Tag Archives: beyourownhero

Talk about a hiker’s paradise! This state park has eluded me for years and we finally made the extra effort to visit. With 19 waterfalls cascading through rock formations like in a fairytale, it was a perfect dose of serenity. We combined the Gorge, Indian and Finger Lakes trails to trek for 5 miles inContinue reading “Watkins Glen SP, NY”

Everyone says that once you visit Glacier National Park in remote, northwestern Montana it will instantly become your favorite. Let’s put that theory to the test…. Being that this is my 53rd out of 63 US national parks, my expectations are sky high. Also, I had to wait almost 4 years to get back hereContinue reading “Glacier NP finally! 🏞️”

Did you do it? If you know me…… Once in a lifetime opportunity in the most remote place in the entire world, HELL YES! The build up was more excruciating than the actual plunge into the abyss at the elusive Deception Island. After a near perfect Drake Passage crossing, we equally enjoyed 4 days ofContinue reading “Polar Plunge 💦🇦🇶”

The day finally came where my brother’s family was being deployed over to Germany for 2 years and it hadn’t hit me yet that I couldn’t just jump on a $50 1.5 hour flight on a whim to partake in some much needed snuggles. With their 3 very distinctive personalities taking shape, I can’t imagineContinue reading “Saying goodbye”

Want an instant adrenaline rush? I was seriously nervous that my best friend had signed us up for a cliff side via ferrata on day 1 of our last minute Kentucky adventure weekend. While I was super pumped, I knew this was going to be a huge stretch out of her comfort zone. Nonetheless, weContinue reading “KY via ferrata 🧗”

As a frequent rental car user, it’s always a treat to be rewarded with a convertible upgrade. The cool aunt status jumps instantly! After a whirlwind, last minute 72 hour trip to celebrate my nephew’s 5th birthday, I had to endure a brutal 3am wake up call to catch the first flight back home/work. HeContinue reading “Rental car woes 🚘”

Being out on the open trails is my therapy of choice. I wish I had explored more in my youth, but I’ve definitely made up for that 100-fold in the last 20 years. Whether I’m planning a group outing or winging it on a solo excursion, you won’t find me more giddy & light heartedContinue reading “Why hiking?? 🥾”

My travel routine starts weeks prior to departure with commencing packing, as I have to be very strategic with typically only wanting to lug around two carryons. Add in a polar region, and trimming the packing list is exponentially harder with numerous layers necessary. I accomplish my mission with my signature vacuum bags and evenContinue reading “Travel Day Woes ✈️ 🌍 🧳”

The heartbeat of the Antarctica experience lies in the ship’s mud room. Located on deck two, our daily routine to get ashore started with a cattle call by group after the initial zodiac safety boats were deployed to scope out the ever-changing landscapes of the white continent. Our heavy weather gear is already stashed inContinue reading “The Mud Room 🚢🇦🇶”

Have you ever gone to the airport with just a bookbag and a dream? Why not? Nothing is more exhilarating than the anticipation of travel day to start a vacation. And then throw in the unknown of a spur of the moment location….. that’s a recipe for adventure in my book! I remember my 3Continue reading “Spontaneity ✈️🌎”