Wednesday Night Wanderings
During the Fall and Spring Semesters, the Outdoor Program offers
a slideshow & workshop series that is open to the entire Mesa
State community.The public is encouraged to take advantage of
this series as well.
The programs are interesting, diverse, educational and entire
families will find many of the programs very entertaining. Wednesday
Night Wanderings are FREE, and held on the Colorado Mesa
College Campus on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
Most Wednesday Night Wondering will take place in the Maverick Center in Room 155 unless otherwise noted. You can park just south of the Walker Soccer Field on the corner of 12th and Orchard in the Parking Structure. Then walk into the entrance to Saunders and take a left to the Lecture Hall.
Spring 2012 Schedule
Jan 18 - The Treasures of Ecuador
Ecuador is more than the Galapagos! Travel with us through the lesser known regions of Ecuador. . Discover its many treasures: the mountains, volcanoes, jungle, culture, crafts, food and beauty.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Paula Struckman
Jan. 25 - The Fine Line
The greatest snow sports athletes join the world’s leading avalanche professionals to bring you a new movement in avalanche education. “The Fine Line” is a cinematic journey that unites the cutting edge of winter action sports with youth education about responsible backcountry usage. Along with massive avalanches, epic riding, year long time-lapses, crazy true stories, cable cam cinematography, and Alaskan heli to heli, educational materials are made clearly visible. This engaging, educational, and inspiring film can save lives.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: OP Staff
Feb. 1 - NO SHOW
Feb 8 - Traveling through Rich and Poor
Econmically speaking, Scandinavia is one of the richest regions in the world, while West Africa one of the the poorest. However, Tom Morrison discovers that poor is a relative term, as he journeyed from Scandanavia to West Africa. After learning the fundementals of backpacker travel through two OP International Expeditions, Tom turned his ISEP study abroad experience into the ultimate exploration of eleven countries. Come explore with Tom as he travels from Norway to Burkina Faso, and nine other countries along the way.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter:
Tom Morrison
Feb 15 - An Antarctic Journey
Join in a 22 day, 2.400 nautical mile photographer's voyage with 24 zodiac landings in the Southern Ocean (including remote areas of the Falklands, South Georgia, the Orkneys and the Antarctic Peninsula). The time was 2009 during the southern summer (Nov & Dec). See penguins nesting ashore, seals with new pups on the rocky beaches, dolphins and whales, albatrosses and other sea birds and the ever present ice in its many sculptured shapes.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter:
John Pearson
Feb 22 - Brazil OP Winter International Expedition
Join the OP as we retrace five weeks of travel through Southern Brazil, one of the planet’s most mesmerizing places. South America’s largest country boasts white-sand beaches, pristine rain forest, the largest wetlands on the planet, modern metropolises, captivating colonial towns, enormous waterfalls and unspoiled tropical islands. We started our adventure in Rio de Janeiro’s stunning landscape, exploring the unusual urban diversity of ancient cathedrals, favelas, mountains and beaches. Then we explored the car-free island of Ihla Grande with its pristine beaches, diving and rainforest full of howler monkeys. Stopping in São Paulo we experienced the largest city in South America with Brazil’s highest sky scrapers and high culture. Of course we also visited the awesome spectacle of Iguaçu Falls, the wonders of the Pantanal and Brazil’s top ecotourism destination, Bonito. See what it takes to travel the world OP style.
aLocation: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter:
Dr. Chad Thatcher and Crew
Mar 21 - China, A Look Back to 1984
Terry Adcock was amongst a consortium of 16 academic and industry geologists who were invited in 1984
by the Chinese Communist government to visit the Peoples Republic of China for the purpose of presenting
various discussions and lectures on geology and industrial cooperation between China and the US. At that
time Ronald Reagan was beginning his second term as President, travel to mainland China was not open to
the public in general and Hong Kong was still a protectorate of the British.
The geologists traveled extensively for six weeks in China, under supervision, of course. They visited several
universities, geological sites and Chinese historical sites including the Great Wall, Tienanmen Square, Northwest
Autonomous Regions, Terracotta Warriors and other famous sites. Most of the major provincial cities in China were
also visited. This will be an interesting contrast between what China was and where it was headed then, to now, 27 years later.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter:
Terry D. Adcock
March 28 - S.I.E.T. School for International Expedition Training
The slide show will be geared for students that are interested in one day running their own expeditions in foreign countries. It will be based on Josh Beckner's personal climbs from his first leads as a novice in Montana to his most recent expedition to K7 in the Karakorum. The slide show will be loaded with useful tips and tricks that both novices and experts will find useful. The themes that will be emphasized throughout the slide show revolve around expedition climbing and are as follows: choosing an appropriate objective, resources for planning expeditions, the importance of team dynamics, options for funding an expedition, and expedition climbing strategies.
