tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31516000549356087772024-03-05T02:49:46.100-08:00Shenandoah BreezeThe current and upcoming events offered by Shenandoah Mountain Guides. Scroll to the bottom of the page to view an up-to-date annual (and beyond!) calendar.andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-43210267410149469392015-03-05T09:09:00.000-08:002016-03-03T17:42:29.022-08:00What's up next?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">201<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6</span></span></b></span><b> .... </b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Starting off with a</span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> BANG!</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The 201<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6</span> season is well underway with reservations for great adventures</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. <span style="font-size: small;">Even though we have bookings all the way thru October, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">there are still lots of dates and adventures to choose from. To speak to someone in the office about any of our offerings</span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">,</span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> group, family or private, call the office,</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> call </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">866. 455.8672</span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> or mobile</span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 301.667.3560 </span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-weight: bold;">COME OUT AND LEARN AND PLAY! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;">If there
is something you want to do or learn, </span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic;"> you are the one who decides the date!!! CONTACT US with the dates YOU want... we'll do our best to make them work!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">These activities are great corporate team programs and challenges!</span></span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rappelling into a fantastic pool</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"> <span style="font-family: "arial";">The 2016 <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Cascading</b></span> season</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"> is going to be one for the books!! </span>Maybe
the most fun you can have in the outdoors... seriously! Guests
come, (and are coming) from all over the world... literally! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Knots and Anchor Construction</span><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"> classes</span> - learn the techniques that will </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">a</span><span style="font-family: "arial";">ll</span><span style="font-family: "arial";">o</span><span style="font-family: "arial";">w you to climb, safely and guide-free!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Guided Rock Climbing</b></span><b> </b>... </span>In Shenandoah National Park, most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, May thru September, by appointment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Basic Fieldcraft and Outdoor Skills</span></span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(for the average person)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span>We teach <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fieldcraft</span>
from backpacking to </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backcountry navigation </td></tr>
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navigation to survival to </span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial";">mountain rescue skills</span> ..Wilderness Skills.
This class is a logical extension of what we do.. and incredibly
valuable for any and all who may find </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">themselves
working or recreating in an outdoor setting<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Classes are being offered by request. </span><span style="font-style: italic;">(Contact</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"> the office for details. 301.667.3560)</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Destination Trips/Hiking</span>- available every <span style="font-weight: bold;">day</span> by reservation... stunning waterfalls and remote mountain tops! </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">See why Southern Living says we're the best!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Multiple Day Backpacking </b></span>trips for groups of 2 or more. Travel to, and camp in some of the most stunning, spectacular sites in the mid Atlantic mountains! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Of course, <span style="font-weight: bold;">ANY</span> day you have free, there are great guided adventures to be had! Call us!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Towards the end of the 2014 season, we were pleased to host and guide the team from the CW Network's <b>"Rock the Park"</b> TV show, featuring climbing and other adventures in Shenandoah National Park.. watch for it on your local CW Network station! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>Well it's happened again! We, </b>(Shenandoah Mountain
Guides)<b> were selected as one of the top six guides for guided,
mountain adventures in the Southern Appalachians! </b>(The first time was
in Southern Living Magazine..) by Blue Ridge Outdoors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b><i style="color: #0b5394;">We keep an "almost daily" presence on our Shenandoah Mountain Guides Facebook
page. "Like" us.. it is much more up to date than our blog. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">Our staff is always available to assist you on any and all of your Blue Ridge adventures and adventure planning..</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;"> for more information on any of our activities, see our <a href="http://www.teamlinkinc.com/">website,</a> call us (tf) 866.455.8672 or e-mail us at: adventure@teamlinkinc.com</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000099; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">If you're thinking about a </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">weekend</span><span style="font-family: "arial";">
program for your family or group, you need to let us know
sooner rather than later..midweek dates are usually much more
available.. however a 2-week advance registration is still
recommended. </span></span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 85%;"> Check the calendar at the bottom of the page for a complete listing of "open registration" opportunities.</span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 85%;"> 2015 registrations, thru winter, are already well underway!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">* * *</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;">We are proud to have been selected by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Southern Living</span> as <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Best in the South</span> for our summer cascading, and waterfall programs! See the link <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-east/shenandoah-national-park-00417000070750/">here</a>! </span><br />* * *<br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/184454">This</a> is a very interesting read..</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">"Reme</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">mber
what Bilbo used to say: It's a dangerous business, Frodo,
going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't
keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept
off to." </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;">(J.R.R. Tolkien)</span>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-1623143295445638452013-02-08T07:10:00.000-08:002013-02-08T07:15:52.606-08:00Knowledge, with Skill, is Power<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One clear, summer night a few years back, I asked a group of teenaged Scouts how they would navigate without a compass... "Use the Sun", one said. Another responded, "Use the North Star".. Both were valid, well-rehearsed answers. I smiled, hoping my doubts were going to be proven wrong. My follow up questions were "Tell me how" and "Show me how". Unfortunately at that, I was met with blank, slack jawed stares. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Kinder and gentler".. oh how I remember those thoughts and words from the early 1990s. For social issues, and in raising children and dealing with our neighbors.. and others.. there are few words of advice that are more timely. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The problem is that somehow people have started to think that the wider natural world is a "kinder and gentler " place. Nothing could be much further from the truth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At Teamlink/Shenandoah Mountain Guides, we work with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, colleges and universities, as well as with the broader worldwide public, and somehow, it seems, those who are the "deciders" have decided that it may <b>not</b> be as necessary today as it was 10, 15, 20 or 100 years ago, to go into the outdoors armed with solid knowledge and proven outdoor skills, prepared to handle any situation that may come your way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Too many magazine articles have espoused that "with the right gear" you can do and survive anything. And besides, if anything does go wrong your SPOT/EPIRB/cell phone is always within reach... you can call on someone who DOES have the skills to come and "save " you. Too many folks have grown into adulthood thinking that safety and comfort in the outdoors natural world is a right... not something that has to be, not earned.. but rather, LEARNED. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Reading about outdoor adventure is enjoyable, but actually knowing HOW is a different thing altogether. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(I can read about brain surgery and rocket science... does that prepare me to actually do brain surgery or build a rocket??.. heck no.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's not that outdoor adventure skills are hard, they just take time and focus, to
master. Our immediate gratification society is increasingly willing to
dispense with mastery of outdoor skills in exchange for rolling the
