Mission Impossible: Camping with Tom Cruise

This is bound to get a few laughs.

The Daily Dirt, one of the fantastic blogs at Backpacker Magazine, has recently reported that Tom Cruise will be taking his family on an extended vacation after he is finished promoting his latest flick: Valkryie.  Generally this isn’t news of the outdoors type–but good ‘ol Tom has promised to show his daughter Suri what a real vacation is about by taking her and wife Katie Holmes camping across America–Yes, I said CAMPING.

Tom has promised not to resort to the everyday luxuries of being a movie star–the plush hotels.  He is planing on doing the real deal.  Sort of.

Tom’s idea of camping involves taking his family, a team of security guards, and the always needed Scientology advisor on a family vacation that they will never forget.  One has to wonder if Tom will be ‘camping’ in the same sense that I do–a backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and various dried foods..or if he might be rolling up to the nearest Jellystone Park campground in his ultra-decked out, customized tour bus.

The bodyguards might battle the bears, an occasional cougar, or even a happy throng of autograph seeking seniors for Tom, the Scientology advisor will probably be battling all the demons (and aliens) of a Hollywood life…and Tom, well…he may just decide that pitching a tent with Katie could be quite the “Risky Business” away from the confines of his celebrity life.  With this outfit, Suri is sure to experience the outdoors at it’s best.  Way to represent your peeps, Tom.  Goose would be proud if he were still alive.

Camping When Bad Weather Strikes: What Do You Do?

There is nothing worse than planning a camping trip and having it ruined by weather.  Four Boy Scouts in western Iowa were recently killed in a tornado while on a camping trip.  My own big venture in the Smokey Mountains last year resulted in a close call with a flash flood.  There are many different situations that can occur if one is not prepared.

The Go Camping blog has recently posted a nice article on some of the things you can do to prepare yourself for bad weather.  They mention knowing where you are.  That would seem obvious, but many of us head out in the wilds without paying much attention to the county we are in.  I have done it and I am sure you have to.  They mention this because most radio stations will list where storms are heading and what counties should be prepared.–Good idea.

Going along with the first item is carrying a radio.  These come in many different formats.  A nice AM/FM Weather-band radio would be sufficient.  Most radios on the market are battery operated, but you can get one that uses crank power.  That would be my choice.  That way you don’t have to worry about batteries dying on you in the heat of the moment.  Coleman actually produces a small crank-powered lantern that has an AM/FM/Weather radio built in to it, as well as a cellphone charger.  I have recently seen these selling at Walmart for 20 bucks.  Kind of cool.  A one minute crank will power up everything for 15 minutes.  Saves money, energy, and the environment, and has many useful features that don’t rely on any power source besides yourself.

The Go Camping blog also mentions knowing the area you are in.  Camping near the coasts, be on the lookout for hurricane activity.  Tornado Alley–you better have that Weather band radio on.  Near mountains or high hills–they always pose a threat of Flash Floods, even if it isn’t raining where your at.

For tornadoes you should seek shelter in something other than a tent or RV.  Most camping complexes offer up shelters for such events.  If your out in the wilds though, what can you do?  They mention jumping in your car and heading in the opposite direction.  That is all fine and dandy if you know where one is coming from–in case you don’t have that luxury, though, head to low ground (think ditch, ravine, etc.) away from trees.  Even big trees can snap like twigs in 200 mph winds.  Lay down and cover your head.

With Flash Floods, the Go Camping blog mentions seeking higher ground.  Another fine and dandy point, as long as roads, bridges, etc. don’t get wiped out.  Always be careful when heading over such structures, and if there is water in the roadway..DON’T CROSS!

With the recent floodings in Indiana, my brother’s Mother-in-law’s best friend (understand that?) decided to traverse a bridge that had a small amount of water going over it.  To make a long story short, she is no longer around and was recorded as the only death in the state of Indiana.

