Boo!

Happy Halloween from Adventure Woman!

If Halloween isn't a time for recess I don't know what is? When else can you dress up as a crazy character - princess, beast or adventurer and have everyone tell you, "Hey, you look great!"

Halloween is a wonderful American tradition - dependant on the creativity of kids and adults and the generosity of the neighborhoods across the country. When else will people buy bags of candy to give to disguised strangers who knock at their door? But we all have fun and it's a really, really good time. Yes, that's what recess is all about.

Harry Houdini died today in 1926. He promised to come back to Earth - or send messages to the living after he was dead. Has anyone heard from old Harry? An amazing magician and escape artist Houdini created a legend and household name for himself that has survived generations of magicians.

He died when a student punched him - unexpectedly - after a lecture. He wasn't prepared to take the punch (a cheap shot) and it burst his appendix. Houdini was known to be able to take anyone's punch - but not a hit catching him off guard and unprepared.

Another creepy story on Halloween... In 1987 two young people committed double suicide in Australia. They were found strapped in the front seat of the car and their heads in the back. The police refused to say how they accomplished this bizarre and gruesome feat.

Hope you had a few harmless tricks and a lots of treats today... It's one of the funniest holidays on the calendar.

Make it an adventure!

A Barrel of Fun! Niagara Falls.

Today in 1901, Ann Edson Taylor of the United States risked life and limb to pay her mortgage (does this sound familiar in 2009?). She put herself into a padded barrel and thrust herself over the Niagara Falls. This is one of the many stories that make-up the legends and lures of Niagara Falls.

At this point in history, it is illegal to try to earn money risking your life with imaginative hijinks's on Niagara Falls, but it is a spectacular and awe-inspiring place to visit and imagine what drove such risk-takers as Ann to plunge down the world's most famous waterfall.

A day of recess at Niagara (or any waterfall) is sure to entail a wonderful hike and a serene splash of relaxation. Add a picnic to the mix and you're got a great outing for yourself or the family.

For more information on Niagara Falls go to the official web site: http://www.niagarafallstourism.com. or on the American side check out: http://www.niagara-usa.com

Horsin' around. Hey Dude! (as in Ranch).

Looking for a little fun? Try a Dude Ranch.

How about going to an authentic Dude Ranch and riding horses, herding cattle and learning a few rope tricks? The great outdoors combined with fabulous food will make the view from the top of your saddle even better.

This is the time of year when you can visit a Dude Ranch - after the heat of summer but before the cold of winter. Lodging is usually very rustic. Some cabins are more luxurious than others and this is typically reflected in the price. Some high-end Ranches even have wet bars, fireplaces and private hot tubes (triplecreekranch.com).

If you want something more basic (or less expensive) you can still fill your saddle bag with a ton of fun. Try Price Canyon Ranch. Here you can ride, rope, canoe and even help with the ranch chores. This will make you feel even more like a real ranch hand than if you're just relaxing in your rocking chair watching the sunset (but not bad either).

Other options offered at Dude Ranches are fishing lessons, and the occasional fish fry.

Many Ranches will have a pond or pool for swimming and more lux lodges will have tennis and other amenities.

Regardless, the back of a horse is a great Way o relax and unwind. And that is why we love recess!

Life is a jest

"Life is a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once; but now I know it."

- Bette Davis (who died today (1989) in Paris, France).

Recess in the Pumpkin Patch

Looking for a little recess?

It doesn't get better than recess in the local pumpkin patch. You can relax and enjoy the beauty and bounty of the harvest and you can be a kid all over again.

Wander around the acres of pumpkins and search for your special gem - a real treasure hunt. Are you looking for round and stout or tall and narrow pumpkin. Are you looking for the biggest - or smallest - pumpkin in the parch?

This is a wonderful time to stroll; meditate, dream or remember. Go alone, or with your significant other. Take your kids - or a friend's kids (they will love you for it). And be a thoughtful neighbor, drop off a pumpkin for someone who is too ill or feeble to get one for themselves. The sight of a big beautiful orange pumpkin on the porch is sure to cheer anyone up.

Recessology is all about being free and having fun. An old fashion pumpkin patch may be the R&R you need to get unstressed and become energized about the season ahead.

World's 1st Balloon Ride with a duck, sheep & rooster.

With the Albuquerque Balloon Festival just around the corner it's time for hot air. But this is actually true... today in history Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI watched the first manned hot air balloon ascent. In it were a group of unlikely characters: the Montgolfier brothers, a sheep, a rooster and a duck. Now that's a great day of recess!

Sail Away

If the idea of sailing is as exciting to me, as it is to you, then you'll be jumping at these ideas.

If you're really adventurous and have a few bucks, then head toward Kenya (Lamu). The Swahilis are one of the last surviving maritime cultures in the world, and they still use hand-built Dhows for sailing (similar to a sailboat). You can go out on a daylong excursion of the seven island archipelago with a Swahili Captain. You'll be able to explore villages that date back to Sinbad the Sailor (1000 AD). How groovy is that? There are less than a handful of cars, and most of the transportation (other than by Dhow) is by donkey. Check out the Peponi Hotel (peponi-lamu.com)(Adventure Mag).

If you're looking for something stateside check out Emerald Isle Sailing (www.emeraldislesailing.com. They run some fantastic sailing trips. If you love a little adventure combined with a little luxury you'll love the trips Emerald Isle offers. They feature several expeditions from the Northern Great Bear Rainforest (you see, bears, eagles, wolves, and humpback and orca whales) to more of the same around Ketchikan, Alaska.

They still have room on their San Juan Islands tour leaving September 29. Its a 3-day cruise for $997 per person. If lucky, you'll be eating fresh caught prawns, crab, halibut, and salmon as you tour some of the most beautiful islands in the world.

If this isn't a great recess option, I don't know what is! Three spots are still available on the 54' foot Pilothouse Catch (accommodates 3 crew members and 6 passengers).

Sail away your worries while eating some of the healthiest food you can find (or catch). It's a feast for the stomach, eyes and soul.