Author: Jill Meinecke

It’s been a cause for celebration lately, it being summer and my family and friends being in town at the same time and all, which means, lucky you—an influx of postings! Shortly after my best friend Colleen came into town for the month, we headed to none other than the Jersey Shore. She had never been there before. I have been to a few beaches a few times, and it was time to check out a place I have only been to once, late at night for a horseshoe crab survey.

Getting there: The route getting to Cape May from Philadelphia differed slightly from other beaches on the shoreline. Since Cape May is located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, the drive was a tad bit longer (think 1 hour 45 minutes). But with good company, conversation and music, the drive is a breeze! You want to take the Atlantic City Expressway East and The Garden State Parkway South for most of the drive. For logistics, I won’t insult you. You know to Google Map it or use a GPS.

Getting around: Like many of the shore towns, driving is relatively easy. The “main drag” as I like to always call it is Beach Avenue (not surprisingly) where you find all the beach access points. Beach access for the day is $5, and unlike Long Beach Island, they do patrol, so bring your cash! Bikes are for rent from many different shops, if you prefer to get around that way. Or do like the locals do and skateboard the streets in your bikini! If you get tired of the crowds along Beach Avenue, head in your car about 3 miles NW down New England Road and discover the quiet, untamed New Jersey wilderness that is Higbee Beach.

Enter the wild and exotic Higbee Beach

Higbee Beach: Once a hot spot for nudists, Higbee Beach is the sort of place only locals know about. You have to hike through a wooded area to get there, and there are no amenities, no lifeguards, and best of all no rules! Don’t sunbathe nude, because you will run into the occasional dog walker or sunbather. They say you shouldn’t swim there because there are sunken docks and old boat remains near the shore. If that doesn’t scare you away from taking a dip, maybe the epic sized Jellyfish and Horseshoe crabs will! Whether you gain the courage to take a dip or not is up to you, but one thing’s for sure: you won’t be battling for space on this remote stretch of beach. 

Pastel-colored homes in Cape May

Atmosphere: Cape May is the sort of place young, affluent families vacation. Hardly a hard-knock in sight, yuppies abound here. Not that it’s all bad. The beach town reminded me of Destin, Florida and Key West combined, just without all the drunken debauchery of Key West. Imagine the small-town feel you get in the Truman Show and match that with some of the playfulness you see in Key West and you have an about right image. Restaurants could be a little pricey for the young and struggling, so don’t discount packing lunch before you go or checking out a cheap deli/sandwich shop for grub. After the beach, it was hard to find a beach bar with live entertainment or even good drink specials. The most party-friendly place we could find was giving away tables to families with highchairs and providing them crayons. While there’s nothing wrong with children, it definitely was not the beach-town atmosphere I was looking for as a young person. If you want a little bit of a party scene, Cape May (at least the main drag) might not be the place for you.

Good times: We all enjoyed swimming out past where the waves broke in the Atlantic, letting the larger waves carry us to and fro while floating on our backs. We also snuck some beer onto the beach and enjoyed those until the midday sun threatened to dehydrate us. Higbee Beach was an awesome find, and having your own piece of paradise is always great!

Whatchu Say?! Moments: While on the main beach, the lifeguard whistled at us and made us come back into shore, saying we had swim out to far, and that, in fact, we were in a designated non-swim zone, even though the actual swim zone was about 20 feet away. Also, at Higbee Beach, the Jellyfish and Horseshoe crab population might be enough to make you run for the hills, not the water. Since you technically aren’t supposed to swim there anyway because of the debris, I can’t knock on the wildlife too hard.

Horseshoe Crabs not your thing? Mine neither

In a nutshell: A great getaway for the day or a couple of days. I would definitely come back, although I might stay for a night or two since the drive is almost 2 hours in each direction. Also, I must say, a lesson to be learned from the trip is to trek the road less traveled! Without doing so, we would have never found the best part- Higbee beach. There is a reason why Cape May is often praised for having some of the best beaches in the world. As far as accessibility, value, beauty and location is concerned, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend an afternoon-or week!

Feeling good makes a difference, don’t you agree? When’s the last time you actually felt good? Have you paused to marvel at some passing clouds lately? Have you discovered that time is relative? Isn’t work just that: work?

These are things I have been making time for lately. While striving to meet personal and professional goals (and working my butt off to get there), I always make time for the surreal, the driving force behind our lives. I like to find peace in my day to day even if it’s hectic at best. And while striving to maintain different commitments in order for certain plans to fall into place, it’s necessary that I trek the higher road- the road of hard work and optimism.

