Regular readers of this blog will recognize more than a few names on the list. For instance, Alastair Humphreys received a nod for his efforts to inspire everyone to add a little adventure to their lives. Kayakers Jon Turk and Erik Boomer, whom we followed around Ellesmere Island this past summer, get some much deserved recognition, as does Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, who became the first woman to summit all fourteen 8000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen when she conquered K2 at last. Others earning Adventurer of the Year honors include climber Corey Richards, AT thru-hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis, and mountain biker Danny MacAskill.
As they've done the past few years, Nat Geo is allowing us to weigh in with our own selection for Adventure of the Year by letting us all vote in their annual People' Choice poll. Starting today, and running through January 18th, we have the chance to vote each and every day for the person we think is most deserving of the title of Adventurer of the Year. The winner of the People's Choice award will be announced in February.
The folks at Nat Geo Adventure have also put together a fantastic photo album of this year's winners as well. You can check those images out by clicking here.
So? What do you think of this list? Personally, I think it is a great cross-section of the many adventures that took place this past year, but in all fairness I have to disclose that I was part of the selection process to a degree and recommended some of these folks for inclusion. Did we miss someone who should have made the list? Who is your choice for the Adventurer of the Year? I happen to like all of these men and women, but if I were forced to pick one, I'd go with Gerlinde.
Congrats to all the winners. This is a much deserved honor.