Explorers To Circumnavigate Lake Titicaca By Kayak

Two explorers are about to embark on a paddling adventure around Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and widely considered the highest navigable lake in the world. Their expedition is expected to take six weeks to complete and will cover 1100 km (683 miles) as they survey threats to the healthy of the lake, which is located at an altitude of 3812 meters (12,507 ft) in the Peruvian Andes.

Belgian adventurer Louis-Philippe Loncke and his partner Gadiel Sanchez Rivera will launch their kayak journey tomorrow, August 16. The plan is to circumnavigate the shoreline of the lake, taking GPS coordinates and extensive photographs to document the current position of the water, which can then be compared to future readings to determine if Titicaca is shrinking in size due to climate change. As temperatures warm up and glaciers in the Andes retreat, the rivers that feed the lake will provide less flow. That could spell trouble for the ecosystem around Lake Titicaca and the communities that fall on its shores.

Those same communities are already facing issues with water contamination due to chemicals and sewage being deposited directly into the water. The hope is that the expedition will help raise awareness of these threats to the lake and spur those communities to plan for water treatment options before it is too late. While paddling around Titicaca, the two explorers will discuss these issues with the local inhabitants, many of whom are already suffering as a result of pollution in the water.

Neither of these two men are strangers to exploration. Loncke, who is a member of the Explorers Club, once trekked solo and unsupported across the Simpson Desert in Australia and kayaked for 600 km (372 miles) along the waterways of his home country of Belgium. Rivera, who is better known by his nickname of Cho, spent two years walking the Amazon River with Ed Stafford a few years back. LouPhi and Cho have recently become fast friends and are now ready to embark on an adventure of their own.

A paddling expedition around Lake Titicaca sounds like it should be amazing and I'm actually surprised that no one has done it before. Taking GPS readings of the shore line may prove only marginally useful however as GPS readings are only accurate to within a few meters, which isn't necessarily close enough to track retreating water lines on the lake. The photographs they take will help to alleviate this somewhat and should prove useful in creating the first ever extensive inventory of the lake's shore. We'll be able to follow along with the adventure on LouPhi's blog where he will be documenting their findings and posting updates of their progress.

Explorers Club Establishes Award Honoring "Wild Kingdom" Hosts

One of my fondest memories from growing up was watching Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom each week on television. For those who aren't familiar with the program, the show initially ran from 1963 to 1988 and featured zoologists Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler traveling the globe to capture some amazing wildlife encounters on film. As a young boy, the show left quite an impression both in terms of the exotic locations the hosts visited and the wonderful animals that they brought into our homes each week. In 2002, Wild Kingdom returned to television with a new format and began airing on Animal Planet. The new version of the show carries the legacy of the original into the 21st century and certainly the spiritual successor of what Perkins and Fowler created.

2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the Wild Kingdom and to commemorate the series which became an American cultural touchstone, The Explorers Club has created the new Marlin Perkins/Jim Fowler Lifetime Artist-in-Residence Award. This first edition of the award is being given to Anthony J. “Buddy” Obara for his years of work creating bronze wildlife sculptures, particularly for the outstanding St. Louis Zoo. That presentation is being made by the Explorers Club St. Louis chapter on Saturday, May 18 at the zoo, where the EC is also donating a new bronze statue of an emperor penguin that was created by Obara. Jim Fowler will be on hand at the celebration as well.

I'm sure there are more than few readers who are around my age and have fond memories of Wild Kingdom. I discovered quite a few of the classic episodes are actually on YouTube. Like the one below that features Perkins and Fowler reminiscing about some of their more favorite adventures over the years.

The New Age Of Exploration (An ExWeb Editorial)

There is a new editorial published at Explorers Web this morning that I'm sure many of you will find very interesting. The article is entitled "Exploration Clubs - What Future for a Tradition in Decline" and it is written by CuChullaine O’Reilly, one of the founders of the Long Riders Guild. In the story, CuChullaine takes a good hard look at the current state of exploration and the role that clubs such as the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers Club play in it. What he finds is that these once important institutions have become relics of the past, seemingly more focused on raising funds rather than promoting the importance of exploration in the 21st century.

