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.

Best Ever Outdoor, Hiking, Climbing and Gear Posts!

In order to celebrate this achievement we have compiled a list of our favourite blog posts from the year. Some our posts are informative, providing useful information about gear, outdoor pursuits and travel. Some posts provide ideas about where to go hiking, climbing, cycling and mountain biking. The interviews with outdoors professionals provide an exciting incite into the adventures of people who take outdoors sports to the extreme and/or travel to the remotest parts of the world. And some posts are about things that are just plain daft! This brings me nicely onto…

If you go down to the woods today…

The bear sleeping bag was created by Japanese artist Eiko Ishizawa. It is certainly creative but not one that we would recommend for a camping trip to the Scottish Highlands, or to anywhere else for that matter!

Dreaming of Mountain Biking in Aberdeenshire

Continuing on the theme of daft, we like this post about mountain biking in Aberdeenshire. It started off as a strange dream and unfortunately did not progress much further. However, if I take my mountain bike up to Aberdeenshire in the future, I will know where to get some excellent off-road action: Kirkhill Forest Mountain Bike Trail.

Worst blog post ever? Nunataks!

Watch out for these guys! Source: Flickr by lucyfrench123

Yes! This is the worst blog post ever, but it is Ryan’s favourite and it does make us chuckle. That says a lot about our sense of humour here at CheapTents.com!

So, what is a nunatak and why does make a bad blog post? It has something to do with an awful joke and an even worse artists impression!

Running the Marathon des Sables for Charity

From the “light hearted” to “not for the faint hearted”. The Marathon des Sables (MDS) is a 243km running race across the Sahara desert. You need to be extremely tough and dedicated to even think about attempting it. The MDS is the equivalent of 6 marathons in 6 days. Temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees. The terrain is rough, uneven, stoney ground and 20% of the distance is covered on sand dunes. You have to carry everything you need apart from water since it is a self sufficient race. It is commonly dubbed as ‘the toughest footrace on earth‘. In this post Andrew McMaster, tells us about his preparation for the Marathon des Sables 2009.

Interviews on the CheapTents.com Blog

Over the course of this year we have interviewed a number of athletes, explorers, adventurers, climbers and and outdoor industry professionals for the CheapTents.com blog. Firstly we must say a big thank you to all of these people who have given their time up to tell us inspirational tales and give us an insight into their lives! It is extremely difficult to decide which of the interviews are our favourites, but after much debate we have selected those of Paul Bride, Mikael Strandberg, and Dixie Dansercoer.

Paul Bride – Explorer & Outdoor Photographer

Paul Bride is an adventurer and photographer. Paul has travelled the world, going on adventures in India, Nepal, Canada and Vietnam. In this interview he tells us about his passion for photography and how he finds himself in places that he might not return from.

Paul Bride, Ice Climbing in the Rockies

Mikael Strandberg – Legendary Explorer and Adventurer

Explorer and adventurer Mikael Strandberg has travelled by horse, foot and skis through Patagonia, West Africa and Siberia. Mikael spent much the time on these expeditions travelling through uncharted territories, meeting people from different cultures and whilst in Siberia, eating raw, frozen fish.

Dixie Dansercoer: Polar Explorer and Expeditionist

Both the Arctic and the Antarctic are the passions of polar explorer Dixie Dansercoer. Dixie will use any method to explore the extremes of our planet: from mountaineering to mountain biking, from running to powerkite-skiing and from sailing to wind- and kitesurfing. The latest project that Dixie Dansercoer is spearheading is called (Ant)Arctic Matters. This 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.

Dixie Dansercoer Kite Surfing in the Antarctic

Wild Camping – the law, and the pro’s and con’s…

From the inspirational to the informational, we like to provide useful resources for people who are going out camping, hiking, climbing, biking and of course, advice about outdoor kit. Whilst we have a good deal of knowledge and personal experience in these subjects, we do additional researching for our posts and always find out a thing or two.

The pro’s and con’s of wild camping post shed’s light on the advantages and disadvantages of wild camping, and offers debate on whether it is legal and acceptable. A useful read for anyone thinking of going wild or mild camping.

Where do the MSR Hubbas get their name?

