David Vale and his North Pole Expedition partner, Graham Walters, have aborted their bids at making it to the North Pole.

The two started out on April 21st with hopes of achieving the magnetic North Pole. The two of them were participating in the North Pole Challenge. a race to the North Pole.

Vale and Walters, pulling 110 lb sledges often faced temperatures on -31 degrees in their attempt. After pulling the sledges over a span of 110 miles and hindered by broken equipment and frostbite, the team decided to give it up.

Daivid Vale is 65 years old. Him and his partner’s team were called the “Silver Foxes’ attributing a bit to their age. The duo did cross over 1/3 of the total distance to the North Pole before calling it quits.

In a bit of pure coincidence, I recently reported on efforts in the United States to begin looking into kayak and kayaking laws on the nations coastlines and waterways. Looks like Canada may have beat us to it, as this Press Release has just been made public moments ago.

OTTAWA, April 30 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister
of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the coming into
force of the Special-purpose Vessels Regulations and the Vessel Operation
Restriction Regulations. These regulations are made under the Canada Shipping
Act, 2001 (CSA 2001).

“Our government is committed to the safety and security of all commercial
and recreational users of Canadian waterways while protecting the
environment,” said Minister Cannon. “To address the increase in traffic on our
waterways, the regulations provide new national river rafting safety
standards, and updated mechanisms to restrict the use of any type of vessel,
including personal watercraft, on designated waters.”

The new Special-purpose Vessels Regulations incorporate industry best
practices by outlining the requirements for all river rafting companies to
have vessel and safety equipment standards such as helmets, lifejackets and
their equivalents, and the circumstances in which they must be worn;
operational standards such as first aid training, familiarization trips and
safety briefings; and the maintenance of detailed records of each excursion.

The updated and renamed Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations make it
possible for local authorities to apply to Transport Canada to place
restrictions on the access of a vessel or class of vessels to specified
waters; the mode of propulsion used; maximum engine power or speed; and
recreational towing activities (e.g., water-skiing). The new regulations also
impose a universal shoreline speed limit of 10 km/h within 30m of the shore in
all rivers and lakes of Nova Scotia, including Bras d’Or Lake.

The Special-purpose Vessels Regulations were pre-published in the Canada
Gazette, Part I on August 11, 2007. The Vessel Operation Restriction
Regulations were first published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on August 18,
2007. A comment period for these regulations was provided, during which
interested parties were encouraged to provide their views to Transport Canada.
The new regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on April
30, 2008.

For further information: Karine White, Press Secretary, Office of the
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa, (613) 991-0700;
Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, (613) 993-0055; Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at
www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.; This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.

As you can tell from the Press Release, this is very similar to efforts being proposed in the United States. The guidelines in the U.S., though, only concern kayaking, at this point. This is part of Canada’s new law as published today. If you are heading that way and your intentions are kayaking, boating, ect. it may be in your best interest to contact someone regarding these new laws and regulations. Remember, not knowing a law is not an excuse. Especially in a foreign country.

China has released a few details to one of it’s own news sites in regards to how the 2008 Beijing Olympic Torch will be handled on Mt. Everest. China Central Television has posted a small piece in regards to the torch, itself:

After the flame arrived the base camp four days ago, all of the torches and lanterns were passed to Chinese mountaineers, who will take them to the world’s highest peak in May when weather permits.

Captain Wang Yongfeng led his mountain climbing team to the Olympic torch safeguarding base on Tuesday at noon, and took over the repacked lanterns, torches and kindlings. At an altitude of six thousand five hundred meters and above, a special torch will be used to ensure the flame stays alight.

Hu Shenlin, Deputy Chief Designer of Torch Maintenance at Mt. Qomolangma said “We take four flame lanterns, sixteen torches, and 48 kindlings. And we also prepared enough fuel. Those mountain climbers know what to do after they reach the peak.”

Four Flame Lanterns, Sixteen Torches, and 48 bundles of kindling. This could be the basis for rumors that the Chinese were planning four separate summit pushes on Mt. Everest. Also, looking at these numbers, we can kind of get an idea of just how large this expedition is. Not sure if I would want to be following the twenty or so climbers carrying the Lanterns and torches–with Oxygen strapped to their backs. Could become quite tricky, especially when the high winds are added into the mix and climbers will be jockeying around to keep that flame burning. We know they succeeded last year on Everest with their pre-Olympic torch run, but we also all know that Everest is quite a different mountain year to year.

