Adventure Woman Loves Fishing

Adventure Woman Radio presents the Adventure Canteen.  Christy Benton visits the canteen to tell us about the life of a female Commercial Fisherwoman.  If you ever dreamed about living a life on the water fishing in beautiful Alaska then listen to our show at the Adventure Canteen.  Christy also tell us about her family's fishing lodge.  A real adventure.  If you're Thirsty for Adventure then listen in!

Trekking and Climbing Mt. Everest

Adventure Woman is featuring Mt. Everest as its destination for March.  We just completed a great radio interview with world class climber Jeff Reynolds on his adventure travel company S2Mountaineering and their trips to Mt. Everest.  S2 does treks to Everest Base Camp, climbs to Island Peak and summit bids on Mt. Everest.  If you have ever dreamed of going to Mt. Everest listen to our interview in the Adventure Canteen at Adventure Woman Basecamp.

Adventure Woman Loves Self-Publishing!

In our current addition of Adventure Woman (check out February 2013 or visit our Archive Tent) we visit with Marcia Meier in our Adventure Interview.  Marcia is an expert on eBooks and self-publishing.  Her book, Navigating the Rough Waters of Today's Publishing World, is an excellent resource for any aspiring author.  For a review of her book visit the Armchair Adventurer.  Marcia knows what she is talking about, she is an author herself with an impressive background in writing.  She is the former director of the Santa Barbara Writer's Conference and her contact list (provided in the book) is impressive.  If you don't want to read about Marcia then listen to her on Adventure Woman Radio.  She gives wonderfully astute advice on how to break into self-publishing and encouraging words of wisdom.  Don't miss Marcia and her adventurous book!

Adventure Woman Loves Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail

 Adventure Woman's Book Review

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail

“Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told.”

By Cheryl Strayed
 

Cheryl Strayed’s (Torch, Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar) memoir Wild recalls a three month adventure she tackled seventeen years ago on the Pacific Coast Trail hiking from the Mohave Desert through California, Oregon to Washington. While Strayed encounters challenges, mishaps and disconcerting moments on the trail the real adventure is found in her emotional revelations along the way and the slow discovery of her previously lost self.

Strayed became inspired to take the journey after reading the back cover of a book while waiting in line at an outdoors store. The author takes-on the trip as a personal pilgrimage and as a far-reaching goal when she is at a desperately low point in her life. Grieving the death of her mother, having split from her husband and using recreational drugs, she plans to hike her way through her confusion. However, her homework of the rigors of the PCT is poor and she is as physically unprepared for the hike as she is emotionally bewildered.

Not long into the trek she learns the highs and lows of serious hiking and is witness the frailties and strengths of her own body. Strayed walks with persistent hunger, bloody feet, an aching back (from too heavy a backpack) and fits of extreme loneliness. But slowly her blurred existence starts coming into focus as she begins appreciating the beauty of the trail and the pieces of her shattered life.

This is a sometimes dark, and often raw memoir that is uplifting in a soul-searching (and not saccharine) sort of way. It’s a rewarding read for any lost adventurer who wants to find their way home again. This is a memoir about the inner and outer challenges of life’s journey – and it makes for a gripping adventure.

Adventure Woman Loves Train Travel!

Trains, planes or automobiles? Each mode of transportation has so much to offer than its hard to pick just one. But, if I had to pick -- I would choose the train any day. Not only is it a wonderful way to see the beautiful USA (or any country) by also a relaxing and soothing experience.

I took the Amtark from Portland, Oregon to Chicago, Illinois and I had the best time. All of the meals are included when you get a sleeper car (I had one for two nights) and as awkward as it initially seems, the Amtrak policy of sitting guests together over Breakfast, lunch and dinner is a fantastic way to meet people. I had a few fabulous conversations with the friendliest strangers. It was simply an unforgettable adventurous experience.

Next time you're traveling consider the train. Its a romantic and historic way to travel and the next stranger you meet might be your lifelong friend. Choo Choo! All aboard!

Adventure Woman Loves the Royal Palms Resort!

Step back into old world Phoenician luxury and glamour at the impeccable Royal Palms. This hotel is a special and unforgettable treat and retreat. Unlike many of the newer hotels in the Phoenix-area, the Royal Palms has a warm, cozy and personal feeling to it. Perhaps it is because the resort started out as a private residence first and later evolved into a fabulous destination hotel. The mansion was originally built in 1929, as the winter home of New Yorkers Delos and Florence Willard Cooke, and was transformed into the Royal Palms Inn in 1949.
For more information see our review at AdventureWoman.com

Adventure Woman Loves the Cubs!

