Video: The Toughest Swimming Race You've Ever Seen

Swimming isn't a sport I write about a lot on this blog, and if I do it is usually because someone is covering an especially impressive distance, or it is part of a major triathlon. But in this case, it is worth pointing out the insane event that is the Redbull Neptune Steps, a race that sends competitors on a 420 meter sprint swim up the Maryhill Locks in Glasgow, Scotland. The swimmers must make their way up stream, then climb up eight different locks on their way to the finish line. To say that this looks exhausting would be an understatement. It is also safe to say there aren't many other events like this in the world.

North Pole 2015: Barneo Ice Camp Opens for the Season, Aircraft Breaks Landing Gear on Runway

The 2015 North Pole season doesn't promise to be quite so active and interesting as years past, but there will still be some action up north this year, even if most if it will take place on the Russian side of the ice. Over the weekend, the Barneo Ice Camp opened for the season at N 89º 38', W 22º 27'. Over the course of the next few weeks, it will serve as the base of operations for a number of military, scientific, and commercial teams that are heading into the Arctic, and while most of those adventures still lie ahead, things have already gotten off to a shaky start.

For those who don't know much about Barneo, it is a temporary base built on an ice flow in the Arctic Ocean each year that facilitates travel to and from the North Pole. It is constructed by a special crew who first locates a proper flow, then parachutes onto the ice and sets up camp there. That group must build a runway that is long enough to allow Antonov AN-74 aircraft to land, and set up a small tent city to house the visitors that pass through. Most of them are scientists conducting research or well-heeled adventure travelers making a "last degree" ski expedition to the top of the world.

This year's Barneo base has been especially problematic to construct. The team had a hard time finding a large enough ice flow due to increased break-up of the pack ice. Instead, they ended up locating three flows that were moving in concert with one another, and built their facilities there. While this isn't the ideal approach, it will suffice for the three weeks or so that Barneo will remain open.

According to the official Barneo blog, one of the first planes to land there this year ran into some trouble. Apparently when the aircraft touched down, it destroyed its right rear landing gear, causing an accident at the base. Fortunately, no one was injured, and another plane is being scrambled to keep the flow of supplies, gear, and personnel moving in and out of the base. Repairing the aircraft will be a bit of a challenge however, and it is unclear yet what exactly will happen.

The first visitors to arrive at Barneo mostly consisted of North Pole last degree skiers. They set off on the route almost immediately and spent very little time at the camp. Others will be shuttling in over the next few days though, so things should get busy in the Arctic soon. No word yet on when explorer Thomas Ulrich will arrive however. He'll be flying directly to 90ºN and will start a ski expedition across the Arctic that will end on Ellesmere Island in Canada.

If you are wondering what it is like to land an airplane on a slab of ice floating int he Arctic Ocean, have a look at the video below. It was taken from the cockpit of the first aircraft to land at Barneo this season, and gives you and idea of what it is like to arrive there. To say it is a bit harrowing would certainly be downplaying it some.

Himalaya Spring 2015: Teams on the Move

The poor weather that was preventing the climbers in Nepal from departing Kathmandu has dissipated over the past few days, and numerous teams are now on the move in the Khumbu Valley. Many are now making the long hike to Everest Base Camp, which actually marks the beginning of their acclimatization process for the climb to come. The trek takes roughly 8-10 days to complete, but is an important step for getting both physically and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. Along the way they pass through numerous small villages filled with wonderful, inviting, people as they walk in the shadow of some of the most beautiful mountains on the planet. It is a truly memorable hike for those heading to Lhotse or the South Side of Everest.

Among those currently on the trail is Alan Arnette, who checked in from Namche Bazaar over the weekend. Namche is the largest town in the Khumbu, and one of the first milestones achieved on the trek. It is reached after just two days of hiking, but requires a tough slog up a steep hill to actually get to the village. Most trekkers and climbers take a rest day in Namche after they reach that point in order to let their bodies get use to the altitude. It is also one of the last places to purchase a piece of gear that you may have forgotten, or enjoy a few other amenities. The villages that follow are increasingly smaller, and have fewer shops and restaurants.

One of the familiar sounds of the Khumbu is the frequent ringing of bells that hang around the necks of the yaks that are used to carry gear, food, and other supplies to the various towns and camps that dot the landscape there. Anyone who has ever hiked through Nepal will recognize the distinctive sound immediately, and know that a yak train is coming through so they had better get off the trail. Yaks are indispensable in this part of the world, and are about as common on the trail as hikers. Watching them carry their heavy loads – at altitude – with ease is fascinating.


