The New Yorker Publishes Riveting Story About Henry Worsley's Doomed Antarctic Expedition

In 2016, British polar explorer Henry Worsley lost his life while attempting a solo, unsupported crossing of the Antarctic continent. He was attempting to become the first to make such a journey, which remains one of the biggest challenges that remain for adventurers traveling in that part of the world. It is impossible to know exactly what that journey was like, but now – thanks to an unlikely source – we have a bit more of an idea. 

Recently The New Yorker published an amazing article about Worsley and his expedition to the Antarctic. Entitled "The White Darkness," the story is written by David Grann, who also wrote the excellent Lost City of Z. It takes us out onto the ice with the British explorer, providing us with some impressive insights into what that journey was like and what must have been going on in Worsley's mind as spent days on end skiing across the frozen continent. 

Many of us who follow these types of expeditions have some idea of at least the logistics behind such a venture. But unless you've done such a journey yourself, it is difficult to truly understand what it is like to grind out every mile, day-in and day-out, in such a cold, inhospitable place. This article will help you to understand what that is like just a bit more. 

The story is a long one, so prepare yourself and get comfortable. This is best read on a tablet in comfy chair with a drink or even a snack close at hand. You'll be going on a journey along with the Worsley, but it is definitely one that you'll want to take. And when you come out the other side, you'll have learned a lot more about this man and what drove him to push himself to his very limits, and beyond. It is sad, inspiring, joyous, and humbling all at once, and I highly recommend that anyone who enjoys reading my stories gives this a thorough read too.

Check it out here.

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The Adventure Podcast Episode 8: More Adventure News!

The latest episode of The Adventure Podcast is now available for download. Like last week, this is a solo effort that strays from our usual format. It is also shorter than most of our other episodes as well, concentrating on just four or five important news stories that took place in the past week.

As usual, you can listen to the show online, or find it on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. I've also embedded the episode below for those who don't use any of those formats. We're currently working on getting the show syndicated in Spotify too, but we are still in the process of getting approval.

Last week our show as an abbreviated one because my co-host Dave Adlard had a few things to deal with on his end. This week, I have been dealing with some family issues as well, which prevented us from being able to record at our regular time. Next week, both of us will be traveling, but we may do yet another short "news" episode before hopefully getting back to our regular routine after that. Thanks for your patience and for listening.

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The Adventure Podcast Episode 7: Adventure News

Just a quick note to let everyone know that the latest episode of The Adventure Podcast is now available for download. As usual, you'll find it on the web, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. I've also embedded the show in this post so you can listen to it as well.

In this episode I am flying solo, so rather than boring everyone too much, we just picked a few important adventure news items from the past week or so and shared them with listeners. This is a much shorter episode  than usual too, running just 17 minutes in length. Next week, we'll be back to the usual format, before we goin on hiatus for a bit while I travel and Dave takes care of a major project on his end too.

As always, thanks for listen. If you have any feedback, be sure to drop us a note at theadventurepod@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Popular Mechanics Tells Us How to Get Started in Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is one of those sports that looks like its a lot of fun but can be rather intimidating on how to get started. After all, these rock jocks use terms that sound foreign, have a whole bunch of gear that only makes sense to them, and can manage to make things look effortless at times. So how does someone who has never climbed before ever hope to join their ranks? Fortunately, Popular Mechanics is here to help us sort it all out.

An article posted on the Pop Mech website breaks down what it takes to begin rock climbing. It discusses the various styles of climbing ranging from bouldering, sport, and trad, to options for climbing indoors at the gym. It also tells us exactly what gear we need to buy, and even explains the various rating systems (Yosemite Decimal and V-Scale) that are used to describe how difficult a climbing route (aka a problem) truly is.

Of course, once you've sorted all this out, there is no substitute for simply going out and starting to climb, which is how the story wraps things up. It talks about heading to the gym or crag and just going for it, starting at the bottom and working your way up to the top – or at least as far as you can go at first. It also talks about potentially the scariest part of all, getting back down.

