Great Lakes Belongs to Indonesia

Indonesia, the country's thousands of islands have a diverse and extraordinary charm of nature presented. Many locations for a coveted tourist destination of the traveler, and travelers. Indonesia's extraordinary natural from the mountains, beaches, temples, and lakes. Here is the lake - the lake belongs to Indonesia incredible that should make us more loving nature Indonesia.

White Crater Lake Bandung

White crater lake located at the summit of Mount Patuha in the South Bandung, West Java. White crater named because the area is almost entirely covered by the white color of the surface of the lake and the sulfur fumes spread.

White crater lake scenery is so beautiful although the water is poisonous because they contain acid as a result of volcanic activity on the lake bottom. In the mid-twentieth century - 20, the sulfur in the bottom of the lake was never in mine, but it has now been discontinued.

To arrive at the White crater, visitors can use the following route: from outside Bandung who use four-wheeled vehicles can pass through the doorway Kopo Toll Exit, and continue to pass Sayati Soreang. From Soreang, lanjukan trip to Ciwidey and arrived at Kawah Putih location. Alternative routes can use the toll lanes Stone Fruits.

Satonda Lake, West Nusa Tenggara.

Satonda lake located in the center of the island and includes areas Satonda Dompu, NTB. This lake has a unique because the water is salty as sea water.

Estimated that the lake water is salty due mixed with sea water that overflowed and trapped in the lake when Mount Tambora erupted (similar to the lake Kakaban). This is possible because the distance Satonda as Mount Tambora is very close.

As is known, the eruption of Mount Tambora is very powerful so it may cause tidal waves (tsunami) too powerful. Satonda vast lake approximately 2.5 km2 and unknown types of habitat in this lake because they have not done the research.

Sentarum Lake, West Kalimantan.

Lake Sentarum as seasonal lakes in the park, located in the north basin of the Kapuas River, which is about 700 km from the estuary into the South China Sea. Bordered by hills - hills and plateaus that surround Lake Sentarum a catchment area as well as watersheds for Kapuas watershed.

Lake Sentarum quite different from the lakes 'conventional' other, because the lake is a true Sentarum overlay area flooded (lowland lebung / floodplain). With the location and condition are in the middle - the middle of the mountain range, this region is a rain catchment.

In rainy season the lake complex Sentarum be submerged in water due to the flow of water from the surrounding mountains and of the Kapuas River flood which is the longest river in Indonesia. Meanwhile, in the dry season and sometimes a dry stretch of overgrown grass like a golf course.

Lake Pinai, Papua.

Paniai Lake is a lake located in the district of Paniai, Papua or administratively located in the district of East Paniai. Famous Paniai Lake has beautiful natural smart, experienced, and well maintained.

If lucky, Paniai Lake, tourists can see the shrimp endemic to Papua, which is now scarce, namely shrimp cheating (Cherax albertisii). So named because it has a claw shrimp / crab as big flops.

Until now, anyone who visited the Land of Papua, especially to the city of Wamena, Jayawijaya Capital, always looking for the shrimp affair as menu options.

For tourists who want to visit Paniai Lake, to begin the journey from Enarotali City, the capital of Paniai. From City Enarotali, there are two routes to the Lake Paniai.

First, use a land line with Mitsubishi Strada rent a bus type that can be relied upon to traverse the rugged terrain and winding road - winding. Second, take the air line to ride the AMA and AMAF type of Cessna.

Lake Flores, East Nusa Tenggara.

On the island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, there is a volcano called Mount Kelimutu. This mountain has three crater lakes on top.

The lake is known as the Lake Three Colors because it has three different colors, namely red, blue, and white. However, the color - the color is always changing - change over time.

Kelimutu is a combination word of "keli" meaning "mountain" and the word "quality" which means "to boil". According to local belief, the colors - the color of the Kelimutu have their meanings - each and has a very powerful force of nature.

Kelimutu is divided into three parts according to color - the color in it. Blue lake or "Nuwa Muri Koo Fai Tiwu" is a gathering place for young people - couple who had died.

The lake is red or "Tiwu Ata Polo" is a gathering place for the soul - the soul of those who have died and for him life is always a crime / magick. Meanwhile, the lake is white or "Tiwu Mbupu Ata" is a gathering place for the soul - the soul of the deceased parent.

