Kayaking is our business but also our passion. We are feel very blessed to be able to do what we love professionally and to share our joy with others.November is an interesting month for us in our business. The days are much shorter, and we are starting to see the first of our rain. We enjoy a slow-down in the daily hustle and bustle of the tourism part of business and use this time to review our business plan and plan for the upcoming year. It is also a good time for some professional development and some time away.
With our whitewater river season approaching, we felt it was time for a refresher on swift-water rescue. So we combined a little time away with swift-water rescue training on the Stanislaus River near Knights Ferry. We enjoyed the geology and poking around the historical landmarks from the California's Gold Rush. Not to mention, the fall weather was gorgeous and seeing the salmon laying eggs in the river was very exciting. Still can't believe that we didn't take any pictures.
The swift-water rescue training that we did was taught by Julie Munger of Sierra Rescue. It was a very physical and intense 2 days of training with simulated rescue scenarios. Julie's breadth of knowledge and experience was invaluable as she taught us the skills that we would need as boaters in rescue situations. The number one key though is PREVENTION. Through the class I gained a new appreciation for swimming on the river. Prior to the class, I had developed my swimming skills on the river out of necessity for when I swam out of my boat (grrrrr - which was too many times last season). My perspective has changed and I see the value and potential fun of swimming in the river. I do foresee some river board play in our future as well.
Developing our 2011 calendar has been super fun and exciting - of course- we are creating a calendar of funness for ourselves and others. But lots of time in the office on the computer isn't our favorite. Fortunately mushroom season is upon us so we have been motivated to get our tasks done so that we can get out into the forest in search of treasures - boletes, chantrelles, candy caps . . . YUM!!!
Speaking of mushrooms, it was an honor to have our Mushroom Paddles featured in the November Issue of Sunset Magazine. So I guess our foraging in the forest falls into the professional development and training category. It is really awesome to be able to do what you love.
Thanks to all of our friends, family, and customers for sharing the magic with us.
Dang, that's some serious mushrooms there!
ReplyDeleteInterestingly enough when I used to live in US and A I never met anybody that would even consider picking mushrooms as a source of food. They always thought I was going to poison myself.
Compared to Europe, picking mushrooms in USA was so plentiful.
I am a little suss on that red one at the end of the table.
Isn't that an Amanita Muscaria?
Gnarly Dog,
ReplyDeleteNo tasty Amanita muscaria's for us. The Amanita muscaria on the table was part of collection that we picked for demonstration. Mendocino County is a hot spot for choice edible mushrooms. Lots of common, easy to identify edibles and 50,000 acres of state forest makes it a popular place for locals and visitors to hunt as well.
What are your favorite edibles?
These days mushroom picking is rather non existent where I live, in Queensland Australia: climate is too hot.
ReplyDeleteIn Europe I would favor Coprinus Comato or the Cantharellus family.
When in season I would also look for the edible Amanitas (they are excellent crumbed and deep fried).
Boletus were a given but rather difficult to find.
I remember seeing wild mushrooms for sale in some USA grocery shops.
All I get here is the dried Porcini in the little overpriced satchels :-(