National Geographic Launches 2010 Photo Contest

National Geographic has always been filled with amazing photos. In fact, it is one of the hallmarks of the magazine and one of the reasons we love it so much. To highlight some of the best photographs taken each year, Nat Geo hosts a photography contest, and the 2010 edition is now underway, allowing photographers to submit their images in a digital format directly from the website.

The entry process couldn't be more easy, you simply need to create (or using an existing) NatGeo website account to login to the submissions page. From there, you can upload your photographs directly, filling in the necessary information as you go. There are three category areas, People, Places, and Nature, and there is a $15 entry fee applied per photograph. The deadline for entry is November 30th of this year, so you'll want to start sifting through your images now to find the best ones for submission.

The winner of this year's contest will be rewarded handsomely. First place winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize and a trip to Washington DC in January to attend the 2011 National Geographic Photography Seminar. The winning photo will also be published in an upcoming issue of the magazine, which is reward enough for many amateur and professional photographers.

To give you an idea of what the judges like, take a look at last year's winners in this gallery and check out some of the other entries in this gallery. Beautiful stuff. I really need to work more on my photos.

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National Geographic Reports On Gulf Oil Spill

The Gulf oil spill may be closed, and for many people forgotten, but the impact that it will have on that region is likely to be felt for years to come. With that in mind, National Geographic has turned its considerable attentions on the Gulf, with a host of reports on the topic ranging across a variety of media.

For instance, the oil spill will be the cover story for the October edition of National Geographic magazine and will feature "photos you haven't seen; stories you haven't heard." The issue will also include a special two-sided map, with one side devoted to showing the deeply entrenched, and massive, Gulf oil infrastructure. The other side of the map will have a graphical representation of the Gulf's delicate eco-system with an explanation of how everything is interrelated, and the impact of the oil on life in and around those waters. Both sides of the map can be viewed online right now. Click here to see the Gulf oil infrastructure, and here for the Gulf eco-system.

That's not all however, as NG plans to air three television shows on the topic. Flagship program Explorer will get things started by airing a special entitled "Can the Gulf Survive?" which will take an in depth look at the damage that has been done and the likelihood that the eco-system can bounce back from this ecological disaster. That show is set to be broadcast on Tuesday, Sept. 28th at 10PM ET/PT.

As if that wasn't enough, the Society is offering up some resources for K12 educators to share in their classrooms as well. Those resources can be found by clicking here and include activities designed for all grade levels to help them understand the breadth of the disaster and the long term effects it could have on the environments in the Gulf.

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Nat Geo Cameramen Caught In Giant Sand Storm

The World is an amazing place, and sometimes we need to be reminded of just how powerful and impressive it really is. Take this video for example. It was shot by a couple of cameramen from National Geographic who were in Africa filming some footage for the upcoming special Great Migrations, which airs this November. The filmmakers were simply hoping to catch a glimpse of a herd of elephants crossing the desert, and instead they became first hand witnesses of how powerful nature really can be. In this case, they were hit with a massive stand storm but fortunately for us, they just kept on shooting. Wow!

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Coming Soon From Nat Geo: Great Migrations

It's probably no surprise that the National Geographic Channel is amongst my favorites, for obvious reason. They always manage to capture amazing, and compelling, video and deliver it to us in beautiful fashion. This new show, Great Migrations, which is scheduled to air this fall, looks to be no exception to that rule.

Check out the preview video below to get a glimpse of what we'll be in for with this seven part series, which will be broadcast globally in a few months time. Looks great, and I can't wait!

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National Geographic Prepares to Amaze You!

National Geographic has kicked off a new franchise called Nat Geo Amazing that has been designed from the ground up to astound you with some of the world’s most fascinating and fun people, places and things. This new program will feature a 10-part television show and a companion book filled with incredible facts about the world around us.


The show actually launched last week here in the U.S., and will be hitting international markets this month as well.  Here in the States, the episodes air on Friday nights at 7 PM EST, and each week Nat Geo Amazing will take us to the ends of the Earth to show us some of the craziest, most interesting, and yes, most amazing things on the planet. For instance, this week the show is all about Killer Swarms and Urban Penguins, with future topics ranging from kung fu monks, amazing mummies, deadly desert creatures, and so much more.


