-
Cameo and Ken are a couple of working stiffs who discovered long ago that life's more satisfying when they're chasing grizzlies and climbing mountains.
So far their travels have taken them from Tuktoyaktuk to Tasmania with a few stops in between.
This is their adventure.
-
-
-
Category Archives: travel
Everest Base Camp Trivia
Morning rush hour exiting Everest Base Camp - Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal ©theexplorerslens.com
Here’s a list of ten(ish) trivia tidbits that are bound to cross your mind at some point during your journey to Everest Base Camp:
There’s Something Odd About that Flag
- The Nepali double pennant is the worlds only non-square/rectangle national flag.
World’s Highest…
In additional to claiming the title of the earths tallest peak (29,035″/8050m), the Everest region also boasts the worlds highest:
- Glacier, (Khumbu) originating at 24,900″/7,600m;
Weather Station, located on the Southern Col (~26,250″/8,000m) and;
Webcam, located atop Kala Patthar (18,192″/5,545m.)
Summit Statistics
- Apa Sherpa has summitted Everest an astounding 21 times!
The oldest person to summit Everest – Min Bahadur Sherchan age 76. It was his first attempt.
As of the end of the 2010 climbing season Mount Everest has been ‘conquered’ 5,104 times by 3,142 individuals.
Surprisingly only 219 climbers have lost their lives on the mountain (2011 data). 1996 was the single worst year with 15 fatalities.
In 2005 a modified AS350 B3 helicopter touched down on the summit. These advanced performance helicopters are now seeing increased use on the mountain.
If you’re feeling spry, only 17km of ice, rope, and ladders separates the Nepali Base Camp from the summit.
Yakkity Yak
- Most yaks on the trail are not true yaks, they’re dzo a yak-cattle hybrid.
Your ‘Yak-Burger’ is most likely water buffalo. Yaks are too valuable to the locals.
Ten(ish), no one said we could count.
Also posted in top ten lists
Tagged dzo, everest base camp, kala pattar, kala patthar, khumbu glacier, nepal, pennant, southern col, trek, trivia, weather station, webcam, worlds highest, yak
Leave a comment
Walk Dubrovnik’s Walls
Fort Bokor (Zvjezdan) - Dubrovnik, Croatia ©theexplorerslens.com
Walking the fortified walls of Dubrovnik was a pleasant surprise and highlight of our trip to Croatia. If you had to do one thing in Dubrovnik we’d recommend spending the 10 euro per person and take your time exploring the city’s history and archecture along this 2 kilometre wall walk.
Bonus Tip: Hold on to the ticket you receive for the wall walk, it also allows you to enter the St. Lawrence Fortress opposite the fortified city free of charge. Great views overlooking old Dubrovnik.
Also posted in one thing
Tagged croatia, dubrovnik, fort bokor, fortified city, lovrijenac, st lawrence fortress, wall walk, zvjezdan
Leave a comment
Ten Free Things to do in Jasper National Park
Overlooking Jasper townsite from atop the Whistlers - Jasper National Park, AB ©theexplorerslens.com
The days are growing longer and warmer. Time to start thinking about our favourite summer hang out – Jasper National Park.
Here’s Ten Free Things to do in Jasper Nation Park this summer.
1. Go for a Hike
- With 1200km of hiking trails Jasper National Park offers something for everyone of all abilities. The Parks Summer Trails Guide is a good place to start.
2. Visit the Jasper Information Centre National Historic Site
- Loacted off the main drag, across from the train station, this building is not only an architectural gem, it also is home to one of two Parks information centres within Jasper (the other is located within the Columbia Icefield Visitor Centre). If you’re looking for information about the Park this is where you want to be.
3. Watch Wildlife
- While not as easy as a safari, most wildlife within Jasper National Park can be viewed from the comfort and safety of your car. Bighorn, elk, mountain goat, black bears and deer are often found roadside foraging. A visit to the aforementioned Information Centre will give you an ideal of where the critters are ‘hiding’. Safety first – please drive carefully and obey posted warnings – Keep the Wild in Wildlife.
4. Climb a Mountain
- Our favourite – Mount Wilcox
5. Photograph Wildflowers
- We consider the Edith Cavell area as one of the best areas for stunning wildflower photography opportunities within the Park.
6. Watch a Glacier Calve
- Watch Angel Glacier along the Cavell Meadows Interpretive Trail calve house sized chunks of ice. Don’t get too close!
7. Take in the Local Art Scene
- A number of truly remarkable artist take inspiration from Jasper’s beauty. Check out their work at the Jasper Artists Guild.
8. Go for a Swim
- Horseshoe Lake, approximately 25km south of Jasper offers tranquil blue waters with a bit of a twist for the adventurous… cliff diving. Adult supervision highly recommended.
9. Spend a Night Star Gazing
- If the daytime views aren’t enough look skyward after dark. Jasper National Park is the worlds largest dark sky preserve. Great for smores and star gazing. The Park operates special programs May through December with the Jasper Dark Sky Festival showcased in October – Parks Canada/Jasper National Park website
10. Touch a Glacier
- The toe of Jasper’s Athabasca Glacier is easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway at the Columbia Icefields Interpretive Centre. Please take care and DO NOT climb on the glacier itself.
Bonus – Go for a Pinic
- A hot summers day and Lake Annette go together like peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Located less than 10km from Jasper townsite, adjacent to the Jasper Park Lodge.
Also posted in freestuff, the best of jasper national park, top ten lists
Tagged angel glacier, athabasca glacier, cliff dive, climb, columbia icefield, dark sky festival, dark sky preserve, edith cavell, hike, horseshoe lake, japser national park, lake annette, mount wilcox, pinic, swim, trail guide, visitor centre
1 Comment