Also now on the move in the Khumbu Valley is the Altitude Junkies team. They reached Namche on Saturday and spent the traditional rest day there yesterday. They'll get back on the trail today as they head for Dingboche, the next popular stop on the hike. If they continue on schedule, the AJ squad should reach Base Camp sometime next weekend.

Meanwhile, Madison Mountaineering is sharing the first look at the new route through the Khumbu Icefall. In order to avoid some of the dangers that the porters faced last year – and which contributed to the avalanche that claimed 16 lives – the Icefall Doctors have pioneered a new route through this very dangerous section of the climb. The route now stays further to the right than what has been taken in the past, veering towards Nuptse. The hope is that this section of the climb will be much safer, and get the climbers through this treacherous section as quickly as possible.

Over on Annapurna the teams are still waiting for conditions to improve before they head up. But solo-climber Alex Barber has been working on his acclimatization in preparation for a summit bid down the line. After arriving in BC last week, he has now gone as high as Camp 2, and spent the night there, as he lets his body get use to the altitude. Over the weekend Alex returned to Base Camp however, where he is now waiting for conditions to improve before going back up once again.

Spanish climber Carlos Soria is hoping to launch his summit bid soon, and reports that the upper slopes of Annapurna are clear of snow at the moment. That bodes well for the climbers who are waiting for the weather to improve. Once a weather window opens, they can then proceed up with less fears of avalanches, something that the mountain is well known for this time of year.

Even though the season is now underway, most climbers are still en route to their respective Base Camps. For the most part, the climbing portion of their expeditions won't get underway for another week or so, but this is all part of the process, and crucial to their preparation. Things will really start to get exciting soon, but for now it is a slow and steady walk through one of the most spectacular regions of the world.

Video: Climbing the Monolith in France

The Monolithe de Sardières is a massive rock tower located in Savoie, France. It stands 93 meters (305 feet) in height, and is a good challenge for rock climbers. Recently, Laurene Sibue and Xavier Gaboriaud climbed the Monolith and carried a GoPro camera with them as the went. As you can imagine, the views were pretty amazing, as you'll see in the video below. Drones were also used to collect some dramatic shots, which only makes the clip that much better.

Video: Flying the Aura 2 Wingsuit

After not having a good wingsuit video for quite some time, we now have two in one day. This seven-minute clip is a promo for the Aura 2 suit from Squirrel, which just went into production a few days ago. While it is used to sell the product – which most of us will probably never buy – it does feature some beautiful shots of pilots putting the new suit to the test in some beautiful locations. If you like BASE jumping and wingsuit videos, this will be pure bliss for you. Truly some fantastic footage on display here.

Squirrel >> AURA 2 from squirrel on Vimeo.

Video: Wingsuit High Five

We've seen some footage from this clip before, but now we get the full picture. It features a wingsuit pilot zipping down the French Alps in an attempt to give a foam hand a "high five" as he flies by. The video conveys an amazing sense of speed as he flies through the mountains with reckless abandon. This is one of the more impressive wingsuit videos I've seen in awhile, and will definitely provide a jolt of adrenaline for you today.

The North Face is Giving Money Away!

While we all know that The North Face is a great outdoor gear company, it also has some highly successful charitable ventures that it funds throughout the year as well. Two of those project are underway right now, and the company is giving away hundreds of thousands of dollars as a result.

The first of these ventures is the Explore Fund, a program that provides funding for nonprofit organizations that encourage people to get outside and interact with nature in a meaningful way. While the program is open to any outdoor-related nonprofit, it puts a particular emphasis on those that   are focused on motivating young people to get outside and pursue their own adventures. 

To be eligible for an Explore Fund grant, an organization must be a 501(c)(3) or in a formal relationship with such a qualified fiscal sponsor. Applications are being taken through April 17, with more than $500,000 available to help launch major initiatives. To start the application process, click here.

The other program that is currently accepting applications is the Hot Planet/Cool Athletes initiative, which is being conducted in association with the Protect Our Winters organization. The mission of Hot Planet/Cool Athletes is to educate future generations about the threats we face from global warming and climate change. With that in mind, middle schools and high schools are invited to submit a plan to receive a Powder Grant that would help fund projects that address environmental action in their schools or communities. The grants are valued at up to $10,000. Schools can also request an assembly given by a pro outdoor athlete, or a DVD that can be shown multiple times. For more info, visit HotPlanetCoolAthletes.com.

