Sometimes activities require a group to complete, and that is exactly one of the advantages of being a part of E&A! Bubble Soccer, new to the Twin Cities, and Indoor Paintball are just two examples of this "group thing"! Sure, you could probably show up at one of these venues and join a game with people you don't know, or wait for a group with an opening, but why do that when all you have to do is show up, have it all set up for you, meet a bunch of new people, get your equipment on and PLAY! Trying something new is just one of the great things you get to do by being a part of E&A!
Events and Adventures Minneapolis
What a beautiful day we got to spend together at the Apple Orchard! Who would have thought after a couple 50 degree weeks, that we would have a 65+ degree day to enjoy picking apples?!? As everyone arrived, we took our seats on the tractor-pulled wagon to take us out to the orchard to pick our bags of apples. We laughed and smiled as we took in the gorgeous day and beautiful surroundings of the orchard. We picked apples, searching for the best ones... even if that meant getting "all up in the tree" to get them! After our bags were full and we headed back to the main building on the orchard, we all sat together and had lunch and reminisced about our day together. Gotta love Minnesota weather... when it cooperates!!
Events and Adventures Minneapolis
Another great adventure this past weekend: A Fly Fishing Lesson! We met our guide on the Rush River in Martell, WI to learn how to cast with fly rods and reels, then we got to actually go into the river and do it ourselves! As we stood in the water casting these long fish lines, we couldn't wait to feel that tug on the line telling us that we got a fish! And that we did! I think we all had a chance to catch at least one... It's amazing what you can learn and accomplish in just a few short hours on the riverbank. We went from no-how to know-how in that time and got exactly what we were looking for! Only with Events & Adventures will you be able to meet and mingle with people each day AND learn something in the process! Can't wait until our next adventure!
Events and Adventures Minneapolis
I love Saturday mornings when spending them with friends, enjoying the summer weather and what we have left of it! We hiked in Taylor Falls Park today... well, hiked AND climbed I should say. Most of the trails bring us to a boulder or two to climb up on and over to keep going on with our journey. We even discovered things we haven't seen before on the trails... devil's cave, natural potholes carved into the rocks, and so much more. We tried new trails, and even "off-roaded" a little... we crossed the border and went over to the Wisconsin side of the river and took in the views and trails from that side... most people we happy to cross back over to the Minnesota side... especially after seeing some Packer fans hiking as well. So our "Welcome to Minnesota" sign pictures, were truly a relief (to some... I'm a Packer fan... SHHH don't tell!) After we crossed back over, we headed to this old-fashioned ice cream shop and rewarded ourselves for our accomplishments that morning! We conquered our fears and met some new people... as we do every day as a part of E&A! Events and Adventures Minneapolis
What do you know? It's raining when we are supposed to have an outdoor event... but guess what?! We make the best of it! Instead of our "Outdoor Music In The Park" event tonight, we had to change it to a mingle at a local hangout instead due to rain... We can't complain too much because the All-Star Home Run Derby was tonight as well... in the open stadium! But as we hung out at Tugg's on the Riverfront, watching the home-run derby inside out of the rain, we laughed and made some new friends! And when it cleared up a little, we grabbed our umbrellas, put up our hoods and took a walk in the sprinkles along the Riverfront... splashing in puddles, ducking under someone else's umbrella for some relief, and smiling for pictures by the Mississippi River dam despite the rain... and to top it off, we had a rainbow appear over our heads with one end landing in the water... we didn't see a pot of gold, but we did have a fun adventure even if it wasn't exactly what we had planned! Another great night with E&A friends! Events and Adventures Minneapolis
We climbed aboard the "Queen of Excelsior II" double-decker boat and sailed off around the Lake until the fireworks began. We had an array of appetizers and fondue for dessert and just as we thought that was it, there was a raffle drawing for prizes to be given away! Not everyone may have won something, but at least everyone had a chance! After we watched the beautiful sunset, our captain parked us in the bay to watch the fireworks explode overhead of us! After the spectacular show, we cruised around the lake a little bit more, all while missing the post-fireworks traffic, and returned us to the dock. As we said good-bye for the night and laughed with our new found friends, we were planning when we would see everyone again! Well... there's an event every day so the options are endless! Cheers to freedom! Events and Adventures Minneapolis