In 90 minutes you will see photography and video from Peru, Northwest Territories, Chamonix, Patagonia, Kenya, Pakistan and full circle back to Peru and the mountaineering courses he is running there through the School for International Expedition Training (SIET).
The slide show is free. Raffle prizes will be sponsored by Rab Equipment.
If you have an appreciation for mountain photography, culture, and tales of high adventure, don't forget to mark your calendars for this event!
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Josh Beckner
April 4 - All.I.Can. An Environmental Awareness Snow Sports Film by Sherpas Cinema
CMU Sustainability Council brings Sherpas Cinema’s, newest film - All.I.Can to the CMU campus.
The incredible natural cinematography, integrated music and structural components of the film have melded together in a chillingly awe-inspiring presentation of various layers, messages and stories. Taking ski-filmmaking to an entirely new level, the Sherpas are going beyond tricks and big lines and injecting a sense of morality and social responsibility.
Featuring ground-breaking skiing from Chile to Greenland, naturally mind-blowing scenery, and an environmental engagement that creates an accessible identification point for the viewer, All.I.Can leaves you with an inspiring new perspective and appreciation for what we have and what we stand to lose. See The Trailer
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: CMU Sustainability Council
Apr 11 - Copenhagen, Denmark
Join Dr. Tim Hatten as he describes his Fall 2011 Fulbright Scholar experience teaching in Copenhagen Denmark. He will share stories and photos from this beautiful Scandinavian gem of a city. Viking lore and relics, castles (including Helsingor's Kronborg Castle - the setting for Hamlet), cathedrals, and a wide variety of citiscapes and landscapes will leave you feeling like you have been there.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter:
Dr. Tim Hatten
Apr 18 - Balkan Countries
In 2009 John & Patricia Amadeo Nelson visited some of the Balkan countries and will show some pictures of stops in Croatia (former Yugoslavia ), Montenegro , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Slovenia , and maybe a few Greek islands.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter:
John & Patricia Amadeo Nelson
Apr 25 - Halo Effect
“Halo Effect” is an adventure travel kayaking film featuring three of the world’s best kayakers on a two-month journey to Iceland and Norway to explore the Arctic Circle for rapids and waterfalls that have never been run. Amazing cinematography, big water, and a dramatic symphony soundtrack separate this film from your typical action sports video. See the trailer here.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter:
Chris Rupinski
May 2 - Red Bull Rampage
Red Bull Rampage returns, combining rugged and majestic natural terrain with supernatural mountain bike trickery to produce a spectator-friendly freeride frenzy! The best mountain bike riders from around the globe came to the isolated desert in Utah to kick up dust on one of the most progressive freeride courses in history. The 6th installment of Red Bull Rampage showcased more riders, a new course design and more ways to view the event than ever before. Riders had free reign to navigate their descent between a designated starting gate and a finish line more than 1,500 vertical feet below. Along the way, athletes hit a series of slopestyle features hand-built by a legendary crew and shaped by the riders themselves. Twenty-one of mountain biking’s best threw down all they had while battling wind storms and wild weather, but when the skies cleared one rider went on to stomp his way to victory. See the trailer here.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter:
Chris Rupinski
Fall 2011 Schedule
Aug. 24 - Walking for Humanity
Join Kirk and Cindy Sinclair on their 5000 mile, yearlong hike across the country, raising awareness about community involvement to address Housing, Health and Hunger. Known as the “Hiking Humanitarians,” Kirk and Cindy are making regular stops along the American Discovery Trail to tell their story. The couple’s adventure started from Point Reyes, California and they hope to be home in Connecticut by May 24th. This is not their first epic hike; both met on the Appalachian Trail and have been hiking together since. Kirk has completed the Appalachian Trail three times, and has completed the Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide trail as well. Cindy was the first woman to complete the Continental Divide trail. In addition, Kirk is an accomplished author and musician. His book Systems out of Balance: How Misinformation Hurts the Middle Class describes how our economic, political and cultural systems work and how misinformation about who we are throws them out of balance. Kirks will play personal songs that tout diversity, liberty and the human relationship. Don’t miss this great opportunity to be part of this grand journey.
Moab The Times - Independent article
Hiking Humanitarian Web Site
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Kirk and Cindy Sinclair
Aug. 31 - Bike Maintenance
Learn the basics of tuning your bike, fixing a flat, stopping the squeaks, and smoothing out your shifts. Bring your bicycle and get some hands-on assistance.
