Exploring Xplor

Quick post alert! I was looking back on Mexico photos and here's something to do if you're in the Riviera Maya area! Highway 307 runs from Cancun south toward Tulum. Tourist buses and vans carry beach-goers from the airport to the many resorts lining Quintana Roo. But along the highway, there's no shortage of excursions: Xcaret, Rio Secrets, Dolphin Discovery, and cenotes, for example. We opted to experience Xplor, an all-inclusive park with zip lining, rafting, amphibious motor vehicles, and a … [...]

Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort

For the last few years, I've been on some great adventures for which I am grateful: hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, road-tripping through Denmark, and being helicoptered out of Everest Base Camp. In fact, I would say I'm drawn to worldwide adventures! So when someone would mention an all-inclusive vacation, I would often say "I don't think it's really my thing these days". Granted, I've been to Cuba and the Dominican Republic for one week stints of pure relaxation, and I loved those … [...]

Door Jamb and Loder Peak

Door Jamb and Loder Peak are easy/moderate scrambles near Calgary that can both be conquered in one half-day outing. It's a surprise that I hadn't experienced them sooner! We've had a mild winter in Calgary this year, and the easterly location of Door Jamb and Loder Peak along the Bow Valley would almost guarantee a non-snowy May hike. Robbie and I parked at the side of the road on Highway 1A near the eastern cement plant near Exshaw, and the trailhead begins right from the parking lot. … [...]

Dallas and SAS Global Forum 2015 (Part 2)

I may have had 4 exciting and techie days of SAS Global Forum, but you may be asking: Did you get out and do anything else? How Is Dallas? Well yes, I do like to travel and explore, so it wasn't all just SAS nerdery. This was my short non-conference experience in a nutshell. … [...]