Event # 1082
LAZY DAY KAYAKING THE SHENANDOAH
Where: Shenandoah River at Bentonville, VA
Date: Sat  May 10th 2008 10:00am 
Thru: Sat  May 10th 2008 4:00pm

Bruce Johnson (804-464-1564)

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I did this trip with the Boy Scouts last year and everybody had a blast.
We will utilize Downriver Canoe Company as our outfitter for this trip. They will supply the kayaks, PFD’s, paddles, and transportation to the put in. The Kayaks that we will be using are Old Town 111 single person kayaks. These are classified as sport kayaks with a fairly flat bottom for stability and large cockpit for easy entry and exit, and are considered a beginner boat suitable for all ages. The section of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River that we will be paddling is a flowing mountain river of clear water passing over a solid rock bottom with many small riffles and pools. The depth will vary from a foot to well over six feet but will average about three feet in depth.

The trip is approximately 15 miles in length and will take about 5 hours to complete. The river consists of numerous class 1 riffles and a couple of small rapids. Bring a bathing suit, watershorts, footwear that you don’t mind getting wet, we more than likely will. In one location there is a ledge that we can use to surf the kayaks but keep the bow into the current or you will find yourself swimming with the fish. Bring snacks, water, and lunch as we will take a number of breaks during our journey. We will have the kayaks for the day so there is no rush to get down the river.

Let’s meet at the Home Depot North Richmond parking lot to break into carpools (10233 Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland, VA, location is near the intersection of I-95 and I-295 just north of Richmond) at 7:15am and leave at 7:30.

The outfitter is not far from Twin Creeks Llamas. If someone would like to set up a llama hike we can turn this trip into a weekend event by kayaking one day and hiking the next and spending the night in the area.

Mail payment to:
Bruce Johnson
909 Yucca Ln
Richmond, VA 23236

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Event # 1092
IMAX - GRAND CANYON ADVENTURE
Where: Richmond
Date: Fri  May 30th 2008 8:00pm 
Thru: Fri  May 30th 2008 9:30pm

Cindy Davidson (804-426-9250)

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The Grand Canyon in 3D at the Imax

Come and relive your 2006 rafting experience with the club
...See what it's like to visit & experience the canyon
......check out Havasupai Falls (where I camped last year)
.........As well, find out why the river is at risk and what can be done

Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk is narrated by Robert Redford and features songs and music by Dave Matthews Band.

Raft down the Colorado River with a team of explorers who are committed to bringing awareness to global water issues. One of the world's mightiest rivers, the Colorado no longer reaches the sea. Every drop of river water is used by agriculture and populations along the way, many of whom don't even realize their connection to the river. No water remains for the river's end - the Colorado Delta - once a thriving estuary that supported the most diverse biosphere in North America.

Tickets for the 8 pm show are not yet available on line but should be within a week or so. You can call and order tickets or purchase them at the door (if it's not sold out).

If anyone knows of a great place to meet before the show for dinner/drinks... I'm open to suggestions.

WEB: http://www.smv.org/nowshowing/IMAXDome/gca/
MAP: http://www.smv.org/visit/directions.asp

Event # 1091
PARK DAY AT NEWPORT NEWS PARK
Where: Newport News Park, Shelter #3
Date: Sat  June 21st 2008 10:00am 
Thru: Sat  June 21st 2008 4:00pm

Susan Manikus (804-464-1564)

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Meet us at Shelter #3, where the club's flag will be waving in the breeze to mark our spot.

We plan to take advantage of one of the largest municipal parks in the country, with hiking trails through lush woodlands and flowering meadows that boast of an incredible variety of wildlife - deer, foxes, otter, raccoon, and beaver, just to name a few. They claim some of the best preserved Civil War fortifications, earthworks and redoubts in Virginia. The shimmering lake invites us to bring our kayaks, or rent one of their jon boats, paddleboats, or canoes. (no swimming)

Lunchtime we will supply hamburgers on the grill. Please bring a side dish and dessert or snack to share. Be creative and surprise us, as it could be fun to have a variety of different type foods. They have picnic tables, but you can bring your own chair if you want to sit back and relax.

Speaking of bringing something, how about bringing a prospective new member, or just a nice person that might like to hear about what crazy stuff we have done as a club in the past. If you aren't a member yet, this is the perfect time to come see what incredibly fun people we are. None of us are strangers once we say "Hello", and we hope you will come relax and enjoy a fun-filled day making new friends.

