Skydiving the great adventure!
Have you ever dreamed of skydiving? If you did, you're not unlike me or thousands of other people. I have wanted to try skydiving for the last 20+ years but I have never garnered the courage to actually JUMP!
Finally, on a trip to Las Vegas I decided to finally give it a try. Let me tell you, it is not for the faint of heart.
The worst part is boarding the plane and ascending higher and higher and higher and higher and higher... Well, you know what I mean. Finally the cars and buildings look like the proverbial "ants" on the ground.
When I fell out of the plane I think I thought I was about to die. It is difficult to breathe at that altitude and it took me by surprise (as I had never thought of it previously).
Once you get used to falling it becomes more "exciting" than "frightening." The feeling of "free-falling" is amazing and thrilling. When the parachute eventually opens you begin floating (now secure in the knowledge you're going to live)and it is just fabulously beautiful. I felt like a bird - butterfly- kite twisting and turing in the air. The adventure was surreal and so much fun. Yes! Fun!
When we landed on the ground it was like jumping from a chair. Actually, probably not that much impact. It was a graceful ending to an insanely adventurous experience.
I loved every minute of it.
For a great adventure try sky-diving, Find a reputable place and take the JUMP! Check out my YouTube video - and get a small taste of a BIG experience.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Adventure Woman Loves New Orleans!
Seven “Must See” Attractions in New Orleans
New Orleans (La Nouvelle-Orléans), Louisiana, was founded in 1718, and is named after the French Regent, Duke of Orleans. Nicknamed the “Big Easy” and referred to as the “most unique city” in the United States; New Orleans is known for its delicious Creole cuisine, charming French Creole Architecture, and for being the birthplace of jazz and home to many colorful festivals; most notably, Mardi Gras.
1 Visit a Louisiana Swamp: Submit yourself to the magical lore and adventure of bayou country. Take a boat tour of the Louisiana wetlands and learn the legends of the wetlands'. You’re experience a relaxing (yet thrilling) ride watching out for beautiful New Orleans wildlife, such as, Egrets, hawks and herons. But beware; you will also possibly see snakes and alligators. But after all, what is a trip to the bayou swamplands without a genuine alligator sighting? For more information visit: http://www.zerve.com/TourNOrleans/Swamp
2. Attend the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival: The festival was founded in 1970 and continues to get bigger and better. It was been called, “The country’s very best music festival” by Life Magazine and has been called the best festival period. The festival features international artists and beyond jazz showcases, gospel, blues, R&B, Cajun, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, and bluegrass music. The annual festival is approximately two weeks long. For more information: http://www.nojazzfest.com
3. Bask in the beauty of a Plantation Home: The glory and beauty of the Plantation home is synonymous with the grand old south. Oak Alley is one of America’s grandest historical structures and is a must see for every romantic spirit. Oak Alley, built is 1837, is named after the double row of great oak trees which form an impressive canopy. The trees were planted in the 18th Century (before the mansion was built) and leads to the Mississippi River. Oak Alley was originally an antebellum sugar cane plantation, but was ravaged during the Civil War. The mansion was later restored. The mansion has appeared in many movies, including Primary Colors and Interview with a Vampire. For more information: http://www.zerve.com/TourNOrleans/OakAlley
4. Eat an authentic Creole meal: Classic Cajun/Creole dishes such as gumbo and jambalaya are “must tastes” for any visit to New Orleans. Bananas Foster and Bread Pudding desserts are absolutely not to be missed (this isn’t the time to cut calories). Go to Antoine’s (established in 1840 and the oldest family run restaurant in the USA) for their Oysters Rockefeller (named after the wealthy John D. Rockefeller for the richness of the sauce). Also, visit the legendary Commander’s Palace. It was founded in 1880 and has served New Orleans dignitaries from river boat captains to Jefferson Davis and Mark Twain. For more information: www.antoines.com and www.commanderspalace.com.
