Saturday, September 27

Microadventures


Just Get Out There!

Right Outside Your Office Door!


British Adventurer Alastair Humphreys, who cycled around the globe as a teenager and has been involved in highly technical expeditions, describes microadventures this way, “…you do not need to fly to the other side of the planet to undertake an expedition. You do not need to be an elite athlete, expertly trained or rich to have an adventure. Adventure is only a state of mind. I believe that adventure is about stretching yourself: mentally, physically or culturally…adventure is all around us, at all times. Adventure is accessible to normal people, in normal places, in short segments of time and without having to spend much money”
When the Waterfowl Ninja returned from wilderness mountain training in Colorado in August, all he talked about was getting back on the hiking trail.  With no hills on the Eastern Shore, I suggested our own microadventure.  
Leaving from work, on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, we drove ~ 12 miles to hike the forested valleys and ridges of Patapsco State Park. With some steep sections and a beautiful waterfall, we hiked five miles and discussed bushcraft and outdoor skills. It was a great venue to discuss his trip and enjoy the outdoors minutes from the office door.


Lovely Waterfalls  at Patapsco


We all have ideas of a grand adventure. Recently, I have been thinking of travelling through Idaho and hiking through areas where my great great grandfather settled as the 4th white settler in the state, or of taking the Whaler on an overnight and exploring the waterways of the Eastern Shore. But those take planning, crew and cash. I will complete those adventures, but in the meantime, I can go Micro!
A few quick ideas:
  • Grab my trusty Gregory Day and a Half; load it up; grab a fellow adventurer; and jump in the Mini for a Micro.
  • Launch the boat/kayak from a new spot and hunt birds and wildlife with a camera.
  • Pedal my bike home from a family jaunt to a nearby town.

Humphreys has hung up his climbing harness and leads work weary Britons on overnight microadventures. They leave work, take the train out of London, hike to a rural spot and “bivy up” for the night. Waking up fresh in the outdoors, they take the train in from the country and arrive at work smelling like daisies. Literally.