Two Places In US To Try Tandem BASE Jumping

BASE jumping is not a sport for the faint of heart or the uncommitted. It's a very dangerous and unforgiving sport, and that alone has prevented it from ever becoming mainstream. BASE jumping is one of few action/extreme sports that , till recently, has only been practiced by experienced skydivers, and mostly solo. Not anymore...

Skydiving boomed after tandem rigs were developed — “training” to be a passenger requires just 30 minutes — and there are now a half million tandem jumps in the States annually. Nobody expects tandem BASE to rival skydiving, but with a couple of fledgling operations and the ability for someone to BASE jump without the traditional 100 airplane jumps before your first BASE leap, the appeal is obvious.

Tandem BASE, the Idaho company in Twin Falls, has taken 200 people for tandem jumps. The company offers tandem jumps from the Perrine Bridge, one of the country’s most popular BASE launching pads. Jumping from a bridge is considered the safest form of BASE jumping.

But recently, another company, Moab B.A.S.E Adventures ( Utah ) opened the first earth-based commercial tandem BASE jumping operation ( jumping off cliffs ). The company is operated by climber Steph Davis and her husband Mario Richards. I posted a video of Steph climbing a huge stand alone rock, and then jumping off of it ! She's a woman I'd definitely trust my life with :)...and yeah, she's hot !

Now your first parachute jump can be a base jump...




Now that BASE jumping is accessible to an Average Joe like me, I'm going to add it to my Bucket List :)

Tulum Mayan Ruins On Less Than $ 10

Tulum, considered by many as the most beautiful of the Mayan Ruins sites around Cancun, is small but exquisitely poised on the fifteen-meter-high cliffs above the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea.

When I was planning my trip to Mexico, one of the things to do/see was "Visit Mayan Ruins".

I used to be a huge history buff. When I was a kid, my family traveled a lot, and every time we would visit a new town, my mom would make sure we see as many local museums and landmarks as possible. She was the one who taught me that travel wasn't just about snapping a picture in front of a monument or a landmark. For her, travel was a form of learning that exposes a person to cultures other than one's own and to places that have historical or cultural significance.

Since then, I always try to learn as much as possible about the place I'm about to visit. While I'm a big fan of guided adventure trips, I ( personally ) don't see value in popular "walking city tour".

That's why when I was researching trips to Tulum Mayan Ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, I was a bit disappointed to see the prices for many tours ( though with transportation from Cancun ) to be as much $ 75-100.

Tulum is only 2 hour ( less if you drive like a real Mexican :)) from Cancun, and the Tulum Mayan Ruins are very easy to find just off the main 307 HWY

I paid just 55 pesos for parking and another 65 ( pesos ) for the access fee !

Was it worth it ? Yes and No

The ruins themselves are not much to look at. There are about 60 well preserved buildings on the site. The most significant of them have plaques with information in English, Spanish and Mayan.

These ruins' greatest attraction is its location. Mayan Ruins of Tulum are a spectacular site to behold. It stands on a bluff facing the rising sun looking out on views of the Caribbean that are nothing less than spectacular.

There are a few places to take a great pic, but the best one would be from the beach below with the ruins in the back. The beach is the attraction of its own. It's the most visited area of the archaeological site. Judging by the number of people it's even more popular than the ruins themselves.

NOTE: At the entrance you'll be offered "a guided tour with snorkeling". While they say that tour guides are well worth the price, make sure you'll ask if the snorkeling tour is at the beach or at nearby Akumal Bay ( beautiful reefs, lagoons and caves ! ). The ruins beach is quite small, with lot's of tourists, hence water visibility is bad which makes "snorkeling" pointless. Or you can just bring your own snorkeling gear.

But I won't deny, the place is a photographer's delight. But, honestly, I spent more time at the beach, than "exploring" the ruins. Yet, it's a nice day trip that can be combined with other attractions in the area.

Mexico Travel Tips : The Yucatan Peninsula

According to Wiki:

Mexico is one of the most popular tourist countries on earth. Much of the tourist industry is centered around the beach resorts as well as the altiplano in the central part of the country. American tourists tend to predominate on the Baja peninsula and the more modernized beach resorts (Cancún, Puerto Vallarta)...

Visiting Mexico has been on my Bucket List for quite some time, and as soon as I got my new passport, I decided to make this dream come true !

