Other adventures featured in the Adventure blog include French doctor and explorer Jean-Louis Etienne flying solo over the North Pole in a hot air balloon and the Siberian Express Expedition in which Kevin Vallely and Ray Zahab ran the entire length of the frozen Lake Baikal.

The Adventure Blog includes updates on long duration expeditions, such as Ed Stafford’s 4000 mile trek along the entire length of the Amazon River and Mark Beaumont’s cycling expedition along the Trans-American Highway from Alaska to the tip of South America.

Many adventures include an additional motive to raise awareness and money for particular causes and Kraig always includes this important part of the adventure in his write ups.

Kraig Becker has also written posts about our interviews with polar explorer Dixie Dansercoer and adventure racer Ian Adamson.

Now Kraig himself has been interviewed on the Adayak website. In the interview Kraig tells us how he became the Adventure Blogger, about his favourite adventures, his passion for the outdoors and his recent hike up to Mount Everest Base Camp.

You’ve been blogging for over 4 years on The Adventure Blog… what’s the background on your site and how do you keep it going?

I started the site after having a conversation with a friend who insisted that there were no more great adventures to be had, and that everything had been done. I told him that there were plenty of amazing men and women still doing adventurous things if you looked hard enough. The blog is an extension of me looking hard enough and sharing those stories with others.

The Adventure Blog is definitely a labor of love, but I enjoy writing it. Through the blog I’ve had the good fortune of meeting some amazing people, visiting some amazing places, and witnessing some amazing things. I continue to have a passion for writing, travel, and adventure, and that inspires me to keep going.

The full interview is on the Adayak website whilst Kraig has written a summary on The Adventure Blog.

Image by Dm Gultekin

As you may remember in October 2009 we spoke to the RSPB’s Northwest Campaign Talks Officer John Loder, about the society’s Birds Of Prey Campaign. Six months on we can report that the campaign has been an overwhelming success.

John has asked me to pass on his thanks to the CheapTents.com readers, for your interest in the campaign and support he and the society have received in trying to stop illegal killing of birds of prey.

John used the support he has received from the public to get political support from the Barbara Keeley MP (Deputy Leader of the House of Commons) who has backed the campaign.

The Story So Far

One of the aims of the campaign was to receive 200,000 signatures within three years nationwide and thereby increase awareness of the illegal killing of birds of prey. John reports that this target has been smashed and the 200,000 figure was achieved in just two years. As a result, in February the RSPB were able to hand these signatures to the Wildlife Minister the Huw Irranca Davies MP.

I’m delighted to support this RSPB campaign and it’s great to see that hundreds of thousands of people want to see these marvellous birds protected and have signed this petition.
Huw Irranca-Davies MP Wildlife Minister (Source RSPB.com)

The other aims of the campaign such as the continued protection and enforcement of the law can only be assessed at a later date, but so far things seem to be on a positive path.

There Is Still Work To Be Done

In our original interview, John showed us examples of how local economies benefit from birdwatching tourism. The Forestry Commission in January released the figures for 2009 showing that the 10 pairs of white tailed sea eagles brought in 6000 tourist and £2 million to Mull’s economy.

White Tailed Eagles, Soon to be introduce to Suffolk? Image by Surub

Financial figures such as these and the success of reintroduction has lead to the idea of white tailed eagles being released in Suffolk. This has however proved controversial due to the agricultural nature of the county, fears over destruction to livestock and potential habitat/human conflicts. With August 2011 being targeted for the first release it seems there will be further twists as possible impacts have to be studied and fears of the farming community and other locals eased.

It is therefore important to remember that not everyone supports the RSPB’s campaign, comments received on the original post show that the Pigeon Racing Community have major concerns over Birds of Prey. This has been raised in Parliament by Hazel Blears MP. The concern that more and more racing pigeons will be lost as raptor figures rise is quite understandable.

However birds of prey being top of the food chain, will never be vast in numbers and independent studies found only 14% of racing pigeon deaths can be attributed to raptors with the percentages for the rest of the deaths are as follows;

• 36% straying and exhaustion
• 19% collisions with solid objects like buildings and windows
• 15% collisions with overhead wires
• 14% predation by birds of prey
• 8% shooting, entanglement in netting, poisoning and oiling
• 8% predation by mammals, including domestic cats

Final Thoughts

The campaign to date has been successful due to a lot of hard work, but this is only the tip of the iceberg as reintroduced species must in time, become totally independent for reintroduction to be a success. This can only be done by the small steps taken to date and the RSPBs continuing to work with communities such as racing pigeon owners and farmers to alleviate their fears, and to continue to prosecute those who break the law.

Surely their is enough sky for everyone?

Ian Adamson: Adventure Racer and Kayaker

In 2004 Ian broke the Guinness world record for endurance kayaking. To achieve this he spent 24 hours kayaking along the Yukon River in Canada. He racked up an impressive 262 miles, smashing his previous world records of 217 miles and 203 miles from 1998 and 1997. That’s 400,000 paddle strokes! Endurance kayaking is not just a case of settling down to a steady pace along the course of the river. “You need to find the fastest current, which means your net speed is slower, but your distance covered is greater.” Ian wrote in an interesting article for Paddler Magazine. Using a GPS is essential for maximising the benefit of this strategy, however it does not help prevent you getting sore buttocks, which is a common ailment in endurance kayaking.

In the interview below Ian tells us about his achievements, his plans for the future and his route to becoming an endurance athlete, as well as providing some tips for anyone wanting compete at a higher level.

If you enjoy reading about adventure racers, our interviews with The North Face sponsored Endurance Runner Sam Thompson and World Champion Orienteer Graham Gristwood also make a good read!

Ian Adamson Interview

CheapTents.com: What inspired you to get into Adventure Racing?

Ian Adamson: My parents were my initial inspiration to start exploring, although I have always had an in built drive for adventure. One thing that drove my folks nuts was my habit of disappearing for most of a day from a very young age. When I was 8 I had an 8 ft plywood sailing dingy which I would take on long (6-8 hour) journey’s in Sydney harbor. We lived up one of the rivers and I would sail down into the harbor, dodging the ferry’s and container ships. By the time I was 14 I had a lazer (14 ft fiberglass sail boat) and was heading out into the ocean. This came to a head on day when I was run down by a large racing yacht.

At 17 I backpacked around Britain and Europe on a rail pass, and at 18 took a year off after high school and sailed a 36 ft wooden yacht 6,000 miles up and down the great barrier reef. I then walked most of the way across China and Tibet when I was 20 (1986), and them made my way through south Asia, north Africa and eventually to Britain.

Our family spent a lot of time backpacking and hiking, so map and
compass was familiar to me before I could read.

I’ve always raced anything and everything, including track and cross
country, swimming, Nordic skiing and road cycling from elementary
school, then kayaking, orienteering, triathlon and adventure racing
since 1984.

CheapTents.com: What has been your biggest sporting achievement?

Ian Adamson: Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at the ESPN X-Games were super cool, although I’m most proud of my Guinness World Record in kayaking (262 miles in 24 hours.) The one I remember most was my 7th and final world championship win in Sweden in 2006. We had a close to perfect race in fantastic weather and on a brilliant course. It was good enough for me to retire and call it good.

CheapTents.com: What is you biggest weakness?

Ian Adamson: Ice cream, chocolate and red wine! If you mean athletically, I was probably worst on my feet, which is paradoxical since I was a handy middle distance runner at school and have decent PRs in 10K through 50 miles.

CheapTents.com: When did you feel like you ‘made it’ as an Adventure Racer?

