Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador isn't highly technical. It is mountaineering, but how hard can it be, considering I went to 20,600 feet the first time I used crampons and an ice axe? Okay, I used them once for practice, on a sledding hill near my house. I climbed forty feet while people walked by with their sleds, telling their kids to stay away from me.
It's also easier to climb when the guide drives you to 15,000 feet. Don't get me wrong. Climbing the last 5,600 feet was incredibly difficult, but not for the skill required. The air missing half of its oxygen is what had me quitting twenty times on the way up. It just gets difficult to move up there.
The Chimborazo Graveyard
The monuments near the first refuge weren't for climbers without skill. The graveyard is a warning of the unpredictability of all high places. Chimborazo is very high, it randomly shruggs off large rocks, and has weather that changes by the minute. While hiking to the second refuge, we could hear the rocks and pieces of ice falling somewhere above.
El Refugio Edward Whymper is an unheated hut at 16,000 feet, named after the English climber who first summitted the mountain. Okay, it isn't entirely unheated. There's a fireplace, and if somebody feels like carrying wood up to 5000 meters, the fire may raise the temperature in the hut by 3 degrees.
We had hot mugs of "mate de coca" a tea of coca leaves, which are also used to make another product - one that's taken up the nose. We went hiking for twenty minutes - my acclimatization. We ate, and I slept for an hour before starting the ascent at eleven that night.
About Mount Chimborazo
Chimborazo is in Ecuador, near the Equator (100 miles south). The elevation in the center of the country, and the moderating effect of the Humboldt Current along the coast, gives the country near perfect weather. A bit hot in the lowlands, but spring-like in Quito (the capital) , with highs in the sixties to low seventies every day of the year. Great weather almost everywhere--until you get high enough.
The summit of Chimborazo is the furthest point from the center of the Earth. Our planet bulges at the equator, making Mount Chimborazo even futher out there than Everest. It has the distinction of being the closest point to the sun on the planet. Unfortunately, it's also the coldest place in Ecuador.
Climbing Chimborazo
Paco, my guide, didn't care for the lightweight part of my mountain climbing adventure. He frowned at my sleeping bag, which packed up smaller than a football, and weighed a pound. My 13-ounce frameless backpack didn't impress him either. It did get below freezing in the hut, just as he said it would, but I stayed warm - as I said I would. No problems so far.
Unfortunately, Paco didn't speak any English, and I was just learning Spanish. Since our whole group consisted of him and me, we had some communication problems. I thought, for example, that the $11 fee for the "night" (a few hours) in the hut was included in the $130 guide fee. He thought I was a mountain climber.
I think he said he didn't like the papery rainsuit I was using, and he frowned at my homemade ski mask. When he saw my insulating vest, a feathery piece of poly batting with a hole cut in it for my head, I just pretended not to understand what he was saying.
I hadn't intended to go climb Chimborazo with such lightweight gear, but I'd come to Ecuador on a courier flight, and could bring only carry-on luggage. I had12 pounds in my pack to begin with, so by the time I put on all my clothes that night, the weight on my back was irrelevant. The weight of my body, however, wasn't. Paco had to coax me up that mountain.
Hiking On Glaciers
The glaciers start near the hut, and hiking became mountaineering. I put on crampons for the second time in my life (there was that sledding hill). During one of my many breaks ("Demasiado" - too many, which I pretended not to understand), I noticed my tiny, cheap thermometer had bottomed out at 5 degrees fahrenheit. I wasn't cold, but I was exhausted at times - the times when I moved. When I sat still I felt like I could run right up that hill.
We struggled (okay, I struggled) up Mount Chimborazo, hiking, climbing, jumping crevasses, until I quit at 20,000 feet. Of course I had quit at 19,000 feet, and at 18,000 feet. Quitting had become my routine. Lying had become Paco's, so he told me straight-faced that the summit was only fifty feet higher. I wanted to believe him, or the lack of oxygen had scrambled my brain. I started up the ice again.
