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New outdoor adventures, especially those that allow me to meet new people, are always a thrill. For years I have been eyeing the sport of kayaking, but for some reason I had not yet tried it due to a feeling of timidity which is very uncommon for me. I am usually a girl that attacks all adventures head on. Kayaking seemed like one of those sports that required vast amounts of skill! The whole concept of staying afloat in a tiny box like flotation device while trying to paddle with rhythm, and oh yes not flip over and drown. All those variables didn’t add up well in my head. In fact I had the cat in water scenario playing in my mind.

This past week I decided it was time to put my Girl vs. Wild brave face on and paddle deep into the waters of kayaking. With fear in tow I met with Dave Lindo of OKC Kayak at Lake Hefner to try out my undiscovered kayaking prowess. OKC Kayak is located at 2nd and Western in downtown Oklahoma City.

Lindo is a man that knows kayaking. In fact he got his start kayaking A few years back when he went on his first kayaking trip. He loved it so much that when he got home and he purchased two Prijon Sea Kayaks. Dave says,

“I stacked the two kayaks on top of each other one night, and they multiplied like bunnies,” Lindo said.

Now Lindo runs Dave is running a top of the line kayak outfitter and guide service here in OKlahoma City and takes ing groups kayaking locally, across the United States and elsewhere.

First things first, Dave Lindo reassured me that I was not going to drown drowned in Lake Hefner kayaking. I reminded myself I was with a pro and had nothing to worry about. With that in mind I zipped up my life vest and we started covering the basics. Paddle technique, weight to kayak ratios, and the general concept of just having fun! Basics were set and I was ready to get my paddle wet. With growing excitement and anticipation I hopped in the kayak and was off.

Instantly kayaking gave me a freeing feeling that I had never experienced before. There is nothing like being in the water paddling. It’s absolutely euphoric. As soon as I got in the water I was a totally different person. All the cautions I had about kayaking disappeared and with all my fears of feeling like a wet cat gone instead I felt like a fast little duck!

Dave Lindo and the staff at OKC Kayak offer classes, trips, and rentals to fit your kayak adventure needs. From Quickstart Kayak Lessons to the Eskimo Rolling class OKC Kayak can have you paddle savvy in no time. Rentals are available too with single or double kayaks and rates are set hourly or for the day. This is perfect if you’re already paddling like a pro, but don’t have your own. Simply rent a top of the line kayak with no worries. I am most excited about the various trips and group activities OKC Kayak offers. Such as the Social Paddle held on Tuesday evenings or hey how about signing up for the Illinois River Daytrip, or better yet paddle big and join the SE Alaska trip!

No matter you kayaking skills be it novice or a pro OKC Kayak will have your paddle wet in no time.

Labor Day is here, and tomorrow is the big day. This is one of very few days a year that embodies the idea of relaxation and fun.

Oklahoma is home to some of the U.S.A’s most famous roadside attractions. Small towns from the panhandle to the southeast corner of this great state claim some of the most amazing yet surprising and obscure roadside jewels.

Here is a Girl vs. Wild approved list of the top five places to have an off-the-beaten-path roadside adventure during the last days of summer.

•The Blue Whale is the product of love and located in Catoosa. The former Tulsa Zoo director built his wife, an alligator farm operator, the Blue Whale swimming hole as an anniversary gift for their family. This has been a classic roadside attraction since opening to the public in the mid 1970s. There are also picnic tables on the shore, so pack a lunch and make a day of it.

•Paul Bunyan Muffler Man lives on in Aline. Now, I am not sure about Blue, his trusty ox, but Paul is standing tall in Aline, OK, in Bud’s Auto Salvage on Route 8. This yard is also home to a noteworthy collection of 50s and 60s cars. So hit the road and say hello to that tall man for me.

•Circus Town USA! Yes you heard me right — a circus town and also a circus cemetery. Hugo, in the southeastern corner of the state, is home to wintering circus operations. It’s not uncommon to see circus wagons and trailers parked next to a family home. This little town also is where circus performers and their animals alike are laid to rest. Yes, you heard me right again — man and elephants have a final resting spot in this Hugo cemetery. Pack the circus peanuts and head for an elephant of an adventure.

•The Action Figure Museum located in Pauls Valley is the home to all things action. There are more than 10,000 items in their collection. Whether G.I Joe is your American hero or Marvel is your middle name, your childhood toys are on display. When you walk through these doors, no matter your age, you will be a kid at heart.

