Everest 2008: And So It Begins!

Tomorrow is April 1st, often seen as the unofficial start of the Spring Season on Everest and other Himalayan peaks. Many climbers are already in Kathmandu, including our friend Alan Arnette who has already made a dispatch from Nepal. Alan says that the atmosphere in Kathmandu is relaxed all things considered and even a little quiet. Perhaps the calm before the storm?

Meanwhile, Peak Freaks have updated their website today with the phrase "Permit In Hand" saying it all. They're a go on the South Side. However, as noted last week, the permit comes with rules. They are as follows:

1. Climbers can only go as high as Camp 2 until after May 10. The day the Chinese have set to have completed their Olympic torch relay.

2. No communications till after May 10. That means no sat phones, laptops, or PDA's. I forgot to ask about the on mountain radios. That is a pretty mandatory piece of equipment for emergencies so I sure hope so. I suppose though if they military is there they can be the channel for an emergency. No cameras, videos or other. Everything will be locked in a container guarded by the military till after May 10.

3. Their will be policing on the mountain at base camp till after May 10.

The "no communications" rule until after May 10th is a bit disturbing. It means we may get few updates from the mountain before May 10th. Of course, that date may get pushed back even further depending on whether or not the Chinese actually summit as planned.

Obviously the situation is rather fluid at the moment, and I'm sure we'll hear a lot more about this over the next few days. Be sure to check out The Adventurist for regular updates as well as Everest Is Ours which is back from the dead just in time for all the festivities. ;)

Speed Descent of Aconcagua The Eiger!

Update: Ok! So this is the same footage I posted on last year after all, and isn't Aconcagua at all. It's once again The Eiger, but edited a bit differently. Still a cool video if you haven't seen it before.

Now, I'll commence with the lawsuit against Team Geared Up. Let see... I'm sure I can get them on "Mis-representation of a mountain" or perhaps" or simply "praying on the helplessly dumb". :)

Nearly a year ago I posted a link to a video of a speed descent on The Eiger, in which France's François Bon donned a parachute, stepped into his skis and proceeded to ski/glide/fly down the mountain.

Well now it seems that Bon is up to his old tricks again, but this time he's on Aconcagaua, the tallest mountain in South America. The video of his speed descent is posted below, and the ride looks exhilarating, scary, and wild all at the same time. Especially when he wanders fairly close to some of those big rocks. Cool vid!

Thanks to Team Geared Up for this one!

Top 10 Weirdest Foot Races

Today's Daily Dose from The Gear Junkie brings us his Top 10 Weirdest Foot Races with some of the strangest and wackiest events you'll ever find.

For instance, he opens the article with a blurb on the Kaniksu Ranch Bare Buns Fun Run which is a 5k, not unlike the thousands of others that take place every year, except in this case, all the runners are nude. Well, I take that back. They do have their shoes on!

Other interesting events to make the top ten list include The Muddy Buddy, which has become a bit of an institution in a number of cities across the country, including my town of Austin, TX. This unique race, which includes teams of two alternating running and riding a bike over different sections of the 6-7 mile course, ends with it's trademark mud pit that competitors have to swim, crawl, and slog their way through.

The Nepal Trek and Trail Run has competitors spending six days in the Himalayan country, trekking amongst the spectacular mountains, but on the last day you'll finish up with a half-marathon. The event mixes cultural immersion with hiking in the legendary Annapurna area, and then wraps it all up with a trail run.

Also making the list is the Marathon des Sables which also happens to be one of my favorite events as well. This yearly race is held in Morocco, where competitors brave 120º heat to run a course 151 miles in length, spread out over six days.

So, if you're tired of running the New York or Boston Marathons, are up for a new challenge, and want to mix a little adventure into your next race, give this list a look. Perhaps one of the races will appeal to you. Just try to keep your clothes on if you decide to run the Antarctic Marathon.

Rainforest Trekking In Guyana

The Times Online has an excellent article in their Travel Section today on trekking the rainforests of Guyana, a nearly unspoiled region of jungle that sees little traffic.

The article mentions that the South American country is roughly the size of Great Britain, but has only 750,000 citizens, most of whom live in or near the capital of Georgetown, located on the countries east coast. Further inland however, finds a staggering 85% of the country still covered by rainforest, much of which is unexplored or surveyed in any way.

Steve Backshall, author of the story, has studied rainforests all over the planet, but found this one to be a refreshing surprise, as it was free of underbrush, had very few biting insects, and lacked the usual tropical diseases of malaria or dysentery. He did, however, have interesting encounters of a different variety, including getting bitten by a vampire bat, stung by a bullet ant, and shocked by an electric eel. Despite all of that, he says "But it was still heaven."

From his description, Guyana sounds like an adventure traveler's paradise. There are few tourists, the region is practically untouched by man, and you can trek to some very isolated, and unique areas, without encountering another soul. In fact, Backshall says that Kaieteur Falls is Guyana's foremost tourist attraction, and yet you're likely to have it all to yourself most of the time.

This sounds like an amazing place, and real opportunity to visit a wilderness that remains much the same as it has for thousands of year. Go there while you can however, as once the word is out, it's probably not likely to stay that way.

Buy A Buff, Contribute To A Cause!

I'm a big fan of Buff Headwear, the versatile little piece of cloth that can be used in so many ways. I've recommend them here in the past, especially after The Gear Junkie named them his number one gear item for the five years he's been doing his column.

Last week I heard from a reader who is training for the Boston Marathon. She's running to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and has partnered up with Buff to help. From now until May 31st, when you order a Buff from CoolStuffForTheCure.com you'll receive not only free shipping on your gear, but you'll also automatically be entered into a $100 shopping spree for PlanetBuff.com. Simply enter the coupon code TNTCURE when you place your order.

Not only is Buff providing us with the benefits though, as they are also donating a certain amount of money to the cause for each Buff sold. So if you don't already have one, there is no better time to buy. I can say that I use the two that I own all the time, and they have served me well many times. They make a great addition to any gear closet and it just may be the best $20 piece of gear you've ever bought.

Mekong Kayakers Cross Into Tibet

National Geographic Adventure is doing a great job keeping us up to date on the Mekong Kayakers through their new Adventure Blog. The latest report from the river is that the team has crossed into Tibet, where they risked detainment, to continue their first descent of the region.

The Rivers in Demand Team had originally intended to paddle the Upper Salween River, making a first descent on that wild waterway. But recent unrest in Tibet has closed off the country to foreigners, so they had to quickly adjust their plans, electing to explore an undocumented region of the Mekong River instead. Tibet remains closed off, but a section of the Mekong the kayakers were exploring meandered into the tiny Himalayan country, allowing them to paddle through spectacular scenery along a 250 mile section of the river. Along the way they had to avoid a police checkpoint and drifted past a convoy of 30 army vehicles unnoticed.

