Aaaah! This is life. Lazing by pool, tummy bursting from gourmet fine dining; entrancing cumulus clouds floating overhead. Not lifting a finger nor burning a single calorie for days upon end……naaaah!

Scratch that!

Let’s kick this thing up several notches and check out what else southern California can do for you.

Nope, I don’t wanna see Palm Springs by car, taxi guide, or big air-conditioned bus with groups of people. That ain’t a-happenin’. Let’s see here . . . how to experience this area? Hmm . . .

“We’ll have your mountain bikes delivered to your resort in a few minutes,” announces Evan Trubee, owner of six-year-old Big Wheel Bike Tours. He is thrilled that I agree that there’s no better way to see world than by hiking and biking.

Two gleaming high performance mountain bikes are waiting as promised, along with a Palm Springs bike map detailing big, wide stone paths and rugged, crafted-by-nature-only trails. BWBike Tours uses Trek 700 Hybrid bikes available in men's and women's sizes on smorgasbord of bike routes to choose.

Nice ride, awesome in-town stuff but it’s time to crank up adrenaline and do real deal! I call Evan and tell him to show me a little bit of everything. “Okay, Box Canyon Express it is!” he exclaims without a moment to waste.

We climb into SUV and Evan’s tour guide, Heidi, who has accent to match name. kicks into excitement with full details of her home territory with knowledge and pride. On our drive to bike and hike expedition trailhead, I get an insider’s scoop of location, making this more than just a tour but something dear to heart.

Amelia Earhart once said, "Adventure is worthwhile in itself."

This belief paired with her love of flying enabled Earhart to achieve new heights in aviation history. Those who share Earhart's attitude about altitude will find a bounty of opportunities in Nevada to spread their wings.

From north to south, Nevada offers numerous ways to "get air." Whether you crave thrill of bungee jumping, prefer a peaceful ride in a hot air balloon, or something in between, Nevada is home to a variety of air sports set above state's beautiful, but rugged terrain. No matter where you go, Nevada always offers comfortable lodging, fine-dining and 24-hour entertainment nearby.

The people of Vanuatu in Pacific had been throwing themselves from huge towers for centuries with nothing more than a few vines tied to their feet when Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club decided to perform a few experiments of their own in 70s. A.J. Hackett saw a video of their attempts and before long teamed up with fellow speed skier Henry Van Asch, and pair developed bungee into modern sport it is today. In 1987, A.J. jumped from Eiffel Tower and into international spotlight. The bungee legend was born.

Bungee jumpers have two options in Southern Nevada. A.J. Hackett Bungy in Las Vegas provides a 171-foot platform from which jumpers can leap. A pool of water at bottom helps quench adrenaline rush. AJ Hackett Bungy is located next to Circus Circus Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Contact: 702/385-4321. www.ajhackett.com.