Washington

So, picture this… 5 guys (and me) standing on a cliff at Lime Kiln Point State Park overlooking the Haro Straight in the San Juan Islands off Washington Coast.  To our right is a pile of old lime discarded from the Lime Kiln Days.  Below us is a seal skirting around and peeking at us through the kelp.  The restored kiln behind is us.  The dock the men used to load the lime in the 1920’s is gone but the pylons in the sea floor stick out enough to remind us of its ghostly existence.  The air is crisp, the sky blue, it’s the perfect day to explore the lands that hold the key to a bit of our past… and then, just as we turn to continue on down the trail, a splash in the distance catches our eye… wait, what’s that??  It an orca!  Lots of orcas!!  I’ve never had the honor to see them in the San Juan Islands.  

They weren’t there long – they were moving at a fast clip.  You could tell the male orcas from the rest, their dorsal fins are much bigger than the others, standing stoically to as high as 6 feet. Oh, it was so exciting!  Wildlife in nature is just breathtaking. The orca population has been lingering around 85 total Orcas in the Puget Sound in the last 10 years… Seems like such a low number when you hear the probable height of Orcas was in the 1960’s at 300 in the Puget Sound.   They got a bad rap for being “Killer” whales when 1. They aren’t actually whales.  And 2. Only some orcas are actual “killers.”  These we saw were traveling in a large family – that’s our first clue that they aren’t Killers.  They were resident Orcas… they eat fish and travel in families… the Transient Orcas are the “killers.”  They travel in 2’s and 3’s and eat mammals… they hunt.   Both would have been fascinating to see… but their very presence today completed our experience… I hope the San Juan Islands stay quaint and country cottage like… but I hope everyone gets this chance… it is a once in a lifetime…

Your friendly San Juan Island guide,

Blair Peck

Learn more about Blair, visit her guide page: Blair Peck

 

Austin-Lehman Adventures is proud to announce through a strategic acquisition,  Go South Adventures is joining the Austin-Lehman family. Troy Glennon, founder of Go South Adventures will be the new Director of Latin American Sales. For the last decade plus, Troy has traveled extensively throughout Central and South America. His insider knowledge and regional contacts are sure to help increase and expand our presence in Central and South America.

More about Troy and Go South Adventures:
For over 10 years, Troy Glennon has led Go South Adventures in creating “Trip of a Lifetime”, small group adventures to Latin America. Troy has experienced South America from both sides of travel, as a solo adventurer and as a group tour leader in Peru, Bolivia and Chile. He studied in Mexico and has a degree in Spanish Literature and Culture from the University of Washington. He has traveled extensively throughout Central and South America, and returns regularly to update and expand his knowledge of new and classic Latin American destinations. His passion, observations and experiences gained from exploring Latin America are evident in each adventure offered by Go South Adventures. “Joining the team at Austin Lehman Adventures has presented a terrific opportunity to expand new Latin American experiences into Austin Lehman's industry leading catalog of adventure tours.” 

All of us here at Austin-Lehman couldn't be happier about adding Troy and Go South Adventures to our family. 

More to come,

Dan Austin

 

What is better than an adventure vacation on the San Juan Islands in Washington?  Spending a few days in Seattle before heading out on your trip!  Seattle, Washington is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and it is the largest city on the west coast north of San Francisco.  It is an adventurous city at heart, perfectly situated near pristine rivers, lush forests, plenty of lakes and gorgeous snowcapped mountains.  On top of being an adventurer’s paradise Seattle has plenty of music, art and culture to keep you coming back for more.

Downtown Seattle is a hub of great food, sophisticated shops, quirky pubs and plenty to see and do.  Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most iconic places and should not be missed.  Stop and watch the fishmongers throw fresh fish impressive distances with perfect accuracy.  These guys put on quite a show!  This is the perfect place to spend some time strolling the labyrinth of amazing handicrafts and marveling at the amazing row of fresh flowers. You never know what you will find around the next corner in the market.  Just across the street from Pike Place Market you can get a latte at the original Starbucks! 

Seattle’s most famous landmark is, of course, the Space Needle.  This famous tower was constructed for the World’s Fair in 1962.  Take a ride up the elevator to the observation deck for gorgeous views of the city skyline and on a clear day you can also see some of the gorgeous mountains in the area.  One of the most unique features of the Space Needle is the rotating restaurant, not only can you get 360 degree views but you can also enjoy a delicious meal.  The Space Needle is located at the Seattle Center which also features The Pacific Science Center, The EMP Museum and many other attractions. 

