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Never too old — Caroline Paul’s new book talks adventuring as you age

There’s always time for adventure.

Caroline Paul wrote “Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking — How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age” because she was 55 and wondering about her future.

“I had always been an outdoor adventurer, from my youth as a whitewater guide to my many wilderness expeditions on mountain bikes and sea kayaks in midlife, to skateboarding and surfing and flying experimental planes into my fifties,” the bestselling author and former firefighter said in an interview released by her publisher, Bloomsbury Publishing. “But I looked around and there really were hardly any women my age out there with me.”

While she saw plenty of men her age and older, she realized that her peers were dialing back their adventure. “So I began to look at the research and also to talk to women who were still doing things outside. And what I found was surprising even to me.”

A book cover showing a person standing on the wing of a plane with overlay text reading "Tough Broad." — *Photo courtesy of Bloomsbury Publishing*

Paul takes readers around the country to meet women ages 50 to 90 who are still getting outside to challenge themselves, learn new things, take risks, and chase awe. These women include 80-year-old scuba diver Louise Wholey, who braves the chilly waters of Monterey, California; Kittie Weston-Knauer, a 74-year-old BMX racer and instructor in Des Moine, Iowa; and the Wave Chasers, a group of boogie boarding senior women in San Diego. “Tough Broad” shares Paul’s interviews, research about aging, and experiences joining these women — her role models — in their chosen outdoor adventures.

“We need templates in our life,” Paul writes. “We need to see our possible selves in someone else’s grand exploits.”

Author Caroline Paul in a helmet while riding a one wheel. — Caroline Paul riding her one wheel. / *Photo courtesy of Caroline Paul*

My favorite chapter was about wing-walking. Seventy-one-year-old Cynthia Hicks likes to Google “something fun to do here” when she travels. That’s how she discovered Mason Wing Walking Academy in Sequim, Washington. In the 1920s, when there were lots of surplus planes left over from World War I, this daredevil activity became popular as part of aerial shows. Today, people can still learn how to climb out of their seats in a red biplane, attach themselves to a cable on the wing, and stay there while the plane does loop-de-loops.

The author beautifully describes the day that Marilyn Mason taught her to wing walk. “The plane rockets skyward. As it climbs, my mind shuffles around in a state of bewilderment. It ransacks neurons and old memories for a pattern to latch on to. Too late. The horizon curdles, falls away. Spinning earth, buffeting air, iceberg clouds flashing by.”

In the wing walking chapter, Paul talks about how research on the state of awe has exploded recently. “I recognize how perfectly wing walking primes us for awe: there is the majestic view at thirty-five hundred feet that feels almost religious; there is the total disequilibrium of doing something so antithetical to every survival instinct; there is the exhilaration of twirling and ricocheting and falling in a vast sky.”

While less active people often see adventure activities as thrill-seeking, Paul wonders at her underlying drivers, especially as she ages. “Could this be what has really been motivating my outdoor quests these past few years? Instead of adrenaline, have I unwittingly been seeking awe?”

An older woman in a wheelchair holding binoculars on a bridge near forest. — Virginia Rose, avid birdwatcher and one of the women interviewed in Paul’s book. / *Photo courtesy of Bloomsbury Publishing*

“Tough Broad” is an entertaining read. It’s sure to inspire women to continue to enjoy the outdoors, create new neural pathways as they try new things, and enjoy the camaraderie of their sisters in adventure into their later years.

Writer received a free advance copy of the book for review.

11 thrilling water adventures to try in the Maldives

Dive into adventure.

A clownfish pokes its head out of a fluttering anemone, then darts back in. I’m snorkeling through the Nemo Garden, an area rich in the predatory marine invertebrates known as anemones and the fish who love them. When I pop back to the surface, marine biologist Caitlin Rentell of Sun Siyam Iru Fushi explains their symbiotic relationship.

“The anemones have stinging cells in them so other organisms will get stung by the anemones,” Rentell told me. “But clownfish have this special mucous that basically coats their skin. And they’ve evolved so they can go in the anemones without getting stung.” The movement of the clownfish brings fresh water and nutrients to anemones, which are attached to coral reefs or rocks on the sea floor. In return, clownfish hide out in anemones to evade predators.

