Never let your dreams die…..

I fell in love with the Yukon Quest in 2009 when I glimpsed it passing through Dawson City during coverage of another Yukon race. All I wanted was to be shooting the Quest. I came back in 2011 on another project which was exciting but still not the Quest, so I managed to shoot the start but no more.

When the email came into my inbox in late 2011 for a photography team for 2012, I could not write my proposal fast enough. It took me roughly about 30 minutes to put together my pitch, send emails to possible team members and finalize my project. This process was simple and I executed it as if it has been developing in my head since 2009.

The project was to capture the race with GoPro cameras as well as traditional photographs. GoPro is a relatively new HD camera that comes in a case not much bigger than a matchbox. The image quality is quite amazing, but the camera’s real strength is that they it can be attached almost anywhere and comes with a plethora of fittings making the job even easier.

I had a vision for how I wanted the Yukon Quest filmed. It’s a powerful race with great dog sled racers competing over 1000 miles. The mushers are some of the hardest competitors and human beings I have seen but different from other high performance sportsmen. They have a presence about them and a human spirit that really slaps you – in short they care. They care about their dogs, they care about their fellow competitors, and they care about life. Each one of them has a story either with mushing or a story with life.

When it came to my team, I wanted one that looked past the pay cheque. I advertised for an editor and tweeted for an intern or young photographer who would pay their own way as our budget was small and barely covered expenses. I secured a young photographer quickly. Her name is Ariel Body. For the editor position I needed someone who understood GoPro, understood my vision and did not bring a conventional filming mind-set. Along came Tom Barber. The connection was instant: within five seconds I knew he would work.

The Yukon Quest’s started in Fairbanks, Alaska on the 4th February. Scott Chesney, Tom Barber, Ariel Body and I set off with them. We photographed the start and had GoPro’s set out everywhere: three on Brent Sass – one looking back up at him, one on his head and one on the front of the sled.

We also has two on the track and one in the track for the sled and dogs to run over. The first sled went over the camera brilliantly and in my excitement I thought I’d leave it for one more. Big mistake! The second sled had the brake on and took the GoPro out of the track. I thought I had lost both the camera and footage. I walked down the trail about a kilometre and to my delight, found the camera lying in the snow. I was elated. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kfZIHhAlXtI )

As the race continued, so did we. We focused on recharging batteries and also ourselves which was not easy as we were up at all times of the night to shoot, travel or eat. After a 1,600 km drive through Whitehorse, we eventually arrived in Dawson City. Our time in Dawson was beautiful. My wife had arrived to help and we filmed the mushers coming and going. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gC76OEYI3TM

I watched as each musher copes with the challenges of such a gruelling race, all dealing with it in different ways. But one musher grabbed my attention: Canada Goose ambassador, Lance Mackey.  Lance is an extraordinary man in many ways. He has battled life with cancer and overcome the worst. His passion for life, his dogs and his whole being is undeniable. He comes into checkpoints always available for a quick chat no matter how exhausted. He sleeps little and moves on at the earliest possible time. He laughs a lot and enjoys his followers. His passion for his team and his dedication to their well-being is strongly felt by anyone who meets him. He grows on me and I understand the Goose relationship more.

As the race reaches Pelly Crossing, it really heats up into a battle involving Allen Moore (in first place), Hugh Neff (in second) and Lance (in third). I ask Lance again about his chances, “one in 20” he replies with a laugh. When I asked him in Fairbanks he said one in 24.

By the time we left Braeburn, the race was down to Allen and Hugh.  Allen pulls out first and looking very strong. We do what we can to photograph them and we get GoPro’s on Hugh for the first time. At this time our editor, Tom, was putting together the third video and I can see his mind working with the footage.

We eventually arrive in Whitehorse to a hotel room and shower which is such a relief. We watch our screens closely to see who is in the lead. As they approach they are clearly within meters of each other. We hear that from Takhini Springs Hugh takes the lead in a last minute sprint – that is a sprint of 2 hours to the finish. Waiting at the line we see that both teams are 50 meters apart which is so rare after 1000 miles. The atmosphere is electric and as the first team rounds the corner to the final 200 meters we see it is Hugh. Hugh has never won before. He crosses the line and is pretty speechless but not for long. Hugh Neff wins. Allen came in 26 seconds behind Hugh and although a great achievement, the disappointment is deep.

