One Year of Extreme Adventures!

Posted on October 27, 2011 by lesleycarter

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

– Mark Twain

76 thoughts on “One Year of Extreme Adventures!”

El Guapo on October 26, 2011 at 9:29 pm said:

Several of those things I’ve either done, or are on my list.
For the ones I haven’t done, the smiling in those pics shows just how much fun they could be.

And I totally want to do that Vegas building drop.

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- lesleycarter on October 26, 2011 at 10:10 pm said:
  
  The Stratosphere Sky Jump was a great adventure. Standing on the 108th floor of a building on the outside makes you feel small and insignificant, but when you step of that platform and fall through the sky, you feel powerful and in control of your life and your fears. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps again.
  
  Which of the adventures were your favorite?
  
  Lesley
  
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  - El Guapo on October 27, 2011 at 1:14 am said:
    
    You know, comparing them is like apples and oranges. I love rock climbing as much as I loved hanggliding, but the two can’t really be compared.
    Skydiving is in a class by itself (my first jump was a static line), as is scuba diving, or surfing. Or kayaking.
    Each gave me a completely different type of thrill – sky diving was terrified elation, but climbing for me is a sort of focused intense joy.
    bungee jumping is the next big one I need to cross off my list. Hoping to fly out to Portland next year to do it.
    
    Which was your favorite?
    
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    - lesleycarter on October 27, 2011 at 1:30 am said:
      
      Although I enjoyed everyone, I still have a special place for sky-diving. I don’t think anything compares.
      
      I do love white-water rafting though and I’ve been on the river four times this year.
      
      🙂
      
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  - abackpackabuggyababy on October 28, 2011 at 8:01 am said:
    
    Thanks for liking my blog entry, I read that you are pregnant (congratulations!) and wanted to share my wife’s blog so you can take comfort that the adventures don’t have to end with a baby!
    
    http://wp.me/p1MXqE-3e
    
    You might even find the blog tips and entries helpful for a new type of adventure…
    
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Little Fingers on October 26, 2011 at 9:32 pm said:

How exciting..I love your enthusiasm and spirit to do extreme adventure stuff..I haven’t done most of it, but now I really feel like doing them..

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- lesleycarter on October 26, 2011 at 10:13 pm said:
  
  Once you’ve found yourself in an extreme adventure experience, you long to return and be filled with the overwhelming emotions and thoughts.
  
  Which adventures have you experienced?
  
  Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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Mufidah Kassalias on October 26, 2011 at 10:02 pm said:

What an incredible array of extreme activities! Since I’ve only recently come across your blog I haven’t read everything you’ve done, but this set of pictures seems to sum things up pretty well. You seem to have incredible amounts of enthusiasm and energy! Amazing.

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lesleycarter on October 26, 2011 at 10:15 pm said:

These pictures do sum up a major part of my life. If I could add travel and family in there, it would almost create a full picture. 🙂

Your photography is beautiful! I look forward to your posts.

Thanks for taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

Lesley

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- Mufidah Kassalias on October 27, 2011 at 2:06 pm said:
  
  Thanks for your comment about my photography, much appreciated 🙂
  
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Steve on October 26, 2011 at 10:22 pm said:

Great captures of your extreme experiences! These will be a wonderful reminder of all the adventures you’ve had so far! Cheers!

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- lesleycarter on October 26, 2011 at 10:33 pm said:
  
  These are only some of the adventures in the last year, but I think the expression on my face in most of the photos speak for themselves. 🙂
  
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hardworkingjeanpan on October 26, 2011 at 10:40 pm said:

that is true life!!

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- lesleycarter on October 26, 2011 at 10:43 pm said:
  
  Thanks! We try to make the most of it.
  
  Great photos in Hsinpu, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
  
  Keep the comments coming; they are appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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magsx2 on October 26, 2011 at 10:42 pm said:

Hi,
I love it, and good on you for trying it all. I’m a bit of a chicken, but I do admire people that can have a go at almost anything, and what fantastic photo’s, memory’s worth keeping.

