A new lichen species has been discovered in Yosemite National Park and has been credited to a group of climbers helping to conduct a scientific study of the colorful lichen on Vernal Falls’ rock face.  Members of the American Alpine Club, a host of climbers from around the world, and officials from the National Park Service helped to conduct the study, which eventually lead to the discovery of the new lichen species.

From Rock and Ice magazine:

The AAC/NPS Lichen Inventory Project, which ran from September 1 to September 21, was a joint effort by the AAC and NPS to study and inventory the multicolored streaks of lichen that run down Yosemite’s famed cliff faces and waterfalls. Volunteer climbers like Carlos Buhler and Enga Lokey scaled the celebrity faces of El Capitan, Half Dome and Vernal Falls––in addition to other Yosemite sites––to scrape samples of the living organisms, which scientists on the ground analyzed.

Associated Press reporter Tracy Cone was onsite the day climbers ascended Vernal Falls. Her coverage of the project was taken up on the AP wire, where it then spread to major news outlets, including the International Herald Tribune. Discovery Channel Canada is also planning to feature the project on its “Daily Planet” television program. Media coverage of the venture is likely to help the NPS find funding for future projects, in addition to highlighting how stewardship projects like this can have a positive impact on the public view of the climbing community.

I am surprised that more scientific research and studies are not conducted in these areas by climbers.  They know where to go, and generally can get to those out of reach places that others can’t.  With all of the publicity surrounding this discovery, you can bet that more studies will be taking place in the future in Yosemite National Park.  This is some exciting news for both, the scientific community and the climbing world.  Who knows, some of them might even find a new passion for science.

If you are not familiar with lichens, perhaps you would enjoy reading up on the basic terminology and viewing a couple of nice photos.  Head over to the Ramblings Around Texas blog for a nice overview of what these things are and where to find them.  That’s some pretty cool stuff.

The Climbing Blog of The American Alpine Institute has ran an interesting piece detailing some plans for a possible new reality television series based on mountain guiding.  To many of us, this won’t seem as much of a surprise, especially with the success of previous shows like Everest: Beyond the Limit, Deadliest Catch, and even Survivor.

I am not real clear on many of the details, or even the basis of the program, other than it will revolve around mountain guides and guiding.  There will definitely be a Pilot program made to pimp out to the networks, and a Seattle lawyer is already lining up a few guides for auditions to take part in the program.  A few of the AAI (American Alpine Institue) guides have already auditioned, but it hasn’t been noted of who is in, and who is out.  I am sure that companies like IMG, Himex, Alpine Ascents, etc. will all be pitching to take part in this process.  This could ensure them some much needed funds for the future.  We all know that mountain guiding is an expensive and dangerous business..

Yves Rossy, known as ‘Fusion Man’ in some circles,  has successfully crossed the English Channel using his personal jet wing contraption.  You may remember my previous mention of Yves, when his jet wing was officially unveiled back in May.  This suit, once strapped to his back, will allow Yves to propel himself over 200 mph through the sky.

Back in May, Yves was busy testing his latest invention.  The inventor and aviation enthusiast concluded that testing process and was recently looking for a big adventure.  This adventure would have to be something that would show off his invention, while also paying respects to the past.  The English Channel looked to be perfect.

Yves lept from a plane at 8,200 feet, fired up his jets, and went on a wild 22 mile ride.  The jet wing houses four turbine jet engines and no steering mechanism, other than Yves’ own body.  He twists and turns to get the jet wing to go in the direction it should.

His flight began in Calais, France, then zipped across the channel to a small strip of land near South Foreland.  He shut the jets down and parachuted to the ground amidst many spectators and fans.  His route had followed that of french aviator pioneer Louis Bleriot, the first person to cross the English Channel in an airplane 99 years ago.

To read more on Yves Rossy’s amazing flight, be sure to check out this Associated Press article.

There are internet rumors floating around that Les Stroud or Bear Grylls has died.  I only know this because I am getting an aweful lot of visitors who are visiting this site using those words in their search engines.  (Yes, I do know this).

To lay these rumors to rest, I can confirm with you that neither one has died, is dead, or has been involved in any sort of accident recently.  These rumors are baseless and the product of someone playing games with everyone else’s emotions.

One way to cure these rumors-that have went on for a couple of weeks now, is to simply type in their names and go to their blogs, which are updated on a regular basis.  I am sure they would love to hear that they have survived yet, another death defying feat…the internet rumor.  Sheesh!  If it were true, Discovery Channel and every other news organization would have some information on this.  Don’t trust the rumors.

