The latest Traveler’s Journal shares an evening of classic outdoor adventure that will thrill the entire family. In August 2018, Kitsap native John Kuntz, owner of Olympic Outdoor Center and modern day voyageur, embarked on a mostly solo kayak trip, paddling the entirety of the Columbia River — all 1,250 miles from its source high in the Canadian Rockies to its outlet to the sea in Astoria, Ore.
Hear his story in words and video of high adventure as he runs whitewater rapids in the steep walled Red Grave canyon, dodging lightning strikes and forest fires, long open water paddles amongst some of the most spectacular and varied scenery on the planet, portaging around 14 dams, enduring a 5-mile hike around the U.S. border, and sharing his adventure along the way in the classrooms of a suburban Chicago school.
Kuntz paddled the entire Columbia in honor of Erica Reith (“Eri,” a young person whom tragically lost her life at the age of 19) and in the name of teaching youth the art of adventure.
“In life we have a chance to pay it forward and that is my goal, to let youth know there is more to life than the world that they know. That it is OK to take risks safely to gain the reward of a life time,” Kuntz said. “Eri was a beautiful person that loved the outdoors and helping others. In her honor I am dedicating this paddle so that others may follow, because life is and adventure that we must share.”
About the presentations
Traveler’s Journal, a presentation of the Peninsula Trails Coalition, raises funds to buy project supplies and food for volunteers working on Olympic Discovery Trail projects. Shows start at 7 p.m. at the Dungeness River Nature Center, 2099 W. Hendrickson Road. Suggested donation is $5 for adults. To protect speakers and others, attendees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend the presentations; have vaccination cards available at the door. For more information, email Arvo Johnson at amjcgj@gmail.com.
2022 Traveler’s Journal
When: 7 p.m., Thursday, March 17 (door opens at 6:30 p.m.)
Presenter: John Kuntz
Presentation: “Eri’s Adventure, Kayaking the Mighty Columbia River from Source to Sea”
Where: Dungeness River Nature Center, 2099 W. Hendrickson Road
Cost: Suggested $5 donation (adults)
Coming up: “Alaska: Spring North – Fall South” with Bob and Enid Phreaner, March 24
John Kuntz celebrates finishing a 1,250-mile journey on the Columbia River in 2018. Submitted photo
John Kuntz enjoys support from student writings as he traverses the Columbia River in 2018. Submitted photo
John Kuntz enjoys support from student writings as he traverses the Columbia River in 2018. Submitted photo
Student writings provide kayaker John Kunts some inspiration as he completes a 1,250-mile journey on the Columbia River. Photo courtesy of John Kuntz
