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Welcome to Washington State Hiking Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.” -Mark Twain

The Pacific Northwest and in particular the State of Washington is a magnificent natures playground with beautiful mountains, boundless rivers, rambling streams, vast forests, tranquil meadows, and sparkling lakes with enough wilderness to get yourself lost in and in so doing find yourself.

The objective of this blog as part of the ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ series of sites is to inspire, through stories, photographs, and helpful trip reports. Get off the couch, stretch the legs, fill the lungs with fresh air, flood the heart with joy, and release the soul so it may soar. Our lives are so busy rushing here, rushing there, punching a time clock, paying bills, chores, meeting obligations, don’t you think that we all need a little balance in our lives? Don’t we all yearn for a little break? A moment to listen to ourselves, and discover who we are? What better way to accomplish this than in the middle of no where drinking in an grand adventure and boundless natural beauty.

I invite you to join me in this pursuit to find one’s inner self through adventures that shows you marvelous things, perhaps takes you a little out of your comfort zone, and so importantly balance the hectic existence that is life. The idea is to inspire you so that you can do the same or if need be I am happy to share and you can live vicariously through my ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure.’

‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ has multiple websites encompassing adventure opportunities throughout the West. This particular site will show my adventures in Washington. A place I have lived in for a short time in the past. It was fabulous to be in the Northwest again and I kept saying to myself now these are proper mountains.

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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North Bend

Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

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RATTLESNAKE MOUNTAIN SCENIC AREA

Activity: Day Hike, Peak Bagging

6 miles, 2040′ elevation, 1470’ elevation gain, 3 hour duration, rated Moderate

Date: 6-17-22

This is a very popular hike an hour out of Seattle, in the North Bend area and although there were hikers it definitely was not crowded like I have heard it is on nice weekends. I hiked it on a Friday and it was a misty, moody Pacific North West type of day.

The Forest was green and lush, the trail was great, but the views from the lower, middle, and upper Rattlesnake Ledge were not to be had on this day.  That is too bad as the view was the star of this show. Still standing on the side of a cliff where you see nothing is still sort of exciting when you find yourself ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. 

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
YouTube Channel
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
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“There is always an adventure waiting in the woods.” – Katelyn S. Bolds

Thank you for joining me on a ledge starring off into the space. It is hard to have a fear of heights when you are gazing at a blank page. It is a eerie experience to see the rock in front of you and then nothing, just fog. But that is sometimes what it is like when you are ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ in the PNW. There are more adventures right around the corner, but be careful on that corner, because although you may not see a huge drop off due to the fog- it certainly doesn’t mean that it isn’t there. Stay with me by doing a couple of things: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go to the menu above you will see that PBTA travels extensively all over this great West of ours. The menu is categorized mostly by location and occasionally by activity. Each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. My hope is that these description of my adventures will encourage you to find your next adventure soon. Nature can bring Balance into our lives and that is so necessary to our well being, it exercises both body and mind. If you are looking for Adventure Wear, (see my picture), look no further than SHOP APPAREL where you will find my line of top quality hats and shirts with the PBTA logo and mantra.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Rosario Beach

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DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK

Activity; Day Hike, Beautiful Vista

Date 6-15-22

Alec and I enjoyed one last outing together in the PNW. Deception Pass State Park is one of the most popular of Washington’s State Parks. The Park is over 3,800 acres of luscious old growth forest, surrounding by rugged coastline on Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands connected by the Deception Pass Bridge.

This was our third outing in Deception Pass State Park. We had earlier completed North Beach on Whidbey Island and Pass Lake Loop Hike on Fidalgo Island.

This short hike at Rosario Beach has a nice picnic area, bathrooms and a grassy area for family to enjoy. The little hike I took alone, because my teen opted to just kick back by the rig, was both cultural as well as a scenic.

I went out on the point that was a sort of peninsula with Rosario Beach adjacent to the North and Sharpe Cove just to the East off of Bowman Bay. The trail to the point was rather steep in places and there was more than one way to go so I pretty much wandered around taking it all in. The scenic waterways could be enjoyed from high on a cliff, but watch your step.