My uncle died and it changed my life. I’m young, only 24. I’m impressionable. Most doctors agree that our brains don’t even stop forming until age 25. When he died, he left a mark on my life, and I decided to make a change in it.

Suddenly, all I want is a career. I want to be driven. I quit smoking. I started exercising more regularly. I offered a helping hand more often. I am giving, but also taking to and from the universe. I recognize my role and I’m slowly adapting. I’m carving out a life for myself. It’s hard but the rewards are building.

I have a second job interview at a company whose salary will make it possible for me to save up money to see the world. I hope to visit Costa Rica by year’s end and SE Asia next summer. I also want to concentrate on studying abroad. Maybe Spain. This job, in my mind, holds the key to those goals. It’s a stepping stone. I feel grateful and confident that these things will come to fruit.

My friend Marjie, a newly graduated flight attendant has given me the most generous gift of free flights for a year. I am beside myself with all the places I can visit, if only for a weekend or long weekend, stateside and possibly internationally. This is a wonderful gift, one I won’t soon forget. We are already planning an excursion to Portland or Seattle very soon. I can hardly believe it!

My family will be visiting from Chicago in just a week which means meals out, sightseeing, visiting Washington D.C. and New York, the Jersey Shore and more. Not to mention, my best friend Colleen will be in town for all of the festivities. AND we are in  the process of planning a trip to the Pocono Mountains at the end of July.

I can hardly begin to explain what a healthy and optimistic mindset can do for your life. Suddenly, positive changes are popping up and I’m ready to accept them with open arms. Let this be a lesson to me that when I feel down, don’t get tied to that moment and mindset. Fuel your life with energetic optimism, and the world will be yours.

Follow the link before to see the article I wrote for The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Travel section May 22nd.

Cheers!

http://www.philly.com/philly/travel/20110522_Personal_Journey__An_escape_down_to_Florida.html

Do you have Xenophobia? Does the thought of striking up conversation with the nearest person scare you to death? Or are you basically disinterested in everything they might say to you? Below are three reasons (among MANY) why you should open your mind, put your guard down and get talkin’ to the locals.

1. They know things you don’t: This should be obvious to you by now, but in case you didn’t know, that person over there knows something you don’t. Intriguing, eh? So hop to finding out what that thing might be. For instance, today while hiking at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Bob, an elusive, yellow t-shirt wearing local chatted my ear off about his memories at the Wildlife Refuge, including what flowers were in season at what time of the year and to stay away from wild turkeys, because although they are cool to look at, they will attack you.

Bob musing about turtles

Bob and I met up several times throughout the day, and when passing one another, we would smile warmly, make a quick joke, and he would direct me to an awesome point of interest not far away (Observation Deck). Bob was cool; it wasn’t his job to tell me about the flooding that destroyed part of the park years ago, his memories of fishing on the banks, or that there is a shitload of turtles all around, but he shared that with me anyway. It deepened my experience there. I was able to imagine Bob and his friends catching Crappie and then throwing them back while on my walk. Sounds silly, but someone’s story can really give your experience a different perspective.

2. Same time/same place syndrome: Ever been stuck in a long line at the bank, and somehow find yourself agreeing with the person in front of you that the line is taking forever? Makes you feel a little better, doesn’t it? Imagine that times ten when you are out and about traveling and discovering a new place. There’s a reason why certain people are around. They’re not always there to chat, but if the mood suits you, ask somebody how/why they came to be in that exact moment with you. It’s funny that you can share a moment with someone but not even know how/why that other person came to be there. Why don’t you do yourself a favor and find out? You may discover that you and unknown mystery person X have more in common than you think. If anything, it’s a good way to remind yourself that you still have a voice after you’ve spent a good amount of time in a shy silence.

Random friends at Devil’s Pool. You guys were nice!

For instance, while at Devil’s Pool, I met up with a group of kids who said they had just traveled down to Pennsylvania after a Metal music fest in Maryland. Since a few of my friends are really into metal, we started talking metal bands, music, festivals…everything. They even invited me to stay and hang out longer with them and their dogs. Had I had more time, it could have been the start of a beautiful friendship. Instead, they remain just a memory, but it’s funny that we came together at the same spot at the same time. At the very least, talking to someone who you perceive to be a stranger will give you a story to tell.