There is an interesting article in USA Today focusing on the surge in popularity of kayaking the coastal and lake waters of the United States. The article goes in to some detail about how rescue efforts involving kayakers are straining some search and rescue departments. The search and Rescue crews are now calling on lawmakers to set some new rules and regulations regarding this growing sport sector.

Paddling represents our greatest risk in the recreational boating community,” says John Fetterman, a member of the Maine Marine Patrol and president of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. For rescue teams, it’s become “a huge drain.”

John Fetterman, talking to USA Today, also states that no government agency currently tracks deaths related to the sport of kayaking because so man different agencies are involved in search and rescue efforts when they happen.

“American Canoe Association (ACA) says kayaking is growing faster than
any other outdoor activity on land or water; maritime officials say
rescues have skyrocketed as a result.

I can actually attest to this growth, myself, just by seeing how many new publications are springing up regarding kayaking on the internet.

The new laws being proposed could eventually require all kayakers to take a series of courses before setting out on the water. I am not sure how anyone would know if you had taken part in the courses unless the government enacts a new permit system in regards to these personal use vehicles.

I think it is safe for us to say that we all wish people would be smart about embarking on new endeavors in the wild, but likewise, we know this isn’t going to happen. Could it be a good thing? Sure, as long as permits and courses aren’t so expensive to keep people away. What are your thoughts?

The debate for less restrictions on gun laws in national parks has been going on for well over a year. Some say that an increase in weapons in the park system could spark more crime, but gun lobbyists say that it is only right that they should have the same laws in national parks as they do on the streets. Plus, if concealed weapons are allowed, lobbyists actually say crime might drop if everyone is allowed to carry.

Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne is looking for public input on this very issue. Over the next few days a list of new ‘proposed rules’ allowing guns in the national parks will be posted. The National Rifle Association and 51 senators have urged a review of current statutes in regards to gun laws in national parks. They say that current rules should come in accordance with state statutes on this issue, rather than seperate rules and regulations for different areas.

This is all bound to spark even greater debate in the outdoors circles and will force the issue to get a closer look at the public’s input. Dirk Kempthorne’s list of rules will be up for 60 days. During that time, the public is urged to show their support for, or against, the newly proposed gun laws by commenting.

These new rules will be placed on the federal register at www.doi.gov

The Outside Blog states the the newly proposed rules would allow the public to carry concealed weapons in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges, if the states in question currently allow this practice on public lands-of which, 48 of them do.

With the National Rifle Association and 51 Senators backing this new proposal, it will be interesting to see exactly how much of the public supports these new measures. Backpacker Magazine, who will be running the results of a poll on this exact same topic in their next issue, has already publicly released the results saying that 74% of their readers oppose these new measures, while 26% agree. It is not known to myself how many took part in this poll.

What is known is that for any thoughts on this issue you may have, the government is now looking to hear from you. What are your thoughts on this issue? Should the public be allowed to carry concealed weapons in the National Parks? What are your reasonings? Make a comment and let us know!

Earlier Report of Chinese Summit Attempt

EverestNews reported late yesterday that China was heading up Mt. Everest with the Olympic Torch. The Chinese expedition’s summit attempt has now been called off. High winds at the higher elevations have forced officials to call it a day and hope the winds die down over the course of the next week. Many had speculated that China may try to take the torch to the top of the world over the next two days. Today marks 100 days until the 2008 Beijing Olympics officially kick off, and tomorrow is a national Chinese holiday.

ExplorersWeb was the first to report that the Chinese summit attempt had been aborted. I am still unable to confirm this officially. Here is ExWeb’s report:

“In a later report today, Reuters’ Nick Mulvenney
told The Guardian that the Chinese summit attempt was postponed today
due to high winds up on the mountain. The reporter quoted the Chinese
expedition’s head meteorologist, Yan Xingguo: “It would be hard to
climb the summit today,” Xingguo said. “It’s certainly not possible in
the next three days because there is wind above 30 m/s (108 km/h) …
According to our experience, we can scale the summit when the wind is
20 m/s.

