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Greetings from the north!  The Yukon mountain tops are blanketed in crimsons and yellows as fall sets in. The river gear is packed away once again and thoughts are already on winter adventures and planning for next summer.
We have enjoyed our first season of operating jointly with the union of Nahanni River Adventures and Whitewolf Adventure Expeditions. In spite of the steep learning curve, it seems that we will be able to preserve the best of both operations. The result for us has been super charged enthusiasm to provide the best adventure holiday possible. Barry and I compliment each other with the resources we bring to the task. When I first began outfitting adventures on the Nahanni River many years ago, I thought that guiding one a year would be an enjoyable escape from teaching outdoor courses. That didn't last long. The reputation of the Nahanni took over and soon it was a full time endeavour. As the seasons passed, people would finish the trip and say 'wow, that was fantastic, where to next?' The Tatshenshini came next, and the others followed. As you will see with the '98 schedule, our merger now allows us to offer to you expeditions on virtually every northern river that lures the traveller! We are very excited with the prospects and hope you will share many holidays with us exploring the diverse and dramatic north! We also hear your advice - 'grow slowly and carefully'. Slide shows have been popular events in the past. If you have a group interested in an adventure that would enjoy an 'evening of northern images' or if we can liven up a function with a visitor from the north - please let us know. We are willing to come to you! Call our toll free number and we can discuss the possibilities. Last year, Paddler Magazine wrote an article about me and my involvement in ecotourism issues. Modesty prevented me from circulating, it but Barry thinks you should see it (do you think the first paragraph might have anything to do with it?) You will find it attached! As this goes to press I am on my way to the World Congress on Ecotourism and Adventure Travel. These are exciting times for wilderness tourism people. We are learning by experience how to provide as much benefit as possible to local communities while having the least impact on the environment. Opportunities like the Congress provide a chance to learn from other regions of the globe - hopefully avoiding mistakes they have made - and benefiting from strategies they have discovered. Congratulations to all of you who experienced a northern expedition this summer. If you were not able to join us, hopefully we will see you in '98. Sincerely, Neil Hartling and Barry Beales. |