I spent nine days at three different Sun Siyam resorts in the Maldives. Since the South Asian country is 1% land and 99% ocean, it’s heaven if you like a water-focused vacation. Activities range from quiet and educational to loud and motorized.

Two black, white, and yellow fish. — Clownfish staying close to their anemone. / *Photo by Caitlin Rentell*

Loreto Bay National Park invites you to dive into the aquarium of the world

Explore the bay.

I’m all geared up with snorkel and flippers, ready to jump off a boat beside a sea lion colony near Baja California’s Coronado Island. About 100 of them are barking their heads off. It’s deafening. I’m a little leery, as I’ve heard stories of sea lions elsewhere being less than welcoming. But my guide, Ivette Granados Marines, assures me that the local sea lions are friendly. They only bite rude people who stick Go Pros in their faces.

I let go of the boat and fall into the deep warm water. An enormous sea lion torpedoes under me, staring with round black eyes. Sure enough, I am watched but unbitten while snorkeling in the unreal turquoise waters of Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto. Here’s what you should know before visiting the park for yourself.

Cliffs rising out of water. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

The marine park

Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto, which translates to Loreto Bay National Park, includes five uninhabited islands and 510,000 acres within the Gulf of California. The Mexican government established the park in 1996. Since then, it’s gained the added distinction and protection of being declared a Ramsar site in 2004 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Ramsar sites indicate internationally important wetland areas.

A blue kayaking approaching a shore. — Approaching Honeymoon Beach on Danzante Island. / *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

The Gulf of California, also called the Sea of Cortez, is the Pacific Ocean inlet between the Mexican mainland and the eastern coast of Baja California. I spent three days exploring Loreto Bay National Park and the nearby Baja town of Loreto.

Wildlife in the Sea of Cortez

Locals and tourists alike enjoy taking boats out to snorkel, swim, fish, dive, and kayak in the park. While the moniker “aquarium of the world” has made the area vital to the local tourism economy, the point of being a park is to protect the area’s many non-human inhabitants. In addition to friendly sea lions, other big mammals who swim here include dolphins, orcas, fin whales, and humpback whales. The world’s largest mammal, the blue whale, migrates through the park in February and March.

Shells laid out on pebbles and rocks. — Shells of some of the smaller Sea of Cortez residents. / *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

As we boated back from a glorious kayaking and paddle boarding excursion on Danzante Island, Ramon Arce told me about blue whales, his favorite Sea of Cortez animal. “They are huge,” said Arce, an elite kayaking guide with Sea Kayak Baja Mexico. “Sometimes when they show up and you don’t expect them, maybe you get scared for a few seconds. But then they just pass nearby.” While it’s against marine park rules to intentionally go whale watching in a kayak, sometimes they’ll come towards you, Arce said. “In February and March, it’s pretty common to see them.”

A person SUPing on water near an arch rock formation. — Ramon Arce leading our paddling excursion. / *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

Each of the five islands — Coronado, Danzantes, Santa Catalina, Del Carmen, and Montserrat — has slightly different species of the same animals. Santa Catalina Island, the most remote, has seven endemic reptile species found nowhere else in the world. These include the leaf-toed gecko, the desert iguana, and a very disconcerting rattlesnake.

The critically endangered Santa Catalina Island rattlesnake lacks a functioning rattle. Instead, the buttonlike base of the snake falls off every time it sheds its skin, preventing a rattle from growing. “The snake doesn’t need that rattle,” said Granados Marines, a geologist by training who is now operations manager for the central-northern region of Visit Baja California Sur. “Why? Because no one on the island is going to attack the snake.” Uh, but isn’t their courteous warning one of the best things about rattlers?

A cactus growing above a rocky cliff. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

The importance of algae

While few people would question the awesomeness of a huge creature like the blue whale, sometimes it’s the lower-profile organisms that make a difference. As we sit offshore in our boat, admiring Isla Coronado, Granados Marines tells us a story of the hero of the marine park: algae beds called rhodoliths.

“Those algaes are like the nurseries of the Gulf of California,” she said. If you cut into a rhodolith you can find up to 140 species of different eggs of fish, nudibranchs, shrimp, sea stars, and other critters, Granados Marines explained. “That was the motivation that the community wanted to create the marine park. To defend the bottoms of the sea here. Because without rhodoliths, we don’t have a place for some of the species of fish to put their eggs.”

