The Adventure Blog on Hiatus, Heading to Kilimanjaro!

Just a quick note to round out the week to let everyone know that The Adventure Blog will be going on hiatus for a couple of weeks. Tomorrow I'll catch a flight to Tanzania, where I'll be returning to Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa at 5895 meters (19,341 ft). As you can probably imagine, I'm looking forward to being back in Africa – always one of my favorite places to visit – and taking a hike up Kili. It should be an amazing trip to an amazing part of the world.

This time out, I'll be climbing the mountain with Tusker Trail as part of their Climb for Valor. This very special climb is being conducted to raise funds and awareness of the Duskin & Stephens Foundation, an organization dedicated to support the families of fallen members of the U.S. special forces. The team that I'll be trekking with has worked hard to raise more than $100,000 for this cause,    and now they'll celebrate by going on one of the toughest, yet very rewarding, hikes in the entire world.

I am very fortunate to be a part of this group, and when I return I'll be sharing stories from the climb, as well my own personal experiences on Kili. I am familiar with the mountain from a previous visit, but I am looking forward to going back and taking on the challenge once again.

For those not familiar with Tusker, they are one of the trekking companies in the world, and have been leading groups up Kilimanjaro for nearly 40 years. I'll actually be climbing with Tusker's founder, Eddie Frank, who has more than 50 Kili summits on his resume. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to climb to the Roof of Africa, and I can't wait to share the experience with readers once I get back. You can be assured that I'll have plenty to say about the trip upon my return.

In the meantime, I hope everyone gets outside and has a few adventures of their own in my absence. I'll be back before you know it, and with plenty of stories to tell I'm sure.

While I'm gone, I'll be turning off comments on this blog. It never fails that while I'm away someone ends up posting hundreds of spam comments that I have a difficult time tracking down when I return. To avoid that, I'll switch off the ability to comment on posts for the time being, but will turn them back on once I'm home.

Take care, and talk to you all soon!

Video: Day+Dream Nepal

Ever wonder what a day spent trekking the Himalaya of Nepal is like? Than this video is definitely for you. It encapsulates that experience very nicely, boiling it down to a two-and-a-half minute clip that captures the essence of a hike in the big mountains oh so well. Shot in the Khumbu Valley on the trek to Everest Base Camp, this is a wonderful little slice of life from that region of the world.

day+dream (NEPAL) from Brian Lewis on Vimeo.

Video: Valentine Wingsuiting in the Alps of France

To celebrate Valentine's Day a bit early, professional wingsuit pilots Sam Hardy and Nate Jones scaled a 2525 meter (8284 ft) peak at the Brevent in Chamonix, France. They then proceeded to leap off the cliff, and sailed back down the mountain in grand style. This video is the record of that flight, which includes some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside covered in winter snow. It is a beautiful part of the world, and it is understandable why Chamonix is so popular with BASE jumpers and wingsuiters.

Controversy Brewing Over Alleged South Pole Speed Record

There seems to be some controversy brewing over an alleged speed record for skiing to the South Pole. ExWeb is reporting that adventurer Martin Szwed has made claims to various media outlets saying that he broke the speed record for skiing solo across Antarctica. Apparently, Szwed is saying that he not only beat the current record held by Christian Eide, but that he did so by nearly ten days. The problem is, there doesn't seem to be any record of this amazing feat.

According to recent claims by Szwed, he was in the Antarctic this past season to climb Mt. Vinson and ski to the South Pole. His summit of Mt. Vinson has been confirmed to ExWeb by officials at ANI/ALE, who supported him on that venture. But after he finished climbing, Szwed says that he then launched his ski expedition – presumably from the Russian Novo station – which he was then able to complete in 14 days, 18 hours, and 43 minutes. Eide's amazing record, which was set back in 2011, is an impressive 24 days, 1 hour, and 13 minutes.

To further cast doubt on his expedition, Szwed has told various media outlets that he skied 1192 km, 1280 km, and 1300 km. Those varying distances have further helped to call his story into question. He also claims to have used three supply depots along the way, which as ExWeb points out would invalidate his "solo" claim to any speed record.

To put this in perspective, in order to cover the distance that Szwed is claiming, he would have to cover more than 86 km (53 miles) each and every day in tough conditions, while pulling a heavy sled. That would be an incredibly difficult task for sure. ExWeb calls it "herculean," which seems fitting.


But that isn't all. ANI officials, who are pretty much the authority on what happens in the Antarctic, told ExWeb "Based on our contact with other operators and German officials, we have received no indication that the expedition took place. Umweltbundesamt / Federal Environment Agency Germany did not issue a ski expedition permit for him to go the South Pole and TAC [the logistics operator in Cape Town] did not provide him transportation following his Vinson ascent."

Furthermore, the staff at the U.S. South Pole Station, located at 90ºS, says that no one there has seen nor heard of Martin Szwed, nor has there been any arrivals at the Pole since ALE finished their operations three weeks back.

At this point, it seems like Szwed is trying to pull a fast one in order to bolster is reputation. Until he can provide any kind of evidence to support his claims, or someone else can step forward to act as a witness, all of his speed record claims should be viewed as false. So far, Szwed has not responded to ExWeb's inquiries.

It's a shame that these kinds of stories continue to crop up, particularly in an era when it is so easy to verify the information.

Winter Climbs 2015: Nanga Teams Retreat to BC, Moro Departs for Nepal

There is more news from Nanga Parbat today, where the combined international team of Alex Txikon, Daniele Nardi, local climbers Muhammad Ali "Sadpara" and Muhammad Kahn, along with the Iranian squad, have retreated back to Base Camp after establishing Camp 3 on the mountain. The group had been working for five straight days to establish the route and shuttle gear, and are now ready to rest and regain some strength before heading up again.

According to reports, C3 was installed at 6700 meters (21,981 ft) where at least three of the climbers spent the night as part of their acclimatization. They then fixed ropes above that point, but were unable to reach Camp 4 before deciding it was time to descend. The entire squad is still working on acclimating to the altitude, with the exception of Nardi who has been on Nanga for more than a month now.

Dispatches indicate that Txikon and the other late arrivals are in need of some rest, so they'll spend at least a few days in BC now to let their bodies recover. The forecasts indicate that the weather should be good through the weekend, with storms arriving on the mountain on Sunday. That means that there is no weather window for the next few days, which will limit their efforts. In fact, the forecast calls for poor weather for most of next week, with possibly a meter of snow being dropped on the slopes of Nanga Parbat. For now, the teams will just have to wait to see if and when they'll get another chance.

Meanwhile, Italian climber Simone Moro is preparing to set out for Nepal. He'll leave tomorrow to begin his winter expedition in the Himalaya. He will be joined on the climb by talented alpinist Tamara Lunger, who summited K2 without oxygen this past summer.

The duo have set their sighs on the 8163 meter (26,781 ft) Manaslu, which they hope to link with Manaslu East, a peak that is an impressive 7992 meters (26,220 ft) in height. The hope is to complete the climb before the end of winter, which means they'll have roughly 35 days to top out. Both are said to have already been acclimatizing prior to their departure, with the plan of eventually making an alpine style attempt on the two summits once they have scouted the route.

Finally, there have been no updates yet from Andy Kirkpatrick, who had intended to set off for Denali to complete a solo summit of that mountain in February. The latest updates to the Brit's Facebook and Twitter pages indicate that he was heading off on an expedition, but there has been radio silence for the past eight days. Hopefully he is now in Alaska and prepping for the climb, but at this point it is unclear what his plans are.

That's all for today. It looks like things will be kind of quiet for the next few days at least as the weather on Nanga sorts itself out, and Simone and Tamara make their way to the mountain. We'll have more updates soon as the news warrants.

