Nat Geo's Adventure Travel Destinations For 2012

As 2011 grinds to its inevitable end, it is now time to start looking forward to 2012 and making plans for our adventures in the year that is ahead. With that in mind, the National Geographic Adventure blog has shared their picks for the top destinations and activities for 2012.

Some of the places earning a spot on the list include Mammoth Mountain in California, which is famous for its great snowboarding and skiing. Those looking for a different kind of mountain experiences are encouraged to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina for a mountain biking adventure or visit China to take on the 7498 meter (24,600 ft) tall Mustagata. Paddlers will have plenty to choose from as well, as the list provides kayaking opportunities in Idaho and Rhode Island, as well as an epic canoe trip through the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania.

All in all, a pretty great list of suggestions for making plans for next year. I'll be writing my own top ten travel list for Gadling.com soon, and this year I'm going to take a slightly different tact. Instead of listing a specific destination, I'm going to list a specific adventure from a specific travel company that can help you get the most out of your travels. So, rather than saying go to Nepal because its great for the following reasons, I'm going to instead recommend trekking the Annapurna Circuit with a specific adventure travel company. This is just an example, but I'll be sure to share my list here once it goes live over at Gadling too. I think you'll like some of the suggestions.

Until that time, be sure to read Nat Geo's list, as it does have some great suggestions, not all of which will destroy your bank account.

Outside To Premiere Cold Online

The mountaineering film Cold has been getting a lot of positive buzz lately, picking up awards at various festivals and earning climber/filmmaker Cory Richards recognition as one of Nat Geo's Adventurers of the Year. The film follows Richards, along with climbers Simone Moro and Dennis Urubko, as they make the first winter ascent of Gasherbrum II, an 8035 meter (26,362 ft) peak located in Pakistan, hence the title "Cold."

Now, the film is set to make its online debut thanks to Outside Magazine. Tomorrow night, December 8, the magazine's website, OutsideOnline.com, will present the entire 19-minute film starting at 7 PM Mountain Standard Time. The site will also host a Q&A session afterwards with Richards, Moro, and filmmakers Anson Fogel and Kelly Cordes.

This is a great opportunity to catch a film that the entire mountaineering community is buzzing about. Check out the trailer below to get a glimpse at what makes this film special and then make plans to attend the online premiere tomorrow night from the comfort of your own home. It looks like it should be well worth watching and I'm looking forward to seeing the whole thing for myself.



COLD - TRAILER from Forge Motion Pictures on Vimeo.

Nat Geo Launches Global Exploration Fund

Earlier today, National Geographic announced the launch of its new Global Exploration Fund. The initiative is designed to research funding for conservation and exploration efforts in regional centers around the planet. The first of those regional programs will be in Stockholm, Sweden, where an advisory board consisting of a group of explorers and scientists will review projects to receive possible funding.

The new Stockholm office will be led by Executive Director Stefan Nerpin, who, along with his team, will serve as the primary point of contact for receiving grant applications. Those applications are currently being accepted from the 14 regional countries that are eligible. Those countries include: Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

In a press release sent out this morning, Nerpin is quoted as saying "I am excited to be part of this effort and hope to establish this National Geographic office as a significant source of funding for Northern European scientists and explorers." He goes on to add "It is also our goal to find additional sources of income, so that we can continue to grow this program to support even more explorers in the field."

The plan is to open more of these regional centers over time, providing grants to other researchers and explorers in other countries that might otherwise have a difficult time raising funds.

For more information on the program and to find out how to apply, click here.

National Geographic Announces 2012 Adventurers of the Year!

National Geographic has announced their selections for the 2012 Adventurers of the Year. As usual, the group is an eclectic lot, with climbers, explorers, surfers, skiers, and more making the cut.

Regular readers of this blog will recognize more than a few names on the list. For instance, Alastair Humphreys received a nod for his efforts to inspire everyone to add a little adventure to their lives. Kayakers Jon Turk and Erik Boomer, whom we followed around Ellesmere Island this past summer, get some much deserved recognition, as does Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, who became the first woman to summit all fourteen 8000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen when she conquered K2 at last. Others earning Adventurer of the Year honors include climber Corey Richards, AT thru-hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis, and mountain biker Danny MacAskill.

