A Black Diamond in Red China? Equipment Maker Moves Production Overseas

For years, Black Diamond has been a leader in the manufacturing of climbing equipment, and good equipment at that.  Black Diamond has recently announced that some of it’s product line will now be made in China. 

Among American climbers, this has started an uproar.  First, there is the quality issue of the equipment–being made in China, will quality issues be forthcoming?  Secondly, this has opened up a whole can of worms for the US vs. China made products.  China has been in the headlines recently for a few “noteworthy” quality issues..ie..lead paint on toys..  Thirdly, is it right for a company that has prided itself on it’s environmental focus to pick the most unenvironmental friendly atmosphere in the world to produce it’s products, and last but not least, who is exactly producing these items–slave labor..ect..

As you can see, this is a very touchy subject.  Many people that have been fans of Black Diamond for years are spouting their dissapproval for this move.  I actually ran across this conversation taking place at the forums on MountainProject.

The very cool thing about this discussion is that Black Diamond and a couple of other personnel that work for various other equipment makers have chimed into the discussion.  People want answers to these questions, and Black Diamond has taken a note to do something about it.  I think this is great!  Finally someone that will listen and at least address these very concerning issues.

I have never seen a company step forward and publicly address these kinds of questions, on such an open medium.  Even if I don’t believe in the practice of shipping our jobs overseas, at least they are answering..Got to give Kudos to Black Diamond for these efforts. 

I am going to be keeping an eye on this one for awhile and see how it comes out…The Good:  Black Diamond is talking about the issues. The Bad:  Part of production has moved overseas.  The Ugly?  China has the worst Environmental laws in the world.  Will be interesting to watch.

What are your thoughts?  How do companies moving overseas effect your views of the product?  Do you actually look into the issues when thinking about new gear..ie..where it is made, who is making it, and the future effects of where it is made on the environment..Chime in and tell me your views by posting a comment…

2006 Mt. Hood Tragedy Update: Equipment Stash Found, July 2007 Search Results and More…

It has now been eight months since three climbers went missing on Mt. Hood.  At this time we all know that the body of Kelly James had been discovered inside a snowcave back in December.  What happened to the other two climbers?  Brian Hall and Jerry Cooke were never found.

Many people have been stopping by here still wondering about the other two climbers.  I get comments posted on a weekly basis asking me if the other two had been found as yet.

With the national media attention that this particular incident generated, I can kind of see why this is still a very big item in people’s minds.  Anytime there is a story without a conclusion, it leads to more questions than answers.  Rather than email each individual person that asks me what happened, I have decided to make this update. Read more

The Adventurist: Global Warming or Global Crazies?

I am pretty much in the balance right now.  Everyday we turn on the news and have Global Warming this or that on the television.  People have not only gotten woried, but they have down right freaked out in some instances…

I think at this time there are way more questions than answers.  Until a definate scientific study can prove that this is just not a ‘normal’ cycle that the Earth moves through, then I am not going to worry so much.

The fact of the matter is, I do worry a little bit about the way we are treating the earth and it’s eventual effects.  There is nothing worse than climbing in a little known region, looking around–absorbing the views–then catching a glance of a mangled Mountain Dew can lying on the ground next to your foot.  By the way, Mountain Dew is what I drink, that is why I used it. (And no, the can wasn’t mine.  I don’t drink pop when I am out.)

Interestingly, today there was a headline that caught my eye over on America’s favorite news source, The Drudge Report.  The headline stated that on November 2, 1922 The Washington Post ran an article entitled “Arctic Ocean Getting Warmer, Seals Vanish and Icebergs Melt”.

The article in question was recently discovered in the Library of Congress by a fellow who is doing research on Global Warming.  He ran across a little known fact that 4 of the hottest 10 years ever recorded happened to take place in the 20’s and 30’s.  His mission was to find out what was being said at these times.  It is just kind of interesting how 80 years later–some of these same ideals are being discussed.

great masses of ice have now been replaced by moraines of earth and stones,” and “at many points well-known glaciers have entirely disappeared.

Sound familiar?  Yeah, same here.  This was the twenties. 

I believe that we personally have a duty to clean-up our act.  There is no doubt that we are affecting our planet, our playground–for the generations to come.

How many of us have already switched out our lightbulbs?  I have.  Yet, I still wonder if I done this because of actual belief in global warming or because of the media blitz that continues to put it in our faces.  Just a curious note though regarding the better lightbulbs…on the packaging they never really say what happens to all that poisonous mercury that the bulbs are built with…billions of people saving energy could essentially be billions of people poluting the earth in a new form.

