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 […]
Tag: paddling
One Year After: Team River Runner in Grand Canyon
One year ago today I set out on a 12-day Team River Runner kayak trip on the mighty Colorado River through 226 miles of Grand Canyon. I had a feeling it would be special but I didn’t know at the time how profoundly this remarkable journey through the canyon would […]
My Version of Tuesday “Golf League”
Some people like to golf, and that’s okay. But instead of joining a golf league, here’s how our informal group of whitewater kayakers (numbering anywhere from 4 to 14) enjoys spending every Tuesday evening at our local whitewater venue, the Red River near Gresham, WI, flowing tonight at about 400 […]
First-time paddlers try whitewater
Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers’ (NEWP) annual student whitewater outing on the Red River took place this past Saturday. Each year this event gives students from NEWP-led kayaking classes in Appleton, Green Bay and Fond Du Lac the opportunity to practice skills they learned during indoor pool classes. For some it was […]
Kayak to Split Rock
Photos and data from today’s paddle on Lake Superior from Twin Points Public Access to historic Split Rock Lighthouse. Water: 35°F, air: 43°F. Sunny and calm. 7.85 miles round trip. A beautiful afternoon on a Great Lake.
Paddling on the Big Screen
Each year the World Tour Paddling Film Festival screens in more than 120 cities around the world, so my paddle club thought we should bring it to Wisconsin this year. Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers (NEWP) hosted the Paddling Film Festival this past Friday evening, March 22 at Lawrence University in Appleton, […]
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 […]
Video Chat with Steve Baskis
Steve Baskis has a video podcast called Baskis360. Here’s a recording from last week as Steve chats with his four-person team about our recent trip down the Grand Canyon with the Team River Runner “Vision Team”. Eric, Mike and I were Steve’s eyes on the water and in this podcast […]
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 […]