adventures

Grab All the Life You Can Handle
10
KICKBUTT
ADVENTURES
TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
10 KICK-BUTT ADVENTURES TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
MOOSEVIP
EDITOR’S NOTE
When was the last time you went on an ultimate
adventure? Well, there’s no time like the present.
Don’t just sit back and let the world pass you by. You
deserve to have a little fun and excitement in your
life. So why not live your dreams, set big goals and
grab life by the horns?
To help you get started, we’ve created a list of ten
awe-inspiring, kick-butt, hands-on adventures that are
certain to empower, test your mettle, and leave you
with a smile on your face and a lasting memory. As a
bonus, you’ll have fun keeping fit and healthy.
So get planning.
Sincerely.
Your Member Benefits Team
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10 KICK-BUTT ADVENTURES TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
MOOSEVIP
DRIVE AN ACTUAL
1. MONSTER TRUCK
If you ever wanted to climb aboard a monster truck and
feel the crunch of metal and glass beneath the 5.5 feet
tires as you drive over smaller vehicles, now is your
chance. Put the pedal to the heavy metal at Radical
Racing Monster Truck Driving School in Indiana. This is
certainly an experience you won’t soon forget, no matter
your age.
Upon your visit, you’ll become close friends with Paw
Paw Wheelie, the resident monster truck that is 25 feet
in length and stands 18 feet tall when in a wheelie.
You can choose to have an experienced driver take you
through jumps, wheelies and hairpin turns, or drive the
truck yourself!
So put on your helmet, climb inside and buckle up for an
unforgettable ride!
If you happen to be across the pond in foggy London
town, you can also crush a few cars at Wicked
Adventures. There you will meet Mayhem, a 6.0 litre
V8 full size American monster truck that seats eight
passengers and will take you on a pure, unfiltered
adrenaline ride.
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10 KICK-BUTT ADVENTURES TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
MOOSEVIP
RELIVE AMERICA’S
2. FIRST EXPEDITION
In May 1804, 38 people set out from Camp Dubois on the
Wood River in Illinois to discover an overland route to the
Pacific Ocean and document animals, plants, geography
and native people along the way. Commissioned by
Thomas Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase, the Corps
of Discovery was America’s first expedition.
We know it as the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Follow in their steps on the National Historic Trail that
winds through eleven states from Illinois to Washington
State. It’s waiting for modern-day explorers…like you.
Bike, hike, paddle and camp along their original path.
The most popular trips are along the Missouri River in
Montana, where you can take in rugged views and enjoy
the freedom of unending skies. You get everything but
Sacagawea and her infant son.
Plan your trip with help from the National Park Service
and Lewis and Clark Trail. Buy maps through Adventure
Cycling. Or sign up for a guided adventure. There’s
even a canoe and glamping (glamorous camping) trip
for women only.
Lower Memorial Falls in the Lewis
and Clark National Forest of Montana
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10 KICK-BUTT ADVENTURES TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
MOOSEVIP
COOK ON THE
3. WILD SIDE
Imagine Wolfgang Puck cooking on the open range.
Or Emeril Lagasse “bamming” his Original Essence
spice over a roaring wood fire. Introducing the western
version: Kent Rollins—poet, raconteur and Official Chuck
Wagon Cook of Oklahoma.
If you want to take your cooking over to the wild side…if
prepping for the chili cook off is just too tame…grab your
hat, pull on your boots and rendezvous `round Rollins’
authentic 1876 Studebaker chuck wagon.
After five days at the Red River Ranch Chuck Wagon
Cooking School (Hollis, OK—about halfway between
Amarillo, TX, and Oklahoma City) you’ll be grilling like
a pro and cooking over coals—Dutch-Oven style. And
baking sourdough biscuits that’ll bring the toughest
cowpoke to tears.
Kent and Shannon Rollins share their Oklahoma
hospitality. They’ll put you up in a teepee at the ranch.
You’ll need to book in advance (call 580-471-3775).
And if you can’t wait for an opening, pick up a copy of
Kent’s cookbook, A Taste of Cowboy.
When you’re ready to test your chuck wagon cooking
chops, sign up for a cook off. There’s a list at the
American Chuck Wagon Association website.
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10 KICK-BUTT ADVENTURES TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
MOOSEVIP
PADDLE THE
SCOTTISH HIGHLAND
4. WHISKY TOUR
Sláinte. That’s Gaelic for “your health” or “cheers.”
This is how you talk the talk when visiting local pubs or
touring the single malt distilleries in Scotland.
