100 adventure life lessons

I am internally motivated and love exploring the inner workings of my adventurous, spontaneous persona. Always up for a challenge or new experience, this is my list of inspiring activities to just get out & enjoy life (many of which I’ve already taken to heart early in 2021):

  1. Dance or hike in the rain
  2. Go to the airport with a bookbag and pick a destination for a weekend getaway – be spontaneous
  3. Never miss a sunset (or sunrise if you’re an early riser)
  4. Volunteer your time to a cause that you are passionate about
  5. Take a solo trip at least once – you will find out so much about yourself
  6. Find a hobby that lights the fire within
  7. Music is an escape – make a playlist of your top 10 songs of all time & play them full blast on a roadtrip (on repeat)
  8. Explore the underwater world via snorkeling, diving, glass bottom kayak, etc
  9. Take flight via parasail, hang gliding, bungee jumping or skydiving – feel the wind
  10. Climb into a cave or go spelunking to explore pure darkness
  11. Hike a cliffside route to feel the exhilaration
  12. Ride a ski gondola during summer so you can mountain bike down the thrilling slopes
  13. Reduce your carbon footprint by riding a bike to get around town on your next vacation
  14. Swing on a tree swing to act like a kid again
  15. Plan your own roadtrip and share the highlights with a friend after
  16. Spend time on a beachside reflecting on your life – dig deep
  17. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at the summit of a mountain after a hard trek up
  18. Connect with nature – snails, birds, flowers, squirrels, waterfalls – really appreciate your surroundings
  19. Have a thirst for knowledge to learn the history of the places you have the privilege to visit
  20. Learn some key phrases in the native language of your destination – the locals love someone who genuinely tries to connect
  21. Follow a sea turtle around while snorkeling to see the world from their perspective
  22. Stay in a hostel and get to know your fellow travelers over a game of cards or a home cooked meal
  23. Roast marshmallows over a campfire with friends and old stories
  24. Play the national parks board game to explore your wanderlust
  25. Throw yourself down a natural rock slide & feel the year round chill of river water – there are a ton across the US
  26. Hike the rim of a volcano crater & imagine the devastation caused by lava flow
  27. Rock climb or boulder (low risk traverse that stays close to the ground without ropes) your way across a bumpy mountain side
  28. Plan a weekend getaway for a friend or two – don’t tell them where you are going just a few items to pack along for the wild ride
  29. Tackle your first adventure race with a group of buddies ready to get dirty, climb obstacles, crawl through mud…. you get the picture
  30. Go crabbing, shrimping or fishing over the swamplands
  31. Find your zen at a yoga studio and tap into your inner strength
  32. Join the new craze of ax throwing to let off steam
  33. Take part in a pool league and hone in on your skills to hit straight into the corner pocket
  34. Take off on a day casino cruise and bet it all
  35. Find a drive in movie and enjoy the old fashion experience
  36. Experience the rush of speeding through treetops via a zip line – added bonus to go “Superman” style
  37. Grab a bucket – go orange, blueberry, strawberry, peach picking
  38. Try a high energy soul cycle or peleton class to fire up the sweat
  39. Learn the strategy of a racquetball game and hit away
  40. Strike and drive a small, white ball at a driving range for stress relief
  41. Take the challenge of clipping in to a ropes course and test your limits
  42. Sign up for a cooking or baking class to get just a little better in the kitchen
  43. Jump on a jetski or boat and feel the wind in your hair as you jump waves
  44. Ride a wave on a surfboard or boogie board
  45. Walk across water on a skim board
  46. Pitch a tent to get out and be one with nature
  47. Visit a water park with your kids, nieces, nephews and see the joy in their smile & laughter
  48. Go to a college basketball game and sit in the student section to feel the energy & excitement of game day
  49. Join a kickboxing class and really try to synchronize your movements to the music
  50. Play an active video game – my choice is guitar hero to jam out and fulfill that rockstar dream
  51. Hop on a carousel & spin to your hearts content at a park to relive your childhood
  52. Visit a firefighter museum to get in uniform and test out the gear
  53. Experience a snow sport – ski, snowboard, tube, bike – to enjoy nature in a frozen setting
  54. Hang on to a rope behind a boat or jetski to feel the thrill of cutting through water on a ski, wakeboard or knee board
  55. Free dive (no tank) a shallow reef or wreck
  56. Dance your heart away at a Zumba class
  57. Jump on board an ATV to get lost in the trails
  58. Drive & putt the ball on a local golf course
  59. Saddle up and trot along with a horse in their world
  60. Chase waterfalls and rainbows
  61. Find a rare tennis wall so you can practice on your own or ask a friend to join you on the courts
  62. Go for a run along the waterfront
  63. Attack a 30 day arm or leg (or both) exercise progression chart
  64. Hire a personal trainer to focus on your health and individualized plan
  65. Try an emerging sport like kitesurfing or windsurfing
  66. Drop a kayak, SUP or canoe in a local watering hole and paddle away
  67. Try to fly on an airboat – just once!
  68. Find a ping pong table to challenge your buddies in a good old fashioned game
  69. Go to a shooting range to learn a new skill safely
  70. Visit a dude ranch to live a cowboy life
  71. Run the steps of your local stadium to challenge yourself to a great workout
  72. Ride bikes through wine tasting country and stop frequently
  73. Hit away at a local batting cage
  74. Swim laps to enjoy a low impact physical activity
  75. Climb on an outdoor jungle gym and hang from the monkey bars just like when you were a kid
  76. Rappel down a waterfall (bonus points for a night time thrill)
  77. Jump on a skateboard or rollerblades to feel like a kid again (at your own risk)
  78. Grab a trash bag and take the initiative to clean up your favorite beach area
  79. Clip into a cliffside via ferrata (iron rungs pounded into a rock face for hikers to use as footholds) to reach the peak
  80. Join a local run group to get in more miles and laughs along the way
  81. Grab a jump rope for a great workout in a short amount of time
  82. Peg your opponent at a competitive game of paintball
  83. Find a local disc golf or frisbee course to try something different
  84. Join an indoor futsal soccer league to improve your footwork and touch on the ball
  85. Find a US certified dark park to be blown away while stargazing & name your own shooting star
  86. Jump in an orb to go flying down a hillside in your own bubble
  87. Complete a pull-up challenge just like from the physical fitness test from your childhood
  88. Keep score at a riveting game of mini golf just like when you were a kid
  89. Take a running leap off a rock to make a splash into a local river and do it again
  90. Hit away at old school air hockey
  91. Portray elegance at a winter staple – ice skating
  92. Explore on a canyoneering adventure, which is a mixture of hiking and rappelling typically through canyons and watering holes
  93. Bowl a strike or two
  94. Dress up in camouflage to go hunting deep in the woods
  95. Sled down sand dunes
  96. Check out heli hiking or heli skiing – look it up!
  97. Find your balance on a tightrope – add in any height for a big risk
  98. Take a motorcycle safety course to obtain your license and a new sense of freedom
  99. Climb a rope to the top just like in old school gym class
  100. Go on a safari to meet animals in their own habitat

