Archive for June, 2011

ColdAvenger Athlete Set to Summit Mount Fuji to Honor Fallen Heroes

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Dr. Eric Meyer, a ColdAvenger athlete, and Chhiring Dorje Sherpa are leading a group of US Armed Forces and the American300 tour to the summit of Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji. The group plans to push for the summit of Mount Fuji at dawn on July 4th,  US Independence Day.

American300 is a charitable and educational program which sponsors activities aimed at motivating and honoring our service members, their families and the communities that they live and operate in. Rob Powers, founder of American300 says of Mount Fuji, “Mount Fuji is a well-known symbol of Japan and the perfect location to honor our fallen heroes during the Mount Fuji Sunrise Summit.” American300 is recognized by the Department of Defense of Armed Forces Entertainment as a great supporting organization that helps morale, welfare and entertainment for service members stationed in combat, hardship and remote locations.

Meyer and Chhiring Dorje Sherpa plan to lead the group near the peak on July 3rd with plans to ascend the summit at dawn on July 4th taking in the sunrise on America’s Independence Day.

In 2008, Dr. Meyer and Chhiring Dorje were on K2 during the the most devastating disaster in history. Dr. Meyer was the only medical doctor on the mountain. Both climbers are world-renowned have extensive experience leading expeditions and climbs. Dr. Meyer sits on several nonprofit medical foundations and is the senior medical adviser to American300. Chhiring Dorje is one of the most recognized high-altitude climbers and holds the record for most Mt. Everest summits in one season at three.

“We are excited to have two professional and well versed mountaineers visit the Marines and Sailors of Camp Fuji to celebrate on our great nation’s birthday,” commented Captain Kenneth Tarr, US Marine Corp, Camp Fuji. “It is a historic moment and a rare opportunity to climb Mount Fuji with Chhirring and Dr. Myer to witness a sunrise on Japan’s most sacred landmark; something that none of us will ever forget.”

To read the entire blog post about this upcoming expedition click here.

Good luck team! Can’t wait to see pictures of the sunrise summit of Mount Fuji!

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Hiking a 14er? Read This First.

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Ski Magazine recently posted a great article about how to train, plan and conquer a 14er this summer. This, I like. Ski interviewed Aspen’s Christy Mahon, who has hiked and skied all of Colorado’s 54 14ers—so, yeah I think I will pay attention to what she says.

The first piece of advice is to TRAIN. So, that means you need to have a couple of long hikes notched on your belt before the big 14er hike. Also, some more sound advice:

“Use these as time to test your gear. Break in those new trail runners and get used to hiking with a heavy day pack.”

Don’t be that person breaking in new shoes on the day you try a 14,000 plus peak—woes will come your way. Guaranteed.

The next piece of advise is to PLAN your day. This is crucial to any outdoor adventure on proper timing of when you attempt to summit and having a good handle on what the weather is up to.

14ers.com is a great resource of past trip reports and a good place to check before heading out on your own trip–especially this year with so much snow in June.

Once hiking, it is important to stay hydrated and well-fed.

“Mid-morning snacks, along with steady water consumption, are critical to a strong all-day performance. Mahon recommends fruit, string cheese, energy bars and a GU with caffeine for when you feel mentally fatigued. Pack some solid food, like a sandwich, for the summit and have a recovery drink and something salty waiting in the car.”

This piece of advice I find really interesting,“When hiking in backcountry, “don’t zone out too much,” says Mahon. It’s critical to stay mentally aware.  “Make a lot of mental notes as you’re hiking—trail markers, forks in the road.”

To read the full article click here.

Have fun this summer in any epic hike you plan.  Remember that it doesn’t have to be a 14er to require proper training and  planning.

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Spring 2011 Expedition Update from ExplorersWeb

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

ExplorersWeb.com’s put together a news roundup from the 2011 expedition spring season.  The roundup includes updates from the Himalayas, the North Pole, and beyond, including the World Record of Altitude in Paragliding.

From the top of Everest to over the sea: World Record of Altitude in Paragliding One couldn’t fly, the other didn’t climb – together on Everest they broke the World Record of Altitude in Paragliding.  Read More…

It also included this statement about Cold Avenger.

K2 rescuer about the Cold Avenger: “Should be part of an altitude prescription”  The face mask not only unlocked ExWeb stories this Everest season but could also help you summit with proper use.  “I believe use of the mask is in fact most important during the early acclimatization stages for high altitude climbing,” said Eric F. Meyer, M.D (K2, 2008).  Read More…



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Posted in cold weather, mountain climbing, Uncategorized | Comments Off

June 11th is National Get Outdoors Day

Friday, June 10th, 2011

For our fans who like to Stay Out Longer, we want to remind you about National Get Outdoors Day.  June 11, 2011 will be the 4th year of this annual event that promotes healthy, active, outdoor fun.  The coordinators of this family-friendly, outdoors event are the American Recreation Coalition and the U.S. Forest Service.

Participants from federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and the recreation industry are again teaming up to host the fourth annual National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day) to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun at sites across the nation. On Saturday, June 11, 2011, these diverse partners will offer opportunities for American families to experience traditional and non-traditional types of outdoor activities. Prime goals of the day are reaching currently underserved populations and first-time visitors to public lands, and reconnecting our youth to the great outdoors. Read More…

You can find activities near you at the National Get Outdoors Day website. So, get outside and enjoy the outdoors!

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