Video: This Is My Planet, You Really Should Come See It Sometime

The video below was used as part of a promotional campaign put on by G Adventures, a fantastic adventure travel company that can take you to just about anywhere on the planet. While on the most basic level it may simply be a commercial, I personally love the message that it shares and the images that are on display. I also happen to think that it also aligns very nicely with my personal approach to travel and love its core message about finding your own adventures.

Everest 2012: Climbers Arriving In Kathmandu

This is a very busy week for the teams planning on climbing Everest or one of the other Himalayan peaks this spring. Most of them have now packed their gear and shipped it to Kathmandu and are either en route themselves or will be departing shortly. Just getting to Nepal can be quite an experience as I discovered a couple of years back. My journey from Austin, Texas to KTM required 36 hours of travel spread out over  four flights. Needless to say, after all of that time you arrive in a less than optimal state.

This morning Alan Arnette, who has made that journey a fair number of times himself, has written a blog post about the experience and shared a few updates from climbers who are now arriving in Kathmandu. One of those climbers is Ian Ridley, who has already passed in and out of Nepal's capitol. Ian is now on the trail to Base Camp and should be amongst the first arrivals sometime next week.

Alan also linked out to a good radio interview, which you'll find below, with Conrad Anker who shares insights into his upcoming Everest expedition sponsored by National Geographic. Anker and his team will be taking on both the West and Southwest Ridges, while being shadowed by scientists who will be conducting a variety of research studies while there.

From my own experience in Kathmandu that the city is currently a hive of activity. Climbers and trekkers are arriving en masse right now and some will spend a few days there while others will turn around and head straight out to the mountains. Weather will start to become a concern, even at this early stage, as flights out to the legendary Lukla airport will be regularly delayed or canceled. The days spent in KTM can be spent picking up last minute gear items in the Thamel District (beware counterfeit gear!), touring the city and the surrounding area and generally resting up for the challenges ahead. While I was there it was warm and muggy and rolling blackouts made it much more comfortable to be outside than staying in a stuffy hotel room. Kathmandu is as amazing and crazy as you would imagine, and some place that every traveler should experience at least once.

We should start to hear about arrivals in BC on the South Side by next week and the real work will start to get underway. The Sherpas are already there, staking out the camps for the various teams and preparing to build the route through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall. On the North Side things will lag behind a bit, as climbers won't even gain access to Tibet until April 1st. Expect to hear more from that side of the mountain shortly.

Reminder: Win a Copy of The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide

Just a quick reminder as we wind down the week. I'm giving away eight copies of Andrew Skurka's new book The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide (review here!). The book is full of all kinds of practical advice from a guy who has logged more hiking miles than probably just about anyone else on the planet. You'll find gear list, tips for improving your experience on the trail and insights on planning a long distance trek.

To win one of these copies all you need to do is drop me an email at kungfujedi@gmail.com with a subject of "Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide." Then, in the body of the message, write me a brief note telling me which of Andrew's big adventures you would most like to do yourself. He has plenty to choose from and you'll find them all listed here.

So far I've had a steady flow of entires coming in but not an overwhelming number just yet. That means you have a great chance of winning one of these books. Oh, and in case anyone is wonder, the Andrew's Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike in the Grand Canyon is clearly the favorite hike amongst Adventure Blog readers thus far.

The contest will run through March 31st and shortly there after I'll pick and announce the winners at random. Good luck everyone!

Gear Closet: Osprey Atmos 50 Backpack

It is difficult to improve on perfection. Especially in the world of outdoor gear. One of my all-time favorite pieces of gear is my Osprey Atmos 50 backpack. I love it so much that I've taken it with me on trips to six continents and it has always served me well. It is the perfect size to fit in most overhead compartments and yet still carry all the gear you need for an extended trip. My Atmos has been up mountains, across deserts and down rivers, and while it has a few battle scars it remains in great condition and always ready for a new adventure.

Win a Copy of The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide by Andrew Skurka

There are few backpackers that have a resume that can compete with Andrew Skurka. The man has hiked a number of impressive long distance hikes including the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and many more that don't even have names. His expeditions have taken him to the wilds of Alaska and South Africa, across Iceland and quite literally coast-to-coast in North America.

