs, big snakes and even buffalo.

...is so true! no offense, just a fact. what about this pair of statements? >> man: does this seem like a trick question? after all, the buffalo is the symbol of the american west, and the buzzard is as much a part of the north american landscape as the prairie dog. but these statements are so false, sort of. this animal is actually a bison, which is also called an american buffalo to distinguish it from other buffalo, like this water buffalo. when european explorers first showed up in the new world and saw herds with literally millions of these animals covering the plains, they referred to them as simply buffalo, because that's what these animals most looked like to the european explorers.

but only distantly related. the bison was and is the biggest mammal on the north american continent. and that's sure saying something for a continent that is host to the great grizzly bear. bison are bigger than brown bears? yes, indeed. this shaggy grass grazer can stand over 6 feet tall at its shoulder and weigh close to 2,200 pounds, while even a humungous grizzly bear will only tip the scales at around 1,500 pounds. bison it is. american buffalo it answers to. what about this, uh, handsome bird? call it a buzzard, if you will, but this is a turkey vulture, even though it bears no relation to the turkey, other than sharing some distinctive red fleshy parts

buzzards are actually old-world birds of prey, like this african augur buzzard. if it looks like a hawk, that's because it is a hawk. at least, that's how this buzzard would be classified in north america. in the new world, just like the term buffalo was drafted to refer to the big bison, so was the word buzzard to refer to certain vultures, such as the turkey vulture and the black vulture, too. turkey vultures may look especially awkward on the ground, but these scavengers are poetry in motion when airborne. what's the buzz around this so-called buzzard? they're one of the few north american birds with a sense of smell. and though they are called voiceless birds, they can actually grunt and snarl and even hiss, when they want to. so to sum it up, this is a bison who will answer to american buffalo,

who will answer to buzzard. whew! dispelling rumors isn't so easy, is it? here's a persistent rumor... >> man: hmm, almost seems like it might be true, since this animal looks more like a mythical beast, akin to the unicorn, than an herbivore from the african savanna or of the swamps and rain forests of northern india and southern nepal. but let me be very clear. this is so false. it is true that the word rhinoceros comes from the two greek words meaning "nose" and "horn." and so, yes, it's the nose horn that makes the rhino. but the rhinoceros horn is no more magical than your fingernail clippings, since this horn is made of the same thing as your nails and hair--

a rhino horn can't cure fevers or bring good luck. it's not an antidote to poison, and it won't cure nosebleeds or asthma or any other myriad of human illnesses. this horn is just compressed keratin, and it's not even a part of the animal's skull, like a deer's antlers are connected to its skull. keratin is not just the substance of rhino horns and fingernails, but also of horse hooves, bird bills and turtle beaks. sadly, it's been the belief that this horn has some beneficial properties for humans, which has led to the poaching of thousands of wild rhinos. when we come back to "animal atlas," we'll dispel some more rumors swirling around the animal kingdom. bur first,

this next animal fact... >> man: don't go away. the answer coming up

hi, i'm matt mccoy. how long have you had your car insurance? i ask because i had mine for over 20 years, before i switched and saved hundreds with the aarp auto insurance program from the hartford. i was with my previous insurance for 30 years. but they could not compete with the hartford. people 50 and over

i had done a lot of comparison shopping. the rate was like half of what i was paying. [ female announcer ] $420 is the average amount drivers save when they switch to the aarp auto insurance program from the hartford. you know, it makes me wonder why everyone 50 and over hasn't switched. [ female announcer ] 4 out of 5 aarp members who switched to the hartford from companies like allstate, state farm and geico, got a lower rate with the hartford. so, call... or go to gohartfordauto.com for your free quote. if you're not already an aarp member, the hartford can help you join in minutes. let me tell you what else the hartford does. they promise not to drop you, even if you're in an accident. it's called lifetime renewability and it's included with your policy. it's a great feeling to know that they're not going to drop you for that reason. and if by chance you're ever injured in an accident,

this will help cover the cost of having someone do your grocery shopping, your house cleaning, lawn care, even walk your dog. [ leslie ] they were there when we got the insurance and they were there when we needed it. and we really appreciate that. [ female announcer ] save $420 on average, get lifetime renewability and recovercare. call the hartford at... to request your free quote. that's... or go to gohartfordauto.com today. get this free calculator just for requesting a quote. >> man: we're back. did you guess the right answer to our question? the answer is... sound like another trick question? consider this. though we might have arms, as do other primates, like gorillas

four-legged animals are so called because they have four legs and no arms. and this suits them just fine. sure, four limbs are common in mammal world, but who ever said arms are a necessity, especially if you eat with your teeth and tongue or have claws on your paws or prefer galloping to jogging? birds may have two legs, but they don't have arms. they have wings, and so do bats. and plenty of animals have more than two legs and even more than four. insects, for example, all have six legs. arachnids, such as spiders and scorpions, have eight legs, while some invertebrates, such as the centipede, may have more legs than we can count. arms? who needs 'em? not the tarantula,

okay, so there may be armlesesanimals. but there certainly can't be legless creatures, can there? well, fish don't have legs, though they do have fins. but if you're thinking, yeah, but they're fish, consider the dolphin, a warm-blooded and intelligent mammal. no legs, just a pair of flukes and a pair of fins. the same can be said for this mammal, the beluga whale, and for this mammal, too, the manatee, who does, indeed, have fins that act like arms. but legs? nope. this paddle-like tail suits this aquatic mammal just fine. of course, the grand master of the legless animals is the octopus, a creature with no legs but eight arms, eight strong, muscular arms, each with two rows of suction cups that seem to have

who needs legs? not the octopus, thank you very much. of course, in the vast and fascinating world of invertebrates, there are other creatures with only arms and no legs, such as the sea star. this animal is an echinoderm and not a fish, though it is sometimes called a starfish. but whatever you call it, it clearly has five arms with tiny tubelike feet on the underside. yes, you heard me right, feet on its arms. but hey, not every creature needs arms or legs. just ask the sea anemone. this predatory creature may look like a flower, but that's just a clever disguise. instead of arms and legs, the sea anemone has tentacles with stinging nematocysts for capturing prey, which it does very well. and how about this armless, legless wonder with its long stinging tentacles,

not only does the sea jelly lack limbs, it also has no brain. an animal without a brain? that's right. these creatures are 98% water, and they do have what are called oral arms, in addition to the tentacles, which serve to put food directly into their mouths. the top of the animal is appropriately called the hood. but besides the hood, the tentacles, the oral arms and the mouth-- well, there's not much else. but then the sea jelly doesn't need much more to live its life in the ocean. and, of course, we should mention that there's a very big group of successful reptiles who are limbless, no arms or legs, but who slither around and even climb just fine, thank you.