Video: Mountain Biking the Blue Derby Trail in Tasmania

If this video is any indication, the sleepy little town of Derby – located in Tasmania, Australia – is about to see an influx of visitors. In recent months, trail builders have been working hard to complete the first set of mountain biking trails in the area, and the results look spectacular. The new Blue Derby Trails are already world-class routes, and are only going to get better from here. The short clip below will give you an indication of just how good they are, and will leave you planning a trip to visit Derby yourself.

Video: A 10k Timelapse Demo

Remember when we all use to get excited about 1080p HD video? Now, while everyone is busy talking about 4k resolutions, the filmmakers behind this demo have made the leap to 10k. Shot with a camera that is capable of collecting 80 megapixel images that provide a stunning resolution of 10327x7760 pixels. In the short film we get a glimpse of what this looks like with some fantastic timelapse images shot in and around Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The sense of scale is very impressive, with details that will blow you away. If this is the future of video, I can't wait for it to get here.

10328x7760 - A 10K Timelapse Demo from SCIENTIFANTASTIC on Vimeo.

Video: 50 Great Things About Northwest Rivers From a Kid's Perspective

A few days back American Rivers, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the waterways of the U.S., released this great video. It features a young man by the name of Parker who shares his 50 favorite things about the rivers of the Northwest. It is filled with fun images that I'm sure many of us can relate to, and for some of us the outdoors still make us feel like children from time to time. That is a special feeling indeed.

Freya Hoffmeister Reaches Rio in South American Circumnavigation Kayak Expedition

It has been far too long since we last checked in on the progress of Freya Hoffmeister, the German paddler who has spent the better part of the past four years kayaking around South America. A few days ago Freya reached a major milestone on her quest to circle her second continent when she reached Rio De Janeiro in Brazil. She is now ready to start the final leg of the journey, which will return her to her starting point in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

Freya reached Rio on February 8 and has already returned to the water as she continues her slow, methodical march towards the finish line. So far she has spent 775 days on this expedition, of which roughly 550 have been spent out on the water. To date she has covered approximately 24,400 km (15,160 miles), averaging roughly 45 km (28 miles) per day. It has of course been grueling at times, with plenty of unique challenges, but the latest leg of the journey has seen improved conditions. She now finds herself with beautiful beaches to camp on most nights, and the heat and humidity has dropped in recent days as well. 

You may recall that Freya became the first woman to kayak around Australia a few years back, completing that expedition in record time no less. She was able to complete that voyage in 322 days, of which 245 were spent paddling. That journey included a 575 km (371 mile) open water crossing across the Gulf of Carpentaria that managed to shave days and kilometers off of her time. The only other person to have completed a circumnavigation of Australia is New Zealander Paul Caffyn, who did it 361 days.

After wrapping up that impressive expedition, Freya took some time off before deciding what she wanted to do next. She didn't stay at home for too long however, and in August of 2011 she set out on her attempt to circumnavigate South America. The journey first took her south along the Atlantic Coast, where she eventually rounded the treacherous Cape Horn. From there, she passed into the Pacific and turned north, eventually passing through the Panama Canal. She has since been making her way back along the Atlantic side of the continent as she pushes towards Buenos Aires once again.

At this point, she is approximately 2300 km (1430 miles) from the finish line. If she maintains her average speed, she should return to her starting point in early April. We will of course keep an eye on her progress as she nears the end of what is turning out to be yet another impressive padding expedition. 

Nat Geo Names Aleksander Doba 2015 People's Choice Adventurer of the Year

The votes are in and the results have been tabulated. Yesterday, National Geographic announced that Polish kayaker Aleksander Doba has been named the 2015 People's Choice Adventurer of the Year. The 67-year old earned international acclaim after he spent 6 months alone in a kayak paddling from Lisbon, Portugal to New Smyrna Beach in Florida, covering some 7700 miles (12,390 km) in the process). In doing so, he became the only person to kayak across complete a fully journey by kayak across the Atlantic completely alone and unassisted.

Doba was one of 14 people who earned the honor of being named National Geographic Adventurers of the Year. Other honorees for 2015 include mountaineer Ueli Steck, skier Kit DesLauriers, and rock climber Tommy Caldwell, who recently was a part of the team that made the first free ascent of the Dawn Wall in Yosemite. Others include blind kayakers Erik Weihenmayer and Lonnie Bedwell, as well as long distance swimmer Lewis Pugh.

The 2015 class of Adventurers of the Year were announced back in December, when an online poll was placed on the National Geographic Adventure website asking readers to weigh in with their thoughts on who should get the People's Choice Award. Since then, more 521,000 votes have been cast, Doba receiving the most of any of the nominees.

The Polish paddler started kayaking at the age of 34, and has already completed one crossing of the Atlantic. Back in 2010-2011 he traveled from South Africa to South America by kayak as well. This time out his intended course was expected to cover 5400 miles (8690 km). But severe storms and equipment failure pushed him off course, extended the journey further than he had expected.

Congratulations to Aleksander on earning this honor. His story is a good one, and I can see why it appeals to so many people. All of the nominees were very worthy of being called Adventurers of the Year, but he was able to rise above the competition and take home the People's Choice Award.

Video: Ingress - Transitions in Joshua Tree

This short, but very beautiful, video was shot in Joshua Tree National Park and features some stunning transitions from various time periods throughout the day. The movement of shadows and light across the landscapes are wonderfully displayed in timelapse, giving viewers a nice sense of the place. If you have never been to Joshua Tree, it should be on your list of National Parks to get to at some point. It is a lovely place filled with opportunities for adventure.

Ingress – Beginning of a Transit from kai.gradert@gmail.com on Vimeo.

Video: Bouldering in Swaziland

South Africa is an amazing country for climbers, and over the past decade or so has become well known for its bouldering too. Apparently that reputation extends into nearby Swaziland as well, as this video takes us there to show us its amazing potential. The video was shot in the summer of 2014, when climbers Nalle Hukkataival and Jimmy Webb went to Swaziland to explore its climbing options for themselves. What they found was very impressive indeed.

Video: I Lived in Aconcagua

While back I posted a video from filmmaker Guido Patrignani in which he trekked through the Himalaya while Counting Stars. Now, he's back with another fun video, this time taking us on a hike up Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in South America. As in his previous video, Guido is singing all the way, while the fantastic scenery of Argentina is revealed around him. Check out his latest fun clip below and get a sense of what it is like on one of the Seven Summits.


I Lived in Aconcagua by guidopat

Prominent Mountaineers Making Plans For Spring Himalayan Expeditions

The winter climbing season is still in full swing, but already some of the more prominent mountaineers are looking ahead to the spring season in the Himalaya, which will once again be a busy one. Everest will of course be at the epicenter of those efforts, but there will be plenty of action to follow on other major peaks as well. While many climbers have yet to reveal their plans just yet, here are a few that we know about already.

Last week it was revealed that 76-year old Carlos Soria will attempt a double-header in the Himalaya this spring. In fact, he will actually depart for Nepal this Saturday so that he can get started on his acclimatization well ahead of his climbs. Carlos hopes to make an early attempt on Annapurna (8091 m/26,545 ft) and then jump over to Dhaulagiri (8167 m/26,794 ft) afterwards. If all goes according to plan, he'll add two more major peaks to his already impressive resume. As he prepares to depart, the Spaniard says that he is feeling good and looking forward to the challenge ahead.

Despite having been to Everest on six previous occasions, Ralf Dujmovits isn't quite done with the mountain just yet. He tells Stefen Nestler that he plans to return to the Big Hill this spring to attempt to summit without oxygen. Ralf has climbed all of the 8000 meters peaks, and with the exception of Everest back in 1992, he has done so without the use of supplemental oxygen. He aims to return this year and remedy what he now sees as a blemish on his climbing record.