Lake Pagaralam, Bengkulu.

This lake had horrendous local residents because of its unusual. Yes, Lake Pagaralam have red blood.

Pagaralam lake situated around the hills Mandare Raje, the border between the City Pagaralam and Kaur, Bengkulu province. The uniqueness of this lake because the water surface as red as blood.

Lake was discovered by local residents in 2010, when a group of people on an expedition into the forest and hills Rimbacandi. Surprisingly, although outside the color red as blood, when the water is removed as usual. At night this lake location aromatic pandan.

In this place there are endangered species such as the giant centipede measuring 30 cm wide and 50 cm long, giant birds, and buffalo ears filled with honeycomb. And more amazingly, the average - average in this docile animal.

To get to this place, it would take less than 1 day trip from the city center. Because the path to its location is still not touched by the hand of government.

Lake Tolire, Ternate.

The lake is located at the foot of Mount Gamalama, approximately 10 kilometers from the center of Ternate. This lake has a unique shape, looks like a bowl indented.

From the edge of the edge of the lake up to the surface, the water has a depth of approximately 50 meters. However, the exact depth of the lake no one knows because no one has ever measured. Locals believe that this lake has no basis because no one dared to go into it.

Myth, if you throw something into the lake Tolire, howsoever throw from the banks of the lake, the stone will never touch the water of the lake. In fact, the water surface of the lake looks not so far away from the thrower.

Many myths that developed in the Lake Tolire. Myths about the most widely Tolire Lake is the story of a boy and his biological father. According to the story, in the Lake Tolire are today, was once a village. However, the village was later condemned by the Lord of Nature because there is a father who could impregnate own daughter.

Where the father is standing collapses to the ground and is now home to the Great Lakes Tolire. Meanwhile, his son turned into a small Tolire Lake, which is not far from there.

Labuan Mirror Lake, East Kalimantan.

In East Kalimantan, much of the interior there is a beautiful lake called Lake Labuan Mirror. The lake is very clear not only has beautiful scenery, is also unique. This lake has a water content such as sea salt and fresh water. Unique, is not it?

The upper lake is fresh water, such as lakes in general. However, a few feet below the water is salty. Both types of water do not mix. When diving, you will find a boundary between the two layers that resemble clouds.

Biota in the lake even this consists of fish - freshwater and marine fish living in the lake. Occasionally, green turtles reportedly seen in this lake, as quoted from page WisataKaltim.

To reach Labuan Mirror Lake, from Samarinda, East Kalimantan capital, a trip to Cape Redeb navigate, Capital Berau, East Kalimantan. Samarinda to Tanjung Redeb distance of approximately 700 kilometers.

From Cape Redeb, you can use the rural transportation or rental car towards Sub Big Dipper - Big Dipper. Travels approximately 6-7 hours. From the Big Dipper - Ursa Major, continue traveling by canoe approximately 15 minutes to Labuan Mirror Lake.

Mountain lake Seven, Jambi.

Sumatra Island still save a lot of tourist sites and no doubt hidden beauty. One of them is Lake Mountain Seven in Jambi Province, precisely in Kerinci district.

This lake is part of the National Park Kerinci Seblat, and the highest caldera lake in Southeast Asia. The height of this lake reaches 1950 meters.

Seven Named Mountain Lake because there are seven mountain peaks that surround it, among other things, that Mount Kerinci, Upper Mount Tebo (2525 m asl), Mount Hulu Sangir (2330 meters above sea level), Mandura Iron Mountain (2418 m asl), Mount Basil (2,230 m asl), Mount Jar Bake (2469 meters above sea level), and Mount Seven (2732 m asl) is the highest peak.

Seven Lakes Mountains Natural conditions are still very natural because dense unspoiled tourist visits. Natural atmosphere here is so soothing with beautiful panorama and natural lake water was so clear. At some point in the lake, there are membentar resemble sand beach, home to tourist camp while waiting for sunrise.

In living around Lake Mountain Seven different types of flora and fauna typical of Sumatra, such as Sumatran tigers, gibbons, sun bears, various bird species also vary - different species of orchids and semar bag. Not far from the lake, there are other natural scenery can also be enjoyed, namely Mount Seven Falls, with a height of 100 meters.

Kakaban Lake, East Kalimantan.

