Antarctica 2015: Luke Robertson at the Pole, Others Closing In

It looks like the next few days will be busy ones at the South Pole. As the end of the 2015 Antarctic season looms, there are several teams closing in on 90ºS, while others are pushing on with the hopes of reaching the finish line before the last plane departs the frozen continent on January 28.

The big news of the day is that solo skier Luke Robertson has reached the South Pole. He crossed the final few miles earlier today, and arrived at the research station at the bottom of the world just a few hours ago. It took Luke 39 days to complete the 1130 km (730 mile) crossing from Hercules Inlet, which is a respectable time indeed. By finishing his journey, Robertson is now the first Scotsman to ski solo and unsupported to the Pole, and he is the youngest Brit to ever do so at the age of 30.

We followed Luke's progress closely over the past month and a half. He didn't have a full comms unit, but did manage to tweet out his progress regularly. While there weren't a lot of details to be shared, it was clear that he was enjoying his time int he Antarctic, was generally in good spirits, and covered solid distances day in and day out. That workman like approach served him well throughout the expedition, and now he done. Congratulations to Luke on his accomplishment.

Elsewhere, the team of Devon McDiarmid, Stew Edge, Mostafa Salameh, and Shahrom Abdullah haven't posted an update on their progress over the past few days, but they are closing in on 90ºS as well. If they stay on the pace they've been setting, they should reach the South Pole by this weekend, bringing an end to their journey too. At one point, McDairmid and Edge were considering kite-skiing back to Hercules Inlet, but with the season growing short, it is unclear whether or not that is still on the agenda. They can cover vast distances in a short time using kites, but by the time they get to the Pole, they'll have less than two weeks to go to make the turn around.


Henry Worsley continues his slow, agonizing journey to the finish line on the Ross Ice Shelf. He's now been out on the ice for more than 62 days, and has finally crested the Titan Dome and has started his descent. Things should go faster and easier from here, but weather conditions are not being all that cooperative. Temperatures have dropped sharply, and whiteout conditions have returned, even as he crosses the 88th degree. Remember, he's already reached the Pole, and is now on his return trip to the coast. Worsley will continue to race the clock right up until the end it seems.

Guide Carl Alvy and client Emma Kelty are pressing on towards the Pole. They are in a desperate race against time as well, with four degrees to go before they're done, and not as much time at their disposal as they'd like. Weather conditions have included high winds and blowing snow, but they're pressing ahead as best as they can. Progress has been steady, but there is still many miles to go before they are done.

Finally, Doug Tumminello was picked up from Thiels Corner a few days back, and is now at the camp at Union Glacier. You may recall that he abandoned his attempt to ski to the South Pole a few days ago after facing persistent problems with his feet from the get go. Now, he's waiting for a flight to carry him back to Punta Arenas, then on towards home. With any luck, he'll be on his way in another day or two.

That's it for now. As you can see, the season is winding down quickly. Soon there will only be a couple of teams left to follow. It should be an interesting finish to another year.

Alex Honnold and Colin Haley Set New Speed Record on the Torre Traverse in Patagonia

It has been a good couple of weeks in Patagonia for Colin Haley. Not only did he set a speed record on Fitz Roy, completing a round-trip ascent of that mountain with Andy Wyatt in just 21 hours and 8 minutes, he also put up the first solo ascent of Torre Egger as well. That would be enough accomplishments for anyone's career climbing resume,  let alone just one month. But he wasn't finished just yet, as Haley was later joined by his friend Alex Honnold to set yet another speed record, this time finishing the Torre Traverse in an incredible 20 hours and 40 minutes.

What's the Torre Traverse you ask? Only one of the toughest challenges in all of climbing. In this case, it involved a north-to-south traverse of Patagonia’s Cerro Standhardt, Punta Herron, Torre Egger, and Cerro Torre in a single push. Those peaks are pretty much a collection of the toughest and most well known rock climbing walls in the region, with each being a considerable challenge on its own. Linking them up adds a new dimension to that challenge. So much so that it has only been done once before. That was back in 2008 when Haley made the same climb with Rolando Garibotti, spending three days on the attempt.