The Summit of Mount Chimborazo
We stumbled onto the summit at dawn. Well, okay, I stumbled. Paco, who seemed slow and tired down at the refuge, was energetic at 20,600 feet. Dirtbag Joe, a nineteen-year-old kid from California with ten bucks in his pocket, borrowed equipment, and my Ramen noodles in his stomach, was waiting for us, smiling.
The sky was a stunning shade of blue you can never see at lower elevations. Cotapaxi, a classic snow-covered volcano, was clearly visible 70 miles away. We enjoyed the view for a few minutes.
Handshakes all around, and it was time to head down. I was told you don't want to be on Chimborazo when she wakes up. She wakes up at nine a.m.
Paco kept looking at his watch and frowning. He got further and further ahead, like he planned to abandon me on the mountain. When I finally caught up, at the hut at nine a.m., I heard the rocks falling out of the ice above as the sun warmed it. Now I understood - we really did need to get down by nine. A thousand feet lower my mountain climbing adventure ended with a photograph that mercifully can't show my shaking knees.
Note:
To climb Mount Chimborazo, it's cheapest to wait until you get to Ecuador to make arrangements. Talk to almost any hotel manager in Riobamba, and he or she will find a guide for you. It's also cheaper if you're part of a group.
Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com
Monday, March 5, 2007
Climbing Frames and Play Structures - Do you need planning permission
As a retailer of climbing frames and other play structures to the UK market I sometimes get asked if planning permission is needed for putting a play structure in the garden.
The answer to this is 'generally no'. I have yet to come across anyone who has bought a play structure from my web sites and has needed planning permission. These are regarded as temporary structures and there is normally no problem.
However, if you live in a part of the country which is a conservation area, or there are covenants or restrictions in your lease or deeds then these may affect whether you can put up your play structure.
This sort of thing is rare and only you will know if you are affected by anything like this. If you are in any doubt then a quick word with your local planning department should clear up any worries.
Generally, as long as your play structure is going in your back garden, and not inconveniencing your neighbours in any way then there should be no problems.
Obviously, don't even think about putting your play structure in your front garden, as you will definitely need planning permission for that !
So, where is the best place to position your play structure in terms of safety ?
A lot of people want to place their play structure on play bark to provide a safe cushioned surface, and this is a great idea, but it isan expensive option and is really not necessary. If you are buying a climbing frame or other play structure then make sure you look out for one that can be placed on grass.
When measuring up or positioning your play structure make sure that you allow at least 3ft (preferably 6ft) of free space around the play structure. Bear in mind that your children need to walk around the play structure and get access to the various parts of it. If your play structure includes a swing then take into account the amount of space that you are likely to need for a child to be using the swing while another walks in front of, or behind, the swing.
Are there any dangers in your garden which you need to avoid ?
You want to make sure that your play structure is not positioned on top of or near a concrete path. If your child was to fall then you want to make sure they are going to land on grass, not concrete !
Make sure that some of the other less obvious hazards are avoided, such as washing lines, and sheds.
So what about actually installing your play structure ?
Depending on the make and model of the play structure it may need to be concreted into the ground. Some models are designed to have extra length in the frame so that this extra length can be buried in the ground. With these models, burying the extra length is essential, and concreting them into place is optional, but recommended.
The other method of securing your climbing frame or play structure in place is to use metal pegs. These will be attached to the play structure at one end, and the other end can either be buried in the ground or a small amount of concrete can be used to secure it in place.
These are just some of the many considerations that you need to take into account when choosing your kids climbing frame or play structure. If you would like more advice then this is available in the form of a free report from the Climbing Frames Etc. web site.
Chris O'Connor is the owner of a web site selling climbing frames and outdoor
play equipment within the UK.
http://www.articlealley.com/article_17044_27.html
The answer to this is 'generally no'. I have yet to come across anyone who has bought a play structure from my web sites and has needed planning permission. These are regarded as temporary structures and there is normally no problem.
