tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20769147247550252912024-02-07T18:23:32.284-08:00Team Kettle ChipsTeam Kettle was established by three weirdos from Ashland, Oregon, with a love for adventure sports and an even deeper love for Kettle chips (and the other fine products from Kettle Foods)! We are here to document the adventures that harmonize while enjoying gourmet Kettle products...... mostly potato chips.Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-58615681285031349202009-01-01T12:24:00.001-08:002014-03-19T07:16:47.544-07:00A chance to reflect<div>
I don´t know who created the calendar we used, or why they chose to break things up the way they did. Not that I care, but placing the turnover to a new year where it is seems a little odd. Why isn´t it scheduled with a solstice or equinox somewhere along the line? Or perhaps the day Pangea finally split apart? That was certainly the dawning of a new era, eh? We could celebrate that annually with parades, fireworks, and belligerence. But most importantly, why is the new year scheduled so inconveniently that I have to take the time right now to do this? Reflect.<br />
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Ok, so what to reflect on. Well, guess. What am I completely obsessed with such that it consumes most of my time, money, creativity, and all my time to think freely? Boating, of course. As I hang out down here in Chile and the new year encroaches, I´ve taken a chance to look back at the year I´ve had. 2008 was by far my best season of whitewater yet. In fact, it´s quite possible that I´ll never again live up to the season I´ve had. At least statistically speaking.<br />
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The following post is really more for myself than anyone else. But if you´re interested in my quick little recap of a great season, join on in.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qtIvx1qVsTGdgxfETRicDA?authkey=x0a839zkoAI&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1wjtDArYlzTXWIcaeP8XJTzX13eVGFy4VVqr2EKDanllNWfVI-Wml_1BIvz90avvZwPbR1djWCrg68-N0AD4fwiQXRF-ARG9CyvpbOe2MJiHIWBuCKGnzbs07We1i2c-mGgQlE2HHVZb/s400/IMGP0074.JPG" /></a><br />
Saddle Creek, Grand Canyon</td></tr>
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The year started out for me waking up somewhere around mile 238 in the Grand Canyon. We made mamosas. But the important thing was being down there for three and a half weeks with 15 other great people.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MPsRoeEU-vWSZoTvKPcboQ?authkey=x0a839zkoAI&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikI2PHwj0r0MfFxCKaqj8r2el4e2Nlj4YmlJW4g4YioDsaaQg3nhcbIo0UVlRcPG4UUQzkbevHDIGIqI0345HI-dxKqpe8Ye_XJLSsJ7wYpSOVo4N-OQzf6GZNrPbWk1rPT_gqC4Q6Wetj/s400/IMGP0114.JPG" /></a><br />
It really is a very grand canyon</td></tr>
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After the trip, I returned to Corvallis for the winter. Boating there didn´t happen for me, but I made plenty of trips south to Ashland or north to Portland to visit friends and explore the local rain-fed runs. By the time the term ended at OSU, I was done. I left Corvallis with my car and savings from the winter, with my eyes on very little beyond new rivers.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0CN0gwnOBui0PAkDGj8kTQ?authkey=x0a839zkoAI&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQErUFiEAAjq6IgDVZu7oA-OX-R8Hb9kEhj62fXCix02BXcT0zDHsDEd6orAmjb2lYg_WjSqQhHLu0H8GKTW4NSE3HhtXofOyYg6zL7onoGBAUjZn7ABWNDfVOQrO7pluFOhmcEwf6x5d/s400/IMGP0054.JPG" /></a><br />
Ready for some All-Tracking</td></tr>
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Oregon Hole Gorge, MF Smith</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZnX0trTGGY6a9QZ8E6XO6g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36cf6so-hun7fRFtb1irb1G583q8DUBr3S-VAi2HF2ykAwQzyWqhGy60WfQH7s3ktg3zpxVnwltt93HmpsPf5F6qrRZSRPzIZP-U1XQKtNdKthTuckf-6q1kz__445zcJXZ6g6JgIHOAa/s400/IMGP0810.jpg" /></a><br />
Overnighting the lower McCloud</td></tr>
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I spent much of my time in Northern California, but also paddled about some in Oregon and Washington, with trips on the Illinois, Rogue, Canyon Creek, Mollala and White Salmon.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Paxf0ZtScvio_0n6jSZ3WA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindM4_5LfynaqphhaSVXU5y8qN4meRRquMi01siChP5C1XEehnJMCdVLRXpOj8DR2vlf6VXs2jAkapjB_jQh50B65EEZ1DhzodzvPhyphenhyphenD1N1WRHAmNwavCEMmGgw1H5pkQutf0_J-DfVHVV/s400/IMGP0927.JPG" /></a><br />
Peter Gandesberry, NF Cal-Salmon</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QvoNyFlSDCZe9yNo-LxWcw?authkey=KIUxaJUFGoM&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCMhJYBnnm68yPSxehKiM181d_T38ds71h_YSVEwzdcp0e_0Bo1Mh1ky3OkukBnlDSPdQqcdOg9ouahUVyWYVHmdLudmCZQhb1ENhrrSFyzXL-5vV_j6ijmmDJ3n3DscjPt3voVzfx_0/s400/Big%20Kahuna.JPG" /></a><br />
Big Kahuna on Canyon Creek, WA</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gvCdnlJ6zE1T4ZhuMOaFHg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNWTl_zZcoOg-s1szRorcjCJmTv46Cd-sE-VeLUyG9qoAiqkMzEugzQb-JpeB0uEvHhugOZqd6OZILky2PMe1IMTuyU4pQO4bV5hFKhLOPtbtByTNPhgNgfWZwhgQ82-OkM4id1xUQtJC/s400/IMGP0627.JPG" /></a><br />
Ryan Morgan, NF Molalla hike-in</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P9oLRLuQrnSETRmN1t1pNg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaK1vuh_opTSRbv8PDqTmx107bHMCwoqrXwq7dVjL3-GmoAvX9pj7wm3ocBjBW4TrnqogjrxhTDslgc6JzC7a26YjGia4G6lsmc-QpKHlORdQ25eH5zINVW4jOyjpeC3eBWVmcFzaOOK8/s400/IMGP0949.JPG" /></a><br />
Oregon Rafting Team in the Cal-Salmon Race</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_k5CKXNbkeLBcj_ISlmSPg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxENvcUxms53Y65QBLsQdyy_himh6tbG1FZYnuOIotR3OYwBr8LTCmrKT3m0WNa6CLCMXRw2xiRjXUouMzbz4x26vca8mUDLisGMseWJ9ohsx4YSrR3rAC8eCDqOBfdu_PUZLD-H6FGsJ/s400/IMGP0892.JPG" /></a><br />
Darin on one of many, many Box Canyon laps</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_GeSU93Magf-hwqCqHiYkQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAqNZS-Y9LPy6IWqD1bdBEItgiyaPkbJP9INU9E3iFPLbEHSrhYYfmKFFBhTCSxeSZPvTyzY_W1tbt8XNUe3ZloizpeFOihFCu-gsZa4HqjSC9BSF59VOAGmcfP-W19R0vbceuPcQY_mC/s400/sick%20boof.jpg" /></a><br />
My favorite move on my favorite run: Upper Clear Creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ncpBTpSJNBQFjn7YTWWwfw?authkey=KIUxaJUFGoM&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuL1nc1Bc7EBPE2TD2v-cE8jn_gx2_5gsEPtazJwZhWHT7DRG4yMMbfyPqvSkUF_Xx3XFrPz_7uZlKkbFxliAPplrzFWl_NpQXVjfSLif2vT7uvNRsvqixpvx3sn5miuUxNCPVHC_HsM/s400/P2231234.JPG" /></a><br />
Green Wall Rapid, Illinois River</td></tr>
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EWw3StmGYmOd9Ck6anzEsw?authkey=KIUxaJUFGoM&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdCx9pGI6cN5F-14Shs-1PZ-1j6NVkYZThBGWMyRRfKjpM-AdMzw6o1rfpUMEVftXP3qJN0xTnNTCqdp0jrLOA0i6JIQAKyzFMyLn0hQykmqUQndL3-kfUj7IEhmlihpNZ-t8U8Fp6A0/s400/IMGP0423.JPG" /></a> <br />
Green Wall Rapid, Illinois River</td></tr>
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As May ground onward, I found myself enjoying hot, sunny days from the Cal-Salmon to Pauley Creek.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e8lr149hIe8QYB09OtGoAw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhzsGjv1leZGBv2GwEc5Aiw50s6CNqOUuBdW2VuILiswm3H0YOd6GHjQDgPINTeQ47M_QY6rTzUjAE3pugfP7xgXR28EXB_Wit6h4aKIC1Akd-w-PwGS-i6apdMDxmBUb_4j0PBBjYapn/s400/IMGP0961.JPG" /></a><br />
Darin McQuoid, Kidder Creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/isEU_n_Sh74XPxBIBPB9uA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdlRfoEqRIx2iuVik-dBV0hMl1bKm5UYSkvxqYkWY_MS-02gEuqnG2szxnY9L3Cg9OVJocR2xGkTUqLiAlArO-lu1tAU38regpNMJjHJb-4DgItHflLFmYWlzyGIfI19WRi0RAVtckZyJ/s400/Mid-disneyland.JPG" /></a><br />
Disneyland rapid, SF Cal-Salmon</td></tr>
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But after an unfortunate swim in Federal Falls at flood, I decided to take a little break from boating. Afterall, it was only a couple weeks before the commercial season started for me in Idaho. And it started with a bang.<br />
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I was a little thrown off by the colder weather and water when I put in on Marsh Creek in late May without pogies. But a couple days later, I was no longer risking frostbite and was happy to be kayaking on the Middle Fork at 6 feet with the OARS training trip. Over the course of those 13 days, I strung together the entire Salmon sequence, from Marsh Creek above 6,000 feet to Heller Bar on the Snake below 1,000. Altogether, the trip was over 300 miles long. As the Salmon was where I got my start with whitewater, it has always been a dream of mine to run do all three popular wilderness runs as one trip. As an extra bonus, I got to see Devil´s Slide at 40,000 cfs and have a first-hand account of the rapid that keeps people off the river at half that flow!</div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tsX7ZVD2x1Mv0PWsGQ4f_A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXhYRY5JCg0LSnqgZh-q47lrlkHrLd4FMkg79AGi0rASzd5ubtLOr_Gb_sreps3k63VxLRH5FKE3StaRLN44hmlTJN1uq-c_VRrU5EL4sMu4qhQY6YiplZ3mzd5cWMECY_4Uk2qnAjens/s400/IMGP1076.JPG" /></a><br />
Dropping into the Slide at high water</td></tr>
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It was a busy work season for me with leading several trips and spending a little too much time on the Lower Salmon instead of the Main and Middle Fork. Luckily, I was able to maintain sanity on days off with trips on the South Fork Salmon, Lochsa, and Kootenai rivers.<br />
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At the beginning of Summer, very few of us had concrete plans for the fall. Throughout the season, we would discuss options over cocktails at the guide house and ultimately, Mike, Zak and I agreed on Peru after our work was done. So just before I launched on another Grand Canyon trip, we bought tickets.<br />
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Mike and I ran a couple laps on the Green Truss on our way to LAX to meet with Zak and fly out. Getting our boats on the plane was a bit of a struggle, but everything worked out in the end and by October 7th, we were happily moved into a hostal in Cusco looking for the next river. Over the course of the next two months, we found our way down ten different runs including five overnighters. We topped off our stint in Peru with the classic Colca-Cotahuasi circuit and made tracks for Chile.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FOtHa89HPT7qisjc9KHaEA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenLt6GJIYiIWmCqzvjgN3PnhNNvuDNOlSZpJKi73CXSFanf7COtgVaIojZnlYmXaMQT_hWddr91okKCEet3j_z4wNXsGOnUKyimMRi7b_guOP75KKo1zBBaTtMNFd-h2cSvraz07BumXb/s400/IMGP1281.JPG" /></a><br />
Toothache rapid, Apurimac River</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FzqtDmFnaybvW3m_EL0YbA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8fCaqqdwzJtDxfgqQb68hw-1QKN4UnpOxooHllYk5Tksv8r7NOUmfSjIAgK3dEdyTH3YaCuw-mNhY_BCjLUuQRlh8SZUeD7Y6lr-NBTZYRNMhWP5nm3bFzdtoauOhPOnFIwJO1jyl1nb/s400/IMGP1290.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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Beers under banana trees at the takeout<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cPIwijtLnie2rg6PqY19QQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAmqRl_gOUOdRVN1ZzYwQO-rVefhbP5PtolbHjYa1L2wUVsPZ9O9I9j3PifeIU31XjtKvYrSOEuObfRn-Sew7j-V-fM4Qrurxtsn5_OENqZWOET769fp0cc-mC0zw88Xg753_28ydTYY4/s400/IMGP1313.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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Black Canyon, Apurimac River<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VPSdbMaTakHVd26tLZrv2w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FtyFsZdKIU1J_kp4OnvQIrRTATBSZxtQnpTpXEpb0DOzn4NrXHpL5HeBuP5DmxWCCOuManToXQMT9vyhLJsUJl0CqlUkNoOBbScDlTD_RwMqSYLjhCc1pg8mYZdAdkM51gNLfQ07qjoE/s400/IMGP1642.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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Peruvian children loved our boats<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9BAKU3IYV7ZHzsOchcuIbw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37cccoxotGOXp4Eshv8zysoqjEmnyn3qQkybnpj8ZGFbJfgMztFKy9vruU-D258LeOUrYsLBhZxJ0u1jW-kXpijpmw8FAGT_cICGkt-VDG9NSETpPtXNJK1uB1JcjR5pHUGL5QK220Vnh/s400/PB050830.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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Locked in to the Lucumayo<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6Lk6lfUqqUvJoeIL3AgRwQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEqAwfvSeDvvhSla_7Fh5ZIvve8S1TGj-nvEn0fpMPTdZtOuSBDf3tozAQwGf_lD-O_hpfKiLhyLydSV3zFH3ExFAuQV5ASsqzS059lW4fwh2IMR3vPtHGZBtIbR6j0LbuzfAMf0f3MI1/s400/IMGP1380.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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Portaging through Ollantaytambo<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HQ9IglaZxN5vvRMhslnrOw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6kY6kBR-RK-zAIXyWkWyPALKONGo3qKE6wooGIOSLLEs-DnsfVogRWyP8DxXRKPcjmALgV35f1KXDpeNRKGyJvZXERp1Z5kHDogs3YYCDV0-KxY646gUvFJBEhsX4LVY0AqEOvH678YI/s400/PA210359.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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Figuring out the Mapacho<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eS35HQ7gNZfqz-Sw_BPSuw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49EhSy4feb17goo0_LkQfNO3Sv5-nnN5o-Yv0ka_8yd_48UCydf-eYflNgufGrOGs4oNAJ5RwVE3BBVH4PH0X_oxV5EEscCD3_15j8ImOhCGbwg2WoN_w7HSPW6clRdrhxplLHMqgPnBk/s400/PA220439.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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One of countless good rapids on the best river anywhere: the Mapacho<br />
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Mike and Zak had been in Chile four years ago, so they had a good idea of where to go. The day after arriving in town, I met up with some locals for a morning run on the local classic, the upper Palguin. It´s a short-and-sweet run with three clean drops, and I ran my first 20-footer that day. It was the perfect place to get used to running waterfalls, which have been the focus of most of our travels around Pucon. After a couple weeks hanging out in town with more runs on the Palguin, we took off for our Christmas road trip. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/612rVSet_qBbGxqN8l788Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukFrVZFBLMVSCy7bkqyZAzG-ocmvSLu6mmSVEyKz38gJsMdK426_kY-gZ86LyP286HqVtfyQHTpQFvTYsMNokfpEY8AcR2zIRGcJANjzFy3rzTBdqD2sziKKhlCgAz53I5PLNfh7MaOhj/s400/IMGP1787.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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Falling on the Fuy<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/STH9EJXjHAVCeGcZlBxfxA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ILB9Iiluerq1AnSjPR4RKY2e-S3LF3SQilkNJmW0ThfCa7x83-COUefJ_brSldQQUjJfI3BXAVE4cpgZeQW7X0PlqjX9i9lhGtTVBzXX7hGCkwkJhAGy1yWpVQIgyxJUuR51s7p_WGxa/s400/IMGP1739.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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Allen on the Llancahue<br />
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Zak, Upper Palguin, Drop 2<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XLvITbWERWBohpJYup8V1A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGmoTOCc2gyCXUppvyp7_0cWTBbZhbZRrYlPxOOl_38Gp0Etx1u3D5Q5rTVI3HNKNVX_0IUkhuhHteRM6usmGZ59FDDevjATr09K0GmZumbX_lDsMHk_A3EC8dm2H5PjZqGEeB9Le_j5U/s400/026.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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Blue Angels on the Fuy<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PmAPokF-h4ZxEhAabA1d3g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg49sgW0FMXL7G7IGLpPZl5Uwh4uLdSeuj6S1Xg1_w03HfQ0lEDCK8ZJMRf-vEvtqHJ_Vmip1IZr4dVVwqrvxPDcFxgdn5zoak9xKxYor9Zx6x1ZWwL4uZawzPnAQjOwmryITfS_ccMXHJ/s400/IMGP1772.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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Zak finishing off the best rapid I´ve ever run. Río Gol Gol<br />
