Betsy Huelskamp Revisted

WARNING: The following post and links contain spoilers for the season of Everest: Beyond The Limit that began airing last night. If you do not want to have any of the show spoiled for you before you get a chance to see it, you may want to skip this post and move on to the next. You have been warned!


A few months back I posted an article entitled Everest Dreams Shattered about Betsy Huelskamp, a climber with HiMex on Everest this past Spring, and a part of the Everest: Beyond The Limit Team. Betsy was unceremoniously dropped from the team, and told that she wouldn't be allowed to go for the summit. When she returned home, she wrote this entry in her blog entry detailing her experiences and how she was treated by Russell Brice, The Discovery Team and other climbers. In short, it wasn't pretty.

Her story touched a nerve with a number of us that cover the climbing scene. I first read about the story over in a climbing forum and Jason over at the The Adventurist weighed on the subject with this post. We were all quick to come to Betsy's defense, and quick to condemn Brice and the Discovery Team. We've all heard the stories of Brice ruling the North Side of the mountain with an iron fist, and this wasn't the firs time we've heard allegations about him treating a customer poorly. But, in our rush to judgement, is it possible we might have been wrong?

I've been thinking about this subject a lot today, after watching last night's episode of Everest: Beyond The Limit. There were several instances in last nights showed that demonstrated that Betsy might not have been ready to climb the mountain after all, and that she wasn't as strong as she may have thought. There was even a scene where Brice was telling Betsy that he didn't think she was ready, and that she may have exaggerated her experience on the mountain. He told her that Everest was no place to learn to climb. Later they showed her struggling a bit while descending a fixed rope. On top of that, I've heard through the grapevine that at one point, she even put her crampons on backwards while on the mountain. Clear signs of someone who is not prepared to go up Everest.

However, I also know that video footage can be edited to serve a purpose and tell a story the way the editor wants to tell it. Perhaps Discovery knew about the Internet controversy over Betsy, and has already begun telling the story that they want to tell. For now, I suppose we'll have to wait and see how the story plays out, and what kind of footage they've captured. I would also like to hear Betsy's side of the story once again after the show airs. But at this point, I'm not sure which side of the story is true.

I guess we'll just have to keep tuning in to find out.

Images of Antarctica

The OR Blog the official blog for Outdoor Retailer has posted some great photos of Antarctica by Vladimir Malinsky who visited the icy continent back in 2003. He captured some pretty amazing shots, and they remind me of why I need to go there one of these days. Here's a sample below:

Joe Simpson Interview

This one is a week or so old, but just came to my attention today. British newspaper The Telegraph has published a great interview with Joe Simpson of Touching The Void fame. The article touches on his now infamous climb on Siula Grande with Simon Yates as well as his fascination with The Eiger and his book The Beckoning Silence which was recently made into a movie and aired on the BBC.

Simpson recalls that as a boy he read The White Spider by Heinrich Harrer and wondered why anyone would want to climb mountains. He also jokes that he wished he would have listened to his younger self when he was dragging himself down Siula Grande. But it was that book by Harrer that introduced him to The Eiger, and planted his own thoughts of climbing that iconic face that has lured so many others.

The story for Beckoning Silence centers around a famous, and famously doomed, 1936 climb on The Eiger that left everyone on the team dead, after a series of mishaps. The most famous of which was Toni Kurz, the last climber alive, who struggled to climb down to a waiting rescue team, only to die just a few feet our of reach.

Simpson talks about his own attempts on the Eiger as well. Six in all from 2000 to 2003. He never successfully climbed that face, and was turned back each time by the notoriously fickle weather on the mountain. He has now retired, but as the article indicates, he came out of retirement to assist with some of the climbing sequences for the movie.

It's an excellent article and adds even more insight into a guy who is already a legend in the climbing community and beyond.

The Sahara Race Is Underway

The Sahara Race, one of the 4 Deserts Ultramarathons from Racing The Planet got underway on Sunday. 80 competitors began the stage race ultra in the White Desert region of the Sahara. The event will continue through Saturday.

The Sahara is the largest non-polar desert in the World, and ranks as one of the hottest places on Earth as well. The course consists of six stages, ranging in length from 10 to 50 miles. Racers will run through the hot Egyptian sand, and past archeological sites which will mark checkpoints along the way.

So far we are through three stages and at this point of the race Andrew Murray of Scotland leads the way, with Mark Tamminga and Alexander Fernandez-Garcia, both of Canada, in second and third respectively. Tamminga has already won this year's Gobi March, and last year's Atacma Crossing. Sandra McCallum also of Canada, leads the women's field. (What is it with these Ultra-runners from Canada?)

With several more long stages to go, and the heat of the desert pounding down on the, the race is still wide open. It should be interesting to see if Tamminga can win again, making him the first man to win 3 of the 4 Desert events. The finish line is once again in front of the Sphinx in Cairo, with the Pyramids dominating the background.

As a side note, I spent some time in the Sahara a few years back, and I can tell you, it is HOT! I can't imagine running a marathon in those conditions. These are certainly some supremely gifted endurance athletes.

Everest: Beyond The Limit Season 2 - Episode 1

The Discovery Channel launched Season 2 of Everest: Beyond The Limit tonight, with the first episode entitled Dream Chasers.

Early in the episode we're introduced to the team that we'll be following this season, withs ome familiar faces returning. First and foremost, we have Russell Brice, the expedition leader and owner of HiMex, one of the leading guide services on the North Side. Brice's Sherpas are generally the first up the mountain, and usually lay down the fixed ropes for all the teams to follow.

Also returning is fan favorite Tim Medvetz, the big biker who fell just short of the summit last season, and Mogens Jensen, the asthmatic climber who attempted a summit last year with out supplemental oxygen, and also was turned back. Seeing both of these men back on the mountain, and knowing what they went through in Season 1, is a bit like seeing old friends. I know I'll be pulling for both of them to achieve their goals this season.

The other interesting climber that comes with a bit of baggage before the show even beings is Betsy Huelskamp. I don't want to spoil the show for anyone who doesn't know her story, but she'll be a compelling addition to the show. It could be my imagination, but seemed like they were already laying the ground work for events yet to come.

As first episodes go, this was a good one, even though it covered a lot of the same ground as last season. I suppose some of that is for the new viewers, who may be experiencing the show, and Everest itself, for the first time. For instance, we see the climbers trek from Base Camp up to Advanced Base Camp early on, while the Sherpas are already busy laying down the fixed lines. That queues up a familiar graphic explaining the "Death Zone", which looks pretty much like it's the same as last year.

One early, compelling scene showed Tim standing amongst the memorials erected for climbers who have died on the mountain. The monument that he is standing next to is clearly labeled with the name of David Sharp, the climber who died last year on the mountain under controversial circumstances. Some people blamed Brice for not helping Sharp, and reportedly as many as 35 or 40 climbers stepped over and around Sharp as he lay dying in the snow. I was personally critical of the show last season for glossing over the controversy and barely touching on it in the shows final episode.

We do see some new scenes from ABC however, as we get a glimpse of the food that is prepared for them, and how the cooks use buckets, buried in the frozen ground, to keep the food preserved. I found scenes like that to be interesting, as it gives us an idea of what it's like for the climbers who spend upwards of 45 days on Everest.

