I wish you were here

Can you imagine yourself hiking up a steep hill, reaching the top of a waterfall, then repelling down the face of a cliff and through the waterfall? Then you should go on a canyoneering trip.

Canyoneering (Canyoning) is a sport in which you explore canyons by hiking, scrambling, repelling, rafting, swimming and waterfall jumping. See Wikipedia for more.

To accomplish the repelling part, you need to know about ropes, carabiners and ASAPs. But if you are not a rock climber, you can still enjoy a canyoneering adventure by going with an experienced outfitter and letting them do the technical parts.

SoCal Adventure Company to San Antonio Falls for an amazing Canyoneering trip. 

My first cruise experience was an eye-opener. I never expected to have so many new experiences on a 4-day trip, but by the end of the 4^th day, I was regretting not booking a longer voyage.

Our cruise took us from Long Beach to Santa Catalina Island in California to Ensenada in Mexico and back.

Carnival offers 3- and 4-day trips to Ensenada, but we picked the 4 days because of the stop at Catalina.

Newport Beach is a vibrant coastal city in Orange County, California, renowned for its sandy beaches, piers, bike paths, malls, and diverse dining options.

The beaches in Newport are perfect for surfing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing, swimming, and fishing, offering a plethora of water activities for enthusiasts of all ages.

Beyond the beach, Newport Beach offers a variety of activities including leisurely walks along the shore, cycling, exploring local shops and eateries at the pier, family fun at the Fun Zone, and engaging in Dolphin and Whale watching tours.

Visitors can also rent boats or jet skis for a relaxing time in the bay or an adventurous day out in the ocean.

For shoppers, Fashion Island offers numerous high-end retail outlets, two food courts, and a selection of upscale restaurants.

Nestled above Rancho Cucamonga and within the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Etiwanda Falls Trail offers a refreshing escape into nature, marked by its rugged beauty and the tranquil sounds of cascading waters. 

This moderately challenging hike is known for its steady incline, leading adventurers through diverse landscapes to the scenic reward of the falls. 

The path extends over a 3.2-mile out-and-back route, typically requiring around 1 hour and 45 minutes to traverse. Our journey spanned three hours as we frequently paused to soak in the breathtaking vistas. 

Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate and enjoy the Etiwanda Falls Trail, complete with hiker tips and interesting facts.

The massive, life-sized blue whale suspended from the ceiling of the Great Hall immediately sets the stage for the scale of the adventure ahead. This 88-foot model serves as a breathtaking introduction to the Aquarium of the Pacific, where the mysteries of the world’s largest ocean are brought to eye level. Walking through the doors, you feel the transition from the bustling Long Beach waterfront into a serene, underwater realm.