Urban Adventure: Cycling the Berlin Wall 20 Years After Its Fall

Aside from the hum of spokes and the rattle of a loose fender, the forested hinterlands are quiet. The cycling trail I follow, dubbed the Berliner Mauerweg (Wall Way), often utilizes the “death strip’s” patrol roads alongside the notorious Wall—the bitter, iconic emblem of the Cold War. A mere two decades in time separate this pleasant bike journey from attack dogs nipping at my pedals and a hail of machine gun fire.

Berlin, once ground zero for testy spats between capitalism and communism, is celebrating twenty years since the dreaded “Antifascist Protection Rampart” (as East German officials called it) came crashing down. Berlin has always known how to party despite being in the middle of some rather horrific turns in history. Because of this, Berliners are pretty good at remembering, too. Which partly explains the 100-mile-long Mauerweg.—Text and photographs by Bruce Willey

Adventure News: The Rogue River Has Been Set Free!

After nearly a century of dam-nation, the Rogue River was set free this weekend. As reported by The Oregonian, crews removed the temporary coffer dam on the Rogue River, east of Grants Pass, that was put in place after the 88-year-old Savage Rapids dam was knocked down this summer.

Check out our Rogue adventure guide to find out how to paddle the newly-liberated Rogue or pick from six other epic American river trips.

—Laura Buckley; Photograph by Woods Wheatcroft

Norway is the Most Desirable Place to Live, According to UN

Norway, the land of fjords, Vikings, vodka, and blonde hair, is now also the most desirable place to live, according to the United Nations.

The UN’s Human Development Report 2008/2009, done annually, ranks Norway numero uno because of the country's human development index ratings, which evaluates certain criteria, including educational factors, gender equality, and life expectancy (Norway’s is a not-so-impressive 74).

Australia comes in number two this year, followed by Iceland (last year's number one), Canada, and Ireland. The U.S. is relaxing at spot 13, one bump down from 2007/2008, with a life expectancy of 72—not too shabby considering Zimbabwe’s heartrending 38.

And, perhaps prophetically, we featured Norway as one of our Best New Trips in the World in our November issue (on newsstands October 20), complete with an adventure guide. —Michelle Faber; Photograph by Steve Casimiro

Send Yourself to Space... For a Price

Text by Joe Battle

There are many different paths to take to float with the stars, but a majority of them revolve around a wallet that could plug a black hole.

One of the leaders in promoting private space travel is a company known as Space Adventures.  A meager $100 million will “secure” your personal trip to the moon…whenever that again becomes a reality.  So far Space Adventures has had six clients, most famously Anousheh Ansari, co-founder of Telecom Technologies. Her family provided the sponsorship for the Ansari X Prize, which was a major catalyst for making private space travel a reality. The goal of the prize was to break away from government organizations and create a reusable manned spacecraft. In 2004 the SpaceShipOne accomplished just that and the X Prize Foundation delivered the prize money of 10 million dollars. Ansari is one of the trustees on the X Prize Foundation along with PayPal co-founder Elon Musk. Musk is the CEO of Space X, which quite possibly represents the future of private space travel.

But if you want to get to space within the next five years, our 2008 Lifetime Achievement recipient, Sir Richard Branson, is your man. His Virgin Galactic will, for $200,000, take you on a two-and-a-half hour trip to the outskirts of our atmosphere, where you’ll feel weightless. It’s been reported that 300 people have paid a majority of the fee, while 80,000 people have been interested but haven’t yet ponied up the 200,000 clams.

Virgin Galactic is not alone. XCOR aerospace is planning a shorter and less expensive suborbital trip.

Urban Adventure: Kayaking Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn

Text by Ryan Bradley; Photograph and map courtesy of NPS and New York Harbor Conservancy

Last weekend I went kayaking in Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn. Like a lot of outdoor excursions in the middle of large urban areas, this one was tinged with absurdity. Jamaica Bay is perhaps best known as the body of water you fly over before landing at JFK International Airport. There's a major highway buttressing half of it. There are landfills nearby. And to get to the small cove from which the National Parks Service has offered free kayak excursions, you walk through a significantly-sized public BBQ area—Haitians, Jamaicans, Dominicans, Koreans, happily grilling, wondering why you're walking through their cookouts. From the outset, there was the very real possibility for something comic to happen. Sensing this, I dragged my girlfriend, Emily, along.

