Intrepid Travel Offers New Canadian Arctic Dog Sled Adventure

Few people in their right minds would wish to spend nine days mushing a team of dogs across the desolate frozen landscapes of northern Canada. Temperatures get down right cold, sleds aren’t the most comfortable modes of transportation, and add to that the threat of the ice shifting and your sled plummeting into an unforeseen crevice, and, well, you get what I mean. You’d have to be crazy.

Lucky for us, there are companies in this world that thrive on bringing us one step closer to fate and catering to the ‘test our own will’ crowd. Intrepid Travel has just announced the addition of a new dog sledding adventure in the Canadian Arctic.

The latest adventure from Intrepid Travel includes a nine day expedition across the Northwest Territory, lead by a pack of 15-20 dogs. You will experience everything the arctic has to offer. You will sleep in igloos, travel historic trapper trails of snow and ice, and even discover how the Inuit Eskimos have been able to live, survive, and even prosper in one of the world’s harshest environments.

I have always wanted to do something like this. Maybe it was all those Jack London novels I grew up loving so much. I am sure my thoughts are just a romantic notion of what this would actually be like, and the truth would probably change my ideas concerning these arctic environments, but I still think this one sounds pretty cool.

These big expedition adventures don’t come on the cheap. For the full itinerary expedition, it will set you back $6,095. Quite a bit to the pocketbook, but the memories will last forever.

From the official Intrepid Travel Press Release:

Traveling by dog team in the region north of the Arctic Circle, this Canada dog sled adventure tour offers an unmatched cultural experience and the opportunity to learn of the Inuit eskimo lifestyle. This Canadian adventure tour is for nature lovers, wildlife photography enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The traveler will be immersed in the Arctic and experience of the excitement of mushing on this remarkable dog sled
adventure.

Adventurers will drive a dog sled guided by local Inuit eskimo mushers,
giving them an unparalleled opportunity to explore the magnificent ice and snow-locked landscape, including the region’s towering cliffs and gigantic icebergs. This Canadian adventure tour is a chance to witness Arctic wildlife firsthand, including polar bear, seal, ptarmigan, and in late spring, the flurry of Arctic avian that fly north to nest. Adventure travelers on this Canadian adventure tour can also try ice fishing Inuit-style for grouper, or for the famous Arctic Char in the inland lakes.

Sounds Cool.

For more information on the Canadian Arctic Dog Sled Adventure, or the more than 400 other trips and adventures featured yearly by Intrepid Travel, click over and check out their website. There is something there for all tastes and budgets.

Photos of Snickers and Gulliver and an Update to Save the Adventurous Duo

A couple of days ago I put up a post called “A Real Saga of ‘Walt Disney’ Proportions: Dog Rescued After Three Months at Sea and Four Months on Pacific Atoll“.

This post outlined an ongoing rescue attempt of two animals, Snickers the dog and Gulliver the Macaw, who had taken quite a journey, then ended up needlessly abandoned on an island in the Pacific. With the help of some very generous people and businesses the two might have a chance at making it back to the US.

I have been contacted by someone very close to this ordeal, who has decided to share an update with myself–which in turn I must share with you. To catch up on the background to this story story just click the first link in this post.

Now For the Update:

Snickers has officially made it back to the United States–Las Vegas, specifically where he has met up with his new owner Jack Joslin. Through the gracious and generous support of Hawaiian Airlines, Snickers was able to board the flight and head back to the mainland safe and sound.

From a first-hand account emailed to me by one of Snicker’s caretakers in Hawaii:

“I’m exhausted - got Snickers off and he’s officially safe in
Las Vegas. You may be the first to hear this. Local press is aware
but we haven’t granted any interviews to anyone else. Photo is of the
two of us at Hawaiian Air’s airport cargo area. He got lots of
playtime before being put in his crate, exhaused, to sleep the flight
away. My sister, Tina Young, picked him up in LA and drove him to Las
Vegas where they met Jack and his other dog, Missy, to meet under
non-stressful conditions. They are going to be one happy family.

