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May 31 2019 
You Work And Sleep More Than Half Of Your Life. When Do You Play?
Everyone needs to work and do their part to afford a life, but it is important to have a work/life balance. They say if you live to 75, and work an average work week of 8 hour days, that you spend 1/3 of your life working. Another 1/3 gets devoted to sleep. That’s a lot of time!
This being said, make sure whatever you do that it is something you enjoy, and even more important, make sure to take time for yourself. Ever hear the saying, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?” This goes for everyone, not just Jack.
In recent studies, it’s been proven that traveling decreases stress and can actually boost your health! Lots of people travel to gain new experiences, which is great! Sometimes though, travel is the perfect remedy for past experiences that may be holding you back. If you travel somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, it is easier to forget about the bad experiences that might be hard to get past along the way. If you remove yourself from the environment that is causing you stress, and send off on an adventure, nine times out of ten, the stress will not follow!
Take that ski trip with your buddies from back in the day, go on that one month backpacking trip in the Andes, or take off work and drive wherever the roads take you. This is your life! Don’t let anyone else think they own you or your decisions. It doesn’t matter if it’s your wife, husband, boss, friends, or kids. If they don’t want to join you and instead hold you back, see ya!
It’s a good idea not to burn your bridges with anyone, but if they are holding you back in your own life, you may want to rethink who you are spending your time with. You become who you hang around. If you spend time with someone who is super fun and adventurous, you will be the same way! If you hang around someone who is always negative, puts people down, and is never up for your adventures, you will eventually, and unfortunately, become like that too.
Which path sounds better? How will you choose to live your life? We all know that life sometimes gets in the way, but beyond that make time for your dreams. Travel.
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May 24 2019 
Whitewater Rafting In Patagonia – Futaleufú River
Whitewater rafting or kayaking is exhilarating! Yunno when you get those little butterflies in your stomach at the top of a rollercoaster? It’s like that when you hit the rapids or drops. Think about that 10x! Patagonia offers some of the most epic white water in the world.
Futaleufú is a small Chilean town located in Northern Patagonia. It may be small but the tourism industry is growing fast! Somewhere along the way the secret of this thrilling whitewater haven.
The Futaleufú River, also known as “Fu”, runs more than 120 miles of bright blue/turquoise water. Flowing through the Andes mountains with over 47 rapids ranging from easy class ll to extremely challenging at class V.
With every turn featuring a new obstacle, rapid, or view of the snow capped Andes, this whitewater excursion should be a must for your bucket list.
Whitewater Rafting
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Mar 15 2019 
Spring Break Adventure Safety – Have Fun!
For those who are looking forward to spring break, it’s a time to be free from the confines of the classroom and the face of the computer. Weather your Skiing in the Alps or exploring the beaches, it is always wise to assess the situation before making decisions. Before you adventure away though, it’s always important to keep safety in mind. Spring Break safety is important when setting off on your adventure… get wild, but be smart. Time for an exciting week ahead.
We ourselves like to be spontaneous with our adventures, but while adventure does often involve risk, make sure your choices are well-planned. Jumping from balcony to balcony on spring break often makes the news. Unfortunately though, this is usually to note a fatality, and we don’t want that to be you! Even the best of adventurers use safety equipment. Ropes and harnesses are purposeful–to keep you safe and alive. Use them on the slabs, but hold off from those balcony jumps.
Looking to dive into unknown waters? That sure will be fun, and what a photo opp! Please first consider though the underwater dangers that can bite you. Are there rocks or even crocs? Read signs and pay attention.
Speaking of taking pictures…beware of selfie dangers. Don’t get too close to the edge of that cliff or the mouth of that snake. Be aware of what’s around. No selfie is worth your life.
Many sites offer safety information while traveling, but perhaps one of the most important is to maintain the buddy system wherever you go. Stay accounted for and travel with a buddy. From hotel reservations to outdoor locations, always let a friend or family member know where you are going. Save social media updates for once you’re home…(You’re there to enjoy the moment after all). Keep your cell phones charged and carry a portable charger.
In terms of hotels, ask for a business card with the hotel address and number. When traveling abroad where language may be a barrier, you can hand the taxi driver the card with the address.
Emergency services such as 911 are not available in all countries. Plan ahead. Before you travel, research your destination for similar services and store them in your phone.
With Spring Break around the corner and fun-filled adventures planned, keep safety a priority, so that you can live to tell the crazy adventure experiences you had. We advise all of our adventure clients to purchase travel insurance. You never think it will happen until it happens. Be prepared.
Be smart. Be aware. Be safe. And most importantly, be adventurous! Enjoy Spring Break.
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Mar 07 2019 
North Carolina’s U.S. National Whitewater Center
USNWC
Dreaming of whitewater rafting, rock climbing or other adventure sport but don’t know where to start? Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the USNWC has created an environment where you can safely learn and practice skills in outdoor recreation before actually going into the wilds.
