Let a SOLE Experience speak for itself this summer!

As an organization our initial year has been chocked full of adventure and success.  We have reached 200 fans on Facebook and keep growing!  We were have created a new collaborative relationship with the Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA) and have been designated as a WWA SnowSchool, the only one in Northern Idaho!  The SnowSchool is the nations largest on snow provider of winter ecology curriculum and SOLE is one of 47 providers offering this dynamic experiential curriculum.  

Additionally, SOLE has now been licensed as an outdoor therapeutic program in Western Montana and we are currently accepting enrollment applications for our SOLE Journey Experiences program!

This intentional SOLE Journey Experience program is designed for:

• Individuals in search of a multi-day expedition which focuses on character and leadership development, environmental awareness and stewardship, human and natural history, as well as, outdoor living skills.

• Professionals, schools, and/or programs interested in an intentionally-designed short-term behavioral intervention to reinforce positive behavior and extinguish negative behavior.

• Professionals, schools, and/or professionals interested in a short-term placement with a transition back into their current setting. 

• Parents in search of a preventative and assessment measure prior to sending their child to a wilderness and/or residential program.

• Professionals who provide service for "families in need" recommending any of the previously mentioned services.

These 8 to 16 day expeditions typically occur in the beautiful Cabinet and Bitterroot Mountains of Montana, however, have also be custom-tailored to location and duration for schools, programs, and families in need.  Please click here for more info on SOLE Journey Experiences.

Spring has sprung in North Idaho and we are now settling in to longer days as we are busy planning our summer schedule.   As communities and organizations of North Idaho and Western Montana, and beyond, continue to embrace SOLE we are constantly amazed at how much support there is for the programming that we offer.  As we work towards our vision towards bring exceptional experiential and outdoor education to our region our summer season is looking great.  This summer we are offering a diverse portfolio of offerings to include collaborations with local non-profits and additional stand-alone programming as part of our SOLE Seasonal Experiences.  

Some of our Summer SOLE Seasonal Experiences include, but are not limited to:·       

• Wilderness Awareness Experiences - 6/15, 9/14, 9/23 (Montana Wilderness Association); 6/16 (Friends of Scotchman Peaks)

•  Father’s Day Mammal Tracking & Woodland Ecology Experience - 6/17

• Kayak Touring Outdoor Technical Skills Experiences - 6/22-6/25; 8/10-8/13; 9/06-9/10 (Eureka Institute)

• Autistic Adventurer Backpack Expedition - 7/15-7/21

• Selkirk Teen Backpacking Trek -7/22-7/28

• Youth Primitive Skills & Woodland Ecology Experience - 9/1-9/2

• Project LEAD – 8/5-8/9; 8/14-8/18

• Leave No Trace Trainer - 9/1-9/2

For the most updated list of SOLE Experiences please visit our calendar on our website.  As we close this Spring Issue of Polaris Expeditions we look forward to seeing you on the trail or water this summer!

Seasonal Experiences

Every season many of us look for opportunities which actually "enhance" that particular time of year.  Be it winter, spring, summer or fall each season brings opportunity to actually experience our natural world in a unique manner.  To support this, SOLE is currently offering our Seasonal Experiences centered on highlighting our local and regional natural playgrounds and outdoor classrooms.  SOLE Seasonal Experiences are stand-alone programs which focus on interdisciplinary curriculum including, human and natural history, outdoor technical skill development, and leadership development.  These experiences will continued to be offered on a donation cost-basis so we may acquire additional funding for our Fieldwork Experiences to serve individuals and groups in need.

During this summer season SOLE Seasonal Experiences are targeting the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and Bitterroot Mountains.

Several types are being offered, including:

• Wilderness Awareness Experiences
• Family Fun Experiences
• Leave No Trace Experiences

For more information on these and other SOLE Experiences please go to our organization website at www.soleexperiences.org!  Hope to see you on the trail!  ~ Dennison

To the Moon and Beyond!