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Christmas day was my last day on the water for the season, with a great warm day on the Fuy. In the week leading up to it, we also ran the Llancahue, Gol-Gol, and the Negro. I ran the first rapid on the Lizan, but don´t quite count that as a full day of boating. So here´s the count:<br />
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Total days on the water: 174<br />
Unique runs: 52<br />
Personal first descents: 36<br />
Gear lost/broken: 1 paddle, 1 helmet, 1 mosquito net, 1 cotton sock, some foam blocks, a door on Tupper´s Subaru.<br />
Degrees of lattitude covered: 93<br />
Runs missed out on that I´ll get next time: MF Feather, Clear Creek Headwaters, Bridge Creek, Wooley Creek, NF Feather, SF Yuba<br />
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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I just love this picture too much to not post it again!</td></tr>
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Dan Thurberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776124269638560610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-76189281418917724702008-12-28T11:10:00.000-08:002008-12-29T07:45:10.073-08:00Come out and vote!The new poll on TeamKettle requires a bit of an explanation, so here´s the latest update on my travels in South America. My return flight is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. I have decided to stay down here longer so I can run the legendary Futaleufu River in the southern part of the country. Now I´ve encountered some obstacles with returning home.<br /><br />After severals hours of outrageously intimidating phone conversations in spanish, I was finally able to speak with the right person at the airlines and successfully communicate my desire to change the date of my ticket. Much to my dismay, the charge for such a simple maneuver turned out to be much more that I had anticipated: somewhere around $1,000. And then I would still have to spend $150 and four days getting to Lima, a city I have no desire to return to.<br /><br />So now my search has begun to find an alternative way to get home. Here are the options that jump out at me immediately.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1) Get a new flight<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span>After a few minutes online, I was able to find a more affordable ticket one-way from Santiago to LAX. This would be the easiest, but least adventurous option imaginable.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2) Take a boat</span><br /> I don´t really know anything about this one, but the travels of my uncles Bob and Rob have gotten me thinking: it could be pretty neat to spend 10 days cruising back north via the great Pacific Ocean, with a few days in port at various cities. But I would imagine a cruise to be a tad cost-prohibitive.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3) Drive</span><br /> How stupid of me would it be to spend a bunch of money on a truck, plan on driving it the 10,000 kilometers back to California, then have it break down in Colombia, if it even made it that far? But I really do want one of the pickups everyone down here has......<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4) Ride</span><br /> Perhaps it would be even stupider (though cheaper) to buy a motorcycle, learn how to ride it, and spend a few weeks on the saddle working my way through all of South and Central America.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5) Hitch</span><br /> Alternately, I could stick my thumb out there on the Pan-American Highway and see who I meet. It could save me a lot of money unless I get into some real trouble. Like a kidnapping or something!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6) Give up</span><br /> It sure would be convenient if I just fell in love with some beautiful Argentinean lady who loved cooking and wanted to take me and my friends kayaking on a regular basis. Then I wouldn´t have to worry about this travelling nonsense.<br /><br />So look over the options, think about them, and cast a vote in the little box in the right-hand column of the blog homepage. If you have another idea I haven´t yet considered, leave a comment. Let´s see how creative everyone can get!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Dan Thurberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776124269638560610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-37029882656903290392008-12-25T09:27:00.000-08:002008-12-25T09:40:00.202-08:00The New Flavor on the BlockI was wondering through our local market the other day. It was a normal shopping experience. But, as I was perusing the beer and chip aisle I was struck by a huge surprise. Kettle came out with a new flavor! Sweet Onion! Oh momma I was excited. Of course I bought a bag to acompany my six pack of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and headed home. The pairing was great. <br />The chips are definitely more sweet then oniony, but have a perfect onion finish. I ate the whole bag and drank the hole six pack in the one sitting. I was left wanting more! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XO8cn6lxQVJoFRR2CTKM1F9ztB7NOCHOw6W-6XkZdBtnBzjsC1GLEKZ-Zfwf6cyV2XFIDaRt6BBmQ5dYWU95IoZTHVYQPlHsUlMq3Uv449LOpHOcnbnc1fn6BSHeLxnaDigSS495n9H-/s1600-h/11555_small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XO8cn6lxQVJoFRR2CTKM1F9ztB7NOCHOw6W-6XkZdBtnBzjsC1GLEKZ-Zfwf6cyV2XFIDaRt6BBmQ5dYWU95IoZTHVYQPlHsUlMq3Uv449LOpHOcnbnc1fn6BSHeLxnaDigSS495n9H-/s320/11555_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283782950287450226" /></a>(photo courtesy of Kettle Foods)<br /><br />Sweet Onion is a great new addition from Kettle Foods and I look forward to eating another bag soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-86017870512586219612008-11-13T21:02:00.000-08:002008-11-13T21:07:21.300-08:00Smalls Portugal?One of our favorite young rippers studying abroad in Portugal for this school year. Ben Smalls is an up-and-coming snowboarder, kayaker, mountain biker, and awesome dude. While Ben is in Portugal he is maintaining a really cool blog, so we wanted everyone to check it out!<div><br /><br /></div><div>The link is: <a href="http://beninportugal.blogspot.com/">Ben in Portugal</a></div><div><br /></div><div>We hope you enjoy!</div>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-14982315292376785052008-11-02T08:10:00.000-08:002008-11-02T08:50:49.599-08:00Halloween 2008If you saw last year's Halloween post, then you already know that Halloween in Ashland is a BIG deal. If you didn't then take our word for it. Much of Ashland, and those from far and wide, pour into the city center for a huge party in the plaza. Around 2,000 people show for the festivities in the downtown of our small town. Every bar is packed to the brim and the bartenders can hardly keep up with the demand of libations. Of course, we celebrated in style. Travis dressed as Oscar the Grouch. Verelle dressed as Ursula.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi6gxD2Xu3VZoXXwCUn0GcH4uDanE3ONQJqdJQbQJ-n1olGYNi4tDOtV1MfP61ie1BQgh8KcpX1UehRkv7at0ERS6sYicR83rZ4KCPvoXMWNzy06grIvmbPGOvd8FxTxJtt-ERqCMw18/s1600-h/LowRes_Group.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi6gxD2Xu3VZoXXwCUn0GcH4uDanE3ONQJqdJQbQJ-n1olGYNi4tDOtV1MfP61ie1BQgh8KcpX1UehRkv7at0ERS6sYicR83rZ4KCPvoXMWNzy06grIvmbPGOvd8FxTxJtt-ERqCMw18/s400/LowRes_Group.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264100418055403506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwIB2exwTpL7YT6o7wBCeFV1i-gSfEtvS0nKX2B2TjW_I8mG1bwMeA92Wg26GKsB501f87PyynEHCmpjKk57YATljgah_7UIMdpj0wd5kTtp-SltEWhMXNi5sp4WvgFXeQQWXd5YUnNE/s1600-h/Verelle2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwIB2exwTpL7YT6o7wBCeFV1i-gSfEtvS0nKX2B2TjW_I8mG1bwMeA92Wg26GKsB501f87PyynEHCmpjKk57YATljgah_7UIMdpj0wd5kTtp-SltEWhMXNi5sp4WvgFXeQQWXd5YUnNE/s320/Verelle2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264102906343714978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZuiF-rqnYMF3oZcS-4VJl5ZR-wOVlA8yYfg1W4FPaPYMQBSlsl4zuwJfoSvWOKs1wySu2pMIdwrvRcDFhSHS3Pz9mjluI6KbmFTyy6c-E8KX6PkJFVwliQxlNsfqQwFvPmhfIVi9Y7w/s1600-h/Travis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZuiF-rqnYMF3oZcS-4VJl5ZR-wOVlA8yYfg1W4FPaPYMQBSlsl4zuwJfoSvWOKs1wySu2pMIdwrvRcDFhSHS3Pz9mjluI6KbmFTyy6c-E8KX6PkJFVwliQxlNsfqQwFvPmhfIVi9Y7w/s320/Travis.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264102429091512290" /></a>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-58233714083449349762008-10-31T14:31:00.001-07:002010-02-11T13:05:59.617-08:00Río Mapacho: V - Day 4<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">The gettin´ gits good!</span></div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/krGXaMPdU0hM_Alj--UOnA"><img style="width: 504px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAYpREZnRKFm216j6zXFzELJI0Q97WeKXqnuazYcV4HXeoLtRJb-kV1_6AZdrNdwWSEgBTEIGHby_UrN50TUtDA8wOWCise375KMQcc5H-kEAYK_s8XVwg4OCzNL3XQOOrF3NnUU4SjEf/s800/PA220402.JPG" width="607" height="353" /></a></p><br /><br /><div align="left">As we staggered into camp the previous afternoon exhausted from portaging half of the last three km, we were pretty unenthused to see the next rapid. Just below camp, the river divided around, under, and through more big boulders in a steep drop. It seemed like the seives of Orange Canyon continued for quite some distance. Upon closer inspection, however, the rapid looked very manageable. We got to start our day off with a steep class V, one of the best rapids of the trip.<br /></div><div align="left">The rapid, dubbed ¨Buenas Dias,¨ was particularly intimidating because our warm-up consisted of a dicy seal launch and paddling around in a 20-foot pool above the rapid. The twisting channel was only about 5 feet wide and required a couple boofs into cross-currents, the second one landing between a sticky hole and an undercut. In the end, we all made our way through the rapid unscathed with big smiles, and started looking forward to the day to come.</div><br /><div align="left">Peruvian topo maps are most widely available in the 30´quadrangle series. The entire run on the Río Mapacho spans five of these maps; we were able to get one of them. Conveniently, we arrived on the map the day before, around lunchtime. The map indicated that our gradient was tapering off from the afternoon before, but we still had five kilometers to Puente Sahuay, the landmark indicating the end of Orange Canyon. In spite of a great wake-up rapid, we were fearing a torturous morning of portages.</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZIERRGEfR4YoyXLxR9HIgA"><img style="width: 587px; height: 387px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtNRIB29-HPavWQKDRf_AZP_Q505l7QgdMiz24oDx_a1Q54tqHAZMbOgK3obn8geF8UHuqs0YF8Rbw-XukBEyWo3GD0oHJeS37sq9HfxnCzzeCghCdkD8Et68jVoiJhI9En7oOE81GVnv/s800/IMGP1513.JPG" width="664" height="472" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Below Buenas Dias, the river indeed opened up. We took turns leading through class III boulder gardens until a horizon line where one of us got out to scout. It turned out to be another clean class IV with a great boof. Such was the character of the river for the next several miles. The enormous orange boulders disappeared and gave way to black gorge walls. We saw fewer and fewer undercuts and, to our delight, not a single portage.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gPye9nMx4Ux7jV1VVtVosw"><img style="width: 622px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1D-DKpreTFMEgRDVFWp5IDS-FlPBTXgJ-tEauAiRE_2WCHi_mzPUU3H7cKvuXEp3HL9a1OOtvI7ME9APJoNFzTGdGlgl-X6ev4p0-2d821dngKIbJLv4cOvci6zKNxRAeja_qGDi-RwK/s800/IMGP1515.JPG" width="658" height="443" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Mike and Kase below Orange Canyon. You can sort of make out the elevation drop of the rapid hidden behind the river-right wall</div><br /><div align="left">We had a few more scouts and plenty of good class III/IV whitewater leading up to the welcome sight of the Puente Sahuay bridge. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The road doesn´t cross here, but does come within a few hundred feet of the river on the left. From here it switchbacks up and out of the canyon, into the neighboring Yantile River valley which is more populated. This is an optional take-out/resupply/evacuation point, but traffic is non-existent and the hike out would be....long.</div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l05akaXgdY2xWXRU6mZisA"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS_USvQRKmAzmnNnm1A1VC5_GBJe6AAeedO4QR7_WgLIzML8f2z8w5wuTIoqnk7BC_YCWCaftf1zZYqPupu_LpuyhWOlSwG5fBUeNvDWYimis2IGBszbd1dNFrnTV5NjC9sA2dPCglhZU/s800/IMGP1519.JPG" width="485" height="668" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">Zak at Puente Sahuay</p><div align="left">Below Puente Sahuay, we enjoyed several more miles of continuous, mindless class III boogey water. We were all able to relax a bit and pound out some much needed miles (We were already a full day behind the 7-day schedule.) We left Puente Sahuay around 10:30 and by noon, we were cold, hungry, and opted for a long lunch break. It may not have been the best time to subject ourselves to food comas, because some of the biggest whitewater of the trip waited just downstream. Just before lunch we stopped briefly to talk with a local who was setting up his fishing lines. He gave us a bunch of fresh oranges and avocados. When we inquired about what lay downstream, ¨mas saltos,¨(more waterfalls) he said. ¨Mas saltos.¨</div><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/njSdW35fYuPJ8OlAkAu73A"><img style="width: 488px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXObGb6fYZQSnt3e2z-70JO-KfYAhWSEEoDhk37lg_mBWj4NZmQXrVlDPSt_Fyn84fEujbOmulv9kZFzGdhcf7DOdeDofRmqMjqnCRNd8roFrCXRq2k7sIEmcGiqcET0YUiPAPnjt_Ga5X/s800/PA220401.JPG" width="625" height="395" /></a></p><p><br /></p><div align="left">We didn´t really know what to expect, but the topo map indicated a single kilometer dropping 50m, a gradient of 250 fpm. Shortly after lunch we saw why. We arrived at a major horizon line, with no view of the river below, except for the huge boulders and narrow canyon. Scouting looked great on the left so I made my way over to an eddy. Kase and Dave on the other hand, seemed to be considering boat scouting. Kase hovered just above the lip of the drop giving it a close look, then looked at us with a big grin and disappeared over the edge with a right boof stroke.<br /><br /></div><div align="left">I didn´t know what to think, but Kase seemed to feel it was good to go. One by one, Dave and Zak followed suit and vanished. I joined Mike in the ¨scouting¨eddy and was able to see the rest of the team down below. About 20 vertical feet below. Intimidating as the gradient was, we were getting hand signals that it was clean. Mike dropped off next leaving me separated from the group by a steep, unscouted class V drop. </div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hX050tR9tojFzrvS7Y8sSg"></a><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hX050tR9tojFzrvS7Y8sSg"><img style="width: 419px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_3etTJE79BRjvqmKf4df-JhF1q-CFr3XIljOFWn4QDnI_aNOjy97vDLDOOt4LhRC0tFeb-e4U2aC2jYrvbyQaVMQBkqJTPIHW8iWGdnThVqH0h6kKsJ5vUUhgP_gFYqQIdMBIye2U54q/s800/PA220396.JPG" width="581" height="395" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hX050tR9tojFzrvS7Y8sSg"></a>Mike on the entrance ledge. The boulders obsure the view of the bottom half of this drop.