While both of these initiatives are quite different from one another, they demonstrate The North Face's commitment to protecting the environment and encouraging future generations to get outside and enjoy our planet to its fullest. While I respect the company for the often excellent gear that they produce, these kinds of programs give me an even greater sense of satisfaction about what they do.

Protect Our Winters Hot Planet/Cool Athletes Promo from protect our winters on Vimeo.

Backpacker Picks the Best New Gear of Spring 2015

With spring officially here, it is time to start planning some outdoor adventures, with hiking, backpacking, and camping trips on the agenda. It is also a good time to pick up some new gear for those excursions, and Backpacker magazine is here to help in that department.

The outdoor adventure-focused mag has recently published its spring gear guide, providing readers with lots of insights and information on a wide variety of products. For instance, their backpack overview alone covers more than 18 new packs, each of which were put to the test by over 160 different people in the field. Which packs came out on top? The team at Backpacker were especially fond of the new Atmos/Aura packs from Osprey, as well as the Baltoro and Deva from Gregory.

But backpack aren't the only gear items on the slate of products that were tested. The best new hiking boots were also run through the ringer, as were the latest sleeping bags and pads as well. The magazine even took a look at the top shell jackets, as well as the very best tents for the camping season ahead.

If you're in the market for some new backpacking gear this spring, than you'll definitely want to drop by the site and check out what products won the coveted "Editor's Choice" awards. If you're going to be spending your hard-earned dollars on new boots, packs, or tents, you want to ensure that you're selecting the best that your budget allows. As usual, the Backpacker team is very thorough in their methodology, and there is lots of good insight to be gleaned from their testing. Before you head out to your local gear shop, see what they had to say about the products you're considering adding to your gear closet.

Video: Adventure is Calling (Part 2)

A year or so back I posted a video that was made by three friends who quit their jobs to go off and travel across the U.S. for two months. Along the way they captured some amazing images of their journey and turned it into an inspirational short film called Adventure is Calling. Now, one of those travelers is back with a second video that continues on the theme of delivering inspiration to travel. This three-minute clip offers some stunning timelapse images from across the U.S. and Canada that will quite simply take your breath away. These are some of the most compelling outdoor settings that you'll find anywhere, and if you don't feel inspired to go find an adventure of your own after watching this, you should probably check yourself for a pulse. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Adventure Is Calling II from Shane Black on Vimeo.

Video: Climbing Manaslu Part 2 - The Summit

Last week I posted the first video from Alex Barber's climb of Manaslu last year, but didn't get the chance to share his second. That was a major oversight on my part because it includes the most important part, Alex reaching the summit of the mountain. You'll find that in the video below, which shares more of his solo expedition without oxygen.

At the moment, Alex is in Base Camp on Annapurna and preparing to make his first acclimatization rotation once the weather permits. He'll be attempting a solo, no O's summit on that mountain this spring as well.

Manaslu: The Summit (Part 2) from Alex Barber on Vimeo.

Video: Down Hill Mountain Biking in the Wilds of Africa

One of the great things about mountain biking is that it can take you to some amazingly remote places. Take this video for instance which follows a team of pro mountain bikers as they travel to Africa to explore some of the more wild areas there by mountain bike. They find some surprisingly good downhill to test their skills on along the way, as they barrel across the open landscapes. It looks like a fun place to go for a ride, and I certainly know I'd love to do some mountain biking in Africa.

Gear Closet: Cogito Connected Watch (Updated!)

Update: After applying a firmware update to the Cogito Classic watch the issues I've mentioned below about it not staying connected to my iPhone have pretty much disappeared. That said, the device now puts more of a hit on the battery of my phone as well. The tradeoff is that you have a much more reliable connection between the two devices for passing updates, messages, and so on.

One of the hottest trends in technology at the moment is in field of wearables. With the impending release of the Apple Watch, there is a lot of buzz about smartwatches can do for consumers, although it has yet to be seen if there is a true market for these products. But Apple's latest gadget isn't the first entry into this rapidly developing space. There are a number of options available, including a wide variety of Android Wear devices, and the very successful Pebble line as well. Recently, I've had a chance to catch a glimpse of what all the fuss is about while testing the Cogito Classic Connected Watch, a timepiece that both shows the potential of these products, and sheds some light on their shortcomings as well.