Hello all,

I hope this email is finding you doing well and settling into your summer.  It seems that summer has finally come here in North Idaho which has been wonderful to say the least!

I am emailing today to personally thank each of you for your continued support in the development of Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education (SOLE).  Each of you has been instrumental in the evolution of this program over the past year.  Whether you have personally attended one of our SOLE Experiences, or donated your insight and personal experience we appreciate this support, and we look forward to collaborating in the future.

Today, I am excited to share with you that some of these combined efforts have supported SOLE in being approved as a 501(c)3 non-profit!  This serves to legitimize our organization even further by opening up additional sources of potential funding, and allows our donors to receive a tax deduction. 

Still the work continues! 

As I am sure you realize, the majority of funding for grassroots non-profits such as ours comes from private donations.  Any amount is helpful with assisting us in reaching our fund-raising and programming goals, including offering quality experiential education programming to individuals and groups in need -- especially those whom could not afford it otherwise.  Again as a 501(c)3 donations made to us are tax deductible. 

Currently, we are running a fund-raising campaign which will allow us to obtain much needed programming resources to support our experiential programming, as well as, subsidize programming costs for individuals and groups in need.  If you can not personnel assist us today, you can help us by obtaining additional donors.  As the old adage goes - "it takes a village to raise a child", and at SOLE we also believe that "it takes a child to raise a village".  SOLE is community-based and driven.  These funds will assist us in strengthening our local and regional communities through offering custom-tailored adult and youth experiential education programming. 

Please remember ANY amount will help us reach our goals, no matter how small.  For additional information on this fund-raising campaign please go to our Indie Go Go Page or you can send donations directly to our base camp.  To do so, please go to the SOLE website and click on the "Donate To SOLE!" tab.  There you can find our physical address or in the email footer below.

Also, please continue to stay-tuned to all things related to SOLE by visiting the SOLE website or the SOLE Facebook Fan Page.  We have some excellent Summer experiences coming up so come out and play! 

We appreciate any and all feedback and are open to suggestions, as well as, assistance with all aspects of our programming.  If something strikes your fancy and you think you can be of assistance please feel free to contact us and we'll see how we can fit you in.

Again, thank you for your continued support and we are excited about sharing the future with each of you -- one educational experience at a time!  Hope to see you on the trail or water this summer!

 

Cheers,
Dennison

Spring Run Off!

Ever year North Idaho, and other mountainous regions, awake from the slumber of winter.  Once quiet landscapes awake to the sounds of spring.  Birds and other wild creatures are busy rearing their young.  From macroinvertabre to large mammals, spring is a fantastic time to venture out.  Up here in the high country of North Idaho 'ole man winter seems to want to hang out longer pressuring backcountry travelers to often opt for a set of skis rather than hiking boots.  Still, any way you slice it, springtime can be an excellent time to explore the wonders of our natural ecosystems.  

As the snows yield way to mud there are other things to consider -- MINIMIZING YOUR IMPACT.  While this seems like a pretty simple practice, it can be challenging if you don't want your feet to be a mucky mess the entire way to your destination.  But, before we get into the "how" let's talk about "why".  Why is it important that we minimize our impact in the first place?  

Well, for starters, remember all the creatures we were talking about in the beginning of this entry?  Now, imagine a bunch of folks romping and stomping through you living room, bedroom, kitchen, etc -- say times a thousand!  As dramatic is that example is to some degree, it is relevant in a natural ecosystem.  Spring is a time for yearling ungulates (I have always wanted to use that word in writing), and other plants and animals, to get "their legs underneath them".  These efforts take significant effort and crucial habitat for forging and shelter.  Despite what we (as humans) may think is "no big deal", in terms of creating habitat loss by impacting an area, our irresponsible choices can be yield significant negative results to our flora and fauna friends.  In fact, loss of habitat (no matter how small) is one of the key problems for species to be listed as a threatened or endangered species.  