The companion book to the television series in entitled Nat Geo AMAZING! 100 People, Places, and Things That Will Wow You. The book make for great summer reading and is packed with all kinds of outrageous stories, including the tale of a Bengal tiger in Thailand that was raised around monkeys and dogs, and shares her pen with pigs, which she doesn't eat. Or the rotating apartment complex in Dubai that offers a different view of the city each hour. 


The book and television show have been designed to offer an entertaining and fun look at some of the most unique aspects of life on our planet, and it should make for some great conversation starters while hanging out around the pool or BBQ pit this summer. 

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Nat. Geo Hands Out Two Prestigious Alexander Graham Bell Medals

Yesterday the National Geographic Society presented Alexander Graham Bell Medals to two men who have had a lasting and undeniable impact on the field of geography. The honorees were Dr. Roger Tomlinson, who has been called "the father of geographic information systems (GIS)," and Jack Dangermond, a pioneer in the area of spatial analysis methods.


The prestigious awards are named after for the famous inventor who also served as the second president of the National Geographic Society. The medals are given for "extraordinary achievement in geographic research" and have only been awarded once before. Back in 1980, explorers Bradford and Barbara Washburn won the medal for their outstanding contributions in the fields of geography and cartography. 


Tomlinson was recognized for his early, and ground breaking, use of geographic information systems that has changed the very study of the subject. He began is research back in the 1960's when he applied it to the Canada Land Inventory. Since that time, he has become the leading authority on the changing patter of land use and its impact on the environment. Cities and countries from around the globe consult with him on   a regular basis on how to manage urban development and the use of their natural resources.


Dangermond has been at the forefront of promoting GIS and applying its use, for more than four decades. He has written numerous scholarly papers on the subject, given presentations on its application, and consulted with others on its use. He is also the founder of the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), which has developed important software for use in GIS. ESRI has an install base of more 300,000 users, that includes businesses, governments, universities, and NGO's the world over.


The Alexander Graham Bell Medals were awarded by Bell's great-grandson, National Geographic Society Chairman Gilbert M. Grosvenor, who had this to say about the recipients: "Roger and Jack have dedicated their lives to advancing the science of GIS, transforming the field of geography and bringing the use of geographic information to virtually every field of human endeavor and every corner of the globe,"


Congrats to both Tomlinson and Dangermond for winning this award. Considering it has been 30 years since the last time Nat. Geo. handed them out, I'd say they are well deserved. 

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National Geographic Adventure (and Me!) Present The Ultimate Adventurers of 2010

National Geographic Adventure published an excellent piece today on today's Ultimate Adventurers. The story takes a look at the top accomplishments by adventurers in the first half of they year, and I'm thrilled by the story because I wrote it! :)

The plan with the project was to shine a spotlight on some of the best stories from the world of adventure so far this year, and we came up with things such as Oh Eun Sun climbing Annapurna and become the first woman to summit all of the 8000 meter peaks. We also mentioned people like Jessica Watson and Jordan Romero of course, along with Roz Savage, Mark Beaumont, and more.

The Ultimate Adventurers is a cool project, and I'm honored that the folks over at Nat. Geo asked me to be a part of it. We'll be updating the site in the weeks and months ahead, as more adventurers accomplish their goals throughout the rest off the year. Be sure to check it out on a regular basis.

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Gear Box: Gifts For Dad!

Father's Day is just a few days away, and if you're still looking for the perfect gift for your dad, here are a few suggestions. Alternatively, if you happen to be a dad, drop a few hints to let the family know what you really want them to get you.

Osprey Aether 70 Backpack
It's no secret that Osprey makes great packs. I have a couple of them, and they're all comfortable, rugged, and well designed. The Aether 70 continues that legacy as a large pack that is perfect for multiday hikes on the trail or for an overseas excursion that will be more adventure and less luxury. The pack is hydration compatible of course, but also comes with a detachable top pocket that can be used as a lumbar pack, and the integrated suspension system helps to keep you cool and dry while on the tail. (MSRP: $259) (For my full review of this pack, click here)