There was an entire squad of First Responders there while I was hiking about practicing their belaying and cliff rescue skills giving me a feeling they picked this spot for a reason.

Certain parts of this area are dangerous. As a matter of a fact, there was a large team of first responders practicing different life saving techniques on the cliff there.

The center piece of the area is the Maiden of Deception Pass Totem Pole. The carving depicts the story of Ko-Kwal-alwoot, a legend of the Samish Native American Tribe.

The Legend of Ko-kwal-alwoot.
Pursing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel
Rosario Beach
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“I firmly believe that nature brings solace to all troubles.” – Ann Frank
My son Alec and I celebrating being together in the PNW for almost a month of Adventures before he
headed off with buddies to Cancun celebrating his graduation from the Army and Navy Academy.

Thanks for joining Alec and I- while I was ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ and Alec was just kicking back by the rig, (being a little hiked out I suppose, lol). When you are looking at all of that gorgeous water you can’t help but have a feeling of calm envelop you, which is some of that Balance this website speaks about. Nature can do that, bring things into perspective, adding some Balance to an otherwise stressed out, hurry up, do this, do that existence that is modern life. I am sure those early people stood on this spot as well taking in all of the beauty of Nature and needing that little break as they struggled to find food, and shelter. There is more adventure to be had in the great state of Washington so I invite you to stick with me by doing this: LIKE. COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go to the menu above you will discover that PBTA travels not only all around Washington, but all over the West seeking Balance and Adventure. The menu is categorized mostly by location, and each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. I hope these Adventures in Nature will inspire you to get off the couch, breath some fresh air, getting the heart pumping, fill the senses with all of the goodness of Nature, and set your soul soaring. For Adventure Wear I suggest checking out my line of PBTA hats and shirts at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Anacortes

Pass Lake Loop Hike

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DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK

ANACORTES

Activity: Day Hike

2 miles. 423′ elevation gain, 1 hour duration, rated Easy

Date: 6-15-22

Started out a great little trek with a nice lake, well maintained trail, and a proper PNW forest. About halfway through the trail became a little over grown, then some muddy spots to maneuver, and all of that was okay, but the part I didn’t like is the portion of the hike that is near a busy road. Still an enjoyable hike.

My recommendation in this case would be do this particular hike as an out and back instead of a loop to avoid the road noise. 

Be advised you will need a Discovery Pass for parking.

Proper PNW Woodland
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel
Alec entertains Nature
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“Nature is the purest portal to inner peace.” -Angie Weiland Crosby

Thanks for joining my son Alec and myself on this little jaunt in the woods. We were very busy on this day trying to take in and experience as much as we could of this beautiful area. Our first hike of the day was North Beach. To make sure you don’t miss any of the up coming outings such as the one we had just after this at Rosario Beach be sure to COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go up to the Menu you will discover that PBTA ventures all over this Great West of our seeking that Balance that we can experience went soaking up Nature in an Adventurous manner. Breath in Nature exhale stress, breath in Adventure exhale anxiety. I have ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ Adventure Wear. It is fun, top quality, and available for purchase at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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North Beach Trail

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DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK

WHIDBEY ISLAND

Activity: Day Hike, Beach Stroll

2 miles, 118′ elevation gain, 1 hour duration, rated Moderate

This wonderful little hike is on Whidbey Island just across a narrow strait from Fidalgo Island. The hike is in the Deception Pass State Park and you will need an Adventure Pass. This hike meanders through a wooded area with gorgeous peak-a-boo views of the water. There are many little offshoot paths to wander around this area. Eventually the path ends up heading to the Deception Pass Bridge that spans the two islands.

Walk in the woods with peak-a-boo views of the strait.

My son Alec and I walked across the Deception Pass Bridge as well as it provided an excellent vantage point with which to view the two islands, the woods, beach and the larger body of water the Straits of Juan de Fuca.

We strolled back along the rocky shoreline admiring the stately evergreens, grayed driftwood, and the blue-green water, where Alec worked on his rock skipping skill.

