CalActive.com Activities Blog

Before anything, I hope everyone had a wonderful 4^th of July. I had the opportunity to enjoy several firework shows at the home of one of our affiliates on the hills in San Clemente. The view was exceptional, the BBQ was great, and the people were friendly and welcoming.

We decided that on Saturday (the day after July 4th) we were going Canyoneering in Mt Baldy, CA. We met up with our guides near the canyon at 9:00am sharp, at which time we geared up our backpacks with rope, harnesses, helmets, jackets, camera, lunch, and lots of water. The guides (Chase, Gavin, and James) gave us a quick run-down of what we were to expect and how to use all of our gear.

To start, we did a 30 minute hike up the canyon taking a couple of quick breaks. The open, endless views were breathtaking. It was amazing to think that an hour earlier we were in the middle of the city.

At the end of our hike up the canyon we came to a dead-end. One with a beautiful river leading to a waterfall and more incredible views. The guides started to set up the ropes and showed us what we were going to be doing: hanging sideways at a 90 degree angle with the wall of the canyon. That’s right, we were going to use the rope and our harness to walk backwards on the waterfall.

I was actually able to stop half way down and take a photo looking up. Take a look:

We did this through three different drops until we reached one that needed some extra guidance. We were going to go through a waterfall this time. Until now we were stepping on water, but never really got too wet. Our videographer, Dain, decided he wanted to go first so he could film us on the way down, I went second, and my wife came after me. Dain was pretty much finished after this one, I was ok, and my wife… well, she had a harder time getting down this one. The water kept hitting her so hard, she lost her balance and had to make it down the hard way, being lowered and bouncing around the walls. She made it safely, but it was a scary moment (see photo below). Everyone else made it just fine.

After the big waterfall, we had two more drops and made it to the bottom and hiked back to our cars and checked in our gear. We invited our guides out to dinner and enjoyed some fine Italian cuisine.

Bottom line, if you like to be active, Canyoneering is most definitely an activity you can’t miss. Check out CalActive.com to book your Canyoneering adventure; it’s well worth it.

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.

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.

Went to the Mayan Riviera recently in search of paradise. Cancun wasn’t the destination. Nor was Playa Del Carmen. I was going further south to Tulum, home of eco-chic resorts, and an oceanfront Mayan ruin. Sounded good to me. Flew into Cancun with my daughter, who was on Spring break from Paris. Had never been to Cancun, but kinda knew what to expect; ginormous resorts side by side, all-inclusive, ensuring the traveler the most inauthentic Mexican holiday imaginable. But more on that later.

We got the car and drove south through Playa del Carmen, rumored to have one time been cool. Gooch little beachside Italian clubs and restaurants (’course if I want to see Italians I’ll go to Italy). I’m sorry to report it is Cancun’s little brother Shit Howdy! Slightly more chill, but still one big tourist trap. The de riguer pedestrian walkway is now flooded with inauthentic jewelry, $120 bikinis, sunglass hut after sunglass hut, and the requisite Senor Frogs - and Starbucks. Everything you need for a drunken Spring Break.

So Tulum it was, one long line of eco-chic resorts nestled in the jungle, replete with charming casitas on the beach, open air restaurants, and the requisite hip “Mayan” spas. Much more authentic. No AC. No swimming pools. Just the shimmering Caribbean and her silky sand. And the almighty dollar! Who would of thought that eco-chic was really a way of saying “triple the price of the real Mexico.” Sure, the resorts were spotless with exemplary maid service. Paths were cleared, windows rid of sea salt each and everyday, beds made. But still they were primitive casitas with palapa roofs. The charm was in the rustic appointments, the sea breeze instead of air conditioning. But $325 a night at the Cabanas Capal? For studio Cabanas on a windswept rock ledge where there was no beach?

Cabanas Copal Muy Caro

And the bargain price of $95 for their “garden” cabana? Some garden. A tiny dark room with no windows, surrounded by a thicket of jungle where the air doesn’t circulate? Sure, it would be charming and romantic to go without electricity if there was a breeze. But this was March, the wind was howling non-stop just 20 yards away, but the “charming” jungle had not been thinned and I sweltered like a Vietnam POW. I might even vote for McCain now.

No Electricity

At least get us an overnight fan! And the spas? I thought massages in Mexico were in the $20-30/hr range. But apparently nobody told these folks. Lowest price at any spa I saw was $70/hr. Eco-chic indeed.

Despite the gauging, the coast is lovely, the water an amazing turquoise, and the setting incomparable. When we were there the wind was pretty much constant and the water extremely choppy. We’re told this is common. It makes for great kite surfing, but ocean swimming and snorkeling is another story. And of course there are no waves for surfing of body boarding. I have to say one of the most interesting parts of the trip were the cenotes, the system of underground rivers that runs throughout the peninsula. Cenotes are the occasional holes in the ground where these freshwater oasis are found. The water is clear and drinkable, and you can snorkel through underground caves filled with stalacalites. Plus the sun comes underneath and through these caves casting a brilliant cobalt patina on the water. Capri’s Blue Grottos have nothing on this.

