The team captured plenty of video of the climb and they plan on releasing the full film down the line. The trailer for the film, which you'll find below, gives you a good idea of what the climbers had to overcome to stand on top. The rock climbing elements alone look challenging, particularly at altitude.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Video: Dutch Peru Expedition 2012
Earlier this summer a team of climbers from AlpineAdventures traveled to the Peruvian Andes to attempt a new route on the 5440 meter (17,847 ft) Puscanturpa Este. After three weeks of working the mountain, they finally managed to summit the tricky North Face. They named their new route Poco Loco.
The team captured plenty of video of the climb and they plan on releasing the full film down the line. The trailer for the film, which you'll find below, gives you a good idea of what the climbers had to overcome to stand on top. The rock climbing elements alone look challenging, particularly at altitude.
Dutch Peru Expeditie 2012 Trailer from vincent van beek on Vimeo.
The team captured plenty of video of the climb and they plan on releasing the full film down the line. The trailer for the film, which you'll find below, gives you a good idea of what the climbers had to overcome to stand on top. The rock climbing elements alone look challenging, particularly at altitude.
Buy And Sell Surplus Expedition Gear With Ice Warrior
You'll find more details about this option for finding new or selling your old gear by clicking here. The page also allows you to submit your email address to receive the gear listings directly in your inbox as well. This is particularly helpful for those who aren't on Twitter or can't always follow the feed that closely.
Additionally, the Ice Warrior crew has also created a form that allows you to advertise any extra gear you may want to unload as well. You'll find that page by clicking here. The form asks for a brief description of the item, whether or not it is new or used, the size and quantity available and how much you want to sell it for.
This seems like a great way for adventure professionals to connect with one another and not only find good deals on gear that they can use but also possibly unload some of the equipment they no longer need. If you're a guide, expedition leader or adventurer you'll definitely want to subscribe to the list. Who knows what kind of bargains you'll find!
Infographic: North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc By The Numbers
Speaking of the North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, I received this inforgraphic that helps to put the event into perspective. The race kicks off later today and will run through the weekend, although the fastest runners will hit the finish line tomorrow. Follow the race live at Ultratrail.tv and on the UTMB Facebook page.
What Gear Do You Take On A 100-Mile Run?
All told there will be more than 6000 runners, from 73 countries, who will be attempting the UTMB this year. Amongst them will be American Mike Foote, who finished in 11th place in 2011. Mike recently sat down with National Geographic to share his gear list for the race, which was posted on the NG Adventure Blog yesterday. If you ever wondered what an ultra-runner carries with him when he hits the trail, you'll definitely want to give this story a look.
As you can probably tell from the image, Mke actually won't be taking a lot of stuff with him. In addition to his trail running shoes, shorts and a couple of t-shirts, he'll also have a North Face Featherlite Rain Jacket, a Black Diamond Icon headlamp, hydration bladder, a variety of nutritional options, gloves and a sun visor. All of which he'll carry in a lightweight backpack designed specifically for this race.
The UTMB is known for being a grueling event for the milage alone but the weather tends to be unpredictable and fickle as well. It is not uncommon for the runners to experience scorching heat, howling winds, rain and blizzards all on the same day. Considering the trail wanders up and down the mountain, giving the runners a total of 9600 meters (31,496 ft) of vertical gain, its little wonder that they need to carry extra clothing for the event.
For the first time ever, this year's UTMB is being broadcast live onto the web. To follow the race simply click here.
Video: Commercial For Paralympics Is Your Morning Inspiration
Looking for a little inspiration to get you going this morning? Then look no further than the commercial for the Paralympics that you'll find below. The games are going on right now in London and will continue through Sept. 9. These athletes may not get the attention of those in the Olympic Games, but they are just as amazing in every way.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Video: The Tropic Of Capricorn
The Tropic of Capricorn is one of the Earth's major lines of latitude, marking the southernmost can actually be directly overhead. It also happens to pass directly through some very interesting and beautiful locations such as the Atacama, Namib, and Kalahari Deserts. Filmmaker Greg Kiss visited those places to capture the stunning imagery in the short film below and he has created another beautiful timelapse video for us to enjoy.
THE TROPIC OF CAPRICORN from Greg Kiss on Vimeo.
Share Your Outdoor Adventures With Garmin Basecamp
The site provides access to Garmin's Basecamp software (available for both PC and Mac) which allows you to create an interactive timeline of any journey. The software simply imports track logs from any GPS device (presumably even non-Garmin products) and allows users to build a nice online story of their adventure. Basecamp allows you to connect photos, complete with geotagging, YouTube videos, geocache locations, notes and more. Details of the trip, such as distance, duration, amount of climbing and descending and so on are also included. And when you're done building your trip profile you can easily share it with friends and family too.
This is an interesting way of creating more interesting and interactive logs of a hike or backpacking trip that others can enjoy too. Garmin has posted a couple of examples online to give us an idea of what Basecamp can do. For instance, click here for an example of a hike through Zion National Park or here to take a virtual trip through the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota.
I'm intrigued with what Garmin has created here. It's a bit rough around the edges, but I can see how this could be a really fun way to not only share an adventure with others but also discover some cool places to go as well. It even works with Garmin's new Fenix watch that I wrote about a few weeks back. If you're looking for a new way to creatively share your adventures, this may be just what you're looking for.
Video: Louis-Phillipe Loncke's Poland Trek
Back in May of this year, Belgian explorer Louis-Phillipe Loncke set out on a traverse of Poland that began on Mt. Rysy, that country's highest peak, and ended at the Baltic Sea. In between he climbed, trekked and paddled for more than 1200km (745 miles) enjoying a number of unique experiences, and meeting plenty of people, along the way. The video below is a trailer for an upcoming documentary on the trek. It looks like great fun!
Poland Trek- The Trailer from Natalie Hill Photography on Vimeo.
Ueli Steck Climbs and Paraglides Three Classic European Mountains
On August 18 Ueli started his day at 3AM by first climbing the Jungfrau (4158m/13,642 ft) along the Rotal Ridge Route. Just below the summit of that peak the then flew his paraglider over to the Mรถnch (4107m/13747 ft) North Face and climbed to the summit along the Lauper Route. Taking to the air once again, he then flew to the Eismeer Glacier on the Eiger (3970m/13,025 ft). He then proceed along the Mittelegi Ridge to the Mittelegi Hut for lunch, before climbing to the summit. Topping out at 3:13 PM, Ueli then descended to the Geneva Spur, launched his glider one final time and sailed down the Lauterbrunnen Valley, returning to his car by 5PM. How is that for one epic day?
You can read Ueli's entire trip report by clicking here. Updates are also promised on the Mountain Hardwear Faceboook page as well.
Ueli is quoted as saying "“It was a cool trip, just pack a backpack and go for a ride. That’s what I liked the most. There were no deposits or any support on the trip, just a nice lunch in the mountain hut. The combination of flying and climbing was just perfect. I had a great day.”
