I’m a big believer in meals that are prepared the same way in the backcountry as they are in the front country. But for this meal, when you’re headed out,  you don’t need to bring all the ingredients; After you leave the put-in, the rest can be harvested from the marsh. Tap into your inner hunter-gatherer. You’ll need a decent size pot to cook this meal, and it’s nice to have a stove that has a simmer function.

Cookin' up a Low Country Boil

Ingredients (serves two)-

What you need to bring:
One ear of corn
A package of pre-cooked chicken or pork sausage, preferably spicy
Four small red potatoes
A table spoon of Old Bay Seasoning
Hot sauce of your choosing, though some prefer cocktail sauce
A lemon (optional)

What you need to hunt and gather:
Shrimp or Crab. Preferably both.

Directions:

Here’s the gig: You will certainly survive and fill your belly with the ingredients you bring along, but to make it a true Low Country Boil in the backcountry, you are going to need an inexpensive cast net that can be found at most coastal hardware, marine or shopping centers in the Low Country. You’ll need to learn how to use it through trial and error, but that’s part of the fun. Don’t get anything bigger than 8-feet in diameter; There are different size nets depending on whether you are using the shrimp as bait or eating. Ask a local for regulations and seasonal restrictions.

Look for tidal creeks in the marsh. It’s best to cast when the tide is down and the shrimp are concentrated in the channel. You won’t need pounds of shrimp; maybe a dozen shrimp total is all that’s needed for a nice little meal. Once you’ve plundered, here is what to do:

1. Bring water to a boil in the large pot. Quarter the red potatoes and toss them in. Add the old Bay seasoning. Cook for 20 minutes.

2. Break the ear of corn in half and toss it in the pot for another ten minutes. Cut up the sausage and toss it in.

3. When the potatoes are tender, it’s time to add the shrimp. Cook them for only about three minutes or until they are bright pink.

4. Drain water from the pot and serve. Season with hot sauce to taste.

5. Eat. Chase with a warm beer or a sip of bourbon.

Congratulations. You’ve just lived from the land.

Check out videos on the Classics including climbing in the Bugs, backcountry skiing, ice climbing, sea kayaking, and mountain biking. The Classics Vital Stats were contributed by Austin Siadak, writer and intern extraordinaire for Duct Tape Then Beer.

• Route planning

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• Tybee Island

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• Georgia paddling

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• Loading up, Tybee Island

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• Georgia paddling

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Location:
Tybee Island, Georgia

Season:
You can paddle the Georgia coast year-round, though winter can be a bit chilly if you’re not used to kayaking in cold weather. January and February are the coldest months, when you can expect air temperatures from 30-60 degrees and water temperatures in the 50s.

Getting There:
Tybee Island is a picturesque wedge of coastal sand nestled up against the South Carolina border along the north-east tip of Georgia’s coast. To get there, head east out of Savannah on Hwy 80 or the Island Expressway (both roads eventually merge into one). This is the only road out to Tybee Island, so simply stay on the highway and you will reach your destination.

What You Need:
If you’ve never sat in a kayak before but still want to experience the joys of paddling Georgia’s coast, you’ve come to the right place. Tybee Island is great for beginners because of the multitude of shops offering kayak rentals and guided tours. Most shops can provide you with everything you’ll need to be on your way. If you’re an experienced paddler looking to spend a couple of nights along the coast, you don’t need much more than you would take on a sea kayaking trip anywhere else. There are, however, a few particulars that will make your trip to the Georgia coast more enjoyable. Few natural fresh water sources mean that it is critical to pack enough water for drinking and cooking, or plan for water resupplies along the coast. For navigation, bring not only charts but also aerial photographs and topographic maps, as these give a better perspective on small landscape features such as hammock islands. Low elevation and relief often make it difficult to pinpoint location from the seat of a kayak, so a compass is a useful tool for navigating brushy creeks and marsh. Make sure to bring the right gear to handle the coast’s legendary insects – a bug-proof bivy, headnet, and long clothes to cover exposed skin will allow you to enjoy the magic stillness of twilight while your less-thoughtful partners suffer. Don’t forget that the expansive marshland between the mainland and the sea is a world-class riparian zone, and a good pair of binoculars is great if you want a closer look at the myriad sea birds that inhabit the coast. A small field guide is worth the weight and space for identifying plant and animal life. While a kayak cart might seem too bulky to bring along in other locations, when the high tidal range and shallow relief on the Georgia coast leave you several hundred yards from tide line or a suitable campsite you’ll be glad you packed one.