>> man: so true. here's an easy one. nope. they also eat termites and other insects. so the response is so false. since anteaters eat other animals, they're carnivores. but since they pretty much eat only insects, they are called insectivores. so why is the giant anteater called an anteater instead of an insect-eater? probably because the word anteater was both descriptive and entertaining, just like buzzard or buffalo or rhinoceros. how's this for entertaining? >> man: hmm, nope, so false. but what are quills? they're needle-sharp spines, or more specifically, modified hairs embedded in the porcupine's

and coated with thick plates of keratin. yes, that very same substance in our rhino's horn. quills are one of the ultimate defense weapons in the animal world arsenal. a porcupine's imimpressive quills are barbed and will come off the porcupine and stick into an attacker, causing paralysis, infection and even death. i bet even you're impressed, mr. komodo dragon. so it's true that quills are released during contact with predators and a quill or two may drop out when the porcupine shakes its body. but the porcupine can't launch its quills at its attackers, like a cluster of arrows. that's false. but what about this? >> man: did you think it was some sort of dog? nope. this is so true.

a flightless bird with a daggerlike claw on its foot. deadly? oh, yes. what's that thing on its head? a casque, which is made up of, you guessed it, keratin, just like the rhino's horn and the porcupine's quill. and this casque is clearly as magical to this bird as the rhino's horn is to this giant pachyderm, meaning not magical at all, but wonderfully unique and, yes, stranger than fiction. rumors? there are plenty percolating about in the world of animals. some are so true, while some are so false. but remember, no rumor can stand up to good old reliable facts, and the truth may amaze and surprise you. just ask the armless, legless, brainless,

for more fun animal facts and news, visit our web site at... >> man: the internet, you say? >> man: aw, that's nice. >> man: oh, that's interesting. >> man: see you there. don't go away.

will be right back.tthey said a bottle was just a bottle. that no one would ever notice me. but i knew i could be more. that one day, i would make people smile. [woman speaking indistinctly] ththey told me a bottle couldn't dream. that i would never become a superhero. [singing indistinctly] but i learned how to fly. just to come back, in a new disguise.

announcer: they'll test you. try to break your will. but however loud the loudness gets. however many cheese puffs may fly. you're the driver. the one in control. stand firm. just wait. [click] and move only when you hear the click that says they're buckled in for the drive. never give up till they buckle up. >> ushaka: can you imagine africa's wildest animals competing in their own olympic games? the greatest runners, jumpers and fighters all in one arena? well, it could happen. because this is africa. this is "safari tracks."

african language) >> ushaka: kunjani! i am ushaka. and today we are hosting the animal olympics. we'll meet africa's fastest and strongest animals up close and personal. these creatures are the undeniable champions of the bush. but, my friends, right now we are going to catch up with some predators most animals don't want to run into. and nighttime is the best time to see them.

of a jackal sends chills up your spine, you're not alone. this nocturnal animal has inspired creepy stories for thousands of years. jackals are most active at dawn and dusk. blunt feet and fused leg bones give them a long-distance runner's physique. they're not the fastest animals in the bush, but these dog-like creatures can maintain a speed of 10 miles per hour for long periods of time to outlast their prey. like the north american coyote, jackals are also scavengers. that's why they often turn up near human settlements. but they don't limit their menu to garbage cans. no, my friends, when it comes to eating, jackals are equal-opportunity omnivores. they'll eat almost anything that is available-- insects, lizards, rodents, plant matter and carrion. nothing is safe

by scavenging for carcasses and removing sick and old animals from populations, they help maintain an ecological balance. >> ushaka: at the other end of the predator pendulum are lions. many of you already know that lions can spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping. can you guess why? they seem to need a lot of time to digest their prey. and when you're at the top of the food chain, finding your next meal probably isn't worth losing sleep over. still, it is estimated that lion hunts are only successful about 20% to 30% of the time. one reason for this may be that lions attack by charging directly at their prey in a straight line. if their quarry zigs, they do not zag.

and look for another easy meal. >> ushaka: their prey's sharp eyesight can also complicate lions' dinner plans. since antelope, wildebeest and zebras have great vision, they often see the lions approaching in plenty of time to escape. >> ushaka: and here's a new wrinkle on an old tale. leopards may not be as nocturnal as was once believed. a recent study revealed leopards would gladly leave a comfy perch in a tree during the day if a meal presented itself. (leopard roars) >> ushaka: let's park the jeep for a minute and talk about water. ponds and rivers are the lifeblood of africa. >> ushaka: you're looking at the largest big gulp

the magnificent okavango delta. millions of years ago, a massive earthquake created the crown jewel of botswana, the okavango delta. during the rainy season, some estimates claim the delta can swell to about 8,500 square miles. >> ushaka: in drier months, it shrinks to just a fraction of that. naturally, the okavango river and delta are teeming with lush vegetation, birds and wildlife. but as the dry season approaches, the animals are forced to share less and less water. this makes it easy to predict where big game like elephants and lions will be at any given time. but it does not make these zebras and wildebeest

the crocodile-infested river. >> ushaka: look closely, my friends. that's a community of hippos. now you might think a bulky hippo would scare off all nearby creatures, but it's not the case with cattle egrets. they rid the hippo's skin of parasites in exchange for food and protection. (hippos growl) >> ushaka: with so much wildlife in one area, there is no better way to experience the delta than by traveling its ancient waterways in a dugout canoe, or mokoro. this mokoro's pole is plenty long to reach the bottom. the river is no more than 12 to 15 feet in most places. but keep in mind that at any time, there could be an 18-foot-long nile crocodile

let's hope he's not hungry! >> ushaka: there are more thrills and spills to come when the animal olympics get under way. [ female announcer ] are you one of millions of women embarrassed by hair loss or suffering from thinning hair? [ lisette ] i didn't want to look at myself in the mirror, and so i just got so frustrated. i just said, "i can't go on like this anymore." [ female announcer ] you have a personalized, proven solution right here. welcome to hair club. i had my self-confidence back. my husband was like, "that's my wife." [ female announcer ] you have your own, unique hair problem. that's why hair club offers a wide range of private, designed-for-you hair loss solutions, each of them proven and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. call or go online for more details. i look better today than i did at 40. i can style my hair the way i used to when i was younger. i love life. and why do i love life? because hair club brought that life back to me. [ female announcer ] after 40 years and 500,000 happy clients, from soccer moms to celebrities, thanks to world-class hair stylists, colorists, and trained hair professionals,

hair loss solutions provider and the reason hundreds of thousands of women just like you have turned their lives around. now i go anywhere, do anything with confidence. even on a really bad day, you never, ever have a bad hair day. they took care of something that was really terrifying to me -- really terrifying -- and made it fantastic. do you realize how nice it is for someone to walk up to you and say, "my god, you have the most beautiful head of hair," and i say, "thank you"? [ female announcer ] call now for your free confidential consultation, and we'll give you these four deluxe, full-sized women's hair products free as our gift. this no-obligation consultation will help us understand your hair and its specific needs and how we can help you. these free gifts are only available to women watching this commercial, so call or go online now. don't wait another moment

