Author Archives: Craig
Beginning Family Adventures »
Posted on September 8, 2011This past month, we did a short family reunion trip at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. While it wasn’t as extreme as the adventures we typically like, I was amazed at the numbering of offerings which they have that are perfect for introducing younger children to the great outdoors. In addition to amazing hiking trails for all abilities, they have a stocked fishing pond, horseback riding, all sorts of family sports and games, and plenty of indoor activities for when the weather is foul. They have all sorts of sleeping accommodations including lodge rooms, beautiful homes and smaller cabins spaced nicely in the woods. Most impressive was the rental fire rings available in the evening. A nice big pit with wood stools, firewood and even s’more fixings!
Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids »
Posted on September 7, 2011Are you a dad with younger children who is wondering how you and your wife can maintain your active outdoor lifestyle and include your kids in the fun? If so, check out Eugene Buchanan’s new book, Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids: A Guide to Getting Your Kids Active in the Great Outdoors. A fun and fast read, Buchanan covers all sorts of outdoor sports including camping, hiking, paddling, bicycling, fishing and climbing. He’s got lots of practical tips and covers each section from the beginner to the more advance level. At the end of the book, he has lots of great facts about our children and their need for activity as well as tons of on-line resources. Perhaps my favorite part of the book was reading the many quotes he has at the start of each chapter. Here is a sampling of my favorites:
“If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it.” David Sobel, Beyond Ecophobia
“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” John F. Kennedy
“Snow and adolescence are the only problems that disappear if you ignore them long enough.” Earl Wilson
“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” William Shakespeare
“Backpacking: an extended form of hiking in which people carry double the amount of gear that they need for half the distance they planned to go in twice the time it should take.” Unknown
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein
Family Volunteer Opportunities »
Posted on July 29, 2011Would you like you and your family to get more involved with volunteering but don’t know how to get started? Perhaps you worry about the time commitment. Fortunately, the Family Volunteer Program through Volunteers of America has the answer. This monthly project program makes fitting volunteering into busy family life easy. Their activities cover a variety of talents and interests from gardening at a nursing home to delivering meals to creating craft projects.
According to Youth Service America, kids who volunteer just one hour a week are 50% less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. When they donate their time with their parents, they are twice as likely to continue volunteering as adults. Do you need any other reasons to get involved!
To learn more about the program in Colorado, contact Rachel Dolgin at 303-297-0408 X 13310 or rdolgin@voacolorado.org. Nationally, check out Doing Good Together, http://www.doinggoodtogether.org/
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Coloradodads.org »
Posted on July 24, 2011I recently came across a website dedicated to dad’s called coloradodad.org http://www.coloradodads.com/. Run under the Colorado Department of Human Services, the site has information on fatherhood programs and area events/activities for dads/mentors and kids. They have an awards program called: Be There for Your Kids. They also have a Help Line for dads where you can get all sorts of help with your fathering and kid related issues.
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A Son’s First Attempt »
Posted on July 29, 2011Several weeks ago, Alex and I climbed Mt. Shavano in south central Colorado. Over 14,229 feet, the trail gains 4,600 feet in 4 miles. It’s pretty much up for a very long time. As I lagged behind Alex and Utah, I met a father and son from Kansas who were resting on the trail at 13,000 feet. I complimented the boy as he was younger than most kids you’ll ever meet on a 14’er. I was even more astonished when I heard he was from the flatlands of Kansas. While they had decided to call it quits for the day, it was great seeing a father process the decision with his son. The two of them just sitting together on a rock, enjoying the view and each other.
Last summer some friends and I decided to head west to Colorado and climb a 14er together—Mt. Elbert. We had such a good time that we decided to try it again this summer. My son Bryson, all of 8 years old, boldly decided to join us. So on July 14-16, 2011, we drove west from Wichita to Salida, and ascended Mt. Shavano. Setting up a base camp at 9,800 feet of Friday, we awoke at 3am to begin our climb. While most of the group made the peak, and some went on to tag Tabegauche Peak, Bryson and Dad took a much slower ascent, but got to stop and chat with Craig before we petered out at 13,000 feet at the angel of Shavano.
While we didn’t get Bryson to the peak on his first effort, we had a great time, and made our way back to the trailhead in time to enjoy a rib eye steak in Salida. Next summer we will certainly try again, and a gift card to REI would sure help fund the trip!