Before Snickers’ return to the States, I was taken back by how someone could just leave their pets to fend for themselves. I actually thought money for the rescue might be the issue, and in my previous post on this story, I did mention that the family that owned both Snickers and Gulliver had not been able to be reached. It looks as if this is not the case at all!

“The original owners abandoned the pets. You can be sure I wouldn’t have left the island without them. They left them to fend for themselves or die. Read Martin Troost’s travel book, “The Sex Lives of Cannibals” to get a clear idea of how dogs are treated. Some good
laughs too - it is quite funny. The owners did a Montel Williams show and clearly had no interest in raising awareness about the animals.

The couple that originally found the animals on Fanning Island, Robby and Lorraine Coleman, were actually the ones who kicked off the network that would eventually put an animal rescue mission into place for the forgotten animals. Without them stepping in and trying to make an attempt at this rescue, both Snickers and Gulliver would have met a sure death. The Kiribati government looked at them as an invasive species–one not original to the island–and were setting forth motions that would have certainly resulted in their demise.

Since Snickers has made it safely to Las Vegas and been united with his new owner, the focus of the rescue now lies with Gulliver the Macaw. His situation is a bit different. He was originally purchased in the United States. The previous owners are failing to provide any information as to where the bird was purchased. Macaws are considered an exotic species. Without this information, and with the previous owners failing to cooperate with the rescue attempt, it may mean that originally this bird was obtained illegally–as many of this species are.

With Snickers already in the States and the story playing throughout the press, it is imperative that this saga not be forgotten. Snickers and Gulliver have been around each other for a long time–they began this journey together some four months ago, and it is only fitting that they end it back home where there is a chance for not only survival, but a long and happy life in loving care.

In order to get Gulliver home, there are still some pretty big hurdles in the way. A couple of lawyers have stepped up to make an effort to get through all of the red tape of getting an exotic species back to the United States. If this works, then the effort will commence by trying to gain the support of an avian veternarian. He will be required to make two seperate trips to the country, and then get transportation back to Los Angeles, the only port where birds can be imported from another country.

Those taking part in the recent rescue of Snickers, and hopefully the planned rescue of Gulliver have called on me to publicize their need for support and assistance in this ongoing struggle to ensure both animals get back home. They have specifically mentioned the need for an Avian Vet, and quite possibly the use of a personal jet. The ride from the South Pacific, with Gulliver in tow, can not stop at Hawaii to refuel, but must fly straight through. The project can also use any and all monetary donations, and they have specifically stated that all money donated is tax deductable. You may make a donation to the cause by following this link–Gulliver’s Island: Dedicated to Saving One Special Bird –where even a dollar or two will help drastically in this cause. Stop by, check out the site and project, including Gulliver’s future home.

As for Snickers, a special “THANKS” to all involved for a successful rescue. They include Hawaiian Airlines, the Hawaii Human Society, ‘Lectronic Latitude the online journal of Latitude 38, NCL Cruise Lines, and the big hearts of Jack Joslin and Robby and Lorraine Coleman. A special thanks also goes out to the Press and coverage currently making the rounds. Without this saga in the Press, most of this probably would not have happened.  If I have forgotten anyone, leave a comment.  Your time and resources are appreciated as well!

What Inspires You?

Timex Expedition, The Conservation Alliance and Conrad Anker have teamed up on a joint cause to inspire Americans to get outdoors. “Return to the Outdoors” is offering up a new take on inspiration featuring short films of some of the Outdoors’ greatest personalities talking about what inspires them to be outside.

I do have to say that the videos on the site, alone, are well worth checking out! To date. two videos have been produced and released. The first features climbing legend Conrad Anker, who was rocketed to fame with his discovery of George Mallory’s body on Everest a few years back, and who continues to be an avid outdoorsman. The video features Conrad Anker skiing in the Grand Tetons..he talks about his first climb and what inspires him to keep at it. Very well put together with a great soundtrack.

The second video features Steph Davis basejumping in Moab, Utah. She talks a bit about rock climbing and why she always returns to the place that sparked her interest–the Tombstone–which she has now free climbed.