For beginners this is a good guide on how to get started. It doesn't overwhelm readers with a ton of details, but instead offers just enough to encourage them to get going. It helps them sort out the most basic questions that they'll need to begin and then sends them off to actually do it. It doesn't get much simpler than that. In other words, you can't try if you don't ever start and you'll gain experience by doing. That is, after all, the best way to learn just about any new outdoor activity.

Read the whole story here.

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Men's Journal Names the 25 Most Adventurous Women of the Past 25 Years

A couple of weeks back I shared a link from Men's Journal that listed the 25 most adventurous men of the past 25 years, turning the spotlight on some impressive figures that we've followed closely here at The Adventure Blog. That group of impressive guys wasn't without controversy, as I felt there were a few deserving men who were left off the list. Now, MJ is back at it again, this time introducing its picks for the 25 most adventurous women as well.

As with its first list, each of the entires includes a photo of the adventurer in action and a few paragraphs explaining why she has earned a spot in this group. For instance, Sarah McNair-Landry starts things off thanks to her long and impressive resume of polar travel. She's joined by the likes of Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, who has been at the forefront of the conservation movement for decades, and thru-hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis, who once held the speed record for hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Other ladies who make the cut include ocean explorer Céline Cousteau, filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow, and climber Steph Davis. The rest of the list you'll have to discover for yourself, as it is once again filled with some impressive explorers, thought-leaders, and all-around badass women.

Just like with the men's list, there are a few ladies that I think are missing, but with a limit of 25 people, it is impossible to fit them all in. But this is definitely a great group of ladies who deserve the honor, with all of them having no problem standing alongside the men in their field. In this day and age when there simply can't be enough role models for both young girls and boys, these individuals are certainly worth celebrating.

Check out the entire list here.

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Video: A Misty Mountaintop Wedding

A fire lookout tower on top of a mountain in the state of Washington isn't usually the place where you'd expect a wedding to be held. But that is exactly where Devin and Brendan Cleary exchanged their vows. In this video, you'll join the couple on their special day, which looks like it was an amazing experience. There is apparently a trend towards "adventure weddings" that some couples are choosing to pursue, and this is an example of just such an outing. It is certainly a memorable way to tie the knot.

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Quiksilver CEO Missing Off the Coast of France

As if there hasn't been enough bad news for the outdoor community over the past week or so, today we learn that Pierre Agnes, the CEO of Boardriders, the company that owns Quiksilver, has gone missing at sea.

Agnes had taken his boat out yesterday to do some fishing and hasn't been seen or heard from since. The boat itself ran aground near the surfing resort town of Hossegor, which immediately prompted a search and rescue operation by the French coastguard, but so far no signs of the businessman have been found.

Members of his Boardriders' team say that Agnes often went fishing before coming into work each morning. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean that he was traveling through are known for their turbulent waves that routinely draw surfers to the area. Thick fog was prevalent yesterday morning as well, although it remains a mystery as to whether or not these conditions played a role in the CEO's disappearance.

In a statement released publicly the company said, "The Boardriders family and entire surfing world are devastated by this news. We are concentrating on working with the local authorities on the search and rescue effort and supporting Pierre's family."

Search operations were suspended last night due to darkness, but were scheduled to resume today. The coastguard is employing three ships and two helicopters as part of the rescue effort, but of course the more time passes, the chances of finding Agnes alive diminishes greatly.

Our thoughts are with Agnes' friends, family, and coworkers in this sad time.

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Video: The Highest Basketball Shot in the World Caught on Video

This might be the first time I've ever written about basketball in the 11+ years I've been writing The Adventure Blog. Let's face it, it isn't a sport that anyone would call "extreme" or the least bit adventurous. But, this video was so good that it was definitely worth sharing. It takes us to the top of the 200 meter (660 foot) Maletsunyane Falls in Lesotho, Africa, where trick shot artist Derek Herron made an impressive basket into a hoop stationed below. You'll just have to watch to see it unfold, but it is pretty spectacular to say the lest. The views along the way aren't bad either.