3. Were you raised in a barn?/Where are your manners?:  
While you by no means have to befriend everyone everywhere you go, it’s courteous to acknowledge someone’s existence, especially if you are off the beaten track. It’s impossible to expect others to nod and wave at you in a big city, but when hiking or visiting a remote stretch of somewhere, a nice nod, “hello” or “how are you doing?” makes a world of difference. It can start a genuinely interesting conversation or it could merely an acknowledgment that “Hey, we’re kind of in this together, aren’t we?” It’s the human thing to do. You don’t want to be that stiff that stares at the ground, begging not to be talked to. Open up and discover the world you share with others. Chances are after talking to some of those scary strangers, you’ll discover that fear is the child of ignorance and that you owe yourself better than that.

Me on top of the Observation Tower Bob told me about

When I first moved to the East Coast, I had somehow acquired a sweatshirt that said “LBI” on the front of it. I walked around for  months fielding questions about whether or not I have been to LBI before, what I thought of it and where I had gotten the sweatshirt. I was painfully unaware of what LBI even stood for. All I knew that it was a good Christmastime sweatshirt. Red and White…what could be more festive? Observe my ignorance on Christmas morning:

Me in my “Christmas sweatshirt” aka the LBI Sweatshirt

Little did I know, LBI stands for Long Beach Island, one of the most beautiful stretches of beaches on the New Jersey shore. 

Part II: Long Beach Island, New Jersey
Getting there: Much like getting to Seaside Heights, you follow 70 E from the Philadelphia area, and then veer to the right at the second traffic circle to continue on 72 E. Follow that and you will be delivered into the town of Manahawkin where you will take a beautiful scenic bridge over Manahawkin Bay onto Long Beach Island.

Long Beach Island might be best discovered by bike

Getting around: Once on the island, you will notice that it’s pretty easy to get around. If you just follow Long Beach Boulevard, you can get anywhere you need to go. I started by heading north (turning left) to check out the different beach options. To the north you will find small beach communities like Surf City, North Beach, Long Beach, Loveladies, and finally Barnegat Light, where the famous Barnegat Light House is located. Fun fact: This lighthouse is actually a movie star, having appeared in the film The Perfect Storm. Do you think it was starstruck around the insanely handsome George Clooney? If you head south, you will encounter Ship Bottom, Brant Beach, Spray Beach, Beach Haven and Holgate. Sounds like a lot, but from the northern most tip of the island to the southernmost (car access, anyway) it’s only 18 miles.

 Atmosphere: This is the kind of place you want to stay a few days, if not a week. Imagine quiet beaches without the hustle and bustle of carnival rides, drunken guidos and chain-smoking teens. Driving down Long Beach Boulevard is reminiscent of the Florida Keys: with the turn of the head you can see the bay out one window and the Atlantic out the other. Talk about paradise! The “strip” is rather sleepy and quiet, but full of fun shops including the original Ron Jon Surf shop, many surf board rental places, a bevy of beachfront restaurants and bars, craft places…you name it. Step into one of the many beach access points and discover the calm, serene ocean just waiting for you to swim in and lay by. This beach doesn’t expect you to spend loads of hard-earned cash or tempt you with fried oreos. It just asks that you come, stay and relax.

At the southernmost accessible tip of LBI

Good times: After spending hours soaking in the Atlantic in Surf City, I packed up my belongings and headed south toward the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Three miles of unsolicited beaches and untamed nature lie at the end of the island, and you bet I was going to go and check it out. This part of the island seemed like a crossroad for ocean lovers, as people were fishing, sunbathing, swimming, or just gazing at the ocean from an overlook bench. The nature reserve was blocked off for the most part because of nesting season, but seabirds abounded and signs offering information about indigenous species were plentiful. It was a pleasant end to a perfect beach day.


Whatchu Say?! moments: Hardly any. I don’t believe there were any moments where I questioned why things were the way they were.

In a nutshell: Long Beach Island is for lovers. For beach lovers especially. Pristine sandy shores meet bluish green Atlantic waters. What else could you want? It is a must-visit destination. Now I can wear my LBI sweatshirt proudly!

Jungle trekking in  Pavones, Costa Rica

At a tiger temple in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

I’m in Tom’s River, New Jersey, just about to follow NJ Route 37 over the bridge and into Seaside Heights. This is my first trek to the New Jersey Shore, and it would have been a lot sooner if only winter weather hadn’t overstayed its welcome so long. It’s Memorial Day, my first real day off with the “real world” worker bees. I sigh at the prospect of fighting them for lane-changing at my discretion and wonder how many times I will get turned around in a traffic circle. The answer is only once, and before I know it, I’m in ocean city paradise. A cool and refreshing sea breeze blows through my hair as I cross the bridge over the Atlantic Ocean. I gaze at sailboats, yachts and the occasional jet-skier. I have already determined: Life on the shore is damn good.

