Adventurous, Risk Taking Souls Needed!
Nov 3rd, 2006, 03:30 PM
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Adventurous, Risk Taking Souls Needed!
My husband is turning 50 and is an active, adventurous man. I am trying to surprise him with a new activity somewhere in the U.S. or Mexico. Past adventures have included racing school, jet fighter pilots, zip lines, rappelling, etc. Since I would like to bring a few couples along, price is a factor and the adventure should be of a shorter duration (2-4 days). My ideas have included Glamis or Baja for dune buggys/ATV riding; G-Force Adventures, trapeze/circus school, hang-gliding (or similar), astronaut adventures, etc. that will provide a good destination to enjoy between February or April. We are from Wisconsin so trying to avoid the cold and snowy -- although he loves to ski (has done heli-skiing). So any ideas, past experiences you wish to share, travel sites, outfitters would be greatly appreciated. I need to start moving on plans and am stumped as to what will be memorable for him!
Nov 3rd, 2006, 07:38 PM
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Powered hanggliding on Kauai:
www.birdsinparadise.com/flights.html
Whitewater rafting on the Grand Canyon
Mountain biking in Moab, UT
Shark cage diving
www.birdsinparadise.com/flights.html
Whitewater rafting on the Grand Canyon
Mountain biking in Moab, UT
Shark cage diving
Nov 6th, 2006, 03:02 AM
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You save he's already tried rappelling but I would recommend looking at the zionadventure.com site and thinking about a canyoneering/Zion/Bryce trip. Challenging and beautiful.
For my 50th birthday in three years, I've told my hubby I'd like to hike down into the Grand Canyon and stay overnight at Phantom Ranch! But you need to reserve that 2 years in advance.
For my 50th birthday in three years, I've told my hubby I'd like to hike down into the Grand Canyon and stay overnight at Phantom Ranch! But you need to reserve that 2 years in advance.
Nov 6th, 2006, 04:48 AM
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Maybe too far, too expensive...
Costa Rica? Airfare from Philadelphia in April looks around $320. It sounds like there is lots of adventure-type stuff there. Ziplining above the forest. Rafting. Volcano. Etc.
Costa Rica? Airfare from Philadelphia in April looks around $320. It sounds like there is lots of adventure-type stuff there. Ziplining above the forest. Rafting. Volcano. Etc.
Nov 6th, 2006, 06:19 AM
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So far getting some great thoughts, but we have ballooned in California & Turkey (we travel extensively on our own). Been to Costa Rica....loved it but my goal is hopefully something with decent airfare from Milwaukee that a few individuals would enjoy participating in as well. Quicker "high adreline" experiences are what I am hoping for and then I will add some relaxation or nightlife on for the "spouses" who do not participate. We love wine as well so that is why something close to San Diego, San Fran or such would be great -- then we could do a day of wine tasting to top off the trip. Keep the ideas coming!
Nov 6th, 2006, 07:46 AM
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How about rock climbing? It gets the adrenaline going in a way that's hard to describe! No prior experience is necessary, but one must be in pretty good shape. Fifty isn't too old - I started at 51.
At the time of year you mention, the Las Vegas area (Red Rock Canyon) would be the best location. The weather is just about right, and there are at least a couple of reputable outfits that are good for beginners. In addition, Las Vegas offers nightlife and other diversions for those not interested in rock climbing.
The area also offers some other choices for adrenaline junkies: ATVs, dune buggies, sky diving, indoor sky diving, rock scrambling, and more.
At the time of year you mention, the Las Vegas area (Red Rock Canyon) would be the best location. The weather is just about right, and there are at least a couple of reputable outfits that are good for beginners. In addition, Las Vegas offers nightlife and other diversions for those not interested in rock climbing.
The area also offers some other choices for adrenaline junkies: ATVs, dune buggies, sky diving, indoor sky diving, rock scrambling, and more.
Nov 6th, 2006, 09:26 AM
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Maybe rock climbing in Joshua Tree? And then heading to Napa/Sonoma and biking to all the wineries.
Or climbing Mt. Hood, whitewater rafting in Hood River, and then visiting wineries.
Or whitewater rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
You sound like a fun couple! My parents just turned 50 this year, and they love whitewater rafting and rock climbing (well, my mom isn't real big on rock climbing, but she does it).
Or climbing Mt. Hood, whitewater rafting in Hood River, and then visiting wineries.
Or whitewater rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
You sound like a fun couple! My parents just turned 50 this year, and they love whitewater rafting and rock climbing (well, my mom isn't real big on rock climbing, but she does it).
Nov 6th, 2006, 10:02 AM
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Your time period of between Feb -- April is very limiting. Many of the rafting companies don't start running until at least May.
Another suggestion would be a ride to see wild mustangs, (www.fronteirpacktrain.com, among others) but most of those trips don't start until later in the Spring.
