Outdoor Adventures

Showing posts with label Trip. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Outdoor Adventure: Best Hike Takes On The GR 20 Hiking Trail InCorsica

The GR 20 is a 180km (110 mile) trail in Corsica that is considered by many to be one of the toughest trekking routes in all of Europe. The route wanders north-to-south for nearly the entire length of the Mediterranean island, passing through remote and mountainous regions along the way. The combination of scenery and challenge have led some to name this the best trek in the entire world, edging out a number of more famous hikes.

This past June, Rick McCharles, the editor at Best Hike, traveled to Corsica to take on the GR 20 himself. Earlier this week he started posting his daily trip reports to the Best Hike blog, sharing his experiences on the trail, and from the first few updates, it is clear that he not only enjoyed his journey, but the GR 20 lived up to its reputation.

You'll find Rick's Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 reports by clicking on the links, and if his words don't inspire you to want to try this trail for yourself, then his photos surely well. What he has posted thus far are beautiful, and sometimes scary, images from Corsica that not only demonstrate how difficult this trail can be, but how scenic as well.

I'm going to be totally honest and say that I had never heard of this trail until Rick shared it with me a few days back. Perhaps it is much more well known in Europe, than the world as a whole, but perhaps that also means that it isn't particularly crowded while hiking it either. From what I understand, the length is a big part of the challenge, as much of it is spent at higher altitudes, and even in the summer, the weather can be a bit unpredictable. Yet the payoffs seem like they are well worth it, and for backpackers looking for a new challenge, the GR 20 may be just the thing they need.

The Outdoor Adventure: Video: Fun In Chamonix

How's this for a fun – not to mention busy– day. The video below was shot in Chamonix, France, which is considered one of the truly great outdoor playgrounds in Europe, if not the world. In the video, climber Colin Haley manages to not only hit the slopes for some skiing, but also some ice climbing, and later in the day bouldering. Yep, that's right, everything you see Colin doing in the video was all done on the same day. Maybe it'll give you some inspiration on what to do this weekend! Enjoy!

Colin Haley in Chamonix from Bjarne Sahlen on Vimeo.

The Outdoor Adventure: Video: Through The Khumbu Icefall

If you ask any climber on the South Side of Everest what the scariest part of the mountain is, most will invariably say that it is the Khumbu Icefall. Ironically enough, this portion of the climb is actually located at relatively low altitude, sitting just above Base Camp. The Icefall is created by the Khumbu Glacier, which begins breaking apart on this section of the mountain. The result, is rather large crevasses that must be negotiated by the climbers in their way up to Camp 1. In order to cross those open areas, a team of Sherpas, known as the Khumbu Ice Doctors, build and continually maintain, a route through the falls using a series of ladders to cross.

So, just how scary is this section of the climb? Check out the video below to get an idea. I've seen these videos, and even the Icefall, for myself, and it never gets any easier to look at.

Thanks to The Goat for the heads-up on this one!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Greening is a form of concrete action towards environmental sustainability concerns.

Greening is a form of concrete action towards environmental sustainability concerns. We Sekber-PAB with Youth-Young women and members of the TNI and POLRI, and supported by the new society to implement activities in YANG MUDA MENANAM, in the village of Babadan, District Pagentan - Banjarnegara Regency - Central Java.

If not us who else? The earth is not the heritage of our ancestors, but the deposit of our children and grandchildren. It is time we maintain, improve, and preserve our nature.

Forest damage lately, very apprehensive. let's make it a habit to plant.

The Outdoor Adventure: Train For A Polar Adventure With Ice Warrior

The 2011 Antarctic season is just a few weeks away, and soon we'll see a number of intrepid explorers setting out for the South Pole or other locations on the frozen continent. If you have your own dreams of visiting polar destinations, you may want to consider taking a course from Ice Warrior, a company that not only organizes expeditions of their own, but provides crucial training for adventurers traveling in the extreme polar regions of our planet.