As they've done the past few years, Nat Geo is allowing us to weigh in with our own selection for Adventure of the Year by letting us all vote in their annual People' Choice poll. Starting today, and running through January 18th, we have the chance to vote each and every day for the person we think is most deserving of the title of Adventurer of the Year. The winner of the People's Choice award will be announced in February.

The folks at Nat Geo Adventure have also put together a fantastic photo album of this year's winners as well. You can check those images out by clicking here.

So? What do you think of this list? Personally, I think it is a great cross-section of the many adventures that took place this past year, but in all fairness I have to disclose that I was part of the selection process to a degree and recommended some of these folks for inclusion. Did we miss someone who should have made the list? Who is your choice for the Adventurer of the Year? I happen to like all of these men and women, but if I were forced to pick one, I'd go with Gerlinde.

Congrats to all the winners. This is a much deserved honor.

Get Your Gear Fix!

If you've been looking for a gear fix in recent days, I have a couple of articles that are sure to help out. First up, we have this story, over at Outside Online, that comes our way via the Gear Junkie himself, which lists the best equipment for adventure racing. Some of the items that make the list include the USA AS-1 Backpack from Out There which has been called the best AR pack ever (My review is coming soon!), and a new watch from Suunto that GJ calls "mandatory gear." He also gives a nod to his pick for the best shoes, helmet, jacket, and more. Definitely a must read for fans of AR or those considering getting into the sport.

The other gear article that comes our way today is the Nat Geo Adventure Blog's picks for Gear of the Year for Fall-Winter 2011.  Gear items earning that distinction include jackets from the North Face, Mammut, and Eddie Bauer, as well as a nice sleeping bag from Sierra Designs and boots from Danner. That's really just scratching the surface however, as there is plenty of other gear for playing in the snow as well.

These lists arrive in time to not only tempt us to go shopping for new gear for ourselves, but also to buy for the outdoor adventure enthusiasts on our holiday shopping lists. With all of the great gear, there is sure to be something to please even the pickiest person.

Nat Geo Adventure Interviews Kayaker Jesse Coombs

National Geographic has posted an interview with kayaker Jesse Combs on their Adventure Blog today, in which he talks about making huge drops off waterfalls, such as 96-foot Abiqua Falls, which he went over in April. The video for that drop has recently shown up on websites once again, despite the fact that we featured it here on the Adventure Blog just days after it happened.

In the interview, Jesse talks about what the experiencing of making a big drop like Abiqua from the moment he gets into his kayak to the moment he breaks the surface after the drop. He also touches on the dangers of running these big falls and the injuries they can bring on, his dream kayak trip, and the best paddling adventure he's ever been on.

The interview is a good one and offers some insights into the world of paddling these big falls. The current record for a big drop is 186-feet, but Coombs says he believes someone will try to break that record soon.

And it case you missed it the first time, here is the video of Jesse going over Abiqua Falls in April.

Exploring Australia's Slot Canyons With National Geographic

Canyoneering is the term given to an outdoor activity that involves hiking, climbing, and scrambling through narrow, twisting canyons. It is a popular outdoor pursuit in places like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Canyonlands National Parks here in the U.S. It also happens to be the subject of a new article from National Geographic as well, with author and climber Mark Jenkins traveling to Australia to experience the Aussie version of the sport.

The article, which can be read in its entirety by clicking here, explores an extreme form of canyoneering in which participants look for the most remote, unexplored, and narrow canyons they can find. They travel light, relish the challenge of getting into tight places, and aren't afraid to endure cold water, unforgiving rock, and extremely narrow slots, just on the off chance that they might discover a place that no one has seen yet. They even revel in the fact that a GPS won't work in the narrow gorges, forcing them to navigate by map and compass – that is, if a map of the area even exists.

One of the most popular destinations for canyoneering in Australia is the Blue Mountains. Located not far from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a series of canyons carved by rivers over thousands of years. The area also happens to offer thick vegetation, leading Jenkins to describe the area as a mix of Utah's canyonlands, covered with the dense plant life found in Louisiana.

Aussie canyoneers have a culture that is all their own. The article introduces us to a couple of these characters, who obviously love what they do, but are also reluctant to share their favorite destinations with the outside world. They even have a bit of rivalry between them that adds a bit of flavor to their story.

As usual, this is another great story from Nat Geo and it will likely have you dreaming of canyons to explore as well. The Blue Mountains, which are central to the story, sound fantastic, and reading Jenkins account of his own exploration into those canyons makes me want to visit the place as well.

