Theme Expeditions

Flowing out of Mingo Swamp, in eastern North Carolina, the small, intimate South River twists and turns its way through forests of moss-draped cypress, oak, and pine for 85 miles, until it joins the Black River on the Pender County line. In “Paddling Eastern North Carolina,” Paul Ferguson notes that a trip down the South “is mainly one of splendid isolation.” One of the most beautiful blackwater streams in the coastal plains, the South has been designated an “Outstanding Resource Waters” by the state. On a recent trip down the South, we saw beaver, otter, raccoon, weasel, deer, owls, herons, wood ducks, and hawks.

Cost: $400 (deposit: $200) Group size: 14
Dates: April 4-6
*Because of strong interest in this trip, a second South River Exploration has been added:
Dates: April 11-13.

This will be a 3-day backpacking trip covering 15 miles in Sections 1 and 2 of the Bartram National Recreation Trail, in the Nantahala National Forest of western N.C. The trail follows the spine of the Fishhawk mountains, and we’ll hike over Scaly Mtn. Jones Knob, and Whiterock Mountain, all three providing sweeping views of the Southern Appalachians. In addition to far-off vistas, we’ll see spring wildflowers up close, we’ll camp two nights, and listen to selections from the writings of the early naturalist, William Bartram, who explored this area in 1775 and wrote about the land and the native Cherokee in his Travels. Coming off the trail the last day, we’ll go to ancient Nikwasi Mound, of the Cherokee, which Bartram also visited.

Western North Carolina offers some of the best canoeing in the country. And this 3-day adventure on the region’s waterways, with nights spent at secluded Balsam Lake Lodge, is for those who want a complete introduction to wilderness canoeing, from lakes to whitewater rivers. The first day will be spent on Balsam Lake itself, where we’ll learn and practice flatwater canoeing strokes and maneuvers, then we'll go to the Tuckaseegee River and begin to learn how to “read” such river features as chutes, eddys, pillows, and wave trains. The second day we’ll canoe a class I stretch of the upper Tuckaseegee and practice such important river maneuvers as eddy turns and peelouts, river ferries and side-slips. On the third day we’ll put it all together by canoeing through the Tuckaseegee’s Dillsboro Gorge, where we’ll sharpen the skills we’ve learned, while paddling through Class II rapids. We will also learn techniques of safe whitewater canoeing, including the proper outfitting of canoes for wilderness tripping and the use rescue “throw ropes.” If the weather is warm, we will even have the chance to “swim” a couple of rapids and throw rescue ropes to each other.
We’ll spend both nights of each clinic at Balsam Lake Lodge, in the Nantahala National Forest, where in the evenings we’ll watch canoeing videos. The goal of the clinic will be to give you the know-how you need to become a competent and confident wilderness boater and to teach you the skills needed for remote river canoeing trips. All canoeing techniques will be taught in accordance with the guidelines established by the American Canoe Association, and participants will receive an ACA course participation card.

Cost: $525 (deposit: $250). Group size: 12.
Dates: May 30- June 1; June 6-8

Fed by the melting snows of the Elkhorn and Wallowa Mountains (“the Oregon Alps”), the Grande Ronde River and its swift tributary, the Wallowa, flow north through the canyons of the Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington to join the Snake River, on the Idaho border, at Hellers Bar. Designated a National Wild and Scenic River, the Grande Ronde is described in Western Whitewater as “one of the most scenic river trips in the Pacific Northwest.”
On this 7-day Expedition, we’ll spend the first day and night at Wallowa Lake Lodge and ride an aerial tram to the snowcapped peaks of the Wallowa Mountains, “the Oregon Alps,” to see where the river starts. Then, putting in at “head of the canyon,” we’ll canoe for 100 miles down the Wallow and Grande Ronde through Class II-III rapids. The river moves at about the same fast pace as North Carolina’s well-known Nantahala River, but without the crowds, through canyons up to 3000' deep. We’ll stop to look at abandoned pioneer homesteads and perhaps spot some of the many kinds of animals that live along the river. On past trips we have seen black bears, mule deer, elk, big horn sheep, river otter, bald and golden eagles. We’ll also “canoe in” to enjoy homemade milkshakes at two river outposts: Shiloh Café and Boggan’s Oasis. We’ll canoe for 5 days and camp 4 nights on the river and spend our last night at the High Country Inn, in Orofino, Idaho, where the food doesn't come any finer. On the last day we’ll take a sight-seeing drive through western Idaho on our way back to Boise, along the Salmon and Payette Rivers. Trip cost includes all food and gear for the canoeing trip, shuttling and permit fees, lodging at Wallowa Lake Lodge, and lodging and breakfast at the High Country Inn, along with transportation from the meeting site, Boise, ID. Canoeing experience required; inquire.

Cost: $1550 (deposit: $750). Group size: 12.
Dates: July 2-10.

