The Latest Plan to Jumpstart Nepal's Tourism Economy? Slash Insurance Costs For Mountain Expeditions

Monday, 21 December 2015

The Latest Plan to Jumpstart Nepal's Tourism Economy? Slash Insurance Costs For Mountain Expeditions

We all know that Nepal has suffered greatly since the April 25 earthquake that left parts of the country in ruins. It has been a long, difficult struggle to even begin the rebuilding process, with some areas still waiting to see any positive results. And beyond the physical damage that is still being cleaned up, the Nepal's economy has suffered greatly, no small part thanks to the adventure travel market taking a nose dive in the wake of the disaster. But now, the Department of Tourism there has come up with a plan to help revive the economy, and it involves cutting the costs of a trip at the expense of reducing the price of insurance for guides and porters, with premiums dropping accordingly as well.

According to Bahadur Karki, the head of the Nepali Department of Tourism, a proposal has been sent up the ranks in the government that calls for a substantial reduction in the costs of both rescue and health insurance for workers who are taking part in a trekking or mountaineering expedition to any of the 188 peaks that are below 6500 meters (21,325 ft). The DoT has recommended that insurance premiums be reduced to $3000 for guides and porters, and $2000 for Base Camp staff. Furthermore, rescue insurance is being dropped from $10,000 down to $4000 for anyone on those expeditions as well.

In other words, this means that should something happen to the staff on an expedition, the payout that they receive would be cut dramatically. $3000 for guides and porters who could be sidelined by an accident is not much money, and could leave their families scrambling to pay for medical bills and covering their bills while the person recovers. Worse yet, if a helicopter is used to extract that person from the mountain, only $4000 of the bill will actually be paid. Considering how expensive it is to take a helicopter flight, that won't even come close to picking up the tab for such a rescue, which can easily exceed $10,000.

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Winter Climbs 2016: Work Begins on Nanga Parbat

Winter has now officially arrived here in the northern hemisphere, and that means it is time for the very tough and challenging winter climbing season to begin as well. This year, the focus will be placed squarely on Nanga Parbat, the 8126 meter (26,660 ft) mountain located in Pakistan that is one of just two eight-thousand meter peaks that have yet to be climbed in winter. The other is K2 of course, which won't see any teams on its slopes this year. But as I write this, at least five teams are either on Nanga or will be arriving soon, with the race to be the first to top out starting today.

The first team to arrive was the Polish Justice For All squad. They've been on the mountain for nearly a week already, and have been busy setting up Base Camp, organizing their gear, and acclimatizing on some treks throughout the region. But now that winter is officially here, they'll begin the arduous task of shuttling equipment up the slopes as they start to build the series of camps that could eventually grant them access to the summit.

This team has been on the mountain before, and the Poles have a rich history of winter ascents. As usual, they have come well prepared for the challenges ahead, and have already stated that they are ready to stay in place all season long if it means they can finally climb Nanga Parbat. We'll see if it actually comes to that.

Simone Moro and Tamara Lunger should also be on the mountain by now, although it is unclear exactly where they are located at the moment. They've been in Pakistan for several weeks now, and arrived in Skardu on December 9, which should have put them in position to reach Nanga ahead of the start of winter. Simone also has quite a history with winter climbing, although he and Lunger were forced to cancel their expedition last year. They're hoping for more success this time out however, and as a result they have arrived in country a bit earlier. Unlike the Polish squad though, they will be attempting to climb in a lighter fashion, as it is just the two of them working the route.

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Friday, December 18, 2015

Video: The Himalaya in Timelapse

Shot at various places in the Himalaya, this video takes us into the mountains, giving us a glimpse of the snowcapped peaks that the region is so well know for. Along the way, you'll also see Buddhist temples, stupas, villages, and a wide variety of other interesting features. This is a three-minute trip through one of the most spectacularly beautiful parts of the world, and a perfect way to round out our week.

And when you're ready to visit the Himalaya for yourself, check out all of the options thatMountain Travel Sobek has to offer. The company not only offers trips to Nepal and Tibet, but Bhutan and India as well. No matter which part of the Himalaya that you'd like to visit, chances are MTS can take you there.

Revisiting Himalayas from Anurag Jetly on Vimeo.

Video: Yellowstone in Winter

It's no secret that Yellowstone National Park is one of my favorite places on Earth. With its unique geothermal formations, wonderful wildlife, and enchanting landscapes, it is a place that every outdoor adventurer should visit at least once. But as great as it is during the summer, it is even more amazing in the winter, when the place is nearly empty, and blanket of fresh snow covers everything. To get a sense of what that is like, check out this video which takes us around the park to examine some of the sights during the cold, snowy winter months. Simply beautiful.