Local Beta:
If you’re out for a multi-day trip, be careful about where you choose to camp. Many islands along the coast are state or federal wildlife refuges and have specific access and camping policies. Some islands allow free camping, but some require a fee and some are privately owned and don’t allow camping at all. Check your intended campsites with staff at a local kayak shop before your trip to see if you’ll have any problems. Also be sure to check tidal flows along your intended route, as tides can range from 7-9 feet, creating strong currents and leaving many small creeks and channels dry at low water. No trip to the Georgia Coast would be complete without a Low Country Boil – the quintessential coastal dish in these parts. Every local you talk to will give you their own spin on the recipe, but the basic ingredients are potatoes, corn, sausage, shrimp, and Old Bay seasoning. Boil the potatoes, throw in the rest of the ingredients, and in a few minutes time you’ll be ready to enjoy a classic and delicious meal while you squeeze soft sand between your toes and listen to waves whisper quietly along the shore. If you’re looking to chow down back on Tybee Island, Huc-a-Poos is the place to chat with locals and enjoy good pizza, while the Tybee Island Social Club features an eclectic mix of fresh tacos on their menu.

Extra Time:
If you have some extra time after checking out Tybee and Little Tybee, some other classic paddling trips along the coast include the Cumberland Island National Seashore, a day-paddle to Wassaw Island National Wildlife Refuge, exploring the Savannah, Ogeechee, Canoochee, Altamaha, and Satilla coastal plain rivers, and venturing into the Ebeneezer Creek backwater swamp.

Athlete’s Perspective:
“Sea Kayaking on the Georgia Coast is a classic journey. Yeah, it’s fairly accessible and easy to get to, but once you’re out there you feel like you’re a thousand miles away, like you could be on the other side of the world.” – Nigel Law

Check out videos on the Classics including climbing in the Bugs, backcountry skiing, ice climbing, sea kayaking, and mountain biking. The Classics Vital Stats were contributed by Austin Siadak, writer and intern extraordinaire for Duct Tape Then Beer.

Join Alder Creek Kayaks and Outdoor Research for the 3rd annual Lumpy Waters Sea Kayak Symposium at Pacific City, Oregon this October 14th, 15th and 16th.

World class coaches will be on hand to help you build your skill set or teach you your first roll.

Check out this cool video that highlights the surf and caving experiences that Pacific City has to offer:  Coaches at play.  If this doesn’t get you psyched for rough water sea kayaking, nothing will!

More information, including classes, coaches, registration and more can be found at www.lumpywaters.com.

Hope to see you there!

Tsogo heading to the Ghengis homeland

It is said that Genghis Khan was born grasping a blood clot in his fist.  In Mongolian lore, this is rumored to portend exceptional leadership potential.  Taking the cue, the great Khan ran with it, and founded the greatest empire the world has ever known, before or since.  According to ‘The Secret History of the Mongols’, Genghis died around 1227, though there are various accounts of exactly how that took place.  According to custom, in respect to his station in life, he was buried in a location likely near his birthplace.  It would have been in an unmarked tomb, replete with oodles of precious items and maybe even a sacrificial person or two to keep him company for the long term.  One of the world’s great unsolved mysteries is in fact exactly where he was laid to rest.  Not to be easily determined; partly because great efforts were made to cover the evidence.  It also didn’t hurt that most everyone associated with his final passage were said to have been promptly dispatched of to ensure their continued silence on the matter.

I pondered these and other thoughts as our party rode into the heart of the Khan Khentii Strictly Prohibited Area in Northern Mongolia.  We were headed for the remote upper reaches of the Yestii River, which coincidentally is one of several possible locations of the beginning and end of Genghis Kahn’s career.  I’ve always been a sucker for people who ‘get stuff done,’ but you really had to hand it to Genghis. ‘That must have taken a lot of energy,’ I thought.