The bucket list of adventures just continues to grow.

Five Explorers For The Future

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Jon Bowermaster's writing. He regularly posts interesting and thoughtful pieces on his own website, as well as TakePart.com. We both just happen to be contributors at Gadling as well, and today Jon has posted a great piece that looks at five up and coming explorers for the future.

Jon starts the article out by defining just what exploration will mean in the 21st century. As he notes, there really aren't any new lands to explore and our quest for precious metals and other rare commodities has morphed into a search for alternative energy sources and cures for diseases. He argues that the new area of exploration is more science based and involves as much time in the lab as it does in the field.

With that in mind, Jon does offer us five emerging explorers to keep our eyes on in the future. Those include: Hayat Sindi, who is developing new ways to monitor health and medical needs in developing parts of the world. She is joined by Ashley Murray, who is tackling wastewater issues, and Kevin Hand, a rocket scientist charged with designing a propulsion system to take a probe to Europa. Juan Martinez, who works to inspire youth to get outside, and Tuy Sereivathana, a conservationist who is protecting elephants in Cambodia, round out the list.

If some of those names sound familiar, it is because they are all on National Geographic's Emerging Explorers list for 2011, which I wrote about back in May. They also represent the changing face of exploration in the new millennium – an era that is also shifting our thoughts on what is important in this field. The days of the stalwart explorer in a pith helmet carving his way through the unknown regions of the jungle are mostly over, and these are the explorers that are going to lead us into the future.

National Geographic Celebrates 100 Years Of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of South America, and the stunning images of the mountain top fortress, located high in the Peruvian Andes, have inspired more than a few thoughts of adventure. 2011 marks the 100 year anniversary of Hiram Bingham's rediscovery of the hidden fortress, and to celebrate National Geographic has launched a website dedicated to that amazing place, which has been an archaeological treasure trove for a century.

Whether you've visited the site yourself or have dreams of making the journey one day, you'll find plenty to love on the Nat Geo Machu Picchu site. Not only will you find a host of great images from ancient city, you'll also get a list of the top 10 Machu Picchu secrets and 10 famous visitors, which include several surprising names. You'll also find articles on the history of the place, five great side trips while you're in Peru, and suggestions for alternate routes to the Inca Trail – a popular 4-day trek that ends in Machu Picchu itself. And once you've finished digesting all of that information, you'll be able to test your knowledge in a Machu Picchu quiz as well.

As a kid, reading the story of Bingham's discovery of Machu Picchu was like reading a real life account of Indian Jones. I was fascinated by the fact that a structure such as this one could be hidden away for centuries, and it allowed my imagination to run wild thinking about all the other undiscovered sites that are still out there, just waiting for us to stumble across them. This Sunday, July 24th,  is 100 years to the day since that archaeological find. Take a moment on that day to at least give a tip-of-the-hat to not only the Incans that built the amazing structure, but the man who rediscovered it as well.

National Geographic Announces 2011 Explorers of the Year

Kenny Broad (Photo by Rebecca Hale)

Last night, National Geographic held their first ever "Evening of Exploration" during which they announced the winners of their inaugural Explorers of the Year awards. During the event, three individuals and a corporation received recognition for their efforts in a variety of fields.

The 2011 Explorers of the Year award went to environmental anthropologist Kenny Broad and underwater photographer Wes Skiles, for their efforts in exploring and documenting the Blue Holes of the Bahamas last year. This was particularly fitting, as the theme of the evening was "Oceans."

Broad is a professor at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and serves as the director of the University of Miami’s Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy. He also co-directs the Center for Research on Environmental Decisions at Columbia University. Broad specializes in the study of the interaction between humans and their environment.

Skiles worked as a freelance photographer and produced, directed and filmed over 100 projects for television. He was an accomplished diver who specialized in filming and photographing underwater caves, having explored those beautiful, yet dangerous environments, in Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Australia, Antarctica and the Bahamas. Sadly, he passed away last year on a dive off the coast of Florida. His family accepted the award for him posthumously.

Also honored at the event were musician Jack Johnson and the IBM corporation. Johnson was the recipient of the "Arts Ambassador for the Environment Award," which is presented to an individual in the entertainment field who has taken a leadership role in raising awareness about environmental issues. IBM took home the "Chairman's Award" for their work with Nat Geo on the Genographic Project, a  a ground breaking piece of research that examines how human populations migrated across the planet.

