Ranulph Fiennes to treat winter South Pole Expedition

British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who has made a career trekking in colder regions of the planet, is preparing for what could be his difficult issue to date. According to the BBC, 68 Fiennes are planning to visit the South Pole on skis in the dead of winter, something that has never been done before.

The expedition will begin on March 21 next year, the exact time of the onset of winter in the southern hemisphere. Sir Ran and his team of six people then embark on a (2000 miles) journey of 3200 km will start and end at the Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole, which serves as the point of turnaround. On the way they expect to face temperatures in the neighborhood of -90 / -130ºF as they climb 3000 meters (9,842 feet) on the polar plateau.

As usual, Fiennes and his teammates will be on skis, dragging sleds loaded with supplies and equipment with them as they move. But because of the extreme nature of this trip, two bulldozers also joined dragging "industrial" sleds behind them containing all their supplies and additional fuel. This will allow delivery to be self-sufficient on their way to the pole and does not require supply drops, but it is certainly an unconventional approach. Again, travel to the South Pole in the heart of winter is not exactly conventional no matter how you look.

Fiennes and his team have already begun testing speed for shipping and logistics are working on the road. The equipment used must be the best ever created, because many can not withstand the brutally cold temperatures of the Antarctic winter. Skiers also lead hang ground penetrating sonar with them to alert vehicles behind them hidden crevasses in the snow and ice. Vehicles, if it is necessary, make other complications, as well as how to keep the engines from freezing when not moving.

Obviously, it will be a great expedition that will continue once it launches next year. It should take about six months to complete the trip, it will be challenging to say the least.

History of Antarctica Scott Last journal entry

In recent months I have written several times about some milestones in the history of Antarctica. After all, there are 100 years since Norwegian Roald Amundsen and his British rival Robert Falcon Scott raced each other across Antarctica to be the first person to reach the South Pole. Today marks another step in the race and unfortunately this is one of those dates that still haunts us a century later.

As I mentioned last week, Scott and his two remaining companions, Edward Wilson and Henry Bowers, were caught in a vicious snow storm that lasted at least nine days. During this period, they ran slowly for food and fuel. With nothing to eat and not to keep warm, his last forces fled their tired bodies. At that time they had been marching across Antarctica for months over four and a half years and have thoroughly exhausted in mind, body and spirit. Physical balance on this trip was heavy, but on reaching the Pole to find that they had been beaten by Amundsen was the most terrible blow imaginable.

So, Scott, Wilson and Bowers ended up in this shop, hoping beyond hope that the weather would clear long enough for them to cover the remaining eleven miles to its "One-Ton Depot." A cache of the offer to give them everything they need to complete their journey back to his ship, the Terra Nova, who was waiting off the coast for his return. Given the distances had covered on the Antarctic continent, eleven miles just seemed very much at all. He might have been eleven light years, however, they were not able to travel through this storm.

It was on that date, exactly 100 years ago today that Scott made his last diary entry that has been so diligently to keep all these weeks. This final entry would only say: "For the love Last login after the sight of God to our people," These words tell us that Scott knew they were made for and Britain would never see their families or ... Historians say that when his tent was found about eight months later, it was considered by the positions of their bodies that Scott was the last of the expedition died.

These are not the last words we hear from Scott, but he also wrote a series of letters to his relatives. They were discovered in his body and while we do not know the content of all of them, they write a "message to the public" was in many ways an explanation of why he felt compelled to explore Antarctica for King and country. The letter concludes with the following statement:

"We I took risks, we knew, things went against us, so we have no reason to complain, but bend to the will of Providence, determined still to do our best to the last ... If we had lived, he would have had a story to tell of courage, endurance and courage of my companions which have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale, but surely, undoubtedly rich country like ours will see that those who rely on us are well planned. "

These words show his indomitable spirit and the British stiff upper lip that were registered at the end of its brand. They were also the words that would make him a hero in the UK, where it is venerated to this day do. Scott is a symbol of the great heritage of this country to explore and while he may have failed in his mission, he remained a true Englishman, even in the face of its inevitable end.

For me personally, Robert Falcon Scott remains one of the most tragic characters in the story, but someone who is also a source of great inspiration. He had a spirit of adventure and exploration that I think is equally important in this day and age as it was 100 years ago. His story is one we should never forget and think when we look for excuses to stop our own adventures. After all, I can think of worse things to ask "What would Scott?"

The "golden rules" Arctic trip

It was a very difficult year in the Arctic and for the second consecutive season, there have been successful expeditions to the North Pole along the entire route. It is increasingly difficult to make this trip largely due to climate change and disturbance of sea ice. However, each year, a number of intrepid individuals who are willing to give it a try, and for those planning to undertake this journey into the future, ExWeb has some suggestions that may make the difference between success and failure.

In an article published yesterday, the explorer David Pierce Jones shares his "Arctic golden rules", which collected on his expedition to the Pole in 2010. David, who has reached the summit of Everest, quotes Richard Weber famous polar explorer who described the trip as "the hardest walk the planet." He also noted that to go to the North Pole is as easy or easier than summiting the highest mountain in the world, is simply too different.

