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"Our
trips are for everyone, from beginners to experts. We’re
out there to have fun, and to enjoy the outdoors as much as
possible!" says Mike Slaughter, Director of Willard’s
Adventure Club and Trip Leader, in the club’s most recent
newsletter.
A
non-profit, backpacking club, Willards has been providing
base-camp and hiking trips throughout North America, Europe
and other exotic locales for 28 years. Trips in 2001
included a trek to the Alaska-Chilkoot Pass in August, an
expedition to Mount Whitney, a base camp trip out of Banff
and a trip to Africa, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, which just
returned last week.
"We
try to give our members the best possible price and
experience on these treks. Some companies have more gear
than us, and have larger budgets too. They have great trips
as well, but ours are more personal than those companies.
Most of our members who have joined us are from other
members telling them about us, by word of mouth. We try our
best to keep all of the cost of any of the club’s needs to
a minimum," states Slaughter.
Itineraries
and schedules are put together by Willard’s, drawing from
their years of experience. All the details for each trip are
outlined, including what type of backpack to take, the kinds
of clothes needed for the area you are visiting, suggestions
for trail food and utensils, if you'll need a tent and
sleeping bag (these can be rented, too), as well as safety
and health concerns.
"Don’t
worry about experience," says Mike, "that’s what
Willard’s is all about, helping you do the adventures and
get the experience! "
There
are still a number of trips planned for the remainder of
2001, and a full slate of trips for 2002.
The
Patagonia trip to Chile is scheduled for November 24 to
December 10 this year. "We fly
into Santiago, Chile," says Mike, "then fly off to
Punta Arenas to start our trek in the Torres Del Paine Park
at the tip of South America. We trek through the park for
about eight days, all camping gear included, with each hike
per day geared to the group. We can climb peaks or just
enjoy the valleys below. The scenery is just fantastic! Then
on our return we are going to tour Santiago for two days,
exploring the history of the city and visiting the top
sites."
Their
New Zealand trip, running in February 2002, also has an
outstanding bunch of activities lined up for both Islands
down under. "We fly to Auckland,
NZ, tour the city and the north island for about 10 days.
Then we move on to the south island to trek the 'Heaphy,
Abel Tasman, Mount Cook, and the Milford Track', with some
kayaking, as well. Then we fly to Fiji Island to relax
before we return back to Canada," explains Mike.
And
their Sun Peaks skiing trips in the beginning of 2002 are
also popular. Mike continues, "Sun
Peaks is in British Columbia. We have a whole package deal
on this trip, flight, lift tickets, accommodations, and
transportation from Kamloops, BC.
So,
join the club, Mike says, "Don’t be caught at home
this year. Come have an adventure with Willard’s. Hope to
see all of you on our future adventures."
For
more information and trip details go to their website at www.muskoka.com/backpacking
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