Jagdhaus-village of hunting lodge!

Apart from the small bottles of French Red wine, the flights were uneventful! kolkata to Dubai and then to Frankfurt. My friends Hilde and Konni were there to pick me up. And then a 2 hour long drive to this small and beautiful village called Jadghaus, Schmallenberg. What a contrast after the heat, dust, smoke, noise, litter, and crowd of my home town! Well, the chaos and stress can now stay behind. Its time for the little globe trotter in me to come out and play!

 

Now let me share what I found about this place:

 

Jagdhaus:

 

Literally meaning the Hunting House or Lodge, the village is about 8 km south of Schmallenberg in 650 m above sea level. In Jagdhaus wohnen 65 Einwohner (Stand: 31. Dezember 2006). Today, here we have almost 75 residents.

 

 http://translate.google.co.in/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdhaus_(Schmallenberg)&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=4&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Djagdhaus,%2Bschmallenberg%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

:-)


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Real Adventure Journeys Across Himalaya
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Participants of Elbrus Race 2008- an interesting bunch!

1. Dr Rasoumoff Ted (USA), 10/17/1967Mountaing Racing background: Trail races and runs on peaks up to 4,000 meters. Multisport ski/snowshoe/run/bike winter events. Won Silver State Marathon 2000 (altitude/trail factors)Mountaing Climbing background: Several 14,000 ft peaks in USA. Some requiring glacier skills.

2. Mr.Mukherjee Anindya (India), 06/19/1971Mountaing Racing background: noMountaing Climbing background: climbed beyond 7000m in Indian Himalaya, work as mountain guide

3.Mr Klim Yuri (Ukraine), 22.02.1985Mountaing Racing background: noMountaing Climbing background: Elbrus

4. Mr Sergey Surmonin (Russia, Moscow/Tbilisi) 02.03.68 Sergey Surmonin is a skier and marathon runner, who participated in 100 km supermarathons. In 2001 he climbed Khan Tengri (7010 m), in 2002 – the peak of Lenin (7134 m), and a year later he participated in a very interesting ascension to the peak of Khan Tengri, where he took 5th place. In 2005 he climbed the peak of Evgeniya Korzhenevskaya (7105 m) and the peak of the Communism (7495 m), and in 2005 he climbed the peak of Evgeniya Korzhenevskaya at a glance without any preliminary acclimatization. In the mountains of Zailiysky Alatau (Kazakhstan) he became the prize winner in climbing to the peaks of Amangelda, Abay and Nursultan for many times. In July 2006 he took 2nd place in the speed climbing competition to the peak of Nursultan. He also took part in the expedition to Everest in 2006. In September 2006 took 4th place in Elbrus Race competitions in class "Extreme" with a result 6:22:38, in 2007 in class "Extreme" took 2d place with a result 6:14.
5. Mrs Surmonina Nadezhda (Georgia,Tbilisi)

6. Mrs NagovitsinaVera (Russia,St-Petersburg), 29/06/1958Mountaing Racing background: no Mountaing Climbing background: higher 3000 m

7. Mr. ARRASULI ZULFAHMI (INDONESIA),03/07/1978Mountaing Racing background: Mt.DEMPO,SOUTH SUMATRA,INDONESIA NATIONAL ORIENTEERING CHAMPIONSHIPMountaing Climbing background: CARSTENSZ PYRAMID,PAPUA 2005 and 2006

8. Mr. Jamaludin (INDONESIA), 01/12/1987Mountaing Racing background: noMountaing Climbing background: Raung Vertical Climbing 2007

9. Mr Aymaz Seyhan (Turkey), 08/26/1982Mountaing Racing background: noMountaing Climbing background: mount ararat5137mt, mount kaçkar big glacier 3932mt.,mount damavand 5671mt(iran), most of turkish mountains

10. Mr Zherlygin Boris (Russia, Moscow)Mountaing Racing background: noMountaing Climbing background: coach of mountain running

