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subtitle: "A Long and Injury-Free Life is Really Over-rated" 
Cowabunga, dude. When sunrise signals the start of these high adventures, the faint-hearted might as well stay back at camp, writing letters home to momma. Because these trips are designed only for the "rough and ready". No light-weights need apply. What trips? How adventurous? Read on, and find out. Of course, I've done the "white water wild thing" a few times myself. In fact, if this photo wasn't cropped down to size, you just might see me ... sitting on shore ... in camp ... writing a letter back home to mom.
However, for those "brave hearts" out there, National Geographic Adventure magazine has selected and ranked America's 100 finest trips with the help of an all-star team of the country's foremost writers and experts. Here are the top 3 trips. #1. Rafting the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon of Arizona (photo). Nothing compares to the ultimate adrenaline-pumping river trip that traverses one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes. Commercial outfitters minimize the risk and handle the logistics involved in planning a three-week trip. Besides, there's a 12-year waiting list for private permits. The rafters in the photo will take at least that long to wash the mud off. #2. Sea Kayaking the Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii. Most paddlers don't rush past the 3,000-foot cliffs, waterfalls, sea caves, reefs and lush valleys that make this 17-mile kayaking trip the most stunning in the world. They prefer to take several days, and camp on beaches accessible only from the sea. The most spectacular part of the trip is at Nualolo Kai, with its huge sea caves and reefs, where you can snorkel amid sea turtles and tropical fish. Paddlers should have previous experience on rough water to brave the trip back up the coast. #3. Dogsledding in the Brooks Range, Alaska. After a crash course in gear and dogs, you set off in command of six yelping huskies. In preparation, however, you are taught to master the dogs. This is tough for many urban boomers like myself who can't even get my dog to go out and get the newspaper. Anyway, if you're determined to dogsled, you have to learn a two things. Number One. Always make eye contact with your lead dog when you pull your ice hook. Number Two. Don't forget to lean into the corners when the sled tips, and for heaven's sake "hang on", so your dogsled doesn't make the trip without you. On a good day (good being operationally defined as "hey, I didn't get eaten by a bear"), you mush the dogs 20 to 30 miles. On a really good day (defined as "hey, my mother-in-law DID get eaten by a bear"), you see a wolf pack bounding after a caribou herd. That's also a "great day" because the wolves are not chasing you-know-who. P.S. Don't write me to point out that I've misspelled "dogsledding". My Webster's New World 4th Edition College Dictionary says it's really two-words, as in "dog sledding". But I'm siding with National Geographic on this one. They spelled it as one-word, as in "dogsledding". Besides, after reading about all those rough and rugged adventure types, I figure the National Geographic guys can kick Webster butt. So, if you feel like correcting any spelling here, I strongly suggest you write Webster, not National Geographic. Okay, so there are 100 high adventures and I only covered three. That leaves 97 more, I think. (My math isn't any better than my spelling). So, you'll just have to go out and subscribe to National Geographic Adventure magazine. The per issue cover price is $3.95. Okay, that's a bit pricey. So makeup the difference by skipping either your latte refill or second piece of coffee cake at Starbuck's. I'm not worried about picking on Starbuck's. Heck, I've seen those coffee cowboys, and they don't look that tough. Anyhow, if you always wanted to strike out on the most daring escapades of your life, pick up an issue of National Geographic Adventure magazine. I like to read my issue on the morning train. It makes me look tough, and the muggers don't bother me. Hey, don't laugh. By not being mugged, I've saved enough to subscribe !!!! Subscriptions are a whole lot cheaper than buying single issues. So now I can eat my coffee cake and have it, too. By the way, is "coffee cake" one-word, or two? I think I'll phone Starbuck's and ask'em. Graphic Credit: National Geographic, New York, NY. AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com |
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