Fueltank Duo from CallPod
These days when we travel, we always take a number of gadgets with us, including cellphones, digital cameras, and mp3 players. All of those toys need to stay charged, and sometimes a wall socket is not readily available. That's where the Fueltank Duo from CallPod comes in handy. The Duo packs more than eight times the power of a normal device device, allowing it to recharge your phone multiple times while you're on the go. Better yet, the Fueltank Duo lives up to its name by being able to charge two devices at once. The device comes with three cables, including one each for mini-USB, micro-USB, and an iPod/iPhone. It also comes with it's own carrying case, and is quite small, so it's easy to pack away. Better yet, the Fueltank Duo even works with the iPad, which is no small feat considering the amount of power it takes to charge that device. (MSRP: $69.95)

Tech 4o Accelerator Watch
The Tech 4o Accelerator watch is a cool piece of technology guaranteed to help dad's workouts. This timepiece has a built in accelerometer that keeps track of speed, distance covered, calories burned, and time working out, all with out the need of any kind of external pods or other devices. It can even distinguish between running and walking, and it is customized for each specific runner, allowing it to be even more accurate. Look for a full review on the Accelerator soon, but just know that it is a great gift for the active runner and hiker in your family. (MSRP: $69.95)

SteriPEN Adventurer
The SteriPEN Adventurer is another one of those devices you don't know you need until you actually have one, and use it. The Adventurer uses ultraviolet light to purify water, without the need for iodine tablet or anything else that you drop in the water. Simply fill your water bottle with water, turn on the SteriPEN, and begin stirring the water. 48 seconds later, it's all ready to drink. No long waiting periods before the water is ready and no bad after taste. And like all of the devices from SteriPEN, the Adventurer kills 99.99% of all the bad stuff in the water, so you can drink away with little fear of any problems. I recently took my SteriPEN to Nepal, and it was a great addition to my pack. I suffered no GI issues while I was there, while others in my trekking group were battling all kinds of stomach problems. I definitely recommend this one. (MSRP: $99.95)

World Atlas from National Geographic
Want to give Dad the world? Then National Geographic is here to help. The 8th Edition World Atlas ($129.95) is a perfect way to explore the Earth from a comfy chair, and there are even editions available for the iPhone ($1.99) and iPad ($1.99). Of course, , National Geographic Magazine is always a great choice as well and it can be had for just $15 in both the print version and the electronic version, which also looks great on the iPad.

Custom Travel from Kensington Tours
This one is truly for the dad who has everything. If you're completely stumped on what to get dad this year, then let Kensington Tours' Vacation Valet come to the rescue. The adventure travel company is considered one of the best in the world, and they specialize in creating custom itineraries guaranteed to please even the most ardent adventurers. For example, some of the many options they can offer include going on safari in Kenya, by motorcycle or traveling to Chile to go fly fishing. Other adventures include shark diving in Australia, tiger trekking in India, and perhaps most intriguing of all, hunting with pygmies in the Congo. What ever kind of travel experience you, or your father, is looking for, Kensington is likely able to deliver. Costs vary of course, ranging from $200 - $2000 per day, depending on the options you choose. This is the ultimate gift for dad. The gift of adventure.

Happy father's day everyone!

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Adventure Remembers Hiram Bingham

On July 24th, 1911, explorer Hirm Bingham stumbled (and I mean stumbled!) onto one of the greatest archeological finds of the 20th century in the form of Machu Picchu, a lost Inca city in the Andes. It wasn't exactly the "lost city" he was looking for, and there are some that say he only re-discovered it, but with his find, Bingham cemented his place in history, and inspired other explorers that followed.

A new book entitled Cradle of Gold: The Story of Hiram Bingham, a Real-Life Indiana Jones, and the Search for Machu Picchu by historian Christopher Heaney takes a look at Bingham's life and his influence on the iconic, whip-cracking, fictional archaeologist of the popular film series. Heaney sat down with National Geographic Adventure's Mark Adams recently for an interview and to discuss the real life adventurer.

Heaney says that Bingham was actually searching for Vitcos and Vilcabamba, the last capitals of the Inca empire, when he came across Machu Picchu instead. He would find those two lost cities eventually as well, but that would come a few months later, making 1911 a very busy and memorable year for the explorer. In the interview, Heaney talks about these important finds and their historical significance.

It has been nearly 100 years since Bingham's jungle adventure, and Machu Picchu has gone on to become the number one tourist attraction in Peru. But back in 1911, the area was a remote, mostly unexplored jungle, that was still waiting to give up its secrets. It must have been an exciting time to be an archaeologist.

Has anyone read the book? Any thoughts? Sounds really interesting.

