Outdoor Adventures for Everyone!
There are some who’ve been anticipating a write up about my backpacking trip to Havasupai Falls, and I’m sorry to report that I couldn’t make the trip this year. The others did make the trip and had a blast, as expected. Here are some pics to share with you (I can’t believe I missed this), and I hope to share my version of this adventure with you sooner than later. Enjoy!
So we just added Canyoneering to our activity list and I’m dying to go. I love adventure so this will be the perfect outing for me. Canyoneering involves everything from climbing to hiking, jumping, scrambling, rapeling down waterfalls… you name it, you do it. Sounds fun, right?! I found a great story about a Canyoneering adventure. Hopefully I’ll get to view the video too (sounds like it was a great trip). What is Canyoneering? Come discover for yourself what this crazy activity is all about.
Sometimes fear stops us from doing some of the most exciting and adrenaline packed things in life. Ever since my friend passed along her copy of “One Month To Live: Thirty Days to a No-Regrets Life,” I treat everyday as the most important!
News or friends inform us about such stories that relate to life, and often make us wonder why things happen the way they do. For example, this morning there was a rare and freak shark attack in Solana Beach, San Diego. A 66 yr. old man in great shape was training for his next triathlon and was freakishly bitten by a shark and didn’t survive. And then I stumble upon a more uplifting story where a 96 yr. old former US Navy pilot took a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm so he could take in some excitement and ride the fastest rides there, regardless of being in a wheelchair.
His daughter mentioned that “He doesn’t get out at all, so sometimes I plan a day where we go out,” she said. “That morning, I told him, ‘If you get out of bed, I’ll buy you breakfast, and maybe we could take a ride up to Knott’s.’ He liked that idea.”
How I look at…we’re dealt with a deck of cards each day - you can play or pass. I’d rather play!
As many may know, Laguna Beach is home to great art and many fabulous artists. In fact, the first Thursday of every month, galleries in town stay open later to host “1st Thursday’s Art Walk,” a time where all can enjoy award-winning art amid the crowded paths of pch. It’s a fun time for residents and othera alike to meander around town, sipping wine, enaging in conversation and exploring new techniques used to create such diverse works. In fact my favorite gallery, the Surf Gallery, on Thalia Street is having a sneak peak art show this Friday, April 25th. The work will display most recent paintings and prints from local artists. I can’t forget to mention the live music -that’s always a huge plus for me! The show is hosting some up and coming artists whose illustrations are recognized on surf clothing, wetsuits, shoes, logos and surfboads from a hand full of years.
Hope to see some of you there!
I was introduced to these via conversation with one of our customers who ordered mountain bikes for a trip with his buddies. Unaware of this destination, I asked where these were. You’ve never heard of this spot? No. Unfortunately I had not, but was so eager to google it I hopped on the internet ASAP. In addition to being a destination for some beautiful, natural hot springs, it’s also a common destination for skinnydippers and skinnysoakers alike… hmmm. Located just southeast of Hesperia, Deep Creek Hot Springs are a cluster of natural hot springs with various temperatures that are accesible by foot or bike. To get there, hike a vigorous 2-miles or meander the 6-mile trail… the choice is yours. Either way, the pictures I’ve googled are amazing and definitely scream fun! I’ve stumbled upon plenty of sites that provide directions and other important information. In addition, I discovered a very cool site that’s a great resource for natural hot springs in California, Colorado and other places in the country.
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.