The editorial offers some scathing commentary not on the current state of exploration itself, but the state of the RGS, EC and similar organizations. O'Reilly says that being a member of those institutions was once a badge of honor that had to be earned, but that now days many people are admitted who have only a superficial connection to true exploration or are simply armchair explorers who want to rub elbows with those who are actually continuing to push the envelope. In contrast, he points to his Long Riders Guild, which has no fancy headquarters, no membership dues and no regular meetings. Members are invited to join after completing a ride of 1000 miles (1600 km) or more and the group stays in touch and organized via the Internet.

Cuchullaine goes on to talk about a new age of "citizen-explorers" who no longer belong to such clubs but instead stay connected, and engage with, like-minded people through a variety of technologies that allow us to collaborate like never before. These tools open up the possibilities for exploration and adventure to everyone, not just a privileged few as in ages past. He sees this movement creating a new renaissance of exploration and I tend to agree with him. We've seen this in action many times in recent years, with men and women organizing small, grassroots expeditions that accomplish amazing things.




O'Reilly was also kind enough to name a few online resources that are helping to promote this movement, citing my blog as one of those resources. He also mentioned ExWeb as well, and if you're a regular reader of this blog you know how much I respect the work they do. Cuchullaine gives a nice tip of the hat to Mikael Strandberg for his efforts in this area as well. Mikael is also someone that I've cited here on numerous occasions and is an explorer that I admire quite a bit. I'm honored to be mentioned with prominently in the story and listed with these others.

The editorial is a good one and I urge everyone to read it. While I'm sure many will see it as a harsh critique of the RGS and Explorers Club, I choose to view it as a recognition of the democratization of exploration. In this new age, anyone with the desire and determination can carry the torch of exploration into the 21st century and beyond, and I think that is a great message to share.

Thanks to Cuchullaine for bringing this message to the community and for mentioning my small role in it.

Expedition Med Opportunity To Be Held At Little Saint Simons Islands

Expedition medical professionals, or those looking to gain valuable experience in that field, will be interested to learn that ExpedMed has announced an upcoming CME (continuing medical education) adventure to Little Saint Simons Island for early next year. The event, which runs from February 28 - March 3, will focus on travel medicine, envenomations, malaria and similar wilderness medical topics. This four-day event will be taught by expert medical professionals with years of experience in expedition medicine. The faculty will include Dr. Greg Bledsoe and Dr. Ken Kamler, both members of the Explorers Club who have put their expertise to good use while visiting some of the most remote places on the planet.

Little Saint Simons Island will make a perfect backdrop for this program. The privately owned barrier island just off the coast of Georgia features seven miles of beautiful beaches and 10,000 acres of mostly undisturbed wilderness. Little Saint Simon is home to numerous animal species including deer, alligators, bald eagles and many other birds, and it is not uncommon to find dolphins swimming just off shore. The eco-lodge on the island can accommodate just 32 guests and access is only made possible by a short 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland.

Because accommodations are limited, only 32 people can sign up for this CME opportunity. ExpedMed has acquired a special room rate of $1950 for the three nights stay in a double occupancy room. That's about $335 per night for each guest and includes all food, activities, guided excursions and ferry rides to and from the island.

Additionally, the fee for the CME courses is $799 for medical professionals, who receive a total of 28 credit hours. Active military and non-physicians who require CME, as well as students/residents, receive a discounted rate of just $649. Non-medical guests pay an administrative fee of $459 for courses that may be of value to them in their travels as well. Attendees will also receive a copy of Expedition & Wilderness Medicine, a 750-age hardbound textbook that will prove to be an invaluable resource long after they've gone home.

For more information on the event check out the Little Saint Simons Island CME page on the ExpedMed website. This really is a great opportunity to gain valuable lessons in expedition medicine that could prove useful in your upcoming adventures.

Video: Explorer Julian Monroe Fisher At TED Talks

Explorer and adventurer Julian Monroe Fisher is a member of both the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers Club. His expeditions have carried him across the globe and he has spent much of his career exploring the wilds of Africa. At this very moment he is preparing to set out on the next phase of his Great African Expedition which is a five year journey in the footsteps of some of the greatest explorers in history. In short, Julian knows how to dream big and dare to fail.

