Experiences You Should Have: Recent Episodes
Gail Lovelace Menasco
An adventure & travel podcast that helps you discover new experiences, places to add to your bucket list, and is a how to guide for amazing experiences you should have.
Learn about the amazing colors and sea life you can see while diving the channel islands in Southern California aboard the Spectre Dive Boat.
Love travel and adventure? Learn from travel podcast host, Mariel Fry, about her experience of touring Vietnam via Motorcycle.
Learn about the 3 Sisters Marathon, hiking North Sister, Middle Sister and South Sister in 24 hours with experienced athletes Dave Rasca, Jon Rasca, Joe Rasca and Ken Reed.
Learn about this lesser known thru hiking trail, the Oregon Coast Trail known as the OCT with experienced thru-hiker Brian Tanzman.
Find out the top experiences you should have at night (or in the dark). These are true bucket list experiences for seasoned adventurers.
Learn about this epic swing at the end of the world in Baños, Ecuador and how you can plan the most amazing adventure trip.
Learn more about total solar eclipses from experienced eclipse chaser, Dr. Kate Russo and find out when the next accessible solar eclipse is and why you should experience 100% totality.
Learn about a lesser known wine region, the Valle de Guadalupe in northern Baja Mexico and what makes it so special.
Listen to the replay of Skydiving Everest featuring Tom Noonan, who recently passed away. Blue Skies, Tom. Remembering you.
Find out why Scuba diving means so much to Gail, the host of Experiences You Should Have Podcast and how she got into Scuba diving including tips if you're thinking about diving.
Can't get a permit for the Inca trail? Find out why you should hike the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu and how it differs from the Inca trail.
Find out about walking the Camino de Santiago trail. Learn about top tips and highlights from seasoned hiker, Rob Wisnouckas.
Stay in a treehouse at Playa Viva eco resort in Mexico and find out what it means to be a regenerative hotel invested in social impact.
Interested in becoming a triple crown thru-hiker? Learn about the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) so you can earn your triple crown status.
Learn about the incredible experience of diving Saba island in the Caribbean. Dive with sharks, turtles and experience everything this vibrant island has to offer.
Learn about the perilous hike to Angels Landing in Zion National Park, one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. Trent Wann (the CEO of Bucket) tells all on this episode of Experiences You Should Have Podcast.
Learn about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain. Add this multi-day mountain climbing trek to your bucket list.
Learn about hiking the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) with thru-hiker, Angie Holbrook. Find out why you should add this to your hiking bucket list as well as top logistics to make this experience happen.
Learn about one of the lesser known thru-hikes, The Florida Trail. Erin Franke tells all on her experience hiking through Florida, all 1,100 miles of it.
Learn about cavern diving in the Mexican cenotes with expert cenote diver, Aydin Dinc (the cenote guy). Find out the best cenotes to dive by season, skills needed, costs and more.
Learn about rock climbing at Smith Rock in Central Oregon with owner of Smith Rock Climbing School, Cliff Agocs.
Learn about how and where to swim with wild dolphins with Allison Stillman, a dolphin enthusiast, who leads spiritual retreats to swim with dolphins in Bimini.
Learn about hot air balloon skydiving and what it takes to make this ultimate adventure experience a reality.
Learn about skydiving at night and why this is an amazing experience you should have. Learn about the requirements to go night skydiving and if this is the right experience for you.
Learn about ice fishing with ice fishing enthusiast, Kevin Uncapher. Find out what you need, when to go, and some of his favorite spots to ice fish in Utah.
Learn about this incredible bucket list experience of diving the Galapagos Islands. Coincidentally, this podcast was born on this trip in the Galapagos. Find out how to make this trip a reality.
Thinking about planning future bucket list experiences? Look no further than Experiences You Should Have podcast to give you ideas on what to save for next.
Learn about cross country skiing in Bend, Oregon at the beautiful Meissner Sno Park featuring nordic enthusiast, Alyce Pearce.
Looking to get adventurous in the kitchen? Learn how you can make Italian pizza at home with Fabio Errante. He teaches how to make homemade pizza with simple ingredients and an Italian technique to bring you happiness on a plate.
Spending more time at home? Learn about experiencing hygge at home and how you can increase the hygge in your life with Author Pia Edberg of The Cozy Life.
Many people visit Hierve El Agua's petrified waterfalls, but most don't spend the night because it's not advertised anywhere until now.
Learn about hiking upper and lower Antelope Canyon in Arizona and find out which is the best slot canyon for you to hike!
Listen to Experiences You Should Have Podcast on getting to know your neighbors and how you could brighten their day with one simple action.
Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes
Going Crabbing: Interview with Dr. Alan Snyder
I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Alan Snyder for this fun episode on crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay. Dr. Snyder was born and raised in Baltimore, MD where both eating and catching crab is part of the culture. Seafood and Old Bay are also in your blood if you're from Baltimore, personally, my 2 favorite things! If you love eating crab, then please read on!
Listen to the episode above to get the full experience. Also, check out Dr. Alan Snyder's podcast, Boo's Your Daddy, a 30-minute unscripted podcast where they drink a beer and tell comical stories about life with a game of Trivia.
Dr. Alan Snyder eating his Crab with a Natty Boh Beer
Experience Crabbing
When you go crabbing, it's a lot more complicated than fishing; there is a lot more preparation involved. If you have a boat, you're going to set up a massive line with a buoy, and a cinder block and tie bait on your line every 10-15 feet or so. I know it sounds weird, but the best crab bait is chicken necks. If chicken necks aren't your thing, you can use eel and fish guts as bait. You slowly feed the line over a PVC pipe, the crabs then hold onto the chicken necks, and as the line comes up, you pull the crab up with nets. There are other ways to capture crab: fishing poles, traps, professional crates, etc.
You need to make sure based on what state you're in that you have the correct permit and proper size before you capture them, cook them, and eat them.
When is the Best Time to go Crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay?
You can go crabbing year round on the Chesapeake Bay, but the best time for going crabbing is the end of summer or fall months.
Preparing and Cooking Crab
When you're preparing crab, fill the bucket or cooler with ice, and put them right side up. It dulls their movement and feeling and makes it easier to cook them. It takes about 20-30 minutes to steam crabs. If there is any blue or green coloring left on the crabs, you'll need to keep cooking them. Alan recommends using beer, rock salt, and plenty of Old Bay Seasoning when steaming!
While this post is about east coast crab, here's a video on how to break down a Dungeness Crab (west coast crab).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48WTCnF2rSQ
Alan's Favorite Way to Eat Crab
Crab Cakes are Alan's favorite way to eat crab. It's 90% crab meat (jumbo lump back fin meat), broiled with an egg, parsley, squirt of yellow mustard, mayo, few ritz crackers with lemon juice and of course Old Bay. Alan is a purist and doesn't like tartar sauce on his crab.
If you're a beer drinker and on the East coast, then pop open a Natural Bohemian Beer--Natty Boh beer, is the best drink to have with your crab when in Maryland.
When eating crab, make sure you're eating just the meat from the legs and back.
Maryland Crab Cakes
This crab cake recipe is 90% crab meat and is best eaten wtih a Natural Bohemian Beer and provided by Dr. Alan Snyder
1 lb backfin crab meat1 egg1 tbsp mustard1 tbsp mayo1 tbsp old bay1 tbsp parsley8 Ritz crackers crushed1 tbsp lemon juice
Mix together all of the above ingredientsBroil at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes
Love nature, wildlife, National Parks, and staying away from crowds? Learn why you should visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park on your next road trip.
Thinking about buying a van and hitting the road? Listen to this podcast episode on van life and find find out how van life has been affected by the pandemic, costs involved, and how to get creative with your schedule.
Learn about climbing Washington State's tallest mountain, Mt. Rainier. Chris Tucker, experienced mountaineer, is on a quest to climb the tallest peak in all 50 states, and he has now checked off Mt. Rainier. Learn more on how you could do this bucket list experience.
Learn about photographing the Aurora Borealis in Alaska and how you can experience the Aurora from home during this COVID times. Ronn from the Aurora Chasers explains capturing the Aurora and how COVID-19 has affected their Aurora photo tour business.
Learn more about the producer and host of Experiences You Should Have Podcast including Gail's background and the incredible origin story that includes hammerheads.
Learn about the Perseids Meteor shower including what it is, when to see it, and how to find the dark sky. This is the perfect social distancing activity and an incredible celestial event.
Learn about one of the newest Thru-Hikes and find out how you can Hike the Te Araroa in New Zealand from the North Island to the South Island.
Ready for a true adventure? Learn about diving with tiger sharks without a cage at Tiger Beach in the Bahamas.
Learn about diving (or snorkeling) the Silfra Fissure in iceland and what it's like to dive between two continents!
Learn about the Sziget festival in Budapest. While it is canceled for 2020, we will (hopefully) get back to normal one day, so why not add to your festival bucket list.
Learn about hiking the Narrows at Zion National Park including when to go, what to bring, and how to beat the crowds.
Peter Greenberg, CBS Travel Editor, tells all on traveling to Saint Helena Island, one of the most remote islands in the world. Find out the fascinating history here and incredible nature you can experience.
Learn about why Baja is the best place to on an expedition to experience humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, whale sharks and more!
Learn about this amazing opportunity to volunteer in Laos and give back to a community through permaculture.
Has the coronavirus (Covid-19) got you on lock down? Listen to this podcast for how the host, Gail, is coping with these times and how you can use this podcast as a virtual travel guide.
Discover the art of Shibori and how you can have a hands on experience with this beautiful Japanese Tye-Dye style in Waimea, Hawaii or in the comfort of your own home.
Listen and learn about the Sailing Stones with Brian Dunning from Skeptoid Podcast. Find out what creates this phenomenon and why you should experience it!
Learn about Breitenbush Hot Springs! It's a quintessential Oregon hot spring that offers the ultimate relaxation getaway and is clothing optional! Listen to Gail and Sandra's experience and their thoughts on this unique experience.
Learn about surfing Chicama Peru, the longest left wave in the world! We give you the scoop from seasoned surfers on where to stay, when to go and how to make this surf bucket list destination a reality.
We continue the interview with Lynn Smith and explore Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park and amazing hidden gems in between.
Learn how to visit Monument Valley without the crowds including where to stay, when to go, photo tips and more!
Learn why diving Cocos Island is extraordinary and how you can go on a submarine at this magical bucket list diving destination.
Learn about the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, the largest balloon festival in the world. We break down the costs and when to plan.
Learn about rafting the Grand Canyon and how to make this epic trip happen for an adventure you will never forget.
Learn about visiting or hiking the Grand Canyon including what to bring, and when to go to see the best sunsets.
Learn about black water night drift diving in Florida to witness the diurnal vertical migration, the largest migration of Biomass in the world!
Find out why you should snorkel or dive the Blue Heron Bridge and why it's one of the best shore dives in the world!
Discover the Rainbow Serpent Music Festival and find out what makes this one of the most magical events of the year!
Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes: The Donna Marathon – Breast Cancer Marathon
I had the opportunity to interview Dana and Aimee from the Run Eat Drink Podcast at the largest podcast conference in the world, Podcast Movement. They travel to races all over and when I turned to them and asked them that one race that you should experience, they both responded with the same answer: DONNA Marathon.
What is the DONNA Marathon and Why Should You Experience it? It’s a race that happens every year near Jacksonville, Florida to help support breast cancer research, survivors and those affected by breast cancer. This is a race for everyone. You don’t need to be an expert runner to participate. This is a special race that the entire community comes together to support and you don’t have to run a marathon to be a part of it. There are many shorter races and you don’t have to run them either.
This event is a true community. This race is for survivors, someone fighting breast cancer, and for family and friends of a survivor or someone who may have passed from breast cancer, or for anyone who wants to come out and support the cause. It’s a very special event where it’s much more than a race. The Community The neighborhoods decorate their houses with pink and white balloons. People will pass out mimosas, blueberry muffins, coffee, treats, and the entire community comes together. You are adopted by the community while you are there for the event. Many people will stay in front of their houses until the last runner passes by.
Honor Your Family and Loved Ones I interviewed Dana and Aimee above (press the play button at the top to hear the full interview) and they did a great job of painting the experience. Partway through the interview, Dana shared that he lost his mom to breast cancer. That moment still tugs on my heart as I imagine them being at the DONNA surrounded by others who may have been in similar situations and coming together as a community and to walk/race in memory and support of their loved ones.
DONNA Marathon History Their coach, Jeff Galloway (former Olympian) helped found this race with Donna Deegan (who this race is named after) because they wanted to help families lower their stress who are dealing with breast cancer. They wanted healing to be the primary focus. It’s an official event of The DONNA Foundation which gives financial assistance and support to those dealing with breast cancer. They also help fund breast cancer research. This was year number 13 for the race, and they do an amazing job of putting it together and building the community.
The race is sponsored by the Mayo Clinic, which is located in Jacksonville and is a massive contributor to breast cancer research and treatment. Many employees run in the race, help support it, pass out food, and they truly embrace the DONNA. Also shout out to Andi Sharp who is a doctor for the Mayo Clinic, breast cancer survivor and was the fastest woman at the course in 2019.
If you want to help support the DONNA foundation, check out the donate button below where you can give to this incredible giving and caring foundation.
Donate to the Donna Foundation When and Where is the DONNA Marathon? It starts and finishes at Neptune Beach just 12 miles east of downtown Jacksonville at Beaches Town Center. The next race is February 7-9, 2020. Friday is a Social Shakeout and 5K to get to know the other racers. Saturday is the 5K and they start the Ultra then as well, while Sunday is the half marathon and marathon. It’s always the 2nd weekend in February.
Race Lengths at the DONNA Marathon
5K Half Marathon Marathon Half Marathon Relay Ultramarathon
Skills Needed to Participate It doesn’t matter what athletic ability you have, you can participate. But if you are a hardcore racer, this is a Boston qualifying course. But if you’re more like me and you’re not a runner, you can walk it.
Swim with Migrating Flying Rays (Mobula Rays) in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes
Listen above to this podcast episode about swimming with the migrating flying rays (Mobula rays). Mobula Rays are many times known as devil rays, flying rays, or devil fish. I interviewed Jay Clue from Dive Ninjas about this amazing one-of-a-kind bucket list experience to witness thousands of Mobula rays underwater.
Mobula Rays in Baja California Sur, Mexico Photo by Jay Clue The Experience: Swimming with Flying Rays (Mobula Rays) In Baja California (Baja Mexico) there is a large aggregation of flying rays twice a year. It is mind-blowing as they come together to mate and feed every year in Baja. It’s one of those things you could do every day and it would never get old.
Fly into Cabo and you will wake up in the morning to see the sunrise rising over the ocean. You’ll leave your hotel and get on the boat with a small group of people and head out into the Sea of Cortez. As the boat cruises, you’ll finally know you’re in the right spot when you start to hear ‘pop pop pop’ which is the sound of the Mobula rays flying out of the water and landing.
Mobula Rays in Baja California Sur, Mexico Photo by Jay Clue
These flying rays are very acrobatic, and they jump up to 3 meters out of the water. They are great at getting out of the water but aren’t very graceful getting back into the water. You’ll start to see them jump out of the water. For every Mobula ray that jumps, there are probably a few hundred Mobula rays (flying rays) underwater.
