Who Were the Most Powerful Women in History?

National Geographic has posted an interesting story that takes a look at some of the most powerful women in history, while also examining how those women wielded power. The story serves as a reminder that while many ladies are in positions of power around the world today, we still have a long way to go before we have achieved any sort of parity in that department. Still, the historical figures mentioned in the story were trail blazers in many ways, influencing the world around them in a time when most women didn't even have a voice.

The story says that many female leaders from the past were able to wield power in different ways. For instance, it points to Cleopatra as an example of a woman who wielded "soft power," using her influence, intelligence, and guile to shape the direction of events in her lifetime. Others were more direct in their influence, such as Artemisia of Halicarnassus, who ruled in the 480's BC and played a pivotal role in the war between the Greeks and Persians. Some of the most influential women had both soft and direct power however, such as Enheduanna, who was an important figure in early Mesopotamia.

The story is an interesting one that highlights a few of the more well known female historical figures who have left a lasting mark on history within their own lifetimes. Still, it leaves a lot of important women off the list, including the likes of Catherine the Great, Elizabeth 1 of England, Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut, and many others.

Still, in an era of the #MeToo movement and a time when women are claiming their rightful place in roles that they should have had for very long time, it is nice to see that there are some examples from the past that show influence and power.

Check out the full story here.

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National Geographic Announces 2018 Adventurers of the Year

While I was away exploring Arctic Europe last week, National Geographic announced its list of the 2018 Adventurers of the Year. As usual, the winners of this prestigious award are names that we've shared on this blog in the past, with some obvious choice from last year, mixed in with a few nice surprises too.

Two of the names that would have been easy to predict making the list include climber Alex Honnold, who stunned the world with his free solo of El Capitan last summer, and Kilian Jornet, who managed to summit Everest twice in a span of five days. They're joined by surfer and humanitarian Emi Koch, ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson O'Neill, mountain biker Rajesh Magar, photographers and scientists Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen, as well as stereotype-breaking ultrarunner Mirna Valerio.

As usual, all of these adventurers have great stories to share and each is deserving of making the cut. This year's list is a bit smaller than in year's past, but I think that helps lend an air of exclusivity and prestige to the winners. Unlike in years past however, it does seem that Nat Geo has done away with the "People's Choice" award.

Normally these awards would be announced in November or December as a recap to the year that had just passed. When the announcement failed to come last fall, there were questions as to whether or not the Adventurers of the Year program had gone away. I had several of you email me to see if I knew anything, but I didn't have anything to report. In the past, I was honored to have been asked to submit some suggestions for nominees, but that didn't happen this year either. In the end however, I'm just glad to see these deserving men and women get their moment to shine and to know that we'll see more adventurers get the nod in the future too.

Find out more about this year's class of adventurers by clicking here.

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Video: 130 Years of National Geographic Covers in Under 2 Minutes

Many of us who have a thirst for outdoor adventure and exploration can trace the origins of that curiosity back to National Geographic magazine, which has been an iconic part of our lives for more than a century. The monthly periodical with is broad yellow border and astounding photographs has stirred the imagination of generations of readers. In this video, we take a 130-year tour of magazine, watching its covers evolve and change over time. For many years, the cover didn't vary much from month to month, but later its now-famous imagery came onto the scene. As you watch this two-minute clip, you're almost certainly going to see a few that your recognize along the way. Take a walk down memory lane and enjoy this fantastic video.

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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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Video: Climate 101 - Nat Geo Educates Us on Glaciers

There as been a lot of talk all year long about the collapse of the ice shelfs in Antarctica and the impact that will have on the glaciers there. This phenomenon has the potential to have long and lasting consequences for hundreds of millions of people around the globe, but just what does this mean for climate change? In this video, National Geographic provides some insight into what is happening to the world's glaciers and how this could impact all of us in the future.

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Nat Geo Picks the Top Travel Destinations for 2018

Starting to make plans for where you want to travel in 2018? Still looking for some suggestions on where to go? National Geographic is here to help, offering up 21 destinations for some big adventures in the New Year.

Nat Geo's list includes some places you are no doubt familiar with, and others that will be completely new. Each entry includes a brief explanation of why now is the time to go, cluing readers in on what makes these destinations special. The National Geographic editors have also included a "fun fact" about each place as well, offering a nugget of information that is good for stirring the imagination. This being Nat Geo, there are plenty of great photos too of course.

