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01/10/12--04:00: Epic Pass holders can ski Big Sky for free (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Skiing, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations

The Epic Season Pass is an amazing deal for avid skiers. For one fee, it allows unlimited skiing and snowboarding in some of the best resorts in Colorado and the Tahoe region, including Vail, Breckenridge, Heavenly, Arapahoe Basin, and more. The trouble is, those resorts haven't been getting their usual allotments of snow so far this winter, which has made for some less than ideal conditions on the slopes.

Enter Big Sky Resort in Montana, where the snow has more than lived up to expectations so far. With a current base depth of 30-45 inches, Big Sky has more than 3000 skiable acres, and 131 of its 155 named runs, open to the public. That means plenty of great skiing on a mountain so large that you'll often find yourself completely alone, even on a busy day.

Due to their relatively bountiful snowfalls, Big Sky has decided to share the wealth with less fortunate skiers living in other parts of the country. For the entire month of January, Epic Pass holder can ski Big Sky for free, provided they book lodging for the duration of their stay at the resort. They'll even extend their "Bring a Buddy" program to allow non-Epic Pass holders to ski at discounted rates as well. Full details on the promotion can be found here.

I was lucky enough to be in Big Sky last January and it truly is a great place to ski or ride. There are tons of excellent trails, plenty of lifts, and wonderful snow conditions. So while you wait for winter to catch-up with the rest of the country, consider a visit to Montana for a little fun in the snow.

Epic Pass holders can ski Big Sky for free originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/11/12--05:00: New round-the-world sailing speed record set (chan 1315308)

Filed under: History, Learning, News

A 130-foot trimaran yacht, with a crew of 14, set a new speed record for sailing around the globe last Friday when it returned to port in Brest, France. The ship, which is named the Maxi Banque Populaire V, shaved nearly three days off the previous record, and earned the crew the coveted Jules Verne Trophy in the process.

The ship, which featured a mostly French crew, set sail on November 22nd of last year and managed to circumnavigate the globe in just 45 days, 13 hours, 42 minutes, and 53 seconds. That beats the previous record, set in 2010, by more than 2 days, 18 hours. While out on the water, the speedy yacht logged more than 29,000 miles and had an average speed of 26.5 knots.

By setting the new round-the-world mark, the ship and her crew now hold the Jules Verne Trophy. Named for the famous author, whose seminal work of travel-fiction Around the World in 80 Days has inspired many adventures, the cup is awarded to the yacht that holds the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the planet. It was first given out back in 1993, when the record set at the time was 79 days, 6 hours. Less than 20 years later, we've now managed to cut that time almost in half. It seems only a matter of time before someone manages to sail around the globe in less than 40 days.

New round-the-world sailing speed record set originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/12/12--05:00: The national parks are fee-free this weekend (chan 1315308)

To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the National Park Service will host its first fee-free weekend of 2012 this week. Starting Saturday, January 14 and running through Monday, January 16, the entry fee for more than 397 national parks and monuments across the U.S. will be waived completely.

A number of the parks and monuments will be honoring the civil rights activist with special ceremonies and events throughout the weekend. The newly opened MLK Memorial in Washington, D.C., for instance, will have rangers on hand to discuss Dr. King's pivotal role in seeking equality for all races, while the MLK National Historic Site in Georgia will host a special program on Sunday that examines King's legacy.

Of course, there are always a host of other activities to do in the parks as well and the winter months often bring unique opportunities to these scenic places. I'd recommend snowshoeing in Yellowstone, hiking in Yosemite, or even paddling the Everglades. After all, without an entrance fee, there's no excuse not to go.

If you can't make it to your favorite park this weekend, never fear. The Park Service has a number of other free days scheduled for the year, with your next opportunity coming on April 21-29 in celebration of National Park Week.

For a complete list of the national parks that will be fee-free this weekend, click here.

