Breathe Magazine

summer 2010 free!

inspiring active women

adrenaline NOT JUST FOR THE HARDCORE

a swell time WOMEN'S SURF CAMPS

flying solo

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

25

Ways to Beat the Heat!

Barefoot Fitness Sensational Smoothies Blue Living

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breathe magazine editor in chief Lindsey Grossman lindsey@readbreathe.com

contents

Summer 2010 • The Adventure Issue

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features 8

Adrenaline Travel

Not just for the hardcore

18

Surf's Up, Betty Style

24

Don't Sweat It

28

Flying Solo

The scoop on women's surf camps

Aleigh Acerni Kristin Luna Colleen Oakley Jayme Otto Patricia Poulin Laura Purcell Kelly Turner Cristina Santiestevan Kath Younger

copy editor Brooke Edge

magazine

contributing writers

art director Megan Murphy

senior designer Amanda Powers

associate designer / contributing photographer Christa Albano

IT director Craig Snodgrass

publisher Martha Evans martha@readbreathe.com

president Blake DeMaso blake@readbreathe.com

account executives Dusty Allison dusty@readbreathe.com Martha Evans martha@readbreathe.com

25 ways to beat the heat

Choose your own adventure

departments NUTRITION 5 Smoothies: think outside the blender FITNESS 7 The benefits of going barefoot HEALTH 13 Food first-aid for summer Breathe IN 14 Gear, beauty and style for the season

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GREEN LIVING 20 Going “blue” BREATHEABILITY 22 Megan Kearney, founder of Go Mama Go! FAMILY 30 Planes, trains and toddlers

Charles Leonard charles@readbreathe.com Leah Woody leah@readbreathe.com

business manager Melissa Gessler

contact us 107 West Market Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 434.817.2755 56 College Street, Suite 303 Asheville, NC 28801 828.225.0868 © 2010 Summit Publishing, LLC. To carry Breathe in your store call 434.817.2755.

cover © Corinne Krogh, Navitat Canopy Adventures www.corinnekrogh.com summer 2010

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the BLUE R RIDGE August 29, 2010

Sweet Peas

75 YEARS

Asheville’s Hostel

75 MILES

Cele Ce leb ebrat atin ing th the 75 75th Ann 75th nniv iver iv ersa er sary sa ry y of the e Blu Blu lue e Ri R dg ge Pa Park rkwa rk way wa y

Base Camp of the Blue Ridge Mountains

• 75 & 35 Mile Ride Loops

Beds starting at JUST $28

• 4,700 & 2,450 ft of Climbing • Supported & Un-Timed • Avg. August Highs: mid-70's • Heritage-themed after-ride Party

Kitchen • Laundry • Living Room • Wi-Fi • Wide Screen • Cable TV Todd Bush© www.bushphoto.com

Located in Downtown Asheville 828.285.8488 • SweetPeasHostel.com Below the Hostel...

LEXINGTON AVENUE BREWERY Hand Crafted Beers & Casual Comfort Food Live Music Venue Downtown Asheville • LexAveBrew.com • 828.252.0212

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Register at RockTheBlueRidge.com to cycle the North Carolina High Country y's most scenic and challenging roads for the 75th Anniverssary of the pristine Blue Ridge Parkway – with over 40% of the pedaling occurring on the Parkway. Start/Finish, Event Party, and Kids Bike Rodeo at Appalachian Ski Mtn., located between Boone and Blowing Rock, NC.

Registration: $85 before July 1st For more info about the rides, Go to www.RockTheBlueRidge.com Or call us at 828.260.0534.

the BLUE RIDGE 75 YEARS

75 MILES

nutr ition

smoothies

think outside the blender

By Kath Younger

Spooning Smoothies don’t have to be sipped through straws! Pour your smoothie into a bowl, top with a sprinkle of granola and eat it like cereal with a spoon. It will slow you down and feel more like a complete meal.

Who doesn’t love a cool, refreshing smoothie on a hot summer afternoon? Bananas, frozen berries, milk and ice make the perfect fruity blend.

But why stop there? Smoothies are so versatile, and the mix-in possibilities are endless! Here are a few non-traditional ingredients that will take you on a smoothie adventure.

Oats: If you need some whole grains with your breakfast, why not just blend them right in? Raw rolled oats make a great smoothie addition. Add one-fourth cup of raw oats to your smoothie. They add a doughy taste and a nice thickness to the blend. Oats are a whole grain packed with fiber and will give you a steady source of energy throughout the morning.

Cottage cheese: Looking for real food protein sources? Skip the expensive powders—a few spoonfuls of cottage cheese will turn your smoothie into a cheesy, protein-packed snack. The subtle flavor is not too far off from a fruity cheesecake.

Kale and spinach: Green smoothies are taking over the world. Not only are they beautiful in color, but they’re packed with phytonutrients.

Don’t be afraid of greens—baby spinach is non-detectable in a bananabased smoothie. Its natural sweetness blends right in. Start with a small handful and add more as you learn to love “green monsters.” Kale is not for the light of heart. Its flavor is slightly detectable, but it’s still a nutrientdense and healthy smoothie addition.

Avocado: While we’re on the topic of green, avocado is a great way to add a bit of healthy fats to your smoothie, helping to increase satiety.

About one fourth of an avocado provides four grams of healthy monounsaturated fats, two grams of fiber, and a handful of vitamins and minerals.

Avocado also makes a smoothie extra creamy—almost like ice cream!

Chia seeds: The world’s abuzz about chia seeds these days. Indeed the seed of the classic chia pet, these nutritious pebble-like seeds are a good source of omega-3 essential fatty acids along with soluble fiber, calcium and phosphorous. Chia seeds gel in liquids, so they make a great addition not only for their nutrient panel, but for the wonderful smooth texture they add to a smoothie. Soak a tablespoon of chia seeds in your smoothie liquid for five to ten minutes and blend away for a pudding-like treat.

Pumpkin: It’s not just for pie! Pure canned pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and E, and provides fiber and low-calorie, low-fat bulk to a smoothie. Add one quarter cup of pumpkin along with cinnamon, banana, milk and ice for an orange delight.

green cheesecake smoothie The addition of oats and cottage cheese to a banana smoothie tastes like banana cheesecake, and the extra bulk will keep you full all morning. You won’t notice the spinach taste at all – promise!

Ingredients 1 small ripe banana • 1 cup baby spinach • ¼ cup raw oatmeal • ¼ cup low-fat cottage cheese • 1 cup milk of your choice • Handful of ice • 1 tsp cinnamon Directions Blend together and eat with a spoon!

Kath Younger writes the popular healthy food blog Kath Eats Real Food, which you'll find at www.KathEats.com. Having lost over 30 pounds since graduating from college, Kath is completing her dietetic internship to become a Registered Dietitian and is opening a Great Harvest Bread Company with her husband in Charlottesville, VA. summer 2010

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www.runnersangel.com

Come experience outdoor adventure!