And on the subject of outdoor gear, we like to recommend our favourite bits of kit, point out our favourite technical features and mention favourable third party reviews. There are some special questions, however, that require us to contact the manufacturer to find out some answers…like what on earth is a Hubba?

There are selection of lightweight MSR tents with Hubba in the name. The unique design of the pole system provides the answer. But there is more to this saucy post than the answer to what is a hubba.

Hiking in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco

And finally, this post about hiking in Morocco is a favourite mainly due to the photographs of impressive scenery in part of the world that most people would not normally think of going for a walking holiday. The combination of steep sided valleys, high mountain plateaux, remote villages and a completely different culture has put the Atlas Mountains on my list of places that I wish to visit.

Here’s to the Future

There are many other exciting, interesting, informative, inspirational and daft posts on the blog. Why not take a look through our history archives or search for topic that interests you – you never know what might find!

The first year of the CheapTents.com blog has been a success and long may it continue!

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.

Bicycle Touring

This short post is an introduction to a pass time enjoyed by millions around the world, but if you thought that it was just a case of stapping your tent to your bike and cycling into the sunset then think again, cycle touring requires planning and preparation. This can be done independently, by groups of cyclists or commercial holiday companies, there are many questions to consider such as;

Preparation is vital, so its a good idea to check the weather forecast. Image By Dr Marcus Gossler

• Where are you going to go?
• Are you going to explore off the beaten track, or stick to Cycle routes?
• Who are you going to go with?
• For how long are you going to go away for?
• How far will you ride each day and how Fast?
• Are you healthy enough to do this?
• What do you need to take with you?

A Good Starting Point

So, you have decided your going away and taking your bike? However, as with any form of exercise it is advisable to see your GP who can asses your fitness, advise you on your limitations and help you make realistic goals.

There is very little point planning a cycle tour and buying equipment if your bike will take you round the world, but your legs wont take you round the corner!

Before embarking on your first adventure John Houseago of cycletourer.co.uk advises that it is essential to have a short trial run, so you can get an idea as to what you may experience on a longer trip.

Types of Bicycle Touring

There are different types of Cycle Tours, the three that follow is not an exhaustive list and there is a great deal of overlap but it will give you an idea.

Lightweight Touring

The rider carries the minimum of equipment they need such as clothes and essentials, accommodation and food is bought as they travel.

Self-Supported Touring

The cyclist carries everything they will need for their break, including food, cooking equipment, clothes and a tent for camping.

Supported Touring

A motor vehicle carries most of the rider’s equipment meaning greater distances can be travelled and more home comforts can be taken, and if your feeling lazy strap the bike to the van and put your feet up!

Each form of touring has its own advantages and disadvantages, and is a personal choice as to the experience you may want to undergo. It is also a point of argument as what may be lightweight or Self-Supporting. To me lifes essentials are a four poster bed, flush toilet, Sky Sports and they may not be to someone else! Although Im not sure if Therm-A-Rest have released the roll up four poster bed, maybe next year.

Stating The Obvious – A Bike Is Needed

Without stating the obvious a bike is pretty important in a cycling holiday. The type of tour you undertake may mean you need to think about the type of bike you use, if for example you were doing a Supported Tour an ordinary road bike will be fine as you will not be carrying a lot of weight on your bike, the more weight you carry the sturdier the bike needed, so on a Self-Supported Tour it is recommended to use a Touring Bike and fit it with panniers, this is something that your local cycling store should be able to help you with or log onto Why Cycle for information about bike types.

Touring Bikes are sturdy and more sutied for Self-Supported Tours Source Ron Divine

Safety is vitally important when cycling, it goes without saying that you should wear a helmet and take protection against the sun as the wind will cools, but you will still burn, SPF clothing is a very good idea as it protects is stylish and versatile.

And Finally For Now

We all have different wants and needs so there can not be a one cap fits all approach, at Cheaptents.com we hope to provide you with some useful information, in this, and forthcoming posts, to make your choices easier, and take a little trepidation out of Bicycle Touring.

In the next post I will examine some of the questions associated with Touring and in particular Self Supported Touring, namely, shelter, sleeping equipment, clothing and accessories.