Of a “River Run’s Through It” fame, Montana’s clear and beautiful Blackfoot River flows west from the high Rockies to Missoula, where it merges with the Clark Fork River. In it’s upper half the Blackfoot is a clear stream, twisting through a forest of cottonwood and cedar trees, full of wildlife, and with views out to ranches and mountains. Then midway, the river turns a corner into Class I rapids, the cottonwoods give way to conifers, and the gravel bars change to cliffs and rocks. From there on the Blackfoot steadily picks up steam, growing to Class II and III rapids on its lower end. Here’s what the guidebooks say. Paddling Montana, “The Blackfoot . . .is a dashingly beautiful stream that provides outstanding whitewater excitement and incredible scenery.” Montana Afloat,“Perhaps no river in Montana has more calendar-art scenic beauty per mile then the legendary Blackfoot.” Floating Montana, “The Blackfoot . . . has everything! Beautiful scenery, fishing, whitewater, and a riparian habitat that supports large populations of big game, eagles, waterfowl, and other wildlife.”
Starting in its headwaters near the town of Lincoln, we’ll canoe our way down this wilderness river for 5 days, looking for wildlife, paddling the rapids, and camping on the riverbank. The trip will end at Johnsrud Park, near Missoula and from there we’ll drive north to spend the last night at Cougar Ranch B&B, near the spectacular Mission Mountains. Trip cost includes all gear and food while on the river, local transportation and shuttling, and lodging and breakfast at Cougar Ranch. Trip starts and ends in Missoula, MT.

Panthertown Valley lies in the Nantahala National Forest of N.C.’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Described as a “miniature national park” and as “the Yosemite of the East,” this wild area has deep gorges, granitic rock domes and cliffs, tranquil creeks, and spectacular waterfalls, all within short hikes of one another. The area is composed of rock a billion years old, pushed up into Himalayan-high mountains 300 million years ago, subsequently worn down by the forces of nature to form part of the Southern Appalachians, one of the oldest, most complex mountain ranges in the world.
On this 3-day adventure, we’ll set up camp for two nights in a beautiful white-pine forest on Panthertown Valley’s floor, and, hiking out from there with daypacks only, explore the valley and places in it that are rarely seen by others, including Fat Man’s Misery, Skinny Man’s Delight, Red Butt Falls, Devil’s Den, and Protector’s Pool. In addition to exploring beautiful places, we’ll learn about the natural and human history of the valley, from the Cherokee to the present day. In the evening we’ll return to camp to enjoy a meal cooked over an open fire–and perhaps hear the howlings of Panthertown’s resident pack of coyotes.

Cost: $350 (deposit: $175). Group size: 12.
Dates: Sept. 26-28

Taking advantage of the third weekend in October, which usually marks the “peak” of the fall color season in the Southern Appalachians, we’ll hike 3 different trails in the high country and spend two nights at Balsam Lake Lodge. On Friday we’ll explore Section 2 of the Bartram National Recreation Trail, in the Fishhawk Mountains. Our destination will be the overlook on Whiterock Mountain–providing one of the most stupendous views in the southern mountains, of the Little Tennessee River Valley and the Nantahala range. On Saturday, following a winding loop route, we’ll search out some of the guide’s favorite places in Panthertown Valley, including Fat Man’s Misery, Blackrock Overlook, the Great Wall of Panthertown, Granny Burrell Falls, Foamy Falls, and the Elevator Shaft. And then on Sunday we’ll cap it off with a “world-class” dayhike through Bonas Defeat Gorge, one of the wildest places in the East. These will not be backpacking hikes, though participants will carry their lunches, water bottles, and whatever they may want to have for the day. In the evenings we’ll relax at secluded Balsam Lake Lodge, nestled in the “Little Canada” area of the Nantahala National Forest.

The ancient Indians said it was the place where the Great Spirit dumped all of his leftover rocks after making the world.Spanish conquistadors called it "the Uninhabitated Land and "the Great Unknown." Nineteenth-century explorers described it as "unparalleled for ruggedness and wildness of scenery." And today the rugged topography of Big Bend National Park, Texas, is recognized by everyone who goes there as some of the most spectacular in the Southwest. It is a monumental region of rocky volcanic peaks, uplifted limestone fault blocks, and "stone box" canyons in the Chihuahuan Desert, with strange forests of giant dagger yuccas and dozens of species of cacti. Giving shape to the "Big Bend" itself is the Rio Grande, one of the most remote rivers in the lower 48. Designated a National Wild and Scenic River and managed by the National Park Service, the Rio Grande flows in canyons up to 2000 feet deep and forms what the Park Service calls a green "linear oasis" between Texas and Mexico.
Go on one of the most adventurous Slickrock Expeditions of ’08 by joining this week-long exploration of Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande. We’ll spend the first half of the trip “base camping” at the park’s Cottonwood Campground and taking day hikes from there (including hikes to the Devil’s Den, the Mule Ears, Santa Elena Canyon, and the Chisos Mountains), and we’ll spend the second half of the trip canoeing through the park’s stunning “stone box” river canyon, Boquillas, and camping on the riverbank at night. In addition to the camping, we’ll spend a night mid-week in the Stone Cottages of Chisos Lodge, in the Chisos Mountains, and the last night at the historic and elegant cowboy hotel, The Gage, in Marathon. Trip cost includes all camping and canoeing equipment, all food when camping, hiking, canoeing, local transportation and shuttling, park entrance fees, and the nights at Chisos Lodge and at the Gage. Trip starts and ends in Midland, TX.

Cost: $1475 (deposit: $700.) Group Size: 12.
Dates: Nov. 2-9.

Theme Expeditions 2008
South River Exploration		April 4 - 6
The Bartram Trail Trek		May 2 - 4
Learn-to-Canoe Expedition		May 30 - June 1, June 6 - 8
Riding the Grande Ronde		July 2 - 10
Paddling the Blackfoot		July 12 - 18
Exploring Panthertown		Sept. 26 - 28
Fall Color Day Hikes		Oct. 24 - 26
Big Bend Surf 'n Turf		Nov. 2 - 9