The national parks are fee-free this weekend originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/13/12--05:00: Build your own adventure with the Africa Safari Planner (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Australia, Hotels and Accommodations, Ecotourism, Internet Tools, Luxury Travel

The Africa Safari Planner, a newly launched website from adventure travel company Natural Habit Adventures, gives travelers the ability to create their own custom trips to the African bush. The site, which launched earlier this week, provides options to visit nine different countries, and stay in over 300 unique camps, while encountering some of the most spectacular wildlife on the planet.

The process begins by selecting which months you would prefer to travel in, and indicating the number of people in your group. From there, you'll be presented with options for travel in both Eastern and Southern Africa, in such countries as Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia. After selecting a starting destination, travelers are then given the choice of several single and multi-country routes for their African adventure, which then prompts the site to suggest possible camps to stay in for each day of the journey. Those camps are broken down into categories based on price, giving the customer the ability to budget accordingly.

That said, there isn't much that is "budget" about these tours. They definitely fall into the upscale category, and travelers on these custom safaris aren't exactly roughing it. No matter which camps they choose to visit, they'll have their own comfortable rooms, complete with large beds and private showers. They'll also enjoy gourmet meals in spacious dining rooms and access to a host of other amenities while at the lodge. Of course, you don't go to Africa to hang out at the lodge, and each of the camps offers unique options for viewing the wildlife as well.

If you're looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey, and don't mind paying for it, then this is an excellent tool for creating your own custom safari itinerary. There are less expensive alternatives for booking a trip to Africa, but few offer this kind of flexibility and options for travelers.

Build your own adventure with the Africa Safari Planner originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/14/12--05:00: Italian climber first to scale "Second Seven Summits" (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Climbing, History, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Antarctica, News

An Italian climber by the name of Hans Kammerlander has become the first person to climb the "Second Seven Summits" after topping out on Mt. Tyree in Antarctica last week. This unique distinction was earned by climbing the second highest peaks on each of the seven continents - a feat that most mountaineers feel is far more difficult than the traditional Seven Summits.

In addition to Mt. Tyree, the Second Seven Summits consist of Ojos del Salado (22,614 ft) in South America, Mt. Kenya (17,057 ft) in Africa, Mt. Logan (19,550 ft) in North America, Dychtau (17,073 ft) in Europe, Puncak Trikora (15,518 ft) in Oceania, and K2 in Asia. Kammerlander knocked off K2, quite possibly the hardest climb in the world, back in 2001, but had no idea that he would go on to climb the other Second Seven at the time.

In 2009 he traveled to South America, and successfully climbed Ojos del Salado, located along the border of Argentina and Chile. It was after that expedition that he began to form a plan to take on the remaining five. The past two years have been focused on those mountains, and his quest to climb them all ended on January 3rd at the summit of Tyree.

The Italian mountaineer has had a long and storied career in the high places of the Earth before accomplishing this feat. He has knocked off 13 of the 14 8000-meter peaks and opened new routes on some of the world's most iconic mountains, including Cho Oyu and Annapurna.

It doesn't seem that the 55-year old is ready to hang up his crampons just yet.

[Photo courtesy of Hans Kammerlander]

Italian climber first to scale "Second Seven Summits" originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/15/12--05:00: Lack of snow brings rare opportunities in Yosemite National Park (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Hiking, North America, United States

The calendar may say that its winter in the U.S., but you wouldn't know it based on the weather. Large portions of the country have experienced warmer than normal temperatures, and snowfall across the western states has been practically non-existent in many areas. This hasn't been especially good news to areas that depend on skiers to help bolster their local economy, but it has presented some rare opportunities to visit certain destinations that would normally be sealed off to travelers this time of year.

A perfect example of this is in Yosemite National Park in California, which is well known for receiving large amounts of snow each year. In fact, certain sections of the park, especially at higher altitude, are often inaccessible starting in November and lasting well into April and beyond. That hasn't been the case this winter however, and as a result, the park remains open, offering unprecedented winter access to some of the its more remote regions.

