Kumsheen Rafting Resort kicks off 2012 summer season with top-notch desert getaway in Lytton, BC
LYTTON, BC, June 20, 2012 /CNW/ - Riding the wave of another successful season, BC's top whitewater rafting venue Kumsheen Resort is reviving an old venture for the launch of its 2012 summer season with the action-packed Birding and Naturalist Outing, part of its Special Interest Trips, on July 1 to 3, 2012, in Lytton, BC.
In large, pontoon platform rafts (fit for all ages), trip leader Jim Ginns, who has led natural history trips for Meadowlark Festival, Native Plant Society of BC and South Okanagan Naturalists' Club, will take guests on a fascinating 80-kilometre river ride on the Thompson River, from Ashcroft to Lytton.
Journey through 40 sets of the river's legendary whitewater rapids then have lunch in the heart of the 150-million-year-old Black Canyon and discover first-hand what natural wonders thrive along the Thompson River corridor--from brilliant birds to funny-looking reptiles and other critters to desert plants--on this trip focused on geology, gold panning and history.
"We don't want to have just straight adrenalin. We want to learn something, we want to discover new things and that's where the natural history comes in," said Bernie Fandrich, founder of Kumsheen Rafting Resort, who, as a former Langara College instructor, first brought his students to the area in the 70s for a unique river experience with the natural tie-in.
"I've been down that section of river hundreds of times, even more, but when I went down with the leaders of these trips in May (this year), it was one of my most enjoyable trips ever because we were totally in tune with our environment. We spotted 47 species of birds on the first day, which is amazing."
During the breathtaking river run, guests will also get to learn about the wide array of different desert plants, such as sagebrush, prickly pear cactus, wild asparagus and Ponderosa pines, along the river. "This is a semi arid area, so the plants here get lots of sunshine and very little rain. There's a unique variety of plants here," said Fandrich.
As part of the itinerary, tourists are going to pan for gold, step ashore to try and spot spectacular birds and catch a glimpse of the famous bighorn sheep near a huge talus slope. It's a unique tour opportunity to see the areas that are almost inaccessible otherwise. "There are lots of landslides, between Ashcroft and Spences Bridge, with a major slide right at Spences Bridge," said Fandrich.
So, what are you waiting for? Clean your binoculars and whistle your favourite bird call for an unforgettable summer adventure.
For more information go to http://kumsheen.com/naturalist/birding/, for images go to http://kumsheen.com/media-coverage/images-videos/ and to chat with someone call 1 800 663 6667 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
Share this article