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Sep 20 2018 
If today were your last day, would there be any regret?
If you had one last day on Earth, what would you do; where would you go? Tomorrow is not always a guarantee. Don’t wait until it’s too late to check off your list of travels and adventures. Start planning your bucket list today!
Remember the movie The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman? Great movie…definitely worth seeing. The story though is one we can all relate to…having a bucket list of our own.
Do you have a Bucket List? Have you thought about what should be included on that list? Ideas may range from laughing until you cry to pushing your limits beyond what you thought possible. Bucket Lists will be individualized to each person, but the bottom line is that your list will have challenges to conquer.
In the movie, the two stars brainstorm and write their lists. That’s the best way to start a list of your own…just brainstorm. Outside of careers, what life experiences have you dreamed of accomplishing? Were they to go on a cruise to the Bahamas or to ride the wild rapids in Colorado? Were they to go on an African Safari or climb the pyramids in Mexico? Were they to explore the Amazon or ride a hot air balloon? Maybe your list includes trekking Machu Picchu or simply hiking to some waterfalls in Western North Carolina.
Your bucket list should include all the places you’ve wanted to see and things you’d like to do. Inspire yourself. Be specific and hold yourself accountable, so that it’s not just a dream. Maybe get yourself an accountability partner as they did in the movie. This makes the possibility of you completing your list increase dramatically.
For those of us who don’t take the time to write a Bucket List, or shall we say a list of goals we want to accomplish, too often our days go by like leaves in the wind with no destination. The leaves land somewhere, but wouldn’t it be better to land with a plan. We can’t hit a target that we don’t have! Bucket Lists are goals for a better future. Having a Bucket List reminds us of what is important in our lives and helps us to maximize quality of life. Work to live, don’t live to work.
To get you started, answer these questions:
- What countries have you wanted to see?
- What accomplishments have you wanted to achieve?
- What physical challenges have you wanted to overcome?
- What experiences have you dreamed of pursuing?
- What activities have you wanted to try?
- What is it that intrigues you? …inspires you?
- What pushes your limits and puts you outside your comfort zone?
- Answer these questions on your own….just start writing ideas to your list.
Try not to pass this blog by, and continue on to scroll through social media. Grab a pen, and start jotting your list. You will thank us in the future.
A Bucket List is customized to you and shouldn’t be limited to a certain age. Begin your list now so that you can reach the goals you deserve. Be inspired. Make it happen today.
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Sep 13 2018 
What is the best camera for adventure travel?
Here are a few of the best cameras for adventure travel:
There are so many amazing cameras out there today, how do you choose the right one?
- Quality
- Size
- Price
- Capabilities
- And of course, settings
If you travel frequently, you probably want to invest in a nice camera. The cameras these days are unreal! They shoot amazing quality without the bulk you used to have to lug around. Adventure Travel usually requires a good bit of physical activity. The last thing you want on a vacation is to be limited because of your camera. Slide it in your pocket and go!
These cameras aren’t much bigger than the average point and shoot, except they offer huge 20x or 30x zoom lenses.
Here are the top 10 cameras to travel with for 2018….
#10: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
- In-body 5-axis image stabilization for blur-free stills and smooth 4K video
- 16 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VIII Image Processor
- 4K 30P video plus HD 120 frames per second high-speed video
- Timeless, easy to use body design. Compact & lightweight with 2 dials, arrow pad and a Shortcut button
- 3.0″ tilting LCD monitor with intuitive touch screen operation and touch AF one step shutter release
- Cost $699 with carrying bag
- www.Amazon.com
#9: Nikon D3400
- SnapBridge Bluetooth Connectivity
- 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 4 Image Processor
- No Optical Low-Pass Filter. Bluetooth Specification Version 4.1. Wi-Fi Functionality-Eye-Fi Compatible
- Native ISO 100-25600; 5 fps Shooting. Compatability information: C firmware v. 1.10 and later ( released August 31, 2016 )
- Average cost: $446.95
- www.Amazon.com
#8: Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
- World’s Fastest AF acquisition speed of 0.03 sec. Optical image stabilisation technology developed by Sony is valuable for handheld still and movie shooting, especially in low light or at the ultra-telephoto end of the zoom range up to 600 mm
- 315 phase-detection AF points covering Approx. 65% of the frame. Light Metering Mode- Multi Pattern, Centre Weighted, Spot (Standard/Large), Entire Screen Avg, Highlight
- ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm3 f.2.4-F4 ultra-zoom Lens
- 20.1MP 1″ back Illuminated Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor w/ DRAM. Dimensions (W x H x D) (CIPA)-5 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 5 3/4 inches, 5 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 5 1/8 inches (from front of lens to monitor). Weight-2 pounds 6.7 ounce(Battery and SDXC Card included)/ Approx. 2 pounds 5.1 ounce) (Body Only)
- 24 Fps4 continuous shooting up to 249 Frames5 with AF/AE tracking
- Average price – $1698
- www.Amazon.com
#7: Canon PowerShot SX730 HS
- 40x optical zoom with zoom framing assist
- 20.3 Megapixel^ CMOS sensor
- Digi 6 image processor
- Average cost $379
- www.Amazon.com
#6: Panasonic Lumix ZS70 / TZ90
- 20.3 Megapixel MOS sensor plus 30x Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens (24-720mm), plus 5-axis Hybrid o.I.S. (Optical image stabilizer).
