Video: Falling and Flying - A BASE Jumping Review Of 2013

This video holds the appropriate title of "Falling and Flying" as it follows filmmaker Charley Kurlinkus on a years worth of BASE jumping activities that includes wingsuits, paragliding and giant rope swings in some fairly impressive settings. It isn't intended for those who have a fear of flying. Or falling for that matter. Proceed with caution.

2013 Falling and Flying from Charley Kurlinkus on Vimeo.

Video: Whale Encounters Don't Come Any Closer Than This!

We've seen some interesting whale encounters captured on video over the years, but none of them are as close as this one. A feeding humpback wandered into Knudson Cove in Ketchikan, Alaska and when it breached it was right inside the harbor. It isn't often that you see a whale this closely, let alone capture it on video. Wow!

Video: Wings of Kilimanjaro 2016 Expedition

Next week, 29 climbers will set out for the "Roof of Africa" as part of the Wings of Kilimanjaro initiative. The team, which is being led by my friends over at Tusker Trail, will attempt to trek to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa, where they will then paraglide off the mountain. But the group isn't there just to have an amazing adventure. They'll also be raising funds to support a number of projects that are improving the lives of people living in Tanzania. Those projects include installing pumps to deliver clean water, teaching local farmers to grow crops in a sustainable fashion, and improving the education of the children that live there. In the video below, you'll learn a bit more about the program, but you'll also see some amazing shots of their previous climbs up Kili, and the epic flights they've taken from the summit. It looks like a great way to see an already impressive mountain, and its all for a good cause.

Gear Closet: Nikon AW130 Digital Camera

When it comes to serious travel photography, I still tend to go a bit old school. That is to say, in the age of the smartphone, I'm still one of those people who likes to carry a dedicated camera with me when I hit the road. Sure, my iPhone takes great photos, and it allows me to easily share them on social media, but it still lacks a proper zoom, has a relatively low megapixel count, and a battery that needs to be recharged every night. On top of that, it isn't rugged enough to take with me into some of the environments that I often find myself visiting. But those places are exactly where the Nikon AW130 digital camera shines. This ruggedized camera has been built with outdoor adventurers in mind, and is tough enough to take with you just about anywhere.

The AW130 is Nikon's most recent generation of rugged camera. I also happen to own the AW100, which is a few years old now, but is still a solid camera to take with me on some of trips. But, the new model shows that Nikon has listened to critics of its earlier models, and has addressed some of their concerns. The results are a camera that has evolved nicely from my older model, while retaining some of the characteristics that made the original stand out.

So what exactly does the AW130 bring to the table for adventure travelers? For starters, it is waterproof down to 100 feet (30 meters), freeze proof down to 14ºF (-10ºC) and drop proof from a height of 7 feet (2.1 meters). Those characteristics alone make it a good option for challenging environments. For instance, I took the camera with me on a kayaking excursion along the Russian River and Pacific Coast in California, and didn't have to worry about getting it wet. It can even shoot photos underwater too. And since it can function in cold weather and is well protected from accidental drops, you'll have a camera that can survive just about anything you throw at it.



This camera isn't just tough however. It features plenty of other useful features too, including a 16 megapixel sensor, a 3" OLED display, and a 5x glass zoom. It also has a built-in GPS receiver for geotagging photos, as well as WiFi and NFC connections for sharing images with your smartphone or tablet. The AW130 is capable of shooting five images per second, and can capture video at full 1080p resolutions. As if that wasn't enough, it also has onboard vibration reduction for steadier photos and video, as well as a fast autofocus that is always ready to shoot.

The design of the camera makes it easy to hold in your hand, even when you're taking part in active sports. It has an small, but useful, textured grip that comes in handy in slick conditions, and the buttons and switches are all large enough that they can be easily operated, even while wearing a pair of gloves. The operating system is typical for point and shoot cameras, which is to say it isn't overly intuitive, but it is fairly easy to find what you're looking for on those rare occasions when you need to go delving into its menus.

Putting the camera to the test in the field, I found it to be a solid point and shoot that was responsive and quick. It is easy to use, and snapping photos is a lot of fun in general with the AW130. The fact that you know you can take it with you anywhere is big plus, as its rugged design brings a nice sense of freedom about how and where you can use it.

