Inspirations from Mexico

At the end of blogging my Mexico adventure series I have to take a minute and reflect on the trip that inspired the 40 adventures in celebration of 40 years.

A few months ago I went on a trip to the Yukatan Peninsula with Todd and a few friends. The place was everything I crave in an adventure -- beautiful scenery, new experiences, thrills, good food, intense colors, great friends, belly laughs, and an excitment that perculates deep in the gut of my soul. It left me with a desire to engage in activities that once filled my days and encouraged an active, lively, and spirited existence.

As I pondered on my 40 years, I thought what a better way to celebrate a great life filled with many diverse experiences than to dive in and fill it up with 40 new adventures that either I've always wanted to do or that reflect cherished memories of my past. 

So, thank you Mexico for inspiring me, thank you Dawn and Jason for sharing the experience, thank you Clint and Jeni for providing the conduit to my inspiration, and thank you Todd for supporting, loving, and encouraging me.

We Heart Mexico!

Here is to the adventures I've completed and to the adventures yet to come and here is to the many great friends and family members willing to share them with me.

Watch the slideshow highlighting a few photos from this trip.

Adventure #28: Snorkling in the Caribbean

Me, saying hi to my long lost friends, the tropical fish that I have always loved.

Snorkeling in the Caribbean at Yalku was one of my favorite adventures because it rekindled a passion I have always had for the ocean and tropical fish. Even though I grew up in the mountain region of Utah, I have always craved swimming in the ocean surrounded by a full array of colorful fish in odd shapes and sizes. As it is with most things, it is their color that catches my attention and draws me in, but it is their seemingly playful nature that endears them.

In my younger years I dreamed of having a giant (two story high) circular tropical fish tank that would fit in the center of my house with a spiral staircase climbing around it; or, a fish tank in place of each window so when you looked out you could see all kinds of fish swimming in the air.

I also dreamed of living in Hawaii so I could swim with the fish every day. When I found out BYU had a college in Hawaii I knew I would go there, and I did. My roommate, Julie Brown, and I painted fish on our walls (with tempera paint of course). I loved snorkeling in Hanauma Bay where there was such a variety of fish swimming in every direction and nibbling at your feet.

Once I returned home from attending college in Hawaii, I missed my little friends, so I painted more fish on the sunflower wallpaper on the bathroom walls of my parent's home (this time in acrylic paint, to my parents' surprise). I soon took a scuba class and had a blast swimming with dolphins and seals at La Bufadora in Mexico.

It has been a long time, too long, since I last swam with my little friends, so I was almost giddy to squeeze into a wet suit and jump in with my snorkel.



I love adventures that bring back that childhood wonder and excitement!

Adventure #27: Riding a Zip Line Over the Jungle

view from one zip tower to the next

I've heard of these amazing zip lines that go over the jungle floor, and always thought how fun it would be to zoom through the air while a world of exotic creatures were stirring  below. I got my wish and rode not just one zip line over the jungle, but 13 different zip lines for a mile and a half at Xplor adventure and water park, some even zooming you through a waterfall and landing in a pool of water. Yahoooooo!

That's me flying in for a landing on my first run of the day.

Another highlight of the day was meeting Erik Estrada (or maybe it was his son), who yes, I did have a small crush on when I was kid watching the original episodes of "Chips."  He got to check my harness connections and then asked me, "So, do you want to go fast?" After I nervously giggled out a "y-e-s," he flashed his big white teeth and sent me sailing away with a thumbs up as I faded in the reflection of his giant chips sunglasses.

In addition to the zip lines, we were able to drive an amphibious vehicle, raft through underground tunnels, and swim through the stalactite river. All in all, a fabulous adventure that we enjoyed with great friends.

Me driving in the second car as we came out of a tunnel. Dawn and Jason blazing the trail.

Me and Jeni at the heart of the park.

Adventure #26: Climbing a Mayan Ruin

Coba is one of the most rustic and important archaeological sites in the Yukatan Peninsula and it is where we climbed 120 STEEP stairs see spectacular jungle views. I am glad we had the opportunity because we were some of the last visitors allowed to climb the pyramid. Unfortunately, a child fell and died a few days before our visit causing the government to stop foot traffic. We were able to sneak up while the paperwork was in process. I'm not sure, but I think there no longer any pyramids in the area that allow you  to climb. So sad!

