2014 Polar Bear Plunge At Point Defiance In Tacoma

How do you celebrate New Year day ? Do you have any traditions/rituals to mark the beginning of a new year ?

Every January 1st, thousands of people around the world ring in the new year with a polar bear plunge, to shake off their hangover, and cleanse the body to enter the new year rejuvenated and energized .

The dips, thought to have originated in northern Europe, are now a global phenomenon, with countless thousands taking the plunge each year, typically in large groups. The biggest is in the Netherlands, where more than 30,000 people join in the “neiujhaarsduik” (New Year’s Dive). Dating back to 1960 in the town of Zandvoort, it has spread nationwide, with a record 37,000 participants in 2013.

In South Queensferry, Scotland, more than a thousand people gather annually for the Loony Dook. Participants dress up for the occasion and parade through the town acting like “loonies” before the impending “dook.” According to local media reports, and the BBC, most participants are still inebriated from New Year’s Eve celebrations and/or have lost a bet.

Here in the U.S., local Polar Bear Clubs organize annual events from Bar Harbor, Maine to Washington State.

While many organizations and groups use Polar Bear Plunge as a fund raising event, more people jump into icy cold waters to celebrate New Year in a fun and memorable way.

Polar Bear Plunges have grown in popularity in Washington state. This (2014) year, hundreds of people from Seattle to Tacoma participated in this invigorating event.

XHyperActive crew decided to join them by jumping into the new year with gusto !
It's also a good way to flush out any negativity and start fresh. What better way to begin the new year than by feeling completely alive....and in a little pain.

Adventure Travel Goals For 2014

As you know me, I can't stress enough the importance of writing your goals down... or the least, having clear, measurable, and achievable goals. I think goal setting is the first, and THE MOST IMPORTANT step on your way to personal growth and self improvement. They give you a clear target to aim for, and help keep motivation high by providing an objective way to measure progress.

Don't get it wrong ! There are many types of goals ( one research review came up with a list of 135 (!)  different kinds of goals that people tend to pursue ). But since the main topics of this blog are adventure travel, fitness, and the outdoors, I will focus mostly on these ones.

So, without further ado, here is my (short ) list of goals for 2014:

Business Goals 

1 - The most important goal I've set for myself this year is to make my blog ( and everything else I do online ) "career/full time job/". Since I started this blog almost 4 years ago, it's become a huge part of my life. I'm very passionate about it, and I love what I do !

2 - Since I've already been working  ( on/off ) online full time for the past 2 years, I'd love to share my knowledge and experience to help people journey their adventures to share their stoke and excitement with friends and family ( while making extra money on the side to get that new outdoor gear or extra cash for that dream trip ).

3 - I want to create XHyperActive brand, something like Red Bull ( mines poisonous drinks, and low-paid sponsored adrenaline junkies ). Instead, I want to focus on people just like you and me, I'd say "Regular Joe's" - somebody who wants to live a happy, healthy and adventurous life full of  great memories and memorable evens ! Somebody who is not afraid to get out of their comfort zone to pursue their goals, and to take necessary steps to accomplish their Bucket List adventures.

4 - I realize that many people who would love to get into fitness and outdoors, simply don't know where to start.  That's why I'd like to take XHyperActive brand offline to go back to training people, and personally encourage, motivate and guide ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

