Jetsettersblog

Stories of adventure, guide interviews, travel tips, stunning photography, and articles penned by award-winning travel writers make the 2012 O.A.R.S. catalog one of a kind.
O.A.R.S.
CONTACT: Steve Markle
PHONE: 209-753-4797
stevem@oars.com
www.oars.com

ANGELS CAMP, CA  – Veteran outfitter O.A.R.S. is excited to announce the 2012 edition of their annual catalog of award-winning nature-based adventures.

The 2012 O.A.R.S. catalog garners attention as an industry first: a content-rich, magazine-style publication that bucks the conventions of the traditional travel catalog and captures the culture and evocative nature of the O.A.R.S. experience. Readers will discover a stunning collection of whitewater rafting and sea kayaking adventures, interviews with larger-than-life river guides, travel tips, recipes from the river, and a wide range of stories and articles penned by professional travel writers.

When asked, O.A.R.S. Director of Marketing Steve Markle remarked: “Our intention was to reinvent the traditional catalog and increase the value to our travelers while engaging them emotionally by giving the O.A.R.S. book a more sincere and authentic third-party voice.”

Acclaimed travel writer Everett Potter contributes the feature story about Butch Cassidy and the Outlaw Trail in the Wild West while another award-winning writer, Cynthia Barnes, recounts her experience hiking and sea kayaking in Yellowstone and Great Teton National Parks.

Blogger Kristin Mastre’s narrative of her first-time rafting experience on Oregon’s Rogue River offers readers a glimpse of the trepidation and transformation that many reluctant rafters must feel on their maiden voyage.

The catalog’s content covers everything from fly fishing and star gazing to craft beer in a can and family-friendly adventures.

Journalists John Muncie and Katie Arnold write about introducing kids to the outdoors, while other contributors offer photography tips, useful advice on traveling abroad, a guide to the birds of western river corridors and destination guides to the classic western towns of Moab, Jackson Hole, and Salt Lake City.

The 2012 O.A.R.S. adventure catalog will give readers a chance to get to know some of the unique guides and personalities from the O.A.R.S. Family of Companies. An interview with river legend Martin Litton, the founder of Grand Canyon Dories, gives readers insight into the history of rafting in the Grand Canyon and the sublime art of rowing whitewater in a dory.

Veteran river guides Basilio Cakaunivalu, Stephen Kenney and Natali Zollinger share their unique passion for river guiding and give readers a chance to get to know the folks who might one day guide them down one of the great rivers of the world.

Readers will also learn the secrets of cooking gourmet meals on the river from Bob Anderson, executive chef and host of O.A.R.S.’ popular Wilderness Gourmet Series. Throughout the catalog are stunning images from professional photographers including Justin Bailie, a regular contributor to magazines such as Outside, Backpacker and Sunset.

These stunning landscapes and thrilling action shots truly bring the O.A.R.S. experience to life within the pages of this one-of-a-kind publication.

O.A.R.S. has crafted this innovative new catalog by throwing out the sales copy and focusing instead on providing original, relevant and emotionally engaging content that truly communicates the O.A.R.S. experience to readers.

To make all this content more accessible to their travelers, slideshows, videos, articles, interviews and more from the 2012 catalog are served up across multiple platforms, including the O.A.R.S. Blog, Watermark E-Newsletter and through various social media channels. Articles from Everett Potter and other contributors will also be available on their individual websites. The 2012 O.A.R.S. catalog should serve as a resource that travelers can turn to again and again when dreaming about and planning their next adventure. Markle concludes: “Our hope is to give people a glimpse of the culture and adventure of the O.A.R.S. experience and to inspire people to visit the destinations where we lead trips. In the end, we hope people enjoy the catalog and that the new approach results in a longer shelf life, more sharing with friends and family and, of course, more people enjoying the incredible adventures we have to offer.”

The 2012 O.A.R.S. catalog is available free of charge at oars.com/catalog or by calling (800) 346-6277. Or, view the digital version on any desktop browser or mobile device at http://ow.ly/6VeNw.

Since 1969 O.A.R.S. has set the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport vacations, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines of the world. O.A.R.S. caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes.

For more information on O.A.R.S. eco-friendly adventures visit www.oars.com , email the company at info@oars.com  or call 1-800-346-6277.

HOOD RIVER, OR. – Northwest Rafting Company’s brand new Rogue River rowing school is the perfect jumping off point for any whitewater enthusiast that’s looking to gain the necessary skills and confidence (and gear) required to run their own private river trips. NW Rafting Co utilizes an unrivaled level of technology and feedback to maximize the on-river and in-camp learning potential.

Participants will come away from the school knowing all the boat handling, river safety, and in-camp skills that are required to run a river trip from start to finish, plus they’ll have access to pro deal pricing on river gear from NW Rafting Co.’s gear partners.