- 0.2-Inch 1, 166k-dot EVF (electronic view Finder) with eye-sensor for easier viewing under sunny outdoor conditions. Shutter Speed [Still Image]: Artistic Nightscape (Approx. 30 sec)
- 4K QFHD video recording (3840×2160), plus exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus with internal Focus Stacking feature.
- Lens barrel mounted control ring enables quick, intuitive operation of important functions.AC/USB travel charging port
- Wi-Fi plus a 180 degree front flip-up touch feature-enabled screen simplifies selfie photography, and framing for unusual perspectives.
- Average cost $397
- www.Amazon.com
#5: Sony Cyber-shot HX90V
- LCD Screen Protector 3 Pack, Ultra-Compact Digital Camera Deluxe Carrying Case
- 64GB SDXC Class 10 UHS-1 R40 Memory Card, Hi-Speed SD USB 2.0 Card Reader
- Flexible Mini Table-top Tripod, NP-BX1 1600MAH Battery Pack
- High Speed micro-HDMI to HDMI A/V Cable – 6 Feet, Micro Fiber Cloth
- Average cost $269.91
- www.Amazon.com
#4: Panasonic Lumix ZS50 / TZ70
- LUMIX 30X Travel Zoom Camera with Eye Viewfinder
- Enhanced low-light sensitivity for improved sharpness even without a flash
- Built-in eye viewfinder eliminates outdoor glare on sunny days
- Intelligent Zoom 60x
- Lens:12 elements in 9 groups
- Average cost $199
- www.Amazon.com
#3: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI
- 24-200mm F2.8-F4.5 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens
- World’s fastest (0.03 sec) hybrid AF system (contrast + phase)
- Battery life:Up to 330 shots / 165 minutes
- In-the-box: Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BX1, AC Adaptor, Micro USB cable, Wrist Strap, Strap Adapter
- Average cost $1,198
- www.Amazon.com
#2: Panasonic Lumix ZS100 / TZ100
- Large 1, 20 Megapixel sensor delivers brighter, more colorful photos with fewer image artifacts
- 10x (25-250mm) LEICA DC Lens optical zoom performance with a wide F/2.8-5.9 aperture for impressive background defocus effects
- 4K Ultra HD video recording plus exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus photo capture features
- Eye-level Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) and touch-enabled LCD for a wider viewing experience
- Lens-mounted control ring brings DSLR-like exposure control to a compact point-and-shoot camera body
- Average cost $547.99
- www.Amazon.com
#1: Panasonic Lumix ZS200 / TZ200
- [Larger 1 Inch Sensor] 20.1 Megapixels large sensor for brighter and more colorful photos (12800 Max ISO).
- [LEICA DC 15x Lens] Leading class optical zoom performance with a bright F3.3 – 6.4 aperture for soft defocus background effects. (24-360mm, 5 Axis Hybrid O.I.S.+)
- [Creative Control] Scene modes, filter modes, adds creativity while traditional aperture and shutter priority modes allow for background defocus or eliminate sports motion blur.
- [4K Features] 4K Video 30p, 4K PHOTO, and 4K Live Crop turn 4K frame capture into photography.
- [Electronic Viewfinder] plus a touch-enabled LCD for greater control and easier image viewing.
- Average cost $797.99
- www.Amazon.com
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Aug 30 2018 
Backpacking the Presidential Traverse
Backpacking the Presidential Traverse…located in the White Mountains near Randolph, New Hampshire, rated 5 stars by many and known for its scenic views–is one of the most strenuous yet exhilarating hikes in the northeast, and certainly not one to miss during the spectacular fall foliage. There are a total of 11 peaks in the Presidential Range Traverse – Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Clay, Mt. Washington (the tallest at 6,288.2 ft), Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower, and Pierce, Jackson, and Webster.
New Hampshire is a huuuge tourist destination for the fall colors. Visitors flock here from all parts of theworld. Instead of being in the crowds and stampedes of people looking at the forests and mountains from a distance, why not go into the heart of it all? Get away from all the hubbub and commotion, and go deep into the mountains. Experience the fall color from the highest mountains in the North East, where you may only see a few other people on your whole trek. (Mt. Washington is usually crowded, but worth the view.)
If you are the kind of person who enjoys pushing your limits or wants to start, this is the perfect hike for you. The Traverse in October involves just enough struggle and endurance to make it that much more enjoyable. Hikers will experience chilling temperatures, and being above the tree line in the balds, make for strong wind gusts. This is just Mother Nature letting you know this is a real adventure. When that special camp spot turns up, it is one of the greatest feelings of accomplishment… “I earned this!”
Be prepared with a liner and a windbreaker to stay warm and shielded from the wind. Make sure to packlight, smart, and prepared. Don’t unpack the essentials to save weight, but you also won’t want to pack that grand piano you wanted to bring
Named after seven presidents for its seven peaks allover 4,000′, this is not an adventure for inexperienced.
With an elevation gain of 9,000′, the 24-mile Traverse is physically demanding. There will be times when hikers may pace at one mile per hour. For this reason, even though many do the trek in one day, it is recommended to plan for camping and to complete the hike in two to three days.
Weather can be unpredictable and some places may even be icy in October, but the above treeline views make meeting the challenge well worthwhile. Bring your trekking poles and best hiking shoes. This is one amazing hike you won’t want to miss.