Adventurous Goals

- Do more kiteboarding ( and may be teach it too )
- Make soul surfing/SUP surfing a monthly event ( to help me battle my ADD and find more peace )
- Introduce my son to surfing... Go to Westport and California !
- Get my next scuba diving certificate ( and eventually become Dive Master )
- Take paragliding classes ( to learn something new, and see if it's something I can do long term )
- Do my first static skydiving jump ( tandem jump was fun, but solo should be awesome !!! )
- Take a sailing class ( and who knows, may be buy my first boat ! )
- Go bow hunting/spearfishing/fly-fishing ( and learn how to cook my kill/catch )
- Go skiing/snowshoeing/snow camping to Goldmyer Hot Springs this winter
- XC ( cross country/ski touring ) hut-to-hut in Mt Rainier
- (Finely ) go skiing Mt Adams
- Climbing Mt Baker/Olympus/Rainier ( again )
- Now that I dove with sharks in Florida's Aquarium, I want to do that again in our state
- Kayak and bike touring/camping has been on my list for the past few years ( just need to find 4-5 days to do that, and may be somebody to go with )
- Canyoneering is gaining more popularity in WA... I had fun canyoneering in Utah, and hope our state can offer places as breathtaking as the ones in Moab
- Haven't been climbing for a while... There a still a bunch of epic places I haven't climbed... The two I really want to do are : Leavenworth, Mt Erie, and Smith Rock ( in Oregon ).
- Since I sold my motorcycle, I've been feeling really sad :( Hope this spring to get into dirt biking, and buy a bike ( either dirt, street ot dual sport ).
- Windsurfing my SUP/paddleboard was fun, but would love to try something more challenging ! Hood River offers both amazing kiteboarding and windsurfing opportunities. Learning water start and switching to shorter/faster boards will make it more fun !
- My first sailing experience was a complete disaster ! If you're ever offered a cheap "sailing class" by Seattle Mountaineers/Seattle Singles Yacht Club - run ! It's not worth your money and time. So, this year, I hope to find a reputable sailing club to actually learn how to sail.
- I also want to introduce my son to sailing, and take him sailing on one of those historic tall ships.
- Bungee jumping in WA
- Balloon flying, and fat biking in Winthrop !
- Backpacking Olympic Coast/ Wonderland Trail/ Go back to the Enchantments
- Visit San Juan Islands !!! Can't believe I can't make it there 3 years in a row !!!

Adventure Travel ( outside WA )

- Visit Colorado !!! Would love to go skiing and try speed riding in Aspen !
- Neighboring Oregon has been inviting me for a long time to check out its adventures ! Visiting/xc skiing Crater Lake; skiing, ski-biking, airboarding at Hoodoo ski area; dirt biking/sandboarding Oregon's dunes; chilling in one of many famous Oregon's hot springs are just a few things I want to do there.
- Introduce my son to the beauty of travel ! First stop - California ! then...
- Not sure about border crossing laws yet, but would love to take him to Whistler, BC !
- The BIGGEST trip I'm planning this year is visiting Russia, and hope to explore Europe on the way there !

What are your goals for 2014 ? Why are they important to you ? Are they clear, exciting, measurable achievable ?

I wish you achieve every goal that you set up for yourself this year, and hope you'll share it with us !!! And remember :

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hope.” - Andrew Carnegie

Goodbye to 2013... It Was ... Uneventful ( Almost )

How was your 2013 ? What kind of memories have you created for yourself ? What have you achieved ?

Hope 2013 was better for you than it was for me... Since I started this blog, 2013 was the most uneventful year so far, and, as you know,  I blame myself for not writing my goals down and not planning the year ahead. 

But I can't complain that it was that bad. I had a few great moments, like:

- visited Roslyn, WA ( the unofficial "movie town of WA" )
- tried fly fishing for the first time
- did a couple gigs for Toyota
- went diving at a new spot in Washington
- went sailing ( it was awful ! )
- lived off-grid for 3 months in my Subaru
- celebrated another great birthday surfing at Westport
- had another great winter working my favorite job !

But one thing that made 2013 great and memorable for me was the time I spent with my son ! We had a few great father/son moments :

- we celebrated his 6th birthday in our favorite cabin in Leavenworth
- got to go flightseeing over our beautiful Seattle
-  picked up a new sport ( archery )
- tried skimboarding at a popular skimboarding beach in WA
- went camping, hiking and caving at Mt St Helens
- hiked Point Defiance in Tacoma
- switched to a BMX bike and electric scooter
- chilled ( a lot !  ) at a local waterpark during summer

So looking back, I can honestly say : "I'm blessed, and 2013 wasn't that bad" :)

It's crazy how all that happened in just one year !

The Importance of Setting Clear, Written Goals

Let me begin this post with a couple of my favorite quotes about goal setting, afterwards, I'll explain why these are my favorite :

"Never begin the day until it is finished on paper." ~ Jim Rohn

"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible" ~ Tony Robbins

"People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine." ~ Brian Tracy

2012 was a great year for me ! My online business was booming, I traveled a lot, had tons of fun, and met many inspiring, adventurous, stoked folks ! All that I owe to my goal setting the year before.

2013 on the other hand was... not so great. Untill I got to sit down to write this very post, I couldn't understand why... I went back to my blog just to realize that I didn't put my goals for 2013 in writing !!! Yeah, sure, I had my "Bucket List"  board on Pinterest, but as it states above "clear, written goals, accomplish far more" than just simply wishing ( even if you have a visual representation ).

