Answering the call of adventure on Columbus Day

The spirit of discovery took Columbus to distant shores and unknown places. That call to adventure and exploration is still heard and answered today.

More than 300 miles off the coast of Costa Rica is the island of Cocos. So remote that it takes a private boat 36 hours to travel Cocos from the Costa Rica coast. So prehistoric, it inspired the writing of Jurassic Park.

Cadillac videographer Gary Knapp recently returned from the island where he filmed a dive and travel video. Knapp’s company, GRK Productions, has taped footage in seas around the world, enticing others to connect to their spirit of adventure and discovery.

“There are regions by Indonesia where they are finding new species of marine life,” Knapp said. “There are places no one has discovered and that are open to exploring.”

Knapp believes everyone has an innate sense of adventure, but acting on it not always feasible.

“Their desire to do this exceeds practicality because of money, health or family,” he said.

But for some, possibility lies wide open.

“I have friends all over the world. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t get an e-mail from Fiji, Australia or the Netherlands,” Knapp said. “It makes the world closer to you and you can reach out and visit these places.”

Travel consultant Debb Scamehorn agrees the spirit of adventure is alive and well. Scamehorn is employed by Andrew Kan Travel Service Carlson Wagonlit in Traverse City. She said the agency sees only a couple requests each year for an extreme travel vacation, but the quest for adventure is growing even among mainstream travelers.

“Just over the last couple years the cruise lines are trying to seek new and different ports and more adventurous excursions.”

The mainstream lines are becoming more exotic, she said, offering Amazon and Arctic tours.

Those seeking the extreme vacation opportunities such as mountain climbing, an African safari or diving in unexplored waters, should expect a longer preparation period.

“We have a repertoire of vendors that would be able to help us set it up. But it takes time,” she said. “Some destinations, like African safaris, will only allow you to use local outfitters. There are also luxury outfitters like Abercrombie-Kent and tour agencies that specialize in adventure tours.”

If adventure is calling you, contact Scamehorn at (231) 946-1690 or check out Knapp’s collection of diving videos at www.grkproductions.com.

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