A seagull on shore looking at a sea lion sticking its head above water. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

Snorkeling the Sea of Cortez

While I love paddleboarding and kayaking, there’s nothing like being in the water with whatever animals live in the area or are passing through. After visiting the sea lion colony, we went ashore for some beach time. I spent my time in the water, cruising around looking for critters. Colorful king angelfish and surgeonfish are beautiful, but I especially enjoy the surprising fish. I got a shock when a long, tubular trumpetfish silently passed beneath me. And when I was examining some rocks on the sea floor, I realized one had eyes. It was a stonefish, an ambush predator that zaps its prey with highly venomous spines on its back!

Two snorkelers underwater among fish. — Taking a look inside the turquoise water. / *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

If you go

The small town of Loreto is the best base for visiting the marine park. You’ll need an outfitter to take you to the islands on a boat. There are many choices, but both options I went with — Dolphin Dive Baja and Sea Kayak Baja Mexico — were excellent.

Loreto offers many lodging options, too. If you want to stay in the town square amid all the action (and near La Route bike and espresso shop), I recommend Posada de las Flores. It features an airy courtyard and rooftop pool. For a beachier experience, Hotel Oasis is right on the malecon, so you can gaze at the Sea of Cortez from your hammock.

Disclaimer: While this article was not sponsored, Outdoors Wire did visit Loreto on a press trip hosted by Visit Baja California Sur. As always, Outdoors Wire operates independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

See it all in a weekend with these 6 one-day outdoor adventures

Spend all day outdoors.

As much as we might wish for it, most of us can’t be on vacation every day. For the majority of the year, we have to settle for making the most of our weekends. This presents a unique challenge for outdoorsy types. When you crave adventure, it can be difficult to fit all your activities into a day or two. This is where one-day adventures come in clutch.

If you want to maximize your free time, keep a bucket list of one-day outdoor excursions. Are you curious to try a new hiking trail? Add it to the list. Want to see a new side to your state’s scenery? Plan a day trip. And if you can’t decide which activity to try next, peruse this list of one-day outdoor adventures to keep your weekends fun and active.

10 outdoorsy things to do in Hokkaido, Japan

Adventure around Hokkaido.

In Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, the bear population is growing faster than the human population. Hokkaido makes up 22% of the country’s land area, but its roughly five million citizens account for less than 5% of Japan’s population. That’s good news if you like to get outside and enjoy uncrowded hiking trails, rivers, and lakes. Hokkaido offers almost any landscape you could want, from flower fields in summer to incredible snowfall in winter. And after an active day, you can relax in one of the island’s 251 onsen, or hot springs areas. You might even see a bear. Get inspired for your Hokkaido adventure with this list of 10 outdoorsy activities to try.

A lake surrounded by trees. — Asahikawa City Park. / *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

7 adventures you can go on at dazzling Lake Shikaribetsu

It’s time for adventure.

It’s hard to sleep in when you’re staying in a hotel overlooking one of Japan’s most beautiful lakes. Especially in summer, when the sun rises around 4:30 a.m. and brings shifting colors, jumping fish, and diving osprey.

Lake Shikaribetsu is the highest-altitude lake in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. Tucked up in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, it was formed by a volcanic eruption damming the Yanbetsu River approximately 30,000 years ago.

In addition to being a prime recreational area within Daisetsuzan National Park, the lake also attracts fans of “Spirited Away.” Its lake-bottom railroad tracks resemble those from the wildly popular 2001 anime movie. There was never actually a railroad going into the lake, though. Instead, the tracks help bring sightseeing boats ashore before the winter freeze.

Sunrise over a lake surrounded by hills. — *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

These 5 outdoor experiences are all within an hour of NYC

Explore outside the city.

New York City has something for everyone, and that includes outdoorsy people. Outside the labyrinth of skyscrapers and sidewalks, there are some pretty outstanding adventures waiting for you.

You don’t have to travel far from NYC for a great escape into nature. Nearby Harriman State Park offers fishing, camping, and mountain biking opportunities. Birders can cross state lines into New Jersey to visit Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. And if you don’t want to leave city limits, Central Park is an excellent place for a walk. These aren’t your only options, though. For a new and exciting hiking, kayaking, or bouldering experience, try these five spots that are all an hour or less away from NYC.

