Powered by Ray's "raptor_engine, ver 5" written and scripted by R. Jardine
See also: Chronologies, Timeline of Past Events.
Ray Jardine was born and raised Colorado, and graduated from California's Northrop University with a degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. He worked in the aerospace industry as a specialist in computer-simulated space-flight mechanics, but retired at an early age to pursue his outdoor interests.
A mountaineer, he climbed most of Colorado's fourteeners, many in winter; and he climbed extensively across western North America. His highest peak was Peru's Huascaran - at 22,205 feet.
Ray worked as winter mountaineering instructor for two seasons, and as wilderness instructor for seven. In the process he backpacked several thousand miles.
He also holds an EMT certificate from St. Anthony's Hospital in Denver, Colorado.
He invented the first camming device, the Friend, whose security and ease of placement revolutionized crack climbing.
He pioneered the technique "working on a route," a first-ascent method to work out extremely difficult moves.
And he discovered and redpointed the world's first 5.13 - the Phoenix - in 1977, six years before sticky rubber hit the market." - The Best of Rock and Ice, The Mountaineers
A rock climber for 19 years, Ray established some of the era's toughest climbs, including the world's first 5.12 graded climb: The Crimson Cringe, and the first 5.13: The Phoenix. He climbed extensively in Great Britain and across western America. His ascents in Colorado include seven Diamond routes. In Yosemite Valley he pioneered 50 first ascents or first free ascents, and was the first to free climb a grade VI.
Ray developed the protection and anchoring device known as the "Friend" which revolutionized the sport. And he originated the style of climbing used today that enables more challenging routes to be climbed.
In 1982, Ray and his wife Jenny sailed around the world in 3 years aboard their ketch "Suka," (acronym for "Seeking UnKnown Adventures").
Global Voyage
Aboard the Ketch Suka
Three years Sailing Around the World aboard the ketch SUKA (Seeking UnKnown Adventures). From San Diego we spent a year and a half sailing through the South Pacific to Australia. After sailing north behind the Great Barrier Reef, we crossed the Indian Ocean to South Africa. Then navigating across to South America and through the Caribbean, we passed through the Panama Canal and then followed the coast back to home port.
During the voyage, they spent 6 months scuba diving and snorkelling in the Caribbean. Ray is a PADI certified diver.
Ray is an avid hang glider pilot. He has logged some 400 hours aloft, flown to 16,000 feet, cross-country 50 miles, and thermal gained 9,100 feet (nearly two miles straight up).
He has also flown sailplanes and small powered aircraft, and holds an Australian Restricted Private Pilot's License.
In 1991 Ray wrote the First Edition of "The PCT Hiker's Handbook," which described the first workable system of light-weight hiking. In 1996 he re-wrote the book, and called it "Pacific Crest Trail Hikers Handbook, Second Edition." In 1999 he wrote the all-trails version, and named it "Beyond Backpacking." And in 2009 he re-wrote the book, and called it "Trail-Life. Trail Life's Publication History
In 1998 Ray and Jenny were featured in the BBC television series Wilderness Walks, filmed during a six day trek through the Three Sisters Wilderness of Oregon.
"Ray Jardine is certainly one of the top 100 adventurers of all time. And truth is, he's probably among the top 10 or 20."
"Ray Jardine is certainly one of the top 100 adventurers of all time. I was asked, "How do you know that?" My response was: Show me someone else who has accomplished the same type feats for so many years, and they would be number 101. However, the chances are that they would be under the influence of commercial sponsors, steroids, political persuasions or other special interest groups. Ray is independent of these entanglements, and self made. And truth is, he's probably among the top 10 or 20.
Most of his "fun trips" (as he refers to them) have been self-propelled, assisted only by harnessing the forces of nature with his own ingenuity and intelligence. It is simply amazing that he continues to endure world class sports - years after having reached "retirement age."
In addition to his thinking methods, his education, training and perseverance are traits he has in common with many other champions. Ray clearly exhibits these in his accomplishments. The fact that these are so numerous is a testament to the application of these and other factors. One can refer to public records and journals for verification.
Jenny and Ray are real people; bound by the same physical, mental, time, energy and space constraints as we all are. But the two of them are really a phenomenon, individually and collectively. Not just adventurists; they are an adventure in and of themselves. They exude goodwill and success. Like other supermodels, they give us something we can believe, and people we can believe in.
It is a dream fest to view their photos and to read the stories on their website. With a little imagination and/or experience with their activities, you will share the love that has driven them to these goals, and the emotions of joy, fear, love and victory that have accompanied them on their endeavors.
