Athletes’ efforts are paying off

Denali Park, Alaska - By bringing together a community of people to celebrate our common love for the outdoors, the Athletes With a Cause charity program has been able make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

This year’s 32nd Annual Nenana River Festival brought together whitewater kayakers from all over the state of Alaska and in the process raised over $1700 for our charity efforts. We have now raised enough money to purchase ski equipment for people without the use of their legs and are well on our way towards our goal of sending 15-underprivileged children to ski camp this winter. Read the story »

Blueberries in August

Broad Pass, Alaska - Fall in Alaska is about as good as it gets. The colors start to change, the animals are on the move preparing for the cold winter, and Silver salmon fill the rivers to keep their life-cycle uninterrupted. I don’t know of any other place where you can wander down to your favorite fishing hole, catch some salmon and then on your way home stop and pick fresh blueberries to cook it with. Read the story »

Bujagali Dam moving forward, by Jason Kane of NPR

Click on the photo to watch a slideshow of the White Nile.

Bujagali Falls, Uganda - In the East African nation of Uganda, where 95 percent of the people live without electricity, a $750 million hydropower project has been approved by the government.

While it promises to turn lights on in a handful of homes and businesses throughout the country, critics say the project will destroy cultural sites that are home to ancestral spirits, wreak environmental havoc and kill one of the best white-water rafting spots in the world.

Click here to read the rest of this report from Jason Kane of NPR: Eastern Uganda Grapples With Power Plant Project, or read my initial story on kayaking the Nile River and the impact of the dam: Searching an African Pearl for Alternatives.