Kakaban Lake is a lake located in Kakaban Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan. Lake Kakaban actually is a watery brackish lagoon formed due to the atoll in Kakaban.

Kakaban lake inhabited by a variety of marine life that have evolved over the framed in it, to have a character and physical appearance is different from the kind of species in the sea. One, of whom Jellyfish - Jellyfish-bodied like a clear glass plate and some other types appear much more petite sized index finger.

What distinguishes this endemic species with Jellyfish - Jellyfish on the high seas is the loss of ability to sting. So, you can swim freely without fear of being stung by jellyfish - jellyfish funny.

Lake Above and Below Lake, Sumatra.

Called the Twin Lakes area, because the two lakes, namely Lake Above and Below Lake is located alongside the distance is only about 300 meters. This region is known as the first attractions because it is located on the side of the highway Padang - Muaralabuh - Kerinci.

To see the similarities the two lakes, come up to the top of the hill on the Lake in Lake in the Upper and Lower. Bukit is still part of the Bukit Barisan. Meanwhile, to get around the lake at the top, tourists can take boat used antarnagari local farmers. On Sundays or national holidays, boats exclusively serve the tourist routes. As for the lake at the Bottom, tourists can walk around the ship.

Lake Ranu, southern Sumatra.

Ranau Lake is the second largest lake in Sumatra. The lake is located on the border of West Lampung Lampung and South Ulu Ogan Komering South Sumatra Province. The lake was created from a large earthquake and volcanic eruptions from volcanoes that make large basin.

Right in the middle of the lake there is an island called Pulau Marisa. There are hot springs that are often used by locals or the tourists who come to the island, there are waterfalls, and lodging. The lake is also a mainstay attraction of South Ulu Ogan Komering.

Although including crater lakes, Lake Ranau is not exactly at the peak of Mount Seminung. This is why the lake is known as one of the most unique lakes in Indonesia.

Linow Lake, North Sulawesi.

This lake has a uniqueness that can change color of the water. Change the color of the water was due to the many lakes containing high sulfur levels. Besides the color change was also due to the level of sunlight that the surface of the lake.

Linow lake located in the administrative area of ​​the city Tomohon, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The lake is located near the Geothermal Power Project Lahendong. The lake is unique because during the day the water is the color - multicolored (or lake three colors). This lake is one of the interesting attractions on the ground Toar Lumimuut. source

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Giritirta village, Exoticism in Tourism

Village Tourism Exoticism Giritirta, District Pejawaran, Banjarnegara District incredible. In the village within 33 kilometers from the center of the district, there are Four Sights that can be enjoyed by visitors at the same time in one location. Each of the two Curug or waterfall and two hot water discharge is high.

Although four of these attractions have not been touched at all by the government, but the beauty of the waterfall and the hot water is well known by the public. Two waterfall is Curug Genting  and Curug Merawu. Curug Genting / Genting waterfall has a height of about 70 meters, while the Curug Merawu / Merawu waterfall is about 50 meters altitude. Two waterfall and two hot water is located in the northern Melikan hamlet is approximately 1.5 km.

Hot water containing sulfur yellow hills out of the rocks there, believed to to treat a number of diseases. Residents, especially farmers in the village and surrounding giritirta harness to water the vegetable plants developed by many people.

Source

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Sunset on Mount Sumbing

This was a wonderful trip and fun. with friends across the expanse of tobacco. streets are steep, dusty and the sun did not dampen our desire toward achieving the mountain Sumbing.

No pain, No gain .. there is something to be up there. that's why we did this trip. there is no beauty that we encountered on our home page. no stretch of beautiful clouds in front of our house. it can be found at the top Sumbing.

Rolling clouds, adorned yellowish light from the sun began to sink slowly. the cool air with the wind blowing a little stronger ..

This fun and it was wonderful. it feels like we repeat the trip, felt again touches soft winds, the cool breeze that blows, the warmth of the sun when his twilight. dense fog rolled and then fade, is the beauty of its own in the great outdoors, we can not find in our homes. :)

by. egre

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7 Tips Before You Begin Rafting

Rafting at this time begin again become attracted many sporting activities. Most want to try to test the adrenalin in the rapids with a safe way to relieve fatigue than when it has undergone during the six days of work time. But before embarking on her Rafting or Rafting, try the following tips to know 7.