The boat will follow the school on the surface for a while. Once the guides feel it is ok, then everyone puts on snorkeling gear and then slips into the water to witness this incredible experience. Many people only expect to see 20-30 rays in the water, but many times the first time people witness this migration, they end up seeing schools of thousands of Mobula rays.
Mobula Rays in Baja California Sur, Mexico Photo by Jay Clue
Once the rays were comfortable with the freedivers, they would freedive down next to the school and stay with the school for 3-4 hours. On one particular day, Jay dove 50 meters deep and found himself still in the school; these schools of rays are absolutely massive. What Is It Like to Swim with Flying Rays (Mobula Rays)? It’s like flying with a gigantic flock of birds, but underwater. The Mobula rays are about 3 feet (1 meter) wide and they swim in unison like they are soaring underwater. It is a completely awe-inspiring experience.
Photo by Jay Clue
Why Should You Experience These Schools of Mobula Rays It’s the largest aggregation of a species on the planet. It only happens in special times of the year and is a very rare and incredible experience. It’s wild in the sense that this is something you would see on National Geographic or on BBC. You become a part of the school when you swim with it. When Does the Mobula Ray (Flying Ray) Aggregation Happen? There are 2 times of year to see these incredible schools of flying rays.
Mid to late November through January is a smaller migration of rays off of Baja Mexico. Schools are 50-100, maybe a couple hundred. Mid to late April through early July is the best time to see them as there are giant schools of Mobula rays, with schools containing thousands of rays.
Drone footage of schooling mobula rays off the coast of Baja California with Dive Ninja Expeditions What Are the Different Ways to see the Giant Schools of Mobula Rays
Day Trip: There are some companies that offer day trips to see the giant schools of Mobula/Devil/Flying Rays. These trips are limited in their offering because you don’t have enough time to truly experience the rays. They stay closer to the shore and cities, which loses the magic. 5-day Expedition: Land-based trip, you go out every day. 2 days are travel days, while 3 days are spent on the water during the time the best time to have the best interactions.
Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes: Traveling to the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica with Lynn Smith
Interview with Lynn Smith:
I interviewed Lynn Smith who is an inspiring adventurer and traveler and I love how she travels! Check out her travel blog for more ideas and also listen to the interview above by pressing the play button or listening wherever you listen to podcasts! Also, check out her post about her trip to the Osa Peninsula here.
Where is the Osa Peninsula and What Makes it So Special?
Located in the remote and lush Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the Osa is approximately 700 square miles, or a bit larger than the city of Houston, TX which is approx 600 square miles. The Osa is bound on the west by the Pacific Ocean, and on the east by the Golfo Dulce (a tropical fiord, over 600 feet deep!), and on the northwest by Drake Bay.
What Makes the Osa Peninsula so Unique?
You can encounter all four species of monkeys found in Costa Rica (spider, white-faced, squirrel and howler), Poison Dart frogs, Morpho butterflies, anteaters, agouti, coatimundi, agoutis, sloths, parrots, toucans, forest turkeys, exotic waterfowl, jaguars, ocelots, and margays. We saw all but the cats (we did hear a margay at night!), and we also saw many of the more than 460 species of birds, as well as a few snakes, lots of insects, and the footprints of forest peccaries (wild pigs) down on the beach.2-3% of flora found nowhere else in the worldThe largest remaining tract of lowland rainforest in Pacific MesoamericaMore than 700 species of trees (which is more than all the Northern temperate regions combined)140 mammals, including 25 species of dolphins and whales4 species of sea turtlesThe largest population of scarlet macaws in Central America
...and the only known place on our planet where populations of both Northern and Southern Humpback whales meet to give birth to their young- in the Golfo Dulce.
Lynn's travel plan to the Osa Peninsula
Why Go Visit the Osa Peninsula?
This is one of the richest and most diverse tropical areas on the planet, known (or not so well known yet!) for its fragile ecosystems and enchanting beauty.Â
The Osa is wild! It's estimated to house 2.5% of the biodiversity of the entire world – while covering less than a thousandth of a percent of its total surface area, earning it the title of the most biologically intense place on earth, according to National Geographic.
The Osa Peninsula offers breathtaking, untouched scenery, secluded beaches, and abundant wildlife encompassing lush primary rainforest and a complex system of freshwater and marine resources. These primary and secondary rain forests hold stunning biodiversity, which for us translated to being well off the grid, very remote and removed, and what we most desired--wildlife encounters literally every day we were there!
Photo by Lynn Smith
When is the Best Time to Visit the Osa Peninsula and What is the Weather Like?
The weather and time of year will determine just how relatively easy it is to get to the Osa, and your experience there. I chose early March, just after the tourist "high season" ends and when the costs to get there and stay can be lower. March is still the dry season, and it can be quite hot during the day, with highs well into the 80s.
How Do You Get to the Osa Peninsula?
Most people fly into the international airport (SJO) in San Jose, the capital. You can rent a car and drive the 5-6 hours on well-paved roads (some are tolls, pay in $US or CR Colons). Lynn planned for them to get to their chosen resort and use it as a base for the day and nighttime excursions into the rain forest. They knew a car wouldn't gain them anything. Plus the driving along those steep, slippery and rough jungle roads was bone-crushing!Â
They scheduled a flight to the Osa from SJO via Sansa Airlines to Puerto Jiminez on the Osa Peninsula for approx. $240. R/T per person.
Peking to Paris Motor Challenge: Experiences You Should Have Show Notes
Experiences You Should Have Show Notes - Interview with Michelle Jana Chan from Vanity Fair I had the pleasure of interviewing Michelle Jana Chan from Vanity Fair. Please listen to the episode at the top of the screen or wherever you listen to podcasts. She is an award-winning journalist and travel editor of Vanity Fair. She's is also a contributing editor at Condé Nast Traveller, presenter of the BBC’s ‘Global Guide’, a contributor to BBC Radio 4’s From Our Own Correspondent and a writer for The Daily Telegraph. Michelle has been named the Travel Media Awards’ Travel Writer of the Year.
What is Peking to Paris Motor Challenge and How Did it Start? The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge is a very special motor rally that starts in Beijing, China's capital, (formally known as Peking) and ends in Paris. The race began in 1907 as proof that cars could travel long distances. The race has run every three years (and has for the last decade), but there has only been 7 total. The route changes every race but it always starts in Beijing and ends in Paris and lasts about a month.
In 2019 the route went through 11 countries and lasted 36 days for over 8,500 miles. It is one of the most unique vintage car rallies you can do. All cars are older than 1976 and is a true classic car rally. There are multiple categories based on the car type in addition to an overall winner. There is no prize for winning (well except a bottle of champagne and bragging rights). Racers participate for the fun and the challenge of it.
Michelle competed in the 2013 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge and it was the experience of a lifetime.
What is the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge Like?
It's like a competitive team sport on steroids; because you've spent a lot of money and taken time off of work and you really want to win. It requires teamwork and an intense amount of concentration. One-hundred drivers pile in for an epic 8,000-mile journey, and there is adventure around every corner. There are two people per car, a driver and a navigator (that can trade-off)., and it is a wacky and wild adventure. There is a powerful connection between driver and navigator where the two have a focused vision and joy for what they are embarking on. What is the Route Like? The roads are a real mix of variety: tarmac through China, a lot of off-road in Mongolia (a lot of cars fall out of the race here), high altitude passes through Russia, tough, boring roads full of trucks and busy traffic, Ukraine and other European roads are high-altitude switch-backs. Once you leave the Alps and enter Southeast France you're at the end of the race and if you aren't already in the lead, you'll have a hard time getting in to first. You'll finish the race on the Champs-Élysées in grand celebration with a bottle of champagne.
Peking to Paris 2013
Map of the 2019 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge
Photo from endurorally.com Why should a person want to experience this journey? You love traveling, you love cars, you love history, you want to have an interesting experience with your partner. It's an experience that will allow you to see many different countries and cultures as you whiz by. You get to watch 2 continents change as you drive by and a macro sense of how people and the landscape changes. It's an experience that you would never forget. While it does take a lot of money and time to partake, it is well worth the experience of a lifetime.
You will discover that you will need a lot of help along the way, and you will get to experience the kindness of strangers in countries you have never been to. It's the serendipitous encounters that bring the magic into the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge. How Far in Advance Should You Plan to Enter the Peking to Paris Challenge? You will need to book well in advance...
Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes: Socorro Island Diving (the Revillagigedo Islands) in Mexico
I had the pleasure if interviewing Jay Clue from Dive Ninja Expeditions about why others should experience Socorro Island diving. Listen above (or wherever you listen to podcasts). Jay has dove Socorro (Revillagigedo) 20+ times and brings this experience to life.
Taken while scuba diving during the Dive Ninjas Socorro Shark Research trip What and Where are the Revillagigedo Islands (also known as Socorro)? The Revillagigedo Islands are commonly referred to as Socorro or Socorro Islands mainly because it's hard to pronounce Revillagigedo. Socorro is the name of the largest island in this chain. The Revillagigedo Archipelago (Socorro Islands) are sometimes referred to as the Galapagos of North America because of the amount of biodiversity found there. This group of islands is a marine reserve. It's located 390 km (242 miles) south of Baja California. It takes 26-30 hours to get there by boat.
Why Dive the Socorro Islands? According to Jay, the encounters and interactions here are like none other. Giant mantas might come right up to you as if they want to start a conversation, then proceed to spend the next 45 minutes with playing in your bubbles and curiously looking you in the eyes. Many times playful pods of bottlenose dolphins seek out divers to join them in their antics.
Schools of Hammerheads (in the 100's), a few humpback whales, pods of killer whales, giant oceanic mantas, 10 species of sharks that call the islands home including silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, dusky sharks, tiger sharks, and whale sharks.
Photo by Dive Ninja Expeditions
Some of Jay's favorite moments include watching a baby dolphin get tickled by its escort (and hearing it giggle as it happened). Jay has dropped down on a dive to be greeted by a pod of dolphins, tiger shark, and 2 huge manta rays within the first 3 minutes of the dive. Jay has also enjoyed going to the Boiler dive site where there is a "cleaning station". Clarion Angelfish come out and clean the animals. One time Jay and other divers watched a new two-foot dolphin get cleaned and the mother returned and "slapped" him with her pectoral fin to wake him up as if to say, "hey we got places to go!"
To see Clarion Angelfish is a treat in itself as you can only find them on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
This is a dive full of large animal encounters and if you love diving, the ocean, and big animals, then Socorro could be the dive destination for you. The Best Time of Year or Season to Dive Socorro The season kicks off in November and runs through June or July. Early time of the season is a better time for Tiger sharks. Besides that, there isn't a huge difference in the months as you should see mantas and dolphins. That said, Jay's favorite months for experiences are January and April. It's recommended to not go in late season as there is a higher chance of storms.
Photo by Dive Ninja Expeditions Skills & Certifications Needed for Socorro Island Diving
Advanced Open Water Certification from an accredited diving organization (like PADI) Comfortable diving in deep water Skilled at diving in strong currents Nitrox Certification 50-60 dives at minimum While the 10 is the minimum age for diving certifications, this trip is still not recommended for junior divers.
Accessible Dive Travel at Socorro If you have limited mobility, you still might be able to Scuba dive. Organizations like HSA (Handicapped Scuba Association) can help you find an adaptive Scuba program to fit your needs. Also, I've known people who have limited mobility to get a PADI Open Water Certification, it really depends on your situation and your comfort level underwater. The Nautilus Liveaboard has an ADA Friendly room and they frequent Socorro. Note that the Nautilus Undersea Hunter also goes to Guadalupe Island where you can swim with Great White Sharks.
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Experiencing Crater Lake in Oregon: Podcast Show Notes
Welcome to Experiences you should Have. Your how-to guide for amazing experiences. Today we are journeying to a very special place called Crater Lake.
My First Visit to Crater Lake I live in Bend, Oregon, which is in central Oregon and I have made an annual trip to Crater Lake the last 9 years. The first time I went to Crater Lake, I had my friend Ben drive, so I could be the one looking out the window, plus he had seen it before.
It took about 2 hours to get there from Bend (99 miles) and after we checked into the gate (and paid our $10), we drove a little further and then we stopped at a lookout at the top of the hill. I got out of the car and there in front of me was the deepest most amazing blue I have ever seen in my entire life.
The vastness of Crater Lake and the deep blue I saw in front of me took my breath away. The wind started to pick up and then a chipmunk appeared below my feet and started to scurry around looking for food. But that moment, being in front of this deep blue caldera, changed me. It made me appreciate Oregon in a new way.
You may or may not know what a Caldera is, but a caldera is a crater left behind after a volcanic eruption. Water filled this giant caldera after Mt. Mazama erupted in 2290 BC. When I stood at the top of Crater Lake and scanned across and looked at the perimeter and realized the power and intense eruption that must have happened.
What Caused Crater Lake?
A giant, earth-shattering eruption of Mt. Mazama created what know as Crater Lake today. The eruption happened 7,700 years ago and it began from a single vent on the northeast side of Mt. Mazama. When the eruption hit, it was a true eruption that you might think of in your head. Ash and pumice burst into the air, reaching as high as 30 miles above the ground. Mazama ash has been found in Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, and even in multiple Canadian provinces (Wikipedia).
Why Should You Visit Crater Lake?
There’s something about looking at the deep blue water of Crater Lake (which is the deepest lake in the United States and 9th deepest in the world), that makes you realize how powerful nature is, and calming at the same time. Here this beautiful tranquil deep blue lake with a depth of 594 ft came from a mighty eruption more than 7,000 years ago. To stand there at the edge of the Caldera brings a new perspective on life and the power of mother nature.
When is the best time to go to Crater Lake? The lake is open year-round, however not all the entrances are open year-round and you can only drive completely around the lake starting around early July through September and sometimes early October. I would recommend visiting Crater Lake in mid to late July because fire season starts in Oregon in mid to late August and goes through September. You can check the latest road and entrance conditions here.
You will want to plan your trip on a sunny day and on a day where the clouds are higher than the top of Crater Lake. We’ve gone to Crater Lake where clouds have covered the entire Caldera and had to wait more than a day for the clouds to clear (check out the video below). Crater Lake is around 6,000-foot elevation, so you want the clouds to be higher than 6,000 feet, so plan accordingly.
Can you Camp at Crater Lake? Yes and no. There are campgrounds near Crater Lake, but there are no campsites that have a view of Crater Lake. Even if you have an RV, you can not park it overnight around the lake. Mazama and Lost Creek are the two nearby campsites and both open late June or early July and are open through September (sometimes early October).
Mazama campsite can fit RV’s up to 50’, while the Lost Creek campsite if for tents only. You can reserve these Mazama and Lost Creek campsites online.
Can you spend the night on the edge of Crater L...
Milford Sound Drive & Cruise in New Zealand: Podcast Show Notes
I interviewed Lynn Smith who is an avid traveler; you should check out her website for travel tips!. She blends a love of independent adventure travel, history and the natural world with over 40 years of experience as an award-winning writer, photographer, creative designer, and producer. When I asked her about what is that one experience that others should have, she enthusiastically replied, self-driving the Milford Sound Road and going on the Milford Sound cruise in Fiordland, South Island, NZ.
