WHAT IS A GRYPHON?

A Gryphon is a Midnight Sun Adventures tour representative.

North American Guides in their own right, their role is to smooth the difficulties of international travel while allowing local guides to lead adventure activities and introducing clients to local culture. This dual method gives clients the best of both worlds: local influence combined with home-country support.

All of the Midnight Sun Adventures Gryphons are trained in Wilderness Medicine to at least the Wilderness First Responder level (the certificate required for work on most search and rescue teams). They are professional guides and adventurers who have come to work for Midnight Sun Adventures because they love sharing their passions with others.

From different backgrounds and specialities, they each bring proven problem solving skills so that your adventure trip will go as smoothly as possible. Friendly and knowledgeable, our Gryphons give a special flavor and feel to each trip they accompany.

MEET OUR GRYPHONS:

CHRIS ECKEL

Chris Chris has worked in the adventure travel industry for over thirteen years. His friendships with foreign guides and past clients have inspired many of MSA's trips. Chris has worked with and led wilderness rescue teams on two continents, though he now prefers making sure they don't get any additional work from our trips. An avid climber and mountaineer, Chris is also a certified ski instructor, licensed EMT, and a PADI divemaster. Whether dropping chutes in the Dolomites, or exploring virgin dive sites in Australia, his free time is spent in pursuit of the childlike sense of wonder he loves sharing with MSA clients.

JOSEF EDMUNDS

Joe A part Creek army brat born in Heidelberg, Germany, Joe was born into travel-literally. He is our most culinary adventurous Gryphon. He shares an affinity for both the peoples of Europe and indigenous cultures throughout the world. Constantly looking to expand Midnight Sun Adventures network of local contacts, Joe enjoys exploring new territory with his wife. Be it strolling on a black sand beach, sitting in an Irish Pub, or hanging off a shear cliff; the sense of discovery of the world. Constantly redefining through preparation, action, and remembrance, are the hallmarks of Joe's travel.

ELIZABETH SCUDERI

As long as she knows where she is going to sleep, and that there is good food waiting for her, Elizabeth is up for anything. Raft Guide, Chemist, Lifeguard, Outdoor Educator, and Pizzeria Camiera, are just a few of the jobs she held in route to coming to work for Midnight Sun Adventures. A climber, diver, white water enthusiast, and avid soccer fan, Elizabeth is at home everywhere we travel. Having fun, and a sense of play, make traveling with her a joy.