dice... will we, or will we not need assistance...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Am I the only one who would find it hugely embarrassing to have to be "rescued" for simply not being prepared?? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At SMG, we <b>LEAD</b> trips into mountain wilderness areas all the time. We <b>SERVE</b> as Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers in those same mountains. We <b>TEACH</b> technical high angle rescue to professional mountain rescue teams.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We <b>KNOW</b> the sorts of things that can go wrong, and we know how to teach folks to be prepared and how to avoid getting into bad situations in the first place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, take the time to learn to get more enjoyment from the outdoors! <b>LEARN</b> to be more fully self reliant! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How cool would it be to know a bunch of KNOTS? (each of which having a unique function). .. or how to navigate without a compass? (and not get lost).. or something as simple as how to dress and prepare for a long hike (without buying a bunch of shiny new gear whose function is questionable)? The answer is <b>really </b>cool!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Or just maybe you want to be in the position of knowing exactly what to do (and how to do it) when things beyond your control, go really, really wrong. (THAT could be as cool as saving a life!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Call us today.. 866.455.8672. Our Spring and Summer classes are open for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> (as the Suunto Compass ad goes: "Replacing Luck")</span></div>
andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-14116790422641855882012-06-12T14:34:00.001-07:002012-06-13T06:39:43.509-07:00One-up, Suffer-festsRainy days in this business are dangerous. Not because of the water or mud, but because of the imposed relative inactivity. <br />
I suppose a little explanation is in order.. The nature of this job inherently requires a pretty high level of strength and stamina .. and energy...without it you don't last very long, much less, enjoy it.<br />
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Since long before Teamlink was even dreamed of..(much less Shenandoah Mountain Guides) we were participants in very long running challenges, swimming challenges (across the Chesapeake Bay) orienteering, triathlons and even summer biathlon (another name for running up and down mountains, really fast, and then trying to calm your heart rate enough to shoot straight ... ) So it was not an accident that the staff has developed into a culture of competition founded in personal suffering.<br />
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Actually, it was more of an evolutionary act... seeing who could endure the most, let's just call it self-induced, willfully engaged, mindless pain, without really training for it.. just letting our work be our conditioning medium.<br />
Long days in the mountains and on the rivers really DO count for something besides a great job and an ok tan..<br />
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Our location does not hurt... within minutes of long trails and rivers, with 4 states within 15 miles in 3 directions .. our location actually taunts us to do stupid endurance stunts.<br />
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When this all first started becoming a recognized corporate malady was with the 4-State... ("popular" with AT thru-hikers, the goal is to start in VA or PA (depending whether you are north or southbound) and cross the full span of WV and MD on the Appalachian Trail, ending in either PA or VA. A total of about 45 miles, to be accomplished in 24 hours)<br />
It is a pretty brainless way to spend a summer day... At the end of the day, you KNOW you've been hiking/running.<br />
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That was a great and worthy pursuit with almost all staff having completed this major "qual."<br />
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And then it was the 4-state plus.. Complete the traditional 4-state, but then hop on a bicycle and ride on the C&O Canal into the District of Columbia, 60+ miles distant.(The first attempt, by Chad, almost ended in disaster as it was a subzero day... and, well, you need to read his narrative in his <a href="http://shenandoahmountainguides.blogspot.com/">Shenandoah Mountain Guides</a> blog. Ultimately he met with success earlier this spring completing the feat in about 14 hours..<br />
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There have been many discussions of worthy "one-ups"- because simply matching a feat no longer counts for much: long-distance, 24-hour paddling trips (to include both rivers and the Chesapeake) long, painful swims, and extreme runs... i.e. the AT in Shenandoah National Park 106 miles, the "Old Rag Marathon +"<br />
(The Old Rag Marathon, 3 complete circuit runs on Old Rag is a relatively minor feat, having been done several times, even by our summer staff)<br />
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So with the solstice upon us and a rainy day at hand (meaning favorable water levels), The GRAND CIRCUIT began taking shape... (quick, someone talk me down!)<br />
-Starting at PenMar park, located appropriately on the state line between PA and MD.. bike west approx 20 miles to where Antietam Creek becomes navigable...<br />
-Paddle 38 miles south to the Potomac River and C&O Canal..<br />
- Bike 15 miles SE, on the C& O Canal past Harpers Ferry to the junction with the AT. (tag VA along the way)<br />
- Hike, run, stumble, crawl, north about 41 miles to PenMar park... all in 24 hours.<br />
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I can feel the pain already..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn0cBX8xWd4vAcVP7QfDiXdVLfwIOLh1sbhUN_OGgjf7Jty7a5mnlqNKzDgDHN9QdSLcXrCrq4AQoF0ggkIJUr8frBaQIw2oj3Qe2oFQeQisA4Q_QYLOgIcIDhwHLIaCDb3eCO9KC39M/s1600/JUNE2010+158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn0cBX8xWd4vAcVP7QfDiXdVLfwIOLh1sbhUN_OGgjf7Jty7a5mnlqNKzDgDHN9QdSLcXrCrq4AQoF0ggkIJUr8frBaQIw2oj3Qe2oFQeQisA4Q_QYLOgIcIDhwHLIaCDb3eCO9KC39M/s400/JUNE2010+158.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking thru the night has it's own pleasures!</td></tr>
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Stay tuned...andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-51902351234926016162012-05-22T18:53:00.001-07:002012-05-22T18:53:28.218-07:00Late Spring 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjSyXZ-W0_PvTJVao3xwho6lg9INQ4M_MC_IaHPDeJBnnn1OTkWm_UX0SFj4a6-CH2tyZYCltNUjywl4ypiW43MmUsHSPiPe_zfKowz605EAsFKmgLflUxOzaxqCRFEZI5IfnqRbDntI/s1600/april2012+094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjSyXZ-W0_PvTJVao3xwho6lg9INQ4M_MC_IaHPDeJBnnn1OTkWm_UX0SFj4a6-CH2tyZYCltNUjywl4ypiW43MmUsHSPiPe_zfKowz605EAsFKmgLflUxOzaxqCRFEZI5IfnqRbDntI/s400/april2012+094.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So, just like that life has sped from late winter to early summer... My opportunity to keep updated on this blog has been painfully limited..Work with Teamlink has kept me traveling from place to place, working with all sorts of clientele , and our own work here with Shenandoah Mountain Guides has kept us hopping, laying the groundwork for good opportunities to come! <br />
In March, we were in Boston meeting with the Appalachian Mountain Club.. developing some really great outdoor leadership training for college and university outing clubs throughout the East.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFykLpA66AP8E3C86pv7I2jgsSnh2yvNUCuEAqFZdI_QNHufrwQQq1JaNKV3t_iLO2hNJfqpYWqdW2dQVNMYXMIAwM5pYSnk3kvQ2bhb6phGg65CYxozuL1qdZ-Vr0pct5svOslV25F-4/s1600/april2012+064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFykLpA66AP8E3C86pv7I2jgsSnh2yvNUCuEAqFZdI_QNHufrwQQq1JaNKV3t_iLO2hNJfqpYWqdW2dQVNMYXMIAwM5pYSnk3kvQ2bhb6phGg65CYxozuL1qdZ-Vr0pct5svOslV25F-4/s320/april2012+064.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZuZGhPZJ5XwrJtZGUCyQxHkreKvYyNnXt3OHSUvj9idxK44o6NPJVCrRC2dFmYfG7BA7CSMNXxAve4mRbaQmP0ZQGllDMAJCGJ9ZBmIyg3XNeUlcR6Lbnh6g40I3aTr6Mm-NUUwlnjI/s1600/april2012+114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xghxoXfm8cwNrvSG51ni4k7Mwblnw4hBCaICs5KD3cQqugItmbcvUKUac9ghqufFVXBs-T1jQrk7FJ_xC46jO74ZDXbB76yqOw2wZ6d0YTKwWpGHJZCks_O-oxHEsACnDCnUX5hTibs/s1600/may2012+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>In April, we were in the Delaware Water Gap region of PA and NJ (beautiful) helping to teach the Basic Technical Rescue class for the National Park Service, May found us on the rivers and in the mountains of VA, WV and MD finishing up our college classes in whitewater paddling, backpacking and rock climbing ... and throughout, thanks to our mild weather, we hosted guests from around the world in their mountain, river and rock adventures!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZuZGhPZJ5XwrJtZGUCyQxHkreKvYyNnXt3OHSUvj9idxK44o6NPJVCrRC2dFmYfG7BA7CSMNXxAve4mRbaQmP0ZQGllDMAJCGJ9ZBmIyg3XNeUlcR6Lbnh6g40I3aTr6Mm-NUUwlnjI/s1600/april2012+114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZuZGhPZJ5XwrJtZGUCyQxHkreKvYyNnXt3OHSUvj9idxK44o6NPJVCrRC2dFmYfG7BA7CSMNXxAve4mRbaQmP0ZQGllDMAJCGJ9ZBmIyg3XNeUlcR6Lbnh6g40I3aTr6Mm-NUUwlnjI/s320/april2012+114.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfoTNaBCJqxZczsK804S1C4NdRwhUk3CoF_05w3R1jq9izqS9v1NYGmCsVS09fNEptFcSCknc8O2yrktEKTQgFJtyAO4tnU0TLKPerjimKawUh4-pzqvGR2Zcbbr5ixSNK5Pi2GkCOlk/s1600/april2012+010.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfoTNaBCJqxZczsK804S1C4NdRwhUk3CoF_05w3R1jq9izqS9v1NYGmCsVS09fNEptFcSCknc8O2yrktEKTQgFJtyAO4tnU0TLKPerjimKawUh4-pzqvGR2Zcbbr5ixSNK5Pi2GkCOlk/s320/april2012+010.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xghxoXfm8cwNrvSG51ni4k7Mwblnw4hBCaICs5KD3cQqugItmbcvUKUac9ghqufFVXBs-T1jQrk7FJ_xC46jO74ZDXbB76yqOw2wZ6d0YTKwWpGHJZCks_O-oxHEsACnDCnUX5hTibs/s1600/may2012+052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xghxoXfm8cwNrvSG51ni4k7Mwblnw4hBCaICs5KD3cQqugItmbcvUKUac9ghqufFVXBs-T1jQrk7FJ_xC46jO74ZDXbB76yqOw2wZ6d0YTKwWpGHJZCks_O-oxHEsACnDCnUX5hTibs/s320/may2012+052.jpg" width="320" /></a>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-64301316173532315922011-11-11T19:27:00.000-08:002011-11-12T15:19:50.415-08:00The way home...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVquKvyOjSqtSJTbjI2mrG-0JEe90ollpu1D63Y-jApQYdZ7GbnVjFnWjuwPVsjRWA0OLAjjXmM_4BMBhhiFfWsNAhxrOl5SIC83WLb8FrCKS06GDPxOXJ-MgDLyRR_t92J7ViSQkYy-Y/s1600/november2011+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVquKvyOjSqtSJTbjI2mrG-0JEe90ollpu1D63Y-jApQYdZ7GbnVjFnWjuwPVsjRWA0OLAjjXmM_4BMBhhiFfWsNAhxrOl5SIC83WLb8FrCKS06GDPxOXJ-MgDLyRR_t92J7ViSQkYy-Y/s400/november2011+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674093825349955010" border="0" /></a><br />My father dropped out of high school, at age 17, to join the Navy so he could fight the war in the Pacific... as a young signalman, on board a 100ft long amphibious landing craft he saw some of the most intense battles in history... and never once spoke of them.. Yes, he spoke of typhoons with massive waves, the beauty of the mountains of the Philippines and of the antics that only an 18 yr old with a "they-were-expendable" attitude can have on liberty...<br />But of war.. he never spoke.<br />Eventually, he went to college and moved into the Blue Ridge mountains, a place of immense, yet simple beauty. And that is where he and my mother established our home.<br /><br />Had I ever considered to thank him on Veterans Day, as seems to be the fashion today, I'm pretty sure it would have made him uncomfortable.. It's just what he and the other members of the Greatest Generation did... they sacrificed their youth, willingly and gladly even, for nothing less than world freedom... How can you EVER thank someone enough for that???