November 4

An amazing Fall with lots of rain and projects. Completed a new fuel shelter for generator diesel tank and a complete overhaul of the main gravity lodge water system. Skied two days in the high country in late October as we had an unexpected very cold storm (30 inches of fresh)! Have also been doing a major remodel in Etna with two new baths. We had a visit from SUP experts Taylor Robertson and Dan Gavere last weekend and I was able to get out with them and paddle and begin to get a handle on this super cool new sport. The run from Otter Bar to Norheimer was thrilling not to mention stunning. Pretty fun to up the ante without having to run harder water. So we will be offering SUP classes in August this year. Rush just back from Mexico and then Banff film fest and is off for China tomorrow. Alli almost done in New Zealand and Kristy is in Europe for three weeks. Hope this finds you all well! Photo is by Dan Gavere p

Stand Up Paddling 2011

2011 is Otter Bar's 30th anniversary and we have some cool ideas on how to make a lot of people happy who have always wanted to come to OB. Stay tuned for details! In addition to deals for next year we are very excited to offer week long Stand Up Paddling clinics. Experts Taylor Robertson and Dan Gavere are convinced that the Klamath is the perfect training/play ground for this so... it' official - we have ordered boards and paddles (well, two for starters) and Rush Sturges and pop will be heading out as raw beginners to test the waters! Indeed stay tuned. p (photo by Taylor Robertson)

Sept 21 2010

Just returned from a trip to New Zealand where we visited Alli (pictured above). Kristy and I rented a wonderful flat in Auckland and hung out with Alli (doing a year abroad @ U of Auckland) and her Aussie friend, Lachie, who was brave enough to fly over to meet the parents. We had a wonderful visit with them and then rented a car and headed off to the Coromandel peninsula with Alli for a week of exploration. Sea kayaked, hiked, slept, read and generally took a break. We based in Hahei on the east coast and while we did have significant sideways rain, there were plenty of dry spells for running about. Back at OB now with lots of projects running simultaneously. A lovely bit of rain and gorgeous Fall weather here - how we love this place. This brings our love and best to our huge extended family! The OB Grand Canyon trip just ended and it sounds like we had some pretty happy clients. Thanks to Daan for all his extra effort as well as Creek for his wonderful nightly stories and the team from AZRA.

August 22-28

Our final week of the 2010 season! A great group of people to end with. You might note an almost effusive tenor in my accolades of the weekly clients but the truth is, this sport attracts super dynamic and fun people. It certainly makes our job easier. Ben and Davin showed up because they had seen Rush's movie "Dream Result" (more than once) and noticed the ad for Otter Bar at the end. Wonders never cease (take note Doug Ammons). We did have a blast with this group. Brian and Heidi made a repeat visit and while Brian might have been top gun this week, Heidi proved to herself (and to all of us) that she is far more competent at everything she does than she gives herself credit for. We love this stuff. John and Amy were a riot and one of our most beloved trios (Bill, Carrie, and Justen) made the Otter Bar scene once again. We love them and not just because they keep coming back. And Ray West's performance was notable all week, especially his almost demonic alla "jaws" attire on the day we went diving at Bloomer Falls. A fantastic time was had by all, I think and the inclusion of my ski pals (and their wives) at the end of the week made for the ultimate grand finale for the boss. The food was sublime to boot and the people we will miss the most are Tommy and Kendra who churned out culinary delights for one final fantastic week. Thank you all for being here and check out "our fans" page for photos which you can link to off our home page. p

August 15 - 21

Well, we are winding down with only one more week left. It feels good to be almost done but it has been a stellar year as far as people and water! This week was no exception. Fast learners and a super nice group of five and great weather. Loved having Mark Service back. Lauren and Noah were new on the scene and I really enjoyed taking them to Bloomers as well as Keith and Mark for some great diving on Wed afternoon. Everyone saw big fish and the only downside was that Jennifer didn't come with and took a bike ride instead. The group boated hard all week and I believe we had some radical learning curves! I have to go make margaritas for Mexican night now. Thanks for coming guys and I will post lots of photos on "our fans" page shortly.

August 8 -14

Another fantastic week. I mean - Really! We only had two people booked for this week but at the last minute Steve Fisher and Rush Sturges signed up for a beginner class. After multiple swims for these boys in Iceland and Norway they decided that "back to basics" was in order. So they joined a beginner class at Otter Bar to try and "get their rolls back". We were able to tune them up and their new found confidence will enable them to pursue the "mank" yet anther day. It's a small thing but even luminaries have hicuups once in awhile and our psyco - counselors were able to help.. We were pleased to have Andy Fields and his friend Kris Loopin, as well as a cameo from Galena Seeger and Lincoln Else all pictured above. Strong crew this week and despite the vegan diet amazingly hardy. Thanks for coming! Pictures on the fans page to follow. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=197121&id=84701887461#!/pages/Otter-Bar-Lodge/84701887461

July 25-31

Busy week with 7 adults in one class and 9 kids in another. We run these separately and it is our busiest time of year. Great flows with super clear water and the diving on Wed at Bloomer's was the best this year! We did a run on the Ike's with part of the group (photo above). Most days were still on the Salmon, though and what a treat. Lots of photos on "our fans" page and more to come today. I will do another post just with kids photos and info. Really enjoyed the "couples" this week and while Andrew and Mary-Lynne and Miguel and Rhea were often missing or late or something, I believe a stellar time was had by all. Tashi distinguished himself with exceptional reparte and insight and his mom, Debbie was a delight. While Tom dominated much of the conversation, his kayak prowess was exceptional. Thanks for coming guys!