Location: Outdoor Program Office
Presenter: OP Staff
Sept. 7 - TBA
Sept. 14 - Seakayaking Vancouver Island - CANCELED!!! CANCELED!!!
Explore the East and West coast of Vancouver Island.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Dr. Chad Thatcher
Sept. 21 - Alaska - Off the Beaten Path
Visit some interesting locations in Alaska that you will never see while traveling on an Alaska Cruise or in you car.
Included are photos from Barrow, the northernmost point in the US (1200 miles from the north pole), the back country of the Wrangell St.-Elias National Park (six times larger than Yellowstone) and parts of Denali National Park that only 1200 people per year get to experience.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Charlie Mishmash
Sept. 28 - Japan: A Tale of Rediscovery
"2010 ended gloomily. After the death of two of my grandparents and facing possible academic probation for multiple class failures, the new year already felt stale and unpromising. It was not long, however, before opportunities the size of mountains began laying themselves at my feet and I, unable to resist any of them, took advantage of every one that came my way. This is the first part of my 130 day journey across three continents and six countries, wherein I built countless memories and spent everyday rediscovering why this life is so amazing."
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Stoney Molina
Oct. 5 - Climbing Denali
Outdoor Program trip to the top of North America.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Dr. Chad Thatcher and crew
Oct. 12 - South America
Two OP students explore Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Megan McGrath and Stoney Molina
Oct. 19 - Adventures in Yellowstone National Park
Adventures in Yellowstone National Park
Laurie Kollasch and her family have visited Yellowstone National Park several times. Yellowstone National Park was established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulyssess S. Grant on March 1, 1872. It was the first National Park in the world and is famous for its geothermal features and diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Join Laurie as she shares photos and stories from her families adventures in this crown jewel of the National Park system.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Laurie Kollasch
Oct. 26 - Oil and Water
Oil + Water tells the story of two world-class kayakers and good friends who embark on the longest-ever petroleum-free road trip, traveling over 21,000 miles from Alaska to Argentina in a retro-fitted Japanese fire truck named Baby.
After converting the truck's regular diesel engine to run on any kind of natural oil, Seth Warren and Tyler Bradt journeyed for over a year through 16 countries, an endless summer adventure of paddling, driving, exploring and promoting alternative fuel sources.
By collaborating with schools, local governments, farmers, agricultural research centers and media, they held demonstrations, workshops and community gatherings to spread the word about sustainable energy, meeting many inspiring people and enjoying some of the best whitewater paddling in the Americas along the way. Oil and Water web site.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: OP Staff
Nov. 2 - NO SHOW
Nov. 9 - The Art of Flight
See
How a group of under-the-radar snowboarding filmmakers created one of the most innovative action-sports empires.
Shot by the Jackson, Wyoming, production house Brain Farm and starring Travis Rice, widely regarded as the world’s best snowboarder, aims to
reach a much broader audience than any snowboarding film before, wowing action-sports luminaries far and wide. Don't miss this epic snow film.
Art of Flight Movie Web Site
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Christopher Rupinski
Nov. 16 - Adventuring in South Africa and Botswana
Joan & Tom's 12/09 to 1/10 travels from the beauty of Cape Town to the miseries of shanty towns; from the trumpeting of elephants to the mating of leopards.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Joan and Tom Woodward
Dec. 7 - Powderwhore's Breaking Trail: A Backcountry Film
Last season Utah’s Wasatch Mountains and most of North America experienced a record breaking doozie, making our never ending mission to flatten as many snowflakes as possible almost easy. We estimate the number
of crystals crushed to be somewhere in the trillions. If you’ve had the extreme pleasure of viewing one of our previous films, then the obscene display of exploding snow will be nothing new.
On closer inspection you will notice that Powderwhore is no longer focusing primarily on the telemark turn. BREAKING TRAIL will highlight riders of all disciplines choosing their own backcountry adventures.
Warning! There are no shots of helicopters filming other helicopters or hankie-clad 16-year-olds hepped up on energy drinks spinning to rap music. And you won’t win a Jeep if you come out to a premiere. You will find a mixed bag of highly talented and dedicated individuals who enjoy hiking out into the unknown in search of turns
and adventure. All this captured by two video hacks carrying as little as necessary in order to travel fast and light.
Just as videos fall short of delivering the true mountain experience, our words come up short in describing our latest creation. Check out the BREAKING TRAIL trailer for a hint of what’s in store.
