FearlessAdventures

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!

My adventure story – Jordan 🇯🇴

My motto: work hard play hard.

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

Live your dream – Deadhorse SP

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

Grand Canyon Rim 2 Rim

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?

Bali’s Peaceful Perfection

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

Dream trip reflection (video)

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.

#beatrailblazer #inspire #yolo #tripofalifetime #liveyourdream #findyourwhy

Focus. Clarity. Determination.

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.

Fear

I use fear to strike. To go against common beliefs. To look right into it and not back down. To be a part of something bigger than yourself.

To the what if’s?

It took years to turn this corner and fight against natural insecurities. To build self confidence. To be empowered to control your own destiny.

Face those fears.

Motivational frames

I love a good project. Something to stick your teeth into & tap into your own creativity. To combine two of my fav forms of expression – motivational quotes & travel pictures – was ridiculously addictive.

On an overnight layover in Portland, Oregon, I found a cozy corner and dug in. I had tons of quotes saved but narrowed that down to 35 and overlayed them onto my awesome adventure trip photos at some of the most iconic places in the US National Parks. I read numerous articles with beautiful photos but I wanted to reflect on my own pictures and, at least for a moment, be transported back to that amazing adventure.

Enjoy a snap shot of my life & the little things that bring me joy.