The Weekly Stoke: Everest firsts, Mont Blanc speed record, death on El Cap and the best flow chart ever

Been a rough week in terms of the news, so let me offer this break from reality. It’s that time. Time for the Weekly Stoke!

First off, have a look at Brendan Leonard’s flow chart. It’s a work of art, I’m telling ya.

An 80-year-old Japanese climber and extreme skier (and multiple heart surgery patient) became the oldest person to ever climb Mount Everest.

And another first: The first Saudi woman to summit Everest. Yep, it’s that time of year: Everest firsts. Funny thing, though: She can climb Everest, but can’t drive a car or show her face in public in her home country. Hmmm…

For literary mountain folk, it’s time to grieve once again for the demise of the Mountain Gazette. One of the most interesting and genuine publications of its kind. RIP, MG.

And a new record was set on Mont Blanc.

A terrifying piece of news from El Capitan. A deeper report of that incident can be seen here.

And here’s a list of things learned during a trek to Everest base camp by a Portland blogger who was just there.

Have a good weekend, all.

The Weekly Stoke: Drones, elephant justice, tick phobia and what makes an elite mountaineer

Jam-packed with news this week, we’re looking at a whole slew of the funny, serious and weird in this edition of the Weekly Stoke. So let’s get started.

Drones are used to wipe out terrorists, and some fear they can spy on American citizens. The U.S. Geological Survey has found another use that’s a little more benign.

Chalk one up for wildlife! An elephant turns the tables on a poacher.

Here’s something we suspected: Hiking can actually make you smarter.

National Geographic takes an interesting look at the physiological attributes of elite high-altitude mountaineers.

It’s tick season now, and if this post doesn’t freak you out than maybe it will at least inspire a bug spray purchase or at least a thorough tick-check.

We’re redefining wild spaces again: The National Park Service will allow bolts on climbing routes in national parks.

Here’s a list of some of the world’s most dangerous travel destinations.

And finally, a video of when Whole Foods gets to people’s heads.

The Weekly Stoke: An afro-centric ascent of Denali, deadly animal encounters and a couple’s dream goes awry

Dust-laden snowpack could mean serious water issues in the U.S. (USGS photo)

Just when I think it might be a light week in the world of the outdoors, stuff happens. A lot of stuff. In the mountains, in the jungles and elsewhere. Let’s get started:

Some more news on the environmental front that is not so good. Desert dust settling on the western snowpack is having some serious repercussions.

How’s this for a TV movie of the week: Rich man meets exotic gal. They trade in their high-living digs in the U.S. to build the ultimate mansion/nature preserve on a Costa Rican jungle mountaintop. And then they went nuts. Not everyone made it out OK. From Outside Magazine.

This group of Denali climbers is made up of all-black members. Here’s a story about why they think that’s important.

Here’s a list of ideas for first ascents. It’s kinda funny.

Here’s another list that lets you know if you’re an outdoorsy person.

Five people were killed climbing a volcano in the Philippines.

A climber was killed when he was attacked by a swarm of bees.

And then there’s this animal encounter: A hiker falls to her death in France, and within an hour, vultures kinda took over from there.

And then there’s this video of Courtney Sanders finding a way to train despite injury. She’s a little hard core.

The Weekly Stoke: The mess on Everest, man fights off a bear and one runner’s journey from Boston to Oklahoma City

Mount Everest. (Wikipedia Commons photo)

This edition of the Weekly Stoke is going to have a pretty heavy emphasis on Mount Everest, but plenty of other goodies await. It’s been an interesting week in the outdoors.

First, I’m sure that most people have heard about the fight that happened at Camp 2 on Mount Everest. And there are many conflicting stories about how it went down. In short, three European climbers got in a conflict with Sherpas setting fixed lines on Everest, which led to a brawl in which the Europeans were assaulted by angry Sherpas. The Sherpas claimed the Europeans had ice kicked down on them while rope-setting work was being done.

One of the climbers, Simone Moro, tells the tale in this post.

And here, a second member of the European team, Ueli Steck, describes his version of the events. And it seems as if it was pretty scary. The parties did get together to forge a sort of truce, but many are saying that future incidents like this are not only possible, but likely. It seems the circus that is Everest just took a very dark turn.

A couple weeks after the Boston Marathon bombings, some of the runners who were prevented from finishing that race ran in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. CNN’s John Sutter tells the story of one of those runners, and weaves in some other storylines we well.

Here’s a list of the kinds of dudes you don’t want to be.

And then there’s this list — the six most dangerous hiking trails in the U.S.

And finally, the story to end all stories: A man fights off an Alaskan brown bear with nothing more than a tripod and his bare hands. Try topping  that one at the office watercooler!

The Weekly Stoke: Tales from the road, an avalanche report, cycling in schools and aerial glacier footage

(denver.cbslocal.com image)

We’re on time with the Weekly Stoke this time! With sweet links to boot. All of them are good reads with food for thought and discussion. Here’s what I found this week that caught my interest:

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center released its official report on an avalanche that killed five people last weekend near Loveland Pass. The technical information is interesting and that narrative of the slide is as detailed as it is heartbreaking. Be careful out there, folks.

Outside Magazine thinks mountain biking might be the next big thing in high school sports.

Want to know what’s ahead of someone who decides to drive across the world? The Adventure Journal does an interview with a guy who, with his wife, is doing just that. Fascinating read.

Speaking of road warriors, this blogger writes about some of her not-so-pleasant encounters while out on the highways. Being a free-spirited, adventurer-driven traveler has its downsides. A good read with a good question from Gina Begin.

In India, bull surfing is a thing. The photos of this are awesome.

And finally, watch this video showing an aerial view of Alaskan glaciers. Simply gorgeous.

PAUSE 4 from PAUSE on Vimeo.

