January 18th, 2010 §
Hola!
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.
December 8th, 2009 §
Kayak Tours update.
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;
December 7th, 2009 §
It should go without saying that we need to respect the history and natural area of Door County. I guess someone needs to say it, because I have heard rumors of people (and kayakers) 
defacing pictographs, stealing wood from shipwrecks, and not respecting Door County’s natural environment.
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.”
September 12th, 2009 §
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!
July 17th, 2009 §
When our powers combine together we are Captain Planet. We will share a little context for you : Door County is an outdoor paradise. Brittney loves birds and Erin loves rocks so we thought we would introduce you to one of our favorite Door County places. The Ridges Sanctuary is a Nature Lovers Dream come true. It is literally a slice through all of the Door County ecosystems. That being said you can experience all that Door County has to offer in one spot. A little wetland, a little dune, a little northern boreal forest, and a lot of orchids! All in all it is considered the most biologically diverse area in Wisconsin!!!! If you have time to explore one spot of prime wilderness in Door County we would recommend the Ridges.
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” Frank Lloyd Wright
June 30th, 2009 §
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!
June 21st, 2009 §
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.
June 7th, 2009 §
Door County Hwy 42 construction isn’t that bad. I guess that Economy Stimulation $ is going somewhere positive. Here is a picture of the worst traffic jam we have had to date.
May 30th, 2009 §
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!
May 27th, 2009 §
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.
May 9th, 2009 §
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……………….:)
April 13th, 2009 §
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.
January 18th, 2009 §
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.
December 27th, 2008 §
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.
December 11th, 2008 §
Make Christmas Cards out of your kayak photo from summer or give Gift Certificates as presents.
December 11th, 2008 §
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.
October 12th, 2008 §
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?
August 15th, 2008 §
Kalen, the guide.
I do a few other things besides paddling.
See you there?
August 15th, 2008 §
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?
July 18th, 2008 §
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!
July 15th, 2008 §
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
July 10th, 2008 §
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!
July 6th, 2008 §
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.
June 27th, 2008 §
We will be moving from the outpost to inbetween Fish Creek and Egg Harbor.
Check back for current location information.
June 21st, 2008 §
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!
June 15th, 2008 §
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!
June 13th, 2008 §
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
June 12th, 2008 §
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
June 5th, 2008 §
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!
May 24th, 2008 §
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!