At the cove we met Park Ranger John, who is running the program and seemed particularly upbeat, considering the circumstances. It was windy. Extremely windy. And the wind had whipped up a chop in the bay something fierce. I looked out across the chop to a small spit of wild looking land.

"What's that?" I asked John. Then my hat blew off.

"That," John said, pausing to run after my hat, "is the Canarsie Pole. It was created when the bay was dredged. No one lives on it. It's park land. People think treasure is buried out there, but it's not."

There were birds in the bay. Spinners and plovers and one particularly active red-tipped skimmer. Apart from the chop, it looked almost pleasant. John helped us to our kayaks and we set off.

Soaked immediately, but the water was warm and surprisingly clean. Soon the sounds of the highway were overtaken by the howl of the wind. I'd tell you more about what it looked like out in Jamaica Bay, but I was concentrating on keeping my kayak perpendicular to the chop. I looked back at Emily. She was drifting towards a clump of reeds, which was unexpected. Those reeds looked great, what were they doing here? I tried to paddle over to her rescue but by the time I had the thing fully turned the wind and current had taken me into the reeds too. We were stuck, but the reeds still looked great. And there were coconuts in them. A shadow passed overhead. A cloud blocking the sun? No, a 747 landing a JFK. Ranger John was coming down the beach to our rescue. I could smell Korean BBQ.

The free kayak tours launch from Canarsie Pier, which you can get to by public transit on the L subway with a free transfer to the B42 bus. The "pier" is more like a parking lot out on the water, but the kayaks launch from a small, rather pleasant (at least in low-wind), cove to the north. The program runs throughout the summer, Friday-Monday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is offered by the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy, in partnership with the NPS, and Coca-Cola. There will soon be a map available of fully developed "kayak trails" within the bay, but Ranger John is still working on this. Get more information here.

 Tell us about your favorite urban adventure in the comments area below.

Hiking to "See" Methuselah, the World's Oldest Tree

Text by Christian Camerota

If you're barking up this tree, it's probably a story it's heard before. That's because Methuselah, an ancient bristlecone pine, is 4,768 years old.

You could make the argument that Inyo National Forest, the home of Methuselah and its relatives, belongs on any wonders of the world list, and certainly merits a visit if you're in or around California's White Mountains (or even if you're not). These trees have had plenty of time to drink in the view from their 10,000 to 11,000 foot perches, as every single one of them has been around for at least 4,000 years. Methuselah is the elder statesman of the bunch and officially the oldest tree in the world according to the Guiness Book of Records.

The real adventure, though, is trying to track this living relic down. To protect it from the overenthused and chainsawed trophy hunters, park officials keep Methuselah's identity a secret, revealing only that it is one of the trees directly along the 4.5-mile hiking loop. Of course, it figures that a tree that predates Stonehenge by 600 years, survived through the rise and fall of the Mayan civilization, and was already 2,600 years old when Jesus was born, is likely to have a few tricks up its sleeve if you do attempt any monkey business.

And if you're feeling particularly lissome after meeting trees more than 130 times your age, Inyo National Forest has over 650,000 acres of land for you to peruse, including two major ski resorts (Mammoth and June mountains), several lakes, and Mount Whitney. No wonder Methuselah put down roots here for eternity.

The ADVENTURE TOP 10: Summits in North America

Text by Steve Rollins, edited by Andrea Minarcek. See more Top 10 lists.

If you’ve been following coverage of this year’s Everest season—now in full swing—it’s probably put you in the mood to climb a challenging, brag-worthy peak of your own. Not everyone, we know, has the ability—or the time, or the cash—to bag the big guy, but thankfully there are plenty of worthy ascents in our own backyard.

We enlisted the help of climber Steve Rollins, of Portland Mountain Rescue, to put together a roster of the Top 10 Summits in North America. “I used my mountaineering experience to pick peaks and routes that I myself find challenging,” Rollins says. “So frankly, most of these climbs probably should be done with the help of a professional guide if you’re not very experienced.” With that in mind, then, here are our picks for the Top 10 Everests for the Everyman.

