Current Projects
2011
We are currently working on our 2011 expedition. If you have any ideas that you'd like to swing past us, we'd be happy to hear them. When we know more . . . we'll let you in on it!
2010 was a great year for the River Angels. Here's a quick glimpse of the team, followed by the 2010 Ulta River Expedition . . .
“Norway 2010”
Utla River Expedition
A team of 4 women, from 4 different countries, will unite to explore Norway. This team will descend the Utla River (which includes the deepest canyon in Norway), and continue their adventure over some of Norway’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Keep current with our expedition on www.wendmag.com
Updated 8/18/10 - Mariann's pre-scout photos can be seen in the "photos" section of the website: Utla River Expedition 2010.
Update on the Expedition: By Mariann Saether (8/15/10)
Pre-scout of the Utla river
The Utla flows through the heart of the Jotunheimen National Park, one of the most popular national parks in Norway. In addition, the river flows through Norway´s deepest canyon, with a tricky portage to add to the spice. In August, Nouria Newman and myself will hike in from the mountain cabin "Sognefjellshytta", and spend 4 days on this amazing river. I was a part of the first descent crew back in 2002, with the likes of Mickey Abbot, Allan Ellard, Flemming Schmidt, Benjamin Hjort and Morten Eilertsen. We got turned around by the "Ugly Canyon", and had to walk the church trail around the gnar to get to the other side of the gorge. It has since been paddled by various norwegian teams, though never by any girls. I got close, but not close enough.
Last weekend I hiked in to scout the canyon again, and find the easier portage route used by other groups after our first attempt in 2002. I did indeed find the portage route, though only accessile by kayaks, so once again I found myself climbing up the church trail. (It was the trail the people in the valley used to use to get to church.) Though, it was a lot easier without kayaks! The mountainsides slopes around 50 degrees, and climbs 300 heightmeters in 300 meters. That is just the first part of the trail though. Then you have to cross the mountain and head back down toward the exit of the canyon. To say the least, I am thrilled about the other portage route..
The Utla provides exellent whitewater, with slides, drops, bouldergardens, huge waterfalls falling in from the sides, remoteness and to top it off: A pretty interesting waterfall at take-out.
The Utla flows through the heart of the Jotunheimen National Park, one of the most popular national parks in Norway. In addition, the river flows through Norway´s deepest canyon, with a tricky portage to add to the spice. In August, Nouria Newman and myself will hike in from the mountain cabin "Sognefjellshytta", and spend 4 days on this amazing river. I was a part of the first descent crew back in 2002, with the likes of Mickey Abbot, Allan Ellard, Flemming Schmidt, Benjamin Hjort and Morten Eilertsen. We got turned around by the "Ugly Canyon", and had to walk the church trail around the gnar to get to the other side of the gorge. It has since been paddled by various norwegian teams, though never by any girls. I got close, but not close enough.
Last weekend I hiked in to scout the canyon again, and find the easier portage route used by other groups after our first attempt in 2002. I did indeed find the portage route, though only accessile by kayaks, so once again I found myself climbing up the church trail. (It was the trail the people in the valley used to use to get to church.) Though, it was a lot easier without kayaks! The mountainsides slopes around 50 degrees, and climbs 300 heightmeters in 300 meters. That is just the first part of the trail though. Then you have to cross the mountain and head back down toward the exit of the canyon. To say the least, I am thrilled about the other portage route..
The Utla provides exellent whitewater, with slides, drops, bouldergardens, huge waterfalls falling in from the sides, remoteness and to top it off: A pretty interesting waterfall at take-out.
Goals for “Project Norway 2010”
1. Teaming up with two organizations:
Betties360– to help raise awareness & empower women/girls through outdoor activities
Save Norway’s Rivers– raise awareness to protect Norway’s rivers in their natural habitat & prevent the building of dams.
2. As we travel through Norway, we are inviting local women paddlers to join us on the ‘classic’ class III/IV rivers, sharing our experiences & just having fun.
Support
3. Document our Norway journey with amazing film & breathtaking photography by “Sheer Madness Productions”- www.sheermadnessproductions.com
Here is a short video, introducing the "River Angels" & their Norway Project . . .
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bet*ty |betē
noun ( pl. -ties)
1. girls in action sports, girl skateboarder or snowboarder. see also: courage, strength and adventure.
noun ( pl. -ties)
1. girls in action sports, girl skateboarder or snowboarder. see also: courage, strength and adventure.
Betties360 is a registered non-profit organization whose mission is
to inspire well-being in women and girls through action sports and
outdoor adventures. The organization was founded in 2004 and—to
date—has changed the lives of nearly 200 women and girls.
“Betty” is a nickname given to women who participate in
sports and endeavors with the same confidence and passion as men. Traditionally coined by female surfers who could ride the waves
alongside their male counterparts, it now speaks to strong-willed,
talented women who seek a 360-degree approach to life and
opportunities. This is where Betties360 gets its name. To read more about this organization in IN/UR online magazine, follow this link.
We are currently looking for sponsorship assistance for the River Angels’ projects. If you are interested, please contact us for details.