Families who have “been there, done that” (even in Paris, Alaska or on an African safari) will be interested to learn about Cruceros Australis amazing adventure cruises in Patagonia. A family vacation to Disney World is one type of adventure, but what about a family vacation to the “End of the World?” Sailing from Punta Arenas, Chile you will have the rare opportunity to stand on legendary Cape Horn Island and disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, and the capital city of Tierra del Fuego.
Experience Patagonia with Several Generations
I was very fortunate to join a four-night media trip aboard the Stella Australis which sailed from Punta Arenas in mid-October. Cruceros Australis offers the most interesting route as they are the only line that sails through the Strait of Magellan, and along the glaciers and fjords. We arrived there via LAN airline on a brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, whose state-of-the-art features and new technology include a vaguely futuristic design, a quieter, more efficient engine, LED lighting and very large windows. It was a most comfortable overnight flight.
While the cruise line welcomes children of any age, I recommend this adventure for mature tweens and teens. This is an expedition cruise; not a typical family cruise experience – no TVs, video games or internet, no swimming pool, kid’s club or babysitting. But, for older kids, especially those who have an interest in wildlife, the sciences, history, ecology, exploration, or nature, this trip is a rare adventure that will resonate for a lifetime. Additionally, a trip like this can be a great experience for teens with their grandparents, and for adult children with their parents and siblings.
Aboard the Cruceros Australis Ship
Onboard, the Expedition Cruisers M/N Via Australis (built in 2005 with 64 cabins and a capacity of 136 passengers) and M/N Stella Australis (built in 2010 with 100 cabins, a capacity of 210 passengers, and a workout facility) offer a relaxed and casual atmosphere. There’s no need to bring fancy duds, just the kind of outdoor clothing sold, ironically, at Patagonia.com. While the seas were not overly rough (except for one pretty scary overnight), it’s probably a good idea to bring motion sickness medicine, and/or wrist bands.
Comfortable lodging, hearty meals, educational sessions by a multi-lingual staff, and low-key evening entertainment provide for a very pleasant, as well as exciting journey. The all-inclusive rates for this once-in-a-lifetime trip include your ship transportation, lodging, all meals, wine and alcoholic beverages, and unforgettable excursions.
The cabins, with two twins or a double bed, provide more than ample room. While there are no verandas off the cabins, those on the upper deck of the Stella Australis have a huge floor-to-ceiling window. The bathroom is spacious (for a cruise ship) with a great shower and lots of hot water. There are several cozy lounges on board, as well as a shop for souvenirs and necessities. Onboard tours of the engine room and the wheel house (bridge) are offered.
Sea and Shore Excursions – Penguins at the Heart of the Journey
While the scenery of the snow-capped Andes Mountains, the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel from the ship is awesome, the real fun begins when the ship’s anchor is dropped, and passengers, all suited up with waterproof clothes and life jackets, assemble to board small, inflatable Zodiac boats to enable disembarkation at various points of interest.
During these excursions, experienced guides provide an unforgettable adventure and share their knowledge of the region, all while ensuring your safety. I was more than a bit trepidatious about the Zodiac trips – afraid of losing my balance and falling into the sea — but the very strong and kind guides put me at ease, and the time actually spent in them was quite brief.
Our first stop was at Ainsworth Bay within Alberto De Agostini National Park where we saw several huge elephant seals lounging on the beach. We disembarked from the Zodiac nearby and took a short hike to explore areas of the Darwin Range Ice Field and the flora of a remote Magellanic subpolar forest, learning how the resiliant forest grows in this harsh environment.
After returning to the ship and eating lunch, we boarded the Zodiacs again, for the excursion I was most excited about.
We were off to Tuckers Islets to visit a colony of Magellanic penguins who are exclusive to the southern hemisphere and who come to these shores in spring to breed. They are monogamous, seeking out their same mates year after year, recognizing their partners by vocalizations. While we respected their space and didn’t leave the Zodiacs to walk amid the birds, they were very happy to greet us at the beach and strut their stuff. We also saw a colony of beautiful cormorants and other striking birds.
Exploring the Antarctic’s Pia Fjord and Glaciers
The next day’s excursion was to the Pia Fjord where we disembarked the Zodiacs and viewed the magnificent Pia Glacier. Here, there was an option to take a short walk (my choice) or a longer, more strenuous hike to vantage points from which to take in the sight. From either location we were able to observe the glacier calve, or set loose chunks of ice. We learned that while parts of a glacier may look blue, it is all actually white, but the ice is so dense that it absorbs all colors of the spectrum, except blue.