Join Riversport OKC for these 13 outdoor adventures

It’s time for adventure.

The North Canadian River used to flood Oklahoma City. So, in the 1950s, the Corps of Engineers redirected the flow, leaving a dry ditch.

“We used to joke that we mowed the river two or three times a year,” said Mike Knopp, executive director of Riversport, a nonprofit foundation encouraging people to get active outdoors. “You stayed away from the river. It was right through the heart of town, so it did a lot to divide the community.”

But since a $53.5 million project brought back seven miles of river in 2004, the renamed Oklahoma River has become a major draw for local and international athletes. The enormous Riversport complex is at the heart of this shift. “We wanted to infuse a more active outdoor culture in OKC,” Knopp said. “We don’t have an ocean. We don’t have mountains. So we wanted to try to create these experiences.” On a hot July day, I experienced Riversport. Here are 13 adventures you can try with Riversport OKC.

A wide river in a city. — The Oklahoma River. / *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

Go on a remote glamping trip with this floating safari camp in Sweden

Float on, alright?

Looking for a super secluded holiday with your sweetheart, besties, or favorite family members? Off the Map Travel offers a dream package for those who want to get really far away from civilization. Spend two nights at a floating safari camp at Sweden’s Lake Degerselet, just south of the Arctic Circle, then transfer by canoe for a final night at the land-based Aurora Safari Camp.

Despite the remote location, you won’t be roughing it at the floating safari camp. You’ll have two glamping tents, a double room, a toilet, and a shower. The kitchen has a two-burner stove, refrigerator, and a dining area. Act fast, or book for next year. The floating camp operates June through September and can sleep up to six people. Here are some of the adventures you can go on while you’re there.

Aerial view of a campsite design. — *Photo courtesy of Off the Map Travel*

Have fun and support a good cause at the Ohio River Paddlefest

Join the fun!

Two thousand paddlers of all skill levels will converge on the Ohio River in Cincinnati during the first weekend in August. It’s the 22nd annual Ohio River Paddlefest, and if you have a SUP, kayak, or canoe, you can join in.

The Ohio River Paddlefest is the biggest paddling event in the United States. It kicks off on the evening of Friday, August 4, with the Outdoors For All Expo. Then, on Saturday, August 5, participants will choose between paddling a 9- or 4.5-mile course. Paddlefest is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Adventure Crew, which connects city teens in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky with nature and each other via outdoor adventures.

People kayaking on a river. — Paddlers enjoying the festival. / *Photo courtesy of Adventure Crew*

“Between Ohio River Paddlefest and the Outdoors for All Expo, Paddlefest weekend has become a can’t-miss event for outdoor enthusiasts,” Miriam Wise, director of support and engagement for Adventure Crew, said in a statement. “Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to join us the first weekend in August for this much-loved annual tradition.”

The Outdoors for All Expo is free and open to the public. It features 50 exhibitors, including outdoor outfitters, local parks, and environmental organizations. You can listen to live music, enter a raffle, and buy dinner from a food truck. Paddlefest costs $50 for adults and $25 for youth joining the 9-mile paddle. The 4.5-mile paddle is five bucks less. It’s best to bring your own kayak, SUP, or canoe, but a limited number of boats are available for rent.

This year, organizers have added a new event: a kayak bass fishing tournament that runs both Friday and Saturday. Anglers can try their luck in any of three Ohio River tributaries: Great Miami River, Little Miami River, or Licking River.

Adventure Crew was founded in 2013. It serves all Cincinnati Public Schools high schools, seventh and eighth graders in certain Cincinnati elementary schools, and six schools in northern Kentucky. Annually, the organization helps nearly a thousand students step beyond their comfort zone and seek a deep connection to nature.

“Every dollar we raise through Paddlefest supports that mission,” Wise said. “So by signing up to paddle on Saturday or buying raffle tickets and a beer on Friday, you’re helping us get city teens who might not otherwise have access to nature out on adventures like hiking, biking and of course, paddling. It’s a great way to share your love of the outdoors while having a great time in the process.”