<br /></p><div align="left">From the pool above I couldn´t see much of the first drop, but they said boof left. I could see that the second part was a slide with a tight line between piton rocks and the right wall. After that, no ideas. So I took a couple breaths and went for it. I got a running start towards the lip and launched off the ten-footer with a hard boof. I kept the boat flat in the air, landed with a loud splat and started driving right for the next slide. </div><p><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3S7N9nCXAzk9_JgBZrve6A"><img style="width: 490px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CVeB7e0mFOuIXnSN4Z8lm_qYBTN7k1FGMuovLxALpMeA4k02O_QfkKxQo1rVDWWpYiHRYOO5khZW31mGbLBgsX2UHWV4NDP3ksVIcFcknzcICy0L2iWVj-5yBcVVTHaPTpctgtjk0kva/s800/PA220398.JPG" width="542" height="386" /></a></p><p><br /></p><div align="left">I don´t even remember the rest of the rapid. I went screaming past the other guys in an eddy below the slide and I vaguely recollect going deep into a pillow and resurfacing like a breaching whale, only upright. Or perhaps it was more like a dolphin saying ¨so long and thanks for all the fish.¨ Anyway, I kept the upside up and parked in a pool below feeling elated with what was by far the largest drop I´d ever run blind.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nEoOneNE-iWykKytxh4Auw"><img style="width: 599px; height: 428px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWYhHTB1NPVLAOQEpZYNVDTRgZX1WCSP6sJfG7elRV_QaDWmJbnoWgodjRHpr1YYnVqsQ-JwrLaYyjYRuWc-iUb9v7BtdN2wzcCqxs_Z5rX4GjuV2OyoZePBHxWWxg5x5cURrDtR-qmTa/s800/IMGP1523.JPG" width="649" height="484" /></a></div><div align="center">Mike on a rapid shortly below the big one</div><br /><div align="left">For the next half-mile or so, we continued to run class IV+ and V rapids without scouting, thanks to incredible probe work and good communication from Kase. Eventually the class V´s vanished and we kept momentum going through several miles of good class IV whitewater.<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gMbcGx-WNpjMkoC5I_sAng"><img style="width: 575px; height: 388px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlafXS2E4F6tNZCBY9jDZJgZPFDWbL0fXu7N407KU8mLeQh6Yv4zxKT_QcFEJSdzjrtjQQ8rNnGAYB-6ImZpflo4rDZbzz9dK-5Hs5uBsvuk_qFJ1Fs8ayc-J686_MGRR2hTun1P6FH1mn/s800/IMGP1526.JPG" width="684" height="465" /></a></div><div align="center">Mike evading focus but nailing a boof<br /><br /></div><div align="left">Around three in the afternoon, we started looking for a camp and quickly stumbled upon a great beach hidden by boulders. We lost a lot of elevation today, and the canyon was starting to show signs of the jungle. Namely, a banana tree in camp, a small plot of coca (as in cocaine) plants, and spiders the size of my hand.</div>Dan Thurberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776124269638560610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-53595446213363668322008-10-31T13:52:00.000-07:002008-10-31T14:41:48.452-07:00Río Paucartambo/Mapacho: V - Day 2<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">The Fun Begins.........Then Ends Abruptly</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">If you haven´t read it, start with <a href="http://teamkettle.blogspot.com/2008/10/ro-paucartambomapacho-v-day-1.html">day 1</a>.<br /><br />We woke up in the morning, did our morning business, and eventually had our boats loaded up and on the water. Right out of camp we rounded a corner, passed under a swinging footbridge, and left the arid braided river valley for good. The vegetation turned distinctly greener, but was of course nothing compared to the jungle to come.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9S8GfwufMH2Vw2JI6SHwPg"><img style="width: 505px; height: 669px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lkqjU75eRmQ/SQt40OA_mCI/AAAAAAAAAzk/cqH_oYlBM1U/s800/IMGP1480.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> The river flowing through a greener canyon<br /></div><br />We also got to some of our first rapids. The morning was mostly manky class III/IV with a few fun moves and no scouts. It proved perfect for our team to learn to paddle with each other and get used to the heavy boats. Since all the weight was in my stern, my Hero actually boofed pretty well several times, so I had that going for me.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5C8igrjpv_8IqubCItdqvw"><img style="width: 524px; height: 695px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hDGp5VzcTXbL1GygWi0y0Opq_Lf_tRpa1ryUgS59qkOlm5QA4JWhNOrQutiZUZN3T0sdc3_9nw6sioy7xTh3QeOX5mCIdUBsPRcsika0RadQwhAMLg2GBmBRdegNiShREE7C6y1L8laA/s800/IMGP1483.JPG" /></a><br /> One of the earlier boulder gardens<br /><br />The day wore on slowly with more boulder gardens toward the afternoon. The whitewater already didn´t match the description we brought with us at all, but around 2 pm we arrived at what we presumed was the ¨first class V.¨<br /><br />At our flow it wasn´t too difficult, but extra manky. The river divided and dropped steeply through a boulder garden with tight channels. We started boat-scouting through the first few meters. Kase and I went for a channel on the right while the other boys went left. I hung out in an eddy while Kase probed and soon he was out of sight.<br /><br />I never saw him again to get beta and couldn´t tell if he was safely through the rapid. Dave on the other hand, was through and Mike gave me a signal that his side was fine, so I made my way back left. When I got there, Mike was out of his boat scouting. Zak seemed to be portaging. Dave and Kase were out of sight. Mike told me the line was scrapy, but fine and pointed me through a good channel to the next eddy.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3MZEW5xCxEWlKtSMhK1rIw"><img style="width: 598px; height: 449px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihH_xyp_myki88qzT7GJ3W7bc3m-UyJRh8RjBPLxLn4YTWAuhws5Wto29jlsIvPeWdnQVaHsnI13uA_mFg0s6eQ6swDfQBuQ8RctBDrUOvN7zhRxqN5XRz5tyJN5su5jiXtNcX6jlSxeqt/s800/IMGP1481.JPG" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Mike finishing off the steep rapid<br /></div><br />I hopped out to scout the next drop while Zak continued dragging his boat around the drop. When Mike caught up to me, he filled me in on the situation. Zak had probed, gotten pinned, and dropped his paddle. It had taken off downstream so Dave and Kase had given chase looking for it.<br /><br />Mike and I finished off the rapid, met Zak below, and got out Mike´s breakdown for him. The three of us then charged ahead, running one more scrapy class IV rapid before catching Dave and Kase. They hadn´t seen the paddle either. We doubted it could have stayed far ahead of us and imagined it was upstream still: in an eddy or pinned under a rock.<br /><br />It was already 3:00 so we decided to camp there and search for the paddle for the rest of the afternoon. We split up to both sides of the river, leaving one person at camp to watch the river, and hiked back upstream. It was only a half-mile back up to the rapid, but still took us over an hour to scour the eddies. After thorough searching, we ultimately returned to camp defeated and prepared another dinner.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4DHgrMT-8Dii6K6sFOI0gQ"><img style="width: 569px; height: 427px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ww6ppyu_lncngvDNy2nO9xn76aqgnXkTUuR2Dl1aXLpSOIqb0LzFLXSzdsZb8JxILcFwLOGu4aeIIrfsDAUdTQc-b2JJwjzjWyw3uEmcqqA5IoXOfry38CdbeuKKaEDv5oSQWmlgkKCC/s800/IMGP1479.JPG" /></a><br /> Gearing down at the end of the day<br /><br />So there we were. After only eight days of paddling in Peru, we had already broken/lost two paddles between the four of us. Both of our breakdowns were now in use and we still had eight more days of reportedly difficult whitewater ahead of us with only a couple of known bail-out options. Kase still had a spare paddle, but I still went to sleep that night wondering if this Paucartambo mission was really such a great idea.......<br /><br />on to <a href="http://teamkettle.blogspot.com/2008/11/ro-paucartambomapacho-v-day-3.html">day 3</a><br /></div></div>Dan Thurberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776124269638560610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-64438671092589079042008-10-31T13:06:00.000-07:002008-10-31T14:30:44.069-07:00Río Paucartambo/Mapacho: V - Day 1<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">A Grand Farewell</span></div><br /><div> </div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PAT9bJZLIHd8erdf0zJsHA"><img style="width: 591px; height: 445px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWoVMbgheBSjtaPi3AWxxZqazyFCPGuchCZWd7ZSaLvzcK7g25jqv2-OQvA1k40tDyOgUAryiymiluoUiuIv5IEEHp-Pm5XD6k7sb_MkTTaf8J02WCSwa0utTModFfWJgdg7imG8KH0H9/s800/IMGP1474.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/99oP0Mj6KF-rTNVZQQOFPQ"><br /><br /></a><div>It´s not like we knew any of them, but we seemed to be pretty big news for the residents of the colonial pueblo of Paucartambo. Hundreds of people gathered on the historic stone bridge and the village flood walls to watch our departure, ignoring the local parade a couple blocks over. Here were five gringos sitting in colorful plastic potatoes talking about travelling by river from their mountain town to the jungle 8,000 feet below. Since its first descent in 1986, there have likely only been about ten complete descents of the Paucartambo River, several of which have started further downstream and the end of the valley. It´s entirely possible that many of these locals have never seen kayakers before, hence their excitement to play with our equipment and wave us off into the canyon.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Anticipation for this trip had been building for over a month when we first discussed this run amongst other Peruvian destinations. Initially, I was only moderately serious about considering the Paucartambo. The three pictures I´d seen looked pretty, but write-ups warned of strenuous portaging over unstable landslides, continuous class V dropping 250 feet/mile, and something about an unscoutable, unportageable class VI gorge. However, as our team assembled and we acquired more beta, our hopes rose and we started planning our entire trip around running the Paucartambo before the rainy season hit.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>This river goes by many names. Road maps and kayakers refer to it as the Paucartambo. Locally, it´s known as the Mapacho for much of its length until the final stretches where it winds through the jungle under the name Yavero. Our put-in was at nearly 10,000 feet above sea-level and over the course of 230 km (140 miles) the river drops to around 1,500 feet near the edge of the Amazonian Rainforest. Other teams had completed the run in five to eight days with full days on the water and strong teams. This is a full-on expedition with some fairly daunting statistics indeed.</div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cDfcoj_8sc5AMbQ9eBYVSw"><img style="width: 614px; height: 461px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk-6Bx5gKH_Vaxd1RlaJxvQeKSfZHRKlpK3uFiqvyRfUvUFfIKI7H8FwQubcW5_A1QAmWeDfF1Gy1RRiRJNaWadivOYLaOtdqJ4VnXX6DsB5n58Dmz2B7jyuharD5Aulhxjd2a8gaW_Vx/s800/IMGP1476.JPG" /></a><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Zak marvels at a trash avalanche into the river, reminding us that we´re still roadside<br /></div><br /><div>With our group of five, we chose to pack for ten days, nine nights on the water and take it slow, especially the first couple of days. The quantity of food in addition to our camping and emergency gear meant the heaviest boat I´d ever paddled. I had a trash bag full of bread sitting in my lap just to make everything fit in. Fortunately, the first day didn´t challenge us with any real whitewater.</div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/99oP0Mj6KF-rTNVZQQOFPQ"><img style="width: 526px; height: 700px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMLfYuA__KsJn2moxTqVvLKm9zDkoo3Q29v7ikRowUME-Bxdj9vohQmwVhzxe6Y0vaEbVHK1x1WBNNgHFJhlVkEYwQypLVGWYKPl5cqa6bZk9iWJ5AYCMjtUwUMg9-KXTV5LXMpn0XxO3/s800/IMGP1477.JPG" /></a><div> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Mike draws the attention of more locals downstream in the valley<br /></div><br /><div>After leaving the crowded bridge at Paucartambo, we started working our way through the 15 miles of braided channels and gravel bars in the lower end of this agricultural valley. After an hour or so, a local farmer waved us down to chat. We told him what we were up to and he offered us some of the hot boiled potatoes he was having for lunch. </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Around 3:00, we had passed the town of Challabamba and the end of the real road, so we decided to call it a day. We found plenty of firewood to cook up our no-frills meal of soup and lentils, then got some rest for the next day´s whitewater.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>on to <a href="http://teamkettle.blogspot.com/2008/10/ro-paucartambomapacho-v-day-2.html">day 2</a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Dan Thurberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776124269638560610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-61342090438152871542008-10-11T13:54:00.000-07:002008-10-17T20:21:56.380-07:00Week 2: So far so good!<p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qX8fWqLuEWoXOdAARbu1og"><img height="403" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SPlLIQzZ-QI/AAAAAAAAAxk/F-Zk-2lXTxc/s800/IMGP1343.JPG" width="599" /></a></p><br />We´ve been so busy getting used to Peru for the last couple weeks that I don´t even know where to begin. Our biggest obstacle with this entire expedition so far was just getting our boats down here. Most airlines accept large, fragile packages as excess baggage, but explicitly refuse to take kayaks. And as such we spent several hours at LAX trying to get around the regulations. Ultimately, after going through four levels of upper management, one mighty strong cocktail, plenty of sweet talking and much demonstrative boat kicking, we got on the plane.<br /><br />Upon arriving in Lima, we were pleased to see that our boats had made it on the plane too. We were quite displeased, however, to see Lima. After we the plane decended through the clouds but before touching down, we all agreed that we needed to leave that city!<br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4yDHKYiAZGjNi72xZV6Ppg"><img height="394" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SPlKxJzIVKI/AAAAAAAAAww/ThkjKxY6fBQ/s800/IMGP1194.JPG" width="576" /></a></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div align="center">The climax of our time spent in Lima<br /><br />We spent the day enriching ourselves in the culture with some Dominos Pizza, sprite, and scotch. The following morning, we were in the air again and bound for Cusco, one of the whitewater (and as it turns out, tourist) capitals of the country.<br /><br />Cusco was much more in line with what we wanted out of a town. The hostels are abundant, restaurants cheap, and it has been easy to move around on foot. The local economy is also quite used to gringos and most people speak slowly and simply. Not that it helps me understand them, but is certainly an endearing gesture.