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).
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! 😴
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.
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!
I got the extreme adventure travel bug 10 yrs ago with the hike to Macchu Piccu with my younger brother and love to challenge myself mentally and physically. I don’t do anything half a$$ and traveling is no exception…..I’m all in. As an introvert naturally, travel has given me the courage and confidence to be able to conquer anything. My heart comes alive in remote places. My imagination soars. I yearn to see and immerse myself in different cultures.
My treks up Kili & Everest were the pinnacle – inspire others to get out of their comfort zone too.
Iceland, Iguazu falls, Patagonia, Swiss Alps and numerous more. I research, talk to others and always have the next few trips planned.
Jordan was never high on my list but something pulled me here. 4×4 thru the desert watching the wild camels run by, riding my own camel enjoying another sunrise, climbing on historic ruins, unparalleled sunset over the dunes, a magnificent diner cooked underground, sleeping in a tented camp under the stars, floating in the Dead Sea with black mud smashed all over my body…..memories will take me back often.
Petra was mesmerizing. Massive in scope and completely fascinating to learn the history. I got lost in my own thoughts. Not impressed easily, I was truly blown away. The anticipation on the long hike thru the Sig just added to the excitement & pure joy upon first sight of the iconic view I always just knew from an Indiana Jones movie. Around every bend was another crevice begging for someone to jump inside and learn about it’s incredible narrative. From the floor of the canyon to the top of the towering cliffs, you could just feel a story that was begging to be told. Having the discipline to climb countless steps to even better views the deeper you got into this historic site. 48,000 steps in one day and I wanted to explore more, but end of daylight dictated the close of another magical day.
Little Petra I couldn’t help but have a huge smile on my face. Pinch me. Is this for real? Hidden by a small alcove except for those who accept the challenge to dive in deeper. This place of wonder was once the epicenter of daily life. I climbed the steps at the back of this courtyard into the unknown but the promise by a local Bedouin guy it would reach “the best view in the world”. It did indeed lead to a little coffee shop perched into the top of the cliff & a priceless moment.
In this instant, I realized I can create my own destiny. On this journey & in life, I can choose left or right. Neither way is right or wrong. Both leading to different paths. Completely my choice.
“Happiness looks good on you”.
Find your passion and what sets your souls on fire. #berelentless #grit
Everyone has a dream. How many have the resilience & fortitude to make it a reality?
Can you vividly describe yours when asked? Does it keep you up at night plotting out a course for the distant future? Does it get you genuinely excited to get started?
If not, dream bigger. Dream more……
On Day 17 of my recent US National Park dream road trip, I landed at sunrise at Dead Horse Point State Park. As the orange hues came over the horizon and the brisk breeze swept through me, I had this overwhelming sense of pride in living mine out to the fullest.
Right here. Right now.
This massive vista made me realize I was only just getting started and I smiled even wider.
What are you waiting for? #liveyourdream #makeithappen #onedayordayone #tellyourstory #inspiration #seetheworld
I arrived at the Grand Canyon South Rim at 10pm & found the Backcountry Office to read up on all the new shuttle restrictions. My trek had to start at 6am. I got my day bag ready & spotted a shooting star in the beautiful sea of lights above & knew this day ahead was going to be extra special. 🤩
For my birthday, I typically try to find a physical & mental challenge that will test me to my core. 🥳 16.5 miles approx 9-10 hrs – South Kaibab rim trail down to the floor of the canyon at Phantom Ranch & then back up the Bright Angel trail to the rim. (As a reference, it would be like climbing the Eiffel Tower almost 9x). Typically a 2 day trek but doable for those crazy enough in 1 very long day.
After trying to sleep in the car for a few hours, I got in the shuttle line at a chilly 36 degrees at 5:25am & was #15 in the line of 40+. The bus only serves 15 so I skated by, not that I wasn’t nervous enough!
The 3 hr trek to the bottom of the canyon was truly breathtaking & inspiring around every bend…not much can compare to sunrise from this vantage point & the freedom of being on the trail.
As I crossed over the Bright Angel suspension bridge aiming to start the long, grueling haul back up the canyon, I had an overwhelming twinge of pride. I stopped dead in my tracks & knew this was the spot. All the planning, preparation & sacrifices to get here was a beautiful journey that I made happen. No excuses. No matter how many detours & obstacles, I powered through to make my dream a reality. But the hardest part was still to come – everything worthwhile is uphill & the canyon was approaching heat in the mid-90s still in mid-Oct. Was I going to rest or accept the next formidable challenge?
After trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp over 14 days, I purposely planned a week in Bali after to recover. Why not, since I was already on the opposite side of the world and needed time to just chill out with no pressure, no plan, no expectations – just living one of those dreams I never truly believed would happen. Bali baby!!!
On day 25 & last full day of my adventure vacation overseas. I skipped diving to take on the challenge of finding Klingking beach. It was so freeing to explore the island via moped, a rock in’ playlist & find this unbelievably, beautiful T-REX shaped beach from the cliff tops above.
Only a handful of tourists braved the steep stairs down to the midway viewpoint & then it got real dicy, like straight out of a “what not to do on a vaca list” in Nusa Penida Island off the coast of Bali. Jagged rocks & handrails led an 85% straight drop down the cliff side to this picturesque beach out of a fairytale. Fear. Exhilaration. Risk. Excitement. All these emotions battling & of course I had to emerse myself in this big feat.
After 35 mins dripping with sweat from terror & sheer exertion, I stepped onto sand & won the mental & physical battle. This slice of paradise was surreal & I gleefully jumped into the pounding waves like a school girl. I even had the foresight to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy as my reward (and of course delay the inevitable scramble back up). I knew immediately this was the spot where a piece of my heart would live forever.
There were only about 30 brave souls who shared my joy at the bottom & also wanted to bottle up this site of PEACEFUL PERFECTION. So everyone that actually makes it to this beach now have a heart at the exit stairway to embrace & slow down time to reflect on it’s magical ambiance. #bada$$ #peacefulperfection #bali2019 #fearless #klingkingbeach #liveyourdream
“Take every chance you get in life because some things only happen once.” – Karen Gibbs
My dream is to travel & explore as many unique destinations while I have the energy to do so. Some are main stream but many off the beaten path and take some effort to reach. And in this one, crazy life I fully intend to reach beyond that which is normal and seize the opportunity to do the extraordinary.
Nature and exploration bring me an indescribable joy. Why don’t we all seek out more experiences that speak to our heart and make us yearn for more?
Five months ago I set out on a journey to disconnect and refocus. A wide open slate.
The fun details:
94 days
18 states
23 national parks
45 national monuments
140 stops
486 miles hiked
9,911 miles driven
From the history of Mt Rushmore to the cliff tops of Yosemite NP to the snowy ledges at Mt Rainer NP to the red rock canyons in Sedona to the suspension bridge over the Grand Canyon floor to the stunning natural bridges in Arches NP to the mind blowing caves in Carlsbad Caverns NP….. there are so many stories to be told and gems to immerse in that I’m addicted to the great unknown.
I rarely do self videos but I was so in my element on my last, crazy 10 mile trek in the Sedona cliffs that I realized this adventure was even more impactful that I had even imagined it would be.
In order to achieve and attain the life of your dreams, you need to have a clear destination in mind. A path that you can follow, and if you stick to it, will take you to your goal.
Removing exterior distractions that will slow you down is a must if you wish to level up your life.
Believe in yourself.
Be ruthless in your pursuit of success. No matter what.
FearlessAdventures 