This will be an on-going series about the New Jersey Shore beaches. First impressions are everything, and I’m going to do my best to point out the good, the bad and the ugly of these nationally-known and certainly internationally recognized stretch of beaches.


Part I: Seaside Heights, NJ

Getting there: From Philadelphia, PA the drive took me about an hour and a half. It’s not hard to find if you utilize Google Maps, of course. I obviously drove there and took 70 E most of the way until I hit 37 E. Believe me when I say, Google Maps enjoys a laugh at your expense: always remember to double check your directions. Google directed me to take 37 W, wherein a roundabout circle driving scenario reminiscent of the Truman Show ensued. Once landing safely on the other side of the bridge, make sure to follow the signs for Seaside Heights, not Seaside Park. Once in Seaside Heights, it is unbelievably easy to find the boardwalk and scour for parking.

Getting around: Like I said, if you have any basic navigation skills, going straight and finding the water should be relatively easy for you. The boardwalk, about a mile stretch of restaurants, rides, arcade games and beach access is laid out in front of you like a weekend-long debauchery smorgasbord. The town is fairly small and is very pedestrian friendly. Don’t avoid walking because vehicle traffic can be a nightmare. You’ll notice there are plenty of cross-walks- just be a considerate pedestrian, not an asshole who walks into traffic. You know, there IS a thing called natural selection. There are all sorts of rental shops for bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, wave runners, you name it. Oh yeah, there’s also the Sky Ride, a cable car ride that takes you roughly from one end of the boardwalk to the other for $3 or $5 for a round trip. Check it out!

Guidos ruling from their rooftop fortress

Atmosphere: Walking down the street and eventually past the house The Jersey Shore cast members stayed in  made me wonder if I was undergoing some rite of passage. Was I witnessing the inevitable downfall of this once family-oriented, home-grown beach town? Does El Guido officially rule as King of The Jersey Shore? Was all of humankind doomed to wear their hair spiky, their skin orange and fall over drunk at shitty dive bars? These are the questions I asked myself as I saw the old fighting to stay alive amongst the new.

The boardwalk was alive with food vendors, including the famous Three Brothers Pizza shop, Rita’s Water Ice (like Italian or shaved ice if you, like me, find no real significant meaning to a dessert called “water ice.” Isn’t ice just frozen water? Whatever.), old and new school arcades (check out Flashback Arcade for some old-school games like Ms. Pacman and and Sinistar), and some pretty good restaurants.

Beach-goers in Seaside Heights, NJ

The beach was the beach. People screaming about cold water, crowds soaking up the rays, brave souls paddle boarding a wave up to the shore. Beautiful coast!

Good times: Nothing shocks and excites like a too-cold wave catching you off guard. The water had to haven been less than 70 degrees, but it somehow felt so good to lose footing because of the water’s salty push. If you are going to make it all the way to the shore, you better get in that water! Locals say that the water isn’t swimmer-friendly until about August. Don’t let that stop you!

Dinner at Spicy’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina was memorable. Throw out your misconceptions that the boardwalk only has carnival or junk food. Me, my sister, her boyfriend and his mother had an extraordinary meal from a table over looking the Atlantic. My pork carnitas stuffed chiles rellenos were great and the gimmicky table-side guacamole presentation was actually enjoyable, not cringe-worthy. I always feel a server’s pain, being one myself, but she seemed to genuinely like preparing our guacamole table-side. Whether she did or not is another story, but if not, she was a great actress, which usually means a great waitress.

Walking the boardwalk at night had a sort of Vegas Strip-esque quality. I sat, half-buzzed, watching an Elvis impersonator on a Monday night feeling pleasantly entertained. There’s a certain amount of fun that you involuntarily have while being with so many other people letting loose, dancing to Elvis classics and downing cheap specialty beach drinks. You are right there with ’em, so make the most of it!

Lastly, try to make time to head under FunTime Pier (where the amusement rides are located) to escape the beach crowd and watch the waves crash against the wooden pillars holding up the pier.

Whatchu say?! moments: Minutes within leaving my car parked at a local lot, cursing aloud for allowing myself to get raped by lot prices, a carload of guidos pulled up next to me and tried their luck at holla-ing at me. They told me to get in, asking if I want to go for a ride and told me I was lookin’ good. I told them to get lost with a flick of the wrist and darted off behind the car, so as not to be seen or bothered.

