Vintage Planes, Fast Cars & Fast Boats

Bring the family out, or come with a friend to Fantasy of Flight’s Roar n Soar, Nov. 13 & 14th! 

Dale Earnhardt's famous "pass in the grass" car will make a rare appearance both days. In this car, Earnhardt made his famous move in the grass to pass Bill Elliott and win the 1987 All-star race, creating one of the most famous moments in NASCAR history. 

This two-day, signature event is an All-American themed, family-friendly celebration that includes:

Dale Earnhardt's famous "pass in the grass" car will make a rare appearance both days of the event. In this car, Earnhardt made his famous move in the grass to pass Bill Elliott and win the 1987 All-star race, creating one of the most famous moments in NASCAR history. 

This two-day, signature event is an All-American themed, family-friendly celebration that includes:

• Car and motorcycle show featuring rare, classic and exotic vehicles, including Dale Earnhardt's "pass in the grass" car on display
• Slalom car racing
• Racing boat regatta, with non-stop splash and speed
• Aerial demonstrations of rare vintage aircraft
• Hang gliders and paragliders
• Stilt walkers
• Games and contests

This event will be a stunning display of extreme sports rounded out with food, entertainment and a day of family activity. 

In honor of our troops and Veteran's Day weekend, Fantasy of Flight is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the World's Largest Awareness Ribbon, that will be on display at Roar n' Soar. The ribbon will later be broken down, and the individual pieces will be mailed to the troops with a special message in time for the holidays. 

More than a museum, Fantasy of Flight takes guests to An Attraction on a Higher Plane. 

Home to the World's Greatest Aircraft Collection™, the facility is conveniently located at exit 44 off I-4, halfway between Tampa and Orlando, 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E. in Polk City, FL 33868.

863-984-3500  |  www.fantasyofflight.com.

Ziplines, Via Ferrata thru the Canyon

Soar with the birds from treetop to treetop. Glide through a canyon over breathtaking waterfalls or climb a sheer rock face. I was first introduced to ziplining and rock climbing, via ferrata by Francois Guy Thivierge, up in Canyon Sainte-Anne, in Quebec, Canada.

Welcome to Parc des Chutes Coulonge Aerial Park, one of Quebec's awesome adventure parcs. Strap on a harness and lock your carabiners onto a steel cable, then hang on as you zip from tree to tree more than 30' off the ground. Take a slow breath as you get a bird's eye view of the parc and river. Enjoy eight ziplines and a 10 meter Himalayan foot bridge before embarking on the giant 805 feet long giant zip across the canyon. Look down at the Coulonge River and rapids, where logs used to float. This site is a tribute to the great log drives and a 3,000 feet wooden log slide. Explore the Coulonge Falls on pedestrian trails and footbridges with lookouts along the interpretation trail. Or, after gliding along the Canyon Zip, work your way back along prehistoric rock face, via ferrata, which is Latin for "iron roads". The Via Ferrata run 500 meters (1,640 ft) up the gorge towards a natural waterfall. Cross on a 46 m cable tightrope over the chasm, then exit through the steepest and sheerest section of the rock wall in a slanted forest. (www.chutescoulonge.ca)

Need another adrenaline rush? Visit Cap Jaseux in the woods along the Saguenay Fjord. (www.capjaseux.com) This is an adult, jungle gym, extreme, multi-sport destination. They offer rustic and developed camping, sea kayaking, sailing, via ferrata course, mountain biking, and you can spend the night in a tree house, 30+ feet above ground!

You may have done ropes courses, but not like these. They have an extreme course with 33 mentally and physically challenging puzzles and eight zip lines, so difficult, that no one has finished without grabbing for a safety rope. There are rope swings, suspension bridges that roll under your feet, trapeze bars and tight ropes. If that's not enough, at one puzzle you unclip from your safety-line belay and trust the net, just like Cirque du Soleil. 

Looking for more adrenaline rushes? Follow this blog for more; white water rafting and bungee jumping!