Some might say -- so what.  Imagine an ecosystem that doesn't have your favorite indengious animals and plants (they go hand and hand).  Perhaps, you are one those individuals that you enjoy hunting or watching these particular species in their natural habitat.  I know I do.  Simply put, by not conserving and preserving critical habitat we are jeoprodizing the very existance of these and other key species, which for some of us is the very thread that creates the tapestry of our environment.

So, you might be asking yourself -- "what can 1 person do about this?"  For starters, look at the list below and challenge yourself to be a better steward for this and future generations! 

1. Follow signage!  USFS, BLM and other government agencies spend a great deal of time and energy restricting critical habitat to give our 4-legged friends a fighting chance.  On most occasions these agencies will list these restrictions on their government website, maps and at trail heads.  It is our obligation to follow these restrictions and not take 2 and 4-wheeled vehicles where they don't belong.  Mountain bikes and motor bikes alike can destroy key habitat if not used responsibly.
2. Get geared up!  Purchase gear that will allow you to traverse "muddy" trails without creating a new one.  A pair of waterproof full-grain leather boots and gaiters go a long way on a spring trail.
3. Get involved!  Sign up for local organizations that support rehab work (i.e., trail crews, non-profits, government agencies.
4. Get trained!  Look for organizations which offer training, such as Leave No Trace, so you can inform yourself and those your recreate with and do so responsibly!

For more information, on Leave No Trace training visit our website.  As always, we look forward to seeing you on the trail!

Making your next winter backcountry experience a safe one!

As I sit here writing and listen to the sound of snow sliding off my roof  I realize that it is that time again -- avalanche conditions are high here in North Idaho.  While traveling in the winter backcountry can be a peaceful and surreal experience when the conditions are right a backcountry outing can turn into a horrific experience. 

Every winter backcountry enthusiast should be well-versed in how to identify, prevent and respond to avalanches.  Often avalanches can be prevented if you follow simple guidelines.  At SOLE, we recommend that anyone participating in winter recreation should consider taking a formal avalanche certification workshop.  Led by professionals in the field, participants will not only gain insight into how to recognize probable avalanche conditions they will be able to apply technical skills if they find one of their party caught in the midst of this natural beast. 


Most avalanches are triggered by a human traveling across the unstable terrain.  Once an avalanche is triggered and an individual is burried they have only a 27% chance of survival after 35 minutes.  This is why understanding how to prevent an avalanche and how to react once one is triggered is so crucial.  Therefore, individuals should look for potential avalanche danger and be prepared to respond if they find themselves or someone else in a dire circumstance.

Some important considerations to look for include:

1. Recent avalanche activity
2. Recent heavy wet snow or rain particularly on top of an already unstable snow pack
3. Wind blown snow on leeward slopes
4. Rapid warming and increasing temps
5. A "whumpfing sound" coming from underneath as you travel
6. Snow fractures occurring on the surface of the snow
7. Snow collapsing underneath as you travel across
8. Consistent weak snow layers even when there are no other warning signs

These are considered "red flags" when traveling in the winter backcountry and participants should respond accordingly -- head back to a safe areas -- low angle slopes and dense trees.

Another helpful tool is understanding the terrain you are traveling on.  Some considerations regarding terrain include:

1. Slope angle.  Most avalanches occur on slopes ranging from 35-50 degrees.  However slopes 30 degrees can slide as well.
2. Steep slopes above a less step area.  Even though you  may be wanting to play on terrain less step you may still be prone to becoming caught in an avalanche if you are exposed to steep terrain above.
3. Terrain traps.  Anything that increases the likelihood that you may be caught in an avalanche, including, a run-out, flat transition above a steep slope, cliff bands and trees on a steep slope above.
4. Trigger points.  Avalanches can be triggered in specific points, along ridges or even flat transitions below steeper sections.  Special considerations should be taken in areas including those with, wind deposits, rock outcroppings, low trees buried in the snow.
5. Slope aspect.  Ask yourself some simple questions to determine if the area is prone to avalanches.  Does the slope face the sun or is it in the shade?  Which direction does the slope face?  Is their cornices that have built up on the ridges above?