Beach access is not free during the “in” season from Memorial Day through October. You can purchase beach badges about every block or so for $5/person. OR you can ask whatever resort you’re staying at to provide you complimentary beach badges.

This one  boardwalk game has the right idea

In a nutshell: If you can try to ignore “The Jersey Shore” goings-on, from Aztec Ocean Resort churning out Guidos like an assembly line, the MTV “favorite” locations and the arcade crane games whose prize selection consist of shade sunglasses and booty shorts, then head over to Seaside Heights. Ride some rides, soak in the rays and walk the boardwalk. It’s great for kids, pre-teens, and I’d argue for adults at least for a day or two. If you’re looking for a quiet beach get-away, Seaside Heights New Jersey is not for you. If you want to see and be seen, get out to The Shore!

It’s come to my attention that I’ve yet to properly introduce myself to my own blog. As comfy-cozy it would be to give you my resume introduction, I would surely hate to bore you with those details. Instead, I would like to think of my accomplishments as second hand to my mission.


Why Travel Writing?
I crave travel and have been struck with an awfully good case of wanderlust. Stephen King says that when writing a word, be as concise as possible; when trying to convey a specific idea, why would you choose a mere cousin word to the word you really meant to use? Words, in their basest form, are only a representation of their own true meaning. I believe travel to be the same way. A destination is only a sliver of a place’s true essence. When you go somewhere, whether seeing it for the first time or having had traveled there many times, it is always evolving. It’s your job, as a traveler, to decode your destination’s message. These messages can be lost, sorted to the furthest enclave of your mind as a distant recollection. Or your experiences can be immortalized- shared through the median of writing to enchant, inspire and breathe new life into a memory.

Me, Raymondskill Falls, Pocono Mountains

Literature for the same reason is equally important. A wise professor once told me, “Literature is an evocation of reality.” So is traveling. While you can never grasp any location’s full meaning (even if it’s home!), it’s in us day in and day out to try and make sense of this life. Why not grab a journal, write it down and share your observations? To touch and be touched by an experience, no matter how domestic or exotic, is my inspiration. Life is a balance, and I intend to focus on that and where I fit in.

This is why I travel. This is why I write.

Inspirational Folk
Well Known: Anthony Bourdain, Hunter Thompson, Stephen King, Randy Pauch, Roger Ebert

Most assuredly Soon-To-Be-Well-Known in their own regard: Marjie Woolard, Colleen Godin, Rachel LaPorte, Melissa Kozak, Ruston Grosse, The Fitzgeralds, Anyone who has shaped and touched my life in the past. That means you.

Where I live
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Home Is
Chicago, Illinois

Wish List Destinations (Domestic)
Boston, Mass., Burlington, VT., Portland OR, The Grand Canyon, AZ, Maine, Anywhere/Everywhere

Wish List (Internationally)
Costa Rica, Belize, Nicaragua, Brazil, Chile (anywhere Central/South America), British Virgin Islands, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Papau New Guinea, Zanzibar, The Cook Islands, Tokyo, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, Anywhere/Everywhere

Most memorable moment
Driving down Highway 1 from Miami to Key Largo

Moment I wish I could forget
Tijuana, Mexico

In the meantime
Freelance writing, blogging, reading, cooking

Well, you know the rest. Or do you?

Since starting work at a Spanish Tapas Restaurant in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania on the Main Line, I have become a student of tequilas. Makers, classifications, production methods, aging process, you name it. Here’s a little rundown of what I’ve learned so far and what information you can take with you next time you’re itching for this south-of-the-border spirit.

The Basics

The Blue Agave- A cactus-like plant that produces tequila

Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, grown most exclusively in the highlands and the lowlands of the Mexican state Jalisco. Those who harvest the agave plants for production are called  jimadores, still adhering to a specific manual technique to produce the juices necessary for fermentation. The juice is allowed to ferment in stainless steel or wood vats for a few days to convert the sugars to alcohol. The liquid is distilled twice and even three times more before being transferred to barrels for the aging process.

Types
Generally speaking, there are 3 major “types” or classifications of tequila:

Blanco– Spanish for “white.” This tequila is young with a ripe, peppery bite. Blanco tequilas are usually bottled immediately after distillation or have only aged up to six months at the most. The flavor profile for Blanco tequilas is very masculine. These are typically the best tequilas to order in your margarita.

Repasado–  Spanish for “rested.” Repasado tequilas have been aged anywhere from 2 months to one year. The taste here is smoother and more feminine. Richer and more complex flavors are characteristic of repasado tequilas, as they rest in wood barrels with unique flavor attributes.