Sounds like the kind of effort that only one of the best mountaineers in the world could pull off. Great stuff.
Adventure Kitchen: Energy Bars, Waffles, and Shots! Oh My!
Anyone who exercises regularly knows that nutrition before, during and after your workout is extremely important. There is nothing worse than getting halfway through an tough run or ride only to hit the wall because you lack calories to see you through to the end.
Recently I've had the opportunity to try out a number of new energy bars, gels and other nutritional items and I have to say I've come away impressed. Not only have these options improved dramatically in taste and variety, they've also become far more sophisticated and effective as well. As a result, outdoor athletes now have a large variety of goodies to help power them through their workout routines. Here are a few suggestions for items that I've been using of late.
Honey Stinger
Back at Outdoor Retailer earlier this month I dropped by the Honey Stinger booth to check out the different nutritional items they had on display. The generous staff manning the booth sent me along my way with an excellent sampling of their various energy gels, chews and bars. For a few days I carried that bag around with me, almost forgetting that I had it with me. But when I got home I was delighted to re-discover it amongst all the other stuff I was lugging home from the show. A few days later I started sampling the goodies and it wasn't long before I was hooked.
As you can probably tell from the name, honey is a key component in all of the company's products. As a natural sweetener it brings a nice, but not over powering, taste to the Honey Stinger product line. I found that their energy chews in particular were tasty without being overly sweet which I appreciated before setting off on a long run. It doesn't hurt that they are also organic and don't include any GMO ingredients either. They also happened to be smaller and a bit easier to chew from some of the other chews on the market. It wasn't long before I found myself grabbing a bag here and there for a snack even when I wasn't working out.
After nearly the entire line of Honey Stinger products I found that I really liked everything in their line-up. Their organic energy shots were tasty without being too thick and their protein bars were tasty as well. Especially the Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond. But hands down my favorite treat is their Honey Stinger Waffles. These thin and tasty wafers simply must be tried by anyone looking for a new nutrition option to add to their repertoire. They're so good, they're actually addictive and they come in classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. You won't believe that they are actually all natural and completely organic. Definitely a must try!
Clif Bars
When it comes to energy bars, Cliff Bars have been my go-to choice for years. The company has done a good job of continuing to refine its line-up and make tastier bars in a variety of flavors. They've even created bars for specific athletes, including their famous Luna bars that are designed for women and the Z-bar for kids.
Recently the company has introduced a item to its line-up called the Builder 's bar. These bars contain 20g of protein that not only provides plenty of post-workout fuel but also helps to build muscle as well. That's all well and good of course, as there are plenty of similar bars on the market. What sets this one apart however, is that it just might be the best tasting energy bar I've ever eaten.
Some of the great flavors available include Chocolate, Crunch Peanut Butter and Cookies n' Cream. All of those are good but my favorites are S'Mores and Chocolate Mint. They taste so good you actually can't wait to have one after a workout as opposed to some bars I've had in the past which were almost a chore to eat. These were definitely a pleasant surprise the first time I tried them.
Gu Energy
Gu Energy is another company that has been making nutritional products for some time and have continued to refine their options over the years. I've used a number of their products for some time and I find that I like most of their line-up as well. For instance, I'm a fan of the Roctane energy drink mixes and their Electrolyte Brew tablets are a convenient option that I carry with me regularly as well. Of course, the Gu Energy Gel is pretty much the industry standards in terms of energy shots and they remain an excellent option.
Recently I've been enjoying the Gu Recovery Brew drink which I mix with a little milk and ice to make a fantastic smoothy. The chocolate flavored one in particular tastes more like a shake from your favore fast food joint rather than a nutritional drink designed to help facilitate recovery and build muscle after an intense workout. Each Recovery Brew includes plenty of protein, amino acids, antioxidants and carbs to help the body get stronger, but when drinking one it is hard to imagine that it actually good for you.
These are just a few of the tasty items I've been enjoying lately. If you're tired of your energy bars and gels, then you may want to consider adding one of these options to your pantry. Each of them are packed with tasty and healthy ingredients and they are also proof that just because its good for you doesn't mean that it can't taste amazing too.
Honey Stinger
Back at Outdoor Retailer earlier this month I dropped by the Honey Stinger booth to check out the different nutritional items they had on display. The generous staff manning the booth sent me along my way with an excellent sampling of their various energy gels, chews and bars. For a few days I carried that bag around with me, almost forgetting that I had it with me. But when I got home I was delighted to re-discover it amongst all the other stuff I was lugging home from the show. A few days later I started sampling the goodies and it wasn't long before I was hooked.
As you can probably tell from the name, honey is a key component in all of the company's products. As a natural sweetener it brings a nice, but not over powering, taste to the Honey Stinger product line. I found that their energy chews in particular were tasty without being overly sweet which I appreciated before setting off on a long run. It doesn't hurt that they are also organic and don't include any GMO ingredients either. They also happened to be smaller and a bit easier to chew from some of the other chews on the market. It wasn't long before I found myself grabbing a bag here and there for a snack even when I wasn't working out.
After nearly the entire line of Honey Stinger products I found that I really liked everything in their line-up. Their organic energy shots were tasty without being too thick and their protein bars were tasty as well. Especially the Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond. But hands down my favorite treat is their Honey Stinger Waffles. These thin and tasty wafers simply must be tried by anyone looking for a new nutrition option to add to their repertoire. They're so good, they're actually addictive and they come in classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. You won't believe that they are actually all natural and completely organic. Definitely a must try!
Clif Bars
Recently the company has introduced a item to its line-up called the Builder 's bar. These bars contain 20g of protein that not only provides plenty of post-workout fuel but also helps to build muscle as well. That's all well and good of course, as there are plenty of similar bars on the market. What sets this one apart however, is that it just might be the best tasting energy bar I've ever eaten.
Some of the great flavors available include Chocolate, Crunch Peanut Butter and Cookies n' Cream. All of those are good but my favorites are S'Mores and Chocolate Mint. They taste so good you actually can't wait to have one after a workout as opposed to some bars I've had in the past which were almost a chore to eat. These were definitely a pleasant surprise the first time I tried them.
Gu Energy is another company that has been making nutritional products for some time and have continued to refine their options over the years. I've used a number of their products for some time and I find that I like most of their line-up as well. For instance, I'm a fan of the Roctane energy drink mixes and their Electrolyte Brew tablets are a convenient option that I carry with me regularly as well. Of course, the Gu Energy Gel is pretty much the industry standards in terms of energy shots and they remain an excellent option.
Recently I've been enjoying the Gu Recovery Brew drink which I mix with a little milk and ice to make a fantastic smoothy. The chocolate flavored one in particular tastes more like a shake from your favore fast food joint rather than a nutritional drink designed to help facilitate recovery and build muscle after an intense workout. Each Recovery Brew includes plenty of protein, amino acids, antioxidants and carbs to help the body get stronger, but when drinking one it is hard to imagine that it actually good for you.