Holiday Food Drive, Fantasy of Flight

Fantasy of Flight's Holiday Food Drive

                      Oct 1- Nov. 12, 2010   10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Fantasy of Flight is pleased to offer visitors who donate non-perishable food items $5 off full-priced adult general admission for each donation, Oct. 1 – Nov. 12, 2010. The month-long food drive will benefit The Mission in Winter Haven. Although all non-perishable food items will be accepted, the food banks are in greatest need of rice, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables. Every person in a group must bring a food item to qualify for the discount at Fantasy of Flight. The donated foods must be presented at the attraction’s admissions counter to qualify for the discount. Not valid with any other offers or discounts.

Cost: $5 off Fantasy of Flight full-priced adult general admission per donated food item.  General admission - Adults $28.95, Seniors $24.95, Children 6-15  $14.95, Toddlers 5 and under free.

Take Aim at Breast Cancer, Paintball Tournament

Fantasy of Flight: "Take Aim at Breast Cancer"

                     Oct. 23-24, 2010     10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

During the 2010 Paintball Sports Promotion (PSP) World Cup Paintball Tournament held at Fantasy of Flight, guests can contribute to the fight to find a cure for breast cancer. For a small donation, guests will be able to fire a round of pink paintballs at a canvas that will eventually become a work of art.  A portion of the funds collected will be donated to the Orlando Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Local Winter Haven artist, Tony Trotti, has agreed to donate his talent to creating art out of the paintball splattered canvases which will be donated to the Cassidy Center at Winter Haven Hospital to be auctioned off at their annual gala on Nov. 4th, 2010.  Community partners include Paintball Sports Promotion (PSP), Off the Wall Adventures, Inc., Procaps Direct and Artist Tony Trotti.

Cost:  Spectators receive free entry to the PSP World Cup.  $10 donation for each round.

Take Aim at Breast Cancer, Paintball Tournament

Fantasy of Flight: "Take Aim at Breast Cancer"

                     Oct. 23-24, 2010     10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

During the 2010 Paintball Sports Promotion (PSP) World Cup Paintball Tournament held at Fantasy of Flight, guests can contribute to the fight to find a cure for breast cancer. For a small donation, guests will be able to fire a round of pink paintballs at a canvas that will eventually become a work of art.  A portion of the funds collected will be donated to the Orlando Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Local Winter Haven artist, Tony Trotti, has agreed to donate his talent to creating art out of the paintball splattered canvases which will be donated to the Cassidy Center at Winter Haven Hospital to be auctioned off at their annual gala on Nov. 4th, 2010.  Community partners include Paintball Sports Promotion (PSP), Off the Wall Adventures, Inc., Procaps Direct and Artist Tony Trotti.

Cost:  Spectators receive free entry to the PSP World Cup.  $10 donation for each round.

POW Experience, Fantasy of Flight

Fantasy of Flight's Living History Symposium Series "Airmen in Captivity: The POW Experience"

                      Oct. 8-9, 2010   10 a.m. - 5 p.m.   

World War II created 93,941 prisoners of war.  However, life in the prison camps bore little resemblance of what is depicted in the movies and on television. Before the prison gates closed behind them, these fierce young airmen survived catastrophic flying trauma only to be captured and imprisoned by the enemy. What lay ahead was a psychological battlefield armed with a barrage of interrogation, isolation, and brutal conditions.

What did they experience? What did they learn? How did they manage not only to survive but to triumph over these real-life traumatic experiences? Learn about facing the enemy without as well as the enemy within, from these true American heroes.  This event features an open-forum/question-and-answer format with WWII prisoners of war.

Cost: Living History Symposium free with Fantasy of Flight General Admission - Adults $28.95, Seniors $24.95, Children 6-15  $14.95, Toddlers 5 and under free. See web site for details

AARP: 3-D...Discover, Decide & Delight

Orlando is proud to be hosting the AARP @50 National Event! With a full line up of celebrity speakers, live entertainment and an exhibit hall flourishing with products and services geared to the 50+ group,you will want to tell all your 50+ friends, neighbors and family! Join them September 30 to October 2, 2010.
There are more than 100 sessions to choose from including: Whoopi Goldberg!
A feature session with Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz and Robin Roberts
Best selling author and medical expert Dean Ornish, M.D.
A panel discussion with travel industry leaders; Kevin Sheehan, CEO Norwegian Cruise Line, Ron Nelson CEO of Avis Budget Group and Mark Hoplamaizan CEO of Hyatt Hotels.
The concert list includes: Crosby, Stills and Nash, Judy Collins, Richie Havens and numerous entertainers.
Register online today! www.AARP.org

