Angela Ritchie's ACE Camps Part II

This is part two of my inspiring Q&A with Angela Ritchie, blogger at Grace Is Over 50 and founder of Angela Ritchie’s ACE Camps. See part one here. And take the opportunity to contribute to the discussion! I'd love to hear from you.

Karen: You’ve had what sounds like a pretty adventurous life. What were some of the best parts? What do you like best about what you’re experiencing now?

Angela: I used to grab my bedding and sleep on my roof when I was about 8 years old – it was exciting for me to wake up in the morning in the outdoors.  I’m not sure I ever told my mother this and am pretty darn sure she wouldn’t have approved.  I have never been afraid to try new adventures and guess it’s because once you start doing them it just gets easier.  I’m a bit of a nomad which I suppose sets me apart from those that have chosen a life lacking in adventure.  There’s a thrill about it.  I’m not talking about bungee jumping or cliff diving or other dangerous sports. I’m thinking it’s more of spontaneity and trusting the outcome.

Some of my favorite times have included experiences in nature and in cultures – like skiing in deep powder in the trees in Whistler, B.C., hiking the Grand Canyon, hanging out in the Sahara desert, running a hotel in Mexico where all the staff spoke another language or walking in the bush in the Yukon staking a gold claim after being dropped off in the middle of who knows where by a helicopter – to meeting a guy in a bar in Rio de Janeiro and trusting that he would meet me at the bus station in Buenos Aires after 48 hours on a bus.  We never spoke one word to each other – he Spanish, me English but there he was waiting for me when I got off the bus. Some things I did would not be regarded as safe today and I certainly don’t recommend them, like hitchhiking to our cottage in Northern Ontario or driving with 4 other girls across Canada in a tiny push button gear changing Renault.

What I like best about what I’m experiencing right now is the challenge of making the Ace Camps successful. I like to work and have figured out what type of job would best fill my days.  One morning I woke up and basically the word Ace Camps was in my head and I went from there.  I have a lot of great ideas for the camps and hope to have a following of great people who upon reading of the newly listed camps will sign up right away.  I’m working on the new website and hopefully soon it’ll be launched.

Karen: What else would you like to experience for yourself?

Angela: I would love to camp across Australia in an Airstream bus, live in Paris for a few months, build a pond yacht at The Wooden Boat School, laugh with Shirley MacLaine, play one song on a musical instrument, travel India by luxury train, travel through wine country in Argentina, build a rustic cabin on a lake…ah, so much to do!

Karen: Are all of your camps art related? Any trout fishing or adventure cooking with interesting chefs? What’s on tap for future camps?

Angela: There will be all sorts of different experiences involved with the Ace Camps.  I would like to have travel writing workshops with Tim Cahill in Yellowknife, NWT – (hey, Tim, are you reading this?), journeys in New York with Charleston lessons and attending the Jazz Picnic on Governors’ Island, tennis camps, fly fishing, cooking in Italy in a castle, mystery writing in an ice hotel and even a glass of wine (or two) with Francis Ford Coppola at his winery.  In January 2010 I have a four-day camp in Panorama, B.C. with Heather Bilodeau, one of Canada’s best ski instructors.  If she can’t get you skiing like you never thought possible no one can. And if you know any “kick-ass” boomers whom I should feature on Grace is over 50 – feel free to contact me at graceisover50@yahoo.com

So, Best Beauty Always readers, are you itching to experience adventure, culture and education? The ACE Camps in the Baja are filling up fast.  Sabrina Ward Harrison will be leading the first one from October 24^th – November 2^nd, followed by Suzanne Northcott – November 7^th – 14^th.  If you want to keep in touch and check in on the camps you can follow Angela’s Facebook page for updates and as soon as the Ace Camp website is finished there will a link from www.graceisover50.com, and find the tab for ACE Camps.

I have a long list of adventures I’d like to experience. How about you? Please share a few of the experiences you would like to have in a comment here at Best Beauty Always. I can’t wait to read them! -- Karen