Paddling

Eastern Mountain Sports is proud to be the official gear outfitter of Austin Lehman Adventures. All of us here at our Peterborough, NH headquarters and in our 68 retail stores throughout the northeast hope you have the time of your life on your upcoming trip and that you return home with stories that never get old.  As your departure date draws near, chances are the only thing that could possibly dampen your excitement is worrying about what kind of gear to bring with you. Your expert guides at ALA will have some detailed recommendations for your specific itinerary, but the easiest way to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible on your epic trip is to follow the same golden rule for any outdoor adventure – dress in layers.


With the right layering system, you'll be comfortable no matter what the day brings.

Every layering system starts at your skin with a moisture-wicking base layer that moves sweat away from you to regulate your body temperature and dries quickly to keep you comfortable. In addition to synthetic options like our Techwick products, many adventures choose merino wool base layers from SmartWool and Icebreaker. If the thought of wearing wool in the summer time sounds crazy, you need to experience the remarkable breathability of merino wool, which has the added benefit of being naturally antimicrobial. On long trips like the one you’re planning where washing machines might not always be available, merino base layers are a nice option, for you AND your traveling companions! Whichever base layer option you choose, just remember: “cotton is rotten” because it retains perspiration and takes a long time to dry.


EMS Techwick


Once you’ve chosen your base layers, it’s time to add an insulating mid layer. Whether you go with a light or midweight fleece or a down jacket/vest or heavyweight fleece depends entirely on what conditions you expect. If I had to choose just one mid layer to bring with me on a multi day adventure, without a doubt, I would choose one of our Polartec Powerstretch products. I literally use my Powerstretch zip up year-round. I hike in it, bike in it, paddle in it and hang out by the campfire in it. Powerstrech keeps me warm by itself on 40 degree days and if I’m running, hiking or skiing on a 20 degree day, it’s still the only midlayer I need. On really cold days or nights where the temperature drops into the twenties, I’ll bring along a heavy weight fleece and I’m pretty much ready for anything.

A Powerstretch top and tights were all I needed to stay warm on a 24 mile ride to work on a 40 degree day last May.

I prefer to call the outer layer the “weather” layer because since I run hot, my shells only come out when it’s windy, rainy, or some other form of nasty to the point where I need some extra protection. Another year-round favorite for me is my Orion Jacket. I like it because it’s lightweight and comfortable enough to wear as a rain jacket in the summer and because it blocks the wind nicely in the winter. That said, if I’m cross country skiing and the forecast calls for light snow, I have no problem wearing a water repellent softshell jacket that gives me better range of motion than a hard shell jacket that’s waterproof.


EMS Orion Jacket

You’ve probably noticed that I’ve recommended a LOT of Eastern Mountain Sports brand products. Please know I’m not just a homer. EMS really is my go-to choice for all my outdoor gear and apparel. That said, you’ll find a lot of your favorite brands at all our stores and online at ems.com, including The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and Marmot as well as all your favorite footwear and camping brands. On behalf of all of us at Eastern Mountain Sports, enjoy your trip!

 

As I sit here staring out my window at a melting, muddy landscape, my mind wanders to brighter summer days past filled with sunshine. Specifically, I keep dreaming of days spent on Austin-Lehman’s Yellowstone-Tetons Adventure, kayaking the cool, clear waters of Jackson Lake, the Teton Range seemingly shooting up out of its west side.

You just can’t beat kayaking or canoeing on Jackson Lake. Getting away from the crowds and onto the deserted waters will put you into a state of solitude.  Nothing but the noise of nature reaches your ears, and from your kayak you may see such wildlife as majestic bald eagles, tip-toeing mule deer, or playful river otters. As your paddle silently slices the glassy surface, you won’t believe your eyes again and again as you glance at the view in front of you: Mount Moran shooting out of the lake’s edge and rising skyward 12,605 feet!  That’s a wow in and of itself!

But wait, there’s more! Sure, the kayaking part of exploring Jackson Lake is pretty amazing, but did I mention that you get to go “chill out” on your own private island for an hour or two? About three-quarters of the way through our escapade on Jackson Lake, we stop for a break on the rocky shores of a small unnamed island. The views from here are spectacular, providing unmatched photo ops for those wanting an amazing picture of the granite monolith that is Mount Moran.

