If you’re living in the mid-atlantic region of the United States, you may be finding yourself exposed to something you’ve never seen before… copious amounts of epic-depth snow. While snow may be nothing new, this much of it has certainly been a shock to the nerves. What many of us have discovered is just how hard it is to walk through the stuff (and you dog owners know EXACTLY what I’m talking about).

The inevitable result of this much snow in regions unaccustomed to it is entirely too much time spent indoors. What that means to me is a tragic missed opportunity. The Eastern United States has some of the most beautiful national parks and trails in the nation and their beauty is infinitely multiplied when blanketed in fresh, deep snow. But it’s pretty tough to enjoy the scenery when every step you take means sinking mid-thigh in 30+ inches of snow.

What many living in northern climates know that their mid-atlantic countrymen don’t is that it’s easy to enjoy the majesty and beauty of a snow-blanketed forest trail with the simple addition of a pair of modern snowshoes to your winter sports arsenal. It’s an approachable sport for just about anyone. If you can walk and hike, you can snowshoe in style. But you should know a few things before you get started.

How to Pick a Snowshoe

First, to make the sport truly enjoyable, invest in a modern pair of snowshoes. While I’m certainly nostalgic about the old ashwood-framed, rawhide-strung shoes, modern varieties are infinitely better in terms of use, function and comfort. The technology really has come a long way so, if you still have grandpa’s old wooden snowshoes stuffed away in your attic, leave them there and pick up a modern aluminum set. You’ll thank me once you’ve experienced the difference.

Next, buy the right snowshoes for your weight. Snowshoes come in different lengths which offer appropriate weight distribution (which is what allows you to float on top of the snow rather than sinking through). Different manufacturers have different length to weight specifications but it’s usually pretty easy to figure out. Most sites have a “sizing” or “pick your snowshoe” option where you can determine which length snowshoe best suits you. But, as an example, a man weighting 210 (with gear such as winter clothing, poles and backpack) will generally get something in the 30 inch range.

Another important consideration in picking your snowshoes is the kind of winter hiking you intend to do. More specifically, the type of terrain and snow conditions you expect to encounter in your snowshoes. The particular manufacturer you consider will help you here as well but the different terrain types and snow conditions can generally be categorized as follows:

• Trail Walking Snowshoes: Involves gentle, rolling terrain and trails over primarily packed snow
• Day Hiking Snowshoes: Involves moderate and some steep terrain over packed and powder snow
• Backcountry/mountain hiking Snowshoes: Steep, uneven terrain over deep powder and icy slopes

It’s also important to consider that there are snowshoes for men, women and kids. Obviously kids snowshoes are going to be substantially lighter and smaller to accommodate a child’s frame, but what may come as a surprise is that the men and women both need to select gender-specific shoes. Not only are women generally lighter than men, they also have a different gait and stride that needs to be considered. Strapping a woman into a snowshoe made for a man can lead to a frustrating “Frankenstein” walk, frequent falls and a very disappointing outdoor experience (this is supposed to be fun, folks!) Click the following link to learn more about womens snowshoes.

Since floating over snow in snowshoes can be a bit of a learning experience, you should also consider adding a pair of snowshoe hiking poles to your purchase. These will help you balance as you get used to walking in snowshoes, but these aren’t just for beginners. Experienced snowshoe hikers are just as likely to keep their poles handy for challenging terrain, so you don’t have to worry about growing out of your poles.

So there you have it, folks. There’s no good reason to be stuck indoors when there’s such an amazing winter wonderland out there to explore. See your world as you never have before, because it’s an adventure out there. Pick up a pair of snowshoes and get out in it!

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If you’re anything like me then you have a passion for trying new things. Also, if you’re anything like me, your aging joints and hesitancy at looking like an idiot might sometimes hold you back. Avoid that. Looking like an idiot on a great adventure is half the fun. But that doesn’t mean you don’t take advantages where you can get them and it is advantages I’m here to talk about today. That, and snowboarding. For my first magic trick, I’m going to combine advantages and snowboarding in one convenient training package you can download today! 

