Adventurers' adopted charity looking for donations

An A-List of Mountaineers support and endorse the Himalayan Stove Project. Chris Bonington, Doug Scott, Tom Hornbein, Erik Weihenmayer and Jeff Evans serve as very active Advisory Board members, guiding the efforts of this unique US Based charity. Reinhold Messner, Simone Moro, Rebecca Stevens, Carlos Buhler, Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, Dave Hahn, Sandy Hill and dozens and dozens more distinguished Himalayan Mountaineers endorse their efforts as well.

All have suffered in the smoke-choked homes of the Sherpa's in Nepal, where the acrid wood and yak-dung smoke creates an enormous health hazard for the people who live in this fragile environment. The Himalayan Stove Project is dedicated to improving the health of the people in the trans-Himalayan region.The organisation provides free, clean-burning, highly fuel-efficient cook stoves to families living in the Himalayas who now cook with traditional, rudimentary stoves or over open fire pits inside their homes, consuming excessive amounts of precious fuel and polluting the indoor air to dangerously unhealthy levels.

Replacing open cooking fires and primitive stoves, improves health and quality of life of families by dramatically reducing indoor air pollution. It also decreases environmental damage in the fragile and sensitive Himalayan ecosystem by reducing de-forestation and reducing carbon emissions. The organisation has, thus far in it's first two years, delivered 1,400 stoves in Nepal, transforming the lives of individuals, families and communities, one clean cookstove at a time. It is staffed totally by volunteers who pay all their own expenses (including travel to Nepal) so that virtually all donated funds are used to accomplish their mission, and they make substantial contributions to the local economy.

Their on the ground work in Nepal is through experienced Himalayan Partners (including the Himalayan Trust (UK) and Community Action Nepal) who have had decades of close connection with the local communities, and know their needs.

For more information, and to make a donation, go to their website at http://www.himalayanstoveproject.org byGeorge Basch

Why is Via Ferrata Tridentina loved by all?

"Anyone who comes to the Dolomites in search of adventure is surely spoilt for choice when it comes to Via Ferrata. With 76 in the immediate area, it stands to question what makes the Brigata Tridentina so popular for our Alta Badia visitors. Walk organisers ventured out at the crack of dawn to get a feel for the Via Ferrata that receives such bright eyes and beaming smiles from our guests.

Upon arrival to the car park just below Passo Gardena, we were not sure how long the walk in to Tridentina would be. However, after following the well signposted Via Ferrata for ten minutes, we caught sight of the iron wire easy! Simultaneously a large waterfall revealed itself which attracted our eye to the iron stemples creeping up the side of the rock and out of view. The first hour of the route changed between stemples, iron pins and exposed rock. At no point did the climbing become difficult as stemples were perfectly placed when no visible footholds could be found. As we twisted round the face and climbed higher, the waterfall continued to flow alongside us among the orange-tinged limestone.

Easy, manageable hand holds were obtainable throughout which took focus away from the exposure, but having the wire present meant that it could be used if needed. Breath-taking views across Passo Gardena, Corvara, Sassongher and the Fanes National Park opened up during the second hour, encouraging frequent breaks to soak it all in. A local man of an older generation confidently overtook us at a safe place, whilst exchanging a warm smile and a chirpy good morning. His self-assurance and ability to do this Via Ferrata alone supported the 3B grading that this route has; any age and ability can happily complete this route with little difficulty or skill. A small, vertical ladder took us almost to the top before bringing to light the spectacular bridge. Balanced between two separate rock faces and supported by numerous iron wires, the bridge sits above a very large ravine from where the road below can be seen an adrenaline filled experience in itself./p As we reached Rifugio Cavazza, a five minute walk once unclipped, the temptation of Lago Pisciadu was upon us.

With its pristine turquoise water glistening in the sunshine, we all agreed it would be perfect for a post Via Ferrata swim before heading to the balcony for a well earned Cappuccino and strudel.

My personal blog can be found here for more info on the Italian Dolomites: http://www.dolomitii.wordpress.com "

Advice re driving expeditions?

Hi there,

I'm heading to Perth, Australia soon for a year and I'm thinking of doing a 4wd expedition somewhere around Western Australia. I have never done something like this before except for 3 days on Fraser Island driving around with other amateurs.I am planning on taking a few off roading courses to build up some experience, but I'm not really sure where to go!Has anyone got any routes or areas they would recommend or any advice they could give me about 4wd expeditions?

If you have any info please feel free to drop me a line at beneches@hotmail.com it will be greatly appreciated

Thanks,

Ben

The Scientific Exploration Society Explorer Awards 2014

The SES are delighted to announce awards totalling 15,000 available to 'Pioneers with Purpose' who will inspire others through their scientific research and daring journeys. There are 3 sponsored awards, each with a different focus: THE SESZENITH EXPLORER AWARD 2014 is for an outstanding entrepreneur, who will be applying for an award of 8,500 and a Zenith El Primero VpH 3600 watch. THE SES RIVERS FOUNDATION AWARD FOR HEALTH AND HUMANITIES is an award of 5,000 and aimed towards those who's expeditions will improve the lives of communities in under-developed regions of the world.

We are also keen to hear from those who's expeditions have a cultural interest within these communities. THE SES CADOGAN TATE EXPLORER AWARD is an award of 1000, and aimed towards those who's expeditions focus on natural, sustainable and organic practices, or on those with conservation and environmental purposes - seeking to preserve our planet and life on our planet. Two SESEXPLORER AWARDS 2014 will be made granted by the Trustees, recipients may be selected from those applying but unsuccessful in their application for sponsored awards, they may be selected from other planned expeditions which the SES learn about during the year.