Check out the Trailer
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter:
Spring 2011 Schedule
Jan. 19 - Switzerland
Check out the wonders of Switzerland.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Earl Mullen
Jan. 26 - The Fine Line
The greatest snow sports athletes join the world’s leading avalanche professionals to bring you a new movement in avalanche education. “The Fine Line” is a cinematic journey that unites the cutting edge of winter action sports with youth education about responsible backcountry usage. Along with massive avalanches, epic riding, year long time-lapses, crazy true stories, cable cam cinematography, and Alaskan heli to heli, educational materials are made clearly visible. This engaging, educational, and inspiring film can save lives.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: OP Staff
Feb. 2 OP - Amped Adventures
Being born without a leg would be a major obstacle for most people, not for Heidi. Come learn how adversity can steer you in directions never imagined. Heidi not only ice climbs, canyoneers, hikes, rock climbs and helps lead trips for the OP, she also recently learned how to scuba dive and backpacked across Souther Africa. Come hear her story of how doing things differently can often lead to new heights. Read about her in the Spring 2011 Horizon Magazine published by the Colorado Mesa students.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Heidi Duce
Feb. 9 OP - Ski Tuning
Interested in learning how to tune up your snowboard or skis? Bring them on down to the Outdoor Program and we’ll show you how!
Location: Outdoor Program Office/Hanger
Presenter: OP Staff
Feb. 16 - USSR
Check out the Soviet Union 1990 style.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Terry Adock
Feb. 23 - Vision Trip to Haiti
During the summer and winter of 2010, Colorado Mesa student Damon Arredondo joined the Global Orphan Project on a trip to Haiti. Come hear his story, as he talks of the lives of orphans in the aftermath of the most devastating earthquake in Haitian history.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Damon Arredondo
March 2- Oil and Water
Oil + Water tells the story of two world-class kayakers and good friends who embark on the longest-ever petroleum-free road trip, traveling over 21,000 miles from Alaska to Argentina in a retro-fitted Japanese fire truck named Baby.
After converting the truck's regular diesel engine to run on any kind of natural oil, Seth Warren and Tyler Bradt journeyed for over a year through 16 countries, an endless summer adventure of paddling, driving, exploring and promoting alternative fuel sources.
By collaborating with schools, local governments, farmers, agricultural research centers and media, they held demonstrations, workshops and community gatherings to spread the word about sustainable energy, meeting many inspiring people and enjoying some of the best whitewater paddling in the Americas along the way. Oil and Water web site.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: OP Staff
March 9 - Exploring Utah's High Country
Utah has many well-known wonderful places to see and explore - Arches' Ntl Park, Canyonlands Ntl Park, Zion Ntl Park to name a few. But what of the rest of Utah? The lesser known areas of Utah? In 2009 Janice and Arvin Shepherd set themselves the challenge of hiking to the highest point of each county of Utah. They completed the challenge in Sept 2010 and along the way they explored a lot more of Utah's High Country than they'd seen before. Join Janice as she presents photos from their adventures hiking Utah's County highpoints.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Janice Shepherd
March 23 - Bike Maintenance
Learn the basics of tuning your bike, fixing a flat, stopping the squeaks, and smoothing out your shifts. Bring your bicycle and get some hands-on assistance.
Location: Outdoor Program Office
Presenter: OP Staff
March 30 - Sustainable Roots
Follow Toni Walters on her quest to bring environmental preservation and sustainble development to Cosanga, Ecuador. While attending Colorado Mesa University, Toni traveled to Ecuador, spending a year working near Cosanga, where she met the other founders of Sustainable Roots. Enjoy a night traveling through Ecuador as you learn about her next adventure in helping Latin American communities find a balance with nature and the economy. Check out the Sustainable Roots web site.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Toni Walters
April 6 – WILD UTAH: America’s Redrock Wilderness
Whether you are already a diehard fan of the redrock canyon country or planning your first trip this spring, you will want to attend this multi-media presentation narrated by Robert Redford that features stunning images of southern Utah’s magnificant landscapes. Terri Martin of Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance will share an inside update about new opportunities to protect the redrock. Come, enjoy, and learn how you can help!
Presenter: Terri Martin
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
April 13 - Southern Africa OP Style
Come follow in the footsteps of 11 Colorado Mesa University students as they backpack across South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Mozambique on yet another Outdoor Program's International Learning Adventure. You will get a glimpse of diving with great whites, whale sharks and manta rays; go on safari; raft the Zambezi river; paraglide over Cape Town, build homes for orphaned kids; post Apartheid South Africa. We will also skype our students still traveling north to Cairo. Check out the International Learning Adventure blog. Also follow along the path of three other Colorado Mesa students as they continue their travels through Africa and beyond. Justin Carmack and Mark and Annie Shoberg.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Dr. Chad Thatcher
April 20 - Danube River
Cruise down one of Europe's most important rivers, gluiding past medieval villages and castles from Prague and Vienna to Budapest.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Peggy and Dennis Pretti
April 21 (Thursday!) – Chris Klug and the Donor Alliance
Aspen local and Bronze Medal snowboarder Chris Klug will talk about snowboarding and his other passion, promoting life-saving organ and tissure donations. A 10 year liver transplant recipient himself, Chris is dedicated to giving back by helping the more than 100,000 people waiting across America for a second chance in life. Come hear about his efforts to support organization such as Donor Alliance, dedicated to saving lies through organ and tissue donations.