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2r8tAxn1gMIAWbj4we3Afg"><img height="795" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SPlLyt0RqLI/AAAAAAAAAyM/pZbBZTNpkak/s800/IMGP1199.JPG" width="581" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">Mike and Zak enjoying the view of Cusco</div><br />By our second day in Cusco, Mike, Zak and I were packing for a three-day trip on the <a href="http://h20cycle.blogspot.com/2008/10/el-ri-apurmac-iv.html">Rió Apurímac</a>, one of the classic Peruvian whitewater trips. We were treated to excellent food courtesy of Mayuc Expeditions and had a terrific introduction to paddling in Peru with loaded boats.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2kzTBEOFJW7w8Eohxgdzyw"><img height="395" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SPlK0k3aL1I/AAAAAAAAAw4/a6vnenaWwDs/s800/IMGP1201.JPG" width="564" /></a><br /><div align="center">A typical view on the drive to the put-in</div><br />Upon returning to Cusco, we were joined by Dave Kashinski, a friend of Mike and Zak´s from their previous trip to Chile in ´05. We quickly put together a day trip on the upper section of the Apurímac, known as <a href="http://h20cycle.blogspot.com/2008/10/black-canyon-of-apurmac-iv.html">Black Canyon</a>. Our beta was limited on this section, but we scouted lots and had another great day on the water.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UHHJszzGtZTg6LF6JUsDNA"><img height="389" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SPlLDv7INgI/AAAAAAAAAxc/PsVmZ_uU2hs/s800/IMGP1314.JPG" width="586" /></a></p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qX8fWqLuEWoXOdAARbu1og"></a><div align="center">Plenty of good boating down here!</div><div align="left"><br />After our Apurímac exploits, we were invited back with Mayuc for the Tambopata river, a 6-day trip through the jungle. The Tambopata is a logistical nightmare and a terrific wildlife trip with minimal whitewater. Unfortunately, the aforementioned nightmare got in the way and we never got the opportunity to see said river. Instead we grabbed a cab to the Sacred Valley for a couple days of boating on the Urubamba.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mOF9aLQbMwdQj1XgpRhUWw"><img style="WIDTH: 590px; HEIGHT: 386px" height="409" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SPlL0pW9RKI/AAAAAAAAAyU/L5jbgsUV42I/s800/IMGP1375.JPG" width="622" /></a></p><div align="center">A roadside view into the sacred Urubamba Valley</div><br />Somewhere along the line here, I looked up at the night sky and realized that every single star is new to my eyes. Still, the stars are about the most familiar sight down here. The change of scenery has been more than refreshing and the spirit of vacation has taken over. I´ve lost track of days of the week and even how long I´ve been here. Half the time we´re on the river. The other half, we´re figuring out how to get back on the river. Cusco has been a fun town to hang out in, but we´re all just about ready to leave.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/czVg4Cnx5_nQfmbdWX1Y4A"><img style="WIDTH: 593px; HEIGHT: 378px" height="426" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SPlK9jwt7EI/AAAAAAAAAxI/IIsRpHT6XVU/s800/IMGP1213.JPG" width="631" /></a></p><div align="center">Packing boats for overnighters</div><br />The entire gringo culture here is about going to Machu Picchu and the local culture is all about selling us things. The ¨handmade 100% alpaca¨ blankets are obviously fabricated. One woman sits on the stairs with the same half-knit sock each day to make it look like she´s making what she sells. Every ten steps someone is heckling us: selling paintings or weed or massages or suggesting the best bar for the night. But I don´t intend to trash talk Cusco. As I mentioned earlier, it has been very approachable for us. I´m just tired of explaining that I don´t want my shoes shined. They´re flip flops for god´s sake!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XzZZ4V3MGpM3tKt4jKj_ew"><img height="426" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SPlL5f2rqxI/AAAAAAAAAyc/WJAdDda8D2M/s800/IMGP1378.JPG" width="611" /></a></p><div align="center">Zak getting ready for another day on the river</div><br />As I write, the other boys are back at the room packing for our next adventure, which may turn out to be the climax of our entire trip down south. Tomorrow we launch on the Río Paucartambo. The Paucartambo drops 8,000 feet of elevation over the course of 230 kilometers. It is likely that fewer than 20 teams of kayakers have ever completed this run. It´s not epically difficult, but has its fair share of challenges. We are planning on a 9 to 11 day trip, which is more than twice what any of us have done without raft support.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MTVrHylOwoWkslKHoxqq7A"><img height="347" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SPlLKNijJRI/AAAAAAAAAxs/Ojgw43KkCrQ/s800/IMGP1351.JPG" width="574" /></a></p><div align="center">More beautiful and comitting canyon country</div><br />So for the next two weeks, no news is good news for us. We have spent lots of time preparing for this expedition and it promises to be one of my most memorable adventures. And on a completely different subject, no wonder south american teams always kick our asses at soccer:<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XBu5RB1F57f82bXlUJe9Bg"><img style="WIDTH: 616px; HEIGHT: 411px" height="452" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SPlK2r3JsaI/AAAAAAAAAxA/C1mS0HVedh4/s800/IMGP1211.JPG" width="655" /></a></p><div align="center">This field is in the middle of nowhere at 14,000 feet. It looks like you could kick a ball off the edge of the world from here.</div>Dan Thurberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776124269638560610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-34062953023034662502008-09-28T12:16:00.000-07:002008-09-29T09:26:16.367-07:00Spreading the Kettle love near and far<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SCe0waC_X9I/AAAAAAAAAiU/zCMXQGiCL4c/s400/IMGP0938.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 411px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SCe0waC_X9I/AAAAAAAAAiU/zCMXQGiCL4c/s400/IMGP0938.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>The All-Trac in prime form<br /><br /></div>It feels like now is a pretty appropriate time to check back in and start blogging again. I keep hearing "Dan, why haven't you been posting on TeamKettle lately?", so there are two answers: 1) I just haven't had any big adventures lately that justify posting; or 2) I've been so busy doing super-cool exciting things that I just can't decide on one thing to write about. So here's the short version of my Spring/Summer. Check <a href="http://h20cycle.blogspot.com/">The Water Cycle</a> for more detailed reports.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SOD8I8ZBsoI/AAAAAAAAApA/ruCd9VygPSA/s640/All-Trac.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SOD8I8ZBsoI/AAAAAAAAApA/ruCd9VygPSA/s640/All-Trac.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />In March, I finished/dropped out of school and move back in with Travis & Verelle in Ashland. I spent the following two months driving the All-Trac around Califoregon with kayak on the roof and Kettle chips in the trunk. I got on several classic rivers this spring including the Smith rivers, NF Yuba, Pauley Creek, Kidder Creek, Clear Creek, and the Cal-Salmon. Additionally, I spent two days on a self-support trip down the <a href="http://darinm.blogspot.com/2008/04/lower-mccloud-iii-iv-iv-24-miles-two.html">Lower McCloud</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SOD8J88A9KI/AAAAAAAAApQ/k3EyiGllh_Y/s640/sick%20boof.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SOD8J88A9KI/AAAAAAAAApQ/k3EyiGllh_Y/s640/sick%20boof.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>My new favorite move on <a href="http://h20cycle.blogspot.com/2007/04/upper-clear-creek-klamath-drainage-ivv.html">Upper Clear Creek</a><br /></div><br />Once late May rolled around, it was time to venture back to Idaho. I started the season off with a high-water 350-mile decent of the Salmon River. I launched on Marsh Creek with four other paddlers and ran down to Indian Creek Guard Station on the Middle Fork. There we joined the pre-season OARS-Dories training trip which ran for the next 11 days onto the main Salmon and down past Riggins. At the entrance to the Lower Gorge, all the rafts took off and my brother Mike and I self-supported in our kayaks running 75 miles in less than a day. With the river flowing 40,000 cfs, we were running the river higher than most people will ever see it: twice the flow where commercial outfits call off trips as a safety precaution.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SOEAvk1jgFI/AAAAAAAAApg/CSXH5Fyve24/s640/IMGP1076.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SOEAvk1jgFI/AAAAAAAAApg/CSXH5Fyve24/s640/IMGP1076.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>About to get swallowed by Devil's Slide, 40,000 cfs<br /></div><br />For the rest of the season, I guided a variety of oar rafts, paddle boats, and dories on the Snake and Salmon Rivers. It's my job, but I hate to call it work when summers are so much fun! The season was highlighted by several adventures such as safety kayaking for ROW on the Lochsa River, running the class IV South fork of the Salmon as a three-day self-support trip with other guides, and hiking in the Wallowa mountains of northeastern Oregon.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SCEOAZbIRbI/AAAAAAAAAgc/tjE9F5TbIA0/s400/IMGP0806.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 323px; height: 429px;" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/reverendthurber/SCEOAZbIRbI/AAAAAAAAAgc/tjE9F5TbIA0/s400/IMGP0806.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Lightweight Kettle Chips are crucial on overnight kayak trips<br /></div><br />I am now back home in La Grande making final preparations for my next big adventure: Peru. My brother Mike, our friend/co-worker Zak, and myself are traveling to the Southern Hemisphere on October 5, where we'll spend the next three months with our kayaks searching out new rivers to explore. We don't yet have a very concrete itinerary, but several rivers are on our to-do list, including the <a href="http://www.oregonkayaking.net/riverframe.html">Cotahuasi</a>, Colca, Urubamba, <a href="http://therangelife.blogspot.com/2008/01/paddling-into-abyss.html">Apurimac</a>, and <a href="http://www.peruwhitewater.com/Paucartambo.htm">Paucartambo</a>.<br /><br />While down south, we will be facing many challenges including language, transportation, disease, and whitewater. For now, however, our big challenge is just getting down there. We have plane tickets for ourselves. Our boats are another story......Stay tuned for updates on the travel debacle!Dan Thurberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776124269638560610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-88076706331617159402008-09-22T20:44:00.000-07:002008-09-28T14:54:21.681-07:00Oregon's Top Ten AdventuresHello blog readers. I'm sure that we, Team Kettle has already made it painfully obvious that we love adventure. And while we still have considerably more journeying to do, we figured it was about time to create a post of our top ten adventures in the beautiful state of Oregon. We are not trying to be partial to the beaver state, it just happens to be the one in which we reside and play the most.<br />So, although these are not all adventures which we have participated in, YET, we believe that they are all worthy of being on our top ten.<br />Listed in no particular order, here they are:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">#1 Kiteboarding the Columbia River Gorge in Hood River<br /></span></span>If you are one of those individuals that enjoys being a trendsetter, get to your local water sport dealer and buy yourself a brand new kiteboard. Kiteboarding is a young sport, but is quickly growing in popularity. For those of you unfamiliar with the sport, the kiteboarder straps a board to their feet, not unlike a wakeboard. The kiteboarder also holds a large kite, which they control, to propel themselves across the water.<br />According to <a href="http://www.nwkite.com/guides/hood_river_sandbar/">nwkite.com</a>, "the Hood River Sandbar is the only sandy kiteboarding launch in the Gorge, it is also one of the most consistently windy spots in the entire country." And who can resist an excuse to visit Hood River anyways. With their local breweries, Big Horse Brewing and Full Sail Brewing, and their conveniently close location to such beautiful orchards, Hood River is the ideal place to strap on a kiteboard, eat a bag of Sea Salt and Vinegar Kettle Chips, and wash them down with a cold pint of local brew.<br />Kiteboarding instruction and gear is available from <a href="http://www.bigwinds.com/">Big Winds</a>.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOUsRAw6sva5hj2CB4zU_gKZ0HauNapsSulw-KDcNQiUgljq88wrYna4WgOWkgKbsxit9sbKgpnY8bQs3Am8BzAKQ0uwyDDO5maTzBS0MpAw2NBA_R0rL41uo9u7DX16rpKIDRtpOa0w/s1600-h/kiteboard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOUsRAw6sva5hj2CB4zU_gKZ0HauNapsSulw-KDcNQiUgljq88wrYna4WgOWkgKbsxit9sbKgpnY8bQs3Am8BzAKQ0uwyDDO5maTzBS0MpAw2NBA_R0rL41uo9u7DX16rpKIDRtpOa0w/s200/kiteboard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251189349769679730" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">#2 Rafting the Illinois River</span></span></div><div>With two members of our team being trained rafting guides, there was little question as to the best river to raft in Oregon. The Illinois is incredibly scenic and has fantastic rapids. And, according to our very own Dan, rafting the Illinois is "the most remote overnight rafting trip in the lower 48. For 33 miles, the river carves a steep canyon through the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area in southwestern Oregon before meeting with the Rogue. The 'river trail' is high up on the north rim and only comes down to water level once. The only way to see this canyon is from a boat. There are no roads, no houses, no damn jet boats, no hikers and, because the flow window is so narrow, usually no other boaters."<br />Sounds like an exciting and intimate rafting trip!<br />Of course, while rafting with a local guide company, like <a href="http://www.momentumriverexpeditions.com/">Momentum River Expeditions</a>, we recommend warming up around your campfire with a bag of Death Valley Chipotle. Spicy!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv7PeBbVa25RgzTQqyacdlWEzDWzn-lA64XmGeffyY_yRZnXfsfF0jUOaGWSos-Xqf5K79kBufc4V2AHNX0DMY6crDPekt61p1unX-T4y6-eZv6k251NRPLD3fioHtZ6oDo6V4WfmwA4/s1600-h/illinois.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv7PeBbVa25RgzTQqyacdlWEzDWzn-lA64XmGeffyY_yRZnXfsfF0jUOaGWSos-Xqf5K79kBufc4V2AHNX0DMY6crDPekt61p1unX-T4y6-eZv6k251NRPLD3fioHtZ6oDo6V4WfmwA4/s200/illinois.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251188759074647362" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">#3 Cycling the Vineyards of Willamette Valley - The Vine Ride</span></span></div><div>Any avid cyclist in the Portland area can attest to the beauty of seeing beautiful, rolling hills, blanketed in row upon row of fertile grape vines around every winding corner.</div><div>You can go for an intense century ride that includes a hilly loop around Henry Hagg Lake. Or opt for a more leisurely ride through some of Willamette Valley's small communities, like Dundee, Carlton, and Yamhill, being sure to stop at some of the wine studios for tastes of their world-class wine. Wether you are a dedicated cyclist, or just looking for a relaxed and scenic cruise, the Willamette Valley has something to offer everybody.