11. Mr Brylev Nikita (Russia), 16/01/86Mountaing Racing background: noMountaing Climbing background: Aibga ridge

12. Mr Mahin Dmitry (Ukrain), 16/09/68Mountaing Racing background: fan-)))))Mountaing Climbing background: 3 years working guide in Prielbrusie

13. Dr.Scheibehenne Gunther (Germany), 18.07.1948Mountaing Racing background: 53 MarathonsMountaing Climbing background: 4 Mountain Climbing Racings

14. Mr Muecke Martin (Germany), 13/11/1979Mountain Racing background: NoMountain Climbing background: several 4000m peaks in the alps, climbing attempt on Chan Tengri (7010m)

15. Mr Bullerjahn Robert (Germany), 06/06/1979Mountain Racing background: NoMountain Climbing background: has climbed some 3000m peaks in the Alps

16. Mr Dmitry Filippov (Russia, Magnitogorsk) 05.11.68 Mountain Racing background: Elbrus Race 2007, 4 place in "Classic"Mountain Climbing background: 2004,2005 — Ski Mountaineering Russia Championships (Khibins), result of 2005: Team Cup-4 place, Single Cup-6 place. December, 2006 — Ski Mountaineering Russian Cup (Magnitogorsk), result: Vertical Cup-3 place, Team Cup-3 place, Relay race Cup-2 place. March, 2007 — Ski Mountaineering European Championship (Morzine, France).

17. Mr Andrey Puchinin (Kazakhstan, Almaty), 06/08/1972 Mountain Racing background: Andrey Puchinin (Almaty) is a constant participant of speed climbing competitions in Kazakhstan. In 2000 he climbed the seven thousand meters high peak of Khan Tengri (7010 мm) for 12 hours (together with the descent it took 19 hours 02 minutes), and took 3rd place. In 2003 he took part in Khan Tengri speed climbing up to 6800 m and took 2nd place. In July 2006 he became the winner in the speed climbing competition to the peak of Nursultan. Winner of Elbrus Race 2006 in «Classic».

18. Mr Kolyshev Sergey (Russia, Zhukovskiy), 06.09.1958Mountain Racing background: Elbrus 2008 MayMountain Climbing background:

19. Mr Polovinkin Nikolay (Russia, Bronnitzy), 02.06.1957Mountain Racing background: 50 run marathons, 50 ski marathons, speed climb Mt Belukha 2008 Mountain Climbing background: Elbrus, Altay

20. Mr Dobrolet Mikhail (Belarus, Soligorsk), 27.07.1965Mountain Racing background: noMountain Climbing background: Elbrus East summit-2003, Elbrus West sumit - 2005,2007

21. Mr.Nugraha Enos ( Indonesia), january/18/1987Mountaing Racing background: noMountaing Climbing background: high than 3000 m

22. Mr. Wahyudi Ade (Indonesia), 05/22/1986Mountaing Racing background: noMountaing Climbing background: Carstensz Pyramid 2008, higher than 3000 m mount in Indonesia

23. Mr. Achmad Fandhi (Indonesia), 09/27/1983Mountaing Racing background: noMountaing Climbing background: Carstensz Pyramid 2005,2006, and 2008, higher than 3000 m mountin Indonesia

Count down to Elbrus Race!

Yesterday, coming out of the Russian Embassy in Kolkata, I realized, it's now getting real. With only one week to leave the country and less then a month for the race, the count down has begun! All the elements, all the last minute work, commitments, organization for the trips and work ahead has to be done now!The Shivling Expedition and Singalila Ridge trek in October, followed by the North Sikkim trek in November with my friend Haukur has got be arranged now. The flights, hotels, helicopters, train tickets for staff, and paper works! Its fun though and amazing to find out that it all works out in the end, with some tense moments of course! Because we live in country that believe in red tapism and paperworks religiousy. And all your plans can abruptly come to an end due to a political strike!