Ralf will be climbing from the North Side this time out, and he is saying that this will definitely be his last expedition to Everest. He is far from finished climbing or pursuing other adventures, but at the age of 53 he is now seeking challenges elsewhere.

Of course, the other major event to take place on Everest this spring will be Kilian Jornet's attempt at a speed record. After setting impressive new marks on both Denali and Aconcagua in 2014, he'll have his work cut out for him on Everest. There is no question that Jornet is an impressive athlete, and I suspect he'll put in an impressive show on the tallest mountain on Earth. But he has never operated at an altitude like he one he'll experience on Everest. It will be interesting to see if he can maintain the level of performance that we've seen out of him in the past when he gets above 8000 meters (26,246 ft).

There will of course be plenty of other expeditions to follow in the weeks ahead. We're about six weeks off from the start of the spring season, and it is already shaping up to be an interesting one.

Winter Climbs 2015: Nanga Parbat Teams Unite at Last, Simone Moro Reveals Plans

There is more news from Nanga Parbat today, where the climbers have started to make some progress once again after being stalled out by the weather. Better yet, it seems that all of the remaining teams have now joined forces, and are working together to try to reach the summit for the first time in winter.

Earlier in the week, Italian climber Daniele Nardi had gone as high as 6100 meters (20,013 ft) on the Mummery Rib. He had hoped to solo that section of the climb and potentially make a summit bid. But unstable conditions on the mountain made it unsafe to continue up out of fear of avalanches. This forced Daniele to return to Base Camp to rethink his strategy, although he didn't stay there for long.

Apparently Daniele has decided to abandon his own plans and join the other teams that are currently on the mountain. In fact, he has already gone back up to Camp 2 with Spanish mountaineer Alex Txikon. They were joined by Pakistani climbers Muhammad Ali "Sadpara" and Muhammad Kahn, and together the team was able to establish Camp 2 on the Kinshofer Route at 6100 meters. The entire squad is hoping to continue up to Camp 3 today as they continue to fix ropes and shuttle gear.

Meanwhile, the Iranian team that is on the same route attempted to take a more direct route to C2 but were unable to complete that section of the climb. ExWeb reports that they were forced to turn back and ended up in Base Camp. Presumably they will attempt to go back up to C2 as well as they continue their acclimatization efforts.

This newly combined team is now as strong as any that we've seen on Nanga Parbat this year, and could potentially lead to the first winter ascent. We'll have to wait to see if they'll be able to work together to reach the top, but there is a great deal of experience and skill in place. There is no question that this group can summit, provided the weather cooperates and allows them to. Like the climbers themselves, we'll have to wait to see if that happens.

Finally, Italian climber Simone Moro has revealed his Himalayan climbing plans at last. After teasing us for the past couple of months, Moro has revealed that he and Tamara Lunger will be attempting to summit Manaslu. ExWeb says that more details will be forthcoming but the plan is to apparently link Manaslu East (7992 meter/26,220 ft) with the Main Summit at 8163 meters (26,781 ft). He is expected to hold a press conference today to share further details.

Video: Explore the North - A Journey Through Norway

Last year, filmmaker Theo Gove-Humphries spent some time traveling through Norway, documenting the landscapes that he found there. Along the way, he captures some of the incredible places that he discovered using timelapse photography. The result of his hard work is this 2+ minute clip that is amongst the most beautiful that I have ever seen. It is a visual postcard for what Norway has to offer, and makes a case for why we should all go visit. Simply spectacular. Don't miss this one.

Norway - Explore North from Theo Gove-Humphries on Vimeo.

Video: Snowskater Has Close Encounter with Avalanche

A rider zipping down Vail Pass recently had a close call with an avalanche, and it was all caught on video. The clip below shows him dropping off the ridge and heading downhill, only to have the snow begin to give way around him. Fortunately he was moving at a good speed, and the avalanche wasn't a major one, so he managed to avoid any kind of injury. Still, it is fascinating to see these experiences take place and watch the wall of snow start to move under him. Just glad he is safe.

Pow-Snowskater Out Runs Avalanche from Sk8parkmark on Vimeo.

Video: African Desert in Timelapse Courtesy of Nat Geo

I share timelapse videos with regularity here on The Adventure Blog, but it isn't very often that we get one from National Geographic. In this case, our friends over at Nat Geo take us into the heart of Namibia, where we get an incredible look of the beautiful desert there. The short clip was created by filmmaker Matthew Hood, who seamlessly blends daytime shots into the night with stunning starscapes rising behind untouched wilderness.

Man Makes First Trip Abroad, Spends 80 Days Traveling Around the World

Here's an inspiring story for anyone out there who dreams of traveling the world, but simply can't get themselves to take that first major step out the door. Chris Sypolt was just that kind of person, but at the age of 44 he was finally compelled to leave the U.S. for the first time, and he did it in style. On his first trip out of the country he spent 80 days circling the globe.

Chris tells Gizmodo in an interview that there were a number of barriers to him starting to travel, not the least of which was a job that kept required him to be in constant contact at all times. He also says that while he loves to fly, he hates airplanes and anything longer than 4 hours on plane makes him antsy. That isn't great when you're traveling anywhere internationally. Finally, he says that he is also an extremely picky eater, which is also a barrier to traveling to foreign lands.

But in 2012, Sypolt says he had an incredibly rough year. His best friend died of colon cancer and his job requirements amped up even further. To escape some of the pressure, he took off for Hawaii for a little rest and relaxation and to get away from the hectic pace. He found that he liked it so much that he decided to continue traveling. From there, it was off to New Zealand, then Australia, and then on to Japan.

It turned out Chris discovered he was enjoying his time abroad, but he was still incredibly wary of the extremely long flight back home to Seattle. After thinking about what he wanted to do, he eventually found  first class ticket on a flight from Osaka to London that included a bar right on the plane. He decided that would make the flight a bit easier, so he took the leap and went for it. That eventually took him on to parts of Europe and Iceland, before crossing the pond back to the U.S., where he spent a little time on the East Coast, then visited Pittsburgh, before returning home. In the end, his full itinerary looked like this: Seattle - Kaanapali - Waikoloa - Waikiki - Auckland - Brisbane - Cairns - Melbourne - Canberra - Sydney - Tokyo - Osaka - London - Paris - Amsterdam - Reykjavik - Boston - NYC - Philadelphia - DC - Pittsburgh - Seattle.

No surprisingly, Chris says the trip changed him forever. He says when he left he was angry and bitter, but by the time he returned home, he was grateful for his adventures. He tells Gizmodo that it only took three days to realize that he was on a life-altering journey, and now that he's back home he has a much better perspective about life and the things that are the most important.

While he wasn't off on some death-defying adventure into the Himalaya or the Amazon, I truly enjoyed reading about Chris' travels. In part, because I am a bit of a traveler myself, but also because I really enjoy hearing about someone moving out of their comfort zone and discovering a true adventure, whatever that means to them personally. That is the case with this journey, which took him around the globe, but further than he ever imagined. Inspiring stuff for sure.

Dutch Adventurer to Ski 1200 Miles Across Canada

Over the past three years, Dutch adventurer Yuri Klaver has been working on an epic project that he calls his Arctic Venture. The idea of this expedition it to travel under his own power from Nome, Alaska to Greenland on foot, skis, and by kayak. When he finishes, he hopes to have covered more than 6000 miles (9656 km), crossing through some of the most remote areas of Alaska and Canada – not to mention the North Atlantic – in the process.

Early next week Yuri will set off on the third stage of that journey – a 1200 mile (1931 km) expedition across Northern Canada on skis. Over the coming months he hopes to travel from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Resolute Bay in Canada. He'll start by retrieving his trusty kayak from storage and filling it with supplies. It will serve as his sledge as he pulls it along behind him across the Canadian arctic, with all of his food, fuel, and other gear with him.