So the plans are: Hiking or biking, small boating, badminton or volleyball, a great lunch-time chat with friends. We just plan a day event, but you are welcome to call Newport News Park and camp overnight. They also offer fishing, archery, golf, disc golf, a Discovery Center with nature and history exhibits, and 30-acre aeromodel flying field.

WEB: http://www.nnparks.com
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Event # 1081
RIVER CRUISE TO INGLESIDE WINERY
Where: Tappahannock, Virginia
Date: Sat  July 19th 2008 10:00am 
Thru: Sat  July 19th 2008 4:30pm

Bruce Johnson (804-464-1564)

MEMBER Signup/Details   

Climb aboard the Captain Thomas as we enjoy a pleasant summer cruise to Ingleside Plantation Winery. The narrated cruise departs Hoskins Creek at Tappahannock at 10 A.M.
Bring your binoculars as the river is home to many bald eagles that nest in the trees and cliffs beside the Rappahannock. There are about 50 year round resident eagles, with another 40 or so migratory birds that come and go all year round. After a scenic two hours on the river, we will enjoy a tour of one of Virginia's largest premier farm wineries, Ingelside Plantation Winery. A highlight of our trip, the tour features a wine tasting and a visit to their gift shop. Ingleside's winemaster takes great pride in their award-winning wines, including outstanding red, white and blush wines as well as Virginia's champagne. After the tasting feel free to purchase wines at a special discount.
With purchases in hand we will head to the courtyard to enjoy lunch before our cruise back to Tappahannock.

Mail payment to:
Bruce Johnson
909 Yucca Ln
Richmond, VA 23236

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Event # 1090
AWESOME KAYAK WITH THE DOLPHINS
Where: Atlantic Avenue and 89th Street
Date: Sat  July 26th 2008 9:00am 
Thru: Sat  July 26th 2008 11:00am

James M. Petree (757-864-0886)

MEMBER Signup/Details   

Dolphin kayaking is a club favorite with one of our favorite outfitters. If interested in this trip call Randy Gore at 757.480.1999 or 888.669.8368 and book through him with your credit card and type of boat you are requesting (single/double) before signing up on the adventure club site
The Dolphin tour begins with a surf launch into the Atlantic Ocean. This trip takes place on the high seas. As we launch and return through the surf, we guarantee that you will get soaking wet and may flip over at some point. We use sit-on-top kayaks, doubles and singles. You will fall out as they turn over. Everyone should be comfortable playing in the ocean surf. Kayaks are launched and returned individually by a guide standing in the water to steady the boat. We will launch into surf as tall as 3 or 4 feet and winds of 10 to 15 knots; trips will be canceled if conditions exceed these measurements. Wearing a life jacket is required on all of our trips. The difficulty of this trip can vary greatly. Some days the ocean can be like a lake and other days we can have large surf, strong winds or currents. Some days we may have to paddle just to keep from being carried down the beach! Once through the surf we are on the High Seas with a rolling Ocean. If you have a tendency toward motion or seasickness, this trip will probably trigger it. Please visualize being a small boat on a rolling sea. Everyone should be aware of the tendency toward seasickness and take appropriate action to prevent it, such as wrist bands or medication. We kayak off the coast, but do not go too far as we are always in sight of the beach. The Dolphins tend to congregate in one particular area, which is where we launch. Kayak Nature Tours offers both double and single kayaks. Inexperienced or nervous paddlers are best in a double with a more experienced/capable paddler. (You must choose double or single at the time of reservation.) The trips are 2 ½ hours long and we are on the water for 1 ½ to 2 hours, sometimes less if conditions are rough.

All persons are required to sign a release form prior to going out on any trip. A copy of the release statement can be found on Kayak Nature Tours’ homepage at http://www.kayaknaturetours.net/releaseform.pdf .

GEAR CHECKLIST:
• Footwear (flip flops to walk to the beach and leave for the walk back)
• Water Bottle (hand held size, like on a bike)
• Sun Glasses and a strap to hold them on
• Shirt (long or short-sleeved) if chillier weather
• Hat or Visor
• Bathing Suit--we do get wet!
• Sunscreen (Be sure to apply BEFORE leaving home, so as to avoid slippery paddling)
• Jacket (if the weather appears to be cool)
• Towels and change of clothing to leave in the car
In typical club style we are always thinking about food and drink so after the kayaking lets head on out as a group to patronize a local restaurant before heading our separate ways. Directions to the event will be sent out when participants sign up.

To guarantee a spot on the trip please contact Randy before the 4th of July.

WEB: http://kayaknaturetours.net/
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