The Climber

How to choose your hiking socks ?

2019-04-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

Are you going to explore the mountains alone or with your family? Your bag is ready: backpack, walking sticks, softshell in the bag if the Wind Rises, sleeping bag, tent ... but have you thought about your hiking socks? All too often, we tend to neglect our dear extremities, which are essential when it comes to staying throughout a hiking day or a long trek.

It's decided! Stoplight bulbs, overheating feet or frozen toes and I will explain how to choose your hiking socks!

How do I choose my hiking socks?

Choosing your hiking socks is as important as choosing your hiking shoes because your feet are the first to suffer on a long trip. However, it is not a small matter, because each hiker has his own foot morphology: length, width, volume, but also the alignment of the toes (Egyptian, Greek or Roman) or The Shape of the arch (arched or flat)... in short, there is no such foot!

Here is a brief overview of the different general morphologies of the foot :

As you can see, there are many different foot shapes. Each hiker will, therefore, choose a hiking sock adapted both to his sporting practice but also to his own morphology! In addition, physiologically, each one reacts differently: some (and often some) will tend to have cold extremities very quickly, while others will have the opposite problem, that is to say, a strong sweat of the foot during the effort. Some people will also be very prone to the formation of plagues at the back of the foot, to the formation of Cala under the arch or to the swelling his feet... and if all these phenomena are here in our daily life, they obviously increase the pain during a long walk or a long hike.

It should not be forgotten, moreover, that each footprint is different because each foot is different! Which one is closest to yours?

The friction intensifies, the outside temperature can vary considerably during your hike and you need to manage different degrees of intensity (during exertion versus post-exertion). It is therefore essential to know each other well and to know both their morphology and your type of footprint in order to adapt the hiking socks as well as possible. I offer you some tips for choosing your hiking socks... either for this winter or this summer!

How often do I hike?

The first question to ask before buying your hiking socks, as before any purchase of sports equipment, is: what use do I need them for? You will have to take care of two things: first, the duration of your outing, and then the intensity of the effort. In this way, practices are often classified into five categories:

Activity	Intensity	Detailed explanation
Walk	Low	I go for a walk (with family, on a half-day) with a slight slope, optimal conditions of approach, this is a small trip of 1 to 2 hours at most.
Nordic Walking	Average	I go alone or with team for Nordic walking, that is to say a fast walk (day or half-day), the difference in altitude is moderate and the seek the best approach conditions.
Hike	Average	I go for a hike with friends, in the middle of the mountain, as for example on a plateau (moderate altitude).
Heavy hike	High	I am going on a hike for several days, with a relatively heavy backpack and with one or more peaks to reach (high altitude).
Alpinism	Very high	I do, in high altitude, summer and winter, ascents on one or several days, in quite extreme conditions (temperature below 0°, foot in contact with ice).

The second point to consider the outside temperature! Indeed, it is essential to have both hiking socks adapted for the off-season and summer as well as specific hiking socks to manage winter conditions! And of course, the more chilly you are, the more you can orient yourself towards winter ranges even in the offseason.

Different categories of socks

Once your use has been well defined, you will then have to opt for a pair of hiking socks that will meet your own technical requirements... but also your own comfort requirements.

This may sound obvious, but we think it is useful to remind you: hiking socks protect your feet in your shoes. These must be adapted to the shape of your shoe, in addition to the technical characteristics of comfort, breathability or warmth. So there are low, medium and high hiking socks. As you can imagine, it is absolutely not necessary to combine low hiking socks with rising hiking shoes, at the risk of considerably irritating your skin due to friction. We will come back later in this article on some flagship models to choose according to your sports needs.

How do you judge the technicality of a pair of hiking socks?

The Comfort in General

When choosing your pair of hiking socks, it is important to check that the seams are flat, especially in the toe area, in order to minimize unnecessary pressure points that generate plagues way too often after a few hours of walking. The stem (rising part of the sock) must also be extensible enough not to compress your calves. The best way to optimize your comfort, however, is to choose a pair of hiking socks that offer an anatomical shape of the left and right foot. The fit becomes much more precise, regardless of the shape of your feet and calves.

Reinforcements and anti-bulb protection

The more intense your use, the more you will have to be careful about the quality of the reinforcements (the thickness of the knitting and the type of mesh) of your hiking sock, especially on sensitive areas such as the Achilles ' heel or the underside of your toes.

For the heel, the reinforcement goes up more or less high depending on the models. If you have high stalk hiking shoes, feel free to pick up some very high reinforcements!
For the toes, the reinforced area helps to limit the amount of heating. A good fleece (buckle) also helps to reduce shocks and bad points of contact with your shoe.

Maintain

A good grip means that your hiking sock does not slip under your toes or go down on your calf. The presence of an elastic kick ensures good support, but be careful if you have a strong foot, it can get in the way and compress the top of the foot. The presence of elastine also allows you to give your hiking socks greater scalability while guaranteeing a good lifespan. Finally choose a height of hiking socks (low, mid-high, high) according to your hiking needs and temperatures, but be especially careful with the size that depends on your foot and calf!

Materials: how do I decide the warmth and breathability of my sock?

One last and not least thing to look at before buying your hiking socks are the compromises between warmth and breathability! That is why it is essential to look at the composition of different materials. Today, many innovations have emerged, such as the use of hydrophobic fibers to better manage moisture, or new generations of wool to optimize heat supply.

So be careful: the thickest hiking socks are not always for the hottest days.

The materials that bring warmth to the hiking socks

It is an obvious fact, the heat supply is obtained mainly thanks to wool. But don't worry, the traditional wool (the one that scratches and prevents your feet from breathing) is less and less present on the market and it is indeed the merino wool that has been on the front of the scene for some years. For those who don't know it yet, this wool is obtained from Merinos, an altitude sheep breed found mainly in Australia. Three times thinner than traditional wool, it does not sting, it is more elastic and therefore has silky characteristics that will suit even the most sensitive skins. Icebreaker is one of the pioneers in the use of this wool, especially for its first very technical textile layers for skiing, hiking, trail riding, and mountaineering.

The more you are looking for a pair of warm hiking socks, the more you will have to be careful about the percentage of these famous wool. There are also new processes to optimize heat: the Lorpen brand uses, for example, a two-layer system in Polartec Power Stretch, a wire specially designed to maximize heat while allowing very good freedom of movement thanks to its fine mesh and elasticity.

Materials that bring breathability to hiking socks

It is well known that it is very unpleasant to feel moisture under your feet after a few hours of walking ... the innovation market has been able to take into account this problem, and you will thus find many fiber technologies that guarantee an excellent moisture transfer!

Components such as Coolmax, a polyester fibre, in a fluted structure that very effectively removes sweat from the feet outside, or Tencel, a cellulose fibre from Lenzing (from certified Eucalyptus plantations that respect the environment) in nanostructure that offers very good regulation and exceptional drying of moisture, are also found in Lorpen, a great specialist in sock making. The presence of synthetic fibers (such as nylon) for your hiking socks is also very sought after as it accepts a higher degree of humidity than wool, hence the importance of combining these two materials in order to obtain a good compromise between heat and breathability.

Different style of a hike, different socks!

I have just explained to you how to judge the technicality of a sock, now let's take a look at the different models of hiking socks that exist on the market, according to types of the hike. As you can imagine, these are a multitude of choices! It is therefore often difficult to compare models and brands, but especially to understand the gibberish of technologies.

I have selected several models of hiking socks, in different brands, very pleasant to wear and equipped with the latest technologies, but this list is by no means exhaustive. In order to help you get to know each other, we have compiled all the essential information on the stocks mentioned in the table below.

Socks suitable for walks

Remember, if you like small walks, you don't need to break your carp-reading in ultra-technical hiking socks. Low hiking socks, adapted to the practice of running, will do perfectly well if it is a short walk of one or two hours on flat terrain! The low socks suitable for running will support your arch and stabilize your support while absorbing the vibrations transmitted in the tibia.

Socks for Nordic walking

Now, let's move on to the next level. Nordic walking is a very good compromise between small walk and hiking. Nordic walking is generally made in teams (but it is not excluded to do it solo !) and is distinguished from hiking or walking by its dynamism. In fact, it is not a question of hiking at a slow/medium pace, but of heating the thighs and strengthening the heart!

The principle of Nordic walking is very simple: you have to accentuate the natural balance of the arms to propel the body forward, using two sticks. Nordic walking is an endurance sport, with medium to high intensity (the average speed can be more than 6km / hour), which allows 90% of the muscles to work! How to equip? Nordic walking requires a good pair of walking shoes with a low shaft because the ankle must be released during the effort. Therefore, it is also necessary to choose a pair of low hiking socks! The choice of the sock is very important because unlike walking or hiking, the foot is going to be much more solicited. Friction, perspiration, irritations, thicknesses: multiple parameters must be taken into account.

Socks suitable for hiking

Your practice is limited to the day or half-day, on various terrains, with a low to moderate altitude difference? You don't need to equip yourself with overly technical hiking socks and to break your reading-car, you just need to equip yourself with intermediate socks, more or less high, to protect your extremities well.

Socks adapted to the practice of hiking

Great hiking or long treks are an integral part of your vacation? So we imagine that your hiking shoes are rising, that's why, it is also necessary to equip yourself with high socks to avoid any discomfort with the skin, until then, we teach you nothing.

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9 reasons not to buy a hiking GPS if you are a beginner

2019-04-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, a friend asked me what my next article was about. I say to him, "the x reasons not to buy a hiking GPS when you're a beginner." He said, " is there a GPS for hiking ? ". (edit: in his defense, the article was originally written in 2011 :) )

Indeed it does exist, there are now hiking GPS'S everywhere. GPS is trendy. But it is both a formidable and a dangerous tool. Why dangerous?

Imagine those airline pilots only learn to take off and land with Autopilot? What would happen if it failed? How could they land safely without learning to land manually?

Would it occur to you teach a child to type on a computer keyboard before teaching him to write with a pen? I hope not…

So here are some reasons not to buy a GPS if you are a beginner. Or at least not to buy one until you know your way around using natural markers, a map, and a compass.

9 reasons not to buy a GPS until you know how to orient yourself without

1. You will learn to read the terrain and orient yourself. If you are new to orientation and are using a GPS, you will not necessarily learn how to read the terrain, follow the trail markers, estimate your walking speed (useful in case of fog for example) and use the terrain clues. Maybe you won't even know what a cairn is for! Knowing how to read the terrain is not just for your friends to see, it's essential for your safety - even if you use a GPS.

2. You will learn how to use a map. If you start by using a GPS before using a map, you may not be able to read a map properly and orient yourself with it. It takes theoretical knowledge, but also a lot of practice – especially to read a map and spot what you see in the field. Why learn to read a map if you have a GPS? Point 4 is a sufficient reason. If you don't know where to find hiking maps, read this.

3. You will learn how to use a compass and an altimeter. Even if some GPS systems integrate these functions, it is essential to know how to use a compass (and possibly an altimeter) to orient yourself. Know indicate north is not enough :). These are basic tools and are much more reliable than GPS. You won't necessarily learn to use it properly if you start by buying a GPS. Or maybe you will once you get lost after your GPS stops working.

4. A GPS could break down. A GPS has limited range. A GPS may not be accurate and may not work (deep valley, dense forest...). If you rely on your GPS and it stops working, what do you do? Maybe you're being careful and took a compass and a map just in case. It's a pity you don't know how to use it... you now have the answer to your question: "What's the point of knowing how to use a map and compass when you have a GPS ? ".

5. A map, a compass, (an altimeter) and a good command of the orientation are sufficient for the majority of the hikes. GPS is often a useless gadget, which complicates things, misleads people and prevents many people from improving their orientation. Attention, for some hikes and in some conditions, GPS is essential – but this is rarely the case on well-marked paths for example.

6. Knowing how to orient yourself with a map and Compass makes it easier to use a GPS-not really the other way around. Once you know how to orient yourself in the field using a map, a compass and possibly an altimeter, it helps a lot to understand and use a GPS intelligently. It's easy to get your head on the screen and walk around foolishly by following the information that the GPS says, but that's exactly how people get lost. Sometimes a simple glance at the map or compass would have made some hikers aware of a big mistake.

7. GPS is a complex tool. On paper, it seems simple to use but in practice, it is totally different. A good command of the concepts of orientation, knowing how the GPS works and all its limitations are necessary to be able to interpret what it indicates. There are different ways to use GPS while hiking. It is easy to follow blindly what it displays, but much more difficult to be critical of this information. That's why so many hikers don't use it properly.

8. You'll save money. Of course, a hiking GPS is an additional (not insignificant) cost. If you don't really need it, don't buy it and you'll save money. You can even invest This "saved" money in a lighter rucksack, tent or sleeping bag. This is one of the strategies that can save you from making a rookie mistake that I describe in this article.

9. You will not weigh down your backpack. A GPS is an additional item to be carried. In my opinion, GPS cannot replace a "reliable" guidance system, it can only complement it. I advise you to always have at least one map and compass when you carry a GPS. So the weight of the GPS is always extra because it doesn't replace anything.

Exceptions and some tips to finish

The title of this article is deliberately provocative. There are cases where a GPS is extremely useful or even indispensable – even if you are a beginner.

I know someone who even got lost trying to make a hike with a map and a compass when it was more than strongly recommended to use a GPS. And that person... is me.

I advise you to use a GPS only when using other tools is painful or difficult or is essential for your safety. On the other hand, always find out where you are on your paper card and in the field when you use it – to know your position if it stops working.

When you are a beginner, it can be reassuring to have a GPS for orientation but I advise against it unless you are going on "committed" hikes. First, learn the theoretical basis of orientation. Then practice! Start by doing it on paths or in places you know well. Take a map, see what's around you, take azimuths, triangulate, count your steps, etc.

Good orientation requires a lot of practice and is a never-ending learning process. Even after dozens of orienteering races, I feel that I am continuing to improve by taking into account new elements or refining my orienteering techniques for example.

So prove yourself in the field, compass, and card in hand, and if you can't resist, give yourself a GPS once you're an orientation guru. I repeat one last time: always take a map and a compass (and possibly an altimeter) when hiking with a GPS.

Do not hesitate to give your opinion in the comments, bearing in mind that the article is intended to make you think, especially with regard to the promises of GPS vendors/manufacturers for outdoor activities: "you will not get lost anymore ! ".

5 Tips to Eat Well in Cold Weather

2019-03-25T01:42:00.000-07:00

Winter is a magical season but one that puts our body to the test more than any other. In order to protect it, it is essential to equip oneself well. Read our winter hiking tips. But also to choose adapted meals. Here are our 5 tips to eat well in cold weather.

Our body and the cold

Regardless of the external conditions, our bodies must remain at a temperature of around 37°C. When it is cold we lose heat. Our insulating equipment is used to limit this loss. But the more the cold intensifies, the more the wind increases and the less our equipment is able to fight. Our body must then compensate and generate heat. For this purpose, it uses several mechanisms. Initially, by reducing the size of small arteries and veins, it reduces the surface exposed to cold. At the same time, small chills increase heat production by the muscles. Then, by releasing certain hormones, the body increases over the course of days the basic metabolic activity. Finally, and only after several weeks of exposure to cold, the body increases the amount of fat, subcutaneous and Brown, offering a better adaptation.

1-increase your calorie intake

The point is that much of the heat is produced by the muscles. A "boiler" that will have to be supplied with enough fuel. The calorie craving can literally explode, as, at a more intense physical activity than usual, the body will add the calorie craving to keep warm. As an example, I lost 7 kg in 4 weeks of the trip to Spitzberg in summer (temperatures between -7°C and 5°C) despite intake of more than 3500 kcal/day! Apart from the appropriate nutritional medical follow-up, it is very difficult to determine in advance what the need will be. This means that in an isolated situation, very large rations are vital.

2 - make sure to be well hydrated

Our body needs water to better regulate its internal temperature. The cold and wind combined with a feeling of reduced thirst in winter to make us run a significant risk of dehydration. The consequences? A feeling of cold and even increased risk of frostbite. Always carry a thermos with you with a reasonably warm drink is, therefore, part of the necessary precautions.

3-feeding as a function of cold exposure length

To warm up, the body will first consume its glucose Reserve. This usually corresponds to 8 to 10 hours of activity. Once exhausted, it is the stored fats that will take over. In short, this means that there is no particular interest in consuming a lot of lipids if you sleep in a warm shelter and can replenish your glucose reserves for your day with a good breakfast. But on the contrary, planning to gain a few pounds before a tent expedition to Lapland in the winter is a good idea.

4-balance carbohydrates, fat, protein

On a daily basis, it will be necessary to maintain a good nutritional balance while adapting it to the needs of our activity. The ideal is 55 to 65 % carbohydrate, 15% protein, 20 to 25% fat, varying the amount of carbohydrate and fat depending on whether you are exposed to cold continuously over several days or only a few hours a day.

5-eating dry and dried fruits

It is always interesting to analyze in detail the composition of your meals. And in the face of certain industrially processed products-which offer only hydrogenated sugars and trans fats – the virtues of dried fruits make it an almost unavoidable food to eat well in winter. First of all, they offer an unbeatable caloric performance, with an average of 375 kcal per 100 gr. and up to 650 kcal for certain oleaginous fruits (nuts, almonds, hazelnuts,...). Their lipid intake is not only remarkable-61% for example for hazelnuts – but they are mostly excellent fats, mostly mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

More unknown, their protein richness is very real with for the Peanut, the record value of 26% protein. As for carbohydrates, dried fruits (grapes, apricots, figs, bananas, etc.) provide between 55 and 84 grams per 100 grams. Finally, we can highlight their richness in micro-nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It is therefore very interesting to include in your winter diet mixtures of dry and dried fruits. This adds up the virtues of each and one can compose meals that are easy to consume throughout the day without having to make long pauses conducive to cooling.

In brief

The choice of good hydration and food is, in extreme cold, just as important, if not more so, than being well equipped. With a high-calorie intake, a regular intake of carbohydrates and a quantity of fat adapted to his practice, his body is offered every chance of being able to fight effectively against the cold. The properties of dry and dried fruits make them particularly remarkable elements to compose its outdoor diet. A diet whose pleasure dimension should not be neglected, the psychological part in the fight of our organism against the cold being now recognized as not insignificant.

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10 Essential Reasons to Know how to use a Hiking Map

2019-03-20T00:25:00.000-07:00

What is the use of a hiking map these days? At a time when trails have signposts and information panels, where topo guides accurately describe paths, where GPS have digital map Holdings, where phones are overflowing with all kinds of hiking applications, and...

