Racing meant a lot to my identity as a high schooler. I was on the track and cross-country teams at my rural high school, and I was never more nervous than the day of a meet. During that teenage time of figuring out who I was, being a runner was an identifier I held onto when other things in my social world shifted. Which was why I took it especially hard the season I sustained a fascia injury in my left calf muscle that left me limping. Nothing seemed worse than being unable to run.  

I think of that injury nearly 20 years later for a few reasons. My cross-country coach asked me to compete in the districts race at the end of the season, hoping I’d score some points for the team, even though I could barely walk. I lined up at the start because I was a high school girl used to doing what I was told. I finished almost dead last, was in a lot of pain when I did, and never told off my coach for treating me like an asset instead of a person.  

By the following season, I had healed and I had a new coach, one who ran marathons as a hobby. “Listen to your body,” she said to our team, which I heard as “you’re the authority on what you can and should do on the course.” It was the first time I’d considered it. The fact that I can still see her on the front lawn of the high school saying this to a circle of runners doing pre-practice stretches is proof of how perspective-shifting it was for me.  

“Listen to your body” reframed my idea of working with my body rather than against it while running, of entering into a partnership with it rather than seeing it as something to tamp into submission. I never ran a race when it didn’t feel right again. 

Since high school, I’ve continued running and racing for pleasure. I enjoy a challenge and I’m competitive. I’m able to run sustainably by respecting my knees when they say I haven’t done enough base training, not hitting the trail if I haven’t adequately fueled and hydrated, and saying no to races that don’t feel right, even if I’ve already paid for them.  

Establishing a good relationship with racing has allowed me to connect with all the other beautiful things that the sport can provide. I love the running community in Spokane, the gear shops and run clubs, and I still love picking up a few races each year. I’ve run through loneliness, frustration, anxiety, sadness and joy. I’ve run alone and with a stroller, on roads and on trails, near rivers and up mountains. Running has been a companion that has helped me through life, more partnership than punishment, and one good coach helped me see it that way long ago. 

In this issue of Out There Venture, we’ve rounded up our Race, Ride and Event Guide, a collection of the races in our region from March through October for runners, cyclists, walkers, triathletes, swimmers and paddlers. It’s an exciting list. I hope it sparks some inspiration to explore our region and the community that comes with racing and outdoor activities. And I hope you race for you. 

• Lisa Laughlin, managing editor  

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When we weren’t going on sanity-saving hikes in the spring of 2020, my son and I spent a lot of time in our backyard on a blanket. And I mean a lot of time. Hours and hours of it. Gobs of time. Ultra-fluid and shifting Pandemic Time. And, do you know what I did on that blanket, the first spring of my running sabbaticals? I stared at the micro-emergences of spring. I watched the tulips break dirt. I watched the bees arrive. I watched the shadows flash across our yard as puffball-clouds sped and tangled with the spring wind. My heartbeat seemed as interesting as any of them. Instead of an adrenaline rush on the trail, which I’d considered my most pure interaction with spring, I learned to tune in to the calmer rhythms of the season. Two babies and one pandemic later (Is it over yet?), I’m finally looking at the possibility for long solo running again. But there’s something in that quiet I experienced that I don’t want to leave behind.

Recently, I learned about the concept of lantern consciousness. Young kids innately possess this ability for all-around perspective, where everything is illuminated. It’s a natural state of wonder and awe. It’s one thing that makes experiencing the outdoors with kids really fun (and exhausting). A flower petal or worm is as interesting as a thunderstorm. Getting a taste of that awe by slowing down and hanging out with young children has given me a new goal for this month as I get back to the running I’ve been fantasizing about: remain open to illumination. 

For me, this probably means leaving any sort of speed-tracking device at home. (Though I’m hilariously poor at navigating and need a trail-deciphering device of some kind, I’ll avoid my Strava app.) When I’m not worried about pace, I’ll be more inclined to stop and look at the color of the river, or the marking of some animal, or the way the sun filters through the pines in the evenings. I’ll stop to feel my lungs heave. Or notice my pounding heart. Because that’s what my son taught me was most important about spring, or any season, really: illumination awaits, if only you can tune in. 