The team is getting some amazing photos, as you can see from the article, and is capturing this unexplored section of the river for the first time on video as well. They hope to make a documentary on the area once they return, provided they don't end up in a Chinese prison, or have their film confiscated along the way. They set out to find an adventure on a far off river, and I think it's safe to say that they've gotten more then they bargained for.

Free Online Issue of Wend

Wend Magazine, and excellent publication with articles on outdoor activities and adventures taking place all over the World, is now offering you a chance to check out their latest issue online for free.

The slick web interface is amongst the best I've ever seen for reading a "virtual magazine". You'll have options to turn individual pages, jump to a specific page, or go to the table of conents. In addition, there is a zoom feature to make the pages more readable, as well as options for printing and bookmarking pages. The images are clear and high quality, and you can "flip" through the pages almost as if you had it in you own hands. The entire issue is reproduced in electronic format including the ads, columns, articles, and more. I half expected one of those annoying subscription cards to fall out of DVD drive while I thumbed through the online edition.

After you've taken the virtual issue for a test drive, you can head on over to the subscription page to order the real thing. The five issue one year subscription is only $21 and I can tell you from first hand experience that it's worth every penny. If you're a member of Outdoorzy you can head over to the member benefits page to find out how you can save $3 on your subscription.

Wend is an excellent magazine with great photos and well written articles. If you're looking for something new in an outdoor mag, and haven't seen it yet, then it's definitely time you did.

Everest 2008: The Rules of Everest

Everest News has published a list of Rules For Everest that was reportedly released in "draft" form by the Nepali Government. These rules will govern what can and can't be done on the South Side in the coming months.

There are some interesting items on the list to be sure. For instance, permits to climb Everest are only being issued for the South-East Ridge and the "Normal" route on Lhotse. These are the two most common routes on both mountains, and the overwhelming majority of climbers take these routes, but it does mean that someone attempting one of the more challenging, non-traditional routes, is out of luck this year.

Also of interest is the fact that no permits are being permitted for documentary film making crews on Everest and Lhotse as well. While the writing was already on the wall, this will certainly mean no season 3 of Everest: Beyond The Limit from the Discovery Channel.

The rules do say that teams can climb as high as Camp 3 before May 10th. No one will be allowed higher than that before May 10th, and after that day, teams will require the permission of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. These nuggest of info are both good and bad. It's good, because it means that teams can go higher on the mountain before May 10th then was reported earlier, and it also appears that they won't be restricted to Base Camp between May 1st and 10th as we rumored as well. However, they also won't be able to to C4 and the summit until the Nepali Government says it's ok. So if the Chinese Torch Team doesn't summit until May 15th, I wouldn't count on anyone from the South Side going up before then either.

The list doesn't end there either, as one of the rules also clearly states that "Satellite phones, computers/laptops and mobile phones will be under the supervision of liaison officers." The rule states that climbers can use their electronic gear to contact friends, family, and logistical agents on a regular basis, but under the supervision of the liaison officer until May 10th. Translation: Expected limited contact from the mountain until after May 10 at the earliest. If that wasn't enough, no personal video cameras will be allowed to be used in BC or above until after May 10th as well.

There are still more items on the list as well, but Everest News is quick to point out that this is still just in "draft form" and has not been approved yet by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. However, this does come from a good source, and except for some minor changes, I won't be surprised if these rules are in effect for climbers on Everest.

The season of silliness continues it seems.

North Pole 2008: Ben Is On His Way!

After a few days delay in Eureka Station, Ben Saunders has finally officially set off on his North Pole expedition. He is attempting to reach 90º North by going solo and unsupported from the Canadian side, and hopes to set a new speed record in the process. The only other person making that attempt was Hannah McKeand but she had the misfortune of falling and injuring herself last week, and has since been plucked from the ice. That means Ben will have 5.4 million square miles of land all to himself.

Ben's journey got off to a rocky start a few days back when the plane delivering him to Ward Hunt Island stopped at Eureka to refuel, and ended up grounded thanks to a mechanical issue. Ben made the most of his stay by resting up and mentally preparing for the long expedition ahead. But as he noted in this dispatch, sitting and waiting brings it's own brand of tension.

Now he's officially on the ice and making his way North however, and his early reports indicate that it's slow going out there. The route is littered with intimidating pressure ridges and temperatures at night routinely drop to -40º C/F. But still, Ben says that he is enjoying his trek thus far, and he's happy to finally be underway.

In today's dispatch he notes that he received a very inspiring note from Pen Hadow, who is the only person to ever go solo and unsupported to the Pole from the Canadian side. Pen told Ben that he should "make every stride count" which sounds like good advice to anyone, either on a polar expedition, a mountain climb, or simply going through every day life. Make Every Stride Count!

Atacama Crossing 2008 Begins Sunday

The 2008 edition of the Atacama Crossing is set to get underway this Sunday in Chile. The six-stage ultramarathon will last seven days, and cover more than 250km. (155 miles)

This event is part of the 4 Deserts series of races put on annually by Racing The Planet. This year there will be more than 80 competitors, both male and female, from 21 countries around the World. The six stages vary in length greatly, with the longest stage clocking in at 73.6km (45 miles) and the shortest, which happens to be the final day, is just 10.4km (6 miles).

This year's event will also see three competitors who will attempt to finish all four "4 Deserts" events in a single calendar year. They are South African Paul H. Liebenberg, Dane Jimmi Olsen, and the Ultramarathon Man himself, American Dean N. Karnazes. If everything goes as planned, these three men will be running endurance events not only in the Atacama, but also the Gobi, Sahara, and finally Antarctica later this year.

The Atacama Desert is quite an interesting place in it's own right. Stretching 960km (600 miles) south from Peru, and running 160km (100 miles) east from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes Mountains, it covers a significant portion of Chile. The desert is essentially a rainless plateau, without a single drop of precipitation having ever been recorded there by man. The landscape is eerie and other worldly with lava flows, salt flats, sand, and dry river beds that haven't seen water in 120,000 years. The area is said to be 50 times dryer than Death Valley, if you can believe that.

Sounds like a great place to go for a run. Or six. Good luck to everyone involved. Should be another great event.

"If death isn't a good possibility it's probably not much of an adventure."

The above quote stuck out to me today as I read this story over at theHardwear Sessions Blog. The article is written by Will Meinen and tells the story of how he, and his friend Brandon Pullan, met legendary Canadian climber Urs Kallen and were invited to his place for a few beers. The three men were talking about climbing, and Urs lamented the fact that climbing has become too safe for a lot of people. His full quote is:

"When I started climbing it was full of adventure and excitement. It was all unknown, and the risk was real. Now a days it seems that most of the adventure has been removed, and the sport of climbing has become very sterilized," Urs told us. "A kid in the skateboard park, dropping into the half-pipe is taking a greater risk than most self-professed climbers do." When I asked how he defined climbing he said, "If it's not more than 5 pitches it's not even climbing, and if death isn't a good possibility it's probably not much of an adventure."

