2022

When Rovers brought Rob out to the Black Hills to climb in the mid 90’s the experience so enthralled him that he wanted to give the same experience to others. So he & Lori re-created an annual trip to the Black Hills for climbing at first, then expanding to all activities the area has to offer (biking, hiking, caving…).

They coordinated the trips each year in September for at least 11 years and have had hundreds of participants over the years. This presentation is an amalgamation of several of those trips (less photos lost with lost phones).

Rob and Lori have been Rover members for several years and both became involved with the group after an invitation to Rock Climb with the Rovers. A majority of their outdoor activities are with Rovers and include Kayaking, Canoeing, XC Skiing, Hiking and pretty much everything outdoors. Climbing has remained their passion throughout.

Lanzarote, the most northern and easternmost of the Canary Islands, is located approximately 80 miles off the north coast of Africa. Hear about bicycling this windy, volcanic island, home to many vineyards where farmers have perfected a method for planting and protecting their vines amidst low, curved walls, and learn of one of the island’s residents whose legacy had a major influence on local art, architecture, culture, and planning regulations.

Liz Walton dabbles in lots of activities, but especially enjoys bicycling, gardening, and travel.  She’s always open to combining favorite activities, when possible, which was the case for her trip to Lanzarote.  Liz is a two-time Rover. She was a member for a year or two in the late 1970s and rejoined in 2020 just in time to attend the last in-person meeting before the COVID shutdown.  She looks forward to attending in-person meetings when they start again.

Paul Schurke is the founder/director of Wintergreen Dogsledding. Him and his team are dedicated professionals, most of whom have been apart of the business for many years. Paul’s schedule allows him to spend time with most Wintergreen groups and he is often able to share an evening of stories about his arctic expeditions. He is the lead instructor on most of the advanced dogsled camping trips and all of the arctic programs. Paul received the Explorers Award from the International Center for Exploration, the “Adventurer of the Year” award from Outside Magazine and the Environmental Hero Award from the National Wilderness Society.