Whether you’re entering a season of rest or personal record-breaking this spring—running, biking, cycling, climbing, or sitting in your backyard looking at the birds—I hope you can find a bit of awe. Hold on to it and take it with you into your adventures, big or small. This month’s issue of Out There Venture is full of inspiration that may help shift your perspective. Whether it’s exploring the shrub-steppe coulees of the Columbia Basin; taking up a new hobby, like stewarding honeybees; or finding resonance in a piece of literature, may this season inspire your presence in the outdoors. 

Lisa Laughlin, Managing Editor

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Learn about current deals and upcoming events at the Ski the NW Rockies affiliated ski and snowboard recreation areas and resorts, which includes Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass, 49 Degrees North, and Mt. Spokane.

Bring a Friend Thursday Special at Lookout Pass

Shredding is better with friends—cash in by bringing a pal to Lookout Pass on any Thursday for the rest of the season and get two lift tickets for just $70. (They don’t even have to be that good of a friend!)

Ski Free If You Own a Parker Subaru

You’ll be able to score a free lift ticket at Lookout Pass on April 1 if you drive a Parker Subaru. Stop by the Coeur d’Alene store to learn more.

Mt. Spokane Spring Pass & 1/2 Sale

Take advantage of the guaranteed lowest rates for the 2022-2023 season at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park by purchasing your pass now. You’ll be able to ski the rest of the season free! Renewing pass holders save even more with this deal. For details and to purchase, visit mtspokane.com.

Mt. Spokane: Sunrise from atop the Illuminator chairlift and blue bird days. // Photos courtesy Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.

Freestyle Camp at 49 Degrees North

Kick off spring with a spotlight on freestyle! This one-day camp is all about giving participants the confidence to explore the world of freestyle terrain, from sculpted jumps, rails and boxes to natural features all over the mountain. Creativity and fun is the central theme as coaches help build skills with an “outside-in” approach, working on movements in low-consequence environments then taking those skills to the park, where they will also learn park etiquette and how to use different features.

Camp runs from 12pm-3pm for snowboarders and skiers ages 10-15. $99/person; intermediate and beginner groups available. Contact Snowsports School at skischool@ski49n.com with questions.

Spring Pass Sale at Silver Mountain Resort

Buy your pass for the 2022-2023 season at Silver and ski the rest of the 21/22 season for free! If you know you’re going to invest in next winter, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss that will also compel you to take advantage of spring skiing. As marketing associate Siobhan Ebel puts it, “The season’s not over yet! Spring skiing means late-season powder dumps and bluebird days. Time it right and spring skiing can make for some of the best days on the mountain all season.”

Added bonus? This pass sale will get you 4 day tickets to Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark for just $13/each (usually $39/each). Visit silvermt.com for prices and to purchase.

Eagle Peak Cat Skiing Adventures

By reservation only, explore the newly created territory of Eagle Peak at Lookout Pass any day this spring and be among the first to get the experience before it becomes lift-served next winter. You’ll get 4-5 rides in a Snowcat to the top of Eagle Peak for just $100, or you can make a single run for $30 at 1:30 in the afternoon. Make your reservation at skilookout.com.

Ski Free if You Own A Toyota

It’s a good time to drive a Toyota if you like winter sports and a good deal. On March 11, the driver of any Toyota, Scion, or Lexus will be eligible for free lift tickets at Silver Mountain Resort. Toyota reps will hand out free lift tickets in the parking lot, so no reservations are required.

Toyota Ski Free Days occur at all four of the Ski the NW Rockies resorts — 49 Degrees North on March 4, Mt. Spokane on March 18, and Lookout Pass on March 25. Schweitzer had their event back in January. Check with individual resorts to see whether lift ticket reservations may be required.

Smooth Days Ahead for Silver Mountain

Silver Mountain made several improvements to their beginner and groomed run areas that will see a continued impact next season. They installed a brand-new covered, moving carpet to make beginner and tubing rides more enjoyable. They added two PistenBully groomers to their fleet, one of which is a winch cat, which will provide more consistency to future grooming.

A new D3 cat with a mulcher helped them improve early-season conditions with brush cutting on steeper runs and glades, which will help them get more terrain open earlier in the 2022-2023 year as well.

Silver Mountain: Gondola, spring skiing, and covered Magic Carpet. // Photos courtesy Silver Mountain.

Jaeger’s Park park & Hawaiian Daze at 49 Degrees North

“Springtime just brings out the fun . . . warmer temps, soft spring snow, slushy park laps, goggle tans, retro outfits, sunglasses and baseball caps, and lots and lots of smiles,” says Rick Brown, director of skier and rider services at 49 Degrees North.