Take for example the Tioga Pass Road, which is considered one of the most scenic drives in all of the National Parks. The narrow, twisty highway winds its way past Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows, home to dozens of Giant Sequoias, while the Sierra Nevada Mountains tower over head. It is a breathtaking and beautiful ride any time of the year, but by mid-January, the road has usually been closed for the winter. It is not uncommon to have ten or more feet of snow blocking the route and preventing passage, but not so this year, as the road is currently wide open for travelers.



Continue reading Lack of snow brings rare opportunities in Yosemite National Park

Lack of snow brings rare opportunities in Yosemite National Park originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/16/12--05:00: Gadling gear review: Bogs Jamison Boots (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Hiking, Gear, Gadling Gear Review

When packing for a trip, one of the most important decisions we make is what shoes to bring along. Usually we know that we're going to be busy, and on our feet a lot, so comfort is always a consideration, but versatility doesn't hurt either - especially if you prefer to travel light. That's why the Jamison boots from Bogs are such a great choice for active travelers, as they manage to be stylish and comfortable, while providing plenty of protection from the elements, at the same time.

Bogs has built its reputation by designing boots that are rugged and tough, which has made them a favorite in workplaces ranging from farms to construction sites. But the Jamison is one of their first attempts at creating a hiking shoe, and in that arena I feel they get mixed marks. While these boots are more than capable on the trail, I believe there are better options out there from companies that specialize in hiking boot, as these felt a bit heavy and cumbersome while on extended hikes.

That said, the Jamison boot brings a lot to the table that does make them easy to recommend for travelers. As noted several times already, they are quite comfortable to wear, even over an extended period of time. They're also completely waterproof, which comes in handy whether you're caught in a sudden rainstorm or visiting a destination well known for its inclement weather. These shoes also happen to be plenty warm as well, which make them an ideal choice for cold weather adventures. But be warned, I did find them to be almost too warm at times, although I fully admit that my feet tend to run hot anyway.

While putting the Jamison boots through their paces, I was impressed with how well they handled the wear and tear of regular, day-to-day use. While it took very little time to get through the initial break in phase, my pair continues to look like I just took them out of the box. This speaks volumes about the build quality of these shoes, which seem like they'll be accompanying me on my travels for years to come.


Continue reading Gadling gear review: Bogs Jamison Boots

Gadling gear review: Bogs Jamison Boots originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/17/12--05:00: Explorer Mark Wood reaches South Pole, completes first half of journey (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Activism, Skiing, Antarctica, News

Back in November, we told you about British adventurer Mark Wood, who was preparing to set out on an epic adventure. Mark was hoping to become the first person to make back-to-back journeys to the North and South Pole on foot, and at the time he was getting ready to travel to Antarctica to start his expedition. Fast forward a few months, and Wood has now reached the South Pole, successfully completing the first phase of his journey.

Last Monday, after 50 days on the ice, Wood officially reached the bottom of the world - 90º South. That was pretty much exactly on schedule for what he had predicted, which is remarkable considering he had to deal with challenging surface conditions, unpredictable weather, equipment failures, and whiteout conditions for much of the way. All told, Wood covered about 680 miles on skis, all the while towing a sled laden with his gear and supplies.

Despite the fact that it has now been more than a week since he completed his journey, Mark remains stranded at a research station located near the Pole. Bad weather has prevented a plane from coming to pick him up, although conditions are expected to improve this week. When they do, he'll get airlifted back to Chile, where he'll take some time to reorganize his gear, and recuperate, before immediately flying off to Canada to start the next phase of the expedition.

While skiing to the South Pole is an impressive accomplishment, traveling to the North Pole is considerably more challenging. The journey will be similar in that Wood will go on skis, once again pulling his sled behind him, but while the Antarctic is ice formed over solid ground, the Arctic consists of giant slabs of ice floating on top of an ocean. As a result, Wood will face much more unstable ground and will have to navigate around or across large areas of open water. That open water has become much more prevalent in open years thanks to global climate change.