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Men's Journal Presents the 25 Most Adventurous Men of the Past 25 Years

Men's Journal has released another interesting article that is sure to spur some heated conversation. This time out, the magazine has posted its selection for the 25 most adventurous men of the past 25 years, making their picks based not only on the amazing feats that these men managed to pull off, but also their "consistency and commitment" for taking on big adventures. Also, as the name of the article implies, these gentleman have been mostly active over the past two-and-a-half decades, which has led to some big names potentially being left of the list. Even still, while those that made the cut are obviously deserving of some serious recognition, I can think of at least one or two names that didn't make the cut that would certainly have been on my own personal list.

As usual, I'll leave the bulk of the list for you to discover on your own, but will mention a few of the more familiar names that you'll find there. Not only did Conrad Anker earn a place amongst the top 25, his buddy Jimmy Chin is on the list too. Their joined by the likes of Alex Honnold, Eric Larsen, and Erik Weihenmayer as well. 

All of the entries on the list include a profile of the individual with a few paragraphs explaining why they deserved a mention. In some cases there is a break down of their defining expeditions and moments, while for others it is an overview of their entire career. All told, the article serves as a good introduction for these men, most of whom are still very active today. 

It is obviously very difficult to break down a list such as this one and select just 25 people to put on it. I'm sure there was a group of explorers and adventurers who didn't make the cut that are impressive in their own right. But, I was surprised to not find Ueli Steck on the list, as he redefined what was possible in the mountains over the length of his career. Kilian Jornet didn't make the cut either, nor did Simone Moro, who has four first winter ascents of 8000-meter peaks on his resume. Of course there isn't room for everyone in the top 25, but Ueli's omission is puzzling in particular. 

Still, it is hard to argue with the guys who are on MJ's list. They are all inspirational men who have pushed boundaries in their respective areas. To find out who did earn a spot in the rundown, click here. 

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The Adventure Podcast Episode 3 is Now Available

Just a quick note to let readers and listeners know that the latest edition of The Adventure Podcast is now available for download and to listen to online. For those who haven't had a chance to listen in on the show just yet, it is kind of an audio version of this blog, sharing news, gear reviews, and opinions on what is happening in the outdoor and exploration space.

On this week's episode, my cohost Dave Adlard and I discuss a number of big topics, including fallout over Nepal's decision to ban solo and disabled climbers. We also take a look at a 10-month long training course to prepare students to become outdoor guides, which has both of us wishing we were 20 years younger. Our main topic is tips and tricks for cutting weight from your backpack and luggage, and we take a look ahead to Outdoor Retailer next week as well. We wrap up the show by answering another gear question from a listener and share our favorite gear for the week. 

As always, you can listen to the show online, or subscribe to it in iTunes, Google Play Store, and through Stitcher. For those who just want to sample it, I've also embedded the latest episode below. Give it a shot and let us know what you think.

Also, you can find us on Facebook and Twitter, and we welcome any feedback or questions via email too.  Thanks for giving us a shot!

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Nat Geo Gives Us the 15 Skills Every Adventurer Needs

Have you ever thought about all of the skills that an explorer or adventurer needs in order to survive on a challenging expedition? If so, then I have just the article for you. National Geographic published a story a few weeks back detailing the 15 skills that every adventurer needs, with some insights as to why each of them is important.

Some of the items on the list come from simple common sense, while others a bit more surprising. For instance, Nat Geo says that any adventurer worth his salt will know how to avoid getting lost and can properly pack a backpack. Those may seem like simple, straight forward skills, but it is actually amazing to discover how many people don't even possess those basic abilities. I'm continually surprised by the people I meet who can't work a compass or read a map properly.

On the other hand, some of the skills that make the list are not so intuitive. For instance, the story mentions learning to eat for fuel, meaning having the proper foods to power your adventure. Polar explorers can never get enough calories for instance as the extreme cold forces their bodies to work hard to stay warm. Nat Geo says that today's adventurers need to be tech savvy too, which is something that wasn't much of a concern in the past.