Ian Adamson: After winning Eco-Challenge, X-Games, Raid Gauloises and Southern Traverse (which morphed into the Adventure Race World Championships.) This was 1998 and we were making good money with sponsorship from Salomon and prize money. “We” being Team Eco-Internet which Robert Nagle and I co-founded in 1995, and later Salomon and then Nike.

CheapTents.com: Do you feel like you’ve satisfied your goals?

Ian Adamson: Absolutely yes. I went way further and way longer than I would have thought possible. This is really due to my exceptional teammates and sponsors, too many to mention. OK, I do want to throw in John Howard, Keith & Andrea Murray, Steve Gurney, Danelle Ballangee, Mike Kloser, Michael Tobin and Monique Merrill as well as the cast of rotating teammates we were fortunate to bring on the team over the years.

CheapTents.com: What do you find most challenging about training?

Ian Adamson: These days making the time is the kicker since I have a more than full time job as Dir or Research and Education at Newton Running.

CheapTents.com: What has been your worst injury from outdoors sports and how did it happen?

Ian Adamson: Probably the brain damage from lack of sleep over the years. I’ve not had a significant traumatic injury, so acquired diseases (such as Leptospirosis from Borneo), and sleep damage are the big ones. I mostly don’t remember because sleep deprivation destroys your memory.

CheapTents.com: What will be your most challenging event for next year?

Ian Adamson: I was asked to run Badwater so I’m going from office chair potato to running fried potato in six months. So far so good, I’m up to 45 miles on my long run since new years.

CheapTents.com: Where would you like to be in 5 years time?

Ian Adamson: Doing pretty much what I’m doing now. Working at Newton Running and directing/producing events. I’m currently in Haikou, Hainan working as the swim course director for Ironman China.

CheapTents.com: What are your main ambitions?

Ian Adamson: Pay off my house and spend more time with my partner Leah doing fun and pampered adventures. We aim to sail somewhere tropical each year, or cycle overseas (she has family in Spain and mine is in Australia.)

CheapTents.com: For other budding outdoor sports enthusiasts, what tips can you provide to help other compete at a higher level?

Ian Adamson:

1. Have fun with whatever you do.
2. Work on your weaknesses and maintain your strengths.
3. Stay hydrated.
4. Eat healthily (complete protein, complex carbs, fresh fruits and
   vegetables) immediately after exercise.
5. Nap if possible after eating after exercise – this helps repair and
   tissue building immensely.
6. Don’t overtrain, but definitely don’t undertrain.

CheapTents.com: What are your favourite bits of gear, and why?

Ian Adamson: I love topographical maps, especially marine charts. The aesthetic and function of a good map is hard to beat, and you can plan, dream and then execute with map in hand.

CheapTents.com: Any people or sponsors that you’d like thank?

Ian Adamson: Rail Riders Adventure Clothing was one of our first sponsors back in 1995, and John d’Arbeloff (owner) is still a friend and sponsor. He is providing my apparel for Badwater. Another long time and current sponsor is Princeton Tec, who were one of the first headlamp manufacturers and continue to push the edge of what is possible in lighting technology. I’ve used and still use their lights for everything from scuba diving to high mountain climbing. I’ve made some great friends over the years, including Kim and Coup at GoLite, and Murphy Reinshcriber who was my first sports agent and opened the door for me in event production. Robert Nagle of course, who is an exceptional teammate, leader and friend.

CheapTents.com: Anything else you would like to say?

Ian Adamson: Love what you do and do what you love. Pretty much anything is possible if you have a goal and a modicum of determination. I’ve had a full career as an athlete, a career as a bio-mechanical engineer, event producer, writer and now my new one at Newton Running.

CheapTents.com:

Thanks for answering our questions Ian! A most enjoyable read.

As well as being an awesome adventure racer, Ian Adamson is a motivational speaker and also organises the 24 hour triathlon event.

Rail Raiders have produced this fun video highlighting Ian’s achievements. It shows him participating in range of adventure sports as well as playing the flute!

Ian Adamson International Adventure Racing Successes

• Eco-Challenge – 1st 2001, 2000 and 1996, 2nd 2002 and 1997, 3rd 1995
• Primal Quest – 1st 2006, 2004, 2003, 3rd 2002
• AR World Championships – 1st 2006, 2004, 2nd 2005, 3rd 2001
• Southern Traverse – 1st 1996, 2nd 2005 and 1998, 3rd 2000
• Raid the North Extreme – 1st 2004, 2001 and 1999
• Raid World Championships – 1st 2004 and 1998, 2nd 2005
• Raid World Cup – 1st USA 2003, 2nd USA 2005, 2004 and 2000
• Extreme Adv. Hidalgo – 1st 2002
• Balance Bar – 1st OR 2003, 2nd CO 2003
• Hi Tec – 1st NY 1999, 3rd LA 2001
• ESPN X-Games – 1st 1997, 2nd 1996, 3rd 1995
• Adventure Xtreme, CO – 1st 2003, 2nd 2001, 3rd 2002

Eco-Challenge

The Eco-Challenge was an endurance adventure race competed by teams of four. It was an annual event held in the USA from 1995 until 2002. The race included mountaineering, trekking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camelback riding, whitewater canoeing, sea kayaking and scuba diving.

Primal Quest

Primal Quest takes place in the Badlands of South Dakota, USA. It is team based adventure racing expedition. The four person teams must run, ride and kayak a 600 mile course through remote wilderness.

ESPN X-Games

The ESPN X-Games (Extreme Games) event take place in the USA every year and includes extreme sports such Skateboarding, BMX, Moto-X as well as Street and Rally Car Racing. The Winter X-Games includes skiing, snowmobiling and snowboarding.

Badwater Ultramarathon

The world’s toughest foot race!

The Badwater Ultramarathon is the most demanding and extreme running race on the planet. Taking place every July, in temperatures up to 55°C, adventure runners compete in a 135 mile non-stop run, from Death Valley to Mount Witney, California.

Ironman Triathlon Bolton

“Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life” Ironman registered trademark.

Top athletes can compete the course in just over 8 hours, however to finish the race, participants must complete all three sections within 15 hours. All finishers are entitled to call themselves an Ironman!

The Ironman Triathlon Swimming Stage is 2.4 miles. Photo by: Bakke-Svensson/Ironman.

The Liverpool Triathlon is an Olympic distance event, that is a swim of 1.5km, bike ride of 40km and a run of 10km. I completed it in just over 2 hours and 33 minutes, putting me in the top 27% of competitors. Its a good background but I’ll need to step up a gear or two if I am to complete Ironman, which is being held in Bolton on the 1st of August 2010. There will be a lot of training for me over the next 8 months, but by signing up for other events along the way I will be able to build up my stamina with no excuses for ducking out of the training.

What with the Christmas plus the snow and ice, my training volume has been lower than I would have liked. I’ve only been doing about 3 hours a week. I’ll need to be doing 8 or 9 hours a week if I’m to become an Ironman! My training will include running or cycling 13 miles to work. In addition to that I’ll be doing other personal challenges. For example, on my day off last Friday I rode 50 miles on the bike then ran a half marathon. This was quite a testing, but I got through it ok. Swimming is will be the toughest part of the challenge for me. The training is addictive so I should be able to keep it up.

The Lovell Telescope is a familiar landmark on the Cheshire plains. Source Flickr by cloudsoup.

Following on from the Jodrell Bank Sportive, is the Verenti Cheshire Cat Cyclosportive. This will take place on 28th of March and will be a slightly tougher challenge for me. This bike ride is going to be 100 miles long, 20 more than the Jodrell Bank Sportive. There will be a steep climb or two and plenty of undulating country lanes!

