Halibut’s just the excuse, by Audrey Gilpin
August 30, 2008
Seward, Alaska – This season marks my second summer living in Denali. Not having a vehicle last summer made leaving the Interior quite difficult. Imagine my excitement as we planned a three day fishing trip to Seward. I am fairly green when it comes to fishing, but catching halibut in open Alaskan water sounded like a great place to start. Read more
The impassable river
August 29, 2008
Click on the image to watch a slideshow
Middle Fork Salmon River, Idaho – Unlike any other adventure, a river trip is a journey that reveals the depths of history of a place and in the process makes you feel small by comparison. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Northwestern Idaho is a river incomparable and creates a connection that no other journey can. Read more
Athletes’ efforts are paying off
August 17, 2008
Denali Park, Alaska – By bringing together a community of people to celebrate our common love for the outdoors, the Athletes With a Cause charity program has been able make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
This year’s 32nd Annual Nenana River Festival brought together whitewater kayakers from all over the state of Alaska and in the process raised over $1700 for our charity efforts. We have now raised enough money to purchase ski equipment for people without the use of their legs and are well on our way towards our goal of sending 15-underprivileged children to ski camp this winter. Read more
Blueberries in August
August 17, 2008
Broad Pass, Alaska – Fall in Alaska is about as good as it gets. The colors start to change, the animals are on the move preparing for the cold winter, and Silver salmon fill the rivers to keep their life-cycle uninterrupted. I don’t know of any other place where you can wander down to your favorite fishing hole, catch some salmon and then on your way home stop and pick fresh blueberries to cook it with. Read more
Bujagali Dam moving forward, by Jason Kane of NPR
August 16, 2008
Click on the photo to watch a slideshow of the White Nile.
Bujagali Falls, Uganda – In the East African nation of Uganda, where 95 percent of the people live without electricity, a $750 million hydropower project has been approved by the government.
While it promises to turn lights on in a handful of homes and businesses throughout the country, critics say the project will destroy cultural sites that are home to ancestral spirits, wreak environmental havoc and kill one of the best white-water rafting spots in the world.
Click here to read the rest of this report from Jason Kane of NPR: Eastern Uganda Grapples With Power Plant Project, or read my initial story on kayaking the Nile River and the impact of the dam: Searching an African Pearl for Alternatives.
Hiking to the headwaters
August 13, 2008
Carlo Creek, Alaska – With Denali National Park as the center-piece for recreation in the Interior of Alaska, it’s easy to overlook great outdoor adventures that don’t fall within the park’s boundaries. However, hiking to the headwaters of Carlo Creek is one trip that shouldn’t be passed up, especially for those looking to avoid the business of the park or who want to take their dogs along. Read more
Killik River video
August 11, 2008
Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska – Click on the image to watch a video about Ben Johnson’s journey down the Killik River, or click here for the full story: The River to Recovery.
Annual Nenana festival brings kayakers together for Alaska’s wild waters, by Kris Capps
August 10, 2008
Click on the photo to view the Nenana River Festival slideshow
DENALI — Dads chased their sons down the Nenana River on Saturday during the 32nd Annual Nenana River Wildwater Festival, but they never caught them. This annual gathering has always been a great excuse for paddlers to get with other river runners from around the state and enjoy paddling.
Click here to read the full story from Kris Capps in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
Nenana River Festival Results
August 10, 2008
Denali Park, Alaska – The 32nd Annual Nenana River Festival was a great success yesterday. We had great weather, a great turnout, and most importantly, a lot of fun. In addition, we raised over $1500 for the charity, which everyone involved deserve a big thank you for.
Downriver Race Top 3: 1. Paul Schauer: 19:06; 2. Jeff Shelton: 19:46; 3. Jules Domine: 19:59.
Freestyle Rodeo Top 3: 1. Jules Domine; 1. Jeff Shelton; 3. Karl Schauer.
Click on the title for the complete results.
Reeling in the Sockeye
August 9, 2008
Chulitna River, Alaska – As if floating below Denali, catching a bunch of Kings and enjoying great sunshine over the Fourth of July weekend wasn’t enough, this past week the Chulitna River again proved itself as one of the best road to road river trips in the state. Though Denali never came out from behind the clouds, catching a ton of acrobatic Sockeye salmon and seeing a few bears kept us plenty happy. Read more