I am going to add a bit more to the Go Camping suggestions.  They don’t talk about winter camping.  This is getting to be a more popular pursuit.  I actually have intentions of doing this myself, this coming winter.  Always be prepared for snow and low temperatures.  Know what temperature rating your sleeping bag is made for, as well as your tent.  There is specific equipment you can purchase to make life easier in winter–even while tent camping.  Make sure you have proper clothes and socks for the temperatures and be on the lookout for sudden drops in temperature and snowstorms.  They can come on quickly.

It is always better to be safe than sorry.  Weather can definitely hamper a camping trip.  Last year, in the Smokey Mountains, my family was lucky enough to get a warning from the park ranger of possible flash flooding.  Luckily, our tent was based out of the closest camping spot to the river.  I know.  We didn’t think about location, but more about the beauty of our surroundings.  We stayed up all night listening to the radio and watching the stream.  The flash flood never came, but we were prepared for the few hours we had to sit there.  Thanks to a park ranger, all was fine, we knew the situation, and were expecting the worse.  After that few hours, we were able to have an incredible vacation for the rest of the week.  Wasn’t much of a hassle.

The sun isn’t really a weather event, but you should prepare yourselves for that, as well.  Some of my worst camping experiences have been brought on by unbearably hot temperatures.  Pack plenty of sunscreen and always have water available.  Heat strokes are serious business and can result in death.

Have you had any bad weather experiences?  What steps did you take to ensure your safety?  Would love to hear some more tips and suggestions.  I might even make a future post on this subject.  Feel free to comment and add to this article.

The Adventurist Forums Take Off!! Adventurist Polls Launched!

I posted yesterday that I have started my own Adventurist “Community” so to speak.  It is open and it is Progressing.

The first member of The Adventurist Forums happened to be my good buddy Kraig from over at The Adventure Blog.  He also gets the designation of making the first post in the community to get things kicked off proper and well.

So what is so exciting about The Adventurist Forums?  Now we all have a place to share our thoughts and views!  All of the following topics have their own areas:

• Climbing
• Mountain Biking
• Hiking
• Camping
• Kayaking
• Training
• Adventure Racing
• Expedition Notes
• Extreme Sports
• Mt. Hood
• Mt. Everest
• The Environment
• General Sports
• Random News

As you can see, there is quite a bit there to go through.  Feel free to post what you like in the areas that suit your interest.  Have a question?  Post it, someone will have an answer!

Here are some of the good things being said about The Adventurist Forums so far:

Awesome! Nice move adding the forums Jason. Hopefully they’ll become quite a place for all kinds of discussion.

And Another:

for the record, this is probably one of the coolest forums I’ve ever been on, looks wise at least.

The rest will come in time, I have no doubt!

I have recently introduced The Advenurist Polls as well.  The first Poll is up.  Stop over and check it out.  I will be using the results of these Polls on The Adventurist.  I will be posting a new one weekly.  Should be fun to see what everyone out there is thinking.  Now stop on over, sign up, and take part in hopefully what will become the best Adventure Forum out there–The Adventurist Forums.

The Next Big Thing: The Adventurist Teams Up With Adventure Sports Weekly

The old saying goes –when opportunity knocks, you had better answer the door.  Well, in a sense I have answered the door.  A couple of days ago Editor Wina Sturgeon from Adventure Sports Weekly contacted myself and was interested in discussing what I do here at The Adventurist.

After a lengthy discussion about our sites, our future goals, and what we are both looking to achieve, it became real evident that we have more than a little in common.

Adventure Sports Weekly is destined to not only be the first of it’s type on the Internet, but also a leader in the Adventure Sports industry.  Adventure Sports Weekly, the Brainchild of Editor Wina Sturgeon, who many of you might know through her extensive Olympic coverage for Sports Illustrated,  will be the first Online Magazine devoted solely to the Outdoor sporting world. 

I have been very open and straight-forward with all of you, my readers, about trying to put together the best site on the internet dealing with Adventure.  Keeping that in mind, we have decided in a sense to team-up.