Both of these videos are a great introduction to The Conservation Alliance, and helps us to remember that many of these places are threatened with converging laws and influx of human interest that never fails to ruin a great place.

What Inspires You?

With the advent of the “Return to the Outdoors” website, they are looking, not only for members to pass the word, but also to share in the story–

For more on this information, I am going to post a bit from an email I recieved about this great cause today:

“We’re hoping you might find this short film, in which Conrad
discusses some of his earliest memories from Wyoming’s Teton Crest,
interesting enough to share with your readers. It’s the first in a
series of features we’re producing, with hopes of motivating
everyone to spend more time outdoors and raise awareness of the
Conservation Alliance’s mission to protect outdoor spaces. Our
second film, which you’re also welcome to share, features Steph
Davis base jumping in southern Utah’s canyonlands.

We also hope that viewers, after watching, will be inspired to share
their own experiences with others at our website
(www.returntotheoutdoors.com)

The best viewer entries will be voted on, and the most passionate
outdoorsmen will be rewarded with an all-expenses-paid outdoor
adventure vacation for two. We will also be rewarding finalists with
great outdoor watches from Timex Expedition, and outdoor gear from
The North Face, Camelback and Ahnu Footwear – just for their love
of the wild. Prizes will be given away every two weeks through August.

Could be a cool way to bust out that video camera, polish up them writing skills, and share some of your experiences with the world about what inspires you to get outside. Personally, with a wife and kids at home, I try to get out anytime I can. For me, it has to be the SILENCE..(sorry, honey. Bad Joke;) that inspires.

Another cool feature of the site is Conrad Anker’s Blog. That should be an interesting read over the months ahead and one that I am hoping will continue. We do understand he is a busy guy-

Check it out, sign up, share your story, and vote, then hope that yours is better than getting away from the wife and kids;)

Editor’s Note: The above fore-mentioned scenario was purely a joke. I must once again plainly explain that, just in case divorce papers show up in the mail;) Let’s hope not!

Using The New Adventurist Forums

You have probably already noticed the two banners found at the top of this page.  Should be one directly to your right, and one to your left.  The first button is for the newest addition here to The Adventurist-The Adventurist Forums.  Upon clicking this box, you will be taken to a page featuring all of the topics being discussed by readers of this site, such as yourself.  In order to make full use of the forums you will need to register.  The “Register” button is found at the top of the Forums screen.

This is actually a pretty simple process.  Name, Email, and then your password of choice will unlock the benefits of what this forum is all about.  This is a new forum, and at this time there are only a couple of registered users.  There are quite a few people visiting and checking it out, but perhaps they didn’t know where the “Register” button was.  That is the reasoning for this post.

On your left hand side you will notice a banner that says “The Adventurist Polls”.  This will take you to an area on The Adventurist Forum and ask you a simple question.  In order to take part in the polls, you will have to ”Register” as well.

We all know that Adventure seekers aren’t one-sided thinkers.  Once you Sign Up for the Forums, you will be able to express all of your thoughts from climbing and mountain biking to Sports and Headlines of the day.

A couple of good discussions have already been started, including one on the current search for Steven Fossett.   Just to show you how general this all is, we also have a nice discussion going on about the NFL as well.

I am hoping that this will become another part of the much used “Adventurist” Community and am excited to be able to offer this to all of my faithful readers.

I will be using this forum, myself, on a regular basis.  I will be bouncing ideas and discussing topics of the day, as well as generally just getting to know my readers on a more personal level.  I will also be using some of the discussions and comments placed on the Adventurist Forum in future articles on The Adventurist.  Pour that coffee, grab that cup of tea, and let’s discuss what’s on your mind.

Cheers-

Jason A. Hendricks, Editor

An Adventurist Editorial: The Stephen Fossett Debates

We should have all seen this one coming from a mile away–

Going into days 5 and 6 for the ongoing search of legendary adventurer Steven Fossett, people are starting to take their focus off of the search and more onto the debates surrounding these types of events when they occur–

First it began with how great of an adventurer Steven Fossett is.  Over the past few days this focus has slowly moved to the motives of a “Risk-Taker” and if Stephen Fossett’s family should be charged for the search currently taking place.

