Wilderness 72

Wilderness 72 is a sea kayaking expedition that aims to paddle 1000km down the longitude line 72. The route travels through some of the most wild and remote areas of Patagonia. The team is aiming to explore some of the biggest tidal glaciers coming of the ice cap and link the hundreds of fjord that make up the west coast of Chile.

We will be put to the test by the cold nights, Ice choked Fjords and fierce Patagonian winds. The team of three have five weeks to complete the expedition. Feel free to follow our adventure through our face book page or personal blogs.

www.erinbastian.com

Stand Up Paddle Board Bath to London

I have only ever been on a SUP once (3 hrs on the Thames from pub to pub) but loved it. I have a week that I want to spend doing something a little different. This is not about achieving world fastest trips, etc - and I am not doing it for charity.

I am really after any sensible advice on doing this and whether Bath to Putney is achievable in a week for a beginner. i'm fit and healthy otherwise and have good mental fortitude (allegedly). I am planning to use a 10ft 6 inflatable SUP that is 32 Inches wide (apparently that's the geeky part) I will stay in pubs along the way and was aiming at 5-6 hrs per day starting Sunday after next.

Anyone ever done this before? Advice? Thoughts? Do you need any special permissions?

Many thanks,

Sandy

870 Mile Run of Wales Coast to Face my Agoraphobia

I have suffered for 15 years with Anxiety Attacks, Social Phobia Agoraphobia, Stress Depression among other things... I went from University drop out because I became a house bound Agoraphobic, over 15 years the NHS failed to help my condition, mainly providing Pills that did nothing, although occasionally made things worse.

I was Offered Behavioural Therapy to help change my behaviour, which was a group class that was far away... not at all considering I was an house bound social phobic. Then on the odd days I got myself to the Therapy, I realised changing behaviour is hard for non sufferers hence the same old new years resolutions we never keep to, and the multi million pound industries for losing weight and quitting smoking that fails to help so many because like losing weight and quitting smoking CBT requires a lot of motivation and commitment to change your behaviour.

The NHS failed to address the fact that typical symptoms of an Anxiety Sufferer and Agoraphobic is lack of motivation, lack of commitment and an inability to keep appointments. So I developed my own plan to learn motivation and commitment, because despite what some of you might think, it is not something you have or have not, it is something you develop like any other skill with practice... So now I am running 870 miles of the rugged and hilly Wales Coastal Path, facing our classic typical weather while climbing the equivalent hills as running up Everest nearly 4 times, in the bid to set the fastest time... I want to do this to face my final demons because I have not done enough yet to totally free myself from my self imposed prison, but if I do tomorrow what I did today I will get tomorrow what I got today, running has helped me develop my motivation, commitment, keep my sanity and push my boundaries, it has got me back on my feet but I have not yet run enough to face all of my fears and this is it, one Epic challenge to take on a seriously intimidating challenge to take control of my mind and stop those pesky negative fearful reactions.

When I am done I will write a book and already have met up with a publisher... because I want to help those who like me did not get help from the NHS or medication and the typical treatments, I want to help you people realise there is an alternative and I reckon I have a good concept to help you build the foundation you need to mental wellness that the NHS isn't providing, I have no doubt that CBT works, I have studied psychology but CBT is not the starting point of recovery but midway, it took me 2 years of building motivation and commitment to be mentally tough enough to seriously take on behavioural change and to complete it and not just another half arsed attempt and failing once again to keep that new years resolution, or that fitness plan, weight loss regime etc. If what I am saying makes any sense to you and you like what I have already achieved and am still striving to achieve with every fibre in my body then please pledge to help me realise my dreams of mental freedom and helping others achieve theirs; and when I say strive with every fibre I mean that literally not metaphorically, I wake up in the night thinking about my plans, preparations and to do list, wake up in the morning and answer questions and speak to more potential sponsors, film videos, spend hours editing them and posting blogs to help make my dreams a reality. However, if you can't pledge but still feel what I am saying, then just share, typically 3% of an audience will pledge, my audience is limited but with all of yours it is substantially larger... if you do not grasp anything that I have said here then that is fine... just leave me some encouragement as a humane human being and help remind people like me that there is people that care... as I have encountered plenty of insensitivity through my struggles I have suffered for 15 years with Anxiety Attacks, Social Phobia Agoraphobia, Stress Depression among other things... I went from University drop out because I became a house bound Agoraphobic, over 15 years the NHS failed to help my condition, mainly providing Pills that did nothing, although occasionally made things worse. I was Offered Behavioural Therapy to help change my behaviour, which was a group class that was far away... not at all considering I was an house bound social phobic.

