Everesting so Hot Right Now

“Everest” may not currently appear in the dictionary as a verb, but we have a feeling it might by year’s end. While the feat of “everesting”—attaining the 29,029-ft. elevation of Mt. Everest anywhere and anyhow—has been a thing since 2014, attempts have surged in the past few months. As more and more people clock the vert, the world record is ever in flux, with one of the most recent times set in just 7:40:05 by a Utah cyclist. [Bicycling Magazine]

 

 

 

Climate Change in B Minor

You may have watched a dystopic movie about climate change (Water World, anyone?), but have you listened to a song about our planet’s predicament? Apparently, there are 192 deliberate references to climate change in popular music, and it all started with Smash Mouth and Mos Def back in ‘99. [NY Times]

Outdoor Inspo From Sweden

Photo Credit: Diana Lee, @only1phoenixx

Make like an Arctic fox and banish the pandemic blues with a mega-dose of nature. The brand Fjällräven—which is Swedish for “Arctic fox”—has compiled a hub of info and inspo on how to connect with nature during these crazy times, from an outdoor-inspired playlist and Fjällräven’s favorite nature apps to an intro to the Swedish mindset of fika (slow down and savor that cup of coffee). [Fjällräven]

 

 

Good News for People Who Love the Outdoors

As we grow pandemic-weary, parts of the country begin to reopen, and the weather warms, many of us are testing the bounds of quarantine. Experts are weighing in on how much risk various summer activities pose, from eating at a restaurant to pitching a tent. The good news is that if you’re testing those bounds outside, your risk level is likely in the medium to low range. [NPR]

 

 

The National Parks Without Us

If you’ve read The World Without Us or seen Life After People, you know that in addition to crumbling buildings and ecosystems on the mend, a side effect of a people-less world is wildlife reclaiming habitat. At national parks that have been closed, we’ve seen exactly that, from pronghorns in Death Valley to black bears in Yosemite. Now the question becomes, what will happen when humans crash the animal party again? [The Guardian]

 

Candidate for the Most Interesting Man in the World

He doesn’t always dive to the deepest depths of the ocean, but when he does, he sets a world record. After Victor Vescovo made millions in private equity, he set his sights on adventure, climbing the highest mountain on each continent, skiing both poles, and, last fall, becoming the first person to bottom out in all five oceans. If you’re looking for a good, long read, plunge into this story of Vescovo’s “Five Deeps” mission. [New Yorker]

Why You Should Plan a Bucket List Trip Now

We may not be able to travel very far in the near future, but research shows that plotting a trip can be a serious mood-booster. While many of us may be trying to live in that present moment, it turns out dipping a toe or two into the future could be a good thing—we’re happiest when we have a vacation in the works. So go ahead, start dreaming about your Summer 2021 travels. [National Geographic]

 

 

Questival for a Cause

Cotopaxi is beloved for its colorful gear, but the Utah-based brand is also known for its annual Questival, wherein teams compete in outdoor adventures. This year, Questival went virtual and saw record participation, raising $18,000 for COVID-19 relief for refugees. Cotopaxi has decided to host round two this year on the Summer Solstice; teams around the country can enter Seize the Día Questival and help raise even more for the same great cause. [Cotopaxi]