Natalie Afonina
Natalie Afonina
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Sail-Ski Expedition of the Kuril Island Volcanoes: 1000 miles from Japan to Kamchatka
When you get the offer to sail from the tip of Japan to the Kamchatka Peninsula, attempting to ski as many volcanoes as possible with a rowdy crew of ski-obsessed Slavs, you say yes. Grizzly bears, arctic snowstorms, WW2 barge saunas, radioactive lighthouses, erupting volcanoes, humpbacks and so much more.
We sailed ~1000 miles from Yuzhno-Sakhalin up the Kuril Islands and to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy over the course of a couple weeks. We skied as many lines as the weather and storms would allow. It was a low snow year across the whole region, so at the start things were pretty bare, but the snow conditions and skiing quickly picked up the further north we sailed. An adventure of a lifetime.
Thank you to Iron Lady Expeditions and Yury our captain and his crew that kept us safe on this journey!
Переглядів: 1 149

Відео

Sport Climbing in Sardinia, Italy: Easy Gymnopedie up Aguglia de Goloritze Tower
Переглядів 3572 місяці тому
Multipitch sport climbing in paradise. Swims in the mediterranean sea, delicious prosciutto sandwiches and some stellar limestone tower climbing up Aguglia de Goloritze. The best way to visit this corner of Sardinia and explore the surrounding beaches and forests
Solo Climbing High Sierras: Northeast Ridge of Bear Creek Spire
Переглядів 5222 місяці тому
Alpine solo romp with my dear friend Shira to get the legs moving and acclimatized to the thinner air up at 13,000 feet. A beautiful day moving efficiently in flower crowns as we soloed our way up this ridge line. The perfect day out with plenty of time for alpine lake swims, good conversation, snacks and not a single other party on-route.
Alpine Climbing Wyoming: Haystack Mountain Wind River Range
Переглядів 6132 місяці тому
The kind of climbing where it's really just an excuse to feast on fresh elk steaks, cherries and kiwis for some gastronomically-oriented climbing and hangs at 10,000' in a beautiful cirque. A quick jaunt into the Wind River Range threading the needle between a couple storm cells moving through the area. We opted for the chill Haystack mountain route so we could move quick and be up and off the ...
Ice Climbing Montana: California Ice in the Beartooths
Переглядів 4,6 тис.11 місяців тому
An all time classic deep in the heart of the Montana mountains. A fairly involved approach with 1500' of gain up WI1/2 steps leads to 700' of beautiful steep ice climbing with difficulties up to WI4/4 that tops out on the Beartooth Plateau up at 10,000k of elevation. We tried to take a shortcut to get down, but dropped too low into a cliffed out couloir before reversing and traversing to find t...
Big Walling in Yosemite (Slow and Heavy): Freerider in 7 days
Переглядів 25 тис.11 місяців тому
I met Michelle 24 hrs before we set off to climb El Cap together. Not a bad start to a climbing partnership when your first pitch together is on the Big Stone! It was her first time aid climbing or up an El Cap route, so we went big and heavy and brought enough food and water for 5-6 days of climbing. This gave us all the time in the world to have a relaxed, chill ascent where we weren't presse...
Big Walling in Yosemite with Strangers: The Prow on Washington Column
Переглядів 15 тис.Рік тому
48 hr prior to heading up the wall I received a Facebook message from a random stranger on the internet who was looking for a climbing partner after his original partner had to bail early. 'Why not' I thought? Worst case...well there were a lot of worst cases, but sometimes the internet provides. I jugged up the first 3 pitches to meet Ben Bickel (for the first time) and continue the climb with...
Multipitch Sport Climbing in Montana: Cold Forged Steel in the Bridger Mountains
Переглядів 999Рік тому
Alpine bolt-clipping for pitch after pitch on spectacular limestone slab in the Bridger Range, just out of sight from the Bridger Bowl ski area. 5 pitches of gloriously sticky crimps and footholds with surprisingly high-quality rock, difficulties up to mid-5.10, only one or two spots where a cam was useful and bolt-clipping the rest of the way. Great half-day romp objective with a spectacular r...
Alpine Climbing in Montana: The Beartooths Tower of Innocence
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Рік тому