Beyond seeing when you will need to fork out of the ridge on which you are standing, the hiking map offers many advantages not necessarily found elsewhere.

The advantages of the hiking map

1 / have an overview

The map is the only one that offers an overview of the massif, the region... that is around you. This allows you to better understand the environment around you (GPs and smartphone screens are too small to have a global view). This also makes it possible to clearly see the route for several people. For example, simply display the map on the table of the refuge to visualize the day or day after the stage.

2 / Improvise on the spot

With its overview of the massif, it is easy and fast to spot at a glance / the different routes that are close to you. You're free to go wherever you want. Bad weather that pushes to shorten the hike, a closed Route... is not a problem with a map.

3 / Know the next water point

To know in advance where will be the next water points, the springs, the streams... is a major asset in hiking. This allows you to take less with you (the water is heavy !) and don't risk running dry.

4 / Find a small corner of bivouac

When you know how to read a map, you can easily spot the best places to spend the night just by looking at it. This helps to avoid being stuck at night, in an area where the bivouac would be impossible.

5 / name the summits

Thanks to your map, you can easily put names on the mountains, peaks, rocks, teeth... on all the peaks that surround you, as well as the altitudes to which they culminate.

6 / share your itinerary

At the corner of a table in a refuge, what could be warmer than to share, exchange, your itinerary with other hikers, to show on the map the path you have taken, to discuss the different variants…

7 / understanding all maps

Once you know how to read a map, you will be able to read any map, from the most simplistic to the most complex.

8 / Pencil, annotate, highlight

The card offers the possibility to write directly on it. You can add information gleaned before the start, write notes during the walk, highlight the route you intend to follow... it is customizable to become a real roadbook.

9 / in his library

Having a map in its library, allows you to bring it out whenever you want, quietly at home in your sofa, to quickly plunge you back into your last hike and remind you of good memories.

10 / modest investment

A hiking map requires little investment. According to the countries, its purchase is between 10 and 20 €.

This list is, of course, not exhaustive, each one will find in the paper card, his own indispensable reasons to take it with him. And then, a hike without a map, it's a bit like a beer without alcohol, the word Ch'ti!

Red Everest

2019-03-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

As Nepal closed its borders to foreign mountaineers, the conquest of Everest began first in the North and on the Tibetan side of the mountain. The English, led by Georges Mallory, made some notable attempts in the 1920s before Bill Tilman, Eric Shipton and Frank Smythe took up the torch again in the 1930s, without success. While Edmund Hillary and the British finally found the key to success in 1953 on the finally accessible Nepalese side, the first ascent of the North Ridge was still to be made and, by the end of the 1950s, Mao Zedong saw a good opportunity to prove to the world the people's Republic's ability to " move the mountains ". In the spring of 1960, an army of 214 climbers landed on the Rongbuk glacier.

1960: the shadow of a doubt

On March 25 at noon, under a bright sun, all team members gather at base camp to see their national flag raised to the Chinese anthem, with one slogan: "We will not give up until Mt.Everest is conquered." On May 24, after a failed first attempt due to the weather, four climbers reached the foot of the second ski lift, a key passage of the route, at 8,600 meters. Liu Lien-man then decides to sacrifice his chances at the top to play the role of human scale and to allow his comrades to overcome the uphill climb that will require three hours of sustained efforts that will have emptied their oxygen reserves. At 4: 20 AM, Beijing time, Wang Fu-chou, Chu-Yin-Hua, and Tibetan Konbu finally put on top the bust of Mao that they had been dragging, like an anvil, since their departure from the north pass 19 hours earlier. They pick up some stones to give to the Great Helmsman but it is unfortunately too dark to take pictures. On May 30, everyone returned safely to base camp, where heroes are celebrated in the glory of the party.

At the end of the account of this expedition published in 1961 in the Alpine Journal under the pen of Shih Chan-Chun (member of the expedition), we find a rather complete note from the publisher, which seriously questions this ascension. In addition to the lack of evidence, the Alpine Journal raises the fact that in "people's democracies" the propaganda organs often censor the authors and thus doubt the full veracity of the story. He then points out the lack of topographical details in the account of the end of the ascension, some contradictions in the various accounts published and then adds that with the darkness, the fatigue and the lack of oxygen, it is easy to confuse a small bump with the summit. The note concludes with a comprehensive study by T. S. Blakeney, photos brought back by the Chinese. After comparing it with clichés from other expeditions, Blakeney concluded that there were serious ambiguities between the account and the photos of the Chinese and that their ascent, although possible, should be considered as unproven.

1975: a ladder to the second rises and a tripod to the top

Fifteen years after the first dispute, 300 Chinese mountaineers set off again for the North Face of Everest with this time in their luggage, in addition to the love of the party, enough to prove their ascent in an indisputable way. On May 17, fifteen men and three women left the base camp in the direction of the summit. On May 25, a first rope team arrived at the foot of the second jump, which they equipped with a metal ladder to allow the second group to cross it easily. On May 27, the assault line consisting of eight men and a woman set out from the last camp, crossed the river with the ladder and reached the summit at 2: 30 pm.

At this moment, the Tibetan Phantom (Pandouo of her Tibetan name) thinks she is the first woman on the roof of the world since she does not know that she was overtaken a few days before by the Japanese Junko Tabei. Never mind , " this extraordinary feat by Valiant Mountaineers proves beyond any doubt that under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and guided by the revolutionary line of President Mao, there is no difficulty that can stop the victorious march of the Chinese people, it is not a high summit that it cannot win. "can one read in the daily newspaper of the people, an organ of propaganda if it is so, on June 6, 1975.

This time, it is high light and while the cameras are activating to provide proof to everything, a metal tripod is firmly installed that allows fixing the Red Star flag. While the 1960 Mao bust was never found, the following autumn Bonington expedition, victorious on the Southwest Side, was able to use the tripod to prove its success along with that of the Chinese. The ladder of the second step is still in place today and does many services to those who prefer to avoid the scabrous technique of the short-run. It is only to be regretted that the most prominent members of the party did not think of renaming the north pass as " Mao pass ". At the same time, they weren't there to laugh...

(1) " I believe in the rope, there are men and women who succeed because they have talents, I want that they are celebrated [ ... ] if we begin to throw stones on the first of the rope it is all the rope that falls ". Television Interview on 15 October 2017.
(2) The conquest of Mount Everest by the Chinese mountaineering team
(3) in his Tibetan Chronicle published in the journal Cimes in 2001, Claude Deck states that " the peak is reached during the day and not during the night as is often said. The published photographs of the exploit were not taken from the top as had been indicated by the Chinese authorities, but from the North Ridge, which has raised doubts about the reality of the performance, a doubt relayed and widely nurtured in the West. Direct testimony of one of the Ascenders, Yu Yin Hua, was collected by the leader of a French expedition in the early eighties. »

The Point of no Return or the Crucial Choice of the Himalayas

2019-03-08T02:34:00.000-08:00

On 25 January last, about 7 500 meters on the slopes of Nanga Parbat, Elisabeth Revol and Tomek Mackiewicz reached the point of no return. This crucial moment from which the decision to continue towards the summit inevitably entrains an apocalyptic descent where survival is only a thread. Elisabeth and Tomek have chosen to continue up, like many others before them... Back on some examples, with various fortunes, that have marked history.

Annapurna 1950: "If I go back, what are you doing?"

For Maurice Herzog and Louis Duchenne, everything is played on June 3, 1950, a little below the 8 000 meters on Annapurna. "If I go back, what are you doing?" Suddenly addresses his expedition leader. "I will go on alone" Herzog replied without hesitation. For a long time now, she doesn't feel her feet that started to freeze. At this precise moment, he knows that if he continues to the top, he risks amputation. Herzog also has cold feet but he has made his choice for a long time, he will go to the top at all costs. Duchenne is faced with a crucial choice that will probably be guided by his guiding ethic and this tacit rule that a guide does not abandon his client. Even if Herzog is not his client on Annapurna, Duchenne abdicates: "Then I follow you!" We know the following: Summit, descent Dante, miraculous survival, amputations...

Aconcagua 1954: The Bleausards "condemned" at the top

There we are not in the Himalayas but in the Andes, in the south face of the Aconcagua (6 962 meters) more precisely. The altitude is not so terrible but the problem comes mainly from technical difficulties. On 21 February, when they reached the altitude of 5 200 meters, Robert gossip, and his Parisian buddies decided to change tactics: finished the round-trip between the camps, they will now climb in alpine style. Around 5 800 meters, they cross a rocky bar in which it is impossible to plant a piston and therefore to make a reminder. If they want to get out of it, they will have to reach the top and go down the other side: "Now we are" doomed "at the top. We get there or the south face of the Aconcagua will be our ultimate abode! "* Write gossip. A little higher, Lucien Bernardini will have no choice but to take off his gloves to get through a delicate jump. He will leave the phalanges of his left hand... All his companions (except

K2 1991: The roped Béghin-Profit and "survival instinct that no longer works"

We entered the attraction area of the summit. That means we will go upstairs, whatever the consequences. Survival instinct doesn't work anymore. There is only the top and me, and, between the two, exhaustion. I know it is inconceivable to arrive on such a high mountain at night, and yet it must. * These hallucinating words are those of Pierre Béghin, after having passed the K2 by the Northwest Ridge in the company of Christophe Profit in 1991. A perfect ascent, the Alpine style in its purest form. Two men, the mountain and nothing else. To achieve such a blow, the agreement between the two had to be perfect, especially when approaching the summit. "Even if I had to leave my hands and feet, I think I would have continued," said Christophe Profit after the fact, confirming that the wavelength was the same up there. For both, this success will be the last in the Himalayas. For good reasons as well.

Everest 1996: Rob Hall, Doug Hansen and the time that turns

The context is this time very different since we are in the context of a commercial expedition and a guide-client relationship. There were many other casualties that season at Everest * But if we focus for a moment on the case of Doug Hansen-Rob Hall, we realize that the attraction of the summit is the same among amateurs as among professional mountaineers. The guide, supposed to replace the lack of experience of the climber, can sometimes be faced with difficult cases to decide. By agreeing to drive Doug Hansen to the top while the scheduled time limit for the return had passed for a long time, Rob Hall gave in to the pressure of his client who had sacrificed everything to return to try his luck after a cruel failure the season Previous. The storm suffered at the descent took over the rest... If for the great mountaineer the limit is sometimes held, for fans on the normal way of Everest, it's easy: the point of No return is written on the C

Nanga Parbat 2012: Sandy Allan and Rick Allen, "the crazies of the Mazeno"

Aged 57 and 59 years, respectively, Sandy Allan and Rick Allen, two Scottish climbers, began in July 2012 to climb ten kilometers from the Mazeno ridge to Nanga Parbat, accompanied by three Sherpa and South African climber Cathy O'Dowd. After twelve days on the mountain, they touch almost to the goal but the technical difficulties and the fatigue finally repel them. Back at the advanced camp, the discussion is underway: Allan and Allen want to try their luck again, but the others decide to go down again. The two Scots are short of food and rely on their only stove to hydrate them: Cathy wrote later on her blog that she thought that Rick and I were crazy, plagued by the fever of the summit. For her, Rick and I were in the process of crossing the acceptable risk limit at this time. " On the 14th of July, the two men reach the top but their lighter goes down in the descent. Thirsty, hungry, exhausted and at the edge of the M

Annapurna 2013: Graziani, Behera and the question mark of descent

In the autumn of 2013, Stéphane Behera and Yannick Graziani succeeded in a masterful ascent in the south face of Annapurna. In eight days, they completed, in alpine style, the path begun by Pierre Béghin and Jean-Christophe the Fault in 1992. On October 24th they are in a position to try the summit, but the discussion is between the two friends: we were starting to get frostbite, but maybe we were hiding the thing a little bit. The wisest solution was to go down but I wanted to go up. There was no doubt about going to the top, however after Question mark... Says Graziani in the movie we only walk once on the moon. They will actually go to the top but from the beginning of the descent, Behera collapses. He is exhausted and begins to show signs of pulmonary edema. The descent quickly veers to Calvary and Graziani "switch in survival mode." During the whole descent, I became a fucking robot.

The spur of Abruzzi, almost normal way of K2

2019-03-07T03:38:00.000-08:00

Following the fall of stone which wounded two of its climbers, the Polish expedition aiming at the first winter of K2 decided to change its plans and to abandon the way of the Basques in favor of the most traditional way of Abruzzi. And since we want to keep following them, it would be about not getting lost on the way. So here is the topo...

Louis-Amédée of Savoy, Duke of Abruzzi

Before being the main access road to the top of K2, Abruzzi is mostly a mountainous region of central Italy. To make the link between the Pakistani summit and the middle of the boot, one must turn to a man of singular fate: Louis-Amédée of Savoy. Born in Madrid in 1873, the young Louis inherited the title of Duke of Abruzzi sixteen years later, on the death of his father, King of Spain between 1870 and 1873. Introduced to mountaineering as a child, the Duke quickly became attracted by the great peaks and their exploration. One owes him the first of the unnamed needle and those of the points Marguerite and Hélène to the large Jorasses in 1898. It was even, during the ascent of the Matterhorn by the Ridge Zmutt, the companion of the Rope of Albert Frederick Mummery, one year before the disappearance of the latter at Nanga Parbat.

After exploring Alaska, the North Pole and then some African mountains, the Duke turns to the very high altitude and the peaks of the Karakoram during an expedition that takes him to the foot of K2 in the summer of 1909. Here, inspired by the expedition of 1902 and the narrative of Jules Jacot-Guillarmod, he decided to borrow for the first time the southeast ridge which instantly took his name. Surrounded, among others, Swiss guides Joseph and Laurent Petigax, the Doctor Filippo de ferns and his eternal friend and photographer Vittorio Sella, the Duke climbs above 6 200 meters before he renounces the difficulties. The way of Abruzzi was born but the summit remains inaccessible. He then turned to the neighbor Chogolisa where he reached 7 500 meters, thus beating the record of altitude that will hold until 1922 and the 8 225 meters of Edward Felix Norton to Everest.

House fireplace, black pyramid, and Bottleneck

Since it is by this way that Lino Lacedelli and Achille Matei will reach the summit in 1954, it would be appropriate to make the way of Abruzzi, the normal way of Ascension. In Himalayan jargon, the normal way is supposed to be the easiest way to access but K2 is nothing of a normal mountain. The difficulties encountered by the climbers instead encourage to talk about the most logical route. Around 6 500 meters, the contenders will be faced with a huge system of cracks that will give them a lot of trouble – and the rope to unravel. It's the Chimney House. Those who have passed by then compare it to the Hillary jump to Everest, the more lenient altitude compensating for the higher difficulties. Today the climbers take advantage of the fixed ropes already in place but in 1938, the American Bob House had only his feet and his hands at his disposal when he was the first to cross this key passage.

A little higher, about 7 000 meters, the climbers will have to cross the black pyramid, called thus because of the dark aspect of the rock that composes it. The passage is less difficult technically than the chimney House but much steeper and much longer since it measures about four hundred meters high. The ice already presents in summer does not make it easier, we imagine that in the middle of winter, the Poles will face a serious obstacle. After Camp III, which should be established around 7 400 meters, the ascent is akin to a long drool on the shoulder of K2 where the difficulty will probably be proportional to the amount of snow in which it will be necessary to trace. At about 8 200 meters, finally, the climbers will present themselves at the foot of the Bottleneck, this famous bottleneck threatened by the gigantic serac that overlooks it. This is where, in 2008, one of the most terrible tragedies in the history of K2 took place, when a huge chunk of ice was

But of the eleven Polish mountaineers currently at work at the foot of the spur of Abruzzi, seven have already climbed K2. The topo, they know him...

Abruzzi track and approximate locations of the three key passages

Top 10 peaks in the Himalayas

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#1 Everest
From myth to a public landfill

Ah! Everest! Theatre of the Craziest dreams, the most incredible feats, the most improbable records... But also dramas, controversies and traffic jams... Long inviolate, imagined, fantasized, the highest mountain in the world is now only a ridiculous amusement park for tourists full of aces, which pile up in front of the Hillary jump as others agglutinate in supermarkets the Saturday afternoon. Mount Everest and Mont Saint Michel: Same fight! When is the electronic toll?

At the same time, it seems that in good weather, the view from the top is worth a visit. But it is necessary, as far as possible, to focus on the horizon because if you look a little lower, you see mostly corpses and waste... According to the specialists (i.e. those whose companion of rope has collapsed before their eyes), it takes at least ten fellows to bring down a struggling mountaineer in the area of death. "Above 8000 meter

First at the top of Everest: Mallory, Hillary or both?

But back to our yaks. There are mainly two ways to reach the summit: the North face of the Tibetan side and the south face via the Nepalese slope. It's a little easier by the south but the authorities of the Nepalese government having a little late to come, a lot of explorers broke their teeth before in 1953, well helped by the progress of oxygen masks, the English expedition led by John Hunt Officially reaches the Grail with Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, eternal Heroes. I say officially because, in 1924, a duo (already British) composed of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine had ignited the bar pillars of the time by flirting with the summit from the North Face. The legend even says that they might have reached it, but even the discovery of Mallory's frozen remains in 1999 has never been able to assert it...

By the Nepalese side, the ascent begins with the uncertain crossing of the ice cascade of the Khumbu, which the icefall doctors have previously equipped with aluminum ladders so that customers cross the most difficult passages like In a chair. Then, after a night of dreaming in a five-star room at Camp 1, then comes the ascent of the Combe Ouest which leads to Camp 2, at 6 500 meters. From here begins the ascent of the face of the Lhotse to Camp 3 where the fixed ropes will help you to spend a pleasant moment in our company despite the temperatures sometimes a little fresh in the morning. After crossing the "spur of the Geneva" and the "yellow Strip", you will be greeted at the South pass by our hostesses in violet combination and with dubious hygiene to spend a fresh and airy night in one of our comfort tents specially arranged for The opportunity. You can then if the weather is not too rotten, you start to assault the Summer.

On the Tibetan side, climbers will have the chance to visit six altitude camps spread over the mountain. After passing through the Rongbuk Glacier, then the northern Pass, they will be able, if they have any remaining forces, to launch their assault towards the summit from Camp 6, through the three famous jumps (Step1, step 2 and step 3) which constitute the main difficulties of The final ascent.

