With limited gear and a pair of skis, a climber is missing on Mount McKinley and an initial high-altitude aerial search produced no sightings this morning.

Gerald Myers, 41, of Centennial, Colo., is believed to have reached the 20,320-foot summit of North America’s highest peak Wednesday afternoon, according to National Park Service spokeswoman Maureen McLaughlin.

A group of climbers returning from the summit reported seeing Myers on the summit ridge, she said. But he has not returned to the 17,200-foot high camp or to the 14,200-foot camp from which he launched his solo summit attempt early Tuesday morning.

Park rangers think Myers may have elected to descend on a more difficult route other than the popular West Buttress, which he took to the summit ridge and perhaps beyond.

The fact he was carrying skis suggests he may have attempted to descend via the Orient Express or the Messner Couloir — both of which are ski descents, McLaughlin said. Descents on two other possible routes, the West Buttress and the Reserve Gully, can be done on snowshoes, skis or crampons, she said.

“There are many routes to come down and we do not know which one he was targeting,” McLaughlin said.

Myers was traveling light. Though he grabbed his skis from a cache at 17,200 feet on Tuesday morning, rangers believe he carried no sleeping bag, bivouac sack, thermal pad or camp stove. This guy is clearly not following the ten essentials for mountaineering.

He should know better than to go into the Chugach without gear as basic as this. His chances of survival are slim. You should never sacrifice the essentials for the sake of hiking light.

Now he would have to dig himself a shelter in the snow if he wants to stay alive. It is likely that he has injured himself which makes matters worst.

This morning’s search, by an Air National Guard HC-130 Hercules, was limited by high winds and cloud cover. A second search could happen this evening if there’s a break in the weather, McLaughlin said.

This is the third incident, and the first search, on the mountain this season, McLaughlin said. In separate incidents earlier this month, William Hearne of Fairport, N.Y., 61, collapsed on his approach to the 14,200-foot camp and died of apparent natural causes, and a man with pulmonary edema was evacuated from 14,200 feet.

Find Beth Bragg online at adn.com/contact/bbragg or call 257-4309.

Who knows what can happen in the violent world today? Disasters can strike at a blink on an eye.

You need to have your backpack ready in case of disasters that forces you to evacuate quickly. A survival pack should contain both short term and long term survival needs.

A good survival pack should be lightweight and include items like knives, tools, water, seeds, clothes, fire, shelter, light. These items should be able to help you survive in the harshest of conditions.

If you knew about the likely conditions of a worst case scenario, you would have less to carry. A internal frame backpack that’s prepared for all the possible conditions are probably the best but they’re also bulky and heavy. If it was to be carried in a car you wouldn’t to worry about size and weight.

The problem is that things happen when you don’t expect them at a time when you’re not ready. Different experts will have different choices of survival equipment in their backpack. These guys are always trying to be prepared for sudden manmade or natural disaster in a variety of ways for the unexpected. A good survival equipment should take up little space and an indefinite shelf life.

Want to know what military operators and hunters carry?

They carry a fixed-blade knife in a sheath strapped to the outside of the pack, and a Leatherman Wave multi-tool inside the pack, along with two very compact Mylar blankets that have a variety of uses like signaling for help, collecting water or as a waterproof lean-to.

These professionals also carry waterproof matches, a disposable lighter, a magnesium bar with striker, a credit-card-sized plastic Fresnel lens, a zip-lock bag filled with mugwort and a two-quart Platypus bladder system or a hydration pack for drinking water.

For clothes are two pairs of underwear and socks, a hat, a fleece skullcap and a pair of lightweight gloves, plus two pairs of sunglasses, two pens, a notepad and a pair of pruning shears. Other useful items include garbage bags, zip-lock bags, freeze-dried meals and some utensils.

Don’t forget the first-aid kit, water purifier, ground tarp, compact binoculars, synthetic and leather cord, roll of electrical tape, wind and weather meter and roll of toilet paper. You may also consider carrying firearms and a lightweight bivvy bag.

The typical cost of a survival pack is around $2,000 but there are economical ways to pack an effective survival pack. A topic we hope to cover soon.