Dedicated to promoting an outdoor lifestyle, with 1,300 acres, the US National Whitewater Center has artistically designed the land to meet the needs of a range of enthusiasts. Along with whitewater rafting, guests may enjoy kayaking, flatwater kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing, ropes courses, canopy tours, team building activities and mountain biking. Mountain bikers have an option of 40+ wooded trails to explore, while other sports are contained to a carefully maintained and organized setting where safety is always a priority.
The USNWC not only offers a wide range of outdoor sports, but also provides opportunities to learn and practice skills. Along with techniques, leadership and communication skills are also encouraged and implemented with specialized adventure instruction for all ages and levels. The Whitewater Race Series held at the USNWC also encourages competition for many sports from mountain biking, kayaking to triathlons.
A family-oriented environment wouldn’t be complete without relaxation and play. Outdoor festivals are held throughout the year with music, food and vendors. Also the Whitewater Race Series holds competition for many sports from mountain biking, kayaking to triathlons.
A great place to learn a new skill or to spend the day, the USNWC is a terrific destination in Charlotte, North Carolina. As they say on their site, “ the USNWC empowers the guests to play, relax and learn outside.” Highly recommended, this is a must-do experience. Visit HERE for some inside details of one of the events held last season.
Photo Credits @USNWC
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Feb 27 2019 
How To Start Rock Climbing For Beginners!
How To Start Rock Climbing For Beginners…
If you are wondering how to start rock climbing and “Go Outside And Play,” as Blue Ridge Outdoors would say, then this could be a great starting point for you.
Rock climbing involves mental and physical fitness, trust in your climbing partners, natural adrenaline, and most importantly FUN! If you love the outdoors and are looking to pick up a new hobby this season, this could be the one for you. Not sure where or how to start? Let us tell you!
From the early 1900s, rock climbing was seen as a necessity to reach the summit of a mountain. Today though, we see it as a recreational sport…Sport Climbing.
If you are looking to get into sport climbing, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your journey there is safe and fun.
How To Get Started Rock Climbing?
- Try an indoor climbing gym to make sure you like it before emptying out your wallet on the equipment.
- Make sure when you do buy equipment that it is QUALITY.
- Hire an experienced coach or go with an experienced partner.
Where Do I Start?
When taking on a new sport, especially rock climbing, it is important to learn the basics before jumping right into something that could be potentially dangerous. DO YOUR RESEARCH! Make sure you know exactly what you are getting yourself, and whoever you take with you into. Make sure to never climb alone. Climbing buddies are a total essential to this sport.
If you don’t have any climbing buddies yet, that is A-Okay! With this sport growing at such high volumes, more and more climbing gyms are opening every day. Find one near you to start practicing, and there you can meet your potential climbing buddies.
How Do I Know What Equipment To Buy?
When you are on the hunt for your climbing gear, you want to make sure what you are buying will last you. You know that old saying, “you get what you pay for”? That basically sums it up. If you are serious about this sport you may want to spend the extra couple of bucks to make sure it will serve you when you most need it. The last thing you want is an equipment failure when you are hanging off the edge of a cliff.
Support your economy and do your shopping local. You can check out your local outdoor stores and speak with one of the sales reps on the topic of starting your climbing journey. Just ask how to start rock climbing. He or she should be able to point you in the right direction of where to start and what to buy. They may even be able to give you tips and tricks to the local climbing areas.
How Do I Find A Climbing Buddy?
This is one of the most critical pieces to your climbing journey. Rule number one: always climb with a buddy. If your friends are more of the TV watcher and less of the adventurous type, try starting your search in your local climbing gym. Here you will find other newbies who are on the same mission as you… (to learn how to climb and find a climbing buddy.) Make new friends, and experience this journey with other people who have the same interest as you.
Remember, the best views come after the toughest climbs.
Your Question of “how to start rock climbing” should go a long way. Keep an open mind and always ask for advice. You will get there!
Learn more about Adventure Travel HERE!
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Feb 15 2019 
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Boots, gloves, goggles…check. All packed and ready to go–off for Steamboat. After a mild winter in North Carolina, we were finally headed for quality family time in the Colorado snow.
Steamboat Springs is known for its Champagne Powder®, which we have learned makes the best snow for skiing. Unlike ski resorts in the east, this snow is so light and powdery that snowballs don’t stick. Skis and snowboards seemed to glide effortlessly down the 165 trails on the mountain and the out of bound glades. Steamboat was the perfect ski destination for our family who range from intermediate to expert, but even beginner skiers or boarders will find comfortable trails throughout. Raised in the east with plenty of ice skiing, Champagne Powder® was a delight–a joy–for all of us. 
It’s hard not to compare this resort to mountains in the east, but knowing the difference makes one appreciate the experience even more. Not only were trails free from ice, but they were free from crowds as well. Most times the trails felt as though they were our own. What a sense of freedom we enjoyed! No ice, no crowds–just free flowing, silent trails of powder and fun.
