Living Adventurously - parts 11 - 20

OVER TO YOU 

11.  What should you work on more slowly than your impatient side wants you to?

"Pushing out of my comfortable existence and pursuing variety...focusing more on progression and less on perfection."

"Focus on the small steps, not the big goals. Microadventures really resonate with me and I try to incorporate small ones into my life reasonably regularly. I'd just like to do more as I know they make me feel better and happier. So for me it's about how to increase the frequency and quality of the microadventures. I don't feel the need to escape and do something bigger. Life is pretty good now."

Yes, microadventures! I would like to incorporate more of them in my daily life to spice things up, to get me out there living and exploring. It's not always easy pushing out of one's comfortable existence, but I do love variety and ought to focus on progression and less on perfection which is hard for me because in part, I am a perfectionist. I like things to be perfect, for things to go my way. I am a planner, but also understand that plans fall through and are frequently changed. Microadventures are as diverse as people and the ideas are endless. It's all a matter of generating those ideas...

12.  Complete this chart…

What would I do if I was...a millionaire? I've thought about this and honestly I would most likely travel while still living well below my means. I would not purchase expensive cars or houses. I would live modestly and head out on adventures around the nation and globe. A step I can make in this direction is to find a second (maybe passive) income and research how to turn my passion/business idea into reality. I can start by conducting local adventures, basically traveling around my home. And of course I would love to give generously...and start my adventure ministry.

What would I do if I was...given a year off? Probably work on myself and of course travel and go places I have never been before. I would be tempted to cram as much into that year as possible.

What would I do if I was...a bunch of years younger? This is a tricky one. If I was younger, I probably wouldn't change much.

What would I do if I was...free of all ties? Explore - explore - explore - travel and see and experience!

What would I do if I was...sure nobody would find out? Hmm...wouldn't you like to know!

What would I do if I was...on a mission for a greater obituary? What legacy do I want to leave? Seek after the Lord day-by-day. Live and work as though I am living for the Lord, not for men.

13.  Why do you want to live more adventurously?

"...I knew something was wrong. I'd done everything I was told, bu something was missing. Slowly, I began to examine my life, searching for the last time I felt complete, or fulfilled. While there was no single shiny, resounding answer, I could feel a gentle pull...a pull to the wild, where nothing was grey or bathed in fluorescent light, there were no phone calls to return or back-breaking labour to make someone else rich. But what could I do? I had bills to pay and a family to look after: I couldn't just take off on an adventure and let their lives crumble. I was stuck. Stuck and miserable."

I am not miserable, but I do understand the sentiment of being stuck. I think we often use that as an excuse. We are stuck. We feel stuck so we stay stuck. We don't even try to get out of the pit. We're stuck so we just accept the fact that this is the way life ought to be. But the truth is it is not. There's something more. There's always a pull to something greater. I have felt a pull to the wild, a pull to adventure. A call...the wild is calling, the mountains are calling...will we answer the call? Or just go about the hum-drum of every day life? Let's make our lives more adventurous!

How are you going to live more adventurously?

"It was at this time, out of sheer coincidence, I stumbled across your idea of microadventures. I don't remember how or where I first saw it but I can tell you, beyond a shadow of a doubt, microadventures saved my life."

I can see how microadventures can change one's life. I have come across them myself and they do provide a sense of adventure, an itch to scratch without embarking on a grand adventure far from home. Sleep on a hill, swim in a river, visit a place you've never visited before...

What are you going to begin? (It would be great if you had an actual concrete idea that you'd like to make happen in the coming pages...)

I have 20 more states to visit and the ones I have visited I would like to go back to with my wife. I would love to cycle to each one, but if that cannot happen alone or with someone else, then I must come to terms with settling for road trips or other forms of adventure which are great, just a different form of great. I would also love to journey to each national park in our country.

14.  What practical barriers stand in your way?

"The barriers are work obligations. Age. Failing joints. House repairs. But if I'm frank, the biggest challenge I face is the willingness to take risks for the things I want."

Exactly--work obligations, age, health, family commitments. Those are all excuses and barriers. But excuses aren't always barriers. It is true that the truth of the barriers or challenge if you will is the willingness to take the risks in the first place. But I've always said that risk is an essential element to adventure so we can't shy away from risk and danger. But that's it, isn't it? We are scared or unwilling to go.