>> ushaka: take your seats, my friends. it's time to watch africa's wildest athletes go head-to-head in games of speed, strength, climbing, jumping and swimming. and remember, around here, winning and losing can be a matter of life and death. so let the games begin. >> ushaka: no olympic games would be complete without the dramatic opening ceremony. a magnificent migration of wildebeest kicks ours off. their pounding hooves echo across the savanna like tribal drums.

they look ready for some serious competition. the mysterious oryx is here, too, representing the desert species and standing proud. out in the middle of the savanna, a group of dwarf mongooses have created a ceremonial sculpture out of a large termite mound. ooh! the baboon commentators have taken up positions in the trees, ready to report all the animal action. while overhead, a squadron of marabou storks is doing a flyover. >> ushaka: and with that, it's time for our first event of this year's animal olympics-- track and field. oh, this ought to be good! >> ushaka: the first contestants in the marathon are african wild dogs.

range over territories as large as 1,600 square miles, and they can reach speeds of up to 37 miles per hour. the fastest human sprinter has maxed out at 23 miles per hour. so you know these little doggies are going to hang tough. >> ushaka: ostriches are hoping to make a strong showing, too. with an 11-foot stride, they're all about forward momentum. and they can kick in the afterburners to hit 40 miles per hour. whoo! our flying friends are represented by the bateleur eagle. they spend most of their days soaring at speeds of 35 to 50 miles per hour. and for a bird that covers an average of 200 miles a day in flight, a 26.2-mile course should be a piece of cake.

anything can happen. (gun fires) >> ushaka: and the race is on! >> ushaka: we'll check back on these speedsters a little later. next up is the long jump. the leopard's habit of leaping on prey from trees makes him a strong contender in this event. when excited or alarmed, the springbok kicks his legs in the air mightily. this is called "pronking," and in this competition, it makes him a real wild card. the solitary serval cat, prized for its coat by hunters, can jump 14 feet horizontally. and the hippo? well, i have no idea what to expect from him in this one. but don't forget, my friends, he can sprint up to 30 miles per hour when alarmed. so you never know. yet can any of these creatures go whisker to whisker

at a full run, an adult lion can leap 36 feet horizontally to bring down his prey. >> ushaka: and so, the gold medal goes to... panthera leo, a.k.a. the lion, for his tremendous leaping ability. the serval snags the silver, and the springbok prevents a feline shutout by pronking his way to a bronze. congratulations! as for that hippo, he was left out of the medals because, well... hippos can't jump. >> ushaka: let's go to weightlifting now, and see what these heavyweights can do. i like to call this event the "bush bench press." in terms of raw animal strength, how much can these animals lift?

of all large cats. he's buff and tough when it comes to lifting dead weight. he can carry an antelope more than twice his own weight into a tree! astonishing, eh? (leopard growls) >> ushaka: well, these ants are not impressed. >> ushaka: certain species can carry objects up to 50 times their body weight for considerable distances. if a human could do that, a 100-pound person could carry a small car on his back for miles. >> ushaka: but can any of them stop the mighty african elephant? he's got nearly 100,000 muscles in his trunk. it's so strong and flexible, he can lift a 500-pound log

or pick a dime up off the floor. >> ushaka: when it's over, the gold medal winner of the weightlifting competition is... surprise! the ant! its ability to heft 50 times its own body weight puts it on top of the medal podium. the elephant wins silver, and the leopard slinks off with the bronze. we'll be right bac with the exciting conclusion

and more animal olympics. hi, i'm matt mccoy. how long have you had your car insurance? i ask because i had mine for over 20 years, before i switched and saved hundreds with the aarp auto insurance program from the hartford. i was with my previous insurance for 30 years. but they could not compete with the hartford. people 50 and over could save hundreds of dollars when they switch.

the rate was like half of what i was paying. [ female announcer ] $420 is the average amount drivers save when they switch to the aarp auto insurance program from the hartford. you know, it makes me wonder why everyone 50 and over hasn't switched. [ female announcer ] 4 out of 5 aarp members who switched to the hartford from companies like allstate, state farm and geico, got a lower rate with the hartford. so, call... or go to gohartfordauto.com for your free quote. if you're not already an aarp member, the hartford can help you join in minutes. let me tell you what else the hartford does. they promise not to drop you, even if you're in an accident. it's called lifetime renewability and it's included with your policy. it's a great feeling to know that they're not going to drop you for that reason. and if by chance you're ever injured in an accident, the hartford has a benefit called recovercare.

do your grocery shopping, your house cleaning, lawn care, even walk your dog. [ leslie ] they were there when we got the insurance and they were there when we needed it. and we really appreciate that. [ female announcer ] save $420 on average, get lifetime renewability and recovercare. call the hartford at... to request your free quote. that's... or go to gohartfordauto.com today. get this free calculator just for requesting a quote. >> ushaka: the animal olympics continue now with the winners of the marathon. they're all speedy in their own habitats, but the gold medal goes to... (drumroll plays) >> ushaka: the bateleur eagle. his ability to soar

makes him too tough to beat. the ostrich pecks the silver, and the african wild dogs trot away with the bronze. >> ushaka: fur is about to fly in the boxing arena. the preliminary rounds set up a clash of titans in the gold medal round-- a giraffe versus a lion! but first, let's skedaddle over to the bronze medal round, where a wild dog is about to go snout to snout with a warthog. this is a fierce matchup, as wild dogs hone their fighting skills when they are puppies. they poke, paw and jab with a lot of speed... and slobber. ugh! warthogs, on the other hand, were practically made for boxing. their faces have thick, leathery calluses to protect them from razor-sharp tusks and uppercuts. in the end, the warthog's unique adaptations

and bag the bronze. this is not surprising, because when wild dog pups learn to spar, it's mostly play fighting. true, it helps them learn important hunting skills, but a majority of it i iabout reinforcing social bonds in the pack. >> ushaka: are you ready for the heavyweight gold medal round? how does an adult giraffe match up to a lion? giraffes are the tallest animals on earth. some males stand 18 feet tall with a fighting weight of more than 3,000 pounds. they can run up to 35 miles per hour, and their tongues have a dazzling reach of 18 inches. what wasn't known until recently, however,

may not simply be an adaptation for eating out of tall trees. many scientists now believe the purpose of the long necks has more to do with fighting than eating. watch these two giraffes go at it. this is called "necking," and you've got to wonder if the lions are nervous about this contest, eh? from the looks of this male's magnificent mane, i doubt it. (lion roars) >> ushaka: for years, it was believed a male lion's mane was designed to protect him from territorial fights with other males. but a recent study suggests otherwise. while defense may have been its original purpose, many scientists now believe a mane's main purpose is to attract females. apparently lionesses are into guys with big hair! that's not going to help him out