Over the course of the next few days and weeks ahead The Adventurist and Adventure Sports Weekly will be sharing some content.  Their dedication to the sanctioned sports side of the outdoor world, IE..Mountain Bike Racing, BMX, Skateboarding, Climbing ect..will actually be bringing something to the table that I have desperately been wanting to add.  Adventure Sports Weekly offers top notch sporting news live from the field, allowing for exclusive coverage and content that just isn’t found anywhere else on the Internet.

I will also be working with Adventure Sports Weekly offering new articles, and maybe even a weekly column I have in the works in the world of Adventure.

This is a very exciting opportunity for myself personally.  I have dedicated myself to the Adventure world and writing.  With Adventure Sports Weekly I now have the opportunity to not only garner a bigger readership, but to also bring about a new direction….a bigger direction that hopefully will help build upon what I have already been able to do.

The adventure sporting field is getting ready to explode.  I have done this now for almost a year, and just about daily there are new sites emerging.  More coverage is being given in the media to these athletes that have pretty much remained under the table.  Just a couple of years ago, you would have never had the opportunity to see JEEP: King of the Mountain on a nationally televised program.  It is building.  It is growing.  More people are noticing and the money is slowly starting to come into these fantastic outdoors sports.

I am happy to say that I am very comfortable in knowing that I have aligned myself up with perhaps the leader in news coverage for these types of events.  Hopefully this relationship will flourish and all of us involved can bring even more exposure to the great athletes and sporting events throughout the years to come.

So what exactly does Adventure Sports Weekly bring to the table?

• It is ran by one of the top Sports Journalists in the world.  Editor Wina Sturgeon has written for Sports Illustrated and The New York Times, to only name two.  She has nearly 40 years of experience at being at the top of the game.  She knows how to do things, and do them right.
• Experience.  Being a leader in the sports writing industry, Wina Sturgeon brings her vast knowledge to a growing field.  She automatically brings  her credibility and dedication to an area that has been lacking in national coverage.
• National Coverage.  Simply put.
• Adventure Sports Weekly is currently the only publication of its kind on the Internet.  It is new with a very big potential in the future to not only lead the way, but to be THE way.
• Future.  Adventure Sports Weekly is currently developing a system to bring top-notch video coverage of these sporting events as they happen–this will make it not only the leader in the Adventure Sports industry, but will also raise the bar on what the internet can bring to you, the viewers.
• Credibility.  I have been straight-forward in telling all of you my eventual goals of writing in this industry full-time.  This gives me a great opportunity to work with some of the best people in the industry and hopefully build on what I have already been able to accomplish.  It is a fantastic opportunity and one that I never would have been able to do without all of the continued support and guidance from you, my readers.  So THANK-YOU very much!
• Oh yeah– and Lastly, Adventure Sports Weekly is FREE.  Can’t get much better than that.  All the great news coverage and articles are completely free to you the reader.  Eventually this will also include the great video coverage that is currently in developement.

I am hoping to recieve your continued support and that you will enjoy what the future has in store.  The Adventurist will still be covering everything it normally does…with a bonus of adding new content from time to time from some very special events.  Also, if you enjoy my writing, keep your eyes peeled to Adventure Sports Weekly, as I will be bringing some further exciting articles their way in the very near future.  Let’s all show Adventure Sports Weekly our support in what they are trying to achieve and welcome them in to The Adventurist family.

Harassment on the High Peak: When an Everest Guide Does You Wrong

For many of us, coming up with the $40-50,000 to take a once in a lifetime gamble on Mt. Everest seems like a lifetime away.  What if you spent that kind of cash only to be told that you weren’t climbing?  What if you spent that kind of cash, the guide tells you “No Go”, then deliberately grabs your belongings and scatters them throughout camp?  While he is at it, he might as well do it in front of not only your team, but a film crew to boot and show the whole world how worthless you really are..

This is the news coming from Betsy Huelskamp.  Many of you may remember Betsy as the tough and rugged mountain climbing biker chic that began an Expedition this year with Russell Brice’s Himex Team.  If any of you followed the Expedition’s climbing blogs on Everest this season, then you would have probably thought of Betsy as Himex did:  slow, didn’t know anything about mountaineering–including how to put her crampons on…as well as a bit self-involved.