Lance Mackey comes in third and I find it hard to hold back the tears for what I know this man has endured. He is gaunt and exhausted but still smiling. He is pleased even though in third place. He is Lance Mackey and a great ambassador of life.

In Whitehorse, the mushers spend time relaxing and regaining their energy for day-to-day life, which can be so tough after a race like this. As for my team, we will compile our images, negotiate for future work, enjoy Whitehorse and Canada’s beauty and eventually fly home. For me I will see my daughter, Emily, for the first time in 3 weeks. She is 12 years-old and will one day visit the Yukon. I will keep my dreams, make some more, relive the last few weeks, and hopefully come back next year with new ideas for this great race.

Mark Gillet led the official media team for this year’s Yukon Quest.

The Yukon Quest – A Goose Eve is a post from: Canada Goose

Hi, I’m Lisanne Pajot, a filmmaker from Winnipeg, MB, Canada.  Over the past almost 2 years, my partner, James Swirsky, and I have been working on a feature documentary about making video games, Indie Game: The Movie*. The film follows the journeys of indie game developers as they make and release their games to a world wide audience.

With some great support from the Internet, we started shooting the film in September 2010, travelling all over North America, mostly in our car. James and I did everything ourselves – directing, producing, editing, filming (everything but the soundtrack made by another Canadian, Jim Guthrie). And, to our surprise our little film was selected to premiere at one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, the Sundance Film Festival in the World Documentary Competition.

Going to Sundance was a bit of a surreal experience. It’s a 10-day long festival in located about an hour away from Salt Lake City, in the ski-town of Park City, Utah. You’ve got beautiful mountains surrounding you, lots of snow, and a bunch of people from California. Hollywood takes over the town for about 5 days of the festival. Picture celebrities, bundled up, walking around the town. We were told by the festival organizers, “Don’t forget to come equipped for cold and snow.” – and we were like “We got it covered. We’re from Canada!”

But, our Sundance experience wasn’t Main St. strolling and celebrity-spotting. We spent all our time screening our film, doing Q&As, talking to media and having meetings.

It was very overwhelming to have so many people interested in our film. The reception went beyond our expectations.  We got some great feedback from audiences, some wonderful reviews, some nice tweets from big-time directors, and we won an award. We won Best Editing in World Documentary Cinema.

Going up to receive that award, I was totally shocked. I truly didn’t expect to win anything – we felt like winners for just being there. When they started describing our project, my legs felt totally numb. I thought I was going to fall over. I’m surprised I made it up there.

It was very satisfying to have a jury of documentary/film-making experts honour your work.  It was, indeed, a celebration of the 2 years we put into the film. It felt great.

So, it was successful trip. We feel really fortunate that we got to go, and we hope we can screen our next film there…whenever we get a chance to start that one.

Fun fact; we stayed a little outside the town of Park City, in a area called the Canyons. Every morning/night, we’d take a gondola between our hotel on the mountain and the bus stop. It was pretty incredible. Made us wish we had time to ski!

*Here’s the trailer to our movie;

EMBED TRAILER VIDEO  http://vimeo.com/25268139 or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhaT78i1x2M

Indie games are a growing medium/movement. You can find them on all the major consoles (in the downloaded content sections), on-line (from developer websites & sites like Steampowered.com) and on the App store. The developers who make these games are usually 1-2 person teams working on personal, unique games on their own. They are pouring all of themselves into their work, sacrificing money, health and sanity to finish their games, in the hope that they may find connection and success.

The film is about making games, but it’s core, it’s about the creative process, perseverance and our relationship with our work and the Internet.