Then on the odd days I got myself to the Therapy, I realised changing behaviour is hard for non sufferers hence the same old new years resolutions we never keep to, and the multi million pound industries for losing weight and quitting smoking that fails to help so many because like losing weight and quitting smoking CBT requires a lot of motivation and commitment to change your behaviour. The NHS failed to address the fact that typical symptoms of an Anxiety Sufferer and Agoraphobic is lack of motivation, lack of commitment and an inability to keep appointments. So I developed my own plan to learn motivation and commitment, because despite what some of you might think, it is not something you have or have not, it is something you develop like any other skill with practice... So now I am running 870 miles of the rugged and hilly Wales Coastal Path, facing our classic typical weather while climbing the equivalent hills as running up Everest nearly 4 times, in the bid to set the fastest time... I want to do this to face my final demons because I have not done enough yet to totally free myself from my self imposed prison, but if I do tomorrow what I did today I will get tomorrow what I got today, running has helped me develop my motivation, commitment, keep my sanity and push my boundaries, it has got me back on my feet but I have not yet run enough to face all of my fears and this is it, one Epic challenge to take on a seriously intimidating challenge to take control of my mind and stop those pesky negative fearful reactions. When I am done I will write a book and already have met up with a publisher... because I want to help those who like me did not get help from the NHS or medication and the typical treatments, I want to help you people realise there is an alternative and I reckon I have a good concept to help you build the foundation you need to mental wellness that the NHS isn't providing, I have no doubt that CBT works, I have studied psychology but CBT is not the starting point of recovery but midway, it took me 2 years of building motivation and commitment to be mentally tough enough to seriously take on behavioural change and to complete it and not just another half arsed attempt and failing once again to keep that new years resolution, or that fitness plan, weight loss regime etc.

If what I am saying makes any sense to you and you like what I have already achieved and am still striving to achieve with every fibre in my body then please pledge to help me realise my dreams of mental freedom and helping others achieve theirs; and when I say strive with every fibre I mean that literally not metaphorically, I wake up in the night thinking about my plans, preparations and to do list, wake up in the morning and answer questions and speak to more potential sponsors, film videos, spend hours editing them and posting blogs to help make my dreams a reality.

However, if you can't pledge but still feel what I am saying, then just share, typically 3% of an audience will pledge, my audience is limited but with all of yours it is substantially larger... if you do not grasp anything that I have said here then that is fine... just leave me some encouragement as a humane human being and help remind people like me that there is people that care... as I have encountered plenty of insensitivity through my struggles Pledge at http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/projects/confirm/d:0.00-0-9138/

The EPIC7 Project

In Spring 2015, Im set to climb Mount Everest (8850m) via the South Col route in Nepal. But to get there (again) Im keeping the momentum, fundraising and inspiration from Everest 2014 burning. Starting in July 2014 I will undertake seven ultra-endurance events with a twist, all involving cycling and/or mountains.

These will prepare me physically and mentally for Everest. I plan to announce them as I spread them across the year- avoiding the honeypot challenges and with most of them being solo, cheap-budget and/or completed in a weekend. I will continue to learn about myself and inspire others through the peaks and the troughs of overcoming adversity. I began the challenge with the Fred Whitton Challenge Sportive- a 113 mile cycle through the Lake District, UK, with over 12,000ft of ascent up the high passes of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott and Wrynose, starting and finishing at Grasmere. Fred Whitton is known as the UKs toughest single cycle sportive but is also the easiest of EPIC7 so will act as a warm up to get the ball rolling in one of my favourite places in the world! Next I take on the Welsh 3000's solo- a common event used by the military for training.

But without a support team. Then I'm cycling unsupported to Chamonix from Chester in 7 days, about 850/900 miles. And the rest? You'll have to follow the blog to find out! www.alexstaniforth.com/blog.html @alex_staniforth"

Mahaweli Challenge

Having never set foot in a canoe or kayak before, I am setting off at the end of August to hike and paddle the longest river in Sri Lanka from source to sea. With a length of 208 miles (335 km) the Mahaweli Ganga or Great Sandy River is a similar length to the Londons River Thames. The journey will take me, and my inflatable kayak named Challenge, through many of Sri Lankas landscapes.