Those of you who’ve already set sail into the (relatively) brave new world of snowboarding may mock those of us who are hesitantly peeking around the corner, wanting to join in the fun. Of course, you’ve already taken your lumps. Your “idiot” days are behind you. But even you might want to further your snowboarding skills. Absent a mentor or hundreds of dollars for an instructor, you’re left with watching the pros shred and trying to emulate them. For both you (the semi-experienced) and the rest of us (the really-wanna-but-I’m-scared crowd), there’s a convenient way you can learn to snowboard from the pros!

Snowboard Addiction offers the world’s best online snowboard coaching, combining video lessons, podcasts you can listen to on your iPod as you practice and extensive manuals with photos and diagrams. They offer an affordable Freestyle Snowboarding program and a Learn to Snowboard program and the sample video you can watch free of charge below is indicative of just how professionally their videos are filmed. Keep in mind, the actual videos you receive on purchase are of considerably higher quality than the sample at their site; high def, in fact. 

While nothing can substitute for actually going out and doing, Addiction’s snowboard coaching will accelerate your learning curve considerably, taking you from dreaming about pulling off tricks to actually doing so in much less time than you’ll ever enjoy through trial and error. For those of us who would just be content to make it down a shallow-grade slope without falling on our tails 82 times, the Learn to Snowboard program can turn wishful thinking into reality at a fraction of the cost of legitimate lessons. 

The Learn to Snowboard for Beginners program comes with a custom training manual, 4 high def videos and 8 teaching audios. It is designed for the first time snowboarder who wants to master the basics of learning to ride and, more importantly, reduce the amount of time they spend in the “look-like-an-idiot” period of their snowboarding experience. The Beginner Snowboarding program teaches drills to have you up and riding on day one, safety techniques to spare your tender body as much abuse as possible and technique, balance and confidence. As a bonus, the package includes an additional video lesson on the basics of tuning a snowboard. That’s a $29 value, free to you when you purchase the very affordable Learn to Snowboard for Beginners video program! 

It’s you experienced snowboarders out there who really have an advantage with Addiction’s Freestyle Snowboard Program. Their program comes with 5 training manuals, 13 video lessons and 33 coaching audios. They cover a jumping section (manual, 10 audios and 5 videos) for those snowboarders who want to learn jumps, grabs and spins from 180’s to 720’s! There’s also a Jibbing Section (1 manual, 9 audios, 3 videos) to help you lock down all your box and rail tricks from the basic 50-50’s to spinning on and off features. Also included is the Pipe and Transitions section (1 manual, 14 audios and 2 videos) which is geared for those who want to dominate pipe, handplants, wallrides and really shine at some of snowboarding’s sickest tricks. 

As if all that weren’t enough, the Freestyle Snowboarding program comes with a mountain of bonuses including the board maintenance video mentioned in the beginners section, a balance bar video, a manual covering sponsorship, one minute Snowboard Mind Miracle, a System Integration & Training manual and park guided visualization (audio). Hang on, let me catch my breath. 

So what are you still doing here reading this? Go visit Addiction and pickup your Beginner Snowboarding video program or Freestyle Snowboarding video program today. The prices are great, the products are satisfaction guaranteed and the material is second to none. And if you see an old guy listening to an iPod on his brand new, well maintained snowboard and doing surprisingly well for a beginner, give a wave. It’s probably me. Don’t laugh or I’ll hit you with my cane.

Addiction’s sample Backside 360 training video:

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Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular is simply amazing! A time honored tradition that has been entertaining families from around the world for over 75 years!  The world famous Rockettes are the main attraction in this fun filled Christmas production. During the Christmas season, the Rockettes perform in five shows a day, seven days a week. They also perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and at the Rockefeller Center Tree-Lighting Ceremony. The Rockettes are famous for their complicated tap routines and eye-high kicks!