* All photos courtesy of Indie Game: The Movie

Indie Game: The Movie is a post from: Canada Goose

One of the reasons why Ray Zahab and his organization Impossible2Possible (i2P) are so inspirational is because of just that: making the impossible, possible.  Ray and the i2P crowd have completed five expeditions around the world including Baffin Island, Tunisia, Amazon, Bolivia and India with each expedition focusing on running close to a marathon a day. This February will mark number six: Expedition de los Andes.

Ray founded i2P after taking on a grueling and challenging expedition himself. In 2007 Ray and two other runners set off on a 4,300 mile journey across the Sahara Desert to bring awareness about clean drinking water in Africa. Through Ray’s experiences during his Sahara adventure he was inspired to form i2P which encourages youth to reach beyond their limits and to use adventure as a way to educate and inspire world change.

Expreso de los Andes is set to kick off on February 18^th and will consist of runners  Ray and Kevin Vallely. Kevin, who was named by the Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s leading adventurers and joined Ray in 2009 to brake the world record of the fastest, unsupported trek to the South pole. Together Kevin and Ray will attempt to run 1,700 km across South America from Pacific to Atlantic Oceans. In addition 15-20 “behind-the-scenes” people will work together to achieve i2P’s common educational goal.

The physical goal for Ray and his running team will be to attempt to complete 100 km per day. Joining Ray and the team at the end of the leg will be 2 Youth Ambassadors: Jessie Lilly from Alberta and Connor Clerke from British Columbia. Jessie and Conor are planning to run the remaining 120km from Buenos Aries non-stop alongside Ray.  In order to achieve such a feat, the team has been training for over a month to make sure their bodies are in tip-top condition.

In addition to the 1,700 km run, i2P is challenging students and teachers to take up their own running programs. Principal George Singfield, of Symmes/D’Arcy McGee High School and Onslow Elementary School, will be training alongside the i2P team in hopes of taking part in the 2012 Ottawa Half Marathon which he will run on behalf of Team Diabetes – a disease that Principal Singfield unfortunately suffers from. Throughout his training and continuing through to a permanent lifestyle change, Principal Singfield, along with the administrators and teachers, are challenging the student body to take on the Health and Physical Activity challenge designed by i2P’s Trainer John.

People interested in tracking the i2P team throughout their los Andes journey can follow the team here: http://impossible2possible.com/sa/tracker. For all other information and news about Expreso de los Andes please visit; http://impossible2possible.com. 

Impossible2Possible Tackles Los Andes is a post from: Canada Goose

Maggie Campbell, Student

Paris, France

My name is Maggie. I am 16 years old. To be able to capture an experience as indescribable as this one is a very overwhelming task. We travelled all the way from the cold land of Canada, to mild Miami, to scorching Buenos Aires and then windy Ushuaia before finally sailing to frigid Antarctica. We were all very thankful that we had our Canada Goose jackets complete with the Students on Ice logo, kindly made for the expedition by Canada Goose, to keep us warm and feeling like a team. All the things that we saw and experienced even before we got to the Antarctic Peninsula, including meeting a team of about 89 dynamic and insightful individuals from across the globe, sightseeing and exploring in Buenos Aires, hiking to a pristine Laguna in Ushuaia and getting used to life on the sea; cannot be condensed or be done justice by any medium. Antarctica is a very special place. When you’re standing on shore, just listening to the water or smelling the air, you become instantly inspired and more aware of where we stand on the Earth. Even the animals seem to have a quiet wisdom about them, as they go about their daily adventures. It’s difficult to tell where the land ends and the sky begins, like being in an envelope of snow, cloud, mountain and water. I feel now that I have a new perspective and responsibility to make a difference, to encourage others and to leave this planet healthier than it was when I got here. Experiences shape who we are and who we become, and Antarctica has given me, as well as the rest of the team, a marvelously powerful one that has changed us for the best.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

Leah Davidson, Student

Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada

When I peruse images of retreating glaciers and hear how the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula has risen three degrees Celsius in the last five decades, it is easy to grow discouraged. In a presentation at my school, renowned historian and journalist Gwynne Dyer predicted that the world would end in wars over scarce natural resources and that it was too late for anything short of atmospheric intervention. What can I do? I left the room wondering. Apparently, carpooling, taking shorter showers, and even opting for wind or geothermal energy will not save this planet for my children and grandchildren.

