Vacation Perfection: Meet Cody Scott

As Americans, the desire for adventure and exploration is ingrained in our DNA. From the courageous new-world-seeking Pilgrims, to the gold-seeking Wild West pioneers, Americans have a history of seeking out the exciting. A lot of us, however, are content spending our vacation time at deluxe beach-front resorts with perfect, clear blue skies, king size beds, and pool side drink service.

Then there’s Cody Scott, who’d make any man insecure in his manhood as he casually comments about “alternative” trips to less-than-perfect paradises. Cody prefers things a little less pampered and a little more intense.

He’s a man’s man, a stereotypical alpha male. He’s a tall, bearded, burly Irish guy with a mane of red hair and two massive hound dogs. He’s a battle-scared ex-marine and sports multiple tattoos. When he isn't on a motorcycle, Cody drives the family heirloom: a ’75 Bronco. He converted his garage into the ultimate man cave, complete with every tool imaginable and (of course) a custom built kegerator.

So, when Cody goes on vacation, frozen drinks with little umbrellas aren't exactly a priority.

No, Cody’s type of trip involves a little more of that adventurous American spirit. From canoeing in the back bayous of Louisiana to fending off freak ice storms while scaling mountains in South America, Cody firmly believes that days off should be spent battling intense weather conditions in remote destinations, or at least visiting Mother Nature in her most uncensored form. While most guys wouldn't complain about spending vacation time surrounded by girls in tiny bikinis, Cody opts to trade in comfort for experience. He believes it helps him realize what he’s made of and what matters most.

This gear-head isn't only passionate about his personal quests, though – he’s also determined to help others experience the thrills he loves. Working at Louisiana’s adventure mecca, Massey’s, gives him the opportunity to do exactly that. On a daily basis, Cody imparts his wisdom on countless customers, teaching them that there are alternatives to Disneyland’s roller coasters if they’re looking for adrenalin (although, let’s be real, Space Mountain will never get old).

Cody’s opened countless eyes to the wide world of less-than-perfect vacation destinations. At Massey’s, he not only equips travelers with the perfect backpack and binoculars, but he also helps them plan their personal adventures by making recommendations to suit their preference (or tolerance) for the extreme. I, personally, have talked everything from trout fishing to the Tetons with the guy, and my dreams are now annoyingly clogged with kick-ass ideas for my summer holiday.

If you think you’re ready for some crazy, thrilling adventures, here are Cody’s suggestions for initial trips for the uninitiated:

#1. Climb Mt. Reiner to Camp Muir – According to Cody, 90-year-old grandmothers have done this climb. Still, it’s a significant mountain that rewards climbers with great views and bragging rights upon completion.

#2. Hang out in Ecuador’s Cotopaxi’s Climbers Hut – Cotopaxi is a serious mountain, but the Climber’s Hut at the base is accessible by simple hike or short drive. Once there, you can spend time with the pros and get to witness, first hand, what you could be doing with a few more trips under your belt.   

#3. Conquer North Carolina’s class 2 and class 3 river rafting trips – Cody’s Mother in Law did this with him and she was definitely an amateur adventurer. Bring the whole family! Professional guides help navigate these natural roller coasters, and by the end of the ride, even Splash Mountain won’t ever look the same.