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National Geographic Announces 2010 Emerging Explorers!

National Geographic's Emerging Explorers program annually recognizes outstanding men and women who are making significant contributions to their chosen field while still early in their careers. These explorers come from a wide variety of fields, including anthropology, archeology, mountaineering, technology, and more. Today, the organization announced the 2010 recipients of the awards, with another amazing group of visionary adventurers getting the nod.

All told, there are fourteen recipients of the Emerging Explorer status for this year. They come from diverse backgrounds and areas of studying, including an environmental scientist, mobile technology innovator, a paleontologist, an electrical engineer and more. Each of them is awarded $10,000 to assist in continuing their work, which includes important research in their area of speciality.

Amongst this years Emerging Explorers are Aparajita Datta, a wildlife biologist in India who is working to preserve tropical rainforests in the Arunachal Pradesh region. She is joined in the 2010 class by Mongolian paleontologist Bolortsetseg Minjin, who not only digs up the bones of dinosaurs, but works diligently to attract young Mongolian students to her passion. Musician and activist Feliciano dos Santos uses his music to promote sanitation and hygiene in remote areas of Mozambique, while conservationist and wildlife researcher Emma Stokes works with the government in the Congo to preserve an area of the contry inhabited by 125,000 lowland gorillas.

One name you're likely to recognize on the list is that of Albert Yu-Min Lin, who has not only been named an Emerging Explorer, but was also one of NG's Adventurers of the Year as well. You may recall that Albert is the explorer who has been looking fo the tomb of Genghis Khan, and he gets a nod here for his innovative use of technology which allows him to search without ever digging up the ground. To say Albert is having a good year is probably an understatement huh?

Congratulation to the 2010 class of Emerging Explorers. They all seem very deserving of the honor. To read more about these young men and women, and their research, click here.

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Want To Blog Your Way Around the World?

Come on! Admit it! You've surfed on over to this blog on more than one occasion and thought "This whole blog thing doesn't look all that tough!" Well, now is your chance to find out for yourself with the new Blog Your Way Around the World Contest, which will send eight lucky winners off on some amazing trips to far flung corners of the globe, and let them write about their experiences as well.

Enter the contest is a simple affair. Simply go to this page and fill out the online application. That application includes a 400-word essay explaining why you should win, and how you would blog from the road if you are amongst the lucky few chosen. After that, you need to rally your friends and family, and get them to vote for you, with the top vote eight vote getters winning the prizes. The deadline for entry is December 31st of this year.

The trips that are up for grabs are definitely worth blogging about. The options include rafting the Salmon River courtesy of OARS, a cycling trip through the Czech Republic and Austria from Backroads, a heli-hiking adventure from Canadian Mountain Holidays, and a journey north to view polar bears from Natural Habitat Adventures. The other four include a visit to Costa Rica from Off the Beaten Path, a Galapagos expedition from Lindblad, a luxury cruise to Borneo from Orion Expedition Cruises, and a custom safari from Micato Safaris. All of these sound like amazing trips, and to make them even better, you'll receive all the gear you'll need on your adventure as well.

Once the winners have been selected, they'll have until 2014 to take their trip, and they must agree to write about their adventure before, during, and after their journey. But, they will get to bring a friend along too, with all of their airfare and tour costs covered.

Seems like a great opportunity to me. I'd be happy to blog any of those trips! If you would too, then fill out your application now, and get started. Good luck everyone!

Thanks to the National Geographic Adventure blog for the tip!

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National Geographic Comes To The iPad!

I haven't written a lot about my love for the iPad yet, although you're bound to hear plenty about it in the future. I took Apple's wonderful new device with me on my trip to Nepal, and can assure you that it is the perfect travel companion. It is lightweight, very easy and intuitive to use, and has a battery that lasts a very long time. Couple that with some great apps and outstanding media capabilities, and you have quite the powerful device. I have already loaded up my 64GB WiFi version with music, videos, photos, games, and more. I've even used the wonderful iBook Store to purchase some books to read on my iPad. About the only thing that I haven't done, was subscribe to one of the new enhanced editions of magazines that have begun to appear on the device. That changed yesterday however, when I received an e-mail announcing the National Geographic Interactive Edition.

