Everyone has favorites…favorite foods, favorite songs, favorite movies, etc. For those of us in the adventure travel industry, well, we have our favorites too. We wanted to get a peek into the vast knowledge and experience of our office staff and guides, to find out a few of their favorite things. After an extensive questionnaire, we discovered favorite hiking trails, bike rides, hotels, new trips, and much more. We found a very diverse selection of exciting and beautiful places, amazing foods, and unforgettable experiences, but a passion for travel was the one thing consistent across the board.

We’ll be posting a series of blogs over the next couple of weeks, which will break down our favorites, so keep a lookout and let us know what you think!

Following the immense success of last year’s Preserve a Park program, Austin-Lehman has announced that Yosemite National Park will be the recipient to this year’s donations. For each individual who books a Yosemite vacation this season, Austin-Lehman will donate $100 to the Yosemite Conservancy, whose primary goal is to preserve and protect Yosemite for future generations. Yosemite Conservancy specializes in habitat restoration, repairing trails, educating visitors, managing wildlife and conducting scientific research. Donations from Austin-Lehman’s Preserve a Park program come at a very important time for National Parks, as proposed funding cuts in 2011 could be as high as $22 million for National Park programs.

Photo courtesy of Anita Ritenour

Austin-Lehman is committed to aiding National Parks, while provided unforgettable experiences to people of all ages. Join us this summer in Yosemite and see the reflection of an 8,842-foot granite dome in Mirror Lake, witness the breathtaking landscapes of Tuolumne Meadows, relax in a tube as you float down Merced River, test your rock climbing and rappelling skills and see first hand why thousands of rock climbers from around the world make their way to Yosemite each and every year. These activities are just the beginning of this remarkable adventure, which is perfect for people of all ages and activity levels.

Do you ever get a good case of 35 year old deja vu? Well that is where I was yesterday. Over the last few days, we had the pleasure of a visit from rafting expert, Peter Grubb. Not only is Peter a good friend and partner in Trusted Adventures, but Peter is also a legend in the rafting industry and I don’t say that lightly. Peter has been leading rafting trips and adventures throughout the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains for 32 years. I think you could throw in a few International destinations like Ecuador as well.

So when Austin-Lehman Adventures wanted to create a family rafting trip on the Salmon River in Idaho, who else could we possibly choose to work with than Peter?  No one knows the waters of the Salmon River better then Peter. We worked closely with him to identify the perfect white water adventure for families of all ages. All sorts of extra’s thrown in to truly make it a memorable family adventure.

So how is this deja vu for me?  Rafting is where I got my start in the adventure travel industry. I started out as a raft guide and then a small rafting company owner navigating the waters of the West in 1974 (did I just date myself?).

As we enjoyed Peter’s slide show yesterday, it seemed like just yesterday I was setting up camp on the banks of the Snake, Salmon, Deschutes, Rouge and more. When we looked at the images of the gourmet riverside meals, I could not help but fondly remember the efforts each and every week to outdo the previous weeks menu.

I could almost smell the fireside coffee on the sandy beaches of the Salmon River…watching the kids play in the rapids in the rubber duckies, told me things haven’t changed much in 35 years. And I am so very glad they haven’t. Okay, there have been a few small changes. Peter and I shared a laugh as we recalled guiding some 30 years ago when helmets were nonexistent and life jackets an option. Nowadays river safety is everyone’s #1 priority.

Watching those images on the screen only made me hanker to get behind the oars again and share few days of floating, camping and all around river fun with my family.  Hey, that reminds me, we are scheduled for a family rafting trip on the Colorado River in May…more on that soon…

I am often asked “What is the best part of your job?” My guess is this question is often asked in all walks of life.  I have to imagine what others outside the adventure travel industry come up with a wide range of answers:  “I love my co-workers”,  “the benefits”, “my office”, etc.

When someone asks me the same question, I have to bet they are waiting to hear things like: “Hiking the Inca Trail“, “Biking through Europe”, “Snorkeling in the Galapagos” or “Tracking rhinos in Africa”.  Well those things (and much, much more) are all great and yes indeed a big part of what keeps me in the adventure travel business, but frankly one of the very best parts of my job happens at my desk.

You see, we have a policy that all of our guest evaluations come directly to me unopened.  I then go through (with great enthusiasm) and look for comments that will help us improve our already great vacation programs.  I have to look long and hard to find those comments that will give me insight as to what to improve, but in the process I get to wade through hundreds and hundreds of inspirational and emotionally rewarding guest quotes.   I want to take a minute and prove this point. I am taking one typical day (yesterday to be specific)…I am going to just share right off the stack, the first 10 I read:

1. “It was a perfect mix of excitement, exercise and time to explore the fantastic towns along the way” – Vienna to Prague Bike Trip
2. “Very well planned and executed” – Montana Family Adventure
3. “I really enjoyed the whole experience! ALA is superb in every way!” – Havasupai Adventure
4. “As always ALA does it with Class! Tom and Kavya were so professional and knowledgeable The Best!” – Vienna to Prague Bike Trip
5. “Guides very organized, had great experience/knowledge of routes and activities, we remain in contact! A pleasure to be with for a week.” – Austria Family Adventure
6. “Wowed at every turn!” – Alaska Adventure
7. “Hard to imagine how it could have been any better” – Germany Bike Tour
8. “We had a great time as always: the guides were wonderful, food and hotels great-biking challenging, but I did it all!” - South Dakota Black Hills
9. “As has always been the case, Ron and his team gave us an outstanding trip” – Italy Innsbruck to Lake Garda
10. “One of my favorite memories with my daughter is of the trip we took to the Havasupai lands.  We spent the best 5 days!  My husband had passed away after a long battle with kidney disease and dialysis.  We (my daughter and I) were able to be light and alive and present with each other in a place which felt so magical and spiritual.  We had amazing guides (Stefan and Wes)  who created a sense of community amongst 9 people from different backgrounds, ranging in age from 10 to 70.  I will always remember and be grateful for the opportunity you and your wonderful peeps presented us with. Your company it seems is but a vehicle for you and yours to bring people together with a hugely open heart, spread joy and share in the wonders of this country and others. Keep doing God’s work….Blessings and wishes for continued success I send to you at this Holiday Season”** – Havasupai Adventure

**I have to be honest.. I actually read this one #3, but I wanted to save it for last as it is really what I am talking about!

Now frankly how can a heartfelt note like #10 not move anyone to continue to make it their passion to provide the very best in outdoor adventure vacations.  Regardless of the region or season, just making 100% sure then each and every traveler that chooses Austin-Lehman Adventures comes back feeling refreshed, enlightened and invigorated is enough to keep me going.  I love it and I couldn’t think of a thing I would rather be doing right now…and to think I get to do it with staff and guests that I really enjoy makes it all that much better.

Happy Trails

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to quickly say hi and introduce myself. My name is Mindy Vanderhoof and I am the newest member of the Austin-Lehman family. Although technically I am in customer service, I will from time to time be posting a blog here. I hope you like my travel anecdotes. I have many travels under my belt (hoping to get a few more…) and I look forward to sharing some of them with you, and hearing about yours as well!

And away we go…