5. Take a Riverboat Ride: Enter the famous history of the great Mississippi River by taking a cruise on a steamboat. Enjoy the ambiance of a bygone era while eating a delicious Creole dinner and listening to jazz music. Paradise! Vibe Mark Twain and read a copy of Life on the Mississippi before you board. For more information: http://www.steamboatnatchez.com
6. Carriage rides in the French Quarter: Enjoy the charm of the French Quarter from a mule-drawn carriage. This is an ideal way to absorb the landmarks and heritage of New Orleans. This makes for a romantic hand-holding experience for couples or a really fun excursion for kids (they’ll get an education without realizing it). You’ll tour famous sights such as, Bourbon Street, and take in the local character. The drivers will typically stop for a photo or two. For more information: www.neworleanscarriages.com
7. Mari Gras: Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday and is the final feasting day before the start of lent (beginning on Ash Wednesday). The Mardi Gras season culminates on Fat Tuesday but is marked with many proceeding celebrations. Mardi Gras is known for its food (King Cakes), beads, parades, masquerade balls and outrageous costumes. It is a festive time for fun and unrestrained merriment. For more information on Mardi Gras see our Adventure of the Moment.
For more on New Orleans see our Adventure of the Moment (Mardi Gras) and our Retreat to Relaxation (hotel review)
New Orleans (La Nouvelle-Orléans), Louisiana, was founded in 1718, and is named after the French Regent, Duke of Orleans. Nicknamed the “Big Easy” and referred to as the “most unique city” in the United States; New Orleans is known for its delicious Creole cuisine, charming French Creole Architecture, and for being the birthplace of jazz and home to many colorful festivals; most notably, Mardi Gras.
1 Visit a Louisiana Swamp: Submit yourself to the magical lore and adventure of bayou country. Take a boat tour of the Louisiana wetlands and learn the legends of the wetlands'. You’re experience a relaxing (yet thrilling) ride watching out for beautiful New Orleans wildlife, such as, Egrets, hawks and herons. But beware; you will also possibly see snakes and alligators. But after all, what is a trip to the bayou swamplands without a genuine alligator sighting? For more information visit: http://www.zerve.com/TourNOrleans/Swamp
2. Attend the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival: The festival was founded in 1970 and continues to get bigger and better. It was been called, “The country’s very best music festival” by Life Magazine and has been called the best festival period. The festival features international artists and beyond jazz showcases, gospel, blues, R&B, Cajun, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, and bluegrass music. The annual festival is approximately two weeks long. For more information: http://www.nojazzfest.com
3. Bask in the beauty of a Plantation Home: The glory and beauty of the Plantation home is synonymous with the grand old south. Oak Alley is one of America’s grandest historical structures and is a must see for every romantic spirit. Oak Alley, built is 1837, is named after the double row of great oak trees which form an impressive canopy. The trees were planted in the 18th Century (before the mansion was built) and leads to the Mississippi River. Oak Alley was originally an antebellum sugar cane plantation, but was ravaged during the Civil War. The mansion was later restored. The mansion has appeared in many movies, including Primary Colors and Interview with a Vampire. For more information: http://www.zerve.com/TourNOrleans/OakAlley
4. Eat an authentic Creole meal: Classic Cajun/Creole dishes such as gumbo and jambalaya are “must tastes” for any visit to New Orleans. Bananas Foster and Bread Pudding desserts are absolutely not to be missed (this isn’t the time to cut calories). Go to Antoine’s (established in 1840 and the oldest family run restaurant in the USA) for their Oysters Rockefeller (named after the wealthy John D. Rockefeller for the richness of the sauce). Also, visit the legendary Commander’s Palace. It was founded in 1880 and has served New Orleans dignitaries from river boat captains to Jefferson Davis and Mark Twain. For more information: www.antoines.com and www.commanderspalace.com.
5. Take a Riverboat Ride: Enter the famous history of the great Mississippi River by taking a cruise on a steamboat. Enjoy the ambiance of a bygone era while eating a delicious Creole dinner and listening to jazz music. Paradise! Vibe Mark Twain and read a copy of Life on the Mississippi before you board. For more information: http://www.steamboatnatchez.com
6. Carriage rides in the French Quarter: Enjoy the charm of the French Quarter from a mule-drawn carriage. This is an ideal way to absorb the landmarks and heritage of New Orleans. This makes for a romantic hand-holding experience for couples or a really fun excursion for kids (they’ll get an education without realizing it). You’ll tour famous sights such as, Bourbon Street, and take in the local character. The drivers will typically stop for a photo or two. For more information: www.neworleanscarriages.com
7. Mari Gras: Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday and is the final feasting day before the start of lent (beginning on Ash Wednesday). The Mardi Gras season culminates on Fat Tuesday but is marked with many proceeding celebrations. Mardi Gras is known for its food (King Cakes), beads, parades, masquerade balls and outrageous costumes. It is a festive time for fun and unrestrained merriment. For more information on Mardi Gras see our Adventure of the Moment.
