The TripOutside Podcast

In this episode, Reet interviews Fred Drake, founder of Snorkel Alaska, about the unique experience of snorkeling in a cold water environment like Ketchikan, compared to the tropical locations that we often associate with snorkeling.

What Makes Alaska Snorkeling Unique?

- Thick 7mm wetsuits, hoods, boots, and gloves keep you warm despite cold waters reaching 65F in summer

- Abundant marine life - fish, kelp, plants, invertebrates like sea stars, urchins, cucumbers

- See wildlife like wolf eels, sea lions, otters, whales (orcas, humpbacks) up close

- Steep underwater rock walls and ability to free dive down 100ft walls right off shore

Tour season for snorkeling in Alaska is May to September, coinciding with cruise ship arrivals. You'll find the warmest water June through August, while April, May, September tend to have clearest water visibility.

While the cruise ship industry is crucial for bringing tourism to the area, Fred and his company are keenly aware of the environmental impacts. Their tours start directly on the beach, limiting local boat traffic, and they educate guests about the sustainability of marine life in the area.

Ketchikan is a beautiful area for an extended visit, with abundant opportunity for activities like hiking, fishing, camping, kayaking, mountain biking, and kiteboarding.

Tune in now to learn more and immerse yourself in the unique world of snorkeling in the glacial waters of Alaska.

Resources Mentioned:

Book a Tour on TripOutside

Reet talks with Jayci Ferrimani, founder of Arizona Climbing Guides and AMGA Certified Rock Guide, about the vast array of outdoor adventures available in southern Arizona. Jayci shares his journey from growing up exploring the mountains of Colorado to becoming a professional rock climbing and canyoneering guide.

They discuss the underrated and surprisingly rugged wilderness found in Arizona's mountains, canyons, and deserts. Jayci highlights how despite its desert reputation, Arizona is teeming with untapped outdoor treasures waiting to be explored.

The conversation dives into the various trips offered by Arizona Climbing Guides:

Canyoneering Tours:

- Tanque Verde Canyon - half-day with 3 rappels up to 90 feet

- Seven Cataracts/Willow Canyon - full day, 5 rappels up to 200 feet

Rock Climbing Areas:

- Cochise Stronghold - granite domes, moderate to hard routes

- Mount Lemmon - year-round sport and trad climbing at 2,000-9,000 feet

- Queen Creek - popular sport crag near Phoenix

- McDowell Mountain Preserve - adventurous trad climbing near Scottsdale

JC also provides an overview of the three main rock climbing disciplines:

- Bouldering

- Sport Climbing

- Traditional (Trad) Climbing

He offers advice for beginners looking to transition from indoor climbing to roping up outside, emphasizing the low-consequence way to start with top-roping.

Jayci and Reet chat about the unique advantages of Tucson - a city surrounded by a multitude of outdoor playgrounds, allowing visitors to combine urban amenities with morning canyoneering, afternoon hiking, and evening breweries all in one day. JC also highlights other local activities like mountain biking and backpacking right from Tucson's doorstep.

Throughout the show, Jayci shares his profound passion for exploring Arizona's wilderness and connecting others to the thrill of adventuring in these rugged landscapes. The episode provides inspiration for visitors and locals alike to get out and experience Arizona's great outdoors.

Resources Mentioned:

Arizona Climbing Guides website

Book A Trek on TripOutside

In this episode, we interview Elizabeth Biron the owner and founder of Trek Sierra, a premium backpacking guide company based in Mammoth Lakes, California. Elizabeth shares her journey from starting as a sport climber and backpacker on the East Coast to making Mammoth her permanent home and launching Trek Sierra. She discusses the unique aspects of Trek Sierra, including the use of ultralight gear, through hike support, and themed treks like art classes and stargazing experiences. Elizabeth also highlights the custom training plans and coaching support offered to help clients prepare for their treks.Key Topics:- Elizabeth's background and how she got into the outdoor industry- The philosophy and unique offerings of Trek Sierra- Popular treks like the John Muir Trail, Yosemite summits, and Mount Whitney- Living an outdoor lifestyle in Mammoth Lakes- Leave No Trace practices and responsible recreation in the Sierras- The personal impact of spending time in the wilderness- Raising awareness about underpaid guides in the industryThis insightful interview with Elizabeth provides a fascinating look into the world of guided backpacking adventures and Trek Sierra's mission to elevate both the client experience and the guiding profession.Links:- Trek Sierra (https://treksierraadventures.com/)- Leave No Trace principles (https://tripoutside.com/leave-no-trace-outdoor-recreation/)- AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) (https://amga.com/)

In this podcast interview with Joel Gratz from Open Snow, we dig into his journey and expertise in snow forecasting. We discuss the unique challenges in predicting snow conditions, emphasizing the unpredictability and joy of chasing powder.

Joel and his team nerd on mountain weather to bring their app users the highest quality of snow forecasts that are built into the app and also have a human reporting element layered on top.

I learned so much during this chat! Things like:

Whether you like to geek out on weather or just want to find the best option for skiing, I think you'll love this podcast.