1. Find out about river
Before going to the rafting site, find out first information about the river you will pass. Information sought can be swift current, the length of the river to be impassable, types of rocks and zones - zones of extremes. This will help you to find out the terrain to be encountered.

2. Eat 2-3 hours sebelumber Rafting
Another thing to consider before air Rafting is filling the stomach. Rafting is a sport that will spend a lot of energy. So, if you do not want to run out of steam, eat first. But remember, do not eat right before you start your rafting because it can cause sickness - nausea and even vomiting. Eat 2 or 3 hours before starting.

3. Do Warming
During Rafting, there will be a lot of things happen. You may be required to jump or swim arrived - arrived. To avoid muscle injuries, do warm up 10-15 minutes before starting. It's important to flex its muscles.

4. Note the existing facilities
In addition to heating, you should pay attention to the correct fittings are used. Examples of standard equipment is that you should wear a helmet and life jacket. Make sure the helmet is also installed properly. Do not get off when you wade through the swift river.

5. Listen to the instructions correctly
Well, here's the most important, listen to instructions before rafting guides. Consider this - what should be done and should not be done. Do not get confused when you are in the middle - the middle of a fast-flowing river.

6. Don't panic when the boat overturned
Events that most often occurs when air Rafting is used inflatable boats upside down. If you experience this, do not trigger panic. Calm down for a float that will make you float charged. In addition, the attitude of panic issued can actually make your drifting.

7. Use a reliable guide
Each activity Rafting usually use the package provided by certain agents. Well, make sure the agent used is a professional agent and you already know the quality of work. If there are local residents that offer Rafting package, you should still use the official packages or agent who has been entrusted. This relates to the comfort and safety during activities Rafting takes place.


Source: http://www.belantaraindonesia.org/2012/02/7-tips-sebelum-memulai-arung-jeram.html

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Rinjani, Beautiful Mount in Indonesia

Rinjani, Indonesia's most beautiful mountain is a difficult mountain forgotten. Experience in Lombok, is a remarkable experience for climbers everywhere. And the story of this climb I will tell a wonderful story to share.

Cluster of clouds on the island of Lombok is so close as if about to fall from the sky. Accompany the wind I walked step by step one of the highest land in Indonesia. In the distance, Mount Rinjani stand-powerful. Towering along the northern half of Lombok, Mount Rinjani (3726m), is Indonesia's second highest volcano.

Rinjani has spiritiual value for the Hindu Balinese and Sasak tribe. To the Balinese, Rinjani is one of three mountains are consecrated as it is considered the abode of the gods, after Semeru and the Court. As it approached the island of Lombok, I was fascinated by its beauty. An Unspoiled Island, said some people. Luckily I got an early morning crossing, so they can see the sun rise. I also had to go through three famous Gili islands of the ship.

Arriving in Lombok, and after completing Aikmel logistics market, we headed to the village of Sembalun using sand truck. Sembalun village is one of the entrance to the Mount Rinjani National Park. When traveling to Sembalun, we stopped at the Mount Three virgin to enjoy the sunset.

Rinjani is like another world, my friend said. How could I not, since the beginning of the climb we were treated to an exotic desert Savana, dazzling tropical forests, and hills are incredibly beautiful. This is just the beginning, but it was very beautiful.

From Basecamp Sembalun to post a hill dotted savanna like Teletubbies, my little cut through the woods on the advice of people around because it can save you two hours. Around eleven o'clock in the afternoon I got to post one. But whose name is savanna, rarely there are trees, so I did not linger long - in this post because it stings the Sun, no wonder many are calling Rinjani 'mountain beach'.

Desert wind blowing makes the weeds - weeds waving like millions of beautiful knitwear. There are exotic there uncontested. I was lucky and the mist began to fall slightly reduce sunburn. During the trip, I often met with foreign climbers. No wonder, Mount Rinjani is one of the famous tourist attraction in the world. I was talking with one of the Caucasians and he said, 'Indonesia was really beautiful ..', I just smiled and said, 'Indeed ..'

Shortly before sunset, I arrived at the post three. In this place I was setting up camp and rest to prepare for the climb the next day.

