It is hard to believe that less than a week ago I was standing on the deck of a 270 foot long sea faring vessel watching 60, 70, maybe 100 Peale’s dolphins porpoising all around as we made 12 knots through the Beagle channel.  Then again, I would have told you that many things seen on our journey to Antarctica were hard to believe had I not been there myself.

Our Backwoods Adventures Antarctica Expedition was in so many ways a success.  It was a great celebration in honor of the Backwoods 40^th Anniversary, it was an excellent week of steaming around the Western peninsula, and most importantly for the 7 souls who braved the infamous Drake Passage it was a dream achieved.

It was not easy going at first, after a couple flight delays and close calls at the airport; we were greeted by news of rough seas ahead.  As most of the group consisted of residents of the heartland there was some trepidation, the great Midwest doesn’t naturally lend itself to earning one’s sea legs.  So precautions were taken and into the storm we steamed.  Nautical storms are roughly based on a scale of 0 to 12, this storm was a solid 9, gusting winds to 40 plus knots along with 20 to 30 foot swells made for some interesting meals and restless nights.  However, on the morning of February 20^th we passed by Smith Island to our West and we could not have been more pleased with our first glimpse of island guardians leading us to Terra Australis.  Beautiful snow and ice covered mountains rising straight up out of the depths were becoming visible all around us.  In the first 20 to 30 minutes of seeing land in the developing light of the morning we had spotted Fur Seals, Gentoo Penguins, and Minke Whales.  Pretty soon it felt like we couldn’t travel 500 yards without seeing another group of penguins, or seals, or whales, and so it went for 5 straight days.

Clearly we had paid our dues on the high seas; once we reached Antarctica the weather couldn’t have been better;  5 straight days of calm, mostly sunny days, and no more storms.  Seeing as our group would be sea kayaking each day and spending a night on the continent this was very welcome news.  Our days in the kayaks were extremely rewarding; I highly recommend this option to anyone thinking of a trip to Antarctica.  Being at eye level with all the wildlife made a huge difference on how we were able to view each different species.  We had a couple excellent encounters with Gentoo and Adelie penguins and a day full of Leopard seals that none of us will soon forget.  Being within 5 to 10 feet of one of the top predators in Antarctica was a joy in itself, but for us on this particular day we saw 10!!

In addition to the Gentoos, Adelies, Fur and Leopard seals, and Minke Whales we were able to also identify Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Weddell seals, Crabeater seals, Elephant Seals, Chinstrap penguins, and a number of amazing sea birds, including Albatrosses and the amazing Wilson’s Storm Petrel which looks as if it can walk or stand on water.  Overall we made 9 different outings from our main vessel including kayaking, zodiac cruises and landings and a ships cruise through Neptune’s Bellows at Deception Island.  Between each outing and in the evenings we were treated to great meals on the ship and the services of an excellent ship staff and expedition crew.  Our cabins were clean and comfortable, the ship was always tidy and the observation lounge made a great place to relax while steaming and at the end of a long day.  Throughout the trip the expedition staff gave excellent lectures on the geology of Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, mammals, birds, and the history of the region among other topics.  For those wanting a little more knowledge on the area and the surrounding wildlife this was a great option.

It was very tough to watch as the Ocean got bigger and the land smaller as we steamed north to Tierra del Fuego.  In a very short period of time we were taken with Antarctica, truly one of the world’s most unique and beautiful gifts to its inhabitants.  Lucky for us the trip back was uneventful and the seas remained very calm throughout.  It was a nice reward for our group, which included some of our more season traveler’s at Backwoods Adventures.  I would like to acknowledge and thank Terry & Susan Boehrer, Jim Richardson, David & Tammy Maschino, and our great photographer Tyler Gross for taking this journey.  I had been asked quite a bit leading up to the trip if we would run it again next year or in the future and I was not sure.  It is a long journey, not a cheap undertaking, and requires a fair amount of logistical planning.  At this point there is no doubt that the answer will be YES, we will be offering this trip again.  For those that love adventure, and want to see one of the world’s most beautiful and unique ecosystems this trip is it!

Once you’ve visited Antarctica you are asked to become an Antarctic ambassador, to pass onto others what you’ve seen and experienced there, and how we can all protect this fragile continent and its inhabitants.  We hope to create a few more Antarctic ambassadors through Backwoods Adventures again in the future.  You could be next….