Sherpa’s Belgian Chocolate Give-away!

If you were a Chocolate Sherpa, you would you have a different opinion about lugging 200 kg of Belgian Chocolate up to Mount Everest Base Camp. A team of four adventurers, led by the Belgian expeditionist Louis-Philippe Loncke have done just that. The Chocolate Sherpas as they are known, are raising money for a mobile hospital to help the people in remote areas of Nepal.

Many regions of Nepal are inaccessible through roads and thus providing care in these poor areas is a complicated task. People are unable to reach the capital, because of the cost and time of such a travel. Thanks to the mobile hospital, it will be possible to provide general and specialized care.

The expedition is a 400 km trek between Kathmandu and the Everest Base Camp, to organize a chocolate tasting event at 5350 m – the highest in the world! Half of the chocolate was distributed to porters and Sherpas on the journey and the other half was used for the chocolate tasting.

The Chocolate Sherpa team consists of:

1. Louis-Philippe Loncke, 32, Belgian
   (leader, originator of the project, photographer, cameraman, communications)

2. Norbert Eggermont, 24, Belgian
   (photographer, cameraman, communications, diplomacy, translator)

3. Joseph de Mahieu, 18, Belgian
   ( cameraman, drawings, communications)

4. Jeremy Roumian, 24, French
   (Logistics, Communications, homebase coordinator)

For more information about the expedition visit the Chocolate Sherpa blog.

Stunning scenery in the Band-e-Amir National Park. Photo credit: Alex Dehgan/Wildlife Conservation Society

Band-e-Amir National Park Afghanistan

With the help of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency is setting up the Band-e-Amir National Park. The park will protect the beautiful landscape, lakes and wildlife in the region of the Bamiyan Valley, in Central Afghanistan. The Bamiyan valley is famous for the caves and huge Bhuddist statues which were destroyed by the Taliban.

At its core, Band-e-Amir is an Afghan initiative supported by the international community. It is a park created for Afghans, by Afghans, for the new Afghanistan

said Dr. Steven E. Sanderson, WCS President and CEO.

The Band-e-Amir region was once home to many species including snow leopards. Wildlife that still survives in the region include a species of wild goat called the ibex, a type of wild sheep called the urial, wolves, foxes, smaller mammals and fish. Bird species living in the national park include the Afghan snow finch which it is thought, does not exist outside Afghanistan.

Thousands of Afghan tourists visit the Band-e-Amir and so to do foreigners currently living in Afghanistan. The Band-e-Amir was a popular destination for foreign travellers between the 1950s and 1970s.

The scenery of the Band-e-Amir national park consists of remote mountainous regions, plateaux and six deep blue lakes, making it an excellent place to travel for an adventure hiking holiday. The countryside is not that dissimilar to that of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, where is it possible go on hiking holidays.

Adventure Travel in Afghanistan

Adventure holidays in Afghanistan are now a possibility. A 17 day tour is available from ResponsibleTravel.com. The tour will take you to many interesting places, including Kabul, the country’s capital, Herat in the extreme West of Afghanistan, Mazar-I-Sharif in the North, which is the home of the magnificent Shrine of Hazrat Ali (Blue Mosque), and of course the impressive Bamiyan Valley.

Responsible Travel work with independent Afghan nationals who provide vehicles and are tour guides, as well as supporting organisations such as Adopt-A-Minefield, who clear land mines, and Climate Care, who invest in projects which will reduce carbon emissions.

The beautiful Blue Mosque at Mazar-I-Sharif. Source: ResponsibleTravel.com

Landmine warning sign. A stark reminder of the dangerous situation in Afghanistan. Source: Flickr by Oleg1975.