His name sounds terrible. Hill of torture, is the name of the place we passed on the second day of climbing. Steep hills is indeed our tortured climb seemed never exhausted. Here we often find a quasi-peak, from a distance like the top of the hill but it is actually a hill - the next hill was shrouded in fog.

Regret Hill is an alternative route, tanjakannya sloping but relatively longer distance. But along the way that day, a very surreal scene. The sensation was like walking in the world of science fiction fantasy film.

Arriving in the post Plawangan Sembalun, clouds have been aligned with our feet. Here is another weather was, it felt right - right in the wild, nature adventurers. Even when the wind blows her voice was clearly heard. Ahhh, I think I'd love to jump and dance - dance on the cloud.

Plawangan Sembalun is the last outpost before the peak, with an altitude of about 2700 masl. Rinjani summit at an altitude of 3726 masl. Means that there are still about a mile vertically, I am so lazy to imagine. However, I will attack fitting summit at 12 am precisely. The rest - the rest of my energy collected by the top of Rinjani. Daypack, headlamp, snacks, Medical supplies, water and prayer that I take. My goal right at dawn I was at the top and take photos Sunrise from there.

Path to the summit is the sand, much like in semeru. The line was so terrible, left - right headed wide chasm. I strongly agree summit attack began at night so we did not fall first mentally see its path.

"A true climber is not the conquest of the bud - the highest shoots that pierce the sky, but he was to conquer the highest tops of himself as a man"

Actually, when my last sand hill was not strong at all. Eager to fall down. But I was always encouraged by other climbers, which even I do not know. Cries - cries of encouragement they gave me strength. Star - a star-studded above also encouraged. Shadow - the shadow of the people I love also arrived - turned up to give her strength.

Break the limit. That's the word - a word that is always there in my mind. Rinjani taught me to always do not give up under any circumstances. Step by step I went through, although sometimes the feet are stuck in the sand, which I need to do is just go and keep praying.

And ... I also was in Rinjani summit ..

Want to cry but shame hehe. From the peak 3726 meters above sea level, I can see all sides of the island of Lombok, Bali and Sumba island even! In the distance Mount Agung in Bali seen standing smugly. Rinjani caldera view with a line of six miles, I felt out in the ocean foam.

After shaking hands with everyone at the top and the little pictures, I must soon go down as the peak would be very hot and the water supply was low. When looking down the path, I was a little shudder. But if we have found a rhythm, we can be like playing "sand skiing", provided careful - careful not to fall into the abyss.

Arriving in Plawangan back, I took a break and get ready to get down to Lake Segara Anak. Segara Anak lake at an altitude of 1700 masl. The track is quite dangerous, because a lot of rocks and sand. Heart - the heart rests here. I left too late so I had to make camp in the middle of the road. Moreover there is my friend who injured his leg and I found a father who missed from his entourage, the father did not bring a flashlight!

In the morning we went to Lake Segara Anak, the whole way we were treated to an exotic panorama. Hills - hills like ancient times before us. My imagination says if there is a T-Rex would be nice here. Lake immediately give the child a tremendous shock, hot spring! Ahhh, it feels so good soaking in hot water after a tiring journey. Rinjani is full of surprises. I was there almost two hours soaking was accompanied by the same monkey - wild monkeys who want to steal food.

The most I can not forget from Lake Segara Anak is at sunset. It's hard to describe it with words - words. The afternoon sun shining on the mountains around the child immediately. I feel like not in Indonesia. But this is true - true Indonesia man! I really - really in love with Indonesia!

That his name off the mountain, must come down right? But for Rinjani, Segara Anak Lake we have to climb back into Plawangan (Senaru or Sembalun) for 4 hours! And then fell back. Path of the child immediately to Plawangan Senaru bit extreme, even some of the most rock climbing. Take extra care - careful. No mercy if one step.

On his way back, there was a slight incident, we ran out of water. For some reason the fountain in the post three and two lanes heading Senaru everything dry. Yet according to information from above and from the porter that we asked, there is water there. Finally, we helped a team that has come down first, they brought water and wait at the post one.

Arriving at the village gate Senaru, only gratitude I feel. I went straight up the truck to return to the city of Mataram. After stopping overnight at the home of a colleague, next day I returned to Jakarta after a quick stop at the Kuta beach.

