Beautiful Bras for Breast Cancer will give Cairns visitors the opportunity to contribute to a good cause while having plenty of fun.

The event supports a number of charitable organisations, including Cancer Council Queensland, Breast Screen Queensland and Climbing for a Cause.

Tourists staying in Cairns hotels (www.laterooms.com) between October 1st and 22nd 2010 will have the opportunity to visit the HUGS Gallery venue and have a look round an exhibition featuring the work of local artists and “well-known ladies”, the organisers have revealed.

Sculptures and artworks will be on display throughout the event, but the main draw for people staying in some of the cheap accommodation Cairns (www.laterooms.com) has available is likely to be the 15 bras decorated especially for the occasion.

As well as looking at this unique lingerie, attendees will have the opportunity to win some of it themselves by bidding in a silent auction, with the successful participants set to be announced at the Pink Ribbon High Tea on October 24th.

The exhibition will open at 18:30 local time on October 1st and will then run each week from Tuesday to Sunday, between 12:00 and 21:00.

Those who are keen to attend can find HUGS Gallery at 70 Abbot Street, opposite Cairns City Library.

For more information on this event, visit the Pink Ribbon High Tea website.

LateRooms.com features an array of accommodation in Cairns, including The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa (www.laterooms.com).

Source: www.prlog.org

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Big City Mountaineers (BCM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to enhance the lives of under-resourced urban teens through transformative outdoor experiences, has announced its early application process for 2011 Summit for Someone (SFS) climbs.

SFS has emerged as the number one mountaineering fundraiser in the country because it gives outdoor enthusiasts a chance to travel, climb the world’s premier mountains and have a profound positive impact on under-resourced youth. To join this world-class event, participants make a monetary pledge to BCM (BigCityMountaineers.org). Through SFS, each participant raises enough money to send five inner city teens on a weeklong wilderness trip with a one-to-one mentor ratio.

“We’re excited to offer another year of dream adventures for folks who want to climb some of the world’s premier mountains for a good cause,” says Brendan Leonard, Summit For Someone manager. “This year, we’re also offering a climb of Kilimanjaro, as well as the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire. And if you want to climb something that’s not on our 2011 schedule, we’re offering the option to plan custom climbs with our guide services.”

Starting September 1, a $50 early application fee secures one of 150 spots available for 2011 climbs. SFS participants can then pick their climb by choosing to either pay a $450 deposit or raise $1,250 by October 1. Normally a $1,000 deposit is required. The remaining amount of funds participants must raise varies depending on their climb. SFS offers summits from $2,900 alpine rock climbs to $8,500 expeditions. To assist participants’ fundraising efforts, BCM offers tools including a personalized donation web page. Depending on the climb, participants also receive a gift card valued from $250 to $1,000 from MountainGear.com to purchase appropriate gear for their climb. Head to SummitforSomeone.org now to apply and reserve your spot.

Source: www.outdoorindustry.org

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Mount Kenya Climbing info

Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain at 5,199m and the highest of all Kenya Mountains. Mount Kenya is roughly circular, about 60km across at the 200mm contour, where the steep font hills rise out of the gentler slopes of the centered highlands. At the centre of the massif, the main peaks rise sharply from around 4,500m to the main summit of Batian 5,199m, Nelion 5,188m and point Lenana 4,985m. Other major summits on the mountain include Point Piggott 4,957m, Point Dutton 4,885 and Point John 4,883m. Of the three Mt. Kenya main peaks (Batian, Lenana and Nelion), only point Lenana can be reached by trekkers and the other two being only for technical climbers.
After the cultivated farmlands on the lower slopes of Mt Kenya, the trails pass through the rain forest, rich in trees of many species but noticeably camphors, then onto a bamboo zone growing to heights of more than 12m or more up through open moor land before reaching the moonscape of higher slopes. The forests on Mount Kenya are rich in wildlife including elephant, buffalo and monkeys with even the moor lands offering a long list of mammals including the rock hyrax, the nearest living relative of the elephant.

Mt. Kenya is an ancient volcanic mountain much older than Mt. Kilimanjaro. Hiking Mount Kenya is believed to have once reached well above 600m. What is left today is volcanic plug which erosion has fashioned into the complex jagged outline of the central peaks.

When to Trek Mount Kenya
Although, Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round, it’s best and safest to climb Mt. Kenya during the dry seasons: months of January-February and August to September off the most reliably fine weather. The main routes are likely to be more crowded at this time of the year. If you favor complete solitude over the sunny skies, try going slightly off the peak season. It’s best to avoid the two rainy seasons from mid March until June and from late October to the end of December.

