Date: 4/5/2008 9:56:11 PM

Base Camp Log 308

Well, we are off to a great start for the 2008 season. So I have been too busy to update on here. Susan and I took out some guided trips during March, and the number of guests in the hostel nearly doubled from March last year. One memorable weekend included a crew of graduate students from Wheaton College, they made s'mores on our stove top every night, and a few did dramatic readings from our collection of Outside Magazines (ok I admit I got talked into participating as well busting out my best Kentuckian accent). Thanks for the goodies and entertainment girls! The same weekend we also had some folks in from the northeast who made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Not only did we get some when they came out of the oven, they left a plate full for us. Thanks to y'all as well. April is also starting out nicely. Today I took out a client(Colin) to teach him about rappelling and building rappel anchors. Colin is going to participate in Search and Rescue training with Kentucky Civil Air Defense, and wanted a greater knowledge base before the class. Since Thursday April 3rd, we've had some of our "regular" guests staying with us that have been braving the rain and seeking out those dry routes to climb. As I always say, even if you're faced with rainy weekend and can't find anything dry to climb, at least you're in the Red hangin' with friends. The menu for The Gorge Bistro is coming together, and our target date of April 18 for a full menu is totally feasible. We have been going through some trial and errors with the bread we are going to use for our sandwiches and burgers. This weekend we tried some red onion focaccia. We want to make our own but don't want the sandwich to get lost in the bread. Any suggestions out there?

Date: 3/1/2008 8:54:29 PM

Base Camp Log 307

It’s March 1st, 2008 and we are ready to begin our 10th year of operations. Chris Hayes, our operational manager, will arrive late tonight. Susan and Chris just finished a climbing trip that included stops in Utah and Mexico. It’s the first of March and seven guests are currently staying at the hostel. The weather is just breaking from winter’s last attempt to prolong his stay. As he releases his icy grip, old and new friends suffering from cabin fever are making reservations. As always I look forward to the start of each season. We enter this 10th year with a peace and comfort that I really don’t understand. Perhaps there is comfort in our staff, or our routines. Perhaps it is the knowledge that old friends will continue to support our efforts, or that opportunities to introduce ourselves to new clients will occur. Perhaps it is age or that I have found the contentment that my Father prayed daily that each of his children would find. Perhaps it is a wonderful wife that I don’t deserve or four fantastic children. Perhaps it is all of the above. Regardless we are glad spring is here and that we will be seeing each of you soon.

Date: 5/6/2007 1:44:15 PM

Base Camp Log 306

As we start our 9th season, I could not be happier with the True North team. Jake, Kim, Chris E, Chris H, Jim, John, Alax and Rick. What a cool group of individuals. This year we will add to our gear shop and take it on-line. We will orginize the Kentucky State Championship Bicycle Stage Race and the 5th running of the Fig Adventure Race. We will continue to provide one of the best climbing guide services in the Mid-West and we will launch into our International Experditions. The hostel is still the best place to saty in the Gorge and the food is fantastic. We hope to see you soon.

Date: 7/5/2006 11:40:08 AM

Base Camp Log 305

The water levels are low for canoes and kayaks. However, the rains have come. We are watching the guages. My guess is the levels will return by the weekend.

Date: 7/1/2006 10:32:49 PM

Base Camp Log 304

Had two kayaks and a canoe on the Red today. The group had to drag through several low areas. Unless someone just really wants to paddle the Red, the focus needs to be on the North Fork of the Kentucky River. We will keep you updated on the rain and water levels. The good news, the rocks not wet and climbing is great.