Skurka looking for expedition ideas

ever since i was a little girl and read Halliburton's Adventures, i have wanted to see Iran. this would be a formidable challenge. i know that tourists do still go to Iran and i have heard that at least in the cities the people are extremely friendly, but i haven't heard much about traveling to the mountains & more remote areas.

anybody here know much about it?

Canning Stock Route?

Hi Colleen,
I lived in Iran during the 70's for a bit less than a year and regularly hiked up Tochal, a 13,000' + mountain directly north of Tehran. It would be a great place to acclimatize before venturing further afield. One of my regrets is that I didn't climb Damavand, a ~17,000' volcano in northeast Iran. It has a non technical route and I believe their is a shelter near the summit. Check with the Iranian mountaineering association(not sure any more of the exact name, but no problem finding them, I'm sure. There are also many other worthy peaks north of Tehran. I have my doubts about getting access to the Zagros mountains near the border with Iraq, though, given the current situation.
You will, indeed, find the Iranian people friendly and hospitable in most cases, and very curious about the outside world, especially the younger generation(s). If you manage to connect with Iranian climbers, I can practically guarantee you will have the time of your life. Terrific food, too. They are, IMO, the finest rice cooks in the world and have a very sophisticated cuisine. Best of luck, and I hope you make it.

Maybe the reason Andrew has replied back to us yet is because it seems to me like we are trying to plan his death.

You guys have suggested some crazy stuff. Mom freaked out when I told her I was going to hike across the North America. I would love to see her reaction when I tell her I'm going to hike in Iran or paddle through pirate-filled waters.

I was explaining to a friend earlier tonight about the difficulties I am having with identifying "what's next." I can identify three obstacles:

1- Lack of skills. Hiking in the Arctic or in rule-of-law-lacking foreign lands is much different than hiking in the Lower 48, which I have a pretty good handle on. Even I manage to "test the waters" this summer in prep for a bigger '09 trip, I'm concerned that I still may be dangerously out of my comfort/skill zone.

2- Lack of knowledge. I have not traveled at all overseas (I never went abroad during college and my parents are not int'l travelers either) and I frankly don't have a great handle on what is out there. Maybe I'm acting like a recent college grad who is struggling to find a job: it's not because I'm not qualified for anything, it's because I'm overwhelmed by the opportunities, and the only way to unfreeze my panic is to just go do something so that I start to figure out what I really want to do.

3- Relating it back to the US. I have a nice story here in the US (All-American boy, simple and purposeful lifestyle, environmental consciousness and activism, etc.) that I would like to grow and reinforce. But it seems that as soon as you leave the US you move off the radar, along with everybody else who is doing something cool in regions that few Americans care about.

Can we focus the discussion some on how to overcome some of these obstacles?

You remind me of me when I get the "what's next in my career" itch. It sounds like it's not just what's the next cool trip, but what's the next cool trip that will build a career. I don't have a clue but am always willing to armchair coach. It's worth at least what you paid for it :~)

If you're going to do something international and want exposure, my guess is that you're going to have to write about – and do it well. Any bent toward journalism?

In terms of your skill set, it sounds like you've done what you can do within your comfort zone – time to stretcth it out. To parphrase the slogan of the 1850's, "Go north young man!" I can't imagine anyone with better access to advice, gear, etc.

To build on your story as a guy with a mission, you need a trip with a mission. So off the cuff – how about connecting with Patagonia and doing something related to the Freedom to Roam initiative (North / South wildlife migration corridors). Yellowstone to Yukon?

Even father off the beaten path – something in Greenland focused on the impacts of Global Warming?

FWIW {:~)

All right,
Andrew is giving us more parameters.

So now I'll 2nd a vote for the 14'ers.

A single trip to bag all 73 – 14'ers in the lower 48 in one single go.

I also dought that anyone has ever done it so it would be a type of "SKURKA" accomplishment.

How about a self-made circumnavigation route of Alaska? I would say that is difficult terrain, outside of the lower 48 (slowly helping with branching out), and would really put your skills to the test. Do it to advocate no more drilling in the protected areas.

Hi Andy,
Regarding obstacle #3; if doing something overseas appeals to you, assuming the right opportunity comes along, one good way to maintain visibility here in the good old US of A
is to get a sponsor, some gear company that wants exposure in overseas markets. They could provide material support, as well as ongoing coverage of your trek for the folks back home.

I was hurrying to read all the posts and suggest connecting all the CO 14ers via foot first but Robert and Aaron beat me to it.

This would put the UL gear thru some nice tests. Say late August late September to hopefully take advantage of the weather.

OK well its been decided then.

Jack –

Your insight is good.

I think anyone who has followed my trips can see clearly that I'm passionate about the outdoors and genuine in my beliefs. But I'd be dishonest to say that there is no business side to what I do — like a famed explorer recently told me in an email, "over 50% of exploring and adventure is the business side, raising money, gaining and maintaining contacts etc and professionalism holds true both on the streets and in the field."