•Pops Soda Ranch and Shake Shop on Route 66 in Arcadia is the newest Oklahoma roadside attraction. With nearly 500 different sodas on any given day and more than 45 different root beers to choose from, there is sure to be a flavor of fizz for you. Pops also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Before you leave, don’t forget to fill up your car with gas and hit the convience store for those goodies you need before hitting the road.

Jacquelyn Farris, Girl vs. Wild

Recently I have been setting my sights on another outdoors prize. To be able to knock a 14er off my list of things to do and explore.

I am sure your asking yourself why in the world do I have the desire to hike a 14,000 ft mountain. My answer is why not!

This is not something that I will be able to head out and attack this next Friday. There is a lot of time and preparation that goes into be ready to attack a feat such as allusive 14er. But, I have my heart and mind set, and nothing comes between my goals and success. I am a do it and die trying type of girl. Hey I am Girl vs. Wild.

Listed below are a few basic suggestions for chasing a 14er.

Of course selecting the mountain you will climb is important along with all the fancy gear to go along, but the most important is training your mind and body for the feat ahead. If your mind and body are not on the same train you will never arrive at the top. No matter how fancy and high tech your gear is it just wont happen if your not fully prepared.

First set a date and stick to it. This is the goal you are working towards and all scheduling works around this date. When you train for a goal with a set date you are far more likely to be successful.

Start slow. Keep in mind this is something your training for not do spontaneously in an afternoon.

Your cardiovascular stamina and endurance is very important. In the first weeks of training start out doing a 30-45 minute treadmill workout and gradually add an incline.

At this same time find a good yoga and pilates class. Most gyms offer these and the benefits you will see from attending both classes once a week will help create the total body you will need to accomplish the 14er ahead.

After the first few weeks of training start wearing the pack you indeed to wear climbing. This will acclimate your body to the extra weight.

Gradually over time add weight to your pack. Either items you intend to pack or free weights while at the gym. Start light in the beginning. If your to eager at the start it can lead to being burned out.

You can always take this workout to the outdoors. You are not restricted to the gym. Grab your weighted pack and water for hydration and hit your local walking path or trails. This will give you a better feeling for how the outdoor elements will feel.

After several weeks of training it’s time to hit the stairs. Start rotating stair climbing into your workout. With a weighted pack on hike up and down a flight of stairs for 30 minutes. Also this is a good point to add the boots you plan to wear on your climb in to the equation. Each time you do your stair training or trails wear your hiking boots. It’s imperative to have your boots broken in prior to the big event.

Lastly talk to the pros, take notes, and in the end it’s all about enjoying the great outdoors.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

The rise in gas prices has me looking elsewhere. I have decided it’s time to think smart. Something fun, fast, and possibly two wheels? Yes, scooters!

Scooters have been a European staple for daily commuting and even weekend getaways. Men in dress suits, Moms in the daily hurry, and young adults zipping to and from the places that make life great.

So why not me? I am Girl vs. Wild and it’s time to save some denaro and start having a daily commuting scooter adventure!

Atomic Brown Scooter Shop, Oklahoma City’s family owned scooter dealer located on North Western Avenue is where my latest adventure has taken me, and better yet I didn’t have to drive far to get there.

Steve and Pam Hudson, owners’ of Atomic Brown Scooter Shop have been selling and educating Oklahoma City on the fun, fast, and fuel efficient advantages of riding scooters since June of 2004.

For many people Atomic Brown is their first taste of scooters. Atomic Brown feels they are not only selling scooters, but are also educating the public on ins and outs of scooter ownership. Many people stop by the shop four to five times before selecting a scooter. This allows the Hudsons to really get know their customers and in doing so elect the perfect scooter for each new scooterists needs.

Atomic Brown’s most popular scooter is the Buddy made by Genuiene Scooter Company. Voted 2007’s scooter of the year. This zippy scooter comes in 50c, 125cc, and new for 2008 the Buddy International 150 cc with speeds toping 75 mph. With a twist and go engine this scooter is fierce off the line while also putting the driver at ease knowing that there is no hassle of shifting gears.

Brace yourself for the most exciting feature! The Buddy gets up to 100 miles per gallon. That is no typo, this little scooter packs a mighty fuel efficient punch and with prices starting at $1,999 Genuine’s Buddy is hard for Atomic Brown to keep it in stock.

