For those that know me, it’s no surprise that I picked the 3:10am flight out of Cairo via Athens to Chania, Greece. Why would I choose to brave the crazy Egyptian traffic at 12:30am (yes you read that correctly in this city of 300 million residents), fight keeping my dry contacts in all night and stave off being comatose from lack of sleep?
Well it’s 10am on a glorious Saturday and I’ve already staked out my spot along the old 7th century Byzantine fort ruins of this seaside paradise. A gentle breeze is cutting through the waves and sailboats are launching for a day at sea. I followed the sea wall to the ancient lighthouse protecting the fort and plopped down for some quiet time. Overlooking the harbor are quaint, outdoor cafes just begging you to slow down and enjoy the start of the weekend.
Since my apartment wasn’t available for checkin that early, my plan was to beeline for the harbor and explore a bit. I had travelled fairly light for my 5 week international adventure, donning only two book bags, so it was an easy decision. Plus having endured 100+ temps over the last 2 weeks, I was going to enjoy not baking in the early summer sunshine. And the beachy vibe was a refreshing release from the chaos, noise, aggressive street vendors and sandy confines in Africa.
In the distance, the mountains are also calling and I can’t wait to meet my next travel group tomorrow and get lost for a week of trekking in all new territory.
But first….. I just had to stop at one of the bustling cafes for fresh squeezed OJ, a strawberry smoothie and fresh baked croissants to truly get a first taste of this inviting culture! 🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷
If you are an avid hiker or outdoor enthusiast, the elusive Wave has been on your bucket list since you began your journey into the wild.
I had high hopes of winning the lottery during my short stint in Kanab, but had a solid backup planned out that I throughly intended to enjoy. When I beat the 5% odds to snag my once in a lifetime opportunity via the walk up lottery, the butterflies wreaking havoc on my stomach were in full force the night prior.
Of course, I always have a twist that makes things interesting. My schedule on this particular Saturday was extremely tight, as I had a flight to catch back in Las Vegas 4 hours away by 7pm. So inevitably, I backed out the timeline and needed to start my trek before any hint of daylight.
So with my headlamp, the NPS detailed map and lots of layers to combat the brutal 21 degree starting temperature outside, I took my first step onto the trail at 6:50am without another soul in sight. I easily found the first cut off and crested over the first hill just in time to snag a glimpse of twilight starting to erupt over the desert like landscape. I can’t believe no one else got to experience the first light of day from this amazing vantage point.
I easily navigated the trail and thoroughly enjoyed the varied terrain over the 6.4 mile round trip adventure. Wildlife would occasionally peer over the spires and watch my every move. As the sunlight peeled out over each peak, the colors of the valley would radiate differently at each passing glance. It was insanely inspiring.
After passing between two small beachy mounds, you had one long, uphill sand challenge to traverse prior to reaching the coveted prize. I looked behind to see any other form of human life, but still found nothing but the quiet of nature.
And then…… The Wave, in all its glory, is still hidden from the sun’s rays and beaming to be explored. I went crazy snapping pics and videos, even having enough signal to shoot a live video! I certainly didn’t take this solitude for granted, as I knew it couldn’t last for long. But after an hour of jumping around alone, I ventured upward to climb to even more lookouts and peer into numerous different coves. It was so rejuvenating and life changing, even after tripping over a boulder to slice off the top of my finger. (My first aid kit came in very handy).
After 2.5 hours of pure joy, I knew I reluctantly had to start the return journey. Not until I had quickly slid down the big sand hill did I see the first sign of another human (they had gotten lost). I’m still grateful and shocked that I got to enjoy the magnificent Wave to myself!
I took a couple of minor, wrong detours by hugging the cliffs too close to the left but course corrected to ease back out of the valley with a HUGE smile that wouldn’t leave my face the rest of the day.
And the kicker….. I had forgotten that I actually gained an hour traveling over the Utah and Nevada border, so I had plenty of extra time to catch my flight to Hawaii (go figure)!
Of all the spontaneous weekend trips I plan, none are more important than those involving auntie duty.