Beginning at the country'third highest peak  -Totapola Kanda. I will travel through tea plantations to the ancient kingdom of Kandy before joining the boundary lines of little visited national parks that are home to leopards and elephant. Eventually I will reach the island's east coast and the Bay of Bengal just south of Trincomalee. Always interested in making each adventure as different from the one before as possible, I will be attempting his descent with a teammate, Kerim Morris, fellow adventurer and blogger, engineer (and former coffee shop manager).

London Adventure team going to Base Camp Festival & Microadventure

Hello people, a few of us from London are going to the Base Camp Festival and we thought why not make a trip of it! So the idea is for us to rent a car/people carrier and escape London Thursday night, find somewhere awesome and wild to micro adventure and hopefully find a lake/river on route Friday to take a dip explore somewhere new and then head to the festival in relaxed style with a like minded group.

We can sort out times for coming home Sunday once we've got the group sorted unless we all decide to take the Monday off and do a day in Snowdonia or something similar.... We will be renting a vehicle so costs will be split equally and if you can drive that might make life easier for us all. This is a great chance to meet new like mined people, and keep the cost to the festival nice and cheap, we all know us adventure types are always stink! AND have an adventure getting to the adventure! FEW! If you've got any questions please drop me a email or tweet me! Russ russell79smith@gmail.com @Hikebikerun2014

Across the Alaskan Tundra

Married couple, early 30s. One 100% Belgian, the other prefers to be referred to as Earthling (but has to write down in official documents Belgian/Mexican). First time home owners playing Bob the builder since the last 4 years during most of the holidays and available spare time. Both photography aficionados, sharing life with two cats and two Alaskan Malamutes. We have created a blog/journal (http://acrossthealaskantundra.wordpress.com/)to keep a record of the preparation for this once in a lifetime journey: A trip to the Arctic for a trek of about 150 km across the Alaskan Tundra guided by Joe Henderson and his amazing team of Alaskan Malamutes. (We are not that brave to do it just on our own ;) ) At the same time we will be raising funds not only for the expedition, but also for the Alaskan Malamute Club of Belgium and Malamute Matters, with the main aim to help dogs in need.

For this purpose, we have created Chip in packages: Minimum Chip in amount: EUR 1 Chip in as of EUR 10 or more - Shout Out on our Blog. And the satisfaction you are helping dogs in need. Estimated delivery: immediate Chip in EUR 25 or more -Shout Out on our Blog. The satisfaction you are helping dogs in need, and a photo of your name(s) written in snow (sent via email). Estimated delivery: July 2015 Create your own reward -Woo Woo! Get that creative juices flowing and suggest any reward you want in exchange for a fair contribution.Let us perform an interesting task, either during training or during the expedition. Whatever the world is your playground!(Disclaimer alert: However, we as the trip owners can either accept or reject your request). We hope you join us, whether reading, commenting, re-posting and/or donating (donations can be done via PayPal using the donate button on our blog)

Johan Tessa "

The Pan-American Rally

Dearest Adventurers,

I come to you now, asking you to join me in 2015 for the first annual Pan-American Rally. This is a new take off an old idea. The expedition, if you choose to join us, will be to drive small cars and motorcycles the entire length of the Americas, for charity.Ever heard of the Mongol Rally? If not, check out The Adventurists great work at theadventurists.com. I participated in the event in 2011 and fell in love. After much deliberation, and attempting to join in the great work they do, I have decided to create my own. Just as big, just as ridiculous.Starting June 14, 2015 brave explorers and their idiot friends, will set off from the crossroads of America, Freedom, Indiana, USA and head south. The eventual finish line will be Buenos Aires, Argentina. Each team will be responsible for raising $1000 for the official charity, Reforest Patagonia.

This is not an intelligent rally to attempt. This will not be easy. This will be extraordinarily dangerous. This could kill you. But if you're like me, and you're not a afraid to get a little dirt in your eye every once in a while, I ask you to join us. This could be the greatest thing you have ever done.Ask any questions you may have.

Michael Waterford is my name. Email: Info@TheMountainFolk.com.

