tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87098853321105790672024-02-20T09:33:32.903-08:00Eagle & Hawk ParkourWe are a Sisterhood who believe by the good grace of Mother Nature we shall venture on this Earth free to explore and pioneer our way through space and time, with the Great Spirit of Adventure.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-57105010008196108912016-05-20T12:08:00.002-07:002016-05-20T12:08:24.227-07:00Front Sight Firearms Training Academy - Ropes and Rappel CourseAlright, so this year, I decided to up my game and tackle the world of firearms training, and fulfill my destiny of becoming an expert marksman. On top of that, I decided it was time I train some swat team skills because, oh I don't know, it's extremely useful for when I'm stuck on the side of a cliff, or need to get out of a burning building. Which has never happened... so maybe its for me to continue learning survival skills, because it's fun and useful. <br />
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With that said, fun and useful are an understatement and a half! I learned so much, that I need to actually go back and review multiple times. The entire 4 days of the Ropes and Rappel course you are either learning knots, rigging, or rappelling. We started off on a 12' wall, and I found that a bit intense since we had 50 mph winds on the first day. By day 2 we were rappelling off the 45' tower, and that was enough to cause some vertigo, but the trainers were AMAZING and really talked/coached you through it all. <br />
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Some things I would have improved upon however, was the belay training. The trainers do not belay you. The students do that. And I found that unnerving. I want my belay to be trained and ready to catch me if I fall. I felt there was a lot of room for error, and if you have students belay, there needs to be training in that. Our training pretty much consisted of one demo. Then they handed you the rope and put a person's life in your hands. Technically your life is in your own hands, and if you fall in the first place, it's due to your own human error. The belay, is there for backup. But STILL! I want my back up to be trained. <br />
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Other than that, it was an awesome experience. I gained a ton of insight, and I will go back for this course. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You have a great view of the desert from the class site. There is also a good balance of classroom time and outside class time, which is good because it's 4 days, 9 hours/day, with 1 lunch break, and a few bathroom breaks.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This tower is multi-functional and you can learn several types of rappels, including the head first rappel.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You totally need a buff to keep the dust out of your mouth and nose. When that wind picks up, the dust is killer.</span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-69122330573409025472016-05-20T11:48:00.003-07:002016-05-20T11:48:58.293-07:00Death Valley... or rather... DROP DEAD GORGEOUS Valley<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I mean. There isn't a whole lot to say, except for the fact that Death Valley offers some of California's most beautiful terrains and sights to behold. This is the entrance of Death Valley at Twilight. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was able to capture the sunset while driving through, and I was in awe of this place. Absolute awe.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We drove through in March, and the super bloom was happening. We did Kung Fu, Yoga, we sprinted up and down sand dunes. <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I crab walked through the valley of the shadow of death </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/backbend" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">#backbend</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/crabwalk" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">#crabwalk</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/deathvalley" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">#deathvalley</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"></span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/90srapmusiconmymind" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">#90srapmusiconmymind</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We decided this was the spot for our annual family picture. We're calling this "The Ninja Bunch".</span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-8844980638259374552016-05-20T11:28:00.001-07:002016-05-20T11:36:28.939-07:00Mono Lake Adventure - Beware of Sink Holes!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The beauty of this lake is out of this world. But make sure you come prior to spring, because flies are a force to be reckoned with as temperatures heat up.</span><br />
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This gem of wonder located 30 minutes before Mammoth Lakes (if you take the hwy 395 route from Tahoe) to Las Vegas is an incredible sight to behold. BUT before you venture out onto the lakeshore, BE WARNED... I was determined to paddle board this lake, un<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">til the moment I found myself in a sinkhole. Yes... Quicksand... Everywhere... Exists...HERE. In this place. BE CAREFUL. The kids were of course following me, and I yelled at them to stop, to get back to the pier, where there was a stable, above ground walkway. I told them to not venture any further, while I carefully removed my right leg from a sinkhole and sidestepped on some incredible unstable terrain while carrying my freaking paddle board. Lon (my husband) yelled from the walkway, "what's wrong?" I yelled back, "keep the kids with you! There are sink holes!" So of course, Lon immediately came out after me. The moment Lon got within 25 feet from me, his face went white. "Get back kids! Get back!!"</span></div>
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Lon often says, "Elle, you can't keep yourself out of trouble." And he was right...particularly right on this day. Paddle boarding out on this lake, on this particular day, meant major trouble. But yet, all I could think about was how beautiful this lake was, and how not a single soul was in it. The entire lake to myself!!! I stood there, looking at the lake, then looking back at Lon. I thought, hey! We've got a big long rope in the back of the truck. It'll be fine! Lon read my face (and ultimately my thoughts)... "Elle... Elle... This is not a good idea..." It took a minute, but the idea of sinking and dieing in salty mud wasn't something I had in mind. So yes, I side stepped carefully away and off the lakeshore. Only to find that we needed to drive to the OTHER side of the lake to find this rad spot, which had some intensely beautiful and safe places to hang out. I didn't paddle board, because I simply couldn't get that close to the lake shore without being totally confident I wouldn't be swallowed alive. So I'll have to try again during the summer and see how stable the terrain seems to be, and go from there. In the meantime, if you decide to stop by, just watch your step <i class="_3kkw _4-k1" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v3/u20/1/16/1f61c.png"); background-size: 16px 16px; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><span class="accessible_elem" style="clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); height: 1px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; white-space: nowrap; width: 1px;">š</span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When parking at Mono Lake there is a drop box for money. And the restrooms were locked when we arrived on the North side of the lake (We visited in March). There is a cool playground for kids and lots of scenic wonder stuff to see. This particular shot was taken on the South side. Here is a <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=mono+lake+restrooms&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS692US693&oq=mono+lake+restrooms+&aqs=chrome..69i57.3718j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=mono%20lake%20restrooms&tbs=lf_msr:-1,lf:1,lf_ui:1&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=37968279,-119126784,1173&tbm=lcl&fll=37.9297787970156,-119.22412630703127&fspn=1.7325289714705576,2.663851625097834&fz=9&oll=37.73693555,-119.6921249&ospn=0.9213959333344093,1.514081888991882&oz=9&qop=1&rlfi=hd:;si:11564969877491164078" target="_blank">LINK</a> to the google map.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mono Lake is also known as the land of Pumice Stone. There is pumice stone EVERYWHERE. You can pick up boulders and they are super light weight. File your feel while your at it. It's an epic experience.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These orange metallic looking trees are absolutely fascinating. You honestly have to see for yourself in person. They are so wild to see!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are these cool rock formation everywhere. If you have time to hike around the whole lake, you will see much more interesting formations. We had to make a short stop. So next time!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-21891424205600374182016-04-09T12:35:00.000-07:002016-04-09T13:01:12.516-07:00The Non Tourist Maui AdventureWell it's been awhile! And that would be because I have been busy doing the adventure thing, owning a gym thing, homeschooling 4 kids thing, and being a wife thing. There is a lot to catch up on, but I'll start with our recent trip to Maui. We spent a total of 15 days on the Island. We did the whole family adventure/nomad trip in one of those VW camper vans, which was awesome. We beach hopped every night, dove over a dozen spots and beaches. Then the last 5 days we were there, we ran an <a href="http://www.parkouradventureretreat.com/" target="_blank">Adventure Retreat</a> with folks from the gym. This blog post is about the Family Adventure portion. I'll have to do a whole separate blog post on the Adventure Retreat side, because it's just a lot of info and experiences to cover. Plus I gotta cover what we saw IN the ocean, that's a whole other blog post coming too!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Off - This happened. Clear blue waters, and happy kids. This spot is located at Baldwin Beach, my favorite beach. It is known for it's incredible crashing waves, but if you pull into the parking lot, and then walk a mile to the left (facing the ocean), you will find this serene lagoon, protected by rock and coral, perfect for the kiddos to swim in a gigantic, warm, salt water pool. Fishes come to visit, so bring your snorkel gear. And do watch the kids, because there is still a current, that can pull you out to the unprotected area, and sweep you out to sea. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baldwin Beach has this amazing energy. People are working out, doing yoga, running up the sand dunes, and overall training their bodies to be stronger. There is even a pull up bar set up at this place (it's the very last sand dune trail to the left). My husband Lon and my oldest decided to practice their rooting skills. Kung Fu opportunities are EVERYWHERE.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Check out the Big Blue. I will have to post what we actually saw IN the water on a different post. This shot is taken at Kaanapali, near the famed snorkeling and cliff jumping spot "Black Rock". This is the most touristy spot we hung out at, and it's worth it, because of "Black Rock." The snorkeling is world class, and you will see incredible things, like GIANT sea turtles, GIANT sting rays, and hundreds of varieties of fish. If you stay close to the shore, you will see fish for sure, and sea turtles. If you are an adventurer and swim past the rock, and swim all the way around it, you will see the giant stuff. Fish that are bigger than you. And when you see fish that are bigger than you, the things that EAT the fish bigger than you, are out there too. So fair warning there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3oVoOZ6P2dVUumh-7Ju3_GdMdGb-NAGapWSD-Jm-BfnK8X5s-iGcuzGPEARUbuDfM9B04JKxj0pLFbNDYse4-MrUNUsv3cWAqQnPMWCojP2xXp-0h2eEyxEUHGus_4CZkSr_Dd3OTbg3/s1600/12716072_10207907500717319_2108307711408095339_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3oVoOZ6P2dVUumh-7Ju3_GdMdGb-NAGapWSD-Jm-BfnK8X5s-iGcuzGPEARUbuDfM9B04JKxj0pLFbNDYse4-MrUNUsv3cWAqQnPMWCojP2xXp-0h2eEyxEUHGus_4CZkSr_Dd3OTbg3/s400/12716072_10207907500717319_2108307711408095339_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baldwin is still my favorite place though. I was inspired to do Yoga because I'm artsy like that.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did the VW camper van thing. It was totally epic, and we saw so much of the Island. It was amazing waking up to the sunrise each morning, with the waves lapping just a few feet from your "doorstep". We even got to experience a monsoon at this location.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the view! Every spot had a completely different type of terrain. One of the places (not pictured) was this incredible clifftop. BUT we were awoken in the middle of the night by some tweakers who decided to park next to us, growl and mumble loudly, while shooting up meth and heroine. Needless to say, we weren't interested in spending the night on a cliff face next to those guys. Sooooo, should you decide to camp and do this, be prepared for things like that. It only happened to us that one night, but still, that was frightening. We found a new spot. Phew!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the sunrise with my son was a beautiful experience each day. My little 7 year old would rise before me, and wrap himself in a blanket, and then stand next to the waves, facing the sun. I joined him every morning. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These kiddos... I was nominated for Greatest Mom Award for cooking Mac & Cheese in the van and serving it on the beach. Overall lots of happy smiles on this trip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed a wholesome breakfast of cereal as we found ourselves on the North Side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the coolest things about Maui is the vastly different types of terrain. On the West Side of the Island you get desert terrain, but also the vast sandy beaches. Whereas if you venture further North, you'll run into thickly forested areas. If you head East, you are in the JUNGLE. It's really an AMAZING place to visit. This shot was taken at DT Fleming Beach, the North end of Maui.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are hikes and rock scrambling galore on the North end. But BE CAREFUL. The Ocean is wild and dangerous, and even if you know how to read weather patterns, and you are an expert swimmer, always think about how you can minimize risk. We rock scrambled to this spot at sunrise, and there were moments where I wish we just brought our shoes, because there was some broken glass (boo the people who litter). And I was leary about getting too close to the water, at this point. If the rocks are wet, stay far back. Here it looks wet (but it's not, the volcanic rock can be deceiving).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All in all, Maui is probably one of the safest island adventures to experience. There are signs EVERYWHERE with warnings, like "Shark Attack's Here at this Spot", and things like that. Maui has a really high regard for safety in comparison to other tropical islands throughout the world. I would say, I felt really comfortable bringing my small kids here to experience some Adventure hikes, snorkeling, free climbing, cliff jumping, sea cave exploring, ect. Plus it's still within the USA, so no need for passports if you are a US citizen, there is a hospital, and cell phone reception (although, we were in places for days on end with no reception), BUT the island is small enough that you can get to a cell reception area within an hour. If you are like me and don't want to vacation inside a box, Maui still has so many non-touristy areas to explore and experience. Be respectful of the locals, and if you can blend in, EVEN BETTER!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-21350536315336527432015-07-23T16:45:00.001-07:002015-07-23T16:45:37.998-07:00Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National ParkDoug and I have spent the last few months training for the John Muir Trail this July, and this last weekend we went on a little warm up hike to test out some of our new gear, new methods, and get our feet wet at altitude.<br />