Thanks to Ray and Jenny for their love of, and contributions to the human spirit." - Craig C.
"Ray Jardine is America's foremost trail walking guru" -TGO Magazine |
Ray and Jenny have completed several long-distance hikes:
Note: The "Thru-Hiking String of Pearls" goes along with the Triple Crown, and could be adopted by all thru-hikers. I envision that they could hang them on their backpacks for decoration, or wear their string of pearls (faux or not) to hiker's gatherings, or even on the trial - according to how many pearls they have earned. Ray's prescripts: To qualify for a Thru-Hiking Pearl, the trail must have been at least 2,000 miles in length. Section hiking also qualifies, as does any cycling trip over one month's duration.
"Just let me say that Ray is THE god of backpacking in my book. When I read the Hiker's Handbook some 20 years ago I was blown away and Ray forever changed my outlook on the great outdoors. And he singlehandedly created an ultralight movement and a cottage industry to support it!" -Mark C. |
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT#1)
Thru-hike #1
The Pacific Crest Trail: Campo to Manning Provencial Park through California, Oregon and Washington. After sailing around the world, we wanted to get back in touch with the land, so we hiked the PCT. This was our first thru-hike, of many.
Hiking the John Muir Trail
Ten Days Hiking the John Muir Trail (JMT) Through the Sierra Mountains of California.
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT#2)
Thru-hike #2
Long-Distance Hiking Adventure #2, - the Pacific Crest Trail, Campo to Manning Provencial Park. 2,700 Miles in 125 Days. Route goes from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington.
Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
Thru-hike #3
Our third long-distance thru-hike, the Continental Divide Trail, CDT: Waterton Lakes Canada to Las Palmas Mexico. 2,500+ miles in 118 days. Route goes through the central Rockies from Canada to Mexico, through Montana Idaho Wyoming Colorado and New Mexico.
Pearl Four (AT#1)
Our fourth long-distance thru-hiking adventure: the Appalachian Trail in 1993, Springer Mountain to Katahdin. 2,100 miles in 2 months & 28 days. This was where we developed our home-made lightweight backpacks and camping quilt.
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT#3)
Thru-hike #5
Our fifth long-distance hiking adventure, 1994: the Pacific Crest Trail, PCT: Manning Provencial Park to Campo. 2,700 miles in 96 days. Route goes from Canada to Mexico, through Washington, Oregon and California. This was a south-bound hike, starting with much snow slogging through the North Cascades and finishing in the hot and thirsty deserts. It was our second light-weight hike, and our the first thru-hike to use a tarp rather than a tent.
IUA Hiking & Biking Adventure
Bicycling Trip #1
IUA Hike & Bike, Canada to Mexico Through Idaho, Utah and Arizona. After Hiking for a Month Through Idaho, Generally Along the Rugged Idaho/Montana Border, we came down of the mountains to the plains of northern Utah only to meet our nemesis - a lack of drinkable water caused by cattle pollution. After a gruling 24 hours without water, we turned back and managed to reach a town. Rather than abandon the journey, we bought mountain bikes at a x-mart for $149 each and switched to riding. What we did not expect was how much fun riding these bikes was! And even though the bikes were less than optimal, we averaged around 75 miles a day, with a high of 95 miles.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT#2)
Thru-hike #6
A Solo Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in 2009, Mid Season.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT#3)
Thru-hike #7
A Third Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT), Solo and Early Season. This hike was characterized by deep snow in the Smokies, lots of blow-downs along the full length of trail, and a great deal of solitude but also very enjoyable hiking in beautiful surroundings.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT#4, part 1/3)
AT Section Hiking
Hiking Adventure #8, the Appalachian Trail (#4) early-season.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT#4, part 2/3)
AT Section Hiking
Hiking Adventure #9, the Appalachian Trail (#4b) early-season.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT#4, part 3/3)
AT Section Hiking
Hiking Adventure #9, the Appalachian Trail (#4c).
Jenny's Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail
Springer to Katahdin
thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail
Sea kayaking has also been a favorite pursuit. Ray and Jenny have paddled several thousand miles in areas such as offshore California, the Sea of Cortez, French Polynesia, Australia, Alaska and Canada.
Ray's first sea-kayaking: Catalina Is to Long Beach harbor, 27 mi in 9 hours, 1974.
Baja Sea-Kayaking:
Paddling on the Brink
Baja Sea-Kayaking Adventure #3
Ready to begin, we feel suddenly alone. Immensely alone, to say nothing about committed and vulnerable. A wave of misgiving floods over me, and for the first time in months of planning and preparation the prospects of a successful outcome seem absurd. I utter those classic words aloud: "What have we gotten ourselves into this time?" Having heard this many times before, Linda breaks into a grin. And with that we shove our kayak into the sea and begin our paddling adventures.