I have searched The Guardian, Reuter’s, and Nick Mulvenney’s own blog (straight from the Chinese Everest Basecamp) and have yet to run across this information, but that does not mean it isn’t out there, or hasn’t happened.

Yesterday, I did post that a likely summit window would be opening up on May 3rd or the 6th. It looks as if China may be looking in that direction as well.

So far, the Chinese expedition has been hampered by weather problems. A week back, Chinese climbers were having a problem getting past Camp 2 and laying rope on the south side due to high winds. Yesterday it was noted that climbers had managed to get to 8,300 meters, and had set rope in the process. A bit later, the Olympic Torch came out of hiding and started towards Advanced Base Camp. It is not noted how far up Mt. Everest the climbers were able to take the torch, but eventually they were stopped by high winds.

May 10th lingers on the horizon.

With only a week and a half to go before the deadline China has set for their expedition to be over, things are starting to get a bit tense on the North, where climbers are trying to be patient and follow the guidelines set forth by Nepal. They are not allowed above Camp 2 until after May 10th.

If the Chinese fail to summit before that time, it has been noted that China, may in fact, put out another notice on the North refusing climbers access until their expedition is over.

The Jagged Globe Expedition has suggested that officials have asked that the North side of Everest be closed from May 1st-3rd in anticipation of another Chinese attempt to get the torch to the summit. They also say that most climbers from the north have made it up to Camp 2 and are now heading to base camp, and possibly lower to their expedition’s are ok’d to proceed to the higher elevations.

Looking back on my coverage from last season, April 26th marked the first death on Everest. April 30th marked the first summits of 2007. These were pretty early summits, though, as the next push didn’t occur until May 8th. It looks like things are still right on schedule. Guess we will just have to be patient a while longer.

Update to Chinese Summit Attempt Found Here

Kraig, over at The Adventure Blog, tipped me off to a couple of reports that the Chinese Olympic Torch Relay Team on Mt. Everest has decided to try an early summit push. As has become customary in recent times with Russian expeditions, the Chinese will be attempting the summit in waves of climbers.

From EverestNews:

The Chinese have left Chinese Base camp with the torch! Note this is base camp, NOT advanced base camp…. Stay Tuned, the SHOW IS ON !!

This follows earlier reports that members of China’s Olympic Torch Expedition had made their way to 8,300 meters. With the report that the olympic torch has now been taken out of base camp, and is currently heading up, we can only speculate that at some point tonight, the torch will be handed off to the higher climbers for the final push.

Generally speaking, most summit pushes on Mt. Everest begin around midnight with teams hoping to summit before 2 pm local time. Anything later, and usually there is a problem. This time frame allows the climbers plenty of time to get back to the higher camps–and safety.

Weather in the region has been an issue in days past, but has calmed a bit. Recent weather reports had suggested that there might be a possible window come May 3rd or 6th, for summit attempts. Looks like China rather go sooner than later. EverestNews also suggests that the Chinese team may be experiencing some light snow in the higher altitudes, as well as high winds. My own Everest Weather Report, courtesy of EverestWeather, suggests that the winds are averaging 56 knots on the summit. Not ideal conditions, but worse has definitely been recorded from successful summits in the past.

Worry about a possible major storm originating from the Bay of Bengal and heading towards Everest has subsided. Two major weather services offering expedition weather reports have suggested the same–it should miss the area.

Over the course of the next few hours we should hear reports of the Chinese Summit bid and whether or not, this is indeed what is currently taking place. Chinese and International Media are not reporting on this, as of yet, but being the Olympic Torch, I am sure the news to the general media will not be far behind. I will try to keep you updated on any new developements in the hours ahead. Let’s hope, if this is indeed the summit push we have all been looking for, that all will be safe–even if we don’t agree with China.

A Wisconsin man has started his own website devoted to all those animals we see slaughtered on the road by vehicles. You read it right the first time! The Road Kill Record Book is just that. It’s goal is to record record size animals that would otherwise be left to rot on the side of the road. I know, it does sound appealing, doesn’t it?

The Road Kill Record Book will also be focused on safety issues surrounding animal vehicular homicide. Those issues range from months when animals in the roadways are the most dangerous, to how to avoid hitting animals when you drive.

