Adventure looks different to everyone. I think adventure is something that is exciting, new, a bit daring, or out of our comfort zone. Adventures shape us and help us grow. We love adventures. One of the reasons we named our blog Homegrown Adventures is because traveling and homeschooling our children is an adventure. We don’t really know the outcome to either of them. We are in it for the ride and to learn from the good and the bad as life just happens. My husband and I didn’t know much about homeschooling before we started. We also didn’t know others who homeschooled so it was an unusual lifestyle for us. When we started our homeschool adventure we had no idea how it would end up. It was a big risk but we knew that we loved being with our children and felt that God has called us to teach and learn with our children. We believe that adventures are the best way to learn. The lessons we learn from our adventures stay with us forever. So here is to more adventures !!!! However big or small they may be.
Liquid Fusion Kayaking
Noyo River offers a unique kayaking experience. At first you get to kayak on a peaceful quiet river and observe ducks, geese, seagulls, sealions, and so much more wildlife. However, as you get to the Noyo harbor you have to navigate around fishing boats of all sizes. You can get near the coastguard station, some sunken boats, and see the busyness of a fishing village. Even though we were in a tiny kayak we appreciated that all of the fishing vessels were very considerate of us because they gave us plenty of space and we noticed them slow down so that we would experience less of a wake. The great thing is that if you feel you had enough of the harbor you can easily retrieve back into the peaceful Noyo River. We had such an amazing experience and our tour guide made sure that we would have a safe, educational, and fun experience on the water. We recommend you to sign up if your in Fort Bragg area.
Located at 32399 Basin St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437.
https://liquidfusionkayak.com
Thank you Liquid Fusion Kayak for hosting our tour.
Mendocino Grove
If you want to feel like a lumberjack back in time when this area was booming with pioneer activity then Mendocino Grove is the perfect place for that. Here you will find a village of white canvas tents with leather chairs on little porches. You’ll surely want to stay for a while. This is glamping at its best. You will also find mattresses that you can adjust to the temperature that is comfortable for you. There are USB chargers and plugs for all of your electronic devices. The thing that surprised us most is that here you will still find cell service. Mendocino Grove has hot water for tea and coffee available all day long for you. The hot showers and flushing bathrooms were so well welcomed by my husband and I. Too often when you camp there is no warm water so you are required to wash your hands in cold water. You can purchase a lighter starter, firewood, and everything you need to enjoy smores. So as you can see it is a very relaxing and comfortable experience one that “anti-campers” should try. We loved looking through the woods and unto the ocean as the sunset.
Located at 9601 California 1, Mendocino, CA, 95460.
https://mendocinogrove.com
Thank you Mendocino Grove for hosting our stay.
Little River Blowhole Trail
If you are up for an adventure this is it and the best part is that its free. First you have to cross the Little Rock Cemetery to get to the trail that takes you to the ledge of a giant sink hole. If this doesn’t feel like an adventure to you yet then find the hole in the safety fence, locate a rope that is tied around a tree and climb down to the little beach below. After all of that and your still feeling brave then enter the dark cave which leads you to the crashing waves. This cave would be absolutely perfect for some kind of sea monster movie because it is big enough for a giant sea serpent.
I’m totally afraid of heights but I’m so glad that I was brave enough for this memorable adventure. Who said you can’t rappel down to the sink hole wearing a pink pencil dress?
Located at 7300 Shoreline Hwy, Little River, CA
Stinging Nettle
One of my many goals is to learn to distinguish what in the wild is edible and how to use it. I never thought that you could consume stinging nettles because if your ever brushed against one in the wild you will feel this stinging sensation which is quite unpleasant. So it would seem like an awful idea to actually consume any. Please don’t consume the stinging nettle without cooking it and always wear gloves when handling stinging nettle.
The shorter the stinging nettle is, the better. Try to collect stinging nettle that is knee high and just pick 4 to 6 of the top leaves. We were traveling when we collected stinging nettle but the great thing is that you can store them in a plastic container or a bag up to 5 days.
Before you can consume stinging nettle first you have to blanch them by placing them in boiling salted water for up to two minutes.
I’ll be honest with you that when we were trying the pesto that we made we were actually scared to try it. However, we are still alive and it tasted so good. 🙂
What you need to make this pesto is…
4 cups of fresh stinging nettle leaves
2 garlic cloves
1 cup of extra-virgin olive oil (if you want it less oily add less at first)
1/2 cup granted white cheese
1/4 almonds which have been slightly toasted
1 teaspoon of lemon zest
lemon juice of half a lemon
salt and black pepper
You first want to add water and salt to a pot. Bring it to a boil and then add fresh stinging nettles and garlic. Use gloves or tongs. Let it boil for 2 minutes. While it is boiling prepare a bowl of ice. Place the stinging nettles and garlic into a smaller bowl which can fit into the ice bowl. This process helps makes sure that the pesto will be a beautiful light green color. When the nettle has cooled down pat dry with a towel.
In a blender combine all of the ingredients together. Season to your liking. Add more olive oil if it is not as smooth as you’d like.
The great thing is that you can freeze the nettle pesto for 3 months or keep in the fridge for up to a week. You can add this in your sandwiches, pizza, soups, pasta, and so much more.
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