90% of climbers use an oxygen system when climbing in high altitudes.  These systems have become almost mandatory for those not experienced in climbing and the harsh environment of altitude.  Even some of the world’s strongest climbers must rely on the added advantage of oxygen when going above 8,000 meters.

The biggest factor in using oxygen in high altitude stems from the body’s uncontrollable urge to shut down when being forced up and in to the highest reaches of the earth.  We have all heard about HACE or HAPE, both illnesses are associated with the body’s lack of proper oxygen while in altitude.  HACE (high altitude cerebral edema) is a very deadly situation that comes on when the brain begins to swell from lack of oxygen.  If a person isn’t brought to a lower altitude immediately, the consequences can become tragic very fast.  A good example of this can be found in my good friend Lance Trumbull’s film “Everest: A Climb for Peace“.  Luckily, that situation didn’t result in death, but it very well could have.

HAPE (high altitude pulminary edema) is another very dangerous situation brought on by lack of oxygen.  This one is caused by the lungs filling up with liquid, making it nearly impossible to gasp in the little O2 that is available.

In 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first reached the top of Mt. Everest, they were climbing with a newly developed oxygen system.  The success of their climb resulted in this system becoming almost mandatory amongst high altitude climbers.  This same system, with a few improvements, is still being used today.  The following information is something you might not have known:

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It seems like only yesterday that teams were packing it in from the 2008 spring Himalayan season.  Everest was interesting with the Chinese presence felt on and around the world’s highest peak this past spring, but spring isn’t the only time that climbers venture to the Himalayas.  In an effort to lure climbers back for the fall season, Tibet and Nepal lowered their climbing permit prices.  This has opened up the doors to some of those that were waiting in the wings to catch a good deal.

A few days ago, ExplorersWeb posted their Expedition list of teams heading to the Himalayas this fall.  This list looks to be quite larger than last season’s, and also offers up a perspective from a few of the climbers that we are now familiar with.

Everest will be hosting a Korean expedition, led by Park Young-seok.  This team will be attempting the SW Face of Everest.  Some of you may remember Park Young-seok from his earlier attempt on Everest last year.  That one had a tragic ending as Park’s two climbing partners were killed.

Skydive Everest will also be kicking off this fall.  You may have seen some of their ads floating around on ExplorersWeb over the past year.  This company will take you above the height of Mt. Everest, then let you jump out of a plane and skydive to a grassy field at 5,200 meters.  This is being dubbed as one of the world’s highest, legal (yes, they have been approved a special permit) skydiving ventures in existance.

Aside from the action setting up to take place on Mt. Everest this 2008 fall climbing season, there are many other peaks looking to have some good action.  Manaslu leads the pack with 10 separate expeditions taking place.  Some of those more notable and familiar to my readers include Kari Kobler (who i covered in 2007), Project Himalaya, Altitude Junkies, Richard Hidalgo, Nives Meroi and Romano Benet, as well as a few others.

Kangchenjunga, Annapurna, Makalu, and Cho Oyu are also all seeing a nice turn-out of climbers that will be atempting these magnificent peaks.

For a complete list of the expeditions taking place this fall Himalayan season, you can still checkout ExplorersWeb’s nice rundown.  I will also be following along with these teams as their climbs progress.  Let’s just hope that everyone stays safe this season and keeps in mind that the summit will still be there tomorrow-

Sportsmans Gear Daily has been kind enough to sponsor The Adventurist for the month of September.   I figured that it was about time that I let all of you in on the scoop and take a few minutes to explain what these guys are about.

The banner at the top of this screen advertises a chance to win a free hunting or fishing adventure every single week.  By clicking this banner, you are quickly taken to the Sportsmans Gear Daily website.  In order to get in on the weekly drawings for one of these free adventures, you need to go to their site and register.  Then each time you visit their site, you are given one entry into the free hunting or fishing trip giveaway.  It is that simple.  At the end of the week, a lucky winner is drawn at random.  These trips are being sponsored by some of the best companies and television personalities in the industry and should offer up a lot of fun for one lucky winner per week.  The most recent winner won a free 3 day bow hunt that will be taped for a live television program.  That’s pretty sweet!

One of the things that you do not learn by looking at this advertisement on The Adventurist is that Sportsmans Gear Daily is a new presence in the world of sporting and outdoor adventure gear.  Each day, at 12 midnight, Sportsmans Gear Daily places a new product for sale on it’s website.  They sale one product a day, at an unbelievably low price, till that item sells out.  I have seen quite a few of these items and can attest to their quality and the value you will get.  You have to be fast, though.  People are already making Sportsmans Gear Daily their first stop and getting dibs on the newest product at midnight.  They offer products ranging from fishing equipment, hunting accessories, and outdoor gear, to some of those things that all of us could use around the house or on our next camping adventure.  Their latest product is a marinade injector-for all of you outdoor grillers out there.