Some of the places that make the cut for top travel destinations for 2018 include perennial favorites like Sydney, Australia; Vienna, Austria, and the North Shore on Ohau in Hawaii. But some of the more lesser known destinations include Madagascar; Tetouan, Morocco, and Seoraksan National Park in South Korea.

Beyond that, I won't give too much else away, as a major part of the fun of this type of list is discovering the places for yourself. Needless to say, you'll find a good mix of modern and rustic places to visit, with spots that remain complete wild and off the beaten path, mixed in with the familiar and well-trodden. Each has their own charms and plenty to offer adventurous travelers.

Read the entire story here and start planning your next major getaway.

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How Search and Rescue Teams Conduct High Altitude Rescues

Have you ever wondered how exactly a search and rescue team conducts a high altitude rescue? After all, when you get above a certain altitude it isn't always safe to use helicopters and a certain point, it can even become dangerous for the rescuers themselves. And yet, nearly every year we hear about a rescue operation being conducted somewhere in the Himalaya, with selfless climbers doing whatever they can to safely bring stranded mountaineers down from perilous heights.

National Geographic has published an article that includes a video of just how these operations are conducted, and as you can imagine it isn't easy. It takes training, dedication, the proper gear, and plenty of guts. In the thin air of the Himalaya, there is little room for error and yet it seems that these types of rescue operations are becoming more frequent, particularly as more people flock to Everest and other big peaks in the region.

In this story, Nat Geo introduces us to Chhirring Dhenduk Bhote, who was born in east Nepal not far from Kangchenjunga and Makalu. Bhote has become well known in his country's SAR community, conducting 21 of the 35 long-line rescue operations that have taken place in Nepal since 2008. During those types of missions the rescue helicopter is unable to land at the site and rescuers must instead rappel down to where they are needed. As the article points out, they aren't always fast enough and sometimes their rescue operation becomes a recovery one instead.

The article, and especially the video, a fairly eye-opening, giving us a glimpse of what takes place during a high altitude rescue. This is what happens when a climber finds him or herself in trouble on one of these big mountains, and needs to be retrieved and taken safely back down. It is a dangerous job to say the least, but thankfully someone is there to do it.

Check out the entire story here.

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Nat Geo Presents the Most Epic Day Hikes in the World

There is nothing like backpacking through remote locations, spending days on the trail, and camping in the backcountry each night. But sometimes you don't have time to get away for an extend period of time, but still want to spend some time on a trail nonetheless. That's when a great day hike can come in handy, and if you're looking for some good ones to add to your bucket list, National Geographic is here to help.

Nat Geo has compiled a list of the best day hikes from around the world, with stunning options to choose from in Norway, New Zealand, Egypt, and beyond. On the list, ou'll find trails that will take you into the mountains, past glacially fed lakes, through deserts, and across some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. Best of all, each of the routes is only a single day's commitment, which means you'll be back in a warm hotel and enjoying a great meal by the end of the day. 

I'm not going to ruin the list, but I will reveal that the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand earned a spot in line-up, as did the Mauna Kea Summit Trail in Hawaii. After that, you're just going to have to read the article to discover the rest of the routes for yourself. 

Check it out here. 

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Nat Geo Presents the Creepiest Adventures on Earth

With October now more than half over, we're starting to inch closer to Halloween, a holiday that always evokes images of ghosts, goblins, and any number of other terrifying creatures. To help get us in the mood, National Geographic has shared a list of the creepiest adventures on Earth, taking us to remote places where strange things just might go bump in the night.

The list is an extensive one, providing readers with 29 unique and scary adventures. Amongst the options that Nat Geo offers are exploring limestone caverns in Mexico that are filled with bats, visiting a national park in Bolivia that is overrun with termites, and visiting a series of caves that are filled with bones in Mali. Other eerie destinations include a hike through Germany's Reinhardswald Mountains where many ancient fairy tales are believed to have taken place and exploring Joshua Tree National Park after dark.

As you would expect from National Geographic, each of the items on the list includes a great photo to help set the stage. Unfortunately, not all of the entires on this slideshow do a great job of telling you exactly why this place is creepy enough to deserve a mention here. This seems to be a reoccurring theme on the Nat Geo website in recent months, with articles that lure you in with nice images an intriguing headlines, but don't always deliver the goods in terms of substance. Still, with a little research, it becomes clear why many of the entities on the "creepy list" belong there.

Check out the entire story here.

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20 Great Trekking Routes From Around the Globe

Already hiked the Inca Trail, added Kilimanjaro to your resume, and walked to Everest Base Camp? Looking for some new trekking routes to explore? Never fear, National Geographic has you covered with a wonderful list of 20 epic trails from around the world that can quench your thirst for adventure.