What mental barriers have you built up?

"I find it daunting to get the right kit for not being cold and miserable without having to do too much research."

The willingness to take risks is also mental. I believe mental barriers far out-weigh the physical. Living more adventurously requires thought...it's a mental game. Our minds play tricks on us. Sometimes our minds are our own worst enemies. If we don't tame our mind, then it may run rampant and we tell ourselves no rather than yes. I believe I have built up some barriers in my mind such as oh my family won't want to do this or won't allow me to. What if...what if...How can I get to the starting line?

What concerns can be shunted further down-the-line?

The more concerns or worries we can slay now, the easier it may get further down...Most concerns aren't really concerns deep down...

Think of the most significant thing blocking you from living adventurously.

** Now ask these questions, known as the Dickens Process:

-- What has that barrier cost you in your life so far?

-- What is that barrier costing you right now?

-- What will that barrier cost you 10 years from now if it persists?

If I were to ask myself honestly what is blocking me from living adventurously, I suppose nothing is. I think for me it is a matter of doing and escaping...and maybe a little convincing others to join in...

Identifying what the barriers are is the first step in living more adventurously in this life after all...

15. 

Mark up this table with how you use the 168 hours in a typical week. Each square represents one hour. Things to add might include work, sleep, travel, exercise, learning, chores, childcare, hobbies and weekend loafing.

Exactly...what fills up my time in a typical week? Work, sleep, commuting to and from work, exercise in the form of bicycling and walking and basketball, learning day-to-day, chores, tidying up, cleaning, hobbies, reading, writing, TV & movies, laundry, shopping, dreaming, wondering, devotions, attending Church, praying, tithing, planning, family gatherings...and of course weekend loafing...

What did you learn from this?

I suppose there is a bunch of things that need to be done and others that we waste our time on.

16.  When did you last climb a tree?

I often forget about climbing trees. Maybe it's because I like the ground. But seriously, I didn't climb one tree on my journey to cycle to every park in my hometown. The last time I climbed a tree was probably when I was a kid...or maybe in my 20s.

 Do a brain dump of everything in your head, from your life goals to the weekly To-Do list. It will help clarify what you should prioritize and what's best to delegate or delete:

Hmm...what's in my head? Right now, Winnie the Pooh while I babysit my friend's little girl. The dishes, laundry, climbing a tree, the weather, cleaning my bicycle, door dashing, the virus, protests, food, drink, travel, visiting all 50 states of the union, reading all my books, walking in the woods, living more adventurously, loving my wife, our upcoming anniversary, camping at Jack Creek, family dynamics, personality tests, the state of our union, priorities and love, Church and Jesus Christ, devotions, growth and mentalities...what's urgent and what's important?

17.  What can you say 'no' to that will free up time and energy for you to live more adventurously?

Well the one thing that comes to mind is saying 'no' more to TV. I tend to watch way too much. But after a long day, it is always nice to unwind and escape into another world. Whereas that may be true, isn't that just another excuse? A 'no, but...?" I suppose. At times it is often background noise while I write, like right now actually, or as I do chores or plan or read or simply think...

18. 

 How can you spend less or earn more?

"It doesn't have to cost huge amounts of money, and you can always start saving. We were shocked by how much we spent on coffee and travel. So we bought a thermos and now bike to work."

For many years I have biked or walked to work. It provides exercise and saves on gas money. It also reduces stress an wakes me up. I could never figure out a downside to bicycle commuting. There are a lot of free or cheap alternatives to expensive stuff out there.

"Deciding to take five months off work with my wife to cycle through Africa. All the concerns you mention, particularly a mortgage and career progression, almost held us back. If anything though, the trip helped my career as it marked me out and gave me a better perspective. We've since repeated the trick through Central America."

This is brilliant. After all, we only live once on this earth. Pack up and travel while you still can. The logistics are what gets in the way and makes things troubling. Also convincing your family it is a good idea. Often bad ideas at the time later become good when the mind is altered. It's all about perspective.

 How can you get more time in your life?

