Team River Runner – Apostle Islands 2019

It was my third year to organize and lead our Team River Runner kayak camping trip in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Sept. 14-19, 2019. This year 12 participants, (including eight military veterans with disabilities) enjoyed spectacular weather, paddling, camping and hiking in this kayakers’ paradise. For some it was […]

SRO for Steve Baskis at Canoecopia 2019

Here’s a video of the Steve Baskis presentation on Saturday at Canoecopia 2019, the world’s largest paddle sports expo. We had a good crowd Friday evening too, but the next day it was standing room only to hear Steve’s inspiring story about his life and the Grand Canyon kayak expedition […]

Grand Canyon — Day 12: Homeward Bound

Wednesday, September 12 Last night I was up as late as I ever have been on this trip — until 9:30! It was our final night on the river so everyone was in a joyous mood, which raised our music-making and revelry to a new level. Despite the jollification, I’m […]

Grand Canyon — Day 11: A Sense of Accomplishment

Tuesday, September 11 Today is one of our longest days on the Colorado River — 29.5 miles of mostly flat water — giving us time to talk, laugh and think about how much we’re going to miss this Grand Canyon experience. During this hot, slow section some paddlers choose to […]

Grand Canyon — Day 10: Lava Falls

Monday, September 10 This morning the mood is different. There’s the usual friendly banter over coffee and breakfast. But as we pack the rafts and kayaks the tone is quieter, more subdued. Each of us is thinking about the giant rapid waiting for us. Before we launch from our campsite […]

Grand Canyon – Day 7: Bedrock and Deer Creek

Friday, September 7 Our Team River Runner group guiding five blind kayakers through the Grand Canyon paddles 18 miles from mile 119.5 to 137.5. It’s another hot day — 96⁰F — but the water is cold. Flowing from the bottom of Glen Canyon Dam at 52⁰F, the water is said […]

Grand Canyon – Day 6: Crystal and Other Gems

Thursday, September 6 Our sixth day in the Canyon. Last night our camp was at mile 96.5. This morning we’re up at 5:30 a.m. anticipating another day of big rapids, including a series known as “the Gems” because they’re named after precious stones. The rapid we’re most concerned about today […]

Grand Canyon – Day 5: “Tell Me Why It’s Beautiful”

Sept. 4, 2018. Tonight as our fourth day on the Colorado River comes to an end, we camp at Vishnu Creek just above Grapevine Rapid. It rains again this evening as we’re setting up tents, so afterwards we huddle together in a small rain-free spot formed by the overhanging canyon […]