According to Yuri, he expects the trip to take approximately 6 months to complete. He hopes to arrive in Resolute sometime in September. In the meantime, he is preparing for the unexpected while traveling above the Arctic circle. He has been training with how to deal with polar bears, poor weather conditions, and fragmenting of the ice. He'll use a large caliber handgun to keep the bears at bay and has developed an alert system to help protect his tent at night. His kayak/sledge will also help him to continue to make progress even when the frozen surface conditions begin to break up, and paddling will be the only option.

Klaver is no stranger to remote expeditions. Back in 2012 he attempted to cross the Bering Sea from Russia to the United States. That journey ended prematurely when he was rescued by Russian border guards a week into the trip. His 2013 phase of Arctic Venture was more successful however, as he paddled for two months along the Bering Sea before going upriver at the Noatak River in the wild and remote Brooks Range of Alaska. Last year he returned to that spot, as he traversed the Brooks Range on skis, and paddled down the Colville River. In 2015, he'll now continue this massive undertaking by pressing on towards Resolute Bay.

On Monday, Yuri will depart from the Netherlands for Alaska where he will organize his gear and travel back to his ending point from last year before hitting the trail in early March. You'll be able to follow his progress on his website where he posts regular updates from his adventures.

Video: The Wild Northern Rockies

Shot in British Columbia, this amazing short film captures the breathtaking landscapes and vistas of that region – and it's numerous national parks – in spectacular fashion. The wonderful scenery has to be seen to be believed, and the exceptional shots of the local wildlife only add to the allure of this video. The Northern Rockies are wild indeed, and that can be easily seen in every shot of this wonderful film. Enjoy!

The Wild Northern Rockies from Marty Mellway on Vimeo.

Video: Framed III - Mountain Biking in Italy

We don't always get great mountain biking videos at this time of the year, as much of the attention of the adventure filmmaking world has turned to skiing and snowboarding instead. But this is a fantastic five-minute film of rider Mario Feil recapping his season, as well as taking us on a wonderful ride through the mountains of Italy. This is a beautifully shot short film that demonstrates very clearly the difference between a professionally made adventure sports video and those of us who simply slap a GoPro on our helmets. Really impressive stuff to be sure. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Framed III from Mario Feil on Vimeo.

Video: Alex Puccio Climbs Jade (V14) in Rocky Mountain National Park

Professional climber Alex Puccio travled to Rocky Mountain National Park to try her hand at climbing one of the more iconic routes in the park. She went to test her skills on Jade, which holds a rating of V14 (read: very tough!). This video follows her climb, which was incredibly difficult for a number of reasons. The clip gives us a great look at one of the best climbers in the world doing her thing though, and it is amazing to watch her go to work despite the difficult conditions. 

Blood, Sweat & Bad Conditions from Zerr Productions on Vimeo.

Legislation Introduced to Officially Rename Mt. McKinley to Denali

Two U.S. Senators from the state of Alaska have introduced legislation that would permanently change the name of Mt. McKinley back to its native name of Denali. This marks the latest attempt to get the mountain, which is officially named after William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, renamed. Previous attempts to change the mountain's moniker have been denied, although the bill will likely receive more support in the newly elected Republican Congress.

The legislation was introduced by U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, who argue that the mountain first received its name thousands of years ago by the Athabascan tribe, who called it "Denali," which means the "the Great One" or "the High One" in their language. It wasn't officially renamed to Mt. McKinley until 1917, although it has been referred to by that name for nearly 20 years prior to that by local prospectors and settlers.

At 20,237 feet (6168 meters) in height, McKinley is the tallest mountain in North America, and a significant climb amongst mountaineers. While the general public most commonly knows the peak it by its officially designated name, it has been referred to it as Denali for years in mountaineering circles. Regardless of the outcome of this legislation, that isn't likely to change anytime soon.

While there will be more Republican support for a name change this time out, it won't be without some opposition. Ohio Representative Bob Gibbs, who is a Republican as well, has introduced counter-legistiaiton aimed at blocking efforts to rename the mountain. President McKinley was from Ohio, and many people there still take pride in the fact that the mountain bears his name.

As you can imagine, in Alaska the sentiment is quite different. There, the indigenous people and others feel it is time to give the mountain its original name back. Denali is used commonly there to name streets, businesses, and even children. There has been a groundswell of support for the name change there for years, although most locals already refer to it by its Athabascan name anyway.

There is no word yet on when the vote on the bill will come to congress, and while it may seem like a rather trivial piece of legislation, it could get bogged down in committees to try to stall it out. Still, later this year, it is possible that Mt. McKinley will be no more, and everyone will refer to the mountain as Denali.

Winter Climbs 2015: Teams Back in BC, Simone Moro Set to Begin

All of the teams on Nanga Parbat are back in Base Camp today after spending time on the upper flanks of the mountain at the end of last week. The weather remains dicey at the moment, and the climbers are all taking advantage of the poor forecast to rest and recuperate before heading back up once again.

Alex Txikon and company returned to BC on Friday, and have been there all weekend. Before heading back down to rest, the team managed to go as high as Camp 2, where they shuttled gear and supplies, while also fixing ropes up the Diamir Face. Alex reports that as they went higher, the snow began to disappear and was replaced with blue ice instead. That, combined with more difficult terrain and the combined fatigue of climbing for several days, slowed progress. After dropping supplies in C2, they elected to descend to rest and let their bodies acclimatize further.

Alex is joined on his expedition by two local climbers – Muhammad Ali "Sadpara" and Muhammad Kahn. Their group has also joined forces with an Iranian squad consisting of Reza Bahadorani, Iraj Maani and Mahmood Hashemi. The combined team now expects to spend much of this week in Base Camp as they wait for a long enough weather window to climb up to Camp 3 or possibly go for the summit. Currently the forecast doesn't indicate that that will happen anytime soon, so they will try to wait patiently.

Meanwhile, ExWeb is reporting  that Italian climber Daniele Nardi has also retreated to Base Camp after attempting to climb up along the Mummery Rib. He had hoped to make a summit bid this weekend, but his home team reports that he has descended even though Daniele has not posted an update to his website just yet. Reportedly just 15 minutes after he set out from Camp 3 an avalanche struck the campsite, destroying his tent in the process. With no tent to provide shelter on his way up and down, Nardi wisely elected to head back down. Where his expedition stands at the moment remains to be seen.


In other news, Italian Simone Moro is preparing to leave for the Himalaya this week to launch his late winter climbing expedition. This news comes via Stefan Nestler's regular mountaineering and adventure sports news column. At this point, we still don't know what Simone has planned for the weeks ahead, and he says he prefers to keep it quiet for a few more days, at which time he'll finally reveal his project.

The very accomplished mountaineer also told Nestler that he had expected the Russian team of Nickolay Totmjanin, Valery Shamalo, Serguey Kondrashkin and Victor Koval to complete the first winter ascent of Nanga Parbat. Now that they have left the mountain for home, Moro says that he wouldn't rule out making another attempt at putting up that first ascent himself next winter, provided none of the remaining climbers are able to do it this year. Simone has attempted Nanga in the winter on two previous occasions, getting turned back each time. It is possible we could see him back there next winter.

That's all for now. We'll wait to see what Simone has planned in a few days time, and I'll continue to keep an eye on the teams on Nanga Parbat as well. For now though, it looks like they won't be going anywhere for at least a few days.

Video: Arizona Skies

Filmed over a period of 15 months, this awesome video captures the stark natural beauty of the state of Arizona oh-so well. It features beautiful landscapes captured in timelapse, mixed with a few inspirational quotes that help to put life in perspective to a degree. This is seven minutes of pure bliss that will send you into the weekend on a high note. Enjoy!

Arizona Skies II from CEBImagery.com on Vimeo.

