Circumnavigating the world through Human Power while connecting different societies, civilizations and landscapes.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Expedition Artwork

Koryak Child in Chukotka



Chukotka


Large Brown Bear 


Here is a gallery of expedition inspired creative work by our friend Benoit Jurion.

These works are inspired by our experiences, our photographs, stories, people, places, creatures and weather we've met along the way. 

Some of these drawings specifically illustrate sections of the expedition that Dimitri lived through but could not photograph because of the dangers involved and the fact that he was travelling alone in April-June 2008 in Chukotka, Russia.





Fox 







Тундряная куропатка - Snow Chicken, in the snow...







Taking off out of Egvekinot, Chukotka on April 5th 2008. 



Pulling the sled in winter conditions



Pulling the sled along the Lamuskaya River, Chutotka.
Follow the sequential order to see how the landscape evolved from snow to slush to water. 



Dangerous situation where the sled got lodged under an ice shelf. At one point, the sled actually got sucked underneath one of these ice shelves and the strong current took me as well  for a distance of about 15 meters under water and ice, before I was being able to reappear "on the other side" above the water line. 







Using the sled as a kayak and the shovel as a paddle. Note the "evolution": progressively placing my feet in the sled, out of the glacial cold water...

Details on Spring 2010 Route



March - May 2010

First section:
from the exact start location
N 64
° 16.659; E 171° 14.107
@ 15 miles North East of Vayegi to Kamenskoye (Каменское)
(States: Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug & Koryakskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug)

Will start where the expedition last stopped on Dec 06 2008, 15 miles North East of Vayegi.
Will continue via Vayegi 64.1N, 171.02E and Slautnoye
37 miles GPS start point to Vayegi
147 miles Vayegi to Slautnoye
133 miles Slautnoye to Kamenskoye
Total: 317 miles

Kamenskoye: 62.3° N, 165.10° E
(via Vayegi 64.1N, 171.02E ; Penzhino 63.32N, 168E)
210 miles(338 kms)
14 days
48 hrs resupply stop in Kamenskoye

Second section:
Kamenskoye (Каменское) to Evensk (Эвенск)
(States: Koryakskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug & Magadanskaya)
Evensk: 61.57° N, 159.13° E
(via Manily 62.28N, 165.2E; Paren 62.25, 163.05; Kolymak 62.25N, 162.01E, Gizhiga 60.58N, 160.23E)
220 miles (354 kms)

Alternate route: There appears to be a clearly marked trail on both the TCP maps and visible on Goggle earth headed directly west. This trail disappears into low land and costal marsh after about 60 miles. From there, could push north into the high ground of the Oklanskoye Plateau, following West, meeting a trail running north south around 62°26’N , 159°46’E that will lead south to Evensk.

24 hrs resupply stop in Evensk

Sixth section:
Evensk (Эвенск) to Omsukchan(Омсукчан)
via Tavatum (61.4N, 157.48E)
via Pestraya Dresva(Пеструю Дресву) 61.32N, 156.43E (State: Magadanskaya)
Omsukchan(Омсукчан) 62.31° N, 155.48° E

Alternate route:Move towards the high ground to the village of Garmanda 62°10’N, 159°05’E 22miles north of Evensk. From there, aim Northwest 50 miles tracing a river and valley. At about 62°33’N, 158°13E, potential signs of the villages Elktap and Tenkeli. From there, move West on what appears to be a trail and continue to the town of Pestraya Dresva.

Total expected mileage for the route:
660 miles (1060 kms)
45 trekking/skiing days + 9 resupply days = 54 days
March-May 2010

Monday, October 20, 2008

Expedition videos





To see our Nexus Expeditions Youtube Channel
 please click here


2012 Nexus Expeditions Far Eastern Russia and Mongolia,  Section Teaser














July 2012 (In English / Russian) Aldan Interview, Russia - GoldenAldan.ru



2011 Nexus Expeditions Far Eastern Russia, Section Teaser


2011 Nexus Expedition Spoof  (Recess in Siberia with the Sex Pistols)

2011 Nexus Expedition Spoof (Keep on Living, Buddy!)


2011 Nexus Expedition Spoof  (Satellite Phone Call)





Oct 2011 (In Russian) NVK SAKHA / НВК САХА - (Yakutia TV children program) 

Oct 2011 ГТРК "Саха" 10 октябрь 2011 (TV Interview)

Oct 2011 AskYakutia Internet video interview



Spring 2011 "Action" video screenshots



Nov 06 - Bering Strait Crossing w/ Goliath expedition, BBC TV interview (Part II)
Nov 06 - Bering Strait Crossing w/ Goliath expedition, BBC TV interview (Part III)

Nov 06 - Bering Strait Crossing w/ Goliath expedition, BBC TV interview (Part IV)

Jan 05- Seattle, Northwest Cable News Interview



Dec 06 - Spoof - Dimitri Kieffer heads to the Bering Strait !




