Adventurers' adopted charity looking for donations

An A-List of Mountaineers support and endorse the Himalayan Stove Project. Chris Bonington, Doug Scott, Tom Hornbein, Erik Weihenmayer and Jeff Evans serve as very active Advisory Board members, guiding the efforts of this unique US Based charity. Reinhold Messner, Simone Moro, Rebecca Stevens, Carlos Buhler, Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, Dave Hahn, Sandy Hill and dozens and dozens more distinguished Himalayan Mountaineers endorse their efforts as well.

All have suffered in the smoke-choked homes of the Sherpa's in Nepal, where the acrid wood and yak-dung smoke creates an enormous health hazard for the people who live in this fragile environment. The Himalayan Stove Project is dedicated to improving the health of the people in the trans-Himalayan region.The organisation provides free, clean-burning, highly fuel-efficient cook stoves to families living in the Himalayas who now cook with traditional, rudimentary stoves or over open fire pits inside their homes, consuming excessive amounts of precious fuel and polluting the indoor air to dangerously unhealthy levels.

Replacing open cooking fires and primitive stoves, improves health and quality of life of families by dramatically reducing indoor air pollution. It also decreases environmental damage in the fragile and sensitive Himalayan ecosystem by reducing de-forestation and reducing carbon emissions. The organisation has, thus far in it's first two years, delivered 1,400 stoves in Nepal, transforming the lives of individuals, families and communities, one clean cookstove at a time. It is staffed totally by volunteers who pay all their own expenses (including travel to Nepal) so that virtually all donated funds are used to accomplish their mission, and they make substantial contributions to the local economy.

Their on the ground work in Nepal is through experienced Himalayan Partners (including the Himalayan Trust (UK) and Community Action Nepal) who have had decades of close connection with the local communities, and know their needs.

For more information, and to make a donation, go to their website at http://www.himalayanstoveproject.org byGeorge Basch

EURO 48

Euro 48 is a 5 year project in which we hope to reach the highest point of every country in Europe. We are almost 3 years in and have 'summited' 32 of the 48. Our travels so far have taken us north to Norway's frozen peaks, south to Spain's Sierra Nevada and east to the Belarusian plains.

The trekking and climbing has also varied from a gentle stroll over the grassy hills of Denmark to a more strenuous Alpine ascent of Mont Blanc and full scale expedition attempt of Russia's Mount Elbrus. Finding the actual high point can be as much a challenge as summiting them sometimes as they are normally off the beaten track and hidden miles away from anywhere, but this is what makes EURO 48 a true adventure. That said, you don't need to be a professional adventurer to attempt it. The real beauty of this project is that it's open to anyone and you can approach it in whatever way suits you best.

We have travelled mostly at weekends as we both have family and work commitments but there is something extremely gratifying about being a secret weekend adventurer. You can fly off on Friday, get your adrenaline fix, soak up some of the sights, sounds and cultures of these countries before heading back to your desk for the Monday morning meetings feeling great!

Enjoy!

Why is Via Ferrata Tridentina loved by all?

"Anyone who comes to the Dolomites in search of adventure is surely spoilt for choice when it comes to Via Ferrata. With 76 in the immediate area, it stands to question what makes the Brigata Tridentina so popular for our Alta Badia visitors. Walk organisers ventured out at the crack of dawn to get a feel for the Via Ferrata that receives such bright eyes and beaming smiles from our guests.

Upon arrival to the car park just below Passo Gardena, we were not sure how long the walk in to Tridentina would be. However, after following the well signposted Via Ferrata for ten minutes, we caught sight of the iron wire easy! Simultaneously a large waterfall revealed itself which attracted our eye to the iron stemples creeping up the side of the rock and out of view. The first hour of the route changed between stemples, iron pins and exposed rock. At no point did the climbing become difficult as stemples were perfectly placed when no visible footholds could be found. As we twisted round the face and climbed higher, the waterfall continued to flow alongside us among the orange-tinged limestone.

