Ep.106 - Breaking Fastest Known Times with Tyler Andrews

Stacia, from Stumble Safari, was in Ecuador for a month, and in her own words "it was not nearly enough time". There is so much to do there, and she takes us through the highlights of her trip - from volunteering veterinary work in the jungle to bridge jumping in Baños, and everything in between. What was paramount in our discussion before recording was just how much there is to do in Ecuador. Hear the episode to find out more. -------------------------- If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend! If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! You can also get some free mugs or t-shirts! To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here. Read the full article here: https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/31/exploring-ecuador/ Check out Stumble Safari here: https://stumblesafari.com/category/ecuador/

31 Okt 202053min

Sleeping under the stars every night, paddling through multiple rapids a day and taking in the Grand Canyon through out. Doesn't sound bad does it?  Peter joins us talk about his 14 day adventure paddling through this National Park.  Recording at 7am my time, and coming from Hobart, Tasmania, Peter starts off talking about his background. Peter has been a paddler all of his life.  Learning at school doing slalom canoeing, Peter then competed internationally in his twenties, finishing his competitive career at 32, and competed at the Olympics in Barcelona.  Since then, he has done a lot of coaching and club based activities, moving to Tasmania for the rapids, away from the city.  This isn't something he just decided to do one day though.  You paddle the Grand Canyon between two dams over two nights, and go through 200 rapids across this time!  Listen on as Peter discusses his time staring at the most beautiful night skies and paddles through the Grand Canyon.  ------------------------ If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!  If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! Plus, get free stuff!  To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com  Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.  https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/28/kayaking-in-the-grand-canyon/

28 Okt 202047min

If you started your career as a photographer, would you ever imagine you would find yourself in the Pakistani Karakoram, photographing glaciers, projects and mountain climbing? This episode brings together some of your main interests: mountains, glaciers, science, and expeditions.  Hear how Tim and the team lived in isolation on the glacier for 2.5 months, measuring the glacier's movement, and making a first climb attempt on Yukshin Gardan Sar (7530m).  Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa!  Before We Start  Before we get into the episode, I want to mention the sponsor for this one: Sidetracked Magazine. Sidetracked is dedicated to adventurous storytelling at it's very best. They use stunning imagery and personal stories from expeditions and journeys from around the globe, and you can tell!  If you are one of the few who haven't heard of them... what are you doing?!  Go and check out their website and see for yourself. Browse and purchase from the back catalogue, subscribe, and browse/sign up to their free Field Journal newsletter; providing you with some of the best adventure updates weekly!  Getting To The Glacier  Tim Taylor comes back for a second episode to chat about the Karakoram Anomaly Project. Previously, we interviewed Tim on his background and career. But he's not just a photographer, which makes him perfect for projects like these. Alongside his fantastic photography, Tim is also a Royal Marine Reservist and mountain climber, who had not long returned from the Himalayas before getting on board with the Karakoram Anomaly Project.  Tim starts by describing the beautiful yet baron scenery you find in the Karakoram. The journey in was also a bit shaky, narrowly avoiding a flash flood on the way.  The Karakoram Anomaly  The project was a mission to investigate a little known but deadly hazard unique to regions with big glaciers. Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOFs), or 'inland tsunamis' as they are known, was the potential threat and occurs when an ice dam containing a glacial lake breaches. The subsequent surge of water rushes downstream, destroying anything in its path. It is thought that over 80,000 people in the Karakoram are at risk from glacial lake outburst floods.  The Anomaly actually comes from what the glacier itself appeared to be doing. Satellite data looked like they could be growing in length, but unsure whether it was stretching or gaining volume. This was what caused the concern; if it was stretching, then the ice dam cold already be building glacial lake water behind it!   We talk about the floods that had occurred already from this glacier, referencing an article his friend did with UK Climbing. The glacier has the potential to do a lot of damage, which made the work the team did here even more paramount.  But this type of weather seems to be the norm here. Just 4 hours after a huge landslide, Tim remarked how they had already opened the road again. Good to go! The journey and roadtrip to the Yukshin Glacier itself was enough of an expedition; at that point it would have made for an epic story back home.  Hear more about this fascinating and captivating project in the podcast below! To top it off, hear how the team got stuck in a storm while attempting a first climb on Yukshin Garden Sar  We have covered the Pakistani Karakoram before on the show, but this episode was such a pleasure to record and learn and dream.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anYYa0Inxh4  ---------------- If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!  If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!  To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com  Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here  https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/24/karakoram-anomaly/

