River Sports and Shirakami Sanchi, Japan’s First Natural World Heritage Site

The sea alongside Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, resembled a blue glass tabletop as we leisurely paddled our kayaks toward where the ocean touched a cloud-layered sky. Our guide pointed out Mt. Shirakami, part of Japan’s Shirakami Sanchi Natural World Heritage … Continue reading

Cold Weather Canoeing In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Wilderness

Canoeing Upper Peninsula Michigan: man and woman paddling on lake

It was an early afternoon in late October as we launched our two canoes from a landing onto a winding lake in an Upper Michigan wilderness area. Temperatures were around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and winds were 5 to 10 mph … Continue reading

Hanford Reach: The Monument, The River, The Region

Columbia River near Hanford Reach

With summer activities now in reach, the opportunities to get out and explore are out there. One area well worth discovering is the Hanford Reach in the eastern half of Washington State. Hanford Reach abounds with sights and activities along … Continue reading

Paddling In Lion’s Head Along Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula

view of ridge near Lion's Head on Bruce Peninsula

With recreational paddling booming, it’s no surprise the water of Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula, the finger of land that along with Manitoulin Island, separates Lake Huron from Georgian Bay, is attracting kayakers from all over. There’s something about the deep, cold … Continue reading

A Mother’s Day To Never Forget: Kayaking Fun & Misadventures

mom and daughter in kayak

Mother’s Day at our house means that Mom (that would be me) gets to choose the family activity for the day. Since I’m the most adventurous in our family and definitely the most adventurous Mom my kids know, they tend … Continue reading

Superb Fall & Winter Lake And River Sports In Aomori, Japan

Aomori prefecture jumps to the forefront of my recommendations when visitors request advice for canoeing, river exploring, camping, snowshoe trekking, and skiing in Japan.

Canoe tours in a lake surrounded by volcanic peaks, snowshoeing treks in protected forests, and long … Continue reading

River Sports, Music and Movement: Tunes For The River

serene canoe

It’s been around since ancient times, and evolved through countless generations, but whatever your preference, music has a habit of making you feel good. It’s great company and it livens up the soul. Add some river sports with your music … Continue reading

Fishing Guide For Beginners: Catching Your First Fish

Fishing is a great hobby to get into, no matter the time. It’s inexpensive, easy to learn, and it gives you another fantastic reason to explore the great outdoors. Assuming you eat what you catch, fish can also provide you … Continue reading

SUP And The Totally Unexpected: Close Encounters With Creatures of the Deep

No matter how sharp your senses, life has a habit of throwing an unexpected surprise or two. Imagine gliding along on your paddleboard taking in the scenery, when with no warnings or fanfares, an orca surfaces next to you. Not … Continue reading

River Tours and Pura Vida in Costa Rica

Loud as foghorns, the braying of howler monkeys erupted from the jungle to the right of our pontoon boat. Our eyes whipped across the verdant rainforest jungle. Something moved in the thick verdant wall of trees and vines along the … Continue reading