Over the course of the Students on Ice Antarctic Youth Expedition 2011, I saw Adélie penguin chicks chasing their parents, humpback whales feeding, and seals lying tranquilly on sea ice. Through the majestic towering icebergs and snowy mountain peaks that blended into the white of the clouds, I experienced Antarctic’s transformational power and began inadvertently replacing environmental cynicism with hope. I befriended young innovators and leaders with whom I can implement projects to encourage sustainable development and direct encounters with nature and wildlife. I met adults pursuing diverse passions, who, whether artists or scientists, see a distinct link between their careers and the natural world. I learned that youth can change tomorrow if they are surrounded by supportive people who believe in their potential to do so. As we aim to protect the poles and the planet, we, Students on Ice alumni, need others to share our dream-the dream that in 50 years we might return to Antarctica and find an abundance of healthy penguins, seals, birds, and whales waiting patiently for us.

From exploring the history of Antarctic dog sledding and participating in art workshops to unwinding in a “hot tub” created on an active volcanic site, this two-week journey has opened my eyes and blown my mind in innumerable ways. On behalf of my fellow expeditioners, I would like to thank Canada Goose for providing us with beautiful jackets and caps and for following us to (literally) the other end of the Earth.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

Hilmar Eggertsson, Student

Gonderange, Luxembourg

I was born close to the Arctic in Iceland, so Antarctica seemed like a continent, so distant, which I never would be able to explore and visit. However, Students on Ice gave me this unique opportunity to discover the world’s most remote continent. Before the expedition I was hoping to learn more about modern climate change and how much Antarctica really affects the rest of the planet. I was also eager to see and learn about the existing wildlife there and how climate change is affecting it. I also wanted to explore and live in this polar wilderness, away from the noise, pollution and society at home, and to establish an even stronger connection with nature. The expedition itself was absolutely fantastic, it was such a sublime experience. I had the opportunity to meet different people from around the globe and share our opinions on current affairs. All of us were passionate in our own way, eager to acquire knowledge and always open to new ideas and opinions. All of this was truly inspiring. We were so privileged to be joined by such a great group of staff, varying from marine biologists to scientists to polar explorers to musicians, artists to an economist and a lawyer. I learned a lot and gained a new perspective on life from this experience. The beautiful Antarctic nature and wildlife especially touched me. The Students on Ice Antarctic Youth Expedition 2011 was truly a life changing experience and if I could I would go again in a heartbeat.

I am very glad that Canada Goose supported this project, as they donated such wonderful jackets for our Antarctic endeavors. These jackets kept us warm and were very comfortable in variable conditions. I am still wearing mine, as I love it and it definitely saved some students who lost their luggage! Finally, I would just like to thank both Canada Goose and Students on Ice for this unique and wonderful opportunity.

Students On Ice, Post-Antarctica 2012 is a post from: Canada Goose

Day One – Friday March 18^th

We departed Toronto for Quebec City and the Red Bull Crashed Ice event on Thursday.   Correction.  We were supposed to depart from Toronto on Thursday evening by 11pm, so naturally we had the entire crew in the SUV by just after midnight in the downtown core.  The plan was to drive overnight and start shooting in Quebec City on Friday morning but the forecast was for above-zero temperatures and precipitation.  Somehow, through the blaring music and endless supply of Red Bulls, I passed out for a few hours and awoke to a rainy, Friday morning Quebec City breakfast at the Cochon Dingue. 

After we recharged with some food, we hit the streets of Old Quebec around the Frontenac to check out some of the architecture and shoot some of the pre-360 scenes.  I had the lucky role of falling down a flight of stairs repeatedly to “get the right shot,” but I thankfully had some Goose gear to fend off hypothermia in between shots.   Boom, now its 360 time.

