Save the Skin You Are IN

A glint of jealousy flashed in the eyes of my fellow adventurers on the jet boat ride out of the Grand Canyon when I whipped out my lightweight mask, secured it to the frame of my sunglasses, and turned to face 60-mile-an hour winds. This handy defense against the elements helped protect my skin from the wind and intense glare of the sun reflecting on the water. Less than an ounce of protection in my pack prevented me from receiving skin damage with no cure. Too Learn more about how to protect yourself from the elements read my complete article in my column on the National Association of Baby Boomer Women's site Save the Skin You are In!

The Descent into the Grandest Canyon of All!

Join me on the descent to the grandest canyon of all! Even though this article is a posted column on the National Association of Baby Booomer Women’s site, the raft through the Grand Canyon is a journey that can be enjoyed by anyone. All you need to bring on this "bucket list" trip is the right frame of mind and you will return with smile that will last quite some time.

Read more here at the National Association of Baby Boomer Women.

Adventure Travel Writer Linda Ballou Interviewed on Gathering Roads Radio Show

Elaine Masters host of the women’s radio show Gathering Roads interviews adventure-travel writer Linda Ballou. In just 15 minutes you learn what makes Linda want to stretch her limits, and why she is in such a hurry to get to as many beautiful places she can before they are gone. Just in from rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and on her way to the lofty peaks in the San Juan Mountains, she takes time to share her excitement with you.

Listen to the Linda's interview here at Women's Radio

Destination: The Great Abyss

I am still savoring a phenomenal river trip with Grand Canyon Expeditions. Presently, I am writing my impressions while the experience is fresh. Meanwhile, I would like to share these videos with you. There is nothing quite like coming to know the Great Abyss, up close and personal.

Front row seat in the heart of the Grand Canyon

http://youtube/huT9ixg4MTo

Shaking in my boots at Lava Falls

http://youtube/2Nyy_5RJWi4

Grand Canyon Expeditions

Charms of the Grand Canyon - Interview with River Guide Marty Mathis

The charms of the Grand Canyon have captured the imagination of those lucky enough to experience them ever since Powell did the first recorded run down the Colorado in 1869. Marty Mathis, Vice President of Grand Canyon Expeditions, is one of those people so taken by the magic of the canyon he has made sharing the canyon his life’s work. In my article “Not All Outfitters are Created Equal” I talked about what makes a good outfitter. In my interview with Marty, I think you will find he has all the right answers.


Read the rest of the interview here

Rafting in the Grandest Canyon of All

Last April, I crawled out onto Shoshone Point on the South Rim and stared into the Great Abyss. It was a bit windy that day so I held onto a boulder to keep from being blown into oblivion. As I watched the fast moving clouds cast shadows upon the striated walls of amber, purple and mauve, I yearned to know the pulsing heart of the grandest gorge of them all. The terra cotta river carving its path a mile below held mysteries for me that I had to know. In May, I will meet the challenge of rafting the tumultuous Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Mode of transport—a motorized launch that gets through hairy rapids and down the entire 227 mile run in only eight days. This trip is perfect for people with time constraints who want to experience the thrill of the canyon without straining a muscle or risking an unwanted dip in bone-chilling water. The pontoon-craft used by Grand Canyon Expeditions seats 14-people and carries supplies for the all-inclusive holiday. This is an incredible time to be on the river with temps around 80 degrees, fewer rafters than in the full tilt summer season and a dazzling desert wildflower show. Visit the Grand Canyon and all of its beauty at Grand Canyon Expeditions.