For all you Bravehearts, if you want the perfect
getaway—this one is neat…as in NOT on the rocks (ice).
Speyside (about 150 miles from Edinburgh) is one of the
great whisky distilling regions. Full On Adventure offers
a five-day guided paddle tour on the River Spey and
coastal waters, stopping each evening for a meal, a stay
in a local inn and a distillery tour or pub crawl. What a
way to travel!
Beautiful highland countryside. Local dining. Castle
tours. Beer and scotch tastings. And wildlife. Speaking
of wildlife, just remember that the traditional Scottish
dish haggis is not for the faint of heart.
You’ll fly in and out of Edinburgh. So extend
your visit long enough to take in more than
700 years worth of history, friendly pubs, and
great shopping. And for the ultimate hotel
accommodations, stay at the majestic Balmoral
Hotel, complete with kilted doormen.
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
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10 KICK-BUTT ADVENTURES TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
MOOSEVIP
BECOME A FORCE TO
RECKON WITH…
5. PREPARE TO SURVIVE!
You never know when catastrophe will hit. Whether you are
on an arctic adventure, backpacking close to home, or bugging
out, your survival and that of family and friends may someday
hinge on what you know.
Prepare now to be a survivor.
Sigma 3 Survival School offers a wide range of bushcraft
classes. Food, shelter and water procurement training are just
the beginning. You can learn about herbal medicine, building
fires, crafting primitive tools, trapping, tracking and scouting…
even urban and wilderness tactical survival. Imagine, for
example, crafting a functional bow and arrow from a tree limb.
Whether you opt to spend a weekend, build your own
personal survival course or become a survival instructor, this is
the ultimate prepper program. You’ll camp out on the premises
and be encouraged to rough it.
Locations are in Arkansas, Florida and Virginia. Check out the
courses and schedules. Get tough. Be prepared.
For Post-Prepper Pampering visit The Homestead
in Hot Springs, VA, one of the most luxurious golf
resorts and spas in the country. It’s just 126 miles
due north from the Virginia survival school. And is
there any better way to decompress?
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10 KICK-BUTT ADVENTURES TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
MOOSEVIP
RAFT THROUGH
THE HEART OF
6. GRAND CANYON
Is there anything quite like the majesty of the Grand
Canyon? While most tourists are content with just
snapping a few pictures (or selfies) of this 277 mile-long
erosion, why not get a closer look at one of nature’s
most intricate geographic formations from below?
Arizona Raft Adventures is the place to go to “experience
the wonder” of the Grand Canyon. You’ll have the
opportunity to whitewater raft through the Colorado
River in the Grand Canyon National Park and learn about
one of the most amazing natural wonders of the U.S.
You can either paddle your way through the river or take
a motorized trip. This experience is perfect for the entire
family and will certainly leave a lasting memory.
Round out your trip to the Grand Canyon by taking
a 3-hour mule ride along the canyon rim or bike
along the North or South Rim for a more active
outdoor experience.
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10 KICK-BUTT ADVENTURES TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
MOOSEVIP
DIVE WITH GREAT
7. WHITE SHARKS
Cue the theme music from Jaws. If you’re looking for
something extreme to check off your adventure list, boy do
we have an itinerary for you. Dive into the deep blue and
swim with the fishes… really, really big fish. On Guadalupe
Island off the west coast of Baja California, Mexico, you will
have the opportunity to dive deep with great white sharks.
The “Solmar V” – the vessel – takes guests on a scenic tour
from San Diego, down the coastline of Baja to Guadalupe
Island for a four day shark search.
Upon arrival, you can observe these incredible animals
up close and personal from the safety of a strong metal
underwater cage. And the best part is you don’t have to
be a certified scuba diver to take full advantage of this
adventure.
Guadalupe is one of the best destinations to observe
these curious creatures since the water visibility is often
more than 100 feet and water temperatures ranging from
65F -70F. So suit up, dive in and experience this once-in-alifetime aquatic encounter.
While visiting Guadalupe Island, take in the natural
scenery and check out the wildlife such as the
Guadalupe Fur Seal, the Guadalupe Rock Wren,
House Finch and other birds, as well as plant life
and insects.
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10 KICK-BUTT ADVENTURES TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
MOOSEVIP
DARE TO DESCEND
TO THE CENTER
8. OF THE EARTH
If it’s Thrihnukagigur, it must be Iceland. Take a walk on
the wild side with 3H Travel’s Inside the Volcano Tour.