The Traverse has been a project in the works in Patagonia for decades, with some of the top climbers first envisioning it way back in the 1980's. At that point, one of the peaks – Punta Herron – hadn't even been climbed as of yet. Over the years there were a number of attempts to put all the routes together that were necessary to make the traverse, but it took until 2008 for it to all come together. It hadn't been repeated since, until Monday, when Haley and Honnold did it, and in a very impressive time.

According to National Geographic, the two climbers went camp-to-camp in 32 hours, with heir record time representing their actual time climbing. Considering the challenges that the Traverse presents, and the skill sets and climbing knowledge that Alex and Colin bring to the table, it seems likely that this record will stand for awhile.

Find out more details of the climb in Nat Geo's article here.

Video: Mountain Biking in the Shadow of the Eiger

This is the third – and final – video in Teton Gravity Research's Single Track Sweden series, this time taking us back to that fabulous country to mountain bike in the shadow of the Eiger, one of the most iconic mountains in the entire world. As in the other videos of the series, we're treated to fantastic scenery, great looking trails, and amazing riding. Now I'm ready to go to Switzerland and ride a mountain bike too.

Massive Reef Discovered at the Mouth of the Amazon River

Here's a story that is further proof that our world still has a lot of mysteries and surprises to share with us. Scientists have discovered a massive coral reef hidden under the muddy waters at the mouth of the Amazon River in South America. The discovery comes at a crucial stage however, as the region has already been charted by petroleum companies looking to plumb its depth for oil.

Indications that the reef might exist first appeared back in the 1970's when fishermen began catching fish that were more commonly found on and around reefs in other parts of the world. But confirmation of the existence of this particular reef didn't come until recently, when researchers were finally able to prove that against all our knowledge and understanding of the ocean that it was hidden away along the coast of Brazil.

The reef stretches for nearly 700 miles (1126 km), and is more than 3600 sq. miles (9300 sq. km) in size. It is also said to be home to at least 60 species of sponges and 73 species of fish. Even more surprising is the fact that unlike other reefs found around the world, this one appears to be very healthy, and even growing. Climate change has begun to warm the oceans, which is causing coral reefs to die at an alarming rate. But this one is not displaying those same symptoms.

What makes this new reef so amazing is that it exists in a place that it was previously believed one shouldn't be able to survive. While it is submerged in ocean waters, the surface of the Atlantic is covered in fresh water that is dumped in from the might Amazon River. The river also deposits plenty of mud and sentiment into the water, which is typically not conducive to the growth of coral either. On top of that, oceanographers typically find reefs in shallower waters that are warmer and clearer than where this one exists. This has left some scientists to wonder if other reefs are out there in our oceans, just waiting to be found.


But the good news over the discovery of this reef – and the fact that it is thriving – is tempered somewhat due to the fact that it is already being threatened by man. It seems that the Brazilian government has already sold 80 parcels of ocean to oil companies to start drilling at the mouth of the Amazon. 20 of those blocks are already in operation, some of which are believed to be right on top of the reef itself. How that will impact the life of the reef moving forward remains to be seen.

Coral reefs play an important role in the keeping the ocean healthy as they often form protective barriers for ecosystems both along the coast line and living within the waters themselves. As those reefs recede, ocean storms, hurricanes, and typhoons could have a larger impact on certain regions of the planet. The Earth's coral reefs are also seen as the canary in the coal mine in terms of indicating the impact of climate change on an area too.

Still, finding this particular reef is amazing, especially since it shouldn't exist at all. Hopefully it will be well protected moving forward.

Cotopaxi Just Might Be Hiring for Your Dream Job

Looking for a job that will allow you to travel and play outdoors? Are you savvy with social media, technology, and blogging? Then Cotopaxi just might have an opportunity for you. The company is currently hiring  new Road Warrior to join the team for the upcoming year.