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Actually, now that I think about it, that isn't accurate. I talked Doug's sister, Nancy, into a 45 mile hike in three days as "training" for our Machu Picchu hike in Peru this winter. Somewhere in there I mentioned to Doug how much fun we were going to have and suggested that he come along. And then Nancy ended up using all of her vacation time going to Germany, so Doug and I ended up doing the trail by ourselves and I chalked it up to a JMT warm up. Yes. That's how that happened.<br />
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In any event, Doug and I hiked 45 miles in three days. That's really the meat and potatoes of what I am trying to say. <br />
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The venue was the lovely Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park, and if you have never been there you should seriously consider taking the time to do so. It has all of the majestic appeal of Yosemite without the crowds. Being a loop, you can nab permits for the trail going clockwise or counter-clockwise. The thing is that Glen Pass, the high point of the trail at 11,970', is not exactly half way through the loop; rather, it falls on the counter-clockwise side. Which means that if you go counter-clockwise, you climb the pass in 17 miles, whereas if you go clockwise you climb it in a luxurious 26 miles. It also means that Clockwise permits are hard to get, because no one really wants to deal with how steep that 17 miles is. <br />
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Naturally, I could only get permits for the hard way.<br />
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But that's okay, right? After a few weeks of telling Nancy and Doug that the hard way was carved out of fire and brimstone and that we would never, EVER go that way, I got to tell them that really, I was exaggerating. It's not that bad. We will be fine. I mean, I know that I"m the only one that really likes hiking uphill, but don't' sweat it because it will be SO MUCH FUN.<br />
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Nancy having bowed out, Doug and I set off on Friday morning to the park in order to camp over night in an attempt to get semi-acclimated to the beginning elevation. We got our permits early so we could get up and go the next day. And, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, we did just that.<br />
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And OMG the first day was hard. 15 miles all freaking uphill. We climbed from 5000' something to 9500'. Over the course of 15 miles hat doesn't sound so bad, but it was a little brutal that day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHpQkHP-SvV0NB0WDybzV5OzsCMPpxHpWqlADWo9XYl_SnDIL7WCIYpsk5_j2zQsW_3PrC3qtvcIvMRkLgcShqHHpXo9VF8a_9tkDMQmARpGowbvid2MnX4UXc88h10IB6AgnN557I5TN/s1600/20150620_114148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHpQkHP-SvV0NB0WDybzV5OzsCMPpxHpWqlADWo9XYl_SnDIL7WCIYpsk5_j2zQsW_3PrC3qtvcIvMRkLgcShqHHpXo9VF8a_9tkDMQmARpGowbvid2MnX4UXc88h10IB6AgnN557I5TN/s400/20150620_114148.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is Doug being not too happy with me. A common theme when I talk him in to backpacking trips.</td></tr>
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But the Rae Lakes Loop is seriously a beautiful loop guys. if you ever get a chance to do it, you really should. Though by the end up the trip, I decided that four days was really the way to go. Split the first day up into two or something.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUU1NMtHFPcJ2A4EKcdkuDKXYSCDBsxvOgTcXolihOWTLwLPWyQaPnSd6wPzXASiobaO5GqRA-V7VujkrdBBvI101HfVCoCyL1-5CtP0PFsKP8UEBCaWNHCey_EEN6hIT4E5U0wB5f2KLt/s1600/20150620_163823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUU1NMtHFPcJ2A4EKcdkuDKXYSCDBsxvOgTcXolihOWTLwLPWyQaPnSd6wPzXASiobaO5GqRA-V7VujkrdBBvI101HfVCoCyL1-5CtP0PFsKP8UEBCaWNHCey_EEN6hIT4E5U0wB5f2KLt/s400/20150620_163823.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm in a freaking meadow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B-zOHLcxSGe7gd0WA0TH5FUObeYP20-5bsqEaUQc3_4OoFAIllWUUi0Chddob4fACZJG8AEKSGg3f2jhCblkKwwsFdmFtLTr7Vf_uKwt6SbmxmbquP2C_z7j_eeW6QQOfCi3d8lz03sy/s1600/20150620_175429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B-zOHLcxSGe7gd0WA0TH5FUObeYP20-5bsqEaUQc3_4OoFAIllWUUi0Chddob4fACZJG8AEKSGg3f2jhCblkKwwsFdmFtLTr7Vf_uKwt6SbmxmbquP2C_z7j_eeW6QQOfCi3d8lz03sy/s640/20150620_175429.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doug being super fancy as we climb out of Vidette.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi2e4t9qig90aTPYLxzQUyYJOVF6eUKBMZvQON20wAowmUMGcfRnUBiHr8uUBzi3GO16Ek3pn283X2EWCpEFK_5_9K5fHvMjGbx4yDS-cuxHdfVonB40wECLcXx5deheoCnuYro3ldNX7/s1600/20150621_083857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi2e4t9qig90aTPYLxzQUyYJOVF6eUKBMZvQON20wAowmUMGcfRnUBiHr8uUBzi3GO16Ek3pn283X2EWCpEFK_5_9K5fHvMjGbx4yDS-cuxHdfVonB40wECLcXx5deheoCnuYro3ldNX7/s640/20150621_083857.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King's Canyon is full of this. </td></tr>
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King's Canyon really is on par with Yosemite, but without the tourist zoo. The rangers are also really friendly and considerably less stressed.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw73WtwVIV-VfMKdazFLIpTFSg10YZJKzludqZBbAwf6I7qPLczXOVyxmH9ZjPjh8QFqf2XlOdsTH-vXEA3_DL1zeCdBq7_xcP7EssPFCjYlyZjF1N8RY9ve7215WBiKkRoMW9i6LF19I/s1600/20150621_110039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw73WtwVIV-VfMKdazFLIpTFSg10YZJKzludqZBbAwf6I7qPLczXOVyxmH9ZjPjh8QFqf2XlOdsTH-vXEA3_DL1zeCdBq7_xcP7EssPFCjYlyZjF1N8RY9ve7215WBiKkRoMW9i6LF19I/s400/20150621_110039.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of Glen Pass, 11,924'.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkUHL2ClxTlKiN5YAZVr_4OaOVGYEu95uWvBmPRjLMlQ23vu8LHnDATIeS1kj9DCR8Apu6eH4mArxEkMkAajWxFpxyrrSgOCali8rtb6mnt4J1jOSvZ98mZR_NZjsQbPiiHw8dWLbllAl/s1600/20150621_110238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkUHL2ClxTlKiN5YAZVr_4OaOVGYEu95uWvBmPRjLMlQ23vu8LHnDATIeS1kj9DCR8Apu6eH4mArxEkMkAajWxFpxyrrSgOCali8rtb6mnt4J1jOSvZ98mZR_NZjsQbPiiHw8dWLbllAl/s400/20150621_110238.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rae Lakes from Glen Pass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKVCcrPTqXjO_8U_rioMsairakQ9s3iKmpFego_vPFDzk6fqlt9x56v8PPivkMm4-2XwXbgYsy5liivKuPDJj0kUAZmgJh3FMWnn9GneD6FMqMLi4QERrQRzR6rmQ_3n_tZGoTMCcLuiX/s1600/20150621_105156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="46" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKVCcrPTqXjO_8U_rioMsairakQ9s3iKmpFego_vPFDzk6fqlt9x56v8PPivkMm4-2XwXbgYsy5liivKuPDJj0kUAZmgJh3FMWnn9GneD6FMqMLi4QERrQRzR6rmQ_3n_tZGoTMCcLuiX/s640/20150621_105156.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama from the top of Glen Pass.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbu5B08pM1vtzbPO0sGpoWiA-R9TR0FUH6SBmAh9_yxL1LbXZ9wgU2dXAst2uLq0H6JBlZ1vtzwpxI2uv5zHDUDyZ48c7edk5oBVZ_AqsHelQsHXILB2at0pJc9OkQqexy1yyTaV5eNKy/s1600/20150621_144337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbu5B08pM1vtzbPO0sGpoWiA-R9TR0FUH6SBmAh9_yxL1LbXZ9wgU2dXAst2uLq0H6JBlZ1vtzwpxI2uv5zHDUDyZ48c7edk5oBVZ_AqsHelQsHXILB2at0pJc9OkQqexy1yyTaV5eNKy/s400/20150621_144337.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As you come down from Glen pass and Rae Lakes, you go through a perfect little meadow on your way to the suspension bridge at Woods Creek Crossing. This is probably our favorite part of the trail, and Doug is a little in love with this stream crossing right here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the creek into Upper Paradise Valley. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtY812ZTvQ6JHBG4oY7OSejMG5UrlON07xCrEvyCpQRoBswojiAX_8QEgSS9CQkkdr1YWk_44txf1Z3Hs5IZ0IahKMRyWGYFPr7-pP_wJtbGOTgJK1h2xZe1vICDph-yRnBdAa_RD-RWEk/s1600/20150622_122908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtY812ZTvQ6JHBG4oY7OSejMG5UrlON07xCrEvyCpQRoBswojiAX_8QEgSS9CQkkdr1YWk_44txf1Z3Hs5IZ0IahKMRyWGYFPr7-pP_wJtbGOTgJK1h2xZe1vICDph-yRnBdAa_RD-RWEk/s640/20150622_122908.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, this spot is just below Lower Paradise, and it is MADE for swimming. Crystal clear. Deep. Beautiful. And absolutely frigid. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc0Qrl_MxHdvcVfC6SY-cTGXQ0Kj1dzyAtnO-DZHCDWYnZdHNre0wjMq-14xO8rqmkDrPSFpzaKaZcurWLPiJXdfqjOTiPEmkDlnGNBg9ASkOv4vPQW2ZjhppN2MxjsJsstKRct2ToC1h/s1600/20150622_125406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc0Qrl_MxHdvcVfC6SY-cTGXQ0Kj1dzyAtnO-DZHCDWYnZdHNre0wjMq-14xO8rqmkDrPSFpzaKaZcurWLPiJXdfqjOTiPEmkDlnGNBg9ASkOv4vPQW2ZjhppN2MxjsJsstKRct2ToC1h/s320/20150622_125406.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And coming down the mountain. Hot and Hungry. </td></tr>
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Doug and I have decided not to hike this patch of trail again for awhile, as we hike the Woods Creek Crossing to Vidette Meadows bit again while we were on the JMT. We felt a little too familiar with Glen Pass this last time around. But I have to say, I think I prefer the counter clockwise version. It gets the uphill over with faster, and the downhill is a little gentler on your knees. In some places. <div>
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I know I am a few weeks late in getting this adventure up, and I have already had people asking me to get the JMT trip posted already. I will, I will! Be prepared for probably TMI in that post, as we were on the trail for 16 freaking days with limited showers and laundry services. </div>
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So tell me, were has everyone been hiking this summer? Tell us about your adventures this season!</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Emerald<br /><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-65899313263319979722015-06-24T01:20:00.000-07:002015-06-24T01:20:01.214-07:00The Grand Canyon - Inspiring the Possible & Knowing your Limits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDe3bQump3aBQ35aiqezphgX6MK2N3oH6CQtvrrXYonvQRDDN6Vd3RiX0HmgEYf0xlnaODTzacJqVbJ1fwqq_64Af3S5BulVeK1AVMfLcHzPd84GKF_KP2ufQm7qYuYEscwP8bvE80D8O/s1600/IMG_3962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDe3bQump3aBQ35aiqezphgX6MK2N3oH6CQtvrrXYonvQRDDN6Vd3RiX0HmgEYf0xlnaODTzacJqVbJ1fwqq_64Af3S5BulVeK1AVMfLcHzPd84GKF_KP2ufQm7qYuYEscwP8bvE80D8O/s640/IMG_3962.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Grand Enormous Canyon. The Father of all Canyons. The Alpha, the Chief, the Omega of all Ravines and Canyons that ever hoped to be formed on Planet Earth. You just can't fathom how Grand, how Majestic this place is, until you have beheld it with your own eyes. The Grand Canyon commands respect, the landscape unforgiving, and the level of reverence required for this place is clear as the cuts in the cliff faces. With 1,000 ft. drops, you come to realize how anything is possible. If this place can be formed, could exist, then anything is possible. This is the ideal that was inspired in me as I gazed upon one of the most mighty wonders of our Earth. The whole experience is humbling, and should you choose to venture here, on one of the most beautiful yet treacherous landscapes ever formed, then take into consideration my fellow friends - know your limits, because your life depends on it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90zQ1Yp0m7CKZP5hPVYjyxUYFpy3cP5e9d2SxYq_lLyiCu6pPmBaXYI0NJBTx7sXmr-qq5nLFEDn-8PoQOWol1iWKhzBKicbz2alqoQLSoGeHpabIFP7fANUtM7NMgIDZeaQYAEa6rpfZ/s1600/Colorado+River+made+me+Strong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90zQ1Yp0m7CKZP5hPVYjyxUYFpy3cP5e9d2SxYq_lLyiCu6pPmBaXYI0NJBTx7sXmr-qq5nLFEDn-8PoQOWol1iWKhzBKicbz2alqoQLSoGeHpabIFP7fANUtM7NMgIDZeaQYAEa6rpfZ/s640/Colorado+River+made+me+Strong.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to the Grand Canyon we crossed the Colorado River. I suddenly felt filled with inspiration. This landscape inspires you - makes you feel bigger than what you are, because you are in the presence of something so incredible.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWjDvJm3bKj2-li9H5p3V7wT537YrV15bJV9_kdvyZnxMAeicK94kwqNh8qJPv6CO2F34zUaWyPVehmPVcM27opgJyiNEn9X2hTELVegXGOTaiK_PU5yVHRDJTfvlzjWNCcyKPxu70vT-/s1600/Grand+Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWjDvJm3bKj2-li9H5p3V7wT537YrV15bJV9_kdvyZnxMAeicK94kwqNh8qJPv6CO2F34zUaWyPVehmPVcM27opgJyiNEn9X2hTELVegXGOTaiK_PU5yVHRDJTfvlzjWNCcyKPxu70vT-/s640/Grand+Canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just look at all that Canyon!!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsqjk9dppsAXM56FSX-wd15lWjWtShwfi2CSp7voi7ckHHDaYZn6HQQY2VWXXDe5xrlG7dtw17dS1i9jQwxl5jTKTL0xfJnjA1uIRUKVdkDF94N8H_rSqMuQHycPBncslrO1FrtcnKai1/s1600/Straddle+headstand+grand+canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsqjk9dppsAXM56FSX-wd15lWjWtShwfi2CSp7voi7ckHHDaYZn6HQQY2VWXXDe5xrlG7dtw17dS1i9jQwxl5jTKTL0xfJnjA1uIRUKVdkDF94N8H_rSqMuQHycPBncslrO1FrtcnKai1/s640/Straddle+headstand+grand+canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing the Grand Canyon at this angle was insighful.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Insight is exactly what I achieved on this trip. Just seeing this place is an adventure, but choosing to move through this environment, to take on this landscape is a whole other undertaking. For one, danger lies everywhere. If you decide to descend into the Canyon just know that you need to be sure of your footing. Steep cliff faces sneak up on you, so it's important to trek slowly, carefully, and be completely aware. <br />