Why Travel to New Zealand and head to the Milford Sound in Fiordland New Zealand Lynn chose the South Island of New Zealand for the adventure. The Milford Sound Road is one of the top drives you can do in New Zealand and there is beautiful scenery around every corner. It represents untouched, solitude, and peaceful quiet majestic landscapes and is an experience you should have. In Fiordland lies the 'Southern Alps' and these mountains are world famous! There are only 4.9 million people in New Zealand while California has over 35 Million people. Really a third of the country is a National Park and it is incredibly wild.
The Experience: Self-Driving the Milford Sound Road Lynn and her family started their adventure in Queenstown, New Zealand and rented a car to get to Te Anau. Queenstown was a zoo, but it quieted down once they made it to Te Anau. There is only 1 highway leaving Queenstown to get to Te Anau (tay-an-o). They have a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants, food trucks, and is world famous for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
There are 3 famous hikes in Fiordland, but the mountains there are like the Alps or the Rockies. You need to be fit to go out on treks.
That said, you can see a lot of scenery in the South Island of New Zealand without having to hike for days. The Milford Sound Road is a beautiful, scenic road that is an experience to remember. Most people fly into Queenstown and hop on a giant tour bus to get to the Milford Sound (which is the gem of New Zealand), however, Lynn recommends to drive it yourself, take your time, as you head to visit the crown jewel of Fiordland, Milford Sound. The road to Milford Sound consists of one road, highway 94. As it curves around mountains, valleys, and stunning scenery, it takes you to a completely new world.
The day visitor can make numerous stops along the only road that cuts through the mountains and valleys in the untouched Fiordland landscapes. From the endless vistas of Eglinton Valley featuring eye-popping scenery used to create the Misty Mountains in the film Fellowship of the Rings, to lookouts over the surrounding mountain ranges, one can take walks along clear rushing creeks and through mossy beech forests to waterfalls and cascades, mirror lakes and tumbling, icy cold rivers. All this in one full day from Te Anau, vs a 14 hour day of riding a bus to and from Queenstown with a couple of quick stops along the way!
Top Stops to Check Out on the Milford Sound Sound Road, NZ Knobs Flat is a perfect place to take a break in between Te Anau and Milford Sound. You'll want to leave early in the morning from Te Anau to beat the tour buses. Make sure to check out the to use as your go-to guide.
Mirror Lakes
Mirror lakes is a perfect stop about an hour away. The valleys, mountains, and skies were simply stunning. You will want to hit Mirror Lakes in the morning for the perfect light (and to see the mirror effect). The mirror effect goes away in the afternoon. It's a temperate rainforest and has over 240 days of rain a year and the weather constantly changes there. If you can catch it on a sunny day, you can look into these deep crystal clear lakes and it's hard to tell where the lake begins and the sky ends. There is no garbage, trash, plastic. It's easy to walk down the boardwalk 100 feet or so and is wheelchair friendly.
Learn about hiking to Havasupai (Havasu) falls in Arizona. We break down permits, how to get there, costs and top tips.
Experiences You Should Have Show Notes: Biking from Alaska to Argentina with Guests Kristen and Ville Jokinen
Ville and Kristen Jokinen did the impossible. They went from Alaska to the tip of Argentina via bike while only spending (on average) $800 a month! This couple lives in Bend, Oregon and they decided they wanted to have an adventure of a lifetime, and boy did they find adventure. Click on the play button to listen to this episode, or listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts.
A Little About Ville and Kristen Ville was born in Tampere, Finland. He grew up playing all kinds of sports and in his teenage years, he made the decision to focus on football (soccer). After graduating from high school he tried his wings in professional soccer in Finland and Algeria. After a few years of serious playing and several knee replacement surgeries later, he decided to hang the cleats and go to college. After college, Ville worked for 7 years as a financial analyst for Toyota.
In 2008, he decided to take off work and travel to South East Asia for 3 months. In Vietnam, Ville met a crazy, loud and beautiful American girl named Kristen. Listen to the episode above to get the behind the scenes on their first meeting. After that, they've been traveling the world together and he's very thankful for finding someone who loves the same adventures. Get to Know Kristen Kristen was originally from Bend, Oregon, born and raised. Because she grew up in such a beautiful place so connected to the outdoors, it drew her to explore the great big world we live in. She graduated from High School early to go backpacking around Central Europe alone and you could say that is where the travel lust began. Kristen moved to San Francisco to work as an AuPair for some big-named families, saved money, bought a house in Bend, worked as a wildland firefighter, nanny, waitress, teacher, tutor all while going to school. She signed on for an internship in Chiang Mai, Thailand and when she finished teaching, she met a handsome Scandinavian Stallion on a Scuba Diving boat in Vietnam. Again, listen to the episode above to hear about this meeting.
They traveled the world and when they ran out of visas to stay together, they hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) while dating, which was her first time sleeping in a tent. After that adventure, they got married.
Why Did Ville and Kristen Decide to Bike From Alaska to Argentina? The adventure was an idea formed on the PCT and became a reality once they finished. They both know the importance of not wanting to live your life, and the planning began. The plan is to thoroughly wear out these crazy bodies and when they have no more get-up and go, they will have some incredible memories to share while they swing life away on their front porch somewhere.
This is a couple who knows how to live life.
Map of the Ride
How Did They Bike From Alaska to Argentina? Kristen and Ville had their bikes shipped to Alaska. That's where their adventure began. Starting in Alaska, they saw over 60 polar bears and they had a fright of a lifetime when they scared away a mama bear who was charging at them by acting loud and big.
They then went to the Yukon, British Columbia then hit up the San Juan Islands. Just an FYI, Lopez Island is a fantastic island for bike riding and it's a very friendly island. They biked the 101 from the Pacific Northwest, down the coast of California, then into Baja. From there, they took a ferry over to the mainland then biked through Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica. They had to take a plane across some sketchy borders from Panama to Columbia, then went to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
They chose to go over the Andes mountains in South America rather than the coast, which let them experience small towns (and very friendly people) off the grid.
Biking Huascaran National Park in Peru,
Learn about hiking the Appalachian trail and why you should add the AT to your thru-hike bucket list.
Explore Sahalie and Koosah Falls in Oregon: Podcast Show Notes Welcome to Experiences You Should Have, your how-to guide for amazing experiences. I’m your host Gail and today we are venturing into the Oregon wilderness to Sahalie and Koosah falls.
Why You Should See Sahalie & Koosah Falls What I love about these waterfalls is that they are very accessible and you can get to them right off of the highway and they are stunning.
If you pull off the road into the Sahalie waterfall parking lot, you will see there is a ramp (or stairs) that will take you to see the falls within a minute of walking. The ramp is also wheelchair accessible in the summer and early fall months.
You’ll soon be staring at Sahalie falls with is about 100 feet tall. There’s a fun trick you can do with your eyes which is follow the water in the waterfall from top to bottom. Do this with your eyes at least 8-10 times in a row, then look off to the land to the left of the falls and you’ll start to see the land move. It’s called the Waterfall Illusion that allows you to see movement or motion where there isn’t motion.
The Amazing Waterfall Trail that Connects Sahalie and Koosah Falls What’s really special about these waterfalls is the trail that connects the two. This trail is not wheelchair friendly and there are lots dirt stairs without railing, so keep that in mind if you have limited mobility. The trail is short, but along the trail, I have seen the bluest water I have ever seen. I think the blue water on this trail is even more beautiful than Crater Lake (which is definitely a must see location you should add to your list).
What’s really special about these waterfalls is the trail that connects the two. This trail is not wheelchair friendly and there are many dirt stairs without a railing, so keep that in mind if you have limited mobility. There were areas on the trail where I could stand and gaze at the blue water below me and an instant calmness took over. Science even backs up that seeing blue water puts us in a meditative state that can make us have less anxiety, feel more happiness, and creativity. Explore Koosah Falls If you keep on going down the trail a half mile down you will find Koosah falls. Koosah falls is about 70 feet high and is known as a block fall because it descends from a wide breadth of a stream. Sahalie above it is a segmented waterfall because it diverges into 2 or 3 parts as it falls.
How to Continue on the Waterfall Loop You can head up the way you came and make the entire a hike 1-mile total. However, if you’d like to spend a long day here, you can hike a full loop which is 2.6 miles long with 400-foot elevation gains.
In order to do the loop, park at Sahalie falls, then walk left down the path to Koosah falls, downstream. To stay on the loop, keep right at all junctions after Koosah falls. After .4 miles you will find a gravel ride near Carmen Resevoir. Follow the road for about 150 yards until you see a trail sign and take that path. After 100 yards, turn right onto the McKenzie River trail which heads upstream past Koosah then Sahalie falls. When you get to the footbridge, cross over it, then turn right for .4 miles then you will end up at the Sahalie falls parking lot.
I promise it will be a memorable hike and is a place I love to bring guests to when they visit Bend, Oregon. Look for Oregon Wildlife, the Pacific Harlequin Duck When you’re on the trail, keep an eye out for Oregon’s Pacific Harlequin duck, Oregon’s only anadromous duck. Take note that the Pacific Harlequin is the only duck in the world that lives in the sea and in the mountains (Nwf). This is a Free Experience! Also, take note that is completely free to park and hike around Sahalie and Koosah Falls. There is a bathroom that is ADA friendly at Sahalie falls, but there aren’t other facilities. Make sure you bring good walking shoes, a hiking stick, your camera, and snacks. And please remember to not leave any trash on the trail.
Visit Yachats, Oregon During Whale Season: Podcast Show Notes
Welcome to Experiences You Should Have, your how-to guide for amazing experiences. I’m your host Gail and today we are exploring the Gem of the Oregon Coast, Yachats during whale season. Yachats is one of my favorite towns on the Oregon coast and is nestled between Newport and Florence, Oregon. It currently has a population of 757 people and if you drive too quickly, on highway 101, you might miss it, but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you missed this amazingly quirky town.
There’s nothing like checking out top Oregon coast attractions like Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn in Yachats and also getting a peek of Spouting Horn during high tide.
There are pathways leading down to the ocean from the highway, and you really can’t go wrong if you pick one and continue walking through the fairyland forest. The Oregon coast is not like your typical beach. It’s lined with majestic cliffs, rocks, and forest that looks like it came straight out of a storybook. There’s something about staring out at the rough Oregon ocean and contemplating life.
After you’ve contemplated your past, present, and future, and gotten lost in the Oregon waves, if you’re there during whale season, you can scan a few waves in front of you for migrating grey whales. I was in Yachats during whale watching week (which was the last week in March) and asked Liz who was part of the Whale watching Spoken Here volunteer program through Oregon State Parks.
Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast I kept on waiting and waiting to see a whale. You may see one, you may not, but if you do, it’s really exciting. Now you can see whales up and down the Oregon coast if you go at the right time. If you’re on the Oregon coast Mid December - Mid January or March - April you can see the Grey Whales Migration. Why Visit Yachats, Oregon? So you can see whales off of the Oregon coast, but why go to Yachats? There’s something magical about this little coastal town. It’s not the typical town that tourists flock to, but even though the population is around 700 people, you can truly experience the funkiness of the Oregon Coast. First off there is a grouping of galleries in Yachats selling amazing photos, pottery, jewelry, and amazing art.
My favorite coastal bar and restaurant is right there in Yachats, called the Drift Inn. When you walk in, there are multiple murals of mermaids.
Umbrellas and multi-colored glass lighting hang from the ceiling. And Every night from 6-8:30 there is live music. Just a few weeks ago, Randy McCoy and his family got up from their dinner and started harmonizing on stage. I stood there with my jaw open, as their music was amazingly perfect. Check out Randy McCoy's Music, Here.
Pretty cool for a small coastal town. There’s something about Yachats that brings the ocean to life as well as the Oregon coast culture. The people there are artists and you can feel warm energy when you’re there.
The only chain store that I saw was a Dollar General. Everything else is local. Luna Sea is bringing in crab and fish they caught that day. They have a local brewery serving up fermented foods and even Vegan fare. The Green Salmon Coffee Shop sells every coffee combination possible and offers a multitude of alternative milk, CBD coffee, and even boasts about the importance of mushrooms.
There’s art wherever you turn, and even a beautiful mural on the side of a local building. But if you were to road trip on Highway 101, and not stop in Yachats, you would be missing out on a magical experience. If you’re lucky, you might see a heart-shaped spout from a Grey whale passing by. It’s the simple things that matter, and sometimes you need to stare off into the ocean to give you clarity.
I always feel like I go back in time when staying on the coast, because we always end up playing cards, watch movies on VHS, walk into places and have real conversations and then there’s something ab...
Live and Travel Like a Local in Rome, Italy: Podcast Show Notes I interviewed Sarah Mikutel from the Postcard Academy Podcast about living like a local in Rome. When we say live like a local, we mean staying in Rome for an extended period, a month or two, or more. I've never been to Italy (it's on my bucket list), but Sarah gave the complete rundown of top places to eat, stay, and culture tips.
Listen to the episode above to experience Rome (at least in your headphones). While you're thinking about it, also subscribe to Experiences You Should Have on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Get to Know Sarah from Postcard Academy Podcast Sarah hosts the Postcard Academy podcast, a weekly travel show sharing the best food and culture tips from expats living abroad.
She got the travel itch at 18 when she spent a summer in England’s Lake District working as a waitress/chambermaid. She wanted to stay in Europe forever, but it seemed impossible for Americans. Years went by. Finally at some point, while living in New York City, she realized she might be eligible for Italian citizenship due to her Sicilian ancestry.
She started gathering all the documents she needed to apply for Italian citizenship while she lived in New York. But then the American woman translating her documents suggested another route: move to Italy and apply there. Like Sarah, she had the right to apply for dual citizenship thanks to jus sanguinis — the right of blood — and she received her Italian passport a month or two after applying there.
So, on this advice of a stranger she met on the internet, Sarah left New York, moved to Italy, became a citizen, and has had the time of her life living and working abroad, traveling around Europe, and forming amazing friendships with fellow citizens of the world.
Why Should You Travel to Rome?
Rome is so beautiful and it is especially great if you love history. There's something about walking through the ancient sites of Rome; it feels like you're living in a museum. You add that to the food scene, it's a match made in heaven.
Let's Talk Food: What to Eat and Where to Find the Best Pasta & Pizza in Rome. Pizza! Naples is famous for its pizza, but Sarah actually prefers the Roman version, which is thinner. Everyone orders their own pizza in Italy and they eat the entire thing in one sitting. At first, this seemed crazy to Sarah, but now she eats pizza like a local. Go order your pizza from Ivo a Trastevere, which is in the very popular Trastevere neighborhood by the river.
Cacio e Pepe is another must-try. It’s a simple pasta dish made with black pepper, pecorino, and tonnarelli (like spaghetti). Try it at Velavevodetto.
What is Italian Dining Etiquette? Spaghetti and meatballs do not exist in Italy, so don't bother trying to order it. They also use a lot less cheese in their pasta dishes — they like to experience the true flavor of their foods without mixing a bunch of extras into it.
