To this day, I remember my first Epcot journey; it was a place of wonder and sensory overload. Raised in a small town in the Midwest, it was a trip of many firsts. It was my first monorail ride, my first Mexican meal, and my first tour with a passport. All of these firsts, I embraced with no fear, wanting more, and just plain wide-eyed wanderlust.

This is why it is no surprise that I eventually traveled, lived abroad, have always had an insatiable thirst for adventure, and would like to include being an ex-pat in my list of accomplishments. Now, almost 3 decades after my first visit to Epcot with a list of travels longer than the list of countries in Epcot, the 2nd time around was not as wondrous. Indeed, it was enjoyable for reflect on the previous trip as well as a way to rekindle memories of my past travels to those countries visited outside of Epcot.

While walking through Mexico and hearing a mariachi band, I remembered my fond and multiple visits to Zuhauntanejo as well as Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta. As we crossed into Great Britian, I remember the week of very foggy days that London greeted me with in November 2008. In Germany, I could not forget one of the best beer cheese soups I’ve ever enjoyed as well as numerous mysterious schnitzels. In France, I remembered my multiple visits to the capital with trips up the stairs of the Eiffel Tower, a handful of visits to the Louvre only to be disappointed by the Mona Lisa, sugar crepes on the banks of the Seine, and of course French bakeries. Lastly, while passing through Morocco, I remembered the mint tea, souks, tagines, camels, and camping in the Sahara (passing through Epcot’s Morocco right).

Although my second visit of Epcot was not as eye-opening, I have to say thank you to Walt Disney. Both times you inspired me. The first was to travel. The second was to remember my travels and to continue to explore. I end with a quote from Walt Disney,

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Here’s to more good times and good stories.

Had the thought entered my mind to hang glide before? I guess I had toyed with the idea when in the Andes in early 2011, but I decided to ride horses, hike, raft class 4 whitewater rapids, and drink Malbec instead. But, kinda like a bad penny this experience appeared again AND this time I couldn’t miss it.

As Florida’s topography is not hilly without any cliffs, bluffs, or other to jump from, the only option for hang gliding is through towing. After arriving at the small, grass airfield, I was strapped into the tandem rigged hang glider. My instructor and guide was strapped below me in a “body hammock” and I above with my own hammock. Both were equipped with helmets and one parachute to be shared in the case of a hiccup.

Ready to go, we connected our line to the back of an ultralight plane. The plane began to take off; we rolled; and we took off just slightly before the plane as we were much lighter. Little by little the orange groves, trees, and airfield got smaller while our height climbed to 2,500 feet.  At just about ½ mile in the air, we “cut the cord” or released from the ultralight and began to soar on our own. Controlled by just a shift in body weight from side to side was all that was needed to guide the glider. At times a pull or push with both hands would increase or decrease our speed, but once content with the direction and speed, we let go. Yes, mom I did it with NO hands.

See this good time and good story via video below:

Where or What Next?

It’s anybody’s guess, but I can bet it will be either a good time, good story, or both!

Ms Traveling Pants Celebrates 3rd Anniversary!

Yes it has been 3 years, 156 weeks, 1,095 days and most importantly 100+ posts since I began.

To celebrate in recap format, here’s a list of my most memorable posts:

Christmas Eve in a Brothel – Turkey

Skydiving in South Florida – USA

South American Walkabout – Chile and Argentina

Glow Swimming – Puerto Rico

Scaling the Coliseum Walls – Italy

Here’s to many more good times and good stories.

Located in western Wisconsin or as some say, just off the coast of Minnesota, this Mississippi river town is where I spent most of early years. I try to return once a year, typically during the summer as I lost all my Wisconsinite stoicness years ago. And, this year was no different; I arrived to a hot, humid week but happily greeted by familiar faces, sights, smells, and tastes as of years past.

One difference this year was an enticing offer from a buddy or PIC (Partner In Crime) to do a 25 mile bike race during the annual festival, Catfish Days. Not packing my light, current hybrid bike that I use in South Florida, I was put to the test to find a suitable bike. I stumbled upon a family friend that loaned me a retro, red Spirit bike, which was a little heavier than my daily ride. And so, my PIC and I nicknamed my bike, Bertha.

Fueled by a night before feeding of every bicyclist’s favorite meal, cheese curds and a few Spotted Cows or Leinies, my PIC and I headed out early (8 a.m.) from the Trempealeau Hotel through Perrot State Park. We cruised alongside fields of corn, soybeans, and the like just in time to get misted by the irrigation systems, which was needed to compensate for the mid-summer heat, cut with a knife humidity, and bugs. The Tour de Trempealeau certainly was a jog down memory lane as I passed former employers, friends’ homes, familiar country roads, places where I got stuck in the ditch during one of the umpteen winter snowstorms survived, and my favorite hiking trail, Brady’s Bluff.