Eventually we see the Sherpas complete the laying of the fixed lines, reaching the summit at the earliest date ever, breaking their own record from last year. As the Sherpas descend however, two climbers are spotted on their way up. The climbers are Kazakh climbing legends Maxut and Vassily, making a quick, alpine assault on the summit. The pair climbed, as they always do, without oxygen. The show stresses the dangers that they are in by making such an early bid for the summit, and getting caught out in the dark. However, I don't feel that they properly conveyed what amazing climbers the two Kazahs are, and how they are light years more experienced than anyone on the Himex Team. Even with that experience however, at 3 AM a call comes in for help. The first episode ends with a Sherpa rescue team scrambling up the mountain to attempt a rescue.

My thoughts on the first episode are that it was a good start, but I wasn't blown away. Much of the episode was spent treading the same ground as last year, although it did start to get interesting near the end. I was also a bit disappointed by the return of the overly dramatic narrator from last season, but so far we haven't had the any of the strange "Ever-rest" chants that we had last year. Those sounded like they were right of a bad horror film.

One other item of note. The show is in HD this year, and it is much appreciated. The shots of the mountain itself are stunning, and Discovery is well known for it's amazing picture quality, and Beyond The Limit will do nothing to hurt that reputation. If there is anyway for you to catch it in HD, definitely take that opportunity.

Judging from the previews for next weeks episode, we'll start to get into the meat of the climb. And as this episode ended, I was ready for more, so I'll be tuned in once again.

New York Times Takes Us Up Kilimanjaro!

Ok, this is very cool. The New York Times has posted an excellent interactive Kilimanjaro climb to their website that is a really great way to experience what climbing Kili is all about.

The interactive climb is a companion to this article written by Tom Bissell about his Kilimanjaro climb. The article is a long one, with lots of nice details including profiles of the other climbers in his group. Tom climbed along the Lemosho Route, which is one of the lesser traveled routes and is marked with plentiful wildlife on the lower levels. The article itself is very well written and offers an accurate account of what you can expect on Kili.

As I noted however, the "companion" to this article is the amazing interactive elements that have been included. While a bit slow to load, it's certainly worth it once it does. You'll get a 3-D map of the route up Kilimanjaro, video footage from various points along the way. They've even shown Tom's heart rate and oxygen levels at the different camps on the mountain as well.

All in all, I'd say that the article and interactive climb combine to be one of the best online options for what to expect of your Kilimanjaro experience. If you're planning a trip to Africa's highest peak sometime in the near future, it's definitely worth reading and looking at, and even if Kili seems like a far off dream, the multimedia elements here will make it seem a little more real. Very cool stuff.

This comes via the always excellent Best Hike Blog.

Canoe & Kayak Reviews Inflatable Boats

Canoe & Kayak Magazine has posted short thoughts and reviews on the top inflatable kayaks for 2007. They take a peek at new designs from the likes of Innova, Sevylor, and Advanced Elements, each of which have their strengths and weaknesses, but offer a lot to love.

Inflatable kayaks have come a very long way in recent years. Technology has made them a lot stronger and lighter. Of course, they'll never track as straight or as fast as a hardshell, but then again, I can't store a hardshell under my bed. I've personally had some experience with the Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks, and I can tell you they are a lot of fun. They are quick, nimble, and can hold up to some reasonably rough conditions. I wouldn't recommend running Class IV or V white water with them, but they are great for just about anything else.

In fact, I'm thinking of buying a newer model sometime in the next few months, and this article gives me a nice little comparison between the newer boats available. Obviously there are a lot more options in this category than in years past, and kayaks have some major improvements, most notably in on board storage and room. With the cooler weather finally hitting here in Texas, it might just be time to go shopping soon.

Thanks GoBlog!

Epic On The Ogre Reunion!

On November 27th the Royal Geographical Society in London will host a reunion of four climbers who will, for the first time in 30 years, relive an epic climb and descent on The Ogre.

Mountaineering legends Chris Bonington, Doug Scott, Tut Braithwaite and Clive Rowland will discuss their harrowing first ascent of the mountain known as "The Ogre", a 24,000 foot peak in the Karakorum. However, getting to the top was just the start of their adventure, as on the descent, Scott managed to break both of his ankles, on the first abseil no less. Over the course of the next week, the four men struggled to make their way down the mountain, in foul weather most of the time. Bonington ended up breaking two ribs and contracting pneumonia in the process as well. In the end, they all made if off safely, and the story of their survival has become mountaineering lore.

With this reunion, the men will be together to tell their tale for the first time since the incident occurred. It's part of a fund raising effort to support the Sherpa Heritage Museum and it's efforts to preserve Sherpa homes. You can read more about the event over at OutDoorsMagic.com.

If you have the opportunity, I'd strongly urge you to attend this event. The money goes to a good cause, and you'll have the rare chance to see these legends first hand. If you can't make the event, then I'd highly recommend Clint Willis' book The Boys of Everest to not only learn more about this event on the Ogre, but also why Bonington, Scott, and the rest of their crew are considered legends of mountaineering. Great book.

Complete List of 2007 Antarctic Expeditions

ThePoles.com has published their complete list of the 2007/2008 Antarctic Expeditions. This is likely to be THE definitive list as explorers and teams finalize their preparations for heading out on the ice. You can read the entire list here.

Highlights of the 2007/2008 Antarctic season include Slovak Peter Valusiak attempt at a solo, unsupported 2800km crossing of the Antarctic starting from Berkner island, making his way to the Pole, and ending in McMurdo. An epic undertaking to be sure.

Rita Glenne and Ine-Lill Gabrielsen have pretty big ambitions of their own. They'll head to Mt. Vinson first where they'll have a go at the summit, and when they're done there, they'll set off for the South Pole on skies. Oh, and by the way, they'll be going by a new route!

Speaking of new routes, American Doug Stoup, along with Brits James Fox and Richard Dunwoody, plan to take a new route themselves when they leave from the Ronnie-Fleichner Ice Shelf for the South Pole. They'll also be going unsupported, just to make it that little extra of a challenge.

Of course, there are plenty of others heading out on the ice as well, and with the season opening soon, we'll have plenty of expeditions to follow. It looks like it should be another interesting year at the South Pole.

Training For Mountaineering

The Fitness Q&A section over at Outside Online always has some good tips for training and improving your performance. After all, it is written by Chris Carmichael, who helped Lance Armstrong win a couple of bike races. Today's question was a good one focused on how to train for mountaineering, specifically for climbs like Rainier or Denali.

The person posing the question says he has 8 months to prepare, and is living at sea level, living in Boston. In a nutshell, Carmichael recommends interval training, and lots of it. He says that you have to build your body into a cardio machine, especially when training at lower altitudes. Long hikes with a heavy pack and gear are also recommend along with building lean muscle mass and a lean frame, but not too lean, as the extra pounds will do you good when you start loosing weight at altitude.

While not all that specific in it's recommendations, it's a nice, simple guide to begin training if you're looking to go on a climb in the near future. A lot of what Carmichael says makes sense, and obviously you'll need your cardiovascular system in top working order when you head up. It'll make the climb all that much more enjoyable in the long run.

Solo Summit on Annapurna!

