April Fool's Day Post: The Seven Plummets

One of the yearly traditions at Gadling.com is our annual April Fool's Day posts during which we tend to poke fun at the travel industry and generally not take ourselves too seriously for a day. Yesterday there were a host of great fake articles written by the talented crew on the site with some very funny stories hitting throughout the day. I particularly enjoyed the new Donner Party adventure tour for example and thought that the "Up In The Air" dating service on airlines as hilarious too.

My particular contribution to these creative endeavors is usually an attempt to skewer some aspect of the outdoor adventure community that strikes me as kind of funny. For instance, two years ago, amidst all the controversy over who would be the youngest person to scale Mt. Everest, I wrote this piece on a woman who planned to climb the mountain while pregnant, making her unborn fetus the youngest on top. I followed that up last year with the tale of one Bob "Gnarly" Goldstein, a mountain biker who planned to ride his bike to the summit as well.

This year Bob's back with another crazy idea. After giving up on his attempt to pedal to the top of the highest mountain on the planet, he has now decided he wants to take on the Seven Plummets. That is to say, he hopes to go over the biggest waterfalls on each of the seven continents. The story is meant to be good fun and thought some of you might enjoy reading it too. I had fun writing it and it seems to have tickled the funny bone of more than one reader. I hope you enjoy it too. :)

Video: 200 Foot Fall Caught On GoPro

A 13-year old skier hiking along the Aspen Highlands takes a big fall in this video. Lucky for him he wasn't seriously hurt and lucky for his us his GoPro camera was recording everything at the time. Looks pretty scary, and I said "ouch" a few times on the way down.

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.

Book Review: The U.S. Navy SEAL Survival Handbook by Don Mann

One of the distinct pleasure of writing this blog over the past few years has been getting the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing, yet down-to-earth, adventurers on the planet. Men and women who thrive on pushing themselves to the limit, exploring the boundaries of human endurance and living life to the absolute fullest. One of those men is Don Mann, endurance athlete, adventure racer and my Primal Quest boss Don Mann. Oh yeah, and he also happens to be a Navy SEAL.

Recently Don sent me an advanced copy of his new book The U.S. Navy SEAL Survival Handbook for a sneak peak before it goes on sale this July. As you can imagine, the book is packed full of tips and tricks from a guy who has made a living out of surviving in some of the most hostile environments on the planet. But the book emphasizes that being physically fit and strong won't necessarily keep you alive and that a healthy dose of mental toughness, and the ability to react quickly to changing conditions, are just as important when trying to survive.

The book opens with an introduction to the intense and demanding training that every SEAL must endure before joining the teams. That six-month long course, known as Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training, or BUD/S, is designed to forge men into elite commandos. That training begins with a legendary physical regimen that usually causes 2/3 of any SEAL class to flush out. Those that survive move on to the diving and land warfare phases where they hone their skills even further.

Of course, you and I aren't likely to ever take part in a BUD/S program, let alone successfully pass through it. Thankfully this book can share some of the wisdom that the SEAL teams gain from months of training and years in the field. The subsequent chapters focus on specific environments offering lessons on how to survive in the jungle, mountain, desert, arctic and even at sea. Those survival tips are far ranging and provide invaluable insights into how to find food and water, how to treat snake and insect bites, how to fashion weapons and tools and a whole lot more. There are even chapters dedicated to building shelters, dealing with inclement weather, navigation and a host of other important topics that could be the difference between life and death in the field.

While there is plenty to learn from each of the various chapters there is far more here than just a basic how-to manual for survival. The book is sprinkled with a number of great stories of survival, each with a lesson we can all learn from. Those stories make for fascinating, and often inspiring, reads while serving as a reminder of just what properly motivated humans can accomplish. Other sections take a look at the importance that mental strength plays in survival and one chapter even examines the "mystery of survival," those intangible elements that can spell the difference between success and failure.

Gear, field medicine, supplies, even creating your own survival kits. It is all here. This book proves that if you absolutely need to survive, you should definitely consult a SEAL. There is so much invaluable knowledge here that you'll want to read it twice just to make sure you get it all down.

The U.S. Navy SEAL Survival Handbook is still several months away from release, but you'll definitely want to keep it on your radar. In fact, you can pre-order it now at Amazon and have it shipped to your door when it is finally published. You'll find it a fascinating read on a number of levels and more educational than your typical survival manual. It just might be the best investment you've ever made.

Video: "Hobo" Monkey Goes to the Edge of Space

Back in November of last year Australian indie band Skipping Girl Vinegar and a team of "cowboy scientists" joined forces to launch a stuffed toy monkey by the name of Baker to the edge of space. They attached a giant weather balloon to a model rocket and added a small video camera to catch all the action. The results can be seen in the video below, which shows Baker going up into the stratosphere for some spectacular views, before plummeting back to Earth where he was recovered – apparently little worse for wear.