On par with my self induced crazy schedule, I attended an amazing concert the night before my pre dawn flight to NC. With only 4 hours to spare, I decided to head straight to the airport and try to catch a half-hearted snooze, since the Orlando airport had been a nuthouse lately at all hours of the day.
After a non eventful two hours in the air except for an impressive sunrise, I was met by my 3 crazy nieces and nephews ready for an afternoon outdoors at the local church’s Easter festivities. The obstacle course was supposed to be the highlight of the event, but somehow I got suckered into the pie eating contest prior.
After learning there would be 17 pies ready to be devoured, I encouraged Olivia to stake out her spot. But the emcee switched gears and confirmed it was an adult only event. And she assumed I was going to represent. OMG!
It didn’t matter that I HATE any type of cooked fruit or pie…. bottom line…. the Elliott clan is ultra competitive. So she just looked at me with those baby blue eyes and I knew there was no way I could disappoint her.
Bracing my hands on the table legs and pulling up my hair, I was ready for my attempt at greatness. I dove in, chomping away at my tray of Dutch Carmel apple (which at least boasted an inkling of tastiness in the crumb crust). Every muscle in my body contracted in pushing down my gag reflex (barely) and the next 4 minutes was a blur…. EXCEPT the sounds of Olivia screaming at me to keep going & that I was winning!! Her enthusiasm egged me on & I felt a second wind coming on.
I took a brief glance up at the table & OMG I really had a shot! By this time, everyone is laughing & screaming with only my crust remaining (meanwhile a huge wad of fruit is tucked into both cheeks as I plowed ahead). I dug my tongue around the edges and struggled to get the sticky stuff dislodged. Then with only 2 bites left, the contest was called for my 6’5” competitor. This was the first time in history I was a-ok with a respectable second place finish!
A few notes: my chin was rubbed raw, my sweatshirt smelled of sugar & had a crusty film along the collar the rest of the day, we all couldn’t stop laughing AND I can honestly say that I will never eat apple pie again in this lifetime!!
Stairway to Heaven or Haiku Stairs is one of the most iconic treks in the world at 3,922 steps. Built in 1942 by the Navy for access to a radio relay station during WWII, it has been illegal to hike since 1987 due to disrepair of the steps with a $1k fine & arrest if caught by police.
However…..
The legal way to gain access to the stairs is via a 10 mile round trip trail leading up from the Moanalua Valley. I decided early on to start my quest at daybreak, giving me extra time to complete my challenge if needed. The average hiker ascends in four hours and returns in three more, so my only goal was to finish.
The first three miles are easy going along a winding but tame path deep into the lush forest. After 10 creek crossings at varying depth depending on recent rainfall, the trek’s intensity flies off the charts.
You dig in mentally for 3 hours straight uphill following RIDICULOUSLY narrow ridge lines amongst the quickly moving fog blankets hovering all around. Those two nearly vertical miles seem to inch on for ages, as you reach five different ledges that are so slick that ropes are dangling from branches to assist with your ascent. What did I sign up for? In this moment, I’m super thankful I didn’t drag any of my friends to this “gut check” trail as any fear of heights would have been paralyzing. Definitely a GDC moment!
Each new peak is a fake summit, but there is no turning back now. Out of breath and heart racing, you plow forward feeling a little disheartened but also so empowered in the same breath. You are fixated on finding the elusive radio tower, signifying the end of your journey.
Then finally, it comes into sight with only ~150 more steps to go and you literally feel like you can walk on air and fly up that last ledge.
And if you are super lucky, you get to enjoy this vantage point all by your lonesome. Yep, it is a surreal moment.
I captured a few pictures and videos jumping over the railing to actually walk on the top 50ish steps and peer over the top to see how crazy the staircase below actually is.
I break out lunch and gulp down a liter of water to replenish the gobs of sweat that I had expended reaching this pinnacle, just as I see a few fellow travelers climbing up the last ledge to join me in reveling at our accomplishment.
Over my 40 minutes sitting on top of the world and waiting for the fog to subside for a few minutes at a time, we only see one crazy adventurer who attempted to evade the police and made it up the full staircase unscathed. I wouldn’t risk it!