Everest and the record race

Once the summit was deflowered, Everest experienced a quiet period of about ten years before the "Everestmania" and the Circus of commercial expeditions were triggered. And if the legendary Reinhold Messner undoubtedly marked the mountain with his imprint by passing the first without oxygen (with Peter Habeler) in 1978 and then the first solo two years later, the ensuing record race quickly turned to Ridiculous (who even killed fairly regularly): the youngest, the oldest, the biggest, the fastest, the most handicapped, the most stupid, the most dog...

And then came the time of the tragedies... First of all, there was certainly the most famous tragedy of modern mountaineering, when, in 1996, Rob Hall, Scott Fischer and consort took their feet in the carpet after reaching the summit. But the worst was to come with a deadly avalanche first in the ice Cascade in 2014 (16 dead) then a second in 2015 at the crowded base camp, making no less than 18 casualties. As if by the time the mountain wanted to say stop...

#2 Kangchenjunga
The forgotten of the Himalayas

The one that the intimates call the "KANGCH" is the third highest peak in the world. Yes, I am. 8 586 meters! If it is a goal coveted by the convinced Himalayistes, it is not frankly possible to say that it is a privileged destination by the Mountaineers-tourists in search of 8 000... At the same time, when in a social event, you say you just climbed K2 or Annapurna, it slams! The Kangchenjunga a little less, yet it is necessary to be able to pronounce it correctly...

Boardman-Tasker in alpine style, Pierre Barnes en solo and Benoit Chamoux in arrears

What to say about this summit living in the shadow of Everest, K2, and even Annapurna yet much smaller? That he was first climbed in 1955 by George Band and Joe Brown on an expedition led by Charles Evans, until then best known for bending Tom Bourdillon's rock star career by forcing him to turn a few meters from the top Of Everest, three days before the success of Hillary and Norgay in 1953. It can also be said that he saw disappear in 1992 the Polish Wanda Rutkiewicz, certainly one of the best mountaineers in the world, but also the Frenchman Benoit Chamoux in 1995, while he was competing with Erhard Loretan to become the third Man at fourteen 8 000. The English Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker invented the light Alpine style in 1979 and Pierre Barnes made a crazy solo in 1983, a few months after the conquest of Roland Garros by Yannick Noah.

The ultimate Anecdote: In 1966, an Air India Boeing named "Kangchenjunga" crashed on Mont Blanc. 46 years later, two mountaineers came across a diplomatic suitcase from the remains of the Boeing. Amazing, isn't it?

Finally, I refer you to the story of the successful expedition by Philippe Gatta in 2011. It is so detailed that you will find the altitudes, the times of course and even its daily heart rate! Do not miss the nice reportage of lequipe.fr on Carlos Soria, this incredible Spanish mountaineer who climbed the "KANGCH" at 75 years!

#3 Lhotse
The "little brother" of Everest

As much by its size (8 516 meters, fourth highest peak) as by its geographical location, the Lhotse can be considered other than as the Siamese brother of Everest. It's very simple, they touch each other. Part of the normal route of Everest even borrows the face of the Lhotse to reach the South Pass. But for the big himlayistes, the lure comes rather from the other side, from the dreaded south face.

The first to reach the summit of the Lhotse are two Swiss people unknown to the general public: Fritz Luchsinger and Ernst Reiss. It was May 18, 1956. The first woman was the late Chantal Mauduit in 1996 and the first winter was successful in 1988 by Polish specialist Krzysztof Wielicki.

The southern face of the Lhotse, the last major problem in the Himalayas

But it is the south face of the Lhotse that gave the most trouble to the stars of mountaineering of the years 80 and that the great Reinhold Messner will describe as "the last great problem of the Himalayas". Finally, we will have to wait for 1990 for things to finally settle down with first and foremost the ultra-controversial ascent (solo) of the Slovenian Tomo Pnec. Too good to be true will think Sergey Bershov and Gennadiy Karataev coming to the top a few weeks later, supported by a big Russian team. Before this first, which was finally attributed to the Russians in front of the lack of evidence of EESC, several great mountaineers disappeared while trying their luck, as Nicolas Jaeger (first Frenchman at Everest with Jean Afanassieff and Pierre Mazeaud in 78) in 1980 or Polish Jerzy Kukuczka on 24 October 1989, victim of a rope worn a few cables from the top...

#4 Makalu
The most technical

Number five in the hierarchy of the highest peaks of the world with its 8463 meters, Monsieur Makalu is characterized by his pyramidal shape on four sides but also by the late interest that he will bear on the mountain explorers. It is necessary, in fact, to wait for 1954 to see a first American expedition attempt its famous ascent very technical.

The summit is reached the following year by a French rope composed of Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy during an expedition which, led by Jean Franco, will have the rare peculiarity of seeing all the members of the team arrive at the summit. Franco will later recount this magnificent success in an incredible title book: "Makalu".

Jean-Christophe The fault reported missing in 2006

Other French will illustrate a little later with Bernard Melt and Yannick Lord authors of a beautiful premiere on the West Pillar in 1971. In 2006, it is less fun since the formidable Jean-Christophe will be reported missing while trying the first winter solo, as part of his conquest of the fourteen 8000. The Makalu was his twelfth 8000...

#5 Oyu Cho
The Turquoise goddess

The Cho Oyu is 8201 meters above sea level, a sixth world place in the ranking of the highest peaks and a first successful in 1954 by Joseph Joechler, Herbert Tichy and Padawan Dawa Lama who, remember, had missed the summit of K2 at Fritz Wiessner in 1939 for a vague story of fear of the dark...

Before them, in 1952, the "Turquoise goddess" had served as a trial gallop to the team that was going to defeat Everest the following year. Edmund Hillary, Tom Bourdillon and George Lowe were already in the game for this expedition led by Eric Shipton. The risks of avalanche forced them, however, to give up far enough from the goal.

The Oyu Cho, 8000 the most affordable

But the Cho Oyu is mostly reputed to be the most affordable 8000 if you can say that for an 8000. Its north-west arrest seems, in fact, to be accessible to any human being showing a little goodwill. So you can program it for a family weekend, it will change you a bit of the circus of Gavarnie. Be careful anyway, an avalanche killed four Mountaineers in 1959 and it is also here that Erhard Loretan saw his friend Pierre-Alain Steiner die after a bad fall and cavalry of several days... Good... Finally, for the family weekend, it might be nice to wait for the children to be big...

From a geographical point of view, the Cho Oyu is located about twenty kilometers from Everest, on the border between Tibet and Nepal in what could be called the Manhattan, which, with many skyscrapers as famous as the Makalu, the Lhotse, the Everest Or the Nupste, does a little office of "place to be" for any mountaineer in search of high altitude.

#6 Dhaulagiri
The White Mountain

The main feature of the Dhaulagiri is that it consists of five peaks numbered from one to five and stretching from 7618 meters for the Dhaulagiri I to 8167 meters for the Dhaulagiri V, making it the seventh highest peak in the world, just behind the Cho Oyu and its 821 Ten feet.

It was the phenomenal Austrian mountaineer Kurt Diemberger who was the first to reach the summit on 13 May 1960 during an expedition led by the Swiss Max Eiselin, not too proud to show us here one of the sumptuous boots in ibex that he wore during The Ascension. Ten years before, Herzog and his band had prowled a good time in the sector before finally throwing their sights on Annapurna, judging the Dhaulagiri too risky.

Chantal cursed buried in her tent

At the end of the years 90, Dhaulagiri decided to be cruel to women as Ginette Harrison (in 1999) and Chantal Mauduit (in 1998) found death there. The body of the latter was found in her tent half-buried by a snow stream, accompanied by the Nepalese mountaineer Ang Tsering. Not very gallant Mister Dhaulagiri...

#7 Manaslu
The 8000 of the Japanese

In the years 50, the conquest of the summits of more than 8 000 is in full swing and all the great nations make it a matter of prestige. The French first defeated Annapurna, the English then offered Everest before the Italians eventually reached the top of K2. In the meantime, the MANASLU was the target of the Japanese.

No fewer than five Japanese expeditions will be organized between 1952 and 1956 to attack the eighth World Summit (8 163 meters). And it was finally on May 9th, 1956 that Toshio Imanishi came to the top with the Sherpa Gyalzen Norbu during an expedition led by Maki Yuko. As often after the conquest, the summit will be neglected for several years and it will be necessary to reach the years 70 to see Mountaineers try their luck again.

Among the most notable ascents is Reinhold Messner in 1971 (without oxygen obviously), Pierre Barnes in 1981 or Chantal Mauduit in 1996. But the one that most certainly marked the story was the one taken by Kyoko Sato who first saw women on the top of an 8 000 on May 4, 1974.

The Manaslu is also reputed to be one of the most dangerous peaks in the Himalayan chain. A first avalanche killed five members of a South Korean expedition in 1972 and more recently, in 2012, eleven mountaineers died in Camp 3, ravaged by an avalanche.

#8 Parbat Nanga
The Killer Mountain

Despite an altitude, a reasonable sum (8 125 meters), the Ninth Summit of the World is undoubtedly one of the most wicked. We no longer count the victims of the terrible bites of the one who ended up being dubbed the "Slayer Mountain". In fact, we count very well: in 2012, there were 68 deaths for 335 successes, making it the third most deadly peak in terms of percentage: 21% versus 29% for K2 and 34% for the terrifying Annapurna (source: Altissima.org).

And if among the 61 victims, one finds mostly German speakers, it is because, in the 1930s, the Germans decided that the conquest of Nanga Parbat was their business. First, there were the expeditions taken by Willi Merkl, who escrima in vain for several years to end up leaving his skin there, before his half-brother, Karl Herrligkoffer, took up the torch after the Second World War. And we will finally have to wait for 1953 for a shot of poker tempted by the phenomenal Tyrolean mountaineer Hermann Buhl, allowing the Germans to finally reach the goal.

Hermann Buhl in the legend of Nanga Parbat and mountaineering

On July 3, 1953, there is a man who is angry. The summit he dreamed so much has just been conquered by one of the Mountaineers he had selected himself, but Karl Herrligkoffer has reason to be annoyed. He expressly demanded the return of his troops to the base camp but the fiery Hermann is only in his head... He does not listen to the instructions of his expedition leader who fears the arrival of the monsoon and decides to continue to the summit with Otto Kempter. The latter, exhausted, stops around the 8000 meters but Buhl is stubborn and continues towards the summit which he ends up reaching at the cost of an effort that will remain in the annals of Mountaineering. Taken by night at the descent, the Austrian is obliged to bivouac to 8 000 meters in Dante conditions but in the early morning he can resume his descent and find his companions who were no longer waiting for him. Legendary.

The summit is thus definitively conquered but Herrligkoffer is not satiated so far. What he wants now is to tackle the most difficult of worms! The ascent by the face of the Diamir was successful in 1962 by Toni Kinshofer, Anderl Mannhardt and Siegfried Löw (who will lose his life in the descent) but remains the terrifying slope Rupal, 4500 meters of walls... The highest in the world! To succeed in such a challenge, you need a master, an ace, a Caballero... And it's good because in 1970, a young mountaineer starts to talk about him: a certain Reinhold Messner. The terrible sequel, we know: Reinhold and his brother Günther reach the summit together but Günther disappears forever during an apocalyptic descent. The film "Nanga Parbat" traces this dramatic epic that Reinhold himself told in one of his countless books: The Naked Mountain.

And as long as we talk about cinema, how not to evoke the famous film of Jean-Jacques Annaud Seven years in Tibet, taken from the book Seven Years of Adventures in Tibet written by Heinrich Harrer, mountaineer as part of an expedition on the Nanga Parbat in 1939. He was first taken prisoner by the English, before escaping in 1944 and finding refuge in Tibet where he remained for seven years. A real gold mine for Hollywood this Nanga Parbat!

#9 Annapurna
Herzog, South face and controversies

Geographically located between the Dhaulagiri and the Manaslu, Annapurna and its 8091 meters hold a place apart in the great history of mountaineering. Two main reasons for this: there is first Maurice Herzog and the famous premiere of 1950 and then there is this south face, terrible, captivating and murderous.

Annapurna 1950, the first conquest

It all began on June 3, 1950, when Maurice Herzog and Louis Duchenne came to the top of Annapurna. For the first time in the history of mountaineering, a mountain of more than 8000 meters is climbed by man. The Conquest Gate is now wide open and the other Himalayan giants will soon fall one after the other. At a time when mountaineering is above all a history of conquest and Nationalism, the feat of Herzog and Duchenne resonates throughout France as a huge victory. Paris-Match draws at 320 000 copies and Annapurna, Premier 8000 sells like buns. While Maurice Herzog became mayor of Chamonix and minister of de Gaulle struts in the light, Terray, rebuffed and especially the Duchenne remain in the shadows and rehash their resentment towards their leader blinded by his heightened nationalism and thirst for Glory.

Published for the first time in 1963, just after his death, the notebooks of the vertigo of Louis-Chenal had been widely censored by Gérard Herzog, brother of Maurice and it will have to wait for 1996 and the unsweetened version published by Editions Guérin, for having The end of the story. Gaston Rebufft also is bitter: "Ah, if Herzog instead of losing his gloves had lost the flags, as I would have been happy!... * His biography by Yves Ballu (the mountain for Amie) gives an idea of Herzog's grip on "his" Annapurna. Only Lionel Terray will give, in "The conquerors of the useless", a version of the facts roughly in tune with that of his expedition leader.

The south face of Annapurna, mythical wall

Past the period of conquests in the Himalayas, the fine flower of mountaineering is diverted from the normal ways to concentrate on more engaged and aesthetic itineraries. At Annapurna, it is the gigantic wall of the south face that is the object of all fantasies. In May 1970, the English led by the legendary Chris Bonington will succeed the first to be bereaved by the death of Ian Clough, the first victim of a face that will prove to be one of the deadliest in the Himalayas. In particular, Alex MacIntyre and Pierre Béghin will find death there.

Among the most famous ascents of the South face are the one of Nil Bohigas and Enric Lucas in 1984, which open the "way of the Catalans" in pure alpine style, that tragic of Pierre Béghin and Jean-Christophe The Fault in 1992, the first female of Wanda Rutkiewicz in 1991 or even the first successful winter in 1987 by the Poles Jerzy Kukuczka and Artur Hajzer. The controversial solo of Ueli Steck in 2013 is also part of the legend of a mountain whose history has nothing to envy to Everest or K2.

#10 Shishapangma
Shishapangma, last 8 000

And the last of the class of the 8 000, here it is the Shishapangma and its 8 027 meters. It is also the last of the 8 000 to have been conquered by man. It will have taken a long wait in 1964 for a Chinese expedition to come to an end. Why such an expectation for a summit yet reputed to be easy to access?

In the history of mountaineering, the years 50 represent the Golden age of the conquest of the 8 000. Annapurna was first conquered in 1950 and the last Dhaulagiri in 1960. All (with the exception of the MANASLU, owned by the Japanese) were by Westerners and the problem is that during this auspicious period, the borders of Tibet are precisely closed to Westerners because of China's occupation of the country. The Shishapangma being the only 8 000 entirely located in Tibet, it will be necessary to wait until the beginning of the years 80 to see again people from us to try their luck.

The base camp easily accessible

With a good 4 × 4, it is possible to be deposited practically at the foot of the mountain and by the northwest slope, the ascent is akin to a vague health walk. It is even visibly quite conceivable to make the descent in the ski. Attention, a number of unlucky people, often victims of avalanches, still managed to kill themselves. This is not the case of the Polish Jerzy Kukuczka, who ended here in 1987, his famous conquest of the fourteen 8 000, becoming the second man to carry out this feat after Reinhold Messner.

On the heights of SRI LANKA: ELLA and KANDY

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After our visit to the Natural Park of Udawalawe, we continue our ascent to the north of Sri Lanka, with two stages of the mountain to Ella, then Kandy. The diversity of landscapes is fascinating for such a small island!

Ella: The head in the clouds

In the Ella area, we take our sights on a guest house called Morning Mist, a name that means "morning fog". This is well found because the fog is actually never very far. The clouds circulate throughout the day, such as large ships, between the hills of this haven of peace and greenery. Only the cries of a wild peacock sometimes disturb the silence. Now imagine a White House with columns, nestled on top of a mound, in the middle of a tea plantation. You're in the Sri Lankan mountains!

There are plenty of walking opportunities in the immediate vicinity. For our first hike in the mountains of Sri Lanka, we climb on the Eagle's Rock, a hill overlooking our little village. The round trip takes us 1h30 to small steps. We do not see any eagle, however, the view at 360 ° is striking!

Strangely, we have often found elsewhere in the world that the inhabitants of the mountains were less friendly with tourists than those from below. Well, that's not the case at all in Sri Lanka! Once again, we only crossed smiles.

The comfort seems to put a little time to arrive in the heights of Sri Lanka. We notice for example that the inhabitants do not have running water yet and they come to pull the water to the well. On the other hand, the number of a tuk-tuk on the roads is impressive, for a whole area quite sparsely populated. The explanation is simple: many families own their private tuk-tuk, cheaper to purchase than a car.

Out of curiosity, we visit a tea plantation called Amba, which produces a tea of the highest quality. They provide for example the Noma of Copenhagen, former "Best restaurant in the world". If you wanted to get into the industry, here are some secrets that we have taken from the Guide: 1) The shrubs are organic, 2) picking is done exclusively by hand, 3) only the two or three youngest and fresh leaves of a branch are used and 4) The leaves are rolled one by one by hand. In comparison, a low-end tea bag contains anything, including the stem, and everything is crushed by machines.

We participate in the optional tasting and can confirm that their tea is good. But as for the wine, we do not have the palate delicate enough to appreciate all the subtleties of this high-end tea!

The legs heated by the Eagle's Rock, we now decide to embark on a more ambitious hike on Ella's rock. It is a rock that dominates the town of Ella and offers a spectacular view of the valley.

The round trip is supposed to take four hours, but, accompanied by children and slowed down by the rain, we will need more than seven to complete it.

We do for the first time acquainted with leeches, these little critters... Very engaging! Nothing serious though, and it should not prevent you from enjoying these landscapes dementia. They are small and crawl on the ground, attracted by the smell of passersby. It is better to have high socks and check occasionally that no worm is climbing them. At worst, have some salt on you to pick them up.

The end of the hike directly takes the railroad path, which is quite fun and safe. Just deviate if comes to pass one of the three or four daily trains.

Before his trip to Sri Lanka, we offered a novel entitled The Adventures of Philibert in Sri Lanka to our nine-year-old niece. Not only did she devour him in record time and read three times, but she also talked about it all the time on the spot and loved discovering the places evoked in history. A 100% recommended book if you plan to travel to Sri Lanka with children!