An interesting quote indeed, and one that is sure to ruffle a few feathers. I'm sure there will be some people who take exception to how Urs defines "climbing" but I'll leave that out of the equation altogether. The phrase that stuck out even more to me was that if death isn't a possibility that it wasn't much of an adventure. To a certain degree, I really agree with him. That isn't to say that you can't have a great adventure without putting your life on the line, but if you look at the people who are really pushing the boundaries of adventure, they're also putting their lives on the line.

Take for example Matvey Shparo and Boris Smolin, the two Russian Polar Explorers who recently completed their quest to reach the North Pole completely in winter. Every step of their journey was fraught with peril and they knew from the beginning that if something went wrong, there was the strong possibility that no one would come to get them.

Or how about Simone Moro's recent attempt on Broad Peak, also in Winter. Simone and his team struggled for weeks on the mountain, in extreme cold, high winds, and freak storms. In the end, they didn't quite reach the summit, but there was also a sense of danger throughout the entire expedition.

Everyone defines adventure a bit differently. For some, it's a trip to their local park for an afternoon hike, for others it's scaling a mountain on a new route. Adventures should push you out of your comfort zone, encourage you to explore new things, and yes, maybe even cause you to face the real possibility of death. But with great risks comes great rewards, and when you find that adventure that calls to you, and you step outside of your comfort zone, those rewards will make it all worth while. After all, isn't that why we seek the adventures we do?

Joe Simpson Interview Part 2

The second part of the interview with Joe Simpson, author of Touching The Void and The Beckoning Silence has been posted at PosingProductions.com.

The interview was conducted at the recent Sheffield Adventure Film Festival where Simpson served as Patron. In the first part of the interview Joe talked about selling his story to Hollywood, five times no less, and having Tom Cruise playing him in a movie, which thankfully never came to pass. This time out he talks a bit more about climbing and the risks involved with the sport that nearly cost him his life, but has also made him a household name. He also mentions the number of feet he has actually fallen in his endeavors. It's a staggering number by the way. Good stuff.

Thanks to Outdoors Magic for the heads up on this one once again.

Karakorum 2008: Expedition List At ExWeb

While the focus has been squarely on Everest and the Himalaya of late, it won't be long before the Karakorum begins to see traffic as well. ExWeb has posted their first 2008 Karakorum Expedition List which gives us a glimpse into what we can expect this Spring and Summer in Pakistan.

At the moment there are four teams prepping for K2 this year. In addition to the mixed team of Americans, Australians, and Swedes, there are also teams from Singapore, Korea, and the Netherlands. K2 is obviously the crown jewel of the Karakorum, and no matter what season it is, it's always a difficult and challenging climb.

But the second highest mountain on the planet isn't the only one to see action in Pakistan in the months ahead. Broad Peak already has three teams scheduled, one of which will attempt all three Gasherbrum Peaks while they're in the neighborhood as well. There are also three teams set for Nanga Parbet and yet two more gunning for GI and GII as well.

Away from the 8000m peaks, there are a slew of teams going for a wide variety of mountains, including a shot at K7 and Mustagh Tower by two different Slovenian teams. And we can't forget about the ladies either, as Patricia Deavoll of New Zealand will go for the First Ascent of Bekka Brakki by a woman.

It's shaping up to be a good year in both the Karakorum and Himalaya with some very interesting climbs. It should be fun to watch these expeditions unfold in a few months time.

The Rest of Everest: Episode 76

It's Wednesday, which traditionally means a new episode of The Rest of Everest and that's just what we get today, with the release of Episode 76: Altitude, Elevation, and Elation.

The episode opens with a brief e-mail exchange between Rest of Everest producer Jon Miller and his guide from his visit to Tibet Lobsang. As you probably are aware, the recent unrest in Tibet has at times been quite violent, and it's difficult to get any word from within the country at the moment since the Chinese have cut off most outside contact. Lobsang's reply is brief, and promises more later, but he writes that he is fine, despite all the upheaval in the region.

From there we move on to the latest episode, in which Jon and his friend Scott Jacobs continue their adventure through Tibet, with video footage from just about a year ago, where Lhasa looks quite different than the recent scenes we've seen lately. The images from the street, which are more typical for the country, are bright, colorful, and full of life.

Later in the episode they depart Lhasa and begin the final stages of their journey to Everest itself. The shot of Jon's altimeter watch shows them well above 14,000 feet and climbing, Along the way they stop at a beautiful pass, rest amongst the prayer flags, and have a run in with a Tibetan pop music group.

Another great episode that really contrasts with the recent images we've seen from the area. A great reminder of what life in Tibet is suppose to be like.

Pedaling (not paddling!) Across The Atlantic!

Best Hike has a cool story up today about Greg Kolodziejzyk's attempt to pedal across the Atlantic Ocean. You read that right. He's pedaling, not paddling, as the craft that Greg will be traveling moved forward in much the same way that as a bike.

According to the Pedal The Ocean website, sea trials on the "WiTHiN" vessel began in January. Greg hopes to launch his attempt at setting a new speed record for crossing the Atlantic under human power this coming December, hoping to complete his pedal in just 43 days. You can also learn more about Greg at AdventuresOfGreg.com where you can learn about his previous adventures and future plans as well.

This should be interesting to watch and the design of his boat is really cool. Check it out in motion in the video below.

A big thanks to Rick over at the Best Hike Blog for sending this my way.

Trail Maps on your iPod and iPhone

Both the GoBlog and Gear Junkie are commenting today on the fact that you can now download trail maps for some of the top ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada to your iPod and iPhone. You can grab the maps at Podpro.ca.

The site offers up 8 maps for Colorado and Utah, and another 7 for California and Canada. Resorts such as Snowbird, Aspen, Alta, Mammoth, and Whistler Blackcomb are all available, with the ability to click and view a route from the ski lift all the way back to the bottom of the mountain. The iPhone version is obviously more dynamic considering it's ability to use the Internet to stream data, such as RSS feeds of weather conditions for example. The iPod versions are video based but still give you a nice understand of what to expect at each resort.

This is a very cool idea, and one that I'd like to see expanded further. When I head out on a trail solo these days, I tend to bring my iPod along and having the ability to check out hiking trails would be far more interesting to me than these ski runs, but the potential is evident in these as well. Of course, any decent GPS device will probably already have the trail info already programmed in, but that's another item I have to carry!

Forbes Traveler's Best Day Hikes

Yesterday I posted about the most breathtaking marathons around the World posted by Forbes Traveler and today I've got their list of the Best Day Hikes in the United States.

The list is, as usual, very good. The locations are diverse, and spread out across the country, offering something fairly close to all geographical areas. Some of them are well known, while others are still a bit of a hidden gem, but all of the suggestions will afford you an amazing day on the trail.

For instance, Coyote Gulch, located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, located in Colorado, makes the list thanks to it's otherworldly rock formations tinted a deep red and giving hikers the impression they're exploring a martian landscape. Likewise, the Lost Coast Trail, in King Range National Conservation Area, is one of California's hidden gems, offering up a mix of coastal and hill country. The 25 mile trail is well known for it's stark beauty and solitude.