Registration at the media center in Frontenac netted us another package of Red Bull, important to note because we ended up shooting about 18 hours a day.  The hotel was decked out with the Crashed Ice promo and the atmosphere around the city was electric.  Finishing touches were being put on the course and there was media from all over the world gearing up for the competition.  This event is, without a doubt, the kind of event you need to experience to understand.    

Our next stop was the hotel, which I wish we had pictures of because the indoor pool had exotic birds flying around.  Very impressive for a last-minute booking.  After a quick wardrobe change into the freshest vest I’ve ever seen, we dipped for dinner and the first shot with the 360 camera at the Frontenac.  The quintessential professional and good friend of ours, Mr. Mike Horner, brought in about a dozen full buses of students for the party.  The hotel was overflowing with energy and it was time to go to work. 

When the buses pulled up to take us to the Skratch Bastid party on Friday night, we knew it was going to get crazy.   There were tons of cameras and towels waving around and the footage turned out incredible.

Day Two – Saturday March 19^th

Anyone who knows me well can tell you that I love dogs and with no competition at all – the most incredible breed is the husky.  These beasts took us on an intense sprint through the countryside with the 360-chest harness on.  The number of times I almost fell off or got both my lead girl and myself killed was innumerable, but thankfully the guides kept us in one piece.  I can’t believe I had gone my entire life without riding a dogsled.  “Snowday” was in full effect. 

Next up was the gorgeous Quebec Ice Hotel, which attracts visitors from around the globe, and it did not fail to impress.  Our guide at the hotel set us up with an interview with the president and access to some of their finest accommodations.  We visited, but sadly did not exchange vows, in the Ice Chapel but I may be taking a trip back in the distant future (distant, distant future ladies).  Taffy on the snow is so essential so after a quick bite, we had to wrap and get to the hills!

As we rolled up to the mountain, I got my boarding gear together.  We bumped into Annie Dufresne (Quebec legend) who turned out to be our next lead girl for the video.  She was hosting an event that day and just got a full new Rossignol kit to ride in the video.  The chairlift was rocking back and forth and I thought it might fall off at a few points.  Easily one of the scarier moments of this trip!  It must have looked ridiculous to people riding below us as we bounced around, riding up to the top, but the footage came out so vivid.  Dogsleds, taffy on the ice, Ice Hotel’s, snowboarding and beautiful Quebec women – this was definitely the best Snowday ever.

After a quick boot back to the hotel for a nap and to grab some more energy drinks, we headed straight over to the main event – Crashed Ice. Our media passes gave us access to everything and we picked some awesome spots to bring the event into the wicked 360 interactivity.  When the skaters were prepping for the event, the crowd started banging on the sideboards and you could practically feel the ground shaking.  As I mentioned earlier, this is the kind of event that words and pictures can give you a slight idea of but you have to attend in order to truly understand what Quebec transforms into.  Shooting footage on the grand stand with our crew was fun but a bit unnerving because they set it up for 2-3 media members and we had 5 of us plus the camera gear.  The entire platform was wobbling back and forth but after we saw the footage, it was obviously worth the risk!  We shot the performance footage from the event at the starting line and it looks unbelievable with the smoke machines and lighting backdrop. 

The weekend called for precipitation and 9+degree weather, which did not bode well for our video production. Thankfully, we were blessed with sub-zero temperatures and the warmest outwear available to mankind! 

Charles Morgan 

[ASPEKTZ TWITTER] 
http://www.twitter.com/Aspektz
[ASPEKTZ FACEBOOK] 
http://www.facebook.com/AspektzFanPage
[ASPEKTZ YOUTUBE]
http://www.youtube.com/Aspektz
[SNOWDAY OFFICIAL VIDEO]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKezg5E53DI
[SNOWDAY ON iTUNES]
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/snowday-single/id482640151
[SNOWDAY MP3]
http://hulkshare.com/56gzf3u7ct36

Snowday in Quebec with Charles Morgan is a post from: Canada Goose

The wait is over. The 2011 Yuki Collection is now available at select retailers in North America and Europe. This exclusive collaboration with Japanese designer Yuki Mastsuda is his second series for Canada Goose and consists of that classic heritage style that Canada Goose embraces while taking the brand from functional in fashionable.

