Pursuing Balance Through Adventure goals are to get people out communing with nature with bold experiences in a way that offsets the minutia and the noise of our hurry up lives and quiets our thoughts enough that we can truly find ourselves.
Welcome
Mt. Pimard Trail
SAINT LUCIA
CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
Activity: Day Hike, Peak Bagging, Sight Seeing
1.5 miles, 252′ elevation gain, 45 minutes, rated Moderate
Date: 3-3-24
When you are on a boat for a month and a half successfully completing an ‘Trans-Atlantic Crossing on a Small Catamaran’ then you are ready to Island Hop the Caribbean. We were looking for some land activities and the hike up Mt. Pimard was just the ticket. It was a short hike, but it is rated HARD for a reason.
Right from the start we met some fellow catamaran sailors, Nikki and Barry from Vancouver British Colombia, Canada. They bought their Lagoon Catamaran in Florida joined a large fleet of cats that all sailed down to the Caribbean together as a group. It was fun to talk with them along the way.
The first 2/3rds of the hike through a tree forest canopy with some peak-a-boo glimpses of Saint Lucia’s Rodney Bay lulls you into relaxation mode, but the last part of the hike is pretty steep with no switch backs. It’s a scramble pretty much straight to the top. Thank goodness for some footholds, staircase of roots, and some little trees to grab onto. There are even some new well tied ropes to aid both the accent and descent.
Once you catch your breath at the top, the view will then take it away. Great 360 view of ocean, bay and island.
YouTube Channel
Mt. Pimard Trail
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– Nick Burd
My friend Dan and I want to thank you for joining us while ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. Hiking and Peak Bagging our way around Rodney Bay on Saint Lucia in the Caribbean. Here is our hike from the other day: Fort Rodney and Signal Hill. Adventure is the best way to gain that Balance in life so sought after. Super fun short hike since we were anchored just below it. Please stick around by doing this: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. Also checkout SHOP APPAREL for adventure hats, shirts, beanies, like the ones in the video and pics. The menu above will send you to more PBTA locations for your adventure pleasure. Each one is independent and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.
Happy Trails,
Roger Jenkins,
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
Fort Rodney and Signal Hill Hike
SAINT LUCIA
CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
Activity: Day Hike, Peak Bagging, Sight Seeing
1.5 miles, 252′ elevation gain, 45 minutes, rated Moderate
Date: 3-1-24
This is a short, but scenic hike that is rich in history. My friend Dan did not want to pay the $10 USD just to go see some ruins at this National Park, but afterwards he was glad that he did. He especially liked the Interpretation Center that provided some history and background to what we were seeing. It had some artifacts and showcased the different British Uniforms of the period.
It was interesting to see the ruins of the different installations scattered throughout the National Park set in the exquisite beauty of this stunning island. Along the various stops there were incredible views of the island and the sea.
Whenever we were out of the Trade Winds it felt hot which made me wonder was this exceptional duty for these British soldiers to get out of rainy Old England to be stationed in paradise or did they consider it a chore and just plain stifling hot in their wool uniforms? We did read that the uniforms in the area where modified somewhat because of the heat. Even though there was no mention of Pirates I think back to the ‘Pirates of the Carribean’ movies and Commodore Norrington and the other British Troops and their heavy uniforms worn in the Carribean. I think that I was much happier in shorts and hiking boots as we walked the same steps of history.
Fort Rodney and Signal Hill on Pigeon Island were key to holding one of the best natural bays of the Caribbean and strategic to British keeping an eye on their rival the French on the nearby island of Martinique. The French were helping those pesky Colonists much to the disdain of British Crown.
There is a bit of a scramble going up Signal Hill so proper footwear would be an advantage.
Fort Rodneyand Signal Hill
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My friend Dan and I want to thank you for joining us while ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. Hiking and Peak Bagging the ruins of an Colonial Period Fort. Adventure is the best way to gain that Balance in life so sought after. Super fun short hike since we were anchored just below it. Please stick around by doing this: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. Also checkout SHOP APPAREL for adventure hats, shirts, beanies, like the ones in the video and pics. The menu above will send you to more PBTA locations for your adventure pleasure. Each one is independent and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.
Happy Trails,
Roger Jenkins,
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
Hiking Montana Amarilla Volcano
Garciosa Island
Canary Islands, Territory of Spain
Activity: Day Hike, Peak Bagging
3+ miles, 560′ elevation gain, >2 hour duration, rated Moderate
Date: 1-24-24
Hike to a Volcano
My friend Dan and decided to checkout the Island of Graciosa which we were anchored off of in the Canary Islands.
