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VIDEO: "LIFE RECLAIMED" Trailer 1
HSA Trailer1B from Sirfur Productions on Vimeo.
Showing posts with label Expeditions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Expeditions. Show all posts
HSA Trailer1B from Sirfur Productions on Vimeo.
DESTINATION: ADVENTURE - Recap
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| Photo: HSA |
HSA Expedition Recap
Our adventure to the Oklahoma outback was exciting, fun, beautiful, and at times, quite grueling.
We started off leaving our home in Corpus Christi at about 2:00PM on Friday June 14 and drove straight on through to our destination in the Arbuckle Mountains.
We arrived at approximately 1:00AM and slept for a few hours in the jeep waiting for first light to set up our camp. As the first signs of light began to glow, just before the yellow ball peeked it's head above the horizon, we sat up our base camp and prepared for a long hike to the waterfall.
After several hours of hiking we reached our destination. There we found a beautiful 77' waterfall with an inviting natural swimming hole. As it was extremely hot out, I took a dip in the hole while 2 of my companions waded in the shallow stream created by the overflow.
After the swim, we ate lunch and began the trek back to base camp... all the while capturing footage for the HSA documentary. The hike back to camp was equally grueling. Once we were back, we sparked the fire and began cooking our dinner before laying our weary heads to rest.
The following morning, I sat out on an extreme hike to find the source of the creek that eventually lead to the waterfall. It was an arduous journey, full of rugged and steep cliffs, rocky ledges, and thick overgrowth that I had to climb and bushwhack my way through. The end result was worth the 3 day round trip as I was left with a sense of accomplishment, blessed with beautiful scenery, and the euphoria that can only come with being at one with nature.
On the 5th day, it was time to restock supplies and recharge the electronics. Shooting footage for a documentary deep in the middle of nowhere poses certain challenges, like hiking certain areas 2 or 3 times in order to place cameras, get the proper footage and angles. Afterward a break was much needed With my Dad living in Oklahoma, it was a natural choice to rest at his house before embarking upon the second part of the adventure.
READ MORE (and see photos) AFTER THE JUMP...
Phase 2 had us planning for boating, fishing, snorkeling, and various other water sports at Lake Eufaula. Lady Luck would only be with us up to a point however, as the recent heavy storm activity and rain run off filled the lake with Oklahoma's famous red clay.
There was no visibility for snorkeling and the runoff affected the fishing as well. We were still able to catch a couple of good blue cats and enjoy leisurely boat rides along the lake.
After 2 days at the lake, we returned to my dads house to rest up for the long drive back to Corpus.
It was a great adventure. One that left me craving more. As I drove down the highway Monday morning on my way to work in my coffin of glass and steel, I realized how much I miss being in the wild and at one with nature... it hasn't even been a week since my return... gotta get back out there... soon!
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| Base Camp - Photo: HSA |
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| My son and daughter at base camp - Photo: HSA |
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| Me at the falls - Photo: HSA |
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| My Companions at the Falls - Photo: HSA |
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| Base Camp at Nightfall - Photo HSA |
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| Chilling on the Boat - Photo: HSA |
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| Catch of the Week - Photo: HSA |
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| Another good fish - Photo: HSA |
DESTINATION: ADVENTURE - Update
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| Photo: Human Spirit of Adventure |
Thus far we have hiked miles and miles of rugged terrain, done 4 river crossings, and been bitten by every bug known to mankind. Tomorrow we should reach our final destination and enjoy the serenity and watersport action of Lake Eufaula.
We will have a full journey update upon our return, so stay tuned...
DESTINATION: ADVENTURE... 5 DAYS AWAY
5 Days and Counting...
In five days, we here at HSA will set of on a week long adventure. An adventure that will encompass multiple adventure sports.
On the agenda is miles and miles of rugged backpacking, hiking, climbing, cave exploration, and freshwater snorkeling... topped off with rivers, waterfalls and spectacular views.
This adventure will be filmed on GoPro cameras as part of HSA's upcoming documentary tentatively titled "Life: Reclaimed"
We are gearing up and beginning the final week of preparation for this adventure. We will try to post some photo's along the way on our Facebook page and have a full blown recap right here on the blog upon our return.
