The Three Gems of Bhutan September 18, 2014 Bhutanese culture centers around Buddhism and there are many significant cultural figures you will see depicted throughout the country. The three most important figures in Bhutan are the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche (pronounced “Goo-roo Rin-po-ch-ay”), and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (or just “Shabdrung” and pronounced “Shab-Drung”). These three are commonly portrayed together in statues and in paintings known as thangkas (pronounced “tonkas”). The Buddha is typically depicted in the center with Guru Rinpoche to his left and Shabdrung to his right. As we travel through Bhutan it will… Read More ShareTweetPin0 Shares
Fifty Years of the Wilderness Act September 3, 2014 They have names like Frank Church, Mokelumne, Mount Hood, Kalmiopsis, and Ansel Adams. They are legally designated Wilderness and part of our National Wilderness Preservation System. On September 3rd, 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a framework into law that would protect wild areas in the United States. Today is the Wilderness Act’s fiftieth birthday. We are lucky to have the Wilderness Act. National Parks in the United States and around the world have historically encouraged road building and structures that increase visitation and use. “The… Read More ShareTweetPin0 Shares
Thangtong Gyalpo and Tachog Lhakhang August 15, 2014 One of the first places we visit on our tour of Bhutan is the famous iron bridge at Tachog Lhakang. This 600 year old bridge crosses the Paro Chhu (Paro River) and was traditionally restored in 2005 after being washed away during a 1969 flood. The bridge was originally built by the legendary Tibetan architect, physician, blacksmith and civil engineer Thangtong Gyalpo who is an important figure in Bhutanese and Tibetan history. Thangtong Gyalpo, the Iron Bridge Builder While Thangtong Gyalpo is lesser-known by tourists, he… Read More ShareTweetPin0 Shares
Chetco River Saison Release Party at Base Camp Brewing May 19, 2014 We’re proud to be collaborating with our friends at KS Wild and Base Camp Brewing Co. on releasing the newest BCBC beer, the Chetco River Saison. Come join us at the release party on Thursday, June 5th for this celebratory event of wilderness conservation and brewing genius. When: Thursday, June 5th, 2014 from 6 – 9 PM Where: Base Camp Brewing Co., 930 SE Oak St, Portland, Ore. What: Happy Hour at 6 PM and short presentation at 7 PM The NWRC guides first explored the… Read More ShareTweetPin0 Shares
Self Support SUP Trip on the John Day May 6, 2014 “Self support” is a term kayakers use for overnight trips without the support of rafts. You can only bring the bare necessities, but the simplicity and freedom of these trips are rare and special. After taking a paddleboard down the Rogue River with raft support, I’ve been wanting to do a self-support trip on a SUP. At 284 miles, the John Day River (including the North Fork of the John Day) in Central Oregon is the Northwest’s longest free flowing stretch of river. The 70 mile… Read More ShareTweetPin11 Shares
Whitewater SUP 2014 April 28, 2014 Whitewater stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is gradually becoming mainstream on Class II and III rivers around the world. This winter there were some great debates in the Whitewater SUP facebook group so I asked the experts to weigh in on the hottest topics. The experts: Ian Smith – SurfSUP Adventures (Pittsburg, PA) Dan Gavere – SUP Instruction (Hood River, OR) Corran Addison – Owner of Corran Addison Paddleboards (San Clemente, CA) Taylor Robertson – Werner Paddles Athlete (Chico, CA) Tim Thornton – River Drifters (Hood River,… Read More ShareTweetPin0 Shares
The World’s 13 Best Multi-Day River Rafting Trips April 5, 2014 When river guides banter around the campfire, conversation usually turns to the biggest rapids and the best river trips in the world. Although everyone has their favorites, the list of legendary rivers is almost always the same. 1. Middle Fork of the Salmon River (Idaho) In my opinion, the “Middle Fork” is the best river trip in the world due to its 100 miles of continuous Class III and IV whitewater, clean water, great camps, world class fishing, hot springs, and abundant wildlife. It ends in… Read More ShareTweetPin1717 Shares
Fun Whitewater SUP Tricks March 19, 2014 Last spring while Dan Gavere was in Hood River he showed us the latest whitewater SUP moves and we’ve been practicing. I’m excited to share some photos and descriptions, but first I want to talk safety. 1. “SUP-ping is swimming” so you need to be a solid whitewater swimmer. Think about getting elbow pads, knee pads, and any other body armor you can find. When you fall off your board, you must keep your feet up to avoid a foot entrapments. This dangerous possibility happens when… Read More ShareTweetPin0 Shares
Personal First Aid Kits March 7, 2014 I always restock my first aid kit on the first day of each season. Since Spring is just two weeks away I recently pulled out my personal first aid list. On our multi-day expeditions and international trips we carry large first aid kits full all kinds of goodies. Something that big isn’t realistic for every day use, so here’s the first aid kit I leave in my truck and bring on day trips where we’re not too far from a road. Great organization starts with a… Read More ShareTweetPin0 Shares
10 Holiday Gifts for Rafters and Kayakers December 3, 2013 River runners (river guides, kayakers, rafters, catarafters, SUP-ers, riverboarders, etc.) always seem to have their next gear purchase and river trip in mind. With this in mind, here’s a list of suggested gifts for your friends and family who enjoy whitewater rafting and kayaking. 1. Swiftwater Rescue Training Safety first! Everyone can use more safety training and this is a great way to gift a useful experience. Sierra Rescue or the Swiftwater Safety Institute both offer quality training. Additionally, we are offering an advanced swiftwater rescue… Read More ShareTweetPin0 Shares