There is a volcano that looms over us where we are anchored at Playa Francesa and from our catamaran sailboat we could see people walking along a beach. So we were anxious to take a hike.
Our friend Greg motored us in by dingy and dropped us at the beach. There were a variety of trails that pretty much went in the same direction. We stuck to what looked like the main trail running along the beach until we saw a couple interesting piled up rocks like some sort of ruin. The one thing that it was for sure, as we stuck our heads in the opening, and that was it is some type of Beach Bum dwelling and that someone was living there. Hey if I was going to be a bum what a place this would be! The views of the islands, ocean and volcano were something that the rich and famous would clamber over, lol.
Along the way we saw another gorgeous beach. La Concina is a more remote beach. There were people enjoying the wonderful sand and water, in various states of dress and undress for that matter.
On we chugged up the path. The views got better with each step, but you needed to keep you eyes on the trail as the mixture of gravel, dirt and volcanic matter was as Dan exclaimed, “Like walking on ball bearings.” The other reason that you might want to watch your step is once up on the ring of the volcano- on one side it was steep and treacherous, the other side of the narrow path was the same, but to a whole other level. I told Dan that you would have a very sad and hopeless look on your face if you just started sliding and there was nothing you could do about it knowing that you would soon be going over the cliff from which there is no return. So my point was watch your damn step and stay away from the slanted and slippery edge, lol!
In fact we saw this sign, but we could not read Spanish. I suppose it is showing us trail this way?
The views were so incredible all along the volcano. The islands, the water, the beaches just amazing.
As usual on such slippery treks it was even tougher going down with the footing, but we were careful so we were fine.
Super hike!
YouTube Channel
Hiking a Volcano
in the Canary Islands
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My friend Dan and I want to thank you for joining us while ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. Hiking and Peak Bagging a cool volcano with views to die for, literally, lol! Adventure is the best way to gain that Balance in life so sought after. Super fun short hike since we were anchored just below it. Please stick around by doing this: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. Also checkout SHOP APPAREL for adventure hats, shirts, beanies, like the ones in the video and pics. The menu above will send you to more PBTA locations for your adventure pleasure. Each one is independent and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.
Happy Trails,
Roger Jenkins,
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
Pirates House
NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Activity: SUP, Sight Seeing
While Stand Up Paddle Boarding, (SUP), Newport Harbor in Newport Beach California I came across an Oddity that left me dumbfounded, slack jawed, and muttering to myself, “What the…”
I first spied a couple of folks off in the distance. They seemed to be out enjoying the perfect California beach Summer time weather, blue skies, with a light breeze in the upper 70’s. I was paddling along a waterway lined with beautiful beach homes, yachts and docks of the well to do. Every home immaculate, every boat and yacht meticulously cared for certainly a setting something out of a magazine. I was thinking, those folks out on the dock certainly seem pretty still. Then it hit me all at once, the figures were not people, but figurines in a most elaborate and peculiar scene only upstaged by Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction and that is only because Disneyland’s attraction has sound affects.
What to my wandering eyes should appear but dozens and dozens of buccaneers and pirate paraphernalia adorning the dock, a couple of boats and the entire structure of this Spanish Styled home. Shiver me Timbers there were cutlasses, cannons and a treasure chest too boot. Yo ho me hearties it was quite a spectacle to take in swashbuckling sea Captains surrounded by scurvy dogs climbing ropes and scallywags leaning out of every porch and window.
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel
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I didn’t have my camera with me on my paddle board trip so I tracked down the spot and returned later in my vehicle to 35th Street and Marcus Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663 to record this pirate display. It seems that Orange County has a thing for pirates. Checkout my trip to Pirate’s Tower.
Else ways, everyone would know where it was.”
― Captain Barbossa, Pirates of the Caribbean
I would like to thank ye land lubbers for accompanying me on me voyage to Pirate House whilst I was ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ on a SUP. There are always more adventures ahead stick with me by doing the following: FOLLOW, LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE. I invite you to checkout the menu above as my adventures take place all over this Great West of ours and in many different forms, from on the water such as this outing, to hiking and backpacking, off-roading, overlanding, mountain biking and so forth and so on all with the hope to inspire ideas about your own next adventure. The menu is categorized mostly by location and each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. It’s a big beautiful world out there. Life was made to be lived, so get out there and enjoy some ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. Do you need adventure wear? The answer to that question is yes indeed, so checkout my PBTA Line of hats and t-shirts at SHOP APPAREL.