Well, Betsy has decided to fight back.  The picture she paints is quite different than what Himex would have you believe.  She breaks down everything from the beginning stages where she first contacted Russell Brice about joining the expedition, and Russell seemingly accepts at a reduced rate of nearly 50%–to the final decision to not let her go for the summit push, and the subsequent temper tantram that ensued and left Betsy’s belongings scattered throughout the camp.

If this sounds like odd behavior coming from a guide on Mt. Everest, then perhaps you should reevaluate who you align yourself up with for that big Everest Adventure. Read more

Backcountry Survival: Do you know what to do?

Many of us often get side-tracked with our exploring.  That trail ahead just looks mighty boring compared to the rugged rocky peak that lingers right off the path…Come on now, we have all done that.

Would you know what to do if you actually lost your way though?  The Outside Blog is currently running a few pointers over the course of three days, if you would indeed find yourself in this situation.

The first tip they have offered if you are lost is to stop.  Give yourself time to relax.  It seems that getting lost makes us lose our sense of what is going on around us.  It also makes our heartrate go haywire.  In order to get our minds back to where they need to be–which is thinking rationally, they suggest stopping for a half hour or so, drinking some water, and then think about what is going on.  This will give your body the chance to calm down, as well as relax the mind a bit. 

I think that is a good idea.  Any of us who have been caught in this position can relate..we want to find the quickest way out possible, yet, almost always, we just get more frustrated and even more lost. 

Their second segment  talks about a few of the biggest killers known to the Outdoor Adventurer…that is right, Bees, Wasps, Spiders, and Ants.  For some reason we all here about the killer bears, but never the Bees, Wasps, Spiders, and Ants that tragically kill more people in a year than has ever been killed by bears in the wild.

Actually I did learn something with this information that I did not know.  Did you know that a Bee sting actually carries Pheromones that attracts other bees?  This is where the trouble begins.  One Bee hits you then before you know it, your swatting at a slowly gathering swarm.  The safest thing to do for Bees and Wasps is to either get inside, get covered, or Go underwater.

Also, it is noted that a Bee or Wasp sting can bring up a highly alergic reaction which could cause Anaphylactic Shock.  If you are aware of any allergic reaction to this type of sting, it is recommended that you carry an Epi Pen (which is available by perscription only) with you anytime you are out and about.

As far as Spiders go, they only attack when they feel threatened.  There are close to 50 different Spiders that are known to bite people in the US–with the feared Brown Recluse being the most dangerous.

The Brown Recluse Spider can deliver a devastating bite that will actually start dissolving your tissue and can lead to death in severe cases. 

The best advice they give for a spider bite of any kind is to get away and seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

In order to tell if it is actually a Brown Recluse or not, you will have to look at the spider’s back.  There is a tell-all sign–the weird marking that actually looks like a violin found on it’s back–even if that little sign is there, don’t fret to much if you discover the bite right away.  In most cases you will not die and it can be treated.

Here is a real life example:  I work with a lady who was working on her farm.  She tripped going into their grain silo and landed on a whole nest of Brown Recluses.  She got bit close to 200 times.  She did not die, but she does have some nerve damage from this unfortunate event.  Needless to say, the best advice is to seek medical attention for any kindof spider bite.  For the most part, you will not even know what got you, as spiders tend to hide pretty well.

As The Outside Blog posts more to this ongoing series, I will update you.  There is definately some good information, and who knows, perhaps one of these tips could just save your Life.

Introducing the Amazing(ly Weird) Tent-Chair!

Ok, sometimes a new piece of equipment will catch your eye and make you want to mortgage out your wife.  Not so with this piece.  Strangely enough I ran into a good review of the amazing Tent-Chair on a camping blog I visit from time to time.  Just makes me wonder…

The Tent-Chair is suppose to help you keep the elements out of your face and the sun off your head, which it might very well do, but…..why?

The post goes on to add that these are perfect for the people that want to be outside in the rain…perhaps perfect for that day of fishing or even a parade….yep, a parade–let me guess…in the rain?