The Rockettes aren’t the only famous attraction you will see during the Christmas Spectacular. Santa Claus flies high above the crowd thrilling the old and young alike! There is also a live nativity that is simply beautiful and truly reminds us of the real meaning of Christmas. This show is a one of a kind tradition that has been enjoyed over the years by millions of people.

Radio City Music Hall is located in the heart of Rockefeller Center at: 1260 6^th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), New York, New York 10020. Tickets to the Christmas Spectacular are sold at the box office or can be purchased through TicketMaster. The tickets cost between $10 and $18. After the show, you can begin your next great adventure by going ice skating at the Rockefeller Center Outdoor Ice Rink. Or, if you wish, you can grab a cup of hot chocolate, sit on a bench and just take in the sights and sounds of New York City! Here’s to a very merry adventure! Stay tuned. There are more holiday adventures to come!

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There are several rules that must be followed when trying to navigate your way through the maze. You must always stay on the designated pathways. Cutting through the cornstalks would be cheating and would also hurt the corn (and you, as well!). There is absolutely NO SMOKING of any kind at Benson Farms.  As you can probably imagine, dry corn and cigarettes really don’t make a good combination.  Also, there is to be no picking or throwing of the corn! If you are not kind to the corn, be prepared to be shown the barn door. Finally, don’t use foul language. Being lost in a corn maze for over an hour can be very frustrating, however, it is important that you keep your language clean. After all, corn has very sensitive ears. 

While getting lost between corn stalks is a lot of fun, there are many other exciting things to do at Benson Farms. Bring your family and partake in the many adventures that the farm has to offer! There are large bales of hay for children to climb on, educational farm displays, hay rides, the hay jump, corn box (think of a ball pit but filled with corn instead of balls), photo opportunity signs, a mini maze for young children, and of course, great food!

So what are you waiting for! Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and head to Benson Farms for a maze of an adventure! Now go get lost!

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The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a time honored tradition, an American classic and nothing short of a great adventure! The first parade took place in the 1920s. It began as a celebration by Macy’s Department Store employees who were proud of their American heritage and wanted to celebrate! The parade has since blossomed into one of the most well known parades in the world. Each year, families flock to New York City to experience one the most magnificent parades of the year…a parade that they will most certainly never forget! 

Each year the parade begins at 9:00 AM. In order to secure a prime parade viewing location people begin lining the streets as early as 6:00 AM! The parade begins at 77^th Street and Central Park West. When the parade reaches Columbus Circle (59^th Street), it then turns on to Broadway. Heading down Broadway, the parade marches through Time Square and down to 34^th Street where it will then turn at Macy’s Herald Square and eventually, end on 7^th Avenue. 

There is seating available for viewing the Macy’s parade, unfortunately, the seating is reserved for Macy’s executives, corporate sponsors, charitable organizations and politicians. Several hotels offer a view of the parade route (the Marriott Marquis, Holiday Inn Crown Plaza, Trump International, and the Mayflower…just to name a few), however, good luck getting a room as they book up months (if not years) in advance! 

The beautiful giant balloons that are used in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are probably the biggest attraction…especially for children! The balloons are inflated the night before the event. Inflation starts around 4:00 PM and takes place on 77^th and 81^st Streets between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. Watching the balloons come to life as they are filled with helium is definitely a sight to see…an adventure in itself! The first balloon ever to fly in the parade was Felix the cat. Over the years there have been hundreds of other character balloons including Garfield, Betty Boop, Shrek, Hello Kitty, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Spiderman…just to name a few! 

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a once in a life time adventure! For those of you that would rather stay home, you can, of course, view the festivities on television. Each year, more than 40 million people tune in on Thanksgiving morning. NBC has been the official broadcaster of the parade since 1955 and it is usually hosted by members of the Today Show cast. 

Whether or not you attend the parade in person or watch from the comfort of your living room, one thing is certain. The parade, to many families, has become a yearly Thanksgiving tradition. After all, there is nothing like family, turkey, pumpkin pie and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!! Happy Thanksgiving! And here’s to another great adventure! Gobble Gobble!

