Rules To Live By

Struggling for motivation? Look no further...

From http://running-never-stops.tumblr.com/post/22305630796/i-now-live-by-this

Back on the River

Last Friday I went to the Channel Four Comedy Gala at the O2, to get there we decided we'd head East via the River Thames rather than the Tube; the tube would be busy, hot and uncomfortable, the boat would provide a different view of London, a more comfortable seat and a nice cold beer!

Whilst on the boat I suddenly realised that the last time I'd been out on a river was last August, paddling the Mississippi. Since then I've walked, run, cycled, driven and flown past many a river but hadn't been out on one since paddling in to Memphis last summer after 1,120 miles on a Stand Up Paddleboard.

I loved being back on the river, admittedly on a much faster form of transport, but with a similar view as to that on the SUP. I've lived in London my whole life (22 years!) and had never seen Central and East London as I did from on the Thames on Friday; travelling past the Tower of London, Canary Wharf and HMS Ocean - stationed on the Thames for the Olympics! It was great, reminding me of why I had such an amazing time on the Mississippi.

The Comedy Gala was brilliant (you can catch it on Sunday night on Channel Four; look out for me in a black North Face t-shirt, I was filmed a lot!), but the lasting memory of last Friday was that I really must get back on a river soon - perhaps a canoe expedition? Who's keen?!

Smash & Grab

Smash & Grab - An Ascent of Burkett Needle from Dave Burdick on Vimeo.

Today's video is Smash and Grab, a little film I came across yesterday that follows a few friends on a 3 day trip in to the mountains. A weekend away can also be a major expedition on a new route, as is proved here; from Seattle, to climbing in Alaska and back in just three days! It starts with a little insight in to their training regime and everyday lives when not taking on the mountains. 

This film really highlights the possibilities of a weekend away; you can always find the time to take on a new mountain, you just have to be determined enough (or handily live not too far from Alaska..). You really can do a lot in a long weekend!

The Best Hiking Trails in Asia

a guest post

Tiger Leaping Gore

The best hiking trails in Asia

Hiking in Asia can be either exhilarating or an extremely miserable affair if you aren’t sufficiently prepared.  It is essential to visit your GP to get all the relevant jabs; you don’t want to come back from your trip with malaria.  Try to avoid the monsoon season; this differs from region to region so consult your travel agent for details.  Another important suggestion is that you keep yourself fully hydrated.  The high humidity means that you must ensure that you keep topped up with bottled water.

China, Lijian

One of the most exciting places to explore is China.  The magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge is a deep river canyon that is surrounded by a lush leafy landscape.  The Chinese authorities recommend that hiking be avoided during the rainy season.  The best months are May and June.

Metok, Tibet

This region is so isolated that there are no roads to disturb the beauty of the scenery.  Lying in the foothills of the Himalayas and with a population of only 10,000 inhabitants the Metok is also close to the Metok State National Reserve, which is famous for its waterfalls and flora and fauna.  Be prepared to enjoy a tropical climate as both pineapples and bananas grow here.

Mount Kinabulu, Borneo

Situated in Sabah, Malaysia on the island of Borneo, Mount Kinabulu is an impressive 13,435 feet high, but thankfully trekkers do not have to be mountaineering experts to tackle this trek. You will have to obtain a pass before starting the climb, which is estimated to take around two days.  The mountain is in the Borneo’s first UNESCO world heritage site, Kinabulu National Park.

Mount Kinabalu's summit

Penang National Park, Malaysia

This Park is one of Malaysia’s best-kept secrets and is situated on Penang Island, off the coast of mainland Malaysia.  You can visit a sea turtle sanctuary or trek through the park admiring the mangrove swaps as you go.  It’s a good idea to visit the Interpretation Centre before setting off on your hike to learn more about this enchanting place.

Gunung Bromo, Indonesia

If you are adventurous, why not try visiting the Gunung Bromo volcano on Java.  This volatile peak is still active and you will be able to trek to the volcano’s rim.  Make sure that you are equipped with warm clothing and a torch, as you may need additional light to help you on your hike.

Fannsky Gory, Tajikistan

Close to Sarmakand, the Fannsky Gory (Fan Mountains) are still a relatively unknown trekking destination.  Access to the mountains is closed from November to May; visit the wetlands at the base of the mountain as an alternative.  It is important that you inform the local tourist guides that you intend hiking in this isolated region.

The Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Vietnam

Take a slow trek in the stunning Pu Luong Nature Reserve, local accommodation is available and you may well want to take advantage of Vietnamese hospitality by staying at one of the local villages that opens its doors to the tired trekker.

Shakadang Trail, Mongolia

This 4 km trek follows the winding path of the Shakadang River.  You will need to get a permit before your hike if you plan to climb on after the 3D Cabin, and also it’s a good idea to inform the authorities about your activities should you need assistance.

What's Next?

With University coming to an end (I finish on the 23rd May), it's hard to know what to do next. Most people have no clue as to what they want to do with their degree; it's only a small few that have set their hearts on a definite career.

I'll leave with a highly thought of degree from a Russell Group University, yet aim to work in an area where it may not actually be needed, for the time being. I want to lead expeditions and travel the world, I don't want to sit in an office from 9 to 5 everyday, unsatisfied with life. I may end up doing this at some point but I don't want it to be the 'be all and end all', for now I'll avoid it at all costs!

To do this I've made a start during my time at university, writing this blog, writing for various websites and magazines, working for Dave Cornthwaite and Secret Compass. I didn't want to leave university, like the majority, with no experience and without a foot in to the door of my desired career. I've been to 30 countries, been on expeditions and adventures across the world of varying sizes and am slowly grasping exactly how to go about it. At 22 I may be naive and unrealistic to some but to others I may just be passionate and determined, hopefully it's the latter.

With the sun setting on the end of university I can continue in to the world of adventure, exploration and a career I'm satisfied with, it's certainly an exciting time!

The sun begins to set in Morocco