'Montana has no rock climbing'... yeah kinda true except not. Hidden away are granite walls that require a bit of grit, anticipation of the unknown and sense of old-school-style adventure to climb. On the last day of autumn, before a winter storm blew in, we rallied for a day climb of the Tower of Innocence (5.10 8-ish pitches of adventure climbing on granite) in the Beartooth Mountains. Beauti...
Alpine Climbing British Columbia, Canada: Mt Slesse
Переглядів 4,3 тис.Рік тому
Took advantage of a late autumn weather window to get on the classic Mt. Slesse ridge climb. Expectations were high, rock quality was low, exposure was 5 stars and the positioning on the ridge was one of a kind. We wanted to relax and watch the sun set and rise without being in a hurry, so we split this climb up into two leisurely days. Highly recommend going for a bivy mid-climb because the sl...
Climbing Grand Teton: Solo of Upper Exum Ridge
Переглядів 3,7 тис.Рік тому
Great day out climbing with my good friend Aaron Mulkey on the Grand. My first time climbing in this mountain range and Upper Exum was the perfect route to get acquainted. We initially were going to simul as a group of 3, but I quickly realized it would be safer and easier to solo next to them and out of the way than to try and simul on a 70m through dozens of other parties. Climbing felt secur...
Lost City Trek Colombia: La Ciudad Perdida
Переглядів 2,2 тис.Рік тому
5 days trekking to the Lost City in Colombia's northeast corner. Home of the Tayrona people. Waterfalls, snakes, torrential downpours, beautiful sunsets, and ancient ruins in the most beautiful part of Colombia.
Climbing Wind River Range: Pingora & Wolfs Head Cirque of the Towers
Переглядів 2,6 тис.Рік тому
"I don't think I've rappelled or multipitch climbed in 2 years" - my partner Mara 😂. One of those perfect trips that starts with a phone call and then 24hr later you and your friend are driving through the night to meet up at the trailhead. Mango smoothies, bagged salads, warm granite and incredible views are hard to beat. My first time climbing in this range and it blew me away. Mara and I had...
Big Walling in Yosemite: Freerider on El Capitan (Free Ascent by Mike Holmes)
Переглядів 25 тис.Рік тому
6 days on the wall, 13/30 wet pitches, snow on our bivy ledges, waning hours of daylight, a post-covid lingering cough and Mike Holmes was still able to send and free climb Freerider! What a beast. It was late November, a huge snowstorm blanketed the valley, but Mike Holmes, Kyle Higby and I saw a weather window and decided to make an attempt on Freerider, a route on El Capitan (the one Alex Ho...
Alpine Climbing in BC, Canada: The Tantalus Traverse
Переглядів 7 тис.2 роки тому
With a two day weather window showing up on the forecast, we set off on this 25 mile, 17,000' of elevation gain traverse across the skyline which seems to be a right of passage for any alpine climber in the BC area. The significant snow this year allowed for fairly easy travel and by doing this in 3 days we were able to enjoy beautiful sunsets at our open bivy sites. We approached from Sigurd C...
Alpine Climbing in WA Pass: The Hitchhiker (5.11-, 900')
Переглядів 4,4 тис.2 роки тому
Alpine Climbing in WA Pass: The Hitchhiker (5.11-, 900')
Climbing Castle Crags: Cosmic Wall
Переглядів 2,1 тис.2 роки тому
Climbing Castle Crags: Cosmic Wall
Climbing in Alaska's Brooks Range: Arrigetch Peaks
Переглядів 6 тис.2 роки тому
Climbing in Alaska's Brooks Range: Arrigetch Peaks
Climbing in Yosemite: Voyager on Fifi Buttress
Переглядів 4,3 тис.2 роки тому
Climbing in Yosemite: Voyager on Fifi Buttress
Valdez Alaska: Roadside ice climbing
Переглядів 2,6 тис.2 роки тому
Valdez Alaska: Roadside ice climbing
Climbing in Patagonia: Aguja Guillaumet
Переглядів 15 тис.2 роки тому
Climbing in Patagonia: Aguja Guillaumet
Climbing in Patagonia: Aguja de l'S via Austríaca
Переглядів 9 тис.2 роки тому
Climbing in Patagonia: Aguja de l'S via Austríaca
Ruth Gorge 'Let It Go' Frozen Edition
Переглядів 7082 роки тому
Ruth Gorge 'Let It Go' Frozen Edition
Piedra Parada Argentina Sport Climbing
Переглядів 3 тис.2 роки тому
Piedra Parada Argentina Sport Climbing
Kyrgyzstan - China Hitchhiking
Переглядів 7237 років тому
Kyrgyzstan - China Hitchhiking
How I spent my Summer
Переглядів 1,1 тис.10 років тому
How I spent my Summer
Ruth Gorge Alaska Climbing - Goldfinger
Переглядів 3,6 тис.10 років тому
Ruth Gorge Alaska Climbing - Goldfinger

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @DeborahGrantham-xh6dn
    @DeborahGrantham-xh6dn 2 дні тому

    The only thing “California” in Montana is transplants. If it’s ice in Montana it’s Montana ice.