Awhile back I wrote a review of Andrew's new book The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide and gave it high marks for providing all kinds of useful information. The book is an essential addition to any hiker's library and offers tips on planning for a hike of nearly any length. It offers fantastic insights into what gear to take along on your adventures and teaches you how to shave ounces off your pack to make for a more enjoyable time on the trail.

I think The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide is a great resource for any backpacker and I think you'll agree. That's why I'm giving away eight copies of the book to readers of my blog. Yep, that's right, I have eight copies of Andrew's book to share with you. To win a copy of the book, all you have to do is send me an email at kungfujedi@gmail.com with a subject line that reads: "Ultimate Hikers Gear Guide." Then, in the body of your message, tell me which of Andrew's adventures you would most like to do yourself and why. That could be an epic hike through Alaska and the Yukon, a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim adventure in the Grand Canyon, or a short hike along the Colorado Trail. He has plenty of great hiking adventures to choose from, so tell me which one you'd love to do.

As for me, I'd love to follow in Andrew's footsteps and make a circumnavigation of Yellowstone on foot. Yellowstone is one of my favorite destinations in the United States and I can't imagine how spectacular it would be to see it in this manner.

The contest is open through March 31st, so you have plenty of time to enter. On April 1st I'll pick the eight winners and random and ship out your copy of the book. Good luck to all who enter and I look forward to reading your entries.

Blind Adventure Athletes Plan To Cycle The Americas

Here's an interesting cycling adventure that was sent my way by a reader. Christi Bruchok and Tauru Chaw have embarked on an epic journey by bike. Over the next year or so they'll be riding from the southernmost tip of South America all the way to Alaska – tandem no less. And while we have seen others make this ride on more than one occasion, what sets Christi and Tauru apart is that they are both legally blind.

Calling their little expedition Two Blind to Ride, the duo set out back in January and have been making steady progress ever since. As of now, they have already covered more than 1887km (1172 miles) and are near Coihaique, Chile. Along the way they've already had their fair share of adventure, but seem to be thoroughly enjoying the ride thus far. Regular updates to their blog help keep us well informed of their progress and the photos they are posting will definitely inspire you to want to embark on a similar ride of your own.

Their website also explains their "blindness" as both of them can see to a degree. In Christi's case her vision is severely blurred, while Tauru suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic condition that will eventually lead to complete blindness, but currently leaves him with severe tunnel vision.

This isn't the first adventure for these two. In 2009 they made a tandem journey across the U.S. by bike as well, which has given them the confidence that they can make this ride as well. It should definitely be fun to follow their progress over the months ahead.

Outside Announces 2012 Travel Award Winners

Last week Outside magazine unveiled their 2012 Travel Award winners giving a nod to the best travel companies, tours, hotels, cameras and more. If you're still planning your adventures for the year ahead, you'll probably find some great ideas on this list.

One of the most prestigious awards on the list has to be the Best Travel Company, which was awarded to Geographic Expeditions, a company that has been in the business of adventure travel for more than 30 years. GeoEx offers great itineraries to some of the most remote locations on the planet and the company can take you to Everest, the Antarctic and beyond. Beyond that, Outside gives them props for their emphasis on safety and their work with local non-profits and NGO's as well.

Geographic Expeditions will no doubt take you to just about any destination you can think of, but there are a number of great trips spotlighted on Outside's list.  For example, their Best Off-the Beaten Path trip goes to Chiapas, Mexico, while their Best New Safari takes place in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Congo. The give a big thumbs up to a new trekking tour of the Tsum Valley, courtesy of Mountain Madness, naming it their Best Himalayan Trip and an amazing new Tour de France cycling experience gets the nod for Best New Biking Trip.

There is plenty more to discover on the list as well and they've even created an Adventure Travel Hall of Fame for destinations that remain great travel options on a yearly basis. I did something similar in recent years when writing my own "best trips" suggestions at Gadling.com, as places like Kilimanjaro, the Antarctic and Peru always deserve a place on these lists but sometime prevent other destinations from getting the credit they deserve as well.

2012 is still full of possibilities and there are some great travel bargains to be had. Outside's Travel Awards can help you fill up that bucket list and introduce you to some new options you probably didn't even know existed.

Video: Ultrabook Temptations

Intel is looking to spread the word about the Ultrabook laptop designs which are being built by a variety of manufacturers and feature super-thin notebooks that are both powerful and have long lasting batteries. To that end, they've launched a "social experiment" to see what people will go through to earn one of the computers and they're calling this campaign Ultrabook Temptations.

