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Pirates House

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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…”

SUP’ Newport Beach…

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.

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a Pirate’s Life for Me…

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.

Pirate House
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.

“For certain, you have to be lost to find a place that can’t be found.
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

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Herd Hiking

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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.

“Jesus” tending his Flock.
“If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I’ll bet they’d live a lot differently.” – Bill Watterson

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

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Army and Navy Academy

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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.

Be sure to click to see the video
Friday Night Football Game Big Win for the Warriors
Cross Country Senior Athletes recognized at half time.

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.

Alec enjoying some Ramen while on local liberty.
  • 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.
Pretty rough duty to be stationed right on the beach in Carlsbad. Do the boys know how good they have it?

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’.

Cadet Command Sargent Major Alec Jenkins in all his regalia.
Cadet Command Sgt Major Alec Jenkins flashes a smile with Mom and Dad

It was a fabulous weekend and so good to be back on campus for this special event with our boys.

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The House!!!

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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.

What would you do if you stumbled upon this eerie old ruin that made the hair on the back of your neck stand up, as you were over come with a feeling of dread?

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“.)

THE HOUSE!!!

As day turned to night Grant hurried his pace through the deep dark wood trying to escape the feeling of doom that had taken over his every thought since he laid eyes on “THE HOUSE!!!”

Okay, the last paragraph was totally contrived as thoughts behind a Internet Short Feature Video Project.

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ADVENTURE WEAR

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PURSUING BALANCE THROUGH ADVENTURE

Pursing Balance Thru Adventure Wear is available by contacting me direct. I can’t wait to have you wear it on your next adventure. Simply leave the description of the items you are interested in, don’t forget quantity, color and size.

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Selecting a Title

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Mount Langley

Since this was such a grand adventure or hardship… actually both- it seems like it should have a proper title not just ‘Mount Langley’. I finally came up with “Up In Smoke” because well, the California Fires were raging and getting worse with each month, week, day, even hour.

We were having to choke down that Fire Smog when usually you go to the mountains for fresh clean air and a fresh clean prospective on life. The fresh air we didn’t find, however a new prospective indeed … just thinking about the many lives that are being turned upside down by the fires, the first responder‘s struggles fighting the fires, the forests being lost, the personal property and homes being lost… the lives being lost.

I experienced Altitude Sickness and was surprised and frustrated by this fact. But I pressed forward and persevered. It was a struggle, but especially now looking back at it you have to have fun with it. It can be a labored effort, but something like this you still have to have fun with. So, some of the titles possibilities were a little tongue in cheek, poking fun at myself and my fellow backpacking companions. Let me know what you think. Did I pick the right title in my selection of ‘Up in Smoke’? Leave a comment and let me know which one you would have selected of maybe you have a few of your own to suggest.

  • LEFT TO SUFFER ALONE ON THE MOUNTAIN
  • SUFFERING UP THE MOUNTAIN
  • SUFFERING ON THE MOUNTAIN
  • SUFFERING SUCCOTASH I’M COVERED WITH FIRE ASH
  • BECAUSE IT WAS THERE
  • SUFFERING IN THE SIERRAS
  • SMOKE, SICKNESS, ALONE AND DISTRAUGHT- ADVENTURE ON MT LANGLEY
  • ABANDONED, SICK AND DISTRAUGHT AT 14,000 FEET
  • PUSHING IT TO THE LIMITS IN THIN AIR
  • UP IN SMOKE
  • TOUGHING IT OUT AT ALL COSTS
  • EXHAUSTED, ABANDONED, SICK, CHOKING SMOKE – WELCOME TO HELL
  • HELL ON THE MOUNTAIN
  • 14ER CLUB DO OR DIE
  • STAIR WAY TO HEAVEN WAS HELL
  • THERE‘S NO CRYING IN MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
  • MY FRIEND, AN EAGLE SCOUT, LEFT ME TO DIE, ALONE ON A MOUNTAIN – WHAT’A DICK!

Here is a few that same friend added:

  • GOING PLACES I HAVE NO RIGHT TO GO
  • LEAVING SEA LEVEL… SHAME ON ME
  • LIFE ABOVE 5,000 FEET, NOT FOR ME
  • SUMMITING LANGLEY FROM COTTONWOOD BASIN IN ONLY 15 HOURS