As well as keeping up with the Ironman training, I’ll be posting updates about my progress here on the CheapTents.com blog.

Households in rural Africa spend an average of 26% of their time fetching water.

It is hard to imagine spending all that time and effort collecting clean water when all we have to do is turn on a tap…even if it means walking across a campsite! When we go hiking and wild camping we must take our on water with us, or use purification tablets or a water filter. But let’s face it we would not want to have to carry or find and purify our water all the time! We thought that we should learn more, so we asked Abe Clark to tell us about the water crisis and about his running challenge…

Abe Clark “Running Water” Interview

CheapTents.com: What inspired you to get into running?

Abe Clark: Running was a hobby always encouraged by my parents. In the summer of 4th grade they said they would give me $10 if I logged 100 miles that summer. It was easy money in my 10 year old mind. The next two years my mom would pick me up from the small Lutheran school I went to and drive me 15 miles to the public school where my older brother was on the new high school cross country team that retired Coach Bill Greiten had started. He had coached many years previously and was filled with running knowledge. I got my fill of inspiration jogging next to Coach Greiten after the varsity team left us in the dust.
My older brother, Ben, who is now in the Marine Corps, started running in junior high. He broke the Gillett Junior High School mile record and it became my goal to break his mark of 5:18. Four years later I ended up tying the record with my teammate, Jason Soper, setting the mark at 5:07.9. It only stood three years before my younger brother, Josh, smashed it by running a 4:56. What started as friendly brotherly competition became a life time hobby and I have been hooked ever since.

CheapTents.com: What is the furthest distance that you have covered in any running event to date?

Abe Clark: After cross-country season my freshman year at UW Green Bay I really started to run a lot. Part of it was that I had an hour between classes instead of going to my dorm room I would just go running. After a winter and spring of running 80 to 115 mile per week I entered my first marathon pretty much on a whim. Three days before the race, when I was considering it, I ran 20 miles just to make sure I could make it that far. At the age of 19 I ended up running a 2:36 marathon. Since then I have run numerous 20 to 30 mile training runs. I am currently logging at least three 20 milers a week and one 30 miler in my preparation for the 2850 mile run.

CheapTents.com: What is your biggest weakness?

Abe Clark: I always have to remind my self to live in the present. I am a dreamer or what I like to call a “realist dreamer” I am constantly planning and preparing myself for big future plans and often the little every day things of the present get ignored or neglected.
As far as running goes I never had a “kick” I am sure I will have many more weaknesses to report after the run across America.

CheapTents.com: What do you find most challenging about training?

Abe Clark: Living in Wisconsin it is definitely the cold winters. In the fall, the leaf covered trails and the weather beg you to come run. Then it turns freezing cold and you have to stick to the snowy roads. I think it takes three times the mental mind power to put on the running shoes. It is also challenging to keep a high level of motivation and consistency. Two to five hour runs is a bit long to fit in on the lunch hour.

CheapTents.com: What has been your worst injury from outdoor sports and how did it happen?

Abe Clark: I have been very blessed with a basically injury free running career, knock on wood. While living on a sailboat and cruising the great lakes this past summer I had my fair share of cuts and close calls but otherwise I have been quite healthy.

CheapTents.com: In February 2010 you will be running 2,860 miles across the United States. What has made you decide to take up this challenge?

Abe Clark: I am very drawn to adventure and the feeling of living in complete freedom. When the idea of running across America made its way into my mind four years ago. It seemed like everything was pushing me towards this moment. The two things that pushed me over the edge may sound a bit strange because they don’t have anything to do with running. 1) fixing up an old sailboat, living on it and sailing Lake Michigan all summer with no prior knowledge of sailing. This gave me a lot of confidence in my self and my dreams. A lot can be accomplished when you follow a dream 100%. The other major thing that inspired me to attempt the run was a speaker I heard at a Christian camp I worked at called Fort Wilderness. The message was on Gods will for your life and the speaker (Michael Lane) made it crystal clear. God works through your passions. This knowledge in combination with one of my favourite bible verses (Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.) made me an extremely motivated. I am so excited to use this strength that I have been empowered by. I plan to keep taking one step of faith at a time. There is an amazing comfort when you finally let go of your own life and agenda and just let God use you.

Abe Clark will be running 2,860 Miles Across the USA!

CheapTents.com: What is the Water Crisis?

Abe Clark: Here are a few of the facts that really stood out to me!
- 884 Million people in the world do not have access to safe water. This is roughly one in eight of the world’s population. (WHO-UNICEF)
- 1.8 Million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation. This amounts to around 5000 deaths a day. (UNDP) That is like blowing up an American pre-school classroom every 6 seconds.
Learn more facts at http://www.water.cc/living-water/resources/

CheapTents.com: How does Living Water International help to provide people with clean drinking water?

Abe Clark: Living Water International projects provide safe water and hygiene education at an average cost of $1= water for 1 person for 1 year; so $25 provides clean drinking water for someone for a generation. LWI’s approach is to train, equip, and consult nationals. This ensures that the energy and resources contributed by volunteers and donors result in sustainable, participatory water systems that meet the long-term needs of communities. Their priorities are appropriate technology, community involvement, maintenance and sustainability, and to be a Christian witness. LWI faith in Jesus is the reason they do what they do. Jesus tells us to think more highly of others than ourselves; he calls us to love those on society’s margins, and to see the image of God in the poorest of the poor.

CheapTents.com: How long will it take you to run 2,860 miles across the United States?

Abe Clark: The plan is 140 days long from February 15th to July 4th that averages out to 20.4 miles a day including the 14 days off. I will in speak in churches along the way spreading word of the need for clean water in underdeveloped countries.

View Larger Map

CheapTents.com: Why did you choose the particular route from Dana Point, California, to Atlantic City, New Jersey?

Abe Clark: The biggest reason for starting in Dana Point which is south of LA was because I wanted to be in the warmer climates for the first part of the run. I also have family I knew I could stay with the days before the run and to send me off. Once I get through New Mexico it will start to turn to spring and the route will take me on a north east direction. To be honest there is no real reason for ending in Atlantic City besides the name sounded like a fitting city to end in. I really wanted to run through Washington DC for the political possibilities then just get close to New York City.

CheapTents.com: What are your favourite bits of gear, and why?

Abe Clark: I have a Recon 3 sleeping bag that my parents gave me for Christmas a few years ago that is awesome! Other then that I keep it pretty much on the cheap side. Kohl’s running shoes and Wal-Mart tents. I think it would be great to get some good gear for the run since there will definitely be days and nights where there is no one around and I will need supplies to be able to survive.

CheapTents.com: Any thing else you would like to say?

Abe Clark: I think that a lot of people look at this as just a run but I think if I look at it as a run I will fail. This run is so long that it will become a life style not an event. The Water Crisis is unimaginable and when I think about running across America it is also inconceivable. The good news is that taking one step at a time can solve them both. Please join my site and follow me on my journey across America and the quest for clean water and adventure. You can also donate to LWI from my site, my goal is to raise $100,000 if we succeed we will literally change to lives of 10,000 people! If you would like to buy Running Water apparel where the proceeds will go to supporting the run its self, visit www.cafepress.com/runningwater. I will have frequent blog updates as well as a weekly video update posted to my web site www.runningwater.ning.com

Let the adventure begin!

Happy Running

Abe Clark

CheapTents.com:

Thank you Abe for taking the time to answer our questions. Good luck with the run!

If you enjoyed reading this interview, you will surely like our interviews with ultra-marathon runner Sam Thompson and world champion orienteer Graham Gristwood!