See you then!
RACE ME TO THE POLE - Wrap Up...
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| Photo provided by Hannah Rollings |
Ahead of relaying the final installment on Gavin's trip, we want to thank all supporters of Gavin and Moving Mountains Trust throughout this expedition on behalf of Gavin himself and all of the Moving Mountains staff and beneficiaries.
100% of the donations will go towards projects in Kenya, Nepal and Borneo so make sure you follow Moving Mountains in the near future to see the fantastic projects that these funds will help support.
The last re-supply checkpoint was at Cator Harbour on Sherard Osborn Island, right at the Northern Tip of Bathurst Island and at the 310km mark of the journey. Gavin and the team made it here on the 21st April. The re-supply plane picked up one of the guides, Steve, who unfortunately suffered from frostbitten fingers. As a precaution he was flown back to Resolute to have it checked out and we since hear he is doing fine. The re-supply plane brought extra food and fresh sat-phone batteries. These phones have been one of the only links between Gavin and the outside world, allowing us to exchange brief conversations, and relay information by text. In addition, the Yellow Brick GPS tracker unit has allowed us view his position at hourly intervals on the interactive map and also extract accurate Lat/Long coordinates. READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP
In temperatures often reaching -40 degrees Celsius there's only place for the hardiest electronics, meaning Gavin was not able to relay digital files, videos or photos since leaving Resolute Bay. After Sherard Osborn Island, Gavin and the team continued North West over relatively smooth sea ice that had 'freshly' frozen this year. This offered a little respite from skiing over older, broken and re-frozen ice rubble and also the areas where they were forced onto the land at Airstrip Point and Cape lady Franklin; testing work! During the penultimate week of the expedition, with temperatures still extremely low, a lot of Gavin's insulating down gear had become wet through condensation from sweating and cooking and then frozen solid. The team had therefore been hoping for slightly higher temperatures and some direct sunlight to afford the opportunity to try and melt and dry out some of their essential kit. Soon after, we received news that conditions had improved dramatically. However, a new concern was raised; the team feared that they might not make it to the Pole in time for their pick-up. After losing ground to the Arctic snow storm the week before, it was looking like the team would have to spend 10-12 hours skiing every day for a week, that's said to be akin to doing a marathon every day of the week.
On the night of the 27th of April the team had a near miss with a polar bear. The team had managed to stay way out of reach of these Arctic giants right through the usual danger zone close to ‘Polar Bear Pass’ on Bathurst Island, but just days from the pole, the team had a 1AM polar bear visit. The curious bear sniffed around, leaving 8 inch wide paw prints circling the tents. Luckily, the creature didn't commit any breaking and entering, but rather sent one of the team into a mild panic; the dilemma of being the only member of the crew to be awake and hearing the deep breathing of a polar bear... On May the 29th, at around 03:30 GMT (9:30pm local time) Gavin and the rest of the team made it to the North Pole after a mammoth 35km push over the course of more than 13 hours.
Not long after arriving at the pole last night and setting up their camp, a tired and emotional Gavin, called in to leave the message they had been looking forward to uttering for weeks, “We are at the Pole”. To listen to the final audio message, plus earlier stories from the expedition, visit Flickr . The race may have finished, but the team still have to ski approximately 28km today (30th April) to get to the airstrip at Isachsen. The strip is on the land, considered much safer than landing on the sea ice, although it will of course be covered in snow. There is only one aircraft available to pick the team up tomorrow, meaning that the plane will have to do two trips to pick up all of the team and their kit. They will try and get as many people on the first plane as possible but will have to leave a few for the second trip, along with as much gear as they can. They may have to leave behind gear in the abandoned weather station buildings but this may well be of use to people in the future if they do.
According to the Environment Canada Climate Severity Index, Isachsen and the surrounding area has the worst weather in Canada with a CSI severity value of 99 out of a possible 100. Trees and shrubs cannot survive this far north, restraining the wildlife to polar bears, Arctic Foxes, seals, muskoxen and a variety of migratory birds. The abandoned weather station will therefore prove to be a welcome shelter, though they will no doubt be praying that it is a very temporary one.
