Olympia Adventure Speakers Committee

OLYMPIA MOUNTAINEERS PRESENTADVENTURE SPEAKER SERIES

2018-2019 Adventure Speakers

Sept. 5, 2018.  Erden Eruc: Human Powered Solo Expedition Around the World.

Erden took a little more than 5 years to complete the first solo circumnavigation by human power.  What started as a simple idea in 1997, would become his quiet obsession.  The death of his friend while they were rock climbing together finally put him in motion.   "Life is short, get on with it" was the message.  Erden is the leading ocean rower in the world today.  He is the recipient of the 2013 Citation of Merit from the prestigious Explorers Club and one of the 2013 Adventurers of the Year- " Nine individuals changing the face of global adventure" by  Outside Magazine.  He is already listed in the 2009, 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2018 Guinness books of World Records.  He has 15 registered Guinness World Records.

Oct, 3, 2018.  Marko Pavela: Adventures South of the Border.

Olympia Mountaineer Marko Pavela will share stories from recent adventures in Mexico.  In 2015, Pavela flew to Mexico alone, for a climb of Pico de Orizaba.  Pavela found himself back in Mexico in 2017, this time with friends.  Objectives included a descent of the Chorreadero, an underground river canyon/cave that descends 1000 feet and requires multiple rappels and jumps to exit.  The party also spent 4 days packrafting the Rio La Venta, camping on the river's sandy banks, navigating whitewater hazards, and taking in fantastic sites like the Arco del Tiempo. Pavela aspires to inspire and will offer insights into planning self supported international adventures, and beginner packrafting and canyoneering.  

No November Adventure Speaker Series.  Please attend the Branch Banquet on October 27.

Dec. 5, 2018.  Craig Romano:  Urban Trails: Seattle and Vashon Island.

Discover your wild backyard.  Come take a slideshow trail tour around Seattle, Renton, Kent and Vashon Island with award winning guidebook author Craig Romano. Urban Trails: Seattle focuses on the trails, parks, and preserves within and around the urban and suburban areas of Seattle and South King County.  You will also find detailed trail information for Vashon Islands beautiful parks and preserves.  Craig describes trails to beaches, old growth forests, lakeshores, wildlife-rich wetlands, rolling hills, scenic vistas, historic sites, and vibrant communities.  You will learn about trails that are perfect for easy or all day hikes, short or long runs, refreshing walks and long distance trails that traverse the area.

Jan 2, 2019.  Michael Walther, Pacific Northwest Trail.

Olympia Mountaineer Michael Walther is back by popular demand.  This thru hiker kicks off 2019 by sharing photos and stories from his latest thru hike on the Pacific Northwest Trail.  The rugged and infrequently traveled PNT is a 1200 mile hiking route from Glacier National Park in Montana to Washington's Olympic Coast.  Along the way, the PNT crosses three national parks, seven national forests, two other national scenic trails and a ferry.  Come explore the gems of our beautiful home state- from popular trails you have probably hike to small towns and peaks you have never heard of and start dreaming up your next adventure in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest

Feb 6, 2019.  Lauren Danner: North Cascades National Park: A Crown Jewel Wilderness.

Author and outdoor enthusiast Lauren Danner traces the fascination story of North Cascades National Park, a crown jewel of the nation park system that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018.  Come learn how the park jump-started wilderness preservation in the Pacific Northwest and influenced the modern environmental movement.  As part of her talk, Danner will highlight places and hikes in the North Cascades important to understanding history.

March 6, 2019. Tami Asars:  Day Hiking Mount Rainier.

With old growth evergreens, wildflower meadows, enchanting wildlife, raging rivers, and sparkling lakes set against a backdrop of ice flows, gaping crevasses, and crumbling sheer rock walls, Mount Rainier National Park is a special sanctuary for locals and visitors alike.  Join author and photographer Tami Asars as she walks us through some of Mount Rainier's backcountry in an informative slideshow based on her brand new book, Day Hiking Mount Rainier(Mountaineers Books).  Pick up a copy of the book and have it personally signed after the presentation.  Books are $20.00. Please bring cash.

April 3, 2019.  Ken Lee: Seeing 101.

We all instantly recognize good photographs when we see them.  Then why is it so hard to create them with our own cameras?  Come learn the answer in Ken Lee's presentation: Seeing 101/  In Seeing 101. Ken shares his own "Aha Mo-ment" story when he suddenly understood the key to making good photographs, the principles behind his whole brain approach to learning photography, and plenty of practical tips to help you sharpen your creative vision.

May 1, 2019.  Philip Kramer: Photographer, Writer, Long-Distance Hiker.

Philip Kramer is a photographer and writer living on Orcas Island.  He's traveled to six of the seven continents ( Antarctica is the one that got away) and in 2013 he thru-hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail ( Yes, he is a little crazy).  And oh, by the way, he and Olympia Mountaineer Michael Walther hiked the first few hundred miles together!  Philip is passionate about wild places and human-powered travel; nothing makes him happier than a slow place in a beautiful place.  He hopes his work inspires appreciation and respect for the diversity of this planet while encouraging the dreams and imaginations of future adventures.  Philip is the author and photographer of Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Northern California.

• All Presentations are followed by a Q&A and author book signing.