The Seattle waterfront is another great place to spend a day.  On the waterfront you will find the Seattle Aquarium, the Olympic Sculpture Park, The Tillicum Village Cultural Center and the newly constructed Great Wheel, the tallest Ferris wheel on the west coast!  This is also a great area to find a bowl of delightful clam chowder and watch the ships roll in and out. 

Getting around Seattle is made easy with the monorail going between downtown and the Seattle Center and the light rail that goes all the way to Sea-Tac airport.  There is so much to see and do in Seattle that you will have no problem filling your days before heading off on your adventure in the San Juan Islands!

Your Friendly Travel Consultant and Seattle Lover,

Melissa Ladvala

As the end of summer is quickly approaching, what better time then now to plan a great American journey through South Dakota.  South Dakota is home to two National Parks, laden with pine, spruce, birch and aspen.  Great hiking and biking trails flood the prairie lands with celebrated destinations including the Crazy Horse Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Deadwood, the Mickelson Trail, and of course the worlds greatest mountain carving, Mount Rushmore National Memorial.   South Dakota Family Vacations are the perfect adventures for kids of all ages, families and grandparents alike.  With astonishing landscapes and historical landmarks, all generations can appreciate this boundless adventure. 

Mount Rushmore

Gutzon Borglum sculpted Mount Rushmore National Monument in 1941, taking 14 years and a mere million dollars to complete it. Mount Rushmore is now an image that has been captured in countless movies, pictured in tons of books, and snapped a million times over in photos.  The 60-foot high faces located 500 feet above the ground are not fully captured on film or paper. Each head stands a remarkable six stories tall.  Standing in front of the Shrine of Democracy you can see why it has joined the Statue of Liberty and the Stars and Stripes as some of America’s most inspiring symbols.  What better way to learn a bit about America’s history then to pay a visit to Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln during your next South Dakota Vacation. 

Old West Town of Deadwood

Take a stroll through history while peddling on two wheels through the antique towns of South Dakota.  Pedal the back roads through a sea of open prairies to the National Historic Landmark: the town of Deadwood. With constant restoration, Deadwood is being transformed back into the frontier town that once attracted legends and legions in search of their fortunes.  Come and leave your mark with the famous, or taint the town as the infamous Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Poker Alice. 

The Mickelson Trail

Continue your South Dakota vacation as you ride through the meandering hills, rock tunnels, and railroad bridges that make the Mickelson Trail the perfect adventure for all ages. Roll along with hikers and horseback riders where the steps of historical figures once roamed.  The rolling hills and easy slopes make this an enjoyable ride with views of spruce and ponderosa pine forests. You can turn in at the end of the night in your comfortable Blue Bell Lodge offering mouthwatering home cooking and a night relaxing by the campfire. 

Wind Cave National Park

As one of the early nationally protected parks, and the first one that protected a cave, Wind Cave National Park provides an underground adventure as it winds its way under the prairies located above.   Noted as one of the world’s longest caves, and named for barometric winds at the caves entrance, this adventure provides a labyrinth of underground passageways just waiting to be explored.   After a long day of discovering, indulge at Red Rock River Resort and Spa with a hot stone massage and a delectable meal. 

Your next South Dakota Family Vacation will include all the great aspects of a family vacation rolled into one bundle.  From participation in some Wild West adventures, to learning fascinating facts about American history, you will be sure to learn new things on this adventure. Observing underground natural artworks, to viewing nature at its best on the aptly named wild life loop.  With delicious foods and comforting accommodations you will be sure to get your fill of exploration on your trip to historical and adventure filled South Dakota.

Visit our photo gallery of South Dakota Family Vacations on Pinterest

Your Friendly Travel Experts,

Austin-Lehman Adventures

The summer season is upon us, and what better way to pass the time then to embark on a trek though the wonderland provided by beautiful Mother Nature. While you could venture out to hike Patagonia in Chile, or retrace the ancient path of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you don’t even have to venture out of the United States to experience breathtaking beauty. The United States is a hiker’s playground from the sheer massive beauty of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, to the ancient forests of Sequoias at Yosemite National Park in California, or even travel back in time to the great Wild West to the Black Hills of South Dakota. For your summer travels why not take an adventure vacation in your own back yard and experience the awe inspiring sights that United States has to offer. 

