Topic

Adventure & Exploration

A collection of 28 issues

The Enduring Enigma of the Dyatlov Pass Incident

In 1959, nine Soviet hikers died mysteriously in the Ural Mountains. Their tent was slashed open from the inside as they fled into the freezing night, some bizarrely underdressed. Several died of hypothermia, but others had fatal internal injuries.

More Than Decoration: The Rugged Mountaineering History of Your Backpack's Diamond Patch

That diamond-shaped patch on your backpack is more than a stylistic flourish; it's a relic of mountaineering history. Known as a 'lash tab' or 'pig snout,' its original purpose was to allow climbers and hikers to lash extra gear like ice axes or rope to the outside of their packs.

Beyond the Mat: The Wrestler Who Fought a Grizzly to Save His Friend

In October 2022, college wrestler Brady Lowry was mauled by a grizzly in Wyoming's wilderness. His teammate, Kendell Cummings, made the split-second decision to intervene, physically pulling the bear off his friend and fighting it himself. His act of courage saved both their lives.

Around a Continent on One Road: The Story of Australia's 'Big Lap' and Highway 1

Australia's Highway 1, the world's longest national highway at 14,500km, encircles the continent. It's more than just a road; it's a rite of passage known as the 'Big Lap,' offering an unparalleled journey through the nation's vast deserts, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities.

The Lunar High Jump That Nearly Killed an Astronaut

Apollo 16 astronaut Charles Duke holds the lunar high jump record. In a moment of fun during the "Lunar Olympics," he attempted to set a record but fell backward onto his fragile life support pack. A crack would have meant certain death, a stark reminder of the perils of space exploration.

Frozen at 38,000 Feet: The Stowaway Who Risked It All to Meet a Soccer Star

A Tahitian stowaway survived a flight to LA in a wheel well, enduring -58°F at 38,000 ft. His body temperature dropped to a near-fatal 79°F, placing him in a hibernation-like state. His incredible motive? He wanted to fly to France to shake hands with footballer Zinedine Zidane.

Are UFOs Alien Ships or Giant Sky Beasts? The Strange Case of the Space Animal Hypothesis

The space animal hypothesis proposes UFOs aren't alien craft but living organisms native to Earth's atmosphere or space. This fringe theory suggests giant, invisible 'critters' or vast interplanetary beings are behind the sightings, challenging our definition of both 'alien' and 'life'.

From Tsunami Debris to Canadian Tour Boat: The Incredible Journey of the Hamayuri

A Japanese fisherman's boat, lost in the 2011 tsunami, drifted across the Pacific. Found in Canada, it was repurposed for bear-watching tours. Years later, the original owner was identified and flown from Japan for an emotional reunion with his resilient vessel.

Lost in the Amazon: The 20-Year Separation and Unbelievable Survival of Isabel Godin

Separated from her husband for 20 years by colonial politics, Isabel Godin des Odonais undertook a perilous 3,000-mile journey through the Amazon to reunite with him. She was the sole survivor of her 42-person party, enduring unimaginable hardship before their eventual reunion.

The Ugly Duckling Jet That Taught NASA to Fly Vertically: The Story of the Bell X-14

The Bell X-14 was a one-of-a-kind experimental VTOL jet built from spare parts. Flown by NASA for over two decades, its pioneering research into thrust vectoring provided crucial data that directly influenced the development of modern aircraft like the Harrier and the F-35B.