The 2 hour and 50 minute jaunt back to civilization was spent concentrating on my footing and celebrating the mind blowing 360 degree scenery. I pass maybe 20 fellow travelers (at the most) and we trade encouragements at our shared goal. And of course, I try not to get injured rappelling down the insanely steep drop offs or break open too many of the blisters that had accumulated on my palms.
The last three mile stretch couldn’t finish soon enough, as I was out of water and literally was just thinking “one foot in front of the other”.
Everyone needs an escape every once in a while. I may take that to the extreme, and I certainly jumped at the chance to reunite with my college besties for a late summer 2021 rendezvous in the stunning Blue Ridge mountains (a preview of our 25th reunion upcoming in October).
The sweet spot was in NE Georgia for 3 North Carolinians, 1 Georgian & me the lone Floridian. Syncing the calendars of five busy families is no easy feat, but once we had a date, everything else fell into place.
I flew into the small airport in Asheville with 7 hours to kill, so I got an Uber to the stunning Sierra Nevada Brewery. After a little bit of remote work and a few drinks, I settled into a lounger on the back porch to enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon people watching.
Once my ride arrived, we weaved our way 3 hours through the mountains. Our quaint log cabin was aptly named “A Simple Life”. After a ridiculously steep dirt road approach in the dark, we beelined for the hot tub.
Twenty nine years of memories came flooding back and we enjoyed having no set agenda. I was stoked the girls wanted to go hiking so we set off on an easy 1 mile trek to a local waterfall. After a quick stop in the cute downtown of Blue Ridge, we enjoyed a serene night catching up on the porch swing while Alanda surprised us with her own version of a charcuterie “coochie” board.
When was the last time you partook in a drive in movie? I was genuinely excited to pull up a chair for opening night of the big hit Jungle Cruise.
Saturday was an adventure. After a morning neighborhood stroll, we grabbed tubes for a leisurely 3 mile float down the Toccoa River. We tethered our 5 vessels together, blasted some country music, cut open our frozen margarita popsicles and started our voyage. Tons of laughs ensued while we maneuvered through mini rapids en route to our extraction point.
We made a pit stop at the marina and bar to enjoy some live music and even better company. As our shirts imply, sometimes you need your girls just to listen, have your back, make you laugh, remind you how strong you are and ultimately be your rock….. better than therapy!
Our last full day together, we partook in local wine tastings, strolled through downtown again, indulged in homemade ice cream, sampled healthy olive oils and ended with a ginormous BBQ dinner.
Departure day, we bid goodbye to an amazing hideaway and vowed to rendezvous again in 2022 on a cruise. But we had one final stopover planned, as we detoured again to the brewery for one last toast to 29+ years of friendship. #fiveamigas #lrualumni #25yearreunion
Of course I don’t want the regret, so I pop up and am out the door in 10 mins flat. I know I have to start the trek by 6:30am to inch my way upward through the numerous switchbacks to achieve the summit prior to the fireball cresting over the horizon.
To no surprise due to my inability to function prior to 7am, I had forgotten my headlamp so I forged ahead just hoping not to misstep and cause a scene. Twilight guides the way and after a few sets of stairs and an eery tunnel, I join the groves of tourists patiently waiting for this spectacle way above the pristine beaches of Waikiki.
And it didn’t disappoint, as the sky lit up beautifully amidst the sliver of clouds hovering along the horizon. I was mesmerized once again.
I found my home. Not just a place on the map but a feeling deep inside. Sometimes you just know.
Who knew that just 42 minutes from Orlando, hugging the east coast and a smidge north of Cocoa Beach was a hidden gem?
I live 1.3 miles from the Indian River, tucked into a quaint gated neighborhood and directly across from the infamous Kennedy Space Center. Are you kidding me?
In October 2016, I got the opportunity to lead the Titusville YMCA and immediately took my mom out looking for houses on my birthday weekend. We visited 2 nice neighborhoods but I wasn’t sold on the actual house layouts. We then got lost looking for a different listing and ended up stopping by the model house of another neighborhood. I walked in and knew immediately that was it. Done deal. With only 6 lots left in the entire neighborhood, I had to decide on the spot and took the leap of faith. I truly believe things happen for a reason.