Lucky monkey!

More On The Explorers Club's New President

As I mentioned on Tuesday, this past weekend the Explorers Club elected a new president. Yesterday I received a press release officially announcing the club's new leader, Alan Nichols, who takes over the helm from Lorie Karnath, who served in that role for the past three years.

82-year old Nichols is an explorer who specializes in China and Tibet. He built his reputation in the Himalaya where his expeditions took him to the sacred mountains of those countries as well as Bhutan, Nepal, Kashmir, Ladakh and Sikkim. He is the first westerner to cycle the Silk Road in its entiriety from Xian, China to the Mediterranean and was also the first to circumambulate Mt. Kailas, one of the sacred mountains of Tibet.

Nichols says that he plans to expand the Club's ability to support expeditions in the field and hopes to grow the organization's membership by encouraging a new generation of explorers to become a part of the EC. He recognizes that exploration is as active as ever and that new technologies allow for explorers to share their experiences with larger audiences across the globe.

Alan has been a member of the Club for a number of years and has played a leadership role at a number of different levels. He is lauded for being not only a great motivational speaker but also working as a moderator between parties with conflicting ideas. Those skills will serve him well as the EC looks to move forward and heal wounds left from the recent controversies that have surrounded the institution.

Nichols wasn't the only new addition to the Explorer's Club board as four others were elected to join the leadership team as well. But when I wrote about the elections earlier in the week I erroneously reported that Josh Bernstein was one of those voted out of office. That wasn't exactly true however as Josh's three-year term was coming to an end and the board didn't put him on the ballot for re-election. Members of the EC board are elected to three year terms, so at any given time there are three different "classes" of directors. Josh was a member of the Class of 2012, but because he was wasn't on the ballot for re-election, he knew that he would be cycling off the board this past Sunday no matter what the results.

With new leadership in place the Explorers Club is ready to move forward and put all of the infighting and controversy behind them. It sounds like the new president and new board members are committed to doing just that.

Explorers Club: Changing of the Guard

Over the past few months I've written several times about the internal dispute that has been going on at the Explorers Club. Members of the prestigious organization have been at odds with one another for some time over the way the EC was being run, with President Lorie Karnath directly at the center of the storm. Many questioned the way she governed the Club and there were even accusations that she had used her station for personal gain. The story went very public with articles in both the New York Post and Outside magazine, which exposed the infighting that went on between Karnath, and her supporters, against a group of high profile members who weren't happy with the way she ran the organization.

This past weekend the controversy was put to rest when the EC held their annual dinner and conducted elections for leadership. The ballots were cast anonymously and in the end Karnath was voted out of office in favor of new president Alan Nichols. Four other members also left the board, including  Josh Bernstein, the former television host whose clash with Karnath helped to bring the entire story to light. In Josh's case his three-year term was up and he decided not to run for re-election.

Outside has a short follow-up to their story, which you can read here, that gives more details on this changing of the guard. In that article new president Nichols is described as someone who can mend the rift in the membership and help bring the organization back together. A new era has begun at the EC and the members that I have heard from are more than ready to put these squabbles behind them and get on with regular club business.

Update: When I originally posted this story I wrote that Josh Brenstein had been voted out of office, but it turns out that his term was simply up and he decided to not run for re-election. I have changed this article to reflect that point at Josh's request.

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: The Entire Universe is Connected

Recently the famous astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson was asked what the most astounding fact about the universe was he gave the answer that you find in the video below. It is one of those things that will make you feel both incredibly humble and yet oddly comforted all at the same time. The images are simply breathtaking as well.

Who Is Interested In Primal Quest 2013??

Okay, I know we teased you with the possibilities of the return of Primal Quest last year and I can tell you that there were some genuine efforts made to bring the race back for the 2012 season. Unfortunately those efforts didn't pan out as expected and as a result, the "World's Most Challenging Human Endurance Competition" wasn't able to return for this year.

But, the very talented and hard-working team behind the race haven't given up in their efforts to revive the race and we are now in the early stages of planning a new PQ for 2013. I've just heard from race director Don Mann inquiring about my interest in returning to the event (Which is a resounding yes!) and we wanted to check in with the adventure racing community to judge the interest in a new Primal Quest race for next year.

Details remain scant at this time, but I an tell you the plans are in place to hold the event somewhere in the western U.S. once again.

So? Who is up for another PQ? Racers? Staff? Volunteers? Are you ready to go?

Gear Closet: Sports Science Graphic T-Shirt

Over the past few years there have been some wonderful advances in the area of fabrics used in the clothing wear while on our active endeavors. Now days we have thinner and lighter gear to keep us warm in cold weather and more breathable, wicking fabrics to keep us cool when its warm. If you're like me, you've probably come to appreciate the technology that has gone into that clothing, particularly when you're on a long run, bike ride, or hike in a variety of weather conditions.