These are just a few of the tasty items I've been enjoying lately. If you're tired of your energy bars and gels, then you may want to consider adding one of these options to your pantry. Each of them are packed with tasty and healthy ingredients and they are also proof that just because its good for you doesn't mean that it can't taste amazing too.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Adventure Tech: Samsung Announces Android Powered Camera Too!
Both the S800c and the new Samsung Galaxy Camera feature 16-megapixel sensors but their similarities pretty much end there. Samsung slapped a 4.8 inch HD touchscreen on the back of their device, stretching it form edge-to-edge in the process. That's considerably larger than the 3.5 inch OLED screen found on the S800c. That's not all however, as Samsung also managed to squeeze in a 21x zoom, far more useful than the 10x lens found on Nikon's new toy. And while Nikon saw fit to choose an older version of Android (Gingerbread 2.1), Samsung is powering it's device with Android 4.1, AKA Jellybean. It even has simple voice-control options, allowing you to instruct the camera to "zoom" or "shoot" simply by using your voice. That could come in handy for solo travelers looking to take some self-portraits.
Those specs are just the tip of the iceberg however. Samsung also mixed in a 1.4Ghz quad-core processor to power this beast and added both WiFi and 3G or 4G networking depending on the model. That means you'll be able to share your photos while on the go, uploading them directly to Facebook, Twitter or a laptop without the use of a cable. Photographers will even be able to edit their images directly on the Galaxy Camera using special Android apps designed just for that purpose.
The new camera is due to hit the market in the fourth quarter of this year and prices have yet to be announced.
This looks like an interesting new option in what could be a new niche for cameras. By making these cameras "smart," consumers are getting some new options that they've never had before. While I'm not personally looking to add one of these to my arsenal of cameras, it will certainly be interesting to see how they evolve.
The North Face Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc Begins Friday
This year, for the first time ever, the event will be broadcast live on the web. Considering the coverage kicks off tomorrow and runs for 84 hours straight, that's an impressive feat of endurance as well. The live broadcasts start Thursday, August 30 at 06:00 local time and will continue with 15-minute news briefs through Sunday, September 2.
At the start of the event, more than 6000 runners from 73 countries will take the line. How many of them actually finish remains to be seen. This is one of the largest and most difficult tests of endurance on the planet and isn't for the faint of heart. We'll probably get to witness some of the suffering first hand on these live broadcasts over the next few days.
Good luck to all the runners!
The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® by UltraTrailMontBlanc
Video: Mad Mountain Biking Skills In An Urban Setting
We all love those mountain biking videos where we get to watch someone make an improbably climb up a big hill, only to bomb down the other side at breakneck speed, preferably in some amazing wilderness setting. But the video below keeps us mostly rooted in urban environments, allowing rider Chris Akrigg to show off some impressive skills of his own. You'll see Akrigg bounce off, over and around all kinds of obstacles as he navigates his way through a series of challenges that are at the very least fun to watch. I'm not anywhere close to being able to pull of any of these stunts but I can definitely appreciate the skill involved here.
Thanks to The Adventure Journal for the heads up on this great video.
Through the mill from chris akrigg on Vimeo.
Thanks to The Adventure Journal for the heads up on this great video.
Update On Davey du Plessis
Over the past few few days, Davey has been in the ICU and under constant supervision by doctors. They have been monitoring his condition and waiting for him to regain his strength while they determined if they would need to do surgery to remove the bullets and shrapnel from his body. In many cases the body will adapt to the bullet fragments and no invasive surgery is required. As it stands right now, the doctors feel that they won't need to operate on Davey, despite the fact that he has shrapnel in his heart and lung. They may eventually remove the bullet from his neck, but they are still waiting to make that determination as he gets stronger.
Du Plessis will remain in the intensive care unit until Friday, which is when the doctors are planning on removing the drip drain from his lung. They are hoping by then that the lung will have started to heal, but as of now it continues to bleed.
Overall, Davey is in remarkably good shape all things considered. He is in a good deal of pain, which is not relieved by medications as they make the young man feel ill. He has passed through the critical period and it doesn't seem that his life is in jeopardy, although there is a long road ahead towards healing and rehabilitation. He has his father with him now and his mother will join him in Lima tomorrow, which will certainly help his efforts to get well too.
It will be interesting to hear his full story once he has recovered and has the strength to share it. I'm sure there are elements to it that we're not aware of yet. It'll be a harrowing tale for sure, but for now I think it's good to just know Davey is out of danger and starting the healing process. For more updates as they come, checkout Davey's Facebook page and website.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Video: Wingsuit Flight Over New Zealand
It has been awhile since we had a really great wingsuit video. The one below will certainly change that however. It features GoPro athlete Alexander Polli floating through the air above New Zealand, Switzerland and Norway as he effortlessly soars through canyons, buzzes rock towers and generally plays chicken with gravity. Consider this your shot of adrenaline for the day.
Kiwi Climbers Make First Ascent In Afghanistan
While details are a bit thin, Pat shared the news with the Alpinist last week and they posted the story online yesterday. The original intention was for Pat and her usual climbing partner Paul Knott to climb a peak called Rohazon Zom, but at the last minute Paul had to pull out. Maryrose stepped in however, joining the team that also consisted of Bill Byrch.
The three climbers spent eight days on the Qala Panja icefall which required a lot of "hard work" according to Pat. Eventually they topped out on August 2nd and they judged the altitude of Koh-e-Rant to be between 5850 meters (19,193 ft) and 6050 meters (19,849 ft). GPS and altimeter readings varied greatly apparently. There doesn't appear to be any records of previous ascents and Pat says they are the first climbing team to visit this particular region since a French squad back in 1968.
The trip home wasn't without challenges either. A border dispute between Afghanistan and Tajikistan had the checkpoints closed down and it required a few extra days of patience and persistence to get across. When they left, the dispute still hadn't been resolved but the Kiwi ladies, along with a number of other travelers were able to convince officials to let them pass.
A little extra adventure never hurt anyone, right?
Himalaya Fall 2012: A New Season Set To Begin
One of the teams that is now starting to gather in Kathmandu is the Mountain Professionals Manaslu expedition. According to the team's blog the climbers will all be in Nepal by Friday, August 31 and they'll spend the first few days sight seeing, getting to know one another and holding meetings before they depart for Base Camp. They'll start their trek to BC sometime next week and they should be on the mountain around the 10th of September, give or take a few days.
The team's objective will be the 8156 meter (26,759 ft) Manaslu, the eighth tallest mountain on the planet. Located in the central Himalaya, it was first climbed back in 1956, just a few years after Everest. It is considered a good peak for climbers to hone their skills on and prepare for other, more challenging mountains. I'm sure that some of the Mountain Professional squad have Everest as a future objective.