Video: What it Looks Like to Climb Niagara Falls

Last week, renowned ice climber Will Gadd and his climbing partner Sarah Hueniken become the first people to climb Niagara Falls. On that epic ascent, Gadd wore a GoPro camera to capture a first-person perspective of the climb. This video features some of that footage, giving us all an idea of the conditions he faced while going up the falls. As noted in a post-climb interview, the ice was very different from a typical waterfall since it forms from the sides and not top-down. You'll see how that impacts the ascent in this clip, as the ice is definitely irregularly shaped as a result. Either way, it's an impressive climb to be sure.

Video: North America's 50 Classic Climbs Episode 3 - Yosemite with an Attitude

Mark and Janelle Smiley return with another episode of the "North America's Fifty Classic Climbs" series from EpicTV. This time out, they head to Colorado to take Black Canyon. They attempt a route called "Scenic Cruise" which holds a grades of 5.10. While that doesn't seem incredibly challenging, the  steep cliff walls and other difficult conditions in the canyon add a level of difficulty that puts it beyond that modest number. Watching the clip will make it abundantly evident as to why this is viewed as a "classic climb."

Fall Climbing Season in Nepal Sees Just 20% Success Rate

It was a rough fall climbing season in Nepal with a lot of mountaineers heading home without a successful summit. According to an article published in the Himalayan Times, expeditions that spent the Autumn in the Central Asian country only had a 20% success rate due to unusually bad weather across the region.

According to the article, there were 1385 foreign climbers, spread out over 183 permitted expeditions on 42 peaks in Nepal last fall. Those mountains that saw teams ranged from Nar Phu at 5921 meters (19,425 ft) to the 8163 meter (26,781 ft) Manaslu. Over the course of the season 242 climbers managed to record a total of 382 summits, with some bagging multiple peaks. Of those, the bulk of the successful climbs came on Ama Dablam and Manaslu, which saw 145 and 114 summits respectively. Furthermore, only Nanga Mari (6547 m/21,479 ft) and Nar Phu saw a 100% success rate with four and nine summits.

The other 8000-meter peaks that saw action in the fall included Makalu (8463 m/27,765 ft), Dhaulagiri (8167 m/26,795 ft), and Lhotse (8516 m/27,940 ft). All three of those mountains turned back all comers, with no teams recording a summit on any of them.

Obviously the poor weather in the Himalaya played a role in this dramatic drop-off in the number of fall summits. You may recall that a massive blizzard hit Nepal back in October, claiming the lives of more than 40 trekkers. That snow storm closed passes and dumped more than a meter of fresh powder in some areas, which hindered both trekking and climbing expeditions alike. Teams on Lhotse and Dhaulagiri in particular were hit hard by the poor weather, which was unusually bad even before the blizzard hit.

Still, this is an incredibly low success rate on many mountains that are often used as tune-ups for the bigger peaks. Traditionally those peaks see solid numbers of climbers reach the top as they build skills and experience for Everest or other Himalayan mountains. The article from the Himalayan Times only offers up the statistics however, and doesn't provide any further insight into why the success rate was so low this year.

We'll have to wait to see if this will become a trend or if the fall of 2014 was an anomaly. But with climate change impacting weather across the planet, it is possible that we could see even more big storms and extremely bad weather in the future too.

Winter Climbs 2015: Russians Depart Nanga Parbat, Daniele Preps For Summit Bid

There is more news to report from Nanga Parbat today, as the Russian squad that has been climbing the mountain has pulled the plug on their expedition. The team returned to Base Camp a few days ago after a summit bid stalled due to bad weather. The team began packing their gear and is now preparing to head home.

The news of the Russian team's departure came via a text message to the Russian Climb website. That message reads as follows:

"Today exactly 45th day as we left St. Petersburg, and, unfortunately, the time for our expedition runs to the end. The mountain is clear at last, for the first time in two weeks, but there're still snow flags on the top due to the strong wind. We pack BC and are going down."

Over the course of their month and a half on the mountain they were able to climb as high as 7150 meters (23,458 ft) before being turned back due to high winds. Since descending they have reported continued bad weather, although things are expected to gradually improve in the days ahead. Unfortunately for the four-man squad of  Nickolay Totmjanin, Serguey Kondrashkin, Valery Shamalo and Victor Koval, time has run out and they must now return home. 

Meanwhile, over on the Daimir Face, Alex Txikon and company have found it tough going on their way up to Camp 2. They have struggled to make progress in a speedy fashion due to deep snow along the route. The men had hoped to reach C2 yesterday, but unfortunately they came up just a bit short. The squad, which also consists of local climbers Muhammad Ali "Sadpara" and Muhammad Kahn, as well as a trio of Iranians (Reza Bahadorani, Iraj Maani and Mahmood Hashemi), had reached 5800 meters (19,028 ft) along the Kinshofer Route before having to call it a day. They hope to establish Camp 2 at 5900 meters (19,356 ft) today and possibly continue up to Camp 3 depending on conditions. 

Italian climber Daniele Nardi is going it alone on the Mummery Rib. According to his latest dispatch he reached Camp 3 at 5600 meters (18,372 ft) yesterday and will attempt to continue up the route today. The forecast indicates good weather for the next two days, with a bit of snow on the weekend. If those conditions hold, Daniele hopes to be in position to make a summit bid on Sunday. 

Finally, shifting gears to the spring climbing season ahead, Spanish mountaineer Carlos Soria has announced his plans for the Himalaya, and they are ambitious ones. The 76-year old climber doesn't appear to be slowing down any, as he now plans to climb both Annapurna and Dhaulagiri in a few months time. In fact, he intends to leave for Nepal next week, and will spend his time trekking throughout the country to begin his acclimatization well ahead of the start of the climbing season. He then says that he and his team will go to Annapurna early on to scout the mountain well ahead of time. Later he will proceed to Dhaula to continue his quest to summit all 14 of the 8000 meter peaks. 

Good luck to Carlos in this endeavor. He remains an inspiration to us all. 

Video: A Visit to Cameroon, Africa

When one thinks about traveling in Africa, places like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa are usually what comes to mind. But the continent has so much more to offer than those admittedly iconic places. Take Cameroon for instance, which is definitely off the beaten tourist path, but still offers visitors a rich culture and plenty of stunning landscapes to explore. You'll find some of that – and more – in this  video, which gives us an all-too brief glimpse of this amazing place.

Cameroon from Turner Visuals on Vimeo.

Video: Riding Light

The speed of light is about 186,000 miles per second. That seems incredibly fast, and when compared to our day-to-day reference points, it definitely is. But when you think about how vast the universe is it becomes fairly evident that it isn't nearly fast enough. This video puts that into perspective in an amazing way, showing us just how fast the speed of light is relative to distances in our own solar system. It requires a bit of patience, but it takes us on a ride from the sun out to Jupiter at the speed of light in what is essentially real-time.

Riding Light from Alphonse Swinehart on Vimeo.

Video: Alex Honnold's Birthday Challenge

Last August, to celebrate his 29th birthday, Alex Honnold attempted to climb 290 pitches in a single day. This video follows along with him on that quest, as he spends 16 hours on the rock, completing more climbs in that period than most people do all year. If you needed further evidence that this guy is a machine, here it is.

Winter Climbs 2015: Teams in Camp 2 on Diamir Face

The weather has relented some on Nanga Parbat, allowing the teams on the Diamir Face to move up at last. While high winds and heavy snow had been keeping them in Base Camp in recent days, it seems that conditions have improved on the mountain, allowing them to move forward. But temperatures are said to be brutally cold, holding at a constant -20ºC/-4ºF in BC, and much lower further up the slope. A possible weather window is expected to open now, but it remains to be seen if anyone can take much advantage of it.