It was a little intimidating as the stairs were about as deep as my fist and so steep they almost required a rope and harness.

The other fun part of the adventure was getting to the pyramid on old warn bikes. I loved riding through the jungle on bumpy dirt roads over tree roots!

We also made it to Talum where you can't climb anything or ride bikes, but the views are spectacular as the pyramids overlooked the ocean. If I were a Mayan, I would chose to live at Talum and visit cousins in Coba.

Adventure #25: Body Surfing

Okay, I used to body surf when I was going to school in Hawaii and loved it. I have these memories of catching great waves and riding them in with style. Uh... either those are grossly exaggerated memories or 20 years has definitely taken its toll because I sure didn't have much finesse this go around.

I should probably use better judgement and not share this photo; but, if it were someone else, I would get a good laugh so I'll swallow my pride and share the only proof that yes, I did complete adventure #25 and go body surfing.

This is right before the ocean threw me to the ground and tumbled me without mercy. Nothing like seaweed stuck in your teeth for lunch. I was finding sand in my hair for a couple of days.

Adventure #24: Cenote Swimming

I like caves, I like water and diving, so of course I loved cenotes.

Found in the Yukatan Peninsula, Cenotes are a deep natural well or sinkhole formed by the collapse of surface limestone that exposes ground water underneath, and sometimes used by the ancient Mayans for sacrificial offerings. The sense of an ancient danger only added to the adventure.

We were lucky enough to have Clint and Jeni as our guides who knew the best places to go. We were able to jump in and swim through three cenotes: Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos, and Temple of Doom.

The Gran Cenote was a beautiful setting with root systems growing down through the ground into the cave and water source. When you stuck your face in the water to snorkel it was amazing to see the roots and stalactites creating another world.


Dos Ojos required water flashlights as we swam under stalactites drooping down like icicles. When we passed through a narrow passageway to another cavern bats flew over our heads in the six inches of clearance. I felt some rustle my hair as they passed. Although I wanted to scream, I refrained so as not to stir a larger flock of bats into a frenzy. Sooo cool!

The Temple of Doom was an open hole you got to jump into and fall to the water below. There were a few smaller openings in the ground surrounding the main hole. If you weren't watching, you could easily fall unexpectedly. Imagine the poor guy who originally found the place.

This is where I drove Todd crazy when I wanted him to reenact the first man to find the Temple of Doom as he walked through the jungle. He wanted to throw me in I think:)

Todd's awesome jump through one of the small holes at the Temple of Doom.


It was fun to see scuba divers coming through small holes at the bottom of a cenote as they navigated from one cavern to another. It would be fascinating to see how they all connect. I loved my first cenote adventure! Maybe someday I'll get back to visit more and perhaps even try out the scuba gear.

Thanks Clint and Jeni for sharing an amazing part of the world with us! And thanks Jason and Dawn for all the laughter and fun company.

Adventure #23: Firewalking

We are hot tonight! 

We made it through fire walking without anyone falling in or getting burned. I have to admit as the flames were burning and I could feel the heat, I was contemplating backing out of this adventure. But after Clint and then Jeni walked right through, I starting thinking cool thoughts and jumped in feet first. 

These are the coals without a flash

With the flash, you can see me, but you can't see the red of the hot coals.

And hey, not so bad. Okay, I can do this and not even scream. 

Stacy Garnica was up next followed by all the kids. 

I ended up going through several more times without even thinking twice (thanks to the conga line), but now in the comfort of my home, my feet are simmering a little... I would say lightly toasted.

As always, the best part of the adventure was sharing it with others.

mini Adventure #22: The Hills are Alive

I have two friends that remind me of each other, so I thought, "of course," when I learned they both loved Julie Andrews and The Sound of Music. There is an air of Julie in both of them. 

Although I don't have a personal copy of the movie, I also like to watch The Sound of Music and loved when it aired each year on public television during my childhood. It makes me want to get the puppets out and start yodeling.

This mini adventure is dedicated to childhood memories that make us smile and to Jill Whitaker and Dawn Douglas. Yes, I am making a complete fool out of myself for you two.
 If this doesn't keep me out of the ward choir, I don't know what will.