However, if you live in a part of the country which is a conservation area, or there are covenants or restrictions in your lease or deeds then these may affect whether you can put up your play structure.
This sort of thing is rare and only you will know if you are affected by anything like this. If you are in any doubt then a quick word with your local planning department should clear up any worries.
Generally, as long as your play structure is going in your back garden, and not inconveniencing your neighbours in any way then there should be no problems.
Obviously, don't even think about putting your play structure in your front garden, as you will definitely need planning permission for that !
So, where is the best place to position your play structure in terms of safety ?
A lot of people want to place their play structure on play bark to provide a safe cushioned surface, and this is a great idea, but it isan expensive option and is really not necessary. If you are buying a climbing frame or other play structure then make sure you look out for one that can be placed on grass.
When measuring up or positioning your play structure make sure that you allow at least 3ft (preferably 6ft) of free space around the play structure. Bear in mind that your children need to walk around the play structure and get access to the various parts of it. If your play structure includes a swing then take into account the amount of space that you are likely to need for a child to be using the swing while another walks in front of, or behind, the swing.
Are there any dangers in your garden which you need to avoid ?
You want to make sure that your play structure is not positioned on top of or near a concrete path. If your child was to fall then you want to make sure they are going to land on grass, not concrete !
Make sure that some of the other less obvious hazards are avoided, such as washing lines, and sheds.
So what about actually installing your play structure ?
Depending on the make and model of the play structure it may need to be concreted into the ground. Some models are designed to have extra length in the frame so that this extra length can be buried in the ground. With these models, burying the extra length is essential, and concreting them into place is optional, but recommended.
The other method of securing your climbing frame or play structure in place is to use metal pegs. These will be attached to the play structure at one end, and the other end can either be buried in the ground or a small amount of concrete can be used to secure it in place.
These are just some of the many considerations that you need to take into account when choosing your kids climbing frame or play structure. If you would like more advice then this is available in the form of a free report from the Climbing Frames Etc. web site.
Chris O'Connor is the owner of a web site selling climbing frames and outdoor
play equipment within the UK.
http://www.articlealley.com/article_17044_27.html
Adventure Tours
Most adventure tours will offer a guide, mountain guides are professional rock climbers, alpinist, and skiers who teach and lead their clientele in the mountains. Guides provide high quality, and safe journeys through difficult terrain, whether it is mountain climbing, rock climbing or skiing.
River runners from across America flock to Colorado's Arkansas River each summer season. The Arkansas River has one of the most dramatic river drops in America, dropping nearly two miles in just a little over 100 miles as it rushes into the spectacular Royal Gorge.
Mud Racing? Adventure racing continues to grow in popularity as events like the Muddy Buddy 05 Ride/Run Series takes off. The event features a challenging mountain bike & trail running course and more. The fun is that all participants culminate their race in the mud pit.
Yosemite is regarded by experienced climbers as one of the best climbing areas in the world. If you are a climber then this is definitely the adventure place for you. Mountains such as Rainier, Longs Peaks, Hood, and Shasta are all serious accomplishments. The proper level of fitness and training as well as the right gear is needed for success. If you would prefer ice, climbing then going on over to Alaska is recommended. There a number of places for ice climbing and you are sure to be chilled by the experience. Now is the perfect season.
Adventure skiing can be successful as long as there is the drive to do extremely well. If skiing is more of adventure for you, how about going to Chile and rather than ski just one resort visit five of the best resorts in Chile such as Chilean, Valle Nevado, Colorado, La Parva and Portillo. Now that's skiing!
With adventures like these, you are going to have a great time and learn a thing or two.
http://www.articlealley.com/article_5285_29.html
River runners from across America flock to Colorado's Arkansas River each summer season. The Arkansas River has one of the most dramatic river drops in America, dropping nearly two miles in just a little over 100 miles as it rushes into the spectacular Royal Gorge.