MountEverest.net has word this morning that Tomaz Humar hascompleted a solo summit of Annapurna. The Slovenian mountaineer, who was climbing with Asian Trekking went up the South Face, and topped out two days ago on October 28th.

Annapurna is the tenth highest mountain in the World at 8091m (26,545 feet). It is a massive mountain in the Himalaya, found in Central Nepal, and has five peaks, of which Annapurna I and II are the tallest. Tomaz topped out on Annapurna I, and doing so in solo fashion makes the climb even more impressive. The mountain is considered to be one of the toughest in the World to climb and is legendary for it's large avalanches.

For Tomaz, this is a bit of vindication. Back in 2005, while climbing on Nanga Parbat, he found himself climbing solo while attempting a new route on the Rupal Face. When the weather turned bad, he found himself lost amongst large seracs and stuck in an area of highly unstable snow. He huddled in a snow hole for six days until rescuers were able to come to his aid. Following that experience, he was sharply criticized for being unprepared and putting the lives of the rescue team in jeopardy. If today's report is verified, he'll have once again demonstrated that he is amongst the best climbers in the World.

Bolivia By Mountain Bike

Earlier today I posted a very cool video of several people mountain biking down the highway known as the "Death Road" in Bolivia. In the comments section, reader Lorena posted that an adventure racing friend of hers is also in Bolivia, touring the country by mountain bike. She was also kind enough to pass along his persona blog, as he writes about his travels. You can find his blog here.

The blog is written by Neal Radford, a native of New Zealand, who set off on October 15th on a solo bike tour of the country. He flew into La Paz, and set out from there towards Lake Titicaca. Before his journey ends, in mid-November, he'll make his way to the Antiplano region before crossing the Andes to Santa Cruz. Of course, you can follow all his adventures by reading his blog, which he intends to update throughout the trip.

Thanks for sharing this with us Lorena. Tell him to stay off the "Death Road"!

Reminder: Everest: Beyond The Limit Season 2 Begins Tomorrow!

Just a quick reminder that Everest: Beyond The Limit Season 2 begins tomorrow night on The Discovery Channel The show will make it's debut at 10 PM Easter/9 Central. Set your DVR's so you don't miss out on any of the action. It should be another interesting season to watch.

Switchback UMPC For The Outdoor Nerd!

Check out the Switchback UMPC, a ruggedized computer designed for use in extreme conditions anywhere on the planet.

UMPC stands for Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer, and the Switchback has the "ultra-mobile" part down. It is small and lightweight, just 3 pounds, with a 5.6 inch touch screen. It's powered by a 1 Ghz Celeron processor and can come pre-loaded with Windows XP or Vista. (1 Ghz Celeron and Vista? Go with XP. Thank me later) It has 120 GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM, hot swappable batteries, and a host of wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth, 802.11g, and GPS reception.

All of those tech specs sound great, but it's the ruggidization that makes it so interesting. The device can withstand extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, as well as altitude and it is water proof up to 1 meter in depth for more than 30 minutes. It's also highly customizable, with add-on "backpacks" that provide the ability to take atmospheric reading of temperatures and humidity or even add a built in 3 mega-pixel camera. The details on the backpacks are a bit sketchy at this point, but it sounds like the manufacturer, Roper Mobile has some big plans for adding functionality in this way. The Switchback also comes with built in auto-diagnostic tools to facilitate repairs in the field, something that could be very handy while on an expedition somewhere.

This thing looks like it could be a great edition for explorers on the go who don't want to give up too much pack space, or carry too much weight, yet still have a device that's designed to withstand the elements. The interface is certainly unique, and with all the wireless options, you might even be able to play World of Warcraft in your tent on the way to the South Pole. ;) If anyone over at Roper would like to send me one to test out, I'd be happy to put it through it's paces!

Polish Climbers Set Lofty Goals

MountEverest.net is reporting that climbing legend Piotr Pustelnik is coming out of retirement to join forces with Piotr Morawski and Peter Hamor, two other very accomplished Polish climbers, to go after the North-West Face of Annapurna. The trio plans to take the same route as the Czech team back in 1988. They'll acclimatize on Ama Dablam, and then attempt Annapurna in one push.

As if that wasn't enough, later in the year they'll attempt a complete traverse of the Gasherbrums. The team will start by ascending GI along the traditional route, continuing on to Gasherbrum La, followed by Gasherbrum East, and on to GII and III. Finally, in 2009, the same "dream team" of Polish climbers will attempt all the "Broad Peaks". Meaning they'll start from Godwin Austen Glacier and end on Concordia.

Obviously these guys have plenty of experience in the Himalaya and will no doubt be successful in their climbs. But these sound like some impressive expeditions. The Gasherbrum and Broad Peak climbs should keep them busy for weeks at a time I would guess. It should certainly be interesting to follow their progress.

Adventure Knows Adventure Travel

Continuing the trend of "Best of" and "Top [insert number here]" lists, I've got a pair of really good ones today from National Geographic Adventure Magazine.

First up, we have the annual list of the Top 25 New Trips for 2008. The list is decidedly for adventure travelers, and is broken down by continent, with some really amazing ideas for anyone looking to get away. For instance, while in Africa, you can be amongst the first to experience the nearly undistrubed wildlife in Gabon's new national parks. If that's too tame for you, seek out true adventure in the Wakhan Corridor between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, an area that few Westerners have traveled since the time of Marco Polo. of course, there are plenty more for the other continents as well, including the first carbon neutral trips to Antarctica. The list really does have something for everyone.

The other article of interest is their ratings of the best Adventure Travel guides in the world. They take a look at 157 outfitters spread across the globe, and offer up a rating for each of them. Top of the list, with a rating of 97.5 out of 100, is Mark Thornton Safaris, which operates out of Tanzania, and takes the unique approach of capping their clients at only 100 per year.

The full methodology for their rating system is explained here. Essentially, each of the outfitters is rated from 1 to 100 in a number of categories, including Quality of Service, Sustainability, Spirit of Adventure, and more. The numbers are then averaged to get their overall score. The list may prove quite useful when planning your next trip, and of course all the trips on their Top 25 are guided by one of the more highly rated outfitters.

Biking Bolivia's "Death Road"

Check out this crazy video. It's of a couple mountain biking on a highway hat travels between La Cumbre and Coroico in Bolivia. The highway is charmingly named "Death Road" and it drops from 4700m to about 1200m over the course of the ride.

At first, it looks like a typical bike ride, although at a higher altitude. The road is nicely paved, and offers a nice challenge, but nothing too serious for someone in decent shape and use to riding their bike. Then, the riders head on to the true "Death Road", where it is no longer paved, and it narrows considerably, as it hugs the sides of the mountain. The scenery is actually quite beautiful, and at one point you see an incredible waterfall coming down the side of the mountain. Later, as the riders forge ahead, you see that same waterfall dropping directly on to the road itself.

Cool video. Enjoy!




Thanks Gadling.

Five Endangered Destinations

The Travel Channel has put together an interesting list of destinations that are in danger of losing their allure to the independent or adventurous traveler in the near future thanks to increasing globalism, tourist traffic, modernization, and more. They urge you to get to these places now, before the character and charm are gone forever.

