Key2Africa

At the start of March 2015 James Ellis and Mike White will be driving from Keynsham, Bristol to Cape Town covering 18,000 miles and crossing 19 borders. What kind of vehicle is up for the challenge I hear you ask.

When looking for a vehicle for such a trip the choices are very limited. We wanted something simple without to much tech on board and can be adapted to our requirements. Bearing this in mind, we found ourselves with a 1993 200TDI 110 Defender. Over the last few months our trusted stead has undertaken a pretty big transformation.The adventure were undertaking is all in the name of Joshua Orphan Community Care who operate in Malawi. We aim to help by raising funds as well as helping at their project sites.

The route we have chosen for our trip takes us through Southern Europe, out of Spain and into North West Africa. We will then travel into central Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa across to the East coast. After working with Joshua we will continue on down to the end of the trip to Cape Town.The pair of us have both travelled and worked in Africa in very different environments so we are aware of some of the issues that may face us along the way.

The thing we have keep at the front of our route planning prep is the need to remain flexible and be able to adapt to the ever changing circumstances that we come across.We have been writing blogs detailing our preparation and are planning to post more frequently as the departure date gets closer and as often as possible whilst we are away.All the latest information can be found on our Facebook page which has all the latest photos and information about the trip.

Svalbard: Cleaning the shores North Spitsbergen

The Svalbard islands are an archipelago in between Norway and the North Pole. The Svalbard Clean up in 2015 has a simple goal: to visit beautiful, historic and remote parts of the high Arctic stunning glaciers, looming cliffs, arctic birds and foxes, walruses and much more while lending some time on the voyage to help clean up coastal areas in need.

Activities are supervised and do-able by variously-skilled and diversely-aged people, as well are as are weather (and polar bear-presence) dependent of course.The Association of Arctic Expedition Operators, the Governor of Svalbard and Ocean-wide Expeditions, initiated this clean up.I led a group of civilians on a similar clean up in the Antarctic nearly 20 years ago (documented in The Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning) so I am attracted to this polar opposite stewardship endeavour. What an awesome way to see this extreme northern part of the world plus a unique chance to make a small contribution.Scientific studies show the negative impact of pollution in the Arctic and elsewhere on all life forms. We have a worldwide problem: we must vastly reduce it, ensure safe disposal when waste is unavoidable and adopt more earth-friendly sustainable options for how we live and consume.Sea currents transport garbage to the beaches in Svalbard. Much of this garbage's origin in the fishing industry, and fishnets, trawl balls. Plastics dominates the picture. Reindeer's get their antlers stuck in fishing nets and trash of iron, and can suffer a long and painful death. Birds eat plastics and die as a result.Large amounts of litter have been washed ashore on some beaches in Svalbard. The bulk of the waste comes from shipping, especially from the fishing fleet in the Barents Sea and the waters around Svalbard.

As it takes a long time for this waste to be broken down, it is accumulating fairly rapidly. It is obvious that this litter does not belong on the beaches of Svalbard. The colours of the garbage are in glaring contrast with the natures mellow colours. The garbage is a threat to the wildlife in Svalbard.- Oceanwide Expeditions. If you are interested in signing up for the expedition, inquire or book now, mention my group Devine Cleaning. The ship expedition staff will be giving dynamic talks on the history, nature and wildlife of Svalbard. I will join and give a talk and show visuals from the Antarctic clean up and share images of other art and science collaborations on ecological protection.Price its 20% discounted than what a cruise for this location and length would normally be. Depending on your budget, this will cost US$3120 for a quadruple room with porthole to $5480 for a superior room.

All rooms look great and have a view to the outside world, comfortable beds, a desk and an ensuite toilet with shower. Includes all meals, programming, port charges and taxes and use of rubber boots made for polar walking! Airfare to Norway and boozy drinks not included.For more details go to Oceanwide Expeditionsor contact devine@eol.ca bit.ly/1qXKW19

Kenmare River: Self Sufficient Adventure Swim

COMPLETED! At 18:49 on April 10th, Ripley Davenport became the first person to successfully swim the Kenmare River in 11 hours and 47 minutes.Many respected locals that have lived and worked by the Kenmare River said it couldn't be done or a shorter route should be considered as conditions are unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Ripley proved it could be done. 26.6 miles/42.8km later he arrived at Kenmare Pier under heavy skies - very emotional and exhausted.

ABOUT THE KENMARE RIVER

The Kenmare River (An Ribhar in Irish Gaelic , but also called Kenmare Bay in English) is, despite its name, not a river but a large inlet on the coast of Kerry, in south-west Ireland. It is located on the Wild Atlantic Way between the Iveragh Peninsula and the Beara Peninsula.Morphologically different from other large bays south-west of Ireland, being much narrower. The bay contains an abundant number of small islands, such as Sherky and Rossmore . Main points of interest are Kenmare, which is located at the innermost point, O Carrolls Cove, Westcove, Castlecove, Parknasilla, Tahilla, Templenoe, Bunaw, Lauragh and Ardgroom.THE PLANRipley Davenport will attempt a self supported *30-mile adventure swim from O Carrolls Cove in Caherdaniel to Kenmare Pier without any form of support. It is an enormous challenge mentally, physically and emotionally battling strong tidal currents, monotony and fatigue. It is also the time of year that he will encounter the Compass and Lions Mane jellyfish.