10. Mt. St. Helens, Monitor Ridge

Everest schmeverest. Try climbing an active volcano! Mount St. Helens—which last (catastrophically) erupted in 1980—is an excellent starter climb without significant rock or ice fall danger. Basic ice ax and crampon skills are appropriate for the snow sections, though during the summer you may be able to hike to the summit on bare ground. (“In the summer,” Rollins says, “it is one step up, three-quarters of a step down—very similar to climbing a sand dune.”) Upon reaching the summit rim, you’ll be treated to spectacular views down into crater and out into the blast zone.

Location: Washington
Altitude: 8,365 feet 
Elevation Gain: 4,600 feet
Required Time: 1 day
Difficulty: Walk up
Required Skills: Ice ax/self arrest, crampon technique, avalanche and navigation skills.

9. Mount Washington, South Gully, Huntington Ravine Route 

Home to some of the most extreme weather on the planet (231 miles-per-hour winds, anyone?) Mount Washington is the tallest peak in the Presidential Range. An ascent of the South Gulley requires ice ax, crampon, ice climbing, and rope/ protection skills. Most of the climb is on steep snow, though the gulley offers a short ice bulge crux. This route is definitely a step above the hiking routes to the summit, requiring genuine mountaineering skills.

Location: New Hampshire
Altitude: 6,288 feet
Elevation Gain: 4,300 feet (from trailhead to summit)
Time Required: 1-2 days
Difficulty: WI1+
Required Skills: Ice ax/self arrest, crampon technique, ice steep snow and ice climbing, roped climbing/ placing protection, avalanche and navigation skills.

8. Mt. Shasta, Hotlum-Bolam Ridge 

A fine line on an beautiful 14,000-footer, this is the second highest peak in Northern Cali’s Cascade Range.

Location: California
Altitude: 14,162 feet
Elevation Gain: 7,200 feet
Time Required: 1-2 days
Difficulty: Class 4
Required Skills: Ice ax/self arrest, crampon technique, avalanche and navigation skills. In late season roped climbing/placing protection may be required if the route is icy.

7. Dallas Peak, East Ridge Route 

Reported to be one of the most difficult 13,000-foot peaks in Colorado to climb. Mixed scrambling and easy technical climbing are required to make the summit, as well as two rappels involved with the descent.

Location: Colorado
Altitude: 13,809 feet
Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
Time Required: 1 day
Difficulty: 5.3 (YDS)
Required Skills: Navigation, technical rock climbing

6. Mt. Rainier, Ingraham Glacier Direct Route 

 “Some Everest veterans have said the Ingraham Direct route on Rainier reminds them of the Khumbu Ice Fall on Everest, though not as long or with the extremely high altitude challenge,” Rollins says. Expect views of stunning seracs and numerous crevass-crossings. The guide services even construct ladders across some crevasses similar (but much smaller) than the ones you’d find on Everest.

Location: Washington
Altitude: 14,411 feet
Elevation Gain: 9,000 feet
Time Required: 2 days
Difficulty: Grade 2
Required Skills: Ice ax/self arrest, crampon technique, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, snow camping, avalanche and navigation skills.

5. Grand Teton, Owen Spalding (Original Route)

A classic American alpine climb. People travel from around the world to climb this mountain.

Location: Wyoming
Altitude: 13,770 feet
Elevation Gain: 7,000 feet
Time Required: 1-2 days
Difficulty: 5.4 (YDS), Grade III
Required Skills: Ice ax/self arrest, crampon technique, moderate technical rock climbing including placing anchors and rappelling, navigation.

4. Forbidden Peak, West Ridge 

The name is an irresistible challenge; who wouldn’t want to claim a Forbidden Peak? This excellent (and popular) climb offers a 1,500 vertical foot ridge of easy to moderate technical rock climbing.