Continue reading Explorer Mark Wood reaches South Pole, completes first half of journey

Explorer Mark Wood reaches South Pole, completes first half of journey originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/18/12--05:00: National Geographic and AllTrails.com partner on map website (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Biking, Hiking, Learning, North America, United States, Camping, Internet Tools

National Geographic Maps and AllTrails.com have announced that they are joining forces to create a new online resource for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The new venture will provide a wealth of information on hiking trails from across the United States, while mixing in elements of social networking and member generated content.

AllTrails.com already sports an impressive database of more than 40,000 trails and a membership that tops more than 200,000 users. Those members rate the trails on a scale of one to five stars, while also sharing their personal experiences and tips from their favorite routes as well. The site includes detailed information on the hikes, such as overall length of the trail, change in elevation, allowed activities (hiking, mountain biking, etc.) and a measure of how potentially crowded it could be. In short, it's a one-stop shop for anyone looking for new hikes in their area or for suggestions for other places to trek throughout the country.

Visitors to AllTrails.com are encouraged to create a member profile, or simply sign-in using their Facebook account, and contribute to the growing community of hikers, backpackers, and other outdoor enthusiasts there. The site automatically recommends trails close to home, and allows users to save routes to your "favorites" lists, while also making it incredibly easy to share those same hikes with others. The site also includes a reputation system that allows members to follow other users whose interests match theirs, while also building a following of their own.

In the weeks ahead, AllTrails will expand their site and introduce a new premium service that will offer exclusive online access to National Geographic's iconic line of maps, including their Trails Illustrated and Topo! Series. These maps are incredibly detailed and are a fantastic resource for hikers and backpackers everywhere. Perhaps best of all however, is the fact that this deal extends to the AllTrails mobile app, granting access to those Nat Geo maps while on the go as well.

There is no word yet on how much the new premium service will cost, or when it will officially launch, but it is likely to be a popular one with outdoor enthusiasts. Nat Geo's topographic data is second to none, and having access to it in a digital format will certainly be a major feather in the cap for the AllTrails website.

National Geographic and AllTrails.com partner on map website originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/18/12--13:30: Rent the Acropolis for just $2000 a day (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Europe, Greece, News

Desperate times require desperate measures. That seems to be the mantra coming out of Greece these days, where the country has gone from debating whether or not it should lease out the Acropolis to just how much they should charge. Yesterday, the Greek cultural ministry announced that it will begin renting some of its most well known, and iconic, archeological sites, starting with the Acropolis itself, for about $2000 per day.

Members of the cultural ministry were quick to point out that leasing the monument, which happen to be a World Heritage Site, would come with a number of strict stipulations. For instance, it would only be available for advertising firms wanting to use the ancient ruins as part of a photo shoot, or for demonstrators looking for a place to stage a protest. The cost could be as low as 1600 euros (roughly $2057) per day however, which makes it a relative bargain for a place with so much history.

As you can imagine, archaeologists are less than thrilled at the thought of Greece renting out its historical sites. Critics of the plan fearing further damage to the already fragile ruins and a perceived cheapening of history itself. But the ministry says that the plan only makes good economic sense, and that all funds raised in this manner would go directly towards the maintenance of the sites themselves. At this point, with the government already strapped for cash, they need all the help they can get.

While this news is a bit sad, it could have easily been worse. Considering the fact that Greece is facing major debt default in March, we should feel lucky they aren't selling the corporate naming rights to these sites like many sports franchises. One can only imagine how much revenue The Amazon Acropolis or the Delphi Oracle by Google could have brought in.


[Photo credit: Steve Swayne via WikiMedia Commons]

Rent the Acropolis for just $2000 a day originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/19/12--05:00: Proposed national recreation area could mean vistors, revenue for Texas (chan 1315308)

According to a study by the National Parks Conservations Association, a proposed national recreation area along the Gulf Coast of Texas could bring a host of benefits to the state, including more visitors, jobs, and revenue. The creation of this new recreation area would also have the added benefit of protecting the coastline from hurricane damage, while preserving the fragile ecosystems that exists there.

