Love

If you are a father and also a climber this short will truly touch home. Jake you are an inspiration to all us family man adventures.

Jake Norton and Wende Valentine hope to teach their children to find what they love in life, and for Jake, that means leaving home several times a year to quench an insatiable desire to climb the world’s tallest mountains. Wild Love is a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lives during one expedition, and explores the joys and challenges of balancing a passion for adventure with a family life.

More on Jake and Wende at: http://adventureblog.nationalgeographic.com/2012/06/27/wild-love-film-1-jake-norton-and-wende-valentine-on-love-adventure-and-challenge21/

The Nature Conservancy – Horse Creek Fen Ranch

Being from South Dakota and having lived either, South Dakota, Nebraska, or Iowa my entire life you build a huge respect for the american ranchers and farmers. Even though we are not directly involved with that industry many of our family friends are.

The Nature Conservancy has an amazing program for some America’s most endangered places; rural america. Thank you and Nice work.

 

 

Revolights- On your Christmas List

Hard to Miss: Bike Lights Like You’ve Never Seen Before

Urban bike lights are designed to get cyclists noticed at night. If a lighting system more “noticeable” than Revolights exists, I haven’t seen it. And judging by the overwhelming response I’ve received while riding with the wheel-mounted lights for the past two weeks, neither has anyone else.

Literally, within 15 seconds of leaving my house with the Revos for the first time, a passing cyclist hit the brakes to ask about the “badass wheel lights.”

The author taking Revolights for a spin; photo by T.C. Worley

Since then I’ve put in about 100 miles of night riding with the spinning LEDs slicing through the darkness and lighting my way. Reactions have ranged from pedestrian comments and inquiries like the aforementioned to a city bus matching my pace for several blocks so that passengers could take pictures of the lights with their smartphones. No, seriously. Without the lights, my bike’s not flashy enough to draw attention, and I’m not nearly good looking enough for it to have been for any other reason.

After two years of design and testing, Revolights are now on sale in the U.S. and Canada for $250 (sales will expand overseas in 2013).

Can you see me now? Good.

While $250 is steep for commuting lights, the Revos are something new and totally different. You can’t be missed riding at night with these blazers mounted on spinning wheels. Safety is their No. 1 theme, though the bling and pure coolness factor definitely isn’t lost on anyone either.

The concept for the design was born out of a practical dilemma. Fresh out of a mechanical engineering master’s program at Stanford, Kent Frankovich was frustrated by the helmet-mounted light that he had been commuting with at night.

“I thought it was silly that you would try to light the ground with something on your head,” said Frankovich. “The wheel was the closest thing to the ground. I just had to figure out how to make it work as a light source.”

Frankovich prototyped a wheel light shortly afterwards before joining entrepreneurial forces with business student Adam Pettler in October of 2010.

Side by side: Revolights’ ground–up system sets it apart

The San Francisco-based duo designed and produced several iterations of the lighting system before turning to the power of online crowdfunding to kickstart the operation last fall. The initial funding goal on Kickstarter of $43,500 was exceeded within a week, and after six weeks nearly 1,500 backers raised more than $215,000 for the bike light “REVOlution.”

Along with over half a million others, I was in awe watching the short video that showed the lights in action. Ironically (and painfully), I had been hit by a car due to a lack of adequate lighting on my bike several days prior, so I was thoroughly elated by the prospect of what I was seeing, though I still had to wonder if the lights could possibly perform as well in reality.

Over the past two weeks, testing the lights on night rides throughout the Twin Cities, I have found the answer to be a definitive yes.

Revolights demo video

Revolights aren’t the brightest lighting system out there. And they’re not trying to be. The Revos provide a full 360 degrees of visibility, with side visibility, in particular, that is second to none. On each wheel, eight 35-lumen LEDs illuminate the rider at all times without leaving oncoming drivers and other cyclists with burning retinas.

The forward-facing white lights illuminate the ground about eight to ten feet ahead of the front wheel. On rough roads, I supplemented the forward visibility with a bar light to help spot oncoming potholes.

The electronics are fully sealed and coated, which allow the Revolights to withstand wet conditions. Though, like all electronics, exposure to salt or alkaline dust on the road (for those of us in colder climates) can create issues. Keep ‘em clean.

Compatible with road and hybrid 700c wheels and 27-inch rims

How it works: The patented system consists of two narrow, polypropylene-coated aluminum rings ofLEDs that mount directly to each wheel using clips and spacers. Removable, USB-rechargeable lithium-ion batteries mounted to the front and rear hub supply power to the LEDs. Run time is about 4 hours on a full charge.