Happy Trails-
Roger Jenkins
Pursing Balance Through Adventure
St. Augustine Light Station
ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA
Activity: Sight Seeing, Scenic View
I visited my son, who is a Freshman, at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. St. Augustine, a tourist town, is a little over a 30 minute drive South.
St. Augustine is known for it’s famous fort, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. I love lighthouses and the St. Augustine Lighthouse is a good one to be sure, so after visiting the fort I headed for nearby Anastasia Island for the 150 year old beacon of light in the night, a savior of navigation for those upon the sea.
The lighthouse is 165 feet tall and is 219 steps to the top and the view is fantastic, as you might imagine. St. Augustine Light Station is a working lighthouse and it is fascinating to talk to the folks on hand regarding how it was lit all those years ago and how it casts light upon the sea today.
The Light House and it’s grounds are exquisite. Besides being beautiful there are plenty of exhibits regarding the Lighthouse history and it’s story. There is even live skiff building on the grounds. The boat builders are happy to answer questions and the property has displays of period craft to enjoy. There is archaeological restoration on site which is interesting to see as they careful clean treasures found from ship wrecks and such.
There are multiple buildings on the property to include the Lighthouse Keepers residence. It is a step back in history that is well worth the price of admission which was approximately $15.
– M.L. Stedman
Thanks for making the climb with me today to the top of St. Augustine Lighthouse, around the property and on the nature paths beside it. If you enjoyed this post I invite you to checkout my blogs regarding ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ which chronologs my outings in nature- hiking, backpacking, 4 wheeling, kayaking, canoeing, SUP and others activities enjoying the bounty of nature. The menu at each website connects you to other locales and activities. We all need a little break from the rigors of everyday life and nature is away to put it all back together. PBTA is my attempt to inspire and recommend getting off the couch and to enjoy life, fill your lungs with fresh air, feel the trail under your feet, touch the trees, take in the sky and feel the glory that is nature. If you like my cap I am wearing in the YouTube clip please visit SHOP APPAREL for top quality Adventure Wear with the PBTA logo and mantra.
Happy Trails-
Roger Jenkins
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
Herd Hiking
LOOMIS, WASHINGTON
When you visit the country there are certain things you expect to see: farming, ranching, and in Okanogan County Washington lots of Apple Orchards. So tractors, pick-ups, cattle and horses are pretty everyday sights. Hard working, salt of the earth people, ranchers and farmers, and don’t forget the fun loving people like fisherman and hunters. There are rodeos in the country with real live Bronc Bust’n, Bull Riding, Calf Rop’n Cowboys and Barrel Racing Cowgirls and Rodeo Queens. There are Cowboy Hats and Boots, and Rodeo Fans parked a country mile. There are other outdoorsmen as well such as hikers, backpackers, and climbers. These things are quite common in the country.
Why last year while visiting, I saw a cattle drive taking place right down the main road- that was pretty amazing I thought. What I was surprised and taken back to see is this Summer was something I will refer to as “Herd Hiking.”
Making there way down the main road along Palmer Lake, just outside the small town of Loomis, Washington, were some hikers. That in itself is not unusual as the Pacific Northwest Trail runs right along the area. The Pacific Northwest Trail is 1200 of hiking from the Continental Divide in Montana through to the Olympic Coast of Washington. So we certainly see hikers as they make their way on this long distance trek. The 3 hikers we spied were hiking with 3 dogs… okay no big deal. What was different in this case was the 3 hikers we saw and their 3 dogs were herding just under 20 goats, one of which looked like the big goat from ‘Three Billy Goats Gruff’. The big billy goat with the monstrous horns had on a pack. That was just the beginning as also in this troop was a camel, that’s right a camel! The camel had two large humps as a built in pack, but also carried a large pack. That still isn’t the end of the craziness there were a couple shaggy haired large yaks with huge packs and a calf or would that be a yakky?