That is the theme of his recent TED Talk from TEDxInssbruck which took place at the beginning of June. In the video below you'll hear Julian talk about the sometimes crazy world of exploration and adventure, how he got started with his own expeditions and what inspires him to visit remote corners of the planet. It is an inspiring and interesting video that  challenges all of us to dream big and dare to fail as well. Something that we should all keep in mind as we pursue the passions in our life.

The Explorers Club Is Hiring A New Executive Director

Do you have experience managing a non-proft? Want to work with a group of extraordinary individuals? Than you just might be interested in a job opening with the Explorers Club. The organization is looking to hire a new Executive Director to help guide the day-to-day operations of the club and work directly with the EC President and other members. The Executive Director works out of the club's New York office and over sees a variety of fund raising and administrative duties.

You'll find a bit more information about the position by clicking here, although for a full job description and application you'll need to email the current ED, Matt Williams, at mwilliams@explorers.org. Applications are being accepted through August 3rd, after which I'm sure an exhaustive review and search will take place.

As many of you know the Explorers Club had a tumultuous start to the year with a public spat between members and leadership causing some issues within the organization. In the spring the members elected a new president and things seem to have calmed down some. Most members that I've heard from in recent weeks say that the club is now in a good position to move forward and that there are new opportunities for the organization and its members on the horizon. The new Executive Director will obviously play a role in leading the group forward.

More On The Explorers Club's New President

As I mentioned on Tuesday, this past weekend the Explorers Club elected a new president. Yesterday I received a press release officially announcing the club's new leader, Alan Nichols, who takes over the helm from Lorie Karnath, who served in that role for the past three years.

82-year old Nichols is an explorer who specializes in China and Tibet. He built his reputation in the Himalaya where his expeditions took him to the sacred mountains of those countries as well as Bhutan, Nepal, Kashmir, Ladakh and Sikkim. He is the first westerner to cycle the Silk Road in its entiriety from Xian, China to the Mediterranean and was also the first to circumambulate Mt. Kailas, one of the sacred mountains of Tibet.

Nichols says that he plans to expand the Club's ability to support expeditions in the field and hopes to grow the organization's membership by encouraging a new generation of explorers to become a part of the EC. He recognizes that exploration is as active as ever and that new technologies allow for explorers to share their experiences with larger audiences across the globe.

Alan has been a member of the Club for a number of years and has played a leadership role at a number of different levels. He is lauded for being not only a great motivational speaker but also working as a moderator between parties with conflicting ideas. Those skills will serve him well as the EC looks to move forward and heal wounds left from the recent controversies that have surrounded the institution.

Nichols wasn't the only new addition to the Explorer's Club board as four others were elected to join the leadership team as well. But when I wrote about the elections earlier in the week I erroneously reported that Josh Bernstein was one of those voted out of office. That wasn't exactly true however as Josh's three-year term was coming to an end and the board didn't put him on the ballot for re-election. Members of the EC board are elected to three year terms, so at any given time there are three different "classes" of directors. Josh was a member of the Class of 2012, but because he was wasn't on the ballot for re-election, he knew that he would be cycling off the board this past Sunday no matter what the results.

With new leadership in place the Explorers Club is ready to move forward and put all of the infighting and controversy behind them. It sounds like the new president and new board members are committed to doing just that.

Explorers Club: Changing of the Guard

Over the past few months I've written several times about the internal dispute that has been going on at the Explorers Club. Members of the prestigious organization have been at odds with one another for some time over the way the EC was being run, with President Lorie Karnath directly at the center of the storm. Many questioned the way she governed the Club and there were even accusations that she had used her station for personal gain. The story went very public with articles in both the New York Post and Outside magazine, which exposed the infighting that went on between Karnath, and her supporters, against a group of high profile members who weren't happy with the way she ran the organization.

This past weekend the controversy was put to rest when the EC held their annual dinner and conducted elections for leadership. The ballots were cast anonymously and in the end Karnath was voted out of office in favor of new president Alan Nichols. Four other members also left the board, including  Josh Bernstein, the former television host whose clash with Karnath helped to bring the entire story to light. In Josh's case his three-year term was up and he decided not to run for re-election.