And what exactly are the duties of the Road Warrior? They'll be tasked with driving the company's mobile pop-up retail store throughout the U.S. as Cotopaxi expands its Questival adventure race series in 2017. The person hired for the job will also share their experience in a variety of social media outlets, while crisscrossing the U.S. on a 30+ city tour. The job won't be easy, but it should be fun. And it will be a great opportunity for someone who is looking for a creative outlet that involves adventure, gear, and exploring the country.

How does the job break down in terms of statistics? Cotopaxi has crunched the numbers and here's what they've come up with: Over the course of the year, the Road Warrior will take one truck and trailer, drive more than 25,000 miles, visit more than 30 cities, cross 88 state borders, spend 370+ hours on the road, and pass through numerous state, national, and city parks in the process. Oh yeah, they'll also get the chance to meet tens of thousands of like-minded people along the way.

Sound like something you'd be interested in? Than click here to start the application process. And good luck! You're probably going to need it!

Gear Closet: Five Ten Access Mesh Approach Shoe

It is amazing how technical and specialized our outdoor footwear has become. In the past, we made due with a single shoe that could serve in a variety of outdoor uses. Today however, we've gotten to the point where having the right footwear is akin to having the right tool for a job. Good shoe manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve their products and make them better for use in demanding outdoor environments. As a result, the shoes we wear are now highly tuned to the activities we enjoy, and we're all better off for it.

One company that has continued to refine its product line in this way is Five Ten. Best known for making mountain biking and climbing shoes, the designers at Five Ten have always done a good job of tailoring their products for the needs of their customers. That same sensibility has been brought over to their hiking line as well, as I recently found in their new Access Mesh approach shoe, a light hiker stealthily designed with the look of a sneaker.

At first glance, it would be easy to mistake the Access Mesh as running or cross-training shoe. It is lightweight, features a low-profile design, and features a technical fit that is more commonly found in that style of shoe. But looks can be very deceiving, and writing this show off as "just" a trail show would be a mistake. Underneath the hood of this shoe are some serious technical features that make it stand out from the crowd.

For instance, the Access utilizes Five Ten's Stealth S1 rubber on its outsole. That is a material that has been put to good use on the company's bike shoes as well, and has a tried and true reputation for providing plenty of grip on a wide variety of surfaces, both wet and dry. The toe-cap of the shoe has also been reinforced for added protection, and it features a "climbing zone" that has been brought over from the line of climbing shoes for added grip too. Throw in a rubberized exoskeleton on the lacing system, which added extra torsional support, and you end up having a highly technical piece of footwear for use in the outdoors.


As the name implies, the Access Mesh uses lightweight and highly breathable materials, which allow warmth and moisture to easily escape. The result is a shoe what performs well in warm weather conditions, both on and off the trail.

When I first put this shoe on I thought that it felt very comfortable on my feet, but felt a little stiff. Part of that is due to the Stealth S1 rubber on the sole, and for a time I wasn't sure if I'd actually like the Access Mesh. But, as I've worn them a bit longer, they've loosened up nicely and now feel very natural to wear just about anywhere. Performance hasn't suffered in the least, it just took me a bit of time to break them in fully. Since that happened, I've been incredibly happy with the fit and feel of these shoes, which don't scream "hiker" if you wear them around the neighborhood or down the street to the store.

I also appreciate the level of versatility they bring to the table. While they have been primarily designed to be an approach shoe or warm-weather hiker, I've also been wearing them while mountain biking too. Because the S1 rubber was first developed for use in Five Ten's biking line, this shoe can serve double duty in that department too. I've also found they make a good travel shoe, since they offer the athletic feel of a sneaker with the support of something more substantial.

As promised, this shoe does hold its grip on a wide variety of surfaces. I've worn them while walking or hiking on pavement, dirt trails, loose scree, wet rocks, mud, sand, and more. For such a lightweight shoe, it handled all of this conditions easily and without problem, helping me to feel more safe and secure. The S1 rubber does its job, sticking to those surfaces like glue, and while I wouldn't necessarily want to go rock climbing in the Access Mesh, you can certainly feel Five Ten's climbing heritage in the shoe's grip.

