A multimedia presentation and fundraiser at Lions Hall later this month will take people to the remote archipelago of the Aleutian Islands.
The event called Kayaking Expedition in the Aleutian Peninsula will recount a two-month, 900-nautical-mile adventure undertaken by paddlers Jack Rosen and Brian Craig, who said they experienced “the wildest conditions one could ever imagine paddling in,” while witnessing “not only storm and gale-force winds and unrelenting rainstorms but the most spectacular scenery and wildlife. Rugged treeless landscapes, mountain glaciers that dipped into the ocean and rose thousands of metres eventually gave way to the lush green fjords of the Kenai Peninsula.”
Wildlife seen on the trip included coastal brown bears (peninsula grizzlies), wolves, foxes, Steller sea lions, belugas, humpbacks, sea otters, murres, puffins and more.
The presentation on Friday, March 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. is being offered as a fundraiser in honour of dear friend Alex Lyons, who lost his battle with cancer one year ago (and whose celebration of life was held on Sunday, March 9). An enthusiastic outdoors-person, Lyons signed up for kayak guide training after years of sending his son Arthur to Island Escapades/Coastal Current Adventures camps.
“Alex was passionate in his role of outdoor educator and kayak guide and we valued him immensely,” said Rosen.
All funds raised during the March 28 evening will be allocated to the Alex Lyons Memorial Camp Fund, which will provide financial help for youth to attend camps that emphasize wilderness skills, outdoor education, and the beauty and biodiversity of our natural world.
Admission is $10, with larger donations gratefully accepted.
Rosen adds that the special event is also a 35th anniversary celebration of providing wilderness programs and a renewal of Island Escapades/Coastal Current Adventures as it changes hands from Jack Rosen and Candace Snow to their son Jasper Snow Rosen and his partner Carissa Winter.