NOC & SOLO Southeast Wilderness Survival School Level 1

I would consider myself to be very outdoorsy person and spend a lot of time in the mountains and back-country. I always thought, what if an unexpected event were to happen. Would I be able to survive in the wilderness with no rescue in sight? And for how long?

My cousin recently came across a Wilderness Survival class offered by SOLO Southeast and The Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, North Carolina.  It's a two day, hands on course spent in the woods with survivalists who have 30+ years of experience.  Going into this course I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  All I knew was that we would be learning how to survive with the bare necessities. 

After 2 long days spent over the weekend I had learned how to make a fire using several different methods such as flint and steel, how to locate a clean water source, multiple ways to make water drinkable, how to build a shelter from leaves and sticks, all kinds of knots, how to make rope, and the list goes on and on! 

The skills learned in 2 days are of the utmost importance to help you survive in a serious situation. I highly recommend taking this course if you go hiking and/or back country camping.  Any any situation, always remember...Be prepared.

Mountain Creek - New Jersey

Four mountain peaks. Eight lifts. One ticket. For the first time I was going snowboarding! 

Mountain Creek is located just one hours’ drive from New York City. Mountain Creek has a variety of terrain suitable for every ability level. Cruise the long groomers, light up the evening sky with night skiing or polish your freestyle game one of the three dedicated terrain parks. A fleet of over 1,000 snow-making guns cover 100% of the resort’s terrain, making sure there’s ample snow on the ground during your stay.

 
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As my first time I had no clue what I was getting myself into. I bought my ticket on www.liftopia.com and my friend Andres and I made the two hour drive from New York City to New Jersey. During the drive I noticed how quickly the views changed from gigantic skyscrapers to rolling hills covered with snow. It was starting to feel like what I was familiar to. Now I'm not one to like the city. I feel trapped, enclosed and claustrophobic. But, outside the city, where there is greenery, I feel free. 

Once there I decided to try snowboarding. I checked in, got my board, helmet and accessories. I started on the beginner/training area. After spending a decent amount of time I was certain I had mastered it. Boy, was I wrong. I attempted the larger slope 2 times and after flying head over heals and falling multiple times my hands were aching from catching myself on the hard snow, I decided to throw in the towel and try skiing. 

 
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There I was again in the beginner rink learning how to ski. After spending time in the beginner section I was ready to attempt the larger slope again. This time I found it a little easier to get down and maneuver. By the time I was at the bottom, I didn't realize how exerting this sport can be. 

 
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I was ready to call it a day. After we were done, we ate a nice hot pizza at the lodge with hot chocolate and being inside where it was warm never felt better!

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena offers a number of things to do whether you’re looking for fun in the sun, fine dining or a fun night on the town. In this case, more like a fun night en El Centro.

Just (north) of the city center, Castillo Grande offers surfing, kite boarding, and jet skiis. For an hour and 30,000 pesos you can rent a surfboard and catch some great waves. Before you do though, check the surfing conditions. I happened to catch a day where the surf was 2-3 feet. I’ve been told by locals its usually flat.

Take a drive 50 minutes East of Cartagena and you’ll arrive at Volcan Tortumo. For 10,000 pesos you can play in the mud in an active volcano. Be prepared to tip the locals when getting a massage and as a recommendation, bring a bar of soap and clean yourself afterwards in the river.

 
 

If you’re looking for views of the city, check out La Popa. For 10,000 pesos you can see the most spectacular views of the city and visit the old church.

 
 

El Centro offers some of the best restaurants in town. Luxury city center offers Italian cuisine. Having visited Italy I was hesitant to try this place. After speaking with one of the hostesses who negotiated on giving us 40% off and our first drink free, we couldn’t pass it up. To my surprise the pizza tasted just like the pizza in Italy. Prices are relatively more expensive here due to the location – it’s in the heart of Santo Domingo Plaza. Very popular area with street performers and musicians. 

 
 

Café de el Mar y la Casa de Cerveza are both located on the top of the “muralla” or the wall surrounding the city. 

Misturo – upscale. highly recommend the beef and mozzarella appetizers.

Cusco – upscale Peruvian food. We had the peanuts for appetizers called Canchitas. It was similar to unpopped popcorn. They offered a specialty cocktail for each of the seasons – “invierno” “primavera” “verano” “otono”, with ingredients that matched each season. We opted for “verano”, which included a sparkling brut rose champagne, strawberries, lychee and strawberry triple sec. Highly recommend. A full bottle cost 110,000 and half a bottle cost 60,000. Highly recommend the beef risotto which was served in a “buffet warmer”.  Very great presentation.

 
 

Crepes and waffles always has a line outside the door no matter the day of the week. This speaks volumes because the food here is to die for. The prices are very reasonable and the food is the best. Beef Strogonoff, Chicken and Mushroom, Lobster Crepe, etc. E

Alma had similar items on the menu as Cusco – but a lot pricier.

El Arsenal – Abe’s place offers artisan cocktails – recommend the mojitos and “coconut drink” (confirm with Swanny for the name)

If you’re looking for the dance scene, Club Fragma offers a great mix of Reggeaton, Salsa, Bachata and popular American music and has several different rooms for your music liking. 

Tips and recommendations:

-Don’t forget to always carry spare change in the car – to tip the locals for “watching your car”

-Massages on the beach – 45,000 pesos for a full body massage

-Coco loco – rum and coconut cream/milk in a coconut, which you can eat after

-Haggling on the beach – the local vendors are very relentless and you have to be firm with them if you don’t want their products or services

- NEVER settle for the first price – usually cut that price in half! And try walking away at first – the vendors will always run after you with a better price

- Imported items such as clothes and items that are found in the US are double the cost, since you are paying to have them imported. Don’t waste your time shopping for clothes. The US has a better selection. Domestic items such as local food, drinks and all other Colombian-made items are where you should be looking to buy

- Wednesday night – check out the strip of hostels located in getsemini. Mamallena and Media Luna are the most popping with tourists all over the world. A lot of hippies. There are some bars around the area and food vendors all around the area. We went to Café Colombia.