Priced at $130 the Five Ten Access Mesh is a very versatile shoe that can be used in a variety of outdoor activities. It is comfortable, durable, and designed for use both on and off the trail. I appreciate the shoe's ability to vent away excess heat and moisture, and love that it provides so much support and protection for the foot without looking overly technical.

If you're in the market for a lightweight, versatile shoe that looks good, and won't kill your wallet, you'll want to give the Access Mesh a look. I think you'll find it is a surprisingly great shoe for light hiking, making approaches, or even mountain biking. Heck, you'll probably even find your wearing them for other activities too.

Buy online at CampSaver.com

Win An "Expedition" To Brazil

Ever wanted to visit Brazil? If so, the very tasty Fogo de Chão restaurant has you covered. The company is giving away a trip to your choice of four destinations within the country, which is sure to be abuzz with World Cup fever later this summer.

Dubbed Expedition Brazil, entrants in the competition can choose between the Brasilia Cultural Tour (cultural, historical and architectural tours of the capital city), Big City Exploration (activities in and around São Paulo), Rio Beach Vacation (sun and surf in Rio!) and Traditional Gaucho Experience (cowboy tradition Brazil style).

To enter, just visit the Expedition Brazil website and select the adventure you'd most like to go on. Then fill out the form, telling Fogo why you deserve to go on that particular trip. Then rally your troops over social media, getting them to "like" your submission. The number of "likes" will factor into the the final decision. Once they've selected three finalists, there will be a final vote online to determine the winner. That person will than share their adventure with video, photos and more.

Each one of these trips would be a great way to see Brazil, although I have to say that I'm surprised they didn't offer an option to visit the Amazon as well. If I had to chose from one of these four options, I'd go with the Gaucho experience. Horseback riding in Brazil's cattle country, a Gaucho rodeo, and similar activities sound the most adventurous to me. Then again, hanging out on a beach in Rio wouldn't be bad either.

The contest runs through Feb. 16, so hurry and get your submission in. The extra voting time may come in handy. Good luck!

Video: The Shapes of Winter

Spring is still a month away from arriving here in the Northern Hemisphere, but already winter is fleeting. This video reminds us to take some time to cherish the season while it still lasts. Shot in Sweden, the 2.5 minute clip gives us some beautiful shots of winter landscapes with snow and ice adding a unique touch to the region.

SHAPES OF WINTER (4K) from Marcus Möller on Vimeo.

Video: Iconic Joshua Tree

Today we have another great timelapse video from the folks over at Sunchaser Pictures. It captures more of the surreal and beautiful landscapes in and around Joshua Tree, a spectacular setting to say the least. If you haven't had the opportunity to go there yourself, it is definitely a destination that I recommend.

JOSHUA TREE JOURNEY 4: RUINS from Sunchaser Pictures on Vimeo.

Canadian Adventures: Paddling the Saguenay Fjord

As I mentioned in a previous piece about my recent trip to Quebec, Canada, the theme of the visit was "Must Love Water." As such, many of the activities that we took part in involved paddling a boat of some type. That included a stand-up paddleboard, a whitewater raft, and a canoe. But perhaps the best experience of the entire trip saw us loading up on sea kayaks and heading out onto the breathtaking Saguenay Fjord, a place of such natural beauty that it literally had to be seen to be believed.

After spending the better part of the week on waterways of one kind or another in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec I was beginning to think I had seen most of what there wast to experience there. After all, our whitewater run was a thrilling, adrenaline inducing affair, and even our canoe trip mixed in a taste of whitewater to keep things interesting as well. Both of those experiences took place in lovely settings with thick forests lining the shores of the rivers we were on, and scenic settings to pass through. As lovely as those settings were however, they couldn't compare with kayaking on the fjord.

