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The Unsung Heroes of the Outdoor Adventure World
Sherpas, guides, and porters are the ‘unsung heroes’ and ‘overlooked champions’ whose invaluable contributions underpin our extraordinary adventures, often remain overlooked yet make a significant impact on our Adventures and in our Lives. Without their unwavering support, achieving our goals would be an almost insurmountable challenge. They bear the weight of crucial equipment and supplies, guaranteeing our sustenance, hydration, and shelter. Moreover, their expert guidance and vigilant presence play an indispensable role in safeguarding us throughout our voyages and adventures. It was a bittersweet, last night, on Mt Everest. We had achieved what we had set out to do – play rugby at altitude. On the Mountain we had seen…
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Explore the Challenge of Kayaking the Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way gives the adventurous a unique opportunity to paddle from the Atlantic to the North Sea; traverse across the Scottish Highlands from Fort William to Inverness. Myself and four friends took on the multi-day challenge……in single Kayaks. I’m so proud of my team – we nailed it ! 12th June – 16th June 2023 Mark ‘Ackers’ Ackred : Clay Smith : Rob Callaway : Roger Davies : Jon Ingarfield An early morning start on Loch Oich. In the late afternoon we had “Lightning”…. It’s recommended to get ashore and away from the water asap. I agreed, because water will transmit lightning strikes from further away, so the quicker you…
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Adventures, Boating / Kayaking, Camping / Equipment & Accessories, Critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive an Adventure, Electronics / Navigation, Hiking / Trekking, How To's, Marine
Ultimate Survival Guide: Finding Your Way in Any Situation!
Adventure start here: Why you should Always carry a Compass and Map as backup It is essential to know how to use a compass, it is a skill that everyone who enjoys the outdoors; trekkers, orienteers, kayakers and sailors will find indispensable. A map and a compass are still my basics for navigating and locating my position with confidence and ultimately surviving the wilderness; it gives you the choice to deviate from the trail and explore! I want to tell you more about my extraordinary journey. Steps to Use a Compass 1. Holding the Compass Practical Tips By understanding and practicing these steps, you can effectively use a compass for navigation in outdoor settings. My favourite is the navigation…
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My Ultimate Kayaking Adventure : Crossing The English Channel both ways
I embarked on the ultimate kayak journey across the English Channel, paddling from Dungeness, UK to Boulogne, France. Discover tips, routes, and the adventure of a lifetime! BBC . South East Today – Evening News 25.6.2021 – I’m on the Telly!!! On the 3rd February 2021, I completed my chemotherapy treatment for Cancer and rang the Bell. Six months later 3rd August 2021 to celebrate this milestone I paddled a red kayak from Dungeness to Boulogne on the Frech Coast, sporting my “Chemo Curls.” Being featured on the BBC in the South East is a great way to share an inspiring journey with a wider audience. I do my story…
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Trek to Base Camp on the World’s Highest Mountain
A Spiritually Uplifting and Physically Challenging Adventure Discover the challenges of trekking to Everest Base Camp, rising 2680m to 5360m with 50% less oxygen. Learn about altitude sickness risks above 3000m and prepare for an unforgettable adventure The Team : Roger, Lucas Bateman, Lesley Pender, Annie (Annabelle) Hancock ,Clive Hagley & his youngest son Max, Julie Jones, Jan Meek : Our journey to Everest Base Camp Nepal, 17,598 feet (5,364m) above sea level. We flew from from Kathmandu, at an altitude of 1400m up to a height of 2860m above sea level.. Landing safely at Lukla Airport, that has the reputation of being the most dangerous airport in the world.…
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A Trek into the World’s Largest Hot Desert: The Sahara
Discover the Majestic Beauty of the Sahara Desert: To me, the Sahara displays an awe-inspiring uniqueness as did the North Pole. They share extremes of contrasts yet alike in so many ways; legend, mystery and raw beauty. Both can and will kill you if you don’t respect them. The Sahara is the largest non-polar desert on our planet; 3,320,000 square miles (8,600,000 square km) If you take the wrong dune and lose your way, you’re in deep do-do, (shit)! A desert is a barren area, defined by averaging less than 10 inches / 25cm of precipitation (rainfall) each year. Clear skies, light wind and dry air helps the air temperature cool…
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Trek to the Highest Mountain in Africa
My Journeys to the Summit of Mt Kilimanjaro: Highest Mountain in Africa Kilimanjaro demands respect, this mighty dormant volcano, soaring from the African plains, stands as the tallest freestanding mountain globally, reaching a staggering 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. I have climbed to Uhuru Peak, the Summit of Kilimanjaro Twice: Conquering Africa’s Tallest Freestanding Mountain- the second time with a ‘Metal Knee’. Undertaking the challenge of conquering Kilimanjaro is not merely a physical feat; it’s a journey of personal determination and endurance. Embarking on this adventure with friends, I faced the monumental task of ascending Africa’s highest peak. In 2010, we tackled the Machame Route, we ascended through…
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Highest Rugby Match Ever Played on Mount Everest
In April 2019 we trekked in the footsteps of Mallory and Irvine, up the Magic Highway’ to Mt Everest’s Advance Base Camp (ABC3) 6,500m/ 21325ft ; which is just below the North Col to play two games of Rugby on a glacier. Myself and Lesley, trekked and played alongside, Rugby stars Lee Mears, Ollie Phillips, Shane Williams, Tamara Taylor plus 20 inspirational men and women to help raise more than £250,000 for children with disabilities and facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland. The Rugby Challenge took place across 24 days; our group battled acclimatisation and altitude to play the World Record for highest ever game of mixed seven-a-side ‘Touch Rugby’ at…
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Man Overboard: The Most Feared Words in Ocean Rowing
The Toby Wallace Atlantic Rowing Tragedy – January/February 2016 The Toby Wallace Atlantic Row – January/February 2016 Tragedy struck in the night of February 14th. Location close to 18 29′ N 039 06′ W. over a thousand miles from land. https://my.yb.tl/oceanusrowing Simon gave a loud warning shout, “big wave”. I looked up to see a monster swell coming at us fast out of the dark; it was the size of a two storey building. This rogue wave was arriving from unexpected direction intent on broadsiding our row boat. Not to break over but pummelled through us like a water tornado. The immense power of unstoppable maelstrom of angry sea water lifted…
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Adventures, Camping / Equipment & Accessories, Expeditions, Hiking / Trekking, Hiking / Trekking, My Blog, Speaking
The Polar Race: 648km to the Top of the World
On April 9th, 2009, I faced an extraordinary challenge— “Probably the World’s Toughest Race” At 61, with 28 years of sobriety strengthening my resolve, I stood alongside my 34-year-old teammate, James Trotman. Embarking on the Race to the North Pole was more than just a contest; it was a daring expedition and the ultimate test of survival in one of Earth’s most breathtaking yet merciless terrains. Our epic odyssey commenced at Resolute Bay, Nunavut, situated precisely at coordinates 74°43’N and 94°53’W. Our ambitious quest? To conquer the formidable 648 kilometers (403 miles) that stretched ahead, aiming to reach the elusive North Magnetic Pole. Furthermore to accomplish this extraordinary feat, we…