Practical Tips on Ella
Where to sleep in Ella as written above, we stayed in the Morning Mist, a large guest house in the mountains. The place is secluded and a bit far from the town of Ella, but the possibilities of hiking all around are excellent. We just regret the rates a bit high compared to other Sri Lankan guesthouses. Come to morning Mist from Udawalawe Bus from Udulawale to Wellawaya: 1h, 100 Rp/€0.49 per person. Then we dodged the raging touts who take their commission to get ourselves a taxi, parked a little plu

Kandy: Buddhist High Point in central Sri Lanka

Kandy is the ancient capital of a kingdom that spread over almost half of the island of Ceylon and resisted the aggressions of the Portuguese and Dutch colonizers. At the time, the mountain trails leading to Kandy were kept secret in order to protect the city and, apparently, this unbelievable technique actually worked!

Today, Kandy is no longer the capital, but it has remained an important place for the Buddhists of the country. Following the cremation of Buddha, a canine (five centimeters long!) would have been found intact in the midst of the Ashes. First venerated in India for long centuries, this unusual tooth was exfiltrated in Sri Lanka, concealed in the hairstyle of a princess. Today, a large temple, simply called the Temple of the Tooth, is consecrated in the heart of the city of Kandy. Pilgrims even come from all over Asia to gather in front of the sacred Quenotte.

The interior of the temple is visited by 1000 Roupi

Concretely, the city is not as beautiful as its UNESCO World Heritage ranking might suggest. Of course, some old colonial-style buildings give it a little British air, but nothing phenomenal. It is the walk along the lake that we prefer. We are very surprised when we see a big grey pelican fishing and swallowing fish wider than his neck!

In the vicinity of Kandy, the Botanical Garden offers a friendly exit. As we thought we would go around it in an hour, we almost stay there for the day. The park is immense, with long walkways, large lawns where Sri Lankan schoolchildren are amused, a suspension bridge, greenhouses, as well as collections of palm trees, coconut trees, cactuses, bamboos...

The plants are particularly well staged, which makes it possible to discover rare and spectacular species. The Cannon Cannonball Tree, for example, produces large, round fruits, hard as metal. The Baobab Tree of Africa has a bigeye trunk, while that of the rainbow eucalyptus is multicolored. We even discover the largest coconuts in the world, weighing up to thirty kilos and take six years to reach maturity!

A family of macaques walks in the park and it is easy enough to approach them. A huge colony of bats also people places here. They are literally thousands to sleep upside down, hanging on top of the trees and it's very impressive!

Goodbye the Mountain, Goodbye Kandy, heading north of Sri Lanka!

Note: Practical tips for visiting Kandy

Where to stay in Kandy? We tested two hotels

Jilly Stay (~ €18): On the heights of the city, perfectly correct rooms with breakfast included.

The Guesthouse Shine Residence (~ €17) that we preferred: a friendly Sri Lankan family rents new rooms, cooks an excellent breakfast and provides good advice on the city.

Restaurant If you do not know the Dosa, this delicious Indian crepe, go to Balaji Dosai and order a Paper dosa (the widest and crispest) or a Masala Dosa (with spicy potatoes). If you already know, go ahead anyway because they are excellent. If hygiene does not seem to be their priority at first, no digestive problems have been reported despite three meals on the spot! Coffee Natural Coffee is a perfect coffee for a short break in the city center of Kandy, with good wifi.

The Legend of Mountaineering In Ten Photos

2019-03-03T23:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a new and interesting from me, I chose ten new clichés which, by their context, their beauty or their singularity, make date in the history of mountaineering. Again, I tried the difficult exercise of finding the date, the author and the circumstances.

1. Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker on Kangchenjunga in 1979

If you remove the suits and the decor, you might think that they are two family fathers cutting out the fat on a bench, but it turns out that we are about 8,500 meters above sea level, just below the top of the Kangchenjunga. Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker pose for posterity under Doug Scott's lens. This first ascent by the west ridge of the Kangch 'on 16 May 1979 marked" the apotheosis of the light alpine style in the Himalayas"*. These two, inseparable, will die three years and a day later in Everest. Note that this expedition also included in its ranks the chamoniard Georges Bettembourg, grandson of Georges Charlet, brother of Armand, Legendary guide of Chamonix.

2. Pillar of the Freney 1961: the Nuba before the drama

We are on the 8th July 1961 in the shelter of The Fork on the slopes of Mont Blanc. Pierre Mazeaud, Robert Guillaume, Antoine Vieille, and Pierre Kolhmann had a good laugh before attacking the rise of the pillar of the Freney. For the last three mentioned, this session of laughter will be the last... they will not survive the storm that will force them to a terrible retreat and an agony of several days that will also carry the Italian Andrea Oggioni... we note the bandage around the right arm of Robert Guillaume perhaps victim of the most useless bloodshed in the history of mountaineering…

3. The frozen hands of Maurice Herzog

Official photographer and filmmaker of the French expedition to Annapurna in 1950, Marcel Ichac returned to France with a treasure: hundreds of photo Films! Among the most famous, this one, pathetic, shows Maurice Herzog who just arrived at camp II, on June 5, two days after having reached the summit in the company of Louis Lachenal. His hands are frozen, his eyes look haggard and his air is terribly tired but the picture is misleading... Herzog is in heaven: "the victory we bring back will remain in our hearts as a shining joy"*.

4. First winter at Everest, the team photo

Two mysteries for this photo: was it taken before or after ascension and who pressed the button? The Wikipedia entry is formal, the author of the cliché is Bogdan Jankowski. Problem, he's also in the picture... so what? A timer? Perhaps... one thing is certain: on February 17, 1980, Krzysztof Wielicki and Leszek Cichy were at the top of Everest, thus making the first winter out of an 8,000. In this team photo that includes 26 climbers, I think Wielicki is in the second row, right in the middle with Cichy on his right. In the following years, the Poles became the Masters of the winter Himalayas.

5. The French on the roof of the world

On 15 October 1978, the French reached the summit of Everest for the first time. Jean Afanassieff, Nicolas Jaeger and Pierre Mazeaud are the lucky ones! They are accompanied by the Austrian Kurt Diemberger who, in his capacity as a photographer, is probably the author of this photograph on which one sees a Pierre Mazeaud with the colors of the Netherlands recent finalists of the 1978 football World Cup. After removing his oxygen mask, he tried to wave a French flag at the end of his ax. It's a bit of a failure ... " twenty-five years after Hillary, French flag on the roof of the world..."*.

6. Doug Scott crawling on the Ogre

It is 13 July 1977 on the Ogre, Pakistani summit of 7,285 meters. Question: on the picture, what is the peculiarity of the climber dressed in blue? He is the legendary British climber Doug Scott and is preceded by the no less prestigious Chris Bonington. Yeah, but what? Well, he doesn't look very comfortable because both of his ankles are broken... a few hours earlier, he did get a good bowl by dangling on a callback. After an abominable bivouac, they managed to reach a little lower Mo Anthoine and Clive Rowland – one of the two must be the author of the cliché – and started, in the storm, one of the worst retreats in the history of mountaineering. Doug Scott has no choice but to crawl, so it'll take them seven days to reach base camp.…

7. The Cesare Maestri compressor

In 1959, the Italian climber Cesare Maestri made everyone believe that he had achieved the feat of climbing the Cerro Torre, a summit of Patagonia that is reputed to be impregnable. In 1970, when the controversy never ceased to swell, Maestri went mad again and stormed the Cerro Torre to silence the critics. He brings with him a huge thermal compressor that will allow him to drill through the rock and plant more than 400 pistons. To top it all off, the compressor will be abandoned on the mountainside once the plan has been completed... this route, the ugliest in the world, will now be known as the " compressor route ". This photo was taken by photographer Lincoln Else, on the occasion of the ascension of David Lama, author, on January 21, 2012, of the first without using any of Maestri's pitons.

8. Christophe Profit's solo at the Drus

On June 30, 1982, in the American direct to the Drus, Christophe Profitoffered a solo that looked like a masterpiece. In 3h10, he swallowed the famous route opened 20 years earlier by the Americans Gary Hemming and Royal Robbins in the West face of this mythical Alpine wall. No rope, no equipment, just a small backpack with which to break the crust in case of cravings. The picture below illustrates perfectly the extent of the excess. Vertige ... it was taken by the photographer Vincent Mercié during reconstruction for the needs of a film – a little suspicious-made in 1985 by Nicolas Philibert: "Christophe". I found it in the July/August 2012 issue of " Vertical "magazine.

9. Junko Tabei, the first woman at the top of Everest

In 1975 Japanese media organized an expedition to Everest entirely made up of women. Junko Tabei is one of the 15 climbers selected and on May 16, 1975, she was the first woman to reach the roof of the world. At 35, she has just entered history and Sherpa Ang Tshering immortalizes this moment that will make her a star in her country. The picture's a little fuzzy, but it'll do.

Only 11 days after Junko Tabei, Tibetan Phantog will also stand on the top of Mount Everest, which she climbed on the North face. Not being aware of the Japanese expedition through the South pass, she was persuaded to be the first woman to achieve this feat... …

10. Edward Whymper and the fall to the Matterhorn in 1865

I admit I was a little cheated... this is not a photo but an engraving done by Gustave Doré. It represents the famous fall of the Cordee, led by Edward Whymper to the Matterhorn on July 14, 1865. It clearly shows Douglas Hadow slipping and bringing down Michel Croz, Charles Hudson and Lord Douglas. Whymper, saved by the broken rope, barely catches up to a piece of rock with his left hand. The Taugwalders father and son will also be spared. A few moments earlier, the seven men had reached the top of the Matterhorn, marking the end of the Golden Age of mountaineering.

Ski Touring : Tips To Get Started

2019-02-26T00:59:00.000-08:00

Ski touring is ski touring!
But be careful, if there are summer hikes of all levels and accessible to all, the practice of ski touring, however, requires a minimum of learning and technique to be able to reach the summits safely. A few days of initiation are therefore necessary to tame the material, find its rhythm on the snow and know its limits.
You might as well be aware that this is an activity that needs to be in good shape and wants to be active!

Ski touring - Advice N°1
Getting well

To get started, the easiest way is to rent the equipment: skis and suitable bindings, skins, shoes, sticks, DVA (Avalanche detector), shovel and probe. The material is (fortunately !) lighter than that used in Alpine skiing.

The ski must be chosen parabolic and 10 cm smaller than its own size. Do not hesitate to try several pairs of shoes as it is important to feel "like in slippers". The current shoes are very technical, take the time to understand how they fit and use to avoid any discomfort.

On the clothing side, it depends on your tolerance to temperature variations. The multi-layered system is the most suitable : one or two layers will inevitably be removed at the climb to put them back on as soon as the effort diminishes... essential backpack, in which one will also bring a hat, a pair of gloves (one will have to go down), sunglasses, supplies, and safety equipment.

Ski touring - Advice N°2
Managing your security

Learning to use the DVA (avalanche victim detector) is essential before you go hiking. For this, no secret, only a skier already trained will be able to show you how to use the equipment. One of the 2 AVDS hidden in the snow, it's up to you to find "the victim": a shot to take!

The use of the probe and the shovel complete this training, equipment to have in his backpack in addition to the mobile phone charged.

Ski touring - Advice N°3
Putting on skis

First of all, we stick the skins under the skis because, without them, we can't move forward! I take this opportunity to point out that these are no longer seal skins for a long time, but synthetic, Bibifoc can sleep soundly. :)

To glue the skins, it's very simple. Simply fix the upper part in the hole of the spatula provided for this purpose and pull the skin by sticking it on the ski up to the heel, where it is held by a hook. The shoes have two positions, one for walking, the other for skiing. So, before climbing on the skis, make sure the shoe is closed and rigid. In a snap, here you are, as in downhill skiing, in fixations. They are regulated in two ways: the heel moves freely during the ascent but remains blocked in the descents. And for more comfort on the climbs, we add a wedge.

Last detail: don't forget to tie the thongs to the calves at the risk of seeing your skis come down without you (no ski brake on hiking)!

Ski touring Advice - N°4
Move slowly

Let's do this. The goal is to slide the skis, one after the other, without lifting the foot. The stretching can be less ample: Little by little, we gain confidence and increase the slope smoothly. The hiker will quickly gain confidence and realize that he can climb steep slopes without any problems. Climbing wedges are used to relieve calves and legs during exercise.

Here is a little help to pass the fixation from one position to another only by means of the stick, so as not to have to bend down or worse to remove the gloves.

When the slope becomes too steep, it is necessary to change tactics to climb in turn and thus, learn to master the technique of conversions to turn. It's best to practice before you go: on too steep slopes, the exercise can be very sporty ! it is up to you to find your own rhythm and amplitude in order to move comfortably without having the impression of doing gymnast stretching with each movement.

Ski touring Advice - N°5
Climb efficiently

Little by little, we gain confidence and increase the slope smoothly. The hiker will quickly gain confidence and realize that he can climb steep slopes without any problems. Climbing wedges are used to relieve calves and legs during exercise.

Here is a little help to pass the fixation from one position to another only by means of the stick, so as not to have to bend down or worse to remove the gloves.

Ski touring Advice - N°6
Food and water

Ski touring is a complete sport that brings strength and endurance to bear. It is Impossible to continue without regular food and water (energy expenditure: 500 calories/hour).

Drink before thirst (every half hour) in small amounts. The hiker can lose up to 40% of his meals due to lack of water, and hydrating also allows a better recovery by avoiding cramps and aches.

Ski touring Advice - N°7
Keep forces for the descent

Ah... finally! The best moment of ski touring ... the fun after the effort... not so sure! A minimum of ski technique on the piste is essential if you do not want the hike to turn into a nightmare. It's simple, you have to be able to go anywhere. The skier no longer plays on the slopes and the downhill is both technical and sporty. Watch your thighs if you have to go down in a snowplow!

Don't forget to stretch after the race... at the risk of not being able to walk the next day.

Ski touring Advice - N°8
Choose your itinerary

Ready for the first outing?

The route must be chosen according to its level of difficulty (altitude difference, narrowness of the path) and the quality of the snow.

A beginner makes an average of 250m of positive difference per hour, a competitor up to 1400m per hour! Also pay attention to the descent, which quickly becomes difficult in narrow paths.

The weather forecast is an integral part of the preparation. The cold and the snow can quickly make the walk infernal if you are not prepared. Depending on the exhibition and the season, the snow can be powdery, frozen, crusted, blown, soup: you will have to adapt. And of course, we'll postpone the exit if the avalanche risk is significant. When in doubt, take professional advice.

How and why drink during a hike ?

2019-02-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

Why is hydration important during a hike? How to drink during a hike? Which bottle to use to drink effectively?

Drinking well during your hike is paramount, whether it's a day hike or a multi-day trek to the other side of the world. Of course, the constraints will not be the same, but whatever the environment, we will have to pay attention to good water management.

In this article, we will see how to drink, when to drink and why it is important to drink throughout your hike.

Why is hydration important during a hike?

The symptoms of a lack of water are headaches or dizziness, which can quickly be very problematic during a hike. Especially if you're in the summer, in the mountains with a heavy backpack. We're moving slower, and if the dehydration is significant, we'll have to stop. I have run out of water twice and I try not to repeat this experience.

In Corsica on the gr20

The first time was in Corsica on the GR 20. The evening of the previous day, I had hardly drunk at the meal because we had bought wine (yes big mistake). And at breakfast, I also forgot to drink (fatigue...). That day, unfortunately, we had to make a step and a half and we did not pass to the intermediate refuge (because of too much below the path). And of course, there was no source on this step.

Soon I felt the effects of the lack of water but it was too late. I had to save the water to be sure that I had enough, but I had to drink and especially that I moved on... so I decided to take a sip every 10 minutes and keep the water in my mouth as long as possible. Since I had a pipette, I didn't have to stop to drink so it was easy. And I took a slower pace than the others to get to the pass. After 2 Good hours of walking, I was able to recover completely and continue the hike in good conditions. We won't see the interest of the water pocket with a pipette.

In the Pyrenees, on a day hike

The second time was in the Pyrenees. I was off on a simple hike to blue lake from the side Barèges. I thought I'd just go to the lake and come back by the same route. But when I got to the lake, I decided to go around it. Unfortunately, it was very hot, very beautiful and the tour around the Lake took a lot of time because I took a lot of pictures. So I used up all my water long before the end of the walk. Well, I can assure you that the last hour was very difficult. Not a drop of water, very hot. I was really tired. I even asked people if they could give me water but I ran into people who didn't have water at all. No luck. I finally got to the car where I had water in a bottle.

We don't realize the impact on physics of the lack of water until we've experienced it. One's mouth is pasty, one feels weak, one begins to have a headache (all the more so if the sun is shining)... And unfortunately, even if we start drinking at this point, recovery is not instantaneous and it takes a little time to recover.

You should drink regularly during a hike

You will, therefore, have to be careful to drink very regularly throughout your hike. Whether it lasts 2 hours or all day, don't wait until you're thirsty to hydrate. A sip or two every 10 or 15 minutes will be sufficient in most cases. You can drink more if you have provided enough water of course.

It has to become a reflex: before I start I drink a little, and then regularly I drink again. When you get used to it, you won't even need to look at your watch and it will happen naturally. If you have a pipette, you can even drink without stopping to walk which is very convenient, we'll talk about it later. So you won't have any excuse if you don't drink enough.

Do we need to purify the water or filter it?

Generally, on a day hike, water is taken from your home or refuge. There is, therefore, no special treatment to be expected. On the other hand, if you are hiking for several days without going through refuges it may be interesting to provide purifying lozenges and/or a filtration system. There are now gourds that incorporate a filter or even filter straws (but now you can't store water).

Provide enough water for the entire hike

In fact, the most difficult is going to be to predict how much water you will need to hold your entire hike. If it's a two-hour hike, it's easy. But for a full day of 8 or 10 hours, it's much more difficult.

All the more so because it will depend on the weather (we drink more in case of high heat), the altitude, the environment in which we live...

At the end of each hike, you have to practice and see how much water is left and when you have consumed your water (if you have followed our advice, you will have drunk regularly).

Are we drinking with a classic bottle or a water pouch?

First, you have to choose your bottle. Are you going with a classic bottleor a water pouch ?

Plastic bottle

You can use a classic plastic water bottle instead of the water bottle but it's always better to have a real water bottle that can be filtered.

Classic gourd

The classic bottle will be stronger and as you will stop to drink, you will be able to watch how much water remains in the bottle. You can store it in one of the side pockets of your backpack for easy access. It will not be necessary to open the bag.