Afghanistan Facts

Afghanistan is possibly most famous for being the country at the top of the drop down list when you have to select your country on websites. Some interesting facts about Afghanistan, courtesy of the CIA World Factbook, are as follows:

• Afghanistan is located in southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran.
• The total area of Afghanistan is 647,500 sq km, about the same size as France.
• Independence from British control was gained in 1919. Afghanistan was a democracy until 1973.
• The Soviet Union occupied Afghanistan for 10 years from 1979 to 1989.
• The Taliban controlled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001.
• Hamid Karzai was democratically elected president of Afghanistan in December 2004.
• The population of Afghanistan is estimated at 33.6 million. We are not sure if this figure includes Osama Bin Laden.
• The Average life expectancy for an Afghan is only 44.6 years.
• The estimated number of internet users in 2007 was 580,000 and the top level domain for Afghanistan is .af.
• Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer of opium, the raw ingredient for heroin.
• Afghanistan is a mountainous country with the highest peaks in the Pamirs and Hindu Kush rising to more than 6,600 m.

With high mountains in the north and semi-arid or desert regions in the south west, Afghanistan is country with extremes of temperature. The climate is effected by the Mediterranean sea and therefore is similar to the continental climate system. So don’t forget to pack your shorts, sunblock, insulated jacket and waterproofs!

Afghanistan Countryside. Source: Flickr by Afghan LORD.

Earthy Coloured Mountains in Afghanistan. Source: ResponsibleTravel.com

Whilst there is obviously lots of adventure and excitement to be had in Afghanistan, the benefits of wild camping in the UK should not be over looked, and nor should a good hike in the Lake District!

It is also worth noting that at the time of writing this post, 5th May 2009, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advise against travel to Afghanistan and state that:

Visitors travelling to Afghanistan do so at their own risk and without protection from HMG [Her Majesty's Government].

However, in the future Afghanistan may well become a popular choice for adventurous hikers!

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

Get out your sexy underwear of course!

Ann Daniels displaying the sexy navigation aid - Source : Martin Hartley

This might not be the first things that springs to everyone’s mind, but  it is exactly what the Catlin Arctic Survey have been doing.

Due to the fact they are so close to the magnetic pole the team cannot use a compass and the freezing weather conditions are preventing the GPS equipment from working. Therefore the team have to rely on navigating using the position of the sun. When it is cloudy they rely on following the direction of the wind which is indicated by taking a pair of lacy underwear and hanging them from a ski pole much like a make shift windsock.

Ann Daniels said “The earth’s strong magnetic field on this part of the ocean means that the compass needle simply spins uselessly in its housing. As such, we’re currently relying on more traditional methods for day-to-day navigation, using the sun (for those few precious hours each day when it graces us with its presence), and using wind direction, as indicated by the panties…”

The purpose of this polar expedition, which is supported by the WWF and Prince Charles, is to capture accurate measurements of the thickness of the Arctic Ocean sea ice. This hard-won data will help their scientific team to predict more accurately than ever before how long the Arctic Ocean’s floating ice cap will be a year-round global feature.

The one question I have after all this is: why wear a thong on a 700 mile trek to the arctic? I’d imagine that something thermal would be much more appropriate, but maybe she was out to impress!

The beautiful village of Taghia, Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains, Morocco

The Atlas Mountains are located in North West Africa. They span right across Morocco and into Algeria. In the central Atlas Mountains it is possible to see scenery of staggering beauty. For example, a classic hike, called The Circuit of Taghia contains both immense cliffs and flat, extended high plateaus.

Atlas Mountains Hiking Holiday Itinerary

A typical organised hiking or walking holiday in the Atlas Mountains would last for 8 days and include a visit to one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, the village of Taghia. Taghia is located in the centre of Morocco, about 70 miles to the east of Marrakesh.

View Larger Map

On the first day you would arrive in Marrakesh by air and stay in a hotel. The second day would start with a bus journey up into the mountains via Aït M’ hammed, to Zaouia-Ahansal, at a height of 1600m. Here most of the gear would be loaded onto mules, so you would not need to carry too much weight in your rucksack.

The first afternoon of hiking would take you up to the village of Taghia, which, at 1890m is at the bottom of a steep sided limestone valley! This is the spectacular valley of the Assif Ahansal. Assif means river in the local Berber language.

The houses of Taghia village are built on the gentle slopes near the bottom of the valley, whilst the flat flood plain is given over to farming. Accommodation at Taghia and for the next few nights would be camping out in tents.