The Pia Glacier is located at the beginning of Glacier Alley. Back on board the Stella Australis we gathered in one of the lounges as we cruised along the Beagle Channel through the Alley, observing a series of awesome glaciers named “Romanche,” ”Germany,” “France,” “Italy” and “The Netherlands.”
As we passed each, we were served snacks (think sausage, cheese, meatballs) and beverages (think beer, champagne, and wine) from each of the countries represented, while regional music was played in the background. It was a lovely moment, typical of the friendly (not stuffy) service aboard the ship.
At Last, Exploring Cape Horn
The next morning it was up bright and early for the ultimate excursion: Cape Horn Island, “The End of the World.” Discovered by the Dutch in 1616 and declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2005, the island is the last land mass between the mainland of South America and Antarctica, which is located 600 miles south across tumultuous Drake Passage.
At Cape Horn, the meeting point of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the strong currents can be treacherous and the wind unrelenting. Before the discovery of the Strait of Magellan and the construction of the Panama Canal this was the only route between the oceans, and the location of nearly 800 shipwrecks.
This excursion occurs only if the weather conditions are considered favorable, which, thankfully, is most of the time. However, if the captain is not certain that it is safe, passengers are not permitted to leave the cruise ship to board the Zodiacs, and, if the weather conditions worsen, they are not permitted to complete their visit onto the island.
We had good conditions and proceeded. Visitors climb some 160 steps to reach the top of the island to enjoy the incredible view, and where there is a lighthouse, a small church, and the Cape Horn monument – a statue of an albatross – in memory of the sailors who perished in the waters surrounding the island.
Wulaia Bay, Just as Darwin found it
After a few more hours of rocking sea and falling snowflakes, the waters calmed as we arrived at Wulaia Bay on glassy blue water under sunny skies. Such changeable weather is common in Patagonia, especially after leaving the area around Cape Horn.
Following lunch we suited up for the final excursion onto land for a journey into the past, and here again there was the option of a gentle coastal hike or a more challenging hill hike. We discovered traces of one of the area’s largest settlements of the native Yamana or Yaghan, the southernmost people of the world, and learned of their encounters with European explorers.
It was here that Charles Darwin arrived on the HMS Beagle in January of 1888. We explored stunning geography and vegetation, and in order to enhance the experience, Cruceros Australis has created an educational center with information on the cultural and archeological heritage of this aboriginal group.
Last Night at Sea, Day in Ushuaia
We sailed through the final night, and in the early morning hours I viewed the city of Ushuaia, Argentina from the window. After days of sailing through such remote areas, I was very excited to see buildings, lights, moving cars and other signs of civilization.
We disembarked at 8am, and went immediately to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires for a few days of sightseeing, tango and gauchos. Depending on your itinerary, you may want to spend some time here in the most important city in Tierra del Fuego where there is a National Park, a museum, a lighthouse and other points of interest.
I am astonished at the courage (some might say madness) of those intrepid explorers who discovered this inaccessible part of the planet, and thank them for their determination which has allowed me to have experienced the stark and awesome beauty of the southern side of our planet.
Trip Planning Details for a Cruceros Australis Expedition
Three, four and seven-night itineraries to Patagonia are offered by Cruceros Australis during the months of September through April (their spring), sailing between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia, a distance of 586 nautical miles. One-way and round-trip journeys vary in their embarkation ports and excursion sites.
Additionally, the specialty cruises “The Route of Charles Darwin,” “Whale Watching” and “National Geographic Photographer” are offered on a limited schedule, but if these topics are of interest to your teens, you should consider joining them for their special focus. School age children and teens will thrive in this atmosphere where they can be independent yet face their fears with strong support.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition that I guarantee will never be forgotten, but not a budget family cruise. The rates, based on cabin level and dates, range from $1,389 to $3,338/pp for a 3-night journey, $1,683 to 4,054/pp for a 4-night journey and $2,765 to $6,675/pp for a 7-night journey. Check their site for special promotions. Cruceros Australis does offer free rates to children 0-3 years sharing a bed with an adult, and discounted rates to kids ages 4-12 years who share a cabin with an adult. Check out the website for their annual December special (remember this is the middle of their summer season), when all kids ages 17 and younger cruise for free.
Do follow the recommendations for appropriate clothing – rain jackets and pants, good waterproof trekking or hiking shoes, waterproof gloves, and layers of sweaters and jackets. The ship supplies the life jackets and can lend you rubber boots. The onboard shop does sell some of these items at pretty reasonable prices, but it’s good to come prepared.
Help with booking airfare to your embarkation point, the cruise itself, and before and after travel in Chile and Argentina is available through Borello Travel & Tours, a foremost tour operator in South America.
Buen viaje!
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.