The tail does not wag the dog (e.g. I approached GoLite about sponsoring me to do the Great Western Loop, not the other way around) but there is definitely preference — actually, a need, unless you're a fat cat — for trips that echo the messages that an organization with resources also attempts to project, because then they are willing to fund it.

This 14er idea has potential. Most people would falsely believe the challenge will be the 14ers themselves, when actually it will be crossing the Basin States (UT and NV) in the middle of the summer (assuming you wanted to take the shortest route: CO>CA>WA.

Andrew,
You would probably get to know these names like they were your own children by the time you were done.

In descending order:

Mt. Whitney Calif. 14,4941
Mt. Elbert Colo. 14,433
Mt. Massive Colo. 14,421
Mt. Harvard Colo. 14,420
Mt. Rainier Wash. 14,410
Mt. Williamson Calif. 14,370
La Plata Peak Colo. 14,361
Blanca Peak Colo. 14,345
Uncompahgre Pk Colo. 14,309
Crestone Peak Colo. 14,294
Mt. Lincoln Colo. 14,286
Grays Peak Colo. 14,270
Mt. Antero Colo. 14,269
Torreys Peak Colo. 14,267
Castle Peak Colo. 14,265
Quandary Peak Colo. 14,265
Mt. Evans Colo. 14,264
Longs Peak Colo. 14,255
Mt. Wilson Colo. 14,246
White Mtn. Calif. 14,246
North Palisade Calif. 14,242
Mt. Cameron Colo. 14,238
Mt. Shavano Colo. 14,229
Crestone Needle Colo. 14,197
Mt. Belford Colo. 14,197
Mt. Princeton Colo. 14,197
Mt. Yale Colo. 14,196
Mt. Bross Colo. 14,172
Kit Carson Mtn. Colo. 14,165
Mt. Sill Calif. 14,162
Mt. Shasta Calif. 14,162
El Diente Peak Colo. 14,159
Point Success Wash. 14,158
Maroon Peak Colo. 14,156
Tabeguache Mtn. Colo. 14,155
Mt. Oxford Colo. 14,153
Mt. Sneffels Colo. 14,150
Mt. Democrat Colo. 14,148
Capitol Peak Colo. 14,130
Liberty Cap Wash. 14,112
Pikes Peak Colo. 14,110
Snowmass Mtn. Colo. 14,092
Mt. Russell Calif. 14,088
Mt. Eolus Colo. 14,083
Windom Peak Colo. 14,082
Mt. Columbia Colo. 14,073
Missouri Mtn. Colo. 14,067
Humboldt Peak Colo. 14,064
Mt. Bierstadt Colo. 14,060
Sunlight Peak Colo. 14,059
Split Mtn. Calif. 14,058
Handies Peak Colo. 14,048
Culebra Peak Colo. 14,047
Mt. Lindsey Colo. 14,042
Ellingwood Pt. Colo. 14,042
Middle Palisade Calif. 14,040
Little Bear Pk Colo. 14,037
Mt. Sherman Colo. 14,036
Redcloud Peak Colo. 14,034
Mt. Langley Calif. 14,027
Conundrum Peak Colo. 14,022
Mt. Tyndall Calif. 14,019
Pyramid Peak Colo. 14,018
Wilson Peak Colo. 14,017
Wetterhorn Peak Colo. 14,015
North Maroon Pk Colo. 14,014
San Luis Peak Colo. 14,014
Middle Palisade Calif. 14,012
Mt. Muir Calif. 14,012
Mt of Holy CrossColo. 14,005
Huron Peak Colo. 14,003
Thunderbolt Pk. Calif. 14,003
Sunshine Peak Colo. 14,001

you could instead climb the highest 100 in Colorado in a single trip, which would get rid of the massive distances between CO, Cali, and Washington, there would be no glacier travel, more peaks off the beaten path, and more bits of technical rock (ie Jagged Mountain). and hiking between each area would be more efficient since each "approach" would get you to more mountains on the list. Plus, a lot of the 13,800-13,999 peaks are more remote and challenging than the 14ers. Either trip would be insane and a first.

Jeremy's trip sounds cool, the "Colorado 100".

>>> But I'd be dishonest to say that there is no business side to what I do

After a few more big ones from now, what will remain for you?

Are additional adventures increasing your value to sponsors?

Are you just trying to make enough from sponsors to continue your life as walker…

Or is your walking going to take you beyond your present passion?

The world needs smart, passionate people to work on environmental research. Through advanced formal education, some will directly make a difference.

The world also needs smart, passionate people to financially contribute to those involved in environmental research. With money from businesses, others will indirectly make a difference.

My recommendation for your next expedition is for you to either go back to school or go to work.

You've proven that you can do the seemingly impossible through your walks. Now put your effort into making a difference.

