5 Ways to Make the Ordinary Extraordinary in the Outdoors
Epic adventures don't always look like high summits, fresh powder and far away lands.
2020 made us people ask the Big Question: “How can we make the smaller, less challenging opportunities worthwhile? How can we make the ordinary… extraordinary?”
And BOOM. A new realm of possibility opened toward making outdoor trips epic, even while sticking close to home and staying well within individual physical limits.
The best part? This isn’t limited to 2020, or 2021. It’s a lifetime of epic adventure, even in your own neck of the woods.
When life hands you a plot twist, tap into your creativity to make even the simplest adventures memorable. Like…
1. Flaunt your best costumes.
Not even Halloween. Just COVID.
Sure, some conditions require specific gear. But for many mild-weather hikes, rides or paddles, you can ditch the technical apparel and break out the costume box.
It’s scientifically proven (maybe) that standing at a summit is 215% more fun while wearing a dinosaur onesie or old wedding dress. Eating s’mores by the campfire in black-tie apparel is the new fancy dinner party. Showing off your homemade costume while on a paddleboard will make families smile. And we need more smiling families.
2. Up-level your backcountry meals.
Pass the cheese, please.
A short, easy-to-you trail can transform into a memorable backpacking weekend simply by making mealtime luxurious.
May I suggest the alpine charcuterie board? Not only does it contain all the best food groups (cheese, cheese and cheese), but the extra weight of a thick cutting board doubles as training. Plan a five-course backpacking meal with your favorite foods and you’ll experience camp in a whole new way.
3. Embrace the art of the microadventure.
Little Me just stoked to be next to a simple tree.
A little reverse engineering never hurt anyone. When you complete a huge adventure, how do you feel? Now, how can you feel a taste of that by completing something smaller?
If you revel in the awe of looking out at the world from a distance, maybe you can find awe by looking at nature in macro, like with a wildflower or mushroom hunt. If you like the mystery of the natural world, set up geocaches at the local parks. Like the feeling of accomplishing a challenge? Set up your own personal marathon that requires stopping at a handful of coffee shops to find the actual best local coffee.
4. Hone your skills.
You’re NEVER to young/old to learn first aid.
We all have outdoor skills we need to improve. Not confident in knots? Start lashing a shelter in the yard. Not familiar with map and compass orienteering? Now’s the time to practice. Want to become a faster uphill hiker? Put on the workout playlist and start the squats and sidewalk hill repeats.
You can even improve your soft skills and leadership from home. Read books about outdoor leadership and risk management. Take an online course, or consider creating an online course that others can take and learn from. There’s always something you can do to further prepare yourself for the next big challenge.
5. Vote for a more inclusive outdoors.
The Earth is healthier when society is healthier. How can you use your resources to do good while protecting your favorite wild spaces?
Even if you don’t realllly know what you’re doing… many hands make light work.
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Got time? Look for a local stewardship organization and see how you can volunteer. Maybe that looks like trail work, or maybe it’s helping with administrative tasks from home. It could even be teaching youth how to be responsible outdoor recreators. Find what makes you tick.
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Got money? Set up a recurring $5 (or $1, or $70) a month donation to an organization that increases responsible access to the outdoors. If you don’t have money, you can raise it with a fundraising goal aligned with a goal like a marathon or climb.
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Got something to say? Share your voice with elected officials when it comes to environmental and social justice policy. Write trail reports online so people can find beta and know how to respect the area. Celebrate the accomplishments of others, especially those from underserved communities. Speak up when you see gatekeeping, microaggressions and toxicity in the outdoors.
There is something that requires your special talents and outdoor passions in order to make a difference. Find it, and let it drive your next adventure.