>> ushaka: as intimidating as the lion's reputation and big hair are, the surprise winner of the gold medal boxing round is... the giraffe! why is that, huh? the lion has a lot of strength, agility and quickness. but in an outsized boxing ring like the african bush, a full-grown giraffe could kill a lion with a kick from one of his powerful rear legs. it's a narrow victory over the ferocious lion, but in this gold medal round, the giraffe beats out the lion by a neck. >> ushaka: okay, let's move on to gymnastics, where some cool creatures are getting ready for the forest floor exercise. >> ushaka: vervet monkeys should do well in this event. they spend much of their lives

between the safety of trees and the forest floor to collect bark, seeds and fruit. by comparison, bush babies spend more time leaping around the forest canopy like acrobats in search of insect prey. >> ushaka: but can a vervet monkey or bush baby match moves with a fruit bat like this? absolutely, my friends. >> ushaka: the gold medal for gymnastics goes to the bush baby for his amazingly acrobatic routine. the vervet monkey steals the silver, and the fruit bat is lucky to eke out a bronze, because fruit bats don't walk very well on land.

enable them to hang upside down for hours at a time, these guys should clean up in the parallel bars. >> ushaka: our last event is everyone's favorite-- swimming! this is going to be a battle royale between a great white shark, nile crocodile and one very nervous wildebeest. in the end, the great white shark dominates the field with a gold medal. since many scientists believe he spends his entire life swimming, it's not much of a contest, eh? the nile crocodile takes silver, and the bronze medalist, wildebeest, is just happy

(owl screeches)

>> ushaka: to try to improve their medal haul in next year's animal olympics, baboons have already begun training for other events, like swimming. now these primates aren't typically fond of water, but that won't stop this ornery alpha male from entering the swimming and diving competitions. problem is, he's a sinker! oh, boy, this is going to take a lot of work! >> ushaka: did you realize that one of africa's most famous mammals inspired a movie way back in 1992? the film was called "white rhinos can't jump," and it was a huge hit. but unfortunately, its sequel, "duck-billed platypuses can't jump either" was a bomb. and while i'm lying through my teeth about the existence of these movies, my friends, the fact that white rhinos

cannot jump is absolutely true. >> ushaka: this fellow hopes to make croc-roping an animal olympics sport. the goal of a croc-roper is to lasso a nile crocodile, then pin his jaws together. impressive, eh? this guy is the world champion-- an award he was given posthumously. >> men: (singing african language) >> ushaka: now you know who the undisputed champions are around here. but remember, all animals are winners because every species

and irreplaceable to the wild. until next week, my friends, salani kashe. stay well, eh? captioning provided by longneedle corporation cs#f> today on "the coolest places on earth"... if you're craving big adventure we've got just the ticket. get ready to leap, soar, roll, and climb to impossible heights

long clouds. but don't worry, there will be plenty of sunshine on our journey. the number of places we're visiting will make you dizzy, and you'll find out why so many consider new zealand one of the most beautiful and exciting countries in the world. it's time to get into the zone, kiwi style. this is "the coolest places on earth." let's get you oriented. new zealand has two main islands, north and south, and many smaller ones all sandwiched between the tasman sea and the south pacific ocean. it's about 1,300 miles from australia. because new zealand is remote,

the animal life on land here has developed without any influence from other countries, which is why they have animals like the kiwi bird. the north island, known for its warm beaches and geothermic volcanic terrain, is where you'll find the capital, wellington, and new zealand's largest city, auckland. the south island, which kiwis call "the main land," is where you'll find snowy mountains, alpine lakes, and glacial valleys. yeah, it's a little colder here. the maori, the indigenous people of new zealand, first arrived on these shores 1,000 years ago. in 1642 came dutch explorer abel tasman. and by 1840, new zealand was under british rule, and it more or less still is today. but new zealand does have its own parliament.

island for some adventure. the maori legend of the north island, or the fish of maui, tells the story of maui, who, from his canoe, cast a line with a magical hook and pulled up a gigantic fish, which became the north island. and if you look at it, the north island is shaped a little like a sea creature. the north island is the smaller of the main islands, but is far more populated than the south one. with a seemingly winter-free climate that runs from warm to hot, thanks to a steamy geothermal underbelly, which makes this island destination uno for sun lovers, swimmers and divers, and those who catch what they eat. and, amazingly, the island's hot springs provide it with electricity. so, keep the lights on. this power is green. and it's worth going where the lights burn brightest, to auckland, and wellington.

coast, is like the tail of the big fish, and this tail has long beaches with iron-laced dark sand, sprawling farmland, and vineyards, and it's also ground zero for extreme sports. to scope out the island, buy a ride on a helicopter. swimmers, surfers, and atvers head to 90 mile beach, one of the 10 longest coastlines in the world, famous for its otherworldly sand dunes as well as its length, which, for the record, is actually 90 kilometers, or about 55 miles long. still, that's a lot of beach. make sure you try sand surfing on it. it's a kick. yeah, there is a lot to do here. 90 mile beach is also where kiwis kitesurf. now, that's what you call an uplifting experience. and there's plenty of room for surfcasting, fishing from the shore.

any day of the week, and pulling in everything from trout to snapper to rig sharks. divers, suit up, snorkelers, get your flippers on, because you're going to want to see this. part of what makes new zealand one of the coolest places on earth is underwater. tens of thousands of fish, bright coral, and a variety of marine life in colors so vibrant you might think you just swam into a movie. and speaking of movies, does this little village look familiar? you bet it does. it's the shire from "the lord of the rings" trilogy, which was shot all over the lush, natural landscapes of the hamilton-waikato region, among others. hikers, it's love at first sight. but in new zealand, it's called tramping. trails are everywhere, and seemingly endless, webbing together miles after miles of emerald hills and valleys. you'll need days. here's a challenge--take the long pathway, an 1,800-mile

ridgelines, through the forest, and across the volcanoes and farmlands of the north island, all the way to the majestic mountains of the south island. what's really cool about tramping through new zealand? it's an unusually safe haven for hikers. why? because the scariest things you'll encounter along your way through these woods are maybe a few sheep. seriously, there aren't any big land predators to avoid. no mountain lions, no bears. and, surprise, there are no snakes in new zealand either. and, if you're into trees, make sure you tramp to the waipoua forest along the kauri coast, near the tip of the north island to see tane mahuta, new zealand's oldest living and largest kauri tree, which stands at a majestic 167 feet tall. experts have estimated that tane mahuta could be well over 2,400 years old. think you've seen everything new zealand has to offer?