The list of "rules of thumb" is long, very frank and undoubtedly useful for those planning an expedition to the North Pole. For example, David recommends things like "learn to ski before you go" and "choose companions yoru attention" that resemble the elements of common sense, but not the least interesting. It also gives tips for finding a good campsite, where it is said that the team will agree, finally after 41 days on the ice, and the use of caffeine pills, pills of the enzyme and the wool is recommended more down.

The board is most likely the result of the things we learned during shipping or mistakes made along the way. His biggest tip for success? Investing in Training Program Polar Richard Weber and do your research before you go. ExWeb reading files is recommended to find things that worked and did not work for past shipments. Avoid mistakes of others and learn from those who were able to win.

There's an interesting article and anyone can pick up some tips for your adventures in the cold weather for reading, even if you do not go to the North Pole. ExWeb indicates that there will be a second article to follow the suggestions proportion even more successful in the Arctic as well.

Exploring the Frontiers: The Science of Extremes Symposium

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences welcomes an interesting conference in a few weeks probably interested in readers. The, entitled "Exploring the Frontiers: The Extreme Science" program examine the knowledge and understanding environments extremes of both here on Earth and other planets development.

Back in the Day Conference, chaired by Professor Bengt Norden no Lorie Karnath in Molecular Frontiers organization, will feature speakers A series that discuss opportunities for exploration in extreme environments. The round tables will focus on space exploration, unique environments and planets found in other diverse environments Surprisingly, But THERE A hostile times of our own in the world. The symposium will significantly Topics Some, like exactly where they should be explored, in trying to by respondent still exactly That Must Be explored in this day and age.

The symposium is held Llevara 28 May 29 9h00-18h00 It is open to the public and free, although prior registration for the event is required. To Get more information about this program, including the numbers of speakers and More Information About The theme here.

How interesting it seems very being and Conference love to be able to attend if she was in my neighborhood. Exploration in the 21st century an important mission not sometimes seen, but I think never is so crucial. It's not easy to convince population as a seller, especially economically always be difficult climate. But the extensive exploration of Our Understanding Our World and Beyond, opening new possibilities. Something that is not always evident at first glance.

What is the strange object in the Baltic seabed?

Last year, a group of explorers from the Swedish coast discovered a strange object shaped disc in the bottom of the Baltic Sea. Fixed object ringing routine scans the water in the hope of finding the wrecks to save. At that time, they were not sure what it was, so they planned to return to the site this summer to see firsthand. After that, they are still not sure what they found.

The object is said to be 18 meters (60 feet) around and rises like a mushroom head 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) above the seabed. Also at the end of a long flat bottom 985 feet road that gives the impression that the object landed at the bottom of the Baltic Sea after falling from above.

Divers said they were awaiting a giant stone of some kind, but not exactly what they found. They found what they described as an egg-shaped opening at the top and strange circular stone formations around them that look like small fireplaces. Unusual volcanic activity excluded mainly because there has never been any indication of such activity in the region.

One of the team members said it was the strangest thing I'd ever experienced as a professional diver. Another said he had never seen anything like this in more than 6,000 dives. What exactly? Who you know, but you can have a look at a video via Gizmodo. It seems to me a huge rock of some kind, even if it is unusually smooth. Maybe a meteor that survived the entry into Earth's atmosphere, then rapidly cooled in the waters of the Baltic Sea.

Whatever it is, I think we all know who is the right person for the job is. Someone get Cameron on the phone stat

Visit to Jordan

Last week, I wrote a piece of my recent visit to Jordan, where he pointed out many historical, cultural and religious attractions in this country. Places like Petra, the Greco-Roman city of Jerash and important biblical Bethany beyond the Jordan. Visiting these places can be both inspiring and very humble time while, but after a few days of exploring ancient ruins, I was ready to stretch your legs and enjoy a bit of adventure. Fortunately, Jordan has plenty of that too.

The first part of my trip through Jordan was spent in and around the capital city of Amman is a modern, vibrant metropolis with a population of over two million. But a few days and I was ready for a bit of peace and solitude in the wilderness. Fortunately for me, our first destination after leaving the city was a quiet green hotel called Feynan located south.

Feynan is the perfect antithesis of the bustle of Amman. Quiet and peaceful, the lodge uses solar energy to heat water and generate little power you actually use. At night, the hallways and rooms are lit by candles that give the place a quiet glow, and almost exclusively vegetarian meals are made from local food. All this is part of Feynan commitment to have the lowest possible environmental impact, and while you're there, you may lose some amenities, but no one noticed. Feynan National Geographic named one of the top 50 eco-lodges in the world and does not take long to understand why.

