The Expeditioners

Camping with Kids on The Expeditioners Adventure Camp

When some people think of camping, they tend to think about freeze-dried foods and discomfort. But I’ve learned over the years that not all camping adventure are made the same. Sure, sometimes you can be on the peak of a mountain with some freeze dried meals and a meagre thin mattress— but when you’re car camping— you have the ability to have some of the luxuries of life.

A few items that have been superb for The Expeditioners Adventure Camp have been :

1. Coleman’s RoadTrip Grill that uses the green propane canisters became our go-to for meal-making for The Expeditioners Adventure Camp. Not only did we cook whole racks of ribs, bacon, burgers, grilled veggies— but we also used it as a stove top for pancakes, eggs, and pasta. In a way, the bbq became like the camp hearth— where kids and councillors would mill around —wondering what goodies would pop out of it next.

2. Coleman’s 10-Person Dark Room Tent defined comfort. Spacious, light-blocking and cavernous— the kids loved sleeping there — especially with the Queen Sized inflatable mattress inside!

3. And of course pairing the kids with great Coleman Sleeping Bags made for deep sleeps, and happy campers.

So you see, with just the right gear— camping can have many of the luxuries of home!

The Expeditioners Series: Life is Calling | Presented by Discovery & Jeep Canada

The Expeditioners partner with Discovery and Jeep Canada for Life is Calling

It’s been an incredible summer exploring so many of Canada’s hidden gems. From coast to coast we surf, climbed, hiked, biked, and even kitesurfed. We hope you caught the series at www.discovery.ca/lifeiscalling

We took an awesome Jeep to each adventure- overcoming some incredibly rugged terrain– and now you have the chance to win your very own Jeep Cherokee or Jeep Renegade. Enter now at www.jeep.ca

A wonderful Invitation

Bella and I frequently receive travel invitations, both from companies and fans. Many are very exciting. Many our touching. All are kind. But this one was a little more unique, in that Mohammed took the time to write to us– and in a very very honest fashion.

Thank you kindly Mohammed Sallam — we really appreciate the time you took on this, and indeed– we hope to accept it and one day visit Egypt:)

Truth be told, we’ve made a new friend:) Check it out below! If you want to read it all (which we suggest you do) — simply click on the photo and it will enlarge.

Tested Gear Guide: Goal Zero’s Switch 10 Multi Tool Kit

We wouldn’t be able to bring you so many wonderful photos and videos if it weren’t for our Goal Zero solar gear. Thanks to goal zero, we’re able to head out for self-supported adventures. With their solar panels and power-packs, we re-charge our camera batteries, laptops, ipads, head-lamps, go pro cameras, gps devices, and phones.

But it’s not just when we are entirely off the grid that we need their gear. It could be on a bus, plane, car, small hike or anywhere in-between when your GoPro or phone battery dies.

Enter the Switch 10 Multi-tool kit. You get a solar panel, fan, micro usb, usb flash0light head, and of course, the power keeper, the Switch 10.

To begin with, you can charge it before leaving the house via usb– and then, after using up the power, you can always recharge it using the Nomad 7 Solar panel. It takes about 4 hours to charge it from the sun on your Nomad 7 panel and likewise 4 hours from USB charging.

What can you charge with one Switch 10? Your smart phone once. It will do 25% of your tablet. 2x GoPros (or similar POV camera) and about 8hrs of flashlight time.

Now the new Multi 10 has a few features that it’s predecessor didn’t have. It has a tiny led flash-light built into it–which can be very practical in lots of situations. It also has a battery power gage that tells you how much juice you’ve got left on the device.

Then you have the different heads: 1. a little but powerful fan
2. a micro usb charging head
3. a regular usb charing head
4. a flashlight head.

It is extremely reasonably priced at $119.99 — I thought it was going to be a good 50% more. Well done!

Check-out this video we took where we run through Goal Zero’s new Switch 10 Multi Tool.

Location: Peyto Lake, Banff, Alberta, Canada

Watch our video review at the bottom!

Here’s the low-down on it from Goal Zero’s Website:
More than a phone charger, more than a flashlight; the only all-in-one power solution for your pack. Quick charge phones, POV cameras, and other USB-powered gear, than switch on a flashlight for bright light anywhere, or a fan to cool off. It’s solar-ready and features a replacement, rechargeable battery that powers up from any USB.