One of the videos from the campaign can be found below. It was shot on Bondi Beach in Australia, where ten Ultrabooks were hidden in cases and visitors to the beach were encouraged to use a metal detector to find them. They also dropped in things like a kitchen sink or mannequin parts to throw those searching off the scent. The results were often kind of humorous. I especially liked the woman who was continually digging holes as she randomly looked for the prize.

What does this have to do with adventure? Not much exactly, but the videos are kind of charming and the Ultrabooks are fantastic for travel. I own one and love how thin and lightweight it is when I'm looking to pack as light as possible. Definitely worth a look if you're in the market for a new PC.

Gear Closet: CamelBak All Clear

Travelers, hikers, and backpackers looking for an alternative method for purifying water while on the go have a fantastic new option from an unlikely source. CamelBak, the company that perfected the hydration pack, has recently released a new water bottle with a built in purification system. Dubbed the All Clear, this system uses ultraviolet light to kill 99.9% of all bacteria, viruses and parasites found in water, making it safe to drink no matter where you are.

The All Clear features a tough plastic 750 milliliter water bottle with a high tech lid that incorporates the ultraviolet light, a small LCD screen, and an on-off button. Travelers simply fill the bottle with water, screw the cap on and hit the power button. That will turn on the UV light and start a sixty second countdown timer. While that timer is ticking away, you simply rotate the bottle 180º to circulate the water, ensuring that all of the liquid is exposed to the bacteria killing rays. Once the timer stops the water is safe to drink.

UV purification systems obviously aren't new but what makes the All Clear unique is the fact that the light is integrated so nicely into the the lid of the water bottle. After all, we rarely go anywhere without a good water bottle these days and the fact that that same bottle can clear harmful bacteria from the water we drink is a convenience that is hard to deny.

CamelBak has integrated some other excellent features into the All Clear as well. For instance, the UV light is powered by a rechargeable batter that is good for about 80 uses before needing to be plugged in. The battery can also be charged via USB, which means it can be plugged directly into your computer, a battery pack or even a portable solar charger. That makes it perfect for those wanting to travel light. The USB charging cable is included and the package also includes a second lid – one that is more suitable for drinking – and a nice carrying case.

The All Clear is a well built and well designed purification system and it is difficult to find fault with it in any way. CamelBak has made it a snap to use and the powerful battery and light are good for 10,000 total purifications. The only real knock I have against the product is that the UV lid is a bit on the heavy side, especially when compared to the competition, although it is by no means particularly large.

If you're in the market for a new water purification system, and you're tired of using iodine tablets, then perhaps its time to move up to a UV solution. The All Clear from CamelBak is a fantastic option that costs just $99, which is a small price to pay to ensure the water you're drinking on the trail is safe.

Tip: I'd recommend using the bottle to purify several liters of water at one time, pouring each dose into a hydration bladder in your pack, and then stowing the bottle for future use. That way you have all the water you need for the day close at hand and you can hike for hours without having to find more.

Winter Adventures on Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Living in Austin, Texas I've become accustomed to mild winters. Here it seldom falls below freezing and rarely do we get any kind of snow. In fact, in the nearly seven years that I've lived here, it has only snowed once and that was barely enough to cover the rooftops. Despite the fact that my current home-state doesn't isn't exactly known as a winter wonderland, I still enjoy the opportunity to play in the snow from time to time. With that in mind, a traveled to Michigan's Upper Peninsula a few weeks back to get in  a few cold weather adventures.

For those unfamiliar with the Upper Peninsula, or U.P. as it is called, it is the northernmost landmass that makes up the state of Michigan. The region is sparsely populated and heavily wooded, making it a surprisingly remote wilderness for those who have never visited the place before. In fact, the U.P. features more than 300 miles of wilderness, giving outdoor enthusiasts something to love in every season.

Visiting the Upper Peninsula during the winter generally means plenty of cold and snow, but like much of the U.S., Michigan is also having a mild winter. In this case that means they've only received 75 inches of snow thus far this year, which sounds like a lot but is well below the 200+ inches of powder they region gets during an average winter. Still, I found there was plenty of snow for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, some of the activities I was most looking forward to while I was there.

