We’re getting rid of over 60 different privacy policies across Google and replacing them with one that’s a lot shorter and easier to read. …

These changes will take effect on March 1, 2012.

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Some are freaking out.

That’s dopey. Not much is changing. Here’s a much more measured assessment:

Read Write Web – Tech World Overreacts to Google’s New Privacy Policy – How Does It Affect You?

… You know what you can do? Stop sharing things you don’t want tracked. …

Before and after March 1st best advice is not to do anything online you’ll regret in future. Somebody, somewhere could be tracking it. And it probably won’t be Google. They’re one of the least evil players.

If you want to dig into this deeper, the best authority is Jeff Jarvis. He’s the author of:

• What Would Google Do?
• Public Parts

Mostly Utah. But looking to expand to the best western States.

Check a sample – Mt Timpanogos Summit (via Aspen Grove)

Stats, Elevation Profile, Popularity, “Followability”, Photos, Directions.

Not bad.

There are some dead end pages. (e.g. Idaho) … I could do without those.

And there’s no RSS feed. So no easy way for me to know about new hikes. I’m not likely to return very often.

Thank Adam Gilbert, James Meyer and Donna Coleman for the new online resource.

Ross on Science of Sport:

Only 3 days to go before I jet off to Kilimanjaro to tackle Africa’s highest summit, and the world’s highest free-standing mountain…barefoot…

My mission is to help get ONE person to the top barefoot, and to do it safely. …

The Barefoot Kilimanjaro Challenge

It’s an attention getter, that’s for sure. Funds raised go to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in South Africa.

related – Killian Jornet record for summitting Kilimanjaro in light shoes – 7 hours 14 minutes return. (VIDEO)

Click PLAY or watch it on Vimeo.

His blog is Long Distance Trail. I’m now subscribed.

(via Hiking in Finland)

Nope.

I live on little. When I first became a full-time adventurer, my finances dictated that I do. Now, I’m stuck firmly in my frugal ways. I only buy what I need, usually only when it’s on sale. I rent month-to-month so I can avoid paying rent when I’m gone for extended periods. All of my possessions can be transported in my Pontiac Vibe (with roof rack and box). And I have intentionally avoided costly “grown up” responsibilities like mortgages, a spouse, kids, and pets.

Because I don’t need much to be comfortable and happy, I don’t need to earn much either.

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andrewskurka.com

(via TrailSpace)

Sheffield Adventure Film Festival. March 9-11, 2012.

(via The Goat)

Recorded on the Pacific Crest Trail during the 2011 thu-hiking season. 159 days, 1,700 miles hiked, and ninety pounds lost. Make sure you watch it all the way to the end.

Click PLAY or watch it on Vimeo.

I’m thinking to do a week or two on the PCT in 2012. I’ll need Kolby’s top 5 PCT NECESSITIES.

(via BuzzFeed)

In April 2010 Greenland became the seventh chapter of the International Appalachian Trail. The route is on the Nussuaq Peninsula near Uummannaq Fjord.

Greenland was followed by Scotland in June, when the West Highland Way became the first IAT trail in Europe.

In October 2010 the IAT expanded further into Europe when nine new chapters joined … The new chapters include Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, England, Ireland, Wales, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland.

In 2011 the IAT plans to expand to Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

The Irish leg begins at the Slieve League cliffs in Co Donegal and proceeds eastwards along the Bluestacks Way and then the Ulster Way and finally the Causeway Coast Way terminating in Ballycastle, Co Antrim.

Click PLAY or watch the first Irish thru-hike on YouTube.

I’m thinking it would be easier simply to name ALL hikes in the world part of the IAT.

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Here’s another of George’s Machu Picchu pics.

THANKS George.

Dave was one of the first four people inside that day. He was there after finishing the Salcantay trek.

… Unlike the classic 3-day Inca Trail trek, which requires you book a spot at least 5-6 weeks in advance (in the low season), the Salkantay Trek can be booked in Cusco upon arrival.

And it can be done for less than half the cost. …

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

To be at Machu Picchu at opening you need come from Aguas Calientes. Know that trekkers on the Inca Trail don’t arrive until mid-morning.