"I could free up more time by becoming more focused on work stuff (and getting off Facebook!), getting my work tasks done sooner and leaving more time open to make different, more adventurous choices with my waking hours."

I could definitely free up some time by avoiding TV and social media to focus on writing or planning my business or side hustle. It's funny though. The busyness epidemic. We use that as an excuse. Everyone has the same amount of time. It's all a matter of what we use that time for!

"I could quit my job and move to the country, or start an outdoor/activity centre or pack up my family and travel."

That is what I would love. It's the practical and logical sides that bother me...

"Large scale - probably impossible; small scale - definitely possible."

19.  

What inner fears are inhibiting you from living adventurously?

"Fear. I am mostly afraid to change. You have it right. Comfortable is easy. Uncomfortable is hard."

Hard is where adventure lies though. If it were always easy, no one...or everyone would do it! Type two fun isn't always pleasant at the time. If it is pleasant, then it is more of a vacation rather than an adventure.

"I've found out that it is a little bit scarier to write down the answers to your questions instead of just thinking about them..."

That's the key. Write it down and it will most likely happen. Don't write it down and you can forget about it. It's scary, but it's worth it!

"Most of the great memories I have are things I did when I was terrified of doing them."

Which practical problems are actually covers for more deep-seated vulnerabilities?

Husband asking what/why are you doing that? Feeling guilty for staying out overnight on my own when I could be doing something together as a family or going away in the caravan etc. Work pressures - being tired afterwards!

In a way, adventure can become selfish. That is something I have struggled with in the past. Priorities change over time. Adventure should never disappear, but sometimes it takes differing forms through each stage of life.

20.  If you had no fear and you knew that you wouldn't fail, what would you do?

"I just need to push myself to do more of these things despite a desire to take the easy (wasteful, boring) life and do less."

"My science teacher once told my class, 'you guys are so scared to make mistakes that you aren't even trying!' And he was right! Sometimes, when I'm trying to handle a tough situation but not making any progress, I remember that incident. It encourages me to move forward with SOMETHING and just see what works!"

Should we try something if we know we won't succeed? I've always loved the quote, "If you know you will succeed, it's too easy." That's so true. When I was planning my bike adventures, I didn't know I was going to succeed. They were all adventures and adventures include risk, challenge and a huge dose of grandeur. If there's not a chance of danger and unknown, there is no adventure. This is one definition, one that I have adopted. If you know you will succeed, it's too easy. Adventure is hard and many stop before they even begin. They don't get past the starting line because fear drives them. Fear of the unknown. Fear of 'what ifs.' If we just begin and escape into the woods, if we make that leap, we will be pleasantly surprised and come back rejuvenated and it will stretch us and grow us!

 When would you begin that thing?

Living Adventurously - parts 1 - 10

OVER TO YOU

1.  Beginning an adventure can be overwhelming, but pausing to gather your thoughts might help get you moving. Grab a notebook and scribble a few ideas. After all, reading a book is not the same as using one…

I have read the book and have been mulling over these questions for some time. I am a thinker and have never thought that I would experience a book as such as this one. I am a perfectionist in part and that can be tricky when putting pen to paper. I want it to be perfect, but alas, it will never be. They say just to begin and the rest will follow. Where is my adventurous life? It is here. It is now. It is here and now.

*-- Why do you want to live more adventurously? Think about your motivations rather than considering specific activities.

"I'm actually sending this reply to myself as well as to you, because it's really myself who I want to read the answers to these questions. It's me who needs to understand how and why I need to add adventure back into my life. It's me who I'm really talking to as I type these words."

That's it, isn't? That's what it is. We do this for ourselves. Living more adventurously is really for me, for my own well-being. I tend to write about it for myself too. If anyone feels so inclined to read about my adventures and journeys, then that's great too. I believe everyone who wants to can make adventure a part of their lifestyle. I want to live more adventurously to escape a boring life. I want to live more adventurously to gain more experiences and have memories...with myself as well as those I love. Adventure is a state of mind and I get that. I want to live more adventurously to leave a legacy of what's important. Adventure matters and it comes in all shapes and sizes.

*--  What is the most significant change you would like to make in your life?