For the last two years, there has been a lot of negative talk about traveling to Mexico. This spring, U.S. issued widest travel warning to Mexico since 2006. The U.S. State Department advised that United States citizens should avoid all "non essential" travel to 14 of 31 Mexican states.

Though the General Consul of Mexico, Roberto Rodriguez Hernandez, called the new U.S. warning an exaggeration, traveling to Mexico ( even it's traditional tourist destinations along the Mayan Riviera ) should not be taken lightly.

Here are a few tips I'd like to share that, hopefully, will make your trip safer and more enjoyable:

1 - Go All Inclusive.

Personally, it's not my style of traveling. I can hardly spend a few hours on the beach doing nothing. But if you're traveling to the Yucatan Peninsula, staying at one of those all inclusive resorts might be one of your best options. Here is why : Though "Mexican law" says that nobody can own a beach in this country, this is just a bunch of BS.

The whole Zona Hotelera in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen is dotted with resorts which closely guard their territory against "intruders". They don't have visitor parking, you can't buy shit at their bars and restaurants, and God forbids if you use one of their lounge chairs ( there are guards every 100 feet which makes you feel like you're in a very luxury prison ).

When you're staying at an all inclusive resort, all ( or most ) drinks, food, activities, rentals are included in the price. Resort staff speaks decent English, can get you a cab, or recommend a restaurant or an activity ( just remember, they DO get paid commission, so it's in THEIR best interest to recommend you that restaurant, club or a company ).

2- Don't even think about renting a car

I'll write another post about my misadventure with renting and driving in Mexico, but in short, renting a car in the Yucatan Peninsula is just a waste of money.

3 - BRIBE THE COPS !

If you do decide to rent a car, you'd better be comfortable with bribing a government official. Believe me, it's quite an experience !

3 - Agree on the price before getting into a taxi

Set taxi fares before getting in. If you have a problem, take his number off the car & report it to your hotel. Have smaller bills ( pesos, of course ! ).

4 - Find best deals on tours and activities online

There are so many things to do and to see in the Yucatan Peninsula, that when I was planning me trip I was overwhelmed with the choices. But keep in mind that many of the same trips are "advertised" by many different "local independent travel reps". You'll see a lot of "travel tour booths" everywhere, and some of those "agents" are very annoying. They deliver no value, quite useless, and speak poor English. Usually, the prices are about 10-30% more than what you'd normally pay. One of the sites I found useful is Cancun Discounts.

5 - Using pesos is your best bet

I was advised against exchanging money at banks, yet I found banks that pay the most pesos for your buck. The only disadvantage is that you have to produce your passport ( unlike exchange houses ). Most ATMs at resorts give you American dollars, BUT ! I withdrew $200 , and the "commission' was ...$36 ! Street ATMs give you pesos. Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa, MasterCard, and American Express being the most popular.

6 - Crossing a street in Mexico is not a privilege, it's a challenge.

YOU DO NOT have the right of way even in a cross walk or at a red light. Be on the defensive. Taxi & bus drivers do not have any education and think that the road holds 3 things; 1) Their vehicle, 2) Their garbage & 3) Their right of way. So RUN when crossing the street.

7- Don't worry, they "speak" English

Honestly, I didn't try to "communicate" with locals, but whenever I needed to buy something, or to be exact, whenever they tried to sell me some crap or to scam a few lousy pesos out of me, they spoke decent English.

8 - DON'T DRINK AND EAT "AUTHENTIC FOODS"

You know the rule of thumbs - not to drink in Mexico, but I'd also avoid eating "authentic/street food". Not because it gives you monster diarrhea, but simply because you're not used to this type of food. Elote ( or Esquites ) at Mexico street stands is one of those things you must eat in Mexico ( I almost gagged the first time I saw it, but it turned out to be quit delicious ! )

9 - No free WI-FI for you, amigo

Seriously McDonald's, WTF is my free WI-FI ? You brought your shitty corporation to this country, but too cheap to give this poor people free internet ? Shame on you !

10 - Use sunscreen even on an overcast day.

I came back from my trip looking like a fried chicken, with my skin peeling from all that Cancun sun tanning. If you plan to spend an extensive period in the sun, ease your way into it over a week, use plenty of sunscreen, and avoid using any lotions or creams that contain alcohol.