Italian climber Daniele Nardi is the one person who may be ready to launch a summit bid if the weather holds. He's been on the mountain the longest at this point and seems acclimatized enough to make a solo attempt on the top. According to his latest dispatches he is now in Camp 2 at 5200 meters (17,060 ft). When he arrived there, he found his tent and other gear buried under heavy snow, and according to his home team, he spent several hours just digging everything out and reestablishing   his campsite. He'll rest there tonight before hopefully moving up to ascend the Mummery Spur.

Also on the move are the combined teams of Alex Txikon – along with his partners Muhammad Ali Sadpara and Muhammad Kahn – and the Iranian squad consisting of Mahmood Hashemi, Iraj Maani, and Reza Bahadorani. The two groups are the late comers to Nanga Parbat, and it seems they have joined forces to a degree. The climbers have moved up to their Camp 2 site, which is found at 5900 meters (19,356 ft). They are hoping to establish C3 at 6700 meters (21,981 ft) before descending back to Base Camp, and the current plan is to sleep in C1 tonight and C2 tomorrow as part of the acclimatization process.


As reported yesterday, the Russian squad on the Rupal Face is back in BC where they are resting and regrouping. They will be keeping a watchful eye on the weather as well, and weighing their options for making another summit bid. This past weekend they had climbed to as high as 7150 meters (23,458 ft) and were waiting to make a summit bid, but high winds forced them to retreat. It is unclear if they'll have another go at the mountain, but it does seem very early in the season for them to pack it in.

All of the climbers are attempting complete the first winter ascent of the 8126 meter (26,660 ft) mountain. Traditional, the weather on Nanga has been incredibly bad in February, so all of the squad are looking to take advantage of any break they can get. Of course, "good" weather is a relative term this time of year, as hurricane force winds, subzero temperatures, and heavy snow are not uncommon there at all. Hopefully they'll get the weather window they need to at least take a shot at the summit, but for now we'll all just have to wait and watch to see what happens.

Shackleton and Scott Antarctic Huts Saved From Ruin

Three small huts used by Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott as part of their Antarctic expeditions have been saved from destruction thanks to a major conservation effort that began nearly ten years ago. A team of 62 experts from 11 countries have worked hard to preserve these 100+ year old relics that are described as time capsule from a bygone era of exploration. Now, those efforts have payed off, and the huts have been restored to a point that they are accurate representations of the structures that were used as shelters for some of the most important expeditions in history.

The huts were used to launch both Scott's ill-fated Terra Nova expedition as well as a for Shackleton's  famous Nimrod Expedition. They had been mostly abandoned and left alone for nearly a century until efforts to preserve them began in 2005. Two of the huts belonged to Scott – one at Cape Evans and the other at Hut Point – while the third was used by Shackleton at Cape Royds.

Without these conservation efforts it is likely that the three huts would have deteriorated so much that they would have been lost altogether. That is not surprising considering the conditions in which they have persisted for more than 100 years. It took a decade of work, and more than $6 million, to restore the huts, with the project being spearheaded by the Antarctic Heritage Trust - New Zealand.

Inside the shelters researchers found more than 18,000 artifacts including scientific instruments, notebooks, canned foods, and clothing. All of those items gave the team a glimpse into the past, and what explorers of that era had to endure in the Antarctic. That was something the restoration team got a taste of as well as they faced sub-zero temperatures while working on the exteriors of the three huts. That work included replacing the roofs, removing large chunks of ice, and waterproofing the walls against future damage. They also worked tirelessly to preserve most of the items found inside the buildings too, and placed them back in their original places to better restore the structures to their former glory.

While obviously none of the huts will see that many visitors, the conservationists felt that it was still worth all of the effort to preserve these historic places. These huts were a part of an important time in human history, and they will now continue to stand as monuments to the need for humans to explore our planet, and beyond.

Video: Our True Significance

This breathtaking video was shot by Wilderness Media in Italy, France, Scotland, and England and compiles some of the most outstanding timeless imagery you'll ever see. With stunning landscapes, amazing views of the night skies, and an inspiring soundtrack, this clip is a love letter to our planet, and all the fantastic outdoor places that call to us on a daily basis.

Our True Significance from Wilderness Media on Vimeo.

Vibrant TV Delivers Compelling Content for Adventure Travelers

Good, quality travel content with a focus on adventure is not always easy to come by. Most broadcast networks and cable channels eschew the adventure scene in favor of programming that is more marketable to the mainstream audience. But Internet television start-up Vibrant TV offers some high quality shows from international markets, with some wonderful options for more adventurous travelers.

Vibrant TV launched late last year with the concept of collecting television programming from a variety of English-speaking countries from around the world The company has collected a numerous shows in the reality, lifestyle, travel and scripted drama categories from such places as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the U.K. The network then provides those shows to viewers through an online subscription service, as well as in partnership deals with the likes of Hulu and Roku. Vibrant’s catalog of shows is a genuine mix of eclectic and creative offerings with a decidedly international flair.

As someone who is always on the lookout for interesting travel programming, I found the show Intrepid Journeys to be especially entertaining and informative. Originally produced in New Zealand, the show sends local celebrities off on fascinating excursions to countries that are often completely off their radar and out of their comfort zone.

For instance, one episode sent footballer Jeff Wilson to Eastern Europe, where he spent time traveling through Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania, countries he had almost no prior knowledge about. Another episode follows news broadcaster Paul Holmes as he explore the fascinating culture and history of Yemen, a place that few westerners are bold enough to experience on their own.

One of the things I truly love about Intrepid Journeys is that the show follows a similar philosophy that I take in regards to getting readers excited about their own adventures. Often times I receive an email from someone asking advice on how they can get started with an adventure of their own. Usually that simply involves giving them a nudge out the door, and once they realize what is possible, they are soon on their way to exploring the world around us. This show holds that same sensibility, giving each of its celebrity hosts – and by proxy the viewers – the nudge they need to add more adventure into their lives too.

There is a host of other interesting programming on Vibrant TV that might catch your eye too, depending on your interests. For instance, I found Entrada to be another interesting travel program that takes viewers on a culturally focused, culinary journey around Latin America to such countries as Mexico, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Chile. The host visits some amazing destinations along the way, giving us intriguing looks at small villages, historic landmarks, and swanky hotels, and other points of interest. If you’re planning a trip to Central or South America, there are a lot of great tips to be found on the show.

Similarly, Avventura takes viewers on a journey with host David Rocco as he enjoys the food, wine, and other delicacies in a variety of beautiful locations across Italy. While not entirely adventure focused, the show has a knack for inspiring wanderlust none the less.

This is just a taste of what Vibrant TV has to offer. Other shows include numerous reality shows covering a number of genres, as well as, creative comedies and dramas too. Moving forward, the network promises to continue to add more content to meet viewers needs.

Currently Vibrant is offering some great deals for new subscribers. If you sign up now, you can get two weeks of service for free with any reoccurring monthly subscription. Viewers can also elect to purchase a 6-month subscription for $24.95, which provides them with one month for free. Find out more by clicking here.  

Video: Go Cuba!

With the recent thawing of relations between the United States and Cuba there is a lot of excitement from U.S. travelers to get the opportunity to visit the Caribbean nation at long last. This video provides a great idea of what they can expect when they get there. It is a land of natural wonders, with friendly people with a zest for life. It is also a country that has been left behind due to oppressive restrictions that have been placed on it for more than 50 years. If things continue to improve between the two countries, that will soon change however, and we could witness a real renaissance for Cuba. If you didn't want to go before, after watching this short clip, you'll probably want to visit the country for yourself.

GO Cuba from Joshua Morin on Vimeo.

Video: Sled Dogs - More Than Meets the Eye

This video comes our way courtesy of our friends at National Geographic. It was filmed in West Yellowstone, Montana, were sled dog mushers compete each year in the Rodeo Run, a two-day race through that spectacular part of the country. The video introduces us to these amazing dogs, who simply love to run, and gives us a glimpse of the bond they share with their owners. With the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod just weeks away at this point, it seems a fitting video to share. I hope you enjoy.