Outside has a short follow-up to their story, which you can read here, that gives more details on this changing of the guard. In that article new president Nichols is described as someone who can mend the rift in the membership and help bring the organization back together. A new era has begun at the EC and the members that I have heard from are more than ready to put these squabbles behind them and get on with regular club business.

Update: When I originally posted this story I wrote that Josh Brenstein had been voted out of office, but it turns out that his term was simply up and he decided to not run for re-election. I have changed this article to reflect that point at Josh's request.

Filmmaker Ken Burns To Keynote Explorers Club Annual Dinner

The Explorers Club annual dinner is one of the organization's hallmark events each year. It gives members an opportunity to come together in New York City, where they can swap stories, enjoy a fine meal, and discuss the latest issues facing exploration in the 21st century.

On March 17th, the 108th annual dinner will take place at the Waldorf Astoria, where more than a thousand explorers are expected to be on hand. The theme for the night will be "How Far is Far: Remote Exploration," with a focus on how technology has changed the way we explore in the modern age. Now days, it is possible to stay connected to the world while visiting some of its most isolated places, and that has changed the way we perceive exactly what the term "remote" means.

The keynote speaker for the evening will be legendary documentarian Ken Burns, whose epic mini-series have explored our passion for Baseball and America's National Parks, amongst many other topics. Travel writer and television personality Robin Esrock will serve as Master of Ceremonies, sharing the stage with Burns and helping to announce the Club's 2012 award winners.

The unusual cuisine is often a highlight of the evening, and this year is no exception. Those in attendance will dine on spiced Moroccan goat, Herb Roasted Kangaroo and Python Patties, amongst other unique and interesting delicacies. Tickets are still available for the event, which is open to members, guests, and friends of the EC. Call 212-628-8383 or visit Explorers.org for  more details.

Prominent Explorers Club Member Publicly Call For President's Resignation

It has been a few weeks since I last posted on the growing internal controversy over at the Explorers Club. During that time, I know there has been some on going discussions with members over the leadership, and I'm told that a board meeting, held on January 28th, was a very long, and difficult one. Now, it seems that the Club's spat is going public once again, as one of its more prominent members has called for President Lorie Karnath to resign from her post.

EC member Greg Bledsoe updated his blog yesterday with this post, in which he reveals that Explorer's Club Honorary President Don Walsh has sent out a letter to the membership that calls for the resignation of Karnath as President of the club. You can read Don's e-mail here. It gives a good over view of the entire controversy in the club, and indicates that this is the greatest crisis of leadership the organization has seen while he has been a part of it. For the record, he has been a member for more than 50 years.

In case you're wondering, Walsh has a long and distinguished career in exploration and has served as part of the EC leadership for two decades, while also earning the Club's highest award, as well as Hubbard Medal from National Geographic. He was named the Honorary President due to his service to the organization, and has been highly supportive of presidents in the past. To say he carries a lot of weight within the EC is an understatement, and for him to ask for the resignation of the current President is a big deal.

I know a number of readers of this blog also happen to be members of the Explorers Club. I believe that this is an important story that needs to be shared, as the organization is now at a crossroads in terms of where it will go in the 21st century. In Walsh's letter, he talks about stifled communication brought on by Karnath and her "ruling clique," as well "ethics trials" brought against board members – often on dubious terms. He also mentions that there has been an unwillingness to share financial records with board members, and even touches on the highly irregular move by 10 members of the Club's Flag & Honors committee who threatened to resign over other implications of impropriety.

To get the full story, be sure to read Greg's blog post, which he has followed up today with his thoughts on who he'll be voting for in the EC Board elections that are coming up soon. It seems that they will be vitally important in determining who controls the 107-year old Club as we move forward in the years ahead.

(PS: I generally have used a graphic of the EC flag to denote posts on these topics, but I was kindly asked to no longer do so by Club officials, lest they get a cease and desist order on my humble little blog. In this post, I elected to use an image of Don Walsh that Greg is using on his site as well.)