There are a number of other useful skills on the list, including how to stay mentally tough, how to make a fire, and how to be environmentally responsible. But, perhaps the most important one of all, is knowing when to quit. You can push your body to the limit and plan everything down to the last detail, but sometimes things are outside of your control, so it is important to know when to say you're done. After all, coming home safely and in one piece is an important aspect to any outdoor adventure.

Check out the entire list here.

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More Travel Destinations for 2018

With the start of the new year, many of us are looking ahead at 2018 to decide where we want to go and what we want to do. After all, its a long 12 months ahead and there is plenty to accomplish before the year is through. Yesterday, I shared The New York Times selection of 52 places to go in 2018, and today I have a few more suggestions from two other publications worth looking at.

First up, Luxury Travel Magazine has produced its list of recommendation destinations for the New Year as well, and while most of them don't fall under the "adventure" category, they do have a top ten list dedicated specifically to our favorite type of travel. In fact, the editors have picked 10 Adventure Experiences You Can't Miss in 2018, with some very nice options for those looking to do something a little different this year.

A few of the items that make the cut include sailing on an Arctic safari, trekking through the hidden valleys of Dolpa in Nepal, and exploring the Atacama Desert in Chile, which happens to be amongst my favorite destinations. Other items include visits to a rhino sanctuary and staying in a lodge in the Amazon Basin.

Not to be outdone, Men's Journal has also produced a list of recommended destinations for 2018, and while it is a bit more modest in size, it offers some great options nevertheless. The five places that earned a mention with the magazine include Malta, the Republic of Georgia, Zambia, Kalimantan (in Indonesia), and The Arctic. Each of which would make a fine place to go on an adventure.

It is interesting to see the Arctic pop up on these lists. As climate change makes these places more accessible, more and more adventure travel companies are offering opportunities to go there. I've been sharing it on similar list that I've written for the past few years, but in my case it was usually last-degree ski journeys to the North Pole or something similar. But, the Arctic is opening up for more tourists, for good or ill, and that will no doubt have an impact on the region to some degree.

So, after reading all of these suggestions in recent days, have you started making your travel plans yet?

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The New York Times Presents 52 Places to Go in 2018

If you're still thinking about your travel plans for 2018, why not let the "paper of record" help out? The New York Times has created a list of 52 places to go in 2018, and it is filled with some wonderful suggestions on place to travel throughout the next year.

As you can imagine with a list of this size, the destinations vary greatly in type and location. For instance, the first few entires on the list include New Orleans, Colombia, and Basilicata in Italy. The recommendations vary in size from a single, small location, to an entire region, such as the Caribbean. All of the suggestions come with a description of what makes it a compelling place to visit, along with links to where you can find out more about the place.

The Times has done a nice job of curating a list of unique destinations to visit in 2018 and they have gone to great lengths to use multimedia assets to bring those places to life as you read about them. But, the slick website they've used to deliver the information is also a but cumbersome and overly produced, which can cause some slowdowns and pauses while scrolling through. I found myself having to wait for animated images and text to load from time to time, which is more annoying than anything else. The end result is a pretty nifty list of places to go and things to do that should keep most travelers busy for a lifetime.

Check out the entire list/multimedia experience here.

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Video: Riding a Cruise Ship Through the 'Bomb Cyclone'

Normally we don't think about a Caribbean cruise as being much of an adventure, but it can turn into quite the experience when your cruise line – in this case Norwegian – decides to ignore weather warnings and sail directly into the so-called "Bomb Cyclone" that hit the east coast of the U.S. last week. The video below gives you an indication of what this was like for the 4000 passengers onboard, and I can honestly say that I don't think I experienced conditions like this even when on the Southern Ocean last year. Crazy stuff, with rooms and hallways flooding, the ship lurching violently, and passengers struggling to stand and walk. A smaller ship wouldn't have fared well at all in these conditions.