The Weekly Stoke: Boston Marathon advice, the amazing Kilian Jornet, an escape artist and climbing humor

I’ve got a great collection of links, and the first one is rather timely. The Boston Marathon is this Monday, and this blogger has some tips for first-timers in America’s premiere marathon event. There are also good general tips for marathon runners in there, too.

From Outside Magazine, here’s a profile of Kilian Jornet, an ultramarathoner who set a speed record for ascending Mont Blanc. Keep in mind, mountaineering is this guy’s secondary sport.

Also from Outside Magazine: Have you ever heard of Troy Knapp? Folks in rural Utah sure have. Part criminal, part survivalist and part escape artist. A fascinating read about how a guy lived on his wits, survival skills and thievery in Utah’s backcountry.

Ever wonder what it would be like to literally drive to the ends of the earth? These guys actually did it, traversing Argentina’s Patagonia to drive to Tierra Del Fuego on South America’s southern tip. Via the Adventure Journal’s Overlandia series.

This guy set a goal to travel, under human power, 3,333 miles this year to mark his 33rd birthday. Read here how he is making this commitment work.

Here’s a story that’s better read than experienced: Surviving an avalanche during a solo climb up Colorado’s Long Peak.

Some humor for ya: Brendan Leonard (semi-rad.com) tells you how to make sure your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse never participates in your chosen outdoor sport ever again.

And then there’s this bit of climbing humor that even a novice like me can appreciate. It’s safe for work and pretty hilarious. Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

Oklahoma climbing: Quartz Mountain Spring Gathering is April 5-7

Quartz Mountain, also known as Baldy Point.

It’s safe to say that Oklahoma is not known as one of the climbing centers if the country, but that belies the fact that there is excellent climbing and bouldering in the Wichita Mountains near Lawton.

One of the prime spots is Quartz Mountain, sometimes known as Baldy Point. Multi-pitch trad routes await on this granite wall that rises out of nowhere on the southwestern Oklahoma prairie.

It’s also the spot for the Quartz Mountain Spring gathering, which is happening April 5-7.

Work is going to keep me from being there, but if you’re in Oklahoma or north Texas and want to get your climb on with a cool crowd, make a weekend of it.

I was reading on a Facebook page for this event a few things that are good to know. Camping is $3 per person per night. There are showers nearby. Camping is pretty much right at the foot of the mountain, so there is a minimal approach and immediate access to a whole bunch of routes to try.

Some more information, this straight from that Facebook page:

Help us protect this pristine area and the privilege to gather here by minimizing your impacts. Please disperse your tent sites, make use of the restroom facilities, and carry-out all trash. By doing so, you will insure that Baldy’s natural resources are protected and that the Park continues to grant the climbing community a special use permit for future events.

Also, please note Quartz Mountain Nature Park’s rules and regulations for the event:

1) No liquor or drugs. Beer is permitted.
2) No firearms.
3) No mountain bikes.
4) No campfires.
5) No tree cutting or trimming.
6) Pets must be on a leash at all times.
7) Barbecue grills are permitted in the parking lot.
8) Bivying and tent camping are permitted 100′ east of the parking lot.
9) Sleeping in your vehicle is permitted.
10) Carry-out and dispose of all trash and waste.

If you want to know more about this event or the Wichita Mountains Climbing Coalition, check out this site. If you have the time and the urge, you should definitely check it out, and maybe do a little exploring in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge while you’re at it. I’m not kidding when I tell you this area is chock full of excellent hiking, climbing and wildlife viewing opportunities.

For more information about Quartz Mountain, as well as directions to get there, go to this link. Enjoy!

Bob Doucette

On Twitter @RMHigh7088

Remembering mountaineering pioneer George Lowe

George Lowe (BBC photo)

   Most of us have heard the two most famous names in mountaineering: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. They’re the first two humans to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest, a feat accomplished in 1953.

   But few people know the names behind the names of climbing’s most elite pair.

   One of those people passed away last week. And to get a good understanding of the sacrifices it took to get two people to the top of the world’s highest peak, it might be a good thing to know a thing or two about George Lowe.

   Lowe, 89, died last week and was the last surviving member of the British-led expedition to Everest.

   (Interestingly, both Lowe and Hillary are New Zealanders)

   While Lowe played a supporting role in the expedition and was not part of the summit day team, his role was notable. A few facts from an Associated Press story on his effort on the mountain:

   Kari Herbert of Polarworld, which is due to publish Lowe’s book “Letters From Everest” later this year, said Lowe’s efforts had been crucial to the expedition’s success.

   “He was one of the lead climbers, forging the route up Everest’s Lhotse Face without oxygen and later cutting steps for his partners up the summit ridge,” she said.

   In short, he expended the effort needed to help ease the summit team’s path to the top. That’s the sort of selfless actions we’d all like to see in our partners on the mountain and in life.

   Lowe also participated in a transcontinental crossing of Antarctica, no small deal in any age, and certainly not then.

   Check out his story and revel in the adventurous and giving life this guy led.

Bob Doucette

On Twitter @RMHigh7088

Video: More outdoor awesomeness

I figured this would be a good time for a mid-week video distraction. This three-minute video is filled with some incredible outdoor cinematography in some of the most striking scenery you’ll ever see. It’s compiled by Renan Ozturk of Reel 2013.

Check it out and enjoy it. And have a great day! — Bob

RENAN OZTURK // DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY // REEL 2013 from Camp 4 Collective on Vimeo.

Video: Climber survives scary, icy fall

Climbing up this snow route in Wales, this climber almost gets hit by a falling chunk of ice, then tumbles 100 feet down the slope in what is every mountaineer’s nightmare. Somehow the climber, Mark Roberts, escaped without any serious injuries. Watch the video. It’s a little freaky.