Flight of the Errant Torpedoes
Baja Sea-Kayaking Adventure #4
Having learned much from my previous struggles in Baja, this trip proved to be one of my finest. John and Al were new to kayaking, but in the ensuing days and weeks they became highly proficient. South of Loreto John became inadvertently separated from Al and me, and spent the next five days paddling solo. We found each-other just ten miles from La Paz.
Dont Break Rule 1
Baja Sea-Kayaking Adventure #8
Ed and I Paddled Single Kayaks Nearly the Full Length of Baja. Ed had never kayaked before, but he was a fast learner and had an experienced partner :) We made an excellent team and had a most enjoyable trip.
Cruising The Cardon Coast
Baja Sea-Kayaking Adventure #9
Jenny and I Paddled and Sailed our "Sea Tub" (a highly-modified collapsible double kayak) from San Felipe to La Paz, in 34 days along the coast of Baja. This trip took place the Year Following our 3,300 mile kayak trip to the Arctic, and immediately following our 10-day hike of the John Muir Trail and 12 days float trip on the Yellowstone River.
Yellowstone River #1: Fall 1977, 21 days
Yellowstone River #2: Summer 1978, 18 days
Yellowstone River #3: Fall 1986, 13 days
Yellowstone River #4: Fall 1988, 20 days
Yellowstone River #5: Spring 1989, 23 days
Yellowstone River #6: Fall 1989, 12 days
Yellowstone River #7: Spring 1990, 9 days
"Ray Jardine might be best known for his contributions to the climbing world. But there's another side to him most people don't know - one where he swaps his ropes for a paddle as one of the leading expedition sea kayakers in the country." -PADDLER magazine"
Saga of the Sea Tub
Northern Paddling Adventure #1
A 100-Day, 3,300-mile Kayak Voyage from Anacortes, Washington Through the Inside Passage Along Coasts of British Columbia and Southwest Alaska - 1,100 miles to Skagway; then Portage the Chilkoot Trail to the First Ice-Free Lake, 100 miles total; then Paddle the Yukon River 2,000 miles to the Bering Sea, and 7 miles Back to Village of Emmonak.
Canoeing Fulton Chain of Lakes
Canoe Trip #1
On a Break Between Standard and B2B Classes, Ray and Jenny Rode a Bus to Upstate New York and Rented a Canoe. Spent 12 Days Canoeing the Fulton Chain of Lakes in the Adirondacks of upstate New York, Along the Historic Fulton Chain of Lakes. In past times this route was plied by fur traders, at a time when the principle means of wilderness transportation was by canoe. Having recently sea-kayaked 1,440 miles of Arctic Alaskan coastline, we were in fairly good physical condition. However, neither of us knew how to paddle a canoe. However, by trip's end we had figured out how to handle the canoe fairly well.
Canoeing Thelon River
Northern paddling Adventure #5
Continuing Northern paddling trip #4: Thwarted by polar pack ice on the coast, Ray and Jenny switched to plan B, which was to paddle one of the inland rivers. We tried to air cargo the kayak to Yellowknife, but after waiting in Yellowknife a week for the yak to arrive (got in a ton of great hiking) we arranged to truck the yak home. Unfortunately most of our gear was in the kayak. We went to the Wal-Mart and bought a cheap canoe, paddles, life jackets and rubber boots. And at a grocery we bought a month's supply of food. The next morning (July 25) we float planed to Lynx lake, the headwaters of the Thelon River. Then we paddled 575 miles down the Thelon in 24 days to the Inuit hamlet of Baker Lake, near Hudson Bay.
Back River Odyssey
Northern Paddling Adventure #6
Ray and Jenny paddled a canoe across the Barrenlands of Sub-arctic Canada, From Sussex Lake, padding down the Back River, up the Meadowbank River, over the Divide and down to the hamlet of Baker Lake.
Canoeing the Kazan River
Northern paddling Adventure #7
The Story of Ray and Jenny Jardines' canoe trip down the Kazan River, summer 2001, paddling 560 miles in 25 days Across the Barrenlands of sub-arctic Canada. A key feature with these trips is the urge to explore and discover, traveling day after day without seeing another person. The beauty of the Barrenlands, its lakes and rivers are incomparable. We love the feeling of openness that goes on and on for hundreds of miles. The feeling that we have practically the whole river - all 560-miles of it - to ourselves. Every stopping place is new, different and fresh. What a privilege to have so much land to explore and enjoy.