surface. when we come back, we'll roll on water and pedal the rails. and then, we'll head to the south island, the epicenter of thrills. then, time to take a fall. don't worry, we've got you. this is "the coolest places on earth." hi, i'm matt mccoy. how long have you had your car insurance? i ask because i had mine for over 20 years, before i switched and saved hundreds with the aarp auto insurance program from the hartford. i was with my previous insurance for 30 years. but they could not compete with the hartford. people 50 and over could save hundreds of dollars when they switch. i had done a lot of comparison shopping. the rate was like half of what i was paying. [ female announcer ] $420 is the average amount drivers save when they switch to the aarp auto insurance program from the hartford. you know, it makes me wonder why

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get lifetime renewability and recovercare. call the hartford at... to request your free quote. that's... or go to gohartfordauto.com today. get this free calculator just for requesting a quote. >> welcome back to "the coolest places on earth." 140 miles southeast of auckland, you'll find rotorua, best known for these--bubbling, steaming proof of the turbulent volcanic forces that formed new zealand. rotorua is, in fact, built upon a volcanic caldera, but these springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pools, dramatic as they may be, aren't all that's hot here. anyone want to go "zorbing"? no, it's not a giant hamster ball.

this is a "zorb," and this is "zorbing." jumping inside the big, plastic inflatable orb, or "zorb," and rolling down a long, steep hill at a pretty decent clip. think this is crazy? remember, this was invented by the same country that brought us modern-day bungee jumping. the "zorb" was created in 1994 by a couple of kiwi adventurers who were looking for a way to basically walk on water. it didn't work out quite like they wanted, but they rolled, not stumbled, into something else. and if you like this, you're going to go nuts over "schweeb." you're looking at what could possibly be the future of mass transportation. right now, though, it's just a fun ride. this super fast contraption isn't quite a train or a bike, it's a "schweeb." these pods are pedal-powered and set on a monorail. lance armstrong never went this fast.

the part about jumping out of a plane and falling toward earth at 100 miles per hour? well, new zealand understands, so, they opened "free fall extreme," a giant, vertical wind column that blows air at 135 miles per hour. the sensation is elevating. no parachute or plane needed. rotorua also has all the ingredients for high-octane water sports, and 17 lakes that offer awesome freshwater fishing, boating, and kayaking. plus, awesome mountain biking and horse trekking along some of the most beautiful trails ever. and don't forget, off-roading is highly recommended. the north island has a lion's share of gorgeous beaches, like hot water beach in the coromandel, where you can dig a hole in the sand and make your own hot spring for a soak, and preserves like tongariro national park, with its mighty mountains.

might be underground? the waitomo glowworm caves is a phenomenon in so many ways, and is one of new zealand's top attractions. these subterranean caverns filled with millions of fragile, shiny, ancient limestone crystal stalactites and stalagmites began forming about 30 million years ago. so, why name it glowworm caves? take a boat ride through the caverns and look up. there, hundreds of thousands of tiny glowworms. you can also venture through here in kayaks, or zip line. soar high above the cave floor, or rappel deep into the caverns, or go high-speed cave-tubing down the dark cavern waters. bet you've never gone caving like this before. it's pretty clear this country has so much more to offer than

destination. new zealand is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world, a fact that the people who live here are pretty proud of. among the many reasons are coastal environments like these. the sugary sand beaches and crystal-blue waters of bay of plenty, where captain james cook first dropped anchor in 1769. the maoris call auckland "tamaki makaurau." punctuated by the 1,076-foot- tall sky tower, the tallest man-made structure in the country, which-- hey, hey! what are those people doing up there? we better check back later. auckland is a standard candidate for one of the top 10 places to live in the world. so many activities, so much family fun, so much golf.

because you're in for a culinary treat. the food is good here, and the seafood alone will leave you wondering how you managed to settle for anything less. auckland is also surrounded by dense rainforest, gorgeous beaches, and volcanoes. want to experience auckland through the eyes of its first people? take a maori tour and get to know takonga, the maori culture, customs, and traditions that have been handed down through the ages. after you've toured the best of the city, experience cultural performances at auckland museum, including a welcome ceremony, complete with hongi nose pressing. eyes closed, nose to nose, forehead to forehead. that's the traditional greeting called "hongi." you can also experience the excitement of a haka war dance, the traditional challenge and war cry maoris once used to intimidate their enemies before battle.

night at a real maori marae, or sacred communal place for celebrations and ceremonies. learn about traditional art forms, like body tattooing and wood-carving, designing jewelry, and making weapons. maori culture runs deep in the heart of new zealand life. so, immerse yourself. wellington. it's the center of new zealand's government, a major cultural hub, and the country's third most populated city. restaurants abound, along with fine museums, like the national museum, te papa. gold sand city beaches you can walk to from downtown, and cafes and coffee houses. make sure to hop the wellington cable car, a super popular attraction that offers gorgeous views of the central business district, the harbor, and mt. victoria. wellington is also called, "wellywood." take a tour of some of the many movie locations and studios, like world-famous "weta cave,"

some of your favorite films. when we return, we're combing new zealand's south island for the most exciting activities, and sailing up, up, and away in some beautiful balloons.

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that's when i turned to hair club, the number-one customized hair loss solution provider in north america. today, my bald spot is gone, and i feel 100% more confident. i'm 52, and i look better now that i did when i was in my 40s i love it. i really do. it has changed my outlook on life. [ nemeth ] with over 900 experts across north america and backed by 40 years of amazing results, hair club provides exclusive technologies and proven solutions for every stage of hair loss. at hair club, we understand what it's like to lose your hair, and we understand what it's like to get it back, and we would like you to have that experience. based on my need for immediate results, hair club customized the right solution for me. it's called xtrands. it's new and only available through hair club. i walked in with a bald spot, and that same day, walked out with a full head of hair. just call or go online now your free information kit

you'll hear more about our full range of solutions, including exclusive non-surgical xtrands and xtrands plus. now i look in the mirror and i just can't believe that's me. this is my hair, and it feels great. it feels natural. it's growing. it's strong. i leave my house. i'm not thinking, "oh, how does my hair look? i know it looks good. [ nemeth ] this was me before going to hair club, and this was me by the end of my visit. the moment you see yourself with hair again, you'll wish you'd done it sooner. call and set up your free hair analysis at a hair club near you. >> welcome back to "the coolest places on earth." it's time to head south to new zealand's south island, the mainland.