South Georgia is home to a number of Albatross species and to attempt a solo sea kayak journey for the Plight of the Albatross can only capture a fascinated audience to encourage protection of one of the worlds most precious of seabirds.

South Georgia: Rough Seas for Kayaking!

The island of South Georgia is situated between the Scotia Sea and South Atlantic Ocean. It is approximately 860 miles east of the Falkland Islands. It is about 105 miles long and 25 miles across at its widest point. South Georgia experiences fierce prevailing winds and ice cold waters which flow up from Antarctica!

Hayley Shephard will circumnavigate South Georgia in a Kayak. Source Flickr by michael clarke stuff.

Stunningly beautiful and rugged, this island wildlife sanctuary, once visited, is not easily forgotten. Its snow covered peaks, blue glacier ice and emerald green bays, are breathtaking sights. It is a real “oasis” in the stormy southern oceans and is home to sea and land birds, seals and reindeer.

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands website.

Albatross’ Killed by Long-line Fishing

South Georgia is home to many Albatross. These birds can live up to 60 years, but are slow breeding since they only lay 1 egg every other year. On her website Hayley Shephard states that:

I am extremely privileged and honoured to have had the opportunity to observe the majestic Albatross that glides effortlessly on the up drafts of ocean winds, spending most of its life at sea, circumnavigating the entire globe frequently. They touch land only at an annual nesting site where they will reunite with their lifetime mate and begin the most elegant courtship behaviour you could only imagine. Their 12 foot wings are stretched gracefully, the tail feathers are charmingly erect and their stylish heads are poised in the most seductive stance and together they begin to dance.

Unfortunately Albatross are easily ensnared by long-line fishing lines, and are drowned. Research has shown that there are simple measures that can be taken to minimise Albatross fatalities. However persuading the fishing industry to adopt them takes time, effort and enforcement of regulations.

Simple measures can help save the Albatross from long-line fishing. Source Hayley Shephard.

• Setting the lines at night when fewer birds are feeding
• Weighting lines to make baited hooks sink more quickly
• Colouring the bait with harmless blue dye to put off the keen-eyed birds
• Towing a brightly coloured bird-scaring line alongside the baited line
• Employ rules and monitor controlled fishing
• Place conservation officers on board vessels

The South Georgia Patagonian toothfish fishery has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, in recognition for using sustainable fishing practices which also ensure minimal impact on other species, such as the albatross. Buying fish which has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) will help to conserve the albatross and encourage sustainable fishing practices.

Hayley Shephard’s Previous Kayaking Adventures

Hayley is an experienced kayaker and sailor. She guides tours in the Canadian High Arctic and in the remote, northern inlets of the Pacific Northwest. She has also undertaken two island solo kayak circumnavigation expeditions in the past. The most recent was around Haida Gwaii. This group of islands are located on the west coast of Canada, north of Vancouver and south east of Alaska. With the Pacific Ocean on the east the sea can be rough with strong currents circulating around the islands. To the east of the islands is the Hecate Strait, which has been classified as the 4th worst body of water to cross in the world. Hayley Shephard has also kayaked around Vancouver Island, again off the west coast of Canada. This journey was about 750 miles and took 67 days.

For more information visit the Kayaking to Save the Albatross website.

Hayley Shepard will be solo sea kayaking around South Georgia to save the Albatross.

Stepping Lightly on his climb up Blackpool Tower, August 2009.

In August this year, climber and urbex legend “Stepping Lightly” hit the headlines in the national press following his covert ascent of Blackpool Tower. Stepping Lightly has climbed many structures including one of Battersea Power Station’s iconic chimneys, Willington Power Station cooling towers and the famous Angel of the North in Gateshead. He also likes bridge climbing and has climbed the Forth Rail Bridge, and the Humber and Severn Bridges.

But its not just climbing structures…
Stepping Lightly is also into urban exploration: exploring things like abandoned military installations or disused hospital buildings, as well as underground exploration of culverts and sewers hidden beneath our cities. Under the streets of Manchester, for example, there are many interesting things to see, including old air raid shelters, photos of which can be seen on the Cathedral Steps exploration post by Angel on the Urban Adventure website.

What is the best way to climb structures and what is the attraction of exploring sewers?…Stepping Lightly tells us in this exclusive interview…

Stepping Lightly Interview

CheapTents.com: What made you decide to climb man-made structures, and how did you get started?
Stepping Lightly: I suppose it was because I started rock climbing at 12 and although my father (who is also a climber) did take me to the crags. During the week I use to climb rail embankments, small bridges and buildings because I had no means of getting to real rock.
As I got older I loved rock but I’d developed an underlining passion for climbing man made structures.

CheapTents.com: What have been the most challenging structures that you have climbed, and why?
Stepping Lightly: Blackpool tower so far because there are so many factors to take into account, weather, fitness, works in progress, random people (who all have phones), security, police, choice of partner and danger…
Angel of the North was like tufa climbing with huge rock ups very pumpy.
Battersea chimney was easy but hard to get to.
Willington power station cooling tower was fine once I’d made the right tool for the holes.
Forth Rail bridge was ace: just me, the wind, the bridge and the sea…

Stepping Lightly on top of the Angel of the North.

CheapTents.com: What are the main differences in techniques between rock climbing and climbing structures?
Stepping Lightly: The main one is fear of being spotted, on the crag that’s fine but if you are a couple of hundred foot up on a building and someone sees you its trouble sometimes with a capital T!
So we develop the stealth technique…
I do try to free climb everything first but am not bothered if I have to aid a section if it is going to stop me achieving my goal. And because no damage has to be done we sometimes cannot use the easiest route.

CheapTents.com: What is your biggest weakness?
Stepping Lightly: Funding as I would like to get more European and Stateside stuff done…
Physical weakness, because I climb, m.t.b., kayak, slack-line, skydive, fell-run and urbex I’m usually sporting some kind of injury, so what ever is injured at the time is my weakness.

CheapTents.com: What has been your worst injury (if any) from climbing or urban exploration and how did it happen?
Stepping Lightly: My worst injury was at work a building collapsed and I had to jump 3 stories, I broke my leg in 6 places. My worst climbing injury was the same leg, I fell and bust tendons ligaments and couple of bones. Urbex wise I have been very lucky, a few near misses but just a deep cut in my arm off a rusty fence and a bolt in my hand slipping on a mossy roof.

CheapTents.com: What are the most challenging climbs that you are planning for the future?
Stepping Lightly: It would be nice to rhyme off a list but the Internet is huge and read by all walks so if you don’t mind I will keep that to myself for now…

CheapTents.com: What are the most important aspects of planning your climbs and route selection?
Stepping Lightly: If it can be done with limited danger to me and no danger to other people and cause no damage to the structure, after that its just exposure time limitation, not spending too much time in an area that will cause unwanted attention and getting the feature shots.

CheapTents.com: What inspired you to get into urban exploration, such as exploring drains and culverts?
Stepping Lightly: Its a strange story that, I was about 7 and my Dad had took me into Ellis Brighams in Manchester when it was in the corn exchange, my Dad was chatting away and I asked to use their loo, it was out of order so he pointed me to one 2 stories down in the basement and told me to keep right and I would find it. As I tried to find my way back I walked out into an underground street, being 7 it was not a place to dwell so I hurried back up stairs.
So for the last few years I’ve been trying to find a way to see that again, whilst doing that I’ve found some other truly amazing sights…

CheapTents.com: Have you ever been cautioned or arrested for climbing structures or for urban exploration?
Stepping Lightly: Yes a couple of times both on chimneys. One was just a friendly can you come down and leave. The other was a police chopper, anti-terror police and very angry security! I’m still waiting for it to be on Police Camera Action or something like that. We did ask for footage but no luck!