Adventure #21: Visit Hoover Dam

What is it about high places like the Hoover Dam that make you itch to drop something down (preferably not a kid, although that thought has probably crossed a few parents' minds) even though you wouldn't hear or see when it actually hit bottom? I refrained and kept all pennies in my pockets and all kids on the side walk.

It is pretty awe inspiring to think that men made this structure without all the tools and technology we have today. Although I don't think I would be very excited if my husband were working on the project as some men were sacrificed to the cement God. If they fell into the cement, no one could get them out as it would have compromised the structure to stop the continuous poor. So, they were slowly covered and petrified to benefit the rest of us.

On that note, wow. 

Keeping it real in Vegas with Hydes, Frys and Eames... great times, great memories. Thank you Juliet for not having Garret pee off the dam and just keeping it to the Bellagio fountains. Let's do it again soon!

The irony of our visit was that the power was out at this giant power plant, hmmm... so we couldn't go in the museum or visitor's center. I guess that leaves us something to come back for. 

The kids had fun jumping from one time zone to the other in one hop. They also enjoyed making the truckers honk as we walked across the bridge overlooking the dam. They thought they were hilarious with their dam jokes (yes, Todd started it). "We just passed the dam police." "This dam road is crowded." "The dam museum is closed." etc. etc.

kid's jump shot

Adventure #20: Host an Amazing Race

As a follow up to the Amazing Race Fullmer Edition (Adventure #5), the winning team got together and planned a sequel. We had so much fun brainstorming all kinds of crazy challenges and clues. Everyone who participated in the race should thank Jeni who kept the rest of us in check or else you might have found yourself wading through a mound of Utah's green jello then driving a junker back from Salt Lake that may or may not have made it; not to mention a few of Clint's ideas that I can't share;)

While the planning was a lot of fun,the best was watching everyone scramble through the race. Adventures don't get any better than when you can watch all your neighbors get crazy, feisty, competitive, and belly laugh while dishing out threats and other smack with a wink.

Thanks Alfredo for putting together this super fun trailer!



The full version wouldn't fit, so you'll just have to request a private showing if you want to see it:)

Congratulations to the winning team: Alfredo and Stacie Garnica,  Brett and Kris Bunnell, and Margie and Howard Fullmer!

This event is so much fun we decided it should be an annual tradition for the winning team to host the next race the following spring. Come on new team supreme, we'll be waiting with great anticipation.

Adventure #19: Ice blocking

My bum is cold and I think I have a new bruise or two, but I had a BLAST ice blocking with family and friends. Watch out below!!!

I loved watching the adults and kids laugh and have fun together! It is amazing how much fun you can have on a $1.49 ice block. I'm happy to report that Dawn didn't break her tail bone -- way to confront your fears, girl. Derick was a speed demon. And, the kids went down like rock stars. To quote little Easton, "Awesome!"

It is time to load up the family and go; you know you want to try it!

Thanks Brian M for introducing me to ice blocking in high school. It was fun then, but it was even more fun than I remembered this time around.

mini Adventure #18: J Dawgs

For years I've been hearing about the great J Dawgs next to BYU campus, but I've never tried it because, I have to admit, I'm not a huge hotdog fan. I do like them cooked over a fire until the skin starts to blacken a little, and I have eaten the occasional Costco dog when I'm desperate, but I can't say I would seek out a hotdog. So, it is funny that I am dedicating one of my adventures to eating a "DAWG." But this is more than a hot dog it is a legendary J Dawg, a Provo original. The best part is that I got to share the experience with Melba and Justin!

Justin, Melba, me

A BYU student started JDawgs in a little red booth on the corner of campus. It has grown so much that now they are in the building next to the booth and the line still frequently goes out the door. If you are ever around BYU it is worth a try -- make sure and get J Dawg's special sauce for some extra sass and don't forget a pile of napkins. 