Presenter: Chris Klug
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
April 27– Mt. McKinley Hang Gliding Expedition
In May 1976, 12 climbers spent 36 days carrying four hang gliders to the summit of Mt. McKinley for the first ever hang gliders descent. Three pilots were successful in setting records in high altitude hang glider flight, find out what happened to the fourth, as Jim Hale, expedition leader, recaptures the experience with slides from this epic endeavor. Come see what it was like to climb a huge mountain over 30 years ago. Jim will have some of his old climbing gear on hand as well.
Presenter: Jim Hale
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
May 5 – Chris Klug and the Donor Alliance
Chris Klugs presentation originally scheduled for May 5th has been moved to THURSDAY April 21!! We are sorry for the inconvenience.
Fall 2010 Schedule
Sept. 15 - Sustainable Roots
Follow Toni Walters on her quest to bring environmental preservation and sustainble development to Cosanga, Ecuador. While attending Colorado Mesa University, Toni traveled to Ecuador, spending a year working near Cosanga, where she met the other founders of Sustainable Roots. Enjoy a night traveling through Ecuador as you learn about her next adventure in helping Latin American communities find a balance with nature and the economy. Check out the Sustainable Roots web site.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Toni Walters
Sept. 22 - The Sun Stopped Shining Over China
Tour several cities in China as view the total solar eclipse that occured in China during July of 2009.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Jim and Shirley Skinner
Sept. 29 - Northwest Chronicles of Gnarnia
Want to see what boating is like out of the South Western Rockies region? Want to see gorgeous basalt cliffs confining clear turquoise waters and plenty of green vegetation? Join us for the videos and photos of two Mesa State boaters’ adventures from rivers in the Pacific North-West. The presenters will give you insights and a possible ‘to-do’ list from over 20 rivers in Oregon and Washington.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Sam Morrison and Chris Garcia
Oct. 13 - Outdoor Program Summer Trip to Java, Borneo and Bali
During the Summer 2010 a group of Mesa State College students ventured to the longest Archipeligo in the world, visiting the islands of Java, Borneo, Bali and a few more of the 25,000 islands that make up this region. For a story and some photos about this presentation check out Chadventures in the October 2010 issue of the Grand Valley Magazine.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Dr. Chad Thatcher, OP Director
Oct. 20 - The Far North
Follow JoAnn's travels to the remote Northern regions of the world, including the high Norvegian and Canadian Arctic. Featuring scenes of wildflowers, polar bears and huge artic hares.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: JoAnn Moon
Oct. 27 - Desert Towers
Steve "Crusher" Bartlett presents a slideshow of 25 years of desert climbing adventure. Also book signing of his new book, "Desert Towers." Join "Crusher" Bartlett for a trip to some of his favorite climbs on the Colorado Plateau. This show is not only a slide show of Crusher's adventures over 25 years of desert climbing, but a celebration of the publication of his book, "Desert Towers." Desert Towers documents the history of climbers and their ascents of the wild and historic sandstone towers of the Colorado Plateau. The 350 pages of this book are lavishly illustrated with first-ascent photographs--many never seen in print before--and over two dozen contributed essays by the pioneering desert climbers of the last fifty years.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Steve "Crusher" Bartlett
Nov. 3 - Scuba Dive the Tropics
Come experience an underwater wonderland, as we travel to Egypt, Belize, Jamaica and Honduras. Learn what it takes to become a diver.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Dr. Chad Thatcher
Nov. 10 - Mongolia, China and Tibet
Tamera Minnick and Aparna Palmer present slides and stories from their dueling trips to Asia last summer. Tamera traveled with a group in China while Aparna traveled solo in Mongolia. Tamera spent 3 weeks in China in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Lhasa, Chongqing, Yangtze River, Wuhan and Hong Kong by planes, trains, buses, boats, rickshaw and foot, learning about the country, cultures and controversies. Aparna spent 3 weeks traveling from the south of Mongolia to the north, camping and staying with nomadic families along the way. Her slides will take you from the dunes of the Gobi, to the canyons where the first dinosaur eggs were found, to the lush steppes where Przewalski's horses wander, to the ruins of ancient monasteries, and finally to Asia's second deepest lake, nestled in the high mountains of the north. Come see a lot of Asia covered in one presentation!