"I could just pack up my saddlebags, grab my horse and head straight out the farm gate. Or, more realistically, just be more spontaneous with the small stuff. All the things that I really want to do, because they're not big and bold, I'm a bit ashamed of making time for..."

I've done big and bold before, or at least according to me. I want to never neglect big and boldness. I want to embark on the big and bold adventures in my life...perhaps at least one, or something a year. I could write about them and document them through photos. Big and bold doesn't necessarily constitute a full life however. That is why I love the idea of microadventures, small, local adventures close to home. These can also become exciting and new and bold.

*--  What barriers stand in your way?

Barriers...everywhere we find barriers. "What ifs" are dangerous. What if this happens? What if I get sick? What if I can't make it? What if I fall? Ah, but what if you fly? Barriers for me, I suppose, would include family, sometimes health issues, prior commitments and my own flabbiness, mental and otherwise. Procrastination and time management are huge ones. Time is a factor that can be carried away if not looked after. Money can also become a factor.

"Most blokes my age just aren't interested in doing these things so going solo does hold me back a little, sometimes. Sleeping in a hedge with a buddy is definitely easier."

There is that. Although going solo has its perks and benefits for sure.

"9-to-5 belongs to work, 5-to-9 belongs to family. It's hard to find a space for me in there."

I get that. Someone close to me once said, "Remember who you are." So I went for a bike ride. But seriously, don't neglect who you are. Regardless of work and family and time, you have to remember who you are and not neglect the important stuff. Don't give up on your dreams and realizations of the future. You are you and were made for a purpose. Realize that purpose and follow those dreams without sacrificing your inner core.

What happens next? Will you stay where you are...or will you jump?

It's time to plan my escape.

2.  What does living adventurously mean to you?

(Keep your personal definition in mind every time I use the phrase)

"It really is about the connection, isn't it, between 'adventure' and daily life? I've been to the mountains, taken road trips around the East. But how do I integrate that into the day-to-day? Does it have to be separate? Does it always have to be, 'adventures out there, routine back here at home?"

This really resonates with me. Must we separate adventure and routine? Home and abroad? It really is about that connection. Adventure and real life. Can't real life equal adventure? Shall we have an adventure of a lifetime or a lifetime of adventure? I've seen the mountains and the ocean. I have cycled many thousands of miles around the deserts and canyons, prairies and mountains, rivers and lakes of the West. But I have always come home to a warm bed and hot shower, only to 'plan' the next adventure. Must the two be exclusive? Separate? Alas, they are different. Can't we have adventure at home? Or does that defeat the definition? It all depends upon how you define the term 'adventure,' I suppose. Raising kids can be an adventure. Getting married can be an adventure. That is an adventure of mine I recently embarked on. Having said that, after wedding my beautiful bride, defining adventure has changed. Whereas I still very much desire to conduct bicycle adventure trips in the future, I have been forced to think more locally. I recently just completed a 40-day journey of cycling to every city and county park in my hometown. I explored many neighborhoods and parks I never knew existed in all my years of living here. I learned and discovered a lot. The world of microadventures is growing and during these times we must embrace the locality of adventure. That is not to say we must abandon grand adventures all together, but rather tweak our sense of adventure. Adventure awaits and it is not far away. You only have to look for it.

"I want to come out from behind the computer screen and TV. I want to grow as a person, in character, fitness, health and spirit. I want to find out what I'm capable of, learn new skills and discover every corner of [my homeland]. To sum it up, I want to come out of hibernation."

That about sums it up doesn't it? I want to come out of hibernation. As an American with a television set, it is an easy thing, and all too tempting to just lounge around while the world out my front door stands still, waiting to be explored. Not that this is a bad thing, but when it starts to rule your life, then it becomes a bad thing. Don't neglect that bike, those running shoes, that basketball, that rain suit. Don't neglect your tools of adventure.

3. Theoretically, how could you change direction to live more adventurously? Ignore all the barriers and realities of life. We will tackle them later.

"I could quit my job, rent out my house and sell my car. Spend some time travelling with my family."

That is good. But what about security? You see what I did there? It's easy to play the "What If" game. This also takes convincing. But the ideas and dreams are endless. The possibilities abound. Travel, make memories. Give experiences rather than stuff that goes away!