Mount Kenya climbing Routes/Itineraries
There are three main Mount Kenya climbing routes, which penetrate the forest and the moorland. The Mount Kenya trekking routes are Naromoru, Sirimon and Chogoria and each of which has something different to offer. Naromoru is the fastest route to point Lenana but not as scenic as the other two. Mount Kenya Chogoria Route is the most scenic and Sirimon the most interesting because it is on the drier side of the mountain.

MOUNTAIN KILIMANJARO CLIMBING
Nearly every one would like to experience the euphoria of
climbing Africa’s highest peak Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m). One of the chief attractions of this snow capped spectacular is that no previous mountain experience is required. You have to be physically fit to make to the ascent of the mountain which is exhibiting and unforgettable. Mt Kilimanjaro climbing and hiking safaris. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Trekking Machame Route, Mt Kilimanjaro Walking Tours, climbing Marangu Route

12 Days : Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro climbing combined Sirimon/ Chogoria  and Kilimanjaro trek Marangu route Day. Arrival – NairobiPick up from the airport on arrival and transfer you to Comfort inn hotel for overnight stay . Day 1 : Nairobi/Nanyuki
Depart Nairobi mid morning for Nanyuki arriving in time for lunch. The afternoon is spent in this area for acclimatization. Dinner and overnight in a budget hotel. Day 2. Old Moses Camp
After breakfast, drive to Sirimon Park Gate. After chek-in start hiking through the Rain Forest for 9 km to Old Moses camp (3300m). Dinner and overnight. Day 3. Shipton Camp
Depart Old Moses Camp at 7:30 am via Mackinders Valley to Shipton Camp (4200m). The distance takes 6 to 7 hrs. Dinner and overnight. Day 4.Point Lenana- Chogoria
Early morning departure (3:00 am) to the summit, a walk that takes 3 hrs to point Lenana (4985m) arriving at 6:30 in the morning. After sunrise, descend to Mintos Hut for full breakfast and later proceed down through the Gorges valley to Chogoria Bandas and campsite. Dinner and overnight. Day 5. Chogoria/Nairobi
After breakfast, set on morning journey to Chogoria (32km). 4WD vehicles are provided but during bad weather, climbers may have to walk some disance as vehicles may not reach the Bandas. From Chogoria transport is provided back to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon Drop off at Comfort in hotel for overnight stay. 6 Day 1: Arrival – Arusha On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, met and assisted. Transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay before embarking on the Kilimanjaro trek the following day. Marangu Route Total hiking distance: About 96 km’s on the easiest trekking route commonly known as the Coca-Cola route (Excluding any acclimatization hikes on day 3) Day 7: Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara hut (2700m) Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: About 12 km’s  | Habitat: Montane forest The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest.  The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found. (An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail, branches off to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to rejoin the main trail either, after 1½ hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.) Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut. Day 8: Mandara hut (2700m) – Horombo hut (3720m) Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km’s | Habitat: Moorland From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel  (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight. Day 9: Horombo hut (3720m) – Acclimatization day Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest. Day 5: Horombo hut (3720m) – Kibo hut (4700m) Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km’s | Habitat: Alpine desert After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night’s time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!! Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible. Day10: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m) Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru – 6 hours to descend to Horombo | Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent  | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone screen, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions. Day 11: Horombo hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m) Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km’s After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Arusha for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at a budget hotel. Day 12: Departure Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or continue with your safari schedule

Rock climbing expedition on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic 45 days, 0 nights, 600km on foot, 4 guys, 1 girl,… and the polar bears… www.xpedition.be

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and beautiful hill stations of northern India. Kullu and Manali are two other important hill stations of northern India. Surrounded by seven hills Shimla is considered as the Queen of Hills.

The seven hills are Summer hill, Prospect hill, Observatory hill, Jakhoo hill, Iverarm hill, Bantony hill, and Elysium hill. Seven hills of Shimla offer a variety of activities to be enjoyed and several attractions to be visited. The gorgeous town of Shimla was the summer capital of India before independence. There are lots of attractions and fascinating places that can be explored on Shimla tours in Himachal Pradesh.

Jakhoo Temple situated on the Jakhoo hill is one of the most important attractions of the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It offers panoramic view of the city. The temple is best seen in the soft morning sunlight. Scandal Point, Kurfi Zoo, the Mall, the Ridge, Kamna Devi Temple at Prospect Hill, Tara Devi Temple, Lakkar Bazaar, Vice Regal Lodge at Observatory hill, Christ Church, etc are the must visit attractions of Shimla tour in Himachal Pradesh, India. You too should not forget to visit these attractions on your visit to Shimla city.