On the day we were scheduled to go kayaking we spent the better part of the morning driving to the Parc National du Fjord-du-Sagueny (the Sagueny Fjord National Park) where we would eventually join our guide from OrganisAction, a local outfitter that organizes kayaking excursions there. The park itself has a lot to offer in addition to paddling. For instance, there are several self-guided hikes to take, each of which offers some great views of the surrounding landscape. But for the truly bold, there is also an impressive Via Ferrata that takes visitors high up onto the rocky cliffs on a trek that is is both beautiful and heart-stopping for entirely different reasons. Unfortunately, we weren't there to make that hike, so after a quick lunch it was off to find our guide and begin our waterborne adventure instead.

As usual with any guided kayaking excursion we had to first go through an orientation on how to paddle most efficiently, the best ways to enter and exit the boat, and how to steer the long sea kayaks that we would use on the fjord. I've had plenty of experience in this department and was more than ready to go, so thankfully it didn't take too long before we were dropping the kayaks into the water and setting out.


It didn't take long to figure out just why this region was declared a national park in Canada. A few paddles away from the dock and the impressive landscape began to take shape. High cliffs rose all around us, while tranquil water ran all the way from our put-in spot out into the middle of the fjord itself. On that day, with the sun shining high overhead and the clear blue water all around us, it was simply a magnificent place to be.

For those who don't know, a fjord is a long, narrow inlet that has typically been carved by a glacier, and has high, towering cliffs all around it. A true fjord is fed by salt water from the ocean, but in the case of the Saguenay Fjord, there is salt water underneath with a current of fresh water, fed from the Saguenay River, on top. This makes it a unique environment where both fresh and salt water fish and mammals can be found. In some parts of the fjord it is possible to spot whales or even Greenland sharks, while a variety of salmon and other fish from the river exist in the same space.

Our group paddled out into this aquatic wonderland with our jaws hanging open. Over the course of our week together we had seen some truly beautiful places, but this one the crowning jewel of the experience for sure. Paddling along the cool, but refreshing water was a relaxing affair, even when we took our boats out into the middle of the fjord itself. From there, we were afforded the best views of the waterway, able to look west towards the mouth of the river and east where the deep blue waters drifted off into the distance. I'm sure on a day where the weather isn't cooperative the fjord could be a harsh place to be, but on this day it was perfect.

One of the highlights of a kayak trip out onto the Saguenay Fjord is spotting the famous Virgin Mary Statue that adorns one of the cliff tops there. While not quite as large and imposing as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio, it is still a memorable sight to behold. The state was placed there by a local trader named Charles Napoleon Robitaille back in 1881. A few years prior to that, Robitaille was traveling across the frozen ice when it gave way beneath him. As he was pulled into the freezing cold water, he prayed to the Virgin Mary to save him, and somehow he found himself alive, out of the fjord, and on solid ice. After that, he vowed to do something to both commemorate the experience and thank the higher powers that he had lived. He made good on his promise and later had the statue installed.

Even from the water below the tall cliffs, the white statue of the Virgin Mary stands out against the lush green trees. The monument was another unique element to a place that was already amazing to look upon, and the story of how it got there only adds to the mystique of the place.

After spending several hours paddling the fjord it was time to head back to the shore, but not before making a detour along the opposite shore to catch a glimpse of a beautiful waterfall that tumbled down the rock face there. As we paddled we could see several such waterfalls in the distance, so it was nice to see one up close too. It was a brief stop over however, and before long we were steaming our way across the open water once again.

While we were out on the water, the tide had obviously come in. The dock that we had used as a put in earlier in the day had been sitting high and dry on the beach, allowing us to wade in a short distance before setting out. Now however, it was floating on the surface of the fjord, and the water had risen up to our waists. That made for a soggier exit, but the water felt good after a warm afternoon.