The Chicago Cubs are arguably the most lovable team in baseball. No, we all know they don't have the best record, but perhaps that's why they mean so much to us. With the Cubs Convention just finishing two weeks ago, Cubs fever is back in the air with that 'hope springs eternal' belief that this could be our year. Perhaps it is that Midwest confidence in the possible, when history has shown its not always probable, that keeps us cheering for the Cubs.

March 4th is the start of Spring Training for the Cubs. Spring Training is held in the warm weather of Mesa, Arizona. Click here for the full spring schedule. Regardless, of the Cubs' record, no one can deny they are a winning team.

Their charitable contributions are impressive and their commitment to the community undeniable. At the Convention the Cubs management only upped their commitment to philanthropic and charitable involvement for 2012. And for that alone, the Cubs are big winners.

As the Cubs enter the 2012 season lets hope (once again) that they are winners on (as well as off) the field.

Go Cubbies!

Adventure Woman

Adventure Woman Loves the Scottsdale Horse Show!

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

February 16 – 26, 2012

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is one of the most regal events in Arizona (or in the USA for that matter). This premiere horse show dates back to 1955, when it first began at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Over the years the show has grown from 50 horses to over 2000, and has acquired a legendary reputation for attracting the crème de la crème in the Arab horse world. Today the Arabian Horse Show is held at Westworld in Scottsdale and attracts trainers, breeders, and the owners from all 50 states and over a dozen countries.

The horse show is well-worth the visit - the only other Arab horse show this grand is in Dubai. If you're in the area, make the effort to visit one of the most spectacular events in the Southwest. For more information visit AdventureWoman.com

If you, let us know! Submit@AdventureWoman.com

Fabulously Fit at Adventure Woman

Fabulous and Fit!

This month we're featuring two amazing women who are mothers and super fit. Natalie Cline and Jonna Silvey have a great work ethic, disciplined diets and it shows. The two Moms of beautiful young daughters combine healthy eating with regular workouts and lots of consistency (and determination). Its really not a diet by a lifestyle choice.

Read both of their interviews in Adventure Woman University.

January is "Create Your Destiny" month and there is no better way to achieve your fitness goals than to discipline yourself with regular exercise and healthy eating. Start taking care of yourself and your family with healthy (and rewarding) habits.

For more motivation and inspiration visit Adventure Woman.

Adventure Woman New Year Affirmations!

Happy New Year!

Everyone at Adventure Woman wishes you a fabulous and adventurous 2012. We are excited to begin a new year and hit the ground running with enthusiasm and motivation.
We've created a dozen affirmations to keep you on track and inspired this year. We're focusing on one affirmation each month.

Below is our month by month break-down of Adventure Affirmations.

1. January - Create Your Destiny
2. February - Love Yourself
3. March - Be Passionate
4. April - Discipline Your Life
5. May - Focus on the Positive
6. June - Expand Boundaries
7. July - Take Risks
8. August - Dream Big
9. September - Trust Yourself
10. October - Seize Opportunities
11. November - Build Your Best Self
12. December - Pursue Adventure

Visit our Adventure Woman blog for more on our affirmations and make this year your BEST year.

Decide what you want + Determine how you can get it + Discipline Yourself to Do it = Creating Your Destiny.

Good Bye to the Holidays and 2011

Austin, Texas proved to be a wonderful place to spend the holidays. There is so much good cheer, great shopping delicious restaurants and cozy cafes that its hard to spend a minutes bored or unhappy. Christmas Eve was spent at the wonderful Barton Creek Resort (what a fantastic Christmas shop) and Christmas Day Brunch at the Four Seasons. Everything was spectacularly beautiful (except the guy who wore old jeans and a scrappy tee-shirt saying, 'I am a Pick-up Artist.' You have to wonder why - oh why - someone would wear such a get-up to Christmas Brunch. Ugh!) I mean show a little respect... really.

Well, it is sad to see 2011 go. It was an eventful and exciting year and it appears 2012 only has more fabuluosity and adventurousity in store for all of us. Buckle your seat-belts!!

So let be thankful for our 2011 blessings and a big cheers to 2012!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Wishing everyone a very Happy Holiday and a very Merry Christmas! May your holiday be filled with love, adventure and God's Blessing.

Love from,

Beth and the Adventure Woman Basecamp Family

I Love You So Much Austin!

Austin, Texas is Fantabulous!

Looking for a fun and exciting spot to visit? Check out Austin, Texas. The city is young and hip. The musicians are everywhere and you'll fall in love with the live music. Joe's Coffee is a great place to hang with friends and grab a cuppa Joe while listening to the local groups jam (see, the photo of the Love You So Much wall at Joe's Coffee).