Rinjani thanks, thanks for all the beauty and magic of you, thank you for giving confidence that the dream - the dream we can achieve it if we do not never give up, thank you for your friends - friends for his warmth, thank God for letting me see bit of the beauty of your creation .. Wira Nurmansyah




Source:http://www.belantaraindonesia.org/2012/02/rinjani-gunung-tercantik-di-indonesia.html

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The Outdoor Adventure: Video: Climbing Kangchenjunga

At 8586 meters (28,169 ft) in height, Kangchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world, and yet it few people know about the challenges of climbing the mountain. While the mainstream audience and press focuses on Everest, and others keep an eye on K2 – "the mountaineer's mountain" – climbers on Kangchenjunga tend to toil in obscurity. The mountain offers a formidable challenge in its own right and has a bit of mystique about it in that no climbers have actually gone up to the true summit. That place is considered sacred, and out of respect to the mountain, the first ascenders, Joe Brown and George Band, stopped short of the top – a tradition that has continued to this day.

Filmmaker Philippe Gatta accompanied a team of French and Swiss climbers to the mountain this past spring, and has now released a fantastic video on the experience. You'll find it below, but get settled in, as it is nearly 15 minutes in length. Well worth watching however.

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The Outdoor Adventure: One Man Epic: On An Egyptian Adventure

In 2010, we followed Australian adventurer Tom Smitheringale on a solo attempt to reach the North Pole, a journey during which he suffered frostbite while struggling with the grueling demands of the arctic. Now, Tom has traded in those frigid conditions for a decidedly warmer adventure, this time taking on the Sahara Desert in Egypt.

A few days ago, Tom set out on a 2500km (1553 mile) journey that begins with him paddling the length of the Nile River, starting at the border of Egypt and the Sudan and continuing to the Great Pyramids in Cairo. From there, he'll travel to Luxor, where he'll join a Bedouin tribe as they enter the Western Desert in a camel caravan, following an ancient trade route that will eventually end at the famed Siwa Oasis. That portion of Tom's journey will be 1300km (807 miles) in length, taking him into the deepest part of the desert with the people that know it best.

You'll be able to follow along with Tom's journey through his blog, which he has already updated several times, or by joining his Facebook page. Setting out from the temple of Abu Simbel a few days ago, it has already been a challenge dealing with heat and long days out on the water, yet he writes about the people who live along the river, many of whom come out to wave at him as he passes by.

Tom is undertaking this expedition in support of the Starlight Children's Foundation of Australia, a non-proft that works to help make the lives of seriously ill children and their families, better.

Having traveled through Egypt, and along the Nile where Tom is currently paddling, I can tell you that it can be incredibly hot there. One of the days that I was in the Aswan area the temperature soared above 125ºF/51ºC. On top of that, the sun is very intense, and if you're not use to the heat, it can be extremely draining on your body. But that said, it is a fascinating place to visit, as their are settlements scattered along the banks of the river, and ancient ruins throughout the journey as well. Egypt is a magical place, and it should be interesting to see it through Tom's eyes as he continues to make progress.

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The Outdoor Adventure: BelgiKayak Update: Reaching The North Sea

Belgian adventure Louis-Philippe Loncke has completed his BelgiKayak expedition, which sent him on a 600km (373 mile) journey around his home country, exploring its waterways and measuring their health, while filming the experience as a way of documenting what he saw along the way. What he found was incredible beauty that is threatened by man.

I received a note last night from Lou-Phi giving me insights into his expedition which ended when he reached the North Sea this past weekend. Traveling along Belgium's idyllic rivers, he discovered a number of smaller tributaries, often hidden behind foliage, that when entered, allowed him to get close to nature like never before. Anyone who has paddled a calm river has probably experienced something similar. Since kayaks make virtually no noise, it is easy to paddle up on unsuspecting animals, providing some fantastic experiences that are hard to have while traveling on foot.

When he first started this journey back in July, Loncke had very limited time inside a kayak. In fact, he only had an hours worth of training before setting off on in his Seabirddesigns boat. He freely admits that he didn't know how to pull of an eskimo roll and was completely afraid of capsizing in his first few days out on the water. But after hours of paddling, he became more comfortable and experienced, and is now looking forward to more paddling adventures.

