It seems we keep eyeing bigger and bigger hikes and this year is no exception. While looking ahead to the potential for Camino de Santiago in Spain (fall 2026), we happened to find the Camino de Costa Rica and figured we'd give it a go. We've already done Volcan Baru in Panama and this spring we did Havasu Falls so why not?This will be our biggest trek yet, as the Mar a Mar Foundation, which created El Camino de Costa Rica, designed a route that...
At the time I'm writing this (2/27/2024) it's been a month with no caffeine. I wasn't sure I could actually cut the caffeine out, as I've tried before. But taking it slow, over nearly the entire month of January, I was able to do it. The biggest challenge really was psychological. Neither Hillary nor DJ quit caffeine, with both still enjoying plenty of tea and coffee. Oh, and owning a tea company for 10 years also made it a bit strange to have...
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If you enjoy hiking, and especially pushing yourself a bit, either for the views or the personal satisfaction, then hiking Volcán Barú is a must if you are in Boquete, Panama. As the highest peak in Panama, it offers views of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, if you are lucky enough to catch it on a clear day. If not, you get the personal satisfaction of a tough hike, full of amazing plants and animals, that most only experience by a harrowing...
Due south of Panama City and the Amador Causeway is Taboga Island. This tiny island seems to a favorite day-trip for tourists and locals alike. The tiny town is a mere 30 minutes away by Taboga Island Fast Ferry ($24/person), has great views of the city, and for most, provides a great beach upon which to sit all day long. However, we think the real opportunity is hiking Taboga Island itself. This also fits our goal of living to 100 far better...
We started training for Volcán Barú in early February with multiple hikes around the Northern Virginia region. Most of these hikes were along the Appalachian Trail, giving us lots of uneven terrain (rocky) and plenty of elevation. I'm excited to say that training is over! We're headed to Panama next week. After exploring Panama City for the first week we're heading to the town of Boquete in Chiriquí. If the weather cooperates we'll be...
As longtime listeners of Peter Attia's Podcast, The Drive, we've heard him repeatedly talk about Zone 2 training and high intensity interval training. He's often spoken of these in the context of professional cycling, something we have zero ability to relate to. However, he's recently spoken of Zone 2 and HIIT in relation to VO₂ max and its importance vis-à-vis the risk of cardiac events. We've made great strides in improving our own...
During our trip to Panama this summer we have a lofty goal of climbing this long dormant volcano. Round trip from Boquete this trail is rated hard with 17.4 miles round trip and an elevation gain of 6,847 feet.Most hikers start this around 10 or 11 PM and hike overnight with the goal of seeing sunrise. After our own trial run from 5 PM to 1:30 AM we've decided we'll pass on the overnight. Instead we'll likely start hiking around 4 or 5 AM and...
We've always planned far in advance. We focused on getting to the comfortable retirement that modern America tells us we should want. Retire about 65ish. Enjoy the second home. Travel.
But what happens when you get the American Dream early and discover that's not what you want? That the modern American Dream is not only unsatisfying but actually makes you feel trapped.
That big house the bank tells you that you can afford (so you get it). And...