Mountaineer/Journalist Bili Bierling is preparing for her next climb as well. She'll be heading out to Makalu starting tomorrow and begin an 8 day trek to Base Camp on that 8481 meter (27,825 ft) mountain. She is part of an international team, led by Kobler & Partner, that has set its sights on the fifth highest mountain in the world.
This should just be the start of team reports and expect to have a few other mountains and climbers added to these updates soon. It seems most of the groups are still just arriving or getting organized in Kathmandu and over the next week or so we should have a clearer picture of how many teams will be in the Himalaya this fall and what their objectives will be.
Video: Wild Love Episode 3: Climber Timmy O'Neill
The Wild Love series of videos is quickly becoming one of my favorites on the web. In the original video we saw how mountaineer Jake Norton and wife Wende Valentine managed family time with their more adventurous pursuits and the in the second video ultra-runner Krissy Moehl balances training and competition with spending time with friends.
Today we have the third video in the series, which turns the spotlight on climber Timmy O'Neill, a man who simply loves to live life to the fullest. Whether he's climbing, paddling, slacklining or pursuing his other passions, Timmy surrounds himself with the people he loves and cherishes every day as a gift. I think you'll find his philosophy for life to be infectious.
Wild Love: Timmy O'Neill from Andy Maser on Vimeo.
Today we have the third video in the series, which turns the spotlight on climber Timmy O'Neill, a man who simply loves to live life to the fullest. Whether he's climbing, paddling, slacklining or pursuing his other passions, Timmy surrounds himself with the people he loves and cherishes every day as a gift. I think you'll find his philosophy for life to be infectious.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Video: Existence A Timelapse Project
Looking for a serene and tranquil way to wind down your day? Then look no further than the video below. It's yet another beautiful timelapse that captures both urban and rural settings and the breathtaking beauty of the night sky. Words really can't do it justice. Enjoy.
EXISTENCE A TIMELAPSE PROJECT from Michael Shainblum on Vimeo.
Arctic Row: Calling It A Day
The journey was originally expected to cover some 2100km (1300 miles) and take approximately 30 days to complete. When they set out back in mid-July conditions were actually better than expected and progress was good. But as the days rolled on things took a turn for the worse and unusually powerful storms began to develop in the Arctic. Those storms proved to be impossible to row in, which slowed progress to a crawl. On more than one occasion, the team had to take shelter in a lagoon, sometimes for days, in order to wait out the heavy seas and high winds that were blowing through their area.
The delays proved costly and a journey that was expected to take about a month began to drag on much further. Today was their 41st day at sea and with their supplies dwindling and more storms on the horizon, they decided to go ashore at Point Hope, Alaska.
In a lengthy blog post last night the team talked about the trials and tribulations of their voyage. It hasn't been an easy one to say the least and for four men who have been stuck inside the tiny cabin of a small ocean rowboat, I'm sure it felt good to come ashore yesterday.
I'm sure we'll hear more about their story in the days ahead, as for now they are likely eating and catching up on their rest. It was a valiant attempt on their part, but the Arctic Ocean proved a bit too strong for these men. At least for now.
Americans Sweep Podium At USA Pro Cycling Challenge
The first place finisher was Christian Vande Velde of Team Garmin-Sharp-Baracuda. He finished 21 seconds ahead of Tejay Van Garderen of Team BMC Racing and 24 seconds in front of defending champ Levi Leipheimer of Omega-Pharma-Quickstep.
The 863-mile long race was a fast and furious one all week long with daring breakaways and tough showdowns on Colorado's mountain slopes. Throughout the week Vande Velde and Van Garderen challenged one another for the lead with virtually no difference in their times. Yesterday Vande Velde managed to finish the 9.5 mile (15.2km) time trial ahead of Van Garderen, giving him the victory on the final day.
It seems it was another successful year for the fledgling race, which got off to a great start in 2011 and was viewed as an excellent event again this year. Hopefully the future is bright for this race, which has attracted some great riders from all over the world.
Congrats to Vande Velde on a well deserved win.
Amazon Source-To-Sea Update: Davey Shot In The Amazon, Evacuated To Lima
Upon hearing the news, I immediately thought about the Amazon Express team, which consists of West Hansen and his crew, who are attempting to make a speed run along the the length of the Amazon as well. They are still miles behind where Davey ran into trouble, but I thought it important that they were made aware of the situation. It seems like that turned out to be a good thing as they were able to get in touch with Davey's mom and speak directly to Davey himself, providing us with more information on the story.
It seems du Plessis was simply floating down the Amazon on his inner tube, as he had been for some time while navigating through the trickier sections of river. He then saw a young man, described to be in his early 20's, appear out of the jungle, then quickly disappear, only to return with a second man. They immediately opened fire on the South African without a verbal exchange of any kind and without provocation. Davey managed to reach the shore and fled into the jungle, but by that point he had already been hit by several bullets. He ran for approximately 5km (3.1 miles) before finding help and even then, according to his mom, the locals were reluctant to lend a hand without first asking for money. He was eventually taken to a local hospital where he was treated for his wounds before being sent on to Lima today.
According to reports on his Facebook page, Davey is in the ICU where he is being treated for bullet wounds to his neck, head and back. He has shrapnel in his lung and arm and is in rough shape as you can imagine. That said, he doesn't appear to be in immediate danger any longer, but doctors plan to wait for until he is stronger before going in to remove the bullets. Friends and family are en route to Peru to be with him today.
Keep Davey and his family in your thoughts today. The young man is lucky to be alive and his story is a grim reminder that the challenges of these adventures go well beyond the environment.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Video: Trailer For Mile... Mile & A Half
The team behind the film is still looking for some funding to help complete the project and get it out to some of the big upcoming adventure film festivals. With that in mind, they've launched a Kickstarter page to help them raise the funds they need. With just over a month to go, they're still hoping to pull in about $37,000. Take a look at the trailer and see if you think this is a project worth funding. (Pssst...It is!)
CheapTents Interviews Adventurer Tim Moss
Amongst his numerous adventures, Tim has hiked across Patagonia, swam the length of the River Thames and made first ascents in the Altai Mountains of Russia. He has also circumnavigated the globe in 80 days using 80 different forms of transportation, trekked the Wahiba Desert in Oman and climbed in the Bolivian Andes. Oh yeah! He's also been the logistics manager on more than 100 other expeditions as well.
In the CheapTents interview, Tim talks about his inspirations for pursuing adventure and which of his many exploits has had the greatest impact on his life. He also talks about the toughest decision he's ever had to make on an expedition, which destination has left the best impression on him and how he finds ways to add adventure into his daily life. Moss even provides some advice to would-be adventurers who are thinking about their own expeditions. His best advice? Simply just get started.
