Trying Something New....Bubble Soccer and Paintball!

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

Tackling A High Ropes Course!

Testing our wits is something we get to do almost every day, whether it's being a new member and going to our first event or tackling a high ropes course, which is what we did this past weekend!  Climbing ropes, walking across a single rope as we balance and focus on the platform ahead, rope ladders and swings HIGH above the ground... and as we ziplined off our last platform, we were relieved that we had finished and proud of what we accomplished!  Plus, we could finally "look down" without freaking out a bit!  Always an adventure with this group! Events and Adventures Minneapolis

A Day at the Apple Orchard!

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

A Fly Fishing Lesson!

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

We Took The Challenge!

One of the things we love to do in this club is volunteer... and with the craze of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenges circling the nation, we just had to take part!  Challenged by our Seattle club, we took it on!  Even with the short notice, we were able to gather up a few people and go through with it!  We were trying to be creative, and I think we succeeded!  And with the purpose of this challenge, to raise money for research on ALS, we in fact did what we could to give back!  Thank you to those of you who came out to participate!  PLUS, they even got to EACH dump a bucket on "the boss" (me)... who's idea was that anyway???  Way to go E&A Minneapolis! Events and Adventures Minneapolis

I Love Saturday Mornings....

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

Feeling Like A Million Bucks...Polo & Car Show

I think everyone has seen the movie "Pretty Woman" right??  Remember the part where she goes to the Polo Game with Richard Gere's character?  Well, that's what we did this past weekend... minus the role she played in the movie... ha!  We dressed up in our "garden party" attire, hats and sipped champagne under the shade of our very own Events & Adventures party tent.  We watched the Polo match but mostly wandered around gawking at the exotic cars that were displayed in the car show... some ranging from the 100,000's to the 1/2 million dollar price... all way out of our budgets!!  At one point I think we all decided we could go in on one together and share custody... not sure how that will work out... but either way, we had a great time enjoying the Sunday afternoon, each other's company and meeting new faces.  Cheers to another fun event with Events & Adventures!
Events And Adventures Minneapolis

We Had Our First Outing Of Foot Golf!

We had our first outing of Foot Golf this past weekend, the new sport that is "sweeping the nation"!  As we were waiting in the club house waiting for everyone to arrive, we were debating on if it's still called a "tee time" or if it should be a "kick off" or "punt time"... as we split into teams and sent the first one off, we were figuring out our strategies and anxious to see what was in store for us.  The first group "kicked off" and we watched as they made their way closer to the 21 inch cup... We heard some cheers as a surprising kick went in along with some "Ahhhhh's" when the ball didn't go in... then it was our turn to try!  We each placed our ball on the tee box as it was out turn and made a running kick, much like the "Happy Gillmore" in the movie, just without a club!  And as we made our way through the course and laughed and cheered each other on, we realized at the end of the round, that it doesn't matter what we do because we get to do it with friends!  AND something we normally wouldn't have tried!  We can't wait until our next round of Foot Golf!  FORE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Events and Adventures Minneapolis

What Do You Do When It Is Raining?

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

Our Fireworks Cruise on Lake Minnetonka was a Blast!

 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

Tackling The Rapids!

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

Another Week Of Outdoor Volleyball = Another Night Of Fun!

 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

Indoor Rock Climbing!

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