CheapTents.com: What are your favourite bits of gear, and why?
Stepping Lightly: I have a fifi hook I use as a grid lifter and doubles up as a fence climbing aid, 10 slings that I use for everything, slings are king in Urbex, a 30m length of 8mm that is light and easy packable and my little rucksack with 10 pockets, so I know what is where even I the pitch black.

CheapTents.com: Any people you would like to thank?
Stepping Lightly: Yes all the people I’ve met doing this, some of which have become my best friends, names are irrelevant as they know who they are.

CheapTents.com: Anything else you would like to say?
Stepping Lightly: Choose clothes appropriately, if you are in the city don’t go camo or SAS, just blend.
If you are tackling something mega take extra in case, most of my wardrobe is outdoor gear, its just so hard wearing and reliable.

CheapTents.com: Thank you Stepping Lightly for taking the time to answer our questions.

If anyone has any suggestions of structures which Stepping Lightly could climb or potential places for some urban exploration, click on the comments link below and make a suggestion!

Urbex, exploring the urban environment can lead to the discovery of abandoned tunnels. Source: Flickr by Paulio Geordio.

Take only photos,
leave only footprints.

Simon Cornwell of urbex|uk

More information about urban exploration, including safety tips, can be found at Urbex 101.

If you go climbing anywhere it is important to have suitable climbing equipment and to know how to use it. Climbing equipment advice. There are plenty of safe places to go climbing, for example the BMC provide a list of indoor climbing walls.

A red kite By Sue Trantor, courtesy of rspbimages.com

Being out in the countryside hiking, camping and climbing often gives us the opportunity to see wildlife. A most impressive sight is that of a bird of prey circling high above, in the clear blue sky, sightings such as this have at times been rare, but thanks to the hard work of individuals and societies such as the RSPB something is being done to conserve an important factor in our ecology.

The RSPB is currently running a campaign to protect birds of prey by creating more awareness and hopefully more respect for these creatures. CheapTents.com asked John Loder, an RSPB Campaign Talks Officer to tell us all about the campaign and how we walkers, campers and climbers can get involved and do our bit to help preserve a better future for these magnificent birds.

John is a volunteer, and is passionate about the RSPB and the important work that is done, he gives up his spare time to travel the North West of England giving lectures, talks and tutorials to all types of people on the work of the RSPB, its’ campaigns, how people can help and the pleasure that is gained from giving up time for others.

Interview With John Loder, RSPB Campaign Talks Officer

Since 2003, nearly two thousand incidents of bird crime involving or targeting wild birds of prey in the UK have been reported to the RSPB.
John Loder RSPB Campaign Talks Officer

CheapTents.com – The focus of this interview is to talk about the RSPB’s Birds of Prey Campaign, can you please tell us how this came about?

John Loder: “The Society feel it is the right time to bring the plight of our birds of prey (also called raptors) to the public’s attention. There have been some successes recently, think of the spread of ospreys, and the spectacular increase in red kite and white-tailed eagle numbers due to re-introduction schemes – all very high profile. But behind this is a tragic story of the systematic killing of many of these birds, by shooting, poisoning, trapping and nest robbing. Since 2003, nearly two thousand incidents of bird crime involving or targeting wild birds of prey in the UK have been reported to the RSPB.”

CheapTents.com – What are the aims of the campaign?

John Loder: “Put simply, we want the killers of these birds to stop it; to obey the law of the land. Often the illegal killing occurs in remote locations and is therefore difficult to detect. We want to ensure that:

• Birds of prey continue to be fully protected.
• The law is properly enforced so those choosing to break the law are punished.
• These criminals know that public opinion is against them: that society is watching.
• We have a stronger voice to help to protect these magnificent birds and allow everyone to experience the joy of seeing them.”

This peregrine falcon was trapped in the Midlands, tragically the RSPB got to this bird to late, the distress and pain on it's face is obvious and it had to be euthanised. This is one of the reasons for this campaign. By D Bromley, courtesy of rspbimages.com

CheapTents.com – Why does it matter if we are losing birds of prey, what value do they have?

John Loder: “Firstly, we all know about biodiversity – as creatures at the top of the food chain, birds of prey have their role. Persecution of birds of prey invariably has knock-on effects to the food chain

Environmental indicators – birds in general have been recognised as excellent indicators of the health of the environment and birds of prey have played a role in this. Think of DDT in the 1960’s – the danger of this chemical in agriculture was picked up very early when studies into the decline in birds of such as sparrowhawks found that it made their eggshells thinner, causing them to break during incubation. The connection was “If that does this to a bird, what is it doing to me?”

‘Heritage’ is a common buzz word nowadays, and names of birds of prey have found their way into our cultural heritage – just think of eagle, hawk, falcon, merlin, all used to imply excitement and speed, and used as a name for racing cars, fighter aeroplanes, and aero-engines. On the other hand there is a champion beer called ‘Hen Harrier’ produced in the Forest of Bowland – it is difficult to imagine that just a few years ago.

[The] hen harrier is known as Britain’s most threatened bird of prey…research has shown that the natural population in England should be around 200 pairs, but there are only about 15.
John Loder RSPB Campaign Talks Officer.

There is a value that can be quantified in financial terms – the pleasure people take from seeing birds of prey has been turned into financial gain where tourists are attracted by the possibility of seeing these spectacular sights. People flock to Mull and Skye to see white-tailed eagles. I persuaded my family to visit Mull recently, and we played our part in bringing in £1.6m extra to the island that year. Later on that same holiday we visited Loch Garten, one of a number of viewing sites run by the RSPB and the Wildlife Trusts to encourage people to visit places where the fabulous osprey can be seen raising their own families. 290,000 visit osprey sites every year, bringing in £3.5m.

Significant numbers of visitors visit mid Wales to see red kites at Nant yr Arian and Gigrin Farm. Peregrines bring in £0.5m to the Forest of Dean, and the 8 peregrine ‘Date with Nature’ sites have 120,000 visitors per year. The vast majority of these sites are in remote rural communities, bringing much needed revenue.”

CheapTents.com – How will an increase in Bird of Prey populations affect other endangered species of birds and small mammals that they hunt?

John Loder:  “By definition, birds of prey do what it says on the tin – they prey on other creatures. They can be sub-divided, however, into those that eat carrion and those that eat live prey, although raptors are opportunists and will eat a bit of both if it presents itself. Red kites are mainly carrion eaters, but that didn’t stop them being wiped out by the turn of the last century. Hen harriers, peregrines, and golden eagles are all persecuted in upland areas for the same reason – because they eat game birds, most notably red grouse. In some circumstances, grouse may form a major part of their diet and they can take a sizeable proportion of the shootable surplus of grouse. Conservation bodies, however, attribute declines in red grouse populations to a combination of the loss and deterioration of heather moorland, disease, and increased predation by foxes and crows, rather than from bird of prey activity.

There are misconceptions out there, and they have been around for hundreds of years.
John Loder RSPB Campaign Talks Officer.

Peregrines are persecuted by some members of the racing pigeon fraternity, but research has shown that 86% of pigeons lost each year fail to return to their lofts for reasons other than predation by birds of prey.

Similarly research was conducted to investigate the loss of songbirds by the poor old sparrowhawk and other raptors. Surprise, surprise, then, when they concluded that there was no evidence that birds of prey had population effects on songbirds.

