Go it alone

It seems that between all my kayaking and running I’m finding myself out there on my own. Not that I’m complaining – I get to set my own pace, wander if I see something of interest and simply spend time decompressing from the stresses of the work week.

There are so many random, funny and odd things that go through my mind when adventuring outdoors. The problem is that at some point I get bored of myself (yes, it’s possible) and all those thoughts. That’s when I started packing my iPod as essential piece of gear. When I’m out for a run I’ve got a case that allows me to clip my iPod to my clothes and I’ve also got a band that goes around my arm (caution: can cause strange tan lines). I’ve even got a waterproof case for when I’m kayaking.

Problem solved? Kinda. Now I’m completely over my playlists and even the surprise of shuffling songs. After a few hours out on the water I’m just not into it anymore. That’s when I had the bright idea of downloading an audio book onto my iPod – brilliant, if I do say so myself. I took to the water and listened to the first 3 hours of Life of Pi. It definitely helped me through my usual paddle and kept my brain going the whole time. I highly recommend it!

I’ll give one obvious warning though. If you do choose to wear an mp3 player while taking part in your favorite outdoor activity – please make sure you’re being as alert as possible. On the water you’ve still gotta look out for other boat activity. On a run you’ve still gotta be vigilant about your surroundings, cars and other runners/cyclist. I try to accomplish this by only putting in one ear bud. So far, so good.

Hiking 101

This past Saturday I had the good fortune to do my first hike of the year with two great friends, two cute dogs and on a gorgeous but windy day. I’m all about planning, so before the trek I carefully picked out a route that 1) I hadn’t done before so I could see some new sites and 2) would be just the right amount of time to scratch the outdoors itch but not leave me limping for the next three days. I made a list of gear to bring and an itinerary for the day, which I shared with my gal pals. All there was left to do was make it out to Shenandoah National Park and hit the trail.

The girls and I parked at the lot just past Hogback Overlook. The dogs were going crazy greeting each other and I just couldn’t wait to get going. Having thoroughly reviewed the map of the 5.2 mile loop and having read through the hike description several times we were off! Start at the cement marker at the south side of the parking lot, check. At the next trail marker take a right and follow the blue blazes down a wooded hillside, check. Pass by Mathew’s Arm campground… errr, wait, what? Ugh… Mathew’s Arm campground is not on the map and I should know cause I’m supposed to be the leader of this hiking party, the one who’s got all the details covered, right?

Fortunately it was a good time to stop and grab some lunch and let the dogs play. As I pulled out my map and directions and stared dumfounded I realize that there must have been a second cement marker at the south side of the parking lot, one that would take us across Skyline Drive and around our planned loop. How could I have missed this? My hiking partners were good sports about it all, though I’m sure I’m not gonna live this one down for a while (1 year, 2 years – only time will tell).

At the end of the day, we put in a good 3 hours of hiking and there’s the promise a do-over to conquer our originally planned trek. The dogs were tired. We felt somewhat accomplished and happily celebrated with some hike’s-end cupcakes J Did I feel dumb? Yeah. Will I redeem myself next time? Definitely!!

Don't Try This @ Home

Did anyone hear that kayaker Pedro Olivia recently broke the world record for highest waterfall descent by a kayaker? Yeah – didn’t think so. It seems like not many media outlets picked up this news story from early-March. Plus, I’m guess it wasn’t as sexy as the unprotected, naked guy who went over Niagara Falls a week later.

It made me think, is this guy really a kayaker or just a daredevil? By pure definition alone he’s definitely a kayaker, one who uses a kayak. But hmmm… he’s definitely a daredevil. I’m not really into stunts or breaking non-sense records, though I’ve got to admit that I’m intrigued by this story.

Either way, I’m steering my boat clear of any ominous waterfalls even if you triple dog dare me!

Pedro’s Stats
March 4, 2009 – Pedro Olivia plunges 127 feet off Salto Belo Falls in Central Brazil breaking the record for highest waterfall decent by a kayaker.

March 24, 2009 – Ann Curry tries undressing Pedro Olivia with her eyes in a “Today” show interview.

April 1, 2009 – Pedro Olivia returns to obscurity