Journey to the Rocky Mountain Range in Montana

To explore the world of hiking, one must venture out to the Rocky Mountains of Montana. The beautiful state of Montana is a perfect representation of untamed, natural beauty, and is simply stunning in its vast mountain ranges. Experience wildlife from grizzlies and wolves to bison and bears. Explore nature from their point of view and experience the geological wonders that bring amazing life and color to its National Parks. Experience unique adventures from roping and saddling a horse, to watching good Old Faithful erupt on cue. Hike with the family, roast s’mores, and retell old campfire stories that you grew up on. Explore Yellowstone’s countless geothermal features including Fountain Paint Pots and the Morning Glory Pool, and take a dip in the Boling River.

Visit Zion National Park in Utah

If the Wild West is not quite your style, maybe you would like to explore Zion National Park in Utah. Ranked one of America’s best adventures by National Geographic, these views will take your breath away as you hike past waterfalls, natural springs and hanging gardens. Zion has one of the most diverse groupings of plants in Utah, with over 900 species for you to experience. You can soak up the colorful hues of red, orange and amber during the daylight hours, and at night be surprised by the amazing clarity in the night sky. Kick back and relax as you enjoy the bright star formations in the skies, as you have probably never observed them before.

Visiting The Grand Canyon in Arizona

Looking for a hiking location with a little piece of paradise awaiting you at the finish line? Havasupai is a hidden gem amongst the vast ranges of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Accessible only by foot this is a beautiful place to explore and bask in the natural rich pools at the base of a thundering 100-ft falls. After a fairly difficult hike to the falls you will feel like you are imagining this oasis as its beauty in the arid space of Arizona doesn’t seem fit for such crystal clear waters. This Grand Canyon Vacation is also equipped with a visit to an old galena mine, hunt for fossils, a visit to a natural mineral rich whirl pool, and a stunning trek en route to Beaver falls.

  
Trekking Wyoming’s Yellowstone and Teton National Parks

You cannot possibly discuss the amazing hiking in the United States without mentioning Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. Yellowstone was declared the world’s first national park in 1872, proving that even then, people realized this beautiful gem needed to be preserved.  Take in the neon blue, 300-foot wide Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest of hot springs in the entire U.S. and the third largest in the world.  You can also experience an adventure packed whitewater-rafting excursion down the scenic Snake Water Canyon.  From hiking, to biking, to kayaking, rafting, and rodeos, Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park Vacation and Teton National Park are fantastic locations to explore some of nature’s finest views of the great outdoors.  

5 Great Items to Pack

There is no better time than now to explore the wonders of the world located in our own National Parks. Take your family to see how beautiful and diverse this country is, and how many different adventures are just waiting to be experienced. The possibilities are endless from the Rocky Mountains of Montana and Wyoming to the red rocks of Utah, New Mexico and Arizona in the Southwest to the Coastal breezes of Alaska, California and Washington. Contact Austin Lehman Adventures as your trusted Adventure Travel Company to book a hiking tour for your next vacation.

Check out some other great photos of Domestic hiking adventures on our Pinterest

Your Friendly Travel Experts,

Austin-Lehman Adventures

It’s the first day of Guide training for Austin Lehman Adventures and I’m home in my bed reviewing our day.  Ok, it’s not my bed, Toby and I have been staying upstairs at the ALA Farm/Office and now it feels like home.  That’s a good thing because we are about to embark on 4 months of travel and guiding in the West and won’t have a home.  But tonight, that’s just fine.  We are excited to go!  The time has come to get on the road, scout our destinations and show our guests what the vacation of a lifetime feels like.

As I was putting on my hand lotion today the smell of lavender took me back to my San Juan Islands adventure vacation in August.  After our group enjoyed an amazing picnic lunch created by our guides Blair and Toby at South Beach. Which by the way, South Beach is located in American Camp that was developed during the Pig War back in 1859 between the United States and Great Britain over a pig crossing the country boundary line and meeting its demise.  The war created the English Camp to the North and the American Camp to the South.  The two camps now make up the San Juan Island National Historical Park.

But I digress, after lunch the group jumped on their bikes and headed to the Pelindaba Lavender Farm.  You can smell the lavender before you see it as you have to crest a small hill.  Once you reach the top you see this stunning farm with rows and rows of different kinds of lavender.  I thought lavender came in one variety but I was quickly proved wrong.

 

At the farm you are allowed to spend as much time as you wish walking up and down the rows of lavender, cut your own bouquet or visit the gift shop where you can purchase items that are made from the lavender.

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago (a chain or cluster of islands) located in the northwest corner of the United States and are part of the state of Washington.  In the archipelago, six islands are accessible by passenger ferry operated by the Washington State Ferries system.