Maybe you can do a few more big ones, but then you have to get a real job! : )

After chatting about our disappointments of the trail conditions of the AZT even with it's close location to towns like Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff, perhaps something to raise awareness or donations for trail maintenance of some of the trails across the nation? I realize trails like the Appalachian Trail are well enough taken care of, but there are plenty of trails that could use the help. I'm sure a difference could be made if attention was shifted to being able to improve long distance trails to make it easier for those to get out and enjoy them. To add a long distance trip spin to it, perhaps get people to pledge for what you acheive? A penny per mile, a dollar a day etc.

I like andrew's idea above. You could consider working on a trail crew for a long distance trail like the CDT. It is a great experience. or you could help bring awareness to the fact that we are starting to loose trails in many forest districts because of lack of funding. In some districts in Montana there are 2 people maintaining 800-1,200 miles of trail.

"In some districts in Montana there are 2 people maintaining 800-1,200 miles of trail"

That's pretty sad, and with some fundraising and donations hopefully that can be changed

Get a real job???
Andrew is one of the lucky few who does what he loves for work, rather than tolerating work and saving up to occasionally do what he loves.
Andrew, keep doing this as long as you can, but maybe take away from George's comments that it should mean something, contribute to the world in some way.
In the Great Western Loop, you tried to raise awareness about global warming and western wildlands, but how many people did you reach, and were you preaching to the choir?
You take pictures and video, I think taking that further and becoming something of a documentarian could expose your message to more people.
So I haven't contributed any ideas for your next trip, but I would suggest exposing it to more people; your long trips have the potential to show a lot of land, and why it's important to protect it.

I think this was mentioned before in this thread, but i know you have hiked N. america width wise. and I think It would be possible to follow north america`s continental divide from mexico, all the way up into alaska.

this map exited me.

there are good trails in US obviously on the CDT. also in canada along the GDT 1200km from the U.S. border to Kakwa Lake. that leaves you mexico, a little more than half the miles and canada, and alaska off well esablished trails

if possible.. definatly on the edge, thats what you are looking for

Ah, Andy, you already know what I think about the TGO Challenge!

That said, it's a short hike in your terms – about 200 miles usually, over two weeks, and 200 very sociable miles at that.

Much of it would be off trail (as much as you like as you plan your own route – check your inbox in that regard within the next few hours…) and the weather – well, over the years we've had everything from two-week-long heat waves that had folk collapsing from dehydration, to two-week downpours. Usually it's a good mix of wet, damp, sunshine, rain and some whisky.

What some folk here – only a very few in fact – have done is combine the TGOC with a hike from the southerly tip of Britain to the most northerly (or vice versa), usually taking in the Pennine Way, West Highland Way, Cape Wrath Trail etc etc along the way. That makes for a much more adventurous, satisfying hike and enables you to experience different kinds of rain along the way. You've just to get the timing right so your walk coincides with the Challenge at the right time and right place.

One thing that no-one's done is to combine the Challenge with a hike around the coast of mainland Britain, ie, use it to make the hike a figure of eight. That would be pretty unique and much longer than any of the US Triple Crown hikes.

And being on the coast you get tremendous variety – cliffs, dunes, estuaries etc etc etc – as well as getting to see UK girls posing on the beach – just like California but here they wear in wellington boots and oilskins instead of bikinis.

It'd make for a very long hike but one that would need less planning in some departments, especially on the English and Welsh sections, as resupply is available at pretty regular intervals. There'd be some access and navigational issues – our military practice-bomb a few stretches of coast, and some private landowners and nuclear power stations aren't keen on ramblers (as we call them) so there'd be a few inland detours.

Any such detours, I should stress, are pretty much few and far between – a UK coastline walk would on the whole be a superb dip into our landscape and culture.

Anyone interested in the TGO Challenge can find more at http://www.tgochallenge .co.uk. Feel free to ask any questions…

Very best,

John

The Cape Wrath Trail site by the way isn't Cameron's, it's run by my pal Tom Forrest, who's done several TGO Challenges himself and lives in the Highlands, occasionally providing accommodation to those on the Cape Wrath Trail.

Cameron's a great friend of mine – his CWT article appeared in a Scottish newspaper a while back and now appears, retyped, on Tom's website.

Andy, Hasn't there been a Trans-Canada Trail in development for decades. Don't know the status, but that would be a "first" I believe.

The Trans-Canada trail seams, at least to me, to be too similar to the c2c, the same thing just moved a bit north. But then again I myself walked from Mexico to Canada one summer and then the next did pretty much the same thing again, just a bit moved to the east….. If you are interested in the spine of South America there are a pair of people who are hiking it right now. They have a web site with a very interesting journal at http://www.acrosstheandes.com/index.html that is well worth checking out. And there is always the Te Araroa (www.teararoa.org.nz) which runs the length of New Zealand. You could look at how the Rangeland techniques such as grass farming (fascinating subject, very similar to another approach known as holistic management that uses grazing animals to stimulate and rebuild the land) differ from those used in the increasingly desolate rangelands and all the slightly less then pleasant cows to be found in such places along the CDT. And why not a thought about kayaking the Artic Ocean to see first hand what global warming has done to the ice?

Tarn