"Avoid the pub/gym/TV after work and break the cycle!

"Commit to doing a single thing I feel is 'adventurous' every week and sleeping wild at least once a month."

It's about goals and commitment.

 What would be the worst thing that might happen if you did this?

The worst thing I believe is, after trying something new, it doesn't work out and you go back. You tried and failed, but failing isn't failure. It's only part of the process. You go away with an experience and a lesson. Boom...so is that such a bad thing?

 What good things could happen if you did this?

Well quite the same thing, except you would stick with it. Build upon the experience and add more memories to your ever-growing repertoire of adventure. So...the easy thing to say is that what could go wrong? Well, a lot, but isn't that all a part of the adventure? Grab life and go.

4. What did 'living adventurously' mean to you 10 years ago?

"I would imagine these are some fairly standard answers and basically overcomeable by just growing a pair, committing and getting out there..."

Ten years ago I was still chasing bicycle adventures, but not to the extent as I do today. I was in the midst of Christian camping and thought that was what I was meant to do. The dream or call has kind of evolved since then and I have always thought about doing some bicycle adventure ministry with an element of outdoor education. With my wife, I have begun to brainstorm ideas. Both children and adults, young and old need adventure and need education. I'm not talking about books. I'm talking about experience and travel. Doing and learning. Seeing and observing.

What does it mean today?

"I'm always torn between what society says someone my age should be doing, the fear of not knowing what my future self might need and living in the present."

"Get off the phone. Get off the couch. I have more time than I imagine. Stop armchair adventuring."

Of course there's nothing wrong with armchair adventuring. I do it quite often. There's a whole collection on my bookshelves. But, I think the sentiment here is if that is all we do, we miss out on the grand scheme. They say you can delve into worlds untold through countless books, but I do believe you do miss out on world aplenty if you don't open your door and explore more. There is something to be said in the way the world looks as opposed to read.

If you continue living the way you are, where will that put you 10 years from now?

"I can do this by keeping myself open to the opportunities that sometimes appear serendipitously if I stay aware."

I believe the way I am living is continuing to evolve. It is a work in progress. It is a process and as a married man, is not something I go through alone. My wife and I are one, but at the same time also have different dreams and aspirations. But we are in this life together and have made a commitment to each other and before God are in it for the long haul. Therefore, we consult with each other and help each other grow towards God and grow as a person. Ten years from now, I hope to continue to be adventurous, seeing more of the world and our own country with my wife. If the Lord blesses us with children, I hope to raise them to be curious and adventurous with a healthy dose of risk.

Is that a direction you are happy with?

Time will tell. Time always tells. But right now, as I expect to be in the future am happy with my wife. But marriage isn't always about happiness. It is about growth and making oneself sacred in front of God.

5. List all the 'no buts' you were shouting at me.

"I've lost my sense of purpose, I need a new challenge, I want a new job, but I don't know what I want. Barriers? [Still an instructional assistant at my school], still trying to do everything and not managing to keep anyone, least of all me, happy. I'm not afraid to step out of my comfort zone, I just can't decide how. I bet you wish you'd never asked your questions now!"

"I'm going to see how I can bring the attitude and feeling I get on a challenging hike or a big climb to my daily life. Can I approach a tricky meeting with the same excitement and enthusiasm for the challenge which I feel about an outdoors adventure?

That's the question, isn't it? Can I bring the attitude and enthusiasm for the challenge I experience on a bike ride up a mountain pass to my daily life? It's an interesting thought. It would be nice to change my job and find something I am passionate about that can bring about change and encourage someone else to live more adventurously. I keep coming back to my bike adventure ministry idea...perhaps combined with a coffee shop run by my wife. But...I need to eliminate excuses...and just do. I know what I ought to do. It's a matter now to just do it.

6.  Think of something you have been doing for a long time. It could relate to your job, outside work or with your family. Ask yourself, 'why do I do this thing?'

"I'd love to take off in a campervan, just me and the kids and our dog and live on the road and homeschool and all that. But that would be humungous and has major drawbacks. I could think smaller and just use out of school time as wisely as possible. Be braver and encourage my kids to be braver. To start!"

