text:
Holiday Types
Holiday TypesKE Adventure Travel offer holidays with a difference, with packages to suit everyone from family groups to seasoned explorers. Whether you want to climb Kilimanjaro, trek the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or cycle across the Tibetan plateau, we can make it happen.
View all holiday types
Trekking & Walking
Trekking & Walking
With over 200 of the worlds best trekking and walking holidays on offer there is something for everyone
- Back to Holiday Types
- All about
- Our trek & walk holidays
- When to go
- Our trek & walk grades
- Latest reviews and stories
Our discovery range include tours and cruises, some walking but with an emphasis on history and culture
- Back to Holiday Types
- All about
- Our discovery holidays
- When to go
- Our discovery grades
- Latest reviews and stories
Cover more miles and explore more of the country on one of our road cycling or mountain bike holidays
- Back to Holiday Types
- All about
- Our cycling holidays
- When to go
- Our cycling grades
- Latest reviews and stories
Share special travel experiences with all the family on one of our exciting Family Adventure Holidays
- Back to Holiday Types
- All about
- Our family holidays
- When to go
- Our family grades
- Latest reviews and stories
Escape the crowds and try something new from snowshoeing and hut to hut x-country skiing to dog-sledding
- Back to Holiday Types
- All about
- Our winter holidays
- When to go
- Our winter grades
- Latest reviews and stories
From Mont Blanc in the Alps to the classic trekking peaks like Mera in Nepal to Cotopaxi in the Andes
- Back to Holiday Types
- All about
- Our climbing holidays
- When to go
- Our climbing grades
- Latest reviews and stories
Our School Expeditions programme presents a worldwide collection of adventurous and educational itineraries, each of which has been devised with school groups and students in mind.
Polar Cruise
Polar Cruise
Discover the unique wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctica, perhaps the last pristine and true wilderness left on our planet
- Back to Holiday Types
- All about
- Our polar cruises
- When to go
- Our polar grades
- Latest reviews and stories
- View all polar cruises
Raft, horse-ride, cycle, kayak or hike on a mix of activities to experience the highlights of a country
- Back to Holiday Types
- All about
- Our multi-activity holidays
- When to go
- Our multi-activity grades
- Latest reviews and stories
Our wildlife and safari holidays take you up close and personal to the world's most incredible animals
- Back to Holiday Types
- All about
- Our wildlife holidays
- When to go
- Our wildlife grades
- Latest reviews and stories
- Trekking & Walking
DestinationsA holiday with KE Adventure Travel will expose you to the world's most amazing landscapes and cultures and allow you to get under the skin of your chosen destination! With over 400 adventure holidays to more than 80 countries on offer, where will you choose next?
Get Exploring
With more than 40 countries and as many different languages, Europe has great cultural diversity.
- Back to Destinations
- Popular countries
- Corsica
- Croatia
- France
- Iceland
- Italy
- Spain
- View all countries
Geographically diverse, with more than 50 colourful and contrasting countries, Africa is home to amazing wildlife and an extraordinary variety of fascinating cultures.
- Back to Destinations
- Popular countries
- Botswana
- Ethiopia
- Morocco
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- View all countries
- Highlights
- Big Five
- Deserts
- Drakensberg
- Kilimanjaro
- Toubkal
- Search all tours
The scope for adventure holidays in Asia is virtually unlimited.
- Back to Destinations
- Popular countries
- Bhutan
- India
- Japan
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Tajikistan
- View all countries
Latin America
Latin America
Vibrant and spirited, Latin America holds a continuing fascination for adventure travellers.
- Back to Destinations
- Popular countries
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Guatemala
- Peru
- View all countries
Middle East
Middle East
Lying between the Mediterranean and the Arabian Sea, the Middle East is steeped in history and this is part of the appeal of any holiday to this region.
- Back to Destinations
- Popular countries
- Iran
- Jordan
- Oman
- View all countries
- Highlights
- Aqaba
- Dead Sea
- Petra
- Wadi Rum
- Desert treks
- Search all tours
North America
North America
The vast North American continent is home to an amazing variety of stunning landscapes.
- Back to Destinations
- Popular countries
- Canada
- View all countries
- Highlights
- Search all tours
Polar Regions
Polar Regions
The Polar regions are possibly the only true wilderness areas left in the world and we take the utmost care to keep it that way on our exciting range of Polar holidays.
- Back to Destinations
- Popular countries
- Antarctica
- Antarctic Peninsula
- Arctic Greenland
- Arctic Svalbard
- View all countries
SE Asia and Australasia
SE Asia and Australasia
The varied lands of South-East Asia have a mystique which makes them irresistible to adventurers.
- Back to Destinations
- Popular countries
- Borneo
- Burma
- Cambodia
- New Zealand
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- View all countries
- Europe
About UsWith more than three decades of worldwide experience, KE Adventure Travel is one of the world's most respected adventure tour operators. Proudly independent and with a team of some of the most travelled staff in the industry you can always find someone to talk to who has actually been on your chosen trip.
Read More About Us
About KE
About KE
Meet our team of nearly 30 office staff and over 40+ leaders worldwide; learn about our history and philosophy.
- Back to About
- World of Adventure
- About KE Adventure
- Timeline
- Licensing and Bonding
- Awards and Accolades
- Latest from our travellers
- Who we are
- Office Team
- KE Leaders
- Jobs at HQ (Keswick)
- Overseas Jobs
About Our Holidays
About Our Holidays
Learn more about our holidays and what you need to book your next adventure
- Back to About
- Holiday Information
- The KE Experience
- Solo Travel
- Trip Pricing
- Grades Explained
- Free KE gifts
Booking with KE
Booking with KE
Some essential information before you book
- Back to About
- Booking Information
- How to Book
- Booking with Confidence
- KE Explorers Club
- Flight information
- Travel Insurance
- Private Groups
- Essential Reading
- General Information
- Booking Conditions
Sustainable Travel
Sustainable Travel
Ever since we ran our first trip in 1984, we have been committed keeping the world's most beautiful places pristine by minimising our environmental impact.
- About KE
- +44 (0) 1768 773966
Holiday Overview
Holiday Overview
- Excellent food and views from the world`s first EcoDome hotel
- Hike the world famous `W` trek in UNESCO Torres del Paine N.P
- Walk in the spectacular Monte Fitz Roy area of mighty Patagonia
- The breath-taking Cerro Torre and remarkable Perito Moreno Glacier
On this superb trekking holiday in Patagonia we explore the very best of the region's vast wilderness and include memorable overnights in the award winning EcoCamp Patagonia, which offers amazing panoramas of the spectacular Paine Towers from each dome! A land of huge glaciers, cascading waterfalls, awe-inspiring granite peaks, breath taking lakes and exciting wildlife, nothing can prepare you for the beauty of Patagonia, especially the most famous peaks of Torres del Paine and Cerro Fitz Roy. This superb walking holiday covers all the regions highlights, including the famed 'W' trek, and as KE includes luggage porterage, there is no need for sustained multi-day trekking or backpacking. Throughout the trip, we make use of camping sites with excellent facilities, including hot showers. We include the sustainable EcoCamp Patagonia to ensure we only leave our footprints on this amazing landscape! The adventure begins with a 6-day exploration of the Paine region in South America's most breath-taking national park, UNESCO Torres del Paine. Before walking along the world famous and spectacular 'W' trek we explore Lago Grey and Lago Pehoe. Next a day walk takes us up to the base of the majestic El Paine rock towers. After exploring Torres del Paine National Park we transfer to Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park and stop-off at the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. The mountain village of El Chalten is our base for 3 days of awe-inspiring walking which enables us to seek out the best views of dramatic Cerro Fitz Roy and stunning Cerro Torre. If you are looking to walk through some of the world's most beautiful scenery, in one of the wildest and most spectacular corners of the earth, with the added luxury of an EcoCamp and luggage transfers whilst on trek, then this is the ultimate way to experience Patagonia!
The EcoCamp Patagonia Experience
Part of the overall Patagonia and Torres Del Paine experience is staying at the EcoCamp. An award winning dome hotel, this fantastic 'camping site' has been built in a way that each dome has its own spectacular view of the Paine Towers. With welcoming communal areas for reading and relaxing, a laid-back bar area, plus a wood burning stove for warming up the occasional chilly evening, having the opportunity to stay here as a group is a very special experience. Standard domes have either a double or two single beds and skylight windows to encourage star gazing direct from the bed! Communal bathrooms and washrooms have hot showers and luxury composting toilets. Each evening before dinner the traditional Chilean aperitif 'picos sours' are served, whilst each morning before breakfast the group have the opportunity to attend complimentary yoga or stretching classes, ensuring everyone feels refreshed and ready for the walking day ahead. Built in a sustainable way and blending in perfectly with the landscape, each dome is constructed on raised decking to protect the fragile environment of the national park and can be taken down without a trace! At KE we are proud to have this spot of sustainable "trekking luxury" on our Patagonian adventures.
Is this holiday for you?
Making use of fixed camps and refuges, as well as hotel and lodge accommodation whilst at Fitz Roy, this holiday in Patagonia uses a day walking format to allow us to see the very best of the Patagonian landscape without the need for backpacking. Ranging in duration from 3 to 8 hours, group members will be only be required to carry a small day-pack during these day walks. All of the walking is on well-defined paths. Altitude is not a factor on this holiday.
Brief ItineraryView in full
- Meet at the group hotel in El Calafate. A single timed transfer from El Calafate is provided.
- Spectacular transfer from Argentina to Chile and into Torres del Paine.
- Explore Lago Grey and Grey Peninsula. Afternoon walk to Mirador Pehoe and evening catmaran ride.
- Day of breath-taking walking to the Grey Glacier viewpoint to view the giant floating icebergs.
- Walk to the Italian Camp and the heart of the Paine Massif before walking beside Lake Nordenskjold.
- Walk along the Paso Los Cuernos passing under the Cuernos (horns) of the Paine Massif.
- Ascend to the foot and classic viewpoint of the impressive massif of El Paine.
- Morning transfer to El Calafate. Afternoon excursion to the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier.
- Morning transfer to Chalten. Afternoon walk along Rio Electrico, home to woodpeckers and parakeets.
- Day walk to the beautiful Cerro Fitz Roy lookout point at Laguna de Los Tres.
- Walk to the southern edge of the Los Glaciares National Park and through the Valley of Rio Fitz Roy.
- Morning at leisure in El Chalten. Afternoon transfer to El Calafate.
- Departure Day. A single timed transfer to El Calafate is provided.
Tour dates and prices
Tour dates and prices
Land Only
|Sat 29 Oct - Thu 10 Nov
|Code PAT /2A/16/
|Status Sold Out
|Call Us
More information
|Sun 13 Nov - Fri 25 Nov
|Code PAT /02/16/
|Status Limited (Only 1 place left)
|Book now
More information
|Sun 15 Jan - Fri 27 Jan
|Code PAT /01/17/
|Status Limited (Only 1 place left)
|Book now
More information
|Sat 04 Feb - Thu 16 Feb
|Code PAT /02/17/
|Status 2 more to guarantee
|Book now
More information
|Sat 14 Oct - Fri 27 Oct
|Code PAT /03/17/
|Status Available
|Book now
More information
|Sat 17 Feb - Fri 02 Mar
|Code PAT /01/18/
|Status Available
|Book now
More information
Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'.
Extra non-refundable depositFor this holiday to Patagonia which includes the EcoCamp, we take a higher than usual deposit. Please be aware that £200 is taken, on top of the standard KE deposit of £200 to secure your place in a dome at the EcoCamp and is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation or transfer.
BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee
The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.
KE Adventure Travel is a fully ATOL licensed and bonded tour operator with ABTA and AITO.
Map & Itinerary
Map & Itinerary
The Route
- peaks
- point
- trip direction
- airport
- transfer
- trek
Holiday Itinerary
Meet at the group hotel in El Calafate. A single timed transfer from El Calafate is provided.
Meet at the group hotel in El Calafate. KE Land Only services begin with a single timed group transfer to the group hotel. El Calafate is a picturesque town which has often been compared to villages in Switzerland. A good place to explore is the main street of Av del Libertador General San Martin, simply known as Libertador. The town has a wide range of restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes, therefore not including dinner on the first night allows the group to decide on a local restaurant together with the leader. Over dinner we'll meet the rest of the group and our guide.
Accommodation Hotel
Spectacular transfer from Argentina to Chile and into Torres del Paine.
Today, we leave for the Torres del Paine region and cross into Argentina by the Cerro Castillo border, where we board the vehicle to take us to Torres del Paine. The drive through some of the most beautiful scenery on earth, usually takes about 4 to 5 hours and is absolutely spectacular (road conditions and weather can vary so timings are approximate). We are surrounded by breath- taking scenery along the way which we can enjoy during the drive. After checking-in at the EcoCamp we can enjoy a drink in the bar or a local aperitif before sitting down to dinner. The communal areas are great for relaxing in after dinner and the relaxed atmosphere of the camp plus comfy beds ensures an excellent night's sleep for everyone!
Accommodation Ecocamp
Meals bld
Explore Lago Grey and Grey Peninsula. Afternoon walk to Mirador Pehoe and evening catmaran ride.
Today we take an initial road transfer (max 2hr) to the southern end of Lago Grey and cross a suspension bridge to reach a beach overlooking this breath-taking lake and its beautiful floating icebergs. More than 500m deep and with a stunning mountain backdrop, Lago Grey was born from the Southern Patagonia Icefield. As we walk out onto the Grey Peninsula, we have splendid views over the distant slate Grey Glacier. Our first views of a Patagonian lake, glacier and its icebergs are spell-bounding. After lunch we drive back to the National Park Office and enjoy a walk (3 hours) to Mirador Pehoe, from where we have our first impressive views of the remarkable Paine Massif. An easy walk along the shores of Lake Pehoe takes us to the awesome Salto Grande, a giant cascading waterfall, over which the waters of Lake Nordenskjold tumble into Lake Pehoe. From here, looking across the lake, there are more excellent views of the rugged peaks of Paine Grande and Los Cuernos. Late afternoon we take a catamaran ride on the turquoise hued Lake Pehoe to Pehoe Camp where we overnight.
Accommodation Camping
Meals bld
Time 3 hrs walking
Day of breath-taking walking to the Grey Glacier viewpoint to view the giant floating icebergs.
Today we leave Camping Pehoe on foot for an easy walking day, with the option of a more challenging walk which the leader and group can decide on later in the day. A 4-hour round trip takes us to the Grey Glacier viewpoint (Mirador) where the glacial outflow of the South Patagonia Ice-sheet calves in great pieces into the lake. This amazing location presents a dramatic and somewhat surreal sight, with numerous giant icebergs drifting forlornly across the waters. Beyond this point, there is the option of a further 4-hour walk to the foot of the glacier for the most outstanding views of all. We return to Camping Pehoe for a second night.
Accommodation Camping
Meals bld
Time 4 hrs (8 hrs) walking
Walk to the Italian Camp and the heart of the Paine Massif before walking beside Lake Nordenskjold.
Over the next 3 days we will make several exciting approaches to the heart of the Paine Massif. On the first day, we trek up to the Italian Camp (Campamento Italiano), heading northwards and crossing undulating terrain, mixed grassland and sparse woodland. Beyond the River Frances, we reach the Italian Camp after about 3 hours walking. To reach the best viewpoint is a further 2 hour round trip above the camp, following the upper, torrential section of the River Frances. From our highpoint, there are good views of the icefalls on the Glacier Frances and of the lakes far below. Returning to the Italian Camp, we have a further hour's walk beside Lake Nordenskjold. Named after the Swede Otto Nordenskjold who discovered the lake in the beginning of the 20th century, its colourful waters and rich flora and fauna is a major attraction of the lake. Tonight we overnight at the Refugio Los Cuernos.
Accommodation Mountain Hut / Refuge
Meals bld
Time 7 - 8 hrs walking
Walk along the Paso Los Cuernos passing under the Cuernos (horns) of the Paine Massif.
Today we enjoy a spectacular day of walking and trekking highlight as we walk for 5 hours on the Paso Los Cuernos. This superb trail takes its name from the fact that it passes under the Cuernos of the Paine Massif. These incredible horns of slate grey reach heights of over 1900m and are the symbol of the park. According to local legend an evil serpent called Cai Cai caused a huge flood to kill a warrior tribe that lived in Torres del Paine. Apparently when the waters receded, the serpent took the bodies of two of the warriors and turned them to stone, creating the twin horns that stand today! Along the trail today we are rewarded with great views of the peaks and Lake Nordenskjold. This afternoon we return to the comfort of our domes in the EcoCamp.
Accommodation Ecocamp
Meals bld
Time 5 - 6 hrs walking
Ascend to the foot and classic viewpoint of the impressive massif of El Paine.
