When we’re not outdoors, we get our adventure fix by exploring social media and the web. Here are some of the best adventure links we’ve discovered this week.
The Joy of Being Uncomfortable: Tim Shuff argues that part of the thrill of paddling trips, and the wilderness in general, is the discomfort. He thinks plunging into cold water, battling wind and rain, and the aches and pains from hard days, all reset our expectations. In those moments, simple pleasures, like warmth, rest, and a hot drink, become a delight. The discomfort is a gateway to deeper appreciation and a truer sense of pleasure.
The ‘Cool’ Camino: With scorching summer heat and huge crowds along Spain’s Camino de Santiago trail, a quieter pilgrimage is gaining traction. Norway’s St. Olav Ways, nicknamed the “cool” Camino, is drawing hikers seeking cooler temperatures, fewer people, and a more contemplative path. This northern alternative winds through Norway’s varied terrain, linking small towns, historic churches, and spiritual landscapes.
Ski films
Seven New Films to Get You Stoked for Ski Season: Regardless of why you’re drawn to the snowy mountains, this list of skiing documentaries has something for everyone. From Cold Calls, with its spontaneous trips and array of winter athletes, to Warren Miller’s SNO-CIETY, which celebrates the spirit and community behind ski culture.
Via Ferratas Are Booming in the U.S., But How Safe Are They?: Via ferratas are rapidly gaining popularity in the U.S. These routes — defined by fixed steel cables, rungs, and ladders — keep climbers attached via harness and tether, with a “lower barrier to entry to the vertical realm.” However, they do not eliminate risk. Studies show human errors, such as forgetting to clip in, getting distracted, or misjudging exposure, are the leading cause of serious accidents.
Amelia Earhart. Photo: Shutterstock
Earhart’s disappearance
The Truth About Amelia Earhart: Amelia Earhart’s disappearance has been the subject of documentaries, films, and rumors for decades. Laurie Gwen Shapiro argues that Earhart most likely ran out of fuel over the Pacific and that the enduring conspiracy theories distort her legacy.
Earhart was a daring, record-breaking aviator whose image was carefully curated by those around her. Her bravery, ambition, and imperfections deserve to be remembered in their own right.
These Climbers Are Living the Dream, Thanks to Unexpected Side Jobs: To many, climbing full-time or heading out on months-long trips is an impossibility. Four climbers map out how they juggle climbing and the side hustles that allow them to live how they want.
Jackson Marvell welds, Brittany Goris designs graphics from her van, Hayden Jamieson washes windows in luxury homes, and Suzanna Lourie guides and even strings up holiday lights.
Shark attack
British Swimmer Attacked By Shark: A juvenile great white shark attacked marathon swimmer Chris Murray while he was attempting to cross the Catalina Channel in California. Roughly two hours into his swim, the shark first bit Murray’s hand, then clamped onto his right foot. He fought it off, and his safety team pulled him from the water. His hand required 20 stitches, and his foot suffered more serious damage. He is in hospital recovering.
Curious Reindeer and Hungry Polar Bears: The Arctic is warming faster than anywhere else on Earth, and it is reshaping the fates of iconic species such as polar bears and reindeer. The sea ice is the glue that holds everything in place, and as it melts, it is upending food chains and pushing animals into new territories. Every year, groups of scientists hunker down in the Ny-Alesund International Research Station to examine how the Arctic is changing, and what they can do about it.