Anejo– Spanish for “aged.” Aged a minimum of 3 years in oak barrels, these tequilas usually offer the richest colors and flavors. These tequilas usually rest in the same barrels the repasados have. They are best enjoyed sipped from a snifter so you can detect and appreciate the complex flavor overtones


Most importantly: Ways to Drink

Tequila shot with salt and lime

Shot: Tequila shots are best served with lime and salt. The salt’s job is to lessen the burn of the tequila, and the lime enhances the flavor. Not to mention, it’s a fun process: Lick, shoot, suck!

Margarita: You’ve no doubt enjoyed a Margarita or two in your day. This traditional drink combines tequila, triple sec and fresh squeezed lime juice. I prefer mine on the rocks, but frozen or straight up is just as well. Rim the glass with some salt and you’re golden.

Snifter glass: This is the way to do it if you want to appreciate the tequila’s subtle nuances. Shooting tequila means missing out on the complex flavor profile your palette craves. Next time, instead of ordering a shot or a margarita, try sipping from a snifter and let your palette explore the tequila’s fragrances and tastes.
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It’s a good idea to know a little bit about what you’re buying so you can get the best taste and bang for your buck. Plus it doesn’t hurt when your knowledge impresses bartenders, your server and your dining companions.

P.S. Don’t limit yourself to Patron. There’s so much more out there! Start with Chinaco, Corralejo, El Mayor or Herradura. Happy drinking!

Deciding to spend the entire day hiking at Wissahickon Creek, somehow nuzzled beautifully right in the outskirts of Center City Philadelphia, was the easiest decision of the day. The hardest part of the day was when I was forced to decide whether or not my companion, Marley, a blind 9-year old Pitbull/Boxer mix, could make it up the slippery shale rock en route to Devil’s Pool, a deep swimming hole surrounded by cliffs. What we accomplished breathed new life into our afternoon excursion.

Without further ado, 5 Reasons to Trek the Road Less Traveled:

1. The payoff will always trump your initial doubt.
Marley and I were rather tired after hiking up and down Forbidden Drive along the Wissahickon Creek for about 2 hours. Faced with the decision to soldier on or call it a day, I almost pulled the plug early to head home. I thought to myself, “Why come all this way if you haven’t even found what you’re looking for?” Eventually we did find the swim hole called Devil’s Pool which was the whole reason for the trip. Any doubts I had about continuing on and finding the swim hole deep in the woods were squashed once we arrived.

2. You are probably going to meet some cool people.
Around Devil’s Pool I was greeted by a friendly tourist who wanted his photo taken. I did, and he took mine in exchange. We chatted briefly, and then I moved on to talk to a couple of kids who were picnicking on the rocks nearby. They were fun and full of information on the swim hole. Apparently it’s safe to dive off the nearby cliffs  because the water is about 10 feet deep. From a distance, I never would have thought that to be possible. But I stand corrected: moments later, kids were jumping off the cliff, one after another, like brave lemmings. Not to mention when I was leaving, a couple of guys offered me a beer and some conversation. They suggested I stay and hang out, and I did for a while. These are friends I met in the middle of the woods! That’s to say, if you get out there and take a chance and strike up a conversation, you’re likely to be welcomed and treated warmly.

Devil’s Pool Swim Hole, Wissahickon Creek

3. You’re going to see some great things.
My day could have taken the inevitable turn for the same. I may have cruised around the city, scouring for something to do, maybe buy a cup of coffee and read the paper. More than likely, though, I probably would have spent too much time at home, online, doing mostly nothing. But, I decided to get out of the house and GO. Sometimes that’s all you need to do to have the great day you never expected. Isn’t that wonderful?

4. You will always have a story to tell.
Imagine your frustration when faced with a situation of story exchanging, maybe when catching up with an old friend, you discover you don’t have much to say. There’s only so far the question “So what’s new?” the answer “Not much” is going to get you. Do you want to subscribe your world to the sentiment of Not Much? Me neither. So then, get out there and go!

5. Prove to yourself that you dare to be different.
Sounds a little cliche, but think about it. Do find comfort in taking the same vacation every year? Following the same routine day in and day out? A wise friend told me that stability is what we crave but it also makes us feel trapped. While you must adhere to a lot of consistency in life, whether it be work, your relationships or maintaining your home, there is ALWAYS wiggle room. Try spending a day off doing something you normally wouldn’t. Decide that what you have done today isn’t enough and forge on. You won’t regret it if you do.