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The Adventure Podcast Episode 2 is Now Available

Just a quick note to let everyone know that Episode 2 of The Adventure Podcast was released yesterday. In this episode, my co-host Dave Adlard and I talk about the latest adventure news with a look at some Antarctic expeditions, climbing teams heading to Everest and K2 this winter, and more. As usual, we also talk about useful gear and share some items that we've both been using in the field.

Our main topic this week is the 10 Essentials of Hiking, with discussion on whether or not they are still viable in the 21st century (Hint: They Are!) and out take on how the list has changed and evolved over the years. Throughout this segment we continue to talk about important gear and share some ideas on things that you can take with you into the backcountry.

For thos who are interested in checking out this latest project of mine here's how you can listen in:

• If you just want to listen on your computer then click here to get a web version of the show, complete with an audio player, episode description, and so on. It works great, it just isn't quite so portable. 
• iOS users (iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc.) can subscribe to the show in iTunes by searching for "The Adventure Podcast," but it can still be hard to find. Here's a direct link. 
• Android users can find us in the Google Play Store by again searching for the title of the show. But, to save time, here's another direct link. 
• If you use Stitcher to listen to your podcasts on any platform, we're also available there. If search doesn't work, here's the direct link for Stitcher users.

You can also follow the show on Facebook and Twitter. Comments, suggestions, and questions can be emailed to theadventurepod@gmail.com. In fact, we're looking for questions to answer on the air, and had our first one just this week. 

Thanks for listening. I hope you'll check us out and enjoy the topics. 

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10-Month Long Outdoor Instructor Course Sends Students on World-Spanning Adventure

If you've always wanted to be an outdoor guide or instructor, I have some news that you might find interesting. Sharks Lodge, a Portugal-based adventure travel company, is launching a new program that will train students to work in the outdoor and travel industry in a 10-month long course designed to give them all of the skills they need, while sending them off on a global adventure.

The new program is scheduled to get underway on March 1, 2018 in Portugal. That course has been specifically built to prepare those who take part both mentally and physically for the challenges they face while working in the outdoor industry. It also has been padded with plenty of time to allow entrants to learn a moderate, but steady, pace while working in a group environment.

Completion of the course will offer official qualifications in a wide variety of areas, including canoe and kayak safety and rescue, mountain training, mountain bike guiding, first aid skills, lifeguard skills, surf instructor, VHF Radio Operator, and much more.

According to an email I received announcing this course, students will work on their skills (See below) for five months, with a break coming in August. At that time, they can choose to take a holiday or do a month-long internship. In September, they'll then work on earning their certifications in preparation for the big adventure to come. From October to December the enrollees will put their new-found skills and knowledge to the test by organizing expeditions and adventure travel itineraries across the globe, with the Shark Lodge staff helping to get them organized and off the ground.


The course will be held in Portugal not only because it is the home of Sharks Lodge, but also because it creates a unique base camp for operations. The cost of living is very affordable, there is plenty of good weather, and there are a number of great options for hiking, surfing, swimming, and climbing within easy striking distance.

The price for the course is set at €14800 ($17,550) per person. That includes all training and assessment fees, insurance while training, accommodations and meals, transportation, equipment, budget for flights and actives, and more.

According to the course overview website, students who enter the program will learn the following skills:

Hard Skills

• Backpacking
• Mountain Biking
• Rock Climbing
• Sea Kayaking
• Canoe and Whitewater kayak
• Rafting
• Surfing
• Kite surfing
• Scuba Diving
• Ski and Snowboard
• Expedition Planning
• Expedition Video and Photography
• Survival Training
• Power boat, VHF
• Beach Lifeguard
• 1st Aid in remote areas
• Cross fit training
• surfboard and kayak building

Soft Skills

• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Selfconfidence
• Team Building
• Team Work
• Team Management
• Foundations of Adventure Programming
• Practical and Organisational Skills for Outdoor Leaders
• Instruction and Facilitation in Adventure Programming
• Metaskills for Outdoor Leaders

To find out more about this opportunity, visit the Sharks Lodge website. 

