A day at the Wallow

Every tea time it happens- you could almost set your watch to it. It’s so impressive that one of the world’s leading animal experts had never seen anything like it. “We’ll be in the front office and see a shadow and it will be a big bull moose, right out our front door,” says owner operator of the Mount Engadine Lodge Chris Williams. “Getting distracted around here is easy.”

Jack and Suzi love rugged environments, they couldn’t have been more at home at the Engadine Lodge found deep in Kananaskis Country, just out the back of Canmore Alberta. “What we love here in Alberta is the mountains, streams, wildlife and incredible people all in one spot. We are really drawn to rugged environments and than being able to see the wildlife” said Suzi Hanna – the co host for the series, Into the Wild.

For a read of the Craig & Canyon's interview with Jack and Suzi, please click here

They were waiting for us upon arrival. As we pulled up a moose was standing there having lunch. This lodge was built 20 years ago in front of a wallow, a pool of enriched mud that offers up cilium, a nutrient moose need to keep up their bone development. The cilium is sucked up by the plant life and therefore the moose come around here pretty much daily. “A visit here is like a one a day vitamin,” says Williams.

“I have never seen this in my life,” as Jack Hanna said just moments after one mighty moose almost charged directly through the make shift TV set. With Cara Luft on the ‘stage”, the camera’s rolled while the four moose made their way through the valley and around the wallow. Luft strung her guitar and belted out some stellar tunes which will be used in an upcoming episode of Into the Wild. She took a Canadian Juno Award in 2005 with her former band the Wailin’ Jenny’s.

Drs. Freer and Johnson back to Base Camp

If you have not had the chance yet get over to Drs. Luanne Freer and Eric Johnson's blog at http://www.everester.org/

Both Doctors are up a Everest Base Camp this month managing the operations for the world's highest medical clinic. At over 17,500 feet above sea level, Freer and Johnson will be at Everest Base Camp through April helping to manage any medical issues that may arise.

Track & Trail is honoured to have both Freer and Johnson heading up the faculty for our most adventurous academic retreat so far- en route to Everest Base Camp Oct 1-21, 2009.

For details check out out website at http://www.tandtadventures.com/adventure.php?adv=4

EIA Presents The Sun's Climb for Kids

In support of Big Brothers Big Sisters - June 2009 a collection of Albertans will be off to Russia on a summit mission for Europe's tallest peak, Mount Elbrus. At 18,510 feet above sea level, this mountain – with its twin volcanic peaks – makes for a very unique destination.

We are now recruiting trekkers to become a part of the experience.

Packing determination, strong will and a little help from mother nature to ensure the good weather are all important assets to this climb. From its summit the group will see the Black Sea to the south and to the far north, Moscow. It will have been seven life altering days that have taken them to this point, exploring the white nights of Saint Petersburg to the cultural wonders of Russia’s capital.

In its third year, EIA Presents the Sun’s Climb for Kids supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters in-school mentoring program has raised thousands for the charity and important volunteers.
All proceeds and media attention from the expedition are directed by to help the charity. Some people may not be a fan of heading into high places, so the project encourages those who are looking for adventures closer to home to become a volunteer. Spending one hour a week as an in-school mentor can mean big things for a local school child.

June 19-July 5 2009, a collection of this province’s adventure seekers will be lead by four-time Everest summiter, Wally Berg through the top cities of Russia spending over two weeks within a country filled with fascination. Berg and his colleagues from Berg Adventures International – one of the world’s top expedition producers, have put together an incredible adventure of city stops and the Greater Caucuses Mountains- home to Elbrus.
Adventure highlights include:
· Days exploring Saint Petersburg and Moscow
· Taking the Midnight Train to Moscow
· A seven day summit attempt of Mount Elbrus
· Ski and snowboarding opportunities within the Greater Caucuses known as “The Russian Chamonix”
· Visits with local school children and cultural visits

For full details visit www.edmontonsun.com/elbrus09