Taghia, at the bottom of the Valley Assif Ahançal

Gaining Height – Up to the Plateau

The third day would start off with a long, 700m climb, following a winding path up the steep sided valley walls. The climb up would be rewarded with breathtaking views of Taghia village, directly below on the valley floor.

After the steep climb, the hike would continue gently across the plateau towards the collar of Taghboula. The nights camping would take place at Tizi N’Tighboula, at a height of 2900m. The plateaus are home to the nomadic Aït Atta people and their dromedaries. In the summer the Aït Atta bring their flocks up to the pastures to graze.

The fourth day would you would climb up to the collar of Taghboula, the highest point of the expedition at 3100m. From here can be seen shepherds, accompanied of their flocks of goats, sheep or camels. The hike would continue alongside the drained lake of Izourar, where many years ago the river cut a deep valley into plateau.

Izourar the drained lake cuts through the Plateau

The plateau is dominated to the north by the Djebel Azourki mountain (3677m). The hike would continue along the the drained lake of Izourar. The night’s camping would take place at Assklou n’ nbi. At a height of 2300m, the day’s walking would be largely downhill. Below Assklou n’ nbi is the town of Zaouiat lamzi “assklou not nbi” – “the tree of the prophet”.

A change of scenery would follow on the fifth day of the walking holiday. The hike would continue through small mountain towns and cultivated fields to the beautiful, wide valley of Aït Bougmez. The highest point of the day being the collar of Tizi N’Adazen (2290m), with a final descent into R’Bat (El Hrat), at a height of 1950m.

Aït Atta Nomadic People in the Atlas Mountains

Hiking Through the Happy Valley

The final day of hiking would be a descent through the Happy Valley, following the river R’Bat. It is possible to see tracks made by dinosaurs along this remote valley. The night would be spent in a Gite in the small village of Agouti (1815m).

The seventh day would be spent taking a scenic bus journey back to Marrakesh, via the spectacular waterfalls of Ouzoud. The final day would be the flight back home from Marrakesh.

The hiking would be of average level, without notable technical difficulty. It would require a good physical condition and the ability to walk 4 to 6 hours every days. On the third day, due to the rapid gain in height to 3100m, mild feeling of altitude sickness is inevitable.

Hiking in Morocco

If you are considering hiking in Morocco, it is advisable to hire a professional mountain guide who can take you on an adventure holiday as part of an organised hiking tour. Brahim Lamkhantar is a professional guide and can be contacted 00 212 668400860 or e-mail: bra1pchly@yahoo.fr for further information about the Moroccan hike described above.

If you have been hiking in the Atlas Mountains, in Morocco or Algeria, we would love to know about your experience! Just click on the “comments” link below and let us know!

Climbing and Mountaineering in India

Climbing and mountaineering have a long tradition in India. The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) regulates foreign expeditions and promotes climbing and mountaineering in India. Last November, 2008, the IMF was addressed by the Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, at its golden jubilee celebrations. We recently contacted Colonel Ravinder Nath of the IMF, who has provided us with information about the activities of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation and about the climbing scene in India.

Indian Mountaineering Foundation Interview

CheapTents.com: What are the main functions of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation?
Colonel Ravinder Nath: The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), the apex national body for mountain exploration, has the objective of organizing, supporting and providing a base for expeditions for mountaineering, sport climbing, and trekking at high altitudes.

It seeks to promote, encourage, support and execute schemes for related adventure activities and environmental protection work in the Himalaya. IMF co-ordinates climbing in the Indian Himalaya, organizes national and international conferences, training, environmental-cleaning camps and climbing competitions.

IMF is closely associated with the Ministries of Sports, Home, Defence, Tourism and Environment of the Govt of India.

Zanskar Vally in the Himalayas, India. Source: Flickr by CortoMaltese_1999

CheapTents.com: What type of expeditions do the Indian Mountaineering Foundation provide funding for?
Colonel Ravinder Nath: The IMF sends its own mountaineering expeditions and provide funding to Indian mountaineering expeditions which go to the Himalaya. There are 5-7 IMF sponsored mountaineering expeditions and about 80-100 Indian mountaineering expeditions which go to the Himalaya.

