Last week saw the end of our 2012 Nordic Tour, and Mark and I made our way back across the Atlantic to the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, Utah. We were there representing Tahe Marine / Zegul, and it was wonderful to catch up with owner Janek Pohla and export manager Rauno Kuus. Both had come from Tahe headquarters in Estonia, and this was the first time any of us had attended the show.

The beach scene.

The first day of the show took place at Jordanelle State Park. Booths lined the shores, and there were lots of kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards to demo. We were surprised to see that SUPs seemed to dominate the scene, with several SUPs on the water for each kayak or canoe. Other booths had lots to buy, lots to see and lots of swag to take home. Temperatures soared, and the lake provided cool relief.

Helen chats kayaks with Paul Riek.

Mark catches up with Chris Cunningham.

Even Mr. T made an appearance.

The following days of the show took place in the Salt Palace, and booth after booth displayed next year’s products. It was a real treat to see all of the exciting products that will be hitting the market next year, as well as get a sneak peak at next year’s color and style trends for outdoor apparel. It was also wonderful to catch up with outdoor friends at their booths.

Hanging out at the Tahe booth.

Mark and I spent a full day roaming one aisle after the next, and just when we’d think we’d seen it all we’d find a new hall to stroll into, or even entire sections of rooms that we’d missed.

A couple of “Trees.”

After the show we headed home, a place we hadn’t been for about seven weeks. We spent four days visiting with friends, resting, doing laundry and switching the contents of our travel bags from tour necessities to expedition gear for Greenland. This morning we began the three day journey to east Greenland.

Zegul man makes an appearance at the show. From left, Rauno, Helen and Janek.

Photos by Mark Tozer.