I think for the time being I am going to stick with my Leave No Trace philosphy..not because of global warming or because someone told me to, but because I respect the people that will be following me out in the wilds.

Who wants to look at an old crusty pair of flip-flops lying on the ground next to where you are going to pitch your tent?  I mentioned that just because that is exactly what I found last time I went out camping.  My wife got upset, but for the next two hours…before I pitched the tent…I cleaned the place up a little.  Not only will the people that camp there after me enjoy themselves a bit more in the wild, but obviously, now I didn’t have to look at a pair of crusty looking flip-flops someone left behind.

By the way, if you are wondering what the flip-flops and the cans and the trash has to do with global warming…I really can’t tell you.  Perhaps this isn’t even about global warming.  Perhaps it is just about cleaning up after yourselves you crazy crusted flip-flop flingin junkies.  Those of us who go out into nature to enjoy it, shouldn’t have to play the part of your damn mothers!

New Book Released on 2006 Mt. Hood Tragedy

 

In December of 2006 The Adventurist began to cover a story of three climbers who had become stranded near the summit of Mt. Hood.  A few days later, this event became a media blitz. 

Hope for the successful rescue of Brian Hall, Jerry Cooke, and Kelly James soon dimminished as the first body was discovered.  In the proceeding days this tragic event would ignite controversy in the climbing community as well as the world at large, and eventually would become the backbone for a piece of legislation in Utah to require climbers to wear tracking beakons while going up Mt. Hood.

A new book has been published regarding this recent tragedy.  Mt. Hood:  The Deep Blue Zone takes a look at these events as they unfolded and captured a nation’s attention.  The Book’s author Hubert Allan, Jr. looks at this tragedy, the members involved, and perhaps what exactly took place high up on the slope of Mt. Hood. 

In the coming week, The Adventurist will have the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Hubert Allan, Jr. regarding this unfortunate event, as well as his latest book, for this site.  First, though, I would like to give you a bit more information on Mt. Hood:  The Deep Blue Zone from Amazon.com.

Here is what is mentioned on Amazon.com:

Book Description:

America’s most riveting mountain search occurred in December 2006 on Mount Hood in Oregon, USA. This book is not only exhaustively researched but includes estimated weather data for the summit deemed so useful that it was adopted into many of the investigation reports. What did happen to those three climbers? Get “The Deep Blue Zone” now on your shelves and find out!

Amazon does make a note that they only have 5 copies of this book left in stock, but coming from this review of Mr. Allan’s book, you can probably see why:

Written by experienced winter mountain climber Hubert A. Allen Jr., Mount Hood The Deep Blue Zone: Story of the 2006 Climbing Tragedy is a reconstruction of what possibly happened to three climbers who became lost on Oregon’s Mount Hood in 2006. A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this day-by-day reconstruction, pieced together from both primary and secondary sources. Appendices consisting of data for weather conditions on Mount Hood as well as a climbing glossary round out this thoughtful, detailed dissection of a recent tragedy. “Citizens, most of them non-climbers, debated the very premise of winter climbing. Non-climbers argued about how selfish it was for the three men to go off and climb what looked like an absurd project. But these men had no death wish. Indeed, there are indications that this group was working their way up to an attempt on Mount Everest.” Recommended reading for any practicing or would-be mountain climber.

This book has a price of $16.29 and is available in hardback only, at this time. 

Many of you have come by my site for information regarding this tragic event.  The posts I made concerning the Mt. Hood Tragedy are still listed in my Top Ten posts every month, and it seems that the more time that goes by, the more interest that is generated.  As far as I know, this is the first account of this tragedy to be published.  Should be a very interesting read and hopefully shed more light on this sad and controversial subject for all of us.

Please stay tuned in the coming week to The Adventurist, as I will be bringing you this exclusive interview with the Author of Mt. Hood:  The Deep Blue Zone, Mr. Hubert. A. Allan, Jr.

A New Epic Begins: Racing to the South Pole in 2008

 

Building upon the historical context of the great Amundsen-Scott Race to the South Pole in 1911, Adventure Racing fans the world over will be given the opportunity to take a crack at becoming the first person to reach the geographic South Pole in 2008.  This historic race will be the first of it’s kind in almost 100 years.  Here is more from the race site:

“After almost two weeks of intensive Polar Training in Antarctica, teams of 3 will set off to race from the edge of the Antarctica continent, to race over 370 nautical miles across the largest ice cap in the world to the Geographic South Pole.