Originally from Japan and now residing in California, Yuki Mastsuda is the owner of Meg Company and the creative force behind “Grizzly Down” and “Monitaly”.  In addition, Yuki is best known for the creation of the “Yucatan” footwear. Hypebeast.com in January 2010 noted that the “Yucatan” brand is known for the “reproduction of classic styles and an unwavering penchant for high-quality materials and construction…” And Yuki’s 2011 collaboration with Canada Goose will be no exception.

Canada Goose has long since admired Yuki’s designs and the relationship between him and the CG family has always been strong. Yuki’s ability to interpret the classic Canada Goose style has created a strong unity between an iconic brand and an extremely talented designer.

The new collection includes pieces like parkas, jackets and vests in both Harris Tweed and Niedieck Corduroy. Niedieck Corduroy hails from Germany and was hand selected by Yuki himself who insisted on using the best corduroy. Pieces will also be available in Harris Tweed – a Scottish tweed fabric that has been around for centuries and holds a strong history as a durable and classic material.

Sizes for each style will include S-2XL for men and 2XS – XL for women. Colours featured in this series are: Blue Plaid, Black Cord, Herringbone, Brown Cord and Copper Plaid. The 2011 Yuki Collection is available at the following retailers:

Canada:                                             United States:                                    Europe:

Toronto:                                              Massachusetts:                                 France:

Uncle Otis                                          The Tannery                                       Colette

Holt Renfrew

Harry Rosen

Yuki Matsuda and Canada Goose Presents 2011 Yuki Collection is a post from: Canada Goose

On December 24^th 15-year-old Jordan Romero reached the summit of Mount.Vinson Massif, in Antarctica. We shared Jordan’s story prior to his departure for Mount. Vinson and since reaching the summit, Jordan is now the youngest person ever to climb all seven summits of the world.

At age nine, Jordan was inspired to climb all seven summits after seeing a painting in his school hallway. Six years later, Jordan has made that vision a reality. He started with Africa’s Kilimanjaro at age 10, followed by Europe’s Elbrus and South America’s Aconcagua – all world records. At age 11 he took on Denali in North America and Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania (another world record). At 13-years-old he summited Asia’s Everest, earning the world record, and finished up with Mount. Vinson.  Of course there were a few other climbs thrown in for fun.

 Jordan, his father Paul, step-mother Karen and guide, Scott Wollums, set off for their journey on December 12^th and although Jordan admits to having a few butterflies on the day of the summit climb, he was able to make it to the top. The teen acknowledges that it was the support of a great team and great gear that helped make the climb a success, “I knew there was potential for big wind and very cold temperatures, probably colder than I’ve ever felt before. I knew my team was strong…” Jordan says of the conditions that the guide had estimated temperatures of -25°F (-31.6°C) but they had such great gear that it didn’t faze them, “we just had to put on our Canada Goose jackets and we were pretty toasty.”

The Romero family kept their fans up-to-date with a real-time GPS tracking tool that followed their progress on jordanromero.com, something that Jordan used as motivation throughout his trek. “I know they [family and friends] were watching our little dot on the map” Jordan explains. “I want to keep moving so they didn’t get worried. I had a pretty big drive to get to the summit and finish this goal of climbing the 7 summits.”

When Jordan reached the top, he didn’t want to leave. Of course there was some relief with achieving his goal of the youngest person to climb all seven of the world’s highest peaks but the view and his surroundings overcame him. “Imagine a 360 degree view of snow and ice and the most beautiful mountains in the world. I tried my best to just enjoy the moment and keep it in my memory forever.”

Of course, the Romero team had to celebrate. On the descent from Mount.Vinson, Jordan and the team skied down from low camp to base camp: “What is usually a 4 hour hike turned into a pretty cool 45 minute ski with a sled bouncing down behind me.”