The endangered destinations are:

Traditional China: China is modernizing at a startling rate, and they point to projects like the Three Gorges Dam as an indication of what is to come. When the dam was built, whole villages disappeared under water, along with countless ancient artifacts and sites. There was little regard to their cultural value, and it has changed the face of the area completely. As the next great Super Power, China seems more concerned with industrialization rather than preserving their traditional culture.

San Rafael Glacier, Chile: Two words sum this one up: Global Warming. As temperatures across the globe continue to go up, ice caps and glaciers are retreating everywhere. This site in Patagonia is changing rapidly, and it is only a matter of time before the glacier is gone altogether.

Quirky Caribbean: Travel Channel laments the loss of the independent, traditional Caribbean destinations. Those places are disappearing in favor of large, corporate resorts that lack charm and character. There are still a few places to go to get that old style, traditional feel, but you have to look much harder now.

The Red Sand Dunes of Namibia: These famous, otherworldly looking dunes look like something you would find on Mars rather than here on Earth. They are quickly disappearing though, thanks to natural erosion, but also because they are popular destinations for travelers who want to explore the area on quad-bikes and in desert safaris. There has been little effort to protect the dunes, and thus they are disappearing as more people trammel them.

Village Culture in Romania: While many places in Eastern Europe are losing their small village culture thanks to increased tourism, in the case of Romania, it's all about the strip mining business, which is only expected to increase if or when Romania joins the European Union. The area still has it's traditional charm, but industrialization will likely change that in the years ahead.

That's the list. Anything else we should add to it? Post a comment. And book your travel to these locations before they are gone.

Top 5 BASE Jumping Accident Videos

Team Geared Up, the same blokes who brought us the Top 5 Mountain Biking Crashes, Bungy Jumping Accidents, and Snowboard Crashes are back today with another list of cringe inducing videos. This time it's the Top 5 BASE Jumping Accidents.

Once again, you'll find plenty of things to laugh at, as long as you find someone else's pain funny. Some of them will must make you wince in pain, and wonder why someone would do this activity to begin with. The video below is a good example of what to expect. Personally, were I to do BASE jumping, I think I'd want to have a little more room between me and the ground. Just in case.

Enjoy!

The Mountain Hardwear Backcountry Cookbook

Looking to add some new dishes to your backcountry culinary choices? Then check out this cookbook from the folks over at Mountain Hardwear.

The 20 page PDF document, which is free to download, contains some interesting concoctions from some of Mountain Hardwear's sponsored athletes. For instance, you'll find "Ed McMuffins" from Ed Viesturs which are simply rye crackers, salami, swiss cheese, and hot mustard. Who says Ed doesn't know how to cook?

Other interesting recipes include Mountain Curry from Andrew McLean, Mountain House Lasagna from Ueli Steck, and Garlic Beef Potatoes from Mike Libecki. Now you can live like these outdoor legends too! Fire up your JetBoil and get to cooking! All kidding aside, there are some tasty sounding dishes in here, and we're all probably looking to alternatives to those freeze dried packets from REI.

Thanks Trailspace.com for this one.

The Never Ending Voyage!

Here's an amazing story that I found on TheOceans.net today. It seems that ocean explorer Henk de Velde has set off on his last voyage, with the intent that he'll never return off again.

ExWeb posted this interview with him which spells out his plan. He's heading for the open ocean, leaving behind his friend, family, home, and even his country to wander where the winds will take him. The 58 year old Henk says that the thought has crossed his mind a number of times in the past, but he always returned home to see his family. But now, he will just keep traveling.

Henk is quick to point out that he is not a millionaire who has the resources to just sail for what ever harbor strikes his fancy. He has put his entire life's savings into his ship, and it will be his home from now on. But his years at sea have taught him to be self sufficient and innovative in his survival. For instance, he will capture rain to use as his source of water on the boat. One of his previous journey's lasted seven years, so he is not stranger to the nomadic lifestyle.

The man is a living embodiment of adventure. When asked what he will miss most about home, his answer is simple: "The truth is...I miss nothing, and that's the truth!" He does leave behind a 26 year old son and an 86 year old mother, and that weighs on his mind some, but he hears the calling of the ocean, and he must go.

You can follow his adventures on his website found here. Remember, all who wander are not lost...

Long Rider Bernice Is Home!

About a month and a half ago I posted a story on Bernice Ende, a woman who was traveling 5000 miles through 14 states on horseback with her dog Claire has her constant companion. At the time of that post, she was in Lacrosse, Washington and bearing down on her home in Trego, Montana.

Well, it turns out just a few weeks after writing about her journey, she completed her trip and returned home, 16 months after setting out. The last entry in her blog, dated September 23rd, is her way at summing up her journey and what it was like to finally come home.

Like a true Long Rider, Bernice is already planning for her next journey to get underway next year. No hints yet as to where she'll be heading, but you can bet that Claire, and her horse Honor, will be joining her.

One of the amazing quotes from her final post is that she went through "14 sets of horseshoes and 12 pair of dog booties" over the 16 months. No mention of how many riding boots she went through though. :)

Thanks to my saddle tramp big brother for sending the update.

Man vs. Wild Returns Nov. 9th

Amidst all the controversy, Man vs. Wild returns to the airwaves on November 9th with all new episodes. A move that is sure to strike a whole new round of Bear vs. Les debates.

Hosted by Bear Grylls, Man vs. Wild is a show, not unlike Survivorman, in which we the viewers watch the host try to survive in extreme conditions somewhere on the planet each week. The show sparked controversy this past Summer however, when word got out that host Bear Grylls wasn't always fully upfront with his activities in the field. Some of his methods were called into question, and we even learned that he may have spent some of his nights in a warm hotel room with his crew rather than "surviving" out in the wild.

Since that time, the show is said to have refocused, with more of an emphasis on staying true to it's roots. Grylls, a charismatic and entertaining guy, took a lot of heat for his purported antics, as did the BBC and Discovery Channel which co-produce and broadcast his show.

This season, the show will spend two episodes in the chosen environment as opposed to one episode in the past. When the new episodes start on Nov. 9th we'll kick things of in the Sahara desert and that will continue on the Nov. 16th episode as well. From there, we'll get two episodes in the jungles of Panama, followed by two episodes in Patagonia.

At some point this fall we should also see Bear's Mission Everest which will follow his attempt to fly a paraglider over Mount Everest this past Spring. That event is also steeped in controversy as to whether or not he actually made it. Bear claims he did, but there is little independent proof of the fact. The video should shed a lot of light on the subject. No word as to when that special will air however.

So, let a new battle of Bear vs. Les begin. Take it to the comments section, and lets be civil people! ;)

Update: Azzfan, who is clearly much better than I am at searching the Discovery Channel website, posted a comment earlier today that Bear's Mission Everest will air right after the Season 2 debut on Nov. 9th. So, you'll get an episode of Man vs. Wild, in the Sahara no less, followed by the Mission Everest special. Bear fans can get their fix in a two hour block that night.

Expedition Amazonas Update

TheOceans.net has posted an update on the Expedition Amazonas team. You may recall that they're the five person crew that set out a month or so back to paddle the entire length of the Amazon River.

When they first started by climbing Mt. Mismi, in Peru, the fabled source of the might Amazon. At first they had to portage their kayaks and gear, as the river was quite small at that point. Merely a stream. But once they found a place to properly put in, they were faced with Class IV and V rapids that they describe as the best rapids of their lives.