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Outdoor adventure sports tend to cost a lot and for many of us, equipment choices are often limited by the expense. Sure, we’d like the best sleeping bag, but we’ll make due with the lower-end model. Yeah, that super expensive backpack would be nice, but the cheaper model offers most of the same features. Our wallets, balanced with the nature of the adventure, determine just what we can get. But when it comes to real safety, the kind where life hangs in the balance, a smart outdoorsman won’t sacrifice critically important elements to save a buck. 

Personal locator beacons aren’t cheap. The ACR Electronics Terafix and Microfix, for example, run about $500.00 to $600.00 USD respectively. With prices like that, outdoor enthusiasts might find themselves inclined to opt for less expensive alternatives. It’s important to remember that the unit itself, however, is only part of the package. Coverage, subscription fees and emergency response offerings may be additional concerns. 

What personal locator beacons offer over cheaper alternatives are extremely long-lasting batteries (5 years in the case of the ACR offerings), extreme durability and no frills, proven life saving rescue resources. These things are not toys, folks, they are deadly serious. So serious, in fact, that the included literature with the ACR Terafix advises you to ask the following questions prior to use. 

Am I in danger of losing life, limb, eye sight or valuable property if I am not rescued soon? Am I in danger of not surviving the night or upcoming hours if not rescued soon? And the expectation is that you will answer yes to those questions before activating the device. 

Personal locator beacons such as the ACRs transmit a 406 MHz signal to satellites on the COSPAS-SARSAT network and to the GEOSAR network (if GPS data is present.)Your personal locator beacon is registered (by you) with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or your National Authority (if purchased outside the US). On activation, a series of events transpire including notification of your emergency contact list and nearest search and rescue (SAR) entities. This could be anything from the local constabulary to the Coast Guard. The point is you aren’t just activating an independent agency. You are activating anything and everything best suited to your rescue. 

Given their reach to extremely qualified search and rescue agencies and the incredible coverage the COSPAS-SARSAT network offers, personal locator beacons are worth every penny. Another feature to consider with these devices over other options is that there are no yearly membership or subscription fees levied. Your taxes take care of all that. 

While personal locator beacons can be expensive, the area of coverage provided, their durability, long life and, most importantly, their potential to make a life or death difference in the outcome of trouble on your great adventure make these an insurance policy you should seriously consider. There are less expensive options which may be better suited to your individual needs which we’ll discuss in our next post. Until then, stay safe out there.

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The variables that dictate “what’s next” here at The Great Adventure Guide are as plentiful as the possible subjects we could write about. We’re currently very season-driven because Halloween is right around the corner and the best of the fall season (in this writer’s opinion) is in October. With leaves changing colors, a comfortable decline in heat and humidity and oppressive cold still a while off, October is simply a month that screams at us to get out and enjoy an adventure.

One of those adventures we’ve been itching to write about is the storied Appalachian Trail in the eastern United States. The longest footpath in the nation offers beautiful scenery, is within a day’s drive of 2/3^rd’s of the US population, serves as an escape from the everyday and provides hiking challenges for varying skill levels (depending on which part of the trail you travel).

When writing about a hiking opportunity like the Appalachian Trail, you simply can’t encompass the entire experience in a single post. After all, the A.T. is roughly 2175 miles long and touches 14 states. It’s a grand undertaking to write about, let alone hike. But then there’s that impetus again…, sweet, cool October, and it strikes us that this month represents a prime starting opportunity for those with the grand ambition of writing their own epic adventure by traveling the entire trail.

In fact, with October half-way gone, the desire to get this suggestion out is so important that we’re dispensing with the entire trail history and many interesting facts just to get this post out in time for those of you who would like to give the trail a shot while the weather is still inviting. Remember, we’re talking about travel in mountains here, so expect sudden weather changes, greater potential for precipitation and definitely anticipate (and pack accordingly for) colder temperatures.