For more on New Orleans see our Adventure of the Moment (Mardi Gras) and our Retreat to Relaxation (hotel review)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
ADVENTURE WOMAN: CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Call for Nominations!
AdventureWoman.com is seeking nominations
for a REAL Adventure Woman, our Adventure Woman Interview, Fishing Tips & Adventures and Salute! A Service Woman.
AdventureWoman.com is a world-renowned website that features ground-breaking, pioneering, courageous, fun-loving and interesting women. AdventureWoman.com has had over a million hits and has received multi-media coverage. This is a great opportunity to celebrate and recognize a woman that has been a role model, a source of inspiration or motivating force in your life.
Adventure Woman is accepting nominations in the following areas:
REAL Adventure Woman: We are looking for extraordinary women who have broken records, blazed new trails, inspired a significant amount of people or have changed lives for the better. The female may be deceased or living. We are looking for adventurers, athletes, scientists, artist, renegades, leaders and humanitarians.
Adventure Interview: We are interested in interviewing interesting and exciting females. Women who push individual boundaries, excel in male-dominated professions, have overcome significant challenges or have a uniquely adventurous outlook on life are ideal interview candidates for Adventure Woman.
Trix’s Fishing Tips & Adventures: We are looking for fisherwomen to interview for our Fishing Tips and Adventures Section. If you know of a professional fisherwoman, a female fishing guide or a diehard fisherwoman we would like to feature her (and a dozen or so of her catches) on AdventureWoman.com.
Salute! A Service Woman: We are proud to feature women who are currently serving in the military or have previously served in the armed services. Women can be deceased or living. This is a great way to honor a woman whose courage and patriotism you respect and admire.
Compensation: All successful nominations (if we feature your suggestion on AdventureWoman.com) will receive a set of Adventure Woman postcards. The nominees will receive a certificate and either a set of postcards or an Adventure Woman tee-shirt.
We accept nominations from both women and men and from friends and relatives of the nominee. Send nominations to Submit@AdventureWoman.com or visit our nomination link.
AdventureWoman.com is seeking nominations
for a REAL Adventure Woman, our Adventure Woman Interview, Fishing Tips & Adventures and Salute! A Service Woman.
AdventureWoman.com is a world-renowned website that features ground-breaking, pioneering, courageous, fun-loving and interesting women. AdventureWoman.com has had over a million hits and has received multi-media coverage. This is a great opportunity to celebrate and recognize a woman that has been a role model, a source of inspiration or motivating force in your life.
Adventure Woman is accepting nominations in the following areas:
REAL Adventure Woman: We are looking for extraordinary women who have broken records, blazed new trails, inspired a significant amount of people or have changed lives for the better. The female may be deceased or living. We are looking for adventurers, athletes, scientists, artist, renegades, leaders and humanitarians.
Adventure Interview: We are interested in interviewing interesting and exciting females. Women who push individual boundaries, excel in male-dominated professions, have overcome significant challenges or have a uniquely adventurous outlook on life are ideal interview candidates for Adventure Woman.
Trix’s Fishing Tips & Adventures: We are looking for fisherwomen to interview for our Fishing Tips and Adventures Section. If you know of a professional fisherwoman, a female fishing guide or a diehard fisherwoman we would like to feature her (and a dozen or so of her catches) on AdventureWoman.com.
Salute! A Service Woman: We are proud to feature women who are currently serving in the military or have previously served in the armed services. Women can be deceased or living. This is a great way to honor a woman whose courage and patriotism you respect and admire.
