Pinnacles Climbing Weekend

Whenever you go camping you tend to wish that it won't be too cold. Well we definitely got our wish granted when heading out this past weekend for the Pinnacle's Rock Climbing trip, with temperature's being in the 90s.

We had a great group turn out mixed with beginners as well as previous climber's whom attended this very trip with Adventure Out last year. No need to worry though because the instructor's catered to individual needs, making each climber comfortable with each ascent. Allowing to you go as slow or fast as desired, not to mention as many climbs as would like, whether it be to the top or up and back down, to get comfortable with the belay before climbing higher.

Due to the heat, morning's started early getting climbs in before the park got too crowded and the temperature wasn't at it's peak. Even though morning's start out groggy, you can't help but feel proud and accomplished when you have hiked and done a good amount of climbing all by noon.

We all kept repeating how surprised we were at our own personal accomplishments, that we were able to make it up the face of a rock despite how hard it looked while at the bottom. Even with varying fitness levels, we were all able to apply what was needed to accomplish a climb and learn from each other as to various technique's to help us reach the top. Even though they say that rock climbing is very much a solo sport I could not help but feel the team mentality when climbing because everyone on the bottom is still helping you out, giving pointer's and calling your attention to holds not seen by yourself.

Even though this trip is over, check out some of our rock climbing classes in Berkeley as well as the new one's now offered at Castle Rock, just off Highway 9 and Skyline. You will find yourself not only having a great time with great people but also surprising yourself at the abilities you were unaware you were capable of.

Rock Climbing Photo

I was browsing the rockclimbing.com website when I stumbled across this cool photo.

Sometimes I am amazed when I think about how that rock was just created naturally. It looks like a perfectly straight skyscraper that would belong in a city or something.

The rockclimbing.com website is really usefull. You can enter in any known rockclimbing area and find reviews, stories from climbers, and the type of terrain for a given spot. If you want to know what kind of terrain exists on Adventure Out's various climbing trips, be sure to research a bit on rockclimbing.com.

Enjoy the wonderful Spring we are having. See you soon!

Costa Rica

So I realized that this was my senior year of college and I never went anywhere for Spring Break. This had to change. However, I was not interested in the steriotypical Cabo or Fort Lauderdale Spring Break most college kids flock to. Instead I chose to go backpack Costa Rica for 2 weeks with a friend of mine, trying to cover as much ground as possible.

Costa Rica is a country full of natural wonders that will amaze anyone. The rugged landscape is home to same many animals including monkies, iguanas, frogs and sloths which are all normally seen throughout the country. The terrain itself is as incredible as the animals that inhabit the lands, from the dry deserts to the north to the vast lush rainforests to the south.

To start the trip off, we headed to Fortuna, a small friendly town that lies at the base of Arenal, the most active volcano in Costa Rica (Costa Rica has over 200 volcanoes, 50 of them are active). Here you can go on canopy ziplines, rainforest treks, rafting and rappeling down waterfalls. If you like outdoor adventure this is definately a place that should be on your list.

Next we went on a jeep-boat-jeep trip that took 5 hours and landed us in Monteverde, a eco-preserve that is home to the Cloud Rainforest, lying high in the mountains of Costa Rica. This is a small little mountain town which was beautiful however, the beach was calling to us. So now we were on to Dominical, 6 hours south of where we were.

Dominical is a surfers haven, a small town of about 300, and has the rocky beaches that are encountered as soon as you trek out from the trees. Meet the locals as well as many of the Costa Rican National Surfing Team at Tortilla Flats, the only bar/restaurant/hotel on the beach. However, be careful in Dominical, for you will get to know everyone, and start to feel like you're at home. There is nothing wrong with this of course, but the town does have a tendency to suck people in. We went for a day and ended up staying 4. We met others who had come for a few days and been there months!

There is so much more to share but those are just some of the highlights. All I can say, is that if you are interested in visiting Costa Rica at all--DO IT!!! Go now, for at the rate that we Amreican's are developing the country for luxury vacation homes for retirees, the beautiful country side is diminshing quickly. However, if the ruggedness doesn't appeal to you, wait a few years and check it out when its developed.

On a side note, if surfing in Central America interests you, check out the "Go with a Pro" an all inclusive Surf Camp in El Salvador offered by Billabong and Adventure Out!

Worms and Composting!

I am an environmental studies major at UC Santa Cruz. Seeing as this is my last Spring quarter, I am taking some really fun classes. One of them is called Education for Sustainable Living Program. Every Monday there are different speakers that come to talk about different ways about living sustainably. Last Monday, Frances Moore Lappe came and talked about her book "A Diet For A Small Planet." Besides Monday lectures, students sign up for a action research team of their choice.

