Type2Fun

We sat down with Glen Van Peski, author of Take less. Do more. Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker. We discussed some amazing Type2Fun adventures and of course, his ultralight backpacking skills.

Glen Van Peski is widely recognized by the trail name “Legend” for his legendary contributions to the backpacking community. A native Californian with a childhood rooted in the western outdoors, Glen’s journey into backpacking began when his oldest son joined Scouts, and he led the Troop’s backpacking program. Through those experiences, he became intrigued by lightweight backpacking and started sewing his gear.

In 1998, he founded Gossamer Gear, a company dedicated to manufacturing ultralight backpacking equipment. Over the years, Glen and his company have been featured in Backpacker, Outside, and National Geographic Adventure magazines, and The New York Times.

The Sub-3 lb. Gear list mentioned is ⁠here⁠.

Glen's First Aid kit is ⁠here⁠. The gear list for my bike packing on the Great Divide is ⁠here⁠, and the blog post about the trip is ⁠here⁠.

For Europe hiking or adventure travel the gear list ⁠here⁠, and a blog post about how I he did it ⁠here⁠.

Join us as we listen to one type two fun story after another from the man, the myth, the legend.... Jay Irwin.

In Jay's own words, "I have a strong belief that Adventure is a key ingredient in transforming lives." We couldn't agree more! Buckle up, this one is a bumpy ride!

In this inspiring episode of Type2Fun, we sit down with the remarkable Meryl Lassen, a true adventurer and mountaineering trekker whose journey through the great outdoors has not only pushed the boundaries of human exploration but has also redefined what it means to overcome challenges. Meryl's story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human adventurer.

Join us for a candid and organic conversation as we delve into Meryl's incredible life of climbing and adventuring. We explore how and why she embarked on this extraordinary path, tracing her steps through the last 10+ years of adrenaline-pumping adventures that have taken her to some of the world's most breathtaking heights.

What sets Meryl's story apart is her incredible resilience in the face of adversity, which we'll be highlighting. She has not let any obstacles deter her from her passion, and her journey serves as an inspiration to many. You won't want to miss her insights into how the culture of climbing and adventuring is evolving, making outdoor pursuits more inclusive and accessible to all.

At Embark Exploration Co, we believe that trying something adventurous for the first time can change lives, and Meryl's experiences are a testament to that. We'll explore the profound impact her adventures have had on her life, both physically and mentally, and discover how she has harnessed the transformative power of the outdoors.

Tune in to hear Meryl's unforgettable stories, intriguing tidbits, and captivating experiences from the mountains and beyond. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or someone looking to take their first steps into the wild, Meryl's journey is sure to leave you inspired and ready to embark on your own adventures.

Join us for a conversation that reminds us all that with determination, passion, and a love for the great outdoors, there are no limits to what we can achieve. It's time to reach new heights with Meryl Lessen on the Type2Fun podcast.

Choose your next adventure at www.embarkexplorationco.com

This episode we sat down with Nima, Embark's Site Director in Nepal to discuss the lure of Everest and some amazing stories from the trail. 

Learn why people come back multiple times to Nepal and hear stories from the trail. 

Introducing Embark’s Slow Hiker Community, officially called the Pole-Pole club. Pole-Pole is Swahili means “slow slow,” and that’s what these trips will be designed for – Slow Hikers.

We have been running hiking adventures around the world for decades and know, first hand, the power and perseverance inside those who might not be the fastest in the group.  Being slow doesn’t stop us from being amazing hikers, climbers, and adventurers!  You know you will make it to your destination, it just might take a bit longer.  And, let’s face it, it can be deflating to feel like you are constantly slowing others down.  You know you’re strong… you’re just… slow.  And what’s so wrong with that?

The Pole-Pole club is set around the concept of a slow pace- anyone can participate; just know if you come, you’re definitely going to be taking your time.

Next Steps

This summer, 2023, Embark will be planning a series of hikes meant for our Slow Hiker community.  Together we will turn the slow hiker connotation on its head- we’re going to Embrace the Slow.  Our hikes will be just as dynamic and engaging as any of our Embark’s adventures but there will be an emphasis on a measured pace, deliberated breaks and more assistance with packing and personal gear management.  We are planning adventures to Canada, the Colorado Rockies, and Oaxaca, Mexico with a culminating epic trek to Everest Base Camp. There will be hikes every year for the Slow Hikers.

The slow hikers concept is a way to really take in your surroundings; for some of us, this will be our only experience in the remote neck of the woods where Embark adventures take place…so why not take our time? Come hike with us!

