[Awclist] Speaking of Kirtland, base access, and Whitewater

[Cliff Loucks]

Kirtland's Outdoor Recreation program has been mentioned in the current thread about Pool Sessions and access to them.  Following on from this (in my long winded way as typical for me):

Each season Kirtland recruits 'volunteers' to become Guides for their commercial trips on the Lower Box and the Race Course (with occasional trips through White Rock Canyon).  So, here's the opportunity for anyone to get involved with this if they might be interested.

The notice below is the one I sent out to Sandia Labs personnel.  We've received several responses so far (a couple of them who already have guiding experience!), but we are looking for more.  The 'big-time' commitment mentioned in the notice is to both warn the newbies what's involved AND to indulge those that enjoy car camping and rafting at Pilar as much as possible (as I do).

For me, part of the enticement (a couple years back now) was the free 'rental' of ODR's extensive river gear.  Post the training (including the current certifications in First Aid, CPR, & instruction in Swift Water Rescue), then working five trips (guiding or driving shuttles) for Kirtland trips, you can exchange your 'volunteering' with checking out any whitewater gear that is not already scheduled for a trip.

An example is: two Septembers ago, I organized a Cataract trip for a few friends.  Not having any gear myself at that time, I checked out a 14' NRS Otter raft - fully rigged with everything including a huge cooler, dry box, rowing frame w/transom, and a 4 horse outboard (for the 30 miles of Lake Powell to cross), all for free.  For the normal homo-sapian, this would cost about $2200.00; but I got it for free!  Cool!

Recall the deal here is you have put in your time through the training and the guiding (or driving) for five of Kirtland's commercial trips.

Read the notice below and then contact with Dan or Jeff at Kirtland; or feel free to call me for more information.

My daytime phone is 505-844-9098, outside of working hours, call my cell at 505-604-1254.

For those who have managed to read all this, thank you!  Here's the notice:


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Learn to guide whitewater rafting: Become a white water raft guide at Kirtland AFB Outdoor Recreation. Every year Outdoor Recreation trains volunteers to guide its customers down Northern New Mexico¹s exciting Rio Grande whitewater. Stop by Outdoor Recreation to pick up the informational handout as soon as possible if you are interested. There is a fee of $100 and a big-time commitment; in return you will receive certifications in First Aid, CPR, Whitewater Raft Guiding, Swift Water Rescue, and a summer of fun. Contact Jeffrey Harris or Dan Isaac at Outdoor Recreation with questions and if you would like to sign up. They can be reached at 846-3923 or 846 1499. Outdoor Recreation is located at 8351 M Avenue SE, Bldg, 20410, KAFB, N.M. 87117. Outdoor Recreation provides guided outdoor adventures and equipment rentals for all base personnel to include Sandia employees and their friends/family.

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That's that.
--Cliff


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The 3Rs: Rafting, Riding*, Recovering*

Cliff Loucks
Albuquerque, Nuevo México

*Riding = playing on mountain bicycles
*Recovering = quality beer time