Ice Warrior is preparing a full slate of Polar Training courses for this October, offering excellent opportunities to learn new skills and discover just what it takes to survive on a journey to the North or South Pole. The courses are held in Dartmoor, in the U.K., and offer training on navigation, first aid, ropes work, and more. Most of the training modules are broken down into two day sessions and they can be taken independently or back-to-back in one comprehensive learning experience.

Of particular interest to me is their first course in October which focuses on the core skills of expedition planning, finding funding, and overall fitness. Those are key skills that are important for anyone hoping to make an expedition, whether in an arctic setting or elsewhere. And since these courses are instructed by polar veteran Jim McNeill, you can bet you'll come away with some excellent practical knowledge that can be applied to your next adventure.

For a complete list of courses, including dates and pricing, click here. On that same page, you'll also find information on two polar training expeditions which will be coming up in January as well.

Monday, October 3, 2011

The Outdoor Adventure: Might Journey: Another Stand-Up PaddleboarderCompletes The Mississippi

And yet another stand-up paddleboarding story today.

A few weeks back, Dave Cornthwaite completed his SUP journey down the Mississippi River. Turns out he wasn't the only one attempting that feat this summer. On June 8 of this year, Matthew Crofton waded out into the headwaters of the Mississippi and started his own 2400+ mile journey down that waterway, following the same path that Dave had taken. Yesterday, Matthew finished up his expedition, arriving at the Gulf of Mexico at long last.

His story is a bit different from Dave's however. While the Mississippi paddle was the latest leg in Cornthwaite's Expedition 1000 project, for Matt it was a celebration of life and living it to its fullest. Last year, he was stuck down with a rare disease known as Histoplasmosis – a fungal disease, contracted from bat guano and most likely picked up while Crofton was spelunking. When the disease set in, it put Matt in a coma, with the prognosis that he had less than 48 hours to live. His family was told that if by some miracle he did manage to survive, he would need a liver transplant and daily dialysis for his kidneys.

The miracle did happen, and not only did Matthew survive, his liver began to regenerate and his kidneys started to function at full capacity again. He did spend three months in the hospital recovering, and another three months learning to walk again, but as a part of his rehab, he took up stand-up paddling.

Almost a year later, Crofton set out on his journey, hoping to set a new world's record for the longest stand-up paddle. Along the way, he also manage to inspire a few of us as well.

Congrats and well done Matthew!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

The Outdoor Adventure: A Pair Of Adventure Interviews

We have a couple of good interviews this morning of two very interesting adventurers who have spent a lot of time on mountains and in very cold places.

First up, my friends at CheapTents.com are making it a habit of posting excellent interviews with some fascinating subjects. This week they put polar explorer Lonnie Dupre under their microscope, discussing such topics as what inspires him to go on his adventures, what his biggest weakness is, and why he decided to attempt Denali in January. Even for a guy who has been to the North Pole twice and circumnavigated Greenland, that was a tough expedition.

Once you're done getting to know Lonnie better, head over to Adventeer to check out their interview with mountaineer Meagan McGrath. I've written about Meagan's adventures a few times, most notably when she went to the South Pole, but also on her Seven Summits climbs as well. In her interview, Meagan discusses her motivations for climbing, what it was like going to the South Pole alone, and how she manages to self-fund her adventures. She also goes into detail on the Seven Summits and shares which of those peaks was her favorite as well.

Both are good reads and highly motivational. If you're finding it difficult to get your energy going this morning, both Lonnie and Meagan may provide some inspiration. At the very least, they'll give you something to think about heading into the weekend.

The Outdoor Adventure: Ocean Rowing: Roz Nears The Finish Line

Today marks the 150th day on the Indian Ocean for Roz Savage, who set out from Australia in April and at long last is closing in on Mauritius, her finish line for yet another epic ocean row. She is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, October 4th, and when she does, she'll become the first woman to have rowed solo across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

While each of the three ocean rows has had its share of challenges, the Indian Ocean presented one that Roz hadn't dealt with before, namely pirates. Pirate activity in the region has increased greatly in the past few years, and for that reason alone she kept her course and location a well guarded secret. Those of us who have been following Roz's adventures over the past few years have been use to following her progress on the "Roz Tracker," but on this expedition that was disabled on her website, leaving us wondering where exactly she was out on all those miles of open water. That question was answered today with a press release posted to her website.