At first glance, the Cogito Classic doesn't look like it is a smartwatch at all. In fact, it actually appears to be a rather stylish casual watch that you would wear for many occasions without drawing attention to its tech-centric features. Available with a wide variety of leather, nylon, and metal bands, it can take on a surprising number of looks, while its stainless steel body is eye-catching without being overly flashy in any way. This isn't always the case with other smartwatches, many of which stand out due to their poor design. But while wearing the watch over the past few weeks I've had more than a few people compliment me on how good it looks. When I explain a bit further about what it can do, they are often intrigued further.

In addition to looking much like a normal watch, the Cogito Classic has a few tricks up its sleeve. With its integrated Bluetooth technology, it is capable of paring with your smartphone (both iOS and Android) to provide basic information right on your wrist. For instance, it can tell you when you have received new emails or app notifications, and alert you to upcoming appointments on your calendar. It will also tell you when you have a new text message as well, and display it on a tiny screen hidden on the watch face. It can even alert you to incoming phone calls, providing the caller ID on that same screen. The device is also able to act as a remote control for playing music from your smartphone, and can snap photos with its camera too. As if that wasn't enough, the watch also functions as a basic activity monitor as well, keeping track of the number of steps you take throughout the day as well.


Much of the functionality baked into this watch is meant to provide convenience for the user. The alerts and notifications allow you to have some idea of what is going on with your phone without ever having to take it out of your pocket or bag. This can be enormously helpful when you're in a meeting or other gathering where looking at your phone is frowned upon, as a glance at your watch is much more subtle and less distracting.

While in theory all of that sounds great, in the real world it doesn't always function as nicely as it could. For instance, the watch will buzz at you constantly to alert you that you have emails or notifications waiting, but it isn't capable of displaying any of those messages on its screen. You still end up having to take your phone out to see exactly what is waiting for you. That might be a good thing though, as the Classic's screen is so tiny that it is difficult to read much on it anyway. When it does display a text message or calendar alert, it needs to scroll multiple times just to give you the notification. You won't simply be glancing at your watch to read a text message, you'll have to wait patiently for it to appear on the very small display.

That said, it is nice to be able to see those text messages, calendar events, and caller ID's displayed on your wrist. This actually gives us a tantalizing hint of the potential that smartwatches could deliver, I just wish the Cogito could offer a bit more in that area. But that's part of the problem with the Classic, it feels like there is a lot of potential here, but it it is hamstrung somewhat by the small display and lack of full interactivity with either the iPhone or Android devices.

Cogito is very careful in marketing this product as a "connected" watch rather than a smartwatch. I think that is a wise move on their part, as this is clearly not in the same category as the Apple Watch, which will be capable of doing a heck of a lot more once it is released. Of course, Apple's product also comes at a much higher price tag than this one, and it needs to be recharged every day. Cogito uses standard watch batteries in their devices, and claims it only needs to be replaced about once a year.

One of the main problems I had with this watch was keeping it connected to my iPhone. Pairing the two devices via Bluetooth is a simple matter, but if they wander more than about 20-30 feet from one another, they'll loose their connection. Typically they'll automatically reconnect to one another once back in range, but not always. I've had to manually reconnect on more than one occasion, and sometimes it requires jumping through a few hoops to make that happen.

On top of that, there are sometimes delays in notifications arriving on the watch. On occasion I'll actually feel or hear my phone buzz to tell me I received a text message or some other kind of update, but it takes the watch awhile to actually refresh and display the alert. While I don't expect instantaneous updates, I would expect them to be a bit more consistent with timing. Anything more than a few seconds seems less convenient, as often I could have taken my phone out of my pocket, and read the message before the watch has passed on the alert.

I will say that Cogito stands behind the watch very nicely. The company continues to push out firmware updates to improve functionality and reliability, and they have routinely updated the iOS companion app as well. This is  good sign for anyone who is actually thinking of purchasing the Classic, as it means that you'll get a device that continues to improve and be refined. One example of this is the fitness tracking aspects of the watch. That wasn't part of its original feature set, but it was added later.