Our own plans were a bit more modest.  Not having much time to plan my trip to Mongolia beyond ‘paddle something’, I had relied on Ernst von Waldenfels from Mongolia Canoeing to lay out some options.  When he suggested horse packing into an exploratory with a young Mongolian partner (who had no significant paddling experience), I bit like a pit bull.  The plan, as it evolved, was to pack into the Yestii with Banzragch and some horsemen, put together the folding canoe, then run the river to where it joined with the Chuluut River.  At that point, we would join up with Ernst and some of his Australian clients on their commercial trip, and we would continue on together into the Yeroo River and beyond.  Ernst’s friend Daka, from Happy Mongolia, would arrange for the horsemen.  At least one of them had been to the upper Yestii before, and they were all pretty pumped up to go there.  Banzragch was working on his English.  They said he could swim, which apparently is a rarity in these parts.  There was no way to ascertain the water levels ahead of time, but supposedly it had ‘been raining in June.’

‘This is going to be awesome,’ I thought.  ‘What could possibly go wrong?’  Well…

When I look back on it all, a compendium of events and emotions flash across my conscious.  This is how I remember my journeys; as a small subset of the total experience.  I’m not sure why that is – perhaps I just don’t have room for more.  In the long term, they become the essence of ‘the trip’, because that’s all that’s left in the end.  I would guess that anyone who ‘expeditions’ into the outdoors probably has similar recollections, in the same jumbled manner.  It becomes the essence of what they take from their experience, and forms the basis of whatever lessons they may have learned.  It becomes ‘their story.’

This is mine…

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• The more difficult it gets, the more Bata enjoys it.  Come to think of it, it almost seems like the horses felt the same way.  Stuck in mud up to their chests, loaded down with gear, they never gave up.  They just powered through it and stood there dripping, ready for more.  They, too, were ‘on an adventure.’

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There were times when I’m guessing Ernst was questioning the merit of leading trips into some of the more challenging locales of Mongolia; especially while repeatedly abusing his body as he led his troupe onwards.  He came to appreciate my stash of Ibuprofen.  Despite it all, I could sense in the end he craved the challenge.  He got it.  His final message to me:  ‘It was a fantastic journey.  And you are right; it is exactly the kind of journey that I love (although I might be getting a bit old.)  Would love to hear your stories again in the dripping rain.’

As for me, I spent quite a bit of time stumbling and bumbling down the river, dancing at the behest of the hornets, or impaling myself on yet another protruding stick.  The rain ran down my glasses once right at the top of a rapid, and I couldn’t see with them or without them as we dropped down into the fray.  That was nice.  Challenge is all relative, and I’ve learned it doesn’t take as much to ring the bells as I get older.  On more than one occasion, like the time I found myself doing the James Brown splits trying to keep control of the canoe and not get swept into the drink,  I thought to myself, ‘maybe next vacation I should do something a bit more laid back.’  In fact, it became a recurring theme.  This trip was taking a ‘lot of energy.’

Then came the day when the rapids finally receded, and we had two glorious days floating through pristine landscapes; in Mongolia.  The sun came out, the birds sang, and every stroke was a joy.  You could feel the sense of pride welling up, of what we had done and experienced together as a team.

And it was at that moment, during that final passage, that I felt it once again; the ember of desire to explore – to see what is around the next bend, no matter the physical price to be paid to make it so.  Each in our own way, we have that; the burning fire to try something new; to test ourselves and our team.  Without it, our lives are less full and perhaps less rewarding.  This is my story, and your story, too.

I imagine that someday, maybe soon, we will no longer be able to force ourselves down a riverbed or over a hill, regardless of how many young, strong partners there are in tow.  We’ll no longer be able to make the key ferry, portage the giant pack across the swamp, or actually be more help than hindrance to our partners.  Never again will we have the feeling of drifting down the paradisiacal outflow at the end of yet another ill-advised run and attendant physical punishment that came with it.  In short, we’ll be all done, and our fire will have burned out.

Yes, there is no doubt that at some point that time will come…

Just not quite yet.

It was night out, and I walked with the guard through the wired gates in the yard under the yellow glare of the lights to reach the austere auditorium. It was there, in a sparse room with plastic chairs, the inmates, including my friend, came to see me speak of an ‘adventure.’ At least that’s how it started out. Before long, however, it evolved into everyone talking about their own dreams – of things they hoped to do someday. And guess what; no one wanted to climb a mountain or explore a canyon. They wanted to run a marathon, to talk to their brother again, to ride a motorcycle across America. They wanted to do these things not just a little, but a lot. I envied them that.

After two hours, a voice from a balcony above us informed everyone it was time to head back to our respective homes. So many people coming up, hands outstretched, thanking me. And later, from the inmates and the guards: “I especially appreciated the connection you made with your audience.” “The men truly appreciated your taking the time to come and speak. I have heard many comments already this morning from the men.” The experience went from one of trepidation and minor inconvenience to high gratification.