National Geographic Explores the Lure of K2

K2 may not be seeing any climbers this winter, but the world's second tallest mountain is never far from the thoughts of the mountaineering community. Last month, a new book called The Ghosts of K2: The Epic Saga of the First Ascent was released. It is written by a man named Mick Conefrey, who helped make a BBC documentary about the mountain . While making that film, Conefrey was fortunate enough to meet a number of the climbers who have taken on K2 over the years, and from those interviews and interactions, he decided to forge ahead with the book, which not only recounts the tale of Italian climbers Achille Compagnoni and Lindo Lacedelli reaching the summit for the first time, but previous attempts to climb the mountain as well.

Earlier in the week, National Geographic posted an interview with Conefrey about his books, the lure of K2, and why it is held in such high regard amongst the top mountaineers in the world. In that interview, he talks about how the mountain got its name, what makes it such a dangerous place, and the strange first attempt to climb it by oculist Aleister Crowley back in 1902. If you think K2 is tough now, imagine what it must have been like more than a hundred years ago, when the gear used by climbers wasn't anywhere close to what was used to finally summit the mountain in 1954, let alone now.

Conefrey goes on to talk about the legendary American expedition – led by Charlie Houston – in 1953, as well as the ways K2 tests climbers, both physically and mentally. He also touches on the "curse" of K2 for women climbers, and what the author learned about the mountain by talking to survivors of numerous K2 expeditions.

All in all, an interesting read about a mountain that casts a very large literal and figurative shadow over the mountaineering world. And if you'd like to learn more about it, the BBC documentary that Conefrey made can be watched in its entirety below. It is an eye-opening film, even for those of us who know a few things about K2.

Outside Predicts the Trends of 2016

We sill have a couple more weeks to go before we drop the curtain on another year, but it is never too early to start looking ahead to 2016. With that in mind, Outsidemagazine has published an interesting article, in which the editors look into their crystal ball and make some bold predictionson the trends that will leave their mark next year.
Some of these predictions are fairly easy to make. For instance, Outside says Cuba will live up to the hype amongst travelers, and fitness trackers will continue to grow in popularity. Other items on the list are bit more of a stretch. I'm not sure that anyone will be able to run a marathon from their living room for example, and while bike-packing is on the rise, it won't supplant backpacking just yet. Outside also says that 2016 will be the year that private space travel finally comes into its own, but considering how long such a thing has been promised, I'll believe it when I see it.

Still, it is fun to take a peek over the horizon and think about the people, places, and things we'll be watching closely next year. The Olympics will take place in Rio, which will bring us a host of new athletes to admire, and there has definitely been a trend towards outdoor adventure showing up in popular media – including movies, books, and even virtual reality. All of those options will give us something to keep us occupied when we're not pursuing adventures of our own.

I won't go out on a limb and make too many predictions. I'll leave that to the experts atOutside. But I will say that I expect things to finally get back to normal on Everest after two seasons of disruptions. I also expect that there will be some bold new adventures to report on, many coming from sources we don't even know about yet, and I'm sure we'll see even better gear and equipment to get us through our personal explorations of the world around us. In short, 2016 will be like most other years. Lets all embrace it and make the most of it.

Antarctica 2015: Rest Day For Henry Worsley, Change in Route for One Skier

It has been another very long week for the Antarctic skiers. With all of the teams now out on the ice, and making their way to the South Pole, it was a time to simply focus on covering plenty of miles and making progress towards their goal. That was never easy though, as weather conditions continue to cause issues for just about everyone.

We'll start with an update on Brit Henry Worsley, who has now been skiing for 35 very long days with an awful long way yet to go before he is done. Today, Henry awoke to a bad stomach ache and weak physical condition. He tried to break camp and hit the trail despite not feeling well, but after ten minutes of effort, he decided it was best to stay in the tent instead. The rest day was much needed after battling the elements for more than a month, but he'll have to try to make up the mileage in the days ahead. Worsley now hopes to reach the Pole before New Year, which would give him approximately three and a half weeks to ski to his finishing point on the Shackleton Glacier. That is hardly assured at this point, but he is pressing ahead as best he can.

Italian kite-skier Michele Pontrandolfo has announced a change in route for his expedition. He had originally planned to ski to the Pole of Inaccessibility, but since he has had such difficulty catching the wind since his arrival on November 19, he has decided to forego that leg of his journey, and instead head straight to the Geographic South Pole instead. From there, he hopes to continue his traverse by skiing to Hercules Inlet.

