Just downloaded an audio version (unabridged) of this book. I’ve always enjoyed Thubron.
… I’m contemplating a trekking trip in Asia, needless to say.
climber found alive on Mt Adams
We climbed Mt Adams this summer. It was a walk in the park.
Not so for Derek Mamoyac who fell when snow gave way under his feet.
A 27-year-old Oregon climber who survived five days on southern Washington’s Mount Adams with a broken ankle told rescuers he ate centipedes and drank water from creeks as he tried to crawl to safety. …
… ate centipedes and other bugs after running out of food early in the week. He drank water from creeks.
He was wearing water-resistant pants, insulated boots and gloves but was still very cold. …
Thank God for the search dog.
(via Sierra Blogging Post)
related news reports – Google
Be careful out there.
first National Park in China
Good news.
China’s Environmental Protection Department and National Tourism Administration have been authorized to build the first National Park in Tangwanghe of Heilongjiang Province. …
(source via Camping Blogger on Twitter)
hike Cougar Creek, Canmore, Canada
I posted a few photos from our Saturday Autumn day hike.
larger version – flickr
We walked to this spot in less than half an hour out the door of Kelly and Lexi’s new home in Canmore, Alberta. Very close to the headquarters of the Alpine Club of Canada. Canmore is one of the best outdoor adventure towns in the world.
It’s ideal for dog walking … except that Cougar Creek is named such for a reason. Pets are at risk in this part of the mountains.
Ash
Fall is my favourite season for mountain walking. No bugs. Crisp, clean air. Magical.
see all my photos – hiking Cougar Creek, Canmore, Alberta, Canada set
hiking Hawaii on the cheap
I hiked Hawaii for the first time this past Spring. And it’s been much on my mind since.
When can I get back for more?
My friends Lexi and Kelly hiked in Kauai this past year too. They very much liked Polihale State Park:
Also the Nualolo and Awaiawaipuhi trails:
We agreed that Hawaii can be VERY inexpensive. You only need a tent, a rent-a-car and hiking packs. Beach campsites in Kauai cost $3-5 / night.
My inexpensive lunch with a view:
Taiwan ridge walk – Bijia Shan
I did some research on hiking in Taiwan earlier this year.
Here’s a trip report on the Pashan blog called Bijia Shan: A Ridge Walk from Maokong to Shiding.
I particularly liked this photo:
He collected about 20 leeches en route.
I’ve only had leeches once on a hike (Sri Lanka), but it was a very interesting experience.
Check the rest of the photos from Robert Scott Kelly – Bijia Shan: A Ridge Walk from Maokong to Shiding
Trailguru and RunKeeper for iPhone
I do not (yet) own an iPhone or iTouch. But these kind of applications are tempting me.
Simple GPS interface software.
Download Trailguru and capture your outdoor activities using the iPhone 3G’s integrated GPS.
Both these two iPhone applications are now free.
Jason Jacobs of Fitness Keeper, the developers of RunKeeper, announced yesterday that the company is going to make the application available for free …
There are other options including The Running GyPSy and iTrail. All offer more than the basic Nike + iPod Sport Kit.
related article: TUAW Faceoff: Nike + iPod versus iPhone 3G Challengers
Grand Traverse, New Zealand for $100
The Grand Traverse starts on the shores of Lake Wakitipu and stretches the length of the Greenstone and Routeburn Valleys, crossing the main divide twice in the process. The Greenstone and Routeburn Tracks have long been New Zealand’s most accessible and popular routes into the spectacular South Island high country.
The Grand Traverse passes through two national parks: Fiordland and Mount Aspiring, and is part of Te Wahipounamu, South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. The pristine bush is home to a myriad of native birdlife: the Robin; Kea; Fantail; Parakeet; Bellbird; and Yellowhead, just to name a few. The sheer isolation and raw beauty of the Greenstone provide the perfect stage for the breathtaking scenery of the Routeburn. An unsurpassable combination to make a memorable walking experience. …
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Sure you could sign on with the tour (above). It costs between $1,600 and $2,500 New Zealand, depending on what optional extras one prefers. … Or you could do it independently like Scottwoz for about $100.
Here’s his independent trip report:
… Most of the scenery and landscape we covered was nothing short of spectacular and over the course of the five days we got to see a lot more than we should have, certainly more than the law of averages would normally allow. We hiked, on average, around six hours each day and covered an incredibly diverse terrain. …
In the Thick of it … The Grand Traverse, New Zealand – trip report
Sign me up.
I’m planning a return to New Zealand in 2011.
Top 15 Adventure Towns …
Yet another top ##, this one by Chris Weiss on Matador Trips.
These towns are the best in the world for adventure!
I’ve visited 8 of the … 14, actually. And bolded the best towns for hiking. AND added links to a few of our best hikes out of these destinations.
1. Valdez, Alaska
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
West Coast Trail
3. Jackson, Wyoming
4. Moab, UT
Chesler Park Devil’s Garden Syncline Loop Upper Salt Creek
5. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
6. Turrialba, Costa Rica
7. Arequipa, Peru
Misti Volcano Colca Canyon
8. Futaleufu, Chile
Torres del Paine Around Monte Fitz Roy
9. Grytviken, South Georgia Island
10. Cape Town, South Africa
11. Interlaken, Switzerland
TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc)
12. Voss, Norway
13. Shegar, Tibet
14. Queenstown, New Zealand
Milford Track and many others …
details and photos – Top 15 Adventure Towns Worldwide
I’ll move to Queenstown or Moab first. Shegar and Valdez last. Actually, Grytviken very last.
Queenstown – original – flickr – PhillipC
(via Bluepeak)
trekking the Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda
I would love to have joined in on this 2005 guided trip in the Rwenzori Mountains:
The plan is simple. 6 days total: 3 climbing, 1 day at the top, 2 days to go down. 3 huts. 8 trekkers, 15 porters, 2 cooks and 2 guards.
The second hut marks the end of rivers. At 3500 meters, we are above the evening clouds. …
… surrounded by three park guards and our two cooks.
see the rest of the photos posted by Canadian Kim Gjerstad now living in Uganda.
Easier, perhaps, though you still need armed guards, would be trekking the Central Circuit:
The main trail, known as the Central Circuit, can be completed in about 4-10 days, depending on the itinerary one chooses. …
besthike.com 