Full details and criteria can be found at www.ses-explore.org/awardsor contact ses@ses-explore.org.

Kayak Aswan to Luxor, or more of the Egyptian Nile

"Hi, I had wanted to kayak a lot more of the Nile, but I apparantly alot of it is very dangerous still. So I'm reconciling to Kayaking a little bit for now. I'd like to kayak from Aswan to Luxor. Who if anybody would I need to get official permission from? I've heard people say that a river guide has to be part of the group.

Does anybody know if there are still a lot of restrictions on travelling along the rest of the Nile?

Kind regards,

Alasdair

Secret Compass explorer to 'Walk the Nile'

Secret Compass co-founder Levison Wood this month sets off to complete an epic, world-first journey to become the first person to walk the length of the Nile.

He'll start at the Nile's source in Rwanda then walk through countries including Uganda, South Sudan and Sudan en route to Egypt and the Nile's mouth on the Mediterranean shores.He leaves the UK this weekend and will then spend a few days ironing out last-minute issues before setting off on December 1 2013.

Watch Lev online as he introduces his upcoming adventure (with thanks to Outside TV) or visit Levs Walk the Nile site.

If you'd like to join Levs historic walk on one of three expeditions to Uganda, South Sudan or Sudan, Africa in 2014 with Secret Compass, visit our Walk the Nile expedition page now.We'll be posting regular updates here and on the Secret Compass blog and if you have any questions or would like to join him, get in touch with Secret Compass today!

"Almost" doctors for an expedition?

Hey there everyone!

A friend and I are looking to do an expedition for our end-of-finals elective. We would be wanting to go AFTER we've finished all of our placements (i.e. AE along with everything else) and final exams, and will be juniour doctors in all but name.

We're REALLY keen to do some expedition medicine, but we're struggling to find the best way to go about signing up for things. We don't have any courses to our name (like 'mountain medicine' or anything), but we both have pre-hospital care experience.

We would be looking to do something around about this time (late April 2014) next year. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

courtners@gmail.com

Advice on Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan?

Hello Explorers!

We're going to Tajikistan in October with the goal of writing a guide book for Tajikistan and ultimately working in disaster management - I (Laura) just finished my MSc in Hazards and Disaster Management and realised there's no point staying in England as (luckily) we don't really have that many disasters. We were wondering if anyone wanted to share their experiences of Tajikistan with us, to give us any guidance as to the area, especially with regards the Pamirs. If anyone is planning a trip to Tajikistan, we'd love to hear from you and meet up with you while you're there.

If you'd like to contact us, please email sheytaana@gmail.com.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Paul and Laura

Neville Shulman Challenge Award

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) are offering an8,000 grant to support a unique and challenging project. The 'Neville Shulman Challenge Award' aims to further the understanding and exploration of the planet: its cultures, peoples and environments, while promoting personal development through the intellectual or physical challenges involved in undertaking the research and/or expedition. Applications are invited from both individuals and groups.

Apply now at www.rgs.org/nevilleshulmanaward.

Application deadline 02 May 2014.

Opportunities for nurses?

I am due to finish my Adult nursing degree in December and currently have been on courses with Wilderness medical training as after backpacking for years and attending workshops on expeditions I have become interested in exploring this area in regards to nursing.

I was hoping anyone had any information they could provide me on whether expeditions look for nurses to join their team (paid/voluntary i don't mind) as the majority of things I come across in regards to expeditions is pitched at doctors.

Many Thanks

Can any one help with Sponsorship for a polar race?

I am in the process of planning for a polar race next year. I would like to obtain sponsorship to ease some of the cost. It is a charity based trip so will also be collecting for Greenpeace - Save the Arctic campaign.

Is there anyone who could help with the basics for sponsorship or possible give me a few pointers and what kind of things work and don't?

Would be happy to discuss over phone/coffee or net. email me on louise_constance@rocketmail.com"

Advice/ Contacts for China trip wanted

Hi, I want to plan my own trip to the Great Wall, trek part of it and do the usual tourist bits, Terracotta Army etc. How difficult is it, can anyone recommend a contact in China, other than the usual tour operators.

Thanks

Info required on Masoala National Park

I am thinking of hiking and also possibly packrafting across the Masoala National Park in Madagascar. I have a couple of months previous jungle experience but it would be my first own planned jungle venture.

It would be a hopefully relatively leisurely trek camping in the jungle and photographing the wildlife. I may be solo or with my girlfriend. I would like to get in contact with someone who has knowledge of this area regarding existing trails in the park, specific dangers or hazards with the wildlife, plants or parasites, and any social problems I should be aware of. I know that illegal logging takes place and that many locals are unhappy with the protection of the park seeing it as resource that they are unable to make use of.

Any information on the area or contacts in the area would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Duncan

Medic shadowing for student elective

I am a medical student at the University of Leicester on the graduate entry medical degree, having previously worked as a nurse for two years, part of which I worked in AE.

I am in the process of organising my medical elective placement - a 4-6 week trip we organise ourselves in April 2014, after having completed our medical finals. I am very interested in expedition/wilderness medicine and am trying to arrange my elective to encompass both medicine and the outdoors, as well as attempting to organise an elective that is a bit different from the norm.

If anyone could give some pointers/contacts in order to organise my elective along these lines, it'd be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Richard