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Thursday, December 17, 2015

Video: Drifting Through the Italian Alps

Take a relaxing and scenic trip through the central Italian Alps with this timelapse video. Over the course of the three-minute clip you'll get a chance to witness some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in all of Europe as we watch the clouds lazily drift by overhead. If you've ever wondered why there have been so many great Italian climbers and mountaineers over the years, take a look at the amazing playground they have at their disposal and you'll understand why. Beautiful stuff.

Heights 4K from Riccardo Mojana on Vimeo.

Video: Autonomous Drone Captures Great Mountain Biking Footage

The promise of a truly autonomous drone that can independently follow you on your adventures, recording the journey as it goes, has been dangled out there like a carrot on a stick for awhile now. But, as technology has improved, it now appears that we are getting closer to this elusive Holy Grail for aspiring adventure filmmakers. The Hexo+ is set to start shipping in early 2016, and looks like it will indeed deliver. Case in point, this video was shot by pro mountain biker Scot Pilgrim, who got to test out a prototype of the drone. As you'll see, the results are pretty impressive.

Gear Closet: Ahnu Ridgecrest Hiking Shoes

I'm lucky enough to get to test a wide variety of outdoor gear here at The Adventure Blog, including a lot of different types of footwear. In the past, I've had the opportunity to test some shoes from some of the biggest names in the outdoor industry, with some performing incredibly well, while others have left me completely disappointed. Recently, I had the chance to test a pair of hiking shoes from Ahnu for the very first time, and while it isn't a brand the is as well known as some of the others I've hiked in in the past, I came away completely impressed by the style, comfort, and quality of their products.

The new Ahnu Ridgecrest light hiking shoe is a waterproof, low-cut boot designed to take on rugged terrain and long distance trails. Unlike some other light hiking footwear that is available on the market today, this shoe is completely capable of taking on a monumental trek such as the Appalachian Trail or something similar. Rugged and durable, I have no doubt that you'll be able to walk hundreds of miles in these shoes before you'd ever need to think about replacing them.

The Ridgecrest features an eVent liner that helps to provide the waterproofing you need to keep your feet warm and dry in damp conditions. That same membrane is also breathable however, which allows heat and moisture to vent out as well. As a result, I found these shoes to be quite comfortable to wear in all but the warmest of conditions. Because they are a low-cut boot however, I'd recommend wearing gaiters with them when hiking in snow or very wet weather, as it will help to keep debris and water from seeping in over the top.

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Video Game Company CryTek Creating Virtual Reality Climbing Game

Many tech experts believe that the next big boom in the industry will come in the way of virtual reality. 2016 is shaping up to be a big year for VR with the release of theOculus Rift and Sony's Playstation VR headsets. This hardware, coupled with some state of the art videos, movies, and games, promises to revolutionize the way we experience entertainment and virtual environments. Now, a major video game company has announced that it is preparing to release a new game alongside the Oculus Rift this spring that will give players a lifelike climbing experience unlike anything they've ever seen before.

CryTek is probably best known for its Far Cry and Crysis series of action games. Both use a sophisticated 3D game engine called the CryEngine to render their virtual environments. But the company has taken that same technology and applied it to virtual reality, and is currently putting the final touches on a game called The Climb, which will drop players into "hyper-realistic climbing locations from around the world" which they'll be able to explore completely on their own.

Beyond that, not a whole lot is known about the game, although you can get a brief teaser of what to expect in the video below. It takes us to what appears to be a region of China, where you can attempt to climb some of the Karst Towers that are so famous from that country.

Obviously a VR experience will never replace going out and actually climbing yourself. But, this does look fun and interesting none the less. Not all of us get the chance to visit some of the remote locations that the game will depict, and even if we did, we probably wouldn't have the skill set necessary to climb there. Through this game, and a VR headset, we might get at least an idea of what that is like. I know I for one, would love to at least give it a try.

Take a look at the video, and tell me what you think.

Winter Climbs 2016: Teams Pre-Acclimatzing in South America, Gathering in Pakistan

The winter climbing season is nearly upon us. The season officially arrives next Monday, which is the date that several teams have circled on their calendar as the start of the big challenge ahead. This year, there will be at least five individual teams attempting the first winter ascent of Nanga Parbat, while there are none currently scheduled for K2. In the days leading up to the start of the season, the climbers are busy preparing for what promises to be a long, difficult season. And while some are acclimatizing elsewhere, others have already arrived in Pakistan and are preparing to begin.

