Video: TravelSmith Travel Tips #4 - How To Travel Wallet Safe

Adventure travel guru Richard Bangs returns again this week with yet another video sharing tips on how to travel safer and smarter. This time out, Richard tells us how to travel "wallet safe," which is to say he gives some pointers on preventing us from getting permanently separated from the contents of said wallet while exploring a foreign country. He even shares a tale of his own, in which he learned a valuable lesson about keeping credit cards, cash and other valuables close at hand.

Video: Into the West - North America

Take a two-and-a-half minute journey through western Canada, into the Pacific Northwest in America, and south to Mexico's desert in this short video that is simply filled to the brim with stunning scenery. You'll travel past snowcapped peaks, pristine mountain lakes, and lush forests as you explore some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. This is the kind of video that will inspire you to want to travel to these places for yourself. Enjoy!

Into The West - North America from Mike Bishop on Vimeo.

Video: Unclimbed - Reaching the Summit in the Himalaya (Episode 1)

Earlier today I posted a story about three climbers  – Gabriel Filippi, Elia Saikaly and Pasang Kaji Sherpa – who have traveled to Nepal this fall to attempt to summit two unclimbed peaks named for Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. But the story of this climb doesn't begin with their arrival in Kathmandu, but instead it starts last year when all three were on Everest when the April 25 earthquake created an avalanche that killed 22 people there. That put an end to their efforts on the mountain, but not their ambitions to climb in the Himalaya again.

This video is the first of a series that will follow the team as they head back to Nepal to take on these two unclimbed peaks. Over the coming weeks, we'll be able to follow their progress, and hopefully continue to see more videos like this one. It is a great introduction for what Gabriel, Elia, and Pasang Kaji are trying to accomplish there, and I'm already looking forward to further installments.

Video: Lost in Kyrgyzstan

While only two minutes in length, this video is quite simply mesmerizing. It takes us to Kyrgyzstan to explore some of the beautiful landscapes that are found there. Like other areas of Central Asia, this region is home to nomadic people who wander the vast steppe lands much the way their forefathers did. It is also a place of incredible beauty that is captured elegantly in this all-too brief clip. I hope you enjoy it as much as do.

Want to get lost in Kyrgyzstan yourself? Mountain Travel Sobek can help!

LOST IN KYRGYZSTAN - 4K from The Lost Avocado on Vimeo.

The Economist Hails the New Age of Discovery

The Economist published an interesting article a couple of weeks back that hailed a new age of exploration and discovery for the 21st century. The gist of the story was that the days of the opportunistic adventurer are mostly coming to an end, while the modern explorer now goes looking for knowledge and understanding, rather than fortune and glory. The author believes that in the end, this shift in focus will ultimately lead to important revelations about our planet and ways that it can be preserved for future generations as well.

The article says that there are still plenty of places on Earth that have yet to be fully explored, and there are some opportunities for adventurous people to still claim records and gain important "firsts." But that isn't the objective for most members of this new generation of explorers, many of whom travel more in tune with nature, rather than looking for ways to control and dominate it. This is very different from explorers in the past who often looked for ways to subdue their challenges while tramping over everything in their past.

The Economist says that Greenland, the Amazon Rainforest, and Papua New Guinea still have vast regions that remain blank spots on the map. Those places could hold untold wonders that have yet to be discovered. The article also points out that only about 200 or so peaks in Nepal that are higher than 6000 meters (19,685 ft) have been climbed so far. There are over 2800 such peaks in that country alone. And despite frequent visits and numerous expeditions each year, we still don't know all that much about Antarctica either.

All in all, this article is a good read. Not only does it remind us that we still need explorers to help us chart our planet, but that there are also plenty of amazing things yet to be done. Despite the fact that we as a species feel like we have conquered the Earth, the planet still holds many secrets, some of which could be vital to our survival in the decades to come.

If you're in need of a little inspiration and understanding of why it is still important to support our explorers, read the full article here.

Himalaya Spring 2016: Solemn Day on Everest and Beyond

It is a solemn day in the Himalaya, as it was exactly one year today since the devastating earthquake shook Nepal, destroying thousands of buildings and claiming the lives of more than 8800 people, including 21 on Mt. Everest itself. In the weeks that followed, continued aftershocks kept the country on edge, fraying nerves and preventing the rebuilding process from fully getting underway in some areas.