I love when kids experience kayaking Jackson Lake on our Family Adventure because there’s never a shortage of activities to do once we reach the island. Writing messages on the beach out of sticks, skipping rocks from the shore, creating log shelters out of drift wood, and searching for frogs are just a few things that completely capture a child’s imagination on this round rock paradise. Parents roll out a towel and bask in the sunshine as the guides flip over a boat, playing king of the kayak with the kids. All that can be heard are splashing and laughter as we enjoy ourselves (maybe a little too much) on our isolated island.

Once the stomachs start rumbling a bit, we jump into our kayaks again for the short paddle back to the mainland. It’s always hard to bid goodbye to the island, but you just can’t keep lunch waiting! Again and again, I hear from guests that kayaking/canoeing is their favorite activity on this adventure that visits two national parks: Grand Teton and Yellowstone.  I must say, that I am among them when it comes to the beauty, seclusion, and specialness of this little piece of paradise.

Where will you create your next memory?

Kasey Austin

Looking for the adventure of a lifetime?  Thrills, adventure, thick rich jungles, and the most spectacular views you could ever imagine.  Nicaragua Adventure Travel is one of the newest and incredibly exciting tours Austin-Lehman Adventures will be offering in 2013.  With too many activities to count in this culturally rich country, Austin-Lehman has narrowed down the hot spots to visit including the ancient city of Granada, the Capital Managua, tourist dream location in Leon, and countless volcanoes, and even a beach town visit at San Juan Del Sur.  Nicaragua is sure to become the next “hot” travel destination on the radar and Austin-Lehman Adventures is working to bring it to you first!  Plan your exotic and adventurous tropical dream vacation for the upcoming year with Austin-Lehman Adventures.

The tour starts in the Capital of Nicaragua in the exciting and bustling city of Granada. Granada is the second most populous city in Central America coming in only second to Guatemala City.   Offering a rich culture and history from it’s early discovery and trade economy, to the devastating rise and falls of political powers, to recovery and perseverance of disastrous earthquakes in 1931 and 1972.  With an abundance of fascinating stories and the ability to overcome adversities, Nicaragua offers tons of cultural history and amazing tales of determination.  The city of Leon does not fall short of interesting accounts, ancient ruins of early Spanish colonial cities, or beautiful architecture.   Leon offers an abundance of natural beauty to be explored including eight volcanoes, plus the famous Cerro Negro.

Part of your Nicaragua Adventure Travel with Austin-Lehman Adventures is a visit to Cerro Negro. This young volcano offers spectacular views as well as an interesting black sand slope, perfect for “snowboarding” or “surfing” down the mountain.  This volcano was born in 1850, faming it as the youngest and most active volcano in Nicaragua, having last erupting in 1999.  The tough but feasible climb to the top of the 500-meter peak is worth the effort. Suitable for all ages you start the climb and slowly wrap your way around the volcano.  The climb only takes about an hour and due to the light breeze, the heat is completly barable.  The smoking craters, and delecate smell of sulfer helps remind you of the character that this bubbling beast has to offer.  The amazing 360-degree views, a glimpse into the smoking crater, and the amazing sledding decent down the face is definitely worth the effort! Weather your choose to play it safe and "run" down the face, opt for a sled ride at max speeds, or are looking for the adventure and challange of surfing the shear face of the volcano, all decents are full of thrills and very photoworthy.  

You will also get a chance to see the hundreds of beautiful islets that were created by the Mombacho Volcano.  Kayak through the warm and refreshing waters to see the local houses and beautiful terrain that the islets offer.  Experience the exquisite views of the volcano as you paddle through the lush forest terrain.  Don’t get too comfortable atop the water because all too soon you will again be exploring by foot, and climbing the famous Mombacho Volcano.   Take your adventure to a new limit as you are harnessed and strapped in for a zip-line canopy tour through the Mombacho Nature Reserve with beautiful views and high-speed adventure. 

Balance out your adventure thrills with a bit of rest and relaxation upon the white sand beaches of San Juan Del Sur. Your two-night stay at Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge will immerse you in the tropical rainforests upon the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The plush and stunning accommodations offer a luxurious balance of natural beauty, authentic cultural design, and delicious and local fares.  The beachfront views of your bungalow will remind you just how to relax during your Nicaragua Adventure Travel. Famous town for the consistent surf and layed back attitude, you will love the lifestyle on the beach in Nicaragua. Check out tour dates today with Austin-Lehman Adventure to start planning your adventure of a lifetime to the beautiful country of Nicaragua!