As for his favorite pieces of gear, which is always one of CheapTents most intriguing questions. Tim says he loves his Helly Hansen base layers that he has owned for more then ten years. He says he's used them on numerous adventures and they have always performed brilliantly. By coincidence, I happen to own a pair of base layers from HH as well. Haven't had them quite as long as Tim, mine are probably more like six years old, but they are fantastic and have gone with me to many places too.
Enjoy this interview as we head into a weekend. Perhaps it'll inspire you to have an adventure of your own.
Baffin Run: Crossing Baffin Island On Foot
You can track their progress on BaffinRun.com and catch updates via Ray's Twitter Feed and Facebook page. Reports are also being posted to the impossible2Possible Facebook page as well.
While this will be a good challenge for these two ultra-runners, it is merely a warm-up for what lies ahead. Next year they intend to run across the Gobi Desert at it's widest point, an expedition that will cover approximately 2000km (1242 miles) through some of the most remote terrain on Earth. Because of that remote nature of the Gobi, they'll have limited opportunities for resupply which will alter the logistics of the run to a degree.
We'll learn a lot more about the expedition in March of 2013 when Ray and Ferg are expected to set out. You know we'll be following it closely.
Freya Hoffmeister Resumes South American Circumnav By Kayak
Freya set out from Buenos Aries, Argentina last September and spent the next eight months covering roughly 8000km (4970 miles) following remote coastlines. First heading south, she was successfully able to paddle through the notoriously tricky waters of Cape Horn, which are well known for their turbulent seas and nasty storms, before turning north. In May she reached Valparaiso and elected to take a break and return home to Hamburg, Germany. There she was able to rest, resupply and take care of the logistics that will see her through the second stage of the journey.
The plan now is to return to the water and cover another 8000km, paddling past Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela before taking another break in Georgetown, Guyana. To reach that point she'll have to kayak through the Panama Canal, dodging heavy shipping freighters along the way. If all goes as planed, she'll complete this second stage by April of next year. Stage 3 will then begin in September of 2013, when she'll finish the circumnavigation and arrive back in where she started in Buenos Aires.
While she's out on the water, Freya posts regular updates to blog that help chart her progress and experienced along the way. You can find that blog by clicking here.
Thanks to ExWeb for the tip!
Gear Closet: Energizer Micro-Sport Headlamp
Considering all of the companies that make good headlamps these days, I was surprised to discover that one of the best lights was for runners was being made by Energizer. Yes, Energizer. The battery company. They make a headlamp called the Micro Sport that was specifically designed with runners and other outdoor athletes in mind.
The Micro Sport comes equipped with three LED lamps that are capable of cranking out quite a bit of illumination. The lamp has both high and low modes, both of which provide plenty of light for running. High mode is capable of shedding light up to 7 meters (23 feet) out, but at that level of intensity the batteries will only last about 3-4 hours. Dropping it to low mode will nearly triple that time using standard AA batteries.
In addition to the standard forward facing headlamp, the Micro Sport also comes with a rear-facing red flashing light as well. Think of it as a taillight for runners or cyclists as it certainly adds an extra level of safety when on the road after dark. While not particularly bright, this emergency flasher is still an attention grabber. Powered by a single lithium coin-cell, this additional light can last for 95 hours between battery changes.
Of course, plenty of headlamps provide this kind of performance but what sets this one apart, and puts the "micro" in its name, is its weight. This light clocks in at jut 2 ounces (45 grams) which means it's pretty much featherlight in your hand and on your head. That's fantastic for runners in particular who don't want a heavy lamp on their head while on the go. A thin and lightweight headband rounds out the package, adding comfort and stability to the Micro Sport.
This is a fantastic option for outdoor athletes who need a little illumination while partaking in their favorite activities. The flashing rear lamp adds an extra measure of safety and the over all quality of the light is solid on all fronts. Best of all, it won't break your pocket book either. The suggest retail on the headlamp is just $24.95, which makes it a great bargain.
Lance Armstrong Ends USADA Fight, Faces Lifetime Ban And Loss Of Titles
There has been a lot of hyperbole tossed around in the press over the past 12-hours or so, thanks in no small part due to statements made by Travis Tygart, the Chief Executive of the USADA. Tygart says that he can and will strip Armstrong of his seven Tour wins, despite the fact that he has no jurisdiction to do so. Only the International Cycling Union (UCI) or the Tour has the ability to do that and at this point we have no idea if or when they'll do that. The UCI has been in contention with the USADA over this investigation for some time and have spoken out against the process. They don't seem likely to want to cooperate with Tygart and his team. Officials from the Tour de France on the other hand, may see things differently.
Despite never failing a drug test throughout his career, reports indicate that the USADA has found two samples from 2009 and 2010 that indicate that there may have been efforts to mask the use of performance enhancing drugs. Lets be clear here. The samples don't show PED's in Armstrong's system, simply that there may have been steps taken to hide their use. Tygart is also said to have ten former teammates of Armstrong lined up to testify that he was doping while winning all of those races, although some believe that those other riders had little choice but to testify or face their own inquiries as well.
More than one critic of the USADA's investigation have called it a "witch hunt." Some have even hinted that there is a bit of a personal vendetta on the part of Tygart. His battles with Lance go back a number of years and his desire to catch Armstrong have continued despite the cyclists retiring. Twice. It should also be noted that the USADA moved ahead with it's investigation despite the fact that the U.S. Attorney General's Office dropped its case against Armstrong back in February. That investigation lasted for two-years and was abandoned for lack of evidence.
Some have wondered why this case is moving ahead now when Armstrong is no longer cycling competitively. While he was no longer on the international cycling circuit, Lance was competing in triathlons and doing quite well. He had planned on racing in the Ironman Championships in Hawaii this fall and by many accounts he was poised to have an impact on that sport as well. Despite the fact that he was retired from pro cycling, Armstrong was competing, just on a smaller stage. The lifetime ban from competition will ensure he doesn't take part in any sanctioned events again.
As a huge cycling fan I realize that the era in which Armstrong raced was one in which nearly everyone in the peloton was using some kind of performance enhancing drug or other method to gain an advantage. That doesn't excuse their use of course, it is just an acknowledgement that it was a different time for the sport. The UCI has taken great strides to clean up cycling and while they're not completely there yet, things have certainly improved over the past few years.
We'll have to wait and see how everything falls out with this case. The USADA will likely pass their brand of judgement very quickly. How the UCI and the Tour de France responds will be very telling. Either way, I'm sure Armstrong is looking forward to turning the page and moving forward. He still has a lot of good work to do with his Livestrong Foundation and I truly believe he is just plain tired of fighting these charges.
Whether or not he gets to keep those seven Tour wins remains to be seen. But fans of the sport and of Armstrong know who won those races out on the road. The results of this investigation won't change that.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Video: Trailer For Congo - The Grand Inga Project
Deep in the heart of Africa, on one of the biggest and most dangerous rivers in the world, sits the Inga Rapids. This swirling vortex of whitewater has claimed the lives of numerous paddlers over the years and up until late last year, it had never been successfully run.