<br /><br />My brothers and I (and our brother-in-law) are all veterans... in fact, between the four of us, we spent more than 68 years in either an active or active/reserve status...<br /><br />For me, going in the Navy didn't take a whole lot of thought.. it's just what I did. I was an English major with dim job prospects (lifeguarding /coaching swimming in the summer and teaching skiing in the winter.. the dirt bag life.)<br />Besides, I had all the time in the world. "A four year commitment?? that's nothing!"<br /><br /><br />In the Navy, I worked with some of the most amazing people I have ever known... from all backgrounds, and am intensely proud to have them as friends..<br />Though there are years and miles between where we make our homes, there remains a closeness that that is not easily described nor understood...it is very similar to what my birth brothers and I have - a bond born of experiences, shared.<br /><br />Everyone has their reasons for joining: sense of duty, honor, tradition, legacy. For others it's a ticket out... a chance to "see the world" ... a job. For me, it's just what I did. Not a lot of thought applied. I'm not sure why. But surely, no thanks were expected... none are needed. I was the one thankful.<br /><br />It never occurred to me to thank my Dad for his service... and you know, it never occurred to me that anyone should ever thank me for mine... and I'm sure all of my brothers feel pretty much the same... In fact, when someone thanks me on Veterans Day, I almost have to ask, "for what?"<br /><br />My generation was shoe-horned between the ends of both Viet Nam and the Cold War and the beginnings of the Global War on Terror -a period of recovery in which we were trying to find our way, and our national identity, again. It was a time of diverse military actions from Desert One, Lebanon and Grenada thru the Persian Gulf, Operation Desert Storm, Somalia, the Balkans...<br /><br />For the past ten years we've been a country solidly at war - no more short term crises. Today's generation of veterans are so like my Dad's generation... there are no maybes when you sign... and young people still choose to join...<br /><br />So, today, at 11.11am (on 11-11-11) I ran 11 miles across the mountains. Veterans Day, Armistice Day....a day to put down arms... I ran because I don't like the feeling of being thanked for doing something that I gained so much from... I ran to honor my brothers, all of them. I ran to honor my father, and his brothers.<br /><br />I ran all the way home.<br /><br />.. and I ran mostly, just to keep the faith with those who are still on their journey ..... home.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nLC_DqXdQPjOmLCLI0kn567PS26BYthOWPzrCeW1IuLiXFJEyX47PqpuVhcxkEgZYybFiACacwwt7HomEg1f07WvaTKWLNu6xjTuu6a30T8hscQTX0gMq-5mT4gEHRmeJPAjwK201hM/s1600/august+2011+140.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nLC_DqXdQPjOmLCLI0kn567PS26BYthOWPzrCeW1IuLiXFJEyX47PqpuVhcxkEgZYybFiACacwwt7HomEg1f07WvaTKWLNu6xjTuu6a30T8hscQTX0gMq-5mT4gEHRmeJPAjwK201hM/s320/august+2011+140.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674098375110077362" border="0" /></a>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-44691442389319373982011-10-06T12:16:00.000-07:002011-10-06T12:59:05.472-07:00Come with us and let's go climbing!<span style="font-family:arial;">There are so many discount coupon offers out there.. we decided to cut out the middle man and offer our own..<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Last month we tested the waters of offering a really nice deal..We only offered it on Facebook to those who "like us" on FB..</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Well it's been a huge success!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;">We've decided to take it off the pages of Facebook and extend the offer through 15 December!</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZIjkyRAXLOXotsEOtDVvuGIztFrYwaYcUSpOawjNGHCuxdzDo1FtcTR7meJ2fiq_EvnYDgptVZ-m4RqnHnjh7eGEt-Ph0xhu5XSz06IeKdhosjCSy1qrRoAzzOkVj3Jh3EsKFcNwLis/s1600/Copy+of+september+2011+024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZIjkyRAXLOXotsEOtDVvuGIztFrYwaYcUSpOawjNGHCuxdzDo1FtcTR7meJ2fiq_EvnYDgptVZ-m4RqnHnjh7eGEt-Ph0xhu5XSz06IeKdhosjCSy1qrRoAzzOkVj3Jh3EsKFcNwLis/s400/Copy+of+september+2011+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660464543668468466" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">So here's the deal</span>.. if you have "liked us" on our </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shenandoah-Mountain-Guides/200454215210">Shenandoah Mountain Guides Facebook page</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> you qualify! If you have not "liked us".. do so, and you qualify!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Then you and 3 of your friends can score a day of guided group rock climbing for only $50 each! (normally more than $100 each!)... AND, it'll be just you and your friends!<br />(not with my neighbor Bob's Aunt Hester from Phoenix who just happened to be in town and was looking for something to do..)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> E-mail us (andy@shenandoahmountainguides.org) to set up your day and finish your registration! Isn't that easy?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">High value information...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you have a special day in mind... I'd encourage you to sign up quickly as the good days are going to go <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">very</span> fast. This is an unbelievable deal that can only happen once every .. heck we've<span style="font-weight: bold;"> NEVER</span> offered anything like this .. in all of our 20 years!</span>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-67189887385718639782011-08-29T18:39:00.001-07:002011-09-05T21:49:31.424-07:00End of Summer...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHuiNIHbeTtwbvVCpOIlsvJpK7pJEzWASKowLn4qRLm5qO_CTFTFqpQKyo0Pmxz0rpflL0mAEcMceUnu_TplxwGbFGm4pkyyswrVIf2JSQ5RYc5igX0YQOjBnCDwLjpIfUTSpTYazX8g/s1600/august+2011+113.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHuiNIHbeTtwbvVCpOIlsvJpK7pJEzWASKowLn4qRLm5qO_CTFTFqpQKyo0Pmxz0rpflL0mAEcMceUnu_TplxwGbFGm4pkyyswrVIf2JSQ5RYc5igX0YQOjBnCDwLjpIfUTSpTYazX8g/s200/august+2011+113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646461857372381330" border="0" /></a>While the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall are upon us, the flowers and the scenery just get richer..<br />These are some images from the last few weeks..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3HxIEGlqeYr2z0hMfRuQAUGgZEO9duhyphenhyphen1csBzXjh_HH4-UrU7585b1viSDNTkj21QQJWhDHzPYudeO7pNsqvWoVkwiw3SAkRZOxKGG-kXEnYGKBfzH1BzlTWHWw_0ILsAOAEldWlcBo/s1600/august+2011+106.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3HxIEGlqeYr2z0hMfRuQAUGgZEO9duhyphenhyphen1csBzXjh_HH4-UrU7585b1viSDNTkj21QQJWhDHzPYudeO7pNsqvWoVkwiw3SAkRZOxKGG-kXEnYGKBfzH1BzlTWHWw_0ILsAOAEldWlcBo/s200/august+2011+106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646461433225113410" border="0" /></a><br />The old farms and homesites in Shenandoah are particularly rich with floral and fruiting remnants that persist, and are particularly well suited and resilient to mountain life<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIFt8Ah5dNKitUf85qe5bLH7O2_wd8qDqyN-4bkByC8rEJQ6SlHNLNz1zETPhyphenhyphenvT3MXkMR0pbCUImI44mS8rgClvXvissGpr5JTRLmEkyRUpetlH1QLmetQ5mxG97XLKM96oOIN8ZgJE/s1600/august+2011+108.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIFt8Ah5dNKitUf85qe5bLH7O2_wd8qDqyN-4bkByC8rEJQ6SlHNLNz1zETPhyphenhyphenvT3MXkMR0pbCUImI44mS8rgClvXvissGpr5JTRLmEkyRUpetlH1QLmetQ5mxG97XLKM96oOIN8ZgJE/s400/august+2011+108.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646460970099674770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqa0DWC21MF4ytQxUBRhgI54qnAjK3LadtDacoWwT8Mmd2sa6N280U7Zg5l0v87v_8znnB1TWNyqwIVsWONQ-7GdLgPkna5ZgVJPdre6qTcNurMJY8bPNmxr5DG26Mzw-2RbaAz8v4h0/s1600/august+2011+161.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqa0DWC21MF4ytQxUBRhgI54qnAjK3LadtDacoWwT8Mmd2sa6N280U7Zg5l0v87v_8znnB1TWNyqwIVsWONQ-7GdLgPkna5ZgVJPdre6qTcNurMJY8bPNmxr5DG26Mzw-2RbaAz8v4h0/s320/august+2011+161.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646460395716075186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3EjE8oMuYZZYvLjkdCSBSBbBYTTft0nvZUXLbbP1TyjmzF12UJypLtouMD_nk29fTkrSt_HWqVZca0phBSzzLoSupd1tMAj6S6oSRbfnA3JlwSftCowMCVRZ0jVpL6Cq6vVssxvl1I4/s1600/august+2011+041.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3EjE8oMuYZZYvLjkdCSBSBbBYTTft0nvZUXLbbP1TyjmzF12UJypLtouMD_nk29fTkrSt_HWqVZca0phBSzzLoSupd1tMAj6S6oSRbfnA3JlwSftCowMCVRZ0jVpL6Cq6vVssxvl1I4/s400/august+2011+041.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646459926506263378" border="0" /></a>..looking westward to the Alleghenies.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5ex__L06REpF00XLZD-84FIhGBUf4nL-miswcxDtJ8M1SqRm9C9EZ8e5eIZnS2S-PvBGBBXJEwqW2OcIPVh8KoG4BmHgdymmlX_8olcyjFspGc-YZMFOxfPza8KiFyMpBmpFaAU-m5A/s1600/august+2011+035.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5ex__L06REpF00XLZD-84FIhGBUf4nL-miswcxDtJ8M1SqRm9C9EZ8e5eIZnS2S-PvBGBBXJEwqW2OcIPVh8KoG4BmHgdymmlX_8olcyjFspGc-YZMFOxfPza8KiFyMpBmpFaAU-m5A/s320/august+2011+035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646459655636699682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoXPSE4P3A27d58wcyK9G7LqYMrya51B6tID7Xf-OwaiV5zLqTrl3U35zJ4MX5FqtYCNz92vJwNdOnu4Om4gQxywE19mRheYoS6yJfNVb39R5qPZtHD73KAzDLQpduIbL86mCwwJzQz4/s1600/august+2011+140.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoXPSE4P3A27d58wcyK9G7LqYMrya51B6tID7Xf-OwaiV5zLqTrl3U35zJ4MX5FqtYCNz92vJwNdOnu4Om4gQxywE19mRheYoS6yJfNVb39R5qPZtHD73KAzDLQpduIbL86mCwwJzQz4/s400/august+2011+140.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646459245897699298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Late August shades of blue.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5Sgz4Kmt2S6FvDt5IkWbE5Dp10K0nOoMc-imnVOgHq1UkTYUrixdLe-Q50zGFZji1_qbOfEwG4N6L774LaiUktdTMagQRmbzK8dyCNu61MF7cgKfDpv-ymrLfuAe8MC-cCLo7gIEODc/s1600/august+2011+079.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5Sgz4Kmt2S6FvDt5IkWbE5Dp10K0nOoMc-imnVOgHq1UkTYUrixdLe-Q50zGFZji1_qbOfEwG4N6L774LaiUktdTMagQRmbzK8dyCNu61MF7cgKfDpv-ymrLfuAe8MC-cCLo7gIEODc/s400/august+2011+079.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646458756819027458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD57Zw9_hk_shBP0s0OVN2LZNlrl3x1vFpPFyq7soUvfdctIwLLgMmoMe1i3-3DHG5ZwyKfza5UQduwBwTqN-P_SETEZdorqHWLKUhlzlm84mlysbR57hwYFWXKWOGFCtQUJ4bJyKDGQ/s1600/august+2011+077.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD57Zw9_hk_shBP0s0OVN2LZNlrl3x1vFpPFyq7soUvfdctIwLLgMmoMe1i3-3DHG5ZwyKfza5UQduwBwTqN-P_SETEZdorqHWLKUhlzlm84mlysbR57hwYFWXKWOGFCtQUJ4bJyKDGQ/s400/august+2011+077.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646458493840285698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eMDbXl68FW7vdeMrFIR629_9TFCFT18aEB9b6MJ2Tt11mYum1oH-mv6qic9d5xuBKtwUdWi-c3xb0dz2_rj1WyHSrpbAHsNiH4LuZxZbz0YOd2UspJ3CZVOl2-nEec1G0vGobSo5N6Y/s1600/june+july+2011+209.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eMDbXl68FW7vdeMrFIR629_9TFCFT18aEB9b6MJ2Tt11mYum1oH-mv6qic9d5xuBKtwUdWi-c3xb0dz2_rj1WyHSrpbAHsNiH4LuZxZbz0YOd2UspJ3CZVOl2-nEec1G0vGobSo5N6Y/s200/june+july+2011+209.