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Dr. Tamera Minnick and Dr. Aparna Palmer
Nov. 17 - The Many Facets of Brazil
Come with us on a slide show land tour of a few exceedingly different cultural areas of Brasil. Visit Rio, the Portuguese colonial capitol; Brasilia, the ultra-modern planned capitol city of today; Iguassu Falls and an Eco Center on the Rio Niger River. Brasil is one of the most racially and culturally integrated countries in the world.
Presenter: Paula and Keith Struckman
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Nov. 24 - Thanksgiving Break (No Show)
Dec. 1 - 180 Degrees South: Conquerors of the Useless
Conquerors of the Useless follows Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia. Along the way he gets shipwrecked off Easter Island, surfs the longest wave of his life - and prepares himself for a rare ascent of Cerro Corcovado. Jeff's life turns when he meets up in a rainy hut with Chouinard and Tompkins who, once driven purely by a love of climbing and surfing, now value above all the experience of raw nature - and have come to Patagonia to spend their fortunes to protect it.
Check out the website and trailer at www.180south.com
Presenter: OP Staff
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Dec. 8 - TBA
Spring 2010 Schedule
Jan. 20 - A Taste of Incredible India
Follow award Gordan Nicholson throughout India, as he blends together photos from 14 separate trips to India. Travel from the Southern temples to the high Himalayas.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Gordan Nicholson
Jan. 27 - The Fine Line
The greatest snow sports athletes join the world’s leading avalanche professionals to bring you a new movement in avalanche education. “The Fine Line” is a cinematic journey that unites the cutting edge of winter action sports with youth education about responsible backcountry usage. Along with massive avalanches, epic riding, year long time-lapses, crazy true stories, cable cam cinematography, and Alaskan heli to heli, educational materials are made clearly visible. This engaging, educational, and inspiring film can save lives.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: OP Staff
Feb 3 - Flakes
Powderwhores filmmakers spent last winter breaking trail into the backcountry with some of the top telemark skiers in the world like Nick DeVore, Andy Jacobsen, Jason West, Will Cardamone, Megan Michelson and many others. Their goal, to try and capture the joy and freedom that is powder skiing, which is not an easy task. Traveling from Aspen, Ushuaia, The Wasatch, Haines, The San Juans, Valdez, and El Chalten our crew searched out challenging and beautiful mountains that needed to be skied. After 5 years of putting out films we've not yet been able to effectively capture our experiences on film much less in a few sentences.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: OP Staff
Feb 10 - Appalachian Trail Trek
Jason Sullivan, Colorado Mesa grad and committed book store employee decided to chase a dream last summer, to trek the entire Appalachian Trail from Mt. Katahdin in Maine to Springer, Georgia. His journey spanned 12 states, snowy mountain passes, 2,178 miles, 164 days and hundreds of stinky socks. Come catch a glimpse of what it take to tackle one of America’s most classic trails.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Jason Sullivan
Feb 24 - A South African Adventure: Monitoring Lions on the Selati Game Reserve
Paulette Struckman, educator, traveler and tracker will present a program on her volunteer experience monitoring lions on Project Leo and her travel in South Africa, Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope, in the summer of 2008. Capturing the richness of South Africa--animals, plants and history--with her camera, she will share with you her experience and love of the wild.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Paulette Struckman
March 3 - Snowboard Movie
Nations Foundation's first major release "ONEYEAR" gives us an accurate account of the exceptional lifestyles of many of the world's best snowboarders. Traveling to 5 continents as one of the most talented snowboard lineups ever, including Dave Downing, Andy Finch, Matt Hammer, Tommy Czeschin, Kelly Clark, Janna Meyen, JJ Johnson, Eric Willet, and friends encounter more than epic powder lines and huge jumps. Throughout this year-long adventure we find out what really matters and makes sense in the hearts of our favorite pros. What drives them, what breaks them, and where they find stability in a life of constant change and challenge. From Lake Tahoe to South Korea, Utah to Argentina, Mt. Baker to Switzerland, find out how much can really happen in ONEYEAR. For a sneak peak go to www.nationsfoundation.org
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Casey Miller
March 10 - Spring Break (No Wednesday Night Wandering)
March 17 - Vietnam