We had a chance to tackle the rapids on the St Louis River this past weekend! We carpooled up north on 35W, just 15 miles shy of Duluth, and all met at our launch location in Cloquet. We each had our own little adventures on the way up in anticipation of the big ones we would have in just a couple hours... when it was time to go, we all got our life jackets and a paddle and went to our assigned rafts... on the grass... hmmm what?? Ok, I guess they had to explain a few things before we went out on the water... probably a good thing! Ha! Then we finally got to set our rafts in the water and paddle out... practicing our together-ness with each stroke and getting the teamwork thing down. When we finally got to the rapids, it was a shock of how warm the water actually was compared to the 68 degree air! Some of us got soaked... ok, ALL of us got soaked with the waves spilling into and over our rafts, filling our rafts up to our seats with water... it's like we were sitting in a pool! But as soon as we paddled through that last rapid, it was all smiles and laughter and an accomplishment of no one actually falling OUT of their raft! Anyone up for singing some "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" in a round? Good times as always! Events And Adventures Minneapolis
Setting up the nets for our grass court, tossing the ball around, staking out the court lines, and getting a game going! You can go barefoot or wear tennis shoes, but no matter what you decide, we are all out to have a great time! Skills of any level are invited to play, because that's what we do! In E&A everyone has a different personality, background, attitude and athleticism, so with volleyball, we can all come together as a team for a little friendly competition! Join us on Wednesdays throughout the month of June! Events And Adventures Minneapolis
Another new adventure is
our Indoor Rock Climbing event. Some brand new climbers just wanting to try to tackle the wall along with some veteran climbers who do it on a weekly basis! Both had a great time teaching and learning from one another and the responses I heard after the event were exciting! I love hearing the enthusiasm from people trying something new... because I remember clearly when my first opportunity was to climb that vertical wall... but as soon as you reach the top, you have a brand new sense of confidence... something you thought you couldn't do, just because you haven't tried it before... it's like eating liver, right? People say they don't like it, BUT have they ever tried it?? (I still don't recommend it, just saying!) So here's to the ones who have conquered their fears this week and taught themselves a little bit about themselves! Rock on! Events And Adventures Minneapolis
After loading up our cars and heading towards the Dells, we were more than anxious to get there. Upon arrival, some members had already arrived and staked out their space for their tent to be set up... some already had a beer cracked enjoying the sunshine and to kick off the weekend! As we got the main canopy set up and all of our supplies unloaded, it was time to get to our own tents... but wait! Some super nice guys have already started on mine! I guess it pays to be "the boss"! Haha As more and more people arrived, we helped them find their perfect place to set up a tent, then assisted in set up as needed. After the chatter and laughing began to rise, it was time to head up to the restaurant for some fish fry! As we sat on the patio eating dinner, we looked down the table at our fellow E&A-er's that were all ready for a fun weekend! When we got back to the campsite, the bonfire was already burning and people were already gathered around, pulling up their camping chairs, grabbing their coolers... and I thought it was a perfect time to whip out the smores: Marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers, rolos, fudge stripe cookies, oreos, etc... have you ever stuck a rolo inside a marshmallow before you roast it? The best thing ever! And as the night lingered on, so did the campers... laughing, playing cards, beer pong, stories around the fire and more... as everyone started to awake the next morning, we started breakfast and got on with our day of hiking and a jetboat tour. That night, we all returned from our activities and gathered for dinner. More bonfire and laughing followed and continued until the wee hours of the morning. Another hearty breakfast on Sunday, followed by the Riverwalk and Ziplining... and wow!! Was that fun! Another check off the bucketlist for me! As we returned to our final dinner of the weekend, some were already dreading having to leave the next morning... I know I was!! But as we packed up that Monday morning and we said our goodbyes and gave hugs all around... we were left to our thoughts of what a great weekend we had as we drove home... but not to worry! Labor Day weekend is only a couple months away and we will see everyone again! Events And Adventures Minneapolis
Another New Member Ice Breaker in the books! We had a great turnout of New Members and the chatter and conversations kept going on the way through our 3 games of cosmic bowling. There were some nerves in the beginning, you know, meeting new people or walking into a big group for the first time? But remember, everyone is in the same boat as you… I love to see the nerves subside as the night progresses and they get introduced to more people, ate some pizza, shared some laughter, and after awhile, it’s like you walked into a group of old friends! After your first couple events, you aren’t “new” anymore, and then the rest is history… you’ve made some lifelong relationships! Welcome to E&A!