A superb circular round day as we climb up to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine. Our objective is the classic viewpoint for the several granite spires that comprise the Paine Towers. The summits of these spectacular peaks soar above 2000m and dominate the surrounding landscape of this amazing national park. Granted UNESCO status in 1978, the highlight of the national park is the beautiful range of El Paine. The towers are all that is left of a rocky cirque that has been gradually eroded by glacial action. Given good weather, the sight of these rock towers, reflected in the lake below, is quite breath-taking. We return in the afternoon to the EcoCamp for our final night in Torres Del Paine National Park.
Accommodation Ecocamp
Meals bld
Time 8 hrs walking
Morning transfer to El Calafate. Afternoon excursion to the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier.
Today, we leave Torres del Paine and cross back over the border back to El Calafate. In the afternoon after checking into our hotel, we make an excursion to the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier is located in the Los Glaciares National Park, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage in 1981 and is the best place in South America to see glaciers in action. An area of exceptional natural beauty, glaciers cover more than half of the national park including the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier is named after the explorer Francisco Morano who studied the region in the 19th century and is one of only three glaciers in Patagonia that is constantly growing. After enjoying the spectacle of icebergs breaking away and floating down river, we return back to El Calafate.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals bld
Morning transfer to Chalten. Afternoon walk along Rio Electrico, home to woodpeckers and parakeets.
Today we leave El Calafate and continue our journey passing Viedma Lake, known locally as Lago Viedma. The lake is named after the Spanish explorer Antonio de Viedma, the first European to reach its shores in 1783. With a surface area of 270,000 acres, Lago Viedma is one of the largest glacier formed lakes in the region. The lake has no towns along its shore and very little vegetation grows on the surrounding steep dry hills, however it is home to flamingos, eagles, foxes, deer, river otter and guanacos. Late morning we arrive in the village of El Chalten which is the local Indian name for Fitz Roy. In the afternoon we have the opportunity of a relaxing 4-hour stroll alongside the Rio Electrico, through a forest of lenga (beech) trees. This is a wild and beautiful valley, with parakeets, magellanic woodpeckers, and Chilean flickers in the woods. We return to our hosteria accommodation where we spend the next three nights.
Accommodation Gite / Hostel
Meals bld
Day walk to the beautiful Cerro Fitz Roy lookout point at Laguna de Los Tres.
This morning a short transfer (40 mins) takes us to the start of our 3-hour trek to the Cerro Fitz Roy look out point at Laguna de Los Tres. Monte Fitz Roy (3405m) or Cerro Fitz Roy is a stunningly beautiful mountain located on the Chile and Argentina border. Even up to today it remains one of the most technically challenging mountains in the world of mountaineering. The peak was given its name by Francisco Morano who first saw the mountain in 1877 and named it Fitz Roy in honour of Robert Fitz Roy, the captain of HMS Beagle. From Laguna de Los Tres we are treated to stunning views of the east face of Fitz Roy. After enjoying the view, a beautifully forested trail leads us from Camp Poincenot back to El Chalten.
Accommodation Gite / Hostel
Meals bld
Time 7 - 8 hrs walking
Walk to the southern edge of the Los Glaciares National Park and through the Valley of Rio Fitz Roy.
To finish off our exploration of the Fitz Roy area, we make a long walk of around 7 or 8 hours, starting out at the southern edge of the Los Glaciares National Park. We make an early start and drive (30 mins) to the south gate, where we begin trekking in the valley of the Rio Fitz Roy. At Laguna Torre, we are rewarded with beautiful views of the rock pinnacle of Cerro Torre (3127m). As part of a four mountain chain Cerro Torre is the tallest of the peaks and stands alongside Torre Egger, Punta Herron, and Cerro Standhart. Often described as "unclimbable," the mountain has a mushroom rim of ice around the summit and looks almost elegant with its long finger shape. The appearance of this stunning group of peaks changes as we descend gradually via the lakes of Madre and Hija. We return to our accommodation for our final night in El Chalten.
Accommodation Gite / Hostel
Meals bld
Time 7 - 8 hrs walking
Morning at leisure in El Chalten. Afternoon transfer to El Calafate.
Today we have a leisurely morning and time to explore El Chalten. The village has a small number of shops and restaurants to wander through before our afternoon transfer to El Calafate. After checking into the hotel we will regroup before our final dinner. The town has an excellent choice of restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes therefore we don't include the final dinner. We feel part of the overall holiday experience is choosing as a group on the best restaurant for the final evening's meal.
Accommodation Hotel
Meals bl
Departure Day. A single timed transfer to El Calafate is provided.
KE Land Only services end after breakfast. A single timed group airport transfer is provided.
Meals b
Holiday Information
Holiday Information
What's included
- An experienced professional English speaking local leader
- Single timed airport transfers (for designated group flights)
- Meals as per the Meal Plan
- Once on trek a full service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- Accommodation as described in the dossier
What's not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips for trek staff
- Airport transfers (other than for designated group flights)
- Departure tax on leaving Chile
- Meals as per the Meal Plan
- Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc
In El Calafate there is an excellent range of restaurants, bars and fast food outlets to suit all budgets, ranging from the famous local steaks and grills to pastas and pizzas. On trek, the food is a mixture of local and international style dishes, all prepared from locally sourced ingredients and cooked for us by professional cooks. Food whilst at the EcoCamp is a major part of the overall experience as the chefs conjour up some fantastic dishes. The local wines in Argentina and Chile are amongst the finest in the world and reasonably priced for the high quality. The EcoCamp has an excellent bar to relax in with a drink before and after dinner, whilst El Calafate has a wide range of bars and cafes to suit all travellers and budgets.
Meal plan
Joining Arrangements & Transfers
View the gallery below for images of the style of accommodation used
A Typical Day
A typical day starts with an early breakfast as we try to make a reasonably early start. During the day-walks, you are free to walk at your own pace (within reason), enjoying the scenery and stopping to take as many pictures as you wish. We will usually take packed lunches during the day walks. Our evening meal, preceded by Pisco Sours (a tasty Chilean aperitif), is a delicious 3-course meal, with wine available every night. The cooks never fail to impress! During dinner is a good time to socialise and to talk over the events of the day. We are usually in bed by 10 p.m., which gives us plenty of time to re-charge our batteries before the next day's walk.
Group Leader & Support Staff
Spending Money
We estimate that US$300 should cover all of your expenditures whilst in Chile/Argentina, including the above meals, soft drinks, staff tips and airport taxes. If you intend to purchase expensive souvenirs, you should budget accordingly. Credit cards can be useful here. It is not necessary to purchase currency outside the country as ATM's are available. You may wish to consider taking your money in cash US dollars including some small denomination notes. You can withdraw cash using most credit and debit cards from ATM's in El Calafate, but this cannot be relied upon in smaller towns.
Guidance on Tipping
Tips are the accepted way of saying 'thank you' to your local guides and porters. They do not form part of their wages. KE always pays local crews the best rates of pay, no matter what country they are in and any tips they receive are seen as a personal thank you from group members. For our part, we advise local teams that tips are not a duty or a prerequisite but are a bonus and entirely dependent on the service that was given. For your trek crews we recommend that you give a tip if you feel that their services have met your satisfaction. As a rough guide we suggest you allow a total of $100 for tipping for your crews.
Baggage Allowance
The packed weight of your trek bag should be no more than 15 kgs (33 lbs). During the nights spent in Pehoe (2 nights) and Los Cuernos (1 night) your trek bag will stay in the Ecocamp. You will be provided with a dry-bag to pack essential items for these nights. This bag will be transported by boat to Pehoe and by porter to Los Cuernos.
KE Trek Bag
All KE clients will receive a FREE KE trek bag. These have been specially made to stand up to the rigours of adventure travel. Your KE bag will be posted to you when your trip is guaranteed to run or on receipt of your booking if the trip is already guaranteed. If you have travelled with us before and already have a KE trek bag you can select an alternative free gift in the booking process.
This holiday does not involve any significant ascent to altitude and we would not expect any altitude issues with this trip.
Equipment List
The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The maximum weight of your trek-bag should be 15kg.
You must bring the following items:
Hiking boots
Trainers or similar for traveling and camp use
Trekking trousers
Waterproof over-trousers
Long johns (thermal underwear)
Thermal baselayer shirts
Casual shirts and/or T-shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Waterproof jacket
Warm jacket (down)
Warm hat
Daypack 30 litre
Sleeping bag liner or sheet sleeping bag
Selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag contents dry)
Headtorch and spare batteries
Water bottles 1 Litre (x2)
Small towel
Lightweight thermal gloves
Warm and waterproof outer gloves or mittens
Washbag and toiletries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Antibacterial handwash
Basic First Aid Kit, including the following: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET), and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea.
The following items are optional:
Spare laces
Travel clothes
Trekking poles
Pen-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
Small padlock (to lock your KE trek bag)
Sleeping bags or suitable bedding, together with mattresses are provided at each of the camps that we use, and at the Cuernos and Chalten refuges. You should bring a sheet sleeping bag or liner.
Group Size and Holiday Status
For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in 'Dates and Prices' table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.
Passport & Visas
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice. If you are travelling outside the EU you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit.
Visa Argentina
UK passport holders do not require a visa for short stays.
For USA passport holders there is a $160 fee to enter the country from any entry point – land, sea or plane and is valid for 10 years. It is required that fees are paid online PRIOR to arrival. For further details please visit http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesibleingles
Visa Chile
UK and USA passport holders do not require a visa for short stays. USA passport holders will be issued with a tourist card on arrival.
Electricity Supply & Plug
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Preparing For Your Trip
It makes a lot of sense to spend some time getting some additional exercise before coming on a walking/trekking and adventure holiday. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. Our walks can be physically demanding, but more as a result of altitude and terrain than distances walked. We would suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime. Running, cycling and swimming are good for developing aerobic fitness and better stamina. You should gradually increase your exercise leading up to departure, and we suggest that you try to fit in a number of long walks in hilly country.
Know before you go
As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign & Commonwealth Offices 'Know before you go' campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas, and we recommend that all KE travellers take a look at the FCO Travel Advice for their chosen destination on the official FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.
KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates direct from the FCO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find cold, strong winds (up to 80 mph / 50 mph) and rainfall. Daytime temperatures can vary between 24°C and 2°C degrees centigrade, averaging out at around 11°C. Night-time temperatures may fall a few degrees below freezing. Above all, remember that Patagonian weather can be very unpredictable. Sun, rain, high winds and even snow are to be expected.
Chile & Easter Island - Lonely Planet.
The Rough Guide to Chile.
Chile & Easter Island - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide.
Trekking and Climbing in the Andes (Globetrotter Adventure) - Val Pitkethly and Kate Harper.
The Andes A Trekking Guide - John & Cathy Biggar.
The Old Patagonian Express. Land of Tempest - Paul Theroux.
Mischief in Patagonia - Eric Shipton.
Travels in a Thin Country - Sarah Wheeler.
The Motorcycle Diaries - Ernesto "Che" Guevara.
The House of the Spirits - Isabel Allende.
In Patagonia - Bruce Chatwin.
Torres del Paine Trekking Map. Zagier y Urruty. 1:80,000
Torres del Paine at 1:80,000 on a waterproof and tear-resistant map from Zagier & Urruty covering the main part of the park and showing trekking trails, routes recommended only with a guide, campsites and refuges, etc. The map covers the main, most visited part of the national park, extending from Lago Dickson and Lago Paine in the north - across the peaks of the Cordillera Paine and the lakes south of it – to Puerto Toro on the northern tip of the Seno Ultima Esperanza, the arrival point by boat from Puerto Natales.
Extend Your Holiday
Extend Your Holiday
When booking your holiday, you will be able to 'add an extension option'.
Once we have received your booking we will contact you to discuss additional services required for the extension and to take any additional deposit.
Known as the "Land of Fire," Tierra del Fuego is a wonderful archipelago off the southernmost tip of Argentina. Divided between Argentina and Chile, this amazing landscape contains one of the most famous stretches of water in the world - The Beagle Channel! Our spectacular extension explores this amazing area on foot, with inflatable canoes and with motorboats. Over four days we'll motor and paddle down wonderful waterways, hike forest trails, visit the famed Gable Island with its beaver dams and meet the cheeky penguins on Martillo Island! Based in the world's most southern town Ushuaia, where the Andes meet the ocean, this is the perfect extension to enjoy pre or post trekking holiday in Chile and Argentina. (This extension isn't run as a KE group trip but is put together as a relaxing pre/post group holiday add on, which we feel adds to the overall experience and offers good value for money. It will be led by a local leader and may include international travellers. The canoeing sections are in large inflatable canoes with 6 to 8 people and all equipment is provided, you don't need to have any previous paddling experience.)
"Land of Fire" - Tierra Del Fuego
From $1170 per person
More info
Price Guide
- Sharing Price from: $1170.00
- Single Traveller Price from: $1760.00
- Single Room Supplement from: $235.00
- Deposit: $200.00 per person
After an airport transfer to your hotel in the world's most southern city, Ushuaia, the rest of the day is free to explore. Where the Andes meet the southern ocean, Ushuaia is a sliver of steep streets and the capital of Tierra del Fuego. On the border of the famed Beagle Channel and with the snow-peaked Martial Mountains spanning the horizon, this is a great base to start our adventure!
Today we visit two important penguin sancturies - the islands of Martillo and Gable both located in the famed Beagle Channel. Home to pristine wildlife and known for their Magellan and Gentoo penguins, we'll also keep our eyes open for seabirds and sealions! Today we explore the islands and river in a motorboat, in inflatable canoes as well as hiking across part of Gable Island.
Today we canoe down calm rivers and across lagoons to the beautiful picture-postcard bay of Lapataia, famed for its own micro-climate and waterfowl. Next we hike (3 hrs) through charming scenery to Lake Roca before an afternoon of canoeing on southern waters, all the time surrounded by spectacular scenery. We finish back in the beautiful bay of Lapataia before travelling back to Ushuaia.
This morning we sail through the Beagle Channel to the famous Les Eclaireurs, the conically shaped "lighthouse at the end of the world!" Complete with red and white stripes - the perfect finale to our time in Tierra Del Fuego. After sailing the straits we depart to the airport for a flight departing after 3pm.
What's included
- English-speaking local guide
- Ushuaia airport transfers
- all land and sea transport required by the itinerary
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Ushuaia
- Entrance fees and port tax
- Boat ride on Beagle Channel
- All breakfasts and 2 lunches
What's not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Miscellaneous personal expenses - drinks & souvenirs etc
- Internal flights to/from Ushuaia (fares vary so we will obtain a quote for the flights)
Recent Reviews & Blog Posts
Recent Reviews & Blog Posts
Good or bad we publish ALL reviews so you can make an inspired and informed choice.
Why KE?KE - a genuine small group experience and proud to be different! With a maximum group size of 12 and a spot of luxury at the world's first EcoDome hotel, KE offer more than just your average camping trek! Don't forget, we include luggage transfers whilst trekking too, leaving you free to enjoy the awesome scenery and wildlife!
At A glance
- Max group size: 12
- 8 days trekking
- Max altitude - 1300m
- Join in El Calafate
Accommodation & Meals
- 3 nights Hotel
- 3 nights Ecocamp
- 2 nights Camping
- 1 night Mountain Hut / Refuge
- 3 nights Gite / Hostel
- 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners
KE Holiday Gallery
Our photos
You do not have any pinned holidays. Click the pin icon on the search or holiday pages to pin a holiday.
{{ holiday._source.name }}
{{ location }}{{$last ? '' : ', '}} - {{ holiday._source.categories['Holiday Type'][0].replace('-',' ').split(' ')[0] }} - {{ holiday._source.duration }} days
Did you know that your Internet Browser is out of date?
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page
By closing this window you acknowledge that your experience on this website may be degraded