Alec seeking the perfect skipping rock with the Deception Pass Bridge in the background.
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel
North Beach Trail
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Good vibes happen on the tides.

Thanks for joining Alec and I on this delightful outing in the Pacific Northwest where we were “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure”. It is a fantastic area. There is more to come regarding our trip to these divine Washington Islands. To be sure not to miss out we invite you to : COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go to the menu above you will see that PBTA ventures all over this great West of ours in search of that Balance that adventurous outings in nature can provide. Each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Need Adventure Wear? Then checkout SHOP APPAREL where you can stock up on shirts and hats with the PBTA Logo and Mantra.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Friday Harbor

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SAN JUAN ISLAND

Activity: Cruising, Sight Seeing, Touristing

Date: 6-14-22

This is a departure from this Blog’s theme of hiking and other outdoor physical activities in the natural wonder of wilderness, but the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands during our cruise over to San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor was so gorgeous it was an excursion I just had to write about.

My son Alec and I started our day early hopping a Ferry from Anacortes, on Fidalgo Island, to the quaint, charming and enchanting little Seaport of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. It was the first ferry ride for Alec and the boat was a great way to travel. We still can’t get over how that many cars can possibly fit on it. The ride over was comfortable and the views of the San Juan Islands were superb.

Approaching Friday Harbor.

I think at some point I saw a magazine article about the tourist spot, Friday Harbor, and had always wanted to check it out. Plus it was a bit of a break in the action from all of the hikes we had been doing. We immersed ourselves in full Tourist Mood. We walked around a little checking out the landing and then had lunch outdoors over looking the harbor. Fine Pacific Northwest seafood was on our menu as I enjoyed a Salmon Reuben and Alec munched down on a Grilled Crab Sandwich. Quote from Alec, “That was scrumptious!”

Alec knuckles the old sea fairing Capt.
PNW Native American Totem Arch.

We walked about the small township checking out shops, had some homemade ice cream. We really liked checking out some of the historic old homes during our walk. We topped off our visit with a stop at the Whaling Museum which was interesting before hopping back on the ferry and another scenic voyage back.

Ferry Landing at Friday Harbor.
“Like water which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed,
the mind can only reflect the true image of the Self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed.” -Indra Devi

Thanks for joining Alec and I on our excursion. It might not have been an invigorating hike, but it certainly was enjoyable. The natural beauty of the San Juan Islands certainly does provide some of that balance we talk about because it was really something. We will be back to rejuvenating hiking in our next episode of ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ Washington Hiking so as not to miss anything please COMMENT, LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW. When you go up to the menu above you will see that PBTA ventures all of the West seeking balance through exhilarating experiences in nature, each location and activity is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. If you want to look good on the trail then checkout SHOP APPAREL for you Adventure Wear needs.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Mount Erie, Sugar Loaf Summits and Whistler Lake Hike

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MOUNT ERIE PARK

NEAR ANACORTES, WASHINGTON

11.5 miles 2,200’ elevation gain, 6 hour duration, rated Moderate +

Activity: Day Hike

Date: 6-13-22

The hike my adventure loving son Alec and I set out on was moderate at just over 6 miles, but we supplemented in 2 peaks which added a lot of elevation and distance. That and we missed a turn which added a 1/2 mile or so. I guess we were enjoying the scenery so much we were not paying close enough attention to our route at that moment. So I think our trek might have been kicked up to the next category from Moderate as we about doubled the mileage and altitude. 

However we averaged over 2 miles an hour so that might still be moderate. It certainly had some steep hard portions. And what a great hike! What this hike didn’t have you don’t need. 

Superb high views of the surrounding areas which just happen to be so darn gorgeous, the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, majestic purple mountains, deep green hills, and big luscious firs. Our hike circumnavigated a beautiful tree lined, remote lake, and a couple tiny waterfalls. 

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When asked, “What is the biggest mistake we make in life?”
The Buddha replied, “The biggest mistake is, you think you have time.” 
 Time is Free, But is Priceless.  