Still not done with the craziness, the leader was the nicest guy and happy to talk about their journey. I asked him, you aren’t doing the Pacific Northwest Trail are you? He said that they were on part of the trail. They had just hopped on the trail not that long ago, and they were headed for Kettle Falls, which is over 100 miles away. He said from there they would forge their own route. He said they have to think about crossing the Okanogan River. They had been told of a place that they might ford the river, but otherwise they will just go across the bridge with the traffic. Okay…
He had long thick brown hair and was quite tan and fit. I thought that his get up was a bit strange, but a neighbor reported that she also talked with him and that he was wearing some sort of homemade leather loin cloth and slippers, and that he went by “Jesus”.
The Nomadic Shepards were pretty self sustained they had milk and cheese from the goats and yaks as well as jerky. He told me that they calculated that this made up more than 70% of their caloric intake.
Well, that is certainly not something that you experience everyday I will say that. The Herd Hikers and their flock went on about there merry way disappearing around the bend.
Some people march to a different drummer. Isn’t fascinating that they are taking on such an adventure?
Happy Trails-
Roger Jenkins
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
Super Yachting
NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Activity: Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams
Date: May 2022
Newport Beach has been termed “Beverly Hills on the Beach” with mansions lining the Beach, Bay and Bluffs. Exotic and expensive luxury cars are lined up at every stop light. In front of these homes worth 10’s of millions of dollars are yachts just as fitting. These toys are what dreams are all about.
As a social media influencer I felt it my duty to indulge myself into this life styles of the rich and famous, be it only for an afternoon. I was invited aboard ‘Sea Hawk’, an 87’ luxury yacht, docked in a position that commanded the best views of Newport Harbor.
As I stepped aboard this stately ’dream boat’ I was quickly swept away into the lap of luxury. Standing where major celebrities had recently partied with names so famous that if I divulged them I would be breaking privacy contracts, and the last thing I need is some hot shot Bel-Air Entertainment Lawyer all up in my business.
‘Sea Hawk’, an 87’ Azimut Luxury Yacht has a beam of 20’. For a large craft it surprisingly only draws 6’ of water and it can really get up and go. At a top speed of 20 knots it can be in Catalina in no time at all. The magnificent and sexy ‘Sea Hawk’ is rated ”Most Luxurious Yacht in Newport”. Dining can be served inside or for my casual dining outdoors on the aft deck. There are 4 finely appointed staterooms. The large and spacious bow is perfect for sunning, as a matter of a fact there were three young beauties enjoying the perfect SoCal weather as the boat owner Dave Irani directed my tour around the yacht. Later as we enjoyed cocktails on the fly bridge we discussed how ‘Sea Hawk’ can be chartered for a cruise around Newport Harbor or for that matter as far as the cash burning a hole in your pocket will allow. ‘Sea Hawk’ is currently booked for a cruise to San Diego Bay and they have been requested for a cruise to Cabo.
As the sun hung low in the California sky it was time to bid Sea Hawk and the world of yachting farewell. If you suddenly have the urge to liquidate your bitcoin, for as the way the market is going you might as well blow the money on a luxury yacht outing then just watch it evaporate in your account, then DM me. I will hook you up. Because we all need to be doing a little ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’.
Thanks for joining Owner Dave Irani and I aboard ’Sea Hawk’ as I found myself dreaming of ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ in Newport Harbor surrounded by affluence and opulence. We all need to find some adventure in our lives to bring what is hectic back into balance, and this is how the other half does it. I’ll tell you what I could get used to this. Heck, who am I kidding besides myself? I think that it is time for me to hit the trail again. I invite you to find that balance that we all seek. Stay with me and we can go after it together. This is an offshoot of my PBTA Websites. Click here to find out more about ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’.
Fare thee well landlubbers-
Roger Jenkins
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
Army and Navy Academy
Back to School Family Weekend 2021
It was back to School Weekend for the Cadets at the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California. It was the first time that the parents had been able to celebrate this fine tradition with their boys in two years due to Covid. The weather was perfect for the celebration.
It all started with a tailgate for the Friday Night Football Game. The Cadets led by the Cadet Command Sgt Major Alec Jenkins marched into the stadium supporting their brothers on the field as the “12th” Man. Sounded off an energetic ”Warrior Strong! Warrior Proud”. It was a big win for the Football team, who happens to be having a great year thus far in the season. The Cadets were enthusiastic with the Core of Cadets doing push-ups to match the score with each Warrior TD and I might add there were many. After the victory the cadets did a victory lap behind the ANA banner as confetti filled the sky.
