2020 hiking year in review
In our final podcast episode for 2020, we decided to close out with something different. We invited two previous podcast guests to return and hang out with us while we drank eggnog and recounted the year that was.
Landscape photographer and film maker, Oddbjørn Austevik joined us from Norway and by pure coincidence, mountain climbing trainer and guide, Chase Tucker also joined us from Norway.
Chase Tucker
Chase originally joined us on podcast episode 25 earlier this year to educate us on functional training for hiking and mountain climbing. Chase fills us in on what he’s been up to since we spoke, including hiking across the entire country of Spain (and editing all of the footage into some beautiful films).
Learn more about chase and follow his adventures:
Website: basecamptraining.com.au
Facebook: basecampfit
Instagram: @chase_mountains
YouTube: Chase Mountains
Oddbjørn Austevik
Oddbjørn was the first guest to ever join us on the podcast in Episode 5 way back in 2018. Since we last spoke to him, he’s been very busy with his YouTube channel and several other side projects.
Check out Oddbjørn’s adventures and photography:
Website: oaustevikfoto.wixsite.com
Facebook: StormOkok
Instagram: @oddbjornaustevikfoto
YouTube: oddbjørn austevik foto
LISTEN:
Official Podcast sponsors:
BLUEY MERINO
An Australian-owned-and-operated Merino Activewear & Outdoor Clothing company.
www.blueymerino.com
RHEOS GEAR
100% Polarised, Floating Sunglasses
www.rheosgear.com
CARIBEE
One of Australia’s most well known and leading backpack, travel and outdoor brands.
www.caribee.com
TOPO MAPS+
Go deeper into the backcountry.
glacierpeak.app
QUIZ
What is responsible for more deaths in Australia than snakes, sharks and saltwater crocodiles combined?
Answer: The Box Jellyfish
eggnog recipe
Just in case you were interested, the fantastic eggnog recipe I followed is below. I can’t tell you how good this was but I guess you got the idea in the podcast. Make some for yourself and let me know how you go. 🙂
NEWS:
Hiker lives... after dying for 45min
So many times when we hear of hikers going missing, especially in freezing conditions, we think of the worst. When 45 year old hiker, Michael Knapinski found himself lost in Mount Rainier national park during a whiteout, the worst did happen. He was found barely alive and died while in ER. He stayed that way for 45 minutes while a team used some of the most advanced techniques in the world to keep his blood oxygenated. Michael eventually returned to consciousness and has fully recovered. It’s the kind of good ending we don’t often get in these kind of stories.
Read the full article on seattletimes.com
Move to Arkansas - Collect $10K & a mountain bike.
This year has seen people all over the workd reevaluate exactly what they want from their lives. It mishg be a better work/life balance, more time with the family, or to live closer to some fantastic hiking trails.
If it’s the latter, you just might be in luck! Northwest Arkansas is keen to get some more people to come and live out in their fantastic state and to spice up the deal, they’ll give you $10K and a free mountain bike for your troubles. If you really aren’t interested in mountain biking, they are willing to make that an annual pass to the local cultural institutions like the museum or gallery. If you’re considering a tree-change, it might be time to start packing your bags.
Read the full article at wjla.com
Rocky Mountain treasure found!
We originally covered this story in podcast Episode 20, our first episode of the year. I expected it to be something that we’d never really hear about again except perhaps for more hikers becoming lost, injured or even worse trying to find the treasure.
I was certainly surprised to find out that not only was the treasure real, but it was discovered earlier this year by 32 year old man. The treasure in the chest is estimated to be full of over $1million of gold and antiques.
Read the full article at wjla.com
Bridge for animals
There’s not much to say about this one except that it’s a great initiative by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources that allows animals to use dedicated bridges to avoid crossing major roads.
Check out the video below for some animals you might not expect to see using the facility.
Animal bridge timelapse
Still one of my favourite video finds of 2020. Spectacular footage through the seasons of a log crossing over a stream. Do yourself a favour and read some of the comments on YouTube too.
WHAT3WORDS APP
Ambulance crews were able to locate the exact location of an injured hiker through the use of this app.
Read the full article at abc.net.au
TOM'S MAGICAL MYSTERY MEDIA MASH-UP:
The Ghosts Above
In this film, Renan Ozturk leads a team onto the face of Everest in search of a hidden secret, or rather, something that could rewrite the history books.
MOONWalk - not the kind you're thinking of
Another Renan Ozturk film in which he undertakes a massive task, over many months of capturing a full moon shot with a guy slacklining in the foreground.
WHY DO I HIKE?
A lot of the things spoken about in this film resonated with me. Some very interesting perspectives from people being interviewed on the trail. I’m sure we all know why we hike, but sometimes it’s nice to know other people are thinking the same thing.
The ice tunnel in Jotunheimen
This is the fantastic film that we discussed with Oddbjørn of his time spent within a glacier, capturing footage and photographs.
Chase film
Check out part 1 of Chases 500 mile solo thru hike across Spain. It’s what I’d call an inspirational film beautiful captured and edited by Chase.
Make sure you check out the full series in this playlist: Crossing the Pyrenees Series
Chase Mountains fitness
When Chase isn’t in the mountains, he’s training to be in the mountains. Here’s one of many training videos he’s released. Get into it and get yourself in shape for your next hike!
Green Forest
This film is slow, but it’s beautifully shot and quite mesmerising in a lot of ways.
Winter in Norway
This was Oddbjørn’s Christmas video from last year. As an Australian, with hot summer weather during the festive season, it was beautiful to see so much snow.
Arctic Fox
This arctic fox is probably one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen. His interaction with the photographer in this footage is fascinating.
GEAR TALK:
Garmin inreach
Craig and I both just picked up one of these Garmin InReach Mini satellite communicator. We’re both looking forward to getting them out on the trail and testing them out. We’ll let you know how we go on future podcast episode.
See the video below for everything you need to know or check out all the specs on garmin.com
