The other end of the adventure spectrum

[Bill P]

One end of the adventuring spectrum has long been filled with heavy duty individuals, the Heroic Era polar explorers, those who sailed off the edge of the earth, more recently the Tiger Walkers, and those who boldly go past split infinitives and so on. All seeking the highest, the first, the longest, the hardest and so on.

This congestion makes it difficult for the average punter to elbow his fair share of the limited fame & glory. To play in this space is increasingly difficult, competitive and expensive. You need as a minimum: innovation, fitness, aerobic capacity, the latest technology, spare time, logistical support, lots of cash, and some ability is always handy too. In any event the naysayers will likely query: “That’s been done before hasn’t it?”

Well my friends, don’t despair. I’m happy to advise that there is a bounty available at the other end of the outdoor adventure curve. It's much less busy there, way more accessible and there’s heaps of stuff to do. It's virtually untouched territory.

I submit, for your initial consideration, the concept of the Lesser Peaks.

Bill P

Last edited by Guest on Thu 26 Aug, 2010 2:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[stu]

There is the list of the 'Abelettes' (ie. lesser peaks not reaching the parameters of the Abels list, ie. less tahn 1100m high).
A great way to get involved, tho I'd imagine some of these are harder to summit than their higher counterparts (think 'below the tree line' ).

http://www.freewebs.com/tasmanianmounta ... tainsB.pdf

Stu.

[whynotwalk]

Sounds good Bill ... though perhaps a tad strenuous

When I was at uni (last century), the mountaineering society staged a climb of the (dead flat) front lawn. Everyone was roped up, pitons were driven into the grass, and someone even "fell".

Another idea would be "extreme couch-potato sitting". Of course you'd have to be watching "Man v. Wild" or similar, but it could catch on, as long as the remote control wasn't too heavy

cheers

Peter

[donktec]

ROFLMAO!
This still cracks me up. Just need that list from the previous thread

[sailfish]

Another idea would be "extreme couch-potato sitting". Of course you'd have to be watching "Man v. Wild" or similar, but it could catch on, as long as the remote control wasn't too heavy

cheers

Peter

Naaa, Test Cricket reruns. Now that's endurance!
Climbing the walls I would be!!

Ken

[Bill P]

This is not an attempt to seek an easy way out or some slacker option. It is simply a different, I would say better, way of doing things. The Victorian List of Lesser Peaks developed earlier, which I will now call the "Ernies" (as a mark of respect to Australia's least successful explorer, Giles) is as follows:

Elev
Mt Dryden 68
Mt Ingoldsby 120
Mt Chaucer 126
Mt Bellarine 136
Mt Cooper 137
Mt Wycheproof 148
Mt Martha 160
Mt Meuron 180
Mt Vandyke 182
Mt Terrick Terrick 196

This should perhaps be expanded on a state by state basis. As with any rigorous activity, some rules are necessary. There are 3 rules to qualify as an Ernie, which I have just made up:

1. The features' name MUST begin with or end with Mt or Mount or Mountain. (Knob, Knoll, Nut, Peak, Hill, Bluff and so on dont count. )
2. Height is Above Sea Level. Mt Everest is acknowledged and measured as the worlds highest mount , ASL. Pedants may argue Manua Kea is taller, but 2/3 of it is under water. Other Everest deniers argue that Chimborazo in Ecuador is taller when measured from the centre of the Earth. Get over it. It's ASL. Sorry Wycheproof, you knew it could'nt last.
3. The feature must be available. I'm trying here to exclude places like Mt Waverely or Mt Eliza, where to bag the peak you'd have to get inside someones loungeroom or en-suite- given that the landscape has been developed.


Bill P

[north-north-west]

I have actually been to the highest point in Mt Eliza. It helps that many of the jerk's relatives live in the area.

I like this idea. The lowest mountains, the shortest caves, the shallowest dives, the mildest conditions.

[crockle]

...the mildest conditions.

I do get tired of endless ROFL-ing that so many millions profess to be constantly doing on the internet .

However I am seriously, genuinely laughing at this point..

[Lindsay]

I recently summited Mount Kuring-Gai in NSW. 221m ASL. I took the lesser known Railway route as I needed more of a challenge than the Pacific highway route used by less experienced climbers. My next challenge is the mulch pile in by backyard. I plan to make the attempt solo and without oxygen.

