In a continuation of our new series, JX Outside explores activities outdoors around our region of southern Oregon and northern California with our resident outdoor enthusiasts, Ray Pettengell and Nicole Larsen.
With the holiday season upon us, we'll discuss some of the planned community activities and not-so-planned options for enjoying the great outdoors as the winter season approaches.
ABOUT RAY PETTENGELL
Ray is a lifetime world traveler, former professional mountain guide and reclaimed wood consultant turned licensed real estate broker. He now goes by "Rogue Valley Ray" to keep it easy for his clients to remember him. Ray has resided in the region since 1995. He's climbed Mt. Shasta more than 100 times. He now enjoys time in the outdoors by swimming or stand-up paddle boarding in the lakes around the region, riding his bicycles and motorcycles, and backcountry and resort skiing anywhere he finds snow. Other hobbies including cooking and eating healthy food, gardening, and working on different creative projects.
ABOUT NICOLE LARSEN
Nicole Larsen is a horsewoman, backcountry skier, mountain biker, and lifelong trail runner who thrives in the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She grew up on Mount Ashland and now lives on a small ranch in Northern California. A former mountain guide on Mount Shasta, she also spent 15 years in a family outdoor business that kept her close to the mountains. Nicole delights in foraging, camping, and exploring small towns. She also homeschooled her children through mountain adventures and today works as a farm-to-table chef and culinary director.