Last year this time, the world was stunned to see just how widespread the destruction was, with everything from mountain villages to World Heritage sites being completely destroyed by the quake. We were horrified to read about the massive loss of life, and the mountaineering community was saddened by yet another tragedy on Everest that brought an end to the climbing season there for a second year in a row.

Now, a year later, Nepal still struggles with the rebuilding process. According to reports, while the roads are cleared and power has been restored, there has been little progress towards actually reconstructing the buildings that have collapsed. Many people still live in tent cities or temporary shelters, while the Nepali government struggles to manage the massive rebuilding effort. In the meantime, the people that live there continue to suffer.

There have been a number of ceremonies held throughout the country today to commemorate the occasion. With the wounds of the disaster still fresh, it is certainly a sad day across the region, made all the worse by the fact that reminders of the natural disaster can still be seen all around Kathmandu and the surrounding valley.

A year may have passed, but it will take many more before the Nepali people can begin to put the earthquake behind them. A not-very-efficient government is not helping with the healing process, but the return of tourism and climbing operations is bringing a much needed boost to the economy, as visitors slowly start to return.

The Nepali people are strong and resilient. They will survive and thrive once again. But today is a day to remember those who were lost, and look to a brighter future. It is time to renew the commitment to rebuild the country, and get on with getting that job done.

One quick note on currently climbing operations. The weather window on Annapurna failed to open over the weekend, so teams are still standing by, waiting patiently. They hope for an opportunity to come later in the week, but until the forecasts start to firm up, it is still a "wait and see" situation there. We'll keep an eye on it.

More soon!

Antarctica 2013: 100 Days On The Ice

There has been a definitive shift in conditions in the Antarctic, and it is clear that the expedition season is nearly at an end. The daylight hours are getting shorter and temperatures have started to drop, as the austral summer begins to wane at long last. Most of the teams have come and gone of course, but the Scott Expedition remains and presses on towards its inevitable conclusion. The end is now clearly in sight for Ben Saunders and Tarka L'Herpiniere, who are overdue for a much deserved rest.

Over the weekend, the duo reached yet another milestone on their epic journey through the Antarctic in the footsteps of Robert Falcon Scott. They have now been on the ice for more than 100 days, first setting out from the Scott Hut on the Ross Ice Shelf back in November and skiing for hundreds of miles to and from the South Pole. With just a few days left before they reach the finish line, they have now dropped the distance remaining to just 87.5 miles (140.8 km). At their current pace, that should put them back at the coast on Thursday of this week.

In their most recent update, they indicate that they have noticed the shift in weather, with the average daily temperatures clearly getting colder. On top of that, they've been dealing with a constant freezing mist at ground level, which has made it feel like they are traveling through a cloud. That has prevented them from seeing some of the milestone that they've been working towards, which would give them an indication of how close they are to the end. Those milestones include Mount Erebus and Mount Terror. It has been disheartening for Ben and Tarka to not be able to gauge the progress against those landmarks.



Last week, the boys picked up their final supply depot on the return trip, and while it has added weight to their sleds, it has also allowed them to eat more rations each day as well. Those extra calories are helping them to feel much better and have improved their mood dramatically. Being so close to the end can't hurt their demeanor either.

I'll be keeping a close eye on the expedition over the next few days as the inch closer to the end. It has been a fantastic adventure to follow and I'm in awe of what Ben and Tarka have already accomplished are about to complete. It has been a demanding journey for sure and they deserve much respect and accolades. Back home in the U.K., where they still respect their nation's legacy of exploration, I'm sure they'll be welcomed like heroes.

Man Survives 16-Months Adrift At Sea

I wrote about this story yesterday at the Wenger Blog, but it is such an interesting tale, that I thought it was worth sharing here as well. Additionally, more details have come to light, shedding some insights into what exactly happened.

Last week, a small boat washed up on the shore of a remote atoll in the South Pacific after spending more than 16 months adrift at sea. Aboard was a man named Jose Salvador Alvarenga, who along with a traveling companion, was fishing off the coast of Mexico in September of 2012. A large storm hit, pushing their 24-foot boat out from shore. Without power, they were at the mercy of the Pacific currents, which carried them further and further from the coast.