Now I am not one to shoot down anyone’s ingenuity–this country has been well represented in the idea and invention field’s for hundreds of years–but a chair with a tent on the back just seems a bit ridiculous.

First off, if it is raining at your campsite–wouldn’t you still get wet walking to your Tent-Chair?  After you have even made it as far as the chair, your legs are still unprotected from the rain.

Another point.  The only reason to have this item at a parade is to draw some attention to yourself and have people interupting you about what it is, exactly, that you are sitting in.  How many people would complain behind you, trying to see the festivities.  I can give this contraption one good advantage at a parade though….Candy.  Yep, candy.  You see, the back of this thing will actually catch the pieces that are thrown just out of reach..so there is the first plus..

Now on to fishing.  I am no pro fisherman, but I do realize that when you cast, you need room on both sides of your arms…the tent will hamper this action.  And if you decide to stand and cast, well, do I even have to mention you will be getting wet from the rain you are trying to protect yourself from in the first place?

Ok, so this isn’t my normal type of gear review.  I was just so dumbfounded on the reasonings behind this.  I am not sure what this thing will set you back, but at this time, I would like to make a counter-offer.  If you send me the full price for a Tent-Chair, I will send you something that will do all the work that this does, yet look a lot cooler—A used baseball cap and a bottle of sunscreen.

The Adventurist: A Call to All Outdoor Writers and Photographers!

I have just put the finishing touches on a new “Submit & Contact” Page here at The Adventurist.  I am hoping that this new feature will be accepted and used by all of my great readers.

This page goes into detail about a few things I am looking for here at The Adventurist–and ways you might be able to get involved.

Do you love Adventure Writing or perhaps Great Outdoors Photography?–Help me share your incredible talents with a much bigger audience!

Head on Over to the “Submit & Contact” Page, found on a tab right up above this article, and Share your Adventures with the World!

Also, if you are looking to put me to work, there is info there as well….

Cheers-

J. Alan Hendricks, Editor

Massive Summit Push For Broad Peak is a Success!!

 

Trying to outrun an approaching storm system on Broad Peak, many climbers combined their efforts yesterday for one final push–landing them on the summit!

The Broad Peak summit was reached at 12:30 pm local time by the “Al Filo” Team and members are now trying to race down the mountain in a speed descent to try to reach Camp 3 before nightfall.

The successful summiters on Broad Peak include:

• Silvio “Gnaro” Mondinelli
• Marco Confortola
• Ivan Vallejo
• Gerlinde Kaltenbruner
• Ralf Dujmovits
• Fabio Iacchini
• Edurne Pasaban
• as well as others that are awaiting verification.

Over 70 people took off yesterday for this massive summit push, making there way through very cold tempertures and rising winds.

Silvio Mondinelli Bags 14th 8,000 Meter Peak

With Silvio’s successful summit of Broad Peak, he now becomes the 13th person in the world to land on top of the 14 tallest peaks. He also becomes the sixth person to do so without the use of supplemental O2 along his journey.  Two other Italians, Reinhold Messner and Sergio Martini have also mastered the 14 8,000 meter peaks.

Two More Closing In

Ivan Vallejos and Ralf Dumojvits have both been to Broad Peak before, but each of them stand a pretty good chance of accomplishing their respective goals of reaching the tops of all 14 8,000 meter peaks as well.  Ivan Vallejos now only needs Dhauligiri to complete his quest and Dumojvits is currently standing at 10 peaks.

Women Closing in as Well

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, the leading lady on the quest for 14 8,000 meter peaks has made Broad Peak her tenth.  Edurne Pasaban is sitting one below with 9 at this momment.

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, the crafty Austrian, has accomplished her 10 successful summits without any supplementary O2.  She is married to the previously mentioned Ralf Dujmovits and between them now own 22 8,000 meter summits.

