Tag wilderness

He Climbed to Heights Like No Other

Reg Spittle Leave a comment
Jim Whittaker, atop Mt. Everest’s summit, in 1963.

Who was the first American to summit Mount Everest?

Who was REI’s first full-time employee?

Who was REI’s second CEO?

Who dedicated his life to preserve iconic wilderness places?

Who has been called America’s best climber ever?

Jim Whittaker, who recently died at 96, lived a life filled with adventure and purpose.

His compelling story, told by freelance writer Mike Lewis, appeared last week in an REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) co-op publication. Click on his name to join me in learning about a man of unequaled distinction.

Suspension Bridge Kicks Off Canadian Adventure

Reg Spittle Leave a comment

Can you spare four days? Do steep climbs, stunning coastal scenery, and Canadian wilderness sound like your cup of tea?

New Brunswick, Canada offers the 27-mile Fundy Footpath that begins on a suspension bridge over the Big Salmon River and ends at Fundy National Park after traveling through 12 ravines. You’ll need to pack everything you need, including a tidal chart for getting by two tidal rivers.

Sue and I walked the bridge, which swayed with each step. While we visited the nearby Fundy Trail Parkway interpretive center, four young backpackers listened to trail tips from a woman who worked at the center. Then they were off under a cloud layer that turned to rain that afternoon.

They faced more than 10,000 feet of ascents, no developed campsites, and the world’s highest tides.

More on the last part later.