YOU DON'T have to be in peak physical shape and out- Fitted with a lot of maps and faney equipment to explore the outdoors in seme new and exciting ways. By Maureen Curtis Contributing Writer By forming partnerships with several small outdoor recreation F companies, the North Vancouver Recreation Commission (NVRC) is now able to introduce the aver- age person to some out-of-the- ordinary experiences: indoor and outdoor rock climbing, kayaking. cunocing, tiver rafting, horseback riding, orienteering and backpack- ing. “We want to provide North Shore residents with unique and tailored programas." says NVRC special projects coordinator Lestie June, Until recently, these activities have often been associated with a kind of Gfitism because you woulda‘t try them without the guidance of an expert. But with the public's growing interest in outdoor experiences, the recreation commission is try- ing to put the inexperienced per- son who secretly hankers for a taste of adventure in touch with the “pro.” Since the last recreation pro- gram came out with the details, people up to the age of 70 have been registering for the new ses- sions. “This is the first year we have had more North Shore people sign up with us.” says Bruce Wilson of North Vancouver-based Sage Wilderness. His company is leading ses- sions on orienteering, wilderness survival, mountaineering in the Parr Se iy ok babaeiprourten} a NEWS photo Mike Wakefield SAGE WILDERNESS paddler Bruce Wilson (left) gives Ben Pare a tip on kayaking onto a beach during a recent outdoor adventure program sponsored by the North Vancouver recreation com- mission. Wiison's North Vanccuver-based company is holding sessions on orienteering, wilder- ness survival and mountaineering in the Spearhead/Tantaius area. Spearhead/Tantatus Range. basic rockclimbing, kayaking in the Gulf {stands and backpacking on Garibaldi, the Howe Sound Crest Trail and the West Coast Trail. “We try te tailor each experi- ence (o meet everyone's personal objectives.” says Wilson. Prices range from $70 for an introduction to Kayaking to $695 for a seven-day walking and pad- dling tour of Clayoquot Sound/Meares Island. Ail GE refrigeration including side-by-side fridges now specially priced at Combined! COME P ERY June is excited by the interpre- live river rafting trips offered by The River League for just $39. Ruther than providing rafters with white water “thrills and chills.” Sebastian Wade shares his degree in biology and knowledge of natural history to enliven a tour of the Squamish River. Depending on the time of year, spawning salmon. batd eagles, curious seals and trumpeter swans become the stars of family tours offered by River League tours, In addition to the pool or the aren, yeu can new drop your kid off at The Edge indoor climbing nesday, August 17, 199¢ - North ! hore News - 43 ORL EER PGS I 66 Drop your kid off at The Edge indoor climbing facility in North Vancouver for a few hours of scaling their walls, 99 facility in North Vancouver for a few hours of scaling their walls, There ure introductory courses designed for adults, teens and kids, eight to $5, with equipment availsble for rental and plenty of supervision. Graduates can sign on with Mare Dube Climbing Guides Ltd. when they are ready to try the real thing. Their two-day introductory course is $165, Canadian Cutback Adventure have taken the “roughing it” aspect out of exciting outdoor experiences with lavishly catered trips of varying kinds in-several spectacular west coast locales. Their first offering through the Recreation Commission is 3 hik- ing and horseback riding adven- ture in the Campbell Valley. SUN Peres nme es [SF ene ecw ets 18 cubic feet of innovative, con- temporary GE styling and energy efficiency. See-thru crispers and gairy trays plus cantilever glass shelves make everything visibie at a glarice, Limited quantities of eft hand, right hand, white-on- white and white with black han- ma . dies. A very cool value! (GE family fe rn Olior ends Aug. 30/94 size fridges start at just $699.) ee mercurcry: rerun rammui erwname staerneren es commmecicth A SHADE BETTER Specializing in Blinds and Draperies for over 8 years 984-4101 Vancouver 264-7255 : Whistler 932-6517 i All RLEVOLOR’ * products 50% off offer onds Aug. 30'94 At your authorized G.F. Sales, Service & Farts Store: 117-949 West 3rd Si. 2 2370 West 41st Ave. f Squamish 692-5857