In November of 2011, Tyler Bradt, Steve Fisher, Ben Marr and Rush Sturges traveled to the Congo to challenge those rapids, eventually making the first descent of those incredibly turbulent waters. They called their expedition the Grand Inga Project and a documentary film of their adventure will be released shortly. The trailer for that amazing looking film is below.
Be warned, this white water is not for the faint of heart. It is big, bad and nasty. It makes for a great looking film though. Can't wait to see this.
Congo: The Grand Inga Project (Best Short Film of the Year Awards 2012 - Entry #34) from Kayak TV (Kayak Session Mag) on Vimeo.
In November of 2011, Tyler Bradt, Steve Fisher, Ben Marr and Rush Sturges traveled to the Congo to challenge those rapids, eventually making the first descent of those incredibly turbulent waters. They called their expedition the Grand Inga Project and a documentary film of their adventure will be released shortly. The trailer for that amazing looking film is below.
Be warned, this white water is not for the faint of heart. It is big, bad and nasty. It makes for a great looking film though. Can't wait to see this.
Americans Share Lead In USA Pro Cycling Challenge
The race got off to a good start on Monday with a long 126-mile leg. That stage was won by Tyler Farrar of Team Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda, who was happy to ride well following a crash-prone outing in the Tour de France last month. Tuesday's Stage 2 went to Tejay Van Garderen of BMC Racing while yesterday's win went to Tom Danielson, also of Garmin-Sharp. That means during all three days of racing, American riders have crossed the finish line in front.
The overall standings have Christian Vandevelde and Garderen in a virtual tie atop the leaderboard with Ivan Rovny of RusVelo. RusVelo is a new Russian squad that was created last year and are starting to show some promise out on the road. Defending champ Levi Leiphimer, who now rides for Omega Pharma-Quick-Step is sitting in fourth place just eight seconds off the lead.
Today's Stage 4 is a 97.2-mile ride (156.4km) ride from beautiful Aspen to Beaver Creek that includes a climb as high as 12,095 feet (3686 meters) on Independence Pass early on in the race. Over the first three days the pace has been fast, despite plenty of climbing and altitude, and today is likely to be no different. Considering how many riders are within striking distance of the lead, the race remains a wide open affair that will probably be decided in the individual time trial scheduled for Sunday in Denver.
I'm glad to see the race is living up to the legacy that was set down last year. The course is tough, but still allows riders to be aggressive and it remains very competitive as we head into the second half. I'm sure that a number of the American riders are hoping to once again take the win on home soil but we'll have to wait to see how it all plays out.
Video: Searching For West - The Most Beautiful Hunting Film You'll Ever See
I rarely write about hunting in any way on this blog, mostly because it isn't something that I personally do. I grew up in the woods with a father and older brother who both still love to hunt, but it was never an activity that struck a chord with me. I simply enjoyed being outside. But I respect hunters greatly and recognize that as a group they often do more for conservation and protection of lands than anyone else. Like the rest of us, they share a common bond of a love for the outdoors.
A new short film, entitled Searching for West, hammers this point home. It follows hunter Mark Seacat as he goes out into the wild in search of his goals, namely bagging a big bull elk. Listening to Mark narrate the film I was struck by how much he sounded like some of the other outdoor athletes we follow here on the Adventure Blog. Mountaineers, polar explorers and endurance runners who endure sometimes difficult conditions as they go after their personal trophies. Like so many of those men and women, Mark questions what he is missing at home while he pursues those goals.
This is an incredibly well done and beautiful film that I think you'll find fascinating to watch even if you're not a hunter yourself. The scenery is spectacular, the story is compelling and the technical aspects of the film are top notch. It's about 25 minutes in length, and if you have the ability to watch it on an HDTV that's what I'd recommend. Otherwise, kick back in your chair set the video to full screen and enjoy.
Searching for West from Helio Collective on Vimeo.
A new short film, entitled Searching for West, hammers this point home. It follows hunter Mark Seacat as he goes out into the wild in search of his goals, namely bagging a big bull elk. Listening to Mark narrate the film I was struck by how much he sounded like some of the other outdoor athletes we follow here on the Adventure Blog. Mountaineers, polar explorers and endurance runners who endure sometimes difficult conditions as they go after their personal trophies. Like so many of those men and women, Mark questions what he is missing at home while he pursues those goals.
This is an incredibly well done and beautiful film that I think you'll find fascinating to watch even if you're not a hunter yourself. The scenery is spectacular, the story is compelling and the technical aspects of the film are top notch. It's about 25 minutes in length, and if you have the ability to watch it on an HDTV that's what I'd recommend. Otherwise, kick back in your chair set the video to full screen and enjoy.
Gear Closet: Switch Avalanche Sunglasses
The designers at Switch have developed what they call the "magnetic interchange" lens system. In doing so they've incorporated strong, high-energy magnets into both the frames and lenses themselves, allowing those lenses to quickly be changed out with a different set. This allows a single pair of glasses to be used across an entire day, starting with the pink glow of morning light, continuing through the harsh brightness of the day and finishing up with the flaming skies of dusk. Swapping out the lenses is a breeze, snapping into place with a satisfying click and staying firmly locked into the frames no matter what activity is on the agenda.
I tested the Switch Avalanche frames and found them to be durable, good looking and well suited for running and cycling in particular. They are designed to stay firmly in place yet still provide plenty of ventilation when working up a sweat. I found them to be lightweight and comfortable, while providing plenty of coverage over the eyes.
Like all of Switch's offerings, the Avalanche frames come equipped with two sets of lenses – one pair of standard polarized and one pair tinted Amber that are designed for low-light conditions. The standard kit can be expanded with other lenses from the Switch line-up as well and there are plenty of alternatives available on the company's website.
The concept behind these sunglasses is so simple and elegant I couldn't help but wonder why someone hadn't thought of it before. Those who expect good performance out of their eyewear will love the versatility and flexibility that Switch lenses and frames provide. Triathletes, adventure racers and ultra-runners will particularly appreciate the fact that they can compete while carrying just a single pair of glasses for all light conditions.
Prices for frames and lenses vary depending on style. The Avalanche frames I test run $169 with two pairs of lenses. Additional lenses start at $40.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Gizmodo's Ultimate Backpacking Outfit Isn't All That Ultimate
Gizmodo gear-guru Brent Rose has put together quite a list of equipment and for many of their readers this list is sure to be adequate for their needs. The article starts with the "Core Gear" which includes things like a backpack (Osprey Argon 85), tent (Big Anges Copper Spur UL2) and a sleeping bag (Marmot Plasma 30). From there they fill out their Camp Kitchen with suggestions for a stove (MSR DragonFly) and cookware amongst other items. The "Apparel" section lists options for various layers and the "Stuff You May Want" includes extras that aren't needed but could still come in handy.
