VOLUME 1
SUMMER 2020
THE ADVENTURERS
A Letter from the Editors
At the core of The Adventurers is the idea of storytelling. We originally started this journey with the idea of creating a travel magazine, but as we continued we got inspired. Inspired by the desire people have to travel, the passion they have when reminiscing on their adventures, and the idea that we would be able to combine visual and written elements to create something that unites adventurers everywhere. Why would we create The Adventurers when so many of us are unable to travel due to COVID-19? It's simple, really. While the media is full of frightening public health projections and devastating economic news, we want to give you hope. To remind you that all of our sacrifices and social distancing are for this beautiful world that is waiting for us. We hope that you can sit back, relax, and allow these stories to bring you closer to the world. Until we can adventure again,
LEAH JAHN Editor-in-Chief
KELSEY STEPHENSON Editor-in-Chief
CONTENTS 4
MICROPACKING Tips and tricks for packing like a pro & traveling light!
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HOROSCOPES Check out your horoscope to find out where you should travel!
– Nicole Davis 6
– Annabel Gat
JACIE & JULIA IN FRANCE With an enormous amount of love for Julia Child, Jacie explores the streets of Paris and visits all of Julia's favorite spots.
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LEAVE NO TRACE Learn about this company's sustainability efforts and how they educate the public through unique trekking experiences.
– Jacie Minnick 8
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- Fjällräven
DREAMING OF A SNOW DAY We don't get snow in Texas, so enjoy these photos from Wyoming.
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CAPE TOWN
After staying in Colombia with her host family for several months, Adriana reflects on her time.
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LAKE TAHOE
ISLAND ADVENTURE
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BRAND BOARDS
Cape Town is a port city of South Africa's southwest coast.
PIEDECUESTA
An exciting island adventure, with a twist! – Leah Jahn
Leah enjoys a relaxing day on the lake with family
Check out the inspiration for The Adventurers magazine!
PHOTO CREDIT: NICOLE DAVIS
Native to the islands of Southeast Asia, this baby Tarsier monkey spends most of its time hanging in trees. In some cultures, they are highly regarded and considered to be a sign of good luck. THE ADVENTURERS
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PACKING LIKE A PRO & TRAVELING LIGHT The more I travel, the more efficient I try to be with my packing by only bringing items that are necessary. My latest adventure was to a city is in the known for being the home of the Hundred Islands National Park. Small provinces will sometimes limit the weight of your luggage because the runways so short which means heavier baggage could cause problems for I used a Fjällräven back pack - the dimensions were 15" by 10.6" by 5.1"
the plane. I visited the island during peak season, so the luggage weight limit was 11 pounds.
HERE'S WHAT I PACKED: 2 swimsuits
As tourists, I find it's easy to get caught up
4 interchangeable outfits Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste,
in the excitement of being on vacation.
facewash, makeup wipes. deodorant)
While we might be on a vacation, the
Basic makeup
people of the island or place you are
Universal adaptor/converter (make sure
visiting are not. Mircro-packing allows you
what you purchase has both capabilities)
to not only be intentional with what you
TIPS:
are bringing along with you, but it also
Pack the day before! Don't wait till the night
allows you to take into consideration the
of.
space you will be inhabiting.
Utilize reusable travel bottles or only buy travel sized items Pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes that are nice enough to wear to dinner If you're staying for longer than a week, the minimalist tip is to do laundry!
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TIPS FROM NICOLE DAVIS
province of Pangasinan, Philippines, and it's
JACIE & JULIA IN FRANCE She took French cooking classes at Ecole du Cordon Bleu and eventually after earning a degree, she taught Americans in her own school called L'Ecole des Trois Gourmandes. She loved buying cooking supplies at the E.Dehillerin. Julia would go on to do miraculous things for Americans who love French food,
A STORY FROM JACIE MINNICK
including a writing Mastering the Art of French Cooking and creating The French Chef. Of course, I also visited the typical touristy spots. I found the Eiffel tower to be absolutely breathtaking. Now, most people go to Paris for the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, but I went for Julia Child! I have read almost every book about Julia's life and my favorite is "My Life in France." Someday I hope to go again to see her favorite spots in Marseille and Provence, but if you know anything about Julia... she loved Paris the most! I visited where Julia Child lived on 81 Rue de l’UniversitÊ, and I put a flower on her callbox. I also visited one of her and her husband, Paul's, favorite restaurants! She would get traditional onion soup, so I did too.