Both of these items are highly debatable and both of them generally always surround a high profile search, especially if the person involved was also a part of anything that has a certain risk-factor to it or has been the focus of media attention in the past.

Personally, I began taking notice of these debates around December of last year when three climbers became lost on Mt. Hood.  The ensuing search, that garnered massive media coverage, soon became a debate for a cause. 

It may be the cause of the general media’s focus to always provide something new to a highly viewed (and rated) story.  Running out of new leads, they hop back on the bus and get everyone involved in raging debates that once again spark interest to previous stories of the same general nature.

Two questions always emerge:  Should the families of the person being searched for have to pay for this service?  And secondly–the risk involved.  How could they do this to their families and loved ones?  What is it about risk that triggers these people to always endanger their lives? Read more

Steve Fossett: The Search Continues, Sir Richard Branson ‘Obviously Worried’..More

Day 2 of the search to locate Billionaire and Adventure enthusiast Steve Fossett continues..

Yesterday search efforts were hampered by high winds that wouldn’t let aerial search and rescuers close to the ground.  So far today, the winds and weather are both cooperating.

Today the search is focusing in on a 600 square mile area in western Nevada, with some close ground runs being initiated by helicopters and planes in the area.

Close friend Sir Richard Branson, an adventurer in his own right and a sponsor of some of Fossett’s work–has said that he is “Obviously worried.”  Mr. Branson went on to elaborate that Steve Fossett usually wore a GPS tracking device on his body, in the form of a watch, and if in fact Steve had encountered trouble, Branson is worried that Fossett may be hurt, as Fossett’s watch has not set off it’s GPS signal.

Steve Fossett, holder of more than 100 personal records in aviation, sailing, and ballooning would be able to handle the elements for a few days and is no stranger to trouble–if indeed he was not injured severely. 

The Plane Steve Fossett was piloting at the time of his disappearance was a Ballanca N240R.  The Ballanca N240R is a plane used for aerial acrobatics and high-risk manuevers in air shows across the country and is built with this in mind.  Registration and ownership of the plane belongs to The Flying M Hunting Club out of Yerington, NV.  Service records show that the plane was last inspected on May 16, 2006 but given a clean bill.

The 600 mile area of land where search and rescue activities are currently taking place is a pretty rugged area.  Large amounts of Sagebrush and some deep ravines have hampered what officials have been able to do thus far with the prevailing winds.  This area is also a “desert” region which should concern people as well, if, indeed Steve Fossett is still alive.  It is known that he was only planning a short trip and presumably does not have “survival” food and water with him.

Yesterday, it was also noted that Steve Fossett did not pack a required parachute for this short trip.  The reasons for this are not known, but it is the law to have one on the aircraft.

Not much has really changed.  Efforts are ongoing and will continue thorughout the evening and into tomorrow if Mr. Fossett is not found.  I will keep you updated if any new news breaks on this continued effort to find aviation legend and adventurer Steve Fossett.

EverestNews Inciting Controversy with Editorial and a Response by The Adventurist

I recently headed over to EverestNews to check out what was going on at their site.  Needless to say, I was quite surprised by a small editorial piece they are currently featuring titled Everest Rumors, Lies, and Ridiculous Stories.

This is based on a few reports that this editorial is claiming as false.  First off, it denies an increase in fees leveled by the Chinese Government this past season on Everest.  It then goes into detail about many sites broadcasting rumors and lies, specifically mentioning the possible closing of the North side of Everest by the Chinese for the forthcoming 2008 Olympics.

EverestNews goes on the record as saying Everest’s North side will be open to climbers in the coming 2008 season and the number of climbing permits given will not be limited in scope due to the 2008 Olympics.  They also go on record as saying that the rumors of China trying to negotiate the closure of Mt. Everest’s South side, via Nepal, is also completely false.