For more information on the Backwoods Adventures Antarctic Expedition please visit the page on our website www.backwoodsadventures.com.  Future voyages and dates to be determined soon!

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Backwoods today announced the acquisition of Neptune Mountaineering, an iconic specialty outdoor retail store in Boulder, Colorado. The doors will remain open throughout the transition and the name will remain Neptune Mountaineering. Both family owned companies, Neptune Mountaineering and Backwoods originally opened in 1973. The official acquisition date was December 31, 2012 for an undisclosed amount.

“With the purchase of Neptune Mountaineering, we are thrilled to announce a presence in Boulder. We plan to maintain the atmosphere and culture of the store and continue the successes of the company’s rich history in this community. Our intent is to keep much of the customer experience the same.” Jennifer Mull, CEO of Backwoods, said. “When the company’s founder, Gary Neptune, made the decision to sell the store, we began discussions and found a lot of common ground between our two family-owned companies histories’. As our discussions continued, it made more and more sense for Backwoods to acquire Neptune Mountaineering. Our philosophies about customer experience are quite similar and both companies strive to inspire people to lead active, adventurous lives—this provided a lot of synergy between our two companies. We look forward to learning more about the existing customers, working with the Neptune staff, and growing the brand in such a well established location for outdoor recreation.”

A single-store mountain shop located in the shadow of Boulder’s Flatirons, Neptune Mountaineering first opened its doors on April 1, 1973, just weeks after Backwoods first opened its doors in Wichita, Kansas. In the beginning, Neptune Mountaineering primarily repaired climbing and ski boots, and installed edges on wooden skis and re-shafted axes. Today the store is full of climbing, backpacking and backcountry ski equipment and gear, and the company’s founder, Gary Neptune, has filled the shop with artifacts of his related passion for climbing and skiing. The “museum” within the store began to take shape in the late 1970s and has become one of the most extensive collections of its kind throughout the country. The museum will remain within the store and the Neptune Mountaineering name will continue as the face of the store, with Backwoods operating behind the brand that has served thousands upon thousands in Boulder for many years.

“Gary will stay on following the acquisition providing consulting services, working on special projects and being involved in special events. This continuity will provide a smooth transition and benefit both companies with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the business,” Mull, said.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2013, Backwoods is an outdoor gear and apparel retailer located in 8 cities, now 9, across the country and on the web. Backwoods offers clothing, equipment and expertise to help customers fulfill their travel plans with a range of adventures such as hiking, trekking, fishing, climbing, camping, trail running, kayaking, paddling, adventure trips and yoga. Backwoods Adventures, a sister company to Backwoods, is currently running trips on 6 of the 7 continents. For more about Backwoods visit www.backwoods.com.

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AUSTIN, Texas (January 3, 2013)—Backwoods’ corporate office today announced the top ten finalists, from over 500 entries, for its 2013 Ultimate Outsider contest. The Ultimate Outsider contest was created to inspire people to get out and experience the outdoors. The contest, in its second year, allows people an opportunity to share their adventures from across the globe on Facebook, with other Backwoods enthusiasts, their friends and the community as a whole, for a chance to win an all-expenses paid international adventure trip in the summer of 2013.

“This year we saw an enormous growth in the number of submissions we received and every entry showed a distinct image of what it means to be an ‘Outsider’,” Travis Mull, Social Marketing and PR Coordinator, said. “We were excited to learn who the top ten finalists were at the end of the first round and as round two begins we are looking forward to hearing how our finalists enjoyed the gear and apparel they received. As we learn more about why each finalist thinks they are the Ultimate Outsider, we hope to inspire others to get outdoors in the new year!”

Participants were initially asked to submit a photo of themselves spending time outdoors. These ten finalists were selected based the contestants who generated the most likes on Facebook. On January 1, 2013 the finalists began competing in round two of the contest. Each one received a package of prizes before Christmas, with over $1,000 worth of Backwoods merchandise, to be used in round two. In round two, the finalists will try out the gear and apparel, submit photos using their new gear and review each item individually.