Other day hikes making the list include a hike to Mt. St. Helens (Described as the "Best day hike in North America"), the Na Pali Coast Trail in Hawaii, and the iconic Half-Dome in Yosemite, amongst several other great, but lesser known hikes. Each one of the trails on the list will provide it's own unique experience, and this makes for a great guide to some of the best day hikes around.

Turkmenistan: Portal To Hell!

Travel Blog Gadling has an article today on an amazing place located near the town of Darvaza in the country of Turkmenistan.

The locals have dubbed the place the "Door to Hell" as this giant, gaping hole in the ground has been on fire for more than 35 years in a row. It seems the sight was surveyed by geologists who found the underground cavern and determined that it was filled with natural gas. For some reason, they got the bright idea of lighting the gas on fire to burn off the excess fumes before they could enter the cavern. All these years later, it's still burning.

The article links to a very impressive gallery of photos from the place. I have to admit, it does look very eerie. Especially at night. It seems like a pretty cool place to go visit though. Just be sure to avoid it on Halloween.

Edit: More photos can be found here, including some day time shots.

North Pole 2008: Ben Saunders Set To Go!

ThePoles.com has an update on Ben Saunders today with the word that he is currently at Eureka Station en route to Ward Hunt Island where he will officially begin his attempt at a speed run to the North Pole. For the moment however, he's stranded there, as his plane developed mechanical problems when it it stopped to refuel at Eureka after departing from Resolute Bay yesterday.

Ben is about to begin his solo, unsupported trek to the North Pole and hopes to break the speed record set back in 2005. The current record is 36 days, 22 hours, but was achieved by a team on dog sleds, who also had the benefit of resupplies along the way. This British Adventurer will have no supply drops, and will challenge the record on foot.

Now that Hannah McKeand has been plucked from the ice following her injuries, Ben will have the entire region to himself. For the next month or so, he'll have 5.4 million square miles of wilderness with no one but the Polar Bears to share it with. Talk about isolation.

Hopefully the plane will be fixed soon and he can finish his journey to Ward Hunt and get his real journey underway. For now though, he'll get to enjoy a little more time in a warm bed before braving the arctic Spring. Good luck Ben travel safe.

'Breathtaking' Marathons

Forbes Traveler, which always has interesting articles for anyone who loves to travel, has another cool list of the most breathtaking marathons. In this case, when they define "breath taking" they're talking about the view along the course, and not the cardio workout you get from running 26.2 miles.

Some of their favorite settings include Antarctica, which hosts The Last Marathon, which part of the 4 Deserts Series put on by Racing The Planet. There is something about running amongst the penguins that gets everyone excited.

If dealing with the birds and cold down south isn't your thing, perhaps the Great Wall Marathon would be more to your liking. Runners go up, and down, 3700 stairs as the run a portion of the Great Wall in China. From there they'll cover the rest of the course running through local towns and villages.

The Kilimanjaro Marathon is held in Tanzania of course, and while you won't run to the summit of Africa's most iconic mountain, you will have an amazing view of it the entire time as you complete a 6.5 mile loop through Moshi, a town that sits at the foot of Kili.

Other locations for amazing marathons on the list include Easter Island, Nepal, South Africa, and more. So if you're getting a little bored with running through the canyons of New York and Boston, perhaps one of these will inspire your next run. Definitely a cool list.

ExWeb: Nepal Begins Issuing Everest Permits

ExWeb has posted a Newsflash this morning with word that the Nepal Ministry of Tourism has begun issuing permits to climb Everest this Spring. The move comes not a moment too soon as teams are in their final stages of preparation, with many heading off to the Himalayan country this week.

The permits come with "instructions" however, and they pretty much fall into line with what we heard last week. Climbers will be allowed to go as high as Camp 2 before May 1st, and between May 1st and the 11th they'll have to rest in Base Camp while the Chinese take the Olympic Torch to the summit. After that, all bets are off as the mountain opens up for everyone.

At this point, it's hard to say what will happen if the Chinese have not summitted by the 10th of May as planned. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how things unfold. The one thing we do know for sure is that the South Side will be plenty busy and the North will be very empty.

The Adventurist Interviews Alan Arnette

The Adventurist has posted a nice interview with Alan Arnette today, who will be leaving shortly for Nepal, and ultimately the South Side of Everest.

In the interview Alan discusses a lot of topics, including why he likes to climb, his approach to preparing for Everest over the past year, and his reaction to the recent moves by China to limit access to the North Side. This is Alan's third attempt on Everest, and he says that he feels much more prepared to climb this time out, both mentally and physically.

You'll be able to follow Alan along on his adventure as he releases dispatches on his website all the way from Kathmandu to the Summit. Regular readers to my blog already know that Alan is returning to climb for a cause this time, as he is raising funds and awareness for the Cure Alzheimer's Fund.

Good luck Alan! We'll be following you all the way to the top! Climb On!

North Pole 2008: Hannah Retrieved From The Ice!

It looks like Hannah McKeand's 2008 solo North Pole Expedition is over before it really had a chance to get going. Late last week there was dispatch on her site that indicated that she took a nasty fall and injured herself in the process. At the time, she decided to rest up and see how things felt later, but the extent of her injuries, while not life threatening, were enough to prevent her from continuing her journey.

Last Thursday, late in the day, Hannah stopped to get a better view of what lay ahead for her. She scrambled on top of a pile of blocks to look further ahead, and the snow beneath her gave way, depositing her in an eight foot hole. She fell onto her side, but managed to pull herself out and get into her tent to rest for the night.

On Friday however, she decided that the injuries to her back and left shoulder were too much to allow her to continue. Pulling a heavy sled with those kinds of injuries would just be impossible. She let her support team know that she would need a pick-up and yesterday they sent someone to retrieve her and take he back to Alert, a remote Canadian research facility. Today, the latest update indicates that Hannah arrived in Alert safe and sound, and is awaiting transport back to Resolute Bay.

It's good to know that Hannah is safe and will be heading back to civilization soon, but I'm guessing the disappointment in giving up her North Pole quest is ultimately more painful then the injuries she has sustained. Knowing what I know about Hannah however, I'd be willing to bet she'll be planning another polar expedition before we know it.

40 Days and 40 Nights on The AT without Resupply

The Appalachian Trail is considered by many to be the "Great American Hike". At 2,175 miles in length, it can be quite a test of your stamina and endurance, but despite all that more than 9000 people claim to have hiked it's entire length.

The AT is also a great testing ground for new gear as Demetri Coupounas, the president and co-founder of GoLite can attest. He's about to set out on the Trail for 40 days of hiking in an attempt to break the World Alpine Style Backpacking Distance record which is currently set at 620 miles. It also happens to be the 10th Anniversary of his company, so of course it's the perfect opportunity to test out their gear.