</div><div>You can participate in the <a href="http://www.vineride.com/">Vine Ride</a> that happens each August, or plan a route of your own (<a href="http://www.willamettewines.com/">Willamette Valley Wineries Association</a> is helpful). Either way, if you pack a bag of Tuscan Three Cheese chips to munch on, you will surely feel as though you are gliding through the hills of Burgundy, France.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtHn-Guv8CejsaeGkaXEGBvMSM4wftfk64_Wv0YgvAkDCnqAzENu-62bnlDVO_kUl5FCY0z_xAksVpsicW5ZprtTTqqeWAG_xUaowCw4xi5sIXvieuZ4Ma6k2tJMsokJ7rRmf779ZL6M/s1600-h/grapes.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtHn-Guv8CejsaeGkaXEGBvMSM4wftfk64_Wv0YgvAkDCnqAzENu-62bnlDVO_kUl5FCY0z_xAksVpsicW5ZprtTTqqeWAG_xUaowCw4xi5sIXvieuZ4Ma6k2tJMsokJ7rRmf779ZL6M/s200/grapes.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251187259589498434" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">#4 Climbing Smith Rock</span></span></div><div>Just north of Redmond in Central Oregon is world-class climbing at Smith Rock. </div><div>With more than 1500 routes, <a href="http://www.smithrock.com/">Smith Rock State Park</a> offers beginning through advanced climbing routes. Even if you don't climb, the park is a beautiful place and worth a stop. </div><div>There are also too many other attractions near the park to even mention, but if you are fortunate enough to also see a concert at Bend's <a href="http://www.bendconcerts.com/">Les Schwab Amphitheater</a> while on your climbing trip, then you are really in for a treat. </div><div>If you do climb Smith Rock, we highly recommend that you bring along a bag of Cheddar Beer chips. Savor the view, savor the flavor!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pU00PNVtkLninbDQ5cH4EwN5I4-ZSnsxsD1mR-kjfTnslw8c_Ts39a8Vkq2dmxT0F5uAMolImPNUwP35iHug5rQrsq1xSnBwlZyrlpiyYN03wDX_O4PtLw6q6rafdSSAQdX06m7g_Jk/s1600-h/SmithRock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pU00PNVtkLninbDQ5cH4EwN5I4-ZSnsxsD1mR-kjfTnslw8c_Ts39a8Vkq2dmxT0F5uAMolImPNUwP35iHug5rQrsq1xSnBwlZyrlpiyYN03wDX_O4PtLw6q6rafdSSAQdX06m7g_Jk/s200/SmithRock.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251189792206207426" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">#5 Fly Fishing the Deschutes River</span></span></div><div>About 2 hours west and slightly south of Portland is the small town of Maupin. The town is a bueaty, and people come from all over to fly fish near the portion of the Deschutes river that runs through the town. The trout and steelhead fishing is world-class. </div><div>The river also has something to offer rafters: class I-IV rapids!</div><div>The town is also very quiet and relaxing; so a trip to the Deschutes, wether for fly fishing, rafting, or nibbling a bag of Sour Cream Onion & Chive potato chips, is always worth the drive.</div><div>If you are looking for a great guide, we recommend Charles "Chuck" Gehr or any of the other helpful folks at <a href="http://www.deschutesangler.com/Fly+Fishing">Deschutes Angler.</a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hs9hAUChBmkElE6hZcJT6xnO1k1i0pFQgfcm4LGbNro4gqKbvouYIc6zb35yiV6xx35r2MjPFpNXppGh8DT93AdCf-E8g0_cjQDj-bQpnx2ctajCVJpytQ7RsZSfaxyJy9qanwuTFqo/s1600-h/Flyfishing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hs9hAUChBmkElE6hZcJT6xnO1k1i0pFQgfcm4LGbNro4gqKbvouYIc6zb35yiV6xx35r2MjPFpNXppGh8DT93AdCf-E8g0_cjQDj-bQpnx2ctajCVJpytQ7RsZSfaxyJy9qanwuTFqo/s200/Flyfishing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251187159513243058" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">#6 Mountaineering Mount Hood</span></span></div><div>If you are looking for some real, hardcore adventure, consider summiting Mount Hood. </div><div>At 11,249 feet tall, Mount Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon and is home to twelve glaciers. About 10,000 people attempt the climb each year.</div><div>The best time to climb Hood is in April, May and June. It is necessary to be in great physical condition to do the climb. For those who are not experienced mountaineers, it is crucial to hire a guiding service. They can provide you with necessary equipment and skills, and even a ride halfway up the mountain. The <a href="http://www.mazamas.org/">Mazamas</a> Organization has a lot of great information.</div><div>Wether you pack it to the top, or enjoy it afterwards, a bag of Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper chips is absolutely necessary to reward yourself.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqvfNAQSkGvhiHX9aXkba_WJQq7edZngtvJOCmSJHJyIdBdB73oNqFhc6Bf2K4zh8w7LnfxpBFFVSgp-hYYNzTeUg0venxmu2JHctbNq2BIPaYzhnYAw3qtDZJL0SUYzkQLfExcUGLlY/s1600-h/MountHood.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqvfNAQSkGvhiHX9aXkba_WJQq7edZngtvJOCmSJHJyIdBdB73oNqFhc6Bf2K4zh8w7LnfxpBFFVSgp-hYYNzTeUg0venxmu2JHctbNq2BIPaYzhnYAw3qtDZJL0SUYzkQLfExcUGLlY/s200/MountHood.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251189694448809026" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">#7 Surfing at Otter Rock</span></span></div><div>Most folks don't typically think of the Oregon Coast when they think of hanging ten. But as long as you are outfitted with a proper wetsuit and booties (and maybe even gloves and a hood), the Oregon Coast is a great place to catch a few waves. Typically, even the hotspots are not too crowded, and the other surfers tend to be far friendlier than those found in other surfing Meccas around the world. </div><div>Otter Rock State Park is located south of Lincoln City, and north of Newport. It is about 2 hours from Portland, and well worth the drive. </div><div>If you are just getting started surfing (or even if you've been doing it for years), the dudes and dudettes at the <a href="http://www.oregonsurfshop.com/">Oregon Surf Shop </a>have always been incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They can help you with gear rentals or purchases, and they provide lessons. Bring them a bag of Spicy Thai chips, and they might be your friend for ever (just don't forget to bring a bag for yourself as well). They are also a great place to stop and get a picture of yourself riding the giant fiberglass wave that sits next to the store. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYF6TrVH3RkZis4MMlmij7eCxXEngUjLc8bcYuejY-xieIlhtFksm1-UfmnppwtULCzndhRbBkJQPMf1JVMXrgRIrEoq9jAXG_l0jSrtKgDxzt1Yx7Gnf6GD7vA1Yuht4ywDssa5UwoI/s1600-h/surf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYF6TrVH3RkZis4MMlmij7eCxXEngUjLc8bcYuejY-xieIlhtFksm1-UfmnppwtULCzndhRbBkJQPMf1JVMXrgRIrEoq9jAXG_l0jSrtKgDxzt1Yx7Gnf6GD7vA1Yuht4ywDssa5UwoI/s200/surf.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251190757314153138" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">#8 Snowboarding/Skiing Willamette Pass</span></span></div><div>You might have expected to see snowboarding or skiing on the list of Top Oregon Adventures, given that all members of Team Kettle are ski bums. But you may not have expected us to choose one of Oregon's smaller mountains for the list. </div><div>We chose <a href="http://www.willamettepassresort.com/">Willamette Pass</a> because, while it is a smaller mountain, they do have a six-person chair lift, along with four tripples, a tube lift, and a magic carpet. They have a small, cozy lodge and the very friendly staff is certainly worth mentioning. Day passes are also very inexpensive at $40 for an adult day pass (compare to Meadows on Mt. Hood at $54-$69!). </div><div>Willamette Pass is a great choice for families, college students, or anybody looking to make some turns and avoid the big mountain crowds and mentality. It is 70 miles east of Eugene on Highway 58, almost halfway to Bend. Bring two bags of New York Cheddar with Herbs, one for the ride up, and one for the ride down.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokCMSRJVcorPmbH4Y6w14v9CO1nVf8dMw4u5BYAK-Z7yawWZOjPuUvXZv9Ywr16UislijqKmLP8YFkOByY_L2hKjfPMjOC25vPJErIqCa3gb1IdohFY0by-hQJSZzrHtpSWaN01IlmCM/s1600-h/willamettepass.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokCMSRJVcorPmbH4Y6w14v9CO1nVf8dMw4u5BYAK-Z7yawWZOjPuUvXZv9Ywr16UislijqKmLP8YFkOByY_L2hKjfPMjOC25vPJErIqCa3gb1IdohFY0by-hQJSZzrHtpSWaN01IlmCM/s200/willamettepass.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251191644336605026" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">#9 Hiking at Crater Lake</span></span></div><div>Going for a hike at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/archive/crla/home.htm">Crater Lake National Park</a> is for EVERYONE! The trails around this gem range from very easy to difficult. </div><div>You could begin with hikes Annie's Creek Trail or Castle Crest Wildflower Garden (1.5 hours and 45 minutes, respectively); each offer gorgeous views of wildflowers and butterflies in the late spring and early summer. </div><div>Next, step it up a notch with a necessary hike: Garfield Peak. The hike begins at the historic and majestic Crater Lake Lodge, and offers some of the best views of the deepest lake in the U.S. </div><div>If you are feeling ambitious then hiking Mount Scott is recommended. The summit, also the highest point at Crater Lake National Park, offers views of the lake, the east side of the park, and the Klamath Basin. There is also a fire lookout at the summit. </div><div>Crater Lake is AMAZING. And we could go on and on about it, but you really should just see it for yourself. Pack up the hiking shoes, a day's supply of Buffalo Bleu chips, and your friends or family, and spend at least a whole day taking in the views of this incredible park.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid457sn357gsiDjLu-NvQ1iB2cY6-6irZPDTsTJjDLNBieblITYrr87eAICkGUDyGyOaJyW_ODAADj33gFCtVHHtnVh6NZV54NN_xEAHnV3S3O8W1qjt9cqAO3aJXwQiqDoPUKNBIfJM0/s1600-h/CraterLake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid457sn357gsiDjLu-NvQ1iB2cY6-6irZPDTsTJjDLNBieblITYrr87eAICkGUDyGyOaJyW_ODAADj33gFCtVHHtnVh6NZV54NN_xEAHnV3S3O8W1qjt9cqAO3aJXwQiqDoPUKNBIfJM0/s200/CraterLake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251143299357622914" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">#10 Crane Hot Springs in Burns</span></span></div><div>Most people think of the lush forests, mountain peaks, and abundant streams and rivers when they think of Oregon. But often overlooked and forgotten is Eastern Oregon's high deserts, that make up a very large portion of the state. </div><div>Hot Springs are very abundant in Eastern Oregon. And since this part of the state IS so often overlooked, it is also a great place for a quiet, often secluded, and inexpensive trip. One of the best places to begin that trip is Burns, Oregon. </div><div>After hiking Steens Mountain above the Alvord Desert, relax in the natural and soothing hot springs at <a href="http://www.cranehotsprings.com/">Crane Hot Springs</a>. Swim in the natural outdoor spring reservoir and take in the sensational desert scenery. Or opt for the private and enclosed soaking tubs to enjoy the mineral-rich waters. </div><div>Cabins and camping are available for this retreat, but BYOCBPC (Bring Your Own Classic Barbeque Potato Chips), because unfortunately, they do not keep them on hand. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSf3rvj7Kt4Mpkp8aPSTCHV7EzqU3qJp-CW7aeoboYnzc-q5jE-fnvg4iTcZ-Fwo4mJfGaOoE7-4S4YujA_3SSS0DIIKrij-JxInv9UDKHm1V2cDDF94BQuVPw8HenWa9TL5Vr8WPnLs/s1600-h/Hotsprings.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSf3rvj7Kt4Mpkp8aPSTCHV7EzqU3qJp-CW7aeoboYnzc-q5jE-fnvg4iTcZ-Fwo4mJfGaOoE7-4S4YujA_3SSS0DIIKrij-JxInv9UDKHm1V2cDDF94BQuVPw8HenWa9TL5Vr8WPnLs/s200/Hotsprings.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251188185519154898" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There are so many more Oregon Adventures, like mountain biking Mount Ashaland, dog sledding in Bend or horseback riding on the coast; obviously too many to mention. We recommend trying a few, on the list or others, and letting us know which ones you think are the best. </div><div><br /></div>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-72946649302209871912008-09-09T17:23:00.001-07:002008-10-27T15:32:20.450-07:00Canada in Seattle?Teamkettle has been nervous lately about the current state of things within the government. One particular concern has been over the presidential elections that is currently going on. So, we decided to set up a back up plan just in case McCain wins the election. Travis is a first generation descendant of a Canadian citizen, therefore he is eligible for Canadian citizenship. However, in order to gain his citizenship there was a lot of paperwork and applications to be completed, and in order to get everything completed he and his brother made a trip to Seattle.<div><br /></div><div>Why Seattle? Because Seattle is the nearest location with a Canadian Consulate. Since they were going to one of the premier cities in the Pacific Northwest they had to stay true to form and do some playing. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first activity on the docket was America's past time. A baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics. The discovery of how expensive a pint is at a baseball game was quickly discovered, but that didn't slow down the fun. After a few pints and a basket of fish-n-chips (complimentary from the extremely intelligent staff at the concessions stand) the game was under way, and at the end of the nine innings the Mariners were victorious and Travis and Brad were ready for their next portion of adventure.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeOnisMEvk3LIxVLcsnIHEINV8wclSs2fZRZofsTgSFa6Mw3NULMbpl8F2hqET2YZP73Q2r06qO3sfqaCyZKigEoM75FGH-tIQ_-sr6Tg_Epiv8tzfKgia_1rnZgwOFVWFIIA8U3W-cQ/s1600-h/IMG_0019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeOnisMEvk3LIxVLcsnIHEINV8wclSs2fZRZofsTgSFa6Mw3NULMbpl8F2hqET2YZP73Q2r06qO3sfqaCyZKigEoM75FGH-tIQ_-sr6Tg_Epiv8tzfKgia_1rnZgwOFVWFIIA8U3W-cQ/s200/IMG_0019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258622280724407554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbOQXQWyH3WtIIVi6u-WcCKh68HhWFPlA6g2w45-vW0L2WmkAE8yGfj9552R1jZCnU0y1okR3Zk0xMH2HhPoFumRG3W7Rnavyf7DJYPMRTtzVln00N8BjRH2kKB_BeX2D0mZJl3HInB4/s1600-h/IMG_0025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbOQXQWyH3WtIIVi6u-WcCKh68HhWFPlA6g2w45-vW0L2WmkAE8yGfj9552R1jZCnU0y1okR3Zk0xMH2HhPoFumRG3W7Rnavyf7DJYPMRTtzVln00N8BjRH2kKB_BeX2D0mZJl3HInB4/s200/IMG_0025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258622283324208098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LhTgFwz45aeL9xeCN7YLyvy8wk-dhog-F33KeWI5R2z_szBJjf60bz5Z-XVBBpI7RrqmsCQPfatAbCviOQ3E4yDYQi3ODuvz7U8SwfnJiv4oz6mDnJmUhT3XyWfYzdshb90OUhbz6fI/s1600-h/IMG_0027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LhTgFwz45aeL9xeCN7YLyvy8wk-dhog-F33KeWI5R2z_szBJjf60bz5Z-XVBBpI7RrqmsCQPfatAbCviOQ3E4yDYQi3ODuvz7U8SwfnJiv4oz6mDnJmUhT3XyWfYzdshb90OUhbz6fI/s200/IMG_0027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258622287559393586" /></a>Next on the agenda was going to the Pike Street Market. Pike Street is famous for it's fish markets along with an array of other fresh produce, flowers and hand made products. Pike Street Market is a must see place if you are going to Seattle. Remember to watch out for flying fish.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ea5Lq0Y9ajb7QrDQGVf3O2j00DWUZi-LS8kSn_c8tZEgrXsZjntavtLPvXp-NaJkomyvk_jPCSCYhKb-O7BKKsbBansQJhuXxYa8RqzBO34EKW5WdBFBQg16W_HHtCW0NXO6y3dmppw/s1600-h/IMG_0030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ea5Lq0Y9ajb7QrDQGVf3O2j00DWUZi-LS8kSn_c8tZEgrXsZjntavtLPvXp-NaJkomyvk_jPCSCYhKb-O7BKKsbBansQJhuXxYa8RqzBO34EKW5WdBFBQg16W_HHtCW0NXO6y3dmppw/s200/IMG_0030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258627479569773074" /></a><br /></div><div>With the buzz from the game wearing off and with hunger setting in Travis and Brad had to find a place to eat and grab another classic pacific northwest pint of beer. The Pike Brewing Company it was!