A huge thank you to everyone who has already joined the Donation Team by donating to the Moving Mountains Trust via the Race Me To The Pole campaign. So far we have raised a fantastic £14,278, 40, putting us at the 354km mark. It is not too late to join the team or even re-affirm your membership with any donation, large or small.
To donate, visit the Race me to the Pole MyDonate page.
Or, to donate via text... send.... POLE13 £5 to.... 70070
On behalf of everyone who will benefit from the work of Moving Mountains, around the globe, we would like to say a huge THANK YOU for donating and supporting us so far.
Left - Members of the U15 football team, kids from the slums near Embu town and children from both the county primary and urban primary schools got together to wish Gavin a safe trip. Each child took the time to write Gavin a message. To read the stories of other Moving Mountains Trust beneficiaries, visit www.movingmountainstrust.com/changing-lives
Race Me To The Pole - UPDATE...
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| Photo provided by Hannah Rollings |
"Race Me To The Pole" - Update
By: HANNAH ROLLINGS
On the 10th of April Gavin had a 24hr stop-over at Polaris Mine. The once functioning mine produced 21 million tonnes of lead-zinc worth over $15 billion before closing in July 2002 after 20 years of production. At one time 250 people lived and worked there. Although the site is now closed and deconstructed, it still serves as a convenient checkpoint and re-supply point for adventurers and expeditions on this classic Polar route.
This was also the first opportunity Gavin has had to change his base layer of clothing after 6 days of skiing! The team were re-supplied with food and drink and also met some of the Canadian rangers who have been on patrol in the area. The Rangers warned of a female Polar Bear and cub in the area. Needless to say, the team gave a very wide berth to such a potentially dangerous animal. Luckily, they didn't come into contact. READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP
In one of Gavin’s audio updates he talks of the team making an igloo and sheltered toilet during their time stuck at Polaris Mine. The snow in the Arctic is far lighter and drier than the stuff we're used to... and sounds like polystyrene! This makes it easier to make sculptures, which is how the team spent most of their time at Polaris as they waited for supplies.
As of 1PM (GMT) on the 18th of April, Gavin set off from the east coast of Bathurst Island after waiting out a snow storm for 60+ hours. His tent had iced over solid and his sleeping bag and clothing had become wet. The team were trying to keep warm in -40 temperatures and gale-force winds by keeping a lit stove, in turn causing condensation and dampness. As of Thursday morning, the wind had died down enough for him to make tracks northwards, snaking up the coast of Bathurst Island.
Everyone can follow the daily progress made by Gavin and the Donation Team via the constantly updated race record at racemetothepole.com. Thanks to Yellow Brick tracking we will receive Gavin’s location every four hours.
As of 1PM (GMT) on the 18th of April, Gavin set off from the east coast of Bathurst Island after waiting out a snow storm for 60+ hours. His tent had iced over solid and his sleeping bag and clothing had become wet. The team were trying to keep warm in -40 temperatures and gale-force winds by keeping a lit stove, in turn causing condensation and dampness. As of Thursday morning, the wind had died down enough for him to make tracks northwards, snaking up the coast of Bathurst Island.
The time Gavin spent static in the storm was particularly worrying as he was camped just north of ‘Polar Bear Pass’, a polar bear migratory route. The island is much more fertile than others in the area, attracting a lot of fauna, including caribou and muskoxen. This large prey attracts polar bears, usually from March to November.
So what now?
Gavin is heading towards the Berkeley Islands, a group of uninhabited islands. The Berkeley Group is part is a member of the Parry Islands subgroup. It is composed of the Hosken Islands, as well as Allard Island, Harwood Island, Ricards Island, Seymour Island, and Sherard Osborn Island. The group is named in honour of Admiral Maurice Berkeley, Royal Navy First Sea Lord.
There’s hard work ahead but the weather has gone in Gavin’s favour, hopefully for the long-term.