In terms of image quality, the photos taken with the AW130 are good, but won't necessarily blow you away. In fact, there were times when I felt my iPhone did a better job of capturing a similar image, with better color reproduction and less noise. On the other hand, there were also times when the Nikon's zoom and glass lens took better photos as well, so performance is certainly impacted by the location and setting. All in all, you won't be disappointed by the photos taken by this camera, just don't expect DSLR levels of quality.

The battery life on my old AW100 was always a bit of a disappointment. It tended to run out of power at the most inopportune times, and far too quickly for my liking. That has been addressed in subsequent generations to a degree however, as I found the AW130 to have far better battery life than my older model. Of course, certain features such at GPS can really kill the battery quickly, so its best to turn it off unless you absolutely need the geotagging features or plan on recharging the camera regularly. Nikon says the AW130 can take 370 photos between charges, but that number drops substantially with GPS or even WiFi use.

The camera's 5x zoom is another source of irritation for me. On the one hand, I'm glad that it has any kind of mechanical zoom, as I far prefer it to digital zoom on any camera. But 5x is hardly anything to get too excited about, and I would have liked to have seen a longer zoom added to the latest model of Nikon's rugged line-up. But, some limitations come along with the design. If you want a waterproof camera, you'll need to make sacrifices in other areas, and this is one of them. Adding something with a longer zoom would compromise the ability to survive in water, which is ultimately one of the main functions of this camera.

Indeed, the one thing you constantly have to keep in mind when it comes to the AW130 is that in making it rugged and durable, Nikon had to make compromises elsewhere. If you want a better camera in terms of speed, features, battery life, and image quality, there are plenty of point and shoots on the market that will fulfill those needs, with most costing less than this one. But if you truly need a camera that can survive in the outdoors, and take very good photos along the way, this is great option.

Personally, I tend to carry the AW130 (or AW100) with me a secondary, companion camera. Depending on the trip, I'll take my DSLR and this one, as they compliment one another quite well. It also happens to make a good companion with a smartphone, surviving in places you'll want to keep your mobile device away from, while being able to share images wirelessly. As a stand alone camera it is still versatile enough to get the job done, just know ahead of time that you'll be trading some functionality in favor of ruggedness.

Wit its $300 price tag, the AW130 is on the more expensive side of the P&S market, particularly as that segment continues to be eaten away by smartphone usage. But, that price delivers a camera that is very rugged and built to survive in some very demanding environments. In the end, that's exactly what you're buying the AW130 for, and recognizing that ahead of time hells to make it the right tool for the job in most instances.

The bottomline is that this is the camera you want with you when white water rafting through the Grand Canyon, skiing in the backcountry, or hiking in the desert. It can handle each of those roles with equal aplomb and capture some good photos of those journeys as well. This is a camera made for those of us who have to leave our smartphones at home, because quite honestly they just won't survive where we're going.

Gear Closet: Five Ten Eddy Water Shoes

One of my favorite pairs of shoes that I've tested this year has been the Five Ten Access approach shoe, which I loved for their light weight, comfort, and durability. Since I reviewed them a month back, those shoes have become a staple in my wardrobe, accompanying me on many outdoor excursions. Because of this, I had high expectation of the new Eddy water shoe from Five Ten as well. The latest edition to the company's catalog brings Five Ten's years of experience to footwear designed to be worn in and around wet environments, delivering a fantastic option for paddlers, boaters, or just about anyone else who spends time out on the water.

Designed to be thin and lightweight, the Eddy was created to provide good protection for your feet, without becoming big and cumbersome. This allows them to fit nicely inside the cockpit of a kayak, including smaller play boats. I came to appreciate this design choice not because I needed the extra room, but because some of my larger water shoes often make it difficult to find the pedals that control the rudder on a sea kayak for instance. With these thin shoes, that wasn't a problem, and as a result I felt more connected with the boat in general.

Of course, that's just one element that I came to appreciate with these shoes. As you would expect, they offer quick-drying synthetic materials on the upper that allow water to pass through without retaining excess moisture, and thereby adding any amount of significant weight. The Eddy is also outfitted with plenty of drainage holes that help with this process too. The results are a shoe that is meant to be used on the water, but can be completely dry in about 15 minutes, allowing you to transition seamlessly back to land as well.


