The 4th of July is sneaking up quickly and we couldn’t be more excited here at DCKT. The 4th is a wonderful holiday to celebrate in Door County. There are plenty of happenings to keep you busy! Egg Harbor has fireworks on July 3rd at Harbor View Park. On July 4th the fireworks are at Clark Park in Fish Creek. Washington Island, Gills Rock and Sturgeon Bay also have fireworks on the 4th, so there are plenty of fireworks options to chose from. Better yet take a fireworks kayak tour with us on the 3rd or a beautiful sunset tour on the 4th! Kayaking is a great way to beat the 4th of July heat and see some of the best Door County scenery. As for parades - check out Baileys Harbor at 10 am and Egg Harbor at 1 pm and enjoy the theme of “Celebrate American Family Heritage.” Also don’t forget about the live music offerings all around the peninsula. Enjoy the fireworks, music and parades and have a wonderful 4th of July holiday weekend. We hope to see you for some fun kayaking!
Yoga is a perfect complement to kayaking, so this summer considering taking a yoga tour with us. Generally we paddle for a bit on Lake Michigan, stop at a beautiful beach for a great yoga session, and then paddle back. Typically we will try to run these tours on Thursday mornings and you won’t be disappointed! Yoga instruction Kathy Navis from Junction Center Yoga will instruct the group through a series of yoga poses while taking in the serene scenery. The combination of yoga and kayking is something you don’t want to pass up, it truly is a wonderful way to experience Door County’s beautiful landscape.
We all know how crazy Door County gets over the 4th of July weekend, and everyone here at the Outpost is running on full throttle. As we’re getting ready for the hustle and bustle of the season, it becomes really easy to overlook some of the amazing events that are coming up right here at the Outpost.
Next week thursday Jennie DeVoe, the very talented soul blues singer will be rocking out starting at 7:30pm. Don’t forget that food and wine are available and reservations are extremely appreciated. Carry on.
YEa! We took one of our first zips today, it was exhilarating! Kayla had fun flying through the air and we were all smiles by the end of the day. 
Summer is arriving in Door County and we have already had some great paddles around the peninsula. In our spare time we are enjoying lots of hikes in Penninsula State park and are already eating our fair share of ice-cream. Hiking last night we came across two chubby adorable porcupines (luckily we kept the dog from getting too interested in them) and watched their sloth-like climbing skills. Another sign that summer is here, the garden has been planted and we can’t wait for fresh delicious produce. Of course going out kayaking is one of our favorite activities and we are making plans for some fun sunset paddles as we have been watching beautiful sunsets over calm waters!
The Door County Outpost is once again offering a great musical selection this summer. Tasty food and delicious beverages will be available as you enjoy the fantastic sounds of live music! Check the schedule to come hear great singer-songwriters (Tuesday, Thursday and/or Sundays) and feel free to arrive early for Von Stiehl wine tasting. There are also featured dinner specials on event nights. The Outpost (conveniently located in Egg Harbor) is a smoke-free venue that you will enjoying returning to throughout the summer. Please stop by and you won’t be disappointed!
Look at www.DoorCountyOutpost.com for the complete schedule.
Wow! What the heck is Gravity Trails and how fast can I get there? All I can say, is very soon my friends, very soon!
The other day, I found myself staring up at the sky and wondering just how amazing this summer could be, and rather should be. Then I began to think of my life long love of going as fast as I possibly can. Yes folks, we’re talking about MACH SPEEDS! Whether it’s flying down the side of a mountain with two planks attached to my feet, or sailing through the air on a zip line, speed will always be like a brother to me. And so I thought it would only be fair to share this passion with all of my friends in Door County. After all, how fun is something really if you can’t share it with the people you love!?!
Gravity Trails is all the fuel you’ll need to get flying into Summer proper! I promise you, it will cure what ails ya!
Stay tuned……………….:)
All right here comes a list of what we have been up to this past winter and spring!