He won't exactly be "Going Light" however, as his total pack weight will be 127 pounds according to this post over at the Outside Blog where they've posted a brief interview with Demetri. Why is his pack so heavy you ask? Well, for one thing, he's hoping to carry everything he needs for the 40 days on his back with him, including all of his food. That's right, he's going 40 days without a resupply.

In the interview, Demitri talks about how far he expects to go, rededicating himself to the "core mission" of GoLite and exactly what gear he is taking along. Interestingly enough, he's only taking 15 pounds of actual gear. The other 112 pounds is all food, 8 of which is chocolate. On the brighter side of things, at least the pack will be getting lighter as he goes.

Kayakers Change Focus Following Unrest In Tibet

Remember the kayaking team that I posted on about a week and a half ago? They were en route to Tibet where they were hoping to attempt a first descent of the Salween River with the thought of running the whole thing all the way into South West China.

Well, a lot has happened in Tibet since the story broke, as I'm sure you're well aware of. With continued unrest there, which is still spilling into other regions as well, the country has been locked down and no visas are being issued for visitors. According to National Geographic Adventure Magazine's official Adventure Blog, who first brought us this story, the team has now shifted it's focus to running the Mekong River after finding that they would not be allowed into Tibet.

The Rivers In Demand Team has set up a Mekong River blog so you can follow their progress, and as of today, they have completed more than 200 miles along that river. The Mekong runs more than 3000 miles in length through China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is the 11th longest river in the World and is renowned for it big rapids and challenging drops, which have always been an impediment to navigating it's full length. The team will be running stretches of the upper-Mekong, which will be filmed for a documentary. Some of these areas are so remote and unexplored that they are being caught on camera for the first time.

It seems that climbers aren't the only ones being effected by the ongoing issues in Tibet, but at least the Rivers In Demand Team found a way to make the best of their situation. I know they were planning on filming their first descent on the Salween and turn it into a film, and hopefully they'll have the same success in their revised plans on the Mekong.

Edit: For those keeping track at home, this is my 2000th post. I'm not sure if that is a testament to my persistence or a sign that I really need to get a life. ;)

Primal Quest Newsletter #3 Released

With a little over three months before the start of the 2008 Primal Quest Expedition Adventure Race, competitors are starting to get a clearer picture of what to expect when they head to Montana as the end of June. Today, the PQ staff released the third edition of their competitor newsletter which contains some very good information.

For instance, the newsletter reveals that the Course Designer for this year's event is none other than George Rice who is joined by Course Director Chris Caul in preparing what is being called "most beautiful and athletically challenging course in PQ history" by PQ CEO Don Mann. George has excellent first hand knowledge of the area and is the director of the Mountain Adventure Race.

Other items of note include the fact that the Big Sky Resort is confirmed as the base of operations for this years event. Competitors are encouraged to make their reservations early and bring their friend, family and sponsors. The mandatory gear list has also been updated to include some unusual items. A cell phone has been added to the list for emergency purposes, but even more interesting is addition of bear spray to the list. As if the race wasn't going to be challenging enough, now you have to contend with bears too.

The newsletter had some information on the PQ Sprint Series front as well. We previously knew about two events scheduled for 2008, the inaugural sprint race at Pocahontas State Park in Richmond, VA on May 10 and another at the US National Whitewater Center, Charlotte NC scheduled for Oct 4. Now added to the list is a third event to be held at Moraine State Park in Pittsburgh, PA on September 6. The schedule expands in 2009 with as many as 8-12 races, with the cumulative points leader gaining a free team entry into next Primal Quest.

North Pole 2008: Full Expedition List Posted

The 2008 North Pole season is ramping up quickly now with the Barneo Camp established, and a few explorers already out on the ice. As usual, ThePoles.com will continue to be a source of updates and news throughout the coming months. And to kick off their coverage, they've posted a full list of expeditions heading to the North Pole this Spring.

Most of the people heading to the Pole are part of one of the "last degree" teams. That is to say that they have joined an expedition, such as the one lead by Børge Ousland, that will be airlifted to 89º North and they'll ski the rest of the way to their destination.

Expeditions to watch this year include Hannah's solo, unsupported journey, which I've already covered several time, as well as Ben Saunders' attempt at a speed record, which will also be a solo expedition. He's currently in Resolute Bay and making final preparations for his departure. The current record to the Pole is 36 days, 22 hours, which was set back in 2005 by team that used dog sleds and resupplies. Ben is going on foot and unsupported.

ThePoles.com notes in this article that several expeditions were scratched this year due to financial concerns while others have moved to Greenland where they can still get that arctic experience, but at a far cheaper cost.

Expect more updates and news as the season gets fully underway soon.

Kiteskiing North Dakota Update: Success!!

It's been a month since I last posted on the the 2XTM Expedition which set out to attempt to kiteski across North Dakota. I'm happy to say that on February 28th the team successfully reached the South Dakota border completing their journey.

You may recall that back on February 11th the team set out from the North Dakota-Canadian Border with the intention of traveling to South Dakota completely through the use of the wind. The thought was that they would kiteskii the entire distance in an effort to promote the use of alternate energy sources, such as wind power.

The team consisted of Sam Salwei, Jason Magness, and Paul Cassedy, who suffered through arctic conditions along the course of their journey. At it's worst, the temperatures were -42 degrees F before the windchill which made for some logistical challenges. To make matters worse, there were portions of the trip that had little to no snow, which made skiing nearly impossible. But undaunted, the team switched to wind buggies to complete their expedition while still adhering to the principles they set out to promote. In the end, they managed to travel nearly 400 miles in 18 days harnessing just the wind.

A film crew joined the 2XtM team to chronicle their journey, as did photographer Blake Gordon who took the shots with this post and has plenty more available in his 2XtM Gallery. The photos are excellent and really convey a sense of what the expedition was like.

Congratulations to the entire 2XtM team for a job well done.

Adventure Travel To South Africa

Yesterday I posted about two unique African safari lodges in Tanzania and Rwanda. But if neither of those suggestions fits your African travel needs, then perhaps you'll want to check out Adventure Zone which aims to be your one stop portal for planning and preparing a South African adventure.

On the site you'll find links to all kinds of information, including places to stay while in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or a number of other places. And if you're looking for things to do on your visit, there are suggestions on where to go mountain biking, whitewater paddling, and hiking.

Of course, you can't go to Africa without going on Safari, and Adventure Zone has you covered there as well. There are comprehensive links to Safari tours and adventure operators. You can even search by selecting a region on the map if there is a specific area of South Africa you intend to visit. Couple all of this with a calendar of events and adventure headlines from the country, and Adventure Zone can easily become your one stop information center for South African travel.

On top of all of this, the site is also sponsoring an Adventurer of the Year award to honor some of South Africa's top personalities in the adventure arena. The list is full of worthy candidates, including mountaineer Alex Harris, South Pole explorer Sibusiso Vilane, and my personal favorite explorer and adventurer Mike Horn. There are some very worth candidates and it's going to be a tough call on who is most deserving.