After dragging our boats back up on shore, it was time to say goodbye to our guide and the fjord. It was certainly a memorable day in the kayaks however, and one that I would love to do again. In fact, our guide mentioned that there are some primitive campsites along the shore of the fjord that stretch for miles. He said that adventurous kayakers like to paddle down the fjord and stay at those campsites as they go. With a good kayak, plenty of supplies and gear, it would be possible to go for days in this remote, and pristine wilderness. That sounds like the kind of trip I would enjoy doing.

If you're in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region in the summer, a visit to the national park is a must-do adventure. Even if you can't get out on the water in a kayak – which I HIGHLY recommend you do – at least go for a hike and take in the surrounding landscape. It is a place that will definitely leave a lasting impression.

Gear Closet: BioLite's Energy Kit Brings Tech Solutions to Camping Challenges

One of the members of the outdoor industry that I've watched with great interest over the past couple of years is BioLite. The company burst on to the scene a few years back with their awesome CampStove, which uses wood to cook your dinner, while also harnessing the heat to create power that can be used to recharge your favorite mobile devices too. The CampStove caught the attention of many outdoor enthusiasts, and even spawned a bigger version for use at larger campsites, while allowing BioLite to launch a great project to bring clean cookstoves and power to developing parts of the world.

But those wonderful products were just the tip of the iceberg for this innovative company, which looks for technology solutions to make our camping excursions more convenient and fun. Following their initial arrival on the outdoor gear scene, BioLite has continued to release innovative, eco-friendly gear that often leaves me wondering "why didn't someone think of this sooner?" And now, the ingenious team behind the CampStove has created a full energy system that is affordable, well designed, and easy to use. Here's what they have on top for us.

BioLite CookStove ($99.95)
With the new CookStove, BioLite has taken the tried and true design of the classic CampStove, and tweaked it slightly to make it a more affordable product that meets their customers needs. Essentially, the CookStove operates exactly like its predecessor, without the ability to collect power from the heat generated from burning wood or recharge a smartphone.

BioLite discovered that while many of their customers loved the original CampStove, most of them were already carrying a portable battery pack to keep their mobile devices charged while on the go. So, when they were looking to release a streamlined version of their original product, they decided to remove the ability to collect power from heat and share it via a built-in USB port.


That doesn't mean the CookStove has lost any efficiency however. It still contains a battery operated airflow system that allows it to boil water and cook food very quickly. The battery contained in the stove can be recharged via USB as well, so it is possible to keep it running even on longer camping trips.

The original CampStove runs $129.95, but the new CookStove is just $99.95, making it more accessible to customers who are looking for a basic cook system that works well and is good for the environment too.

BioLite SolarPanel 5+ ($79.95)
As part of their commitment to the environment and clean energy sources, BioLite has also developed a portable solar panel that is lightweight, efficient, and easy to use. The SolarPanel 5+ is capable of producing up to 5 Watts of power, which is enough to recharge smartphones, tablets, and other BioLite gear, including the CookStove.

Solar power has become common throughout the outdoor industry in recent years, but in true BioLite style, the SolarPanel has a couple of features that help to set it apart from the crowd. For instance, it has a built-in kickstand that allows you to adjust the panel's angle to get the maximum amount of exposure to the sun. It also has an integrated sundial that helps with that process too. But perhaps most importantly, it comes equipped with a 2200 mAh battery that allows it to collect energy for use later in the day.

Durable and versatile, this solar panel is a great way to keep your important devices charged while in the backcountry, without breaking the bank. At just $80, this is a more affordable option than most of the competition, with some features that you won't necessarily find anywhere else.

BioLite PowerLight Mini ($44.95)
In addition to making clean cookstoves, BioLite has also been focused on making camp lighting systems as well. Their NanoGrid system is a great option for campers who want to illuminate their campsite in a quick, easy, and efficient manner, and the new PowerLight Mini carries on that tradition. This small, lightweight light comes with a rechargeable 1350 mAh battery that keeps it running for up to 52 hours, while providing as soft light that is perfect for use in dark locations.

The PowerLight Mini also features a built-in kickstand that allows it to be propped up on a table, or wear it in a pocket or from a strap. This level of versatility makes it a nice option, while its slim design makes it easy to carry with you anywhere you go.