In 1995 Terry Adcock traveled with a group of veterans and their friends to Vietnam to revisit areas they had experienced during the Vietnam War. The country had been cut off from the Western World by presidential administrations until the Clinton administration in the early 1990's, appearing to freeze it in time. The trip included stops in Ho Chi Min City (Saigon), Cam Ranh Bay, Nha Trang, Ban Me Thuot, Dalat, Qui Nhon, Ankhe, Pleiku, Kontum, Dak To, Da Nang, Hue, Quang Tri, Dong Ha and eventually Hanoi. Military facilities like Khe Sanh, Rockpile, Camp Carroll, Da Nang airbase, China Beach, the American Embassy in Saigon had fallen into disrepair. The fascinating stories and experiences of the veterans and from local Vietnamese added to the experience. The trip at times took on a reverent tone when individual experiences of how the War effected each person reminded me of visiting a modern day version of Gettysburg.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Terry Adcock
March 24 - Outdoor Program Winter Trip to Southern India
During the winter 2009-10 break a group of Mesa State College students ventured into the steamy Hindu lands of Southern India. During our time we visited the bustling markets of Mumbai, the backwaters of Kerala, the palm-fringed beaches of Goa, the ancient ruins of Ajanta and Ellora, the Hindu temples of Hampi, the splendors of Mysore palace, the hill station of Ooty, the wilds of Mudumalai Tiger Sanctuary and cosmopolitan Bangalore. Come experience a slice of incredible India. For a story and some photos about this presentation check out Chadventures in the March 2010 issue of the Grand Valley Magazine. Grand Junction Free Press article.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Chad Thatcher, OP Director
March 31 - CMU Freerunning and Parkour Team
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Kevin Reid
April 7- No Show Planned
April 14- Scuba Diving Explorer
Come experience an underwater wonderland, as we travel to Egypt, Belize, Jamaica and Honduras. Learn what it takes to become a diver.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Chad Thatcher
April 21 - Iceland
Explore Iceland on a ten-day hike along Icelands southern coast.
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Presenter: Janet Ritter
April 28 - South America Adventure
Casey Miller, Colorado Mesa Student, snowboarder and explorer, wanted an adventure. He set out on a five month tour of South America to experience the culture and natural beauty of Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Peru. Along the way he surfed, snowboarded, camped on beaches with street bums, hitch hiked and was robbed more than once. Most important he made good on his promise to connect with all his friends from South American that worked at the Crested Butte Ski Resort as part of an international work exchange program. Very few Americans embark on such a journey, join Casey and get a taste of life on the road in exotic and adventuresome South America.
Presenter: Casey Miller
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
May 5 – Mt. McKinley Hang Gliding Expedition
In May 1976, 12 climbers spent 36 days carrying four hang gliders to the summit of Mt. McKinley for the first ever hang gliders descent. Three pilots were successful in setting records in high altitude hang glider flight, find out what happened to the fourth, as Jim Hale, expedition leader, recaptures the experience with slides from this epic endeavor. Come see what it was like to climb a huge mountain over 30 years ago. Jim will have some of his old climbing gear on hand as well.
Presenter: Jim Hale
Location: Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155
Wednesday Night Wanderings
FREE Slideshows & Workshops at Colorado Mesa University
Wednesdays at 7:30pm
Fall 2009 Schedule
Sept. 16 - Austrailia and Tasmania
Come explore the highlights of the southern and eastern coasts of Australia and Tasmania.
Location: Weldon Lecture Hall, Science Building
Presenter: Joe Warton
Sept. 23 - Bike Maintenance
Learn the basics of tuning your bike, fixing a flat, stopping the squeaks, and smoothing out your shifts. Bring your bicycle and get some hands-on assistance.
Location: Outdoor Program Office
Presenter: OP Staff
Sept. 30 - Chris Bonington - I Choose to Climb
Chris Bonington is Britain’s best known climber and one of the most successful expedition leaders in the World having led the teams that made the first ascents of the South Face of Annapurna and the South West Face of Everest. He has been at the cutting edge of climbing for the last forty years making first ascents of twenty peaks in the greater ranges of the World and authoring over fifteen books about his adventures. Chris Bonington captures the highlights of his formative years of climbing from when he started as a London school boy at the age of sixteen to the first major expedition he led to climb the huge South Face of Annapurna in 1970 – at the time probably the hardest big face in the Himalayas. He covers his discovery of rock climbing with the basic gear of the fifties, early forays into Scotland, then on to the Alps with his attempts and final success to be the first Briton to climb the notorious North Wall of the Eiger and make the first ascent of The Central Pillar of Freney on the South side of Mont Blanc. He tells of some of the great characters of British mountaineering – Hamish MacInnes, Don Whillans, Tom Patey and many more. He describes his early Himalayan climbs to Annapurna II and Nuptse in the early sixties when Nepal was still undeveloped and goes on his adventures as a photo journalist culminating in the first ever descent of the Blue Nile. If you ever wanted to meet someone who truly followed their passion, then don’t miss this exciting night.