EverestNews Claims the Following Regarding Fees:

Stories that the fees in China were increased several times over were also spread, FALSE again. Why? Guides did raise fees which one would assume resulted in much higher profits… For most independents and operators the Chinese took a minor fee increase.. One must wonder what is the agenda here? To get traffic to web sites? To get published in rags? To help raise profits for some? What???

EverestNews is crediting CTMA and CMA as being two of the reliable sources that this information is coming from:

The CTMA and CMA appear to be getting pissed off by all these rumors, lies and ridiculous stories… Including false stories about climbers, who grow in number year by year… This will probably result in changes from the Chinese many of us might not like….

Last year’s “High-Altitude Free Tibet Protest on Mount Everest!” which was a “set up” where Americans went to China to get arrested and were successful is expected also to cause more tension for the Chinese and climbers which combined with these ridiculous stories will result in tougher standards on entering for 2008….

Now a Few Words From The Adventurist

First off, the CMA respectively refers to the Chinese Mountaineering Association and the CTMA refers to the China Tibet Mountaineering Association.  Now that we know that all of this information is respectively coming from China we may make a few comments.

EverestNews is based out of Granville, Ohio–The United States.  Why would such a site be bowing down to a communist regime in regards to it’s editorials? 

If you go back and read the article as it is printed on the site, you can plainly see that this little bit of marketing by the two forementioned climbing associations in China is nothing more than Chinese Propoganda.  Yes, they might be pissed off at the press, but you do have to remember that China is hosting the upcoming 2008 Olympics and with all of the recent bad publicity regarding China of late, it is no wonder that they would put out a piece questioning the recent rash of bad publicity.

Regarding the climbing fees–on more than one occassion this past year, climbers were told, once they got to China, that their fees would be anywhere from $1000-$3,000 more than what was quoted before they left for the climb.  This information is documented in the climber’s expedition blogs rather substantially.  This did not just happen to US climbers, but even some expeditions from the Philipines and so forth.  This is documented and this information that EverestNews has released bears no weight.  Tell us the sources and give us the figures–until the proof is out there on such matters, it will remain the same.  Too many climbers were claiming the same problem:  A rise in climbing fees after they arrived to get their liscence, which was unmerited beforehand.

As far as the Chinese trying to close the North or the South sides of Mt. Everest for next season.  This news, as I myself have also mentioned, has come not only from the United States press, but also the Press organizations from around the world, including Nepal.  It is known that the Nepali Government was approached with an offer to shut off the South side as well…even though, this offer by the Chinese could have fallen through in the last few days.

Next, we come to a couple of possible threats handed out by the CMA and the CTMA about possible changes taking place over the 2008 Everest season.  These changes are in reference to the “One World-Free Tibet Protest” that took place this year, as well as the Chinese becoming “pissed off” at the stories and rumors coming from Mt. Everest.  They claim this protest was a simple “set-up” to get the organization holding the protest arrested, and in a sense..free publicity.  That may very well be the case, but in another note, the “Free Tibet” campaign has been going on for well over 50 years now.  Each year new protests are enacted to bring the Chinese occupation of Tibet to the limelight.  It just so happens that this years protest took place while China was trying to do their initial Olympic Torch training run to the top of Mt. Everest.

What the CMA and the CTMA are essentially doing is giving themselves an excuse to deny liscences to climbers in the upcoming 2008 season.  They will base this denial on the rumors and lies of the foreign nations trying to take part in next years Everest season, as well as political turmoil of not knowing exactly what people are planning on doing.

While the supposed facts being represented on EverestNews merit no basis, it boggles my mind that an American Company such as EverestNews has seemingly given the Chinese Government an outlet for their remarks–given the Chinese’s past record.

Anyone remember Nangpa La?  Last year the Chinese military opened fire on a group of people trying to cross from Tibet to Nepal–essentially political refugees trying to leave a country they despised–some were shot in the open, in front of 60 or so climbers–including a nun who was mortally shot and killed.  After this incident, the Chinese Military seemingly invaded the ABC camp and essentially looked things over and waited.  They had captured some 30 odd children, women, and men, and taken them into custody as well.