• Whitewater Rafting • Sit-on-top Kayaking • Adventure Course • Flatwater Kayaking • Mountain Biking • Climbing • Climb 2 Zip • Eco Trekking • Mega Zip • Mega Jump NEW

NEW

www.usnwc.org 6

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NEW

fitness

feet

therapy for the body and sole

By Kelly Turner

Going au naturel While running barefoot might seem like all fun and games, it has helped eliminate knee, foot and Achilles pain where running shoes cannot. Researchers have found that those who run in shoes land on the heel of their foot, causing an impact of up to two to three times the runner’s body weight.

Multiply that impact with each step you take on a long run and it’s no wonder avid runners are often plagued by repetitive stress injuries. Those who run barefoot, however, tend to land on the ball of their foot, which generates almost no collision force at all. Because of this change in

training tip:

Because of our history, in order to safely run barefoot we must undo years of bad habits. Since most Americans grow up wearing shoes and are used to running and walking striking heel first, barefoot running should be eased into by alternating shoe and barefoot runs, and starting out on soft surfaces like grass and sand.

strike, people can run barefoot on some of the hardest surfaces and not feel any pain or discomfort while many shoe runners experience constant knee or foot pain.

Not a runner? You can still reap the benefits of barefoot fitness: ------Yoga Standing poses that need to be held for an extended period of time (such as tree and dancer), are a great way to challenge your feet and gain overall health.

Pilates The reformer, or trapeze table, works your feet through their full range of motion against resistance. Joseph Pilates, the founder of Pilates exercise, recognized the importance of foot health and even developed two pieces of equipment just for your piggies—the Toe Tensometer and the Foot Corrector.

PHOTO ©iStockphoto.com/webphotographeer

The thought of running around barefoot in the grass may conjure memories of childhood play, but people are leaving their stuffy gyms and running shoes in the dust to take fitness back to its roots, to move the body the way it was designed.

Believe it or not, those fancy shoes may actually be hindering your performance, and your health. With warm weather here, now is the time for you to get in on this innovative, fun and surprisingly beneficial way to work up a sweat.

Targeted exercises Build balance, strength and control with the following two exercises. No fancy equipment required… just you and a towel.

1. Sit with your legs out straight and loop a towel around the arches of both feet. Hold the towel in both hands, gently pulling it toward you and stretching the arches of the foot. Provide a little bit of resistance using the towel and slowly, steadily point your toes. Repeat.

2. Lay a towel flat on the floor and place your toes at the edge. Repeatedly scrunch your toes, pulling the towel towards you, until you reach the end of the towel.

Smooth it back out and repeat.

Kelly Turner is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and health and fitness writer from Seattle, WA. Get weekly fitness tips from Kelly on her blog Fitness Fridays at readbreathe.com.

get the gear: Shoes with barefoot benefits

Vivo Barefoot Shoes Isis: $110 · terraplana.com.

Vibram Five Fingers Sprint: $80 · vibramfivefingers.com.

Nike Free Run+: $85 · store.nike.com. summer 2010

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ADRENALINE TRAVEL It's Not Just For The Hardcore. All you need is an adventurous spirit and a can-do attitude to tackle this popular destination travel phenom. Surprised? Read on.

by JAYME OTTO

Kiteboarding in Aruba...

PAUL LANG PHOTOGRAPHY

8

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appelling is not actually hard.

Wearing a harness attached to a rope, you pretty much just back your way down a rock wall, or in my case, down a 65-foot ravine into the Camuy River. The hard part occurred in the river after the rappel, in which I was to remove the harness and reattach it to the rope, so my guide could pull it back up.

Unclipping from the harness was trickier than it sounded, since the water was over my head and intent on sweeping me downstream.

I suppose I could have just spent my time in Puerto Rico lying on the beach, engaging in the ever-popular brand of tourism I like to call “sand snooze travel.” But I’d chosen the opposite experience—adrenaline travel. This involved heading inland with friends and two guides to trek to Resurgence Cave, a 45-millionyear-old limestone cavern where the Rio Camuy resurfaces after flowing underground for 10 miles.

Here was our plan. Once we’d all rappelled into the river, we would float down to the water-only entrance to the cave, and explore its innards. Inside, we’d flip on our headlamps, dodge the resident bats and investigate Resurgence’s seemingly infinite chambers, moving between them by crawling on our knees and elbows, squeezing through vertical cracks, and sliding down (and slithering up) mudslides. Impressed, aren’t you?

Before you write me off as an adrenaline junkie, a hardcore athlete or a super freak, hear this: I am a cheerleader from Ohio. Cleveland, to be precise. And yes, Cleveland rocks, but offers very little in the ways of outdoor adventure experience. Need more evidence?

People explore Resurgence Cave every day during the high season, including children as young as eight. As a matter of fact, this particular caving trek can be booked through the San Juan Marriott, and includes a shuttle service to and from the hotel and a bagged lunch.

The secret about adrenaline travel is that the trips sound much more dangerous than they actually are (thus a great way to impress your friends and family). Competent local guides and safety equipment go a long way to mitigate the majority of the risk.

Case in point: even as I waited for my friends to join me at the base of the rappel into the Rio Camuy, struggling to get my harness off and fretting about being carried prematurely into the Resurgence Cave, I never felt afraid.

The water may have been over my head, but I certainly wasn’t in over my head considering I was wearing a life jacket. Plus, one of our guides had rappelled down first, and was there

RIVER RUNNERS, WHITEWATER.NET

in the water to lend a helping hand.

Another little-known fact is that most adrenaline travel excursions require no experience, no special skills and minimal athletic ability. The Resurgence Cave trip requires participants to be less than 280 pounds, but that’s only because they couldn’t fit though some of the cave’s cracks otherwise. As an adventure traveler, your legwork involves hunting down the best guide service, not obtaining any certifications or getting into the best shape of your life.

As Kavel, one of my guides, said, adrenaline travel is all about feeling the surge, without actually taking a significant risk. If you’re physically fit and not afraid to try new things, this type of experiential travel might just become your new obsession.

Dare to get bit by the adrenaline travel bug?

Check out these unforgettable trips:

KITEBOARDING in Aruba Combining surfing, wakeboarding and paragliding, the exhilarating sport of kiteboarding relies on wind caught by kites to

propel surfers across the ocean. Thanks to major equipment advances over the past few years, being attached to a giant kite is no longer a dangerous proposition. “Depowering” the kite is as simple as releasing the handle, and there is now an appropriate kite size for nearly every suitable wind speed.

With warm, flat water and plenty of wind, Aruba is emerging as one of the best beginnerfriendly kiting sites in the world. Equipment rentals and lessons come prepackaged, and recent gear improvements mean less of a learning curve. Look for a program that’s affiliated with the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO), uses the latest gear and provides helmets.

WHITEWATER RAFTING in Colorado River rafting conjures images of relentless rapids thundering through a canyon, tossing brawny paddlers and their inflatable watercrafts through stomach-dropping hydraulics. But just like there are differences between ripples and waves, so are there distinctions between Class II rapids, which even children can negotiate with a guide, and Class VI rapids, for professionals only. summer 2010

9

ROLL WITH IТ orm® LOTTA al, featuring QF ure. nd sa s ou ci ns y advent This eco-co logy, is up for an Comfort techno

MERRELL PROUDLY SUPPORTS

merrell.com LET’S GET OUTSIDE

™

TERRAPIN ADVENTURES

Women have wider hips and a lower center of gravity, so the Q-Angle between your hips and knees is more pronounced.