Blessed with two days of blue skies and the rest of the days getting blasted with snow. We had the best of both, and it truly was a winter wonderland. Riding the gondola gave the opportunity to soak in the landscape. Mountain homes topped with several feet of sparkling white powder, layered snow-covered Rockies in the distance, and the small western town of Steamboat resting below all added to the beauty. Aspens rustled in the breeze and pines held tight to the snow…what a peaceful sight.We highly recommend Steamboat Springs for anyone looking for the total snow experience.
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Jan 18 2019 
Adventuring in Whistler, Canada
Just north of Vancouver, British Columbia, lies Whistler–home of the 2010 Olympics and one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Often called a Winter Wonderland, Whistler adventurers enjoy pow-filled fun with skiing, snowboarding, ziplining, snowshoeing, heli-skiing/boarding, nordic skiing and more. With 8,100 acres of slopes, 200+ marked trails, 16 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, not to mention the world class terrain parks, Whistler is a certainly a “skiers dream destination.” Activities abound for skiers and non-skiers alike in this family-friendly resort. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola offers sightseeing reaching a 360º breathtaking view of Whistler Blackcomb. Take a break and dine on the rooftop before heading back to base. For an adrenaline ride, try the glass bottom gondola! After the ride, explore Whistler Village. Easy to access, this Chalet-style village creates a unique atmosphere to enjoy shopping, dining, art and culture.
For a once in a lifetime experience, consider a helicopter tour to explore forests, rivers, summits, peaks and glaciers. Stopping at a glacial ice cave is an awe-inspiring destination where ice illuminates, where it is said that “time bends and minutes dissolve.” Along with helicopter tours, guided snowmobiling trips are another popular way to explore the backcountry. Ice climbing is yet one more way to adventure in Whistler. Even beginners may experience the excitement of ice climbing with classes available for all.
Activities in Whistler are year ‘round. The slopes remain open through the end of May. In spring, summer and fall, biking, hiking, paddling, and ziplining are plentiful. In summer, along with helicopter excursions, golfing, swimming, floatplaning and sightseeing are popular.
Whistler Mountain Bike Park provides trails for all levels and abilities. Lift access is available for the ultimate downhill experience with jump trails and more. For more adrenaline rush, try the two-hour Whistler Sky Walk. Clip into a cable and explore Whistler Mountain and brave the suspension bridges. Another exhilarating experience, said to be a Canadian tradition, is the 4×4 off-road tour which explores a network of old roads and logging trails.
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Dec 28 2018 
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Dec 14 2018 
Switzerland is for Adventure!
Located in Central Europe, the alpine country of Switzerland, with its crystal lakes, quaint villages and mountain peaks, provides a plethora of choices for adventurers. Switzerland is more than cuckoo clocks and yodelling. From skiing to hiking, paragliding to parachuting, adventure abounds with outdoor activities.
With 13,000’ peaks and year round skiing, Switzerland’s Alps have become known as one of the world’s top alpine ski destinations. Favorite resorts include St. Moritz as well as the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Summer skiing at the Matterhorn offers 13 miles of runs!
Adventure in Switzerland is not limited to skiing. Interlaken has become known as Switzerland’s adventure capital. Along with hiking and biking, canyoning, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, heli-skiing, paragliding, parachuting, rappelling and jet boating are all popular in this Swiss town. Local tour operators help with all levels so that even first timers can experience these thrills.
For James Bond fans, bungee jumping from the 220 meter Valle Verzasca or Contra Dam is a favorite destination. The opening scene in the film Goldeneye shows a stuntman jumping this bridge. This bungee jumping experience will thrill all 007 adrenaline seekers.
The Swiss National Park offers 107 square miles of lush mountains and idyllic valleys. With trails marked in five languages (including English), and with levels ranging from beginner to advanced, hikers and bikers will have much to explore.From the Rhine Falls, which is Europe’s biggest and Switzerland’s top natural attraction, to Lauterbrunnen, also called King of the Swiss Cascades, waterfall destinations are many. Several authors including JRR Tolkien and poet Goethe have been inspired by the towering peaks and falls.
Travelling in Switzerland is easy by rail, but with 2,800 miles of mountain bike paths, biking is another option. The Heart Route climbs Lake Geneva and travels through scenic countryside and vineyards. For those who want to skip the challenge of the climbs, Ebikes are a popular choice. Swiss Trails provide luggage services for those journeying overnight.
With skiing, boating, hiking and biking, the breathtaking country of Switzerland provides outdoor adventure for all travellers. Offering extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Switzerland is a must-do for all adventurers.
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Nov 30 2018 
You are the author of your destiny.
Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often.” –Susan Statham
What is your story? We create stories every day. Why not stop to consider what you are writing? Are you taking charge as the author or are you letting each day slide by? Sometimes we need reminders that tomorrow is not promised. We must choose to live with passion and purpose. Our life journey, our story, must be cultivated to have meaning.
Consider your story. What are you writing? What changes can you make to embrace life? You can certainly begin with kindness, compassion and service to others. Be thankful and strive to be better. At the top of the list, with all of life’s obligations, remember the importance of making time for yourself. Make time for that vacation you’ve been dreaming about. Create that adventure.
Be sure that your story is one to be shared.
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