The vintage boutiques are wonderful and a fun place to search for your next great unusual piece of clothing or furniture. And of course, the other specialty boutiques are 'to die for.'

The restaurants are fantastic and you can spend an entire week just eating your way through Austin. The BBQ, the wings, the unexpected, yet delicious, breakfast joints are all worth the extra pounds. And check out the Whole Foods (the headquarters is in Austin). This grocery store is amazing. Check out the goats cheese with jalapeno basil spread. Un-f@%*ing -believable!

Adventure Woman Loves Antioch University Los Angeles

If you wanna be a writer and you're looking for a fantastic MFA Program in Creative Writing you should check out Antioch University in Los Angeles. This low residency program is consistently ranked one of the top in the Unites States and for good reason. The instructors are excellent, the guest speakers/writers are inspiring and the structure of the program is flexible, yet intensive. The atmosphere really fosters comradeship and mutual support among students. There are several genres to choose from (fiction, young adult fiction, poetry and nonfiction) or you can have a dual or mixed concentration. This is the real deal and a writer's haven. If you have a novel or nonfiction book waiting to come out - this is the place to go.

Adventure Woman Loves the Film, One Winter's Story

One Winter Story

The inspiring journey of big-wave pioneer and scientist Sarah Gerhardt

A Film By Sally Lundburg & Elizabeth Pepin

Sarah Gerhardt (Livermore) is an unlikely world-class surfer and pioneer. But her unpredictable rise to surf stardom is one of the many things that make this hour long documentary so fascinating. Growing up poor Sarah was often without a school lunch, and to make matters even worse, she was often without a friend. Picked on at school she would return home to painstakingly take care of her handicapped mother who suffered from MS.

Her father was out at sea for eleven months at a time and her sister had been sent to boarding school. Sarah, who seemed to have by-passed childhood for a third-class ticket to adulthood, appears imprisoned by her unforgiving circumstances. But when her mother eventually manages to get a job, and the basketball court and a science teacher offer self-confidence and encouragement, she manages to take the reins of her own life and ride off in another direction (namely big waves). It is not surprising given her onerous upbringing that Sarah cites the feeling of “freedom” as the primary reason she loves to surf.

The fact that Sarah becomes a fun-loving woman, a Ph.D., and an iconic surfer and role model is inspiring to anyone who watches the film, One Winter’s Story. But the emotional electricity of the documentary is the raw jolt of honesty found in Sarah’s memories, intimate glimpses into her roller-coaster, off-beat life that is brilliantly edited and deftly depicted against a backdrop of visually engaging and moving cinematography.

The highlight of the film is when Sarah becomes the first woman in the world to ride Mavericks, one of the world’s biggest waves, and also know for its dangerous rocks and lethal sharks (located in Northern California). Her courage and talent sky-rocket her into surf-stardom, and there she still remains sparkling as a radiant female ground-breaker and authentic surf pioneer.

Sarah’s story is remarkable, but the film itself is beautifully crafted and captures not only phenomenal surf footage but the soul of a woman who found her salivation riding the world’s biggest waves when no one else thought it was possible. This is a story of hardship, struggle, sacrifice and success. There is deep grieving and enlightened glory. The film ebbs and flows as you follow Sarah’s life, and like Mavericks; it’s a powerful ride.

Adventure Woman Reviews the Film Classic, A League of Their Own

A League of Their Own

Film Review

This 1992, classic movie is still wildly entertaining today. It has a star-studded cast featuring Geena Davis, Rosie O’Donnell, Madonna, and Tom Hanks. Penny Marshall (of Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley fame) directed the film.

The story is loosely based on the real All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, and the 1943 Rockford Peaches (an Illinois women’s baseball team). However, the characters are fictionalized, but this does not stop from making an entertaining and compelling movie about a real women’s professional sports team.

The movie was a huge success in 1992, and hit #1 at the box office. The story of two sisters from Oregon leaving the farm to play baseball during the WWII era doesn’t sound like a predictable box office smash, but it proved to be full of enough sassiness, sex appeal and sports lore to seduce audiences worldwide. The film grossed over 130 million on a 40 million dollar budget.

Catcher, Dottie (Geena Davie) and her pitcher, sister Kit (Lori Petty) share an intense loyalty and sibling rivalry. The film orbits around these central characters with the Peaches Manager and alcoholic former baseball great Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks), and tough talking Doris (Rosie O’Donnell) and All the way Mae (Madonna) providing plenty of drama.

While the girls can play serious ball, they are still sexed-up in short skirts to bring in audiences. Dottie actually catches a ball while doing the splits to capture the cover of Life Magazine and ensure the continuation of a struggling women’s league. There is conflict, competition, but also an amble share of camaraderie. The film is fun but has depth and tells an interesting story.