Merrell’s women’s-specific QForm® Comfort technology compensates for this, reducing foot roll with every step.

Exit Strategy: Descending the Terrapin Tower headfirst down the "Rainbow Serpent" at Terrapin Adventures.

3

Terrapin Adventures

LOCAL ADVENTURE You don’t need to go far from home to get in on adrenaline travel. The following outfitters offer world-class experiences in our neck of the woods.

Only 30 minutes from Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington DC, Maryland’s Terrapin Adventures offers nearly every adrenaline activity imaginable.

From zip-lining and ropes courses to river tubing and geo-caching, consider this your one-stop shop for outdoor invigoration.

5

4

2

1

TERRAPINADVENTURES.com

River Expeditions There’s a reason River Expeditions has been voted the best in West Virginia. Located in the heart of New River Gorge National Park, River Expeditions offers adventurers everything from family-fun rivers to extreme expeditions, and all on the famed Appalachian wildwaters, with more than 70 years of combined outfitting experience.

Navitat Canopy Adventures

RAFTINGINFO.com

NAVITAT.com

New this spring, Navitat takes guests on three-hour canopy tours in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located just 20 minutes north of Asheville, Navitat features zip lines, rappels and sky-bridges created by Bonsai Design, Inc., the leader in US canopy tour design and construction.

1 Merrell® air cushion absorbs

shock and centers your heel

2 A specially designed

midsole guides your foot for a smoother stride

3 The neutral-density zone

moves pressure to the outer part of your foot for comfort

4 A firmer section in the

midsole keeps your foot from rolling too far

5 Additional cushioning targets ©iStockphoto.com/Primeop76

The Arkansas River, the darling of whitewater, lures thousands of adrenaline travel-minded folks to Colorado each spring and summer. Guide companies have been here since the 1970s, many of them still in operation, creating one of the safest, most experienced whitewater scenes in the country. Choose from 1.5-hour family floats on Class I-II rapids in Buena Vista, to half-day excursions navigating the Class IV-V rapids in Canon City’s Royal Gorge, to everything in between.

peak pressure zones

CANYONEERING in Arizona Besides caves, canyons represent one of the last great, unexplored frontiers of America.

Narrow gorges with multiple layers and sculpted walls of limestone, sandstone, granite and basalt, sometimes laced with waterfalls,

QForm® Comfort is found throughout Merrell’s women’s collection.

merrell.com LET’S GET OUTSIDE

™

summer 2010

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mark the stomping ground of the canyoneer. These modern day pioneers combine navigation and route finding skills with hiking, scrambling, climbing, rappelling, anchoring and swimming to descend into and explore canyons using a hodgepodge of gear from other sporting disciplines. As canyoneering’s popularity increases, more specialized equipment is being invented and manufactured, such as all-terrain shoes and waterproof bags for stashing sensitive gear and cameras.

Slot canyons carved hundreds of feet deep into ancient stone are hidden throughout the Arizona desert. Some of the most photographic ravines in the world are found here, offering startling scenery akin to something you’d expect to find in outer space. Look for an Arizona guide company committed to Leave No Trace practices.

ZIP-LINING in Costa Rica Zip-lining has made its way out of backyard tree forts and into the rainforest canopy. The zip line itself is a pulley that runs on an inclined cable, allowing you to Tarzan your way from point A to point B using gravity. In order to ensure adrenaline travel aficionados fly through the air safely, zip lines include a harness attached to the cable. Along with the harness, zippers also wear thick leather gloves, allowing them to break, and a helmet.

Costa Rica popularized the concept, banking on the fact that ecotourists would want to spend time up in the canopy, where two-thirds of a typical rainforest’s species live. With breathtaking lines reaching more than 100-feet tall, and canopy tour operations in or close by every major tourist area in the country, Costa Rica remains one of the best places to zip on earth. •

A woman zips through the rainforest on a Swiss Travel canopy tour arranged by the Marriott Hotels and Resorts of Costa Rica.

Jayme Otto lives and writes in the playground known as Boulder, CO. More at JaymeOtto.com

IMAGE COURTESY MARRIOTT HOTELS AND RESORTS oF COSTA RICA

LOOK FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF BREATHE MAGAZINE IN FALL 2010 FEATURING

nature + nurture ©Justin Lichter www.justinlichter.com

• cubic tech® flexible fiber film • beyond ultralight - überlight • waterproof rolltop closure • lighter than any dry bag!

• pVc free • transparent fabric allows you to see contents of sack • stitch free body seams • space saVing shape

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...and for new inspiration every week visit

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BREATHE HERE TOO!

health

food first-aid

medicine cabinet or kitchen cabinet?

Stock up on these natural remedies to help prevent and cure what ails you this summer.

By Colleen Oakley

the problem

prevent it

cure it

sunburn

tomatoes

apple cider vinegar

Ouch! You wanted a little color, but now look like a lobster.

Supplement your sunscreen habit with lycopene-rich tomatoes. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color, can actually keep you from turning red. Adding more tomato-based dishes to your diet can help protect your skin from within.

Run a cool bath and add the vinegar to the water. “This helps restore the acid/alkaline balance to the skin and helps remove the sting,” says Naturalist Becky Kemery.

mosquito bites

oranges

baking soda

There’s nothing more dreadful than the drone of a mosquito in the dead of summer, except for the itch of their bites.

Eat a couple of these juicy summer fruits right before you are planning to go outside. Those pesky little creatures don’t like citrus and will stay away when they smell it on you.

Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to create a paste and apply to the itch. The drying nature of baking soda can help draw out the irritant.

bee stings

stand still

ice

Even if you’re not allergic, the sting of a yellow jacket is no picnic.

So, it’s not something you can keep in your first-aid kit, but it’s still good advice. Bees sting defensively and are frightened by sudden movements. As hard as it is not to flail, stay calm and they should leave you alone.

It’s the most effective way to take the bite out of a bee sting instantly. For kids (or you child-like adults) check out the Buzzy, a fun, reusable device that holds ice and lightly vibrates to reduce bee sting pain ($24.99, buzzy4shots.com).

over-heating

water, water, water!

salt

As the days get longer, the sun gets hotter—and so do you.

You should drink at least 64 ounces a day, particularly when you’re going to be out in the sun.

Milder forms of heat exhaustion can be remedied by noshing on salty snacks (like pretzels) to replace the salt that has been lost through sweating. Make sure you also drink plenty of water and find a cool spot to rest quietly. Remember, if the person is incoherent, unconscious or lethargic, always call 911, as medical intervention may be necessary.

allergies

honey

limes

Ragweed, pollen and other allergens are in the air.

Ah-choo!

Buy honey from your local farmers market (local is key because it means the pollen bees are collecting comes from the vegetation in your area). Take a teaspoon of honey a few times a day and you’ll build up your resistance to local allergens.

Make some fresh limeade or squeeze lime into your drinking water every day. Lime possesses anti-allergen properties that can help relieve your itchy, watery symptoms.

yeast infections

yogurt

garlic

Seriously, is there anything worse about being a woman?