Location: Washington
Altitude: 8,815 feet
Elevation Gain: 5,600 feet
Time Required: 1-2 days
Difficulty: Grade III / 5.4-5.6 (YDS)
Required Skills: ice axe/ self arrest, crampon technique, glacier travel, technical rock climbing, avalanche and navigation skills

3. Athabasca, North Face

One of the better known mountains in Canada, climbing Mount Athabasca’s North face involves several roped pitches of 45-50 ice and a crux rock climb near the top for good meaure. “This is not the easiest route up,” Rollins says, but “it would certainly be an entertaining and rewarding adventure.”

Location: Alberta, Canada
Altitude: 11,453 feet
Elevation Gain: 4,942 feet
Time Required: 1 day
Difficulty: AI3 M4/5, Grade III, 5.5 (YDS)
Required Skills: Navigation and avalanche skills, glacier travel, technical rock and alpine ice climbing skills

2. Mount Robson, Kain Face

This is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and perhaps the best known. All routes to the summit are technical, and even the standard routes present objective hazards.

Location: British Columbia, Canada
Altitude: 12,972 feet
Elevation Gain: 10,000+
Time Required: +-4 days
Difficulty: Grade IV, some low 5th class climbing
Required Skills: Ice axe/ self arrest, crampon technique, ice climbing, avalanche and navigation skills, alpine camping.

1. Denali West, Buttress Route

Many Everest vets claim Denali is more difficult than Everest itself, due to the Alaskan peak’s severe weather and minimal support available. It’s certainly a noteworthy achievement: You’ll reach the highest point in the Northern Hemisphere—and get a leg into the “7 Summits” club.

Location: Alaska
Altitude: 20,320 feet 
Elevation Gain: 13,120 feet
Time Required: 15+ days (according to normal ascent schedules and depending on weather)
Difficulty: Grade II
Required Skills: Ice ax/self arrest, crampon technique, glacier travel/rescue, avalanche and navigation skills, winter mountaineer/camping, expedition experience, self-sufficiency!

The Adventure Forecast: What to Do This Weekend

While it’s officially spring according to the calendar, we’ve still got winter on the brain. So with helmets protecting our brain grapes and an eye on the weather map, we look forward to another weekend in the mountains. Luckily, ma nature is rolling out the white carpet.

In the Pacific Northwest, a storm could drop a foot of fluff on the Cascades and the Northern Sierra. Take advantage of the extra cushioning during Mount Hood’s Suds on the Slopes Festival. Sample enough of the Oregon's finest microbrews, and you may just wind up jumping in a lake–literally–during America’s Pond Skimming Championships. Moving more central, you can save on lodging and spend on après ski at the Sunriver Resort, which has a “stay free, ski free” package that adds up to just $280 for three nights and includes three days of lift tickets at Mount Bachelor.

In the Rockies, while rain may reign at lower elevations, snow should prep the course for Crested Butte Mountain Resort's full immersion telemark weekend, from Friday through Sunday. Practice the art of the downhill genuflect or watch 100 of the nation’s best in the Al Johnson Uphill / Downhill Telemark Race. To the north Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Grand Targhee Resort are expecting a few inches of freshies of their own (there’s a 50-50 chance), while Spring Creek Ranch is offering rates from $87.50 (that’s half off), including lift tickets, breakfast, and a shuttle into town.

Back East, powder hounds will be left wanting, but there's plenty of clear days and deals to be had throughout Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire. And in Tennessee, the skies should be clear and the rainbows active in the trophy stretch of the Watauga River, where you get 20-fish days, heck, 40-fish days at Watauga River Lodge. Casting distance from the river, the Watauga has spanking-new knotty-pine cabins for half the price of those Western gentleman’s fishing lodges. It’s a little taste of what’s next, when we we finally have to bid adieu to the winter wonderland. Enjoy the weekend!

Wasilla, Alaska: Where the gravel is even more famous than the ex-mayor

Text by Andrew Burmon; Photograph courtesy of djcnOte

John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin as a vice-presidential running mate produced two questions from the press: Who is this person and where is she from? Over the course of the last two weeks, Ms. Palin, the media, and the Obama campaign have all sought to answer the first. Now, we answer the second. Our Adventure Guide to Wasilla, Alaska, begins on the next page.

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Text by Andrew Burmon; Photograph courtesy of djcnOte