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNXGiEKzHVNvzoY250T6k8rdVebnC-7g9OqscohLp2Shi8qPrAj2ICyNXiVigcMZZPcDmcgQRr9hGadhIUn08DS8hY-zpfxUgNg0aNUepNr-R55J4QydA8qh1evvNr6za-xBiZPrE3GU/s1600-h/IMG_0031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNXGiEKzHVNvzoY250T6k8rdVebnC-7g9OqscohLp2Shi8qPrAj2ICyNXiVigcMZZPcDmcgQRr9hGadhIUn08DS8hY-zpfxUgNg0aNUepNr-R55J4QydA8qh1evvNr6za-xBiZPrE3GU/s200/IMG_0031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258627484439278610" /></a>The Pike Brewing Company has some of the friendliest staff around, and that doesn't even begin to compare to how good their beers are. There was no bar hopping to be done because Travis and Brad could not imagine any place being more fun or having better beer. Knowing that the next day was going to consist of paperwork and playing the waiting game at the consulate the boys made sure to play it up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbTBXiWYV9ZI1vyDqWT2PXA8rkfb0z5DZIgCbiz86VJhFWzjEfr8SzTpkEnh6VFBlcDiRgqM2dBH09oOqSRCwi-mND7ddWjVHYZC8MvnmzUVRC5fy_4zhl6KwqFPdPVhBrqPzito10EE/s1600-h/IMG_0034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbTBXiWYV9ZI1vyDqWT2PXA8rkfb0z5DZIgCbiz86VJhFWzjEfr8SzTpkEnh6VFBlcDiRgqM2dBH09oOqSRCwi-mND7ddWjVHYZC8MvnmzUVRC5fy_4zhl6KwqFPdPVhBrqPzito10EE/s200/IMG_0034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258627484833991042" /></a>The next day feeling a little bit tired from the fun the night before they set out to make their Canadian Citizenship official. Thanks to help from the Constable their paperwork along with baby nephew Jonah's paperwork was complete and submitted. Knowing that they would be receiving their citizenship card in about nine months made both of them, along with the rest of Teamkettle, very happy! </div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully they can still get enough Kettle Foods products to satisfy them if they have to make the great migration north!</div>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-6739408113305046112008-09-09T17:22:00.000-07:002008-09-15T16:14:23.184-07:00Will!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxslY97I2mjnCukRKDIAKdyMfpkp9Pe41VWrDTesRCdOfLV4Ao564SRn02kHuanRSkDpsMJ8uAzadUziAtFMYC7BGplfxSlk6eb_ZvBYrLBYhZJNdJN2MaxCITjajrZfUpHHN3zYyW9U/s1600-h/Photo+18.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxslY97I2mjnCukRKDIAKdyMfpkp9Pe41VWrDTesRCdOfLV4Ao564SRn02kHuanRSkDpsMJ8uAzadUziAtFMYC7BGplfxSlk6eb_ZvBYrLBYhZJNdJN2MaxCITjajrZfUpHHN3zYyW9U/s320/Photo+18.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246389841206208354" /></a><br />Will came back to the pacific north west recently under the premise he had to work a trip, but we know that it was really to visit Teamkettle!<br /><br />Will has been having another great summer guiding rafts in Idaho for Idaho River Journeys (IRJ). We can't wait for him to come back again.<br /><br />We Love Will!Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-74098908376094237872008-08-27T09:51:00.000-07:002008-08-31T14:28:45.589-07:00Crater Lake Part 2...we continue our saga of the 50th Anniversary trip to Crater Lake on Saturday, August 9th.<div><br /></div><div>Several members of the Caldwell clan woke up bright and early. Was it because they are crazy? Partly. And they had 6.7 miles to run/walk. This is an organized event: The Crater Lake Rim Run. Participants may run 6.7, 13, or 26.2 (marathon) miles, or walk 6.7 miles.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Jl0kv6FgyP1zGEYgL-lxVEJyD4eK_rHjVi-UM1fuaH49rUBcAa0-lpWHqxv-q3xRgJWcwXyHgIZ-h-Vhee8Ro2BAavG20IsPE-6dyagsjaKs3y8x0uEqZaCeIUZt8ZBNrLDER2Iww2M/s1600-h/blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Jl0kv6FgyP1zGEYgL-lxVEJyD4eK_rHjVi-UM1fuaH49rUBcAa0-lpWHqxv-q3xRgJWcwXyHgIZ-h-Vhee8Ro2BAavG20IsPE-6dyagsjaKs3y8x0uEqZaCeIUZt8ZBNrLDER2Iww2M/s320/blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240340363925120306" /></a><div><div>All five Caldwell family members that participated received a medal for finishing in the top three in their age group for their respective events. Congratulations! </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUP-84WMgYFyEsCs9kgJNXMZTdqhg44yRbDWWsPE6QuIEp4XbGYltik4WvH4l08RX3E5gnI8Tz1rhPQ0uvWiLMQ4U12gTkR4GAw1lL-4uqJpI0vVKD2QUWGqzw-bSCQMTNRcOHJWHvXk/s1600-h/blog2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUP-84WMgYFyEsCs9kgJNXMZTdqhg44yRbDWWsPE6QuIEp4XbGYltik4WvH4l08RX3E5gnI8Tz1rhPQ0uvWiLMQ4U12gTkR4GAw1lL-4uqJpI0vVKD2QUWGqzw-bSCQMTNRcOHJWHvXk/s320/blog2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240349113808501554" /></a><br /><div>Later Saturday, after some wonderful family photographs by Joe Ramos from Beyond Images Photography, we all went to dinner together at the lodge. The lodge does a fantastic job of utilizing local and natural ingredients. All of the dinners we tasted were very tasty.</div><div>After dinner we were treated to celebratory cake, one carrot and one chocolate. Yum!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDuD8-iEXZPfRHXniCBPHDeDUSxqp6DluXZAk5R_5mnG1pCTYZge3P_2GxjNveI8bis_eX5T-6V4eArZB4p4f2gJCsrnNjOLEdj8on40AlJ7Ta93udO_iB1N3zWLKnIpeOl-4tVcdtjA/s1600-h/blog3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDuD8-iEXZPfRHXniCBPHDeDUSxqp6DluXZAk5R_5mnG1pCTYZge3P_2GxjNveI8bis_eX5T-6V4eArZB4p4f2gJCsrnNjOLEdj8on40AlJ7Ta93udO_iB1N3zWLKnIpeOl-4tVcdtjA/s320/blog3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240350559513158418" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;">Cakes made by Shanon Rodrigues.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cE6BgPIRDF4EgNLkWst7fJl-L7JRNCn3Lq5j1xzWcrSdEXdYsI3KVT_WoiGGEXTfSpS-q18dw7hYDK3RazD3LcIpPI-4zJLsjVqcDf_LxpfgAddt3ly7PcKF7FeC8u40CfrijqeiR_o/s1600-h/blog4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cE6BgPIRDF4EgNLkWst7fJl-L7JRNCn3Lq5j1xzWcrSdEXdYsI3KVT_WoiGGEXTfSpS-q18dw7hYDK3RazD3LcIpPI-4zJLsjVqcDf_LxpfgAddt3ly7PcKF7FeC8u40CfrijqeiR_o/s320/blog4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240352074830246642" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The long and happily married couple share a smooch before cake.</span></div><div><br /><div>Before departing the next morning, we all gathered once more for another hike. This time down to the lake. </div><div>There is only one way to get down to the actual lake. Cleetwood Cove is a steep (11% grade) and dusty 2.2 mile (round trip) hike. </div><div>The trip is WELL worth it. The views from the bottom are fantastic, and the opportunity to swim in a lake with some of the cleanest and clearest water in the world is not one to be missed! </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM26Ta3gNgYwSJPs1TamXHelvRn7hG22MUi2BI-9Q83ZY9iawLaD6UgBmshw3aqsH2Wh5ho6UpLtC5X_HxemL2e0I9qDq8WmQrUs3BEcKwh1FHriN7L-pZzxMA8g4KiHPFjhLezCtvZI/s1600-h/l_62eefcc030cd3a992afc45a2ff453fb7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM26Ta3gNgYwSJPs1TamXHelvRn7hG22MUi2BI-9Q83ZY9iawLaD6UgBmshw3aqsH2Wh5ho6UpLtC5X_HxemL2e0I9qDq8WmQrUs3BEcKwh1FHriN7L-pZzxMA8g4KiHPFjhLezCtvZI/s320/l_62eefcc030cd3a992afc45a2ff453fb7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240796763619163906" /></a><br /><div>Just don't forget to pack down a bag of Kettle Chips. You'll be chilly after jumping into that icy water!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0bBwlgvYz0d08czGzufMOZm03_VJ7JvOZaLIm9SvGBe0kXiOCZvNkBoPNeZ8nIF0G9OTSsYrlYfwGMYTsIBLhX9ejHOd5dXxxS59FnfV3zey8blidAHfXJg_izO9ZpmjgFXNiav1QDA/s1600-h/blog6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0bBwlgvYz0d08czGzufMOZm03_VJ7JvOZaLIm9SvGBe0kXiOCZvNkBoPNeZ8nIF0G9OTSsYrlYfwGMYTsIBLhX9ejHOd5dXxxS59FnfV3zey8blidAHfXJg_izO9ZpmjgFXNiav1QDA/s320/blog6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240760711440239506" /></a><br /><div>What a fantastic way to end such a fun weekend! </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNbIG7uJ2NflXvvR9FMTCJmkL-8f5bMg4DmbqQAyoO6E99ZeXw7k8HVJibArswmTDl96azEqQ5EC3XFcBhpBk8TqFq_jYQjKgJBlCbhy8SHlorxlkNN16RR6nw5f7SGzSDPtxVk1r8MQ/s1600-h/blog5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNbIG7uJ2NflXvvR9FMTCJmkL-8f5bMg4DmbqQAyoO6E99ZeXw7k8HVJibArswmTDl96azEqQ5EC3XFcBhpBk8TqFq_jYQjKgJBlCbhy8SHlorxlkNN16RR6nw5f7SGzSDPtxVk1r8MQ/s320/blog5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240353489909720402" /></a><br /></div>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-60946826513988851282008-08-17T08:31:00.000-07:002008-08-19T22:53:11.526-07:00Crater Lake Part 1Last weekend was Travis and Verelle made their way to Crater Lake for the celebration of Travis' grandparent's 50th Anniversary. This was truly an epic trip thanks to Travis' father, Bob, for planning the trip, and Kettle Foods, for very generously providing sufficient supplies of Kettle Chips! <div>The weekend started out beautifully on thursday with a hike on Annie's Creek Trail, just inside the south entrance of Crater Lake Park. The trail has a steep descent to the creek, then follows the creek, allowing for spectacular views of wildflowers and tumbling brooks. The entire trail is an easy 1.7 miles, round trip.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3SERB1mgAtE7WBaSTok9NGi6QqFCXFSWH66ipSmYnDaIwtpbcCIlaJbRU90zQ_v-SOZwT2iNjFD8gqa81_GdWoYc3w5zMozrRL97aRLD0jRzoxZEsVR6lHuwDScw2Mbtx8F1pK8BJRI/s1600-h/IMGP0752.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3SERB1mgAtE7WBaSTok9NGi6QqFCXFSWH66ipSmYnDaIwtpbcCIlaJbRU90zQ_v-SOZwT2iNjFD8gqa81_GdWoYc3w5zMozrRL97aRLD0jRzoxZEsVR6lHuwDScw2Mbtx8F1pK8BJRI/s320/IMGP0752.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236252150705178450" /></a><div><br /></div><div>The Caldwells are a competitive bunch. Here they are competing in the cold foot contest! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_A97F8BgoXkSTfifMVfnC0vXU3DFIQHoETdmyybF8C1jYzzSr48lpxW0vsH1Q6iSPsKE_OljkwNgM-FowqtzCVrkkl9MnkO6TdtQYQOp9_j5XWR7o0ZhK8rKszsXsSFJCF9RXSkbIJo/s1600-h/IMGP0766.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_A97F8BgoXkSTfifMVfnC0vXU3DFIQHoETdmyybF8C1jYzzSr48lpxW0vsH1Q6iSPsKE_OljkwNgM-FowqtzCVrkkl9MnkO6TdtQYQOp9_j5XWR7o0ZhK8rKszsXsSFJCF9RXSkbIJo/s320/IMGP0766.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236264434582866498" /></a><br /><div>Next on the itinerary was a picnic in Goodbye Campground. We munched on Kettle Chips and finger foods. Here is the happy couple posed with their favorite flavors. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMasKwYo8dqEjRtczzAz2gOTq3tgtUvLJ1qIZuLmffbImEasg-JmfPa-lwxITXlRuW5GjXHp9UmLn3dXYTIe8FZeSfQI13DpAwjDF3Jj097LfDOqOsbNLM8CTu8gAaVqi1v51FPv1aMQE/s1600-h/IMGP0780.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMasKwYo8dqEjRtczzAz2gOTq3tgtUvLJ1qIZuLmffbImEasg-JmfPa-lwxITXlRuW5GjXHp9UmLn3dXYTIe8FZeSfQI13DpAwjDF3Jj097LfDOqOsbNLM8CTu8gAaVqi1v51FPv1aMQE/s320/IMGP0780.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236265486194261714" /></a><br /><div>With a little exercise in our legs and food in our belly, we were more than ready for a little rest. We stayed at the lodge at Crater Lake, which is perched right on the rim of the lake, and is spectacular both inside and out. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVCvGrM28SFq-05AaxOzG7alhu7CVvUmHICrSlgaF9Nh3N2gJTPhgxULfkApg3RmQumnQXdNAy9F3cZ5ncSZuEGHb6reek1BcMKxmtLr400zDHylEql7ATz0w4hyhLn45olz7fgth-WQ/s1600-h/l_d6de831a0bc799cd15d3605bf93b893d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVCvGrM28SFq-05AaxOzG7alhu7CVvUmHICrSlgaF9Nh3N2gJTPhgxULfkApg3RmQumnQXdNAy9F3cZ5ncSZuEGHb6reek1BcMKxmtLr400zDHylEql7ATz0w4hyhLn45olz7fgth-WQ/s320/l_d6de831a0bc799cd15d3605bf93b893d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236360665648512002" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:10px;">Thanks to Kara Caldwell for this photo!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:10px;"><br /></span></div><div>Early the next morning the whole crew gathered for a hike to Garfield Peak. The trail begins at the lodge and finishes at a crest that overlooks the lake. Round-trip, this trail is 3 miles and a moderate climb.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIo7kPKYaCnJauvSDpUqWDqZb5jGM-F1THbKujsKOBcyiUmj9UMZiReIAiXBbMf9pwBdN0tolaAd_TZeFSUypRN0D8_6yNR3CErcWuRtescN_ZAzMQAFlly3Qrm6Wnhs6CG_xws8il6V8/s1600-h/IMGP0791.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIo7kPKYaCnJauvSDpUqWDqZb5jGM-F1THbKujsKOBcyiUmj9UMZiReIAiXBbMf9pwBdN0tolaAd_TZeFSUypRN0D8_6yNR3CErcWuRtescN_ZAzMQAFlly3Qrm6Wnhs6CG_xws8il6V8/s320/IMGP0791.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236357496409418738" /></a><br /><div>The views from the top are spectacular. Just don't forget to bring some Kettle Chips to snack on at the top. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPI69dvmWdVho9XFckVRAknw6kc2zc9aNmrT9FyJofPQUF6sC412fjM1yDIKOd0LQ5sSyfaINO7I7qi58nUj1igGIFYoPEyDOxOxENF9JNcvf6OzAssheN3ILykwUtjfQuS25PZ7M590/s1600-h/IMGP0804.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPI69dvmWdVho9XFckVRAknw6kc2zc9aNmrT9FyJofPQUF6sC412fjM1yDIKOd0LQ5sSyfaINO7I7qi58nUj1igGIFYoPEyDOxOxENF9JNcvf6OzAssheN3ILykwUtjfQuS25PZ7M590/s320/IMGP0804.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236357738926986514" /></a><br /><div>After finishing the hike on Friday, we had plenty of time to unwind and enjoy lake, lodge, and all that surrounds it. Travis rode from the lodge to the north entrance of the park. Verelle enjoyed the views and played an eventful game of Cranium with other Caldwell's.</div><div><br /></div><div>To be continued...</div></div>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-19614983474317313992008-08-11T08:00:00.000-07:002008-08-18T08:33:02.523-07:00Bend, Greg & Heidi's Wedding, and Cascade Classic Bike RaceSince Travis and Verelle had taken Scarlet out for her birthday instead of celebrating their anniversary, they now had to decide what to do to celebrate the fact that their marriage had lasted a whole year. Wow! <div><br /></div><div>Idea's were not lacking, but the decision was made to celebrate the successful first year in Bend. The decision was made because Verelle was photographing the wedding of Greg and Heidi Wacker. And Travis and Verelle believe that you CAN mix business with pleasure. The Mill Inn Bed and Breakfast was booked and the fun was to begin. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8TkxD8wypNYEPYBctBR6JdcNm8EYDVJs6eBQ7s1AY2SiT0ULNUdv6qNoVmB7xLAWEfkU0Yb6qP3lCFeXaOHv0_2Q_wWxt4-V4hMwWjGUJlV-K6ni9mOjGNtQ-jaxvQKybGvnDeN4bgU/s1600-h/IMG_8601.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8TkxD8wypNYEPYBctBR6JdcNm8EYDVJs6eBQ7s1AY2SiT0ULNUdv6qNoVmB7xLAWEfkU0Yb6qP3lCFeXaOHv0_2Q_wWxt4-V4hMwWjGUJlV-K6ni9mOjGNtQ-jaxvQKybGvnDeN4bgU/s320/IMG_8601.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231078484432467506" /></a><br /></div><div>Travis later found out that Levi Leipheimer was going to be racing in the Cascade Classic Bike race, scheduled to take place while the happy couple were in Bend. The anniversary trip would be spent much the same way that the honeymoon was (i.e. Travis worrying about men in lycra shorts and Verelle reading!). Despite this fact the weekend was not a loss. </div><div>The wedding was a blast with the Moon Mountain Ramblers, a bluegrass/folk band, playing into the wee hours of the night.