As of this morning, she has just 104 nautical miles to go until she's done. If conditions stay favorable, she should have no problems completing the row early next week as scheduled, and my guess is that its no coincidence that she's arriving in Mauritius, a place that is greatly threatened by climate change.

After spending all of those days out on the world's oceans, Roz has become a dedicated environmentalist, and has even launched an Eco-Heroes program to create grassroots efforts to take care of the planet. One of the places that could feel the effects of climate change the most is Mauritius, where rising sea levels will have an impact on the island nation.

Watch for an official announcement on Roz's arrival on land early next week and wish her well on the final leg of our journey.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Tips Mountain Trekking

Trekkiing

For people like yabng ventured into the mountains,,, there are guidelines that must be obeyed and preparation that we should do.
general preparation for mountain climbing, among others, mental readiness, physical, ethics, knowledge and skills.

1. Planning the climb
o the things that need attention within the planning ascent:
o The ability to recognize themselves in the face of the team in field
o study the field that will be pursued
o careful climbing and route plan will be taken as carefully as possible
o think about the interface of the climb
o check all equipment to be brought

2. Travel Gear
o The basic equipment

road equipment: shoes, socks, pants, belt, shirt, hat, raincoat etc
bedding: sleeping bag, tent, mattress, etc.
cooking and eating equipment: stove, spoon, food, matches etc.
personal equipment: needles, thread, personalized medicine, toothbrushes, toilet paper etc.
backpack / carrier

o Equipment aide

Compass, flashlight, knife belt, machete slash, P3K
"Map X, arc degrees, pengaris, pencils etc.
communication tool (Handy talky), survival kit, GPS if there
watches

3. Packing or stacking equipment into a backpack
o classify goods according to the type of its kind
o put in a plastic bag
o place the goods are mild and rarely use (eg, sleeping equipment) at its deepest
o The goods are frequently used and vital place it as close to the body and easily retrieved
o place the heavier goods as high and as close to the body / back
o Checklist for such goods.
good luck to your ascent to the First .... hopefully safe and successful

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Raft Guide

Serayu River Rafting Banjarnegara - Central Java

A typical raft guide is usually in his or her twenties. However, guides range anywhere from 18 to up in their sixties. The majority of raft guides are seasonal employees.
The job of the guide while on the river is to entertain the guest, and navigate the boat. On smaller rapids guides will turn the boat and go through rapids a certain way to ensure that everyone on the boat gets wet. On larger rapids it is the guides responsibility to keep the raft from flipping in unsafe places, and to keep it on the 'company line' during the rapids. An important aspect of a raft guide is the "Raft Talk". This is the talk that a guide will give to their guests. Every raft guides talk is unique. Most new guides will listen to veteran guide's talks and take bits and pieces of each to create their own. A talk could be a series of jokes to keep the crew laughing, a history lesson on the area, or even just a 'get to know you' type talk; the best talks include all three. On difficult rivers the guide will often extensively brief their crew on the rapids, giving swimming instructions, where a throw bagger might be, and hazards to avoid in the rapid when swimming.

Types of guiding
Oar Guiding is where the guide maneuvers the raft with oars from either the stern or middle of the raft. On multi-day trips it is common to have a center oar rig where clients do not paddle, and where gear is stored. Guides oar guiding will use techniques such as 'walking the oars' through flat sections or 'holding a star' when stern rigged through large waves. Oar Guides generally have more control over their raft than paddle guides, but oar rigged rafts are dangerous when flipping and hard to re-right making them less versatile in big water rafting.

