Homeric Inspiration c/o Michael Watts, seasoned traveler

We just returned from our latest round of kayak adventures in the Greek Isles. What a blast! Sometime between the cliff jumping, paddling, hiking and eating--mmmmm, stuffed wine leaves and Greek salad--one of the paddlers on the first ever NWP Santorini trip penned this poem. There's just something about the beautifully colorful and WARM Mediterranean, incredible volcanic landscapes and unmatched Greek hospitality that spurs artistic creativity. Check it out:



Here--the Isles of the Cyclades
Arising from primeval seas.
Isles of laughter, isles of mirth
Encircling Apollo's birth
Like a swarm of rocky bees

Buzzing with volcanic fire,
Quieted how? by History's lyre.
And dreaming 'neath a Grecian sky
Homer's mythic heroes lie
With legends of the heart's desire.

But this special isle of St Irene
Once so fiery, now serene,
Has given us a week of joy.
So every water girl and boy
Gives thanks for days so fresh and clean,
For salty seas, and what has been
The realisation of a dream.





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A welcome to the world of blogging

Hello friends of The Northwest Passage!

It is our hope that this blog will help us stay connected with our past, current, and future participants, guides and friends. Here you can expect to see reflections on past trips, links to exciting happenings around Chicago, and updated information on our schedules and upcoming trips.

So, here's a quick status update.

-At the office we are busy putting the finishing touches on our gear and luggage for the upcoming North Pole trips. Most of the trips will be heading out in April, and this year we have both cross country skiing and dog sledding to look forward to. Stay tuned for information on our polar blogs, so you can follow along with our Polar Explorers.

-Rick is getting ready to lead the first ever trip for The Northwest Passage to the Galapagos. He's hoping to rope a sea turtle, at least if he decides to take a break from mountain biking, paddling and hiking.

-Finally, there's still a chance to enroll in the March session of our Sunday rolling classes, held at the heated pool at Lifetime Fitness in Skokie. Give us a call at the office if you're interested.

And last, the shameless plug, follow us on facebook, or call the office to ask for a copy of the 2010 Adventure Catalog if you're interested in learning about any upcoming trips.

Till next our paths cross, happy adventuring!