How about race car driving lessons? Mario Andretti and Jeff Gordon racing schools operate out of some tracks in the south.
Bungee jumping is also an option. They used to have a spot on the Circus Circus property in Las Vegas.
Let us know what you choose!
Another suggestion would be a ride to see wild mustangs, (www.fronteirpacktrain.com, among others) but most of those trips don't start until later in the Spring.
How about race car driving lessons? Mario Andretti and Jeff Gordon racing schools operate out of some tracks in the south.
Bungee jumping is also an option. They used to have a spot on the Circus Circus property in Las Vegas.
Let us know what you choose!
Nov 6th, 2006, 10:11 AM
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oops, I see you have already done racing school.
Since you mention the San Diego area, I'll also throw in www.skydiveelsinore.com. It is not far from either San Diego or Palm Springs, both of which offer many other activities. There is also wine tasting closeby in the Temecula Area, a day spa at Glen Ivy Hot Springs.
My husband did this (and the bungee jumping in Vegas) and lived to tell about it.
Since you mention the San Diego area, I'll also throw in www.skydiveelsinore.com. It is not far from either San Diego or Palm Springs, both of which offer many other activities. There is also wine tasting closeby in the Temecula Area, a day spa at Glen Ivy Hot Springs.
My husband did this (and the bungee jumping in Vegas) and lived to tell about it.
Nov 6th, 2006, 11:35 AM
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I have one of those too.
All mine are in cold weather climates, but keep these in mind for next summer.
Mears, MI and the Sand dune jeeps- unbelieveable straight down. Also Kalamazoo MI- Airzoo flight simulators-we have a couple of guys 30 years apart in age but still both hooked on those.
All mine are in cold weather climates, but keep these in mind for next summer.
Mears, MI and the Sand dune jeeps- unbelieveable straight down. Also Kalamazoo MI- Airzoo flight simulators-we have a couple of guys 30 years apart in age but still both hooked on those.
Nov 11th, 2006, 10:01 PM
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The time of year is indeed limiting. We love canyoneering. And our favoite adventure at age 53 was hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park - but the water is too high and dangerous in April.
Our most recent rush (now in late 50's) has been hiking in slot canyons. Death Valley is perfect in your target months. Check at the visitor center at Furnace Creek with a ranger. Rattlesnake Canyon is truly deserted and the hidden, winding slots are such a thrill. Plus, Death Valley has so much to explore if you like to hike. The weather is great and there is a wide range of lodging there. Fly to Las Vegas and rent a car - about 2 hr drive.
Even more thrilling was our hike with a guide in the most narrow slots ever in Escalante. Drew and Julia Crozby of Escalante Outback Adventures were fantastic guides. Check their website ( www.escalante-utah.com ) and then call and talk to them. Good people! Peekaboo and Spooky were the slots I remember most.
Our most recent rush (now in late 50's) has been hiking in slot canyons. Death Valley is perfect in your target months. Check at the visitor center at Furnace Creek with a ranger. Rattlesnake Canyon is truly deserted and the hidden, winding slots are such a thrill. Plus, Death Valley has so much to explore if you like to hike. The weather is great and there is a wide range of lodging there. Fly to Las Vegas and rent a car - about 2 hr drive.
Even more thrilling was our hike with a guide in the most narrow slots ever in Escalante. Drew and Julia Crozby of Escalante Outback Adventures were fantastic guides. Check their website ( www.escalante-utah.com ) and then call and talk to them. Good people! Peekaboo and Spooky were the slots I remember most.
Nov 12th, 2006, 06:47 AM
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Here's a web site to consider:
http://www.titogaona.com/
It's for a trapeze school in Venice, Florida.
I have NOT tried this nor do I know of anyone who personally has attended it but because you mentioned trapeze/circus plus February through April which may limit your other choices this may be a possibility.
http://www.titogaona.com/
It's for a trapeze school in Venice, Florida.
I have NOT tried this nor do I know of anyone who personally has attended it but because you mentioned trapeze/circus plus February through April which may limit your other choices this may be a possibility.
Jul 25th, 2007, 06:25 AM
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I did two different trips...first I took him to Quebec, we stayed at the Ice Hotel for one night which included dogsledding, moonlight snowmobiling and then headed for romance & fun in Quebec City. The Red Bull Ice Crash was on and although unexpected, it added greatly to our trip. A second trip was to Cabos in May with a group of friends. We rented a Villa through Earth, Sea & Sky and the guys did a wild dune buggy experience called www.wideopenbaja.com it was great and our 50 year old "boys" said it was a fantastic experience. Also had a catered dinner to celebrate all the birthdays which was sublime. Ended the celebrations with a third group throwing him a surprise cocktail party so I told him he is in charge of handling his 60th!!! Although he is asking for a BMW motorcycle so maybe I'm off the hook for trips.