However, the trip has not been without it's hazards. The incredible rapids caught one of their rafts at one point, ripping holes in it's floor and causing them to lose thousands of dollars worth of equipment. Beaten and battered, but not defeated, the stopped in a small village known as Nahua where they rested a few days before going to Cusco to resupply and make repairs.

Now, they've returned to Nahua to resume their journey, restocked and refreshed, and ready to face more of those crazy rapids. They still have a long way to go on their journey, which was originally expected to take about seven months. When they're all done, they'll have paddled some 4350 miles from the source, to the mouth of the Amazon. An amazing trip indeed.

Guidebook Blamed In Death Of Hiker

By now I'm sure you've seen this article mentioned somewhere on the Internet. It's the story of Christopher Parratt, a 32 year old British man who fell to his death while descending from Tryfan, a mountain in the Snowdonia Mountain region of Wales. Apparently, he and his wife were using a guidebook that contained erroneous information that caused them to get lost, in foul weather conditions, and may have resulted in Christopher's death.

I first read this story over at Outdoor Magic and then saw it mentioned on Two-Hell Drive and The Adventurist. Tom and Jason from those two sites respectively have both weighted in with their thoughts on the topic, and for the most part I agree with their assessments. You shouldn't take a guidebook as anything more than that. It's a guide.

Apparently the chapter in the guidebook on Tryfan is entitled Tryfan The Easy Way, which is where some people seem to be focused in this case. The implication is that the chapter is misleading in that it makes it sound like it isn't all that difficult to go up the mountain, which is approximately 3000 feet in height and is said to be one of the more challenging climbs in Snowdonia, especially in inclement weather. The question here is whether or not the publisher and/or author of the book is at fault for the death of Christopher Parratt.

Parratt's wife Jennifer testified that they realized on the ascent that the guidebook was off the mark in several areas, but they continued to climb none the less, and despite the onset of bad weather. The guidebook did note that should rain and clouds move in, that climbers should turn back. On the descent, the rocks were slippery and Mr. Parratt slipped on the wet stones, falling over 25 meters to his death.

Obviously this is a delicate story to make a comment on. Friends and family are no doubt still grieving and I can understand their desire to place the blame on someone else. However, even if the guidebook was completely off the mark, it sounds like the poor weather, and slippery conditions are more the cause of this tragedy than anything else. It's a bit like the woman blaming her GPS navigation system for her car getting hit by the train. Common sense should take precedent over what the guide is telling you, and as tragic as this story is, it no different than other hikers, trekkers, and climbers who accidently die while on a trail somewhere. You need to trust your instincts more than a guidebook, and if you don't have instincts to guide you in these situations, than you probably shouldn't be there in the first place.

Everest: Beyond The Limit Website Updated

While surfing around the Discovery Channel Website today I noticed that the Everest: Beyond The Limit site has been updated with new information for Season 2 starting next week.

One of the more interesting updates is the team bios with brief introductions to the climbers, some returning from last season, and some new to the show. On the list you'll find fan favorite Tim Medvetz and Mogens Jensen, both of whom return from last season, but new to the team is Betsy Huelskamp, who raised a bit of a controversy on her return. (Warning read that link only if you don't mind spoilers to the new season)

Speaking of spoilers, there is also the official blog of the climb, written by Greg Child. It follows the whole expedition and should make a great companion piece to the television show, but be careful that you don't read too far ahead, as it was written back in the Spring, as the expedition was on going, and could ruin some of the drama of the show for you.

The second season officially begins airing next Tuesday, October 30th at 10 PM EDT/ 9 Central. Set your Tivo now. And if you have an HDTV be prepared for it to look amazing! The show will run through December 18th, but a second show entitled After The Climb will begin airing on November 28th. Although details are a little sketchy on this new addition to the show, it seems logical from the title that we'll get to follow-up with the climbers after they have returned home. Hopefully it's an interesting and compelling show as well. More on that as it become available.

Rock Climbing In Red River Gorge

GreatOutdoors.com has undergone a facelift on their website, which allowed me to discover an article I missed from a month or so back. It's written by Drew Peterson, and it centers around his experiences rock climbing in Red River Gorge, located in Kentucky.

Drew spent some time in "the Red" late last June, discovering that it's not only was it a great spot for rock climbing, but that it was also very hot and muggy there at that time of year. He mentions that while climbing the air was very still, making it feel even hotter than normal. Even the excess chalk from his hands hung in the air, with only gravity to push it down.

But, he was also rewarded with over 140 crags and 2000 routes to climb in sandstone rock that varied greatly in texture and challenge depending on your location. Drew mentions that both sport and "trad" climbing were popular in the area, and that any climber will find something of value by dropping by Red Rock Gorge.

It sounds like a pretty amazing place to visit, even if you're not going for the climbing. It's also not nearly was well known as some of the other big spots, like Yosemite, so it doesn't get as crowded as well. If you live in the area and are looking for a place to climb, it seems like this is a perfect destination. Just be sure to go when it's a little cooler.

USARA Champs To Get PQ Invite Too!

Remember last week when I mentioned that the winner of the 2008 Costal Challenge would receive an invite to Primal Quest? Well, it seems the winners of that race aren't the only ones to receive such an honor.

It has been announced on the PQ website that the winner of the GoLite USARA Adventure Racing National Championship will also receive a coveted slot in the Primal Quest field next year.

The USARA Championship is scheduled to be held November 2-3 in Potosi, Missouri. The teams competing in the event have earned the right to be there by finishing in the top 3 at one of the 45 regional qualifying races. Teams consist of three co-ed members, who navigate through courses and compete by trekking, mountain biking, and paddling their way to victory.

Looks like we'll have another team to add to the PQ line-up in a couple of weeks.

Edit: In case I didn't make it completely clear, the winner of this race receives a slot in PQ, but it isn't a paid entry. Just like the winner of the Coastal Challenge, they receive a reserved spot, but still need to come up with the entry fee.

Get Uncooped!

Just a quick heads up on another cool website for everyone looking to get their outdoor news/gear/training fix. This one is called Uncooped and it seems to cover a wide array of topics from backpacking, to trail running, to just about anything else you might do outside.

Some of the interesting articles I've come across while browsing the site include this one on choosing a climbing partner and this oen on running your first trail race. You can also check out their comprehensive webcam lists for spotting elk or simply just taking in the Fall colors.

If that wasn't enough, you can even sign up for their first contest. Simply post a story, picture, or video of how you get "uncooped" in the outdoors, and you could win a $300 gift card to Backcountry.com. If you win though, you have to promise to split the prize with me! ;)

Himalayan Marathon Begins Friday

The Himalayan 100 Mile Marathon is set to begin next week. The stage race will consist of five stages, which will be 24, 20, 26, 13, and 17 miles in length. Competitors will depart on Friday from the Darjeeling area of Northern India.

The race has been called "the most beautiful marathon in the World" by Runner's World U.K., and reading the description it's no wonder why. During the five stages, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga are all visible at various times on the course, along with any number of other, lesser Himalayan peaks. The course will also wander through local villages and national parks, allowing runners and trekkers the opportunity to completely take in the culture and natural beauty of the area.