Mud Racing? Adventure racing continues to grow in popularity as events like the Muddy Buddy 05 Ride/Run Series takes off. The event features a challenging mountain bike & trail running course and more. The fun is that all participants culminate their race in the mud pit.
Yosemite is regarded by experienced climbers as one of the best climbing areas in the world. If you are a climber then this is definitely the adventure place for you. Mountains such as Rainier, Longs Peaks, Hood, and Shasta are all serious accomplishments. The proper level of fitness and training as well as the right gear is needed for success. If you would prefer ice, climbing then going on over to Alaska is recommended. There a number of places for ice climbing and you are sure to be chilled by the experience. Now is the perfect season.
Adventure skiing can be successful as long as there is the drive to do extremely well. If skiing is more of adventure for you, how about going to Chile and rather than ski just one resort visit five of the best resorts in Chile such as Chilean, Valle Nevado, Colorado, La Parva and Portillo. Now that's skiing!
With adventures like these, you are going to have a great time and learn a thing or two.
http://www.articlealley.com/article_5285_29.html
The climbing frame comes of age in the UK
Children love to play outdoors, especially on swings and Wooden Climbing Frames. Playground accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries in children and small children under five are at an even greater risk. Ensuring the safety of your backyard and your play equipment is vital to your child�s well-being.
Most playground injuries happen when a child falls from the top of a slide or play set. A shock absorbing material should be used to build a protective surface at least six feet around the play area. Mulch or rubber chips are common materials used in playground surfaces. When using natural materials like sand or wood chips, choose types that have been filtered to remove glass, metal, or other harmful objects.
Accidents caused by swings are another leading cause of childhood injuries. Swings should be attached to a lightweight frame that is firmly anchored into the ground. The support beams for the swings should be sturdy enough to hold the swings while they are in use. Sometimes, the frame may need to be set in cement to avoid tipping the play set when the swings are used.
The swings themselves should have plenty of space between each other and the support frame. The play area should be planned to allow ample room for children to move around the play set without the risk of being hit by a child who is swinging. Select swings that are appropriate for the age of your child. It is recommended that children under age five, or up to 50 pounds, play on swings that include safety harnesses and raised backs.
Platforms, ladders, and other climbing features can pose safety hazards to children as well. Forts or tree houses are fun additions to children�s outdoor play sets, but should include sturdy railing all the way around to prevent falls. Space between railings must be less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches apart so hands, feet, and heads can not become trapped. Ladder rungs should follow these safety measurements too.
Ladders, rock walls, and other climbing features are safest when they are attached to the unit at an angle. Ladders that form a 90 degree angle with the ground create a bigger risk of falls, while a softer angle makes climbing much easier. Playground slides are best when constructed of durable plastic at least a quarter of an inch thick. Metal slides retain heat and can cause burns on little legs and hands.
Choose swings that attach to the play set with strong safety chain rather than fiber ropes to extend durability. Any ropes attached to the play set that are intended for climbing should be at least one inch thick and should be regularly inspected for fraying.
The play sets available from Adventure Playsets meet and exceed the recommended safety guidelines. Adventure Playsets use strong cedar 4 x 4 posts that are treated with a smooth, safe polyethylene coating. All components are attached with large bolts that will sit flush with the wood when properly installed.
Playground safety is most influenced by supervision and regular inspection of equipment. Make routine checks of the wood for cracks or signs of decay. Inspect hardware for looseness or protruding objects that may snag or scratch. Most importantly, establish playground safety guidelines for your children and make sure they are closely followed.
--
Gary Clay is an expert on swingsets and owner of stylish kids shop MonkeyShine
Source: http://www.articlealley.com
Most playground injuries happen when a child falls from the top of a slide or play set. A shock absorbing material should be used to build a protective surface at least six feet around the play area. Mulch or rubber chips are common materials used in playground surfaces. When using natural materials like sand or wood chips, choose types that have been filtered to remove glass, metal, or other harmful objects.