This new version of Nat. Geo. comes courtesy of Zinio, who have been leading the way in online publishing of magazines for some time. This new Interactive Edition of the magazine offers all of the same content, including all the stories and great photos, plus new elements that can only be done on a computer or iPad. For instance, the latest issue includes video, slideshows, extra photos, and interactive maps. It is a very cool use of multimedia and new technology.

While you can enjoy the National Geographic Interactive Edition on a PC, it is an even better experience on the iPad thanks to the touch interface. You do need to use the Zinio App to gain access, but that is a free download and offers you other magazines as well. The best part is that this electronic version of National Geographic is just $15 for 12 issues, and you can carry it around with you everywhere on your shiny new device. And because it doesn't use any paper, it's good for the environment too.

So what other magazine's are doing a good job on the iPad? What am I missing out on?

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Introducing The National Geographic Global Action Atlas

Every once in awhile a very cool and innovative project comes along that makes you ask "why hasn't someone thought of this sooner?" Last week I was introduced to just such a project, and it is my privilege to share it with everyone now.

It's called the Global Action Atlas and it comes to us courtesy of National Geographic and is powered by Bing Maps. The site throws a spotlight on cause-related projects that are taking place on a local level around the globe, while delivering information on those projects to concerned citizens anywhere on the planet, enabling them to get involved with the projects that strike a chord with them. Connecting people to the right causes, no matter where they are, is one of the key elements of the Action Atlas.

Examples of some of the projects and action items that are currently featured on the site include a call for action against the Gulf Coast oil spill which is threatening fragile wetlands as well as a call for aid in regions of China that suffered damage during the recent earthquake there. But not everything is an urgent request for aid either. For instance, I came across a really interesting project that is hoping to create "America's Serengeti" That project is being organized by the American Prairie Foundation in an effort to develop a wildlife reserve more than a million acres in size.

At the heart of the Global Action Atlas is the Action Map, which gives you a quick look at projects from around the world. Even though the site is still listed as a beta, there are literally dozens of interesting projects that you can get involved in across North and South America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and beyond. The map offers a number of zoom levels, allowing you to focus on a specific region as well as a number of checkboxes that offer you the option to filter out certain types of projects that may not be of interest to you. You can also search by keywords or location names, and bring up a map key that will assist you in deciphering what all the little icons on the map mean.

National Geographic's mission says that they hope "to inspire people to care about the planet", and that mission is enhanced by the Global Action Atlas by turning inspiration into action. The atlas looks to match inspired and motivated people with a project that speaks to them on some level, perhaps linking them to a cause they didn't even know existed. Through the use of the atlas, we may be motivated further to share information, donate to a cause, or even volunteer to take part in a more direct way. Looking through the amazing projects that are taking place across the globe, it's difficult to not want to get involved.

As noted, the Action Atlas is still in beta form, which means it is still being tested, and the bugs are being worked out. With that in mind, the site is also looking for feedback and they have set up a quick survey allowing us to weigh in. While the atlas is an amazing tool already, we can all help to make it even better, by offering our thoughts. I'd encourage you to do just that, then logon and get inspired for yourself.

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Alaska-Yukon Expedition: Two Months In, Andrew Answers Your Questions!

Long distance ultralight hiker Andrew Skurka launched his Alaska-Yukon Expedition nearly two months ago, and during that period he has hiked, skied, and snow shoed over more than 1100 miles of remote Alaskan backcountry. During that time, he has seen some dramatic changes to the conditions in which he is traveling, and although spring has arrived up north, it hasn't always made his journey easier.

In a recent post to the National Geographic Adventure Blog, where Skurka is keeping us all informed of his progress, he says that spring has brought cold and wet conditions, replacing the sub-zero temperatures and snowfall, with 30º, rainy conditions instead. The change in weather has kept him cold and wet most of the time, which has not made it easy for him to function under those conditions. He also adds that spring runoff tends to dump water on top of already frozen rivers and lakes, making them very cold and treacherous to ford. Andrew says that he expects much of the spring to be like this, and the fall as well, and he looks forward to the warmer summer weather that is not too far off at this point.

All told, the expedition is expected to take about seven months to complete, and will cover more than 4700 miles in total. During that time, Skurka will pass through six U.S. and two Canadian national parks and hiked the remote Alaska and Brooks Ranges. An adventure such as this one would be a once in a lifetime affair for most people, but for Skurka, it's just another hike to add to his growing list of accomplishments, which include 7778 mile coast-to-coast hike across the U.S. and Canada, as well as a 6875 mile jaunt through the Western U.S.