Eat this dairy product daily and its live cultures will help fight the bad fungi that cause yeast infections.

Sure, it’s pungent, but it’s a wonder drug when it comes to curing yeast infections. Whip out those recipes that contain lots, or you can insert a garlic clove into the vagina every few hours for soothing relief. summer 2010

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breathein

st yle

clutches with a conscience Keep it simple this summer with the perfect grab-and-go accessory.

When you buy this sophisticated clutch—which was woven by a women’s co-op in the Phillipines— Kayu donates part of the purchase price to help women entrepreneurs in developing countries. Rachel Clutch, $130 • kayudesign.com

Make an eco-chic statement with stained (and sustainable) bamboo.

Bamboo Block Clutch, $50 • raw-bags.com

Keep your Kindle, Netbook or iPad protected in this eco-friendly, clutch-style sleeve designed by Kailo Chic. $24.99 • shopnuo.com and in-store at Staples and Office Max

Mar Y Sol creates bags that give back, supporting communities in Kenya and Madagascar. Carry this one as a clutch or fold it open for a larger tote. $79 • shopmarysol.com 14

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We love OlovesM! Their mindful designs use recycled yoga mats—high-impact fashion, low impact on the Earth. Eco Clutch, $25 • olovesm.com

breathein

gear

woman vs. wild

Our gear picks for summer will make you one happy camper.

Girl power For high-tech gals, the new must-have pack gadget is Energizer’s Energi To Go SP1000.

Weighing in at just 5.4 oz, this solar-powered rechargeable power pack repowers any cell phone, GPS unit, iPod or MP3 player, and fits in your pocket.

Set it in the sun for six hours and, voila! Portable power for those technical toys you can’t leave home without. $49.99 • energizer.com

Traveling pants Hot seat

What’s a camping trip without a pair of creek-friendly knickers? Patagonia sets the standard with their Borderless Capris, pants that function as beautifully as they fashion.

Drawcords at the leg cutoffs prevent slippage while articulated knee patches provide unrestricted movement. Made from a stretchy nylon fabric, the capris both wick moisture and provide 40-UPF sun protection. A zippered security pocket on the right thigh adds extra stashability to a pair of already generous pants, sporting two front and two back pockets. We can’t resist “Fusion Sunset,” a standout orangered. $65 • patagonia.com

Camping chairs have always been an engineering challenge, making trade-offs between comfort, weight, and pack-down size. Last summer, one company finally got it right. Alite’s Monarch Camp Chair puts all others to shame as the coolest, coziest, most packable chair ever known to (wo)man. Designed with only two legs, Monarch manages to feel stable and supportive, while also functioning as a rocking chair. With this level of comfort, you’d expect compromises in portability, but the chair weighs only a pound and packs down to the size of a burrito, albeit a large San Francisco-style one. $59.99 • alitedesigns.com

Pack mentality Mountain Hardware has mastered women’s specific backpack design with the new Nalu 60. The perfect size for a couple of days out in the wild, Nalu features softedge shoulder straps that manage to be both light and supportive, not to mention (gasp!) actually comfortable. After experiencing Nalu’s externally accessed hydration sleeve, we’ll never be able to live without this feature again. $230 • mountainhardwear.com

Pure and simple No need to let giardia come between you and the trail with Hydro-Photon’s latest water purification technology. The SteriPEN AdventurerOpti weighs only 3.6 oz, but delivers big time, using ultra-violet light to make safe drinking water in as little as 48 seconds by destroying viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. The six-inch AdventurerOpti is low-profile enough to stash in your pack as a backup, even if you’re carrying in your water, and also functions as an LED flashlight. $99.95 • steripen.com summer 2010

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4th Annual

August 6-7, 2010 Banner Elk, North Carolina

Come bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way to the Beech...Beech Mtn that is; and help us change the face of Arthritis in the Carolinas!!

Registration: $75 for both days or $50 for 1 day

It’s more than just a ride... ...its about changing lives.

For More Information: Arthritis.org/Carolinas or 2010CarolinasBlueRidgeClassic.kintera.org

How high is perseverance?

You can measure the square footage of UVA’s new Hand Center, a “green” facility designed with the patient in mind. What can’t be measured is the comfort of knowing you have ready access to skilled clinicians and advanced technology to diagnose and treat sports-related injuries of the hand, wrist, arm and elbow – all under one roof. The region’s best specialty care is now within reach. Call 982.HAND to learn more or visit uvahealth.com/hand.

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breathein

beaut y

natural skin protection for sun worshipers Sun protection is key year-round, but especially in the summer, when you’re more likely to be outdoors. We’re not fans of gunky, chemical-based sunscreen, so we’ve pulled together a list of options with natural sun-blockers like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They’ll keep your skin from getting fried and they won’t feel heavy.

beauty tip:

“The proper amount of sunscreen for an area of the body is enough to fill a shot glass. Don’t skimp on the amount you use. If you worry about looking like an oil slick, carry some blotting papers. Disposable toilet seat covers work great in a pinch!” ~Samantha Smith, Makeup Artist, SamanthaAlexandra.com

If you’ve managed to get sunburned even though you’ve been slathering on the SPF, try Petite Marie’s Radiance Elixir, a lightweight, emollient serum to speed up your skin’s healing process. Wear it under your regular moisturizer or alone. $30, JulieGabriel.com

Marie Veronique Organics’ Moisturizing Face Screen Plus comes in three shades to give your skin perfectly matched, light coverage and complete spectrum protection (SPF 30) without chemicals, fillers or fragrances. $45, MVOrganics.com

We’ve loved every John Masters Organics product we’ve tried, and this Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is no exception.

It’ll keep your skin protected and lightly moisturized. You can even use it on top of your regular moisturizer—it’s that light. $32, JohnMasters.com and Whole Foods Markets nationwide

With Juice Beauty’s SPF 30 Mineral Sheer Moisturizer, you get full spectrum sun protection paired with certified organic white grape and pomegranate juices and antioxidants for skin protection that also keeps your skin looking youthful. Win! $29, Beautorium.com

For sun protection and moisture, try Lavender Moisture Plus Lotion with SPF 18 from Avalon Organics. With skin-calming ingredients like organic lavender, licorice root, turmeric and arnica, it’s OK to use on your body and your face. $16.95, AvalonOrganics.com summer 2010

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Surf's Up, Betty Style Looking for a swell time?

Women's surf camps are where it's at.

by PATRICIA POULIN

Surfer Girl: Riding the waves at Las Olas.

Las Olas Surf Safaris

here is something about summer that awakens the spirit and induces a sense of wanderlust. Who doesn’t enjoy spending a day at the beach soaking up the sun’s warmth upon your skin and feeling the fresh saltwater mist in your hair? Growing up there was nothing better than digging my toes into the sand as the brisk ocean water rolled over my legs, that is of course until I learned of the adventure that awaits beyond the breaking waves. How many summers have you sat upon your beach blanket with your umbrella pitched reading a novel while longingly watching the glistening water? You could see the tanned bodies of surfers sitting on their surfboards waiting ever so patiently for that perfect wave to come their way in an almost Zen-like state.