The Polish Justice For All squad is the first to arrive in Base Camp on Nanga Parbat. The team reached Lattabo two days ago, and have been busy building their camp ever since. They've set up their satellite communications system, solar panels, tents, and other gear, and are now patiently waiting for winter to officially arrive. They won't even begin to head up the mountain until that happens, but when it does, they'll be more than ready. The team is prepared to stay on Nanga for the entire season if necessary, waiting well into March for their chance at a summit. Hopefully it won't come to that, but with fickle weather a common occurrence on the mountain, anything is possible.

Meanwhile, the duo of Simone Moro and Tamara Lunger are also in Pakistan. They arrived in Skardu last week, and while there haven't been updates since then, it is safe to assume they are now trekking towards Base Camp themselves. Depending on when they departed, they should arrive on the mountain before the start of winter as well. Simone reports that they had an armed escort with them, which is unsurprising considering the 2013 attack on Nanga Parbat BC by militants that left 11 people dead. The Pakistani government has taken strides to ensure that doesn't happen again, but it still weighs on the thoughts of climbers going there.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Video: The View From Space - An Astronaut's Perspective

Yesterday I posted a story about how NASA is now accepting applications for the next class of astronaut candidates. In case you needed some incentive as to why this is such an enticing job, we have this video to offer as visual proof. It was creating using footage of our planet that was captured from the International Space Station. As you'll see, the shots are simply incredible, giving us a perspective of our home that few of us ever get the chance to see. The clip is also narrated by astronauts who have served aboard the ISS, sharing their perspective on what it is like to look out the window and see the Pale Blue Dot from orbit.

The View From Space: An Astronaut's Perspective from The Royal Institution on Vimeo.

Video: More Than Just Parks - Acadia

Our friends from More Than Just Parks have returned with another stunning video, this time taking us on an incredible journey through Acadia National Park. Tucked away in the wilds of Maine, Acadia is one of those places that many travelers forget about when planning a visit to a park. But as you'll seen in this video, that is a major mistake. With its beautiful coastline, thick forests, and high bluffs, Acadia ranks right up there with the best parks in the entire U.S. system, and it is a can't-miss destination if you're heading to the northeast part of the country.

For those unfamiliar with the More Than Just Parks project, it is the brainchild of brothers Will and Jim Pattiz. Their goal is to create a short film for all 59 of America's national parks, and each of their works has been amazing so far. Be sure to watch this one, than jump over to the MTJP website to see their other videos as well.

MTJP | Acadia from More Than Just Parks on Vimeo.

Gear Closet: The BloomSky Weather Station

As outdoor enthusiasts, the weather often plays a major role in determining when we can and can't go outside to enjoy the activities the we love so much. If you're like me, you probably spend an inordinate amount of time checking the forecast and current conditions to help to determine when is the best possible time to be outside, and just how you should dress for the occasion. At times, you might have even wished that you could own your own personal weather station that could provide updates and information on the conditions that exist right outside your door. Well, if that has ever been something you've dreamed of, than you're definitely going to want to take a look at BloomSky, a device designed to provide accurate weather information and a whole lot more.

Packed with a host of high-tech sensors, BloomSky is a device that you set up outside your home, office, or other location to record and share weather data. It can detect temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, the current level of UV radiation, and precipitation. That information is than shared directly with you via a smartphone app, which can also be configured to provide alerts based on changing conditions.

As if that wasn't enough, the BloomSky weather station also features a built-in camera, which can be accessed via the app as well. The camera can provide a wide-angle image of the sky or the area that surrounds the device at any given time during the day. Those images are even saved up as the hours pass, providing a nice time-lapse video of how things unfolded from dusk until dawn.

Setting up the BloomSky is a breeze, and takes just a matter of moments. Do to so, you must first download the app to your iPhone or Android phone, and create an account. Once you've done that, you'll be able to manage your devices, giving it its own unique name and configuring a few basic settings. The most important of those settings is granting it access to your WiFi network, which is how the weather station shares its data. That means that when you pick a spot outside, it also has to be within range of a wireless network, otherwise you won't be able to connect to it.

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Final 2015 Adventure Racing World Series Rankings Revealed

With the Adventure Racing World Championships being held in Brazil last month, another season of the AR World Series has come to a close. Earlier in the week, the final rankings for 2015 were released, and for those of us who follow the sport closely there are some familiar names at the top. 