Check out more photos from our Nicaragua Adventure Travel on Pinterest! 

On all the Austin-Lehman trips that I have led, I encounter a multitude of questions; from the size of the park, to what time are the animals released from their cage (however, this one is not often asked). But without fail one question that is always brought up is, "What can I do around Bozeman before or after my awesome vacation?" My recommendation would first include rephrasing the question to what can't I do around this town!?

    If you consider yourself a history buff, or are seeking the inner child in you head to the Museum of the Rockies. You are instantly surrounded by the dinosaurs that walked in the same streets as you are now! Also, there are a ton of other historical artifacts from the pioneer times as well! While moseying around town, simply walk down main street for a few hours. There are great stores for some last minute gear purchases or finally get that kayak to start your hobby (inspired from your Austin-Lehman adventure)! Also on Main you can grab some of the best food Montana has to offer including the famed, Ted's Montana Grill for a hearty cut of bison steak raised on one of Mr. Turner's farms! Also those looking to stay out a little later can indulge in the nightlife of Bozeman that more often than not will include live music and dancing!
     If you would like to push yourself a little bit more towards the outdoorsy lifestyle of the area your options only continue to grow! A short drive to Big Sky resort can have you flying downhill on a mountain bike or Zipping through the sky on their newly installed zip line systems. Also a quick call to the office or one of your guides can get a connection to a fly fishing guide that has newly been added to the Austin-Lehman family! All the local shops also rent everything from bikes to paddle boards! So turn an afternoon into an adventure taking some rented or purchased gear into Hyalite Canyon just outside of town. Paddle the reservoir or bike the seemingly endless trails! In short, Bozeman is an excellent town to start or finish off your Yellowstone National Park Vacation or Montana family adventure offering fun for all ages and interests! Myself and the rest of the guide staff all look forward to meeting you future adventurers!

Cheers,

Patrick McGarry

So you've never been to Zell am See, Austria? If you're anything like I was before my Austria Adventure, you wouldn't know what you were missing out on! 

Zell am See is the host city of ALA's Austria Family Adventure. Getting into this town a day or two early will not disappoint (and will allow you to adjust to the significant time zone difference!) A very safe, somewhat touristy town, Zell am See provides a wide array of shops, restaurants and activities that the whole family can enjoy. After losing my luggage on my airline, there were plenty of shops to accommodate my needs in getting temporary replacement items such as clothing, shower items, and a phone charger. I also had the best (and biggest) burger ever at one of the local joints in town - yum! Everywhere is easy to walk to and many of the locals speak English, so you can feel confident exploring a foreign city on your own!

My favorite feature in Zell am See is the Zeller See, the lake smack in the middle of town. Sail boats, swimmers, paddle boats, and swans grace the waters, and with a backdrop of carpets of colorful flowers, the local ski resort, miniature chateaus complete with hanging flower baskets, and the towering Alps with snow capped peaks, the scenery is jaw-dropping gorgeous! Trails surrounding the lake allow you to walk from one section of town to another, although you won't want to walk the full 8 miles around the lake since that's your first day's bike ride!

This host city of our Austrian Family Adventure is a place to relax, acclimate, and have fun. Check out our other cycling tours for other exciting host city options. Getting into the host city of any ALA trip a few days early is a great idea not only to adjust to the time zone difference but also to explore a new city on your own without a guide (which can be an adventure in and of itself!) Get out on any ALA Adventure today to see what's out there!

Auf Weidersehen,

Kasey

Looking for the perfect vacation for you and your sweetie? Why not head over to the land of the red rocks on our Utah: Arches to Moab Adventure? From hiking and biking through looming, crimson rock formations to relaxing in a beautiful lodge overlooking the best rapids of the Colorado River, you can’t go wrong with this couples retreat!

Picture you and your significant other descending through the depths of the oldest rock formations in the Grand Canyon via raft! Though the Colorado River is quite chilly, a little splash from your paddle won’t hurt as the hot sun shines down on your back over the canyon rim. Prepare to get soaked as your raft careens through whitewater rapids again and again! What better way to put your adventure skills to the test than an excursion down the ole Colorado!

Take your honey’s hand as you weave in and out of the shadows created by the photographic Fisher Towers. Hiking to these unique sandstone formations will provide you with unmatched views of the Towers with a backdrop of the snow-capped La Sal range. The jaw-dropping views will leave you reeling with want for more of the same!