If you're in the market for a great looking watch that can provide some "connected" functionality than the Cogito Classic is a good buy. It's ability to provide notifications and alerts is useful, even if it doesn't deliver completely on the promise of a smartwatch. The basic fitness tracking features are a nice addition as well, and as a frequent traveler I appreciate its dual-time capability too. This watch is also quite affordable at $179.95, comparing favorably to the Apple Watch which starts at $350. Add in the fact that the battery lasts for months, rather than hours, and you can begin to see how the two companies have taken a different approach to putting technology on your wrist.

I am a person who pretty much wears a watch every waking hour of the day. As such, I have several watches to choose from depending on the days activities and the social setting. The Cogito Classic fits in nicely with that line-up, offering some extra functionality that I don't get out of the others in my collection. I appreciate that it is stylish and good looking too, although it now has me intrigued about what a more full featured smartwatch will be capable of. I'm not sure yet if I'll invest in an Apple Watch, but I definitely see the potential that is there.

Himalaya Spring 2015: Indian Army To Clear Trash From Everest

One of the major stories surrounding Everest that seems to rear its ugly head each spring is how the mountain has become a massive trash heap over the past two decades. While it is true that commercial climbing on the world's tallest mountain has had an adverse effect on the environment there, in recent years there has been a concerted effort to reverse that trend and to focus on cleaning up the mountain. Those efforts will continue this year with teams now required to carry out all of their trash, while others focus solely on removing waste that has been left on Everest from past expeditions.

According to a report from Time magazine, a team of 34 climbers from India will travel to Nepal this spring to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that country's first successful expedition to the summit of Everest. But rather than focusing on trying to reach the top, they'll have an entirely different goal in mind. The group – which are all members of the Indian Army – will be looking to remove more than 4000 kg (8800 pounds) of non-biodegradable trash from the mountain.

Team leader Ranveer Singh Jamval says that their efforts are to not to just clean up the tallest mountain on the planet, but also carry out an ambitious goal by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is making a similar push back home. Modi has institute a number of initiatives in his country aimed at cleaning up roads and other public spaces of trash. A task that is a major undertaking in a nation that has over 1 billion people.

While the state of environmental affairs on Everest is always good for making splashy headlines, it is important that people understand that there are efforts being made to clean up the mountain considerably. The Indian team is only one group that is doing so, but their work deserves to be recognized and saluted.


Meanwhile, in Kathmandu the climbers continue to arrive in droves. Earlier today Nick Cienski was amongst those that reached Nepal's capital city. He's the climber who has set an ambitious goal of summiting six 8000-meter peaks in a single year. He'll get things started this spring with Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. He'll now organize his gear and get ready to head out to the mountains soon, with Himex providing support for his expedition.

Finally, there is no change in the conditions on Annapurna, where the weather is still keeping the climbers in Base Camp. Several teams are ready to launch their summit bids there, but with heavy snow falling on the mountain it simply isn't safe to proceed up at the moment. Hopefully they'll get there chance soon.

That's all for today. More to come soon.

Video: Flying Through the Trees at the Panamericano Mountain Bike Race

Ever wonder what it is like to be a mountain bike racer on a tricky downhill run? Than have a look at this video, which is a POV shot of Marcel Gutierrez taking part in the 2015 Panamericano Cota held in Colombia. To say there is little room for error would be an understatement as he blasts down a narrow trail at breakneck speeds, dodging trees all the way. This is scary just watching this ride, I can't imagine actually trying to do it myself. If you're looking for a shot of adrenaline today, this will certainly provide it.

Video: Force - Climbing in Patagonia with Mikey Schaefer

Patagonia is legendary for its opportunities for adventure. This is particularly true when it comes to climbing and mountaineering. This short film takes us to that iconic place with climber Mikey Schaefer, who gives us a real, honest look at what it is like there. This is an incredibly well done documentary that assembles clips from from more than a decade of climbing in southern Chile and Argentina. In the video Mikey takes us on some of his most harrowing adventures, and gives us a profile of an amazing place that he has come to love.

Thanks to the Adventure Journal for sharing this. Great stuff as always guys!

Mikey Schaefer and FORCE from Patagonia on Vimeo.

Video: Skiing A Rad Couloir in Norway

The Øksehogget Couloir in Norway is the scene for this harrowing video that follows a bold skier down a wild, narrow chute. The couloir was named the raddest in all of Norway last year, and it only takes one look at it to understand why. It runs at an angle of between 45º and 50º, at an elevation of 600 meters (1968 ft), delivering a wild ride along the way. Don't try this at home kids. The results could be bad.
Beating your sluff in a tight spot from Nikolai Schirmer on Vimeo.