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The landscape is oh so taunting. There is just soooo much to do. As you hike the rim (I was on the South Rim) you see so many opportunities to venture off the path to what I call "Peninsulas", which are parts of the canyon that jut out into the larger expanse, creating a 360 degree view. There aren't any official map trails that take you to these peninsulas, but they are there, and many of them are fairly accessible. Others, not so much. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wQz6mgdqXMaffN8QEiWIE58g2kiyj3vbJmlYe17JaxYkaQPQL4lDQAzkyvXYtO3S0QBe4syABoSU3ygzMRuBp8gsdORuvALH3vGGQHESVYPuIiz7Cy5dLH9zTOZzjtTBbPL3nOBN5gNQ/s1600/Grand+Canyon+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wQz6mgdqXMaffN8QEiWIE58g2kiyj3vbJmlYe17JaxYkaQPQL4lDQAzkyvXYtO3S0QBe4syABoSU3ygzMRuBp8gsdORuvALH3vGGQHESVYPuIiz7Cy5dLH9zTOZzjtTBbPL3nOBN5gNQ/s640/Grand+Canyon+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This lovely shot was achieved because I ventured out onto a peninsula. <br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNKzicVrzRbP5VMT1PX1EXbHcIl5b98nNosL7qKUF8vKEg-eD2O6pw2J9w1OVCl4tRmacBa0isJS-g93hKyY4qsaaytK5UgMW2AodhS55mGaLiJuAEZJcDWNZ9ByfVz-0Kr-GN49KZTpd/s1600/Elle+Grand+Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNKzicVrzRbP5VMT1PX1EXbHcIl5b98nNosL7qKUF8vKEg-eD2O6pw2J9w1OVCl4tRmacBa0isJS-g93hKyY4qsaaytK5UgMW2AodhS55mGaLiJuAEZJcDWNZ9ByfVz-0Kr-GN49KZTpd/s640/Elle+Grand+Canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I prefer to stay a body length and a half away from the edges.<br /></td></tr>
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The important thing to remember though, is that just because you can climb down into the Canyon, does not mean you know or have the ability to climb back up. On one of my treks down to a particular very tempting I could not resist peninsula, involved me descending around 100'. The arena - I must admit looked sketchy from the rim, but I had to try it, see for myself if it was doable. I ended up around 100' down, to find that there was a 14' drop or so, with no clear visibility. I would have needed a rope, to see if the drop was something I could climb down/up. Instead I stood a few feet away from the edge, eyeing the drop with one arm slung around a tree, leaning as far as I could (safely). Here's the thing. The Canyon terrain has alot of loose gravel, and it's really, very steep. If you were to take a tumble, lose your footing, even on one step, your dead. The terrain is absolutely unforgiving. There is no coming back from a fall, so everything you do you have to be ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN you can do it. If not, don't even attempt. At this point I was uncertain if I could move down any further, safely. So I came to that point. That point where you say to yourself, "I know my limits, and this is it." So I opted to go back.<br />
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Going back was interesting however. There was one section, a 6' drop that I came down, very easily. Getting up 6' is no big deal for me... when I have a bit of a run up. But if I have to do a muscle up to get up, ha! Think again. This was a big fail on my behalf. I realized that I had absolutely no run up, because of course, I'm on the Grand Canyon. I also wasn't going to attempt a cat, not on smooth rock without ledges or holds, and the only way I could get up was if I jumped into a support. Hmmm no thanks. I will not be doing any jumping on any ledges. So I found another way back. At this point however, when I realized I wasn't going back the way I came, I felt a strike of fear within me. And fear... is BAD news. I quickly composed myself with my go to breathing exercises, and knew I needed to act fast but CAREFULLY. It's not good to be in a bad situation for long, because being out there can be very, very unnerving, and it will play with your mind. I knew it was important I got out soon, within 15 minutes. Otherwise what can happen is your brain starts to release oxidative stress, and can cause panic, nausea, and all types of problems. So I focused on problem solving. I knew I could create a switch back pattern if need be. And so that's what I started to do. I kept myself on sure footing, and started creating places using my right hand, digging into dry soil on more flatted areas, to make it more flat, and less gravel ridden. Wherever I moved, I was certain I'd have sure footing to get to where I needed to go. I created one switch back (sort of, more like two foot holds), that's really all it took, a few foot holds and the rest is history. I scrambled and climbed back to the top, and when I got to the top of the rim sighed with relief and said out loud, "Oh Thank God." <br />
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The point of all this - I made a miscalculation that could have costed me BIG. What seems like small beans, is not small beans when it comes to terrain at this scale. But luckily I was able to stifle my curiosity with reason - "I know my limits and this is it". When I reached the top, I knew I had pushed the boundary. I had done something that pushed the envelope for me, but I still listened to that voice - that inner wisdom that tells you when it's time to stop. Sometimes, in certain situations, it's just better to quit, and by doing so, you'll end up on top. <br />
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Which brings me back to possibility. Everything and anything can be possible. But you have to avoid set backs that will end you. And that's an important life lesson. Most lessons we face in life give us some elbow room, to come back from our mistakes. But there are some mistakes that cost too much, that are too crippling to us, to ever allow us to live up to the potential we had in the first place. It's important to know when we face those lessons - to be aware of what is really before us. It's my hope and prayer that we all take the time to seek out that wisdom for ourselves.<br />
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- Elle BeyerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-21841493286530508822015-06-23T21:46:00.001-07:002015-06-23T22:19:20.131-07:00Zion - The Promised Playland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11NnEr4fX-vY3vYIO_0_aCbL8_jrAhT9uLacf44qSPzR2eVKZo7Pu8aUb9m9AYV2h6LTA7mLN36g9obrFw61-CKXcaaRnaY4LAWmch9IIuoboJ6vy4WWhPBOmW6TduV51-XtuHX2w9XHf/s1600/IMG_3744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11NnEr4fX-vY3vYIO_0_aCbL8_jrAhT9uLacf44qSPzR2eVKZo7Pu8aUb9m9AYV2h6LTA7mLN36g9obrFw61-CKXcaaRnaY4LAWmch9IIuoboJ6vy4WWhPBOmW6TduV51-XtuHX2w9XHf/s640/IMG_3744.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I just land on Mars? Nay - it's ZION!!!</td></tr>
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Zion National Park - out of all the places I have been in this world, this is one place I KNOW I will see again, because it's one of those places that you MUST visit again and again. <br />
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The terrain is out of this world, and a mover's ultimate playground. From the moment you set eyes on this place it will take all the willpower you can muster to stop yourself from stopping in the middle of the road and abandoning your car, so you can run and frolick on the hills. Only these hills are not some prairie land. These hills look as if you just landed on another planet. From tones of red and orange, to the deepest and richest shades of brown, adorned with the evergreens, you find yourself on the faces of smooth sandstone, enriched with caves, rock climbing holds galore, bouldering, rock scrambling and hopping, tree climbing, and canyoneering. What's more is the lovely Virgin River that flows through the canyons, offering a cool place to swim and wade. You can hike up the river for the famed and scenic "Narrows" hike, or give yourself a thrill of a lifetime on the "Angels Landing" hike. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjnJhgCPmeHgaTzKGTv2gFOCjUlx7XcvqtjCd_0l-0AnjS1i-BugR6xAwNE9RiTKmjdUEjcdsbPIH7tMag9m99ndkNC6mgvdUDGF132sGqEru1Mwls4IUW8r_ElKro5AMI8asIIug3-pl/s1600/Virgin+River+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjnJhgCPmeHgaTzKGTv2gFOCjUlx7XcvqtjCd_0l-0AnjS1i-BugR6xAwNE9RiTKmjdUEjcdsbPIH7tMag9m99ndkNC6mgvdUDGF132sGqEru1Mwls4IUW8r_ElKro5AMI8asIIug3-pl/s320/Virgin+River+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBNDhMznjr-O3Tamp0fv1-han-dST38YDzUNKzgMhW5qQKGotKT31yCID5k_V7caRaE99cLZekEYUnr4I_jgfAxDf-D-dkkvqcwEJTu8_SWKq3JJGPiCS9AdyYtycDFvbX9F7SBjM_CzF/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBNDhMznjr-O3Tamp0fv1-han-dST38YDzUNKzgMhW5qQKGotKT31yCID5k_V7caRaE99cLZekEYUnr4I_jgfAxDf-D-dkkvqcwEJTu8_SWKq3JJGPiCS9AdyYtycDFvbX9F7SBjM_CzF/s640/IMG_3587.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the trees being highlighted by the sun among the lovely rockscape (Riverside Walk).<br />
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The point of this blog post however, is to give you some insight on what you can do with the family - in particularly small children, anyone needing a stroller, or in a wheelchair. As and adventurer and explorer there is much more to tell, and much more to do and see, but for this post, we did that which was fun for the whole family, and focused on the fun and safety of our smallest explorers. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjsv8_Fr7V2OMrXzCCKSnq-7oCCvFewqCigCNnIJhY_gCSkv3t3WwfXlDAhxjbDUl_5XSZ4poXLE_0SM30e5mywhtBXA4f4IgPsbcWvBsUXbQGKk83R4bixbpy61Qh1LeZaoxIdfAyZ2t/s1600/Zion+National+Park+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjsv8_Fr7V2OMrXzCCKSnq-7oCCvFewqCigCNnIJhY_gCSkv3t3WwfXlDAhxjbDUl_5XSZ4poXLE_0SM30e5mywhtBXA4f4IgPsbcWvBsUXbQGKk83R4bixbpy61Qh1LeZaoxIdfAyZ2t/s640/Zion+National+Park+sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check us out! 2 couples and 9 kids to our names. Teaching our kids about exploration, sustaining and protecting our beautiful lands, and having some family oriented fun. Our youngest explorer was my niece Contessa who is 2 years old, and is quite possibly the cutest thing on the planet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESUgdPpidSVCQ5Cx9Viy9bWn9QhxBi0LW7MG864G6tVgvDy56mdssGvSli5zhRmauXvQjzHkcmchBbqMfeVD9sa-H-euWMFrDOqRTRyOAZcoVOy6DfQrlaLlISBo30zsnY0cdno4wgdo0/s1600/IMG_3673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESUgdPpidSVCQ5Cx9Viy9bWn9QhxBi0LW7MG864G6tVgvDy56mdssGvSli5zhRmauXvQjzHkcmchBbqMfeVD9sa-H-euWMFrDOqRTRyOAZcoVOy6DfQrlaLlISBo30zsnY0cdno4wgdo0/s320/IMG_3673.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute kids right here.</td></tr>
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Camping is always a great option - and is very affordable in Zion, however because of our Family Reunion and wanting to make sure our 90 year old Grandma and Grandpa felt comfortable, we stayed at <a href="http://www.zionponderosa.com/" target="_blank">Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort</a>. This place was beautiful, and they had tent sites, RV, cabins, and vacations homes all available. They are actually outside of the park, if you exit via the East entrance/exit of the park. We stayed in a 5 bedroom vacation home that could house up to 24 people. We were very comfortable in this beautiful custom made log home, and enjoyed the scenery and comfort of this lovely handcrafted sanctuary. Prices started at around $770/night, included towels, laundry facilities, full kitchen (furnished with dishes and glasses), bedrooms downstairs (important for folks with canes and/or in a wheelchair), cable television, game room, large patio, balcony, fire pit, and access to the property open use amenities - a two tiered swimming pool with 2 water slides, basketball, volleyball, tennis, recreation barn with billiards and ping pong tables, and then plenty more activities that you could add on/pay for at a reasonable $11 per activity such as zip lining, ATV, horseback riding, jeep tours, and much more. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GkgW4VUHtACY-Dur6JQwoo0nBWi8FyNf4uIRySfAb83keGLSGWpC_L5Ws4rB36BrVLtwWdvuGTOdzEtihsn0yZCnm5obn3KbAAjgVhBO4G0rW7ehRTtGs8WCjsdc9NDj9epJraFWVi7T/s1600/IMG_3450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GkgW4VUHtACY-Dur6JQwoo0nBWi8FyNf4uIRySfAb83keGLSGWpC_L5Ws4rB36BrVLtwWdvuGTOdzEtihsn0yZCnm5obn3KbAAjgVhBO4G0rW7ehRTtGs8WCjsdc9NDj9epJraFWVi7T/s640/IMG_3450.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lovely custom log vacation home - fits up to 26 people very comfortably. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIu4Xc1-OK_vAdId7Gt6o9Mg8Bm5BGdigQEp-mLHq7HAwy6ZawH1LhDd_9z9az-yJTj2uwmLIyCcp1rnNLt2mC7KhhQuzN1ZFs9ZjV1eFZuhD5waJJjaQ4kgEG3Qewb1lhowLqgQ2OJfTk/s1600/IMG_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIu4Xc1-OK_vAdId7Gt6o9Mg8Bm5BGdigQEp-mLHq7HAwy6ZawH1LhDd_9z9az-yJTj2uwmLIyCcp1rnNLt2mC7KhhQuzN1ZFs9ZjV1eFZuhD5waJJjaQ4kgEG3Qewb1lhowLqgQ2OJfTk/s320/IMG_3465.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys knew what to do.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-ErOxmD0_8RpiuanPHDVT3W0jcBCuSZDEPPv4meErscUbg9UELW5sdc57n-QVY6OJnZalm3fHAAxHUFPcIdLimgrCTFvt8P_Lsqs5orLPPU9J7EphWbsv9seIJn_qSy7RDBnsNRmhrZI/s1600/IMG_3418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-ErOxmD0_8RpiuanPHDVT3W0jcBCuSZDEPPv4meErscUbg9UELW5sdc57n-QVY6OJnZalm3fHAAxHUFPcIdLimgrCTFvt8P_Lsqs5orLPPU9J7EphWbsv9seIJn_qSy7RDBnsNRmhrZI/s640/IMG_3418.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two tiered pool and water slides were a great way to relax and get away from the summer heat. There is also two hot tubs, picnic tables, and hot showers. The amenities were clean, well kept, and the customer service was excellent. Water was served pool side regularly, a refreshing addition, and kept the whole family happy and hydrated. <br />