Easy, manageable hand holds were obtainable throughout which took focus away from the exposure, but having the wire present meant that it could be used if needed. Breath-taking views across Passo Gardena, Corvara, Sassongher and the Fanes National Park opened up during the second hour, encouraging frequent breaks to soak it all in. A local man of an older generation confidently overtook us at a safe place, whilst exchanging a warm smile and a chirpy good morning. His self-assurance and ability to do this Via Ferrata alone supported the 3B grading that this route has; any age and ability can happily complete this route with little difficulty or skill. A small, vertical ladder took us almost to the top before bringing to light the spectacular bridge. Balanced between two separate rock faces and supported by numerous iron wires, the bridge sits above a very large ravine from where the road below can be seen an adrenaline filled experience in itself./p As we reached Rifugio Cavazza, a five minute walk once unclipped, the temptation of Lago Pisciadu was upon us.

With its pristine turquoise water glistening in the sunshine, we all agreed it would be perfect for a post Via Ferrata swim before heading to the balcony for a well earned Cappuccino and strudel.

My personal blog can be found here for more info on the Italian Dolomites: http://www.dolomitii.wordpress.com "

Corvara: The best resort in the Dolomites?

Corvara, situated in the heart of the Alta Badia, is bursting with life during the summer months and for very good reason; not only is it surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks, Corvara also provides accessibility to easier, moderate and high level paths which makes it one of the best places in the area for walking in the Dolomites.

The Alta Badia is renowned for its natural beauty and Corvara certainly delivers with the seemingly endless rim of peaks surrounding the town. The Fanes National Park stretches to Cortina in the east and provides outdoor enthusiasts with high level walks and stunning 360⁰ panoramas, whilst the Puez-Odle National Park, home to the dramatic Sassongher peak towering over Corvara, provides views as far as the Austrian Alps. Easier walks can be had alongside the Sella Massif whereby waterfalls can be discovered and children are able to enjoy the vast open wild flower meadows. Do not however feel that there is any missing out to be had chairlifts run continuously during the day so that the higher paths and picturesque rifugios can be reached with little demand on your legs. All grades of these fantastic walks are impressively way-marked by wooden posts, accompanied by estimated times to the next village; helping you plan your well earned apple strudel stop of the day.

The paths themselves are easily accessible from Corvara, with many of them a mere two-three minute walk from the centre. Of course the walks slightly further afield are just as easily accessed buses run frequently from the centre and the Tyroleans are proud of their reliability and promptness. Why not also venture to nearby towns such as La Villa and Badia (formerly Pedraces) for a true South-Tyrolean experience of a different kind. There is certainly plenty to keep individuals, couples and families alike entertained within the town itself. The long main road which stretches to the top of the hill brings light to the many tea rooms, restaurants and gelato hot spots in Corvara, offering many temptations even for those passing through. The outdoor climbing wall provides a place to practise before heading out onto the limestone rock and offers a great activity for the younger ones whilst parents can relax in the sun on the open grassland opposite.

An outdoor swimming lake is accessible for the day at a small cost but if you fancy something a bit wilder then hopping on the Boe lift next door will drop you near Lech de Boe, a beautiful secluded lake buried amongst high rising rock faces of the Sella Massif. During the evening, a popular bar named The Underground is worth a visit for their Italian style dishes and the ever popular Hugo thirst-quencher a must try in these parts. Every Thursday night Corvara can be enjoyed under sunset as the main road is transformed into a frenzy of live music, dancing and late-night shopping without the disruption of transport. Alternatively, get your skates on at the indoor Ice rink to grasp an idea of what its like here in the Dolomites during the winter season. The practical side to Corvara means that no unnecessary travelling to find the essentials has to be had. Kostner supermarket is around the corner if you run out of shampoo and the local pharmacy is at hand just in case that annoying hay fever decides to kick in. The information centre is up to date with local events and has some beautiful postcards on sale, dramatically impersonating the surrounding area.

