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DO YOU NEED A GUIDE?

We are often asked '' Do we really need a guide to do that?'' While there is seldom a simple yes or no answer, here are some guidelines:

ARE YOU EXPERIENCED AND HAVE THE LEVEL OF TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED? - Have you done these activities before and do you have the level of training to enable you to deal with the situations that may occur?  How well do you respond in stressful emergency situations?

CAN YOU FIND YOUR WAY TO YOUR DESTINATION AND BACK? - Do you have a compass and current map and do you know how to use them?  Do you have a GPS and know how to use it?  If you have inexperienced people in your group that you are responsible for, have you done the trip before and know the potential hazards on the route?  Are you up to date on current road and route conditions or know how to find out?

DO YOU HAVE THE TIME TO GET READY? - It takes a lot of time to get your gear and food together and to do all the research for a successful trip to a new area.  Have you obtained all the necessary permits? Getting some sleep before leaving for the trip and bringing everything you need are good things.

DO YOU HAVE THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED? - How technical is the trip?  Do you need trekking poles, ropes, snow or rock protection, ice ax, harness, helmet, crampons, and do you know how to use them?  Do you have the appropriate tents, cooking gear, water filters, clothing, boots, etc.?  Having good gear requires trial and error, time, and money.

DO YOU HAVE WILDERNESS MEDICAL SKILLS? - Do you have the training and experience to diagnose and treat the full range of illness and injuries which may be encountered in the backcountry?  Do you have the medical supplies you may need?  Do you know how to organize an evacuation/rescue?

So, OK, you decide to go by yourself anyway, are you going to survive?  My observation is - probably.  Probably, as long as the weather stays good, you have tracks to follow that actually go where you want to go, there is no accident, nothing breaks, and there is someone who can help you if you need it.

Going with OPA or other qualified guide services will satisfy the guidelines above.  All of our lead guides will have done the trip prior to leading it, will be Wilderness First Responders, are adept in land navigation, and have the technical skills appropriate to the trip.  They will also be absolutely delighted to be sharing the outdoor experience with you and will be focused on your requirements.  Our gear is tested, durable and appropriate to the trip.  Plus, we provide what you need and we feed you.

We understand you are looking for an optimum experience whether it's your first climb or backpacking trip; or you've done this a lot, but enjoy the convenience of having us take care of the logistics.  We get the gear together, prepare the food, plan the route, and do the driving.  We will also provide a porter for you if you require one.

OPA guides are all experienced and do this work because they enjoy it, not because they expect to get rich.  They are foregoing regular day jobs with 401Ks, benefits, paid vacations, or sick days.  They are looking forward to serving you and will always appreciate a tip for a job well done.

 

Here's an article from the Oregonian, Washington County Weekly, 6/22/2006. p. 13.

June 22, 2006

RECREATION Guides can heighten outdoor experience Guides can help outdoor experience go up a notch
SUMMARY: Nature Tapping an expert lets hikers, bikers and others focus on the outing and not the details
Outdoor adventure is as close as a short drive or bike ride away for most Oregonians. With trails marked and maps easy to come by, enthusiasts might wonder what --if any --is the benefit to hiring a guide.

"Most people tell me it's a feeling of security that you're going to have a good experience," said Ken Barker, owner and veteran guide with NW Discoveries. "I think it's also a chance to have interactions with others, especially if you're with someone who's knowledgeable about the area."

Guide and trip leaders can be found at recreation districts and community colleges, wildlife organizations and government agencies, as well as those in business for themselves. The outings they orchestrate can be as relaxing as a stroll along Fanno Creek to listen for warblers to as challenging as scaling Mount Adams.

Hiring a guide, Barker added, means you don't have to sweat the details, worry about getting lost or fret over equipment and supplies.

"There's also something about knowing that you've signed up for that trip and others are waiting for you that'll get you off the couch or out from behind that computer and outdoors," he said.

The best guides are well trained and organized. Like outstanding teachers, they have a passion for making the experience a rewarding one for those around them.

"When I'm out by myself and see or hear something interesting, my first inclination is to point it out to someone," Mike Houck said with a laugh. The urban naturalist, who's been leading outings for the Audubon Society of Portland and Metro for more than 35 years, said he still gets a kick out of seeing a kid smile when he sees something in nature for the first time.

Earlier this month, Houck led a flotilla of kayaks exploring the lagoon around Ross Island as part of Great Blue Heron Week. As the watercraft drifted through the manmade channel, Houck pointed out dark blotches in the trees. When the boaters zoomed in with their binoculars, they spotted the distinctive heads and wings of heron and a nearby rookery.

"It's like studying the canvas of an artist, or a fine wine or book," Houck said. "You can enjoy it yourself, but if you have a guide to direct your attention to the details or point out the subtleties, it really enriches the experience."

Jennifer Devlin, Portland's environmental program coordinator, agrees. She's been leading trail hikes and treks into wetlands for more than 30 years. A guide, she said, can turn the mundane or so-so experience into a memorable occasion.

"They tell you when to look up to see that baby owl in a nest you might walk by or to turn that log in time to see a salamander," Devlin said. "I like to put myself in the place of those going out for the first time and see what I can do to pique their curiosities."

"If they come back," she added, "then I know I've been successful."

Joe Whittington, a former Oregon farm boy and retired computer engineer, has run Oregon Peak Adventures since 1998. He has taught survival classes, led climbing expeditions and guided backpacking adventures throughout the Northwest.  And he has trained other guides.

I not only look for their technical knowledge but their enthusiasm, because that's what customers want," Whittington said. "You can teach someone mountaineering skills, but there's a certain intangible in your personality that you either have or you don't --and the good ones have it."