The racers will face constant challenges throughout their journey: surving in temperatures as low as -50C, navigating and skiing while pulling a 70Kg. pulk (sled), climbing up to 9300 ft. to the South Pole and through everything, working together as a team.

The South Pole Race promises to be an awe-inspiring event. All competitors will receive extensive and first rate logistical, safety, media and administrational support provided by South Pole Race.

South Pole Race is more than just a race. It is the journey of a lifetime. This is an opportunity to live your dreams and push beyond the limits of your imagination ”

This race will take part in three legs.  The faster competitors should be able to finish the race in 30 days, with the slower teams coming in around 45 days.

This definately sounds like a cool race–it does make you wonder though if the South Pole just might become the next Mt. Everest Base Camp with hundreds of people showing up each year to take part.

One of the better aspects of this race though is the addition of a training period in the polar arctic weather, as well as logistics being provided by the race itself.  All of these things will be included in your entry fee.  Also included will be all equipment.  The teams will all be outfitted with the same materials, keeping all competitors from gaining an advantage on the field.

At least one impressive team has already signed up to be taking part.  James Cracknell and Ben Fogler–the team that has just finished rowing across the Atlantic Ocean–they are still searching for that perfect third member though, as all teams must have 3 members, as well as one of those members having previous Polar experience.  This team will be filming their experience for a 5 part television series and will also be posting daily reports on the web.

This race promises to be yet another highlight in the coming years, rivaling some of the greatest Expeditions.  Currently a tentative schedule for the South Pole Race 2008, is as follows:

-July 22nd 2007: Training Event 1, Team Building More Information
- January 2008: Training Event 2, Week of Polar Travel training in Finse, Norway
- September 2008: Training Event 3 (weekend or day event)
- November 2008: Depart for Antartica and begin Pre-Race Antartic Training
- January 2009: Return from Antartica after Race Finish

November to January 2008 Promises to be an exciting time as this race officially begins.  I will definately be marking this in my calander for the coming year and be bringing you more information as it developes throughout the rest of 2007 and 2008..going right in to 2009.  If you would like more information about this historic event or would even be interested in making a bid to join this race, it is highly recommended that you swing by the South Pole Race 2008 Website, for more information.

Information in this article was obtained through PlanetFear as well as TheSouthpoleRace.com.

Alan Arnette: Lessons From Denali

My good friend Alan Arnette has made a new post on his site regarding his recent attempt on Denali.

If you will remember, Alan ended up suffering from an unknown stomach issue and had to be medi-vaced off Denali.

The good news is that Alan is doing better now, the bad news is that he is still unsure of what exactly happened….AND he is leaving for an expedition to Shisha Pangma in 5 weeks, the world’s 14th tallest peak.

Alan is definately pushing himself to the limits.  All of this is in hopes of getting back to Mt. Everest for a third attempt on the world’s highest peak in 2008.  His previous two attempts have ended early due to high altitude health issues, but he is hoping his third will finally land him on the top of this elusive peak..

Alan’s first major step was his recent trip to Denali–that ended rather mysteriously.  Stage two will now take him to Shisha Pangma.

Alan has been confering with his doctors and specialists about what might have happened on Denali, and still, no answers have been straight forward.  He is hoping that it was a one time deal and that all is well now.

Alan is climbing to benefit Alzheimer’s Research, a very personal mission on Alan’s behalf, and one I think alot of us can relate to.  If you would like to help support Alan’s project of getting back to Everest, he would like for you to make a small (actually he would prefer a very, VERY LARGE-haha) donation to:

Once more, Alan has all the funding he needs for his expedition and 100% of the proceeds to this fund will directly benefit Alzheimer’s Research.

If you would like to read Alan’s latest post about his thoughts looking back on Denali as well as his recent research into his health issues, as well as some very beautiful photos, please stop by his site and read this POST.

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.

Conrad Anker and Apa Sherpa Joining Forces?

Conrad Anker, the man who became world famous for discovering George Mallory’s body on Mt. Everest, will be teaming up with his wife and Apa Sherpa to host a special “An Everest Evening.”  This event, scheduled for August 9th will take place in Snowbird, Utah.

Apa Sherpa, who holds the record for climbing Mt. Everest the most times, 17, will be discussing his recent success with the SuperSherpas Expedition this year.  Conrad Anker will also be talking about his own success on Everest this year as a part of his reenactment of the 1924 Everest Expedition of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine.