Celebrate spring at Hawaiian Daze, an action-packed Saturday on March 26 including music, BBQ on the deck, a poker run, costume contest, raffle, and the ultimate slope side spectator event—the Slush Cup pond skim! Proceeds support the 49 Degrees North Volunteer Ski Patrol.

Also taking place on the mountain this day is Jaeger’s Park Party, the “anti-competition event of the season” with a day of spring park laps, creative lines, and shredding inspired by the late, local pro snowboard legend Jaeger Bailey.

ZANY SPRING FUN AT LOOKOUT PASS

From a Hawaiian Luau and BBQ with live music to Lookout’s notorious Cardboard Box Derby, these guys know how to throw a spring ski party. March and early April conditions on Lookout are usually awesome with a deep snowpack and often warmer weather, thanks to its reputation for getting the most snow in Idaho.

“People wear a lot less winter clothing, and there are those that don the occasional swimsuit and sunglasses instead of goggles,” says director of marketing Matt Sawyer. “It’s a fun, laid-back vibe with beer, games for kids, more smiles and less lift lines.” For a full line-up of spring events, visit skilookout.com.

49 Degrees North Special Spring Pass

“What makes spring so great on Chewelah Peak? The short answer is everything!” says Rick Brown, director of skier and rider services at 49 Degrees North. “March and April bring some of the most beautiful days of the season. Mother nature always seems to have a way of sneaking in a few more pretty great pow days before truly closing the door on winter.”

Check it out for yourself with a 2022 Spring Pass that will give unlimited access from March 1 through the close of the 21-22 season ($189 for adults; $169 youth ages 7-17). Anyone who purchases a spring pass will qualify for $100 off a 2022-2023 season pass. All passes go on sale March 1 at ski49n.com.

Lookout Pass Spring Pass Sale

Purchase a 2022-2023 season pass for Lookout and ski all of March and into April for free! Lookout plans to be open through April 17. As Director of Marketing Matt Sawyer says, this season is a fun time to get on the hill, when lots of guests dig costumes out of their closets or show off where they went to school with their college colors or jerseys.

“Spring is one big send-off party to Ullr the God of Snow, as our way of showing our appreciation for a fun and festive winter season,” says Sawyer. Season pass holders from any other mountain will also get a ½ price lift ticket Monday-Friday for the rest of the season.

Lookout Pass: Deep pow days (left and middle). // Photos: Lacey Johnson; Tamarack run, beginner terrain (right). // All photos courtesy Lookout Pass Ski Area.

Go Bavarian at 49 Degrees north

Depending on who you ask, this may just be the best race event of the year. This ski/snowboard Bavarian Race starts on the deck and includes a top-to-bottom GS race course and—the Bavarian twist—timed beer drinking.

Enjoy great food, drinks, a golf chipping contest, great costumes, and lots of laughs on April 2, a date that still provides good conditions. “The sun sits higher in the sky, lighting up even more of the mountain, and sets later in the day, giving us more time to squeeze in those last laps at the end of the day,” says Brown.

Silver Mountain’s Leadman Triathlon

Too early for tri season? Not if one of the events is skiing! This adventure triathlon is a combo of skiing, biking, and running. Compete as an individual or team on April 23 and help raise money for local charities. Registration now open at silvermt.com.

Invest in Next Winter at 49 Degrees North

With the addition of the new Northern Spirit High Speed Quad, Washington State’s longest high-speed lift that carries riders from base to the summit in just seven minutes, 49 Degrees North is a great place to be for the 2022-2023 season. The resort plans to expand its operating schedule next season to 7 days a week from the Christmas holiday period until the first week of March to maximize days on the snow. Get your pass now for the lowest price at ski49n.com.

49 Degrees North: Sunset view and Hawaiian Daze spring event with pond skim competition. // Photos courtesy 49 Degrees North.

Originally published in the March-April 2022 print issue. Editor’s Note: Some slight changes were made to ensure this online version includes only future event information, as of the date published online.

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies

Find more skiing and snowboarding stories and articles about Ski the NW Rockies resorts and recreation areas in the OTO archives.

[Feature photo courtesy of 49 Degrees North.]