If running or hiking isn't your think, perhaps you would prefer to ride your mountain bike instead. The Mt Everest Bike Rally runs at the same time, and cyclists and runners will share their nightly accommodations. Mountain biking in the shadow of the tallest mountains on the planet certainly sounds like a unique and interesting experience.

More information about both events can be found at the official website, including itineraries for the events, registration info and more.

While running a marathon or mountain biking generally requires a certain level of fitness, I would imagine that this would be an entirely different level of challenge, thanks to the altitude and remote locations. Hopefully we can dig up some decent coverage on the race when it gets underway next week.

Defying Gravity On The Wheel of Life

Check out this amazing video that has been making the rounds on the Internet the past few days. It's of 22 year old Chris Webb Parsons of Australia putting up a second ascent of The Wheel of Life, a bouldering problem that has only been solved once before when it was originally completed by Dai Koyamada of Japan back in 2004.

The Wheel is a rated as a V16 difficulty (roughly equivalent to at 5.15b) and it took Parsons 68 moves to complete, which is much longer than most bouldering problems. While watching the video, keep in mind how nimble and acrobatic this guy is on the rock. There are several moments where I was just in awe. It's an amazing bit of climbing, even if it is only a few feet off the ground. ;)

Kayaker Sets New Record For English Channel Crossing

Former Olympic kayaker Ian Wynne has set a new record for paddling across the English Channel according to the the Paddling Instructor Blog. Wynne shaved 22 minutes off the old record to record a 2 hour, 59 minute, 6 second time.

The old record, held by Ian Tordoff was set back in 2005, when he broke the old mark of 3 hours 33 minutes and 47 seconds set by Andrew Samuel back in 1976. At it's narrowest point, the Channel is roughly 20 miles across, but can be marked by high winds and choppy waters. On top of that, it can also be a very busy shipping lane. It has long been a standard for distance swimming with the first reported crossing taking place back in 1875.

Thoughts On Into The Wild

At long last, I finally got the chance to see Into The Wild today. After spending some time collecting my thoughts about the film, I thought I'd post some impressions.

Let me start off by saying that the film is very well made no matter how you look at it. Director Sean Penn managed to capture the essence of Jon Krakauer's book very well while also capturing Chris McCandless', the subject of the film, wide eyed wonder at the World.

For those who don't know the story, Into The Wild is the true story of McCandless, who graduated college back in May of 1992, and that following Summer proceeded to give away most of his possessions, including $24,000, and then set off on a cross country odyssey. He sets out on this journey as a result of living in a dysfunctional household, and upon achieving his freedom, he set out to explore the country, and himself, leaving his family behind, taking the name Alexander Supertramp.

Along the way, McCandless met some unusual characters who had an impact on his life nearly as big as the one he had on them. Clearly McCandless loved living the life of a vagabond and he forged some real bonds with the people he met on the road. The film does a nice job of showing us those relationships and what Chris gained from them. Not only did those people become his friends, they became his new family.

Eventually, McCandless makes his way to Alaska, which had been a dream destination for him for some time. Taking some basic supplies with him, including a gun, he wanders of "into the wild" to live off the land and become closer to nature. The story takes a tragic end however, when McCandless eventually dies of starvation, alone in the wild.

The film tells this story in an interesting way. When the movie opens, McCandless, who is played by Emile Hirsch, has just arrived in Alaska, and is just setting out on his final adventure. Not long into the film however, the back story begins to be told through a series of flashbacks, beginning with Chris' graduation from college. Through the film we flash forward to McCandless in Alaska, and then back again to some other time in his journey.

As I said, the film is very well made. The shots of the stunning landscapes that McCandless visited on his travels are beautifully and lovingly shot, and it is clear that Penn is a fan of the book and the story in general. The supporting is a good one as well, with the likes of William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Jena Malone, and Hal Holbrook, who gives an excellent performance.

Overall, I thought the film caught the essence of the book very well, and it's clear that McCandless was a bright, charismatic, and interesting young man. Someone that I think I would have liked a lot as a person, and that is where I have conflicting emotions about the film. While I love his spirit of adventure, and his desire to travel, explore, and get back in touch with nature, I'm a bit confounded as to how someone so bright could set off into such a dangerous place as Alaska's wilderness with such a lack of preparation and experience. While he loved nature and the backcountry, it didn't seem like he respected it's power until it was too late. His idealism and wonder at the World around him were admirable traits, but they also were his undoing.

In the end, it's hard not to like the man, but it's also hard to not be a little mad at him for being so careless and haphazard in his approach. The film tends to lean more towards the idealistic side of the story and shies away from McCandless irresponsible nature. In the end, it was the lack of preparation and experience that cost hims his life.

All that said, the film is definitely one worth seeing. I recommend it highly, and I think you'll enjoy it and the story it tells. Be sure to catch it when it finally makes it to your town.

Hardwear Sessions Interviews Ed Viesturs

Hardwear Sessions the official blog of Mountain Hardwear Gear has conducted a brief, but very interesting interview with Ed Viesturs who talks about a variety of things, including his recent journey to the Baffin Islands as part of Will Steger's Globalwarming 101 expedition as well as his 200th climb of Mt. Rainier.

Ed has also been headlining the Sharp End Tour for Mountain Hardwear and is giving lectures all over the country on his climbing experience. Being the only American to top out on all 14 8000m peaks does tend to keep a guy pretty busy you know.

He also gives us a bit of a glimpse into his future plans, as he admits that he has always had an interest in in the arctic and that he is making plans to return their soon, this time going with out dog sleds. On this next expedition, Ed says that they'll be going unsupported, carrying their own equipment behind them on sleds. He hasn't forgotten about the mountains either, saying that there are some projects in the works with David Breashears and long time climbing partner Veikka Gustafsson.

It's a very good interview and an excellent way to catch up with what's been keeping Ed busy of late. Of course, you can also drop by his website for the latest news and info on America's premiere high altitude mountaineer.

Highest Concert Ever: Everest Rocks!

Jake Norton has updated his MountainWorld Blog with news on the Everest Rocks concert that took place yesterday at base camp at an altitude of 18,536 feet.

The team has been trekking up to BC for the past few weeks, and like a wandering band of minstrels, they've been stopping along the way to to play their music and savor the incredible scenery and natural resources in the Khumbu Valley. They even stopped long enough to rock the Namche Bazaar.

The whole Everest Rocks trek and concert are all part of the effort to raise awareness for the Love Hope Strength Foundation which is focused on finding a cure for cancer. You can find out more about the Everest Rocks concert by clicking here.

Ultimate Rainforest Adventures

Keeping on our theme of "Top Ten" lists today, I've got another one to share. This time it's the Top Ten Rainforest Adventures from MSNBC.

The list is populated with some amazing places that will quickly add to your list of "must see" places. For instance, they list the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica because of it's abundance of wildlife and impressive hiking trails. The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve in Ecuador makes the list thanks to it's pink river dolphins, 60 species of orchids, and wild anacondas. And of course, what list of this type would be complete with out the Amazon in Brazil, which is really the first rainforest that comes to mind when you think of these adventures.

Not everything on the list is in South or Central America however. You'll find others listed in Thailand, Malaysia, and even Canada. So check out the slideshow, break out your passport, and get packing. There are adventures a plenty here.

Thanks to the Outdoor Weblog for this one.