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KSJkRIXO1Ykqd5vF6ZPzZMMFmfV3H093Ld-O4c634qZpzHNAZBfzKrq3xsbhrev9cL-_Baz_WdY8glAWQqSmgqemHgBWDIXfOB38byoukq1T-0bPpXIqE_EK9dNuGf0xSBNBULxyddw/s1600-h/IMG_9013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KSJkRIXO1Ykqd5vF6ZPzZMMFmfV3H093Ld-O4c634qZpzHNAZBfzKrq3xsbhrev9cL-_Baz_WdY8glAWQqSmgqemHgBWDIXfOB38byoukq1T-0bPpXIqE_EK9dNuGf0xSBNBULxyddw/s320/IMG_9013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231078499007881442" /></a><br /><div>Travis managed to take Verelle out to a nice restaurant every night, do some shopping with her, and even enjoy a nightcap bag of Kettle Chips next to Mirror Pond in downtown Bend. </div><div>And, Verelle managed to allow Travis to watch some bike racing. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mpl-kn56toOvNp0ZcdWZDKNunKdSvBW4awlSvY77Hfcp28Du1CETMd3G2eWbCgkbhWGsw2421McF2TP8hNge0YyHntEODJhD8f3AQCENzWRfwikWp9Hk2vmGmfdTf2qi7YOKpnY3_mc/s1600-h/IMGP0658.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mpl-kn56toOvNp0ZcdWZDKNunKdSvBW4awlSvY77Hfcp28Du1CETMd3G2eWbCgkbhWGsw2421McF2TP8hNge0YyHntEODJhD8f3AQCENzWRfwikWp9Hk2vmGmfdTf2qi7YOKpnY3_mc/s320/IMGP0658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231078478341261298" /></a><br />Bend is one of the many gems of Oregon. It is abundant with hiking, biking, paddling, and skiing opportunities. Bend is also home to Deschutes Brewery, Bend Brewing Company, McMenamins, Silver Moon Brewing Company, and Cascade Lakes Brewing Company, all of which brew up a mighty fine drink. Most of them even have restaurants to accompany them, with local fare. For beer outdoor enthusiasts, beer lovers, and even foodies, this town is heaven!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjqSfFcc6TAr6sgZc6UFf9ILaSh8bvyk9l3xpjJXhxfmK4CW4CIJZGlW4SAcabyTUhhXbhkgZoQGkgnI1LnNOOSU3QUYqOZyoDHvzxdOmsiDxC4gnoW3Q0saW5lMI16wX1zzAfYzuVng/s1600-h/IMGP0724.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjqSfFcc6TAr6sgZc6UFf9ILaSh8bvyk9l3xpjJXhxfmK4CW4CIJZGlW4SAcabyTUhhXbhkgZoQGkgnI1LnNOOSU3QUYqOZyoDHvzxdOmsiDxC4gnoW3Q0saW5lMI16wX1zzAfYzuVng/s320/IMGP0724.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231078472997930786" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Anniversary!</div>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-45921374410029278872008-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:002008-08-05T09:38:17.950-07:00Scarlet't Birthday! oh yeah, and Travis & Verelle's 1 year anniversarySo, last year Travis and Verelle got married. The date that they had picked happened to be Scarlet's Birthday. Scarlet very politely put the wedding ahead of her birthday and did not celebrate it. Team Kettle has felt very indebted to Scarlet for her roll in the wedding and have been very great full to her for sacrificing for the team. <div><br /></div><div>Therefore, the decision was made to delay celebrating the anniversary of the wedding and to make Scarlet's birthday the concentration of the day. Travis and Verelle started the day by taking Scarlet to Water Works Park in Redding California. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEylvtHsPmZUnhBlvBhpzYslqr7fvRdAqsbXmlNk_mOaBXeuntYDjCtbAFe7v5Q05sk-u1NMPLu0BmDRULoD9mN_3buWOWWvnJ6wzWuP9j7fZu-P5IfDOehOb6H1XdYFPrHpIuVaDXPY/s1600-h/IMGP0573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEylvtHsPmZUnhBlvBhpzYslqr7fvRdAqsbXmlNk_mOaBXeuntYDjCtbAFe7v5Q05sk-u1NMPLu0BmDRULoD9mN_3buWOWWvnJ6wzWuP9j7fZu-P5IfDOehOb6H1XdYFPrHpIuVaDXPY/s320/IMGP0573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231072373205619826" /></a> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6xFAQLIXvxv8rbV5FfHF2yzpZ3We9av7852LVmSN572ZHottGIKzGJmzpBbMMBff7BS2PmkssH-8sJspuGcGN9ellgJMYuD3zjJP5b2M9aYrLpYIiennIHAnrAFJ2dqmXMqOSyiKcSU/s1600-h/IMGP0570.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6xFAQLIXvxv8rbV5FfHF2yzpZ3We9av7852LVmSN572ZHottGIKzGJmzpBbMMBff7BS2PmkssH-8sJspuGcGN9ellgJMYuD3zjJP5b2M9aYrLpYIiennIHAnrAFJ2dqmXMqOSyiKcSU/s320/IMGP0570.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231072362975286306" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After Water Works Park the crew went and ate at the In & Out Burger joint and made the drive back to Ashland where they went out to Thai Pepper for dinner with Travis's work crew. After the very tasty dinner the threesome, and a few new recruits continued the fun at Standing Stone. With the night progression being fairly typical the group then ended up at the Hong Kong for Mojito's! The group and severally shrank, but the enthusiasm had not. But, all good things must come to and end, and eventually the group had to split up and go to their respective homes. Despite the evening being complete a good time had been had by all and all had a good time!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Birthday Scarlet! Oh yeah, and happy anniversary Travis & Verelle.</div>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-75168901683763466852008-06-24T07:34:00.000-07:002008-07-13T15:26:50.286-07:00Grad Weekend Epic's<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN665Ah5Nzm-ud4ddXOP0_0LJYzKyXprNLjrxe3XGNpdLKl6w7vJ8IRY1ydCesj0zsq7ecZikWIPeUeMUvwMeQGciqgDn3V3trnuRK6Z0pMiTSvp3RJbN56O4mU__OoB5lXkNcrjYtuc/s1600-h/P6130176.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN665Ah5Nzm-ud4ddXOP0_0LJYzKyXprNLjrxe3XGNpdLKl6w7vJ8IRY1ydCesj0zsq7ecZikWIPeUeMUvwMeQGciqgDn3V3trnuRK6Z0pMiTSvp3RJbN56O4mU__OoB5lXkNcrjYtuc/s320/P6130176.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218682677020426658" /></a><br /><br />For Travis's graduation we had two adventures occurring simultaneously. One, was a weekend of cycling that he had planned, and the second was the bbq/party the day of the ceremony.<div><br /></div><div>Travis went on a bike ride Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On his ride on Friday he was joined by his dad (Bob), his uncle (Greg), Cullen, Tim, Bob, and Gary. The seven of them set off at a screaming pace where the covered their first three miles in forty five minutes. Tim got a flat in the first mile and it took twenty minutes to fix it. Then, Gary ran into the entrance barrier of the bike path. Luckily the 3 foot tall post didn't damage Gary or his bike. After the group finally got rocking and rolling they covered 70 miles and climbed over 4000 feet.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuslRNIJ1lvSfPlHxghv1_2710PjaYHzQso6roMXivXM5yNNHGB6RUPSYssySIUKx28kmxHfzizO1e-KMCPnRtLY4Qgxi4PamjJ3IqE5UX4THOLq29Pf2TRa6crsr7qCS3tfqOozUySA/s320/P6130175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218681760361966290" /></div><div>Saturday was the day of fun. Travis's ceremony went from 9 am until 11:30am. Right after the ceremony he set out on his bike again. This time he was accompanied by his dad, Cullen, Tim, and Richard. The did a shorter ride but still a solid ride of two hours, 30 miles, and over 2000 feet of climbing. Directly upon their return the BBQ/Party was under way. Everyone who was anyone was at the party. There was even a piñata at the party.<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H6NkIeNhYQU&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/H6NkIeNhYQU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /> (Video Credit: Nina Caldwell) </div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry about your 5 iron Dan!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After a long day and night of fun Travis was up early at 5 am to cook breakfast before his third and final bike ride of the weekend. The Sunday ride was probably the most difficult of the weekend. The group consisted of his dad, his uncle, Cullen, Tim, and Caleb. The ride was a 55 mile ride where the group climbed almost 5000 feet.</div><div><br /></div><div>All-in-all the graduation weekend was as epic as you would come to expect from Team Kettle. Now there is only one member of Team Kettle left to graduate and we will be looking forward to next year when we can celebrate her graduation.</div>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-86111488228007028082008-06-24T06:05:00.000-07:002008-06-24T07:29:01.639-07:00Graduation '08A post by Travis:<div><br /><div>Graduating has stirred a long time love-hate relationship within me. I have wanted to graduate for quite some time. Of course, that is to be expected when it took me six years to complete my degree. However, I cannot say that I was excited about the ceremony of graduation. Graduation ceremonies have seemed like a pointless tradition that was outdated, overrated, and awkward. <br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJg7DlEfAe0pQ_wtBw3xRv7H_YebU1_nFBCss_wkwbWiDlKCvFxOIillFUh15JJrcM2mdcO387qE_YgpewyPPecTmDxmEG0R_s0sBlTDEZJBXYoc5TBV_uPClvrNQ6En3gAVTzCsKeq2g/s320/IMG_7902_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215441032576463218" /><div><br /></div><div>As I stood in alphabetical order within my major before we were escorted into the football stadium awkward was the best way to describe how I felt. Hot might be a better adjective, but that was more due to the black robes. But once I was sitting out in the field with the rest of my graduating class I felt more pride then I had expected to. As the guest and student speakers gave their spiels I couldn't help but feel proud for myself and all the other graduates that day.</div><div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9Y420vv3edugQ5NU3tvEWi1sjCqMERj8iuxIai8QB-KCyLXYD8P1T9n_-mcLZu1ljQeHKJMOAIIRa661h4ZHwqDjMJNBsjMSSPqxVU8jVQeKJO4s32mOk5_YPFlo_0hwMyN0uexYLIM/s320/IMG_7918_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215446589388625298" /><br /></div><div>As much as I had been dreading going through the ceremony I ended up enjoying it that much more. Now, don't get me wrong, the ceremony was long, hot, and I wanted to be somewhere else. However, I could not be happier that I sat through the speeches and then walked across the stage to receive the piece of paper that says "this is not your diploma."</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEith-pGyiMawXP2eAS7VfPnZhB5mz_2P2PIHzrJLEx8cHDngk2Nt8Xkxb_BNlSVX5bwWfUuxxuhdHlyn12t8uFbBiTUS-XLHV7kaXXqg-dBZyc-J2tGKemQKd_ROvLCqghk2yTEJP9A-54/s1600-h/IMG_7926_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEith-pGyiMawXP2eAS7VfPnZhB5mz_2P2PIHzrJLEx8cHDngk2Nt8Xkxb_BNlSVX5bwWfUuxxuhdHlyn12t8uFbBiTUS-XLHV7kaXXqg-dBZyc-J2tGKemQKd_ROvLCqghk2yTEJP9A-54/s320/IMG_7926_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215448061715446418" /></a><br /></div></div>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-45000849024404885822008-05-11T11:08:00.000-07:002008-05-12T08:27:21.302-07:00Lava Beds National MonumentTeam Kettle made a quick trip this weekend to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/labe/contacts.htm">Lava Beds National Monument</a> along with our friend <a href="http://minnesotaemilie.blogspot.com/">Emilie</a>. Lava Beds National Monument is in Northern California and Southern Oregon. It is about two and a half hours from I-5, just about an hour outside of Klamath Falls in Southern Oregon.<br />The first stop in our trip was at Petroglyph Point. This is where the Modoc Indians, that once inhabited the land, paddled out in boats on the lake that used to exist to a volcanic tuff island, and carved symbols into the soft rock.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-xXZsToe1kkQxla7qv4Zb4H9WLReMohzpSpVheny2q7PRfy63kLsPxe-pP2abvn0eEKHee6cunD_tfNr2fScpHtHflsMsSWdPa0PTscz_fPUieG2xL0nsJCW-rUpQBU-EFB-V3qC274/s1600-h/IMG_6650.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-xXZsToe1kkQxla7qv4Zb4H9WLReMohzpSpVheny2q7PRfy63kLsPxe-pP2abvn0eEKHee6cunD_tfNr2fScpHtHflsMsSWdPa0PTscz_fPUieG2xL0nsJCW-rUpQBU-EFB-V3qC274/s320/IMG_6650.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199193063930092674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpL6WONNVC9PjdqmEnVuJGY1xQJ3c4wGatoEiqYWLeWLlxvIWoKEhdUZfjFUMx31ildOy-B1_o1VT9_ts_BOD8dMeJWupkr1y1nRkFva2GGyWGNkxRhoGgOcE4RmiZcEMJrdmNroh1ik8/s1600-h/IMG_6653.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpL6WONNVC9PjdqmEnVuJGY1xQJ3c4wGatoEiqYWLeWLlxvIWoKEhdUZfjFUMx31ildOy-B1_o1VT9_ts_BOD8dMeJWupkr1y1nRkFva2GGyWGNkxRhoGgOcE4RmiZcEMJrdmNroh1ik8/s320/IMG_6653.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199193076814994578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rhcC5x5cSP5vHL-cUHN5oMp2EqsYyzGxBeW6vWpEOohe0iJUlz7pq9jt5bGOlYkQ2YXJxINopfAhyphenhyphenYig-L8TyhbIVpni26k-vIyoPV5vG2kjSBqNF1BOkPTCsat5jX5YEfusaRk_99k/s1600-h/IMG_6662.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rhcC5x5cSP5vHL-cUHN5oMp2EqsYyzGxBeW6vWpEOohe0iJUlz7pq9jt5bGOlYkQ2YXJxINopfAhyphenhyphenYig-L8TyhbIVpni26k-vIyoPV5vG2kjSBqNF1BOkPTCsat5jX5YEfusaRk_99k/s320/IMG_6662.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199193085404929186" border="0" /></a><br />We also stopped to enjoy the beautiful scenery of this area.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTHra52ejL-LJ0HIghrFEa5ywxaHNrir6rApYmHnvABX-UuIZuoJV_Bom3RaRirNQ93Q_WGo7eWxNjU9Wk0_-DNB1j9IkOiOvqrrcgWxLevkhO8rtcvYTTQ3Fda9K0-SdrGNMUTUNQlU/s1600-h/IMG_6691.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTHra52ejL-LJ0HIghrFEa5ywxaHNrir6rApYmHnvABX-UuIZuoJV_Bom3RaRirNQ93Q_WGo7eWxNjU9Wk0_-DNB1j9IkOiOvqrrcgWxLevkhO8rtcvYTTQ3Fda9K0-SdrGNMUTUNQlU/s320/IMG_6691.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199193682405383346" border="0" /></a><br />Next we arrived at our camp site. For only $10 a night this place is a steal, and has a truly incredible view.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjER0poe_Dqx2zUo0DxXnyvhcWhKrF6PqRm3kWj2iSyhQVADYtOsNSGaNWJrSCFYoLA1fMRIYnlz91GrNW0t-FQ3Ozr9w_GnkDb3csmp68gt2q6P_nXt0Vu3_KHnYDDXbzhuW_FgqzVMUM/s1600-h/IMG_6697.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjER0poe_Dqx2zUo0DxXnyvhcWhKrF6PqRm3kWj2iSyhQVADYtOsNSGaNWJrSCFYoLA1fMRIYnlz91GrNW0t-FQ3Ozr9w_GnkDb3csmp68gt2q6P_nXt0Vu3_KHnYDDXbzhuW_FgqzVMUM/s320/IMG_6697.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199194494154202306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT_8ZpczV5Nus-OBe6jAjeNPXqUynbbgzdI9tMf5dNVopHbqH-bO-KQyNA0nZzzCMArEWpZx-316EETbUJ6pHJAkZCZNcTDAVT00-xKFsXy5-UhKuy08VM4NnwHw3MMH9ipTS2X-lIX8/s1600-h/IMG_6706.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT_8ZpczV5Nus-OBe6jAjeNPXqUynbbgzdI9tMf5dNVopHbqH-bO-KQyNA0nZzzCMArEWpZx-316EETbUJ6pHJAkZCZNcTDAVT00-xKFsXy5-UhKuy08VM4NnwHw3MMH9ipTS2X-lIX8/s320/IMG_6706.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199194502744136914" border="0" /></a><br />Finally we got to explore the caves. The caves vary greatly in difficulty, from a cave with a lighted path to those where you must duck and crawl.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5idLUJJnzmbpjcm11wBN6oC3jBQIjpgPadsaoMoTb39EFI7I6ImU90u0VuemYiusmFrzisSJqphHGK1scWQGNxMldfuh3kCvdlQHYbUU2TgyAhlZpobQnyXrwkT4o95-tr6W-DhReclk/s1600-h/IMG_6719.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5idLUJJnzmbpjcm11wBN6oC3jBQIjpgPadsaoMoTb39EFI7I6ImU90u0VuemYiusmFrzisSJqphHGK1scWQGNxMldfuh3kCvdlQHYbUU2TgyAhlZpobQnyXrwkT4o95-tr6W-DhReclk/s320/IMG_6719.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199195585075895522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKUpOC1MQV0JvnxWSbB-9x5wTNJyN0ksz0RFDEK0VyeiDlRML8smLuIW7RA7gFDkyg-46nPQj9DZvj2qHHgqXHk4UsnoLkpWMY4CPDTSKyalikYo_BBaDfqfzIAH38Al3dvznD1XBTmA/s1600-h/IMG_6721.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKUpOC1MQV0JvnxWSbB-9x5wTNJyN0ksz0RFDEK0VyeiDlRML8smLuIW7RA7gFDkyg-46nPQj9DZvj2qHHgqXHk4UsnoLkpWMY4CPDTSKyalikYo_BBaDfqfzIAH38Al3dvznD1XBTmA/s320/IMG_6721.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199195593665830130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTU-k6lUr7PPU9Ah_RVp-DMXeTqBDrLhtcGOMmxmUwUJyg4o77s2b10GLxfMD3830HUERrUkBnOrrmxEjqec5pSSwmIyMqVkfkVEDG4fQdTaFplRWpB5iZ4R4N0HL217RQW2WXQv25oE/s1600-h/IMG_6729.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTU-k6lUr7PPU9Ah_RVp-DMXeTqBDrLhtcGOMmxmUwUJyg4o77s2b10GLxfMD3830HUERrUkBnOrrmxEjqec5pSSwmIyMqVkfkVEDG4fQdTaFplRWpB5iZ4R4N0HL217RQW2WXQv25oE/s320/IMG_6729.