White Water Paddleboarding Adventures on The James River

You know how much I enjoy the James River from previous posts, as a matter of fact refer to my last one! Today was a blast experiencing white water paddleboarding through Riverside Outfitters here in Richmond (RVA), Virginia. 

Outside Magazine named Richmond Best River Town in the USA in 2012. River fun & love is strong here. It's a must experience! If you live in/or around Richmond or will visit Virginia and want to do something fun on the river, check out Riverside Outfitters (RO) site. They do various guided tours ~ kayaks, canoe, rafting (Class I-IV), paddleboarding & even some tree climbing.

I had to leave my iPhone in my car, else you know I'd post a gazillion pictures. :-) Instead, I snagged the picture below from ROs site. This is what it actually looked like today. Our group was about 12.

Our guides for this adventure were Ben & Brian. Both were very cool Dudes, making the experience a fun one. They were easy going, knowledgeable, patient and encouraging throughout it!

We started off near Pony Pasture and ended at Reedy Creek. We experienced a nice blend of flat water to start off, then got some needed practice before experiencing our first taste of white water paddleboarding ~ WOOHOO!

The rapids we went through were Class I-II. The session was about 3 hours. You remain active throughout. A few tips I'd share ~ use sunscreen, river shoes (Not flip flops) are a must (I got a great pair at Dicks for under $10!), stay hydrated, and be confident, but listen to instructions & directions provided by your guides. If you're a newbie at it like me, you know they've been doing this for far longer than you. 

I like how RO transports the group to the River, provides all equipment, water & snacks and picked us/equipment up to take us back. This is my second tour with ROs. I did another one a while back using duckies going down the James River. I'm certain I will use this Group again to go on another RVA River Adventure with friends or a date!

I used a LivingSocial deal. I have seen

additional deals. People, if you have not snagged this deal, what are you waiting for.... Get out & get some River Fun!

Today was indeed a Great Day, here in RVA! Here are a few shots I snapped of RO & the James. Gorgeous out!

RO

One of ROs buses.

Me, post paddleboarding, scoping out a fishing spot on the James!

Learn more about RO & all the cool river play things they do here: http://www.riversideoutfitters.net/

What fun plans do you have this Labor Day weekend? Whatever you do, enjoy the time, be safe and Carpe Diem!

Oh the Adventures Ahead:)

Enjoying a chill night. If there's nothing on Netflix, a constant Win is watching Skyfall.

Thoughts of great adventures run through my head ~ those that have been experienced, but what gives me more of the Cheshire Cat smile are the Greatest Chapters on the horizon! Ready:)

Love a good 007 flick

When I jump it'll likely be here. Why? 18k highest jump if I'm going to jump, Duh!

More fishing this year

More flying ~ excited to get back up this weekend!

Love

Yes. One day THIS is how Im arriving in

The Caribbean. Keep following my blog, you'll see:)

I'd like to check out some of these airports 

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4178854?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003

What adventures are you looking forward to in 2014?

Take a moment to look around ~ Beauty is Everywhere, if you want to see it..Be it.

Life serves some ups & downs. Part of the Adventure is learning more about ourselves through each challenge & success. 

Never stop your pursuit of happiness! Life is short. Live yours to the fullest, on your own terms! Carpe Diem:)

Simple pleasures for me ~ capturing some sky wow today! Stoked that I'm flying this weekend. WOOHOOO!:)

What fun things will you be up to this weekend? Fess up & inspire!:)

Farmers Market Adventure

Quick stop to my local Farmers Market in Richmond. Picked up purple kale, Swiss chard.. From one of my favorite tents, Walnut Hill Farm, picked up a ginormous bag of spinach, Brussels sprouts (going to give it try since I see my friend Dionne cooking up it w bacon & my brother has been eating it lately), red potatoes.