- Cross Country Trip to Baja California, we scoped future kayak spots and trips. Mainly stayed at La Ventana to Kitesurf! Met up with an old friend from the Dominican Republic, cliff jumped, waterfall hiked, researched zip line tours, had to bribe a mexican cop with $20 and “Dusty” our old 1983 Mercedes made it there and back without a problem.
- Puerto Rico- Had a wedding in Puerto Rico, danced my pants off, scoped some kitesurfing and kayaking locations for future travel, met an experienced zip line creator, got to learn how to set up a zip line with him.
- Costa Rica- Joined an Australian friend that had to renew his visa for a trip down to Costa Rica. Went surfing mainly, got three of my board shorts stolen, did a double backflip off a rope swing, got my butt kicked surfing, went to a full moon beach bonfire, looked at land to purchase.
- Web Design and marketing for an invention of my uncle’s; ScandUs Inc. Tri-Metal Sawzall Blades, finished my dad’s website on his commercial office / warehouse building in Hartland, Wi and working on our Door County Zip Line Tours site to have it open by June 1st!
- Starting to finalize our zip line design and going in for the final go ahead from the town board tonight! Wish us luck.
This is a out of wisconsin trip highlight, DCKT does not offer this trip. Please see http://www.upthecreektrips.com/ for more information.
A true sea kayaking adventure! Paddle from the mainland over to Cumberland Island National Seashore, passing by bluffs then cutting through fields of salt marsh. Land on the island next to Plum Orchard mansion, a reminder of opulent days past. Then walk across a true forest wonderland to miles of empty and undisturbed beaches, where you?ll relax on the beach and enjoy lunch.
This action packed day will give the participant a true sense of accomplishment. It is a true gem of the kayaking world.
Cumberland Island is Georgia?s largest and southernmost barrier island.
The island has three major ecosystem regions. Along the western edge of the island there are large areas of saltwater marshes. One will also see gnarled live oak trees covered with Spanish moss and the palmetto plants at the edge of Cumberland?s dense maritime forest. Cumberland Island?s most famous ecosystem is its beach, which stretches over 17 miles. On this trip we will also pass by the Plum Orchard Mansion which was built in 1898 for George Carnegie & Margaret Thaw.
This trip does not require previous paddling experience, however, it is physically challenging due to the various activities and length of the trip. The paddle portion is suited for beginner thru advanced levels. There is little wind protection, making this trip more challenging on windy days. The waters are tidally influenced which helps you paddle in both directions. Sea kayaks are used on this trip
We have a bunch of great employees from our ‘08 summer hopefully coming back! Join our facebook and be a part of our community. From kayak guiding, to taking reservations, driving the veggie bus or just chatting it up with our guests, working for DCKT is fun, adventurous and rewarding. Check out our Door County job application page and fill out our fun questionaire that is pure enjoyment.
I sure wish I was back in Door County for New Years Eve. Whenever I am looking looking for something special to cook, I always take a look at the Door County Restaurant “The Waterfront” Luckily one of my best friends is the head cheff. Jesse Johnson has inspired in me to start cooking again. This is what I would get from his 2009 New Years Menu if I were going!
First
Prosciutto Bosc Pear, Arugula, Wisconsin Stravecchio cheese
Shaved Beef Carpaccio Cured Egg Yolk, Shaved Shallots, Caper Vinaigrette
Second
Seared Ahi Tuna Crab and Vegetable Sushi Roll, Wonton Crisp, Soy Reduction
Main
Cote du Boef Ribeye Asparagus, Shitakes & Cognac Cream Froth, Roquefort Blue Potato Fritter
Dessert
Cheese Cake Vintage Port Macerated Door County Cherries
It is already making my mouth water. Maybe I will try to make a beef carpacio for my new years here in Vail, CO.