Logistically speaking, there were some hurdles to overcome along the way. For instance, he had to navigate a series of 50 locks which help regulate water flow along the river. Those usually involved a portage, although he did pass through some that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List that have been in operation since 1888. He also paddled into Brugge, a city that is sometimes called the "Venice of the North," where kayaking is only permitted one day of the year. Loncke contacted the local officials before his arrival however, and they granted him permission to paddle through their fair city, something that sounds spectacular.

One of the things that I love about this expedition is that it was often conducted on weekends and during what ever spare time Lou-Phi could find. It is an example of how we can all find ways to put a little adventure into our own lives, even close to home, and maybe even discover some wonderful new places that we didn't even know existed. This could easily be a blueprint for other weekend expeditions, and I'm sure we could all find similar opportunities close to where we live. Well done Lou-Phi!

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The Outdoor Adventure: Video: First Ski Descent Of Denali

This past spring, mountaineer/skier Andreas Fransson made the first ski descent of Denali's South Face, an epic challenge that has been considered for some time, but hadn't been tried yet. A few days ago he released video of his climb and ski descent, which, at more than 13 minutes in length, offers an excellent look at what it takes to climb the highest mountain in North America, and then subsequently go back down in grand fashion.

Looking down that long, steep slope in the video makes me wonder why anyone would ever, under any circumstances, try this, but thats why its never been done before I suppose. The views are simply stunning however, and the landscapes surrounding Denali never cease to take my breath away.

Thanks to The Goat for sharing this great video.




First ski descent on Denali south face by Andreas Fransson from Bjarne Sahlen on Vimeo.

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The Outdoor Adventure: Himalaya Fall 2011: Summit Bids Begin Today!

Earlier in the week I posted an update on the 2011 fall Himalaya season in which I noted that many teams were now in their respective base camps, resting, and keeping an eye on the weather. Most had completed their acclimatization rotations, and were now enjoying some down time before they started their first summit attempts. Fast forward a few days, and plans are now in place to make those bids, with climbers starting to head back up their mountains as early as today.

It looks like Monday or Tuesday will be summit day on Manaslu. Both the Altitude Junkies and Himex teams are reporting that a weather window is expected to be open on that mountain for early next week, and they're now moving into position to take advantage of it. Heavy snow is in the forecast for tomorrow, but after that, things look good, so both teams are climbing to Camp 1 today, and will proceed higher over the weekend, putting themselves in position to summit on the 26th or 27th. Presently, ropes are fixed all the way to Camp 4, but Sherpas will be working in front of the teams next week to place the lines all the way up to the summit.

The IMG team reported in that Camp 3 was established on Shisha Pangma a few days back as well, opening the door for the climbers to begin their summit attempt on that mountain too. Weather reports are looking good, with little to no snow in the forecasts, so it appears that they'll start their ascents in the next few days. A second IMG team on Cho Oyu, along with a squad from Jagged Globe, are preparing for a summit attempt on the 27th as well after finishing their acclimatization rotation at Camp 2.

With the weather holding steady into next week, it looks like everyone is hoping to top out before an expected shift in the jet stream sometime around the beginning of October. Most of the climbers have been on their mountains for more than a month now, and are eager to stand on top. Hopefully the good weather, and their health, will hold out for a few more days. It looks like early next week will be very busy in the Himalaya.

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The Outdoor Adventure: CheapTents Interview: Adventurer Leon McCarron

The gang over at CheapTents.com have posted another one of their excellent interviews today, this time with adventurer Leon McCarron. If that name sounds familiar to you, it may be because he is one of the two men who are planning to walk from Mongolia to Hong Kong, a journey of 3500km (2175 miles) that will commence in November.

In the interview Leon discusses a previous cycling adventure, during which he rode more than 22,500km (14,000 miles) from New York to Hong Kong, passing through a number of countries along the way. He also gives insights into the inspirations for going on these adventurers, and his favorite pieces of gear as well. Perhaps most of interest however, is his thoughts on the upcoming Mongolia to Hong Kong expedition, how he is preparing for it, and what he expects that trek to be like. As someone who has cycled more than hiked (and paddled) he thinks it could be a real struggle at first.

