HiYak® Adventures

Lets learn all about basics of Kayaking safely, taking cargo, pets, enter/exit, self rescue and more. ( This will be ground based near the water's edge and I will bring all equipment to demo)
This is where we will practice all the basics.
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Learn how to handle a paddle, types and sizes of paddles, what to look for on safety and fit for a kayak, getting in and out safely on your own, types of kayak and how to pick the right one for how you paddle, self water rescue, Lifevests- why do I need one and what type, extra items to take in kayak, where do I stow this and that , kayak comfort, how to pack a kayak when overnite camping and more. I am not certified instructor, hence the training is FREE.
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You will be getting my experience and knowledge from the decades of paddling. The takeaways for the day will be enhanced knowledge, safety and what to do when things go wrong.
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Try to arrive at 12:30 !, when you do arrive simply join group. I will be passing on my knowledge to you are the River Edge, where you can sit on the limestone blocks while the Fox River drifts by. I will bring all gear for you to review.
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*****Suggest you also enroll in the the follow up event for actual water trials and self rescue practice. * currently the water self rescue event is upcoming event as we need warm water to practice !
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$ 5.00 cash donation please - pay when you arrive and check in ! ( let's make a difference - all proceeds are being donated to SEVA Foundation, helping people globally to see better !) https://www.seva.org
YES KID FRIENDLY Feel Free to bring a camp chair or sit on grass.

No prior climbing experience is necessary. One just needs a spirit for the outdoors and a head for heights!

Time Schedule:

Day one Friday:

Depart Great Chicago Area 900 am - Carpool
*** Stop on way for lunch/ Visit a Distillery and get some bourbon
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Travel to Land of Arches Campground and set up tents/campsite
, Campsite Dinner, Frisbee and nearby hiking, Bourbon Tasting

Day two Saturday:
Coffee and breakfast- Daniel Boone coffeehouse
8:30 am Climb Via Ferrata
1-6 areas (special price for our group)$ 50 for all day pass includes training

Day trip - hiking - bring a light day pack
Maybe visit creation falls or
Or possible Kayak down the Red River
Camp Saturday nite
Dinner and Bourbon Tasting around Campfire

Sunday-
late Breakfast at Daniel Boone Coffee shop,
Morning Hike nearby-
Head home drive time 6.5 hours

Via Ferrata is a way of climbing that consists of a steel cable that is attached to the rock face every 8-10ft. Climbers are clipped into this cable with specialized via ferrata climbing landyards. Iron hand and foot rungs aid the climber as they ascend, traverse, and descend the course.
The Torrent Falls Climbing Adventure hosts the first via ferrata in the USA! The Torrent Falls via ferrata is a continuous course located in a horseshoe-shaped canyon in the beautiful Red River Gorge, KY. Our course has 6 sections with 4 levels of difficulty ranging from easy to expert. There are 2 easy sections, 1 intermediate, 2 advanced, and 1 expert section. At the end of each section there is an exit point. If you did not want to continue onto the next section, you may exit the course and take a break. All trails lead back to the main facility within a 5minute or less hike.

While conquering our course, one may experience a 130 ft waterfall, 2 suspension bridges, a 40 ft long tight rope walk, heights of 120 ft, and the Black Diamond (the last and most challenging section of our course)! But don’t be too alarmed, the easy sections of our course are designed for beginners or even people that have never even had a harness on before. However be aware, the difficult sections are challenging – so rest up and be ready for a workout!

Clothing that is comfortable to climb in. Long pants are recommended. Shorts can be worn; however it is easy to scratch knees. If it is going to be cold, dress in layers, you can become hot while climbing. If it is going to rain, bring a rain jacket.
Closed-toed shoes – Tennis shoes or hiking boots work best. No flip-flops.
Waivers – Every person that participates in our activities needs a waiver.

********************Basic fee is $ 50 for day pass VIA FERRATA Climbing.

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Campground cost / firewood- is $20.00 for weekend

Carpool cost will divide and ask everyone to chip in cash please

Camping at THE ARCHES- features four private hot water showers/restrooms

• subject to Weather conditions one week prior

## Volunteer for Chicago River Day9 a.m. - 12 noonMay 13, 2023

Amazing volunteers come together every year since 1992 to give the Chicago and Calumet Rivers a good spring cleaning on Chicago River Day, part of our effort to create a Litter Free Chicago-Calumet river system. The river system provides critical habitat for all sorts of animals from migratory birds to beavers, mink, turtles and over 75 species of fish. It's health is rebounding but litter remains a stubborn problem. Have fun, get inspired by fellow volunteers, and make a positive impact on the health of the river cleaning the watershed from Lake County to the Calumet.
Register before May 5 to receive a Chicago River Day t-shirt with this years featured creature, the blue spotted salamander. Advance registration is requested so we can provide the right amount of supplies for each site.


** Please use this link to register FREE and note you are with HIYAK ADVENTURES group
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1O5psHmDCFki0-2bKzhobwhoTq7bc7O4_&ll=41.97208809086361%2C-87.70081216340269&z=16

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Message me directly if you need to rent a boat

I will supply Rubber gloves and plastic bags

Devils Lake Weekend

Kayaking, Hiking, Camping, Exploring hidden waterfall, Ice Age Trail and more!

###This is limited number of people event, no refunds and if you RSVP, please pay promptly. ( event goes rain or shine- no refunds once paid)
!!Quiet time 11-6!! **********

Bathrooms, showers, water supply all nearby campsite.

Bring a small daypack and experience the Ice Age trail as we travel to nearby Parfey's Glen.
***Hiking Boots required
Hike the always amazing views of Devils Lake.
Kayak in the nearby lake. ( beach has variety of **kayak rentals if needed)
$15 per hour)
Explore a nearby waterfall ( **water shoes needed)
Dinner at Tumbled Rocks Brewery nearby
Campfire each nite ( bring your **camp chair)

Expected Itinerary:

Friday arrive as early as 3 pm to sites, set up Campsite tents, gear. Recommend leave kayak on car. Only two cars per campsite, others will go to extra parking lot nearby. Plan on dinner at campsite with nice group fire.

Saturday plan to go no backpack trip on nearby trails Bring a day pack to carry water, and snacks, etc. Recommend Hiking boots. We might be crossing small stream or going up and down on some rocky ground. We will traverse Classic Ice Age Trail sections and maybe see a waterfall.

Back to campsite, we will weather permitting, take our kayaks out on the lake. Very peaceful and calm, great way to see the awesome mountains and views.

Another nice hike nearby in Baraboo, just a short drive away, but we will need to carpool as parking lot is very small. Hike to waterfall and wear your watershoes, you can walk upstream and downstream a bit.

Sunday after breakfast, we will hike the circumference of Devils Lake, about 6-7 miles. back to camp, grab some lunch and leave at your leisure, you can stay till 3 pm at site.

Cost is $ 25 per person, pay me in cash prior to event or send money via Venmo to [masked]
** if you rsvp and fail to pay, others can take your spot
( fee covers camp fees, firewood and donation for Seva.Org)

Hiyak Paid members only no guests

** Only two cars per campsite, others will need to drop gear and park in overflow parking area nearby.