October | 2016 | Elder SUP

It’s a tried and true, well-known aspiration – let’s see, do, experience or visit (fill in the blank) and check it off our “bucket list.” Ed and I headed to Lake Powell with our Starboard inflatable touring boards and a bucket list- slot canyon paddling experience in mind. Fortunately we had contacted Joe and Jordan at Lake Powell Paddleboards beforehand to schedule a one-day private trip.

From the first moment we walked into their shop we knew that Joe and Jordan had created a very special culture and vibe in Page, Arizona. The store was built out of a number of shipping containers, paneled with wood reclaimed from pallets and insulated with environmentally sound materials.

The photos just begin to tell the story. Joe (behind the counter) is under a custom painted board, just one of many unique, one-of-a-kind objects and posters that tell the story of connection with community and water-athletes.

After falling spontaneously in love with the canyons and waters that make Lake Powell, they made a move based from their heart and a passion for standup paddling. Check out their website often. While they have an incredible service-based operation now – they envision so much more Lake Powell exploration and coolness coming in 2017.

We were so lucky to grab the last full-day adventure of their season. After a long and busy spring-summer, Joe told us to be at the marina at 6:30 am because the beauty and glassiness of the water is prime at sunrise. No burn out or fatigue from Joe after all those busy weeks – he was no less in awe of the oranges that welcomed our day or the full moon setting as we hopped on the boat.

We got a “whack on the side of the head” from a day that turned all expectation on its ear. The best words I can use to describe the energy and magic that Joe and the team at Lake Powell Paddleboards brought to the experience are “a sense of wonder.” That and an absolute respect and love for Lake Powell.

We hadn’t motored 100 yards before Joe pulled out a fish net and picked up a floating bag of chips that apparently blew off a boat. There was very little litter but he nabbed the few we saw. Not a word was said, but the respect was evident. And the “talk story” continued without a hiccup. We learned so much – what a day!

Our destination for the day was Labyrinth Canyon, a spot we could have reached in maybe a third of the time if we zoomed over with a focus on “arriving.” That’s not the experience we got – and for that we were beyond grateful. We meandered up river and learned the names of landmarks and formations along the way. Boundary Butte and Dominguez Butte became familiar, as did Navajo Rock, Tower Rock and Gunsight. Joe shared so much insight about the water, the rocks, geology and canyons.

More than what we learned, we connected to the energy and awe in the magnificence of where we were. Joe couldn’t hide his enthusiasm if he wanted to.

We arrived as the solitary adventurers at the mouth of Labyrinth Canyon and secured the boat on the sand.

Yippee! It was paddle time. We got on our Riviera Voyager 12’6″ boards (awesome tracking and glide) and began the paddle into the canyon that became more narrow, incredible and “full of wonder” as we went. Maybe 2 miles into the canyon and it narrowed. The water ended at a small beach with a path that wound into the canyon ahead.

We left the boards and donned water shoes for what would be the most unexpected, amazing experience – again – instilling us with a child-like sense of “WOW!” that increased with every step.

The photos barely do justice to the texture, colors, ever-changing light and shadow. The vibration of the ages seemed to radiate from the twisting and turning serpentine hallways of ancient stone.

At one point the air filled with a low thumping sound. We looked up and saw a Great Horned Owl swoop up then land on the canyon wall just overhead. As curious about us as we were about him, we enjoyed several minutes of shared stares. What a bonus.

Back to the water we began our paddle out of the more narrow canyon slots to the wider areas where the wind had picked up a bit. With maybe 500 images captured by our cameras we were still remarking at every turn – “amazing!!!

As we began our journey back to the dock enjoying lunch and “talk story” time we fully expected Joe to be more than ready to close down this final guided trip of the season. Not so. He had a few other spots to share. We came around one rock outcropping to see a section of sky and clouds that dazzled.

Joe had seen the shot and let us snap more photos. At another area the water was more shades of absolutely clear blues and greens than you could imagine. Yes, it was October, but the day was warm, sunny and we had to leap in.

As we docked the boat at the end of the trip we knew this was not just a bucket list experience. We had a different spirit of wonder, a deeper respect for the area. Suddenly we wished for more time. You can schedule a multi-day guided experience for you and your friends and family. Don’t miss out.