The sole of the shoe is made from Five Ten's Stealth S1 rubber, which was initially designed for use on the company's climbing shoes. This helps to give the Eddy a surprisingly great grip on slick, wet surfaces, making it easier to cross tough portages or to scramble in and out of your boat in rocky environments. That same Stealth S1 rubber extends up and around the toe, allowing the wearer to use it to maintain a grip while climbing in and out of the water. Those materials also provide an added protective barrier that isn't always common in this type of footwear.

All of these nice design elements don't mean much however if the shoe isn't comfortable to wear. Fortunately, Five Ten has us well covered there, as the Eddys feel great on your feet both in and out of the water. Better yet, they don't happen to look like a water shoe at first glance, which means you'll feel at home wearing them hiking to the put-in, during your waterborne adventures, and afterwards when you're grabbing lunch and a beer at the local pub.

As a frequent traveler, I always try to limit the number of pairs of shoes I take with me on my trips to no more than two. But, depending on the type of excursion I'm setting out on, I may need to add another pair or two to my bag. The Eddy is a versatile enough water shoe that I wouldn't hesitate to bring it along on any trip that involves spending time on the water. It is not only lightweight and comfortable, but it is also highly packable too. That means it can slip into your duffle bag or backpack without taking up too much room or adding undue bulk – something that endears me to just about any piece of gear.

Competitively priced at $100, Five Ten brings a lot to the table with the Eddy. While there are plenty of other options for good water shoes that cost less than that – including the 3T Barefoot Warrior from Body Glove that I reviewed back in August – few of those other shoes offer as many technical advantages as Five Ten's offering. While the Barefoot Warrior is a better option for stand-up paddleboarders, I'd recommend the Eddy to anyone who finds themselves scrambling through rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water where the footing isn't always certain. This is a much more substantial shoe, that is only slightly bigger and heavier.

If you're in the market for some new water shoes, the Five Ten Eddy is a great choice. This is particularly true if you find yourself hiking over slick surfaces on your way to and from the water. I think you'll be extremely pleased with what this shoe has to offer, and the grippy rubber outsole will be a welcome option for those who need a little extra security along the way.

Whitewater Rafting Team Narrowly Misses Grand Canyon Record

A team of eight whitewater rafters missed setting a new speed record for rowing down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon this week when their raft was punctured in the attempt. The group spent nearly 40 hours out on the water, but came up short in their epic attempt to cover the 277 mile distance as quickly as possible.

The 8-person squad, which includes the 6-man U.S. Whitewater Rafting team had been planning the Grand Canyon run for years, but received new incentive in 2016 when a new speed record was set. For years, the time to beat had been 36 hours, 38 minutes held by Kenton Grua, Rudi Putsches and Steve Reynolds since 1983. But last year, solo kayaker Ben Orkin set a new record by running the entire stretch in just 34 hours and two minutes.

Unfortunately for this team, the final time was 39 hours, 24 minutes, but they were slowed down greatly in their efforts thanks to the punctured raft, which couldn't be fixed properly while on the water. That left one of the raft's tubes almost completely deflated, causing way too much drag to overcome. A strong headwind didn't help their efforts either.

Still, the team wasn't feeling sorry for themselves. They seemed to enjoy the adventure, even though they didn't set a new record along the way. After all, traveling through the Grand Canyon is always an amazing experience, and for some it was the first go at the Colorado River. There is no word yet on if they'll return to try for the record a second time, but something tells me we haven't heard the last of this crew.

Read the entire story about their rafting expedition here. It has a lot of great moments and some big challenges that they faced along the way.

Video: 65-Women Set World's Skydiving Record

You would think that there wouldn't be much of a challenge to setting a world's record for most sky divers other than taking a big group up, having everyone jump out, and then complete the jump. But that wasn't he case with this group of 65 female skydivers, who recently set the record for a vertical head-down jump. It took them 16 tries to get it right, over the course of a weeks time, with the jumpers suffering a variety of physical challenges along the way, including exploding sinuses, hypoxia, multiple mid-air kicks to the head, and rough landings that nearly resulted in broken bones. But, eventually they were able to reach their goal, and as you'll see in the video below, break the record in the process.