P.s. The hiking will be slow but don’t dilly dally reserving your spot; there’s a lot of us out there who are super enthused to have found this group and space is limited!

In this final episode on trekking with children, we sit down with Carrie again to go a bit deeper into what trekking with your kids can mean for your family, for their development. We discuss what it is like for them to meet new people, time change, a new currency, and more. There is so much more gained by kids when they travel.

For more information visit www.embarkexplorationco.com

We sit down with three wonderful parents: Kelly Ramey, Carrie O'Callaghan, & Anil Gunturu, who have all gone on trekking adventures with their children. In this episode we discuss: 

Pre-trip planning

Training- Importance of hiking and doing it with friends to keep the kids engaged

Setting up expectations/goals with your kids

Safety

Packing

Prep for long haul flights

High altitude considerations

On the trek – setting up the day, engaging on the trek, fun activities etc.

Food

Comforts from home for times of struggle

Flexibility

Enjoying the trip yourself as a parent

For more information, visit www.embarkexplorationco.com 

This latest episode of the Type2Fun podcast about Ecuador takes us from the Andes to the Amazon to Cotopaxi.  With such diverse offerings (including the famous Galapagos Islands) there is so much to explore with no one day being the same as the one before it.

At 19,347 feet- how do Embark climbers manage to summit this behemoth in just one day?  You’ll find out in this podcast!  From volcanoes, to snow, to stories from the Amazon and Galapagos, we spend the next hour exploring all Ecuador has to offer from the passionate insight of Embark’s site director in Ecuador.  You will fall in love with this beautiful part of the world and might get a notion that you would be silly to leave this destination off your bucket list!

And of course, some stories from the trail, and lots of Type Two Fun!

To learn more visit embarkexplorationco.com 

Stephen Boyer, M.D. grew up on a sheep ranch in Wyoming, graduated from Yale with a paleobiology major. Then received his MS in Quaternary Geology from University of Colorado and his MD from University of Colorado. Completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at OHSU, is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and has his emeritus physician license.

Public Speaking - Education

-Wilderness Medicine 3-day course for Tanzanian guides at African Environments in Arusha, 2001

-Wilderness and Expedition Medicine Course: on trek to K2 basecamp, 1986

-US Antarctic Research Program: Orientation for all US scientists new to life on the continent, 1978

-Himalayan Rescue Association, Manang, Nepal: started the clinic, 8-12/82

So needless to say, he is extremely qualified to dive into the understanding of High Altitude Sickness. In this episode we will cover:

- Can I train for altitude?

- Should I take Diamox? (Most people take 125 mg once in morning/once in the evening)

- What are the side effects of taking it?

-  is it common for people to get light level altitude at the beginning of their adventures, stop, sleep, hydrate and continue?

- how fast oxygen from a canister can treat severe altitude sickness.

- Pathophysiology of high altitude: AMS, HACE, and HAPE   The physiology portion is important in understanding the "why" of the pathology, avoidance, and treatment

And finally come stories from the trails.

And his personal expeditions range from:

Everest (Tibet): physician/climber with French/Italian expedition, spring, 1988

Annapurna (Nepal): physician/climber with French/Italian expedition, ascent of S. Face, fall, 1988

Lhotse (Nepal): physician for Polish international expedition, fall, 1987

Everest (Nepal): physician/climber with Austrian expedition, fall,1987

K2 (Pakistan): physician/climber with American expedition, summer 1986; (13 fatalities among 9 exp.)

American Medical Research Exp to Everest (Nepal): climber/scientist, 7/81-12/81

(> 50 publications from the expedition: co-author on 4, senior author on weight loss study)

Dufek Massif, East Antarctica: physician/geologist for USGS team, 10/78-1/79

Listen to John Godino, the “unofficial guru of wilderness navigation in the Pacific Northwest” – how did he get that nickname? John has been a Portland resident for 25 years, a long-time Mazamas climbing and hiking club member, and their climb leader and principal navigation instructor. 

John has his Masters of Geography Geosciences Mapping and Cartography from Oregon state. After graduation, he spent six years as a full-time cartographer. He competed in the sport of orienteering and was a backcountry ranger and wildfire firefighter for the US Foresting Service. 

In this episode, John goes over the dos and don’ts of wilderness navigation and the essential tools needed for a successful adventure. 

Links: 

Alpine Savvy

Baseplate compass

Zoleo 

InReach