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But OH THE PARK!!! We enjoyed a full day on the <a href="http://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/riversidewalk.cfm" target="_blank">Riverside Walk</a> and ventured on the first part of the "Narrows". It was an easy 1 mile stroll (2 miles roundtrip), paved and level most of the way, stroller and wheel chair accessible, and only takes a 1-2 hours to complete. However, taking the free shuttle bus from the Visitor's Center to the drop off point (Temple of Sinawava) took nearly 40 minutes. So take into account that you'll need an extra 2 hours for shuttle bus time. My tip is to go as early as you can to avoid the parking hassle at the Visitor's Center (which is packed by about 9am). If you end up going later/mid morning, you'll likely need to park in town (Springdale) which is only 5 minutes outside the park and you can shuttle back into the park. Side Note - Springdale is adorable and has lots of great eateries, and shops. So plan on 4 hours to be safe, plus you'll want plenty of time to enjoy the River and all the rock climbing/hopping, and bring some water and snacks. Pack out all your garbage, as there are no cans and don't feed the animals (even though they are super cute and friendly).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWkhu4EiUu940aR2FLX_6GDjeIhPoEq0gLLjKg2O4fTrHWGmCSwKILh91fW24wrKWw05_koRfgc7emn5qjDnLRVChcAlqXcbPQFepGq9CnnQ5rXHw5RwYSkGk9pC49aRmlNjIA_MuebP4/s1600/Adriel+and+Mom+conquer+big+boulder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWkhu4EiUu940aR2FLX_6GDjeIhPoEq0gLLjKg2O4fTrHWGmCSwKILh91fW24wrKWw05_koRfgc7emn5qjDnLRVChcAlqXcbPQFepGq9CnnQ5rXHw5RwYSkGk9pC49aRmlNjIA_MuebP4/s640/Adriel+and+Mom+conquer+big+boulder.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am with one of my boys - Adriel age 7. We conquered this large boulder. And the rest of the kids did too. And husband Lon as well. We just couldn't resist.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDzvevYhy2S5KngX7V9UMNfQgleQz4Wn1N9QSRQ_puSvCe-wMdjC2oIKWQl0ABZn6EF4k7SyKBaMdeBjmVkyfsynLBbneJCsivNvTgNXetNQceux94R-Vap7lGHCgfNMHPZ1PLD0VKJvQ/s1600/Virgin+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDzvevYhy2S5KngX7V9UMNfQgleQz4Wn1N9QSRQ_puSvCe-wMdjC2oIKWQl0ABZn6EF4k7SyKBaMdeBjmVkyfsynLBbneJCsivNvTgNXetNQceux94R-Vap7lGHCgfNMHPZ1PLD0VKJvQ/s640/Virgin+River.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glory of the Virgin River - We swam, we climbed, we rock hopped, we basked in the sunlight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWaQ58-mEzlwAJQzsE6rRe8MYimo-HC9Uc46uC7pe58_SzhkZoYialXgddTxAlLcoBHENmHbBfBwLWajPnBJ-Fxc5jCKdJxM-ZjMzZX9RSksrWexR0clczwv6T9iC_SgtrODUZl10oZMy/s1600/head+stand+virgin+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWaQ58-mEzlwAJQzsE6rRe8MYimo-HC9Uc46uC7pe58_SzhkZoYialXgddTxAlLcoBHENmHbBfBwLWajPnBJ-Fxc5jCKdJxM-ZjMzZX9RSksrWexR0clczwv6T9iC_SgtrODUZl10oZMy/s640/head+stand+virgin+river.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was inspired to do a straddle headstand. Can you spot me?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqpUBeEjpDz-9W-yNurO-WycOBZlZs5r1WlArBhcUnZGB-0IBxIP6SrlH05LnoXoNLG_9uFAISgX1-D591TthFl_xA-qR0BCC-njL-KoNl0TcsLfM7XsQfeSJpE7hTyw2ZHXXw5byWJ0X/s1600/kids+helping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqpUBeEjpDz-9W-yNurO-WycOBZlZs5r1WlArBhcUnZGB-0IBxIP6SrlH05LnoXoNLG_9uFAISgX1-D591TthFl_xA-qR0BCC-njL-KoNl0TcsLfM7XsQfeSJpE7hTyw2ZHXXw5byWJ0X/s320/kids+helping.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids learned team work as we crossed the River.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlt2eDgmQ0HCJF6_lVzHaSloK36DovuLHdIuKOUx0k9YT0XFaNBQVziDbvWxXC4gv7n5PhQ9OdXqQdW0xa8X8rsXp8cTSLS_6-0lfaZbD7Ysm8W1nIUWF5m7lM93vG-nagv89pjxU8REs/s1600/IMG_3739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlt2eDgmQ0HCJF6_lVzHaSloK36DovuLHdIuKOUx0k9YT0XFaNBQVziDbvWxXC4gv7n5PhQ9OdXqQdW0xa8X8rsXp8cTSLS_6-0lfaZbD7Ysm8W1nIUWF5m7lM93vG-nagv89pjxU8REs/s320/IMG_3739.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This place is a MUST stop if you are looking for handcrafted items made from local Navajo tribes. We ended up buying 4 large arrowheads at $6/each for our 4 boys. The craftsmanship in Southern Utah is world class, from jewelry, to knives, to blacksmith/metal art - it's all pretty amazing work, and affordable.</td></tr>
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I hope I gave you some insight as to the many possibilities that await you in this wondrous canyon paradise called Zion National Park. I was amazed at all the incredible views, fun things to do, and versatility of this place. It's a true gem, and I found it to have a great energy about it. I felt a great sense of awe and excitement everywhere I turned. One last bit of info (and I apologize in advance to all my Vegan friends and clients who may not find this helpful) but I know my Paleo peers would love this bit of insight - just outside of the East entrance, there is a FANTASTIC restaurant (farm to table) operation that serves the most delicious buffalo steaks and burgers EVER.</div>
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Ooookkkaaayyyy!!! Now go to ZION people!! And as usual - don't forget to invite me along :)</div>
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- Elle Beyer</div>
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Some fun videos for your enjoyment</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-86409108707517052292015-06-14T10:13:00.000-07:002015-06-14T19:57:24.646-07:00Why Surfing and Stuff is an Adventure to be Had<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend I went to LA & San Diego for a business seminar and while I was there I embarked on a movement adventure that encompassed a few of my favorite things to do.<br />
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- Trained with beloved colleague Terry Taneie at his Hollywood Action and Fight Choreography class held on Wednesday's at Barnsdall Park 5pm-7pm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-m3VVmhz1tsZI3LvA53ZBScOaGy8JBjaoWoT-yz5VMZBm1BYXogEiCk0plWVCL7nkckibHX93QAqH3MKWw9j6vYWupSEW1gjT-jGCqsc0H6kNap3Lj-d5qqurAjHfYqYb1BmRVuj3fCj/s1600/IMG_3092%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-m3VVmhz1tsZI3LvA53ZBScOaGy8JBjaoWoT-yz5VMZBm1BYXogEiCk0plWVCL7nkckibHX93QAqH3MKWw9j6vYWupSEW1gjT-jGCqsc0H6kNap3Lj-d5qqurAjHfYqYb1BmRVuj3fCj/s320/IMG_3092%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View of Hollywood from Barnsdall Park. The smog covers the famed Hollywood sign in the distance. But it was still a lovely sunny day sporting temperatures in the lower 80s. Can't complain about that. </td></tr>
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- Trained at Tempest Freerunning Academy SouthBay. Their facility is INCREDIBLE, inspiring, the staff professional and friendly, and the vibe was really supportive and positive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle_1uKNhzo3av_4LM0dp5LskLVcJC9lzZoGrhs62l0AuQCWFjVdjqL9CIDX3SQF5yN7ZBCEd-oO2hiypZhFlTO-c9KI5SJ_zhfDEWqfTYDghw72D640VHPJU9Cm0EwxtGzr-KojJloiBE/s1600/IMG_3101%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle_1uKNhzo3av_4LM0dp5LskLVcJC9lzZoGrhs62l0AuQCWFjVdjqL9CIDX3SQF5yN7ZBCEd-oO2hiypZhFlTO-c9KI5SJ_zhfDEWqfTYDghw72D640VHPJU9Cm0EwxtGzr-KojJloiBE/s320/IMG_3101%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's truly difficult to capture the awesomeness of this facility, especially when you are discreetly taking pictures as to not look like a tourist. This is their tribute to Santorini, Greece - famed Art of Motion location within the freerunning community. </td></tr>
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- Rode bikes to the Queen Mary in Long Beach with my bestie, and we did headstands on the beach.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOvQDvD1K-189t3BnHQNc-zt6_2gRy5O0OdVYD9UCUEwgAv26y2J4JEqnqEDnGrstxi7-69BHaWnEPvrh8AvMdHMyUEjxWVUG190ek5dx8TrCbxuqlESMwYoO0hxGrg3Zj7o6v5Odkdgh/s1600/11406747_10206310202745868_5376677328828255215_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOvQDvD1K-189t3BnHQNc-zt6_2gRy5O0OdVYD9UCUEwgAv26y2J4JEqnqEDnGrstxi7-69BHaWnEPvrh8AvMdHMyUEjxWVUG190ek5dx8TrCbxuqlESMwYoO0hxGrg3Zj7o6v5Odkdgh/s320/11406747_10206310202745868_5376677328828255215_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A backbend for the Queen? Sure why not.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYszDelDAfOpAAh_55gTse5ngH7K7kKILFeTXpuOwqnKgQS9zNE7v0DPL8QbI-Wtq9NmNqgNi431RYNTiGJERSx3ZfrhJyJO3plFR3Xpzv6OKUTlXRLoeTdWg6S6pF9FysWc4dVRN_tHZ8/s1600/10295150_10206311605420934_1672958888969123017_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYszDelDAfOpAAh_55gTse5ngH7K7kKILFeTXpuOwqnKgQS9zNE7v0DPL8QbI-Wtq9NmNqgNi431RYNTiGJERSx3ZfrhJyJO3plFR3Xpzv6OKUTlXRLoeTdWg6S6pF9FysWc4dVRN_tHZ8/s320/10295150_10206311605420934_1672958888969123017_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some headstands seemed appropriate. </td></tr>
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- Surfed with my childhood bestie - Harmony Silverman - Athletic Trainer - in the beautiful San Diego seaside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTM7Ntfcoi-IbJrTFlTtHvghwilcdsom-wQwuCbl4g3VIE3GYYvvg17qMt_37SehUIKUfLZm0m2uMs2YjUWrPtglWkfucPOrZ31KiN6tHef7b1Y69xgCL7qkMZD5LtMjNBX3bdeNkx1Rp/s1600/surfing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTM7Ntfcoi-IbJrTFlTtHvghwilcdsom-wQwuCbl4g3VIE3GYYvvg17qMt_37SehUIKUfLZm0m2uMs2YjUWrPtglWkfucPOrZ31KiN6tHef7b1Y69xgCL7qkMZD5LtMjNBX3bdeNkx1Rp/s320/surfing.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally, a moment to capture the title of this blog post. </td></tr>
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So among all these movement adventures, I'd have to say the surfing really challenged me, and inspired me. For one, I'm terrible at it, so my immediate curiosity sparks many questions in my mind as to what muscle groups I have neglected to train? What stability exercises have I not addressed in my movement bubble? What awareness and adaptability skills have I yet to explore and develop?<br />
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At which point I realized that surfing is a cross-movement discipline. It's a combination of swimming, parkour, pilates, and endurance training. It's also a consistent HIIT workout (high intensity interval training), and the ultimate form of resistance training. In addition, the required balancing skills and ankle mobility is not to be ignored. Not only that but it also requires a high degree of intuition (gained through experience only) and knowledge of oceanography, and wave patterns is especially helpful. <br />
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Who should surf? Well, if you love movement, you should definitely at least try it. Surfing works the shoulders and upper back, as well as requires core stability and strength. But for me, the most important takeaway is that your transverse abdominis, as well as your internal oblique muscles are engaged and strengthened to a high degree. Here is where I get excited. If you are a parkour practitioner, fighter or martial artist - core strength and stability is really extremely important, and finding fun, functional, cross training activities that are working out those deeper core muscles that stabilize the spine is exciting news!! What this means is that I can spend days or even weeks on a surfing adventure, and consider that an extremely productive and health oriented activity that will help keep my back strong, and even increase my fighting skills. So there you have it! Go have yourself a surfing adventure and don't forget to invite me to come along.<br />
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- Elle Beyer<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-36899104739626369902015-05-11T12:15:00.000-07:002015-05-11T12:21:33.379-07:00Swimming with Sharks on Mother's DayThis last weekend for Mother's Day my family and I took advantage of the Birthday Special on Catalina Island. My twins (who's birthday is on May 7th, and this year turned 7) received free admission to board the Catalina Express roundtrip, which saved us around $120.00. We decided to do an adventure weekend on Catalina to celebrate their birthday and Mother's Day. I took this as an opportunity to plan a wild and authentic adventure for the family. Zen (my youngest) turned 4 several months ago, and over the last several months I have been training him - taking him on weekly 5 mile night hikes. I have 4 boys (9, 7, 7, 4), and we live in a nice little suburb. So naturally the tradeoff for convenience is that you need to find yourself in the wilderness from time to time to free yourself from the box life. This was one of those adventures that truly freed us from the box, and I must admit, it was extremely physically demanding, but also the most fun I have had on a family vacation... I'll start off with BULLET POINTS - from there you can decide whether you want to read on, and if this is something you'd like to try/do.<br />
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<b>What we saw while diving and snorkeling in the Sea:</b><br />
- Schools of Leopard Sharks!!<br />
- Crystal Blue Ocean with 100 feet of visibility<br />
- Kelp Forest (beautiful but also terrifying)<br />
- Schools of Fish of all kinds<br />
- Crabs and Shellfish<br />
- Seals <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMyEuEK-mOKXPcsiRg02nI6JOSAsaEL9SJHWPSFtRsNCmDcdQkF4TcS3loRkYAL-aKFtyIxgpGFJ51PJMccaEvqrRtnofDoMOjCo93ACftFZIjtUcQQxleDjFi8wjmHEWGRmKiNT9RUC3/s1600/catalina+parsons+landing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMyEuEK-mOKXPcsiRg02nI6JOSAsaEL9SJHWPSFtRsNCmDcdQkF4TcS3loRkYAL-aKFtyIxgpGFJ51PJMccaEvqrRtnofDoMOjCo93ACftFZIjtUcQQxleDjFi8wjmHEWGRmKiNT9RUC3/s320/catalina+parsons+landing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very lovely and secluded and primitive campground of Parson's Landing</td></tr>
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<b>What we saw while exploring the Land:</b><br />
- We hiked 14 miles round trip from Two Harbors to Parson's Landing in 3 days on the Trans Catalina Trail (TCT) I carried a 60lb pack the entire way, and the kids each had their own packs, weighing between 2-7 lbs. <br />
- We hiked a strenuous 1250' ascent within 1.5 miles (then hike another 4.5 after that) we were at the near top of the ridge of the Island and
were able to see the Pacific Ocean on both sides of us! A seriously
epic moment. The highest point we climbed was at 1750' of elevation. <br />
- No fresh water (you have to carry it/bring it/be prepared/have rangers leave it for you in a locker at midpoints along the trail)<br />
- We saw a wild Bison roaming outside our tent!! <br />
- Fox<br />
-Pelicans and tons of other birds <br />
- Cactus and Succulents<br />
- Gold and Red grasslands<br />