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"I think everyone should travel to a place that makes them feel small."  to see Paris. I'm a planner, and this opportunity was one that I wasn't prepared for but couldn't turn down. I don’t speak French or Dutch fluently, so on the flight over I was scrambling to teach myself essential phrases. As the plane landed, I felt so proud of my willingness to jump at this spontaneous trip. While traveling in Paris and Amsterdam, I had to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. I pushed myself to connect with people, get lost, fail, and learn. I think everyone should travel to a place that makes them feel small. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the day to day and forget how much world there is outside of your own backyard. My advice to those considering traveling is to not let your own fear stop you from seeing the world and truly living in it!
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A STORY FROM JACIE MINNICK
About ten years ago, I made a vow to myself
PHOTO CREDIT: KELSEY STEPHENSON
The View from the Bridge Sink Canyon State Park in Lander, Wyoming 23 degrees Fahrenheit THE ADVENTURERS
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PHOTO CREDIT: KELSEY STEPHENSON
Teton Mountain Range Jackson Hole, Wyoming 12 degrees Fahrenheit THE ADVENTURERS
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"Sitting here, in Colombia, I always feel better when I think about how small I am compared to the rest of the world."- Adriana Fontanez THE ADVENTURERS
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PHOTO CREDIT: LEAH JAHN
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. A nice summer evening in 2016. THE ADVENTURERS
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A STORY FROM LEAH JAHN
AN ISLAND ADVENTURE
The sound of crisp blue waves and seagulls flying overhead were the only sounds to be heard as I was laying on the beach next to my Nonny. The heat was becoming almost unbearable as we decided to walk down the empty beach and cool off in the clear waters. The only other person who shared the beach with us was a local relaxing in the shade at a picnic table just a few feet away. We left our beach towels and walked quickly across the hot sand, excited to get in the water. The ocean felt amazing and as I looked back over my shoulder to our little spot on the beach, I noticed something unusual.
THE ADVENTURERS
My Nonny and I quickly looked at each other and back again to the strange and startling scene unfolding right in front of us. We began to rush out of the water as quickly as we could, the waves feeling heavy on my feet as I tried to run to shore... My grandma, or Nonny is what I like to call her, had taken me on this trip as a high school graduation gift. “I can give you money to help with a car, or I can take you on a trip wherever you’d like to go,” she said. Why would I ever turn down a chance to go to the beach, I thought. Instantly, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos came to mind, a little island only a mile wide and seven miles long. 13
We had stopped there on a cruise once when I was younger, and I remember it so clearly because its older roads and beaches were filled with some of my favorite animals - wild horses, donkeys, and so many dogs, the locals call “potcakes,” roaming free on the island.
Everyone was so extremely kind on this island. To get around, we rented a little golf cart and every time we passed by people, they smiled and waved. I continued getting my scuba certification every day on the island, and one of the people who got their certification with me invited my Nonny and I to explore with them one afternoon. Him and his girlfriend showed us around the side of the island where the beaches are much rockier. They told us all about the amazing history of the people and the island, and on our last day we enjoyed a drink and some fries with them back on the main island before we both flew out to the places we call home. I also tried fresh conch right where they were harvesting them from the ocean!
Grand Turk is so small that only lighter aircraft can land on its tiny runway. I remember our pilot looking like one you see in the movies, with big aviator glasses on and an older, short sleeved uniform, with no jacket or suit pants. We could see him as we were seated just three passenger seats behind him; there was no separation between the 79 passengers and our brave pilot. Half of our luggage somehow got lost in the midst of everything, and arrived on day 6 out of 9. THE ADVENTURERS
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A STORY FROM LEAH JAHN
Anyways, a few months later we were on a rusty old plane leaving the main island, Providenciales, headed to Grand Turk.