Accidents caused by swings are another leading cause of childhood injuries. Swings should be attached to a lightweight frame that is firmly anchored into the ground. The support beams for the swings should be sturdy enough to hold the swings while they are in use. Sometimes, the frame may need to be set in cement to avoid tipping the play set when the swings are used.
The swings themselves should have plenty of space between each other and the support frame. The play area should be planned to allow ample room for children to move around the play set without the risk of being hit by a child who is swinging. Select swings that are appropriate for the age of your child. It is recommended that children under age five, or up to 50 pounds, play on swings that include safety harnesses and raised backs.
Platforms, ladders, and other climbing features can pose safety hazards to children as well. Forts or tree houses are fun additions to children�s outdoor play sets, but should include sturdy railing all the way around to prevent falls. Space between railings must be less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches apart so hands, feet, and heads can not become trapped. Ladder rungs should follow these safety measurements too.
Ladders, rock walls, and other climbing features are safest when they are attached to the unit at an angle. Ladders that form a 90 degree angle with the ground create a bigger risk of falls, while a softer angle makes climbing much easier. Playground slides are best when constructed of durable plastic at least a quarter of an inch thick. Metal slides retain heat and can cause burns on little legs and hands.
Choose swings that attach to the play set with strong safety chain rather than fiber ropes to extend durability. Any ropes attached to the play set that are intended for climbing should be at least one inch thick and should be regularly inspected for fraying.
The play sets available from Adventure Playsets meet and exceed the recommended safety guidelines. Adventure Playsets use strong cedar 4 x 4 posts that are treated with a smooth, safe polyethylene coating. All components are attached with large bolts that will sit flush with the wood when properly installed.
Playground safety is most influenced by supervision and regular inspection of equipment. Make routine checks of the wood for cracks or signs of decay. Inspect hardware for looseness or protruding objects that may snag or scratch. Most importantly, establish playground safety guidelines for your children and make sure they are closely followed.
--
Gary Clay is an expert on swingsets and owner of stylish kids shop MonkeyShine
Source: http://www.articlealley.com
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Mountain, Ice and Rock Climbing Gift Ideas
Some people just have the urge to climb up and up. If you're giving gifts to a climber, here are a few mountain, ice and rock climbing gift ideas.
Climbing Gifts
You can usually identify a climber at an early age. You come home from work and the energetic two year old is hanging from the top shelf of the bookcase. By the age of five, they've progressed to hanging off the edge of the roof and you're on a first name basis with your doctor. Don't even ask about the teenage years!
Since you can't beat a climber, you might as well give in to their passion. Here are few climbing gift ideas.
1. Avalanche Beacon � A new climbing toy is an invitation to climb. Since yours will come in the form of a Christmas gift, the climber can be expected to immediately climb mountains, rock walls or iced over waterfalls. Don't try to stop them. Just give them an avalanche beacon, an electronic device that sends out a signal if they happen to bring the mountain down on top of them. Backcountry is a good brand. You can expect to pay $100 to $300 to keep them alive.
2. Grip Strengthener � When it comes to hanging off the side of a cliff, the ability to grip the wall is literally the key to life. A grip strengthener is a device climbers can carry around with them to build up their grip by repetitively squeezing the resistance device. Grip Master is a good brand. You can expect to pay $15 to $20.
3. AvaLung � Back to our avalanche theme. Having an avalanche beacon is all well and good, but it doesn't really help if you can't breath while waiting for rescuers. The AvaLung is a very cool device that draws air directly from snow packs and lets climbers breath in the life giving air even if they're under ten or twenty feet of snow. Black Diamond is the best brand and you can expect to pay $100 or so.
4. "Fifty Favorite Climbs" by Mark Kroese. � This is an excellent book for climbers. The book lays out 50 climbs in North America and can be used as a "to do" list by even the best climbers. The book comes with narratives, photographs and detailed route descriptions. An excellent gift that will set you back $30 or so at any major bookstore.