Coppermine Quest
Northern Paddling Adventure #8
Story of Ray and Jenny Jardine's Coppermine canoe trip, summer 2005, Yellowknife to Kugluktuk, paddling 960 miles in 39 days. Started in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Canada, paddled the Great Slave Lake, carried the outfit over Pike's Portage, worked up to Clinton-Colden and Aylmer lakes, then paddled down the Coppermine River and finished at the native village of Kugluktuk on the coast of the Arctic Ocean. 44 portages totaling 15 mi. It was an unforgettable experience across an amazingly vast wilderness area.
They also build Aerospace Composite Kayaks in their garage.
In 2002, Ray & Jenny Rowed across the Atlantic, 3,000 miles in 53 days.
Rowing Across the Atlantic Ocean
Rowing Across the Atlantic Ocean in the 23-foot Rowboat "Atlantic Caper" - No sails, No Motor, just Two Pairs of Oars. "A Husband and Wife Team with a Desire for Adventure and an Intense Determination to Succeed."
IUA Hiking & Biking Adventure
Bicycling Trip #1
IUA Hike & Bike, Canada to Mexico Through Idaho, Utah and Arizona. After Hiking for a Month Through Idaho, Generally Along the Rugged Idaho/Montana Border, we came down of the mountains to the plains of northern Utah only to meet our nemesis - a lack of drinkable water caused by cattle pollution. After a gruling 24 hours without water, we turned back and managed to reach a town. Rather than abandon the journey, we bought mountain bikes at a x-mart for $149 each and switched to riding. What we did not expect was how much fun riding these bikes was! And even though the bikes were less than optimal, we averaged around 75 miles a day, with a high of 95 miles.
Hello America Bicycle Tour
Bicycling Adventure #2
Hello America: Ray & Jenny Jardine peddled a tandem bicycle twice across the US, sea to sea, round-trip from Arizona.
Bicycling the TransAmerica Trail
Bicycling Adventure #3
After completing two thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail, Ray cycled across the country, coast to coast, generally following the "TransAmerica Trail" Cycling Route. Peddling thorough 11 states, the many and often-steep hills were challenging, but the scenery along this route was very beautiful. Near the end of the trip Jenny joined Ray on a borrowed bike, and they finished the journey at saltwater's edge on Chesapeake Bay.
Snow-kiting has been a favorite also.
Snowkiting Adventures
Wind, Kites and Skis: Ray and Jenny Jardine's Snowkiting Adventures.
Greenland Adventures
Sledging and SnowKiting
Greenland Adventures: 17 days of Sledging and Kite Skiing, Pulling Sleds on the Ice Cap of Greenland, training for the upcoming trip to the South Pole.
Extreme Fun
Fierce Winds, Ultra-Cold Temperatures
After a year and a half of training and preparations, we went to Antarctica. Starting from near the coast, we skied 57 days to the South Pole. Along the way encountered fierce winds, ultra cold temperatures, and rough ice. We dragged our gear behind us in sleds containing enough food for a month. At the half-way point we resupplied with a food drop. Reaching the South Pole in another month, we flew back to the starting point.
Climbing Huascarán
Climbing Nevado Climbing Huascarán, Peru's highest at 22,205' in 1969. I took a month's leave from my job as an aerospace engineer to join a mountain climbing expedition to the Peruvian Andes. I was super active in the outdoors before, as a proficient climber and mountaineer, but this was the trip that started my lifestyle as a full time adventurer. With Gene and Betsy White, Mark Bostwick, and John Larson.
Climbing Vinson Massif
Vinson Massif is the Highest Mountain in Antarctica. In the Wake of our South Pole Trip, I Didn't Want to Leave Antarctica Quite Yet, and Climbing the Highest Mountain Appealed to me Greatly. Never mind that I didn't have climbing boots and gear. I bought or borrowed them, and joined an incoming climbing group. The climb was a success, and in retrospect I might have been the first person to ski to the South Pole and Climb Antarctica's Highest Mountain in a Single Trip. Never mind that, it was a lot of fun!
Adventures on Mt. Aconcagua
In the wake of my Antarctica trips (skiing to the South Pole and Climbing Vinson Massif) I wasn't quite ready to return home, so I stopped by Aconcagua to give it a try. I had a great time, but discovered that I wasn't acclimatizing to the high altitudes fast enough, no doubt due to the extreme energy drain of skiing to the pole. Nevertheless I climbed to 22,025 feet, (within 300 meters of the summit).