However, we didn’t even need it! All we needed was our swimsuits and a cover up, because every day was spent relaxing at the usually empty beaches. My Nonny loves to scuba dive, and insisted that I try too. At first I was afraid, but my instructor eased my nerves and told me he had learned to swim only 4 years ago. Now, he’s a PADI certified master scuba instructor on Grand Turk!
A STORY FROM LEAH JAHN
As I was getting my scuba certification and going out on dives every morning, we really got to know the instructors, the owner of the scuba shop who they call “Smitty,” and all the people who have worked there most of their lives. When my Nonny went to pay for our dives on the first day, Smitty told her not to worry and that she could pay on the last day. He said, “We’re family here.” Being on this island was so comforting, it felt like an escape from the normal rush and hurry of life back at home. It was amazing to be surrounded by people who live life so simply. Now, what was that strange and startling scene that made Nonny and I rush out of the water so fast? Well, we had been relaxing on the beach that afternoon after a morning full of diving, and what was unfolding before our eyes was hard to believe. We saw the man who had been sitting at the picnic table most of that afternoon, running as fast as he could down the beach, along the line where the sand meets the trees. In his hands were our bags that had our phones, wallets, and snacks. We raced out of the ocean and ran back to our place on the shore, with only our sandy beach towels left and the man now out of sight. A few construction workers nearby must’ve seen us race out of the water and ran over to ask what happened. The man who came over ran down the beach to see if he could find the other man who stole our things, while the woman called the police. We were so surprised,
THE ADVENTURERS
and I remember wrapping myself in my sandy towel until a police truck came to pick us up a few minutes later. The police asked us what happened as we hopped in the back seat. It was like we were in the middle of a movie as we sat in the back, police racing us down to the station. As we were driving, we saw people standing on the beds of their trucks, looking out into the trees. The police explained to us that nothing like this ever happens on the island so by now, almost everyone had heard about the robbery. A few minutes later, Nonny and I were taken into separate rooms at the station. They showed us each photos of possible suspects, and we were asked to identify the person who sat at the picnic table sharing the beach with us just an hour before. It was difficult to recognize any of men in the photos, and in about 30 minutes we left the station with not much hope of finding our things. It all seemed so unreal. As we walked through the glass doors out into the humid island air, we saw the man who we rented our golf cart from, Omar, waiting to pick us up. He smiled and told us not to worry. He said that the police on the island didn't know anything, and promised us that he would find our things. We were in a bit of a haze as he drove us back to our condo, and we realized that we had forgotten all about our night dive scheduled in just a few hours. Omar insisted that we still go, and offered to take us to the dive shop and pick us up after our dive. We accepted because what else was there to do.
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standing out on the deck smiling with our phones and wallets in a sandy plastic bag. We invited him inside and he explained to us that a fisherman had seen everything that happened the night before. That fisherman saw the man bury our things in the sand, and when he got back to shore he told Omar exactly where he saw everything happen. So that night, Omar and his friend stayed up searching through the sand and found everything, except our snacks! The man from the picnic table must have been hungry. We couldn’t believe Omar and his friend had found everything. We invited them to dinner that night before we left and still keep in touch to this day. His kindness will never be forgotten. I will always remember the people of Grand Turk, so willing to help us in any way that they could. It truly was the adventure of a lifetime.
The next morning, we woke up, sad to say goodbye. As we were waking up, we heard a loud knock on the door. I heard Nonny go to answer it and sat straight up when I heard Omar’s voice. As I walked out of the room, I saw Omar and his friend
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A STORY FROM LEAH JAHN
That night’s dive was incredible. Smitty, the dive shop owner, guided us through the dark waters and at one moment he took my hand and turned off my flash light. The waters were dark all around us, but as we waved our hands we saw bioluminescence, tiny little lights, like a string of pearls lighting up the dark ocean all the way to the surface. It was like National Geographic, but better! About an hour later we came to the surface, and all my worries were left on the ocean floor. Nonny and I had forgotten about what had happened earlier that evening, and we knew that even if we didn’t get our things back everything would be alright. Back at the dive shop, Smitty would not allow us to pay for our night dive. He insisted it was on him. So, we all said our goodbyes as we were flying home the next evening. Omar was waiting for us outside and he drove us back to our condo promising that everything was going to be ok. He kept saying he would find everything, but of course, Nonny and I knew that that was highly unlikely. It didn’t matter though, we could get new phones and money, the only thing we couldn’t get back was our snacks. I think it was blueberry granola cubes, one of my favorites.