Were two wheels better than four? Absolutely! I think that a 25 mile bike ride followed by walnut balls, good company, and a sunset gab session certainly met the criteria for the beer slogan, “It just doesn’t get any better than this.” If you doubt it, check out the finale of my Tour de Trempealeau:

Here’s to more good times and good stories!

Learning to fly a helicopter

Paddleboarding

Flying a plane

Jumping out of a perfectly good plane – Skydiving

And, as the title suggests,

I did them all MY WAY.

With the list continuing to grow, I have added yet another virgin ride.  To appease many of my worry warts, I stayed put on the ground. In fact, I even remained on two wheels, but as you can see from the post’s image that I had to push the limits a bit; “Look Ma no hands!”

After hearing stories and positive feedback from my circle of adventurous types, I navigated my way from Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach to ride the famous Segways that I have been dodging for years throughout my “by foot” travels. Finally, I tested the tourist toy that has taken the world by storm, the Segway.

The tour was led by Palm Beach Segway Tours. Our ride started on Clematis Street with the route winding through the downtown to over the Intercoastal waterway into wealthy Palm Beach, along homes owned by Jimmy Buffet, Henry Flagler, and numerous “other halfers.”

I have to say I’m a natural at maneuvering most types of vehicles, but this was a little tricky. My pilates classes and paddleboarding came in handy as a Segway requires balance. One drives the Segway by pointing and flexing one’s feet. Then the steering of the vehicle is owned by your hands. I have to say after having driven planes, choppers, boats, cars from Honda to Lamborghini, this mode was difficult to gage the width of the vehicle because it’s a human size, but wider than you expect to turn corners and more.

We did have the opportunity to not only go without hands, but do some stunts. As I was a novice and my PIC was a veteran on Segways and not afraid of heights because he is a pilot, we attempted going down stairs. I was reluctant, but as in most other cases, I was motivated by competition. With a little coaching, I was able to conquer a 4 step staircase onto the boardwalk.

I would like to note that although you don’t need to physically push the Segway or peddle it, it is demanding. The following day, I was tired. Also, during the ride, my feet went asleep. It requires a good center of balance, directional skills, and perhaps a part of you that wants to let go.

With that said, I entitled the post “I Did it My Way – Touring Palm Beach via Segway.” I wanted to reiterate that I believe that every occasion in life may be a good time or a good story, which is exactly what “My Way” communicates with the pluses, minuses, and bonuses that we reach in all of our lives. This Segway ride was yet another way for me to test the waters and live in the moment. So, get on one and experience the tingling, almost asleep foot and unbalanced sensation yourself.

Please keep me posted on you adventures either Segway or otherwise. I close this post with a little of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. Here’s to good times and good stories!

After three days of waiting with rainy New England weather, it was time to hit the trails and burn off some of mom’s home cooking with or without my hiking boots. With some research of the easy, moderate, and advanced trails in the area, I picked a “moderate” hike to 3,165 feet that was supposed to take three hours round-trip. In hindsight, I think that the hiking guide writers and bloggers need to reevaluate the classification of this hike. There were many portions of this rocky, wet trail that were certainly advanced. However, if there weren’t challenges and obstacles the hike would not have been such a good time or now good story.

At the beginning of the hike, we both look ready, dry, and confident. Receiving advice to take the White Dot Trail up and the White Cross Trail down, we followed willingly like lemmings behind families with small children, packs of athletic college students, and older veterans of the trail with hiking sticks.

We quickly realized that breaks would be necessary to reach the summit. With the trails heading straight up the mountain, all punctuated with rocks, boulders, and pure straight rock face to encounter, it was NOT a Sunday stroll nor hike. Fueled by nuts, biscotti, fruit, and pub cheese sandwiches, we both trekked on. (**We later found out that Monadnock is in dictionaries as a mountain or rocky mass that has resisted erosion and stands isolated in an essentially level area. The word is named after this Mount Monadnock in NH!)

After two and a half hours into the supposed “three hour round-trip” hike, we arrived at a glorious lookout (featured at the beginning of the post) only to see in the distance dozens of other adventurous hikers climbing even higher to reach the top of mighty Mount Monadnock. With the compelling desire to turn around and go to a spa for a pedicure and massage, we continued ahead for bragging rights and yet another feather in our hats.

Upon reaching the summit, we realized that we were not far from the clouds and stormy ones at that. The panoramic view was spectacular as well as a rest very welcomed. However, the summit stop was shortened with raindrops. Both leery of going straight down on wet and even more slippery rocks, we quickly added a bite or two into our stomachs and started the descent.