while the north island was the giant fish maui caught, the south island is maui's canoe. talk about a study in contrast. while the north island is warm and virtually winter-free, the south island has 4 glaciers and tall, snow-covered alps, which are perfect for what else? snow sports. there's a lot going on in the ocean, too. just ask the dolphins, seals, and penguins. you can never get enough of these guys. south island is also home to some exceptional national parks, like fiordland, milford, and doubtful sound. no doubt, it's incredible. christchurch, the garden city, is filled with fantastic neo-gothic art and architecture. [indistinct] canterbury offers a hodgepodge of attractions and activities, including some of the best alpine and nordic skiing, white water rafting, mountain biking, and whale watching. hold on to your lift tickets,

the south island has dozens of ski resorts. actually, forgrg the lift ticket. there's another way to the top--helicopter. if you have expert command of your skis or board, you can take off on an adventure unlike any other. take a helicopter over open bowls and steep chutes with some of the most dramatic scenery in new zealand as your backdrop. then, fresh powder. it couldn't get any better than this, or could it? sailing will get you up close and personal with some of the cutest creatures you'll ever see. check out the seals and sea lions. want a dolphin encounter? you'll get one. they'll swim close alongside your vessel for a better look. or see a whale emerge from the ocean, providing an awesome but wet photo op. other south island highlights include 6 forest parks and 10

park, with a prized reputation for having the best coastal walk in the country, beautiful beaches, dramatic granite cliffs, and lush, green forest lands. there's also kahurangi national park, part of the great walk between the north and south islands. try to visit as many towns as you can, like nelson, the sunniest south island region, the west coast, with its pancake rocks and rugged coastlines, central otago and marlborough, famous for their vast vineyards, fiordland, with its ancient glaciers made of sunken mountains and 15 maritime fiords, the perfect place for hikers and gawkers who want to drink in some of the best scenery in new zealand, and the fox and franz josef glaciers, the region's most popular attraction. you want activity? who could blame you?

find queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, mecca for adrenaline junkies, and the birthplace of extreme sports, like bungee jumping from bridges. this has got to be one of new zealand's most cherished activities. after all, bungee jumping helped put new zealand on the map. fasten your harness, it's going to be one bouncy ride. the length of the bungee is determined by your weight. you get to choose how you want to bungee. jump straight forward, or jump backwards. bounce over, or splash into water. whatever you choose, the g forces will kick in. talk about ups and downs. now, forget the bungee. take a leap of faith with tandem paragliding and soaring over gentle farmlands and valleys.

sport that still offers a little thrill? just climb in the basket and add some hot air. be part of the cavalcade of bright, colorful hot air balloons, serenely floating over green hills and valleys and mirror lakes. what could be more exciting and relaxing at the same time? some balloons can carry up to 14 people up to 4 hours, and offer a nice breakfast package. don't forget your camera. when we come back, why are those people hanging out on auckland's sky tower? we'll show you.

earth." >> welcome back to "the coolest places on earth." we're heading back to the north island city of auckland, because we saved one of the best activities for last. if you think strapping an elastic cord around your ankles and jumping off a perfectly good bridge, cliff, or man-made platform is a little passe, there's another option. experience the unparalleled thrill of a movie stunt fall. this is sky jumping, and what better place to jump than from auckland's most iconic and tall structure, the sky tower, 1,076 heart-pumping feet straight down. this cable-controlled form of base jumping offers daredevils a 360-degree view of auckland. there's also sky walking around the outer rim while secured in

you can even do a few tricks, if you dare. and, there are revolving restaurants up here, too. but may we suggest you eat after you jump? time for us to jump out of here. e noho ra. >> [grunts]

places on earth." as an american, it's hard to hear that we have a serious hunger issue in our country. and as a parent, it's even harder to hear that one in 5 of our kids struggles with hunger, especially when billions of pounds of good food are wasted every year. feeding america is a nationwide network of food banks that helps provide billions of meals to families in need right in your community. visit feedingamerica.org to support feeding america and your local food bank. together, we can solve hunger. together, we're feeding america. everywhere that we go he makes people laugh and makes people smile and i feel like i have that quality. he's the one that always takes me fishing. i watch golf with him. [laughing] i watch him cook, 'cause when i grow up, i want to be a cook too. we have the same faces, like this. dad is the one, when you fall that picks you up.

is really what makes him my father. morning gary. we are get schooled... ...dot com. you want a college education, don't you? you know you do. that's why we're here. we're free, and here to guide you through every step of the way. starting with... attendance. [air horn] gary, financial aid forms... picking a college, man! you and us. we go together like tacos and tuesday. and i loooove tacos. narrator: go to getschooled.com >> from the capital and cultural center of denver through some of the most diverse geography in the united states, we're going to experience a western rocky mountain road trip second to none, weaving over and around

ripping across arid plains and desserts, skipping along lakes and rivers, getting lost in lush forests, and slicing through deep canyons with sandstone and granite rock sculptures. plus we'll visit a few of the most legendary mountain towns in the u.s., where skiing and outdoor adventure is life, and life is good. let's hit the road. ok, roadies. we're starting mile one of our colorado road trip a mile high.

exactly a mile above sea level, at 5,280 feet, and, no surprise, the mile high city is one of the highest major cities in the united states. to find out where we are, we're starting out at the history colorado center. before we were here, the pueblo people built mesa verde, and the utes hunted the valleys between the rocky mountains. then came the settlers and the railroad and the cattle drives and, in 1875, statehood. and here's what denver looked like in 1898. and then cars came along, which you can drive at the museum, and farming, which you can practice, and recreation as an industry, so work on your ski-jumping. in the museum, it's just like the real thing, only warmer and not as insane. history lesson over. time to get out and get active. that's really what denver

colorado is all about. let's get the legs pumping along the cherry creek bike path. picturesque and highly accessible, it runs 40 miles along the creek. as we go, notice what's happening in the river next to you. this is confluence park, home of some rapids right here in the city, so get a kayak and hit the run. it's an outstanding place to learn how to wrestle with the whitewater before tangling with some of the big guns on the colorado river, like this guy. denver is a superb walking city. for great shopping and dining in one spot, saunter along 16th street, get some lunch alfresco, grab some souvenirs, or let someone else pedal or hoof you around town. hit up the denver art museum and the denver museum of nature & science. those dudes enjoyed walking around denver

for some more family fun, head to a ballgame to watch the hometown rockies crush it, consistently one of the most exciting teams in major league baseball, partially due to coors field. the low air density here, being a mile high, makes the ball travel further, so there are plenty of homeruns. >> whoa! [crowd cheering] >> for some more action, hop on a rollercoaster at elitch gardens and water park. but hold on tight. the locals don't worry much about heights around here, and sometimes, they like to put water at the bottom. just an hour south of denver is the beautiful city of colorado springs. it's situated in a perfect spot for inspiring views and breathtaking adventure. colorado springs is also home to the air force academy, where the next maverick and goose find their way into