text:
13406 E. Philadelphia St. Whittier, CA 90608
Physicists seek to understand nature at its most profound level. From the behavior of quarks that are the constituents of protons and neutrons to superclusters of galaxies, physicists investigate nature's inner workings – and in doing so, discover practical applications to bring about spectacular technologies.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy gives students a rigorous physics education in a small intimate setting. Majors enjoy introductory courses taught in an activity-based format where they learn by doing and take part in exciting undergraduate research with faculty who specialize in nanoscale materials science, quasar astrophysics, and computational physics.
Physics students take an active role in research, and have published papers and presented results at major conferences. Many alumni of the department go on to graduate school, while others go on to positions in teaching or industry. One of our graduates was part of the team on the Phoenix mission to Mars.
Science & Learning Center

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Dozens of Bay Area firefighters from the South Bay and East Bay have arrived in San Diego County to help battle massive fires that have burned more than 8,000 acres.
A total of 26 firefighters from Santa Clara County are joined by 17 Alameda County firefighters to help fight back the Poinsettia fire in Carlsbad and the Cocos Fire in San Marcos, which have gobbled up homes and buildings, forced evacuations and shut down roads.
Bay Area crews have been on their toes since the fires broke out earlier this week, ready to leave on a moment's notice. The crew from Santa Clara County departed at midnight on Wednesday, with a strike team of 22 firefighters in five engines with off-road capabilities and a crew of four on an emergency services engine.
John Farrell, an Oakland fire captain who arrived with the Alameda County crews, said there's isn't enough equipment and firefighters to battle the multiple fires.
"They are trying really hard to get a grip with the lack of resources they have," Farrell said.
As of Friday morning, no Contra Costa crews have been called in, but Contra Costa Fire Protection District Capt. Kent Kirby said, "we're ready to go as soon as we get the word."
Meanwhile, those who stayed home are keeping a watchful eye on fire danger areas here such as the East Bay hills in what is shaping up to be a long and potentially dangerous wildfire season. When there's extreme fire danger, Oakland and Berkeley fire crews and police patrol the hills to ensure no roads are blocked -- but there's been no need for that yet, said Coy Justice, an Oakland fire battalion chief.
"The wind hasn't kicked up high enough for us to go into extreme yet," Justice said.
Nevertheless, Joe Parker, deputy chief of operations for the Santa Clara County Fire Department, said: "We're definitely bracing for what is going to be a really bad fire season."
Staff writers Robert Salonga and Natalie Neysa Alund contributed to this report.


