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John Bollman receives his Verlen Krugar Award 2024 Paddle
Andrea Kruger, Gary De Kock and Cynthia Donovan did the honors!
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Andrea Kruger and John Bollman celebrate with Verlen Kruger!
Checkout the Memorial at Facebook
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March 1, 2025! Quiet Adventures Symposium, 30th Anniversary!
MSU Pavilion, East Lansing Michigan
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Hap Wilson joined us at QAS 2024!
Hap: explorer, cartographer, conservationist, author, artist!
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Gary and Linda De Kock, previous VK award winners!
Paddlers and committed River Angels!
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Honoring previous Awardees: 2023 Verlen Kruger Award Winners!
Check out this awesome legacy
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Another Verlen Kruger Awardee and River Angel: Deana Jerdee
Check out Paddle Antrim and volunteer with Chain of Lakes Trail
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Our 2020 Verlen Kruger Awardee: Andrea Knepper
Still going strong with Chicago Adventure Therapy!
More InformationUPDATES
Saying Goodbye to Riley McLincha
Michigan lost an amazing paddler and person, as Riley McLincha died while on his way to completing a runyak journey to the St.Louis Arch. As detailed by friends on Riley’s Facebook page (@riley.mclincha), on Tuesday June 18, “while waiting for a lock to allow passage, Riley was pulled under a barge by the current. They were stacked 3 wide (100 feet) and 5 deep (1000 feet). There was simply no way for him to escape.”
Riley will be missed by many, including those of us with the Quiet Adventures Society. In 2022, Riley presented virtually on RunYaking, his love of both running and kayaking shining through, but he was so much more. He provided Quiet Adventures Society with his extensive biography and we quote it here:
“Today there are exactly 100 disciples of runyaking. Riley, the original, is best qualified to speak about it because he is the father of runyaking. He has been speaking to audiences over the years on many subjects. Riley, a.k.a. the Wizard of Clio, has been called a Renaissance Man, and a time or two, the Most Interesting Man in Michigan.
Over the years he has been:
A. Guinness World Record holder for the memorization of pi (7,500 digits)
B. The inventor of "Drubbling," juggling, dribbling and running, with three basketballs. Drubbling has landed him on the Today Show as a special guest, also he's been featured on ESPN, and the Regis and Kelly Show. He has drubbled 5 marathons including Chicago, New York and the most prestigious Boston Marathon. Since 1994 he has drubbled the Crim 10 Mile Race in Flint, MI 28 consecutive times.
C. A writer, his book "The Runyaker's Journey" chronicles his 57 day journey from Flint to Niagara Falls.
D. A character actor. Since 1989 he has traveled to venues around the state of Michigan impersonating Johnny Appleseed, telling the story of John Chapman by juggling apples, playing is guitar and singing his original song, The Ballad of Johnny Appleseed.
E. A certified Michigan science teacher.
F. A husband of 51 years, father of two daughters, and grandfather of five
G. A runner since 1977, logging over 46,000 miles, and completed the Crim 10 Mile Race in Flint MI all 45 times
H. A question in the 20th Anniversary edition of Trivial Pursuit
I. A feature of Ripley's Believe it or Not!
J. A 2002 Olympic Torchbearer, nominated and chosen because he represents the Olympic spirit.
K. A three time Boston Marathon qualifier and finisher
L. A solo cancer fundraiser of $14,000
M. Last but not least, a proud Michigan Wolverine alumni.”
We are thinking of his family now. There will be a celebration of life later this summer. Remember the joy that he spread.
Quiet Adventures Symposium 2025 is next, marking
30 years of Symposiums!
March 1, 2025 is the date for QAS 2025!
Quiet Adventures Symposium 2024 was successfully held on March 2, 2024 at the MSU Pavilion on the Michigan State University campus. See the Program Booklet to get a sense of who was there, the speakers and demonstrations, sponsors and more.
Now we start looking forward to 2025 and how to make sure that we have a wonderful event, filling the Arena and the Exhibit Hall with boats, bikes, and more.
If you enjoyed QAS 2024 and would like to be more involved in QAS 2025, please contact us directly at info@quietadventures.org .
SAVE-Background color is #2d3f51
QUICK LINKS
QAS 2025 is coming March 1, 2025!
We all had a great time at QAS 2024. There were around 1500 people at the event, including paid entries, volunteers, exhibitors, speakers, students and kids. This is similar to last year. Now we will be working to make our 30th Anniversary Quiet Adventures Symposium on Saturday March 1, 2025 bigger and better. We will post invitations to Exhibitors, Sponsors, Speakers and Volunteers later in 2024.
Please note: We do not sell or share our contact lists; anyone who offers you our exhibitor list or other contacts is SPAM or worse!
The 2024 Verlen Kruger Award was awarded to John Bollman, a local river angel, helping bring together people to ensure that the Red Cedar River remains a local paadling and fishing resource.
To relive some of the fun from QAS 2024, visit Youtube, Facebook, Podcasts, and more to check out new videos and podcasts from the event. Here is a sampling!
Camper Christina (Youtube, Facebook)
Adventure Anywhere (Youtube)
Two Weeks in a Hammock (Facebook reel)
Kuehl Kuest (Youtube)
The Happy Camper (KCHappy Camper on Youtube)
Paddling Adventures Radio (Podcasts: Episodes 419-422 )
Paddling the Blue (Podcasts: Episode 109, March 25)
We need to thank all of the many volunteers who helped to make the event a great time. Kate Lederle was honoured as the Stacy Smith Volunteer Awardee for the many years of service to the Quiet Water Society and now Quiet Adventures Society. She was often seen at the Raffle Desk or elsewhere, working through the challenges before, during and after the show. Well done Kate.
