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River Trips

ACE Adventure Blog

Great people having a great time
in the GREAT outdoors!

Tag >> Hiking

ACE_girlfriends_trip

Recently I guided a Big Water Canyon Overnight on the New River and there were two separate bachelor parties enjoying the trip. It got me thinking; where are the girls vacationing this summer?

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the guys’ antics, but I think I could relate to a girl gang a little better. And if “Sex and the City” has taught us anything, we need to celebrate our girlfriends more than ever!


chelsea

My parents hauled my brother, my sister and I to the "middle of nowhere," West Virginia, 13 years ago. Who would have thought then that I would be working at ACE and training to be a river guide, no less? I was less than thrilled. Having only ever lived in Boston, Mass., I was spoiled with aquariums, museums, harbors and the best professional sports in the country.

Needless to say, it was a culture shock. Such a culture shock that I didn't even realize how beautiful and wonderful the area that my parents moved me to was. Poor television reception meant that we only got three channels, two of which were ABC.


Bike_alone

This blog is my passive aggressive plea for the equality of single people. It is my belief that if you are not married or have not reproduced, our society devalues you.

So my friend, Riss, and I had plans for a summer trip but she ditched me. I am not hating on her just because she would rather go on a free trip to Europe instead of lounging on a beach with me. Seriously, I’m fine. No hard feelings. OK. One hard feeling. I have secretly thought of her in Bermuda shorts with a Hawaiian shirt with a fanny pack and Tevas with tube socks in front of the Coliseum.


Photo_-_Trail_Work

Every winter, ACE’s network of trails crossing our 1,500 acres of property takes a beating. And with all the snow, this winter was certainly no exception. The staff in the bike department has already been out clearing debris, taking the chainsaw to fallen trees and repairing water damage.

A critical part of the springtime effort is our volunteers. Every spring, we host at least one trail maintenance weekend where folks can come in and work on the trails with us for a day and a half in exchange for two free nights in one of our cozy cabins. They put in some hard hours out in the woods and get to spend the evening soaking it off in a hot tub. And their help is much appreciated.


During the summer, days off come around as often as a blue moon. A guide who isn't scheduled on the river that day will talk to a manager and try to pick up an extra trip, a canopy tour or some hours helping repair rafts in the boat building. There's always something to keep you busy at ACE.

Normally, I sleep later than the ACE breakfast buffet's open hours, so I head into downtown Fayetteville to grab some brunch at Cathedral Café. Built in an old church, it still retains its stained glass windows and ambiance. Cathedral makes an amazing cup of coffee, served perfectly with Sweet Potato Pancakes. Mmmm, pancakes. Anyway, a good day starts with a great breakfast, right?


 

 

As most of you who work know, it's a little tough to squeeze in a good walk after 5 p.m., so I really don't try to get out until there is a little more evening sunlight. So with the clock springing forward one hour, my hiking season officially began this past weekend.

March and April are a good time to scour the trails if you're looking for amazing views. The foliage hasn't blossomed to fill in the forest and many of the trails wind around cliff edges and outcroppings. You can get a sneak peek at waterfalls (from snow melt), wildflowers (coming very soon), great views and historic ruins.


I'm very fortunate to be allowed to live at ACE year round, and winter is one of my favorite times of the year.  Crowds of hungry birds, flying squirrels and other critters replace the many guests. When the snow flies, it is unbelievably quiet here.

If we get too much snow, the ACE crew clears the roads on property so everyone can get in and out, and the highway department does a fantastic job of keeping the road into ACE cleared.

And I, too, have my own hot tub — sitting in your own, private hot tub while the wind and snow are blowing all around you is a magical experience.


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