Freya's Race around Australia

http://www.epickayaks.com/news/news/freyas-race-around-australia--updates?PHPSESSID=011fc3676b118db53f072b6c7f23a8d8

Freya has chosen an appropriate sea kayak - an Epic.
Anticipated to take one year this is an incredible adventure.

Freya's launch is highlighted in the Epic January newsletter and her progress can be followed through the link above or through Freya's website:

http://qajaqunderground.com/australia-2008/

or

http://qajaqunderground.com/category/australia/stage-1-melbourne-queenscliff-sydney/

An interesting aspect of her expedition is that you can follow her via SPOT satellite messenger. Six hours ago she was in Mallacoota.

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0W7LyZmviRmB22G2TG7xqX70Dk5Cx8O3G

Oliver Hicks Global Rowing Adventure

Oliver Hicks has just launched from Australia to row around Antarctica, effectively rowing around the world in the most southern, most unforgiving environment.
If you have read Julie and Colin Angus' books you will want to keep posted on Olly's
adventure.

http://www.virginglobalrow.com/index.php/about/


You can sign up and follow his expedition.

Banff film Festival

Last night was the start of the St.John's part of the Banff Film Festival world tour. All the films were great, my favourite though was the Journey. We follow three world famous BASE jumpers as they travel into China to locate and descend into an old cave, while immersing themselves in the culture of the region that is home to what is known locally as the Heavenly Pit. A fascinating film and in the final sequences nerve wracking. It was also really interesting to see how the jumpers connected to the people, particularly a group of school children who were excited and proud to have them visit their school.

YakTrax

http://www.yaktrax.com/ProductsPro.aspx


Friday I tested out the Pro Yaktrax - I was a little skeptical but they worked out
perfectly.

These are slip on alternatives to crampons and suitable for hiking trails, but also great when walking/running on icy sidewalks within the city.

I found they actually cut through the ice giving a significant amount of traction.

A bonus feature I noted on the box I bought, was that they are recognized by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Happy New Year from Quidi Vidi

Happy New Year
A number of us gathered at the wharf this afternoon for this traditional
NYD event.
It was windy, wet, rainy and cold but a great time.
The bitterness was more related to preparations and clearing up.