Serayu White Water Rafting

Paddle Guiding is the most common type of high adventure guiding where the guide sits in the stern of the boat with a one bladed guide stick (paddle). Using draws, prys, the guide can influence the direction of the boat, along with using different paddling commands for their crew.
Bow Guiding is where two guides are in the boat, one in the stern and one in the bow. This can be done in a stern rigged boat, or a raft where both guides are paddle guiding. It is usually only done over short stretches of whitewater that require a lot of maneuvering for safe passage. Bow guides use techniques such as 'spearing' through large waves, and bow draws to quickly change the direction of the boat. Unlike stern guides the bow guide will never pry with their paddle, instead they will change the orientation of their hands to maintain a power grip in both directions.

Raft guide pay
A raft guide is paid a small amount per trip, usually near minimum wage in developed countries. The rafting industry is a service industry and tipping is strongly encouraged.

Read More...>>> → Raft Guide

WHITE WATER RESCUE SYSTEM

Serayu White Water Rafting

An outline understanding of the Security Staff on adventure activities or outdoor activities are responsible for providing security for the participants. This requires a sense of responsibility to lead the activities of field staff with security indefinitely. Because the activities page. goes along with the dangers that come from the human aspects, equipment and natural environment. Field staff should prepare the participants to learn, practice in dealing with accidents, as well as develop the ability to anticipate the risk of physical, mental and emotional.

Therefore, in the above activities it is necessary field staff should bring together the various aspects of security with intregritas participants. Activities that involve risks require Policy & Decision-Making Ability in handling it. To avoid accidents or successful in handling when it happens it is necessary to consider issues other than the need for Decision-Making Ability Knowledge and Skills activity itself plus understand the character of these rivers. Security is not just following the rules of the activity, which is allowed and what is not. But understanding, understanding, attitudes and habits that must be taken always in all activities and it requires a process of conditioning the working environment. If it is met then it is possible all the activities will end with success in running these activities, the Security Program with high quality.

Vision and Mission Vision and Mission Security Security in a program needs to be determined in conjunction with the implementing rules and system that will be enforced and adhered to without compromise and avoid a double rule. It is also viewed in terms of the accident itself as "The emergence of the risk of losing both physical, mental, emotional and financial". Because the impression is borne by the participants of accidents and resulting trauma will eliminate the chance for a second time involved in activities. At the same time will impact on program quality and handling as well as free publicity is bad and expensive.

Example: SECURITY VISION
"................... as a pioneering developer of systems and rafting Security System in Indonesia ". MISSION SECURITY "Avoiding accidents resulting in injury of any kind, handle with quick - and correct by setting up systems and human resources. which can meet the demands of society at large ". with the vision and mission statement example above then translated into strategic plans in the future, namely: 1. Knowledge and skills development programs 2. Making the system and rules as well as funding support. Because security is a costly activity also resulted in something that is balanced, is also a need for Corporate Image and Customer Needs.

Know Lake Dieng

1. Telaga Merdada / Lake Merdada
Merdada former crater lake (volcanic crater which is then filled with rain water)
water from the lake that can be used for the needs of the villagers of the Middle Reef

2. Telaga Sewiwi / Lake Sewiwi
This lake is not a crater but the occurrence of groundwater from the surrounding hills plus the rain,
so there was a lake.

Lake Menjer

3.Telaga Balekambang / Lake Balekambang
Located adjacent to the Temple Complex arjuna, to avoid the danger of flooding that can destroy the temple of the temple,
residents make Dolok river drainage.
Channel is named Gangsiran Ashwatthama.

4. Telaga Warna and Lake Pengilon
Both of this lake was once a lake, because the Tulis river dammed by lava,
the lake is separated into two until now.
This lake is also the most visited lake because of its strategic location.

5. Telaga Dringo / Lake Dringo
Dringo name derived from the growth dringo planted around the lake without one.
Lake was also a former crater that erupted in 1786.
Located in the village Pekasiran, and directly adjacent to the village of Batang regency Blado wonopriyo district,
Inline with candradimuka crater.

6. Pond tadpole
This lake is a basin surrounded by hills.
Groundwater basin itumengisi the hills.
Lake water is used for everyday purposes by residents Sembungan.