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646458063864819650" border="0" /></a><br />..next stop, Fall!andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-38228917767402509652011-07-19T19:10:00.000-07:002011-07-26T10:48:59.589-07:00Climbing...All of our staff, both current and alumni from the past 20 years all still enjoy their own personal adventuring... Many get together for trips of a very high level as the friendships, skills and love of adventure span the generations.<br />Summertime, between helping visitors from around the world have a great time here in our mountains, you will often find us either just returning from a great trip or preparing for one.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGVoPDLL5BdSepLmtIxWCYBf6NZO1u09YgUPjL5EErJoE9684okPOr4Wm4aLR35LO6phvEu69nHEx35xQl6SpDToQNIwNiHBj-eBaKXf__AAwPHiZnUh3Ufa7g-Jr8MZktixHAD1JhN0/s1600/june+july+2011+243.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGVoPDLL5BdSepLmtIxWCYBf6NZO1u09YgUPjL5EErJoE9684okPOr4Wm4aLR35LO6phvEu69nHEx35xQl6SpDToQNIwNiHBj-eBaKXf__AAwPHiZnUh3Ufa7g-Jr8MZktixHAD1JhN0/s320/june+july+2011+243.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631253617518765826" border="0" /></a><br />The thing that sets us apart however is the dedication to gaining absolute knowledge of a destination, and the effort put toward the mastery of the beta... so that we may then savor the maximal experience.<br />In a few weeks, a team of SMG staff , former staff and friends will be traveling to Zermatt to climb the Citade- er, uh, the Matterhorn. True to form, one of our top guides has been spending breaks on the trail preparing himself for this epic climb...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-5I6Xeqb8EvXqhhScrY8_dcJEcdx6p2T5WeT65oiiz7MJydbcwFHXClJRpMzim4Q5S30mMyqAY09c9pvlFEg3TX_mdpr-u9SKkqkLk_XIX73TJJRduj0ZL2b26wv4PqaAla6BkdcaY0/s1600/june+july+2011+244.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-5I6Xeqb8EvXqhhScrY8_dcJEcdx6p2T5WeT65oiiz7MJydbcwFHXClJRpMzim4Q5S30mMyqAY09c9pvlFEg3TX_mdpr-u9SKkqkLk_XIX73TJJRduj0ZL2b26wv4PqaAla6BkdcaY0/s400/june+july+2011+244.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631254086796649650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Beta is beta... and this beta won a Newberry Award!andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-76185822017799684992011-06-09T18:37:00.000-07:002011-06-09T19:11:57.265-07:00Embrace Adventure..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8Ys3SRHOKGSb969kZIF-DroE2LFe9vl03sV8Gw-WjQ__MxEdPzuYsS0R3-tqOjpkMO2p5lXrq9JdriSjVV8sHsCj_V9nZHE08ovZ620XFJwE7ChYH-LU6Gw38isbtMAU4oOlOKWKFFk/s1600/may+2011+094.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8Ys3SRHOKGSb969kZIF-DroE2LFe9vl03sV8Gw-WjQ__MxEdPzuYsS0R3-tqOjpkMO2p5lXrq9JdriSjVV8sHsCj_V9nZHE08ovZ620XFJwE7ChYH-LU6Gw38isbtMAU4oOlOKWKFFk/s400/may+2011+094.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616401695596907602" border="0" /></a><br />One of my favorite sayings is "Embrace life!" and all the things it throws at you..<br />Well, life is also an adventure, a magnificent adventure... therefore , well you get it.. embrace adventure! and all that goes with it.<br /><br />There are no guarantees. There is no script. You can never be quite certain what you'll see, what the weather will be, where you'll go or what may happen.<br />And you have to learn to simply let go of your ordered life and give in to the adventure of it all! Embrace it fully!<br /><br />And when you do, things will never look quite the same.. your perspective will no longer that of one who only has predictable outcomes waiting for them.. instead you will eagerly look forward to <span style="font-style: italic;">the possibilities</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> that may be</span>!<br /><br />That simple thought gives me goosebumps.<br /><br />This spring we have been helping folks from across the country learn to embrace adventure..<br /><br />From Kansas school boys tackling a favorite climb..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLViBbHnylciL086uVwz2-IcM7YJzNOkMFfSF8JKTJg2b6Xzz0rBcyVr2zGh1u5jXwmCqX4fLD6W8PTyqiaXsDw6acb-J-QFumYAPh-RB6dB196b_DeFbcL8R712RVvV7iBHqqqxSFTg/s1600/may+2011+106.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLViBbHnylciL086uVwz2-IcM7YJzNOkMFfSF8JKTJg2b6Xzz0rBcyVr2zGh1u5jXwmCqX4fLD6W8PTyqiaXsDw6acb-J-QFumYAPh-RB6dB196b_DeFbcL8R712RVvV7iBHqqqxSFTg/s200/may+2011+106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616404966647692402" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To local middle schoolers exploring their home waters by canoe.. using kick nets to find out about the health of their rivers...<br />What will they discover? a healthy stream? a dying stream?<br />Who knows... it's an adventure.. but whatever they discover, you can bet they won't forget it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tbhuLLWRQYT9T0sqWk4XdT1O-7E1eEiFoLXYMxwc6XitYHqyT4e9_PCrBdJjzvbs3fhkNGhce2DwYXFmkoBEyFvftlUZZbB1bsgAUJa4eeguPviiOblIfRfT7c49tDwXv3iJhYYXHiA/s1600/JUNE+2011+023.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tbhuLLWRQYT9T0sqWk4XdT1O-7E1eEiFoLXYMxwc6XitYHqyT4e9_PCrBdJjzvbs3fhkNGhce2DwYXFmkoBEyFvftlUZZbB1bsgAUJa4eeguPviiOblIfRfT7c49tDwXv3iJhYYXHiA/s200/JUNE+2011+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616402324724090130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibozPFEs8n-hOqNLKL1VgLKl7couPSDfj9vyhK5YJGqqslBZhP3uh7kwlaRW_e1JpQK4K-AQfughgdhohfuTnDKEKbKHU5zKPXEqPxadZUZqRdsV4y3FrZ4xNCdSNQbWP6Oh2qQPVNJww/s1600/JUNE+2011+021.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibozPFEs8n-hOqNLKL1VgLKl7couPSDfj9vyhK5YJGqqslBZhP3uh7kwlaRW_e1JpQK4K-AQfughgdhohfuTnDKEKbKHU5zKPXEqPxadZUZqRdsV4y3FrZ4xNCdSNQbWP6Oh2qQPVNJww/s200/JUNE+2011+021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616402920924463522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />.. and a couple from Michigan.. who had only climbed on plastic indoor walls..<br />To climb real rock (the only kind we know)<br />on a real mountain... and maybe make it and maybe not..<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOREsbKyHvi5XHv4LDfrFk9BCS8-5Ngsxx4MMDLdqngAoY6gRrLwHO36JzZB44vd4rcOd5YHom7hIjXwADX2YltMneHYZt8GCNi6hIaPgZrlfJWZjmrVSmYj9mVqQgIfMMHJODqHlYes/s1600/may+2011+151.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOREsbKyHvi5XHv4LDfrFk9BCS8-5Ngsxx4MMDLdqngAoY6gRrLwHO36JzZB44vd4rcOd5YHom7hIjXwADX2YltMneHYZt8GCNi6hIaPgZrlfJWZjmrVSmYj9mVqQgIfMMHJODqHlYes/s320/may+2011+151.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616403449903204754" border="0" /></a>The adventure and the scenery, and their smiles, speak for themselves.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9ybiatLvEc6xrvqQEw2TrbdIyKbBJodRLCY9yLtJqXgVngWCDp-J2L7LBFPxRSe9G-7I5SjdlnIOkOxpEgnsIEk3GL0Qjwvb9xqUaOouTBPuGOCIRArlp6Oe9dd-O6epRlTMYr104ZU/s1600/may+2011+160.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9ybiatLvEc6xrvqQEw2TrbdIyKbBJodRLCY9yLtJqXgVngWCDp-J2L7LBFPxRSe9G-7I5SjdlnIOkOxpEgnsIEk3GL0Qjwvb9xqUaOouTBPuGOCIRArlp6Oe9dd-O6epRlTMYr104ZU/s200/may+2011+160.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616407368898863346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />.. and then there are those adventures of the senses... ahh spring!andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-85908562364673690882011-05-18T09:58:00.000-07:002011-05-18T10:40:10.458-07:00Foraging..As I write this, the lowlands and valleys are cloud-free... yet the mountainside is under an endless cloud bank offering non-stop drizzle and showers... gloomy yes, but intensifying the green to the point of dazzling. Ocasionally, when the clouds shift a bit, getting un-stuck from the mountaintop, the sun shines in sideways bringing with it a light so full of life it is both startling and breathtaking.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ReufKGxvD-nmG-nwholiXkxxokf_B44oYZjq7HOGc06UkrF0Je4HruFhl9WIzrzyJzfZfWxQdLsnvg0DdiDSxR_rQYYHpkgFsV1KQY0blEu9X14K5gFPQF8Kxe30kIpivGv2O9hdt1Q/s1600/may+2011+007.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ReufKGxvD-nmG-nwholiXkxxokf_B44oYZjq7HOGc06UkrF0Je4HruFhl9WIzrzyJzfZfWxQdLsnvg0DdiDSxR_rQYYHpkgFsV1KQY0blEu9X14K5gFPQF8Kxe30kIpivGv2O9hdt1Q/s200/may+2011+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608111589230084258" border="0" /></a><br />The rivers have been (blessedly) bank-full for 6 weeks.. and the garden is, largely, an unplanted patch of mud and weeds... I reassure myself that since there was just snow a week ago (even though it was 2000 ft higher up!) that there is still time for planting.<br /><br />One of the great thrills of mountain life, (wow, where do I start??) for me, anyway, is growing my own food... Something I learned as a boy, and began on my own as soon as I had the room. (yes, even in the Navy, living in California, I grew tomatoes and potatoes in my 1'X3 ' patch of "soil")<br />Something even more fundamental than growing your own, however is foraging... and in a year of unending spring showers and cool to cold temperatures.. foraging is the best game in town.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3wPolPrENxgsJrXqN_OvyfuxQHpzZ-HTTQGwmF6hDxSW3NtsF8xxkbKSg_Wc1s7ydkWwsbMtRju35tz2N7Z66W1NQNaEGL_J1ja3jtxg36_KeQXxrWB3G4Y_Tz3zXvQjeCxNKKAVUvA/s1600/may+2011+025.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3wPolPrENxgsJrXqN_OvyfuxQHpzZ-HTTQGwmF6hDxSW3NtsF8xxkbKSg_Wc1s7ydkWwsbMtRju35tz2N7Z66W1NQNaEGL_J1ja3jtxg36_KeQXxrWB3G4Y_Tz3zXvQjeCxNKKAVUvA/s200/may+2011+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608112022916210674" border="0" /></a><br />And I'm not talking about survival food.. I'm talking about delicacies from the wild. Right outside the back door. From dandelion greens, fiddleheads and poke, to morels and wild asparagus.. Natures bounty, free for the responsible (read: sustainable) taking.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">How very sweet it is.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROb-qgmtpkT6e989qIEi-APvEV_wcAwKFWsaANtaID-9zUqcPxNzrLnl_z98j2C2aoLwaipQcaGsiPqObkKe-kDAJpxtcxuyNXCv8rhxo6nbhY9MS_OiP1XwOijLLOHgM1d3ieGHIX3o/s1600/may+2011+031.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROb-qgmtpkT6e989qIEi-APvEV_wcAwKFWsaANtaID-9zUqcPxNzrLnl_z98j2C2aoLwaipQcaGsiPqObkKe-kDAJpxtcxuyNXCv8rhxo6nbhY9MS_OiP1XwOijLLOHgM1d3ieGHIX3o/s400/may+2011+031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608110906339972370" border="0" /></a>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-47475133779647598382011-04-05T08:05:00.000-07:002011-04-05T20:47:26.870-07:00Homeground.. spring appears, barely.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFppg1ojrQIRsTGqJ5woI2qQUr2svCftx0C_siBAYYq7Ob3UR4KreYcTD7EhW9I8JVJ-1BmDzfNwhwBsdSyeHRPZQUL0aYsl_AK_D_1RvV1q62EOpGajR335utkHY1cUrHt_SNomHBvI/s1600/april+2011+006.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_raabGEH8whxtUtfKF5s2COOaQTBZgCDNZsq4qEGP78fNpkB51-gSVTrdHezfyT0AljbamoWOskhXVBpIixXBZ5TPkQ8Z2wBqzqx2td31mf1PgbGtmnFbX_h4t4WWRCxQt0pCuvWSmM/s1600/april+2011+007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_raabGEH8whxtUtfKF5s2COOaQTBZgCDNZsq4qEGP78fNpkB51-gSVTrdHezfyT0AljbamoWOskhXVBpIixXBZ5TPkQ8Z2wBqzqx2td31mf1PgbGtmnFbX_h4t4WWRCxQt0pCuvWSmM/s400/april+2011+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592123607906097650" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Within an area that ranges from the rocky rolling ridges of MD and southern PA, to the steep highlands and river valleys of West Virginia's Potomac Highlands to the soaring peaks of the VA Blue Ridge and Alleghenies.. is our homeground. We know these mountains like we know ourselves.