designed to protect our great nation and look awesome while doing it. when the new cadets start up their fall classes, the beauty of the area really starts to take shape. picturesque winding mountain roads around colorado springs really make any road trip worth the stiff legs. but as good as the drives are in this area, the scenery is even better up close. it's time to take a hike. some of the best trails in the state are right here near colorado springs. it's also outstanding for rock climbing. >> whoo hoo! >> don't look down. one of the best destinations for hikers near colorado springs is seven falls. as you might have guessed, it's a series of 7 cascading waterfalls. get the cameras ready, because it's recognized as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

is gorgeous. next, we'll drive 15 miles west of colorado springs to pikes peak. like many places in colorado, it's an awe-inspiring place to drive, especially for those who choose the powerful 2-wheel approach. but here, they take it to the extreme. pikes peak is home to one of the most famous motorized races in the world, the pikes peak international hill climb. that takes some horsepower-- and a lot of guts. pikes is also great for the more tranquil outdoor enthusiast. grab a paddle and enjoy the calm waters and endless uninhabited land. it looks like it goes on forever. to keep with the theme, we're going to new heights-- 14,100 feet, to be exact. that's almost 3 times as high

forest gets its name from the summit, a sharply jutting mountain tailor-made for long, spectacular views. while at the top, make sure to carb up with their world-famous doughnuts. legend says the high air makes the doughnuts taste better. if you made the long climb and had your doughnut, climb aboard the manitou & pikes peak railway, the comfortable and relaxed way up and down the hill. just watch out for the more exotic wildlife. after sunset, we'll continue on our journey across colorado. coming up, we're heading to ski country. at these towns in colorado, the white stuff is more than just weather. it's the lifeblood of dozens of resort towns. but don't forget about summers up here. these bustling mountain ski villages turn into thrill-seeker magnets in the summer, family-friendly adventure towns.

lifestyle and hit the slopes. but before we clip in, here's your road trip question. how did the town of breckenridge get its name? the answer when "state to state" returns. [ female announcer ] are you one of millions of women embarrassed by hair loss or suffering from thinning hair? [ lisette ] i didn't want to look at myself in the mirror, and so i just got so frustrated. i just said, "i can't go on like this anymore." [ female announcer ] you have a personalized, proven solution right here. welcome to hair club. i had my self-confidence back. my husband was like, "that's my wife." [ female announcer ] you have your own, unique hair problem. that's why hair club offers a wide range of private, designed-for-you hair loss solutions, each of them proven and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. call or go online for more details. i look better today than i did at 40. i can style my hair the way i used to when i was younger. i love life. and why do i love life? because hair club brought that life back to me. [ female announcer ] after 40 years and 500,000 happy clients, from soccer moms to celebrities,

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>> we're on the road with "state to state." here's the answer to your road trip question, how did the town of breckenridge get its name? during the pikes peak gold rush of 1859, miners founded breckenridge while working the rich placer gold deposits along the blue river. general george e. spencer named the town after then-u.s. vice president john c. breckinridge in hopes of gaining a post office. the flattery worked, and breckenridge soon become home to the only post office between the continental divide and salt lake city. so, from denver, we drive about 90 minutes west to breckenridge, which banks on

snowboarding center, no question about it. you can find a great combination of family-frndly skiing, multi-level slopes for the athletic spring-breakers, and elite backcountry for those looking to get off the trail and into a little trouble. thankfully, there's a town full of saloons waiting to help those aching muscles. breckenridge really does feel like an old west town. the old-timey storefronts and wild surroundings make for the perfect setting. with all that work on the slopes, you won't find a shortage of places to replenish. some of the best dining in the state is right here in breckenridge, and only minutes from the base of the mountain. everything in breckenridge is designed to give you a good time with as little hassle and stress as possible. here's what you can do in winter--horse-drawn sleighs, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating,

and snowboarding on ungroomed trails in the middle of a blizzard. oh, no! you could only make it to breckenridge during the summer? well, good for you, because breckenridge is just as fun, if not more fun, in the summer. the winter crowds and cold weather go away, and you're left with pure, uninterrupted outdoor adventure. the melted snow turns into beautiful rivers and streams, where you can cast away till your heart's content. did you know colorado is outstanding for fly-fishing? also, the ski trails morph into perfect mountain bike trails, all ready to go for any level, chill or thrill. mountain biking is pretty much as big as skiing here. in the summer, the flowers bloom, the golf courses open, and you can even experience the terrain on horseback as they did back in the day. you know what? it's pretty nice here in breckenridge, but don't

fool you. there are some truly stinky houses around here. oh, wait a minute; those are outhouses, and they're moving--fast. yep, those are outhohouses, with people in them racing down the streets of picturesque breckenridge to celebrate its mining past. 5-person teams, and everyone has the runs. oh! bad joke. 45 minutes west of breckenridge is a worthy rival town. vail is just as much fun. but here, it's all about class. some of the best dancers in the world come here. no, not those guys yet. we'll get to them later. there we go. the vail international dance fest. a combination of beauty, grace, and athleticism is on display. in fact, it's a perfect place for those attributes, considering what happens here in the winter.

looks choreographed. snow is the dance floor here, and no matter if you like the smooth, graceful approach or the high-octane gravity-snubbing acrobatics, vail is the place. summer in vail starts big with the fourth of july. then the bravo! music festival opens, hailed as one of the finest classical music events in the country. and there's no better way to get a taste than the gourmet on gore culinary festival at the end of august. high-caliber food in a high-caliber setting. all right, it's time to let loose a little. bring back the dancing dudes in knee-high socks. grill up some hotdogs, and let's get into some german fun, ja? oktoberfest in vail is quite an experience, as is everything in one of the most iconic mountain towns in the united states.

see you next year. coming up, we're leaving the comfortable villages of vail and breckenridge and heading to some even more rugged settings. it's time to road-trip to some national parks and a few more rugged towns. but first, your road trip question-- where do you think the mountain bike hall of fame is located?