As for the race on Elbrus, it's something totally new for me. It's true that I work in high altitude and altitude itself is not a problem for me. Elbrus with it's altitude of 5642m should not pose any altitude related problem apparently. But when one has to climb (or should I say 'Race') to 5642m from 3700m within a time span of 6 to 8 hours; its a different equation altogether. So far the Elbrus Race 2008 has 20 participants.



Chances of getting AMS is extremely high...with only 2 nights in hand for acclimatization on elbrus, things going to be interesting. So far have not been able to train at all for this. But hoping to spend some good training days in the Alps, before I fly into Russia from Germany.



But here's how I am looking at the whole thing, it's going to be a new experience for me and I am going to learn a lot from it and in the end will be climbing Elbrus any way, the highest peak in Europe, thus it will be my second summit (after Kilimanjaro in 2005) of the 7 summits! I have got nothing to lose at all!



cheers!

Panpatia Blog!

Observing the growing interest in Panpatia Glacier I have created a blog, a webspace, where I will try to post and publish all the news, views and reviews that is related to this area. Panpatia has a huge potential still for exploration, be it climbing or trekking! There is still a lot to be done on the Vishnu Garh Ridge. The main summit of Parbati Parbat (6257m) still remain unclimbed! And countless 5000m peaks to be scaled! Connecting this Glacier with adjacent Satopanh Glacier or the Gondherpongi Valley also might offer great challenges! So if you have something to share regarding this fantastic area, please email me at: anindya.adventuremania@gmail.com

And here is the link to Panpatia:

http://panpatia.blogspot.com

cheers!

Explore- Forum

If you have a passion for travel or exploring the hidden Himalaya, this is your forum to share your dreams & plans or experiences. Its brand new and basic and I hope to moderate it whenever I am free and have access to the net. :-)
http://www.orkut.co.in/Community.aspx?cmm=53570246

If you are planning a trek or expedition in the Indian Himalaya, and if you have some queries, you can post here.

Reports on the Irish Panpatia Expedition May 2008

"It's the most exciting thing I have done. For anyone to climb and unclimbed peak is very good. "Most of the highest peaks in the world are all over 8,000 metres. They would include the likes of Everest and they have all been climbed on numerous occasions. Also, most of the 7,000 metre peaks have been climbed but there are literally thousands of unclimbed peaks between 5,000 and 6,000 metres. They are technically difficult to climb and for anyone to do this is simply fantastic. .." Alan Tees

Read the whole story here as the Sunday Journal and other Irish media reported:
http://www.sundayjournal.ie/features/Peak-to-Peak.4205167.jp
http://www.inishowennews.com/08CuldaffHimalayas.htm

Brief Expedition Report:
http://www.pete-smith.co.uk/dynamic/log_details.php?i=362

Me and my team of Adventure Mania (http://www.adventuremania.com/) were proud to be able to support this exploration climbing programme.

Elbrus Race 2008!

Speed Climbing to Elbrus, 5642 m will be held on September, 17, 2008

Elbrus, the highest peak of Russia and Europe, is a well-known peak of the Caucasus. Its white-snow double-headed peak is beautiful not only as a geographical object, but also as a symbol of the high achievements, grand size, crystal pureness and triumph of its conquerors. Elbrus is located in 12 km from the Main Caucasus Ridge. A high-quality road enables you to get to the foot of the mountain from Mineralnyje Vody Airport, Pjatogorsk and the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik. The regular shape of the volcanic cone and slopes, which are covered with glaciers over 300m high, form a sort of a mountain stadium.