My U.P. adventure began in Sault Ste Marie, a charming little town that falls just across the St. Mary's River from Canada. The biggest summer draw to the town are the Soo Locks, which annually see more cargo pass through their gates than the Panama and Suez Canals combined. During the winter months however, Sault Ste Marie is the gateway to the winter playground that is the U.P. and not long after arriving I was off to Tahquamenon Falls State Park for a little snowshoeing.

The trail to the falls is a short one and an easy hike, even in winter, but the payoff is well worth it in any season. The Upper Tahquamenon is the largest falls east of the Mississippi River, stretching 200 feet across the river which gives it its name. They have a height of 50 feet and in the springtime the snow-melt swells the river so that more than 50,000 gallons drop over the edge each and every second. The falls remind open, even in the winter, when the snow and ice make the entire setting feel incredibly serene. On the day of my visit, a gentle snowfall only added to the experience.

The U.P. happens to be one of the premiere snowmobiling destinations in the entire U.S., and many travelers visit the area on an annual basis just to enjoy that activity alone. The state and national forests that cover the area feature more than 3000 miles of groomed trails just waiting to be explored. Flying along those trails at over 50 mph on the back of a powerful sled is a lot of fun and a great way to enjoy the backcountry. There are plenty of trails a short drive from Sault Ste Marie, but no matter where you go on the Upper Peninsula, you'll discover plenty of places to ride. I spent the better part of a day on, and off, some of those trails and had a great time chasing friends through the scenic woods.

A few days into the trip I payed a visit to the Treetops Ski Resort, which opened up even more opportunities for winter fun. The resort has a modestly sized ski hill with 23 runs and three lifts and options for every level of skier or rider. There are several miles of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails that are amazingly secluded and quiet. One morning I was fortunate enough to hit those trails before anyone else, including the groomer, and it turned out to be one of the more sublime experiences I've had in the woods in quite some time.

After spending a few days playing in the snow, I moved on to the WISSA event that I told you about last week, which was a completely different experience altogether. But my U.P. visit was incredibly fun and I would love to go back to explore the region more fully. In the warmer months, all those miles of snow covered trails turn into hiking and mountain biking routes and the rivers and lakes, including the Great Lakes, would make for excellent paddling. The forests that dominate the area should be fantastic for backpacking and camping, and there is even quality climbing options as well. The adventure activities abound, no matter the season, and outdoor enthusiasts shouldn't overlook this amazing wilderness that has so much to offer.

For more information on the Upper Peninsula and other outdoor activities in Michigan, visit Michigan.org.

Gear Closet: LED Lenser Flashlights and Headlamp

Flashlights and headlamps are one of those pieces of gear that you kind of take for granted. After all, they all generally provide illumination of some degree or another and they are all equally useful when the lights go out. But that said, not all flashlights are created equal and it isn't until you find one of exceptional quality that begin to see the difference. Take for example the fantastic line of lights from LED Lenser, a company that shares its heritage with Leatherman Multitools, and it shows. Where as the Leatherman line of products are well known for their ruggedness and high quality, that same level of engineering and build construction has been brought to this line of lights as well.

I recently had the opportunity to test multiple products from the LED Lenser line and came away very impressed with each of them. Not only do they provide plenty of illumination, but they were also built to withstand lots of punishment and have a number of clever features integrated into their design as well. The company even thought ahead enough to include a high quality case with each of the lights as well, which is a nice touch that you don't always find with the competitors. Each of the devices is water resistant, which comes in handy in inclement weather, and feature powerful, high quality LED bulbs too.

The first light that I tested was the H7 headlamp, which cranks out a stunning 155 lumens, to a range of 180 meters, on its brightest setting. On that level it'll only last for about 4.5 hours however, but if you dial it back to its lowest setting, a mere 2.7 lumens, the light is good for a solid 60+ hours. The H7 includes a comfortable headband and an easy to access battery pack, but what impressed me more was the integrated focus system that allows you quickly and easily adjust the light from a tight beam to a wide, dispersed pattern with ease.

I've used quite a few headlamps over the years and this one is among the brighter, more comfortable and easy to use lights that I've ever come across. It uses 3 AAA batteries, has a built in adjustable bezel for adjusting the angle of the light and weighs in at just 4 ounces, which makes it a great travel accessory for just about any excursion to any part of the planet. The H7 headlamp comes with an MSRP of $60, which makes it a bit more expensive than similar products from other companies, but the level of quality and features makes it well worth it.