A pair of small magnets and an integrated accelerometer provide speed and orientation data to the rings, which allow the LEDs to synchronize with your speed, creating forward- and rear-facing arcs of light.

The complete system weighs in at a 1.5 pounds. For commuting purposes, weight is much less important than in a performance setting, so the weight is inconsequential in my mind.

During the day, the Revolights add a bit of aesthetic bulk, which pales in comparison to the aesthetic awesomeness they deliver as soon as the sun goes down.

Revolights: the whole package

The installation process is tedious but straightforward considering the amount of science that went into producing the lights. With the help of a mechanic at One on One Bicycle Studio in Minneapolis, it took an hour and a half to install the full setup.

Professional assistance isn’t necessary in most cases, and Revolights offers a full-spread of detailedinstallation videos, in addition to the included instruction manual.

Overall, we’re mighty impressed with the Revo design. The visibility out-shines anything we’ve tested for this purpose, and after rolling now for a couple weeks on these magic wheels the utter fun (not to mention the added confidence while riding at night) has yet to wear off.

Lead time on orders is now three to six weeks at Revolights.com, with all orders placed now shipping before the holidays. Just consider yourself warned that Revolights on the road will upstage your neighbors’ holiday yard decorations and the Christmas lights hanging in the trees.

—Patrick Murphy is an assistant editor (Post is a repost from  http://revolights.tumblr.com/post/35134958840/gearjunkie)

Shannon Galpin, a National Geographic Explorer of the Year

What does the daily life look like in Afghanistan? Something many of us may have thought about over the past decade during the most recent military involvement. Just the mention of Afghanistan and many instantly reflect upon the conflict and destruction. But what about the people making up this beautiful nation; the children, future generations, that will move and shape this nation. What does the daily life of people in Afghanistan really look

Mom, Mountain Biker, Activist, and Mountain2Mountain Founder

like?

Amongst the conflict there are the people of Afghanistan; the women, children, mothers, fathers, and grandparents that value life and respect their heritage. How can we reach them and help the rest of the world see the beauty in

Afghan daily life? Shannon Galpin, a mountain biker, activists and founder of Mountain2Mountain, and a group of photographers saw the beauty. They documented the pain of war, peaceful moments, laughter, and natural beauty of daily life in modern Afghanistan.  Their collection of images shows the peace within this nation.

“This is an example of using art as activism and photography as voice,” says Galpin. “Just because there is daily violence doesn’t mean there isn’t daily life.”

Earlier this month National Geographic honored Shannon’s efforts as the first women to mountain bike in Afghanistan and her fight for women’s rights in conflict zones by naming her a 2013 National Geographic Adventurer of the year. A nomination only athletes and explorers making an impact on our world receive. Shannon is one of ten explorers to receive this nomination this year. The prestigious recognition highlights not only her adventurous pursuits, but also her humanitarian work in this war-torn region.

Photo By: Di Zinno

“I’ve always felt that the best way to know a country and its people is to get outside. In Afghanistan not only do I try to work with locals one-on-one, without the confines of security and convoys, but also I try to truly interact in their country. I think that the best way to rally support for our programs is to highlight our common humanity, to show a country like Afghanistan in a different light to the West, and show a different example of Americans and of women to Afghans,” says Galpin.

Cycling has allowed her to do just that, bridging cultural boundaries through adventure. Based in Breckenridge, Colorado, Galpin is committed to empowering women around the world, both in conflict zones abroad and here at home.

Photo by: Di Zinno

“I focused on Afghanistan because it’s repeatedly ranked the worst place in the world to be a woman. I wanted to fight for women that didn’t have a voice. I simply integrated my love of the outdoors, and mountain biking in particular, as a way to highlight my belief that as a global community we are more similar than we are different. Over time I realized that unfortunately the same issues are affecting women in the US. Using the mountain bike as a catalyst, I decided to also fight for the voice and value of women here domestically that have been victimized, giving them the chance to rise above through taking part in biking camps, which we’ll be launching in 2013,” says Galpin.

Galpin is the founder of Mountain2Mountain(M2M), a nonprofit organization working to empower the people of Afghanistan with a focus on women and girls and gender equity. M2M believes that investing in women and girls is the most effective way to achieve stability and economic prosperity. The organization works alongside the Afghan people, other nonprofits and local governments to develop programs that will create sustainable change. M2M believe women and girls are changemakers and catalysts for peace and global prosperity. Mountain2Mountain invests in the world’s most underutilized resource: women and girls on the fringe. They work in conflict regions to create education and opportunity for women and girls to be agents of change within their communities and cultures.

