A Guide to Adventure

Not many people know that Morgan Island in South Carolina is home to about 3,500 monkeys! The island has appropriately been dubbed Monkey Island. It is home to one of two Rhesus Monkey colonies in the United States, the other is located in Florida. The island is owned by the SC DNR (Department of Natural Resources) located near St. Helena island since the 1970s.  They originally were located at a research center in Puerto Rico. After several monkeys infected with a virus escaped and caused outbreaks among locals, the monkeys were moved. That's where South Carolina stepped in. The state offered the island for research and about 1,400 monkeys were brought to Beaufort County. Now the breeding colony is used by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which is part of the National Institute of Health, for research. That research helps develop life-saving preventions and treatments for diseases affecting public health, according to the institute. But i

On the outskirts of Charleston, SC hidden in plain site is a lost and forgotten national park. Castle Pinckney is currently being lost to the sea in the Charleston Harbor.  The story of this forgotten fortress began in 1791, when George Washington visited Charleston, South Carolina , saw that a little island in the harbor (Shutes Folly) was strategically located, and ordered that a fort be built there. The good people of Charleston, who were tasked with funding and building it, decided that it should be named Fort Pinckney in honor of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney , a local planter, Revolutionary War General, and delegate to the Constitutional Convention. Castle Pinckney played no role in the War of 1812 and was demoted to “secondary line of defense” status in 1826. The very next year, the construction of Fort Sumter , a bigger and better fortification, got underway at a more strategic location across from Fort Moultrie at the harbor entrance. By the late 1820s it was already cl

Camping in the fall can be so much more magical with all of the changing leaves, a cozy fire, and a warm sleeping bag. The summer crowds are gone, as are those pesky bugs. The East Coast of America is full of beautiful places to camp this fall! These five camping spots are perfect for the adventurous fall camper!  Dry Tortugas National Park- Florida  Dry Tortugas National Park , accessed by ferry from the coast of Key West , is one of the most scenic primitive camping destinations in the world. The 100-square-mile national park features seven picturesque islands. Come to the campground prepared, because you have to bring everything you need (including toilet paper and water). However, the pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, abundant marine life and fluorescent coral reefs will make you forget about the lack of facilities in no time. Park campsites are adjacent to the island’s Civil War-era Fort Jefferson, and they’re available on a first come, first served basis. Don’

I am so excited to now be making and selling customized Tye Dyed shirts (ranging in all sizes from infant to adult) and bandanas as well. Shirt prizes:   Basic T-shirt with custom colors and design are $10.00 or Two for $15.00. Infant sized clothing are $8.00 a piece. Custom colored Bandanas are $6.00 a piece. If you want to make an order email Radbatgirl@gmail.com with the size, colors, and design you would like.  (Spiral, yin yang, or crunch, bullseye, or galaxy) for each shirt.  For Bandanas just list the colors you would like. I will promptly contact you back and begin your orders!!

Growing up in the Southern part of the United States has definitely got its perks. Everything from spur of the moment adventures, to delicious homemade cuisines, and that sweet Southern Charm everyone talks about the South has so much more to offer than a thick accent and a camouflage hat. That is why you don't want to miss out on these Southern cities, and everything they have to offer.  Durham, North Carolina Durham is one of the most unique towns, not just in North Carolina but in the South, thanks to incredible food, a relaxed vibe, and cool warehouse buildings (this is an old tobacco city). It’s full of perfect spots to enjoy nature, listen to local bands, and taste finely brewed beer. Durham’s Brightleaf Square is a hub for restaurants and shops, housed in renovated tobacco warehouses. If you love food trucks (and Durham helped snowball the trend, with its Food Truck Rodeo ), the city has some goodies: Pie Pushers , Chirba Chirba Dumpling, and Only Burger . If

Today's Meaningful Fact is all about food !! More specifically fruits and veggies! When I was a young child I remember my favorite snack was broccoli, carrots, and cucumbers with ranch, and toast :] To this day I still love all of those things and many other vegetables and fruits. Not only do they taste delicious, leave me hydrated and energized, but they such a better alternative to packaged, sweet or salty snacks that contain ingredients I cannot even pronounce (and I'm a total grammar Nazi so that really irks me) . Why would I want to eat something that contains "enriched bleached flour" or "red 40" both of which are terrible for us. I'm not perfect however, I still sneak some unhealthy treats every now and then, but I have found the longer I go without them, the less I crave them. Go grab a plate of fresh watermelon and strawberries and enjoy these facts about fresh produce that will encourage you to incorporate more of them into your da

When you are tired of the crowds and cheesy tourist attractions that are scattered across the United States, and want to experience and one-of-a-kind adventure, visiting a national forest is the best way to go. The number of people who visit America's national parks is staggering—the sites hosted record-breaking 307.2 million visits in 2015.  With 155   protected national forests to choose from, you can plan a trip across the country just visiting these hidden treasures. Hiking is not the only thing to do in the wild terrain of these forests though. Here are some of the most adventurous and unique national forests and experiences found throughout America's wildest terrain.   Bunk in a fire lookout tower. Get a birds' eye view of wild landscapes by camping in a historic fire tower at the top of a mountain . You may need to hike farther and pack extra but you will have a unique experience indeed. Peak-top cabins offer comfortable living space, 360-degree windo

Deforestation has been negatively impacting the earth since the late 1950s, and today it is worse than I ever imagined it could be. Every second I have spent typing this article an acre and a half of forest was cut down . Imagine 20 football fields disappearing every minute , that is what is happening to the rainforests. At this completely unsustainable, and absurd rate in less than 100 years there will be no rain forests left on earth.  The timber and cattle industry are destroying our planet Not only does deforestation endanger wildlife, it also increases global warming by creating 12-17 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions, effects the water cycle by creating drier environments, and ultimatly causing massive wildlife extinctions. The Amazon Rainforest alone produces 20 percent of our oxygen, and 18 percent of the rainforest has been cut down already!! Deforestation in Borneo  There are more than 121 natural remedies found in rainforests that can