Guides & Staff

Our guides and workshop leaders possess excellent training and first aid skills to help ensure a safe outdoor experience, but that's only part of the story. They're chosen because of their outstanding skills and their ability to convey that knowledge.

Our director paddles for the cover shot of 2004's Kayak Touring Magazine. This was taken at our winter base in the Bay Islands of Honduras.

Michael Gray

Here, Michael is enjoying another type of Uncommon Adventure on Montana's Smith River. Although we have been offering kayak touring skills programs and trips for more than 20 years, we have spiced up our schedule with a number of fly fishing options as well.

Michael Gray founded Uncommon Adventures in 1984 a couple of years after getting a degree in Environmental Interpretation at MSU. With nearly 20 years in the business, Michael is one of the most experienced instructors and guides in the Great Lakes region, if not the country as a whole! He's led trips all over the world including Alaska, New Zealand and Central America. Of particular note is Michael's reputation as a phenomenal backcountry cook. Our guests often say they don't eat as well at home or even in restaurants! Michael's cooking presentations/demonstrations are among the most popular sessions at the countries leading kayak symposiums, and his articles appear in major kayak publications, websites, and, by popular demand, his upcoming cookbook! Having taught outdoor skills and environmental workshops all of his adult life, Michael interprets wild places with warmth and respect. Email him at info@uncommonadv.com.

"Who says we have to let the kids have all the fun on this planet? I'd like to thank those who have shared stories, great meals and wild places with me over the last two decades. I've enjoyed exploring the outdoors in many ways and in many place, but I still favor the solitude and clear crisp waters of the Northern Great Lakes for a pure wilderness experience. Whether with a paddle or a fly rod in hand, this life, full of rich experience has been a gift. Come out to play with us this year...we've got a whole new menu of great experiences for you to choose from."

—Michael

Eric Clone

The newest addition to Uncommon Adventures comes from a diverse background of canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, and rock/ice climbing. Eric first started his open water paddling experience in 1995 and has explored the shores of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Huron. After a decade of living in Colorado and Utah he has returned to Michigan and picked up his love for kayaking here on his home state shores. Eric has a B.S. in Parks and Recreation Management from Lake Superior State University and years of work experience with youth-at-risk in wilderness therapy and Summit County Search and Rescue During the school year he works for The Leelanau School in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Perhaps his biggest pride, however, is his 4 year old son who is already asking for his own kayak. Eric is an ACA Certified Coastal Kayak Instructor.

Nancy Thornton

Nancy’s love of the water began with sailing. When lack of wind kept her land-bound, she decided to take up kayaking. Given her respect for the water, she took the conservative approach and took a week-long introductory course in Maine. Smitten, she returned to Michigan, bought a sea kayak and she’s been paddling ever since. Nancy is somewhat of an ‘education-holic.’ Having logged over 270 hours as a student on both tidal and Great Lakes waters, she brings the experience and perspective of numerous instructors to her courses and enthusiastically shares her knowledge with others. While she loves paddling open water and wilderness shorelines, her first love is watching new paddlers gain skills and confidence. Nancy joined the Uncommon Adventures staff in 2002, and is a certified instructor with both the American Canoe Association and British Canoe Union.

Sally Laird

Although Sally Laird was born in Woodstock (the lesser known locale in Ontario, Canada) she was meant to live at the beach. Always the first one to jump off the dock, you'll spot her kayaking, swimming and snorkeling in the tropical waters. After graduation from university with a business degree, she took a year off to backpack around Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand. Fifteen years later, she is still living out of a rucksack. But now as a tour director she expertly leads her passengers on incredible explorations throughout the USA, Canada, Central America, Europe and the South Pacific. Thrilled to join Michael as sous chef, coffee elf and assistant guide in Honduras - she is looking forward to hosting your Uncommon Adventures in the Bay Islands!

 

Suzi Beaumont

We recently added Suzi Beaumont as Webmaster. While she is inspired by web design and spends long hours at the computer, Suzi’s connection with Uncommon Adventures is the “adventures” part! In her previous career in university outdoor education, Suzi logged 12 years in a leadership role on adventures that included caving, rockclimbing, backpacking, whitewater and paddle touring. She founded Georgia Tech’s sea kayaking program, and has led paddling trips to the sea islands of coastal Georgia and the Carolinas, as well as the mountain lakes of the southeast. Nowadays, Suzi is a freelance web designer who works from her home in Atlanta. Her newly formed company is BeauCreations Web Design.

Uncommon Adventures PO Box 254 Beulah, Michigan 49617 Toll Free: 1-866-882-5525 Local: (231) 882-5525 e-mail: info@uncommonadv.com