The Victoria Falls Bungee Jump Accident: An Opinion About Extreme Sports

BungeeJumpVF The Victoria Falls Bungee Jump Accident: An Opinion About Extreme Sports

[UPDATE 1/10/11 8:30 A.M. EST - There is a twitter account (possibly) established by Safari Par Excellence. Follow them at @SafParZambia Their name has been in the news, attached to the accident, but they book all kinds of African Tours, don't operate any of them. I think if they had a Facebook and Twitter account ahead of time, they could have minimized the press they are getting. A lesson to all companies out there - if you don't engage in social media, you'll regret it later when you need it.]

What is Skydiving Like?

100 6078 1024x768 What is Skydiving Like?

Photo used with permission from Skydive Space Center

It was time.

In honor of turning 30, I decided to conquer my fears and celebrate in a way that true adventures would – skydiving. But unlike Bungee Jumping, I didn’t go at it alone. I convinced my dad, brother and Brian to jump with me. If you’re a first-time jumper (like I was), curious to discover what Skydiving is like or simply want to relive your own skydiving adventure, here’s a primer on what to expect (and my play-by-play reaction) from my jump with Skydive Space Center* in Titusville, Florida.

Skydiving from 18,000 Feet: Foolish or Fantastic?

100 6074 1024x768 Skydiving from 18,000 Feet: Foolish or Fantastic?

Photo used with permission from Skydive Space Center

As an adventurer, I’ve done some pretty adrenaline-inducing activities. From bungee jumping in front of Victoria Falls, walking with lions in South Africa, SCUBA Diving with Sharks in the Great Barrier Reef and (yes) eating jellyfish in Singapore, I’ve had my share of thrills. But one thing was missing from that list – Skydiving.

Skydiving is arguably the ultimate of adventure sports. And for many reasons, I always left it at the bottom of the adventure list.

My Travel ABC’s

Signal Hill  My Travel ABCs

I was recently invited by Debbie Beardsley from European Travelista to participate in “My Travel ABC’s” – an alphabetized summary of my travels. So enjoy a trip down 26 memory lanes…

A: Age you went on your first international trip: I was young when I went to Canada; Toronto and Montreal. We went to Canada’s Wonderland, Ontario Place, the CN Tower and in Montreal… an indoor maze, the Biodome and the Humor Museum – all in French.

B: Best (foreign) beer you’ve had and where: Hmmm…. I like Stella Artois. I had some for the first time in London. But I really am a fan of Sam Adams (though not foreign).

How Cold is Whitewater Rafting in Alaska?

P8291166 How Cold is Whitewater Rafting in Alaska?

How cold is whitewater rafting in Alaska?

Cold. Very Cold.

On my Great Alaskan Adventure I took the opportunity to go Whitewater Rafting with Denali Outdoor Center* and receive my first “glacial facial” while traveling down the Nenana River. Here’s what you need to know to have your own, awesome whitewater rafting adventure in Alaska.

A Mile-By-Mile Recap of the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon: Everything I Discovered

PA011919 A Mile By Mile Recap of the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon: Everything I Discovered

Done.

That’s really all I could say at the end of the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon last week. Running 13.1 miles takes a lot out of you. With just over a week to recouperate, I’m ready to share everything I discovered about running, marathons, myself and more.

A Mile-by-Mile Half Marathon Video

I decided to take a camera with me and film a mile-by-mile editorial of my race progress. You can view by clicking on the YouTube video link below, but be warned… it’s a horrible video. Really bad. It’ dark, shaky, long and features me topless. I’m sure only race fanatics and Disney fans would have the patience to watch the whole thing.

How to Sleep on the Great Wall of China

IMG 6101 How to Sleep on the Great Wall of China

Photo Used with Permission from China Travel Go

Hey Adventurers!

Today’s story is all about sleeping on the Great Wall of China. Who would have thought you could do something like that? Well… our special guest blogger Brendon, from China Travel Go, will tell us all how to do it! You can also follow Brendon on Facebook and Twitter.

*****

Why Sleep on the Great Wall of China? 

IMG 6090 How to Sleep on the Great Wall of China

Photo Used with Permission from China Travel Go

Drinking a Real, Mummified, Human Toe: The Sour Toe Cocktail

P9021550 Drinking a Real, Mummified, Human Toe: The Sour Toe Cocktail

Curious about the toe? This YouTube Video tells the whole story…

The Sour Toe Cocktail was originated by Captain Dick (you can read the history here). It’s an eerily, curious drink that only the bravest try.

You Too Can Become a SourToe Cocktail Club Member

If you’re up for the challenge, visit the Downtown Hotel in Dawson City, Canada. It’s in the Yukon Territory. Stop in the bar and ask what time the “Toe Captain” will be there to drop the toe into your shot. On my most recent trip, it was posted that he was there every day from 7-9 P.M.

Adventures in Alaska

AlaskaSign Adventures in Alaska

Hey Adventurers,

By now, several of you who responded correctly on my Postcard Guessing Game should have received a personal postcard from me from Alaska – my latest adventure!

I’ve just returned from spending 11 days with some friends (6 of us total), traversing the 49th State (and Canada) in a 32-foot RV; from Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Dawson City and all the little cities in between.

Screen shot 2011 09 06 at 6.49.14 PM 1024x640 Adventures in Alaska
In the coming weeks I’ll be sharing with you the highlights of every adventure, including:

Biking

Hiking

Whitewater Rafting

Traveling by RV

Animal Spotting

Guess My Next Adventure: I’ll Send You a Postcard from There!

Mailbox 300x225 Guess My Next Adventure: Ill Send You a Postcard from There!

Hey Adventurers!

I’ll be embarking on my next adventure very soon and thought it would be fun to send a few of you a postcard from my new destination. The rules are simple:

Contest Rules

  1. Read the hints below.
  2. Complete the submission form below with your best guess.
  3. If you’re correct, I’ll mail the first few respondents a postcard from that destination.
  4. Winners must have a mailing address in the United States.
  5. All entries must be received by Monday, August 29th, 2011.
  6. Friends and family who already know where I’m headed aren’t eligible.

Join over 545 Facebook Fans!