When asked if Jordan had anything else to add, he praised not only his family and friends but Canada Goose and the products that were provided in order to keep his team safe from the harsh elements. “I had such confidence in every piece of my Canada Goose clothing that I wasn’t too worried. I had pieces for all conditions and every piece did its job perfectly.”  Jordan continued with explaining that his father, Paul, had to lend his Tundra Down Pants to another climber from the Netherlands who didn’t have the right pants to get to the summit and “that guy was pretty happy.”

As for what’s next for this super-teen, the world will have to wait… at least for a bit. “First, I am going to take a little time and soak in this 7 summits victory. Then, we have a very big goal that we’d like to announce very soon. As soon as I have all the details I will announce it to the world.”  

Jordan Romero’s Climbs So Far:

Kilimanjaro – Africa: July 22, 2006 (World Record at Age 10)
Kosciuszko – Australia: April 2007
Elbrus – Russia: July 11, 2007 (World Record at Age 10)
Aconcagua – South America: December 30, 2007 (World Record at Age 10)
Denali – North America: June 18, 2008 (Age 11)
Carstensz Pyramid – Oceania: September 1, 2009 (World Record at Age 11)
Mt. Everest – Asia: May 22, 2010 (World Record at Age 13)
Vinson Massif – Antarctica: December 24, 2011 (World Record at Age 15)

Jordan Romero: Youngest Person To Climb The World’s Seven Summits is a post from: Canada Goose

Growing up in a small town, it is easy to forget that a bigger world exists. During the past few days, from flying over the Andes to hiking for miles to the bluest, clearest body of water I have ever beheld (and getting stuck in mud too many times to count), I have constantly been reminded of how small I am in relation to this planet. I have met people from Germany, Sweden, Luxemburg, Iceland, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and India and heard stories from a man who has traveled to Antarctica over 100 times. This expedition has brought together people from so many walks of life, from musicians and artists to university professors and scientists. As teenagers, the possibilities of how to use our interests to effect positive social change are truly endless. When sampling an Argentinean barbecue (I tried the lamb!), touring a beautiful cemetery in Buenos Aires, and riding down one of the widest avenues in South America, I get a real urge to experience everything and learn as much as I can. I am thrilled and humbled to meet passionate people of my own age who have voiced their opinions on town councils and organized events to advocate for environmental conservation. The world is so massive, complex, and breathtaking. It is reassuring to enjoy such a capable network of people and to know that I am never alone.

Leah Davidson

Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada

STUDENTS ON ICE is an award-winning organization offering unique educational expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic. Their mandate is to provide students, educators and scientists from around the world with inspiring educational opportunities at the ends of the Earth and, in doing so, help them foster a new understanding and respect for the planet.

Students On Ice is a post from: Canada Goose

Every morning Stafford Hope commutes from his Toronto home at Jane St. and the 401 to Runnymede Public School at Bloor Street West and Runnymede Rd. As the official crossing guard of the north-side cross walk of Colbeck St., Stafford has helped students of the community cross busy Runnymede Rd. safely for the past 15 years. Sometimes he greets them with a song, sometimes with the familiar self-created nickname, but always with a warm hello.  After years of manning his post, Stafford has finally gained recognition for his dedication. On December 20, 2011, Stafford Hope received the title of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard from Safe Kids Canada.

Stafford was born in Jamaica and is modest, to say the least, when it comes to his job. When asked what he thought about his job, Stafford simply explained, “it’s not so bad” going on to mention that he really enjoys keeping kids safe.  But what makes Stafford so special, aside from his dedication, is his famous musical demeanour. Stafford is known to break out into song as he crosses you safely across the street and he has held regular cameos at Runnymede’s various concerts.

Stafford received the title of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard after Safe Kids Canada had an outpour from numerous students, parents and community members who wrote to support Stafford in the competition and his popularity clearly showed at Tuesday’s presentation. As he was presented with his award from Safe Kids Canada’s Kristen Gain, hundreds of students, teachers and parents stood-up and cheered.