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People talk about the joy of sharing the outdoors with their kids, but here’s another truth: sometimes it’s just damn frustrating. Now that my son is a toddler, a walk meant to refresh our bodies and moods more often turns into a struggle. We usually take our French Bulldog, Winston, which doubles the stop-and-go pace of the trip. Either one of them will want to stop for a stick at any given moment, but never at the same time and never in the same direction. Both are stubborn and surprisingly strong for their size. When the dog stops to relieve himself, it’s like a secret signal for the toddler to start sprinting toward the least safe place of the trail, most likely over the edge. Which is where the pair tend to drive me, mentally, because I still want the trail to serve me as an escape.

Several solutions jump to mind. Leave the dog home, or insist the toddler ride in a stroller or backpack instead of running pell-mell down the trail to his heart’s delight. But I try to embrace the chaos of motherhood as much as possible, and here’s why: usually there’s no other option. Sometimes I coordinate with my husband so I can hit the trail on my own, but a solo run or hike is rare at this point, so I’m invested in examining the chaos. And I’m committed to taking on the challenge of bringing a toddler to the outdoors, because I still believe there’s something we can take away from it, even if it’s unlikely to be a sense of peace.

There are some things that won’t change when hiking with my toddler. I’ll still carry around low-level mom anxiety. I will look into trees for cougars more than I used to. I will eye the edge of the bluff as he wobble-runs down the trail ahead of me, calculating his risk of injury versus the merit of building his physical skills. I do not expect that kind of worry to go away. Nor do I expect the little problems to dissolve that come from taking a toddler into uncontrolled circumstances. More often than not, I will be carrying the toddler—who previously seemed to possess unlimited energy—for the last half mile of our walk (which will probably be up a hill, possibly in the mud, probably with lots of rocks). But it’s occurred to me how I might enjoy myself when the pace is more stop than go, when we’ve walked a frustrating 0.4 miles instead of the full length of the trail, when I feel the resentment start to build: to look at things exactly as my son does, which is to say closely and with a lot less ego.

When I walked my son in his stroller in those early locked-down months, I could tell you precisely which wildflowers were ready to open, or had reached peak bloom, or had just started to wilt. I felt more connected than I did when the trail was a blur on a solo run. I was experiencing seasons of motherhood that seemed to change as frequently as the plants—frustrations and joys that many mothers had weathered before me—and I felt peace in that connection even if I didn’t feel calm on the trail. It’s not the perfect answer, because I rarely have that sort of clarity in the moment, especially when snags happen far from the trailhead. But if I remember to look around when my toddler stops to draw in the dirt, instead of tapping my foot, I might notice something like a thunderhead as it blooms above the pines; how it’s burdened with rain but still rises and stretches and grows.

Lisa Laughlin is a freelance writer, editor, and mother living in Spokane. She serves as an Associate Editor at Out There and has a MFA in Creative Nonfiction. She looks forward (mostly) to bundling up her kid and dog and taking them on the trail this winter.

See a map of Spokane’s Trolley Trail.

Find more stories in the OTO archives about motherhood, parenthood, taking kids outside, and parenting in the outdoors.

Visit the Out There Kids archive to read the full collection of stories about families and children in the great outdoors.

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This area has both a secluded loop of singletrack (avoid when thawing or muddy) and a flat, open path with a great view of downtown and Mount Spokane. The wide gravel path, named Rimrock Drive (closed to motorized vehicles), runs along the edge of Palisades Park, about a mile out and back, and is ideal for hiking with a group or walking trail-sturdy strollers if it isn’t too snowy.

With rocky outcroppings that overlook the city, it’s a joy in winter to just take a few breaths and watch the steam rise up from the downtown buildings. Mount Spokane, visible toward the north end of this hike, often has a snowy cap this time of year that makes for a nice landmark view.

Explore the singletrack that loops at the center of this park through native brush, meadows, and pines, but bring navigation if snow or ice may obscure the trail.

Find more stories about hikes close to downtown Spokane and ways to explore Spokane’s urban outdoors in the OTO archives.

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What makes this a great winter hike is its flexibility in trail distance and access to afternoon winter sun, which thaws these trails a bit more than spots like Riverside State Park that stay shaded most of the winter.

The Bluff has over 20 miles of trails that are great for winter hiking, mountain biking, and dog walking, as long as the trails are not icy, muddy, or in a freeze-thaw cycle that will damage the trail tread.