Goals of the action research team are to: 1. Encourage communication and collaboration between all members of the campus community. 2. Apply concepts of sustainability to daily lives. 3. Research, strategize, and implement tangible change to improve our campus environment.

The action research team that I am apart of centers around COMPOSTING! Our goals for the quarter are to revamp some previously existing compost systems on campus farms and gardens. We are also going to set up an internship program where students can earn credit to create new composting areas for facilities like dining halls, that have previously not had any compost options.

If you haven't heard about all the amazing benefits from composting than you should check this website out. Compost Guide Learn how to make a compost pile and start one at your own house!

Backpack Review-Gregory

Having comfortable and quality gear can make the difference between having an exciting or problematic time on a backpacking trip. Its not always necessary to buy the most expensive gear. Hand-me-down items can be wonderful, but one should always make sure that the gear they obtain is the right size for their body.

Buying a backpacking backpack is an investment for sure. You might think that the pack you are carrying your things isn't too important. It just goes on your back right? A backpack on a trip can be your best or worst friend. A comfortable pack is one that will let you take in the scenery and wildlife on a trail. Wearing an uncomfortable pack will nag at a person so their hiking is more of a chore than a delight.

During the Winter of '06, I set out on three month backpacking through Patagonia with a group of 12 students and one professor. We were going to have to carry very big loads at times so I purchased a really big pack. The one I have is made by Gregory and is called the Mt. Whitney.






This pack is part of Gregory's Adventure Series which is sup post to be used for 5+days with weights up to 65 pounds. However, I have to say that this pack is pretty huge and I carried loads that were heavier than 65 pounds at times. I usually wouldn't want to carry that heavy of a pack for personal trips but my trip was for school so we had to carry other items(Many Books and Food for 12).

This pack is great because it has many pockets on the outside that give access to the main large, inner-holding area.This pack has a very comfortable strap system that stays comfortable for long likes. It also has a convenient detachable top that acts as mini pack for day hikes.Im not a spokesperson for Gregory packs, but I do think that this pack was great for me on all my hikes and I have never had a problem.

If you are thinking about checking out any of Adventure Out's backpacking trips and are deciding on buying a pack now, it is not necessary to buy a pack as big or expensive as mine. But my advice is to choose your pack wisely. Use the force and the pack be with you.

Car Camping.

Car camping is not quite as extreme as backpacking. A camp site is usually not as secluded and you often have the luxury of using a fire pit and picnic table. You don't have to carry your things on your back, and if things get too uncomfortable, you can always pack up and head back to the city. But that doesn't mean that car camping can't be really fun!

Some of my friends and I recently decided that we wanted to do a small camping trip just for the weekend so we headed to big Sur. The drive is very scenic and there are many pull out spots to enjoy a nice coastal view. Say Cheese for the group photo!
















Our group didn't set out to try and "survive" as is taught in some adventure out clinics. Our goal was more to pack up some coolers and have a relaxing time. Burgers and dogs are great in a camp setting.


























Once a fire is going, there isn't much need for any organized activity. Just watching the flames passes the time just fine while camping.

Car camping is a great way to get the feel of being out in the woods while still feeling very comfortable. The weather is great these days so go try it out!














Josh Unger
Intern
Adventure Out

My First Surf Lessons

Kim the intern here, and as part of my internship, I have been required to learn how to surf, which I was completely stoked about especially before going on Spring Break to Costa Rica. However, all my excitement could not have added up to the awesome experience that I had.

The first day was pretty remarkable for Pacifica conditions, actual blue skies as well as a pretty decent outside temperature by the end of the lesson. Conditions were nice and my experience was going great. Maybe if I had gotten comfortable with staying low with my stance instead of standing and smiling at everyone I would have done a little better. However no matter what, my experience was incredible and I had no doubt that the next day would be "my day".

This however, was not the case. Skie were grey, the water was choppy and white, it was cold and my feet were numb immediately hitting the water, not to mention it took me forever just to get into the line up. I didn't get nearly as close to standing as the day before yet it really didn't matter. You might think I'm crazy, but despite the cold weather and water, this weekend was ideal.

Not only do you get a new experience to see what you are really capable of, but you surround yourself with all around good people for your weekend. Even if you are waiting for a wave yourself, you are still cheering on your fellow participants. Then when you catch a wave and they cheer for you, you feel phenomenal and motivated to get back out there and catch another one, despite how tired you are. In fact, I caught one wave and a fellow participant told me it motivated him to get back in the water despite the fact that he was tired and tossed in the towel. Words can't describe how good it feels to know that you motivated others. This is an experience I will never forget and you couldn't ask for nicer instructors who are patient and caring, making sure you get the most out of your experience. If my story interests you at all, I HIGHLY recommend you check out our classes. You'll be guaranteed to experience some of your most amazing days before most of your friends awaken! (stole that from you Tom, thanks!)