Also, met Ken.. The lemonade & limeade guy. I was impressed by the attention & passion he had making my freshly squeezed lemonade. He let me know he uses filtered water for the lemonade.. & the ice. He also makes his own simple syrup. It was delicious!! He is normally set up in a tent at the farmers market. I insisted he take the dollar tip I offered.. A person who cares this much about the product he serves earns my appreciation. If you're going to do something, give it your all... Else why bother. Great dose of fresh vita C, Ken. Thanks, Dude!:)

Here are a couple pics from this mornings adventures. South of the James Farmers Market http://growrva.com/

What are you up to in this Sat?

Beautiful day, Experience Richmond Adventure

Today is one of those days... Life won't let me sleep in:) Awake! Body & mind knows... Quite simply put... Carpe Diem:)

Soooo many fun choices on things to do in Richmond, Virginia. Love feeling great living in this charming city... Sooooo much going on here... I have a few goodies on my list... Maybe the farmers market, Virginia Museum of Fine Art, Maymont, Lewis Ginter, a Segway Tour, a Discovery Cessna flight, fresh oysters at Rappahannock Restaurant or better right by the water sitting in Merrior, soooo many choices! Love it:)

Though my list is fluid... gotta just go with the flow & all doing it my day:)

What fun things are you up to in the Richmond, VA area on this fine day & weekend? The world is your oyster... and I'm quite ravished ~ Muaaah ahh ahh ~ Ready or Ready!!

Here are some pics of the places mentioned above.. & a few other fun spots here in Richmond & around Virginia!

It's a beautiful day... don't let it get away:)

Catalyst Challenge - Positive Change Adventure -" Your Uniqueness isyour Superpower"

"While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die - whether it is our spirit, our creativity or our glorious uniqueness."

Gilda Radner

To often in our society, others try to mold us into what they feel we "should be" and I'll tell you this... some things (ok most:) - I have wonderful parents) my parents told back in the day were indeed true.. just took me a while to find out for myself through experience. That's the circle of Life, to find somethings on our own and try to do the same for the younger generation.. share what we know they will go through and some they will listen to.. some they will need to experience on their own. What I won't do is discourage someone to try in the direction of their dreams or of being themselves. It is an effort to be your own self and cancel the noise of others trying to make you like the sea of sameness... funny how that works, because I find the sea of sameness incredibly boring while recognizing there is comfort in being a part of that sea of sameness. I've always been pretty fierce (aka stubborn) in the quest to be myself. AND to not judge others who seem different... rather I strive to find how we are connected... there are always some similarities you can relate with and it is a quest for me to find it, each and everytime.. and I'm quite successful at doing it, I must say.. must be the years of military brat training that I am oh so grateful for :)

I'm a strong believer in listening to your inner desires & follow your dreams. I am practical, yes, not all dreams manifest & some turn to nightmares! Take time to know what you want! That'll minimize the nightmare turn;). Often dreams refine due to gaining more information.. You thought you wanted abc, over time & learning more, you realize zyx is sooooo much better for your future:) Don't rush Great.

I'm BIG dreamer doer... I am not a can't do person.. I'm going to root for you to pursue your dreams bc too often people take themselves out if the game with self sabotage.. If you want it, do the work & go in that direction. Does everything work everytime... No, but you keep going & keep trying different approaches to get closer to it. Nothing Great came without great effort. As I mentioned, I am practical (I'm a Capricorn, it's how I roll:).. You should have a Plan B & willingness to see if changes are necessary if you are getting no results. Changing & refining plans are a good thing... Keeps it fresh & keeps things in motion.

"Perfection itself is imperfection."

Vladimir Horowitz

Life becomes richer when you stop judging others and rather find ways to connect. Are you perfect. No. I know I'm not perfect.. so why are so many consumed with pointing out where they think someone is not good enough. I love a quote I read (I like a lot of the inspirational ones) that says something along the lines of Fix Yourself before your try to Fix Others. So True! No one is greater than you, no matter if they think they are.. what title they hold.. never forget that You are important and your actions are important in the smooth rhythm of Life. Each of us has gifts to give the world.. and I believe the World would be much Greater if we REALLY encouraged and elevated one another.. it would be a true catalyst for awesomeness. Start getting busy ingiting Greatness through your interactions ~ Dare you!