- Red Eucalyptus trees <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7guYG0x-xUw5SUOaa4SdJLPLKFrP7lyGNUYSud7nwyfElWufesgWmM9ldMRO818_WDtu1Sw0g-iHjd-YLELNzn2nW5UBnKuVLYi7_hPPH-PagpMvN2i3lU9DDRngR6Zoi-qhaYmexoSWi/s1600/bison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7guYG0x-xUw5SUOaa4SdJLPLKFrP7lyGNUYSud7nwyfElWufesgWmM9ldMRO818_WDtu1Sw0g-iHjd-YLELNzn2nW5UBnKuVLYi7_hPPH-PagpMvN2i3lU9DDRngR6Zoi-qhaYmexoSWi/s320/bison.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A morning surprise - Wild roaming bison on our campground</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.catalinaconservancy.org/index.php?s=visit&p=hike_the_trans_catalina_trail" target="_blank"><b>The Hike</b></a> - is amazing. It's beautiful, but also brutal. The sun beats down on you because there is hardly any shade, and because it's a desert island the weather can be extreme, first being hot, then cold, within a period of 10 minutes. If you hike the ridge, the wind can be stiffening, because carrying your pack and hiking causes you to sweat, but the wind can give you a chill. So dress in layers, it will protect you from the sun and the wind, and also keep you warm. Dress down a layer or two if you get hot, but have your sweater handy. If you take the <a href="http://www.catalinaconservancy.org/index.php?s=visit&p=hike_the_trans_catalina_trail" target="_blank">TCT</a> to <a href="http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/camping-boating/primitive-camping/parsons-landing" target="_blank">Parson's Landing</a>, be prepared for some strenuous labor on Fenceline Road. It's a 1250' ascent/descent within 1.5 miles. With the kids I had to walk behind them with a hand on their back because they were having trouble getting their footing on the path. For much of it they had to QM and use their <a href="http://www.freeflowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Parkour</a> skills, as there is a lot of loose rock/gravel, and when you are going straight uphill, your calves and ankles are getting a run for their money. If you wanted to increase the strength in your quads and hammy's, this path will make you a champion. If you ever complained about doing crab walks in parkour class, this is the time you would be thankful for them. <a href="http://www.freeflowacademy.com/" target="_blank">Crab walking</a> is great for steep ravines and ridges, and when you are in the middle of an Island, with a limited supply of fresh water, with the sun closing in on you, you need to keep moving. I must admit, and boast a bit - my kids were total champions. There was a point, on the trail where I was questioning my judgement as a mother, and wondered if we were going to make it. The nice thing about Catalina, however, is that you can get cell reception most anywhere on the Island, which makes a great contingency plan in case you need to call for help. I had done my research, and made sure we would have a contingency plan, in case my kids couldn't make the trek. My kids were good sports (there was a bit of complaining about 3 miles in, but after we saw a snake in the road, and chipmunks running around everywhere, and a bird snatching a big ol' moth and eating it right in front of our eyes) the kids were all about the trail, and wondering what more they would see. My 4 year old needed us to carry his pack for about 8 miles of the trip, and we even took turns carrying him for about 1 mile - but other than, they were true champions. I was a proud mother on Mother's Day weekend - the best gift of all... but there was another gift I received on Mother's Day, and it was freaking amazing. Read further...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8qQ2XtLfmV4F9ad2hAv0NBgB3rlAzQ7CVkCffUZIh-RIGliKU5ZNl1XGkLH5f2MHcZpTbbT8cM2GC7tlc9QisdX-4BraZfkol0GmSjbePBqjHD58PFU0HqGGOH7riaWjmeb_CGfv6I12/s1600/TCT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8qQ2XtLfmV4F9ad2hAv0NBgB3rlAzQ7CVkCffUZIh-RIGliKU5ZNl1XGkLH5f2MHcZpTbbT8cM2GC7tlc9QisdX-4BraZfkol0GmSjbePBqjHD58PFU0HqGGOH7riaWjmeb_CGfv6I12/s320/TCT.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could see the Pacific Ocean on both sides - here we are at 1250' of elevation resting at the near top of the ridge</td></tr>
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<b>Diving</b> - in Catalina, is first class. You get crazy visibility - around 80-100' depending on the amount of sun in the day. We were lucky enough to get 2 days of clear visibility ranging from 30'-80' most of the time. My kids and husband love the water, and spent a good deal of time swimming and playing in the waves. I love to sunbathe, and dive. So after loading up on excessive calories to keep me warm during my diving ventures, I'd head out either with my husband or business partner/friend Corey on excursions. We took turns watching the kids on the beach, while we buddied up. My only regret is we didn't have a Gopro - so I don't have any underwater shots. Which is a shame because we saw some rad stuff. The highlight however was on my last dive excursion in Two Harbors - this one I first went out alone, checking out the rocks and fish. My business partner/friend - Corey ended up coming out later so we decided to explore a cove. I moved ahead, and saw a ton of shells and bones. My first thought was "hmmm that'd be cool to see some shark, looks like a feeding ground". Lon and Corey had seen a few Leopard shark the day before, and I was super bummed I hadn't seen any at all, so I didn't get my hopes up that I would see anything. I navigated towards the shore and as the I neared the shore, I came face to face with 3 Leopard Sharks. Let's just say.. it was an "OH (insert expletive here) moment. I was within 10' of a school of Leopard Sharks and at that point couldn't see where I could surface because they were swimming in knee deep water!!!!! I turned back to catch Corey's attention. "Shark ahead!" was what I managed to gurgle underwater. I pointed in the direction, Corey stayed still, and then he saw it - 3 tails flickering around in the sand. Oh those Shark like ways! How they can be so fast, fleeting, and down right intimidating. Corey motioned that we move to the side, but I was ready to swim the opposite direction. The only thought was to put as much distance between us and the multitude of teeth ahead. Sure they can't exactly swallow you whole, but they can tear you apart piece by piece, especially when there is many more than one. And the thing about sharks is if you actually see them, then there is many... MANY more nearby that you don't see.<br />
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So we swam, away... or so we thought. I was behind Corey, eyes all alert from side to side. Corey then tapped my shoulder and and pointed ahead, stuck his hand up like a fin and pointed towards the shore. My thought was "Dear Lord just help us get out of the water without losing a limb!!" At that point we were knee deep, and just had to make for land as quickly as possible. So we went for it swimming past that which lurked nearby. We scrambled up onto the shore, smiling big grins, wide eyes, and in awe. Needless to say we were totally amped. I mean holy crap!! We just swam with Sharks!! It wasn't the first time for either of us... swimming with Sharks... but it's just as much of a rush as any other time, if not more. The more encounters, the more you know and realize how out of your league you really are when you are in the Sea. Of course, the chances of being attacked and harmed by a Leopard shark are really next to none, they are deemed pretty much harmless to humans... still though... why take any chance at all? Their mouths can clearly take a chunk off, so why chance it? I say nay... let's not play with the sharks. <br />
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Long story short, I got to swim with Sharks on Mother's Day... and it was FREAKING EPIC!! Later Lon, the kids, Corey and I ventured up on the ravine to take a good look down into the cove that we were diving. We counted 10 Leopard Sharks! 10! We were literally swimming in their feeding ground. My kids were so excited to see the Sharks, but it was a lesson learned on my behalf that Sharks lurk even in the most shallow waters. Literally 10 Sharks in knee deep water people!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diving in these crystal blue coves. For the Kelp forest dive we climbed around some rocks to get to a good spot.</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>What Else</b>? - The Kelp Forest dive in Parson's Landing was rad. Terrifying, but rad. Why is it scary? It can be pretty disorientating. It's like swimming through an underwater forest maze, and you just never know what's around the corner. Plus the kelp is literally right next to you - EVERYWHERE! So if you are claustrophobic, this can start to affect you. I really enjoyed this dive, but also felt a bit panicky near the end, and was ready to surface. It's one of those environments you really need to acclimate to if you are going to spend a good amount of time down there. I think if we had several more days, I would have wanted to do this dive several more times, just to get a bit more comfortable.<br />
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Waking up in the morning, emerging from my tent to see a wild bison roaming around was RAD!! I observed from a good distance, and just watched him graze around. This was my first time seeing a wild bison in real life, so that was a really cool experience, and my kids enjoyed checking him out too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Two Harbors the wind was really minimal, so we slept under the stars for a night. </td></tr>
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I'd highly recommend an Adventure Getaway. You experience so many incredible things, and it's a fun challenge for the whole family. I was so inspired this weekend that I just had to write about it... and Catalina really is a beautiful terrain to explore. If you have experienced some amazing Adventure getaway's, feel free to post in the comments, I'd love to hear them!<br />
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- Elle Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-69301627703159324482014-10-09T23:30:00.001-07:002014-10-09T23:30:36.397-07:00Progression vs. PerfectionWhat is it in us that makes us think that our goal needs to be perfection? Whether it is perfecting a new parkour skill in the gym, landing a new flip "just right", or even having that "perfect" recipe or piece of advice to share with a friend. I don't know about you but I have developed this annoying inner voice that seems to speak up as I learn new things or want to share things with friends that's always saying things like, "it's not quite ready yet" or "I should clean this up a little before I show anyone".<br />
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Is it pride? Sometimes. Insecurity? Often. Important? Not usually. So, I am here to silence that inner voice and say "who cares"?!? The reality is PROGRESSION should be our goal, NOT perfection! We should strive to always be moving forward in whatever it is we are doing or wherever we are going. One of my favorite things about Parkour is that there is always another progression, always something new to strive for...a longer precision, a higher wall, a softer landing, a smoother climb-up, a longer handstand...Whatever it is, there is always another level to progress to, a new skill to learn. Of course, you can master the basics and fundamentals but all that means is that you now have so many more progressions you can go for!<br />
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Let me take a moment to clarify that there is always another progression for YOU, where YOU are at. Perfection is about comparing ourselves to those around us and striving to be like or better than others. Progression is about starting where you are and improving from there. And when we realize that progression is the goal (and not perfection) we can refrain from judging the imperfections in the people around us or judging ourselves based on what someone else can do and start encouraging one another where we are at and where we want to go!<br />
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In the spirit of this post I am going to add a little video of something I am working on. It's a combination of one of my favorite new vaults and a favorite tumbling combination. I was encouraged to post it earlier, at which time I promptly replied, "I definitely need to clean it up first!" And bless her heart, Elle quickly responded back, "Progression!" I often think I need to replace my inner voice with Elle's or one of the other encouraging voices of the wonderful women I train with! Well, that little encouragement led me to put these thoughts together and share them (and the clip) with y'all!<span id="goog_1596432561"></span><span id="goog_1596432562"></span><br />
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Michelle <><<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-45010693440322697482014-10-05T11:14:00.001-07:002014-10-05T11:22:39.072-07:00A Blue Streak AdventureElle here! It's been awhile, but that doesn't mean we haven't been living adventurously. Up here in NorCal there is this awesome place called Blue Streak, and it is a special secret little gem known by explorers and parkour practitioners. Consider doing a backpacking hike, and spend the night under the lovely stars. We really enjoyed sleeping next to the calm healing waters, and spending an entire weekend climbing and parkouring on the giant smooth granite boulders, exploring underwater caves, cliff jumping, swimming with minnows, and aweing at the incredible clear blue scenery.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the left you can see blue streaks across the granite slabs. I wished I had more experience and knowledge in Geology so that I could figure out what kind of minerals made up the blue streaks. I have been doing some light research, trying to figure out what it is. This is a great example of how our natural environment inspires us to learn and become better than what we are. </td></tr>
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To get there can be quite the adventure, as it is a 2 mile hike. Simple
yeah? Well it's totally non-intimidating until you get to the last 1/4
mile. Reason being is that there is this cool fork in the trail. You
can go right... or left. If you're feeling dangerous, go right. If
you're feeling like you want to live on the edge and enjoy the view, go
left. The left trail takes you right along a cliff face. The trail is
relatively steep, and really dusty, so be careful of slipping. It
actually wouldn't be bad at all if it wasn't for the dusty trail, and be
sure to pack light and minimally. Having added weight, can be
burdensome, and make sure your pack is well balanced. The trail is
really narrow, so minimalist is the way to go. <br />
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If you go right... be prepared to scoot on your butt for most of the
way. And it is dusty. And STEEP. Boy is it steep. Which makes you
want to curse the dust. Imagine a dusty narrow trail/slide going pretty
much straight down, but it's nice and curvy too, so you need to
maintain control so as not to slide off the mountain face to your death
below. Meaning you'll actually be climbing a lot of the time, and
throwing your stuff down below, as you make your way. But because of
there being a lot of dust, rather than grippy rock holds, it's more like
climbing and scooting and sliding on a straight down narrow dusty trail
holding on to brush. Because many of the rocks are unstable. So
basically, if you go right, be prepared to part ways with your stuff.