Declines in farmland birds, and many of these fall under the ‘endangered’ banner, were mainly down to changes in our farmland practices having a detrimental effect on their habitat. So there are misconceptions out there, and they have been around for hundreds of years.”

CheapTents.com – What species are endangered?

John Loder: “As creatures at the top of the food chain, the natural order of things means there will never be vast numbers of birds of prey. Some species have always had low numbers for many years as our islands are at the extremities of their natural range. Others such as the white tailed eagle, osprey and red kite have relatively low numbers in most areas, but are recovering from near extinction a few decades ago, as a result of lots of TLC. But those that concern me most are the goshawk, golden eagle and hen harrier.

The white-tailed eagle, the largest bird in the UK. By Ian McCarthey courtesy of rspbimages.com

The goshawk is a bird of the forests, looks like a sparrowhawk on steroids, and has been systematically persecuted in the Northern Peak District to just a handful of pairs.

The hen harrier is known as ‘Britain’s most threatened bird of prey’. Recent research has shown that the natural population in England should be around 200 pairs, but there are only about 15. This year was a particularly bad one, with only about 10 pairs breeding successfully in England.

The word ‘icon’ could have been invented for the golden eagle. The ultimate predator, symbol of the Scottish moorland, but again their numbers are being kept artificially low by poisoning, nest destruction and shooting, and there are just over 400 breeding pairs in Scotland.”

CheapTents.com – What direct actions are the RSPB doing to increase bird of prey populations?

John Loder: ” The programme of reintroductions may catch the headlines, but the resources needed are mind-boggling. This tactic of ‘pump-priming’ the populations of red kites has been very successful and now needs less attention. We seem to have got the recipe right for the white-tailed eagle, and there are hopes that an English population can be established soon. Protection of birds and nests is the priority for the RSPB Investigations Unit, that works closely with the Police and other agencies in rural areas. On a more day-to-day level, the RSPB recognises the value of input from farmers, and carries out a vast amount of research, education and co-operation on wildlife-friendly farming.”

golden eagle….numbers are being kept artificially low by poisoning, nest destruction and shooting, and there are just over 400 breeding pairs in Scotland.
John Loder RSPB Campaign Talks Officer.

CheapTents.com – Our readers spend a lot of time in the outdoors, is there any general advice that you can give them as to the best ways and times in which birds can be seen whilst hiking in the countryside?

John Loder: ” Birds are more likely to be heard than seen, so use your ears. Practise learning the songs and calls of common garden birds first – early mornings are the best time. Get yourself a cheap bird book that will fit in a map pocket. Compact binoculars don’t have to be expensive, and I use mine to help find a path when I’m out on the hills. Oh, and if you’re walking and birdwatching, go with like-minded people, as you do tend to stop fairly regularly.”

CheapTents.com – In the most popular walking areas in the UK which birds of prey could we expect to see?

John Loder: “In the Cairngorms the ospreys are returning to the lochs if there are plentiful fish stocks, and up on the moors there is the merlin, which is like a small kestrel, and the rare hen harrier, which has it’s stronghold in Scotland. If you’re lucky you may spot a golden eagle soaring at height. But they do have peregrines – they nest on the crags; listen out for the youngsters’ high pitched calls.

A Harrier. By Chris Gomersall, courtesy of rspbimages.com

In the Lake District, ospreys are back in Bassenthwaite, and the lowland woods have sparrowhawks, which are secretive ‘ambush’ predators. You’ll spot buzzards in many rural areas, they can usually be seen soaring on the thermals, but they have a taste for insects so are found in the fields.

Mid-Wales is a haven for red kites, and on many of our coastal paths look out for kestrels hovering, and there’s a possibility that you will find peregrines here as well – they move to the estuaries to chase waders in Winter.”

CheapTents.com – As walkers/wild campers or climbers how can we minimise our impact on birds and wildlife?

John Loder: ” We now have the ‘right to roam’, but you have to be sensible and follow the Countryside Code. Many of the upland species of birds are ground nesters, so keep to the paths and ensure dogs are on a lead in the nesting/lambing season. I have an 8 metre lead: it gives the dog plenty of freedom and he learns not to pull after a while. As an ex-climber, I know that most of the routes are away from nests, but the tell-tale signs are a bird calling in distress. You will normally hear/see this at the bottom before you start.

The common sense stuff about litter applies, as birds can get tangled in fishing lines or swallow plastic bags in the water.”

CheapTents.com – If out walking and I saw someone obviously trapping or hunting birds of prey. What should I do? Is there an emergency phone number or do I just phone the police?

John Loder: ” If a matter is urgent, telephone the police, RSPB or appropriate agency. If your concern is regarding animal welfare or domestic animals, contact the RSPCA or your local wildlife centre.

If you would prefer to speak to somebody call the RSPB on 01767 680 551 (England and Wales) or 0131 311 6500 (Scotland). Lines are manned 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Messages can be left outside these hours.

There is a form on the RSPB website that you can use to report a wildlife crime to the RSPB. The more information you can provide, the more useful your report will be. Although it may be distressing at the time, try and remember a few salient facts, like: when, where, bird species, description of the suspect, evidence etc. Photographs are useful, however do not put yourself in danger.”

CheapTents.com – Finally, How can people help the campaign or get involved?

John Loder: “It’s easy – visit the RSPB Birds Of Prey Campaign homepage and then ‘sign the pledge’. By law you have to be 18 or over, and we will send you a free Birds of Prey booklet in the post.

If you’re in the North of England you may want me (or one of my colleagues) to give an evening presentation on the Birds of Prey Campaign to your local group – it doesn’t have to be a walking or conservation group, and I don’t charge a fee! Call the RSPB Denby Dale office on 01484 861148 and leave your details. And finally, thanks for giving me the opportunity to show how birds of prey are not only great to watch, but also have a vital role in maintaining the balance of our natural world.”

For more information please visit our update Blog readers help to protect Birds of Prey!

The RSPB and Critically Endangered Bird Species

The RSPB does a lot of work to raise awareness of critically endangered bird species and tries to restore declining bird populations. A lot of this work is done in conjunction with the BirdLife International. A large amount of money is raised for bird conservation through the annual Birdfair at Rutland water. Previous international campaigns have focussed on Rimatara Lorikeets, Gurney’s Pittas and the Albatross as well as many other species. For the past three years the main focus of BirdFair conservation has been on the Lost and Found campaign which hopes to verify whether certain critically endangered bird species still exist and where they are. In doing so effective conservation efforts can be made.

UIAA Promotes Climbing and Mountaineering Internationally. Source: UIAA.

The UIAA has 82 member associations worldwide, representing almost 1.3 million individual climbers and mountaineers. In UK there are two member associations of the UIAA, namely the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and The Alpine Club (TAC).

What is the UIAA?

What exactly do the UIAA do and how do they help individual mountaineers, climbers and member associations? We asked Judith Safford, Executive Director of the UIAA, for an insight into the UIAA and their work.

International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation Interview

CheapTents.com: How long has the UIAA been established?

Judith Safford: It was founded in 1932 when 20 mountaineering associations met in Chamonix, France for an alpine congress. They wanted to start an international federation which would be in charge of the

study and solution of all problems regarding mountaineering.

One of those problems was the lack of a universal climbing grade system, which was finally resolved with the creation of the UIAA climbing grade 40 years later. Count Charles Egmond d’Arcis from Switzerland became the first president and he gave the new federation the name UIAA – Union Internationale des Association d’Alpinisme.

CheapTents.com: What are the main functions of the UIAA?

