Posts

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new Half Dome permit system

Remember the good old days when no Yosemite permit was needed?

… Since the permit system for climbing the cables on Half Dome was established two years ago, there has been quite a bit of conflict and frustration around the “first come, first serve” system. After the initial balking at the “reservation fee” required for permits, the attention soon shifted to the larger problem: permit scalpers. …

… the park service will be implementing a new strategy for Half Dome permits this year. Rather than a first come, first serve situation, those hoping to climb the cables this summer will be able to submit their name (and up to 6 guests) into a lottery for $4.50 online (or $6.50 over the phone). This reservation fee is non-refundable.

… The other major change is that the permits will no longer be transferable. …

Daily Hiker

It’s worth it if you’ve never been. Click PLAY or watch an awesome time lapse video on Vimeo.

(via Yosemite Blog)

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on Google Privacy

You may have been contacted by Google:

We’re getting rid of over 60 different privacy policies across Google and replacing them with one that’s a lot shorter and easier to read. …

These changes will take effect on March 1, 2012.

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Some are freaking out.

That’s dopey. Not much is changing. Here’s a much more measured assessment:

Read Write Web – Tech World Overreacts to Google’s New Privacy Policy – How Does It Affect You?

… You know what you can do? Stop sharing things you don’t want tracked. …

Before and after March 1st best advice is not to do anything online you’ll regret in future. Somebody, somewhere could be tracking it. And it probably won’t be Google. They’re one of the least evil players.

If you want to dig into this deeper, the best authority is Jeff Jarvis. He’s the author of:

• What Would Google Do?
• Public Parts

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Trails360.com

I’m liking the layout.

Mostly Utah. But looking to expand to the best western States.

Check a sample – Mt Timpanogos Summit (via Aspen Grove)

Stats, Elevation Profile, Popularity, “Followability”, Photos, Directions.

Not bad. 🙂

There are some dead end pages. (e.g. Idaho) … I could do without those.

And there’s no RSS feed. So no easy way for me to know about new hikes. I’m not likely to return very often.

Thank Adam Gilbert, James Meyer and Donna Coleman for the new online resource.

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barefoot to Kilimanjaro

The barefoot movement is going too far with this project.

Ross on Science of Sport:

Only 3 days to go before I jet off to Kilimanjaro to tackle Africa’s highest summit, and the world’s highest free-standing mountain…barefoot…

My mission is to help get ONE person to the top barefoot, and to do it safely. …

The Barefoot Kilimanjaro Challenge

It’s an attention getter, that’s for sure. Funds raised go to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in South Africa.

related – Killian Jornet record for summitting Kilimanjaro in light shoes – 7 hours 14 minutes return. (VIDEO)

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Skurka – How I Make a Living as an Adventurer

You’d think the greatest hiker all-time would be able to make a reasonable living off it.

Nope.

I live on little. When I first became a full-time adventurer, my finances dictated that I do. Now, I’m stuck firmly in my frugal ways. I only buy what I need, usually only when it’s on sale. I rent month-to-month so I can avoid paying rent when I’m gone for extended periods. All of my possessions can be transported in my Pontiac Vibe (with roof rack and box). And I have intentionally avoided costly “grown up” responsibilities like mortgages, a spouse, kids, and pets.

Because I don’t need much to be comfortable and happy, I don’t need to earn much either.

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andrewskurka.com

(via TrailSpace)

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1700mi 90lbs lost in 3min

I’ve been following Kolby Kirk — the Hike Guy — for some years. This is his best work yet.

Recorded on the Pacific Crest Trail during the 2011 thu-hiking season. 159 days, 1,700 miles hiked, and ninety pounds lost. Make sure you watch it all the way to the end.

Click PLAY or watch it on Vimeo.

I’m thinking to do a week or two on the PCT in 2012. I’ll need Kolby’s top 5 PCT NECESSITIES.

(via BuzzFeed)

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International Appalachian Trail Ireland 120sec

In April 2010 Greenland became the seventh chapter of the International Appalachian Trail. The route is on the Nussuaq Peninsula near Uummannaq Fjord.

Greenland was followed by Scotland in June, when the West Highland Way became the first IAT trail in Europe.

In October 2010 the IAT expanded further into Europe when nine new chapters joined … The new chapters include Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, England, Ireland, Wales, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland.

In 2011 the IAT plans to expand to Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

The Irish leg begins at the Slieve League cliffs in Co Donegal and proceeds eastwards along the Bluestacks Way and then the Ulster Way and finally the Causeway Coast Way terminating in Ballycastle, Co Antrim.

Click PLAY or watch the first Irish thru-hike on YouTube.

I’m thinking it would be easier simply to name ALL hikes in the world part of the IAT. 🙂