So if you’ve dreamt of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail someday, September and October serve as perfect times to start such an ambitious undertaking from the southern start of the trail in Georgia. Gone are the spring break crowds. Absent is the oppressive heat and humidity for which Georgia is famous in the summer.  It’s simply the best time to be on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. We don’t recommend a non-stop trip, mind you. The mountains can be dangerous in the winter. Snow and freezing rain are not uncommon in late October. But if you want to knock out 10-20 miles at a time before hunkering down at home until you can resume your trek in the spring, now’s the time to get going.

Your hiking adventure begins on Springer Mountain. The entire Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail lies within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Elevations vary from around 2500 feet to around 4500 feet and it should be noted that the difficulty of the Georgia section of the trail should not be underestimated. Though easier than starting in Maine, you should still expect a moderately difficult hike with sometimes steep ascents and descents rewarded by scenic views and open summits.

The length of the Georgia segment of the Appalachian Trail is about 75 miles. Unless you have substantial leave available from work, plan on moderate length day hikes between intersecting highways. We strongly suggest picking up a trail guide and planning your entire trip in advance.

Also note that October starts hunting season in Georgia. Wear brightly colored clothing and pack covers and stay on or near the trail.

Of the many great adventures we’ll write about here, hiking the Appalachian Trail is one so full of rich experiences that we can’t help but covering this in many parts over the months ahead. For now, set the bar high if you like and dream of joining the more than 9000 people who claim to have hiked the entire trail (in bits and pieces at a time). If we could ensure internet access to update our blog, we’d love to be right there with you.

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My wife and I spent our entire afternoon enjoying the kiddy section of the park with our 4 year old niece and had a wonderful time. She met Scooby Doo, Dora the Explorer and enjoyed at least a dozen different age appropriate rides and attractions (and enough junk food to possibly constitute child abuse). We then handed her off for the trip home with her mother, enjoyed some surprisingly good pizza for dinner and settled in for the scare of our lives!

Kings Dominion literally transforms from a kid-friendly, Nickelodeon-themed paradise into a zombie rich fear-fest after 7pm; from G-rated entertainment suddenly hopped up to a PG-13 scare-o’-ramma. This is one Halloween adventure you don’t want to miss!

Events available at the park include a handful of “scare zones” complimented by more than a half dozen terrifying mazes and several leap-from-your-seat shows such as the chilling Haunted Homecoming and Disturbia. Scares aren’t just limited to the themed areas, though. Something creepy might jump out at you anytime, anyplace!

While many of the props are out during the day, they don’t give away what you’re in store for once the Sun goes down. The park simply takes on a much more sinister (but delightful) feel at night.

I do want to make parents aware that there are several props around that might “spook” very young children a bit during the day. Our niece found the giant skeleton ghost hanging from the tower frightening enough that we had to dodge around it a bit. The section of the park for young children, however, is free of such obstacles.

It also warrants repeating that the evening adventures are best suited for children 13 and above (trust me on this). Besides, the elements that very young children enjoy (KidZville and Nikelodeon Central are suspended after 7PM anyway.

Finally, the haunt is in operation on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October. Friday Nights - September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Saturday and Sunday - September 27, 28, October 4,5,11,12,18,19,25,26, November 1. So there’s still some time left to get scared out of your skin!

Oh, one more thing for you adrenaline junkies out there…, not only will there be plenty scares around the park to keep your heart pumping but the best rides of the park are open at night, as well and nothing beats a great roller coaster ride such as the Volcano, the Grizzly or, my favorite, the Anaconda! That takes this from just your ordinary, everyday Halloween adventure and turns it in to a truly GREAT Halloween adventure!

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Though fall color begins a showing in higher elevations as early as mid September, the best is yet to come for many of us. Is it too early? Is it too late? Here’s just a sampling of what awaits you in the great outdoors around the United States. 

Arizona - The Coconino National Forest is about 50-55% into its full fall plumage as of October 9^th. The Apache and Sit-Greaves National Forests are around 40-60%. Remember that fall colors are short lived in Arizona so you should try to get out soon and enjoy the spectacle. 

