CalActive.com Activities Blog

Yes…it is cocktail hour and I hope to be working up that sort of buzz soon, but I’m talking about a different kind of buzz. It looks like Quiksilver is taking it up a notch and launching a new line of women’s clothing geared towards the older fashionista rather than the surfer wahine. Quiksilver, one of the biggest sellers of clothes that targets surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding, hopes the new line will draw those who grew up wearing Roxy. The new line includes jeans, dresses, shirts and jackets with a price point ranging from $34 to over $100 and should be in company stores as well as Nordstrom’s soon.

Love it love it love it. Great step for Quiksilver since there is definitely a market for this. I can’t wait to get my hands on a short silky dress!

You can check out more about the line here.

What a gorgeous day it was yesterday! Feeling guilty after sleeping in so long, I peeked out my window to see one of the most beautiful days, and what better way to take advantage then by going on a hike. My favorite little hike is located just behind my house in Laguna Beach; Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. I pinch myself just thinking how fortunate I am to have this at my fingertips every day. You can access the trail via High drive (and squeezing through a little fence) or at the top of Dartmoore which takes you directly on the trail (no squeezing needed). I haven’t been in awhile (naughty me) and as I approached the trail I was taken back by the florescent green hilltops and vibrant fields of wild flowers. All of this can be viewed with a backdrop of the deep blue Pacific Ocean waters. Beyond this trail, there are numerous trails you can access that are great for mountain biking. Whatever your adventure may be, you’re bound to capture beauty, engulf the quietness and gain strength from climbing. Enjoy!

Last week there was a rare sightig of a white killer whale in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Usually, this could be mistaken for an albino give its coloration, but it was determined otherwise because true albinos usually don’t live that long. What an amazing experience it must have been for those who saw this amongst the ocean waters. I’ve never heard of a white killer whale, let alone see one but I sure hope to in this lifetime.

Which brings me to my next point. Stumbling onto one of my favorite websites, I’ve recently learned about the massive slaughtering of Dolphins and Whales that takes place every year. There is a visual petition (what a powerful concept) to save these mammals so future generations can experience in the wonder of what makes them so unique and lovable. These are species’ whose friendly nature and acts of kindess have labeled them as rescuers. For more in depth information and ways to take action, click here.

It’s an exciting time right now for us because we’re gearing up for summer (my favorite time of the year) and we get to launch our kayak tours from the the beautiful and breathtaking Montage hotel. What a great spot! You can explore beaches, cliffs, caves and the Seal Rock, a nature sanctuary home to hundreds of California Sea Lions. It truly is one of Southern California’s most beautiful coastlines.

Speaking of kayaking and beautiful places, I’m reminded of my very first trip to Hawaii. My family and my mom’s twin sister’s family decided to embark on a family vacation together to Kauai about 5 years ago….11 travelers total (we’re very close ;-)). On the trip, one of our family adventures was a kayak trip up the Wailua River, one of the longest navigable rivers in Hawaii. If you’ve never adventured here before, then I must note this is definitely a must do! The scenery is stunning, backed by tropical valleys and radiant smells of plumeria.

Only eight of us rented kayaks from a little Hawaiian village at Kamokila, and such a quaint little place this is. The village features about a dozen hatch buildings revelaing how Hawaiians would have lived hundreds of years ago. My sister and I partnered up in one kayak, her in front and me in the back. I remember feeling like a deer in head lights as we paddled up the river - lush valleys, birds singing and the “smell” of Hawaii. The beauty is transcending. In fact, I was so overwhelmed I stopped paddling and made my sister do all the work. Lol. Zigzagging up the river - that was the moment she gave my the nickname “Dazy.” It’s important to take in such beauty.

Paddling up the river brought us to a secluded waterfall - Secret Falls. This is a great spot for swimming and also where one of Hawaii’s most bizarre and famous attractions is located - Fern Grotto, a lava rock covered with tropical overhanging ferns. The grotto acts as an amphitheatre and creates amazing sounds.

On the return trip I remember being so at peace from the tradewinds. Moving downstream definitely provided quite a workout on this leg of the journey (maybe more for my sister). I believe at this point my sister was ready to throw me overboard! This place is truly a fantasyland of Hawaiian deep jungle scenery. I can’t wait to go back, though I have a feeling I’ll be in my own kayak on the next adventure.

Looking for something exciting and fun to do at the beach this weekend? Why not meet the Laguna Beach community down at Oak Steet in Laguna Beach for a positive, fun and friendly beach clean up followed by an action packed surfing competition. Want to surf in the competition? Why not, it would be fun. Plus you could win some awesome prizes that have been generously donated from many of our local shops and businesses for this exciting community gathering; a Cordell Surfboard, Victoria Skim Board, Hamboard Fish, Gift Certificates from K’Ya Restaurant, Splashes Restaurant and many more! This is the first surf jam and beach clean up hosted by our friends at Soul Surfing School. All the festivities will start around 7am on Sunday, March 9th, 2008.

For more information, click here.

Hope you can make it!