Many people are scared of speaking out against the Chinese.  The guides could very easily lose their bid to attempt Everest and other peaks in the Chinese Himalayas if they don’t keep their mouths shut about such incidents when they do take place.  China has essentially used political power and intimidation factors to keep the “real” stories on Everest and other peaks silent.

Nangpa La was real.  Photos confirm the merciless killings.  Still climbers involved in the incident from around the world are reluctant to speak out against the Chinese.

In 2007 the Chinese Basecamp at Everest featured a security fence and armed guards.  N0 one was allowed around their encampment and secrecy was held as an asset.  At one point a couple of climbers got stranded high on Everest and the Chinese refused to take part in any kind of search and rescue efforts.  This should clue you in a bit on their priorities.  China is about China.  They protect through armed tactics and intimidation. 

So why would EverestNews take a stand and essentially side with them by posting this very Pro-China editorial?  The editorial even fails to mention who the writer was.  I feel the reason may be as simple as the 2008 Olympics.  They are positioning themselves to be “the source” of news and info coming out of China.  On the otherhand, by taking such matters and putting themselves in the public light with such a controversial move, I can not see how this will benefit them at all.  They may get the news coming from China, but at the same time they are alienating the climbers from around the world that understand the tactics China uses in an effort to “control”.

EverestNews makes the following question regarding the rumors, lies, and deceptions and the press that has put them out.

One must wonder what is the agenda here? To get traffic to web sites? To get published in rags? To help raise profits for some? What???

I am only speaking for myself at this time.  I have no advertisers.  I have no site sponsors.  Trying to draw traffic to a site such as this one has no meaning.  It does not benefit me in the slightest.  On the contrary, by putting up an editorial that questions the basis of information regarding Everest and other mountains–by saying they are lies, rumors, and so forth–we do need to question these intentions–EverestNews is essentially questioning the same people that they get all of their information from–The climbing expedition blogs.  They post no news that isn’t spoken first-hand from the Expeditions themselves on their own sites–and they do so 90% of the time word for word.  So who is to blame for the lies, rumors, and so forth?  Rather than calling out people that you yourselves rely on for information–perhaps you should look at yourselves.  This is a weak and futile attempt at bringing in viewers that already question your standards in the field.  China or no China, by printing the threats and “control” tactics, you are becoming nothing more than one of the many puppets you are trying to speak out against.  Just something to think about.

Film Follows Climber Chris Sharma’s Search for Difficult, Picturesque ‘King Lines’

By Julie Jagg

SANTA CRUZ — When it comes to sports superstars, few fly farther under the radar than world-class rock climber Chris Sharma. His talents in climbing are considered on par with Michael Jordan’s in basketball. His ego, however, would seem more closely matched to modest tennis great Pete Sampras.

But all that’s about to change. The man who has been called humble, spiritual, even reticent in innumerous articles and interviews said he thinks, in truth, he’s a bit uppity.

“A lot of people focus on climbing. I focus on climbing hard routes, but I’m kind of a snob, I guess,” he said Tuesday while taking a break from his world travels to do some skateboarding here in his hometown.

“I want to climb hard routes, but I want something that inspires me”

Sharma, 26, has the ability to climb just about anything anywhere. But he said he turns up his nose at any problem — no matter how challenging — that’s not also picturesque.

“The esthetics for me, that’s the thing,” he said. “To find these amazing pieces of rock that also have another element. That’s kind of the definition of king lines: They’re big and hard and amazing, but they also have that esthetic”

Sharma began searching the world for rocks to climb at age 17. In the nine years since, he has found and conquered many of the gnarliest rocks in the most beautiful corners of the planet. Now his search for these “king lines,” as he calls them, is the subject of a documentary by the same name that will be shown Sept. 7 at the Rio Theatre as the headliner for the Reel Rock Film Tour.