Finalists Competing in Round Two of Backwoods’ 2013 Ultimate Outsider Competition
Becky Baker Busch—Bristow, Oklahoma
Jake Duncan—Overland Park, Kansas
Christine Enge—Pasadena, Maryland
Brooke Friedl—Norman, Oklahoma
Mykael Ann Jones—Pleasant Hill, Missouri
Jenny Ladd—Stillwater, Oklahoma
Frank Lawrence—Norman, Oklahoma
Jordan Nelson—Ardmore, Oklahoma
Brian Rasch—Edmond, Oklahoma
Zachary Stark—Austin, Texas

The Ultimate Outsider will be announced on March 20, 2013. The 2013 contest winner will receive an all-expenses paid international adventure trip to their choice of Nepal—Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc Circuit, or Trekking into Machu Picchu.

Backwoods is an outdoor gear and apparel retailer located in 9 cities across the country and on the web. Backwoods Adventures, a sister company to Backwoods, is currently running trips on 6 of the 7 continents. For more about Backwoods visit www.backwoods.com. For more about the Ultimate Outsider Contest, please go to backwoods.com/facebook and click on the “Ultimate Outsider Contest” tab in the tab section.

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 AUSTIN, Texas (October 29, 2012)—Backwoods‘ today announced their participation in the Dallas Travel and Adventure Expo on November 10-11, 2012. The Dallas Travel and Adventure Expo will take place at the Dallas Convention Center in Hall A located at 650 S. Griffin Street. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online for $9.00 with free admission for children under 16 years of age.

“We always look forward to talking about the adventure trips we’ve taken across the globe. And, this is a great opportunity to chat with a very captive and specific audience,” Travis Mull, marketing manager of Backwoods Adventures, said. “We’ll be at the event to share more about Backwoods Adventures and give away discounts for upcoming trips.”

Backwoods Adventures will offer several different savings opportunities at the Dallas Travel and Adventure Expo for trips in 2013. Among them will be coupons for $500 off one international trip, $150 off one domestic trip (both vouchers are only valid the day of the expo). Also, there will be a coupon valid through the 1st of the year good for $350 off one international trip and $75 off one domestic trip. All coupons for discounted trips will be available at the store and expo. Coupons for 20% off of one item will also be available at the Backwoods Adventures booth.

The Dallas Travel & Adventure Show gives participants a chance to discover authentic travel experiences, find travel deals, win tips and giveaways, and be entertained by the atmosphere of the expo. There will be travel experts in attendance with areas for ziplining, bubble rolling and cultural performances. The event is open to the public from 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. on Saturday and from 11a.m.-4:00p.m. on Sunday.

For more about Backwoods Adventures, go to http://www.backwoods.com/adventures/. And, for more information about the Dallas Travel & Adventure Show, visit http://www.adventureexpo.com/Default.aspx?id=73088b86-786f-4227-b36d-4d1bf3e1a95d.

*MEDIA NOTE* Travis Mull is available for interviews ahead of the event. For photos, logos, more information or to schedule an interview, contact Jennie Whitaker at jennie@seedling-communications.com or 512-215-8977.

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Backwoods‘ today announced the upcoming Backwoods Scavenger Dash in Austin, on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Pace Bend Park. The Backwoods Scavenger Dash invites teams of two to participate in a scavenger hunt of both physical and mental challenges. The event begins at 11a.m., and Pace Bend Park is located at 2805 Pace Bend Rd., Spicewood, TX 78669. Registration can be completed online or at Backwoods’ Austin store, located at 12921 Hill Country Blvd. in the Hill Country Galleria.

“We are excited about hosting this specific adventure race,” Nicole Chavez, sales manager at Backwoods, said. “This event, a combination of an adventure race, scavenger hunt and trail running course offers people a chance to get outside and to be active, and it allows teams to raise money for local charity we love too, Explore Austin.”

The Backwoods Scavenger Dash is made up of teams of two, using speed and strategy to hunt for designated check points using only the trail map of Pace Bend Park. At each check point, teams must complete a physical or mental challenge to receive their scavenger object. The team that collects all the objects across the 5-7 mile course and crosses the finish line first wins. First place prize at this years event is a $300 gift certificate to Backwoods. Registration is $70 per person, if teams raise $25 for the local charity, Explore Austin, the team will earn one free skip point they will be able to use during the race.

To register for the race, go to http://www.toocoolracing.com/scavenger.html. Race day registration is only available at Backwoods‘ Austin store, located at 12921 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave, TX 78738. There will be no registration at Pace Bend Park.
*MEDIA NOTE* Nicole Chavez is available for interviews ahead of the event, as well as Backwoods CEO Jennifer Mull. Media is invited to attend the event.

