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AdventuresTravel

5 Reasons to Explore with REI’s Under 35 Trips

by Paulina Dao May 16, 2019
written by Paulina Dao
Travel abroad with REI's Under 35 group trips

I’m not a group trip person at all. People make me nervous. I’m afraid I won’t fit in. I like knowing the people I’m traveling with. Knowing what to expect and how group dynamics will play out gives me peace of mind. I like having an exit plan, no matter how brief it may be. After experiencing REI’s Under 35 Greek Islands trip, I’m singing a different tune about groups. Here’s why.

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May 16, 2019 0 comments
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Castle Hill Quantum Hill Bouldering
AdventuresClimbing

Bouldering at Castle Hill, New Zealand

by Paulina Dao May 15, 2019
written by Paulina Dao
Bouldering Castle Hill Quantum Hill Spittle Hill

If you’ve come to New Zealand, looking for rocks, then look no further. Castle Hill bouldering is a premiere climbing destination. Or at least it should be, with thousands of problems within a ten minute walk of the parking lot (or car park, as the kiwis call ’em).

We spent two and a half days romping around Spittle Hill and Quantum Hill. We’ve got all the beta for bouldering Castle Hill.

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May 15, 2019 0 comments
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Arc'teryx Oriel Leggings Review
Gear

Arc’teryx Oriel Leggings Review

by Paulina Dao May 14, 2019
written by Paulina Dao
Arc'teryx Oriel Leggings Review

For Spring 2019, Arc’teryx introduced the climbing-specific Oriel Leggings into their line. They traveled with me to the limestone and schist crags of New Zealand, red desert sandstone in Utah, and the polished granite of Yosemite. Here’s how they fared.

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May 14, 2019 6 comments
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AdventuresTravel

A Weekend Escape in Mendocino

by Paulina Dao May 2, 2019
written by Paulina Dao
Hiking Russian Gulch State Park, Fern Canyon Waterfall Loop

People often forget that there’s beautiful, wild coastline north of San Francisco. Most people flock to Big Sur for the weekend. I choose Mendocino, every time. It feels so much more remote. There are fewer people, good food, and tons of public land to explore. Read on for my picks on how to spend a weekend in Mendocino.

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May 2, 2019 2 comments
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Staying at the Inn at Newport Ranch
AdventuresTravel

Escape to the Inn at Newport Ranch

by Paulina Dao May 1, 2019
written by Paulina Dao
Staying at the Inn at Newport Ranch

If you’re planning an escape from the Bay Area, look no further than the Inn at Newport Ranch. This quiet destination on the wild North Coast has everything you need for a relaxing weekend. 

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May 1, 2019 0 comments
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Paulina Dao Little Grunts

Hi, I’m Paulina! A full time adventurer with a day job, I’m a firm believer in the 5-9, and maximizing every second of being out of office. I didn't grow up outdoorsy. This little corner of the internet chronicles my trials and tribulations of heading outside. Learn more about me or just say hi!

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littlegrunts.com
  • About
    • About Paulina
    • Why Don’t They Look Like Me? The Diversity Dilemma in Outdoor Media
    • Contact Me
  • Climbing
    • Bouldering at Castle Hill, New Zealand
    • Bouldering at the Jardines, Queenstown, New Zealand
    • The Best Beginner Boulders in the Buttermilks, Bishop, CA
  • Backpacking
  • Hiking
  • Travel
  • Destinations
    • California
    • Iceland
    • Idaho
    • Washington
    • Utah
    • Greece
    • New Zealand
    • Norway
  • Gear Reviews
    • How to Build Out a Subaru Outback Without Any Building
  • Work With Me!