The need for Speed

If you love motorcycles, and most men and quite a few women do, then you have to check out Jay Leno and  his interviews with motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors.
(click here: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/at-the-garage/motorcycles/motorcycles-of-pebble-beach-2010/#comments
I've had the pleasure of meeting Dale, the founder and president of Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley, NC. He has an awesome museum of working motorcycles and a few other vehicles. Every motorcycle and vehicle in his museum will start up and run. And, they all have a story to tell.
I loved wandering through his "parking garage" filled with motorcycles, stories and memorabilia of his passion. His place is a must see for everyone, men, women and teens. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to tour the 2nd floor, but his restoration area is even fun to meander around in, if you're lucky enough. His passion has always been Harley Davidsons and the Indian cycles. His stories will take you along on his adventure of finding and acquiring parts of history, some legendary. Dale has more than 300 of America's rarest and historic classic motorcycles.
Check out the Pebble Beach interview (link above) between Jay Leno and Dale about the fastest Indian.
Then check out, www.wheelsthroughtime.com Many of their stories are being recorded and can be watched online.

Beach Sun & Fun in Sarasota and Longboat Key

Saturdays are Family Day at Ringling Museum of Art (www.ringling.org)  in Sarasota. They are offering hands-on art making activities related to an exhibition or theme at different locations as well as family friendly docent led tours with more interactivity. Kids can be a star at the Circus Museum's Wagon Room where they can create a circus banner, juggle balls, dress up and clown around in a clown costume. Step Right Up through October 2, 2010. From Oct. 23 - Dec. 12, Family Friendly activities include weaving threads of gold on their own loom!
The G.Wiz Science Museum offers more hands-on fun for kids and families with a race track, mindball, with a visit to their Critter Habitat or in the Illusion room. A new exhibit will keep you both green, with Renewable Energy Exhibits. Visit their site for current activities, camps and events; www.gwiz.org.
    Want to spend some time outdoors? Go bike riding or kayaking. Rent a bike, canoe, kayak or charter a boat to go fishing. Fishing charters will provide your tackle and bait. Kayak on your own, or take a guided eco-tour through some of Florida's beautiful ecosystems such as mangrove trees and see how many of the 200 species of birds you can identify. Visit www.AdventureKayakOutfitters.com and explore away. Family friendly and upclose with nature. Looking for more? Try kiteboarding, windsurfing and Island Style Water sports. (www.islandstylesports.com). Scuba and snorkeling are also available for training to professionals. See Sarasota through different lenses.
    Go hiking in Myakka River State Park. They offer numerous trails for hiking and biking; guided boat tours, kayak rentals and camping. (another blog talks about their canopy bridge). For a bird's eye view, climb up the tower, 75 feet high, to the observation deck to see the vast habitat. A suspension bridge is 85 feet long and only 25 feet off the ground. Walk through the treetops to see how our tropical ecosystem thrives and survives. (www.myakkariver.org)

  
Kids and adults can go behind-the-scenes, and aquariums, at Mote Aquarium and Marine Laboratory on Longboat Key. Go on tour with the staff as they make their rounds and clean and feed a variety of fish! See how new exhibits come in (fish), then go through quarantine before being introduced to their new habitat. (Below) Matt looks at scales and fins from fish to check their health. Mote is involved in  many research projects around Florida from rescuing turtles from the oil spill to tagging and tracking snook! Eco boat tours are also available.

A few great places to stay include: Cypress Bed & Breakfast (www.cypressbb.com) on the Bay in Sarasota, Sandpiper Inn (www.sandpiperinn.com) on Longboat Key to camping at RV resorts and state park campgrounds. (Sun and Fun or Myakka River, to name a few). There are even pet-friendly accommodations: Best Western Midtown in Sarasota, Captiva Beach Resort on Siesta Key and the Comfort Inn to name a few. 

