Each week on Friday I round-up a group of interesting stories and news items that I didn't have time to post elsewhere. Usually they revolve around gear, travel, exploration, or whatever else catches my fancy. I call this round up my weekly "Adventure Quickies" and this is what I came across this week.
- Alan Arnette Begins Everest 2020 Coverage: April may still be just over a month away, but it's already time to turn our attention to the spring climbing season on Everest. As usual, Alan Arnette is the guy who provides the most in-depth coverage, and this week he started that process by launching his 2020 Himalayan climbing page. Expect regular updates leading up to, but especially during, the Everest climbing season with good information about where a given team can be found at any given point in time.
- SpaceX Finally Ready to Take Private Citizens Into Space-Maybe: The promise of commercial space travel seems to remain always just a little out of reach. But, SpaceX (AKA Elon Musk's other company) has announced that it will begin ferrying private citizens into Earth orbit in late 2021 or early 2022. Considering how many times I've heard this in the past, you'll excuse me if I don't get too excited. But I'm sure they really mean it this time.
- Massive Locust Swarms Attack Eastern Africa: If you think you've got a bug problem, be glad you don't live in East Africa. That part of the world is now enduring its worst swarms of locusts in decades, with billions of the insects devouring crops and wreaking havoc on the countryside. The swarms are covering hundreds of square miles and could be a sign of a potential food crisis in the months ahead.
- JP Morgan Won't Fund Fossil Fuel Extraction in ANWR: Good news for environmentalists this week when JP Morgan-the largest bank in the U.S.-announced that it would stop funding for oil drilling inside the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The company sees an increasingly diminishing returns when it comes to the fossil fuel industry moving forward, with spokespeople indicating it would instead pursue investment opportunities in more sustainable energy sources. Welcome to the 21st century JP Morgan!
- Breckenridge Tops 300 Inches of Snow for 2019/2020: If you're wondering where all the great snow is this winter, give Breckenridge a look. This past week, the resort became the first in Colorado to hit the 300 inches (762 cm) mark for the current sky season. Others are sure to follow, but for now, it's the king of the hill in terms of fresh powder.
- U.S Airlines React to Coronavirus: Airlines and travel companies across the globe are scrambling to adapt and react to the spread of the coronavirus. This week, a number of use airlines announced waivers and potential refunds for certain destinations around the world. If you're traveling internationally soon, you may want to know what your options are.
That's all for now. More Adventure Quickies next week!