Since then, I’ve contemplated what makes us feel that way – rewarded. Is it just plain having fun? Or is it having dreams, and acting on them for better or worse? For many years, I’ve voted ‘yes’ to the vision quest thing. I would guess that many others would as well. A less obvious question is what is the kernel of our dreams? Or do we just come up with this stuff out of nowhere?

It seems so often, it is actually the actions of others that are in fact the roots of our dreams. By dint of their life work, their mannerisms and style, or some pinnacle of achievement, they lead us on. We may think, for example, it was our hearing about an unclimbed ascent that first ignited a flame, but was it really just our awareness that others have climbed such peaks that laid the foundation of our hopes and goals?

Packrafting the Aniakchak

When I review my own list of those I most admire, or have been inspired by, it’s all over the map: Sally Ride for exploring space and other uncharted territory; my grandfather for his consistent humility and appreciation of simple things; my parents for always placing our needs ahead of theirs. Being an outdoors-sort, of course there is a long list of explorers and ‘adventurers’, especially from days-gone-by. They have all shaped and motivated my goals and perspectives, and have made my life richer than it would have been otherwise.

Imagine living a life that is not only fun, but rewarding. After all, fun is transitory, but gratification endures. Fun is great, but how can we all get some of that other stuff? Consider that certainly one of the most satisfying rewards is the knowledge that you have inspired others to chase their dreams… What then is the secret sauce that would make that happen? Is it some particular action? Is there some sure-fire pattern of behavior or scale of achievement that consistently resonates with others?

I don’t have the answer to that, but I do know one thing: For my part, the people who most inspired me weren’t trying to.

This summer, Harry and a friend will be paddling through little-explored waters of Mongolia. With plans as tightly dialed as possible, there are still many “unexpected’s” to come; maps are unreliable and resources limited. Keep an eye out for a report from Harry on the expedition and his discoveries when he returns in August.

In its first year, and at a brand new park on Alki, the Northwest Paddling Festival, Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26, promises to be the region’s highlight paddling event. Sea kayak and SUP demos, on-water and classroom clinics and demos, the Alki Paddling Challenge Race, music, food, gear vendors, and the Coffee Lounge (with yours truly, Outdoor Research) round out this weekend of fun.

Head over to West Seattle for the opening weekend of Jack Block Park on Alki, celebrate our region’s water playgrounds and paddling community!  We’ll see you there!

Be sure to stop by the Outdoor Research booth and coffee lounge for a cup of java and to check out our newest paddling gear.

Saturday, June 25th, 9am-6pm
Sunday, June 26th, 9am – 5pm
Jack Block Park, 2130 Harbor Ave SW

For all the details, go to www.northwestpaddlingfestival.com

Beautiful Cape Flattery. Photo: Bryan Smith

The ocean is a beautifully rhythmic place.  Paddling amongst towering rocks in booming swell illustrates this like nothing else can.  Feeling this rhythm and reading the water is critical and often the determining factor for success when rock gardening in big swell.  Will I clear that narrow slot before the next one hits? Or, if I hesitate, will I end up mercilessly grated over barnacle covered rocks? Should I pull my guts out and sprint for it? Or, should I hold position and wait for the next set?  Normally, this decision is purely personal; the timing is all your own as a paddler, it’s between you and the sea.

But, its not always the case when you’re looking to produce quality catalog images on time and under budget. This shoot has been months in the making. Despite setbacks and bad weather, we are finally all here together as a team sporting the freshest gear. The sponsors put up the cash and are counting on us to bring home the goods. The light is magic. The rest of the capable team is strong and watching my back. The photographer is in position as I hear his voice crackle over the vhf radio. “We are… set”…”GO for it!” I see his hand raised high overhead. He’s ready. Is the timing right? Will this be the shot?

I enjoy the considerable challenge of capturing images as a team while out paddling together. Sharing a part of the amazing places that we experience while kayaking adds an element of purpose to our day on the water. No longer are we just messing about in boats…we’re on a mission!