The End of Budget Climbing in Nepal?

Over the past year it has become increasingly evident that the government in Nepal has been making decisions that are going to have a long term impact on the mountaineering landscape within the country. First, they changed the pricing scheme on Everest in which they did away with flat-fees for permits and started charging all climbers $11,000 no matter how many people were on the team. This was sold as a reduction in cost, but in reality it is an increase as most teams had no problems filling their permits, making it less expensive for everyone involved. Now comes word of further changes to regulations that could make small, low-budget expeditions a thing of the past.

In an article posted to the Himalayan Times a few days back it is revealed that all climbing teams will now have to pay a fee of US$10,000 for search and rescue insurance, and an additional US$7,000 for medical insurance too. On top of that, all teams will also be required to hire two full-time climbing support staff as well, bringing the costs up further.

These new regulations make some sense for large teams going to mountains like Everest or Annapurna, but the costs would be crippling to small groups of climbers attempting lesser peaks in Nepal. These regulations apply to everyone equally however, which means that the days of a small team climbing in the Himalaya on a budget could soon be over.

The article indicates that the Nepal Mountaineering Association, which is led by Ang Ushering Sherpa, has already asked the Nepali government to revise the rules for smaller groups climbing on one of the less dangerous peaks. What the outcome of that request will be remains to be seen.

Small teams of climbers working together on a low-cost expedition has been a part of mountaineering for decades. These new regulations could cripple those types of efforts in Nepal however, and potentially send climbers to other countries seeking more affordable experiences.

These ongoing adjustments to regulations and pricing make it clear that Nepal's government isn't particularly interested in accommodating foreign climbers, but is only looking for ways to make more money. Considering the political climate there in recent years, this shouldn't be a surprise. Still, they may be making decisions that will impact the long-term fortunes of the climbing community there, although they seem to be operating under the assumption that as long as people continue to come to Everest, they'll be fine.

Winter Climbs 2015: Summit Bid Over on Nanga Parbat

The summit bid for the Russian team of Nickolay Totmjanin, Valery Shamalo, Serguey Kondrashkin and Victor Koval is over on Nanga Parbat. The four men had hoped to move up towards the summit starting yesterday, but persistently bad winds has kept them from going above Camp 4 at 7150 meters (23,458 ft). The entire team has now returned to Base Camp where they will rest, regroup, and consider their next options.

The news of the aborted summit attempt came via Russian Climb, which received a text message that said: "We managed to return to BC through the bad weather. All are safe and sound. Nothing real on the route in such wind. You can fly to K2 at once" The last sentence is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the high winds, which would blow a climber all the way to K2 if they aren't careful.

The team has now been on the mountain since late December, and have been working the route ever since. While acclimatizing to the altitude they managed to build and stock four camps up the Rupal Face, and had returned to their high camp with the hope of completing the first winter ascent of the mountain. Unfortunately the weather has not been very cooperative in the past week, and they've been waiting for several days to move up.

The weather forecast calls for high winds for the next several days, so they'll have to wait in BC to see if another window opens. Hopefully they can recharge their batteries for another go, but conditions are harsh on the mountain at the moment. In addition to hurricane force winds at higher altitudes, there has also been plenty of snow and very cold temperatures too. That has taken its toll on the men, but perhaps they aren't quite done yet.


Meanwhile, updates from Italian climber Daniele Nardi have been few and far between in recent days. The last we knew he was in BC on the Diamir Face and was waiting out the poor weather as well. But an update sent via Twitter a few days back indicates that he has returned to the Mummery Spur to continue working his planned route. How much progress he has made, and under what conditions, remains unclear at this time. Hopefully we'll get further updates soon.

Similarly, there has been no word from Alex Txikon either. We know he arrived in BC in the last week in January, and has been stranded there due to the poor conditions too. If the weather has improved however, we can expect that he has started to acclimatize as well, and has moved up the Diamir Face, possibly to C1 or C2. But without any updates, this is just pure speculation. We'll just have to be patient and wait for news.

It is beginning to look like Nanga Parbat may turn back all of the teams once again this winter. There is still plenty of time left to go of course, but the weather has certainly deteriorated significantly in recent weeks, and the forecast doesn't look great for the next nine days. Still, two teams have only just arrived in Base Camp, so they are well rested, have plenty of supplies, and are determined. Perhaps their plan is to wait out the worst of the weather and make a dash for the summit in March before winter officially ends. Stay tuned to find out more.

Video: Across Asia on a Motorbike

This video will either quench your wanderlust or feed it. It comes our way from filmmaker/traveler Joshua Rapperport who traveled 4800 km (2980 miles) across Asia on a motorcycle. Along the way he shot some scenes from the road, and compiled them into this beautiful five-minute video. The landscapes he saw were definitely stunning, with narrow roads taking him into increasingly remote areas. It looks like it was an amazing journey, and thanks to this video clip, we get to come along for the ride.

Asia and a Motorbike from Joshua Rapperport on Vimeo.

Video: Downmall 2015 - Holding a Mountain Bike Competition in a Shopping Mall

Ever wonder what it would be like to hold a mountain biking competition in a shopping mall? Shoppers in one such mall in Berlin got to witness it first hand recently as riders zipped down escalators and performed tricks an an atrium before a large crowd of onlookers. The video below captures some of that action, which looks cramped and confining, but fun none the less.

Downmall 2015 - Berlin from T//Motion on Vimeo.

Video: Promo for the Tromso Sky Race in Norway

This video was shot as a promo for the Tromso Skyrace, a series of trail runs that will be held in the Tromso, Norway region this summer. The evens will be run through some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe, at a time of year when the midnight sun will provide light for nearly an entire day. The setting looks spectacular and the trail looks suitably challenging, which should make this an incredible experience for all who enter. It seems like Tromso is an amazing place to go trail running, and the organizers of this event are putting together something special.

Tromso SkyRace 2015 from TromsoSkyrace on Vimeo.

Kickstarter Project: The Long Way to Everest

I generally get several emails a day from someone asking me to help promote their crowdfunding project. Most of them are of little interest to me, or those who read this blog. Some are simply asking others to help fund their travels, which I find somewhat distasteful. But occasionally I get an email about a project that I do find incredibly interesting and worth mentioning, which why I will post about some crowdfunding efforts from time to time. Take for example a new project from a budding filmmaker named Daniel Foutz who has come up with a unique idea for a documentary film that I think many would enjoy seeing.

Daniel calls his project The Long Way to Everest, and he has just launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund his idea. You see, as a child Daniel read books about Everest, and the mountain became a place that he fell in love with even though he had never seen it in person. That is something a lot of us can probably relate to. He often organized climbs with his friends back in his home country of the Philippines, and while they didn't come close to comparing to climbing the Himalaya, it spurred on a young man's imagination for adventure.

Now, Daniel would like to make the trek to Everest Base Camp himself so he can visit the place that he has read so much about. But unlike most trekkers who make that journey, he wants to skip the flight to Lukla and trek from a village called Jiri instead. You see, Jiri is the place where Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay – along with the rest of their climbing team – began the trek to Everest on the historic expedition that ultimately produced the first ascent of the mountain. The hike from Jiri adds quite a few kilometers and days to the journey, which Daniel believes will take about three weeks to complete.


Prior to the construction of the airport in Lukla, Jiri and other villages along the original route received an influx of visitors that brought money to the local economy there. But now, those villages are all but ignored. Daniel says that in 2011 more than 37,000 people visited the Everest region. Only about 400 of those passed along the route that begins in Jiri. The idea behind The Long Way to Everest project is to follow the old route to the mountain and explore how the villages along that section of the trek are faring these days.

