Like a Wrecking Ball

April 26, 2017April 26, 2017Leave a comment

“Everyone put your phones away, this is a confidential shoot, no pictures please,” said a female member of Miley Cyrus‘ entourage after the Hannah Montana star walked past our group to the next area of the course.
Yes, Miley Cyrus was at Mount Hermon the same day that I decided to attempt the Sequoia Aerial Adventure. This was completely unintentional and irrelevant to my adventure but Like a Wrecking Ball seemed like a good title to the post because I wasn’t exactly graceful on the course…

I was nervous as I put on my harness and listened to the safety instructions from the staff. This was the first time I had tried something like this and I didn’t know what to expect. You’re not in any danger, because you’re in a harness that is hooked up to two steel clamps which magnetically attached to steel wires throughout the course. That being said, the feeling of danger definitely is still there.

You start off easy and it gets harder as you go through the two-hours of obstacles, and they range from 50-80 feet above ground in the redwood trees. I started off very afraid and clingy to the platforms but loosened up as we went through. There are two zip lines in the course and I think they were my favorite part. I wasn’t able to complete the course with the bungee jump ending, but only four out of the ten people in my group did.

I really enjoyed the progress I made throughout the course and the thrill of being so high up and trying things you only see in movies. It was another experience that I never imagined having and is a great way to switch things up for a day. The two-hour course costs $65.00 per person and the mountain is located just 10 minutes away from the beaches of Santa Cruz. I definitely recommend it.

Hot-Air Sunrise in Napa Valley, CA

April 19, 2017April 26, 20171 Comment

Wine. When I think of Napa Valley, I think of wine just like all of you do. Most people who have visited the area have been wine tasting at one of the countless wineries.

Last weekend I went to Napa for a completely different experience. I woke up at 4:30 a.m. and drove out to Napa Valley so that I could be at the launch site of a hot air balloon by 6:30 (being on-time is very important). It was breathtaking.

I had seen deals on Groupon for $179 for a one hour ride and they came with a “champagne celebration.” After I did more research, I found out that this price didn’t include a $35 transportation fee. I ended up booking my balloon tour with Napa Valley Drifters for $215 because their availability matched mine. To help save you on your research you should expect to pay $185-$225 for an hour on the balloon.

There were so many feelings during that one hour in the sky. First, there’s a little bit of fear as you climb hundreds and then thousands of feet in the air. The fear turns into peaceful happiness as you experience incredible views in every direction. Actually, it’s a lot less scary than you would think because you are detached from the ground. Also, the basket is very sturdy since you are moving with the wind. Our pilot, Mark, said that he has only had one customer in 37 years of flying ever ask to land early. Yes, fear turns into enjoyment and then excitement as your ride continues.

When the ride was over I felt like I had a new appreciated for Napa and it’s beauty,
I felt a sense of appreciation for the experience I just had, and I felt a desire to try something else I have never done before!

Check back next week for another adventure!

A Twist on Tourism at the Bay Bridge.

April 12, 2017April 19, 2017Leave a comment

San Francisco is a beautiful city full of things to do and see. I have lived in the city for the last 2.5 years and it is easy to tell that it is a very popular tourist destination. I have noticed that people seem to do the same things as everyone else when they visit. They take pictures at the Golden Gate Bridge, they go to Fisherman’s Wharf, they drive down Lombard Street, they go see the Painted Ladies, they take pictures by the Bay Bridge, etc. Those places are all SF icons and they NEED to be seen, but a trip to one of the greatest cities in the United States should be remembered by more than some cool pictures.

So, how about you include one of those landmarks, add some water and a skinny, self-powered boat, and switch things up a little from the “norm”? City Kayak is located at Pier 40, on the Embarcadero, and will rent you a kayak out at $35.00 for an hour (that’s the same price of a sandwich at some places in the city). They will explain to you what you need to know and then send you on your way to learn the rest, which is more fun anyway.

With the current on your side, you can make it out to the Bay Bridge in about 15 minutes and spend some time enjoying the water, the breeze, the views, and the new perspective of such a famous piece of architecture. The way back will make you earn the entire experience, because you will work against the current to reach the dock… but don’t worry, the staff at City Kayak won’t let you go out if the current is too strong.

So there you go: you get a workout while kayaking and you get to upload a much more unique Instagram than your friends who just visited the Bay Area.

Fossil Creek: Low-key Oasis in Northern Arizona.

April 5, 2017April 19, 2017Leave a comment

Arizona is a state known for its desert climate and being a winter getaway. As for the tourist attractions, it is headlined by the Grand Canyon, the multiple lakes, great hiking trails, and very popular golf courses. If you find yourself in “cactus-land”, It’s not like I’m telling you “don’t to go to these places,” but I also think you’d be missing out if you didn’t try the unique experience of Fossil Creek like I did!

The creek, which is an adventurous hike with beautiful scenic views, has two seasons which determine how you can enjoy this natural attraction. I went during the “off-season”(October 2 – March 31), which means I didn’t need a permit. If you travel during the “peak-season”(April 1 – October 1) then you will need to purchase a permit a month in advance of when you plan to visit. During my visit the Strawberry-side of the creek was closed and therefore we enjoyed the Camp Verde-side. I spoke with locals who have experienced both sides and they told me that the Strawberry trail features more of a hike, while for the Camp Verde trail we actually drive down to the creek entrance.

Once you reach the Fossil Creek exit, the drive to the access gate was about 20 minutes, down a dirt road filled with great natural views. *It is highly recommended that you have a 4×4 vehicle.* After reaching the access gate, I recommend you drive to the parking at the Sally May checkpoint and hike the rest of the way – which is less than a mile! The next trail after Sally May is Purple Mountain and if you continue down the creek you will find yourself at the Mazatzal trail! From Sally May to Mazatzal the water currents, depths and surroundings change, so be aware of your surroundings. The water is very beautiful and clear so feel free to walk and swim in it!

Mazatzal trail takes you to the best part of the creek on the Camp Verde side. Here the water is more calm, deep and beautifully clear. The backdrop is scenic and there are even cliffs to jump off into the water.

*I recommend you bring a swimsuit, water shoes, and bug repellant in order to make your experience as enjoyable as possible*