The second LED Lenser I tested was the P7 flashlight which ups the specs to 175 lumens and 210 meters of range. This light has a solid, durable metal case that makes it feel heavier than its actual 6.7 ounce weight would imply and its handy belt case helps to keep the flashlight close at hand at all times. Like the H7 headlamp, the P7 has an easy to use focusing system allowing you to adjust between high and low beams while easily narrowing or expanding the beam as necessary.

The P7 is great light for use around camp or to keep in your vehicle for emergency purposes. It uses 4 AAA batteries although you may want to keep an extra set on hand. On the highest settings this flashlight can go through those batteries very quickly with a burn time of only about an hour. Dropping the brightness extends the life of course, but this isn't a light I'd want to take far from civilization without an extra set of batteries or two. MSRP on the P7 is $70.

Finally, I also had the distinction pleasure of testing the LED Lenser's P5R, a rechargeable flashlight that is incredibly bright. On its highest setting, this light cranks up to 200 lumens at a range of 190 meters with a burn time of between three and seven hours depending on settings. Like the P7, this flashlight has a rugged metal case and a sliding focus system that adjusts the range of the beam. The P5R is considerably smaller however, weighing in at under 3 ounces.

The rechargeable battery system provides enough light for up to seven hours of use and an extremely well designed magnetic charging system makes it a breeze to snap the flashlight into the provided charger, which can be used in conjunction with the included wall adapter or plugged into any USB port like that found on your computer, many battery packs or portable solar chargers. Recharge time is approximately 3.5 hours and the battery is good for 1000 charges.

LED Lenser included a hard plastic case that provides plenty of room for the flashlight itself of course, but also all of its charging cables and adapters. It is an exceptionally nice package, although it makes it a bit less portable for when you're heading into the field. Additionally the P5R doesn't come with a nice belt case like the P7, but it does have a high quality snap-on clip that still comes in handy when needed. If you can find a way to recharge while in the field for longer trips, the P5R is an excellent addition to your pack for sure. MSRP is $100.

Before testing out these products I wasn't all that familiar with LED Lenser, although I have been a fan of Leatherman gear for quite some time. Everything I liked about those multi-tools applies here as well however, as these lights are high quality products that will impress you with their durability and versatility. If you're in the market for a new headlamp or flashlight for your outdoor adventures than add these items to your shopping cart. You definitely won't be disappointed.

Gear Closet: OutThere MS-1 Backpack

Back in October I wrote a review of the AS-1 backpack, calling it the best pack on the market for adventure racing and a damn great pack for backpackers and adventure travelers as well. I was struck with the AS-1's comfort, well thought out design, and multitude of pockets and compartments. In short, it was one of the best pieces of gear that I had used in quite some time and since writing that review, I have only continued to be impressed.

The AS-1 comes to us from a company called OutThere! which was started by adventure athlete Mike Kloser. Mike is a multi-time world champion in mountain biking and adventure racing, and all of that time spent in the field has given him a unique perspective on what outdoor athletes need from their gear. Kloser has now taken that considerable expertise and applied it to a new, smaller pack called the MS-1 which exhibits many of the same attributes as its predecessor but in a much smaller package. In fact, the MS-1 has exactly half the carrying capacity of its bigger sibling, offering 15 liters of internal storage with an additional 5 liters in an external mesh pocket.

Aside from the differences in size however, the packs have a lot in common. Both are made from durable, water resistant fabrics and feature rugged zippers that provide easy access to the packs contents but seal the pack up tight as well. Once again, the MS-1 has plenty of pockets and compartments for carrying your gear. In addition to the large main compartment, there are three additional internal pockets that help keep the small stuff close at hand and well organized. Externally there is a very handy zippered mesh pocket as well and additional storage on the hip belt and shoulder straps. As you would expect, the pack is hydration ready and includes integrated hydration tube sleeves, but also has two large water bottle holsters that can be easily reached even while wearing the pack.