The idea came about after a friend of Richard Sanders came across a rather large bear carcass on the side of the road. The bear, which was larger than Sanders or his friend had ever taken down hunting, deserved a better fate than sitting on the side of the road. The two retrieved the animal, payed the DNR $50 for the carcass, then decided to have it stuffed and mounted.

Sanders also claims that most record books won’t notice larger animals that have not been taken down by bullet or arrow. This led him to a prety interesting and novel concept.

Richard Sanders has received some criticism for his latest project. Some people have presumed that his site will promote unwarranted vehicular animal deaths if someone thinks they might have a chance at a record. Sanders is hoping the site will be seen as a serious endeavor that promotes animal and vehicle safety.

It is really hard to say how this will be judged. Out of curiosity, I stopped by the site to see what it was about, myself. When most of us think ‘roadkill’ we think blood and gore-Sanders’ site has neither of each. It does show some examples, but all examples have been mounted professionally by a taxidermist, with a brief write-up of where and when the animal was found, as well as weight and size of the animal. The bear found weighed in at 500 lbs.

The site actually reminds me of safari lodge, with all the hunting trophies on the wall–except with these animals no bullets were used. I think Richard’s idea, even if it doesn’t catch on, has shown a few people how to obtain some nice trophies for next to nothing. Caution is given though that local DNR should be contacted for any animal on their property. They do charge a small fee for animals taken–even if they are dead. The bear trophy cost them $50.

The world famous bison herd at Yellowstone National Park has been cut in half. Harsh as this may seem, Yellowstone National Park may actually be at fault for part of it. The park service’s anti-brucellosis campaign allows the park to slaughter a set number of animals each year in order to keep this disease under control and within the confines of the park. Fear of the disease spreading to nearby livestock forced the park to make this decision. This past winter, 1,600 animals were either slaughtered or hunted inside the park.

This, in and of itself, should not have hurt the local bison population so much, as these practices have went on for a few years now. Another 700 bison died within the park due to a harsh winter where starvation ran rampant. From a total population of 4,700 bison in November, Yellowstone National Park now supports only 2,300.

The Daily Dirt, one the the great blogs over at Backpacker Magazine, has noted that Yellowstone National Park has now decided to give up the practice of slaughtering a set number of bison each year. This practice will presumabley be halted until populations are able to rebound.

The famed herd of Yellowstone bison, which numbered 50 in 1902, is quite possibly the last free roaming herd in the lower 48 states. In an early effort of herd preservation, Yellowstone Park officials imported another 21 bison. By the 1920’s these imported bison were able to mix with the previous herd and ensure separate bloodlines for years to come. By 1954, the population of this herd had grown to 1,554 animals, and by 1996 to 3,500.

With the recent news that only 2,300 of this herd still survive today, the Park’s efforts in stabilizing the animals have been set back close to 50 years. Now they must reevaluate their current programs of dealing with the bison, as well as the dreaded brucellosis disease that is said to be carried by 50% of the current herd.

Sources: The Daily Dirt, Yellowstone National Park’s Bison Information Page,  Photo: WaterandWoods.net

Today, tornadoes ripped through parts of Virginia, leaving a path of destruction and hurting hundreds in the process. This phenomenon, while rare, offers up the single most deadly force of nature in Indiana every spring. Sure, we have floods from time to time, but hurricanes, earthquakes (up until recently), typhoons, volcanoes and avalanches occur far enough away that we don’t have to worry much about dying at the hands of nature.

Tornadoes on the other hand…

In 1990 two records were set in Indiana. The most tornadoes in one month happened in June of that year (44) and the most tornadoes ever recorded in one day (37).

Strategically, Indiana lies right in the path of what is known as ‘Tornado Alley.’ This path is responsible for over 80% of all tornados in the United States and runs from the Southeast to the Great Plains.

On a personal level, I have been pretty close to three separate tornadoes over the course of my life. Two of them occured while I lived in Texas–one while I was a kid crouched down on the floorboards of my parent’s car. Luckily no lives were lost and not much damage occured from either twister. The third tornado happened more recently about a mile and a half from where I lived at that time. I was hunkered down in a friend’s mobile home. (I do find it quite odd that when these events take place, I am generally not in the safest of environments.)

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