North Pole 2008: Barneo Camp Established

As Mat and Boris wait for the polar sunrise, others are preparing to head out onto the ice for the first time. The 2008 North Pole season is about to kick off in a big way, and the launching pad for those expeditions, at least on the Russian side, is ready to go.

According to ThePoles.com the Barneo Camp has been established, officially kicking off the season. The camp is built each season out on the ice, generally about 60 miles from the North Pole, although the Polar Drift does make it a bit of a moving target. Last year they brought in a bulldozer to plow out a landing strip for cargo planes, and I'd imagine they've done the same this year. Once established, teams will be able to catch a lift to the camp, and make "last degree" ski expedition to the Pole.

Of course, our favorite polar explorer, Hannah McKeand is already out on the ice and making her way North. Last year she went solo and unsupported to the South Pole, and she hopes to accomplish the same feat this year at the top of the world. If she does, she'll be the first woman to make such a journey.

Hannah's dispatches so far have told tales of woe for the most part. Not only has she described the expedition thus far as being far colder than she had anticipated, but she's also had issues with her equipment not always working properly. Add to that the fact that it's been slow going so far and I can't help but think she's more than a bit frustrated with the progress. One day this week she managed to log just 1.5 miles thanks to rough terrane, but made up for it the next day by gaining over 3 miles! Slow going indeed. Factor in the negative drift, and you can begin to see her frustration.

Things are expected to improve however. Later into the journey the landscapes should improve, allowing her to make much better time, more akin to what she was use to at the South Pole. The weather should improve as well, and as it warms up, she's hoping that some of her electronic gear will work properly as well.

I have nothing but complete faith in Hannah. She was more than impressive at the South Pole and if anyone can reach the North, it'll be her. It's just going to be a very challenging journey for her.

Everest 2008: Tibet Still On Crackdown, Nepal Issuing Permits

More news from Nepal and Tibet today, as the Spring Season on Everest draws ever closer. Unrest in Lhasa continues, while in Nepal, the government has begun issuing climbing permits.

The BBC is reporting that China is continuing to crackdown on protests, and admits that they've now spread into other provinces in the region, as demonstrators have made their disappointment known. Despite those demonstrations however, hundreds of Chinese troops have moved into Lhasa, and reporters saw as many as 400 personal carriers moving in the region, a clear sign that China has stepped up it's efforts to bring calm to the country.

According to the article, all foreign press have been expelled from the country, and there are no longer any direct reports coming from within the borders. At this point, we're relying on word of mouth as to what is happening there. German journalist Georg Blume is reported to be the last westerner to leave. He says that before he left, there were police everywhere, continuing their house to house searches.

The unrest in the region has caused a number of teams that were scheduled to go to the North Side of Everest to cancel their plans altogether. ExWeb reported a few days ago that Alex Abramov's Seven Summits Team has cancelled their 2008 expedition. There are plenty of rumors of other big teams pulling out altogether as well. Considering the unrest in Tibet, and limited access to the mountain, I can hardly blame them.

Meanwhile, in Nepal, the story is a bit different. After rumors circulated about the South Side having limited access as well, this week we got word that there wouldn't be an limitations and that from their point of view, Everest was open for business. Today we have word that two climbing permits have been issued, one for Dhaulagiri and one for Ama Dablam. They are expected to announce more Everest news and permits later today.

They have made clear their restrictions for the mountain as well. Teams will be allowed up to Camp 2 until May 1st. Between May 1 and May 10 climbers will be required to "rest in Base Camp". After that, it's a free for all for the summit. This seems a bit counter to what we'd heard earlier in the week, but at least it's clarified some.

I'm beginning to think that the North Side is going to be a lonely place this year, while the South Side will be where the party is at. After all, how else are you going to "rest" in BC for ten days?

The Rest of Everest: Episode 75

Hot on the heels of last nights Special Edition on Tibet, we have a new regular episode of the Rest of Everest today that continues Jon and Scott's journey through that country.

We're now up to Episode 75, which is aptly entitled "Half A World Away". The episode opens with some awesome photos and video of the Potala Palace, one of the most iconic buildings in Tibet, if not the World, and will be immediately recognizable to anyone who has seen photos from Lhasa.

From there we follow the guys back to the restaurant from the last episode where they have a scintillating conversation about hang nails while their guide Lobsang hits on the local girls. The effects of altitude and traveling are weighing on them however, and it shows through in several scenes later in the episode.

Anyone who has been to a distant land, and feeling sick, will be able to relate with Jon's plight. It's not fun, and there are times when you just want to go home. I got hammered with The Curse of the Pharaoh while in Egypt, and there were points where I just wanted to crawl into one of the ancient tombs and disappear. Nothing worse than 130 degree heat, the most intense sun you can imagine, and you can't stray too far away from the latrine. Good times! ;)

But those elements are all part of travel, and despite the hazards of such things, we still can't help ourselves from venturing out once again. In my case, I'd go back to Egypt again in a heartbeat, and I loved the time I spent there, despite being sick beyond belief. I'm willing to bet Jon feels the same way about Tibet.

Taos Opens To Snowboarders!

The headline over at the Backcountry Blog says it all today, bolding proclaiming that Hell Has Frozen Over. Well, most people wouldn't describe Taos as hell exactly. In fact, the ski resort is amongst the best in the country, with some amazing runs set amongst stunning scenery.

So what's the deal then? Well, it seems that today is the day that many have waited for (or dreaded depending on your point of view), as this premiere resort has finally opened it slopes for snowboarding. In fact, they've even got a snowboard page up and running with all the information you'll need, including lift ticket prices and snowboard lessons schedules.

And if you're heading to Taos in the next few days, the local weather today is 32° F, with an inch of snow falling in the past three days. If that doesn't sound like much, never fear. They have a 104 inch base just waiting for you.

Welcome to the 21st Century Taos!

Two Unique African Safari Lodges

While reading some travel news today I came across two different articles, each of them highlighting a unique safari lodge in Africa, each of them offering a very different experience.

First up, we have this article over at the Guardian Travel section which highlights the Ruaha Hilltop Lodge in Tanzania. This off the beaten path lodge is located near the Ruaha National Park, which is the second largest in the country, but barely known to outsiders. The area is rife with all the local wildlife you would expect to find, including giraffes, elephants, and lions, but is decidedly short on traffic of the human kind. Getting there can be an adventure as well, as the article recommends a train ride of 24 hours in length that affords you amazing views of the countryside as you ramble past african villages and scenic grasslands.

If you're looking for something a little different from your safari however, you may want to check out this article from the Times Online travel site. This time the spotlight falls on the brand-new Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge in Uganda. As the name implies, you'll have the opportunity to get up close and persona with 32 silverback gorillas who live in the near by Volcanoes National Park. The lodge itself is situated on the side of one of those volcanoes, and offers breathtaking views of the Mountains of the Moon. The lodge is all inclusive and comes at a price, but offers a safari experience you'll not find elsewhere.