1987 - Lynn Cox swim between Big & Little Diomede islands

2008 - Footage on Chuktoka, Russia

2009- Extreme Engineering Report - Bridging the Bering Strait!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Profile de Dimitri Kieffer

Français d'origine, Dimitri est parti aux États-Unis d'Amérique en 1983 à l'âge de 17 ans pour poursuivre des études en commerce international.

Il a passé sa première année aux U.S.A. en tant qu'étudiant d'échange au Lycée de Puyallup, dans l'état de Washington. Il a ensuite étudié à l'Université de Washington pendant les cinq années suivantes, en se concentrant sur le commerce international.

Il a passé les quinze années suivantes à peaufiner ses compétences dans le monde des affaires internationales en travaillant dans l'informatique, principalement à Hong Kong et à Seattle.

En avril 2005, il a obtenu sa deuxième nationalité (américaine) et est donc ainsi devenu officiellement un « franco-américain ».

Après avoir terminé son premier marathon en 1985 à l'âge de 20 ans, puis son premier ultra-marathon à Hong Kong en 1990, Dimitri s'est progressivement attaqué à des courses de plus en plus difficiles, aux U.S.A. et dans le monde entier.

Il a participé avec succès à sept Trailwalkers à Hong Kong, la fameuse course de "western states" ainsi que plusieurs autres courses de 100 miles aux U.S.A.
Il a aussi fini la course de 217 kilomètres de Badwater dans la Vallée de la Mort, ainsi que plusieurs courses dans le Sahara (deux parcours de 335 kilomètres et une de 563 kilomètres, sans arrêt). Il a également participé à quatre courses en Alaska, y compris l'Iditarod à pied non-stop (1770 kilomètres).

Non seulement Dimitri se plait à se mesurer aux conditions extrêmes rencontrées sur les parcours des ultra-marathons dans la chaleur du désert ou dans le froid des hivers du Grand Nord, il a également participé à des courses d'aventure de 7 à 30 jours sans interruption : avec son équipe il a pu s'affronter boussole à la main aux jungles du Vietnam ou du Costa Rica, au gigantesque fleuve Yukon, à l'Outback australien et sud-africain, ainsi qu'aux plaines et montagnes de l'Utah, de Californie, des îles San Juan – à pied, en raquettes, en kayak, en VTT, en roller...

Continuant son évolution, Dimitri a transféré depuis 2005 son enthousiasme pour se lancer dans la conduite d'expéditions extrêmes.
Dimitri est également un membre actif de l' Explorers Club.

Quand il n'est pas en train de suer sur les pistes, Dimitri retrouve son pied-à-terre à Seattle où il peut principalement passer du temps avec son amie Gulnara Miftakhova et ses cercles d'amis, comme les coureurs du PSH3 et du groupe BM. Il peut également s'entraîner, préparer les étapes suivantes de l'expédition et « s'occuper du train-train quotidien ».

Dans les dernières années, Dimitri a également été bénévole dans l’organization IRC où il fut enseignant de cours d'informatique primaires pour des réfugiés et a aidé dans les déménagements de meubles donnés par des donateurs à de nouveaux foyers de réfugiés : des minorités Karen et Chin de Birmanie/Myanmar, des Bhoutanais, des Érythréens et des Irakiens.

Enfin, une fois par an il revient faire un « pèlerinage » en France pour rendre visite à sa famille et ses amis, qu'il a le sentiment de bien trop négliger.

Expéditions
2011, Section Kamchatka-Magadanskaya Nexus Paren-Omsukchan (Russie)
2010, Section Chukotka-Kamchatka Nexus Vayegi-Paren (Russie)
2008, Section Chukotka, expédition Nexus Egvekinot-Vayegi (Russie)
2007, Section Chukotka, expédition Nexus Uelen-Egvekinot (Russie)
2006, Détroit de Bering, expédition Goliath Nome - Wales (U.S.A.) - Uelen (Russie)

Courses d'aventure principales2006, Yukon River Quest Paddle Race, (kayak) Canada
2005, La Ruta de los Conquistadores, (vélo) Costa Rica
2005, Freedom Challenge Extreme Triathlon (course, vélo, canoe K1), Afrique du Sud y compris les courses Comrades Marathon, Berg River Marathon

2004, Primal Quest, état de Washington, U.S.A.
2004, X-Adventure Raid Series dans le Nord-Ouest australien et à Bend, Oregon, U.S.A.
2003, Primal Quest, Lac Tahoe, Californie, U.S.A.
2003, X-Adventure Raid Series, Bend, Idaho, U.S.A.
2002, Four Winds Adventure Race 500km, Utah, U.S.A.
2002, Raid Gauloises 1000kms, Vietnam

Courses de ultrarunning principales
2005 Iditarod Trail Invitational, 1770 kilomètres, Alaska, U.S.A.
2004, Trans 555km , 555 kilomètres, Nigeria, Afrique
2004, Bad Water , 217 kilomètres, Vallée de la Mort, Californie, U.S.A.
2002, Iditarod Trail Invitational, 563 kilomètres, Alaska, U.S.A.
2002, Trans 333km, 322 kilomètres, Tunisie, Afrique
2001, Trans 333km, 322 kilomètres, Mauritanie, Afrique
2001, Iditasport, 209 kilomètres, Alaska, U.S.A.