Surfing has been a way of life since it was first observed within the Polynesian culture 18

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around the late 1700s. Today, this captivating art form has become a sport accessible to all ages and genders; all that’s required is an adventurous enthusiasm and a love (or at least like) for water. Surfing exudes a carefree lifestyle while posing a physical challenge quite unlike any other sport. Learning to surf can be a challenge, but the sweet reward of catching your first wave and watching the ocean move underneath you is what will, without a doubt, keep you coming back for more.

If you have ever thought about stepping away from the shoreline and paddling out into the waves, why not make this summer your time to trade in that beach blanket and umbrella for a surfboard and a few lessons?

Women’s surf camps have been popping up for several years now and offer an exceptional

learning environment under the guidance of experienced and knowledgeable surf instructors. Whether you’re looking to one day paddle out at Pipeline with Lisa Anderson or just looking for a summer adventure that’s out of the ordinary, these camps offer a chance for you to get away from it all and enjoy the sun, sand, surf and camaraderie of like-minded ladies.

Whether you convince your closest girlfriends to join you or not, one of the best things about the camps is you will never be alone. As the sport continues to grow, so do the number of women who are stepping out of their comfort zones and into the arena of extreme adventure sports and travel. So, if you’re ready to make this your year to give surfing a shot, here are a few things to keep in mind while narrowing down your choices.

in season and in budget.

Many surf camps run seasonally, so do your research to see what’s available within your time frame and price range. If there’s a beach and breaking waves, there’s usually a surf school within close proximity. So if jetting off to an exotic locale is not in the cards for you this year, rest assured you may be able to find a one-day clinic or weekend camp that isn't thousands of miles away.

The National Surf Schools and Instructors Association (nssia.org) offers a listing of accredited surf schools and instructors located in the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coast.

Often times there will be weekend clinics available that you would never find advertised online. These clinics are a great way to find out if surfing is the sport for you without spending too much money while doing so.

Getting schooled

on the level.

JOHN YAO

A bachelorette having a blast on the beach.

Surf Diva Surf School Sweet spot: Holds weekend and weeklong clinics for women; books bachelorette parties for the bride-to-be and up to 25 friends.

La Jolla, CA

surfdiva.com

Las Olas Surf Safaris for Women Sweet spot: Seven days of surfing bliss with oceanfront villas, daily yoga on the beach and a private, one-hour massage.

Sayulita, NayArit, Mexico surflasolas.com

Villa with a view.

Las Olas Surf Safaris

If you are already a proficient surfer and want to expand your experience while learning new techniques, make sure the camp you choose offers lessons that will continue to challenge you. Different camps and clinics cater to different levels of ability. The experience won't be as enjoyable if you find that you’re levels above everyone else at the camp, so be sure to be honest in evaluating your skills and express your desires as to what you want to accomplish technically to the staff before you sign up. On the other hand, if you’re new to the sport, be certain that the camp you attend has lessons and training specific to the beginner. Most camp attendees are somewhere between the beginners’ level and the experienced surfer. New surfers are most always welcome and you certainly won’t be learning by yourself.

fit for the tides.

After your first day of surfing, you’ll find that your body’s using muscles you may have never realized existed! If you’re looking to condition before leaving for your trip or clinic, building your endurance is one of the best ways to prepare your body. Surfing uses 85 percent upper body to get you into the wave but once you’re up, you have to depend on your lower body for balance and maneuvering of the board. Many surfers will add regular running and stretching exercises to their daily regime.

Starting a circuit-training program about four to six weeks before your surfing safari will help strengthen your core and prevent unnecessary injuries. If your typical core workout consists of crunches or sit-ups, keep at it but also consider adding exercises for the chest, shoulders, back, hips and glutes. Exercises such as one-legged squats and vertical jumps (done in 30-second intervals with a short break in between) will not only strengthen your lower back, but also improve your balance.

No matter how you go about it, learning to surf is an exciting experience and definitely an adventure you’ll never forget. It’s all about having fun, so get out there this summer and push your limits. Who knows where it may lead in the water, and in life? •

A happy camper catching a wave.

Surf and Adventure Company Sweet spot: Partners with Billabong for a two-day Chicas Camp in the summer.

Virginia Beach, VA surfandadventure.com

Wrightsville Beach Surf Camp Sweet spot: Their women’s Yoga Surf Retreat features daily yoga on the beach, a three-to-one student/instructor ratio and a tour of the east coast’s only Sea Turtle Hospital.

Wrightsville Beach, NC wbsurfcamp.com

Patricia Poulin cultivated a passion for the great outdoors and adventure travel early in life. From working as a surf instructor in Costa Rica to sailing the British Virgin Islands with high school students, Patricia continues to experience the world while encouraging readers to actualize their own dreams. summer 2010

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green living

water

feeling blue

By Cristina Santiestevan

Water, water everywhere? It’s hard to believe, but water is a terribly limited resource. Although water covers approximately three-quarters of our planet, only a fraction of a percent of this is actually accessible to us as drinking water. Between population growth, pollution, climate change and wasteful practices, we could be heading toward a global water crisis.

You can do your part by living a blue lifestyle, learning more about water resources and sharing your knowledge with family and friends.

on tap

For the price of a single six-pack of soda, you can refill an eight-ounce glass of water from your tap approximately 15,000 times. save water without buying a thing.

There are plenty of quick and easy (and free!) ways to reduce your water consumption around the house and in your daily life. Here are a few of our favorites. in the bathroom: Fill a gallon jug with water, seal it and place it in your toilet tank away from all the moving parts. This reduces the amount of water your toilet uses on each flush. in the garden: Water your lawn and garden in the evening after the heat of the day has faded. in the kitchen: Skip pre-rinsing the dishes. This can save as much as 20 gallons of water per dishwasher load, and will save you some time, too. in the laundry room: Wash only full loads. This can cut your washing machine’s water use by as much as half. while out and about: Use reusable water bottles.

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best bottle buys

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There’s an overwhelming variety of reusable water bottles on the market today. Two of our favorites are the classic aluminum bottles from SIGG and the glass bottles from Lifefactory. Both bottles are completely BPA-free, attractive and easily cleaned in the dishwasher. SIGG’s narrow-mouth aluminum bottles are easy to drink from, weigh almost nothing when empty and come in an array of designs to please every palate. Lifefactory’s bottles weigh a bit more, but their clear glass bodies and vibrant silicone sleeves are pleasingly hip. Plus, the wide mouth easily allows for adding lemon wedges and ice cubes to your drink.

Learn more about water conservation, why it matters and what we can all do to help: •

water.org

•

globalwaterchallenge.org

•

cleanwateraction.org

•

nrdc.org/water

•

environment.nationalgeographic. com/environment/freshwater

drink for thought Did you know that it requires about two gallons of water to make a single plastic water bottle? With the average American purchasing 216 half-liter bottles every year, and considering that there are 307 million of us, this adds up to about 130 billion gallons of water every year just to make the plastic bottles!

Valle Crucis, NC Boone, NC Waynesville, NC Asheville, NC Hendersonville, NC Greenville, SC Knoxville, TN MastGeneralStore.com 1-866-FOR-MAST

summer 2010

21

breatheability

q&a: Megan Kearney

Coach and Founder of Go Mama Go!