The list includes some well known routes, like the GR20 on Corsica and the Snowman Trek in Bhutan, as well as some lesser known trekking trails, such as the Israel National Trail and the North Drakensberg Traverse in South Africa. You'll find familiar routes like the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal, and ones that are much lesser known, but just as unique, like the West Highland Way in Scotland. In short, there are hikes in just about every corner of the globe, and for every kind of backpacker, travelers, or explorer.

Each of the entries on the Nat Geo list is accompanied by a fantastic photo to illustrate the scenery found there, as well as information on the route's length, the best time to go, and why you should go at all. There is also a detailed description of what to expect while walking the route, with handy tips on weather, level of difficulty, camping options, and much more.

If you follow my blog with any regularity, it will probably come as no surprise that my favorite hike on the list is Shackleton Route on South Georgia Island, a place I was luck enough to visit a few months back. The trail was the one taken by Ernest Shackleton and his men as they made their way across the island back in 1916, and while I only got the chance to walk a short section of it, it is indeed utterly spectacular. I'd love to go back and do the full route at some point, although logistics are an issue when getting to and from South Georgia. Still, if you ever have the opportunity to do this walk yourself, I highly recommend it.

Check out the entire list here of epic trails here.

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Video: Machu Picchu 101 with National Geographic

Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and visited ancient sites in the entire world, and if you haven't seen it yet, it needs to be on your bucket list. Still, there is a lot to learn about this place, and this video from National Geographic can help us understand what makes it so special. The short clip talks about the history of Machu Picchu, what it meant to the Inca people, and why it is so fascinating even to this day.

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100 Practical Ways to Fight Climate Change (and Trump's Poor Decision)

In the wake of President Trump's decision to exit the Paris Climate Agreement there has been a lot of discussion here in the U.S. about what that means exactly and the impact it will have not he future of our planet. While some business leaders here have applauded the move, for the most part there has been significant push back from individuals, cities, and states, many of whom have pledged to continue to abide by the Agreement, even as the nation withdraws.

For me, climate change is one of biggest issues that we face at the moment, and it doesn't just impact one or two countries or regions, but the entire planet. Which is why I was so happy to see this map from National Geographic that shows all of the various cities and states in the U.S. that have already joined the "Climate Rebellion" against the President's decision. The map shows the places that have either already become part of the U.S. Climate Alliance or have taken a pledge to stick to the Paris accords.

But, Nat Geo has published yet another story that will be of interest to those of us who feel strongly about this topic. It is entitled 100 practical ways to reverse climate change and is an interview with Paul Hawken, the author of Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming. The book was a New York Times bestseller when it was released, and it offers the aforementioned 100 ways that we can all help to reverse climate change.

Some of those options are detailed in the article, although most are saved for the book itself, which examines in a highly analytical way how to have a positive impact on our planet's environment. Options like switching to electric cars, using solar energy, and preventing deforestation are examined in detail, with practical methods provide for the reader on how he or she can help on a personal level.

Those of us who love the outdoors also care about preserving it for future generations as well. But when it comes to climate change, we are on a course that could not only spell the end of our environment, but leave us with no future generations to see it. Everyone can do something to help out, no matter how big or small, and it can make a difference. More importantly, its nice to know that others feel the same way, and that while the President may have turned his back on this cause, there is a concerted effort in the U.S. by others to ensure that the country plays its part.

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Alex Honnold Climbs El Cap Without Ropes

I'm still on the road today as I head back to Nashville from a long weekend with family. But, this story is so big, that I had to share it. In case you hadn't heard over the past couple of days, rock climber Alex Honnold may have pulled off the most audacious, impressive, and dangerous climbs of all time. This past Saturday, Honnold added to his already impressive resume by climbing the 3000-foot (914 meter) face of El Capitan in Yosemite without the use of ropes.

Honnold launched his bid at 5:32 AM and completed the historic climb at 9:28 AM, which means his finished the tough, iconic ascent up El Cap in 3 hours, 56 minutes. For the length of the entire climb, he essentially used just a pair of climbing shoes and a chalk bag filled with chalk. There were no ropes or other safety devices involved, marking this the first true free solo of one of the most famous rock faces in the entire world.

To put this in perspective, Tommy Caldwell told National Geographic that this is the "moon landing" of free soloing, meaning it is truly ground-breaking and historical, taking the sport into new, uncharted territory. According to Nat Geo, only two other climbers have even mentioned attempting the climb themselves. They were Michael Reardon and Dean Potter, both of which have passed away in recent years. At the moment, Honnold seems to be the only climber in the world who could pull off such a big ascent.