A Little Broad Peak History

Broad Peak stands at 26, 400 feet and measures up as the 12th highest peak in the world and the fourth highest in Pakistan.  It was originally labeled K3, and sits along the Pakistan-China Border.  It’s first ascent came on June 9, 1957 by Fritz Wintersteller, Marcus Schmuck, Kurt Diemburger, and Hermann Buhl, all members of an Austrian Expedition put together by Marcus Schmuck.

Hermann Buhl and Kurt Diemburger were subsequently killed 18 days later while trying to ascend a nearby peak, Chogolisa on June 27, 1957.

Bald Eagle Delistment and Subsequent Controversy: A Look at the Facts

The American Bald Eagle–the majestic and stately symbol of our nation–has been delisted from the Endangered Species List. 

This is being looked at as both a triumph for some in conservation circles, as well as being questioned by many others that feel that the Bald Eagle along with the Golden Eagle still deserve to be protected. 

Have the Eagle numbers really rebounded or is this just some governmental short talk to save a few bucks on conservation efferts in order to put the money in other places?

First off, I will take a look at a couple of statistics. 

Beginning in 1963, most of the lower 48 states began running independent Bald Eagle population reports each year.  These reports are widely available on the internet. 

In 1963, it was reported that there were 487 existing breeding pairs in the lower 48 states.  Jump ahead to 2000, the last year that these numbers were reported, and you will find that there were 9,789 pairs.  That is a pretty good increase and shows that there is definately a growing population that can sustain itself in the wild–while being protected.

Taking a step back now, when the Bald Eagle was originally placed on the Endangered Species list, many people believed that pesticides, particularly DDT, were playing a significant factor in the decline of the Eagle populations.  The chemicals were contributing to the Bald Eagle’s egg shells becoming to brittle to sustain life.  Since that time, DDT as well as many other pesticides, are now strictly outlawed or controlled.

On July 2, 1999 The American Eagle Foundation along with their Bald Eagle mascot “Challenger” met with then President Bill Clinton and it was at this time that the proposal to delist the Bald Eagle was announced and the wheels began turning to make this a reality. 

This first proposal was seemingly held up by government officials until a clear way to protect Eagle habitat which would no longer be under the protection of the Endangered Species Act.

Without knowing the entire story regarding the Bald and Golden Eagles, many people are jumping to conclusions thinking that these magnificent creatures will no longer be protected in the wild, and this is just simply not the case.

In fact, the controls placed on protecting the Bald Eagle and it’s habitat are still in place.  The delisting of the Eagles from the Endangered Species list has seemingly been transferred to a new act:  The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA).  This act prohibits “disturbance” of Bald and Golden Eagles in the wild.  What was not mentioned though was what “Disturb” actually meant.  There were no clear cut guidelines.  This is now in motion to get a definate definition that will be more understood to both government and the public.  The Fish and Wildlife Department is pushing for the following classification:

Disturb means to agitate or bother a bald or golden eagle to the degree that causes (i) injury or death to an eagle (including chicks and eggs) due to interference with breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior, or (ii) nest abandonment.” Injury would be defined as, “a wound or other physical harm, including loss of biological fitness significant enough to pose a discernible risk to an eagle’s survival or productivity.”

This description will pretty much make the Eagles as protected as ever in the wild.

The Delisting of the Bald and Golden Eagles should not hamper current efforts in Eagle Conservation, and perhaps more-so will garner more attention across the nation to this very issue.

I mentioned a couple of days ago that I had been camping in Tennessee for the week and one of the true highlights of this experience was my first Golden Eagle sighting.  When I began to see reports of the Eagle delisting, it just got me curious as to what was really going on.

If you would like to read alittle bit more about this issue, my good friends Mon@arch and Ralph Maugham of Ralph Maugham’s Wildlife News have both been covering these issues for their respective states of New York and Idaho.  Both of these sites are well worth Bookmarking if you stop by.  Take the time to check out some of their past posts, and I think you will agree.

Well I hope I have been able to clear this issue up a bit for those of you that were like me, and just wanted to know ..why?

By the way, one more thing, here is an interesting fact:  Did you know that the Eagles are actually a member of the Hawk Family?  You might need that bit of info in your next game of Trivial Pursuit..

                

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