  • @kaismart860
    @kaismart860 6 днів тому

    So sick

  • @nathanlaney1542
    @nathanlaney1542 10 днів тому

    Where exactly were you guys in the Beartooths? Looks like froze to death plateau

  • @nukeman06jc
    @nukeman06jc 23 дні тому

    Cool quick video. I live in Portland and found this crag by accident one evening while looking for a place to boondock for the night on my way to Yosemite.

  • @Craigsoutdooradventures
    @Craigsoutdooradventures Місяць тому

    This looks superb, I really want to learn to ice climb. Great video

  • @courtclimbs
    @courtclimbs Місяць тому

    Looks insane! I love the food choices 😂

  • @enotkvit
    @enotkvit Місяць тому

    Who was in that catamaran at 17:05? I wouldn't think you would come across anyone else :D

    • @natalieafoninachannel
      @natalieafoninachannel Місяць тому

      this was when we were sailing up the Kamchatkan Peninsula mainland and Petropavlovsk (the main city in the area and port) has a super vibrant and dedicated backcountry skiing community! It was a group of very friendly locals who were docking in the area to also explore some ski lines

    • @enotkvit
      @enotkvit Місяць тому

      @@natalieafoninachannel oh, makes sense! And also explains the well maintained banya

  • @jayholden1008
    @jayholden1008 2 місяці тому

    I climbed that same spire too, amazing summit, super fun area.

  • @NoobInaCan
    @NoobInaCan 2 місяці тому

    how motivating for my lazy a**...keep em coming!

  • @Debrugger
    @Debrugger 2 місяці тому

    Wow, never having been to the US those landscapes are *not* where my mind goes when I hear Wyoming. Looks sick!

  • @climbingkid7
    @climbingkid7 2 місяці тому

    Nice little adventure

  • @joeykimball5705
    @joeykimball5705 2 місяці тому

    'solo' climbing with a partner.

    • @natalieafoninachannel
      @natalieafoninachannel 2 місяці тому

      Should’ve written it as freesoloing bear creek spire which is more accurate terminology

  • @markconcar7681
    @markconcar7681 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for sharing! I hiked that area some 40 years ago. Such a beautiful part of our country.

  • @billysims4868
    @billysims4868 3 місяці тому

    Curious about fixing the line for the first instead of belaying the second. just easier?

    • @natalieafoninachannel
      @natalieafoninachannel 3 місяці тому

      Yeah, gives the leader a break to just chill and take videos :)

    • @billysims4868
      @billysims4868 3 місяці тому

      @@natalieafoninachannel cool! I dig it. Would you ever hang the bag off that line? Then the second could haul it so he’s not carrying it?

  • @guregorihattofirudo2627
    @guregorihattofirudo2627 4 місяці тому

    Got some exposure, nice….no a beautiful climb!

  • @bradstanton1268
    @bradstanton1268 4 місяці тому

    Looks fun.

  • @blueridgeyogatn2086
    @blueridgeyogatn2086 4 місяці тому

    Hello, which tour company did you use?

  • @MSproductionsNY
    @MSproductionsNY 4 місяці тому

    Were those bites on the guy from mosquitoes or something in the water...?

    • @natalieafoninachannel
      @natalieafoninachannel 4 місяці тому

      Sand flies. Tiny little insects that bite you and you don’t feel it till after

  • @StephanieRogina-lx1pt
    @StephanieRogina-lx1pt 4 місяці тому

    Is anyone going to climb? You’re not soloing anything. When does the climbing start?

  • @MULHATTON1851
    @MULHATTON1851 4 місяці тому

    Have you thought of climbing North Point Rock in the crags? It's the talles point/pinnacle in the crags at 7,200'. It's at the very top of the crags on the far north side. You can get amazing view of it from Heart Lake, Little Castle Lake. Not sure how you would be able to hike up to it without a tremendous amount of effort but I seriously doubt if anyone has ever even tried to climb it, considering it's remoteness in the Crags WIlderness. I would love to hike accross the the whole crags formation from one end to the other. It's actually about 5 miles long & 3 miles wide. Like a miniature Yosemite & just as ancient. A very cool place to hike, climb, camp. I've been going there since '85 & will keep coming back for more.

  • @michaelboguski4743
    @michaelboguski4743 5 місяців тому

    As a non-climber; did you sleep in your harnesses or were your sleeping bags somehow anchored ?