PHOTO CREDIT: LEAH JAHN
An everyday view of a road in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. THE ADVENTURERS
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Where the Signs Should Travel Whether you're traveling for new perspective, a break, or for work, Mercury, Venus, and Mars' retrogrades will ask you to double check your itinerary and leave room in your schedule for slowing down.
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Horoscopes by: Annabel Gat
So, where should your zodiac sign fly off to? Read your horoscope below and discover which locales are on your horizon.
Illustrations by: Alelli Tanghal
A new decade is here and with the planet of time, Saturn, and the planet of transformation, Pluto, meeting at the top of the year in industrious Capricorn, we are bulldozing old structures that no longer support us and building something stronger.
ARIES Aries, you're stepping into a lot of responsibility, and you could use some inspiration. Satisfy your inner need for adventure by planning a trip to the farthest place you can logistically visit. If you're tied up at home with responsibilities, perhaps the location you choose will only be a short drive away, or maybe you will have the chance to go all the way to Tauranga, New Zealand! Set your sights far and see where you land!
TAURUS Taurus, the perspective gained from going abroad and being in new places will transform you on a deep level. You’re craving connection with history and your spiritual center. Be smart about spending during your travels this year and don’t overbook on sightseeing, as you will want to take it easy and go with the flow this year. Of course, you love shopping so a trip to Los Angeles is also a fantastic idea.
GEMINI 2020 finds you moving through profound emotional changes, Gemini, and doing a deep release of your past. While you’re likely to visit some nostalgic locations this year, make a point to go someplace totally new, where you can reconnect with your inner voice and explore the “new you” that’s being born this decade. Your style is also shifting this year, so go someplace where you can get plenty of shopping done, like Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
CANCER Astrologers love to refer to you as the homebody of the zodiac, Cancer, but the truth is that you truly value your time vacationing. Travel is a spiritual endeavor for you, and you love the perspective it brings. Major shifts are taking place in your relationships this year. Trust that those you’re meant to continue to partner with will be up for any challenges, and be brave and say goodbye to connections you have outgrown. Your mind is busy this year, so make sure to visit places you can unwind: limit screen time and enjoy a good sunset view in Miami instead.
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LEO You love to travel, Leo, and indeed, you will be doing much of it. You’ll likely revisit many places from your past that inspired you intellectually and spiritually and visiting old friends. A lot is changing in your career this year, particularly your schedule, so planning travel may not be the easiest in 2020. However, if you set your mind to it and are able to stay flexible, you can make anything happen. As a Leo, you are passionate about art, romance, and having a good time, so perhaps make Paris, France a stop on your world tour this year.
LIBRA Much of your attention this year is on your home and family life, Libra, as you may be moving or restructuring your living situation in some way. You’re visiting places you fell in love with in the past, and finding yourself reconnecting with old partners. Plan a vacation someplace nostalgic for yourself this year. You’re also deepening your spiritual practice in 2020, so visiting a location that inspires your connection to your higher self is a great idea: Perhaps marvel at the northern lights! Boundaries are a major theme for you this year: Assert your desires, and watch your life change.
VIRGO 2020 brings a total shift in your love life and in your creative endeavors, so make time to travel someplace romantic or artistically inspiring, like Ubud, Bali, or the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Shifts are also taking place in your career, and traveling for work is likely. In fact, you may visit the same location more than once for business this year, so get acquainted with local hang out spots. Your spiritual practice is also growing this year, and part of that journey is letting go of the past and releasing people, situations, and even items that are weighing you down: Pack only the necessities.
SCORPIO A big theme for you in 2020 is communication, and traveling brings you the perspective you need as you move through so many changes this year. This year, you’re inspired to visit large cities, like Shanghai. You’re reorganizing things for yourself in 2020, and smoothing over awkward situations. Do yourself a favor and keep your travel plans as simple as possible so you don’t have yet another thing to worry about. Your destiny awaits you in a faraway place.
