FEATURES
Heli-Skiing Alaska | 132
Tony Hawk built skateboarding -- but snowboarding is his hobby. So what happens when you drop him in some of the steepest snowboarding terrain in the world? We found out. BY NICK HEIL

South of the Border on Four Wheels | 138
When two surf- and powder-mad brothers drive their beat-up Suburban all the way down the Pacific coast, they find glaciers to ski, hurricane swells to surf, and, not surprisingly, plenty of parties. BY KITT DOUCETTE

How'd They Get That Shot? | 144
Jaw-dropping images from the world's best adventure photographers, and the incredible stories of how they got them. BY AARON KURILOFF AND EVELYN SPENCE

Warning: Locals Only | 154
Many of the world's surfing hot spots are off limits to outsiders. To get inside this insular culture, our writer journeyed deep within one of surfing's most notoriously exclusive destinations: Steamer Lane, in Santa Cruz. BY DANIEL DUANE

Special Report: The Science of Fear | 160
Some men jump from cliffs for fun; others can barely walk to the edge. Why? Thanks to the science of fear, we're starting to understand. BY RICHARD CONNIFF

Mankind's Greatest Quests | 166
To the Pole! To the moon! Presenting 19 behind-the-scenes photos from mankind's greatest triumphs of exploration. BY JONATHAN MILES

Sailing the Atlantic | 176
Navigating the Gulf Stream in a storm is a nightmare for even the saltiest sailor. For the author and his father, both recovering alcoholics, it's a life-altering experience. BY MIKE GUY

Adventure Sport Mavericks | 182
A climber who specializes in Zen-puzzle bouldering, a kayaker who's reinventing boat acrobatics, and six other adventure pioneers who live to push the limits of their sports. BY RYAN BRANDT

ADVENTURE
38 Endangered Places
Great destinations that may soon be seriously diminished -- and how to go before they're gone.
57 City Guide: The World's Adventure Capitals
From Rio to Cape Town, these five cities pack the most fun per block.
70 Greatest Adventures on Earth
Twenty-five classic trips and how to do them right. PLUS: Eight new classics.
92 25 Best Adventure Writers
From Lewis and Clark to Jon Krakauer, the MJ guide to the adventure-lit canon.

THE MJ INTERVIEW
98 Richard Branson
The original adventure entrepreneur on his successes, failures, brushes with death, and being circumcised at age 21.

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
108 The Impact of the Iraq War
As the fighting continues, it's becoming increasingly clear the U.S. has made a bad environmental situation worse.

HEALTH AND FITNESS
115 Avoiding Travel Illness
Don't let fear of exotic diseases keep you from exploring. Here's how to prep.
117 Adventure Medicine
Hospital-grade equipment that's ready to hit the trail.
120 Fast Energy Fixes
Make your own all-natural trail bars. PLUS: The best bars on the shelf.
124 The No-Equipment Workout
Even stuck in the airport you've got all you need for a full-body workout.
128 Health Advice from Dr. Bob
Answers to questions on poison ivy, eating safely in the developing world, and more.

GEAR GUIDE
191 Adventure Essentials
From the ultimate inflatable kayak to the titanium spork, here's what you need for a life of adventure. PLUS: Win all this stuff!
200 Wireless Technology
Satellite phones and PDAs on expeditions are saving lives -- and bringing the rest of us along for the ride.
207 Advice from the Gear Guy
Our gear guru's tips on trail-running attire, damaged bike helmets, and more.

THE RECORD BOOK
236 Astonishing Feats A landmark solo Arctic Circle attempt, ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes's latest foot-powered insanity, and more incredible expeditions to watch.

Mail 30
Contributors 34