text: Now that Imagine's Brian Grazer and Ron Howard have had blockbuster Da Vinci Code prequel Angels & Demons put off indefinitely by the strike, we think we've identified a perfect fill-in project that could hit on many of the controversial religious themes that made Da Vinci such a huge success: The 13th Disciple, a planned "fantasy-adventure" film about Jesus Christ's reincarnated evil twin. We've already cast longtime Grazer muse Russell Crowe in the heretical leading role. [Reuters]


text:
Three-Day Reset Cleanse
$216 $162 25% off
- Three-day Reset Juice Cleanse (six juices per day); may choose classic or seasonal
What we love
- Slim down and detox your body with Ritual Wellness's three-day Reset juice cleanse, made with raw, 100 percent USDA organic produce.
- An Elle editor raved the juices, "helped reset my eating habits—I haven't wanted junk food since—and made my skin superglowy."
- Three days is a recommended time frame for the first-time cleanser who wants to jumpstart healthy eating habits and increase their energy.
- Each day features four chlorophyll-rich green blends, one alkalizing lemonade and one protein-packed nut milk.
- The seasonal Reset cleanse replaces one green juice with a seasonal blend, like watermelon, strawberry, young coconut water, green apple and lime.
- The cleanse is designed to readjust your cravings and eating habits, putting you on track for a healthier lifestyle. Plus, the organic juices give your body a break from pesticides, hormones and additives.
What to know
- Redeem by: Tuesday, January 14, 2014
- This offer is subject to Terms and Conditions
- Offer is final sale, non-refundable and non-transferable
- FedEx shipping is not included and will be charged at time of redemption
- Additional one-time shipping cost varies from $30 to $75 for west coast deliveries and $60 to $90 for east coast deliveries; please call 949.954.6522 for exact shipping costs to your area
- Offer is subject to availability; please order online or call 48 hours in advance
- No cash or credit will be returned
- Offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offer
- Limit two per member
- 24-hour cancellation required or voucher will be forfeited
- Voucher may be used to obtain the discount until January 14, 2014; after this date, the voucher is valid for the amount paid for five years from date of purchase, longer if provided by law


text:
Area cat lovers have a chance to have some fun this Saturday, Aug. 30, and support a worthy cause at a photo scavenger hunt being held at the Waynesville community gazebo.
The event kicks off at 10 a.m. Teams of two will take photos, find items and get rewards. The cost is $25 per team.
All proceeds from the event go toward the Kitten Division, Pulaski County's only adoption center and rescue service dedicated to abandoned and injured cats.
The 501(c)3 organization was founded in 2012 and is an all-volunteer organization devoted to finding new homes for unwanted cats and kittens.
According to Kitten Division's website, the group receives no funding from any level of government or humane societies.
It relies on individuals within the community to help care for the abandoned and injured cats they take in.
For more information visit www.kittendivision.com.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
TuneBar (previously TuneX) allows you to access iTunes through a minimal interface that slides underneath the menu bar when not in use. This controller gives access to the most important features of iTunes such as Play/Pause, Back Track, Next Track, Volume, Rating and more from within any running application on your computer. Supports Growl notifications.
Required OS: not specified
Tags: itunes , controller , remote , growl
16 Opinions
I bought this app for one key feature: It places the name of the currently playing iTunes track in my menu bar. I've been running TuneBar 3 for a year now and I love. It's never crashed, it's never showed down my system and the preferences have been more than enough to customize it to my liking. $12 is nothing for an app that meets your needs. TuneBar has been totally worth it to me. Plus when I bought it, the FileActions app came free with it... which has been awesome as well!
The worst piece of software I've ever bought. Period.
I bought it through PayPal, where I have my name with accented characters. TuneBar had some problems with it and disallowed me to register. So I wrote to Tom Hancocs (author) what should I do now. Nothing received, author haven't replied. This looked very unprofessional to me, but it was just a beginning (until now no trace of activity from his side, so don't expect he will reply to anybody with any complains).
Thanks God I got some unicode tools here so I successfully registered even with those nasty characters (I don't remember how was it done, it's a year ago). OK. So now I got a full version of TuneBar.
As I am a Flash developer I often work with remoting and sockets. How was I surprised Tom uses LOT of sockets to handle internal communication. So it's nearly impossible to debug any remoting while TuneBar is running (it's very difficult to find information in the middle of tom.local connections, which are constantly created and destroyed).
That's another reason for hangs TuneBar time to time suffers to. When you disconnect a network, TuneBar is unable to handle these connections and everything you get is a bouncing ball.
I've never seen any application which behaves like that.
Ok. I uninstalled it. I thought everything is ok. But today I've got some issues to fix in network utilities app and I got mad once again. Netstat is full of tom.local connections. I would be really glad to know how to completely remove this piece of crap called TuneBar from my computer.
IN ANY CASE DON'T BUY IT. Worst spent money ever.
Version 3 is a major improvement; I'm really enjoying this app personally.
This is a good-looking app. It's pretty useful. However, it's not worth $12. Maybe 2. Or free. Just get Quicksilver for free instead, it does itunes keyboard shortcuts amazingly.
Not very good.
Many other apps such as sizzling keys in combo with the multiple iTunes widgets out there give the same functionality without hanging or crashing or interfering with your workflow/productivity.
I agree in that it should be avoided...
jo66, the comment about moving the cursor to the top of the screen getting frustrating and annoying as it interferes with other apps, is kind of mute really. There is a option in the preferences to turn this off, and use Hot Keys instead, or to require both Hot Keys and the cursor being at the top of the screen.
All apps have bugs, and yes TuneX 2.0 through to 2.4 has suffered quite a large amount, which have been completly fixed for 2.5. It has meant recoding the entire core engine, and basing it around AppleEvents by using the EyeTunes framework.
No it isn't.
This is a TERRIBLE app. Horrible and buggy and everything that OSX apps shouldn't be.
I also get glitches in the GUI, and the app tends to hang/crash a lot too which is the worst part.
The novelty of moving your cursor to the top of the screen for the black menu thing quickly dissappears as you find it interferes with the menu's of virtually every other app you use.
Overall, this is poor and should be avoided. As you can see from MOST of the users comments so far, there are much better alternatives to be had elsewhere.
And they're free too.
AVOID. Really.
Page 1 of 2. 16 entries.