You can hear all of Gavin’s audio updates at the below link. He touches on topics from shin splints, to polar bears and poogloos (an igloo where you can relieve yourself).
https://vimeo.com/album/2346841
100% of the donations are going towards Moving Mountains Trust, a charity that focuses on long-term sustainable development in Kenya, Nepal and Borneo. Your donations will help thousands of people, not just now but in the long-term, individuals, each with their own story and struggles, whose lives you can help to change.
Find out a bit more about how a donation to Moving Mountains can change a life and those of everyone connected with them. On the Moving Mountains website there are just a few examples of the tens of thousands of people donations have helped Moving Mountains to support over the years.
If you donate, you will become part of the ‘Donation Team’, racing Gavin to the Pole. Every £1 donated = 25km of progress for the Donation Team. Gavin is currently over 40km ahead of the Donation Team. Please help to narrow the gap by donating, every little helps! Gavin is currently over 30km ahead of the Donation Team and he’s on the move!
So what now?
Gavin is heading towards the Berkeley Islands, a group of uninhabited islands. The Berkeley Group is part is a member of the Parry Islands subgroup. It is composed of the Hosken Islands, as well as Allard Island, Harwood Island, Ricards Island, Seymour Island, and Sherard Osborn Island. The group is named in honour of Admiral Maurice Berkeley, Royal Navy First Sea Lord.
There’s hard work ahead but the weather has gone in Gavin’s favour, hopefully for the long-term.
You can hear all of Gavin’s audio updates at the below link. He touches on topics from shin splints, to polar bears and poogloos (an igloo where you can relieve yourself).
https://vimeo.com/album/2346841
100% of the donations are going towards Moving Mountains Trust, a charity that focuses on long-term sustainable development in Kenya, Nepal and Borneo. Your donations will help thousands of people, not just now but in the long-term, individuals, each with their own story and struggles, whose lives you can help to change.
Find out a bit more about how a donation to Moving Mountains can change a life and those of everyone connected with them. On the Moving Mountains website there are just a few examples of the tens of thousands of people donations have helped Moving Mountains to support over the years.
If you donate, you will become part of the ‘Donation Team’, racing Gavin to the Pole. Every £1 donated = 25km of progress for the Donation Team. Gavin is currently over 40km ahead of the Donation Team. Please help to narrow the gap by donating, every little helps! Gavin is currently over 30km ahead of the Donation Team and he’s on the move!
Everyone can follow the daily progress made by Gavin and the Donation Team via the constantly updated race record at racemetothepole.com. Thanks to Yellow Brick tracking we will receive Gavin’s location every four hours. To join the donation team in the Race to the Pole, text ‘POLE13 £1’ to 70070. You can substitute the £1 with £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10. To learn about more about the expedition and to find out other ways to donate, visit the campaign website at www.racemetothepole.com
Alternatively, you can donate here: https://mydonate.bt.com/events/racemetothepole/95845
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| Sarmilla Rai and the children of Buspa Primary |
To the left is a photo of just one of Moving Mountains many beneficiaries. Sarmilla Rai and her class at Buspa Primary.
"Race Me to the Pole" Says Adventurer Gavin Bate...
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| Adventurer Gavin Bate (Photo courtesy Hannah Rollings) |
‘Race me to the Pole’ says adventurer Gavin Bate
STORY BY HANNAH ROLLINGS -Tomorrow my boss and friend, philanthropist and adventurer Gavin Bate, aims to ski more than 550km from Resolute Bay in northern Canada to the magnetic North Pole. As part of the expedition, his aim is to raise £22,000 for the Moving Mountains Trust, an international development charity that he founded more than 10 years ago.
The ‘race’ to the pole will see donors pitted against Gavin in his journey across the thinning Arctic sea ice toward the Pole. Every pound donated by the ‘Donation Team’ is worth 25 metres of Gavin’s trek, and as he gets ever closer to the finish line the Donation Team will race to achieve their target of £22,000 worth of donations. Importantly, all of the money raised via donations associated with this expedition will go towards Moving Mountains Trust which supports sustainable development projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Nepal and Borneo. Gavin covers all overheads himself via profits from his ethical adventure company, Adventure Alternative. It’s well known that tourism is one of the most over-exploited industries, especially in the developing world. Breaking the mould, Adventure Alternative was formed on a strict ethical policy, employing locals and offering them a fair wage, with benefits.