24 Okt 202037min

The Canadian Rockies are one of the gems of the world. Covered in beautiful mountains, alpine lakes, glaciers, and forests this region of the world attracts most of the outdoor community.  Having covered The Dolomites beforehand, Marta from In A Faraway Land joins us to talk through some must-do adventures in the Canadian Rockies.  Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).  You Can Check-Out Any Time You Like, But You Can Never Leave  Marta lived in the Canadian Rockies for 15 months on a working holiday visa. With the plan to drive the whole country East to West, Marta found herself instead spending the entire 15 months in the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia.  There is so much to see and do, it's hard not to be willingly trapped there! Read on and listen to the podcast to hear the places you should go to in addition to Banff and Jasper National Parks.  An Epic Roadtrip  Marta kicks off the podcast and must-do adventures for the Canadian Rockies with an epic roadtrip. You can tailor it to meet you requirements, but if you check out the link you can see for yourself just how incredible it is. Or, check out her other roadtrip itinerary if you're coming in from the West.  Marta's experience and knowledge shines straight away. Talking through the roadtrip, she details the fantastic locations and lakes to stop off at for some well-earned breaks along the way. Listen out for how to see the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies too!  Don't Waste Your Time In Calgary  Okay, before you jump on us, hear us out. This has nothing to do with Calgary, and everything to do with the Canadian Rockies. There is so much to do and beauty to see that Marta encourages you to get out of this beautiful and scenic city, and reach the mountains yourself.  Kananaskis is the first place she recommends to reach, and oh-man is it full of adventure and beauty! Listen on to find out more or click here!  https://www.instagram.com/p/BWlO6dwD3Dv/  The Views To Effort Ratio  Going in to the first recommended day hike, Marta discusses Smutwood Peak (2693m/8835ft) and how fantastic it is. You can click on her article or use many apps to get there; it's going to be hard to find it on traditional maps. Dodging the grizzly bears and steep drops, Marta says that seeing sunrise from this spot was one of her favourite moments in the Canadian Rockies!  Ha Ling Peak is up next. Standing at 2407m/7897ft, this is a great peak for newer walkers who want stunning scenery and views. Closed for two seasons to be made safer, it is now a well established route. But, leave early! The trail has naturally become popular following the improvements.  Pocaterra Ridge and Tent Ridge are some of her favourites, too. It was here that Marta claimed that anything to do with ridges tends to have the best views-to-effort ratio. A fantastic way to put it, especially for all of you photographers out there. A funny thing to consider but a brilliant tool for holidays or more enjoyable days out.  One interesting thing, amongst many, is that Marta went in June. Being new, she describes the action as stubborn - willing the summer to be there. She could not have been more wrong. It appears summer only comes for one month in the Canadian Rockies, and June is not then. If you are going at a similar time, bring gaiters, ice axe, crampons. Pocaterra is beautiful for the high altitude, views of remote areas and hiking between three peaks.  But, that being said, the Canadian Rockies do require effort!  Multi-Day Hikes  Following this, we talk about backpacking and multi-day hikes in the Canadian Rockies. Detailing some of her favourites, Marta goes in to great depth, detailing the ins-and-outs. For more information, listen on and check out her own travel writing on it here.  In A Faraway Land  Marta runs the incredibly successful travel blog In A Faraway Land. Specifically, her Canadian Rockies section is full of roadtrips, hikes, backpacking, and photography guides.  It doesn't stop there though. Marta covers a wide range of locations, all of which you are sure to love, with more being added along the way! Check out her website here, or her Instagram here.  ------------------- If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!  If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! You can also get some free mugs or t-shirts!  To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com  Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.  https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/20/5-must-do-adventures-in-the-canadian-rockies/