You can read the entire story of this amazing feat on the Nat Geo website. It is quite a story that not only provides more details, but also profiles Alex and what sets him apart from the field. Right now, he's climbing on another level, and getting the entire scoop is inspiring to say the least.

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Nat Geo Shares 10 Amazing Luxury Camping Adventures

Lets face it, we all love to backpack into a remote campsite, set up our tent, and rough it in the backcountry from time to time. But, from time to time, we also like to enjoy a camping experience that doesn't necessarily skimp on the luxuries either. The best part is, these comfortable, luxurious outings don't mean that you have to sacrifice the level of adventure you have either. Case in point; National Geographic has put together a list of 10 amazing luxury camping excursions, that are long on creature comforts and adventure.

As the name implies, the article offers some great options for those who want to pamper themselves on a camping trip that is unlike anything most of us have experienced. For instance, one of the destinations is the Tiger Tops Elephant Camp in Nepal, where visitors stay in spacious tents complete with full beds and attached bathrooms at night, and have a chance to encounter elephants during the day. If travelers want a full safari experience, they can also visit join the Silverbacks and Serengeti tour from Peregrine Adventures, where over the course of 15-days they'll be treated to an exceptional East African safari, while staying in a roving camp that features plenty of amenities.

Of course, I won't spoil the entire list, and there are plenty of options that are closer to home to discover too. Each of Nat Geo's selections are unique, offer amazing accommodations, and provide a sense of adventure and wonder that we normally can't get on just a weekend camping excursion. These are exceptional trips to say the least, and most of them come with exceptional price tags too.

Keep that in mind the next time you load up your backpack and head out for your favorite local camping spot.

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Everest Climbing Gear - Then and Now

National Geographic has another interesting article and photo gallery up today, this time taking a look at the past and present gear used on Everest. The slideshow contains a number of fantastic images, and each one focuses on a particular topic, such as "communications" and "insulation layers," with information what was used when Hillary and Norgay completed the first ascent, versus the gear that the rank and file mountaineers are using now.

Today's climbers are outfitted with highly technical apparel, a host of gadgets, and gear that offers an amazing weight-to-performance ratio. Everything from the boots they wear to the tents they stay in have improved dramatically over the past 60+ years. With all of the advanced fabrics and space-age materials at our disposal, it is easier to climb lighter, faster, and more comfortably than ever before, which is part of the reason so many more people are making the attempt.

So just how different was it back in 1953? In the Nat Geo article we learn that Hillary and Norgay couldn't use wireless communications higher up on the mountain, so they communicated by laying out their sleeping bags in a particular pattern that could be seen below. Today, walkie-talkies, sat phones, satellite messengers, and even cell phones can be used to communicate from any point on Everest, including the summit.

Similarly, the tents used on the first ascent where heavy and bulky. Those shelters were made from cotton, and were often crowded, uncomfortable, and very heavy. In contrast, today's tents are surprisingly strong, lightweight, and warm, even at higher altitudes. Every aspect and component of a tent has been upgraded, making them easier to carry and assemble, even when the weather turns bad.

The story is a fun one and well worth a read for Everest fans and gear junkies alike. Lots of good information here comparing climbing now to then. You're likely to come away with even more respect for those early Everest climbers.

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Video: Thru-Hiking the Grand Canyon - Between River and Rim (Part 2)

Last week we had the first video in a three part series that follows photographer Pete McBride and journalist Kevin Fedarko as they make the very difficult thru-hike across the Grand Canyon in an effort to explore the challenges that the national park currently faces. In part 2 of the series, we return to the trail, where Pete and Kevin are now 200 miles (321 km) into their journey as winter begins to set in, bringing a new set of obstacles for them to overcome. This is an amazing look at the Grand Canyon as most of us never get a chance to see it, and it is well worth your time to watch in its entirety.

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National Geographic Announces People's Choice Adventurer of the Year

Way back in November National Geographic announced its selection for the 2016 Adventurers of the Year, with ten very worthy individuals earning that title. But of course, that still left the winner of the  People's Choice Adventurer of the Year, which is awarded to the person from the original list who earned the most online votes from general public. That voting took place through mid-December, and now all of the ballots have been counted and the recipient can be named at long last.