Replaceable Lithium Ion Battery Replaceable (3,000mAh/11Wh) lightweight, high power density battery. Instant-on technology for easy, plug-and-play power. LED battery level indicator and pass-through capability.
Quick Charge USB Port Intelligent Charging for any USB-powered device. (1.5A Output) Delivers smart power without overcharging or discharging.
Device Specific Cables Micro USB tangle-free charging for phones and tablets. Certified cables for efficient charging.
Solar Ready Built-in charging tip. No extra cable to lose. Charge up in 4 hours from any USB port – in 4 hours of full sun from the Nomad 7 Solar Panel
Switch Flashlight (160 Lumens) Wide angle to pinpoint for lighting up the trail or piercing the darkness. High power for maximum light, low power for extended runtimes.
Switch Fan Lightweight, quiet, breezy. Attachable fan for a personal cooling system wherever you go.

Features:
Recharge by: USB, Solar Panel
Power Output: USB
Ideal for: Phones, Switch Tools
Capacity: 11Wh, 3000mAh
Weight: 4 oz (113 g)
Kit Includes: Micro Tip, Flashlight, Fan, Switch 10, Nomad 7 Solar Panel

Video Review of the Multi Switch 10 Kit

TURKS & CAICOS | THE EXPEDITIONERS | DESTINATIONS | Travel Guide to the World

TURKS & CAICOS | THE EXPEDITIONERS | DESTINATIONS | Travel Guide to the World
By. The Expeditioners Roberto
Photos and videos by Roberto & Bella
WHERE: Long Bay, TCI, Caribbean, Americas

WHEN WE WENT: Bella and I have been there in August, December, January, February.

WHAT WE DID: Kiteboard. Kiteboard. Kayaking. Scuba Diving. Kiteboarding.

WHERE WE STAYED: Providenciales is known to be pricey. On the affordable side you have The Carribean Paradise Inn. This 20 suite inn, is minutes from the beach and run by one of the most amicable staffs I have every met. It’s private, secluded. And perfect for scuba divers and Kiteboarders alike. Being nearby to Long Bay Beach is a major plus! On the higher spectrum are the magnificent villas spotted all over the island and offered by Tranquility Vacation Rentals Turks & Caicos. Ideal for the honeymooner or the family, these abodes will leave you breathless. Just take a look at the pictures below!

Caribbean Paradise Inn: http://caribbeanparadiseinn.com/
Tranquility Vacation Rentals: http://www.turkscaicosluxuryvillas.com/

OTHER THINGS TO DO:
1. Scuba Diving with Big Blue Unlimited
2. Kiteboarding with Kite Provo
3. Conch Festival
4. Sea-Kayaking Island Hopping Adventure with Big Blue Unlimited
5. Romantic boat ride to see the glow worms.
6. Wake-Boarding
7. Deep-Sea Fishing with Talbot’s Adventures.
8. Fine -Dining at Baci’s
9. Hobie-Cat Sailing
10. Island Hopping
11. For those so inclined..there’s even a golf course.

HOW TO GET HERE: Fly. Lots of major airlines have direct flights here from places like New York and Toronto. If you search well-enough, you can find round-trip tickets for $500 taxes included.

Having tried a vast variety of sports, it’s not often that I come along one that I had never done before. I ski, snowboard, skate, surf, dive, rock-climb, mountain-bike, run, etc etc. I’ve even gone curling. But that’s excusable only because I’m Canadian.

A few years back, my brother told me that I should try kiteboarding. I had heard of some guy that went flying into a building and remembered it had been nasty. So I gave it little thought.

Then last year, while on my one-month honeymoon to Turks & Caicos with Bella, we got a 1hr intro class into the sport by Kite Provo’s Mike. It was gusty as he took out a 12 meter kite on a deserted beach. We thought we would give it a try. After taking us through safety, we waded into the water.

On my first attempt I was up…if only for some 30 meters before lunging into a uncontrolled rag-doll leap of some fort feet, elegantly face-planting into TCI’s emerald water. I stood-up, a tad- wobbly, grinning from ear-to-ear while still clearing my nostrils from their salt washing.

Fast-forward a year, and Bella and I are in Vancouver’s Northshore Board Store getting kites, harnesses, and boards before embarking on an adventure to Turks and Caicos– to learn to kiteboard. We heard that one of the best places to learn in the world, was indeed Long Bay Beach, on Turks and Caicos’s Providenciales.