With an abundance of water, both fresh water and salt water, in the Portland area, boating is a popular summer activity. In factPortland boat sales are brisk during the sunny summer weather. Portland outboard motors give boats increased mobility and distance. However, a motor boat adds to the maintenance tasks of the boat owner. Portland, Oregon, is located in northwest United States. Being so far north, it experiences cold weather in the winter months. As the cold weather rolls in from Canada, specific maintenance steps must be performed so that the boat and its motor survive the weather and come to life quickly once spring arrives.

As for the boat itself, it must be stored out of the weather. The simplest way to remove it from the weather is to store it in a building. In a building, it is protected from the cold temperatures, the harsh winds, and the snow. However, this solution can cost a lot of money. Another solution, while expensive, is more affordable that indoor storage. This solution is the shrink wrap solution. While this may sound bizarre, it provides a barrier between your valuable boat and the elements. If shrink wrapping is not a viable solution for you, you should at least protect the boat with a strong, waterproof tarp or other cover.

Aside from the boat’s hull, you need to maintain the peripherals. The rule of thumb would be to remove any fluid that is water based and to replenish any fluid that is petroleum based. Remember that, when water freezes, it expands. Thus, removing the water will prevent the container from cracking or, even worse, breaking. Two important water containers are the waste removal system and the fresh water supply. Also, empty and scrub the bilge using soap, hot water, and a stiff brush. Both need to be scoured out at the end of the boating season. As for the petroleum-based systems, the motor needs to be taken care of in a similar manner to the automobile. The first step is to change the oil. Then make sure that the gas tank is filled. A full fuel tank will stop condensation inside the tank. You may also want to change the spark plugs and the transmission fluid.

These guidelines are just suggestions. More information is available from your boat dealer or your marina. Another source of information is our huge source of all knowledge, the Internet. As you gather your information, it will be helpful for you to make up a check list of tasks so that none of the steps are accidentally omitted. You might also want to team up with another boat owner so that you can share knowledge and share the tasks. Then you can reciprocate by helping him with his boat. Two people working on two boats in tandem can finish the job in less time than two people working alone. When both boats are winterized, you can celebrate together that now you can get out the skis and snow mobile.

The location of Devils Tower has been a sacred place to the Native American Indians for centuries. Here they hold their rituals such as prayer offerings, sweat lodge ceremonies, vision quests, and funerals. The Tower was declared a National Monument by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1906. It was the first ever National Monument.

Climbing the Devils Tower is a real challenge even today. Because of the concern of damage to the rock surface today’s climbers are free climbing the rock surface. The first climb was done in 1893 by two ranchers who built a wooden ladder 350 ft tall and drove it into the vertical crack that ran between two columns on the southeast side of the Tower.

This park is also the home to a number of wildlife such as deer, prairie dogs and the beautiful prairie falcon. When the Prairie falcon builds a nest in the cracks of the rock the trails closest to the nest are closed off to climbers until the falcons fledge.

California tourism offers a wide array of choices but one of the most enjoyable wintertime choices will be when you go to the area of Mount Shasta. Standing a proud 14,162 feet in the air the mountain offers you the opportunity to do some fabulous skiing.

Downhill skiing on the mountain will be a challenge that will keep you focused and work your muscles to the extreme. The beauty of the mountain will have you thoroughly enjoying your experience. When you need a break why not take a dogsled ride with an experienced guide and see the backcountry in an hour long tour?

Since snow is abundant and the different types of enjoyment are just waiting for you perhaps you will want to get on some snowshoes and take a tour, either with a guide or on the paths and roadways, to see the fabulous Lassen Volcanic National Park. This is also an area for some of the most enjoyable cross-country skiing you will find in California so don’t miss the opportunity.

Snow and ice are as hazardous as fast flowing water. Mountain hikers encounter snow and ice all the time, even in summer, but they’re most troublesome in late spring and early summer when they’re extremely slippery.

Snow

Since snow lingers in the same places every year, hiking trails generally avoid such obstacles. This doesn’t mean that hiking trails are always free late-lying snow. This is especially true on north-facing slopes.

