We're up here: Looking like ants in a giant rock garden, intrepid climbers become the first to scale uncharted 1,000ft structures in a land that time

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Making history: Two of the climbers ascend the 'Wine Bottle' rock for the first time in Chad's remote Ennedi desert after travelling hundreds of miles across desert


If you blinked, you might miss these two intrepid climbers, looking like ants in a giant rock garden.

But they made history by being the first mountaineers to ascend an awesome formation in a remote part of Chad.

Untouched by humans, this is the stunning desert home to the stacks, arches and 1,000 feet walls of rock that dominate the Ennedi Plateau - long regarded as the holy grail of the climbing community.

'It's fair to say we were like kids in a candy store', said climber and photographer Jimmy Chin. 'This was like finding a new continent for climbers, literally. I was stunned at the rugged nature of the landscape.'


Climbing: James Pearson is seen making the first ascent of the 'Citadel' formation in the Ennedi desert in Chad


He travelled last December with a crack team from his home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to the 20,000 square miles of virgin African climbing territory in central Chad that are reminiscent of Utah's Monument Valley.

Equipped with three trucks and provisions for three weeks, Jimmy, 38, and his team slept in the desert and braved armed bandits - just so they could make each climb there the first.

After flying 8,000 miles to the country, the team spent four days driving hundreds of miles across the desert on dirt roads to reach the remote and almost inaccessible Ennedi Plateau.

Occasionally, they would cross paths with nomadic camel troupes.


Is it much further? James Pearson climbing the Arch of Bishekele with the backdrop of the stunning Ennedi desert


'There was some element of a long shot about this, but you know if you go on a trip with Mark it is going to be difficult, it is going to pose problems, it is going to question you as a climber.'

Likening the journey into the wastelands of the plateau as like travelling back in time, Jimmy and the team came across the local people who spent their days hiding from the 38-degree heat in straw huts.

'Even in December the temperature was extreme,' said Jimmy. 'In summer the thermometer can exceed 47 degrees. '

Able to support themselves with petrol, food and shelter the adventurers were stunned when the open expanse of the desert exploded into the land that time forgot.

'Visually it was just like the canyon lands of Utah,' explained Jimmy.


Swinging time: An awesome shot of Alex Honnold and James Pearson rappelling off the Arch of Bishekele after climbing to the top


'We saw arches, stacks and walls that we knew had never been ascended before. This was a dream scenario, there was unlimited potential there.

'You are talking about 200ft high stacks, 1,000ft high walls, all there ready to be climbed.'

Faced with an enormous amount of choice, Jimmy and his team approached the Ennedi methodically. 'We decided to climb the 12 most impressive features we could see in the three weeks we had.

'We climbed the fabled Aloba Arch, which at 700ft tall and 300ft wide is the tallest free standing arch in the world.'

In the middle of their ground-breaking tour, the team faced off against possibly their greatest challenge - bandits.


Ready to rock: Crack climber Mark Synnott racking up gear for the ascent in the Ennedi desert which is located in a remote North African region of Chad


Jimmy said: 'At one point after a climb, all of us but James were confronted by a gang of four armed with ten-inch daggers.They were trying to edge us away from our cars, which were still some distance away.

'They were gesturing for our cameras and equipment, dressed in head scarves and they were extremely aggressive. James appeared on the scene off the side of one of the rock formations and I indicated to him to run back to the cars.

'I managed to document over 5,000 photographs during my time there and it was one of the pleasures of my life to be the first to explore such pristine and virgin climbing routes.'



Base camp: One of the climbing team gazes at the stars during the four-day drive across the desert to the Ennedi Plateau in Chad

source: dailymail

When all hell breaks loose: Lightning tears the sky apart above the glow of the Chilean volcano

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Spectacular: A time-lapse photo shows lightning bolts striking around the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcanic chain in Patagonia


Flames reach up to the heavens as lightening flashes criss-cross the sky.

These extraordinary images show the full force of Mother Nature as a Chilean volcano erupts for the first time in 50 years.

Ash has been thrown six miles up into the sky and the South American government has ordered the evacuation of thousands of residents.

Winds fanned the ash toward neighbouring Argentina, darkening the sky in the ski resort city of San Carlos de Bariloche, in the centre of the country, and its airport has also been closed.



Nature's force: Lightning and volcanic fire is seen amid and underneath a towering cloud of ash. Puyehue volcano erupted for the first time in half a century on June 4


Incredible lighting bolts strike around the plume of volcanic ash and smoke


The dramatic scenes above the volcano makes an incredible cloud formation as smoke rises several miles into the air


The eruption in the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcanic chain, about 575 miles south of the capital, Santiago, also prompted authorities to close a busy border crossing into Argentina.