Choice #1 – outside lot backing up to a football field, 7 months to build, all options available
Choice #2 – inside premium lot w/o any future backside development, only 3 months to build since the foundation was already poured, most features available
I spent the extra money, still secured every feature I wanted and couldn’t have been happier! Stopping by every few days during construction was always a thrill to see my new dream coming to life.
What an overwhelming dose of mayhem!
In the interim, my first ever house I built in Orlando 14 years prior sold for full price within 2 days on the market (I actually got the news while on vacation in Iceland). I had less than 3 weeks to vacate, so that was a whirlwind while trying to balance both jobs and a recent car crash (rear ended at Disney Springs) repairs. When it rains, it absolutely pours.
My actual first day in Titusville I’ll never forget… I had slept on the floor of my old house (just one last time) since all the furniture had been moved out and had to leave at 3:55am to make it for the Y’s 5:15am opening to work out with our current board chair. After a 15 hour day, I had no where to sleep so crashed at the local hotel and then miraculously was hooked up with a 2 bedroom condo on the local golf course for the next 3 months. I slept on a mattress on the floor again and barely took advantage of the balcony overlooking the 5th green, but I couldn’t have had anything fall into place any better. It was meant to be.
And exactly to the day 3 months later, I had the keys in hand. Of course in my crazy life, it happened to be the night prior to our Disney Princess Half Marathon Race with our biker call time at 3:30am. So I just moved the mattress in and once again had a memorable, quiet night. Nothing compares to sleeping in your brand new house on night #1!
So after almost 6 years….. I still enjoying riding my bike up to the river to marvel at every rocket launch regardless of time of day, can make it to the movie theatre door to door in 4 mins flat, never have to drive more than 5 mins to reach anything in town, can hook up the jetski to be on the water in 10 mins, see at least 1 sunset every week from my fav spot on the docks over the bridge, catch a bite and waiving at the departing cruises at Port Canaveral, bike 10 mins to workout or swim at the Y, grab my fav coconut shrimp bowl to eat dinner overlooking Kennedy Space Center, sneak in a beach afternoon whenever I want on the pristine Playalinda Beach, go for a short hike on the preserve when I need a quick fix, kayak near Haulover canal with the natural wonder of bioluminescence, hit a few tennis or racquetballs, take in a show at the Playhouse theatre, bike the major trailheads along the coast & stop off for some ice cream, take off one of my crazy adventures only 24 mins from the airport, snack at a waterfront bar or visit 3 major cities within 30-45 mins.
Typically planning an adventure is very last minute for me, as I will take any long weekend and find a new area to explore. So I never even contemplated making the effort to submit a request for The Wave online lottery four months in advance. Therefore, my only chance of securing this highly contested permit is via the walk-in lottery held each morning at 9am sharp at the Kanab Civic Center.
I’ve never been a gambler, but I would kick myself if I didn’t at least try to beat the odds.
So here is the scoop: doors open at 8:30am and only one person from your party can enter the gym to fill out your application. Every applicant is assigned a number in the order you arrived and the waiting begins. The ranger will pick a maximum of four groups or 16 people, whichever comes first. (This is in addition to the 12 permits already granted online to the travelers who actually do plan ahead.)
Minutes inch by as you read through brochures of other local hikes as a backup plan in the event you don’t win. You also cringe as any new person enters the room, as your odds continue to dwindle.
Then at 9am, the old fashioned bingo ball wheel spins and it’s go time. Here was my timeline:
Tuesday – day 1 – #21 of 24 applicants, 16% chance – not chosen
Wednesday – day 2 – unlucky #13 of 23 applicants, 17% chance – no dices
Thursday – day 3 – my lucky #25 of 29 applicants, 13% chance – still didn’t win
Friday – day 4 – #40 of 68 applicants, 5% chance (this last day of the work week is always bigger as permits are granted not only for Sat but also Sun & Mon) – OMFG!!!!