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">While traveling the other day, I was struck not just by the breathtaking beauty of the day but also by this amazing powerful feeling of HOME .. deep home..</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The defining emotion or the power of the experience was not just the scenery however.. it was rather the time-bending realization that the same views of mountains and valleys in which I make my living today.. are the same views of mountains that my father enjoyed and lured him and my mother to the small town in which I grew up..</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">They are the same views that my grandfather enjoyed... and his father before him (the ones that called him to leave his Army duty for crop planting during the Civil War), and his father... and finally his father, and grandfather, before him after coming to this country in the mid 1700s from Germany (as some of the first settlers in an area of the Shenandoah Valley known as Fort Valley, VA...</span>)<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The realization that the mountain passes, river crossings and many of the roads are the same as they were 250 years ago, is one of virtual time travel... and leaves my stomach feeling as though I've just driven over a quick hump in the road.. kind of weightless.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">To work here, sharing these ageless hills and mountains, rocks and rivers with others, and to know them so intimately, their secret places, their histories... far beyond what is written..( those family stories passed down from generation to generation) .. the things that make them so much more than special... is not only a gift and a blessing, but it is an incredible privilege.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">To drink from the same spring that my great grandfather once drank from (in the 1800s), and to recognize the timelessness of that refreshment is to (almost) touch on the concept of eternity.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFppg1ojrQIRsTGqJ5woI2qQUr2svCftx0C_siBAYYq7Ob3UR4KreYcTD7EhW9I8JVJ-1BmDzfNwhwBsdSyeHRPZQUL0aYsl_AK_D_1RvV1q62EOpGajR335utkHY1cUrHt_SNomHBvI/s1600/april+2011+006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFppg1ojrQIRsTGqJ5woI2qQUr2svCftx0C_siBAYYq7Ob3UR4KreYcTD7EhW9I8JVJ-1BmDzfNwhwBsdSyeHRPZQUL0aYsl_AK_D_1RvV1q62EOpGajR335utkHY1cUrHt_SNomHBvI/s320/april+2011+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592124165455678290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The spring's rain and snows have boosted the aquifers to the point where they burst through the earths rocky surface bringing the streams to brimful.. rushing on their journey to flatter lands</span><br /></span></div>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-27926742513985825872011-03-24T17:34:00.000-07:002011-03-25T06:04:28.085-07:00First Aid, Survival and Adventure Climbing<span style="font-family:arial;">As has become pretty much a tradition, we celebrate the month of March (and the soon-to-follow, end of winter) with our Wilderness First Aid Weekend... and this year, for the first time in a good while, we had no snow on the ground! Co-sponsored with our friends, The Trail House, and taught by the fantastic instructors from SOLO in Conway, NH, the class always exceeds everyone's expectations... in fact it blows them away!</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGncmuW9oHHZ2t-QGSgFuLp-wkfC56RGilQQav62TM_dTdQLzkueBo-OuJKk1PQy8uLzT0cNZHMqWv0fhiiBhn3ARXzsJKRTT4mSssRpyp4_bsiArW7u2fCwz-UHk2sLx0gckgb-sdE8/s1600/march2011+009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGncmuW9oHHZ2t-QGSgFuLp-wkfC56RGilQQav62TM_dTdQLzkueBo-OuJKk1PQy8uLzT0cNZHMqWv0fhiiBhn3ARXzsJKRTT4mSssRpyp4_bsiArW7u2fCwz-UHk2sLx0gckgb-sdE8/s400/march2011+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587815144239939378" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Here, instructor Ken, on the left, is demonstrating an improvised splint on our friend, a summer fun instructor from Adventure Links. (Despite the similar name... They are totally unrelated to Teamlink / Shenandoah Mountain Guides. They are an urban youth recreation provider serving a large youth market in Northern VA and DC. We are happy to be able to provide them with professional training for their staff.)</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We have also been really excited about helping develop some of the "survival skills" for some of the middle school students in the area schools.. both practically, and metaphorically. Learning to prioritize your needs while constantly maintaining a keen sense of situational awareness is a life lesson for all.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJrWrxfZLzVy8siRUxEOYMsX29O6M47bQlrCUE_OxPk3pyxwtsEkzzxZFbJUNSjyRDeYCJ_5krTQkjjQSbfVBpp72bwBw-M9WYo2e2M696N0rZU19IRALb0MgBclAG0jyyv-OB2fbc0w/s1600/march2011+023.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJrWrxfZLzVy8siRUxEOYMsX29O6M47bQlrCUE_OxPk3pyxwtsEkzzxZFbJUNSjyRDeYCJ_5krTQkjjQSbfVBpp72bwBw-M9WYo2e2M696N0rZU19IRALb0MgBclAG0jyyv-OB2fbc0w/s400/march2011+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587816765123413074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Building a fire, as a team, without matches and with wet materials... it requires, planning, preparation, good communication skills, leadership, followership, sacrifice, patience, self confidence and tenacity. Not bad traits for anyone to have.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Starting our Spring climbing season in the middle of late Winter has been a real treat, especially with our newly launched adventure climbing program... The opportunity to climb on BIG rocks far off the beaten track is like nothing you've ever experienced! Incredibly AWESOME.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOiQnYM3Y2DdBwkLFcMbirJH-WqEbD0LTx10loGrJIheta5gTZKfI0UjDl9-qyluWZajUvgi87LCHkXoDhhTX4ZJL3qe1ynrSlLAolLQJo-Vw3hfEaDK6jfmx7yppr48j-AL16u6HIxQ/s1600/february+2011+023.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOiQnYM3Y2DdBwkLFcMbirJH-WqEbD0LTx10loGrJIheta5gTZKfI0UjDl9-qyluWZajUvgi87LCHkXoDhhTX4ZJL3qe1ynrSlLAolLQJo-Vw3hfEaDK6jfmx7yppr48j-AL16u6HIxQ/s400/february+2011+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587819047943472626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">There is NOTHING like 200 ft of air between your feet and the ground to make you feel really alive!</span><br /></div>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-33418046689382030122011-02-19T16:23:00.000-08:002011-02-22T14:58:14.524-08:00An all new year! 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgir0V7sbqoE52spi-tLW2tGLztrA0vbIWBKB6XsPTj3yam3sb2NdM6IvBvLEGLpowOJCf7gH2OdNcgwBKwmxG6fouuHhri_fjA0MS08QZCb-NEcM-pFuQOVlsYowvjJSkjopWMZxJtL58/s1600/JUNE2010+128.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgir0V7sbqoE52spi-tLW2tGLztrA0vbIWBKB6XsPTj3yam3sb2NdM6IvBvLEGLpowOJCf7gH2OdNcgwBKwmxG6fouuHhri_fjA0MS08QZCb-NEcM-pFuQOVlsYowvjJSkjopWMZxJtL58/s200/JUNE2010+128.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576651300875590354" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">First, let's go ahead and get this out of the way... in the January 2011 edition of </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-east/shenandoah-national-park-00417000070750/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Southern Living</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">, <span style="font-weight: bold;">we were recognized as</span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the Best of the South</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> for our summer adventure programs</span>, particularly our waterfall hikes and cascading /canyoneering trips... a distinct honor from a great magazine! </span> <span style="font-family:arial;">And of course along with that honor the reservation system has been pretty busy!</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Between that honor and the early arrival of springtime temperatures, we have been multitasking like crazy.. emailing, answering phones, getting in as much XC skiing as possible, tapping the maples, making syrup and of course, trying to launch our 2011 Activity Schedule.. Although it is still not fully completed and the website needs a bit of tweaking, I thought I'd get this post up as soon as I could...</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">WHAT'S NEW ..</span></span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Well first of all we've launched a campaign that everyone needs to know about... </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">10% of the gross of <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> paid programming we do this spring thru April will go to defray the expenses of youth programming during Summer 2011. </span></span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Historically, (though we don't advertise this) we work with hundreds of young people during the spring, summer and fall who come from very "challenging" backgrounds .. It may be a household where a parent(s) is incarcerated, or the family is homeless, or the children have been removed due to abusive conditions, or wanton substance abuse, or combinations of the above..</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">We have done this for more than 15 years with whatever funding may be available to us, and </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >we make up the rest out of pocket.. normally 50% or more</span><span style="font-family:arial;">. We take these kids climbing, backpacking, canoeing, tubing... basically allowing them to have a week or two out of the year, in which it's OK just to be a kid, to play, and have wholesome, structured fun with no worries about food, shelter or anything else, (use your imagination). We provide a camper: staff ratio of 2:1....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This year, virtually ALL funding has been cut from these important child development programs, which means we face a challenge. It would be easy for us to just say no... But working with these children is too much of a mission, a calling for us. So we are <span style="font-weight: bold;">committing</span> to providing these programs, and </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >absorbing all of the costs ourselves</span><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /> But to do this, we need to raise, at a minimum, $5,000</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >for which we provide a dollar to dollar match.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">That's where you can help. Enroll in one of our programs NOW and you can be assured that 10% of the gross, (basically any profit +5%) will be going to our youth programming...<br /> </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Have yourself a ball, and know some young person will, too ... Thanks to you!