xistinchaos's Globetrooper News Feed

Trinkets Hi Charlie, it's a great trip! I'm familiar with the South Australian section, especially around Renmark and regularly paddle / camp the backwaters and creeks. Happy to join you when you make it to there... You might find some info at http://www.mcc.canoe.org.au/ too. Water is still nice and high after northern rains so the flow is good and predicted to hold. Good luck with your plans!

Kraig Becker I'd love to do an expedition like this one, and I know this will be fantastic. The only thing standing in my way is the considerable time commitment. Otherwise, I'd be signed up, provided Ripley would have me. I am a semi-experienced adventure traveler. I've been to some amazing, remote places, but nothing on the level of this journey. I agree, this is going to be a great trip for a lot of different reasons.

xistinchaos I am seriously contemplating joining the expedition. I have always wanted to visit Mongolia and this seems to be the best way to do it..a really immersive experience. I am in touch with Ripley re. the fitness regime that I can start with to ensure that I am fit in time for the kick off in May. My question also revolve around the list of items to bring, esp desert clothing. I look to this trip to help me realize my true mental and physical potentials.

Todd @Kraig - yes, 60 days is quite a while, especially with a blog like yours. I asked Ripley about Internet access in an earlier comment, but if I found out anything else, I'll let you know. @Xistinchaos - great to hear. I've been training too, up and down Mont Royal, I think I need a wheel chair to get around today. @Ripley - xistinchaos raises a good point about clothing. Any chance we can get that info now to determine total costs? I'm actually hiking in Peru in 4 weeks and need to buy new shoes, so it would be good to kill two birds with one stone. I have big Scarpa boots at home, but suspect their weight will be a burden on such a long trek.

Kraig Becker Internet access is obviously do-able with modern tech, although carrying gear with you to write and reach back to the world is a challenge. In regards to boots, you definitely don't want to skimp. You'll want something to hold up to the grind, and most importantly protect your feet for the long haul, but in the desert environment they'll still need to breathe and be fairly lightweight. That's a tricky bit of kit to come across sometimes.

ripleydavenport Clothing. Having used RailRiders clothing in Mongolia, and they take some beating, I fully recommend RailRiders: www.railriders.com
You need strong, lightweight, breathable clothing but at the same time wind and 100% sunproof. RailRiders are certainly the best in the desert clothing field.

Footwear. Avoid heavy, bulky footwear. You need strong but lightweight. I used standard army desert boots, which worked a treat. Avoid leather upper boots. Go for breathable - Gore-tex - fabric boots. Soft, flexible and good rubber soles. If you have ideas let me know and I will check them over.
You need good footwear. Without good footwear you will suffer in the long run. Take care of your feet and invest wisely.
If I can help in any way - I will.
What am I wearing? Standard light weight army desert boots. Nothing more.

Internet. We will have excellent Internet coverage. In 52 days in Mongolia earlier this year, I never had any problems what-so-ever. I guarantee the coverage is excellent.
We will carry batteries, charged by solar panels, for use for your laptops, netbooks, iPod, MP3, cameras, video gear etc.
Any question...Ask.

Happy to help.

ripleydavenport Take your training easy...Build up slowly. You should be looking a doing a good 30 to 40km a day with small light backpacks (5kg range). The camels will be working for you! I can provide a good training program. Take it easy. No wheelchairs just yet!!!

Todd Sounds like I need new boots. Current ones are leather upper, stiff, gore-tex... more for cold climates. I just found this link (is that what you're talking about Ripley?): http://www.uspatriottactical.com/military-boots-footwear/desert-boots.html. P.S. The hard training is more for Peru. Just found out yesterday we'll be trekking to 4,500m+ in about 4 weeks. But will certainly take it easy for a while after that.

ripleydavenport Type your comment here... to high. You'll spend a good part of the day putting the on and taking them off. Ankle height or just over. Blackhawks, Kyhber, Belleville, Altama kind of thing.