Author Archives: Craig
Taking Advantage of Oppurtunities »
Posted on January 22, 2011Doug’s posting under our Adventures section http://adventuredad.org/428/adventures/a-dad-takes-advantage-of-an-opportunity/ was a perfect example of how unique opportunities present themselves when on an adventure. Doug wrote about getting a special offer from the snow patrol, I immediately recalled the time Alex was in preschool and we decided to go watch the building of the Pepsi Center, Denver’s home of the Avalanche and Nuggets.
It was a Monday afternoon and I picked him up at lunch from preschool. He already had his construction clothes picked out and loaded in the car and was very excited about seeing all the big trucks and cranes; the names for which he had thoroughly memorized.
We started our adventure in a nearby parking lot and watched the girders swing into place. Later on, we noticed an entrance gate where workers were coming in and out. Thinking there might be a possibility of a tour, we went over to ask if there were official tours of the site. An older gentleman came walking out and we took the opportunity to ask. He immediately said there were no tours. We thank him and began walking away when he said, “Is that your son?” I said yes and he said to meet him at the gate in an hour.
An hour later we showed up as asked and quickly learned that the man was the project superintendant and he greeted us with construction helmets in hand. Climbing into his pick up, he drove us into the center of the Pepsi Center! It was still dirt on the inside and he explained how they were a day away from removing the 4 massive towers that were supporting the freestanding roof. What a thrill and an amazing learning opportunity for both of us.
Later on, he drove us over to his office where we got to see the massive rooms full of blueprints. He also entertained us with stories about building Denver International Airport and how that massive project was completed.
Needless to say, we both had plenty of stories to share with our friends. We relived the experience many times over, both at home and at his preschool, as we turned blocks and Legos into our own miniature Pepsi Center.
In looking back, even if we hadn’t ran into the supervisor, we would have had a great time. True adventures, however, have a quality of the unexpected made possible by just slowing down and noticing what’s going on around you. My dad always said that everyone wants to be helpful and all you need to be is friendly and ask a few questions.
Selecting Snowshoes »
Posted on February 3, 2011Snowshoeing is one of our favorite winter activities. Good exercise in a land of peace, beauty and quiet. At the same time, one can become overwhelmed by the options when selecting a snowshoe for you and your kids. For us, it’s all about the binding system. We hope this clip helps make it a little bit easier.
Chump Change Adventures »
Posted on January 15, 2011I just got hooked up with a new site which features low cost to free adventure activities in the Denver metro and mountain areas. Chump Change Adventures (http://www.ChumpChangeAdventures.com) organizes adventures by audience (children, teens, families, couples) as well as by type of adventure. In addition to outdoor activities, it has listings for classes, seasonal, and business opportunities. I especially enjoyed the calendar of events which included a complete listing of REI classes for the beginner through experienced outdoor enthusiast. Sharon Otto, the founder of Chump Change Adventures hopes to expand her site to other cities around the country.
Good luck Sharon!
A Dad Takes Advantage of an Opportunity »
Posted on January 22, 2011Check out this story sent in by Doug. Thanks Doug, great job of taking advantage of a unique opportunity with the snow patrol!
Father and Son and First Turns of the New Ski Season
By Doug Gertner
The anticipation was great, our first ski days of the new season. And early this year! With the November snow came a Thanksgiving outing to our favorite Front Range ski area, Copper Mountain. The anticipation may have been greater for me, a fellow Adventure Dad, because of the breakthrough last ski season when my son Jordy, then age 11, became my full and true ski buddy, a fellow double-black-diamond skier. We are not boys for the bumps, by the way, as we don’t seek out and spend time on the many mogul runs that some skiers relish. Rather, Jordy shares my longtime passion for the ‘sidecountry,’ the steep, deep, untracked powder and crud that makes every run and each turn a mystery and wonder to be encountered and conquered. And so, with that mystery on our minds, and the delight in our hearts, Jordy and I took to the lifts of Copper Mountain on the day after Thanksgiving, looking to ski the lines that would challenge our legs and our love of untracked snow.
Although much of the mountain was not yet open, we found some early runs for warm up that held particularly good snow for so soon in a season. Kudos are due to Copper’s crack Ski Patrol for opening so much terrain by late November. Once we had our legs under us, Jordy and I became curious about what else might be open to tempt and challenge us. From the Sierra Chairlift we could see that most of the terrain below was closed, so as we got off the lift, I asked a Copper employee what was actually open. This young man in an orange uniform provided the password to some unexpected and extraordinary early season adventure: DIRECTED SKIING. “If you ski down to that patroller in the red jacket,” he told us, “They may let you in to some runs that are roped off.”
Off we went with haste, not wanting to miss this unique opportunity. We arrived at the first ski patroller perched on the ridge above a series of choice runs, none of which had been opened yet this year, and we asked what was happening. “Directed skiing,” he replied, “Ski down to the next patroller and he’ll tell you where to go.” WHOO HOO! We skied off the ridgeline and into the deep snow, untracked and ready for us to carve are place in the face. Who could have imagined our good fortune to be among the first few folks to gain access to these runs this season?
We waited for direction, noting nearby the huge hole and surrounding grey snow that told of a recent powder charge explosion. Ski patrol was using all of their arsenal to safely open new terrain. We enjoyed a total of three laps on these runs, each involving a new line on fresh snow, each cause for celebration. Our season was off to a great start, and Jordy and I had a great story to tell Maggie at day’s end.