Vail, Colorado has seen more than four feet of snow in the last seven days - totaling more than 130 inches for the season to date.Door County Kayak Tours had the pleasure of hooking up with some friends in Vail to snowboard with 13 inches of fresh powder. Since Dave just arrived in the Rockies from a two month kiteboarding stint in Baja, Mexico it was quite a change of pace - about 80 degrees difference.
The day began by me shoveling out the last parking space in the employee lot. Who doesn’t like a little manual labor? In the end, I was just happy not to have to pay 30 buck for parking. I geared up and did some early runs, fresh powder, before Dave made it to the mountain. I guess driving two straight days can take its toll on the body.
We spent the afternoon reminiscing about days on Lake Michigan, kayaking and kiteboarding. I could tell by the smile on his face that he missed the mountains, heck who wouldn’t on an epic powder day. We zipped though the trees in Game Creek Bowl, dropped the cliffs under Chair 4 and ended the day with a sweet hike up above the gondola to West Vail Trees.
I cordially invite all you kayakers out there to join me anytime in Vail. If you want a guide or snowboard lessons in Colorado check out our site at http://www.VailSnowboardLessons.com
See you on water, or frozen water (snow) as it were.
Make Christmas Cards out of your kayak photo from summer or give Gift Certificates as presents.
At last a chance to sit down and catch up. Baja or Bust Adventure
With the goal of offering a adventure camping trip in Baja, we took off across country. We soon found out we had too many goals cluttering our minds, it looks as if the baja trip will be purely adventure and researching. We scrapped bringing the E350 for the Mercedes. and only took one kayak, which we hope to leave in baja.
After collecting and filtering enough vegetable oil from Sonny’s and Digger’s Restaurants to get to Nebraska. We found ourselves with a plugged fuel filter after 1000 miles, it was night, we couldn’t find the headlamp, so Abbie used the ipod to illuminate the greasy fuel filter replacement during a cold october night.
Our first destination was the flatirons in Boulder, CO. We had friends with climbing gear, a determination to get outside and explore the beauty of the flatirons.
We had a great time goofing off in the flatirons, our rock climbing friend Justin Budd, set ropes, and we scaled up some beautiful pitches. After a hard day of climbing. We decided to do some free style walking, which turned into free style running down the mountain path. Jumping from boulder to boulder and defying what we would even think of doing if we had looked before we leaped. Justin, Abbie an I all agreed it was some of the most fun we had had running ever. I usually tell myself that I don’t run except for a few exceptions; the cops and soccer. Well now there is a new exception to the rule, freestyle trail running. Its always an adventure to play with Justin Budd. Here are some pictures of freestyle running. As I write this, I am in catch up phase, so we have not busted, we are in baja, in fact, I only have 10 days left before I have to leave for colorado.
Hola… writing today with the splenders of another penninsula on my mind. Imagine if you may, endless beaches, unexplained rock formations, colorful deserts, gray whales, brilliant clear skies, and a variety of unique people to spice up your life! Getting excited already?? Because I sure am! This winter myself (guide), David Rack (owner of DCKT), Abbie Turner (guide/photographer), Taylor Johnson (photographer), Chris Katzban (guide), John Suhar and some other friends are heading to the BAJA penninsula in search of fun in the sun, a winter escape, and of course adventure. The winter months in BAJA average 70-80 degrees which sounds like just about perfect winter weather to me! That is one thing I will not miss while basking in the Mexican sun, is the freezing cold Wisconsin winters! Because of the consistently beautiful weather nothing will hold us back from engulfing ourselves in the endless adventure that awaits. Mile after mile of stunning coast line provides perfectly sandy kayak launch locations and speaking of kayaking… I thought kayaking around Door County was beautiful, but could you imagine kayaking the Sea of Cortez (water way between the BAJA Penninsula and the rest of Mexico) while gray whales swim by you?
Kalen, the guide.
I do a few other things besides paddling.
See you there?
August in Door County means heat, hectic scheduling, plenty of entertainment, and ample time in the water.
In other words, now is the time when a kayak guide is in his or her element.