Choose any direction and you’ll find singletrack that rises and falls, snakes around pine-cluttered turns, and runs straight and long on open faces of the Bluff. It’s a great place to catch the winter skyline or an early sunset, watching as the colors fade into the silhouettes of our Northwest pines.

Visit the Friends of the Bluff website for more info, including a trail map.

Spokane’s High Drive Bluff: (top left) Sunset view from the top of High Drive Bluff. // Photo: Julie Pomerantz; (top right) View from upper bluff looking south over the Latah Valley. // Photo: Amy McCaffree ; (upper right) Runners along High Drive // Photo: Erik K.; (bottom) Snowfall doesn’t often linger on the trails. // Photo: Aaron Theisen

Find more stories about the High Drive Bluff in the OTO archives.

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In July and August, you’ll see native wildflowers flush the area with hues of white, blue, purple, and yellow. Look for yarrow, bachelor’s buttons, wavy-leaf thistles, goldenrod, and more this time of year.

This is a great place to stroll with kids or babies strapped to your back, as the elevation gain is mild and there are several out-and-back or short loop options. Dogs should remain on leash, since this area is home to waterfowl and songbirds that frequent the small lake at the center of this trail’s loop. Equestrian riders are also common.

What I enjoy most about this hike is its “best of both worlds” feeling. Half of the time I’m wandering through a singletrack wooded trail, looking close at the plants and flowers with a peek of the lake every now and then; the other half I’m strolling an open meadow, where the clouds take precedence and you can soak in the seasonal color palette at large. It’s a place that inspires deep breathing.

Take the full 3-mile loop around the lake to experience both trail types. Seasonal trail closure occurs in the northwest corner due to flooding. In upcoming months, grasses will turn taupe and gold for a beautiful morning or sunset hike.

Visit Spokanecounty.org for a trail map and list of the 121 species of birds that find habitat here.

To learn about some of the other best hiking trails and destinations throughout the Inland Northwest, visit the OTO archives.

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Companion gardening, the act of growing compatible plants together for their mutual benefit, looks disorderly but provides a boost for the plants, soil, and ecosystem that is your garden box. For example, the “Three Sisters” trio involves planting corn with climbing beans and winter squash. This method of planting was popular in several Native American communities, and for good reason: the cornstalks provide a natural trellis for the beans, the beans replenish the nitrogen levels in the soil, and the shade of the prickly squash leaves helps prevent weeds and pests while retaining moisture for all of the plants. It’s one big happy vegetable family.

After coming across the theory of companion gardening, I asked myself why we didn’t plant like this all the time. It makes sense to let plants that help one another grow with one another. Why wasn’t this the norm?

Well, as a culture we tend to favor the aesthetic of clean, straight rows of veggies or flowers—a few rows of carrots (labeled “carrots”), next to a few rows of peas (labeled “peas”), next to structured circles for bell peppers and jalapeños (labeled accordingly).

Let me confess that I am usually that labeler. I find the beauty of crisp garden rows more appealing than the helter-skelter look of companion gardening, which, when fully grown, looks like a small, snarled jungle.

Author Michael Pollan has a lot to say about our culture’s affinity for order in the garden in his book The Botany of Desire. But the benefits of companion gardening might be enough for you to ditch the rows.

Within the tangle of flowers and veggies is a biodiversity that is healthier than those labeled rows, and it’s all based on the knowledge of certain plant properties.

Pairing the right plants can provide natural pest deterrent, shade and soil regulation, better plant health, and weed suppression. And it will attract beneficial insects to your garden, such as pollinating bees too.

A few popular plant combos include: potatoes and calendula (the flower wards off potato beetles); cucumbers with sunflowers and dill (the flowers provide a trellis, shade, and protect against aphids and mites); carrots with chives (the chives improve flavor and deter pests); tomatoes with basil (which improves the growth and flavor); and zucchini with nasturtium (the flower protects against aphids and whiteflies).

Keep in mind that not all plants play nicely—peas, for example, should not be planted next to garlic or onion, which will stunt the growth of the pea. For a list of companion pairings, visit The Old Farmer’s Almanac website.

This year, I plan to plant with a healthy dose of organized chaos. I look forward to bright pops of flowers poking through the leafy vegetables, scattered toward a new ideal.

Read more articles about gardening in the OTO archives.

