Cycling Vancouver Island

One of the main attractions of the Pacific Northwest is the opportunity to hike and cycle year round.

The climate is relatively mild, even on Vancouver Island.

Getting ready for my hiking / cycling adventures in Europe summer 2024, I put together this video in Parksville, B.C.

Mainly I wanted to test my NEW DJI Mini 4 Pro Dronefollow me” capabilities — as well as the obstacle avoidance.

Does it work? 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube to find out.

CRASHED my NEW DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone 😢

For hiking summer 2024 I upgraded my drone from the DUMBEST in the DJI Mini line-up to the best.

DJI Mini 4 Pro

As I’m often alone on the trail, I wanted “follow me” features as well as the best obstacle avoidance I could get.

First flight I was impressed.

BUT trying to hand catch the Mini 4 — I crashed it.

Oops. Not a good start.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Now have the DJI RC-N2 controller with the built-in screenNo longer need to hook up my phone. 

I got the full Fly More Kit which includes 3 batteries, charging hub, carrying case, and extras.

Not inexpensive at CAD $1500 including tax.

Of course buying a warranty is essential. I paid CAD $170 (USD $125) / 2 years. I can replace the drone carcass up to 3 times. But IF I lose the drone, no warranty coverage. 

I bought some accessories, as well:

I could have gone for the slightly less expensive Mini 3, but decided on the 4 for these features:

  • 360 degree obstacle avoidance
  • better low light video
  • it has a built-in light, so I can see the drone in the sky at dusk or dawn
  • more Quickshot options

Most importantly, super powerful Activetrack.

The drone will follow-me wherever I go, avoiding obstacles so I need not manually watch it every second

Adventure Racing World Championship 2025

The extremely harsh World Championships of Adventure Racing will be hosted by Canada in British Columbia. Host city Penticton.

Adventure Racing World Series Announces Canada as the 2025 World Championship Destination

I’d love to be involved somehow as a volunteer. Perhaps roving VIDEO crew.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Here’s a good documentary of the 2023 Worlds in South Africa.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (41min)

180km Torres Del Paine, Patagonia – SOLO

Harmen Hoek captured the best video I’ve seen of the famed O-trek (including the W-trek).

It’s wonderful. And yet provides clear warning of the drastic, quickly changing weather.

Expect some of the heaviest rains and strongest winds of your life. Even if the first few days are sunny.

Getting bookings for this adventure is super challenging. Check our Paine Information page for details.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (27min)

0:00 Puerto Natales
0:50 Mirador Base Las Torres (1st time)
3:40 Day 1 – Glacier and Camp Dickson
10:06 Day 2 – Glacier and Camp Los Perros
13:46 Exploring the Puma Glacier
15:45 Day 3 – Glacier Grey and Paso John Garner
21:08 Day 4 – Storm to Mirador Británico
24:35 Day 5 – Sunrise at Mirador Base Las Torres
26:38 Outro with photos