The story is told in a poignant book-ended flashback, and reveals the special moments and lifelong bonds of “sisterhood” both on the playing field and within a family. This classic is well worth watching with a cold soda and a bucket of warm buttered popcorn.

Adventure Woman Loves the Union Station Hotel!

Union Station Hotel
Nashville, Tennessee

Image the glamor and elegance of a bygone age when well-dressed travelers gathered in ornate train stations with monogrammed steamer trunks and dreams of exotic destinations. Open your eyes and if you’re lucky you’ll find yourself standing in the exquisite lobby of the Union Station Hotel in Nashville.

This luxury hotel was formerly a 19th-Century railroad station and is replete with Italian marble, intricate wood carvings, gold-leaf accents, limestone fireplaces and a lobby with 65-foot vaulted ceilings and prism stained glass. Mae West traveled through these beautiful corridors as did mobster Al Capone on his way to the penitentiary. Remarkably, at one time the station housed two alligator ponds.
The railroad station originally opened in 1900, but was converted to a hotel in 1986. In 1977, it became a National Historic Landmark. Union Station Hotel underwent an $11 million dollar renovation in 2007, and now combines the best of history with modern-day comfort and amenities.

There are 125 guest rooms at the hotel, each having high ceilings, panoramic windows, and marble bathrooms (with complimentary Gilchrist & Soames bath products). Additionally, all rooms have a LCD flat screen television and wifi. Union Station also features the fine dining restaurant, Prime 108, as well as in room dining. www.unionstationhotelnashville.com

If you go let us know: Submit@AdventureWoman.com and visit Adventure Woman!

Adventure Woman Loves Sugar's Ribs!

If you're driving through Chattanooga you have to stop at Sugar's Ribs. This has been lauded one of the best (if not the best) barbecue restaurant in the USA. And for good reason. Everything is delicious - the beef, pork and chicken. Yes, the ribs are amazing and the selection of BBQ sauces is a fun adventure. The view is spectacular, too.

Don't miss it. Sugar's is one of those terrific roadside stops that make the "Great American Road Trip" so delicious.

Adventure Woman Loves the National Corvette Museum!

Just an hour outside Nashville is the National Corvette Museum. I always advocate checking out the museums along a road trip, but this museum is really an outstanding attraction.

Not only are the cars amazing - spectacular - beautiful. But the displays are extremely well done and places the cars in historical context. Many of the cars are accompanied by pictures of their celebrity owners inside the vehicle. The thoughtful exhibitions really give a wonderful framework to dream within...

Whether you are a Corvette junkie, a classic car officiado,or just love the speed and sleek lines of sports cars this is the museum for you. I can't recommend it highly enough. This is a great way to combine history, pop culture and artistic design into an exciting educational experience. The kids will love it (and so will you).

Adventure Woman Loves Nashville!

Broadway Street in downtown historic Nashville is always bustling with music, drink, dancing and general good-natured frivolity. The bright guitar and cowboy boot shaped neon signs of the honky-tonk joints are seductive calling cards to the hell-raising music and free flowing booze inside. I had a great time drinking and wondering in and out of all of the super cute little bars.

You’ll find thick crowds but high spirits swaying and singing along to the live country music. I had a great time singing along to the tunes. No, I can't sing, but everyone joins in and you really can't hear anybody - including yourself.

The saloon walls are cluttered with memorabilia of country history and visiting legends, and it’s easily to become immersed in the colorful décor of these glorious little bars. I actually had a fantastic time wondering around the Honky Tonks taking in the history. Its interesting and entertaining while you listen to the bands and drink your Jack Daniels (or soda pop)

You’ll find signatures of the famous (and not so famous) scribbled on walls and doors. Yes, I even wrote AdventureWoman.com was here!

Try to hit Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge (422 Broadway), and Legends Corner (428 Broadway). And while you’re in the area visit Nashville’s most eminent country music store. Ernest Tubb Records (417 Broadway) has been doing business for over half a century and broadcasts the Midnight Jamboree (the second-longest running radio show in history).

An evening on Broadway Street in Nashville will be an unforgettable experience. Lots of people on the honky-tonk scene dress in country attire which makes the atmosphere even more fun so don’t be afraid to wear your denim skirt with your favorite boots and sparkling cowgirl hat. I wasn't fully decked out but wore a denim jacket over my dress. Next time I'll have a cowgirl hat and a queen-size belt buckle.

It is like a little country Las Vegas in that it's just brimming with fun, booze, music and unforgettable excitement. A terrific place to party country style.

For a list of Adventure Woman's favorite things to do in Nashville go to: Adventure Howl.