Dining in? Try Mar Vista Dockside (Longboat Key) or Beachhouse (Bradenton) or the Sandbar on Anna Maria Island, Libby's in Sarasota, to numerous seafood establishments where the food is fresh and the service is friendly! History, tropical music and great atmosphere. (www.groupersandwich.com)

Events for Labor Day around Florida

Waldorf Astoria Collection – (Key West, Sept. 2-7) Located on the southernmost point of the continental U.S., Casa Marina Resort, Waldorf Astoria Collection and The Reach Resort,Waldorf Astoria Collection, are ideal for vacationers seeking the perfect tropical escape this summer. With the largest stretch of private beach in Key West, guests can unwind with uninterrupted views of the Atlantic, the waterside spa treatments at Spa al Mare, the sumptuous steaks at the famed Manhattan steakhouse Strip House and the two largest pools in the Conch Republic. Sun-seekers can experience the beachside resorts with rates starting at just $149 per night. Guests will receive a $50 resort credit for every two-night stay, $75 for every three-nights and $100 for every four-night stay, or more! For more information, visitwww.casamarinaresort.com and www.reachresort.com.

Amelia Island Plantation - (Amelia Island, Sept. 3-6) Amelia Island Plantation is promoting a special for Labor Day escapes of $179 per night at the oceanfront property, Amelia Inn. Activities include the Guinness & Golf Tournament, wine and gourmet tasting, as well as theBoardwalk Bash on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010. The Boardwalk Bash offers child, youth and teen recreation programs, 54 holes of golf, 22 clay tennis courts, segway and nature tours, bike and island hopper rentals and much more. The rate is based on two people in a deluxe ocean view room. Other rates and room types are available. For more information, visitwww.ameliaislandplantation.com.

Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa – (Fort Myers Beach, Sept. 3-6) Enjoy the Labor Day holiday and wiggle your toes in the white pristine beaches of Fort Myers. Travel with your family and enjoy a bedroom suite (sleeping up to four guests) that includes two welcome drinks, daily complimentary breakfast for two, and two daily beach chairs and an umbrella for your beach outings. In addition to these services, you will also receive a 20 percent discount on anyAquagene Spa treatment. This entire package is available for a total cost of $699 plus tax, for a stay of three nights. Hurry and book your escape to Fort Myers today! For more information, call 1(888) 222-7565 or visit www.pinkshell.com. 


Read more here: www.NewTravelAdventures.com

10 Back to School Saving Money Tips

We all love saving money, but yet still want value for our dollar. Here are a few, okay 10 Tips to Saving Money during Back-to-School shopping!
1. Have your back to school supplies list handy, and with you at all times. Usually Sundays, and now Wednesday or Thursday's daily newspapers have lots of flyers and ads for stores offering everything from folders and backpacks to calculators and laptops. Go through all of the flyers and make notes as to who is offering the best deals. You don't want to be driving all over town either, this isn't going to save you gas or money.
2. Set a budget. You may not need to have everything for the first few days of school. If you can purchase the necessary items first, then purchase the rest as you are able to more comfortably. This often helps the family budget.
3. When driving around to pick up supplies, it's best if you can consolidate your trips. Don't just run out for a few items here and then run out again. Plan your driving around so you're not making extra trips.
4. Print coupons from online! There are numerous websites and blogs that offer specials and coupons and you can type in what you are looking for and usually find a coupon or special.
5. Don't forget the Dollar Stores and Dollar General, they often have good buys on paper and other elementary supplies. Probably not the expensive calculators older kids will need.
6. Buy in bulk. Shopping at Sam's Club and other membership stores offers some benefits if you have the money and space to purchase food and staples in bulk. You can also go in with a friend and buy your supplies together, that way two of you come out ahead.
7. Shop at stores where you get rewards and points. By doing this throughout the year you can receive store credit or Rewards bucks that come in handy for ink and other supplies.
8. Shop over the period of several weeks, different deals will come about over time.
9. Look for alternatives in supplies, maybe different brands or generics.
10. Anticipating needs in the future will help too. Go to parent/teacher night or open house and get a copy of the syllabus. This will give you a heads up for projects and events so plan ahead and break them down into doable projects without being overwhelming.
wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to: http://staples.twittermoms.com/about)