Even though there are public fountains all over Rome where you can fill up bottles with quality water, tap water is not a thing in restaurants. Be prepared to order still or sparkling. You’ll get bread on your table and will likely be charged a cover charge for this, about 1-3 euro a person. Drinks during the meal are usually water or wine and sometimes beer if pizza is involved. Never coffee during a meal. In fact, cappuccino is considered a drink for breakfast and Italians don’t drink it after noon. Sarah does, though, because she loves cappuccino and they haven’t run her out of town yet.
Sarah's Favorite Day in Rome But one of Sarah's favorite memories was what they in the U.K. call a ‘city break,’ a 3- or 4-day weekend. Sarah had been working long hours in London and flew to Rome to take a break and reunite with an Italian friend. Her friend was from the north and had never been to Rome,
Open Ocean Safari Podcast Show Notes
I interviewed Byron, the owner of Kona Honu Divers (my favorite dive shop in Hawaii) about a truly unique experience, the Open Ocean Safari. This is a once in a lifetime experience where you can go out on a fast boat that takes you into blue water. You're getting into the open ocean where pelagic (non-reef living) animals pass by. If you have ever wanted to swim with dolphins, sharks, whales, or manta rays, this is a day trip that could make it happen. This is an adventure of a lifetime and not your average snorkeling in the bay experience. Press play above (or listen wherever you listen to podcasts) to learn more. Why Should You Experience an Open Ocean Safari You get to be up and close with wild animals. You might come across a pod of pilot whales, whale sharks, sperm whale, manta rays, sharks, spotted dolphins and more. You probably aren't going to come across a pod of whales in the bay, but if you take a high-speed boat out to the blue water, that's where you can pop on a snorkel, mask, and fins and get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.
There are over 13 different cetaceans in the Kona area, plus random other animals that come through.
If you are a water person, freediver, snorkeler, and ocean adventure lover, then this is an experience you should not miss out in life. This is an experience that will stick with you. This is not your average day on the beach, this is a day that you will never forget.
Byron's First Time on the Open Ocean Safari (Swimming with Whales, Sharks, and Dolphins in Kona Hawaii) They jumped on the boat (which is a Navy seal boat). It goes about 70-80 mph, but normally they drive about 50 mph, depending on the water conditions. As soon as they left the harbor they ran into spotted dolphins (which is rare to see around Hawaii). They headed north and swam with some Manta Rays then headed into the open ocean and found a sperm whale. The sperm whale is the largest predator in the world and it's a very special experience to see and experience a sperm whale. On their way back in, they swam with a pod of pilot whales. A bull pilot whale can get up to 15 feet. Byron was right in a pilot whale's face.
At the end of the day, they went to Kealakekua Bay by Captain Cook's monument, which is a beautiful place to end the day.
Photo by Jeff Milisen Tips for This Bucket List Experience Byron has done this trip 4 times, and 3 of the 4 times, they saw animals in the water. You may want to book this experience multiple days in a row to maximize the number of animals you might see. You're on a safari, you're heading out into the open ocean to find these huge creatures.
You are getting in the water with big creatures, so you do need to be cautious. How Does the Open Ocean Safari Differ From Swimming with Dolphins in Kona Snorkeling with dolphins in Kona is for everybody (or almost everybody). While the Open Ocean Safari is for those who truly want a bucket list adventure in the open ocean.
Requirements for the Open Ocean Safari
Must be able to stand for 4 hours. You are standing on the boat pushed up against the backrest so they can move faster. Very comfortable in the water, specifically the open ocean No back issues Can't be pregnant Over 4 feet tall Under 280 pounds No major surgeries in the last 6 months Be able to climb a ladder on the side of the boat Freediving skills (Check out this freediving course in Kona to get the full benefit of this day)
Gear Needed for the Trip
Reef Safe Sunscreen Good hat (that will stay on) Towel Rash Guard Swim Suit Mask and Fins (if you don't have these, they will be provided)
Worst Time to Do this Trip
Around the time of a storm Winter (could have swell conditions) Busy holidays (unless you book in advance)
When To See Specific Whales and Sharks in Kona, Hawaii
Hammerheads - January/February
Thai Farm Cooking School in Chiang Mai Show Notes
Each podcast episode I dive into a specific experience that can be replicated and then give you a how-to guide to make it happen. Today we are getting our fingers dirty and we are talking about experiencing a Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai, Thailand. These are the show notes for the Thai Farm Cooking School in Chiang Mai.
Please listen to the episode above or wherever you listen to podcasts. How I found the Thai Farm Cooking School 6 weeks ago when I was leaving Koh Lipe, Thailand (listen to the last episode if you’re interested in Koh Lipe), I met a family at the Elephant Café and they started giving us their tips for visiting Chiang Mai (which is the 2nd largest city in Thailand located in Northern Thailand). They gave us a full itinerary and they recommended a cooking school in Chiang Mai called The Chiang Mai Thai Farm Cooking School.
I’ve always been the cook in my family. I read cookbooks for fun, but truly homemade Thai cooking has always intimidated me, so thought a Thai cooking class in Thailand would be a great way to be introduced to homemade curry pastes, sticky rice and more. My Full Day at the Thai Farm Cooking School in Chiang Mai The Chiang Mai Thai Farm Cooking School was fairly full, but they had one spot for me on the 9 days I was there in Chiang Mai. For you listeners out there, go ahead and book early if you know you’re going to Chiang Mai.
This school offered 2 classes, a half day and the full day. I opted for the full day and was picked up at my hotel in a nice van with about 9 other people.
We first stopped at a market in town (where no other tourists were at) and our teacher, Kim, explained the difference between sticky and non-sticky rice. You can actually see the difference and you use different methods to cook each. Take note to never boil sticky rice, it just won’t work.
Kim also walked through how to make each dish vegetarian and the correct substitutes for fish sauce and oyster sauce. Life at the Organic Farm We continued on our drive to the Organic farm where the Thai Farm Cooking School was held. When we got to the farm we all put on straw hats and headed to the field. Kim showed us ingredients I haven’t seen before like Thai Eggplant and dynamite chilis. I took too big of a bite out the dynamite chili I tried, and it was spicy! There wasn't milk outside either, let's just say that I made a little bit of a scene!
Going into the farm brought a whole new experience to food. It was to smell and taste each ingredient, bringing in all of the senses.
Back in the kitchen, it was time for us to make our own curry paste. We could choose in between red, green, or yellow. I chose green… it had lots of fresh ingredients and I had to muddle my own curry. It was hard work making my ingredients into a paste. Each time my instructor stopped by, I thought mine was done but she told me to work harder. I have so much respect for people who make their own curry paste!
At the school, we also got to choose a soup to make. I chose Thom Kha soup, a coconut milk based Thai soup and I swear it was the best soup I’ve ever had in my entire life. I could taste each ingredient, and the flavors danced on my tongue. Really everything I ate at this cooking school was my best meal in Thailand.
We also made a chicken cashew stir fry, spring rolls, mango sticky rice, and we learned how to decorate our curries. We used coconut milk for cooking and coconut cream for the décor. You’ll see that we made fun designs on top of the curry using coconut cream. We ate at many restaurants on our trip in Thailand and no one else plated like the Thai Farm Cooking School.
Why Should You Take a Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai? You will make new friends, plus you'll be around like-minded people who love to eat and travel too. We came from many different parts of the world including Chile, France, the US and more.
Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes You may have heard about an amazing island called Ko Lipe (or Koh Lipe) in Thailand. This gem of an island is located in the Andaman Sea and the turquoise waters will blow you away. Ko Lipe has even been dubbed the Maldives of Thailand because it is that beautiful there. Yes, Koh Lipe is amazing and beautiful (plus you can find excellent food there), but this episode is about using Ko Lipe as a jumping off point to experience a deserted island in the Andaman Sea.
Please press the play button above and listen to this podcast episode with Clare Hartley on how you can experience a deserted island in the Tarutau National Park.
Why Should You Go to Koh Lipe & Then to a Deserted Island? We've all seen those movies where those good looking movie stars are on beautiful beaches, surrounded by jungle and it looks and feels like paradise (well maybe before they all die). You can actually get to a deserted island and have your own slice of paradise without being a millionaire.
First off, Koh Lipe is gorgeous. The waters surrounding Koh Lipe will delight your eyes and your soul. Also, you can find some amazing eco-friendly lodging (with air conditioning) and even a vegan beach bar where you can enjoy the most delicious breakfast smoothie bowls while looking out at the turquoise green water.
What's special about Koh Lipe, is that it is part of an archipelago of 60+ islands that are uninhabited. You can show up to the water taxi stand on Pattaya Beach or Sunrise Beach and get a boat to a neighboring deserted island for as little as $6 US. The boats run 7-5:30 PM. If you want to stay after 5:30, bring a tent and the boat will stay with you overnight and take you back in the morning. It will be a night you will never forget!
Show up with your friends, some food, water, mosquito repellent, and be prepared to have an amazing time in paradise. Also be mindful to leave as little as a footprint as possible.
How Do You Get to Ko Lipe (Koh Lipe) Thailand? You can only get to Ko Lipe by boat. There are no airports on Ko Lipe, so you're SOL if you're not into boats. The two main routes to Ko Lipe are:
Speedboat or Ferry from Langkawi, Malaysia Speedboat or Ferry from Hat Yai (via Pak Bara Harbor)
I was coming to Ko Lipe from the United States so I flew into Singapore, spent a few days there, then got a direct flight to Langkawi (about $40 US). It cost me about 40 ringgit to get from Langkawi airport to the Telaga Harbor where I hopped on an hour ferry to Ko Lipe. 2019 Schedule from Telaga Harbor (Langkawi, Malaysia) to/from Ko Lipe There is a daily service from Telaga Harbor (in Langkawi, Malaysia) to Ko Lipe.
January - May 1st, 2019
Departs Telage Harbor: 9:30 A.M. and 2:30 PM
Departs Ko Lipe: 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 4:30 PM
You can view an updated schedule and buy tickets at Telaga-Terminal.com Speedboat vs. Ferry When Traveling Around Thailand Islands in the Andaman Sea We took a ferry from Malaysia on the way to Koh Lipe, which was fine. It was a little rough, but nothing we couldn't handle. On the way back, we were en route to Pak Bara, then Hat Yai and we took a speedboat. The Andaman Sea is known to be rough, and our 1 hour speedboat ride took over 2 hours and we hit some huge 15-20 foot waves. Everyone had their life jackets on and clung to the seat in front of them.
Somehow my 4-year-old daughter fell asleep on my lap. They didn't have any children's life jackets, and I wrapped her up in multiple adult life jackets and held onto her. It was quite the adventure trying to make it to the harbor. Our suitcases were soaked, including all of our clothes (and my husband's rabies paperwork, because he got bit by a dog on the island and needed shots). But it was a story to tell and we did make it and were happy to get on a 2-hour bus to make it to the Hat Yai airport. Best Time to Go to Koh Lipe Even though the high season is Dec-Feb,
Swim with Humpback Whales: Interview with Susan Bird (Podcast Show Notes) Here in the US, there are strict laws on how close you can get to Humpback whales, which is why whale watching boat tours are offered in Hawaii, California, Alaska, etc. However, there are a few areas in the world where you can swim with humpback whales in the wild and the Dominican Republic is one of the best places to do it.
I interviewed Susan Bird (please listen above), who leads multiple expeditions in the Dominican Republic to swim with Humpback Whales. She is also amazing at energy work, check out her site. Now, these expeditions are not a tourist trap. These expeditions require a permit, a liveaboard boat that may only have 15 guests or so on it. They require a guide and a boat that can read the whales' movements and know when and where to put people in the water.
Photo by Susan Bird The Right Mindset to Swim with Humpback Whales You need to have an open mindset for these experience and patience. There could be bad weather days, some whales may just cruise by and may not be open for an encounter, you need to come with an open heart and good energy because you are now in the whales' territory and these animals can feel your vibration and energy. It's important to swim with humpback whales with only the best of intentions with love in your heart.
Susan Bird is very experienced with energy work and she can help guide the group into putting out the best energy and love to encounter these amazing creatures. In the podcast episode above, Susan shared one of her top favorite experiences when she encountered a mom and calf humpback whale and how they responded to their energy in the water.
Photo by Susan Bird Why Should Others Experience Swimming with Humpback Whales This circumstance is out of the ordinary, you are on a liveaboard, 85 miles from shore, and it pulls people out of their day to day experience. This experience helps you break from your structure. You're surrounded by water and the stars and there's no internet. It's a great way to pull yourself away from your comfort zone and help you experience amazing beauty in nature.
It expands your consciousness and awareness and this type of experience gives people a new appreciation for the ocean. The ocean is represented as another level of consciousness and when you enter the ocean it's like you're entering a subconscious and then you're exposed to a new world underwater. Then you add a 35-foot creature come up to you and look at you in your eyes, it shifts something in their hearts and souls. Many people become proponents for ocean creatures and ocean conservation after swimming with humpback whales.
Photo by Susan Bird Should You Swim with Humpback Whales in the Dominican Republic (Silver Bank) or Tonga? The Dominican Republic and Tonga are the 2 most popular places to swim with humpback whales. The difference in between the two is how many boats are out, permits given out, and how you see them. In Tonga, you would stay on the island then go out each day, where is as the Dominican Republic, you would be on a liveaboard.
In Tonga, the biggest concerns are the number of boats and operators and they give out around 35 or 36 permits to boats. There are usually a good solid 20 boats out at a time. The people in Tonga are wonderful, but Susan is a proponent for restrictions and safe ecotourism that is beneficial to the people and the whales.
In the Dominican Republic, there are guidelines and restrictions for the number of boats and the guidelines prioritize the highest well being of the animals. Only 3 boats operate in the silver banks (off of the Dominican Republic) which gives a more intimate experience for the whales and the guests.
Photo by Susan Bird What Types of Skills Do You Need to Swim with the Humpback Whales?
You need to be proficient at snorkeling Comfortable in open water
Image by John Shedick (Creative Commons License) Experiences You Should Have Show Notes: Loi Krathong & Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Interview with Stephanie Perry At age 41, Stephanie Perry quit her job to travel the world. She spent 12 months bathing elephants in Thailand, volunteering on an organic cricket farm in Cambodia and (most uncharacteristically) working as an au pair for a family in Australia. Stephanie started Vaycarious to help other women take off the Superwoman cape and spread their wings on a grown-up gap year.
I asked Stephanie Perry about a specific experience in the world that can be replicated that others should experience too, and she immediately responded with 'Loi Krathong and Yi Peng lantern festivals in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
It's so easy to look at pretty photos on your computer screensaver or look at vacation photos on Instagram, Pinterest, etc, but it's 2019 now, and it's time to make those amazing photos you've seen across the web a reality. It's also time to start planning your trip to Thailand so you can experience the Loi Krathong and Yi Peng festival this fall.
Press play on the player above to hear this podcast episode on the Loi Krathong and Yi Peng lantern festivals in Chiang Mai with Stephanie Perry (or listen where you listen to podcasts).