5. Nomad Climbing Journals - A little self-promotion. Nomad Climbing Journals are great gifts for climbers. These writing journals allow climbers to keep track of their climbs, impressions, people the climbed with, routes, contact information and any additional information they feel necessary. Over time, the climbing journals become a history of climbs and a great keepsake. A great Christmas gift, you can see the journal by clicking the link in the byline of this article and expect to pay $25 for the journal with case.
As you know, there is simply no way to keep a climber from climbing. You might as well give in and give them a Christmas climbing gift.
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Climbing Gifts
You can usually identify a climber at an early age. You come home from work and the energetic two year old is hanging from the top shelf of the bookcase. By the age of five, they've progressed to hanging off the edge of the roof and you're on a first name basis with your doctor. Don't even ask about the teenage years!
Since you can't beat a climber, you might as well give in to their passion. Here are few climbing gift ideas.
1. Avalanche Beacon � A new climbing toy is an invitation to climb. Since yours will come in the form of a Christmas gift, the climber can be expected to immediately climb mountains, rock walls or iced over waterfalls. Don't try to stop them. Just give them an avalanche beacon, an electronic device that sends out a signal if they happen to bring the mountain down on top of them. Backcountry is a good brand. You can expect to pay $100 to $300 to keep them alive.
2. Grip Strengthener � When it comes to hanging off the side of a cliff, the ability to grip the wall is literally the key to life. A grip strengthener is a device climbers can carry around with them to build up their grip by repetitively squeezing the resistance device. Grip Master is a good brand. You can expect to pay $15 to $20.
3. AvaLung � Back to our avalanche theme. Having an avalanche beacon is all well and good, but it doesn't really help if you can't breath while waiting for rescuers. The AvaLung is a very cool device that draws air directly from snow packs and lets climbers breath in the life giving air even if they're under ten or twenty feet of snow. Black Diamond is the best brand and you can expect to pay $100 or so.
4. "Fifty Favorite Climbs" by Mark Kroese. � This is an excellent book for climbers. The book lays out 50 climbs in North America and can be used as a "to do" list by even the best climbers. The book comes with narratives, photographs and detailed route descriptions. An excellent gift that will set you back $30 or so at any major bookstore.
5. Nomad Climbing Journals - A little self-promotion. Nomad Climbing Journals are great gifts for climbers. These writing journals allow climbers to keep track of their climbs, impressions, people the climbed with, routes, contact information and any additional information they feel necessary. Over time, the climbing journals become a history of climbs and a great keepsake. A great Christmas gift, you can see the journal by clicking the link in the byline of this article and expect to pay $25 for the journal with case.
As you know, there is simply no way to keep a climber from climbing. You might as well give in and give them a Christmas climbing gift.
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Kenya Adventure Tours and safaris; the Extreme Kenya Adventure safari
The snow-copped 5000m+ Mt Kenya is a challenge to many seasoned mountain climbers. There are several built-up resting camps as well as marked climbing routes. Climbing gear and guides are hired at base camp for the 5-6 day climb.
Bungee Jumping adventure tour
Bungee jumping and white water rafting is done 50 km from Nairobi town at Sagana/ that is along the upstream of Tana River.
Biking adventure Safaris
Biking is usually organized activity within wildlife areas from your lodge. Trekking game tours are also done in community group ranches in the Maasai Mara area.
White Water rafting adventure tours
There is a white water rafting spot near the Aberdare Mountains at Sagana. The Savage adventure facility hires out rubber dinghy for rafting the over 3 km of raging river Sagana. Accommodation is provides in tents and other activities include bungee jumping and cliff diving into the river.
Rock climbing adventures
Rock climbing is offered just a few kilometres from Nairobi. Other hiking and walking venues include Mt. Longonot, Suswa and Ol Donyo Sabuk. These are one day trekking and hiking adventure safaris and need not be strenuous.