</span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />"Healthy Hiking" /Backpacking</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;">... There is no better way to lose weight, and to see awesome sights than mountain hiking. The low impact activity in fresh, clean air in a landscape of sparkling waters and crystal clear mountaintops is the perfect way to shed lots of unwanted weight. Coordinated by one of our staff (who is a collegiate fitness instructor during the winter), these can be configured as day-hikes or backpacking trips* (* the recommended option) of one to four days in length. (with before and after weigh-ins) We provide all needed gear ..<br />Call the office for more information 866.455.8672</span>..<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">Adventure Climbing</span>...</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> (previously listed as Old Rag Guided Climbing) This is a Spring and Fall adventure that is truly special... climbing the rocky flanks of Old Rag (and other significant peaks) as the average tourist will never see or dare... straight up! ropes, climbing shoes and helmets are required! (and provided!)</span>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-75918467558590779672011-02-19T16:13:00.000-08:002011-02-19T16:21:30.428-08:00Boiling Sap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSH8tXf6LThMIhFLfFqMc7Epz1594oKdTLCYcLWaLDlQsHWvLgKoOuStyXVU6WdAvPVcZAGowaBcbCCVmNW2xfQgBMjgndD4-TCwJW6rc0bU3tI1mjONG6Oi0G1mKjW08PzFY3LSNehA/s1600/JUNE2010+398.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSH8tXf6LThMIhFLfFqMc7Epz1594oKdTLCYcLWaLDlQsHWvLgKoOuStyXVU6WdAvPVcZAGowaBcbCCVmNW2xfQgBMjgndD4-TCwJW6rc0bU3tI1mjONG6Oi0G1mKjW08PzFY3LSNehA/s200/JUNE2010+398.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575560087945051154" border="0" /></a><br />Maybe the most sure -fire harbinger of spring is the realization that the maples are breaking dormancy in preparation for budding.. the sap is running!<p>Now, being basically a southern boy, I always looked for spring in different ways: pruning apple trees, listening for peepers, paddling streams (normally too low to paddle most of the year) fresh with spring-rain and snow melt.. increased talk of planting 'taters and onions, being out without a gazillion layers of clothing ...</p><p>All those things are still big parts of my life, and I look forward to each and every one of those events... they happen like clockwork, every year.. at least in the way I've chosen to live my life.</p><p> </p><p>But as we all grew and spread to different parts of the country, my brothers and sister adopted many of the practices of their new surroundings.</p><p>One of my brothers moved north... WAAY north.... and make no mistake, it's definitely not the south!</p><p>Many of the customs and traditions of being close to the land are very solid and natural.. good stewardship of the land is a strong northern ethic. But one of the things he naturally began was tapping his grove of Sugar Maples to make syrup... "huh? he's doing what?" which was my first reaction about 20 years ago....</p><p> But the magnificent Christmas gifts of homemade syrup made their presence known and we looked forward to them every year... and every year hence.</p><p>As I grew older and closer to the earth, the idea of making syrup, a thousands -of-years-old skill, started to look like the most natural and logical thing to do... and last year, I fumbled around and managed to produce enough sap for abut a cup of questionable-quality , but sweet, syrup... which I might add, was immediately devoured.</p><p>This year, I have been determined to step up my game just a bit.</p><p>Now my brother, he's gone all high tech... with his trees tapped and piped straight into his corn-crib-converted-into-a boiling-room...</p><p>I am not nearly as sophisticated...</p><p>Sap runs on its own time.<br /></p><p>When I was a child, in my imagination, I used to view springtime sap boiling as something that must be an exciting time... I mean it's directly associated with all those sources of childhood excitement.. a wood fire, a barn, SNOW, and sweet stuff to eat... what's not to be excited about???</p><p>Even as an "adult" I have still been known to view gathering and boiling sap as a time of great anticipation and lots of doings...</p><p>Reality, however, is very different... it is much more mellow, more balanced, more in-tune with earthy doings. I have come to realize that , as with gathering sap, there is little I can do can make it boil down faster... natural laws are in charge. The best thing I can do is find a good book and settle in to feed the fire , and maybe, when no one is looking, catch a nap...</p><p>.. and it just may be that this is what it means to live in sync with the world... accepting the zen-like concept of everything in its time.. rest when it's time to rest, (re)store energy for the time of growing, and in turn, work when the time is right to work.</p><p>... and to be content to let sap run... and, in it's time, to let sap boil.</p><p> </p><p>It sure is sweet...<br /></p>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-74663230478519831562011-02-03T13:21:00.000-08:002011-02-03T14:05:26.864-08:00The hardest time of year..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhFVAGrsUxGJXDdsTyvdiyu2WHcyGj1z9jYRQ6O71m-plQPvg97BUfdi2_H2B0vrHfsMhZEHiMQAympkJ8OqV2PN9hFU9PE9hp2NBKIA4lyZi26c0-L_nW5KNF67-BhquvwFIxoTqb4s/s1600/JUNE2010+375.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhFVAGrsUxGJXDdsTyvdiyu2WHcyGj1z9jYRQ6O71m-plQPvg97BUfdi2_H2B0vrHfsMhZEHiMQAympkJ8OqV2PN9hFU9PE9hp2NBKIA4lyZi26c0-L_nW5KNF67-BhquvwFIxoTqb4s/s400/JUNE2010+375.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569580739175191458" border="0" /></a><br />Our administrative office is located, appropriately, on the side of a mountain... which provides an amazing environment in which to work, unless, that is, you <span style="font-style: italic;">have</span> to work,<span style="font-style: italic;"> indoors</span>... then, it's a bit problematic.<br />And the reason it's a problem is that some of the most challenging single track in the East is 1/2 mile out the back door... and some of the best backcountry and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Nordic-Nation-of-the-Catoctins/327452757355?v=wall">nordic skiing</a> east of the Allegheny Front is located, well, it starts when the back door closes...<br />and for those in-between seasons when the snow is too crunchy or thin or the trails too muddy and soft.. then, there is the most amazing mountain trail running..<br /><br />I guess none of that really sounds like too much of a problem... unless you have indoor work that MUST be done.. like the final planning for 2011, or executing a marketing plan, or revising course and class syllabus for the start of the 2011 teaching season, or acquiring 2011 permits, or finalizing trip planning, regardless of how amazing the trip.<br /><br />So today, I was close to finishing some major admin-weenie jobs.. when I happened to look out thru one of the office windows... at the deep blue sky, a foot of hard-pack, crusty snow, 26 degrees. .. hmm, can't ride, can't ski... maybe I should pack up my work and head into a coffee shop or library in town... I definitely won't be distracted there.<br /><br />Thirty minutes later, there I was: daypack on, poles in hand, running shoes with gaiters, slogging up 1,500 ft. for what will be the most exhilarating 3.5 mile descent I've ever made without skis..<br />Two hours later, my one hour respite has now evolved into 2.5 hours, as one run was not enough.. (is it ever??) Nordic Mountain Running... perhaps the worlds greatest sport.<br /><br />Yes, my work remains. It'll be there tomorrow. It'll be there next week.. Heck, at this rate, it may be there in JULY!<br />But Nordic Mountain Running may only be there for another few weeks (months, if I'm lucky)<br /><br />This is the hardest job in a tough season... but, please, shed no tears.. I'll survive somehow.andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-14679196958566942712010-12-14T04:39:00.000-08:002010-12-14T07:04:44.223-08:00Geminids and snowflakes..<span style="font-family:arial;">Each is unique... cold, flashes of brilliance.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">I find myself wandering up the leafless mountainside, wrapped in the dark of winters night. I'm hoping for a break in the cloud cover and snow showers.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">The Geminids are always my favorite.. they fill the air with as many as 100 shooting stars per hour! That's a lot of wishes!</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />It's a bit after 3.00am... what am I thinking??</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">There is a new dusting of snow swirling around my feet as I pick my way around the rocks, my headlamp all the brighter by the ice-filled air's reflection.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br />The wind is sturdy.. the temperature before leaving the house was a bit south of 12.. and still heading down</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br />The anticipation grows as I think back to all the past meteor showers..so many!<br />.. being all snuggled down in sleeping bags with my family all around, keeping our field of vision as broad as possible to not miss a single flash; driving down a mountain road and pulling off to the side so as to view the show without driving off a cliff; night hiking in a high meadow in West Virginia with folks who had NEVER seen a shooting star (!)<br />... and then sitting on a bluff above Maine tidewater with friends, watching the always- good, Perseids..</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In a really good meteor shower, there comes a point where, after a few good wishes you run out of things to wish for, really!... unconsciously then, I start counting my blessings.<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Tonight, though, I'm alone and the sky is a cottony-black and filled with drifting and blowing snow.. an extended shower? or the real deal?</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZnZvn-ojXqQHlqCOyQdPqWUtOEfOJK68fnVeJAQaFbiPxo9ACT16lTbT74cK8KvxAd1ljq4L8P-BSAPGUuYOIA66wbEDQi2-It-KmGEi8b9QjJSIs3NOEhDqJvwvvPafwLYjlg5CXkg/s1600/pictures+as+of+6-19-09+006.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZnZvn-ojXqQHlqCOyQdPqWUtOEfOJK68fnVeJAQaFbiPxo9ACT16lTbT74cK8KvxAd1ljq4L8P-BSAPGUuYOIA66wbEDQi2-It-KmGEi8b9QjJSIs3NOEhDqJvwvvPafwLYjlg5CXkg/s200/pictures+as+of+6-19-09+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550532014959983314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Regardless, I'll have to find satisfaction in my memories and in the streaking white snow.. I think I'll </span><span style="font-family:arial;">head back and kick up the fire.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aIlboYbvsW2PUCnIfUVcVwtv09uq6I3xWcGalgb6086Eqvemb8qDeWUMQznB5vYBj_J94dGnncYnlVj4VIbBlDjVifz-Ls_mxpjXnCsNFU0uqqqkU2m6D1DxnbD-IrnBvyST5Toeydw/s1600/pictures+as+of+6-19-09+006.jpg"><br /></a>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-84804896623161916822010-12-09T05:33:00.000-08:002010-12-09T06:12:35.454-08:00A Shameless Plug.. the PERFECT Gift!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeevcRJ4XbwamJW_tpySMrK7nZ2s8tzqPjNCCOfOrAIb_QRdi9bQV7v5u3dPVyGegaQwCFxKcEfuHr4MNxnxugqDQHijXcNapIxTiUABgzVpzEvuBvKFOmcuzF4_HjhRwfPLho34GLgdI/s1600/JULY2010+012.