Exploring Bellingham: A Mountain Biker's Paradise

In Conversation with Ike Bancroft of Dig Deep Mountain Biking Tours

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Bellingham, Washington, is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true. With its lush forests, stunning bay, and rugged mountains, it's no wonder that Ike Bancroft, owner of Dig Deep Mountain Biking Tours, chose this picturesque town as the backdrop for his mountain biking adventures.

From Boston to Bellingham: Ike's Journey

Ike Bancroft, originally from Boston, Massachusetts, found his love for mountain biking in the hills of Vermont. However, it was a brief stint in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, at the age of 18, that fueled his passion. Ike's days were spent shuttling up and down the pass trails, hitchhiking with his downhill bike in tow.

At 21, he moved to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University. The allure of outdoor pursuits drew him to this vibrant town. But it wasn't until later, in 2019, that he decided to establish Dig Deep Mountain Biking Tours. COVID-19 momentarily halted his plans, but in 2021, the venture finally took off to an enthusiastic reception.

Bellingham's Mountain Biking Paradise

Bellingham offers an array of mountain biking experiences, and Ike is the perfect guide to navigate this mountain biking paradise.

Beyond Mountain Biking: Exploring Bellingham

While mountain biking is a central activity, Bellingham has much more to offer. Ike recommends exploring the stunning bay, which sets Bellingham apart from many outdoor towns. Rocky sandstone beaches, sandstone cliffs, and ocean views are perfect for unwinding after a ride.

Water activities abound, from kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding and even sailing. Don't miss the chance to embark on a whale-watching trip; the local orca pods make it a memorable experience.

For a complete Bellingham adventure, consider hiking in the craggy mountains, especially during the summer months. Ptarmigan Ridge, starting at Artist Point, is a popular choice.

And of course, make time for the local breweries and entertainment options, which add a delightful dimension to your visit.

Responsible Outdoor Recreation in Bellingham

Visiting Bellingham comes with a responsibility to preserve its natural beauty. Ike emphasizes that it's essential to be mindful of the impact visitors can have on this pristine environment.

Find Bellingham Mountain biking tours https://tripoutside.com/browse/activity:biking:mountain-biking/adventure-type:guided

Find Outdoor activities in Bellingham https://tripoutside.com/browse/location:us:wa:bellingham

This one is from the archives, we wanted to share our favorite places to visit, eat, and grab a coffee or a beer near Mammoth Lakes California.

We hope that you like this behind-the-scenes podcast of our travels in our RV. 

What is The Conservation Alliance? How is it funded?

The Conservation Alliance was established 34 years ago with the goal of uniting businesses and outdoor communities to support and advocate for the protection of North America's wild places. Founded by industry leaders from renowned outdoor companies like Patagonia, REI, North Face, and Kelty, the organization aimed to increase industry support for conservation by fostering cooperation among competing businesses. Over the years, the Alliance has grown to include 270 member companies from various industries that share the values of protecting wild places.

Can you share some of the conservation work that The Conservation Alliance has done over the years?

In its 34-year history, the Conservation Alliance has achieved significant accomplishments with the support of its members. They have collectively contributed over $30 million to grassroots conservation groups, resulting in the protection of more than 82 million acres of wildlands and 3500 miles of rivers. The Alliance has also played a role in removing 37 dams, with plans for one more this year, and designating five marine reserves, as well as acquiring 21 climbing areas.

Why is it important to protect wild places and outdoor spaces?

There are multiple personal, ecological, and societal reasons for protecting wild places. Personally for Nicole, these spaces are crucial for spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being, offering solitude, challenge, and character-building experiences.

Ecologically, wild places contribute to biodiversity and climate resiliency by storing carbon and providing natural buffers against greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting large-scale landscapes can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. Preserving these areas is essential for a healthier future and addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Additionally, wild places offer economic value through outdoor recreation, stimulating local economies and generating billions in revenue. Ensuring equity and access to these places is important, allowing everyone to enjoy the benefits they offer. As the population grows and more people reside in urban centers, the need to protect and expand these areas becomes even more critical.

Outfitters or businesses, please consider joining as a member along with TripOutside. https://conservationalliance.com/join/
Support and donate to TCA https://secure.givelively.org/donate/the-conservation-alliance/the-conservation-alliance
Visit their website to learn more https://conservationalliance.com

Follow their IG for a social feed that will inspire you https://www.instagram.com/conservationalliance/

Ride bikes, not horses at this new type of Ranch in Southwest Colorado. On this podcast, we are joined by Jake from Zuma Bike Ranch from the southwest corners area of Colorado. 

They are located on the corner of 3 different cities in the area, Dolores, Mancos, and Cortez Colorado. Jake is a mountain bike instructor for over 5 years and has been coaching with Ninja Mountain Bike Clinics. 

He has been hooked on working with people on their skill development and is passionate about teaching riders how to be stronger, more confident, and more skilled riders. 