The rankings are a result of how teams finish over the course of the entire season, which began last February at the GODZone Race in New Zealand and wrapped up at Pantanal Pro in Brazil. Each team receives a point value based on their performance, although sometimes their overall score is skewed by how often they race. Still, the best teams do tend to gravitate to the top of the list, and the best team in the world is definitely ranked number one in my opinion. So, without further ado, here how the top adventure racing teams stacked up, along with their point totals for the season:

1 - Seagate - 700
2 - Columbia Oncosec - 556
3 - Adventure Medical Kits - 458
4 - Haglöfs Silva - 398
5 - Swedish Armed Forces Adventure Team - 371
6 - Raidlight-Naturex - 364
7 - Merrell - 355
8 - GODZone Adventure Team - Expedicion Guarani - 338
9 - Peak Performance 306
10 - YogaSlackers - 275
11 - Estonian ACE Adventure - 223
11 - France Green Caffte Costa Rica - 223
13 - R'ADYS Team Switzerland - 218
14 - Ecuador Movistar - 183
15 - Arverne Outdoor - 176
16 - Bivouac Inov-8 - 160
17 - Sweco Adventure - 150
18 - Fenix Multisport - Adidas - 133
19 - DART Nuun - 108
20 - Chimpanzee Bar - 105
20 - Kailash Brou Aventuras - 105

The 2016 season will begin in February at the Maya Mountain Adventure Challenge in Belize, and the ARWS will have another full schedule of events planned for the months that will follow. It should be another interesting year, with some great races set to take place on five continents, including the World Championships being held in Australia.

30 Fantastic Things To Do In Winter

We're now less than a week away from the official start of winter, and for many people that means shutting down their outdoor adventures until the arrival of spring. But for those of us who don't see a little cold weather and snow as a barrier to being outside, it is just another time of year to pursue our passions. To help us in that area, Outsidemagazine has compiled a list of the 30 best things to do in winter, giving us a bucket list for the season ahead.

Most of Outside's suggestions are approachable, even if they seem like something that would be tough to accomplish. For instance, they start the list by recommending we all go skiing with Chris Davenport, one of the most accomplished ski-mountaineers ever. At first glance, you're apt to ask yourself how that would ever be possible, but it turns out Davenport is going to be guiding on Aspen Mountain in March, and if you have enough cash you can join him.

Other suggestions are a bit more reasonable. For instance, they offer suggestions on where you can drive a snowcat or go fat tire biking. There are also options for soaking in a hot spring, going heli-skiing on a budget, and climbing and skiing a volcano. In short, there are so many possibilities on the list that you'll likely need ten winters to accomplish them all.

I like this list because it eliminates the excuses that many people make for not enjoying the winter season. Sure, its cold and windy, but that's also part of the fun. With the right gear however, you can spend all day outdoors and still be very comfortable. Besides, as an avid lover of the outdoors, why would you ever want to spend an entire season avoiding the elements, when you could be embracing them for an even more fulfilling experience. Winter is nearly here. Enjoy it to the fullest!

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Video: The Trail to Kazbegi - Mountain Biking Through the Caucasus Mountains

Looking for a healthy dose of adventure today? Check out this video that follows a team of four mountain bikers on a 10-day journey through the Caucasus Mountains in the country of Georgia. Along the way they discover a host of challenges that include raging rivers, snowcapped peaks, trails that feature tough climbs and blistering descents, and so much more. This is an expedition to a part of the world that doesn't see many outsiders, let alone ones riding along on mountain bikes. The short film gives us a taste of that experience, along with some amazing views of the landscapes they discovered along the way.

The Trail To Kazbegi from Joey Schusler on Vimeo.

Video: Official Trailer for Kissing the Rock - Documentary About the Hardrock 100 Endurance Race

The Hardrock 100 is considered one of the toughest ultramarathons to take place in the U.S. each year. It is run on a 100 mile (160 km) loop through Colorado's San Juan Mountains that is well known for its difficulty. Because of this, the race has garnered quite a following, with many endurance athletes seeing it as a bit of a throwback event that requires more grit and determination to overcome.

The video below is a trailer for a new film called Kissing the Rock that is scheduled for release in early 2016. The documentary will take us behind the scenes of the Hardrock, giving us insights into its origins, what it takes to run the event, and what makes it special. Judging from the trailer, this film is going to be special too.

Gear Closet: Eddie Bauer Kara Koram 0º Sleeping Bag

We're living in a golden age of sleeping bag technology. Not only have our bags gotten lighter, warmer, and more packable, they now come with a wide variety of insulation types designed to perform better in difficult situations. Case in point, is the 0º Kara Koram sleeping bag from Eddie Bauer, a comfortable, well made product that is designed for cold weather expeditions where space is at a premium and getting a good night's sleep is crucial.

