It's summer once again, and it's time to put down the books, close the laptops, and put your adventuring shoes on. It is time to escape the dismal lecture halls, nose stuffing libraries and mind numbing dormitory room. You now have the time to go do what you want to do, go where you want to go and avoid all school and work related responsibilities. The possibilities are endless.
Personally, I am an adventurer and pursue the pulse-pounding, adrenaline-filled experiences. There is a lot to be said about pushing yourself through adversity and coming out on top. With those adrenaline driven escapades also come the relaxed thrills that get me going. We can't be going unhinged all the time. The body needs some rest and the mind time to imagine. Here's a bucket list for my 2016 summer.
1. Go Backpacking in Sykes Hot Springs - Carmel, CA.
In California, there are many places to wander off to for a few days, but I have my eyes set on one place. Sykes Hot Springs is a hike on the Big Sur River. It is a 19.3 mi. trail out and back, and at the end are hot springs. Much needed after a long day of putting one foot in front of the other.
2. Bike Around Lake Tahoe with my Uncle
On my last trip up to Northern California, my uncle took me on what I thought was a treacherous bike ride. That was and will be nowhere near as strenuous as this. I have already been training, so Uncle, if you're reading this, get ready.
3. Play Summer Collegiate Baseball
I already have this all lined up and couldn't be more excited. One of my old high school buddies put together a collegiate team for all our friends who are still playing baseball at the college level. So Cal Stars will be tearing it up this summer in Southern California.
4. Go Snorkeling
This is something I have already done multiple times in the past, but every summer got to snorkel somewhere new.
5. Summer Concerts
This year, Lynyrd Skynyrd is coming to Dana Point to play in the Blues Festival, and you better believe I will be there. "Simple Man" and "Free Bird" have blared from my room since I was a kid. Not to mention "Bonham: The Led Zeppelin Experience" is coming to the Greek. For those of you that know me, you know this will be my dream come true. There are also suppose to be some guest performers if the fans are lucky.
6. Road Trip to Chicago 
My family lives and breathes Chicago sports and we already have an entire road trip mapped out. We're planning on seeing a couple Cubs games, that's for sure.
7. Study Abroad in Ireland
For those of you who don't know, I was lucky enough to get accepted into Galway, Ireland study abroad program. I'm gonna be trekking my native land this summer for an entire month.
8. Hit UP the San Diego Bars 
One of my best friends and fraternity brothers turns 21 in July. Not to mention one of best from college is visiting from Florida. Believe me, the bars will be lit in the Gaslamp Quarter.
9. Read Five Books
I am an avid reader and my main goal this summer is to read five books or more. Gotta love turning the pages of a freshly opened book.
10. Start an Online Blog
This is something I always thought about doing, but never took the time and effort to start. Still thinking about what it will be about so I am open to ideas.
11. Survive the Ride of a Lifetime... Until Next Summer That is 
Life isn't always guaranteed so we have to take advantage of the organ beating beneath or skin. Life is meant to be enjoyed in every sense of the words. Life is meant to be experienced through the eyes of the beholder. Life is meant to be survived in through all the ebbs and flows. So go out there and see what life has to offer.