Congratulations to these very worthy winners.

Photo: Environmental anthropologist Kenny Broad and late underwater photographer Wes Skiles were named National Geographic “Explorers of the Year” for their extraordinary achievements in exploring and documenting the Blue Holes of the Bahamas in 2010. Broad is seen here accepting his award at the inaugural “Evening of Exploration” event.  (Photo by Rebecca Hale)

20 Great Hikes In The National Parks

With summer nearly officially upon us, it is time to hit the trail and go for a hike. And what better place to hike than inside a national park? With that in mind, National Geographic Adventure has compiled a list of the 20 best hikes in the national parks, with some fantastic options for those looking to explore those great destinations on foot.

Amongst the trails that get a nod are Teton Crest Trail in Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming. Called the "signature hike" of the Grand Tetons, this one takes six days to complete, covering some of the most fantastic backcountry in North America. Outer Mountain Loop Trail in Big Bend gets a well deserved nod as well, although I don't recommend that trail in the summer. Wait for the cooler autumn weather before exploring that three day hike in the Texas heat. A better warm-weather option is the Yellowstone trail from Bechler to Old Faithful. That four-day trek will take you past some of the park's amazing geysers and waterfalls.

The other 17 hikes that earn a spot on the list are spread out from Maine to Alaska and are equally impressive. They range in length and difficulty, offering up something for the experienced backpacker and beginners alike, while sharing the common thread of some of the most breathtaking scenery you could ever hope to see.

So? Did they acknowledge your favorite national park trail? What would you add to this already impressive list?

National Geographic Announces 2011 Emerging Explorers

National Geographic has announced the 2011 list of Emerging Explorers, a distinction they bestow upon young adventurers, scientists, photographers, and storytellers who are already making a significant contribution to their field, even at a particularly young age or early stages of their profession. These are men and women who are on the cutting edge of science and exploration, with the potential to do great things. In support of these individuals, Nat Geo awards them a $10,000 grant to continue pursuing their work.

Amongst the 14 recipients of Emerging Explorer status this year is Tuy Sereivathana, a conservationist from Cambodia who is working to protect the endangered elephant population in his home country. He is joined by Aziz Abu Sarah, a man who is working to bridge relations between Israelis and Palestinians, and Kevin Hand, an astrobiologist who will search for life in the oceans of Europa, the fourth largest moon of Jupiter. Ecologist Sasha Kramer earns a spot on the list for her work in addressing basic health and sanitation needs in Haiti, while Kakani Katija studies the effects of creatures living in the ocean on the waves and tidal currents, which have a broader effect on the world.

This is just a sample of the great work these explorers are pursing. Most are in the field and actively researching their particular interests. They are on the forefront of some very important cultural, ecological, and historical studies, and if past recipients of the Emerging Explorers award are any indication, you're likely to hear at least some of these names again in the years to come.

A hearty congratulations to the winners. This award is much deserved! Keep up the great work!

Nat Geo Adventure Announces Spring/Summer Gear of the Year for 2011

Our friends over at National Geographic Adventure have posted their picks for Gear of the Year for Spring/Summer 2011. As the weather heats up, we all need different gear for our outdoor activities, and the items on the list reflect a different approach for the new seasons.

As you would expect from a list like this, there is a little of everything, including backpacks, tents, clothing, and more. One of the items making the list is the Osprey Hornet 46 backpack, which receives high honors for being lightweight and flexible, something that I noted when I reviewed the Hornet 32 awhile back. It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the convenience and comfort that comes with the Osprey packs, and this one is definitely no exception.

Also making the list is the Stretch Cohesion jacket from Mountain Hardwear, which gets the nod for its many multisport uses. The Marmot Plasma 30 sleeping bag was a hit thanks to its comfort and lightweight, while the Salewa Alp Trainer hiking boot earned a spot on the list for it all around quality and design, not to mention comfort, on the trail.

This is just a sampling of the gear that made the cut however, as there is plenty of other footwear, gadgets, and other items as well. For instance, there are both DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras on the list, as well as a great outdoor watch. The iPad 2 gets a mention as well thanks its more svelte design and all around usefulness as a travel companion, something I whole heartedly agree with.