You'll be tossing your pack, rolling it, and leaving it to fend for
itself. Make sure you don't have anything breakable in there. Be
prepared to adapt, because the trail becomes very ambiguous. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This wasn't a girls jam - we went with the Free Flow Trainers for our Quarterly Trainer Pow Wow. Every quarter we get together for fun and food. It's a jolly old time. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crab walk totally came in handy as we made our way down the rocks. See my shadow taking the picture? I was determined to make it into the photos somehow. </td></tr>
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After you have reached Blue Streak, and have had a chance to wade your toes into the beautiful water, you'll desire a wet suit. I didn't bring one, but had fun swimming and exploring the caves anyway. The only thing is a wet suit would have made it easier for me to spend longer periods of time in the water. Especially when you are in the caves. In the caves, the water temperature drops even more, and once a chill reaches your bones, and you start shaking uncontrollably, you kind of wish you had a wet suit to help insulate you during your experience. Your experience is going to be pretty amazing and intense. It is totally magical to see these amazing natural wonders, to
swim/stand underneath a waterfall, seeing streaks of sun light speckle
the cave walls and clear water. It's incredible, slightly unnerving, and you are left with a feeling of wonder, a sense of danger, and a clear sense of awareness. <br />
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It's easy to get lost in the caves. I wouldn't recommend going alone. Besides the cave exploring, there is rock hopping, climbing, cliff jumping, and so much exploration. We stayed put with our camp, but if we wanted, we could have spent a lot more time, several more days even, just moving up or down stream, and seeing what else there was to see.<br />
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As far as directions and how to get there - it's about 2.5 hours from Rocklin, CA. Make sure you get in touch with someone who has been there, otherwise it will be difficult to find. It's not a clearly marked path or anything. But if you do want to give it a shot at finding it on your own, your best bet is to do a google map search of: Candy Rock Quarry, Stanislaus National Forest, Murphys, CA 95247. Candy Rock is a different swimming hole and is not to be confused with Blue Streak. But it's in the same general area. There is a turnout (where you park) and there is a big tunnel (fenced off) in that turn out. Then you walk down the road until you see a tiny little trail veering off to the right. It's the first trail that you see after that turnout, but it's easy to miss. It's a short walk from the turnout, probably 1/4 mile. The hike to Blue Streak is about 2 miles. You'll be swimming in the North Fork Stanislaus River once you arrive. Be sure to practice leave no trace - carry out ALL your garbage! Don't litter this place - it's amazing and beautiful, let's keep it that way. If you have been there, feel free to leave a comment, and if you have any other suggested places to check out in that area please do so! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-19332043026467790552014-07-11T13:02:00.000-07:002014-07-12T13:50:20.037-07:004th of July Hiking Trip, and that One Time Shayna and I Weren't Really Prepared for SnowHello hello everyone, Emerald here. I hope you are all enjoying the heck out of your summer. I myself have been a little pressed for time/finances, but luckily I live in an area where some really awesome nature is pretty easily accessible.<br />
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Like many people, I had a pretty sweet three-day weekend for the fourth of July. Don't you love it when holidays are conveniently placed? I do. I always kind of roll my eyes when a holiday like the fourth is on on a Wednesday or something, and you have to go back to work the next day and finish out the week. Don't get me wrong, I will totally take the day off, and I will take it happily, it's just hard to stay motivated during the rest of the week.<br />
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ANYWAY, three-day weekends are great. and I had one. And since the backpacking trip I had planned with the room mates had kind of fallen through due to various scheduling conflicts, I and another friend headed up to Castle Peak on Donner Summit to climb the peak and make a fun ten mile loop out of it.<br />
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Before you ask, no. I wasn't barefoot. The climb up to Castle Peak is steep and a lot of it is pretty scree heavy. The ascent up the peak is at about mile three, and I am not overly fond of the idea of cutting up my feet early on in the hike. Because this lady learns from previous experiences.<br />
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This hike is one of a few that I kind of fall back on when I just want to get outside and do an easy (ish) ten miles somewhat quickly. Maybe I am not in the mood for hiking somewhere new, and I want something predictable. I love being up in the Sierras. I grew up in Truckee, so that area always feels like home, and it feels good. <br />
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The last time I did this hike it was with Shayna, and there was still a whole honking lot of snow going on. <br />
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<i>Frontage road on the way up to Castle Pass.</i></div>
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Luckily, we had both brought boots along with our minimalist footwear, so we were able to keep going. The scree going up the peak was a little slippery, but we made it on top alright. </div>
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<i>Backside of Castle Peak</i></div>
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<i>View of the meadow from the ridgeline</i></div>
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<i>View of Castle Peak from Basin Peak</i></div>
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Unfortunately, the snow was enough that it obscured the already kind of faint trail going down the other side of basin peak, and while I know where the trail goes and how to get there, I didn't fancy trudging though a bunch of three foot drifts for a number of miles. For whatever reason that just wasn't appealing that day. So Shayna and I ended up not completing the loop and just came back the way we came. Somewhere along the way, Shayna lost a shoe....I don't think we are quite sure what happened there. And my boots were pretty old, and had been in the trunk of my car for about two years...so halfway down the mountain both of the soles just came off. Random! Thankfully it happened after I decided it would be a good idea to circumvent the peak and instead navigate through snowdrifts that came up to about mid thigh. Yup, definitely managed to outsmart the trail there. Good job Emerald. So Shayna and I, shoeless and soleless, descended from the majesty of Castle Peak and drove home to eat and take naps. </div>
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This hike last week couldn't have been more different. For one thing, no snow! </div>
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<i>Look at all that green!</i></div>
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Instead of snow, all of the wildflowers were blooming so that everything was colorful and felt wonderfully alive. It's always really neat to see how life thrives even in places that spend more time snowed in than not. </div>
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<i>Okay I lied. There is still some snow. </i></div>
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This trip we were most definitely able to complete our loop. Corey and I have both summited the peak before, and it is a huge pain in the butt, so we took the trail that avoids the top and goes directly to the ridge line. The ascent from Castle Pass to Castle Peak is about 2000 feet in one mile. It's steep. And when you are coming from an elevation of zero, it can be a little brutal. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK87QNlXKqVLw747SzsJUfxbKDeP1C36sldWfWG-O7b1jly_ia3xbOFkyia-lfUJZexisGPx4w6de774lOn1MtfjaMsYwHI4c4_YDC1tnMkOw37kwE8naaYkii5nUMX7kHmDOVPtIoB9lc/s1600/10409370_10152221324271299_4064851741537665746_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK87QNlXKqVLw747SzsJUfxbKDeP1C36sldWfWG-O7b1jly_ia3xbOFkyia-lfUJZexisGPx4w6de774lOn1MtfjaMsYwHI4c4_YDC1tnMkOw37kwE8naaYkii5nUMX7kHmDOVPtIoB9lc/s1600/10409370_10152221324271299_4064851741537665746_n.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Wildflowers on the ridge, courtesy of Corey's camera</i></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FR2ISMyRz3VxYzk6zkItKHVyASz0KBayERD_2foGAS6ffdCBYfk9hrK8BK9UffxJZ9VJM6y7KtfAOkBbqPjv9bnVZRxlYNTTAUE_rdtYR9Rq7Mk1a27sog2ItxbtgbYAufWlk0ybtWNW/s1600/IMG_2343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FR2ISMyRz3VxYzk6zkItKHVyASz0KBayERD_2foGAS6ffdCBYfk9hrK8BK9UffxJZ9VJM6y7KtfAOkBbqPjv9bnVZRxlYNTTAUE_rdtYR9Rq7Mk1a27sog2ItxbtgbYAufWlk0ybtWNW/s1600/IMG_2343.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trail up to Basin Peak</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Look at that! I have apparently never done this hike so early in the season. Flowers were exploding everywhere. Nature was on top of it's game on Independence Day this year. And the sky gets so blue up there. <br />
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As you can see, all of the work and heavy breathing on your way up is totally worth it. <br />
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Whenever I do this loop, I like to find the lock box on Basin Peak. Inside is a funny little notebook that people write in to say hello, and that they've been there. I like looking through all the different people and reading through their reactions to the trail. And I always look for an entry from Doug and I in 2012 from our trip to Paradise lake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdseiduFbD9YW8Ds74zwBMaWttKBNm4K0Ok_pm7hz6hT-FkTti1WvhW5WJqtzJxTYt9wFth_-5p20lb7yeA90wanHJvLcGx2ugcfpapkRku7gexFOJvSGXQ0f0ep-_ZqXnCEE893WGJXCu/s1600/IMG_2345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdseiduFbD9YW8Ds74zwBMaWttKBNm4K0Ok_pm7hz6hT-FkTti1WvhW5WJqtzJxTYt9wFth_-5p20lb7yeA90wanHJvLcGx2ugcfpapkRku7gexFOJvSGXQ0f0ep-_ZqXnCEE893WGJXCu/s1600/IMG_2345.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>I like how I'm all like "Cool hike, man!" and Doug waxes a little poetic and says some nice stuff. </i></div>
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As I mentioned before, the trail down Basin Peak can get a little faint at times, but if you just keep a sharp eye out and keep to the left at any trial splits, you are good to go. Plus, pretty!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgGzHe-bdjq2dOYVZAzsdSw7nZqfq-uFCLuWiv9oDGlEnCn0qqIp7o9mx7SkQpWcVsJEzoUK3wHQJJVQbZGmycnzaoIafQdNM04wPtOkFTNbNI4Zg1GwCxQ1VrmCw45uPyqn68-_vqolo/s1600/IMG_2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgGzHe-bdjq2dOYVZAzsdSw7nZqfq-uFCLuWiv9oDGlEnCn0qqIp7o9mx7SkQpWcVsJEzoUK3wHQJJVQbZGmycnzaoIafQdNM04wPtOkFTNbNI4Zg1GwCxQ1VrmCw45uPyqn68-_vqolo/s1600/IMG_2346.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ten miles up in the mountains is a great way to start a holiday, and after we had eaten a huge lunch we both felt perfectly justified in napping and lounging around the house for the rest of the day. </div>
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So that was my Fourth of July. What did you do? Did you have an awesome outdoor adventure, or did you keep it local and hang out with family and friends? Have your shoes (or other gear) ever gone kaput on a hike? Because if that kind of thing has happened to you, you should probably tell me about it below. </div>
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Hope you all are well, and have a great weekend!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLClzhnG_5YJdERzbBHL16EeMpBE1_h5OzAl_gC7XgUstrtdQSp96oAdwGYtbfhWIPQUNZYf1bmgh9iMargREc4xC6O70Uo7LPvP08XuuDcxSh1qCKoIe2RdBNPxn9RTfHqiAcXYW8oKaj/s1600/Sunburn-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLClzhnG_5YJdERzbBHL16EeMpBE1_h5OzAl_gC7XgUstrtdQSp96oAdwGYtbfhWIPQUNZYf1bmgh9iMargREc4xC6O70Uo7LPvP08XuuDcxSh1qCKoIe2RdBNPxn9RTfHqiAcXYW8oKaj/s1600/Sunburn-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Itās 2014 folks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elle here, and
Iām going to tackle some useful information, because much like years past, we
are not immune to the variety of scams and shams out there when it comes to
poorly mislabeled products, beautifully packaged bottles that are filled with
useless crap, and expert marketers who can and will LIE to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My experience with sunscreen goes way back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was 16 years old, my Dad was diagnosed
with Malignant Melanoma, which is a treatable type of skin cancer which
requires surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years my Dad
has had to have many minor surgeries to remove Malignant Melanoma (which can
spread and be fatal if not treated).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Part of my Dadās nose had to be cut off, in order to remove one of the
skin cancers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This began, for me, the
era of every day sunscreen use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily,
the skin cancers were detected early, and I got to keep my Dad AND learn some
important lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>We need to protect
our skin</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The years passed, and I tried
ALL kinds of different sunscreens, from low SPF, high SPF, the spray stuff, the
non oily, the oily, the exotic brands, the cheap brandsā¦ you name it, I tried
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I started to notice a
pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of them, actually seemed
to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure some of them would prevent
me from burning, or slow down the burn ā but I had to frequently reapply, and
it was always a matter of time before I just simply had to get out of the sun
and sit in the shade because sunscreen seemed to be useless garbage that
instead of protecting you, gave you a false sense of security, causing you to
be more reckless and prolong your exposure to the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasnāt until my early 20s that I figured
out, that sunscreen ingredients matter, and MOST sunscreens have nothing but
useless and even harmful ingredients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
Iām here to give you the low down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Itās all about the Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know that white chalky stuff that you see
on lifeguardās noses?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thatās the stuff