Why did Stephanie Go to Thailand for these Lantern Festivals? Stephanie was tired of looking at the screensaver on her computer for years and years, she wanted to experience life. When she turned 40, her life wasn't where she wanted it to be at this point. She didn't have kids, and it was upsetting to her. One day she said, either I'm going to be miserable about this, or I'm going to turn this into an opportunity. She decided it was the time to pick up and go, and this was her chance.
The first thing she decided that she was going to see the world. She decided she would take 12 months, empty her savings and see the world. She picked out festivals in cheaper countries and landed on Thailand. With only $14,000, she was able to spend a year in Thailand, which equates to $1200 a month.
She started in Phuket and then went North, then East and wanted to be in Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng and Loi Krathong festival.
What is the Loi Krathong Floating Lantern Festival? Loi Krathong is a festival that takes place in Thailand, known as the Thai Festival of Lights. Loi means float and Krathong means lantern. It takes place on the first full moon in the month of November. It coincides with Yi Peng, however, it is a different festival. Thousands of candlelit floats are released into the Ping river in Thailand, while sky lanterns are being lifted off in the sky for the Yi Ping festival. Each lit lantern floating down the river, contains wishes, thoughts, and prayers.
As your Krathong floats away, it's known to float away your troubles.
This festival will be taking place around November 11-13 in 2019. The dates do change every year, so definitely look it up!
Photo by Stephanie Perry What is the Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival? This festival is to show respect and honor to Buddha. It's a time to celebrate the new year and wish good fortune and letting go of bad fortune that had happened in the past year. It's a time for renewal and celebration by sending off thousands of sky lanterns. Tips for Visiting Chiang Mai During the Festivals
Get there early and watch the city come alive before the festivals Buy your plane tickets early and book your hotels well in advance (2 months in advance at a minimum) Definitely find yourself some mango sticky rice, your taste buds will thank you. Use tuk-tuks to get around or if you're really on a budget you can get around via red pickup truck taxis (songtaew) that you can use to get around town. Just ask them if they are going in your direction. Get your typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations before you go Come with an open spirit to embrace and explore and feel this amazing communit...
Dive or Swim with Great White Sharks: Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes Diving or swimming with Great White Sharks is on many people's bucket list and I got to swim with this amazing apex predator 8 years ago in 2010. However, this podcast (please listen above) is about Dive Instructor, Sarah Mayte's experience of diving and swimming with Great Whites in Mexico.
Sarah's trip was incredible. They saw over 20 different Great White Sharks over the course of 3 days. At one time, they had 6 circling their cages at one time. Sarah was very lucky because when I went at the same time 8 years ago, we saw about 4 Great Whites.
Sarah led her dive trip through Jack's Diving Locker and she booked this trip really early and went with a group of friends and coworkers. Their boat had about 30 guests, and 13 of them were part of Sarah's group. Now wouldn't that be a fantastic trip to go on with your friends and family?
Where is the Best Place to go to Dive or Swim with Great White Sharks? Not many people know this, but the best place to go for fantastic visibility and a great encounter is Guadalupe, Mexico. It's a tiny island west of Baja Mexico, and it takes about 24 hours via boat to get there, which is why you would go on a small liveaboard boat for this kind of expedition.
The worst place to go swimming with Great Whites is the Farallon Islands. You can't chum there and the visibility is low. Many people go to South Africa, however, the visibility isn't very clear and the sharks are hit or miss.
The most reliable place to see Great White Sharks is Guadalupe.
Photo by Jeff Milisen How Do You Get to Guadalupe, Mexico to Swim with Great Whites? You first fly to San Diego, California, then a bus will pick you up at your hotel. Sarah's bus had a big life-sized Great White Shark on the side of it. They drive you across the border to Ensenada, and you have to walk across the border and get your passport stamped. Then you head to the port, and get on your boat!
Photo by Jeff Milisen
Then it's about a good 24-hour boat ride to get to Guadalupe. You sleep, eat, dive, and swim right off the boat, the boat becomes your home, hence why it's called a liveaboard. How Long is the Expedition to Swim with Great Whites in Guadalupe? The average time needed for this trip is at least 7 days. It will take up a day to get from San Diego to Ensenada, then 24-hour boat ride to Guadalupe, 3 days with the Great Whites, a 24-hour boat trip back to Ensenada, then your bus ride back to San Diego, and you also need to allow time to get to San Diego from where you live. Budget at least a week if not more for this incredible experience. What is Your Average Day Like at Guadalupe? They opened the cages at 6:30 in the morning, and yes, everyone must use a cage (even though I personally would feel safe without the cage). There was no sun out and the water was cold, about 67-68 degrees. You might be tired, haven't had your coffee yet, but who needs coffee when you're jumping into cold water surrounded by Great Whites. The boat started chumming at 6:30, and the small fish showed up, then the Amberjacks came.
About 20 minutes into sitting around underwater in the cage, waiting for the sunrise show up, Sarah, saw a figure and was the biggest one they saw on their trip about 16-18 feet. Her name was Lucy and she has a deformed fin. She's scraped up and ragged because many sharks are. Many Great Whites actually have scars from where Cookie Cutter sharks have bitten them, pretty interesting to see. You spend the entire day in the cage or up on the boat eating and warming up.
Photo by Jeff Milisen
Sleep, Great Whites, Eat, Great Whites, Eat, Great Whites, Eat Great Whites, Story Telling, then Sleep... not bad at all.
The first day they saw 15 Great White Sharks and the second day they saw 10 Great White Sharks. What was Sarah's Favorite Part About the Trip? Sarah's not a photographer and loves watching animal movement.
24 Hours in London (Podcast Show Notes) 24 hours in London is better than no hours in London! London is a fascinating place that's easy to navigate, it's rich in history, and the food. Oh my, the food is so good, it will take you to a new land you may never want to return where you came from. Listen to this podcast episode on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or click the play button above!
My proposed itinerary for 24 Hours in London Head Over to the British Museum I think it's important to see real history (and stolen treasure) and explore one of the best Museums Britain has to offer. At the British Museum, you can see mummies (many), the Rosetta stone, Samurai armor, Younger Memnon and much much more.
Take a Tour of the Tower The Tower was one of my favorite places I visited. It will blow you away! The Crown Jewels are kept here (yes, they are real) and you can even find real Palace guards here. Tours are given throughout the day and are given by a real Yeoman. This isn't Disney, the people that work there are the real deal. The last tour starts at 2:30 PM in the winter and 3:30 in the summer.
Give yourself a few hours to explore the Tower and hear the stories.
Go Up in the Shard at Sunset The Shard is 95 stories high and the views at the top are breathtaking! There's even a bar up top so you can sip on your favorite drink as you soak up the views. There is something magical about watching London turn from day to night, plus it's not far from The Tower. Up there you can see excellent views of the Tower Bridge and all of London.
Enjoy the Food Tapas de Brindisa is just around the corner from the Shard, and if you are a meat eater, you have to try their Iberico. It is heaven in your mouth!! If Spanish tapas is not your thing, then make a reservation for Indian food at Dishoom. I also thoroughly enjoyed Lahore Kebab House. I can still taste the curries I had there as they dance on my tongue.
Eat Breakfast or Lunch at The Borough Market From December 4th to the New Year the Borough Market is open 7 days a week. The rest of the year, they are open Monday-Saturday (closed on Sunday). You must go here. The food here will take you to another land. I found an amazing sauteed mushrooms with a spelt risotto that blew me away and some of the best mussels I had ever eaten. This market won't disappoint!
Skip High Tea and Head Over to Tipsy Tea! I know that high tea is the thing to do in London, but let me tell you, it is expensive!! I am not willing to shell out $80 for tea and crumpets. However, I will pay $40 for 2 cocktails, a tray of sandwiches and desserts, an amazing magician (Harry de Cruz), and amazing music in a place that will transport you to another era.
That's right, I'm talking Mr. Fogg's Residence. This amazing gem made me get up and dance the Charleston as the lovely piano player played behind me. Now if you're not into a cocktail or not of age, then I don't recommend going here, however, if you appreciate a solid drink, from a teapot, then make a reservation!
Tips for Visiting London Use the Tube for Transportation and a Tip on Accessible Travel Fly into London, take underground trains (The Tube) into the city (avoid the Heathrow Express as it is pricey!). You will need to add money to an Oyster card at the airport to use the Tube everywhere. For 24 hours, throw $9 on there, you should be fine.
It's fairly easy to read the map for the Tube and if you're unsure of how to get somewhere, put where you are going into Google Maps and click on 'trains' and follow the walking and train directions. If you are in a wheelchair, get off on the stations with an accessible sign on them on the map, and there you can use an elevator to get out.
Check out the London Pass Take a look at what you want to do compared against the cost of a London Pass. The London Pass will get you into the Tower, The Shard, The British Museum and more.
Everything You Need to Know about Skydiving Everest (Podcast Show Notes) I interviewed an old friend from my skydiving days, Tom Noonan about skydiving Everest. We knew each other from our time in Lake Wales and Skydive Deland. He works for UPT, and I used to work for UPT when I lived in Florida.
Tom Noonan has over 3,500 skydives and has been skydiving Everest since 2008. He also along with Wendy Smith hold the world record for the highest parachute landing at 17,192 feet. If you have questions about Skydive Everest or want to Skydive Everest, Tom can help make that dream come true.
Listen above to the interview with Tom or listen to Experiences You Should Have where you listen to podcasts to hear the full interview and the experience of skydiving Everest!
What is the Most Adventurous Thing You can Do in Life?
Skydiving Everest is definitely one of the most extreme things you could do. Skydiving in a remote and scenic location, and place that skydiving experience in the remote Himalaya, while integrating HALO, makes skydiving Everest the ultimate experience.
Photo by Wendy Smith
What is a HALO Jump?
A HALO jump is High Altitude Low Opening skydive. Low opening means you have taken a long delay and open at a normal opening altitude or lower. Many times HALO jumps are used in military skydiving, however, there are many licensed skydivers who aren't military who do HALO jumps and you can skydive Everest with a tandem instructor and partake in a HALO jump.
Why Go Skydiving at Mt. Everest?
You will leave Nepal a changed person. There is something about Nepal. The universe makes more sense there than anywhere else in the world. It’s impossible to describe the experience that people have, but it is life changing.
The power of that part of the world, being immersed in that environment is like nothing else in the world. Tom has always said that he has left part of his soul in the Himalaya and everytime he returns, he feels like he is coming home.
How do you get to Mount Everest to go Skydiving?
Getting to Everest is a long trip. From the US it’s a 21-hour flight (quicker flights). Once you arrive in Katmandu, it’s like NYC. It’s busy, bustling, there’s people, activity everywhere. The following day they take a flight to Lukla, which is 9,000 feet above sea level and is the world’s most dangerous airport. You can only land one direction, no matter what the winds are doing. The pilots there are extraordinarily talented. It’s the equivalent of landing on an aircraft carrier without landing on an aircraft carrier.
Once in Lukla, you are at the entryway to the Himalaya. They then start a trek for 2 days. They walk 8-12 miles in those 2 days and ascend from 9,000 feet to 11,000 feet, then they spend 2 days acclimating to 11,500 feet. For most people, being at 5,000 feet will wind people. The higher you go, the more you need to work on climatizing. Your heart will increase, and their breath will increase, so they take their time with their trek.
During the time of acclimating they stay at tea houses, a big house with 30 rooms or so with a common kitchen and common area. They feed you and is a nice place to rest. Is there a city or town in the Himalayas? There is a little town called, Namche (population 1,600), and it actually has a coffee shop, bars, pizza, and more. Cafe 8848 is a great place to rest and work on climatizing. In Namche, they have pizzas, restaurants and some of highest bar tabs are had up there. Tom doesn’t consume any alcohol up there because one beer has the effect of 2-3 beers. It’s easier to get dehydrated, so Tom recommends using a level of caution when drinking at high altitudes.
Where is the Airport to Skydive Next to Everest? 700 feet above Namche is a 1200 foot dirt runway, the Syangboche airport, one of the highest airports in the world. This is the setup for the dropzone where you can skydive Everest!
Kayaking in Greenland Podcast Show Notes Listen to the latest podcast episode of Experiences You Should Have Above!
Also Subscribe to Experiences You Should Have on iTunes, Google Podcasts (or where you listen to podcasts).
Meet Katie Beth Gill, an incredible woman, and childhood friend who has traveled the world. She works for Doctors Without Borders and has been to 63 countries! When I asked her what was the one experience she thinks others should have, she responded with "Kayaking in Greenland." When Katie Beth tells you it's a must see, it is advice you should take to heart. Katie Beth did a great job of painting the experience and I am adding this experience to my own bucket list!
Follow Katie Beth on Instagram to see her amazing photos of her world travels! Some Interesting Facts About Greenland
Only 56,000 people live in Greenland... you heard it right, 56,000! Almost 80% of Greenland is covered by ice and glaciers In central Greenland, the sun does not set from the end of May to the end of July, also known as the midnight sun. Greenland now has a growing mosquito problem, which is associated with warmer climates (they are usually gone by the end of July) Kayaking was invented in Greenland by the Inuit, and the word kayak originates from a Greenlandic word, qajaq.
Why Should You Go Kayaking in Greenland? The kayak was invented in Greenland, why not go to the mother country to experience kayaking in a remote, but jaw-dropping landscape. You can go out on the water and be immersed in beautiful hues of purple, blue, and shades of white from icebergs jutting out the water. Can you imagine being on the water, in a kayak, in Greenland and hearing icebergs calving while seeing an array of beautiful colors in front of you?
Plus, did you know, you might see majestic whales! I bet you will remember that day forever, and that is what life is all about... experiences.
Where Do you Fly Into to Go Kayaking in Greenland Katie Beth flew into Ilulissat (JAV), which is not the cheapest place to fly into. I just looked up round-trip tickets from Portland, Oregon to Ilulissat for July and the price of the ticket is 2k round trip, which is not cheap. However, this is a bucket list trip and you can start saving now! If you fly on Icelandair, you can have a free stopover in Iceland on your way there. While you're there, you should check out the Golden Circle or have an adventure of a lifetime in the Hornstrandir Nature Preserve. Kayak Tours in Ilulissat, Greenland (and Costs) Katie went with PGI Greenland, which she saw as soon as she got to Ilulissat. It's a small town, with only four thousand people living there, so it was easy to find PGI Greenland. They offer a morning kayak tour and an evening kayak tour. Kayak tours are offered in the summer and cost 1345 Kr ($145) for a guided 3-hour tour around Greenland Icebergs and it includes all the gear you need.
Total Trip Costs Katie Beth's trip wasn't cheap, it cost her $5,000. She and her friend stayed in the Ilulissat Hostel, which is the cheapest accommodations in Ilulissat, however, it costs them about $70 a night, so budget appropriately. There are a handful of restaurants there, but a simple chicken wrap cost Katie around $25, so plan on doing some grocery shopping while you're there. It's not a tipping culture, so you don't have to plan extra cash for large tips.