Thanks for joining Alec and I on Fidalgo Island during a hike that we just kept adding to mostly on purpose, but even the portion that was by accident just added to ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. When you enjoy an outing such as this and you pretty much have the whole place to yourselves well… that is extraordinary and a great way to mend woes. Woes and sorrow was something which Alec and I felt so deeply and laid heavy on our minds, as the main reason for us to be in the PNW was a last visit with one so dear… my beautiful, wonderful Mother as her time on this planet winded down. You see we greatly needed each other, Alec and I, in this time of great loss and we greatly needed what profound outings in Nature can do and that is put the pieces back together again. Please stay with us for this Summer of Loss, but also of Celebration of a life so special and a person so beloved and how ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ was so needed. COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go up to the menu above you will discover that PBTA travels to many fine place throughout the West seeking adventures in Nature. Each location or activity is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. If you like my cap you can get one of your own and at the same time help support PBTA. You can find first rate Adventure Wear at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Washington Park Loop and Trails

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ANACORTES

FIDALGO ISLAND

3 miles, 275’ elevation gain, rated Easy

Date: 6-12-22

The 2.2 miles loop in Washington Park provides stellar views of Puget Sound and the surrounding San Juan Islands. Besides the water views it has a lush thick forest with big firs, and lots of ferns. It is absolutely beautiful. Still, being someone that wants to get away and really immerse myself into nature I was a little disappointed that I was walking along a single lane roadway with cars going by once in a while. However, about half way through my walk I found the trails and then I was in hog heaven, as this was exactly what I was looking for. Maybe even a bit more as one trail I took me on a tiny trail, slippery with mud, with a steep short grassy hill sloping dramatically to a cliff with a drop either onto rocks far below or into the sound and with no way back. So once it went from sketchy to hair ball, (That is when it also added some scrambling), I said to myself, “this is a view to die for” literally!  That is the point were I retraced my steps to a more moderate version on a PNW trail. 

I loved the hike on the trails, the loop on the roadway was beautiful as well, in-fact I loved the area so much that after my adventure companion, my son Alec, and I finished we drove the loop as well which was very special too.

‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’ YouTube Channel CLICK THE PIC!

Thanks for coming along with Alec and I on this adventure in Anacortes on Fidalgo Island.  There are more fun hikes ahead in this beautiful area and beyond.  To stayed tuned all you have to do is this:  COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE.  If you explore the menu above you will see that PBTA ventures extensively throughout the West in search of that ever elusive Balance that we seek as an escape from this busy life of ours.  I believe profound outings in Nature are the key to this journey.  If you like hiking clothing I invite you to checkout my line of Adventure Wear at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Guemes Channel Trail

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ANACORTES

Activity: Nature Walk

3 miles, 72’ elevation gain, 90 minute duration, rated Easy

My son, Alec, and I joined our host and friend, Margaret, along with her Woman’s Hiking Group, which were nice enough to let us tag along on a nature walk along the waterfront. This spot is known as Guemes Channel Trail. It is quite scenic showing off the gorgeous waterway and some of the captivating San Juan Islands.

The outing stretches from the ‘La Merced’, which is an old sailing ship that nature is in the process of claiming to the West, and to the East is the Ferry Boat Terminal. We parked and started in about the middle. It is a lovely walk along the shore with charming flowering plants and trees.

Part of the outing is through the Ship Harbor Interpretative Preserve. This is an informative nature walk along a path and boardwalk with placards talking about fauna, wildlife, Native Americans as well as early settlers to the area.

Anacortes is so beautiful. What an enchanting place. This was a pleasant and picturesque introduction for Alec and I to Fidalgo Island and Anacortes.

‘La Merced’, an old sailing ship that seems to getting claimed by Nature.
Thought: the tidings Nature brings is lost to us all except those who stand still enough to listen. 