The next morning bright and early it was the Morning Colors with each company reporting to the CSM Jenkins and the raising of the Stars and Stripes by Echo Company Cadets.
The parents had a chance to visit their cadet’s classroom and meet their teachers. It is so nice to have such high quality teachers in a small classroom setting with face to face learning, such a luxury for our boys during this era of Covid.
Plebs become New Cadets. 
New Cadets receive their shoulder boards from the Top 4.
Battalion Staff pose after Sword Ceremony 
Seniors enjoying a moment 
Top Four Cadets
Jenkins of the USA and Sato of Japan, International Friends.
That evening was the Commissioning of the Senior Leadership and the recognition of the newest cadets as they all took their oath. Afterwards the cadets all celebrated with their families at the Beach Bash, put on by the Parents Association. The families enjoyed great luau type of food with a steel drum band making “Everybody Feel Alright” as the sun set over the Pacific.
Back to School Army Navy Academy Parade 
Senior receive their swords 
Alec Jenkins front and center 
Seniors draw their swords for the first time.
The last day was the Parents Association Meeting where we were able to hear from the new President, followed by the main event the Military Review and Sword Ceremony. The Corp of Cadets marched in celebrating Back to School with the families to the tunes of the ANA Marching Band welcomed back after being suspended last year due to Covid. The Pomp and Circumstance of the Corp of Cadets with it’s in step splendor was a sight to behold. The Seniors receiving their swords was magnificent and the click of the saber as they ceremoniously returned it to is scabbard and the hoot from the Seniors signified to all that they are now the ‘Big Man on Campus’.
It was a fabulous weekend and so good to be back on campus for this special event with our boys.
The House!!!
LOCATION: DEEP IN THE WOODS OF THE ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST
“THE HOUSE!!!” (Cue the theme song from the Exorcist). Joey had recently day hiked this remote area of the Angeles National Forest and he had stumbled upon this spooky ruin that sent shivers down his spine leaving him with an odd feeling that perhaps he should just move along, perhaps even quicken his pace. Joey’s story intrigued the backpacking group enough, comparing it to ’Blare Witch Project’ that after setting up the tents at Bear Camp they headed out into the heavy underbrush of an overgrown trail as the shadows lengthened. After about a mile through the darkening woods they arrived. “THE HOUSE!!!” had all of the elements of a creepy, eerie place. It was old made of river rock and cement, the roof was gone and the mysterious door had been knocked from it’s hinges. The door was heavy and reinforced it had strange air vents with a sort of cage over the opening. Was this to keep something out or keep something in? The inside was burned out and filled with debris and a rusty old burned up bed frame. A hush fell upon the group, the smiles and the jokes suspended. There was a moment of silence as they all just stared. This posed many unexplained questions, but since this strange place had a unearthly vibe of evil, and twilight was rushing upon them they thought that it best to make like Joey and just move along, perhaps even hasten the pace.
As the hikers headed back to camp there was light joking about the commercial where the kids attempting to elude their captor are questioning if they should run to the attic or the basement. Terrified they ultimately determine their best choice is to hide out behind the chainsaws because of course it would be ridiculous to get in the running car.
Anthony mentions to the group it seems like we should have got back to camp by now. The sun had set casting a ominous glow to the darkening forest trail. Suddenly as the group turned the bend there it was… “THE HOUSE!!!” “What the Hell”, gasped Grant! “Okay, okay, settle down, we must have just like got turned around I suppose“, muttered Anthony his eyes nervously darting around. “It’s starting to get dark”, exclaimed Joey. “and we don’t have head lamps”. “I always carry a headlamp on the trail,” responded Roger. “Okay good. Let’s get a move on.” The group hurried along the trail fighting through the overgrown foliage, Roger with the only illumination leading the way. “Are you sure this is the way“ questioned Grant with growing concern in his voice? Roger’s headlamp was dim and hardly giving off light. “How f-ing old is the lamp” blurted out Grant genuinely perturbed! Anthony exclaimed, “This is it we are back to camp.” “Then where are the tents”, cried out Joey?! Roger glanced at Grant who was as white as a ghost with an disturbing look on his face. “What’s his deal”, questioned Roger? Grant lifted his arm and pointed without uttering a word. The group spun around and there half lite by the now risen full moon… “THE HOUSE!!!” (Cue music from the movie “Psycho“.)
Okay, the last paragraph was totally contrived as thoughts behind a Internet Short Feature Video Project.
ODDS and ENDS 