2001, Ultra-marathon « Mardis Gras Ultramarathon Classsic »,
200 kilomètres, de Baton Rouge à la Nouvelle-Orléans, Louisiane, U.S.A.
(information sur le parcours)

1997-2003, sept Trailwalker MacEnlose 100 km, Hong Kong

Ultraruns de 161 kilomètres :
2004, Western States, Californie, U.S.A.
2003, The Bear, Idaho, U.S.A.
2001, Heartland, Kansas, U.S.A.
2000, Cascade Crest Classic, Washington, U.S.A.
1999, Angeles Crest, Californie, U.S.A.
1999, Iditasport, Alaska, U.S.A.

Natation :
2006, la « Nage avec les requins » de l'île Alcatraz, Californie, U.S.A.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Définition du mot en anglais : nex·us [ néksəss ]

nex·us [ néksəss ]
Définition du mot en anglais :

1. Connexion : une connexion ou un lien qui associe plusieurs personnes ou plusieurs choses
2. Groupe connecté : un groupe ou une série de personnes ou de choses connectées les unes aux autres
3. Centre : le centre ou le point focal de quelque chose [Milieu du 17e siècle, du latin nex-, participe passé de nectere « lier »]

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Planning to return in Chukotka in mid November 08


North 64°1441, East, 173°1334
Between Krasneno & Vayegi, May 25th 08

Let me start with a report on my “Summer vacation”
Here are some of the activities I partook in since I came back to the US in late June:

- Planned my autumn return to Russia: preparing documents and gear.

- Attended The Outdoor Retailer convention in Salt Lake City, Utah in order to secure additional sponsors.
Thanks to one of my main sponsors Egan & Associates, LLC .

- Spent time involved with IRC where I teach elementary computer classes and move donated furniture from donors homes to new refugees homes, (Bhutanese, Burmese Karen and Chin minorities, Eritreans, Iraqis) near SeaTac which has really become an amazing multicultural district.

- Moved and settled into a different home in North Seattle.
- Welcomed in my home Ivan Guignard, yet another visiting French 16 years old nephew.
Spent time travelling with him in the US Northwest as well as with my girlfriend ‘ilima who joined us on weekends.
- Spent needed time in the Nevada desert amongst friends.



Now, as far as the expedition is concerned, it would appear that the Russian federation and Chukotkan authorities *should* have all of my papers ready (local Propusk permit, visa, permission to bring electronic equipment - satellite phone, gps, and potentially a beacon) by November 7th allowing my return soon thereafter.

I am planning to ski and pull my sled further west for a 90 days period and then return to the US for at least a 90 days period, as it is required by the Russian authorities.

Between Krasneno & Vayegi, May 25th 08

Of course, this also depends on Mother Nature…
I am waiting for the rivers to freeze completely since I am now returning to South East Chukotka (Vayegi, 64° 10' 0" North, 171° 2' 0" East) and river beds are the only place where I can travel with my sled…
Way too much bushes and trees anywhere else…
I plan to share on this site within the next few weeks exciting news on the new sponsors currently joining the Nexus Expedition family as well as an outline on my future route and maps. Finally I still plan to share soon pictures and videos on the recent Spring 2008 epic section.
So stay tuned !

My apologies if I don’t see, email or talk to all of you before I leave, as I am trying to wrap up as many things as I can!

Know though that you are all in my thoughts whether I am here or dancing alone in the middle of the tundra!

Paka!
Dimitri

Friday, October 10, 2008

Speaking Engagements

Aprtil 2010 - Slautnoye school, Kamchatka, Russia

Dimitri  Kieffer is an engrossing and natural storyteller. As a speaker, he tells the story of Nexus Expeditions' continued journey from Anchorage, Alaska, across the Bering Strait, into and across Northeastern Russia and Mongolia.

Dimitri is available for keynote addresses. Inspiring and drawing from a long and vast ocean of experiences with people, places, weather and nature, presentations are readily tailored to any audience. 

They can address powerful messages such as goal setting,  risk management and teamwork.

Please contact Jesse Perrell at Jesse@nexusexpeditions.com for additional information and availability.