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In fact, over the past 5 years we have led 40 team members to the summit. No two Mount Kilimanjaro Climbs the same, no two team members the same, yet always an adventurous experience. And this year was certainly no different. This was our biggest expedition on Kilimanjaro to date with a total of 18 participants, 17 of whom would attempt to climb the sacred peak that raises high above the Serengeti Plain. Our group began to know one another clear back in the winter months of 2010 when we began our pre-trip conference calls in preparation for the Mount Kilimanjaro Climb. So it was not a big surprise to me that the group was able to mesh so well early on our Mount Kilimanjaro Climb. Or, do so well on a challenging summit night…

Leaving our Barafu high camp we climbed through the snow/sleet/rain throughout the night. And although it was a little wet and a little slick the clouds and rain did keep the temperatures pleasant. There were certainly times throughout the wee morning hours we would look up and see stars, only to have the storm rise with us, nearly in sync step by step, as we continued upward. It was not until we were just below Stella point on the crater rim around 7 am that the storm subsided as the sun came up over the Indian Ocean and we could really see just how much snow had fallen…

After a cup of hot tea, carried by our awesome local guides and a snack we continued the hour around the rim to Uhuru peak. The highest point on the African continent at 19,340 ft. 15 amazing team members battled the cold and the elements to take in the views and enjoy the glory of climbing one of the world’s most beautiful and unique mountains!!

Following our climb the team continued on the remaining journey to see some of the best game parks of Tanzania. Along with our local driver/guides we spent 3 days exploring Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangie National Park. We took time to visit a local Boma and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Maasi people. We were also handsomely rewarded inside of the crater by a close encounter with a beautiful Cheetah. (Cheetah pic) It was a fantastic ending to a fantastic journey, take a look at some of the comments from team members one this year’s Mount Kilimanjaro Climb….(see below)
For more information on the Backwoods Adventures Mount Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari or any one of our other adventures please contact me directly at 316.200.5780 or send me an email at jkoehly@backwoodsadventures.com.

Safe travels,

Joe Koehly
Backwoods Adventures Director & Guide

“Fantastic job. I have been on around fifty commercial Mount Kilimanjaro Climbs with everybody from Backroads to Bike Vermont to Elderhostel, and National Geographic, etc and this was the largest group ever. For you to have handled the dynamics of such a large group under stressful conditions getting all but one of those who attempted the summit to the top is nothing short of awe inspiring. From my perspective, the whole Mount Kilimanjaro Climb went off seamlessly.”
T. Harrison – Tulsa, OK

“How can we ever begin to express our appreciation for the wonderful and unforgettable adventure vacation we had with you and the group in Tanzania. We were so excited about the Mount Kilimanjaro Climb but the reality was so much greater than anything that we expected. Karen and I keep thinking about and remembering specific times on the mountain, the safari and we feel blessed. But, really Joe, mostly we remember the people we met and the heart space that Africa will always have for us.” R. &
K. Carothers – Oklahoma City, OK

“It was a Mount Kilimanjaro Climb of a lifetime. My expectations were exceeded on many fronts and I received value for my investment. I put a lot of effort into the Mount Kilimanjaro Climb to have fun and was rewarded accordingly. On another note, allowing Susan to participate to a limited extent was absolutely appreciated. Without the flexibility of giving Susan the chance to go, I probably would not have signed up. I’d recommend the Mount Kilimanjaro Climb to anyone.” S. & T. Boehrer – Norman, OK
“Absolutely loved the Mount Kilimanjaro Climb and look forward to doing more. Everything was so well planned and executed, it was a stress free vacation to do something exciting.”
J. Miller – Omaha, NE

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Backwoods today announced plans to host Backpacker magazine’s Get Out More tour at its Wichita store, on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 7p.m. The Get Out More Tour is a grassroots initiative to inspire and educate outdoor enthusiasts about the skills and equipment they need to get outdoors. Now in its 12th year, the Get Out More is on tour nationwide, delivering a 75-minute seminar on backcountry travel and gear to audiences at specialty retailers, consumer events and outdoor festivals. The Get Out More Tour makes stops at 64 locations including 61 outdoor retailers and 4 trail festivals in 36 states. This is a free event, open to the public. Backwoods Wichita store is located at 1900 N. Rock Road. “We’re looking forward to bringing the Get Out More Tour into our store this month,” Eric Schmidt, sales manager at Backwoods, said. “At Backwoods, we’re always looking for ways to encourage and engage the community to be outside and to enjoy the outdoors in our own community and beyond.”