With little food onboard, the two castaways were forced to forage for food, eating fish, small birds, and sharks. They collected rainwater to drink but often went for long periods of time without anything eat or drink. In order to survive, they would even drink their own urine. Alvarenga says that his teenage companion was unable to stomach their unusual diet, and slowly starved to death a little more than a month into their voyage. The 37-year old Alvarenga said he pushed the body overboard not long after the young man passed.

The Pacific tides carried the small boat away from North America and into the South Pacific. The weeks turned into months, and still the boat continued to drift. Jose said that at times he contemplated suicide as a way to escape. But he hung on, clinging to life and hoping for a possible rescue.



Last Thursday, Alvarenga's battered little boat washed ashore on the Ebon Atoll, a small island that is part of the Marshall Islands. Over the course of his 16 months at sea, he had drifted more than 6000 miles, and he arrived in an exhausted, malnourished state.

Reportedly he is on the mend now and his family back in Mexico have identified him. But there are some holes in his story, and investigators are trying to verify what they can. The story seems remarkable and difficult to believe, but there doesn't seem to be any other way he would arrive in the Marshall Islands.

I'm sure we'll hear more about this in the days ahead. It is certainly an incredible tale of survival. Jose will probably have book deals and movie contracts waiting for him when he gets back home.

Thanks to Lou-Phi for sharing the original story.

Video: Exit Glacier in Alaska - A Tale of Shifting Fortunes

Located in the Kenai Fjords of Alaska, Exit Glacier has been a beautiful fixture for adventurers for decades. But, the glacier is now in full retreat, and as you'll see in this video it is doing so at an alarming rate. What once took years to accomplish now takes just months, and the changing nature of the surrounding area is having a profound impact of the environment there. At this rate, Exit will shrink to a mere fraction of its former size well within our lifetime, and there doesn't seem to be much we can do about it.

This video seems appropriate for Inauguration Day, when a President who isn't exactly committed to stopping climate change is taking office.

GLACIER EXIT from Raphael Rogers on Vimeo.

Winter Climbs 2016: Summit Push Begins on Nanga Parbat

It seems that the time is now no Nagna Parbat, one of two 8000 meter peaks that remain unclimbed during the winter season. A team of international climbers that joined forces a few weeks back, and have remained patient over the past two months, has now launched a summit bid as a weather window is expected to open later this week.

Alex Txikon, Ali Sadpara, Simone Moro, and Tamara Lunger left Base Camp earlier today and are now in Camp 2 at 6100 meters (20,013 ft) on the Kinshofer route. The team has previously fixed ropes up to Camp 3 at 6700 meters (21,981 ft), and had determined that further rope-fixing would not be necessary from that point on. Whether or not those conditions have changed over the past few weeks, when high winds buffeted the mountain, and heavy snow fell at times, remains to be seen.

Later in the week, a small but – but very stable – weather window is expected to open, giving the team a chance to potentially reach the summit in just a few days time. It seems that conditions aren't likely to get any better than they will at the end of this week, and the climbers are now getting themselves into position to take advantage of the shift in weather.

The biggest challenge that they'll have to overcome will be the high altitude. Alex and Ali have been as high as 6700 meters as part of their acclimatization, but that was weeks ago. Likewise, Simone and Tamara have been up to 6100 meters, but not much beyond that. How that will impact their ability to climb higher will be a key element of their success or failure.


I'll be keeping a close eye on their progress over the next few days. It is possible we could see history made later in the week. The weather and route should be in the best shape of the season, which means it could be now or never. With just a month to go until the arrival of spring, there may not be a better chance in the near future. Keep your fingers crossed for these four climbers to get up and down safely, summit or not.

Meanwhile, ExWeb is reporting that Cleo Weidlich has probably left the mountain. She was a late arrival, showing up at the end of January with 5 Nepali sherpas, just as the weather took a turn for the worse. While she shared few details of the expedition, it seems unlikely that she was ever able to get much higher than BC.

If Cleo has indeed left, that means that Alex, Ali, Simone, and Tamara are the only climbers still on Nanga Parbat. If it is going to be climbed this winter, it'll have to be by them.

Good luck to the climbers as they set off on a potentially historic summit bid.

Video: Kite Skiing in Alaska

If you've read my updates on the progress of the explorers in Antarctica this season, you've no doubt seen a few mentions of kite skiers out on the ice. What is kite skiing actually? It is the use of a large kite to catch the wind, and pull you along across the snow and ice. If wind speeds are good, it can provide a lot of speed, allowing skiers to cover surprising distances in a short amount of time.

