Adventure: A Walk in the Woods
April 20, 2009
“Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.” (John Muir)
Have you ever dreaded waking up on a weekday, because you have to go to work? Do you have the sense that your life is nothing but the meaningless repetition of useless, unfulfilling tasks? Do you look back on your younger years and wish you had done more fun and adventurous things, because now it’s too late for that? Now you’re a grown up… with responsibilities, and obligations… ugh!
What if you didn’t settle for that? What if TODAY you decided to cultivate the more adventurous aspects of your personality… that zest for life that has been dormant far too long? What if you made some crazy plans for something you’ve always wanted to do, but never got around to?
“Nobody succeeds beyond his or her wildest expectations unless he or she begins with some wild expectations.†(Ralph Charell)
In the late 1990′s I read A Walk in the Woods
For those of you who are unfamiliar, the A.T. is the nation’s longest footpath (almost 2200 miles!) that touches 14 states, from Georgia to Maine. Needless to say, this is not a day-hike, and it is not for the faint of heart. In fact, Bill Bryson and his friend did not even remotely succeed in their thru-hike attempt. But that’s not important; they had a great adventure hiking certain sections of the A.T.
When I first read this book I was thoroughly entertained by Bryson’s writing style, and impressed by his spirit of adventure. Admittedly, I had no desire to hike the Appalachian Trail, or any other trail for that matter, since I never heard The Call of the Wild
Well, I am officially no longer distracted from living my life to the fullest. I am ready to make some crazy plans and have some wild expectations. As Jason Mraz says, “There’s no need to hesitate; life is short!”
But what to do…?
Travel? Done that. Learn to fly? Done that. Skydive? Done that… hmmm.
I know! What if I drag my family along and hike the A.T.? I’m sure I won’t have to drag Jeff, since he LIVES for the outdoors, but Hunter might need a little convincing. That’s no problem, I’m a mom; I know how to talk my kid into doing stuff he would rather not do. 
So it’s settled; we’re heading Into the Wild
For my new adventure, I would like to section-hike the Appalachian Trail with my family. Since we live in Georgia, the beginning sections should be fairly easy to accomplish. We’ll have to plan the sections further north around work, school, and other minor distractions. This was the same way I got my pilot’s licences, when I was in college… a little at a time.
It may take the rest of our lives to hike the whole thing, but that’s OK. I’m in no hurry to end the adventure, but I would like to get started on it. We all know the old saying by Lao Tzu:
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”Â
I guess we’d better start with two steps.
So break out of your routine, get in touch with your inner adventurous child, and come up with something fun to do. ANYTHING!Â
What would make YOU feel alive and inspired?
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Posted in Spirit of Adventure, choices, family, happiness
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Brava! I hope you love it!
Regina’s latest post… Gardening happiness, and a bloody tragedy
Awesome!! What a great adventure! And I’m sure Hunter will love it once he’s out there. There’s so many interesting things out in the woods, along the trail. there will be squirrels to chase, trees and plants to identify, creeks to splash in, and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Once you get him in there, you might find it hard to pull him out!
Jay Schryer’s latest post… Spiritual Decluttering
Great post! Something that made me feel alive and inspired is definitely this post.
But, aside from that, I’d say that being outdoors on a beautiful day really can be inspiring. Also, trying new things — anything new! — can really teach us a great deal.
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I think that there are a lot of people with an adventurous spirit. But, most people probably find it hard to be adventurous or even think adventurous thoughts in today’s world. I’m very adventurous, and I’m always thinking about getting outdoors. However, as I fantasize about my adventure, I always get to the point where I deem it, NOT FEASIBLE, because of my professional/work obligations. Monday thru Friday, 8:00 – 5:00 puts a damper on a lot of adventurous thinking.
A walk in the woods can be magical. When I think of my easy access to that in my hometown as a child and I look at my hometown today – well, there’s no taking a walk in the woods in my hometown anymore.
That does concern me. It seems to me that some degree of regular contact with nature paradoxically helps humanize us. What we’re doing to the environment is making this experience difficult to impossible to come by for more and more human beings around the world.