Plans for the so-called Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area came about when prominent local businessman John Nau and former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker put together a team to investigate the possibilities of creating such a preserve. The proposed site would span four Texas counties, including Matagorda, Brazoria, Galveston, and Chambers. That region was specifically chosen for its outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation and the existing infrastructure of both publicly and privately managed lands.

When the NPCA got wind of the plans back in December, they immediately went to work conducting their own research on the possible economic impact of the new national recreation area. Their findings bode well for the future economic healthy of the region. The organization predicts that creating the NRA would triple the number of visitors to the region in the first ten years alone, which translates to a projected $192 million in local revenue, along with more than 5200 jobs.

Economic gains aren't the only touted benefits for the new NRA either. The designated lands would also serve as a buffer from powerful storms coming out of the Gulf of Mexico, helping to mitigate damage to property further inland and keeping flood waters to a minimum as well. Furthermore, residents living in and around the recreation area would also see a rise in their quality of life too. Having a fantastic, and federally protected, outdoor playground in their backyard, provides unhindered access to nature that might not be there if the land isn't protected.

The NPCA report notes that the designation of the new National Recreation Area won't result in the economic benefits alone, but will lay down the ground work to facilitate development of the region. A coordinated approach to that development could turn the Texas Gulf Coast into a premiere outdoor destination however, which could attract hundreds of thousands of visitors on an annual basis.

Having visited this area myself, I can say that it is already a good destination for outdoor enthusiasts. That said however, it has the potential to be even more amazing if it garners the national recreation area designation. That would not only protect it for future generations to enjoy as well, but help facilitate the development of an infrastructure that will make it more accessible as well.

[Map courtesy Dan Servian, Direwolf Graphics]

Proposed national recreation area could mean vistors, revenue for Texas originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/20/12--05:00: Travel company to host third annual cycling film festival (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Biking, Arts and Culture, Festivals and Events, North America, United States

Ciclismo Classico, an adventure travel company that specializes in bike tours, has put out a call for entries for their third annual film festival to be held later this spring. The event gives aspiring filmmakers the chance to show off their skills, while also earning them an opportunity to win a cycling trip of their choice.

The event, which is the only film fest in the U.S. dedicated solely to bike travel, will take place May 17th in the Regent Theater in Arlington, MA. The evening will feature some of the best short, independent films that highlight the joy and adventure of two-wheeled travel, whether that's around the block or around the globe. The only stipulations are that the film must be between 3 minutes and one hour in length and focuses exclusively on cycling travel.

The entry fee for the competition is just $25, although entries received before February 1st receive a $5 early-bird discount. All submissions are due by March 1st and the selection committee will notify the filmmakers of their inclusion in the festival by early April. The ultimate winner, which will be selected by a grand jury on the night of the festival, will receive a Ciclismo Classico cycling tour valued at $2600. An additional winner will be awarded at the event based on an audience vote as well.

Whether you're an amateur who enjoys making your own movies, or the next Spielberg looking for your big break, this is a great opportunity. Not only do you have the chance to screen your short film in front of a live audience (other than your mom!), but you could also go home with a free trip too.

Travel company to host third annual cycling film festival originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/21/12--05:00: Teen sailor Laura Dekker to complete round-the-world voyage today (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Netherlands, News, Caribbean

16-year old Dutch sailor Laura Dekker will complete her quest to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world today when she arrives back at the island of St. Maarten in the Caribbean. She is expected to make landfall around 3 PM local time this afternoon, exactly a year and a day after she set out on her voyage.

Dekker gained international attention when she first announced her intent to sail around the world at the age of 13. That sparked a great deal of debate on how young was too young for that kind of endeavor. Officials in the Netherlands even went so far as to step in and block her from sailing while they evaluated her skills and observed her relationship with her divorced parents. Eventually, after months of legal wrangling, she was allowed to sail, and at the age of 14 she hit the open water aboard her ship the Guppy.

