Fri, Oct 5, 2007
On a snowy winter day, Lake Tahoe's brilliant blue surface stands out like a jewel in the heart of California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Host Kara Tsuboi takes in the surrounding pine forest by cross country ski and snowmobile, ascending to pristine ridgetops with stunning lake views. Coming down the slopes is just as fun, as Kara tours at a ski resort off the beaten path. After exploring an innovative ski school for kids, Kara hops aboard a paddlewheel ship for a sunset cruise and a dinner of line-caught trout.
Fri, Oct 12, 2007
At the southernmost tip of the continental U.S., the Florida Keys extend into the sapphire-blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Host Kara Tsuboi spends her time out on the water, snorkeling colorful reefs and paddling amid a tangle of mangrove islands. On a remote gulf island, Kara explores a massive Civil War fort, and in the heart of Key West, she enjoys fresh lobster benedict from one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite restaurants!
Fri, Nov 2, 2007
Collier County is generally known as Florida's last frontier, where outposts of civilization exist on the fringe of vast swampland. Host Kara Tsuboi heads to Everglades City for some down-home hospitality and a chance to explore the surrounding wildlife refuges by kayak and fishing charter. Dodging gators all day can work up an appetite, and the local seafood can sometimes be served within minutes of harvest. Kara samples some of the local fare, and finishes with a homemade slice of Florida's signature dessert - Key Lime Pie!
Fri, Nov 9, 2007
In the mountains and high deserts of Central Oregon, you'll find year-round excitement! Wintertime brings snow to the Cascade Range, and host Kara Tsuboi heads to the slopes of Mount Bachelor to view its pine forests by dogsled. In neighboring Smith Rocks, the sun is out and the rocks are bone-dry... the perfect conditions to go climbing! Dinner is served nearby in the city of Bend, where a restaurant in an old blacksmith shop now serves up gourmet comfort food.
Fri, Nov 16, 2007
Just across the Canadian border, British Columbia offers vast tracts of evergreen forests and magnificent river valleys. At Harrison Lake, host Kara Tsuboi makes a spa retreat her home base to access the surrounding wilderness. A kayak camping trip reveals stunning waterfalls, and a boat trip with Native Americans becomes a journey into the ancient past. A thrilling whitewater rafting trip sets the stage for a fine dinner of caribou and wine reduction with local berries.
Fri, Nov 23, 2007
On Hawaii's Big Island, there's so much terrain to explore! Host Kara Tsuboi begins her trip with a hike in the lush rain forests of the northwest coast, searching for hidden waterfalls on the slopes of an extinct volcano. On the leeward side of the mountain, forest gives way to expansive grasslands, where Kara rides horseback to scenic viewpoints, and ends her day at a Hawaiian cowboy feast. Then, at the beach, Kara tries a local fish specialty, and experiences the richness of "Big Island Cuisine."
Fri, Nov 30, 2007
You'll find more than tropical beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii! There are live volcanoes, thick rain forests, and massive mountains to explore. Host Kara Tsuboi begins with a helicopter tour of the Kohala Coast to see its dramatic sea cliffs and waterfalls. A hike on Kilauea, Hawaii's most active volcano, shows how the island continues to grow and change, today. Kara then tours a Kona Coffee farm and enjoys an organic cup of joe, then finishes with a special meal, direct from Hilo's famous farmers' market.
Fri, Dec 7, 2007
Centuries ago, when Polynesian explorers first settled on Hawaii, they brought with them a culture and tradition that can still be experienced, today. Host Kara Tsuboi travels the Big Island's Kohala Coast to enjoy the activities and food of the Polynesians. From a thatched hut retreat, Kara first snorkels the Hawaiian reefs, then discovers the secrets to ancient outrigger canoe craftsmanship. After paddling her own outrigger, she heads to the kitchens to try moi, a fish once reserved for Hawaiian royalty.
Thu, Dec 13, 2007
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are possibly the most rugged terrain in New England. Host Kara Tsuboi ventures almost to the Canadian border to reach her base of operations for exploring the area's deep forests. A hike to a perch rewards Kara with a sweeping view of the landscape and a gourmet picnic lunch. On quiet waters, Kara paddles a canoe to observe bald eagle chicks in their nest, and hunts for trout on a meandering river. A fine meal is served at a mountain resort, with a recipe that calls for local fiddlehead ferns.
Thu, Dec 20, 2007
On the Arizona/Utah border, In the midst of a vast desert, Lake Powell is an oasis of water-based recreation. Host Kara Tsuboi finds the best way to beat the heat is with a wakeboarding lesson and a boat trip up one of the lake's twisted fingers to reach the beautiful Rainbow Bridge Monument. A horseback journey through dusty Paria Canyon hearkens back to the open range of the Old West, and a fantastic striped bass dinner is served aboard a luxury houseboat rental.
Thu, Dec 27, 2007
Orange-hued sandstone monoliths are the backdrop for a backcountry adventure into the American Southwest. Host Kara Tsuboi steps into the past as she explores iconic Monument Valley with a Navajo guide by foot and four-wheel drive. In neighboring Mesa Verde National Park, the 800-year-old ruins of a lost civilization are a mystery to be explored, and at the end of a scenic hike, a millennia-old meal of local squash and beans is given a modern - and delicious! - twist.
Sat, Jan 5, 2008
Moab, Utah is a mecca for mountain bikers, who journey for miles to climb its legendary slickrock. Host Kara Tsuboi has her own plan to get her bike to Moab: she's riding it over seven days from Durango, Colorado! Using a system of dirt roads and overnight hut stays, Kara traverses the Rocky Mountains and vast canyon country to reach this desert outpost. Cooling off is easy with a rafting trip on the San Juan River, and a rewarding meal of seared lamb wraps the trip, nicely!
Sat, Jan 12, 2008
Ever since Durango was founded during Southwest Colorado's gold boom, this mountain town has remained wild and adventurous in character. Host Kara Tsuboi hops aboard Durango's narrow-gauge steam train and heads north into the San Juan Mountain Range. Here, in the absence of roads, she finds an isolated adventure resort that offers everything from helicopter picnics to thrilling zipline tours over the roaring Animas River. Returning to Durango's historic downtown, Kara makes fresh mozzarella and samples a delicious lamb dinner.