Hi Lisis,
Good for you. I am all for taking an adventure. Life is too short and there is no need to waste a single moment. Back in 2004, we decided to go live in India for six months. So we quit our jobs and cashed out some savings. Everyone thought we had lost our minds. It was one of the best decisions ever. It changed my life and I have no regrets. So you go, girl and walk that trail!
So assuming you start at the bottom and work your way up, you will be near me. So you have to visit! 
Nadia – Happy Lotus’s latest post… How I Met a Real Life Master Yoda
@ Jeff: Well, we’re just going to have to change your day job situation, aren’t we? Can’t have work getting in the way of life! There’s a fine balance between making a living and having a life. We will get it worked out one of these days.
@ Paul: I agree… it’s a little sad how far we have removed ourselves from nature. On the bright side, because we are more distant from it now, even short encounters with the wonders of nature have a powerful healing effect. It doesn’t take much to help us realize we’ve been on the wrong path and it’s time to find our way back. One neat lesson to be learned from nature is that even when we are on the wrong path, there is still so much to learn and discover… not a moment is ever wasted. Thank you for your beautiful comment.
@ Nadia: Ha! 2004 was when Jeff and I sold everything and cashed out savings to move to Costa Rica for a year. What was it about 2004, I wonder? Everyone said we were crazy too, but what do they know, right?
@ All of you: thank you for your wonderful, positive, adventurous spirits!!!
Lisis,
Great idea!
I did some multi-day hikes in my youth and some of it was on the A.T. I liked the whole sense of adventure and the crazy problem we ran into. One time, when I was hiking in the Grand Tetons, I woke up to this load crashing sound early in the morning. I looked outside my tent and there stood a huge moose. I became nervous, but he walked away peacefully.
One time I want on a two day hike alone (not recommended!) on a remote trail. There was a bad thunderstorm at night and I became really scared at shadows. I kept thinking I saw the shadow of a bear outside my tent. It totally freaked me out, but there was no bear just my imagination.
Roger – A Content Life’s latest post… Prepare to Die
Excellent idea! I love the idea of an epic hike. Actually I’ve already got one planned. I want to hike around the base of Mont Blanc, through France, Italy and Switzerland. Gap adventures offers an alpine group hiking trip: http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/EFMB 100-something miles in twelve days.
This hike is a couple years off though; I have another trip planned for this fall already.
I’m sure you’ll post pictures!
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I lived by a beautiful park for 14 years and only went there once. I rediscovered this gem about 3 years ago and I’m there hiking at least 3 times a week. It’s a great way to rebalance and clear your mind and there’s not a computer or electrical outlet for miles. My favorite part is every time I see someone (which is rare, it’s a big park), they are so happy and relaxed, I’ve never met an angry cell phone yelling pushy person yet, I always get a cheerful greeting when I encounter another person. It’s truly my mini-getaway during my busy work week.
I grew up in Chicago and was not introduced to nature until I was in my 30′s. It was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. When I am bummed or agitated all I have to do is think of a wooded trail or a wide open space and it gives me some peace. Thanks for making me think of it today.
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@ Roger: That’s so great that you have done those multi-day hikes before! I know what you mean about the over-active imagination, too. When we camped in Gatlinburg we kept thinking we were hearing black bears outside the tent… but they were just squirrels.
@ David: I’ll definitely post pictures of what I thought was an exotic adventure until I compared the A.T. with France, Italy and Switzerland.
I wonder where you are headed in the fall?
@ Sue: Welcome to Q4B! You are so right. It’s very difficult to run into a stressed out or angry person when you are out in nature. Most people just settle into the calm that surrounds them and let their troubles melt away. It’s interesting that in 14 years you had only been to that park once. I met a girl from Holland today who told me she’s never seen the tulip fields there! Why is it that we take so many things for granted and fail to appreciate the beauty all around us?
@ Rose: You are so welcome… and I’m glad you got to finally discover nature (better late than never). It’s wonderful that the mere thought of nature has a calming, soothing effect on you. Thanks for joining the conversation!