This week, a small team of environmental activists, adventurers and media professionals are paddling the 130 mile stretch of the Columbia River from Portland, OR to the Pacific Ocean. Through their ethic, “Turning Restoration into Recreation,” the paddlers hope to benefit both the Columbia River watershed and those recovering from injuries sustained while serving our country. Click Read More below to learn about their cause and see how they use SPOT to broadcast their Live Map tracking.

The full-service paddling trip for disabled veterans goes from Williamette Falls in Portland, to Ft. Stevens at the mouth of the Columbia River. The goal of the 5-day event is to raise money and awareness for three charities: Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Team River Runner and WeLoveCleanRivers.org. Portland’s DAV chapter is one of the top chapters in the country, leading the way with innovative support programs for our returning troops. Team River Runner uses paddling as physical and emotional therapy for recovering disabled veterans.

Maser and the crew began paddling on Monday, August 31, 2009 and will finish their trip on Sunday, September 5. Follow Live Map tracking of the journey right here through Andy Maser’s SPOT Adventures page: http://www.spotadventures.com/user/profile/?user_id=46678.

Andy Maser is an explorer and filmmaker based in gorgeous Portland, Oregon. He makes films that blend adventure, science and conservation in threatened ecosystems around the world. Maser is the former winner of the National Geographic Young Explorer Award.