 Check out the video by KBYU TV: http://www.byutv.org/watch/39f5eda9-8fb2-4faf-a257-ca5172aefe70#ooid=9xM3h5MToMH7_cOYKOHJhphmL4CIuCHq

Adventure #17: Giant Sleepover

I enjoyed four LATE nights filled with talking, laughing, games, food and the typical sleepover practical jokes. With short sheeting, dummy stuffed bedding, mattress surprises and even threats of frozen bras in the morning, you would never guess the average age of the crew was 40 :).

Michelle and her sister-in-law, Tanya, dummy stuffed my bed. With a job like this, I think they've had a lot of practice over the years. It got better a half hour later when they all replaced the stuffing with Ginger's live body. She scared the pants off me when she jumped out of it!

There were between nine and 17 people spread across the floors each night. We went to bed with a chorus of snoring (something you don't get to experience at sleepovers in your youth) and woke to songs of incoming texts, emails, and cell alarms.

Although I doubt anyone went home refreshed and well rested, the bags under our eyes were well worth the fun, belly laughs and good memories. Thanks Dan and Tiff (and your parents) for hosting such a lively crew!

Adventure #16: Teton Hot Springs

On the last day of our Wyoming adventure series, we went swimming in hot springs near the snow run off. They flow the springs into a pool with great views all around.

 

 Due to the heavy run off the water wasn't exactly on the "hot" side; I would have to say... mmm, luke warm, kind of like a bath, but when the water has chilled and it is time to get out. The guys along with brave Tiffany and Ginger kept warm by racing while the rest of us huddled where the spring ran into the pool. There was some pretty tough competition.

Here is a little flavor of the "one-armed-race."

btw: I want to paint this red cabin so I took a whole series of photos for when I ever get around to getting my paints out.

Adventure #15: Ice Water Rafting

I've always wanted to go white water river rafting in June when the rapids are
their best. Boy, did I get my wish this year with the snow run off and the highest
water levels they've had in 28 years. 

Back row: Danielle and Jeff Hendricks, Kathy Stevens, Ken and Ginger Parkinson, Wendell Eames, John Stevens, Dan Singer, Michelle Fowkes, Tanya, Jason and Dawn Douglas, David and Jill Smart; Front row: Tonya Fischio (me!), Tiffany Singer, Juliet Eames

The water was colder than I drink out of my fridge!!! But, I have to admit, I've never had so much fun (second half) on a cloudy day with intermittent rain and 40 degree water.

We did the scenic trip for 13 miles in the morning and froze our keesters off even though this was the dry part of the trip. We ended up huddling a little and playing two truths and a lie to keep warm and distracted from our numbing fingers. At least now I have some good dirt on my neighbors:) Can you guess who was the national clogging champ, who stole a car from a gas station (they claim it was accidental, hmmm) and whose ex-girlfriend now performs as an exotic dancer?

That's me with the oars!

After the scenic trip we returned to Mad River headquarters where we changed into our Matrix wet suits. Wish we had of had these the whole time!

We were loving the afternoon on white water! The rapids were fun and the wet suits kept us dry. We were lucky to have Wayne who has been guiding for 19 years and has never flipped on Lunch Box Counter.  Bring on the waves!

I highly recommend Mad River for anyone going down the Snake. They have been in business the longest, their guides were fantastic and they serve you a steak dinner when you pull off half way down the rapids. If you get a chance... GO.

Adventure #14: Mountain Biking in the Tetons

What do you get when you mix dirt, rocks, mud, snow, and blood? 

 Tonya mountain biking in the Tetons with a big smile!

I've forgotten how much I like to mountain bike. The last time I headed down a hill to dodge boulders was nearly 20 years ago. With a spread of yellow wild flowers and lush green mountain sides as well as the sound of a swift flowing river and the smell of clean air, I couldn't have found a more beautiful place to pick up the habit again. It was exilerating and I loved the feel of the wind on my face and the challenge of dodging rocks on the path down.

Even the big boys had to walk their bikes down part of the path :)

I couldn't get through my 40 adventures without a bruise or injury and still hold my head up high in the end. Thanks to mountain biking in the Tetons I now have a souvenire to show.

This is nothing compaired to the bruising on my hips, 
but I'll spare you and just show off the elbow.

Thanks to the  high regard of all the biking crew, I made it the rest of the way safe and sound. Thanks for the crustible, Ken. I had fun biking with you all. Let's do it again sometime.