"state to state" returns. hi. i'm dave nemeth. television talk-show host and, until recently, a hair loss sufferer.

right here on the back of my head. and being seen by millions on tv, it was embarrassing. that's when i turned to hair club, the number-one customized hair loss solution provider in north america. today, my bald spot is gone, and i feel 100% more confident. i'm 52, and i look better now that i did when i was in my 40s i love it. i really do. it has changed my outlook on life. [ nemeth ] with over 900 experts across north america and backed by 40 years of amazing results, hair club provides exclusive technologies and proven solutions for every stage of hair loss. at hair club, we understand what it's like to lose your hair, and we understand what it's like to get it back, and we would like you to have that experience. based on my need for immediate results, hair club customized the right solution for me. it's called xtrands. it's new and only available through hair club.

walked out with a full head of hair. just call or go online now your free information kit and dvd at no obligation. you'll hear more about our full range of solutions, including exclusive non-surgical xtrands and xtrands plus. now i look in the mirror and i just can't believe that's me. this is my hair, and it feels great. it feels natural. it's growing. it's strong. i leave my house. i'm not thinking, "oh, how does my hair look? i know it looks good. [ nemeth ] this was me before going to hair club, and this was me by the end of my visit. the moment you see yourself with hair again, you'll wish you'd done it sooner. call and set up your free hair analysis at a hair club near you. >> we're on the road with "state to state." here's the

question, where do you think the mountain bike hall of fame is located? some call it the last great colorado ski town. that's likely because with only about 1,500 people, it's still a small town, based entirely on skiing and, you guessed it, mountain biking. just a few hours' drive through the san isabel national forest will get you to an entirely different colorado mountain town. crested butte is no doubt an outstanding destination for skiers and snowboarders, but it's much more chill than the others. i mean, it's the wildflower capital of colorado. what's more chill than that? like a lot of these small towns, it started out as a coalmining town. now they mine the mountains for sick trails. your reward for the uphill battle? some of the best freestyle downhill mountain biking in colorado. just look at that banked path.

biker, the butte is best. now you can see why they put the mountain bike hall of fame right here in crested butte. for those looking to get to the top fast and go for the quick freestyle rip down, hop on the chairlift, summer style. it's also a fantastic spot to learn. they grown up fast here in crested butte. if you and the family aren't the biking or skiing types, there's plenty else to do. bungee-jump off a trampoline, zip through the trees, play a little mini golf, or enjoy one of crested butte's many outstanding festivals. did i mention you can pretty much get around the entire town on a bike? maybe that was a given. crested butte is truly a classic colorado village. from crested butte, you'll drive through the gunnison national forest, curecanti national recreation area, and through uncompahgre

and the uncompahgre peak on the other. even the drive to telluride is memorable, but wait until you see this town. it's as beautiful as it gets. that's nice, but wait and see what you can do here. check out some winter paragliding, get your old west on and see a man about a horse, enjoy some great cross-country skiing, take the faster way with a snowmobile, or, you know, just ski some of the best backcountry in the state of colorado. the back bowl offers expert-only skiing. and make sure to bring the right gear, because to find the best stuff in telluride, you need to choose your own adventure and get hiking. that's part of the fun, right? telluride is all about the fun, as long as you're not chicken. but don't worry. there are plenty of groomed trails that will stir the adrenaline and spark the smiles of any skier at any level. in the summer months, telluride

hiking, horseback riding, spectacular golfing, amazing views from the gondola, camping--with decent views-- incredible fly-fishing, mountain biking, road biking, and, for the more extreme, rock climbing. and don't forget, autumn isn't too shabby either. so whether you're hitting telluride for the snow, the trail, or the music festivals, you're going to want to come back and do it all again. all right. we've gone extreme, and we've hit the towns. now let's cap off our trip by visiting some of colorado's amazing national parks. first, it's just under 2 hours from telluride to get down to mesa verde national park. clearly, this is colorado from a whole different viewpoint. it's the largest archaeological preserve in the united states.

sometimes referred to as the anasazi, built these cliff dwellings between the years of 600 and 1300. that's a long time ago, folks. thanks to teddy roosevelt, their hard work is preserved. now we're finally heading back east. along the way, you'll see portions of the san juan national forest and the rio grande national forest to the north, to great sand dunes national park. located in san luis valley, the park contains the tallest sand dunes in north america. they rise to about 750 feet from the valley, and they cover about 19,000 acres. so when did all this crazy sand show up? now that long ago, really; researchers say just about 440,000 years ago, deposited from the rio grande river and its tributaries. better yet, if you dig down just a few inches anywhere on the dunes, you'll find wet sand.

the dunes into a national park was actually to preserve it as a water source. up next, we're heading back to denver for the end of our road trip, but before we leave, we have a bonus excursion lined up for you. and here's your final road trip question. why is one side of rocky mountain national park very different from the other?

"state to state." here's the answer to your road trip question, why is one side of rocky mountain national park very different from the other? the continental divide. it's a hydrological divide that stretches from the bering strait to the strait of magellan, and it separates the river systems that drain to the atlantic ocean from the watersheds that drain into the pacific. under 2 hours north of denver is rocky mountain national park. since the park is split by the continental divide, the eastern portion tends to be drier, and the western portion is usually wetter, with more lush and deep forests. the variety of wildlife is incredible--deer, elk, marmot, squirrels, ducks, and even a shark's tooth. oh, ok. that's just the name of that peak. the wildlife enjoy beautiful lakes, like bear lake and nymph lake.

with so many different mini ecosystems. we've kayaked, shopped, skied, biked, raced toilets, skied, fished, danced, skied, hiked, rock climbed, ate gourmet food, learned some history, and skied some more. and that pretty much sums up colorado in a nutshell.

let's hit the road. music kids will spend 15 minutes watching online videos like this one. brushing for two minutes now, can save your child from severe tooth pain later. two minutes twice a day. they have the time. ok simon, what do people wear? clothes. that's right, so it's important to learn how to dress yourself. here's how it's done. shirt, underwear, pants, socks, shoes. underwear always first, nametag on the back, then pants, then shirt. go ahead and put this on. now with the shirt, you want to make sure the first button's right or you have to start all over again, ok? socks, left on left, right on right. tying the shoes, we're going to take the laces, we're going to cross them over, we're going to turn them around where the bunny goes down the hole, pull it tight and bunny ears, got it? [announcer] most parenting is hard to do in just 2 minutes.

and it could help save them from a lifetime of tooth pain. >> hi, i'm chef jeff, and welcome to "family style." i am taking you all across america in various regions, sting, learning, and being educated about great food. today, it's all about

[music playing] my good friend sal marino is here in the kitchen. sal, what's happening, man? >> how are you, jeff? >> good to see you. >> welcome. buon giorno. >> buon giorno, okay. >> first italian lesson. >> okay, first, give me the first italian lesson. >> buon giorno. good morning. >> good morning, buon giorno. >> buon giorno. >> buon giorno. okay, great. so sal's going to tell you a little about his restaurant. tell them a little bit. >> il grano restaurant. it's in west l.a. we've been there for 17 years, but my family's been in the restaurant business for over 50 years here in los angeles. >> wow. >> so today we're going to get real italian. >> real italian. >> real italian! >> authentic italian from sal. i'm chef jeff with my man chef sal.