Water pocket

The water pocket is an alternative that has grown a lot in recent years. It allows storing the water in a container that once empty will hang very little space. Two pockets can, therefore, be provided and the second filled only when a lot of water is needed.

They can also be equipped with a pipette that allows access to water without stopping. At first, it was meant for trail runners, but on a hike, it's really very practical too.

The disadvantage is that since one can drink without stopping, it is difficult to know how much water remains during the day. You should take advantage of the breaks to check the level of the pocket so that you do not fall into the water during the hike.

In winter, when it is very cold, the water can freeze in the pipe so some marks have provided a sleeve that protects the tube from the cold and prevents the water from freezing. That's a good idea.

There are several brands of water pockets that each have their own specificities. It is up to you to find what is right for you: simple or rigid pouch, a pipette with tap end... there is something for everyone at all costs. Be aware that some pockets can be opened over the entire width for easier cleaning.

Hike In The Mysterious Landscapes Of The PÁRAMO DE OCETÁ (Colombia)

2019-02-22T03:17:00.000-08:00

What ?!? Don't you know what a "páramo" is? Well, all right, we never crossed that term before exploring the páramo De Ocetá, one of the many páramos in Colombia.

The páramos are high mountain areas on the Andes cordillera, around 3500m, where you can see enigmatic, almost paranormal plants and landscapes. Follow us in this adventure that mixes football balls, deer, Black Lake, pre-Hispanic remains and silicone lips!

Monguí, the village of the balloons

The simplest way to hike to the páramo De Ocetá is to sleep in the small village of Monguí. While we were expecting a banal village, we discovered a nice main square, some cute streets, neat little houses, geraniums with Windows... decidedly, Colombians take great care of their villages!

We stop in amazement in front of a shop. She only sells balloons. Hundreds of soccer balls, in every color and pattern imaginable. Strange that the merchant could manage to get enough to live in such a small village. Except that, three steps away, we come across an identical store. Same with the next one, and all the shops on the square. Something is definitely wrong.

We learn that Monguí is famous all over Colombia for making balloons, by hand, please. A thousand people would work on their cutting, sewing, decorating. It's football!

We realize that almost every restaurant closes around 5: 00, So why? Only one pizzeria opens in the evening and we meet all the other tourists, five or six at the most. To counterbalance, the hotel we booked is run by the most adorable person in the world, María, who pampers us from A to Z.

Hike in the páramo De Ocetá

If we have come so far, it is not to make dribbles, but for the hike that leads to páramo, located about 1000m above.

Unfortunately, we find relatively little information on the path to take. But as we hesitate to ask for the services of a guide, we cross our neighbor's room, which just comes down from the páramo alone. The poor man suffered a nasty hail of hail up there, which did not stop him from worshipping his excursion. He gives us some tips that we will try to compete with ours.

First of all, you should know that bad weather usually only comes in the afternoon. In order to maximize our chances, we leave the hotel at 7am, alongside the toddlers on the way to school.

On the first part of the climb, the landscapes are nothing spectacular. We wish the many cows who graze in the meadows and the horses who bask.

Maybe it's not obvious from the pictures, but believe us, it's climbing and our calves are spinning. Following countless pastures, the trail gradually narrows. The air is fresh, but the sun is pounding.

The traveler of the day before gave us very important information: the traditional path to the páramo is now blocked by a fence and this message: "propriedad privada". The property in question occupies the entire width of the valley, just before the páramo. Warning to the rebel hikers or little gamblers: the owner chases away on horseback those who pass in spite of everything!

Fortunately, there is an alternative path that bypasses the lands of the parano of the páramo. Let's call it the crest pass. It overlooks the Valley and offers quite exceptional views.

There is some barbed wire to climb over, some fences to close behind, but intended to keep the cows rather than to block the hikers.

It is here that we discover our first frailejones (plants), these strange plants with the look of short palm trees and velvet leaves. They squat the mountainsides by the hundreds, forming a stunning landscape, to say the least.

The path eventually fades completely. You then walk on a curious thick and bouncy Moss, still a strange specificity of the páramo. Well, we're not alone in the world anymore. Three deer observe us from a distance and hop around.

By going around a hill, we get a panoramic view of the ultimate goal of our walk: the Laguna Negra. As its name suggests, its water is particularly dark. Perhaps the reflection of an increasingly threatening sky.

For fear of a shower and already tired, we turn back. Miraculously, the black clouds are waiting nicely behind us all the way down and we come back without taking a taste.

On the way back, we noticed these curious worked stones that had escaped us to go. They are said to be remnants of the Muisca civilization, preceding the arrival of the Spanish.

We finish this hike at 2pm, exhausted, feet in compote, but thrilled by the beauty of the páramo !

What about the silicone lips promised at the beginning of the article? Well the next day, Mi-fugue wakes up with huge lips, making jealous Angelina pretty.

The explanation is as follows: high altitude + tropical region = overpowering UV rays. We basted our skins several times with sun cream index 50 but we did not think of lips ! As a result, this huge sunburn that first results in a sharp swelling, before turning into nasty black scars for four-five days. Because traditional lipsticks only attract more sun, you need to use a UV-protected stick. Some pharmacies sell them, in France as in Colombia.

Practical tips for Monguí and the páramo De Ocetá

Sleep in Monguí: We loved our little hotel Los Recuerdos de Florito y Leo (~27€). The rooms are impeccably appointed and offer a lovely view of the mountains. It is best to plan two nights on the spot, as the village is quite isolated and you will have trouble following a hike then a bus ride to the next destination.

Restaurants in Monguí: the pizzeria open in the evening is called Cabubara. Cooks usually only prepare two or three types of pizzas, of which they serve large portions, but they gladly concocted us good vegetarian pizzas well garnished.

While returning from the hike:, we stopped at a more conventional restaurant, La Casona de San Francisco de Asis, very good, but closes in the late afternoon. If you like to try new things, they prepare a rice with "fruits of the páramo", which are various purple, pink or white tubers a little extraterrestrial.

The hike to the páramo De Ocetá in a few figures: is clearly not an easy hike. It leaves the village at 2800m, climbs up to 3900m and goes more than 15km round trip. Because of the altitude, you will have shortness of breath and more difficulty to progress. The path is basically passable, just be careful where you set foot because there are two types of traps : cow dung and puddles of water hidden under the Moss. The round trip took us 7 hours, picnic included.

With or without a guide: everyone in the village will recommend you to take a guide. This obviously has its advantages, the biggest one being that some of you can advance two or three kilometers in a jeep or tuk-tuk at the beginning of the hike, in order to make it less long. On the main square, a small tourist office will put you in touch with a guide the day before for the next day.

For our part, we did well on our own, armed with a smartphone and an offline card application. At worst, the valley that leads to páramo is clearly drawn and the direction of the return is easy to guess.

Weather tips: to avoid frying, sun cream and stick are required, even in case of clouds. Make sure you also have clothing for rain and cold. We were lucky, with just a little freshness and wind up there, but we were happy to have our hats. So if the mist, rain, even hail mix, watch out for the temperature drop !

Transportation: by bus from Villa de Leyva to Monguí take the first bus to Tunja (duration 1h10, price 7 000 pesos / 1,98€). Change to a bus to Sagamoso (duration 1h40, price 8,000 pesos/ € 2.26). Then hop on a last bus to Monguí (duration 0h55, price 4 000 pesos / 1,13€). We did not wait more than 5 minutes during our changes, which suggests that departures are frequent.

Bus transportation from San Gil to Monguí: even if it doesn't make sense on a map, you have to go through Tunja (duration 4h, price 30,000 pesos / 8.50€). From here, take the bus to Sagamoso and then the bus to Monguí as indicated above.

Hiking On The Teide Volcano In Tenerife: WELCOME TO MARS

2019-02-20T02:50:00.000-08:00

He's tall, he's strong, and sometimes he can be a little exuberant. His last rage was in 1909. We are talking about the Teide, of course, the 3718m volcano that sits in the center of the island of Tenerife! His silhouette can be seen from almost everywhere, but it is best to approach him, to discover his Mineral universe, to tread down with his feet the burns and scars that he left to nature around him.

For the first time, we went to the foot of the Teide for a simple car ride, without really knowing what to expect. We enjoyed the landscapes so much that we returned three more times, equipped for more and more difficult hikes, until we climbed to the top of the volcano on foot, the best memory of our stay in Tenerife!

Climbing at the foot of the Teide, already an experience

The Teide volcano is protected by a national park that extends over one-tenth of the island. Or maybe it's the other way around: the park protects the inhabitants from a possible volcano mood swings. This park is located about 2000m above sea level, which is almost an hour's drive from our headquarters in San Cristóbal de la Laguna. But not the time to get bored: the landscapes make the show all the way!

We usually leave the Laguna under heavy clouds. The road climbs straight up and enters a majestic Canarian pine forest. And then, as we ascend, we find ourselves engulfed by the clouds. The atmosphere is eerily fascinating.

As we continue our ascent, the sun ends up piercing the fog and imposing itself for good. Several strategically located watchtowers allow you to discover the landscapes that run towards the ocean on each side of the road. Sometimes a sea of clouds obstructs the view, making the experience even more unforgettable.

A few thousand pine trees later, we enter the National Park. This is the moment the Teide volcano chooses to reappear in front of us.

Most of the way is accomplished, yet it still seems as far away. Around us, the sun revives the colors: the red and black hues of the Earth, the intense blue of the sky, the dazzling white of the clouds, the Green of the pines and the innumerable tufts of yellow, pink and blue flowers.…

Surprisingly, the slope reverses. The road goes down. She drops us at the bottom of the Caldeira, a giant cauldron. This term used by volcanologists around the world was invented here. The caldera of Teide tells us an old story, that of an ancient volcano called Cañadas, much larger than the Teide, which one day collapsed on itself. Crack. Once everything settled down, the Teide resurfaced from the Caldeira, accompanied by a few smaller friends.

The landscapes of the Teide's Caldeira are difficult to describe. Dry and mineral. They remind us of our holidays on Mars (article to come, accompanied by our good plans for cheap rocket tickets).

In order to make it possible to wander among the different types of magmatic rocks, several car parks are located along the only road that crosses the Caldeira. You notably stop near a large area of malpaís, a term used by the locals which translate as "bad country". The soil is spiked with rocks so hard and so sharp that you have to give up all idea of exploiting it. Volcanologists, these jokers, use the Hawaiian term lava a'a.…

Hiking in the Teide Caldeira

As for the hiking trails, Teide National Park has nothing to envy to the Anaga massif. We have realized two beautiful steps in the Caldeira, whose routes :

1. The short but impressive hike of the Roques De García (in blue on the map)

This peaceful walk of about an hour takes you on a loop in the middle of surprising rock formations, the Roques. A good way to discover the bio-geo-volcano-mineralogical treasures of the Caldeira, without too much force on the calves!

This giant stalk full of red flowers is emblematic of Teide Park. It is called red viperine, or tajinaste rojo in Spanish and measures within two or three meters. It was towards the end of the month of May that he must come to see it in flower.

Practical details on the hike of the Roques De García

Loop route: Yes

Length and duration: count 45 minutes of quiet walk to walk the 2km.

Difficulty: this is an easy hike that suits everyone. A small portion is even equipped for wheelchairs and strollers. Bring sunscreen and water.

Starting and finishing point: parking du Mirador de Ucanca. There are buses carrying tourists from hotels in the south of Tenerife, but rest assured, they take some pictures and leave also dry, without undertaking the hike. To come, it is better to have a car, public buses are too rare.

2. The long hike of the Siete Cañadas (in the red on the map)

This hike goes along the beautiful cliff of the caldeira in an arid and Rocky setting. A kind of desert crossing whose landscapes perhaps end up looking a bit monotonous. It will appeal to good walkers looking for unusual scenery.

Loop route: no

Length and duration: we have carried out this hike of 17km in 4H approximately without lunch break.

Difficulty: the trail is wide, flat and low. In contrast to the bright sunlight. We can only recommend that you come early in the morning and bring plenty of water.

Starting point: Parking of the hotel Parador de Cañadas del Teide or the church, the only one in the area. Follow trail # 4.

Arrival: point the place called El Portillo and the restaurant of the same name. The restaurant has parking, but public parking is 50m away. The starting and finishing points can be reversed without any problem. To avoid having the sun in your eyes, start from the Portillo in the morning, from the Parador in the afternoon.

Back to the starting point: friends joined us for this hike. So we positioned a car at each end of the road and the question didn't arise. Here are two other options:

hitchhike.
organize with one of the few buses. The Titsa 342 line is Parador → Portillo at 10.43 and Portillo → Parador at 15.10. The line Titsa 348 goes Portillo → Parador at 10h32 and Parador → Portillo at 16h.

Coming by bus: As above, you only have the choice between buses Titsa 342 if you live in the south and the Titsa 348 from Puerto de la Cruz or la Orotava. One way in the morning and one way back in the afternoon. It puts pressure on you to walk fast ! Tickets can be booked online here, at least 48 hours in advance.

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Attention: every year, two sheep hunting campaigns are organized, one in May-June and the other in October-November. The species was introduced by man, yet its ravages on the ecosystem are such that man regrets it. During these periods, national park trails are closed to hikers on Wednesdays and Fridays. Check with the office for exact dates.

The rise of the Teide on foot

The ascent of the volcano remains the best memory of our stay in Tenerife. We start at the level of the Caldeira, that is already 2200m won from the level of the sea. Still 1500m to climb!

The slope starts smoothly. We walk for a long time on small orange carvings. One wonders if the volcano would not be just a huge pile of sand. Soon, we meet our first Blue viperines, smaller than the Reds. They obviously appreciate the calm and the view, in this incline desert.

The sun is pounding. The path narrows. The slope increases. The ground is now strewn with dark and tortuous volcanic rocks. The lizards, with little fear, pull their heads out of their tuft of wildflowers to watch our runaway convoy pass.

The view is more impressive, strongly for the summit! But first, we have a night to spend. We reach the refuge Des 3260m early, less tired than expected and relieved to not feel any altitude sickness. Our housemates for the night arrive on our tracks, in small groups.

We rehydrate our dehydrated dinner, then stay for a long time in front of the refuge, watching the sunset, despite the temperature dropping and the wind rising.

At 4: 30 in the morning, all the alarm bells of the refuge ring in unison. We put on all the clothes we took with us, including scarves, gloves, and hats. The thermometer of the refuge indicates 6°C, from which it is probably necessary to remove a few degrees to know the temperature at the top of the volcano. We have 458 meters to climb before the sun appears at 7: 10. In reality, the most beautiful colors are those that gradually ignite the horizon in the thirty minutes before the star.

We're going, lights to the fronts. The path winds, more and steeper, towards the starry sky. Above, a narrow crater and a smell of sulfur await us. We land on a rock and wait for the show to begin.

As we go down, we come across a multitude of small fumaroles of sulfur vapors that we had not noticed in the dark. Just a reminder that Teide's volcanic activity will resume sooner or later. Don't cancel your visit, it is one of the best-monitored volcanoes in the world!

We take a little bit of regret the cable car that we had reserved for the descent, while we feel in shape to make it on foot.

Practical information about climbing the Teide on foot

Elevation gain and duration: the elevation gain is approximately 1500m. In detail, the starting point is around 2200m, the refuge at 3260m, the arrival point of the cable car at 3555m and the summit at 3718m. It took us three hours to get to the shelter, not to mention a long lunch break of an hour. The second part of the night took 1h20.

Difficulty: the altitude difference is important but we expected to be even harder. Our training in Anaga in the past weeks seems to have paid off! The main constraints are :

The Sun that heats on the lower part,
The cold on the High part (sometimes negative temperatures at the top at night),
Weight in the back with water, food and things to wear,
The oxygen that is becoming more scarce, which slows down the progression on the last part,
The path that sometimes requires the help of hands.

Altitude: sickness we are uneven compared to altitude. The 3718 meters of the Teide can cause trouble for some. According to Wikipedia, 15% of the population suffers at 2,000 meters and 60% at 4,000 meters. So the risk is not so low. If this happens to you, don't be relentless and go down as fast as you can to avoid complications.

By car: the starting point of the trail is the car park of La Montaña Blanca, which is unfortunately often full from the beginning of the afternoon. There is another car park called Tabonal Negro 800m away and, at worst, the car park of the cable car 3km away. On the other hand, if you go down the cable car, you will be the first to get back to your car!

Coming by bus: there again is not easy as both bus lines 342 and 348 only pass twice a day. The morning hours may, however, be consistent with your return. See if you prefer to arrive by bus in the morning and take your time or by bus in the afternoon and walk fast.

The hut of the Altavista: is the only hut of the Teide and it has only fifty places in a dormitory. We can only advise you to reserve your spot several weeks in advance, especially in high season. This happens on this site, for a price between 21€ and 25€. Please print your reservation and bring an ID card, these documents will be required. Bed linen and warm duvets are provided and there is a kitchenette with plates, pans, and microwave. Tap water is not drinkable. Overpriced distributors sell chocolate bars and drinks. Finally, there are no showers. The refuge opens its doors at 5 p.m. and the dormitories at 7 p.m.

Cable car return: we have chosen to reserve our cable car seats for the descent of the Teide. This is an optional option when paying online for the shelter. We shouldn't have. Already, the downhill ticket can be bought at the top of the cable car at the same price (€13.50), no need to book. Then, because in case of altitude sickness or any other problem, the ticket is bought for nothing. And finally, because we felt fit and had enough water to go down on foot. The first cable car descends around 9am, so we waited almost an hour with the other hikers of the refuge.

Make the round trip in the same day: most of the walkers do as we do the climb in two stages, with a night at the refuge. It's not mandatory. If you feel like it, you can do it all in one day. Just know that the last stretch that leads to the summit is highly regulated and requires either to take it and leave it before 9: 00 AM or to have in its possession a permit of passage issued on this site. It is free but distributed in such a limited number that it must be done several months in advance.

Snow on the Teide: be careful, weather conditions sometimes prevent access to the summit, especially during snow events in winter.

Climb the Teide by cable car

We did not climb the cable car, but we gleaned some information for those who would like to go there. The cable car is taken every day between 9am and 5pm for a price of € 13.50 each way, € 27 each way. Booking is possible online here. Don't forget to bring warm clothing.

Attention, the cable car does not take you to the summit, it stops at 3555m of altitude. From here, you will still have a superb view of the Caldeira and access to two trails (N°11 and 12) to stretch your legs. On the other hand, access to trail No.10 which leads to the top of Teide is restricted. The tip would be too narrow to accommodate all-day visitors. If you want to climb the last 163 meters, you have to apply for a permit and especially take several months in advance as there are so many candidates. This is happening on this site.