I share these thoughts with you because they serve as a good reminder to myself, as well:)

Guess what ~ my mission for you?
Catalyst Challenge!
What are you doing now that is impacting in some way, shape or form, positive change?
I'd love to hear.. I'm certain my fellow adventurers are up to great things ~Fess up!! Would love to be inspired by your story! :)

Catalyst Challenge - Positive Change Adventure ~ "Making Connections"

“When YOU stop believing one person in the world cannot make a difference; differences in the world will be made.”
― Kellie Elmore

For those who know me, many see my sonic boom energized laughing self. I like to share that self freely with others. I enjoy seeing the transformation that I often do when people let their guards down & enjoy the conversation.. yes, we can be talking work & yes, I have and have had a long professional career... does not mean I can't strive to enjoy every conversation.. Do I? No, I don't love every conversation...but believe me I strive to find a connection in the majority of interaction.

I used to be so busy in the rat race.. Too busy exerting energies on things that didn't mean much in the end. I will always be wired to commit fully to things I '"sign up for" ~ just my wiring & personal drive to give my best efforts or why do it? I will be better about seeing things for what they are & being mindful where those energies are largely deposited. That perspective & insight I've learned from experience. I feel knowing this now & more clearly.. that is the gift of wisdom over time & I will continue improving my sights on what's important & more importantly:) what is not. We only have so much time... I see more clearly that wasted time sucks:) bc I have and want to experience so much more... Exciting to have a fire within...& one that wants me to continue to do more.

Anyways, going back to people & connecting.. the World would so much greater if we found more ways to connect and build relationships, versus find fault or differences. I grew up on military bases overseas. Knew no one when I moved to the Los Angeles area to obtain my college degree, enter the rat race & lived for many moons. When I moved to Richmond I knew no one. I found connections through an unexpected & new frontier to me... Social Media. My upbringing, the nature of meeting new people frequently enough, I realize has given me the gift of connecting with people regardless of any difference really. I seek to find ways to connect. That also is a reason why, I realize, that I'm particularly welcoming of new people.. Mainly at work... bc I not only know what it's like to be new, but really understand it makes sense for people to feel great & welcomed from a community/business sense so they can acclimate faster... It's also extremely important, in my opinion, to do this as a human being. Investing in quality connections builds stronger communities. I personally want to be around other people who are happy, confident, encouraging, good people.. By sonic booming positivity, I see many times that being a catalyst that sparks that smile & energized conversation with others... that makes those moments.. Those interactions, where we connect & share a good laugh relating about something, pump me up:) I can have those moments with complete strangers I meet.. or those I've known my entire Life.

A mantra I now have is to seek ways to make a connection, relate & at least one great shared laugh in that interaction. That is one of my many quests & my track record is great:) I want a Life I not only enjoy... but one I look back on with a warm smile knowing I enjoyed the ride & ignited positivity/inspiration, wherever I have been.

I challenge you to make more connections, offer up a warm conversation to another, make a connection. So many of us are "plugged" in to things that seem important, but inspiring others.. inspiring greatness through connections.. that is something magical. Know what? A realization I have that fires up my happy feat is knowing, even it isn't me who invents the next best thing or idea, I may be a catalyst along this journey of Life by encouraging someone to go for their dreams, to cancel out the noise, the naysayers (there are plenty & even though some may have good intentions, you must decide what you want to do)... You must believe in yourself, 100%, and work to razor sharp zone in on what you want, commit to it, and you will get there.

I share these thoughts with you because they serve as a good reminder to myself, as well:)

Guess what ~ my mission for you?
Catalyst Challenge!
What are you doing now that is impacting in some way, shape or form, positive change?
I'd live to hear.. I'm certain my fellow adventurers are up to great things ~Fess up!! Would love to be inspired by your story! :)