I can share that sentiment. I would love to take off in a van, or better yet, on bikes with my wife and when we have kids and just travel and exercise and explore historical sites and our country! It requires curiosity and bravery. Those qualities I want to instill in those around me.

What have I done for a long time? I suppose that would relate to my job right now. I work for our local school district and have done the same thing more or less for almost 9 years. It is a long time to be doing this. "Why do I do this one thing?" Well, I suppose it has changed over time. First, it is a job and I do need money. Money does not motivate me neither does a career. I spend much of my time thinking about other things, my adventure plans or stuff I would rather be doing. I do focus on work, but it isn't always where I want to be. I suppose I have kept it because it has fit my lifestyle with bike trips in the summers and it offers me time to do what I love. Now that I am married, my priorities have changed. I will not quit a job without having a plan lined up unless that is what I am called to do.

Has the answer changed over time?

 My answer continues to evolve. I do enjoy my work, but it is draining and times are changing.

Is it still valid?

Validity isn't always a valid question. I know, that doesn't make sense, but then again, sometimes my fingers just type.

7.  Why do you want to live more adventurously? Brainstorm or make spider diagrams until things become clearer.

Calling -- Purpose + Direction -- More Alive -- Happier + Healthier -- Memory-making -- Experiences

"I want to live more adventurously because I have worked at the same place for eight years and am scared of change."

"Stop trying to be what others think I should be."

 Bonus challenge: 'Five Whys' is a technique for getting deeper into root causes and effects. Look at an answer and ask again, 'why?' Repeat the exercise five times (like an inquisitive toddler)  And you'll get a much clearer insight into what drives you.

Why - Why - Why - Why - Why...?

How can you begin living more adventurously?

"I have been doing a lot of soul-searching about my life and realized that I am really quite bored doing the same routine day in/day out. Work, home, family, tidying up, TV, sleep, repeat. Get to the weekend, drink a bottle of wine, try and get the kids outside for a bit, etc."

I can relate to a certain extent. I believe something ought to change if you are living for the weekend. Most of life happens during the week. The weekend is a bonus. Live the week as if it were a weekend! Routine is a good thing, but it can become a slave. Some people need routine to function and I get that. I like routine at times, but it can get boring. Let's shake things up, shall we?

What specific action can you take to put all this into action?

"A few months ago, I realized I was wasting my life thinking and talking about things I wanted to do and then not doing anything about it. I don't want to look back on my life in ten years and realize I threw it away sat in my PJs, drinking too much and watching box sets on Netflix."

That's the ticket. We all don't want to look back on our life with regret. I want to travel more. I want to write more. I want to experience more. What's stopping me? That's the question of the hour! What really matters in life? Find it and do it. For me, first it is serving God and serving my wife second. Nurturing those relationships will help me become more adventurous. What legacy do I want to leave?

8.  Write down a bunch of gut feeling, top-of-the-head parameters and see where they lead. Use them to draw up a list of possible projects.

"I want to feel connected to something bigger than myself. My 'adventures' are easy because I just pull out my bike and start riding somewhere. They are fun and inspire others but I am not connecting with a group or cause that is making the world a better place. My adventures feel very selfish. I want to give back and share my love for the world with the world."

I echo these words and this idea. There is an element of selfishness to adventure, isn't there? Bicycling is like an extension of myself and I would love to pass my knowledge and experiences on to the world. I could write a book, research on how to increase the traffic with my blog and brainstorm ideas on how I can incorporate bicycle adventure with education and knowledge with adventure. It starts with why and it starts with motive.

"I will make a plan of microadventures to do over the next 52 weeks and capture the whole experience in photos and videos. I will put it all into a personal blog that might hopefully help others who are struggling."

I have begun to list microadventures, adventures on a small scale that I can do alone or together with my wife. I just completed a project of cycling to each city and county park in my hometown. I've thought about exploring more areas as well as visiting waterfalls and lighthouses and small towns I've never been to. Lists abound and ideas are everywhere. If you want to make something happen, write it down!

Rank these by preference.

Select one specific project that you will take into the rest of this book and turn into action.