Recently traveling to Kubal, Shannon displayed her art exhibition; Streets of Afghanistan,  highlights the beauty and soul of the land and the people of Afghanistan while challenging existing perceptions of the war-torn country. A ground-breaking collaboration of Afghan and Western photographers through life sized photography.

Photography is a means of expression. In a place where expression is often limited, allowing photographers to see their work in their homecountry is not just allowing them to take part in an art exhibit, it’s a form of empowerment. Seeing these photographs in the US gives us insight into a world we rarely see; seeing these photographs in Afghanistan is a statement, uniting a group of artists that are committed to political change.

How can you help Galpin and M2M make a bigger difference in our world? You can vote every day for the person you think best embodies the spirit of adventure. The adventurer with the most votes on January 16, 2013, will be our new People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year.  

Vote now and help support Mountain2Mountain.

Vote at: http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/adventurers-of-the-year/2013

Mountain2Mountain Videos:

Streets of Afgan..  M2M Support

Mom, Mountain Biker, Activist, and Mountain2Mountain Founder

Photo by: Di Zinno

Photo By: Di Zinno

Photo By: Di Zinno

Photo By: Di Zinno

Photo By: Di Zinno

Photo By: Di Zinno

Photo By: Di Zinno

Istalif walk by men Photo By: Di Zinno

“THIS WAY” Spray Ice

WOW!!! There is really no other way to describe this ice formation and the way Will Gadd seems to seamlessly work his way through it. Amazing coverage and formation.

Will Gadd continues to discover new and creative ways to explore the vertical world. Defying the conventions of waterfall ice, “spray ice” clings to impossibly steep walls, giving way to ice climbing’s further evolution.

“THIS WAY” Episode 4-Spray Ice

 

Renan Ozturk on “Return to Meru”

Renan had dreamed of the remote and beautiful places like Meru. His return to Meru was a difficult and soulful alpine objective. As a climber, artist, and film producer Renan has evolved into unique “from the athlete” story-telling.

Learn More: http://thenorthface.com/meru

David Lama talks about his dream on Cerro Torre

Submitted by Dominik on 13. April 2012 – 14:23

One mountaineer, one mountain, one dream: a succinct description of the success of the Mammut Proteam athlete David Lama on the granite peak of Cerro Torre in Patagonia. After two unsuccessful attempts in the previous two years, the Tyrolean climber set off once again at the start of this year and became the first climber ever to free climb the legendary Compressor Route over the south-east ridge of Cerro Torre to reach the summit at 3,128 meters.

In an exclusive interview, David tells us about his experiences in Patagonia and sums up his alpine dream in a few simple but clear words: “Patagonia was great!”

 

 

American Museum of Fly Fishing Launches New Website to Help Anglers Catch and Release the Spirit of Fly Fishing

The American Museum of Fly Fishing Launches New Website to Help Anglers
Catch and Release the Spirit of Fly Fishing

Educational Resources, Conservation Efforts, and Sport Heritage Engage New and Experienced Anglers

Manchester, Vermont (September 12, 2012) – Continuing to share the legacy of fly fishing as well as to expand the sport, the American Museum of Fly Fishing (AMFF) has launched a new, highly informative web site at http://www.amff.com.The site features highlights of the museum’s exhibitions, permanent collections, educational resources, and upcoming activities. In order to further serve the fly fishing community, the museum will also host a number of fall events including their annual Museum Free Day, Fly Fishing Festival, and Heritage Award Dinner.

According to Catherine E. Comar, Executive Director, “Over 50 million people fly fish around the world and that number continues to grow. As a steward of angling history, as well as a resource for active participants, the American Museum of Fly Fishing strives to inspire anglers to engage in, advance, and promote the sport.” Continued Comar, “Additionally, we hope that our new site will be a vehicle to introduce, educate, and inspire more people to discover the joys of fly fishing. As the lead national museum and advocate of fly fishing, we want to be the place people come to learn all there is to know about this great sport.”

The museum will also host several events this fall to further their goal. The annual Fly Fishing Festival kicks off October 13th at the museum grounds in Manchester, Vermont and will feature casting competitions, fly tying demonstrations, vintage tackle, and educational presentations. This always-popular one-day festival attracts hundreds of enthusiastic fly fishers.  More information can be found at http://www.amff.com/fly-fishing-festival.html.

The American Museum of Fly Fishing’s mission is to be the steward of the history, traditions, and practices of the sport of fly fishing and to promote the conservation of its waters. Established in 1968 in Manchester, Vermont, the Museum serves as a home for the world’s largest historical collection of angling and angling related items including rods, reels, flies, tackle, art, and photographs dating back to the 18th century from the US and abroad. The Museum, a nationally accredited, nonprofit, educational institution, supports a publications program where books, catalogs, prints, art, and a national quarterly journal, The American Fly Fisher, are made available to the public.