    • @natalieafoninachannel
      @natalieafoninachannel 5 місяців тому

      Not necessary here. Giant ledge that would’ve been very very very difficult to roll off of so we didn’t anchor in to sleep

  • @jimthompson717
    @jimthompson717 5 місяців тому

    Wow. Impressive. Thanks for sharing.

  • @joachimboge7580
    @joachimboge7580 5 місяців тому

    super !!

  • @SometimesClimbing
    @SometimesClimbing 5 місяців тому

    Nice climb, I would definitely start with the bigger bivvy 😅

  • @superjusty2336
    @superjusty2336 6 місяців тому

    Where in the us do you live?

  • @00bikeboy
    @00bikeboy 6 місяців тому

    Wow, spectacular views! Thanks for sharing 🖖

  • @car_seat
    @car_seat 6 місяців тому

    sick!

  • @mattarthur9073
    @mattarthur9073 6 місяців тому

    Im a pretty decent climber but thinking about the exposure gets my hairs up. How is the exposure on that ledge? We're doing this this month.

  • @Vince-ml9gw
    @Vince-ml9gw 7 місяців тому

    Awesome. You 2 rocked it on style. Me and an old NOLS buddy are headed in to climb Pingora in August. I’m 58. He’s 60. ✌️🤩

  • @rebeccadyck3465
    @rebeccadyck3465 8 місяців тому

    When someone else is living your dream

  • @davidgoodier8100
    @davidgoodier8100 8 місяців тому

    Great video. Curious as to why you took your boots off to cross the river? Don't you worry about slipping over.

  • @christophersebok7075
    @christophersebok7075 8 місяців тому

    Hi! Wondering what company you did the hike with? Thanks!

  • @TeneTsTaroT
    @TeneTsTaroT 9 місяців тому

    That looked fun. Your attitude inspires others 😁

  • @ColeParker-su4qj
    @ColeParker-su4qj 9 місяців тому

    Trying to plan this traverse for August. Where did you guys set up your 2 bivy sites?

  • @ColeParker-su4qj
    @ColeParker-su4qj 9 місяців тому

    Trying to plan this traverse for August. Where did you guys set up your 2 bivy sites?

    • @miguelnunez6768
      @miguelnunez6768 4 місяці тому

      Hey man! I’d like to join to this trip if possible! I don’t know nobody who is willing to do these kind of alpine hikes.

  • @ColeParker-su4qj
    @ColeParker-su4qj 9 місяців тому

    Trying to plan this traverse for August. Where did you guys set up your 2 bivy sites?

  • @SpaceIsThePlace_
    @SpaceIsThePlace_ 9 місяців тому

    This is so cool, I didn’t realize it takes so long to get all the way to the top! Nice job you guys

  • @jireland8824
    @jireland8824 10 місяців тому

    I always keep the lower out video downloaded. 😂

  • @trombahonker
    @trombahonker 10 місяців тому

    Love it, I'm looking at this route for July this summer!

  • @richardbrown9344
    @richardbrown9344 10 місяців тому

    How do you get down?

  • @tectonictraveller
    @tectonictraveller 10 місяців тому

    That is where I climbed and guided trips for 35 years. You were blessed with the killer weather. Denali Park is my home

  • @ChrisMeegan-cz3yu
    @ChrisMeegan-cz3yu 11 місяців тому

    That's a gorgeous climb, and a perfect day for it.

  • @allanchong4772
    @allanchong4772 11 місяців тому

    what is that knot for the rappel? it's not fisherman and not EDK.

  • @simonlindauer929
    @simonlindauer929 11 місяців тому

    What sizes of cams did you use? what would i need if I want to do it?

  • @entreadapt
    @entreadapt 11 місяців тому

    Looks like some real good ice climbing !

  • @jarfrobinksss
    @jarfrobinksss 11 місяців тому

    @17:36 those are some bulky man hands

    • @natalieafoninachannel
      @natalieafoninachannel 11 місяців тому

      Lens distortion on the go pro. I actually have really small hands and have a hard time finding gloves that fit

  • @thesebarehandsmusic
    @thesebarehandsmusic 11 місяців тому

    Envious!

  • @killerrina
    @killerrina 11 місяців тому

    Bello!

  • @Papershields001
    @Papershields001 11 місяців тому

    I gotta get in shape. This looks so rad and so fun. I’ve gotta get back into climbing.

  • @steverichardson5051
    @steverichardson5051 11 місяців тому

    Instagram reel sent me here, another channel I can live vicariously through 😂 👍