On-Shore winds. Shallow water. Sandy bottom. Warm water. And a long long beach.

Learning to kite came with an excitement I hadn’t had in a very long time. The excitement of learning a new sport. And Long Bay Beach was the perfect place to learn. I can now jump 40′ in the air, and Bella can do some really rad riding. Stay tuned as we take this sport everywhere in the world.

THE EXPEDITIONERS MAGAZINE LAUNCHES

The most frequent question that we receive from fans is: How do you do it? How do you make this lifestyle possible? How can you afford to travel so much? Can anyone do it?

The succinct answer to those queries is: By being super creative and flexible. By breaking norms, asking for things, and inspiring others. It’s not as expensive as you imagine and yes, anyone can do it–even you.

Why don’t I write here the full answers? How we began? How we approach sponsors? How we pay for daily life? And the stories of making it happen? Because one of the ways in which we’re working to continue making this concept possible is by keeping the answers to things as such in our magazine: The Expeditioners Magazine.

We’ve also kept the best of personal stories of adventure, gear reviews, destination guides and much more off of our blog and social media. But you can find it all in the coolest adventure magazine you’ve ever read– and at the same time, keep the content flowing!

We sell one issue for $7.99 and the subscription for 5 issues for $29.99.

You have various options for getting it:

1. Download “The Expeditioners Magazine” from the itunes app store. Then go to your newsstand and click on the magazine and choose to download one issue or the subscription.

Link on Itunes App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-expeditioners-magazine/id749088955?ls=1&mt=8&fb_source=message

2. If you have a Kindle device, you can go to the Amazon App store and download The Expeditioners Magazine App :
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HNX1UMY

3. If you have a desktop computer, you can pay through PAYPAL and then receive a code to access and read The Expeditioners Magazine on our website. Link here: http://theexpeditioners.com/store/subscribe-to-the-expeditioners-magazine/

To all those who have already purchased our magazine–thank you for your amazing support–it means a lot to us! over 1000 The Expeditioners Magazine App downloads on itunes already! Thank you also to all those who contributed on our amazing fundraising campaign–you are amazing!

Below is the video from our fundraising campaign! THANK YOU! We did it!

The Expeditioners Truck Wrap for #ExpeditionCanada

The Expeditioners Magazine Truck
Wrap and Design by Auto Trim Estrie
www.autotrimestrie.ca

5 month ago we prepared to depart on an adventure across Canada of epic proportions. A journey to discover and explore Canada like few ever do. An adventure of a lifetime. Through social media we knew we would be reaching hundreds of thousands of people, but we also wanted to reach those where we were visiting. For advertising, there’s nothing better than transforming your vehicle into the ultimate billboard. We knew the design would be really cool, but we never imagined the amazing impact it would have. Tens of thousands of people, if not more, saw the truck. A gas stations, people would come up an chat with us, same with any place we stopped. Folks from all over would whip out their cell phones to scan the bar code.. even while we were driving. After 16500kms of driving all over Canada, we’re ecstatic at the amazing effect our truck wrap–that was designed and done by Auto Trim Estrie, would have. Here’s a video of how the whole process of transforming your truck into an advertising platform works.

Thank you to the professional team at Auto Trim for their superb job on The Expeditioners Magazine Truck!

Photos and Videos by Roberto & Bella
Video Editing by Bella

Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA | THE EXPEDITIONERS | DESTINATIONS | Travel Guide to the World

Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA | THE EXPEDITIONERS | DESTINATIONS | Travel Guide to the World
By. The Expeditioners Roberto
Photos and videos by Roberto & Bella
WHERE: Whistler, British-Columbia, Canada

WHEN WE WENT: #ExpeditionCanada took us zig-zagging over 16500km—from East to West. After four months of exploring the country, we got into Whistler the second week of November and stayed for almost two weeks.

WHAT WE DID: Whistler is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding. Whistler/Blackcomb is by far the best ski resort that we have ever explored. With big powder dumps and vast terrain—it’s a downhiller’s paradise. Luckily for us, the resort came on board and sponsored us 4 days of skiing and boarding. Official opening date was November 28th—but the season’s snow started well enough that people were on the hills two weeks in advance already..including us. We went for short hikes—visited around town, and reminisced about all the crazy adventures we had on previous trips to the region: back-country skiing, heli-skiing, and snowshoeing!