Moving Mountains’ primary aims are to provide aid for the relief of hardship, poverty, suffering and inequality through education and vocational training, medical treatment, sport and employment. Most importantly, in my mind, all projects are developed over a number of years with the local community; the community’s voice is actually heard! After completion, they are handed over to the community to manage alongside the Moving Mountains committees in each country.
To join the donation team in the Race to the Pole, text ‘POLE13 £1’ to 70070. You can substitute the £1 with £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10. To learn about more about the expedition and to find out other ways to donate, visit the campaign website at www.racemetothepole.com
I’ll be back soon to update you on Gavin’s progress!
Dates:
Social Media:
Facebook Facebook.com/racemetothepole
Twitter @MMTrust #racemetothepole
LinkedIn Moving-Mountains-Trust
Contact:
www.racemetothepole.com
Hannah Rollings
Moving Mountains Trust
info@movingmountainstrust.com
PO Box 14
Portstewart
Northern Ireland
BT55 7WS
+44 (0)28 708 31258
Moving Mountains’ primary aims are to provide aid for the relief of hardship, poverty, suffering and inequality through education and vocational training, medical treatment, sport and employment. Most importantly, in my mind, all projects are developed over a number of years with the local community; the community’s voice is actually heard! After completion, they are handed over to the community to manage alongside the Moving Mountains committees in each country.
Everyone can follow the daily progress made by Gavin and the Donation Team via the constantly updated race record at racemetothepole.com and via a host of other social media streams. Thanks to Yellow Brick tracking we will receive Gavin’s location every four hours. It’s near impossible for the team to carry any other form of (functioning) electronics due to temperatures that often reach -35C.
To join the donation team in the Race to the Pole, text ‘POLE13 £1’ to 70070. You can substitute the £1 with £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10. To learn about more about the expedition and to find out other ways to donate, visit the campaign website at www.racemetothepole.com
I’ll be back soon to update you on Gavin’s progress!
Dates:
- Gavin left the UK on March 27, 2013 flying via Ottawa and Iqaluit to Resolute Bay.
- Several days will be spent at Resolute Bay, packing and testing equipment.
- Gavin is due to leave Resolute Bay on April 6, 2013 to begin the trek to the pole. The team are expected to reach the Pole on May 4, 2013.
Social Media:
Facebook Facebook.com/racemetothepole
Twitter @MMTrust #racemetothepole
LinkedIn Moving-Mountains-Trust
Contact:
www.racemetothepole.com
Hannah Rollings
Moving Mountains Trust
info@movingmountainstrust.com
PO Box 14
Portstewart
Northern Ireland
BT55 7WS
+44 (0)28 708 31258
Summit On The Summit... Climbing Kilimanjaro
In so many areas around the world, water is not clean enough to drink. This threatens the lives of many people across the globe.
Enter the Summit On the Summit.
"What is Summit on the Summit", you ask?
According to their website, the Summit On The Summit is "An initiative designed to drive awareness and change to the global clean water crisis while engaging a community through raising awareness, supporting education, inspiring advocacy and activating fundraising. By taking cultural influencers, educators and high profile individuals to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, SUMMIT is able to support organizations in bringing clean water to the 1 billion people living without this basic human right."
The Project:
(From the SUMMIT Website) Our project will consist of a 7 day climb up Mount Kilimanjaro with internationally recognized influencers as well as men and women who have either made an exceptional global impression around the water crisis or proven to be a leader in youth activism. These two groups represent Influencers and Educators. They will climb Kili as a team; communicating about the issues around access to water, learning of solutions to the problem, discussing how to improve social awareness and embracing the idea that they are now the example for showing ways to take action and give back to those with little or nothing. Through our efforts, we will directly support nonprofit organizations providing safe, clean drinking water to struggling communities...giving future generations the chance to thrive.
Who is involved:
There is a long list of celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs and activists who are participating in this climb to raise awareness.