It was not immediately clear which of the chain's four volcanoes had erupted because of ash cover and weather conditions. The chain last saw a major eruption in 1960.
Local media said the smell of sulphur hung in the air and there was constant seismic activity.

'The Cordon Caulle (volcanic range) has entered an eruptive process, with an explosion resulting in a 10-kilometre-high gas column,' the state emergency office ONEMI said.


Above cloud level the plume looks like a nuclear bomb has just exploded with its mushroom cloud bursting towards the skies


As a precaution, the government said it was evacuating 3,500 people from the surrounding area.

This development is the latest volcanic activity to affect the country. Three years ago, Chile's Chaiten volcano erupted spectacularly for the first time in thousands of years, spewing molten rock and a vast cloud of ash that reached the stratosphere and was visible from space.

It also drifted over neighbouring Argentina, coating towns. Chile's Llaima volcano, one of South America's most active, also erupted that year and again in 2009.

Chile's chain of about 2,000 volcanoes is the world's second largest after Indonesia. Some 50 to 60 are on record as having erupted, and 500 are potentially active.


The ash makes driving hazardous as it creates a thick layer on people's cars



One could be forgiven for thinking this was a wintry scene covered in snow, but in fact it is all ash


It was the latest in a series of volcanic eruptions in Chile in recent years.

Chile's Chaiten volcano erupted spectacularly in 2008 for the first time in thousands of years, spewing molten rock and a vast cloud of ash that reached the stratosphere.

The ash also swelled a nearby river and ravaged a nearby town of the same name.
The ash cloud from Chaiten coated towns in Argentina and was visible from space.

Chile's Llaima volcano, one of South America's most active, erupted in 2008 and 2009.

Chile's chain of about 2,000 volcanoes is the world's second largest after Indonesia. Some 50 to 60 are on record as having erupted, and 500 are potentially active.


Caught in the sunlight: Beautiful but deadly, the toxic cloud turns fiery red in the sunshine as the eruption continues to belch ash skyward


Smiling lightning: As molten rock and gases are ejected from the core of the volcano below, what appears to be a 'have a nice day' face is formed from the electrically charged air


Protection: One man wears a gas mask to avoid breathing in ash


As darkness falls the centre of the Argentinian town looks like it could be a wintry wonderland in the Austrian mountains



A car drives through a street covered by ash from Chile's Puyehue volcano - 100 miles to the west - in the Argentine resort city of San Carlos de Bariloche


PUYEHUE VOLCANO - Threat To Thousands From Chilean Volcano


source: dailymail

Armchair astronaut discovers Mars 'space station' using Google earth

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Uncovered: David Martines believes he has found a structure on the surface of Mars - by looking at Google Mars


We have all heard of little green men from Mars.

But now an American 'armchair astronaut' claims to have discovered a mysterious structure on the surface of the red planet - by looking on Google earth.

David Martines, whose YouTube video of the 'station' has racked up over 200,000 hits so far, claims to have randomly uncovered the picture while scanning the surface of the planet one day.


The white dot in the centre of the screen has set the blogosphere alight with rumours of a secret base


Describing the 'structure' as a living quarters with red and blue stripes on it, to the untrained eye it looks nothing more than a white splodge on an otherwise unblemished red landscape.

He even lists the co-ordinates 49'19.73"N 29 33'06.53"W so others can go see the anomaly for themselves.

In a pre recorded 'fly by' video of the object, Mr Martines describes what he thinks the station might be.

He said: 'This is a video of something I discovered on Google Mars quite by accident.

'I call it Bio-station Alpha, because I'm just assuming that something lives in it or has lived in it.


NASA and Google have both yet to respond to the 'finding', circled here


'It's very unusual in that it's quite large, it's over 700 feet long and 150 feet wide, it looks like it's a cylinder or made up of cylinders.

'It could be a power station or it could be a biological containment or it could be a glorified garage - hope it's not a weapon.

'Whoever put it up there had a purpose I'm sure. I couldn't imagine what the purpose was. I couldn't imagine why anybody would want to live on Mars.

'It could be a way station for weary space travellers. It could also belong to NASA, I don't know that they would admit that.

'I don't know if they could pull off such a project without all the people seeing all the material going up there. I sort of doubt NASA has anything to do with this.
'I don't know if NASA even knows about this.'


The infamous 'Face on Mars' image from 1976 caused a huge stir when it was released


The 'discovery' is similar to that of the infamous 'face on Mars'

Uncovered by the Viking 1 probe in 1976, a quirk of geography threw shadows over a small hill on the Cydonia region of Mars, making the inanimate rock look like a carved face.

The picture was heralded as proof of an alien civilisation by some but was dismissed as a mere trick of the light by scientists at NASA.

MailOnline has tried to contact both NASA and Goggle for a response to the image, but neither has replied.


