New Trips For 1999 - vacation ideas

Humpback Whales Service Trip, Maul January 24-February 3. See new horizons in '99--share the tropical Pacific with a humpback whale! We'll continue a research project conducted by a cetaceans expert. Time is included to snorkel among tropical fish and hike tropical forests, the coast, and Haleakala volcano. Leader: Ray Simpson. Price: $1,245; Dep: $200. [99450A]

Big Island Leeward Coast Kayak. May 15-22. Using sit-on-top kayaks, we'll travel, camp, and explore the historically rich leeward coast of the Big Island. Multi-hued sand beaches, calm coves, and an azure sea will greet us. Hike and snorkel time is provided. Shaded campgrounds, tropical fruit, and Kona coffee add their magic. Kayak rental fee included. Participants must be able to swim. Leader: Lynne Simpson. Price: $1,150; Dep: $200. [99451A]

Midway Bird Sanctuary Service Trip, Midway Atoll. June 26-July 4. The American Galapagos! This atoll is home to Laysan albatross, monk seal, green sea turtles, and a herd of an estimated 200 spinner dolphin. Under the direction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we will work on a five-year baseline survey of seabird nesting patterns. Work includes walking plots of albatross, red-tailed tropicbirds, and brown noddies. Interisland flight and lodging included. Leader: Jill McIntire. Price: $2,185; Dep: $200. [99452A]

Raft

Canyonlands of the Owyhee River, Owyhee Canyons Wilderness Study Area, Oregon. May 3-7. Runnable only in the spring when upstream snowmelt briefly fills the canyon with rushing water and challenging rapids, the Owyhee of southeastern Oregon is the most remote, pristine river we run. Wildlife inhabit the rimrock and golden eagles soar above. A very special river--wild, isolated, and pure--its canyons rival the stunning beauty of Bryce and Zion. Leader: Rebecca LeCheminant. Price: $790; Dep: $100. [99060A]

San Juan River/Cedar Mesa Rafting and Backpacking, Grand Gulch Primitive Area, Utah. May 8-16. Enjoy the best of both river running and backpacking on this exploration of the canyons of the San Juan River in southeastern Utah. Float the gentle San Juan for three days, including passage through its deeply cut "goosenecks," then backpack for four days into Grand Gulch and Slickrock Canyon. An on-trip archaeologist will explain the area's rich cultural treasures. Leader: Paul Middleton. Price: $990; Dep: $100 [99061A]

Dolores River: Forest to Desert, San Juan Forest, Colorado. May 17-21. Raft through 100 miles of one of the West's most beautiful and varied rivers, beginning in the wooded, mile-high Ponderosa Gorge and concluding in the beautiful, deep Slickrock Canyon of the desert. We'll run Three-Mile and Snaggletooth rapids (Class IVs), many Class II and III rapids, culminating in the fury of The Narrows. Plenty of time for exploring side canyons and ancient Anasazi rock art. Leader: Mary O'Connor Price: $790; Dep: $100. [99062A]

Grand Canyon: Upper Half--Marble Gorge, Grand Canyon Park, Arizona. May 18-23. For six days we'll explore the most beautiful half of the Grand Canyon, traveling 90 miles from Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch. Marble Gorge, named by Major Powell for the beauty of the canyon's walls, has some of the best rapids: House Rock, Roaring Twenties, Hance, Sockdolager. We'll explore Red Wall Cavern, Vasey's Paradise, Silver Grotto, Nanokweap granaries, and swim the stunning turquoise waters of the Little Colorado River. Leader: J. Muir Macpherson. Price: $1,330; Dep: $200. [99063A]