The two have decided to come together to support The Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation (ALCF).  The ALCF is holding the fundraiser to bring attention to the high-altitude workers of Nepal as well as raising money for the Khumbu Climbing School.

Presentations and slide shows of both previously mentioned expeditions will be taking place, as well as a few more surpise speakers.  The ALCF will also be holding a charitable silent auction.  Up for bids will be a donated Grivel wood ice ax signed by all Everest summiters in attendence.

This event will take place at the Cliff Lodge in Snowbird, Utah on August 9th, with things kicking off around 6:30 pm.  Tickets for this event will be $50 a piece.  For information, reservations, or tickets, you may call (800) 933-2147.

This looks to be a great event with alot of big names in Everest history taking part–and besides that, it is for a great cause.  If you are going to be in the Utah area the week of the 9th, why not take a sidetrip to Snowbird?

Lewis Gordon Pugh SWIMS at North Pole

Lewis Gordon Pugh, 37, A british adventure swimmer, has become the first person to ever swim at the North Pole.  Doing the stunt to bring awareness to Global Warming in the Arctic, Pugh dove into the 29 degree water.

His swim lasted aproximately 18 minutes and 50 seconds and went for a distance of 0.6 miles.  The water, at 29 degrees, is the coldest known temperature that a human has ever been able to swim in.

I hope my swim will inspire world leaders to take climate change seriously. The decisions which they make over the next few years will determine the biodiversity of our world.

I want my children, and their children, to know that polar bears are still living in the Arctic. These creatures are on the front line up here.

I am obviously ecstatic to have succeeded, but this swim is a triumph and a tragedy: a triumph that I could swim in such ferocious conditions but a tragedy that it’s possible to swim at the North Pole.

Pugh’s swim was conducted in a free-flowing waterhole.  The hole was used to demonstrate the effects the climate has been having on the arctic.  He went on to explain that over the next years, waterholes like these will become more prevelent in the Arctic.

Lewis Gordon Pugh is best known for having swam on 5 of the seven known continents of the world, as well as being the first person to ever swim the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord.

Summit Stones: Giving Back Adventure Joy

DSD over at Summit Stones & Adventure Musings has been embarked on a quest to bring a little bit of light to all of us Adventurers.  The mission is what it is..

DSD has seemingly been placing these very artistic stones where ever the adventure takes us..and part of the fun is discovering where they are found….Somehow DSD gets there first…haha

Nobody is really sure who DSD is..the website is pretty vague, only giving in to the cause:

My ‘Profile’…?

After being asked about this a few times in comments, I still am of the opinion that my profile is really not what this Blog is about…

I’m simply another average adventurer you might meet out on the trail, see wandering across the backcountry, maybe say hi to as we paddle towards each other, or share a few jokes at a common belay station…

What DSD does though, on the site, is emblazen that adventure spirit in all of us.  Those brightly colored stones, when found, become something more…a piece of an adventure….a wondering of who…it drives us to get out and find another, wondering where the story will lead.

The stones have been found in various places of adventure…mountain tops, trails, ect., and now these findings are also making their way across the web.

A recent topic in a forum on Outdoorsy.com brings this search and findings to light.  It is entitled “A Summit Stone.”

It is nice to know someone like DSD exists.  Someone who has embarked on the challenge of giving back something they consider small, yet has such a big place in our hearts.

As if the Summit Stones are not enough, DSD has also put together a very well written Website discussing this journey of Adventure that we all share.  Here is just a small piece…

Adventure is not just about the choice of activity, nor only about wilderness talent, or just one’s outdoor skills, and is not really at all about age… I used to think that to be an adventurer it was necessary to bag summits, count climbs, record stats, accumulate kayak exploits, even tally up many epics… but that kind of collecting, while serving a purpose, doesn’t always sustain us…

Adventure can be about being the person you want to be in a geographic place… as in what we may find in Geomancy… and that gets us closer to the essence of being an adventurer… as in what is reflected in our attitudes, desire, enthusiasms, and motivations… These things are more about energy, feelings, and emotions…

The next time you are wanting a heightening of spirits–something to really make you think—something to give you that new, refreshing bit of drive….head on over to Summit Stones and Adventure Musings, you won’t be disappointed.

The next time you are heading up that trail or looking over that mountain, remember that all great things won’t be seen above…take a momment to look down…perhaps you will even find a Summit Stone at your feet…

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