CheapTents.com: How popular are mountaineering and climbing in India?
Colonel Ravinder Nath: Mountaineering and climbing are very popular in India and its popularity is increasing among younger generation. More and more people enjoy mountaineering and climbing during their vacations. To boost mountaineering in India , 30 Day Special Casual Leave is permitted by Govt of India for trekking/mountaineering expeditions.

The Himalayas, Kangchenjunga Mountain. Source: IMF

CheapTents.com: Are there any climbing walls in India?
Colonel Ravinder Nath: There are at least 40 climbing walls in India. Mainly, they are in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Bikaner, Darjeeling, Uttarkashi, Nainital, Jammu etc. There are four climbing walls in Delhi itself.

CheapTents.com: How does the IMF promote mountaineering and climbing in India?
Colonel Ravinder Nath: IMF organizes annual Sport Climbing Competition in India which is generally held in November. IMF conducts Liaison Officers Course. IMF interact with International Mountaineering Organisation, like UIAA [International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation] and IFSC [International Federation of Sport Climbing].

CheapTents.com: Who are the big names in Indian mountaineering and climbing?
Colonel Ravinder Nath: There are numerous eminent mountaineers in India. However, some of the eminent ones are Maj HPS Ahluwalia – President Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Shri Nawang Gombu, Capt M S Kohli, Col N Kumar, Shri Dorjee Lhatoo, Ms Harshwanti Bisht, Col Balwant Sandhu, Ms Bachendri Pal, Ms Santosh Yadav, Shri Gurdial Singh, Shri Sonam Wangyal, Ms C P Aitwal, Col H S Chauhan.

CheapTents.com: What is the National Sport Climbing Competition and how long has it been running?
Colonel Ravinder Nath: National sport climbing competition is held very year in the month of November. Prior to that we hold zonal competitions. India has been divided into five zones for National Sport Climbing Competition. There is a good participation of 150 boys and girls in this competition. For last few years South Zone has been dominating in this competition.

Mountains in Kashmir. Source: Flickr by giant rebus

CheapTents.com: Besides the Himalaya, are there other regions in India where mountaineering / climbing is popular?
Colonel Ravinder Nath: Most of the expeditions go to Himalaya i.e. different States like J & K [Jammu and Kashmir], Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

CheapTents.com: How does the IMF help foreigners to do mountaineering in India?
Colonel Ravinder Nath: All foreign expeditions are regulated by IMF. On their arrival they are briefed and Liaison Officer is detailed by IMF with them. On termination of expedition they are de-briefed and Liaison Officer gives his Report.

CheapTents.com: Can foreigners subscribe to the IMF publication “The Indian Mountaineer”?
Colonel Ravinder Nath: Foreigners can subscribe the IMF publication Indian Mountaineer. The subscription rate is Rs 2000/-.

CheapTents.com: How does the IMF promote environmental awareness to mountaineers and climbers?
Colonel Ravinder Nath: For the last few years IMF has been sending at least 1-2 Environmental-cum-Cleaning Expeditions which remove non-degradable material from the camps. Apart from this IMF also holds classes/lectures/talks for environmental awareness. Recently IMF published posters on environment awareness and distributed to Indian States.

Zanskar Valley Shepherd. Source: Flickr by CortoMaltese_1999

CheapTents.com: How does mountaineering and climbing affect local people living in mountainous areas of India?
Colonel Ravinder Nath: Mountaineering and climbing make impact on the locals as it provide to some of the locals short term employment as more and more people visit mountains for climbing/mountaineering /tourism.

CheapTents.com: Thank you Colonel Ravinder Nath for answering our questions and providing an insight into climbing in India and the role of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.

More information and contact details can be found on our previous post about the Indian Mountaineering Foundation Museum.

Mountaineering and Climbing Interviews

The CheapTents.com blog features many exclusive interviews with climbers, mountaineers and other people who enjoy the outdoors. If you enjoyed this interview you might like to read our interview with Steve Long, Chief Officer for the Mountain Leader Training Association, Judith Safford, Director of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA), Pro Ski-Mountaineer / Climber Alison Gannet or Pro Explorer and Adventurer Mikael Strandberg.

And if you’re inspired to do some mountaineering or climbing, you can visit CheapTents.com for your outdoor gear!