Until you write it down, your goal is just a dream. Dreaming is elevated above execution. And that’s never good. That doesn’t get you anywhere. It makes you feel good, but then later you have all these regrets that surface.

I am not saying that committing your goals to writing is the end-game. It’s not. But it is VERY important. Writing down goals clarifies priorities to keep the person on track. It’s preeminently important for your goals to exist in written form, not floating in that ether that exists in your head.

When you put pen to paper you turn your thoughts into something tangible. You can actually see it, touch it, and even smell it if you want to. Your goal is no longer just a thought.  It becomes something, what motivates us and creates a gut feeling inside.

 Even the act of using the eye in coordination with the hand holding the pen makes a much stronger impression on our mind as we write out the phrase or expression. Now when we read and re-read that phrase or sentence the impression on the mind becomes deeper and deeper.

There is something semi-magical about writing one’s goals down which makes achieving well-written goals an almost certainty.

If you want to make commitment to your goals even more solid, share them with those around you. In essence, this is another reason for my blog - feeling accountable to my readers motivates me to stay on track.

Have you committed your goals to paper ?  Do you have a deadline for your goals ? Are you accountable to your friends/family/followers ?

And remember :

Living In Your Car Like A Bohemian ( Or A Bum )

For me, the word "adventure" has always been associated with something that presents a challenge, something that offers an unbelievable, firsthand experience,   and creates unforgettable, vivid, self-defining memories.

Since I started this blog I've been blessed with meeting, reading and writing about people who push their physical, mental and spiritual limits, who challenge orthodox social viewpoints, who possess a burning desire to expand their knowledge through firsthand experiences to test the limits of their own strength and endurance, and in doing so, discover their true self.

There are many names for people like this :  adventurers, wanderers, vagabonders, nomads, minimalists, bohemians... One thing they have in common - living the life on their own terms.

The choice to live an adventurous lifestyle is not an easy one. It is very difficult to break free of the monotonous routine of daily life when you have been repeating it for years on end. There is only one way to break the routine, and that is to just do it. And that's exactly what I did...

Living off-grid in a trailer/RV/van like a traveling nomad enjoying life, going on adventures, and writing inspiring stories has been on my Bucket List for quite a while. I talked to people who lived "RV life style" full time, read and followed the blogs of those who went off-grid in tiny houses , wrote about fellow adventurers who perused their passion full time while living in vans and camp sites, and even created a visual aid to help me try this new exciting way of living. Until one day, I just decided to go for it....

Since I'd been traveling for quite some time, at that time I didn't have too many possessions. Everything I had fitted in  a  5x10 storage. It just took me a matter of two days to rig up my faithful Subaru, and "hit the road".  Because of my family circumstances I didn't go too far, and spent the next 3 months living in my car.

Unlike many unfortunate folks out there, my experience wasn't created by a financial situation. It was a pure adventurous and social experiment. Inspired by people I read and write about, I wanted to see if I had the guts to walk away from the convenience of every day life, challenge a few social norms, and to see what I'd be capable of physically and emotionally. 

As you might know, many stories that I write about I experience myself firsthand.  Surviving and off-grid living haven't been the topics of this blog... not till now.

Today I'm starting a new category " Survival/Off-Grid Living ".

Looking back at my adventures living in a car, traveling cross country, spending majority of my time playing in the backcountry, and coming from former USSR with nothing but $50 in my pocket ( and surviving the first 7 years as an "undocumented alien" ), I think I've deserved the right to share my knowledge and experience to help people prepare for times when SHTF or/if they fall into harsh financial times.

How Do You Celebrate Your Birthday ?

There are only two major holidays on my calender : my birthday and New Year. For me, both of these dates represent a new beginning, a fresh start, a clean slate. It's time to look back and reflect on my goals and achievements, and time to make new exciting plans for the upcoming year !

It saddens me to know that many people don't really celebrate their birthdays. In my opinion, if you don't celebrate your birthday, you don't celebrate (your) life.

As somebody said : "If we are to appreciate the fruits of life, we must first appreciate the tree that bears the fruit: birth itself."

I've never considered myself to be religious, but I think a birthday is the Greatest Gift of Life, the Miracle, the Once-In-A-Life Time-Occasion that you have a chance to celebrate every year. The same energy that God/Universe/Nature invested in you at birth is present once again. It is our duty to be receptive to that force.

