Third Thursday Travel- Big Bear

It's that time for the Third Thursday Travel link up.

Some of the best traveling you can do is adventures to towns close by.  Living in Southern California my opportunities are endless, but one place I never tire of is Big Bear. 

Last year I spent my birthday in Big Bear on a girls trip and it was such a fun time so much so that I went back multiple times.  I had been there a couple times before, but this time I was able to actually experience the night life and some of the craziness that is a small ski town.

We were damn lucky to find a hotel with a pool area which made for the perfect afternoon of semi swimming, drinking and catching some rays.  Yes I know tanning is bad,  but I fear I may be addicted to the sun, but that is another post for another day.

I found a new favorite bar in Murray's Saloon.  They have nightly karaoke, in which I was some how roped into signing, a great menu (bacon wrapped jalapeno shrimp are the things this girl dreams of) and memories you won't forget... Unless you drink too much fireball like I did!  I mean who doesn't like walking into a random bar, drinking out of a pitcher and being BFFs with everyone at last call?

I can't tell you how much fun it is to get "away" and still be so close to home.  It is another world there, but not one that makes me feel weirdly uncomfortable like city and scene bars do.  What can I say, I am a mountain girl at heart.

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Third Thursday Travel- Mammoth Mountain

Way beyond being "tardy to the party"!

Three years ago I embarked on a journey to Mammoth Mountain, a ski town in the Sierra Nevadas, sort of near Yosemite.  It was an amazing trip, one I will never forget, but not for the reasons you may think.

Growing up in the mountains of Southern California, I should have been an avid skier or snowboarder... That was not the case.  I sure could sled.  I learned to snowboard around 20.  It wasn't too bad, but I also was too keen on the lifts and all that other nonsense.  That Christmas, I got a snowboard and all of the gear.  Everything was tucked neatly away in my closet until the winter of 2012, when my little sister asked me to go to Mammoth.  I didn't think twice, I immediately said "yes".  

We embarked on the 5 hour road trip early on a Friday morning.  The rest of our group wasn't leaving until much later in the day, but we didn't care.  Snow was supposed to be coming in so the earlier we left, the closer we would be to Mammoth by the time the snow was falling.  

The journey up was full of music, beef jerky, Rockstars and giggles.  We both were super stoked.  We arrived around 3 pm and immediately went for pizza and beer after driving around the town for approximately 30 minutes looking for a grocery store, followed by looking for a pizza place.

Friday night we hit the little town and got completely smashed in true travel style.  We somehow ended up with a $250 bar tab, but that didn't stop us from meandering through the snow, bar to bar.  It resulted in a couple wet butts and a Sorel imprint (that is still there) on Taylor's calf.  She hugged/tripped me and we slid into a heap on a busy snowy street.... Safety first kids, safety first.  

We somehow managed to be up and at 'em first thing Saturday morning.  We woke up to something like 5 or 6 feet of snow.  I couldn't find my Jeep anywhere, but honestly I was really worried about it.  The mountain normally opens around 7 and we were on the shuttle and in line for our passes and on the mountain by 8ish.  Being a complete inexperienced boarder, I have to say this was the worst yet best day ever.  We boarded through whiteout conditions, ended up on some way too advanced trails and jumps/  I got stuck waist deep and thought I was going to die.  

I still don't know how I made it back down the mountain without killing any of the other people on the slopes and I had never been more thankful for a half day ticket.  I crashed and burned then of course recovered through many liquid refreshments.

Mammoth is definitely a friendly place for friends, families and couples.  I am sad to say I haven't been back, but eventually I will head back that way.  I loved every moment of my epic snowboarding adventure!

 

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Third Thursday Travel

It is the third Thursday of the month which means it is time for a travel link up!

Ever have those weeks where things go to poo so fast that you can't get your head on straight?  That is my week this week and I promise to share more about that tomorrow.  However, today is all about travel since it is the third Thursday and all that jazz!

Over the last few days I have been longing for a road trip with no real plan except heading north.  I have a few road trips under my belt, but I have never actually planned out my own road trip,  nor have I ever jut gotten into my Jeep and just taken off, which I am starting to think is what needs to be done.  I mean there is an entire world of possibilities, so why not embrace it?

The whole idea of a road trip came to me (although I was think a road trip would be fun, I blame Britney and "Crossroads") once I read this article.  It seems like an amazing time, but truthfully I don't think that this trip would be up my alley at this point in time.

Here is what you need to plan out an "epic" road trip-

Road Map- I love using MapQuest and Google Maps.  I even like to bust out the navigation on my iPhone to help me out.

Budget- Having a gas / hotel room/ meal budget really allows you to figure out how far you can go and where you can stay.

Special Budget- I always do a separate budget for souvenirs or entrance fees to things I want to see.

Ultimate Playlist- I use Spotify and iTunes to create amazing musical playlists to boogie down to while driving so naturally those would be there for my playlist.

Emergency Kit- I am not just talking about band aids, I always make sure I have an extra blanket and pillow along with granola bars and water because you never know what could happen.  While you're at it, be sure to pack some biodegradable TP just in case.


Once you've got all of this, I dare you to jump in the car and go!  I'm itching to go!

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Third Thursday Travel- Cruises

It's here!  The first ever Third Thursday Travel link up!  I am really excited about this link up and I hope y'all feel inspired to join us on the third Thursday of every month where all things travel related are posted about.

I hear cruises are all the rage and some days I think, "hey, why not?  It's a floating city and you get to get off and explore the port cities."  Other days I don't think that.  I wish I wasn't so indecisive.

I mean, after all of the illnesses, that sinking cruise ship, oh and the broken down ones, is anyone else scared of going on a cruise?

I don't want to come back with a salmonella meets influenza illness.

I don't want to grab a life jacket and look for a life boat and end up on a wooden door a la Jack and Rose.

I don't want to be stranded for days at sea with no working toilets and contaminated drinking water.

I don't want to be told what time to eat.

I don't want to be told what time I have to be back from a day excursion... I don't like rules...

But I do want:

A floating casino!

Drinks, drinks and more drinks!

Lazily laying by the pool with an ocean breeze.

Experience the cruise party life.

Have a relaxing vacation with no worries.

Are you a cruiser?  

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