text:
Our only goal is to be the very best Central Vacuum System company, so central vacuum systems are all we do. We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve cleaning perfection.
Central Vacuum Cleaning Systems are our passion. See the difference a dedicated professional company will make when you work with Aspria Systems on your central vacuum project and get the very best products and service in the industry delivered to your door ready to install. Central Vacuums Only ♥ Now & Forever


text:
Consensual sex typically doesn't begin before teen years, study finds
David Finkelhor, director of the University of New Hampshire's Crimes Against Children Research Center, has a more critical view of the study. He said it doesn't use the best strategies to study the sexual activities of teens because it relies too much on long-term remembrances of childhood sexuality.
Post a comment
You must sign in before you can post comments. If you are experiencing issues with your account please e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
11 Opinions
Desktoptopia for Mac is unfortunately not a living product anymore. We are launching a similar product soon called Wallpapery. It's similar to Desktoptopia with a huge list of very talented artists associated with it. See http://wallpaperyapp.commanigy.com for more details a to subscribe to mailing list.
BTW, I just wrote this script if someone want to save the current Desktop (like me).
tell application "Finder"
set wp to get desktop picture
duplicate wp to desktop
end tell
It just copy the file to your Desktop!
Free, great desktop pictures, but crashes a bit too much to leave running all the time. I tend to launch it when I want a new desktop, then quit it so it doesn't have a chance to freeze up.
Digging it now that it's free, and really seeing the value in it.
MAIN PROBLEM: crashes very often. Appears that the problem lies with APE, but I have no way to exclude desktoptopia, since it's a pref pane. HELP!
Love that it's free. Love the pictures. love how it repeats ones I liked once in a while. Only problem is since I installed it GimmeSomeTune crashes.
Woot! The latest version is no longer shareware!
I recommend the free (donationware) Desktopia over this -- how much more do you need?
And then visit Adam Betts and David Lantham, among others, for wallpapers....
I think it's pretty sweet. I like not having to search through all the crappy desktops to find ones I like.
I wish iusethis had the option to bury apps, much like digg.
This is ridiculous! Just download a bunch of wallpapers you like, put them in a folder, go to System Preferences/Desktop & Screen Saver, select that folder, make sure "Change picture every X minutes" is ticked, and lo!
Page 1 of 2. 11 entries.


text:
- Feb 13:
- Mercury News editorial: Obama's State of the Union sets a solid reform agenda
- FACT CHECK: Overreaching in State of Union speech
- Feb 12:
- State of the Union 2013: Analysis: President Obama isn't in the mood for compromise with GOP in Congress
- Marco Rubio takes quick water break in GOP response to State of the Union
- Mercury News editorial: Obama's State of the Union strikes chord with gun regulation
- State of the Union 2013: Obama: Nation stronger, GOP should back his plans
- Feb 11:
- Apple CEO to sit with first lady during State of the Union
It was one doozy of an Apple (AAPL) corporate announcement.
But mid-way through his State of the Union speech, President Obama Tuesday looked up at Apple CEO Tim Cook, sitting in the first lady's box with Michelle Obama, and briefly became spokesman for the most valuable tech company on earth.
"This year,'' Obama told the crowd, "Apple will start making Macs in America again.''
It was only ten words, wedged into the middle of an hour-long speech. But it made at least one guy in the audience happy: the cameras zoomed in on Cook's smiling face.
The news that Apple would manufacture some of its Macintosh computers in the United States was not unexpected -- Cook told Bloomberg Businessweek in December as much. And bringing jobs to the US instead of off-shoring them to China could go a long way to improving Apple's sometimes blemished image of hiring Chinese workers on the cheap and then working them to the bone.
But to have the president of the United States serve as your celebrity spokesman was a real coup, even by the high standards set by former Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs, who made product announcements a high-art form.
Obama offered no more details about Apple's plans, and quickly moved on to other topics. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for company comment on the president's comment.
Last December, Cook said the Cupertino company would start producing one of its Mac computer lines somewhere in the United States starting this year. He said Apple won't manufacture the computers itself, but will contract with other companies and invest $100 million in the effort.
"We've been working on this for a long time, and we were getting closer to it," he told Bloomberg Businessweek at the time. "We could have quickly maybe done just assembly, but it's broader because we wanted to do something more substantial."
Cook's presence in the first lady's box was a perfect opportunity for Obama to praise Apple's plan and use the example as yet another in what he hopes to be a series of announcements in the coming months. Job creation is a key component of the president's second-term agenda and being able to drop Apple's name into his State of the Union address must have been sweet.
Cook was joined in the box by military families, those championing immigration reform and those whose lives have been touched by gun violence. His high-profile inclusion in the audience was no accident: An administration official said Cook heads a company that underscores America's innovation economy.
Last year, Michelle Obama's guests included Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, and Mike Krieger, co-founder of photography app Instagram.
Contact Patrick May at 408-920-5689 or follow him at Twitter.com/patmaymerc


text:
Police arrested a Canton man early Saturday morning after he allegedly fired a pistol while on the back patio of a Belden Village club.
Zachary B. Dickinson, 26, of 1706 Clark Ave. SW, is charged with illegally possessing a gun in a liquor permit establishment and tampering with evidence, according to jail records. Both offenses are felonies.
He also faces misdemeanor charges of inducing panic, using weapons while intoxicated and discharging a firearm on or near a prohibited premises.
Sgt. Jason Collins, citing a township police report, said Dickinson fired a shot while on the back patio of the Diamond Royale at 4675 Munson St. NW; the suspect then exited the club through the front doors and fired a second shot while in the parking lot.
Police recovered a two shell casings and a .380-caliber Ruger LCP pistol from the scene. The gun matched a magazine found in Dickinson's possession after his arrest, Collins said.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
- Text Size:
- ASmall Text
- AMedium Text
- ALarge Text
One of the biggest music festivals in New Orleans has been sold, according to a report published Thursday.
Billboard Magazine said a company called SFX Entertainment has made several acquisitions -- among them, the Voodoo Experience, which takes place each October at City Park.
The report cites SFX President Robert F.X. Sillerman as the source of the information.
Voodoo launched in 1999 and has brought hundreds of sometimes "edgy" acts to New Orleans. It has grown in popularity to become one of the biggest festivals in the city, and recent lineups have featured top-tier performers such as Neil Young, Soundgarden, Metallica, R.E.M., Ozzy Osbourne, Snoop Dogg and Eminem.
The production has been managed by Rehage Entertainment, whose namesake, Steve Rehage, conceived the fall festival.