Video: It's Time to Play Outside (In the Italian Dolomites)

When we get caught up in the mundane grind of our daily lives we sometimes need a reminder how important it is to get outside and play, something that is good for our bodies, spirits, and minds. This video not only points out just how important it is to go outdoors, but it uses the Italian Dolomites as an example of the playgrounds that are waiting for us. There aren't many places on Earth that can compete with that. Watch the clip, then go outside to play.

Dolomiti Paganella, Time to Play Outside from StoryTravelers on Vimeo.

The Last Great March Will Take Explorers Across Simpson Desert and to the North Pole

As the 2016 Arctic exploration season starts to wind down, we now get word of yet another attempt to ski the full distance to the North Pole. Adventurers Sebastian Copeland and Mark George are planning on making that journey in 2017 as part of what they call The Last Great March, a project that also includes a self-supported journey across Australia's Simpson Desert as well.

The two men – who has extensive exploration and adventure credits on their resume – first plan to set out from Ellesmere Island in Canada next February in an attempt to ski 775 km (481 miles) to the Geographic North Pole at 90ºN. They'll travel on skis over the ice, dragging their sleds filled with gear and equipment behind them as they go, with the hope of finishing the journey in under 49 days. Along the way, they'll face unpredictable weather, ice rubble fields, large open leads of water, and possibly even polar bears. If they can actually pull it off, they'll be the first team to complete the full journey to the North Pole since 2014, and quite possibly the last to do so.

But the expedition to the North Pole is only one phase of the Last Great March project. Sebastian and Mark are also planning of trekking for 520 km (323 miles) across the Simpson Desert, the driest place on the Australian continent. To do so, they'll need to pull specially built carts carrying 400 pounds (181 kg) of gear and equipment, much of which will consist of the water they'll need to survive in this inhospitable place. While out in the desert they'll face intense heat, dehydration, massive sand dunes, and a variety of poisonous snakes.

The goal of The Last Great March is to not only push the boundaries of human endurance in remote and difficult settings but also to record the impact of climate change on these places. It will be interesting to see how these expeditions play out, particularly in the Arctic. We had one team announce a full-distance expedition to the North Pole this year, and that didn't end so well. Will this team have more success next year? We'll have to wait to see.

Video: Mountain Hardwear - Limits Unknown

This short clip is a teaser for a new ad campaign coming our way from Mountain Hardwear this spring. It features some wonderful shots of MH athletes doing their thing in remote areas of the world, with some motivational narration that will get you ready to head out and explore not just our planet, but your own personal limits too. Over the past few years, Mountain Hardwear has strayed a bit from its mission, but the team that is currently there is working hard to get things back on track. I'm a big fan of the company's gear, and I really like what they have in store for us. They are currently cranking out some of the best, most innovative products in the industry, and I think you're going to be appreciate what they will deliver to stores starting early in 2017. For now, enjoy this clip.

Mountain Hardwear - Limits Unknown from Tobin Sanson on Vimeo.

National Geographic Offers the Best Backcountry Ski Huts in the U.S.

Now that the holidays have come and gone, a new year has started, and winter is in full swing it is definitely time to start thinking about retiring to our favorite outdoor adventures. And to help out with that endeavor, National Geographic is offering a list of the best backcountry ski huts in America. These are places you can stay while out exploring untouched powder along remote trails that are far from the crowded slopes that most people visit. And just because you're in a remote place, that doesn't mean you can't have a cosy place to relax at the end of the day.

In all, ten huts make the list, ranging from places like Baxter State Park in Maine to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska, with plenty of amazing places in between. Most of the huts are found in the western states, with Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho well represented.

Each entry onto the list offers some insights as to why that particular lodge stands out from the crowd. Those descriptions give skiers an idea of what to expect in terms of the hut itself, but also the trails they'll get to ski while visiting. You'll also learn how to get to these places, some of which aren't exactly just off the parking lot. But of course, that's part of the fun, isn't it? This is backcountry skiing after all.

If you're looking for some amazing places to find fresh powder his winter – and by most accounts there is plenty of it to be had – than this list will give you some ideas of where to go and where to stay. The huts are all impressive places to seek refuge after a hard day of touring, but after a good night's sleep you'll be ready for more in the morning. And since it is only January, there is still plenty of time to plan a winter escape. Perhaps one of these lodges is just what you've been looking for.

Read the full story here.