The Kenmare River is also renowned for its seal and dolphin population. Equipped with wetsuit, thermal swim hat, swim mask and fins Ripley will tow a small raft, loaded with basic food and provisions, in sea temperatures averaging 11C.A SPOT tracker will update his position in real time; thereby ensuring the whole distance of the intended route is completed.Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis In 2011, Ripley will be fundraising in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland (MS Ireland).* - Estimated distance** - Subject to tidal and weather conditions.

SWIM COMPLETED!

100 Miles of Wild: Madagascar's Limestone Labyrinth

Following dramatic rescue by Madagascar Military, Adventure Science team discovers new dinosaur tracks, 1.6km cave system, and ancient archaeological site in the Tsingy de Bemaraha From October 1 -17,2014, the Adventure Science team, combining the backcountryskill of endurance athletes with academic research experts, travelled deep into the Strict Nature Reserve of Madagascar's Great Tsingy a UNESCO world heritage site, and dangerous limestone labyrinth that can only be accessed by teams of qualified academic researchers. The expedition also had the honour of carrying flag #112 of The Explorers Club, of which several participants are members. This was Adventure Sciences third flag expedition for The Explorers Club. With support from Kensington Tours and Delta Airlines, the expedition entitled 100 Miles of Wild: Madagascars Limestone Labyrinth, required the Adventure Science team to trek, climb, crawl, and navigate 100 miles of dangerously sharp rock, towering cliffs, and unknown cave systems, in order to accomplish the expedition goals which were to provide the first detailed map of the region, identify Lemur species native to the region, observe and record the locations of caves and caverns, and to identify geologically significant features, such as dinosaur tracks, along this 100 mile route. The expedition began on October 1st, 2014, when Dr.Simon Donato lead a highly experienced 3 person team into the tsingy as an advance survey team, tasked with doing a 6-8 hour reconnaissance of the area in order to refine the research plan (teams would accomplish their goals by walking transects through the tsingy daily). As the area is poorly mapped , the small team was caught off-guard by the difficulty and sheer dangerousness of the terrain.

The explorers were Kensington Tour Explorers in Residence, Dr Simon Donato, and Travis Steffens, Primatologist and Lemur expert joined by Canadian adventure racing legend, Jim Mandelli. Upon completing their eight hour trek to their destination, it was realised that the dangerous landscape prevented them from directly returning to base camp, leaving them without adequate hydration and food supplies. The Adventure Science communications team was able to notify the Malagasy Army to complete a full rescue with the assistance of Ed Holder, MP London West and Minister of Science and Technology for Canada, and Major General Dominque Jean Oliver Rakotozafy,Minister of National Defense for Madagascar. Once returned safely to base camp, the team was examined by the medical team members and Travis Steffens was treated for dehydration. For the next 10 days, the Adventure Science teamexplored and mapped an unexplored section of the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve ~10 kmnortheast of the village of Antsalova. During this exploration they discovered and mapped a massive, 1.6km cave system below the karst, which the team aptly named Anjohibetsara Big Beautiful Cave.

Completely unknown to locals, park agents, and researchers, the cave is thought to be the 3rd largest in the Tsingy, and35th largest in the country. Filled with bats, water filled passages, and beautiful stalactites, the find was significant for the region. Within the tsingy labyrinth, the Adventure Science team also discovered a clay vessel, believed to date to the 1600s, and thought to be left by the Vazimba the first inhabitants of Madagascar.In addition to the archaeological discovery, the team made a significant paleontological find, identifying two dinosaur trackways between the remote villages of Antsalova and Bevary. Verified by dinosaur track expert Dr. Alexander Wagensommer, these tracks are the mostnortherly known in the tsingy, adding support to the theory that this region hosts a rare mega tracksite. The tracks were made by a medium sized theropod (bipedal)dinosaur as they walked across ancient mudflats during low tide, likely in search of their next meal. Stories, photographs, and the official expedition report will be broadcast through the Adventure Science Facebook page, and as with any Adventure Science undertaking, all findings will be documented and made available free of charge to groups interested in learning more about this incredible part of the world at www.adventurescience.ca."

Evac insurance for Arctic Kayak expedition

A group of us are planning a 2000km sea kayak expedition in the Arctic next year. We are struggling to find anyone to insure us for the trip - Global Rescue is the closest we have gotten, they will insure for evac up to 80 degrees North but we are planning on paddling up close to 81 degrees north. The few companies that I have found which might cover all only cover for UK citizens which isn't going to work- two of us are from New Zealand and one from Norway. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Jungle equipment

Hi everyone,

I have signed up for Expeditions leader course starting in April next year for 16 weeks, which two are in wales and in mountain terrain, and then 14 weeks in jungle terrain. I now seek some advise of what kind of kits, etc that I would need to prepare myself for, since this is the start of something new for me and I'm very excited but also a bit scared:). All help and advise are very much appreciated!! Cant wait for the challenge and then hopefully change my career to become an expedition leader.I really think this website can be of very much help in the future.

Kind regards

Sophie Myhr

fia.myhr@yahoo.com

Sea kayak and surf expedition

This will be an exploratory expedition to find surf along some of the more remote areas along the British Columbia coast. We will be facing open ocean conditions, and swells as well as camping along the beaches until we reach our destination.