By Laura Purcell

You started competing in triathlons 10 years ago—what inspired you?

Triathlon was an easy progression; I was a swim coach who had just wrapped up my college sport career. I enjoyed mountain biking and running. Putting the three together in a race worked perfectly for me.

What’s the story behind Go Mama Go! ?

When I started triathlon, I was cool with training and racing alongside competitive men.

That was me. For other women, I learned that wasn’t necessarily the case. I started to meet more and more women who were intimidated and held themselves back due to fear and stereotypes of what a triathlete should be or look like. In 2007, some of my group fitness clients asked me what I was doing to stay in shape post-baby. When I said triathlons, they were intrigued and asked if I would train them.

The rest is history.

How many races do you compete in a year?

I try to compete in at least one triathlon race a year. That said, there have been years—between babies, jobs and house renovations—that I have taken off from racing, but I always continue to train. It’s in my blood and I need it for my own peace of mind. This year, I’m racing early so that I can focus on the team for the most important races. I will probably do some running races and a couple of rides if I can, but I will stay flexible.

That’s the name of the game in motherhood!

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Be flexible Sometimes stressing over your workout and getting it done will have the opposite effect.

Include yoga and strength training Both are invaluable tools for injury prevention and performance.

Megan racing at IronGirl.

What’s your morning routine?

My swim partner motivates me. Knowing that someone is waiting on you to show up is a huge motivator. Most mornings we are up at 4:30, so that I can coach the team at 6am I am also motivated just to get ahead of the day—working out before everyone else is up just makes me feel like I got my time in, so I can say, “Now what can I do for you?”

How do you unwind?

My goal is inner calm, so I can be focused and present for my children and my husband.

I enjoy reading books and listening to music.

Massage, meditation, prayer and journaling help center me. I like the outdoors and hiking. I really enjoy yoga and am in the process of getting certified to teach.

What’s your routine the night before a race?

I usually try to get in a little activity on the actual racecourse. I grab a light carb meal with lean protein, do a bike check, lay out my clothes and finish with mental visualization and relaxation drills. Zen racing is the key—visualizing the race start to finish and overcoming any obstacles you can imagine helps keep race anxiety at bay.

How do you keep up your training with three kids?

My husband and I are experts at coordinating schedules so that we can fit in training, and

we alternate mornings. We even use our iCal to schedule the training. Once a week, a relative watches the kids so we can do one workout together. I do the rest with the kids in tow or indoors. I invested in a trainer for my bike when I first started and it is the greatest! I also have a treadmill and I weight train at home. It’s not as hard as everyone thinks and even the kids do it with me. The biggest step is making it a priority. Once you make that commitment, you just find the time to do it.

What advice do you have for someone who’s not terribly athletic but interested in a new challenge?

Anyone can do this and it doesn’t take giving up your life to do so. Taking your time, learning the skills and balancing it with your life will not only help you cross the finish line, it will give you fitness for a lifetime.

What’s next?

Getting ready for an exciting season with a projected team of 75 women, and we’ve been really fortunate to catch the eye of some national sponsors. We also hope to host our first children’s event this summer.

Personally, I will finally be racing in the Eagleman Half Ironman in Cambridge, MD. An injury and a pregnancy deferred my registration for two years—this year, I am going to make it!

Kevin Kearney

You can find Megan Kearney in her bliss on Sunday mornings. As the sun rises, Megan and 20 other women hoot and holler on their bikes, disturbing no one but the cows on the farm-studded back roads of Harford County, MD, just north of Baltimore.

Megan founded the race team Go Mama Go! in 2007 to train women to compete in triathlons and other multi-sport events.

Certified by the USA Triathlon League, "Coach K." helps women make themselves stronger through running, biking and swimming competitively, and is redefining what a triathlete looks like.

Learn balance in the water You’ll stop struggling and swimming will become effortless.

zip-a-dee doo-dah!

Soar through the treetops on sturdy zip lines, traverse sky bridges, and rappel in the mountains only 20 minutes north of Asheville. Totally tree-based, it is a sculpture in the woods, built with environmental respect for minimal impact.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

828-626-3700

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don't

25

ways to keep your cool this summer

By Colleen Oakley

tea time The new afternoon tea at The Ritz in Atlanta offers five refreshing iced tea flavors. Sweeten the deal by having your selection poured over cotton candy! $4 per tea, ritzcarlton.com/atlanta

fan-atic The O-2 Cool Tower Misting Fan has two fans, two speeds and awesome misting action to keep the sweat off your brow. $49.99, target.com

4

be a "yes" woman.

Stay cool as a cucumber and soothe sun-baked skin with Yes to Cucumbers Body Butter. $12.99, yestocarrots.com

say trees!

Keep your cool indoors by planting leafy trees on the south and west sides of your home. You’ll save money on a/c and improve air quality.

dive in Sign up for an Immersion Tour at the National Aquarium and you’ll be up close and personal with bottlenose dolphins in their cool water habitat. $195 for 2 ½ hours, Baltimore, MD, aqua.org

7

take a dip

In 1880, ladies weren’t allowed at the Gentlemen's Swimming Hole on the Clear Fork River in Historic Rugby (east Tennessee). But now we, too, can take a dip in its cooling waters. Gotta love women’s lib! historicrugby.org

ride the rapids You don’t have to go to the mountains to find cold, rushing waters. Just head to Charlotte, NC, where the US National Whitewater Center offers class III and IV rapids for the daredevil in you. All-Sport Pass $49 per person, usnwc.org 24

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heat relief Cool Off Towelettes are infused with herbs, botanicals and essential oils to cool you down in a jiffy. $4.99, cvs.com

©iStockphoto.com/Lafotoguy

dress code Time to pull out those pastels! Dark hues absorb heat, while lighter colors and fabrics (like cotton and bamboo) reflect the sun.

10 sail away

dog days of summer

There’s nothing like the feel of the wind in your face (if for no other reason than to dry up all that sweat). Learn to hoist the jib, trim the main and handle the tiller in this 3-hour intro to sailing course at the Ocean Sailing Academy. $95 per person, Charleston, SC, OSAsailing.com

hats off Speaking of Charleston, this ecofriendly online boutique based in the coastal town sells the perfect summer accessory—the Coolibar Packable Wide Brim Sunhat. $28.25, charlestonnaturally.com

Don’t forget Fido! Take the “Cool Dog” pledge at MyDogIsCool.com and help their campaign to keep dogs from dying in hot cars.

11 just add tequila Make your next pitcher of margs with RIPE, an all-natural cocktail mixer made from pure squeezed juices and 100 percent organic agave nectar. $8.95, drinkripe.com

wine and dine At Sea Island, guests can set up private dinners in the Cloister Wine Cellar. Kept at 61 degrees, it’s the ideal spot for a summer repast (and don’t worry, they provide shawls if it’s too chilly). Sea Island, GA, seaisland.com

14

chill out

This new portable wine chiller will ice down your favorite white and keep it cold for hours. $24.99, chillinjoy.com

wine cellar cool... on the rocks If you like your sweet tea with a kick, check out the Firefly Distillery in Wadmalaw Island, SC. Sample their sweet-tea flavored vodka and bourbon (you know you’re in the South now, right?) at the tasting barn. $6 for tour and tasting, fireflyvodka.com

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make a splash... in the fountain at RiverPlace in downtown Greenville, SC. Best of all?