Video: Climbing The Monte Rosa Chain

Last summer, mountaineer (and Adventure Blog reader) Marc Lambert traveled to the Italian Alps to do some climbing along the Monte Rosa Chain, a series of mountains that top out at 4634 meters (15,203 ft). Marc was kind enough to share some video footage from his adventure, which featured some scary looking knife-edge ridges along the way up to a series of summits. There are definitely some beautiful views to be seen here, but if you get queasy just at the thought of steep drop offs, you may want to pass.

Congratulations to Marc on a job well done and thanks for sharing the video mate!

Comedians Set To Hold Highest Gig Ever On Everest

The Everest climbing season may still be a month and a half off just yet, but we're already starting to see why some people feel the highest mountain in the world has devolved into a bit of a circus. This is the time of year when we get all kinds of announcements about unusual records or "firsts" that will be attempted in the year ahead. I got one such announcement yesterday in the form of a press release about comedy troupe that will perform in Base Camp later this year.

The team of comedians, which includes Rhys Darby, Stewart Francis, Craig Campbell, Glenn Wool, Simon Evans and Terry Alderton, all of whom intend to trek to EBC in Nepal this October. That means they'll miss the very busy spring climbing season in favor of the quieter fall season when few climbers are there, but trekking is good. The funny men are calling their hiking adventure Stand Up on Everest, and as you can probably imagine, they're doing it for a good cause.

The comedians will lead a massive group of 50 trekkers on the hike up the Khumbu Valley to Everest. Those trekkers will each agree to raise a minimum of £1000 (roughly $1645) for the Save the Children project, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of children around the globe. For their efforts, those 50 travelers will be treated to two sets of comedy performed by their hosts on a special stage in the shadow of Everest.

The trek will begin on September 25 with the hopes that they'll reach EBC by October 4. The comedians will perform for anyone in Base Camp at the time, although in recent years there have been few climbers on Everest in the fall.

If you're interested in joining the trek or learning more about this project, visit standuponeverest.co.uk.

On the Road Again - Heading to Majorca, Spain

After being home for nearly two weeks, it is once agin time for me to hit the road. This time, I'm off with my wife and some friends to Majorca, Spain for a week of relaxation and some lower-key adventures. We're going to spend some time hiking and exploring the island, but also taking the local wineries, beaches, and enjoying a fantastic villa provided to us by Travelopo, an online booking company that handles some outstanding properties across Europe.

I will have Internet while there, and I will be monitoring some stories, so it is likely that there will be a few updates while I'm gone, just don't expect the usual level of output. If a major story breaks while I'm away, I will have time to post, and I'll probably be sharing photos and updates on my regular social media outlets.

In the meantime, sit tight. I'll be back home on Sunday, October 16 and will resume updating the blog on the following day. As always, thanks for reading and for your patience with this semi-frequent interruptions. I'm sure I'll have some good stories to share when I get back.

Polar Exploration Community Responds to the Death of Henry Worsley

As you can imagine, the community of polar explorers that have visited the North and South Pole is an extremely small, and close knit one. Most of the men and women who have traveled extensively in the Arctic or Antarctic know each other to some degree, and they are shocked and saddened by the loss of Henry Worsley over the past weekend. 

Some of them have issued statements expressing their grief over the situation. For instance, yesterday the team at Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions issued a statement that shared more information. That statement reads as follows:

It is with great sadness that we report that polar expeditioner Henry Worsley died at a hospital in Punta Arenas, Chile yesterday after complications caused by bacterial peritonitis. Henry returned from Antarctica on January 23 after nearly completing his Shackleton Solo Expedition. 

Henry began his expedition in November 2015 in support of The Endeavour Fund, an
organization that supports wounded soldiers in the UK. He was attempting the first unsupported and unassisted solo crossing of the Antarctic landmass, a journey from Berkner Island to the Ross Ice Shelf via the South Pole. The route was expected to take him 75-80 days and at the time of pickup, he had been in the field for 71 days and travelled over 900 statute miles. 

ALE maintained daily communication with Henry throughout the expedition on scheduled satellite phone calls. On January 22, Henry contacted ALE asking for pickup and was subsequently transported by Twin Otter aircraft to ALE’s Union Glacier camp. Upon arrival, he received treatment for extreme exhaustion and dehydration by two ALE doctors trained in remote emergency medicine.