21 Okt 202031min

Cory and Lianne spent some incredible time on a full 30 day visa in Sri Lanka. They explored the island and had some fantastic experiences on the island. Such a pleasure to have them on!    In the middle of a long trip, with Nepal and India being a main focus, they decided to take a slower paced trip to Sri Lanka.    Chatting Through The Highlights    A month long spent anywhere is so much for one podcast. So, as hard as it is, they identify some of the key highlights and chat through.    Arriving into Columbo, they comment how the city doesn't feel so overwhelming, with some modern vibes. But, it's not long before they head straight over to their first National Park.    There is an abundance of wildlife on this island from elephants to leopards, and they even have an encounter with an elephant which you'll want to listen out for!    "22 National Parks on this tiny little island, and they're all just so incredible!"    Forever Break    Cory and Lianne were such a pleasure to have on the show. Chatting about hiking, wildlife, National Parks and more was a brilliant way to spend some time before they shot off on a kayaking trip!    Make sure you check out their podcast too!    I want to listen, now!    There were a couple of signal bits then snuck in, thanks lockdown! I hope you can forgive me for not getting those chopped out!    Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).    If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!    If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality! You can also get some free mugs or t-shirts!   To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com    Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.  https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/17/exploring-sri-lanka/

17 Okt 202044min

Interviewing people is one of my greatest pleasure. One thing about it, is that no matter how much I do or don't research, each individual can answer so uniquely. Something that kept recurring in this interview with Caroline George was the topic of 'adaptability' and how use a tool it is for getting through expeditions, climbing mountains, and life.    Competing in the Ice Climbing World Cup and also a member of the International Federation Of Mountain Guides Association, Caroline has climbed some of the toughest routes across the world. Places from Norway, to Iceland, to the Canadian Rockies, to Alberta, to the Alps and to Antarctica and so much more. Coming from a small ski village in the Swiss Alps and now an established climber, guide, and athlete, Caroline's experience comes in vast amounts from ski mountaineering to rock and ice climbing.    Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! ("Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!")    Adaptability    We start off the podcast and immediately begin to talk about adaptation. Caroline's Mother recently passed away and it's on the forefront of her world lens, naturally. Alongside this, Caroline has also had a long career before becoming a parent, and now afterwards too. With this challenge alone - something many of us will face - are the changes that come with being a parent.    It doesn't end. You just adapt.    Caroline is one of many parents who takes it upon herself to show her child how to live, and not just tell them. It's so vital to provide them with memories and experiences that they feel and will last forever. Something I'm sure so many of us can agree on; I personally remember many more experiences than I do specific toys I liked.    Adapting is such a key to success in life. The opportunity to do so will hit all of us so many times in life. You can either take the opportunity and grow with it, or stay still and expire.    An Expedition Leader    Caroline also talks about leading people of all ages. From her new project taking kids rock climbing to leading adults up mountains. We talk about the different stages of team development and draw analogies to children brushing their teeth. I promise it makes sense in the episode!    What really struck me was her method of dealing with challenging leadership situations. Avoiding an 'Ask, Tell, Yell' approach, Caroline asks meaningful questions to her group so that they can find the correct answer themselves, rather than be told.    Caroline doesn't just have a wealth of knowledge, but she has also overcome so much. In her early days, there were many who tried to put labels on her and tell her that she couldn't be a mountain guide because she was a woman.    So, in the best way possible, Caroline ignored them and has let her results show - and, boy, do they show! Having climbed, competed, and led across the world, she is one of few people who can compare from first hand experience climbing in Ethiopia to Antarctica! Listen on to find out her answer!    Unconditional Acceptance    Towards the end of our time talking, Caroline talks about 'Unconditional Acceptance'. In her words, it is the ultimate adaptability to any situation you may not want. It's about making the best and learning from it. If you can accept challenges and changes unconditionally, you will reduce your suffering of an experience.    It's relatable to our travel and expeditions. We all go on adventures to have an experience and be pushed beyond the comfort zone. It's beyond that zone that we develop, and if you can accept unconditionally and not always want different you can grow and enjoy and build for next time.     Your Dose Of Positivity    What this episode with Caroline provided, for me at least, was tales of adventure mixed with positive and driven language. A conversation where you can jump climbing mountains, to favourite regions, to overcoming challenges, to getting the most out of life is always a fantastic one.    You can learn more about what Caroline does here and for more frequent update, you can follow her Instagram here. In addition, scroll down to listen to the podcast, and watch her featured video with Eddie Bauer.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkcDInyUkTM  Beautifully shot video from Eddie Bauer    ----------------   If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!    If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!    To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com    Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here.  Between The Mountains – Adventure Travel Podcast