Founded in 2005, Sports Science is a company that has put those high tech fabrics to good use. The company has built itself a reputation for creating activewear for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Their products are lightweight, attractive, excellent at wicking moisture and treated with FreshGuard to help keep them from acquiring unwanted odors. In short, they incorporate just about everything you could want out of your outdoor apparel, while still looking like something you wouldn't mind wearing both on the trail or around town.

Recently the company sent me one of the t-shirts in their "Outdoor People" line for testing and I was immediately struck by the fact that it looked like just about any other shirt you'd find in just about any store. The graphic on the shirt was unique and original with a bit of whimsy incorporated into the design. I tried to ignore the fact that they had chosen to send me a print that is titled "Old Goat," even though it is probably very fitting.

My initial impressions aside, I soon started to wear the shirt on a regular basis and found that it was quickly becoming one of the favorite articles of clothing in my rotation. Not only was it unique in styling it was also very comfortable to wear and the super-soft fabrics were great for what ever you have on your schedule. I've worn the shirt on cool, rainy days when I just lounged around the house and on day-hikes on a warm and dusty trail and each time it has been kept me very comfortable.

Wearing one of these Sports Science shirts is like wearing a technical piece of gear without the overly shining fabrics and tight fitting cut. This shirt provided all the performance you would expect out of that type of gear in a package that doesn't look like it is something out of a cheap science fiction movie. I love the cut and fit of the Old Goat t-shirt and I love the way it keeps me comfortably dry even more.

The t-shirt that I tested is just one item in the Sports Science line. They have also have long sleeve tech and wool shirts, a variety of graphics, and so much more. Check out their entire catalog here.

Video: The Precepts of Enduro Riding

I came across this video earlier today and thought that it was lovely. I know we're still a few weeks away from it officially turning to spring, but I know more than a few of us are ready to get on our bikes now. This short film follows enduro rider Jerome Clementz as he rides a beautiful single-track trail through an equally beautiful forest.

Anyone else ready to ride?


Jérôme Clementz - The Precepts of Enduro from Bluegrass Board on Vimeo.

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.

Video: 2012 Adventurers of the Year

Last week we celebrated the announcement of Babu Sunuwar and Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa as National Geographic's 2012 Adventurers of the Year. Today we have a video of the daring duo, who climbed Everest, rode a paraglider off the summit, then cycled to the river and paddled to the Indian Ocean.

The shots from their GoPro cameras while in flight are fantastic and you have to love Babu and Lakpa's sense of adventure. Their bonds of friendship are also very evident in the video as well.

Kiting and Ice Sailing in Michigan

I spent most of last week on Michigan's Upper Peninsula where I had the opportunity to play in the cold and snow for a few days. As someone who grew up in that kind of climate, but now lives in a warm weather state, I always appreciate getting the chance to enjoy some winter activities. While there, I was able to ride a snowmobile through secluded backcountry and go snowshoeing on more than one occasion. But I also had the chance to spend a few days at the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association (WISSA) Championship, an experience I wrote about today at Gadling.com.

The event was a week-long affair that featured athletes from around the world coming to St. Ignace, Michigan to race on a small, frozen body of water called Chain Lake. Those athletes used a variety of wings, sails, and kites to propel them across the ice, sometimes at amazing speeds. Watching the top competitors harness the wind currents to generate momentum was nothing short of impressive and it was surprising how nimble and agile they were even at top speeds.

Of most interest to me were the kiters. Over the years, I've read and written my fair share of stories about how polar explorers have used kites to help propel them across some of the more remote places on our planet. While I always had a good understanding of how that worked, actually watching them in action was a great experience. I spoke to one of the competitors who told me that he routinely hit speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour on his home ice and has even set some unofficial speed records in the process. He let me hold on to his kite while it was in flight and the power that it generated was amazing. Steering the thing was no easy task either as it only required a few subtle movements of the wrist to adjust direction. For the inexperienced, like myself, it only took a few subtle movements to send the kite crashing into the ground as well.

While it was clear that the big kites were the best option for all-out speed, some of the other competitors preferred something that was a bit more agile on the ice. Those athletes gravitated towards the wings, which resemble a small paraglider, or a sailboard which look like the sailboards you would find on any beach save for the addition of skis attached to the bottom to help facilitate movement. Those different types of wind propulsion methods put the competitors into different race categories, but watching them all out on the ice was a bit like watching organized chaos at times. Each racer had his or her own individual approach to capturing the wind with some accelerating more quickly, while others were more capable at maneuvering across the slick surface.

As I mention in the Gadling article, one of the things that impressed me the most about the WISSA Championship is how close each of the competitors are with one another. In a way it felt like they were one big family who had gotten together for a little winter fun and the small, closely knit community reminded me of something that I'd see at an adventure race. Everyone was helping each other out, offering equipment to replace broken or damaged parts, sharing tips and insights on how to go faster, and generally having a good time. It was fun to be a part of that atmosphere even if it was just for a few days.