5 Beautiful Hikes To Do In France

2019-02-18T11:18:00.002-08:00

The sound of soles on the trails, the smell of the forest or the seaside, the backpack that weighs on the shoulders, the beautiful landscapes that we can not tire ... the joys of hiking! Today we are honoring our beautiful country that is France, through 5 hikes to do in France. 5 French travelers share their adventures on the trails they loved to discover!

The Taillon Glacier & the Gavarnie Circus

Itinerary: Day 1: Departure from the car park Tented pass - Glacier

taillon - Roland breach refuge - Sarradets scale - Cirque de Gavarnie.

Day 2 - Bois de Bourlic and Bellevue plateau - The planette of

Gavarnie - Pouey Valley Aspé.

Location: Pyrenees

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: average (6 hours walk per stage)

It is a beautiful hike in the heart of the Pyrenees. We left for two days of hiking in the valley of Gavarnie. We made a mistake of beginners: we left too loaded: 17 kilos each on the back (yes). The beginning of the hike is quite simple, without too much difficulty: stony with some river crossings uphill. Once the glacier Taillon reached, the view is beautiful and it will never stop. Beauty, immensity as far as the eye can see. We did not have time to climb to the Breche above (2h AR), so we went directly to the Sarradets ladder to join the circus Gavarnie. The difference in height is crazy, it will take almost 3 hours to go down and reach, completely on the kneecaps, the circus of Gavarnie: 2 km with 1000 m of uneven, almost lengthened in places, with 17 kilos on the back.

We camp in the circus of Gavarnie with the best pasta dish in the world. The reward. The place is beautiful. The next morning, we loop back to the woods to reach the valley that will take us back to the Col des Tentes. Huge of heart for the Planette de Gavarnie and the beautiful valley of Pouey aspé. We start this second day completely exhausted the day before, it is less hard technically, but longer, harder, with fatigue. We will meet some marmots that will cheer us up!

The end will be complicated, the narrow path will take us very high with a sharp emptiness right next to us. A piece of road disappeared, leaving some gravel 10 cm wide, facing the void. It's in tears that I will manage to pass the obstacle without knowing how, Alex really thought we should turn around, and take the hike again looped upside down. We will come back relieved, emptied but happy with so much beauty! This hike is really sublime!

Tips: Lighten your bag, between 7 and 10 kilos per person, maximum for a camping stay. We made the mistake of taking too much water and having a tent too heavy, and I assure you that we will take more, we have been well equipped since. We will invest in lifestraw gourds to lighten up as much water as possible.
You want to camp in the mountains or in a protected area: theoretically, you must be more than 2 hours walk from a road, and deploy the tent at 19h (not before) and left (not lifted) at 9am, in leaving no trace behind you (logical). Do not forget the IGN map, it is essential for hiking.

The Douaniers Trail (Crozon Peninsula)

Itinerary: Customs Route (GR34)

Location: Crozon Peninsula

Duration: 3 days, from Telgruc-sur-Mer to Freight

Distance: 65 km

Difficulty: average (4h to 6h30 of walk by stage, path in good condition without great elevation)

2 favorite landscapes: the beach of the Palue, a paradise of the surfers, haunting since the cliff, and castle of Dinan, a big rock in the form of fortress separated from the ground by a pretty arch.

Which hiker did not one day hear about the emblematic Sentier des Douaniers, which runs along the coast of Brittany over 1800 km from Mont Saint-Michel to the Gulf of Morbihan?

Blessed are those who will be able to borrow it in its entirety ... we chose the wild aspect of the peninsula of Crozon, in the extreme west of France, to discover it.

Telgruc-Sur-Mer, accessible by bus from Quimper, is a good starting point for this 3-day trek which offers, in good weather, magical landscapes: turquoise sea, golden beaches dotted with rocks and gorse in bloom, dunes, cliffs, all under the whistling gulls.

The most pleasant period to follow this route is from April to October. For swimming, it is better to favor the summer (in April, the water was at 14 ° C) but we have a preference for the months of April and October during which the trail is deserted. The bivouac is unfortunately forbidden but the welcome in the campsites perfect.

My advice: download the Crozon Tour app. Very easy to use, it lists all the information needed to organize your stay on the peninsula, activities, visits, accommodation, restaurants, transport, weather ...

The white lake in Chamonix

Itinerary: Lac Blanc

Location: Chamonix

Duration: half a day

Difficulty: average (simple for the most experienced)

The Lac Blanc hike is one of the most beautiful (and best known) in Chamonix, located on the Aiguilles Rouges massif. Why ? Because all the way, you can contemplate Mont Blanc! The departure is from Chamonix, the cable car Flégère (come very early, before opening, if you do not want to hit you 1:30 tail ...). Once arrived at the top, a walk of approximately 1h45 awaits you (count instead 2h or 2h30 if you are fans of photo because the panoramas will make you stop every 5 minutes.), With a positive elevation of 475m over 4 kilometers approximately . The climb (and descent), on rocky road, is rather simple for the good walkers but becomes long for less seasoned (my son of 5 years was tired at the end). Throughout the journey, admire the Mont Blanc, the Aiguille verte or several glaciers (almost all melted ...) and breathtaking panoramas. Plan on water and cap because there is no shade! The only refueling will be at the Lac Blanc refuge, located at 2,352 meters above sea level.

Last tip: the last return of the cable car is at 17h ... so be on time or you will have to add 1000m of altitude to go down on foot! In short this hike done this summer remains to this day one of the most beautiful that I could achieve!

The loop of 4 lakes and eagle's peak (Frasnois region)

Itinerary: Loop of 4 lakes and eagle's peak

Location: Frasnois Region

Duration: about 4 hours

Distance: 14 km

Difficulty: average

The Jura ... its lakes, its mountains, its waterfalls. A little piece of paradise preserved, which will surely delight all lovers of nature and hiking. If you like to walk, then I definitely recommend the loop of 4 lakes and eagle's peak in the Frasnois region.
From the La Fromagerie hamlet car park, this 14km circuit of medium difficulty plunges us into the heart of a region where fir forests stand alongside lakes of unreal colors. Here, one can easily understand why this region has inherited the sweet nickname of 'Little Scotland'.
After several kilometers along the lakes of small and large Maclus, the trail continues in the forest. The overhanging view is striking! One can at leisure marvel at the color palette that presents itself before us.

But the highlight of this hike is at the Belvedere, the peak of the eagle. The 360 ° panorama is spectacular. In good weather, when the sky is clear it is even possible to see the Alps and Mont Blanc.
This circuit is feasible in 4h or less for good walkers. But if this loop seems too difficult, know that there are other hikes of varying duration and difficulty in the region.

Finally, if I had only one tip to give you, even if this region is beautiful in any season, it is definitely in autumn that it reveals the best of itself even when the forest is adorned with its flamboyant coat .

The Pra refuge | Region of Belledonne

Itinerary: Refuge de la Pra, passing the Oursière Waterfall and discovering three lakes

Location: Belledonne Region

Duration: about 7 hours

Distance: about 15 km

Difficulty: Difficult

The Belledonne region is very often associated with its mountain lakes, reputed to be among the most beautiful. The height, the freshness, and the magnificent water points. But how to choose? So many names that make you dream, and only one day to enjoy. A route then attracted our attention: Refuge Pra, passing the Cascade of the Oursière and discovering three lakes.

The departure is on the road to Chamrousse, 40 minutes from Grenoble (parking "La Gafe"). The site indicates a difficult hike, a route comprising 1270 meters of unevenness; 7h00 walk for fifteen kilometers. Being good hikers, we are not worried. We leave early in the morning to avoid the summer heat and discover with joy the magnificent Cascade de l'Oursière. It is cool, the break is pleasant. We resume our journey, and after the painful ascent of scree in full sun, we finally arrive on the high plateaus. The landscapes are breathtaking as far as Refuge de la Pra.

It is past noon, we enjoy a well-deserved meal (there is a small snack at the shelter, they do not take the CB), and take what we believe to be the way back. We have the joy of seeing succeeding three lakes, Claret, Longet and Léama, all as beautiful as each other. But the multiple ascents-descents are grueling, it's hot, and we have a time constraint ... Finally, the hike was more trying, but far beyond our expectations and remains one of my finest.

NB: it is possible to go to the Refuge de la Pra through Lake Crozet, which is also worth it!

The 10 highest mountains in the world

2019-02-11T01:24:00.000-08:00

The top 10 highest peaks

The 100 highest peaks on Earth are located in Asia and their attitude does not go over 7200 meters. For the first 10, they all reach an altitude of more than 8000 meters above sea level. For some inaccessible and for others a source of challenge, these mountains are and will remain mythical forever. Here are the 10 highest mountains in the world!

10. Annapurna I

Annapurna is part of the Himalayas of Nepal. It is a series of peaks, the highest of which is called the Annapurna I, which is the tenth highest mountain in the world. It is located in the center of Nepal exactly 8091 meters high. Its rocky peaks are among the most dangerous world to climb. Indeed, the mortality rate speaks for itself with 1 death for 2 successful climbs.

9. Nanga Parbat

Nanga Parbat is the ninth highest mountain in the world and is 8126 meters above sea level. Although the meaning of its name in Urdu is "naked mountain", during the first half of the 20th century the mountain was known as "Killer Mountain". His ascension is extremely dangerous (61 dead for 186 climbs). Today, however, it is less dangerous to climb it, but it is still very difficult. This huge and spectacular peak rises above Pakistan.

8. Manaslu

Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world with 8163 meters and is located in the Himal Mansiri, part of the Nepalese Himalayas, in Nepal. Its name, which means "Spirit Mountain", comes from the Sanskrit word Manasa, which means "spirit" or "soul". Manaslu was first assembled on May 9, 1956, by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, two members of a Japanese expedition. If it is said that " the British consider Everest as their mountain, Manaslu has always been that of the Japanese.

7. Dhaulagiri

The Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain in the world and is 8167 meters high. It is located in Nepal. Its name means "White Mountain". The south and West faces of Dhaulagiri are abrupt and have seen many mythical ascents. This mountain is only separated by a valley with the Annapurna and the scenery is absolutely magnificent. For 30 years it was considered the highest mountain in the world after being discovered by Europeans in 1808.

6. Cho Oyu

Rising on the border of Tibet and Nepal, Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,201 meters. Cho Oyu means "turquoise goddess" in Tibetan. The mont is located 20 km west of Everest and is considered the most affordable climb.

5. Makalu

The Makalu is the fifth highest peak in the world, rising to 8,485 meters. It is located 19 km southeast of Everest, on the border between Nepal and China. Being part of the "eight thousand" like all the other mountains of this top 10, the Makalu is an isolated peak having the shape of a four-sided pyramid.

4. Lhotse

The Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain on Earth and is connected to Everest by the South pass (it is called a "satellite summit" of Everest). Lhotse means "southern peak" in Tibetan. In addition to the main summit, which is 8516 meters high, there is also the Central Lhotse I (east) measuring 8414 meters and the Lhotse Shar, 8383 meters. It is located on the border between Tibet (China) and the Khumbu region of Nepal.

3. Kangchenjunga

The Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8586 meters. Mount Kangchenjunga is located about 20 km south of the Himalayan range, and is located on the border between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim. The Kangchenjunga is the highest peak in India and its meaning in Tibetan language is "the five treasures of the snow" because it contains five peaks. The treasures represent the five relics of God, which are gold, silver, precious stones, grain and holy books.

2. K2

The K2 is the second highest peak on Earth. It is located on the border between Baltistan, in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan, and the Autonomous County of Taxkorgan Tadjik of Xinjiang, China. With an altitude of 8611 meters, the K2 is the highest point of the Karakoram massif and the highest point in Pakistan. It has the nickname "pitiless Mountain" because of the difficulty of its ascent and the second death rate among the "eight thousand". With 1 death for 5 people, it was never climbed in winter.

1. Everest

Everest is the highest mountain in the world, with a peak at 8848 meters above sea level. It is located on the border between the Sagarmatha area in Nepal and Tibet in China and is part of the Himalayan mountain range. Although it is the highest mountain and attracts many expert or novice mountaineers, it remains one of the easiest mountains to climb. The first ascent took place on May 29, 1953, by Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay.

About Mount Everest

2019-02-08T04:25:00.000-08:00

Everest - the highest mountain in the world

Other names: Sagarmāthā (Nepal), Chomolungma (Tibet, China)
Altitude: 8848 meters
Location: Nepal, China (Tibet)
First ascent: May 29, 1953 (Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary)
Most popular route: South Coast (Nepal)
Chain: Himalayas
WGS84: -(27 °-59 '17)-("N, 86 °-55'-31"-E)

Everest (or Chomolungma as it is called in Nepal) at 8848.43 meters high, is the dream of any mountaineer, but without a doubt, it is the most dangerous challenge and the most deadly mountain on Earth. Yes, it's the highest place on our planet and the most famous summit that every child in every country knows. But the story of his discovery and the good people who tried to climb it, is often unknown to the public. Having a pyramid-like shape due to glaciers, Everest rises just at the border of two Asian countries - China and Nepal.

Infographics

Shocking truth

This peak is really considered one of the most beautiful places yet one of the most tragic and dangerous in the world. Its rocky silhouette has attracted many courageous and brave people to reach its summit. Unfortunately, many of them remained trapped in its snow and rocky cliffs forever. More than 235 climbers and locals died while trying to reach the highest peak of the globe, although the exact number is still unknown because everyone does not register before his trip. This is because of the pressure and the scarcity of air, which makes it impossible to breathe for a long time. However, despite the danger, the cold air and the lack of oxygen in the air they breathe, many people risk their lives for the chance to spend a short time on the roof of the world. What is special about this?

How much does it cost to climb Everest?

Today this issue is very popular because we all know that high altitude expeditions are a "game" for which you have to pay to participate, and you need not only to be physically ready and qualified to participate. mountaineering, but you must also be willing to pay for it. The minimum price is around $ 30,000 if you do it alone. Travel companies often offer guided expeditions, for the price of their service goes around 60,000$. The VIP shipping service, which includes a permanent Internet and telephone access, amounts to no less than $ 90,000. Overall, it depends on the guide and the number and quality of services included in the package. However, when choosing your guide and the company you are going to work with, it is important not only to look at the price and the name of the supplier. It is always best to research this and see if the flight is included. In addition, it is recommended to see if the Sherpa service is included as well. Because sometimes you will have to pay the Sherpas when you are in base camp, in order to avoid unexpected surprises, it is always better to pay attention to the details.

Why is it so expensive?

The Nepalese government levies a mandatory fee for all foreigners who want to climb Everest. Depending on the size of the group and the time period, this can range from $ 11,000 to $ 25,000.

Many readers are now indignant: "Such a scam! ". But on the other hand, think better more for yourself of course. Even at this price, we count on the tracks more than 200 dead and dozens of tons of garbage. Imagine what would happen if this tax did not exist. The number of climbers would increase considerably, and Everest would then become either a dump or a morgue.
Another important thing is the necessary equipment set, which also costs a lot of money. Expenses for guides, mountaineers, and sherpas often depend on the size of the group, so they vary from year to year.

Facts on Mount Everest

1. Everest, part of the Mahalangur Range, is 29,035 feet (or 8848 meters).

2. An inactive Hawaiian volcano, Mauna Kea, ranks first in the world's highest mountain rankings, not counting sea level.

3. It is over 60 million years old and was formed due to the pushing movement of a tectonic plate (Indian) directly into the Asian plate. So because of the tectonic activities in this area, Everest gains near about some quarter inch (0.25 ") each year.

4. The summit is located on the border of Nepal (south) and China (Tibet) to the north.

5. Chomolungma (derived from Tibetan) means Holy Mother of the Universe.

6. To stay warm, climbers are encouraged to use oxygen at the top. Similarly for food, before the summit, they eat a lot of rice and noodles because they consume a lot of energy when they climb. Yet, on average, mountaineers burn more than 10,000 calories on a daily basis, and this number is doubled during the ascent of the summit. Overall, mountaineers typically lose between 10 and 20 pounds of weight throughout their expedition.

7. Throughout history, it has been reported that 282 people (including 169 Western mountaineers and 113 Sherpas) died in Everest during the period from 1924 to August 2015. Speaking of the dead and their reasons, 102 mountaineers died while attempting to climb to the summit without the use of additional oxygen. The majority of corpses all remain to this day in the snows of the mountain, although China has reported having removed many bodies. The main reason for the death is due to falls, then avalanches and explosions, and because of altitude sickness.

8. The youngest person, whoever crossed the summit was the young American Jordan Romero, at the age of 13, May 23, 2010 (he managed to do it on the north side).

9. 14 mountaineers managed to cross from one side to the other.

10. There the wind can blow at a speed of over 200 mph.

11. Basically, it takes about 40 days to reach the summit of Mount Everest, as it takes time for the body to get used to the high altitude.

12. The first mountaineers, who managed to reach the summit of Everest without using bottled oxygen, were the Reinhold Messner and Peter Habler (Italian) teams in 1978. Later, following their example, 193 mountaineers also managed to reach the top without using bottled oxygen (that's about 2.7% of all peaks). Overall, there is about 66% less oxygen in each breath at the summit of Everest than if you were breathing normally at sea level.

13. There have been more than 7000 ascents to the summit of Everest so far, conducted through all routes spotted by more than 4,000 different people.

14. The oldest person who managed to conquer the mountain was Miura Yiuchiro (Japan), aged 80, on May 23, 2013.

15. There are 18 different official climbing routes to climb Everest.

16. The first woman to set foot on Everest was Japanese climber Junko Tabei (in 1975).

17. To avoid falling, mountaineers use nylon ropes (10 mm in diameter). To ensure the success of their ascent, mountaineers wear spikes on their sneakers, which are called crampons. In addition, they use ice axes that can hold them if they fall on the rocky and icy surface. As for the clothes, they wear thick suits, stuffed with goose feathers.

18. Sherpa is the generic name of people who live in the western part of Nepal. Originally, they migrated from Tibet several centuries ago. They help mountaineers transport food, tents and supplies to intermediate camps above the base camps.

19. Mountaineers begin to use their bottled oxygen at the altitude of 7925 m (26,000 feet), however, there is only a difference of 915 m in the way they feel. In general, at an altitude of 8230 m, one will have the impression of being 7315 m above sea level, which does not represent a significant difference.