See more at www.TheMountainFolk.com.Yours in Philanthropic Adventurey Goodness,The Mountain Folk Adventure Series - Freedom Exploited.

Mont Blanc

So I'm about to set off on the biggest adventure of my life. Some people out there belittle Mont Blanc as adventure tourism. At times I feel like I shouldn't be allowed to climb it, the media finding experts to damn the guides and the tourists who crawl all over the mountain like inexperienced ants - leaving me feeling like some sort of gullible tourist parasite. But then I satisfy myself with the fact that this world and all it's dangerous, beautiful places belong to all of us and when we are in these places, and our bellies dance with fear and awe and we are at one with Mother Nature, adventures belong to us and we are free to nourish our souls with them. I am female, British and 46 years old.

I spend my spare time in the wild vastness of Britain. My spirit thrives there alongside my soulmate Richard. We have wild camped next to cliffs in Orkney and tarns in the Lake District. We have traversed beautiful snow ridges in Glen Coe and ice climbed gullies on Helvellyn. We've walked the 3 peaks of Yorkshire and climbed the ice walls in Kinlochleven. We've kayaked in sea lochs and coasteered into the ocean at Cornwall. Just for fun, to feel insignificant and like a kid - we have loved adventure for the past 9 years together.

In May this year, we climbed the infamous Napes Needle from Wasdale, full of amazement at topping out, Richard took a box out of his chalk bag and proposed to me on the shoulder - incredible and amazing. I said yes of course! So now we are 12 days away from our trip to Mont Blanc and the butterflies are fluttering in my stomach - that familiar excitement and fear that comes from doing what we love. Do I deserve to be on that mountain? Hell yes. I know I am getting on a bit and I have tendonitis that's giving me gip and I've never climbed in the Alps so I am nervous mostly about being too slow. But I have a Scottish Winter pedigree and true British grit that will see me to that summit. Fingers crossed.

The Myth of Mustang: Trekking in Nepal

Join world-renown and award-winning Himalayan trekking guide Nima Sherpa and The Explorer's Passage founder, Jeff Bonaldi as they head into Kingdom of Mustang and the lower Himalayas. Begin your journey in the colourful streets of Kathmandu and head onto the winding trails at the base of the Tibetan Plateau, while following in the path of the Second Buddha, Guru Rinpoche.

You will journey by car, plane, and on foot deep into the Himalayas and discover one of the most remote and sacred regions on Earth. This 10-day journey will immerse you in the culture and history of the Nepalese people and provide you with once-in-a-lifetime adventures along the way.

You will even have the option to fly around the peak of Mount Everest!Join the adventure today by calling 855-208-6800 or emailing us at info@explorerspassage.com. Pricing: $2,650 (5 Guests) $2,500 (6-8 Guests) $2,300 (9-11 Guests) $2,150 (12-14 Guests) $2,100 (15 Guests)Also Required: $475 (Internal Airfare) $550 (Mustang Permit Fee)

Rock Climbing in Malta

Hello,

My name is Dino and I am a qualified instructor with thirty years experience and I decided to open a Rock Climbing shop in Malta because it is an up and coming destination for Rock Climbing and whilst on holiday I found that there was actually no dedicated Rock Climbing equipment shop on the island so we are the first to give the climbing community this service.

We also provide many courses these include Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Deep Water Soloing, Sea Level Traversing, we also offer equipment for hire .Our courses start from as little as 45 ,and we cater for all abilities and ages ,we have had climbers from as young as 7 years of age up to 70 years young , check out our website and Facebook pages to get an idea of what we can offer you on your trip to Malta.

Look forward to being of service to anybody visiting Malta.

Dino Citrone

GoClimbMalta

Rio 3 Peaks

3 peaks, 2,000m, 12 hours, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Sound good? The second run of a new event incorporating the spirit and essence of the classic British 3 Peaks challenge in the stunning setting of Rio de Janeiro takes place in November this year.

Aimed as a challenge for those looking to dip their toes in the water of fitness/adventure challenges, the Rio 3 Peaks, also aims to both raise awareness ofstreet childrens rights across the world and funds to support the ongoing work in this area.The challenge itself: beginning and finishing in the target time of 12 hours, with a total ascent of over 2000m and taking in the 3 most iconic peaks in Rio with spectacular views:1. Morro Dois Irmaos 550m high (The two brothers hill situated above the Vidigal community)2. Pedra da Gavea 840m high3. Corcovado 710m high (Christ the Redeemer)This is not just any challenge.