Her shakedown cruise of Guppy took her to Portugal and then across the Atlantic to St. Maarten, where she tuned the vessel and prepared it for the long journey ahead. From there, it was through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. Her non-stop crossing of the Atlantic was the final hurdle to overcome before being done.

Now, more than a year and a half after she initially set out, Laura's about to reach her goal, and break the previous "youngest around" record by eight months. That record was set back in 2010 by Aussie Jessica Watson, who was 17 at the time.

On her blog, Laura says that she is looking forward to being back on land, taking walks and enjoy fresh food, while spending time with her family. They will greet her at a ceremony in her honor upon her arrival today, where a host of journalists are expected to be on hand to interview the teen.

Congratulations to Laura on a job well done. When I was 16 I could barely circumnavigate around the block in a car.

Teen sailor Laura Dekker to complete round-the-world voyage today originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/22/12--05:00: Nat Geo presents five cruise ship disasters that changed travel (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Cruises

Over the past week, the Costa Concordia story has been a prominent one amongst both the mainstream media and travel outlets alike. The sinking of a cruise ship is not a common occurrence and ranks amongst the worst travel nightmares imaginable. While questions about exactly what happened aboard that ship remain, it is clear that the accident will likely have far reaching consequences and bring change to the cruise industry.

With that in mind, our friends over at National Geographic have put together an interesting article, along with some very compelling images, of 5 cruise ship disasters that changed travel. Each of the entries on the list, and the Costa Concordia is not among them, left an indelible mark on how cruise ships operate today. For example, not surprisingly, the Titanic earns a place on Nat Geo's roll call of infamy thanks to the fact that when it went down, there were only enough lifeboats for about half the passengers on board. As a result, 1500 people perished, and cruise ships were later mandated to begin carring enough lifeboats for everyone.

The four other entries on the list had a similar impact on the industry, although not all of them resulted in such a massive loss of life. It is an interesting study of how a disaster at sea can make a lasting change for the better, and end up making travel by ship a lot safer in the process.

Nat Geo presents five cruise ship disasters that changed travel originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/23/12--05:00: Gadling gear review: Bushnell HD Torch flashlight (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Hiking, Gear, Camping, Gadling Gear Review

Lets face it, a flashlight is one of the most useful pieces of gear that we can own. Who amongst us hasn't found themselves caught in the dark and wishing we had a bright light to help find our way. Flashlights come in handy around the house, in the car, and even when we travel, and the HD Torch from Bushnell is one of the most versatile and useful of all, even if it does come with a hefty price tag.

Built from lightweight, yet very rugged, aircraft grade aluminum, the first thing you'll notice about the HD Torch is that it feels very solid and tough in your hand. The high quality construction inspires a sense of confidence that this light can take a beating and still be ready for action when you need it, whether that's around the house during a power outage or at your campsite at the end of a long day on the trail.

Cranking out 165 lumens, the HD Torch offers plenty of light when and where you need it, but that level of illumination isn't the only thing that sets it apart from the competition. While the output from most flashlights is round in shape, Bushnell's offering is actually square. The result is a very focused beam of light, that provides more intensity across the length of the beam than most other offerings, which tend to see their light diffuse more on the edges. When I first read about this feature, I thought that it was simply a marketing ploy, but seeing it in action, the square design does indeed make for a more efficient light. It was actually quite astounding to see it in action.


Continue reading Gadling gear review: Bushnell HD Torch flashlight

Gadling gear review: Bushnell HD Torch flashlight originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/24/12--05:00: British woman completes solo traverse of Antarctica (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Skiing, Antarctica, News

British adventurer Felicity Aston completed her solo traverse of Antarctica yesterday, becoming the first person to accomplish that feat completely alone and under her own power. The journey took 59 days, and covered more than 1084 miles across the frozen continent.

We first told you about Felicity's adventure back in November when she was still preparing to start the expedition, which began on the Ross Ice Shelf. Traveling on skis, and pulling a heavy sled filled with gear and supplies behind her, Aston first made her way across the Leverett Glacier and Transantarctic Mountain Range, arriving at the South Pole just a few days before Christmas. That stage of the journey covered 248 miles, and while 90ºS is traditionally the finish line for most polar explorers, for Felicity it wasn't even the halfway point yet.