Monte & Bryson Evans
Wichita, KS
A Family Rafting Adventure! »
Posted on July 23, 2011Our family recently got together for our semi-annual reunion and to celebrate our mom’s 85th b-day. While we go to different locations around the country (since we are spread out from the south to the west coast), this year’s trip took us to Crested Butte, Colorado. One of the highlights of the trip was rafting down the Taylor River. The large snowfall this year made for a huge run off in the rivers so we were treated to a spectacular Class III adventure. While Grandma wanted to join us, she decided not to when the guide told her there would be a good chance of falling in and if that wasn’t enough the water temperature (around 36 degrees) would probably cause a heart attack. She decided to back out at that point followed us down the river in a car. It was a good call in retrospect. As you’ll see in the video, one of the rafts got hung up on a rock and later flipped three of our family members into the water. Make sure to check out the last minute or two of the clip where both my brother and I decided to try “bull riding” on the front of the raft. What a laugh!
Crawdads! »
Posted on July 24, 2011“It was the best day of my entire life!”
While I am blessed each day by the gratification I receive from what I do for a living, this phrase from one of my ten-year-old group kids was truly special to me. It was communicated to me by his mother whom he told in the car following our 31st annual Crawdad fishing adventure. This was an adventure where we shattered our old group record of 38. Now, twelve kids and one mom caught 109 crawdads in about 30 minutes.
Starting out, the majority of our kids had never crawdad fished before and the site of the chicken liver on a string just about made them want to quit before even starting. Within a minute, however, those skeptical faces turned to smile of pure joy as they started pulling them out and throwing them into the bucket. Most of them couldn’t believe they were even catching one let alone 5 or 10.
Within minutes, one kid was stripped down to his shorts while another took a header into the creek. Standing next to each other, it looked like a picture that Norman Rockwell might have drawn. This was kids having fun in the outdoors in its most pure form. Having my teen son there to help the kids and fill the bucket with our catch made it even more special for me as I recalled the many times he ran around with his shirt and shoes off and now observed him acting as a mature young man.
Halfway through the adventure, I couldn’t believe how magical the whole time was. No one was complaining, no one was arguing over who got to stand where, and no one was upset about the 100-degree heat. All of us were simply lost in the moment. I couldn’t resist the urge to yell out: “Now isn’t this better than those stupid video games!”
Whole Man Expo »
Posted on July 22, 2011AdventureDads,
Check out this flyer for the Whole Man Expo. In addition to being a great day for men, it will also serve as the launch for Jim Sharon’s new book: Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Lives: Defining Moments. I’m pleased to be one of the men featured in the book as I looked back at my experiences from the Columbine High School tragedy.
Whole Man Expo to be Held September 10, 2011 at Sheraton DTC
WHAT: The Whole Man Expo, presented by Energy for Life, will provide an opportunity to explore various influences that are shaping men’s lives in our nation today. It will focus on trends contributing to the development of healthy, high-functioning and balanced men. The Expo will feature interactive presentations, discussions, activities and entertainment that celebrate and honor men of strong character. Colorado vendors whose services and products relate to the Expo theme will have display tables at the event. At the Expo, one man will receive the Whole Man of the Year Award. The Whole Man Expo selection committee is currently seeking nominees to receive this award.
WHO: Adults and teens of both genders are welcome to attend. The Expo is intended to honor men striving for balance and the women who support them.
WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sheraton Denver Tech Center, 7007 South Clinton, Greenwood Village, CO 80112
COST: $10 in advance; $12 at the door
INFORMATION: Jim or Ruth Sharon, Energy for Life, (303) 796-7004 or docjimsharon@yahoo.com; http://mensanthology.com/whole-man-expo/
Releasing a Trout »
Posted on June 24, 2011If you are practicing catch and release fly fishing, the key is to help the trout off the fly as gently as possible. I like to hold the line taught with my left hand while dipping my right hand in the water. Now wet, I then take my right hand and gently but firmly support the trout by the belly. I then slide my left hand down the line and grasp the fly. An easy turn to the right or left is all it usually takes to remove the fly from the fishes mouth. Then simply loosen your right hand and let the fish swim away. A great moment for you with the least amount of trauma for the fish.
If you do want to take a picture of your catch, support the head and place your thumb over the nose with one hand. Use your other hand to support its belly. Gently hold the fish over the water (in case it wiggles away) and smile. Never keep a fish out of the water for too long. Remember, it’s a whole new world for the fish and is a bit like a human being dunked in the water without first taking a breath.
Hanging Bear Bags »
Posted on June 24, 2011One of my favorite memories with Alex was the first time we went backpacking when he was in preschool and then hanging our bear bag that evening. You’ll hear the story on the video, as well as, watch the teen version of Alex hanging his own bear bag. The key to a good bear bag is to get it as far out on a limb as possible. That can be difficult in Colorado sometimes where the pine trees aren’t too tall in higher elevations. Selecting a tree a good distance from your campsite is the most essential part as bears have a great sense of smell!