Other adventure tours include the over Lander camping, off the beaten truck trips. These camping tours usually involve covering larger areas and gets more interior, takes longer days but is also the most rewarding.
Adventure tours will usually include camping in mobile 1-2 man tent units. Catering is provided while transport is by over Landers and or trucks.
Robert Muhoho is a tour operator with landmark safaris. To sample Kenyan adventure safaris and tours visit.http://www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/adventure.php
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Bungee Jumping adventure tour
Bungee jumping and white water rafting is done 50 km from Nairobi town at Sagana/ that is along the upstream of Tana River.
Biking adventure Safaris
Biking is usually organized activity within wildlife areas from your lodge. Trekking game tours are also done in community group ranches in the Maasai Mara area.
White Water rafting adventure tours
There is a white water rafting spot near the Aberdare Mountains at Sagana. The Savage adventure facility hires out rubber dinghy for rafting the over 3 km of raging river Sagana. Accommodation is provides in tents and other activities include bungee jumping and cliff diving into the river.
Rock climbing adventures
Rock climbing is offered just a few kilometres from Nairobi. Other hiking and walking venues include Mt. Longonot, Suswa and Ol Donyo Sabuk. These are one day trekking and hiking adventure safaris and need not be strenuous.
Other adventure tours include the over Lander camping, off the beaten truck trips. These camping tours usually involve covering larger areas and gets more interior, takes longer days but is also the most rewarding.
Adventure tours will usually include camping in mobile 1-2 man tent units. Catering is provided while transport is by over Landers and or trucks.
Robert Muhoho is a tour operator with landmark safaris. To sample Kenyan adventure safaris and tours visit.http://www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/adventure.php
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Ice Climbing � Preserve Your Experiences
Ice climbing is a great way to escape the rat race and live on the edge. Alas, your ice climbing experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a ice climbing journal for your adventures.
Ice Climbing Journals
Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent ice climbing experience. What sticks out in your mind besides the fact it was cold? Did you climb a waterfall? Now think about the first time you ever went ice climbing. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular ice climbing routes and spectacular views. The experiences you've forgotten are lost to time. If you keep an ice climbing journal, this won't be the case.
There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank's Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your ice climbing experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.
A good ice climbing journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don't have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from the elements and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:
1. Who you went ice climbing with,
2. The nature and quality of the ice,
3. Who you met and contact information for them,
4. The geographic and weather conditions, and
5. Any unique things that occurred while ice climbing.
6. The routes you took up the ice and alternatives.
7. Any inside information provided by experienced locals.
At the end of the ice climbing trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:
1. Contact information for other climbers you met,
2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you climb the location a second time.
3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and
4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.
To get the most out of your ice climbing journal, you should write in it just before you climb, as you summit and when you return. Doing so will give you an accurate picture of your thoughts throughout the climb.
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
Ice Climbing Journals
Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent ice climbing experience. What sticks out in your mind besides the fact it was cold? Did you climb a waterfall? Now think about the first time you ever went ice climbing. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular ice climbing routes and spectacular views. The experiences you've forgotten are lost to time. If you keep an ice climbing journal, this won't be the case.
There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank's Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your ice climbing experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.
A good ice climbing journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don't have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from the elements and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:
1. Who you went ice climbing with,
2. The nature and quality of the ice,
3. Who you met and contact information for them,
4. The geographic and weather conditions, and
5. Any unique things that occurred while ice climbing.
6. The routes you took up the ice and alternatives.
7. Any inside information provided by experienced locals.
At the end of the ice climbing trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:
1. Contact information for other climbers you met,
2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you climb the location a second time.
3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and
4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.
To get the most out of your ice climbing journal, you should write in it just before you climb, as you summit and when you return. Doing so will give you an accurate picture of your thoughts throughout the climb.
Source: http://www.a1articles.com
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