You may need to take a detour when the snowfield lies on steeply pitched slopes where crossing them is too dangerous because the risk of falling is high. Try not to get too far away from the trail to avoid getting lost.

The Effect of Rocks on Snow

Rocks covered by snow is known to absorb heat in the spring. This makes the snow nearby to melt faster than in other areas.

The soft snow may not be strong enough to handle your weight and hence increases the risk of injuring yourself on the rocks underneath.

Try to avoid paths with rocky terrain and use trekking poles to test the snow. If you are in group, walk in a single file.

Sun Cups

During the day, the sun heats up the snow and in most cases it melt unevenly, causing depressions in the snow making it soft. These sun cups vary in size and could be as big as a bathtub.

Hiking large snowfields early in the day is best because sun cups grow and soften as the day goes by. It gets so bad later in the day that you are likely to sink as deep as your hips by late afternoon.

Climbing Snow

Walking on snow is not as straightforward as hiking in the dry summer. Your route is more or less determined by the conditions. To climb up a snowy mountain safely you may need to create a zigzag route. You can also climb straight up if it’s an easier option.

To climb safely in snow, kick into the snow until you have a solid step for you to stand on one foot. Test your weight before climbing on to the next step. Repeat the process until you reach your destination.

If the snow is deep, going uphill will be harder and more time consuming. It will take you at least twice as much time than it would normally take climbing uphill without snow.

Boot Skiing, Glissading, Snowshoeing and Backcountry Skiing

Boot skiing is one of the fun ways to descend down a steep snow slope. It involves sliding while hopping from foot to foot to maintain balance.

Glissading is when you sit down and slide using an ice axe for traction and braking. In deep snow, to spread your weight over a large area so that you walk on top of the snow instead of in it, you use a snowshoe or ski. Skiing with a heavy pack may be difficult for beginners.

Frozen Water

Crossing frozen water may be more hazardous than crossing snow. A thick layer of snow may cover only a thin layer of frozen stream, lake or river.

Use a trekking pole to test the surface of ice. An ice axe would probably be a better option though.

If you see footsteps don’t rely on them for a safe route. These footsteps may be days old and the same route may no longer be safe.

Jonsky writes for Hiking-Camping-World.com where you’ll find gear including Down Sleeping Bags such as Marmot Arroyo Sleeping Bag and Pinnacle Sleeping Bag

Merrell footwear is created to assist people in getting prepared to enjoy the outdoor life. Unless you live in a temperate climate, you may be waiting for that first warm day when you can be outdoors and return to your spring and summer exercise program. Merrell boots doesn’t make very dressy footwear, but they definitely make shoes that are meant for being outdoors. There are a huge variety of options, including active sport shoes and casual sandals. Merrell makes footwear styles for men, women and children.

For women and men, the options from Merrell shoes for casual shoes include boots, slip ons, lace ups and sandals. If you need active footwear, choose from winter, running, hiking, and sport sandals. Obviously, there are several other shoe brands that offer active shoes, but Merrell shoes has grown to be a big favorite due to the fact that their footwear is both fashionable and functional.
For kids, there are fewer options than for the parents, but they are very stylish with lots of color options in both casual shoes and active shoes, just like with adults. You can even find some styles for infants and toddlers. Grab a pair for the entire family and get outdoors with comfortable and appropriate footwear.

An example of a multi-sport shoes for women is called the Siren Sport GORE-TEX XCR. This style is perfect for people who enjoy exercising outside, including hikers, bikers, and trail runners/. This waterproof style keeps your temperatures. It is available in gray, tan/orange, lead, and tan/wine. For women who like to get in some winter hiking or snowshoeing, the Merrell Winterlude Zip Waterproof is a great option. Even if you just want to walk around the neighborhood, your feet will be warm and dry. They have a snowshoe strap ridge to make them easy to use with snowshoes if you like. They have a fleece cuff and come in gray, black, or dusty olive.

A great option for a sport sandal from Merrell is the Waterpro Animas, available in both women and men sizes. This is a water sandal that converts to a slide by taking off the two back straps. Since this is made from synthetic materials it is also a great option for vegans.