Although May seems like yesterday in one regard, each of the flock has found a beat - around the office,
on the road, and believe it or not, on the lake.
Many of us have taken out one to two tours a day for over two months, and far from falling asleep, we do our best to keep things interesting.
Examples are in store. One rough day, three of us used the waves to our advantage and treated four adventurous “tour-goers” (it wasn’t the status quo tour) to a bit of kayak surfing in the shallows near Schauer Park….
….Usually the weather is more cooperative, setting the scene for an off-the-scale water fight or a fiery sunset.
Aside from business, you can find our smiling faces enjoying an outdoor concert, sailing, or playing volleyball. I’m sure there’s more that we do, but I can’t keep track.
In fact, I’m at work right now, and I would love to stay and chat but I have things to do.
On a personal note, I’ll miss all of the guides from this summer…. in about three weeks.
Just kidding! I already do, and wish everyone luck on their winter journeys: Baja, Boston, and beyond.
And to you, reading this in Chicago, Tokyo, or just the office upstairs:
isn’t it time to get outside?
One of the great things about spending the summer in Door County is the chance to see lots of live music. The guides here at DCKT have been taking full advantage of the live music scene. One of our favorite places to go hear live music is Fred and Fuzzy’s, which is right on the water in Sister Bay. Every Tuesday starting around 7 pm The Nicks (Kalen, a DCKT guide, plays sax in the band) take the stage and we enjoy sitting right in the front row, catching a beautiful Door County sunset and listening to some fantastic music. Of course the Art of Music concert series right here at the Door County Outpost (our new location) is another wonderful spot to catch some music and it showcases an array of outstanding singer-songwriters throughout the summer. And on Sunday nights at the Camp David party barn there is always a fabulous show to listen to. Camp David is a unique beautiful location (on Hwy F in Fish Creek) to watch live music and the shows are always a fun time. Besides Fred and Fuzzy’s, The Outpost and Camp David there are a number of other live music venues, but these are our favorites and we hope to see you at some of the shows!
Greetings everyone! I am sitting here in DCKT head quarters on top of a sore bottom as I am in training for the sprint triathlon this Sunday! I’ve been doing some last minute cramming with the help of some guide friends. Michelle and I swam from Nicolet Bay to Horshoe Island yesterday and today I ran like the wind. In anticipation of this Sunday, I’ve even laid off eating my weekly pint of Ben and Jerry’s.
The Tri capped off at 1000 people on May 12th. That’s quite a few people. The race will begin at 8 am in Murphy Park, which ironically, is the same place where we launch our kayaks for our “down winder” tours. So naturally, come the 400 yard swim I think I will have a large advantage because I know Murphy Park waters like the I know the “Carlisle” on our paddles.
Doing the sprint part of the tri, I’ll be swimming 400 yards, biking 18 miles then running, (if I survive the swimming and biking) the run is 5k, which comes out to be 3ish miles of running. The real brave IRON men/women will be
So as guides here at DCKT we just can’t seem to escape the joy of being on the water. On our recent day off Michelle, Rachel and I decided to take a spur of the moment trip to go white water rafting on the Menominee River. Going down class IV Piers Gorge was awesome! After the Gorge we even managed to get our 10 person raft surfing a wave and then took a lazy river ride on tubes back to the ranch. It was a fantastic trip and we love being out on the water during the summer!
To sit in a kayak and paddle is fun, but fishing from a kayak is even better.
Everything is sweeter in summer, including July fishing in Door County. It seems like there is no bad spot to fish in July.
Our adventerous spirits have lead us to the next best thing in the sport of paddling: Kayak Fishing.
Besides an inexpensive method of fishing, the health benefits are worth it even if you don’t plan to fish. With no motor and noise, our little fish friends are not as afraid of your kayak as a sport fisher with the engines going. If you want to see nature close up, a kayak is a good tool.