Meanwhile, check out our list of exhibitors, visit them on line or in person. They would love to talk about pleases to go, things to do, and what it takes.
Spring is here and summer approaches with MANY events and opportunities!
Here is just a sample and we will add more along the way!
Spring cleanups having been going strong. There will be a River and River Trails Cleanup event on June 1 based at Potter Park Zoo with Michigan Waterways Stewards and all of the local partners. Check FACEBOOK @Michigan Waterways Stewards for more information and to follow all of the action with MWS and partners.
The Power of Water has local paddling classes in May and adventures throughout the year. Get your strokes and rescues down with Trey and the gang.
All along the North Country Trail there are hikes and volunteer efforts, welcoming participants to maintain the 4800 miles of hiking trail across 8 states. The local Chief Noonday Chapter would love you to join in the fun and posts suggested hikes on their website. Visit the NCT Association offices at 229 East Main Street, Lowell Michigan.
Friends of the St Clair River have many activities, so check them out. You can even adopt a Sturgeon! Also check out all the fun at Paddle Antrim and the Chain of Lakes.
The Lansing Oar and Paddle Club is found on Meetup and at wordpress, with an awesome trip schedule, including lake, whitewater, river, and sea kayaking, as well as surf and turf with hiking, paddling and more. Annual SWAP coming in June.
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a great destination to explore outside the Great Lakes. Maine has incredible rivers, lakes, and shoreline. Visit their events calendar or check out the Trip Planner for your adventure in the North East.
There are many outfitters and guides in Michigan and the region. Among those who were at QAS 2024 are Heavner Canoe and Kayak Rental, The Power of Water, Forest the Canoe, Uncommon Adventures Naturally Superior Adventures and Cabin Falls Ecolodge on the Temagami with Hap and Andrea Wilson. Check out their website for Canadian, US and more adventures.
The League of Michigan Bicyclists has posted their schedule and it is jam packed with biking options throughout Michigan, from MUP in July in the Upper Peninsula to the Michigander Tour in July in Southeast Michigan. Check out all the many rides with LMB and its partners. Signups for 2024 are available, but spots are filling.
The folks at the Tri County Bicycle Association TCBA organize fun rides and safety classes. Registration for the annual DALMAC ride is open!
Adventure team 906 sponsors many events and also gets kids out and riding, gaining confidence and enjoying Michigan on bikes.
SOCIAL MEDIA
UPDATES
Saying Goodbye to Riley McLincha
Michigan lost an amazing paddler and person, as Riley McLincha died while on his way to completing a runyak journey to the St.Louis Arch. As detailed by friends on Riley’s Facebook page (@riley.mclincha), on Tuesday June 18, “while waiting for a lock to allow passage, Riley was pulled under a barge by the current. They were stacked 3 wide (100 feet) and 5 deep (1000 feet). There was simply no way for him to escape.”
Riley will be missed by many, including those of us with the Quiet Adventures Society. In 2022, Riley presented virtually on RunYaking, his love of both running and kayaking shining through, but he was so much more. He provided Quiet Adventures Society with his extensive biography and we quote it here:
“Today there are exactly 100 disciples of runyaking. Riley, the original, is best qualified to speak about it because he is the father of runyaking. He has been speaking to audiences over the years on many subjects. Riley, a.k.a. the Wizard of Clio, has been called a Renaissance Man, and a time or two, the Most Interesting Man in Michigan.
Over the years he has been:
A. Guinness World Record holder for the memorization of pi (7,500 digits)
B. The inventor of "Drubbling," juggling, dribbling and running, with three basketballs. Drubbling has landed him on the Today Show as a special guest, also he's been featured on ESPN, and the Regis and Kelly Show. He has drubbled 5 marathons including Chicago, New York and the most prestigious Boston Marathon. Since 1994 he has drubbled the Crim 10 Mile Race in Flint, MI 28 consecutive times.
C. A writer, his book "The Runyaker's Journey" chronicles his 57 day journey from Flint to Niagara Falls.
D. A character actor. Since 1989 he has traveled to venues around the state of Michigan impersonating Johnny Appleseed, telling the story of John Chapman by juggling apples, playing is guitar and singing his original song, The Ballad of Johnny Appleseed.
E. A certified Michigan science teacher.
F. A husband of 51 years, father of two daughters, and grandfather of five
G. A runner since 1977, logging over 46,000 miles, and completed the Crim 10 Mile Race in Flint MI all 45 times
H. A question in the 20th Anniversary edition of Trivial Pursuit
I. A feature of Ripley's Believe it or Not!
J. A 2002 Olympic Torchbearer, nominated and chosen because he represents the Olympic spirit.
K. A three time Boston Marathon qualifier and finisher
L. A solo cancer fundraiser of $14,000
M. Last but not least, a proud Michigan Wolverine alumni.”
We are thinking of his family now. There will be a celebration of life later this summer. Remember the joy that he spread.
Quiet Adventures Symposium 2025 is next, marking
30 years of Symposiums!
March 1, 2025 is the date for QAS 2025!
Quiet Adventures Symposium 2024 was successfully held on March 2, 2024 at the MSU Pavilion on the Michigan State University campus. See the Program Booklet to get a sense of who was there, the speakers and demonstrations, sponsors and more.
Now we start looking forward to 2025 and how to make sure that we have a wonderful event, filling the Arena and the Exhibit Hall with boats, bikes, and more.
If you enjoyed QAS 2024 and would like to be more involved in QAS 2025, please contact us directly at info@quietadventures.org .
SAVE-Background color is #2d3f51