A birthday is a time to celebrate birth itself, the joy of life. It is also an occasion to rethink your life: How great is the disparity between what I have accomplished and what I can accomplish? Am I spending my time properly or am I involved in things that distract me from my higher calling? How can I strengthen the thread that connects my outer life and my inner life?

Celebrating my birthday by going surfing is my way to get in touch with my soul.

You don't have to be a hard core "surfer dude" to enjoy this, I'd say, most spiritual "sport/outdoor activity". And I put it in quotes, cause I can't even call surfing a sport. Yes, surfing has its competitive side, but for most folks, surfing is the way to engage nature in such an intimate way that very few people have access to. I call it Soul Surfing.

In soul surfing, we challenge the ocean, we challenge ourselves, and  not other people. Soul surfing is not about scoring points and winning titles, it's about having fun, it's as much about physical challenge as a spiritual experience. Especially at times of good surf in beautiful surroundings.

Soul surfing is one of the best ways to find your Zen, your inner peace, your "True Self".
The Ocean will clear your mind, get rid of stress, anxiety, and negativity, it will recharge your tired mind, and will strengthen your spirit.

As J.F.K. once said : " "We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came." 

So your next birthday, I advice you to give soul surfing a try. It doesn't matter if you don't catch a wave, or you won't be able even to get up on a board. It's about the experience, the feeling, the memories you will create for the next year ( OR MAY BE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE ).
                                                         It's all about STOKE !

GET STOKED AND SHARE THE STOKE WITH OTHERS !

"Each birthday is a new beginning, full of promise and opportunity and the chance to make dreams come true."

Flightseeing Around Seattle, WA

To have your childhood dream realized is a really big deal. At least for me. When I was a kid, I dreamed about becoming a test pilot, and later, just like my childhood role model Yuri Gagarin ( the first man in space ), a cosmonaut. But sometimes life has different plans for us...

Yet, the dream of flying one day is still very much alive. A few years ago, I was looking into getting my pilot license, but once again, I found excuses why I couldn't.

This time, I wanted to see if my son would share the same passion, and just to make his childhood a bit more memorable, I planned a scenic flight that showcased a bird's-eye view of Seattle sights and the surrounding area.

A one hour flight took us high and above our beloved city, we caught a beautiful view of Mt Rainier ( when the Mountain was "out" ), and flew over and all, but into Snoqualmie Falls.

I haven't given up on my childhood dream. One way or another, sooner or later I will fly. And who knows, may be one day, my son will share my passion of flying.

Rafting And Fly Fishing On The Cle Elum River, WA

Last year, while driving  cross country, and passing through Montana, I (unexpectedly ) fell in love with this beautiful state, and one of its most popular outdoor activity - fly fishing !

There is something very special about fly-fishing. The experience is not only about catching fish. Fly fishing offers the opportunity to enjoy and learn about nature, relax, spend time with friends and family and even solve problems.

Fly fishing is a great stress reliever. It's is a great outdoor activity that combines physical and mental therapy. Learning how to tie flies, cast a fly rod and hook a few fish and then going on a fishing outing , introduces people with ADHD, PTSD, and anxiety to the tranquility and fascination that fly fishing offers.

Of course I added fly fishing to my Bucket List :) And it was only the matter of time before I got to try it !

A few weeks ago, while visiting Cle Elum, WA to test drive 2014 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, I had a great opportunity to go on a nice relaxing rafting float, followed by a brief fly fishing lesson with Troutwater, the local fly fishing guiding outfitter.

While drifting down the scenic Cle Elum River, we learned a lot about the area's geology, river ecology, wildlife, regional history, and of course, the basics of fly fishing.

The fly fishing part of the trip consisted of learning how fly and spin fishing differ, how to make the basic overhead cast and a roll cast, basic knots you will use every time you go fly fishing, how to make your own flies. You'll also learn about the bare essentials you need to get started in this fun and addictive sport.

 But as we know, knowledge without action is futile. That's why, once you've mastered the basics, the next hour or so you spend trying to catch your fish. According to our guide, the Cle Elum River is not the best place for fly fishing.  For more thrill ( and fish ! ) the Yakima River ( which confluence with the Cle Elum River at the dam ) is a batter choice.

Though there wasn't a ton of fish in the river at that time, I  still managed to hook a little one ! For me, it was truly a fun, educational, safe and successful day on the river !