Early on January 23, he boarded ALE’s Ilyushin-76 intercontinental aircraft and received
treatment from an ALE doctor for the duration of the flight to Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon landing, Henry was transported by ambulance to hospital, where he was diagnosed with peritonitis and admitted for surgery. He was subsequently transferred to the hospital’s intensive care unit where he passed away on January 24. ALE remained in close contact with the hospital throughout and continues to work closely with the family. 

Henry was an experienced polar expeditioner and recently ended a 36-year career in the British Army. He had a strong passion for the pursuits of the early Antarctic explorers including Shackleton, Scott, and Amundsen and had completed two previous Antarctic expeditions, one in 2009 celebrating Shackleton’s Nimrod expedition and one in 2012 that recreated the Amundsen route to the South Pole.

The entire ALE team sends its deepest condolences to Henry’s wife, Joanna, children, Max and Alicia, and extended family at this very difficult time.

Meanwhile, the Race Against Time team, who are preparing to set out for the North Pole from the Russian side of the ice in a few weeks knew Henry well. In fact, he was serving as one of the patrons for their journey. They said:

The Race Against Time 2016 Polar Expedition Team comprising of Mark Wood, Mark Langridge MC and Paul Vicary MSc has learnt today that their Patron Lt Col Henry Worlsey has died whilst crossing Antarctica.

Both Mark Langridge and Paul Vicary have both served alongside Henry and were part of the six man team that successfully reached the South Pole in 2012 following Robert F. Scott’s route as part of the 100 year anniversary of this iconic explorer. 

“This is terrible news and we are all devastated. We have had many friends especially in the military that die at a young age or doing their job. Henry was doing something that he loved. He was a respected, admired, inspirational leader and the world has lost a great explorer. We have lost a dear friend. Our hearts and prayers are with Joanna and Henry’s family at this time.”

Devon McDiarmid and Stew Edge, who just wrapped up their Antarctic expedition earlier today, called Henry's death a "tragic end to Shackleton Solo expedition," while Britain's Prince William – who himself was a Patron of Henry's expedition – said “Harry and I are very sad to hear of the loss of Henry Worsley. He was a man who showed great courage and determination and we are incredibly proud to be associated with him. We have lost a friend, but he will remain a source of inspiration to us all, especially those who will benefit from his support to the Endeavour Fund. We will now make sure that his family receive the support they need at this terribly difficult time.”

Alexandra Shackleton – the granddaughter of Earnest Shackleton – told the BBC News “Henry will be a huge loss to the adventuring world. The fact that he very nearly made it, only 30 miles short of his goal, makes it in some ways even worse.”

This is just a camping of the outpouring of emotion that surrounds Henry's death. He was a strong spirit and a major inspiration for many, and he will certainly be missed. 

The First Woman to Summit Everest Has Passed Away

Sad news for the mountaineering community, as the story broke late last week of the passing of Japanese climber Junko Tabei. While not as well known as Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, Tabei left her own mark on the world of mountaineering by becoming the first woman to summit Mt. Everest back in 1975 – some 22 years after Hillary and Norgay. She was 77 at the time of her depth.

Tabei was instrumental in opening up the sport of mountaineering for other women to follow, both in her home country and internationally. Back in 1969 she established a ladies-only climbing club back in Japan and began promoting the idea of women-only mountaineering expeditions. At the age of 35 she led a squad of Japanese women to Everest in an attempt to make the first female ascent of the highest mountain on the planet, proving that women could indeed reach that point in the process.

Throughout her climbing career, Junko visited more than 60 countries, scaling the highest peaks in each of those nations. In 1992 she became the first woman to complete the Seven Summits as well, as she stood on top of the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Despite being diagnosed with cancer four years ago, she continued to pursue her dreams in the mountains right up until the end.

My condolences go out to Junko's friends and family. She was a towering figure in the mountaineering community who broke new ground for female climbers everywhere. Her visionary approach to climbing helped open the door for many other ladies to follow, and she will be missed.

New Virtual Reality Experience Will Recreate First Ascent of Everest

Do you ever wonder what it was like to climb those final few steps up to the summit of Mt. Everest with Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay when they made the first ascent of the mountain back in 1953? If so, then you may soon get the chance to witness that historical moment for yourself thanks to a new virtual reality project from a company called CGO Studios that is slated for release later this year.