No regrets!

12 best US day hikes

What makes for not just a good day outing but a GREAT experience? There are many variables and each individual has their own nuisances. My base is a great overall vibe, variety in terrain, exhilaration along the way and pure joy in the challenge. So this list is very subjective & in no particular order, but in my opinion, these trails are downright must dos:

1. Zion NP – The Narrows: prepare for a crazy adventure unlike anything you have done before! It is best to rent waterproof boots & a walking stick in town prior, and the river water is freezing cold year round so be ready! Be prepared to be trouncing through ankle deep water for most of the day and possibly even be swimming to pass through certain crevices. Water levels fluctuate (have a waterproof bag) so get comfortable being uncomfortable & not being able to see where you step. Find your flow and enjoy the journey, as the canyon walls start to squeeze in and go as far as you want (just know you have to backtrack the same distance prior to dusk). Breathtaking area!

2. Grand Canyon NP – South Kaibab trail to Bright Angel trail: this trek is a doozy so make sure you have packed appropriately. It is a tough feat to do in 1 day at 16.5 mi or about 9 hours if you are in decent shape, but you can also snag a spot at the bottom of the canyon at Phantom Ranch lodge if you are lucky & plan ahead. Due to severe heat in the canyon, I recommend starting at twilight & bring a minimum of 2 liters of water (there are stations along the way to refill). For 3 glorious hours you will trek down to the canyon floor in some of the most gorgeous landscapes you will ever see. Sunrise from Ooh Aah point is an unforgettable moment. You will cross over 2 suspension bridges & then the hard part begins – 5-6 hours straight up!

3. Badlands NP – The Notch trail: short 1.3 mi out & back but exhilarating around every corner. The beginning winds into a canyon leading to a rustic ladder needed to reach to the cliff tops. Then bending around otherworldly rock formations, it ends at an impressive park overlook. Hit it prior to evening twilight for a soothing breath of nature.

4. Yosemite NP – Mist & John Muir trails to Vernal/Nevada Falls & Half Dome: as one of the most popular trails in the park, it is important to start early and really enjoy the nature along the way. This 15 mi trail can be done in its entirety or portions accordingly to your desire and ability. It gains serious elevation so pack a lunch. Passing both falls are gorgeous and if you are lucky enough to snag permits for the final thrill of the chains leading to the tippy top…..just wow!