20. The temperature can go down to -62 ° C.

History

Everest was created by the mother Earth, near 60 million years ago. The mountain has a fairly long history of "first climbers", starting with the first unsuccessful attempt in 1921 by the British expedition of George Mallory and Guy Bullock, passing by the first humans on a mountain peak in 1953, which were the brave mountaineers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, until today, when, for example, May 23, 2013, Yuichiro Miura at the age of 80 became the eldest person to climb Mount Everest. But the highest peak in the world is not only a place of visit or challenge for climbers, but it is also a habitat for mountaineers, people of Sherpa, who have lived there more than near 500 years. This small nation has the best guides and porters for tourists and professionals who have decided to challenge death and climb the highest and most challenging mountain on our planet.

Where is Mount Everest?

Everest is not only the highest mountain, but it beats another record - it is also the highest border between two countries. The mountain extends between the territories of China and Nepal, but its summit is located in China - or, rather, in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Everest is included in the Himalayan mountain range and is just one of the nine peaks of the Himalayan mountain range. Interestingly, the Himalayan mountains are made up of the 39 highest peaks in the world, so Everest has many younger brothers. Together, they form a barrier between the Tibetan plateau and the Indian subcontinent.

The entire mountain range is located in South Asia, passing through Pakistan, Bhutan, Tibet, India, and Nepal. That's why Mount Everest has many names. In Tibet, it is called "Chomolungma" or "Qomolangma". In Chinese, it is Shèngmu Fēng. Locals in Darjeeling call it "Deodungha", which means "Holy Mountain". For several years the location of the highest mountain in the world was supposed to be in the Andes, and it was only in 1852 that an Indian mathematician and a geometer from Bengal discovered the true highest peak in the world.

How was he named?

The tallest mountain in the world was discovered by George Everest, who was once the general surveyor of India, in 1841. Since then, the official name, which was given to the highest peak of the Earth is drawn of his name. This name was provided in 1865 only because there were various local names for this impressive peak, but the highest peak, indeed, had to have only one name, recognized internationally. Andrew Waugh was the one who insisted on giving the name of his Indian predecessor to the mountain he reported as the highest.

In which country is Mount Everest?

Throughout history Mount Everest was part of China or Nepal, just as it happened with the Tibet Autonomous Region. But even today, the Tibetan authorities are trying to return to independence from the People's Republic of China after the annexation in May 1959. Relations between Nepal and China are purely sympathetic, and it's almost symbolic. , that the border between the two countries meets at the highest summit of the world. So, theoretically, the peak that is closest to the cosmos is not part of a single state, it is the common property of Nepal and China. Every tourist who has decided at least to attack Everest by himself, can choose which side he would like to do, but the fact is that Everest on the Nepal side is much more beautiful, and also easier in terms of climbing.

How high is Mount Everest?

Imagine that you live in a world where Mount Everest does not exist, it has not been discovered yet, and at school, your teacher tells you that the highest mountain is called Kangchenjunga, or Dhaulagiri, for example. But even in the twentieth century, society was sure that the highest point on our planet was anything but Everest. It was only in 1852 that Everest was confirmed as the highest mountain in the world. The height of the mountain is 8848 meters above sea level, and increases each year by about 4 millimeters, due to the movement of the plates. In addition, earthquakes in Nepal can move Everest and even change its height. And scientists today continue to prove that neither Nepal's nor China's measurements of the mountain are true. Chomolungma continues to grow. The continental plates are not immobile, they constantly push Everest upwards.

It is curious to note that the exact height of Everest is always a subject of dispute. In 1856, when British explorers were able to assess the height of the peak for the first time with the help of a theodolite, the record was 8,840 m. Today, the official height of Everest is declared at 8,848 m. To imagine how high Everest is, just say that its summit would be just below the normal flight altitude of a jet. This is why it is not surprising that there is practically no fauna at this height, because of the low pressure and the rarefied air with low oxygen content. However, Everest is the home of a rare type of spider, which hides in the crevices. This jumping black spider feeds on frozen insects, which reach the summit through winds and masses of snow.

"Neighborhood"

Speaking of the Everest Massif, it consists of several separate peaks, such as Changtse, which is 7.580 meters high, Nuptse with 7.855 meters, and Lhotse 8.516 meters high. It was extremely difficult at that time to measure the exact height of the mountain because there were devices, called theodolites, which weighed more than 500 kg, which required between 10 and 15 men to wear it. They made numerous attempts to measure the exact height of Everest, eventually arriving at the proper measure of Everest's height in 1949 alone.

The closest place where people live is the Rongbuk Monastery, it is a Buddhist temple that was founded in 1902, and was recently rebuilt after its total demolition during the Civil War in this region in the 1970s Today is really the last resort for these mountaineers, who come to one of the base camps. In Rongbuk Monastery you can stay in a small hotel and a tiny restaurant.

About the height

For nearly three hundred years, the highest point known on Earth was Chimborazo, an Andean volcano. Its height is "only" 6.267 meters. In the nineteenth century, this presumption was belied, and a new champion was found - Mount Nanda Devi in India with a height of 7,816 meters. It might sound like a joke, but today the Nanda Devi is ranked only 23rd in the world's highest mountain rankings. But there is a reason why these "children" were supposed to be the highest - the whole region of Nepal with its "roof of the world" was inaccessible to the outside world for a very long time.

Interesting things to know

Mount Everest is officially considered one of the most polluted mountains in the world, due to the lack of infrastructure and a large influx of tourist garbage, ranging from simple food wrappers to bottled water. oxygen and old equipment, which are stored and accumulated for decades on this sacred mountain for the local community.

It is also interesting to note that today's scientists regularly find remains of marine life, which have remained in rock for 450 million years, the time when the surface of Everest was no higher than the seabed, despite the fact that the Himalayas were formed only 60 million years ago. And if we are talking about the facts of man, then, for example, one can ask a question, who visited the summit of Everest more than anyone? These are two sherpas - Apa Sherpa and Tashi Purba, they were able to enjoy the highest landscape in the world 21 times.

Dead

Unfortunately, Mount Everest is known to be a very difficult place to reach, and one of the most dangerous places in the world, because its low temperatures, low oxygen levels in the air and dangerous avalanches have taken many lives of citizens locals and brave mountaineers. The biggest tragedy in Everest's history came in 2014 when a massive avalanche killed 16 local Nepalese guides. It happened near a base camp. Later, the second most tragic accident occurred in 1996, when nearly 15 people died during their attempt to return from the top of the world.

These people died for different reasons, some - because of inadequate equipment, others - because of lack of oxygen in the gas cylinders and because of an unexpected snowstorm, which rendered impossible for the team to get back to where they started. This was the second deadliest accident in terms of human lives in a year at this location. The third most tragic situation occurred in 2012, when 11 people remained forever prisoners of their way to Everest. Overall, there are about 200 bodies of dead people on the mountain, although the exact number is still unknown. They are buried in the snow and rocks of Everest. Avalanches and falls are the most common reasons for fatal accidents on Everest.

Mount Everest Base Camps

For those who have dared to climb Everest, there are, as already mentioned, two alternatives - either you go to China, or you decide to conquer the giant hill on the Nepali side of the mountain. In order to get used to the specific weather and climatic conditions at such an altitude, for both paths, there are two basic camps, where everyone, absolutely every tourist who plans to continue climbing, is forced to really go a lot of time, so that the body can get used to these conditions and avoid altitude sickness. In both camps, there are doctors, who can give advice to climbers before the ascent. Staying for a while, as needed, in a base camp helps mountaineers reduce the potential for health problems related to pressure changes and altitude sickness.

Camp South is located in Nepal, while Camp North is located on the territory of Tibet (China). Despite the fact that the northern camp during the summer days is accessible by car, however, it is the camp on the south side that is increasingly popular. And of course, all the inhabitants of the surrounding villages, who were already farming and raising livestock, are now fully focused on providing visitors with everything they need - they help carry luggage to the mountain. they offer food and water, as well as a variety of products. In addition to the two camps above, on the way to Everest, there are several other camps, before and after, but they are intended for those who have really decided to go to the highest point of the Himalayas.

Supplies to the southern base camps are delivered by Sherpas and porters, as there is no transportation to bring food and medicine, as well as other necessities to this area. The most popular shipping method here is to use yaks, local animals capable of carrying heavy baggage.

Ascent

If you think that everyone can climb Everest, even with a great will, you are wrong. First of all, it costs a lot, about $ 60,000. Climbing the highest mountain in the world is not so fun, it's not an easy and comfortable mode of tourism, it's a real challenge and a mortal danger. Each year, many tourists die in their attempt to conquer this giant stone, some fall into the abysses or crevices between glaciers, others do not withstand extreme temperatures, and still, others suffer altitude sickness.

Naturally, for such a challenge, professionals will need a large amount of specific equipment - shoes, clothes, tools, and electronic gadgets, as well as a large team of experts to accompany them, and years of experience in the ascent of the other peaks. But if you talk about the process, it is obviously something fascinating. Whichever way you go, it is advisable to travel with a sherpa companion. Today, the Himalayan region is home to about 3,000 Sherpas, and all are first class guides, bearers, and conquerors of summits. In short, Highlanders. If you have seen the famous photo of the first people on Mount Everest, you will understand how indescribable this feeling is. In the words of Tenzing Norgay, "I wanted to jump, dance, it was the best feelings of my life, I stood in front of the whole world."

The most popular season for climbing Everest is spring. Fall expeditions are less popular. Today, the most popular way to climb Everest is through guided climbing. This ensures that the professional guide, who is sure to know the safest way to the top, among others, can always bring his expertise on things to do if something extraordinary happens, and he will always stay with the group. In addition, the guide will explain everything you need to know before starting the climb, it will help you to choose the necessary equipment and will check the physical condition, as well as the state of health of the participants in advance.

The plan

The very first stage of climbing Everest is an excellent physical condition and adequate experience in climbing climbing, as this process is risky and dangerous and requires certain skills. The expedition begins in one of the base camps (north or south), according to the plan of climbing. Then, participants spend some time (about a week) in a base camp, located at an altitude of about 5,000 meters. Here, they can talk to experienced guides, check their physical condition and take some rest before climbing Everest. Then mountaineers receive food, supplies and oxygen and review the equipment they will carry. For an additional cost, groups may choose to take Sherpa Assistance, which means that all extra oxygen will be worn for them.

How long does it normally take to climb Mount Everest?

Surely, climbing on the roof of the world does not mean walking a few days through the picturesque snow-covered slopes. For inexperienced climbers, for people with the slightest risk of disease, the acclimatization period at the average altitude (in the base camp, the altitude is 5100 meters) can in some cases go up to 30- 40 days, during the whole month you will be surrounded by the Sherpa and your colleagues, until your body is accustomed to the pressure of the air and the lack of oxygen. Only then can you continue to climb. On average, when it comes to tourist destinations, the total ascent from your arrival in Kathmandu to the last stop at the highest point in the world takes about 60 days. When everything is ready, it takes about 7 days to go from the base camp to the summit. After that, it takes about 5 days to get back to base camp.

The first person to climb Mount Everest

Even though the first man on the roof of the world was Edmund Hillary, long before him, there were many attempts to conquer Everest. In the 1920s, the special expedition of the newly created Mount Everest Committee discovered the most practical routes, and the members of these expeditions were the first to set foot on the "sacred mountain", as they call the locals. And yet, two completely different people, Sir Edmund Hillary, a New Zealander, and Nepalese mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, climbed together by the southern route, finally reached the summit, in a place that never the foot of the Man had not walked in history.

In 1953, during this extraordinary event for all of humanity, China closed Everest for visits, and the international community was only allowed one expedition a year. Together, constantly tormented by strong winds, which is why they often had to stay in one place for a few days, Norgay and Hillary climbed onto the roof of the world. His feat, Edmund Hillary dedicated it to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and it was the best gift for this historic event in the UK. Although Hillary and Norgay stayed only 15 minutes at the top of the mountain, these 15 minutes are now comparable only to the first step on the moon.

The youngest person ever to reach the top was a 4th-grade student from California, and he was only 13 when he climbed Everest. The 15-year-old Nepalese girl, Ming Kipa Shira, was the second youngest person ever to conquer Everest in 2003. The oldest man ever to climb Everest was an 80-year-old Japanese man. Miura Yiuchiro's name. The oldest woman ever to set foot on the summit of Everest is Japan's Tamae Watanabe, at the age of 73.

How to store your hiking sleeping bag

2019-02-06T03:06:00.003-08:00

This short video shows you how to store your hiking sleeping bag – when you're hiking and at home, :

To fit in his compression bag (very subtle technique).
To keep its insulating properties in time.

Introduction

Consider: The video is in France language, you can auto-translate it in whatever language you want.

Hello and welcome, here John L Goins from OutDoorSportsReview.com, and in this video, we'll see how to properly stow your hiking sleeping bag – whether it's hiking or at home when you don't use it, because it's not the same way. I will do a review to my hiking colleague video and make it clear and easily understandable for you. We will notably see how to fit it in his compression bag which is often very small and some good practices so that his sleeping bag keeps its insulating properties to the maximum in time. We start with random storage.

How to store the sleeping bag

To store it in your rucksack, it is best to compress it as much as possible using the famous compression bag that is usually supplied with the sleeping bag when you buy it. You may be tempted to fold the sleeping bag or roll it to fit in its compression bag, but this is not necessarily the most effective technique if you want to be sure that it fits and above all, it risks damaging the lining at the level of the folds which will often be in the same place and which will create cold spots.

The technique I recommend for storing your sleeping bag in the compression bag is a very subtle technique that requires a great deal of finesse. In a first step, it consists to open your sleeping bag if it is not already done (just open the zip), to loosen also the various settings if there are some (for example at the collar) and then you have your sleeping bag... I told you it is very subtle, you put it back like this by stuffing it gradually to the bottom. Get him into the compression bag. This way, in fact, the advantage is that the Folds will never be in the same place since you do it completely in bulk.

There, you do it all the way, it's actually pretty easy depending on the compression bag and your sleeping bag. Necessarily manufacturers in general sell compression bags that are all small, so they can take a nice picture with a very small compression bag and even put very small and very small sizes for the sleeping bag once folded. You can see that once it's done, we're going to do it very finely, it's a very good way to get it in, and also not to damage her sleeping bag. You can also possibly do it directly with the sleeping bag closed, without opening the zip, and in that case, I advise you to start at the bottom of the sleeping bag so that the air can escape easily when you are stuffing it at the bottom of the compression bag.

Normally in this way, you will manage to fit any sleeping bag into its compression bag. But if you find it too small, you can buy a waterproof bag that will play a double role: compress and also protect from moisture. Here we see well, for example, this bag is a little larger, and it is a bag that once closed is waterproof and so it is quite convenient because it allows to store it easily and in addition, it protects from moisture.

Important to know

Now, one important thing to know is that you should keep your sleeping bag compressed as little as possible, because it may lose some of its swellings and therefore its ability to insulate you from the cold. This is true for sleeping bags made of down, like this one, but also those made of synthetic fibers, even if synthetic fibers are generally a little bit more tolerant than down at this level. When you are in a gold shelter, it is ideal to unpack your sleeping bag quickly once arrived and to spread it on your mattress so that it can return to the swelling, in addition, it will also allow you to be isolated from the cold for the night. And in the morning, it can be nice to put it away just before leaving, after breakfast, for example, having aerated it if the weather conditions allow it.

After Honestly, it's not a few more hours of compression or less that will make a big difference, it's mostly how you store it once you're not hiking – which brings me to the second point of this video.

As you have understood, you should not store your sleeping bag directly in your compression bag if you want it to remain efficient. Incidentally, take care of that when you buy a sleeping bag, whether in-store or used.

I would not advise you to buy a sleeping bag that is already stored in its compression bag, whether it is on a shelf of a store or a seller brings you back from the back-Store, or even a sleeping bag that is pictured only compressed on a small ad.

The ideal is to store your sleeping bag in a dry and completely flat place, with nothing on it of course. Clearly, it's not very practical to store your sleeping bag flat because it takes up a lot of space. One might be tempted to hang it, by hanging it, or even to put it on a hanger, but it is not really ideal either because the lining is likely to move and shrink as time goes by. So it will no longer be well distributed and there may be cold spots. A good compromise if you can't keep it flat is to keep it in a ball without compressing it too much. I'll take it out to show you. You can just put it like this in a cupboard and it's already pretty good frankly, it's already a little compressed and besides, it takes less space than flat. Some sleeping bags have a storage bag or a storage bag that is provided with.

This bag is much larger than the compression bag and is quite handy for storage. We see for example this one, once in the storage bag, it is not so compressed but it allows to have something that is easily " storable ". We see here, we have the storage bag, storage bag, which is quite bulky, we see it well in relation to this compression bag, it allows to store it easily. Besides, by putting it in bulk as I just did, there are no folds that create themselves there you put it in a wardrobe and it's tidy. If you don't have a storage bag, you can take any bag, but in this case, be careful not to put it in a bag that is totally impermeable or to make sure that air can circulate. Otherwise, you can make yourself a storage bag with a cloth or net, or you can for example also put it in a bag cloth or a silk cloth if you have one.

So much for that little video, I hope it served you. If that's the case, feel free to put a little thumb in the air. You can also subscribe to the channel to be notified of upcoming videos. On this, I wish you good trekking and see you soon!

Which shoes to choose for hiking?

2019-02-04T11:39:00.000-08:00

Hiking is a time of relaxation and sport that is nice if you have the right equipment. Footwear is a very important part of the hiker's equipment to avoid creating pain and enjoying the hike. Hiking Blog makes a focus on the shoes to choose for hiking and advises you.

Choose adapted shoes

First of all, we must know that depending on the type of hike that we usually do we will not choose the same type of shoes. And of course, it is out of the question to engage in a hike if you are not prepared and equipped, so for men we avoid moccasins, city sneakers that do not fit the ankle and all fine shoes or too soft. In short, only shoes specifically designed for hiking are used.

Brown hiking shoes with red laces

For a hike of low or medium difficulty and not too long we can choose for example shoes light enough and not too high. They are very well suited for medium-sized hikes with a lightly loaded backpack. For a great hike with a high altitude and for hikers more seasoned, we prefer shoes well rising and more rigid.

If you know that the hike chosen to a significant difference in altitude or parts a little more technical, it also checks the sole and its grip so as not to slip. It is also preferable to have waterproof shoes for showers or crossings of small streams.

