My grandfather routinely told me that there are doers, and there are talkers. But sometimes there is that rare person who is both. Although this week, it doesn't seem so rare, as a handful of events are bringing some of the world's most exciting adventures indoors and onto the stage from the people who lived the adventure.
Smith Rock history: A pioneer of rock climbing in the U.S., Alan Watts authored Rock Climbing Smith Rock State Park and sparked an entire generation of climbers in the Pacific Northwest. Part of the Bend Endurance Academy presents Outdoor Speaker Series, this evening's talk is both inspirational and informative, talking about the history of Smith Rock as a climbing site from the person who knows best, and also providing tidbits to light a fire under your butt. 7 pm, Thurs, April 3. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century. $5.
Theatrical retelling: A century ago, Ernest Shackleton boldly attempted to be the first to cross the Antarctic. His failure to do that, however, was the opportunity for one of the most (ahem) enduring and stirring adventure stories of the 20th century, as his ship, the "Endurance," was pinned into the ice flows for months. That story is told this evening by Lawrence Howard from Portland Story Theater; a rare treat. 7:30 pm, Saturday, April 5. Greenwood Playhouse, 148 NW Greenwood Ave. $15.
A front row seat for Free Willy: Keiko the killer whale rivals Steve Prefontaine as the Oregon coast's most famous resident—and both had major Hollywood movies made about them! The star of the "Free Willy" movie ironically landed in a Mexican aquarium before being rescued and moved to his Newport home. During that time, Diane Hammond was the killer whale's spokesperson! And she was in the middle of an ugly custody battle over his well-being. Her latest novel, Friday's Harbor, gives insight to those events from a perspective no one else had. Along with a slide show, Hammond (a former longtime Bend resident) will discuss the ethics of orcas in captivity, a topic that has resurfaced with the recent documentary Blackfish. 5 pm, Sunday, April 6, Sunriver Books and Music, Sunriver Village, Building 25C.; and, 6 pm, Monday, April 7, Deschutes Public Library, 601 NW Wall, Bend.