If you've always wanted to kayak around icebergs, traveling and kayaking Greenland is actually half the price of going to Antarctica! Is Kayaking in Greenland Kid Friendly? It really depends on what your kid is into. If your kid/s are into nature, then this would be an amazing experience. PGI Greenland kayak tours says that there is no minimum age for their kayak tours, but the child must be 1.5m tall, which is 4'9". Sounds like it will be a while before we're taking our baby there. Other Recommended Episodes of Experiences You Should Have Podcast
Canyoneering (Waterfall Rappelling) Podcast Show Notes with Joshua Lambus Joshua Lambus is one of those people who is very magnetizing. He is Kona based and is a world-renowned photographer, check out his incredible photos! Josh is an experience lover whether it's underwater with Tiger Sharks, falling through the sky, walking on a slackline high above the earth (high-lining), or waterfall rappelling, a part of canyoneering. In this episode, we are exploring the world of canyoneering (or canyoning depending on what part of the world you're in). What Is Canyoneering? Canyoneering is more than waterfall rappelling. It is essentially figuring out how to get down a canyon by rappelling (or abseiling), scrambling, climbing, jumping, swimming or other. This is not a walk in a park, it requires many different skills to be able to navigate a canyon safely, and a beginner route could take all day. What's Great About Canyoneering? Every experience is different and requires problem-solving in order to make it out. Josh, was first introduced to canyoneering when he was slacklining in high places (hi-lining), and originally thought canyoneering was a means to an end, meaning it was a way to slackline, however along that process, Josh fell in love with canyoneering.
Many times Josh and his friends do exploratory canyoneering. They look at various maps and enter an area that hasn't been explored.
5 years ago, Josh and his friends went to a place that was a black dot on a map, where the shade and shadow met. They found themselves over 400 feet of exposure, which was exactly how much rope they brought (thankfully). They dropped down a 2-tiered waterfall, one 180 feet, and another 200 feet with a small section of ledge between the two. It was breathtaking and was one of Josh's largest rappel.
One day Josh took his helicopter pilot friend to a small canyon, quick and easy (8 hours). There were massive boulders, tunnels, old train tracks, and his friend was blown away. The next time he took a flight, he saw the canyon from his helicopter, and it was a teeny tiny canyon and it was a canyon he had never seen before. It's amazing how we pass by things every day and don't realize the secrets the canyons hold until you're in it.
Photo by Joshua Lambus What Does Canyoneering Feel Like? The first time you get to a drop and look over that edge (like 100 ft, 150 ft), you first get that feeling of how am I going to do this. Many times people walk to the top of waterfalls, but that is as far as they go. But in canyoneering, you are stepping over that edge and the edge now becomes the beginning.
Once people start to go over the edge, their perspective starts to change as new possibilities are created. You go from seeing something as impossible to possible.
We are 2-dimensional beings, but once you get into Scuba Diving, Skydiving, or Rappelling, you add in a new perspective and a new dimension you can live in.
Sometimes you might be rappelling into a cave with a waterfall, then you might swim through a cave that pops out into a river. Josh never realized this experience was possible until he did it.
Photo by Greg Chavdarian
Goes to show, that you don't know what you don't know, and you may need to question yourself like Steph Davis, that the Edge is Just the Beginning. The Edge Is Just the Beginning - Steph Davis How Close Are You to Waterfalls? You enter at some point into a canyon, you might be walking along banks, or swimming through a canyon, but there are times when the elevation stops abruptly, and many times, they need to rappel down a waterfall.
If they are lucky, they like to rappel down the side of a waterfall, but sometimes because of the way the way the canyon is carved, sometimes they rappel down the center of a waterfall. The thing is, if the rope falls through the water, then the rope could get stuck.
Photo by Joshua Lambus Dangers of Canyoneering:
You are reliant on gear and gear can fail or ...
Podcast Show Notes: Traveling to Antarctica Meet Chelsea Turner from the New Wifestyle blog and listen to the above podcast episode on traveling to Antarctica. Chelsea and her husband decided to go to Antarctica together a few years ago and this experience changed her life for the better. How Do You Get to Antarctica? You can fly to Antarctica, but it’s going to cost you a pretty penny, possibly adding 10k to your trip. Most take cruises through Drake Passage, which has some of the roughest seas in the world. It’s a 2 day (38 hour) boat trip from the most southern part of Argentina, Ushuaia, which is where many Antarctica trips start. You can also take a boat from New Zealand.
How is the Cruise to Antarctica? The boat that Chelsea took was smaller than most, it held around 80 people, which is nice if you ask me. They weren't on a cruise like an Alaskan Cruise, they were on a true adventure expedition! They went with Antarpply Expeditions. The first two days traveling to Antarctica had rough seas, but it was nice and calm when they made it to Antarctica. It’s a good idea to take the drowsy Dramamine and spend those 2 days sleeping on the boat until you arrive in Antarctica. She and her husband had her own room, but they went with a cheaper room and had bunk beds and a shared bathroom with another room. The people you are on the boat with are the same people you will see the entire trip, and they made life-long friends on the boat. The entire expedition was 10 nights and 11 days, but 4 of those days were travel days. What Does Antarctica Look Like? It's stark white with majestic sharp-peaked mountains, icebergs, untouched snow, and it feels like you are on another planet. It’s so isolating and makes you feel apart of a huge world and gives you a new perception of how vast it is. It’s a beautiful blank slate and it feels like a different planet. Chelsea didn’t see a town. There are 10,000 people that live in Antarctica in the summer (November-March), but in the Winter, there are only 1,000 people that live there during the darkest of the days in the Winter. There are research bases in Antarctica, but the tourist boat didn’t go to a research base. What Can You Do in Antarctica You are constantly going on and off the boat. Get a ‘cruise’ out of your head, this is an exploration. You are exploring day in and day out. Zodiac boats would take you to little islands and they even took them to an active volcano. They saw penguins, humpback whales, orcas, and got to see many icebergs.
Why Travel to Antarctica? You can go to a place where not many people get to, plus you can see a goal come to fruition in saving for a big trip.
Go to Antarctica if you love adventure and meet like-minded people. Go there if you want to have an experience that you’ve never experienced before. Plus, you'll make lifelong friends, and who doesn't love those? How Much Does Traveling to Antarctica Cost? Including flights to Argentina and the boat and expedition to Antarctica, it was about 10,000 per person. This was for a budget room, a bunk bed with a shared bathroom, and they planned this 10 months in advance. If you are flexible, you could find a cheaper last-minute deal. If you skip the 38-hour boat ride, you can fly to Antarctica and then join up with a fancy cruise, but you will be paying a pretty price tag for it, at least 20,000 per person.
You can check out current rates with Antarpply Expeditions here. When Can You Tavel to Antarctica? November-March are you only months that you can travel there, or you might get stuck in Antarctica. Antarctica Packing Checklist • Smart Wool Socks • Good Winter Coat • Warm Hat • Warm Gloves • Hiking Boots • Snow Pants • Thermal Pants • Fleece • Face Mask • Under Layers • Passport *Don’t bring hand warmers, they won’t work Top Tips for Traveling to Antarctica: • Be open new experiences, new people • Embrace the fact that you are in Antarctica
A View Into the World of Skydiving Skydiving has always been near and dear to my heart. I have over 400 skydives and I started skydiving when I was 20 years old. My first time skydiving started in Lake Wales, Florida outside of Orlando. I will never forget being in the back of the Twin Otter strapped to my instructor and doing a backflip out of the plane. We saw earth, sky, earth, sky, earth, sky, then earth again. When I felt the wind at my face in freefall, I realized that skydiving was not so scary after all. I started smiling and laughing in freefall. Once we landed, I signed up to go for a 2nd tandem skydive. At the end of my 2nd tandem, and decided to hang out at the dropzone (skydiving center) longer. As people finished skydiving for the day, they went over to a fire pit. Skydivers gathered around the fire and started telling adventure stories and their 'oh sh&*% moments'. As I sat there listening to the crackling fire and the skydiving adventure stories, I realized I had found a special group of people. One by one the skydivers left the fire and started to retreat into their tents and trailers at the dropzone. I saw that these skydivers lived there. I had found a community... an adventure community and I realized I wanted to be one of them, and so I did. I learned to skydive (which didn't come naturally). I'll save my learning to skydive story for another day, but it's a good one, I promise.
Gail's first time skydiving in Lake Wales, Florida
That's the start of my story, but I wanted to bring someone I highly respect in the skydiving world on the show to talk about her first time skydiving, Melanie Curtis. World-Renowned Skydiver, Melanie Curtis
Melanie Curtis and Jason Moleski, professional and world-renowned skydivers started a new podcast called Trust the Journey. I thought bringing Melanie onto the show would be a great idea because she is a life coach and helps people overcome fear and employ courage. She helps others have a mindset shift between what we are capable of doing and what is possible. Melanie has been skydiving for 23 years and her first skydive still motivates her and essentially changed her for the better. Melanie also runs a group called the VSC (virtual skydiving coach) which helps new skydivers entering the sport.
Melanie Curtis's First Time Skydiving Melanie was 18 years old when she went on her first skydive. Aviation was in her family since she was alive. Her dad was a pilot and had an airport at her house (a grass strip by her house). Her dad opened a skydive at the house with his best friend that was in upstate New York. Their dropzone is no longer in operation but it was called Verona Skydiving Center back in the day.
Melanie sat in on the first jump course many times growing up because she grew up around the dropzone. She was so scared to go for the first time and could have jumped when she was 16 (today you need to be 18 to go skydiving in the US), but she took her time to go on her first skydive. One day after Melanie graduated from high school she decided she would go skydiving the very next day. She told herself that, "tomorrow is the day". The next day she entered her first jump course for her first static line jump and had the intention of making her first skydive after the ground course. She was afraid, but her courage exceeded her fear and she went to that first jump course with the intention of making her first skydive.
The Day Came for Melanie to Jump Most people who go for their first skydive go on a tandem skydive (which is highly recommended). Melanie did her first skydive 18 years ago and her first skydive was static line and she wasn't attached to an instructor. Melanie made her first skydive out of a small Cessna. Melanie was sitting behind the pilot's (her dad) seat facing the tail of the plane, next to the door. They were flying on jump run which is the height where they would exit the airplane. It was time to open the door,
Learn about going off the ring road and experiencing a multi-day hike in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in Iceland.
Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Mary Stange on Taking a Train Through the Scottish Highlands with her Family Mary Stange from Bambinos Without Borders blog shared one of her favorite experiences on Experiences You Should Have Podcast, which was seeing Scotland by train in the Scottish Highlands with her 2-year-old son and husband. This particular train trip was only 2 hours from start to finish and it was a magical experience. Scotland has always been a bucket list place for Mary, and she got to see this magical place even with a toddler! The landscape was completely magical, green, mountainous, with rivers and cliffs. Everywhere you turned, it felt like a storybook and every detail felt like it was living and breathing. It was so captivating. The spirit of Scotland was breathed in the rich landscape and this was very magical place for Mary. Scotland has always been described as majestic Scotland, and now she knows why. Traveling to Scotland with a Toddler Mary's family train trip through the Scottish highlands was about 2 hours start to finish and it included lunch! They took the Strathspey Railway for their adventure. They started in Aviemore, then went to Boat of Garten, then to Broomhill and then back to Aviemore. This Scotland steam train tour through the highlands is definitely a family-friendly trip. Mary's son was on the train as a 2-year-old and still talks about it 2 years later. He remembers the engine, watching the engineer shoveling coal into the firebox, and he remembers the experience of being on a train and climbing inside of it. I mean, a train trip is a 2-year-old's dream come true, and can also same the same for almost any age. The 2-hour steam train trip was perfect for having a toddler on board, but if Mary and her family return to Scotland, they'd like to do a longer steam train trip.
Seeing Scotland by train should definitely be on your list because it takes you back to a very historic time and you can see the impact they had on the industrial revolution and you can go anywhere in Scotland and find a steam train to take you back to the romantic nature of railway travel.
Cost of a Traditional Sunday Luncheon Scotland Train Tour The cost of this particular Scottish highlands steam train lunch trip (lunch included) was 43 pounds per adult and 21.50 per child. The food on the train was very nice. They tried to put a fancy Sunday luncheon. They served tomato soup, roasted veggies, smoked salmon, potatoes, puddings, desserts, meat, coffee, and tea. They also served haggis, a Scottish dish that is composed of minced sheep and other organs. If Haggis is your thing, check out this haggis recipe that got some pretty good reviews on The Spruce Eats! If you want to see the full Sunday lunch menu for the Strathspey Railway, you can view the menu online here. Best Time to go to Scotland: Mary and her family went in September, but it did rain a lot. The rain was more like a pacific northwest drizzle, not enough The best months to visit are actually May and June. What Types of Clothes Should You Pack for a Trip to Scotland?
Raincoat Layers - you never know when the sun will come out
What other Toddler / Family Friendly Things You Should Do While You're in Scotland? Definitely check out some distilleries. Turns out you can bring kids to many different distilleries, check out Mary’s blog post on Bambino's Without Borders on kid-friendly Scotland distilleries. If you have kids, you should definitely check out the playground at the Ballindalloch Castle. When you vacation with kids, many times you are sightseeing between playgrounds.
They are so many hidden towns, islands, and small places in Scotland and The Isle of Skye is on Mary’s list to check out next time. The Harry Potter Train and other Trains in Scotland Hogwarts Express - Harry Potter Train de:Benutzer:Nicolas17, Glenfinnan Viaduct, CC BY-SA 2.5
The train that Mary went on isn't the only Steam Train in Scotland.
Experience an Ice Cave, Nude Beaches, and a Nude Spa in Austria with Emmitt Muckles with Billionaire Lifestyle Podcast Podcast Show Notes - Listen to the episode above or on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts (for Android users) Emmitt Muckles with Billionaire Lifestyle Podcast (about conscious creators, perfecting your trinity and living life to the fullest), tells all about his baring meeting with his future in-laws in Austria. Emmitt joined his future wife at the time and her parents to an Ice Cave and then to a beach.
Check out Emmitt's Show!
Dachstein Ice Cave in Austria Before Emmitt started his nude adventure, he and his soon to be in-laws went to the Dachstein Ice Cave in Hallstatt, Austria, which is one of the largest caves in the world. You can visit this ice cave with kids, but make sure you dress warmly as it gets pretty cold in there. You can take a cable car to the cave and when you leave you can take a cable car to a nearby beach.
After the tour, they took a cable car to the beach. At the end of the beach, they saw 10-foot shrubs, and Emmitt found out that he was being taken to a nude beach. It's not uncommon to find people in Austria who enjoy nude beaches. In 2016, Austria took the title from Germany as sunbathers most likely to go nude at a beach (Expedia Flip Flop Report).
At the nude beach, Emmitt realized that he had nothing to judge by at the beach. The people he saw could have been bums or CEOs. He couldn't see if people had pedicures, manicures, designer clothes, etc. All he could see if people were fit or not. Going to the nude beach leveled the playing field and all he could see were human beings. The beach visit didn't last long, an hour into being at at the nude beach, Emmitt was stung by a wasp... in the groin! Now the wasps are out in August and September, so protect the family jewels and consider going in May, June, or July. Visiting a Nude Spa in Austria Two years later, Emmitt and his wife went back to Austria. This time he figured there would be a nude moment with his in-laws. His in-laws suggested going to a spa, but when he heard the word 'spa', he thought it was massages and cucumbers. They brought him to a spa, which looked like a community center upstairs that had a basketball court, cafe, etc. But the spa was downstairs. He had to take a shower first, then it was time to go in the buff. Everyone was nude in the spa below and there were multiple saunas with temperatures ranging from 100 degrees to 120 degrees. The spa was co-ed and he only saw adults there of all ages. And yes, everyone was naked.