14 Okt 202057min

Ryan's travel knowledge and experience far exceeds my own. Running the Travel With Cooky blog, he returns to the show to talk about his time and itinerary in Vietnam.    We discuss Hanoi, Halong Bay, the Hai Van Pass, Ho Chi Minh City and more! Don't forget to click the links to read more directly on Travel With Cooky.    Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa!    From North To South    Ryan kicks off talking about his reasons to go there. Alongside scenery and culture, he also recalls watching the Top Gear episode where they drive in Vietnam.    What is fantastic about Ryan is the knowledge he brings. Delivered alongside his character, Ryan details how best to fly to Vietnam (I'll give you a clue, don't fly there... see what I mean here!).    Before you know it, Ryan is chatting through his itinerary. You'll have no problem visualising yourself walking down their very busy roads. Specifically, you will be ready to turn into and become a moped yourself just to simply cross a road!    Ryan's itinerary from North to South sounds like a dream, and I know a couple of people who have done it this way. Starting in the colder regions by the mountains, with the option for the Ha Giang Loop, and heading down, following the gorgeous coastline to Ho Chi Minh City.    Ryan describes the culture shocks, the landscape and officially declares Vietnam as having the best food - and it's cheap for Western currency too!    Travel With Cooky - More Than Anecdotes    Ryan runs the Travel With Cooky blog. It is full of fantastic stories of his travels.    But what Ryan offers that I rarely see elsewhere is the extra mile to help you, the reader. He details his research, how he gets places, how to save money, the best places to go...    If that wasn't enough, he also features discounts for you through his affiliates and guest bloggers to add a different style and corner of the planet to his site, like the article I wrote.    Have a scroll of his articles on Vietnam while listening if you like, like his Hanoi one and Halong Bay one.    ------------------------    If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!    If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!    To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com    Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here  Between The Mountains – Adventure Travel Podcast  https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/10/backing-across-vietnam/

10 Okt 20201h 2min

Have you ever heard of a work-cation? Well, Francois and his partner have. Working remotely, they spent 3 weeks in Costa Rica doing a huge range of activities. White water rafting, zip-line, wildlife, a range of National Parks, kayaking, surfing, hiking... hear about it all here!   Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa!   ---- This was recorded much earlier in the year, so do forgive any imperfections. ----   The Landscape and Wildlife   Francois starts off talking about the immense landscape and wildlife. With run ins with a snake, you can expect the usual information from a travel blogger. Full of fantastic information and tips, you can read more here too.   Talking us through the itinerary, Francois quickly moves to white water rafting and hiking a volcano obscured by cloud.   Visiting Monteverde National Park seems to be a huge highlight. Brilliant for photography this stunning landscape has low clouds, forests and wildlife. If that wasn't enough, there is a huge zip line here for you to top off the trip.   Full of Adventure   This place and episode hugely blew my expectations away. I expected to hear about surfing, hiking, and photography.   Instead, Francois blew me away with descriptive language, information and an action packed 3 weeks away.   This islands seems to provide for all. The budget traveller or luxury traveller. Adventure of relaxation.   Listen to the podcast below, check our Francois' travel blog, or watch his video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBa1J2qJkPU&feature=emb_title    -------------------   If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!   If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!   To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com   Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here   Between The Mountains – Adventure Travel Podcast https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/10/07/exploring-costa-rica/

7 Okt 202035min