Sunday, August 4, 2013

July 28 - Aug 3

Temps cooled this week and azure blue skies returned on Wed as they managed to get the Orleans fire contained. Our late summer season was shaping up quite nicely with additional bookings coming in and minimal smoke from the Oregon fires. This was not to be as on that same Wed evening some arsonists lit multiple fires along the Salmon River roadway and, at present, we are in a smoke and fire filled war zone with the Salmon River road closed. This week's group was amazing for their kindness and understanding and, in fact, there was a ton of learning that went on despite the fact that the road closed on Thurs and we couldn't get to the Klamath. Matt, Bob, Lynn, David and Gus cheerfully put up with the late week crisis and for this we are hugely thankful. Scott Harding and Peter Kettering did a great job keeping things moving. Therese and Bri kept the killer food coming and Kristy took over all the Lodge jobs as no other staff could get here. We are so thankful for all who came this season.  p

Friday, August 2, 2013

July 21 - 27 2013

Certainly one of otter Bar's most successful weeks ever! We had a full adult class as well as a full kid's week which ran simultaneously. Lots of vehicles, shuttles and details but all went according to plan. Very enjoyable group with a wide range of skills and true passion for the sport. It was, however, very hot but this didn't seem to slow down the group at all. Good thing kayaking is such a wet sport. Great seeing Bruce Van Nice again and the Team of Nathan and Sarah Norris was a pleasure to have around. Lots of new people this week. Alex Muck brought her dad, Steve and brother Max along and I believe they pegged the fun meter! Great seeing Eric Weiss and his wife Amy (thanks for all the medical tips) and our resident biologists Paul and Sherry Barrett kept us laughing and tuned to the natural world. We also enjoyed Rachel and Jared Adams who brought a pack of kids to kids camp and I believe we owe a huge thanks to grandpa Phil Harlan for his generosity. Bob Pender and his beautiful daughter Victoria were a lovely addition and I was fascinated with his life story - sorry we didn't talk more. Regan Moore and Lynne Bruno were both delightful to have around and were a positive influence. I loved this week despite the fact that it was a major handful because the group had such a blast together. Thank you all for coming!!  p