My golden ticket was the second number called and I inadvertently yelled out “holy sh$&”, completely dumbfounded. The kicker is that if my number had been called later on in the drawing, I would have had to forfeit as I had a flight Saturday night back in Vegas to catch for the second leg of my trip to the coveted Hawaii.
After a few tears of joy welled up in the corners of my eyes, I couldn’t shake the big smile off my face for the next 48 hours. It was time to cross this hike off the top of my bucket list and enjoy every single step along this 6.4 mile trek to the incomparable Wave.
And……. it was freakin’ incredible!!!!!
****Update 4/22 – the lottery has now gone all online – best of luck as it is soooooo worth it****
To say I’m a glutton for punishment is an understatement. But I don’t see it that way….
After an insane December 2021 work schedule, I plowed away planning a kick ass January adventure trip. Surviving a 112 hour week of the inaugural Pop Warner Super Bowl at Camping World Stadium, straight into my first bowl game season over the holidays and end capping with biking my 22nd Walt Disney World Marathon weekend, I was craving my own adventure into the wilderness.
So after waking up at 1:45am and biking 26+ miles behind our marathon walkers on an abnormally hot December day in Florida, I beelined to my parents house to leave my car for a month. After a quick shower and early dinner of my favorite local pizza, we jetted off to the airport to catch my $22 direct flight to Vegas. And with Global Entry perks, I’m through security in 3 mins flat with only my 2 carry-on book bags.
My plan was to drive to the outskirts of Great Basin National Park the same night, so that I can maximize my daylight hours the next day (winter season is much shorter = less time to explore). But I should mention that it is a 4.5 hour marathon to reach the only motel located in Baker, NV. So if you do the math….
Flight lands at 10:52pm EST
Rental car shuttle & car finally received at 12am EST.
Time change 2 hours = 10pm MST
Drive to Baker = 4.5 hours (I did it in 4 hours flat)
Arrive 2am = 5am EST
I’ve now been up for 27 hours!
My secret sauce to powering through sleep deprivation: Mountain Dew, gummy bears and a new playlist!
Besides a few stray cows and deer crossing the road, my ride was almost all straight due north on a flat road with the speed limit of 80 mph.
Upon arriving to my room (which was left unlocked due to my extra late – or early technically – checkin), it is always great to find out what I have forgotten during that first time unpacking. Because it’s always something, as I tend to stuff and squeeze everything into my vacuum bags at least a week in advance.
This go round, I was delighted to find my mini shampoo had exploded! Fortunately, I had just purchased a clear toiletry bag and avoided a bigger spillage. But still had to wash off all my bottles prior to catching some much needed zzzz’s.
And I had forgotten the torture of a cold toilet seat. Enough said.
My single unit heater I swear kept spitting out cold air, so I resorted to just turning the itty bitty table space heater into my warmth maker as I shivered under the covers.
So my missing item for my January dream trip….. my hairbrush. I guess I’m fortunate after 4 hours of sleep that temps will hover around 25-35 degrees for my first day of hikes and I’ll be sporting a warm beanie. As there is no store in town, and even the single gas tank is self service.
After sleeping a few hours, I stepped out into the chill of a winter Nevada morning to catch a glimpse of the sun peering over Mt. Wheeler (the highest point in the state at 13,064 feet and home to it’s only glacier too).
When I get motivated, there really is no stopping this crazy train.
I was so overwhelmed with a variety of emotions after my 17 month trip of a lifetime came to an inevitable end that I embarked on a new creative project to soak up all my pent up energy and bide my time until a new adventure could be scoped out.
An 150 page book started to take shape showcasing my favorite travel moments to date overlayed with the myriad of motivational quotes I had been collecting for as long as I can remember. For having a spotty memory due to way too many concussions (definitely another story), I did surprisingly well in penning the location and dates of a majority of these majestic locations.
Between the nostalgia and every bone in my body longing for the next adventure, I always try to forge forward with no regrets and keep on having the courage to jump off the deep end of my own comfort zone!
FearlessAdventures 