[Bill P]

OK Everyone,

I need you all to lift a little to grasp this concept. We are on the edge of a whole new paradigm in outdoor adventure here. Some of you I see have trouble with the idea, thinking it could be a bit of a bludge. It's not, but I still want you on the expedition. You could be handy if the leader falls.

To assist, I offer you the analogy of the Slow Food movement. Yep, it takes a bit longer to get it organised, and some of the ingredients seem weird. All that, however, is worthy enjoyment ,if just for the fundamentalism.

The result is richer textures, more intense flavours and aromas, a more satisfying experience than you ever thought possible.

Join me down the other end of the spectrum.

Bill P

[Liamy77]

i am going to start slow.... worn out readin these posts...... might attempt to take my pulse tomorrow - i dont wanna overdo it

[Area54]

What special equipment is needed?

[corvus]

What special equipment is needed?

There is a new Player in the gear market"Lassitude Designs" they supply the lightest weight packs available in their SBA range using the latest in Ethereal fabric which is so good you wont even know you have a pack on.
I am seriously considering one for my next assault on Mt Street in the rugged NW of Tasmania.
c

[Bill P]

Thanks all for joining the program everyone.

Look, I don't think the gear really matters ,It's more about getting out & having a crack.

I met a Polish lad on the OT last week who was sleeping on some bubble wrap. I think he was surprised to find I approved.

Bill P

[Liamy77]

love the (Birch?) canoe Bill P.... i would like to try some more base camping and hiking from a kayak or canoe .... my to do list grows ever-longer yet my life is gettin shorter

[whynotwalk]

I have a query. Which Mountain Designs do we climb?

And there are other issues, such as:

* Does Mountain Creek (Hobart outdoor store) qualify?
* In a few months mountain rocket will be blooming all over the Tasmanian highlands. How do I choose???
* There's a Mountain Goat beer in Melbourne. Does drinking one qualify me?
* Or Mountain Dew?
* And will watching Brokeback Mountain be enough? I don't want to consider what else I might have to do
etc etc

I trust you see my dilemma,

cheers

Peter

[Area54]

I have several mountain bikes, will looking at them suffice? Or do I actually have to ride them?

[SteveJ]

To be sustained by nothing but Mountain Bread for a whole afternoon (ie no pizza, chocolate or cake), that is surely a test of intestinal fortitude?

[Ent]

What special equipment is needed?

A must is the new ultra breathable range of clothes from the "New Emperor Company". Not only are they highly breathable but also ultra light leading the way in the wearer being forward. Initial fashion concerns have been dealt with a new range of models appearing as the previous ones from the older Norm range encounter a less than enthusiastic response.

Another major plus with the range is the life time guarantee with the only downside being wrinkles, as they are considered to be fair wear and tear so not covered by warranty. The marketer however does claim that an extract of jelly fish can restore the garment to near new. The Queensland Government tourism minister is highly excited by this range, and especially the use of a renewable product to restore it, and will be featuring both the clothing and restoration product in a new tourist commercial promotion called, “Why are you watching when you can be here in person”. It is rumoured that Jim Clark will be the director.

There has been some concerns by members of the technology’s cold weather performance but that appears to be limited to Tasmanian conditions. This has been called “small grapes” by the Queensland Government in reference to review conducted by the Tasmanian Director of Environment and Clothing of the claims made. The design however does work best in temperatures above 25 degrees but certain models have been called “sub zero” by an appreciative audience. The catalogue photographed by Spencer Tunick has been considered by many to be of such quality as to be a piece of artwork. Many claim they are only getting it for the specifications though it is rumoured many are now been sold at an increasing price to a select group that have a fascination with trench coats.

The packaging is suitably unique and uses a paint tin filled with a popular confectionery that once eaten reveals the depth of design that went into the product and the thinking of the supporters. This recycling of marketing ideas has been strongly supported by the conservations movement as concern have been expressed that too many innovative ideas have been used already thus curtailing the available pool of truly unique ideas available for the future generations to develop.