Of course, your other alternative is to go on the cheap, as I did, and camp right on the serengeti. While this was the "budget" way to go, I can't imagine a better way to see the remarkable landscapes of Africa. There is something very cool about falling asleep at night, with a herd of elephants just 50 yards away from your camp.

Endurance Planet Talks Primal Quest!

EndurancePlanet.com offers up excellent audio podcasts on a variety of topics centered around the endurance athletic events such as running, cycling, triathlons, and adventure racing. Today's episode is an interview with Don Mann, the CEO of Primal Quest and the upcoming Primal Quest Sprint Series.

The 11-minute long podcast touches on a number of elements involving adventure racing and the PQ Sprint Series in particular. Don explains the sport for someone new to adventure racing, and then goes into more details about Primal Quest Montana, which takes place starting June 21st in an as yet unnamed location in the Big Sky State.

Don and host Kevin Patrick talk about the "primal" nature of adventure racing, and why people push themselves to run an event like PQ where it's possible they could be racing for 6 or 8 days straight. They discuss a bit of the history of adventure racing, talking about The Raid and Eco-Challenge, and how the sport has evolved in recent years, leading up to the rise of sprint races, which allow for mortal athletes to compete in adventure racing. The PQ Sprint Series is designed to allow weekend athletes the opportunity to take part in a Primal Quest event.

The episode is available as an MP3 stream or file, and can also be listened to in Windows Media Player as well as Real Player. While you're on the Endurance Planet website, be sure to check out some of their vast library of shows covering a lot of topics of interest to endurance athletes.

The Rest of Everest: Special Report on Tibet

I never try to hide my enjoyment of the Rest of Everest video podcast in my blog. It's easily my favorite podcast out there, and one that I try to highlight when a new episode is released. Over the course of 75 video episodes, Producer Jon Miller has done a great job in showing us all the elements that go into climbing Everest, and more recently he's taken us on a cultural tour of both Nepal and Tibet. Today Jon has released a Special Report on the recent and ongoing situation in Tibet that is both interesting and informative.

Joining Jon in this audio only podcast is is Alan Arnette who announced today this his Everest climb, which was scheduled for the North Side, is still on, although it has now switched to the South Side. He'll be packing for Nepal this weekend and leaving early next week, as scheduled.

Both Jon and Alan have a lot of experience with the region and in Tibet itself, and it's interesting to hear their take on what is happening there now. They share their thoughts on China's influence on Tibet and the Government's control of the flow of information in and out of the country as well as how they treat the people of Tibet.

They go on to talk about China shutting down the North Side of Everest, and how it has influenced the climbing community. This is Alan's third attempt on Everest and he has some excellent thoughts on what it takes to climb the mountain. He and Jon do a very good job explaining the issues that logistics of climbing in the region, and the impact of China's shutdown of the North Side.

If you're interested in what's going on in Tibet on a human rights level, or if you want to know more about the climbing aspects, then this episode will really help shed some light on what's going on there. You can grab it from the Rest of Everest page or directly from iTunes.

Joe Simpson Interview

Check out this interview with famed mountaineer and author Joe Simpson of Touching The Void fame. It was filmed recently at the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival which has built itself quite the impressive reputation in recent years.

While he doesn't talk directly about his mountaineering exploits, he does talk about selling the writes to his book to Hollywood and the process he went through to finally bring Touching The Void to the big screen. Very interesting stuff. Also, the page notes that this is "Part 1" of the Simpson interview, so hopefully there will be more to come.



Thanks to Outdoors Magic for the link to this one.

North Pole Winter Update: Mat and Boris Still At The Pole!

Remember yesterday when I suggested that Russian Polar Explorers Matvey Shparo and Boris Smolin should get plucked from the ice ASAP and whisked away to some place warm and tropical? Well clearly they didn't get the message, as the two men, who became the first to reach the North Pole completely in winter, are still there, apparently enjoying the view.

According to this story over at ThePoles.com Mat and Boris intend to stay at the North Pole until March 21st, a full week after they reached it. Why you might ask? Why to enjoy the sunrise of course! On that date, the Vernal Equinox, the first sunrise of the year will hit the North Pole, and these two intrepid explorers who have traveled over 1000km in darkness, want to be there to see it. That my friends, is dedication.

The article also describes their final few moments on the ice before reaching 90° North. They left their sleds behind because the ice was blocking their way and preventing them from moving easily, and they had to search around to find the actual Pole itself, but when their GPS read "90° 00' N" they began the celebration, which included sending a signal flare in the air. Fireworks at the North Pole! After that, they set up camp and decided to wait for the dawn.

Russian President Vladamir Putin also sent along his words of congratulations saying: "I would like to congratulate you on your victory – the first in history attainment of the North Pole during the polar night." I'm sure there are some very proud and relieved friends and family back home in Russia as well.

I've said it before in a comment I made on these two men. In the dictionary, if you look up "Hardcore" you'll see a picture of Mat and Boris. Even when standing still, the manage to amaze me. Most people would be more then ready to get off the ice, but these two decide to stop and watch the sunrise.

Everest 2008: South Side Open For Business??

The Adventurist, who has done a great job of staying abreast of things, has a number of updates today on the evolving situation in Nepal and Tibet, starting with this story from the Nepal News that says that Nepal will not limit access to Everest this Spring.

You'll recall that there were many rumors flying last week following the Chinese announcement that the North Side would be closed until after May 10th to allow their Olympic Torch team to summit. There were some indications that Nepal would do the same on the South Side thanks to a large economic package sent that way from the Land of Mao. Now it would appear that those reports were a bit premature and that climbers may have full access to Everest as they would in any other year.

Why the change of heart? Well, it's quite possible that Nepal was only entertaining the Chinese request to keep climbers from the summit until after May 10th, but never actually agreed to it. It's also possible that they listened to the needs of the climbers and the Sherpas that they employ and thought better of the idea. What ever the reason, it's good to get some good news as the season draws ever closer. This isn't completely confirmed yet, but it's looking good.

Meanwhile, in Tibet a thousand were arrested as the Chinese crack down on those they suspected of taking part in the recent demonstrations that turned into riots there. The report is that some 600 Tibetans were taken into custody on Saturday with another 300 on Sunday. Since that time, the police have made raids throughout Lhasa, at times going door to door in their search. The article talks about the use of tear gas to disperse crowds and witnesses seeing at least one man beaten by the police when they drug him out of his apartment complex.

For his part, the Dalai Lama has condemned the violence in his home country and asked Tibetans to stop rioting in his name. He's even gone so far as to threaten to step down if the violence did not cease. A spokesman for his Holiness clarified the statement saying that he meant that he would step down as the leader (in exile) of Tibet but would "always be the Dalai Lama."

Finally, ESPN.com is reporting that the French Foreign Minister is calling for the EU to boycott the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games if conditions don't improve in Tibet. He isn't advocating boycotting the games, but saying that teams should consider boycotting the highly publicized opening ceremony to send a message to the Chinese Government.