Compensation: All successful nominations (if we feature your suggestion on AdventureWoman.com) will receive a set of Adventure Woman postcards. The nominees will receive a certificate and either a set of postcards or an Adventure Woman tee-shirt.
We accept nominations from both women and men and from friends and relatives of the nominee. Send nominations to Submit@AdventureWoman.com or visit our nomination link.
Adventure Woman's Call for Writers!
Call for Writers!
AdventureWoman.com is seeking submissions from Adventurers, travelers, Fisherwomen and Women Experts.
AdventureWoman.com is a world-renowned website that features adventure & travel stories, fishing tips & adventures and expert teaching articles.
AdventureWoman.com has had over a million hits and has received multi-media coverage of all types. This is a great opportunity to share your stories with thousands of people and have your writing published on the internet.
Adventure Woman is looking for articles from women in the following areas:
Adventure Stories: We want stories of a funny, exciting or daring adventure experience. Stories may include activities, such as; surf lessons, rock climbing experiences, sailing, backpacking, horseback riding, sky diving, scuba-diving, and mountaineering, etc. Novice to expert voices of adventurers accepted. Stories should be between 4 – 10 paragraphs. Adventure stories will be featured in Notes From the Trail.
Travel Stories: We want travel stories in or outside the United States. Stories can range from roughing it on a camping trip to relaxing on a luxurious cruise. The article should describe the spirit of place and the excitement travel. Articles should be between 4-10 paragraphs and will be featured in Notes From the Trail. Send a photo with your submission.
Fishing Tips: Do you know how to ice fish, fly fish, or deep sea fish? Can you select a fishing rod or the best lure for your location? If so, we’d like to read your fishing tips on how to become a better fisherwoman. Articles should be between 4-8 paragraphs and will appear in Trix’s Fishing Tips and Adventures. Send a photo with your submission.
Fishing Adventures: Do you have a great river or ocean fishing story? Have you fished in an extraordinary place, such as, Patagonia? Do you have a “tall tale” to tell about the fish that got away or a humorous story about a “fishless” fishing trip? We want to read your story. Fishing Adventures should be between 4-10 paragraphs and will appear in Trix’s Fishing Tips and Adventures. Send a photo with your submission.
Expert Advice: Do you know how to do something well? Be an “Adventure Woman University Professor” and inspire other women to do something new with a motivating “how to” article. Can you paint? Run a marathon? Swim a lake? Take a good photo? Cook a delicious BBQ? Teach a dog to fetch? If you have a special talent we want to feature your expertise on Adventure Woman University. How-to articles should be between 4-8 paragraphs and will appear in Adventure Woman University. Send a photo with your submission.
Publication: Authors who are published will receive a byline. An author will also have the opportunity to have her photograph accompany her article. All accepted articles will appear on AdventureWoman.com and in Adventure Woman’s newsletter the Adventure NewsFlash. Articles/stories will appear on the specified portion of AdventureWoman.com (Notes on the Trails, Trix’s Fishing Tips & Adventures and Adventure Woman University) for approximately six weeks and then will permanently reside in our Archive Tent.
Compensation: All published authors will receive a Personalized Adventure Woman Certificate and have the choice of receiving either (1) a set of ten Adventure Woman Postcards or (2) an Adventure Woman Tee-shirt as compensation for their work.
Send your article and photograph to Submit@AdventureWoman.com. For additional samples of previous articles and photographs visit our Archive Tent.
Thank you and see you at Basecamp!
Beth Walz
Basecamp Manager
AdventureWoman.com is seeking submissions from Adventurers, travelers, Fisherwomen and Women Experts.
AdventureWoman.com is a world-renowned website that features adventure & travel stories, fishing tips & adventures and expert teaching articles.
AdventureWoman.com has had over a million hits and has received multi-media coverage of all types. This is a great opportunity to share your stories with thousands of people and have your writing published on the internet.
Adventure Woman is looking for articles from women in the following areas:
Adventure Stories: We want stories of a funny, exciting or daring adventure experience. Stories may include activities, such as; surf lessons, rock climbing experiences, sailing, backpacking, horseback riding, sky diving, scuba-diving, and mountaineering, etc. Novice to expert voices of adventurers accepted. Stories should be between 4 – 10 paragraphs. Adventure stories will be featured in Notes From the Trail.