The idea for the concept apparently came about from a study of sheep after autumn and spring and the observation that heavy clothing is not needed for a large part of the year. The underlying technology’s name, Sunbreaker, is in the process of been licensed with production moving offshore to sunny places with shady people to be in line with the Corey Hart written jingle.

Cost is variable but appears to be what you can get, or words to that effect, though the writer is puzzled why everyone cannot get the same break on pricing as it appears to be limited at the moment to a select club that anyone can join. It is hoped that similar pricing will be opened up to all prospective buyers

Cheers Brett

[Bill P]

I hope the objective doesn't get lost in the concern about the apparel and gear.

The heavy duty end of the spectrum of course relies on access to the latest technology The most exotic fibres, alloys and composites. Patents, trademarks and licensing agreements abound. A bit like Prius car drivers thinking they are green.

The other end of the adventure spectrum doesn't call for carbide tipped molybdenum alloy crampons, no we wrap a bit of old rope around our shoes when the going gets icy. Three piece trekking poles with external clamps and replaceable baskets? Nah I've found a nice stick, just my size, thank you. Powdercoated spun aluminium alloy water bottle with replaceable neoprene gasket?. Hang on- can I just use my old plastic lemonade bottle?

Bill P

[Ent]

Often lost in the desire to climb every mountain and ford every stream is the joy of an amble along a beach. A trully magical place is yet another seven mile beach, this time near Stanley Tasmania. At one end are towering sand dunes that as a kid I would have loved to have had on my home beach and at the other end is wonderfully shelter beach. Evaluation is about 1 metre but forgoing footwear you can do the trek with near zero elavation gain. Only trick is on an evening stroll that heads towards night is noting where you get off else you can wander one end to the other looking for the exit. Actually on a warm full moon evening not such a bad mistake to make. The walk from Eddistone Point to Poverty Point is a similar amble but on a longer scale.

Cheers Brett

[Bill P]

Thanks Brett. I think we're getting traction. Nice observation.
Liamy77, that one is made of white cedar boards, and it is rather pleasant.
Area54 you not only have to ride them but you have to put a single cog on back. (You can have a freewheel.)
NNW: I can amend the 'Ernies' list to include Mt Eliza if you think its legit & can supply an elevation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quiz time. A selection of recent & some historical outdoor adventures are listed below for your perusal . Some belong at one end of the spectrum, and some belong at the 'other end' - the end I have been advocating for.

Please split them into 2 camps:

-Jones and Castrission paddle a 'kayak' across the Tasman
-Jessica Watson sails a yacht around the world
-Freya Hoffmeister paddles a kayak around Australia
-Jon Muir walks with Seraphine across Australia
-Burke & Wills Melbourne to Carpentaria expedition
-Shackleton's rescue mission to Sth Georgia Island

Bill P

[pazzar]

If you want to go right to the deep end of the scale, the walk from my couch to the fridge is rather epic. One of Australia's great walks, worth a hefty number of points I would think.

[Charlievee]

As a side - are ALL walks included ? Or do they have to be achieving a "peak" ? Not trying to be funny here. A lot of walkers have the "elitist" point of view (which I too am guilty of sometimes....) and beat their chests when it comes to distances, peaks bagged, and time on the trail. There ARE some of us who aren't as fit as others, have commitments that don't allow us extended walks, and also, purely financial considerations. I'm not very fit (working on that one...) and sometimes can only manage to get a group together for a short weekend walk - which, by the way, we enjoy immensely. I guess what I'm getting to is that it doesn't have to be a marathon for you to enjoy the outdoors. Hike your own hike as the Americans say.... Regards, Charlie.

[Bill P]

Thank you Charlie. You have grasped the concept well. Welcome aboard.

The actual details of this new program are still evolving, so at this early stage anything is possible.

I am currently thinking that technology could become a key issue here.

Bill P

[Liamy77]

i loved bein "superfit" n laughin at suggested walk times etc,.... then i had kids.... forgot what sleep, spontaneous trips, and financial freedom are....
now i measure a good walk by how comfortable, cheap and often it turns out to be a easy walk in and a base camp and explore with the kids now... not often up to the top of a mountain these days... kids got me appreciating the history and stories of the places more too... love it now and doubt i will go back that far again... even if my legs would let me these days..