While the larger AS-1 is a fantastic pack for multi-day, expedition length adventure races or backpacking excursions, the MS-1 is better suited for shorter 24 to 48 hour events. I was surprised to find that once I adjusted the pack to fit my body, it was actually even more comfortable to wear than the AS-1, a pack that was already very comfy even while carrying a larger load. The airmesh padded back panel and shoulder straps felt great, even on extended treks and I especially enjoyed the way the MS-1 fit snuggly against my body, but still allowed me to move freely and quickly.

I know I sound like a broken record when comparing these two packs, but once again I am impressed with how versatile the MS-1 can be. The pack can be used for everything from day hikes and overnight camping to mountain bike excursions and cross country ski outings. The size is perfect for just about any kind of outing and works well as a travel pack too. I recently carried the pack on a trip to Michiagan's Upper Peninsula and found that it carried my laptop, DSLR camera, and other travel gear comfortably and easily too.

If you were tempted by the AS-1, but thought it was simply too large for your needs, than you'll definitely want to grab the MS-1 as soon as possible. Designed to be a great pack for adventure racing, its use extends well beyond that and you're likely to find you're using it for all of your outdoor adventures. If you already own the AS-1 and want the same functionality in a smaller pack, you won't be disappointed either.

Mike typically sells the pack for $149, which is a great price for a piece of gear with this kind of quality. But he is currently running a special promotion with the MS-1 on sale for just $135. Check it out on the OutThere! homepage now.

And if you don't want to take my word for how good the MS-1 is,  my friend Randy Ericksen had put together a video review as well. For a second opinion, check out Randy's thoughts below.

Gear Closet: Keen Ambler Hiking Shoes

Despite the fact that the calendar still reads winter, we all know spring is now just a few short weeks away. That means it is time to put away the thick winter clothes and store those bulky snow boots for another year. This spring Keen is helping us make the transition back to the warmer weather with a new pair of light hiking shoes that could help to redefine the category.

The new Ambler light hiker features a very soft waxed suede upper that is both durable and water resistant, helping to keep the shoes looking good and maintaining their overall condition. After breaking the shoes in by wearing them around town I was eager to hit some local trails and after several day hikes in a variety of conditions, I can honestly say that my Amblers still look like they just came out of the box. The suede makes them very easy to keep clean and with a little attention, you'd hardly know that they've been used as much as they have.

On the inside, the Amblers sport a well cushioned footpad that conforms to the shape of your foot, actually becoming more comfortable as you wear them. A moisture-wicking lining helps to keep your feet cool and dry no matter the what the weather throws at you and the lightweight, yet rugged, sole round out the package.

Of course, all of that sounds like what you would expect out of just about any light hiker from just about any company. But as usual, Keen has a few surprises in store for us, not the least of which is how good these shoes actually look. The Amblers have a nice sense of style about them that is unique and truly makes them stand out from a crowded field of competitors that mostly look the same. You can wear these shoes on a trail all day, then go to the local watering hole immediately afterward without a second thought, and I was surprised at how many people made comments on these shoes while I had them on.

We all know that how good a shoe looks is secondary to how well it performs however and we all want our hiking shoes to live up to our expectations. The Amblers don't disappoint in that area either and I was continually impressed with how light and comfortable they were. In fact I regularly had to remind myself that I wasn't wearing a pair of trail running shoes, albeit ones that protect my feet more fully.

The Amblers don't just make a great trail shoe however as their versatility make them perfect for travel as well. When I hit the road I tend to travel light, rarely carrying more than two pairs of shoes with me at any given time. Because these shoes are great both on the trail and around town, they are the perfect option no matter what the destination.

The great looks, comfort, and versatility all come with a great price tag as well. The MSRP on the Keen Amblers is just $100 which is a bargain for quality shoes of this type. From my perspective, Keen has another hit on their hands.

Video: Joshua Tree Timelapse

Located in the California desert, Joshua Tree is one of the most beautiful and tranquil settings that I've ever seen. I had the opportunity to visit the area for the first time last year and simply fell in love the place. The video below reminds of just how spectacular a setting Joshua Tree really is, particularly at night, when a billion stars appear overhead.

The timelapse imagery was captured by the gang over at Sunchaser Pictures, who took these photos while visiting this past weekend. The short two-minute clip is a wonderful way to start the day.


Joshua Tree Journey: Part 2 from Sunchaser Pictures on Vimeo.