The speed climbing path follows the classical route: Azau clearing – Bochki – Pastukhov’s Rocks – Sedlo – Western Elbrus. During the high days of the Soviet climbing school, the alumnae of which still get the world astonished by their high results in climbing, Elbrus speed climbing competitions were held very frequently and were the elimination competitions for those who wanted to take part in serious expeditions to the Himalayas. In the post-Soviet era Elbrus is visited by a great number of groups of climbers and tourists, both independent and supervised by professional guides, but its opportunities as a mountain for serious sports events are used insufficiently. Meanwhile, in the rest of the world the highlands become more and more popular as a place for speed climbing, but with the routes with smaller altitude change, and thousands of sportsmen take part in the competitions (for example, climbing to Mont blanc, , Mount Rainer, Jungfrau etc.).

In September 2005 TOP SPORT TRAVEL and Information Server for Climbers WWW.RUSSIANCLIMB.COM decided to revive the tradition, which existed before the 90s, Elbrus speed climbing competitions. The pilot event was successfully held on September, 15 2005. Now these competitions are held annually.

The competitions are purposely held in September. According to the multi-year statistics, the weather at that time in Elbrus Region is good and steady, and there should be no be no extensive ice section on the route.

For the majority of people a simple climbing to Elbrus by a classical route is a dream, which is not so easy to come true, because in order to climb this not easy and sometimes severe peak, besides for a good physical training one should acquire strong mountaineering skills. The competition among the strongest sportsmen in the high mountains, fight for the fastest covering the route from the foot of the mountain – Azau clearing (2400 m) – Western Peak (5642 m) is unique and challenging, because nobody in Europe arranges speed climbing competitions with the altitude drop for more than 3000 m. Such fighting will become a great challenge for the participants, as a usual climbing to the peak from Bochki hut, located at 3700m in average takes 7-8 hours, so the competitors have to cover the route from the foot to the peak practically running.

History of Speed Climbing on Elbrus
In the Soviet period speed ascent competitions on Elbrus slopes — from Mir station till Garabashi station and from Priut 11 till the col — were the part of training program for the members of the soviet Himalaya expeditions (1982, 1989). Elbrus was well-known for all seriuos Soviet mountaineers, as the mount's location is very comfortable and its height is enough for the race. It was considered to be a prestigious action — to take part in these races, and the strongest USSR climbers had competed there.

Now the Mount is the object of the International program «7 Summits» (climbing the highest tops of all continents). Elbrus is especially lucky nowdays — in spite it is the part of Caucasus, one can reach its bottom without special frontier guard's permit, the way along Baksan valley is comfortable and safe. Hotels in Terskol, Bochki huts, Priut 11 and the new modern hut some meters higher than Priut — do Elbrus climbs more and more comfortable, and from day to day a lot of groups go to their dream — Elbrus tops. But, exept some events — all of these climbs are of «tourist class». But 15-20 years ago those slopes were the place for serious mountaineers ambitions battles!

Vladimir Balyberdin was the first who had understood the annual Elbrus speed climb Championship perspectives. In 1987 he organized there the first Fall Elbrus Race — from Priut 11 till the col. September was not the occasional choose – it is the best season here. There is no ice on the route usually in September, and the whole way to the tops is more safe than in other seasons. Next races were in 1988 and 1989. Anatoly Boukreev is a legend of that Races — he won in 1990 — and his result was 1 hour 47 min (Priut 11 — East top).

They live in close proximity!

Sounds unbelievable, but it's true! Even after the categorical concrete death of our nature, here in the suburbs of Kolkata, some wild life survives.

I live in Bally, a small town in the district of Howrah. When we were growing up in the 70's this area used to be full of ponds and trees. Unfortunately it's not like that anymore. They have built multi-storied buildings at the cost of filling up all the water bodies and lush green fields. Many of the birds that we used to see when we were young, don't come here any more.

But recently, me and Chhotu were thrilled to see Indian Civets in our neighbourhood. Talking to our neighbours, we learnt that they have found a deserted house and made it their den.

We just got curious about this animal and wondered how it could survive our rapid and mindless urbanization!

here is link to the Common Indian Palm Civet:

http://www.lioncrusher.com/animal.asp?animal=109