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.
World Nomad Games: In September, the fifth World Nomad Games kicked off in Kazakhstan. It features traditional sports practiced across Central Asia, including kokpar (rugby on horseback), hunting with eagles, and horseback wrestling.
It is also a celebration of traditional dress, food, and culture. It takes place every two years, and just like the Olympics, its location changes. This year’s event started on September 8, when 3,000 athletes from 89 countries descended on the main arena in Astana.
It’s FKT Season: As summer yields to fall and cool weather replaces withering heat, conditions improve for those looking to smash a Fastest Known Time. Over the last few weeks, runners have broken many U.S. FKTs on the Colorado Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and others. Here is a round-up of five recent best-known times.
Anton Krupicka. Photo: Anton Krupicka
Last of the fire watchers
Last of the Lookouts: Bart Vanderline is the last regular fire lookout in British Columbia. Now 71, he stands in the Sinkut fire lookout, watching for signs he knows only too well.
His first summer job 52 years ago was as a fire lookout. He later became a forest ranger. Now retired, Vanderline is back where it all started. There used to be 300 fire lookouts across British Columbia, but as technology has replaced them, only one remains.
Sport Climbing in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosnia and Herzegovina is often overlooked as a climbing destination, yet its high-quality limestone deserves a place on any sport climbers destination list. This mini-guide outlines some of the larger crags to tackle.
Dreznica. Photo: Amy Collins/UK Climbing
Canoeing the Yukon and saved by a bucket
The Challenges of the Yukon: The traditional route on the Yukon River runs 715km from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Emy Mcleod had wanted to paddle it for years when she saw an ad looking for a second guide to lead a charity expedition. Some of the team had never been in a canoe before and were about to spend 11 days on the river, sometimes covering over 80km a day.
Kayaker Survives By Clinging to a Bucket: A kayaker was stranded in Lake Erie overnight for over 12 hours. His kayak filled with water and floated away, leaving him clinging to a bucket.
How to climb new lines
Advice for Climbing New Lines: Luka Lindic is an expert in traditional rock, steep ice, and mixed terrain. Anthony Walsh went to hear him speak and realized that Lindic’s advice was perfect for any climber, not just those wanting to make first ascents. Here is a summary of his top tips.
New FKT on the Grand Teton Rejected: Mountain runner Michelino Sunseri dashed across the Grand Teton in record time. He ascended and descended the 4,198m peak in two hours, 50 minutes, and 50 seconds. This was over two minutes quicker than the previous FKT by Kilian Jornet. However, the authority on FKTs has disqualified his attempt because Sunseri deviated from the standard course to avoid hikers on the trail.