5. Sedona – Cathedral Rock: short 1.2 mi but challenging trek up the belly of a crack between 2 rock formations. Make sure to have rugged shoes. The last stretch is straight uphill, but if you can time it for sunset, you won’t be disappointed in this killer ledge.

6. Bryce Canyon NP – full Figure 8 trail: this combines 3 of the most popular trails into one big loop & exposes you to all the hidden delights along the way. 25k steps & 10.5 mi later you will have passed stunning hoodoos and be smiling ear to ear. Finish at sunset point for a spectacular finish!

7. Chiricahua NM – Echo Canyon: this monument isn’t talked about much, but it blew me away. This trail is a fun trek though stunning rock formations and views for days. Enjoyable for all ages. Do the entire loop 8 mi or go half way down & turn around to explore more in depth this crazy world.

8. Arches NP – Devils Garden trail: trust me, start at daybreak and explore the full 7.2 mi loop which passes a stunning 6 arches. One of my fav memories is standing atop a narrow ledge a few miles in & overlooking the expanse below. What a rush!

9. Valley of Fire SP, Nevada – White Domes & Fire Wave: you will be pleasantly surprised with this day trip from Vegas along these 2 short trails. White Domes is at the end of the state park & takes you through a beautiful slot canyon, while Fire Wave exposes you to a one of a kind colorful mesa.

10. Sedona – Hangover trail: located above this cute town is a checkerboard of trails. You will need a 4×4 to navigate the crazy road there or hike in via Mungs Wagon & Cow Pies trails for a total of 8.2 mi. You will find yourself hugging crazy cliff drop offs, scaling rock faces & overlooking spectacular views of the valley.

11. Zion NP – Angels Landing: I would be remiss if this iconic trek wasn’t included. It isn’t for the fainted hearted….. while only 2.5 mi one way, the last .5 mi you must use chains to assist your climb while balancing on very narrow cliff sides. Bring a lunch because you will want to revel in your accomplishment at the top for a while I promise you!

12. El Morro NM – Headland trail: this 2 mi trek is a blast and has it all. Make sure to go counterclockwise around the backside of the towering cliffs that were marked with petroglyphs from early settlers. This will lead you to the cliff tops and a full traverse above it all, while ending with steps going down. This was an unexpected delight and relatively short.

(Pics below are in order by trail described)

Colombian Cruisin’

Would you sign up for a week long cruise that wasn’t in your dominant language? Intimidating. Yes. A huge lesson in getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. Absolutely. This leap of faith was a wake up call to myself to embrace the unknown.

I love learning about all South American cultures and can get by with Spanish, but I honestly haven’t improved much over the years since I use it so infrequently. But I love cruising and when you find a $60 RT direct flight deal to Cartagena, Colombia, South America, you push that purchase button. 🇨🇴 🚢 ✈️ 🏝 🤿 🌅

My dear friend Diana helped me find a local guide in her home country and my adventure began. First stop was outside town and a must do in my opinion. Vulcan de Tutomo – vat of mud – was a short, steep climb where you emersed yourself in mud head to toe while a local rubbed all over your body for 25 mins. OMG. It was a strangely delightful experience like you were rolling around in chocolate pudding. After this crazy experience, you had to walk down to the lake to wash off…. naked! What??!! Ummm nope. After my initial panic, I went for it. Even with the locals turning their backs while onshore only 50 feet away, it was very liberating to start this new journey off with a totally out of character moment. Onward!

We drove through the old, colorful city of Cartagena and all the beautiful courtyards. I walked the historical fort and memorials. A fantastic day. Boarding the ship was a little less efficient than my US experiences and no AC in the port buildings, but nothing beats stepping onto a cruise to begin a new journey.

We visited the ABC islands – Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao. On every Caribbean trip, I try to squeeze in a diving excursion and Aruba was my choice this time around. We did a 2 tank dive to a colorful reef and an awesome wreck 90 feet down. And we had an additional stop in Panama, my first time exploring this country besides just passing through the locks here over 10 years prior on the inaugural Disney cruising crossing.

Undoubtedly my favorite times on a cruise are the spectacular & unobstructed sunsets on the horizon, as well as the impeccable stargazing. I just can’t get enough. Seriously.

I rarely read for pleasure anymore, but sunbathing on the top deck with a drink in hand is a perfect triple threat.

So I hope if you ever find the opportunity to cruise to far off lands, you go for it and never look back. Maybe add in a mud bath too!