Leon also happens to be a filmmaker, and he has used that skill on his previous cycling journeys, so I would expect we'll see some interesting videos from Mongolia and China once he and his traveling companion, Rob Lilwall, hit the road in a few months.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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The Outdoor Adventure: Video: Jeb Corliss Flies Wingsuit Through A Cave

This past weekend, BASE jumper Jeb Corliss was in China where he leapt from a hovering helicopter then used his wingsuit to successfully navigate his way through a large cave, and then eventually land safely on the other side. When I first heard about this last week, I wondered about the logistics of the flight, which you can examine for yourself in the video below. The cave was bigger than I expected, but this was still a pretty crazy stunt.

My guess is now we'll see people in wingsuits trying to thread the needle through increasingly smaller caves, as they attempt to one up each other. Crazy stuff.

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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.

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The Outdoor Adventure: Battle of the Paddle California Results

As I've mentioned before, stand-up paddling continues to grow in popularity, with more and more outdoor enthusiasts joining in on the action all the time. The sport has grown to the point that there are now major SUP competitions taking place on a regular basis, with one of the bigger ones, the Battle of the Paddle, taking place in California this past weekend.

The event is a race in which the stand-up paddlers take to the water, catch a bit of surf, and use their paddles to power their way through a simple course which includes making some turns around floating buoys. There were a couple of qualifying heats before the real competition got underway, and in the end it came down to a neck and neck fight between a trio of top competitors, with 17-year old Conner Baxter of Hawaii claiming the victory in the men's division. For the ladies, it was Candice Appleby who crossed the finish line first, putting a considerable distance between herself and her closest competitors.

SUP Connect, a website dedicated to stand-up paddling, has more details on the event, which you can read by clicking here. The video below also gives good insights into the race and the men and women who competed in it.

I have yet to give SUP a try, although I see people doing it on a regular basis here in Austin. Anyone tried it yet? Are you a convert?

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The Outdoor Adventure: Himalaya Fall 2011: Snow Stopped, Teams Plan ForNext Summit Bid

Yesterday I posted a rather dire update from the Himalaya, in which nearly every team had retreated to their respective Base Camps after a massive storm dumped snow across the entire region. Today we get news that the weather has shifted once again – this time for the better – and plans are in motion for the next attempt on the summit. At least on Manaslu.

Earlier today, the Altitude Junkies posted a dispatch in which they reported that the snow had finally stopped flying and that conditions were "glorious" in BC. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean that they are particularly good higher on the mountain, where heavy accumulations have buried the fixed lines and will make breaking trail an arduous task. On top of that, until the snow settles, conditions will be unstable, which could make avalanches a real possibility.

Because of those unsafe conditions, the AJ team isn't in a real hurry to head back up the mountain, although the current weather reports say that conditions should be good heading into the weekend. The team leaders aren't quite ready to announce their new schedule, but they have indicated that they'll be working with the Himex team to dig out the ropes and re-establish the high camps so they'll be ready to go as soon as possible.

There were some forecasts that indicated that the jet stream would move over the Himalaya around the first of October, so obviously there are some concerns that if that happens, the season will come to a quick end. But for now, it seems that the teams on Manaslu are feeling optimistic about their chances of another summit bid. We'll likely know more about their plans in the next few days.

No word from the teams on Shisha Pangma or Cho Oyu yet, but they were also hit hard by the storm. They're probably evaluating the situation too and hoping that they'll have the opportunity to climb soon as well. Once the jet stream settles in, cold weather and high winds come along with it, which means the end of the fall climbing season. Only a few brave and rugged climbers venture to the region in the winter.

Read More...>>> → The Outdoor Adventure: Himalaya Fall 2011: Snow Stopped, Teams Plan ForNext Summit Bid

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!

Read More...>>> → The Outdoor Adventure: Might Journey: Another Stand-Up PaddleboarderCompletes The Mississippi

The Outdoor Adventure: Kayaking Video: Rider of the Year

We seem to have a bit of an aquatic theme going today, but the kayakers amongst us will be happy to see this one. Below is a video of the winners of "Rider of the Year" awards courtesy of Tribe, a company that specializes in making active clothing for whitewater kayakers. For the second year in a row, they've handed out awards to their picks for the top paddlers around in categories such as "Best Male," "Best Female," and the always popular "Best Drop."

The video below highlights those winners in grand fashion and I thought it was fitting to include it amongst the stories on stand-up paddling today, just in case we forgot what traditional paddling looked liked.




Rider of the Year II Awards Video from Tribe Rider on Vimeo.

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