The way cool Cenotes

At the end of the trip I crossed to the other (Pacific) Coast of Mexico, where I got back in touch with my inner primitive Mexican soul. Flew to the southern Pacific coastal resort of Huatulco. La Bahias del Hautulco you say? Never heard of it? You will. This is a big time Mexican resort that was built in the 80’s, failed, and is now experiencing a resurgence. But I didn’t come to go there. I went north (or West) to the fishing village of Puerto Angel. Okay, the Pacific side may not have the turquoise water and the lush tropical jungle, but it’s dry and bug free and untouched and real and everything I was looking for. Zipolite is ther hippy beach that time forgot: same palapas on the beach as Tulum - OK maybe a little more rundown with less vigorous trash collection. But rooms for $20, and hammocks for five. A good meal with cervesa for $5. And that beloved massage on the beach for $20. Plus waves - big ones, that require some restraint. Still, El Pacifico is the place for me.

La Boquilla

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!

Today I received the “Havasupai Falls Trip” email from a friend of mine who plans an annual hiking and camping trip to this pristine location in Arizona. Not long ago, this name was completely foreign to me. I remember staring back at him with that odd look on my face…“Have…Hava what?”

Havasupai Falls, better known as Havasu Falls, is by far one of the most amazingly beautiful waterfalls located in the Grand Canyon. There are three main falls in the Havasu Canyon; Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Navajo Falls. Unlike some waterfalls in Arizona, the Havasu Creek ones are good year-round. Although I have yet to experience this hike, I’ve been told it does take a great deal of effort to get there, but it looks as though the reward is definitely worth it. Our standard plan is to begin the hike around 3am (night hiking is not recommended unless you’re familiar with the terrain and area) since the strong Arizona heat can zap the strength right out of you (even the most seasoned of hikers). But, as I was checking out some other blogs and websites, I found some great stories and more helpful information.

You need to make a reservation well in advance, and be sure to keep that confirmation number handy as they will ask for it upon check in. To get to Havasu Falls, you drive to Hualapai Hilltop, which can be reached at the end of Indian Road 18 just 68 miles north of Route 66. The parking area is at Huakapai Hilltop and is also the beginning of the trail that takes you through a narrow canyon as you make your way to the village. From here, it’s an 8 mile hike to the village of Supai and then another 2 miles to the beginning of the campground which stretches along Havasu Creek. Campground sites are on a first come first serve basis and are rich with towering cottonwood trees and lush vegetation. It seems the best time to go is April/May since the temperatures in the summer can get quite extreme. Either way, you have the option of plunging into the crystal clear waters for a refreshing swim. If you’re going for the weekend you can explore Havasu Falls on the first day and have enough time to explore Navajo Falls and Mooney Falls on the second day, each having its own special and distinct character.

For anyone who wants to escape the daily rat race, what better way to spend two days then by camping for a couple of nights by the river and playing in GORGEOUS Water falls!!! You can bet I’ll be taking the annual trip this year.

I’m planning a trip to the Ne Pali coast in Kauai next month and was checking out a really helpful blog for some info on the Kalalau hike (I’ve heard so much about it) when I got sidetracked by another great blog that referenced another thing I have heard a lot about: Summit For Someone, a charity fund raiser sponsored by Backpacker Magazine to assist the Big City Mountaineers organization.

If you choose to join a Summit For Someone climb, you’ll get to select from one of 24 classic North American mountains, such as Mt. Rainier, Mt. Shasta, or Mt. Hood. To join one of these adventures, you simply make a monetary pledge to Big City Mountaineers, with that pledge varying depending on the mountain you choose to climb. From there you can elect to donate the money directly, or raise the funds yourself. They’ll even provide you with a fund raising kit.

Rock climbing trips can cost as little as $2900 while expedition alpine climbs run closer to $7500. Those prices include the necessary gear, although you can take a discount if you decide to use your own equipment. That money will help send as many as five at-risk teenagers on a wilderness adventure of their own later in the year (thanks for the info, Adventure Junkie).

What a win-win situation for anyone who loves hiking or climbing and who wants to do something worthwhile for disadvantaged children. I’m inspired to start something like this in my home country of South Africa where I first fell in love with mountain climbing (when I was a revolting teenager my father dragged me up and down numerous peaks in the Jonkershoek Valley, near Stellenbosch, before I stopped whining and realised that I was actually having a blast). It is a country with no shortage of incredible peaks to summit as well as a distressingly large number of disadvantaged, at-risk youth, so my mind is just starting to whirr with all the possibilities that this could present - as well as the logistical challenges for someone like myself who has never attempted something like this before. I’m going to have to do some research…