While the focus of the trek is to make a documentary film about the original trekking route and the villages that are found along the route that Hillary and Norgay used, there is another intriguing element to the project as well. Daniel also intends to carry a geocache time capsule with him to Base Camp which will contain historical information about the mountain, mementos from the trek, and letters from supporters of his efforts. He intends to lock that cache when he hides it, but provide clues to the combination to that lock which will be scattered along the trekking route. The coordinates will be shared for geocachers to find later, and whoever collects the clues gets to unlock the capsule and discover what is inside.

Not only do I think this sounds like a very interest project, I also applaud Daniel for not asking for others to completely fund it for him. He has set a very modest goal for his Kickstarter campaign of just $500 CAD, which is roughly $400 US at the moment. He has nearly reached halfway to his goal with more than 20 days to go, so hopefully he'll be able to get the funding he needs to get his project off the ground.

As someone who has made the trek to Everest Base Camp himself, and had some first hand experience in the villages that fall along the route, I think a documentary of this type would be very interesting. Hopefully we'll all get a chance to see it in the future.

Will Gadd Makes First Ascent of Niagara Falls

Last week, acclaimed climber Will Gadd, along with Sarah Hueniken, made a daring first ascent of Niagara Falls, the massive waterfall that sits on the border of the U.S. and Canada in upstate New York. Gadd has hoped to keep his project secret and to reveal the accomplishment this week instead, but an inquisitive reporter spotted him scouting the route and broke the story early. The result has been a bit of a media frenzy over the accomplishment, which was no doubt spurred on by public interest in Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson's Dawn Wall ascent.

In an interview posted at National Geographic Adventure, Gadd says that while he has accomplished thousands of great ice climbs in his career, this one was special. While he did have the permission of the New York parks department to attempt the climb, Niagara has been off limits for a long time. That gave it a bit of a "forbidden fruit" element that he couldn't resist.

Gadd goes on to say that the idea for climbing the massive falls 51 meter (167 ft) falls came a year ago when the so-called "polar vortex" put much of the U.S. and Canada into a deep-freeze. The falls were frozen solid at that point, but knowing that it was illegal to make the climb, he decided to wait and go through the proper channels. Red Bull also approached him to sponsor the climb as well, which helped to open the doors.

In terms of the ice that he dealt with on the ascent, Gadd says that it was unlike anything else he'd every gone up before. Most of the time ice forms on a waterfall from the top down, but on Niagara it forms from the side. This is due to the amount of mist and spray that is generated from water plummeting over the top. The result of this unusual phenomenon is an uneven and irregular climbing surface that is very different from other ice climbs.

According to Gadd, Niagara offers "world-class ice climbing" but says he felt more pressure in getting the climb right in terms of doing it legally and safely than he did in actually completing the ascent. He sees this as an opportunity to potentially open the Niagara area for future climbs as well, and felt it was important to get it right for the climbing community.

The interview touches on a number of other topics as well, including the special gear that Will created to assist in the climb, why he is compelled to do "extreme" things, and why he isn't an adrenaline junkie. It is definitely a good read all around.

Congratulations to Will and Sarah on this impressive climb.

Video: Autumn in the Dolomites

Italy's Dolomite Mountains always strike a dramatic, imposing figure. These strikingly beautiful peaks are amongst the most beautiful in the world, and this video captures them in all of their splendor during the colorful Italian autumn. If you need a short escape to the mountains, this video will certainly provide a nice respite. Enjoy the views along the way.

Autumn in the Dolomites from Cristina Limonta on Vimeo.

Video: EpicTV Presents the Best Climbs of 2014

2014 may be over, but that doesn't mean we can't still look back and reflect on some of the best accomplishments of the year that has passed. Our friends over at EpicTV have compiled a short video that highlights some of the best climbs of the year. It features some outstanding efforts on some very tough routes, with a highlight reel to show these impressive climbers doing their thing.

Video: Wingsuit Flight Over the Great Pyramids of Egypt

We have been overdue for a good wingsuit video, and this one arrives just in time. It features Cedric Dumont sailing above one of the greatest monuments ever built by man – the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The short video certainly gives us vantage point of those structures that we haven't seen before, as Dumont slowly tumbles to the Earth while the Pyramids only grow in size. Definitely a cool way to approach those amazing wonders.

Outside Shares Their Favorite Gear of Winter Outdoor Retailer Too

Last week I posted a link to the Gear Junkie's coverage of the Winter Outdoor Retailer gear show, in which he shared his favorite new gear that will be making its way to store shelves later this year. Now, Outside magazine has also posted their selections for the Gear of the Show, spotlighting 10 items that stood out with the editors.

Amongst the items that received "Gear of the Show" honors were The North Face's new Modulator ABS which has received a lot of press in the wake of its unveiling at the show. This safety device can convert any backpack into an avalanche airbag system, potentially saving your life while in the backcountry. This is counter to most other ABS devices which typically come built into a pack, requiring you to use a different sized backpack depending on your needs. The North Face now gives us a single option that is adjustable to any pack we want to carry on our adventures.

Also earning a spot on the list is a new waterproof, breathable jacket from a new company called Voormi, an incredibly warm down jacket from Columbia, and the new shoes from Under Armour that incorporate a sole that resembles a fat tire. That funky-looking footwear is also garnering a lot of attention as well. Other items include a couple of pair of ski and snowboard googles from Julbo and Abominable Labs, as well as a few other items designed with the skier in mind.

Since this was the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, most of the items shown there were focused around winter sports. The Summer Market show is scheduled to take place in early August and will feature more general outdoor gear with a focus on hiking, backpacking, and so on. Neither show is particularly healthy for your pocketbook since they always introduce great gear that we just have to have.

Winter Climbs 2015: Russians in Camp 4 on Nanga Parbat

Last week I posted that the Russian team of Nickolay Totmjanin, Valery Shamalo, Serguey Kondrashkin and Victor Koval has launched a summit bid on Nanga Parbat, although it was unclear then where exactly they were on the mountain. Over the weekend we received new updates, courtesy of Russian Climb, that indicate that the men are now in Camp 4 and are waiting out a bad storm with the hope of pushing towards the top in the next few days.

According to their most recent updates, the team is sitting in C4 at 7150 meters (23,458 ft), which puts them about 975 meters (4000 ft) below the summit. That final push to the top will be a tough one even in good weather, but the latest dispatches also indicate that they are currently experiencing 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, along with a roaring blizzard and extreme cold. Those conditions are expect to persist through Tuesday, with a period of relative calm arriving shortly there after. Forecasts indicate that the winds will then drop to about 50 km/h (31 mph), which will still make things challenging. Visibility is also said to be almost zero at the moment as well, although that will certainly improve to a degree if the winds drop as expected.

If the weather does indeed improve over the next few days, the Russians could attempt to reach the summit later this week. They'll have to hurry though, as ExWeb indicates that the chances of success on Nanga go down after the first week of February due to a general deterioration of the weather and the onset of fatigue. Almost every previous winter expedition to the mountain had abandoned their attempts by the start of March, and 85% of those attempts reached their high point by February 10.

Over on the Diamir Face, the three teams that are attempting that route are all currently holding in Base Camp. Conditions are not any better on that side of the mountain, and the recent arrival of the Iranian squad, as well as Alex Txikon, means that they are just getting themselves established on the mountain. As the weather improves, those teams will start their acclimatization efforts.

Meanwhile, Italian climber Daniele Nardi is ready to go up, but is currently waiting for the winds to die down and the snow to settle. Apparently there is a high probability of avalanches at the moment, and until the recent snowfall settles it is too dangerous to proceed.

For now, it looks like the Russians are the team that is in the best position to complete the first winter ascent of Nanga. We'll just have to wait to see if they get the weather window they need to proceed up. Stay tuned for further updates soon.