Northwest Rafting Company provides an unrivaled level of feedback on the river by providing each participant their own raft, a walkie-talkie for direct and immediate communication with instructors, and film footage of each major rapid that is reviewed in camp each night, giving students constructive feedback they can apply on the river the next day.

NW Rafting is partnering with SOTAR Inflatables and Sawyer Paddles & Oars to provide equipment; participants will have a chance to stock up on boats and gear at pro deal pricing at the end of the trip.

Northwest Rafting provides all the gear, safe navigation down the river, great company and delicious meals. An emphasis is put on making sure that participants experience every part of running the trip, from handling Class III rapids and on-river safety to packing a boat and setting up a kitchen.

NW Rafting Co’s 2012 Rowing Schools cost $895 per person and are scheduled for June 7-10, July 19-22 and August 16-19. Visit http://www.nwrafting.com/training/rowing-school  for more info.
www.nwrafting.com

CODY, Wyo.- The West was founded from the saddle. Today, horses remain the focus of the authentic Western travel experience.

Dude ranches are popular destinations for riding adventures, with the leaders of the pack belonging to The Dude Ranchers’ Association.

Since its creation over 85 years ago, the DRA has worked to keep the highest standards in horsemanship, hospitality, and heritage in their member ranches. For a true cowboy experience, try a pack trip in the wilderness around Jackson Hole, Wyoming with DRA member Spotted Horse Ranch or a Montana cattle drive with Sweet Grass Ranch.

At Colorado’s Wilderness Trails Ranch get a “horsecentric” education during a weeklong clinic with Erika Roberts, professional natural horsemanship clinician.

Many ranches have special programs for families with small children as well.

Whether guests are experienced riders or trying it for the first time, dude ranches can provide an education in horses and having fun.

www.duderanch.org

WELLINGTON, Colo. – There is no better way to pick up a new skill than by learning in an ideal setting with an expert teacher.

 Atkinson Expeditions is aiming to make that possible for aspiring anglers with their guided fly fishing trips in Rocky Mountain National Park. With 400,000 acres of elk-filled alpine meadows and snowcapped peak, and more than 147 trout-filled lakes and rivers, Rocky Mountain National Park is a true paradise for anglers, and an ideal training ground for beginners. AE’s guides provide all the gear and know-how needed to have even the most wet-behind-the-ears beginner reeling in fish.

RMNP is one of few places in Colorado where anglers can catch the entire “Colorado Grand Slam” – Greenback Cutthroat Trout (Colorado’s state fish), Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.

Atkinson offers fishermen everything from scenic half-day wades to idyllic multiday horse pack trips through the backcountry, and they are happy to accommodate groups of any size, skill level, and age.

Every trip includes a highly qualified guide to help you find the best fishing spots, tie the right flies, improve your cast, and ensure a memorable experience on the water.

Atkinson Expeditions can build a Rocky Mountain fly fishing trip to suit any desire. Private day-trips start at $150 per person, multiday backpacking trips start at $200/day per person with a two person minimum, and horseback trips start at $330/day per person with a two person minimum. Atkinson provides a highly qualified certified guide, waders, meals/snacks/drinks, and a complimentary CD with photos from the day’s adventure. For novice anglers, Atkinson partners with Elkhorn Rod & Reel for pre-trip fly fishing gear rentals and sales.

To book a trip call 970-568-9667, email wes@atkinsonexpeditions.com  or visit www.atkinsonexpeditions.com

MERLIN, OR — Since the 1950s, surfers have more or less defined “cool” for Americans. So it’s no surprise that everyone wants to be one; the fascination with standing on boards has moved to inner cities, ski resorts, and now Oregon’s Rogue River.

Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge, first opened as a fly fishing retreat in 1946, now offers Stand Up Paddleboard (or SUP) instruction on the Rogue. The SUP is about the size and shape of a surfboard, and floats on still or slow-moving water while the rider propels him or herself with a large canoe-like paddle.

The sport is one of the fastest-growing in the outdoor community, and is easily learned by active people of all ages and athletic abilities.
One-hour paddleboard lessons at Morrison’s are just $20. For families with young kids, families looking to share an activity, or newlyweds who don’t mind taking a few spills together. The lodge also offers some of Oregon’s best guided fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and horseback trail riding, as well as luxury overnight accommodations.