Scooters are recognized in Oklahoma as a motor vehicle. This means it’s not as simple as purchasing your scooter and hitting the open road. Oklahoma state law requires scooters just like motorcycles to be registered, tagged, and titled. You will also need to get an M or motorcycle endorsement on your Oklahoma driver’s license by taking the knowledge, skills, and vision tests at your local Driver’s License Exam Station.

Now scooters are not right for everybody. All the options should be weighted before rushing to buy. But for me, this is definitely an exciting possibility. In fact I have already picked my tangerine colored Buddy out and am just waiting for it arrive.

To see more of my Girl vs. Wild adventure at the Atomic Brown Scooter Shop head to Newsok.tv

Who knows maybe I will pass you in traffic and give you a big scooter loving wave!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

Backpacking is one of the oldest American wilderness adventure traditions. Fo decades families, wonder lust young adults, and middle aged thrill seekers have been filling up their packs and hitting the trail in search of a little time in the great outdoors. It brings me great joy to see fellow backpackers on the trail experiencing all the things that make being outdoors amazing.

At the same time I see many people doing it all wrong. Good intentions, but oh so misinformed on how to pack!

I can not even begin to count all the people I have passed on the trail they don’t appear to be on a joyful backpacking trip, but instead resemble a person on a death march.

Without a doubt in most cases it boils down to bad footwear for the occasion and improper packing.

Shoes are the number one deal breaker. You can not expect your favorite pair of running or aerobic shoes to suffice as a trail hiker. It just doesn’t add up. Bottom line if you’re not wearing proper footwear you will be singing the trail hiking blues. Everyones’ feet are different so this is not something you should do through mail order. Take advice and suggestions from your local outfitter. That is what the are there for, they are the advice guys. Be sure to try several different styles on before deciding which is best for your feet. An important trick is to do this with the socks you indeed to hike in. This will play a role in picking the fit for you.

After you have found the perfect shoes next is mastering the art of packing. First rule of thumb pack what you need. Not what you want! The most entertaining item to see come out of someone’s pack is a gigantic pillow or blanket. I swear I have seen this. People have actually tried to pack their bed. No joke!

Packing light is essential to whether or not someone is going to have a good time. Don’t forget you actually have to carrying everything you put into your pack. I personally like to make a list a day prior to packing of the essentials I will be packing. This list works as the master to my packing. Everything from the bottom of my toes to the top of my noise, and all items in between. After the list is made I go over it one last time before packing to see if there is anything that needs to be trimmed. Over time you will get quick at this and be able to pack in a flash, but the first couple of times give yourself time because a rushed pack is usually a bad pack and you will feel it on the trail!

For more on backpacking head to newsok.tv to watch the latest Girl vs. Wild video on backpacking.

Who knows I might even see you on the trail!

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

Yoga is all about body and mind. Both of which are very important to being a skilled adventurer.

I know some of you might be getting huffy with idea of doing silly stretching and centering your mind. But the benefits far out way how rediculous you might look. Plus, all the big time pro athletes are doing it and I am sure they don’t mind looking a bit silly.

Studies have shown that practicing yoga on a regular basis improves flexibility and joint mobility. As well as strengthens, tones, and builds muscle. Yoga is also ideal for people with back or knee issues because yoga strengthens joints and increasing stability. Not only will you benefit structurally, but will also be rewarded with increased stamina and circulation, weight loss and stress reduction. How could you go wrong with those yoga center statistics!

The Sun Salutation, Downward Dog, and Childs Pose are just a few of the physical positions that coordinate breath with movement to stretch different parts of the body. Yoga is the perfect complement to practiced and played sports. Such as running, cycling, and even golf. Various poses work and stretch muscle groups in your back, neck, shoulders, abdomen, hips, ankles, and feet. If your body is strong and centered you are far less likely to suffer repetition injuries and muscle sprains.

Golfers tend to be dominant on one side of there body. This is usually seen on their swing side with uneven muscle tone or growth. Yoga will strengthen the weaker areas while evening out tension and tone. The evened core that will develop over time will also increase balance and stability in ones golf the swing and stance.

When it comes to cycling posture and back problems usually arise. Such as stiffness and tension due to being bent over the handlebars for long periods of time. This can be remedied with simple yoga stretching to prevent curvature in the spine and develop supporting muscles.

