Coloradoan Winter - your source for winter fun, ski-reports

October 14, 2001
Kevin Delaney
FAMILY STATUS: Married to Karen Delaney, a Poudre High School grad, for 16 years, daughters, Trin, 21, Kelsey, 14, and Kayla, 13. Also, Kia the rottweiler and Tazzy the golden retriever.

    AGE: 50.
    NICKNAME: None.
    OCCUPATION: Broker with UBS PaineWebber.
    WHERE YOU BEEN: Grew up in Redwing, Minn. Lived in Alaska for 25 years, working his way up from scuba diver to director of the sport fishery program in the state's game and fish department. Moved to Windsor last year.
    ADVENTURES: Became director of Alaska's sport fishery program the day the Exxon Valdez spilled its oil in Prince William Sound and promptly spent the first 40 days on the job flying around the sound tracking the impacts of the spill. Has guided multi-day hunts into the Wrangell Mountains, finished the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon, ran a 2-hour, 48-minute marathon, participated in the 150-mile, four-day Alaska Mountain and Wilderness Classic and was an Alaskan river boat runner. His most recent outdoor adventure is solo motorcycle rides throughout the West.
    What's the biggest difference between recreation in Alaska and recreating in Colorado?
    Weather has never stopped me from doing things. I don't look outside and, if the sun isn't shining, I say I'm not going. But there are 50 to 70 days of the year in Alaska where the weather says you are not going anywhere. There are another 50 to 70 days where the weather says if you go, you are putting your life in peril. Here, on any given day I can run, and adventures are much more accessible.
    Is this thing with solo motorcycle rides a midlife crisis thing?
    I just like to go at a moderate speed and watch the country and critters go by. When I want to turn left, I turn left. That's why I go alone.
    How far do you go in a day?
    I've driven up to Custer State Park (about 5-6 hours one-way, near Rapid City, S.D.) and back in a day.
    Any close calls during your fish-and-game days?
    Well, yeah. I had my dry suit zipper explode once when I was 80 feet under in 30-degree salt water. We figured you have about 8 minutes in 30-degree water to solve your problem. Fortunately, I did.
    What's your most exciting fish or wildlife encounter?
    I've been around a lot of bears; I've killed some while hunting, guiding and defending life and property. But being up in the Wrangell Mountains with some of the largest Dahl sheep has been the best.
    What's the biggest fish you've ever caught?
    Fifty-pound king salmon.
    Where is one place in the world you've never been that you would like to go?
    The canyon country of Utah. I've been to Moab and Durango, but I would love to spend some time in the real canyon country.
    What is one outdoor hobby that you would like to take up?
    I've hiked some but would love to hike all over the Rocky Mountains. One thing I like to do is hike with an eye on putting together history. It's the history combined with the terrain that is the draw to me.
    Favorite beverage?
    I drink beer.
    Any special flavor?
    Any of the local beers.
    What is something about you that most people don't know?
    I think that if someone knew me for 15 minutes they would know everything about me. I guess some people think I'm a pretty decisive guy, but actually I am a Gemini who has a hard time making up his mind.
    Final thoughts?
    I hope my kids are half as lucky as I am and that I can continue to be lucky.
    Lucky in what way?
    If you keep yourself in pretty good shape, build your skills and put yourself in the position for an adventure, it'll almost always happen.
Do you know of someone who is an adventurous type who we could feature in our Q&A section? If so, please write to the Coloradoan, Miles Blumhardt, 1212 Riverside Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524, fax the person's name and phone number to 970-224-7899, call 970-224-7743 or e-mail milesblumhardt@coloradoan.com

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