I appreciate his gesture, and I know a lot of people are against turing the Olympics into a political tool, as we saw with the U.S. boycott of the 1980 games in Moscow and the Russian boycott of the 1984 Summer games in Los Angles. But at what point do you draw a line that the Chinese can understand? As I've said before, this was meant to be their big "coming out" party for the International community. They want to show that they're ready for the World Stage. Perhaps a statement of some kind should be made back to them as well. Remember, Hitler was also more than happy to kick off the 1936 games in Berlin.

Kayak Camping: Everything You Need To Know

Ever wanted to explore a lake, river, or other body of water by kayak, then spend the night on the beach somewhere? Kayak camping is a great way to visit remote places without worrying about who you'll be sharing the camp ground with. Check out this article at the Canoe & Kayak Magazine website to get all the info you'll need to plan your own paddling/camping trip.

The article, written by Rob Lyon, offers up some great tips for things you'll want to think about before heading out the first time. For example, he recommends a number of gear items that will make your trip better, such as Teflon coated cooking gear, and sheepskin boots. But he also recommends that on solo adventures you make sure that everything you bring is versatile enough to have more than one use.

Rob goes into more detail on your selection of sleeping accommodations, breaking down the differences between a tent, tarp, bivy, or just tacking up a hammock. He even goes so far as to briefly review some shelters from top gear companies, helping you to select the one you want more accurately.

Kayak camping can be a lot of fun. Generally, a good touring kayaking will have plenty of room for gear, both in the cockpit and in dry storage areas, thus allowing you to carry more with you then you would normally have when on foot, including a few luxury items that you might normally have to leave at home. Plus, the ability for the kayak to get into some backcountry areas that might not be typically accessible by land, opens up some intriguing possibilities as well. Just another way to pursue a unique adventure!

Adventure Offers The Best "Green" Getaways

National Geographic Adventure is back with another great list for us today. This time it's their Top 10 Best Green Adventures highlight some of the best eco-tourism destinations around the Planet.

Their list is broken down into three sections. The first section is the Eco-Success Stories with places like Brazil and Kenya being lauded for making the necessary steps to protect their natural resources. Each of the five locations has a brief introduction and a recommend "to do" list while visiting, as well as a guide service that comes with the Adventure seal of approval.

The second section is entitled 'Tipping Point" and highlights three countries, Gabon, Laos, and Ireland, who have all made big strides in recent years to protect their environments and open them up to eco-tourism. I have to admit while reading about Gabon, I immediately wanted to book travel there to see those amazing jungles.

Finally, we have the Watch List with Greece and Turkey being put on notice. While both nations still offer some beautiful scenery, the regions have also become tourist destinations that are being overrun, endangering the natural environments of both countries.

Another great read from Adventure with some great suggestions for anyone seeking out an amazing eco-adventure. I'd like to do them all please!

North Pole Winter Update: 90° North At Last!

Over the weekend North Pole explorers Matvey Shparo and Boris Smolin brought an end to one of the most amazing expeditions in recent memory by becoming the first men to achieve the North Pole completely in Winter. The pair of Russians set off back on December 22nd of last year, and have made slow, but steady progress toward their goal since then.

Anyone who has followed their travels is aware of the amount of suffering the two men endured while on their way North. The extreme cold was so bad at times that it actually froze the down lining of their suits. Day time temps were often in the -45° F range, and to make matters worse, they had to contend with large patches of open water and ice thin enough that they fell through more than once. They were stalked by polar bears and pushed to near exhaustion as they drug their heavy sledges across challenging terrain. And to top it all off, they did it all in complete darkness, as the Sun still hasn't risen at the Pole.

But at long last, Matvey and Boris have reached the Pole. 90° North has been achieved. Now someone go pluck these guys from the ice and get them to a tropical island ASAP. Congratulations guys! You've done an amazing thing, and you've earned yourselves a nice long, warm break. It's been a real pleasure following along on your adventure.

Unrest Continues In Tibet

It's been a very long and violent weekend in Tibet, with demonstrators there clashing with police and in some cases the Chinese Army. The BBC is reporting this morning that China is arresting dissidents and giving the protesters until midnight to turn themselves in to avoid facing punishment.

This latest report comes after various updates over the weekend that have hinted at a severe crackdown on the Chinese against the Tibetan demonstrators. All news in and out of Tibet has been cut off, and the Chinese are officially reporting the death toll at 13, and place the blame squarely on the "mobs" in Lhasa, but unofficial reports are saying the death toll is closer to 100 and I've even seen some reports that it could be as high as 500. The Adventurist points out this report from CNN.com that the Chinese police were even conducting door-to-door searches looking for protestors.

As of now, Tibet is closed off to travelers and climbers preparing to leave for Everest in the next few weeks are once again left wondering what has become of their expeditions. But at this point, the unrest in the region goes far beyond just climbing a mountain and who gets to set foot in base camp on what day. The people of Tibet continue to be repressed by the Chinese government, as they have been for nearly 60 years, and yet you seldom hear much about it here in the West. While demonstrations were held in Nepal and India over the weekend, I had to look hard to find mention of the incident in the mainstream media here in the U.S.

2008 was suppose to be a banner year for China. They were expecting to take the World Stage and have a bright, shining spotlight turned on them so they could show the World how far they've come. They're demonstrating that quite plainly right now, and from my eyes, it seems pretty clear that they haven't come very far.

We're still five months away from the Olympics, and it's not too late to pull the games from Beijing. China was awarded the games on the condition that they would improve their human rights record, and they should have them taken away for not adhering to the standards set down for them by the International Olympic Committee. I doubt that anyone on the IOC reads this, but I wonder what they think of their selection now.

New Record On The Eiger

Daniel Arnold and Stephen Ruoss have set a new team record for scaling The Eiger according to Alpinist.com, breaking the record set last month by Simon Anthamatten and Roger Schali.

Arnold and Ruoss started at the bottom of the Heckmair Route and scaled the iconic European mountain in just six hours and ten minutes, besting the old record by forty minutes. The Swiss climbers went fast and light, carrying only the minimal equipment needed to make the ascent.

Arnold remarked that there isn't much ice on the Eiger this year, making the conditions poor for climbing. Many climbers depend on ice on the upper sections to hold the rock scree in place and to prevent them from being pelted with stones as they go up. When there is little or no ice, it makes the climb that much more treacherous.

They set off at 1:35 AM climbing in darkness, and took just three hours to reach the Death Bivouac. From there they shot up The Ramp, and made good time in the demanding sections above it, only to face strong winds when they reached the Exit Cracks. By sun rise they were on the Mittelegi Ridge and the summit at 7:45 a.m.

This amazing climb follows Ueli Steck breaking his own speed record a month ago, shooting up the face in just two hours and 47 minutes. Clearly, it's been a very fast year on the Eiger.

Great work guys! Congrats on the new record.