Extreme sports in the USA

This year I came back to the United States quite early. Already at the end of July, I was checking-in my first flight, leaving the Czech Republic. Yet, this time I didn’t head straight to Iowa, but to sunny California instead. As a winner of the Fischlowitz travel fellowship, I received $ 5,000 to explore the culture of extreme sports in the United States.

My itinerary was packed - the first day I picked up a car in San Francisco and headed directly to Yosemite National Park. There, I spent three days hiking, discovering number of waterfalls and rock climbing. From Yosemite I continued south - through King's canyon to Sequoia National Park, where I visited a caves, and I tried (not very successfully) to fit the famous General Sherman tree into one photo.

After the national parks visit, I set off to the very tip of California - to San Diego, where I was honored to meet the eighty-seven year old Mr. Fischlowitz, who sponsors this fellowship. We talked about my excitement for adrenaline sports, Czech classical music and, of course, Grinnell College. The bond that the Grinnellians share simply surpasses borders and generations.

From San Diego I headed north along the coast. On the way, I stopped in Los Angeles where VANS US Open in Surfing was taking place. This traditional international competition in surfing, BMX and skateboarding was one of my favorite experiences. I've been hoping to watch these professional athletes at Huntington Beach since I was fourteen.

I concluded my traveling in California in San Francisco at a music festival. A day later, I was already sitting on a plane heading to Hawaii. There, I explored the nearby islands on a sea kayak, successfully completed a Spartan Race, flew in a helicopter, and explored the whole island on a moped. My entire trip ended with a morning hike to the famous Stairs to Heaven. At 6 am (after 3922 stairs), I was watching one of the most amazing sunrises I have ever seen.

Naturally, I absolutely loved the trip. Yet, when I boarded the plane to Iowa (with all of the muscles in my body completely soar, a dislocated and re-located shoulder, and a significant sleep deficit), I could honestly not wait for the usually-not-so-appreciated peacefulness of the cornfields. I was more excited than ever to finally come back to Grinnell, after spending fifteen months away.

Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA
Extrémní sporty v USA

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