Client-Guide Relationship Garners Everest Lawsuit

Volker Kuebler is in the process of filing a lawsuit against Kari Kobler, a guide on a 2007 Mt. Everest Expedition.  The lawsuit has come about over supposed favoritism on Mt. Everest between Kari Kobler and a few of her clients.

Volker claims that Kobler would not allow a couple of days of rest, allowing him to recuperate from a slight ailment before making an attempt up the world’s highest mountain in 2007.  Volker also claims that Kobler used all the sherpa power to guide two clients and himself up, leaving the rest to wait and hope that the Sherpas were strong enough to make a second ascent.

ExplorersWeb, who has been covering this issue had the opportunity to talk with Kari Kobler about the lawsuit, of which Kobler denied the supposed favoritism and other allegations.

The expedition leader stated he had 6 high altitude Sherpas for his main group, out of which he used two in the first attempt. Out of the four clients he guided, two summited with him at the time. Kari Kobler states that Volker suffered an ailment unknown to him which prevented a successful climb, and that he has new guidelines for evaluating clients in upcoming expeditions.

It will be interesting to see how this comes out.  Client-Guide issues have been a pretty frequent discussion topic over the past year, many of these arising after guides do not allow a paid client to try for the summit.  Where high dollars are being paid for a chance at the summit, and success is not a guarantee, you are bound to have a few issues along the way.  Will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming months.

Adventurist Issues: ATV and Off-Road Vehicles in Our Parks: Part II, The Environmentalists Speak Out

I have recently jumped on an issue that has sparked a bit of controversy in the press: the use of ATV and Off-Road Vehicles in our parks. This issue has been an ongoing debate amongst those who ride, environmentalists, lawmakers, and the public. Many are for, many are against.

A couple of days ago, I put up my thoughts on what could be done to perhaps satisfy both sides a bit–I am not going to take a stand on this issue, but rather try to put up both sides and let you, my readers, decide for yourselves where you stand. My job is to inform.

Today I am taking a look at a recent article published over on the ENN–The Environmental News Network–concerning this issue. Their article, “Apache-Sitgreaves Off-Road Vehicle Plan Will Put Arizona’s Crown Jewel White Mountains at Risk,” takes a look at a recent proposal by the Arizona Forest Service to put in Off-Road Vehicle trails in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona. Read more

Musings on Bone Games

Video Profile: Chris Sharma

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXW5u0qFDr8]

National Geographic Enters the Age of Blogging

Adventure Sports and Writing is beginning to make some big headwaves in the blogging world.  Many new sites pop-up on a daily basis–almost to many to keep track of.  Needless to say, we were missing the biggest one of them all..National Geographic, until now.

The National Geographic: Adventure Blog kind of snuck up on all of us.  There has been little mention from them about this endeavor, but I am sure it is going to be turning some heads.

Ahhh…National Geographic.  My grandfather introduced me to them  quite a few years ago.  He bought me a subscription all the way up until his untimely death a year ago.  Luckily, when he passed away,  I was able to rescue his NG Video collection from the trash heap.  He was an avid subscriber and watcher.  He knew a good thing when he seen it and taught us to appreciate the world around us.  Without that video collection, I probably would have never known what went on in Mecca, or what lay beneath the Pyramids of Egypt.  Thank-you Grandpa and National Geographic–

The National Geographic Adventure Blog  Takes a look at a lot of the same things I write about.  Adventure, Wilderness, Survival, Those who Live it, Those who Love It, and those who partake in it or wish they did. There is something there for all of us.

Here is just a couple article samplings:

• When Animals Attack: Anacondas, Great Whites, Grizzlies
• Alive Survivors Look Back
• Your Story:  What Saved You?

Offers some great in-depth articles and insight that you just can’t find anywhere else.  Awesome place and I am sure I will be visiting daily.  By the way, if you visit, pay attention to their  ADVENTURE picks, in their left-hand column.  My good friend Kraig’s Blog, The Adventure Blog is mentioned, as well as a couple of others found in my links page...Outdoorzy.com and a couple of others.  Keep your eyes out.  This is going to be one of those Bookmark sites to visit daily!  I am adding them to my Links Page and will possibly put up the RSS feed on The Adventurist tomorrow.