As if that were not amazing enough Feynan on their own, who also happens to sit on the edge of the Biosphere Reserve of Dana, the largest nature reserve throughout Jordan. Dana is about 192 square meters. Km (120 sq. Miles) in size and is extremely varied landscapes. In Qadisiyah highland plateau that reached an altitude of about 1,500 meters (4,500 feet), but also gives a way to the vast desert floor far below. Abound sandstone, limestone and granite cliffs and canyons slice through the rock, waiting to be explored.

I was able to take two increases, while in the area, one at sunset and another sunrise, and both were spectacular. The red glow of sunrise and sunset projected area around Feynan in a warm light that was both foreign and familiar at the same time. This light is red, orange and pink desert living in a beautiful kaleidoscope that can not be fully conveyed in the pictures, but stay with me in my mind. Undoubtedly, it is one of the quietest places, quieter than I had the opportunity to visit during my travels.

Unfortunately, my stay at Feynan was too short and we were on the road again the next day. But if I had to choose a place to return to Jordan it would probably be here. I am told that these mysterious canyons offer great trekking and climbing, and waterfalls deep inside rock formations hidden and few have the opportunity to ever see. I would go back and spend a few days just trekking valleys and enjoy the quiet life in eco-lodge.

I can not say I'm entirely satisfied with the Dana Biosphere leave behind, but another fantastic fate that awaits them. Located in southern Jordan Wadi Rum, which is a large open space that other divided by high sandstone and granite formations. Wadi Rum is another destination and visitors looking for a first experience in the Jordan desert adventure will not go away disappointed. There are hiking and climbing opportunities galore and camel safaris offer a unique way to explore the dunes.

We take in the beauty of Wadi Rum in the back of a couple of 4x4s and spent most of the afternoon in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia. There we saw the seven pillars of wisdom and learned how the British officer helped organize and run agains Arab revolt of the Ottoman Empire during World War Lawrence still casts a long shadow over Jordan, but his myth is not as great as it is in the West.

Our unit beyond our natural rock bridges, towers and walls of granite spiral that would leave many climbers licking their lips in anticipation. We opened way through deep sand and collapsed on sand dunes with 20 stories high, while enjoying the austere beauty that made Wadi Rum a favorite destination for travelers. And at the end of the day we stopped at a Bedouin camp would be our resting place for the night. Tonight, participated in a traditional Bedouin meal, sang songs, danced and smoked the hookah, while generally a billion stars glowing. He was one of the most impressive night skies I've ever seen, and well worth a trip deep into the desert alone.

The next morning, a group of us were at dawn to get a totally different perspective of Wadi Rum. Interference on a hot air balloon, spent the early hours of drifting a thousand meters above the desert floor, looking for the perfect view sunlight creeps across the landscape below. It was my first time in a hot air balloon, and I found it to be a wonderfully serene experience. When the flame was not blaring from hot air balloon above, we drifted along peacefully wherever the wind took it. It was the perfect way to start the day and was a reminder of how vast and beautiful wilderness.

Again, my time in Wadi Rum was too short and another Jordanian destination would love to return. Adventurous travelers can actually walk through the desert on foot, camping under the stars every night. If you have time, which is how I recommend you see this place that has captivated visitors for centuries.

My visits to both the Biosphere Reserve of Dana and Wadi Rum showed me a completely different side to Jordan he had seen while visiting his historical wonders. It reaffirmed its position as a destination for adventure travelers as well. Hikers and climbers will find plenty to like in both places, provided they have enough time to plan their routes to take long time.

Visit Jordan: Petra Explorer

In recent weeks, I shared stories about my recent visit to Jordan, the first to write about the history and culture of the place, and then follow that with a few adventure destinations. Today, I also wrote an article for Gadling.com Petra, the most famous and iconic landmark Jordan. The piece is in Petra right: Beyond The Treasury, because I thought there was much to see and do there what I had imagined.

The ancient city of Petra was founded in the sixth century BC, when it was founded as part of an effort by a Bedouin tribe known as the Nabataeans. Over the centuries, a business empire was built and used the city as their capital. Later, it was conquered by the Romans and finally abandoned altogether. Over the centuries, it was almost forgotten until it was rediscovered by explorer Johann Ludwig in 1812.

Images of the area have always intrigued travelers, who are fascinated by the stone buildings carved directly into the sandstone walls. The best known of these structures is called the Treasury, but in fact it was actually a tomb. As I noted in my story for Gadling, for many people the Treasury Petra is and what they do not realize is located at the entrance of a huge complex of stone structures that may take several days to fully explore.

When I visited the site in April, I was surprised to find so many ruins there including a Roman amphitheater, a temple, and dozens of other structures. There was even a ruin known as the monastery was so well preserved and impressive than the Treasury but is less known, in part because it sits atop a plateau that requires a hike up 900 steps to reach. A similar site, known as the High Place of Sacrifice, is also increasing (in this case, only 700 steps!) Because it offers great views of the city.

Before going, I knew that Petra was wonderful, but until I saw it firsthand, I did not realize how amazing it is. Walking around the place is like walking through history and I think it's worth a visit to Petra in Jordan alone. Obviously there are many more things to do and see in the country, but Petra       is certainly a destination not to be missed.