To start their new lives together, many newlywed couples travel to beautiful, exotic locations for their honeymoon, one of the most popular destinations being the Hawaiian Islands. Normally, the scariest thing one might see in this tropical paradise is Greg, Marcia and the rest of "The Brady Bunch," but during "A Perfect Getaway," a honeymoon takes a deadly turn.

Cliff (*Steve Zahn*) and Cydney (*Milla Jovovich*) fly to Hawaii after their wedding to hike on the more challenging trails and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, while they are making their way to paradise, they hear about a young couple that was murdered on one of the other Hawaiian Islands.

Despite this horrific news, Cliff and Cydney keep moving forward, eventually hooking up with another couple named Nick (*Timothy Olyphant*) and Gina (*Kiele Sanchez*). These two attractive, interesting people have plenty of stories to tell, and Gina also demonstrates the meat-cutting skills she learned back in high school when she worked for a Piggly Wiggly grocery store. Cliff and Cydney aren't quite sure if their new friends are on the level or if they have a more sinister agenda.

Besides the serial killer subplot, "A Perfect Getaway" is like a video guide to hiking through the Hawaiian Islands. Cliff and Cydney start their adventure on a helicopter tour of the islands, and Cliff literally hangs out of the copter to get some high-definition video footage of the places they want to go.

Later on, Cliff shells out nearly $500 for freeze-dried food and other supplies to carry in his rucksack. When he and his wife reach a point in the trail that gets pretty steep and slippery, Cliff comments that he's walking around with about 40 pounds of gear strapped to his back. During a moment of male bonding, Cliff and Nick even take some time out to go kayaking into some gorgeous water caves.

All things considered, "A Perfect Getaway" is a fairly decent outdoor thriller, but the indescribably beautiful Hawaiian backdrop makes this film well worth the price of admission.

If you've ever wanted to see where Daniel Boone walked, or where Tom Dooley (of song and legend) infamous lead him, your next whitewater trip should be Stony Fork Creek in North Carolina. The creek offers more than history; it runs through some truly beautiful country that doesn't look much different than it did 200 years ago.

Stony Fork Creek comes off of Tompkins Knob in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and flows down between Elk Ridge and Dividing Ridge until it joins the Yadkin River just above the Kerr Scott reservoir. Some rank this 6 mile run as class I-II, others as I-III, and, typically with small streams, it depends on the water height. Put-in is above a bridge on CR 1155, about 2 miles west (left) from its junction with CR 1154. Takeout approximately 2 ½ miles east of the town of Ferguson; it's a steep bank there, but it'll save you about ¾ of a mile of mainly backwater.

Stony Fork is fast for its size, and it drops over one small ledge after another, averaging 9-10 feet down per 50 feet of stream. Stony Fork Creek is usually runnable through the region's wet season. The ledges are about 12 to 18 inches high until just before the confluence of Stony Fork with the Yadkin, where the drops get higher and more frequent. You'll know the spot by a large tree that cuts off most of the creek; behind and to the right of the tree, a solo kayak can take the 4-foot drop into a whirl of turbulence, and continue through the boulder garden in the Yadkin to the takeout point.

The cool water may be just what you need after paddling through a warm Carolina day. A raglan shirt from Five Ten will help keep you cool, and these shades from Arnette keep the bright sun from hurting your eyes. These Newport Sandals from Keen will let you put your toes in if you take a break; and in this gorgeous country you may want to.

(For more about Stony Fork Creek and the Yadkin River, check out Bob and David Benner's book, Carolina Whitewater, from Menasha Ridge Press.)

Are you an adventurer at heart? Maybe you just want to try something new and exciting. If you enjoy nature and don't mind getting your feet wet (or possibly the rest of you), you may be interested in whitewater or or other river rafting in Colorado. The Colorado Rocky Mountains are well-known for skiing, but are also a popular spot for river rafting. In fact, Colorado is the number one whitewater rafting spot in the world.

Whitewater and other river rafting excursions can be a bonding experience for spouses, family, or friends. They also can be an adventure in self-reflection and the thrill of a lifetime. Keep in mind that going alone is not recommended for safety reasons. Besides, this is definitely an activity you'll want to share with others. Outdoor adventures in Colorado that include river rafting can leave each individual with something different. Speaking of different, there are many ways to have a river rafting experience in Colorado.