BOZEMAN, Mont.–AdventureWomen, Inc.’s girlfriend getaway Nepal hiking trip is perfect for women who want to experience the splendor of hiking in the endlessly fascinating Himalayan mountain range. This adventure features hikes through verdant valleys and ancient villages, while offering a personal look at the fascinating Nepalese culture and the friendly Nepalese people. This is a lodge-based adventure instead of a camping trip, allowing for an easier pace and less impact on trails from porters and pack animals. The Nepal lodges are of modern construction in a traditional style and all have private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and offer excellent local Nepalese cuisine. Also included in this girlfriend getaway is an additional two-day rafting excursion on the lush Seti River, and a wildlife viewing safari. Guests will have the chance to ride elephants through Royal Chitwan National Park, the world’s finest Bengal Tiger habitat, and explore Kathmandu’s ancient city of Bhaktapur and the Buddhist Temple Complex of Boudhanath. Dates: October 24-November 8, 2012. Cost: $4795 from Kathmandu, Nepal ($800 deposit). www.adventurewomen.com

Join Echo River Trips on a Himalayan rafting expedition that is sure to be not only an adventure, but a life-changing cultural and spiritual experience as well. Bhutan is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia that has long been closed off to outside influence. It is only in the last few years that the Bhutanese government has begun to open its borders to foreign tourists, allowing just 25,000 foreigners into the country in 2010. 2012 is just the third year that ECHO has been allowed to lead commercial trips into this untouched land, though the guides who will lead this trip are experienced with traveling in Bhutan and Southeast Asia.

Rafters will get to experience pristine Himalaya-fed rivers and natural landscapes that have been preserved for thousands of years thanks to the nature-honoring national religion of Vajrayana Buddhism. The group will spend equal time on river and taking part in cultural and spiritual experiences among the amazing Buddhist temples, monasteries and shrines that are scattered throughout the landscape. The highlights of the trip include floating past the massive Punakha Dzong Monastery Fortress on the banks of the Paro Chhu (river) and hiking to the Taktshang(Tiger’s Nest) Monastery which is perched on a cliffside 2,000 feet above the valley floor.

For 2012, ECHO River Trips will be offering one departure to Bhutan taking place November 1– November 12, 2012 and is priced at $3900pp excluding airfare to Paro, Bhutan.

www.echotrips.com

The newest trip from experiential travel company Myths and Mountains gives active, adventurous clients a chance to explore parts of Bhutan rarely seen by visitors. Through a partnership with non-profit READ Global, the company has gained access to some the country’s most remote villages.

After a short time in the capital city of Thimbu, travelers will fly to a recently converted military airstrip near the village of Trashigang to start their 12-day trek. From there, they will climb mountain passes and trek through the habitat of the Himalaya’s “lost” tigers, which are often spotted by travelers. For the most part, travelers spend the nights camping in tents or staying the homes of local villagers.

The land is populated by the semi-nomadic Merak people, who hold deep animist beliefs and make their living herding sheep. In the villages, travelers will have the opportunity to help locals with the chores of day-to-day life, and those who are handy in the kitchen will have a chance to learn recipes for some local dishes.

Bookings for the trip, which starts sets out next October, are available now. The October will be the first tour of its kind from Myths and Mountains, and one of the first tours in the region itself.

www.mythsandmountains.com

KOSRAE, Micronesia- In the South Pacific, the island of Kosrae asks volunteers to help protect their pristine reefs by capturing them with their camera. Just below the Pacific’s cerulean surface, tropical fish, pristine hard coral reefs, turtles, rays, even friendly sharks are ready to show their colors. Every fall Kosrae Village hosts an annual Coral Monitoring Project which looks at the health of some of the last remaining pristine fringe reefs in the world and their marine life.

The two-week long project attracts volunteer divers from around the world. New in the last year volunteer scuba divers will now be asked to take photos of the reefs as a way of detecting changes. Diving conditions typically include 150+ foot visibility with air and water temperatures around 84°F.

Kosrae Village, an eco lodge and PADI 5 Star Dive Center, is very active in the project and helps subsidize costs for volunteers. During the project, volunteers enjoy sleeping beneath the palm fronds of traditional Kosraen cottages and listening to the nearby waves calming crashing. Learn more about the history of the Coral Monitoring Project and other Reef Protection Projects on Kosrae at www.kosraevillage.com

www.kosraevillage.com

Southern Explorations, a specialist in South America travel, is offering a tour that coincides with Peru’s annual Festival of the Sun, Inti Raymi, in the land of the Incas, and includes a visit to Machu Picchu. The festival encompasses a week and includes colorful processions and dancing all leading up to the Inca religious ceremony at the ruins of Sacsayhuamán.

Also included are opportunities to shop at the markets of Piscac, explore the city of Cusco, and experience the winter solstice, one of the most important days of the year for the Incas, in the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. The tour includes two days at the lost city of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco for the Inti Raymi Celebration.

In ancient times, the Inti Raymi was a religious ceremony of the Inca Empire in honor of the god Inti, which also marked the winter solstice and a new year in the Andes. Since 1944, every year on June 24, a reproduction of the Inti Raymi has been taking place at Sacsayhuamán, attracting thousands of tourists and local visitors. This exclusive tour offers travelers the chance to combine Inti Raymi and Machu Picchu. The dates are June 18 to 25, 2012. The cost is $2,095 per person for eight days.