On our San Juan Adventure, we visit the 2 largest islands, San Juan and Orcas, over a 5 night 6 day trip which is a hiking vacation, cycling tours, kayaking trip, photograph adventure and a cruise to hopefully see Orca whales, sea lions, eagles and other wildlife, all in one!

Your Friendly Adventure Coordinator,

Christy 

Star-studded nights, lively wharfs, majestic whales and rocky shores await you at Washington State’s spectacular San Juan Islands. Adventure tours to this peaceful travel destination are sure to provide unforgettable times and wonderful memories for everyone.

Sandy beaches and lovely forests provide serene excellence for nature lovers. The unique possibility of spotting a whale, porpoise or seal will keep animal lovers on their toes as they explore the beautiful waters of the largest of the San Juan Islands – Orcas Island. Don’t forget your camera because you will be delighted to find that the scenery is unlike anything else you have ever seen.

Hiking vacations allow travelers to really fall in love with a place and to see its best sites up close and personal. Take a hike with your loved one to Lime Kiln Park Lighthouse and watch as the sky changes color during a dramatic sunset on the water. Then, enjoy a mouthwatering meal at the Rosario Resort & Spa while taking in stunning views of the pristine Cascade Bay.

Adventure vacations with Austin Lehman Adventures are the perfect choice for families looking for cherished bonding experiences. Take a look at our online catalog today to learn more about the destinations and activities we offer.

 

The San Juan Islands in the State of Washington provide exciting opportunities for great adventure trips.  With different islands as your playground, there are absolutely no dull moments.  The three islands – Orcas Island, San Juan Island and Lopez Island offer very different island experiences.  

San Juan Island
When you visit San Juan Island, you will know why so many residents fell in love with this place.  You can leisurely walk around the island to visit shops, museums and cafés. With many delightful things that can fill your day, everything is within walking distance.  Hike to the Lime Kiln Point State Park and allot some time for whale watching.

Orcas Island
Kayaking around Orcas Island will have you looking out for the whales (as the name implies) so be ready to take plenty of photos of these magnificent creatures.  Try hiking to the island’s highest peak, Mount Constitution, to take in the 360 degree view of the island.  Walk around the town of Eastsound, visit the farmer’s market and enjoy the splendid sounds of live musical performances.

Lopez Island
Cycling tours around Lopez Island prepare you for a sumptuous seafood meal and wine tasting at the local winery. You will feel right at home in this place as locals greet visitors with warm, friendly smiles.  The birds visiting the island make this place the ideal locale for bird watching with many bald eagles spotted often visiting the area. Kayaking allows travelers to fully discover the unspoiled wonders of nature in this part of the country.

Experience the island life in one of the many adventure vacation packages offered by Austin-Lehman. Visit us online to learn more about our exciting travel destinations.
 

Our adventure trip to Washington’s San Juan Islands was everything we hoped for. The location, our guides and that special Austin-Lehman touch made the vacation one that we will long remember and share with our friends. Our guides, Laurie and Michael, were very knowledgeable and worked to make sure that everyone had a good vacation. The food they prepared was especially yummy! Thanks for such an awesome time. We absolutely loved it!

Name: Conner Kohn
City: Frisco
State: Texas
Country: USA

Our trip to the San Juan Islands was so much more than I ever thought it could be. Our guides were very knowledgeable and professional. Their attention to detail made the entire trip truly “mistake proof.” I especially loved that we could kayak and see whales and seals all around us in the water. Being so close to the serenity of nature created such a breathtaking setting for our adventure vacation. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you!

Name: Margaret Marshall
City: Detroit
State: Michigan
Country: USA

Grab your camera, some comfortable clothes and your favorite walking shoes. Sparkling, crystal-clear waters, majestic wildlife and lush green forests await you. Adventure vacation packages to the San Juan Islands in Washington are a great way to explore one of the top travel destinations available today.

Bring your family and experience Austin-Lehman’s family adventure vacations as you kayak the pristine waters of Orcas Island, keeping your eyes peeled for whales and seals, and hike to Lime Kiln Park Lighthouse. Explore the quaint, Cape Cod style village of Eastsound and grab a coffee or ice cream as you peruse its eclectic, boutique shops.

Watch the sky transform from blue to a sea of purple, pink and yellow while you enjoy a delectable Pacific Northwest meal of fresh local seafood and scrumptious vegetables. Then, retreat to your room at the 100 year old Rosario Resort and Spa, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take in the stunning views of the San Juan Islands from your comfortable home away from home.