Photo from https://www.alpentherme.com/en Nude Spa Outdoors There was an outdoor section of the spa with a lap pool and there was a pool that turned into a hot spring which is known as a 'bad aussee'. There was also a cold pool that was ice cold to cool down in.
If you want to know what you found is a spa, you will see the word 'bad' around the spa name. The Cost to go to a Nude Spa in Austria Emmitt only paid $37 to go to the nude spa in Austria. If you add in lunch that you eat at the spa, you're looking at under $50 for an entire day at the spa. The spa that Emmitt went to gave him an RFID armband to pay for his food, so he didn't need to walk around with his wallet or cash. Pretty smart. What Should You Bring to a Nude Spa?
Sunscreen Flip Flops Your own robe (if you don't want to wear one from the spa) An open mind
Being Naked is Taboo
Many people think being naked is taboo and if you see someone naked, nude, in the buff... that it is a sexual thing. Many people like to be naked because it is freeing. If everyone is naked on a nude beach or at a nude spa, it doesn't turn into an orgy. We were born in our birth suits and there is nothing wrong with enjoying being naked. Let's talk about Nude Spa and Nude Beach Etiquette Now if someone doesn't follow the etiquette and gets aroused at a nude beach, spa, or even when painting a subject,
Black Water Diving is an Experience You Will Never Forget Black water (or blackwater) diving is by far one of my favorite types of dives I've ever done. I've been diving for 16 years and I've seen a lot in the ocean, however, black water diving astounds me every time I've gone. I only have 12 blackwater dives, and I am hungry for more. Many people when they hear 'blackwater diving' they think it's simply diving at night. But oh no. Blackwater diving is very deep water, we're talking thousands of feet deep. Now you the diver aren't going down thousands of feet, you just drop down to 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 feet late at night and paint the darkness with your light and then you start to see creatures that live in the deep that are now up in shallow water. window.dojoRequire(["mojo/signup-forms/Loader"], function(L) { L.start({"baseUrl":"mc.us19.list-manage.com","uuid":"c98f8ee80dad6b3294c16e167","lid":"2d6f35300e","uniqueMethods":true}) }) In this podcast episode, I interviewed Jeff Milisen, who works for Kona Honu Divers (my favorite Kona dive shop), who leads these blackwater dives on a weekly basis. Jeff is a biologist and one of the few people that can talk to you about the science behind what you're seeing when you are underwater with these alien creatures. Where Can You Go Blackwater Diving? Kona Hawaii is one of the best places to go out on a black water dive. There aren't many boats in the world going out however, it is gaining popularity in Florida and the Philipines. What's unique about Kona is that you can take a boat a few miles offshore and now be in water that 5,000 feet deep below you. If you go out with Kona Honu Divers they will tether you to the boat so the divers that come with the boat leave with the boat. What Type of Experience Do You Need to Go Black Water Diving? You need to be a certified diver and have at least 50 dives under your belt. This is an advanced dive and you need to be able to keep your cool in the dark water and be ok with not being able to see the bottom of the ocean. If you're not a certified diver you can take a class to become a certified diver, like this one. What Types of Animals do you See when Going on a Black Water Dive? What you may see one night might be completely different from what you see another night. You can expect to see lots of animals in the jelly family. You will probably find ctenophores, siphonophores, pelagic squid, pelagic fish, larvae creatures, and if you're lucky you might find a larvae cusk eel (shown below).
What if I don't dive, but would like to go out at night on the ocean, what are my options? I get it, not every person is a certified diver or a diver that wants to go and do a blackwater dive, but you're still up for an adventure. Well, then check out the manta ray night dive in Kona. That dive is on the top dives in the world and you can also snorkel it. You can book a manta ray night dive or snorkel here. You can also listen to an Experiences You Should Have podcast on the infamous manta ray night dive here. The black water dive leaves after the manta ray dive on a few select nights. Photo below of the manta ray night snorkel in Kona by Jeff Milisen.
Now check out some amazing black water photos from Jeff Milisen of these alien pelagic creatures and check out his photography on iphotograph.fish
Note on Accessibility My husband has cerebral palsy and he got his open water diver certification 7 plus years ago. I talked about black water diving to him for 4 years before he did it, and he ended up doing 3 black water dives on 3 separate nights! The video below shows our Kona adventure including black water diving and diving with manta rays at night. If you're currently not a diver and are handicapped, check out the Handicapped Scuba Association or Dive Pirates (offering adaptive diving) for more information on adaptive diving. Once you get enough dives under your belt and are comfortable with night diving, come try out black water! Also,
Espiritu Santu Vanuatu Diving If you are looking for a bucket list dive to add to your diving list, then diving the SS President Coolidge wreck dive in Espiritu Santu Vanuatu is a must. I met Danielle Jolly in the Galapagos and got to learn about her experience diving in Vanuatu as well as other things to do in Vanuatu like checking out the underwater post office!
The SS Coolidge was used in WWII as a transport for troops and was sunk with landmines during the war off the island of Espiritu Santo. It currently sits in 35-60 meters of water so an advanced level of diving needed. While there isn’t a current, because it is a wreck dive and there are areas of full penetration available, the experience is a must!
Going inside the ship and seeing the statute of “The Lady” is a highlight. Tradition for seeing “The Lady” involves taking out your regulator and giving the lady a kiss! If you want to do this dive and are an advanced diver, then we recommend diving with Allan Power dive tours. He takes small groups and even has a spare diver on land that is ready to jump in if needed.
A night dive was the highlight of the dive on the SS President Coolidge for Danielle. There’s a fish called the flashlight fish that are sensitive to light and contains a bubble of phosphorus. Just as the sun goes down the fish light up come out of hiding to feed. These tiny fish are visible by the thousands and it is a similar experience to looking up at the stars!
The best time to go diving in Espiritu Santu in Vanuatu would be May-October to avoid the rainy season. Because of the tropical weather, the water is warm and great for diving.
There’s a reef around the island of Espiritu Santo, with some of the best snorkeling. There’s a blue hole in the middle of the island that you can access via bicycle.
Hideaway Island is about a five-minute boat ride from Espiritu Santo, and it contains the world’s only underwater post office. Make sure you buy your waterproof postcard and stamp first! If that wasn’t adventurous enough for you, visit the island of Tanna, hike up the volcano and visit their post office as well!
If you liked this podcast episode, and want to hear another diving episode, then check out episode #1 on the Manta Ray Night Dive in Kona, Hawaii!
Featured Photo - Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santu (a popular beach in Vanuatu) - Photo taken by Jae Lee
Shannon McDowell explains why you should experience Via Ferrata in the Dolomites Shannon McDowell (2-time world champion in Ultimate Frisbee), shared her experience of via ferrata climbing the Dolomites in Italy. You may be wondering what via ferrata climbing is. Via ferrata is a lot like rock climbing, but when you climb via ferrata there is a fixed line that you clip into. There is a device you bring with you called a via ferrata device which has an attachment that you use to clip into the rope into the via ferrata. Via Ferrata means "iron path" which dates back to the metal ladders in the mountains in WW1. window.dojoRequire(["mojo/signup-forms/Loader"], function(L) { L.start({"baseUrl":"mc.us19.list-manage.com","uuid":"c98f8ee80dad6b3294c16e167","lid":"2d6f35300e","uniqueMethods":true}) }) Shannon and her teammates spent a week in the northern Dolomite region climbing via ferrata and it was an adventure to remember. They visited a few areas of the northern Dolomites, the lower dolomites (which has more rolling hills) and the upper dolomites that were more mountainous.
When you go via ferrata climbing, you want to select your route at least the night before. It may be a 30 minute to a couple of hour hike to get to the via ferrata route. Shannon and her teammates chose routes that would take about half a day. When Shannon went it was mid-august and thunderstorms were showing up in the afternoon, they got an early start each day. Shannon's favorite part about the trip was experiencing the history of the Dolomites. This area was part of WW1 and has an extensive history here. Where do people go Via Ferrata Climbing? Via ferrata climbing is very popular in Europe and isn't very popular in the United States, yet. The climbing traditions in the US has the goal of leaving the rock the way it was in the 'leave no trace' idea. In Europe, they are more open to adding ladders and line to help others experience the rock in a new way. The Dolomites in northern Italy is top via ferrata climbing spot, and is a magical place you should experience. Where Can You Stay when going Via Ferrata in the Dolomites? The refugio/rifugio is a cabin that is managed by an Italian and these cabins may be right along a highway or in the wilderness. They are like a bread and breakfast. You can buy breakfast or dinner while you're there and is a great home base while you're there. Some refugios have private rooms you can rent and other refugios are bunk bed style like a hostel. Refugios are like hostels, but a bit more adult friendly. You could also camp when doing via ferrata in the Dolomites. Roadway camping in northern Italy has pull outs on the road and camping there is free. These roads are small and windy and may not be the best roads to bring a trailer. You could also do a multi-day camping trip in the Dolomite National Park and have an experience you would never forget.
How do you get to the Dolomites? You can fly into Milan, Venice, or you could fly into Munich or Zurich airports in Switzerland. You should do a cost analysis and see which is the best to fly into for you as well as what other adventures you want to have while you're over there. Shannon recommends renting a car to get into the Dolomites and having a car is a great way to get around. Also, you drive on the right side of the road in Italy, so if that's what you're used to, you'll be alright. What type of Climbing Gear Do You Need for Via Ferrata the Dolomites? Shannon recommends bringing shoes with a stiffer sole like hiking shoes. You can also bring rock climbing shoes. If you are a beginner, you definitely don't need to go buy new rock climbing shoes. You should purchase your own via ferrata device of your own. It is a very important safety gear. Check out Black Diamond for via ferrata climbing devices. You should bring a climbing rope in case you fall on your via ferrata device so you can belay yourself down if you fall on a via ferrata device.
Podcast Interview with Surfer & Theoretical Physicist Garrett Lisi Garrett Lisi, a famous theoretical physicist, has been someone I've been following for a long time. What I've always admired about Garrett is how he embraces experiences instead of stuff. I first found out about Garrett after his TED talk 10 years ago, and we've been in touch since. Science isn't Garrett's only love, surfing his one of his many passions. window.dojoRequire(["mojo/signup-forms/Loader"], function(L) { L.start({"baseUrl":"mc.us19.list-manage.com","uuid":"c98f8ee80dad6b3294c16e167","lid":"2d6f35300e","uniqueMethods":true}) }) Learning How to Surf and Stand Up Paddle Surf in Maui The summertime is the best time to learn how to surf in Maui. If you have more than 2 weeks to commit to surfing, Garrett recommends that you buy a board over 8 feet on craigslist and committing those weeks to really learning how to surf. If you have less than 2 weeks, then rent a board at Hi-Tech and they'll talk to you about where to go. Winds do kick up in the summertime in the afternoon, so it's recommended to go surfing in the morning or right before sunset. By going surfing at these times you're also avoiding the sun when it is at its worst.
Top Maui Surf Spots for Beginners:
The Cofe Grandma's Launiupoko Thousand Peaks Kaanapali Beach
Average surfboard rental is about $30 a day.
Instead of traditional surfing you can try stand up paddle surfing. Make sure that the board is stable enough that you can balance on it. I made that mistake and tried a board that I could not get my balance on, and I could not stand up on this board, even though I stand up paddle board a lot on rivers and lakes here in Bend, Oregon. What's great about stand up paddle surfing is that you're already winning once you're standing on the board, now you just need to catch the wave! Best Beach in Maui to Surf and Bring a Toddler To: We were just in Maui and found Launiupoko and it is the perfect spot to bring your baby or toddler to because there is an awesome wading pool protected by the waves. Have one parent stay behind with your toddler while the other surfs or stand up paddle board surfs just right ahead. Surfing Attire and Coral Reef Safe Sunscreen
You will want to wear a rash guard and a surfing hat. Maui has a real problem with sunscreen, bad sunscreen is getting into the water and upsetting the coral reef. Most sunscreen is all bad for the coral reef. Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in sunscreen and it hurts the coral. If you're hitting the waves, use Zinc Oxide or find a coral reef safe sunscreen like Badger.
Add a Cross Country Train Trip to Your Bucket List Taking a cross country train trip is not exactly the cheapest way to travel across the country, but taking a train across the US (or another country) will definitely be an experience you won't forget. You can kick back, look at a new landscape that you don't normally see on the road, and meet new people. window.dojoRequire(["mojo/signup-forms/Loader"], function(L) { L.start({"baseUrl":"mc.us19.list-manage.com","uuid":"c98f8ee80dad6b3294c16e167","lid":"2d6f35300e","uniqueMethods":true}) }) In this podcast episode, I interviewed Luke Menasco on his experience from taking an Amtrak train across the country from Florida to Central Oregon, which took him 5 days from start to finish. You could extend your cross country train trip in the US by using a Rail Pass from Amtrak that allows you to spend up to 15 days, 30 days, or 45 days exploring the country and taking multiple segments and stops so it breaks up your trip a bit. Check out Luke's Video on his Amtrak Cross Country Train Trip
How much did the cross-country train trip cost on Amtrak? The train ticket was $369, coach seats the whole trip. Sleeper cars can range anywhere from $200 to as much as $1,000 per leg of the trip, depending on the time of year. How long did it take to travel cross-country on Amtrak, and what was the route? The train left Orlando, Florida on Monday evening, and it arrives in Portland, Oregon on Friday Morning. So 4 nights total. My trip was a bit farther as I had to go from Portland, Oregon to Chemult, Oregon, which arrived Friday evening. Orlando---Washington DC---Chicago---Portland Were you on the train the entire time? No. There were two extended layovers - one in Washington DC for about 9 hours. There is a metro station at Union Station - so easy access to get anywhere you need to go. In Chicago, my layover was about 5.5 hours. Enough time to get out, see some sights and get some food. You can check your bags at the train stations as well, for about $10. What were some must-have items on the train? Earplugs and an eye mask were crucial. Those two in particular. Earplugs to drown out the noise of other passengers, the noise of the train on the rails, the train horn. Crucial. Eye mask because there are lights in the train at night. It's dim like an airplane would be, but still lighting here and there. Snacks. Tablet. Headphones. Chargers. Each seat has 2 110V outlets, and each of the tables in the observation cars does as well, so power is never an issue. Neck pillow. Blanket. You didn't mention the food. How was the food? I would say that train food is slightly better than airplane food. The menu in the dining car on all of the trains was the same - so it did get a bit old. For breakfast, prices ranged from $8 to $14, lunch $12-$15 and dinner $16-$25. There is also a snack bar that has candy, snacks, drinks (beer and wine), as well as some sandwiches and burgers. The service in the dining car was very good, and the staff was all very friendly. Traveling alone, meals in the dining car were always fun because you're typically paired with 1-3 strangers. So you're typically exchanging stories for around an hour. Here is a link to the dining page on Amtrak: Sleeping in coach on Amtrak. Was it that bad? I'd say, yes. If it were an overnight trip, not so bad. Even 2 nights. But by night 3 and 4 - it started to take a toll. The first 2 nights of the trip I had someone in the seat right next to me. That changes the experience quite a bit, as it's pretty close quarters. Having two seats to yourself makes a pretty big difference. Not in comfort as much as just feeling a bit of privacy. Comfort wise, it's just difficult to really get comfortable in those seats. There's not really any getting around that. Earplugs and an eye mask are pretty invaluable. // How were the bathrooms? Were there showers on the train? The bathrooms were similar to an airplane bathroom.
