Best hikes, treks, tramps in the world.
I’d been shopping for a hooded down jacket for months on a recommendation from Rob Glaser. Could not resist this one at the bargain sale price of $107.
Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero SL Down Parka – Men’s
Actually, only the women’s version was on sale. It fits me great.
I’ve used it several times now, even sleeping in it on our Mt. Adams climb.
I’ll carry a relatively light sleeping bag to offset the weight of this relatively heavy jacket.
A GPS Unit Even Your Mother Could Use
Finally, a SIMPLE GPS.
Bushnell 36-0050 BackTrack GPS Navigation System
(via Popgadget to Ohgizmo to The Goat to Adventure Blog)
I’ve added this to my Christmas wish list. I could certainly have used one in the past.
Kurt Repanshek from the States reports:
… Imagine if the National Parks Conservation Association, or the Sierra Club, or The Wilderness Society reported that the U.S. government deserved credit for an “extraordinary year” in protecting the National Park System. That would be some news, wouldn’t it?
Well, that’s not the case. However, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society did have that to say about the Canadian government. In looking back over the past 12 months (from July 2007 to July 2008), CPAWS reports that “Canada’s federal and provincial governments deserve credit for ‘an extraordinary year’ of progress in protecting the country’s parks and wilderness areas.”
Why the praise? Well, there are several reasons. …
Much more is left to preserve in Canada than the U.S.A.
I wish the B.C. and / or Canadian Government would do something to protect the coastline of Nootka Island.
Nootka Trail Hiking Adventure – Paul Talbot – Club Tread
CONGRATS.
Greg sets his 3rd world record by pedaling his human powered boat 245.16 km in 24 hours
Location: Whitefish, Montana.
The Adventure Blog gave a shout out to an outdoor adventure site called mntnLIFE.com.
It’s social networking where content is mostly generated by users.
I clicked through the “earth” section to see what hikes had been added so far. Here’s a sample page for the excellent Mt Katahdin, Maine scramble we posted recently:
screenshot
See the original page.
Looks good.
I’ve joined as a member. (Free)
Check it put using the powerful search functions starting from the home page: mntnlife.com
I’m still researching Tahoe … though my upcoming hike there might be postponed. (Sadly, I’ve started a new job.)
A list from TrailsTV.com:
Eagle Falls / Eagle Lake
Emerald Bay – Vikingsholm
Glacier Meadow Loop
Loch Leven Lakes
Lower Lola Montez Lake
Marlette Lake
Shirley Lake
Summit Lake
Tunnel Creek Station
Nice looking site. I’ve just subscribed.
Should we try to carry them on to the plane taped up in a cardboard mailing tube?
Here’s the reply from the Canadian Air Transportation Security Office:
While hiking poles are not specifically listed on Transport Canada’s list of items prohibited in carry-on baggage, it is important to note that some items, depending on their size, shape or other characteristics, may be classified as penetrating objects and thus prohibited by the screening authority because of their possible adaptability and/or dual use.
The air carrier also retains the right to refuse any item it feels could present a threat to aviation security. If a passenger is unsure whether an item will be permitted in their carry-on baggage, they should pack the item in their checked baggage and/or contact their air carrier in advance of their departure date for more information. …
Best pack them carefully inside your cargo luggage.
It’s too risky to try to carry them on.
Leki sells a Trekking Pole Travel Bag if a cardboard tube is too unfashionable for you.
In 2006 a climber disrobed on the summit of Mt. Everest. Ang Tshering, president of Nepal Mountaineering Association, was not amused.
I assume the highest nudist in history was inspired by the example of George Mallory.
Howard Somervell (left), without trousers, Arthur Wakefield (centre) without boots and George Mallory (right) naked after fording a stream en route to Everest. Mallory was known by team members to favour nude bathing!
Artist / photographer: George Finch. Date: 1922 – source
Mallory was the inspiration for the Nude Mountaineering Society. Here’s the President, the unfortunately named Hank Wangford.
Wangford in Yosemite – Strippers with altitude – Guardian
Actually, Wangford is a stage name for an English comedian and country and western songwriter. His actual name is Dr. Samuel Hutt.
(via Get Outdoors)
… widely considered the crown jewel in the extensive system of national parks and biological reserves spread across the country. The ecological variety is quite stunning. National Geographic has called it “the most biologically intense place on Earth”. Not only is the park very popular with tropical ecologists, a visitor can expect to see an abundance of wildlife. …
Simon Thomsett posted a terrific trip report with photos:
Five of us, led by Guido Sabario, walked 18km into Corcovado National Park, to stay 2 nights at Sirena, the park’s central HQ. I was impressed by the lack of vehicle access to the park. It was only accessible by foot, or by boat or plane, no cars. To back-pack without park or local community guides among potentially dangerous wildlife is a luxury these days and virtually unacceptable in now over-regulated Africa. …
The reptiles had their fair share of lethal contenders, first and foremost the dreaded Fer-de-Lance, a pit viper responsible for more deaths than any other animal here. You do not mess with the Fer-de-Lance because it lies like a Puff Adder and chases like a Mamba. It strikes readily and boots are the formal wear. Being an old bush hand familiar with snakes, I wore sandals at first and scoffed at the chances of being hit. But as the days went on, I saw more snakes than one ever would see back home. I began to notice that macho young men strode about in gum boots and wore a huge panga (Machete) that hung from the belt almost to the ground. “Good for whacking the Fer-de-Lance†said Juanky. We were up in the hills one day and I was briefly allowed to lead the way when I saw, to my horror, that my left sandal was coming down in slow motion upon the back of a Fer-de-Lance. God intervened and I was able to …
Fer-de-Lance – larger image – flickr – puroticorico
read the rest of the trip report – Trekking through Corcovado NP
related sites:
besthike.com 