Jake has created a purpose-built mountain biking-specific property in the area that is dedicated to teaching and coaching mountain biking. The 40-acre property is right next to Phils’s world mountain biking trails and joins the new section of Phil’s world. He has taken time to build features that are great for teaching different skills by taking inspiration from the different areas in the country where he has taught mountain biking. Different areas of the country present with different features that make the trail networks unique like bedrock use or a side of a hillside to make some nice benched-in switchbacks. The first year, he walked the property with his dog and identified all the places where interesting features could be built for teaching. 

They have camping and trails right on the property for riders to camp and ride right on the property.

Find Zuma Bike Ranch on TripOutside 

Follow them on Instagram 

Darcy is the author of the book, The Amazon Woman and the co-owner of the Whitewater Kayaking business Smallworldadventures.com

How did you get into Whitewater Kayaking and what do you love about it?

A college friend invited her to skip the fall semester and go kayaking in Nepal. She was stoked about the adventure and traveling internationally. By going kayaking in Nepal, she was able to get away from the big tourist areas and find remote places to explore and she truly enjoyed that style of expedition traveling and which made her fall in love with kayaking. That's the style of kayaking that has kept Darcy loving whitewater kayaking. She enjoys getting as far off the beaten path as possible and challenging herself while seeing new places.

How do you see the big challenges and overcome the obstacles that appear in the big adventures that you take on?

The way she has learned to overcome it is by embracing the challenges. Going into these trips with the mindset with the attitude that things are going to wrong. You can hope everything goes well, but the reality is that there are definitely unexpected things that will go wrong. She really believes the stoic philosophy shared in the book, The Obstacle is The Way by Ryan Holiday. She thinks of this phrase often when she finds herself faced with expedition challenges.

How did the Amazon trip come about and what was your motivation to join Midge on the trip?

The trip came about in an unlikely way by David Midgley, "Midge" a brilliant programmer from London who was having a midlife crisis and thought he was going to waste his life away sitting behind a computer writing code. During this time he started thinking that if he could do one big adventure in his life, he could die a happy man. While he was searching for his adventure, he came across an interesting stat that more people had walked on the moon than descended the Amazon river from source to sea. Everyone who had gone down the river had hiked around the white water, or did it on a raft, or only did certain sections. He decided he wanted to be the first person to whitewater kayak the Amazon river. He reached out to SWA to train him to turn him into an expert whitewater kayaker.  After a decade of training, Midge invited Don and Darcy to join him on the trip.

Could you share a bit more about the Amazon river trip? What were some of the challenges you had to overcome on the trip and how long did it take?

Learn more about the physical, mental, and emotional challenges the group overcame during the 148-day adventure on the show

What message do you have for anyone that is feeling external societal pressures and think that the big goals are unachievable for them?

When Darcy was younger, she drew a lot of motivation from anger. She would be mad when people told her that she couldn't do something, she wanted to prove them wrong. When she realized that other people are watching her, and that she is inspiring others, she now feels that she draws inspiration from the idea that her actions are inspiring others.

Links:

Website https://darcygaechter.com/

Order the book, Amazon Woman https://darcygaechter.com/amazon-woman

Send Darcy a note if you enjoyed the podcast! https://darcygaechter.com/contact

Follow on IG https://www.instagram.com/darcygaechter/

In this episode, I talked to Stephen Hatfield, the founder of Ptarmigan Collective, which offers regenerative tourism solutions to foster thriving communities and vibrant regional economies. Stephen brings 25 years of experience designing, developing and managing programs and experiences related to regenerative tourism, community engagement, natural and cultural history, environmental stewardship, and outdoor recreation.

Regenerative vs. Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism has been around for a while and at its core is about mitigate the impact and reduce the harm. Regenerative however takes it even further, and rather of just reducing the impact of the lighter footprint, it's about developing and generating value for communities. Tourism has long provided economic benefits, but those economic benefits can often come with some extractive side effects that over time can turn what was once an incredible place to live, travel and explore into a busy, overcrowded destination for people that call it home and for the people that visit.

Regenerative Tourism looks at not just the economic benefits, but also incorporates the wholistic view of social, cultural and environmental needs of the community and visitors. Rather than just starting with the traveler's needs, it starts with the residents, the communities that live there and call it home as they are the natural stewards of the place. It finds ways to find their values and what the values of the place are and developing new systems and ways to travel to these destinations. It started in Europe and New Zealand and has now become a global phenomenon.

An example of Regenerative Tourism at work:

In Oregon, outfitters worked together with communities and developed regenerative multi-day itineraries where visitors could come to the McKenzie river and do adventures like rafting,  mountain biking, day hikes along with opportunities to rebuild trails, plant trees, remove invasive species and other restoration projects. They worked in close partnership with the local dining facilities and supported the overall local community and businesses.

We can all begin to think differently about how we travel to new destinations, which destinations we choose and the impact we leave on the towns/cities and wild places with our tourism.

If you're an outfitter and would like to develop a Regenerative Tour or Itinerary, we want to hear from you! Reach out at info@tripoutside.com and let's work together to promote Regenerative Outdoor Adventure Tourism.

Links:

Connect with Stephen Hatfield:

Visit https://ptarmigancollective.com/ or email [email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hatfieldpdx