The Kara Koram line of sleeping bags continues Eddie Bauer's recent trend of creating high quality outdoor gear designed for use in the mountains. The company originally made a name for itself back in the 1940's and 50's by making great outdoor gear that was made for use on expeditions to remote places. But over the years the brand became more consumer focused, moving away from the rich heritage that it had in exploration and adventure. However, a few years back, the company launched its First Ascent line of gear, which was an attempt to get back to its roots. That gear was extremely well received, and got rave reviews from those who used it. In fact, some of my favorite pieces of gear that I own are from the First Ascent line, and I have loved everything that I've used. This sleeping bag is a continuation of Eddie Bauer refocusing on the outdoor market, and it delivers on the promise of high quality gear that is built to perform well in demanding conditions.

One of the first things that struck me about the Kara Koram bag was just how well it is built. Every aspect of the sleeping bag screams high quality, from the fabrics used on the outer shell, to the zippers, inner lining, and even the stitching that holds it all together. This feels like a product that can accompany you on many adventures, and come back in perfect shape. That kind of confidence is difficult to find in a lot of outdoor gear, but you'll feel it here.

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NASA is Now Accepting Applications for Astronauts!

Have you always dreamed of becoming an astronaut? Do you see traveling through space  as the ultimate adventure? Well, today just might be your lucky day, because for the first time in more than four years, NASA has begun taking applications for prospective astronauts to join the U.S. space program, potentially making a lifelong dream come true for a few lucky people.

You can read the full job description – and start the application process – by clicking here. As you can imagine, there is a lot of interesting information to be found there. For instance, did you know that the salary range for an astronaut candidate is between $66,026.00 and $144,566.00 per year? And of course, the "openings" for this position are in Houston, Texas, which may be viewed as a downside of this job. Still, if accepted you could be in line to go into space and potentially live aboard the International Space Station or take part in another manned mission at some point.

The application indicates that there are now more manned spacecraft in development in the U.S. than at any other time in history. In fact, astronaut candidates could travel not just on the ISS, but two commercially developed spacecraft, as well as NASA's very ownOrion deep-space exploration vehicle which could one day take us to Mars.

Obviously the competition for the few astronaut positions that are open will be tough, and the vast majority of us have no chance. But, you never know what kind of people NASA will be looking for to take part in the next phase of manned space flight. Those with backgrounds in science will obviously be best suited for the job, but those with experience in technology, aviation, exercise physiology, and nursing are also encouraged to apply.

There is a lot more to the job description and application process, so if you're interested, I'd encourage you to read more about the requirements. Even if you know you're not bound for space, it still makes for an interesting read.

Antarctica 2015: One Skier Calls It Quits, Vinson Team Heading Home

It has been another busy couple of days in the Antarctic since we last checked in on the progress of the explorers and adventurers who are making their way across the frozen continent. Most of the teams continue to battle difficult conditions as they make their way towards the Pole, with some making steady progress towards their goals. But realty has set in for one skier, while a group of stranded climbers is now on its way back home.

We'll start today's update with the Madison Mountaineering team. The group of five climbers, which includes team leader Garrett Madison, reach the summit of Mt. Vinson back on December 7. But when they attempted to descend the mountain they found themselves pinned down by high winds, and were forced to stay at High Camp for three days while they waited for conditions to improve. They were finally able to descend on December 10, and flew back to Union Glacier the same day. They remained at the ice camp there for an additional four days before catching a flight out to Punta Arenas yesterday. They are all now safe back in Chile, catching their breath, and preparing to head home. The expedition was a very successful one, even if the weather extended the schedule by a few extra days.

Meanwhile, South Pole skier Khai Nguyen has revealed that he will be abandoning his attempt to reach 90ºS. Over the weekend he posted a dispatch that indicated that while he had prepared for the difficult journey, it was proving to be more challenging than he had suspected. In fact, he found that he couldn't keep up the pace and still have a hope of reaching the finish line before the final flight out of the season, which takes place on January 27. So, rather than slow down his teammates – guide Carl Alvy and fellow skierEmma Kelty – Khai has decided to go home. It appears he was picked up on Sunday, and very well may have caught the same flight out to Punta Arenas that the Vinson climbers did. For her part, Emma reports that the team is now approaching their first degree, and that they are picking up the pace and finding a good rhythm.