When I first received the email about Climbing for Kids from my boisterously optimistic friend and colleague at O.A.R.S., Tyra Swanson, a couple years ago, I was excited, but quickly filed it under the long list of things that would be great to do…someday. Even then, the prospect of training for a climb up one of North America’s tallest mountains seemed daunting in and of itself, and the challenge of fundraising more than $5000 for charity seemed virtually insurmountable.

But this year, in the face of a turbulent economy, an endless list of projects at the office, an increasingly flabby physique and limited resources for leisure travel, I decided to rethink the way my life was heading. I needed to put something on the calendar and undertake a personal challenge that would help get me back in shape physically and mentally, while restoring some balance to my life. I thought back to the email I had received from Tyra a couple years earlier and realized there was really no better way to reach my goals than by raising money for underprivileged children in the Bay Area who have never had the chance to experience the wilderness the way many of us routinely do in our own lives.

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Written by Steve Markle

O.A.R.S. Marketing & Partnerships Director

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Dear Waterblogged Readers,

Taking over a blog is like adopting a half-written book. There’s no outline for what is to come or someone to hold your pen along the way. It’s a delicate honor, one that is equally challenging as it is promising. Perhaps it’s similar to what makes adventure travel, adventurous; it’s the realization of the unknown, the fact that tomorrow will never be the same as today, and permitting that consciousness to settle into words.

Some of you may know me already, most do not; either way, I hope to bridge that gap as the months progress. Having worked at O.A.R.S. now for more than a year as the California & Oregon Adventure Consultant, I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to transition into a new role with such a fantastic adventure travel company! My employment history includes a background in publishing and environmental philanthropy, with an interest in geotourism and eco-conscious exploration.

Also transitioning into a new role at O.A.R.S. is Stacey Scott—a valued employee of several seasons and Angels Camp local. We’re confident Stacey will quickly establish herself as an even greater asset to our team and a wonderful resource for our travelers as the new California & Oregon Adventure Consultant.

Written by Lauren de Remer

O.A.R.S.' Marketing Communications Coordinator & Waterblogged Editor

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Whether I’m laughing my way through Lava Falls in the Grand Canyon or camel trekking in the Sahara desert, I love to travel. I’ve explored five continents and paddled or rowed my way through nearly 200 whitewater rafting trips, and I’ve never tired of meeting people and experiencing life through their eyes. I go hog wild researching an area before arriving at my destination—I enjoy the research almost as much as the vacation! Here are 10 tips that can assist you before booking your adventure travel vacation.

What Are You In The Mood For?

• Be honest, you’ve worked hard for this vacation. Do you want to crank up the adrenaline, relax and enjoy a river from the bow of a boat, explore desert canyons and Native American artifacts or paddle your way through misty Canadian bays in search of killer whales? Do you want to relax around a campfire and sleep under the stars or would you like to experience a hot shower and linens at the end of your day—or perhaps you’d prefer a little of each? If you are traveling with a friend, child, and/or loved one, make sure you want similar vacations to avoid unnecessary friction.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Nineteen of us in the bus en route to Denali Park’s Wonder Lake fell silent as a grizzly sow popped up over a knoll, two cubs in tow. Our bus eased to a stop as they ambled closer to the road, putting them almost within arm’s reach. The sow flopped to the ground, rolled over, allowing her cubs to crawl onto her belly. In our absolute stillness we heard their suckling sounds.

One decade later, sitting in a sleek dory, The Yampa, we rounded what had to have been bend #473 in the Colorado River, when long-time O.A.R.S. Grand Canyon guide, Bronco, stated matter-of-factly, “Keep your eye out on the cliffs on the left, about a third of the way up. Bighorn like to hang out there.” He spotted them immediately and directed our untrained eyes to the small collection of nearly invisible sheep.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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 Well Bula from Fiji!

Well we have had an exciting couple of weeks here in the Fiji Islands.  Mostly because we had our first tropical depression hit the islands.  I am not talking about a mass movement of sad people, but a cyclone. What is a cyclone?  Technically speaking they form when the energy released by the condensation of moisture in rising air causes a positive feedback loop over warm ocean waters!  What does that mean? Well big winds and lots of rain! But for a more technical explanation I am going to quote Wikipedia.  

“A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a low pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and flooding rain. A tropical cyclone feeds on heat released when moist air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapour contained in the moist air. They are fueled by a different heat mechanism than other cyclonic windstorms such as nor’easters, European windstorms, and polar lows, leading to their classification as "warm core" storm systems.”

So what does that mean on the ground? Well being my first storm I have to say it was awesome.  Jeff Hommel  (Rivers Fiji Operations Manager) and I spent the afternoon checking in on the families that help support us, i.e. guides and drivers.  Driving through blinding rain, downed trees and power lines we headed up the Coral Coast to make sure everyone was safe and not in danger.  While looking for our driver Nareesh (he was already gone to higher ground) we evacuated Fijian family from their house that was about to be blown apart. As we packed the nine of us into the Rivers Fiji Landcruiser and headed to safety we were dodging roof sheet metal flying through the air! We had to get them to a cousins cement home.  We did, they were grateful and invited us in for a bowl of grog. But better judgment said we should get home, the eye of the storm had not yet reached our part of the island.  

Written by James

O.A.R.S. California & Oregon Regional Manager

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A member of the O.A.R.S. Family of Companies, Rivers Fiji is a whitewater rafting, inflatable kayaking, multi-sport eco-outfitter based out of Pacific Harbour in the Fiji Islands. Recently honored at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards for "Best for Preservation of Cultural Heritage," Rivers Fiji was one of 35 companies singled out by the judges. In total, there were more than 2000 nominations submitted by travelers worldwide.

A prestigious honor indeed, but who is Rivers Fiji and why the recognition?

O.A.R.S. is indebted to longtime friends, Nate and Kelly Bricker, for assisting in the creation of Rivers Fiji and the Upper Navua Conservation Area. Nate and Kelly first visited Fiji as tourists in 1993. They returned in subsequent years, exploring deep into the interior of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. In 1997, Nate was working for O.A.R.S.  Having just explored the Upper Navua River, he and Kelly enthusiastically talked to O.A.R.S. founder and president, George Wendt, about their vision of offering guided trips on the Wainikoriluva (‘luva) and Upper Navua rivers.

Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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