Better than Ever, from good to great

Life can throw many curve balls and fast balls at you. I've always believed that things happen for a reason and He doesn't give us more than we can handle. Our challenges in life make us better, or are supposed to and if we were to compare our challenges with someone else's we'd see that they aren't as bad as we originally thought.
    My life went from good to great when I met my husband. He would remain calm in the storm, analyze the situation and we'd get through it. Both of us were married before and we have children from our previous life. This attributes to some unorganized chaos from time to time. As a family and individually, we get to travel a lot. My husband travels for work, as do I. I love what I do, as a writer, author, photographer and spa owner. My husband is very supportive of whatever endeavors I wish to take on. So naturally I love surprising him when I can. Whether its a weekend trip to the coast, or out to dinner or a sporting event. He's always telling me how much he loves me and how beautiful I am. Even if he is biased, we all need to feel special.
    In addition to my husband, my work I believe has improved. I am able to focus on my writing and have published my first book, hopefully there will be many more and they will be successful. It's always a struggle and take discipline when you work from home too.
    I have also been able to give more of my time to charity and non-profit causes. I'm thinking I may need to scale back though. I am using my time and talents to help others and our community. I've always loved the feeling of being able to help others and make a difference.
    Life isn't without its speed bumps and hills, but I know that whatever is going on, will come out well and I have someone to share it with; the good, the great and bumps in between.
Dove® gofresh™ Facebook Contest Page (http://apps.facebook.com/dovebetterthanever/)
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Dove® gofresh™ blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card and some product. For more information on how you can participate, click here. http://www.twittermoms.com/forum/topics/celebrate-the-things-in-your)

Rev Up Your Metabolism

We all would like more energy. How do we do this? By ramping up our metabolism. We cna do this with foods or...
1. In your workout. Walk for the same amount of time at the same intensity every day and your body will get bored. Add a little variety with interval training, this involves changing the intensity during your exercise program. Every 5 minutes of your walk, jog for one minute. If you bike ride, shift to a higher gear and pedal harder for a minute, if you swim, speed up every other length. You'll burn more calories in the same amount of time.
2. Fidgeting. People who drum their fingers or bounce their knees burn at least 500 calories a day. this adds up to one pound per week!
3. Stress balls. By squeezing one of those squeegy balls, during the day, its a great exercise for the muscles in your hands and arms, and it burns a lot of calories.
4. Don't cut back too much. Cutting too many calories can be more harmful than you think. Substitute other healthy food; carrots, celery with peanut butter, apple slices, etc.
5. Drink water! Drinking at least 5 glasses, 16 ounces each, is good for your skin and your organs, detoxing the body. Researchers have also found that by drinking water, yo will burn more calories, and increase your metabolic rate. Your metabolic rate can jump a third within 10 minutes of drinking cold water.
Read more here:  www.fit-4-sports.net