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Video: BASE Jumping 101 with Espen Fadnes

Want to learn what it takes to get into BASE jumping? I have no interest in trying this sport myself, but am fascinated with the men and women who do it. That's why this video was so interesting, as it gives us insights into the basics of BASE jumping from someone who is a trailblazer in this activity. Espen Fadnes is a Norwegian jumper and wingsuit pilot who also happens to be a backcountry skier, climber, and more. He has even helped develop some of the equipment and skills that are used in the sport today. In this clip, he describes everything you need to know if you want to join in on the action.

BASE Jumping 101 | Espen Fadnes from Negative4 Productions on Vimeo.

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Outside Presents 8 Adventurers Who Changed the World

If you're looking for an interesting read today, look no further than Outside magazine. The iconic publication has posted another article that celebrates its 40th Anniversary, this time taking a look at 8 adventurers who have changed our world.

As you can imagine, the list is filled with distinguished and very worthy outdoor athletes, some of which have become household names. There are also several whose exploits we cover regularly here at The Adventure Blog as well, including the likes of Jimmy Chin, Alex Honnold, and Jeb Corliss. Beyond that, I won't say too much about who else earned a spot on Outside's list, but it is safe to say that there are some true legends here.

Narrowing down the list of iconic adventurers to just 8 couldn't have been easy. Personally, I can think of at least a half-dozen other men and women I would have put on here in addition to the ones that are named. But, it is safe to say that these athletes have certainly had an impact on the world of outdoor adventure, breaking new ground in their various fields of endeavor while also pushing boundaries in ways that we may not have ever considered before.

To read the entire article and find out who made the list – and why – click here.

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Happy Holidays!

With the holiday weekend now upon us, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  The next week or so will be a quiet one for the most part, so I'm going to take the opportunity to shut things down around here until after the start of the new year. I'll be spending time with friends and family, relaxing, writing, and working on some projects, and of course getting outside a bit as well. Hopefully you'll be doing much the same.

If any major stories or pressing news breaks, I'll post an update. But, for the most part, don't expect any regular updates again until January 3. The day after that, I'm heading out to North Carolina for a little skiing, hiking, and fun in the snow, so regular posting probably won't resume until the week of January 8. Considering all of the things going on this time of year, you probably won't be spending too much time on the web anyway. Go out and pursue some of your own adventures in the interim.

Happy Holidays and here's to a fantastic 2018. Thanks for reading this blog and keeping me going year in and year out. I wouldn't be here without the support of those of you who drop by my humble little corner of the Internet from time to time.

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How to Listen to The Adventure Podcast

As our fledgling podcast starts to get off the ground, I've had a couple of emails from readers asking how to listen to the show. When we did our pilot episode a few weeks back, we used a different podcast hosting platform to get the show out there. We've since switched to a different platform that we'll use moving forward, which means the links I originally shared may not be working for you. So, here's how you can listen to The Adventure Podcast:

• If you just want to listen on your computer then click here to get a web version of the show, complete with an audio player, episode description, and so on. It works great, it just isn't quite so portable. 
• iOS users (iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc.) can subscribe to the show in iTunes by searching for "The Adventure Podcast," but it can still be hard to find. Here's a direct link. 
• Android users can find us in the Google Play Store by again searching for the title of the show. But, to save time, here's another direct link. 
• If you use Stitcher to listen to your podcasts on any platform, we're also available there. If search doesn't work, here's the direct link for Stitcher users.

We just posted Episode 1 a few days back and will now be on a break through the holidays, but new shows will be coming in the first part of January. We also have plans to do daily shows from Outdoor Retailer as well, with our thoughts on the latest and greatest gear. 

My cohost Dave Adlard and I are having a lot of fun with the show so far, and we hope you'll give us a shot as we continue making weekly episodes in 2018. Until then, enjoy the rest of the year and Happy Holidays!

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