Our latest mission took us west the tip of the Olympic Peninsula, Cape Flattery. The goal; capture some of the best rough water sea kayaking images to date, for Outdoor Research. The team consisted of Matt Nelson, Djuna Mascall, Richard Davis, and myself with Bryan Smith on cameras. We only had a couple days to get the goods, so we loaded up our boats for an overnight and got right to work. We knew the rocks near Shi Shi beach (South of the Cape) would provide reasonable protection and some great rock gardens to play in. With 6-8 foot swell predicted, we knew we could get some exciting shots, the real challenge would be getting good angles on the action. There aren’t too many easy vantage points to use in the middle of the ocean. Bryan brought his water-proof housing and hoped for the best. After shooting a few frames at water level it became clear; to get what we had all envisioned, to really nail the shot; we would need to get Bryan out of his boat and onto the rocks.

I say “we” because this was no easy task and often involved a team effort. The photographer doesn’t have the luxury of paddling a nice light empty boat. Bryan brought his new P&H Delphin. It’s a plastic sea kayak build to take abuse from rocks like these. His boat was full of heavy camera gear and supplies.  First we would find a feature or location that had potential to give us a sweet shot. The team would check it out and look for hazards and work out positions of usefulness should the worst happen, while Bryan searched for the ideal vantage point. Usually, this involved scanning the tops of the surrounding sea stacks looking for one that provided the right angle and backdrop. Once the rock was selected we determined the route to the top, if there is a stash spot for a boat, and if Bryan could even get out onto the rock’s base in the first place.

Then came the real challenge. As swell comes rolling through the huge sea stacks it first lifts your boat up like an elevator gone mad, then drops you back down fast enough to put your stomach in your throat.  Depending on the shape of the rock, as well as the size and direction of the swell, this often means raising and falling 5, 10, or even 25 feet with each wave. The key to landing your boat and getting out in these conditions is TIMING. Swimming up to the rocks and pulling your boat in after is sometimes an option, but Bryan was fully loaded with camera gear (including in his cockpit) and the rocks were so steep that paddling his boat up onto rocky shelves was the only real option. Once the team was in position it was all up to Bryan to make the move. He would watch the waves as they came in one after the other.  He looks for that perfect wave to lift him up and set him on the rocks then recede back giving him time to pop his spray deck and get out before the next wave finishes him off. No easy task, but one that was complete successfully many times.

Once Bryan was in place, we would communicate with vhf radio to coordinate the team’s efforts. Taking turns at each feature, we would cycle through the whole group several times. While one of us was in the zone the rest would take up support positions. Often, we would put ourselves in front of huge blow holes, or in a turbulent slot cave that would explode with action when the biggest waves set up. You never knew what it would be like when it was your turn. Having a solid crew meant that we could really push it.

Being prepared with overnight gear meant that we didn’t have to travel far from the action to set camp.  With the first successful day of shooting behind us we re-charged and prepared for day two. When we woke the next morning, we were faced with a tough surf launch. The swell had picked up and the period had narrowed. We shot some boat loading on the beach and waited for the surf to sit down a bit.  It never did.  After some exciting close calls the team gathered up beyond the break and started back North towards the Cape.

On the paddle home, a sense of accomplishment was detectable by all. Not only had we experienced a place together that many only imagine, but we nailed the shots too! We had felt the rhythm. The sea was kind to us this time. The mission was a success!!

Paul’s stories of paddling can be found on his blog, Boat with Paul and here on VertiCulture.

The Oregon Cup was originally a whitewater race series and freestyle kayak event. The event was retired in 2004 but is back for 2011!We have 5 races scheduled:

May 24th – 6 pm 1515 SE Water St Portland
June 5th – 9 am Bob Straub Boat Ramp at Pacific City
June 18th – 9 am The Hook in Hood River
July 5th – 6 pm Browns Ferry Park, Tualatin
July 17th – 9 am Alder Creek 200 NE Tomahawk Isl DR, PortlandDivisions:

Your $30 per race entry fee will get you a t-shirt, raffle tickets, possibly some schwag and assorted food and beverages at the post race gatherings. Everyone has a chance to win the Oregon Cup.

Race classes include: sea kayak, fast sea kayak, high performance kayak, double sea kayak, outrigger 1 & 2, Canoe 1 & 2, SUP open, under 12.5, under 14

For more info check the web site at Alder Creek

Come join Outdoor Research for the NW Creeking Competition this April 16th and 17th near the East fork of the Lewis river in Lewis County, WA.  Get yourself pre-registered by April 14th or get there early to register day of.

For more info on the event, location and race times check out the NW Creek Comp web site for all the details.

See you on the water!