text:
Kate Albrecht is a recovering actress turned lifestyle blogging sensation. With millions of monthly views, Albrecht's DIY blog, Mr. Kate, is a go-to source for aspiring fashionistas and stylish celebrities, including Reese Witherspoon and Hilary Duff.
Albrecht, 29, runs her style empire, including her line of chic, whimsical jewelry, from Los Angeles, but she's heading to Concord on March 23 to host a prom style event at the Sunvalley Macy's.
From tips on how to spruce up a classic clutch with a splash of bright nail polish to tutorials on decoupaging coffee tables, Albrecht believes in style on a budget and empowering young women to find their individual style. We caught up with Albrecht before her appearance to chat about prom, materialism and the modern domestic diva.
Q What type of kid were you growing up?
I was an artsy kid. I loved my dress-up trunk. My grandmother would raid thrift stores so it was full of legit costume jewelry, vintage sequin coats and hats from the 1960s and gloves that went up to my elbow. I was pretty shy up until high school, but I've always been a crazy dresser, so even if I wasn't expressing myself verbally, I was wearing vinyl pants and dyeing my hair with Kool-Aid.
How do you define the modern domestic diva?
Women are defining themselves so much more by their careers but are striving for a balance. She is working, but she still wants to cook a great dinner for her boyfriend. So maybe she shops at Trader Joe's and buys the packaged items but individualizes it with her own unique sauce. She is a more approachable and realistic, multidimensional female.
Who was the first celebrity to reach out to you? How did it feel?
The women who run HelloGiggles, including Zooey Deschanel. They reached out to me to help contribute to the blog. It was great. We all believe in being supportive of females and empowering girls to express themselves.
Your brand logo is a mustache and a beauty mark. What's the message there?
I think it's my spin on the yin and yang in all of us. The modern female embodies some qualities that are traditionally masculine; she is in the public sector but also wants to decorate her home. We all aspire to have balance, and I love juxtapositions because I think they express both sides of ourselves.
In a recent interview you told a popular website that one of your biggest turnoffs is materialism. But so much of what you do is based on accumulating stuff, from clothing and home decor items to your line of jewelry.
I'm more about helping people figure out what their personal style is and what they feel is the best way to express themselves. It's not so much consumerism and accumulation as it is a celebration of what you feel are those special tokens that express who you are.
Yes, I design a jewelry line, but what excites me the most is a person that sees my rings and says, 'Oh this ring will match perfectly with the vintage piece I got from my grandmother.' It has spoken to them in that personal way.
You are coming to the Sunvalley Macy's in Concord to talk prom. What's your advice for looking the part on a budget?
I'm excited to help girls feel their best on their special day. I think buying the affordable dress on the sale rack that doesn't have the embellishments on it is the way to go. You can always achieve that look by layering some necklaces on top of each other. At Macy's, we'll also be talking about things like how you can spruce up plain pumps with a bow hair clip.
What about style tips for those of us past our prom prime? What are your favorite places for women to shop on a budget?
A I love Zara. I like Rachel Roy at Macy's, and I do a lot of shopping online at Modcloth.com and, for shoes, Solestruck.com. Honestly, I don't think we have reasons to dress up that often anymore. So we have to create them.
Try putting your hair in a sock bun with a necklace wrapped around your head as a fun hair piece. Sometimes that little twist on style can make a great conversation piece and allow you to have that much more fun at an event or party.
meet mr. Kate
DIY blogger Kate Albrecht will make an appearance to talk prom style from 2 to 4 p.m. March 23 at Macy's Sunvalley, 341 Sunvalley mall, Concord. www.macys.com.
back story


text:
Colonial Candle Room Spray - Wild Iris
Color: Berry
Candle Scent: WILD IRIS
Product Form: 4 OZ AEROSOL ROOM SPRAY
Dimensions: 4 oz
Product InformationRelated ItemsRecently Viewed Items
Fruity floral tones of lush berries, sweet plum, fresh melon, and watery greens Complementing our most popular scents, these 4 ounce non-CFC aerosols are delightfully powerful and safe to use. One simple touch sends a burst of your favorite fragrance into the air and lingers long after you first spray. No air shipments available for this product, ground shipping only.Fragrance Notes
Top: Lush Berry, Sweet Plum, Fresh Melon - MIddle: Violet Petals, Fresh Gardenia, Jasmine - Bottom: Vanilla, Orchid, Chilled MuskReviews


text:
Description:HP Intel Pentium II(450MHz/Single-core/512KB/27.10W)Full Processor Option KitPart Number(s)Part# 313618-B21
HP Processor Kits:
Manufacturer Part# 313618-B21
This is the full processor option kit. It includes the
Processor(s), Heat-Sink(s), Fan(s), Thermal paste
Overview:Protec Microsystems Inc. is a Canadian manufacturer specializing in products dedicated to resource sharing. Since its inception the key to Protec's success has been and will remain a strong commitment to providing quality products. The company controls all facets of product development from the basic concept through to the actual hardware and software design. Protec's manufacturing facility is ISO9002 certified meaning complete in-house production stringent quality control and product performance testing ensuring that high standards are maintained throughout the manufacturing process. This NIC supports Ethernet 10Mbps and 100Mbps data transfer. Supports bus mastering architecture with data transfer speeds automatically determined by the auto-negotiation feature. It plugs into any available PCI bus slot that supports Bus Master mode. High throughput low CPU utilization 32-bit architecture and PCI bus mastering enable speedy network response with minimal CPU overhead.


text:
Delcie Light has been married for 53 years to Bill Light. They have three grown children: Christiane is a V.P. at Universal-NBC in California, Bill is an attorney in Manhattan Beach CA, and Jim lives in Devils Lake and owns and operates Computer Clinic. The Light's enjoy 8 grandchildren.
Delcie earned a B.S. from NDSU and a M.S. from UND. She has taught people from 3-73, but mostly teenagers for 25 years at DLHS.
She enjoys family (including a dog and two cats), home, flowers, watching kids and critters, travel, living in North Dakota with 4 seasons, reading, writing, researching (the wonders of a computer!), and genealogy.
The Violence Against Women Act failed in the US Congress. A majority of Republicans voted against the act because it would have protected Native American Women, undocumented immigrant women and LGBT women.
But, the bill will come aounf again, giving the elected officials a chance to rethink their positions and to vote again when it is reintroduced.
Isn't Violence against ANYONE still Violence? Stop playing political games with people's lives.
I think the VAWA should be expanded to protect men, as well as women, bu that is not part of the current bill. Yes, there are women who are violent to their partners, whether those partners are male or female. Violence against another person, or an animal, should not be tolerated. Cruelty should not be accepted as "our culture."
Right now,Republicans John Boehner and Eric Cantor, Republicans in the US House of Representatives, are working to prevent the passing of this bill. Kevin Cramer was elected to represent North Dakota. Contact him. Demand he do what is moral, not obey the party leaders.
Hitting a woman or an elderly or handicapped person, beating a child or animal, is not a sign of "a real man." Real Men protect and provide for the weak. Violence to the weak is a sign of mental illness, instability, inabiltiy to self-control, ignorance, and even psychopathology.
What does the refusal to pass laws to protect say about the people elected to reperesent us?


text:
News 12 First at Five / Thursday, April 18, 2013
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW) -- Fire up those grills, the CSRA Burger Battle is almost here. Tuesday's event will raise money for the local Boys and Girls Club.
"The teachers are fun here," said Elijah Arce, a student at Garrett Elementary School in Augusta.
To Elijah, it's more than a school.
"It's a good place here," he said.
And while Elijah is now a star student, it hasn't always been that way.
"I wasn't always doing good. I got into fights. I got a bunch of write-ups," he told News12.
Matt Rogers works at the Boys and Girls Clubs as a teacher. He works with Elijah after school and says the write-ups he used to get are a thing of the past now.
"He knows what to do. He knows how to listen. He knows when to ask for help and how to ask for help," Rogers said.
It may be hard for some of us to understand why places like the Boys and Girls Clubs are needed, but Elijah knows why.
"I will probably be at home alone while my mom is at work," said the fourth grader.
It's all going to go down next Tuesday afternoon. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the BGC or at the door. And if you buy a ticket, this little guy has a message for you.
"Thank you for letting us go there," Elijah said.
The Burger Battle will be Tuesday at the Hagler Club, which is on Division Street. Check out bgccsra.org for more details and how to buy tickets.


text:
According to Bouchette:
If this is true, Wallace really needs to adjust his expectations. That said, I'm still fine with the Steelers keeping him for two more years -- this year with the tender, next year with the tag, and then taking the third round comp pick when he walks.Quote:
Ed: Wallace Wants More than Fitz?
Thursday, 22 March 2012 07:40
Written by Ed Bouchette
Good morning,
Maybe the reason no team has either signed Mike Wallace or come close to it is his asking price.
This morning comes a report from Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee that San Francisco 49ers inquired about Wallace in the first week of free agency but were taken aback by his asking price. Wallace supposedly wants more than Larry Fitzgeralds eight-year, $120 million contract!
Heres the story: http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archiv...llace-but.html


text:
- Text Size:
- ASmall Text
- AMedium Text
- ALarge Text
Law enforcement officials closed Main Street in Yadkinville for part of Thursday morning to investigate a report of a possible hostage situation.
The scene was cleared shortly after 11 a.m. near the Yadkin Nursing Care Center. Viewers began calling WXII around 10 a.m.
Yadkinville police had received a call Thursday morning reporting two men were holding a woman inside a home at 108 Filmore St. Officers surrounded the home and brought in snipers.
However, once law enforcement got inside the home, nobody was found. Police had obtained a search warrant to go inside the home.
Police now believe it was a false alarm and are investigating the phone call.


