Dreams, this is just the beginning—Travel report on the 2012 Gore-Tex Outdoor Dreams Come True Expedition...

       "Getting close to nature, seeing a broader world—the feeling of outdoor sports is truly unique." "I just want to say that what the outdoors gives me is an inner joy, a spiritual thrill, and nothing more needs to be said." These reflections come from the team members of the five expedition teams of the 2012 Gore-Tex?Outdoor Dreams Come True activity, who all had a lot on their minds upon returning.

 

       The climb up the unnamed 6252-meter peak was full of challenges. On the way to getting close to it, we encountered everything from big walls and glaciers to avalanches. The chaotic ice zone of the Yiga Glacier collapses dozens of times a day, with crevasses densely packed like a giant maze. The team spent nine hours climbing in a single day and only ascended just over 300 meters. "This is the most terrifying and complex glacier I've ever seen," said team leader Kong Youlong, who was also deeply moved. The Yiga Glacier, which plunges nearly 2,000 meters over a 10-kilometer descent, has its terminus extending directly into the upper reaches of the Nyidu Zangbo River, where the waterfalls form a small cascade. The peaks above the glacier resemble pyramids or bamboo shoots, majestic and spectacular. "These are all magical sights handcrafted by nature," said accompanying photographer Li Xu with deep emotion. "Great Yiga Glacier, we will come back again."

 

 

       "'Hell on the body, heaven in the heart'—this is absolutely the most fitting description for our trip." The Extraordinary Outdoor Group’s "Revitalize Gongga" team, while hiking through the Gongga Mountain area and engaging in environmental protection, also enjoyed breathtaking scenery. The colorful landscapes of the Gongba Glacier, including ice caves, golden sunrise on the snow-capped mountains, and emerald lakes; the beautiful Red Stone Beach, where the river pebbles are all a striking crimson as if painted; ancient forests covered in old moss, and massive fallen tree trunks lying across streams forming natural single-log bridges... Whenever the team was exhausted, there was always a scenic view to lift their spirits. This is a place where you can truly set your spirit free, where dreams can take wing and soar freely among the mountains.

 

       A nearly 50-kilometer mountain trail, in the rain, with muddy paths, crossing passes and descending steep slopes—every team member fell at least twice without exception. The Trekking Group’s "Crossing the Millennium Tangluo Ancient Road" team faced the toughest day on the third day of their journey. Moving through thick white fog, everyone struggled to discern direction, constantly reminding each other to ensure they could see the figures of those ahead. In the silent valley, the only sounds were raindrops hitting clothes, mutual encouragement, and heavy breathing. They couldn’t remember how many gullies they crossed or ridges they climbed, but finally, the sky cleared, and the exhausted team perked up. The ancient road was lined with trees in full autumn color, and the distant blue sky atop green mountain peaks compensated for days of fatigue. "This trek was extremely tough, but everyone was especially united. I think that’s part of the outdoor spirit too," reflected team member Ali.

 

The spectacular Yiga Glacier

 

       The professional mountaineering team was equally united. While climbing the Yiga Glacier, the team used roped climbing techniques for protection on steeper sections. Near the base of the ice dam, the team ran into trouble—the path upward had been destroyed by a massive icefall, leaving no clear route, only huge blocks of ice. With no other choice, they untied the rope, with one person watching and alerting while another quickly passed through. Thanks to their unity, they managed to get through safely. Team member Luo Biao said, "We put in tremendous effort, and through everyone's combined strength, we gained a deeper understanding of the eastern section of the Nyenchen Tanglha Range. We’ll be back to continue climbing in this area!"

       Happy Outdoor Life 

 

The outdoor travel group’s tent-pitching competition by Tosu Lake

 

       After inspecting the alien relics site, the Outdoor Travel Group’s "Exploring Ancient Sites Along the Southern Silk Road" team held an entertaining tent-pitching competition by Tosu Lake. Eight team members divided into four groups. At the signal, all four groups quickly sprang into action to pitch their tents. The atmosphere was electric—with someone using a telephoto lens to capture pitching details in the distance, judges patrolling to ensure compliance with rules, and participants busily unboxing, assembling poles, spreading inner tents… "Even though the prize was just two bottles of mineral water and two pieces of gum, everyone had a blast. Those who didn’t win were practically gnashing their teeth," joked Qi Qi, who came in second. "On this 2,000-kilometer journey, we formed deep friendships—that’s the most valuable thing."

 

The Subaru Route team driving Subarus through water-crossing off-road sections

 

       Also having fun was the Subaru Special Route team on the "Enshi Grand Canyon Crossing." On the second day of their drive from Beijing to Enshi, they were suddenly caught in a downpour, but the Subaru Foresters they were driving handled the rain with excellent control, speeding through. "I just wanted to stick my head out and get soaked—the feeling of freedom was absolutely exhilarating!" exclaimed female team member Tao Tao excitedly. Later, when they encountered a flooded road section in Puyang, they eagerly went for a "water-crossing off-road" adventure, the splashes of water prompting cheers of "That was amazing!"

       Thus, the five expedition teams of the 2012 Gore-Tex?Outdoor Dreams Come True activity have now reached the pinnacle of their outdoor dreams, perfectly embodying the extraordinary philosophy of "Endless Experience." Their dreams have created more value and experiences through travel.
       And the dreams of many more people are only just beginning. The 7th Outdoor Dreams Come True activity in 2013 is about to launch. As with this year, the Gore-Tex?brand will provide funding support for the champion team, and its partners KOLON SPORT, OZARK, TOREAD, and BLACK YAK will sponsor each team with a full set of Gore-Tex?(OZARK) brand, TOREAD?(Toread) brand, BLACK YAK?(BLYAK) brands respectively provided the entire team with full sets of Gore-Tex?outdoor gear, while the Subaru brand will continue to provide vehicle support for the expedition teams.
       About the Gore Outdoor Dreams Come True Activity:
       Since 2007, Gore has launched the "Endless Experience – Gore-Tex Outdoor Dreams Come True Activity" for outdoor enthusiasts across China. Over the past five years, Gore has used this event to collect outstanding expedition plans that align with the Simpson-Tilman exploration philosophy through online submissions. Upholding a positive and healthy outdoor philosophy, the event provides top-tier Gore-Tex?"Outdoor Dreams Realization Activity." Over the five years since its launch, Gore has used this event as a platform to collect outstanding travel plans that align with the exploration philosophy of Simpson and Telman through online submissions, upholding a positive and healthy outdoor ethos, and providing top-tier Gore-Tex?Equipment and financial support to help Chinese consumers realize their outdoor dreams and promote the development of outdoor sports in China. By 2012, this initiative had collected 13,705 outstanding travel plans and engaged nearly 160,000 participants.
       As a globally renowned manufacturer of outdoor fabrics, Gore has made its mark with its flagship product, Gore-Tex.?The Gore-Tex fabric is widely used in producing functional and protective apparel and footwear, earning worldwide recognition and establishing the company as a leader in outdoor sports products.?Known as the “industry standard,” Gore-Tex fabric has consistently set its own benchmark: to be the most durable waterproof, windproof, and breathable product in the world.