Adventure travel companies take care of the details for you so all you have to do is enjoy everything your destination has to offer. Call us today or visit us online to plan your next journey.
 

Installment 1 of 3

Who doesn’t want to travel the world, seeking out amazing hikes along pristine trails, discovering hidden gems like gourmet restaurants nestled in mountain towns, or top-notch art galleries in small Mexican villages?  Today I am interviewing Dan Austin, Co-Founder and Director of Austin-Lehman Adventures – the man behind many exciting vacations here at ALA.

Dan, your job sounds so exciting!  You own and run an adventure travel company. Has this always been your dream job?

I was destined to be involved in adventure travel as long as I can remember.  I grew up in California and organized trips to the mountains as soon as I could drive. Shortly after graduation I headed north and ended up not getting too far, stopping in Oregon, which led to my first official involvement in Adventure Travel where I ran a small rafting company to feed my thirst for adventure.  From there I moved to Alaska (with a few other stops along the way). Anyone who’s ever lived in Alaska knows that you instantly become that friend in Alaska that helps everyone with their incoming travel plans.” That was just the case for me. I spent years creating the perfect Alaska Adventure for all my relatives and visiting friends.  It only made sense that my first new trip some 15 years ago with Backcountry Tours was Alaska.  So I guess it is safe to say this is truly my dream job and what I was destined for.

What got you started in the business?

That one is pretty simple, as I said I loved setting up trips for others and after some 25 years in construction was looking for a change. An opportunity presented itself to become a partner in an established company, Backcountry Tours, and I jumped in with both feet.

Do you get the opportunity to go on many ALA vacations in a year?

I think that is a bit of an understatement.  My role has evolved over the years to focus more on trip development, quality control and strategic planning.  So yes, I do get to see a lot of country.  Just last year I was in Panama, Costa Rica, South Africa, Germany, Holland, Alaska and Washington to name a few.  But there are some trips I just cannot get enough of. I try to get on our Yellowstone Adventure at least a few times a year.

What’s your favorite thing about adventure travel?

Honestly, it has to be the people – those I have met and will get to meet. From our great guides and staff to seeing a youngster light up at the sight of their first bear or whale on one of our adventures,  I never tire of sharing the experiences of adventure travel with others.  I have been blessed with quality travel opportunities and try and share it with as many people as I can.

Let’s talk about trip planning.  I’ve always wondered what goes into developing a new adventure.  When you’re building a new vacation, what do you look for?

That is a tough one. It varies from destination to destination.  I mean, I wouldn’t look for the same thing in a South Africa Adventure as I would in a new bike trip in Germany.  Typically I start with some level of insight or a suggestion from someone that has been there or wants to go.  In other words, we might have a past guest that says something like, Hey Dan, why don’t you build a new adventure in Peru? We have always wanted to see Lake Titicaca and I hear it’s fabulous.”  Another time you might have a guide just come back from a personal adventure from someplace like Havasupai in the Grand Canyon and say something like, “Geez, why don,t we have a Havasupai Adventure?  It’s incredible with all the pristine waterfalls and beautiful trails and camp spots.”  Both of these examples have led to new trips.

What kind of research do you do when you decide on new destinations?

Once I get a “tip” I just start looking further into it.  Researching on the web has made trip development a lot easier, but I also use great resources like the magazine National Geographic Adventure.  I can honestly say the one thing we do not do is just knock off other tour operators.  We want each trip to be an Austin-Lehman original.  Once I have a better understanding of an area, that’s when the fun starts and a trip to the area is scheduled.  If I can bring along a guide or someone that has been there, great.  If not, I just start knocking on doors and checking out trails and rides and such.  It often takes several visits, endless hours of research, and several dry runs to get a trip where we want it.

Do you personally scout out all the new trips and destinations?

Paul and I agreed many years ago that we do not want to put guests on a trip unless one of us has run the program start to finish.  That too has evolved over the years. Sometimes we invite our Alumni to join us the first time we run a trip with guests; we call these “First Ascents.”  Typically on a First Ascent either Paul or I (or both) will have developed the trip and run it through at least once without guests, tweaking along the way.  Once we run the trip with Alumni, we look to them for good constructive feedback.  We recently ran a new program, our Washington Cascades Adventure, and got some great feedback from 9 of our Alumni.  We have improved the trip to the point it’s now one of my all time favorites.

Read the second installment of my interview with Dan covering our exciting new European vacations!

Read the third installment of my interview with Dan about adventure trips and tips.