The Present

As much as we love traveling, trip planning, all the research that’s involved, getting excited about ideas…future places, we are reminded to enjoy the PRESENT.

Sometimes the worry wart takes over…there’s not enough time, it’s going by too fast, instead of allowing ourselves to fully relax and soak up everything happening in the moment. Enjoy right now; it’s the best way to get the full experience, right?!

We are going on vacation to Nashville; our first time to the “Music City”… Woot! I have to say I am proud that nothing is planned this time (okay, well, the coolest hotel and one concert!)

We’re pumped to take it slow, explore and let the beats lead the way.

For whether in a rad new city or in the middle of Baja with a flat tire, “wherever you go…there you are!” 😉

(Quote ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn)

The Draw of Adventure

What is the draw of an adventure?

Is it the love hate relationship with your burning quads and lungs while ascending a mountain?

Wind tears streaming from your face as you fly down a hill on two wheels above 40 mph?

Maybe it’s experiencing a new place, for the first time, taking it all in and appreciating you’ll never feel that way again, then you did in that very moment…

For me, the most addicting adventures have unique combinations of physical, mental and emotional challenge. Adventuring is about discovering elements of the unknown and unveiling what life has to offer.

This weekend was filled with some of my favorites…espresso, trail exploring, bike riding, tasty food, great company as well as my first time viewing the Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour showing at a local theatre.

To anyone that has not seen this; I highly recommend! The festival itself is a competition of international films and documentaries about mountain sports, culture and environment. The tour includes a collection of top films that will capture your mind and transport your soul to incredible places and people around the world.

For me, watching this film series was like dousing my ‘adventure fire’ with a bottle of lighter fluid. Rrrooooaaaarrrrrrr! I could not get to sleep afterwards; storms of thought tornadoes blew through my head…all the places…all the things…so much to do… so little time…

The Mexico van search continues …as does the list of destinations…

Cactus to Clouds

Coffee

Did I mention, we love coffee?

The best mornings start with a cup…or let’s be real, 2 cups!

It’s one of those 5 sense experiences: sight, smell, the sound of making it, the taste and even the touch. A comforting cup in your hand and warm fuzzies in your belly?!

Not rushed, but to be fully enjoyed, solo or with the ones you love (my favorite). A coffee inspires the day and reminds of past experiences. These are some memorable coffees over the last few months….

(East Cape, Baja MX, Thousand Island Lake Backpacking and a freak snow storm in Joshua Tree)

No trip can be planned without coffee…

Viva la Vida Ventures Intro:

Hola!

We drink the finest coffee while contemplating our next big adventures. We probably consume too much peanut butter and have a small obsession with Danner hiking boots.

On the beach or at 10,000 ft., the places we enjoy most are hard to get to…

Most recently?
We decided to buy a van and plan a trip through Mexico. We are excited to blog about this journey as well as other exciting things along the way.