Jun
23
With money tight for most everyone right now, it’s always good to keep you eye out for a good deal or two! Good news: Deckers Outdoor has just announced an exclusive summer clearance. So, check out the deals, get some new gear or outdoor apparel and save some green while you do it!
Simple Summer Clearance Event. Select Women’s and Men’s styles 50% to 85% off
The Teva Summer Clearance Event – Save 50% to 85% off of selected styles for a limited time only!
Jun
12
Ready to jump at 14K feet
Mid summersault
Skydiving is one of the most thrilling and fulfilling adventures I’ve ever been on. I’ve jumped tandem twice and would definitely do it again. While some tandem jumpers graduate to learning how to dive solo, I’m more than content enjoying the ride without the responsibility of landing on my own. Skydive the Farm is my fav place to jump in Georgia. The instructors are great and they offer group discounts.
On my last jump, we did three summersaults in the air right out of the plane before free-falling. It’s an invigorating experience! During the free fall, it is loud and for some (including me) hard to breathe. But once the chute opens, all is quiet and you float through the air, down through the trees, and come in for a rump landing.
Jumpmaster, Edvaldo and I free fall
My Dad joined my last summer on my second tandem jump. He loved it too and is ready to jump again!
Me and Dad after our jumps- Still on Cloud 9
Jun
7
Enjoy the "Nanny" from a duckie
Looking for a cool way to spend a hot summer day in the Southeast? Hit the Nantahala River in North Carolina. Nicknamed the “Nanny” for its gentle Class IIs and Class IIIs rapids, this river is always a cool ride. Just this weekend the river temperature was a chilling 52 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit. Why so chilly? This river is lake fed, which means the water temperature is always cool. This fact makes the Nanny a great place to spend a hot summer day. Many outfitters offer rafting, kayaking, and duckie rentals and guided trips. If you are new to rafting, kayaking, or duckie-ing, this river is perfect for beginners. You can experience the thrill of rapids without getting in over your head on your first trip.
On the Nanny
Many areas are gentle, giving a nice break from rougher areas of the water. Whether you are looking for a gentle ride or a more adventurous one, you will find both on the Nanny. Rent a duckie and head for the rapids for a wetter more adventurous ride. Duckies are inflatable kayaks that put you closer to the waves than you will be in a raft. These crafts are easy to negotiate and a blast to ride in.
The Nantahala River also offers beautiful scenery. Slow down through the gentle parts and enjoy the surroundings.
Remember to bring a waterproof camera to document your trip. Plan ahead and wear sunscreen. Even though much of the river is shaded it is easy to find yourself sunburned at the end of a trip on the Nanny.
Soaking wet and cold, I made it through the Nantahala!
Safety while on the river should come first. Always keep your hands on the paddle and be aware of where your paddle is at all times (i.e., avoid hitting your rafting partner with it). When approaching rapids and waves, lean INTO them. Leaning away from waves can result in an unexpected swim through the rapids. If you fall in the river, lean back on your life jacket and keep your feet up. Dangling your feet in the water can result in getting a foot stuck in the rocks and you can be pulled under by the waves. Once possible, get back into your raft.
Check out Whitewater Express to schedule a trip on the Nanny.
Jun
3
With the economy suffering and many without jobs or worried about losing their jobs, it’s always nice to hear about free ways to spend your summer vacation time. After all, your children may not understand the economy and you might not want to forgo a vacation this year just because of money stresses. If anything, you probably need the vacation even more!
Well, rest assured, there are free ways to have summer fun, whether you are looking to planning a weekend or longer. I’ll be keeping my radar out for free or cheap ways to spend your summertime vacas. Here’s the first of many posts to come on Free Summer Fun!
The National Park Service has announced three weekends with fee free park admissions. The weekend dates are:
Father’s Day: June 20-21
July 18-19
August 15-16
Find out more here. And remember that many National Parks are free every weekend! So, give your wallet a break and get out and enjoy the outdoors!
Jun
1
One of my favorite summer time adventures is caving. Escape the summer heat by going underground and enjoying the cool temperatures while exploring a new world. One of my favorite caves to escape the heat is Tumbling Rock!
Tumbling Rock Cave, located in Alabama, offers a great weekend adventure for experienced and beginner cavers. The huge rooms and unique formations are a treat for all you venture underground to explore this hidden treasure. The cave is open weekends and maps are available at a small office outside the cave. This is not a tourist cave. You must have your own equipment and should be experienced in caving to go with someone who is. That said, this a great first time cave. Most of the cave you can walk through comfortably, with some spots to scramble over breakdowns and some low ceilings. You can make it to the King’s shower, a MUST see, without low crawling or going through tight squeeze areas.
Along the way, you will come across expansive rooms with breathtaking formations.
When you reach the King’s Shower, you will find a small opening in the ceiling with water pouring through. You might think, like I did, “is this it?”
But don’t stop there. Follow the water up through the opening. This is your reward:
This picture was taken with high powered lights. In the cave, you will see the dome room and water falling from the ceiling, but unless you have a high powered head lamp or light with you, you won’t be able to see it this clearly. Nonetheless, you will find it amazing!
Remember caving etiquette while in the cave. Even though this cave is fairly easy to negotiate, caves can be confusing to find your way out of. Bring the map and remember to look behind you while you go through the cave. Above all, respect the cave, leave no trace, and have fun! This ranks as one of my favorite caves ever!
Jun
1
This 150-mile river flows through Arkansas’ Ozark mountains freely … without even one dam. It provides beauty and bountiful recreational opportunities for those that visit it. Plan a camping, rafting, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing or hiking trip in the area and enjoy this beautiful untamed river.
Me and Monte at the Buffalo National River
Check out more on the Buffalo National River on the NPS website. Be sure to plan a visit to the Buffalo National River next time you find yourself in Arkansas.