The final and the most important tip that I'd like to share - remember, you are going to another country. Don't expect the world to fall at your feet. You can have an amazing cultural experience if you give a little, and in return you'll get a lot! Smile!

Motorcycle trial riding

Last year I wrote about Danny MacAskill, his unbelievable trial bike riding skills and a short amateur Youtube video that made him famous.

If you think that was incredible, wait till you see the video below:

Best Climbing Video Ever ! 22 ...months old climber !

There is a talent in every kid. If you encourage them to think creatively, and let them have at it, you will help them unleash their hidden talents.

Many parents do not feel they have the abilities or tools to raise happy, healthy, and successful children. In their minds, children are either born with or without special talents. They give up on their children before they even begin.

Recognizing the traits of a superstar will help parents to lead their children on a path to success and leadership. Children are not born superstars; they are molded and trained to become special.

Below is an example of ( in my opinion ) great parenting. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure your child's world is conducive to exploration. When parents constantly say "Don't do that" or "Stay away from this," children learn to be timid and fearful of the unknown. Kids love to explore; it's an essential part of how they learn. Children who get lots of positive feedback from their parents as they explore new things will go on to grab life by the horns.

I'm sure this kid will !

Minnesota Surfing : Lake Superior In A Blizzard !

You read it right - surfing... in Minnesota... in a blizzard...

Many people think one's got to be crazy to surf in the Pacific Ocean when water temperature is barely 50 degrees. But can you imagine surfing in the middle of winter, during blizzard ?

Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes of North America, and is one of the world’s most unlikely surfing scenes. Unlike the ocean, there are no noticeable tides or substantial currents in Lake Superior. Its waves are hard to predict.

“You have to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice", said Bob Tema, 44, a graphic designer from Minneapolis and founder of the Superior Surf Club (www.superiorsurfclub.com), which has a forum, photo galleries and a section on how to surf on Lake Superior.

This is definitely the place for the most dedicated :



Also, check out "Unsalted", a great film about the surfers who have made surfing these stormy waters a way of life for over 40 years.

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Ski and Surf the Olympic Peninsula: Part I

How many places in the WORLD do you know where you can surf and ski in the same day ?

Skiing magazine knows 6. I can add 2 more : Iceland and ....Washington !

I've always thought of our state as one of the world's premier adventure travel destinations, and if you've been following my blog, you know we have it all : from world class mountaineering to the best cold water scuba diving, easily accessible hiking trails to one of the finest mountain biking playgrounds in the world. 

So when Ski Magazine failed to mention Washington state as one of the world's best places to ski and surf in the same day, I decided to go on an adventure of my own. 

The Spectacular Olympic Peninsula is known as one of the most photographed, and one of the most desired places to visit in our state. People from all across the globe come to experience the thrill of this Natures' Paradise.

This wasn't my first time visiting this corner of our state, but this time I had more time to actually do something fun !

I've already surfed at one of the popular spots on the Olympic Peninsula - La Push.

This time, I decided to explore another popular surf location and surf at  Hobuck Beach at the Makah Indian Reservation.

After spending half of the day surfing, I headed back towards Port Angeles to ski at the Hurricane Ridge.

What was suppose to be a day trip of surfing and skiing, turned into a weekend of unforgettable fun !

....to be continued...

Mom goes rock climbing...with 2 year old on her back

A mother with a love of adrenaline sports has defended her decision to go rock climbing – with her toddler daughter strapped to her back without a helmet.

 Menna Pritchard, 26 – who states brazenly that ‘life is about taking risks’ – scales sheer rock faces while carrying two-year-old Ffion. The full-time student – studying for a degree in outdoor education – said yesterday: ‘Some people would say I’m taking more risks than are necessary, but I am very conscious of safety and I would never do anything with Ffion that I thought would put her in danger.’ Read more here...

The Best Way To Learn Kiteboarding ....

...with a naked supermodel on your back, of course ! 

 

How Many Climbers Do You Need To Change A Light Bulb ?

...apparently just one...but very geeky one...

Celebrate Your 101 Birthday By Going Paragliding !

That's exactly what Mary Hardison from Ogden, Utah did.

It was something Hardison had never done before; in fact, it is something most people don't have the guts to do. But Hardison has learned a thing or two in her 101 years, and that's to have the right attitude about trying new things in life.

