A large crowd of boaters converged on the Portland Fire Dept. Training & Safety Center for January's meeting.

Hosted by Val Shaull "The Professor of Raftology" we were privileged to see several videos from Sam Drevo's
recent river expeditions around the globe. This event was a combined NWRA / OWA event and it was great to
see an opportunity for both clubs to share information. I must say that I was disappointed that I did not see more NWRA 
members attending. Please make an effort to support your local chapters activities. You are all the life blood of our
organization and we need your support to be successful.

The main feature this time was Sam's 2006 trip in China "The Last Descent of Yong Bao on China's Mekong River", 
filmed before this stretch of river was submerged below the world's highest dam - Xiaowan, which will begin filling soon. 
Sam also brought slides from a trip to India adjacent on a high descent trip in a mountain range with views of Mt. Everest. 

The last presentation from Sam was a slide show of his second trip to Costa Rica in support Team River Runner who, 
working in partnership with The Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled Sports USA, helps veterans of the Iraq and 
Afghan wars recuperating at Walter Reed Army Medical Center find health, healing, and new challenges through whitewater
boating.  Since Val has participated in this effort the last few years he is working to develop support for this group in our 
local community. 

He has arranged for 3-4 of these disabled veterans to participate in this year's Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival. We 
are still looking for additional donations of frequent flier miles to bring additional veterans to the event. Call Kerry Walsh
(503-705-5367) if you have any thoughts on where we can get additional donations.

The February meeting will be February 14th at 7:00 at the Barbur Blvd. Round Table Pizza.

The topic will be planning trips for the coming  year.  Come with your ideas on which rivers you would like to run or which 
trips you would like to lead and we'll get an exciting schedule of river events planned for the rest of the year. 

Also don't forget to get your permit applications in the mail before the end of the month. Time is running out so mail them soon.

SYOTR,
Bob Mosier 
President, Clackamas Chapter