It’s free! greenvillecvb.com

misty massage Take your massage up a notch at the Grove Park Inn with their incredibly relaxing Waterfall Body Experience. Yes, it’s as soothing as it sounds. $250 for 80 minutes, groveparkinn.com summer 2010

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sweet dreams Summer nights can be sweltering, but the Chillow is a pillow that always stays cool—so you will, too. $34, coolpillow.com

EXPLORE

20 on deck The new Titanic Museum Attraction (a replica of the infamous boat) in Pigeon Forge, TN, gives guests a glimpse of what it was like on the night the ship went down, from the crisp air to the freezing waters. $21 per adult, $10 per child, titanicpigeonforge.com

we all scream for dolcezza (Washington, DC) Offering the best handmade gelato around, made fresh every morning with mostly local ingredients. dolcezzagelato.com

pitango gelato (Baltimore, MD) Serving authentic gelato and sorbet made with organic milk and cream from their farm in Pennsylvania. pitangogelato.com

ultimate ice cream company (Asheville, NC) Their maple bacon ice cream is the ultimate indulgence.

The Kid Comfort II Perfection you deserve.

las paletas (Nashville, TN) You won’t want to blow this popsicle stand. The line (which is usually out the door) is worth the wait. wheresthesign.com

German Engineered Since 1898

carl's frozen custard www.deuterusa.com

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(Fredericksburg, VA) Keeping it simple with three flavors—vanilla, chocolate and strawberry—churned in 120-gallon Electro-Freeze ice cream machines.

AND

swing high sleep well this summer!

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Sign up for a chance to win: • An adventure canopy tour for 4 from Navitat Canopy Adventures • 4 PODS FOR 2 NIGHTS AT SWEET PEAS HOSTEL - Base Camp of the Blue Ridge Mountains in downtown Asheville.

• $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR THE LEXINGTON AVENUE BREWERY located dowstairs from the hostel, featuring Asheville’s finest handcrafted beers and upscale casual comfort food.

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FL

N I G Y

KR BY

IS

LUN N I T

wanderlust musts.

Seasoned solo traveler or not, there are always precautions any woman has to take before hitting the road.

A

O L SO

was just 20 years old when I planned my first trip around Europe—alone. Armed with a 30-pound pack, a six-country rail pass and a one-way plane ticket, I spent a month poring over maps and websites, planning train routes and hostel options. I left my mom behind sobbing at the Atlanta airport security check as I eagerly boarded that first trans-Atlantic flight without anyone familiar as a seatmate for the first time ever. Acquaintances back home thought me crazy and peppered my mom with questions: “You’re letting her do that?” My mom would only shrug as if to say, “That’s Kristin. We learned long ago, she marches to the beat of a different drum. There’s no telling her what she can and can’t do.” Besides, I was my mom, only 33 years later; much without meaning to, I only followed in her footsteps.

I arrived in London and, amid a flurry of frustrations and misdirection, finally found my guesthouse, where I spent the entire evening crying—my mom wasn’t the only one having second thoughts about this solo journey. I felt so scared in such unfamiliar surroundings, so lonely with not a friend to talk to. What had I done? Did I really want to do this? I’d never felt more alone in the world, so small and inferior.

The next day, I banished my self-pity and found my way to the Eurostar train, which would deposit me in the heart of Paris. I had but stepped foot in my train car when I met my first companion, Adam from Texas, who would guide me through the streets of France

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and later Germany as well. From then on out, I was never by myself. I made friends in Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and beyond. I hiked Lake Como’s steep passes with a charming British lass; I navigated Barcelona’s chaotic La Rambla with three gals from Mexico; I stayed out until dawn with a trio of British hotties in Munich. I embraced the flexibility of being a party of one and being able to up and go the moment a nice fellow backpacker gave me a signal.

Now, nearly a decade later, I actually enjoy flying solo. In fact, if my husband isn’t available to accompany me on my trip, I’d much rather go alone than find a substitute companion. You see, travel partners are like jeans: It takes a lot of searching and trying them on before you find the perfect fit. Lucky for me, this person happened to be the one I married. Unlucky for both of us, he gets the standard two weeks of paid vacation a year, meaning more often than not, I leave him at home.

Still, there’s the odd time when you do find yourself sans company while on the road, and I’ve learned to handle spending large quantities of time with my BFFs: me, myself and I. At one time, this may have bothered me—I mean, the three of us go way back, so there’s often not a whole lot to talk about over romantic, candlelit dinners that we didn’t already know about one another—but I’ve rather grown to enjoy it. Sure, it’s a buzzkill when visiting some of the most beautiful places on Earth and having no one to share the experience with, but then again, isn’t that what pictures and blog entries are for?

1

I always send my full itinerary—including flight details, hotel reservations, copies of pertinent documents like passports and medical vaccinations—to at least three people, usually my mom, husband and a friend; that way, someone always knows where I am at all times.

2

I travel with a phone with international capabilities, so I’ll never be left in a bind, and I always call my wireless carrier before I leave to make sure it will, indeed, work in whichever country I’m going to next. I also alert my credit card companies to what country I’ll be in when so that they don’t detect fraud—an all too frequent occurrence in this day and age—so my card is not unexpectedly denied, leaving me high and dry in some foreign country.

3

After having been run over by a cab in Finland—while alone—I learned to always keep the numbers and addresses of police stations, visitor’s centers and hospitals on me at all times, as well as a tourist map (usually free at any information center) of whichever city I’m visiting that has all the crucial landmarks plotted.

4

Then, there’s the destination itself. While I’ve been all around the world and back by myself, there are obviously countries and regions to avoid at all costs if you’re

Adventures in Thailand...

Easy (train) rider... unaccompanied, such as Egypt, where being a woman alone is not looked upon highly. You should always check the state department’s travel advisories, as well as the CDC’s recommended vaccinations and safety tips for each country, before pinning down any trip.

ready. jetset. go!

A good place to begin when planning your first unescorted excursion is Western Europe, where pretty much every city and country is secure and well suited for such travel, not to mention has reliable and efficient public transportation, namely train systems, that make navigation easy as pie.

If you’re hesitant about language barriers, an English-speaking country is a good bet.

Ireland is small, easy to figure out in a snap and known for its friendly people. It’s pretty much the perfect place to start your solo trip, flying into Dublin and training it across the country’s center to Galway. From there, you can take excursions to the Cliffs of Moher, the Blarney Stone and beyond. Likewise, just over the Irish Sea, western Scotland, Edinburgh and the rugged Highlands in the east are perfect extensions to your Irish follies.

When you’re ready to up the excitement level a notch and step out of your comfort zone (i.e. visit a country where you don’t speak the language), some recommended spots include Paris, Munich, Zurich, Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam and Prague. Or capital hop in Scandinavia: from Copenhagen, to Stockholm, to Oslo and back. The region is so safe, in fact, that natives leave their babies unattended in strollers outside on the sidewalks while they go indoors for a bit of shopping or a bite to eat.