Have I mentioned that Sport Kostner, a shop full of practical outdoor gear, work closely with Colletts and offer a 10% discount to all of their guests very handy if you find youve forgotten your walking socks! It would be a sin not to mention the accommodation in Corvara which is provided by Colletts Mountain Holidays. It may seem a difficult choice between the three properties on offer, but each hold their own charm and offer a unique chalet experience during your walking holiday in the Dolomites. Each chalet is residence to a local family who wish to welcome guests into their home, sharing their love and experience of the mountains. The Colletts team endeavour to impart their knowledge of the area so that all you have to do is enjoy whats on offer, whether thats organised walking, self-guided walking, Via Ferrata, World War One excursions or testing out your wildflower knowledge in the meadows.

The accommodation is evenly spread across Corvara which gives each chalet its own exclusive hold on the area. Chalet Angelo sits at the top of the hill, providing wonderful views over Corvara in its entirety and is a short walk away from 360⁰ panoramas on the Pralongia Plateau. For those who enjoy convenience, Chalet Verena sits near the heart of Corvara near to the river whereby shops and buses can be accessed within minutes. The stunning Sassongher peak towers over Chalet Bracun and is situated upon entrance to the town, a short walk from secluded picnic areas and has the added benefit of a spa and sauna. Self catering and a hotel experience are also on offer within the area, accommodating for all guests needs during their break away. As far as walking holidays in the Alps are concerned, the Dolomites is a faultless destination and Corvara holds dear to it all of the elements that make it a perfect place for walkers of every ability.

An adventurous day on the mountains, followed by a heart-warming Italian meal surrounded by like minded people will have you begging the question Why didnt I come here sooner? With so many things to see and do, and with an impossibility of squeezing it into one or two weeks, it is inevitable that Corvara will have you booking next years flights without hesitation.

ETE Teachers South Pole Mission

Hi,

My name is Antony Jinman, and I am going on a solo expedition to the South Pole departing on Sunday 17th November.

The aim of the expedition is to provide learning resources and an interactive discussion board to allow students to speak with and ask questions directly to me whilst he is on the expedition and to also ask ETEs Panel of Polar Experts questions about the expedition life, science, food and nutrition. As a young boy growing up I learnt about Captain Scott and saw him as my Hero, from that point onwards it has always been my dream to reach the North and South Poles. Through hard work in the outdoors industry and undertaking Arctic expeditions, I achieved my dream of reaching the Geographic North Pole in 2010. The North Pole expedition led me and my two team mates to travel over 500 miles from Cape Discovery to the Geographic North Pole in just 51 days.

We did this through a mixture of different ways going by ski, snow shoe and even swimming. My next expedition will take me to the South Pole, skiing 730 miles across Antarctica from Hercules inlet, unsupported, which will take around 55 days! Through this expedition I aim to teach people about the environment at the South Pole, and also to show people how important it is to do regular exercise and eat healthily. Whilst on the expedition I will also be working with academics from Plymouth University to gather some data for both dementia research looking into the affect of extreme physical conditions and loneliness on memory and I will also work with Dr Alexis Kirke, on computer music research, to compose pieces of music on a tablet computer whilst on the trek.

Using the ETE Teachers website I will be uploading photos, videos and blogs about my preparation for the South Pole Expedition, and doing the same whilst I am away in Antarctica from November to January!

If you are interested in finding out more information or to follow me on my expedition then please go to www.eteteachers.org or www.antonyjinman.com where you will be able to follow the updates about my expedition. 

Cycling around the world

Laura and Tim Moss are currently cycling from the UK to Australia across Europe, the Middle East, Central and South East Asia.On the day that the two of us first got together, we jokingly made a date to cycle around the world in 2013. Over the years, it slowly became less of a joke and more of a reality, and this spring we both handed in our notices at work.We departed the UK on August 18th.

We anticipate it taking between 12 and 18 months.Our website is regularly updated with stories from the road, live Tweets and Facebook news, a route map and stats from the ride. Website:www.thenextchallenge.org Twitter: @NextChallenge and @LauraLikesWater Facebook: facebook.com/thenextchallengeBerghaus Everyday Adventurers |Light My Fire Adventurer of the Year Finalists |Keen Ambassadors |Lyon Equipment Sponsored Athletes-UPDATE JULY 2014.

We are now in South East Asia cycling south to Singapore. From there we fly to Australia then its New Zealands North Island before flying to San Francisco to cross the United States. Home in time for Christmas!