Ten Tips for Ensuring a Healthy, Safe & Successful School Year

Kids will hopefully be excited about returning to school, to see their friends and look forward to new classes they may have been thinking about during the summer. Now is the time for parents to do their homework, research to ensure parents and kids have a successful school year, from elementary to high school.
1. There are hundreds of websites that offer ideas and recipes for healthy lunches and snacks, you can even find some here: www.FloridaSpaGirls.net on the Food, Glorious Food page. Its always worth the time and energy to explore healthy snacks and lunches, even dinners, grocery lists can be downloaded. Having healthy meals gives kids and adults, a better chance in studying and work. 
2. The new school year is just around the corner, so now would be a good time to get a physical for your child(ren). This is great opportunity to get your child's eye's checked as well. Whether or not your kids are going to be in sports, you will feel better knowing they have a clean bill of health. Many chiropractors offer sports physicals as well. 
3. Get a new calendar for at home, one for you (and significant other) and your child should get an agenda at the beginning of the school year. It will save everyone time and headaches later by comparing schedules several times per week to keep track of projects, sports, hobbies, extra-curricular activities, etc. Sometimes you might even want to color code (different highlighters) your schedule either by child or by activity.
4. I find its also helpful to plan the night before your outfit, even for adults, saves time in the closet from deciding what to wear at the last minute. For kids, when they are younger, give them an option and have it ready, same goes for lunches. Prepare the night before.
5. Going along with scheduling; it helps to go through your child's backpack and papers to see what's going on, because we know how they "forget". When we plan in advance we can be more successful. More and more teachers are giving parents a heads-up about projects. This gives them time to purchase or find the supplies they need and help their child for the overall project. Break the project down into steps with your child so they can see how to plan and work won't pile up and become stressful. Also gives you time for a backup plan.
6. It's also worth going to the Parents Open House to meet the teachers. Knowing your child's teacher will help you during the school year. Keep their name and contact information in a safe, easy to access place in case you need to get in touch with them.
7. Talk with your child about how they will be getting to and from school and what to do in an emergency. If they are walking, riding their bike, taking the bus or a carpool. Be sure to communicate with the school too, in case you are running late. Keep school's phone number in your cell phone or in your purse/wallet, etc.
8. Enroll your child in an after school activity. Keeps them involved, stimulated and gives them a break from study. They may make new friends.
9. Get to know your child's friends and meet their parents. 
10. Spend time with your child everyday, even if its just to go over homework, or ask how a test went. More involvement with kids ensures they feel loved, safe and accepted.


I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Airwear blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, visit http://airwear.twittermoms.com/about.

Big Adventures in Big Bear

Big Bear Lake's newest attraction slings, dips, swings, twists and spins passengers for a 30-minute thrill ride. A New Zealand style jet boat ride. It's the equivalent to the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, but on a large body of water.

Weber accidentally discovered the jet propulsion boats while visiting his daughter last year in Queenstown, New Zealand, which is known as the extreme sports capital of the world. The jet boat was just one of several extreme sports in Queenstown including bungee jumping, river surfing, heli-skiing and paragliding. When Weber caught sight of a jet boat at Lake Wakitipu twisting, turning and nose dipping without capsizing he knew right away it was a perfect fit for Big Bear Lake.   

 New Zealand style jet boat rides are 30 minutes long, and include a narrated tour of Big Bear Lake’s most notable landmarks such as Garstin Island and the Solar Observatory. Throughout the tour passengers will experience a wild and adventurous ride. At the end of the tour a grand finale finish includes a Hamilton, 180 degree spin that is guaranteed to get passengers screaming for more. The cost is $29 for adults and $19 for kids 12 and under. For more information call 909-866-4359 or visit www.bigbearparasail.net. 

Enjoy breathtaking sunrises over the pines, inviting canyons and lush meadows. Find adventure in mountain bike riding, hiking, horseback riding, water sports, off-road adventures and then relax with a much deserved massage or spa treatment. Big Bear is offering great lodging and vacation discounts and deals! Read more here: www.fit-4-sports.net or www.NewTravelOutdoors.com 

Ghosts? Paranormal? at Fantasy of Flight?

Fantasy of Flight's nightFlight Paranormal Investigation

Back by popular demand, Fantasy of Flight invites guests to embark on this active, professional paranormal investigation led by Apollo Paranormal Investigations. (One of my Favorite attractions! I love Aviation and Kermit has an awesome attraction with history and fun for whole family!)

Visitors will learn of the world's largest private aircraft collection’s haunted history, explore the unexplained occurrences throughout the halls and hangars of Fantasy of Flight, visit locations where encounters have been recorded and engage in the hands-on use of the tools of the ghost hunting trade. The event is Oct. 16th and 30th from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m..  

Tickets are $75.00 (plus tax) per person. Guests must be 16 years of age or older and minors must be accompanied by an adult (parent or guardian).  Reservations required. For more information please visit www.fantasyofflight.com/nightFlight or call  863-984-3500.