For men, the CT Stamina is a great running shoe option. It is made for overpronators who put in a lot of mileage, and it is made from environmentally friendly materials. Merrell footwear uses recycled materials and synthetics that don’t use harmful chemicals in order to produce these shoes. They come in a Beluga and Rust color combination. Many men can even wear some Merrell styles to work on casual Fridays. Paired with a nice pair of khaki pants and a button-down shirt, you’ll look great. Merrell keeps setting the bar high with their active shoes. Get to a local Merrell retailer soon, and try a pair before spring arrives to find the best deals. Then get outdoors and feel the comfort Merrell sandals to offer.

Merrell shoes are created to help get people prepared to enjoy the outdoor life. Unless you live in a temperate climate, you may be longing for that first warm day so that you can get outside and renew your temperate-weather fitness routine. Merrell doesn’t make very dressy shoes, but they definitely make shoes that are meant for spending time outside. They have a huge choice of styles, including those meant for active sports and casual sandals. Merrell makes shoes, sandals, and boots for men, women and kids.

For men and women, the Merrell’s shoe styles include slip ons, boots, lace ups and sandals. For active wear, choose from winter, running, hiking, and multi-sport sandals. Sure, there are many other footwear manufacturers offering active shoes, but discount Merrell shoes has grown to be a big favorite because their footwear is both stylish and functional.
For kids, there aren’t as many options as for the parents, but they are very stylish with lots of color options in both active and casual shoes, just like with adults. There are even some styles for infants and toddlers. You can outfit the entire family to spend some time outside with comfortable shoes.

An example of a women’s multip=sport shoes is called the Siren Sport GORE-TEX XCR. This shoe is perfect for people who enjoy exercising outside, including hikers, trail runners, and bikers keeps your feet at a comfortable temperature in a wide range of outdoor temps. It is available in gray, tan/orange, brindle, and tan/wine. If you are one who likes to get in some winter hiking or snowshoeing, the Merrell Winterlude Zip Waterproof is for you. Even if you just want to walk around town, these will keep your feet nice and warm and dry. This style has a snowshoe strap ridge to make them easy to use with snowshoes if that is your pleasure. They have a fleece cuff and come in gray, black, or dusty olive.

A good option for a sport sandal from Merrell is the Waterpro Animas, available in both women and men sizes. This is a water sandal that converts to a slide by removing the two straps that go across the back. Since this is made from synthetic materials it is also a great option for vegans.

If you’re a runner, the CT Stamina is a great option for a running shoe. It is made for overpronators who put in a lot of mileage, and it is manufactured from environmentally friendly materials. Merrell shoes uses recycled materials and synthetics that don’t use harmful chemicals in order to produce this style. They come in a Beluga and Rust color combination. Many men can even pull off wearing some Merrell styles to work on casual Fridays. Just wear a nice pair of khaki pants and a button-down shirt, you’ll be fine. Merrell continues to set the bar high with their active shoes. Get to a local Merrell retailer soon, and try a pair for yourself. Then get outside and feel the comfort Merrell sandals to offer.

There are many ways to have extra fun in the Grand Canyon, but a hike into the depths of this natural wonder is far and away the most adventurous and most exciting way to get the most out of a visit. This is the case for several reasons.

day hikes in the grand canyon

First is that the Canyon is more than 1200 meters deep in most places, and so the geologic time that is represented by the layers of rock you descend through is literally mind blowing. As you descend, you will think to yourself “a river cut this!!!” Sandstone, limestone, fossils, and native american artifacts build the geologic foundation of the Canyon.

Second is the fact that staying on the rim you get a bird’s eye view of everything but no real intimacy with the much of anything. Staying on the rim is only one step better than simply flying over the Canyon in an airplane. On the contrary, when you’re hiking through it, you will have an intimate experience with the flora, fauna, the streams, the rivers, and the waterfalls of this truly phenomenal place. The best of the Canyon is below the rim: Phantom Ranch, Havasu Falls, Thunder Falls, Paradise Falls, Kaibab Creek, Horseshoe Mesa, Hermit Rapids…it goes on and on.

grand canyon guided tours

Third is that you will have solitude and peace and quiet in one of the most crowded national parks in the United States. While tens of millions of people visit the Grand Canyon every summer, only thousands of visitors hike to the bottom over an entire year. The Canyon is a place of immense scale and profound natural beauty, and so hiking down in the Canyon is in many ways the only activity to truly enjoy the true nature of it.