Top 10 Adventure Videos

National Geographic Adventure has scoured the web to bring us the Top 10 Adventure Videos from the Internet. You'll find some very cool videos that range from amazing kayaking videos to snowboarding and even slacklining with Timmy O'Neal, and much more.

One of the great things about the Internet has been the ability to share information and news. The multimedia elements on the web have really matured over the past couple of years, and YouTube has made it easier than ever to share cool videos. This has allowed us to go along on expeditions all over the World, and see first hand, some of the incredible adventures that others are going on. This list has some amazing video, but a great variety of activities as well.

Check out this mountain biking video for a taste of what you can expect:

New Wheel Chair Record On Kili!

ClimbMountKilimanjaro.com is reporting that Bern Goosen has set a new wheel chair record on Kilimanjaro, smashing his own previous record. The new record is officially 6 days, 3 hours, and 20 minutes. The old record was 9 days.

Goosen is also the only man to ever top out on the mountain in a wheel chair, now having gone up twice. He climbs along the Rongai Route. Along the way, he covered 16.8 miles, and had an elevation gain of 12,746 feet. Goosen is a native of South Africa, and following the climb, he had to be immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital to be treated for exhaustion.

In all, there were 46 members of the climb, including 33 guides and porters. There were also official steps made to ensure that the climb met all the requirements for a record this time around, since on his first Kili climb there was no way of confirming Goosen's claims. Now it's official, and it's a very impressive feat.

When I read that 4 Wheel Bob, the man who recently climbed Mount White in a wheel chair, was setting his sights on Kilimanjaro next, I thought he was crazy. Apparently I had no idea what the heck I was talking about. Having been on Kilimanjaro, I can't believe someone could go up the mountain in a wheel chair, let alone do it in a relatively fast time.

This story comes courtesy of the GoBlog!

Summit On Jannu!

MountEverest.net. is reporting today that Sergey Kofanov and Valery Babanov have summitted Jannu today after setting off from their high camp at 7400m yesterday. Climbing fast and light in alpine style, the two became the first to successfully climb the West Ridge of Jannu.

The report says that when they left camp yesterday, they carried only a tent, canisters of gas, and some basic climbing gear. Last night they camped in the tent, without sleeping bags, before continuing up this morning. After reaching the summit, they have now begun their descent along the same route they climbed. The conditions are said to be very snowy and cold. They'll likely have to spend another night in that tent, before continuing down tomorrow.

The same article has news briefs on Danielle Fisher's recent Shisha Summit as well as a possible summit on Dhaulagiri by Dodo and Kinga. There is also news of an avalanche on Ama Dablam at Camp 3, but no injuries are being reported.

Site News

Just a quick note to let you know that updates will be sporadic or non-existent until the weekend. I'm off to a convention for my "real" job. You know, the one that actually pays the rent and puts food on the table? ;) I'll post updates on the weekend of any important things that I may miss over the next few days.

Be back soon!

New Blogs To Keep An Eye On...

I came across a couple of new blogs that you might be interested in as I've been wandering around the Interwebs today. First up, we have The Outsider over at Broadbandsports.com. The Outsider is written by "T-Fly" and has been up and running since August, with a variety of posts on outdoor activities and all the fun stuff that we find amusing, like cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, and more. There are plenty of videos and crazy stories to go around, like this one about a "sword wielding hiker". Damn! And I thought my trekking poles were dangerous enough.

The other blog of note is the Words and Light blog written by a young man named Patrick is his planning to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Right now his plans are to hike it in 2008, but he's already begun preparation for his adventure. Of course, once he hits the trail, he intends to blog the entire trip as well, which should make for interesting reading. Good luck Patrick. I can't wait to read your thoughts on the trail.

Anyone have any more interesting and fun "adventure blogs" out there that I should know about? Send 'em my way. I'm happy to give you a nod.

First Summit Of The Season On Shisha!

The Fall season on Shisha Pangma was long, cold, and very snowy. The mountain turned back every team, and sent them home with summit dreams retreating for another year. Even the central summit was out of reach, thanks to waist deep snow and treacherous conditions.

Today, that all changed, as ExWeb is reporting that Danielle Fisher has topped out on Shisha Pangma, claiming the first, and likely only, summit of the season. Danielle was climbing as part of an Alpine Ascents expedition, and their website indicates that she reached the summit along with Lakpa Rita Sherpa. More details will follow, once the two have safely returned to base camp.

Danielle, and American climber, is quite an accomplished mountaineer, even at the age of 22. Not only has she completed the Seven Summits, and was the youngest to do so at the time. She also made an attempt on GII last year, also with Alpine Ascents. Of course Lakpa Rita Sherpa nees no introduction, having climbed Everest eight times. Both attempted Cho Oyu together past Spring, and have now added Shisha to their resumes.

Great climbing! Now get home safe. We want to hear more about your climb!

High Tech Gear From Outside

Outside Online has the scoop on some cool high tech gear for all of our outside needs. Whether your training, hiking, climbing, or just hanging out, there are some interesting new items for the gear hound in all of us.

They kick things off with the Nike+iPod, which I reviewed a year ago. While it's not a new product any more, it is an amazing little gadget for runners and it'll challenge you to be better. A year after I wrote the above review, I still recommend it very highly.

Other items on the list include the ruggedized Motorola i580 cell phone, that is designed to withstand extreme conditions and survive a drop onto rocks. There is also a cool looking jacket from Scapegoat called the Almanac, as well as a Nuvi GPS from Garmin.

On top of the fact that I'm a gear nut, I also tend to like gadget of nearly any kind, so if you can find away to mix high tech gear and gadgets for outdoor pursuits, I'm in heaven. My wallet whimpers a little, but I'm in heaven! Check out the list, then go make your wallet whimper a little too.

A Couple of Contests

I've come across a couple of contests that you might be interested in participating in. Each of them requires some writing on your part, but they have some nice payoffs should you win.

Lets start with the Bloggers Brawl over at Rock and Ice Magazine. They're looking for story submissions on your best (or possibly worst) tales of climbing adventures. Did you have an epic day in the mountains and have always wanted to share it? Here's your chance. On the other hand, did you have one of those days where nothing seems to go right? Send that in too, and go for the sympathy vote. Your story should be no longer than 4000 words and they're accepting submissions through the end of the year, with winners announced in early 2008. Prizes will be some sweet outdoor shoes from La Sportiva Shoes. (Thanks to The Adventurist for this one!)

When you're done writing your brilliant masterpiece for that contest, jump on over to AMapForSaturday.com, the official website for the film A Map For Saturday, which has been getting great critical acclaim and has garnered some impressive awards. It's a documentary about traveling and backpacking around the World and it follows some interesting people who set out to explore. I haven't seen it yet, but I hear great things.

Anyway, they're running a contest of their own, and to enter all you need to do is write a 400 word mini-essay on why you should be selected to travel around the World, much like the subjects of the film. Because, if you win, that's exactly what you'll be doing! The winner of the contest receives a free around-the-world plane ticket, and free stays in 20 hostels on your adventure. That's not all! You'll also receive guide books, presumably of the places you'll be visiting, and a new backpack as well. If that wasn't enough, you'll also receive travel tips and a one-on-one session with Brook Silva-Braga, the director of A Map For Saturday, who I'm sure has plenty of great travel tips for you. (This contest comes via Gadling.)

