American Himalayan Foundation Appeals for Earthquake Donations

From Norbu Tenzing at the American Himalayan Foundation:

A series of strong earthquakes struck in Yushu, Tibet (Qinghai Province, China) on April 14th, creating disaster in an already struggling region. Most houses and schools have suffered badly, and tens of thousands are homeless in very cold weather.

Although we are still learning the extent of the damage, we want to move as quickly as possible. AHF has worked with the Tibetans in Yushu for over ten years: on education, clean water systems, clinics and bridges. Thankfully, we have learned that our Tibetan partners are alive. But they will need our help immediately.

AHF is now accepting donations through our web site targeted for earthquake relief. 100% of these emergency gifts will go directly to help our partners in Yushu and, as always, are fully tax-deductible. With our track record - a decade of on the ground experience with the Tibetans in Yushu - we know how to get help to those who need it. But we need your help to be able to do so.

Please make a donation and specify "Tibet Earthquake" in the "Note for AHF."

To donate: www.himalayan-foundation.org

Or call 415 288 7250.

Is There a Market for Expedition Stuff?

Obviously someone things so. Here's a listing from Jennifer Gasperini, a Minnesota woman who was involved in promoting past Steger Expeditions:

Celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of the 1990 International Trans-Antarctica Expedition with this authentic expedition anorak, designed by expedition co-leader Will Steger and manufactured to his specifications by The North Face. This jacket containing Gore-Tex is identical to that worn by the team on their 3,741-mile, historic crossing of the Antarctic continent by dog team, a National Geographic cover story in 1990.

The jacket features reflective patches – on back and front – with the six country flags represented on the expedition: US, China, England, France, Great Britain, Japan and Russia. Stitched-on logos for expedition sponsors Gore-Tex and UAP of France appear on both shoulders. Pull cords at waist, bottom and collar make it adjustable to all weather conditions.

A zipper on the hood provides for a zipped-on fur ruff. Full pocket in front is sealed with flap, zipper and Velcro closure. This bright orange jacket was part of a set provided to expedition support staff, but never worn. Selling for $1,500 with free shipping. Contact: jgasperini@iphouse.com

Crossing Antarctica Marks 20th Anniversary

It was 20 years ago last month – March 1990 – that Will Steger and five international polar explorers completed what will forever be the most audacious crossing of Antarctica. Their Trans-Antarctica Expedition will last in Antarctica history for a variety of reasons: Its length and duration (3,741 miles in 221 days, requiring that it start in winter and end in winter). Because it was the last expedition by dog (dogs were outlawed the following year by an amendment to the Antarctic Treaty). And its expense (upwards of $12 million). 

A lot has changed in the two decades since – international politics and economies have shifted, new technologies invented and boomed, the human population added one billion, says writer and filmmaker Jon Bowermaster.

Bowermaster is co-author with Will Steger of the original book Crossing Antarctica, and now its 20th anniversary edition published by Menasha Ridge Press. He writes on his Web site, “… when I think of that grueling, seven-month-long expedition perhaps the biggest change has been to the continent itself. At the time, the impacts of global climate change were just beginning to be talked about and mostly in scientific circles. Today the ice shelf where Trans-Antarctica started, on a very cold July day in 1989, no longer exists.”

Bowermaster continues, “Part of the Larsen B Ice Shelf, it was sundered in 2002 by the massive breakup of Antarctica's largest shelf due to warming sea and air temperatures.



Steger’s recent work has focused on educating students and policy leaders alike on the causes, effects and solutions to global climate change. His organization is planning the 5th annual Summer Institute for Climate Change Education, Aug. 12, at the University of Minnesota Continuing Education & Conference Center in St. Paul (www.globalwarming101.com).

Bowermaster has been back to Antarctica two dozen times since that initial introduction 20 years ago. His recently completed high-def film, Terra Antarctica, documents a six-week long exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula by sea kayak. (www.jonbowermaster.com).

"Danger, Will Robinson!"