Parts of Southeast Asia are also accommodating, particularly as this region of

the globe sees a fair number of round-theworld trippers. Amanda Canning, assistant editor at Lonely Planet magazine, tells of one trip to Malaysia, “I ran out of money and had no way to pay for anything, but people kept insisting on putting me up and feeding me for free.” If you’re the backpacking type, you’ll find Thailand a haven for such travelers, with its smattering of hostels and so-cheap-they-shouldbe-illegal beachside bungalows surrounding some of the southern islands. (Plus, five dollars for a full-body Thai massage on a snow white beach? Where do I sign up?)

Continents like Africa seem off limits to the less-seasoned traveler, and like anywhere, there are cities with higher danger zones than others. For instance, while I’ve spent some time in South Africa, I would never venture around Johannesburg and Cape Town alone, where muggings and pickpocketing occur so frequently. However, there are places like Kigali, Rwanda, that have abnormally low crime rates and are good jumping off points to explore an entire nation; from the capital, you could head west to the gorilla sanctuary made famous

by Dian Fossey, followed by the resort area surrounding Lake Kivu. American expat Nora Leary, who volunteered in Rwanda for several months on her own, said she felt safer walking the streets of Kigali in the middle of the night than she did back home in any city in the United States. “I never felt threatened or like I was in danger,” she recalled. “I would take a moto (the local form of transportation) home at 2am after a night of dancing and never think twice!”

Or you can always keep it simple and start within your own country. Washington DC is a good starting point thanks to its plethora of offerings to keep you busy, such as museums

PHOTOS © iStockphoto.com/carroteater, iStockphoto.com/kgtoh, iStockphoto.com/ArtemSam, iStockphoto.com/ranplett

and national monuments, as well as its efficient Metro system. While daunting to some, New York City is just about as good a solo spot as any; with 10 million residents, there’s always something to do, somewhere to go, someone to meet. San Francisco has a number of hostels and budget guesthouses and is easily traveled by foot or trolley.

An important thing to remember is that, no matter what, you will have challenging days: No travel, whether undertaken alone or with company, is a cakewalk. There are obstacles; there are frustrations. There will be days when you want to give up, when you’re ready to book your one-way ticket home. My advice to you?

Don’t. This too shall pass. Despite my years of solo travel and countries under my belt, there’s always the odd occasion when something defeats my intrepid spirit, whether it’s a transportation snafu or a cultural barrier I can’t seem to overcome, but at the end of the day it all builds character; it’s another story for the books. All those heart-warming, unforgettable moments—learning to salsa dance in the living room of a native in Havana, Cuba; meeting lifelong friends by fate in a hostel dorm room in Prague; stumbling upon a native song-anddance act in a tiny village in the Congo, a private tour of the whole country of Iceland by a couple of locals who kindly let me crash on their couch—are what make the trials worth it.

And I wouldn’t trade those life experiences for anything in the world. • Kristin Luna is a San Francisco-based travel writer. She writes the blog camelsandchocolate.com about her journeys and has contributed to Newsweek, Forbes Traveler, Islands, the San Francisco Chronicle, Glamour, InStyle, People and others. summer 2010

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family

travel

planes, trains and toddlers Tips for making your next family trip a day at the beach.

By Aleigh Acerni Home sweet home.

Pick a vacation rental or a hotel with a mini-kitchen. Not only will you be able to store snacks, breakfast items, and even cook meals at your home away from home, but you’ll save some cash buying a few groceries instead of eating three meals a day in restaurants.

Timing is everything.

Most kids are pretty good about entertaining themselves in the car or on a plane—for a while. Plan your departure for about an hour before your kid’s usual naptime; they’ll get in just the right amount of playtime and then snooze before they even think about being bored.

Plan.

Use SeatGuru.com to scope out the best seats on the flight before you book to take advantage of the airline with the widest seats, or make sure your little ones will have a great view of the in-flight movie.

Leave the pricey stroller at home.

This is especially good advice if you’re flying to your destination and have to check it. If your Bugaboo ends up at the Baltimore baggage claim instead of Orlando, the airline is probably not going to be very sympathetic. Better to bring the cheap stroller with you knowing you can afford to replace it if it gets lost.

Bottoms up Whether you’re traveling by car, train or plane, these handy kid-sized bottles of spring water from Nourish just might be your new best friend. In two pre-measured sizes (with a sippy cup top for toddlers or a baby bottle top for wee ones), these bottles make it a breeze to fix formula on the go. Not to mention they’re BPA-free, and guaranteed not to leak all over you and your kiddo. Buy them online, or look for retail locations (including a growing list of airports). $3.50 each or a case of 24 for $75, Nourish-Inc.com.

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readbreathe.com

My kids are terrible travelers. One gets carsick. One fusses and whines about everything in the car. So to cope, we over-pack. We have the portable DVD player, books, coloring books, snacks in various small bags that can be presented at different times, water, a stash of pacifiers for the youngest, a bowl in case of car sickness, a change of clothes, more diapers than we can imagine needing, wipes (and more wipes), gum, and almost always some new, small toy that will be pulled out at some point on the road to help ward off the ‘Are we there yet?’ fusses. ~Mandy French of Charlotte, NC; mom to Molly, 4, and Anna, 2

Get a grip We love Crayola Beginnings Washable Triangular Crayons because you can play with them like blocks, there aren’t any caps to lose, and they won’t roll away—perfect for travel. $5.49, CrayolaStore.com

CLIEN uvahlt

JOB N 00215

DESCR Heart

MATE 10.09.

PUB(S Breath

How strong is the pulse of collaboration?

INSER 11.01.

BUILT 100%

TRIM 7.375”

BLEED NA

MECH 7.375”

COLOR 4C

LINE S Inform

LASER 100%

PROOF 100%

SPECI Inform

QUEST Courtn 251.47

Our hearts move us in many ways. Empowering our bodies to dance, think, create. Sustaining our memory and growth. The task is remarkable. And so is the method—the heart’s chambers, valves and signals continuously collaborating to achieve the extraordinary. Much like the people of UVA Heart Center. Here, an entire team of professionals, employing the most advanced technology, is dedicated to cardiac care. Driven specialists work across disciplines, acquiring and exchanging knowledge to expand your options for treatment. And physicians are committed to being accessible to you, every step of the way. The synergy of our expertise is taking your health further. heartbeyondmeasure.com

002152-Heart Breathe.indd 1

10/9/09 4:44:13 PM

Subaru. The only brand to receive Motor Trend’s Sport/Utility of the Year two years in a row.

®

Subaru is pleased to announce that the Outback was recently named Motor Trend’s 2010 Sport/Utility of the Year,® making Subaru the first car company to take home Motor Trend’s Sport/Utility of the Year ® twice in a row. Looks like a little love can go a long way. Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

Outback® with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Well-equipped at $22,995.† See more at subaru.com Subaru is a proud partner of Leave No Trace and a proud supporter of National River Cleanup. †MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Dealer sets actual price. Outback 2.5i Premium pictured has an MSRP of $25,295.