In this video we travel to another frozen landscape, as we follow skier Damien Leroy to Alaska where he does some kite-skiing of his own. In the two-minute clip you'll get a chance to see how kite-skiing works, and just how fast it can propel someone along. The results just might surprise you.

Himalaya Fall 2016: Kuriki Retreats – for Now

I'm hours away from getting on a plane for Spain, but before I set out I wanted to post one more quick update on the progress of Japanese climber Nobukazu Kuriki. Yesterday, when we checked in he had reached his high camp on Everest and was preparing to make a summit bid today. But now, we've learned that he has turned back and is descending the mountain, although he isn't quite ready to go home just yet.

Apparently, Nobu reached as high as 7400 meters (24,278 ft) before turning back. He was feeling strong and ready for the challenge of topping out on the world's highest peak, but encountered deep snow along the route that made it very difficult to make any progress. Exhausted from his efforts, he decided to turn back, and is now safely back down to 5800 meters (19,028 ft) and will descend back to ABC after he has rested there.

According to his Facebook page, Kuriki isn't giving up on his dream of a solo summit without oxygen however. He'll now rest up and regain his strength, while waiting for another solid weather window. After that, he'll weigh his options and hopefully have another go at the summit. That is likely to take place sometime next week at the earliest. Thankfully, he is said to be in good health, feeling strong, and in positive spirits. Perhaps we'll see him stand on top yet this season.

Finally, we do have an update from the Altitude Junkies today as well. After encountering heavy snow on the summit push last week, the team pulled the plug on their expedition and have now returned to Kathmandu. The group had hoped to summit on October 1, but a surprise storm dumped a meter of snow on the mountain, creating unstable conditions. After assessing the danger of avalanches, the team decided that it was in the best interest and safety of everyone if they left the mountain. Helicopters picked them up a few days back and with the entire squad now safe in the Nepali capital, they're all preparing to head home.

That's it for now. I'll keep an eye on any developments while I'm away. More updates soon.

Adventurers to Attempt Atlantic to the Pacific Crossing of Amazon

We've seen some pretty impressive expeditions through the Amazon Rainforest over the years, and it looks like we can soon add another interesting one to the list. Filmmaker Reza Pakravan is joining forces with journalist Pip Stewart on an epic adventure that will take them across the Amazon starting  at it's Atlantic coast and ending in the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, they'll pass through remote sections of Brazil and Peru, while spending time living with the indigenous tribes that still inhabit this part of the world.

The duo, who are planning on starting the expedition today, hope to create a four-part documentary series about their journey, which will look at the way various changes to their environment is impacting the lives of the Amazon people. Severe deforestation, climate change, and other factors have become a severe threat to the lifestyle of these tribes, potentially ending a way of life that has existed relatively unchanged for centuries.

Reza and Pip will be traveling by bike and boat across the Amazon. They'll start at the mouth of the mighty Amazon River in Belem in Brazil and eventually ending in Lima, Peru. Most of the journey will be done on bike (both are accomplished adventure cyclists), but they will take a boat up the Purus River in order to cross one very remote section of the route.

Dubbed the Transamazonica expedition, the plan is to follow a road of the same name that was built in the 70's to help open travel and commercialization of the rainforest. That road covers some 4000 km (2485 miles), and has been a major boon for companies who have logged and developed the Amazon Rainforest. The hope is that this expedition will help raise awareness of the challenges that are currently faced by the people living in the rainforest basin, which is undergoing significant changes.

It should certainly be interesting to follow Reza and Pip's adventure, which you can do on both of their websites linked above.


Transamazonica ver Crowdfunding from Samarcanda Film on Vimeo.

Video: Hiking to Everest Base Camp

If you're looking for one of the best hikes in the world, then consider the trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Along the way, you'll hike past some of the tallest and most iconic mountains in the world, passing through wonderful Nepali villages, and meeting some of the country's amazing people too. It is truly a trip of a lifetime, and as you'll see in the video below, one that is even more stunning than you could ever imagine. This travel clip takes us along with a couple as they make the journey up the Khumbu Valley to reach EBC, an adventure that puts them in the shadow of the highest peak in the world. After watching this, you'll understand why so many people take this route each and every year.

Everest Base Camp - Journey of a Lifetime from Jerome Furog on Vimeo.