Travel Stories: We want travel stories in or outside the United States. Stories can range from roughing it on a camping trip to relaxing on a luxurious cruise. The article should describe the spirit of place and the excitement travel. Articles should be between 4-10 paragraphs and will be featured in Notes From the Trail. Send a photo with your submission.
Fishing Tips: Do you know how to ice fish, fly fish, or deep sea fish? Can you select a fishing rod or the best lure for your location? If so, we’d like to read your fishing tips on how to become a better fisherwoman. Articles should be between 4-8 paragraphs and will appear in Trix’s Fishing Tips and Adventures. Send a photo with your submission.
Fishing Adventures: Do you have a great river or ocean fishing story? Have you fished in an extraordinary place, such as, Patagonia? Do you have a “tall tale” to tell about the fish that got away or a humorous story about a “fishless” fishing trip? We want to read your story. Fishing Adventures should be between 4-10 paragraphs and will appear in Trix’s Fishing Tips and Adventures. Send a photo with your submission.
Expert Advice: Do you know how to do something well? Be an “Adventure Woman University Professor” and inspire other women to do something new with a motivating “how to” article. Can you paint? Run a marathon? Swim a lake? Take a good photo? Cook a delicious BBQ? Teach a dog to fetch? If you have a special talent we want to feature your expertise on Adventure Woman University. How-to articles should be between 4-8 paragraphs and will appear in Adventure Woman University. Send a photo with your submission.
Publication: Authors who are published will receive a byline. An author will also have the opportunity to have her photograph accompany her article. All accepted articles will appear on AdventureWoman.com and in Adventure Woman’s newsletter the Adventure NewsFlash. Articles/stories will appear on the specified portion of AdventureWoman.com (Notes on the Trails, Trix’s Fishing Tips & Adventures and Adventure Woman University) for approximately six weeks and then will permanently reside in our Archive Tent.
Compensation: All published authors will receive a Personalized Adventure Woman Certificate and have the choice of receiving either (1) a set of ten Adventure Woman Postcards or (2) an Adventure Woman Tee-shirt as compensation for their work.
Send your article and photograph to Submit@AdventureWoman.com. For additional samples of previous articles and photographs visit our Archive Tent.
Thank you and see you at Basecamp!
Beth Walz
Basecamp Manager
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Let it Snow!
Nothing is better than the first snow of winter.
In the "Banana Belt" of Oregon we don't see much snow so when we do it is a real treat! (See Video here). We welcomed in the New Year with a fresh heap of beautiful white snow on New Year's Eve at midnight.
The snow was sublime and a real fairytale on a starry night signifying the start of new possibilities. But it was also wet, slippery and dangerous on already dangerous New Year's Eve roads, streets and highways.
Perhaps it is the way of adventure - there is a real surreal aspect to adventuring and it is awe inspiring and beautiful but on the flip-side it can be intimidating and potentially dangerous.
But ultimately, life belongs to those who dare -- so in 2011 -- life with abandon! Let it snow. May you live!!
In the "Banana Belt" of Oregon we don't see much snow so when we do it is a real treat! (See Video here). We welcomed in the New Year with a fresh heap of beautiful white snow on New Year's Eve at midnight.
The snow was sublime and a real fairytale on a starry night signifying the start of new possibilities. But it was also wet, slippery and dangerous on already dangerous New Year's Eve roads, streets and highways.
Perhaps it is the way of adventure - there is a real surreal aspect to adventuring and it is awe inspiring and beautiful but on the flip-side it can be intimidating and potentially dangerous.
But ultimately, life belongs to those who dare -- so in 2011 -- life with abandon! Let it snow. May you live!!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Organize, organize and clean...
One huge adventure at my house is organizing and cleaning. Okay, its not the most glamorous adventure but it certainly one that turns up unexpected treasures. Today, I found my daughter's holiday music (3 weeks too late), a notebook I've been looking for, my phone charger (already replaced) and a missing shoe (now I have a pair again).
If I told you everything I found in my refrigerator you'd faint! LOL. This is an exercise in bravery to be sure... Nevertheless, the end product was a bright and sparkling frig. I love an organized refrigerator! Okay, the labels don't face the same direction but similar items are in similar places. Success!