Directors and college buddies Josh Lowell of Big Up Productions and Peter Mortimer of Sender Films teamed up to make “King Lines,” which has the highest budget of an climbing film in history and won an Emmy for a high-definition segment that appeared on NBC earlier this year. Mortimer said the project came together organically once Sharma told them the location and difficulty of his most recent project. It was Es Pontas, a line up a towering limestone arch encircled by sapphire blue waters off the coast of Mallorca, Spain.

“The arch is something where if you imagined a fantasy climb, that’s what you would imagine,” Lowell said. “It’s this perfect arch rising out of the Mediterranean Sea, and the movement that’s required to climb it is pretty amazing, too. If there was a video game of climbing, that arch would be in it.

“We thought, ‘Wow,’” Lowell added. “If Chris can do this thing, it will be the coolest thing he’s done and the coolest thing we’ve filmed.’ ”

Conquering Es Pontas entailed deep-water soloing, a climbing style fairly new to Sharma in which he would use no rope and rely on the water below to break his falls. Near the top of the climb was a 7-foot blank stretch, which he would have to jump, or dyno in climbing lingo, to complete the climb. Sharma estimates he made at least 100 failed attempts to get across that section, each time plummeting 35 feet into the jelly fish-filled water below.

A fall meant starting over completely. Sharma would have swim to the support boat, dry off, change his clothes and shoes and get a new chalk bag to help his muscular fingers grip the small divots and crevices in the slippery stone. Then he would begin again at the bottom of the arch, making at least 25 moves before he arrived back at the daunting blank section.

It took Sharma nearly four months’ time, spaced out over a year, before he finally landed his 7-foot leap of faith and picked his way to the top of the arch. Once there, though, his celebration was subdued, with the joy from completing a difficult task mixing with the melancholy of knowing his time with Es Pontas had ended.

“Obviously really I was ecstatic, really psyched. But climbing is this thing that happens in the process. Once you do it, you’re psyched, but that’s the end of the process,” Sharma said. “When you complete it, that’s great. But then it’s like, ‘What’s next?’ ”

He wasted little time finding out.

Sharma’s sponsors pay him to find exotic climbs, so as soon as his time with Es Pontas ended, the hunt for another challenge began. By the end of the shooting for “King Lines,” the film crew had followed him around Venezuela, France, Greece, Utah and Southern California.

Most recently, they filmed him working on his current obsession. It’s a sport climb across the ceiling of a 300-foot cave off Interstate 15 in the Mojave Desert that has so few changes in pitch it requires an extra-long rope. He’ll return there in October in the hopes of completing it, which Mortimer said would probably make it the most difficult climb ever made.

Once that experience ends, Sharma said he will continue to seek out other new and unique challenges. Undoubtedly, they’ll all be set in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

But Lowell and Mortimer said they can’t blame Sharma for picking climbs in the prettiest places. They noted that it makes it much easier for him to draw the attention photographers and filmmakers like themselves [location, location, location]. And, it makes for a much nicer work environment.

Plus, after spending months following Sharma and working with him through some fairly unglamorous situations, they’re convinced his penchant for the picturesque climbs doesn’t really come from snobbery.

“That’s like saying someone who has a palette for really good food is a snob,” Mortimer said. “That’s so not true”

(Editor’s Note:  Julie Jagg, the author of the above article on Chris Sharma, is a Staff Writer and Assistant Sports Editor for the  Santa Cruz Sentinal.  Julie has given The Adventurist special permission to reprint this article.  Julie is also the author of her own Blog, “Out and About” dealing with Outdoor Adventure.  Very Nice.  Julie may be contacted at jjag@santacruzsentinel.com )

If You Go

Reel Rock Film Tour

WHAT: Collection of climbing films headlined by the ‘King Lines’ documentary on Chris Sharma of Santa Cruz. Sharma, fellow climbers Miguel Riera and Daila Ojeda and director Josh Lowell will be present.

WHEN: Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA.

Tickets: $10 at Pacific Edge Climbing Gym, 104 Bronson St, Santa Cruz.

On the Net: www.reelrocktour.com; www.senderfilms.com; www.bigupproductions.com

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

Next Page »