If you have to travel across avalanche terrain special considerations should be taken, including:

1. Have your party spread out.
2. Have one person travel at a time across a slope in question.
3. Avoid stopping near in potential run-outs or other terrain traps.
4. Never descend directly above or near the group.
5. Stay alert to changing conditions (see "red flags" listed above).
6. Keep open communication with your group members.
7. Be prepared to respond if someone triggers an avalanche.

As with all backcountry outings individuals should be prepared to respond to situations as they arise.  Therefore, having the necessary equipment and the know-how are essential elements prior to traveling in the winter backcountry environment. 

Important basic items to consider, include:

1. Avalanche beacon with new batteries and extra batteries
2. Metal snow shovel
3. Probe pole
4. Compass (to determine direction slope is facing)
5. Inclinometer (to determine slope angle)
6. Good expedition first aid kit
7. Gear to stay out overnight if needed

Again, traveling in the winter backcountry is incredible.  With a little education and experience you can create many lifelong memories.  Check out www.avalanche.org and www.fsavalanche.org for additional information to educate yourself.  Stay safe out there and we hope to see you in the mountains!

Plan Ahead and Prepare - enjoying your next winter backcountry outing.

First things first -- make sure you are prepared for where you are going.  Some simple steps will allow you and others to have ease of mind while traveling in the winter backcountry.  Here are some simple things that we encourage winter enthusiasts to consider:

1. Plan where you are going and make sure it is within your abilities and those you are traveling with.  
2. Let someone know specifically where you are going and when you will be back.  We generally encourage creating a simple TCP (Time Control Plan).  This is really important for extended outings.
3. Make sure everyone has the proper gear for the designed trip.  This includes both personal and group gear.  Winter can be harsh so personal gear should include plenty of warm layers specifically designed to keep warm even when wet.  Maps and compasses are a must especially in whiteout conditions.  A GPS/SPOT device is nice, however, we recommend taking a map and compass as a backup.  Redundancy is important when traveling in the backcountry.  Personal food is important when traveling in a winter environment.  Consider food that will high in caloric content, which will give you the energy necessary for a winter excursion.  Lastly, ease of preparation is also another consideration when looking at what type of food to bring.
4. Take a group "survival pack".  This should include items that will allow your group to stay for an extended period of time if something should happen.  Consider the "10 essentials" and add items that will address the environmental conditions that you may face.  Extra food, fuel and a backcountry stove are excellent pieces of gear to have when in a jam or to have a nice cup of soup in your snow kitchen.
5. HAVE FUN!  Despite making sure you travel in a safe manner the winter backcountry is quite enjoyable.  Consider these simple steps on your next winter outing and enjoy the peaceful winter wonderland.

If you want to learn more about how to recreate safely in a winter backcountry setting contact SOLE at info@soleexperiences.org or 208.946.6960.  Also you can catch us at the Winter Wildlands Backcountry Film Festival in Sandpoint, Idaho at the Panida Theater this December 9th and 10th.  SOLE will be co-hosting Winter 101 on December 10th a backcountry workshop that will be covering more specifics on how to safely travel and recreate in the winter backcountry setting.

Enjoying the Winter Backcountry...

Winter in the Inland Northwest is an excellent time to enjoy the backcountry.  Travelers in our area can use this setting to recreate and enjoy a wide array of activities, including but not limited too, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and telemark skiing.  One of our favorites at SOLE is to track mammals while snowshoeing or skiing -- you'd be amazed at what you can find.  Despite the fun that the winter backcountry setting is we also need to remember this setting has its own set of hazards which need to be respected. 

Backcountry travelers should utilize prior planning to ensure that they know the area they are recreating and have the proper knowledge, skills and equipment to recreate responsibly.  Winter environments can be some of the most enjoyable, but also most threatening if not respected as such. With some effort, learning and mastering winter backcountry skills will allow you to mitigate the risks which exist in this environment.

This winter we will assist our community in exploring how to minimize these risks which, in turn, will allow you to enjoy this great resource!