Judith Safford: I think this question is best answered in the UIAA Mission Statement, which was approved earlier this year: In order to promote the growth of mountaineering and climbing, the UIAA strives to:

preserve their spirit and traditions, advance safe and ethical mountain practices, promote responsible access, culture and environmental protection [as well as] support youth participation and the Olympic movement.

CheapTents.com: Who are the most famous climbers / mountaineers that are (or have been) involved with the UIAA?

Judith Safford: Famous is rather subjective. I would rather highlight the UIAA honorary members: Walter Bonatti, Robbert Leopold, William Lowell Putnam, Jordi Pons-Sangines, and Pit Schubert. Mr Schubert, from Germany, was made an honorary member last year not only for his climbing exploits but for his pioneering efforts to make mountaineering safer through the introduction of safety standards for equipment.

CheapTents.com: How is the UIAA funded?

Judith Safford: Mainly through membership fees from national federations and licencing fees for the internationally recognised UIAA Safety Label that you see on mountaineering equipment. It gives climbers the assurance that when they buy a piece of equipment, it meets the highest standards.

The UIAA Safety Label logo trademark is registered internationally. It can only be used on climbing and mountaineering equipment which have been certified to meet UIAA safety standards and registered by the UIAA.

CheapTents.com: How does the UIAA promote mountaineering and climbing?

Judith Safford: Mainly through its contacts with national federations, by providing invaluable advice on standards and practices such as safety which I’ve already mentioned, as well as training and medical issues. UIAA commissions also work to assist its members on issues such as access and mountain protection. Of course, the UIAA also promotes the sport through its website and monthly newsletter which informs interested parties, including mountaineering and climbing magazines, of the latest developments.

CheapTents.com: How can the UIAA help people who are new to climbing and mountaineering?

Judith Safford: One of the UIAA’s most active commissions is its Youth body, which, among other tasks, co-organises international events to assist national federations with youth meets.

Dawa Steven Sherpa nominated by the UIAA for the IOC Environmental Award. Source: UIAA.

CheapTents.com: How does the UIAA help indigenous peoples in mountain regions and promote environmental awareness to mountaineers and climbers?

Judith Safford: This task is taken care of by the UIAA Mountain Protection Commission which raises awareness through various activities of the need to take care of the mountain environment, and preserve mountain cultures. The UIAA is pleased to have as the commission’s new president, Linda McMillan who is an executive member of the IUCN-WCPA Mountains Biome network. She brings to the job tremendous experience and commitment.

CheapTents.com: Can climbers and mountaineers become involved in UIAA projects which help protect natural resources in mountain regions?

Judith Safford: The UIAA’s job is to support local institutions, not to carry out projects itself. That said, we are happy to inform people of UIAA-supported projects, and help make connections.

CheapTents.com: What are the biggest challenges that the UIAA currently faces?

Judith Safford: The world of mountaineering and climbing has changed enormously in recent years. In earlier times the UIAA played an important role supporting federations and individuals planning their tours. Today you can even book a tour to the summit of Everest on the internet. The resulting commercialisation of mountaineering and climbing has had positive aspects in making our sport more accessible, but also has raised ethical questions about the way our sport is practised. Global warming and other environmental problems of degradation are also big issues for mountaineering. Mountaineers have been aware of melting glaciers for many years, and the destruction of the mountaineering environment touches us personally because a love of nature is common to almost all mountaineers. The “playing fields” of our sport are in intact environment, so the UIAA must help support ways to protect the mountains. Finally there are increasing concerns in society about the effects of current lifestyles on health and the practice of sports. Many of our federations are experiencing a decrease in membership, and wish to find ways to attract more people to our sport, particularly Youth.

CheapTents.com: What are the most exciting projects that the UIAA has planned for the future?

Judith Safford: Members of the UIAA executive are working on the development of a new code of best practices and ethics. It is currently in the consultation phase. The aim is to have the code approved at the annual General Assembly in Porto, Portugal in October this year.

CheapTents.com:

Thank you Judith for telling us about the organisation, aims and work of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA). For more information visit the UIAA’s website.

It is worth noting that our every day activities have an effect on the mountain environment. By contributing to global warming through our carbon emissions we are all indirectly responsible for glaciers melting in mountainous regions of the world. Many mountaineers and climbers are involved in campaigns to stop climate change, including Pro Ski-Mountaineer and Climber Alison Gannet. Alison suggests calculating your carbon footprint as a starting point to help you reduce your emissions.

If you enjoyed reading this interview you might be interested in our interviews with Steve Long – Chief Officer for Mountain Leader Training Association and Colonel Ravinder Nath of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.

Born in 1962 in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, Dixie has spent most of his life travelling the world, taking on many challenges across a wide range of outdoor activities. From mountaineering to mountain biking, from running to powerkite-skiing and from sailing to wind- and kitesurfing, Dixie will use any method to explore the extremes of our planet. A list of Dixie’s adventures and achievements is shown at the bottom of this post.

Polar Explorer Dixie Dansercoer

Dixie’s most recent expedition to Antarctic followed in the footsteps of a voyage from the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration. In 1897 Belgian Royal Navy Lieutenant Adrien Victor Joseph de Gerlache sailed from Belgium to the Antarctic with a multinational team, including Roald Amundsen, the first man to reach the South Pole. From September 2007 to May 2008, Dixie and 6 crew members on the “Euronav Belgica” re-enacted the 20 landings made by Adrien the Gerlach commemorating the historic sailing expedition.

On his first visit to Antarctica, 10 years earlier, Dixie crossed through the south pole on a 4000 km trip using skis and powerkites. This was the first time powerkites had been used for this type of expedition.

Dixie Dansercoer Kite Surfing in the Antarctic

These expeditions are not just for fun! Dixie also undertakes scientific experiments and in-depth photographic recording of the scenery, plants and wildlife.

In order to gain an insight into the fascinating life of the polar explorer and extreme sports expeditionist, we contacted Dixie and asked him a few questions…

Dixie Dansercoer Interview

CheapTents.com: What inspired you to become a polar explorer?
Dixie: It has been a gradual confrontation with ice and snow. At first in the (high) mountains during alpine excursions and climbing trips where I was intrigued by the wonders of ice, glaciers, snow and the shades of white.

CheapTents.com: What has been your biggest achievement?
Dixie: With the necessary humility, I have enjoyed the privilege of having completed integral crossings of both the Arctic ocean and the Antarctic continent on foot. One was 106 days while the other lasted 99 days.

CheapTents.com: You are a specialist in many outdoor activities, such as climbing, powerkiting, windsurfing, sailing, mountain biking, running and treking. Which is your favourite and why?
Dixie: Even though I am very ambitious and clearly try to outperform myself without going into competition neither with mother nature nor with other polar explorers, I thoroughly enjoy the more relaxed outings in deep and serene nature. Without stressful and complicated undertakings and in the company of good friends, camping with the ability to soak up nature in it’s purest form, far away from the busy world, is what I really enjoy.

CheapTents.com: What is the thing you find most rewarding about undertaking a polar expedition?
Dixie: Being able to submerge myself in a simple frozen world and almost becoming one with the surroundings is a privilege. Realizing that I am using my senses just like the animals in order to sniff danger or to know how to tell sweet or salty water just by looking at it while on an expedition on the arctic ocean, proves that the depth of the experience is more important than the possible success.

Penguins! The polar wildlife is important to Dixie. Source: Flickr by V.P.Tz.

CheapTents.com: How do you keep motivated on long polar expeditions, especially in areas of unchanging scenery and during whiteouts?
Dixie: I must say that it has gradually become normal and natural to accept non-perfection. I have taken the preparations of all of the expeditions that I have undertaken very seriously and know that the hardships come with monotony, endless hours of skiing, eating the same food every day for 100 days in a row.