Thanks for joining Alec and I along with our host Margaret, with special thanks to the Women’s Hiking Group for letting a couple of guys come along on this pretty Nature Hike. There are plenty more adventures around Anacortes and beyond, so stay with us for more: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. The menu will unlock other special places throughout the West where you might find some respite from the busy, sometimes hectic lives we all live. Each location or activity categorized in the menu is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. For top quality hiking hats and shirts adorned with the Pursuing Balance Through Adventure logo please checkout SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Cap Sante Park

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ANACORTES ON FIDALGO ISLAND

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic View

3 miles, > 500’ elevation gain, 90 minute duration, rated EASY

Date: 6-11-22

This nature walk, a short hike situated on 37 acres, starts near the Anacortes Yacht Club.   The trail meanders through a wooded area leading to Cap Sante, a rocky headland that has wonderful views of Anacortes, the Marina, Fidalgo Bay, the San Juan Islands as well as the Cascade Mountains.  

Our friend, a local resident, hiker and lover of nature, Margaret, introduced my son Alec and I to the hike.   This outing really gave us a feel for what an enchanting place Anacortes is.  From this view point we could take in the town, the lovely boats docked at the Marina, and the bright sparkling blue waters looking out at the captivating San Juan Islands – simply breath taking.  

Fidalgo Bay and Marina
Looking out at the San Juan Islands
‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ YouTube Channel. CLICK THE PIC!
Let the currents guide your heart.

This scenic little jaunt up to Cap Sante kicked off a week of ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’, exploring not only Fidalgo Island, but the neighboring islands as well.  It is easy to see how our friends Margaret and her husband Earl fell in love with Anacortes.   We appreciate them so much for hosting and sharing this beautiful place with us.  This is just the start of our adventure in the NW Corner of the state so stick with Margaret, Alec, and I by doing a few easy things: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE.  You will find the menu above a great place for inspiration and ideas for your next adventure.  The menu is categorized by location and sometimes by activity, each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.  Checkout SHOP APPAREL for all of your adventure wear desires.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure 

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Carter Mountain

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CARTER MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE PRESERVE

Activity: Day Hike

6 miles, 500’ elevation gain, >3 hour duration, rated Easy

Date: 7-11-22

I explored 4 miles of this hike with family friend Margaret. We trekked through a valley of sage brush dotted rolling hills, some with rugged rock outcroppings and the occasional conifer.  Even though it was July it has been a cooler and wetter season, so the hills were much more green than usual for this time of year. Meadows of desert flowers put forth their tender shoots, glorious blossoms of wild flowers such as Mariposa Lilies, a couple varieties of Daisies, and Lupin colorfully adorned our journey.  The birds sang, butterflies danced from pedal to pedal, the bees were busy buzzing, as a gentle breeze teased the tussles of wild grasses. 

Carter Mountain Wildlife Unit is just south of Tonasket, Washington. It is made up of more than 2,240 acres. The preserve supports wildlife such as golden eagle, black bear, mule deer, cougar, and bobcat.  We discovered what we believe to be bear scat on the path so stay aware. 

Summer has finally arrived.  The sun beating down, the rather hot temperatures along with the lack of any shade was a bit of a challenge for Margaret visiting from Anacortes, where it remains cool pretty much all of the time. So we cut the hike back a bit. When hiking in Summer be sure to wear light colors, a hat, and bring plenty of water. We were prepared In this way, so other than being a little red in the face Margaret soldiered on, and enjoyed her East of the Cascades nature hike through the scrub brush and lilies. 

Bear Scat
Mariposa Lily
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel, click the pic.
“No matter how chaotic it is, wildflowers will still spring up in the middle of no where.”  – Sheryl Crowe

Thanks for accompanying Margaret and I into the Carter Mountain Wildlife Preserve.  We hope that you will continue on with us ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ which you can easily do by performing some easy tasks: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. Like the Wildflowers that surrounded us on our hike, Nature reminds us no matter how crazy our lives might get, life still finds a way. Wildflowers get trampled, scorched by heat and drought in the Summer, and frost and cold in the Winter, but find a way to Spring back. If you go out and smell the wildflowers, and experience the Adventure of Nature then life will Balance. The menu above is a treasure chest of ideas for your next adventure. The menu is categorized by area and activity, each is a separate website and thus need to be FOLLOWED independently. SHOP APPAREL is the PBTA spot for great adventure wear. Check it out!

Happy Trails–

Roger Jenkins 

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure 

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure