Outdoor Afros in Los Angeles explored local African American history and nature over the weekend – read on!
 
Alisha Pye here, I’m the Outdoor Afro Leader for Los Angeles. This week we decided to celebrate Spring by hiking at Solstice Canyon in Malibu which is located in the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s a beautiful hike with flowers in full bloom, waterfalls to enjoy, valleys and canyons to climb and picnic areas. We started on the stairs and continued on a steady incline until we came to an area of ruins that …

Dominoes the Bajan Way (image courtesy of Lisa Overman)
As I read the proposed itinerary for the US Journalists Experiential trip to Barbados sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority, I got quite excited to see that we would “Learn to play Dominoes the Bajan Way” hosted by the Barbados National Domino, Whist and Hearts Club. The first thought that went through my mind was “Do they play bones the same in the Barbados as we do here in the States? Oh, boy, I can’t wait to find out.” I was also …

By Outdoor Afro Contributor Danielle N. Lee
My first time skiing was an experience. I’m from the south, so frolicking in the cold or snow wasn’t a bog part of my childhood experience.  However, I love the outdoors and I love trying new things, so I joined a group of friends who introduced me to the basics of the slopes.
Preparing for my winter time Outdoor Afro adventure with Show Me Skiiers
It was an adventure!  I was far from great at it.  But I wasn’t deterred. So when I was invited to …

Near where I live is a nook of the San Francisco Bay called Albany Bulb. The area is well known to dog owners who are able to let dogs run free and splash in the low waves in a part of the shore facing west toward San Francisco and Marin County.
The Bulb is also a nice place to catch a sunset, see a variety of shore birds, view the Golden Gate Bridge, or spot some innovative installations of outdoor art along its sandy trail edges.

Last Saturday, my two youngest …

I don’t know about you, but I have been caught up in the exciting rush of holiday activities! Like Thanksgiving, I can’t wait to bring our family and friends together to catch up, eat great food, and laugh until our sides hurt. Unfortunately this means less time for writing, and I finally realized that it’s perfectly OK to take a little vacay from the keyboard – I just need to let folks know so they know I’m alright — and I am more than alright!
That said, I wish all Outdoor …

Couples Camping © Steve Prezant/Corbis
You can’t change your friends and family, but you can change the way you camp with them. Some moderate planning can make a big difference in your camping experience together. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your camping trips with loved ones:
Shared Space
In some areas, the outdoors still has boundaries, and it’s important to honor both the environment and neighboring campers. If you are planning to visit a drive-up or RV campground, make sure you have reserved a site that …

Roberts Kids
I met the Robert’s family recently at a conference in Atlanta. Their courage to camp for the first time in the sublime terrain of the Florida Everglades is an inspiration for all families — and they are terrific people to be around as well! Watch all three parts!
Part I

Part II

Part III

Christine, Pastor Betty Clark, and Antoine
I have always thought of the outdoors as an ideal setting to wed, and last weekend my nephew Antoine and his lovely fiancé Christine embodied the magic of outdoor nuptials in a beautiful beach side ceremony. The two met and fell in love years ago as camp counselors at the Bar 717 Ranch Camp, located in Northern California.
My Growing Family
The setting was a stunning public beach in Santa Barbara, located about an hour north of Los Angeles. In addition to the invited guests, scores of …

By Denene Millner of My Brown Baby
Yup—I did it. Two days and two nights, deep in the woods of North Georgia. And despite my initial protestations (and the tolerance of threats from my resident Go Green enthusiast/sister-in-law Angelou and much pleading from Mari and Lila), I have to say it wasn’t half bad. And maybe—just maybe—I’m willing to admit that I had some fun. Here, our journey in pictures and in words: We stayed in Ft. Yargo, a state-run park in Winder, GA. It’s only about 40 minutes from …

Now is the time for Outdoor Afros to plan a summer camping trip! While some popular sites may have been booked up since last winter, it’s never too late to secure a spot at a scenic developed site. One local favorite of my family is the Samuel Taylor Park, which fills up quickly during the peak season!
You can drive right up to your camping area in the developed sites, which are either privately owned or a part of a regional parks system. In either case, you’ll find showers, some electricity …