The Museum’s ongoing collections and exhibitions are supported by membership, events, and donations. The Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums since 1995, one of only 4.5% of the museums in the U.S. with this designation.
For further information, hours of operation, and directions please contact, The American Museum of Fly Fishing, 4104 Main Street, Manchester, VT 05254, (802) 362-3300. http://www.amff.com

Might Mouse to the Rescue in Yosemite

Wider Warning After 3rd Yosemite Hantavirus Death

(Originally Posted by the NYTimes) http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/09/us/third-hantavirus-death-prompts-wider-warning.html?_r=1

After the death last week of a third person exposed to the deadly mouse-borne hantavirus, public health officials were expanding their warning to include more than 22,000 visitors to Yosemite National Park.

The latest victim, a West Virginia man, visited Yosemite in July. His death was confirmed on Thursday.

So far, eight people who visited the 1,100-square-mile park in California this summer have been infected. Three have died, while the five others are recovering, park officials said in a statement. Of the confirmed cases, six people are from California, one from Pennsylvania and one from West Virginia, according to the National Park Service.

Investigators initially focused their attention on cabins in the park’s Curry Village sections, where seven of those infected had stayed before falling ill. They sent e-mails and letters to more than 10,000 guests who stayed or had reservations in the cabins from June 10 through September.

When they discovered that an eighth person who fell ill had visited a different area of the park, the High Sierra Camp, health officials sent alerts to an additional 12,000 visitors, park officials said.

That eighth person camped in the wilderness in the park’s high country and stayed in a tent cabin at the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, according to park officials. His symptoms were mild, the officials said, but after he learned of the outbreak he went to a local hospital, and laboratory tests confirmed he was infected. He is expected to make a full recovery, the officials said.

There is no known cure for the hantavirus. Since the disease was first discovered in the United States in 1993, there have been 602 reported cases of infection, resulting in 216 deaths, giving it a mortality rate of 36 percent.

Dr. Pierre Rollin, one of the lead investigators for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention helping in investigating the outbreak, said that the virus itself was the same as had been seen in past years.

“What is unusual is to have an outbreak concentrated in one area like this,” he said.

Hantavirus is common in deer mice. A survey by the California Department of Public Health in 2010 found that 18 percent of the mice tested in Yosemite carried the virus.

However, transmission to humans remains rare. A person can be infected if they come into contact with the feces or urine of mice carrying the virus.

The type of hantavirus in the United States is not believed to be transmissible from person to person.

People infected with the virus generally begin to show symptoms one to five weeks after exposure, according to the C.D.C.

Early symptoms include “fatigue, fever and muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups — thighs, hips, back and sometimes shoulders,” according to the C.D.C.

“There may also be headaches, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems, such as nausea,vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain,” according to the agency.

In as little as four to 10 days, the symptoms can become more severe. Patients can suffershortness of breath and coughing as the lungs fill with fluid. The C.D.C. Web site quotes one survivor as saying that it felt as if he had a “tight band around my chest and a pillow over my face.”

Park officials at Yosemite have set up a hot line for visitors concerned that they may have been exposed. Since the first warnings were issued, it has been flooded with thousands of calls.

Health officials warned that more infections could be reported. Some four million people from around the world visit the park each year.

The outbreak prompted the World Health Organization to issue a global alert of its own for travelers to any country to avoid exposure to rodents.

Dr. Rollin said that doctors in other countries were investigating possible infections, but no one was confirmed to have the virus.

Despite the lack of a cure, Don Neubacher, the superintendent of Yosemite, said in a statement that it was important for people who think they might have been infected to get medical care.

“We want to make sure that visitors have clear information about this rare virus and understand the importance of early medical care,” he said. “We continue to work closely with state and national public health officials, and we urge visitors who may have been exposed to hantavirus to seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.”

 

Epic TV Interivew: Alpinist Conrad Anker

One of our favorite guys and athletes that we love to follow was recently interviewed by Epic TV:

When Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk made the first ascent of The Shark’s Fin on Meru Central in autumn 2011 the climbing world called it ‘next level alpinism.’ This spring, after getting shut down by poor conditions on the West Ridge of Everest, Anker quietly swung around to the South Col route and climbed the peak … without oxygen.

Despite his successful climbing achievements, Anker’s career hasn’t been without hardship. In this interview, he talks about the highs and lows of a long career of pushing the limits in the mountains.

Epic TV Interview