Over the course of the next few weeks, she battled a combination of high winds, bitterly cold temperatures, and blowing snow to make her way back to the coast. That leg of the journey covered another 835 miles, culminating with her arrival at Hercules Inlet yesterday. She spent one last night in Antarctica at that location before catching a ride aboard a transport plane headed back to Punta Arenas, Chile today.

Spending two months completely alone in the Antarctic, while struggling against the very harsh elements there, requires a lot of physical and mental strength. Aston has accomplished an amazing feat with this crossing of the continent and I salute her courage and sense of adventure.

[Photo credit: Associated Press]

British woman completes solo traverse of Antarctica originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/25/12--05:00: Climbers attempting Kilimanjaro barefoot (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Activism, Climbing, Hiking, Festivals and Events, Africa, South Africa, Tanzania

A team of South African climbers has traveled to Tanzania, where they hope to climb Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain on the African continent, without wearing shoes. Over the next few days, these barefoot adventurers hope to scale the mountain in an effort to raise funds for a children's hospital back home.

According to the group's website, the team of five climbers, and their support crew, arrived on the mountain yesterday and started their ascent. Early on, they passed through a pine forest, which provided a soft surface for their bare feet, but as the day wore on, they entered a tropical rainforest, where the trail gave way to gravel instead. While that proved to be a more challenging surface to hike on, they still managed to reach their first camp without too many problems.

In the days ahead, things won't quite be so easy however. Today, they'll leave the forests behind completely and move into the alpine marshlands of Kilimanjaro. That zone is punctuated with lush grasses and strange plants, which, aside from a few thorny bushes, shouldn't offer too much of a problem either. After that, it is on to the alpine desert, which is much rockier and harder to walk on, even while wearing boots. The final push to the summit will include plenty of volcanic scree, not to mention snow and ice. The cold temperatures on the final approach to the 19,340-foot summit may actually numb their feet from the pain - that is if they don't lose a toe or two to frostbite first.

In order to make this barefoot climb, the team has established a set of rules that will govern their approach. Those rules dictate that they must walk or climb every meter of the mountain without wearing any kind of artificial or natural substance on their feet. Furthermore, they pledge to walk each day between their camps in this fashion, although it seems likely they'll put on some comfy slippers when they reach their end point for the day.

By undertaking this trek, the team is hoping to raise funds for the Red Cross Children's Hospital in South Africa. 100% of the proceeds generated from the climb will go to that organization, which is one of the first of its kind in Africa.

Having climbed Kilimanjaro myself, I can't imagine attempting it without shoes. My feet hurt at the end of a long day as it was, and that was while wearing a good pair of hiking boots. Going completely barefoot seems crazy to me, and I'll be incredibly impressed if they actually make it.

Climbers attempting Kilimanjaro barefoot originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/26/12--05:00: New Galapagos Islands travel regulations go into effect next week (chan 1315308)

Filed under: South America, Ecuador, Ecotourism, News

On February 1st, a new set of travel regulations will go into effect in the Galapagos Islands, which are designed to help protect the environment there, while simultaneously presenting travelers with a better experience. These new rules have already had an impact on available itineraries, but visitors can expect the same overall options for visiting this amazing destination.

The new rules are actually quite simple. The Ecuadorian government, which oversees operation of the Galapagos National Park, has passed regulations that state that no vessel operating in and around the archipelago will be permitted to visit the same site more than once within a 14 day period. The purpose for this change in operation is that it should help disperse the ship traffic throughout the region, thereby keeping overcrowding to a minimum, while also protecting the unique and fragile ecosystems there. By reducing crowds, the overall experience of the Galapagos should be preserved for visitors as well, keeping it one of the top destinations for future generations to enjoy too.