Though she did the tandem flight in September 2011, this week she was officially recognized by Guinness World Record as the "Oldest Female to Paraglide Tandem."

She said she was inspired to try paragliding after her son did his first tandem flight...at the age of 75 !

"I don't want my son to do anything I can't do, so I decided to go have fun like he did," Hardison said.

I've dedicated a number of posts to old folks who are living inspiration to our younger generation. Those people, no matter how old they are, try to look for newness in life, learn new skills, visit different places, and are constantly expanding their horizons.

I'm sure that the story of Mary Hardison is not going to be the last one I hear about people doing amazing things ( bofore they die ). And that's why I'm starting a new sub-category that I call "Never Too Old".

I just hope that these great stories will inspire people to try out new things before they turn a century old.

The trick is growing up without growing old...

HyperActive PornX : Underwater "Icefishing''

...to figure out what's going on, you have to watch the video till the end...Very creative !

Boarding The Bonneville Salt Flats

You have no hills, dunes, snow, water or even sand. Just miles of flat, barren, white landscape - The Bonneville Salt Flats.

What to do ? Go boarding !

AA-12 Fully Automatic Shotgun aka "Professional Russian"

Other than shooting Nerf Guns with my son, I haven't shot anybody anything for a long time.

In 2009 the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest closed several roads on the I-90 corridor to target shooters because of "a serious public safety concern”. Since then it's been tough to find spots to practice target shooting close to home.

Lucky for Russians, they don't have this problem. There, you can shoot wherever you want, whoever you want, and whatever you want :

Paralyzed Wheelchair BASE Jump!

I wrote about Bridge Day a few times already, but this is the first time I heard about Lonnie Bissonnette, a Canadian BASE jumper, who was injured in 2004 while making his 1,100th BASE jump.

It took him a year to get back into the sport. As of today, he's the only paralyzed athlete who has jumped from all four objects in BASE-(Building, Antenna, Span, Earth).

Below is a video of Lonnie Bissonnette rolling his chair off the bridge at Bridge Day in WV in 2010.



I came across an interview with him on basejumper.com where he talks about his life before and after the incident, his life philosophy and his passion for BASE jumping:

" I have always believed that I was going to die BASE jumping; from when I stood on the edge for the very first time in doing my first BASE jump."

HyperActiveX Porn - Speed Riding/Flying

...haven't posted about speed riding recently...can't find time off to go to my "secret location" to try it out...

Add "extreme" to your next tubing trip

So, last year I had a chance to try out tubing at the Summit at Snoqualmie.


It was lot's of fun for my 4 year old, but barely OK for me. Though I don't consider myself to be an adrenaline junkie, I need more than 30 seconds "to get my thrill on".

This video below is an example how something as boring as tubing can become pretty extreme:

Selk’bag Introduces 4G Lite Sleepwear System

Makers of the original Selk’bag release lightweight, two-season version of their wearable sleep system

Mountain’s Best Gear, North American distributor of the Selk’bag Sleepwear System announces the fourth edition of its technical sleepwear system, Selk’bag 4G Lite. With lighter-weight materials, brighter colors and more refined sizing and fit than the previous third generation model, the 4G Lite is the sleepwear system for recreational camping, indoor wear, car travel and even tailgating.

The new 4G Lite builds upon the success of Selk’bag’s original mobile and comfortable sleepwear system created by Rodrigo Alonso of Müsuc in Santiago, Chile. The uncommonly comfortable Selk'bag is an excellent solution for those who are unsatisfied with traditional mummy or rectangular sleeping bags.

Reinforced nylon soles and ripstop and water-resistant fabric make the 4G Lite durable for outdoor use. The 4G Lite’s thermal collar and baffled construction keep the wearer warm at all angles, as well.

“Selk’bag 4G Lite is an evolution in what people should be expecting from sleeping bags,” says Phil Benson, CEO of Mountain’s Best Gear. “This sleepwear system provides mobility and lightweight warmth at an affordable price.”

The 4G Lite has a comfort rating of 45 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for two-season wear. By simplifying the third generation version, Selk’bag has created a more consumer-friendly sleeping bag alternative with no-zip, quick-release hand systems, sleeker design and a more snug fit.

Available in kid and adult sizing, the 4G Lite comes in three bold, fun colors – Dark Shadow, a dark grey, Surf the Web, a royal blue, and Hyacinth Violet.