Savage Race teamwork

There is no greater bond. Any athlete that has participated in team sports knows the trust and sacrifice you put into your “band of brothers”.

This is one of my legacies at the Y. I knew how powerful and rewarding bringing together all different groups could be – members, volunteers, staff and family. We even added in weekly training sessions to build excitement, endurance, self confidence and ultimately strengthen our relationships.

Four straight years, the Y team proudly represented our united front to promote a healthy lifestyle in mind, body and soul. Team members had numerous different motivations, overcame fears, problem solved and had a blast playing in the dirt/mud. But it wasn’t easy or for the faint hearted. We laughed, crawled, splashed, ran, pulled, dragged, climbed, fell, jumped, cried and carried our teammates to cross the finish line hand in hand…….locked together.

The culmination came for me when we joined forces of 3 different YMCA teams into one joint powerhouse on the course. I will always smile at the memory in sharing this hard core experience with a kick ass group of individuals that always put others first. By signing up to personally conquer the tough savage course, they inspired others to push their own limits and show again the power of an accountability group outside the fours walls of the gym. And if any of them ever called or needed help, we would all step up and respond without question.

RIP Coach Andrew Highsmith 💔 you will never be forgotten – “The opportunity to connect with one another is unique and can be lost if you don’t make the most of the opportunities when they are present.”

Sustainable vs. regenerative travel

Sustainable travel aims to preserve the planets natural resources and minimize the environmental impacts of tourism. The primary beneficiary of tourist dollars should be local businesses.

Regenerative travel is picking up steam, as simply trying to not harm a location isn’t good enough. We should all be actively working to improve an area.

Don’t just focus on leaving lighter footprints but making a bigger impact in the local communities that serve tourism.

  • Eat local
  • Shop local
  • Drink local
  • Plant trees
  • Grow your own food
  • Recycle
  • Use refillable water bottles & not get sucked into plastic
  • Cover 100% of your carbon emissions

Sedona – A Hiker’s Dream

Live loud.

Sedona is that special place you hear about but can’t truly appreciate until you let yourself get lost in the thousands of miles of red rock trails. Boynton Canyon is one of the 7 local vortexes where the life force of the earth is especially strong…… a must do on any visit.

As I got deeper into the canyon my thoughts drifted & I was so proud of my adventurous spirit. Too many times in life I’ve been told to slow down to be “normal”, back off the intensity during practice, pace myself on a project and so on…. I don’t have a slow speed or do anything half a$$ & I’m proud of it (now).

I’ve never been the smartest, fastest or extraordinarily gifted at anything but my HEART & willpower can rival the best. But ultimately, I’m not in competition with you, just enjoy challenging myself & trying to do my part to make things better in this crazy world.

So if you can make it the 3.2 miles to the end of the trail, you will be rewarded by the majestic views that few will see (actually venture just a wee bit further to the edge of the cliff & listen to the fresh breeze). I lay out this challenge to you…. NEVER let anyone dull your sparkle & always just “do you”.

#doyou #liveloud #beyourownhero

50 BIG ONES 🎉

Most of the time I think no one will listen to all the random thoughts I have on a daily basis. So to think I am 50 blogs in on my new journey……and so much more to say!

Recently I made my own keepsake tokens of every country and state that I have visited – a key ring dedicated to both. Companies are selling these for $5 each plus shipping so that obviously wasn’t something I was going to entertain. Quick math: 50 countries & 39 states = $445+. I bought the metal kit for $40 + 200 rings for $20 = $60.

They may be a little uneven and some letters lighter than others, but it is hand made and personal. The perfect addition to my ever growing travel room and a fantastic conversation piece to share.

So with 50 countries and subsequently 50 blogs behind me, I am more motivated than ever to keep exploring and learning! (And now Hawaii can be added as my 40th state too).

#neverstopexploring #yolo #50countries #40states #50blogs

ALOHA 🌺🤙🏄‍♀️🏝

I was saving a trip to Hawaii for “some day” but WHY? Why have I put this destination on such an elusive pedestal? So to say that I’m stoked is an understatement. I opted to base out of the Big Island for this 3 week adventure with an open ended ticket.

Crazy start to my journey & my 40th state….. After a chill week at one of my fav havens in Myrtle Beach, I drove home to a planned 48 hrs of cleaning, errands, workouts and visiting friends. Instead I get blasted with alerts of major snow and ice storms reeking havoc over the south, where I had purposely planned my layover due to low risk of delays. NOT! I only had 2 alternative options to Chicago or DC (in winter, really?) AND to head out a day early.