The creative team at CGO specializes in making VR experiences that center around historical events. In the past, they've done projects that centered around the Wright Brothers' first flight and they are currently putting the finishing touches on a digital visit to Anne Frank's attic. But, the team is also knee deep in a project called "Everest '53" that will take viewers high up the Himalayan peak, where they will join Hillary and Norgay as they approach the summit.

According to CGO, the team is creating its Everest project for use with the Oculus Rift VR goggles and its Touch controller. The virtual reality experience will immerse viewers in a 360º environment, and will equip them with historically accurate tools and gear to get them to the summit. The virtual environment will also replicate weather conditions on Everest on May 29, 1953 when Hillary and Norgay went to the summit for the first time, making the experience has real as possible. Both Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay – the sons of the two famous climbers – are assisting with the project, helping to deliver more realism.

The description for "Everest '53" says that viewers will join Hillary and Norgay in the "final moments" of their ascent, but just where it will start is hard to say. Will it begin at the Hillary Step or closer to the top? Is it mostly going to just center around the view from the summit, or something else? We'll have to wait to see for sure, but it is an intriguing premise to say the least.

I've had the chance to test a few VR experiences and can say that they are a lot of fun and offer some interesting tools to do unique things. For the most part, they'll never replace actually going outside to take part in real-world activities, but I do think the technology holds a lot of promise for delivering very compelling content like this. Hopefully I'll get a chance to check it out for myself at some point.

Find out more at cgostudios.com.

Video: Snow Leopard Makes Rare Appearance For Skiers in India

The snow leopard is one of the rarest and most endangered species on the planet. So much so that they are seldom captured on video. But a group of skiers and snowboarders traveling through Gulmarg, in the Kashmir region of India, got the chance to spot one in the wild, and captured the encounter on video. You can check it out for yourself below.

Leopard in the snow in Gulmarg, Kashmir from PreviousNext on Vimeo.

Video: New Zealand Landscapes In Timelapse

We'll end this week with this lovely video that captures some of the beautiful landscapes in New Zealand in timelapse. It is 7+ minutes of breathtaking shots to take us into the weekend. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The Epic Land Part 1 - New Zealand Landscapes Timelapse from Bevan Percival on Vimeo.

Himalayan Stove Project Offers Good Karma Through Carbon Credits

If you've read my blog for awhile now you've probably heard me mention the Himalayan Stove Project on more than one occasion. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of poor families living in Nepal by replacing their old, inefficient, and dangerous cookstoves with new, clean burning versions that are much better for their health and welfare. What I've always loved about the HSP is that while some organizations talk a good game, this one has been making a world of difference for the people that it helps, delivering more than 3500 stoves to those in need.

Now, the Himalayan Stove Project has launched a new intuitive, giving donors the chance to purchase carbon offset credits to help both the environment and future recipients of their stoves at the same time. A new website called CarbonKarma.guru is now selling the credits for just $20, giving individuals and companies the chance to reduce their carbon footprint dramatically, with much of the proceeds going to help the HSP continue its great work in Nepal.

The stoves that the project distributes are made by a company called Envirofit and are said to be 90% more efficient than an open cook fire, which is a common method for preparing meals in many parts of the world. In addition to that, the stoves also use 75% less biomass fuel, which means they are better for our health and the environment in general. Envirofit is the organization that is supplying the Gold Standard carbon credits, which are recognized by more than 80 NGO's operating in 70 countries around the world.

Purchasing carbon credits is a real way to make a difference for the environment, and doing so through CarbonKarma.guru will help the Himalayan Stove Project too. But, if you just want to donate to the HSP, you can do that simply by clicking here. It is a great organization that is doing great things in Nepal, and every bit of assistance helps.

Himalayan Stove Project founder George Basch has set an ambitious goal of donating enough stoves that if they were stacked on top of one another they would reach from Everest Base Camp to the summit of the mountain. At the moment, the organization is about a third of the way towards that goal. To reach the top, the HSP will have to install 10,856 stoves, so more work has yet to be done. Let's help them get there!


Himalayan Stove Project - Help Us Reach the Summit in 2017! from George Basch on Vimeo.