Hmm...well I suppose I would love to work on another bicycle adventure project. That is my initial response, but now I am thinking more local and with my wife. So that may have to change. I would love to explore my home state of Oregon...waterfalls, beaches, forests, roads, mountains, lighthouses, parks...

Slash a rejection line through all the other ideas on your list. You can return to them later, but you must discount them for now and focus on one thing.

What is your version of the 'late-night McDonald's idea'? Write it down. 'The adventurous dream that I am going to turn into a reality is_____________.

Perhaps the adventurous dream that I am going to turn into a reality is to visit every state of the union! This has been on my list for a long time and initially I wanted to cycle to or through every state, but we shall see. I do want to include an element of exercise and challenge and risk...it's all a part of adventure!

9.  Write a letter of advice from your 80-year-old self to you today.

Send a message to your future self declaring your hopes and plans for them.

"Frankly it makes me a bit sad that I can't think of anything I used to dream of as a kid. Maybe I did dream or have plans, but just forgot about them while growing up? It's something I'd like to go back to, trying to remember what I was like back then and what plans I had when I was a kid. Because I believe that in our childhood the dreams and things we love doing are so pure, without the constraints and filters we apply to our ideas as adults. I do know that 'having fun' was high on my list. Why isn't this a priority anymore?"

Why isn't this a priority anymore? Good question. Shouldn't we still prioritize having fun? When I was a kid I wanted to become a pirate. Obviously I didn't know what pirates really did. At one point I wanted to be a police officer, then a pilot, maybe an actor. There's a reason they call it "childlike" wonder. What if we resorted to acting like kids again? Not the immature, ignorant type, but the playful element! Become playful. I think that is so important. Laugh. Have fun. Explore. Dig in the dirt. Get dirty. Get lost. Break some rules. Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to fall. Don't worry bout what others think. This is huge! Be yourself!

10. What is an example of a time you said a bold 'yes' to an opportunity and were glad of it?

"I had done a 20-mile bike ride and was having a coffee when three strangers pulled up. I helped fix their bike and asked where they were going.

'Stonehenge for the solstice.'

I asked if I could join them. We all set off, got there at dusk, spent the night amongst the stones and watched the sun come up with some new friends. Brilliant!"

Brilliant indeed. Who has every regretted saying yes? No one has ever regretted saying yes and heading out on a big adventure. But loads of people have regretted not saying yes.

Back in college I remember a friend asked if I wanted to ride 50 miles to a nearby hot springs, camp out and ride back to the college the following day. I said yes and it was an experience I have never forgotten. It sparked subsequent adventurous rides and helped shape my love for bicycle travel.

Every day we have to choose to live a little.

Are there any occasions when you regret not having said yes? Think of examples in your work life and your home life.

The Doorstep Mile - Live More Adventurously Every Day

Alastair Humphreys, one of my favorite adventure writers wrote a new book last year called "The Doorstep Mile." This is a man who has made a career out of adventures. After spending four years cycling around the world after University, he ran after big and bold adventures. He rowed across the Atlantic, walked across the Empty Quarter Desert and ran the Marathon des Sables among others. He has given talks, made short films, written books and has always had a curious spirit. He is a man I look up to for his adventurous attitude. He is not in it for the glory and riches. He is in it for the perspective, for the challenges, for the interesting aspect of change. He made popular the term "microadventure," small local adventures you can do without traveling across the world. He is interested in what makes people do adventurous things and what they view as adventures. "The Doorstep Mile" is for everyone. It is a book that explores that facets of human ability and fortitude. It offers perspectives from everyday people trying to live more adventurously every day.

The chapters are short and after each one, there is a section called "Over to You," which includes some probing questions to get the reader thinking and pondering what living more adventurously really means. It is an excellent book and I highly recommend it to everyone in every walk of life. "The Doorstep Mile" is more than a book. It is an experience. What better way to immerse yourself into the conversation than interacting with the author and his humble message. The book is full of perspectives from ordinary people, some of which the author hopes will resonate with you, the reader. I read the book through once and am looking forward to reading it again. It sure does resonate with me. 

What does living adventurously mean to you? Over the next few blog posts, I hope to answer that question as I ponder through the questions and my own journey. I hope you can do the same. Cheers.