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SAGITARRIUS Does any zodiac sign love to travel more than you do, Sagittarius? Unlikely! And you’re sure to do plenty of travel this year— just be smart about your budget, because big lessons on wealth, security, and abundance take place for you this year. You’re likely to enjoy inspiring retreats this year, too: Take time in the mountains, and stretch your legs on a hike to clear your mind. Perhaps you should make a trip to the Catskills, where you can also quickly visit New York City for some action after unwinding.
CAPRICORN New decade, new you! You are breaking free from old patterns this year, Capricorn, and rebuilding your life in exciting ways. But, starting fresh can be exhausting, so taking trips to places where you can recharge are key. Old cities, like Istanbul are especially inspiring for you. You may also find yourself revisiting places and people from your past. Make time for both hiking and the beach. Connecting with the water element helps you connect with your heart, while connecting with the earth helps you stay grounded.
AQUARIUS You’re doing so much inner work this year, Aquarius, and sharpening your intuitive abilities, it would be wise to visit locations, like Rio de Janeiro, that inspire your spiritual practice and help you connect with your higher self. Rest is also crucially important to you this year, so find places to stay that are especially conducive for recharging. You’re reflecting on communication quite a bit this year, and you may be inspired to study a new language. Practice makes perfect, so visit a location where you can converse with speakers of the language you’re learning. THE ADVENTURERS
PISCES Your social circle undergoes a major shift this year, Pisces, making it a sensitive time to travel with friends. Be smart about the groups you vacation with, as you may have grown out of certain friendships that no longer serve your highest good. That said, you may travel with some people and find that you bond on a whole new level. You’re also learning lessons this year around budgeting, so visit a location where you can dive into the natural scenery, rather than being tempted to shop. The best things in life— waterfalls! Sunsets! Perhaps it’s time to head to Costa Rica?—are free. 21
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LEAVE NO TRACE Transport yourself to the outdoors, to a
countries to experience the natural
forest, a mountain top or riverside. What
environment in their own backyard.
do you see? Or perhaps we should ask: what don’t you see? Take a closer look.
Partnered with Keep Sweden Tidy, and
There is a welcoming lack of litter. Birds
the US's Leave No Trace organization, the
are twittering, the occasional animal
Fjällräven Classic is a unique trekking
strolls by, trees sway freely in the breeze,
experience that serves as a way of
grass grows healthily beneath your feet.
educating people about how to act in
A STORY FROM FJÄLLRÄVEN
nature and to build up and develop a The reason we venture into the great
greater interest in outdoor life. Nature is
outdoors is precisely because of its
about balance, as is our time there. We
untouched wonder. It’s not man-made;
should be free to enjoy it; but we should
it’s not constructed to a schematic plan;
not disturb or destroy it.
it has its own rules and we must abide by them. Not the other way around. And at Fjällräven, we believe that time in nature can help teach us respect, can help us
The 7 Leave No Trace Principles:
relax and can enable us to connect to
Plan ahead & Prepare
each other. This is why we created Fjällräven Classic.
Travel & camp on durable surfaces
It is trekking experience which first took
Dispose of waste properly
place in northern Sweden in 2005. It was
Leave what you find
a way for more Swedes to discover the
Minimize campfire impacts
wilderness that was just a hop and a skip from the large cities. Now with events in
Respect wildlife
Sweden, Denmark, Hong Kong, and the
Be considerate of other visitors
US, we can enable more people in more
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"Last May, I traveled to Cape Town, South Africa. The golden glow of the city lights and the way the people moved about was beautiful. Everything had such a vibrancy to it." - Sarah Gonzales THE ADVENTURERS
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PHOTO CREDIT: LEAH JAHN
My cousins and little sister relaxing on a half-way inflated raft at Lake Tahoe. I'm enjoying the view! THE ADVENTURERS
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Brand Board Leah Jahn
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Brand Board Kelsey Stephenson
Adventurers
the
real stories from real people about real adventures
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