From grizzly bears to fly fishing, several interesting outdoors related programs are scheduled tonight in Spokane, plus one biggie for anglers in Sandpoint.

It's too bad people have to choose just one to attend.  Here's a sampling of the lineup:

• Fly fishing film helps anglers “Connect” with steelhead.
• 'Grizzly Manifesto” author to speak at Gonzaga.
• Bhutan trekking slide show funds opposition to Mt. Spokane ski area expansion.
• Lake Pend Oreille “state of the lake” fisheries presentation tonight.

Tonight's program on trekking in an exotic land is aimed at funding a local issue at Mount Spokane.

Spokane mountaineer John Roskelley will present a program on trekking in Bhutan tonight, 6 p.m., at the Community Building, 35 W. Main.

Donations benefit Save Mt. Spokane Coalition. RSVP: aswan@landscouncil.org.

The Spokane Mountaineers has voted to join The Lands Council in opposing a plan to expand the alpine ski area at Mount Spokane.

Roskelley, a mountaineer and former Spokane County commissioner, has been an outspoken opponent to adding a chairlift and opening ski runs on what's now considered the “backside” of the Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park.

ADVENTURE RACING — The end is in sight, at least figuratively for competitors in Expedition Idaho, the 6-day adventure race — 528 miles, 137,000 vertical feet – night and day through North Idaho.

“After an unbelievable week, where at times, we never thought we could pull everyone back together, the race has come together perfectly,” said organizer David Adlard of Athol. “And it looks like our grand scheme for the Blues and Brews finish (which many told me wouldn’t work/you’re crazy) is going to work perfectly, despite the forest fire near the Silver Mountain Resort which almost got to the gondola!”

Read on for Adlards just posted in-the-field report.

ADVENTURE RACING — I can't report where the coed teams are going in Expedition Idaho, the North Idaho adventure race that started Sunday — that's a secret that even the racer's don't know until they find their next clue on whether to hike, bike, climb, paddle or slog.

But I can tell you that a couple of lagging teams currently are near the Route of the Hiawatha Trail. Those teams are being directed to the “short course,” since they can't meet cutoff times for certain segments of the six-day, 500-mile route.

They may not complain.  It might give them a chance to catch a nap before the race ends this weekend at the the Blues and Brews event at Silver Mountain.

ADVENTURE RACING — Starting from Silver Mountain, the Expedition Idaho adventure race is off and  running/biking/paddling for 500 miles around a mostly uncharted course in North Idaho.

Two of the 13 registered teams are less than 50 minutes apart heading into segment three partway through the first 24 hours, according to this morning's report from race organizer David Adlard of Athol.

The first day found them traveling in the dark toward Lookout Pass and rapelling off cliffs at Stevens Lakes (map above).  The racers go day and night, resting for maybe two hours a day during the six-day event. They'll end at the Silver Mountain Brews and Blues fest.
 
“We are still looking for some volunteers later in the week for 'Survival Quest,' so please call to help!” Adlard said, noting that the racers go to some incredible remote terrain.

 Check out the Expedition Idaho website for live leaderboard, stories, videos, photos and more. 
  

ADVENTURE RACING — Only 10 days remain before the start of Expedition Idaho, the 400-mile uncharted adventure race teams from all over the world will be trying to cover in six days.

The photo above shows a course official sampling portion of “the trail.”

North Idaho organizer David Adlard said more volunteers are needed to help in remote locations on the course that will be covered by food, raft, kayak, mountain bike and through roped rappels.  Call 208-664-0135 or email funnflip@msn.com

Meantime, read on for interesting details from Adlard and experts who've been helping him set up waypoints for the cross-country route.  You'll be amazed.