Video: Touring Belgium By Kayak

Last summer, Belgian adventurer Louis-Philippe Loncke set out on a kayak expedition around his home country. At the time, he had very little paddling experience at all, but he wanted to explore the historic waterways of Belgium and document his journey, so he spent a few hours getting accustomed to his SeabirdDesigns H2O boat, and simply set off. The video below captures moments from that expedition, which looks like it was an amazing experience.

The Belgikayak expedition is a great reminder that we can find adventure right in our own backyard and that we don't always have travel to the far reaches of the planet to get our fix. Great stuff.

Upper Peninsula Bound!

I'm off on a short adventure of my own over the next few days. I'm headed to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for a little fun in the snow. While there, I'm going to be snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and attending the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association's Championship. The WISSA competition involves wind powered sleds flying across the ice at breakneck speeds, which of course, sounds like great fun.

For those unfamiliar with the Upper Peninsula, it is a fantastic wilderness destination that offers a lot to the outdoor enthusiast all year round. In the summer, it is great place to hike and camp, and since it falls on Lake Superior, paddlers will find plenty to do as well. The UP is one of those remote places that few people visit and many don't even know exists, but it is truly one of the great outdoor locations in the entire U.S.

Of course, I'll share more about the trip when I get back, and updates will likely be sporadic the rest of the week. Hope everyone is having their own adventures while I'm away.

Three Women Backpackers Hiking The Length Of South America

Three American women have set out on quite an adventure, as they look to hike nearly the entire length of South America, south to north. Along they way, they've been chronicling their journey on the aptly named eat hike sleep hike blog.

Two of the ladies, Sarah Field and Trinity Ludwig, first met at summer camp when they were just 13 years old. They remained friends after that, and continued to attend the same camp together for the next several years. Eventually, they joined the staff and connected with Shelley Brook, and the three have stayed in constant contact ever since. When Trinity got the idea of making this South American hike, Shelley was quick to join the expedition and it wasn't exactly difficult to talk Sarah into coming along either.

The women started in Ushuaia, Argentina last October and plan to spend the first six months of their trek exploring that country and Chile. Their complete route can be found here, and also includes visits to Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela too. In their most recent blog updates, the trio reported that they have passed from Lanín National Park in Argentina and have now moved into Chile for the first time.

Reading through their blog posts, it seems they're having a wonderful time in South America, although as you might expect, not everything always goes as planned. Still, this is a fantastic adventure, and it is wonderful to read about their experiences and their love for travel.

Thanks to Scott Ireland for sharing this great story. Much appreciated my friend!

Video: A Story For Tomorrow

Earlier today I came across the very well done, and very charming, video that documents the travels of a couple as they make their way through Chile. The story begins in the north, in the Atacama Desert, and works its way south to Patagonia, with plenty of amazing things to see in between. If this short film doesn't inspire you to want to visit Chile, nothing will. Very well done!



a story for tomorrow. from gnarly bay productions, Inc. on Vimeo.

Reminder: Win A Nikon CoolPix AW100 Ruggedized Digital Camera

I know I mentioned this earlier in the week, but I wanted to post one more reminder that we're giving away a Nikon CoolPix AW100 digital camera over at Gadling.com this week. This is Nikon's ruggedized point and shoot, which features a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor for taking great photos and 1080p HD video, which are nice stats in their own right. But what sets this camera apart, and makes it appeal to Adventure Blog readers, is that it is designed to withstand abuse. The AW100 is waterproof down to 33 feet, can withstand temperatures down to 14ºF/-10ºC, and is shockproof, which allows it to survive a drop of more than five feet in height. In short, it is perfect for all of our outdoor adventures.

To enter the contest, all you have to do is click here and leave a comment on the blog post. The contest closes tomorrow, Friday Feb. 10 at 5PM Eastern time, at which time we'll randomly pick a winner from the comments. This is a great chance to score an impressive little camera, as the AW100 is not only rugged, it also happens to be fairly light weight, thin, and small too. In short, it is a traveler and adventurer's dream.

Go sign-up and good luck!

Video: A Week In Montana

Montana is one of my favorite places on Earth and the video below will tell you exactly why. It is a spectacular outdoor playground all year round, and just as beautiful in the winter as it is in the summer. Preston Kanak and Eric Hines visited the place recently, and the short film is the result. Enjoy.

Thanks to The Goat for sharing!



A Week In Montana from Preston Kanak on Vimeo.