Last week, I realized my schedule for the upcoming weekend was completely open—for the first time in what feels like ages. So, I naturally began making outdoor plans. I tried rounding together a crew the whole week in advance to be sure I had adventure buddies and tossed out some ideas. The main idea: snowshoe or ski up to a little-known cabin in the mountains behind our local ski area.
But, the weekend rolled around and I only had one friend convinced we ought to venture to a hut for a night and zero friends interested in snowshoeing on a cold Saturday. It’s not that I have non-outdoorsy friends. It’s just that they had all either already made plans or were working around running groups, field research days, and company Christmas parties. That’s understandable. But my one friend who was stoked about heading outdoors together on Sunday bailed that morning.
The author's little sister
So, I finally ventured out solo. Counting on a packed trail, I left my snowshoes at home and walked the few miles in my sturdy snow boots. That worked out just fine. And, as usual, I had a marvelous time. Bonus: Except for one man, everyone I saw on the trail was a woman.
Starting this Saturday, my sister and I will be skiing together all week. How am I so sure this adventure will actually happen? Because, aside from being an annual ordeal, it’s a trip we’ve had in the works for months.
The moral of the story: You must seek adventure and then make it happen.
How do you plan for adventure? What’s the best way to find it? Which buddies can you always count on to join you?
It’s hard to plan for adventure and a long time ago, I would have canceled if I couldn’t find anyone to go with me. However, after taking off to England for 2 weeks by myself, because I had to get away and no one could go, I feel I can go on adventures on my own. And the best part, I have fun.
Mostly, I research research research. I have a spreadsheet of all the activities I want to do and if something comes along, I take it. For instance, those livingsocial.com things have been really good.
I have a few friends that I can always count on to do some wild crazy stuff with me like run a half marathon or go to the Nutcracker.
Great post. I love that you didn’t let the lack of company deter you.
I get adventure ideas from colleagues, magazines (WA of course), social media, my bucket list, community bulletins, etc.
Most of my friends are spouses, parents, workaholics, etc. so it isn’t always easy to find others to join. However, I made the best decision of my life two years ago by way of getting an adorable dog who has turned out to be the most incredible hiking and camping partner ever — I can always count on him to join me!
When my daughter turned 14 I lost my adventure partner – hanging with her friends became her primary goal. So I started venturing out alone. That was 14 years ago, and I now enjoy solo trips as much as those with other adventurers and adventuresses. Backpacker’s Forums and Meetup groups are great resources for finding other adventuresses. I also love reading the many books that are collections of women’s solo adventure writing.
I’m with all of you. Do it alone or you don’t get to do it at all! And the 4-leggers never say no to outdoor adventure, although ascending or descending ladders on rugged trails can be a bit tricky, and humerous. I also found a niche here in my home state of Indiana…The Central Indiana Wilderness Club. http://www.ciwclub.org. Thank you Women’s Adventure Magazine for continuing to inspire me!!