you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whiter, the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The size of the molecules matter, and the quality
of your sunscreen shows by how white it turns your skin (this is what Iāve
observed anyway).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your sunscreen does
not contain either one of these ingredients, itās useless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be listed in the āActiveā
ingredient listing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, itās
difficult to find these quality sunscreens in US stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>99% of the sunscreens you see being sold does not have one of these ingredients, which
generally means you need to bank on getting the
sunscreen that is made for Babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
sunscreen will be labeled āBabyā sunscreen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not āKidsā.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Itās gotta be for the
Baby!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the FDA regulations on products
designed for babies is far more stringent, so they gotta put the good stuff in
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stuff that works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stuff that isnāt going to be extremely
harmful to your body like Oxybenzone ā which is in over half of the sunscreens manufactured
and being sold on the market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
chemical oxybenzone penetrates the skin, gets into the bloodstream and acts
like estrogen in the body. It can trigger allergic reactions, has been linked to
endometriosis in older women and even lower birth weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The data on that is preliminary, but stillā¦
so far, not so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You donāt want to
mess with the hormones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
I started using Baby Sunscreen on all my kids (who are 8, 6, 6, and 3), my
husband, and myself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stuff
works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunburns are a thing of the past,
AND I can feel safer that my family is being protected not just from UVB rays
(which cause sunburn), but also UVA rays (which penetrates the skin more deeply
and has long been known to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling,
weakens the immune system, and contributes to and may even initiate the
development of skin cancers).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we get
a nice tan?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But thatās how I know the sunscreen is
WORKING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tan does not equal
healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kind of the opposite
actually!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Naturally, exploration involves lots of SUN!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who doesnāt love the Sun?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it, and I know you do too, but letās
protect our precious skin while weāre at play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because itās no fun to pay the consequences of fun later down the
road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<h1>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">More
stuff to research for sunscreen safety:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Retinyl palmitate</span></h1>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-49605030161002791332014-07-02T20:45:00.000-07:002014-07-04T20:40:11.459-07:00Barefooting is Cool and You Should do it MaybeHi Everyone! Emerald here. I'm here to talk to you about getting those tootsie toes out of your shoes for a breather.<br />
<br />
See, before I landed a really awesome job that politely insinuated that shoes were required on campus, I spent three years completely barefoot. I worked at an office that didn't care so much about my feet so long as I had good phone etiquette, and all of my movement disciplines at the time encouraged my footloose and fancy free behavior. I walked barefoot all winter. Sometimes even in snow. Definitely in frost. Often. And it was pretty awesome. <br />
<br />
Walking barefoot for so long had so many benefits that I don't know if I will be able to list them all off the top of my head. It helped to alleviate a bunch of weird back and knee pain that I had had for forever. Throughout my teen years, I was definitely a fan of massive, leather, goth stomping boots. (Ahem. I still am.) Which is fine, but boots that lace up to your knees keep your ankle in a really stiff, supported position and don't really allow the ankle to build up strength or mobility. This is where you see a lot of people that claim that they really need the ankle support to walk anywhere - they've spent a life time having those ankles artificially supported, and have not built up the ankle's ability to support itself.<br />
<br />
This kind of stuff really comes in handy when I am trekking around in the mountains. The Sierra Nevada mountain range that we have here in California is a truly special and beautiful place, but that beauty goes hand in hand with uneven and unpredictable ground. It ain't no flat pavement! It is so easy to be distracted by the incredible scenery that the Sierras have to offer and misstep only to roll your ankle. I can think of several occasions that those missteps would have resulted in a really unfortunate injury in the middle of nowhere, but thanks to my barefoot training, my feet and ankles were strong enough to roll with the punches without a problem.<br />
<br />
I also built up really, <i>really </i>thick callouses on the soles of my feet. I know you may be thinking "oh gosh, surely not! Surely that is what pumice stones are for!" But I implore you to embrace the callous! Thick callouses are what are going to enable you to walk over thick gravel without a problem, walk on pavement in 100 degree weather, and walk through frost. And small amounts of snow. Oh gosh, please don't walk away from this blog thinking that you can walk through three feet of snow for five miles without getting frostbite because that is simply not true. At all. Don't do that.<br />
<br />
But thick callouses will help get you through a snowy parking lot to your car. That could happen. That could be <i>you. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Now before you burn your shoes in a fiery rage, please use common sense and good critical thinking skills. Barefooting is generally not a great idea in areas with higher population densities, because as it turns out, there are people out there who will pee in public with reckless abandon. RECKLESS ABANDON PEOPLE. I'm lucky enough to live in the suburbs, but when I venture into more populated areas I for sure take shoes. There are plenty of great minimalist options out there. I am personally a huge fan of the Merrell trailgloves. Those are my go-to shoes when I feel so inclined to wear them. <br />
<br />
Also, please refrain from super-hardcore-ultra barefooting all the time right away. If you have been wearing shoes with huge soles all of your life, then take it slow. Give all of those muscles that your body uses to stabilize your movement a chance to learn how to stabilize on a bigger level. And let the soles of your feet build up their toughness. That part is really, really important. I remember about six months into the barefooting experience, I decided that I was going to walk from my apartment in Rocklin to a produce shop in Newcastle, which was about nine miles away. So eighteen miles round trip, right? No problem! I do those distances for breakfast! No big deal here! Except I had never done that kind of distance barefoot. And the road from Rocklin to Newcastle is mainly concrete, aside from those vast expanses of freaking gravel. And it was a really warm day in April. But I was determined! And I was going to win! And at the expense of my feet, and while I may have limped the last mile, I made it to Newcastle Produce! And I savored my victory over a tasty, tasty lunch.<br />
<br />
The return trip did not work out so well. I couldn't wrap my brain around doing another nine miles barefoot, so I put on a pair of Chuck Taylors that I brought in my pack, just in case. But my feet were so tore up that I couldn't deal with having socks on. I made it five miles to Loomis before I had to call my room mate and beg him to come pick me up. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">See those bruises? And the ripped away flesh that exposes tender, vulnerable flesh? Which is also bruised? Don't be like me people. Plan better. </span></i></div>
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And then I ate all of the ice cream. I had to limp through a grocery store to get it, but at that point I totally deserved it. </div>
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So please everyone, be careful with your beginning barefoot training. Exercise the appropriate amount of reasoning skills when planning your barefoot adventures. </div>
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These days I don't barefoot as much anymore. The afore mentioned job cut down on the daily barefooting, and a few toe injuries in the dojo while sparring have led me to prefer training in minimalist footwear for higher impact stuff. But while I have moved on from feeling the need to prove to myself and the world what a hardcore barefoot warrior I am, I still take the shoes off when they aren't necessary. And my feet are better for it. </div>
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Do you barefoot? What have your experiences been like? Feel free to share them in the comments!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-65737115135898675612014-07-02T17:53:00.000-07:002014-07-02T18:06:18.725-07:00So I've noticed...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUYQ5Fq8QHEw66eMB0VXb8pMOiKW9cP-1ii34UfTAXa1Bk-7csw7I9_bGBgGBxJqFLc_8bEJlEwGO7Yr8FBjXq14IH1CDdIG23RI4pPo9JRDUKuSM3bg2YxkLHqkYnH9u1R7519LrpJ-K/s1600/IMG_8584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUYQ5Fq8QHEw66eMB0VXb8pMOiKW9cP-1ii34UfTAXa1Bk-7csw7I9_bGBgGBxJqFLc_8bEJlEwGO7Yr8FBjXq14IH1CDdIG23RI4pPo9JRDUKuSM3bg2YxkLHqkYnH9u1R7519LrpJ-K/s1600/IMG_8584.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
There aren't alot of sexy pictures of women climbing in trees and getting all dirty and stuff. What is up with that?! We're here to change that. So here you go World!<br />
<br />
The story behind the pictures - we had the rare opportunity to go camping in McCloud, CA in the Mt. Shasta area, near Fowler Falls. We were there to shoot a music video for Sanna-Pirita, a Finnish intuitive singer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Iz3abRYGmzJ9GxW4LxkfUiJJKoCoSA9H8rqGBw49aerX3u9QUENG4zsJPuXEMj3rqnABg4F4D3sRmrKWEeMlOQRMhzRhayP4GXl3GcEHux-o9R0BnYchf2fJixbgDuqFzlvm4HbK-2Zd/s1600/IMG_8641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Iz3abRYGmzJ9GxW4LxkfUiJJKoCoSA9H8rqGBw49aerX3u9QUENG4zsJPuXEMj3rqnABg4F4D3sRmrKWEeMlOQRMhzRhayP4GXl3GcEHux-o9R0BnYchf2fJixbgDuqFzlvm4HbK-2Zd/s1600/IMG_8641.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The end result of the music video was much different than the original vision due to the fact that our production team was really strapped for time, and there were relative budget constraints. But it was a fun project nonetheless, and it was yet another excuse to get outside and adventure around. Yes there was cliff jumping involved.<br />
<br />
You can check out the video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-Hz7VlEmVE" target="_blank">Here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-34711821537042871182014-07-02T17:21:00.002-07:002014-07-08T15:31:06.084-07:00meet founding member Shayna James!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxDIglqyKDzq4-tVKxLBx71K-Qi4goE1oLvt49FVFzCLa4tLU2GlQoO7VS_rlThk7E-6loHTFd1S2VfUpkqVND-A-zWLbCKXNfANwnyc8gxcX8QrtCX9saGeA8AhK_vOOvSITwVWa-on_/s1600/V__74EF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxDIglqyKDzq4-tVKxLBx71K-Qi4goE1oLvt49FVFzCLa4tLU2GlQoO7VS_rlThk7E-6loHTFd1S2VfUpkqVND-A-zWLbCKXNfANwnyc8gxcX8QrtCX9saGeA8AhK_vOOvSITwVWa-on_/s1600/V__74EF.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Shayna is a fearless athlete, and is also a natural talent when it comes to Parkour. She also trained in TKD for over 10 years, and loves training outdoors with her fellow gal pals. Her relentlessly positive attitude and spirit for cooperation makes her a favorite person in pretty much any social circle she is associated with. She is the oldest child and has 2 younger sisters, is currently attending college and making her way, staking her name is this world. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9keRt5wjQ877f6AuGczRjB6YdlqYeTT7OkVgmpQyiecdk3g1mM6zFLN-2BptQLy1JtTRHMa-gZM3SLwhOyVFGP3WiuJtHFtAsoP1VaYwivcohyPpgcItm5uKFYdcruuUSlH7pHoXO7NEC/s1600/V__528F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9keRt5wjQ877f6AuGczRjB6YdlqYeTT7OkVgmpQyiecdk3g1mM6zFLN-2BptQLy1JtTRHMa-gZM3SLwhOyVFGP3WiuJtHFtAsoP1VaYwivcohyPpgcItm5uKFYdcruuUSlH7pHoXO7NEC/s1600/V__528F.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hobbies: Drawing/Art, Moving, Computer Tech-ing.<br />
<br />
Accomplishments: Personal Relations Aficionado<br />
<br />
Always gets the move on the first time... EVERY time.<br />
<br />
Graduated High School in 2011 with a positive outlook on life<br />
<br />
Achieved Black Belt Ninjaship<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TddiJ8QHZyollU9aJD-IpoajF68eWN4Jb6NIMnf5vx_I2E9HJ_7OcCqHIa9-xvJLkiu-6W-_hMy1VWilJbqT1-V_GmNlF0UvAAjyA0AvkFc7JeOdyVdu_C-NQ4blfaqounaDMJnK-5Po/s1600/V__589B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TddiJ8QHZyollU9aJD-IpoajF68eWN4Jb6NIMnf5vx_I2E9HJ_7OcCqHIa9-xvJLkiu-6W-_hMy1VWilJbqT1-V_GmNlF0UvAAjyA0AvkFc7JeOdyVdu_C-NQ4blfaqounaDMJnK-5Po/s1600/V__589B.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-17184151456489000582014-07-02T13:07:00.000-07:002014-07-04T07:31:28.074-07:00meet founding member Michelle Bertrand!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbTR8ICgyPwjk8iqCrPs3OdmSOJOjYHiPP5kcr7cZmNUu6njBTGZNNOZx-aM9VqjnfuedjLTNgMnk5rwBb7yksPKGRqDIpw1D_pD6OSQ3px_kFJcQ4ooPHHeMTcx6087-B5VWbH7qtrcb/s1600/Michelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbTR8ICgyPwjk8iqCrPs3OdmSOJOjYHiPP5kcr7cZmNUu6njBTGZNNOZx-aM9VqjnfuedjLTNgMnk5rwBb7yksPKGRqDIpw1D_pD6OSQ3px_kFJcQ4ooPHHeMTcx6087-B5VWbH7qtrcb/s1600/Michelle.jpg" /></a></div>
Michelle is your average soccer mom. You know, the kind that played
soccer for 15 years and coached and does back flips on the field with
her 4 kids, competes in triathlons while she's pregnant with twins (since triathlons and pregnancy alone just isn't challenging enough), and totally shows everyone up at the parkour gym? She has a
tendency of picking up skills like nobody's business because of her
incredible competitive drive that is probably the determining factor of
why she's kind of awesome at... EVERYTHING. But one thing she's not
good at, is talking about how amazing she is. So she's not writing this
post. She also makes miracle salves for her fellow parkour ladies.
