More women head
outdoors for adventure
The
Outdoors is calling. Women, pack up you
sleeping bags, camping gear, mountain
bikes and hit the trails.
Adventure tours and outdoor vacations
are becoming increasingly popular for
women, who are looking for more and more
options to break away from the daily grind
and household duties and breathe in nature's
fresh air. The backdrop of the United
States' national parks and nature trails
on both the east and west coasts give
adventure-seeking women great opportunities
to ban together and enjoy a little hiking
and biking throughout the year.
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Kayaking
in Washington |
Water
fun and Wilderness in Washington State
The Olympic Peninsula of Washington State
is a picture-perfect setting for a
variety of girlfriend getaways that include
biking through nature trails, kayaking
cool waters and hiking along national
parks. All year, vacations and tours
are available to travelers and adventurers.
Outdoor
Odysseys, Inc.
Explore some of the most beautiful islands
in the United States - and launch a lifetime
of friendships - through these women-only
kayak tours. The sunny San Juan Islands
host this unique kayaking adventure
known as WOW (Women on the Water). Led
by highly trained and spirited female
guides, participants paddle two-person
kayaks and explore the more than 200-tree
lined islands that rise out of the shimmering
waters of the straits of Juan de Fuca.
Over the course of a three-day adventure,
participants will camp at sites just
a few steps from the water, indulge in
world-class cuisine made from local ingredients
and experience inspiring and life
affirming opportunities to view indigenous
wildlife, including killer whales,
bald eagles and harbor seas. The point
of departure, San Juan County Park, is
considered the best place on the
west coast to view the three resident
orca pods that swim the water.
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Bellevue,
Washington's Charming Coast |
Changing
Gears Journeys
Looking for a bond-worthy bike and hike
amidst beautiful and natural surroundings?
Bellevue, Washington-based Changing Gears
Journeys host Fields of Lavender Bicycling
and Hiking Weekend for Women Only, a hands-on,
personalized cycling tour of one of Washington
State's most beloved scenic regions. Timed
just before the renowned Sequim Lavender
Festival, this two-day event involves
exhilarating bicycle and hiking tours
around Sequim, known for its sunny weather
and incredible views of Washington's Olympic
Mountains.
The relaxing atmosphere of the tour allows
participants to hike along the wilderness
trails, which are perfumed by the growing
lavender. The adventure starts on July
12 with a scenic hike through the Dungeness
Spit Wilderness area, followed by unique
shopping in Sequim's quaint and quirky
shops, a visit at an herbal nursery and
a gourmet dinner. On July 13, the tour
rolls through the Sequim countryside along
the Strait of Juan de Fuca, bringing adventurers
to the Purple Haze Lavender Farm for a
picnic lunch and lavender craft class.
Changing Gears Journeys provide adventure
tours year round including bicycling adventures
in Italy, Austria, British Columbia and
Washington State.
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Flyfishing
in Maine |
Magical
Maine Coasts & Islands
For adventurers who prefer the East Coast
appeal, outdoor outfitter L.L. Bean offers
costal adventures for women through its
Outdoor Discover School. The adventure
school, offering classes and excursions
in fly fishing, camping, hiking, biking,
kayaking and more, caters to outdoorsmen
of all types including women.
Casco
Bay, Maine Island-Hopping Kayak Trip
There are so many islands in Casco Bay,
Maine that they are known as the Calendar
Islands, one for every day of the year.
This special part of the world offers
spectacular scenery, fascinating historic
landmarks and a glimpse into a way of
life virtually unchanged in the past 100
years.
The tours allow participants to paddle
at a leisurely pace, while viewing the
gulls and osprey that fly overhead. Near
the islands edges, adventures can catch
a glimpse of seals and other island inhabitants.
Expert guides will share with kayakers
knowledge about the plants, animals and
local history of the island.
Guests
spend one night of the trip at the L.L.
Bean Outdoor Discovery island base camp
and another at a bed and breakfast on
Long Island. There adventurers can visit
with the working lobstermen and enjoy
a clambake with traditional Maine lobster
and steak. Following dinner, kayakers
will enjoy stargazing on the island. The
kayak adventure will include visits to
many of the areas historic sites including
Eagle Island, the home of the famous Artic
explorer, Admiral Peary.
Maine
Costal Camping Bike Tour
Outdoor enthusiasts can experience the
best of the great outdoors during the
summer months while actively taking in
the landscape of the Maine coast on bicycle.
Maine's costal and country roads give
cyclists a great opportunity to explore.
The L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School
offers knowledgeable guides for experiencing
the best Maine has to offer including
coastal vistas, lush fields and farmlands.
Cyclists can explore historic villages,
working harbors, farms and more while
cruising the rocky coast and rolling country
of Maine. The leisurely bicycle tour gives
riders plenty of time to stop and explore
the coast of Maine.
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Lobster
Bake in Maine |
The
two-day weekend excursion is geared toward
outdoor fun as the scenic bike tours take
participants to stunning ocean views,
charming villages and harbors bustling
with sailboats and fishing vessels. Bikers
camp in a private waterfront campground
in Freeport, Maine, where a traditional
lobster bake is hosted. After dinner,
adventurers can enjoy the sunset and gaze up at the stars.
The tours, which run in July, August and
September, are available for all ages
of bikers.
To learn more about these and other women's outdoor adventure tours visit L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools.
FOR
YOU NEXT GIRLFRIEND ADVENTURE…
Outdoor
Odysseys, Inc.
(800) 647-4621
Changing
Gears Journeys
15006 NE 15th St.
Bellevue, Wash. 98007
(206) 824-3401
L.L.
Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools
(888) 552-3261
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