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- lesleycarter on October 26, 2011 at 10:45 pm said:
  
  I didn’t think a lot of words were required for this post. The expression on my face says it all 🙂
  
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Cabbie Notes on October 26, 2011 at 11:10 pm said:

I love the photo perspectives, especially the first one!

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- lesleycarter on October 26, 2011 at 11:13 pm said:
  
  Thanks! It certainly was a great year.
  
  Have you ever tried an extreme adventure?
  
  Keep the comments coming; they are appreciated,
  
  Lesley
  
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ourweirdandwonderfulworld on October 27, 2011 at 1:58 am said:

Oh gosh, looking at your photos, tells me you don’t have an ounce of fear in your system at all, do yah? great photos! and adventures!

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- lesleycarter on October 27, 2011 at 2:56 am said:
  
  I love any and all adventure. I can only hope that my child / children will have the same enthusiasm for adventure and travel.
  
  Have you tried any extreme sports?
  
  Thanks for commenting; it’s appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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idigphotography on October 27, 2011 at 4:47 am said:

Seriously hardcore. I’d like to try sky diving. Your spirit beats faster than most!

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lesleycarter on October 27, 2011 at 5:16 am said:

Thanks! I just don’t want to wake up some day and say, “I wish I had of…”.

I love your photos; keep ’em coming!

Lesley

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idigphotography on October 27, 2011 at 6:13 am said:

Thanks!

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Jim Brickett on October 27, 2011 at 3:37 pm said:

Lesley; most amazing images and adventures. You amaze me with your stories and travelas and the things you do with so much enthusiasem. I at first feel jealous but then feel envigorated and enthused to try more things that I’ve been hesitant to do. (& I’ve done a lot). You know how to bring spice to life. Thanks for sharing your joy with me.
Best Regards
Jim

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- El Guapo on October 27, 2011 at 3:48 pm said:
  
  Jim –
  Just wondering – what have you done? I’m always on the lookout for a new adventure.
  
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lesleycarter on October 27, 2011 at 3:44 pm said:

I appreciate your continued support. 🙂

I’m not sure if I believe in an afterlife or anything more than what we have on this earth so I want to make the most of it. I spent a few years with very little direction and I think it was the best thing that ever happened to me because now I see every day for what it’s worth.

I love your Silver Surf photo! It reminds me of Newport Beach. I think I’ll pack up my chair and a lunch and head there today 🙂

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Leanne T on October 27, 2011 at 5:32 pm said:

Wow! You are my hero. I am afraid to do a lot of things shown here, especially the Stratosphere drop. I need to continue reading your blog so that I am encouraged to face my fears.

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- lesleycarter on October 27, 2011 at 5:39 pm said:
  
  I never want to wake up and say, “I wish I had of…” but that doesn’t mean that all fears should be faced. I fear most underwater adventures. Swimming with sharks, especially without a cage around me, wouldn’t be fun for me. Although I fear it, experiencing it is not one of the things I will say I wish I’d done. I’ve overcome that fear to the best of my abilities by swimming with dolphins and beluga whales, which is enough for me.
  
  I hope you have all of life’s experiences that are important to you. 🙂
  
  Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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photosfromtheloonybin on October 27, 2011 at 5:39 pm said:

I envy you. What an amazing life you have!! Enjoy!

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- lesleycarter on October 27, 2011 at 5:54 pm said:
  
  Thank you! I try to live each day to the fullest and my adventurous, fun loving husband certainly helps with it.
  
  I love your post Temptation?. http://photosfromtheloonybin.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/temptation/
  
  You do have a knack for finding art and beauty. You’ve even made a pig look cute 🙂
  
  Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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TriCom Technical Services on October 27, 2011 at 7:10 pm said:

Wow, you are so adventurous! I wish I had the spirited initiative you do – I’m extremely afraid of heights, and not really even liking flying at the moment. I admire your courage and hope one day to be able to conquer my fears.