No matter what sport you participate in or adventurous feat your training for yoga can aid in all areas of play. Yoga helps keep your body and mind in check while centering your thoughts as well as your muscular tone.

In the end you might feel a little silly standing on one leg with your arms out like a windmill, but it is all worth it when your strong in body and mind standing with success!

With the most exciting weekend of summer just a few days away I have been dreaming of a summer bbq. Now I know that bbqing is not usually action packed with adventure. But hey Girl vs. Wild needs a break to simply relax every once in a while, right?

So it’s time to get my grill going and hone my bbq skills. While I am at it I thought I would share a few simple tricks to make a backyard bbq an adventure for everyone and maybe even mix in a little Girl vs. Wild adventure too.

When I can’t get out to a local state park for a night filled with songs and smores around a campfire there is no better substitute than an evening with friends around the fire pit. These are safe and easy to control simply in your backyard. The most important part is that your not likely to burn your house down and they are perfect for making smores. Remember Smokey the Bear would be very disappointed if you didn’t practice fire safety.

I like to invited a few friends and suggest BYOM, bring your own meat. Meat is expensive and this way everyone gets to be involved in the grilling and have exactly what they like. Plus you know you have those friends that think they make the best bbq ever. This way everyone gets to show off their talents and have a finger lickin good time. Its a win win situation.

Of course your guest will come with festive beverages in tow, but I like to offer a fun drink to share with all. Usually something mixed with fresh fruit. No matter the recipe you pick I suggest making it a day ahead of time. This way all the great juices get to mix together and it’s one less thing to worry about on your day of fun. A fruity fun drink always livens the party.

Since I have not been blessed with the gift of music and am no Dave Matthews its always fun to encourage a few friends who play guitar to bring them along for a sing along. A little guitar sing along around the fire is the best way to finish a night of bbqing with friends.

Once the night gets going and the songs start playing there is not much more fun than sing alongs, smores, and great bbq with friends to create the ideal adventurous fun filled bbq weekend Girl vs. Wild style.

I finally got outside and it was everything I hoped for, and more. This past weekend my climbing buddy and I hit the rocks in the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. It was epic. Everything about it was great. The weather was sunny and warm. The people were kind, and the conversation was cheerful and light. Perfect climbing!!!

My first line of the day was a 5.9c on Echo Dome in Charons Garden. My hands bled everywhere, but I focused deep through the distractions and pushed on. I was so ecstatic when I reached the top. It’s by far the best feeling to stare it down until you get it. With new friends, success, and energy high we headed off to Lower Mt. Scott for more climbing adventures. It was amazing!!!

I have to admit I did love being the only girl, and not just the only girl, but not bad either. It’s nice when I can surprise the boys. We climbed all day and I loved every line. My hands are scabbed and blistered, but I feel successful.

Tonight is a practice night. Rocktown here I come.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

Sometimes life gets in the way of my adventures. Lately that seems to be a trend that I can’t avoid. The wild use to whisper my name, now it’s just screaming at me to come back and hike in it’s woods, and sleep in it’s dirt under it’s stars.

I find myself flipping through magazines in passing at coffee shops and stores. Thumbing the pages dreaming of the places I need to go and see. My gear is starting to give me bad looks as I pass by like the neglectful outdoors girl I have become.

It’s been two weeks since I have been in the wild, or anywhere near an open field and it’s starting to get to me. I need my fresh air, my adrenaline, my adventure!!!

I need the me that is Girl vs. Wild! Until then, I will just keep planning my next big adventure.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn

CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

This past weekend I attended Mark Patton’s fly fishing school on the Illinois river. It was amazing. Mark and his crew made everything regarding fly fishing absolutely understandable and exciting. I had been fly fishing for a few years now, but was still blown away by all that I did not know prior to this class. We started the day with an early rise and shine of in class sessions. We covered fly gear, knot tying, working the water, and fly to leader ratios. I loved the science behind it all. I now can tie knots like a ninja.

After lunch we headed to the MarVal resort area and had a hands on casting session and then took our casting to the river. The instructors were great. I had some of the best casting instruction I have ever received and really feel like I can cast with finesse now. Casting truly decides if you will catch or not catch. Fish are skidish so if your cast doesn’t hit just right you have no chance at a strike. The weather was perfect sunny with a light breeze and I waded in for a little river action.

I can say with a the biggest grin of excitement Mark Patton’s fly fishing school in the best around.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn Farris