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199195597960797442" border="0" /></a><br />This was a fantastic overnight trip for Team Kettle. The geology is stunning. The history is fascinating. The views are breathtaking. We strongly recommend this trip. And we strongly endorse enhancing the trip with a bag of Death Valley Chipotle chips!Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-32467485379696240132008-05-03T09:25:00.000-07:002008-05-03T09:53:08.938-07:00sustainable |səˈstānəbəl|<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Team Kettle wants to be more like Kettle Foods: sustainable (and awesome, but we’ll get to that later). Kettle Foods is all about conserving our natural resources by using renewable energy and putting the less-than-perfect potato chips and potatoes back to work on farms. We thought it would be great if we tried just a little harder to be a more sustainable ourselves.<br />Our first step in this quest was to start using a clothesline. This cuts way back on energy used by a regular tumble dryer. It is also probably one of the easiest ways to conserve energy and dramatically reduce your electricity bill (or save your laundromat quarters). Plus your laundry will smell like “spring breeze”.<br />Our next step was to start a compost. We just happened to have this wonderful compost bin in our yard, but you can build your own or use numerous other recycled materials for your container. Like us, you will quickly be amazed at how much food waste your household produces, and eventually, what beautiful soil all that waste produces. There are many online guides to help get your compost going, and many more friendly people at your local grange or growers market that would be more than happy to help.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YLWn151UhYbhBbfl_JNff_MrbrqvrKzzPM5ZFKcmhgduxeBw5zy6woG3LrooJyTHJGDraS2TcAz_0OPFZyuItAO3e-Z4tEzDeao2XxQGlQmnaaY-RvRgMosd5QaJly1tWZKhr6V5F8Y/s1600-h/Compost.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YLWn151UhYbhBbfl_JNff_MrbrqvrKzzPM5ZFKcmhgduxeBw5zy6woG3LrooJyTHJGDraS2TcAz_0OPFZyuItAO3e-Z4tEzDeao2XxQGlQmnaaY-RvRgMosd5QaJly1tWZKhr6V5F8Y/s320/Compost.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196193571138670130" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Team Kettle’s next and most important step in our tiny mission to help save the planet was to plant a mini garden. Dan and Travis built 3 small (about 2’ x 2’) raised beds. Verelle added the soil and plants. Herbs, flowers and veggies were planted. Starters were bought at the weekly growers market and more starters and soil were purchased from the local grange co-op. We were all surprised at how simple and fun the whole process has been so far.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MjLf6monuotYk3ntYLaRWG2D3OyFTwjX8a13wI6RLOOZChNFMaIOCWUFyd9jexVOtCVwuKz5P-z_FPeT7LOm-Kgk9yXCdx8r6IryJFVMxQAddCEEzh0lBiiRYkbr-TVaGhLLOAbkWQU/s1600-h/IMGP0340.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MjLf6monuotYk3ntYLaRWG2D3OyFTwjX8a13wI6RLOOZChNFMaIOCWUFyd9jexVOtCVwuKz5P-z_FPeT7LOm-Kgk9yXCdx8r6IryJFVMxQAddCEEzh0lBiiRYkbr-TVaGhLLOAbkWQU/s320/IMGP0340.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196191380705349122" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMFS5xGgVY4S3ZTmJ8RIX9EntO6PrWdMnzOoWp7DeTl2AfWhxg0v3qet08pN6LXwAamP-WZHurHXQIAlHmOulb5PiJEFktTdKFJ2IV998YfCkaTPGm-JDzVqzGiQmiVRq3JDYcHTcv8Y/s1600-h/IMGP0338.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMFS5xGgVY4S3ZTmJ8RIX9EntO6PrWdMnzOoWp7DeTl2AfWhxg0v3qet08pN6LXwAamP-WZHurHXQIAlHmOulb5PiJEFktTdKFJ2IV998YfCkaTPGm-JDzVqzGiQmiVRq3JDYcHTcv8Y/s320/IMGP0338.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196191402180185618" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Growing your own food is one of the best things that we all can do for the planet, no matter how small of a space you have. Lots of food can be grown even in the smallest containers. Just imagine if everybody grew their own tomatoes. Think of all the fuel that would be saved transporting the tomatoes from the farm to the grocery store to your home! More importantly, think of the tasty bags of Backyard Barbeque chips that you could eat while working in the yard!<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wk0uxnbGAGM5wPjj2HFpAfmD5MCBk-n05L6ndgo5muFC55cQWj5qjzYUFifs8bI9twiSfi4JyGmTN_lDLSl2jxBxjMmcsksNbwc5ZbB_Ae-oMSru8EeWn_hlkbA-svcaF3w_NSCElX4/s1600-h/Stawberries.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wk0uxnbGAGM5wPjj2HFpAfmD5MCBk-n05L6ndgo5muFC55cQWj5qjzYUFifs8bI9twiSfi4JyGmTN_lDLSl2jxBxjMmcsksNbwc5ZbB_Ae-oMSru8EeWn_hlkbA-svcaF3w_NSCElX4/s320/Stawberries.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196193575433637442" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />This is what happens when you grow catnip.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJnNMyWmIXCz8UVgQDHpAZz7-IN6Krd-iPDhs9fo_brmnhV4j89NLQ8yNpm6Y41XytTKcGEVKFe-0xPx8pXboVRvqNS5FJz11GyOpaMpTpDwFGOdGY49n9_4nx7aozrIw80Luj3MPOxA/s1600-h/Cat.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJnNMyWmIXCz8UVgQDHpAZz7-IN6Krd-iPDhs9fo_brmnhV4j89NLQ8yNpm6Y41XytTKcGEVKFe-0xPx8pXboVRvqNS5FJz11GyOpaMpTpDwFGOdGY49n9_4nx7aozrIw80Luj3MPOxA/s320/Cat.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196193553958800930" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />If anyone figures out how to grow a bag of Kettle Chips, please contact us IMMEDIATELY! We have a generous cash reward awaiting you.<br />This is our now-more-sustainable little urban yard.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxtkmT-_hV7nsZbodow2ov6d6roW420mN9-8dPq40LP9JX6UzkhNaN7Jeg49R1k2ENz-CD9-RMtQpHvvqUWjN_-Ve2hq8P_l3MgVfXoRpx2LK_ohPrQCbmEn0IXvCdEOtkv-QqDXM2s0/s1600-h/Yard.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxtkmT-_hV7nsZbodow2ov6d6roW420mN9-8dPq40LP9JX6UzkhNaN7Jeg49R1k2ENz-CD9-RMtQpHvvqUWjN_-Ve2hq8P_l3MgVfXoRpx2LK_ohPrQCbmEn0IXvCdEOtkv-QqDXM2s0/s320/Yard.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196193584023572050" /></a><br /></span>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-82557357610811571832008-04-23T11:44:00.000-07:002008-05-03T13:41:27.772-07:00Team Kettle Gets Recognized<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dcQ5P3l2DbG-5X9uqjp65EpNzFP17Vtizc-_wzptIxUBPUyaGL5MjvOgvlq8y0n0h5u5MdzNTQoUkxQ_OZo5UfEMjMnxv5lZoYiT7PRDTHNCKXnvZ-KIhl65fPrjoElALiFQWAYV7V8/s1600-h/IMGP0360.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dcQ5P3l2DbG-5X9uqjp65EpNzFP17Vtizc-_wzptIxUBPUyaGL5MjvOgvlq8y0n0h5u5MdzNTQoUkxQ_OZo5UfEMjMnxv5lZoYiT7PRDTHNCKXnvZ-KIhl65fPrjoElALiFQWAYV7V8/s320/IMGP0360.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196252708543368802" /></a><br /><div>We're a shy bunch here on Garfield Street in Ashland and have been too timid to tell the folks at Kettle how we feel. I guess we were worried they wouldn't reciprocate our love. That was all proven wrong when we received an e-mail the other day from Kettle Foods Brand Ambassador Jim Green saying Kettle Foods loves Team Kettle!</div><div><br /></div><div>Evidently, Kettle Foods discovered us with a little aid from our friend Wes Barnhart, and as a token of their love, sent us a few bags of assorted chip flavors. As a token of ours, we're eating them, raving about all of their great flavors, and continuing to be their biggest fans.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here at Team Kettle, we'd like to thank Jim and the rest of Kettle Foods for their recognition and making wholesome, delicious snacks, and Wes for spreading the word.</div>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-21954854752039369232008-03-31T22:25:00.000-07:002008-03-31T22:54:09.359-07:00Have your chips and eat 'em too!Kettle chips aren't just for snacking. They are for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the most important part of the food pyramid. We played around in the kitchen and came up with a couple recipes that include our favorite ingredients: Kettle chips!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Not yo' Mamas Tuna Casserole<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span>2-6 oz cans tuna<br />2-14 oz cans kernal corn, drained<br />2 cans mushroom soup<br />1-9 0z bag Buffalo Bleu Krinkle Cut Kettle chips<br /><br />Mix the first 3 ingredients in a mixing bowl.<br />Next, cover the bottom of a 9x12 casserole dish with broken chips, about half of the bag.<br />Cover with the tuna mixture.<br />Top with the remaining chips, broken.<br />Bake for approximately 40 minutes at 350 Fahrenheit.<br />Serve with Standing Stone's Common Sense, or your favorite local brew.<br />Serves 6, or 4 really hungry college students.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P-2TWbJwbjsNtBeZAO1szqhXUx7x9tVU9MYfcvXErTdZSSAct5Rr_Qbibm6Mo_MHGruqnF2x7vxTlpwjyOx9lTwejPshWtdOe-5DZyvfh94gXQekr6y6VGf5KlnRh3xdQn377Wi1wyw/s1600-h/Casserole1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P-2TWbJwbjsNtBeZAO1szqhXUx7x9tVU9MYfcvXErTdZSSAct5Rr_Qbibm6Mo_MHGruqnF2x7vxTlpwjyOx9lTwejPshWtdOe-5DZyvfh94gXQekr6y6VGf5KlnRh3xdQn377Wi1wyw/s320/Casserole1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184150702893487986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />"Breakfast" Cookies<br /><br /></span></span>1 cup softened butter<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1 1/2 cups flour<br />1 cup crushed Lightly Salted Kettle chips<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit.<br />Cream the butter and sugar.<br />Mix in the vanilla, flour and chips.<br />Drop small balls onto a baking sheet.<br />Bake for 7-12 minutes (depending on cookie size)<br />Pretend like cookies are nutritionally sufficient and enjoy for breakfast.<br />Best served with a glass of chocolate milk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2UpcNVAQpaClnaN2UdL5TBbP4acBMNMSkHhNRpS23V03WDR3lT0CkojDSZh-tTU9n9nv9J57ZRA_69ce-6ewln0CjPUC32WJ27CbzAPTOaOzk_SeU-7aOwdj_9JFMXwlvS6roT58efw/s1600-h/Cookies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2UpcNVAQpaClnaN2UdL5TBbP4acBMNMSkHhNRpS23V03WDR3lT0CkojDSZh-tTU9n9nv9J57ZRA_69ce-6ewln0CjPUC32WJ27CbzAPTOaOzk_SeU-7aOwdj_9JFMXwlvS6roT58efw/s320/Cookies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184150711483422594" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-67617227664486630532008-03-29T19:35:00.000-07:002008-03-31T22:25:09.397-07:00Spring Break at TimberlineOnce again Team Kettle members were blest with late season powder. We, Verelle and Travis rode at Timberline ski resort on Mount Hood for our spring break vacation. We were able to ride for two days. With 13 inches of freshy on Thursday and 3 (a lot more during the day) on Friday we had endless runs of untracked lines.<br /><br />We did our usual late night drive from Ashland on Wednesday and stayed at our Aunt and Uncle's house in Newberg. Kyle, Verelle's step-brother, met up with us for our first day of riding. Kyle is new to the sport of snowboarding and this was only his second time riding a lift, but he is picking it up quickly and by the end of the day was flying down the hill and having a blast. We primarily rode the newest lift at Timberline, which is also the longest lift in the state. Jeff Flood offers access to the largest portion of terrain on the mountain and we tried to ride all of it. We got hooked on one run and completed it a good 10 times. After riding Mt. Ashland it is a treat to ride long runs that offer so much variety in terrain.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeLI615nARYvKnHFSBho7WCH457O5zpi3aSnFfVIecXCX1YY0qkNBYc-_f_jmd7ubIKKUZYh47TNUW_J-9hTh8pYa-0MEMQ1bEWhi42qJ5ef4e7EqqVg32REz0TlfIwXe0vZdnyar488/s1600-h/MH.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeLI615nARYvKnHFSBho7WCH457O5zpi3aSnFfVIecXCX1YY0qkNBYc-_f_jmd7ubIKKUZYh47TNUW_J-9hTh8pYa-0MEMQ1bEWhi42qJ5ef4e7EqqVg32REz0TlfIwXe0vZdnyar488/s320/MH.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184143375679280994" border="0" /></a><br />Snow so deep he can't see his feet!<br /></div>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2076914724755025291.post-4967984018396298662008-03-29T19:22:00.001-07:002008-03-31T22:19:03.413-07:00Hoodoo<a href="http://www.hoodoo.com/">Hoodoo</a>! Hoodoo!! Hoodoo!!! Incredible snow, terrain, and a friendly ski/board patrol are the memories we will retain from this small Oregon ski resort.<br /><br />We got lucky again with late season fresh snow. This team trip included Cullen, Brad, Steph, and baby ninja Jonah! We were stoked to have them join the team for some turns. After eating an unpleasant breakfast in Sweet Home we journeyed out Santiam Pass to the ski resort. We were all excited to see the parking lot practically empty and a lot of fresh snow on the ground.<br /><br />With a high speed quad chair that allows for access to whole mountain it was easy to quickly learn our around. The views from the summit are indescribable.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q0KizkaS6TxBB7i6FFDO5nUfJeKg486dTj9N9FfNoQVcTlr8S8eSIfwsz_OQAzLRq0sT2DVvK0n0KkUCVx5s5xZQ9uyP2-dqtjM4dEQRjV5kBJDb9v7S1-y4K2VAmZFEnBszoHxPSW0/s1600-h/HD7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q0KizkaS6TxBB7i6FFDO5nUfJeKg486dTj9N9FfNoQVcTlr8S8eSIfwsz_OQAzLRq0sT2DVvK0n0KkUCVx5s5xZQ9uyP2-dqtjM4dEQRjV5kBJDb9v7S1-y4K2VAmZFEnBszoHxPSW0/s320/HD7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184140931842889490" border="0" /></a><br />Dan and Travis taking in the views at the summit.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjW3neV8TYh52rvKZyt-dWqh0_9G9sx1E89QJ54W9_NxxkX9vCAeH_QR0EzzJrpT4Zj7atpGcla_-mIQxSlJHVwfAlSL8s0PCiVOSU6dEJscPtQlLXk-mvJNHdjkEfurnPMBOrWTUcW0Q/s1600-h/HD5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjW3neV8TYh52rvKZyt-dWqh0_9G9sx1E89QJ54W9_NxxkX9vCAeH_QR0EzzJrpT4Zj7atpGcla_-mIQxSlJHVwfAlSL8s0PCiVOSU6dEJscPtQlLXk-mvJNHdjkEfurnPMBOrWTUcW0Q/s320/HD5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184140936137856802" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cullen and Dan taking a break in the basin.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBI_kVTFb3hVhF4dSsmX4I7j9eMUd9PxhQbQFEl-SSPcuJwdbEALfb3QNqVBzNMCxBiyyxiloI0vUIXxs6YuiW7v6P_ruqnJkWV4GFNavIS3capC0q82z-sjqz_c2oiffpuVhebNVGXQ/s1600-h/HD2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBI_kVTFb3hVhF4dSsmX4I7j9eMUd9PxhQbQFEl-SSPcuJwdbEALfb3QNqVBzNMCxBiyyxiloI0vUIXxs6YuiW7v6P_ruqnJkWV4GFNavIS3capC0q82z-sjqz_c2oiffpuVhebNVGXQ/s320/HD2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184140940432824114" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cullen goes for a little air.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2dqgL0JeHSqMvC9NWeTWeBenO97zntQ3-iSBZYGfEVsZ-KBSOfJ1gPtLbiJQUmYYSBG7sxN4L8SKm2IG5Uv79TDP4WPf87qGHPNuGrEy7Uze82FuIRZ4KbGEmIRlh5cXB03eMv-jpPs/s1600-h/HD3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2dqgL0JeHSqMvC9NWeTWeBenO97zntQ3-iSBZYGfEVsZ-KBSOfJ1gPtLbiJQUmYYSBG7sxN4L8SKm2IG5Uv79TDP4WPf87qGHPNuGrEy7Uze82FuIRZ4KbGEmIRlh5cXB03eMv-jpPs/s320/HD3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184140949022758722" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Travis taking on a cliff.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEadW9dP_zSYpWDqrB2Hxni0e3TY6i4r74WMYL6P8cwRyk0Kla_M0YHi755isywo4R2bJpr_bbpzvTtuWqfDfWFY5LM6nNd4gLaiDTEhyphenhyphenAnFE_5HdF1-ahNQWb7SAKhMMaRk9WLOdnSfk/s1600-h/HD4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEadW9dP_zSYpWDqrB2Hxni0e3TY6i4r74WMYL6P8cwRyk0Kla_M0YHi755isywo4R2bJpr_bbpzvTtuWqfDfWFY5LM6nNd4gLaiDTEhyphenhyphenAnFE_5HdF1-ahNQWb7SAKhMMaRk9WLOdnSfk/s320/HD4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184140949022758738" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dan looks rad on his skis.<br /></div>Team Kettle Chipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00882883285778770804noreply@blogger.com0