Interview with Sally LaVenture

Name: Sally LaVenture

Family Members: Husband, Charley, daughters Rainy(28) and Willow(26)

Age (be as vague as you wish): 55

Where are some of the places you’ve gone with ExperiencePlus!?: I've done 2 ExperiencePlus! trips - my first trip with Willow a few years ago - Bicycling Venice to Florence. My husband still kicks himself for not coming. Second trip with the whole family - last summer - Bicycling through Classical Greece - Athens to Olympia.

Where does your love of the outdoors come from?: I grew up with a love of the outdoors. We had a summer house in the Adirondack Mountains where we hiked, swam and lived outdoors as much as possible.

Describe your perfect day outdoors: I have several versions of the perfect day outdoors...one is an all day hike on Mount Hood, which is in my backyard. Another is a day on the bike, along small rural roads, either nearby in Oregon or in Europe, stopping for lunch, and arriving back home in the late afternoon.

Where is your favorite travel destination?: Europe or Mexico.

Do you have a movie or book recommendation?: I own a bookstore, so I have many book recommendations...I'll just list a few of my favorite sleepers this year. "The Rug Merchant" by Mullins, "A Short History of Tractors in Ukraine" by Lewycka, "History of Love" by Kraus.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I started surfing at age 50, and am totally addicted!

What’s your favorite ride or hike in your hometown?: My favorite hike in Hood River is Vista Ridge to Eden Park. My favorite ride is nearby - Hood River to Rowena Crest, along the Columbia River.

What’s one outdoor activity that you’d like to take up?: Skate skiing

What’s one outdoor activity that doesn’t interest you in the least?: Golf

Describe the greatest adventure you’ve yet to take: I'd like to hike the Inca Trail and ride from Prague to Budapest. Two goals for the future!

Anything else you’d like to share with us?: We love ExperiencePlus! The guides have made the trips for us, as well as the food, the scenery, and the chalk lines! Look forward to our next adventure with you guys.