By Jessica
If you can’t always be on adventure, at least you can always be reading about one or watching one as is the case for these sites and series.
Adventure Online TV: This site allows members to post videos of their adventures and including sailing, skydiving, climbing, kayaking, surfing and more. Share your adventures or enjoy watching others.
Adventure Week on Universal Sports channel: Cliff diving, extreme rock climbing, kayaking (from Alaska to Seattle), cycling, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and an adventure race through Montana are just a few programs that will showing the week of October 10. If you don’t get Universal Sports channel, check out their website for info and videos.
National Geographic Channel: Check out the website for upcoming show listings and videos of past shows. Also check out Nat Geo Adventure.
Passport to Adventure: This PBS travel channel says its mission is provide “inspiring television that ignites a passion for travel & discovery!” Their website also has a travel blog, video clips, and recommended travel books.
West Coast Adventures: Need a British Columbia fix? This is the place for you. Whether you’re planning a trip there, dreaming of one, or just want to watch others enjoying BC, this site offers a tons of videos and info.
By Jessica
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!
By Jessica
Machu Picchu, nestled in the Andes in Peru, was built by the Incans in the 15th century as either a holy place or a royal retreat. It was rediscovered by American explorer HIram Bingham on July 24, 1911.
A mere 97 years later, I reached the gates of Machu Picchu. 
It is much different today than the day Hiram discovered it. Nowadays, buses tote tourists from Aquas Calientes down the mountain from Machu Picchu. Walking it would take an hour.
The trek I took, by foot from KM 82 on the Inca Trail, was a four-day journey. While you can take a train from Cusco to Aquas Calientes and then a bus to Machu Picchu, I recommend booking in advance and taking the four-day trek.
Reaching Machu Picchu by foot after four days of hiking, including conquering Dead Woman’s Pass, creates a rich and fulfilling, even spiritual, experience. You will walk past and through many small villages and other Incan ruins along the way.
You bond with your hiking group and the porters that carry your heavy packs, make your meals, and so much more.
And maybe most of all, you will spend four days in the Andes, witnessing spectacular views first hand.
Be sure to book early. Tickets for the Inca Trail are limited and sell out quickly! Check out a panoramic view of Machu Picchu!