Thanks for the inspiration!

– Jenn Smith

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lesleycarter on October 28, 2011 at 6:52 am said:

Jenn,

I’m sure I have lots of fears that I would hesitate to conquer, it just happens that flying isn’t one of them. I love being in the air and I often long to be in the skies.

Good luck overcoming your fears 🙂

Thank you for taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.

Lesley

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lifeonespoonfulatatime on October 28, 2011 at 1:58 pm said:

Lesley,

Thanks for stopping by lifeonespoonful as it gave me the opportunity o be inspired by your blog this morning. At a early age, you figured out what some take a lifetime to discover. That we get only one go ’round this carnival they call life. We had better eat all the chili dogs and cotton candy we can. Keep up your amazing adventures and may your adventure into motherhood add the color you never knew was missing.

All my best,
Amber

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Karen Marie Images on October 28, 2011 at 3:11 pm said:

“You go girl!” Great adventures. Incredible photographs. Great attitude! I too agree with your first comment; you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. And indeed 20 years from now, when you look back at the photos you took, share them with your children, and appreciate the memories in life you experienced. Encourage them, and others, as you are encouraged to explore and dream! I reflect back on my previous 20 years and the photographs represent a part of me.

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identitysolutions on October 29, 2011 at 2:23 am said:

This is impressive! Makes me want to really revisit my own bucketlist. Thanks!

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Robin on October 30, 2011 at 1:03 am said:

Wow! Very impressive. You are certainly living life fully. 🙂

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sartenada on October 30, 2011 at 7:17 am said:

Incredible. I admire Your courage. There are many things that I could not do. In the future consider driving fast on German freeways where no speed limits are. It is an experience to drive at the speed of 155 miles / h among fellow drivers. I enjoy it and that is why we make our car holiday in Germany, just to drive fast. Think about it, it might be something new.

Happy experiences!

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J. A. Robinson on October 30, 2011 at 9:04 pm said:

Lesley,
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a like. I’m glad that I caught this particular post of yours. What an incredible YEAR! Thanks for the inspiration/challenge. –John

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Dina El-Hakim on October 31, 2011 at 6:52 pm said:

you’re really brave lesley! its inspiring.
thank you for liking one of my posts 🙂

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aariyamedia on October 31, 2011 at 7:48 pm said:

Your awesomly brave 🙂

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Tony Middleton on October 31, 2011 at 9:27 pm said:

Hi,
I love the quote and also your zest for life and adventure !
enjoy I say 🙂

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Janice on November 1, 2011 at 12:18 pm said:

What a fantastic collection of adventures and memories! The first photo is amazing! Is this you jumping or your shot of another person?

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- lesleycarter on November 10, 2011 at 9:05 am said:
  
  The first photo is of my husband. I had just completed the jump and I was taking the picture.
  
  🙂
  
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iamkim on November 1, 2011 at 3:15 pm said:

Wow! Honestly I haven’t tried any of those as much as I wanted to.
Looking at your photos, I could tell it is indeed an experience everybody should go through, a feeling anybody should feel even just once in their lives.
I am so envious. I wish one day I’d be able to travel my life like the way you did – full of adventures and thrills!
Thanks for sharing these photos Lesley, it somehow made me feel I was there 🙂
Hugs!

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kandjcoloradoliving on November 2, 2011 at 6:38 pm said:

Just found your blog and I think it’s awesome you are living your dreams!! I love this Mark Twain quote too and have it hanging up in my office to remind me!

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greeneyedkiwi on November 4, 2011 at 10:30 pm said:

Absolutely share your zest for life, adventure and life long learning and reflection.
Long may it continue…

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- lesleycarter on November 10, 2011 at 9:04 am said:
  
  What are some of your favorite adventures? I thoroughly enjoy being in the sky and make have a fondness for sky-diving.
  