You can find a list of them on the SUMMIT website at http://www.summitonthesummit.com/climbers
Human Spirit of Adventure is closely following the climb. We are sharing updates and video from the climbers daily on our Facebook page. So follow along and show your support for bringing clean drinking water to the world!
Extreme Adventure Vehicles Pt. 2
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| Photo courtesy of globalxvehicles.com |
These vehicles are extreme! If you are trekking across South America or the African Savanna then one of these might be for you.
These vehicles are not for the Weekend Adventurers... they pack a serious punch and are built for the literal long haul.
Built by Global Expedition Vehicles, these will definitely get you wherever you want to go...
Check out their website HERE
GoPro HERO 3: The Ultimate Adventure Camera...
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| Photo courtesy of GoPro.com |
I'm not just saying that either... I'm not endorsed or sponsored in any way by GoPro, but I know what those cameras can do, and the new HERO 3 can do even more!
I mean this thing is totally cool... It can shoot 1080 HD video at 60fps or 720 at 120fps. It can shoot 12MP photos with a 30fps boost.
No matter what sport you are in to... surfing, kayaking, snowboarding, skateboarding, rock climbing... this thing is a must-have for documenting your adventure. You can mount it on your board, to your head, chest, wrist, or just about anywhere.
See all of the Specs HERE
Check out this video shot 100% with the HERO 3...
EXPEDITION: Big Bend - Pt. 2 - Trail Fitness
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| Photo Courtesy of National Park Service |
Big Bend has such a wide variety of landscapes, from the mountains, to the rugged deserts, to the river canyons, it is obvious that this land can break you if you aren't ready for it.
About 2 months ago, when I decided that I wanted to take on a hiking expedition, I knew that I needed to ready myself for it. Even though I did not yet know my destination or the timeframe, as an experienced hiker, I knew it was best to start preparing myself early.
I had put on a couple of pounds from sitting behind the desk too long, so I began my fitness routine by putting myself on a diet and cardio training. As I knew that hiking would be by adventure, instead of running or jogging, I decided to train for the actual event. I began a regimen of Power-walking. At first I was doing a 2 mile flatland hike at a power-walk pace, gradually increasing the time as well as distance. I am now completing a 3 mile flatland hike/power-walk in 38 minutes, so now it is time to add a weighted pack into the mix. Since I live in a relatively flat coastal area, I will add dune-climbing and stair climbing to the regimen also.
I also began a series of stretching exercises to increase my flexibility as well as strength training focusing mainly on lower body, core, shoulder, and back strength.
The diet has been... fun? No, seriously it has been interesting. I gave up all fast-food sources and junk food. I have also given up red meat and cut the starches to a minimum. It has been basically chicken, fish, turkey, and whole fresh vegetables. every once in a while there is some white or brown rice and even more rare is pasta.
The fitness routine is working... I've lost almost 20 pounds of fat, added 5 pounds of muscle, and feel better than I have in a long time. Fitness is crucial for a back country expedition... I plan to be ready for whatever Big Bend can throw at me.
EXPEDITION: Big Bend - Pt. 1 - The Destination
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| Photo courtesy of: Texasexplorer.com |
The foremost thought on my mind has been a hiking expedition. I'm talking about a rugged, nasty hike that will sap the strength right out of you... maybe throw in a rock climb or two and viola... the perfect getaway.
I have finally chosen the destination and set the time frame for such an excursion. I have decided that Big Bend Natl. Park shall be the destination, and the week of March 10, 2013 will be the time.
The main reason that I have chosen Big Bend is because of diversity. Big Bend has a multitude of choices for hiking. From desert hikes, to mountain hikes, to river hikes, Big Bend has it all. According to research from the National Park Service's website, "Elevations range from 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to 7,832 feet on Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains. Elevation changes produce an exception variety of plants, animals, and scenic vistas. Generally, hikers can expect a 20°F temperature difference between low and high elevation hiking areas." There are more than 150 miles of trails in a large desert expanse, each filled with adventure, just waiting to challenge me..
Yes... I do believe this will be a most glorious adventure. I will provide regular updates on planning the trip, preparing for the trip, and much more. Stay tuned for EXPEDITION: Big Bend!
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