Himalayan Adventures
Climbing the Khumbu Icefall
A Month of Acclimatizing to the High Altitudes, Trekking to Everest Base Camp, and Climbing to 22,000 ft. on Mount Everest via the famous Khumbu Icefall and up to Camp 2 below the Lhotse face.
Argentina Adventures
Jenny and I Spent Two Months Climbing in the Andes, out of Mendoza, Argentina. We started in the Cordón del Plata Region, and lived and climbed at high altitudes, up to 21,000 ft.
Moto-America
Motorcycling Adventure #1
Motorcycling Twice Across the US, from Arizona to Georgia, then North to Ride the Tail of the Dragon and Blue Ridge Parkway, then West to California and back to Arizona.
Moto-Prudhoe
Motorcycling Adventure #2
Motorcycling to New Mexico to Join the Great Divide Route (GDR) at Silver City. Then Following the GDR in General Terms North to Montana, then once in Canada visiting Banff and Jasper National Parks. Then on to Fairbanks Alaska and the Dalton Highway "Haul Road" to Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay at the Arctic Ocean. The return trip took me south back through Canada and Vancouver Island, then followed the coast down to Southern CA, then back to Arizona.
Jennys First Moto Trip
Motorcycling Adventure #3
Jenny's first motorcycling road trip, 750 miles in 4 days to Colorado and back to Arizona.
Moto-Baja
Motorcling Trip #4
A Ten-Day Motorcycle Trip Down into Mainland Mexico, Ferrying Across the Sea of Cortez to La Paz, then Return North along the Baja Peninsula to California.
Moto-Mexican-Dragon
Motorcycling Adventure #5
A Six-Day Trip, Motorcycling through Mainland Mexico.
Motorcycling Canyonlands
Motorcycling Adventure #6
A 7-Day Motorcycle Trip to Monument Valley, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks.
Motorcycling the Four Corners
Motorcycling Adventure #7
A 20-Day Solo Motorcycle Trip Around the Country, Touching the States of Florida, Maine, Washington and California.
4,000 Miles of Dirt
Motorcycling Adventure #8
Ray's 18-Day Motorcycle Trip Along the Continental Divide Route (CDR) from Colorado to the Canadian Border, and Return along the Same Route.
Motorcycling CA Mountains & Coast
Motorcycling Adventure #9
An 11-Day Motorcycle Trip along the Length of California, North Through the Sierras then South along the Pacific Coast.
Motorcycling TAT-CO
Motorcycling Adventure #10
A Solo Motorcycle Trip along the Colorado TAT.
Motorcycling the Western TAT
Motorcycling Adventure #11
A 15-Day Solo Motorcycle Trip along the TAT Through Utah, Nevada, and Oregon.
Fathers Memorial Ride
Motorcycling Adventure #12
2013-07 GDRx2 tagalong
Motorcycling Adventure #13
Ray's 20-Day Motorcycle Trip Along the Great Divide Route (GDR) (Continental Divide) from Arizona to the Canadian Border, and Return along the Same Route.
2014-07 GDRx2 Alberta
Motorcycling Adventure #14
Ray's 28-Day Motorcycle Trip Along the Great Divide Route (GDR) (Continental Divide) from Antelope Wells, New Mexico to Banff, AB Canada, and Return along much the Same Route.
2014-09 GDRx2 Columbus-Roosville
Motorcycling Adventure #15
Ray's 20-Day Motorcycle Trip Along the Great Divide Route (GDR) from Columbus at the Mexican border to Roosville at the Canadian Border, and Return along much the Same Route.
2015-09 GDRx2-FW
Motorcycling Adventure #16
Ray's 30-Day Motorcycle Trip Along the Great Divide Route (GDR) and Forever W., to the Canadian Border and Return.
2015-11-Baja
Motorcycling Adventure #17
A Nine-Day Motorcycle Trip into Baja.
2018-10 GDR Gravellies
Motorcycling Adventure #18
Motorcycle Trip Along the Great Divide Route (GDR) and Forever W., and Return.
2019-09 GDR Nisus
Motorcycling Adventure #19
Motorcycle Trip Along the Great Divide Route (GDR) and Forever W., and Return.
Trip to Kingman
Motorcycling Adventure #20
Motorcycle Trip to Kingman on the LT.
Winter Solstice
Motorcycling Adventure #21
Dec 22, 2019
Iron Butt SS-1000 Motorcycle Ride on the LT.
2020-09 Divide All-Night Dig
Motorcycling Adventure #22
2020 Motorcycle Ride on the Dakar
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