WHERE WE STAYED: Our lodging was amazing in one of our favourite resort towns in the world: It began with the Hilton Resort & Spa, then Legends at the foot of Creekside, onto the Crystal Lodge in the heart of the village, and ended with the luxurious Chateau Fairmont Whistler.
Other Sponsors: Whistler Tourism | InReach Canada | Mountain Hardwear | HGregoire | AutoTrim Estrie | Whistler- Blackcomb

OTHER THINGS TO DO:
1. Snowmobiling Adventure
2. Go Zip-Lining from Tree Canopy to Canopy
3. Take the Peak to Peak Gondola
4. In summer time get an adrenaline rush with some downhill mountain biking
5. Mountain Biking what some call the best trails in the world.
6. Bungee Jumping
7. Explore Lost Lake
8. Whistler Sliding Center
9. Go Heli-Skiing. There’s nothing like it!
10. Cross-Country Ski the Black Tusk Trail
11. Go Back-Country skiing to Marriot Basin or Cerise Creek

HOW TO GET HERE:
A. Fly to Vancouver and then drive or take the shuttle to Whistler (only 1.5hours)

Lady Evelyne Smoothwater Provincial Park, Ontario, CANADA | THE EXPEDITIONERS | DESTINATIONS | Travel guide to the world.

Lady Evelyne Smoothwater Provincial Park, Ontario , CANADA | THE EXPEDITIONERS | Destinations | Travel Guide to the World By.
Photos by The Expeditioners Roberto & Bella
Writing by Roberto

WHERE: Lady Evelyne Smoothwater Provincial Park, Canada Situated
Located in the heart of the Temagami region and centre of a 2400km interconnected canoeing network, thousands of years old
A spectacular wilderness park that has a beautiful rugged topography, crystal clear lakes and rivers galore.
The Lady Evelyn River is the centerpiece of the park, surrounded by some of the highest points in Ontario, with stands of towering pine and numerous waterfalls
The park forms the headwaters for a number of rivers in the Temagami area and is connected to four waterway parks
The park protects some of Temagami’s famous old growth White and Red pine ecosystems– which are blissful to camp around. This is indeed a canoe-camper’s paradise!

WHEN WE WENT: We were there this past end of July/ Beginning of Aug. We received our gorgeous Bluewater canoe from our amazing sponsor’s (Impex Kayaks,Scott Canoes and Bluewater Canoes) warehouse in New Liskeard, Ontario- and proceeded to head out for some canoe camping on Smoothwater Lake.

WHAT WE DID: We canoe camped for a week, searching little inlets, enjoying beach campsites, and as always, photographing everything! The bugs weren’t too bad at all and the landscape was phenomenal.

WHERE WE STAYED: All canoe campers know that packing up for a multi-day paddling adventure can be a toilsome task. Luckily, We had the Edgewater Motel and campground that sponsored us for over a week in New Liskeard. A delightful place to stay on the shore of Temiskaming Lake, the jovial banter from the owners is warming indeed. Take a stroll along the water to watch perfect orange sunsets. We stayed here both before our canoe camping adventure, as well as after! The shower and bed was delightful after being out in Lady Evelyne Smoothwater Provincial Park
Learn More about the Edgewater Motel and Campground at http://www.edgewatermotel.ca/

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PARK: Experience the rugged terrain marked by clear lakes and rushing rivers. Hike the Ishpatina Ridge or Maple Mountain and marvel at the stunning panoramas of the landscape below. Photograph the plentiful wildlife and explore the many deep lakes and fast flowing streams that are ideal for Lake and Brook trout. Learn about the parks significant geological, biological and cultural features that are unique to one of North America’s premier canoeing destinations.

OTHER THINGS TO DO:
1. Canoe Camping – Lady Evelyne RIver, the Makobe River, Smoothwater to Scarecrow Lake
2. Canoe Day Trips
3. Fishing: ngling is primarily for Brook trout and Lake trout in many of the lakes and streams in the park. Sucker Gut Lake contains warm-water species such as Walleye and Small-mouth bass. Ontario provincial fishing regulations apply.
4. Swimming: There are endless opportunities in the backcountry for swimming including both shallow and deeper water entries along rocky headlands.
5. Birding
6. Boating
7. Hiking: Maple Mountain Trail: 3.2km or Ishpatina Ridge Trail: 3.2 km
8. You can also take a quick hike up Devil’s Rock (just a few km’s from Edgwater Motel) and get some amazing views of Temiscaming Lake

