Like my Co-worker Sean, I also have a life outside of Four Wheeler land.
Be it breif, and sometimes rushed, I do find time to enjoy some non-4x4 related activities.
Nothing beats a challanging climb up a granite face. Rock climbing provides me with a a sense of acomplishment that few other activities can. I'm not a pro, but I can keep up with my friends who do it a lot more than my schedule allows.
My buddy Greg turned me on to the endless thrills of surfing rapids in a kayak. This activity is all about excercise and fun! Much respect is required when negociating the fast moving rapids of technical white water section. I almost killed myself once when I got sucked under a large underwater rock overhang. Close calls are always expected whenever I hit the river. What can I say, I'm a thrill seeker.
While my skills are nowhere near those of Mr. Brubaker, I do enjoy setting out to capture images of beautyful scenes. Everything from rough and ruggid early morning coastlines to late-night campfires, I shoot them all.
I recently learned to wakeboard on lake Shasta. This activity came easy to me thanks to a long history in snow boarding. The combo of adrenalin pumping wave-riding action and trick, powerful water toys makes wake boarding a natural new found passion.
A clear day on a mountain that isn't crowded is pure bliss in my opinion. I pride myself with being able to keep pace with my buddies who ride all the time. I only hit the slopes 2-3 time per season.
My recent purchase of a 5th wheel toy hauler has opened my mind to the idea of hauling your apartment with you to the great outdoors. I offten find myself hosting freinds and family somewhere surrounded by spectacular scenery and remote trailheads. The only problem here is the darn cost of fuel.
Here in California, we have all kinds of valuable stuff just sitting there in the ground waiting to be found. And if you know where and how to find it the rewards can be great. Isolated by the ruggid cliffs seperating the Big Sur coastline from the mighty Pacific Ocean, is a place called Jade Cove. Jade Cove offers those with enough patence and a good eye plenty of booty for the pirate chest. Arrrr.
I've always been a fan of hot water, especially if it doesn't cost you $ to enjoy. Hot springs are a rare gift of nature that your body will always thank you for. While some are a little too Hippy for my liking, others offer an awesome opportunity to relax and enjoy a skin-friendly soak to ease the pains of everyday life.
Sometimes the places I want to go simply don't allow motor vehicles. The alternative is loading up a pack and hiking in without the help of petrol-power. While this is less fun than other ways of getting there, I do find joy in this more laborous form of outdoor exploration.