| Love to be outdoors, but feeling trapped by the | | | | Slacklining is a balance sport that is gaining |
| rain? Don't fret: there are a plethora of activities | | | | popularity in the United States. This variation on |
| one can do in spite of the wet weather. Read on | | | | tightrope walking can be done indoors or outside. |
| for a few ideas. | | | | As its name implies, the major difference |
| Foosball | | | | between slacklining and tightrope walking is that in |
| Also known as table soccer or table football, | | | | slacklining, the rope is not tight. |
| foosball offers great fun for 2 to 4 players. | | | | To slackline, attach a nylon rope between two |
| Passing the mini-ball around makes for great time | | | | sturdy points. The height of the rope is your |
| to catch up with friends and family. | | | | preference; it can be inches or a couple of feet |
| If more than 4 people want to play, create a | | | | off the ground. The line may also be adjusted to |
| championship tournament with players competing | | | | be more or less taught. |
| against each other one-on-one. Winning players | | | | Typically, the nylon rope is anchored between |
| are paired off until only two remain for the final | | | | two trees outside. However, people who practice |
| foosball championship face-off. | | | | this sport indoors often anchor their rope to |
| Rainy Day Walks or Hikes | | | | columns in a room instead. |
| Rain transforms the world outside, so rainy day | | | | Indoor Rock Climbing |
| walks or hikes are an experience to be savored. | | | | Climbing indoor rock walls is a safe way to |
| Take the stance of many devoted runners, who | | | | practice an extreme sport. Not only are there |
| are fond of saying that there is no bad running | | | | physical benefits to rock climbing, but also |
| weather, only poorly prepared runners. Get | | | | emotional ones, as participants often feel a rush |
| yourself a waterproof outfit and venture out. Let | | | | of accomplishment and confidence when they |
| wet-weather birdcalls enchant you, and allow | | | | finish climbs. Rock climbing also benefits a climber's |
| fresh, clean smells to energize you. If a trail has a | | | | brain, as they have to figure out what move to |
| thick canopy of trees overhead, the rain | | | | make next, and how to maintain their grip as |
| sometimes seems like a mist. Once you return | | | | they ascend. |
| home, take a warm shower and savor a bowl of | | | | Most rock climbing gyms offer climbing routes for |
| thick stew. | | | | all levels of climbers. The great thing about this |
| Travel Somewhere New | | | | sport is that anyone can try it, regardless of her |
| What is your ultimate travel dream? Blustery, | | | | or his upper body strength. As you practice |
| dreary days are perfect for learning more about | | | | climbing, you will tone your entire upper body |
| your dream spot via book, video, or Internet. | | | | without the monotony of lifting weights. |
| Check out your local library's travel resources, | | | | As you can see, with a little thought and |
| which may include informational DVDs and audio | | | | imagination, there are plenty of rainy day activities |
| books. Every country in the world has a website. | | | | for outdoor enthusiasts. If all else fails, spend gray |
| Dream of Dubai? Visit their official tourist page. | | | | days planning your next big outdoor adventure. |
| Craving Costa Rican beaches? Take a mini-visit on | | | | You'll appreciate your extra preparation once the |
| the World Wide Web. | | | | weather clears and you're out on the trail again. |
| Slacklining | | | | |