From Our Family to Yours… Happy Thanksgiving!

November 26, 2009.

The holidays are upon us, and many of our guides are departing for far-flung destinations. Our local rivers are quiet. Our office staff is enjoying a collective deep breath after a hectic 2009 U.S. season. I was inspired to ask several folks in the O.A.R.S. office to take a few moments to appreciate and cherish what means most to them, and celebrate what they are most thankful for. Below are their answers…

George Wendt; O.A.R.S. Founder and President
I am incredibly grateful to provide a product that people appreciate, even in an economic downturn. Because our loyal travelers aren’t willing to sacrifice travel and time in the natural environment, we have managed to survive the worst economy in U.S. history. I consider myself extremely fortunate to share my passion for wild places with so many others, from families experiencing their first camping trips together to seasoned world travelers. Because of you, for 40 years my family and I have been able to seek out wild places, and share them with friends and guests, as our livelihood. May you too have much to be thankful for!

Tyler Wendt; Operations Manager
I’m thankful for my lovely wife and our home in Murphys, California. I’m grateful for the opportunity to live and work in this beautiful part of the world, surrounded by my family and a great group of friends and coworkers. And I’ll be thankful for the winter when it finally arrives and for the melting snow come spring.

Steve Markle; Marketing & Partnerships Director
I’m grateful to have a job…with a company that has mastered the recipe for providing intensely meaningful travel experiences. I appreciate that I am part of a company of caring people…who support each other and have managed to endure an economic downturn that could have just as easily sank the ship…I am grateful to all those who support my efforts to do my job well.

I’m thankful for all the opportunities for travel that have come my way and for the chance to occasionally share those travel experiences with my beautiful wife, family and friends.

I also often think just how lucky I am to live in the California Sierra, where the weather is almost always perfect, the landscape is world-class and the people are real. Oh yea, and bring on the snow!

Matt Zeugin; Information Technology Director
I am thankful for the many blessings I have received in life including my family, my friends and my job.

Carrie Aronson; Idaho and Private & Charter Trips Manager
I feel I have so much to be thankful for. This year alone I have been pretty healthy (minus a burst appendix). I purchased a home near the O.A.R.S. headquarters, and my husband and I spent many weekends planting additional trees. I shared 18 days in the incredible Grand Canyon with my wonderful husband, who happens to be an O.A.R.S. guide. Also on that trip were two very dear friends from Australia and an amazing group of O.A.R.S. guests. I continue to enjoy many friendships, and though my friends are scattered throughout the country and overseas, we maintain our friendships and unconditional support of one another. I will be leaving soon to spend a couple of weeks with my beloved Dad in Australia over the holiday season. On top of everything else, I have a great job with an awesome company! My cup runneth over… I am a fortunate person and have much to be thankful for indeed.

Lauren deRemer; California Adventure Consultant
I am thankful for our national parks, and after an unforgettable journey in the Grand Canyon just a short while ago, I am indeed grateful for FUDs. This past year brought me to the Sierra Nevada Foothills to work for an amazing family-owned company – O.A.R.S. Management and co-workers have taken me under their wing, placed their trust in me and have allowed me room to learn, grow and experience the many natural resources located so close to home.

Mikey Wier; O.A.R.S. Special Projects Videographer, World-Class Fly-Fisherman & Snowboarder, Patagonia Ambassador
It almost goes without saying that I am thankful for my family and friends who continue to support me with unconditional faith. I know how fortunate I am to live in California, with year ‘round superb weather, beautiful rivers in which to fish, to raft, to hike their banks, and to listen to their soothing sounds.

What are you thankful for?