After long, fun days of biking along the Island to the Sky route or exploring the slick rocks of Moab via Hummer, you’re going to love the luxuries that Red Cliffs Lodge has to offer. Treating yourself to a hot stone massage or a short walk to the banks of the Colorado River will be welcome comforts after your big days of adventure! Make sure to grab a glass of wine and catch a sunset from the deck of the lodge – the colors are indescribable!

After all is said and done, you can’t go wrong with Utah as your future destination for your next couple’s retreat! You’ll experience the adventurous side of the red rocks and the romantic side of the Red Cliffs Lodge all bundled into one package for you and your other half. Take a look at all our Adventure Vacations for Couples and pick the one that fits the both of you best!

See you on the trails,

Kasey Austin

I could really get used to waking up by the ocean (not really practical living in Montana).

We left at dawn to shuttle south to Walvis Bay where we met up with Jeannie our kayak guide. On the water early to beat any potential mid day winds was fine with us.

As we drove to our launch site, we just knew we were on track for a great day.  The sun was making what we understand to be a rare appearance along the coast.  We passed lots of birds (all of which Jeannie would tell is all about and the occasional jackal.

As we got closer to our "put in" we started seeing huge seal colonies.  Jeannie assured us, no need to stop for pictures now as we would get right in the middle of them by water.  Since they have no known predators in these parts approaching be sea, it was easy to understand the logic of being able to get close.

What we didn't realize as we paddled up was that to the hundreds of young seal pups, we were a great source of curiosity and amusement.   We quickly found ourselves surround by thousands of playful seals.  They acted like any "pup" and would follow us and "chew" on anything placed in the water.  Including my hand and Andy's GO-Pro camera (Andy should have some great shots)

We literally paddled and played with the seals for hours.  When paddling hard they would take it as a challenge and race the kayak.  When you stopped, they would surround the kayak and bark for attention.  Occasionally one would get comfortable enough for a "belly rub". Yes, they sure reminded us of canine pups, just in mass quantity.

Reluctantly we paddled back to the jeep and headed back to town.

Another "treat" for a Montanan is a beach side grill, today was just going to be a dang good day!!

This PM was again free (something we are not used too) and we took advantage of the time to clean camera gear and just "chill" on the beach.

Today was a good day, experiencing this with my son has made it one of my favorite family adventure vacations I have done so far.

Dan Austin

Austin-Lehman Adventures has been showing our guest the best of our country’s National Parks for the last 27 years. We strive to incorporate the “hidden” gems on our National Park Tours. We also provide professional and knowledgable guides to show you the way and explain how we can help to preserve and protect our National Parks for tomorrow’s generation. We decided to share our top 10 “uncovered” gems of our National Park tours. Don’t worry we still have plenty up our sleeve…

1,) Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is home to a wide range of beautiful scenery, but probably best known for their stunning glacier carved valleys and enormous granite walls. John Muir named this place the ‘range of light’ and for good reason. One place to really get a full scale of these massive valleys is from Glacier Point, 3,214 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley. Although Glacier Point is not “hidden” this spot is often over looked, this scenic point can be accessed by a 30-45min drive from the valley floor.

2.) Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is renowned for its amazing scenery and wildlife, here at ALA we try to show our guest a side of Yellowstone that they might not see on their own. That is why we have created Safaris in Yellowstone. What is a safari in Yellowstone you ask? An expedition to one of the most premiere wildlife viewing spots in North America. Often referred to as the “Serengeti of the West” we set out for the Lamar Valley to observe animals in their natural habitat, the ALA way! Our morning starts off at 5am at our hotel in Mammoth Hot springs, early morning is the best time to view the wildlife. Then we drove into the Lamar Valley, to catch a glimpse of grizzly bears, wolves, elk, herds of bison, antelope, black and brown bears.

3.) Canyonlands National Park
A real treat on our Utah- Arches to Moab trip is a bike ride along the Island in the Sky route. The Island in the Sky trail takes you along a sheer-walled mesa that is in the northern part of Canyonlands National Park. The route follows the rim of the mesa, with scenic points where you get amazing views out over the surrounding country, including rugged canyons that have been carved by the Colorado and Green rivers. In many places the surrounding country is 1,000 feet down, virtually straight down, just an added bonuses to this all ready heart pumping ride.