Alain “Spiderman” Robert Uses Spidey Sense to Scale 495 Foot Edificio Italia

After stalking the grounds of the Edificio Italia, one of Sao Paulo’s tallest structures, for a week, Alain “Spiderman” Robert has once again been credited with another monumental climb.

Alain Robert, famous for scaling large man-made structures barehanded, had to use a bit of Spidey sense to get around security though in his latest quest. Alain appeared at the famed Edificio Italia more than a week ago and began staking out his next climb.

After a failed attempt earlier in the week, Alain Robert was detained and escorted from the building. His spotting at the famed building caused some unrest amonst the more than 130 companies that hold offices in the structure. Security was brought in and placed on stand-by.

Alain Robert than proceeded to come to the structure everyday. He was banned from climbing the building, but not from being in areas reserved for the public. He soon figured out the securities routine and waited for the right opportunity.

Before long a security guard took a mistep and onto the roof Spiderman went. He proceeded to climb down the 42 foot structure–then back up. As usual, Alain “Spiderman” Robert was detained on the roof once he was on safer ground. His latest feat had been witnessed by nearly 2,000 people and also brouht traffic to a standstill around the area.

Alain “Spiderman Robert is credited with free-soloing the Eifel Tower as well as the Empire State Building, Sears Tower, and Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumper as well as 70 other skyscrapers.

Two little known facts about Alain “Spiderman” Roberts:

Alain Robert is known for his bold ascents, but the public is unaware that he often climbs to collect money for charity. In 1997, he climbed -without authorization- the world’s tallest skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur.

In eight years, Alain Robert climbed over 70 skyscrapers and mythical monuments around the world. His greatest success so far : the ascent of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi with over 100,000 spectators !

To learn more about Alain “Spiderman” Robert please visit his personal website for photos, history, and news.

(sources:  The Houston Chronicle, www.alainrobert.com )

Notice: Lake Tahoe’s CAVE ROCK Closed to Climbing

Cave Rock has been closed to climbing by the U.S. Forest Department.  It seems the Rock Formations visited by climbers happens to be resting upon sacred ground.  The Washoe Indian Tribe has declared the area sacred for historical and archeological purposes for their tribe.

The US Forest Department made Forest Order 19-08-01 effective immediately (Tuesday) and now bans any climbing in the area.  Fishing, hiking, and camping are still permissible as long as it is not dangerous to the rocks in the surrounding areas.

Just thought I would pass the word…..

Snowmobiles and ATV’s: Should They Be Allowed in Our Parks?

One of the biggest issues taking place in the outdoors right now seems to be the legality and safety of ATV and snowmobile riders. Scanning over the pages I edit on Topix, it seems like there is story after story related to both of these issues-

Wisconsin Snowmobiling Fatalities at 24, So Far – Green Bay Press-Gazette

Snowmobile Accident Kills Auburn Man — WANE-TV15 Fort Wayne (This piece is local and comes from the town I live in)

State Forest ATV Trails to Cost $12 million — Vilas County News Review; Eagle River, Wisconsin

Central Florida ATV Race Turns Deadly — FloridaToday.com

ATV Crash Kills Man Near Saguaro Lake — East Valley Tribune, Phoenix, AZ

Bill Banning ATV’s on Paved Roads Advances — The Times West Virginian

How big of an issue is this? It seems like more people are dying–but then again, more people are riding– Should there be limits on these vehicles in our National and State Parks? Should the park services be required to add Off-road ATV and snowmobile trails? What impact do these vehicles have on our environment? How annoying do you find these vehicles OR do you partake in these activities yourself? Read more

Grand Teton National Park: A History by National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler happens to be one of my favorite blogs dealing with the US National Park System.  Today they have put up a piece on the history of Grand Teton National Park.  As far as National Parks go, this one always rates towards the top of the list.

The Grand Teton National Park was set aside by Congress in 1929.  It took over 30 years of battling to finally have it preserved with a little help from John Rockefeller Jr.

The article goes into detail about the ensuing battles and tribulations of one of our Nation’s most beautiful parks and ecosystems.

The “original” Grand Teton National Park was set aside by Congress on this date in 1929, but its borders only surrounded the Tetons and their six glacial lakes, leaving out much of the pastoral landscape that today wraps U.S. 191/89/26.

