THE HEFLINS

Land and Erica Heflin spend June, July and August in Missoula, Montana busy attending to Tarkio Kayak Adventures’ summer schedule. For the last few years they have alternated time between Portland, Oregon and Missoula, Montana. “Petunia, Sprinterville” is the Heflin’s home on a more permanent basis these days. Petunia is Land and Erica’s Sprinter van that has recently undergone major renovations to make it the ultimate home-on-wheels. The Heflin’s enjoy traveling internationally on Tarkio adventures and sharing Idaho and Montana’s spectacular rivers with others. Until recently, most of their spare time was spent remodeling their rental houses. Land and Erica’s favorite thing to do is cruise around North America in Petunia with the pooches; visiting family, friends and playing outdoors along the way. Tarkio Kayak Adventures is a family operated business. For many years Land has been Tarkio’s “Everything-Man”. Erica has been in the picture since 2004 and together they carry out a variety of responsibilities. Whether it is instructing and guiding on the river, managing the accounting, communications and marketing or coordinating trip logistics, these two are taking care of it. The Heflin’s work hard to maintain the philosophy, lifestyle and ideals that make Tarkio Kayak Adventures the unique company and community of paddlers it has always been. Land is a Mississippi born, second-generation river guide and has spent his life on or near rivers. His graceful paddling and intuitive river sense are products of a life spent on the water. A veteran instructor who has taught at kayak schools throughout the US, Land is always a favorite among students. His dashing smile and love of boating are ever present. He can motivate even the most timid student to reach new paddling heights. Land’s personality and disposition create present-day Tarkio’s identity. He has a wonderful sense of humor and a comforting river demeanor that keep participants returning for more. Land has traveled the world kayaking and has explored many rivers across the United States and Canada along with rivers in Bhutan, New Zealand, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Panama, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Venezuela and Mexico. He has also spent time traveling in Thailand and Cambodia. A Hood River, Oregon native, Erica has spent the majority of her life in Oregon and Montana. She keeps Tarkio Kayak Adventures organized and running smooth. She is a lover of animals and children and enjoys spending her time outdoors and traveling. She usually makes it on the river for couple of Tarkio’s summer trips along with most of the international adventures. Erica’s travels have taken her to Panama, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Thailand, Cambodia, Bhutan, across most of the United States, British Columbia and Alberta. Erica manages the Heflin’s rental houses. She worked for Big Sky Brewing Company as a Distribution Coordinator, Sales Representative and Contract Consultant from 2002 to 2009. She stills fills in at the brewery on occasion. The Heflin’s consider Big Sky Brewing Company part of Team Tarkio’s extended family. At the Heflin household Erica’s titles include: Cruise Director, Office Aficionado, Correspondence Enthusiast and “Land Management Specialist”.