Bio Station Alpha on Mars. The latest discovery by David Martines. Original Video


Interview with David Martines, the creator of the Utube video Bio Station Alpha.



source: dailymail

Surf's pup dude! The amazing dogs who take to the waves like ducks to water

By RICHARD HARTLEY-PARKINSON

Bedraggled: Dogs from across the US flock to the beach to take part in the event


Hundreds of people took to a beach in the US over the weekend to cheer on a dog race of a different kind.

Rather than going for 'walkies' these incredible canines enjoy going for 'surfies' as they take part in the sixth annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog competition.

More than 60 dogs from across the country took part in the competition where they had 10 minutes to catch two decent waves.


The competition is in its sixth year at the Loews Coronado Bay resort


Taking a tumble: One unfortunate pooch goes for an early bath after falling off his board


They were then judged on their confidence level, length of ride and overall ability to 'grip it and rip it'. The winners then get the ultimate holiday at the resort along with exclusive bragging rights to being the best dog surfer.

There are three categories for small dogs, large dogs and tandem dogs. The most decorated dog was Abbie Girl, an Australian Kelpie, which won the small dog category and came third in the tandems section.

Money from the event goest to donorschoose.org where school teachers in San Diego can post classroom needs and request and receive funding for school supplies from private sponsors.


Despite its size, this young dog manages to keep control of its oversized surfboard


Champion: Happy with his days work, this dog sits on the beach enjoying the sun and all the attention


Three's not a crowd on this surfboard while another dog rests on its owners shoulders before heading into the water to catch more waves


Dogs and their owners competed in the annual Surf Dog Competition at the weekend


Surf dog Ricochet - Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf competition


Dogs take to the waves for Californian surfing competition



source: dailymail

Rehabilitated Royals: After THAT wedding fashion debacle, Beatrice and Eugenie pick winners at Epsom

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Picked winners: The Princesses of York, Eugenie (L) and Beatrice (R) stood out for the right reasons at Epsom


The Queen's horse may not have taken first place at Epsom but her nieces Beatrice and Eugenie certainly picked winners on Derby day.

Following the infamous 'Pretzel-gate' fascinator debacle at the Royal Wedding, the two young Princesses turned heads for all the right reasons on a day when everyone was dressed to the nines.

Kate - as expected - dazzled in a collarless off-white jacket over a diaphanous white frock which showcased long legs shod in this season’s nude platform shoes.


Hold on to that hat! Eugenie keeps a careful hand on the brim of her headware


On her head she wore a Forties-style cappuccino-coloured hat with her hair rolled tightly to the nape of her neck.

But there was no repeat of the wedding fiasco for Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, who looked chic and summery in their outfits on the Royal Balcony.

Eugenie wore a classic-looking white dress with black polka dots, topped off with a wide-brimmed white hat with black rim.


Hats better! The girls looked radiant in their milinery


Concentrate: The Princesses join their father Prince Andrew in the Royal box


Beatrice opted for an eye-catching floral-print dress with a white rose-style fascinator.

This big day in the sport of Kings has been historically unlucky for the Queen and once again she had to be satisfied with third place as her much-fancied colt Carlton House couldn't quite come up to the big occasion.

But the classic flat race, one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar, proved to be a joyous family day out and the biggest gathering of the Royal Family since the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.


Fashion faux pas: The Princesses were roundly criticised for their Royal Wedding outfits

source: dailymail

Her Royal Even Hotterness! Helping Pippa over the finish line... Britain's luckiest man

By KATIE NICHOLL

She's a winner: With another athlete at close quarters, Pippa Middleton crosses the finishing line


She won a sports scholarship to Marlborough College and yesterday Pippa Middleton showed she had lost none of her athletic prowess.

Despite soaring temperatures, Kate’s younger sister earned a well-deserved medal after completing a 5km race in the GE Blenheim Triathlon, which takes place every year at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

Pippa was joined by two male friends and opted to do the running part of the competition while the boys completed tough swimming and cycling sections.


Kate’s younger sister earned a well-deserved medal after completing a 5km race in the GE Blenheim Triathlon


Dressed in a pink and grey vest, matching shorts, a £270 pair of Bulgari sunglasses and with an ankle tag to time her, Pippa breezed through her race, completing it in a time of 25 minutes and 30 seconds.

According to friends she had been training daily to get in shape for the event and seeing a physiotherapist to make sure she was in tip-top condition.

The 28-year-old has also been attending Pilates sessions and playing tennis.


Pippa has been training daily to get in shape for the event and seeing a physiotherapist to make sure she was in tip-top condition


‘People were excited to see her,’ said Alex Coulson, an organiser of the event which attracted 6,000 spectators.

‘The boys completed their courses in good time and joined Pippa to run across the finishing line together.’