Who would have thought that the Tetons were not even a part of the original park?

Click on over to National Parks Traveler to read the rest of this parks magnificent history.

2008 Spring Everest Expeditions List Up

MountEverest.net has put up it’s annual list of Himalayan Expeditions to take place this spring.  This list includes Makalu, Manaslu, Dhauligiri, Shisha Pangma, Anna Purna, and Mt. Everest.  The expeditions for Cho Oyu have yet to be released.

Here is what we know at this point.  Everest is going to be very busy once again:  53 Everest Expeditions have been announced thus far (this list was put up Feb. 25).  Last season, up to April 4th (the final list update) there were 60 expeditions listed.  We still have a month and a half before this list will be finalized.

Early stories to keep an eye on:

•  The Chinese Olympic Torch Run–as we all know, the chinese made a preliminary run up Mt. Everest last season, which was successful, in anticipation of the 2008 Summer Olympics being held in Beijing.
• The Lohtse-Everest Traverse–The Kazakh National Team will be trying for a first traverse of the world’s 1st & 4th tallest peaks, all in one run.
• Daniela Teixeira will be attempting a no supplemental O2 run–a pretty rare attempt for a female.
• Two seperate all female teams will be making runs for the summit.
• The race to be the oldest to summit.  Last season seen a new record.  This season it could be broken again by 77 year old Nepali Min Bahadur Sherchan.
• Alan Arnette will be making a third attempt at the summit.  His first two attempts were unsuccessful.
• David Tait will be back once again for a no O2 run at the summit.  His successful Everest Traverse last year set the stage for the South teams to finally summit.
• Andrew Brash, Myles Osborn, and Dan Mazur will be together once again.  They last climbed as a team in 1996 when they helped with Lincoln Hall.
• The Crowds–Last year seen more people at Basecamp than at any other time in history.  This year promises to have an even BIGGER crowd.
• Security–Nepal and Tibet have been moving forward with trying to make Everest a safer place.  Armed guards will be present at a few undisclosed points.  In recent times crime has been widely reported, theft being the biggest issue.
• Tibet–with Tibet being in a huge spotlight, we will be keeping an eye on the unrest of the area.  Last season we seen the “Free Tibet” campaign make an early stand against the 2008 Chinese Olympics.  Will be interesting to see if another stunt will be pulled off before this season’s actual run of the torch up the high peak.

As you can tell, there are already many different story lines taking shape for this season.  It is going to be another very busy year on the mountain.  China has upgraded the roads leading in to Basecamp..hopefully the crowdwatchers and sightseers will stay at bay and let these people live their dreams.

I will be making future updates to all of these stories and more.  I have already put up my “Everest 2008″ page which will contain all the articles that are posted here, in running order.  Of special interest to The Adventurist will be the attempts of both, Alan Arnette and David Tait.  I have talked at length with both of these men over the course of the last year.  Alan has been training for the past year, climbing some of the world’s highest peaks in the process.  Hopefully the third time is the charm.  He will be climbing for his Cure Alzheimer’s cause.  David Tait, an early favorite on the Himex team last year, will be going back up with a no O2 attempt.  Over the past two years he has proven his strength and dexterity.  He will be climbing for his own cause, the NSPCC, which helps children who have been affected by childhood abuse.  Alan and David’s causes are both very important.  I urge each of you to stop by, at least read what each is supporting and trying to do, and possibly even help them out a bit, if you can.

I plan on trying to talk with each of these guys about their upcoming Everest climbs in the days ahead.  I had an interview with David last season, and fondly remember him telling me that he wouldn’t go bcak to Everest.  My, what a year does!  Alan has been talked about and with quite often on The Adventurist.  He has been invaluable to myself as an Everest authority and mentor.  With him ON Everest this season, we will all be missing his annual Everest reports–but don’t fear–Kraig, over at The Adventure Blog, as well as myself, will be trying to pick up some of the slack–Plus, now Alan can send in reports from the frontline.  He will be making posts on his own site, related to his climb–

All the usual teams and guides will once again be on Everest.  Himex, 7Summits, SummitClimb, and the rest.  Am definately looking forward to this season.  Starting April 1st, I will begin the daily reports as I get them from the other teams.  Stop back in, check things out, and hopefully this year will be bigger, better, and safer than ever.

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