Washington State - As of October 9^th, the Gifford Pinchot National forest is just starting its show with spectacular reds, oranges and yellows at higher elevations and more beauty coming soon at lower elevations. Vine Maple is displaying fine colors through out the forest. 

Minnesota - For the week of October 6^th you will find abundant color in the Chippewa National Forest! The drive from State Highway 371 from Walker to Cass Lake is simply spectacular. Red oaks are displaying burgundy, the aspen is yellowish-gold and the maples are hanging on to their bright orange color. Any road you travel is sure to provide a feast of color for your eyes.

Michigan - Huron-Manistee National Forest is enjoying vibrant colors in magentas, burgundy and orange with scattered yellows throughout! The park is at about 40-60% of peak color season. Forecasts predict peak in mid to late October so get out and catch it soon!

Virginia - Shenandoah National Park - Only at about 30% so far with the best yet to come. Head out this weekend to catch the startling contrast of green, yellow and red leaves mixed with the lingering beauty of colorful fall wildflowers. Take a spin along Skyline Drive and marvel at the colorful display. Peak season is usually in the 3^rd week of October and if you should happen to see a beat up silver 4-Runner winding along the road ahead of you, give a quick honk of your horn. It’ll probably be me!

So get off your couches, folks. There’s an amazing fall adventure with the entire world a brilliantly painted canvas just waiting to wow you. This is definitely a weekend adventure worth heading out for. Check with your local parks or the National Parks Service for current fall foliage conditions in your area.

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If you’re like me, you’re a big fan of fate. I get a thrill out of throwing caution to the wind, pointing to some random spot on a map and letting fate take me where it will. The upside of this approach is the often unexpected great adventure I find myself in. The downside - sometimes those adventures turn epic and unpleasant or don’t show up at all (who knew there’d be so little to do in Hutchinson, KS?) 

If giving fate the go-ahead to slap you around with some random adventure you may or may not enjoy isn’t your speed, consider taking the guess work out of things and book an adventure travel tour. Adventure travel tours come in an infinite variety of flavors and there are agents ready to set you up for just about every destination in the world! 

Think North Dakota is too balmy in the dead of winter? There’s an adventure travel tour company out there waiting to take you to colder climes even further north (or south). Company offerings include Greenland, Alaska, Canada, Siberia and many more Arctic and Antarctic destinations to help you get your chill on. 

If you’ve a fascination with mosquitoes, venomous snakes, sopping wet jungles and wish that Florida in July could be just a bit more humid and warm, why not book with any number of adventure travel tours destined for the jungles of Vietnam, Cozumel, Costa Rica or the storied forests of the Amazon? Vaccines and snakebite kits not included. 

Maybe you’d prefer a few days rafting down some of the world’s most amazing rapids, hiking some of the most remote tundra in the world, climbing to the peak of a famous mountain or trudging through a beautifully desolate desert? Whatever your particular craving, there are adventure travel tours just clamoring for the chance to give you an experience you won’t forget. 

The best part of turning to an adventure tour is that the guesswork is taken out of the equation. You still may encounter unexpected adventures (uh… is that a python in my sleeping bag?) but you can be confident that adventure will at least show up (really, I thought Hutchinson, KS might have SOMETHING worth doing). 

There’s also the benefit of finding yourself in the company of likeminded individuals with the same sense of adventure you have. Since adventure tours often cater to multiple individuals per trip, they’re a great way to meet the man/woman of your dreams or, at least, some friends with whom you might want to share future adventures. 

In addition to boosting your odds of finding adventure, adventure travel tours can be as detailed or minimalist as your independent self desires. Throw yourself completely at the mercy of the agency or only join the adventure elements that fit your style and spend the rest of the time enjoying the beach (note: no beaches in Hutchinson). 

So get to it. Decide on what you’d like your next great adventure to be and let an adventure travel tour agency take care of all the boring details. You just show up and let the good times roll!

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