Race me to the Pole

Here’s a twist to the charity Adventure theme:

In April 2013, Gavin Bate will be trekking 550km from Resolute Bay in Canada to the Magnetic North Pole.

You can race him to the pole by donating to the charity Moving Mountains Trust.

Every £1 you donate equates to 25 metres of progress by Team MM! The target is £22,000. The aim is to beat Gavin to the Pole!

map

Gavin’s the real deal.

He’s already climbed the Seven Summits. And is planning for the ‘Explorers Grand Slam’.

The 7 — and both Poles. 🙂

details on the official website – racemetothepole.com

Thanks Hannah.

Trekking around MANASLU

Timing is perfect.

A new guidebook for the start of the Himalayan hiking and climbing Spring season.

Himalayan Map House is delighted to announce the publication of a new trekking guide to the Manaslu & Tsum Valley region – the fastest growing trekking destination in Nepal.

… Manaslu and the Tsum Valley are rapidly becoming the new trekking destination for both experienced and novice trekkers. As if these two treks were not enough to savour, the book also introduces new treks in the Lower Manaslu area around historic Gorkha, as far north as the Rupina La route. Also within the book are some fledgling routes below little-known Ganesh Himal, including the Ruby Valley.

It may not have the aura of Everest or Annapurna, but the majestic mountain of Manaslu (8163m) has a remote charm that calls on all trekkers to discover the undiscovered. Lush forests, terraced hillsides, mysterious canyons, gargantuan summits and Buddhist culture are enticing. For so long beyond the horizon, the Tsum Valley is astonishing and secretive. Hilltop monasteries, traditional villages,

colourful people, enigmatic yaks and hundreds of mani walls, chortens and kani gates add to the compulsive blend.

guidebook

That’s where I’m headed next trip to Nepal.

50 miles to Petra

An article by Trailblazer’s Tony DaSilva — World’s Best Hikes: Petra Through the Back Door, Jordan — caught my eye.

When I visited Petra in 1994, myself and an Aussie friend followed sheep herders down into the complicated gully system, assuming they would make their way down to water.

We were correct. And called it the “back door” to Petra.

This is a different back door.

details – Dana Reserve to Petra

50 miles, 7 days

… Go with Adventure Jordan, the local company that discovered this 50-mile route through the deserts, mountains, and peaks of Jordan.

Obama visited Petra — through the front door — just the other day.

petra_big

10 Lifetime Hiking Trails

Luc Foin, cofounder of Baladeo, a French backpacking gear company, posted this excellent info graphic.

Baladeo promotes a “Roots Travelling” mindset to inspire globettroters & independent travelers.

Tsitsikamma coast – Dolphin, not Otter

The luxury, guided alternative to the famed Otter. Same gorgeous South African scenery.

For two magical days you can now hike the magnificent Tsitsikamma Coast with no heavy backpack, and spend three nights in comfort at different accommodation venues!

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

official website – Dolphin Trail

Annapurna Circuit and Nepal

Great edit.

A glimpse into a wonderful 5 week adventure.

Click PLAY or watch it on Vimeo.

Check our ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT information page.

Be warned the trek has been degraded in recent years by road building. If that bothers you, head for one of the many good Himalayan alternatives.

(via Adventure Blog)