Out & About
Kayakers survive Grand Canyon
OUTSEE – Typically the Grand Canyon is floated by raft because of the time needed to boat the roadless stretch of the Colorado River.
Most trips take 12-21 days to negotiate big whitewater and long stretches of flatwater.
Skill requirements are amplified for the few self-supported kayakers who attempt to carry all their gear – including the required “groover.”
But Scott Sills and Mike Copeland of Boise proved it could be done in a 16-day December adventure they launched in creek boats stuffed with 250 pounds of gear.
They’ll present a program (and tell whether they could Eskimo roll kayaks that heavy) Monday, 7 p.m., at the Corbin Community Center, 827 W. Cleveland, sponsored by Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club.
Will ospreys adopt valley Wal-mart?
OUTPOSTS – A hawk-eyed reader recently noticed poles that had supported urban osprey nests near the Valley Costco were missing – and so were the osprey.
Washington Fish and Wildlife Department habitat biologist Karin Divens said they were taken down during site prep for a new Wal-mart.
The developers tried to follow the agency’s tips for replacing nest platforms, she said. “Unfortunately, they were unable to get approval from neighboring property owners to place permanent platforms.
“Instead, new poles and platforms were put up on the Wal-mart property as far away as possible from the highest activity areas.
“The new poles and platforms were put up prior to removal of the old ones. So now we wait and see if the birds choose to nest here when they return. After 12 years of documented nesting, no osprey nesting has been documented at this location for two years.”
However, a Canada goose apparently nested on a platform last year.
Spring hikes range from city to sage
OUTDO – Two cool group hikes are set for Saturday:
• Annual Buttercup Hike with the Dishman Hills Natural Area Association. Meet 1 p.m. at Camp Caro on Sargent Road just south of Appleway. Free.
• Sageland hike near Odessa led by Mountain Gear. Cost: $39.
Sign up: 2002 N. Division, 625-6200 or spokaneparks.org/
Biologist to discuss area link with lynx
What: “Canada Lynx Recovery in Washington, and Other Footnotes,” free program.
When: Friday, with refreshments at 6:30 p.m., program at 7.
Who: Presented by Scott Fisher, wildlife biologist with the Washington Department of Natural Resources based in Colville. Sponsored by Friends of the Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Refuge.
Where: Colville Community College, 985 S. Elm, Colville.
Details: Fisher, head of a lynx habitat study in Okanogan County, also works with grizzlies and wolves.
Care for your bike
OUTFIX – A free bicycle maintenance clinic is set for Thursday, 7 p.m., at REI. Preregister to reserve a seat, rei.com/Spokane/