A hike in the snow! Well... what else are we supposed to do with this Minnesota snow that never quits? Let's make the best of it! We hiked and climbed and laughed along the way... maybe threw a snowball or two... even if we did have to bundle up a little for the weather, that didn't stop us from coming out of hibernation for this beautiful winter day to be OUTSIDE! They are sometimes few opportunities for this, so let's take advantage of it... in the same way, use the opportunity of being an E&A member to its fullest! Get out there, meet new people, talk to someone new at every event you attend... as I've said before, I meet someone new at EVERY event I attend, so you will too! Events And Adventures Minneapolis
When is the last time you played with some clay and spun a pottery wheel? Maybe high-School? Maybe never? For me, it was college. Well we had the chance to relive those memories from WAY BACK WHEN in a pottery class! Our instructor showed us the different techniques, showed us what NOT to do, and threw a couple pots right in front of our very eyes. It was all coming back to me, and I thought, "Oh, I got this!" Then we got to try it ourselves... and realized I may not have had it after all... but after a few tries, a couple pots and bowls later, I was back in the swing of it! For some of the members, it was their first time ever, and they caught on pretty quickly too! By the end of the class, all of us decided we could keep going for hours... and I think we were all satisfied with our final choice of our pottery wheel-spun creations... Now to choose the color of glaze... Some choices are harder than others, except that we can all agree, this was definitely an adventure! Events And Adventures Minneapolis
Trampoline Dodgeball just never gets old. We had a great turnout which made it a super fun night! Along with our jumping, throwing, dodging and such, we were also being interviewed... By who you ask? None other than Emily Engberg from Twin Cities Live! They came along to our event to do a little bit on Events & Adventures and the type of fun you can have by being a part of the Minneapolis club! She chatted with me on the in's and out's of the club and how we plan each event, and then interviewed some members on their experience of the club! Then she (Emily) got to be a part of the action right along with us... jumping... and dodging as everyone decided to gang up on her and throw the balls all at once... well, at least it wasn't me this time! Ha We'll be able to view the final production this coming Friday between 3pm & 4pm on channel 5/KSTP! Can't wait! Never a dull moment with E&A! Events and Adventures Minneapolis
As our winter is slowly warming up, we are definitely looking forward to spring. But not before we can get in a few more winter activities. This weekend we are going up to Duluth for a Dog-Sledding Adventure where we get to meet the dogs, play with them, help hook them up to the sled and ride along behind them... we even get to drive the sled, that is, if we are adventurous enough to do so! Meanwhile some of us will get to see the horses and saddle them up to pull us in a bob sleigh... then we'll finish off the day with a snow shoe through the cranberry bog on the property. After what will be a gorgeous and exciting day, we get to know people all that much more... spending time with them in a car for two hours up, spending the day with them, then two hours in the car ride home... one can even say you made a new friend! Always keep and open mind... you never know who you are going to meet! Events And Adventures Minneapolis
our Indoor Rock Climbing event. Some brand new climbers just wanting to try to tackle the wall along with some veteran climbers who do it on a weekly basis! Both had a great time teaching and learning from one another and the responses I heard after the event were exciting! I love hearing the enthusiasm from people trying something new... because I remember clearly when my first opportunity was to climb that vertical wall... but as soon as you reach the top, you have a brand new sense of confidence... something you thought you couldn't do, just because you haven't tried it before... it's like eating liver, right? People say they don't like it, BUT have they ever tried it?? (I still don't recommend it, just saying!) So here's to the ones who have conquered their fears this week and taught themselves a little bit about themselves! Rock on! Events And Adventures Minneapolis