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Guide: Karoline Woodhead

Years spent guiding: 7

Favorite regional river: Salmon River

When you find something you love in the outdoors, it’s a joy to share it with others. Karoline Woodhead started her rafting career at age 17 which gave her a chance to share her love of rivers. “My favorite thing about guiding is introducing people to new, wild places that I care about and watching them fall in love with them,” she says.

Woodhead started out working as a “swamper” on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, helping guides set up camp on multi-day raft trips. She progressed to leading half-day trips on the Payette River just outside of her hometown of Boise, Idaho. She was then drawn to ROW Adventures because of the many rivers that they run, and the relationships that they promote between the guests, guides, and the wilderness they recreate in. This will be her second season with ROW.

Last season, when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, guiding brought Woodhead a small sense of normalcy and peace in a difficult year. “River guiding last season was different than normal years, especially knowing that we were coming in contact with guides and guests from all around the country,” she says. Guides adopted extra precautions like mask wearing, cleaning regimens, and social distancing both on and off the river, Woodhead explains. “Even with the changes, I never felt like the experiences or memories of the river were affected.”

This season, Woodhead looks forward to guiding new rivers, taking on new leadership positions, and continuing to hone her skill of gear packing.

Guide: Tom Scarborough

Years spent guiding: 19

Favorite regional river: The Rouge

For Tom Scarborough, whichever river he’s currently rafting is his favorite. This seems a suitable answer for a seasoned river rat.  Following his guide training in 2002, Scarborough has worked as a regular guide, a returning guide leading trips, the manager of the Middle Fork of the Salmon, and is in his 11^th season of managing ROW’s Rouge River outpost.

Scarborough’s favorite thing about guiding river trips is the simple clarity that comes from connecting with nature, both for himself and his guests. “[There’s] the feeling of living at the river’s pace, and being in the moment. I can forget the rest of the world for a little while,” he says. “What goes hand-in-hand with that is the disconnection from the now commonplace connection of email, phone, Internet, and the modern distractions that they create. On a river trip you get to slow down and interact with people the old-fashioned way, face to face.”

That face-to-face interaction was of course a bit different on the river in 2020. Last spring, when the pandemic broke out, Scarborough says everyone was quite nervous, not knowing if the things they were doing to contain the virus would be enough. With the introduction of vaccinations and an increased knowledge about the virus, he is feeling hopeful and better prepared for the 2021 season, though he says he knows it will be important to stay vigilant in the outdoor industry.

“People have seemed very appreciative to have a safer, outdoor vacation to participate in,” says Scarborough of the previous season amongst COVID. “We get to be part of making memories for our guests, and with the in-real-life experiences we take people on being harder to come by, we are helping to ground and connect people a bit more than they have been in a while.”

This season, Scarborough looks forward to building a new crew of river guides and working as a team to bring people those authentic experiences. His favorite part of being a ROW manager is that he gets to teach, mentor, and also participate on the crew trips.

Guide: Kim Cunningham

Years spent guiding: 5

Favorite regional river: St. Joe River

After hearing the story of Kim Cunningham’s first rafting trip, you might not assume she’d end up working as a guide. In November 2016 Cunningham embarked on the Yaak river in Northwest Montana with some friends. She wore mismatched and borrowed cold weather gear and didn’t exactly know what she was in for. As her friends approached a large rapid they planned to portage, they hit a bump and Cunningham flew out of the boat.

“I managed to have my first swim on my very first day of rafting above a big rapid in one of the coldest water temps I have rafted in less than optimal gear, and somehow I still loved it enough to decide to become a river guide,” she says.

Cunningham lives and teaches in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, which puts her at convenient proximity to her favorite river, the St. Joe. She is starting her fifth season with ROW Adventures and has led guided trips all over Idaho. “I love getting to see people experience the river and push themselves to try new things,” she says. “The most challenging thing is managing groups with varying levels of river experience to make sure everyone has fun at their own level and pace.” Last season, there was the extra duty of managing the social dynamics of the trip while maintaining social distance. Kim continued to encourage guests to get to know one another and have fun.

In 2021 she looks forward to traveling more and is eager to grow as a boater and learn the technical rapids of the Middle Fork in her second season on the Salmon River.

Lisa Laughlin is a freelance writer living in Spokane. She enjoys paddleboarding, trail running, and backpacking. She wrote about hiking Beezley Hill in the Nov.-Dec. 2020 issue of Out There.

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