Through the Get Out More Tour, Backpacker delivers useful advice and information for long-distance hikers as well as first-time backpackers. The Get Out More Tour is full of inspiring stories, technical tips and hints to help with preparation and planning, as well as helpful resources to make getting out more attainable for any skill level. Professional, experienced, and highly skilled backcountry travelers, Sheri and Randy Propster represent Backpacker as they deliver the Get Out More message first-hand at each scheduled event. While on tour, they live the Get Out More mantra, camping, backpacking, and enjoying the great outdoors along the way.

This year Backpacker’s renowned Get Out More Tour Ambassadors, Sheri and Randy Propster, will put their backpacking skills to the test while exploring the breathtaking locations highlighted in Backpacker’s 2012 Destinations feature. Along the way they will be maintaining, building and promoting America’s great long distance trails. Their explorations will allow them to share their personal experiences from each adventure aimed at traveling light, enhancing weekend getaways, and going long as they guide audiences from the first step in the planning process to the final step on trail.
Backpacker magazine’s mission is to inspire and enable people to enjoy the outdoors by providing the most trusted and engaging information about outdoor adventure in North America. For a complete list of Get Out More Tour events and locations, please visit http://www.backpacker.com/getoutmore.

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“Backwoods encourages people to get outside and be adventurous, but we recognize the real dangers of viruses spreading from insects and other critters outside the home,” Jennifer Mull, CEO of Backwoods, said. “Rather than telling people to stay indoors and avoid their favorite activities altogether, our goal is to protect them from harm and educate them on gear that could lower their potential risk of disease.”

West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe West Nile virus is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. Being outside means you’re at risk. The more time you’re outdoors without protection means the more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. West Nile Virus spreads through infected mosquitos who had fed on infected birds. They then pass along the virus to humans and other animals when they bite, so it’s important to use caution by keeping insect repellent on, wearing long pants and shirts with sleeves and, or, wearing ExOfficio’s BugsAway line.

ExOfficio’s BugsAway line is treated with Perethrin and is effective through 70 washings against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges. Some of the ExOfficio BugsAway products that are available at Backwoods include pants, hats, bandanas and shirts.

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Backwoods today announced plans to host the REEL ROCK film tour in Overland Park, on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Ibex Climbing Gym. The REEL ROCK film tour brings the best in climbing and adventure films to local audiences across the globe. Ibex Climbing Gym is located at 801 NW South Outer Road. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.backwoods.com and in all of their retail locations.

“This is an exciting event in our community, bringing together climbing enthusiasts from across the state for a night of spectacular imagery,” Mark Neace, general manager at Backwoods, said. “And, it allows us to support the REEL ROCK film tour as they use the outdoors as an adventurous backdrop for an educational and enticing screening.”
REEL ROCK founders Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer have been producing and directing climbing and adventure films for over a decade, with devoted audiences around the world. Their work has been featured on NBC, NPR, and The New York Times, and has won a Sports Emmy Award, plus dozens of awards at international film festivals. After organizing small tours for their individual film releases, Lowell and Mortimer realized the huge demand for exciting live events in the outdoors community and combined forces to create The REEL ROCK Film Tour in 2006. In 2011, REEL ROCK screened in over 280 locations world-wide, drew over 65,000 audience members, raised over $15,000 for non-profits, partnered with more than 150 retailers, university outing clubs and climbing gyms, and won copious media coverage and critical praise for its films.

REEL ROCK film tour shows are exciting events where climbers and outdoors lovers come together to celebrate the ultimate in adventure filmmaking. Prize giveaways, appearances by top climbers, and fundraising for non-profit organizations are just some of the ways that the REEL ROCK film tour events are more than just film screenings. For our seventh year, Sender Films and Big UP Productions are combining the biggest names in the sport with stories of pushing the limits like never before. From battling Himalayan peaks to a battle on Spanish limestone to establish the world’s first 5.15c. From the non-conformist world of offwidth climbing to the new found fame of the boundary-pushing sport of free soloing. This year’s films are nothing short of intrepid tales that will get your palms sweating from beginning to end.

For more information about the REEL ROCK Film Tour, go to http://reelrocktour.com/home/. Backwoods’ Overland Park store is located at 6825 W. 135th Street, Overland Park, KS 66223.

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