There are several great spots to fish around the Door. While everyone’s eyes get easily distracted by the fancy charter fishing boats, we like to take a step back and be “in” the water when we go fishing. A great way to enjoy the relaxed, laid-back life- style of a true Door County local.
Here at DCKT, we have been studying and scoping out the best places to catch some big ones, so you can go home and have your very own “Door County Fish Boil”. We’ve narrowed it down to five different locations: Clark Lake, Lake Europe, Kangaroo Lake, Mud Lake, and Lost Lake.
If you are more of the gutsy, extreme fisherman, then you would probably enjoy going to Kangaroo Lake to reel in a big ol’ smelly Northern. Careful though, they grow pretty big here in DC, so it might pull you right in!
The more traditional excitment of reeling in that fat large mouth, and thinking to yourself, “Wow I’m a really good fisherman”, is what Clark Lake, and Lake Europe is all about.
Now the tranquil, relaxed fishing excursion: pan fishing. Picture this, being in one of our sit-on-top kayaks with a fishing pole in hand, sun shining, beer in the other hand… Just kidding :), and seeing the sights, pure bliss. Lost Lake and Mud Lake have supberb Blue Gill and Crappie fishing. Stick a hot pink jig on your line, drop it in the shallow, stumpy marsh water, and let ‘em feast. The excitment, in my own opinion is just as fun as reeling in a big honker.
And who could forget about the walleye, it’s the best eating! Kangaroo Lake is the perfect place to go catch that trophey walleye that is going to beat all your other buddies stories.
The beauty of this art is simplicity at its best, and waiting to be enjoyed by you!
*Fishing licenses are required for those 16 years or older.
This season is just taking off, and it wouldn’t be the same without our new home base at the Door County Outpost. You’ve got a ton of opportunities to get in on the area’s new and unique marketplace.
If you’re hungry and curious, say no more. I recommend the Quesanini, a quesadilla and panini mix, but there is plenty more: smoothies, teas, sandwiches, etc.
The Art of Music summer concert series:
Featuring performances by national folk artists in a smoke-free, intimate setting.
Try one of several micro brews or grab dessert, then enjoy local stars!
JULY 2008
July 5
Saturday
Karen Mal & Buddy Mondlock
7:30 PM
$10.00
July 10 Thursday Brian Vander Ark
7:30 PM
$10.00
July 17 Thursday
James Lee Stanley 7:30 PM
$10.00
July 19
Saturday
Jana Holland
7:30 PM
$10.00
July 25
Thursday Peter Mulvey
7:30 PM
$10.00
July 31
Thursday Corey Carlson & Dorothy Scott
7:30 PM
$10.00
AUGUST 2008
August 7
Thursday Carrie Elkin
7:30 PM
$10.00
August 14
Thursday Antie Duvekot
7:30 PM
$10.00
August 21
Thursday JULIAN HAGEN & FRIENDS 7:30 PM
$10.00
August 28 Thursday Michael Johnson
7:30 PM
$10.00
Door County’s own wine: Parallel 44
* Handcrafted European Style Wine
* Wine Tasting
* Local Vineyard and Wine
Soaps & Sundries
- Hand-made soaps
Forte Art Gallery
- A colorful blend of original artwork from local and national artists
- Everything from themed clocks and quilts to Peace Bears!
And of course, come out on the water with Door County Kayak Tours!
The summer solstice was at 6:59 pm on June 20th and summer seems to have finally arrived in Door County! The solstice is the longest day and shortest night of the year and the weather couldn’t have been more “summery”. Solstice comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still) since the sun appears to be standing still. Celebrate the solstice by getting outside and having fun in the beautiful weather. We are loving spending more time outside with lots of cookouts, bike rides, kayaking, hiking and trips to get icecream!
