Learning to Ride an ATV in Mattawa, Ontario

The Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System, Mattawa Ontario
Going full speed through the mud holes.

“Oh you’re going to get addicted to this” said Rex, an ATV aficionado and one of four ATV enthusiasts who lead our group of three inexperienced female riders. It was a positive outlook for the start of the day. I, on the other hand, was focusing more on making sure I wouldn’t crash and burn.

I was recently invited by Ontario Tourism to visit Mattawa, a small Northern Ontario town about a 4-hour drive north of Toronto, to experience riding an ATV on the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System. I’d never been on an ATV before and was excited about the opportunity. I also thought it could make for a fun video (see below).

I was joined by two other newbies to the sport, Dani of Going Nomadic and Christen of Divas and Dorks. Together we amped each other up, cheered each other on, and got in touch with our inner bad-assery (I know, that’s not really a word, but I’m going with it). We were instructed and lead by 4 experienced ATV riders, Jeff, John, Mark, and Rex who are passionate about the sport and want to show off why Mattawa is a great place to experience it, even for this all female crew. We were in great hands. Read more “Learning to Ride an ATV in Mattawa, Ontario”

Extreme Canyoning in Vietnam, Part 1

Canyoning in Da Lat, Vietnam

I’m standing on the edge of a cliff with only my toes making contact with the rocks. The only thing that keeps me from plummeting is a thick black rope that’s looped around the clasp of my waist harness, firmly grasped in my right hand to stop it from uncoiling. As I lean back precariously over the edge, the first thought that races through my head is “why did I want to do this again?” I slowly tilt further back until I’m at about a 45-degree angle with the edge. I release my grip on the rope and suddenly the tension is gone and I’m taking my first step, backwards. Read more “Extreme Canyoning in Vietnam, Part 1”