Location: Recital Hall, Moss Performing Arts Center
Presenter: Sir Chris Bonington
Oct. 7 - OP Middle East Summer Backpacking Adventure
The 2009 summer adventure took 16 students from the ancient pyramids of Egypt to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, where we climbed to the top of Mt. Sinai, dove in the Rea Sea, explored the ruins of Petra and the Old City of Damascus, and marveled at the architectural wonder of the Aya Sofya, one of the world's most glorious buildings. If you always dreamed of going to the Middle East, this is your chance to see it and learn how to travel in a responsible manner and avoid the “all inclusive” packaged holiday. We spent seven weeks exploring the underbelly of this ancient land and now you can come along for the ride.
Location: Saccomanno Lecture Hall, Science Building
Presenter: Chad Thatcher and Crew
Oct. 14 - Split Estate Documentary
Come see a free showing of Split Estate, a 70 minute film featuring Garfield County residents' efforts to protect their health and homes from booming natural gas drilling. Now that natural gas is being heralded as a "clean, transition fuel" to a New Energy Economy, it's important that we are all familiar with the real impacts on the ground as told by real people. Check out the web site and trailer: www.splitestate.com
Location: Weldon Lecture Hall, Wubben Hall
Presenter: Debra Anderson (Producer)
Oct. 21 - Zion Park Canyoneering
Explore Zion’s famous hikes, and canyons including The Subway, a nine-mile, one-way adventure through a magnificent slot canyon requiring rappelling and swimming; water-hiking in the Narrows of the Virgin River; the spectacular ascent to Angel's Landing and The Hidden Canyon.
Location: Weldon Lecture Hall, Science Building
Presenter: Vicki and Nick Sharp
Oct. 28 - Climb Denali
Climb to the top of North America’s highest peak with one of Colorado Mesa’s most adventurous Alums. Come hear the firsthand account of what it takes to scale a mammoth mountain in the middle of Alaska.
Location: Saunders Field House Lecture Hall 1101
Presenter: Ben Raevsky, OP Staff 2002-6
Nov. 11 - Mexican Shoe Caravan
Come experience the misadventures of two Colorado Mesa students getting shoes to a handful of orphans in Los Mochis, Mexico. Have you ever wondered what it is like traveling through Mexico while a drug war is raging? This last summer, Annie and Mark Shoberg traveled to Sinaloa, the drug capital of Mexico, to deliver a truck full of shoes to an orphanage in Los Mochis. shoes were provided through donations from the Colorado Mesa University Associated Student Government; Carol Christ; Bill Wright; Glen and Mary Cooper; Living Stone Church; and many others.
Annie and Mark had one trial after another as they were booted out of Mexico two times and then nearly a third. In the heat of the Sonoran Desert they broke down not once, but twice, and at the worst possible moment their A/C stopped working as well. Finally, they limped into Los Mochis to find that every RV camping park had shut down because most Americans had ceased coming so far south. Annie and Mark ended up doing the one thing most Mexicans will tell you never to do; they asked the Policia for help. To find out how it all ended, come to the Colorado Mesa University Outdoor Program's Wednesday Night Wandering at the Colorado Mesa University on November 11th. Annie and Mark did end up delivering the shoes to the orphans and visiting Las Barrancas del Cobre, which is Copper Canyon and one of the largest canyon systems in the world. The canyon is four times deeper than the Grand Canyon and nearly seven times as large. They were able to discover why the drug war affects so many ordinary people in Mexico and why their drug problem can only be solved right here in the United States. If you ever had a desire to help out south of the border, you will not want to miss this story of adventure and determination.
Location: Saunders Field House Lecture Hall 1101
Presenter: Annie and Mark Shoberg
Nov. 18 - Peru
Join Janice Shepherd on a coastal tour of Peru,
with inland trips to the mountains of the Cordilliera Blanca range, a trek up 19,101 ft. El Misti near Arequipa and a visit to the depths of Colca Canyon, plus visits to the ancient pre-Inca ruins of Chan Chan and Chavin
Location: Saunders Field House Lecture Hall 1101
Presenter: Janice Shepherd
Dec. 2 OP - Ski Tuning
Interested in learning how to tune up your snowboard or skis? Bring them on down to the Outdoor Program and we’ll show you how!
Location: Outdoor Program Office/Hanger
Presenter: OP Staff
Contact Info
If intererested in hosting a show please contact Chad at 970.248.1670