Many of us of a certain age grew up fascinated about space exploration, in part thanks to a hunk of metal and flashing lights that we wanted in the house as much as a new puppy. Television’s most famous robot – best known for the phrase, “Danger, Will Robinson!” – was developed by TV producer Irwin Allen in the mid 1960s for Lost in Space. Two faithful reproductions have been completed and are ready to be shipped by robot builder B9 Creations of Deadwood, S.D. They join an additional 54 robot replicas that have already been purchased by collectors worldwide. Each one is numbered and authenticated as an officially licensed replica.

The B9 (think “benign”) appeared in 83 episodes between 1965 to 1968, and is currently being reproduced by Michael Joyce, who is also the founder of team Next Giant Leap (www.nextgiantleap.com), an effort to win the $30 million Google X PRIZE for the first commercial moon lander.

The original robot used in the television series was altered for other shows and is lost to TV history. These reproductions are actually better built with an acrylic bubble based on the existing original, laser cut steel brain with polished stainless steel top cover and crown, a torso based on the original stone molds, and hundreds of individual parts fabricated from fiberglass, acrylic, aluminum, steel, etc. The B9 speaks in its original voice, that of Dick Tufeld, the 83-year-old voice actor for many Irwin Allen productions. Of course, it might be cheaper to go for the puppy. The B9’s are currently sold by Joyce to collectors for $24,500 (www.lostinspacerobot.com).

Hall of Mountaineering Excellence Gala, Apr. 10

Carabiners and Cummerbunds are the dress code for the American Mountaineering Center and Museum's first Hall of Mountaineering Excellence Gala and Induction Ceremony, Golden, Colo. Honored will be significant individuals in mountaineering's past and present. The night will include fine dining, entertainment, live auction, a program honoring the inductees and special guest speaker Ed Viesturs.

The American Mountaineering Museum will induct four members into the Hall of Mountaineering Excellence:

Robert Bates, Yvon Chouinard, Robert Craig and Charles Houston.

The evening will be filled with stories of each mountaineer's greatest ascents and expeditions, memories of the inductees no longer with us, as well as an appreciative look at each man's work beyond the climbing world.

Tickets: $75 Individual, $125 Couple. 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

www.mountaineeringmuseum.org

Department of Shameless Flogging

We continue to shamelessly flog "You Want to Go Where," appearing over the next few months at:

Apr. 12 - Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo (Fla.), 4:30 p.m.

Apr. 16 – New Canaan (Conn.) Senior Mens Group, 10 a.m.

Apr. 20 – Guilford (Conn.) Library, 7 p.m.

May 11 – New England Chapter of The Explorers Club, Boston

Nov. 23 – Darien Community Association Book Group, Darien (Conn.), 10 a.m.

Lowa Boots Sponsors Colorado Book Talks, Feb. 1-3

LOWA Boots presents Jeff Blumenfeld’s talk, “You Want to Go Where?” based upon his new book You Want to Go Where?: How to Get Someone to Pay for the Trip of Your Dreams. Three Colorado presentations will cover some of the world’s most historic expeditions and adventures with an eye towards how the audience can gain funding for their own travels. The talks will all be held at 7:00 p.m., February 1 at REI in Lakewood, February 2 at the Boulder Library and February 3 at the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum in Golden.

Blumenfeld will explain how with the right idea and proper advance preparation, it is possible to raise thousands of dollars in cash and outdoor gear and apparel for worthy expeditions. He emphasizes that companies do not exist to pay for vacations. However, with the right motive for the trip and the ability to negotiate quid pro quo sponsorships, it is possible to generate cash or in-kind (gear) support. His talk will be illustrated with over 40 photographs taken all over the world and with testimonials from the likes of the following adventurers:

• Norman Vaughan - climbed Antarctic mountain named after himself

• Will Steger - first confirmed dog sled trek to the North Pole

• Reid Stowe - currently engaged in his quest to be at sea for 1,000 days

• Mike Haugen - climbed tallest U.S. peaks in record time

• Paul Schurke – dogsled expedition across the Bering Strait

• Barbara Hillary - went to the North Pole; now wants to go to the South at 77

• Andre Tolme – adventure golf? Yes indeed. He hit a golf ball across Mongolia

Jeff Blumenfeld is editor of Expedition News, a 16-year-old monthly newsletter that covers the adventure marketing world. A resident of New Canaan, Conn., he is a member of The Explorers Club, the American Alpine Club, and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.