Ever wonder how Andrew does it? Well, The Nat. Geo Adventure Blog is giving you your chance to ask him yourself. The long distance hiker is due back into civilization tomorrow, and he has agreed to answer any and all of your questions. Simply go to this post on the NG Adventure Blog, and post your question in the comments section. Andrew will log on over the next few days, and answer you personally. So, if you've got questions about the gear he uses or how he plans these big expeditions, head on over and post them. This is a rare and unique opportunity to have those questions answered by an expert on the subject.

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Nat. Geo. Traveler Selects 2010 Tours of a Lifetime

While I was away, the latest issue of National Geographic Traveler hit the newsstand. It's there annual Tours of a Lifetime issue, which is always a joy to page through, as it usually offers up a good 10-12 new places to add to my bucket list of destinations to visit.

As usual, the issue breaks down the list by region, offering up the best tours in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Europe, North America, and the Pacific Islands/Oceania. All told, there are 50 great travel adventures to choose from, offering just about any kind of experience you can imagine, for just about any type of traveler as well, with Traveler approved guide services named as well.

For instance, if you want to explore Thailand by bike, Traveler recommends the "Thailand Bike Tours—Northern Highlights" trip. It's a 7-day tour offered by Pedalers Pub & Grille. Looking for a different kind of safari experience? Then how about the doing it on horseback in Botswana courtesy of Okavango Horse Safaris. Better yet, visit the pristine, remote wilderness of the Yukon River in Canada by taking a geotour from Great River Journeys.

You get the idea. The "Tours of a Lifetime" list has a little something to offer everyone, although you'll definitely want to bring a healthy sense of adventure, because many of these trips are not for the feint of heart, but they are guaranteed to be the trip of a lifetime.

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National Geographic Announces 2009 Adventurers of the Year

After three months of voting, during which more than 20,000 ballots were cast, National Geographic Adventure has announced their selection for the Adventurer of the Year, with a tie giving the award to two very deserving winners.

The winners of the award are explorer Albert Yu-Min Lin and soldier/climber Marc Hoffmeister. Lin earned his honors for leading an expedition to a remote part of Mongolia, where he has been searching for the missing tomb of Ghenghis Kahn, which was hidden by the Kahn's followers upon his death back in 1227. For his part, Hoffmeister was recognized for leading a team of Iraq war vets up the West Buttress Route of Denali. A number of those vets, including Hoffmeister himself, were injured in that conflict, with some even losing limbs.

Both of the winners expressed their gratitude for winning the award, but also were quick to note that they are just part of a much bigger team. Each of them also continues their adventures, with Lin continuing his search, while working to maintain the heritage of Mongolia, while Hoffmeister has gotten into whitewater rafting, adventure racing, and more climbing, summiting Kilimanjaro. To read Lin's reaction to wining, click here and for Hoffmeister's comments, click here.

The announcement of these awards continues the return to prominence of the Adventure Blog, which I recently noted had sprung back to life in recent days. It's nice to have it back, and it's nice to see the tradition of the Adventurer of the Year awards continuing.

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Ancient Men Were Explorers Too!

I read this story over at the National Geographic website earlier and found it fascinating. It seems that a team of archeologists have found an crudely constructed ancient axe on the Isle of Crete, off the coast of Greece, that indicates that man has been traveling by sea far longer than we ever suspected.

The archeologists were actually hoping to find simple stone tools from a civilization that sailed those waters roughly 11,000 years ago. Instead, they discovered the axe, which closely resembles others that have been found in central Europe and Africa. Those tools date back 175,000 years, which tells them that men were building boats and traveling the waters of the Mediterranean for tens of thousands of years earlier than was first believed.

One of the more telling quotes from the article, which puts this all into perspective, comes from archeologist Curtis Runnels, who said "The idea of finding tools from this very early time period on Crete was about as believable as finding an iPod in King Tut's tomb." Runnels added that he was "flabbergasted" by the discovery.

All told, the team of archeologists discovered more than 30 similar axes and other primitive tools at 9 different dig sites spread out across the island. Radio carbon dating for the various stratification levels from which they were found indicate that the newest of the tools were left on Crete some 45,000 years ago, while the oldest date back 130,000 years.