Fyr Ball Festival Paddle Meets at The Door County Outpost in Egg Harbor
Greetings from sunny Egg Harbor! Things around DCKT and have really started getting busy as the weather has been getting warmer. We have added a new memorable and adventurous event to our kayak tour menu- a “down-winder” tour that launches at Murphy Park and docks at the Egg Harbor public beach. It’s the perfect paddle because when the south wind prevails it provides a great tail wind. We have also added kites that help pull the kayak along and they’re tons of fun for all ages.
If you’re more into the kayak night life, come join us this Wednesday, June 18th for a Moonrise tour. Moonrise tours are gorgeous- and a double treat! Not only will you be able to see the moon rise in its full, you also get to experience a picturesque Door County sunset. What a perfect way to spend an evening in Door County!
So what are you waiting for? Give us a call to book a tour today for a unique Door County experience that you’ll never forget!
Today is the first day of Fyr Bal in Ephraim!! Fyr Bal pays homage to early Norwegians celebrating Midsummer’s Eve. Tomorrow we’re going to have our annual Fyr Bal tour, where we will paddle Eagle Harbor and get an amazing view of the flaming fires that welcome in the Summer Solstice. Aside from an awesome opportunity to paddle with us, Ephraim will have tons of fabulous fantastic activities such as: artists, musical entertainment, shopping, trolley rides, family activities and of course, a classic Door County fish boil on the shoreline. We are going to paddle at dusk, where we will be able to enjoy the sunset, then watch the 9 or so bonfires blaze then fireworks to end a great night. I’ll be wearing my Fyr Bal hat and Norwegian earrings all day long! A warm Scandinavian welcome awaits you in Ephraim anytime of the year but especially so during Fyr Bal!
For the complete schedule visit- http://www.ephraim-doorcounty.com/fyr_bal.html
The current of time last week passed slowly, but after three intensive days, the DCKT guide-testing session
came to a close. This process challenged the endurance of body and spirit for us all, no matter how experienced.
The goal for each guide was to observe his or her strengths and weaknesses
and transform them into a solid, balanced foundation they could guide from,
like an overturned boat that has been righted.
I thought it was just a metaphor, but not at all.
Captain Dave went over any scenario he could think up, on water and land.
Then he gave the guides the chance to try them out.
In order to get to know the peninsula more closely, we paddled to each of our tour sites,
and were greeted by some big waves and rain squalls - as Dave pointed out, the best conditions possible
to get ready for the season ahead. Covering each site familiarized us with water condition
Selecting cave
So the meteorologist predicted a day full of thunderstorms….and instead it turned out to be a fantastic day of kayaking. The fog rolled in this morning with a bit of a drizzle, and while crystal clear sunshine days are fun, this weather turned out to be ideal for kayaking at Mud Lake. The fog gave our kayak tour an even greater sense of adventure and the perfectly calm water created beautiful reflections of the reeds, water lilies, and shoreline. The water lilies are just about to bloom and in a few days the bright bursts of yellow will make Mud Lake an even more scenic paddle. Mud Lake is a State Natural Area that boasts a large variety of plant species and the DNR says it “has a truly wild character to it.” Enjoying a really fun paddle at Mud Lake sure beats the stay inside sort of day the weatherman predicted!
As new comer to the Door County area, I have already fell in love with the sights, sounds, and amazing atmosphere here in the north east peninsula of Wisconsin. I have had some great experiences so far including kayaking out on the water and viewing, for the first time, the caves that truly are a sight to see, hiking around on Eagle Trail in Peninsula State Park, cooking some amazing food, meeting a wide variety of unique people that are all pulled together by the love of the outdoors and the atmosphere that comes with it, and many more. One thing that I continue to find breathtaking every day is how stunning the sunsets are and how they leave you with this amazing feeling of serenity. I can’t wait to kayak a sunset tour soon and be able to view one from the water. I already know this is going to be one incredible summer and I can’t wait for those consistently beautiful summer days and all the fun that comes along with it. Living out at ‘Camp David’ on county highway F has also been a blast and Fishstock concerts are definitely going to be a highlight. This is the type of summer fun you just do not want to miss!