Day two found us back at it, still celebrating our first day good fortune, as we lined up for a ride on the Storm King surface lift that drags one skier at a time up a steep ridge where, when the season is in full swing, many great options abound. This ride was more about the view on a sunny, warm day, and we fully expected that our best option would be an easy cruise back down the ridgeline. We should have known that directed skiing was happening everywhere that weekend, for those brave and lucky enough to stumble upon ski patrol at work, and to venture where no skier had yet been this season. Indeed, when I asked the lift op at the top, he confirmed that ski patrol had entered Spaulding Bowl just 15 minutes earlier, and that adventurous riders were welcome to traverse over and be among the first to make turns in that area.
The first patroller offered concise words of warning: “These are early season conditions – rocks and other hazards may be barely covered with snow, so ski with caution, and be aware.” As so again we made our way into untracked terrain. Me first, as Jordy was a bit hesitant seeing the vast cirque with only a few riders making there way between the red jacketed patrollers who dotted the way down. I savored every glorious jump turn in the steep, virgin fresh, knowing that Jordy was close behind, turning his skis with excitement and trepidation. As I came to a stop at the next posted patroller, I asked her how my son looked coming down behind me. “He’s rippin’ it,” she replied “and only 12, huh?”
The final patroller we encountered warned us to use caution on the cat track that we’d be skiing to exit this area, and both Jordy and I skied in control along the road leading out. Gradually I found myself riding higher up on the left rise of the road, Jordy up ahead about 20 yards, as two other riders simultaneously overtook me at much greater speed. Suddenly I hit a large, concealed rock and skidded to a stop, jamming my arm into the unyielding impediment.
Immediately I scanned my body, focusing my awareness to determine if anything was broken or badly hurt. My left arm ached, my fingers felt cramped, but as I arose from the snow it was clear that I was lucky, and had escaped serious injury. Jordy shouted his concern, “ARE YOU OK, DAD?” and I assured him so as I rolled off the road, under a rope, to compose myself and assess my equipment. Although I blew out of both bindings – a rare occurrence for a telemark skier – the only issue was a broken safety cable, and once I was back into my gear we cruised gingerly down to the base, pleased for another directed skiing adventure, and content to call it a day.
Later, over a plate of barbeque with Maggie and Jordy, I asked my son what he would have done had I been hurt more seriously. “First I would’ve cared for you, Dad, and I would see if your cellphone had service, and flagged down other skiers to help us.” WOW! Perfect, assess the victim, use resources to get assistance, he’s got it, and in spite of a bashed up elbow, sore arm, and stiff fingers, I feel great knowing that my son and I have enjoyed the first great adventure of another promising ski season, together, doing what we love.
Epilog – Our next chance to ski Copper Mountain was on Christmas Eve, and although most of the area was open, and Directed Skiing merely a fond memory for this season, we were again grateful to ski patrol. You see, the Storm King lift was inoperable on this day, requiring the use of a pair of snow cats to transport skiers up Spaulding Ridge. Another unexpected treat was a ride in a cat…but that story is for another time.
A Once in a Lifetime Ceremony »
Posted on January 31, 2011This picture has Alex, myself and my brother, John. The white poncho’s were part of our seat pack which had numerous other show time props. While cold, it was one of the most meaningful programs we have ever attended. There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience when a very special flag was brought out.
The Pendulum Swings For Moms Too »
Posted on January 12, 2011Our first adventuremom reflects on her experiences with her son. It gets especially fun when they talk about how her son helped sooth her emotions. A helping hand which she offered extended to him for many years. Enjoy.
AdventureDad on the Radio! »
Posted on January 8, 2011This interview with Robbyn Heart on Denver’s KOA radio was a lot of fun and perfectly describes AdventureDad. I hope you enjoy listening to it. Just click on the link below and then click on the URL.
Times Square 2009! »
Posted on December 30, 2010This trip was a life long dream for me. To share it with my son was even better. Completely safe and way beyond my expectations. It rained confetti!
T-I-M-E: Resolve to be an Intentional Father »
Posted on January 1, 2011I recently had the privilege of hearing from a dad in Queensland, Australia who operates Fathering Adventures.com, a program that offers overnight adventures for Fathers and Sons. Inspired by an auto accident with his oldest son, Darren Lewis started the program to help fathers and sons bond in the wilderness and experience all the benefits which come from a connected relationship with children.
Out of many quotes and statistics which Darren has amassed, I was particularly struck by two of them. The first was a statistic that the average child spends only 8 minutes a day with his or her father. Though a disappointing stat, it’s easy to see how this occurs. Work and providing for family takes priority, while time spent with children is fit into the small blocks of time that might become available. A family life based on happenstance makes the opportunity for meaningful connections less likely. As children get older, and develop their own priorities and schedules, intentional planning for time together becomes a necessity.
Intentional fathering means planning for connecting opportunities with your children. When this is placed on the priority list, both you and your kids will know you can count on this time together. This planned time becomes the basis of your relationship together. Spontaneous connections then become icing-on-the cake for you and your kids. As an intentional father, you’ll fully understand that just about any activity in life can become an adventure for those who take the time.
The quote on Darren’s site put it this way:
To A Child, Love is spelled T-I-M-E. Bronze Bow Publishing
As we celebrated 2011 last night, my son commented that this would be the year he turns 18. As I watched him sleep this morning, I marveled at the man he has become and am thankful for every moment I have spent with him and every adventure we have enjoyed together.
Happy Adventures in 2011!