Technical features include:
• Baffled construction to eliminate cold spots
• Soft, yet durable ripstop nylon shell with DWR (durable water resistant) finish
• Reinforced nylon soles prevent wear and lateral grips give traction on multiple surfaces
• A hood with drawstring for added warmth
• Compacting carry sack
• Thermal collar around the head and neck to prevent drafts
• Exaggerated draft tubes to stop heat loss around zippers
• Wide zipper tape, preventing snags
Selk’bag 4G Lite is available for purchase from Selk’bag’s online store (store.selkbagusa.com) and other retailers including Mountain Gear (www.mountaingear.com) at $79 for the kids’ version and $99 for adults.

Climbing While Pregnant...Recommended...Encouraged

Just like smoking, doing drugs and drinking alcohol, rock climbing doesn't really have any negative effects on your fetus...no judgement here

Washington Police Brutality and RCW 46.61.760

I sincerely believe that in this world there are a lot more good people than bad. Unfortunately it's not true when it comes to police officers.

How come that as soon as you get a little bit of power you feel that you absolutely must abuse it ? Were you bullied by other kids in school? Not happy with your job ? Not getting "respect" you think you "deserve" ? Or you just want to be The Big Man ?

It's not a surprise that nowadays police departments deal more in harassment than actual protecting and serving. Well, they still serve - tickets for a panoply of misdemeanors to collect money for the police department and the city, a legit racket cloaked in the shining metal of the badge.

The other day I was riding my bike with my son from my house to a nearby school's play ground. According to Google Map:

0.3 miles/2 min ride/7 min walk !

But first, let me tell you something about my new "invention".

Have you ever ridden a bike with one of those child bike seats in the back ?

I used to have a p.o.s cheap ass Bell Bicycle Child Carrier that I bought from Amazon for $45. Not only was it a pain in the ass to use ( hard to install, even harder to keep it up ), it was super uncomfortable for my son, he couldn't see shit, not to mention that you can forget about having father-to-son-heart-to-heart conversations while enjoying a ride together.

So, I started looking for a better alternative. I found 2 child bike seats that looked very interesting:

First was iBert Safe-T-Seat



Honestly, even for me it looked a bit "extreme". Flying myself over handle bars a few times, this seat reminded me of "child catapult". Besides, there were no reviews, and product didn't have any age/weight/height dimensions.

TYKE TOTER Front Mount Child Bicycle Seat on the other hand, looked like my child could enjoy the view while carrying a "meaningful conversation"

Instead, I came up with my own idea. I just took my son's bike seat off, and installed it on my bike fame.


We've been riding together on this bike the whole summer, mostly on Interurban Trail from Pacific to Kent. While crossing a few streets, we've encountered many patrol police cars before. And not a single one has ever stopped to tell me .... anything.

This time it was different....

Like I mentioned above, we were on our way to the school's playground...0.3 miles from my house...when a cop pulled over saying that "because it didn't have a seat, we couldn't ride that way".

I was trying to explain to him that there was a seat, and my son was wearing a helmet.

That's when the cop got out of the car to tell me that I'm "not in fucking Russia, and have to follow HIS rules" and that ".... if I tell you that you can't ride your fucking bike, you shouldn't argue with me and do what I say".

According to RCW 46.61.760

RCW 46.61.760
Riding on bicycles.


(1) A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto.

(2) No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.

[1965 ex.s. c 155 § 81.]

Notes:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule -- IRLJ 6.2.

I got a $103 ticket for "Too many people on a bicycle" ( that's what it says on the ticket) , plus another $25 for riding without a helmet.

I understand it's the law, and that I'm a "fucking foreigner", but did he really have to be that way in front of a child ?




This picture was taken literally 5 minutes before the incident. We both look happy to spend some quality time together. On the walk back home ( "If you even think about riding this fucking bike back home, I'll arrest you"- the cop said), my son was crying and couldn't understand why "that man was angry at us".

I've learned how to deal with injustice in this life, I've realized that sometimes for a "small man" there is nothing you can do about stuff like that. But as a farther, I'm really concerned about the world my son will be living in.

According to CBS News, Washington is just one of 20 police departments nationwide that the Justice Department has investigated for civil rights violations in the last year - more than any time in history.