Nexus Expeditions has presented to schools, corporations, expedition, outdoor retailers, running and ski touring clubs in the United States, Russia, France and South Africa.
June 2005 - Private School - Durban, South Africa

"Nexus Expedition"
March 2012, at zaaz.com headquarters, Seattle, Washington state
2012 Presentation available here:March 2012

2011 Russian presentation here:
Feb 2011 - Russian schools
2011 English presentation here: April 2011 - American schools2011 French presentation here: Nov 2011 - French schools

"Nexus Expedition"
February 2011, russian schools in Magadanskaya Oblast: Evensk, Giziga

April 2010, russian schools in Kamchatka: Slautnoye, Kamenskoye, Paren

Nov 2010, Rotary Club, Les Andelys, France

April 2009, Explorers Club, Northwest Symposium, San Juan Islands, Washington State

March 2009, Charles Wright Academy, Tacoma, Washington state

November 2008, russian college in Chukotka: Anadyr

November 2008, russian schools in Chukotka: Markova & Vayegi

November 2008, russian orphanage in Chukotka: Anadyr


"Setting, planning and Achieving goals"
October 2008, Fall City elementary school, Fall City, Washington state

- "Nexus expedition- Report on the Spring 08 section"
October 2008, Puget Sound H3 running club, Seattle, Washington state

- “Nexus Expedition
April-June 2008, Russian schools in Chukotka: Uelkal, Anadyr & Markova


Mary 2008 - Uelkal School - Chukotka, Russia


- "Racing the Planet: Ultra Endurance Running and Medicine"
(Nutrition, Hydration, Foot care, Clothing)”,
January 2008, REI store, Seattle, Washington state

- “Around the World in 80 days or 10 years
December 2007, Sky Valley Education Center, Monroe, Washington state

- “Nexus Expedition
April-June 2007, Russian schools in Chukotka: Ugolnye Kope, Lavrentiya, Inchon, Enormino and Nashken

- "Bering Strait crossing"
December 2006, Washington Ski Touring Club, REI store, Seattle, Washington state

- "Bering Strait crossing"
August 2006, Seattle Running Company store, Seattle, Washington state

- "Nexus expedition- Report on the Bering Crossing section"
July 2006, Puget Sound H3 running club, Seattle, Washington state

- "Goliath expedition presentation"
Jan-Feb 2006, schools in Alaska: Teller, Brevig Mission, Wales

- "Goliath Expedition Press Conference"
December 2005, Fairbanks, Alaska state

- “Iditarod Trail Running race presentation
June 2005, private school, Durban, South Africa


- "Iditarod Trail Running race presentation
June 2005, adventure racing club, Durban, South Africa

- “Adventure running, Alimentation and  Hydration"
March 2004, REI store, Seattle, Washington state

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Knee arthroscopy to repair a torn meniscus



Knee arthroscopy to repair a torn meniscus

Recently a few people have asked me if I really did undergo knee surgery a few days before going back to Russia in April 2008.

The answer is a resounding YES and let me explain the reason why.

Back in October 2007, while running the North Face 50 miles endurance run on steep trails (over 10,000 feet elevation climb and descent) in the Cascade range, I tore a ligament in my meniscus.

This was partly the result of having ran over the years multiple intense 100 miles and beyond non-stop running races, (see profile for more details).
The "wear and tear" eventually impacted my right knee beyond potential physical therapy repair.

Between October 2007 and March 2008, I followed an intense physical therapy process, hoping to heal my knee in a natural way, prior to returning and continuing my expedition in the Chukotkan tundra.

In vain, I realized in late March 2008 that knee arthroscopy was the best and only option to avoid further damages in my knee. I also learned at the time that if I did not take care of the problem, I could run the risk of having my leg locked in a specific position in the middle of the tundra which could have represented a serious obstacle for my solo expedition, as you can imagine….

So, I underwent surgery on March 30th and thanks to a fast recovery and modern medicine, was able to fly to Russia on April 8th, and started trekking on April 16th 08 , able to pull a 250 lbs sled !
As a result of the knee arthroscopy, I only suffered from a slight discomfort in my knee on the first few days of the expedition.

I believe that I have now fully recovered but understand that my ultra running days are over if I want to be able to complete this human powered globe circumnavigation.

As I used to say, "I only have x amount of ultra running miles in my body and I want to use them the most efficiently, partaking in the races that I love the most before my body runs out..."
Therefore, I am glad that I got to run some beautiful races and that hopefully I will still able to trek, hike and bike for decades to come!

Finally, I want to recognize that I have been blessed to be raised and continue to live in parts of the world where I can benefit from such medical advancements. For example, would I have been born as a Karen or a Chin in the Burmese jungle, I would most likely be now limping for the rest of my life with a torn meniscus and without any chance of recovery....