Adventures of Ziplining

Have you tried ziplining yet? Zipping along on a steel rope through the canopied trees? Even if you think you're afraid of heights, I recommend this awesome adventure! My first time ziplining and rock climbing, was at Canyon St. Anne in Quebec with an excellent guide,  Francois-Guy Thivierge. He offers more than 20 years experience in rock climbing, hiking, mountain and ice climbing. National Geographic has made a documentary with Francois-Guy and he has designed several courses. (www.canyonste-anne.qc.ca)
Since that first time with Francois-Guy, I have been back to Quebec again and ziplined across the St. Lawrence (seven times!) and recently, have gone on a wonderful excursion right here in the United States.
Just outside Atlanta is a family fun adventure park called Banning Mills. (www.HistoricBanningMills.com).
There I tackled their challenging course with many suspension bridges and ziplines that lead up to the Screaming Eagle, a half-mile zipline where you can go up to 70 miles per hour! Climb to the top of the tower and you feel like you're stepping outside of a 30-story building. (I usually tell people that are squeemish, don't look down). You just have trust and faith in your guide and your equipment, take a little step off and soar over the trees like the birds. It's amazingly beautiful and you'll want to do it again and again!
Walk across the longest bridge I think there is; Sky Trek, 600 feet long and 170 feet above rolling rapids, then zipline back across, the river too, on the Predator! You can almost hear your heart pounding now as you steadily walk across boards, that are about 12-18" apart, 3' across, but don't worry, you're clipped to the steel rope just over your head.
Our guides were awesome, Tim and Morgan ( I hope I recalled them right). These guides are very safe, knowledgeable and experienced. The owner of Banning Mills, Mike and Donna, are both trained professionally in medical care, not that you would need any there. Mike is a former Special Ops and Medic and his beautiful wife Donna is also a Registered Nurse, just in case you get a splinter. So safety is always a priority with them. What started as a 10 room Bed and Breakfast has morphed into a beautiful resort offering weddings, corporate retreats, family reunions and adventure! (just to name a few).
Banning Mills offers several courses on their canopied zipline tours and you could spend all day swinging through the trees (literally).

Running versus Walking

For those who are looking for more cardiovascular conditioning, running is better than walking. However, walking is better for weight loss when it comes to exercise. 

Moderately intense exercise, like a brisk walk, burns higher percentage of fat calories than high-intensity exercise. Walking is low-impact and is great for all ages and fitness levels. 

This is great for families, or moms or dads with kids, take a brisk walk around the block or your subdivision. Make a fun game of it; find different birds and other critters. Before you know it your kids will keep you on your toes with scavenger hunts along with their energizing walks. 

You may even find your family participating in 5K runs/walks in and around your community for a charity.

Tip: Start slow. It's better to walk 5 or 10 minutes per day and work your way up than to overdue it and then be less frequent and not enjoying your walks. Build up to a jog or run if you desire, or are training for a 5K or marathon. 

Don't put off exercise until you're training for a marathon. Gather the kids, grab a bottle of water and enjoy family fitness. Or hook up with a neighbor and make a religious habit of walking together, take the dog if you need to.

Fitness with G2

The only instructional mats and fitness systems that depict every important stretch position and strengthening exercise. Physician–certified and portable, each G2 Lifestyles Program is essential for maximizing personal fitness and keeping your body injury–free. Whatever your level of activity or choice of sport, these unique patent-pending, eco–friendly mats position you for peak comfort and performance.

Made of 100% recyclable Eco-friendly materials and a thick cushion, bacteria resistant, washable, non-slip surface design, these mats are physician certified to shape your body, mind, and soul.

The Yoga, Golf, Pilates, General Stretch, Back Stretch, Abs, Maternity, and Children’s Yoga mats are all carefully contrived to increase the quality of life. The Yoga Pose fitness program is designed to relax and energize; the Golf Stretch program helps athletes play better and live healthier; the Pilates Personal program works from the core of your body to achieve a lean, healthy body; the General Stretch program is designed to increase overall flexibility to maximize personal fitness and keep your body injury free over time; the Back Stretch program is designed to strengthen back muscles and increase overall flexibility to keep your back injury free over time; the Ab-Fit program strengthens the abdominal region to give your stomach definition and power your body from the core; the Maternity Yoga program allows women to enjoy the benefits of yoga while pregnant; and last but not least, the Children’s Yoga program, which is soon to come, is equipped with an interactive animated DVD that promotes being active and decreasing obesity at an early age.

For more information on G2 Fitness and their products, please visit www.g2fit.com.