Not that I need any inspiration to haul my arse back to California to appreciate the relaxed, outdoors life…I think about it pretty much every day…but this photo from Misha Logvinov, buy, it really brought back some fine memories of hikes and camping trip in the Sierras. This shot of the Alpenglow over Glacier Divide from Lower Desolation Lake is marvelous. Ah, the Sierras.
Segway 2.0
Remember all the hullabaloo the Segway caused when it was first a rumor? Man, I do. There was speculation in my office that someone (i.e. Dean Kamen) had invented an anti-gravity device or a time-space continuum disruptor or a flux capacitor. And then it turned out to be that sort of clownish stand-up go-cart. I actually got to ride a Segway the day they came out publicly and thought it was rather fun, but of course, I knew I’d probably never own one.
Why are we talking about Segways ?Because it looks like Kamen and Company, flush with not so much success in sales, is introducing a second generation of its big-wheeled scooter. Two new models unveiled recently include the i2 — a simplified version of the original — and the x2 — a souped up all-terrain model, the kind that forest rangers will use to cruise dirt roads and trails (wait, I see a whole new adventure sport coming up in the future).
Well, the new models are much more high tech than the first. They include a Bluetooth-enabled “InfoKey”, which will provide readings for an odometer, speedometer, battery usage and anti-theft protection. And, of course, they still aren’t cheap. The pricing for the x2 hasn’t been announced yet, but the i2 will set you back $4,995.
Embracing the Inner Child and Not Letting Go
In today’s world of extended adolescence, it’s not uncommon to see 40-year olds commuting to work on a skateboard or 30-year olds joining kickball leagues.
So, it’s hardly a surprise that a number of outfitters have risen that cater to this desire to be young again. For example, Camp GetAway in the mountains near Los Angeles is for mothers who want to get away from their hectic schedules. They’ll find all the fun and games of a child’s summer camp–from campfires to canoe racing–plus those yucky adult drinks which mommy and daddy never let you sip.
USA Today has an interesting list of other inner-child getaways as well. Rock and roll camps and the Rock-paper-scissors championships in Toronto are just two of the many ways adults are regressing these days.
For a deeper analysis of this phenomenon, save up your allowance and order Christopher Noxon’s new book Rejuvenile: Kickball, Cartoons, Cupcakes and the Reinvention of the American Grown-up. Or, go blow the money on Sweet Tarts and Bubblicious down at Thrifty.
GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of July 30
What a week! Not that all weeks aren’t a little something special here at Gadling, but you know. Maybe you don’t know? Maybe you missed all of our goodies this week? Maybe you missed only a few? Tsk-tsk. Well here’s a few to review:
5. Builda Yurt:
Of all things seen on Gadling – why would I point to this Builda Yurt blurb? Because I agree with Erik. Because Yurts are cool. Besides it’s a fun plug on the Yurt craze and if you’ve been paying attention you’d know that the holidays are just around the corner. Is a Yurt on your wish list? Should be.
4. Balkan Odyssey Part 16: Ulcinj, Montenegro:
Gotta love how Neil keeps every detail coming from his last adventure to the Balkans. He started with Albania and has worked his way into Montenegro with this post. More specifically, he describes the waiting-to-be-discovered beach resort that is Ulcinj. If you have to ask why – then you need to check out this excellent piece. The pictures are phenomenal.
3. Top Haunted Hikes:
Reading about some of our National Park’s top haunted trails really spooked me out. I wouldn’t want to imagine what walking the path of one on a dark starry night (lost, without a map, and a coyote’s howl) in the distance would be like. Spine-tingling indeed. Yosemite, Big Bend and Grand Canyon are all there. See what other parks made the haunted list.
2. Transparent Kayak:
See-through canoe-kayak, yeah – insanely awesome. Erik points out a fine piece equipment in the gear world and though it ain’t too cheap makes you want to start saving for one. Seats two people and it is really transparent. Check it out.
1. Havasupai:
With this one you almost wish Neil didn’t go running his trap about how grand the Havasupai Canyon located about 40 miles from the Grand Canyon is, but at the same time you’ve somehow placed it high on your list of destinations to go. If it sounds too hot for you to trek to these days, then you obviously weren’t put onto the cool blue Havasu Creek. Miss this piece again and that’s just your loss pal.
Exploring the Ozarks – Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Making the time to write this piece on Eureka Springs has been no easy task. I’ve been trying to get it off my plate since June 6th – a few days after hanging around the Arkansas town located in the Ozarks, but never got a chance until now. Tanya, one of the walkers on the tour, had proclaimed herself the Ambassador of Fun for the day and I decided to roll with a few others in the group to get in on all this fun. Unusual considering I often enjoyed spending my spare time alone and away from the other walkers, but she promised Eureka Springs to be something of an exciting adventure. I couldn’t pass it up. I needed to see it with my own two.
The ride up to the mountain area was curvy and a bit narrow for my comfort zone. We were high up there and going higher. Once things leveled out a little I opened my eyes and found a cute town before me. Streets lined with shops and summertime local tourists picking up trinkets wandered around. We parked next to the trolley station and got tickets for the next ride further up into this jewel in the Ozarks.
From the trolley ride I could tell one day was not going to be enough time to see everything the town was made of, but I gathered these observations. If you’re wanting to escape somewhere amazing and away from the rest of the world in the U.S. Arkansas and the Ozarks is the place to go. Hidden from practically everything you can check in to a cozy B&B like 5ojo Inn located at 5 Ojo Street or the famous Crescent Hotel & Spa. Expect to feel both pampered and at home. Cabins and cottages are also available for those who want to be closer to outdoor recreational activities like fishing (they have one of the biggest trout populations around). To plan your escape I suggest checking out the Eureka Springs website for further detail on bookings, rates, and attractions.
As far as my day went it was fun, relaxing and the highlight for me was seeing the Christ of the Ozarks Statue (above) where they also host the Great Passion Play. Don’t ask me why I got geeked up by this statue. Oh, and Tanya is not available as an Ambassador of Fun, you’ll need to find one of your own.