Grizzly Story in Alaska

by Erik Olsen on


Hold on to your seats when you

read this one. The LA Times has an intense story about a couple rafting in Alaska who encounter the fury of a
charging grizzly bear. Not for the feint of heart, this story will make you reconsider your next trip to our largest,
wildest state.

The couple, Kalin Grigg and Jennifer Stark, start out psyched about their trip. All is quiet and peaceful as they draw
easy strokes while on a rafting trip through Alaska’s Arctic
wildlife refuge. But then they spot a blond grizzly not far off. Thankfully, they are downwind and believe they are
safe. But then the bear spots them and comes after them. They have a gun, but they have to cross the bear in the river
with just two feet of water beneath them. Easily enough for the bear to attack. The narrative here is fast-paced and
riveting. The two make it out OK, but others are not so lucky. This is the kind of story that makes you ponder how you
would react in a similar situation. Gnarly.

Pool Kayaking Lessons

by Adrienne Wilson on


Pool kayaking lessons may come off a little ‘lame’ and ‘un cool’ to some, but this program built out

of Raleigh, N.C. was specifically built for seasoned paddlers looking to perfect their roll
and for others just looking to test the sport out. (Personally pool kayaking is awesome even if you are pro kayaker.
Great for parties!) As formal instruction is not provided, the event held every Friday Night from November to
March at the Optimist Pool in North Raleigh does turn into a small social event, but serious paddlers are
encouraged to meet other paddlers in the area and swap tips. You’ll also want to bring your own equipment or you
can rent theirs for a small fee.

In addition to pool kayaking there are several other lessons provided at the pool including some one-on-one
instruction, kayaking basics, and river kayaking courses.

Spring Creek Ranch

by Erik Olsen on

Getaway idea: Spring Creek Ranch is a
year-round luxury resort that sits some 1.000 feet above Jackson Hole, Wyoming, one of the most beautiful
towns in the country. There are heart-stopping views of the Tetons right
from the lodge, where you can stand, white wine in hand, and gape at the 13,700 foot Grand Teton towering nearby.
Also nearby the ranch are scads of active, outdoor things to do (this is Jackson, after all). 

Take your mountain-bike on the 15-mile River Road, which runs along the Snake River in
Grand Teton National Park. Or strip down and hop into the Snake, which will
cool you down and also offers some great fishing and rafting. Spring Creek has 126 guest rooms or condos, and a
well-known restaurant called the Granary that serves up enough varieties of local meats and games to satisfy even the
most picky carnivore. It ain’t cheap, doubles run from $310, including breakfast, but this is one way to see
Jackson if you want to spurge a bit.

Hiking the Lost Coast and More

by Erik Olsen on

There are very few areas left along the California Coast that are more or less undisturbed by development. But one
of them, a 25 mile stretch North of San Fransisco called the Lost
Coast, is one of the most beautiful places in the state. I hiked it with some friends a few years ago, and found it
immensely fun…but at times it is grueling. You have to walk along a slanted beach for long sections of the hike and the
effort wreaks havok on your ankles. So bring some good boots.

Those interested in the Lost Coast will find this piece on
GORP worth checking out. And
Backpacker Magazine runs a piece on
several excellent places in California to find solitude and outdoor adventure whether you want to travel on foot or by
bike. They cover the Lost Coast and also Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where the mountain biking is said to be superb.
And finally, they mention Stone Lagoon, where paddlers can drop a boat in, and experience the coast from off
shore.

Gadling Family: Paddling With Kids

by Erik Olsen on

Tom Bol had the perfect life. He moved about like an outdoorsy hobo doing odd jobs from Alaska to Mexico, no
mortgage, cheap food, an easy life of outdoor splendor. He never thought he’d be married, let alone have kids.

Oh, how the best laid plans of mice and men oft go awry.

Now Tom has a boy, Skyler, and all of life is dominated by the Sky factor.  But having a kid did not stop Tom
from enjoying an outdoor life. Oh no. And as he writes in this story
about tackling a river trip with his family in tow, things can be more complicated, but not necessarily less fun.

The Bol family headed out from Moab, Utah and then to
Mineral Bottom, where the trip would begin.
Then, after five days of paddling, they’d find themselves at the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. The
rapids were small, but the floating life was easy. A blissful retreat from the day-to-day suburban drudgery. If you’re
in serious need of some outdoor bliss and are worried about having the kids in tow, give Tom’s article a read. It might
help make the whole idea seem a bit more possible.