We have moved down to Costa Rica for the winter months and are living at the Cabinas Pura Vida in Zancudo Costa Rica.  Our good friend Robby, who works at the Waterfront Door County Restaurant during the summer has been kind enough to show us around the Zancudo Costa Rica area where everyone is a friend.  We have been cooking thai green papaya salad, drinking tico sangria(red wine and orange juice), learning to surf and reading a lot in the hammocks.  The black sand beach is long and beautiful and only seldom do we run into people on the beach jogging, or biking when the tide is low.   The waves are great for beginners when the tide is low.  We have been watching rays surf the waves catching fish, and pelicans surf the wind funneling off the top of the waves, as we take a break from paddling.  It took a week, but finally we have started to defrost from the bitter cold.

The beautiful Black Sand Beach, that is always unoccupied!Rachel catching her first wave!

Robby and I hanging under the Cabinas Pura Vida surfboard.

We will have a Tarpon Springs Florida kayak tours location, where we will also Kayak Clearwater Florida. Come join us as we kayak the manatees and kayak the mangroves around these other Florida areas as well;

Cockroach Bay Kayak Tours

Caladesi Kayak Tours

Sanabel Island Kayak Tours

Clearwater Kayak Tours

Ft. Desoto state park Kayak Tours

Longboat Key Kayak Tours

Siesta Key Kayak Tours

Honeymoon Island Kayak Tours

Lets put those rumors to and end and follow the leave-no-trace principles.  If we and future generations are going to be able to appreciate the beauty we see today, lets follow my own rule of thumb.

“Take photographs, and leave paddlestrokes.”

Summertime in Door County may be idyllic, but fall is when our county really shows her stuff. Brilliant yellows and vibrant reds are already beginning to dapple the trees, and orchards are getting ready for what looks to be a massive apple harvest. Anyone who wasn’t able to get away for the summer can still get deals on biking, kayaking, zip lining, sailing, sightseeing, scenic boat cruises and airplane rides – all without the heavy crowds. Pumpkin Patch Festival comes to Egg Harbor October 10 and 11 this year, a fun family weekend that draws people from all over the country. The village comes alive with colorful displays, zesty hot ciders, parades, retail specials, cultural events and more. Local farms put out their best at all of the roadside stands and markets throughout Door County, selling the freshest produce and delicious seasonal treats. You can experience great cuisine with the Kingdom So Delicious festival, one of the tastiest September fall festivals in Door County, or enjoy the magic of Fall Fest in October – whatever you do here this autumn, you’re going to have a ball.

Gravity Trails in northern Door offers you the chance to get up close and personal with Door County fall colors. Our Fall Colors tours take you straight up into the trees for breathtaking views. Bike the scenic trail back to our zip course and fly through the trees. Make it a true fall experience with a kayak tour on the pristine Mink River, where you’ll travel through Wisconsin’s only officially designated wilderness state park, Newport State Park in Ellison Bay. It doesn’t get any more refreshing than having fun with friends and family in the crisp fall air.

Get a shot in the arm this fall with these great Fall Color Activities and more. Give GT a call to make your reservations today – remember, weekends fill up fast!

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”  Frank Lloyd Wright

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.

Look at www.DoorCountyOutpost.com for the complete schedule.

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……………….:)

• 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.

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

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.

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.

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.