Jim and I attended the annual Adventure Travel World Summit in Charlevoix, Quebec recently. This is a gathering of the best of the adventure travel industry. We are educated, inspired and motivated by the exchange of ideas and energy. Quebec was a great host as participants enjoyed pre-Summit adventure and the Day of Adventure before getting down to business. The Marketplace facilitated meetings with potential clients and partners.
A day of exploring beautiful Quebec City was a fitting way to end our time in Canada. One of only a few walled cities in North America, we were enchanted with the European feel of Quebec City. The St Lawrence River flows through giving the feel of a seaport. We were less than impressed with a dinner of crepes which turned out to be dry and uninteresting; not at all as we expected.

ATWS Quebec

National Geographic Adventure Novemeber issue

The November issue of National Geographic Adventure Magazine’s Cover Story is “25 Best New Trips of 2010″ ATMS clients featured are:

Biosphere Expeditions
Wildland Adventures
Discover France
ROWAdventures
Active New Zealand

Be sure to check out the magazine to plan your next trip – on newsstands now!

Denver's Race for the Cure

ATMS founder Nancy Harrison celebrated 10 years as a breast cancer survivor Sunday, October 4 at the Denver Race for the Cure.  Partners Jim Steiner and Bobbi Engle joined with Nancy and her family.  It was a beautiful day to share this milestone.  Family from as far away as Orlando came for the week-end.

Race for the Cure ATMS Team

Market to three niche groups who want to visit your tourism town this season: http://ruraltourismmarketing.com/2009/09/market-to-3-niche-groups-who-are-already-visiting-your-tourism-town-this-fall

Jim Steiner

Pike Place Market

Jim and I spent part of the week in Seattle last week – Jim’s first visit! We had lunch with Tim Jacox of American Safari Cruises; checked out ExOfficio, then had a wonderful dinner on the Beach with my buddy Jake Haupert of Evergreen Escapes. We were joined by Jake’s partner Dan Moore for a terrific laid-back seafood and martini meal. Thanks guys – you’re the best!
The following day we had met with Shannon Stowell with the Adventure Travel Trade Association and then had lunch with the “Wild Gang” at Wildland Adventures. Great food, good to meet everyone and learn about the new branding strategies Wildland is developing.
Jim and I spent the morning walking around the waterfront and visiting Pike Place Market. We purchased fresh halibut, chili ristras and gifts for the family back home; had a great breakfast and photographed each other in front of the totem pole in the park.

Pike Place MarketPike Place Market

I decided to visit the Poudre River Canyon last Saturday, September 19. I’ve been wanting to hike up to Zimmerman Lake which is just below the summit of Cameron Pass. The fall colors promised to be in their glory and the weather was beautiful.

I drove nearly 65 miles up Hwy 14 following the river all the way; stopping to photograph aspen trees and an old cabin. Arriving at the trailhead, I stepped to teh bacak of my van to get my gear together when a huge bull moose passed directly in front of my vehicle, moving on west as he grazes on drying grasses. I quickly grabbed my camera and got a farily good shot.
I proceeded up the mile-long trail which is a 7% grade so I stopped often to catch my breath and look at the changing colors. About 30 minutes in, I spotted a young bull moose just ahead on the side of the trail. I stopped to wait for him to pass and took more photos. Again another 200 yards away I saw another young-looking bull moose with a fully formed yet small rack. After waiting a full 15 minutes for him to move, I decided to turn back. I was totally alone on the trail in the middle of a moose convention. They were obviously utilizing this area that morning and I didn’t want to disturb them.
I drove back down the canyon and fished the river instead, enjoying a beautiful fall day in Colorado

Zimmerman Lake Trailhead

Destinations West, a leading vacation lodging company, announces I’m Just Breathing Retreats the weekend of September 18 -20 and again October 1-3 2009 which coincides with Grand Lake’s Race for the Cure. A collaboration of girlfriends who are also entrepreneurs, the retreats will feature motivational speakers, special lodging and meals, music and promise to be transformational.

Mary Carwile, a breast cancer survivor, author and motivational speaker will share her experiences; Peggy Mann, a singer-songwriter from Grand Lake will provide inspiration through music in a private house concert. DiAnn Butler, owner of Destinations West mountain lodging will provide accommodations and meals.

This retreat is led by Amanda Prada and will include meditation and visualization practice, light yoga sessions, gentle serenity walks and small discussion group activities.
The agenda has been arranged to allow time for relaxation, reflection and ‘just breathing’. The beautiful mountain destination of Grand Lake provides the venue for the retreats.

An extra feature is the opportunity to record memoirs or thoughts in the private recording studio of host Peggy Mann.

The retreats can be a given as a gift to survivors by family members or friends. Groups of girlfriends and co-survivors are also invited to participate. For more information or reservations, please see: www.mtnlodging.com or call 1-800-545-WEST.

This clip from a Sony’s executive conference is a must see.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY

Facinating, scary and exciting are adjectives that come to mind. Good to ponder this interesting set of facts and how it will change our lives and businesses.

If Facebook is not currently a big part of your company’s promotional and marketing program, read this brief article http://www.briansolis.com/2009/07/facebook-slowly-taking-over-the-world-now-at-250-million-users

I was invited to spend the week-end in Grand Lake to celebrate Buffalo BBQ Days. I drove over Trail Ridge Road in Grand Teton National Park which was spectacular!

Browsing for dinner

Peggy Mann and her band

It was great fun – from the Rotary Pancake Breakfast to the concert on the beach. Thanks to DiAnn Butler of Destinations West for the lodging. The Peggy Mann Band’s music was terrific.

Flippin those Flapjacks