text:
Legacy Golf Club sold for $3 million
Published: Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 8:13 p.m.
LAKEWOOD RANCH - A New York hedge fund that has been acquiring undervalued assets bought one of Southwest Florida's top golf courses for about $3 million.
New owner: Och-Ziff Capital Management, a New York-based hedge fund.
Seller: Textron Financial Corp.
Sales price: Roughly $3 million
What: An 18-hole, semi-private golf club on about 200 acres, with a 5,200-square-foot clubhouse.
History: Designed by golf great Arnold Palmer, the club was built by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch and opened in March 1997. Textron acquired its $6.7 million debt in 2009.
–Michael Pollick
Lakewood Ranch site fetched $6.7 million in
debt in '09
A subsidiary of Och-Ziff Capital Management financed its Legacy Gulf Club purchase with a $3.6 million loan from Bank of America, records show.
Seller Textron Financial Corp., of Providence, R.I., has been trying to shed the course and its 5,200- square-foot clubhouse since acquiring it for its $6.7 million debt in 2009, officials connected to the course said.
Textron's sale also marks the latest in a string of transactions involving local courses that have traded at steep discounts to their values of a decade ago.
In December, General Electric Credit Equities sold the 233-acre Serenoa Golf Club, in Sarasota, for $2 million to OnCourse Strategies, an Austin, Texas-based company.
General Electric assumed control of the course in 2010 following a $4.3 million foreclosure judgment.
Brian Richter, who has managed Legacy for Textron since 2009, said the Legacy sale was part of a portfolio deal Textron orchestrated.
"I think the reason the seller came to this price level was because this was part of a multiple-course purchase," Richter said. "Textron sold five assets to this group."
The other assets, he said, are not in this region.
An Och-Ziff Capital spokesman declined to comment on the transaction or its plans for the property.
Legacy, which was designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer and premiered in March 1997, was built by Lakewood Ranch master developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch to attract home buyers to the then-fledgling community. Soon thereafter, the course was acquired by a group headed by Troon Golf.
Keith Pope, whose Sarasota-based Pope Golf runs 10 golf courses and is building two more at Lakewood Ranch and in Naples for homebuilder Taylor Morrison, said he understood Textron was asking $6.7 million for Legacy.
He added that the purchase is part of a larger, post-recession trend involving golf courses at a time when the sport is said to be waning in popularity.
Even so, developers like Taylor Morrison and Neal Communities have shown interest in either building or buying golf courses in Southwest Florida as part of a larger amenity package aimed at retiring, active baby boomers.
"This is what we see all the time," Pope said. "Golf courses are selling for 25 cents to 50 cents on the dollar from where they were 10 years ago. That is why you're starting to see institutional money come back into the golf industry. They can make money off of it."
Och-Ziff Capital has a well-earned reputation for buying properties and other alternative assets that have either been neglected or overlooked.
"They have been a big buyer of distressed real estate over the last five years," said Jack McCabe, chief executive of McCabe Research and Consulting, in Deerfield Beach.
"When it comes to golf courses, they are more focused on the upper echelon," McCabe added. "Without being able to examine the status of their books, you'd have to say on the surface that a $3 million approximate purchase price would be a very, very good buy on the Legacy."
McCabe also said he expects Och-Ziff will work to reposition Legacy and turn a profit on the course in a few years.
Pope agrees that the company's purchase price was well below replacement cost, a standard measure in the real estate industry.
"You couldn't build Legacy for $3 million, no way," said Pope. "It would be more like $6 million."
He also believes Och-Ziff might have big plans for Legacy.
"If things go back to where they were 10 years ago, there will be boutique buyers for golf courses that will pay more, just for the appeal of owning a golf course," he said.
This story appeared in print on page D1
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


text:
Reviewing books at Grit-Lit, we lust for the job of movie critic. Imagine driving to the theater, buying tickets, popcorn, chocolate-covered raisins and a soda large enough to bath a golden retriever, and then settling into a comfortable chair where you "work" for 90 minutes or so. Finally you write a column and put the whole thing, including mileage and parking, on your expense report.
Wowser, what a life!
But then as a writer, you want to cry for authors whose wonderful books have been turned into movies so bad you worry the author will stop writing -- forever.
This could have happened with the new Jack Reacher film. Based on "On Shot" -- an outstanding Reacher book and a Grit-Lit favorite -- just the words "Starring Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher" might have sent perennial New York Times bestselling author Lee Child scurrying to hide in the Harry Potter Suite of an abandoned home in his native England. How in the world could 51/2 foot Tom Cruise convincingly portray six-foot five-inch, 250-pound Reacher?
Unbelievably well is the answer. And the box office proves it.
But pity poor Janet Evanovich. Katherine Heigl signed on to play Stephanie Plum in "One for the Money," and we all said "OOOH, perfect!" Then the theater lights dimmed, the curtains pulled back and we all prayed that the movie wouldn't kill the books.
Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels are filled with romance (though not sexually explicit) and hilarious situations, with just enough gritty action to have attracted and held this reviewer's attention through 19 books now.
In "Notorious Nineteen: A Stephanie Plum Novel" by Janet Evanovich (Bantam Books, $18, 312 pages), Stephanie is trying to get her always-empty checking account back in the black. She's skip chasing Geoffrey Cubbin, who's accused of embezzling millions from Trenton New Jersey's premier assisted-living facility. But he has disappeared. Stephanie has to work with her current boyfriend -- Trenton's hottest cop, Joe Morrelli -- and with her former romantic partner, the mouth-watering, mysterious "Ranger."
Classic Evanovich, unsullied by Hollywood.
"Through the Ever Night" by Veronica Rossi (Harper Collins, $17.99, 352 pages, paperback). Continuing on the theme of romance-laced Grit-Lit, we move to Rossi's great series. The first book, "Under the Never Sky," was a huge hit. The second part of the trilogy, "Night," continues the fascinating mixture of fantasy, sci-fi and "dystopian elements."
(And now, a brief pause for a message: "Dystopian" means "a usually fictional society that is undesirable or frightening." Many thanks to our sponsor, the Merriam Webster online dictionary.)
"Night" is a very cool (and thankfully vampire-free) dystopian story of survival in a perilous world of the future. Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry (the heroes) continue their struggle to help the people they care about survive a world in turmoil and the dangerous storms that erupt with little warning.
"The Intercept" by Dick Wolfe (William Morrow, $26.99, 400 pages). Moving away from grit-romance, we turn to Jeremy Fisk, a rule-breaking officer in the NYPD's international intelligence-gathering agency, a group that is kind of NYC's version of the CIA. Fisk's partner, Krina Gersten, is a fourth-generation cop with the brains and guts required to keep Fisk from going too far over the line.
"Intercept" is the first novel by award-winning writer, director and producer Dick Wolfe -- the guy behind television's "Law & Order." His proven storytelling and character-development skills are all over "Intercept."
When an international terrorist incident occurs just days before the Fourth of July, Fisk and Gersten swing into action, convinced (correctly) that worse things are planned for NYC.
"Blood Money" by James Grippando (Harper, $26.99, 352 pages). Grit-Lit favorite Jack Swyteck returns in the most sensational murder trial since O.J.'s. Sydney Bennett, a sexy nightclub party girl, is accused of murdering her 2-year-old -- and immediately judged guilty by a nation of TV jurors. The trial gets complicated when a Sydney Bennett look-alike is nearly killed during a mob protest against Sydney.
As always, Grippando tells a swervy, curvy tale, with surprises and tension on every page.
Here's hoping this one turns into a movie made by the same folks who made "Jack Reacher."
Myles Knapp's Git-Lit column is published here monthly. Contact him via www.grit-lit.com.