The find has also opened up debate as to how the migration of man spread across Europe. It is widely believed that Africa was the birth place of primitive man, and they migrated outward from there. The theory has always been that we traveled on foot through the Middle East and into Asia and Europe from there, But now that theory could be challenged with the thought that perhaps our ancestors traveled by boat into Europe, hopping across islands as they went. Either way, we know that they were exploring the open waters long before we ever suspected. It seems that the concept of a "Mediterranean Cruise" isn't such a new thing either.

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National Geographic Adventure Blog Is Alive And Kicking!

We all shared a collective moment of sadness when it was announced that National Geographic Adventure Magazine would cease to be published back in early December. At the time, they put out a press release saying that we hadn't heard the last of Adventure, and that the "brand" would live on in other ways. That seemed like a lot of marketing spin back then, and while we crossed our fingers and hoped for the best, the outlook seemed grim, even as they said "goodbye for now".

But, all is not a grim as it once seemed. Back at the beginning of February, the NG Adventure Blog sprung back to life with an update on the Everett Ruess Mystery, and how the DNA testing went wrong.

Since then, we've been getting a steady stream of good content from the blog, just like we did before the announcement that the print mag was going away. We've had stories on the top adventures to do while in Hawaii, a look at a sweet $10,000 bike (Yes, I want one!), and exciting things to do in British Columbia as the Olympics got underway. I especially found this story on a project to map the protected wild areas of Africa to be very fascinating and this story on efforts by paddlers to save fish on the Mekong had me wanting to hit the river in a kayak myself.

It's great to see that one of my favorite websites had returned with some excellent content. While it's not quite like having the print mag back, it is great to see the Adventure crew is putting together some good stories for those of us who have missed them.

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Nat Geo Releases Atlas For The iPhone!

National Geographic has released an iPhone version of their popular World Atlas, allowing us to take it with us wherever we go.

The new app, which can be found at this link, cost just $1.99, but offers everything you'd expect from the printed version, and then some. For instance, the program offers seven levels of cartography provided by National Geographic themselves, as well as an addition seven layers of maps provided by Microsoft Bing. The high-resolution imagery used to render those maps are the same as those found in Nat Geo's wall maps and printed atlases, giving you the best looking and most comprehensive maps in the world, right in your pocket.

If that wasn't enough, the app also includes access to the Flags and Facts database, which offers a wealth of information on countries and cities from around the globe. You can also search for information on more than 7 million locations, bookmark your favorites, and use the iPhone's built in GPS to locate your current position at any time. All of that, and more, is wrapped up in an easy to use interface that quite literally puts the world at your fingertips. To find out more about this app, click here.

I'm a huge fan of National Geographic's maps and atlases. In fact, I received a beautiful, framed wall map as a Christmas present that is simply beautiful and amazing. Having their World Atlas right on my iPhone seems like a dream come true. As if I needed another app to keep me playing with Apple's wonderful little gadget.

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Lost Civilization Found In The Amazon?

I've been reading a bit about this story for a few days now, and find it fascinating. National Geographic is reporting that newly uncovered evidence suggests that a previously unknown ancient society once flourished in the Amazon Jungle, and it may have been spread out over a larger area than we have ever thought possible.

As most of you already know, heavy deforestation along the Amazon has cut back miles and miles of rainforest in recent years. With that heavy, green canopy cut back, satellites have been able to photograph areas of the jungle floor that have never been visible before, and what they've found is remarkable. in all, more than 200 unique geometric shapes have been spotted, such as circles, squares, and others. These shapes were built by ancient man living in the region, but their purpose is as of yet unknown. Many are as much as 12 meters across and 4 meters deep as well.

Even more surprising is the fact that these strange shapes are spread out over an area of more than 155 miles, which means the civilization responsible for them was far ranging. Scientists also believe that there may be as many ten times the number revealed so far that remain hidden beneath the jungle canopy.

When I read this story I couldn't help but think of the book The Lost City of Z, which I reviewed here. The book was about British explorer Percy Harrison Fawcett, who disappeared in the Amazon when he went looking for just this type of civilization, something that was dismissed out of hand both then, and until recently, now as well. It makes you wonder if these new structures are some how linked to Z. It's a really interesting story, and I hope we learn more about it.

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