Although hiking up Monadnock was much work because of its elevation; it cannot compare to the impact and treacherous climb or stumble down. Both of our knees, muscles, and joints began talking to us, first very quietly, but by the end screaming for an ibuprofen. The rain and moisture made the White Cross Trail more like a mountain stream than a trail. My shoes and clothes were thoroughly soaked as each step I felt like a sponge. In spite of the rocks, difficult ascent and descent, and rain, we both had no falls, but numerous near falls.

After a five hour hike up and down Monadnock, my mom stated, “I think this is something I will only do once.” I thought the hike was certainly challenging and my body didn’t forgive me for the next two days. So, I can definitely understand why the gift shop was selling various t-shirts, pens, magnets, and more that stated, “I survived Mount Monadnock.” (Like the Mount Monadnock’s page on Facebook, here.)

Will I go again? If given the opportunity, I certainly will seize it. Until then, here’s to more good times and good stories.

I’ve created a poll that you can assist in tipping the scales for one destination or the other. As is typical, when I am given many options, the decision is that much more difficult; so, I have limited the Wanderlust List to only 5 spectacular locations, thinking that some of my fellow adventureros would be similar with a buffet of destinations.

Here they are:

Machu Picchu, Bali, Grand Canyon, New Zealand, Australia

Click on the link below to assist in my next trek, dive, kayaking trip, first surf, or virgin burro ride.

Poll: Where should Ms Traveling Pants go for her Next Walkabout?

Here’s to good times and good stories wherever this poll takes me.

To decide, I took my wonders to paper and then to blog. If all of what I have heard about achieving goals is true; I think that writing a list and solidifying said list on a blog, is an excellent way to set up for success and in this case a successful walkabout. Without further adieu, this list, my Wanderlust List, is comprised of world famous beaches, hiking spots, mountains, diving locations, and most certainly scenes for good times and good stories. Today, Part 4 is highlighted in the image.

I showcase a destination that I have yet to hear a bad review; it is no other than New Zealand. From the image, I was awestruck. It reminded me of my walkabout earlier this year in Patagonia, Chile with the mountainous skyline peppered with turquoise blue lakes. New Zealand appears to be a nature lover’s dream. It is looking like a huge temptation for me.

So, have you been to New Zealand?

If so, the sign from the photo “Kiwi Crossing” should be familiar. I had always wondered why New Zealanders are nicknamed Kiwis. After a little research, I found that New Zealanders are named such after the unique flightless bird about the size of a large chicken seen in the sign. Apparently the call of the bird is similar to the English pronunciation of Kiwi (kee-wee). Who knew?

So, where in New Zealand have you explored?

Could New Zealand be the right place for my next walkabout? Please chime in with your stories, advice, to dos, and to don’ts on all and/or any of my Wanderlust List candidates. Could this destination be it? Or will it be one of my past (Peru,Bali, Grand Canyon) or future candidates?

Here’s to good times and good stories somewhere, anywhere, or in one of my Wanderlust List destinations!

(BTW, I’ve never watched a rugby match. I hear it’s pretty popular in NZ. Perhaps, this could be my chance to scrum on the pitch!)

**Photos from http://www.kiwiwise.co.nz/

As a recap,  I featured Part 1 with Machu Picchu and Part 2 with Bali.

Today, I have picked to highlight the Grand Canyon. Honestly, I’m embarrassed to say that as an American, I have yet to see it. I have been close to it on travels to Arizona, Las Vegas, and the like, but I haven’t taken the burro ride, hike, or helicopter flight to witness its beauty and grandeur myself.

So, have you experienced the Grand Canyon?  Share with me your adventures, to dos, to don’ts, and more to help tip the scales in favor of the Grand Canyon for my next journey.

Help me with your comments and feedback.

Here’s to good times and good stories, possibly from the Grand Canyon.

(BTW, If the Grand Canyon is the next destination, I will need to get a new pair of trail shoes and perhaps a personal trainer to get me accustomed to the hike. As you know, Florida has no hills.)

Previously, I featured Part 1 with Machu Picchu.

Today, Part 2 of my wanderlust list is Bali.

Nicknamed the Island of the Gods, Bali is one of the most famous islands in Indonesia for travelers searching for surf, sand, SCUBA, meditation, mountain beauty, temples, relaxation, and more. As my passion of all things to do with the ocean, beach, and water-sports is intense, Bali meets or exceeds my interests.

With that said, should I take a journey like “Eat, Pray, Love?” Should I do as Liz Gilbert and enjoy a romantic, mystical, and tropical getaway in Bali?

Do tell. Have you been to this magical island?

If so, please share with me stories and comments on the lush mountains, breathtaking beaches, surfing, temples, food, music, dance, and more. I’m looking for feedback to narrow down my wanderlust list. Help me decide whether the next stamp on my passport will be Bali or elsewhere?

Come on fellow adventureros, convince me to exchange my Honda for a surfboard and bike.

Who’s with me for good times and good stories in Bali?

(By the way, someone will need to teach me how to surf; however, I have the biking down pat.)