The WISSA Championship will go back to Finland next year, but the dedicated crew in Michigan that helped bring the event to North America for the first time hopes to continue hosting similar events in the future. The want to build a larger audience for the sport and attract a larger following moving forward. Hopefully they'll be successful as it was a lot of fun to take part in.

To plan your own adventures in Michigan be sure to visit Michigan.org.

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.

Filmmaker Ken Burns To Keynote Explorers Club Annual Dinner

The Explorers Club annual dinner is one of the organization's hallmark events each year. It gives members an opportunity to come together in New York City, where they can swap stories, enjoy a fine meal, and discuss the latest issues facing exploration in the 21st century.

On March 17th, the 108th annual dinner will take place at the Waldorf Astoria, where more than a thousand explorers are expected to be on hand. The theme for the night will be "How Far is Far: Remote Exploration," with a focus on how technology has changed the way we explore in the modern age. Now days, it is possible to stay connected to the world while visiting some of its most isolated places, and that has changed the way we perceive exactly what the term "remote" means.

The keynote speaker for the evening will be legendary documentarian Ken Burns, whose epic mini-series have explored our passion for Baseball and America's National Parks, amongst many other topics. Travel writer and television personality Robin Esrock will serve as Master of Ceremonies, sharing the stage with Burns and helping to announce the Club's 2012 award winners.

The unusual cuisine is often a highlight of the evening, and this year is no exception. Those in attendance will dine on spiced Moroccan goat, Herb Roasted Kangaroo and Python Patties, amongst other unique and interesting delicacies. Tickets are still available for the event, which is open to members, guests, and friends of the EC. Call 212-628-8383 or visit Explorers.org for  more details.

Sierra Club Now Accepting Applications For Best Internship On Earth

Head's up students and recent grads! Have you been looking for an internship for the coming summer, but you've been holding out for something really, really good? Then your search is over, as the Sierra Club has announced that it is now accepting applications for the Best Internship on Earth.

So what exactly does an intern for the Sierra Club do? Well, the person hired for this position will actually  be traveling around the country as part of the Club's Mission Outdoors program, which is focused on getting young people outside to enjoy nature. While on those travels, the intern will be writing and editing videos about all the cool things they'll be seeing and doing and sharing them on the SC website.

To be considered for the position, candidates should have a love for the outdoors, enjoy travel, and be open to new experiences. The should also be able to weave a good story, have skills with video cameras and editing software, and be able to engage the Sierra Club community online. In exchange, the person hired will have an exciting and fun filled summer of travel and will be fully outfitted with $2000 of North Face gear.

In order to be eligible, you must be between the ages of 18 and 25, and submit a 60-90 second clip explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this internship. That video should demonstrate your love for the outdoors and show off your personality and enthusiasm as well.

Sounds like a fun way to spend the summer. Too bad I'm only slightly outside of that age range.

Nat Geo Announces 2012 People's Choice Adventurer of the Year

Back in November, National Geographic Adventure announced their list of the Adventurers of the Year for 2012. The group featured 12 individuals from diverse backgrounds in mountaineering, snowboarding, surfing, and more. At the same time, Nat Geo also opened up voting to the general public to help pick the People's Choice winner for Adventurer of the Year as well. Today, that winner was announced, and it may come as a bit of a surprise.

Over the past three months, more than 72,000 of us have cast our votes in favor of our favorite adventurers and now that the votes have been tallied, the award goes to Sano Babu Sunuwar and Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa. The two men not only managed to climb to the summit of Everest, they also paraglided off the summit, flew to Namche Bazaar, and trekked to nearby river, and paddled all the way to the sea. They did all of that on a shoestring budget, without any corporate sponsors, and without much fanfare at all. That approach truly embodies the spirit of adventure and makes them more than deserving of this honor.

Sano and Lakpa beat out such other notable adventurers as Corey Richards, who was part of the team that made the first winter ascent of Gasherbrum II, Alastair Humphreys, who encouraged us all to take micro-adventures, and kayakers Jon Turk and Erik Boomer, who completed the first circumnavigation of Ellesmere Island in Canada. All in all, this was a really excellent group of adventurers, and they are all deserving of the recognition.

Congrats to Sano and Lakpa for taking the top honors. It is much deserved as well.

Video: VIMFF Photo Contest Winners

Way back in December I posted a story about the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival photo competition that was being sponsored by Climb For Change. At the time, organizers for the contest were looking for submissions, but now the competition has wrapped up, and they've released a great video showing off the best entries. The video, which can be seen below, features some great photos and is a salute to not only the photographers who took them, but also adventurers across the planet as well. Enjoy!