Much like the SolarPanel 5+, this device can also be used to recharge your smartphone. BioLite has added a USB port to the side of the light that allows it to share some of its battery life with another gadget. This is a great feature of course, but just be aware that recharging your iPhone will dramatically cut down on the life of the lamp too.

Each of these new BioLite products are designed to work with one another in a way that makes camping not only fun, but good for the planet too. The entire line of products from this company continues to impress, and I look forward to see what they have for us next.

Video: One of Those Days 3 - Skiing with Candide Thovex

I don't post a lot of skiing videos here on The Adventure Blog, so when I do, it has to be special. This one is special. It marks the return of Candide Thovex, who is making quite a name for himself with his "One of Those Days" series of video. In this third installment, Candide continues to push the envelope, skiing some improbable lines and pulling off some very impressive stunts. This is pure fun on the hill by a guy who continues to set the bar higher and higher. Enjoy.

Grand Canyon Paddling Speed Record Broken Twice in Three Days

The speed record for paddling the length of the Grand Canyon was first set back in 1983, when three river guides rowed a wooden dory down the 277.1 mile (446 km) stretch of the Colorado River in 36 hours and 38 minutes. For more than three decades that mark stood as the time to beat, although very few people actually attempted to break it. But this past weekend, that record was broken not once, but twice, by two independent teams who didn't even realize that they were both hoping to achieve the same goal.

Outside magazine has a great piece on their website explaining the entire story, and it is an interesting one. Essentially, no one really cared about this speed record until author Kevin Fedarko wrote a book called The Emerald Mile back in 2013 detailing the 1983 record row. That sparked a renewed interest in trying to beat the old record within the paddling community, with kayakers Ben Orkin and Harrison Rea trying to set a new record last January. They failed in that attempt, coming up an hour and ten minutes short.

But last week a new team of paddlers hit the water with the hope of chasing the record. Ben Luck, Ryan Casey, and Matt and Nate Klema set off on January 20, with Matt actually reaching the finish line in 35 hours and 5 minutes, shaving an hour and a half off the previous record. Of course the foursome were ecstatic over their success, but they soon began to hear rumblings of another kayaker who was about to attempt the record himself.


Ben Orkin, who had missed setting the record last year, was back out on the river on a solo mission this time. He had no idea that the other team was even trying to set the record, let alone that they had already accomplished that goal. He was preparing to put-in the Colorado on Saturday morning when he received an email from Ben Luck informing him of the new time to beat. Knowing that he'd now have to go even faster than he had previously thought, Orkin moved forward with his plans.

The paddle wasn't an easy one. Orkin grew exhausted after paddling for hours on end completely on his own. He also flipped his kayak in some of the rough rapids, costing himself precious time. But in the end, he was able to best Matt's new record, covering the distance between Lee’s Ferry to the Grand Wash Cliffs in 34 hours and 2 minutes, 57 minutes faster than the two-day old record.

You can read a lot more about this story on Outside Online, where more details of these record-setting paddles are shared. The interesting thing to watch now will be how many more people will attempt to kayak the Grand Canyon, and just how low this time can truly go.

Nat Geo Takes Us Deep into "Dark Star" – Potentially the Deepest Cave System in the World

Exploring deep caves is an activity that brings its own set of challenges not unlike scaling a high mountain. Sure, you don't have to worry about acclimatizing per se, but thin air can be an issue and carrying supplies and gear into vast underground chambers is not unlike establishing camps as you ascend a Himalayan peak. Add to the fact that you are always surrounded by darkness, and you start to get an idea of just how unique these experiences can be. Now, imagine you're exploring a cave system that may be the deepest on the planet, with a bottom that has yet to be discovered.

