Best hikes, treks, tramps in the world.
One of the great innovations in my lifetime was the Tikka headlamp. Good illumination for reading, astonishing battery life, and so lightweight I actually carry 2 in my pack. Of course there are many good competitors.
Tip — install fresh batteries at the start of the trip.
Amazon.com: Petzl E43P2 Tikka LED Headlamp
In the death zone everyone is at risk. It’s not an Olympic yacht race. The same rules do not apply.
Anyone who climbs that high knows the risks.
As I write at least 10 have died during the 2006 Everest high season. Thomas Weber died on the way up at 8,700m. His partner David Sharp freaked out on the way down and died 300m below the summit. Perhaps 40 climbers passed unwilling or unable to save him.
They were criticized by Edmund Hillary — but I don’t judge them. I’m not sure what I would do.
Lincoln Hall, another day, was left for dead at 8,800m. He survived overnight, a miracle, and was helped down the mountain next day.
What I am saying is that this issue is more complicated than it seems. Read Beck Weathers uplifting book Left For Dead before you pass judgement.
For years we have been waiting for the opening of the North Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, an extension to the existing Cape Scott Trail. It seems we cannot book in for summer 2006, however.
May 11 2006
The province should ante up for the North Coast Trail. A real, long-term sustainable project, the North Coast Trail is a safe bet that has the potential to be the turn card for tourism on the North Island.
With nearly $1 million already invested by the federal government, the call is to the provincial government to make a moderate contribution of $250,000 to the pot.
And timing is everything. With usage limitations on the West Coast Trail and limited access to Nootka Island, the North Coast Trail could be the next backcountry conquest for many serious backpackers, who are ready for a new adventure on Vancouver Island.While the province plays it close to the (treasure) chest, other North Island tourism prospects are dimming with the reality of a reduced ferry service that makes large tourism operators nervous. With summer nearly upon us, it is imperative to get the trail completed before more backcountry hikers and others are turned away.
And it’s not just the tourists and hikers leaving the trail table. What about the backpackers’ hostel in Port Hardy, built to accommodate the anticipated increase in hikers? How long can such businesses last unless Cape Scott and the new trail are ready for summer?
The North Coast Trail Society is to be commended for courageously working on the project for many years.
They have dealt well, the federal government has played well and now it is time for the provincial government to sweeten the pot of the project before it is forced to fold for the summer.
If you have up-to-date information on an opening date, leave a comment below.
Boing Boing: Animal overpasses enable critters’ “sex across the highway”
We have had the overpasses in the Canadian Rockies for 9 years. Collisions with animals were reduced by 80%. Over 70,000 large mammals have crossed in that time. But is that enough to maintain a healthy gene pool? A genetic research study is planned.
stats from Parks Canada.
In a brilliant marketing strategy, New Zealand promotes 10 Great Walks.
It’s a bit of a laugh for Kiwis, actually. For one thing, one of the Great Walks is a river paddle.
Many Kiwis avoid the Great Walks because they are crowded with foreigners. They know other hikes that are just as good — but not on the list.
The most unique of the other hikes is the Queen Charlotte Track.
It’s a gorgeous ridge walk. Some viewpoints look down on waterways on both sides!
71km (44mi), 4-days, 3-nights, ideal for all levels of experience and fitness. You can even have a water taxi shuttle your pack from lodge to lodge.
In 2006, the first place we go to look at gear is GoLite.com
GoLite Innovative, functional, and lightweight outdoor clothing and lightweight equipment
Their very professional website offers some excellent articles in their newsletter archive.
I often listen to books on tape on my Rio MP3 player while exercising.
When the going gets tough, I switch to my favourite high energy music for a jolt.
The next step?
Lance Armstrong has already endorsed a unique wireless connection between your Nike shoes and an iPod. It has a number of cool features including a Power Song button which jumps to the motivation track the instant you need it.
Newsvine – Nike, Apple Team Up on iPod Running Gear
One of the best websites for Kiwi hikers is backcountryNZ.com
It is edited by Jan Robertson from Auckland. He is a conservationist who likes nothing better than to tramp and photograph the astonishing New Zealand outdoors.
BestHike.com links to many of his hiking pages.
I am a big fan of coastal hikes. In fact, I rank the best hike in the World the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, in Canada.
To me coastal hiking is like mountain hiking, with the added treat of the ocean! Since I grew up 12hrs drive from the sea, perhaps it is still a novelty.
Whie sand beaches, aquamarine lagoons, picture perfect bays! One Israeli referred to Abel Tasman as hiking Gilligan’s Island.
51km (32.6mi), 5-days, 4-nights, this is the most popular multi-day hike in New Zealand. It’s ideal for all levels of experience and fitness.
Fivefingers are “shoes” designed to provide support and protection for your tender feets while still keeping the sensation of traipsing around barefoot.
Ted McDonald (aka “Barefoot Ted”) recently ran the Boston Marathon in Fivefingers.
2Dolphins.com Blog: Fivefingers For Your Ten Toes
Who wants to try wearing them on a multi-day hike?
besthike.com 