River rafting can be enjoyed in an oarboat, paddleboat, inflatable kayak, and more. River rafting tours are geared toward skill level and experienced guides can come along for the ride. Depending on preferences and experience, either passengers or the guide will control the watercraft. Navigation waters can either be mild or be Class 5 rapids only for the most experienced and daring of whitewater rafting adventurers.

Regardless of the water speed, be sure to have safety in mind when river rafting in Colorado. The safest river rafting excursions will include a trained tour guide who knows the area and all the safety precautions. Most river rafting tours include a safety overview, watercraft, flotation devices for everyone, and sometimes a meal and any other required gear. However, not all will be this inclusive. Be sure to check before the trip.

Don't forget the appropriate footwear and bring along a waterproof camera to capture the nature and all the best moments. Colorado has many rivers to choose from in these river rafting excursions. The Arkansas River is arguably the most popular. There also is Blue River, Colorado River, Clear Creek, Green River, Eagle River, and more. It's wise to do research on locations and options before going to be sure you choose the best experience for your purpose.

Sources:
http://www.raftcolorado.net/
http://www.coloradowhitewaterrafting.com/
http://www.coloradowhitewaterrafting.com/FAQs.htm

When you're thinking of challenging rivers to canoe or kayak, North Dakota is not generally the first state that comes to mind. But there's a stretch of the Missouri, north from the capitol city of Bismarck to Garrison Dam, that could change your mind about Dakota waters. This stretch is one of the last remaining undeveloped segments of the Missouri. Peppered with sandbars and undertows, and with a remarkably swift current, this run is largely unchanged from the Missouri river the Lewis and Clark expedition followed in 1804. New sandbars, different logs and snags, but the same tricky river!

In addition to the thrill of the water, you're also in a prime spot to see both bald and golden eagles, beaver and white-tailed deer, and osprey. You may also spot endangered least terns and threatened piping plovers on the sandbars; if you do, don't disturb them; just take a photo, and paddle on.

If you didn't bring your own, you can find rental canoes and kayaks in Washburn at the Lewis and Clark Canoe and Kayak rentals, or at the Cross Ranch State Park (worth a visit even if you don't need a canoe), and at several locations in Bismarck and Mandan.

You'll want a dry bag to store your camera and other items. Good choices for canoeing footwear are these Columbia Hydrotooth shoes for men, and Columbia's Bellafly for women. The new Life is Good shorts are great summer styling for guys, and these Patagonia Board Shorts for women in plum make a fashion statement while keeping you comfortable. If the day gets chilly, women may want to bring along these Torrent Pants by Isis. Because it can get cool on the water almost any time from May to October, bring along a jacket, such as a Merrell Storm Jacket for men, and this Marmot PreCip jacket for women.

Another advantage to canoeing the Missouri is that costs in North Dakota tend to be lower than other areas. You can find great deals on food, hotels and canoe rentals in Bismarck, Mandan, and Washburn..

Heading out to the water for a kayaking trip? You'll need the right socks, shoes and helmet to make your trip a safe one; make sure you're well-prepared with these five essentials.

Heading off on a kayaking adventure can be a great way to break away from the monotony of your daily schedule and enjoy the great outdoors. Kayaking through the challenging waters of the rainforest or just heading out to the open waters on the coast can help you explore new territory, enjoy nature at its finest and get a great workout in the process.

Planning your trip with the right gear ensures your venture will be a safe and enjoyable one; make sure you're well-prepared with these five kayaking essentials:

Waterproof Life Jacket.

Life jackets are an absolute must as you head off to those turbulent waters, and you'll need to wear these one at all times. Choose a jacket that fits snugly on your torso but can be adjusted easily. Some life jackets are designed with extra-supportive straps and a waist belt around the waist for more comfort.

Sturdy Sandals.

When you're not on the boat, you may be trekking across the dock or just spending time on the waterfront. A pair of durable, water-resistant sandals can help protect your feet between kayaking trips, and help you get across rougher terrain with ease.

Helmets.

You'll need a light and sturdy helmet to get through your kayaking trip safely; look for stiff shell construction and extra pads inside for a comfortable fit. Helmets will also prevent excess moisture accumulating at the top of your head as you paddle.

Moisture-Repellant Socks.

Skintight, waterproof socks are ideal for kayaking, helping protect your feet form the elements and keeping feet healthy. Look for insulating ingredients that can also promote healthy circulation without adding too much bulk to your feet and legs.

Kayaking is a great way to explore new territory and enjoy nature in a new way. Prepare for your adventure with these top five essentials, and look forward to an unforgettable trip that may soon become your next favorite activity.