text:
You are here
Peer Review Process
"To maintain our edge . . . we've got to protect our rigorous peer review system and ensure that we only fund proposals that promise the biggest bang for taxpayer dollars . . . that's what's going to maintain our standards of scientific excellence for years to come."Remarks by President Barack Obama on the 150th Anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences, April 29, 2013
|On This Page:
The core values of peer review drive the NIH to seek the highest level of ethical standards, and form the foundation for the laws, regulations, and policies that govern the NIH peer review process. The NIH dual peer review system is mandated by statute in accordance with section 492 of the Public Health Service Act and federal regulations governing "Scientific Peer Review of Research Grant Applications and Research and Development Contract Projects" (42 CFR Part 52h). NIH policy is intended to promote a process whereby grant applications submitted to the NIH are evaluated on the basis of a process that is fair, equitable, timely, and free of bias.
The first level of review is carried out by a Scientific Review Group (SRG) composed primarily of non-federal scientists who have expertise in relevant scientific disciplines and current research areas. The second level of review is performed by Institute and Center (IC) National Advisory Councils or Boards. Councils are composed of both scientific and public representatives chosen for their expertise, interest, or activity in matters related to health and disease. Only applications that are recommended for approval by both the SRG and the Advisory Council may be recommended for funding. Final funding decisions are made by the IC Directors.
For more information see NIH Peer Review (PDF)
Initial peer review meetings are administered by either the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) or another NIH IC. The focus of review is specified in the funding opportunity announcement (FOA). Each FOA specifies all of the review criteria and considerations that will used in the evaluation of applications submitted for that FOA; RFAs and certain Program Announcements may include additional review criteria and considerations; other types of funding opportunities (e.g., for construction or fellowship applications) may use different review criteria and considerations. Unless the FOA specifies otherwise, standard NIH review procedures will be followed, including the NIH scoring system described in NOT-OD-09-024.
Peer review meetings are announced in the Federal Register. The meetings are closed to the public, although some meetings may have an open session; the Federal Register provides the details of each meeting.
A. Peer Review Roles and Meeting Overview
Scientific Review Officer:
Each SRG is led by a Scientific Review Officer (SRO). The SRO is an extramural staff scientist and the designated federal official responsible for ensuring that each application receives an objective and fair initial peer review, and that all applicable laws, regulations, and policies are followed.
- Analyze the content of each application, and check for completeness.
- Document and manage conflicts of interest.
Recruit qualified reviewers based on scientific and technical qualifications and other considerations, including:
- Authority in their scientific field (42 CFR 52h.4)
- Dedication to high quality, fair, and objective reviews
- Ability to work collegially in a group setting
- Experience in research grant review
- Balanced representation
- Assign applications to reviewers for critique preparation and assignment of individual criterion scores.
- Attend and oversee administrative and regulatory aspects of peer review meetings.
- Prepare summary statements for all applications reviewed.
SRG Members
- Serves as moderator of the discussion of scientific and technical merit of the applications under review.
- Is also a peer reviewer for the meeting.
- Declare Conflicts of Interest with specific applications following NIH guidance; (see NOT-OD-13-010 and COI Decision Charts).
- Receive access to the grant applications approximately six weeks prior to the peer review meeting.
- Prepare a written critique (using Review Critique Templates) for each application assigned, based on review criteria and judgment of merit.
- Assign a numerical score to each scored review criterion (see Review Criteria at a Glance).
- Make recommendations concerning the scientific and technical merit of applications under review, in the form of final written comments and numerical scores.
- Make recommendations concerning protections for human subjects; inclusion of women, minorities, and children in clinical research; welfare of vertebrate animals; and other areas as applicable for the application (see guidance for reviewers on Human Subjects Protection and Inclusion, Human Embryonic Stem Cells, and Vertebrate Animals).
- Make recommendations concerning appropriateness of budget requests (see Budget Information for Reviewers).
Other NIH Staff
- Federal officials who have need-to-know or pertinent related responsibilities are permitted to attend closed review meetings.
- NIH IC or other federal staff members wishing to attend an SRG meeting must have advance approval from the responsible SRO. These individuals may provide programmatic or grants management input at the SRO's discretion.
Peer Review Meeting Procedures
- Applications are reviewed based on established review criteria (see Review Criteria at a Glance).
- Assigned reviewers summarize their prepared critiques for the group.
- An open discussion follows.
- Final scoring of overall impact scores is conducted by private ballot.
B. Peer Review Criteria and Considerations
Review Criteria for Research Grants and Cooperative Agreements
The mission of the NIH is to support science in pursuit of knowledge about the biology and behavior of living systems and to apply that knowledge to extend healthy life and reduce illness and disability. As part of this mission, applications submitted to the NIH for grants or cooperative agreements to support biomedical and behavioral research are evaluated for scientific and technical merit through the NIH peer review system.
Overall Impact. Reviewers will provide an overall impact score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the project to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the research field(s) involved, in consideration of the following review criteria, and additional review criteria (as applicable for the project proposed).
Scored Review Criteria. Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria below in the determination of scientific and technical merit, and give a separate score for each. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact. For example, a project that by its nature is not innovative may be essential to advance a field.
Significance. Does the project address an important problem or a critical barrier to progress in the field? Is there a strong scientific premise for the project? If the aims of the project are achieved, how will scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or clinical practice be improved? How will successful completion of the aims change the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?
Investigator(s). Are the PD/PIs, collaborators, and other researchers well suited to the project? If Early Stage Investigators or New Investigators, or in the early stages of independent careers, do they have appropriate experience and training? If established, have they demonstrated an ongoing record of accomplishments that have advanced their field(s)? If the project is collaborative or multi-PD/PI, do the investigators have complementary and integrated expertise; are their leadership approach, governance and organizational structure appropriate for the project?
Innovation. Does the application challenge and seek to shift current research or clinical practice paradigms by utilizing novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions? Are the concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions novel to one field of research or novel in a broad sense? Is a refinement, improvement, or new application of theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions proposed?
Approach. Are the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses well-reasoned and appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of the project? Have the investigators presented strategies to ensure a robust and unbiased approach, as appropriate for the work proposed? Are potential problems, alternative strategies, and benchmarks for success presented? If the project is in the early stages of development, will the strategy establish feasibility and will particularly risky aspects be managed? Have the investigators presented adequate plans to address relevant biological variables, such as sex, for studies in vertebrate animals or human subjects? If the project involves clinical research, are the plans for 1) protection of human subjects from research risks, and 2) inclusion of minorities and members of both sexes/genders, as well as the inclusion of children, justified in terms of the scientific goals and research strategy proposed?
Environment. Will the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Are the institutional support, equipment and other physical resources available to the investigators adequate for the project proposed? Will the project benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, subject populations, or collaborative arrangements?
Additional Review Criteria. As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will evaluate the following additional items while determining scientific and technical merit and in providing an overall impact score, but will not give separate scores for these items.
Protections for Human Subjects
Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children
Vertebrate Animals
Additional Review Considerations. As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will consider each of the following items, but will not give scores for these items and should not consider them in providing an overall impact score.
Applications from Foreign Organizations
Select Agent
Resource Sharing Plans
Authentication of Key Biological and/or Chemical Resources
Budget and Period Support
C. Scoring
The NIH utilizes a 9-point rating scale (1 = exceptional; 9 = poor) for all applications; the same scale is used for overall impact scores and for criterion scores. (NOT-OD-09-024)
Before the SRG meeting, each reviewer and discussant assigned to an application gives a separate score for each of (at least) five review criteria (i.e., Significance, Investigator(s), Innovation, Approach, and Environment for research grants and cooperative agreements; see above). For all applications the individual scores of the assigned reviewers and discussant(s) for these criteria are reported to the applicant.
In addition, each reviewer and discussant assigned to an application gives a preliminary overall impact score for that application. The preliminary scores are used to determine which applications will be discussed in full at the meeting. For each application that is discussed at the meeting, a final impact score is given by each eligible committee member (without conflicts of interest) including the assigned reviewers. Each member's score reflects his/her evaluation of the overall impact that the project is likely to have on the research field(s) involved, rather than being a calculation of the reviewer's scores for each criterion.
The final overall impact score for each discussed application is determined by calculating the mean score from all the eligible members' impact scores, and multiplying the average by 10; the final overall impact score is reported on the summary statement. Thus, the final overall impact scores range from 10 (high impact) through 90 (low impact). Numerical impact scores are not reported for applications that are not discussed (ND), which may be reported as ++ on the face page of the summary statement and typically rank in the bottom half of the applications.
Applicants just receiving their scores or summary statements, should consult our What's Next page for detailed guidance. Applicants seeking advice beyond that available online may want to contact the NIH Program Officer listed at the top of the summary statement.
An application may be designated Not Recommended for Further Consideration (NRFC) by the Scientific Review Group if it lacks significant and substantial merit; presents serious ethical problems in the protection of human subjects from research risks; or presents serious ethical problems in the use of vertebrate animals, biohazards, and/or select agents. Applications designated as NRFC do not proceed to the second level of peer review (National Advisory Council/Board) because they cannot be funded.
D. Summary Statement
Applications that are not discussed at the meeting will be given the designation "ND" as an overall impact score, but the applicant, as well as NIH staff, will see the scores from the assigned reviewers and discussants for each of the scored review criteria as additional feedback on their summary statement.
Understanding the Percentile
- A percentile is the approximate percentage of applications that received a better overall impact/priority score from the study section during the past year.
- For applications reviewed in ad hoc study sections, a different base may be used to calculate percentiles.
- All percentiles are reported as whole numbers
- Only a subset of all applications receive percentiles. The types of applications that are percentiled vary across different NIH Institutes and Centers.
- The summary statement will identify the base that was used to determine the percentile.
E. Appeals
NIH established a peer review appeal system (see NOT-OD-11-064) to provide investigators and applicant organizations the opportunity to seek reconsideration of the initial review results if, after consideration of the summary statement, they believe the review process was flawed as outlined below. This policy does not apply to appeals of the technical evaluation of R&D contract projects through the NIH peer review process, appeals of NIH funding decisions, or appeals of decisions concerning extensions of MERIT award.
An appeal is a written communication from a Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) and/or official of the applicant institution that is received after issuance of the summary statement and up to 30 calendar days after the second level of peer review, and describes a flaw in the review process for a particular application. It must display concurrence of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). An appeal letter will be accepted only if the letter 1) describes a flaw(s) or perceived flaw(s) in the review process for the application in question, 2) explains the reasons for the appeal, and 3) is based on one or more of the following issues related to the process of the initial peer review:
- Evidence of bias on the part of one or more peer reviewers
- Conflict of interest, as specified in regulation at 42 CFR 52h "Scientific Peer Review of Research Grant Applications and Research and Development Contract Projects", on the part of one or more non-federal peer reviewers
- Lack of appropriate expertise within the SRG
- Factual error(s) made by one or more reviewers that could have altered the outcome of review substantially.
Appeal letters based solely on differences of scientific opinion will not be accepted. A letter that does not meet these criteria and/or does not include the concurrence of the AOR will not be considered an appeal, but rather a grievance. The IC will handle grievances according to IC-specific procedures.
The IC cannot deny the PD/PI and/or the applicant institution the opportunity to have an appeal letter made available to Council, but the IC may determine which appeal letters warrant discussion by the Council members, and Council members may raise certain ones for discussion if they so choose. The Council may concur:
- with the appeal, and recommend that the application be re-reviewed.
- with the SRG's recommendation and deny the appeal.
The recommendation of Council concerning resolution of an appeal is final and will not be considered again by the NIH through this or another process.
Who Reviews the Application?
The Advisory Council/Board of the potential awarding IC performs the second level of review. Advisory Councils/Boards are composed of scientists from the extramural research community and public representatives ( NIH Federal Advisory Committee Information ). Members are chosen by the respective IC and are approved by the Department of Health and Human Services. For certain committees, members are appointed by the President of the United States.
Recommendation Process
- NIH program staff members examine applications, their overall impact scores, percentile rankings (if applicable) and their summary statements and consider these against the IC's needs.
- Program staff provide a grant-funding plan to the Advisory Board/Council.
- Beginning in September 2012, Council members receive a list of competing applications that will be considered for funding from PD/PIs that meet the threshold for Special Council Review. These are investigators who currently receive $1 million or more in direct costs of NIH funding to support Research Project Grants (see NOT-OD-12-140). Council members will be asked to recommend consideration of funding for applications that afford a unique opportunity to advance research which is both highly promising and distinct from the other funded projects from the PD/PI. This does not represent a cap to NIH funding.
- The Advisory Board/Council also considers the IC's goals and needs and advises the IC director.
- The IC director makes final funding decisions based on staff and Advisory Council/Board advice.
Not Funded - Next Steps?
The NIH receives thousands of applications for each application receipt round. Funding on the first attempt is difficult, but not impossible. If an application does not result in funding, there may be an opportunity to respond to the reviewers' comments and resubmit the application. Applicants just receiving their summary statements, should consult our Next Steps page for detailed guidance. Applicants seeking advice beyond that available online may want to contact the NIH Program Officer listed at the top of the summary statement.
Fundable Score - Next Steps?
Some of the ICs publish paylines as part of their funding strategies to guide applicants on their likelihood of receiving funding. Application scores can only be compared against the payline for the fiscal year when the application will be considered for funding, which is not necessarily the year when it was submitted. There may be a delay of several months to determine paylines at the beginning of fiscal years. If the application is assigned to an IC that does not announce a payline, the Program Officer listed at the top of the summary statement may be able to provide guidance on the likelihood of funding. After the Advisory Council meeting, if an application results in an award, the applicant will be working closely with the program officer of the funding Institute or Center on scientific and programmatic matters and a Grants Management Officer on budgetary or administrative issues. The Grants Management Specialist will contact the applicant to collect information needed to prepare the award.
For more details about Peer Review, visit Peer Review Policies & Practices.
Related Resources
Guides, Tips, and Tutorials: