Who’s Coming?
A look at the people we’re lucky to gather. Familiar faces and a few new ones.Rob & Penny Elder
Rob is a connoisseur of fine wine and dining with 40 years in the restaurant industry, and together he and Penny own CDA’s best fine dining restaurant — so they know exactly how to host a great night. Penny, mom to three stunning daughters, is also known for delivering perfectly timed one-liners. Rob is also an “excellent” surfer… and watching him attempt a paddle board may very well be one of the highlights of this trip. If you want big laughs and great company, grab a seat next to these two.
Luke Greensides
Our resident MacGyver and the guy who could fix just about anything with a paperclip and a good attitude. Equal parts adventure-seeker and Mr. Dependable, Luke is a proud father of two and one of the loyal crew running marathons with us for “fun.”
Alan & Julie Stovall
Chief Alan spent his career with Cal-Fire (and yes, we’ll absolutely call him Chief every chance we get), while Julie owns FireDawg, an emergency response logistics company — basically proving this is a household that handles emergencies for a living. If you’re looking for incredible stories and quite possibly the best cocktail of your life, pull up a chair next to these two. When they’re not saving the day, they’re traveling the world and spending time with the friends and family they adore.
Jim & Donna Rauk
Some might say they’re “too much fun.” Jim owned his own commercial fishing business and Donna was a financial consultant to hospitals, so between the two of them they can handle just about anything! These days they prefer traveling well, dining fine, and making great memories wherever they go.
Steve & Karen Orvik
Hailing from Spokane, Washington, Karen (pronounced Car-in) was born in South Africa and moved to the U.S. as a kid. She’s truly one of the most phenomenal people you’ll meet — equally impressive personally and professionally. Steve, her husband, works for Avista, is an incredible cook, and recently revealed that he can break dance… which of course means we will absolutely be requiring a live demonstration at some point during this trip. Together they’re proud parents of three gorgeous daughters and already loving grandparents to one little grandbaby, with another arriving in July.
Chad & Lyndsey Upchurch
Coming to us from Tennessee, Lyndsey is my Tony Robbins life coach (so if you leave this trip suddenly setting bigger goals and waking up at 5 a.m., you’ll know who to thank). She and her husband Chad are both chiropractors, Lyndsey also owns a flower shop, and together they’re raising six kids. Basically, get ready to meet the ultimate power couple.
Jim & Vicki Larson
Coming from Post Falls, Jim is usually in the middle of a project and somehow also knows how to make swords, which feels both impressive and slightly intimidating. Vicki retired from a high-powered career and has the smoothest voice you’ve ever heard (so good she was on the radio for it), and is effortlessly one of the classiest people in the room. They love to travel, and between the two of them have a lifetime of adventures that will keep you asking questions long after the story should’ve ended.
Alyson Jones & Jeremy Swann
Alyson is happiest outside and will say yes to just about any adventure, especially if it sounds slightly questionable. She’s also a very proud auntie to six and always has something clever to add at just the right time. Jeremy is a partner at a law firm but about as easygoing as it gets, always smiling and up for whatever the day brings (especially if it includes golf or time with his two daughters). They also just got engaged at Iguazú Falls on their way to Antarctica — casual. Spend a little time with these two and you’ll see exactly why everyone loves being around them.
Iggy & Mel Valdovinos
Coming from Post Falls, Mel and Iggy are the kind of couple who make “busy” look easy. Between Iggy’s concrete business, Mel’s fitness business, and the restaurant they run together, they somehow still find time to live on the water, hang with friends, and spoil their dog Oscar. Mel is also an incredible cook and the kind of person who’s always there to help, no matter what. As for Iggy… just wait — he’s truly one of one.
Darren & Jennifer Miller
Jen is pure energy and somehow always one step ahead, already up helping before you even realize you need it. Darren is the kind of guy who always has something in the works, and usually a cool car, boat, or new toy to go with it. Together they have three girls, two cats, and two dogs, so things stay just the right amount of busy. They’re always up for a good time, and if you want a guaranteed laugh, just ask to see a picture of Lunchbox.