OPERATING DATES:
Camping Dates
April 26, 2013 to October 27, 2013
Opening and Closing (Day Use)

April 26, 2013 to October 27, 2013

GETTING HERE: Easy Drive from Montreal, Toronto or Ottawa

Yellowknife, NWT, CANADA | THE EXPEDITIONERS | DESTINATIONS | Travel Guide to the World

Yellowknife, Alberta, CANADA | THE EXPEDITIONERS | Destinations | Travel Guide to the World
By. The Expeditioners Roberto
Photos and time-laspe by Roberto & Bella

WHERE: Yellowknife (and surrounding area), Northwest Territories, Canada

WHEN WE WENT: It was this past end of August, and we stayed in the area for almost 3 weeks. The end of August is a particularly nice time to go because you are able to see the Northern Lights dance across the sky on every evening that there are no clouds. We captured nightly time-lapse after time-lapse, and can difinitively say that these were the best lights we have ever seen! Secondly, for the outdoorsman, most of the bugs are gone. This is a fantastic thing for canoeists, hikers, boaters, kayakers or cottage goers.

WHAT WE DID: We explored Yellowknofe Old town, getting Bella a pair of handmade Mukluks. We spent a week at the Willow Ridge Retreat on the outskirts of YK, photographing the Northern Lights, Mountain Biking, and took out the canoe on Prelude lake for some mind-boggling sunsets. We also headed out on a spectacular 10 day expedition on Great Slave Lake–exploring nameless islands, feeling the expanse of this enormous body of water, and capturing skies like we have never seen before

WHERE WE STAYED: The Willow Ridge Retreat is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for the Northern Lights. Being about 25km from town, there is no light pollution here, and you can sit on their idyllic viewing deck all night watching the starry skies be painted in swirls of green, white and purple. We camped in Prelude Lake Territorial Park as well.
Learn More about the Willow Ridge at www.willowridgeretreat.ca

HISTORY: Yellowknife’s name originates from a Chipewyan tribe who used weapons and tools made of copper that appeared yellow in colour. This tribe battled the Dogrib of the area for many years but the Dogrib Dene re-claimed the area in the 1820s. The Yellowknives Dene of today are the descendents of the Chipewyan tribe. In 1825 Chief Akaitcho became a peacemaker when, at Mesa Lake, he participated in a famous peace treaty with Dogrib Chief Edzo, ending the long period of hostility and warfare between the Chipewyan and Dogrib. The city is also known as Sombe K’e, which means “place of money” in the Tlicho language.In the 1930s gold was found on the shores of Yellowknife Bay. It changed Yellowknife forever. By 1936 it was a boomtown to which southerners, often plagued financially by the Great Depression, flocked for work and adventure.

OTHER THINGS TO DO:
1. Visit Old Town
2. Stay at the Aurora Village
3. Stay in a B&B Boat House
4. Canoe the Tibbit Lake Circuit
5. Mountain Bike on the Tundra
6. Explore the Gallery of the Midnight Sun & Weaver- & Devore for arts crafts and all your camping needs.
7. Cameron Fals Hiking Trail

HOW TO GET HERE:
A. Jets connect Edmonton and Calgary to Yellowknife 6 times per day. Fly with Air Canada, Canadian North, First Air and WestJet

Three highways link the North to Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta. Drive up the Alaska Highway through Yukon to link to the NWT’s Dempster Highway. Follow Alberta Highway 35 north to connect to NWT Highway 1, the Mackenzie Highway. British Columbia Highway 77 connects to NWT Highway 7, the Liard Highway.

There’s scheduled bus service on the Mackenzie Highway, and seasonal bus service on the Dempster Highway. Vehicle and RV rentals are available for the Mackenzie Highway from Edmonton, Alberta, and for the Dempster Highway from Whitehorse, Yukon.

Road Distances: From Yellowknife to:
Miles KM
Vancouver, BC 1613 2595
Edmonton, AB 937 1508
Calgary, AB 1110 1789
Winnipeg, MB 1773 2853
Toronto, ON 2824 4544
Whitehorse, YT 1180 1900
Chicago, IL 3078 4953
Dallas, TX 3150 5069
Salt Lake City, UT 2036 3278
Denver, CO 2391 3848