Motorbike to Montenegro

Hi,

We are planning a trip from London to Podgorica (Montenegro) by motorbike avoiding motorways. Our aim is leave London 20th March and return 4th April 2015.

We are looking for advice on which bikes to take no more than 250 cc. What is the chance of getting stuck in snow when crossing the alps from Austria to Slovenia at that time of year. Anybody did this route before?

I Want to Explore, tell me how.

My name is Eric Pole. I am a restless, intelligent and excessively curious human. I crave to see the world and its infinite beauty, I crave adventure and exploration. So I have come here in hopes of finding a means to do so. I have skills or travel experience but I wish to gain them. I need a start. If Someone would be so kind as to assist me in my dilemma I would be extremely grateful. I don't want to become a product of bland society, I want to see what this world has out there. I don't want to settle down and pretend there isn't this enormous complex world all around me, I want to experience it. Thank you to anyone who reads this.

Key2Africa

At the start of March 2015 James Ellis and Mike White will be driving from Keynsham, Bristol to Cape Town covering 18,000 miles and crossing 19 borders. What kind of vehicle is up for the challenge I hear you ask.

When looking for a vehicle for such a trip the choices are very limited. We wanted something simple without to much tech on board and can be adapted to our requirements. Bearing this in mind, we found ourselves with a 1993 200TDI 110 Defender. Over the last few months our trusted stead has undertaken a pretty big transformation.The adventure were undertaking is all in the name of Joshua Orphan Community Care who operate in Malawi. We aim to help by raising funds as well as helping at their project sites.

The route we have chosen for our trip takes us through Southern Europe, out of Spain and into North West Africa. We will then travel into central Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa across to the East coast. After working with Joshua we will continue on down to the end of the trip to Cape Town.The pair of us have both travelled and worked in Africa in very different environments so we are aware of some of the issues that may face us along the way.

The thing we have keep at the front of our route planning prep is the need to remain flexible and be able to adapt to the ever changing circumstances that we come across.We have been writing blogs detailing our preparation and are planning to post more frequently as the departure date gets closer and as often as possible whilst we are away.All the latest information can be found on our Facebook page which has all the latest photos and information about the trip.

Svalbard: Cleaning the shores North Spitsbergen

The Svalbard islands are an archipelago in between Norway and the North Pole. The Svalbard Clean up in 2015 has a simple goal: to visit beautiful, historic and remote parts of the high Arctic stunning glaciers, looming cliffs, arctic birds and foxes, walruses and much more while lending some time on the voyage to help clean up coastal areas in need.

Activities are supervised and do-able by variously-skilled and diversely-aged people, as well are as are weather (and polar bear-presence) dependent of course.The Association of Arctic Expedition Operators, the Governor of Svalbard and Ocean-wide Expeditions, initiated this clean up.I led a group of civilians on a similar clean up in the Antarctic nearly 20 years ago (documented in The Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning) so I am attracted to this polar opposite stewardship endeavour. What an awesome way to see this extreme northern part of the world plus a unique chance to make a small contribution.Scientific studies show the negative impact of pollution in the Arctic and elsewhere on all life forms. We have a worldwide problem: we must vastly reduce it, ensure safe disposal when waste is unavoidable and adopt more earth-friendly sustainable options for how we live and consume.Sea currents transport garbage to the beaches in Svalbard. Much of this garbage's origin in the fishing industry, and fishnets, trawl balls. Plastics dominates the picture. Reindeer's get their antlers stuck in fishing nets and trash of iron, and can suffer a long and painful death. Birds eat plastics and die as a result.Large amounts of litter have been washed ashore on some beaches in Svalbard. The bulk of the waste comes from shipping, especially from the fishing fleet in the Barents Sea and the waters around Svalbard.

As it takes a long time for this waste to be broken down, it is accumulating fairly rapidly. It is obvious that this litter does not belong on the beaches of Svalbard. The colours of the garbage are in glaring contrast with the natures mellow colours. The garbage is a threat to the wildlife in Svalbard.- Oceanwide Expeditions. If you are interested in signing up for the expedition, inquire or book now, mention my group Devine Cleaning. The ship expedition staff will be giving dynamic talks on the history, nature and wildlife of Svalbard. I will join and give a talk and show visuals from the Antarctic clean up and share images of other art and science collaborations on ecological protection.Price its 20% discounted than what a cruise for this location and length would normally be. Depending on your budget, this will cost US$3120 for a quadruple room with porthole to $5480 for a superior room.

All rooms look great and have a view to the outside world, comfortable beds, a desk and an ensuite toilet with shower. Includes all meals, programming, port charges and taxes and use of rubber boots made for polar walking! Airfare to Norway and boozy drinks not included.For more details go to Oceanwide Expeditionsor contact devine@eol.ca bit.ly/1qXKW19

Kenmare River: Self Sufficient Adventure Swim

COMPLETED! At 18:49 on April 10th, Ripley Davenport became the first person to successfully swim the Kenmare River in 11 hours and 47 minutes.Many respected locals that have lived and worked by the Kenmare River said it couldn't be done or a shorter route should be considered as conditions are unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Ripley proved it could be done. 26.6 miles/42.8km later he arrived at Kenmare Pier under heavy skies - very emotional and exhausted.

ABOUT THE KENMARE RIVER

The Kenmare River (An Ribhar in Irish Gaelic , but also called Kenmare Bay in English) is, despite its name, not a river but a large inlet on the coast of Kerry, in south-west Ireland. It is located on the Wild Atlantic Way between the Iveragh Peninsula and the Beara Peninsula.Morphologically different from other large bays south-west of Ireland, being much narrower. The bay contains an abundant number of small islands, such as Sherky and Rossmore . Main points of interest are Kenmare, which is located at the innermost point, O Carrolls Cove, Westcove, Castlecove, Parknasilla, Tahilla, Templenoe, Bunaw, Lauragh and Ardgroom.THE PLANRipley Davenport will attempt a self supported *30-mile adventure swim from O Carrolls Cove in Caherdaniel to Kenmare Pier without any form of support. It is an enormous challenge mentally, physically and emotionally battling strong tidal currents, monotony and fatigue. It is also the time of year that he will encounter the Compass and Lions Mane jellyfish.

The Kenmare River is also renowned for its seal and dolphin population. Equipped with wetsuit, thermal swim hat, swim mask and fins Ripley will tow a small raft, loaded with basic food and provisions, in sea temperatures averaging 11C.A SPOT tracker will update his position in real time; thereby ensuring the whole distance of the intended route is completed.Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis In 2011, Ripley will be fundraising in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland (MS Ireland).* - Estimated distance** - Subject to tidal and weather conditions.

SWIM COMPLETED!