When the new regulations were first announced there was some concern that tour operators would do away with the shorter itineraries in favor of those that were 14 days in length or longer. That hasn't been the case however, as companies recognize the fact that they must cater to the needs of all travelers, including those who don't have two weeks to spare for their getaway. As a result, they've had to get a bit creative with their itineraries in order to operate within the 14-day rules, but there are still plenty of 7, 10, and 12 day Galapagos adventures available to go along with the more extended trips.

Adventure travel company Metropolitan Touring, for example, operates three ships in the Galapagos and made the switch over to the their new itineraries earlier this week. Their options can all be combined to create trips of various lengths ranging from 10-15 days, and guests have the ability to extend their stay further by booking rooms at an eco-lodge located on Santa Cruz Island. Other travel companies offer similar flexibility in their schedules, giving travelers the ability to find the right itinerary to fits their needs.

The Galapagos Islands are truly one of the most unique natural environments on our planet, and are home to a host of wildlife that isn't found anywhere else on Earth. These regulations will help to ensure that the islands, and the creatures that live there, stay safe and protected for years to come.

New Galapagos Islands travel regulations go into effect next week originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/27/12--05:00: National Parks Conservation Association launches official blog (chan 1315308)

Filed under: Activism, Learning, Blogs, North America, United States

The National Parks Conservation Association, a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and preserve America's wild and historic places, officially launched their new blog earlier this week. The site, which can be found at ParkAdvocate.org, went online just as America's first Summit on National Parks was getting underway.

As you would imagine with any new blog, content is a bit sparse at the moment, but already filing in nicely. Eventually the site will be home to a wide variety of news stories and features on the parks and NPCA efforts to protect them, as well as photos and videos from those amazing places. The blog already features a four-minute video tour of Yosemite and a great overview of the proposed Lone Star National Recreation Area, which we told you about last week, with plenty more content to come soon.

The blog's first official post came from NPCA President Tom Kiernan who discussed America's Summit on National Parks, a symposium that wrapped up yesterday in Washington, D.C. At the Summit, a number of leaders in conservation, tourism, education, and a variety of other fields, came together to discuss the future of the national parks in the U.S. as we approach the 100th anniversary of the Park Service in 2016. The parks currently face a variety of threats, including climate change, pollution, and massive budget cuts, just to mention a few, and the attendees of the conference discussed ideas on how to continue to preserve America's wild places for future generations to enjoy, while meeting those challenges.

Judging from the attendance numbers - which continue to rise to historic levels - travelers see the value of protecting the national parks too. Now, thanks to this new blog, they have a tool for staying connected to parks and staying informed of the efforts to protect them.

National Parks Conservation Association launches official blog originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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01/28/12--06:00: Discovery Adventures announces 8 new tours for 2012 (chan 1315308)

Discovery Adventures, the travel arm of the Discovery Channel, has announced that it is expanding its line-up of for 2012, adding eight new options to their already impressive catalog. These new tours include several new destinations, as well as revamped itineraries to Tanzania and Southern Africa.

Amongst the highlights of the new trips is an eight day journey through Jordan that includes visits to such iconic destinations as Petra and Wadi Rum, as well as a swim in the Dead Sea. The new Spirit of Nepal tour gives travelers the opportunity to experience spiritual and natural wonders in the heart of the Himalaya, while the Cultural Treasures of Vietnam itinerary includes cooking lessons and a visit to the famous caves of Halong Bay. Travelers to South America will enjoy the Ecuador Volcanoes and Cloud Forest tour as well, which sends them on birdwatching and hiking excursions into the breathtaking Andes Mountains.

Each of these tours has been designed in conjunction with G Adventures, one of the best adventure travel companies in the world, to provide travelers with a great mix of active escapes and cultural immersion - something the Discovery Channel is famous for. The trips include comfortable accommodations, daily breakfasts, and a number of other amenities based on the destination.

These new tours bring the total number of Discovery Adventures to 37, giving them options to nearly every corner of the globe and ensuring they have something for every kind of traveler.

Discovery Adventures announces 8 new tours for 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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