So you want to start getting into the sport of Canyoneering? Well this month I’d like to give you some info to point you in the right direction. I’ll include links to websites with lots of detailed information about starting in the sport, but this should give you a place to start. I’ve also included a 10 minute compilation of various canyons in Utah to give you an idea of what kinds of canyons you can explore there.
tiny laptop, full keyboard, satphone
It’s tiny (although bigger than a PDA), it looks great for expedition blogging. Connect it up to a solar panel and a satphone/3G/GPRS/WiFi connection and you’re away. I like it and I like it allot!
There are no firm details yet other than it having a finger print reader for security.
Geared Up includes a video clip of how it works.
Team Geared Up Blog » Expedition Gadget: The Folding Laptop
waterproof camcorder – Oregon Scientific ATC2K
For the second time in two days I hear raves for Oregon Scientific products.
Very nice new gadget for the holidays. The ATC2K is waterproof to 3 meters, shock resistant, and easily clips to your helmet, head or handlebars via an accessory kit made for action sports. So you can surf with this. Ski with it. Climb with it. Whatever, and you don’t have to worry about sweat, rain, snow, or water. It takes full color digital video in 640 X 480 VGA at 30 frames per second, which is fine for the web, because really where does anyone watch video any more? And at $130 retail …, it’s good value, especially compared to the only competitor it has, the Samsung SC-X205L Sports Digital Camcorder.
Get Outdoors – Oregon Scientific ATC2K Waterproof Camcorder – Getoutdoors.com Outdoor Blog
Oregon Scientific ATC-1000 Hands-Free Video Action Camera – Play Hard, Record Everything!
if I could walk on water …
… I wouldn’t need a hiking kayak.
Massachusetts inventor Yoav Rosen just received patents for these water walking devices. … Rosen’s company, Wavewalk, specializes in creating water craft that can be used standing up.
Walk the Atlantic – GetOutdoors.com GO Blog
Watch a demonstration on Google Video.
da Vinci forgot to patent it after roughing out the potential prototype.
image – GizMag.com
video – water filter race
bodiak filmed a pumpfight between his Pur filter and his hiking buddy’s MSR.
The MSR won.
Just for fun click PLAY or watch the video on YouTube.
When Katadyn (Pur) saw this clip they sent bodiak a free Guide Pro, their fastest pump, for a rematch. (Yet to be filmed)
Banff Mountain Film Festival – world tour
These outdoor films shows are always fantastic. They present full features and “highlights” events — both are excellent.
Check the Banff Centre website for a showing in your region: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour schedule.
Banff Mountain Photography Competition winner – Andrew Querner of Canmore, Canada, awarded 2006 Grand Prize for his photo Cirque of the Unclimbables.
Fundy Trail Footpath, New Brunswick
We would love to add this magnificent coastal hike to our list of the best hikes in the world. After all, the Bay of Fundy may have the highest tides in the world!
But the Fundy Trail is not ready — yet.
There is no public transport to any trailhead. Tourism New Brunswick is not promoting the trail actively.
EastLink Door-to-Door ShuttleExpress does offer private, charter transportation from Moncton to the trailhead and back. Contact them for a quote.
But if you want to get in on a future “best hike in the world” early, check the official website:
The Fundy Trail Footpath at Fundy Trail Parkway St. Martin’s New Brunswick
Trail Description:
… Big Salmon River to the boundaries of Fundy National Park, a total distance of 41km (24mi). The rugged Fundy terrain leads up and down from an elevation of 0 to 300 metres across a dozen ravines.
The recommended travel time for experienced backpackers is estimated 4 to 5 days.
We ask if you could register by calling the Interpretive Centre at Big Salmon River 506 833-2019; fax 506 833-2028 or email fundytp@nbnet.nb.ca.
Fundy Footpath Map Kits and Emergency Maps with GPS co-ordinates are available at the Interpretive Centre on the Fundy Trail or by ordering from Friends of the Fundy Footpath, 24 Cherry Court, Riverview, NB E1B 4K2 or email footpath@nbnet.nb.ca. The cost of the maps are $12.00 plus tax ($2 for shipping if ordering by mail).
… The campsites are primitive, water treatment is necessary, fires are not permitted, and a backpacker stove is recommended.
… the Goose River presently can only be crossed at low tide. This is a wilderness trail and at certain points there are no residences within 15 miles. Cellular phones will not work in all areas, …
Access Points:
> Western Portion – Big Salmon River on the Fundy Trail
> Eastern Portion – Fundy National Park
> Central – Sussex-Waterford – trail is accessed by secondary and wood roads via the Catamount Trail
INKAFEST Mountain Film Festival
From August 10th to 12th, Huaraz, Peru played host to the 2nd annual festival of movies about mountain sports and adventure. INKAFEST will then be coming to El Colegio de los Reyes Rojos in Barranco, Lima from the 24th to 26th of August; and Arequipa and Cuzco in September.
For further details check with South American Explorers.
Glacier, Yellowstone & Grand Teton wildlife
When choosing the best hikes in the world, the chance to see interesting flora and fauna is an important factor.
On a 4-day hiking & biking car camping trip we saw moose, bison, antelope, bear, deer, elk, mountain goat and more.
Click PLAY on the video below or see the animals on YouTube.
music – Broken Social Scene
Actually, this was the first time I’d seen the large North American Pronghorn Antelope. And we only saw the one in the video.
Will Gadd climbs an iceberg
Ice Climbing Icebergs with Will Gadd – National Geographic Adventure Magazine
Very cool.
UPDATE: Kids can start training on an inflatable pool iceberg.
besthike.com 