After you arrive in Reykjavik and catch the tour bus to
Blue Mountains County Park, you’ll traverse about two
miles across an ancient lava field to the crater. Don
helmet and safety harness and climb aboard the open
cable lift. It’s like a window cleaner’s platform, so you
also can scratch that adventure off you list too.
Descend 400 feet into the magma chamber for an
awe-inspiring sight. You have about 40 minutes to
walk around the chamber, explore and take pictures.
And don’t worry; Thrihnukagigur has been dormant for
about 4,000 years.
Since you’re going all the way to Iceland, make
a real holiday out of your stay. Swim in the
geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. Go
whale watching. Visit the open-air shopping
at Laugavegur. Try the local fare. If it’s cold
enough, you might even see the Northern
Lights. The Pearl dome offers a 360-degree
view of Reykjavik and a revolving restaurant.
Thrihnukagigur Magma Chamber. Iceland
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10 KICK-BUTT ADVENTURES TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
MOOSEVIP
GOT GOLD FEVER?
THIS FAMILY VACATION
9. MAY PAY FOR ITSELF
There’s Still Gold in Them There Hills. And at more than
$1000 an ounce, gold panning is one adventure for the
ages…with a payoff. Join modern-day 49ers as they look for
the Mother Lode.
Gold Prospecting Adventures in Jamestown, California, has
something for everyone. Learn various mining techniques—
panning, sluice box and electronic prospecting. Imagine
using a metal detector to find the gold floating in the
stream and trace it back to the source. There are even
prospecting courses that prepare you to stake and work
your own claim.
Then take your new-found skills to a real gold field. Pan and
sluice in Jimtown, an 1849 mining camp that combines
gold mining with living history. The kids will love this
introduction to an important part of America’s history. This
is one time you’ll look forward to hearing the kids shouting
and screaming—especially when they yell, “I found gold!”
Make your trip to Jimtown a destination or a
stop on the way to Yosemite. You’re only about
2 ½ hours from Yosemite National Park—1,200
square miles of natural beauty that’s been
protected since 1864. And don’t miss the
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park with steam
trains and working roundhouse. Many popular
movies and TV shows have been filmed here.
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10 KICK-BUTT ADVENTURES TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
MOOSEVIP
EXTREME ALASKA:
10.THE LAST FRONTIER
No list of kick-butt adventures is complete without a trip
to the last US frontier where the sightseeing and fishing
are extraordinary.
Extreme Alaska may sound redundant. But it’s not when
you see what Exposure Alaska has put together. Their
Ultimate Alaska Extreme Multi-Sport Adventures include
sea kayaking on Prince William Sound, whitewater rafting
on Six Mile Creek or the Nenana River, ice climbing and
glacier trekking, ziplining, backpacking and tent camping.
This is no walk in the park. It’s a mini-expedition for the
hardened outdoor adventurer.
Choose from three packages: Extreme Week, Xxtreme
Week (includes whitewater rafting) and Extreme PLUS
(everything plus a bus tour of Denali National Park and
two nights in local inns or B&Bs).
For a truly memorable Alaskan experience, be
sure to visit the Aurora Ice Museum at Chena
Hot Springs Resort. This is home to the world’s
largest year-round ice environment and stays at a
cool 25° Fahrenheit (-7° Celsius). Brrrr....
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10 KICK-BUTT ADVENTURES TO RECLAIM YOUR INNER THRILL-SEEKER
MOOSEVIP
MOOSE IS ALL ABOUT
COMMUNITY
While caring for others and serving your community are critical
objectives, we want you to also consider how you take care of
your health.
So let’s talk cancer. It’s not a pleasant discussion, we know.
But having that conversation before you get sick, making plans
for cancer care and coverage in advance, and knowing what
you can do to fight cancer will give you some peace of mind.
First, as part of MooseVIP, we can help you enjoy knowing you
have the opportunity of insurance coverage for cancer care.
Second, we created this kick-butt adventure list to suggest
activities that will keep you active and loving life. A good
attitude is essential—whether you are fighting cancer, a cancer
survivor or want to reduce your chances of becoming ill. So are
a healthy diet and moderate exercise. In fact, walking, strength
training, stretching, weight management and good balance are
high on the list of recommended activities1. And anything that
keeps you active is good. That’s why we included activities you
love on this list.
So kick cancer to the curb. Enjoy life, stay active and reduce
your chances of succumbing to cancer.1 MooseVIP can help.
Now get out there and tackle your kick-butt adventure list. You
have a lot of living to do. To learn more about the plan visit
MooseVIP.com.
1. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/dietandphysicalactivity/diet-andphysical-activity February 5th, 2015
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