So, if you've got some spare cash burning a hole in your pocket, and you're looking for some new gear for your warm weather adventures, take a look at what Nat Geo recommends, and maybe you'll find an item that is exactly what you're looking for.

Elephant Ivory Project Update: Samples In Hand, Team Heads For Home

It has been a couple of weeks since we had any kind of update on the Elephant Ivory Project, the expedition that is being conducted by Trip Jennings and Andy Maser, who are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in an effort to put a halt to the illegal ivory trade. Trip and Andy went to the Congo to venture deep into the bush, where they hoped to collect plenty of samples of elephant dung that they could use to build a "DNA map" of the region. That map could hold the key to shutting down poachers, as DNA samples could potentially allow us to trace the ivory trade route.

When we last checked in with the boys, there were having a hard time finding the samples they were looking for. They team had ventured deep into the jungle, and while they found evidence that elephants had been in the area at one time, there were no recent signs of the herds. Fortunately, a second team had managed to collect five samples from distinct elephant families, but at that point, Trip and Andy hadn't collected anything yet.

In their latest update however, it seems things have changed. While it was indeed looking grim for a time, the two young explorers, with the help of the chief a local tribe, managed to track down some elephants and collect some dung themselves. In fact, at one point, they had more opportunities to collect samples than they could handle, passing up on some to ensure that they were getting unique DNA for their project. With these new samples, along with ongoing collections from the other team, Trip and Andy now have enough DNA to begin the next phase of their project.

But, there is still one major hurdle to get over before they can move on, and that is getting those samples back to the U.S. Apparently they have all the paperwork they need to bring them through U.S. customs, but getting them out of the DNC and into Rwanda, where they catch their flight home, could still be an adventure.

If you haven't been following this project, than I'd urge you to take a look at the team's journal. Even if you couldn't care less about protecting the elephants (You should care!), the reports from the field are pretty eye opening. They really do give an interesting perspective on what it is like to live in remote and rural sections of Africa, where bandits still roam the countryside and governments struggle to maintain order. The occasional cholera breakout can't be good either. It is a real look at how many developing nations are struggling to move forward into the 21st century.

[Photo courtesy of the Elephant Ivory Project]

Fringe Elements: Free Soloing With A Net

Last week I posted about a new set of videos from National Geographic Adventure called Fringe Elements which exhibit the adventure lifestyle by spotlighting some very cool outdoor activities. The videos covered everything from trail running and snowboarding to mountaineering and paddling, with the early entrants into the series showing tons of promise for what is to come.

One of the videos features rock climber Matt Maddaloni free soloing some rock climbing routes, which can be a challenging and dangerous activity. In fact, the text that accompanies the video asks whether free soloing "epitomizes the climbing spirit" or is instead "the reckless, selfish endeavor of adrenaline junkies?" Climbers who choose to free solo work without ropes, which leaves them little room for error, and when they fall, there is nothing to catch them, sometimes resulting in severe injuries or even death.

Maddaloni came up with a solution for this by building a net that he can set-up beneath him while he climbs. It gives him the freedom of climbing unfettered but the security of having the equivalent of a rope in case he does fall. It seems like a great safety solution, albeit one that won't work in all situations. Check out the video here to see in action.

You can also read Matt's thoughts on deep water soloing by clicking here. This is rock climbing that is done over a large, preferably deep, pool of water, which serves as the climbers "net" should they fall. It has become more popular amongst some free solo climbers as well.

So what are your thoughts on the subject? Is free soloing a selfish pursuit or something that should be admired? Personally, I think climbers should be allowed to pursue what ever climbing techniques they like, but to not use safety equipment just seems like you're asking for trouble.

Nat Geo Launches "Fringe Elements" Adventure Video Series

National Geographic has launched a new line of adventure sports videos called Fringe Elements that looks to have a ton of great potential. As you can imagine, coming from Nat Geo, the quality is extremely high, and they cover a broad base of outdoor activities. In the first round of videos alone, there is everything from  rock climbing to trail running, with just about everything in between.

Along with the launch of these new videos, there is all a gallery of "expert tips" which offers up some great advice on a number of important topics. For example, there are tips on how to pack lighter (always important and appreciated on my end!) as well as a list of the top gear for aspiring adventure filmmakers.

Check out the full list of a launch videos by clicking here. I've also posted an example below. Great stuff to start the day.