If you're just in the market for quality gear to replace an older item than this list isn't especially bad. Most of the gear is high quality stuff from big name companies we've all known and used in the past. But the problem I have with Gizmodo's choices is that for the money they are spending on some of these items there are often better – and lighter – options available. At the start of the article they note that this represents about 80 pounds (36.2 kilograms) of gear, which is an insane amount of weight, particularly when we are all trying to travel lighter and faster these days. Some of the suggestions are also quite subjective of course and many of the items simply wouldn't be considered mandatory gear for most of us.
My advice to anyone using this article to select their gear is to shop around some and always keep your eye on the the price vs. weight. There didn't seem to be much regard to either of those factors when the article was written and as a result, if you were to buy all of the suggestions you'd end up light in the wallet but very heavy on the trail.
Video: Paddling Norway
Ever wonder what the paddling scene in Norway is like? Well wonder no more. The video below, which comes our way courtesy of the White Box magazine, will not only give you a good indication of some of the kayaking options in that country but may also have you booking a trip of your own. The scenery is simply amazing and the rivers look extraordinary.
WHITE BOX - Ticking Boxes - Norway Update 2 from Adrian Kiernan on Vimeo.
Amazon Source To Sea Update: Davey's Paddling At Last
For those who haven't been following Davey's adventure thus far, he set off in June on an epic journey that will eventually cover as much as 7200km (4474 miles). He began his journey high in the Peruvian Andes at the most distant source of the Amazon. After climbing and trekking through the mountains, du Plessis climbed aboard his bike and rode along the Apurimac River for about 1500km (932 miles) to where it meets the might Amazon itself. It was at that point that he entered the water to start the third and final leg of the journey – a 5700km (3541 mile) paddle to the sea.
The start of the river portion of the adventure ended up being more challenging than he expected. The water was faster and higher than anticipated and as a result Davey elected to use a tire to float past the more difficult secitions. Even that wasn't easy however as he nearly lost all of his gear, which he pulled behind him in a kayak, on more than one occasion.
Yesterday du Plessis posted a big update to his blog. In it he talks about how his foldable kayak finally cleared customs, allowing him to truly start paddling. On his way from Lima back to the river however, he met a German couple whose son drowned while kayaking the section that Davey is now passing through. That left him a bit unsettled to say the least.
An update on his Facebook page also says that he received a military escort yesterday to meet the local chief of the indigenous tribes. Once that introduction has been made and Davey's plans made clear, the tribes will grant him safe passage along the water. If this bit of diplomacy didn't take place, it is likely that he would be met with hostility and suspicion along the way.
The river seems to still be the main threat to his safety however as he is still encountering plenty of challenging whitewater and his little kayak was not designed for those kinds of conditions. He estimates that he'll need to get another 50km (31 miles) down stream before the river widens out and slows its descent. After that it'll be calm, flat paddling for thousands of kilometers.
I spent some time on the Amazon River in Peru a few years back and it was far from difficult to paddle. That said, I was way down stream on the river proper where it spreads out for kilometers in all direction . It is a massive waterway in scope and scale with hundreds of tributaries and backwater to be explored and while there are settlements along its banks, there are also plenty of incredibly remote areas with few people as well.
For Davey, this adventure is just getting started and he will have so much to experience as he makes his way to the Atlantic Ocean over the months ahead.
Adventure Travel: Visit Botswana And Learn Bush Skills!
Participants in the program stay at the amazing looking Baines' Camp where they'll spend a couple of days surrounded by the amazing setting that is the Okavango. Each year the delta floods the plains in Botswana, creating a massive oasis that allows a spectacular array of plant and animal life to thrive. Elephants, hippos, lions and dozens more species make their home in the region which is amongst the best safari destinations on the planet.
Visitors taking part in the Delta Bush Skills Adventure will likely encounter those animals but they'll also be busy learning some valuable skills as well. On the first day of the itinerary they'll learn how to pole a mokoro – the traditional dugout canoes that the local people use for transportation along the Okavango. They'll also learn how to track animals, identify edible plants and find potable water while in the bush. The education will continue on day two with lessons on how to build a shelter, trap food and navigate simply by using the sun and stars.
Now by no means do I think that this Bush Skills training will prepare someone to survive in the wild, but it certainly would be a great deal of fun to take part in. If I were headed to Botswana for a safari, I'd definitely consider tacking on a few extra days to visit the Baines' Camp for what looks like a great extension. Considering the Okavango remains on my list of "must see" places, this seems like an excellent way to visit.
Adventure Tech: Nikon Announces Android Powered Camera
On paper the S800c looks like a solid point and shoot camera that will serve travel needs quite well. Not only does it have a relatively large sensor for this type of camera, but it also packs a 10x optical zoom, a 3.5" OLED touchscreen and it shoots full 1080P videos. It also has WiFi built-in, which when combined with Android allows users to upload images directly to Facebook, Twitter or Flickr while on the go. It'll even allow you to email your photos directly to your friends or wirelessly transfer them to your computer or tablet. GPS functionality allows you to geotag your images, which is becoming an increasingly popular option for travelers in particular.
As you would expect from a camera built by Nikon, the S800c appears to take great photos and solid video as well. But adding Android to the device opens up the possibilities for this camera quite nicely. In theory it should run most apps in the Google Play store, although this is an older version of Android. (Gingerbread 2.1 for my fellow geeks) That means there could be some incompatibilities with newer apps. That said however, this device should be able to run Google Translate, Maps, and other travel friendly apps that could extend its usefulness well beyond just a simple camera.
There are indications that we could see other camera manufacturers using Android to power there devices as well and perhaps one of them will bring a more modern version of the OS to market. For now though Nikon's offering is definitely an interesting experiment that leaves me wondering how consumers will react.
I'm also interested in the battery life on the S800c as Android is a notorious energy hog, particularly in older versions. Nikon says the included battery is good 140 still shots, which quite frankly isn't much when you're out snapping photos all day. That could easily mean that the camera will need to be recharged every day, which is also a lot like a smartphone. Using WiFi and GPS probably will kill that battery even faster.
Despite these misgivings however I'm looking forward to playing with the camera a bit myself. I think the upside to having a camera with the brains of a smartphone could be quite good, especially for frequent travelers. We might even be able to play Angry Birds on it!
The S800c will be available in September for $350.
Update: Here's a promo video of that gives you a better idea of what it looks like and what it can do. Very interesting.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Nat Geo Adventure Talks Everest With Mark Jenkins
In the article Jenkins talks about how crowded Everest has become since guided expeditions started to become popular in the 1990's. He also discusses ways that the climb could be safer and advocates requiring those attempting the world's highest peak first earn some experience and skills on another Himalayan mountain. Mark also shares his thoughts on keeping Everest cleaner, pondering why "Leave No Trace" isn't the de facto standard for climbers.