Afghan Women Use Climbing to Break Down Barriers

If you're in need of an inspiring story today, take a look at this article that comes our way via NPR. It tells the tale of some very courageous women in Afghanistan who have taken up climbing in a culture where women have few rights and their freedoms are greatly restricted.

The women who are taking this bold step are working in conjunction with a nonprofit called Ascend. The organization is looking to instill leadership and confidence in a new generation of Afghani women by showing them that they are capable of extraordinary things if given the opportunity. The hope is that these women can then serve as role models to others in their country, encouraging them to step forward as well. Climbing is providing them that strength and self-assuredness, as they test their own physical and mental limits on the rock.

The women face a number of challenges in their pursuit, not the least of which are cultural and religious barriers. Afghanistan is a conservative Muslim country after all, and what is typically permitted of women is very different than what we are use to here in the West. For many Afghanis, women should stay home, tend to the chores and children, and seldom speak their mind. Ascend's program runs counter to all of those deeply ingrained beliefs and challenges a way of life that has remained largely the same for hundreds of years.

That isn't the only challenge however. While Afghanistan is a rugged, mountainous country, climbing and mountaineering are only just now starting to become more popular there. This isn't too surprising considering the challenges that the country has faced over the past 50+ years. Only a handful of men there have taken up the pursuit of climbing mountains, which makes it all the more extraordinary that these women are doing it as well.

Ultimately, the goal is for an all-female team to travel to remote Mt. Noshaq – Afghanistan's tallest peak at 7491 meters (24,580 ft) – and attempt to summit it. To date, just two men have ever climbed the mountain, and if a women's team could repeat that feat, it would send a powerful message to others throughout the country, and the entire Muslim world. The ladies hope to achieve that goal sometime later this year, although they face a number of logistical obstacles to making that happen.

This is a great story and one that I highly recommend reading. It is inspiring to see climbing and mountaineering being put to good use in this way, and I hope these women get the chance to launch their expedition. What a great story that would make too.

Himalaya Spring 2015: Slow Start to the Season

The 2015 spring climbing season in the Himalaya is only a few days old, and already the weather is of primary concern for the teams. Over on Annapurna the heavy snow is keeping the climbers firmly in Base Camp while they wait to launch a summit bid. Meanwhile back in Kathmandu, most of the mountaineers are still arriving in the country only to discover that the weather is delaying their departure for the mountains as well.

Alan Arnette arrived on the scene yesterday and is preparing for his expedition to climb Lhotse this spring. Yesterday he shared a dispatch from Kathmandu with an update on the situation there. He reports that poor weather in the Khumbu Valley is keeping most teams from departing for the Everest region. Low hanging clouds in Lukla are preventing flights from landing or taking off at that notoriously dangerous airport. As a result, many climbers are stuck in Nepal's capital and waiting for the skies to clear. (By the way, ExWeb has a good interview with Alan that you can read here.)

It is not uncommon in the early part of the season to have weather keep flights grounded. Alan says that fog, rain, and heavy snow are making the Khumbu a challenge to get in and out of at the moment, and while many teams are heading to the Kathmandu airport, they end up waiting for hours for a flight that doesn't take off, only to return to their hotel at the end of the day once again. Hopefully conditions will improve soon and the anxious men and women can start their long trek to Everest Base Camp.

Speaking of EBC, most teams have already sent their support staff to the mountain, where they are busily preparing camp for the arrival of the climbers. Also in Base Camp on the South Side are the Icefall Doctors, the team of Sherpas whose job it is to build and maintain the route through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall. The team is already busy scouting and establishing the safest path through the Icefall, but they have not completed that task just yet. Until they do, no one will be able to climb up to Camp 1 or the higher portions of the mountain.

As mentioned, the teams are at a standstill on Annapurna where they are waiting for the weather to improve. But on Monday of this week American climber Alex Barber arrived in BC and is preparing for his solo attempt – sans O's – on the mountain. He was expected to have his Puja ceremony yesterday, which means he will now be free to begin his climb. Expect Alex to start his acclimatization rotations today or tomorrow, weather permitting of course.

Right now, it seems that everything is "hurry up and wait" in Kathmandu. But with a little patience things should start to move again soon. Teams will be on their way to Base Camp before they know it, and the true climbing season will begin at long last.