Fourth is that it involves some authentic adventure. Many people also enjoy rafting, which is a great way to experience the Canyon. What hiking offers that rafting doesn’t is an adventure that involves the full spectrum of the experience – the amazing feeling of winding one’s way down, down, down through layers of rock and into the depths of the Canyon. Then the enjoyment of the Colorado River, and of course finally the hike back out. It’s extremely rewarding to complete a hike in and out of the Grand Canyon – and when you top out and treat yourself to a very nice dinner, massage, and a night of sleep, there’s no doubt you’ve earned it. You can relax in style, knowing you’ve done what very few people ever do.

grand canyon hikes

If you’re inexperienced, it’s best to hire a tour company for an adventure like this. Don’t attempt it on your own if you don’t know what you’re doing – Grand Canyon National Park performs over 400 rescues per year, and the vast majority of those are overly ambitious hikers who try to do it on their own. There are several fantastic guide companies that will treat you like a king or queen on a trip like this, whether it’s a rim-to-rim or a down-and-back trip. Don’t wait to experience the depths of the Grand Canyon!

Bahadur Sherchan and four climbing guides reached the 29,035-foot (8,850-meters) summit of the world’s highest mountain early Sunday, said Ramesh Chretri, an official with Nepal’s ministry of tourism.

As he planned for the climb, Sherchan told reporters he wanted to inspire fellow senior citizens. He also said many Nepalese have established records on the Mount Everest, so it was only fitting that the record for the oldest climber to reach the summit should also belong to a Nepali. His first found him within 197 metres of the peak when his team stopped to help a fellow mountaineer who was left for dead. One year later, Min Bahadur Sherchan, a University of Calgary alumni, returned to Chomolungma to finish what he had started.

Bahadur Sherchan last attempt resulted in the rescue of Lincoln Hall, an Australian climber who was left by his team in the “death zone.”

The Chinese were flying their airplanes over Everest and had Chinese officials in Kathmandu. They basically coerced the Nepali government to not allow any climbers past camp two on the Nepali side. Hall was frostbitten and severely disoriented due to altitude sickness. Andrew Brash returned a hero to Calgarians. This season mountaineer Loeff is reporting the scales for Chomolungma or Mount Everest after he reached the peak of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania earlier this year.

Min Bahadur Sherchan returned this week from Nepal after successfully climbing to the summit of Mount Everest. The 77-year-old man from Nepal is now the oldest person to have reached the top of Mt Everest. With the Chinese preparing for the impending summer Olympic Games, Bahadur Sherchan noted that the government’s actions hardly reflected the Olympic spirit. Now that Andrew Brash has successfully scaled the tallest mountain in the world, he is once again ready to focus on his family. Indeed, he was all too aware of the potential dangers Mount Everest could bring. Certain parts of the climb are more dangerous than others and it is important for climbers to remain focused Nevertheless, the decision to actualize a long-time personal goal left Andrew Brash with some internal uncertainties, he cited the political actions of China and Nepal as providing the greatest adversity he faced on his journey. “The Chinese weren’t allowing anybody on Chomolungma or Mount Everest. They ended up commandeering it for themselves, even though the Mount Everest is shared by two countries. They flexed their muscles this year all the in name of the Olympic spirit, but it was hardly spirited at all.”

More than 3297 people have climbed to the summit since it was first conquered in 1953 by New Zealander Edmund Hillary, who died in January, and Nepal’s Tenzing Norgay.

Sherchan — just 12 days away from his 77th birthday — beat the age record set last year by 71-year-old Japanese teacher Katsusuke Yanagisawa.

“Chomolungma this year became a political pawn,” he said with some frustration.