Are you fit for adventure? Notice I didn’t ask if you look good in a swimsuit. That’s because being fit for adventure isn’t about a perfectly trim figure. It’s about much more. Strength, nutrition and cardiovascular endurance are all important facets of fitness. The good news, it’s not expensive, complicated or boring. However, it will require getting off the couch …
Photo of the day: A thought for your weekend
This photo of my pack and poles was taken on the Appalachian Trail. What adventures do you have planned this weekend ?
Doing it in a dress…
Last week you might have noticed a few pictures of me caving in a dress, and rightfully, you may have questioned my continued sanity. Well, there was a reason I went out on a limb as the ultimate caving nerd – I’m fundraising for a cause called Do it in a Dress. Do it in a Dress is global movement …
Don’t just lie there… Six adventure activities in Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, known for its alabaster beaches and blue water, is also home to a variety of adventure activities. Some are adrenaline packed while others are relaxing forays into the natural side of the region. So when you are sick of just laying there, get up and find adventure. I recently visited the area on a fast-paced adventure trip with …
An open letter to my readers…
May I ask a favor? It would mean a lot to me if you could take a few minutes to provide me some feedback. I have spent a significant amount of time thinking about how to share more of my passions in The Active Explorer. However, this blog is nothing without you the reader, so the next logical step is …
Photo of the day: A steep approach to Albert Mountain
On a solo Appalachian Trail backpacking trip, I came upon these stairs leading up…way up. I was approaching Albert Mountain in North Carolina, and the last third of a mile to the summit climbed nearly 500 feet. Part of the climb had stairs, while other parts were a rocky grab-the-tree-branches scramble. Sadly, this photo doesn’t give a good perspective on …
Five favorite drinks from my travels
I’ve logged thousands of miles over the last year and along the way I’ve found several drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, that I enjoyed. Some drinks need to be enjoyed in the context of a place or experience or they lose their charm. For example, most of the time Summer Shandy wouldn’t be my first pick because I’m a dark …
Photo of the day: Why I hike
Yes, a car ride to the mall would be an easier outing, but I’m more interested in epic views, tranquil lakes and nature. My sister shot this photo of me next to Dardanelles Lake south of Lake Tahoe. It captured my contemplative mood as I took in our surroundings and asked, “how did I get so lucky?” Did you enjoy …
What’s in my pack: A Gobi Gear Hoboroll
There is never enough room in my backpack or my suitcase. I do my best to organize and compress things to a fraction of their original size, but the first time I dig around looking for something that inevitably is at the bottom of my bag, all of my efforts are for naught. I utilize compression sacks in my backpack …
Cravings: The Mount Dora Historic Inn’s peach ricotta pancakes
There is something inherently romantic about a historic bed and breakfast. I’m not sure if it’s the feeling that time has stopped, like stepping into another era, or if it’s all of the pretty furniture and accessories. I especially like themed rooms with lots of small details that I would never think of adding in my own home. Then there …