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leesdynasty on November 5, 2011 at 12:16 am said:

Great effort! I only hope i can do at least half of what you have done! :OP

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Kristina on November 7, 2011 at 4:55 pm said:

Awesome pictures wow! You are such an adventurist!!! 😀

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Caszie on November 7, 2011 at 8:07 pm said:

You truly are living Mark Twain’s words to the max. It’s incredible!

-Caszie
http://itmustbetold.ca

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- lesleycarter on November 10, 2011 at 9:02 am said:
  
  Thanks Caszie! We try to do something new every week, but sometimes it can be a challenge. We’re heading to Catalina Island this weekend so we’ll see what we can discover. Have you ever been there?
  
  Thanks for reading,
  
  Lesley
  
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PhoneKnack on November 8, 2011 at 2:23 am said:

What camera do you use? Your pictures come out amazing

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- lesleycarter on November 8, 2011 at 2:26 am said:
  
  We use a Canon T2i and my husband apparently knows his way around a camera because our pictures usually turn out beautiful. He’s a talented man 🙂
  I don’t think it hurts when we’re in spectacular locations.
  
  Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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  - PhoneKnack on November 8, 2011 at 10:53 pm said:
    
    Do either of you two have experience in photography? Because the shots are just stunning.
    
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    - lesleycarter on November 8, 2011 at 10:55 pm said:
      
      Neither of us have any experience in photography! We just take lots and lots and lots of photos and hope for the best. It’s easy when you have beautiful surroundings 🙂
      
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lifethroughmy4eyes on November 10, 2011 at 5:58 am said:

Wow, you do have a very exciting life! Thank you for finding my blog and liking my photo…I think it would have taken me a while to find your blog, and I have to say, I don’t think I could do without reading all about your adventures and seeing the pictures that accompany the words! All I will say is that you must try to get to New Zealand (if you haven’t been there yet!) and do 1. Jump off the Sky Tower. It is essentially like what you did in Vegas at the Stratosphere, but it is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, and 2. go Zorbing!!! That, truly, was the most fun I have ever had…but you have to do the wet version, it adds a whole new dimension!

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- lesleycarter on November 10, 2011 at 7:48 am said:
  
  I thrive on the encouragement when it comes to adventure and travel. it’s such a major part of my life that I truly enjoy hearing others are doing the same. Although I don’t think I’ll make it to New Zealand this year, it certainly holds a place on my Bucket List.
  
  Have you ever been to California?
  
  Lesley
  
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  - lifethroughmy4eyes on November 10, 2011 at 4:26 pm said:
    
    Lesley,
    I actually am from California! haha I have lived all over the state, but have been mostly in Socal and most rencently, San Diego.
    
    Well, I think based off the amount of of replies and likes on your post, there will be no end in sight for your travels!! I am pretty much a baby when it comes to doing some of these “extreme” things, but I did jump off the Sky Tower in NZ, partly for bragging rights and partly to show myself that I can do it. Haha It was an experience, that is for sure…but not sure I would repeat it! But hey, I tried it, right? Maybe I leave these things for more adventurous people like you, and I will live vicariously through your posts and pics! You should try to get to NZ sometime…it is beautiful. My friend skydived in Taupo, on the North Island, and was amazed because she could see both sides of the island!
    
    Alex
    
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    - lesleycarter on November 10, 2011 at 4:36 pm said:
      
      Well Alex, at least you gave it a try!
      
      I love living in Orange County; it’s like a non-stop dream world. If you find yourself in the area, please let me know. I’d love to here more of your story over lunch.
      
      I love the picture in “Photo of the Week”. I makes me want to be in the mountains now.
      