4.) Wind Cave National Park – South Dakota
Did you know that the United State’s 7^th national park was created in none other than South Dakota? Not only that, but this national park was created underground! Wind Cave National Park takes the status of the world’s first “cave national park” and is comprised of one of the world’s longest and most complex cave systems as well as the mixed grass prairie, ponderosa pine forests, and assortment of wildlife that flourish above the cave’s surface. Containing nearly 95% of the world’s boxwork formation, this cave lacks the stalactites, stalagmites, bats, dampness, and creepy crawlies that you’d normally associate with a cave. On ALA’s South Dakota tour, we descend into the depths of the cave with our national park service guide by our side. You’ll be amazed by the unique formations, colorful stories, and the general “feel” of the cool, dark cave!

5.) Kenai Fjords National Park
On our Alaska Adventure, you’ll be entering the only section of Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by road. Explore valleys sculpted by glaciers and get up close and personal with Exit Glacier, one of the out-flowing glaciers of the magnificent 700 square mile Harding Icefield. You’ll discover firsthand how plant life reclaims the barren rocky landscape as you ascend from green, luscious plant vegetation to an “as-far-as-the-eye-can-see” moon-like display of snow and ice. Views along the Exit Glacier Trail are nothing other than spectacular, but if you can ascend to the summit (which is definitely a challenge), you will remember the views of a lifetime (especially if you’re lucky enough to experience a clear visibility day!)

6.) Grand Teton National Park
Kayaking the pristine, clear waters of Jackson Lake is one of those experiences where you can’t help but think “Life is Good!” Keep an eye out for bald eagles, mule deer, osprey, and maybe even a playful group of river otters on the banks. Settle into a comfortable pace as you paddle your kayak through the calm lake near a wild bird sanctuary. About three-quarters of the way through this loop, we make a stop at our own private rocky beach. As we eat a cold bowl of ice cream on a hot, sunny day, we take in the magnificent views of the square-topped Mount Moran, seemingly emerging out of the far end of Jackson Lake! After skipping some rocks, building a few log structures and even playing a little “King of the Kayak,” we’ll head out for the marina where we will indulge in a tasty, nutritious lunch at a beautiful picnic area on the shores of our playground!

7.) Yellowstone – Wapati Trail
Experience all of the thrills of Yellowstone National Park in one single hike! Walk through the rolling grasslands covered in wildflowers with names like Indian Paintbrush, Yellow Columbine, and Fireweed, and keep an eye out for the enormous rack of a bull elk laying in the shade of a lodgepole pine tree. “Walk on the moon” as you enter a barren, white-out landscape created by one of Yellowstone’s four geothermal features: a hissing, steaming fumaroles. Continue past the lily pad pond and up a short, steeper section of trail to emerge upon one of the most beautiful views you will see in a lifetime – the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

8.) Bryce Canyon National Park
Hike the magical hoodoo rock formations of Bryce’s Peek-a-Boo trail. This trail gives you amazing views of the Hoodoo formations. Hoodoos are tall slender spires of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins and “broken” lands. The formation name is Claron Limestone, the rock’s age is from Paleocene or Eocene age, 40-60 mya. The Native Americans believed that the Hoodoo formations would come to live as giants and ward off intruders.

9.) Zion National Park
Kolob Canyons is home to magnificent mountains of red sandstone. Kolob Canyons is a remote 30,000 acre block of Zion National Park located northwest of Zion Canyon.  It boasts the parks highest peaks – Horse Ranch Mountain at 8,726 feet and some of Zion’s youngest strata. The Kolob Arch flaunts one of the longest spanning freestanding arches in the world. The structure is an adult alcove natural arch set high on an exposed cliff. It was made as a result of vertical joint expansion, wall collapse and erosion.

10.) Glacier National Park
Hiking the Iceberg Lake Trail, the hike surrounds you in amazing flora with bear grass as high as your chest. The lake trail also provides some of the finest wildlife viewing opportunities in Glacier National Park. The vertical elevation gain of 1200 feet, providing unsurpassed views of the park. Lake Iceberg is named for the “icebergs” that float around on the lake. The lake sits in the shadows on the northern flank of Mt. Wilbur, receiving very little sun.

That is it for now… If you want to see some more uncovered gems of our National Parks, join us on one of our National Park Tours.

Your friends at Austin-Lehman Adventures