Nat Geo Channel's Expedition Week Begins Sunday

Expedition Week returns to the National Geographic Channel starting this weekend, with a fantastic line-up of shows, including two new premiere's each night. The fun begins on Sunday, April 3rd, with the debut of Eating with Cannibals and Finding Jack The Ripper, which promises to present new clues as to the identity of that infamous killer.

Things are just getting started from there though, as some of the most interesting programming is scheduled for later in the week. For instance, I'm excited about the Hunt for the Abominable Snowman show that will air on Monday, as well as Egypt's Lost Rival on Tuesday and Lost Land of the Tiger on Friday. This is just the tip of the iceberg however, as there is plenty of other great television to be enjoyed, with a host of adventurous topics on tap. For a complete list of shows visit the Expedition Week website.

That's not all though. The Expedition Granted contest is still in full swing, the winner of which will receive $10,000 in funding for the expedition of their choice. The two contestants are Dash Masland, who hopes to travel to Hawaii to conduct research on endangered seals, and Trevor Frost, who will travel to Indonesia to help park rangers combat illegal poaching. When we checked in on them a few weeks back, Trevor held a slight edge, but now the fortunes have shifted in Dash's favor. Help decide which of these deserving explorers gets the funds by voting here.

Expedition Week will run from April 3 - April 9, only on the Nat Geo Channel. Enjoy it while it lasts!

In Search Of The World's Most Poisonous Frog

You think it's easy being a photographer for National Geographic? Sure they get sent to some of the most amazing places on the planet and capture fantastic photographs of those destinations. But did you ever stop to wonder what they have to go through to get those great shots? Check out the video below for a very funny first hand account from photographer Mark Moffett, who traveled to Colombia to find an elusive, and very dangerous tree frog.

Nat Geo Looking To Fund Young Explorer As Part Of Expedition Week

The week of April 3rd - 9th will be Expedition Week on the Nat Geo Channel, and much like they did back in the fall of 2009, the network is running an online contest that will determine one of two expeditions that they will fund in the near future.

The contest is called Expedition Granted, and it pits Dash Masland vs. Trevor Frost for the ultimate goal of sending them on the project they've been planning for some time. In the case of Dash, that would be off to Hawaii, where she'll do research to help save a species of endangered seal. Frost, on the other hand, hopes to visit Indonesia, where he will work closely with park rangers in an effort to prevent poaching in national parks there.

As of this writing, the voting is actually neck and neck, with Trevor holding a slight lead at 50.6% of the vote versus Dash's 49.4%. Picking which expedition to fund in this manner seems a bit cruel, but I think it's clear who we need to vote for here. Frost's expedition is an important one that will have him working with national parks that have limited resources and have been mismanaged, and as a result, they've seen some of their natural resources taken away from them. He hope to change that by identifying where inefficiencies take place so that they can be corrected. Conservation efforts will be greatly improved thanks to his work.

Dash, on the other hand, simply wants to go to Hawaii to hang out on the beach and enjoy the lovely weather. (Yes, I'm kidding folks!)

You can vote for either one of the two by clicking here.

Oh, and remember that story I wrote about last week where the explorers were heading off to the Congo in an effort to save the elephants there? Turns out that that expedition was funded from the 2009 contest that I referenced above. Yep, Trip Jennings won that online vote, and now he's off tracking elephants in an attempt to stop the illegal trade of ivory. It's pretty cool to see these things come full circle.

Nat Geo Interviews Explorers Club President Lorie Karnath

This Saturday is the annual Explorers Club Dinner in New York City, which is expected to be attended by hundreds of explorers, adventurers, and scientists who are on the cutting edge of exploration around the globe. Before that event takes place however, National Geographic Adventure had a chance to interview EC President Lorie Karnath, and posted the Q&A on their blog.

In the interview, Karnath briefly talks about  the role explorers play in world events such as the unfolding disaster in Japan, before moving on to the theme of this year's club dinner. That theme is "Maya Prophecy" which extends well beyond the dire predications for 2012. The interview moves on to discuss modern day exploration and how important it is for us in the 21st century. That's just the tip of the iceberg, as Lorie talks about a host of other great topics as well, including her next expedition to a remote part of China.

I've read several interviews with Karnath, and she never fails to impress. She is smart, well read, and very informed of what is going on in the world of exploration and adventure. This particular interview serves as a bit of a "State of Exploration" address, and is definitely worth the read.