The Top Things to Do Near and Around Edmonton Alberta in August I was on a Scuba diving trip in the Galapagos when I met Sarah Hoffman, the Minister of Health for Alberta Canada, and I could easily see that Sarah had a zest for life. I picked her brain on an experience everyone should have and she said that experiencing Edmonton Canada in August is an experience to never forget. window.dojoRequire(["mojo/signup-forms/Loader"], function(L) { L.start({"baseUrl":"mc.us19.list-manage.com","uuid":"c98f8ee80dad6b3294c16e167","lid":"2d6f35300e","uniqueMethods":true}) }) The top things to do near and in Edmonton Alberta are:
Try the macaroons, scones, gluten-free goodies and coffee at the Duchess Bake Shop (French Bistro style) The Fringe festival is the 2nd biggest international Fringe festival in the world. They have an interactive play center, kids events, and adult evening events like burlesque shows. Spruce Point State Park - a few hours North of Edmonton. Half of the lots are on the water and if you are there at the right time, you can see the Northern Lights.
Recommend booking 3 months in advance.
If you want to see the Northern Lights use this site to find out the best dark spots to go around Alberta and the Edmonton area. You may even hear the Northern Lights crackle. You have to have poutine Eat a few handfuls of Saskatoon berries - looks red, but a little more tart than a blueberry. You can buy local beer and wine at outdoor farmer's markets, yes please! Dinner at a food truck with a glass of wine in hand, I'm in! West Edmonton Mall - Canada's biggest roller coaster, water park, amazing slides and even a skating rink (lookout for the Edmonton Oilers practicing) Edmonton's taxes are the lowest in Canada, so come stock up on what you need when you're in town Check out the Edmonton Art Gallery Get in your car and drive 3 hours south and check out a Dinosaur Park at the Royal Tyrrell Museum and find the Albertosaurus! This dinosaur has only been found in Alberta!
So get your travel plans ready and go check out Alberta Canada, go see the northern lights and find some dinosaur fossils. Don't forget to eat a freshly baked scone and a handful of saskatoon berries!
If you end up spending more time in Canada, head on over to Jasper and Banff and check out this episode on cycling from Jasper to Banff.
Water & Beach Cleanups (and using less plastic) Everyone should experience participating in a water or beach cleanups and see the impact of plastic in the ocean and in our water. We live in a trash society and a one time use society and we throw so much away. Here in Oregon, even our recycling is becoming trash because China does not want to take our trash because most do not recycle properly. window.dojoRequire(["mojo/signup-forms/Loader"], function(L) { L.start({"baseUrl":"mc.us19.list-manage.com","uuid":"c98f8ee80dad6b3294c16e167","lid":"2d6f35300e","uniqueMethods":true}) }) We are going to run out of places to throw away our trash and currently, plastics are being broken down intro microplastics and are showing up in animals in the ocean. It's super fun swimming with manta rays and enjoying the outdoors, but we are slowly killing the animals in the ocean and rivers with our plastic use. We then eat fish and other animals that have eaten plastic and we end up with plastic in our diet. Yes, it's gross. As we go into the new year think about the plastic that is present in your life and ways to reduce plastic around you. A few tips on how to reduce plastic use
Go strawless. I know itâs hard. You have to ask for no straw before they bring out your drink. If you can, try to remember to ask for no straw when going out. Bring your own cup. If you donât have a cup in the car, then have your coffee inside. So many times Iâve gone to Starbucks and seen people drinking out of disposable cups inside when you can ask for a mug or a glass when sitting inside. If I forget my Hydroflask or other mug and I donât have time to go inside, then I donât get drive-through coffee. Bring reusable bags and reusable produce bags when you go grocery shopping. If you forget to bring your bags, opt for paper instead. Think about the single-use items that you use and how to replace them with reusable items. Compost! I save my compost and bring them to a commercial compost and when I throw a party for more than 15 people, I break out compostable plates, cups, cutlery, and napkins and they get composted into soil. Give gifts in reusable bags or wrap presents in compostable paper. Stay away from single-use items like balloons, fireworks, etc. Bring a mason jar with you to a restaurant and use it as your take out container. Buy from a local farmers market or bring your own jars or bags for bulk bins at the grocery store. Make your own cleaners and put them in reusable bottles.
For 24 hours write down everything that is plastic that you touch. I promise that you will be blown away by how many items are plastic. If you go out and see trash, pick it up and its less trash that is in nature and outside that could get in our waterways.
If you'd like to get involved in beach or waterway cleanups check out the International Coastal Cleanup site to help set up your own waterway or beach cleanup or find other beach cleanups in your area. You can also find out the weird things that people find at cleanups around the world.
Check out the podcast on this with Tara Spiegel and subscribe to Experiences You Should Have Podcast where you listen to podcasts!
Experience a Glow Worm Cave in New Zealand via Black Water Rafting Experiences You Should Have Podcast That's right, I said black water rafting in a glow worm cave in New Zealand. This is not white water rafting, and you're not in a raft, I know the name is deceiving. But you can experience rappelling (or abseiling as New Zealanders and Europeans call it) into a glow worm cave, then zip-lining in the cave as you see glow worms whizzing past you. The adventure does not end there. You then jump off a 15-foot cliff into the water, in the cave. The water temperature is 10-14°C / 50-57°F, but you do wear a padded wetsuit. At the end of the tour, you get to free climb up a waterfall. How's that for adventure?!
Christine Pham paints the picture beautifully and explains the full experience in this episode. (Christine is actually trying to become the Chief Experience Officer for Cancun, you can vote for her here).
Glow Worm Facts A glow worm is in its glow worm cave for 9-10 months and it lives for about a year. It then lives in a cocoon for 2-3 weeks. These fungus gnats make love then the female will lay its eggs then die. How's that for a life? Glow worms are actual carnivores and cannibals. Glow worms are in the cave year round but the summertime (in New Zealand) has the most hatched glow worms. There are more glow worms during this time, but you can go anytime in the year and see glow worms. Logistics for the Glow Worm Black Water Rafting Adventure
The cost for this black abyss tour is about 250 NZ dollars (175 US Dollars). You spend 2.5-3 hours in the cave Restrictions - Come as a complete newbie, don't need skills at all. You need to be 16 years old and at least 45 KG. Walking - You do walk a fair amount, about 200 meters, but it seems longer because you are walking in water and over rocks. Where Can You Do It? In this podcast episode, Christine talked about the Black Abyss Adventure tour and you can book this black water rafting tour here.
The Black Labrinth Tour - Another Glow Worm Tour for Ages 12 and Up There are other adventure tours available. The Black Labyrinth glow worm tour does not require harnesses and you get to jump off waterfalls and enjoy glow worms floating in the dark. You need be at least 12 years old for this tour and at least 45 kg or 99 lbs. New Zealand Glow Worm Walking Tours There is also a walking tour available where you experience the spirituality of the cave with a small group and you walk on suspended walkways above the water channel so you can see more formations that the wet tours don't experience. The max amount of people for the walking tour is 18 people.
There is also the Waitomo Glow Worms Caves which are more widely known. Groups have up to 50 people and these tours are great for families and elderly. Wheelchair Friendly Glow Worm Cave Tours If you are looking for a wheelchair or ADA friendly glow worm cave, the Ruakuri Cave is your best bet. The Ruakuri cave is the only wheelchair accessible cave in the southern hemisphere. An adult ticket is about 75 New Zealand Dollars which is about $55 dollars in US currency. Other Unique New Zealand Adventures You Must Experience Hobbiton is an amazing experience you should check out when in the area, which is where Lord of the Rings was filmed. Also, check out Kaitiaki and Rotorua white water rafting if you love adventure tours. You go over the world's largest waterfall that commercial rafts can go over. This is an adventure you shouldn't miss!
If you do go to New Zealand, definitely check out the South Island and drive through Mount Cook and spend a day or two at Queenstown. You can go jet boating, white water rafting, skydiving and Milford Sound is absolutely stunning. New Zealand Tipping and Food Tipping is not customary in New Zealand and is never expected. Surprisingly New Zealand has amazing Indian food What is the closest major airport to the Glow Worm Caves? If you want to experience this adventure,
How to Visit Kruger National Park with Simone Paddock What is a self drive safari at Kruger National Park Like? Imagine driving on a lonely road in the morning mist through the African bush â and all of a sudden, thereâs a baby elephant appearing in front of you. Heâs tiny, swinging his little trunk around, and running to try and catch up with mom. Then you notice papa elephant munching away on a shrub right next to your car and realize heâs been there for a while already, keeping a close eye on you. You stop, turn off your engine and just sit and watch them forage, play, be social and live their lives.
Itâs a mystical, magical experience.
No amount of David Attenborough documentaries or re-runs of Madagascar or The Lion King can prepare you for the serene majesty of these animals and the utter wonder of seeing this type of wildlife in its own environment.
I think you immediately connect with the primal nature of the experience and realize how incredibly privileged we are as humans to be sharing the same planet with these animals. Why did Simone visit Kruger National Park? My parents lived in South Africa for 4 years in the late 1950s and 60s. Returning to Switzerland to raise their kids, they filled our house with treasures and mementos from their time in Africa, and I grew up surrounded by drums, masks, wooden figurines, beaded trinkets and even a zebra skin on the wall of our living room.
So I decided to go see for myself what made this continent so fascinating and to experience the magic for myself.
 Why you should visit Kruger National Park: With over 7,500 square miles of terrain, Kruger is one of the largest national parks in Africa. In terms of wildlife, however, Kruger is one of the worldâs greatest game reserves. The diversity, density and the sheer number of animals is almost unparalleled.
What makes the park special though is the truly vast network of roads you are able to explore on your own - and without a paid guide by going on a self drive safari. There is a detailed map available and plenty of off-the-beaten-track small dirt roads you can follow, water holes you can hang out on and observe animals.
During my 9 days in Kruger National Park, I came to realize just how precious these animals in the park are â and how few are actually left.
In the mid-70s, around 1.5 million elephants roamed Africa. Today, itâs believed to be less than 400,000 â and about 100 are being poached EVERY SINGLE DAY for their ivory. Whatâs most distressing is that the poachers are ruthless and not only kill elephants outside of the parks â even in Kruger, there is poaching. 46 elephants were killed inside the parkâs boundaries in 2016 alone, and the rangers protecting the wildlife are often also shot or even killed. In 2012 alone, 200 poachers were arrested inside the park.
It will only ever stop when the price for ivory in China goes from over $1,000 per pound and rhino horn in Vietnam goes from $40,000 per pound to ZERO.
Also consider this: There are about 25,000 rhinos left on the continent. South Africa's has about 93% of them, and of those, 12,000 are found in Kruger. I never saw a single rhino during my entire time there.
I also only saw one lion. Which was lucky, considering that itâs estimated that only about 20,000 lions are left in Africa. A century ago there were over 200,000 â in the last 25 years alone, 50% of all lions have been killed or vanished. Threats are mainly loss of habitat, loss of food due to the illegal trade of bushmeat (many lions actually starve or are caught in traps intended for antelope), poaching for parts and human-lion conflict around life stock.
In addition, weâve lost 40% of the giraffe population in the last 30 years, and leopards, cheetahs,
Cycling from Jasper National Park to Banff National Park Jim Simms talks about his trip when we cycled from Jasper to Banff. The trip took about 4 days and he and his group stayed in hostels along the way and even had a support car following them that the cyclist could get into if they got tired. You're on the bike about 8 hours a day and you can work on those butt muscles by practicing cycling at your local gym. You ascend between 2000-3000 meters but there are descents in this trip, but Jim found the descents to be more challenging than the ascents. You could reach up to 50 mph when going downhill! Disc brakes are recommended to help control your speed. Most of these trips happen in August and you don't have to go alone!
Check out Elbow Valley Cycling Club to find out when they are doing their next trip!
Kona Manta Ray Night Dive & Diving in Kona
Diving in Kona, Hawaii and experiencing the Kona manta ray night dive is an experience to remember. Kevin Stewart with Kona Honu Divers shares a how-to guide on getting SCUBA certified and the best time to dive with the manta rays at night in Kona. Kona Honu Divers is my personal favorite dive shop and highly recommend booking the night dive with them. If you have non-divers with you, you can do see the mantas at night by snorkeling on top of the water. Listen above to my interview with Kevin Stewart.
Photo by Jeff Milisen Best Snorkeling in the World You may not be a Scuba diver and that's ok. If you are looking for the best snorkeling in the world, the Manta Ray Night Snorkel really in Kona, Hawaii, really is the best snorkel trip you can take in the world. The boat leaves an hour or so before sunset, and you can see a beautiful Kona sunset as you head out to see the manta rays. You then pop on your fins/mask and hop in the water with an instructor. You quickly kick over to a surfboard and you hold on and look down.
There are lights shining down from the surfboards and many Scuba divers are on the bottom (20-25 feet below) shining lights up. This is one of the most well lit night dives and snorkeling sites in the world. The light attracts plankton, which then attracts manta rays. Manta Rays come gliding in and start to do a dance below (or above if diving) your eyes. You will see them swim in an up and down circular motion sometimes as they feed on the plankton, and this is truly a magical experience you should try. What Types of Skills are Needed to Snorkel or Dive with the Manta Rays? If you are snorkeling, you need to be comfortable in the open ocean. If you want to dive, you need to have an Open Water diving certification. You can get your Scuba certification while you are in Kona, Hawaii, do you 4 checkout dives and make the manta ray night dive your 5th dive. In order to get Scuba certified, you need to be at least 10 years old, be cleared by your doctor to dive, and you need to be able to pass written and skills tests in the pool and ocean with your instructor. How Much Does the Kona Manta Ray Night Dive Cost? It costs $125 to dive includes your air tanks or nitrox, weights, and dive light. How Much Does the Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel Cost? It costs $115 for the manta ray night snorkel which includes mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit. Are Manta Rays Dangerous? Manta Rays are not dangerous, they don't have a stinger or barb like its cousin the stingray. However, they are massive and divers are at risk on the bottom to get bonked on the head and even have a manta ray bump the regulator and mask off a diver. If this happens, don't panic, put your regulator back in, your mask back on and breathe calmly. You are surrounded by other divers and dive instructors and you are only 20-25 feet deep. Accessibility and Diving if You're Handicapped If you are handicapped or have limited mobility you may still be able to dive. Find out more information on adaptive diving here. Ready for Another Adventure? Some nights when the boats come back from the Kona manta ray night dive and snorkel, they go back out for Blackwater Diving. This is only for scuba divers, not snorkelers, and you should be very comfortable with night diving to do this adventure. Learn about Blackwater Diving from my interview with the famous underwater photographer, Jeff Milisen.
Check out the below videos to see the manta rays in action!