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeevcRJ4XbwamJW_tpySMrK7nZ2s8tzqPjNCCOfOrAIb_QRdi9bQV7v5u3dPVyGegaQwCFxKcEfuHr4MNxnxugqDQHijXcNapIxTiUABgzVpzEvuBvKFOmcuzF4_HjhRwfPLho34GLgdI/s200/JULY2010+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548683376631323282" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">For 18 years as an "official business", (but in reality, for several lifetimes) the staff here </span><span style="font-family:arial;">at Teamlink /Shenandoah Mountain Guides, has been having fun in the mountains.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And not just having fun, but perfecting the methods to have fun in unforgettable ways that truly celebrate life fully lived in the mountains...<br /> and most especially, how we can share that adventure experience w</span><span style="font-family:arial;">ith others.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Mellow wildf</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dIiVKft-vn3Xxl1qZEekAFJStXGnOSbFi_7DhegHdKTb4TJKbqSYtjIlcPMdxTfWKQlS0OHsLqhTxyjGyUtgAFGx2Z7BVViYVK2c0AMoh1akCw51DYaNTfojWltStoRqVygQkbT2THs/s1600/sep+2010+010.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dIiVKft-vn3Xxl1qZEekAFJStXGnOSbFi_7DhegHdKTb4TJKbqSYtjIlcPMdxTfWKQlS0OHsLqhTxyjGyUtgAFGx2Z7BVViYVK2c0AMoh1akCw51DYaNTfojWltStoRqVygQkbT2THs/s200/sep+2010+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548682239385917666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">lower hikes,<br /><br />Climbing the </span><span style="font-family:arial;">mountainsides in search of old communities and waterfalls,<br /><br />Scaling the shear granite cliffs of Old Rag,<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCvsQx7_zEDyHhBvEUXlYPodsjIkbxD3G5jRNiqIfc89rWUHpO6UZ8cfZEXZYUT_Hv26VpBDjYBtVx0JctPC9Fs5evJuZ_moFaeEP7pi29UFMSvXCBl_bs-gytODI0AvND6d40FynPMQ/s1600/JULY2010+006.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCvsQx7_zEDyHhBvEUXlYPodsjIkbxD3G5jRNiqIfc89rWUHpO6UZ8cfZEXZYUT_Hv26VpBDjYBtVx0JctPC9Fs5evJuZ_moFaeEP7pi29UFMSvXCBl_bs-gytODI0AvND6d40FynPMQ/s200/JULY2010+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548682965462799778" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Slipping, slidi</span><span style="font-family:arial;">ng and rappelling our way down the area's more notable mountain streams and canyons,<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Backpacking - immersed in high mountains, clear streams and nights under the stars...<br /><br />It's all just so good.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This year for the holidays, instead of another "thing" that will be soon discarded or forgotten or broken, consider<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> giving an experience in mountain adventure...</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;">GUARANTEED to last a lifetime!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL57qNZZO9F8ZE8D9IPxUKOHvF3T-3MgRGdT5C5JHkr8QMNuG29AIfpGbO7nME8EAvU8JG6Z-m1MmjQzcGGLto80bQyQmvd-_zGtgO_K42H0WDl5E9E1xWPbOMii_uKsmUHuE-sLb7WBk/s1600/JUNE2010+141.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL57qNZZO9F8ZE8D9IPxUKOHvF3T-3MgRGdT5C5JHkr8QMNuG29AIfpGbO7nME8EAvU8JG6Z-m1MmjQzcGGLto80bQyQmvd-_zGtgO_K42H0WDl5E9E1xWPbOMii_uKsmUHuE-sLb7WBk/s400/JUNE2010+141.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548681348963492514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Call us or e-mail us about a GIFT OF ADVENTURE... 866.455.8672</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >or..adventure@teamlinkinc.com / mtnjedi@gmail.com </span><br /></div>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-13543627803540227692010-11-07T16:48:00.000-08:002010-11-07T17:13:42.252-08:00.. waiting for our turn with the snow ..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTO3DPJwxxwyS64oT38FAsT-4GecmJN6AJCT4h1dMaZLS0sA1blQ7Cbv53Vtwlsd4fGvwRgtBLfKOsnqzF-x954AeH6JzC2sUpOLS3tkMvv2SccmgNALKSlYrcRLomlbBKKM14mYf_muk/s1600/Pictures+07thru7-7-08+904.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTO3DPJwxxwyS64oT38FAsT-4GecmJN6AJCT4h1dMaZLS0sA1blQ7Cbv53Vtwlsd4fGvwRgtBLfKOsnqzF-x954AeH6JzC2sUpOLS3tkMvv2SccmgNALKSlYrcRLomlbBKKM14mYf_muk/s200/Pictures+07thru7-7-08+904.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536979760028157570" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">While out in the Potomac Highlands, just to our west, the snow is falling and beginning to fill in all the up-slope nooks and crannies, here in the Blue Ridge we're still enjoying cold, but dry, late Fall conditions... being in the snow shadow of the Alleghenies.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Which means that it is still fantastic weather for getting out and about in the mountains! With late color splashes that can only be imagined in a very psychedelic dream... we are continuing to enjoy climbing, hiking and backpacking.</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMItsKWV6IpfAyOLSdeyZ1c8W8_W0oTCxJCfVEBBKe5DN02rp2ccLeBIoJTe_ABm50QZM1hvK0IZVTWI9_I7QKznVohkoVh0Cj5mbKYS1wu3AX3etL6O9ZeRlgq6qfxxD7eZ7R9PYXKmI/s1600/nov2010+062.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">.. and with the Appalachian Trail just out our backdoor, it gives us a particularly good classroom for backpacking.</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMItsKWV6IpfAyOLSdeyZ1c8W8_W0oTCxJCfVEBBKe5DN02rp2ccLeBIoJTe_ABm50QZM1hvK0IZVTWI9_I7QKznVohkoVh0Cj5mbKYS1wu3AX3etL6O9ZeRlgq6qfxxD7eZ7R9PYXKmI/s1600/nov2010+062.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMItsKWV6IpfAyOLSdeyZ1c8W8_W0oTCxJCfVEBBKe5DN02rp2ccLeBIoJTe_ABm50QZM1hvK0IZVTWI9_I7QKznVohkoVh0Cj5mbKYS1wu3AX3etL6O9ZeRlgq6qfxxD7eZ7R9PYXKmI/s400/nov2010+062.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536977513550854034" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This past weekend we held a class on backpacking and at the same time taught and certified three new Leave No Trace (LNT) Trainers!</span>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-45621215369913464602010-10-29T06:16:00.000-07:002010-10-29T06:38:37.178-07:00Gone???? or Just starting???When the nights are full on events of wind roaring down the mountain, whirling snowflakes and leaves in tow, you just somehow know that the dawn will not bring thoughts of swimming in a mountain pool... well, not the first thought anyway... For the moment you're quite content to be snuggled under the quilts with the comforting crackle of a fire in the stove.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2ds9qPfmJXQEOjtRX3yiBHDCyoUAYuh1Y67QxaFz220RS3T3Ii8dLU0JMSWqvK4zEgzKY-5ofm01R_28ArzEThgzU7x4qo0c5_EWhpcXl-t3b03G5Hc01rr57AJB5gE6QAMLkTyky0s/s1600/oct2010+111.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2ds9qPfmJXQEOjtRX3yiBHDCyoUAYuh1Y67QxaFz220RS3T3Ii8dLU0JMSWqvK4zEgzKY-5ofm01R_28ArzEThgzU7x4qo0c5_EWhpcXl-t3b03G5Hc01rr57AJB5gE6QAMLkTyky0s/s400/oct2010+111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533460468929307986" border="0" /></a><br />But for me, it does mean the best season for exploring the mountains is here! The views are more expansive (sans leaves), all the critters that give you good reason not to poke around carelessly way off trail are in their hibernaculae, and the spring water is particularly sweet and cool!<br /><br />Long trail runs, hikes to remote summits, backpacking through the remaining kaleidoscopic colors will all lead, in time, to snow filled hollows, backcountry skiing, the unforgettable sting of wind-whipped ice pellets on a bare cheek and the amazing sculpted frozen chandeliers on Shenandoah's many waterfalls.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKUg6qxH1T_gu0y0nobnEFPClsmHbCB6Ji2MGlbgHlUoY61N2wzgtmK5RAacWs02HZg_5cdvTV2JyH_hQC3rd_lHBr4KnO3yeilo_CXH6xl9rlcRPcxBK0MUai6xgHS-YPPgK4-dvRc4/s1600/Pictures+07thru7-7-08+042.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKUg6qxH1T_gu0y0nobnEFPClsmHbCB6Ji2MGlbgHlUoY61N2wzgtmK5RAacWs02HZg_5cdvTV2JyH_hQC3rd_lHBr4KnO3yeilo_CXH6xl9rlcRPcxBK0MUai6xgHS-YPPgK4-dvRc4/s200/Pictures+07thru7-7-08+042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533461477186585698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The DREAMING...andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-17715273521095275442010-10-07T18:57:00.000-07:002010-10-07T19:30:03.577-07:00So... where did summer go?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyreh8TgjWERQ7YOxBJPCJJBk1Qjo9gV7WnUJAAE5xS8CJPXWs_IviayCpDcdv9ZR0v4LcX0qB534tGAXkR2GijWvF-gsFrbESCAZ9dVF5IrxSaWetp14p0z3oVbdRg2ygvgXeXiQIgu8/s1600/JULY+AUG+2010+074.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyreh8TgjWERQ7YOxBJPCJJBk1Qjo9gV7WnUJAAE5xS8CJPXWs_IviayCpDcdv9ZR0v4LcX0qB534tGAXkR2GijWvF-gsFrbESCAZ9dVF5IrxSaWetp14p0z3oVbdRg2ygvgXeXiQIgu8/s400/JULY+AUG+2010+074.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525491623430719458" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">..just like that, it got too cool for mountain swimming, the days too short for epic backcountry hikes... and the nights, well they just got perfect for sleeping... with the windows thrown wide open! Man, I live for Fall in the mountains! (and winter ... and spring.... and summer!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Often, in Shenandoah this time of year, we see a lot of leaf-peepers... who actually</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" > enjoy</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> viewing the world from behind the windshield of an automobile.. we just scratch our heads and don't even try to figure out why..</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Especially when this time of year is unforgettably</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" > perfect</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> for outdoor adventuring.. crystal blue skies, frosty evenings, warm, golden days. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We've had a lot of climbers and hikers.. and with the recent rains, we've even had paddlers! (Most often you'll find our current postings on either the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://shenandoahmountainguides.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shenandoah Mountain Guides blog</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> or the </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shenandoah-Mountain-Guides/200454215210">Shenandoah Mountain Guides Face Book</a> </span><span style="font-family:arial;">page... )</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xXh-Njt-fQ7yC6V_MH2teMcqMnrcbj5725CMdz3OGGG60q603Nut_xk-Ou9epFjdFoBn3YNYwy6WjuP81NL92LJYn3aIKQ4SykfHFtUAz4jXH-AVF-pHrM3kNF70NQ4Qi_z__8n7qMI/s1600/sep+2010+020.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xXh-Njt-fQ7yC6V_MH2teMcqMnrcbj5725CMdz3OGGG60q603Nut_xk-Ou9epFjdFoBn3YNYwy6WjuP81NL92LJYn3aIKQ4SykfHFtUAz4jXH-AVF-pHrM3kNF70NQ4Qi_z__8n7qMI/s400/sep+2010+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525491160545381490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">This is also the time we move back into our "classroom mode" teaching groups from universities and colleges, developing the professional skills of other outdoor - based organizations, and developing and training good stewards (of all ages) of our amazing natural resources. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" >For the past 4 years, we have had the distinct honor of being a key (and founding) organization and partner with the National Park service in the development of the </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.oldragmountainsteward.blogspot.com/">Old Rag Mountain Steward</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> program.. making a real and lasting change in the visitor experience on Old Rag mountain in VA.