Some of you may already be familiar with the highly popular website, WOOT.  Sportsmans Gear Daily runs on the same premise, but caters to outdoors gear only.  They are destined to be an online leader in what they do and should gain many fans over the next few weeks.  I already find myself visiting daily, just to checkout the latest product.

The free trips that Sportsmans Gear Daily is giving away should be enough to get you to click the banner.  As far as I know, this is the only company in existance that is giving away such a value on a weekly basis.  You don’t even have to make a purchase, but I am sure once you see their great products, that the purchase won’t be to far behind.

Go check them out.  They are some great guys doing something that is a pretty novel concept.  I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with their service or their products.  Who knows, you might even end up on a live television broadcast like their last winner.  Go sign up, visit often, and show them why you support what we are both trying to do–

Jason A. Hendricks

Editor

Chris Sharma has sent shockwaves through the climbing community with the recent news that he has completed a possible new 5.15b route (9b) on Clark Mountain.  If this climb can be repeated and authenticated as a true 5.15b route, this could become only the 4th route in the world to get this high distinction.

Jumbo Love, as Sharma has called it, is a 250 ft. monster that starts off with a 60ft. climb of 7c.  That’s just to get things warmed up.  The grade then goes up to 8c+ for the next 100 ft.  The climb then gets harder and eases back down to an 8a+/b finisher till the top of the cliff.

Jumbo Love was originally seen as a a possible place to set up three new routes, and was bolted accordingly.  Chris Sharma took it upon himself to change the bolting a hair and make it one huge route.

This news is all over the place.  To read more about the history of Jumbo Love, I highly recommend that you checkout the nice profile on UKClimbing.com.  This goes back to the very beginning of this route and gives a nice perspective on who has tried it and failed before Sharma’s successful climb.  Climbing Narcissist puts some nice perspective on how big of a deal this climb could be, and even offers a bit more to our knowledge database.  Climbing Narcissist mentions that this climb may be featured in a new Big Ups Productions video in the coming months.  That will definitely be something to look forward to.

The Adventurist is currently seeking guest writers and bloggers who are looking to expand their reach, readership, and offer up something interesting to my loyal readers.  Your post can be on anything related to the outdoors and outdoor recreation.

If you have been giving some thought on how to reach a larger market, or gain a bigger viewership, then this should be of great interest to you.  66,000 readers stopped by The Adventurist in the month of August and many of them would be interested in what you have to say.

What Is Guest Blogging?

Guest blogging is a special spot meant to give you attention on another person’s blog.  You write the piece, then it is published on someone else’s site.  So what does this do?

First, it allows myself to gain some new content from a differnt perspective.  On a normal day, I put up 3-5 posts.  I have done this for two years now.  I am currently in the process of purchasing my wife and I’s first home and will be making a big move in the next two weeks.  Rather than try to fit in my blogging with my moving, I thought that this might offer up an opportunity to those that would like to gain some extra exposure, while also not allowing myself to fall behind.

Secondly, guest blogging can be your best friend.  It gives you a nice bit of exposure, introduces more of your work to the public, and can garner your blog or website a bigger audience.  The Adventurist offers up a very high Google rating–often times in the top three or four for any given subject across all search engines.

How does this work?

Easy.  First you send me an email through my Contact Page offering up a brief introduction to yourself, what you are interested in writing about, and any links to previous works published on websites or blogs.  If I think it sounds good, I will email you back promptly with the go-ahead and my personal email address.  From there, you write the piece, email it to myself, then in a few days it will be put up on the site as the first post people will see.  It will also include a byline with your name and a brief author’s bio that will include links back to your site of choice. Before you send off that beautiful piece of writing, there are a few ‘rules of the game’ that I need to address:

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After three years of construction, the fourth fully accessable trail for the disabled has opened along the Appalachian Trail.  The newest trail brings all visitors through a floodplain and forest area highlighted by a 900 ft. boardwalk into the Ottauquechee Creek floodplain in Vermont.

This new trail becomes the fourth such segment along the Appalachian Trail that can be accessed by wheelchairs.  The other three include access sites at: Falls Village, CT; Vernon,NJ; Shady Valley, TN; and one still under construction in West Point, NY.   This also becomes the fourth such trail in Vermont.

The new accessable trail cost a total of $400,000 and was built by The Green Mountain Club and the Vermont Youth Conservation Corp.

To read more on the new trail, you can read this piece from the Associated Press.  To learn more about the wheelchair accessable trails in Vermont, you can catch up on this story from USA Today.