Her salves treat anything from muscles being sore from training, stomach
aches, or even if you're having epileptic seizures, she is there at
your door, with some awesome healing remedy that she made with her own
hands. She is also an expert at making delicious foods that are Gluten,
Soy, Corn, Dairy, Egg free. Let's just say, if it's a difficult
problem to overcome - Michelle is the master problem solver.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTB46DVHnIA1QI9V_jfZlmTHqZYUH8UVsRn3_Ui1HBILHjJkiiqBQUGGYID4X37UKP7lZN8-LxNrt-Iuc1x7ohhi2T28tMMRnJn-rCF5J5_227eBnfwv_Iw219qPrKTZLjD9i7IKmlL5_/s1600/Michelle+wakeboarding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTB46DVHnIA1QI9V_jfZlmTHqZYUH8UVsRn3_Ui1HBILHjJkiiqBQUGGYID4X37UKP7lZN8-LxNrt-Iuc1x7ohhi2T28tMMRnJn-rCF5J5_227eBnfwv_Iw219qPrKTZLjD9i7IKmlL5_/s1600/Michelle+wakeboarding.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hobbies:<br />
Reading, Running, Acquiring useful skills, Enjoys searching for new recipes she can actually eat! and loves all things Disney<br />
<br />
Accomplishments: BA in The Study of Religions from UCLA, Completed a Sprint Triathlon while 16 weeks pregnant with twins, Completed a Marathon<br />
<br />
Accomplished Athlete<br />
<br />
Homeschools all 4 of her children<br />
<br />
Served a mission in Africa Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-4472656000539243362014-07-02T13:03:00.004-07:002014-07-03T16:43:41.961-07:00meet founding member Elle Beyer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vUz2YP6fJmVEoJrE7HzKkhpr77Q5XNZvHJ-wiGt6iJf-Bv3K82xjAXSI9CLUgUol94HsLAUk3qXSmThMU6NqZvKlzBV_Hjz2CchuLQPl-D6sq1jUzh2wkpvjE_BX3Q8fn-HYH0XJploZ/s1600/Elle+sword+sari+black+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vUz2YP6fJmVEoJrE7HzKkhpr77Q5XNZvHJ-wiGt6iJf-Bv3K82xjAXSI9CLUgUol94HsLAUk3qXSmThMU6NqZvKlzBV_Hjz2CchuLQPl-D6sq1jUzh2wkpvjE_BX3Q8fn-HYH0XJploZ/s1600/Elle+sword+sari+black+white.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
Elle Beyer is Co-Founder of Free Flow Academy - the largest parkour gym
in California, a founding member of Eagle & Hawk PK, as well as founding member of NeoFlow Parkour & Freerunning Team. She is a
serial entrepreneur, mother of 4 (including twins), and has a physical fitness background
of 14+ years Kung Fu and Martial Arts, Parkour, and has dabbled in every
sport/movement art you can think of. She also has an entertainment
background (under the name Elle Bennett), having traveled the world as a
working stunt woman, actress, model, and sports newscaster/journalist.<br />
<br />
Hobbies: Cooking, Writing, Gardening, Market Research/Analysis<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdM2jKAXRbaaDXothfxHyfPvfF_6DlEXJ8brfsf6hDL_TUbSPOajO1G2qQACDbgRhiUvjwtLhUBuDwHqIdNueQ45yaFycDHq4kuo3DgqvokMpxzOFguE3u57rkLJvEFbHnhwfpfcdJxie/s1600/Elle+in+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdM2jKAXRbaaDXothfxHyfPvfF_6DlEXJ8brfsf6hDL_TUbSPOajO1G2qQACDbgRhiUvjwtLhUBuDwHqIdNueQ45yaFycDHq4kuo3DgqvokMpxzOFguE3u57rkLJvEFbHnhwfpfcdJxie/s1600/Elle+in+Tree.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Accomplishments: Visionary Entrepreneuress<br />
<br />
The tree to the right --------><br />
<br />
www.freeflowacademy.com<br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/shaolinstorm
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-47948901057691236002014-07-02T13:00:00.004-07:002014-07-02T21:03:56.220-07:00meet founding member Emerald Barkley!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCp4QKg7QBMBqBqq-PWE4P2SHZ0Fo4wastFzCBssq2lSitaq6w1o4beJZf3ViU2A7VZhWCW5artjvYgqOpBUkvsTvteHxcc6F08_f_drWMqACqZI7PetwYvzJHGE1iJZsQdmoKnfvMNdd/s1600/Emerald+tires+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCp4QKg7QBMBqBqq-PWE4P2SHZ0Fo4wastFzCBssq2lSitaq6w1o4beJZf3ViU2A7VZhWCW5artjvYgqOpBUkvsTvteHxcc6F08_f_drWMqACqZI7PetwYvzJHGE1iJZsQdmoKnfvMNdd/s1600/Emerald+tires+2.jpeg" height="320" width="213" /></a>Emerald teaches a women's parkour class at Free Flow Academy. She has a
physical fitness background in Parkour, Weightlifting, Tai Chi, Eskrima, and Kenpo
Karate, in which she has earned her Third Brown rank under Chris Davison of the Parker/Planas lineage. Emerald is also an avid Hiker/Explorer and enjoys hiking in the
mountains on weekends, generally busting out about 46 miles, no
problem. The higher the elevation and the longer the distance, the better. Sometimes you can find her hiking in the canyon without her shoes on. Say Hi!<br />
<br />
Hobbies: Reading, Gardening, Writing, Painting, Standing on Tires With a Smoke Machine Behind Her For Dramatic Affect and Generally Looking Tough, Antagonizing her Roommates, Making Witty Commentary Throughout Class Much to the Exasperation of Her Various Coaches, Hanging Out In Various Cat Positions, and Making Michelle Laugh Because It's Fun. Also tentacles.<br />
<br />
Accomplishments: Artist Extraordinaire; Recipient of the Sierra College Halberg Award 2012; AA In Liberal Arts; Accomplished Grub Harvester; Rain Hoarder; Third Brown in American Kenpo with Chris Davison, tested by 8th Dan Chuck Epperson; 5 Years in Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi; Winner of the Annual Rocklin Frog Impersonation Competition; Grand Master of Wide-Mouth Bass Mimicry; Maker of Long and Questionably True Lists.<br />
<br />
Go check out her art website at:<br />
http://www.emeraldbarkley.com/<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpYz1ZOAmY9V5fWAysnIwtSLRyxlRa1GTOZd2heDYvXoltcfovd8UWYCNIYK2LSXdKqevGDc4IMYGjL5Ik8hzNar_l7T8XdmrBhkWg5T1YzSs7xBpZ6faQLex8JvDgRQlGYzPuHrQCHy0/s1600/IMG_2227%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggb1M_VhRUNO4iPo5ALeN375MEG6mioBO1gUceAzj8P04Bzk9OdqSDUjxXHsgB-WEqoiwbZbglMndYFaRgxi9TkBg1UMBiH0xsPyKm-nOs1cGgEaAH9c3Qn_X7uJ93kMeX-iAWryuXj3Md/s1600/59889_319779854800077_78256025_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggb1M_VhRUNO4iPo5ALeN375MEG6mioBO1gUceAzj8P04Bzk9OdqSDUjxXHsgB-WEqoiwbZbglMndYFaRgxi9TkBg1UMBiH0xsPyKm-nOs1cGgEaAH9c3Qn_X7uJ93kMeX-iAWryuXj3Md/s1600/59889_319779854800077_78256025_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpYz1ZOAmY9V5fWAysnIwtSLRyxlRa1GTOZd2heDYvXoltcfovd8UWYCNIYK2LSXdKqevGDc4IMYGjL5Ik8hzNar_l7T8XdmrBhkWg5T1YzSs7xBpZ6faQLex8JvDgRQlGYzPuHrQCHy0/s1600/IMG_2227%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709885332110579067.post-77281820918939558022014-07-02T12:52:00.001-07:002014-07-02T12:52:18.199-07:00Welcome!!!Hello and Welcome to our Blog!!! I'll get right to the point here, as I have a tendency to be long-winded at times.<br />
<br />
<b>Who are we? </b><br />
<br />
We're a group of women who love to move! It really is that simple. We
love to move, explore, plan adventure jams, eat sushi, hang out, and
play. We're like a biker gang, but without the bikes. However, don't
be surprised if we all decide to start our own biker gang, just because
we felt like it. We explore our world, mainly on foot, and being
outdoors, is our thing. This group was founded by the Women's Parkour
Team "Eagle & Hawk PK" out of Free Flow Academy in Rocklin, CA. But
we're not just a team, we are a community, and our desire is to reach
out and expand ourselves through the internet. <br />
<br />
<b>What is the point of this blog?</b><br />
<br />
We love to share, and make new friends. Especially women. Sisterhood
is on the run these days, and we feel women need to band together,
appreciate each other, and build each other up. We're going to use our
love of movement and our hobbies and interests to bring together women
from all walks of life, to help build up a community and a dialogue. We
also wish to share insights, experiences, and stories so that we can
laugh and cry together, as well as inspire each other. <br />
<br />
<b>Can I join your group? </b><br />
<br />
Hellzzzz YES!!!! That's why we're starting this blog. To bring women
together. If you aren't local - no worries! Our goal is to create a
sisterly network. That way, when we're out adventure jamming all over
the world, we have friends we can connect with! We're a team, we're a
community, we're a network.<br />
<br />
<b>What if I'm a beginner at Parkour?</b><br />
<br />
Aren't we all beginners in some degree? No matter what your level and
experience, we aren't going to exclude you. We're all here to learn and
have fun. No one is going to Alpha you around.<br />
<br />
<b>How do I participate?</b><br />
<br />
The first step would be to follow the blog, and participate in the
discussions. Comment and engage. Guest bloggers are encouraged. We
want to hear your voice, and your experiences! However, this is not a
soap box for complaints and trivial matters. Please keep dialogue
positive and uplifting. We want to see cool pictures of where you have
been, or "secret spots" you may have discovered on your journey of
adventuring. Let's be clear about one thing - we are pioneers, and
explorers. Everything you write should be becoming of such. <br />
<br />
<b>What if I have ideas to contribute?</b><br />
<br />
AWESOME!!! We and the whole group would love to hear them! We're here
to serve you in a way that is meaningful and useful, not only to
ourselves, but to you! If you want us to plan an adventure jam, we'll
do it! If you want to organize an event, and use our network as a
calling torch, then so be it. We're here to help in any way we can that
means building up your ability to explore and reach out to other women
around you.<br />
<br />
<b>Does Eagle & Hawk PK have a mission? </b><br />
<br />
Yes. We do. Its' a song by the late John Denver. See below:<br />
<br />
I am the eagle, I live in high country in rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky.<br />
I am the hawk, and there's blood on my feathers.<br />
But time is still turning, they soon will be dry.<br />
And all those who see me, and all who believe in me<br />
share in the freedom I feel when I fly.<br />
<br />
Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops.<br />
Sail o'er the canyons and up to the stars.<br />
And reach for the heavens and hope for the future<br />
and all that we can be, and not what we are.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246652206420628045noreply@blogger.com1