It is clear that experience helps because you simply know what is ahead and you have learned to accept all difficulty. I also have learned to accept that I am a normal citizen suddenly being stripped from the comforts of modern society and that it initially takes effort to put myself in a new life stripped of anything. The most important thing that keeps me motivated is my sincere passion for the polar regions and the amazement of it’s beauty.

CheapTents.com: What has been your worst injury (if any) from outdoor activities and how did it happen?
Dixie: On day 32 during the crossing of the Antarctic I was lifted up in the air in stormy conditions by the kite-system that we used and thrown back onto the hard ice twice. Leaving me unconscious and with two broken ribs I had to take one day of rest in the tent before continuing.

CheapTents.com: During your expedition to the arctic in 2007 you have undertaken scientific measurements. What did you measure and how can this help to improve our understanding of the polar environment?
Dixie: The scientific mission we took along was in cooperation with the ESA (European Space Agency) whereby we were asked to measure the thickness of the snow layer on top of the frozen (saline) arctic ice.

It was important enough to the ESA because in the past they had only been able to predict the melting of the ice on the arctic ocean by using satellite imagery that can measure the ice thickness every 2 to 3 centimeters, which is of course with utmost precision. However, the parameters used did not take into account the snow that acts like a blanket, slowing down the melting of the ice.

Therefore the predictions were quite exaggerated and we were asked to do the field work. Every 40 km we would measure the snow layer over a distance of 500 meters and this every 5 meters. All the data are now being processed and will allow [ESA] to create more clarity into the matter of the melting of the arctic ice.

Ice Melting in the Ever-Changing Arctic. Source: Flickr by nick_russill

CheapTents.com: Which polar region, the Arctic or Antarctic, do you like the most and why?
Dixie: Clearly the Arctic ocean. It is like a love and hate affair because the living conditions in the Arctic are much harder compared to the Antarctic where it is dryer and less dynamic.

The Arctic ocean offers a wide variety of colours and the confrontation with the wildlife naturally makes things more interesting.

CheapTents.com: How did you feel when you first found out that you have the polar explorer statue made of you?
Dixie: The statue in Nieuwpoort, Belgium was inaugurated at the start of our sailing expedition to the Antarctic and was an initiative of the city of Nieuwpoort who had previously made me their honorary citizenship in 1998. Made by artist Freddy Cappon it is a tribute to my life as a polar explorer, but also to the importance of a little nation as Belgium with a clear polar history.

The Polar Explorer Statue of Dixie Dansercoer in Nieuwpoort, Belgium. Source: Flickr by sophiea

CheapTents.com: Do you have any expeditions planned for the near future?
Dixie: A completely different kind of expedition is the travelling exhibition that I am putting together:
www.antarcticmatters.org

It contains all of the challenges of big expeditions with organizational, budgetary and logistical challenges, but this time … Without the extreme lifestyle.

I do have another ambitious polar expedition planned for the 2011-2012 Antarctic season when I will try to execute a 6 to 7000 km expedition in east Antarctica.

CheapTents.com: What are your favourite bits of gear, and why?
Dixie: I may say that I am a freak when it comes to gear. Always testing, feeling, comparing ease in use and especially weighing since we have to shave off every gram that is too much.

I strive for excellence in quality which is usually measured by its sturdyness and solidity. But other criteria are ease in use and versatility.

Strangely enough, I tend to form a sort of relationship with equipment which I know is dead material, but when you use gear so much and for so long, I guess it is normal…

CheapTents.com: Any people or sponsors that you would like thank?
Dixie: It has been a pleasure to work with long-time and trusted partners like Sprayway and Hike-Away in Belgium who distribute Vaude.

The past has proven that with evolving materials and ethical developments my preference seems to be going towards those companies who not only follow the trends, but who have that pioneering instinct that I incorporate in my business as well.

(Ant)Arctic Matters

Dixie’s latest project (Ant)Arctic Matters is a travelling expedition that aims to showcase the beauty of polar regions and in doing so, will help us to understand and protect these globally important environments.

A large part of the (Ant)Arctic Matters exhibition has been created by artists using an array of unique sensory and audio-visual techniques that will help to highlight the fragile character of the Polar Regions.

The website contains stunning photographs of the polar regions, including scenery, wildlife and Dixie in action!

This project is completely different to anything I’ve done in the past. I want to show the whole world the crucial importance of protecting our superb polar regions. We can all make a contribution, by changing our own consumer behaviour. Green technologies, particularly apparent in our country, play an essential role.

Dixie Dansercoer’s Adventures and Achievements

For more information about Dixie’s expeditions please visit his website, www.circles.cc

• Two Round The World trips West to East and East to West, 1984-1986
• Belgian windsurfing champion in the wave-riding discipline, 1987.
• Cho Oyu, Tibet, climbing expedition, 1990.
• Mount Kenya, climbed the N/E and S/W faces, 1991.
• Mount Teide, Tenerife, World and Guinness Record holder for high altitude mountain biking, 1991.
• Mont Blanc, France, winter ascent, 1992.
• Mount Fuji, Japan, winter ascent, 1992.
• Australia and Belgium, Ironman Triathlon, 1993.
• Organiser and participant “Karakoram Bike Adventure”, 1200km through Pakistan and China, 1994.
• Belgium “La Transardennaise” 160 km Ultra-Marathon: 2nd place, 1994.
• Langjökul Glacier, Iceland, polar trek, 1995.
• Mount Cameroon, climbing expedition, 1995.
• Trans-Greenland expedition with Alain Hubert, 700 km on skis with powerkites, 1995.
• Mount Pisco, Peru, Alpamayo trek and ascent, 1996.
• Mount Everest climb (camp two) and ascent of Island Peak, 1996.
• Spitsbergen, Svalbard, polar trek,1997.
• South Through The Pole: Crossing of the Antarctic continent with Alain Hubert: 4000 km skiing / powerkiting, including scientific research, 1997-98.
• Antarctica 2000: Ascent of Mount Vinson with Julie Brown and polar trek Ellsworth Mountain Range with Rudy Van Snick, 2000.
• The Ultimate Arctic Crossing: Attempted traverse of the Arctic Ocean from Siberia to Canada. With Alain Hubert. 69 days. February – May 2002.
• Sierre-Zinal Switzerland, mountain running race, August 2003.
• Les Templiers Nants, France, 65 km mountain race, October 2003.
• Bering Strait Odyssey: Attempt to cross the Bering Strait from Alaska to Siberia and back. With Troy Henkels. March – April 2005.
• Bornem, Belgium:100 km running race: 3rd place, August 2006
• Successful crossing of the Arctic Ocean, from Siberia to Greenland, world premier 1800 km in 106 days, February-June 2007
• In The Wake Of The Belgica: Sailing expedition to the Antarctic peninsula. Pioneering sailing, wind-and kitesurfing, climbing and canoeing expedition, Sept 2007- May 2008
• Gondo Switzerland (Simplon Pass), double marathon, 9th place, 2008

Extreme Expeditionists

If you enjoyed reading our interview with polar explorer Dixie Dansercoer then you will almost certainly enjoy reading our interviews with other professional adventurers and mountaineers, such as:

• Alison Gannett – Pro Ski-Mountaineer / Climate Change Consultant
• Mikael Strandberg – Pro Explorer and Adventurer
• Kit Deslauriers – Pro Ski-Mountaineer / Climber
• Renan Ozturk – Pro Mountaineer & Artist
• Kevin Thaw – Pro UK all-rounder Climber