7. Telaga Menjer / Lake Menjer
Is the largest natural lake in the district of Wonosobo.
Located at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level, with an area of ??70 ha and a depth of 45 meters.
Menjer Lake District is situated in the village of Maron Garung Wonosobo district 12 km north of the town of Wonosobo.

Read More...>>> → Know Lake Dieng

Friday, September 2, 2011

Dieng Plateau is told Inside Puppets

Dieng Plateau

Dieng Plateau is told in the puppet shows that there was a time when Java has not been inhabited and in the shambles. Java island is constantly fluctuating. Guru, as supreme god and then take the peak of Mount Himalayas and plugged in the middle of Java Island Java Island sabagai pegs. Pegs are then referred to as Dieng. Dieng and by being placed in the middle of the island of Java, then Java is no longer in turmoil, quiet and can be occupied by humans. There are several opinions regarding the origin of the name "Dieng" some people think that the word "Dieng" comes from the Sanskrit "On", which means high place or mountain and "Hyang" which means Khayangan. Others believe that the word "Dieng" comes from an ancient language that is "On" and "Hyang" which means the residence of the dewa.Sebagian others consider the word "Dieng" means "Eddie" who beratinya pretty or beautiful, and "Aeng" which bararti interpreted so as odd that Dieng is a beautiful place but it saves a lot of weirdness. Where did the word, Dieng is a place above the clouds full of charm and store an endless story. According to ancient beliefs, there are three places as Tempt persuaded highest abode of the gods, That the High Himalaya Mountains of Tibet, and the Dieng Plateau. And it is believed that in order to achieve spiritual perfection, they must go to a high place to meet with the gods. This is proven by the "Ondho Budho" contained in the southern village of Siterus which is the entrance to the Dieng Plateau from the south.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

SAR Training in Rogojembangan

SAR (Search And Rescue) Training in Rogojembangan

Here is about a small part of our activities in Mount Rogojembangan the SAR training for the junior.

A long journey to take us in Rogojembangan at night, but it did not dampen our enthusiasm in this activity. The training we aimed for our juniors who are still in the introductory stage. Of course the material that we provide is not too heavy.

In this Rogojembangan, we can carry out many activities, but I will tell you this is about training the SAR, we carried out at the time.

To start Vertical Rescue

This is a picture of a stretcher victim, part of the SAR training. The victim in this scene will be on crutches and past steep cliffs to compel the bearers wore Vertical Rescue methods. this is not always because we have entered the field each place is different.

Vertical Resue Install Equipment

Installation of equipment to perform Vertical Rescue, it is necessary to be done, this is something that is vital. before the victim at the launch, equipment should be checked with a really thorough. to avoid more fatal accidents that may occur.

Vertical Rescue

At the time of Vertical Rescue, SAR team members (SRU) is divided into 2 groups, one as a bilayer to regulate the speed of sliding stretcher casualties, and the rest were waiting at the landing place of the victim.

This is the landing place of victim, there are already members of SRU are superbly prepared to receive victims who fell from the top of the hill.

Installing Bivouac

When finished with Vertical Rescue, next is the installation of bivouac to rest.

Installing Bivouac

Eat together

And when all is done well, without any significant hindrance, it's time to share and maintain familiarity with the fellow, here's the meal together.

Here we are, together at the top Rogojembangan

Here we are, together at the top Rogojembangan, who have completed the various activities here. Thank You.

by egre

Monday, August 29, 2011

Sikidang Crater

Sikidang Crater

Sikidang Crater is one of the craters on the Dieng Plateau region. The location of this crater is in the village of Dieng Kulon Banjarnegara district.

After lunch, we started walking toward the crater. Although the daytime, but the atmosphere remains cool as usual. Understandably, here's the plateau, so it is a cold meal at any time. On either side of the road is the potato fields owned by villagers. On the way we passed the entrance Telaga Warna, but this time we do not stop. Turn right and walk again, we went through the temple area of ??Bima. Temple is still well maintained, its surroundings were clean and beautiful. In addition there are also areas of Bima temple Arjuna temple area wider and more number of temple. After visiting the temple Bima while, we continued on. Passing the entrance to Crater Sikidang that there is no guardian, aka our free entry. That afternoon, the atmosphere quiet enough to make us free to walk in the middle of the road. Then we also take pictures in the middle of the road. We then pass through the pipes of PT Geo Dipa Energy Dieng unit, a company generating electric energy, geothermal power.