Bike Overnight: Milo McIver State Park via The Canby Ferry

Day #1: July 7, 2019

I woke up late of course...it's summer!!

I gathered my last minute items - towel, tarp, book, journal! I'm off at about 9AM.

I meandered through backroads and highways...through Woodburn, Aurora and Canby.

My computer finally called it quits after 19,500 miles and over 6 years. Now I found something to use the rest of my REI dividend on! Or maybe I just need a new battery...

I ran over a firework popper in Canby...must've been left over from the 4th of July.

It's a bit chillier than I thought it would've been today.

The Canby Ferry, $3 for bikes - just chillin' here, eat lunch, journal, read, rest before I cross the river and head on my way - 26 more miles to go!

Hills on the other side of the ferry!! I saw a deer bounding along. Rode past ostrich and alpaca farms. I walked up many hills - I'm hurting. My left knee is sore, right ankle is sore, and butt cheeks are chafing. I am thirsty. The saving grace is Viewpoint Restaurant and Lounge with a small grocer. I'm always thirsty and not that hungry. What's wrong with me? It's brutal.

Milo McIver State Park - I am solo in the hike/bike site. There is deer there grazing. I showered, read, journaled and charged my devices in the bathroom. I set up my bivvy bag and got down to sleep. I wasn't feeling well. But I had a night of uncomfortable sleep awaiting me! YAY. I went to bed at 8PM and tossed and turned all night.

Day #2: July 8, 2019

I awoke with the sun and wasn't sure of the time. It ended up being about 5AM. Oh well. I'm up - slowly got myself ready, and walked up the hill out of the park at about 8:00...and I'm off yet again. Today has a lot of hills and over 3,000 feet of elevation gain...yikes!

I made my way to OR-211 by Christmas tree farms and ranchhouses. This road took me to Molalla at about 11:30AM. I stopped and rested for a bit at Taco Bell, before I found OR-213 which takes me to Silverton. The maps wanted me to take a shorter route to Silver Falls, but since I was running low on water and could use a break, I rode to Silverton only a few miles away. It was here I regrouped and recouped before making the vertical push to the park. I had my obligatory ice cream cone at McDonalds. It tasted o so great on my throat.

Reluctantly, I got back on my bike and headed out of town on the Silver Falls Highway - through sweat and gears, I made it to the park. It was about 7PM.

After riding through both campground loops and finding no available spots, I asked a ranger if there were any tent spots available. Clearly seeing my loaded bicycle and the fact I did not have an automobile with me, she said unfortunately no, we're all full up. I told her I didn't see any signs that said they were full. She said there was a sign on either side of the highway, basically calling me a liar. She told me the next one is in Silverton, 14 miles away. I told her I just came from Silverton and am not going back. After a moment of silence, she said then it will be Salem, 25 miles away. By this time it was pushing 8PM and the sun was heading down. She then left on her golf cart to talk to the people selling firewood. It's 8PM and I don't have a car. I am being denied camping rights. Sleeping is a right. Not a privilege. When will people get this concept through their thick skulls? Where's the compassion? The heart? The humanity? How is this even legal? Telling me to ride 30 miles at night? I rode 50 miles to get here for Petey's Sake!

After I could not find a complaint box, I left the damn park, frustrated and angry as could be. I called Elyse and kept her in the loop. I eventually decided to ride 20 miles to Aumsville where she would pick me up. I am super ticked at the state park system. I cut my trip short...damn parks. This happened once in Montana and also happened in Crater Lake and almost happened again in Zion.

I wrote an e-mail to the parks department, but they are unprofessional and haven't responded yet. I may go down to their office. Something needs to change. This cannot continue to happen. When a park turns me away, they are saying they don't like a profit. They turn away a customer. I am wiling to pay. That is not the issue. There are many places I could've probably just hunkered down and slept. Maybe I should've. Instead, I made a dangerous ride back into town. I lost respect for Silver Falls if I ever had any. What gets me is that the rangers and parks staff don't even remotely attempt to help. They have zero compassion and zero heart strings. The customer service is lacking in a huge way. Where's the human spirit?

Something needs to change...

So...what was going to be a five day trip, ended up being just a long and frustrating bike overnight...