      Keep the comments coming; they are appreciated,
      
      Lesley
      
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  - lifethroughmy4eyes on November 11, 2011 at 12:14 am said:
    
    That is so funny! I grew up in Tustin! I love OC as well, I think we might be in the minority of people brave enough to admit it, though! That picture I found from an article that was talking about the receding glacier here in Peru. The ice used to go down to the base, and now it has shrunk over time. But it was a spectacular photo, which is why I decided to try to make it work for my header! haha
    
    I am actually living in Lima right now, working with a company here. But might be back around Christmas. Would love to try to catch up over lunch, though I think you will have more exciting stories!
    Alex
    
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    - lesleycarter on November 11, 2011 at 12:17 am said:
      
      Let me know when you are going to be in town and we’ll make arrangements. 🙂
      
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Jaime on November 11, 2011 at 12:23 am said:

We’re headed to Vegas to jump off the Stratosphere in a couple weeks. Can’t wait! Great post!

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- lesleycarter on November 11, 2011 at 12:25 am said:
  
  Where are you staying? the Venetian is holding their annual Winter in Venice – https://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/winter-in-venice-holiday-celebration/. There are tons of “cool” events going on.
  
  🙂
  
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Kvetchmom on November 13, 2011 at 7:50 pm said:

You are awesome! I’ve been wanting to skydive forever and I think you’ve inspired me to make a solid plan to do it. What does the free fall part feel like?

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- lesleycarter on November 13, 2011 at 7:52 pm said:
  
  Like nothing you’ve ever experienced before! It is freeing and liberating and it’s like your heart is pumping better and your senses are heightened. It’s the ultimate drug!
  
  Let me know if you take the fall.
  
  Lesley
  
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pattyabr on November 15, 2011 at 3:27 am said:

wow you have a popular blog. I like the pic looking up at the sky and…is that the space needle?
thanks for “like” my blog

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bikkigill on November 17, 2011 at 7:52 pm said:

The first picture is so great!

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[email protected] on November 18, 2011 at 1:53 am said:

I love the quote from Mark Twain. Continue to climb the mountains, leap from the sky and play with the fishes, because as the inspiration that you are, we all could use a little adventure in our lives.

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Ruth on November 19, 2011 at 12:45 pm said:

Hi Lesley, I like this one, that quote is the best one for everyone who wants to see the world, those pictures above are still on my list. Keep on blogging 🙂

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livgenevieve on November 21, 2011 at 8:10 am said:

If you don’t live life on the edge you’re taking up too much space haha!

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Ricky on November 21, 2011 at 3:10 pm said:

You have live your life to the fullest, yet. Enjoy all the great time with good health. 🙂

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Ronda (No 'H') on November 21, 2011 at 8:57 pm said:

The photos are so exciting, I almost feel as if I experienced it myself! Too bad I’m a chicken! I’ll just live vicariously through you, lol

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withmycanon on January 10, 2012 at 9:30 pm said:

Hi Lesley, You Rock!!! As many commented you are living the world who many envies to have….adventure and travel, lovely husband and a cute little angel coming :))) I love love all your adventure clicks…I need to read all of our blogs now 🙂 Congragulations for the baby. Now that you have already started baby product reviews I am sure you are already thoroughly enjoying your 10 months adventure as well 🙂 and btw thanks for visiting my blog and liking my clicks.
🙂

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photoscostarica on January 18, 2012 at 5:48 am said:

Awesome! Congrats for the baby…It will change your life massively, all in a good wat, but it won’t stop you..well it hasn’t stopped my wife!! (we have a 7 month baby girl)

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Chad Strachan on January 22, 2012 at 3:58 pm said:

Your Adventures are Lifelong!! They won’t stop because you have kids, you just adapt to the change & from what I can tell from your posts I don’t think you are the type of person to stop you being who you are.
Congratulations on your life, truly someone who is living & experiencing what it means to be alive.

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dibart89 on January 24, 2012 at 11:49 am said:

Life is just totally awesome! I’d love to know how do you afford all this?! I live quite an adventurous life but it is not quite as extreme as yours and it’s really just all because of money.

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