From the entrance to the crater distance is quite far and quite tiring, but there is no other choice so that the journey should continue. Then behold the crater area with towering smoke. This tourist spot has ample parking area. Also there are souvenir stalls. Approaching the crater area we were greeted by the distinctive smell of sulfur. Central crater is only fenced in makeshift bamboo. In it, the crater of boiling water and bubbling great. Well, quite horrified, too. We dare not linger near the central crater. Moreover, the smell of sulfur is also pierced nose. After our picture taken down and went home immediately. It's enough we admire the power of the Creator by looking at the Crater Sikidang from close range. With great struggle again, we went home. (http://situs-wonosobo.blogspot.com/2011/02/kawah-sikidang.html )

here the photos.. :)

Sikidang Crater in the rain.. :)

Sikidang Crater from the rest area.

Sikidang Crater with the rain and clouds.

Thanks... :)

Read More...>>> → Sikidang Crater

The beauty behind his sturdy Reservoir Sempor

The beauty behind his sturdy Reservoir Sempor

Tourism attractions Reservoir Sempor pretty cool air with alluring natural charm. Suitable for a vacation spot and relax with the family. District that has a beach could not have avoided exposure to hot temperatures, sometimes creating a sense of stifling. If you have this, where the foot went to get cool air? One is Attraction Sempor Reservoir is located 10 kilometers north Gombong. Reservoir covering an area of ??tens of hectares, besides providing irrigation water for rice fields, also to drive hydro turbines and taps. As a tourist attraction, Reservoir Sempor equipped with various facilities. For example, water recreation, there is a speedboat, slowboat, ducks paddle and rowing boats. In addition, tourists can choose other events, such as roads around the dam while enjoying the beautiful panorama and cool refreshing air.
Attractions: Sempor Reservoir is integrated with the work of human nature. Thereof was born a beautiful panorama with a dish that is so enchanting. Hence the name Reservoir Sempor not something familiar in the world kewisataan. Now try you feel when you come home. You will feel an incredible freshness. So Kebumen should be grateful with the presence of this reservoir. Plus its management system is handled directly by the people who are professionals in their field. TRAVEL TIPS Regularly attraction traversed by public transport, so to get to the location is not difficult. From Kebumen, take public transport and fell in Gombong. From here followed by a rising tourist transport. Information: Tourism Office Kebumen TK II Jl. Heroes, No. 136 Kebumen, Central Java. Tel: (0287) 81 988 Koeswintoro Tourism Terminal Jl. Yos Sudarso, No. 565, Gombong, Kebumen, Central Java. Tel: (0287) 71 250:

Sempor Reservoir at Dusk

Sempor Reservoir at dusk

The Sight Seeing.

Sempor Reservoir

Sempor Reservoir picture taken from a plane

Thanks.. :)

Enjoying the small waves on the beach Jetis.

Enjoying the small waves on the beach Jetis.

The beach is directly adjacent to the Beach attractions Kebumen father is Located in the District Nusawungu Cilacap Regency offers a beautiful panorama of the eastern part of the southern ocean waves and mountain scenery and the beauty of the River arur Bodo. + This beach is located 40 km from the eastern town of Cilacap, using private or public vehicles through the south-south direction Cilacap - Jatijajar - Gombong. At the attraction there is a Traditional Fisherman Fish Auction Place

Fad we traveled there, just get together with my friends. A gentle breeze, the waves are not too big but comfortable. This is a fun trip.

Jetis beaches bordering the Ayah beach Kebumen

Jetis Beach with the small waves

Jetis Beach with the cliff inside

Enjoy the sands.. :)

Here we are..