You may be able to take a guided standup paddle trip in many different beautiful places. But if you are ever in the vicinity of Lake Powell don’t miss the chance to gain that kid-like grin, the custom experience and the customer service expertise that comes with a special discovery – Lake Powell Paddleboards.

You know how it feels when you walk in a place and “everybody knows your name!” Warm, welcoming, friendly and connected. That’s a feeling obvious from check-in to checkout at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn. The difference, no one actually knows your name, but every member of the team knows how to individualize the welcome and experience just for you. Hood River Inn is an exceptional “home base” for your Fall and Winter adventures.

After checking in and a car ride with a wiggly 2-year-old granddaughter we were ready for some outside play. A short walk along the river in view of incredible Fall colors we came to the shoreline pool. The sparkling blue water is heated year-round so you can swim with a view of Columbia River and Gorge. If that’s not enought there’s both an indoor and an outdoor hot tub. No worries about bare feet in winter, the pool deck is heated in the cooler months.

Fall and winter in Hood River is a perfect reason to book your stay at the Hood River Inn. We recently planned some fun in the area while sipping wine on our third floor deck as the sun set on the Columbia River, turning the Hood River/White Salmon Bridge a burnished gold. The Columbia River Gorge is an 80-mile marvel of moss and waterfall-laden basalt cliffs rising up to 4,000 feet above the mighty Columbia River and this was our day to explore waterfalls, hike and maybe give a try at fly-fishing for steelhead. The choices in Fall and Winter are endless.

Obviously, with Mt Hood rising magnificent on the horizon, winter thoughts turn to snow sports. XC ski, downhill skiing, a visit to the sledding park or cozying by the fire after watching some ski-racing.

Just as available are opportunities to explore via mountain bike or on the hiking trails. Just as much fun is strolling the diverse array of downtown Hood River with shops, restaurants, wine tasting niches seemingly carved from wood, stone and ambiance.

How do you decide? Weather plays into any decision in this outdoor haven of options. You can do what we did – ask at the front desk at the Hood River Inn. We had scored a sunny, cool Fall day and it felt like an “apples and pears” sort of day. What orchards should we try and where should we have lunch? Once we posed the question the ideas came, with energy and smiles. Eventually Ben drew a sketch map, shared some ideas and we were on our way. Was that the end of it – absolutely not.

The next morning as we were heading into the Riverside for breakfast (more on that!) Ben called us over and asked which orchards we liked best and checked out some of our photos. It was a full circle of caring that makes all the difference in a vacation experience.

Even though we’ve stayed at Hood River Inn many times, we had never explored the nearby marina and the walking trail all the way to the Hood River Waterfront Park. Late afternoon one day we mentioned to a member of the staff that we didn’t want to get back in the car and wondered where we might walk, to maybe end up downtown. A few minutes later we walked through the marina, across a very cool walking-suspension bridge, around the event center and right to the heart of the windsurfing/kite-boarding mecca that is Hood River. Wetsuit clad brave souls were soaring and flitting across the water in a spectacle that had us mesmerized, just minutes from the Hood River Inn. We felt absolutely “local.”

Back to breakfast. When you stay at Hood River Inn your day begins with more breakfast choices than you can imagine, all fresh, made to order and included with your stay. Heaters on the deck allowed us comfort and outdoor dining. When we came back for dinner, famished from so much walking and fun, everyone found a favorite thanks to the talent of Chef Mark DeResta. As Hood River Oregon’s only waterfront restaurant, Riverside offers panoramic views of the mighty Columbia River from the dining room and the deck, a definite connection to the uniqueness of the area.

Remember the “everyone knows your name” feeling. It’s absolutely present in the cozy and well-appointed Cebu Lounge. We were lucky to be there on “prime rib night” and enjoyed more value for the yummy than you can imagine. Regular live music creates more of the fun and relaxing atmosphere we all love.

Yes, the top quality attention to detail in every aspect of the fresh and renovated rooms at the Hood River Inn will please you. Even a stroll down any hallway provides Pacific Northwest art as a feast for your eyes. It’s a very special experience.

Take advantage of the uncrowded wonder that is Hood River in Fall and Winter. Immerse yourself in comfort, friendly ambiance and amazing value on so many levels. After all the fun, good night.