Scuba Diving, Swimming And Rappelling Into Mexico's Cenotes

Mexico's cenotes forever stole my heart ! Scuba diving into Chac Mool cenote last year has become one of my greatest lifetime experiences !

 A diver explores a cenote near the Maya ruins of Tulum.

There is something magical and mystic about  cenotes. Mexican cenotes are one of the most spectacular attractions and without a doubt, one of the most interesting natural phenomenons that you can find in the Riviera Maya. 

It is estimated that more than 3000 cenotes are distributed over the Yucatan peninsula. Of those, 1400 have been discovered and mapped, the most popular being the ones found in Chichen Itzá, Valladolid, X’keken and Xcaret.

If you ever visit Mexico, visiting a cenote must be on your Bucket List ! Doesn't matter if you're a certified diver or not, there is a way to explore this one of many Nature's Wonders !

Archaeologist Guillermo de Anda descends into the Holtún cenote in Mexico’s Yucatán minutes before the moment on July 19 when the sun is directly overhead. When that occurs, twice a year, light falls vertically into the water.

Our Amazing World

... the beautiful pictures of places and spaces I'd love to visit...

Sunrise in Alaska

Paris

                                                                              Hawaii

                                                Ailsa Craig from the isle of Arran, Scotland

        Amazing Photo of The Sawyer Glacier in Alaska where the glacier meets the ocean

                                                Arches and La Sal Mountains Sundown

                                                                          Australia

Cave Of Hearts - Doi Pha Tang, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Creator Lake, OR

Hang Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

Visit The Dry Tortugas In Florida

Those few months I lived in Florida have become one of my most memorable experiences of my life ! I got a taste of life after retirement in Florida :)

That was my third time visiting Florida.

The first time I had a road trip of  the lifetime, driving from Miami to Key West on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.

Though I spent a couple days in Key West, unfortunately I didn't have time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park which was on my Bucket List of places "to visit before I die" :).

Located just 70 miles west of Key West, the park is a beautiful historical landmark and a wildlife refuge like no other. The Tortugas Islands also offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the entire United States with the coral reef just feet from the white sandy shores of the islands.

This is one of the few places I'm definitely coming back to !

Tips On Visiting Yosemite National Park

Last summer I had an amazing opportunity to go on a road trip around Southwest. I had a privilege to visit Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California. One of the goals of that road trip was to visit as many National Parks as possible.

Tip - If you're planning to visit multiple National Parks during your road trip, buy America the Beautiful National Parks Pass from REI.com ($80). It will save you money and time.

At one point, I was hesitating to  visit  Yosemite National Park, but stunning pictures like the one below changed my mind...

Also, it was quite convenient for me. Driving from Nevada/Arizona side, HWY 120 took me right through the heart of the park !

Tip - If you decide to drive to/around the park, choose off-peak hours ( before 9am, and after 7pm ). One line HWY is notorious for its traffic jams and slow driving.

Summer time is THE busiest! Quite often its hard to find an available camping spot. So, make your reservations ahead of time.

Tip - If you're ExtraHyperActive/dirtbag like me, you can pitch your tent anywhere you want, and in the morning, will be rewarded with the most amazing views !

Camping/Paddleboarding Tenaya Lake

Yosemite National Park offers an abundance of activities and sightseeing destinations. Among the most popular are : rock climbing and hiking.

Have you heard of solo climbing ? Solo climbing represents the ultimate extreme in rock-climbing. Solo climbing (or soloing) is a style of climbing in which the climber climbs alone, without somebody belaying him. What if he falls down, you ask ? He dies-- no two ways about it.

Alex Honnold has made Yosemite popular by scaling the two most popular Yosemite big walls — Half Dome and El Capitan.

Tip - I wouldn't recommend to sacrifice your life for a ( breath-taking, once in a life time ) shot like this, and would suggest to hire a guide. There is a popular wall just minutes away from Camp 4/ Yosemite Village.


Hiking

Yes, you can definitely opt for hiking Half Dome, but... can you really call it hiking ?

Tip -  If you have limited time for just one hike, make it Upper Yosemite Falls/Eagle Peak ! Why ?
Fewer crowds, and stunning view of Yosemite valley, and Half Dome !

Upper Yosemite Falls

On Top Of Eagle Peak

Fun fact : The setting sun illuminates one of the park’s lesser-known waterfalls so precisely that it resembles molten lava as it flows over the sheer granite face of the imposing El Capitan. A mid-February phenomenon!

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