Kayaking - Channel Islands

September 2006

California's Channel Islands, located just off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura, are a National Park dream-come-true for sea kayakers. The crystal clear Pacific channel waters, many mysterious and eerie sea caves, breathtaking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and mild weather combine to lure expert kayakers and novices alike to explore their natural wonders. Hundreds of sea caves can be explored along Santa Cruz and Anacapa islands, the two most popular destinations for sea kayakers in the Channel Islands, sometimes described as America's Galapagos. We boarded the shuttle boat for an hour ride to Santa Cruz Island. We camped at Scorpion Ranch and spent 3 days paddling and exploring the island.

Mountain Biking - Hiawatha Trail

May 2010

Over Memorial weekend Bruce, Dave, Steve and Myself rode the Hiawatha Trail. This Hiawatha Trail has been called one of the most breathtaking scenic stretches of railroad in the country and is the "crown jewel" of rail-to-trail mountain bicycle trails. Winding through 10 tunnels and 7 high trestles, this 15-mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana. The Route of the Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark St. Paul Pass, or Taft Tunnel, which burrows for 1.66 miles under the Idaho/Montana state line.