So, fire up the word processor and put your thinking caps on. Then dash out your story and rake in the winnings!

Feeling Left Out of Primal Quest?

There are roughly 250 days until Primal Quest 2008, and we all know how quickly the race sold out this year. Did your team get left in the lurch? Were you hoping to be part of field, but you just couldn't get everything together in time? Cheer up, there's still hope. Of course, there is a catch too! ;)

Sleep Monsters is reporting that Primal Quest and the Coastal Challenge have entered into an agreement that would award the winner of the 2008 Coastal Challenge Expedition Run an entry into next years PQ. According to the article, the winner of the Coastal Challenge will be allowed to choose between an automatic entry into next year's version of that race, or an entry into Primal Quest. The second place team will be awarded which ever prize first place doesn't accept. If the winner elects to go for the PQ entry, they'll still need to pay their entry fee, but they will get to join the elite teams already in the race.

The Coastal Challenge is no easy race to win either. The race is held in Costa Rica and will be run in stages between January 26th and February 2nd of next year. The course, which has yet to be revealed, will cover some 250 kilometers, through the remote Northwestern volcanic region along Costa Rica's coastline. Stages will very in length each day, from 18 to 60 km, and much like adventure racing, teams of three will have to work together, and stay close to one another to be in the race.

So, if you're looking for one last opportunity to get into PQ, here you go! Put together two of your friends, and hit the remote trails of Costa Rica in January. There could be worse ways to spend time in the Winter, and who knows, maybe you'll win the right to endure more suffering during Primal Quest 2008.

Update: Brian Knight, the Director of Media Relations for Primal Quest was kind enough to leave a message in the comments section of this story. It seems that even though the first 75 team slots sold out in less than 12 hours, applications are still being accepted for the 2008 race.

You'll probably recall that the field was expanded from 75 teams to 90 due to the high demand for applications. Brian says that Primal Quest will continue accepting applications until all registrations are finalized. (Read: The checks don't bounce! ;) )

You can find out more about PQ Registration by clicking here.

Blog Action Day!

Today is Blog Action Day. A day in which more than 12,000 blogs around the Internet have elected to make posts focused on the environment and raising awareness about the top environmental issues we're facing today.

Considering the nature of my blog, I of course wanted to make a contribution to the cause. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to write about. Obviously there are so many topics to choose from. Global warming, deforestation, pollution, endangered species, and so on. I love the outdoors, and the environment is something that I take seriously, and want to see protected.

Throughout the day, as I read some of the other posts in blogs that I read, I saw plenty of thoughts on these topics and a whole lot more. But as I began to think about all these topics, one thing kept coming to mind. Just exactly when did the environment become a partisan issue?

Allow me to explain what I mean. Sure, in the past there were disagreements over approaches to environmental issues, but pretty much everyone agreed that our natural resources needed to be protected. At times, there was heated discussion over those resources, but at the end of the day, everyone were still friends, and a good compromise was reached with the interest of the environment met in one way or another. But somehow, that's all changed in the last ten years or so, and I haven't been able to put my finger on exactly when or why.

The easiest example of this is on the issue of global warming. I've never seen an environmental issue that is so split between the left and the right. On the left you have a group that has recognized global warming as the most challenging environmental issue of our time. Former Vice President Al Gore, a Democrat of course, even made an Oscar winning film on the topic, and then followed it up by winning the Nobel Peace Prize last week. But this side of the political spectrum also seems to go to extremes in their doom and gloom predictions. Sometimes making big leaps as to what the consequences of global warming will be, and even going against scientific findings. For this side of the argument, it's all about what we're doing to the planet, and rarely do they take into account possible natural explanations of what could be causing the warm up.

The other side of the spectrum has the right tending to stick their head in the sand, with some denying that there even is such a thing as global warming . They speak out against the Kyoto Treaty because it could hamper economic growth or that not every country, namely China, are involved, never mind that we should be more concerned with our own house first. Those on this side of the discussion say that we're just going through a natural process, and point to scientific studies of their own that say the process could easily reverse itself. These are the same people who can't, for the life of them, figure out why Al Gore won an Oscar, let alone a Nobel Peace Prize.

Of course all sides of a debate have a line drawn down the middle with people falling on both sides depending on their view. But in this case, I've never seen an environmental issue that could be so clearly defined by Left and Right. Republican and Democrat. When it comes to the environment however, we're all the same. We're all human. And these issues effect all of us the same in the end.

It's important that we put aside these petty differences and work to become better stewards of the environment as a whole. You'll hear people saying that if we don't we'll destroy the planet. But those people are wrong. The planet has been through a lot worse things than what we're doing to it. What we're doing is not destroying the planet. Instead we're destroying ourselves. Because if there is one thing that I'm certain of, the Earth will go on. It'll heal itself. The question is, will we, the human race, be around to see it?

2006 Tour de France Champion Crowned! Finally! Er... Again.. or Something.

After 14 months of allegations, denials, court rulings, and strange developments, we at long last have an official winner of the 2006 Tour de France. The Yellow Jersey was delivered to Spaniard Oscar Pereiro today, officially moving him from second on the list to first, following the recent court ruling against Floyd Landis.

You would think that today's move would cap the whole affair, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Landis is still appealing the decision. He intends to send his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which is the highest court to which these kinds of cases can be sent. They'll hear the case in mid-February. What if they should find in Landis' favor? Stranger things have happened, and with the way this case has gone, I wouldn't put it past the Court to decide that there was some odd, behind the scenes activity, that could cast the whole affair in doubt.

But today is about Oscar Pereiro, who I'm sure is experiencing some very bittersweet emotions. While he has clearly received the greatest honor of his professional career, he didn't don the Yellow Jersey along the Champs-Elysees like every other Tour champion before him. The specter of Floyd Landis will always hang over his win, and he's been completely robbed of his moment in the spotlight. In fact, today's story will largely go unnoticed by the general public, and few will ever know that Pereiro had a great tour in 2006. While the Jersey will go in the trophy closet, I'm sure this isn't the way he imagined winning it.

The sport of cycling still has a very long way to go.

Images Of Shisha and Beyond!

Alan Arnette has returned from his latest adventure, climbing on Shisha Pangma. if you've been following his dispatches, you already know that the team made it high on the mountain, and were in good spirits and health to make a run at the summit. However, Mother Nature had other plans for them, as she did for most of the Himalaya this Fall. Copious amounts of snow prevented summits on Shisha, and for the most part, every other mountain in the area.

Most climbers will tell you that the summit isn't everything however, and that it's the journey along the way that makes it all worthwhile. Alan was kind enough to share that journey with us in the form of several photo galleries that he's posted to his website. They're broken down as follows:

Climbing Shisha Pangm: For all of you who just want to get to the mountain!
Faces of Tibet: Filled with amazing shots of the amazing people of Tibet.
Scenes of Tibet: Excellent shots of the country itself. I really need to go here!
Lhasa: More amazing photos in and around Lhasa.
My Teammates and I: Photos of Alan and the whole crew.

Excellent photos as always Alan. Thank you for sharing them with us and welcome home!

Remember, Alan was climbing Shisha Pangma as part of his Road Back To Everest. He is climbing for a cause, and is asking for your support by donating to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund. A great cause if I've ever seen one.