This year's Nat Geo People's Choice Adventurer of the Year is none other than Mira Rai, a trail runner from Nepal who is blazing her own route. The naturally gifted runner didn't even begin competing seriously until two years ago, when she inadvertently found herself taking part in the Kathmandu West Valley Rim 50k race. But having grown up in the Himalaya, and spent her whole life adapting to the challenges of those rugged mountains, running was simply part of life there. In that first race, she ran further than she had ever gone before. She was also the only female participant, and yet she managed to finish even though she didn't have fancy gear, equipment, or even food and water.

Since then, her career has taken off, and Mira has attracted the attention of sponsors. But, in 2016 she suffered a ruptured ACL that kept her from running as much as she would like. So, to refocus her energy elsewhere she organized the first race to take place in her home village, a simple outpost where most people are content to just eek out a subsistent living. More than 100 people came to participate, and the always-jubuliant Rai proved once again that she could beat the odds.

Now, she has done that yet again. Bolstered no doubt by a lot of votes from back home, the Nepalese runner now stands alone as the People's Choice Adventurer of the Year. Read more about her story here, and check out the video below to get a more personal look at this inspiring trail runner.

Congratulations Mira! This honor is well deserved.

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The Best Travel Photography of 2016

Few things can inspire us to want to travel to a new destination like a great photo. Those of us who are lucky enough to hit the road on a regular basis for our adventures often have a desire to capture the places we visit in stunning images that we can share with friends and family. In my case, I'm happy if I just don't screw up the shot or inadvertently get my finger in front of the lens. Thankfully, there are others who are far more talented than I am to make up for my lack of skill. 

Some of the most talented of those photographers have submitted their images for the 2017 National Geographic Photo Contest, of which the finalists have recently been revealed. As you can imagine, the images are beautiful – sometimes haunting – with great shots captured at some of the best destinations around the globe, ranging from Botswana and South Africa, to Rio de Janeiro and Northern Ireland. Some of the images are landscapes, some are of the wildlife, and others are candid shots of the people that inhabit these places. All are colorful and mesmerizing. 

For those of us who aspire to be better photographers ourselves, the photos are a good reminder that taking a great shot isn't just about the technical details. It's also about capturing the moment, framing the image properly, and recognizing what is truly interesting about that snapshot of a moment in time. Too often we get caught up in just pointing and shooting with our cameras that we forget to truly take in the moment. But I've found that my best photos over the years have been taken when I slow down, observe the world around me, and look for the right combination of elements. My patience is usually rewarded at some point, and the image is one that means more to me long after I've returned home. 

The winners of the travel photo contest will be officially announced on February 28. To check them all out before that, click here. 

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National Geographic Offers the Best Backcountry Ski Huts in the U.S.

Now that the holidays have come and gone, a new year has started, and winter is in full swing it is definitely time to start thinking about retiring to our favorite outdoor adventures. And to help out with that endeavor, National Geographic is offering a list of the best backcountry ski huts in America. These are places you can stay while out exploring untouched powder along remote trails that are far from the crowded slopes that most people visit. And just because you're in a remote place, that doesn't mean you can't have a cosy place to relax at the end of the day.

In all, ten huts make the list, ranging from places like Baxter State Park in Maine to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska, with plenty of amazing places in between. Most of the huts are found in the western states, with Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho well represented.

Each entry onto the list offers some insights as to why that particular lodge stands out from the crowd. Those descriptions give skiers an idea of what to expect in terms of the hut itself, but also the trails they'll get to ski while visiting. You'll also learn how to get to these places, some of which aren't exactly just off the parking lot. But of course, that's part of the fun, isn't it? This is backcountry skiing after all.

If you're looking for some amazing places to find fresh powder his winter – and by most accounts there is plenty of it to be had – than this list will give you some ideas of where to go and where to stay. The huts are all impressive places to seek refuge after a hard day of touring, but after a good night's sleep you'll be ready for more in the morning. And since it is only January, there is still plenty of time to plan a winter escape. Perhaps one of these lodges is just what you've been looking for.

Read the full story here.

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Video: Thru-Hiking the Grand Canyon - A 650-Mile Challenge (Part 1)

Throughout 2015 and 2016, photographer Pete McBride and journalist Kevin Fedarko set off to make a sectional thru-hike of the Grand Canyon in an effort to document the threats that that National Park now faces. Along the way, they faced more challenges than they had anticipated, as the journey was more difficult and dangerous than they had ever impinged. This video takes us along with them into the canyon, to experience much of what they saw while they were there. It is Part 1 of a 3 part series, which promises to be an amazing adventure with some important revelations to be had along the way.

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