A highly rewarding part of the event is the chance to experience Rio's favelas, which are the heartbeat of the city, visit the street children's projects we work with, play football (if you want to!) and spend time meeting inspirational children and project leaders who are bringing about change in their country.What are you doing this autumn? If youre bored of the same old challenges and you are looking for one you will never forget then join us in trekking the 3 mountain peaks of Rio de Janeiro finishing at the iconic Christ the Redeemer. We are seeking 24 UK/International and 26 Brazilian trekkers by July 2014. If you're looking for an adventure challenge with a difference, look no further!

Essential Gear for Adventure Cycle Touring

If you're wondering what gear you'll need for an adventurous cycle tour of any length or budget, Essential Gear for Adventure Cycle Touring has got you covered. Written by veteran bicycle adventurer and author Tom Allen and drawing from the experiences of over other 50 long-distance cycle tourers, the 257-page digital guide covers in detail the foundations of equipment choice for a bicycle journey, the six main categories of gear, how and where to buy each item, and common mistakes and myths to watch out for - plus how to get all of this within your budget, no matter how small.

This summer, Explorers Connect members can get a 20% discount on Essential Gear using the promo code EC 2014 at checkout.

The code is valid until July 31st 2014. Read more about the guide and what's inside at http://gearforcycletouring.com.

Along the Ring of Fire

In early November 2014 I'm setting off to trek the Te Araroa trail - a path that runs for 3,000kms down the length of New Zealand.

By doing so, I'm hoping to raise both awareness and a combined NZ$30,000 for two charities. Money raised will change the lives of 30 children and young people; allowing ten Kenyan children to go to school on an all-expenses-paid full years scholarship through People, and 20 Tanzanian young people to take part in a life-changing expedition with Raleigh International. Walking North to South and depending on fitness and weather the journey should take approximately 4-5 months.

The trail will take me over mountains, ridges, through valleys, plains, and forests, along coastlines, across a volcano or two, and, at least in parts, along the Pacific Ring of Fire. All money raised through my blog will go direct to the charities. A further NZ$10,000 needed to fund the trip will hopefully come from corporate backers. Fingers crossed... 

For more information, contact me at - rob_candy@hotmail.co.uk

Quest for the Pole of Inaccessibility

In February 2015 I'll leave Ellef Ringnes Island in Arctic Canada to trek to the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility, the furthest point from land at the heart of the Arctic Ocean.

I'm part of a team of 28 people taking part in the challenge as part of the Ice Warriorproject, founded by eminent polar explorer, Jim McNeill. Our mission is to become the first people to reach the pole and to ground-truth satellite data of ice thickness in the Arctic. I consider it to be taking the temperature of the planet in the fragile polar environment that acts as an early warning system to the rest of the planet. We'll also be counting the number of polar bears we see, noting their condition and location. In total I hope to spend 20 days on the ice and cover 200 miles on skis, dragging a qajak that weighs as much as me. After I've completed my stint I'll swap over with another team member and flown back to advanced base camp to continue to assist with the science and logistics of the expedition.

This journey follows on from The Cycle Diaries adventure I completed in December 2012. It is quite different in nature! Besides not cycling it I'll be part of a larger team and operating in an extremely hostile environment. It also costs more than my bicycle, tent. and 16 months supply of cheese sandwiches so corporate sponsorship is needed. The need to approach people for money combined with the thought of travelling across an ever diminishing layer of ice that rests upon a raging ocean at temperatures as low as -40C while being at the mercy of hungry polar bears fills me with a great deal of trepidation.

But that is precisely why I'm doing it. 

For more information - www.arcticandy.com

Iceland Cycling in September?

Hi everyone!

Planning on cycling around Iceland in September. Just wondering if there's anyone with advice about September in Iceland - bad weather? And also the actual journey. It seems very straightforward but if there's anything you found out/heard please let me know.

tomlreader@gmail.com

Winter Kayaking the Great Salt Lake (nonstop)

I will be the first to Kayak the full length of the Great Salt Lake without stopping for overnight camping. I will attempt to complete the journey (~180 miles) within 48 hrs during the winter solstice.

To find out more, contact Rebecca at - rbeck07@punahou.edu