Perlu Network score measures the extent of a member’s network on Perlu based on their connections, Packs, and Collab activity.
Perlu Pulse score measures how active a member is on Perlu, on a scale of 0 to 100.
I'm a solo travel enthusiast who began traveling in my thirties. Now, not quite still in my thirties, my goal is to encourage other women to get out and explore. For the more adventurous, I'm also a backpacking and hiking guide helping adults learn to explore our backyard of NC, TN and VA. Although not quite there yet, my next goals are mountain biking and rock climbing.
I didn't see pictures of people that looked like me when I started traveling and backpacking. All I saw were beautiful twenty-somethings in exotic locations. There were no pictures of women in their thirties or forties, overweight but active, out there traveling. After a few trips, I realized the reality is that more actual travelers looked like me than the models. You can stay in hotels or go on tours solo, you're not destined to stay in hostels and journey on foot if you don't want to.
Life is full of adventure. No one "missed their opportunity". It's always a good time to start.
Looking to cool off this summer? Why not try a local State Park! North Carolina has tons of State Parks with water. We've got lakes, we've got rivers, and we've got unofficial swimming holes. With over 41 parks, there's sure to be one near you. Just for starters, let's start out west with Lake James and New River State Parks. Then we can move to the central part of the state with Lake Norman, Mayo River, and Hanging Rock. Pushing into the Triangle, there's always Eno River, Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Kerr Lake. The coast doesn't disappoint either with Pettigrew, Goose Creek, Waccamaw, and Jones Lake. And.....that's not even everyone. So grab a towel, rent a kayak, and cool off.
Did you know that Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury, NC has FIVE waterfalls? Yep. And three of them are accessed from the main parking lot. You'll have to drive to separate entrances to see Tory's Den waterfall and Lower Cascades. Lower Cascades is the prettiest with a small pool of water, but get there early. It can become crowded. Hidden Falls at the main entrance is fun because you can stand behind it. Plus there's a lake for swimming (with a fee), a pretty air conditioned visitor center, and an ice cream shop past theon the way out.
Parts of the southeast finally got RAIN! 💦 I never thought I'd be so excited to step in a puddle or get soaked heading from the car to the house. My azaleas are happy, I'm happy. And this means it's the perfect time to see waterfalls! You don't want to visit during a heavy rain because the water picks up fast and it can become dangerous quickly. But a couple of days after a big rain and you'll get spectacular photos. Some of my favorites: There are 5 waterfalls at Hanging Rock State Park. Three are accessed from the main parking lot. There are plenty of waterfalls created by old Grist Mills in Raleigh and nearby. Stone Mountain State Park has a beautiful waterfall Let's not forget South Mountain State Park's 80ft Hight Shoals Falls Waterfall. And then there's the newly reopened Catawba Falls near Old Fort, NC. Wherever you go, don't forget your camera 😀
This is my favorite area at Umstead State Park. Hot days, cold days, mornings, or evenings - I always like to stop and see what’s going on. This time it was early evening on a hot day and the rays came through the clouds. What a way to end the day. #ncstateparks #explorationsolo #nc #northcarolina #hikenc #hikenctrails #viaitnc #explorenc
Are you ready for the July Festivals in NC? I sure am. Besides the fabulous fourth of July events, there are plenty of other festivals!!! The NC Peach Festival in Candor is 7/18-7/20 The Wizarding Weekend in Wilson is 7/26-7/28 Marion's Hillbilly Jam Festival is 7/26-7/28 A quick preview of August --- The Outer Banks Watermelon Festival is 8/1 so put that one on your radar!!! And if you like figs, you'll love the Ocracoke Fig Festival 8/2-8/3 Don't worry - there are plenty more festivals in August, but since these are the first week let's make sure you have them!
I had a great time visiting Oak Island, NC. This is hands-down, the most relaxing beach in all of North Carolina. Get ready to enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets from a balcony, eat simple home-cooked meals, and actually enjoy the beach. I have everything y ou need to know about visiting Oak Island. What are you waiting for?
Catawba Falls has finally reopened with new trails providing easier access to the lower and upper falls. It’s still a led burner to complete the 3,5 mile loop. Expect stairs. Lots of stairs. This has been a game changer for Old Fort, NC. Stop by and enjoy a treat from one of their restaurants after your hike. #catawbafalls #oldfortnc #explorationsolo #visitnc #explorenc #waterfalls #ncwaterfalls #ncmnts #nc #northcarolina #outsidenc #optoutside #hikenc
This week it's all about sun shirts. The question arose, "aren't they too hot for the south?" (Meaning the southeastern US). And I have to agree to a point. Sun Shirts keep you cool by wicking moisture away from your skin, passing it to the outer layer of the shirt, then letting it evaporate. Well, if you live in southern VA, NC, SC, GA, FL and several other muggy states, you know that NOTHING dries or evaporates in 80% humidity 💧. It's just not possible. There is definitely a temperature/humidity line for a long-sleeve shirt of any kind, and I don't care how breathable it is. But everyone is different so you'll have to test what works. For me, it's 76 degrees with 70% humidity. I can go a little higher on the humidity if the temp drops to 65......maybe. But the shirts are great for early Spring and Fall. I don't think you can wrong grabbing one and using it when you can. Anything to protect yourself from the rays ☀️ is a good thing.