And yes, Himachal tour and travel not ends here. You will surly to love the gorgeous region of Kulu Manali while in Himachal Pradesh. Kullu and Manali is two other beautiful hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and globally famous for exceptional beauty of nature. You will feel as if nature had poured all its beauty on Kullu and Manali. The distance between Shimla to Manali is about 260 km. And the Shimla Manali route is itself very scenic offering perfect view for your camera. Manali – popularly described as the Switzerland of India – is very popular among tourists from all over the world.

This magnetic city has several reasons to deserve the attention of tourists. Manali tour will introduce these reasons. And you will agree with them, it is sure. It is the scenic beauty of its landscapes and delightful climate of the region that makes Manali very popular among honeymooners and newly wedded couples from all around the world. It is an ideal destination for honeymooners and offers a variety of options to enjoy honeymoon holidays. Snow-capped mountain peaks, gorgeous meadows carpeted with wild flowers, fruit laden apple orchards, lush green valley, adventure activities, etc are prime attractions of the city. Manali Mountaineering Institute, Manali Sanctuary, Temples, Tibetan Temples, Buddhist Monasteries & Gompas, etc are also worth visiting attractions of the city.

Paragliding, trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rafting, shopping, etc are some popular activities of the city that you will surly to love to enjoy. There are several Manali tour packages available in the market made available by various travel agents and tour operators. You can choose a right Manali tour package and start your tours and travel in Manali – the Switzerland of India.

Source: www.prlog.org

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North Conway, NH — The second annual Kismet Cliff Run is slated for Sunday, September 19 at 10:00am in Echo Lake State Park, North Conway, NH. A benefit for Kismet Rock Foundation, the 5-mile trail race will follow last year’s inaugural route, including a grueling Cathedral Ledge uphill and some nasty downhills. Kismet Cliff Run event sponsor LaSportiva is donating a range of prizes, including gift certificates for trail running shoes, a jacket, hats and travel mugs. Local La Sportiva Rep Doug Madara is also offering this special challenge to racers, “If last year’s course record of 48:18 is beat, LaSportiva will make an extra donation of $200 to Kismet Rock Foundation!” Prizes are also being donated by Eastern Mountain Sports and Mountain Hardwear. Matty Braun’s Kearsarge Café will be providing post-race California-styled burritos. Race founder and volunteer director Gabe Flanders has created innovative recycled trophies for Kismet Cliff Run race winners- retired trail running shoes painted metallic colors and mounted on “granite” bases.

Out of last year’s field of 50 runners, the first to cross the finish line was nativeson and Olympian Nordic skier Carl Swenson with a time of 48:18, also the race’s only sub-fifty minute finish. New this year for the race will be a noncompetitive Walker’s Division, with the same route as the runners. Registration fee for runners and walkers is $20. For a race route description, please visit http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/join-us/events/kismet-cliff-run/. To register for the 2010 Kismet Cliff Run (and walk) please visit www.active.com or pick up a registration form at one of the following Mount Washington Valley businesses: Eastern Mountain Sports, International Mountain Equipment, Ragged Mountain Equipment, or Kearsarge Café in North Conway and Altitude 6288 Sports in Gorham, NH. To receive a race registration form via snail mail please call 603-383-9928.

Based in North Conway, NH, Kismet Rock Foundation enhances the physical, intellectual and emotional development of well-functioning but economically disadvantaged children by providing access to the immense value of a comprehensive education in technical rock climbing. Kismet Rock Foundation currently offers programs to students from Boston, MA; Bartlett, Gorham & Manchester, NH; Portland, ME and Bolton, VT. To learn more about Kismet Rock Foundation, make a donation or become involved as a volunteer, email janet@kismetrockfoundation.org, call 603-986-9457 or visit www.kismetrockfoundation.org.

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Rappelling requires using a figure-8 and a locking carabiner for a secure point of anchor, and it is best to rappel with a partner so each can inspect the other’s ropes and harnesses before leaning back. Understand the basic principles of rappelling with helpful advice from an experienced climber in this free video on rock climbing. Expert: Jeff Dopp Bio: Jeff Dopp has been climbing since 1980 and has climbed all over the country. Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

Off of the epic 70s album Climbing! Should have been a biger band but never received the kudos they deserved i think.

Funny Clip of a News caster slip up..from blind to gay…it takes skills to change the 2 words up so flawlessly

The highest mountain in Andorra, the Pic de Coma Pedrosa, turns from a moderate hike to a difficult climb half way up the Pyrenees’ mountain, yet no climbing equipment is necessary. Unable to calculate the mileage of the trail (in American hiking miles), I estimate the 2942 meter mountain is about a five-mile hike one-way.