Discovering Nature's Classroom - Stimulating the Mind with Naturalists and the Body with Rapids
LYTTON, BC, March 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Kumsheen Rafting Resort, one of British Columbia's premier tourism destinations, is launching a new program that combines whitewater rafting on the majestic Thompson River and expert-led birding, naturalist and geology outings.
Kumsheen will use its fleet of ultra-safe power rafts as "accessible adventure classrooms" for travellers who want to learn about the great outdoors in one of the greatest natural settings on earth.
These Special Interest Trips combine two-day whitewater rafting excursions on the Thompson River in B.C.'s sunny Interior with different themes along the river corridor: a search for birds, plants, and wild animals, for example, or for gold, gems and geology.
Demographics and an aging population are influencing the launch of Kumsheen's special-interest rafting excursions.
Bernie Fandrich was an athletic young man when he pioneered rafting on the Thompson River almost four decades ago. "Anyone over 45 years old wants to do more than challenge the body," Fandrich said of the new Special Interest Trips.
"We think bright, mature travellers want safe, accessible adventure combined with an opportunity to learn about the natural world."
"These hybrid whitewater rafting excursions make a lot of sense to me. The adrenalin still flows, but my mind goes into overdrive at the same time. That's a great combo for us grey-hairs."
Fandrich intends to be out on the Thompson River on each departure as a rafting guide and assist the leaders. Biologist and naturalist Rick Howie, naturalist Jim Ginns and birder Katharine Shewchuk team up on the birding & naturalist outings; BC author Murphy Shewchuk and landslide expert Doug VanDine jointly lead the Gold, Gems and Geology excursion.
Fandrich has authored two books about the Thompson River and has run the rapids thousands of times, but still gets a jolt of adrenalin every time he's on the river.
In the evenings and early mornings, when they are not on the river or exploring a side canyon, Special Interest outing participants will have all the amenities of the Kumsheen Rafting Resort at their disposal. Feasting on gourmet French cuisine in the Cutting Board Restaurant, recharging in a Teepee or themed Canvas Cabin, and relaxing around the pool or hot tub are the rewards for a day of pure enjoyment on the Thompson River.
For high-resolution images and videos, visit http://kumsheen.com/media/images_videos.php. For backgrounders visit http://kumsheen.com/media/backgrounder.php and to chat with someone call Bernie or Lorna Fandrich 1 800 663 6667 [email protected] or [email protected].
Bernie or Lorna Fandrich, 1 800 663 6667, [email protected] or [email protected].
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