I went out hunting at the local store for more cleaning supplies and returned with renewed enthusiasm and blue rubber gloves. Well, I didn't get as far as I hoped - but its a good start toward becoming organized in 2011.
Everything in its place! And then I can finally find it (maybe).
If I told you everything I found in my refrigerator you'd faint! LOL. This is an exercise in bravery to be sure... Nevertheless, the end product was a bright and sparkling frig. I love an organized refrigerator! Okay, the labels don't face the same direction but similar items are in similar places. Success!
I went out hunting at the local store for more cleaning supplies and returned with renewed enthusiasm and blue rubber gloves. Well, I didn't get as far as I hoped - but its a good start toward becoming organized in 2011.
Everything in its place! And then I can finally find it (maybe).
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year From Adventure Woman
Happy New Year!
"1-1-11" What an exciting and ominous day. New Year's Day is always the Beginning of Great things, but with a multiple string of the number "1" it must be especially grand. This is a day to plan new adventures and seek exciting opportunities.
Here are our TOP SEVEN suggestions for achieving your New Year's Resolutions!
PLAN: Plan your New Year's Resolutions. It may be a cliche' but the BEST way to tackle the things you want to achieve is to WRITE them down. Keep a calendar of when you want to achieve specific goals.
COMMIT: If you want to run a 10K sign-up for it. Register for the triathlon or marathon. Losing weight? Join the gym and write in your weight journal - yes, get a journal. A journal allows you to track progress and will hold you accountable to your dreams.
ATTITUDE: Think of what you're gaining and not what you're giving up. Be positive.
FIND SUPPORT: Ask friends to support your resolutions and dreams for 2011. Having a cheering team of support will make you go farther, faster and may prevent you from quitting.
BIT SIZE GOALS: Create the steps to your goal. One piece at a time and soon the whole will be completed. What do I mean? Make it manageable. Dream big, but be realistic.
REWARD: Reward yourself when you cross off a task or complete a goal. This can be as small as a magazine, a cup of herbal tea or a motivational book. Whatever you do - mark the occasion of accomplishment.
CELEBRATE: Celebrate your successes. Write "I did it" on your mirror when you finish your goal or have keep your resolution for the first month. Keep it positive.
Adventure Woman wishes you the most wonderful New Year ever and may 2011 bring you prosperity, health, happiness and many amazing adventures!
Visit us at AdventureWoman.com
Beth Walz, Ava Aviatrix and Trixster Gator
"1-1-11" What an exciting and ominous day. New Year's Day is always the Beginning of Great things, but with a multiple string of the number "1" it must be especially grand. This is a day to plan new adventures and seek exciting opportunities.
Here are our TOP SEVEN suggestions for achieving your New Year's Resolutions!
PLAN: Plan your New Year's Resolutions. It may be a cliche' but the BEST way to tackle the things you want to achieve is to WRITE them down. Keep a calendar of when you want to achieve specific goals.
COMMIT: If you want to run a 10K sign-up for it. Register for the triathlon or marathon. Losing weight? Join the gym and write in your weight journal - yes, get a journal. A journal allows you to track progress and will hold you accountable to your dreams.
ATTITUDE: Think of what you're gaining and not what you're giving up. Be positive.
FIND SUPPORT: Ask friends to support your resolutions and dreams for 2011. Having a cheering team of support will make you go farther, faster and may prevent you from quitting.
BIT SIZE GOALS: Create the steps to your goal. One piece at a time and soon the whole will be completed. What do I mean? Make it manageable. Dream big, but be realistic.
REWARD: Reward yourself when you cross off a task or complete a goal. This can be as small as a magazine, a cup of herbal tea or a motivational book. Whatever you do - mark the occasion of accomplishment.
CELEBRATE: Celebrate your successes. Write "I did it" on your mirror when you finish your goal or have keep your resolution for the first month. Keep it positive.
Adventure Woman wishes you the most wonderful New Year ever and may 2011 bring you prosperity, health, happiness and many amazing adventures!
Visit us at AdventureWoman.com
Beth Walz, Ava Aviatrix and Trixster Gator
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