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Gear Junkies in Patagonia

What is it like to be truly remote and pushed to your physical and emotional limits in the wilderness?

This video, culled from clips taken by our race team on the go in remote Chile during the 2012 Patagonian Expedition Race, gives a solid glimpse into that question. …

read more – Gear Junkie

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

… the team managed a third-place finish …

… . . Coming into CP17, we were four hours behind the Japanese team, and we decided to gamble on a straight-line bushwhack through a valley in the night with only two hours of tent-less sleep. In the predawn light, just before the glacier pass at CP18, we came upon the Japanese. They were clearly surprised [they had been ahead for a while] and yet they greeted us warmly, forming a line with each one of them shaking each one of our hands, smiling, and saying “Good to see you.” It was surreal. They then shared a look and bolted. [Note: Team Eastwind, from Japan, ended up beating Team GearJunkie/YogaSlackers by about 30 minutes in the 10-day race.] …

High Insanity: Patagonian Exped Race

(via The Adventure Blog)

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John Muir Trail documentary

A preview of a new John Muir Trail documentary from Cirque Productions. This is ideal for anyone considering the adventure, who’s never been there before.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Watch a longer preview on Vimeo. Or watch the entire feature here. ($8)

official website – highsierradoc.com

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Dientes Circuit trip report

Sebastian Irazuzta via email:

… In 2010 I was inspired by the trek you have posted on Navarino Island in the South of Chile. After some research my wife and I decided to take our Canadian winter vacation to Southern Chile and Argentina and see the wilderness of Navarino Island for ourselves. I have posted a short description along with some photos and videos of this trip on Everytrail. …

That’s an interactive map. Click on the image to see it.

I should mention that the weather was sometimes amazingly harsh.

Despite this, I think it was one of the nicest wilderness treks I have
done. I think you may find this post interesting in that I have
uploaded my GPS tracks for the entire trail. This is something I wish
I had had when I was on the trail myself as some sections were
difficult to navigate by map alone due to bad weather.

Thanks Sebastian!

Check out Dientes information page.

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Hike Guy to Sierras

Kolby, the Hike Guy, is prepping for a June 1st start on a major trek in California:

… my plan is to hike a good portion of the Sierra, from Walker Pass to Twin Lakes, covering more than 400 miles by both trail and unmarked route. I’m estimating that the trek will take me more than 60 days to complete. Speed is not my desire. I hope to take my time to enjoy trees, flowers, and mountains. To “make its acquaintance,” as John Muir put it.

As I’m out there, you are welcome to follow along online. I hope to post updates here as well on Twitter. (@TheHikeGuy).

Gear
I’ve noticed that the more time I have for planning a long-distance hike, the more I think about upgrading my gear. …

Sierra Trek 2012 – Update 1

related – Colby’s famed “Condor’s PCT Adventure in 3 Minutes” video

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Google Earth flyover Everest Base Camp

Kraig Becker is getting revved up for the 2012 Spring season on Everest:

… The video below gives you a good idea of what that trek is like. It was created with Google Earth and give an accurate representation of the terrain that surrounds you while hiking through the region. Those that have visited the Khumbu before will recognize some familiar sights, including that grueling hike up the hill into Namche Bazaar, while those just following along at home can get a better sense of scale for the region. …

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Adventure Blog – Video: Trekking To Everest Base Camp With Google Earth

related – my 2009 17-day Everest trek via Lukla

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barefoot running backlash

Predictable.

There had to be a downside to running in bare feet.

Science of Sport:

Vibram shoes named in lawsuit: The danger of barefoot running

Vibram Five-finger named in lawsuit – zealousness, unfiltered advice creates more problems than it fixes

The main problem seems to be heel strike impact force.

related – ‘Born to Run’ author helping search for Boulder ultrarunner Micah True

True, better known as Caballo Blanco, went missing while out on a run.

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Long Beach, Vancouver Island

Randall St. Germain loves the rugged west coast of Canada:

… One of my favorite photos. I don’t remember ever seeing a cloud reflection on the beach before. Looking toward toward Combers Beach with Wickaninnish Beach in the distance. …

see more pics – BEAUTIFUL SPRING DAYS AT LONG BEACH, PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK

Randall’s the author of Camino de Santiago in 20 Days, by the way.

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Grand Canyon slots

A new documentary, Last of the Great Unknown, looks terrific.

It will premiere at the 2012 5point Film Festival in Carbondale Colorado, April 26-29th.

Click PLAY or watch the trailer on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/37927326

Deep within the Grand Canyon’s vast wilderness are secret and intimate tributaries rarely visited by man, hiding some of the Canyon’s most remarkable features.

The barrier to entry is steep. To explore them, one must have a knowledge of backpacking, packrafting, rappeling, anchor building, and off-trail navigation. The Last of the Great Unknown is the story of these slots, the canyoneers who systematically explored their drainages, and the secrets hidden deep within their walls.

official website

(via Northern California Hiking Trails)

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Pacific Crest Trail intro

The purpose of this audio slideshow (originally made for The Clymb) is to offer a glimpse into world of thru-hiking and inspire anyone considering a long distance trek to get out there and do it.

Completing the Pacific Crest Trail is an epic and life-changing experience; it can also be taxing and just plain shitty. Success often comes down to mindset and preparation.

Wend

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Hiking Whitsunday Coast – Great Barrier Reef

Flight Centre’s in-house copywriter Lyndon Barnett is an avid hiker. He recently visited Tropical North Queenslands Whitsunday Coast of the Great Barrier Reef, which is easy to reach with domestic flights from the major cities of Australia such as Sydney and Brisbane.

Most visitors come to the Whitsundays to relax on the islands and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef – both of which are perfectly legitimate reasons to appreciate this incredible destination. However hikers might also be interested to know that the region has some terrific day hikes.

Around two hour’s drive south of Airlie Beach is the Eungella National Park. I really enjoyed hiking the various walks through the sub-tropical rainforest – the views across the valley are spectacular. The park itself is part of the wider Great Dividing Range that stretches the entire east coast of Australia. One of the big attractions for kids of all ages is the opportunity to spot a wild platypus swimming in the nearby river.

Whitsunday Coast
Whitsunday Coast

About the Author: Lyndon Barnett has travelled independently to 68 countries and extensively throughout Australia. He currently resides in Brisbane, Queensland.