Canada Goose was contacted by Vice-Principal Robert Kanalec and the Goose team was more than happy to contribute. Many forget that Canadian crossing guards are in need a warm jacket during the winter season as standing outside in the cold is inevitable.  In fact, one of the CG team members, Caitlin Low, attended the school from 1998-2000 and fondly remembers Stafford. She recalls how great it was to start almost every school day with a friendly greeting from him and fondly remembers his performance at the holiday concert.  Needless to say, Canada Goose wanted to join in celebrating Stafford’s achievements.

Canada Goose attended the assembly and presented Stafford Hope with his very own bright-red Snow Mantra jacket. His response was a simple yet gracious “god bless you”.  And in typical Stafford style, he took the mic to sing – his way of saying thanks. 

Toronto Crossing Guard Named One Of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard is a post from: Canada Goose

Not many can cross climbing the seven tallest summits of the world off their bucket list, but at just 15 years old, Jordan Romero soon will.

Jordan has climbed six out of the seven tallest summits of the world including Everest at age 13, which earned him the title of the youngest person to climb the infamous peak. This month he is set to take the seventh and final summit, Mount. Vinson with his father Paul, step-mother Karen and team. If successful, Jordan will be the youngest in the world to conquer all seven summits.

Vinson Massif (Mount. Vinson) is the highest mountain in Antarctica at 16,050 feet. Located in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains it was first climbed in 1966 and has since been climbed successfully by hundreds of mountaineers. It joins Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Denali in Alaska, Mount Elbrus in Europe, Aconcagua in Argentina, Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia and Mount Everest in the Himalayas.

Jordan was initially inspired to climb all seven summits at age nine after seeing a painting of the seven continents’ highest mountains in the hallway of his school. But it hasn’t been that simple. When Jordan took on Everest, controversy followed as many professionals questioned his ability to take on such a dangerous endeavor. But Jordan’s father, Paul, ensured that his son was ready for the hike with daily agility, strength and endurance training and the same goes for their upcoming Mount. Vinson climb.

And how does this boy-wonder feel about his upcoming adventure? “I'm jazzed, real jazzed. It's been a bit since I’ve been on a big trip.” Jordan said. “I'm trained as best I can be….I have my family and town behind me, which feels good.”

Jordan knows that it’s important to stick to what you’ve committed to. His sheer drive to succeed is what has kept him going and he knows it will take him to the top. “It's competitive I guess, but I get strong the higher I go.” Jordan notes. “I love the feeling of going to the red line, going very, very hard on myself. It all makes sense when I'm able to go this hard, while in a beautiful environment with my family.”

The journey doesn’t stop there. Jordan has devoted a solid chunk of time speaking to schools across the U.S., which is a part of his “Find YOUR Everest” campaign and encourages kids to find their passion and live a healthier life by kicking their junk food and soda habit. Getting the kids to “GET OFF THE JUNK” by eliminating their bad eating habits is something that Jordan is very passionate about. Not only does he hope that kids will change their bad food binges for the duration of his climb, but he hopes it’s something they get off of for life. "I'm really upset about this obesity epidemic and I gotta do something about it" explains Jordan.  His initiatives have received an outpour of positive comments on his blog from teachers and citizens of his Bear Valley community in California.

To keep his fans up to date, Jordan will be using his social media channels like Facebook and Twitter during the expedition and followers will be able to track his progress in real-time through free iPhone and Android applications which will soon be available on Jordan’s site: jordanromero.com.

Jordan Romero’s Climbs So Far:

Kilimanjaro – Africa: July 22, 2006 (World Record at Age 10)
Kosciuszko – Australia: April 2007
Elbrus – Russia: July 11, 2007 (World Record at Age 10)
Aconcagua – South America: December 30, 2007 (World Record at Age 10)
Denali – North America: June 18, 2008 (Age 11)
Carstensz Pyramid – Oceania: September 1, 2009 (World Record at Age 11)
Mt. Everest – Asia: May 22, 2010 (World Record at Age 13)
Vinson Massif – Antarctica: departing December 12, 2011

Jordan Romero Prepares To Conquer Seventh Summit… is a post from: Canada Goose