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So, more often than not, we're not around the office.. but that doesn't mean we don't want to hear from you.. leave a message.. send an e-mail... come see us! Your world will never look the same!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">.. and you'll wonder why you waited so long...</span>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-52955049280529906082010-08-22T12:00:00.000-07:002010-08-23T10:14:31.112-07:00United Nations... Shenandoah Style<span style="font-family: arial;">With representatives from Chile, Puerto Rico, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, France, Israel, Poland, Lithuania, India,South Africa, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the U.K., Spain (and about 15 other nations) seeing the best of Shenandoah with us this year, we cannot help but note the universal appeal and reaction to a back country swimmin' hole on a hot day...</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEi0kDstGra0osc-oYm430lMiVul07NVFTktkErQUKReRsq4wXfNzuS-rVrssJ1-QHcyEdMLMAljrqvipGpeaEQHUh1lhxQcCzvgQ-iQ9i2Q3FUWONz2VKio1VqvzLJXRgCGm57kJjpo/s1600/JULY+AUG+2010+012.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEi0kDstGra0osc-oYm430lMiVul07NVFTktkErQUKReRsq4wXfNzuS-rVrssJ1-QHcyEdMLMAljrqvipGpeaEQHUh1lhxQcCzvgQ-iQ9i2Q3FUWONz2VKio1VqvzLJXRgCGm57kJjpo/s400/JULY+AUG+2010+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508653447273757746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">.. kids, adults, rich, poor, yellow, black, white, brown... it just doesn't matter.<br /> It's ALL good.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Perhaps if the UN were to re-locate to our neck of the woods we'd make a lot of progress toward world peace, social and environmental justice and mutual respect.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">hmmmmm...</span>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-65168141006710015432010-08-10T18:51:00.000-07:002010-08-10T19:03:31.217-07:00Summer Reading<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have an 18 hour turn around and a few moments for some summer reading...</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Both </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-east/shenandoah-national-park-hiking-cabins-00417000068257/">Southern Living</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> (their 5th article on us) and </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/current-issue/features/cascading/">Blue Ridge Outdoors</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> (the latest of several articles) provided very nice articles on some of our activities ..</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">check 'em out!</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDgu0iXSnbIU16aQdur_bgda3UxjJnJHOrfRHY8WHSESfWjzK6m4buZouXEl6S65cm6GJT0PUS9OgcVElKVsajgqvUaIvISJLN8Cm-3_4ZUY0GHHTAN5MW7ddB46xmuAlItljjNY_VbU/s1600/S5002193.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDgu0iXSnbIU16aQdur_bgda3UxjJnJHOrfRHY8WHSESfWjzK6m4buZouXEl6S65cm6GJT0PUS9OgcVElKVsajgqvUaIvISJLN8Cm-3_4ZUY0GHHTAN5MW7ddB46xmuAlItljjNY_VbU/s400/S5002193.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503966389673262658" border="0" /></a>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-3753704013791999162010-07-27T18:37:00.000-07:002010-07-27T18:58:12.723-07:00Flying thru summer..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw0ZAASwv139xAAFWJcJdE-F4HwoT5Tst6K_SgU8SQOY2eFvWuArC2kZINwGlNUlAwUoZSufC8ycuOdXWYc6oeSviiWXoRQl3RSjxkCD_IffWEFGNocsiy3HIFiga9E-4w9B3B-BT7as/s1600/S5003004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw0ZAASwv139xAAFWJcJdE-F4HwoT5Tst6K_SgU8SQOY2eFvWuArC2kZINwGlNUlAwUoZSufC8ycuOdXWYc6oeSviiWXoRQl3RSjxkCD_IffWEFGNocsiy3HIFiga9E-4w9B3B-BT7as/s400/S5003004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498767411007179266" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When the full of summer hits, it quickly becomes an all-hands evolution. </span> <span style="font-family:arial;">..and this summer has been especially full. Since mid-May there have only been a few hours when anyone was in the office, much less had the opportunity to update this blog...</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Guiding, teaching, providing adventure programs for camps, working with the young people we regularly serve, adult groups... together, it has been full.. and now we have a bit of a lull before the end of summer crunch... </span> <span style="font-family:arial;">So, in the interest of updating you on our activities.. here is a collection of images... (more can be found on our Shenandoah Mountain Guides Facebook page)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jWIUD80SQK945GyfPDo1m0yf7a2M8MDBaEtPyb-ehYjuvrQKgW2906l82FIty-lizX70xNB5aJTWcWHWqLWnqxT6spbKAwJLBjq83WN5XAWQgDeoU-oggSeKr16u0kDZxN4YmrONOUA/s1600/S5002993.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jWIUD80SQK945GyfPDo1m0yf7a2M8MDBaEtPyb-ehYjuvrQKgW2906l82FIty-lizX70xNB5aJTWcWHWqLWnqxT6spbKAwJLBjq83WN5XAWQgDeoU-oggSeKr16u0kDZxN4YmrONOUA/s200/S5002993.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498767762251790802" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3krlN269Le_LAP9LbUjkni_NdWjCtGDAT1BNZOFKbd3C7X7Ql6CKT9eZ9E_Z59BNv6PnYGRfLUcYBy8BJnp3i2nQniJpE-OGzk8wqwOi1h7bmk4fsWa9SWHJuNs_P_XFFj-SfOBvw7Q/s1600/S5002991.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3krlN269Le_LAP9LbUjkni_NdWjCtGDAT1BNZOFKbd3C7X7Ql6CKT9eZ9E_Z59BNv6PnYGRfLUcYBy8BJnp3i2nQniJpE-OGzk8wqwOi1h7bmk4fsWa9SWHJuNs_P_XFFj-SfOBvw7Q/s200/S5002991.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498768187083440290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtO7LVOCCJZuPu-P0r5DWgrJiO-_0CDPYQchfdeV7ZqSovHoO0uSWWGwdq9RS-3FfqXaLTfZ-gBV6nE0hG9yETrc4UmjSgzdb47PbKp2cgdOyreWHPYXqncLFzp8lCxOdzyzweWLLjQA/s1600/S5002997.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtO7LVOCCJZuPu-P0r5DWgrJiO-_0CDPYQchfdeV7ZqSovHoO0uSWWGwdq9RS-3FfqXaLTfZ-gBV6nE0hG9yETrc4UmjSgzdb47PbKp2cgdOyreWHPYXqncLFzp8lCxOdzyzweWLLjQA/s320/S5002997.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498768536418340258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazkGTcG1XIAEA0RNGisxcjYAiNaopDvxHPKaI3hOjsv2BRiYezcnFJoKo90IR27c026_nw06fJTdHbKg1lV0IOb4O7DSIpjaBOGgry5AJL7dG1wa7PafQaE7p_d5txGzPDLB92qKVHXw/s1600/S5002984.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazkGTcG1XIAEA0RNGisxcjYAiNaopDvxHPKaI3hOjsv2BRiYezcnFJoKo90IR27c026_nw06fJTdHbKg1lV0IOb4O7DSIpjaBOGgry5AJL7dG1wa7PafQaE7p_d5txGzPDLB92qKVHXw/s200/S5002984.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498768956412952434" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFuMtx25W99w1l_noEXuH97jgZEdGsDKrVaLWV7PBZXkmwY7-6dYnIDvBohEmTyaf32IU4EQVSfqig30W_L278eeIO1CknSxbWHyqe1ZFYdQU_fn5obioIvfpHI0oWH3PgCfQVOHKLW8/s1600/S5002929.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFuMtx25W99w1l_noEXuH97jgZEdGsDKrVaLWV7PBZXkmwY7-6dYnIDvBohEmTyaf32IU4EQVSfqig30W_L278eeIO1CknSxbWHyqe1ZFYdQU_fn5obioIvfpHI0oWH3PgCfQVOHKLW8/s400/S5002929.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498769598121158978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">For some of the folks we work with, never having seen a mountain sunset has them trying to find ways to grasp the whole idea... such a big event, yet small enough to hold in two hands... and in a memory forever.</span>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-24325828236719622112010-05-25T09:35:00.000-07:002010-05-25T10:00:18.881-07:00Settling into the summertime pace..<span style="font-family:arial;">Ready or not our summer season is upon us! </span> <span style="font-family:arial;">... and all that goes with that! mountain hikes! secret swimming holes.. deep blue sky, cool breezes, windswept summits, sun-warmed rocks... the perfect antidote to a snowy and cold winter!</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Something (kind of) new for this year is the opportunity to join us for float trips on Maryland's Monocacy River. A "State Scenic River", the Monocacy is visible at a few road crossings, but quickly leaves civilization behind... Its banks are full of wildflowers and the air is full of birds!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As the FaceBook (The Monocacy River Canoeing Company) page says: "</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Specializing in low impact, gentle adventures in canoeing and floating, for families and groups on the Monocacy (Scenic) River</span><span style="font-family:arial;">"<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfC06vqQWxhmvVJ0Z0WbCh_Iyf1tftVrQImdl5iFC3IdHTN9jx9rCz11cyPH3Is_3_XbY3PSDBE9LJLFmZRWUNuOH6DGbZUr1G8IJLUTLJGGiSw9RDt0ijTrw6SLxMgC5FKVg8lhoMbag/s1600/S5000754.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfC06vqQWxhmvVJ0Z0WbCh_Iyf1tftVrQImdl5iFC3IdHTN9jx9rCz11cyPH3Is_3_XbY3PSDBE9LJLFmZRWUNuOH6DGbZUr1G8IJLUTLJGGiSw9RDt0ijTrw6SLxMgC5FKVg8lhoMbag/s400/S5000754.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475252711947476002" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">An afternoon on the river is a perfect outlet for a group of friends wanting to socialize while floating on a summer afternoon.. It's ideal for a family, young or old who don't want to deal with hustle and bustle, but instead want to enjoy nature and each other on their own time..</span><br /><br /> <span style="font-family:arial;">Wild and high to mild and wet.. Visit us this summer! You, and your family and friends will be very glad you did!</span>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151600054935608777.post-1627168530456360822010-05-04T20:05:00.000-07:002010-05-04T20:16:26.964-07:00"That time of year"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhwgzw8XliqMNbsEL38h2wPn5uZ2pYGDq4nRXVOikL9Uq_UdY6ndawSSaro8zQYxVuKLvCzoKpXm71X8PhWOvw9n8Sz1zzMVakL0CSH04DzG_GP89S4w0KPrSA6wnAPyWjgRImI4H2cQ/s1600/S5002822.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhwgzw8XliqMNbsEL38h2wPn5uZ2pYGDq4nRXVOikL9Uq_UdY6ndawSSaro8zQYxVuKLvCzoKpXm71X8PhWOvw9n8Sz1zzMVakL0CSH04DzG_GP89S4w0KPrSA6wnAPyWjgRImI4H2cQ/s400/S5002822.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467618135062034690" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The transition is always killer.. when we shift from winter to full bore summer programming. It comes on like a tidal wave and there is no slowing it down..</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">One minute we're enjoying the last of the snow and the next we're frantically running from garden to river to rocks to trail ... shake and repeat. Courses and classes fill, overfill, get canceled, get rescheduled and get added.</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">It's also the time when we fall behind in our blog-keeping. Something has to go...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Most recently we returned from helping teach the National Park Service's Eastern High Angle Technical Rescue class in the Blue Ridge of North Carolina... and have been guiding hiking and climbing nonstop since returning... (For those of you with Facebook access, we are keeping a full profile under Shenandoah Mountain Guides)</span>andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820905825558019563noreply@blogger.com0