In a new article posted on the National Geographic website, we plumb the depths of just such a place. Dubbed "Dark Star," the cave is located in a remote region of Uzbekistan and has been dubbed the "Underground Everest." That's because eight expeditions have delved into its depths – mapping over 11 miles of passageways, caverns, and chambers – but have yet to find an end to the massive subterranean realm. So far, the deepest they have gone is 3000 feet (914 meters) below the surface, but the feeling is that Dark Star runs deeper. Much deeper.

The current record for the deepest cavern known to man is the Krubera Cave, located in the Eastern European country of Georgia. That cave drops an unbelievable 7208 feet (2196 meters), so Dark Star has a long way to go before it breaks that record. But after more than 20 years of mapping and exploration, there doesn't seem to be an end to be had just yet, and there are some indications that it goes far deeper than Krubera, its just that no one has gone down that far just yet.

The cave was first discovered back in 1984 by a team of Russians, but it wasn't explored at all until the 1990's when a group of British cavers first passed through its outer entryways. Most of Dark Star's mysteries have yet to be found, as most of the teams that have gone inside have ended up running out of rope before they've made much in the way of significant progress. Yet expeditions continue to come when they can, which isn't as often as serious cavers would like considering the remote nature of the entrance and the unstable political conditions of the surrounding region.

The Nat Geo story is a fascinating one, especially for those of us who don't know a lot about cave exploration. Author Mark Synnott takes us deep inside Dark Star, where a dedicated team of scientists, researchers, and explorers is examining the site, pushing deeper into its depths, and learning more about the underground spaces of our planet. It is an intriguing read that reminds us that not all of our adventures need to go up, nor remain on the surface of the Earth at all.

Check out the full story here or in the March issue of National Geographic magazine.

Himalaya Fall 2016: Commercial Expeditions Head Home, Missing Climber on Manaslu

I'm back from Spain and will resume a typical posting schedule for the foreseeable future now. As I ramp up the content once again here at The Adventure Blog, I felt it was fitting to check in with the fall climbing season in the Himalaya, which is still ongoing but winding down rapidly now. While I was away, there was some news updates to report, although few summits have taken place during that time.

Now that mid-October has arrived, the commercial squad in the Himalaya this fall have pretty much wrapped up their operations and headed home. Prior to my departure for Majorca, most of the busy mountains – including Manaslu, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, and Dhaulagiri – had seen the bulk of their summits for the season with the larger squads packing up their gear and heading home. Now, they are all but abandoned until spring, when more climbers will arrive to test their skills and resolve on each of those peaks.

Of course, the season isn't quite over yet, and there are a few ongoing expeditions that we'll continue to keep an eye on. For instance, Japanese climber Nobukazo Kuriki is still on Mt. Everest and hoping to pull of a solo summit of that peak before he heads home. When last we checked in on him, he had abandoned a summit push due to heavy snow on the mountain, but had returned to Base Camp to gather his strength for another go. Last week, after regaining some energy, he headed back up to Camp 1 only to find that the winds were too strong to allow a safe ascent up the mountain. He is now back in BC and waiting for conditions to improve. The weather window will start to close soon however, particularly as November draws closer. For now though, Nobu is remaining patient and looking for opportunities to summit, despite very heavy snows.

Sadly, there were a few tragic stories to report from the past week as well. On Manaslu, for instance, a 24-year old Japanese climber by the name of Hirotaka Onodera went missing on October 7 after reaching the summit on that mountain. Reportedly, he topped out along with his team leader, but then slipped and fell while taking summit photos for another climber. All attempts to locate the missing man have failed to turn up any results.

Elsewhere, a guide named Ang Chhongba Sherpa fell to his death after losing his footing while collecting ropes after a successful summit bid on the 6119 meter (20,075 ft) Lobuche East. He was a member of a four-man squad that had topped out previously in the day and were making their way back down the mountain. The accident occurred at about 5800 meters (19,028 ft) and Chhongba's body was later recovered by a recovery team following a 20-hour search.

I'll continue to keep an eye on any developing stories from the Himalaya in the days ahead. Things are definitely getting quieter there, but there are still several teams pressing forward with their expeditions.