Luckily I’m a maniac when it comes to packing 2 weeks early (to build up excitement) so 15 hrs later LETS DO THIS! Hardest part was finding a ride to the airport mid day but with pandemic forcing many to work from home, everything fell into place.

Smooth sailing until on the runway out of Dulles and the pilot tells us we have to return to the gate as the case of baby chicks in cargo have to be moved away from the pallet of dry ice. WTH. But I digress…. I did later confirm both my Houston connections were expectedly cancelled, so crisis averted as San Fran was enjoying gorgeous & sunny low 60s weather.

After enjoying lunch outside overlooking the bay, I casually made my way to the airport to continue with my no stress start to vaca. I actually wasn’t allowed to checkin online for the first time ever because they didn’t believe I had no bags to check. Hmmmm. They’ve never met me.

Here are the important deets on Hawaii’s all new post COVID rules:

There is an additional pre check area for Hawaii, where officials will cross check you have already uploaded a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of departure (I found it easiest to go thru the Walgreens drive thru with results guaranteed to be emailed to you within 24 hours & received my negative confirmation within 2 hours), a recent picture saved on your profile on a new Hawaii travel safe site, 2 min online health form complete within 24 hours of the last flight and finally verification of a QR code sent to you prior. Sounds daunting but fairly easy to navigate if you reread the directions a few times. Finally you are given a wristband so you can bypass additional checks or quarantine upon arrival in the aloha state.

Wheels up to paradise! 🤙

Update: Aloha!!! 🌺 Officially feet on the ground at 10:09pm so 5 hours behind EST. We stepped off the plane to humidity & immediately got whisked away to take a 2nd nose swab test – out in 4 mins flat (I assume they call or visit you if there is an issue). My cute little Airbnb is 1 block from the famous Magic Sands beach. I’m sooooo ready to disconnect & can’t wait to wake up to explore. Good night! 😴

Do nothing day

Have you ever taken a timeout? Just 24 hours to erase anything and everything from your calendar. No commitments. No social engagements. No pressure. No phone or computer.

My goal is once a month and I’m actually fairly successful over the last crazy year.

It could be a snooze fest to just daydream (I have started to shy away from these as the after effects are usually my whole sleep schedule being severely out of whack for days). Maybe a drive along the east coast. Hike through the local wetlands. Binge watching my latest series obsession. Whipping through the trees on a downhill mountain bike trek. Lining up a mini golf hole in 1. Reading my fav lawyer books in a hammock. Stargazing around the fire pit. Baking a new concoction. Firing up the jetski to cruise the coastline. Penning a new travel blog post. Cranking out some riffs on guitar hero (extra loud). Pounding some racquetballs. Enjoying some pedicure magic. Drawing up my next big adventure. Catching a midnight movie. Practicing my pool cue stroke. Driving at the range. Hitting some fastballs at the cages. Swimming a few laps. Venturing out for a run. Snoozing during a 90 min massage. Shooting some hoops. Taking an online leadership course. Stamping metal jewelry & keychains. Scrapbooking. Committing to 90 mins of a hot yoga sweat fest.

Needless to say, I have numerous hobbies and can never boast that I’m bored. I challenge you to keep this monthly promise to yourself and can almost guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Mountain vs Ocean Life?

Could you choose?

Currently I live 1 mile from the inter coastal waterway on the east coast of Florida. But I have spent the last 5 months exploring the beautiful national parks in the west.

I get asked frequently which I enjoy more? I don’t like to be a wishy washy person and say both, so let’s dig in deeper.

Ocean life.

If I have 3 hours open, you would always know where to find me…. on my jet ski cruising the waterways full throttle with a killer music playlist blasting and a huge smile on my face. Plus how can you beat riding your bike to the shoreline in 5 mins to catch the frequent & explosive rocket launches? Whenever I need a little inspiration or just a quick wind down, I can indulge in an unbeatable coastal sunrise/sunset. On a clear weekend, it is nothing to drive the coast with the sunroof open and watch the cruise ships leave port. Enough said.

Mountain life.

Considering I have spent the last 5 months off the grid wandering in the glorious mountains of 15 different states, I’m jaded as I am still geeking out over the stunning vistas & forests I’ve been able to get purposefully lost in. It was truly life changing. From stare downs with bears to crossing crazy suspension bridges to imagining the magnificent forces that carved endless canyons to cheering on a bison who was making his own path down the roadway without a care in the world that he is blocking traffic for miles, nature is raw and unassuming. You don’t want the days to end, but you also wake up with renewed energy as you don’t know what is going to happen on a new day. You may be a little dirty, feet aching or lacking sleep, but the adventure is addictive.

So…….

I love water life so very much, that I think I’ll keep planning mountainous trips for vacation getaways!