Canoeing: Root River, MN

Indoor Climbing: Pacific Edge (Santa Cruz, CA)

Unfortunately, playing outside is not always an option. Good (un)clean fun can often be dampered by weather, closed recreation areas and non-willing parties to accompany you. Lucky for us someone thought about this and created the indoor climbing wall. Climbing walls are an awesome place to find fellow active junkies who also had the unfortunate situation of being stuck inside, plus, with all that chalk dust it makes the fun anything but clean.

Pacific Edge Climbing Gym is no exception to the rule. While in California during my break I was able to do some climbing there and introduce a climbing newbie (a.k.a. my dad) to all that this wall has to offer. The main room consists of 11,000 square feet of top-rope/lead climbing area with some of the wall set at 50 feet in height. The difficulty ranging from 5.5 routes to some pretty intense 5.12 routes. My interest was instantly grabbed by the 2,000 square feet of bouldering area. Bouldering is my favorite type of climbing and I was pretty stoked when I saw all the steep terrain and some awesome overhang.

What is great about Pacific Edge is that it is so much more than a climbing gym. They are also a yoga and weight centre, keeping you in that climbing shape. They also offer guided outdoor trips (for groups or individuals) to Castle Rock State Park and Pinnacles National Monument.

So if you want to Get Up but can't Get Out, Pacific Edge and other climbing gyms are a great source for anyone who wants to try some unconventional exercise. For more information on Pacific Edge check out: www.pacificedgeclimbingym.com

-Mary-Ann (Macaroon)

Hiking: Big Basin, CA

During January I was able to do a bit of hiking up in one of my favorite areas, the Big Basin State Park just outside of Boulder Creek, California. Big Basin is an awesome place to hike and has so many things to offer anyone who enjoys the outdoors. From hiking and backpacking to horseback riding and mountain biking it is able to appease any active junky.

Big Basin launched the state park movement when the 18,000 acres of coastal redwoods was made into the first state park in 1902 by photographer Andrew P. Hill and other members of the Sempervirens Club(fund). Big Basin consists of 80 miles of spectacular roads and trails for year round activities.

Being a tad bit out of my normal hiking shape because I don't get much hiking time during the winters since I moved to Wisconsin, I decided to take the popular moderate Sequoia Trail. Sequoia is one of the oldest trails in the park and is filled with many spectacular sites: Founders Monument, Semperviren Falls, Slippery Rock and the famous Chimney Tree. The trail is 3.5-5.5 miles of easy to moderate hiking and surrounded by native trees and plant life (some of the trees measure 300 feet and 50 feet in circumference). The Hike takes anywhere from 1 1/2 to 4 hours and there are many places to rest and even camp along the trail.

Whether you are hiking the smaller trails like Sequoia or traveling the 33-miles to the coast on Skyline to the Sea Trail, Big Basin is a great experience for any hiker of any skill level. Just another great way to Get Up and Get Out. For more information on Big Basin check out: www.parks.ca.gov or www.bigbasin.org

"These trees, because of their size and antiquity, were among the natural wonders of the world and should be saved for posterity." -Andrew P. Hill (1899)

-Mary-Ann (Macaroon)

Canoeing: Root River, MN

Canoeing is a really great way to get friends together even if your friends aren't "outdoorsy". Canoeing is a relaxed recreational sport that almost anyone can and will enjoy. Canoeing is one of my great passions along with most other paddle sports and I highly recommend it to all people. I guarantee that adding water will show you a whole new side to your friends and it is a great way to make new friends.

During October I went with the UW-L Outdoor Connection (and good friends) on a two day canoe trip on the Root River in Minnesota. This was my second canoeing trip through the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. The university offers really great affordable trips with very knowledgeable staff/trip leaders. Even if you are a newbie to canoeing the leaders will make you feel like an ol'-pro in just a couple of hours.

The Root River consists of 80-miles of driftless river. The gentle to moderate flow makes for a very easy paddle and is a great river to take newbie canoers on. Even though it is cold, canoeing there in the fall is extremely beautiful and worth it. With the turning trees and the deep river canyons adds to this already beautiful and majestic river.

If you are still not convinced that you should canoe the Root River (which you shouldn't even be debating at this point) you can also hike (or bike) it. The Root River State Trail offers 42-miles awesomeness! The trailhead starts in Fountain, Minnesota.

If this has not convinced you to Get Up and Get Out on the Root River then nothing will. Whether you canoe or hike it, it is well worth it and you and your friends will not regret the experience! Have an awesome adventure!

-Mary-Ann (Macaroon)

Mary-Ann's Recap Photos From Fall 2011