How to choose your hiking shoes

To choose your hiking shoes, there is no secret, you have to try them. In a specialized store, sellers can also direct you. We prefer a shoe in which the foot is well maintained but still has a certain freedom. The front of the shoe must allow the toes to move, they must not be compressed. By cons, it is not necessary that the shoe shifts in the hills. It is necessary to avoid that the foot moves too much inside the shoe to avoid blisters and pain related to friction. As for women, shoes are becoming more and more appropriate and comfortable to wear. Indeed, women's feet are shaped differently and shoes designed for men are not suitable for hikers.

Prepare for a trail in nature

2019-02-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

The trail makes more and more followers in France and today many races are organized all year long. Very intense activity, the trail requires a good preparation and a powerful training to reach its objectives.

Equip yourself properly

If it is possible to start the trail with little equipment, once a certain level reached it will need to provide some investment.

For the outfit, very often breathable running pants and a light T-shirt will suffice. In case of rain, wear a windproof and waterproof running jacket. Avoid K-Way jackets that are not fit for the sport and retain all your sweat.

There are specific shoes for the trail that can adapt to different race profiles. It will choose the cushioning of the shoe and the size of the drop according to your habits. What is however unavoidable is the strength of the shoe and the protections against stones. Another key point: the sole. It must be very cut and adherent to avoid finding yourself in a helicopter with a cervical collar around the neck after 1 hour of race.

Finally, a backpack or a trail belt will complete your equipment. This small baggage will allow you to carry water, a snack, and your phone. And for the nocturnal trail, a good headlamp.

Know the terrain

When preparing a race the first step is to "feel" the type of terrain. Mountain, plain, forest, road: in trail everything is possible. Remember to study carefully the race plan and if possible to train on this route. If this is not possible, you can search near you for a similar typology of land.

Recognizing the terrain upstream is a good way to avoid accidents. Locate refueling points, difficult passages, defibrillator locations, dangerous roads, etc.

Train regularly

As the trail is practiced on very different types of terrain it is hard to program a typical training. Here are some tips:

Start with a general training at least 8 weeks before the race: race on flat or hilly terrain, mountain bike uphill, work on endurance, etc.

Then gradually increase the distance and duration of your weekly workouts. You must slowly reach the mileage of your race. Practice in nature and on real terrain.

The last two weeks before the race you are at rest. More intense efforts to arrive fresh and tidy on the day. Keep 3-4 jogging sessions in nature or on flat per week and take your brake.

And you, what are your rituals for the preparation of a trail?

Ascent of Kilimanjaro: advice and interview to reach the summit

2019-02-04T03:14:00.003-08:00

Climbing Kilimanjaro has long been part of my list of challenges to be realized one day or another ... And if it is a dream to achieve quickly, it is this one, to have the chance to reach the summit icecap that should disappear within 20 years due to global warming and deforestation. Located in North-East Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is made up of 3 extinct volcanoes, including the famous Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point (5892m), coveted by all trekkers keen to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.

While waiting to make the climb myself, I give the floor to John (another!), Who turned 36 in Tanzania, eating Pop Corn and drinking a beer "Kilimanjaro" ... after having realized the mythical ascent of Kili. Attracted by the mountains since always, John also likes to travel and had a crush on Africa in the context of humanitarian missions.

Some information before leaving :

• Formalities: valid passport (not expired before 6 months) and obligatory visa,
• Recommended vaccines:
DTP, hepatitis B, typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever, antimalarial treatment,
• Best period: dry season, May-June to September-October,
• How to get there? direct flight from Paris. Duration ≈ 12h for Dar es Salaam,
• Time difference: + 1h in summer, + 2h in winter,
• Kilimanjaro: The accompaniment by a local guide is obligatory as well as a permit for access to the park. The trails are not marked.

Interview and itinerary

John L Goins interview, the secret of success!

Globetrekkeuse: How did you come up with the idea of climbing Kilimanjaro?
John: After climbing the Mont Blanc in September 2014, I set myself the challenge of making "feasible" summits to find the excitement of the summits. This feeling of drunkenness is summed up by the desire to go higher and higher, despite the fear of not getting there during the climb and the effort to get to the top. The satisfaction at the arrival makes forget all the difficulties, and very quickly, the glance turns towards other summits even higher to climb, other challenges to be taken up. It becomes an addiction, difficult to cure.

Globetrekkers: How did you organize your trip and the ascent of Kilimanjaro?
John: I went through the UCPA because I had a very good experience with them to climb Mont Blanc. There is a very good sport and always a very good atmosphere. The UCPA itself goes through a local agency and the big advantage is that the Tanzanian guide spoke very good French. Franck has been working for UCPA for 4 years and has a 100% success rate on the climb 😉.

Globetrekkeuse: What budget is needed?
John: For 2 weeks in Tanzania (with safari and ascension), I paid 3500 € through the UCPA.
For climbing Kilimanjaro only, it is necessary to provide 1700 € per person (with guide and porters) and add 700 € to access the Kilimanjaro Park, whether with an agency based in France or a local agency.

Globetrekkeuse: What was the composition of the team for this climb?
John: We went to 13 hikers with 6 guides, 30 porters and 2 cooks.
The porters each carried a maximum of 20kg of luggage (men or women). They are weighed at the beginning to verify this weight and distribute it equitably (except those who make the climb for the first time, which is limited to 15kg to test their resistance). The porters carry 6 days of food, our bags, and duvets, tents to sleep, eat and cook, as well as all cooking utensils. There is no help available along the way. A control at the beginning of ascent makes it possible to verify that the bearers have the appropriate clothing and equipment (cape, water bottle, frontal, warm clothing ...).

Globetrekkeuse: How did this climb of Kilimanjaro take place?
John: In general, we got up at 7am except on the day of the climb, where we got up at midnight. The cooks are very good: we had pancakes at breakfast, balanced meals and sports, and each arrival at the camp, hot drinks to comfort us.
We made the climb of Kilimanjaro in 6 days by the Rongaï way, also called "Nalemoru route" (complete itinerary described in the second part of the article).
Even though the weather was very changeable during the 6 days, we were lucky to be able to pass the summit in open weather with a magnificent sunrise.

Globetrekkeuse: Have you completed the climb? Have you thought of giving up?
John: We all finished. The guide is 100% successful with UCPA teams. There is a very good follow up by the guides, who are very professional.
I never thought of giving up because I had the chance to react well to the altitude. I just had a big "headache".

Globetrekkeuse: Can you describe the worst and the best moment of this climb of Kilimanjaro?
John: No worse time, just hard times in the rain during the first 3 days of the climb with even a little snow at the last base camp. It was hard to warm up, but fortunately, upon arrival in the camps, tea and popcorn were waiting for us.
The best moment: the arrival at the peak of Kilimanjaro with the sunrise, an impression of being very small and at the same time of being big.

Globetrekkeuse: What physical condition does it take to succeed?
John: You must not have an exceptional level of sport, but rather a good endurance. I run regularly (2 to 3 times a week), which is good to complete with another sporting activity. Kilimanjaro is not technically difficult, on the other hand, it takes a mental hell!

Globetrekkeuse: Your advice for those who want to try climbing Kilimanjaro?
John: You have to have the mind, the desire to succeed, and not want to climb in record time. You need to drink a lot of water (3 to 5 liters per day), taken from the rivers and purified with "Micropur" pellets.

Globetrekkeuse: Your next trek?
John: My next challenge will be more alpine: the ascent of Aconcagua, the highest point in the Andes (6962m). And why not go and discover Nepal ...

John's route, by the Rongaï Way
Climbing Kilimanjaro is possible by 7 official routes, the most popular being Marangu and Machame.
To know: the national park does not always allow to choose its way, to avoid an influx too important of trekkers and to protect the grounds of the erosion. In addition, depending on the route of ascension, the descent route is imposed.

The route presented by John is a variant of the Rongaï way, with descent by the Marangu route.

Stage 1: Rongaï (1600 m) / Cave 1 camp (2700 m).
3 hours of walking.
Good weather and the chance to see the 3 famous peaks of Kilimanjaro: Shira to the west (3962 m), Mawenzi to the east (5149 m), Kibo (Uhuru peak, 5892m).
Overnight tent in bivouac at Cave 1 camp, located in the heather.

Stage 2: Cave 1 (2700 m) / Kikelewa Cave (3600 m)
5 to 6 hours of walking.
Ascending gently through the moorlands (short heath) and vegetation altitude (immortal). Passage to the last water point.
Night, in the rain, at the Kikelewa Cave camp, located near an ancient lava flow and the bed of a large dry river. Morale is a little socks, because we find that half of our business is wet on arrival at the camps.

Step 3: Kikelewa Cave (3600 m) / Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330 m)
3 to 4 hours of walking.
Semi desert vegetation. The heather is everywhere, and the fog settles. The vegetation will be more and more rare. Installation of the camp at the foot of the Mawzenzi. The rest of the day can acclimatize to the altitude and discover the lunar landscapes that surround us.
Night in bivouac, between the rain and the fog. The canvas tent are wet, thankfully, we have Cointreau to add to our tea!

Stage 4: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330 m) / Kibo Hut (4750 m)
4 to 5 hours of walking.
In the middle of grandiose and desert landscapes, we progress slowly towards the shelter of Kibo Hut, with an arrival under the snow. Everyone is wondering about the climb that will take place in the night: Will we have good weather, can we leave, will we have the mountain sickness, is it that will we be well rested? We managed to sleep around 19h, because for the first 4 days, the guide has quietly made us eat and sleep earlier and earlier ...

Tips to organize your camping

2019-01-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

Like any good trip, camping requires a minimum of organization, planning, and preparation. Here are some useful tips and tricks to make you the perfect camper!

Before leaving, Identify your way of camping

Before any research, take stock. What kind of camping do you want? What is your degree of hardiness? Rather wild camping, under the stars, in a specially arranged establishment, in a yurt, Huttopia tent in the parks of Sépaq, in a lean-to (shelters consisting of a floor, three walls and a roof), in caravan? It is up to you to make your choice!

Choose your campsite

Quebec has approximately 872 campgrounds. How to choose? A good indication is to take into account the star system, based on the same principle as for hotels. Official manager of the classification program, the Quebec Camping Development Council notes campsites, the nature, and quality of infrastructure and the service offer, from zero to five stars. Zero for a "partially satisfying camping classification criteria", five for "excellent quality camping offering a wide range of services and activities". When you search, target the campsites that meet your requirements and needs. Also, check the Internet for the opinions and comments of campers-users who have already planted their tents in the campsites that interest you.

Reserve your location

An imperative for those who want to be sure to install their tent in the most beautiful places, because you are alone in the world! Statistics Canada estimated in 2008 that Quebecers had made 1.4 million camping trips in the province. And the practice of camping is still increasing: according to Tourisme Québec, the summer season 2016 saw an increase in the number of camping sites (+ 2.3%) and goodwill (+ 2.9%) compared to 2015.

Equip yourself well

The key to successful camping is especially good equipment. So, what to bring? The essentials: a tent, a sleeping bag, a floor mat, a tarpaulin, a torch or headlamp, a knife, a first aid kit. You can also think of other useful accessories, but it will depend on your mode of camping, from ultralight to ultra-equipped. Remember that everything you take will need to be carried, transported and reported. This is particularly true for kitchen accessories, which can be cumbersome (gas stoves, pans, pans, coolers, dishes, etc.), but essential for cooking. Sleeping in tents means making compromises: eating cold or hot, favoring one accessory at the expense of another. To equip yourself, it is not necessary to buy everything: go around the family and your friends to borrow some items sometimes expensive. You can also buy used, but make sure everything is working properly.

Test your material

If you have already camped before, there is no guarantee that your equipment is still operational. To avoid disappointment at the time of fixing the tent without stakes, inflating your mattress or trying to turn on an empty stove, it is essential to check the condition of its equipment before leaving.

Watch the weather forecast

In general, a reflex that any good vacationer before going on a trip. But even more important when it comes to bivouac in nature. Thus, you will be able to prepare your travel bags according to the weather conditions during your stay. It would be a shame to have to buy a raincoat or a jacket in a disaster. Take a look at Environment Canada, Weather Media or Weather Channel for accurate information: radar and satellite, lightning detection, specialized weather (aviation, marine).

Charge your backpack

If you try the camping experience in backpack mode, you will have to make choices because you will not be able to take everything away. The rucksack rule: the weight after loading should never exceed one-quarter of your own weight. Once you have made your selection, fill your bag so that the weight is evenly distributed to prevent it from pulling you back. So, first place the lightest items, like the sleeping bag at the bottom of your bag. Then put the heaviest things (water, food, etc.) in the middle, in the back area. This will help stabilize you while maintaining your balance and freedom of movement. Finally, on the top and front of the bag, insert medium or bulky items.

Plan your meals

Camping is not (always) synonymous with tasteless food and dehydrated dishes. It just needs to be better organized than usual. Before leaving, it is possible to prepare many meals (including sauces for pasta, chili, etc.), which will be reheated once there. However, it is not necessary to take hot meals all the time. In addition to being able to prepare them in advance, no-cooking meals can save fuel without restricting your camper and eater's pleasure. If you run out of recipe ideas, take a look at the websites (such as recipes.zeste.tv) or in your cookbooks to awaken your creativity!

Set your registration

Introduce yourself at the campsite reception to know the number of your campsite, even if you have reserved your camping area in advance. If you are in a park, you will be given your camping permit, which you must place on your vehicle and on the post of your camping area. Take the opportunity to know the rules operating in the campsite, the list of possible activities, or any other question related to your stay.

Where to install his tent?

Once on your campsite, choose a flat place, without roots and pebbles to avoid back pain and tearing of your equipment, tent, and mattress. High ground and well drained to avoid the accumulation of water if it rains. Similarly, settling near a watercourse can be dangerous in case of flash floods. When installing your tent, stretch the strings of the anchor points of the tent sufficiently. Badly done, the roof would come into contact with the tent and could soak the shelter in case of bad weather. Finally, spreading a tarpaulin under the tent is a good way to keep it drier. But be careful that this tarp does not exceed the base of the tent to prevent water from accumulating! Opt for a shady place, so that the hot afternoon sun makes your tent a real sauna. However, avoid installing directly under a tree, which can be a risk in case of storms, lightning or strong winds.
Note: More informations for tents.

Keep your tent clean and comfortable

Your stay will be even more enjoyable if your tent remains a pleasant place to live, comfortable to sleep and rest: leave your shoes outside, but protect them from the rain under the double roof; keep the "door" closed as much as possible to prevent insects or animals from entering your tent; store your personal belongings in the middle of the tent, not on the sides, so that they are not dampened by rain or morning dew; clean your tent floor from time to time to remove accumulated dirt.

How to light a campfire?

First and foremost, make sure you are allowed to do so or even collect wood in the vicinity. The first step, clean the area by removing combustible materials within a meter radius of the fire. Mark the fire pit area with stones, then place a flammable material: twigs, newspaper or dry plant material (no, gasoline is not recommended!). Add around and over firewood, usually small pieces of very dry wood, to start the fire. Finally, as the fire grows, gradually add bigger logs. The fire needs oxygen, make sure the air circulates well between the logs. Do not leave your camp without turning off the fire properly. Water it to make sure.

How to avoid bad encounters?

Animals have a general sense of developed sense of smell. We must, therefore, take some precautions to avoid finding ourselves face to face with a greedy animal. Make sure you eliminate food odors by cleaning your kitchenware away from the campsite; pack your garbage and place it in the appropriate containers; store your food in such a way that the animals can not reach it (suspended in height, in the metal boxes if you are in a park, or otherwise in your car); do not cook or eat in your tent; avoid sleeping with the clothes that you wear when preparing the meal.

Tips About Portable Grills

2018-11-26T23:43:00.000-08:00

What better approach to spending your springtime than going outdoors? The climate is warm, you're around extraordinary friends, and you get the chance to take a break from "reality." When you go outdoors, one of the greatest concerns is, "what is on your food menu?" Though, you additionally require to consider how you suppose to cook your food.

The portable grills are perfect for your next outdoors trip, as they don't take up a considerable measure of room and they are anything but difficult to set up. These grills will shift in size, shape, and warming technique. The one thing they share for all intents and purpose is that they are anything but difficult to transport.

For all of us, there's nothing more charming than investing energy in the open air with our friends and family. In any case, without great food in our backpack, the experience wouldn't have the capacity to achieve its potential. What's more, extraordinary dinners don't come on their one but, you need to make it. Despite the fact that for each outdoors trip, there's typically enough food to nibble on that is as of now arranged from home, nothing approaches the tasty dinners arranged with the assistance of an outdoors camping grill. A tasty steak, with some veggies – simply the breathtaking and delicious things the entire family or gathering of companions or a couple would appreciate.

Portability of the grill

With the end goal to address this address appropriately, you have to choose how much weight you will convey for your up and coming experiences. Typically, most barbecues go from 15 to 57 pounds. Having clear cutoff points before settling on the choice will enable you to move the portable grill later on. There are two principal kinds of versatile barbecues: the tabletop demonstrate and the truck style show. Tabletop models can be both light and substantial while with the truck ones, it's somewhat less demanding as they have two wheels. Truck-style models, as a rule, go from 40 to 60 lbs.

The Surface of the Grill

No one needs to be screwed over thanks to a camping grill that can't deal with the requirements of the association of your outdoors crew. This is the reason you have to think about the most likely situations previously and act as needs are. A little cooktop can serve you for making four cheeseburgers that would be an inch one from another. This choice is extraordinary for two individuals and the measure of the surface is 100-150 square inches. This surface can do the trick for making one supper notwithstanding for four individuals, on the off chance that you don't plan to include veggies, or you can set them up after the meat, independently. On the off chance that you need to have the capacity to cook both meat and veggies together, at that point you'll have to consider getting a barbecue with a surface of 250 square inches. In the event that you intend to go outdoors as a gathering of at least six individuals, you'll have to think about cooking in movements. On the off chance that you need to maintain a strategic distance from all that, you will need to pick a non-convenient grill.

Burning control of the portable grill

This is an exceptionally helpful element, yet lamentably, difficult to tell forthright. The most ideal approach to realize what sort of burner control a specific flame broil has is to really utilize it two or multiple times. Fortunately, there are numerous gatherings where ardent campers continue forever about their encounters, so that could make finding the appropriate response with respect to the model you're thinking about somewhat less demanding. Be that as it may, even without the assistance of gatherings and online suppositions, not all expectation is lost as there is an approach to foresee no less than a tad what this component would resemble on a specific model. In particular, in the event that the barbecue contains in excess of one burner, it is likely that the burners will be anything but difficult to control. Numerous burners are likewise extraordinary for when you need one side of the surface to be more blazing than the other for cooking diverse things.