Mark touches on the mainstream view of Everest and how the non-climber sees it as the "ultimate trophy" in the climbing world. He says that there will always be people who want to test their skills on the mountain and therefore it could always be crowded, but in the mountaineering community it is looked on a bit more skeptically. Everest is seen as a "very surreal experience" according to Jenkins.
It's a good interview with a man who isn't afraid to share his thoughts on the annual spring circus that is Mt. Everest. I had the chance to hear Mark speak as part of a panel at Outdoor Retailer a few weeks back and made some very interesting points. He pointed out that there are in the neighborhood of about 15 routes to the summit of Everest and yet each year everyone crowds into the two main routes instead. Mark rightfully pointed out that there is still plenty to do on the mountain, but most climbers don't really want to risk exploring one of the lesser known routes when they can join the stampede to the top along the usual paths.
If you're an Everest fan, you'll definitely want to read what he has to say in this story. Can't wait to read his full article in NG mag next year.
Swim 1000 Update: 11 Days In, Still Swimming!
Judging from the updates that have been posted to the Swim1000 blog, it seems that everyone is enjoying their time on the river. Not only are they getting the opportunity to experience an aquatic adventure, they're also meeting interesting and friendly people along the way. I have to imagine that the expedition team gets a few looks as they pass by on the water as well. After all, it's not often that you see a troupe of stand-up paddlers and one swimmer, go past.
As I mentioned in my previous story on Swim1000, Dave and his friends are hoping to raise funds for the CoppaFeel organization, a non-profit that is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. A message they are spreading as they travel down river.
The video below gives you an idea of what Dave and the rest of his motley crew are up to on the Missouri. If you live along the river, keep an eye out for them. They expect to be out there for another 40 days or so.
Adventure Tech: Immarsat Brings Global Pre-Paid Satellite Phone Service To U.S.
This is a great option for anyone who travels into remote areas and wants to have a satellite phone along for safety purposes. In the past these phones were not always cost effective for the backpacker or climber who only needed the service a few times a year. The pre-paid plans include both voice and data, which allows for Internet access in the backcountry as well. The service will extend to Immarsat's IsatPhone Pro, BGAN data modem, FleetBoradband and FleetPhone options.
Immarsat has offered pre-paid services prior to this announcement but those options have not included the United States before. The expanded service opens that market as well and brings pre-paid to a global level. Sat phones are now a viable option for those of us who would like to have one with us on our travels but found them cost prohibitive in the past.
Amazon Express Update: On The Water And Underway
Hansen is calling his expedition the Amazon Express and the website is already being updated with news from the field. It seems these early days of the paddle have not been particularly easy, as Hansen and his team are starting in the headwaters o the Amazon where it is very rocky and water flow is on the low side right now. As a result, they've had to portage around certain sections and some of the kayaks have been too heavy for the shallow waters. These conditions won't last long however, as the river will begin to pick-up speed and intensity in the days ahead. The first 650km (403 miles) or so will feature some of the most dramatic whitewater on the planet, before eventually flowing into the Amazon proper.
The fact that updates from the river are currently being posted at least once a day is good sign for those who want to follow Hansen's progress. The reports have been brief, but detailed and share a lot of information about logistics and conditions. Currently, since they are still in the mountains, those conditions have been on the cold side. They've even had flash snow storms and very chilly over night temperatures. That will all change once Hansen and his squad get to lower altitudes however and the warmth of the rainforest will probably be welcome. At least for a little while.
One thing I should point out about this expedition is that in my earlier post I had noted that Hansen was attempting to make a solo speed record attempt. There doesn't appear to be anything that I would call "solo" in this, at least not so far. Not only does he have a support team, there are a few other paddlers with him at the moment. Perhaps once he's on the Amazon itself, and not the tributaries, he'll be alone, but for now West has plenty of company.
Follow the updates at AmazonExpress2012.com.
Gear Closet: Danner Crag Rat Hiking Boots
Part of my surprise came from the fact that the Crater Rim boots looked rather uninspiring when I first took them out of the box. They had a very classic look about them that appeared dated when sitting next to other hiking boots from Danner's competitors. That staid look wasn't great for first impressions, but the Crater Rims made up for that when I got them on my feet.
A few weeks back I received a new set of boots from Danner and based on my experience with their previous offering I was eager to open it up and see what was inside. This time I found a pair of hiking shoes that had looks to match their performance. The new Crag Rat boots update the classic good looks of the company's other hiking shoes with a splash of color and a more modern design. But these shoes aren't just about good looks, they also happen to maintain Danner's high level of performance.
Built from Nubuc leather, these boots require a bit of a break-in period as well, but once the leather has loosened up, they become a flexible, comfortable trail shoe. Danner lined the boot with Gore-Tex which keeps them waterproof and warm - a bit too warm for summer in Texas I might add – although I'm sure they'll be fantastic in the fall when the cooler weather sets in. The Crag Rats also features a Vibram outsole that works nicely with Danner's patented Dynamic Response System to create a protective barrier for the foot that also happens to provide plenty of stability on unstable ground. Inside they've placed a soft footbed that molds to the foot, becoming more comfortable over time.
Putting these boots through their paces only served to reenforce my positive impression of Danner. The Crag Rats are incredibly well constructed and resistant to wear, absorbing every bit of punishment I threw their way. The pair I tested look like they just came out of the box, aside from a bit of mud and dirt from the trail and despite using them on the rocky Texas trails, there is nary a scratch or scuff on them.
I aslo appreciated the high ankle support these boots provide, which when coupled with Danner's speed lacing system, cinched up nicely around my feet. Since spraining both my ankles in the Costa Rican rainforest last year I've had particularly sensitive and tender ankles. But the Crag Rat boots not only cradled them extremely well, they prevented me from rolling them and re-injuring them again.
One of the elements that stood out for Danner when I tested the Crater Rim boots a few months back was the fact that they were handmade in their factory in Portland, Oregon. The company is clearly proud of its heritage and the fact that their boots are made in the USA. The pair of Crag Rats that I received included a stitched in label that noted that they were made in Vietnam however and I'm not sure if that is a new direction for Danner or if the pair I've been using are simply an advanced prototype built overseas before production is moved stateside. While I really didn't detect a huge difference in quality between the two boots, I still thought that this little element was worth mentioning considering Danner's reputation.
Unfortunately I haven't received any word on when these boots will be available for purchase or at what price they'll be introduced to the market. The Crag Rat boots are an incredibly high quality pair of boots that hikers and backpackers will find very enticing, but for now we'll all simply have to wait for their arrival in stores to discover these final pieces to the puzzle. If I were willing to bet, I'd guess these are scheduled for release this fall, when I think they'll be a popular choice for outdoor adventurers.
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