Pippa is well-known as a keen sportswoman. At Marlborough and Edinburgh University she played hockey and tennis and, like her sister, works out daily.


source: dailymail

Kate and Wills enjoy a day at the races... and the Queen keeps smiling

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Young royals: Princes William and Harry, dressed to the nines in their suits arrive at the Epsom Derby, with Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge at their side. Always the joker, Harry performs one of his silly walks


Newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were all smiles today as they enjoyed a day at the races, accompanied by royal jester Prince Harry.

The trio were clearly enjoying a chuckle as they made their way into the royal enclosure at today's Investec Derby at Epsom.

Even the Queen managed to keep a smile on her face, in spite of the fact her horse lost its race.

Despite being a favourite to win the Derby in today's race tournament, colt Carlton House - the 5-2 favourite - finished third of the 13 runners.


Family affair: They made their way to the royal enclosure to show support for the Queen's horse, Carlton House



Pink lady: The Queen arrives at the Epsom Derby in high spirits - and in a bright outfit - to cheer on her horse, which unfortunately did not win. Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, keeps things simple, in a stylish off-white outfit with a nude-coloured fascinator. Meanwhile Prince Harry cuts a dashing figure in his top hat and tails


French raider Pour Moi, ridden by Mickael Barzalona and trained by Andre Fabre, won the race at odds of 6-4 while second place went to 25-1 outsider Treasure Beach.

Earlier in the afternoon the royals arrived in their sartorial finery at the Epsom Derby, one of the biggest events in the racing calendar.

The Queen look resplendent in a bright pink ensemble, finished off with a matching hat.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked every inch the royal couple as they made their entrance with Prince Harry.


Deep in thought: William and Kate chat to a friend while the Queen watches the track, clutching her race programme


Hats off to them: The princes minus their top hats, with Kate


Come on! Eugenie and Harry shout some encouragement during the race


Kate looked stunning in a simple, yet stylish, off-white two-piece complemented by a nude fascinator.

Meanwhile, Princes Harry and William cut dashing figures in their top hats and tails.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie might have shaken off the last of the put-downs over the disastrous outfits they wore at the Royal Wedding last month, when they stepped out in chic and summery dresses.


Stylish: Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice look chic and summery in their outfits for the racing event - a far cry from the dresses they wore for their cousin's wedding



Nail-biting: The Queen looks as though her mind might be on her horse's performance as grandson Harry looks on in the background


A right royal gathering: The Queen enjoys her family's company at Epsom


The two princesses looked relaxed and happy as they entered the royal enclosure.

At odds of 5-2, Carlton House had long been a favourite on win the race but there were doubts over him taking part after he developed swelling in a foreleg following a work-out on Monday.

Earlier today, the horse had been declared fit to run in the Derby.


Mum's the word: Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, was also at Epsom today. Right, the young royals enjoying the racing action


Horses for courses: Mickael Barzalona riding Pour Moi (second left, blue) challenges wide and late to win the Investec Derby. The Queen's horse Carlton House is fourth from left (jockey in red and purple top) - and finished third


Champion: Jockey Mickael Barzalona celebrates winning the Investec Derby on Pour Moi


The three-year-old showed no ill-effects following an easy canter in Newmarket yesterday morning, according to connections of the colt, which is trained by Sir Michael Stoute.

John Warren, racing manager for the Queen, said: 'He's done a nice couple of canters and a bit of light work.'

Ryan Moore had ridden him and 'we're all on' for today, Mr Warren said.



Dazzling: Newlywed Kate, still tanned from her recent honeymoon, smiles broadly while Eugenie watches the fourth race at Epsom


Fun day out: Kate and Eugenie share a joke at the races


He added: 'Everyone involved has wanted to keep it in the public domain. Everything that we know, the public ought to know.

'The Queen is very well-informed and the public are really well-informed.

'We understand how big the betting side of it is and hopefully everyone is all the wiser about what is going on.


This sporting life: The royals, including Prince Andrew (right) gather to watch the horses in action


Binoculars at the ready: The Duke of Edinburgh came prepared for the event


'Obviously the Queen has been through this and the trainer has been through injuries just before a race as well, so it's not new territory, but it's territory that one would prefer to do without, to be honest.

'I think now the emphasis has moved away from the issue and into the excitement of the event.

'Owning racehorses and breeding racehorses is really what this is all about and Epsom is the pinnacle of all of that.'

Sohraab, a horse partly owned by the Duchess of Cambridge's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, ran in the Investec Entrepreneurial Class 'Dash' at the 3.15pm race before the Derby.


Glowing: Sophie, Duchess of Wessex looked smart in a champagne silk skirt suit and large feathered hat



Nice day for a flutter: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward at Epsom

source: dailymail